A/N: Last new chapter before the season 3 premiere! Enjoy, and, as always, let me know what you think!
The ride down thirty plus floors seemed never ending and also over all too quickly. Felicity's hand slid into his and didn't let go, and he didn't know if it was more for her or for him and he really didn't care. Thea spent the trip fixing her make up and chattering on about how Felicity should handle the press. At first Oliver was annoyed until he realized his sister was giving up her hard won secrets of how to live a public life.
He met Digg's eyes over the tops of their heads and silently asked if everything was in place. He trusted him implicitly and knew that especially when it came to Felicity's safety nothing would be overlooked but Oliver also knew how sudden things could change.
When the elevator slowed he looked down to see Felicity blow out a long nervous breath and run a hand over her middle. Her coat was on and she was doing nothing to hide her belly in public for the first time.
"Ready?" he asked with a squeeze of his hand,
She nodded tightly, worrying her bottom lip and before the doors could open he leaned down and pressed a quick, hard kiss to her mouth. "Just smile, it'll all be over soon."
Then there was no more time. He smoothed a hand over his tie and squared his shoulders as the shiny chrome of the lobby was revealed to them.
At first everything looked the same. A few employees waiting, a security guard standing watch. However, when the executive elevator arrived all eyes were on them and when they stepped out and turned to the right he could see the chaos they'd observed from his window.
There was a few blissful moments where no one noticed, but as two more suited agents joined their small group the decibel level from outside rose and then he knew there was no stopping it.
He could see Queen Consolidated security guards working alongside SCPD to keep the crowds back far enough to allow them to walk. His height let him see that the Bentley had been pulled to the curb about thirty feet down, but they'd have to walk a gauntlet to get there.
As the doors to the outside were opened it was as if a wall of noise struck them and he felt Felicity's grip tighten. He plastered on his all too familiar fake smile and looked at her quickly. She was nervous, but smiling back he was glad to see.
There were calls for interviews that he had no intention of giving and asking them to make a statement which he also had no intention of doing. They paused and posed although he ignored the requests for him to put his hand on her belly. That seemed too intimate, too personal to do for show.
A prickling urge to bolt was starting to crawl up his spine. Too many people, too many variables. It took everything within him not to constantly scan the area looking for a possible threat. Digg was directly between Felicity and the crowd with the other agents close by but it was beginning to be too much.
The flash bulbs weren't overly bright since it was mid afternoon, but when one photographer leaned in as close as he could Felicity flinched and Oliver saw red.
Digg's booming voice called a halt to the spectacle and Oliver lifted one hand in a wave, jaw clenched as they began to move.
It was then that the questions started to be thrown at them, the ones he had to know were coming but had hoped wouldn't.
"Felicity! Are you out for the money?"
"Is the baby a Queen?"
"Are you really pregnant or is this about the trial?"
"How's it feel to be America's most successful gold digger?"
"Have you done a paternity test?"
"Do all Queen Consolidated employees enjoy these benefits?"
It was the final question coupled with one of the reporters losing their footing and stumbling forward, camera brushing along Felicity's arm that caused him to snap.
"Back off!" he growled, loud and low enough to be heard over the din, fake smile vanishing from his face as he wrapped an arm around her back and pulled her in close to his side. Digg moved up, so close he knew no one could possibly get to her and a small thrill of satisfaction ran through him when one of his partner's massive arms sent one of the paparazzi sprawling to the ground.
"Back up now or you'll all be arrested!" a familiar voice yelled and Oliver's head whipped up to see Detective Lance in front of him, arms spread, working alongside the other agents to clear a path to the car.
Their eyes met and time seemed to still as he leveled a long hard stare at Oliver. There was a challenge there and a warning.
Oliver dipped his chin in acknowledgement and the world around him snapped back into place. Felicity's hand gripped his lapel tight, the other spread protectively over her middle.
The back door to the car was opened and Thea slid in first having been mostly ignored for once. Oliver practically lifted Felicity into the car before climbing in right after her while Digg shut the door solidly behind them.
Once he'd made his way to the driver's seat and they began to pull away from the throng Oliver finally let himself blow out a long breath. He had one arm around Felicity's shoulders and when he looked over he saw Thea holding her hand in silent support.
"So...can we do that again never?" she said shakily,
"That's probably the worst of it," Thea replied, trying to sound upbeat.
"I knew... I mean the pictures weren't that bad, a little weird with all these people you don't know yelling your name. And I knew those kinds of questions would come up but...thinking them and having them directed at you in public…" a shudder ran through her and he dropped a kiss to her hair, holding her tighter.
