This is the first chapter of many for this Bratva fic. I hope you all like it!
She had exactly ten minutes before everything went to hell.
She shoved as much as possible in the small bag she keptin her closet. Her tablet went in first followed by as many clothes as possible. She didn't care much about anything else, knowing the other items in her apartment could be replaced later on. Furniture and meaningless knick-knacks didn't always measure up when it came to your life. Although she didn't forget the picture frame on her nightstand of her mother, the only picture she had left of her. That was worth the extra seconds.
The car was waiting outside, the engine humming as she bolted out from her apartment and onto the cold streets of New York City. Her heels clicked against the pavement as she threw her duffle back into the back seat. She finally noticed her shaking hands as the door was closed roughly behind her. Before she realized it they were off, her head being flown backwards into the seat.
"That was too close." She breathed out minutes later. The beating of her heart hadn't slowed down but the shaking of her hands ceased. She couldn't believe how close they were from it all falling apart. To think that fifteen years had passed without incident and ten minutes ago it all could have been for nothing.
"Felicity-"
"Just keep driving, John, we need to make it the airport."
She saw his hands tighten around the steering wheel as the car moved faster.
"How long are you going to do this to yourself, Felicity? Are you going to change your name this time or just your hair color? How long until you face what's happened?"
She was already shaking her head, running a hand through her hair as she looked at him. "I can do this, John. I just slipped a little is all. When we get on the plane, we'll figure out our next move and everything will be fine. I've always wanted to go to Alaska and who would think to look there, right? I mean no one even lives up there and the scenery is beautiful. The only thing we'll have to fear are bears and darkness for a few weeks. No big deal!"
"Damnit, Felicity, no! I'm not going to let you hide from this forever. This time, we're doing it my way."
She felt her heart sink into her chest at that.
"I didn't dedicate the last fifteen years of my life to you for it to end out of stupidity. I know the right way to do this, have known for a while now, and it's finally time for me to do my job, you've been calling the shots for too long."
Felicity sank back in her seat and swallowed hard, his words sitting uneasy within her. She wanted to say something, to talk back or argue, but she knew on some level he was right. She liked having complete control of her life and she trusted John but this was bigger than either of them could imagine. Both their lives were at risk. She liked running, it's what she's done her whole life. It was easier and by far the safest option they've ever had. But this time they were going to run straight towards what's been plaguing her dreams for years now. That shook her confidence above all else.
"I'm scared, John." She whispered, wringing her hands together. "I'm so scared."
"It's okay to be scared but by doing this, you'll never have to be scared again."
Felicity took a deep breath and looked out at the lights of the city. They whirled by her as the car sped down the deserted highway. She didn't like feeling this way. She liked feeling strong, like nothing could ever hurt her. And when she slipped on the mask she wore in a million different cities, she felt like that. Invincible, almost. But she knew all of that would fade away the moment they asked for whatever help John was banking on. Everyone would know her secrets, everyone would look at her with the same pitying look. She didn't know how she would be able to take any of that.
"Okay," she looked back from the window and towards John. "Okay, I'll do it."
"It's nice that I have your approval, but you were going to do this even if I had to take you over my shoulder kicking and screaming."
She tried to hide her smile as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Just drive."
"Now I have some rules."
"When don't you have rules?"
They were currently over the Atlantic Ocean, flying over two thousand miles an hour to a place still unknown to Felicity. She bugged John for hours but he wouldn't release anything from the files he was currently holding. It killed her not knowing things and she could tell by the smirk on his face that he was enjoying it too much.
"Will you just listen?"
She relented, motioning for him to continue.
"First of all, when this talk is over you're going to change into the dress in the back. I need you looking as professional as possible for this meeting."
"Yeah, thanks for that. Who knows if I'll even look right since I don't know where I'm going."
He rolled his eyes but continued. "When we get there, you're going to do everything I say. You go along with whatever is said or done, no questions asked. I need this to go as smoothly as possible for it to work."
Felicity swallowed hard. "Where exactly are we going?"
"We're going to Moscow."
"Moscow? John, are you crazy? That's- but that's where he-"
John leaned forward and grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly. "We're going to visit the Solntsevskaya Bratva, the rival group of the Tambov Gang that he's apart of. I have some connections and with their help, I think there's finally a way out of this mess."
"Connections? Are you a part of the mob or something?"
