A/N: This was one of my favorite chapters to write and it turned into a monster of over 3000 words. I hope you enjoy it and thank you so much for coming on this journey with me. xoxox

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"Hands in the air!" Came the brusque voice over a loudspeaker of the British Flower-class minesweeper as she came to a stop off the starboard side of the Dutch fishing vessel. As the entire crew put their hands up, the minesweeper pulled alongside and British soldiers with their rifles trained on all of them, boarded Oliver's boat.

####

"Felicity, Laurel, everyone. We're all going to have a celebratory drink down at the dance hall. I think we all deserve one after the tremendous work and contributions the whole department has made the last few weeks. No, it's an order," said their supervisor with a huge smile, as some of them started to decline the invitation. It had been a long and taxing week for many and going straight home to rest had its appeal.

####

Oliver sat in a holding cell on the British frigate, HMS Byrony, for what felt like hours. His crew and the old captain were taken into custody and interrogated. Each man was taken separately by the executive officers of the vessel and asked specific questions. After Oliver gave his name, rank and serial number he presented his dog tags.

After going over the details of the emergency landing and subsequent rescue by the Dutch underground the interrogator asked him for information that could actually be confirmed. Oliver tried to think of something unique and all he could come up with was...the name of his squadron commander, the name of his plane, "The Green Archer" and the fact that it had been their 25th and last mission.

His interrogator re-entered the room and came to stand by the bars of the cell.

"Welcome home, Captain Queen. I was able to corroborate the information you gave us with Central Command via radio, but I can't release you on the boat. For the safety of the men under my command, you must remain in custody and we will hand you over to the military police when we reach port. I hope you understand,"

"I understand completely, Sir. We are all just thankful to be in your hands. My men? The captain of the fishing vessel?"

"Your crew is being informed as we speak. The Dutch captain and his vessel will also be taken into port."

####

Oliver and his crew were flown back to their base in Bassingbourn and upon arrival had been debriefed by their commander. All details were recorded and a warm welcome was given. The incredible fact that all of Oliver's crew had survived not just the crash, but the journey home was a feat rarely heard. Col. Westcore promised all of them that their families would receive telegrams of their rescue and return to base. And as was required by the United States military, upon completion of their required 25 missions and being MIA, Oliver and his men would be sent back to America. They were all going home.

Oliver had been told that the old Dutch captain had been given back his boat and had asked to be allowed to return to Holland. Oliver said a prayer for the old hero and his safe return, as well as one for every person who helped them on their perilous journey.

Once they were all released from medical, had eaten and showered, they returned to their empty squadron barracks. The quiet and stillness of the building made Oliver uneasy, he didn't want to be alone.

He made his way out to the airfield and there he saw the rest of his crew, including Jim leaning on brand new crutches, waiting for the fortresses and their crews to return from the mission "Operation Crossbow" that had sent them all out that morning. Looked like the rest of his crew were dealing with the same...feelings.

####

Tommy didn't notice Oliver at first, but as he and his crew walked closer to the barracks he stopped in his tracks.

"Oh my god, Oliver!" Tommy yelled, dropping his pilot helmet on the ground, as he ran and engulfed Oliver in a huge bear hug. They laughed and held on to each other as all the men from both their crews greeted each other.

"It's good to see you old man,"

"I feel like one right now. I think I could sleep for days,"

"Gosh, it's so good to see you. Let me look at you. Are you hurt? You're going to have to tell me everything and...I know someone else who's going to be just as thankful to see you as I am,"

"Felicity?" Oliver asked, as his spirits soared even higher than it already was with the joy of being back at base with his friends. He wouldn't lie, he hoped he would be able to see her before he left for home. To see her one last time.

"I gave her your letter. I hope that was the right thing to do? She's been worried, Oliver. We all have,"

"I know. I'm sorry,"

"Nothing to be sorry for. God, it's good to see you,"

"You too, Tommy. You too,"

####

Felicity was getting ready to leave and meet the others in the front of the building, to go for that celebratory drink, when she heard her office door open.

