Okay guys, so this is officially the last chapter. Thank you to everyone who's been reviewing and following this story! I hope you've enjoyed it. There is some mature content in this chapter. It's the moment I'm sure you've all been waiting for.

Also, I do have another Olicity fic in the works that I will be posting soon. The summary of Bound to You can be found on my profile page. Thanks again, and happy reading!

Chapter 30

Shivering, Felicity bundled her coat more snugly around her as she walked down the jetway and into the airport. It was a sharp contrast to the sweltering heat of Las Vegas. Apparently, spending eleven days in her childhood home was enough to spoil her completely. A chill ran through her body as it tried to adjust to Starling's colder temperature. It was slightly better once she'd entered the airport.

Felicity hiked her large purse up and over her shoulder more securely before going to baggage claim. Her bright pink suitcase stood out among everyone else's standard black luggage. With her suitcase in hand, Felicity walked out into the main area of the airport. Along the way she took in the strung up Christmas lights and sparkling trees in different corners. She also saw a Menorah or two.

Her eyes searched the crowd until they landed on a skinny brunette wearing bright red lipstick and a Santa hat. Felicity laughed and shook her head, amused. Thea's face lit up when she noticed Felicity, and she ran to her.

"Oh my God, you actually made it!" Thea excitedly exclaimed, hugging her.

"Why wouldn't I?"

"There's some big snowstorm that's supposed to be coming in. I was worried your flight would get delayed. It would totally ruin everything."

"Nope. Beat it just in time," Felicity said. She'd also been concerned when she'd heard the weather reports. Needless to say, she'd been praying nonstop that it would hold off just long enough for her to make the trip back to Starling.

"Good. I can't wait to see the look on my brother's face."

They made their way out of the airport and to a taxi. "How is he?" Felicity asked.

"He's been broodier than usual. No doubt because you've been gone. Do you mind if we stop at the store real quick?"

"No, that's okay. What do you need to get?"

"Eggnog. I purposely didn't buy enough so I'd have an excuse to come get you. No Christmas Eve party can survive without it."

"You threw a big party?"

"Maybe gathering is a better word. It's really just Tommy and Laurel, Diggle and Lyla, and Roy."

"Nice," Felicity complimented and looked out the window. Thinking about stoic Oliver brought a frown to her face. "Maybe I should've told him I was coming back tonight."

A few days after she'd been "rescued," Felicity had gone to Las Vegas to celebrate the holidays with her mom. The police had called her when Felicity had been taken, and the only way to convince her not to come to Starling was to promise to visit her instead.

At first Felicity didn't want to go, but it felt good to get out of Starling for a little while. For once she didn't have to worry about jealous ex-boyfriends, mass murderers, or all of the other criminals she dealt with on a nightly basis. It was a break that was long overdue. She'd texted Oliver, and they'd spoken on the phone a couple of times while she was away. Felicity got the feeling that Oliver was trying to give her space. She needed some time to think and cope with all of the changes in her life lately. There was also the uncertainty about her future and what that meant. Of course, she still missed Oliver like crazy.

"No. I'm serious about the surprise. Bringing you back early is the ultimate gift," Thea declared and snapped her fingers as if an idea had suddenly come to her. "Would it be tacky if I made you wear a bow?"

Felicity laughed out loud and shook her head. "I am not wearing a bow like some puppy, Thea."

"I bet Oliver would think it's cute," she teased.

"Nice try, but the answer is still no," Felicity replied, nudging her.

The brunette shrugged. "Oh well. It was worth a shot."

After picking up the eggnog, they were on their way home to the loft. Felicity felt the butterflies in her stomach, which was ridiculous because this was Oliver. They'd been working together and living in the same apartment for months. Felicity had outright told Oliver that she loved him, to which he finally revealed that he felt the same.

