This fic was written as part of a Olicity Holiday Exchange on tumblr, for Olicity1013.
Prompt: A situation where Felicity somehow gets/or decides to play Secret Santa (or something along those lines with 'secret gift giving' whatever you want to call it) for Oliver and the hijinks and romance that come along with that. Bonus if there's some Team Arrow as well as Sarah, Roy and Thea.
This took a life of it's own, thus two chapters. Unbetaed, so all mistakes are mine.
Three years. Nearly three years as Oliver's EA, a total of four holiday seasons as a part of Team Arrow. In this time they've done A. nothing (not Felicity's choice, but they hadn't been as close then). B. Thankful to be alive (going up against super soldiers and being held by a psychotic drug lord puts things in perspective) and enjoyed a quiet night in and watched a movie before going their separate ways. C. Secret Santa. Roy has since become more of a contributing (official) member of the group, which added a whole new layers of holiday cheer.
However, this year both she and Diggle went to Oliver with a change of plans.
"You have everything,"
Oliver's eyes met hers as he tilted his head, as if the change of perspective would somehow make the information absorb better.
"She's not wrong. Besides, there's Roy," Diggle added, looking to Felicity to continue.
"Well, it's sort of mean to make him get you something when you're spending Christmas with him and he'll get you something too. It also puts a kibosh on getting you anything having to do with our other jobs,"
"So we're going to do things, or get little things for each of us. Gestures, thoughtful ones," Felicity continued, crossing her arms over her chest, daring him to disagree with her. Oliver looked between the two before leaning back in his chair, folding his arms to match Felicity's.
"Doesn't that make it worse?" He asked. Felicity raised an eyebrow while Diggle's face remained otherwise calm.
"That means everyone has to get me something," Oliver explained further, his lips twitching in amusement at the serious tone they used.
"You just don't want to get the boy wonder anything more than you have to," Diggle replied before Felicity had the chance.
"First of all, I'm getting him something from Oliver. I'm buy all of the gifts for him, as usual, so that doesn't hold," she explained as Diggle nodded, something seeming to click into place in his mind as she continued.
"I made you a list!" Oliver explained, quick to defend himself while Felicity rolled her eyes.
"And how many times to I have to tell you, getting into A.R.G.U.S is easier than reading your writing. Besides, writing 'that bag Thea mentioned' doesn't help me very much." Diggle chuckled to himself while Oliver looked a little sheepish.
"And no. Doing something small or thoughtful is a great deal easier. We get precious little sleep as it is, and I'm not staying up at night thinking about you any more than I already do, thanks very much!" It only took a moment for her brain to catch up with her mouth.
Oliver watched as she actively willed herself not to blush, Diggle smirking just behind her as she counted to three.
"Not that I think about you at night. Well, not that oft-" Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and let it out before continuing.
"I worry about your well being, so shoot me. Someone's got to," she explained before turning to leave.
"Sounds good to me," Oliver called out just as she opened the door to his office. She turned back to him, her blonde hair moving like a fan as she did.
"I'm not doing this shopping for you. This is 100% on you, buddy. Got it?" Oliver simply nodded before she resumed the walk back to her desk. Diggle remaining silent, his slightly bemused expression saying enough as he shook his head.
"You are going to do something for her right?" Diggle asked as Oliver watched Felicity return to her desk only to be ambushed by his lunch appointment-Thea. Felicity smiled brightly at the brunette as she gestured something vaguely pointing in Oliver's direction before both laughing at Oliver's expense, no doubt.
"Um?" Oliver stood, buttoning his jacket with an air of carelessness about him. Diggle simply narrowed his eyes at his client-friend.
"You two have been dancing around each other since she nearly drowned twelve months ago," Diggle stated, stopping Oliver mid stride, is jaw tightening.
"I know you hate that you weren't there, that Roy had to get her. You gave her CPR, and you didn't let her out of your sight after that. And don't think that Roy didn't tell me that he walk in on you two lip locked later that night."
