A/N: So as I have a little time you get the next chapter earlier in the day :D! Fair warning there are a lot of feels coming from now till the end (I'm sorry in advance!) and as always I love to hear what you think :), I hope you enjoy :).

Felicity bolted up, the duvet fell from around her. She was struggling to breath; sweat was dripping off her as she gasped for air. The next thing she knew the door had opened but without her glasses and the darkness of the room she couldn't see. She felt strong hands on her arms and she pulled away instinctively

"Felicity it's just me breathe, okay?" She heard him before she saw him and there he was sitting in front of her. He made no attempt to touch her again but instead he reassured her "you're safe, nothing's happening, it's all okay, I'm here" slowly his words calmed her, her breathing returning to normal

"Thank... You... How did you know?"

"I heard screaming, shouting"

"Oh" she dropped her head into her hands, he gently grabbed her wrists, and she didn't pull away this time which he was thankful for

"It's okay... You can talk ab-"

"No I'm fine" she jumped in

"Felicity what did you say to me?"

"But this is embarrassing and..."

"And nothing, you've been here for me so let me do the same for you" he smiled tenderly "How long have you been having nightmares?"

"On and off since that night, but the doctor said it's normal. My brains trying to piece the whole night back together... I mean I remember most of it now"

"The doctor?" he frowned

"Yes I went to have my stitches removed yesterday when I saw Detective, well I should say Captain now, Lance..."

"Felicity" he said grinning as she went off on a tangent "you went to the hospital yesterday? I could have come"

"Oliver it's fine you can't always be there especially when I go back to... Gotham" he let go of her then, running a hand over the back of his neck

"I... I know, but you got that injury because of me I could have been there"

"Oliver seriously it's fine, I should probably get back to sleep" she said trying to pull the duvet back over her but Oliver grabbed it

"Felicity stop avoiding the conversation and talk to me. I know it's painful and it'll be hard for me to hear but talk about it... The nightmare I mean" she let her head drop in defeat

"It... It's all mix of real and not, I know that... But it's embarrassing. I don't think you wanna hear it"

"Felicity you have sat and listened to me theses last few days I'm sure I can handle whatever it is" he looked at her with honesty. She pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them

"It starts the same. Slade's there, we think Daniels been killed but he hasn't and we're back in QC..." She didn't look at him, he just sat there listening, watching her "everything's the same up until he goes to stab you and I... I don't make it in time" he sees her screw her eyes up fighting back the tears and horrible images "he gets you and you... You're bleeding in my arms"

"Hey it's okay I'm here..." She looked up at him with a watery smile

"I tell you, you have everything to live for, to fight for. That you're going to grow old and be happy, I want you to be happy..." He smiles a little "then it changes and I'm in your arms, and I'm dying and I... I tell you I want you to carry on, I remember telling you to carry on"

"You did say that" he smiled at her reassuringly "and I'm trying to now because of you" he put his hand out squeezing her forearm wrapped around herself

"I... I remember you trying to stop the bleeding. I remember the tears. I don't remember the pain" Oliver stared at her trying not to think about nearly losing her "until you..." She looked away then

"Until I what?" He frowned "you can tell me anything"

"I remember it going dark and all I can hear in the darkness is you... You shouting"

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No but... This is the embarrassing part" he frowns, as she looks up "you... You shout I love you..." He felt his lungs tighten. She had heard him. He froze unsure what to say. In that time his expression went stoic, causing Felicity to panic and fill the silence "I mean I know you love me, not love love but just you know care and love me as a friend like Diggle, Tommy, Sara, and Laurel... I'm just someone you spend a lot of time with, who you have learnt to love and I'm the same with all of you. Hence why I miss you guys and I mean it's no big deal Oliver. It's just a nightmare, it's not like you actually said it..."

