Bruce entered the building where Moira was going to make her announcement. It seemed unbelievable that she thought she had a shot at becoming mayor, but here she was; ready to announce her candidacy. He hadn't been there for three seconds when Moira caught sight of him and latched onto his side. "Bruce, I'm so glad you could make it."
He plastered his best socialite smile on his face and quickly noted where the cameras were. As long as he wasn't on the podium with Moira when she announced he could disavow any interest in supporting her candidacy. As he scanned the room, he looked for Felicity. He'd brought the marriage certificate and the moment Moira turned her attention elsewhere, he'd duck out and try to find her. The problem was Moira had a vise grip on his arm and was chatting away about this or that, leading him across the room...towards Oliver. Oliver was talking to a short woman with blonde hair...Bruce frowned. It couldn't be...that was too much of a coincidence.
"Oliver." Moira called over to him. He and the blonde both turned. Felicity's eyes widened and her face turned red, her fingers reaching for the necklace at her throat. She recognized him...and she'd kept the necklace. He couldn't help a slight feeling of smugness. He also noted that her eyes went to the grip Moira had on his arm and she shifted to a more defensive pose. She didn't trust Moira. Good. "Look who flew in from Gotham."
"Bruce" Oliver gave him a tight lipped smile. It was painfully transparent. Bruce grit his teeth. If Queen didn't get better at masking his emotions, he was going to be exposed. Bruce wondered how many people around them realized exactly how fake this conversation was. How many secrets and lies three of people in their group of four were responsible for. Was Felicity even aware of who Queen was? Oliver's shoulders were tense and he was clearly annoyed that his conversation with Felicity had been interrupted. Felicity was looking at him in confusion. He held out his hand.
"Bruce Wayne." He said, not wanting to show his cards just yet. She hesitated before putting her hand in his.
"Felicity Smoak."
He smiled, bringing her hand up, brushing her fingers against his lips. they were warm, matching her flushed face. Oliver cleared his throat, his eyes flashing as he watched their interaction. Bruce ignored him.
"That is a lovely necklace, Ms. Smoak." Moira's tone was conversational, but there was an edge. Bruce looked down at her, seeing a look of mad happiness in her eyes. "Don't you think so, Bruce?"
She recognized it. Of course she did. Moira Queen was never one to forget a slight and his father choosing his mother over her must really be raking at her consciousness if she remembered that necklace. Then something else clicked. Moira hadn't invited him there to support her candidacy. She'd brought him here to embarrass Felicity, probably hurt her. That was unacceptable. "It is." He said, keeping his eyes on Moira, letting a bit of his Batvoice slip into his tone. "It was my mother's. But you already knew that." She flinched, but managed to maintain her composure. Bruce turned his gaze to Felicity. He needed to look at her, she knew Moira was trying to hurt her and he wanted her to know she wasn't alone and that he'd protect her. "I gave it to Ms. Smoak the day I married her."
Her mouth dropped open. Moira's eyes popped out of her head. Oliver's jaw twitched, his nostrils flaring.
"Married her." Oliver was the first to speak, his voice a low growl as he parroted Bruce's words. He whipped his head to look at Felicity. "You're married?"
"I'm as surprised as you are." Felicity's voice was faint, her eyes locked on Bruce's he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the marriage license, handing it to Felicity. She took it, her eyes growing wider as she read it. She swallowed looking up at him. Bruce pulled his arm out of Moira's hold, moving closer to Felicity. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think Mrs. Wayne and I have somethings to discuss." He offered Felicity his arm. She hesitated, looking around. It appeared to be a choice between going with him and staying with Moira and Oliver, both of whom looked furious. For a moment he thought she wouldn't take it, and his heart clenched. He only relaxed once she took his arm. He walked them across the room and out of the door, feeling Oliver and Moira's anger follow them. At the door a tall black man in a suit moved to block them.
"Everything okay Felicity?" He asked.
"Yeah Digg." She smiled up at him. "I'm fine."
Digg seemed unconvinced but nodded, moving out of the way. Bruce led them out of the room. The second they were far enough away, Felicity pulled her arm out of his grasp and turned to face him.
"Is this real?" She held up the marriage license, her hand shaking slightly.
"Yes." He said.
Felicity nodded. "Okay...and this is from that night three years ago in Vegas...when I..." She blushed furiously. "That was you?"
Bruce couldn't help the smug expression that played out onto his face as he nodded.
"And you're Bruce Wayne?" She shook her head, looking away from him, beginning to pace, putting a hand to her mouth as she looked at the license. "And you're married, to me. I'm married. And have been for 3 years."
"Felicity." He moved to comfort her.
SMACK.
There was a white hot flash of pain across his face and he put a hand to his cheek, stunned. He hadn't even seen that coming. Blinking he looked down at her. The former rather endearing flustered look had transformed into one of fury.
"I've been married for 3 years and you just decide to tell me NOW?" She hissed.
"It's complicated." He began.
"Oh really?" Felicity snapped. "Do they not have phones in Gotham? Am I supposed to believe that you, a multi-billionaire, don't have access to private investigators and divorce lawyers?"
"If you'll just let me explain-" But again she didn't let him finish.
"3 YEARS." She shoved the license back at him. He took it, dumbfound at the strength of her rage. He'd been expecting being "You've had 3 years to explain." She was breathing heavily, tears in her eyes. "Send me whatever papers you want, I'll sign them." His heart sank as she reached for the clasp of the necklace. "And you can have this back."
"Keep it." He said, putting his hand on hers. He knew she wouldn't let him explain, she was too angry, but he didn't want her to push him away completely...though he probably deserved it. She glared at him, but lowered her hand; leaving the necklace in place.
"The next time you see me." She said. "You had better be handing me divorce papers." Turning, she left the building.
