Hey, here's the chapter after almost a month and a half. I hope you like it! CW DC and DC comics own these characters I own none of them.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

As she jumped rooftop to rooftop, Felicity tried to be more aware of her surroundings but it was difficult. Ever since their kisses the night before her and Oliver have been avoiding each other it seems. She wanted to text or call but every time she was about to she would chicken out. Felicity internally groaned, she could kill a person in at least 100 different ways but she can't speak to a guy she really really likes? so cliche yet true "Felicity? You there?" She heard from her comm. "I'm here, what's going on?" She asked quickly. "Note to myself: personal problems don't belong in the field." She scolded herself for what seemed like the millionth time. Felicity heard Al'afeaa sigh over the comm "Nyssa isn't responding. Before her comm feed went out, I heard what sounded like a tussle before a crunch which was probably her comm breaking." He revealed calmly. Felicity steeled her nerves "Where was her last location?" She demanded hastily. "Four blocks from your present location at Adams and O'Neil." He informed her before the connection cut off.

Felicity jumped roof to roof trying to calm her mind reminding herself that Nyssa can take care of herself. She stopped on a couple roofs away from where Al'afeaa said Nyssa's last location was... breathing heavily, trying to catch her breath before jumping over to that roof mostly because she has a feeling she'll need all the strength she has. A few minutes later, She jumps to the roof and a few feet away saw Nyssa fighting someone in full league armor it seems, Felicity draws her sword from its sheath and walked towards the fight making both of the fighters notice her "Room for one more?" She asked as she got into position. The mystery fighter laughed "Oh, almuhus qalilanaan aleaynayn wants to join in on the fun?" The accented voice taunted behind the mask.

Felicity froze for a moment then gritted her teeth at the voice "Athena." She said through clenched teeth. The figure pulled down their hood and pulled off their mask revealing, a brown-haired woman with a scar from the middle of her forehead over her eye and ended at the middle of her cheek on the left side of her face "Felicity, last I heard you just experienced something terrible." She said with false sympathy. Felicity ignored the jab and glared at her "Last I heard, you were in a backwater country assigned to kill a congressman." She recalled knowing Athena thought killing public officials was beneath her.

Athena has been a pain in Nyssa and Felicity's asses since a few weeks after Felicity arrived at Nanda Parbat. As the years went by, Athena tried her hardest to get the upper hand. But fell short in the long run and... "What's she going to do now?" Nyssa and Felicity thought suspiciously, eyeing her closely.

Nyssa stared at Athena "You're with Merlyn, aren't you?" She said already knowing the answer. Athena chuckled as she circled around the two women "Let's just say he and I agree on something." She said coyly with a smirk. Nyssa and Felicity rolled their eyes "Like what?" Nyssa questioned impatiently. Athena chuckled maliciously as she held up her sword tightened her grip on the handle "Enough talking... Let's dance." She declared as she got into a fighting stance.

Nyssa and Felicity switched to fighting stances with swords ready Athena ran forward striking her sword toward them but Nyssa and Felicity's swords blocked hers.

Felicity parried her sword, pushing Athena back as she charged forward. Dropping her sword along the away, Athena was at the edge of the roof when she kicked Felicity in the nuts causing Felicity to back away, letting Athena move away from the edge. Athena grabbed her sword from the ground, sprinting towards Felicity when Nyssa blocked with her blade "You'll regret that, you royal bitch!" Athena snarled viciously. Nyssa smirked at Athena "Not in this life." She retorted as with every swing Athena does Nyssa blocks it until Athena kicks Nyssa down.

Athena walked closer while lowering her sword to her side grinning and chuckled maniacally "I've waited to squish you like a bug for years, Heir to the demon." She declared looming herself over Nyssa, her sword hovering over Nyssa's neck inching closer.

A second later, something knocked the sword out of Athena's grip. Athena looked in the direction of where the thing came from, she saw Alihat Hakar smirking as she put a throwing star in her weapons belt, then looked back at Athena "Let's see how you do without pointy objects. Shall we?" She questioned her slyly before slinking towards her with her fists in position. Athena put her fists as well "Bring it on!" She exclaimed as the two women circled around each other as prey.

Athena stalked close and punched which Alihat blocked. Alihat extended and wrapped her leg around Athena's arm and flipped her over onto the ground. Alihat uppercut punched Athena as she staggered to stand up causing her to stumble back a step or two before balancing herself. Athena charged punching and kicking repeatedly until Athena kicked Alihat's stomach hard causing her to fall on her back exhausted.

Unknown to Athena, Nyssa had gotten up, snuck up behind her, tapped her shoulder and Athena turned around "Well, well... look who's up." She commented before Nyssa punched her in the face.

As they fought Nyssa and Athena tried to one-up the other but the other blocked each move they made. Since they matched each move the two of them started to find ways to take them by surprise. Athena snagged both of Nyssa's arms, using them to flip Nyssa onto the concrete hard. Breathing heavily, Nyssa crawled close to Athena's legs grabbing her ankles, lifting them up causing Athena to be knocked onto her butt.

This went on for a couple more surprise attacks before Athena used the rest of her adrenaline to grab her sword and skedaddle. Nyssa used her hands to push herself up to a sitting position, after catching her breath she stood up went over to Alihat and held out her hand, which Alihat grabbed and pulled herself to her feet "Let's finish patrol and go home." She suggested grimly. Nyssa nodded "Yeah… Let's." She agreed, distracted while looking in the direction where Athena fled.

Both Felicity and Nyssa knew that with Athena now involved the mission just got more complicated than they thought.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Oliver walked into Queen Consolidated with a smile. He was looking forward to his and Felicity's marathon tonight, even though they spent time together on her birthday it was around other people. Oliver was almost to the elevator when he heard someone call out "Mr. Queen!" and turned his head to see who the person was "Yes?" He asked curiously. A somewhat overweight man with glasses stood in front of him with a worried expression on his face "We have a problem with the computer system. None of the computers will let us access our work or anything else." He reported worriedly. Oliver looked at him confused "Why didn't you report it to the IT department head?" He questioned sternly.

