Chapter 29

Unwritten Tomorrows

"We can't plan life. All we can do is be available for it. "

-Lauryn Hill


Oliver was in deep shit. And he didn't realize it until just a few moments ago.

Quentin walked into Oliver's office, a sudden frown when he found the man on the floor looking underneath a table.

"Uh, everything alright?" he asked and Oliver looked over to him before standing to his feet.

"My wedding ring is missing." Oliver said walking over to his desk.

He pulled open every drawer for what felt like the one hundredth time, hoping it would just appear.

"Alright, calm down. Do you remember taking it off?"

"You know if I remembered that, I wouldn't be freaking out right now Quentin." Oliver huffed before dropping into his seat and sliding his hands over his face. "Sorry, I just-" he looked over to the man. "I don't see how I could've—I'm always careful."

"Well this may be a surprise to you, but you're not the first husband to misplace their wedding ring." Quentin chuckled walking further inside. "It's somewhere, you just have to retrace your steps."

"Right, we got a possible location on Diaz, so me and John went to check it out." Oliver said.

"Alright, do you take your ring when you go out?" Quentin asked and Oliver looked at him for a moment before dropping his eyes. "Did you take it off last night?"

Oliver closed his eyes trying to recount, but he couldn't remember.

"I don't know."

There was a knock at the door, and they turned as the door opened to Maddy.

"Hi Sir, we should be heading down." she said and Oliver nods.

"I'm on my way down." Oliver said standing to his feet. Maddy nods before turning to leave. "I can't go." he turned to Quentin.

"You have to go, you not being there would make your life tens times worse." Quentin said. "Plus, I'm pretty sure she'd come find you if you're not there."

Oliver knew he was right, and yet he was still nervous.

Soon he stood in one of the large conference rooms, trying not to look as nervous and anxious as he felt. "Why do you look weird?"

Oliver turned to see Felicity standing there with a little plate of fruit. She looked over the man who stood with his arms folded.

"Oh, I know. You think she's going to blame you for this, don't you?"

"She was going to yell at me whether I put this together or not. That I'm fine with."Oliver replied and Felicity looked at him with a furrowed brow. "Last night, do you know if I took off my wedding ring before going out with John?"

Felicity didn't say anything for a moment and then realized why he looked so nervous.

"You lost your wedding right?"

"Hey, shss." he said glancing around before turning back to her. "Yes, and I'm trying to figure out where I had it last. Do you remember?"

"No, Oliver, I don't keep tabs on your wedding ring." Felicity replied turning away to continue eating her fruit.

They all turned when the door opened, only to reveal Tamera.

"She's on the way down." Tamera said turning to the door.

Katie stood in the elevator looking down to her phone, before glancing over to Claire.

"You don't know any more about this surprise meeting with City Council?" Katie asked.

Claire turned to Katie and just shook her head.

"No idea, I just had a email and a time. I'm sure it's no big deal." Claire turned back around as the doors opened and stepped out.

Katie followed behind her, only taking a couple of steps before realizing there was no one around and so she stopped walking.

Claire realized the woman stopped and turned back to her.

"Everything alright, boss?" she asked.

Katie turned back to the woman and just shook her head.

"You're leading me into a party." Katie scoffed before turning and heading back over to the elevator.

"Shit." Claire cursed before hurrying after her. "Ok, fine, yes, but you have to go."

"No I don't." Katie replied reaching over to press the button. "I'm going to go back to my office and finish out the rest of my day."

"Half of city hall is packed into that conference room, for you." Claire said and Katie turned to her. "Look, I know you hate parties, and attention, but you receiving this award is a big deal and there is a room full of people who took time out of their day to be here to celebrate that with you."

The doors to the elevator opened and Katie let out a sigh as her shoulders dropped.

"Is there cake?" she asked.

"Yes, like double chocolate, chocolate." Claire replied and Katie turned to her. "Please, boss."

Katie just knew she was going to hate this. She let Claire pull her toward the conference room. After knocking, Claire pushed open the door to the dark room and gestured for Katie to go inside.

Entering the room, the lights dimmed, and the chorus of "Surprise!" echoed off the walls as the lights flickered on. Colorful balloons floated overhead, and a large banner proclaimed "Congratulations, Katie!" The sight was overwhelming, and her smile felt more like a grimace.

"Wow, this is… something," she managed, forcing herself into the room as her colleagues clapped and cheered.

Tamera stepped forward with a plastic cup of sparkling cider and handed it to Katie.

"We figured a celebration was in order for all the hard work you've been putting into the Second Chance Project," Tamera said with a grin. "We're all really proud of you, and it's pretty clear to everyone that if anyone deserved to be recognized, it's you." She lifted her own cup. "Congrats, Katie."

The room erupted in cheers, and Katie forced a smile, taking a sip of the cider. She couldn't help but wish the drink had a bit more kick to it. As she glanced around the room, her eyes landed on Oliver and Felicity standing together across the way. They were watching her—Felicity chuckling as Oliver nervously avoided eye contact.

Katie narrowed her eyes at them. She was definitely going to make them pay later for not warning her about this whole thing.

"Oh, she sees us," Felicity said with a laugh, nudging Oliver.

As Katie made her way over, greeting and thanking people along the way, Oliver quickly shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Here she is! The guest of honor!" Felicity announced brightly, flashing a mischievous smile.

Katie shot her a glare. "Funny how the person who hates parties the most keeps getting dragged into them," she remarked dryly.

Felicity held up her hands in surrender. "I had nothing to do with this one, I swear."

"But you knew about it and didn't tell me," Katie countered, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, it was supposed to be a surprise, Twinkie," Oliver interjected, Katie turned her gaze to him, unimpressed. "I had no idea City Hall could even fit this many people in one room," Oliver said, his voice softening. "And honestly, we kept it from you because we knew you'd disappear before anyone got the chance to show you just how much your work matters to everyone here."

Katie rolled her eyes, but she couldn't argue with him. He had a point, and Oliver knew she knew it. He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her quickly to avoid showing his empty ring finger, and kissed her.

"You told them to have chocolate cake, didn't you?" Katie asked as he pulled back, raising an eyebrow at him knowingly.

Oliver grinned, clearly relieved she wasn't pressing him about the ring—yet. "Of course I did." he placed another kiss to her cheek, and she playfully shoved him away.

"Hey, we still have rules about PDA at work." she said moving to stand beside him as they looked out to the party.

As the party went on, Katie found herself unexpectedly loosening up, actually starting to enjoy it. Oliver noticed too, watching how her mood lightened as she moved through the room, chatting with guests. It was a rare sight, and he loved seeing her like this.

When the event finally wrapped up and everyone returned to work, Katie stepped into the hallway with Oliver, his hands still stuffed in his pockets.

"You had fun," he teased, a playful smirk on his lips.

Katie rolled her eyes. "You'll get no such admission from me."

They strolled leisurely toward the elevator, their pace unhurried. When they reached it, Katie stepped forward and pressed the button.

"Oliver!"

They both turned to see Quentin approaching from down the hall.

"Looks like the Mayor's needed again," Katie remarked with a knowing smile.

Oliver glanced back at her, smiling warmly. Neither of them moved when the elevator doors slid open, caught in a moment of quiet understanding. The hard work they'd been putting into their marriage seemed to pay off with each passing day.

"I should probably go before I kidnap the Mayor and never give him back," Katie said, grinning as she stepped into the elevator.

Oliver chuckled. "Might not be a bad idea."

As Katie stood in the elevator, she turned to give Oliver one last smile before the doors began to close. Just in time, Oliver darted forward, slipping inside with a triumphant grin that lit up his face.

"Hey, what are you—" she started, glancing back out into the hall to see Quentin let out an exasperated sigh, his arms crossed as he stood there. "Quentin is going to yell at you."

