Happy Friday, guys! I decided to do a surprise update. Also, I've been doing a lot of fun flashback Olicity and MerSmoak sibling photo edits for this story. You can see the pics on either my Twitter or Tumblr. Enjoy!

Chapter 20: Look After You

June 8, 2012

Felicity sat up straight in her seat and searched the long line of students waiting to head up to the stage. It was graduation day at Starling City Prep. The boys wore black robes while the girls wore red, showing off the official school colors. Felicity sat between Tommy and her mom with her camera phone at the ready. She wanted to capture the perfect picture of Thea getting her diploma.

"I see her," Tommy said. "Her row hasn't gotten up yet."

In an effort to avoid a cramp in her arm, Felicity put her phone down. She looked to where Tommy was pointing and made sure to keep an eye on Thea for when her row was up. "I can't believe she's graduating," Felicity commented. It was a Friday afternoon, and Felicity had taken a half day so that she could attend the ceremony. Thea was family, and there was no way Felicity could miss such a huge moment in her life. Luckily, things at work had been good over the last few days. There were no screw-ups or run-ins with Waller. Overall, it was a successful week.

Tommy shook his head. "Me neither. It's insane. I still remember the days I'd go over to the Queen mansion and Thea would beg me and Oliver for piggyback rides."

"She's all grown up now," Felicity stated.

"Her parents and Oliver would've been so proud of her," Tommy murmured.

Felicity felt a pang in her heart. Oliver was really the one who should be here for Thea today. She knew how much Oliver loved his sister and how upsetting it probably was that he couldn't be a part of one of the most important moments of her life. It was why Felicity was determined to get some great pictures. Even if Oliver couldn't be here himself, Felicity would be sure to capture every moment.

"Yes, they would've," Felicity replied as her spare phone pinged softly. It was no doubt another text from Oliver. Although it was tough to be separated again for weeks at a time, the ability to send him a text or call and hear his voice had vastly improved their situation. They were still very cautious, but they were more connected than they'd ever been.

Felicity checked the message Oliver sent: Might be able to meet u next wknd. Keep u posted.

She smiled and responded: If u can't come to SC, I can come to u. Or meet somewhere neutral.

I'll think about it…and u.

Her heart skipped a beat at the prospect of them getting together again soon. She also couldn't help but giggle at his last message and the heart-eye emoji he'd added at the end of it. If someone had told her Oliver Queen would actually be sending her any type of message involving actual heart symbols, Felicity would've told them they were crazy. For all she knew, he was in some big Bratva meeting with Anatoly looking all stoic and tough while actually sending sappy text messages.

"What's with the goofy grin?" Tommy inquired.

Felicity's head snapped up at his question. "Huh? Oh, nothing," she quickly covered.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, just a text from a friend." Felicity hated how easy lying had come to her, but it was part of her job. She had to be able to hide information when necessary.

"Must be some friend to make you blush like that."

"I am not blushing," she denied.

Tommy smirked, unconvinced. "Hate to break it to you, sis, but you're not exactly a master of deception. There's something different about you."

"Yes, they're called contact lenses," she joked and pointed to her glasses-free face.

Tommy wasn't deterred. "You know what I mean. I don't know how to explain it."

With a guffaw, Felicity answered, "Tommy, it's nothing major. Work has been better, and I've been hanging out with friends. Plus, it's almost summer. Everyone is in a good mood with this gorgeous weather we've been having." It was true that most things in her life had been going well. There hadn't been any more incidents at A.R.G.U.S.—at least none that she was involved in. Felicity had actually opened up to both Lyla and Mei about her last meeting with Waller. Surprisingly, it had been Oliver who'd suggested that she reach out to someone she trusted at work. He said it couldn't hurt to have others on her side if things did go south again, and Felicity had agreed that it was a smart idea.

The most recent issue the agency was investigating had been a couple of weeks ago. A chemical weapon was intercepted while being delivered to the Markovia base. The transporters' identities were also stolen, and the intruders got in and completely looted the place. There were a couple of casualties, but luckily the majority of agents were unharmed. The agents that hadn't made it were taken down with black arrows like the few times before.