He cleared his throat nervously "I am the IT department head, Mr. Queen." He revealed knowingly. At that statement, Oliver's eyes widened "Take me to the server room." He demanded quickly. The IT department head nodded quickly sprinting towards the elevator and pressing the basement button as the elevator closes. A few minutes later, the elevator doors open and both men walk straight to the server room where several people are typing at rapid speed trying to fix whatever was wrong "So, does anybody have any idea how this is happening?" Oliver asked sternly, his arms folded across his chest as he walked into the room.

A woman nervously stood up "S-s-some t-t-time ar-around 2 AM a virus was planted into our servers and since then it's denying us access to the computers and selecting certain pieces of data She informed stuttering a bit, an apprehensive look on her face. Oliver nodded "Thank you. Has anybody made any progress trying to get rid of the virus?" He said calmly, trying not to rub his fingers together. She shook her head "No, nobody has and we have been working on getting rid of the virus since about 5:30 this morning, Excuse me." She denied before going back to typing. Oliver sighed deeply "I think I have a solution." He murmured to himself before leaving the room.

Oliver grabbed his phone and dialed a very familiar number, Oliver waited for a minute "Hello?" the voice mumbled sleepily. Oliver's mouth ticked up in a small smile "Hey, sorry to wake you but I need a favor." He apologized/asked pleadingly as he started to pace. He heard a groan "what happened?" She asked a little grouchy. Oliver repressed a chuckle, he could see her blonde all frizzy from sleep as she stretches trying to wake herself up before dragging herself out of bed to the kitchen for the first cup of coffee to wake her up "A virus entered QC's computer system early this morning and despite the IT department's efforts they haven't gotten any progress on getting rid of the virus. I really need your help, Felicity." He explained/pleaded a little desperate. A moment of silence before Felicity sighed "I'll be there in a little bit." She said a little irritable. Oliver was surprised how crabby she sounded but decided to let it go at least until the virus was dealt with "Ok, I'll wait for you in the lobby." He said calmly. Felicity smiled lightly "Ok, I'll see you then." She said casually before hanging up.

Felicity winced as she walked the path to Queen Consolidated, Athena was pretty ruthless while fighting she and Nyssa last night. After they get back to the apartment, Felicity went straight to bed after changing and she had planned to stay in bed until she met up with Oliver and went to his place but when he called and said he needed her help she knew that she couldn't leave him in the lurch. So she got dressed quickly in shorts, a green T-shirt and tennis shoes and was out the door. As she walked down the sidewalk towards QC, she tried to ignore the pain that is surging through her stomach muscles, she inwardly scolded herself for not taking an Advil before leaving the apartment but she couldn't do anything about it now.

Felicity entered Queen Consolidated with stride seeing Oliver waiting with a small but impatient smile "Hi! Thank you for coming." He said gleefully, gently giving her a hug. After letting go of the hug, Oliver held out something "Here's your guest pass." He said quickly. Felicity took the guest pass and clipped the pass to the collar of her shirt "Alright, now where's the problem?" She asked promptly. Oliver nodded leading her to the elevator and after reaching the basement, Oliver and Felicity walked quickly to the server room but Felicity blocked Oliver from entering, turning to look at him firmly "Before we go in there, I need to tell you something." She said softly yet seriously. Oliver was about to protest cause time is of the essence but seeing her expression, nodded "Once I start coding, I will be so focused that I won't be aware of what's around me. I won't stop for food, drink or bathroom breaks... Remember how hard I can punch?" She somewhat explained/asked. Seeing him nod, she grimaced a little"Well, let's just say somebody touch me while this happens punching will be the worst of it. And everything will be tuned out so, if I acknowledge anybody after a certain time, I will be very irritable or annoyed." She warned him, biting her lip.

Oliver looked at Felicity, trying to picture her the way she's describing and while it's hard to picture he knows that some people just have a boiling point, Oliver nodded "Everything will be alright." He whispered comfortingly before kissing her forehead lightly. Felicity slowly nodded before turning around and opening the door, letting Oliver go in first before following him "I've brought some help. Everybody, meet Felicity Smoak." He introduced Felicity, smiling at her. Felicity moved from behind Oliver to beside him and waved "Hi." She said shyly. A moment later they heard a scoff "How the hell is she supposed to help?" Someone said disbelievingly. Felicity hid her reaction while from what Felicity could see from the corner of her eye Oliver wanted to take the person outside and beat them up but Felicity put her hand on his forearm to calm him down then turned to the group in the room "The person who said that come forward." She said in what Nyssa calls her "Angry assassin" voice. A lanky looking man in business attire stood up. walked towards her then stopped in front of her "So you think I can't get rid of the virus?" Felicity asked knowingly, her arms folded against her chest. The man hesitated for a moment then nodded but didn't say anything, Felicity scoffed at his cowardice "I will tell you this, I graduated from MIT summa cum laude in '09 in Computer science and Cybersecurity. So do not tell me that I can get rid of a virus." She growled through clenched teeth.

In the man's eyes, fear grew with each word Felicity spoke, he nodded fearfully before returning to his seat Felicity looked at everyone else "Anybody else wants to challenge me?" She called out to rest of the room. Everyone shook their heads vehemently "Good. Now, where can I..." She started to say before finding a vacant computer and seat in the corner of the room. She smiled as she walked toward the computer sat down pulled off the hair tie on her wrist tying her hair in a neat ponytail before cracking her fingers "Time to get to work." she muttered as she started to type.

Furiously typing, code flies throughout the screen, reflecting on the lens of her glasses the clacking of the keys was what kept her focused especially when the board of directors came in to see how progress was going... she had twenty-five percent of the virus demolished by then but it's... actually she didn't really know how much time has passed since she sat down because the faster she typed the more distorted from reality she became. Hands flying across the keyboard "Almost there." She murmured determinedly. Ignoring the pain in her stomach and her hands, Felicity let her hands go at lightning speed and a second or two later Felicity stood up "Boom! Goes the dynamite!" She cheered loudly, as she spins around in a half circle.

