Arrow fanfiction

(I do not own the show Arrow or the characters I have written into this story.)

Chapter 4

Oliver, Diggle and Felicity all took a week long break to recover from the kidnapping case. Felicity in normal circumstances would have been worrying about the awkwardness that would be present when she went back to working with Oliver the next week but what she was experiencing at the moment was anything but normal. At this present time she still had a strong feeling that someone was following her. Felicity, a few weeks ago when this had all started rationalized with herself that it had all been in her head and that the feeling would go away by itself but it hadn't, it was returning and it was stronger than ever.

It was Friday night and Felicity was one of the last people to leave Queen Consolidated. She headed for her car in the parking garage weary of her surroundings when she heard a scatter at her back like someone had dropped something metal on the concrete. Felicity moved faster now wishing she had found a parking space closer to the door she exited from. As she moved faster her car became clearer and her peripheral vision became distorted until she saw a shadow pass by in front of her. Someone was close, someone was behind her. She quickly turned around ready to make Dig proud with what defensive techniques he had taught her but there was nothing but cold air that struck her like a terrifying blow.

Felicity mustered up as much courage she had within herself and stepped forward loudly announcing, "who's there? If you can hear me speak up because hiding in the shadows is just plain cowardly. Look if you're trying to get my attention you have it, now what do you want from me?"

When no-one answered Felicity's senses could feel that the person had left and she was now alone. This was not only getting creepier and creepier but it was staring to get frustrating. It's easier when you can face the person head on, it's harder when you can't see or know who that person is. Anger was beginning to supersede her fear. If there was anything Felicity hated more it was mysteries. Felicity made it to her car and automatically locked the doors and took a deep breath. Instinctively she reached for her phone determined to contact either Oliver or Dig when she hesitated. What was she supposed to tell them? That she had feelings that someone was following her. Feelings weren't exactly much to go on and anyway this was her problem and until she had something more conclusive like evidence, she was going to keep this to herself.

Felicity made it to her apartment door in one piece. She reached for her keys in her bag, looked up and gasped dropping her keys to the ground. Her apartment door was slightly ajar. Felicity quickly picked up her keys and pushed the door fully open. What she saw before her was indescribable. Everything in her small apartment was either turned over or broken. Any fear she thought she had was now either gone or buried deep within her subconscious because all Felicity felt in this moment was violated. Using her new found courage she quickly cleared all the rooms and once satisfied that whoever had done this was now gone she immediately called the police to report the break in knowing this was as much conclusive evidence she needed right now.

Oliver had had an extremely long day at the office. He felt like he had gone to one hundred meetings and answered a thousand phone calls. He was starting to doubt whether he was really cut out for this. Since Walter had left and his mother was in custody for the undertaking, the temporary position of CEO of Queen Consolidated had been forced onto him. He had more questions than answers. On his drive home, he made a spontaneous decision to visit Felicity hoping she would have the answers to his questions. On his way there he was overtaken by two police cars headed straight for Felicity's apartment. Fear of what may have happened enveloped him as he sped up to keep up with them.

There was a knock at her door. "Ms. Smoak, Starling City Police. We're responding to your 911."

Felicity opened the door and ushered what looked like two police detectives and two police officers in their uniforms. Felicity told the detectives what had happened as well as her feeling of being followed the last few weeks. As they finished up her statement they asked if she could wait outside with an officer as they inspected her apartment for evidence left by the perp.

Oliver rushed up the stairs and once he saw the vision of Felicity in one piece he immediately started breathing again. Felicity turned her head spotting Oliver who was quickly walking up to her obviously confused.

"Oliver, what are you doing here?"

"I was headed over here when I saw the police cars. What happened? Are you ok?"

"I'm fine and it was a break in. don't worry I arrived after it had happened. I was actually about to call you. There's something I need to tell you."

"what is it?"

As the police detectives exited her apartment, Felicity mouthed "later" to Oliver who simply nodded.

"Mr. Queen I'm Detective Sheridan. Do you know Ms. Smoak?"

"yes. We work together at Queen Consolidated. I had a few work related questions to ask her when I saw the police cars outside. What happened?"

"at first glance it looks like a typical break in, however we found a couple of valuable items that an ordinary thief would have taken at first sight. I have seen a few cases like this and usually they lead to the conclusion that someone is using the break in as a scare tactic, make you feel violated and unsafe. Now, Ms. Smoak you said that you feel someone has been following you. Are you able to describe this person or give me any details about who you might think this person could be and why they might be doing this?"

