A/N: I honestly can not believe the reception my story has got! It feels so surreal, I can not stop smiling so THANK YOU everyone for the reviews, favourites, follows, and views. Seriously this means so much to me...
So here you are my next chapter :), you all deserve this for being so awesome! I hope you all enjoy it and I love your continued support it is sooo amazing! So you know what to do, drop me a review etc... I'll try to update soon but like I say very busy week ahead :) but again reviews, views etc will probably spur me into updating sooner 'cause seriously you guys are worth it!
Oliver got home expecting the police and his family but instead it was silent. He went straight to bed, waking in the late morning to find Thea watching TV, dressed and eating breakfast
"Where have you been?" She said as Oliver walked in rapped in his robe
"Bed... Why?"
"Haha. I didn't mean now I meant last night! Dad got attacked by the vigilante!"
"What?" Oliver raised his voice and tried sound shocked; he could sell this easily to Thea "I was sorting out stuff for my idea, a lot of ground work... Is he okay?"
"Well I tried calling but it kept going to voicemail... Yes he's fine luckily"
"Sorry I didn't even notice. Thank god, what happened? Where is he?"
"It's okay and I dunno just that he was in dads office demanding money. So he shot him but somehow the police lost his blood sample. So yeh dad was pissed and to be honest so was Detective Lance" thank you Felicity is all he could think in that moment "dad went back to work like it was no big deal. Mum stayed here with me and this morning I dunno maybe she's gone to see dad at work or whatever"
"Wow I can't believe the police were so careless! We'll have to step up security. And typical dad, always putting work first" the last sentence came out a little harsher than he wanted but Thea just gave him a knowing look "so everyone's fine then?"
"Yes and dads already upped security the same firm your body guards from" she pointed to several men outside "you up to much this weekend?"
"Oh, good plan and not really maybe I can hang out with you?" her face changed immediately from a grin to a sympathetic look
"I have plans Ollie, sorry"
"Thea I'm your big brother, do not apologise for having a life when I clearly don't…"
"Well I don't think you'd appreciate spending the weekend with me and my girlfriends in Disneyland Paris…"
"What! You're going to Paris?"
"Yes mum okayed it and yes I am taking security, and the private plane. It's only for today and tomorrow" he couldn't believe how quick his 14 year old sister was growing up
"Okay Speedy but stay safe… please"
"Of course" she hugged him tightly getting up. He had to hide his wince when she caught his wound "maybe you can concentrate on your project, or go out with Tommy or maybe… Felicity" she said her name slowly making a point, seeing as Oliver hadn't mentioned her since the first day
"Good options, thanks for giving me a life" he winked intentionally ignoring the Felicity bit because he was not going there. She laughed shaking her head as she left. Oliver sat there awhile before figuring out what to do. Then he remembered how he was supposed to ask Felicity about the 3D design idea and get back to Tommy
"Crap!" he said to himself. He hurriedly had a shower and got changed into a simple T-shirt and jeans. He text Diggle to tell him he wouldn't be needed today as he had no plans other than to see Felicity and maybe Tommy. Then he called Tommy no answer
"Hi I can't get to the phone right now, I'm probably asleep or busy but you know what to do"
"Hey Tommy, I'm going to try and sort out the 3D designs today. If you give me a quick call when you're available I'll let you in on the loop" he hung up getting on his bike and off he went.
He stood outside Felicity's flat again debating whether to knock. He had surprised and probably scared her last night. It was 11 in the morning, she might have friends round or be out. Then he stopped himself, why was he panicking so much, so he took a deep breath and tapped 3 times. When the door flew open Felicity was stood there in her pink onesie, spoon in her mouth and mint chocolate chip ice cream in her arms. He looked from the ice cream to her face
"I stress eat…" she felt the need to explain "come in" she opened the door wide and Oliver stepped in closing the door behind him. Without even a word she went over to the draw pulled out another spoon and handed it to him. She then offered the ice cream and Oliver couldn't help but take a spoonful
"I'm sure you didn't come here to eat my ice cream, so I presume it's about last night…" he smiled at her, of course she thought that
"Well I wanted to make sure you were okay?"
