A/N: Hope everyone likes this one. And I hope I don't offend anyone.

Takes place after 3x12…My version of the future.


It had been approximately eight in the morning when Felicity, Oliver & Jerry had arrived at the emergency room. According to the clock on the wall of her hospital room it was now three thirty in the afternoon. And Felicity was still waiting for a Doctor to confirm exactly what was causing her to vomit blood.

She'd lost track of the number of vials of blood nurses had taken let alone the number of nurses who'd come and gone – Nancy, Sadie, Joseph, Dmitry, Mary, Debbie, Ruth, Michelle and a few others whose names she couldn't quite remember. And so far she'd been examined by three different Doctors – the ER Doc, a gastroenterologist, and an OB specialist.

An hour ago the OB Doc had ordered another ultrasound. So far no one had shown up and Felicity's patience was wearing thin. And she wasn't the only one. After being bounced around from the ER to two different hospital rooms and a procedure room, Oliver and Jerry had lost track of her and that only made them (one in particular) more grouchy than normal. Add in a lack of sleep and it was a powder keg waiting to explode.

And that was just how Felicity was feeling. She might have been in the hospital bed but it was her that had a camera shoved down her throat. From the moaning and complaining that had come from Jerry and Oliver one would think it had been them. Thank goodness men didn't have babies because the world would come to a complete stop.

She chuckled at the thought of Oliver pregnant.

The object of her mirth was sprawled in a chair between her bed and the window. His eyes were closed but unlike when she'd seen him asleep this morning on her sofa, there was nothing peaceful or calm about his features. Even in sleep he looked as aggravated as he had in the emergency room.

The chair beside him was empty but up until twenty minutes ago it had been occupied by a fast asleep Jerry. He'd woken up and grumbled about needing coffee then stumbled out of the room barely acknowledging her.

She looked at the clock again. Twenty minutes was a long time to go and get coffee. Unless he'd run into someone he knew. In that case she might not see him again for another hour. Oliver was right about one thing – Jerry could talk. But coming from her it was kinda like the pot calling the kettle black.

She sighed and went back to counting the ceiling tiles when suddenly there was a commotion in the hallway.

"You can't just go in there," someone was saying angrily. It sounded a lot like Nurse Ruth who'd changed her IV an hour ago.

"Do you know who I am?"

Felicity cringed. She knew that voice. And based on the authoritative you-will-do-as-I-say attitude dripping from every word it was a case of like brother like sister.

"I don't care if you're the Queen of Sheba you are not going in there," Nurse Ruth was saying.

"Well you got the Queen part right."

Before the nurse could reply the hospital door swung open and Thea Queen stormed in dressed like she'd stepped out the change room of Starling City's hottest boutique.

"Felicity!"

The use of her first name should have been clue number one that something wasn't kosher. Thea hardly ever said it. Her second clue was the distressed features of the younger girl. Thea had enough attitude and confidence than you could shake a stick at so it was alarming to see her so obviously upset.

Thea rushed forward, dropping her purse on the floor and not caring where it landed, to hug her hard. That was her third clue.

Felicity wrapped her IV free arm around Thea, surprised to feel her shaking ever so slightly. Clue number four.

"Hey, it's okay." She shushed Thea. "I'm okay."

The girl let go and when she pulled back Felicity could see her red rimmed eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Smoaky. This is all my fault. If I hadn't been nosy and a big blabber mouth I wouldn't have jinxed this and…" She was full on crying now.

"Hey, now," she took Thea's hand trying to reassure her but at the same time wondering what in the world she was talking about. "Why don't you start with how did you know I was even here?"

Thea sniffed. "Under normal circumstances it would be funny but not now. Now that I've lost my chance to be Auntie Thea."

Whoa…

Felicity pulled back, stammering. "Wh…What?"

Oliver stirred in the chair, her exclamation and Thea's dramatic entrance surely waking him from his sleep. "Speedy…What are you doing here?" He yawned.

"Ollie, I'm so sorry."

Oliver ran a hand over his face, attempting to scrub the sleep from it. "What happened, happened Speedy. We all have to move on from it."

"What are you talking about?" Felicity asked Oliver. She turned to Thea. "What is he talking about?"

"About how I stole Jerry's phone at the club, saw your hormonal text, put two and two together, slapped my brother, and then proceeded to blurt out the news later – completely by accident I swear – to everyone?" Thea's words burst out of her in such a rush, Felicity had to replay it in her head to make sure she was hearing it correctly.

"You know know?" Felicity turned to Oliver, eyes wide. "She knows about Sweet Pea?"

He nodded clearly not happy about it either.