Their enemies were finally gone. Cooper was dead, and Merlyn was locked away in some high-security A.R.G.U.S. prison—though the public believed him to be dead. A.R.G.U.S. had also made sure it leaked that he, with the help of Cooper, was the mastermind behind the city being attacked. There was no getting around where the technology to pull off such an attack originated from. It had been a media firestorm when QC and Merlyn Global were implicated. However, Lyla let it leak that while Felicity was taken hostage, she'd managed to hack into the Brother Eye messaging to stop the destruction. Felicity's association with QC and the fact that the company developed the cure to be distributed for free kept the company from facing as harsh a backlash as the Undertaking. Tommy, who'd been devastated that his father had wreaked so much havoc yet again, also had Merlyn Global set up a fund to aid victims of the attack. Needless to say, both companies' PR teams had been working overtime ever since that night.

It was a few days ago that Oliver called Felicity and let her know about Petrov. He'd been found dead in the penthouse of his hotel in Corto Maltese. The coroner attributed it to a drug overdose, but Oliver said it was a cover. Men like Petrov never sampled their own supply. Oliver's powerful Bratva friend had sent a strong warning to anyone who would try to undermine his position and threaten his allies.

The months of fear, anger, and worry were finally over. There was absolutely no reason for Felicity to feel nervous. And yet, Felicity's stomach was doing somersaults. They were almost back at the loft. Letting out a long, deep breath, it was time for Felicity to face the truth. The sudden and well-deserved peace in their life meant that Felicity and Oliver had some decisions to make.

For months they'd denied their feelings and put off having "the talk," because they didn't know when or if their enemies would strike. That constant state of upheaval made it almost impossible to make plans for the future. Hell, Oliver had been adamant that Felicity not decide anything until Cooper was taken care of. It was like he was almost convinced that Felicity would want nothing to do with him once she was no longer in danger. His lack of confidence that she would choose him regardless—which she knew had more to do with his own trust issues than her character—pained her. It made Felicity wonder for the thousandth time what exactly had happened to Oliver those five years he'd been away to make him feel so unworthy of love. Felicity already knew what she wanted. She'd known all along. She just hoped that Oliver still felt the same and hadn't talked himself out of it while she was gone.

By the time the taxi pulled up in front of their building, Felicity's butterflies had turned into pterodactyls. She followed Thea inside. The men at the front desk gave her a friendly greeting, asking how she was since they hadn't seen her in awhile. Felicity mentioned her trip home to Vegas and wished them a Merry Christmas before following Thea to the elevator. As soon as they reached their floor and entered the corridor, Felicity could hear laughter coming from the loft. Thea took the lead and opened the door, motioning for Felicity to hang back for a second.

"Hey, Thea's back," Roy announced.

"We were wondering what happened to you," Laurel commented.

"Please tell me you got the eggnog," Tommy interjected. "No judgment if you had to beat a little old lady to get it."

"Got it right here," Thea said and held up the grocery bag.

"Looks like you just beat the snow." The sound of Oliver's voice made Felicity's skin tingle. She'd missed his deep, husky tenor. Talking over the phone hardly did it justice.

"Sorry it took so long," Thea apologized, though Felicity could hear an undertone of excitement in her voice. "I actually had to pick up something else."

"I don't know what else we could possibly need," Oliver said. "We've got enough food to be eating leftovers for a week."

"Trust me, you need this," Thea confidently declared and gestured for Felicity to come inside.

Taking a deep breath, Felicity walked through the doorway. "Merry Christmas, everyone. Sorry I'm late."

"Surprise!" Thea announced.

It took a few seconds for everyone to react. Once the initial shock wore off, the group was all smiles and on its feet to greet her. Tommy got to her first. Then Laurel. Lyla gave her a warm smile and hug. Roy, not knowing quite what to do since they weren't that close, gave her a friendly nod.

"Glad you're back, Felicity," Diggle said and enveloped her in a bear hug.

"Thanks, Dig," Felicity replied, smiling, and squeezed him tightly back.

When he pulled away, Felicity noticed Oliver get up from his spot on the couch. He'd hung back while everyone else had rushed to her. Felicity wasn't sure if Oliver was still surprised or purposely kept some distance. He looked amazing as always in his fitted green sweater and khaki dress pants. His hair had been cut and his scruff was trimmed much closer to his face than the last time she'd seen him.

"Hi," Felicity muttered as their eyes met. It wasn't the most eloquent greeting, but it was all she seemed able to get out.

