"I don't care what you think, this is not happening Oliver."

"Felicity, it has to happen."

"That's where you are wrong and I am right. Because I will not sit back and let you control my life. This is my choice and you have no say in my choices."

"Felicity, be reasonable."

"Reasonable! HA! When have you ever been reasonable when I'm right, which is always. Cause I am smart, really really smart, and just so you know, I am right more often than you are. But you are never reasonable, you only listen to that little guilt demon on your shoulder that pushes you, and me, I might add. So I won't do it, I won't bow down to the mighty Oliver Queen."

"Felicity," he sighed.

"No, you don't get to say my name. You don't get to walk into my life and change everything. You will not change my mind Oliver, because it's not up to you what I do with my life."

"Are you done?"

"Do not take the tone of eye roll with me, mister!? You are not puppy dogging your way into my mind."

"Puppy dogging!? What? When have I done that?

"Seriously, Oliver!? ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW!?"

"Hey, calm down. I was just asking."

"Do not tell me to calm down, I am very calm. The first time we met, you came in all sexy charm, with your big blue eyes and that lost boy vibe that makes women go wild."

"You thought I was sexy? Did I make you go wild?"

"Don't you dare try to change the subject, Oliver Jonas Queen. You tried to play your game on me that very first day. But I saw you, I see you, all of you."

"I know you did. And I saw you."

"No you didn't, you saw everyone but me."

"I tried to not see you, to not let you see how much I needed you. I tried to keep you at arm's length."

"Frack you and your arm's length. You keep pushing me, but I am not going to break. So stop and stop telling me what to do."

"That is not what I am trying to do."

"Yes it is. You're not listening to me and my wants."

"Well, your wants are wrong."

"SEE, see you're not listening to me."

"Oh trust me I'm listening to every word. I should be recording it honestly, Dig and Roy might not believe me."

"And what is that supposed to mean? Huh?"

"That you are smart and beautiful and I am so lucky to have you in my life."

Felicity lets out a loud snort. "Bullshit. I am not budging on this Oliver so stop lying to me."

"Look at me, you can always tell when I'm lying. So look at me when I say this. Felicity you are the smartest person I know. Felicity you are more beautiful every time I see you. AND my life, if I even lived, would be meaningless without you. Which means that I need you to do this."

"Oh that was good, that was very good. But no."

"Fe-li-ci-ty."

"Oliver you are not the boss of me….anymore and you can't make me do this."

"I am not making you, I am begging you. Please Felicity, it will be quick."

"Oh that is just what every girl wants to hear."

"I'll buy you ice cream."

"You already promised me ice cream. And a foot rub if I remember correctly."

"Umm actually I think that was the guy in the waiting room."

"What!? I didn't agree did I?"

"Almost, but I glared and told him to back off."

"Now that sounds like a good story, wish I'd been there."

"Felicity you were there. You told him that you were my queen and you couldn't lose the crown."

"I did not say that," she gasped.

"This is why the doctor wants to keep you overnight. Yes, that includes a needle for an IV and a blood draw. I am going to stay right here and no one will approach you with any unnecessary needles with me watching over you. I wasn't there to stop that piece of dirt from hurting you, but I am going to stay right here until you're better."

Felicity sank lower in the hospital bed, she pulled the blanket up to her chin and glared at Oliver. The pain in her head had eased after the nurse had given her a dose of Motrin and something to ease the nausea. So far she had been able to avoid the needle with her stubborn determination. But Oliver was not letting her leave the way she wanted. Somewhere in her fuzzy mind she knew he was right. She was also sure that they had this conversation more than once.

"Felicity, I know you are scared but so am I. You could be seriously injured and that terrifies me."

Oliver hadn't left her side since leaving the Foundry, even when she was placed in a gown he'd only turned around and waited. He told her stories about his childhood while holding her hand. Every time the nurse came back a new argument would erupt, Oliver didn't yell back, he knew that no matter what she said it all came back to the fear of needles.

Oliver had received an update from Dig about their progress on locating the muggers. They had found the accomplice, in the building Felicity found, and her tablet. Her wallet and her attacker had not been located, with the other guy. Dig and Roy questioned the man repeatedly before using a burner phone to make an anonymous tip, sitting on the perp until the patrol car arrived. The man that had hurt Felicity, was still out there and he had her ID with address. And the only info they had on him was a street name, AK69. Dig was going to do a search when he was back at the Foundry, before coming to the hospital.

