Hi everyone! I'm very happy to be back with another chapter even if it took me a while to finish it..the story is almost at its end and as much as it makes me a bit sad it's always good to see you are about to reach the end of a project :)

Thank you to everyone who is reading, following and commenting on the story, it really means a lot to me!

Felicity was pacing in her living room, the restless movement helping her organizing her thoughts. Rationally she knew she was being silly, but she couldn't help but feel extremely nervous.

She had realized and accepted what she really felt for Oliver and despite the pleasant, warm feeling she got every time she thought about him, she still felt unsettled, itchy.

She needed to talk to him, to lay everything on the table and hope they finally could be on the same page.

She wanted to see him, to go to his house without wasting any more time, but when she thought about what she was going to tell him once she finally faced him, she was at a loss.

During their last conversation she had told him she wanted them to be just friends, so how was she supposed to tell him she had changed her mind in only a few days without sounding like a crazy person? And what if he had changed his mind and wasn't interested anymore? What if seeing Laurel again had made him realize he wanted another chance with her? With the perfect woman who had stood by his side for years?

Felicity shook her head, halting her steps. It didn't matter anyway. After her evening with Tommy she had realized she needed to talk to Oliver, she needed to tell him how she felt about him, no matter the possible outcome. She didn't want that kind of regret in her life.

She also knew she couldn't let her fears dictate her life, not anymore. She had been so cautious and scared to get hurt again after what happened with Cooper that she realized, despite dating during the years, she hadn't truly opened her heart to anyone after him. She hadn't been hurt, that was true, but she couldn't say she had been happy either. And she wanted that, she wanted to be ridiculously, foolishly happy again and she hoped she could have that with Oliver.

As she resumed pacing, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, she tried to focus. She needed to seriously think about what she was going to say. With her tendency to babble it seemed better not to improvise. Or maybe she didn't need words at all. She could go to the office on Monday and kiss him. Be spontaneous, romantic. Oliver would probably like that. The nice people of the PR department most likely not.

Frack. There really was a reason guys were the ones to do the big romantic gestures.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's me. Me as Felicity. Felicity Smoak."

She stopped and frowned as she heard a low chuckle on the other side of the line.

"Felicity Smoak, uh?"

"Tommy." She hissed. "That's not the best time to mock me. Really really not."

She heard a rich and loud laugh. "Sorry. I'm sorry. What's up?"

"I need your help."

"Can you stop laughing?" She said in her most scary, stern voice, but she had to roll her eyes when the only reaction she got was a moment of seriousness, Tommy's lips pressed together tightly, before he started chuckling in amusement again.

She sagged into her favorite chair, the plump cushions almost engulfing her small figure and waited until Tommy looked reasonably calm, tapping her foot impatiently on the floor.

"Okay. I'm sorry. It's just that I can't really say I have much experience in seducing men."

Tommy wriggled his eyebrows playfully.

"Oh, this was a terrible idea." She grumbled under her breath, blushing lightly and borrowing her face in her hands.

"Hey, I'm sorry."

She raised her head and looked up to see Tommy examining her curiously, smiling at her with kindness, even if he still seemed a little confused.

"I honestly have no idea what to do. And I called you because you got game." Tommy grinned at her delighted. "I mean, I assume you got game. Because l have seen you with an incredible amount of women. Impressive."

"Thanks." He said, clearly trying not to laugh at her. "I wouldn't suggest you try those tricks with Ollie, though."

She snorted at that, she really wished he would take her seriously. "You are his best friend. And a guy. Clearly." She vaguely gestured at his groin before she could stop herself. "I hoped maybe you could have some suggestions."

"Felicity, you don't need suggestions, just be yourself."

Felicity pouted at him, a little uncertain. She was touched by his faith in her, but she really hoped he could be more helpful.

Tommy huffed a laugh, amused at her stubborn attitude. "He is crazy about you, the real you. The girl who babbles and gets flustered. You don't need to be someone you are not."

"I wasn't trying to. Really." She shook her head, grinning lightly. "Fine. You are right. You are a good man, Tommy Merlyn, a good friend. Thank you."