Everyone in the room turns their heads in Felicity's direction, Oliver smiled and walked towards her "I knew you could do it." He said knowingly before giving her a hug. After releasing the hug, they stared at each other, smiling slightly until someone clears their throat causing them to turn, coming face to face with an older man "I'm Arnold Davis and what you just did was amazing." He introduced and praised her. Felicity shook her head "Anybody could've done it." She said modestly. Mr. Davis nodded in agreement "Maybe so, but it would've taken a lot longer." He protested with a small smile. Felicity nodded "Probably, but I say it was a team effort." She conceded but also credited the others. Mr. Davis guffawed "Pretty, modest and intelligent! Queen, you better keep this woman close cause she's an asset." He advised Oliver knowingly. Oliver nodded then looked at Felicity "Trust me, I plan to keep her close." He replied knowingly. Mr. Davis gave them a half smile "Excuse me, I have somewhere else to be." He excused himself before walking away.

Mr. Davis gave them a half smile "Excuse me, I have somewhere else to be." He excused himself before walking away. Felicity noticed the man that doubted her before was looking at her, Felicity turned to Oliver "Give me a second." She said quickly before striding over to the man. Felicity folded her arms over her chest "Now what did you learn?" She questioned sternly. Felicity saw a little bit of fear but also respect in his eyes "Not to judge a book by its cover." He said nervously, trying not to shake. Felicity stares at him for a minute then nodded "Good, that'll be a reminder not to underestimate women or anybody in the future." She said sharply before walking back over to Oliver.

Oliver looked at her concerned "Let's go upstairs to my office, order some take-out and maybe get you some Advil?" He suggested softly. Felicity winced "I hoped you hadn't noticed." She complained as they walked out of the room and to the elevator, pressing the up button. After stepping onto the elevator, the elevator filled with awkward silence as the elevator moved from that floor to the 32nd floor. The elevator dinged as the doors opened, Oliver and Felicity stepped out, Oliver guiding Felicity to his office around the corner, opening the door "Ladies first." He offered politely, Felicity smiled at him as she walked into the room straight to the couch gazing at the view from the window.

"A wonderful view isn't it?" Oliver commented wistfully from behind. She flinched slightly, Felicity didn't even realize Oliver was right behind her yet turned around Oliver was holding a bottle of water in one hand and holding out a couple of tablets of Advil in the other "You're a lifesaver!" She exclaimed happily, taking the bottle opening it swigging some water taking the pills from his hand and popping them into her mouth then swallowing. Oliver had an amused smile "Better?" He asked hopefully. Felicity closed her eyes feeling the pain disperse for a moment "Yes, thank you." She said gratefully. Oliver nodded slightly before stepping away from her, walking towards his desk and picking up the phone "What do you want for lunch?" He asked casually.

Felicity sighed rubbing her forehead " A sandwich, I guess?" She suggested, shrugging her shoulder. Oliver nodded "There's this deli down the street that makes really good sandwiches so I'll just have someone order our sandwiches so we can talk." He told her. After ordering the food and calling someone to get their food for them, both walked over and sat down on the couch, Felicity laid her head on his shoulder "Are we going to discuss the elephant in room or are we going to ignore it until it's too much?" Felicity wondered calmly, looking at him curiously. Oliver sighed deeply, turning his head to look at her "I don't know what you want, but I want to be with you." He confessed sincerely.

Felicity lifted her head, lifting her legs onto the couch, kris-crossing them "I want to be with you too." She agreed ecstatically. A knock on the door caused them to snap out of their little bubble Oliver got up went over to the door, grabbed the food bag, paid the delivery boy then closed the door and turned to her "Conference room?" He suggested with a smile. Felicity smiled warmly and nodded.

Oliver and Felicity left his office and made their way to the empty conference room, sat down next to each other at the head of the table and got out the sandwiches "So, we know that we want to be together." He started cautiously. Felicity nodded slightly "It's just going to be hard for me." She admitted shyly, biting the inside of her lip and avoiding his eyes. Oliver reached under her chin tilted it up so their eyes would meet and smiled "This will be hard for me too." He admitted sheepishly. Felicity raised a disbelieving eyebrow, grabbing Oliver's hand from her chin to her lap "Really?" She said surprised. To Felicity that doesn't sound like Oliver cause, he's handsome, kind, reliable and so many other things, Oliver exhaled "Almost six years ago, after my father had his stroke I decided to get serious with my life so I decided to stop partying, sleeping with random girls and most of all I broke up with my girlfriend since high school." He explained with a distaste, thinking of what an asshole he was.

Felicity rubbed her thumb over his hand "Hey, you did what was best. You stepped up got a degree and became CEO." She comforted soothingly. Oliver looked down "Sometimes, I wonder what would've happened if my dad didn't have a stroke." Oliver said wistfully. Felicity brought his hand up and kissed it "What ifs will drive you crazy. I should know." She advised knowingly, she had gone through so many scenarios where her life would be if her mom was still alive but in the end, it just ended in heartbreak. Oliver nodded then weakly smiled "Thanks but I think we should eat before we continue this, shall we?" He suggested Felicity nodded "Sure." She said softly, before picking up her Reuben and taking a bite. Oliver grabbed his BLT taking a bite himself "So, what happened?" He asked curiously, after swallowing the bite. Felicity was confused for a second then realized what he was talking about "I knocked myself into the counter in the kitchen causing my side to bruise. It's no big deal." She explained casually, waving it off, trying not to picture Athena.

Oliver looked at her aghast "It doesn't seem like a no big deal if you're in that much pain as you seem to be." He protested in disbelief. Felicity gave a little shrug "I'm used to it since well, I met Nyssa and her family." She recalled nonchalantly, before taking another bite of her sandwich. Oliver looked at Felicity intrigued "Really, so what he taught you how to fight?" He guessed correctly. More than you think. "What else did he teach you then?" He questioned more curious than before. Felicity winced and groaned internally "You weren't supposed to hear that." She whined embarrassed. Oliver put his hand over hers and smiled reassuringly "It's alright, it just seems that you went through something rough." He reassured yet sympathized.