"He'll be fine," Oliver replied with a dismissive wave of his hand, his tone playful. He stepped closer, his hands sliding around her waist and gently nudging her back against the cool metal wall of the elevator. "Not letting you escape that easily."

As the doors slid shut, sealing them off from the bustling party, Oliver leaned in, capturing her gaze. The moment felt electric, and Katie's heart raced. He dropped his lips to hers in a kiss he'd been yearning for since she arrived at the party.

It wasn't just any kiss; it was a kiss that melted away the world around them. His warmth enveloped her, igniting a fire deep within. It wasn't a quick, public peck; it was a kiss that lingered, deepened, and pulled her into a moment that felt like it belonged to just the two of them. The softness of his lips moved against hers, igniting every nerve ending, making her forget about the noise of the party and the responsibilities waiting outside.

As they broke apart, Katie felt breathless, her cheeks flushed, and her pulse quickened. Her heart still raced from the intensity of the kiss, and she blinked up at Oliver, her eyes gleaming with a mix of surprise and delight. The heat of the moment lingered between them, and for a second, it felt as if time had slowed.

"I just wanted a few more seconds with my beautiful wife," Oliver said softly, smiling down at her with that look of complete adoration that always made her heart skip a beat. His voice was low, intimate, meant only for her. "I was actually hoping I could steal you away—later, for lunch."

Katie bit her lip, pretending to consider the offer as she teasingly turned her head. "Hmm… I might have to check my calendar, see if I can pencil you in somewhere." Her voice was playful, but the sparkle in her eyes told him she was enjoying this little game. She laughed lightly, and as she brought her arms up around his neck, her fingers played gently with the short hair at the nape of his neck. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Now, are we talking lunch… or are we talking lunch?" She raised a suggestive brow, the teasing challenge clear in her tone.

Oliver's grin widened, a gleam in his eye. "If we play our cards right, it could be a bit of both," he murmured, his hands tightening around her waist as he pulled her close for another kiss. This one was brief but no less intoxicating, a promise of what was to come.

Suddenly, the familiar sound of a "ding" echoed through the small elevator, signaling their impending arrival at their floor. Katie glanced over his shoulder, and with a reluctant sigh, Oliver untangled himself from her, taking a few cautious steps back. His eyes still lingered on her lips, fighting the urge to say, "Screw it," and pull her right back into his arms. But, alas, public decency won this round.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're making this harder than it should be," he whispered, his voice heavy with reluctance.

Katie grinned, her eyes sparkling as she straightened her blouse and smoothed her hair. "I tend to have that effect on you, don't I?" she teased, casting him a sideways glance just before the elevator doors slid open.

Oliver gave her a smile. "You have no idea." He shot her one last lingering look before clearing his throat. "I'll pick you up from your office for lunch later. And... I've got another surprise for you."

Katie raised a brow, intrigued. "Another one? You're full of surprises today."

He winked. "Always am."

With that, they stepped into the hallway, trying their best to act casual despite the lingering heat between them. They cast one final look to each other before diverting their paths to continue on with their day, the promise of lunch and surprises hanging in the air between them like a sweet anticipation.

Katie walked to her office with what felt like a permanent smile carved into her face, a glow from the earlier moment with Oliver that seemed to make the world brighter. That feeling, however, quickly faded when she stepped inside and saw who was waiting for her.

"What are you doing in here, Adam?" she asked, making sure to leave the door open. "You need to leave."

"Wait, wait—" Adam Becker held up his hands, taking a cautious step forward. "I know I shouldn't be here. And I know I could be in a lot of trouble if anyone caught me. I didn't come to the party because I knew I'd get looks, but I wanted to tell you congratulations on the award."

"Thank you, but really, you should leave," Katie replied, moving away from the door to give him a clear path out.

Adam's expression shifted, revealing a hint of vulnerability. "You know it sucks, right? To go from being admired for being part of your team, for helping put something great out into the city, to being the guy people whisper about in the halls when he passes. I'm not a bad guy; I just—I can sometimes get too emotional."

"Emotional? Is that why you had Ari arrested?" Katie shot back, remembering the chaos that had ensued after Adam's outburst.

"That wasn't me, I promise," Adam insisted, shaking his head. "I went to the hospital, and they called the cops. I just told them what happened. I guess it got up to the FBI lady who paid me a visit."

"Agent Watson?" Katie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, she sort of manipulated the situation. Made it more than what it actually was. I didn't know at the time she was the agent heading up the investigation against Mayor Queen."

"Yeah, she's been doing that a lot," Katie sighed, frustration bubbling to the surface. Just then, laughter echoed from the hallway as Claire and Tamera entered the office, their smiles faltering when they saw Adam standing there.

"What are you doing in here?" Claire asked, her tone sharp. "I'm calling security."

"Claire, wait," Katie interjected, turning back to Adam. "It's fine. You can go."

Adam hesitated, glancing between the three women. "I just wanted to apologize," he said quietly. "I didn't mean for things to get out of hand. I care about this project and what you all do here."

"Your actions suggest otherwise," Tamera shot back, crossing her arms.

Katie held up a hand to quiet them. "Just leave, Adam. You need to go."

As Adam stepped past her, he cast one last glance back, his expression a mix of regret and yearning. Katie closed the door behind him, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over her. She knew that the echoes of their past would linger long after he left.

Adam nods before turning back to his old team mates with a sigh before he made his way out of the office.

Once gone, Katie glances over to Tamera and Claire.

"Are you ok, boss?" Claire asks. "Did he do something?"

"I'm ok." Katie said still eyeing the women who seemed shaken. "What about you two, are you ok?"

"He's not supposed to be on this floor." Tamera suddenly said. "We should call security and report this to the mayor."

"We're not doing that." Katie turned to the woman. "I'm fine, you're fine, we're just going to go about our day." she sighed. "Now why are you two here? Another surprise party I didn't ask for?"

"That party was nice and you liked it." Claire countered. "And no, we just go news from the construction team, that they should be finished by the end of the month." Claire replied. "We did it, boss."

"I'm not your boss," Katie replied walking over to stand by the window.

"We thought you're be more excited." Tamera said. "It's finally happened. Your dream is finally becoming a reality. We thought it would be something good you could add to your speech at the ceremony."

Katie's jaw clenched a bit at the thought of giving a speech. Since it was announced she was getting the award, she hated it. She hated people thinking she was something she didn't feel she was.

"Boss?" Claire interrupted her thoughts.

"It's good news," Katie pulled on that mask of a smile, and turned to them. "It's really good news." she turned away a bit. "Uh, I'm actually leaving in a bit for lunch with Oliver, I'll give him the good news. I should—I should catch up on some emails before he gets here."

Claire and Tamera left, and Katie stood in her office alone. She walked back over to stand in front of the window, her eyes out to the window.

After the meeting, Oliver tried not to show that he was in a hurry, but he couldn't help it. He was the first out of the boardroom, his eyes down to his watch. He was hoping to have headed back down to get Katie by now. He hurried toward his office, walking inside to find Maddy continuing the search for his wedding ring.

"No luck?" Oliver asked and the woman glanced up and shook her head.

"Sorry sir, I don't think it's in here." she replied. She heard the distant sound of the phone at her desk ringing and so she went to answer.

Oliver slid a hand over his eyes. He wasn't sure how he was going to make it through lunch with Katie without her noticing his missing wedding ring.

Those wedding rings were more than just rings. They were a symbol of the battles they'd fought—together and separately—and the promises they had made to each other. They represented every night they'd spent comforting each other after nightmares, every argument that ended in a deeper understanding, and every time they had chosen to stand by each other when it would have been easier to walk away. They were part of their story, their resilience.

