Hi everyone! Apologies for the long wait. I've been very busy with work (doing two roles as I moved into a new one) and honestly, I'm still in a bit of a funk. I actually had 5K+ words, but I just couldn't finish it even though I know what I wanted to do with this chapter and the next one. I'm really learning a lot about fic writing (challenges, lessons learned, etc).

I also would like to clarify that I won't be going too deep in the Marvel side of things as I would like to still keep this mostly Arrow-related. I try to keep the story moving forward but do let me know what you think of the flow so far. Another thing - When I first wrote this, I had a different image of Andy in my mind, so I am going with it (somewhat young-looking tall man).

Anyway, apologies again and I appreciate you for still taking the time to read, comment, and give kudos. I'm hoping to update soon. Let me know what you think.

I don't own anything and if there are mistakes, I will try to correct them as much (and as quickly) as possible.

Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Search and Rescue

Warmth – that's the sensation that Oliver woke up to and he tried to blink away the remnants of sleep. He remembered spending the night at Felicity's place. Just sleeping. He couldn't recall if or when he's ever just slept beside a woman. His right hand was underneath her back and his left hand was resting on her abdomen. "I could get used to this," he thought with a smile.

Oliver was silently studying his sleeping girlfriend's features but frowned when he saw her eyebrows furrow and head start to move from side to side. He knew from his own experience that Felicity was having a nightmare. "Felicity, Felicity wake up," he shook her and pulled whimpering blonde against him when she started to struggle.

Felicity woke up gasping and whispered, "Birch Street, Higgins Drive, Cobalt Lane". Wild eyes turned to Oliver and she started to remember that she wasn't alone. "Oliver?"

"Shh, it's okay. I'm here. You had a nightmare," Oliver pulled her tighter to him. He could feel Felicity trying to regain control of her breathing and heard her mumble the same phrase.

"Did I, did I hurt you?" Felicity asked as she pulled back and checked if she managed to hit him when she struggled.

"You didn't, you just struggled a bit and woke up," Oliver replied.

Satisfied that she didn't cause her boyfriend any harm, Felicity brushed a hand on her forehead. Killgrave's voice from the police station still ringing in her ears:

"I was trying to show you what I see – that I'm the only one who matches you, who challenges you, and who'll do anything for you. Before I met you, I got everything I wanted. And I didn't realize how unsatisfactory that was until you left me to die. You are the first thing; excuse me, person who I ever wanted that walked away from me. You made me feel something I had never felt before. Yearning – I actually missed you."

Her thoughts were interrupted when Oliver moved her chin so she was once again facing him. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Felicity thought about it for a beat and shook her head, "Not really, it's just Killgrave messing with my head. And I know you're going to ask," she grabbed his hand and squeezed it, "I don't always get them."

Oliver cupped her cheek with his free hand and spoke to her softly, "If you ever need to tell someone about your day or even your nightmares and fears, you can tell me." He leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

"When I first got back from the island, I had a nightmare and ended up putting my Mom in a chokehold," Oliver confided.

Felicity slid her hand to his shoulder, concern and understanding evident on her face when she asked, "Do you still have them?" A voice inside her head mocked, "Of course, he'd still have them. He was trapped in an island for 5 years!"

"Not as often as I did. I didn't have one last night," Oliver admitted.

"I'm glad. You deserve a good night's sleep," Felicity commented.

"When you woke up, you were whispering something, what was it?" Oliver carefully asked, unsure if it was a touchy subject.

Felicity knew what he was talking about, "You mean, Birch Street, Higgins Drive, Cobalt Lane?" Oliver nodded. Felicity breathed out and explained, "It's the street where I grew up and the street behind that and the street behind the other. It's a grounding mechanism that my ex-therapist told me to use to help me get back to reality. It helps with trauma, or so I would like to believe."

It was then that Oliver realized just how much Felicity of her struggles she kept to herself and she was slowly letting herself be vulnerable around him. He pulled her closer and kissed her.

Felicity caressed his ear and felt Oliver purr into the kiss. She pulled away with a giggle and Oliver rested his head on her chest. "As much as I am enjoying our lounging today, you big cat, we need to get ready. Diggle was going to pick you up and I wanted to run through some searches before I meet you guys at the event."

"Andy?" Oliver looked up from her chest. Felicity nodded, "I wanted to revisit my criteria. I'm planning on letting it run while we're away. Since Dig should be here in about…" she looked at the time and continued, "an hour, I suggest you shower first. I'll get coffee and a quick breakfast so you won't leave with an empty stomach. If I'm not running too late, I might bring some snacks for the volunteers."

"You cook?" Oliver quirked his eyebrow as he grabbed his duffle bag.

"Don't expect a Michelin-star breakfast. One can't expect an orphan to survive without learning how to cook and be self-sufficient," Felicity pointed out casually. When she saw a look of guilt flash on Oliver's face, she continued, "Hey now. None of that. I will let you know that the learning curve was a bit steep as there was an incident that involved an omelet and the Cambridge Fire Department."

"What?" Oliver blurted.