Felicity nodded "I did but I did what I did to survive." She said in a hard voice. Oliver nodded "Okay, no need to get defensive." He said a little hurt, taking his hand off hers. Felicity closed her eyes and exhaled "Sorry, its not your fault. I'm just a little stressed." She apologized to him, a little irritated still. Both took a big bite of their sandwiches "No big deal, I just want you to know you can tell me anything." He reminded her. Felicity smiled tightly and nodded shortly "Of course." She said somewhat quickly. She feels like she can but for his safety and possibly the city's... she can't despite how much she wants to. Oliver points to a spot on her face "You have some thousand island dressing." Oliver pointed out with a cheeky smile. Felicity grabbed a napkin and wiped most of it off "Did I get all of it?" She asked hopefully. Oliver grabbed one of his napkins and wiped off the rest "There, got it." He confirmed.

Felicity blushed "Thank you." She said before eating the last of her sandwich. Oliver nodded "She's so cute when she blushes." He thought sweetly. After finishing his sandwich and throwing away the trash, Oliver and Felicity sit in the conference room in silence. Felicity holds her hands tightly in anticipation, nervousness or both while Oliver looked calm on the outside on the inside, he feels impatient and nervous cause all he wants to do is hug Felicity and kiss the daylights out of her "Um, I want you to know that I trust you, I just keep thing close to the chest depending on how personal it is." Felicity explained shakily, hoping he understands. Oliver nods watching as Felicity gets up and paces "Of course, anybody would be closed off." He said understandingly and reassuringly. Felicity stopped pacing, facing him and sighed in relief "Thanks, anyway a year before my mom has killed my dad left us. Why? I have no idea even to this day, but him leaving showed me that people leave. My father left, my mom left and..." She explained kind of rambling

Felicity felt tears develop in the back of her eyes and let out a shaky breath "He left and I just wrote off romance altogether. Having a one night stand every once in a while until I met you" She finished explaining. Noticing she was trembling Oliver leaped from his seat pulling her into a hug which Felicity melted in his embrace "Thank you." She said, muffled since she buried her head in his chest. Oliver held her for several minutes before Felicity raised her head and smiled "Thank you for letting me tell you why a relationship will be difficult and I'm glad you told me what happened all those years ago." She thanked him sincerely. Oliver smiled gratefully "I'm glad I told you also." He admitted relieved.

Felicity tiptoed and softly kissed him. She pulled away a little but Oliver slammed his lips onto hers, deepening the kiss. The kiss sent electricity throughout her body, jolting her senses and quickly becoming addicting. He scooped her up onto the table, his hands traveled up her body to her hair, grabbing the hair tie, pulling it gently and tossing it somewhere. He runs his hands through her hair, Felicity quickly grabs his jacket, pulls it off and throws it across the table "Are you sure that nobody will barge in?" She questioned raspy, wanting to be positive. Oliver nodded quickly "Everybody will be catching up on work since the network was down. So, probably not." He declared knowingly. Felicity smirked slyly "Well, what are you waiting for?" She asked coyly, clasping her hands around his neck.

Wasting no time, Oliver kissed her, running his hands through hair one more causing Felicity to moan in his mouth. Felicity moved her hands to his tie, loosening it a little then up his neck to his hair running her hands through, causing his hair to be a little messy. They heard someone clearing their throat causing them to pull apart, breathing heavily, turning to see who walked in on them "Walter? What are you doing here... in the conference room at this moment." He stated awkwardly, pulling at his collar nervously. Walter gave them an easygoing smile "I was looking for you Oliver. When I saw you with Ms. Smoak." He explained. Felicity smiled and held out her hand "Hi, I'm Felicity. Oliver's told me a lot about you." She blurted out. Walter shook her hand, a surprised look on his face "Really? cause he's never mentioned you." He stated knowingly, raising an eyebrow at Oliver.

Oliver and Felicity could imagine how they looked to Walter or anyone who would've walked in. Their hair tousled, Oliver's tie's loosened, their eyes darkened with desire and their lips swollen, it would look bad to anyone especially since it could plant uncertainty that Oliver couldn't do this job despite the fact he's been doing it the past six months. Felicity cleared her throat nervously, turned around and smiled "I'll see you later, for our date." She whispered happily, kissing his cheek "Nice to meet you ." she stated politely, before hastily leaving. Walter smiled and turned "Same to you, Ms. Smoak." He called out as she walked out of hearing range.

Walter turned to face Oliver "She seems nice." He said politely. Oliver nodded enthusiastically "She is." He confirmed with a dopey smile on his face. Walter gave him a serious look "You know, that you were lucky that I..." Walter lectured but was interrupted. Oliver exhaled as he walked down to the end of the table, grabbed his jacket and slipped it on "Interrupted me kissing my hopefully soon-to-be girlfriend." He finished knowingly as he turned around. Walter exhaled heavily and walked until he was in front of Oliver "Oliver, I want you to take this position seriously." He stated sternly. Oliver rolled his eyes and scoffed "I do take this seriously! I know what you saw wasn't professional." He protested. Walter nodded "Yes, it wasn't I just don't want you to lose this job over something." He agreed seriously, crossing his arms over his chest.

Oliver nodded "I know, but whatever Felicity and I have... it's something that I've never felt before, even with Laurel." He explained knowingly, heart-eyes and dopey grin included. Walter nodded and clapped him on the back "Congratulations then! But a word of advice, keep the making out to a minimum or maybe just make-out in your office. I hope you and Ms. Smoak are happy." He declared sincerely, with a smile. Oliver brightly smiled "I hope so." He said optimistically. Walter clapped his hands together "Now what did you want to speak to me about?" He inquired intrigued.