"Hi," Oliver replied, watching her with an intensity that made her weak in the knees. "I thought you weren't coming back until New Year's."

"I was going to but...I guess I couldn't stay away."

"Good." He added more softly, "We need you here."

When he brought her in for a hug, Felicity's eyes automatically closed. Oliver's embrace was warm and comforting—almost like coming home. Felicity felt some of the tension leave her body. His arms felt like the safest place in the world to her.

"Merry Christmas, big brother, like your present?" Thea cut in.

"I love it," Oliver replied, his voice a low caress. His hold on Felicity tightened for a moment before he let go and looked to his sister. "Thanks, Speedy."

"Maybe now you won't be such a Grinch," the brunette teased, causing everyone to laugh, before proceeding into the kitchen to make the eggnog punch.

"Let me take your coat," Oliver offered. She felt his fingers slide along the naked skin of her arms as he pulled it off of her. Suppressing a shiver, Felicity joined the group. Everyone was sitting in the living room in front of the fireplace.

"I love your dress," Laurel complimented her.

Felicity ran her hands down the red fabric to straighten it out before sitting down. "Oh, thank you." She ended up next to Diggle after he patted the spot next to him. It also ended up being right next to where Oliver had been seated. Knowing Diggle, it probably wasn't a coincidence.

"So, how was Vegas?" Tommy questioned. "It had to be a hell of a lot warmer there than here."

"It was nice," Felicity answered. "I hadn't gotten the chance to visit my mom in a while. We made the most of it."

"I thought for sure you'd come back with a tan," Thea joked and handed her a glass of eggnog before sitting next to Roy.

"My mother did get us pool privileges at Caesar's Palace. I got a little color, but I never get that tan."

Oliver retook his seat and listened intently with the others as she spoke. He'd been right about the weather. Looking out the window, Felicity could see the white flakes falling from the sky. Felicity was glad when Tommy started talking about his last vacation to Vegas and how he'd lost ten-thousand dollars in the span of five minutes—and it had nothing to do with actual gambling. The story was really quite scandalous and just so Tommy.

Every so often Oliver's thigh would brush against Felicity's, and it would send a rush of heat through her. Felicity was trying to follow the conversation—which had turned to last-minute Christmas shopping and the madness of department stores—as best she could but being so close to Oliver again was distracting. She was hyper-aware of every little movement he made and shifted restlessly in her own seat.

"Speaking of gifts, it's Secret Santa time," Thea announced, clapping her hands together. "Everyone grab their gifts and pass them out."

Presents were pulled from under the tree and handed out. The sound of wrapping paper being torn and tissue paper rustling could be heard throughout the room.

"I don't know who I have," Felicity told Thea.

The brunette smiled. "Actually, you've got me."

"Oh. Hold on." Felicity got up and went to her suitcase. She pulled out a small square box with a bow. She had planned on giving it to Thea tomorrow, but now was as good a time as any. "Here you go."

"Ooh, thanks!" Thea tore at the paper and opened the box. A second later, her eyes lit up upon seeing the cute pair of sparkly earrings. "These are adorable. Thanks, Felicity."

"You're welcome."

"I see we had the same idea," Tommy said and gestured to the earrings Laurel held in her hand. Although hers were most likely real gold and diamonds.

"These are beautiful, Tommy. Thank you," Laurel said and gave him a quick kiss. It brought a smile to Felicity's face. She was glad that Laurel and Tommy had worked things out and seemed to be moving forward. Tommy deserved happiness after the hell his father had put him through again recently. Expensive jewelry as a gift was usually a good sign.

The exchanges continued as Laurel gave a gift to Diggle. Diggle gave a gift to Roy, who'd given a gift to Tommy.

"So, Speedy, what'd you get me?" Oliver questioned.

Thea grinned and gestured to Felicity. "Your gift has already been delivered, Ollie. You're welcome."

Felicity couldn't help but blush at the exchange between the siblings. Although Thea had mentioned that Oliver missed her, it still felt odd being put on the spot in front of everyone. Oliver was staring at Felicity in that intent way of his, and it turned Felicity's insides to jelly. She also realized in that moment that she was the only one who hadn't received a gift yet, which meant that Oliver must've drawn her name.