"That's a story for a different time, now go shower before Diggle gets here. Towels are in the cabinet. Don't blame me if I send you away with a pop tart or a cup of fruit loops because you took your sweet time to get ready," Felicity directed him to the bathroom. "Yes, honey," She heard Oliver say as he closed the door to the bathroom.

While Oliver was in the shower, Felicity prepared what she was going to wear before hustling to the kitchen to brew coffee and to get some toast, bacon, tomatoes, and eggs ready. "This feels disgustingly domestic," Felicity thought before muttering, "But you like it."

She had just finished cutting up some fruit when she felt Oliver's arms wrapping around her waist. "This looks good," Oliver whispered against the juncture between her neck and shoulder.

Felicity smiled and turned around to face him. She kissed Oliver and passed him the bowl of fruit to bring to the table. "Food is on the table, coffee just finished brewing. Now go, eat. I'm going to get ready so I'll at least be somewhat decent when Dig arrives. No need to wait for me," she said as she took a swig of her coffee before heading to the bathroom, leaving Oliver with a small smile on his face as he started to eat the breakfast that his girlfriend prepared.

Several minutes into his breakfast, Oliver heard a knock on the door. He opened the door and was met by Diggle's stoic face that turned into an amused one. "Put the bacon down, man. I'm not here to hurt you."

Realizing he had a firm grip on a strip of bacon, he popped it in his mouth and let Diggle in. "Felicity made breakfast. She has some… errands to take care of then she'll meet up with us. Have you eaten?"

Diggle got himself a cup of coffee and got food for himself. "So, did you sleep well?" Diggle didn't bother to hide his mirth when he received a call from Oliver asking him to be picked up at Felicity's place retelling how she took issue when he planned to sleep at the basement. Diggle was glad Felicity would reprimand Oliver whenever he would revert to his "island days". They're alike in many ways, but he can see Felicity is the perfect foil to Oliver, but in a good way.

"Actually, yes. I didn't get any nightmares," Oliver answered earnestly. He actually dreamt about meeting Felicity under different circumstances, happier circumstances - before both their tragedies started. Oliver and Diggle shared small talk as they ate.

Oliver cleared their plates and put them inside the dishwasher, purposely ignoring Diggle's inquisitive stare.

"Morning, John," a freshly showered and dressed Felicity greeted. "I assume Oliver already told you that I'll meet up with you guys later this morning," she said as she poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down.

"That he did," Oliver answered on Diggle's behalf as he sat next to Felicity and gave her a quick peck on the lips. They talked a bit about the attendance and security for the event as well as their plans to meet up later at the lair to check out a string of recent drug deals.

After Oliver and Diggle left, Felicity adjusted her searches and waited a few minutes before heading out to meet Roy. She recalled their conversation yesterday.

"Hey! Roy, wait up! Felicity called out as she tried to catch up to the younger man.

"Hey Felicity, what's up?" Roy asked as he turned around, confused as to why she was jogging up to him.

"Just checking in on you?" she nervously said.

Roy sensing her worry said, "Look, I appreciate the concern, but no need to worry about me. I haven't gotten myself in trouble lately."

"So, are you currently working or in school?" she asked.

"Just some seasonal labor work. But I doubt you caught up with me just to check on my current employment or educational status." Roy gave her a knowing look.

"You're right. I need a favor and I'm hoping you could help," she admitted.

"Yeah. I mean, I'll help out in any way I can. You did prevent me from getting a beat down, it's the least I can do. What is it?" Roy probed.

"I don't want you to feel obligated." Felicity hesitated.

"It's not an obligation. I want to help. What is it?" Roy insisted, clearly eager to help.

Felicity made a decision to push forward, "Are you free tomorrow morning?"

"Yeah" Roy didn't bother to hide his curiosity and excitement.

"Uhh, why don't we meet tomorrow at the coffee shop on Hornby and Cordova around 10 to discuss the details? It's for a friend." Felicity suggested. After exchanging numbers, Felicity turned to Roy and thanked him.

"Don't thank me yet, I haven't done anything." Roy mentioned.

"But you're willing, so it's a good start. Thanks again. Take care." Felicity insisted.

"Not a problem. And uh, Felicity. I'll keep this on the down-low," he whispered.

"I appreciate it." Felicity smiled as they bid each other goodbye before she rejoined the others.

Felicity waited with a cup of coffee in front of her. As soon as she saw Roy round the corner, she breathed out a sigh of relief that she didn't know she was holding.

"Good morning. Thanks for meeting me," Felicity said as she waved Roy over to the seat in front of her.

"I told you, it's not a problem, Blondie," he huffed out.

Felicity bristled (but secretly liked) at the nickname, "Don't call me that. Did you have breakfast already?"

"Uhh," Roy felt shy all of a sudden.

"I'll take that as a no. What do you want? I'm buying," Felicity asked as she stood up to head over the counter.

Roy sheepishly asked, "Hot cocoa?"

"And to eat?" Felicity looked at him expectantly.

"Whatever you choose is fine," Roy answered, still uneasy with having Felicity buy him food.

"Ok, be right back," she said as she made her way to the counter.