"Me okay? You're the one who got shot… are you okay?" he laughed he couldn't help it. She could see the flicker in Oliver's eyes, the one she liked so much which showed he was a good person
"I am fine… Actually do you have a first aid kit?" Felicity dropped the ice cream and spoon on the counter
"What's wrong?" she immediately pulled another draw open full of various first aid equipment. He looked at the draw full of various, bandages, drugs, medicines, plasters and creams
"Why do you have so much stuff?"
"Accident prone over here, again what's wrong?" she looked at him harder
"I probably need a new bandage on this thing" he pointed to his shoulder "I had a shower and got ready so quick I didn't think about it"
"Oh okay, well whatever you need" she smiled. Oliver pulled his shirt off not thinking about it. Felicity's eyes couldn't help but wander over his abs, quickly she realised she was staring and her cheeks flushed "need any help? Oh god I mean with the bandage not the whole taking clothes off thing, not that you'd want my help…"
"Felicity" he smiled softly "it would be much appreciated"
"Okay... But I have to say I have no idea what I am doing..." Oliver smiled taking something's from the draw. He slowly pulled back the bandage hiding his pain to see the bloodied stitched up mess
"Antiseptic wipe to clean the wound and stitches a bit... Then put on that antibiotic stuff to stop infection then cover with the new bandage" she nodded
"Okay I'll try not to hurt you" she carefully used the antiseptic wipe which made him flinch slightly and she could feel how tense he was. He could feel the delicate touch of Felicity which was much better than when John treated him, and he couldn't deny it felt nice having a woman tend to his wounds. But he couldn't relax his guards were well up. Gently she applied the antibiotic stuff then placed a clean bandage on top softly pressing the edges down. When she had done Oliver took a look at her handy work and pulled his T-shirt back on so Felicity would focus more. He tried to pretend he hadn't seen the way she looked at his torso because no way was he going there after last night
"Thank you" he smiled
"No problem, I'm guessing you didn't come here for that so what can I help you with Oliver?" She said placing all the things back in the draw. All the dirty things in the bin and washing her hands
"Well I was going to ask about what I was coming to see you about last night before…" he points to his shoulder, she smiled walking over to the sofa
"You mean the 3D design of your club you want me to make?"
"How did..." She lifted up a folder
"It was on your desk last night. So not only did I update your system, I started on this and I finished it this morning all it needs is yours and Tommy's approval and yes before you start I can alter it..."
"Wow" was all that managed to come out. How could this girl, no woman, have saved his life, come to terms with his secret identity, updated his system, agree to help him and do this 3D model in less than 24 hours. He smiled broadly and Felicity found she liked this smile, one which seemed so truthful and genuinely happy
"Seriously Felicity you are remarkable"
"All in a nights work I suppose" she smiled chuckling at herself; she put her ice cream away and spoon in the sink. Just then his phone rang
"Hey Tommy"
"Hi man, what's up?"
"I was calling to say that the 3D model is nearly done and just needs a few tweaks... Just give me a sec..."
"Okay..." He turned to see Felicity making her way back to the sofas
"Would you mind coming with me to Tommy's? You know sort out the last few bits and we can get lunch on the way there and eat at his..." She looked at her attire, then back at him
"Errrm okay, but only if it's okay with him and I need to get ready too so no rushing around..." He nodded returning to the call
"Tommy, my friend Felicity who has done the model for us, wants to make sure I can bring her to yours to finish it 'cause she doesn't want to impose... And we'll bring lunch too" Tommy burst in to laughter
"Seriously? Women are crazy sometimes... If she did the model I'm pretty sure it's vital she's here and also Felicity hey, you haven't mentioned her before?"
"He says of course it's fine you created the thing for us" Oliver turned to Felicity
"I didn't want to impose, I'll go get ready" and with that she went to her bedroom closing the door
"Errrm didn't answer my question Queen?"