Felicity had her insecurities. She knew she was a bit nerdy, had a tendency to embarrass herself and was definitely clumsy, but she also knew Tommy was right. Oliver liked her. He had feelings for her. He could probably have any women he wanted but for some reason he seemed to want her, so she decided to stop obsessing with what she was going to say and be her genuine, a bit awkward self.

She got ready with particular attention and before she could start worrying again she drove across town and soon enough she found herself standing in the foyer of the Queen mansion, fidgeting with the strap of her bag.

"Felicity!"

She whipped her head to see a grinning Thea bouncing down the stairs to meet her and raised her arms to return her tight hug. "I thought I heard you were here. Does Ollie know?"

"I think so. I hope so. I was told to wait here."

"Oh, don't be silly. Come on." Thea gripped her hand and dragged her towards the stairs almost making her trip on her high heels. She was freakishly strong for such a tiny person.

"You look good by the way. Red really is your color."

"Thanks." Felicity smiled, looking down at her pretty red dress. She had always liked that color, it made her feel good and maybe a little bold. It was the little confidence boost she needed.

She let Thea lead her across the long hallways, distracted, her thoughts straying to Oliver, so when the young brunette stopped abruptly she stumbled onto her, before regaining her balance and looking at her with wide eyes. Thea seemed suddenly serious and torn, her big green eyes fixed on her with a dazzling intensity.

"Look, I know what's going on between you and my brother isn't any on my business but I have a few things to tell you."

"What is it, Thea?"

Felicity asked cautiously, frowning slightly. As much as she liked Thea she wasn't sure she wanted to have that particular conversation with her. She had to talk to Oliver first and ease that knot inside her chest as soon as possible, everyone else would have to wait.

"My family has always been screwed up, I think you know that. And Ollie was never the exception. But despite everything, dad dying, the scandal, mom locking herself in this house, he was doing okay. He was even happy and now he's just– I don't know, sad. He is sad and I'm not saying it's your fault, but-" She shrugged, avoiding her eyes. "Well it kind of is."

"Thea, I-"

"I'm not mad or anything. It's just that I've seen the two of you together and despite what everyone thinks of me I'm not clueless. There's something there. But if it doesn't mean that much to you maybe you should think about taking a step back. From him. Because he is hurting and it's not fair."
Felicity looked at the young girl speechless for a moment. She could easily read her distress in the way she was holding herself, her face was slightly crumpled and despite her somehow harsh speech she knew Thea was only trying to protect her brother the best she could.

"I need to talk to Oliver, Thea. What I can tell you right now is that I've never meant to hurt anyone. But my life, my job can't depend on what's best for Oliver. They won't."

Thea looked utterly ashamed, her gaze intense and trained on her shoes. She probably realized suggesting Felicity to stop working with her brother was crossing a line, but Felicity knew she didn't mean to offend her. Thea wasn't like her. She didn't know what fighting to get a job meant, how difficult it could be for a woman to be recognized as as accomplished as a man. Nobody had taught her that. But if there was one thing Thea knew and believed in with all her heart was the importance of family and she clearly loved her brother with all her heart.

"It's just that he used to be happy when he talked about you. Now he is always so sad." She shook her head. "I didn't mean to offend you. I'm sorry."

"That's fine. Well not really, but he is your brother, he is family, I understand that."

Thea gave her an apologetic smile. "Thank you. Ollie probably wouldn't though."

Felicity laughed lightly and shook her head, feeling the tension and the awkwardness of the situation slowly starting to fade away. "Oh, he would. He just wouldn't admit it."

"You are right. You really know him." Thea told her, keeping her voice light, but Felicity could feel the weight of that statement. "Come on, let's go."
Thea knocked on Oliver's door, before bursting through the door, not waiting for her brother's response. "Are we making guests wait now? I doubt mom would like that."

Felicity waited on the threshold a little uncertain and peeked inside the room, spotting Oliver on his bed, a rather annoyed look fixed on Thea.

"I'm busy, Speedy. Can't it wait?"