Felicity came back later with a large hot chocolate, a breakfast burrito, a pastry, and a cup of oatmeal with fruit. "I didn't know if you're a savory or sweet kind of person, so I went with both - plus you can't go wrong with oatmeal."

"Thanks, this is perfect. So, what do you need help with?" Roy asked as he started digging into his oatmeal.

Felicity decided to go with the cliff-notes version of her story, "I have a friend back in Boston who fell in with the wrong crowd and I saw him in Starling City. I then found out that there's a missing persons report on him by a common friend who happens to be his brother. The police haven't exactly been able to get to him. He's transient and laying low."

"And you think there's a chance he's hanging out in The Glades," Roy supplied.

"Yeah. I just- I was hoping you could be my eyes in The Glades. Don't engage. I don't want to spook him out, plus he's an ex-soldier so who knows what he could do when he's not… himself. Is that something you could do? Just keep an eye out and if you see him, let me know. I'm just worried and he has a family. Here he is." She slid a photo of the old Andy and the cleanest version she pulled from a traffic camera."

As Roy studied the photo, Felicity tapped his hand, "If this is something you don't want to be do, it's totally understandable."

"No, I want to help," Roy determinedly answered.

Felicity felt hopeful. "Really?"

Roy confirmed, "Yeah. If you're willing to go through so much effort, then he must be worth finding and helping."

"He is. He's just not in control of his life. His family misses him and I want to help them get reunited." Felicity didn't know what kind of man The Diggles will get back, but bringing him back is still the right option – no, the only option.

"That's noble of you," Roy commented.

"His brother is like a brother to me," Felicity answered without any hesitation.

"I'll keep an eye out to see where he's hanging out," Roy said as he looked at the photo.

"I just need to know what he's been doing and where he's staying," Felicity reiterated as she studied Roy who seemed to be memorizing the details in his head.

"Got it. I have your number so I'll call you as soon as I have something. But don't get your hopes up.

Some of these people are good at hiding. But since I live there, I might be able to scour the place." As much as Roy was excited to help, he knew how tough life could be for people in The Glades. There may not be a happy ending and he wanted Felicity not to get too hopeful.

"Thanks, Roy," Felicity once again expressed her gratitude for the young man.

"Not a problem. Again, you saved my life at some point. Consider this paying it forward," he noted as he finished eating. "Are you going to the event today?"

"Yeah, I'm meeting up with my friends there," Felicity smiled at the thought of seeing her Oliver and the others.

"For the longest time, I've resented those rich kids, but it looks like they're really trying to do good," Roy admitted.

"They are. They just want to help. What their parents did was something they had no control over or knowledge of and they want to do right by this city," Felicity defended and explained calmly. She didn't find any malice in Roy's statement, but she wanted to let as many people know as possible that Oliver, Thea, and Tommy are not like their parents and are trying to help.

Roy nodded. He gathered his things and smiled at Felicity, "I'll call you when I have something. Thanks for breakfast."

"Thank you. See you around. And Roy," she called out one last time, "Be careful."

After meeting with Roy, Felicity decided to stop by the supermarket to buy some snacks as promised. It would also help explain her delay. Not that she didn't want to tell Oliver about meeting Roy, but she wanted him to focus on his projects, his Mother's trial, and their nightly activities. "He has a lot on his plate," she convinced herself.

Once she got to the venue, she waved Diggle over to help her carry the snacks from her car. After setting the food and beverages she bought, she spoke with one of the administrators before making her way to Oliver.

As soon as Oliver saw her, he excused himself and met her halfway. He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and though she felt giddy about it, she also felt a bit self-conscious. One look at Oliver, and Felicity could tell he knew exactly what he did and didn't care that they were in public. She squeezed his arm, "Just caught up with the administrator and said there are almost twice as many people today. Good job."

The pride in her voice and eyes made Oliver's heart swell, "Thanks." He then asked, "Are you okay? Any luck with your searches?"

Not wanting to lie, Felicity answered, "I'm trying a few things. Hoping something will come out of them."

After the successful event and parting ways with Tommy and Thea, Team Arrow met up at the lair to discuss their mission. Oliver and Diggle suited up to go to the Waterfront and deal with a possible drug deal after a couple of men on the list had unusual intersecting financial activity that led to Felicity looking into their communications and financials.

It apparently wasn't as straightforward as they initially hoped. It was a bigger drug deal than they originally thought. "Green Arrow, Spartan," Felicity called out as she listened to her partners fight off the goons. "You have more company. I'm seeing 4 more SUVs heading your way and there's no way these are the police. I already put in a call to SCPD and they're still 4 minutes out. You have to find a way to get out now."

Felicity frantically typed to try to divert the other cars by hacking into the SUVs' GPS. She was successful in delaying their impending arrival and locking them inside the vehicles. Her victory was short-lived when she saw them break the windows and exit the cars on foot heading over to Oliver and Diggle.

Felicity warned the duo that the men are coming on foot. She heard more grunts and shots being fired. Not wanting to distract her partners, Felicity tried to follow whatever footage she could pull up. Three loud explosions startled her. "What was that? Green Arrow, Spartan what's your status? Are you okay?"