Oliver closed his eyes, the guilt rising up as his mind conjured the image of her fresh out of the water, her pale lively face an ashen color. Diggle was right, as usual. He'd kept her close after that, only relinquishing her to allow Sara get her out of her wet dress.
Oliver had taken off his hood, carefully placing her arms through the sleeves, before zipping it over her workout tank. Wrapping her up in blankets he held her against his chest as Diggle hooked her up to the heart monitor while Sara looked around for any other blankets or sweaters to wrap her in. Roy looking for something to do, ended up walking in short lines not able to do anything but unable to just watch.
"Give me your hoodie." Oliver ground out, Roy looking startled before nodding and moving to unzip his own wet sweatshirt.
"Not that one, it's wet." The boy nodded, the words sinking in before he headed off to the his locker.
"Let the kid warm up himself," Diggle said, moving Felicity's hair aside to assess the damage of the wound she had from hitting the edge of the boat. Felicity's lips were still a pale blue but the color was returning. Oliver simply growled in response, the hand around her back rubbing her arm up and down, the other gently stroking her hip through the layers.
Once her heart rate evened out Oliver moved them to the couch laying her legs across his lap, her head tucked beneath his chin.
Diggle and Sara trained, their eyes constantly flickering back to the couch but said nothing. Much like Oliver, both found some small relief in beating things senseless when the feeling of uselessness prevailed. Roy warmed himself up on his own, his own guilt resulting in a broken dummy that left splinters in his hands. After cleaning himself up he Hooded up, coming back with Chinese; all of Felicity's favorites represented. Felicity moved to her side, her noise scrunching up and a pleased murmur leaving her lips as she blinked at the cartons before returning to sleep. Oliver's hand brushed the loose hair from her face, releasing a breath he didn't realize he was holding his muscles relaxing slightly.
He didn't know when but he'd drifted off to sleep, Felicity shifting her weight on his lap woke him. He'd assumed she was trying to get more comfortable while she rested, but he raised his head to see her attempting to use one arm to grab the closest box of Chinese food. Without thought his arms moved around her back, pressing her against his chest once more as she squeaked in surprise.
"Oliver," she sighed, leaning into his embrace as he rested his chin on her head. He felt her arms squirming beneath the layers she was wrapped in, attempting to get loose. Leaning back slightly he tugged the hood down from her around her face before cupping her cheek running his thumb over her cheek, taking a moment to drink in the sight of a very awake and alert Felicity.
"Did we get him?" Oliver said nothing, letting his fingers move lightly around her hairline and taking a moment to marvel at her resilience and enjoying the fact that she was safe. She winced slightly as he brushed over the gash.
"If you're not going to answer me I'm going to battle my way out of these blankets and check my programs to find out myself." she murmured, kicking her legs in an attempt to free herself.
"You'll do no such thing," he replied, tone gentle but bridging no argument as one of his hands went to still her legs.
"You were in the water for sometime, you've warmed up but," he paused, his eyes shutting as her feet becoming still again. The light pressure of her hand on his arm prompting him to open his eyes, meeting her blue ones.
"There are side effects, if you push yourself too much," his attempt at detachment failed as he realized that had Roy been a second later, he may not have been able to look her in the eyes again.
"I nearly lost you tonight," the words came out without his consent. There was a long silence, one he wasn't accustomed to around her. Felicity watched as a myriad of emotions flooded his face, his fingers never leaving her cheek, as she leaned into the touch. The hand on her legs moved to her hip, grounding her against him.
"Felicity…" He felt her palm on his cheek, a small smile on her pale pink lips. He'd never been so relieved to see the color pink before. His fingers trailed across her cheek before lightly tracing over her lips before he closed the short space between the two of them, pressing his lips to hers.
Oliver had told himself it was just to reassure that she was real, she was safe and alive but it was more than that. When her surprise wore off her lips met his, slanting ever so slightly to perfectly meet his. The hand on her cheek slowly traced over the shell of her ear before delving into her blonde tresses. The hand she placed on his arm moved up and across his chest to fist the material of his shirt.
