Here it is! chapter 4!

Thank you all for reading! :) let me know what you think!

PS- thank you to WinterRain36 for the idea for this chapter! You rock!


I studied myself in the full-length mirror stationed in my closet, inspecting the way my dress fit my body. It was my all-time favorite dress; it was a light shade of purple, was tight-fitted, and it was a little shorter than my finger tips if my arms were at my sides. It was a dress that I felt good in, so I thought it was appropriate to wear on a night I wanted to look good for.

While I thought I looked okay in the dress, I couldn't help wondering what Oliver would think if he saw me in it. Of course, that thought brought on many insecurities: does my make-up make me look like a clown? Is my hair always this frizzy? Am I too tall in these heels? Why am I even caring what Oliver Queen would think?

Eventually, I decided I was absolutely not going to let my confidence waive because a man that I could never be with in a million years may or may not see me tonight. It wasn't like me to feel this uncertain of myself, and I didn't like it.

I glanced back over my appearance in the mirror again, trying to find any imperfections that were fixable. I finally concluded that it was as good as it was going to get, and I could feel my nerves relax. Maybe I can enjoy this night after all.

I remembered Felicity stopping by my office after work, after I dropped off Oliver's laptop to his secretary. She just went over some details concerning tonight, like where to meet, what time, etc. She seemed flustered and stressed and definitely had many things on her mind. I couldn't help but speculate Felicity's mood, and hoped that tonight could possibly be a metaphorical haven for her worries.


I arrived at Verdant around 10:15, 15 minutes earlier than our planned meeting time. There was a long queue of people that almost stretched all around the building, waiting to get into Verdant. I strolled towards the back of the line, looking around for Juliana or Felicity. I could hear the music that was blasting on the inside of the club and imagined the hundreds of people dancing along to it. I suddenly felt very nervous. I was so excited to hang out with Felicity and Juliana that I forgot that I don't even like nightclubs. I'm horrible at partying and I think alcohol is gross. And I won't forget to mention that I have two left feet.

I pressed my hand against my forehead and let out an audible sigh. What have I gotten myself into?

Right in mid-sigh, I heard my name being called out. I jerked my head up to see where it was coming from. Through the crowd of people, I saw Felicity and Jade making their way towards me, wildly waving their hands and calling out my name.

Juliana reached me first. She grabbed my hands and took a few steps away from me, inspecting me and determining her opinion on my outfit. Her mouth fell agape and then she grinned. "Damn, Jade!" she exclaimed. "You look fucking hot!"

I shook my head in embarrassment and brushed off her reaction. "You look great," I replied, enveloping her in a hug. As we pulled away, I took Felicity my the arm and embraced her as well.

"Hey, Jade," she said, returning my hug, "you really do look incredible. Do you think I could borrow that dress sometime?"

I laughed, "Of course."

Juliana questioned me. "Jade, what are you doing in this line? Did Felicity not tell you we were on the VIP list? Its only the singular perk of knowing Oliver Queen."

Felicity gently hit her arm. "Mean," she directed at her. "And no, I forgot to mention that. Jade, I'm sorry, but I just prefer the VIP section. Not a huge fan of dancing in a huge, sweaty group of people I don't know. I hope that's okay."

I was extremely relieved that Felicity felt the same way about the situation. "No, that's fine. I think I would rather that, too."

"Boo," Juliana exclaimed, "You are both no fun. I love dancing in crowds, It gives me a rush. But, I do like the complimentary alcohol that comes with the VIP section. I'm about to get super shit-faced tonight."

Felicity shook her head in bewilderment, "Let's just get inside already."

Felicity led us to an entrance solely for guests on the VIP list. The door was guarded by a large, bald man wearing a intimidating black suit holding a clip board.

Felicity walked up to the man and put on a warm smile. "Steve!" She greeted, "How are you doing? it feels like I haven't seen you in ages."

Steve smiled back, "Hey there, Felicity. How's my favorite girl?"

"I'm great, thanks for asking. I have some friends with me tonight, but they still should be on the list." She pointed at Juliana and then me, "Juliana Marullo and Jade Johanson."

Steve pursed his lips and ran his finger down the checklist of names. "Yep," he announced. "They are here."

"Great, thanks so much, Steve."

"Anything for you, Felicity. And can I just add that you three are the most beautiful ladies I have seen all night? If any scumbags give you trouble, come to me."

"Of course," Felicity replied.

Sincerely appreciative of his kindness, I made sure to thank him when I walked past him and into Verdant.

The first thing I thought when I walked into Verdant was: It was loud. Electronic music was blaring and It was extremely hard for me to hear what was being said to me. I saw Felicity mouth something, obviously trying to tell me something. I pointed to my hear, implying that I couldn't hear, and to that she grabbed my shoulders and pulled me close and yelled, "follow me."

