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THE FIREHOUSE WAS BUZZING with its usual energy, the sounds of shuffling papers, clinking mugs, and casual conversations echoing off the walls. Odelia had just settled into her usual spot on the couch, a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. The early morning light poured through the windows, painting the room with a warm, golden hue. It was a rare, quiet moment of peace.
But that peace didn't last long.
Her phone vibrated softly on the armrest beside her, and without even thinking, she picked it up. Her brother, Oliver Queen, had sent her another text, checking in after what had been a long and difficult night for her. A soft smile crept across her face as she read the message.
"How's my favorite vigilante? Keeping out of trouble, I hope. Saw the news. You did good, but don't push yourself too hard. Keep me posted."
Odelia's heart warmed at her brother's words. Despite their very different paths, Oliver always found time to check in on her, especially after a tough mission as Valentine. Her fingers quickly typed a reply.
"I'm fine. Nothing I can't handle. Just another day in the life. Thanks for checking in, big bro. Talk soon."
Just as she sent the message, Odelia realized the room had gone quiet. When she looked up, she found Hen, Chimney, Buck, and even Bobby staring at her with curious eyes.
"Who's got you smiling like that this early in the morning?" Hen asked with a playful smirk, arms crossed as she leaned against the counter.
Odelia blinked, her smile fading slightly. "What?"
"You're smiling at your phone. That's not something we see every day," Chimney chimed in, his grin wide as ever. "Come on, spill it. Who's the lucky person?"
Odelia quickly locked her phone and slipped it into her pocket, her heartbeat quickening just a bit. "No one," she said, perhaps a little too quickly. "It's... just my brother. Nothing big."
Hen's eyes narrowed, her smirk widening. "Your brother, huh?"
"Yeah," Odelia replied, trying to sound nonchalant as she took another sip of tea. "You know, family? Ever heard of it?"
Before Hen could say anything more, Buck's voice cut through the room, his tone a little too casual. "Your brother, huh? You've never mentioned much about your family."
Odelia gave a small shrug, keeping her expression neutral, though the tension in the room was palpable. "Not much to mention. He's just checking in."
Buck watched her for a second too long, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Right."
Sensing the direction things were going, Bobby stepped in, his voice steady but authoritative. "All right, give her a break, you guys. We all have our private lives. Let's not turn this into an interrogation."