"I'm coming," she yelled, as she leaned down to turn her desk lamp off.

"Hello, Felicity,"

She turned toward the deep, calm voice she didn't recognize and saw Oliver Queen, looking thinner and exhausted, but beautiful in his uniform. Neither of them moved. Felicity didn't know if she could trust what she was seeing. Could he really be right there, in front of her?

Goodness he was...beautiful. She couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes. He was alive and this war hadn't taken another good person from the world. She knew they didn't know each other that well, but he would just have to deal with what... she needed. She walked right up to him and hugged him. She hugged him for herself. She hugged him for his family.

"Oliver," she whispered as she tightened her hold on him and felt his arms, after a seconds hesitation, encircle her. He breathed deeply and rested his weary head in the crook of her neck.

"Are you okay?" she asked against his ear as her hands rested on his back.

He nodded as his arms tightened around her and the rest of the world, disappeared.

Felicity held on as long as he needed her too and just like with their first dance; his touch felt like, home.

He seemed to gather himself together and slowly stepped out of her arms. His cheeks were a light pink and he shyly ducked his head before he looked back at her and smiled.

"Hi,"

"Hi," replied Felicity with a smile she couldn't have stopped for the life of her. He truly was beautiful. There was a vulnerability in him that hadn't there before he went MIA and she just wanted to help ease it.

"Tommy and I caught Laurel out front. Um, are you going to the dance hall?"

"Only if you are,"

His smile dimmed a little and he shook his head.

"No, I don't feel...would you walk with me?"

"Yes, I'd like that," Felicity gathered up her purse and they walked out into the mild summer night.

####

They walked in silence for some time. Oliver seemed somewhere else, preoccupied, tense and Felicity could understand that. She had seen soldiers and friends come back from the front lines of battle and never be...quite the same again.

"Hey, would you like to sit for a while?" she asked softly as she pointed to a park bench that overlooked a pond where the moon's rays were reflected over its serene waters.

Oliver was overwhelmed with so many emotions. He knew he wasn't the best company right now, but he selfishly wanted to see Felicity before he left. To make sure she knew he was okay. He felt so awful for her having had received his letter. He didn't blame Tommy. He just felt bad that she had been forced to live through the weeks he was missing. His mind was constantly flashing back to the events of the last few weeks. He wondered if the old captain had made it home. He wondered if Marie and Daniel were alive. He wondered about so many things…..

He glanced over at Felicity and his chaotic thoughts...stopped. She was breathtaking and it wasn't just because she was so pretty, but because she cared and she had a big heart. She had held him and for those few moments, everything was okay again. She was quietly sitting with him and just...being.

"I'm sorry,"

"About what?" she asked as she turned her body to face him.

"For making you worry. For putting you through all this..my letter..."

"Was beautiful...and it meant a lot to me, Oliver. That you would think of me enough to write a letter.. I think of you as a...friend too and I'm so happy to see you right now,"

"You made that night very special for me, Felicity," They both smiled at each other before Oliver glanced back over the pond and into the darkness of the night.

"My entire crew made it home. We were helped by the Dutch Resistance. They were amazing, Felicity. They risked everything. Their lives, the safety of their families...to make sure my crew and I got home,"

"Oh, Oliver. Everyone made it? That's wonderful...the Dutch Resistance, wow," In her excitement she reached out and touched his hand.

He looked down at her touch and told hold of hand and gently squeezed.

"Felicity, I'm going home. To America,"

"Home?"

"Tomorrow,"

"Tomorrow?"

"I always seem to be saying goodbye to you in one way or another. And you always seem to make my last night's….incredible,"

"You're going home...Oliver, that's wonderful. Your Mom is going to be so happy," Felicity replied as she dealt with the news of his leaving. The briefest seconds of disappointment and sadness of what could have been; was completely vanquished by her genuine happiness for him. He was going home to his family. Alive and beautiful. Yes, happiness is what she held onto.