The sound of a door opening, followed by Diggle's laughter and Roy's grumbling drew them apart. Diggle shaking and laughing at Roy's expense as he walked into a slightly stunned Roy.
Felicity squirmed her way to the other side of the couch as Diggle nearly ran down the stairs to check on Felicity, sidestepping Roy completely. Oliver stood, walking towards her computers unconsciously.
Then there was the time they were nearly caught in Peter Callihan's office. Voices approached as they closed the door behind them. Oliver assessed the hallway, a small utility closet with too much supplies to fit them without drawing additional attention, the only thing within sight. His hands tensed, moving to put her behind him as the voices closed in. He wasn't expecting her hands to stop him. Their eyes met, Oliver could see the conflict raging in her eyes. She ran her hands up the lapels of his jacket but before he could speak she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed their lips together.
Her hands went to his neck one hand lightly scraping against his hair, making him growl in response. His hands weren't idle either, one tightly gripping her hip as the other moved along her right leg, sending waves of warmth through her. It took a few moments before either noticed the guards by their side. Oliver smiled his playboy smile and kept Felicity closely by his side before the they made their hasty exit.
Neither one was spoken of. Diggle commented about the surprisingly flattering lipstick choice he made when they got out, Felicity turned an adorable shade of pink but said nothing. He'd become hyper aware of her presence though. The lavender of her shampoo seemed to linger in the lair and the office long after she'd left, the quick sight of a blonde ponytail made him smile-disappointment hitting hard when it wasn't her. The normal stress relief of an intense workout did nothing without the sound of her fingers over the keyboard. It was a game of visual chicken, neither willing to be the first to bring it up; so there were moments where everyone had gone, or a mission complete and they would steal glances. She had dated some, and he tried to stomp down on the motions it brought up. Most didn't last very long though, and while Oliver was secretly pleased with it-he hated seeing her so dejected.
"If you don't do something soon, you're going to lose her," Diggle's voice once more reigning in his wayward thoughts.
"It's complic-"
"Complicated my ass. It's simple Oliver. You care about her, she cares about you-has for a long time. You keep doing this, giving her a little hope but nothing else you're going to end up with nothing at all. You'll have no one but yourself to blame for it."
Oliver knew he was right, he had an uncanny ability of being right and it was grating.
"And if I screw it up? She's one of my closest friends, if I hurt her or she leaves-" he let out a deep breath as he watched two of the most important women in his life laugh.
"I'd be lost," his voice a just above a whisper, turning to meet Diggle.
"And if you don't do or say anything, I fail to see how it'd be any worse for you." Diggle replied with a shake of his head, opening the office door.
"...nothing too exciting. A friend of mine is having a Christmas Eve dinner, maybe I'll stop in. Then it's the traditional Jewish Christmas. Chinese and a movie!" Felicity shrugged as Tommy strolled out of the elevator towards Oliver's office.
"Mr. Merlyn," Felicity smiled, Thea turning quickly from her perch on the edge of Felicity's desk.
"Ms. Smoak," Tommy replied with a bow, Thea looking on in mild confusion while Felicity just shook her head. Tommy grinned and went to answer Thea's unasked question.
"When she insists on using Mr. Merlyn for formality's sake, although I don't see why you bothered right now," Felicity simply shrugged as Tommy continued.
"It feels too formal-I'm not Mr. Merlyn. I'm Tommy and that being said I feel the need to make it my own and perfectly formal in return," he grinned, Thea simply rolling her eyes at him. However, the amused smile wasn't missed.
"So are we ready then?" Tommy asked, looking over to Oliver.
"Waiting on you, as usual."
"It's not my fault I need to make an entrance."
"Are you coming Felicity?" Thea asked, ignoring both Oliver and Tommy.
All eyes on her she shook her head.
"Oh come on-surely Oliver lets you out sometimes?" Tommy teased.
"I get out enough, but you're going to that new place on Wallace-"
"Oh, Twist?"