He got up and walked over to the window. Next to her menorah was a small blue gift bag. Oliver grabbed it and returned to his seat. "I never did get a chance to give you your Hanukkah present before you left."

"Thanks," Felicity said and reached inside. She pulled out a small, black velvet box and felt her heart start to beat faster. Whatever Oliver had gotten her, it was sure to be expensive. Felicity opened the box and gasped. The delicate platinum diamond bracelet with a square emerald in the middle of the art deco pattern sparkled vividly in the light. It was absolutely breathtaking. "Oliver..." she trailed off, at a loss for words.

"Do you like it?" he asked quietly, seeming a little nervous. It was so unlike him, which made him even more adorable.

"I love it," she murmured, fighting back the emotional tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She'd never been given anything so elaborate. The emerald stone in the center and the significance behind it also wasn't lost on her.

Oliver reached over to take the bracelet out of the box and fasten it around her left wrist. His calloused fingers against her soft skin sent sparks of electricity up her arm. Felicity stared at the bracelet in awe for a moment longer before looking up at Oliver. "Thank you." She wanted to kiss him senseless but since they weren't alone, Felicity settled for kissing his cheek and throwing her arms around him. His grip on her was gentle but firm. "I've missed you," she whispered so only he could hear.

"Me too," he replied.

When they finally broke apart, Felicity noticed the others watching them with happy, knowing glances.

Thea gave a little whistle as she looked at the bracelet. "Nice work, Ollie."

"Thanks, Speedy," Oliver stated before everyone started casually talking and laughing again. At some point during the conversation, Oliver took Felicity's hand in his. She stared at their joined hands and the way the bracelet rested between them.

"Felicity, would you like a Christmas cookie?" Lyla offered her, leaning over Diggle and holding out the plate. "I made them myself."

Felicity's stomach rumbled, and she realized just how hungry she was. "Oh yes, they look delicious." As she went to grab a cookie, Felicity noticed a very bright, shiny object on Lyla's finger. "Oh my God, are you guys engaged?!" she blurted out.

Diggle and Lyla exchanged a loving look. "Yes, we are," Diggle confirmed.

"Johnny asked me a couple of days ago actually."

Felicity narrowed her eyes at Diggle and nudged him. "Congratulations! How come you didn't tell me?"

"I didn't want to bother you while you were away," he told her. It looked like Oliver wasn't the only one concerned about giving her space after her kidnapping.

"For the record, when you propose again to your girlfriend/wife, I'd definitely like to know."

"Well, we do hope this is the last time he has to do it," Lyla joked.

"The ring is gorgeous," Thea complimented. "You guys really do know your jewelry—not that I ever doubted you. Well, maybe I doubted Ollie for a second." She got a mischievous glint in her eye. "It took him foreeever to pick out your bracelet, Felicity. Nothing was good enough."

"Easy on the eggnog, Speedy. You're talking crazy," Oliver retorted, giving her the authoritative, big-brother warning look.

Thea remained undeterred. "If I was drunk, which I'm not, it would just make me more honest."

Felicity beamed at Oliver, enjoying his discomfort at Thea's teasing. She was also secretly thrilled that he had put so much thought into her gift.

"Well, I know I'm not drunk enough yet," Tommy declared and got up to refill his cup.

After finishing the last bite of her cookie, Felicity noticed Oliver lean over and ask, "Did you eat on the flight?"

Felicity shook her head. "Not really. They only had peanuts, which would not have boded well for me."

"We have a ton of food left over. I can get you something," Oliver offered.

"You don't have to. I can get it."

"No, you sit and relax. I'll get it," he insisted and went to make her a plate. When he came back, it was filled with her favorite foods. He'd even heated it up for her. Inhaling the heavenly aroma, Felicity couldn't wait to dig in.

"Wow, this is so good. Did you guys cook?"

Thea beamed proudly. "Ollie did."

Felicity whipped around to face him, stunned. "Seriously?"

Oliver shrugged like it was no big deal. "I'm no you, but I figured I'd give it a try."

"He's a natural in the kitchen," Thea added. "It's kind of scary actually."