Felicity had been working closely with Curtis lately to follow any cyber leads. The algorithm she'd created to study patterns in anomalies among the prior attacks had found that the bunkers and bases targeted were actually operating on a more advanced security system. There were complex safeguards that controlled not only access in and out of the facilities but to various sectors inside. Each safeguard was unique and would require a higher level of clearance. The duo had been working on a list of bunkers and bases with the same varying security protocols and the probability they'd be targeted. Mei, Barry, and Caitlin were responsible for analyzing and creating countermeasures to protect against further attacks. Felicity felt the familiar itch to be back in the office and helping the team to work on the problem, but another look at Thea in her graduation gown quelled it. There was more to life than just work.

"It's not that," Tommy stated adamantly. "The last time we hung out you were almost giddy happy. There was this glow about you, which seems even more pronounced now. Something is going on."

"I'm with Tommy, honey," Donna interjected. "You are different. Are you seeing someone?"

Great, now her mother was getting involved. "Mom," Felicity groaned, really not liking where this conversation was going.

Unfortunately, her mother was too perceptive for her own good sometimes. Donna might seem like a ditzy blonde, but she was extremely insightful. "Oh my God, you are!" she practically squealed. If it weren't for the loud procession and music drowning her out, it would've been much more embarrassing. "You have to tell me everything. His name, where you two met, how handsome he is, what he does for a living—"

"Mom, slow down," Felicity interjected. "You're babbling worse than me right now." Hearing Tommy chuckling next to her, Felicity turned and glared. "You are not helping."

"And I'm not going to." He grinned impishly. "I want answers just as badly as she does."

"I'm sorry, baby, I'm just so excited. You don't open up to me, hon. I have to force your feelings out of you sometimes like a…" A wave of emotion crossed her beautiful face. "Like a pistachio."

Felicity shook her head in confusion. "What?"

Donna took a deep breath and thankfully managed to stop bouncing in her seat before declaring, "All right. I'm calm. Now spill."

"This isn't the time or the place. We're here for Thea, remember?"

"There's like a gazillion kids ahead of her before she makes it to the stage," Tommy pointed out.

"We have plenty of time," Donna enthusiastically agreed.

Malcolm leaned forward, so that he could see past Donna. "I also wouldn't mind hearing more about your new gentleman caller."

The blonde's jaw was nearly on the ground. She couldn't remember the last time her family had taken such a unanimous interest in her love life. She didn't know whether to be touched or offended by their over-excitement. Was it really that big a deal that she was dating again?

"Fine," Felicity relented. "As long as you never use the words 'gentleman caller' ever again." She knew dodging their questions was futile at this point. However, she couldn't not answer either. It would only make them more curious. She told them the same—albeit shorter and less drama filled—story she'd told Sara. Donna was thoroughly disappointed when she learned that "Aaron" traveled a lot, and she wouldn't be able to meet him right away. Of course Malcolm insisted on seeing a picture of him. Tommy stared in disbelief when Felicity told them he wasn't the selfie or social media type.

"Seems odd that you don't have one picture," Malcolm commented. He had that calculating look in his eyes that he sometimes got. It was a hidden intelligence that gave her the impression he knew more than he was actually saying. It always set Felicity on edge, but she remained firm.

"He's very private."

Tommy's brow scrunched in concern. "But you have met him in person, right? He's not some guy you met online, because that whole catfish thing is totally real and—"

"Yes, I've met him," Felicity assured him. "He is a real person."

"This is fabulous! All I've wanted is for you to be happy, honey. You are happy, right?" her mother made sure. "I know you don't like it when I fuss, but you'll always be my little princess and you should be treated as such. Aaron treats you well?"

"Yes, I'm very happy." Felicity's smile, this time, was genuine. There was no way to hide the fullness she finally felt in her heart now that she had Oliver back. "He's wonderful. In a million different ways."

Malcolm chuckled and patted Donna's knee. "She sounds totally gone to me, sweetie."

"When he is in town, let me know. I'd really like to meet him. I promise I won't make any overprotective threats—at least not while you're in earshot," Tommy added with a wink.