"I can tell you one thing, anything like that gets printed and they will rue the day they messed with me. They'll be lucky if they can navigate any webpage without it redirecting to a looping video of kittens and chicks playing together."
A surge of pride filled his chest. He should have known even this couldn't break her naturally positive demeanor.
"If anything like that gets printed we'll sue them for libel,"
"Well, yes...but my way is more fun,"
He smiled and shook his head as she leaned into his side, hand coming down to rest along his thigh.
"You're kind of scary. I like that," Thea said saucily, and Felicity's proud 'Thank you,' followed quickly.
Oliver caught Digg scanning the mirrors and he turned but any trailing photogs had left them, leaving them able to safely continue to the mansion.
They'd be stuck there the rest of the night he knew. Reporters would be waiting for them to make their next appearance and he couldn't risk anyone following them back to the foundry. The thought of not being able to go out that night and track down the Count left him feeling edgy, but he also knew Felicity needed time to work.
Extra security from the mansion had been brought to the main gate and they had to wait as reporters were held back from trying to sneak through as Digg drove smoothly up the drive.
Felicity twisted in the seat and looked back at the long range cameras and photographers shoving each other out of the way for the best shot, and he'd never been more grateful for the darkened privacy glass that would keep her face hidden, or when they finally made it around the first bend and were safely out of sight.
His phone rang just as he stepped from the car, hand held out to help Felicity. "It's Jean," he said, shooting a look to his sister who paused and paled as she came around to join them.
"Jean, I've talked to Thea already," he said by way of greeting.
"That's a relief. Look Oliver, I just want you to know what we're up against. I still think the jury trial is the way to go, but the prosecution has something in their back pocket and I think your mother knows what it is."
"Has she told you?"
"No, but she's asked to speak to you and Thea before the trial begins tomorrow. There's nothing I can say to convince her to give me some idea...a chance to prepare some sort of defense." he could hear the waver in her voice. Jean was a damn good lawyer but if her hands were tied by her own client there wasn't much she could do.
"I understand...maybe if I come see her…"
"It's no use. Visiting hours are over at Iron Heights and I doubt it would make a difference. She sounded like she had her mind made up."
Oliver blew out a long breath, pinching his temples with his free hand. The trial would demand all his attention and he still had the threat of the Count looming.
As if she knew he needed her just then Felicity slipped a hand into the crook of his elbow and tugged his arm down until she could wrap his hand in both of hers. He looked down to see her giving him a supportive smile that immediately erased some of his worry. Soaking in her calming presence he squeezed her hand tight and mouthed 'thank you' which only made her smile wider.
"Okay, Jean, I understand. But if there's anything I can do you'll let me know."
"Of course. Right now, I just need you, Thea, and Felicity here at nine sharp."
He still didn't like the idea of Felicity going, but he understood, and he knew she did too, "We'll be there,"
She was already sliding closer as he hung up, and he wasted no time in wrapping his arms around her, "I'm really glad you're here," he murmured into her hair, and they both knew he didn't mean only that moment.
Felicity's hands slid up his lapels and she'd just begun to raise up on her toes when Digg rushed out the front door with his arm outstretched.
"Choppers!" he called and they all looked up to see and hear a small black helicopter hovering over the trees. With the right lens, they'd have no problem getting photos.
Quickly they raced inside where Thea waited with a disgusted look on her face. "Assholes," she growled fiercely, shaking her head. "Roy's coming over soon. I told him to use the back entrance. I think I'm just going to hole up for the night and try not to think about what tomorrow means."
Oliver gave her a long hug, "I'll be with you the entire time, Speedy."
"I know," she replied quietly, before silently disappearing up the stairs.
Felicity came to his side, sliding a warm hand around his, "You're really good with her," she murmured softly.
He felt a well of emotion rise suddenly in his chest, "She hasn't had it easy,"
"Neither have you," she reminded him and he let out a small breath before giving her hand a tug and heading for the staircase.
When they entered his room he saw the closet door open and one of the house staff busily unpacking Felicity's suitcases.
"Oh hey, you don't have to do that," Felicity said hastily, hurrying forward and stopping in the doorway. "Really, it's fine. I can do that myself."
Oliver joined her and saw the startled expression on the other woman's face, "Felicity, it's-"
But she whirled and locked her eyes on him, "Oliver! I can unpack my own bags, please."
"You can leave it, thank you," he directed towards the maid who placed the shirt she held back into the suitcase and left as quick as she could.