As Felicity walked to Oliver's apartment building, she noticed the cloudy sky. Felicity hoped it wouldn't rain but what little Oliver told her about the weather in Starling, it might. She entered the building, walking to the elevator, entering and pressing the floor number. She felt her nervousness spike as the elevator got closer to Oliver's apartment floor. The doors open with a ding, Felicity walks out, turning left down the hall, remembering Oliver telling her that his apartment number was 1624. Felicity found the apartment and knocked, taking a deep breath as the door opened.

Oliver grinned when he saw Felicity dressed in a green t-shirt, blue jeans, tennis shoes and with little makeup that makes her lovely, even though she'd be beautiful without it "You look great." he complimented before pecking her cheek. Felicity nodded "Thank you, you look great too." She complimented, biting her lip awkwardly. Oliver cleared his throat and stepped aside "Come in, please. I'll give you a tour." He insisted.

Felicity walked in, following Oliver as he gave her a tour. Oliver walked through the living room "Here's the living room. To the right and down the hall, the door to the right is the bathroom and not least the kitchen." He said, imitating a tour guide as he leads her throughout his apartment showing where everything is. Returning to the living room, Oliver looked at Felicity "Do want anything to drink? I stopped by the store and got some red wine or do you want water?" He questioned with a hint of nervousness. Felicity smiled "Water, for now, please." She said politely. Oliver nodded "Make yourself comfy while I get your drink." He urged her as he walked into the kitchen.

Felicity walked over sat down on the corner of the couch and grabbed the picture on the side table. In the picture was Oliver, about fifteen with a dark-haired five-year-old sitting on his shoulders, both have wide smiles on their faces and by the looks of the background, they were at a fair.

"That's one of my favorite pictures." Oliver's voice said behind her. Felicity looked at him curiously "Can you tell me about that day?" She asked intrigued. Oliver nodded, setting down the glass on the coffee table and sitting down next to her "I had plans with my 'buddies' that day and didn't want to take Thea to the fair but since Raisa, mom and dad couldn't for several reasons. I was the only one who could. I was mad that I couldn't hang out with my buddies... while in the beginning I wasn't really having any fun cause we were looking at the animals but Thea was having a blast looking at the baby chicks in particular. Once we got to the midway we played games, get on rides, ate food and on my mom's insistence that I get a few pictures of Thea. I had taken a camera with us so I asked one of the fair workers to take our picture and that's what happened." He recounted, reminiscing about that day.

Felicity put the picture back where it was and smiled at Oliver "Ready to watch?" She asked excitedly. Oliver chuckled "Why not? You seem excited enough for both of us." He observed knowingly. Turning on the TV, switching to Netflix, going to Dr. Who and selecting the first series with the tenth doctor. They got through half of the first series before two loud Booms! caused the lights went out and the apartment was pitch black. Felicity looked around confused "What the hell just happened?!" Felicity exclaimed a little shocked not paying attention to the exasperated sigh next to her.

Oliver glowered as he got up, stridden down the hall and a minute or two later came into the living room, his cell pressed against his ear "Just for once, can the electricity stay on during a thunderstorm?" He muttered pissed off as he waited. Felicity raised an eyebrow "This happens a lot during thunderstorms?" She assumed with an amused smile. Oliver swiftly nodded before he turned his attention back to his phone "Yes, do you know an estimated time when the electricity is going to turn back on?" He asked patiently. "Sir, the estimated time will be some time tomorrow morning." The accented voice told him calmly.

Oliver closed his eyes and clenched his jaw in frustration "Thank you for telling me and have a good day." He said calmly, before hanging up. Putting his phone in his pocket, he scrubbed his face in frustration before walking over and sitting down next to Felicity "This isn't how I wanted this evening to go." He whined as he tilted his head against the back of the couch. Felicity put her hand on his arm rubbing soothingly "Hey, I don't mind. It comes with an unplanned stay overnight for me." She assured him calmly, continuing to rub his arm while trying to ignore the goose bumps forming on her skin.

"Shouldn't we get some flashlights?" Felicity asked curiously. Oliver nodded then got up, went to the hall closet grabbed some flashlights then returned to the living room giving one to Felicity, sitting down once again next to her. Both turned their flashlights on putting them on the table letting small illumination in the room.

Silence filled the room despite the thunder crashing outside. Felicity leaned her head on Oliver's shoulder and looked at him "How did things go after I left with Walter? I almost forgot to ask." She wondered curiously. Oliver smiled amusingly "Besides congratulating us for our happiness, he warned to keep the PDA to a minimum unless it's in my office." He said teasingly, trying to keep a neutral face. Felicity groaned and buried her face in his shoulder "That's embarrassing!" She exclaimed, muffled in his shoulder. Oliver huffed a laugh and kissed her hair "Besides the warning, everything's normal." He reassured her honestly.

Felicity raised her head giving him a disbelieving look "So, being caught in a make-out session by a colleague but also a friend of yours wasn't the least bit mortifying?! Maybe not to you but it was to me because I don't want to be a fling or one-night stand or even a blonde bimbo. I'm a smart, intelligent woman and anyone who doesn't treat me as such can go to hell." She rambled passionate and red-faced. Oliver sat up and maneuvered sideways crisscrossing his legs and cupping her face in his hands "Hey if anyone can't see that you are intelligent, kind and sassy then their loss." He soothed her calmly, caressing her cheek with his thumb. Butterflies flutter in he stomach, Felicity smiled lightly "Thanks, few people know how to cheer me up like that." She admitted consciously. Oliver shook his head "Then they lost a chance to get to know a wonderful woman. The display at Queen Consolidated proved that." He pointed out knowingly, giving her a brief kiss on the lips, dropping his hands into his lap. Felicity smiled evilly "Besides if they cross me I can just ruin their credit score." She joked deviously. "I wouldn't want to be the person on the other end of her ire." Oliver thought knowingly seeing a devious glint in her eye.