"Can I write you?"

"I would really like that. Yes," Felicity said as she tried to memorize every detail she could of him and their last moments together.

##############

June, 1943

Dear Felicity,

…..I am home. My mother's arms around me have never felt as good as they did today. My arrival gave her an unbelievable surprise. I had beaten the official telegraph home, that would have told tell her I was alive and safe. She hasn't stopped feeding me since I walked through the door. I know you can relate to that show of love.

I am both exhausted and wide awake. Even with the comforting scents of chocolate and my mother's home I can't seem to settle. I find the noises of the city make me long for the beauty of your country's green pastures…

Regards,

Oliver

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September 1943

Dear Oliver,

….Fresh made cakes with one's favorite tea is almost as good as a hug, almost as good. A parent's hug is divine isn't it? Love and hope wrapped up all in one. Thank you so much for letting me know you arrived home safely. I had worried about you.

Have you been able to rest? It took me awhile to get used to the engines of your fortresses when I moved to work in Bassingbourn. Even now, the rumble of them makes me take pause and reflect on the fact that men are going into battle.

Have you received your new orders?...

Best Regards,

Felicity

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December 1943

Dear Felicity,

Merry Christmas, Felicity. And probably by the time this letter reaches you, Happy New Year. I must say that corresponding by mail isn't as nice as seeing you in person. Your letter finally reached me at my new post at George Army Field, Illinois. I was fortunate to be able to go back to where I learned to fly and be able to teach the next wave of aviators. Command thought I could impart not just quality airmanship, but a knowledge of war that instructors who had not be deployed into the theaters of war, could not.

I get a lot of questions, Felicity. The students want to know what it was like behind enemy lines.

It is difficult to talk about it. They don't know that of course when they ask. I could never express my feelings...the mixture of guilt and gratefulness for those who put themselves in harm's way for me, for those who died so I could go home...how does one tell someone about that? I wake up some days asking myself if I was worthy of those sacrifices and then I try to be.

I'm sorry to burden you with these thoughts. I just feel...that I can. In the privacy of my letters. With my friend. I feel that I can….

Your friend,

Oliver

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March 1944

Dearest Oliver,

….My friend, you can tell me anything. The fact that you feel something. The fact that you are grateful and aspire to be worthy of their sacrifices makes you…worthy. You are worthy, Oliver.

Do you feel you can handle my confessions? Our letters are our safe place, right? We don't have to be so strong within our words and pages of paper do we?

Sometimes, I can't be strong.

Most days I don't feel the impact my job carries. One tries to concentrate on what's in front of them, not what is out "there." I am not on the front lines to feel things so bluntly, but there are days when it hits home. I can't tell you specifics, but we are working on something that is tremendous. And when I think of all the lives that will be involved, well, it overwhelms me. So much blood and human life. When will this war end, Oliver? I just pray that this can lead to the end….

Love,

Felicity

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June 1944

My Dear Felicity,

I have heard the news. D-Day. I have never seen a more coordinated effort of force in my entire life. Could this lead to the end of the war for Europe you ask? We can only hope.

You must have been extremely busy with the analysis of aerial details that went into the invasion plans. I know the horrors of what we are seeing on the beaches of the Normandy coast, the incredible loss of life, will haunt us all for a long time, but please know that you did everything you could to ensure our soldiers and command had the best information available. In the end that is all we can hope for in our part in the war. That we do our jobs to the best we can.

I wish I was there to be of more comfort to you…

Love,

Oliver

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September 1944

My Dearest Oliver,

….Your letters and words are always a comfort to me. Don't get me wrong, a hug or a dance would be even nicer, but I love your letters. Is it okay to tell you that? When I get one of your letters I can hardly wait to walk back into my apartment and open it. To "hear" your voice and your thoughts through your words.

Thank you for reminding me that what we do, no matter the job, is of the greatest importance. That the spoke in the wheel allows it to turn. Our forces have entered Germany. It is a momentous feat. We are forcing them back. Thank god.