"No, it can't wait. Felicity is here to see you."

His eyes snapped to her and she took a tentative step inside the room, not really encouraged by the way he stiffened when he saw her. "Hi, Oliver. I can come back if now it's not a good time."

"What?" Thea interrupted her, looking incredulous, before he could answer. "No, way! You have come all the way here to talk to him. He has nothing to do."
She fixed her brother with a stern look. "And we could all have dinner later. Mom is out and I'm not eating alone again, it's depressing."

"Let's do that another time, Speedy, okay? I'm not really up for dinner."

"Why not?"

Thea put her hands on her hips, looking down at him stubbornly and Felicity could see Oliver tensing and she the need to step in and help him.

"Yes, Thea if you don't mind. I'm busy tonight."

The young girl looked at her slightly narrowing her eyes, clearly not believing her, but she seemed to decide not to argue with her. "Okay. But no excuses next time. It was nice seeing you again, Felicity."

"You too."

After Thea closed the door behind her Felicity turned to face Oliver, who was now standing beside his bed a little awkwardly, not looking at her. She was afraid something like that could happen after their conversation in her living room, but they had been fine. They had managed to work together, but probably having a desk between them had made their interactions easier than standing in his bedroom with nothing in between.

"Oliver, are you okay?"

"Why shouldn't I be?" He spoke lightly, with his "CEO voice" as Felicity playfully liked to call the tone he always seemed to use around business associates, those people he believed he couldn't be himself around. She would lie if she said the thought didn't sting a little.
She wrapped her arms around herself and stood there, feeling unsure, waiting for him to say something. "It's just that you are giving me that smile, that I know isn't your real smile and I-"

She trailed off, looking at him a little lost and for a moment she saw something she couldn't pin point in his eyes. Regret? Disappointment? But why would he be disappointed?

"Maybe I should go." He nodded and she turned to leave but than she suddenly stopped, pausing for a moment before turning to look at him again, this time with sheer determination. "No. I'm not leaving. I'm here to tell you something and- and than I'm leaving."

"Oh– okay." He scratched his head, a little uncomfortable and looked around. "Sure. Here, let me."

He cleared the small sofa at the foot of his bed for her and after she sat down he took a place on the edge of the bed, facing her.

She took a deep breath and look at him. It was now or never. "When we talked last week in my house I told you I wanted us to be friends, just friends. Remember?"

"Yeah, I remember."

"Good." She shook her head, her heart pounding in her chest and she willed herself to relax. This was Oliver. No matter the outcome he had been her friend for years, he was going to understand, no reason to be so nervous. "I was scared. Terrified in fact. Which is silly, I know. Because– because normally people are terrified of other things, terrorist attacks, poisonous snakes and that, that stuff. Personally I'm terrified of kangaroos but that's just-"

"Felicity."

She stopped, clasping her lips together tightly, his soft voice and the gentle hold he got of her hand grounding her.

"Right. Sorry. I thought that if we got involved, if I let that happen it was going to end badly. For me, I mean.

I don't like to take risks, I told you that. The only time I wasn't careful, the only time I completely trust someone I got hurt and for a very long time I didn't think I could ever trust someone like that again. I have been careful in every relationship I've had, but even if I didn't realize it at the time, I have never been that careful with you. I didn't trust you in the beginning, at all. But you have a way to break down my defenses and I doubt you even know it. We became friends and that was all I believed we could ever be, until Central City. And when that happened I was so, so happy, you have no idea how much. But than, well than your mother happened. She made me realize I had let my guard down and how big of a mistake it could be."

"Felicity I -"

"No, just. Just wait. Please." He nodded wordlessly.

"I was hurt and I- I didn't expect it. I realized how much you could hurt me and I panicked. I decided than and there that I wasn't going to let that happen again."

Oliver looked grief stricken and he took his hand away from hers.

"You have to know I would never hurt you on purpose. I-"

"I know. I know, Oliver, I do. That was my mistake, I should have listened to you, given you a chance to explain."