"I said it" he whispered, it was almost inaudible but it stopped Felicity dead in her tracks. His own eyes went wide as he realised what he had said

"What?!" was all she could get out. Oliver didn't know how to respond. He loved her. But he can't be with her. After a few moments of silence Felicity's brain kicked in again "I did get stabbed, so makes sense that you say that in the moment. Especially that situation but like I said we're friends, we care about each other, right?" She was giving him an out, a legitimate out. He could easily agree with her and go back to how it was. But the other part of him wanted her, yet he knew she had Daniel. Then again why would this matter

"Yes but I really care about you"

"Yes like you care about John-" He cut her off

"I don't care about Dig like I do you, yeh he's like family but I care about you differently"

"Well yes cause I'm a girl"

"No I love you both, care about you both, but you... It's different" he was trying to say it without actually saying it. She stared at him. His featured had softened, and then it hit her like a ton of bricks. Oliver Queen was try to tell her he loved her. Oliver Queen loved Felicity Smoak. Her jaw flew open in shock, how was she supposed to deal with this information? She had Daniel, she was happy with him, moving in with him. She stared into Olivers eye but she couldn't stop the anger building

"Get out" she said calmly, he frowned

"What?"

"Get out Oliver"

"Felicity you do realise what I just told you?" He went to touch her hand but she pulled away standing up instead, to put more difference between them

"You can't just tell someone you love them, especially when that someone's in a relationship" She said with rage. Oliver stood himself, but did not step closer to her

"I... I just that wasn't my aim, I… I can't lie to you" she crossed her arms

"You can't just spring that on me and expect me to be okay with it Oliver" she was getting louder "I have Daniel, I'm happy with him. You know that, yet still you said it... What were you expecting me to do? Stay here, leave Daniel behind, or just leave with Daniel like it never happened? Because either way how selfish can you be" he frowned

"Felicity there is no intentions, I just… I need to tell you the truth. It wasn't said to make you stay or go, or to confuse or change things, because if we're truthful, I can't ever be with you. So there is no choice, no intention, nothing" he said it so calmly

"What do you mean you can't ever be with me?" it was the only thing that Felicity could think, it slipped from her mouth before it even registered

"You know why" She rolled her eyes "I... I'm sorry if I've upset you"

"Just go, Oliver..." She turned her back on him

"Feli… city?" He dragged her name out

"No, this changes things Oliver... And you know it! You can't say that and expect it not to" she could hear him let out a long breath

"Fine, I'll go back to my room but... I'm still going to be here for you, even with Daniel, because nothing has changed for me. Goodnight Felicity" she heard the door close. She stood there still shocked. Oliver loved her. How had that even happened? And worse there was no easy way forward now.

She closed her eyes trying to ground herself. Right now her heart was pounding, she was tired, she still felt the after-effects of the nightmare and she just wanted to sleep. So she crawled back in to bed, burying herself in the sheets. She would deal with this tomorrow, god knows how, but when she woke up she'd figure it out.

Oliver didn't sleep well that night, instead he found himself working out trying to drain away the adrenaline. But nothing seemed to work. Before he knew it, it was 9am and his press conference was in another hour. He got ready and there was a light knock on his door. He opened it and there stood Felicity in a smart navy dress, hair pulled back, glasses on and tablet in hand. She walked in

"Right breakfast before we go. Theas gone back to school, yes Dig arranged body guards. He'll pick us up and drive us to QC; we'll see Walter then do the press conference in front of the building. I have your approved speech here with me. The press aren't asking questions, well they aren't supposed to. Every ones going to be there to support you-"

"Felicity" he cut her off

"Including Laurel, Sara, Tomm-"

"Felicity" he said with more force. She stopped this time looking at him "are we going to talk about last night?"

"What's the point Oliver?" She said her expression blank

"Because clearly what I sa-"

"Stop. Just stop Oliver. It's unthinkable, you and me I mean" he opened his mouth to speak but she put a hand up before he could say anything "Oliver Queen, billionaire, playboy, businessman turned vigilante and me, IT extraordinaire, plain, simple, poor... It's just unthinkable, I can imagine the back lash from the press now" she turned away taking a deep breath "this is the thing Oliver, I'm with Daniel, and I'm moving in with Daniel, I'm leaving today..."

"Good"

"Excuse me?" She spun around to face him

"I told you last night, it doesn't change anything for me. I just thought you deserved to know..." He was letting her go; he loved her enough to give her the chance of a normal life. A happy life

"I..."