When she didn't hear anything, she yelled again, "Green Arrow, Spartan, please. I need to know you're okay. Otherwise I'm calling an ambulance and heading over there myself."

It was only Diggle's strained, "Situation contained. We're on our way back," that alleviated some of her fears.

"How badly are you hurt? Don't say you're fine," Felicity asked over the comms.

"Nothing that some basic first aid and a few days' rest could fix. Don't worry. I'll, we'll see you shortly," Oliver assured her.

"I'll always worry. Just come back safely," Felicity replied, somewhat comforted by the fact that both men didn't sound like they were in too much pain.

While she waited for the 2 men, Felicity started preparing the medical supplies and kept an eye on the SCPD feed. 15 minutes later, she heard the door open and met them by the stairs.

"SCPD is currently processing the scene," Felicity informed her partners. Diggle was favoring his right leg while she observed Oliver winced when he turned the corner to stow away his bow and quiver. She offered to help Diggle but he waved her off and gave her a grateful smile.

"What happened out there?" Felicity asked.

"We interrupted a drug deal and used some of those exploding arrows you designed. Thanks by the way. We've managed to destroy their product but not before getting some samples. Could you find out what these are and see if there is anything we could link these to?" Oliver explained as he handed her a vial and a bag of green powder.

Felicity nodded as she took the items from Oliver. "I'll see what I can find," Felicity answered.

After Diggle changed out of his suit and cleaned his wounds, he bid Oliver and Felicity goodbye with a reminder that he will see them tomorrow. Felicity motioned for Oliver to sit down so she could tend to his wounds. He smiled and indulged her even though he could do it himself or ignore the cuts and bruises as they weren't that bad. "Any plans for tonight?" Oliver hissed as Felicity lifted his pullover to assess the damage before cleaning.

"No plans, I have to review some proposals. We have a big meeting coming up where we'll discuss possible collaborations with Kord Industries, American Steel, DS Enterprises, Genetech, and Sunderland Corp. I wouldn't mind the company though," Felicity looked up as she said the last part – an open invitation for him to stay over.

"How does pizza with wine sound?" Oliver asked as he pulled Felicity against him and rested his head on her shoulder.

"Sounds good. Did I miss anything else? You were wincing earlier, but at least you weren't limping like John," Felicity looked over for any injuries she may have missed.

"I'm fine, I promise. Nothing that wouldn't heal in a couple of days," Oliver reassured her as he looked up at her worried face.

"When I heard the explosions, I didn't know what to think or do. I hate that I'm just here unable to help," Felicity mumbled.

"Without your intel and directions, we won't be making any progress on any of our missions. You even got those SUVs to stop – that was amazing. I feel better knowing you are here - safe and watching over us," Oliver refuted and held her tighter. He didn't want her to think she wasn't contributing to the team.

"I know, but I just feel like I should be out there with you guys. I can hold my own, maybe not with the fighting finesse that you and John have, but it's still something," Felicity knew she was walking on dangerous territory since Oliver tries to avoid having her on the field with them.

"As much as I appreciate your willingness to help out in the field and I know you can hold your own, we need you more here. I'll be honest - I hate, no loathe, the idea that we will have times where you will be out in the field. But let's cross that bridge when we get there," Oliver tensed up but didn't want to argue. He knows and already hates the situation that will call for Felicity to be in the field. He doesn't doubt her abilities; he just didn't want her closer to danger.

Considering it a win, Felicity nodded and started to clear the medical supplies. "Tommy mentioned you guys were planning on re-opening Verdant soon," she decided to change the subject to a more neutral zone.

"Yeah, we'll need your guidance on some tech setup if you're free. What's up?" Oliver asked as he observed her.

After clearing out the med bay, she turned to him with a smile and asked, "Are you thinking about hiring?"

Unsure where the conversation was going, "We'll definitely need new people to fill in a few positions. Why'd you ask?"

"Uhh, I was wondering," Felicity drawled out as she stepped back in between his open legs.

Oliver smiled and grabbed her hips, "I'm listening."

"If you have an opening for Roy," Felicity finished and looked at Oliver with big blue eyes as she bit her lip. If she was going to ask, she might as well go full puppy on him.

She can see the wheels turning in his head, "Roy? Wait. The kid with the hoodie from The Glades with the jawline Thea won't shut up about?"

"Yup, that's him! And before you comment," Felicity confirmed and put her index finger on his chest.

Oliver quickly negated and wrapped his hand on her finger, "Wasn't going to." Felicity tilted her head and pursed her lips at his response.

Oliver chuckled, "Fine, I was going to comment, but why?"

Felicity huffed out, "I just want to look out for him. He's a good kid who could use a decent place of employment, like Verdant. I heard the owners are responsible charming men."

Oliver knew he was going to do whatever if it was Felicity asking. He laughed at her attempt to really sell it. Before she made another attempt to argue even further, he answered, "We'll give him a trial - behind the bar. Is he even over 21?"