Felicity led Juliana and I through the crowd. As a grazed and bumped into people, I quickly apologized but knew that it wasn't going to be heard. I noticed many men and even some women lusting over Felicity and Juliana, as their eyes hungrily followed us. It didn't seem to phase either of them, but I'm sure they were use to that kind of treatment. But me on the other hand, not so much. I spent four years at a college with men that cared more about their calculators than sex. I have never been noticed in that way.

We managed to make it to an isolated, marked- off area with a sign by the entrance stating "VIP Only" and beside the sign was another large, bald man in a black suit.

Felicity made her exchanges with the bouncer and we finally made it into the VIP area. The section was decorated with red, comfortable furniture and had it's own bar. There were about twenty people in the VIP section, so I could not complain about it being too crowded.

Juliana dragged me to the bar, and we took a seat on two stools.

She directed her speech at the bartender, "Can I have three peach sangrias, please" and then glanced at me, "what would you like?"

I honestly had no idea what to order. "Uh, surprise me," I said, trying to sound suave.

"She'll take a strawberry daiquiri."

The bartender nodded and began to work on our order.


An hour later, all three of us were having a great time. Juliana was definitely drunk, and I mean drunk. She was giggly and obnoxious, and I was too buzzed to care. I noticed that Felicity did not have anything to drink, and I could tell she was distracted. She was often looking around, like she was expecting someone.

We all sat around a circular table, laughing and telling stories.

"Okay, so Jade, I'm just like really glad I met you. You're so pretty and nice. Do you have a boyfriend?" Juliana slurred.

"No, I don't." I replied. "Do you?"

"Do I have a boyfriend? Fuck boys." She exclaimed. She wiggled her index finger at me, beckoning me to come closer to her. "I like girls." She simply stated. She raised her eyebrows and stared and Felicity, making eye contact with her. "Actually, I like Felicity."

"Juliana!" Felicity yelled, "are you serious right now?" she dropped her head and pressed her palm against her forehead.

"What?" Juliana challenged. "Jade doesn't care. Do you, Jade?"

I honestly didn't, and it actually made a lot of sense. "Of course I don't care, I'm happy for you guys."

I made eye contact with Felicity and she had a grateful smile on her face.

"Jade," Juliana started, "Let me tell you a secret," she cupped her hand around her mouth. "Felicity is such a good fuck." She tilted her head back a let out a loud laugh.

"Really, Juliana? That's enough." Felicity lectured, but it didn't seem that she was that upset.

"Isn't she so cute?" Juliana cooed.

Felicity blushed and rolled her eyes.

Juliana averted her attention back to me. "I want to hear about your best fuck."

Shit, I thought, why does everyone in Starling want to know about my sex life?

"Well, actually…" I started, placing my hand on my check and resting my elbow on the table, "I'm a virgin."

Felicity's eyes widened and Juliana started snickering. "Shut the fuck up, Jade."

My raised my hands up at my sides. "I know, it's super embarrassing, but it's true."

"How?" Felicity asked.

I shrugged. "I don't know, I've just never got around to it."

Juliana quickly stood up and held out her hand. "You are going to get around to it tonight. Come with me."

"What?" I exclaimed. "I haven't waited this long to just go hook up with a stranger."

Juliana rolled her eyes. "That's the wrong way to look at things, Jade. You may meet a totally hot guy." She looked around the VIP section and then pointed to a man sitting at the bar. He was tall and lean, with dark, black hair and tanned skin. "See, look," she continued, "Go talk to him."

I don't know if it was the alcohol or the peer pressure, but I confidently stood up and sauntered over to the handsome man.

I sat down at the stool next to him and I could feel Juliana's and Felicity's eyes on me. I turned around to give Juliana the thumbs up and she returned it with a smile, however, Felicity was not wearing a face of amusement, but one of horror. I turned back around and ordered another daiquiri, which got the attention of the mystery man.

He glanced over at me, and I could feel his eyes making their way up and down my body. "Well, hello there." I turned my head around to meet his stare. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" He had a heavy, but charming, New York City accent.

"Oh, hi," I acted surprised, "I did not see you there." I held out my hand for him to shake. "I'm Jade."

"Beautiful name, Jade." He took my hand and gave it an alluring kiss. "The names Beauregard, and can I say that you look absolutely stunning tonight?"

I wrapped a finger in my hair, hoping that it looked flirtatious. "Thank you," I purred.

He moved closer to me, "So Jade, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm a database administrator," I blushed, realizing how nerdy that sounded. "I work with computers," I explained.

"Oh, okay, I like a girl with brains and beauty," he grinned. He really was a handsome guy, with dark brown eyes and slim features. He was no Oliver, but who was?

"What do you do for a living?" I asked.

"Lets just say I'm self- employed." He gave me a wink.

After his wink, I heard his cell phone ringing inside his pocket.