"You deserve the chance to have a happy, normal life and Daniel is that" She blinked. Her brain churning; not only did Oliver Queen love her, but he loved her enough to let her go, to be without him. She frowned about to speak when Oliver walked over to the door "so breakfast?" She nodded.

She knew that was the end of the conversation, knew he'd not want to bring this up again but Felicitys head hurt. Her brain couldn't quite figure out everything but she knew she wanted to be happy and Daniel made her happy, didn't he?

They ate breakfast Oliver reading his speech making alterations, and both keeping conversation business related. Diggle arrived picking both up and headed to QC.

They entered through the back due to the mass media presence at the front. Walter and some board members were there to welcome them reminding Oliver of his need to change his public image. Whilst Felicity spoke to the board, Walter took Oliver to one side

"They'd be so proud of you Oliver" Walter said with tears glistening in his eyes. Oliver merely smiled "I know they gave you a hard time, in particular your father, but they always loved you... And they'd be proud of these decisions you've made"

"Would they Walter? Because I don't want to be them, work before everything, everyone" he glanced in Felicitys direction "And I didn't make these decisions alone" Walter followed his gaze

"Ah... That's the thing Oliver; you aren't your parents, so you have to do things your way... And that's a balance you have to find in your life" he put his hand on his shoulder "and we all need a partner in life to point us in the right direction" he nodded in Felicitys path letting go of his shoulder "good job she's a part of your life"

"I just think it will be a challenge. What if I can't be all these parts of me? And she isn't, not like that. She... She's leaving today actually"

"But the best things are hard and worth fighting for" he gave him a little smile "Oliver we all have various sides to us but we are 1 person, there aren't separate parts they're all you" then he frowned "Oh I thought Miss Smoak was happy here?"

"I know" he didn't want to think about that "She is, was... She's moving in with her boyfriend Mr Jones, in Gotham. She's getting her life back" he half heartedly smiled

"Oh, well I'll give her my best" he smiled taking a step towards her before turning back to him "and sometimes Oliver it takes time for the heart to realise what it truly wants but a little push doesn't hurt" he winked and turned back walking off in Felicitys direction.

As Oliver stepped outside QC it was manic, the podium for him was just before the steps, security all around and press below. Behind the press were people of the city gathering around probably to see the latest antics of Oliver Queen. He could see Tommy, Laurel, and Sara off to one side where some QC employees also stood. The police were there as well helping security.

Oliver froze he didn't move after he walked out and saw the mass crowd. Felicity was by his side in seconds as she saw his stoic face appear. She turned him to face her so his back faced the crowd

"All you have to do is read the speech and go" he nodded "I know this must be weird I mean you probably haven't done one of these since you were younger but I promise it's not that bad"

"I just... I've never done this without my parents guidance" he said so quietly Felicity could just hear him

"Well you have me for that" she smiled trying to get one in return but then she saw his eyes, the flash of sadness pain and loneliness, like the boy on the bridge all those years ago

"Not after today" he said even quieter. Without thought of the press or people around them, Felicity placed her hand over his heart

"Then follow what's in here... I know you'll need to use your head too but for this you need to be Oliver. The one I know who is everything and he, he uses his heart" she smiled and he looked at her hand on his chest. Then she pulled away blushing "plus everything is wrote down for you now. So go get 'em" she grinned. He smiled back, taking a big breath and plastering on his fake smile, the one felicity hated so much. He walked to the podium pulling out his speech

"Ladies and gentlemen, the media, whoever else may be listening. I'm stood here today..." He looked around him all the citys press there for him, not for helping the city. He glanced around at Laurel, Tommy, and Sara smiling back at him. He turned to see Walter, Felicity, and Diggle stood together. Diggle nodded and Walter gave him a knowing grin. Felicity smiled at him, mouthing just read

