Three

Chapter 7 - Choices

Chapter 7 - Choices 

AN - I do love feedback and definitely consider this story a bit of therapy as I await the show's return so pls feel free to comment and join my therapy!  ;)

Disclaimer: I'm pretty sure Santa didn't leave the legal rights to CW's Arrow under my tree but I will continue to play! 

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"I know you have questions but there are some things that Oliver has to tell you. What I will tell you is that Oliver isn't leaving this location. Whatever was done to him on that mountain saved him. A hospital would remove everything and we can't risk that. This is the best chance we have of saving your brother." 

Felicity watched Thea's struggle as tears filled her eyes. She would do her best to protect Oliver's sister as he had wanted which is why she hadn't shown her the footage of her killing Sara. However, if forced to choose, her choice would always be Oliver. 

Felicity was forced to reevaluate her words to Thea when Oliver's heart stopped three times over the next three days. All three times had happened during those short moments when she had showered or someone had forced her to step outside to breathe. She cursed herself for not being there each time and after the third time she refused to leave his side again - they moved him to a room with a shower and a window instead of arguing with her. 

Another three days had passed and despite the earlier crashes, Oliver's vitals remained strong and no test discovered any new concerns. Unfortunately, he remained unresponsive even as there was increasing activity on his brain scans. He did continue to speak Felicity's name with the same gut wrenching urgency and need and he even opened his eyes. However, he looked past Felicity and their friends - his eyes void of recognition but filled with pain. 

"Felicity, Big Belly burger just the way you like it." Roy commented as he reentered the room and found the blond just as he had left her. Lance had required some help so he and Diggle had spent the last couple nights working in Starling City. He found that he had missed having Felicity in his ear and Oliver by his side. They had done what was needed but it wasn't the same as Team Arrow being together. 

"Thanks Roy. You and Digg help out Lance? Everything okay?" Felicity had stopped arguing about the food once they had stopped arguing about her leaving Oliver so she unwrapped the burger and forced herself to eat. 

"Yep, Lance commented that he missed you and Oliver, well, the Arrow." Roy grinned and was pleased to see Felicity smile as well. "I told him that you'd both be back soon." As he watched, Felicity's smile faded and she looked back to Oliver. 

"We'll use the last of the herbs in a couple days and the paste has almost been absorbed but there's no improvement." Felicity swallowed with difficulty before she turned and focused on Roy who had moved to kneel by her chair. "I know he's in there and I know he's strong but...are we wrong to force him back?" 

Roy could barely hear Felicity's voice but still the words and the pain and doubt behind them shook him. "Felicity-" 

Felicity stood up and paced as she interrupted him. Her steps became faster as her voice rose in agitation. "I want him back for me, for us but what if he doesn't want to come back? What if wherever he is, it's peaceful? Maybe no one is trying to kill him there Roy! Maybe he's not in pain anymore! Oliver probably doesn't even remember what it's like to not feel pain!" 

"Maybe not but he remembers you." Diggle spoke quietly as he carried baby Sara in his arms. Lyla had joined him for the visit but when they had overheard Felicity's words she had stayed out in the hall to give Team Arrow privacy.