Felicity cleared her throat, changing the subject "How did Walter react to being promoted technically?" She asked worriedly. Oliver wanted to have everything in place before he starts construction and making sure the right person filled his position of CEO "After assuring him this wasn't an impulse and that it was something I really wanted to do, he accepted but that I don't be a stranger." He explains light-heartedly. Felicity sighed in relief "That's great. Now you just need to talk to your family." She said deliberately, looking at him knowingly. Felicity knew that Oliver was nervous about telling his family, more his parents than Thea "Are you going to tell them when you see them next?" She questioned curiously, raising an eyebrow.

Oliver nodded solemnly "Yes. I'm just worried about how mom and dad will take it. Thea is going to be fun or a pain to work with." He replied worriedly and knowingly. Felicity laughed "From what I've heard, you and Thea have a great bond despite the age gap. You'll be a great team." She assured sincerely. Oliver nodded "Thanks." He said gratefully. Both Oliver and Felicity's stomach rumble at that moment. They burst out laughing "I think it's time to eat now." Felicity wheezed out as the laughter died down. Oliver nodded as his face returned to normal getting up and started to walk toward the kitchen "I'll get... Fuck! I had our picnic basket chilling in my fridge and now we can't eat it cause if we do, all the food will spoil." He groaned feeling stupid for not taking it out earlier.

Felicity sighed as she stood up walked past him into the kitchen grabbed a magnetic clip full of take-out menus walked back into the livingroom stopping in front of Oliver "Pick one or I grab my cell and call Mario's." She instructed calmly. Oliver nodded grabbing one from the middle, pulled it out and looked at it "Mexican, does that sound good to you?" He said/asked surely. Felicity smiled and nodded "I haven't had Mexican food in a while, so Mexican sounds great." She agreed readily.

After ordering the food, They go lay down on the couch, cuddled up next to each other "You know this is the first power-outage I've really experienced." She told him turning on her side and pecking his lips. Oliver looked at her surprised "Not even when you arrived at Nyssa's?" He questioned Intrigued. Felicity weakly chuckled "That was drier than Las Vegas with less rain but was colder at night." She answered flatly.

The pitter-patter of raindrops on the window outside was the only sound in the deafening silence. Felicity easily adapted to the climate at Nanda Parbat but at night it was cold. Colder than it was in Las Vegas with rain showers far into the desert every few months "So, what? Was the house cool at all? Or was it hot?" He questioned suspiciously. There was no way Felicity could really answer that cause it was hot all the damn time unless you stepped outside during the night or you were assigned a mission in another country "It would depend on the room." She said vaguely.

Before Oliver could say anything his apartment doorbell rang. Oliver sat up, shifted his limbs over Felicity and got up from the couch and walked to the door and opened it. After paying for the food, Oliver set the take-out bags on the floor, taking out the containers and putting them on the coffee table "Let's open them and if one wants something the other doesn't then they get the container to themselves and if both want what's in the container we'll share?" He suggested cautiously. Felicity nodded "Fine with me." She said casually before they took off the tops of the containers.

Each grabbed container of food that looked good until both grabbed the container of fajitas for 2 "Rock, paper scissors?" Felicity suggested with an innocent smile. Oliver chuckled and smiled amusingly "One round and if we get the same thing we share." He negotiated determinedly. Felicity nodded both held out their fists sideways "Rock, paper scissors shoot!" Oliver and Felicity exclaimed at the same time as they moved their fists up and down, their results were paper and paper. Oliver smirked at Felicity while she stared astonished with her jaw dropped "Looks like we're sharing." He declared delighted.

Felicity was hesitant, not because she didn't want to but because the last time she had supposedly shared food with a man, he was her target and she killed him by stabbing him in the carotid artery in Corto Maltese "Great." She replied with a worried expression. Oliver quirked up an eyebrow curiously "Why are you hesitant? It's not like you stabbed someone with a fork." he joked unintentionally. Felicity winced loudly while Oliver widened his eyes at her "You have? I didn't mean..." Oliver tried to apologize when Felicity put her hand up and he stopped "It's not your fault. It was a failed date and it's in the past. I want to share the fajitas with you." She assured him earnestly.

Oliver hesitantly nodded "Ok, but please tell me if you don't want to share anymore, please? Cause I really don't want to be maimed and sent to the emergency room." He pleaded almost begged. Felicity shook her head "He was trying to get in my pants you aren't." She said with certainty, as she grabbed a wrapper containing a plastic fork and ripped it open. Oliver grabbed another wrapper did the same and dug in.

The silence that filled the air had sounds of Felicity moaning with delight with each bite of a new dish. She was reminded of why Mexican was her favorite foreign food. Each had a new burst of flavor that caused Oliver to smile at her face every time. She knew that he did that but didn't care cause she stuck her tongue out and went back to eating. After they devoured most of the food they moved the leftovers to the counter in the kitchen.

They sat down on the couch Felicity scooted closer to him resting her head on his pectoral "Do you want to keep cuddling for a while then go to bed or do you want to do something else then go to bed?" Felicity asked curiously about ten minutes later. Oliver looked down at her "What do you have in mind?" He asked intrigued with a curious eyebrow. She lifted her head using the hand on squished to dig into her pocket and pulled out her phone "How about dancing together?" She suggested cautiously. She knew he didn't dance but this wasn't at a gala or anything just her and him.

Oliver shook his head "No." He denied. Felicity pouted "Please?" "No." "Pease?" Oliver looked down and saw the pleading in her eyes and sighed "For you only." He grumbled as he stood up turned and held out his hand. Felicity took his hand and stood up "Shouldn't we move the coffee table against the wall near the couch?" She suggested raising her eyebrow at him.

Quickly moving the coffee table, Oliver walked near Felicity holding out his hand again "May I have this dance?" He asked with a shy smile. Felicity smiled as she opened her phone put her music on shuffle walked the small distance gently placed it on the table and pressed play "Ready? She asked hastily came closer as 'Catch me' by Demi Lovato started.

Oliver grabbed her hands wrapping them around the back of his neck and wrapped one arm around Felicity and the other rest on her shoulder "Let's sway, shall we?" He suggested. Felicity nodded as they began to sway... They didn't notice the lightning flashes coming from outside while the thunder rolls.