Oliver had lived without the Queen money for so long that it hadn't been too hard to readapt until tonight. Tonight he wished for the Manor, a safe place he could take Felicity until this scum was off the streets. She would have never agree to it, but he wished he had that option. He doubted she would want to stay in the Foundry with him either. Oliver tried to picture, what the next few days will be like sleeping on her tiny couch. He slept in worse places, and if it offered him and her a sense of peace then he'd beg. If she refused, he might just curl up on her doormat, because her safety was his number one concern. Until AK-Douchebag was located and handled, Oliver would be by her side.

If they just so happened to have that talk she brought up early about kissing and sex, Oliver was more than ready. It had become increasingly difficult to deny his feelings and desire for her. He had always noticed her beauty. But it was what she made him feel, human, worthy and happy that made it flawless. It was the light she brought to his life that really opened his eyes. Her brilliant mind, her passion to help others and her stubborn bravery.

Oliver had not been surprised Felicity offered her belongings to save the teenager, or her willingness to face danger for others. He had been terrified when he had found her unconscious and bleeding. He had thought he was going to lose her, and she would never know what she meant to him. He prayed and begged that she would be okay, that he'd get the chance to tell her everything. He vowed that he wouldn't hold anything back, not with her.

He had almost kissed her earlier tonight. Oliver swears that his fingers still feel the smooth skin of her thight and the curve of her hip. He wanted to explore that buzz that he felt when he stood between her thighs. He really wanted to know how soft her lips would be against his. But that would have to wait until she was healed and better.

Felicity's lips were still swollen and the bruise had spread down to her chin and cheek. Her forehead above her eyebrow had a decent hematoma, the purple bruise spread to her eye. The doctor requested a CT scan and X-rays to rule out an orbital skull fracture. Her pupils were reacting normal and equal. It was her memory recall that had the doctor and Oliver concerned.

Felicity had to be reminded why they were at the hospital often. Her long term memory was fine, everything before the assault was intact. But the memories after were like sand falling through her fingers. He really needed her to get the IV, and start relaxing so she could rest and heal. Oliver just needed the right incentive or distraction.

"Oliver?"

"Yes, Felicity?"

"What happened?" she sounded scared, and he hated it.

"Someone attacked you, and you hit your head. We are here to get you checked out. You are about to get an IV and admitted."

"Whoa I don't do needles."

"I know, sweetheart. But I really need you to. Maybe I could distract you, what distracts you the most."

"You calling me sweetheart is pretty distracting."

"What would you like me to call you? Honey? Baby? Your Highness?" Felicity stared at him in shock. "How about I just call you mine? We'll figure out the term of endearment later."

"Yours as in, you're IT girl?" she hesitated.

"My friend, my partner, my future and my happiness." Oliver offered openly.

"Are you asking me to be your….girlfriend?"

Olivers smile broadened, "I take what I can get, but we can start with a date and see where we go from there."

"Okay!?" Felicity sounded perplexed. "But no needles."

"Felicity, I am going to get the nurse. And we are going to get the IV because you're the strongest person I know. What else distracts you?"

"You on a salmon ladder. Which I might add, I don't see anywhere."

"No salmon ladder but I got an idea. I'll be right back."

Felicity stared after Oliver, flabbergasted and confused. Did they just start dating? Are they going to be lovers? Ugh, she hated that word, it had always seemed creepy to her. Her mind wandered to the next train of thought, a broken train yard of possibilities and expectations. She felt sluggish and she hated the worry in Olivers eyes.

Oliver returned to the semi private room, with a twenty something man in scrubs. He seemed vaguely familiar but Felicity couldn't place from where. She almost missed, the man side eye Olivers jean covered butt, but from her own experience she knew, the moment of aww when you gazed at perfection.

"Perfect what, Felicity?" Oliver asked.

"Oh Frack, did I say that out loud?"

Both men nodded, Felicity shrugged.

"You're ass," Felicity answered smugly.

"My ass is perfect?" Oliver smirked.

He didn't see the nurse, enthusiastically nod at Felicity.

"Pretty much, but I reserve the right to take it back after I see you naked."

Felicity squirmed in the bed at Oliver's predatory look that spread across his face.