"Felicity...what's wrong? Is it something to do with the mission you didn't want anyone to see, or…"
"No," she bit off, and went further into the room to pick up where the maid had left off, "I just...this isn't my life you know. I've never even stayed at a hotel that unpacks for you. I've always done my own laundry, and dusting, and…" he could tell how uncomfortable she was and didn't want to make anything worse.
"I understand that. But you'll have to take it up with Raisa if you want to start doing the dusting around here, she has really high standards."
She shot him a look over her shoulder and kept hanging dresses, one after the other, new ones he'd never seen before right across from his suits and he couldn't help the smile that crossed his face.
With silent footsteps he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle, laughing lightly when she gave out an irritated huff and kept on arranging the dress she held on a hanger.
"I want you to be happy, and comfortable here. I'm just so relieved you agreed to come stay, I don't care if you do your own laundry or leave a pile of shoes by the front door. You being safe and being close is...it's everything, Felicity."
Her movements had slowed until she finally hung the dress and turned in the circle of his arms. She no longer looked agitated. Instead she was looking up at him with bright eyes, "I'm glad I'm here." she whispered, pushing up on her toes to press a kiss against his jaw, making his hands tighten on her hips.
When she lowered herself back down she threw him a sly smile, "And now I know where to find an endless supply of your shirts."
A flash of want shot up his spine, "Help yourself,"
"I intend to," she threw back, biting her lip in that way that drove him crazy and if Digg hadn't showed up just then to tell them he was going to walk the perimeter of the grounds with the house security he wasn't sure what he would have done.
Hours later, after she'd finished unpacking, after she'd settled against the pillows in his bed and set up her makeshift ops center, after he'd had to almost drag her away to eat the dinner Raisa had made, who couldn't hide her delight that Felicity would be staying with them, he found himself edgy and anxious and pacing the floor while she tried to work.
He didn't notice her heavy sigh or that she'd picked up her phone and tapped out a text. A knock on the door a few minutes later made him spin on the spot and he turned to see Digg, smirking in the doorway.
"Oh, thank god!" Felicity cried, "Please, get him out of here! There's got to be a gym in this place, or just find an empty room and spar, I literally don't care what you do as long as I'm allowed to work in peace,"
It took longer than it should have for Oliver to realize she was talking about him. When he turned a shocked, affronted look her direction she gave him a tiny shrug and pushed her glasses up her nose, "I love you, but you're driving me insane."
Grumbling he striped his shirt off and tossed it on the end of the bed, not missing the way her eyes cut over him. She swallowed heavily and touched the frames again, "Have fun," she called as they left, but her voice cracked just a bit and he walked down the hallway with a grin he couldn't hide.
Two hours later they called it quits and he had to admit it was exactly what he needed.
Just outside the doorway he could hear the low sound of the t.v and even though he couldn't make out the words he knew she was watching the news. He entered, prepared to tell her to stop making herself feel worse, however, he pulled up short when he saw Raisa standing next to the bed, eyes locked on the screen across from them.
"Why do you watch this, Miss Felicity?" she asked with a sad shake of her head,
Felicity blinked, slow to answer, "It's surreal. To see my face up there, to hear them talking about me and my baby…" she said with a small shrug of her shoulders, "I can't stay on top of it if I don't know what they're saying."
"All they do is say horrible things. I've always told Miss Thea and Mister Oliver they can't listen to it,"
"How can I not though? Every single person I've ever met is watching this and wondering if it's all true, wondering if it's a sham, or a ploy, or some sort of gimmick. Hardly anyone thinks it's for real. Although if nothing else the pictures they got from that helicopter seemed to have calmed the cries of 'gold digger'. Though I still contend that pilot was violating several privacy laws, and some flight ordinances as well."
Raisa busied herself with the tray she'd sat down on the bed and then paused, "Can I share with you something I've said to every member of the Queen family?"
Felicity nodded, looking up at her almost gratefully.
"Only you know the truth. The cameras, and the reporters, and the websites...they don't know what happens behind these doors. If you are true to you and those you love that's all that matters."
There was a long beat of silence while Oliver fondly recalled all the times Raisa had told him to keep his head up and ignore what was being said, whether it was the prep school playground or the boardroom.
Very deliberately Felicity picked up the remote and turned the t.v off. "I'll try to remember that,"
She shifted further back against the pillows and then turned a curious eye to the woman next to her, "But I have to ask, what did you tell Oliver when his exploits were very much in public view?"
Raisa let out an exasperated huff and threw her hands in the air, muttering what sounded like 'That boy', making Oliver smile.