Felicity beamed and gave him a kiss on the lips. "Yup. Thank you!"

They went back to Felicity's place to have dinner. Felicity reviewed proposals beside Oliver while he watched a replay of an earlier baseball match on TV.

2 weeks passed by quickly for Team Arrow. The trio were still busy looking to bust the drug ring and get more information on the unknown drugs which may lead to more solving some likely related deaths. Felicity found all the components of the drugs, but the actual drugs have never been in the market, so she tried to find out what the drugs actually do. The drug dealers have been laying low, but Oliver and Diggle kept patrolling. So far, only some drug-related deaths are their only leads.

Moira's trial has also kept Oliver busy as he and Thea have been preparing to testify. They are worried about how the prosecution would attack. Felicity tried to offer as much support to the siblings, but they were assured by their Mother that her involvement with The Undertaking was due to being threatened by Malcolm.

Though Felicity has been heads down with her job, she still hasn't stopped her searches for Andy. She knew she had to bide her time. She can't very well confront him when she knew she was under Killgrave's control. Who knows what his contingency plans were? Felicity needed to know where he stayed and estimated a short window for when she can "subdue" him. "So much easier said than done," she said to herself.

While she was busy assessing the product proposals, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out and read a text from Roy: "I have info – can you meet?" Gulping, she nodded to herself before replying to meet her at a coffee shop near Queen Consolidated after work. Felicity, despite feeling a heaviness and unsettling in her stomach tried to get as much work done as quickly as possible so she could meet Roy. This was it – a lead, possibly a step closer to getting Andy back.

Before meeting Roy, she sent Oliver a text saying she'll be running late. He called to tell her not to worry and to take her time.

When Felicity entered the coffee shop, she already saw with sitting in the corner. She quickly ordered a hot chocolate and a latte, then went over to him with drinks in hand.

"Thanks. I found him," Roy said as he went straight to business. "There's a bunch of drug dens in The Glades, which he frequents. Oddly enough, he leaves in the morning and comes back by mid-afternoon." Roy showed Felicity his phone with photos of Andy.

In her mind, Felicity knew just exactly what Andy was doing in the morning. "Junkies aren't known for keeping a regular schedule," she whispered.

Roy watched Felicity and commented, "If I didn't know better, I'd say he could be a good spy. It could be his alternative career if he doesn't OD. Didn't know until now that being a junkie could make for a good cover."

Felicity looked up from the photos and said, "Everybody dismisses a junkie."

Roy cleared his throat and added, "He stays in this apartment after that – he only leaves in the morning through the afternoon." He hands her a piece of paper with an address. "Here's where he lives. It's a sketchy neighborhood, not that I'm expecting something else in The Glades. I can send you those photos I took."

Felicity smiled at Roy, connected their phones and transferred the photos to her device. This was it. She's a step closer to getting Andy back.

"You going to confront him?" Roy asked as Felicity returned his phone back to him.

"I might have to since I don't know what the police will do if they get to him first," Felicity answered. She knew other than drugs, the police don't have anything on Andy. She's worried about Killgrave.

"Look, Blondie. It might not be safe. That guy can't be up to any good," Roy argued.

Felicity breathed deeply and explained, "People do bad shit. I avoid getting involved with them in the first place and that works for me; most of the time. But I'll have to make an exception this time. Deep down, he's a good man."

Roy nodded and then asked, "Do you need help?"

Felicity straightened up, "No, this is so much more than I thought I'd get. Thank you so much, Roy."

"Are you sure?" he asked again.

She reached for his arm and squeezed it. "Very. I do want to ask you something."

With a furrowed brow, Roy probed, "What is it?"

Felicity looked for confirmation, "You're not currently working full-time, right?"

Roy shrugged his shoulders, "Just some part time construction work. Why? Do you have another mission for me?"

Felicity chuckled, "Not exactly. But if you're interested I might be able to recommend you for a job. Do you want to work at a bar?"

Felicity explained that she spoke with Oliver and they'll be in contact, with his permission of course, once Verdant is close to re-opening. After thanking Roy profusely, they parted ways.

Felicity took the longer route to the Foundry and passed by Andy's apartment building while she thought about her move. She knew Andy was following her in the morning. She had to make sure he thinks she's going about her day and act quickly. She was going to have to make her move the following night. Fortunately for her, it was the same night of the week that Oliver and Tommy planned to meet and discuss fundraisers as well as the Verdant reopening, so no patrols. Felicity already assured both men that she had searches and alerts running at The Foundry, so should something happen, they would all be aware. She will need to take time off or work from home the day after she gets Andy to monitor him before handing him over to Diggle.

Next morning, Felicity went on with her day, knowing she was being followed and focused on getting through her work day. She was checking in throughout the day with Oliver and Diggle. While she felt bad for keeping them in the dark, it was better that way. Killgrave and his control were such variables that she didn't want to risk them.

Felicity went straight home after work and checked her Team Arrow-related searches remotely before heading out. It was 10 PM and she needed to make her move. She wore a black jacket on top of her hooded sweatshirt. She parked several blocks away in a secluded lot. Before going on foot, she checked the tranquilizer dart and the cuffs in her pockets, both of which she "borrowed" from Oliver.