She felt her heart race at his tentative smile and she dropped her eyes on his hands that were now resting on his knees. She slowly raised one hand and lightly placed her fingers on the back of his hand, tracing the length of one finger on an impulse. She felt his hand twitch under hers and she was about to take hers back when he turned his hand and locked their fingers together, making her breath catch.

"What I'm trying to say is that I was hoping, I am hoping that despite what I said you would maybe reconsider, you know-" She gestured between the two of them with her free hand, her eyes fixed on his shoulder, unable to meet his eyes. "Us."

Two years ago

"Mom-"

Felicity tried to keep the exasperation from her voice, the phone trapped between her ear and shoulder while she tried to balance her tablet and a stock of files.

"Don't use that tone with me, baby. What kind of mother would I be if I wasn't interested in my only daughter's life?"

"There is nothing interesting in my life, I- mom!"

Felicity dropped the documents she was holding, jaw open in shock as she spotted her mother in a bright, too tight yellow dress less than fifty feet away from her, when she was supposed to be in another city, in another State. She only had a moment to prepare herself before Donna launched herself at her and hugged her tightly while she stood there, her arms open, too stunned to respond.

"Surprise! Oh, you look so beautiful." She beamed at her, her eyes a little wet and she looked her over. "Are you wearing a push up bra?"

"Mom!"

Felicity blushed, placing her beloved tablet directly over her chest.

"What? Sweetheart you have to learn to accept a compliment. What do you do when men compliment you?"

"Men don't talk about my– my stuff."

"Well, they should." She told her with a saucy grin, bumping her hip with hers.

"Mom, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see my beautiful baby girl. You never visit, never call." Donna looked at her with wide, pleading eyes and Felicity felt terribly guilty. She knew she should call her more often and probably visit, but there was something about Vegas that just made her want to flee the moment she saw the blinding, tacky billboards.

"I'm busy. After Mr Queen died there has been a lot to do around here."

"Felicity you are an assistant, not-"

"I'm the executive assistant of the CEO. It's an important job, mom, people are counting on me."

"Don't get me wrong, dear, it's a job, even if it's not the one you were supposed to do. I doubt that it keeps you so busy that you can't visit your mother though."

"That's my fault, probably." Felicity stiffened, gripping her tablet tightly when she heard Oliver's voice behind them and she looked with horror as her mother gazed at him curiously.

"Hi, I'm Oliver Queen."

"Of course, I know who you are. You are quite famous in Vegas too, Oliver. Can I call you Oliver?"

"Of cours-"

"No!" Felicity stepped in, tugging her mother towards her by her wrist and lowering her voice, speaking in a panicked hiss.

"Mom, you can't call him Oliver, I work for him!"

"O-okay, sweetie."

Felicity nodded and turned to looked at Oliver, who seemed way too amused for her liking.

"What can I do for you, Mr Queen?"

"Nothing important. Why don't you head out early? You should spend time with your mom."

"Oh. Okay. I'll see you tomorrow than. Thank you."

She smiled at him a little surprised and he answered her with a nod and one of his rare, soft smiles.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Smoak."

"You too."

Felicity watched as her mother shook Oliver's hand with a huge smile and a glint in her eyes she didn't like at all.

"This is delicious. Thank God we don't have it at home. I wouldn't fit in my uniform anymore."

Felicity smiled as her mom took a huge bite of her Big Belly Buster. She was starting to realize how much time had passed since she had last enjoyed a quiet meal with her mother and she had truly missed that. But seeing her mother would had meant facing her after she had found out about her new job and she wasn't ready for that. She had managed to dodge the questions about her odd career choice until she was working for Robert Queen, telling her mother she got a job at Queen Consolidated but never giving too many details on what exactly she did there. Unfortunately, after Oliver had taken over, the press had gone crazy and followed both of them around everywhere they went, so now everyone who as much as glanced at a magazine knew she was Oliver Queen's executive assistant.