"No, you're thinking of the place on Thayer," Tommy explained, turning to Thea.
"I believe she's talking about the Umlaut place…" he continued, Felicity nodding in the affirmative while Thea was just as confused.
"It's an omelette place?"
"No, an Umlaut. Well, it's not called umlaut, it's just two dots over a 'u' that isn't there," Tommy explained.
"Felicity has a rule against restaurants that don't list prices," Oliver interjected deciding to take mercy on the group.
"If it's about the price, you don't have to worry about it-" Oliver smiled at his sister, one hand on her elbow.
"I have been told it's the principle of the thing. Priceless menus are meant for special occasions only," he continued, Felicity smiling quite pleased he remembered.
"Besides, I have a working lunch meeting so, shooo!" He explained, waving her hands towards the elevator at the bunch.
"Work meeting? Should I-" Oliver started, surprised by the new information.
"It's with Walter I had some questions about some new figures before I give them to you," she explained, with a brief shake of her head.
"Give him my best," he said, trailing behind the group.
"I always do!" Felicity smiled.
The four entered the elevator, the doors shutting in front of them before Thea broke the comfortable silence.
"Please tell me you're finally going to put us all out of our misery," Thea pleaded, looking up at her brother. Oliver looked back at her, total confusion apparent on his face.
"Thea what are you talking about?"
"She is referring to your delightfully perk, lovely and saintly EA, Oliver. And I have to say, I'm totally with her on this one buddy." Tommy explained, Oliver looking between the two as Diggle simply smirking.
"Saintly?" Oliver asked, one eyebrow raised at the two as the doors opened. A brief pause in conversaion as an employee looked up, a panicked smile on their face as they said they'd take the stairs instead, the doors closing and Thea laughing.
"For putting up with you, obviously," Thea clarified while Diggle let out a stifled snort much to Thea's pride. "Even Mr. Diggle gets it."
"Thea…" Oliver's tone taking his impatient older brother tone.
"No, you two are dancing around each other and you're going to lose her. The ball is in your court Ollie,"
"How do you figure that-" Oliver started but Thea cut him off.
"She's been by your side, despite the rumors and the rather cruel things people have said; and the fact that she's overqualified for her job. That's a statement itself! I see her just as much-if not more than I see you. Considering the amount of women you've even introduced Mom and I to, that sort of speaks for itself. Ollie I love you, but if you miss this, I swear I might disown you. Then I'll adopt Felicity myself and together we'll make your life hell."
"Pretty sure that's not how it works, you know that Thea…" Tommy mused as the doors opened to the lobby. Thea simply turned her attention to Tommy, glaring at him before he held his hands in surrender.
"I'm not disagreeing with argument!"
"Because you're smart enough to know what will happen if you do," she grinned and he nodded putting an arm around her shoulder as they walked ahead of Oliver.
"Told you," Diggle muttered under his breath as he moved to get the car.
Oliver stopped midstride, watching as Tommy and his sister bickered about something. They were right of course. Felicity was not only part of his family as a team member, but she'd become apart of the Queen life blood in the past few years. His mother seemed to enjoy the energetic blonde, although she wasn't sure what to make of her rambling tendencies. Thea quickly became a fan when she realized she actually got Oliver to apologize to Roy for something. It was more of a muttering and a nod but it was big for him. Walter adored her like another daughter, the bond of trust that brought them together was part of what brought her to his attention. She was family, even if she didn't see it that way, yet.
Jogging to catch up he wrapped his arms around Tommy and Thea, a grin gracing his lips.
"I've got an idea…"
"Uh oh," Thea murmured, at the same time Tommy beamed.
"I'm in." Both Queens looked at him with a questioning glance.
"Anything that has the trade mark Oliver Queen 'I'm up to no good for your good' grin is a plan I'll willingly get behind." Thea shook her head and Oliver laughed as they got to the car.
"Digg, this may require some of your assistance too,"
"For Felicity?" He asked, Oliver nodding.
"Then I'm in."