Blushing from the attention, Felicity nodded to the stage. "Oh look, Thea's row is next." It was a relief when the focus was off of her. Felicity got some really great pictures of Thea accepting her diploma. They cheered as loud as they could, which allowed Thea to find them in the crowd. She gave them a wave, and Tommy let out a high-pitched whistle for good measure.

Afterward, they took more pictures as a family and of Thea with her friends outside of the convention center and near the bay. Felicity didn't think she could get any more emotional until her mother reached into her purse and pulled out a small picture frame. She handed it to Thea, whose eyes immediately started to water.

"I thought a part of them should be here today." The older woman rubbed the young brunette's shoulder. "They would be so proud of you, Thea."

"Thank you, Donna," Thea softly replied with a hug. After wiping at her moist eyes, the brunette motioned for them to take another picture. This time she was holding up a photo of her parents and brother alongside her diploma.

Felicity exchanged an emotional look with Tommy, who'd pulled her into his side, before taking a few more pictures. Malcolm appeared oddly expressionless, but Felicity didn't pay him much attention. It was a deeply thoughtful gesture on her mom's part, and Felicity could see just how much it meant to Thea. Even though they'd accepted Thea into their family years ago, they'd all, Donna especially, had been conscious not to erase her heritage as a Queen.

Once they were done taking pictures, they'd gone out for a celebratory dinner. Throughout the meal, Felicity wrestled with whether or not to send some of the pictures of Thea's graduation to Oliver. She knew how badly he wanted to be there for her, but she also knew that the topic of his sister was sensitive. One of the toughest aspects of his current situation was staying in the shadows and not being a part of her life.

They all returned to the Merlyn manor to go over the finishing touches of Thea's graduation party tomorrow night. Felicity managed to sneak away for a moment. After looking through the pictures, Felicity decided that Oliver deserved to see them. He should know that he was still an important part of Thea's life regardless of the circumstances. Felicity only sent two photos, not wanting to overwhelm him. The first was of Thea on stage getting her diploma. The second was her posing outside with it and the Queen family portrait.

"Felicity," she heard Thea call her from the other room. Her mother and Tommy's loud chatter followed.

"Coming," Felicity called. She put away her phone and brandished a smile. Her family was waiting.

Glancing over the top of the computer monitor, Felicity watched Oliver pace as he talked on the phone with Detective Lance. His voice was low, which she assumed was so he wouldn't distract her while she worked. Felicity's fingers continued to type furiously on the keyboard. She'd managed to bypass Robert Queen's passwords to access confidential files and was currently running a search for anything pertaining to the chip. While that was running, Felicity had also gotten into QC's internal network to look up Mark Scheffer's record. She had been instructed by Oliver to send that along to Detective Lance. The authorities and hostage negotiator would need it to build a suitable profile as they figured out the best way to handle the situation.

"I understand," Felicity heard Oliver say before he cut the call. He sighed loudly, running his hand over his face, before rejoining her at his father's desk. "Any luck?"

"We're dealing with a serious whack-a-doo," she informed him. "Scheffer was one of QC's top engineers before suffering a nervous breakdown about five months ago."

Oliver leaned over her to get a better look at the screen. "Do you know what happened?"

"He was sent to a psychologist to be evaluated. Apparently, his wife had left him last year. She'd had an affair, and he was forced to pay alimony despite her indiscretion. Scheffer resented the government after that and started following anti-government militia groups online," Felicity explained. "He also started going off on anti-government tangents at work that made a lot of people uncomfortable. When he found out that QC was negotiating a deal to supply a few federal agencies with the quantum processor, he completely flipped. He attacked another engineer and had to be escorted from the building. Scheffer was formally fired later that day."

"And now he's back to get even," Oliver muttered dejectedly. "I can't believe he got past security."

"As a former employee, it was probably easy. He knows this place inside and out and was aware of what weaknesses to exploit."

"What about the chip?" he questioned and checked his watch. "We only have fifteen more minutes, Felicity."

"Damn it," Felicity cursed in frustration. "I found the product profile, but there's no record of the chip being stored in any of the innovation labs or inventory rooms. When I try to look up the location, all that's indicated is 'North Star' whatever that means."

