I decided to just string together a bunch of one-shots for the time being. I love playing with the relationship development between these two. I don't think any of it should be rushed. I'm loving this slow burn angst that's happening! This idea has been playing in my head for a while. I would love to see Felicity have some sort of bad ass secret talent!
It had been one of those days. Isabel Rochev had given her enough sideways glances and made enough comments about her new "well deserved, I'm sure" position, to fuel Felicity's rage for a century. That woman was insufferable, and Felicity was quite sure Isabel knew that fact very well.
Oliver had tried to come to her rescue, but it only made matters worse in the end. Isabel's smug expression as she left said it all – she considered Felicity to be Oliver Queen's new bimbo. The thought sent a shudder of anger through her body so violent that she let out a frustrated scream. It was a good thing the lair was empty tonight. She needed to relieve this anger and stress, and while baths and wine were typically her go to method, tonight she knew it would take something stronger.
Kicking off her pumps she sauntered to the bathroom to change into her workout attire. Realizing she had forgotten her shirt, Felicity just sighed and walked to the training mats in only her yoga pants and sports bra. Grabbing the hand wraps, she felt her anger slightly dissipate as she wrapped her hands in the dark green material. Her thoughts drifted to Oliver, only to have them refuel her anger towards Isabel at her insinuating looks and comments.
"Insufferable woman," Felicity muttered as she stepped towards the punching bag. It was a new addition, something that Felicity had snuck in without much of a comment from Dig or Oliver. To them it was just another piece of training equipment but to her, it was a reminder of how she let off steam in college when girls would make fun of her. Boxing was a comfort.
Felicity jabbed at the bag slowly at first, finding her rhythm with each jab. Fueled by Isabel's comments, her speed and power increased until she was dripping wet, her shoulders aching from the repetitive pounding and her heart racing in her chest. She stepped back to regain her focus when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Still in fight mode, Felicity spun and swung, her fist landing squarely on a hard jaw. Oliver stumbled back a step, shock written all over his face.
"Oh my god!" she yelped, realizing she had just punched Oliver in the face. "Oh my god!" she yelled again as she grabbed her hand. "What is your face made out of, stone?!"
Oliver just stood there looking at her, his mouth slightly ajar. It was then that she realized he was giving her a once over, taking in her limited attire and following the beads of sweat as they rolled down her bare stomach. She swallowed, trying to regain her composure.
"Seriously, did you even feel that?" Felicity asked, still holding her hand. "Because I'm pretty sure I just broke my knuckles on your face. Oh no, please don't tell people that's how I broke my hand. For one, someone will probably turn me in for domestic abuse...not that we are domestic together or anything, I just mean because we work together, and I hit you..." Felicity stopped when she saw Oliver reaching for her hand. He began unwrapping it slowly.
"So you're a closet boxer huh?" he quirked an eyebrow up at her as he pulled the cloth away from her hand. Sure enough, her knuckles were already swollen twice there normal size. Oliver frowned. "We need to get some ice on this and get you checked out."
Felicity tore her hand from his grip. "Oh no. We are not checking anyone out. Not that you would check me out, it's just could you imagine the headlines when the pictures come out? Just think of all the wonderful things Isabel would say about me then!" she huffed.
Oliver gave her a wry smile. "Is that what this is about? You do seem a bit tense."
Felicity was trying to think of a smart comment to retort with, but her mind went blank when she felt Oliver's thumb slowly brushing across her knuckles. "Come on." he said as he pulled her to the couch, forcing her to sit as he went to grab some ice and supplies. She winced as he pressed the ice to her knuckles.
"Sorry," her murmured as he slowly began to wrap the ice to her hand.
"You shouldn't be the one apologizing, I'm the one who clocked you in the jaw." Felicity said lightly until she saw his eyes flash to hers. Her eyes widened when she saw the seriousness in them.
"I meant for everything. For all of Isabel Rochev's snide comments and insinuations. For how...difficult all this has to be." Oliver took in a deep breath. Felicity could see the anguish in his face.
"Hey," she said as she squeezed his arm with her good hand. "I know I complain a lot, but I wouldn't have it any other way you know. I love what we have. Working with you, that is. I love working with you..." her face reddened at her own words. She was trying to have a serious conversation with Oliver and couldn't even get her point across without putting her foot in her mouth. She looked up to see him smiling.
"What?" she asked, her voice shaking a little. The way his hands moved across her wrist and knuckles had her brain so scrambled she had a hard time forming a proper thought.
"You just never cease to amaze me that's all. Whether it be your computer skills, your ability to handle Isabel or your faithfulness to me." Felicity's eyes snapped to his at his last words.
Oliver's hand slid up her arm until he reached her face, then he pushed a sweaty strand of hair behind her ear. "You truly are remarkable."
Felicity smiled. "Thank you...again, for remarking on it." She pulled her hand back into her lap, hoping that the ice on her knuckles would somehow douse the fire that was now spreading throughout her body. "I should change and get home," she said as she stood.
Oliver nodded, then walked to the training mats, stripping his shirt off and tossing it on the table as he strode past. Felicity watched as the muscles in his back twitched as he moved, until he turned to face her. Spinning quickly Felicity headed to the bathroom to change.
"Hey Felicity" he called to her just before she reached the bathroom. "Next time we train I think we should both go shirtless."