Katie would definitely notice. She noticed everything about him, the way he wore his hair, the tone of his voice when something was on his mind. She had that sharp eye for detail, especially when it came to him. She'd pick up on the missing ring the second they sat down, and she'd probably have that curious look, the one that made his stomach twist with guilt.

Maybe, just maybe, he could get through this lunch without her catching on. It was only an hour, right? He could keep his left hand hidden, or maybe in his pocket—yeah, that could work. He'd just have to focus on her, make sure she didn't have any reason to look too closely.

But Katie wasn't just anyone. She knew him better than anyone else in the world. Hiding something from her wasn't exactly easy, and Oliver could feel the weight of that reality settle heavily in his chest.

With a deep breath, he straightened up. He couldn't avoid this forever. He had to play it cool, act like nothing was wrong. He'd find the ring later—he'd have to. For now, he needed to get through lunch.

He let out a deep breath before turning and heading for the door to leave his office. His hand instinctively brushed his pocket, searching for the missing ring as if it would somehow materialize by the time he walked out. His feet felt heavy with every step he took. He'd only made it a few paces when his phone rang, vibrating insistently in his pocket. He groaned, pulling it out and glancing down to see Felicity's name flashing across the screen.

Of course. Timing was never on his side these days.

He hesitated for a split second, then answered, bringing the phone to his ear. "Felicity, I can't—"

"Oliver, you need to hear this," Felicity's voice cut through his words, a sense of urgency that made his stomach tighten. "There's a situation—"

"Of course, there is," Oliver muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I'm supposed to be heading out—"

"You're going to want to cancel that," Felicity interjected. "Trust me."

Katie was already growing impatient. She'd been glancing at the clock, wondering where Oliver was and why he was running late. He was never this late without a reason, and the sinking feeling in her gut told her it wasn't something good. She was about to grab her phone to call him when there was a knock at the door.

Katie's mood lifted, a real smile spreading across her face, the kind only he could pull out of her. She hurriedly grabbed her bag and slung her jacket over her arm. Finally, something to look forward to. Just the two of them. A rare moment where they could shut out the chaos and noise of the world and just be… normal.

She opened the door, her smile bright. "I thought I was going to have to come looking for you," she teased lightly, slipping into her jacket. "I was getting hungry." She headed for the door, fully expecting him to follow her out. But after a few steps, she realized he wasn't moving.

Katie stopped, turning to look at him, her brow furrowing at the expression on his face. His eyes weren't lighting up the way they usually did when he saw her.

"Hey, I—" he began, but his voice faltered. There was a weight to his tone, a heaviness she recognized all too well.

She had known Oliver Queen most of her life. She could read him like an open book, and the inflection in his voice—soft, apologetic—told her everything before he even finished.

Her heart sank. "It was too good to be true, wasn't it?" she interrupted him, her voice quieter now, the light in her eyes dimming as she dropped her bag and jacket back onto the chair.

"Felicity called, and—"

"I don't think I want to know," she cut him off again, shaking her head as she turned slightly away, her shoulders slumping. "I don't think I need to add any more dire situations to the list of things that have stolen our moments."

She wasn't angry, not really. She was just tired. Tired of this relentless tug-of-war between their personal lives and the city's never-ending need for Oliver to be the hero, the fixer, the protector. Every time they got close to having something for themselves, something pulled him away.

Her back was to him now, and she took a slow breath, trying to mask her disappointment. But Oliver could see it in the way her shoulders fell, the way she blinked a little too rapidly as if holding something back. He hated seeing her like this, and even more, he hated being the cause of it.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, stepping closer, though he wasn't sure what else to say. He didn't know how to make it better. He knew that an apology wasn't enough. It never was.

Katie stayed quiet, not turning around, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her bag. She was trying to swallow the lump in her throat, trying not to let her hurt show too much, but it was hard. She had been so looking forward to this—a simple lunch, just the two of them. She needed that moment. To let go of the mask she wore for everyone else and just… be. Be with him, be herself, without the weight of their responsibilities.

But even that was taken from them now.

"I know it's not fair," Oliver said quietly. "I wanted this as much as you did."

Katie nodded, but she didn't look at him. "I know," she whispered, though her voice carried a quiet resignation. She wasn't angry at him. How could she be? It wasn't his fault. But that didn't make it hurt any less.

After a long pause, she turned her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe next time?"

Oliver's heart ached at the sound of those words, knowing they'd probably made that same promise a dozen times before. And yet, they both knew how easily "next time" could slip away from them.

He wanted to say something more, to make it up to her somehow, but all he could do was watch as Katie picked up her bag, standing there quietly in the doorway, waiting for him to make a decision.

He took a deep breath. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he said, even though the words tasted bitter on his tongue. He wished he could promise more, but the truth was, he didn't know how long this crisis would take.

Katie gave him a small, sad smile. "I know," she said again, her eyes filled with understanding, but also a deep weariness that she was too tired to hide anymore.

Oliver nodded, knowing there was nothing else he could say. Nothing that would fix this moment. He walked past her, pausing only briefly to kiss her forehead before he left, feeling the weight of yet another missed moment between them pressing down on his shoulders.

As Oliver turned to leave, his hand hovered over the door handle, ready to slip back into the whirlwind that was his life. But before he could take another step, Katie reached out, her fingers gently tugging at his jacket.

"Wait," she said softly, her voice catching him just before he could walk out the door.

Oliver paused, glancing over his shoulder, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion. Katie didn't say anything at first; instead, she reached into her pocket, her hand emerging with something small and familiar gleaming in her palm.

His wedding ring.

His heart skipped a beat. He stared at the ring, then back up at her, surprise flashing across his face. "You—"

"I found it in the laundry this morning," she said, cutting him off gently, her lips twitching into a knowing smile, though there was a softness behind her eyes, a mix of amusement and understanding. "I thought I'd let you squirm for a bit."

Oliver let out a soft, almost disbelieving laugh, shaking his head as relief washed over him. "Of course you did," he murmured, his lips pulling into a small smile despite the heaviness of their earlier conversation.

Katie took his hand, slipping the ring back onto his finger with careful precision, as though this small act held far more weight than the simple piece of metal could ever convey. Once the ring was back where it belonged, she looked up at him, her eyes locking with his.

"These rings mean more than just vows, Oliver," she said quietly, her fingers brushing his now-ringed hand. "They're our tether. You and me, through everything. Even when it feels like the world is pulling us apart."

For a moment, the weight of the city, the demands, and the constant interruptions faded into the background. In this small, fleeting space, it was just them. Their tether holding them together.

Oliver swallowed hard, his throat tightening. He couldn't find the words to express the gratitude, the love, the immense relief he felt in that moment, but Katie didn't need him to say anything. She already knew.

"Twinkie," he said, his voice a low murmur, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "I don't deserve you."

"Maybe not," she teased softly, her smile tugging at the corners of her mouth again, though it was laced with a hint of sadness. "But you're stuck with me."

Oliver leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering just a moment longer than usual. "I'll be back soon," he promised again, though this time it felt a little more bearable, like there was a shared understanding between them.

Katie nodded, her fingers lingering on his jacket for just a second longer before she let go. "I'll be here."

With that, Oliver finally pulled away, stepping out of the door and back into the world that demanded so much of him. But this time, as he left, he felt a little lighter. His ring was back on his finger, a reminder of the anchor he had in Katie—no matter how chaotic things got.

Katie stood in her office, staring at the closed door through which Oliver had just left. She let out a long, frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. She was kicking herself for getting caught up in the moment, for allowing herself to believe, even for a fleeting second, that they could be different people. People who could step outside of their chaotic, demanding lives for something as simple as a lunch date.

How naive, she thought bitterly.