John shook his head. "Remember a few years ago while I was called away? Well...I had to do some undercover work in Russia. We were stationed at a local bar trying to bust a few guys in a cocaine deal. While we were waiting I stepped outside but accidently walked in on a deal gone wrong in the alley behind the building. When the guy pulled out a gun I just reacted, inadvertently saving the life of the captain of the Bratva. He was extremely grateful and granted me immunity and protection for the rest of my life. We actually became...really good friends. To this day we still talk, he's like a brother to me. But before I left he said if I ever needed anything, that I shouldn't be afraid to ask. So I'm kind of hoping he wasn't kidding about that favor."
"So we're banking on a favor from the Captain of the Bratva that you've known for a few years? I'm supposed to spill all of my secrets to a guy that you hope meant what he said? I don't think-"
"This is our best option; our only option really. You don't have a choice anymore."
Felicity sunk back into her seat, releasing her hand from John's grip. "What's this guy's name anyway? Please don't tell me it's this super crazy Russian name that I won't even get close to pronouncing correctly."
John chuckled and shook his head. "Nope, not even close. It's Oliver Queen...ring any bells?"
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. "Oliver Queen? As in Oliver Queen the playboy billionaire from Starling City? CEO of Queen Consolidated? That Oliver Queen?"
"Don't fall down there."
"How can you give me that sort of information and not expect me to react?" She shook her head. "How did American Oliver Queen even become captain of the Russian Bratva anyway?"
"That's his story to tell, Felicity, not mine. Besides, we never got around to that part of his life. I'm sure he'd tell you if you ask nicely though." He grinned, playfully jabbing her in the arm.
"Please, get serious." She rolled her eyes. "I'm going to change."
She decided to leave her hair down as she slipped on her left heel. All that was left was a quick swipe of her red lipstick and she emerged from the bathroom and back into the main cabin. John was standing by the cockpit, talking quietly with the co-pilot. When they noticed her arrival the conversation stopped almost instantly and the man returned back to his station.
"Everything okay?" Felicity asked, smiling softly as she placed her bag on the seat.
"It's perfect. There was just some trouble with the weather but it looks like it's clearing up. We're already beginning the descent so you should probably buckle up. As soon as we land a car will be waiting to take us to Oliver. I called him when you were getting ready."
She felt her eyes widen slightly as she took a seat across from him. "What'd you say?"
"Just that a close friend of mine was in trouble and that we needed his help. He seemed more than willing and even offered to fly us here himself. His jet was all ready until I told him we were already halfway to him. The man never laughs and I think I managed to crack a smile out of him." John leaned forward, a true smile on his face. "I think with a little persuasion and a bit of negotiating, this will work out. Since this involves one the Bratva's biggest rivals, they'll be willing to do anything to bring them down."
"But how will they feel once they know? I don't think they'll be so willing then."
"We're just going to have to cross that bridge when we get there. I trust Oliver above anyone else and if he says there's a way to help then I believe him."
"But he doesn't know the whole story."
"We're out of options, Felicity, like I've been saying for hours now. This is as good as we're ever going to get so you're going to have to trust me."
She looked down at her hands. "I do trust you."
John simply looked at her as they felt the rough jerking of the plane as it hit the runway. Felicity took a deep breath, always hating that part of the plane ride. She closed her eyes as she felt the giant metal contraption come to a slow stop. They circled for a bit before the pilot came out and said they were all set.
The car that was sent was rather lavish to Felicity but she kept her mouth shut for once. She felt the nerves coursing through her as they weaved through the endless streets of Moscow. Despite her churning stomach, she marveled at the architecture and sights that made up the city. She had never been out of the United States in her life, only maneuvered to a different city or state every few years. This was all brand new to her.
Felicity was so busy staring out the window that she didn't realize the car stopped. John cleared his throat as the door beside her opened. He exited the car first and she gave herself a moment to take a breath. Her hands smoothed down her skirt and she quickly fixed her hair even though there was no mirror in front of her.
Everything will be fine, she told herself, Hopefully he'll help us.
The walk from the car to the opulent building in front of her was a blur. She couldn't help but stare at the wall of armed men lining the path to the door. Her eyes took notice of the cameras tucked in between the corners of the bricks. The guns, though, were the things that took her off guard the most. They were bigger and even more terrifying than she thought they could be.