So much for telling Oliver herself. Felicity could feel Oliver's eyes on her and she could sense the daggers being directed her way. She knew right off that he was angry but answered the detective's question anyway. "I've never actually seen anyone. This might sound crazy to you or it's probably something you hear all the time but it's just a feeling I get. It's been on and off these last few weeks but I felt it again earlier tonight when I left work. I was walking to my car in the parking garage when I heard someone behind me, I turned around but they were gone before I could get a good look."

"ok. You've had a tough night Ms. Smoak. I'm sorry you have to go through this. We will do everything we can to catch this guy. If you remember anything please do not hesitate to call. Do you have anywhere you can stay tonight? It's just that your home is still being processed for fingerprints and D.N.A."

Oliver butted in before she could speak. "She can stay with me. I'm sure I have room."

Felicity was about to protest when:

The detective smiled and replied, "I'm sure you do Mr. Queen. We'll keep you updated Ms. Smoak and we'll contact you when you can return to your apartment but might I suggest when you do, invest in a security system just to be on the safe side."

"noted and thank you Detective." Felicity replied with a genuine smile.

"no problem at all, just see the officer inside about getting a few of your things. Goodnight to both of you."

Felicity and Oliver smiled. Felicity walked into her apartment and grabbed a few things and followed Oliver in silence to his car. The drive to the mansion was tense and anything but pleasant. Once there Oliver parked the car and waited a few moments before he spoke.

"why didn't you tell me the first time you felt someone was following you?" Oliver asked in his hood voice.

"Oliver, I was in two minds about telling you. I had nothing to go on but a feeling."

"we could've looked into it, caught the guy before he trashed your apartment."

"ok, I see you point but please, Oliver I am the victim here, you don't have to put on your alter ego façade to get a point across to me," felicity replied trying to capture his eyes.

"fine, just promise me if anything like this happens again you come straight to me. I don't want to see you get hurt Felicity."

"I appreciate that and I promise." Felicity replied with sincerity.

They both entered the Queen mansion. Felicity was in shock at how big, beautiful and intimidating this place actually was. Thea was watching TV in the living room when she spotted Felicity and Oliver and curiosity got the better of her so she approached them.

"hey Ollie and, Felicity right," Thea smiled extending her hand.

"right. We met briefly at the hospital." Felicity replied shaking her hand.

"I remember you. You work at Queen Consolidated."

Felicity nodded with a smile.

"isn't it too early for a booty call Oliver. I thought you would have at least waited until I went to bed." Thea said looking at her watch.

Felicity's eyes went wide and hint of a blush appeared while Oliver death stared his sister exclaiming fiercely, "Thea"

"what other reason would she be doing here dear brother of mine?" Thea replied with sweet sarcasm.

"felicity's had a rough night. Her apartment was broken into and trashed and she needed a place to stay so I offered, as a friend Thea." Oliver said staring down his sister while Felicity stood wishing she was anywhere but there at that moment.

Thea gasped closing her eyes tight and covering her face with her hands regretting everything she had just said.

"felicity, I am so very sorry. I usually assume things and jump to the wrong conclusions but I'm working on it. Are you alright? You can stay with us as long as you need to."

"it's ok don't worry about it. I have the same problem with rambling and I'm totally fine. I wasn't there when it happened. I won't put you guys out for very long. I'm just staying until the detective investigating my case says it's all clear to go back to my apartment."

"alright, well I'll leave you guys to it. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." Thea smiled returning to the living room.

Felicity avoided Oliver's eyes and followed him up the stairs where he showed her what was going to be her temporary room.

"wow, Oliver this is like twice the size of my apartment."

Oliver couldn't help but smile.

"I'm sorry about Thea. She sometimes doesn't realize the connection between her brain and her mouth."

"don't worry about it. She seems like a sweet kid. You're lucky to have someone like that in your life."

"I know."

Oliver noticed Felicity staring off in the distance.

"are you sure you're ok Felicity?"

"hmph." Felicity let out looking up to see Oliver was staring at her with a questioning look.

"yeah, yeah I'm fine, just sleep deprived I guess."

