More than an I.T. girl

Three. Little favors

Shaking her head to herself, she walked back to her cubicle.

_

After the elevator closed, John looked over at Oliver.

"You really need to come up with better cover stories, man."

"I know. Just get me home before I fall out." Oliver mumbled as he leaned against the wall for support.

_

Later that evening after a much needed nap, Oliver felt like a new man. Not really, but he felt tons better. His mother, Thea and Walter had decided to dine out that evening which meant he was left alone. He didn't mind; he preferred being in solitary.

He was heading downstairs to pour himself a drink when he heard the doorbell. He put his glass down and went to see who it was.

He was surprised to see Laurel standing outside his door as he looked out of the peephole.

"Hey, Laurel..." He said as he opened the door.

She had been crying, he noticed. He had made her cry too many times to count. He could see that she tried to re-apply her smudged makeup, but the evidence was still on all over her face.

"Hey," She said with a hint of sadness to her voice as she stepped inside.

Oliver locked the door behind her.

"Everything alright?" Oliver asked as he put his hands in his pocket.

"No," She shook her head.

He couldn't help put to wipe away a tear with his thumb.

"Tell me what happened," He spoke softly.

"It's stupid really," She said as she moved away from his touch.

She ran her hands over her sleeve-covered arms as she paced around in place.

"I mean I don't even know why I'm upset. Maybe you're not the best to talk to about this." She paused to look at him.

He was still in the same place as before. He was afraid that if he reached out again, she'd just push him away.

"You can tell me anything, Laurel." He told her.

"It's about Tommy." She pointed out.

"It's okay. I'm still your friend; I'm here for you both." He reassured her.

She nodded her head and gave him a sad smile.

"Thanks. Well he...he told me he loved me, Ollie. I know, what's wrong with that right? But instead of making me feel all happy inside, it scared me. He actually loves me. I don't know if I feel the same way." She admitted.

For a moment, Oliver's heart fluttered with hope. Could it be that...no, he refused to allow himself to think that way.

"You do," Oliver surprised even himself by stating the words out loud.

"How do you know?"

"Because at one point I was lucky enough to feel that same love. I understand why you're upset; it's my fault. I hurt you. I betrayed your trust countless times while we were together, but please don't punish Tommy for my sins. You two love each other and both deserve to be happy, together."

Laurel exhaled slowly. She couldn't believe her ears.

"You're right."

"Of course I am," Oliver smirked.

"Okay, yeah I should go, right?" She nodded once as she used the back of her hand to dry her face.

"Yes. Go. Go be with him." The words hurt him to say like a sharp razor cutting into raw flesh.

"Thank you, Ollie." She smiled and kissed his cheek in the friendliest way.

He locked the door behind her and dumped the water from him glass. He needed something much stronger and water simply wouldn't do.

Luckily, he spotted a bottle of scotch that, to him, had his name written all over it. He left the glass and proceeded to upstairs to drink his sorrow away. He shut off his phone just as a call was coming in. He didn't care who was trying to reach him. He didn't even bother to trying to read the name.

He tossed the device on his dresser and locked his door.

_

Felicity balanced her phone in between her ear and shoulder as she searched her purse for her keys. She was trying to reach Oliver. It rung twice before going to voice mail. She tried a few more times ,but all this time she was sent directly to his voice mail.

It was strange. It was almost as if he purposely refused her calls. Too busy to really get bothered by it, she hung up the phone and let herself inside her home. She smiled at the person on her couch who went to retrieve the takeout bag from her hand.

"Hey sorry I'm a little late. There was something I needed to finish up at work; kinda important or so I thought it was. And you won't believe how long the lines were tonight at Big Belly burger." She began to explain.

"It's fine, Ms. Smoak. I didn't mind at all. I will see you later, okay?" The young woman said as she let herself out.

Felicity was truly grateful for Vanessa. She was like an angel, a god-send in fact. She never complained when she had to stay later than usual. She didn't even look mildly upset when she came in late from the company celebration in honor of Robert Queen.

She locked the front door and set the alarm as she kicked off her heels. Dropping her purse as she passed by the couch, she headed down the hall. She heard the soft snores before she saw him. Peering through the partially open door, she looked in on the sleepy toddler.

He was dressed in his pale blue, footy pjs with little bears on them. They were his favorite. She quietly walked in and moved the cover further up his little body.

"Sorry I missed story time, buddy. I'll make it up to you." She promised as she placed a light-as-a-feather kiss atop his head.

She pushed the door back up and went towards the kitchen where she proceeded to eat her burger, fries and milkshake. It was unhealthy and she knew it would single-handedly ruin her body one day, but she didn't care in that moment. She was far too tired to cook and it was too late.

She finished her meal and took a shower before turning in for the night.