Chapter Text
The wedding of John Diggle and Lyla Michaels was fast approaching; so Oliver thought it would be great idea for John, Roy, Oliver and even Barry Allen to get away. Oliver found a mountain cabin to rent. It would be perfect, a lake to fish in and a place where the four of them could just relax with out worrying about criminals and meta-humans; just fishing, drinking, watching TV or not, guys being guys.
At first Diggle had been unsure about going, but Olive and Roy kept at him, telling him everything would be fine with them leaving for one weekend. The deciding factor had been Lyla herself telling him to go, get out of town because he was driving her nuts. Felicity, Thea and Laurel also told him to go, that they could handle whatever came up.
They left on Friday morning, with a final goodby to Lyla they headed out. The father out of town they went the more they all seemed to relax, it was just what they needed. The cabin was situated on a private lake and it was beautiful, no neighbors just them. They spent the afternoon fishing and relaxing on the deck. Barry and Roy kept daring each other to do stunts off the dock while Oliver and John laughed, waiting for one of them to break something. That night after a dinner of grilled steaks and baked potatoes they sat around with a fire in the fire place watching a basketball game.
Raising his drink towards John Oliver said "You are one lucky man." Roy and Barry agreed with Oliver. Barry went so far as to say "I want to be you, when I grow up."
John shot him a glare "I'm not that old, but thanks guys" then took a sip of his drink.
Oliver laughed and then after taking a drink said "So John Diggle, in part some wisdom on us, how do we achieve your life, your level of happiness." John looked at Oliver seeing the smile on his face, but also noticing that it didn't reach his eyes. John knew that Oliver was having a hard time dealing with Felicity's decision to stop any romantic relationship.
"Yes, please tell us your life secrets" came from Roy, who was trying to not think about Thea.
John thought for a moment, trying to figure the best way to put into words. Staring at the fire he finally said "Its luck, pure and simple luck. The first time around it didn't work for us and I am fortunate enough to be giving a second chance and smart enough to grab it. If you love someone, truly love them, and you want them in your life and are willing to allow them in your life; let them know that you will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to make it work. " Then as they digested this he took another couple of sips of his drink.
"How do you get them to give you another chance" Roy softly asked, his gaze never leaving the fire.
"Patience, you just keep showing them until they are ready. Just be there when they need you and give them space when they don't. If they love you as you love them, it will work out and they will let you back into their lives."
Silence descended over the cabin as they each sat thinking about what he had said. As they sipped their drinks watching the fire, each was devising a plan to reconnect with the woman he loves, knowing it was going to be a long, slow and possibly painful process.