As soon as Felicity got to the apartment building, she noted the lack of people. She didn't need to buzz up as the main gate was just open. Those loitering around didn't even pay any attention to her. "Perfect," she thought. She walked up the stairs, careful not to draw any attention.

Apartment 304.

This is it. She stared at the door at the end of the narrow hall. She knew what she had to do. Felicity reached for the fire alarm and set it off. The loud ringing noise filled the entire building. She heard people shambling towards the exit, some of them she assumed were drugged out of their minds if their incoherent shouts were to go by.

No one came out of apartment 304. She received a text from Roy a couple of hours ago that he saw Andy walk back in the apartment and also not to worry that he's sticking his nose in her business. Apparently, the young man had an inkling of her plans and kept watch. She'll thank him later for that.

Felicity looked around – the residents on the 3rd floor have already left, except for Andy. She was in front of the door. She whispered, "Birch Street, Higgins Drive, Cobalt Lane", then yanked the knob to forcefully unlock it and quietly opened the door. The faint light and sounds from the TV were the only signs of life in that apartment. As she stepped inside the unkempt space, she found Andy slumped over the couch with some white powder on the table beside it. "Oh great, I don't have to drug him," Felicity thought.

Felicity stood closer and tapped him on the chest. No response. She checked his pulse. It's there, so he seems to have just passed out. Felicity walked over to the window, opened it, and saw that the fire escape for his room faced the other side of the street – opposite to where most of the residents had likely gathered. Luck was really on her side, at least this time. She went back to where Andy had dozed off, lifted his arm, and since there was no response or resistance, carried him over his shoulder. She grunted as she took in the extra weight and fled through the window. One last look and she shoot off into the sky to where she parked.

Felicity was careful to make sure that no one in her street saw her with a drugged up man on her shoulders. She opened the door to her townhome and carried him inside. She decided against putting him in her spare room and instead sat him on her bathroom floor, cuffed one of his hands, and placed the other cuff on one of the pipes under the sink. She needed him to sober up and not make a run for it – the bathroom seemed like the best spot.

Felicity took a good look at him under the light of her bathroom. He was a shell of a man that once fought for his country and had a family. But it wasn't too late. Hope hasn't been completely lost. She grabbed a washcloth, put it under cold water, and started wiping his face. Felicity was pretty sure that in addition to some dirt, there were flecks of food and coke on his face.

After tossing the washcloth away, Felicity heard a whimper and a grunt. She turned to him and watched him take in his surroundings and his cuffed hand. It took a while for Andy to make eye contact with her and when he did, he let out a humorless laugh as she walked away, "You saved me, again."

Again. They both remembered that night - Felicity recalled the man who she originally thought was a lanky teenager getting ganged up on, while Andy thought of a dark-haired teenager who helped him.

"Give me your wallet. Give me your wallet, ass wipe," a thug demanded.

A bruised Andy handed his wallet while he had one of his arms over his head. He was outnumbered by these armed thugs. The guy with the gun grabbed it and was about to leave when his friend said, "Just end him, bro. He saw our faces." They started pummeling him and he heard a gun being cocked when someone yelled "Hey get off him."

The next thing Andy knew - one of his attackers went down and he was able to punch the other one. The dark-haired woman dealt with the one he punched so he could compose himself. "Get away from him and never come back, or I'll call the cops," she exclaimed. She was walking towards him and Andy was about to thank her, when a guy started clapping and told her to leave him. He took this as his cue to leave, but not before taking another glance at the young woman who helped him.

Several hours later, Andy found himself fighting off sleep and nausea. His thoughts were interrupted by Felicity re-entering the bathroom, "What do you want to eat?"

He glared at Felicity who just rolled her eyes. Finally, he said, "A peanut butter sandwich."

Andy heard her mutter something and listened as she said, "Sorry peanut allergy. Would you settle for an almond butter sandwich?"

"Yeah, whatever," Andy dismissed her and was about to rest against the bathtub when he felt himself get sick and reached for the toilet bowl. He barely registered the hand rubbing his back. "I am sick," he whimpered and flushed the toilet.

Felicity stepped back and tossed him a wet washcloth, "Yeah, and you're just going to get sicker, so try not to miss the toilet."

"Go to hell," Andy yelled.

Felicity leaned against the door, unfazed, observing him and replied, "Already been there. So have you, but you managed to make a return trip."

Andy's usually taken a bit more by this time and he can feel his body craving more coke. "Fuck, I just... I need a little bit; you know? Just... Just to wean myself off," he pleaded.

Felicity let out a snort, "I already beat myself up thinking I killed you. I'm not going to help you kill yourself."

Andy was in a fetal position or the closest to one with his arm still cuffed to the pipe, to help ease the nausea and chills. "I mean, why not? I'm useless to you. To anybody," he gritted.

"Yeah, at the moment. But originally, you were going to help people. Social work after the Army, right?" Felicity pointed out.

Andy sat up quickly and yanked his hand, "Look at me. Who am I going to help like this?"

