They pulled into a small grocer at the bottom of the mountain, a sort of last resort for the privileged few who lived nearby. Felicity stepped out of the car, shivered, and pulled her ski coat tighter around her body. The snow was slowly falling and the silence was almost deafening. The air was crisp and clean and she breathed in what felt like baptismal oxygen – a replenishing of the soul. Starling City felt like it was on the other side of the world even though it was only a two-day drive. Oliver silently offered his hand and they walked into the store. "Let's just grab some things to tie us over for a couple of days and then we can decide what we want to do from there".
Felicity nodded and smiled. There didn't feel like there was anything left to say. They were together, with nowhere to go and nobody needing them. Oliver grabbed a basket and they started wandering through the small aisles of the store. Felicity grabbed a half-gallon of milk and Oliver snickered. The sound made her look up to see him smiling, "I'm actually allergic to milk."
Felicity hesitated with the milk in her hand, she raised her eyebrows and snapped, "You mean all Ra's needed to do was give you a cup of milk and you would have crumpled?" Oliver giggled and nodded, "pretty much." Felicity put the milk back and grabbed a small carton of unsweetened almond milk. They continued gathering a variety of yogurt, cheese, eggs, bread and other basics. Felicity started for the check out when Oliver paused, "hang on" and he took a couple of quick strides across the store, down an aisle and grabbed a large box of Cheez-its. Felicity cocked her head to one side and said, "really?" and Oliver shrugged his shoulders and said, "they've always been my favorite".
They unloaded their bags into the car and made their way up the remote road winding around the side of the mountain. Periodically they would pass a set of gates that eluded to a large cabin, another residence of the wealthy and privileged. Large Aspen trees crowded the road and periodically Felicity could spot a deer in the woods or even a fox. Snow covered everything and she felt like they were driving through a postcard. They had said little to each other during their long drive. The silence felt like a warm blanket that allowed them to just be in each other's presence.
Finally Oliver made a slow right turn onto a gravel driveway that took a steep incline into a covered parking spot about 500 yards off the road. Standing by the door was a tall thin woman in a matching snowsuit. She was obviously cold and obviously trying to hide it. She smiled brightly when she saw Oliver. He parked the car and stepped out, "Ms. Masterson, it is so good of you to meet us here" She perked up when Oliver spoke her name.
"Oh, of course Mr. Queen. I couldn't let you arrive without making sure everything was in good shape. It's been so long since your family has used this place I thought you were planning on selling it. Imagine my delight when I received your message." And with that she pointedly looked at Felicity as if waiting for an introduction but Oliver gave none.
"Yes. Well, we have no intentions of selling but it is nice to be back" and with that he held out his hand in anticipation of the keys.
She met his look and hesitated as if she was still hoping for that introduction, "Oh! Yes, you must be tired. Here are the keys. The heater has been turned on, the fireplace is lit and the beds all have fresh sheets. Let me know if you need anything else" and with that Ms. Masterson slowly made her way down the driveway to the Jeep that was waiting at the bottom.
Oliver opened the door and held out his hand for Felicity to follow him. The "cabin" wasn't at all what she expected. It was smaller than the Queen mansion but still large compared to any of the mobile homes or apartments she had ever lived in. The door opened up to a large room with a cathedral ceiling. A railing could be spotted at the top, indicating a loft bedroom. The walls were all covered in cedar with animal antlers and heads tastefully decorated, the way Moira would have liked. To the left was a large dining room with an antler chandelier and beautifully handcrafted wood table with six high backed chairs surrounding it. The large family room and beautiful leather couches that were beckoning to Felicity. She could tell there were more bedrooms and a kitchen down the hall but this was enough for now.
"You really are rich aren't you?"
Oliver laughed, "Yes, I am."
Felicity dropped her bag along with her jacket and walked over to the first large couch and collapsed, slipped off her boots and let out a large sigh, "I could stay on this couch for a week"
Oliver cocked his head to one side and walked over and slumped down next to her, wrapping his arms around her, "well, that's good since that was the idea." Felicity shifted up against him and sighed. Oliver sensed that she had something on her mind, "What is it?"
She sat up and turned towards him, "On one hand I love the fact that one simple sigh tells you that I'm thinking about something. On the other hand it bothers me that I didn't know you couldn't drink milk and that your favorite snack food is Cheez-Its".
Oliver played with Felicity's fingers, "To be honest, I'd forgotten that I like Cheez-Its until I was standing in the grocery store. I know that our relationship hasn't always been 'normal' – and we haven't gotten to know each other the way most couples do but that is why we are here." She nodded and leaned in for an innocent kiss.
"Well, I'm looking forward to getting to know you Oliver Queen." And she smiled with a slight twinkle dancing in her eyes.
Oliver stood up, "Okay. The bedroom is upstairs, the hot tub is in the back, and the kitchen is down the hall. Why don't you go upstairs and unpack and I'll load the groceries into the kitchen."
Felicity looked up at him innocently and in faux innocence responded, "Oh, does this mean we're staying in the same room?" Oliver extended his hand and pulled her forcefully up from the couch, causing her to fall against his chest. He pulled her tight, and grazed her ears with his lips, "I may never let you leave that room." And a spark of electricity shot through Felicity.