The lucky one

Chapter 5

"Are you sure you want to do that?" asked Thea as she looked at her brother pack his belongings. "I could drive you there if you want"

"No, I need to clear my head. Besides, it's not like walking will prove too exhausting for me."

"I still don't get why you want to meet her in person. Felicity gave you her number too, not just her address"

"I know... But at least it gives me something to do. That way I won't have any other..."

"Outbursts?" suggested Thea as she remembered the incident with Roy. 

He had woken Oliver up by accident as he had entered the guest room to get some tools. In a second, Oliver had jumped from the bed, trying to pin his brother-in-law. It was only his training that had prevented the former vigilante from being punched in the face by his mentor. And although Roy had said that he understood, Oliver could see that his former apprentice was wary around him.

"Yeah. Let's call it that. I know I've said it a hundred times already but I'm sorry."

"I know." she sighed as her brother put his backpack on his shoulders "You got everything?"

"Yes mom" he chuckled "Thank you for taking me in for the last month. I needed to get away from Star City

"Anytime. I know that you survived hell for gods know how long and in multiple forms but when you get there, you call me alright?"

"I will" he nod absentmindedly

"Promise?"

"Yes, I promise" he insists, catching the little bit of sorrow in her voice "Don't worry, you won't lose me."

"I can't help but feel like that's the case. "Dad, mom, Laurel, my father... I don't think I could take it if I lost you too."

"You got Roy"

"I know. But that's not the same. You're the last piece I have left from... from before..."

"I know. You won't lose me, sis. I love you" he said, taking her in for a hug

"I love you too!" she said, her tears wetting his shirt. After a few seconds, she let go of him, walking with him to the front door of her the little house she and Roy had bought. 

She watched as her brother walked toward the three-doors garage, an extension they had built to allow Roy to repair cars without having to work at a garage. Without them really knowing why or how his little business had boomed after he had started posting a few repaired old cars in the local newspapers and social media. Just in the next few days, random loners had started showing up, looking to quickly get rid of their own cars and grab another one. 

The couple had decided not to ask questions. These customers all looked battle-hardened and almost always had to transfer heavy-looking bags from one car to the other. Something was definitely up, but they paid well, on the spot, and in cash. And right now, a pair of what she had understood to be brothers were waiting while Roy was preparing their Impala. They had also bought a good deal of ammunitions, something Thea had taken to buy and resell, among other things, after a good number of those unusual clients had asked for them.

The duo nodded to Oliver when he passed by them, sharing a look of silent understanding of what they had all gone through. "Roy?"

"Yeah, just a sec," answered Roy. After a few seconds, Thea heard the wheels of his table as he probably rolled out from under the car. "So this is it huh?"

"Yeah, at least for now. But I'll be back. Eventually."

"You better, or Thea will kill you herself"

"I know. And Roy, I'm sorry"

"Oliver, nothing happened. Your fist didn't connect. But be careful, not all people can dodge that."

"I know. Take care. Of you and Thea"

"You know I will"

"Yeah, I know. Until next time"

"See ya, Oliver."

And like that, Oliver exited the garage, sending her another look before he turned toward the path that leads from their house to the road nearby.