I read of the latest advances of the Americans in the Pacific. You had mentioned that several of your graduating pilots were heading there. Having one battle front to defend on our end is incredibly hard. I don't know how you Americans can deal with two theaters of war…..be well, Oliver…..

Love,

Felicity

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November 1944

My Dearest Felicity,

You made me smile. I also feel the rush of excitement when I see your familiar stationary and handwriting. I don't think anyone writes my name with such a flourish. I heard the latest song from Duke Ellington today and thought of you. Dancing with you is a memory I hold very dear.

Yes, the war in the Pacific has been hard fought and dirty. We have been able to take back several islands like Guam and Saipan from the Japanese Navy, but at the expense of many lives. The Japanese have fierce souls. We have received news of what the Japanese call "Kamikaze" pilots. They sacrifice themselves by committing suicide. Images of kamikaze pilots deliberately flying their planes into American warships has stunned us all. They are an enemy we can never underestimate.

Be well too Felicity…..

Love,

Oliver

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February 1945

Dearest Oliver,

….My heart is so heavy. By now news of what both Allied and Soviet troops have found deep in Germany must have reached you. They have found horrible camps, Oliver. Camps of death, grotesque medical experimentations and the annihilation of a race of people who have done nothing other than be born. How can humans commit such atrocities? It's too hard to write about…..

I wish you were here with me….

Love,

Felicity

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April 1945

My Dearest Felicity,

I can think of no words that can help either of us understand the monstrosities of humanity. I can only say that we must learn from history and hope we can prevent things from ever happening again. It is perhaps a hopeless dream because we both know our world will always have war. It is our nature. But we can hope.

President Roosevelt has died. My nation mourns a good man. Fears of what that may mean to the war effort is a natural thought even as I see the Allies advance further into Germany and our forces take the island of Okinawa. We have finally taken one of the Japanese mainland islands, but at the expense of the blood of over 35,000 of our soldiers. I hope we have put fear into our enemies hearts….

All my love,

Oliver

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May 1945

Oliver, Oliver, Oliver, dearest, they have surrendered. The Germans have surrendered.

I can't stop crying. Crying for the end of our war. Crying with joy and with sadness for all that has been lost…for the safety of my country and my people…

Forever Yours,

Felicity

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September 1945

My Dearest Felicity,

It is over. Our war is over. But what have we done?

This bomb that we created…Hiroshima...Nagasaki...we are all in shock. We are so thankful that Japan has surrendered, but Felicity my love, at what cost to our souls? I didn't think my soldier hardened heart could be torn in anymore directions. The relief that it is all over, that our men and women will be coming home to their families weighs against the many we had to kill for that to happen. I don't know what to feel. The Japanese would never have stopped Felicity….they would have kept coming and coming...I wish you were here to tell me what to feel. To hold me….

Love,

Oliver

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July 1946

A light summer breeze blew wisps of Felicity's hair across her face. Oliver could not stop staring at the beauty in front of him as he leaned forward and kissed her. His wife.

Laughter and cheers from his family and friends, including Tommy and Laurel holding their newborn son, surrounded them after the minister said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife,"

The sun was shining bright as they held their small private ceremony in the garden of Oliver's neighborhood church. It's gothic architecture stunning and unusual, but one of many things that made his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania so unique.

Oliver pulled Felicity behind some rose bushes and kissed her again as they were all making their way to their home for the reception.

"Hello, wife,"

"Hello, my darling husband,"

####

Oliver and Felicity had both been discharged from their respective military branches within 6 months of the ending of WW2. Felicity had a heart full of adventure and ventured to America where she accepted Oliver's proposal of marriage. She found her calling in photography and she and Oliver opened up a photography shop in downtown Scranton where it still stands today, run by their daughter, Marie.

They had grown to love and respect each other through one of the most terrifying experiences either of them could have ever imagined. They fell in love despite a war.

##The End##