Hey everyone, thanks so much for the reviews and for reading my story, this is the first time I've shared something I've written so I'm glad people liked it. I'm trying to swap back and forth between Felicity and Oliver's perspective (in third person) so I apologise for any inconsistency! Enjoy!
All names and characters belong to CW and DC Comics, not me!
Diggle pulled up to the museum with the Queen family in the back. Thea and Moira stepped out first. Oliver stayed in the car and watched as Moira paused for a few moments, readying herself before linking arms with Thea and marching up the steps, her head held high. Oliver couldn't help but smile at the similarity between the three of them. Pride was everything for the Queen family. He took a few moments to appreciate the scene. The Museum held this Gala every year, the people of Starling City who had too much money would gather to eat, drink and spend too much money on art they didn't particularly like. It was times like this when it occurred to Oliver how different he was, he used to think that owning lots of expensive things made him better than everyone else, now he knew it made no difference at all.
"I'll call Felicity" Oliver says pulling his phone out of his jacket pocket.
"Yeah she'll love that" Diggle says sarcastically from the driver seat.
"What?" Felicity answered after a few short rings.
"Hey, I was just making sure everything was OK, that you knew what the plan was for tonight" He said keeping his tone pleasant.
"There is no plan Oliver. I'm going on a date and at some point I'll try to see if he knows anything we don't about the robbery. This isn't mission" He could almost hear her eyes rolling. "Anything else?"
"Well no, but I-" He started but Felicity hung up before he could say anything.
"What happened?" Diggle asked when he saw Oliver putting his phone back.
"You were right, I probably shouldn't have called" Oliver said. He stepped out and waited on the steps for Diggle to park the car. When he returned the two men headed inside. The event was in full swing already, everybody dressed in their finest designer brands, eating, drinking and laughing. Again, Oliver noted how he used to feel like an outsider at these events and he could never figure out why. Now he knew he was an outsider but it didn't matter anymore. As the night drew on, Oliver had been making his rounds, circling the event and engaging in polite conversation with random high profile people. Isobel was at the Gala as well, studiously ignoring him, thankfully. He had hoped Isobel would see Felicity with Barry and give up the idea that she had earned her job through sex. As Oliver stationed himself by the bar once again to check on his assistant, he couldn't help but feel foolish for suggesting they be here. Felicity was right it was just a date, and she was free to do what she wanted in her private time. His mind began wandering with the idea of Felicity and Barry dating and a knot grew in his stomach. What if they became serious? He would have to keep his distance from them, out of respect, making it harder to protect her. Barry couldn't know about they spent their nights and although he hated the idea of Felicity dating someone, he did want her to be happy. On the other hand, she deserved to be with someone she could be completely honest with; she shouldn't have to lie about this part of her life like he did.
"That leaves her dating options to Diggle and me" Oliver thought to himself. He stood alone with his mixed emotions, watching Felicity and Barry talking and laughing about something. Felicity was wearing a floor length dark blue satin gown with a low back; she looked as she always did at these events, breathtaking and like she belonged. He started to imagine what it would be like to fall in love with her, and for her to love him back. He couldn't ignore the chemistry they had and he often found himself watching her at work, her face and body language while she's concentrating. He adored this woman and always had. Oliver continued to let his mind wander before shaking his head, squeezing the bridge of his nose. This was dangerous territory; he was still learning to control his emotions and had been avoiding this topic all together. Since his return from the island, falling in love with someone was never a good idea and especially someone like Felicity. Laurel, the one night stands, they were safe. They didn't need to find out who Oliver really was, but Felicity knew, she knew him better than he did sometimes. She was the only woman, including his family, who he trusted with his secret. She was a wise choice, intelligent and loyal. He didn't want to jeopardise their relationship by acting like a jealous teenager.
"Oliver! There you are! I've been looking for you!" Thea's voice found him, he looked up and saw her making her way through crowd towards him. She seemed flustered.
"What's wrong? Are you OK?" He asked worriedly.
"Its mom, this is her first night out since… you know. She says she can't do it and wants to go home, she's waiting out the front with your driver"
"Uh, yeah… Okay. I just have to say goodbye to someone and I'll meet you at the car" he said before moving past her towards Felicity who was slow dancing with Barry.
"Excuse me, so sorry to interrupt but, Miss Smoak, I need a quick word with you" Oliver said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Whatever it is, Mr. Queen, I'm sure it can wait until tomorrow" Felicity replied coolly, while gently pushing his hand away.
"Well actually, Miss Smoak it's kind of urgent" he said not breaking eye contact.
"Oh, that's OK, Felicity, I can go get us some more drinks" Barry said before heading for the bar. The two of them looked at each other for a long moment.
"You look lovely by the way" Oliver tries.
"What do you want, Oliver? It had better be good" She says angrily, crossing her arms.
"Has Barry given you any insight into the robbery?" he asked her.
"No, has something happened?"
"No, no. It's my mother's first public event since she was acquitted and it looks like Dig and I will have to take her home, so I wanted to check if you have anything."
"Oh OK, Well I don't, so I guess I'll see you later."
"So… just call if anything comes up" He said slowly.
"Will do" She said before leaving him to meet Barry by the bar. Oliver turned to leave when he saw Barry lean in and kiss Felicity, his hands on her waist. He watched just long enough to see her hands reach up and cup Barry's face before he had to leave. Oliver was silent for the ride home and once Thea and their mother were inside he asked Diggle to drop him at Verdent, then go home. Diggle had the sense to not question it. An hour later Oliver was hooded up and patrolling the Glades, trying to think about anything other than Barry Allen's hands.
