Felicity took a shaky breath as she leaned into the mirror, checking her appearance one more time. She felt exhausted but thankfully the dark circles remained at bay. As far as things in the house went, she had the easiest job: smile and look pretty for the cameras. Slade was positioned in the crowd, stay and vigilant ensuring that no one made any suspicious moves. Sara took a cater-waiter job and blended into the kitchen staff preparing the hors d'oeuvres. Roy was staying out front, making sure that nobody got in uninvited which left Diggle in charge of the back and side entrances. Every angle was covered by one of their team and the SCPD had been called in to help direct traffic. Safety was the least of Felicity's concerns; she had much bigger things on her mind. Leaning against the wall, she peered over at Oliver, "It's not too late to back out."

"Felicity, we are doing this. We all agreed, this is the safest option." Oliver was still not back to normal, another reason he was thankful for a team of professionals backing him up. He'd had a good night's sleep and a couple iron supplements but it would take a few days for his color to improve. Moving toward her, he reached into his pocket, "Let me do the talking. And put this on…it belonged to my great grandmother." Grasping her hand, he slid the antique engagement ring onto her finger.

Staring down at her hand, she felt a jolt of discomfort, "This is an heirloom, Oliver. I can't…"

"We need everyone to believe that this is real, Felicity. As the Queen heir, that ring is part of my legacy. There is no way people are going to overlook my future wife not wearing my family ring." Not to mention his mother would know immediately that this was a ruse. Given the fact that Moira felt personally slighted by Felicity—due to her revealing Thea's true parentage to him—there was no telling what she'd do. He would not risk it. "It's not a big deal."

Drumming her fingers against her belly gently, she wondered if he had any idea how big a deal this really was. This was probably why Sara insisted that they get the full workup this morning. Her hair had been perfectly coiffed by a stylist, she got a fresh manicure, and a brand new dress that actually fit her around the middle. "I hate that it's come to this," Standing at his side, she leaned against him gently. "I know this can't be easy for you or Sara…" Slade wasn't happy either but he was dealing as best he could; she really admired him for that.

John stepped behind the curtain, "We're clear. Perimeter has been secured and you are good to go. We're all linked up, I'll be here in two seconds if anything goes down."He nodded, "Good luck."

Oliver was glad for the intrusion; he wanted to get this over with. The sooner they made the announcement, the sooner that their plan could progress. Wrapping an arm around Felicity's waist, he ushered her out to the podium that had been erected for the press conference. A burst of flashbulbs started the second they crossed the stage, the microphone crackling ever so slightly as he leaned over it, "Friends, family, and members of the Starling City press, thank you very much for joining us this morning."

There was light applause as Oliver paused to gaze over at Felicity lovingly. "During the last several months, my family has little to celebrate as we continue to work tirelessly to rebuild the Glades. It is my great pleasure to stand in front of you today with very happy news. I would like to formally announce my engagement to my long time associate and girlfriend, Ms. Felicity Smoak. While no wedding date is currently set, we will be getting married sooner rather than later." Appreciative laughter bubbled up through the crowd as Oliver's hand gingerly slipped over Felicity's growing baby bump.

A thunderous explosion of chatter broke out among the crowd and more cameras flashed. Felicity had a hard time not squinting as the lights flashed in her eyes. How the hell did Oliver look so calm and cool while everything was chaos around them. He must have realized she was feeling off center because his arm tightened around her and the child. She gave him a gentle smile.

Oliver smiled back. "We greatly appreciate your support in this. Please, continue to enjoy the refreshments and beverages provided. Thank you." Stepping away from the microphone, he kissed Felicity gently.

The kiss hadn't been a part of what they'd discussed, but her body melded against his as he tugged her closer. Slightly dazed, she could hardly hear the applause over her pulse pounding in her ears. She had always suspected Oliver would be a good kisser but the real thing lived up to the expectations. As she regained her bearings, she quickly realized the kiss–while skilled—did not even come close to measuring up to what she had with Slade. Licking her lips, she allowed Oliver to carefully guide her down off the platform. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she pasted a smile on. The inquisition had already started and showed no sign of stopping.

So many questions were being hurled around them all at once: How long had she and Oliver been together in secret? Was the pregnancy planned? When was she due? How did it feel to be fucking Oliver Queen? Had she always aspired to be a gold digging whore?

By time they reached the middle of the crowd, Felicity was dizzy. This media frenzy may have been second nature for Oliver but she could hardly keep up with it all. On top it, she had lost sight of Slade half an hour ago and he had not resurfaced. Her stomach started churning with worry…where had he gone?

Sara was suddenly standing in front of Felicity, "Ms. Smoak, I am sorry to interrupt but there's a bit of a problem in the kitchen. I could use your assistance." Grasping her arm gently, she pulled her away and into a secluded back room, "Jesus, you're pale as a ghost."

