Teamwork

Chapter 43 - Thea Dearden Queen

Oliver and Lance sat in silence for a moment before Lance stood, silently placed a hand on Oliver's shoulder, and then headed back inside. As he passed Mr. Diggle he gave a silent nod of thanks to the man who was always watching out for others. Oliver's Team, they are all heroes. Lance thought as he left the men in silence. He had finally had a chance to thank Oliver, he just hoped the kid would finally listen to what people were saying to him. So many people believed in him and his Team, it was time Oliver started to believe in himself.

Diggle nodded to Lance as the other man walked past him. He could see that the Detective was walking with a lighter step, like a large weight had been taken off his shoulders. He knew that the conversation with Oliver had done Lance a world of good, he just hoped that the same was true for Oliver. He turned and quietly joined his partner, waiting silently until Oliver was ready to talk.

"He called me a hero." Oliver finally said in a whisper as he continued to look at his hands. "Why do people keep calling me that?" He asked as he slowly looked up to Diggle.

"Because you are Oliver." Diggle responded quietly, tilting his head to the side as he looked at his partner. "People believe in you man. Now you just need to believe in yourself."

Oliver looked Diggle in the eyes, seeing that his friend truly meant what he said. Before he could think about it for too long Diggle interrupted his thoughts.

"Come inside, you need to get some rest." Diggle said as he walked over to give his friend a hand up. Oliver was doing remarkably well considering what he had endured at the hands of Malcolm and Slade, but he also knew that Oliver would need constant reminders that he didn't have to go through this alone.

Felicity noticed the moment Diggle and Oliver walked back inside after Oliver talked with Lance. They headed straight for the stairs and she realized that Oliver was probably headed to get some rest. She turned to follow them up the stairs to make sure they didn't need her, and to see for herself how the man she loved was holding up. She walked into Oliver's room just as he was lowering himself to sit on the bed. She came in and sat next to him, taking his hand in hers.

"How are you holding up?" Felicity asked, simply hoping he would say something other than 'fine'.

"Honestly, I'm exhausted." Oliver confided in his teammates.

"Not surprising." Diggle stated as he changed a couple of Oliver's bandages. "You just finished a couple of emotionally draining conversations."

"My mom, then Detective Lance." Oliver answered her questioning look before she even had a chance to voice her questions.

"Ah." Felicity slowly helped Oliver lay down on his side and placed a hand on his cheek. "I need to go to the Foundry and do a couple of things. Are you going to be okay without me?" She asked, wondering if he would want her to stay with him to help him sleep.

"I'll be fine." Oliver answered, giving her an encouraging smile. "I probably won't sleep anyway. I just need to let my body rest some."

"I can stay and help Ollie if he needs it." Thea said from the doorway. She had been feeling useless, unable to do anything to help. The least she could do is sit with Oliver while Felicity was gone in case he needed anything.

"Thank you Thea." Felicity smiled at Oliver's sister. She clearly needed to do something to feel helpful, needed. Maybe this is just what she, and maybe even Oliver, needed right now.

Thea walked into the room and pulled a comfortable chair next to Oliver's bed, not missing the quiet words and gentle kiss that her brother and the blonde shared. She really is good for him. She thought as she noticed the worry lines on Oliver's face ease after the brief contact with Felicity.