"Please tell me you wore an apron?" Felicity teased, to which he playfully rolled his eyes. But she could tell that Oliver was secretly pleased by her approval. Felicity took a large bite of macaroni and avoided devouring it all in a couple of minutes. She was at least trying to seem like a lady with it being the holidays and all.

Another hour of laughter and conversation passed before the inclement weather could no longer be ignored by their guests. It was getting bad out, and they didn't want their party to turn into a giant sleepover. A sleepover wouldn't have been so terrible if the others didn't have plans already for tomorrow morning. Everyone was hugging and saying goodbye as they put on their coats. Felicity congratulated Diggle and Lyla once more, and they repeated how great it was that she was back in Starling. After the two couples had left, Thea announced that she and Roy were going ice skating. Oliver, always the concerned big brother, told her to be careful.

"Relax, Ollie. It's not that far from here. We'll walk," Thea replied and gave him a hug.

"Thanks for dinner," Roy said to Oliver. "And welcome back, Felicity."

"Thanks. Bye, guys. Have fun," Felicity called after them.

"But not too much," Oliver warned.

"I could say the same about you two," Thea countered, pushing the button to the elevator and rolling her eyes at her brother.

Flustered by the insinuation, Felicity went back inside the apartment. The diamonds in her bracelet caught the light, and she couldn't help staring at her wrist.

"So you really do like it?" Oliver questioned, interrupting her musings.

"Are you kidding? I love it," Felicity gushed. "It's gorgeous and expensive. Almost too expensive, which I only say because I've never been given anything like this. I think I'm still in shock. Not that it matters how much it costs—which was probably a small fortune—because I don't care about that. You could've gotten it from a crackerjack box, and I'd still love it. I know you put a lot of thought into this since Thea basically said it and hello, it's green, and green is totally your color. Not to mention—"

Felicity didn't get a chance to finish her nervous ramble before Oliver's lips silenced her. She moaned into his mouth and clutched at his shirt to bring him closer. She didn't know when they'd started moving, but somehow her back ended up against the wooden beam in the center of the room. The delicious pressure of being sandwiched between the hard surface and Oliver's hard body was making her weak in the knees. Felicity hooked one of her legs up and over his hip as she nibbled on his lower lip. Oliver clutched her thigh in response and pressed himself more firmly into her.

"God, I missed you," his deep, husky voice reverberated against her skin.

She ran her hands along his neck and up into his hair to bring his mouth back to hers. "I was hoping you would."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I thought you might have changed your mind."

Oliver paused at that and drew back to look at her, the concern in his eyes fighting its way through the charged haze. "About what?" When she didn't respond right away, Oliver pushed, "Changed my mind about what, Felicity?"

Felicity shrugged and played with his collar. Her embarrassment and anxiety about the precariousness of their situation suddenly made it difficult for her to meet his eyes. "About us," she finally answered softly. "We haven't really talked about what we are. It was something we—or you—kept pushing off until Cooper and Merlyn were dealt with. I know you thought I might change my mind about wanting to stay in Starling. Now they're gone, and we still haven't gotten a chance to talk about it. Ever since I left, you seemed like you might be pulling away or trying to give me space. I wasn't quite sure which."

Oliver's hand went under her chin and lifted her face to meet his. He kissed her softly before saying, "Come here. I have something else for you." He took her hand and guided her to sit on the couch. This time, he walked over to the Christmas tree and pulled a small red box from underneath. He took a seat beside her and placed it in her hands. "Your Christmas gift," Oliver explained, "for when you did finally come back."

Felicity gazed curiously at the box for a moment before untying the bow and opening it. Her eyes widened as she reached inside and pulled out the small, metal key. "What's this for?"

"It's a key to the loft," Oliver answered. "If you're going to stay here with me, I figured you should have your very own key instead of using the spare."

"Oliver," Felicity breathed. "Are you asking me to move in? Or not move out since I'm already—are you asking me to stay?" she finally asked, stopping herself from going off on another tangent.