"look, I'm sorry about being so stern before. It's just that doing what we do can have consequences and I just don't want you to be one of them."

"I'm nobody's consequence Oliver. Contrary to belief I can take care of myself. I've been doing it long enough."

"ok. First thing tomorrow we'll contact Dig and start working on this at the foundry. I don't think it will hurt if the police have and extra set of eyes and ears."

"sure, ok."

Oliver started to walk backwards towards the door, "if you need anything.."Oliver pointed behind him, "I'm just across the hall."

"thanks. Goodnight."

"night Felicity."

After that Oliver closed the door behind him and made a phone call to Dig explaining what had happened.

Felicity didn't get much sleep. It was like the fear she had pushed aside was creeping back from her subconscious into her conscious and there was nothing she could do about it. After only a couple hours of sleep she awoke and got ready for the day ahead. She hoped with her skills on the computer as well as Dig and Oliver's help and the police, the guy targeting her would be caught and her mind would be put at ease. Just as she was about to head downstairs to get something to eat her phone rang.

"hello."

"Ms. Smoak. Good morning. It's detective Sheridan. I'm just calling to inform you that we are still continuing with our investigation and that when you are ready your apartment is ready for you to come back to. We tried to clean up as best we could."

"thank you and I appreciate your continued effort into my case."

"it's what I'm paid for Ms. Smoak. I will keep you updated. Have a good day."

"you too. Goodbye."

Felicity took a deep breath and headed downstairs with the carry bag she brought. Oliver's house was nice and even thinking about it as just a house was a huge understatement but she didn't feel comfortable and right now that was what she needed to feel. As she descended the stairs she spotted Oliver who was on the phone and looked to be deep in conversation. Once down the stairs she dropped her bag by the door, as she did this Oliver finished the phone call and turned to greet her.

"Good morning Felicity. How did you sleep?" as soon as Oliver said this he knew it had been a stupid question.

Felicity hesitated and said, "ok, I guess. That bed was super comfortable. Thanks again for letting me stay here. Detective Sheridan called and said that I can go back to my apartment."

"did he saying anything about the case? Have they got any leads?"

"not at the moment but it's an ongoing investigation. So here's hoping."

"ok. I was just on the phone to a buddy of mine at a security company and he's on his way to put in a whole new security system at your place. He said he should be done by lunchtime."

"oh, well thank you. You didn't have to do that."

"I know but I wanted to. Sometimes you're in danger when you work for me so it's the least that I could do."

Felicity smiled as a response. She really didn't know what to say.

"this house reminds me of the one in the movie Richie Rich, you wouldn't happen to have a McDonalds hiding behind one of these doors." Felicity said with a bright smile to change the subject.

Oliver laughed, "no but I do make some pretty acclaimed pancakes. The kind that everyone talks about after eating them."

"I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing."

"Hey!" Oliver replied in mock madness.

"Just kidding."

Oliver and Felicity finished their breakfast and then headed for Verdant to meet Dig. Once there, they descended the stairs into the basement to find a worried Dig pacing. Once he noticed them he approached.

"hey Felicity. Oliver told me what happened last night. How you holding up?" Dig asked with nothing but concern in his eyes.

"I'm holding but I will be extremely relieved when this is over."

"I bet. Have the police got any leads yet?"

"not really, no but they do know it wasn't a random break and enter. Detective Sheridan said that there were some valuable items in my apartment that that the guy could've took but didn't. He thinks the break and enter was a scare tactic to make me feel violated and basically to make me feel unsafe which if I can admit is starting to be a succession."

"I think the best place to start is security cameras over the last few weeks. If we can narrow down some of the places Felicity felt like she was being followed maybe we can get a look at the guy and once we find out who the guy is it will possibly lead to why he is doing this." Oliver stated plainly.

"let's do it." Dig replied.

Felicity didn't waste any time and headed straight for the computers. After what seemed like hours of scanning footage she was able to isolate four situations over the last few weeks where she had got the feeling of a follower. Two at her apartment, one in front of Queen Consolidated and the last one was in the parking garage at the night of the break in. felicity played the four videos simultaneously when Dig said stop. On each of the four videos the same face was reappearing and in all four videos he was looking at Felicity.

"I recognize this guy." Felicity whispered as if she was cataloging her brain trying to place him.

"who is he Felicity?" Oliver asked.