"That's when I told him he could make better choices and made him help me polish the silver."
Felicity laughed while he winced, remembering all too well long afternoons spent in the kitchen under Raisa's disappointed and unwavering eye.
"A hidden talent I didn't know he had. I'll have to remember that."
Raisa let out a small laugh as well, "Let's just hope this little one doesn't have his or hers father's habit of getting into trouble."
Felicity ran a soft hand over her belly, "It may be too late for that."
Oliver decided he'd eavesdropped long enough and walked the rest of the way into the room, "Don't let her fool you, Raisa, she's almost as much trouble as I am," he said with a wink, loving how Felicity's head snapped his direction, and the way her eyes lit when she saw him.
"Mister Oliver!" Raisa exclaimed and he could see the thread of apprehension in her face, wondering if she'd said too much.
He lay a calming hand on her shoulder and smiled, "Thank you, I've been telling her all day not to listen to the news."
She nodded and looked back at Felicity, pushing the tray a little further onto the bed, "Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"No, but thank you for the pep talk, and the insider info on this guy," Felicity said in a stage whisper.
Raisa bid them goodnight and he waited until he heard the door shut before he slid onto the bed next to her, his knee just brushing her bent leg. She'd changed, he noted. Into the shirt he'd taken off earlier it seemed and he knew he'd never get over the image of her wearing his clothes. She'd taken his offer of helping herself to his shirts seriously.
"You're working too hard," he admonished lightly with a nod to the multiple screens she must have shut when Raisa came in but was now in the process of reopening.
"I'm in the most comfortable bed on the planet, surrounding by ridiculously expensive linens and have Raisa plying me with baked goods, " she added with a nod to the tray that had been pushed to the side, "I don't think you can call this hard,"
"You know what I mean," his hand found warm skin where it peeked out from under the hem of the shirt, his thumb drawing slow circle over the top of her thigh, "And you really shouldn't be watching the news."
"I know, I know. I knew it was stupid when I turned it on but I couldn't help it."
"Well tomorrow they'll have the trial to focus on," he'd meant to try and make her feel better, but he knew the trial brought its own set of potential problems.
"I'm not sure that helps," she said dejectedly, slumping back against the pillows. "But I do think I'm close with the Count." one hand waved towards her tablet, "I think I might know where he's set up shop again, but he's being even more careful this time. There's also some strange rumblings on the street. Hospitals and SCPD are showing an uptick in cases but...not sure it's connected yet."
She stifled a yawn with the back of her hand and he had to resist the urge to shut the screens and demand she call it a night, but he knew it wouldn't be received well. So he decided to to try a different tactic.
Leaning in he brushed his lips over the shell of her ear, loving how he could feel her shiver from his touch.
"Are you trying to distract me?"
"Never," he muttered, moving to the top of her jaw and down until she turned her head and gave him a kiss that was over all too soon.
She pulled back, wrinkling her nose, "Go get a shower, and then you can come see if any of your super powers include figuring out how to get me off," her face flushed red, "Off my computers I meant," she cleared her throat and dropped her eyes before she looked back up at him, "Although...if your skill set includes other definitions of that phrase...I'd be willing to find out," her eyes had darkened, and that spark of desire that was always there with them flared to life.
Moving slowly and deliberately he worked his mouth over hers, tongue stroking her lips as she opened willingly. "I'd be more than happy to demonstrate," he said against her, and her answering groan had him hard in an instant.
It took every ounce of his willpower to pull back. "I won't be long," he promised, forcing himself to leave the bed and not look back.
The shower was quick and cooler than he was used to, but when he came out, he let out a long exhale.
She was sound asleep. Propped against the pillows, head turned to the side, mouth slightly open with her glasses halfway down her nose. She looked delicate and fragile. It was the two hands draped over her middle that served as a reminder of her inner strength.
Moving quietly, he shut the screens and placed the devices on the side table. Her glasses followed and soon enough he was sliding the covers out from beneath her. He slipped both arms under her body and shifted her down, the need he'd had earlier to have her dissipating as she hummed low in her throat and turned into his touch. He couldn't fault her for her exhaustion.
For a long time he lay there just holding her; holding them. His hand stroked over her belly, feeling the taut pull of skin, and the firmness that lay beneath wondering what it would be like when he could feel the baby move.
He fell asleep to thoughts of lazy mornings in bed, and blonde curls and blue eyes laughing as he tossed them in the air. And for several hours it drowned out the worry of what the next few days would bring.