"Wait a minute…did you say blurt out the news to everyone? As in everyone…"

Thea jerked her head up and down, her face filled with trepidation. Felicity tried to remember who all had been at the club last night…Jerry, Oliver, Thea, Roy…Diggle.

"Digg," she moaned, dropping her head in her hands. He was going to kill her.

"It's not you he wants to kill," Oliver muttered and she realized her last words had been spoken out loud.

Felicity's brain registered Oliver's words but other thoughts were nagging at her.

"But…that doesn't explain how you knew I was here…in the hospital…and what did you mean you won't be Auntie Thea? I may be…I don't know what I am right now besides tired, sore, fed up and generally in a bad mood after being passed around his hospital like a hot potato and still no one had bothered to explain to me why I feel like I went twenty rounds with Mike Tyson!"

"Wow…" Thea gasped. "Definitely not too early to be hormonal."

"Thea, now might not be a good time to antagonize Felicity," Oliver warned.

Thea looked like she was about to issue a sharp retort to her brother but thought better of it. "Someone tweeted a sighting of Ollie in the emergency room. I've been calling his cell ever since I saw it with no luck – "

"It died."

"I started calling the hospital when I couldn't get ahold of him only to be told there was no one here by that name. It was Roy who suggested it could have been you, Smoak, so I called back and now I'm here."

"Speaking of Boy Wonder," Oliver drawled. "Where is he?"

A pained look crossed Thea's face. "At home laughing his ass off over the gossip article that was posted an hour ago."

"What article?" Felicity asked silently praying to whatever God was listening that her name hadn't hit the gossip rags.

Thea went searching for her phone and when she bent down to pick up her purse, Felicity saw Jerry in the doorway a take-out coffee cup in each hand and a dazed expression on his unusually pasty white face.

"Jerry?"

He ignored her. He ignored all of them, not even acknowledging Thea and walked to Oliver handing him a coffee.

"Jerry!"

"Hmmmm…." He dragged his brain from whatever planet it was one and focused finally on her. "What?"

"That's what I would like to know. What is going on with you? You left to get coffee a half hour ago."

"I'm going to take a wild guess at what's got Jerry here acting like a zombie and assume it has everything to do with this." Thea shoved her phone at Felicity. The screen showed an article from the Starling City Gossip page.

OLIVER QUEEN A QUEEN FOR REAL?

Starling City's favourite ex-billionaire and notorious womanizer was recently spotted having a wild night at the city's most prominent gay night club Upstairs Downstairs. And while this would not normally be enough to have this column jumping to conclusions, it was later heavily hinted at by a family friend who asked to remain anonymous.

"I always knew there something different about Oliver. He likes to go his own way when it suits him."

Further investigation by our gossip team has revealed that before his tragic boat cruise almost nine years ago, Mr. Queen had assaulted an employee of Queen Consolidated over the ill treatment of a gay co-worker. Charges were never brought against him and this column has learned that the identity of the man whose honour he defended was coincidentally the same man who was seen with Mr. Queen at the club the previous evening.

The plot thickens as Mr. Queen was spotted in the early hours of Sunday in the emergency room waiting area of Starling General with the same man, who this column can now identify as one Jerry Cordick. Mr. Cordick is currently employed as an executive assistant to the VP of Palmer Technologies, Felicity Smoak who coincidentally was at one time the EA to Mr. Queen during his tenure as CEO of Queen Consolidated.

The bizarre love triangle doesn't end there. We have since learned that Ms. Smoak was also in the emergency room with the men and this column has it on good authority that the lady in question has a bun in the oven. So this column has to ask, Is Mr. Queen dating Jerry Cordick and if so has it been going on since before his five years away? And we have to wonder at what kind of friend Ms. Smoak must be to have agreed to act as a surrogate?

Felicity was pretty sure her mouth had hung open the entire time it took her to read the gossip column. And she was pretty sure she was so stunned by what she'd read that she was completely incapable of speech.

"That was pretty much my reaction too. Roy on the other hand thinks it's hilarious."

Felicity could hear Oliver next to her demanding to know what was going on. "Felicity? What is it?"

Dazed and confused she wordlessly handed him Thea's phone. Time ticked and she imagined where he was in the article. He gave no hint, no huff, no gasp of breath, no hissing between his teeth. He gave nothing away as to what he was thinking or feeling.

When he finished reading she saw him turn to Jerry, eyes wide. "That was you? That was you with the mail cart that day at QC?"

Jerry nodded. "You never said anything so I didn't bring it up either. Didn't see the point really. It was a long time ago."

"Nine years…Before the Gambit…"

Thea crossed her arms over her chest, clearly aggravated at being left out of the conversation. "Do you two love birds want to share with the rest of us?"

