Chapter 1 – Vulnerable

AN – Yes, this is Chapter 3 of my Woman of Distinction series so feel free to skip to the next chapter if you've read already. However, this is what inspired this new story though so I had to start here before I post the new chapter. This story will be my take on a preliminary battle with Slade (so yes, the title of Endgame pertains more to Olicity than Slade). As usual, my focus is on the Team and Olicity so you've been warned!

DISCLAIMER – Let's just get this straight in the first chapter, I have absolutely no claim to CW's Arrow but I will continue to play as long as they don't sue me!

Sara turned to Ollie as soon as they returned to the lair. "Why did you call Felicity tonight?"

Ollie met her eyes without concern. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't I call her?"

Sara smiled somewhat and rephrased the question. "Why didn't you call me? Why not Diggle?"

Ollie's face went blank and he clenched his teeth but before he could reply Felicity and Diggle entered the lair. He turned to them without answering Sara.

"We have a problem." Felicity was the one who made that announcement as Diggle trailed behind her with an ice pack held to his head.

"You're not the only one." Sara mumbled under her breath as Ollie crossed the room to join his friends. She followed a bit more slowly and took her time to watch their interactions. Ollie had first looked to Felicity when she spoke but he then turned to Diggle who nodded. Oliver reciprocated with a nod of his own. Both men then turned to Felicity who had just waited for them to finish the unspoken exchange.

"There's a video feed coming from the Queen Mansion. As it just started I assume its your old buddy Slade Wilson." Felicity paused to bring up the feed on her computer before she turned back to the men. "I've piggy backed on his signal and I'm working on his location but at the least you guys will be able to see what he sees."

"What do you mean you guys?" Diggle was the one who asked that question.

"Well, that's the other thing – Barry's awake so I'm going to go and see him. I know it seems like I'm abandoning you guys when there's a big baddie out there hunting you but I can do my part from there. You need to focus on him and on protecting your family as Slade has threatened them." Felicity had first directed her attention to Diggle but then switched her focus to Oliver before she then turned back to Diggle. "You need to protect yourself too as he knows about you."

"And you think he doesn't know about you Felicity?" Diggle asked the obvious question while Ollie just glared at his IT girl.

"I'm sure he knows but I'm not really on the radar with the rest of you as a threat. He saw both Roy and Sara and mentioned you by name,John, but he didn't make any threats toward me…and even if he was looking for me I won't be around so it's a win/ win situation really."

"No." Oliver growled the single word.

"Oliver, it makes sense and we owe Barry—" Felicity stood up to face the man despite the anger in his tone.

"No." Oliver interrupted her as he continued to glare.

Sara watched as Diggle took a couple steps back but he did keep his focus on the pair. Sara also kept her attention on them as she found herself fascinated by the tension between them. Oliver normally remained impassive or humored Felicity affectionately but now the entire room was filled with the strong, angry energy that surrounded the pair.

"No is hardly an argument and clearly we are going to argue about this…again. I know my place is here, Oliver, as we've had this discussion before but I can do my job and still check on Barry. You don't need to worry about this—"

"No. You aren't to go anywhere unless Diggle or I are with you. Nowhere, Felicity." Ollie took a step even closer to Felicity as he gave that order. Sara recognized it as an order so she was surprised when Felicity continued to argue. She was also surprised that Ollie didn't include her or Roy in Felicity's protection detail.

"That's insane! Roy will need help protecting Thea – BTW, I did text him to check the work schedules so either he or Sara will be at the Club every night. You and John need to focus on protecting your Mom, protecting each other, and getting Slade. You don't need the additional job of babysitting me when he's targeting those closest to you! Oliver, I'm the only one he didn't threaten!"

"Slade isn't stupid, Felicity. I was responsible for the death of the woman he loved. He reminded me of his promise to make me to suffer like he did when he lost Shado. Slade will come for you to make that promise come true, to make sure I suffer as he did. He didn't name you because he's hoping we'll do something stupid and leave you vulnerable. We aren't going to be stupid, Felicity. You go nowhere without me or Diggle. Is that understood?"

Sara noticed Felicity was just as stunned as she was by what amounted to Oliver's pronouncement that he loved her. Diggle simply continued to watch the pair with a knowing smirk.