Oliver felt a sort of déjà vu. "North Star," he repeated. He'd definitely heard it before and wracked his brain. "Oh my God, I know where it is. Come on." Taking her hand, Oliver hauled Felicity up from the desk and led her back to the elevators.

"Oliver, where are we going?" she asked and hurried to keep up.

"The R&D lab on twenty-fifth. There's a modern sculpture hanging on the wall that's been there for years." As soon as the elevator doors opened, Oliver was hurriedly pushing the button to be on their way. "I couldn't figure it out as a kid, and my father said it was an interpretation of Polaris."

"Also known as the North Star," Felicity surmised. She hoped Oliver was right, because time was running out. This was their only viable lead. Needing to keep herself calm and centered, Felicity focused on his hand that was still holding hers. Oliver had been astonishingly levelheaded throughout all of this, and she drew strength from that.

The short elevator ride felt like forever. As soon as the doors opened, Oliver was already towing her along behind him. He took his employee ID out of his pocket and swiped it. The lab door unlocked, and they rushed inside. The sculpture wasn't that far away from the door.

Felicity questioned, "Do you think something is behind it or the sculpture itself is holding the chip?

"I don't know." Releasing her hand, Oliver felt along the wall. There was a slight crack behind the sculpture, as well as a digital keypad so small it was barely noticeable. "There's definitely something here," he told Felicity and gently took the sculpture off the wall.

"Do you have any idea what the password might be?"

He shook his head. "Not really. I might have a few guesses, but that's it. We've got fifteen minutes, Felicity."

Felicity scanned the various work stations and equipment on them. One station in particular caught her eye, and an idea started to form. She rushed over to the table and grabbed what she'd need.

Oliver, having no idea what she was up to, questioned, "What is that?"

"An electromagnetic wave generator and battery tender," she excitedly informed him. "I can force a restart and reset the password to something of our choosing." Oliver silently watched as Felicity rushed to rig it up. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding when it worked and the wall opened up to reveal a bunch of gadgets behind a glass case. Felicity pointed to the top shelf. "That's the chip right there."

Oliver swore when he saw that there was another security key pad they needed to get through—except this one was odd. There were no buttons. "Can you reset this one, too?" They didn't have time to play around.

"No. This is more complicated. It's a bio scanner."

"So what do we do?"

"You," she emphasized, "are going to place your hand on it. You're a Queen. Your father might not have been lying about your clearance."

It was worth a shot. They had too much to lose if Oliver didn't try. With only a slight hesitation, Oliver placed his hand on the scanner. The screen came to life and began analyzing his hand print. Seconds later, ACCESS GRANTED appeared on the screen and the wall of glass slid open.

"Oh my God, it worked," Oliver muttered in shock as Felicity bounced excitedly next to him. He shook his head to clear it before reaching up to take the chip.

"Careful," Felicity cautioned. "It's very delicate."

Oliver found a small, clear plastic box on the nearest table to put it in. He then carefully pocketed it and headed back toward the elevator. "Seven minutes to spare."

"We make a pretty good team," Felicity remarked. They weren't totally in the clear yet but having the actual chip in hand brought some relief.

"Yeah, we do." He placed his hand on her arm. "Thank you, Felicity. I couldn't have done this without you."

"Don't thank me just yet. We still have to bring it to that psycho." Although Shrapnel promised to let everyone go if he got the chip, he was still a literal ticking time bomb. There was no guarantee that he wouldn't hurt anyone out of spite regardless.

"Actually, I'll be bringing it back," Oliver declared while pushing the down button. "You're taking the elevator to the lobby. The SCPD have started to infiltrate the building where they can. Detective Lance is expecting you."

"What? Oliver, no," Felicity began to protest. "We've come this far. I'm not leaving you."

"Felicity, you've done more than enough. Now you have to leave. I need you out of here," he said forcefully, his expression firm.

The fear she'd felt at having to face their captor again doubled at the thought of letting Oliver go off to confront him alone. "But—"

"We don't have time to argue. Please, Felicity," Oliver pleaded. "The SCPD has a plan. Even if they didn't, my father is in there. So I need to go back but not you. You can get out." He leaned in close and brought his hand up to cup her cheek. "I can't do what I have to do if I'm worried about your safety. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Felicity whispered while blinking back tears. It felt like someone was tearing her heart out. Her eyes momentarily closed when he brushed his thumb along her cheekbone. "Oliver, please be careful."