"I'm with her," Felicity said pointing her finger at the younger Queen.

Resigned, Oliver leaned back in the hospital chair and nonchalantly waved an arm at Jerry. "Go ahead. Tell them."

Jerry proceeded to tell Felicity and Thea about the day he met the "real" pre-island Oliver Queen (his words). About how he'd been at QC for a month working in the mail room. About how he'd been out delivering the mail on the sales and marketing floor when he'd turned a corner and ran straight into someone but instead of knocking them over, he'd stumbled and tripped over the wheels of the mail cart. About how the other person, a man, had stopped to help him up, asking him if he was okay. About how a group of sales guys had seen the exchange and had taunted, "Don't get too close, Queen. He might rub off on you." About how the man had smiled at the sales guy, reassuring him until he was close enough to haul back and deck the guy. About how the sales guy had threatened to press charges all while holding his nose with both hands. About how the man had smiled and winked at Jerry before sauntering on his way.

"Two weeks later I saw the news report of the Queens Gambit." Jerry sipped his coffee, his story clearly finished.

Felicity didn't realize she was crying until she felt her nose dripping down her upper lip. She sniffed trying to control it. Thankfully Thea handed her a tissue and she blew into it, a loud honking sound reverberated around the hospital room.

"That sounds like the Ollie I've always known," Thea said, her voice soft and warm. "He may have been wild during his pre-island days but I always knew deep down he would stand up for what's right."

Oliver shifted in his chair, clearly uncomfortable and not just because of the hospital chair. He started when Felicity leaned down from her bed and squeezed his hand, smiling at him, her hero.

"And in answer to your early question, 'Lisssy, I was waylaid by four people, including the barista, demanding to know if it was true that I was dating Oliver Queen. So if I was a little…dazed when I returned, that's why. I mean, it's not every day you get to see your name in print connected with the hottest man in Starling City." Jerry beamed, clearly over his earlier confusion.

Jerry's mention of the article brought Felicity's mind back to the real problem they were now facing. "Speaking of the article, what are we going to do about it?"

Oliver grimaced but his face was resolved, stony in fact. "Just ignore it. The vultures will move on to something else before you know it. Trust me on this, I know how these people work."

Felicity wasn't so sure. "It could be worse. At least it paints me as a fabulous friend willing to give up her body to provide my two gay friends, who have been in an apparent committed relationship for many years, with a baby. I sort of come out better in all this."

"That's what I call looking on the bright side, Smoak," Thea chuckled.

"Except now all of Starling City knows about Sweet Pea."

Thea sobered and hugged Felicity, "I was so scared on the way here thinking you'd lost the baby. And that somehow it was all my fault because I'd blabbed. At least I only told four people."

Felicity returned Thea's embrace, understanding the girl's distress when she'd first entered the room.

"Excuse me," an unrecognizable voice interrupted. Felicity pulled back from Thea to see the OB specialist who'd examined her earlier. "Ms. Smoak, I have your test results and would like to consult with you. Alone if that's okay."

Felicity's eyes swept from Jerry to Oliver to Thea and she realized she didn't want to be alone, that she wasn't alone anymore. No matter what her and Oliver were or would ever be, she would always have Jerry as a friend, always have Thea as a "sister".

"If it's okay, I would like them to stay. They're family." Felicity couldn't miss the tender look Thea was sending her, or the way Oliver's hand squeezed hers tightly.

The Doctor, Dr. Rivers if she remembered correctly, nodded his understanding and proceeded to inform her that so far all tests had confirmed that she did not have an ulcer, bleeding or otherwise. "We have also ruled out an appendicitis, fatty liver disease and gastroenteritis."

"So the vomiting blood was because…."

"Based on my experience, your negative test results and confirmation of your pregnancy I would agree with Dr. Barwin, who you saw in the ER, that you are suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or as it is more commonly known severe morning sickness. It was not a very well-known condition until The Duchess of Cambridge was diagnosed during her first pregnancy with Prince George."

Thea snickered. "Well you are having a Queen so it's kinda of fitting."

Oliver sighed, obviously annoyed with his sisters observation. "What does this mean exactly Doctor?"

"It means, Ms. Smoak," he ignored Oliver and addressed Felicity directly, "that the exhaustion and severe vomiting will continue but the hope is it will dissipate once you enter your second trimester. There have been more severe cases of woman experiencing the condition for their entire pregnancy. But as I said, the hope for you is that it won't last. I am recommending complete bed rest, plenty of fluids – dehydration is quite common with this condition – and as much dry bland food you can stomach. It is not unusual for woman to lose weight during the first trimester instead of gaining. And because of that I would like you to see you again for a follow up in three weeks. We can reevaluate the bed rest order then. If you've managed to maintain your weight I might let you resume your day to day activities."