Felicity reluctantly settled down on a stool, fanning her face to cool it down, "Have you seen Slade? After Oliver and I kissed he just disappeared." She grasped Sara's hand, "You have to find him, Sara. I can't leave this party without raising suspicions." She sighed, "I know I shouldn't be asking you this…"

"Don't worry about it, I'll find him. Take a few minutes to cool off and then go rejoin Oliver…" Tugging her apron off, Sara grabbed Felicity a bottle of water before heading off to find Slade. Stepping outside, she did a sweep of the grounds once before doubling back. She found Slade standing outside in the garden. The grounds were mostly dead foliage as the spring planting wouldn't begin for another couple weeks. Stepping beside him, she folded her arms across her chest, "You shouldn't have left your post."

Slade's arms were clasped behind his back. The deadness of this garden perfectly mirrored the crushing weight resting on his soul. He kept his gaze straight ahead, "They look natural together."

Letting out a breath, Sara shrugged. "They've been friends a long time, Slade." She scoffed, turning to face him. He still hadn't moved from that spot, looking stoic and pensive. The fact that he wasn't raging mad was oddly unsettling. "Don't tell me you're jealous. She loves you."

"I know that, Sara." Slade finally faced her, "I am simply beginning to wonder whether love is enough. I couldn't protect her from this. I should be able to protect her from anything." He frowned, "What use am I, if I can't even do that right?"

Mulling that over for a moment, Sara gently smiled, "As long as I've known you, you've been focused solely on yourself and your revenge. Up until this moment, I was pretty sure you were going to be the shittiest father that ever lived but now…I'm not so sure. You have a conscience and you want to do right by your family, there's nothing wrong with that. And you don't have to fight the emotion you have, there's no shame it." She shrugged, "I'm actually starting to understand what Felicity sees in you." She chuckled, "Relax, I'm not coming onto you." She patted his shoulder, "You are doing everything you can, Slade. There's nothing wrong with letting people help you. It doesn't make you weak to admit that."

Slade's eyebrows shot up in surprise. What Sara said actually rang true and alleviated much of the discomfort he was feeling. "That was quite profound, actually." The weight began to lift off him as he let what she'd said wash over him. Perhaps there was nothing wrong with accepting help…perhaps that's what Felicity had been trying to tell him all along.

"I do the best I can for a whore, that is." Sara teased. "Once we catch who tried to hurt Felicity, this will all go away and you two can ride off into the sunset on your dark horse. For now, we've got a job to do." Taking several steps toward the house, she motioned at him, "Come on." Walking in sync with him, she grabbed a tray from the kitchen and started serving again.

Felicity felt relief wash over her as Slade slipped back into the room. Most of the press had cleared out now, rushing back to their offices to meet deadlines. The blessed moment of reprieve faded when suddenly she found herself standing in front of Thea and Moira Queen. She could feel Oliver tighten his arm around her. She wasn't sure if he was afraid she'd run away or if he simply needed someone to hold onto.

Oliver was putting on a good face for Thea, as promised. He gave his mother a nod of deference. "Hey Thea," He leaned in and kissed her cheek, "Thank you both for coming."

Thea hugged Felicity tightly, "This is so exciting." She clasped her hands together, "I knew that something was going on with you two. This is amazing news." She smiled, "I am going to get started on a baby/wedding shower right away! I cannot even begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to this!"

"Thea, you really don't have to do that," Felicity replied quickly but she was not to be deterred. "Felicity, it is not every day my brother gets married! And I'm getting a little niece or nephew. Things have been rotten for months now, I am so grateful for an opportunity to do something fun for a change!" She turned to Roy, "Come on, we have shopping to do!" Reaching out, she hugged Oliver again, "Congratulations, Ollie, I'm so happy for you."

Oliver's smile was wide and genuine as he watched Thea hurry away with Roy hot on her tail. Undoubtedly, Thea would be throwing the party of the century and he was happy to give her the opportunity to do so. Yet, the moment was short-lived as he now found himself alone with his mother.

A taut mask of anger was all that Moira could muster, "Oliver, I am incredibly disappointed that this is the way you chose to inform me of your upcoming nuptials and the fact that you have impregnated your assistant." Her voice was shrill and cold, though she kept her tone soft enough not to draw attention. Her mouth was frozen into a brilliant smile…it was terrifying. "Have you even thought about what this is going to do to my campaign?"

Felicity's hand tightened over her rounded belly, protecting her unborn child from the wrath of the wicked witch. "Your name didn't even come up, actually," She smiled back just as falsely.

He had to cover a laugh with a series of phony coughs, "As you well know, Felicity is much more than my assistant. She's a very good friend and has been by side through everything: Walter's kidnapping, your incarceration, oh and your crushing betrayal of this family." His voice was low and dangerous, as he stared at his mother pointedly. "Your only son getting married and having a child is not something that would hurt a campaign either…"

"A child born out of wedlock…" Moira's spine stiffened as a forbidding presence cast a shadow over her. She turned, "Mr. Wilson, it's so good to see you. Thank you so much for coming to our little family event, I was not aware that my son invited you." In the blink of the eye, she went from outraged to schmoozing, "I want to thank you again for your generous donation to my campaign. You should come by our headquarters sometime and I'll show you how we've put your hard earned dollars to work."