"I will."

Felicity's eyes searched his. She could see the determination, as well as the sliver of fear, for what he had to do next reflecting back at her. There was no time for him to explain Detective Lance's plan to her, but she had to hope that it was the best option that would keep Oliver and everyone else safe. Nevertheless, there was no way to completely eradicate her own panic about leaving him. What if something did go wrong and this was the last time they'd see each other?

Before Felicity realized what she was doing, she leaned up on her tiptoes and closed the small gap between them. Oliver stood absolutely still, probably just as shocked at her actions as she was. The kiss only lasted for a couple of seconds, but it was enough to make her entire body tremble with emotion.

Felicity had barely started to pull away when Oliver's hands unexpectedly gripped her waist and drew her flush against him. Her gasp was silenced by his mouth on hers. Oliver's lips were softer than she'd expected—like two pillow mountains both tender and resilient as they consumed her. Instinctively, Felicity threw her arms around his neck to bring him closer. The dreamlike quality of the moment was only offset by the urgency as they fiercely sought the connection they'd otherwise been trying so hard to deny.

The second kiss ended as quickly as it started when the elevator finally pinged and the doors slid open. Oliver tore himself away from her with a little more force than was necessary. She would've been hurt if not for the storm raging in his brilliant blue eyes. He cupped her face one last time, looking over her features as if to commit them to memory. Then he silently guided her into the elevator and pushed the button for the lobby.

It was impossible to keep the tears at bay as Felicity watched the elevator doors close, separating him from her completely. It was a physical pain deep in her gut, and all too soon she'd reached the bottom floor. As Oliver had said, the SCPD was already down there. After verifying her identity, they escorted her out of the building and to Detective Lance. He asked if she was okay and for any other details she could provide him about the situation they were facing. Felicity, in turn, asked him what exactly he expected Oliver to do. The detective expertly dodged the question and motioned behind him. A large crowd of media and bystanders had gathered outside of the perimeter set up by the police and SWAT team. On the edge of the police tape stood her mother, Tommy, and Laurel.

They shouted her name, and she went to them. Her mother wasted no time enveloping her into a bone-crushing hug. "Oh, my beautiful girl. You're safe! I came as soon as I heard. I'm so relieved you're okay, baby."

"Where's Oliver?" another female voice demanded. It was Moira Queen. It came as no surprise to Felicity that she was on the inside of the police tape. QC was her family's company, which probably allowed her to be much more involved in the events unfolding. Despite the obvious concern in her tone, she looked completely composed. "Detective Lance informed me that he'd gotten out."

"He did, but Mr. Queen is with the other hostages," Felicity explained. "Oliver refused to leave without his father."

"How did you escape then?" Tommy asked.

"Oliver promised to get the bomber what he wanted and told him he needed my help," she said while trying to wipe away the tears continuing to fall. "He saved my life."

"Thank God he did," Donna murmured and gave the young brunette another squeeze.

"If he goes back empty-handed without that chip…" Moira muttered.

"He's not. We got it."

The Queen matriarch's head snapped in her direction. "You did? How? That level of security—"

"We took care of it." Her voice came out much stronger than she actually felt.

"Of course you did," Donna proudly proclaimed. "My girl's a genius."

"What exactly does Oliver think he can do against two gunmen and a bomber?" Laurel interjected.

Felicity shrugged, feeling sick once again at having to let him go alone. "All he told me was that the SCPD had a plan."

"He should've gone with you. Robert would've understood." Moira glanced at Detective Lance shrewdly. "I want to know exactly what it is my son was talked into doing."

The older woman never got the chance to find out. The sound of gunfire echoed from above, and then there was a loud, fiery explosion. It shook the entire area, and people started screaming as broken glass and burning debris began to fall. Felicity looked up to see smoke and flames emanating from the top floor, and her entire body filled with terror. Shrapnel had detonated his bomb.