"Agghhh," he groaned. "Excuse me while I take this."

He turned his back to me, but was talking loud enough that I was able to hear his conversation. "This better be good, I was about to snatch up a ten." He paused for a second, listening.

"What?" Beauregard asked the person on the line. "The Hood knows we are here? You know I hate being compromised." He waited a few moments to hear the response. "Do know where he went?" He asked, waiting again for the answer. "The alley behind the club?" He repeated. "Okay, I will be there soon."

I faced forwards, so it wasn't completely obvious that I was eavesdropping on his conversation. All I know now is that the Hood is in the same vicinity as myself, and I wanted to see him with my own eyes.

"Very sorry," Beauregard said to me after ending his phone call, "but I'm needed somewhere else. It was nice to meet you, doll face."

"You, too." and he briskly walked away and out of the roped- off VIP section.

Waiting until he was just out of sight, I ducked my head and followed him out of the area, trying not to be seen by Felicity and Jade. I'm not sure what compelled me to pursue him, most likely a mix of curiosity and alcohol, but I was determined to see the Hood.

I made my way through the crowd of intoxicated and carefree partiers, while still keeping track of Beauregard's movements.

He made his way out a back exit of Verdant that lead out into an alleyway. I soon reached the exit and cautiously peered my head out the doorway. I knew the Hood usually messed with some dangerous people, so I told myself that I needed to stay safe.

As I explored the alleyway, I heard footsteps and noticed Beauregard running and disappearing around the corner of a neighboring brick building. I slipped my heels off and ran after him, and the closer I got the the corner, the more afraid I got. Without peeking around the wall, I put my back up to it and took a deep breath. The sounds I heard behind the corner were what I assumed was fighting.

I finally worked up the courage to glance around the corner and I saw around five men in all black laying on the concrete, moaning and squirming in pain.

Then, I saw him. The Hood.

His back was turned to me, and so was unable to see his face. But I had feeling that no one was ever able to see his face. He had his bow strung across this back, along with his quiver. He was in a strong, intimidating position, with his arms and hands clenched at his side. I noticed his chest and back heaving up and down, exhausted from his fight.

I heard a soft click, which snapped me out of my mesmerization. I directed my attention to the sound, it was Beauregard, with a pistol aimed at the Hood.

Oh shit! I thought frantically, I can't just stand here and let the Hood get shot!

I quickly contemplated my options. There weren't many. So I decided on doing what I do best.

I looked around the ground for the nearest object. My eyes stopped on a empty, glass bottle, that was close to my feet. I kicked the bottle up, and caught it on the bridge of my foot.

This is going to hurt. I took a deep breath and got into position. I hope this works. I booted the bottle up in the air and then scissor-kicked it, aiming for the head of Beauregard. I felt a sharp pain in my foot and let out an audible yelp, which caused the Hood to turn to face me, and then to Beauregard. Before he could pulled the trigger of the gun, the glass bottle was smashed across his face, knocking him down and causing him to drop his gun.

The Hood grabbed his bow and loaded an arrow and pointed it at Beauregard, who was holding his head, writhing on the ground.

"Beauregard Barclay Roberts, you have failed this city." He let the arrow fly, hitting him in the right leg. I winced as he let out blood curdling yell of agony.

"What are you doing here?" The Hood barked, it took me a few moments to register that he was talking to me. Everything just happened so quickly, and I still had an adrenaline rush from hitting Beauregard with that bottle.

"Oh me?" I pointed to myself. I wasn't sure how to respond. "I heard him," pointing to the man suffering on the ground, "say on the phone that you were back here and I just-"

"What were you doing talking to him?" He interrupted.

His straightforward question surprised me."Uh, well, I wouldn't have conversed with him if I knew that he was a bad guy."

He seemed to accept this answer. "Is your foot okay?"

"Why would my foot not be okay?" I asked, confused, but then quickly realized the point of his question. "Oh, yeah, my foot. Um, I think it's okay. It doesn't hurt." I shifted my weight to try to put pressure on it, and I felt a sharp pain and I grimaced. "Actually, It doesn't feel that great. But I will live." I shrugged. "I just can't believe that that actually worked."

"You saved my life."

I flicked my wrist and shrugged again. "I've played soccer for over ten years and it finally comes in handy." I chuckled.

"Will you be able to make it back to the club okay?"

"Uh, yeah." I said, disappointed that my run-in with the Hood was coming to an end. "I'll be fine."

He nodded and looked at me for a couple moments before making his way into the shadows.

As I was about to turn to go back to Verdant, a thought popped into my head. The Hood isn't going to get away from me that easily.

I slipped my heals back on, and limped in the darkness.


Will Jade find 'the Hood's' place of secrecy? Will she find out his true identity?

Thank you again for reading! Please review! Criticism is welcome.