The warmth she had felt when she saw him standing there was now replaced with a cool emptiness. Her heart sank as she turned and walked slowly back to her desk, each step feeling heavier than the last. The office that had once been her sanctuary now felt like a hollow, unfamiliar space. She paused by the large window, glancing out at the city below—the same city that had consumed so much of her and Oliver's lives. They had given everything to Star City, but moments like these reminded her just how much it had taken in return.

She sat down at her desk, the weight of reality settling back on her shoulders like a familiar burden. There were no more distractions. No Oliver to lose herself in. No fleeting hope that they could have just one normal day.

Her gaze drifted to the stack of papers waiting for her attention, but her mind wandered elsewhere, to the thing she had been avoiding for weeks: The Second Chance Project. It was nearing completion, and soon her time with City Hall would be over. The thought gnawed at her. The project had been her lifeline, her purpose, especially after the chaos of the last few months. But now that chapter of her life was closing, and she wasn't sure she was ready to face what came next.

Katie leaned back in her chair, staring blankly at the ceiling as if the answers might be written there. She had been putting off thinking about her future, about her next move, and now she couldn't ignore it any longer. There was no more project to throw herself into, no more pressing deadlines to occupy her thoughts. Just the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

And the truth was, she wasn't sure where she fit anymore. Not in the political world. Not even in her own life, it seemed.

Her mind flashed back to the earlier days when she had first started at City Hall, filled with excitement and purpose. The Second Chance Project had been her way of giving back, of making a difference in a city that had been through so much. But now... now it felt like she was losing more than just a job. She was losing a part of herself.

Katie sighed, rubbing her temples as the weight of it all pressed down on her. What was her next step? The uncertainty was suffocating, and she hated not having a plan.

And on top of it all, there was Oliver. Their marriage had been through hell and back, and while they had survived every storm thrown their way, moments like today reminded her how fragile their time together could be. How easily their plans, their hopes, could be snatched away by the demands of the city or the crises that seemed to follow them both like shadows.

She wanted to be angry—angry at the city, at Felicity for calling, at Oliver for always being needed elsewhere—but deep down, she knew it wasn't fair. They were both doing the best they could in a world that never gave them a break.

Katie's fingers absently traced the edge of her wedding ring, her mind drifting back to the moment earlier when she had slipped his back onto Oliver's hand. That small act had meant so much more than either of them had said aloud. It was a reminder that, no matter how many times life tried to pull them apart, they were still in this together.

But for how much longer? Would there always be something pulling him away? Pulling them both away from what truly mattered?

Katie shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts, but the questions lingered. The uncertainty gnawed at her.

Victories were rare for Oliver lately. Something going the way he wanted seemed to be happening few and far between, and the weight of those near-constant failures had been dragging him down for months. But tonight—tonight was different. Dinah and her team had finally been able to arrest Anatoly. It was a win, a small one in the grand scheme of things, but a win nonetheless. He and John had acted as a last line of defense, stopping a few of Anatoly's men from slipping away in the chaos. For once, they had gotten what they were after.

He was actually pleased when he came home, the adrenaline from the victory still coursing through his veins. He allowed himself to get sucked into the feeling, even if it was temporary, that maybe—just maybe—things were starting to turn around.

When he walked inside the house, the quiet surprised him. The night had wrapped up earlier than expected, and he figured there'd still be a hum of activity. But the living room was dark, and the usual sounds of laughter, video games, or the TV in the background were missing. It felt peaceful, though it unsettled him at the same time. He stood still for a moment, letting the calm wash over him, before moving further inside.

Will was probably in his room reading, playing with the puppies, or lost in one of his video games. Ari, on the other hand, was likely in the den watching one of her sad, sentimental movies, the kind that always left her teary-eyed. It had become her nightly routine, a quiet outlet for emotions she didn't express any other way. Robyn was either asleep already or curled up with one of them.

His thoughts drifted to Katie. She'd seemed fine earlier when he left, but Oliver knew there was an underlying tension between them—unspoken but there, like an invisible barrier that neither had quite acknowledged. He'd hoped tonight's success might help soften that, give them a moment to breathe, but now, walking through the quiet house, he wasn't sure what to expect.

He was heading upstairs, assuming Katie might already be in bed, when a faint noise from the kitchen stopped him in his tracks. It was too quiet to be the puppies, but too distinct to ignore. Curiosity piqued, he detoured and moved toward the kitchen, pushing open the door with a cautious hand, half-expecting to find one of the dogs in the middle of some mischief.

Instead, what he found was Katie. She stood at the counter, surrounded by all the contents of their pantry, cans, boxes, and bags scattered across every available surface.

"Uh, hey," Oliver greeted, the confusion in his voice clear as his brow furrowed.

Katie looked up from where she was pulling out another box from the shelves, her face a mix of concentration and fatigue. "Hey," she replied, her tone casual, though her body language spoke of some underlying need for distraction. She placed the box on the counter and reached for another.

Oliver leaned against the doorway, watching her in silence for a moment. She was methodically emptying the pantry, one shelf at a time, organizing items by size and type in a way that seemed far too intense for just tidying up.

"New project?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," she said, not looking at him as she continued pulling things out. "This pantry is kind of a mess, so I decided to organize it."

He nodded slowly, knowing her well enough to sense that there was more going on than just pantry organization. This wasn't about the clutter of dried pasta and cans of beans. It was about control—about having something to focus on when everything else felt out of her reach.

"You don't have to do all that tonight, you know," he said gently, stepping further into the room.

Katie shrugged, still not meeting his eyes. "I couldn't sleep," she replied. "Thought I'd do something productive."

Oliver watched her carefully, noticing the way her movements were just a little too fast, the way her jaw clenched in that subtle but telling way. She was clearly trying to avoid something, something that weighed heavier than just the clutter of their pantry. It wasn't about the organization at all.

He slipped off his jacket and draped it over the back of one of the kitchen chairs, determined to break through the invisible wall she was putting up. Walking over to her, he softened his approach, keeping his tone gentle.

"Alright," he said, standing beside her. "What can I do?" His voice was quiet, but steady, meant to cut through the tension without pushing too hard.

Katie finally stopped her frantic pacing. She set down the jar of flour she'd been holding and turned to him, her eyes a little wider, a little softer, but still guarded.

"I can help," Oliver offered, nodding toward the mess. "And you can tell me what this is really about."

There was a long pause, a subtle battle waged in her expression. She let out a sigh, her shoulders dropping as if the weight of the world was pressing down on them. Then she turned away again, her hands gripping the edge of the counter as though bracing herself.

"Is this about lunch?" Oliver asked carefully, stepping closer. "Because I'm really sorry I had to cancel. Maybe we could grab lunch tomorrow?"

Katie shook her head, a bitter smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. She turned back to face Oliver, meeting his gaze head-on now, but the look in her eyes was distant, haunted by something far bigger than a missed lunch date.

"I think that's where the problem starts," she said, her voice soft but heavy, laced with weariness. "Making plans for the future." She let out a small, humorless laugh—more of a sigh, really—like the weight of frustration had been building inside her for too long. "But nothing is ever certain, is it?"

Oliver's brow furrowed as he studied her, taking in the tension in her face, the way her shoulders seemed to carry an invisible burden. This wasn't just about a canceled lunch. There was something else, something deeper gnawing at her, pulling her away from him even though she stood right in front of him.

She turned back to the pantry, pulling another jar from the shelf and setting it on the counter, her fingers absently tracing its edges. She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, as if weighing the words that were about to come out, trying to decide if she even wanted to say them.

"We've made so many plans," she said quietly, not looking at him now, her eyes focused on the clutter of their pantry. "But something always happens. Every time. Something always manages to push them off course." Her voice cracked, just slightly, as if she was barely keeping herself together. She shrugged, finally turning to face him again, her expression a mixture of sadness and resignation.

"So what's the point of making plans, of getting your hopes up, when in the blink of an eye—" she snapped her fingers, the sound sharp in the quiet kitchen—"everything changes?"