As they swayed around the room, Felicity couldn't think of a better place to be than in Oliver's arms. She let herself relax as they continued, she looked in his eyes and smiled "This is fun." She whispered contently, leaning closer so she'd rest her head on his chest. Oliver smirked and twirled her a couple times before they resumed their original positions "Hows that for fun?" He asked with a bright smile. Felicity laughed "The best." She answered happily. A flash of thunder going off outside.

Looking up at him Felicity, for the life of her could not look away. His eyes were the most captivating blue she'd ever seen. While Felicity noticed several things when they met, his eyes and his smile were what stood out "What?" He asked confused. Felicity shook her head "Just losing myself in the music." She said casually. Felicity didn't even know this song existed until a couple days ago after she and Oliver said night to the other and she wanted to listen to a song that describes how she felt when she was around Oliver or when she talked or felt when she thought about him. When she heard the song all the way through she knew this is what she wanted to dance to for their first dance... despite the fact that he didn't like to dance.

Oliver and Felicity's hearts quickened as the song continued, neither hadn't felt this way in so long that it feels foreign to them both "I can't think of anywhere else I'd be right now except holding you. Except I feel something in the pit of my stomach I can't shake." He admitted quietly. Felicity could see the fear in his eyes "Trust that feeling and things will fall into place... somehow." She advised softly, untangling one hand and pressed it where his heart was. The fear in his eyes was now mixed with hesitance "I'll try." He answered strongly despite how he felt. The butterflies fluttered stronger each second screaming for them to separate but neither of them moves. Something wants them to run... whether it's a feeling or whatever else. They don't move but whatever will happen good or bad they just want to be together. They don't know how long this relationship will last but they want to cherish it until they say goodbye whether if it's a month or a year, for now, they don't care they just want to be in the others lives.

As the second chorus came around, Oliver looked at the woman in his arms and wondered why she did what not even Laurel did... listen to how he really felt. Everyone had certain expectations of him... His parents want him to be the CEO and heir they always wanted him to be, his sister had expectations of him as a great big brother which until six years ago he really wasn't. Hell, Tommy even had expectations to a point "Hey, what's going on in that head of yours?" Felicity asked curiously, knitting her eyebrows together. Oliver chuckled "I'll tell you later." He promised as the music continued.

One of the first things he noticed about her was how her hair and how it glistened in the sun. The other things he noticed were how her eyes sparkled when she talked excitedly about technology, her smile when she talks about the people she cares about... whether it's Nyssa or her mother or even Nyssa's father despite whatever he did. The favorite thing he noticed is how the shade of her eyes... as sapphire as they display how Felicity's feeling at that moment no matter how much she tries to hide it.

Felicity and Oliver were terrified of the idea of a new relationship albeit for different reasons. But despite how long they have known each other of how long they might last... They're willing to take a chance. "Here I go, take the plunge there's nobody telling me what to do." Felicity and Oliver thought, gathering courage. Oliver leaned forward and kissed her "I think it's bedtime after this song." He mumbled into the kiss. Felicity pouted "I don't want to go to bed." She mumbled tiredly. Oliver pulled away, raising an eyebrow "Really?" He questioned skeptically. Felicity knew she looked tired but that's what happens when you patrol the glades until 4 AM, She sighed "Fine, but can I use a t-shirt to sleep in? Cause I don't think sleeping in blue jean shorts would be a good idea. But, before that can we finish the song?" She asked hopefully, pouting. Oliver sighed, resigned and nodded "Yes!" Felicity quietly cheered as she moved a little closer to where there was barely any room between them.

As the song came to the last verse, both Oliver and Felicity knew that they were falling and falling fast but they knew that the other would fall back on each other when things will fall apart around them. Love or lust, they don't know just yet but things will fall into place but it's their choices along the way that make the journey worthwhile. The song faded out then the phone started to play 'I want to dance with somebody' By Whitney Houston.

Felicity scurried over to the coffee table, paused the music and turned to Oliver "Time for bed." She declared tiredly. Oliver leads Felicity to the hallway before hurrying into his room and coming out with a grey t-shirt, holding it out for her to take "You can change in my room if you want." He offered sheepishly. Felicity nodded hastened herself into Oliver's room "Thank you" She exclaimed with a smile before she closed the door. Felicity shimmied her shorts off, lifted her shirt and sports bra before putting on the t-shirt Oliver gave her, which seemed to swallow her up, it was large, so large the bottom comes to her knees and the "Well, I won't have to worry about Oliver seeing anything or feeling totally naked." She murmured before scooping up her clothes and setting them on Oliver's desk chair.

Felicity opened the door where on the other side, Oliver was leaning against the wall waiting patiently, his eyes dark "Ok now that you're dressed... you'll take my room while I take the guest room." He said not letting her say a thing, turning to the direction of the guest room but Felicity grabbed his arm before he walked any further causing him to turn to her. Felicity shook her head "No, I'm the guest so I'll sleep in the guest room." She insisted, putting her hands on her hips defiantly. Oliver chuckled tiredly and shook his head "Since it's my place, I insist that you take my bed." He insisted back. Felicity felt more tired than she thought and groaned "Fine. I'll take your bed." She conceded.

She stomped tiredly towards the bed and turned to see Oliver, who was now leaning against the threshold of his bedroom doorway "Are you sure that you want to sleep in the guest room?" She asked wanting to be clear. Oliver nodded "Positive." He assured her. Felicity stuck her tongue out at him which he chuckles and walked to her, kissed her quickly on the lips before kissing her on the forehead "Goodnight and holler if you need anything, k?" He said softly before he left the room and closed the door.

Felicity pulled back the sheets, slipped into bed, turned on her side and yawned "Time for sleep." She said drowsily before she fell into a deep sleep.