She wanted to roll her eyes at the mess of it all. Nothing good came from people like this and this whole situation was a prime example of it. Taking everything in brought back memories Felicity hadn't thought of in years and she couldn't help the sick feeling that rose up in her stomach. John must have noticed it because his hand slid to her back and he gave her a reassuring look. She gave him a soft smile and followed him to the elevator at the end of the hall.
The ride up was quiet and they were greeted with a whole army of guards on the top floor. She didn't make eye contact with any of them even as John shook hands with a majority of them. He was laughing at something one of them said when she heard his name booming into the room.
"John Diggle."
It was more of a statement rather than a warm welcome. The laughing stopped instantly and every smile on the guards faces fell. They immediately went back into line, their emotionless expressions returning in a blink of an eye. She wasn't sure if it was out of fear or sheer obedience to their Captain. Either way she didn't want to find out.
"Oliver." John left Felicity's side briefly as he brought his hand out to shake Oliver's. By the exchange Felicity never would have guessed they were friends at all.
"Come on in." His eyes lingered momentarily on Felicity before motioning into his office.
John gave an encouraging smile to her as he followed Oliver in. She took the time to take in the room, noticing the beautiful view of the city it supplied. The back was nearly all windows and she admired the simplicity of everything. It wasn't what she expected when she saw the exterior of the building. Though she also noticed that there was nothing personal in the office, nothing that would hint to her what kind of man he was. She supposed that seeing nothing already hinted at something.
"Please, take a seat."
John stood but gave Felicity a look that told her to sit down.
"I won't lie," Oliver started as he took a seat behind his desk, "I was surprised to see your call. We haven't talked in so long that I knew it wouldn't be for pleasure."
"I'm sorry about that but this is important. We need your help."
Oliver's eyes slid over to Felicity. "I take that this has something to do with you?"
"It always does." She muttered, sitting up straighter in her seat. "But John is right, we do need your help. I know he trusts you and that's why he brought me here but-" she stopped herself, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Before we start any of this, I need to know if I can trust you. This isn't anyone's life but mine and if I'm going to tell you my story, I need your trust and more importantly I need your loyalty."
She probably said way too much and by the way John was looking at her, her suspicions were confirmed. Her eyes slid over to Oliver to find him studying her, his eyes careful and calculating. She was struck by how blue they were and she found herself getting lost in them. But what took her off the most was the smile he gave her.
The man never laughs and I think I managed to crack a smile out of him.
"What's your name?"
"Felicity. Felicity Smoak."
He stood and she couldn't help but follow his action.
"Felicity," he whispered, walking over until they were face to face. "Any friend of Digg's is a friend of mine and I promise I'll do whatever is necessary to help you."
He slid his hand in front of her and she blinked at him before realizing she was supposed to shake it. She took the brief time to study his features. His jaw line was clean and cut, covered by a light layer of stubble that she always loved on a man. She noticed a small scar above his left eye and almost shivered at the coldness his eyes held. Although the blue held warmth, there was an iciness overtaking them that she wished would melt away. But as soon as their hands met, they fell apart as John stepped closer to the pair.
"Then let's get this show on the road."
Oliver blinked his eyes rapidly, looking at John as if he forgot he was even there. He nodded his head quickly and seated himself back behind his desk.
"You're aware of the Tambov Gang, correct?" John asked, glancing briefly at Felicity.
Oliver nodded stiffly.
She watched Oliver's face bristle at the mention of the group. "Of course. They've been interfering with our trades for decades now."
"What if we told you we had connections with the gang and could help you take them down?"
"I'm listening."
"Felicity-"
She finally found her voice and cut John off unapologetically. "Michael Malyshev, leader of the Tambov Gang, well he's-"
"He's her-"
"We're related," she finally settled on, ignoring John's incredulous look. Oliver seemed oblivious though as his sole attention was focused on her. "And he's been after me my whole life. I was almost caught two days ago and was ready to run when John convinced me otherwise. I'll help you in whatever way I can in defeating him and his men." She said quietly. "I know my way around a computer so gathering intel and looking into things for you wouldn't be an issue. I just...I just want to stop running."
"You're related to Malyshev?" The sound of disgust wasn't missed in his tone and it made her shift uncomfortably in her seat. She wanted to ignore it but his voice only rose. "You brought a Malyshev into the compound? Are you insane? If word gets out everyone in this facility is at risk. How could you do that to me?"