Her words hung in the air between them, heavy with the truth neither of them had spoken aloud in a long time. Oliver could feel the ache in her voice, the same ache he had felt for months, the same doubt that had crept into their lives every time they tried to find some semblance of normalcy. Every time they thought they were getting ahead, life threw another wrench in their plans—another mission, another danger, another sacrifice.

He stepped toward her, his chest tightening at the sight of her standing there, looking so fragile and so strong at the same time. His hands itched to reach out and pull her close, to tell her it would all be okay, that they'd get through it. But he didn't know if that was true anymore.

Katie continued, her voice soft but raw, like she was tearing down her own walls piece by piece. "We used to talk about the future like it was something we could shape, like it was something we had control over. But now…" she shook her head again, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Now it just feels like we're always reacting, always trying to pick up the pieces after something else falls apart."

Oliver closed the distance between them, gently resting his hand on her shoulder, his thumb brushing over her collarbone in a soothing motion. He felt the tension beneath her skin, like she was ready to crumble but holding herself together with every ounce of strength she had left.

"I don't have all the answers," he said softly, his voice steady despite the uncertainty he felt inside. "But I do know that we're stronger together. And no matter what happens—no matter how many times life throws something at us—we'll figure it out. Just like we always have."

Katie looked up at him, her eyes searching his face as if looking for some reassurance, some certainty in a world that had none to give. She let out a breath, her shoulders dropping as some of the fight left her.

"I want to believe that," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Oliver leaned in, pressing his forehead gently against hers, his voice low and filled with quiet determination. "Then believe it. Because I do. We'll make it through this, Katie. Together."

She closed her eyes, leaning into him, letting his warmth and strength wrap around her like a shield from everything that felt uncertain and fragile. For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to trust in the idea that maybe, just maybe, they could find their way through the chaos—together.

The next day, Oliver sat in his office, staring blankly at his computer screen, still thinking about Katie's words from the night before. The way she had talked about making plans for the future, about how everything seemed so uncertain, gnawed at him. He was afraid she was losing hope in their ability to shape their lives, afraid she was beginning to accept that things would always fall apart no matter how hard they tried.

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the weight of those thoughts when a knock at the door pulled him back to the present. He turned as Quentin walked in, a folder tucked under his arm.

"Hey, glad to see you're not crawling around on the floor anymore. So, you found the ring?" Quentin asked, a small grin tugging at his lips.

Oliver exhaled, the corner of his mouth twitching upward in response. "I did. Twinkie had it, and was making me suffer by not telling me."

Quentin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, but his expression softened as he noticed the quiet, almost somber tone in Oliver's voice. He had known Oliver long enough to pick up on when something was weighing on him, and today was no different.

"Ah," Quentin said, leaning against the edge of the desk. "You read the email?"

Oliver furrowed his brow, momentarily confused. "What email?"

"About the SC project?" Quentin prompted. When Oliver still looked lost, he added, "The team confirmed that construction will be completed by the end of the month."

Oliver blinked, the reality of what Quentin was saying hitting him like a slow, dawning realization. "You're kidding?" His voice was low, as if he didn't quite believe it.

Quentin shook his head. "Nope. That means..."

"That means Katie's contract with the city is going to be up soon," Oliver finished for him, his voice dropping. He sat back in his chair, the weight of that realization settling heavily on his shoulders.

Quentin sighed and nodded. "Yeah. Has she given you any indication on what she wants to do next? I can keep digging around for a permanent role for her here if that's what she wants."

Oliver leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. Quentin's words made him realize this was likely the other thing that had been bothering Katie last night. It wasn't just about plans being uncertain—it was about her future with the Second Chance project coming to an end. This wasn't just any project for her; it had been personal, and now she was facing the unknown, something she had been trying to avoid.

"I'll talk to her," Oliver said, his voice more resolved now. "And let you know what she's thinking."

Quentin gave him a supportive nod before standing straight. "Take your time. Just let me know if she wants me to pull any strings." He paused, studying Oliver for a moment. "She'll be alright, Oliver. You two always find a way."

Oliver offered a small, grateful smile, but as Quentin left the room, his mind drifted back to Katie's expression from the night before. He couldn't shake the feeling that the uncertainty of her future—and their future—was starting to take a toll on her. And it worried him more than he wanted to admit.

Oliver leaned back in his chair after Quentin left, his fingers absentmindedly drumming against the armrest as his thoughts drifted back to Katie. The idea of her no longer working at City Hall with him felt strange, almost like a piece of his daily routine was being pulled away. It had been something he hadn't realized he cherished until the prospect of it ending loomed in front of him.

The last few months had been a rare luxury. Glimpses of Katie in the hallways, the occasional stolen moments between meetings, or just seeing her seated across the table during a briefing—they were small, subtle things that had unexpectedly brightened his day. Watching her in her element, commanding the room with her ideas for the Second Chance Project, had given him a new appreciation for her. Katie had always been smart, always been driven, but seeing her here, working alongside him... It had been different. It had been nice.

It wasn't just the proximity, though. It was the way her presence grounded him, reminded him of the life they had built outside of these walls. No matter how intense things got at work, just knowing she was there—even in the same building—had brought him a sense of comfort.

He found himself replaying those moments in his mind—the way her eyes would light up when she made a point in a meeting, or the way she'd give him a teasing smile if their paths crossed unexpectedly in the hallway. He remembered one afternoon, passing her office and seeing her through the door, focused on some project, her brow furrowed in concentration. He hadn't interrupted her, but just standing there for a moment, watching her, made him smile. It was a reminder of why he fell in love with her, how much of a force she was, both at work and in their personal life.

Now, with her contract coming to an end, the thought of those little moments disappearing from his day tugged at him. City Hall wouldn't be the same without her. He wouldn't be the same without her here.

And yet, Oliver knew he couldn't ask her to stay. Katie needed to make her own choices, to figure out what her next step would be, and he would support her, no matter what that decision was. But the selfish part of him—the part that wanted to keep seeing her in the halls, to bump into her during the day—didn't want to let that go just yet.

He sighed, rubbing his temples as the weight of the situation settled in. They had shared so much in their lives, but their time working together like this had been special in its own way. And now, it felt like that chapter was closing, whether he was ready for it or not.

Oliver glanced down to his watch. It was around lunch time, and he decided to go see Katie and see if he can make up for the night before. Oliver stood to his feet and headed for the door, about to reach for the handle when his cell phone rang.

He sighed, because this ringing cell phone lately was just another kink in anything he's been planning. He pulled it from his pocket and saw Dinah's name. He brought it to his ear, and when she said the words he really didn't want to hear, his jaw clench.

"What do you mean they're letting him go?!"

Katie could feel the metaphorical clock ticking. Her days in City Hall had become quieter, the rush of meetings and emails waning as the project wound down. Standing in her office, she looked out the window at the city skyline, her gaze distant, contemplative. The clock ticked softly on her wall, nudging her with the thought that maybe she'd take a half day and head home. The idea felt freeing, almost like a small rebellion, until a knock at her door broke her thoughts.

She turned, mildly surprised to find Martin on the other side when she opened it. "Martin? Still doing the surprise visits, huh?"

"What can I say?" he said as she stepped aside to let him in. "It's been a while and I wanted to check in." he looked around the office a bit, before turning back to her. "How are you doing?"

"You know me, I'm living the dream." Katie replied gesturing for him to sit. "How about you? How is it being the boss."

Martin chuckled, sinking into the chair. "It's… an adjustment. Every day, I find myself wondering what he would do in some of the situations I'm dealing with."

"He wasn't perfect." Katie dropped her eyes for a moment before looking back over to Martin. "He did the best he could, so that's what you should do."

