Despite my earlier annoyance, I really feel for Oliver. The weight of having to deal with the aftermath of all this, the crushing blow of losing his own men- it's too much burden for any one person to bear.

I know he cares deeply for his men, even if he doesn't always know how to show it. Behind the rough exterior, I can see the pain. Despite the bravado he's showing to his men, I can see that vulnerability he rarely shows to anyone.

I realize I've been too hard on him. If I ever want my best friend back, I can't be hanging on to this six year old grudge. And more importantly, I need to help him get justice and take down this Jasper shitbag.

Oliver assigns everyone with tasks to clean up the mess from the distribution center. Their collective anger still permeates the air, a tangible rage that stifles the room. They disperse shortly after Oliver's final instructions, leaving the two of us in the main room by ourselves.

"Hey," I look up at him timidly.

He closes his eyes briefly, his jaw clenched- slowly, he turns to look at me.

"Hey," he responds softly, his voice laced with underlying fury.

Though I know the anger isn't directed at me, it sends chills down my spine. Angry Oliver is a force to be reckoned with.

"Can we talk in your office?"

He simply nods in response. I take his hand and begin to lead the way up the stairs. He looks down at our entwined fingers, unsure at first, but he quickly returns the grip with a tight squeeze.

I close the door gently behind us and bite my lip nervously. He leans up against his desk, bracing his arms on the top and wrapping his hands around the ledge.

I clear my throat, apprehensive about being alone with Oliver in his office again. I'm not sure how to begin. Oliver may suck at apologies, but I'm no better.

"So, uhhh, I guess I owe you an apology," I start.

I pace the length of his office, focusing on the dark hardwood floor beneath me. When there's no response, I will myself to peek up at him. His head is quirked to the side like a lost puppy, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"For what?" He finally replies.

I take a deep breath and slowly turn to face him fully.

"I've been hard on you. You know, since I've been back. I guess I'm still holding onto this silly grudge. I don't know. But it was forever ago, and I shouldn't care who you date now. You're still my best friend. I just want things to go back to normal. I want to help you. I want my Ollie back."

I can feel the hot sting of tears brimming at my eyes, but I push them back. He looks up at me through his lashes and smiles one of his rare full smiles.

"I know I haven't exactly made your return any easier on you. I'm an overprotective asshole, I know it, but I swear I just want to keep you safe. I love you, Cam."

He pushes himself off of the desk and holds his arms out to me. The sound of my name on his lips is enough to get me to practically run into them. His arms wrap around me in a warm embrace. His cheek rests on the top of my head. I close my eyes as I nuzzle further into him.

I missed this. This contact, this connection. What happened in this very room just a day ago was so different. It was needy and angry and thoughtless. This felt like I finally had my best friend back- like the walls I put up six years ago were finally crumbling down.

Our moment is interrupted by the shrill ring of his cell phone. I grip him tighter, not wanting whatever this is to end.

"I have to answer that," He says.

His voice is rough and I know he was feeling the same way I was. I pull back reluctantly as he puts the phone to his ear.

"Kingston," he answers sternly.

His expression darkens as he listens to whatever Kingston is telling him. He hangs up without a goodbye, his eyes pained as he looks at me again.

"I have to go. They found one of Jasper's ships."

"I'm going with you."