He took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes. I meant what I said when I came for you that night, Felicity. I love you. I've never felt like this before with anyone. I honestly didn't think anyone would know the real me. And if they did, then they certainly couldn't love me. But you're different. You might not know everything about me, but you do know me. You're not just the woman I love, you're my partner. It's why I gave you that bracelet with the emerald. You, me and Dig, we're a team. And if you decide to stay, that's what we'll continue to be. You can even work at QC full-time or continue to consult if you want." He paused briefly, as if gathering strength to say his next words. "But if you want to go, you can. And at least you'll have something to remind you of how special you are and the good that we did together."

Felicity wiped away a stray tear and took his hand in hers. The vulnerability in his voice was palpable and made her question gently, "Oliver, did you really expect me not to come back?"

"I hoped you would but...I'm nowhere near over what happened to me those five years I was away, Felicity. If we do this, it's not going to be easy. The kind of life we'll have, I'm sure either one of us or both of us will question if it's the right decision at some point. But as difficult as it might be, not having you in my life will be a whole other kind of hell. I knew it the moment Merlyn took you, Felicity. If you ask me to let you go, then I'll respect that. I'll let you go, because I want you to be happy. But I can't lose you, Felicity—not without you knowing the truth."

Felicity leaned into his touch as he used his thumb to wipe away the tears spilling from her eyes. She was already so happy, she actually felt like her heart might burst. "I don't want you to let me go, Oliver. Ever," Felicity replied. "Whatever you faced in your past and are going through now, it doesn't matter to me. I want to face it with you, because I love you. Deep down you're a good man with a good heart. I've spent years feeling like I never really had a home. Then I came here and met you, and I know without a doubt this is where I belong. As long as you're in my life, I'll be happy because you're my home, Oliver. "

He ran his fingers through her golden hair. "So I should take that as a yes," he surmised, his grin actually reaching his eyes. It was truly a sight to behold.

"Oh, that's a hell yes," Felicity joked and placed her hand on his cheek.

His hands on her hips, Oliver pulled Felicity across his lap so that she was straddling him. He couldn't believe how his life had changed in a mere few hours. He'd started off the night trying to make the most of his and Thea's Christmas party, all the while suppressing the ache in his chest at Felicity's absence. While Felicity was gone, Oliver went about his normal routine and put up a brave front for Diggle and Thea—although his sister must not have been convinced since she made the effort to get Felicity back earlier. Oliver was grateful, regardless.

Felicity was right about him pulling away. He had wanted to give her space and time to think about what she wanted. Meanwhile, Oliver had done the same and made his decision. There wasn't even really a choice to make. He loved Felicity, and he wanted to be with her. Oliver was done denying himself the opportunity to have an actual life. After everything Felicity had gone through, she deserved the same love and protection, as well. Oliver, more than anything, wanted to the be that person she could count on.

The way they fought for each other and worked together to stop Merlyn and Cooper proved that they were up for the task. They could be partners in every possible way. Oliver was all in, and he'd spent the last week and a half wondering and worrying if Felicity would still feel the same. He should've never doubted her, but it was in his nature to expect the worst. Like Oliver had told her, he wasn't completely healed from his time on the island. A part of him would always carry that darkness, but he was ready to open his heart to Felicity and overcome it. They both deserved a chance at happiness.

Burying his hand in her hair while the other stroked the curve of her waist, Oliver drew Felicity in for a deep, passionate kiss. She melted into him and wrapped her arms around his neck. As Felicity's hands alternated between running through his hair and along his back, Oliver sucked on her bottom lip. She moaned when he finally nipped at it and instinctively rocked her hips against him. The soft, steady friction made his pulse run higher. Oliver's grip on Felicity's hips tightened and when their tongues collided, he brought her hips down forcefully on top of him.

Felicity gasped against his mouth at the intimate contact. The chill that had been in Felicity's bones when she first arrived in Starling was gone. Instead, it was replaced by a sizzling heat that she felt all the way down to her core. Her dress had ridden up, and Oliver's hands had taken advantage. He stroked her bare thighs, his hands venturing higher each time. There wasn't an inch of space between them and yet Felicity yearned to bring him closer. To be connected in every way possible.

"I still have to give you your Christmas present," she mumbled without breaking their kiss.