"You don't have to agree to anything." John said, his voice hard. "We're only relaying the information to you. If you want us to leave we'll go now and pretend this never happened. We don't want to cause any trouble."
Felicity held her breath, lips pressing together as she looked to Oliver. She prepared herself for what she knew was coming. He was going to turn them down, she could see it in his eyes. The way he kept looking between the two of them uncertainly and how his jaw ticked as he took in the information. So she held her breath and shoved down the small sliver of hope she let surface into her heart. It was too good to be true, she should known that from the start.
"This was a mistake," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. Slowly she pushed herself up from the chair and made her way towards the door, but a voice made her stop.
"Wait," Oliver said suddenly, his voice distant and cold. "I think there are things we can work given the correct negotiations."
John finds his turn to speak. "I don't want any games, Oliver. I've known Felicity all my life and if you're not going to give your all, we'll find someone else."
Felicity wanted to laugh because there was no one else. He was their last shot and if he didn't want them then she might as well sign her death wish right there in his office.
Oliver seemed to consider the both of them as he licked his lips slowly. She tried to understand where he was coming from but all she could think about was herself. There was hope blooming in her chest, something she never thought she would have again, and it was held in the hands of the man in front of her. She just needed to hear his answer, so she could breathe again. She would do anything for her safety, no matter the consequences or sacrifices, so long as she could walk down the street without constantly checking over her shoulder. She was tired of running and she would do anything without so much as a thought.
Desperation was a tricky thing.
"I'll help you." Oliver decided, his gaze locking with Felicity's. "But I have my conditions."
No matter what he was going to say next Felicity was ready to agree with him. Joy spread through her body, followed by hope, something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in years. This was a man who had the resources to help her, to fight back, and to free her from the captivity of the life she lived. She couldn't help but grow hopeful at all the possibilities of her life when all this was over.
But the one thing she was looking for was to be free. To be able to settle down in one place for longer than a year, to have friends and neighbors she relied on. She wanted to expand her horizons, to grow and learn and be a responsible woman in her twenties. She wanted to go on dates, to go out for drinks, to the movies, without the fear that she would be found and taken away.
The possibilities suddenly became endless.
"Might as well lay them all on the table now." John said.
Oliver clasped his hands together. "I don't want anymore vague information. I need the truth from the both of you because lies will only compromise this mission." He looked to Felicity. "I need to know exactly what went down with Malyshev and I want to know your skills. If we're going to take him down, it'll take time and planning. I want nothing to go wrong when it all goes down. In return, I'll offer the both of you complete protection under my name and the freedom to go wherever you like in the city. But from now on you take orders from me and if you choose to go against any of the rules I've set out for you, I'll throw each of you to Malyshev myself." Oliver's eyes shifted between the two of them. "Are we clear?"
She knew there was no backing out now. They were all in, no second guessing or regrets. She was all but ready to reach her hand out and seal the deal. But she remembered John's words on the plane, that in this moment, he had to make the decisions. So for once she sat back and looked to him, trusting that he would make the right choice.
John took a step closer to Oliver and she held her breath.
"You guarantee her safety, you make sure not a hair on her head is harmed...then I don't see a problem with anything." He pushed his hand out, waiting for Oliver to seal the deal.
The room went silent and Felicity could almost hear the wheels turning in Oliver's head. His eyes moved to hers and it was as if he was seeing her importance for the first time today. John was all business with her, not letting anything slip under his watch. If people didn't know any better, they would think he was her father. The bond was simply so strong.
"I swear on my life and the future of the Solntsevskaya Bratva that no harm will ever reach her. You have my word."
His words brought a chill up her spine and she had to look away as they shook hands. Somehow she thought the promise went deeper than either of them could imagine.
"You'll be staying here until further notice. I'll have my men take you to my home a few miles away but before I release you I have one question."
They both waited, looking at each other anxiously.
"What exactly is your relation to Michael Malyshev?"
Felicity knew that this was her question to answer whether she wanted to or not. This was only a part of the many secrets that she held close to herself that even John didn't know about her. She didn't know if she could fully trust Oliver yet but she also knew this was a secret that was going to come out sooner or later. Felicity wondered though why it didn't seem so obvious. It's always been blatant to her.
"I'm his daughter."
So what did you think? I'd love to know all your comments and thoughts! Next chapter is already in the workings. Thanks for reading and have a great week!