Felicity closed her eyes straining to remember but she came up empty.

"I don't know but one thing I know for sure is I remember his face."

"you remember his face how? Like you've met him, saw him on the news…"

"it's like it's on the tip on my tongue just barely out of reach but I'm certain I haven't met him, that I would remember."

"ok, well it's a start. Before you do facial rec, hack into the starling city police department and see if they have identified him already because I'm sure they would have gone through this same process." Oliver said while looking intently at the screen.

Felicity worked a little computer magic and there it was. Detective Sheridan had obviously came to the same conclusion with the security camera footage.

"here it is. His name is Hymie Russo, age 22 and look, here at the forensic report. It says they identified one set of finger prints belonging to none other than Hymie Russo." Felicity exclaimed with a little bit of weight off her shoulders as to knowing the who of this entire ordeal. Knowing the who was making it a little bit easier. As if by intuition Felicity's phone began to ring.

"Felicity Smoak."

"Detective Sheridan here Ms. Smoak. I have some good news. We were able to identify the individual who broke into your apartment through security camera footage and finger prints found at your home. His name is Hymie Russo. He has a long rap sheet of priors including break and enter. Your feeling was right, you've been followed for the last few weeks by this guy. As we speak there are police officers on their way to arrest him."

"that is a huge weight off my shoulders detective, thank you but I have some questions. Do you know why he was following me or why he broke into my apartment if it wasn't to steal anything?"

"during the investigation into Mr. Russo we were able to find out that he used to live at your apartment building and at the time he was a mere child who was abused on a regular basis. In my opinion I think the break and enter and the destruction you found in your apartment was motivated out of rage. I believe he had no intention to hurt you that was why he has been following you these last few weeks so that he could follow your routine, when you were in your apartment and when you were not."

"I guess that makes sense in a weird way. I'm just glad his motivation was never to hurt me."

"Me too Ms. Smoak I'm glad I was able to put your mind at ease."

"thanks again detective. Goodbye."

Felicity told Oliver and Dig everything the detective had told her. Nothing but relieved sighs and thank gods were passed around. Felicity took a deep breath and said simply, "I'm glad it's over."

Weeks past and everything was back to normal, well maybe what Oliver, Felicity and Dig call normal. They were helping unsuspecting police with some of their cases and patrolling the streets. Felicity and Oliver were also hard at work at their day jobs at Queen Consolidated. They even made it a weekly occurrence to have lunch together. It was one lunch break they were to have together that would stand out from the rest.

"I don't know, it's just so hard being the CEO of this company. I don't know how to present myself or if the decisions I'm making are the right ones."

"Oliver, you need to be who you are, forget about your alter egos and just be yourself and in terms of making right decisions, I don't think any of us know if we are, we just do what we think is right and hope for the best."

"that makes sense but I don't know, I try to be so many different people that I think I've forgotten how to just be myself. I guess when something is broken, it just stays broken."

"you're not broken," Felicity replied simply looking at him.

Oliver chuckled and said, "I'm a little broken."

"we've all been through a lot, some more than others, you are definitely more than others but when it comes down to it you try to be a good person and that's who you are a good person." Felicity said with a smile.

Oliver looked at Felicity from across their table at the Big Belly Burger and smiled, "thank you Felicity."

"you're welcome Oliver."

Oliver and Felicity finished their meals an exited the restaurant. Oliver turned to look at Felicity and said, "I'm really glad that nothing has to be awkward between us, these past weeks have been good since, being kidnapped I mean."

"me too. It's great to have a guy friend I can talk to who doesn't expect any benefits on the side," as soon as it left Felicity's mouth Oliver had a hint of a smile on his face as he raised his eyebrows. After seeing his reaction and realizing what she said she immediately closed her eyes and raised her finger.

"that's not what I mean to say. I mean girls and guys can be friends without anything happening on the side and I didn't mean to imply that I have had friendships like that because I haven't, not yet, I mean not ever please, please stop me before I go on."

Oliver was laughing, like really genuinely laughing which only happened once in a blue moon.

"I'm glad my rambling amuses you this much Oliver. I think it amuses you as much as it embarrasses me. I thought I would die before I saw you actually crack a smile or laugh like that," Felicity replied laughing herself.

Oliver shook his head with a smile while looking at her. He extended his hand out and sincerely said, "friends?"