~Dream~

Felicity saw herself walk into the room full of phone booth like cubicles. But she didn't look like she does she looks like she did years ago. Black hair, nose ring, dark clothes complete with combat boots... the whole enchilada. Her past self-sat down at one of the booths melancholily waiting until a door opened and Cooper, clad in a walked in with his hands un-cuffed and sat down grabbing the phone off the receiver up to his ear "You shouldn't be here." He protested quietly. Past Felicity huffed and rolled her eyes "Like hell, I'm staying away. It's my fault you're in here." She rebuked angrily, yet quietly.

Felicity felt her heart clench as she watched them, knowing everything's going to hell. Cooper sighed "You may have created the virus but I'm the one who used it to erase the funds." He countered knowingly. Felicity nodded "Yes, but I'm going to tell them that I wrote the virus." She told him confidently. Cooper shook his head "You can't because I've already told them I wrote the virus." He informed her. Past Felicity sniffled as tears started to fall "You don't have to do this you know?" She pointed out. Cooper huffed "Maybe, but it should be the one who was cocky and stupid than the both of us." He said somewhat optimistically.

Past Felicity wiped a tear from her cheek "I love you... I want you to know despite the circumstances..." She declared, not really knowing what else to say. Cooper weakly smiled "I love you too." He whispered soothingly. Felicity saw the guard come up behind Cooper while he's talking to her past self "Get away from there! Move! Do something!" She shouts to both Cooper and past Felicity. They didn't even look in her direction "They can't hear me." She thought dismayed. She couldn't do anything except watch what would unfold... The assassination of her boyfriend.

The guard slips a knife out of his pants pocket, stabbing Cooper in the back, several times "Stop it! Stop it please!" Past Felicity screamed as she stood up shocked. Seeing the guard flee, Past Felicity sprinted to the door she came through banging her fist "Help! Anybody, please! Something's happening and we need help!" She screamed hoping that someone anyone would hear. "Where's Nyssa when you need her?" She thought angrily. Gritting her teeth, turning back towards the phone booth like cubicles just in time to see Cooper fall to the side, struggling to breathe as blood spews out of his mouth "Coop!" She exclaimed loudly, running to the cubicles.

Cooper lifted his head weakly "Don't worry Lis, everything will be alright." He tried to reassure her. Both Felicity's felt their throats choke up "Are you sure?" She asked hoarsely. Cooper struggled for breath "I love..." He tried to say but his head fell to the floor, dead. Past felicity heart broke at that moment, slowly walked a few steps back and crumpled to the ground. Present Felicity could only watch as her She sobbed for what seemed like hours before felt someone wrap their arms around her past self or dream self fell apart in front of her eyes"I knew thought it would end like this." She whispered brokenly.

"I know." Nyssa whispered soothingly, gently stroking Felicity's dark hair. The silence stretched out for what the sisters didn't know how long "We need to go." Nyssa whispered softly. Past Felicity immediately shook her head vehemently "I'm not going back... I know what will happen." She declined, gritting her teeth. Nyssa tried to think of something but couldn't "We'll think of something." She tried to comfort her, rubbing circles on he back. Dream Felicity turned herself to face Nyssa, raising her head, her face covered with streaked mascara down her cheeks "I don't care if Ra's comes after me. I will not be going back to Nanda Parbat!" She said angrily, her voice loud towards the end.

Nyssa took a deep breath "For how long?" She tentatively asked. Felicity absentmindedly shrugged "I don't know, don't care all I know is I want to get my degrees... with or without the demons heads permission." She said determined, staggering as she stood up. Nyssa stood and grabbed her arm to steady her "Better?" She questioned before Felicity hesitantly nodded, sniffled "Yeah." She replied softly. Nyssa cleared her throat 'We need to leave cause the guard is going to come to bring back to his cell to find this mess." She declared/ordered softly yet sternly. Felicity breathed out shakily "Alright." She agreed, tilting her head up high as she walked out with Nyssa by her side.

As the door closed, Felicity turned back looking into the window, mournful and heartbroken "Goodbye Coop." She whispered before turning around following her sister hollow inside.

~End Dream~

Felicity jolted awake, screaming, crying and whimpering "No, not again. Please, I can't see that again." She whispered frantically. The door slammed open, the light turned on and the figure rushed to the bed. Not recognizing her surroundings, her heartbeat pounding in her ear, scooches herself up the bed until her back hit the headboard, huddling her legs to her chest. The figure sat down on the vacant space next to her "Felicity?" He said hesitantly, reaching out his hand. When his hand touched her knee, Felicity flinched, causing Oliver to remove his hand "Not again..." She mumbled not noticing her surroundings.

Oliver tried to calm himself enough to think of something "Felicity? It's me, Oliver." He said softly, trying to get her to notice him. He noticed that she was shaking, breathing shakily and seemed far away but decided to make physical contact again "Hey, it's alright." He whispered soothingly, reaching out and tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. Felicity snapped her head towards Oliver "Oli- Oliver?" She stuttered breathlessly. Oliver nodded "Yes. May I come closer?" He asked cautiously. Felicity took a deep breath and nodded "Yeah. that's fine." She consented.

Oliver scooted closer to her, cupping her cheek and caressing the cheek "What happened?" He questioned a few minutes later. Felicity calmed and braced herself "Nightmare." She said simply, sniffling. Oliver nodded "Want to talk about it?" Oliver wondered curiously, removing his hand but Felicity grabbed his hand, holding it tightly. Felicity shook her head vehemently "Not right now. Maybe later." She declined/suggested fidgety. Oliver nodded deciding to let her talk to him when she's ready "Ok, do you need anything... Tissues, water or... " He listed a few things.

Felicity shook her head "No... but can you stay with me?" She asked tentatively. Oliver looked at her surprised "Are you sure?" He questioned, wanting to be sure. Felicity nodded her head quickly "I don't want to be alone." She said certainly. Oliver nodded "Ok." He said before getting under the covers. Felicity did the same turning her body to the left reaching for the light switch and turning off the light "Night Oliver." She said sleepily, getting comfortable. Oliver smiled "Good night Felicity." He said quietly, closing his eyes. Felicity closed her eyes and both drift off to sleep.

Thank you for Reading!