"To read this speech" he held up the piece of paper and folded it neatly placing it in his jacket pocket "but someone once told me that the best things come from the heart so here goes" he took a deep breath "most of you will have seen me in the press, the irresponsible idiot who went missing for 3 years... Well that's the old me" he placed his hands on either side of the podium for support "after events recent and past, I have changed, I am continuing to change. So I'm here today to tell you all that I will not be the CEO of Queen Consolidated" some of the crowd gasped "instead I am appointing Walter Steele" he pointed to him "as the head of the company, his work over the years has proved he is more than capable so he deserves this" the crowd erupted into applause as Walter took a step forward waved and then went back "I will continue to own QC, to attend meetings, be the face of the company, and learn from Mr Steele so one day I can potentially take the head of the company my father built, to make him proud" he let his head drop then as he fought back the tears "but I am not my father. It might take me longer to get there and to juggle so much of my life"

"What about the club Mr Queen?"

"Is it true you were in rehab?"

"Where were you when you father died?" The press shouted various questions and Felicity walked over about to speak when he looked her in the eyes

"It's okay" he whispered

"You don't need to answer anything" he smiled and nodded as she walked back over to Walter and Diggle

"Are you and Miss Smoak involved?" Another member of the press shouted

"I co-own Verdant, Tommy Merlyn owns it too. We are a partnership, so my responsibilities are being spread but I have extra help which is good" he took a breath "because right now, my sister needs me more. We both lost our parents and we need time. I wasn't in rehab; my leg was injured the night my father was killed. He died in my arms just like my mother" the press fell silent as the crowd gasped "so I ask, for her sake more than mine, you leave us to grieve and you will see less of me in stupid situations from now on. I need to be more responsible" he took a deep breath to steady himself
"I and Miss Smoak are not involved. She was promoted on her merit alone. She would probably be more adequate at running this place than I. She is my friend, and like my other friends, she's been here for me whilst I grieve. So I need to thank you all, all for coping with me, for helping me in this time of need and for Thea too" he looked around at all his friends giving them genuine smiles.
Then he turned to face Felicity whose eyes were wide at this point "I know you all probably think I'm lying about Miss Smoak but I'm not, she is too good for an idiot like me" he faced the crowd now "she has helped me more since my return than anyone, she has supported me through these hard times and she is leaving our company to pursue her own life so" he turned to her now "thank you" he clapped and the crowd did too. She blushed dipping her head in embarrassment.

When the crowd finally calmed down he turned back around "so thank you for taking the time out of your days to listen to me. But one final thing, this city needs helping, it is more important than gossip on me. So QC is going to support projects to help rebuild the city. And I, I'm going to throw a gala to raise money to help further projects, in honour of my mother and father, not right now. Because well I and Thea need time but it's a promise I will make right here, I, Oliver Queen, will do everything I can to help this city. Thank you" he nodded stepping back as the crowd erupted louder than ever before. He walked back inside, the others following close behind

"Marvellous speech Oliver" Walter said squeezing his shoulder "honestly your parents would be so proud of the man you are becoming and I am always here for you" he smiled

"Thank you Walter" he nodded walking off outside. Felicity looked at him; he had just publicly acknowledged they weren't sleeping together. Even though he loved her, he was literally letting her be her own person, giving her, her identity back.

She was still angry about him admitting his feelings but she felt so proud and happy, she couldn't help herself. She wrapped her arms around his middle pulling him close. He was shocked at first but then hugged back placing his face in her hair and inhaling her intoxicating scent

"Thank you Oliver" she said pulling back

"It's the least you deserved... Honestly everything you have had to deal with"

"And I would happily do it again" She smiled at him "I'm so proud of you Oliver. See you can do it alone when you follow your heart"

"Let's go home, you have to pack" he said letting his smile fade

"Yes I do"

"When do you leave?"

"Well I have to sort some things out at the flat tonight and then leave first thing in the morning, why?"

"Because we all want to say goodbye, so how about one final meal together if you want?" He asked with genuine sincerity

"Whose all?"

"Me, you, Dig, Lyla, Sara, Laurel, Tommy, Thea, Roy... Our family" she chocked back a tear then. Family. That's exactly what she felt, someplace she finally belonged. She couldn't answer she merely nodded in response.