"Trust me there will be no take backs," Oliver winked. "This is Kevin, he's been in and out waiting for you to agree. Will you try to let me distract you while Kevin starts the line?"

"You can try but I'm not sure….OH HOLY... HELLOOO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"

"Distracting you, without a salmon ladder."

Oliver stood at the foot of her bed and slowly peeled the shirt up over his head. Kevin had his back to Oliver, removing supplies from the drawers and cabinets. He turned around eyes first on Felicity and then snapped to the bare broad toned back of Oliver Queen. Felicity watched as his eyes widened and he dropped the tray he had been holding. The loud crash and curse word caused the head of an older women to pop through the curtain. The woman had been about to talk but her mouth dropped open.

"Oliver, put your shirt on before you start a riot." Felicity tried to scold him.

Oliver only had eyes for Felicity, and the adorable blush spreading from her cheeks down her neck. Felicity licked her dry lips, and Oliver smirked. He loved feeling her eyes on him when he worked out in the Foundry. She would be typing and then suddenly stop, the heat from her stare thrilled him, he mentally counted how many runs it would take for her to shake out of it.

"Do you, uh need help in here Kev?" the woman asked without looking away from Oliver.

Kevin shook his head, snapped his eyes to Felicity, the other nurse and back to Oliver. "Oh no, I'm good, real good."

Oliver stepped to the side of the bed and moved closer to Felicity's side. He took her hand and placed it on his abdomen, then dragged it up to his chest. He covered her hand with both of his, as it rested over his Bratva tattoo.

Felicity stopped talking, she stopped breathing and stared transfixed at her hand under his. His chest was warm, his heart beat steady and strong. She'd touched him before, she'd helped patch him up but it had never been like this. She had never seen that look of barely restrained hunger and yearning for her.

"Oh!" Felicity squeaked.

"Kevin do you think we could start that process, we've been waiting for." Oliver directed.

Kevin startled, spun away, and quickly replaced the needed supplies. The scars had surprised him but it was easy to overlook seeing the hard tan body and chiseled abs. Kevin was definitely an abs man, and he was sure Oliver had eight. But the real distraction had been the love and passion on Oliver's face looking at Felicity, she was one lucky girl. His boyfriend was going to love this story when he got home.

Oliver had meant to distract her, but once her hand touched his skin every pent up emotion and exotic dream he had for her came rushing back. After Kevin started to move, Oliver forgot everything but the wide brilliant blues staring into his and the trembling hand on his chest. Oliver stepped closer, leaned down and brush his nose along the skin of her neck. He inhaled the scent of her, sunshine and wild flowers. She shivered, and let out a shuddering breath.

He pressed his lips to her ear, with his tongue he explored the delicate skin. His teeth nipped and tugged. Felicity let out a strangled moan and leaned her head into his. He knew he needed to back off, they were not alone and he couldn't do everything he really wanted.

"Fe-li-ci-ty," he whispered it low against her burning skin. "Do you know how many nights I thought about touching you?"

The fine hair on the back of her neck stirred, chills and goosebumps spread along her arms. Hot lust and desire burned in her heart and through her body. He was going to devour her whole and she couldn't wait for her chance to distract him.

"All done, I'm just going to go and call my boyfriend." Kevin sputtered, backed away and closed the curtain.

"I wish I could kiss you right now," Felicity sighed.

She lifted her free hand and brushed her fingers over his lips, he gently kissed her fingers. She was surprised to find the IV in her hand and impressed that she hadn't felt anything but Oliver.

"Trust me, I feel the same."

"How about a light kiss for my aches?"

Oliver smiled, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, a very light kiss to her eye and cheek. He wet his lips with his tongue, tilted her chin up and pressed his lips on the abrasion. He leaned back, his thumb grazed her cheek. Oliver looked into her eyes, and tenderly captured her mouth.

"Glad to see your feeling better, Felicity." John Diggle stood with his arms crossed. "Oliver, do I want to know why you're not wearing a shirt? Nah nope never mind forget I asked. But if this is going to be a thing can we set up some ground rules. So I don't keep walking in on," he gestured at them, "all of this."

Felicity buried her face in the crook of Oliver's neck and laughed. Her lips hurt, she was worried about her head but her heart was full and she couldn't wait to get better. Oliver held her hand tightly and shrugged, his smile bright. They had a lot of things to figure out but Oliver knew that with Felicity by his side he could do anything.