"Very funny, Doc." Felicity tried to laugh off the idea of bed rest. "I have to work, I need to work…There are people counting on me. Sitting in bed for three weeks is not an option."

"Felicity…" Oliver rumbled.

"No, Oliver. I can't stop working just because of Sweet Pea…"

"Felicity! Listen to yourself. Sweet Pea is making you sick, so sick you need to rest. And if that's what the Doctor says you need then you will do it." It was cute how he thought he was going to get his way.

"This condition can be very serious, Ms. Smoak. I would highly recommend you take my advice. Do you live alone or perhaps have family you could stay with?" He smiled at her. "It would certainly ease my mind that you weren't sneaking out of your house at every opportunity. Something tells me you would be the kind of patient we would have to strap to the bed."

"She can stay with Ollie & me," Thea declared. "No arguments, Smoak."

"Thea's right," Oliver agreed making his sister sport a gloating look. "There's an extra bedroom that's not being used and one of us is usually around most days. You won't be alone all that much, if not at all."

"I do not need a babysitter, Oliver Queen!" She replied hotly. Oh the arrogance.

""Lissy, Oliver and Thea are right. You would be better off there. Besides," Jerry smirked. "Palmer Tech is only five blocks from the loft. I can check on you during lunch. And don't you worry about work, Mr. Palmer will just have to understand."

Felicity inwardly cringed at the thought of Ray. She was going to have to break the news to him sooner than she'd anticipated. Oh, she had no doubt he would be pleasant and understanding, but it was not a conversation she had been looking forward to having.

"Fine…" she grumbled. The four faces watching her instantly looked relieved. She just didn't have the energy to fight with them all. Especially when the logical part of her brain knew they'd all made valid arguments.

The Doctor indicated that she could be discharged which cheered her slightly. Anything she could do to get out of this prison would be fine with her. Thea said she could drive them all home and Jerry offered to pick her stuff she'd left at the club the night before and drop by her place to pack a suitcase. Felicity began rhyming off all the things she wanted Jerry to bring her to which he held up his hand effectively cutting her off.

"I do solemnly swear that I will bring you whatever you want and I promise, no cat pj's."

Felicity snorted. "You better not Jerry Cordick. Or an online article inferring your relationship status with Oliver will be the least of your worries."

"Oh, I'm not upset about that article," Jerry laughed. "Can you imagine the mileage I will get out of this? Besides being the most popular person at work I'll have men lining up to date me. If they think I could turn him," he pointed in Oliver's direction, "I will having them eating out of my hand."


An hour later Felicity was being wheeled out of back door of Starling General towards Thea's waiting car. It seemed the press had picked up on the gossip column and a small horde of reporters had been waiting out front.

She hadn't been too happy with the wheelchair so she was even less pleased when instead of walking on her own two feet the remainder of the way to the car, Oliver picked her up.

"We really have to set limits on this," she grumbled. "And next time, give a girl some notice." The sudden movement had brought on a huge wave of nausea.

Oliver ignored her instead making sure she was securely buckled in the back of Thea's Mercedes before taking a seat in front.

"Next stop, home sweet home." Thea pulled away and drove so slowly all the way to the loft that Felicity was sure the girl was going to get pulled over and ticketed for going too slow.

It didn't take long before she was parking in the garage under the building where the loft was located. Under normal circumstances she would be pleased about being there. The loft was one of her favourite places – those windows that light, the fireplace. It was too dark for her liking, I mean had Thea Queen never heard of throw pillows? A bit of colour would be nice.

Felicity could see what was going to happen as soon as Oliver stepped out of the car and opened the back door. "Don't even think about it, He-Man. I am perfectly capable of walking on my own."

He looked like he was getting ready to argue with her when he suddenly stepped back. She slowly extricated herself from the car and very carefully with her head held high, began to walk towards the waiting elevator Thea was holding open.

Five steps. That was all she managed before her legs gave way and she stumbled. Oliver, of course, was right there to grab her arm. "I am going to carry you, okay?"

His husky voice and the fact that he'd listened to her and was actually asking permission melted a pool of gooeyness in her heart.

She nodded, actually grateful for the assistance. He swung her up into his arms, this time with much less swing for which her stomach was thankful. The ride up the elevator then down the hall to the loft door was uneventful. But if she'd known what was waiting for her on the other side of the door she wouldn't have been so calm.

Thea unlocked the door and stepped aside. Oliver carried her across the threshold but stopped dead when he saw Digg, Laurel & Roy waiting for them.