"It can wait." Oliver buried his face in her neck and found that sweet spot along her pulse point. Her head fell back as he sucked on the sensitive patch of skin, savoring the taste of her. Oliver clutched Felicity tighter, unable to let her go after she'd returned so soon. He felt like one of those junkies he often saw in The Glades. His body was vibrating with the need for his next hit, which only she could provide.

"Trust me, you want to unwrap this," Felicity breathed and took hold of his hands. She slid them up her body until they reached the zipper of her dress.

Oliver paused against her neck before pulling back to look at her. Their eyes met and held, silently communicating what they wanted. "Are you sure?" he questioned. The last time they'd almost made love, Felicity was still reeling from her past. Oliver wanted to be with her more than anything, but it wasn't that long ago that she'd been kidnapped. He needed to know that Felicity was truly ready to take the next step and not just caught up in the moment.

Felicity nodded and stroked his cheek while resting their foreheads together. "I'm sure that I'm yours," she whispered and grazed his lips. "I need you, Oliver."

Her words set fire to his veins. Within seconds, Oliver was standing and had scooped her up in his arms. He carried her up the stairs, trying to focus on not missing a step as she peppered kisses along his jaw and neck. He locked the door behind them once they made it to his room. Thea probably wouldn't be home for awhile, but Oliver wasn't going to take any chances. He set Felicity down gently on the bed. Without breaking eye contact, he pulled his sweater up and over his head.

Felicity felt her breath catch at the sight of his hard, toned chest. Each flex of his muscles was a display of strength that never ceased to amaze her. Oliver closed the small distance between them and hooked his hands under her knees, pulling Felicity to the edge of the bed. He stepped in between her legs and her whole body trembled with desire as he knelt before her. Anxiously anticipating his next move, she found herself surprised when Oliver reached up to tenderly remove her glasses and set them aside.

Brushing his fingers along her face, Oliver traced the slope of her nose, roundness of her cheeks, and curve of her lips. Felicity's eyes shut as she basked in his loving touch. "You're so beautiful," Oliver's low, husky voice murmured. He grazed her lips with his own, sending a shiver up her spine.

Felicity found herself leaning into him until she suddenly stood, surprising him. Reaching behind her, she pulled down the zipper of her dress. Oliver's eager hands tugged at the fabric and slid it down her body. Goose bumps formed on Felicity's skin as she watched in heated fascination the way his eyes roamed over her mostly naked flesh.

Their gazes met and held, burning with an intensity and intimacy they were both ready to explore. The fire in Oliver's eyes threatened to consumer her, mirroring the flames she felt running through her veins and straight to her heart. Leaning forward, Oliver placed a kiss in the center of her abdomen. Her hands automatically went to his hair and urged him upward. Oliver took his time, memorizing her body with his mouth and hands. Despite his gentleness, Felicity could detect the underlying fervor growing with every brush of his lips and caress of his fingers.

Finally, he stood and towered over her. The height difference was even more prominent without her heels, but Felicity loved it. She was engulfed in his large embrace and her temperature rose at the feeling of him all around her. Felicity slid her hands up along his hard stomach and broad chest. She traced the line of scars lovingly, trying to erase whatever pain he'd suffered. Oliver's hands ran along her back and landed on her bra. She heard it snap open and drew back enough to let him slide it off. His eyes took her in, and his hands eagerly followed their movements.

Oliver watched as Felicity bit her lip, eyes closed, at his intimate touch. Her reaction ignited the spark between them further still, and Oliver knew it wasn't enough. He needed more of her. Suddenly, Oliver pulled Felicity tight against him and claimed her mouth. The sensation of skin on skin made them both gasp. Felicity wound her arms around him and surrendered herself to his embrace. Oliver's muscles flexed as he supported her weight.

"Oliver." Her hoarse, wanting whisper made him lift her off her feet. Felicity instinctively wrapped her legs around him as he climbed onto the king-sized bed—now their bed—and carefully laid her down in the center. There was a slight tremble between them, and Oliver couldn't tell if it was coming from her body or his. Despite all the women he'd been with—and there had been too many to count, he was ashamed to admit—none of those moments even came close to the depth and anticipation he felt now. He loved the woman before him more than life itself, and he intended to show her just how much.