Felicity growled, "You have a choice now."

"I took pictures of you," he countered.

"Because he made you!" Felicity screamed.

"Sometimes I did it just for the drugs. Think about it, I met him once a day. 10:00 a.m. His controls don't last that long. You know they don't," Andy explained.

Felicity was getting irritated at his defeatist attitude, "That's why he got you hooked, so you would show up."

"God damn it, you can't save me. You can't save me again. I'm telling you that I had a choice," Andy argued loudly.

Felicity shook her head and slammed the door behind her. She angrily prepared a sandwich. "How dare he give up," is the only thought in her mind as she angrily hit the toaster.

She went back to the bathroom with a sandwich and bottled water. Andy kept sniffing, "Please just give me my goddamn drugs. Just give me... Just give me my goddamn drugs!"

That was it and Felicity was going to lay into him, "Do you even care that you have a wife and son? That you have a brother who hasn't stopped looking for you? John? AJ? Carly? Do any of them matter to you?"

"Of course! And they're better off without me. Killgrave will find me. I'll be dead anyway. It's better that they're not in his radar," Andy said as he banged the back of his head against the wall.

"That's not for you to decide," Felicity argued. "You're right. I can't save you. The whole time he had me, there was some part of me that fought. There was some tiny corner of my brain that tried to get out. And I'm still fighting. I won't stop fighting. But if you give up... I lose. Do you get that? He did this to you to get at me. To isolate me. To make me feel like an infection, one more person dead or dying because of me. So why don't you remember how to be a goddamn human being again instead of this self-pitying piece of shit that he turned you into, and save me and also choose your family for once? You choose." She turned around and was about to leave when she reached into her pocket and tossed a small bag of coke at him.

It dawned on Felicity that her whole plan hinged on Killgrave's control, and not Andy's refusal to come back and kick the habit. Felicity's heart broke for Andy and his family. Her hatred for Killgrave grew. She couldn't sleep, not with him whimpering and mumbling in the background. Felicity decided to check on some Team Arrow business.

It was already almost 10 in the morning when she decided to check up on Andy and bring him another sandwich. When she opened the door to the bathroom, she was surprised to see him dozing off, still fighting off the withdrawal. The bag of coke tossed in the toilet bowl made her stop. Andy decided to fight. She set the food down and grabbed a warm washcloth to help alleviate the withdrawal. She heard him mumble a "Thanks".

Felicity felt lighter and was about to check in on Oliver and ask him to swing by with Diggle in a few hours, when her phone rang. It was an unlisted number but in the back of her mind, she knew who it was. She pressed accept and listened to the voice that keeps haunting her.

"Well hello, Jessica. I don't know about you, but I'm disappointed. Imagine getting excited to go about my day, only for my daily fix of photos to not arrive. It's so rare... for me to be kept waiting and feel powerless. But in retrospect, it's exhilarating – we get to play a game. Oh, you're mad about the junkie, aren't you? That is completely unfair. I didn't make him do anything he didn't want to do. He was an addict waiting to happen. Come on, Jessica. Come on. Don't play the hero with me. Fine, fine. Pretend you saved the junkie, but we both know that was down to me. I tell you what. I will let him go down his own self-destructive path. I won't come near him. Only, if you do his job for him. Keep the pictures coming. Say, one a day at 10 AM. Don't forget to smile. Hmm? Send the picture, save the junkie. Sounds like an ad campaign. Let's start, how about now? Come on, Jessica. Tell me we have a deal. Let me hear your voice."

It's so easy for her to just hang up. Felicity stared at her bathroom door and heard Andy whimpering. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "She promised John. This is for Andy, Carly, AJ, and John," she thought to herself.

"Fine" Felicity answered curtly.

"Time is ticking, Jessica. Send me a good one," Killgrave reminded before hanging up.

Felicity took one last glance at the bathroom. She opened the camera app on her phone, took a photo and hit send.

After checking on Andy and bringing him an old oversized t-shirt she won at a convention, she took her phone out and dialed a familiar number.

"Hey, I was just about to call you," Oliver's voice instantly comforted her.

She smiled, "How was you meeting with Tommy?"

"It's fine, I'm actually dropping off some paperwork to our lawyers. I know you're taking the day off, but I was wondering if you wanted to grab lunch? You're still coming tonight, right?"

"Yeah. Uh, listen can you and John come over?" Felicity asked softly. She heard and can picture the exact moment his demeanor changed. "Felicity? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just, come over. Please," Felicity assured him and it probably didn't help when she said "Please".

"We'll be there as soon as possible. Are you sure you're okay? Are you being threatened?" Oliver asked and she heard rustling in the background.

"I promise, I'm fine. I'll see you and John soon. Hey, don't worry," Felicity reassured her boyfriend.

Felicity walked over to Andy and uncuffed him. He whispered "Thanks" and she led him to the dining area for coffee and a light snack.

17 minutes later she heard a pounding on the door. Felicity stood up and told Andy, "Stay here."