She knew her mother couldn't be happy about her taking that job, not after all the hopes she had always had for her, not after all the sacrifices she had made to raise her and give her the opportunity to go to college and get a good education. She should have told her that she had taken the job only because it was her chance to lead her own project inside one of the biggest companies of the country, but now that it was probably not going to happen it seemed a pointless explanation. Oliver had no idea what his father had promised her when he had hired her and she didn't want to pressure him to keep that promise. She didn't want him to think she was trying to use him to get a job. Her mother would probably tell her that she was too nice, too pliant and people were going to take advantage of that. Of her. She would probably be right, but Felicity was willing to take that risk instead of risking to turn into the one who took advantage of other people.

"So, that was Oliver Queen."

"Yes." Felicity answered quietly, her voice even, keeping her focus on her really detachable fries.

"He is even more handsome in person."

"Mom."

She said warily, shaking her head with a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

"I'm just saying he is a nice perk of the job. Trust me, you would value him more if you worked for a man who hasn't discovered breath mints yet."

Donna made a disgruntled face and Felicity laughed lightly, clearly remembering Mr. Brady and his bad breath, even after all the years she hadn't stepped inside his casino.

"I know what the tabloids say about him, but it isn't true. Oliver is a good man, he really is."

"If you say so I have no reason to doubt it, baby."

They stood in silence for a moment until Felicity couldn't take it anymore. She knew there was still something her mom hadn't told her yet and it was driving her crazy.

"Why are you really here mom? I know you must have something to say. You always have something to say."

"I wanted to check on you. To see how the job you didn't tell me about was going."

Here you go, Felicity thought darkly, steeling herself.

"It's going fine."

"I see that."

"No you don't. It's not what you think. Between me and Oliver." She clarified, fighting the need to squirm in her seat.

"Oh, Felicity." Donna shook her head and sighed loudly, putting the rest of her burger on her plate before fixing her whole attention on her. "After your father left you I'm afraid I haven't been the best mom."

"Mom, what are you-"

Donna stopped with a gesture of her hand and Felicity closed her mouth, stunned.

"Sometimes looking back I think I wasn't strong enough. I should have taught you more, I didn't– The truth is I've been disappointed and upset for so long I'm afraid I taught you to be like that, like me. As a little girl you were so hopeful, so trusting and I would hate to know I was the one who changed that about you."

"Mom, I don't know what you–"

"I came here because I wanted to see you. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy and I wanted to see if you were. Happy."

"I am happy." Felicity told her softly, even if still confused, her heart aching as she remembered how much they had suffered because of her father and how much her mom still seemed to suffer.

"I heard, you know, rumors and I wanted to see if they were true."

Felicity felt her cheeks flush but she did her best to look unaffected answering in a clipped voice.

"Well as you can see they aren't."

"They aren't. And yet they are."

What? Felicity felt her heart race at her mother's quiet, measured words. She knew what the rumors were about, but she wasn't sure she knew what her mother was implying. She wasn't even sure she even wanted to know.

"I thought I had to come here to talk you out of something you might have gotten into without thinking of the consequences."

"That- that doesn't really sound like me, mom."

"I know. For once I thought you could have followed your feelings, not what that big brain of yours told you to do. Because honey, despite what happened to me that's not the end of every story."

Yes it is. Felicity thought, thinking about her father, about Cooper. That was exactly how every story ended and she was too smart to be fooled again.

"You came here because you were worried something was going on between me and Oliver but now that you know there's nothing between us you are what? Disappointed? It doesn't make sense mom."

"I'm only disappointed if you aren't living your life. You are so special, baby, give the people around you the chance to see just how much."

Guest: Thank you! I didn't update soon, but still here it is!

Angeldolphin01: Thank you!

CealSR: Thank you for saying that..the truth is I wished I had more time to write and read that it's lots funnier than studying, but there isn't much I can do about that sadly!:) I'm really happy you are enjoying the story, thank you!

Nybiyah: Thank you! I love Tommy too, it would have been good to see him sharing scenes with Felicity in the show!

Jadimples28: Thank you! I hope the chapter doesn't disappoint you. I feel in their talk I focused more onthe reason she didn't want to give him a chance and a little less on what she feels for him, but I think it was important for him to understand that first!