Changing The Future

Part 5

Disclaimer: Thought it was time for an update of this idea.

Summary: A frustrated Tommy has a word or two with Oliver months after his return from the dead.

"Dude, we need to talk." Announced Tommy as soon as he barged into Oliver's room.

"Ever heard of knocking?" Oliver asked in slight annoyance at having been interrupted during his work on an assignment from his Mechanical Engineering class at Starling University.

"Of course I have, but you and I have been friends for far too long to let potential nudity and all that be an issue given the things we've gotten up too."

"What if Shado and I were doing something then?" Oliver asked next after having been countered so smoothly by his best friend.

"Then I would have made my excuses and split."

Oliver snorted and shook his head. "Still, knocking, its appreciated."

Deciding not to waste time by going further on the subject of knocking, young Tommy decided to press onwards. "So, anyway, like I said when I came in, we need to talk." He declared seriously.

His best friend and brother in all but blood stared at him for a moment before asking the question on his mind. "Alright… What about?"

"About this whole serious act thing you got goin' on, man. Its, its not natural."

"You seriously make me want to face palm myself right now, Tommy." Replied Oliver in exasperation.

As that's what he seriously wanted to talk about!? Tommy frowned at him, clearly not having expected that response at all. "Well, its true! As ever since you've been back, you don't party, you don't go out much with me, you don't get on the news or mess around with girls. Its not, like I said, natural! I miss my best buddy and Wing Man!"

And in his view, it was high time Ollie got back into all that! This time, Oliver let out a groan as he shook his head. "Tommy… I've grown up in a lot of ways is all and because of that, that stuff just doesn't interest me anymore. Especially when I have Shado in my life now."

Tommy scoffed at him, not quite wanting to believe what he'd been told. "Never stopped you before where Laurel's concerned." He bit out bitingly.

Oliver winced. "Yeah, something I regret more than anything. Doing what I did with Sara was the worst mistake I've ever made. But its not one I ever intend to make again."

"Uh-huh, sure."

His lack of belief in those words bothered the former castaway a great deal as he narrowed his eyes at his best friend. "Tommy, I've grown up and matured thanks to that island. Maybe you should do some growing up of your own." Oliver told him.

Instantly getting a mixed look of betrayal and annoyance in return from the dark haired Merlyn Scion. "Dude! You seriously just sounded like my father right there. Its… Its like I don't even know you anymore." Tommy said unhappily.

A sigh came from Oliver as he shook his head. "Guess you don't if you can't see or respect the fact I'm not who I was before the island anymore." Replied the former castaway as part of him felt his heart break over what felt like he was losing his brother in all but blood over this argument.

"I… I guess so. Or maybe you're just needing more time before you feel like you can be the Party King again. I don't really know. But when you're ready again, you know where to find me, buddy."

"Tommy, this, this isn't how things have to be." Tried Oliver but unfortunately, Tommy wasn't willing to listen as he shook his head in the negative and walked out of his room.

"Great." Sighed a hurt and bothered Oliver as he lowered his head.

Wondering how he might be able to salvage this. If it was even salvagable.

Author's Notes: Doing this scene only really recently occurred to me and I couldn't ignore it. The next part might FINALLY be when Moira has a talk with our Islander trio about her future knowledge but we'll see what the Muse says. R and R!