As soon as she opened the door, Oliver grabbed her and inspected her for injuries. "Hey, what's wrong?" He looked around the townhouse and before he could go any further, Felicity stopped him. She saw a very alert and tense Diggle right behind Oliver. She let both men in and shut the door.

"I'm fine," she informed both men. "The reason I called, is because I want to let you know that I've been looking into Andy's reappearance. I told you there's a chance he might be in Starling. I confirmed that. Just as I suspected, he was being controlled by Killgrave. Fortunately, Killgrave's orders wear off after a day as long as he doesn't make any contact and his order was fulfilled. Unfortunately, Killgrave got Andy hooked on drugs." Oliver had intertwined his fingers with Felicity's. She felt him squeeze her hand and she squeezed back to reflect her gratitude. She turned to Diggle, "I didn't want to tell you until I knew for sure what I am looking into because frankly I had no idea where to find him."

Diggle nodded and asked, "What are you saying? Is he okay? Did you find him?"

"Yes, I did. Follow me," Felicity nodded.

"He's here?" Both men exclaimed. Diggle's voice was a mix of incredulity, excitement, fear, and relief. While the tone in Oliver's voice gave away his annoyance that she went through this alone.

"I brought him here because I couldn't take any chances with Killgrave," Felicity explained.

Before following her, Diggle put his hand on her arm, "We will talk about how you put yourself in danger after I thank you for helping find my brother."

Felicity smiled, "I made a promise. He's going through withdrawal, but I think I got through to him."

Diggle beamed, "If anyone can, it'd be you."

She led them to the kitchen where Andy had his hands on his head. He looked up.

"John?" He exclaimed and stood up as he walked slowly towards his brother.

"Andy? God. It really is you," Diggle met his brother halfway and hugged him.

She heard a muffled, "Yeah, I'm so sorry, John."

Felicity tugged on Oliver's hand which was still holding hers. "Let's give them some space," she told him.

When they were back in the living room, Oliver asked her, "Why didn't you tell me?" He didn't bother hiding the hurt, worry, and disappointment in his voice.

Felicity stroked his hand, "I didn't even know if I was going to find him. Plus, you were busy with the trial and I only have a window where I could make sure I get to him before Killgrave strikes back. I didn't mean to hide this from you – you have to know that. I know you'd understand that this was a decision I had to make. I can't risk you or John getting hurt because of Killgrave." She made a mental note to tell him about getting help from Roy later.

"It's fine. But next time, and I hope to God, there won't be a next time. You'll tell me, so if something goes wrong, I could at least back you up," Oliver gently reprimanded her and pulled her close.

"Yes, I will. We'll talk more later, I promise," Felicity rested her head on his shoulder.

A few minutes later, the Diggle brothers walked into the living room to join her and Oliver. The couple pulled back and moved to face the brothers.

"I think it's been a long morning. I'm going to bring this guy back to my place, talk, and bring him to Carly and AJ," Diggle informed Oliver and Felicity of their plan.

"Take as much time as you need, John. We'll be fine," Oliver responded which was his way of telling his partner that he and Felicity will handle Arrow business while he helps his brother get back on his feet.

"Thanks, Oliver and Felicity, I don't know how many times I can thank you for this," Diggle reached over and hugged Felicity.

"Once is enough," Felicity said as she hugged him back. She turned to Andy and said, "I know now's not the time but when you're feeling better, I'd like to talk."

Andy who was still slightly pale and shaky, nodded, "Of course. It's the least I could do. You saved me. Again."

"Don't get used to it," Felicity joked to help lift the mood.

She noticed Andy's brow furrow then he asked, "At what cost?"

"What?" Oliver asked back.

Andy stepped forward and clarified, "What price did you have to pay to get me away from him?"

Felicity looked down and tried to wave him off, "Don't worry about it."

Andy shook his head, and reminded her, "Killgrave asked me to take photos of you."

"What?!" Oliver and John yelled and both advanced.

"Oliver! John!" Felicity put her hands up to stop them.

"He wouldn't have agreed to just let me go easily. Jessica, what did you do?" Andy worriedly pointed out.

"It's Felicity, and it's taken care of – it's fine," Felicity corrected him and reiterated that that everything is fine.

"Felicity," Oliver pleaded.

"Fine. A photo. That's it," Felicity answered a little loudly. She pushed the idea that Killgrave once again had something over her in the back of her mind earlier but now it's back and it is threatening to suffocate her.

"That's it? And you agreed to it?" Andy asked.

"You're back, that's all it matters. Just stay away from all this and go back to your family. Don't let me regret any of this," Felicity tersely answered.

"Thank you, again," Andy came up to her and extended his hand. She shook it.

Before leaving, John gave her another tight hug and whispered, "Thank you for bringing him back and we'll figure out how to get him. I don't care if it's the last thing I do."

She nodded and returned the hug.

As the door closed behind the Diggles, Felicity felt like she took a step forward and several steps back. She was being controlled by Killgrave again, but at least it meant Diggle got his brother back. It wasn't until she felt Oliver's hand on her waist and him pulling her into a hug that she realized she was frozen in place muttering, "Birch Street, Higgins Drive, Cobalt Lane".