They continued to kiss while exploring, and it wasn't long before there was nothing left between them. With Oliver settled between her legs, his weight pressing into her, Felicity broke the kiss and took a moment to look at him. The usual tension in Oliver's body was gone. The constant frown and worry lines that marked his face as he brooded had disappeared. Instead, there was a lightness and openness to his expression, intermingled with the passion ready to explode between them. Felicity's heart thumped wildly in her chest, overcome with the emotions swirling inside of her. This man would do anything for her and had. Felicity hadn't known that kind of loyalty and selflessness existed, and she thanked God every day that their paths had crossed. She'd never put much stock in fate, but she believed it wholeheartedly now. Most importantly, she believed in him.

Felicity raised her left hand to stroke his face. "I love you, Oliver." He rested his forehead against hers, breathing her in, before turning to kiss her wrist. Her new bracelet gleamed between them, a reminder of everything they'd gone through to get to this moment. Felicity never wanted to take it off and by the tender look on Oliver's face, he didn't want that either.

He intertwined their fingers. Their joined hands settled on the mattress by her head.

"I love you, too, Felicity," Oliver murmured.

He kissed her deeply and crossed the last barrier separating them completely. Their soft moans intermingled as they clutched each other tightly. No more words were necessary after that.

Sighing in contentment, Felicity snuggled closer to Oliver. The only light in the room came from the moon outside, making the snow that continued to fall look like silver sparkles. She could truly enjoy it now that she no longer felt the deep chill in her bones. If anything, she'd been overheated these last few hours—thanks to Oliver and to which she had no complaints. Felicity lay with her head on his chest, her body tucked into his side. Her left leg was thrown over his waist, and he lightly stroked her thigh as the other hand buried itself in her hair. Her own hand traced lazy circles against his muscular chest.

"Can I say something strange?" Oliver said, interrupting the comfortable, sated silence that had settled between them. "I'm happy."

His words made her heart melt, and Felicity leaned up to kiss him. "Me, too." A flirtatious smile formed on her face. "Does that mean you liked your Christmas present?"

Oliver smirked in response. "I loved my Christmas present. But..." he trailed off in a husky voice, suddenly gripping her thigh, "I don't think I've played with it nearly enough."

Felicity sat up and draped herself on top of him. Oliver's breath hitched, much to her satisfaction, at the change in positions. "I'm forced to agree," she said and leaned down to kiss him. Before they could get totally wrapped up in each other again, Oliver's phone beeped. He knew exactly what that meant and groaned against her mouth. Felicity had set up a special alert that would let them know if there was a serious disturbance in Starling. Unfortunately, criminals didn't take a holiday.

Oliver reached for his phone. "Damn it. Some nut job shot up a shelter in The Glades and took hostages."

"Duty calls," Felicity said and moved to get up.

Oliver's grip on her tightened. "Maybe the SCPD can handle it." They were finally together and relaxed, and he didn't want to ruin that by running out on her.

"We both know they couldn't diffuse the situation like you could. Besides, it's Christmas. The city needs the hero in green more than the man in red," Felicity teased.

Oliver chuckled and shook his head at her. "Cute. At least you're back. When I said we needed you here, I meant it."

She quirked an eyebrow. "Couldn't figure out the computers, huh?" Felicity had thought she'd made the programs simple enough to use while she was gone, but apparently she'd underestimated their aversion to technology.

"I've never heard Diggle curse so much in all the time I've known him."

"In that case, let me put the both of you out of your misery and get dressed." Felicity laughed and pecked his lips. "We will definitely continue this later." Now that she was staying in Starling and they were an actual couple, they had all the time in the world.

"I'm sorry—"

"Don't apologize, Oliver," Felicity interrupted. "It's what we do. We're a team, right?"

Oliver wasn't sure how it could happen but, looking into her eyes and seeing the same love and determination reflecting back at him, he fell in love with her all over again. She really was a true partner. "Right."

"Then it's settled," Felicity declared and pulled him out of bed with her. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him deeply. "Let's go save our city."