Martin nodded, a shadow crossing his face. He let out a small sigh. "I hate to admit it, but that's not my only reason for stopping by." He hesitated, then added, "Alice Hayworth..."

"Martin, I already told you-"

"I know, but her condition has worsened, and he doctor has says she only has days." he shook his head. "I'm just afraid that if you don't see her, if you don't truly close this chapter, it's always haunt you."

Katie looked at him for a moment, thinking about his words and she knows their true. The nightmares weren't going away, and she's not sure what to do for them to stop. Maybe she did need closure and maybe she'd get it from this conversation.

"Ok." she relented. "I'll stop by later, see what this is all about."

When Martin left, Katie walked over to stand in front of the window, her eyes once again out to the city. She's not sure she can do this. Stand in front of the woman who killed her father and not become instantly homicidal or collapse into a pool of tears. She bit the corner of her lip. What she definitely knew is that she couldn't do this alone.

Without another thought, she headed down to Oliver's office, knocking softly before entering. He stood in front of his desk, looking up at her with a smile that brought a flicker of warmth to her turbulent emotions. She opened her mouth, ready to ask for his support, but before she could get a word out, another knock sounded.

DA Sam Armand and Captain Kimberly Hill stepped inside, nodding to her in greeting. "Mrs. Queen," they both said, their faces polite but serious.

Katie offered them a nod in return before glancing back at Oliver. "I'm interrupting a meeting," she said, her voice quieter.

Oliver shrugged slightly, the understanding in his eyes making it almost impossible for her to leave. "Yeah, but it's fine. Did you need me for something?"

She did, but what she wanted him for, pulled him away from whatever this meeting was about. So once again, she decided not to make him choose.

Katie shook her head, "No, just stopping by to tell you I was heading out early, and that I'll see you when get home." she nudged her head for the door. "I will let you get back to your meeting."

She gave him a reassuring not, before turning and leaving the office. Katie walked to the elevator, pressing the button and letting out a quiet sigh as she waited for the doors to open. She rubbed her temples, trying to steady herself against the whirlwind of emotions.

"You alright, Doc?"

Katie looked up, slightly surprised to see Quentin standing there, watching her with that steady gaze of his. She managed a smile, attempting her usual, confident reply. "I'm fine," she said, her voice soft but steady. But as she turned away, the familiar weight settled over her again—the instinct to hide, to wear the mask of someone who had everything under control. She paused, turning back to him. "Actually, I'm not fine," she admitted. "I'm about to do something… and I wanted Oliver to be there. But he's wearing the Mayor hat right now."

"You know I think if you told him you needed him, he'd put the husband hat on without a second thought." Quentin replied.

"He would." Katie agreed, as the elevator doors opened. "But when it is in my ability, I'm not going to make him choose." she took a step into the elevator and waved to the man. As the doors began to close, Quentin reached forward to stop them.

Just as they were about to shut, Quentin reached forward, stopping them with a quick motion. "This thing you need to do," he said, a soft intensity in his eyes, "does it have to be Oliver? Or could an old guy like me step in?"

Katie blinked, a smile slowly spreading across her face, touched by the unexpected offer. She felt a warmth that took the edge off her anxiety. "Quentin… I can handle it on my own, really."

"Yeah, but you don't have to." Quentin stepped into the elevator and looked over to her. "What do you need?

Katie arrived at ARGUS with Quentin at her side. As they rode the elevator up to the medical wing, her anxiety grew, knotting tighter with each passing second. When the doors finally slid open, she found herself unable to move, her feet seemingly glued to the floor, every instinct resisting this moment.

Quentin noticed her hesitation and looked down at her. "Doc, tell me—why did you come here?"

"Closure," she answered simply, her voice barely above a whisper. She closed her eyes, taking a deep, shuddering breath. "Though I might not get it."

"Maybe not," he replied gently. "But maybe you will. Or maybe you'll get something you didn't expect."

Katie opened her eyes, his words nudging her forward. She finally stepped out of the elevator and walked to the front desk. The receptionist, seemingly expecting her, directed her to Alice's room without issue. She and Quentin signed the visitor log, and they made their way down the corridor.

"I'll wait for you out here," Quentin assured her when they reached the door.

Katie nodded, taking one last deep breath before stepping inside. The room was cold, the air stale and sterile, but her attention fixed on the woman in the bed. The figure that had once haunted her nightmares, Alice was now a frail, pale shadow of herself, buried under a mound of blankets.

Katie stood there for a moment, and as if sensing her presence, Alice blinked open her eyes. "Are you really here, or is this another nightmare?" her voice cracked, raw from illness and disuse.

Katie didn't respond immediately, but instead walked closer, needing to make this moment tangible, to confront the reality of the woman who had once terrorized her life. She'd never thought they'd meet again after that day on the island, the moment agents had pulled her back, keeping her from stopping Alice's final attempt at escape.

"So, let's have it," Alice said, shifting slightly to sit up in bed. "I imagine you have questions—or want to call me names, or something."

Katie paused, letting the bitterness fade, considering what "closure" really meant to her in this moment. Why Alice had killed her father no longer mattered—knowing wouldn't bring him back. She lowered herself to the seat beside the bed, meeting Alice's gaze.

"Tell me about your father," Katie said.

Alice's eyes widened slightly, clearly taken aback by the unexpected question. She looked away, clearly unsure if Katie was serious.

"You see," Katie began, her voice steady but soft, "my father was the best dad a girl could ask for—until my mom died. Then, everything changed. He'd go away on business trips all the time, missing birthdays and moments I needed him. And he tried to shape me into this person he thought I should be, saying it was for my own good." Katie looked down, her gaze tracing the wrinkles in the woman's hands. "For a while, I thought I hated him. And then, too late, I realized that I loved him—loved him more than I knew." She felt the sting of tears and quickly brushed them away, shrugging. "That was my dad. Tell me about yours."

Alice glanced down, a faint, bittersweet smile crossing her lips. "He used to make pancakes shaped like teddy bears. I thought it was the coolest thing." She looked back at Katie, her gaze distant. "He'd carry me on his shoulders, telling me to grab 'cloud marshmallows.' He was my favorite person." She laughed bitterly. "And then he changed. I thought I'd done something to make him angry or that my mom's nagging pushed him over the edge. So, when she took me and left him, I hated her for it. And when he… when he killed himself, and your father got the praise for the company my dad built—I blamed him."

Alice looked away, a trace of pain flashing across her face. "My father was a bastard. He was sick, and instead of blaming him for his choices, I blamed everyone else." She glanced back at Katie, resignation settling into her expression. "That's my father."

Katie was silent, absorbing Alice's words. She realized, then, that there was nothing left that this woman could give her—no answers that would bring her peace. She nodded, rising to her feet.

"Wait," Alice called, stopping her. Katie turned back. "I asked you here for a reason. My alliance with Adrian Chase—it wasn't something I went looking for. I was introduced to him."

Katie's brows knitted in confusion. "Introduced by who?"

"Someone who called himself Liam Quinn. But I found out later, it was a fake name."

"Why would he introduce you to Adrian?"

"I thought it was just luck, meeting him in a bar after too many drinks. I spilled my story—about my dad, about yours. He said if I wanted justice, he knew who could help." Alice shook her head, regret flickering in her eyes. "I asked Adrian about him, and he had no idea who I meant. I was just a pawn. I think… I think maybe this person wanted your father dead. But it's possible you and your family are next." She shrugged weakly. "I figured, with these last days, I should do at least one good thing."

Katie nodded slowly, unsure what else to say. "Thanks," she managed, then turned to leave, a weight lifting and a new one settling on her shoulders.

When Katie stepped back into the hall, Quentin approached her, his gaze gentle as he tried to read her expression. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"How'd it go?" he asked softly.

Katie looked at him, still processing everything. "I think you were right," she replied with uncertainty. "I got more than closure from that conversation."