"She's the best IT... Expert in QC she helped me when I was there"
"I bet she did!" He could hear the tone in Tommy's voice but he didn't want people thinking that it could tarnish her reputation
"Tommy seriously it's actually not like that... She's a friend and I mean it Tommy"
"Wow I've never heard you sound that serious about a girl"
"She's a woman Tommy and her friendship means a lot, like mine and yours. She helped me with my father and we both know..."
"Oliver it's okay dude I was just messing she clearly means a lot to you..."
"It's not that Tommy, my dad basically said he thinks we're sleeping together he said as much, which we aren't, but I don't want my reputation to tarnish hers"
"I get it. It's okay. I understand about the past antics effecting things now..." Oliver could feel his friends' jokey demeanour slipping slightly
"Tell me about it..."
"That's why we want this business to work, prove we are actually better than what people think"
"Totally!"
"That means we need the best, so if Felicity is that then I will welcome her without the insinuations"
"Thanks dude, we'll get some food and be over soon"
"Okay see you in a bit, gives me a chance to look smart for your female companion" he could feel happy Tommy returning, Oliver chuckled
"I'm not setting you up either I'm afraid, your reputation's as bad as mine"
"Hey!" Oliver laughed again "but fair point. Anyway I don't know what she looks like might not be my type at all"
"Who isn't your type Tommy?" he joked back
"Fair point see you later" and they hung up.
Another hour later, after much protest from Felicity about going on Oliver's bike in her skirt and him cramming himself into her mini, which she had somehow managed to be cleaned already and then arguing over food, they arrived at Tommys. Oliver carried the food whilst Felicity carried her precious babies her laptop and tablet. He knocked on the door and their stood Tommy in his blue shirt and jeans. He smiled at Oliver with the food, then his head turned to the pretty blonde at the side of him in her tank top and skirt, and his smile widened
"Welcome, come in" Felicity stepped in then Oliver. Tommy gave him a shocked expression mouthing nice with a wink, Oliver rolled him eyes as Tommy closed the door. He placed the food on the kitchen counter whilst Felicity set her laptop and tablet on the coffee table
"Tommy Merlyn meet Felicity Smoak, Felicity Smoak meet Tommy Merlyn" Oliver smiled as the two shook hands
"Nice to meet you Felicity" Tommy said kissing her hand. She blushed and Oliver gave Tommy a dirty look
"Nice to finally meet you Tommy"
"Well are we eating first or getting to business 'cause I don't know about you two but I could eat a cow... Not a literal cow that would be weird and gross, can you imagine it, wait don't imagine it I'm gonna stop in 3...2...1" Both men laughed
"Lets' eat then" Tommy grinned "we don't wanna risk any cows lives" he winked at Felicity; she rolled her eyes at him.
They all ate their food watching trashy TV, laughing and joking until it got to the serious nature of business. Felicity used a projector to show them her handy work, and both guys were amazed at how it looked exactly how they envisioned. They spent all afternoon arguing over colour schemes until Felicity had had enough, she made the floors black, adding blue and green lighting with some red of hers thrown in, giving the place a mixture of everything they wanted
"It's perfect..." Tommy smiled
"Now a name?" Felicity smiled feeling proud of herself
"Verdant..." Felicity looked at him a little shocked but smiled
"Verdant?" Tommy questioned "I thought you'd call it Queens"
"Verdant is a way to describe lush grass, the colour of it that is" Felicity grinned knowing it was a hint to the hooded figure Oliver became at night
"Right..." Tommy said eyebrows raised
"It was my way of saying a fresh start, the grass is always greener and all that stuff, well this is our own wonderful lush patch where the grass will always be green" he smiled at Tommy. He meant it but he also thought it was ironic for its basement lair underneath, and he knew Felicity got it from her reaction
"Sounds great to me" Tommy smiled. She tweaked the model adding Verdant as the name on a red background with silver writing and a large V looking like an arrow edged with green lights. She looked at Oliver and winked. His smile was genuine again. He liked this private joke between them it made him feel like even though Tommy had flirted with her relentlessly she was still his, well not his but his friend
"Perfect" Oliver grinned "thank you so much Felicity"
"Yes thank you!" Tommy hugged her and she hugged back
"God guys you act like I just gave you a million pounds each" they laughed "anyway I need to use the ladies..."
