The Emerald Archer (Green Arrow OC X Margot Robbie)

Arc. 2/Ch. 2: Being Back

The next morning, Benjamin woke up alone in bed, but was welcomed by a lovely smell that told him exactly where she was. He smiles and gets out of bed before heading down to the kitchen. There's practically a morning feast being prepared that has it smelling like IHOP in the house. They went all out with it, too; eggs, sausage, toast, waffles, pancakes, everything.

"As much as I love and have missed all this, it's getting to be a bit too much," he smiled as everyone in the room turned to him.

"Oh, shush it!" Julie joked. "There's no such thing as too much."

Benjamin grinned and glanced at Tommy, who laughed. He took a seat at the counter next to him while Julie and Racheal finished their cooking and began making plates for everyone. Everyone sat around the counter as they each had a plate with the food they liked. Some even had a second plate for the big stuff like the pancakes and waffles.

Nothing like a huge breakfast to start off your first morning back home.

They all sat and ate with Benjamin thanking them for all of it. It was feeling just like old times.

"How did you sleep?" Julie asked.

"Mmm, I had some trouble at first, but it got better," he responds with a glance to Racheal, who smiles.

"I'm sure you'll have to get used to sleeping in a normal bed now, but you'll get there," Julie smiled.

They kept eating for a second before Benjamin had to ask something that's been on his mind.

"Was I wrong?" This captured his family's attention. "Asking about the company, I mean?"

"Oh, no, not at all," his mother assured. "I'm happy you're wanting to be a part of it. It's just..." She hesitated to continue.

Benjamin could tell there was something she wanted to say, something she was keeping from him, just couldn't say what.

"It's just not the right time now, that's all," she finished, but it certainly was not the full story.

Nevertheless, Benjamin smiled with assurance, not wanting her to feel bad about this.

"Just wanted to make sure," he noted and she smiled.

"Ok then. Oh, I almost forgot. If you go anywhere today, remember Blake Duncan? Our head of security?" Benjamin nodded. "After he drives me to work, I've asked him to look out for you if you go anywhere out."

Benjamin smiled with a nod.

"Ok Mom, thanks."

After breakfast was over, Julie left for work to also give her kids their time to each other. Benjamin wanted to take a few minutes to see how Racheal's bow collection had held up. She wasn't as into Archery as he was, but he managed to teach her some stuff while getting some mighty fine bows, under the condition that he also get her some crossbows, which she really loved. Racheal laughed as she entered her room to find Benjamin sorting through her bows. She knew it was only a matter of time before this happened. She knocked on the open door to get his attention before walking up to him.

"Just couldn't help yourself, could you?" She grinned.

"Well, brings back good memories," he smirked before putting one of the bows down. "Have you kept up on your practice?"

"A little, whenever I can," she shrugged. "It always helped me feel connected to you still."

Benjamin smiles with the warmth of that notion.

"Must be weird being back after so long," Racheal said and Benjamin nodded.

"Yea, it's... certainly an adjustment period, but it'll pass," he replied with awkwardness. "Is it weird for you to have me back?"