With a little time to spare, Katie made her way to the bunker, wanting to share what she'd learned from her conversation with Alice. She knew Oliver would be concerned, maybe even overprotective, though she wasn't convinced yet if Alice's warning was genuine or her last attempt to disrupt their lives.

When she arrived, she was surprised to see Ari standing outside the elevator. The teen glanced up from her phone as Katie approached.

"Half day?" Katie asked, and Ari nodded.

"Yep. Felicity called, said she needed me to come over. I reminded her I was no longer on Team Privacy Invaders, but she did the Felicity thing, and now… here I am." As the elevator doors opened, they stepped inside together. "What are you doing here?"

"Just need to talk to Oliver about something," Katie replied, keeping it vague as she turned back to the doors.

They stepped out to find Oliver and Felicity, heads bent over something on the computer screen.

"Oh, good, you're here!" Felicity said, standing up and turning to Oliver, who was watching her with a furrowed brow. "Ari's going to help look into Diaz's vertical operation. I have a doctor's appointment to check on the baby."

"Oh, right, of course," Oliver replied as Felicity grabbed her bag and jacket. "Still no word on when Bruce is actually going to step up?" he asked.

Felicity sighed, glancing back at him. "I know you're looking out for me, but I'm fine, really," she said, waving to Ari and Katie as she left.

Ari moved to the computer and quickly started picking up where Felicity left off. Oliver watched her dive into the work, a hint of amusement and pride in his expression.

"Hi to you too," he muttered with a smile before turning to Katie. "Did Felicity call you, too?"

"No, should she have?"

"Probably not, but there's some tension with John and me. I thought she might've called you in as referee."

"Is this about the hood?" Katie asked, and Oliver nodded.

Katie held back, knowing her opinion might be too biased to be helpful. When Oliver initially handed the hood to John, it was to spend more time with family, but now things were different. Somehow, putting the hood back on had changed him, and he wasn't ready to let it go.

"That's not why I'm here," she said finally. "It's about what I wanted to discuss earlier…"

Her voice trailed off as John entered, and Oliver turned to see him, too.

"Hey, Ari," John greeted before addressing Katie and Oliver. "Would you two mind giving me and Oliver the room?"

Oliver glanced at Katie, who sighed and placed a reassuring hand on his chest.

"Sure, it's fine. It can wait," she said. He gave her a look, as if to ask if she was sure, and she nodded. "I'll go see if there are any cookies stashed around here somewhere."

Oliver looked up as John reentered the room. "Get some air?" he asked, hands slipping into his pockets as he leaned against the desk.

John nodded, taking a breath before answering. "Yeah, I did. And with it, some clarity." He looked Oliver in the eye. "It's within your rights to keep the hood. It's yours, and you're right about that." He paused, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. "But my frustration was never with the uniform. It's with the man underneath it."

Oliver's brow furrowed, confusion crossing his face. "I don't understand."

John sighed, the weariness in his voice evident. "I didn't either, not at first." He searched for the right words. "I appreciated your apology, but something about it... gnawed at me. That you needed to be the Green Arrow, that it completed you. But this? It was supposed to be about saving the city, helping people, not fulfilling ourselves."

Oliver's voice was calm, but a hint of tension crept in. "I know that. This fight is dangerous, and I've lost too much along the way for it to be about anything else."

John shook his head. "Yet here you are. You're married, raising two daughters and a son," he gestured to Oliver. "You've become the mayor."

Oliver met his gaze defiantly. "So what?"

"So, you were never supposed to stretch yourself this thin, in so many directions, that the people suffer."

Oliver's voice grew more resolute. "We've been in tough spots before."

"Yes, with a team." John's tone sharpened. "Before Curtis, Rene, and Dinah, there was Roy, Thea... and even your wife. But, Oliver, the way you lead alienates everyone around you."

John paused, frustration tightening his expression. "Putting the team under surveillance was a mistake. We had a chance to save the vigilante, and you made a different call. Same with Laurel and the money." His gaze dropped momentarily before meeting Oliver's again. "And you lied to your wife when you put the hood back on. You asked all of us to keep it from her, too."

Oliver's voice edged with irritation. "I never forced anyone to do anything. I remember you right there beside me."

"I was there," John replied, the bitterness creeping into his words, "begging you to show restraint, caution. But that's not who you are." He scoffed, shaking his head slightly. "You've changed, Oliver. You've grown—and it's been my honor to watch that. But you're still you. And if this isn't entirely for our city, you're not the hero it deserves."

Oliver clenched his jaw, his patience thinning. "Ricardo Diaz has God knows how much of our city in his grip, and you're picking now to lecture me? To whine about not getting a promotion?"

John laughed bitterly. "Promotion? This isn't about a promotion, Oliver. It's about you. And Diaz? You still don't see it."

Oliver glared. "See what?"

"He's already won," John replied. "He has the city wired, and it happened on your watch."

Oliver's restraint finally snapped, his voice rising. "He showed up while you were the Green Arrow! You bought drugs from him, John! You funded what he's doing right now! And you hid that problem while I trusted you with the hood."

John's eyes hardened, his voice steely. "I was putting my body through hell for this city."

"No." Oliver shook his head firmly. "You put the team at risk by lying. I had to dive off a bridge to save Rene because you weren't at 100%, and no one knew it."

John stepped forward, seething. "And you're bringing up Rene? When he's still in the hospital because of the beating you gave him?"

"We were up against Dinah, Curtis, and Rene. He pulled a gun on me! You think he gave me a choice?"

John pointed a finger at him, voice laced with accusation. "You leave a trail of bodies everywhere you go, Oliver. You say you've changed, but what comfort is that to William, whose mother died because of your decisions? Or to Ari, whose mother was killed by the same woman who murdered your father-in-law. It all leads back to you."

The words hit Oliver like a gut punch, echoing the inner voices that haunted him. Anger surged within him, and he took a step toward John, his expression fierce.

"My trail of bodies doesn't include my own brother," he said, his tone cold and cutting.

A tear slipped from John's eye as the words cut through his defenses, and before he could think, he swung, his fist connecting with Oliver's jaw.

Katie rummaged through the small kitchen, desperate for a sugary escape. Cabinet after cabinet turned up empty, and with a frustrated sigh, she gave up the search, only to turn and spot Ari seated at the table, engrossed in her phone, brow furrowed.

"Everything alright?" Katie asked gently. Ari looked up, her face tight with disappointment.

"I think Jamie's dating someone else," Ari muttered, shaking her head as she glanced back at the screen. "It hasn't even been that long, and he's already moved on, like what we had meant nothing."

"Oh, Ari." Katie wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulders, pulling her close. "I'm so sorry. Sometimes, boys are just dumb."

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the other room. Katie and Ari exchanged wide-eyed looks before bolting out to find the source. There, in the hallway, Oliver and John were locked in a brutal fight, fists swinging, blood staining their faces.

"What the hell?" Ari whispered, shock evident on her face.

"Hey!" Katie yelled, rushing over. As Oliver took a step toward John, Katie intercepted, shoving him back. "Just stop!" She stood between them, scanning their bruised and bloodied faces. "There is absolutely nothing either of you could say right now to justify this bullshit!" She turned on Oliver, her eyes flashing. "With everything going on, this is what you're doing?"

She looked back at John, exasperation boiling over. "Now I want to fight! I just want to—" She stopped herself, shaking her head in frustration before turning to Ari, who was still staring, wide-eyed. "Ari, just go do whatever Felicity called you here for. Now."

Ari nodded and moved to the computer, casting a final, worried glance their way. Katie's gaze swept over both men, her anger barely restrained. "And you two? Get your heads out of your asses! I have to go pick up my children, but if Ari has to call me back here because of another fight, it's going to be two against one—and trust me, those are terrible odds for both of you." She shot them a final glare before turning on her heel, making her way toward the elevator.