"Just down the hall second door to the left" she nodded and they heard her heels fade away "Jesus Christ this is amazing... She's... Wonderful no wonder you like her so much" Oliver raised an eyebrow "I know not like that! But I mean woman's a genius, funny, awkward in a good way, makes a memorable impression, sweet, kind, and cute... Hell I'd go as far as to say sexy with the way she types on that thing" Oliver laughed
"You got all that from a couple of hours with her?" He said playfully
"Like I say she makes a memorable impression... Plus the amount of girls we've been with, how many were like her?"
"Like her?" Oliver said confused with the statement, which part of her?
"Pulls us up on our own shit, but still lets us makes the decisions... She's honest but she also doesn't take any of our charismatic bullshit... None of those girls not even Laurel could with stand the appeal. But she just sat there, with both of us and managed to resist it, and create this. Even when we both tried to charm our ways into getting what we wanted..." Oliver smiled his friend was right she was different but that's why he valued her friendship most
"Do you get why she's important now?"
"Hell yes! I won't say another word but Ollie she is amazing" Oliver smiled as she entered the room again "Miss Smoak seriously you have earned a spot on our VIP list forever!" Tommy winked
"Does that include free drinks?" She teased back
"You'd have to ask the owner about that" he winked looking at Oliver who was grinning
"We'll see" Oliver smiled back "anyway seeing as it is nearly the evening, we should probably get Felicity back home and sort this stuff out for the decorators. When are they coming?"
"Decorators are coming Monday because the builders are actually ahead of schedule"
"Well I'll make a copy of everything including colour names and where to buy them cheapest, every little helps even if you are rich" he grinned
"Technically only one of us is rich" Tommy smirked
"How about this, when everything's done I take us all out to a nice posh restaurant, no expense spared and thank you both for your hard work and dedication" he smiled at the two people who he called friends
"Yes" they said in unison
"Right I'll see you soon man and Miss Smoak lovely to meet you and hopefully I'll have the pleasure of your company again soon" she smiled blushing slightly at Tommy's flattery
"Likewise Mr Merlyn" she hugged him lightly as she held her babies
"See you Monday dude"
"Indeed" they patted each other on the shoulders and made their way to the door. As they opened it Laurel was stood there her smile fading as she saw Felicity
"Hey Laurel..." Tommy said smiling "Ollie and Miss Smoak were just leaving"
"Oh hi"
"Laurel Lance, Felicity Smoak" Oliver gestured between the two ladies
"Nice to meet you" Felicity said extending a hand, Laurel took it only lightly with one shake "I'm helping the guys with some IT stuff for the business..."
"Oh I'm just here with some paperwork for the business..." Oliver raised an eyebrow "it's to do with Tommy's contract nothing to worry about"
"Miss Smoak was helping with the 3D design of the club and she was amazing!" Tommy said grinning and Felicity blushed feeling like she was in the middle of an awkward romantic encounter
"Oh how'd you guys meet?" Laurel said with a little bitterness
"She works at QC, helped me a lot when I was working there. She's a friend and IT expert so when Tommy suggested a computerised 3D model I asked Felicity and here we all are" Felicity smiled to herself. She could tell Oliver meant it when he said friend. But she also knew the rest was definitely added to make Laurel realise they weren't sleeping together, which made her heart slump a bit taking her by surprise. But obviously Laurel and Oliver had a deep history
"Well lovely to meet you Felicity hopefully I'll meet you again soon if you're a friend and helping the guys" she smiled more warmly this time, evidently Oliver's words had calmed her
"Yes of course, depends if my IT skills are required with this computer challenged pair" she giggled and so did Laurel, Felicity took this as her cue to leave and made a bee line to her car. Oliver smiled at Laurel. He could tell she was thinking that they were sleeping together, but for Felicity's sake he wasn't going to let her think that, so he said goodbye leaving the pair to it.