Felicity looked at his hand and replied, "I thought we already were. But I've been brought up to shake hands when a good deal is passed and I think this friendship is the best deal I have made in a long while. So friends." Felicity shook his hand. They were about to let go when…..BANG. Oliver and Felicity let go of their hands. Felicity felt pressure in her back and looked down to see blood forming in the shape of a hole. Oliver met Felicity's confused eyes before she slumped forward into Oliver's arms. Oliver raised his rights hand which was entirely covered in Felicity's blood. Shock and horror was apparent on his face. Oliver on instinct quickly dragged her back in to the Big Belly Burger. Everyone inside were under tables.

"call an ambulance Carly." Oliver screamed.

Oliver cradled Felicity in his arms. Her eyes were distant, barely focusing and her breath was hitched.

"Felicity, Felicity look at me." Oliver said with force.

Felicity turned her head so her eyes were looking deep into Oliver's.

"Stay with me, you hear me Felicity. Stay with me. Help is on the way."

At this Felicity's gaze became more and more distant until her eyes weren't strong enough to stay open so they rolled back into her head and her eyes gently closed and her head slumped away from Oliver. Oliver's eyes became wet and his mouth dropped in shock. Oliver used his left hand to cradle her face.

"Felicity, Felicity please if you can hear me open your eyes. Don't do this to me, not you please. I need you. Breathe Felicity, breathe."

At this last word the ambulance had arrived and all Oliver could feel was Carly tugging him away as the paramedics took her away in the ambulance. Oliver told Carly to call Dig to meet him at the hospital. Oliver followed right behind the ambulance until it arrived at Starling City General Hospital. He was with her every step of the way until she was put into a room.

"Sir, stop. I know this is difficult but there is nothing you can do in there. We have the best people working on her." The nurse told him just before she entered herself.

All Oliver could do was wait and look through the window on the room silently praying that she would be ok.

"she's stopped breathing!" the doctor said. "Nurse"

The nurse brought the machine over.

"Clear." Nothing but a monotone never ending beep came from the machine.

"clear"

Everything felt like it was going in slow motion. Oliver could only hear the machine which was determining whether Felicity was alive or not and the doctor saying clear. All he could see was the paddles being put to her chest and her body reacting to it.

"how is she doing Oliver?" Dig asked with what looked like tears in his eyes as he saw Felicity's lifeless body.

Moments passed before Oliver somberly replied, "flat lining."

What seemed like the fiftieth time the doctor yelled clear, there was still no response. tears were clearly present on both Oliver and Dig's face.

"Nurse, I'm calling it, time of death- 2:32pm." The doctor said in defeated tone.

"no" oliver said on the other side of the glass while Dig bowed his head and closed his eyes.

As if in slow motion Oliver ran to the door with Dig quickly on his tail pulling him back when suddenly Felicity's eyes flew open and she gasped for air. The doctors and nurses were at her side like white on rice when they immediately noticed Dig and Oliver included that the machine was beeping indicating her heart had started again. Oliver and Dig couldn't believe it. The doctors and nurses wheeled her out fast.

"where are you taking her?" Dig asked.

"Is she gonna be ok?" Oliver asked.

"she's on her way to the E.R. I'm afraid this is a mountain not a hill. I can't say anything conclusive yet but I promise you will be the first to be informed when I do." The nurse said as she joined her team.

Oliver and Dig sat next to each other both with their eyes closed waiting and waiting for what seemed like hours and hours until the doctor who performed the surgery came out. Oliver and Dig shot up waiting for the doctor to say the outcome. Moments passed until the doctor finally said, "we've got a fighter on our hands. She's stable, the surgery went well."

"thank god," Dig exclaimed.

"so, Felicity is going to be ok right. That's what you're saying isn't it." Oliver asked with hope in his eyes.

"that is something I can't answer right now. She may be stable and the surgery went well but she is not out of the woods yet."

"what is that supposed to mean?" Oliver asked as his temper started to rise.

"I'm afraid her brain was deprived of oxygen. The next 24 hours are critical as to…"

"as to what?" Oliver asked in what only Dig and Felicity would be able to tell as his hood voice.

The doctor paused and looked at both of the somberly, "as to whether or not she wakes up."

All Oliver could do was stare past the doctor to the E.R. doors where Felicity was while Dig linked his hands on top of his head and exhaled.