"Twinkie, wait." Oliver's voice called out as he hurried after her, looking pained. "You needed to talk to me."

The elevator doors opened, and Katie stepped inside, turning to face him. "No, I needed to talk to my husband," she said, her tone cold. She gestured to him, anger laced in her words. "I don't know who the hell you are right now." The doors closed, cutting off any chance for him to reply.

"I get the feeling she hits harder than you."John said and Oliver turned to him. "She's right."

"She usually is, and she really can land a punch." Oliver replied.

John took a breath, his tone softening. "I'm sorry I punched you, Oliver."

"Sorry I punched you back," Oliver replied with a nod.

John shifted, his expression thoughtful. "For what it's worth, I know you've done a lot of good. I know it probably seems like everyone's been questioning your leadership lately. Me included."

Before Oliver could respond, Ari's voice cut through the tension. "Yo, Ali and Frazier!" she called, leaning over the computer. "Found the location of Diaz's Vertigo operation. Have you two kissed and made up yet?"

Oliver and John exchanged a look, a silent agreement passing between them. John gave a slight nod toward the door. "Let's go."

That night, Katie watched her sleeping daughter with a soft smile. Just minutes before, Robyn had been a whirlwind of energy, resisting bedtime with every ounce of will. Now, the toddler lay curled up peacefully, oblivious to the worries of the world. Katie rocked gently in the chair, savoring the quiet moment before pressing a kiss to Robyn's head. After a few more sways, she stood, tucking her daughter in snugly, and quietly slipped out of the room.

As she stepped into the hallway, she found William balancing the four growing puppies in his arms. Each day, the puppies seemed to grow heavier, turning what used to be a manageable task into a playful challenge.

"Taking advantage of Ari not being here to call puppy dibs?" she teased.

William just laughed, carefully maneuvering down the hall with his bundle of wagging tails. Katie shook her head, amused, before heading downstairs. In the living room, Harry, their dog, greeted her with an enthusiastic tail wag.

"If I were you, I'd probably start biting people for taking my kids away all the time," Katie murmured, rubbing Harry's head. "Though, with as mischievous as Larry is, maybe you're grateful for a break."

The front door opened, and she looked up to see Oliver and Ari stepping inside. She raised an eyebrow, taking in their slightly disheveled appearances.

"How'd it go?" Katie asked.

Ari flashed a grin. "Diaz's Vertigo stash went boom." She glanced toward the stairs. "Now, if I had to guess, Will has barricaded all the puppies in his room, and now I need to go exert my dominance."

Katie shook her head, smiling as Ari trotted upstairs. "If either of you wakes Robyn, I'll be up next to exert my dominance!" she called after her.

She turned to Oliver, who grimaced as he pulled off his jacket, revealing fresh scrapes and bruises.

Katie let out a heavy sigh. "You know, I thought my urge to hit someone tonight would've faded by now, but it hasn't."

Oliver took a small step back, prompting a chuckle from her. "Boys really are dumb," she muttered before heading toward the kitchen. She began wiping down the already-clean countertop, something she did when she needed to calm her nerves.

Oliver slid into a seat at the counter, watching her closely. "Twinkie…"

"So," Katie said, cutting him off. "What's the verdict between you and John?"

Oliver sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "He left the team. Says he can't be the best version of himself working with me." He paused, his voice tinged with frustration. "And at some point, Felicity will have to step back, whether it's temporary or permanent. If that happens…"

"You'll have me." Katie's voice was steady, and she moved to stand beside him, her hand resting against his cheek. "You'll always have me."

A shadow crossed his face. "I wasn't there for you today. You came to see me twice, and I just… blew you off. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. You didn't blow me off—I didn't even give you the chance to." She looked down, reluctant to meet his eyes.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his brow furrowing.

"I didn't make you choose between me and whatever you had going on in the moment, but that doesn't matter, what matters is-"

"I kind of think it does matter." Oliver interrupted. "Twinkie, we've talked about this, if you need me, just tell me, I will be there for you, no matter what I'm dealing with."

Katie didn't say anything, more because she didn't want to say what had just crossed her mind. Mostly because she thinks it would hurt his feelings, so instead she turns and walks over to the freeze to grab her ice cream.

"You don't believe me." Oliver realized.

"It's not that I don't believe you, it's just history has shown me, that sometime I am not your top priority, so when it is in my ability, I will make the choice for you, so you don't have to. It's just easier that."

"Easier for who?"

"For me!" she slammed the ice cream container on the counter, but closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to calm herself. When she opened her eyes, she found Oliver's gaze still on her, probably waiting for her to explain. "This is not what I wanted to talk about." she tried to sway the conversation back to the her meeting with Alice. "Earlier today-"

Oliver, however, wouldn't let it go. "Why is it easier for you to decide when I should be there for you instead of me making that choice?"

"Oliver, please, let's drop it, it's not important."

"Twinkie, you just told me that there are times I don't make you feel like you're my top priority and I'm I'm just trying to understand what I've done to make you feel that way. It's important to me that we talk about that right now." he waited for her to say something and he knew she was trying to figure out how to soften her words, but he didn't want her to. He'd been getting knocked around by words all night, and it hurt, but he'd rather there be honesty than her holding it in. "Why is it easier for you?"

Katie exhaled slowly, not wanting to delve into her feelings. She had intended to bury them, keeping them safely locked away. But as she looked into Oliver's earnest, searching eyes, she knew she couldn't keep it all inside.

"Martin came to my office today," she began, her voice low, "and he told me Alice's condition was getting worse. He convinced me to go see her. I went to your office, hoping you'd come with me, but you were in a meeting… so I didn't ask." She paused as he started to speak, holding up a hand to stop him. "I ran into Quentin, and he offered to come."

She blinked, holding back tears. "I sat there, across from the woman who killed my father. I thought I'd want answers, that I'd ask her why she did it, why any of it mattered. But when I looked at her… none of those questions would bring him back." Her voice wavered. "So instead, I just asked her to tell me about her father after I shared some memories of mine. When she was done, she told me something unexpected."

Katie hesitated, her eyes on the ice cream container before she continued. "She said her alliance with Adrian was orchestrated by some other guy. She didn't know his name, didn't know if our family was his target." She lifted her gaze back to Oliver. "I didn't know what to do with that information… so here I am, telling it to you."

Oliver remained silent, lost in thought, until Katie moved to stand directly in front of him. Her voice was steady, each word purposeful.

"This could all be a lie, or it could be the truth," she said. "But we won't let this dictate our lives. We'll stay cautious, like we always are, and if anything comes our way, we'll handle it. Until then, we deal with the problems we know."

With that, she sat down, sliding a spoon his way before she dug her own into the ice cream. Oliver watched her, the weight of her words settling over him. After a moment, leaned over and placed a kiss to her head before he picked up the spoon and reached for the ice cream, joining her in the quiet comfort of the moment.


Author's Notes

Well there you have it!

ReviewReplies

Adela: Thank you, so much!

As always, thank you everyone !

Sneak Peek

Katie then looked back to the audience. "I'd also like to give a special thank you to my parents, Jacob and Dr. Grace Robins, who I truly wish were here to see this. I know they'd be so proud, and they—"

Suddenly, the microphone cut off, and her words fell into silence. Katie furrowed her brow and looked over at Oliver in confusion.

Before she could react further, a robotic voice echoed through the speakers, cold and disjointed: "Katherine Queen is a fraud."

Katie froze as images flickered on the monitors behind her—first, a missing person's photo of her from years ago. Then, to her shock, the screen switched to a wanted poster she had never seen before. It was from a time she had hoped to leave behind, a period when certain factions in the government had mistakenly believed she was a terrorist.