Slade nodded, "I'd love that, Moira, thank you." It was difficult pretending that he hadn't heard the entire exchange. Felicity looked incredibly uncomfortable and he could not stand by and let her suffer. "This was quite a lovely event, congratulations." Honestly, it was the last thing that he wanted but he still had an image to uphold. He reached out and gripped Oliver's hand tight, before he turned for the door. "Moira, may I walk you out?"

She slipped her purse to the opposite side before linking arms with him, "That would be wonderful." Tossing one last look of disdain back at Felicity, she strode out with Slade. "I'm booked solid this week with speaking engagements and campaigning but if could come by next week I have a proposition for you. Please, give me a call and we'll set up a lunch date." She slipped a card into his pocket as he opened the door to her limousine.

As he watched her drive away, Slade's mouth curved into a frown. Intent on not drawing attention to himself, he reentered the house through the side door. The catering staff was taking care of cleanup and the platform was being broken down and hauled away. He folded his arms as he stood beside Felicity, wanting desperately to touch her but knowing that there were just too many witnesses around. "So now we wait for the other shoe to drop…"

"Yes we do," Oliver replied, "I'm going to head to the Arrowcave and do some recon on the herbs. Dig's narrowed it down to two shops that might have sold the ingredients to whoever is trying to hurt Felicity."

"Do you need me to come?" Felicity asked, already reaching for her cell phone.

"It's a simple errand and I'm going to take Sara with me. We could all use some fresh air." He shook his head, "If I need you, I'll call."

Felicity nodded and headed up the stairs, Slade close behind her. She headed into the bedroom and flopped down on the couch, not caring that she was wrinkling a very expensive dress. "Where did you disappear to today? I was worried…I know that can't have been easy to watch."

Slade settled down at her side, drawing her close, "I didn't care for the crowd, I stepped out for a bit of air." It was a little white lie; he didn't feel like explaining that Sara had talked sense into him finally. He stared down at her finger, burdened by the massive diamond that had been in the Queen family for generations. He didn't have any such heirlooms. His family had never had money; it was one of the reasons that he'd joined the army right out of school. His mother had worn a simple gold band her whole life even though his father had passed away when Slade was barely out of diapers. "This is only temporary. Before long, it'll be my ring on your finger."

"Oh really," Felicity raised an eyebrow, "Was that a proposal?"

"That's a promise." His lips gently grazed hers as he cradled her beside him, "I love you, Felicity, and nothing is going to stop me from spending the rest of my life proving it to you."

Hugging him close, she smiled, "I know you love me. I've known since the second day we spent at Merlyn Manor. Probably before you did," Her hand skimmed over her rounded belly; the proof of their love grew inside her, stronger by the day. "It might not always be easy but as long as we're together, I know it'll work out."

Groaning softly, he cupped her cheek. She drove him to distraction...but her safety was top priority. He wouldn't make a move until he was deadly sure that nothing bad would happen. "Right now, you relax and I'm going to make you something to eat."

"No baby seals, okay?" She teased. "Promise me you'll hurry back."

Slade laughed, "Promise." As he moved toward the doorway, he stopped to peer back at her momentarily. He'd never seen a woman look more beautiful than Felicity did, shoes kicked off and her legs tucked beneath her as her hands splayed over the sacred space where their child grew. He would do right by them even if it meant that temporarily, he was one of the good guys.

Happy Arrow Night, everyone! I was actually really happy to see some more Sara/Slade interaction. And I loved Felicity tonight, lots of zingers. She's such a hilarious character. I won't spoil it for anyone in a different timezone than I am! I could have done with a lot less Helena though! There's really only one Huntress I recognize and that's Helena Kyle (but I'm a DC whore so...that's that).

I just want to remind you that reviews that have literally nothing to do with my writing are not very helpful to me. Olicity is great and cute and adorable and there are about a thousand stories on this site that feature them as a pairing...Thicker than Blood is not one of them. Leaving me nasty reviews/PMs and making personal attacks doesn't change my mind. I've also had several complaints for publishing this as an Olicity story? I think these people must be confused, I don't know how much clearer I can make it that this is Slade/Felicity all the way. It says right in the summary *Felicity x Slade* and I put the pairing down too. I am not here to trick anyone so cards on the table, this is a Sladicity fic.

That being said, Olicity undertones has also been there all along...in this chapter and chapters past, we've seen it in play. I wouldn't be doing my duty as a writer if I completely ignored what the Arrow writers have built between Oliver and Felicity in the last 2 seasons. It's out there, it exists, and I'm just bending it to my will! And I'm having fun doing it :)

Please, keep reading and reviewing. The more reviews I get, the faster I write and the sooner you get chapters! If you have constructive criticism I'm all for it, just let me know what you think!