Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you enjoyed your holidays, and thank you all for being so patient while I took a little break. Just to let you know, I'll be updating this fic every other week or so from here on out. Between real life obligations and also writing Caught in the Rapture, I've decided to space out the updates a little more. I can't say enough, though, how excited I am to be getting back to this fic. So many more things to come for Olicity and baby Connor!

I hope you like this next chapter, although you might be cursing me at the end. Lol! Flashbacks will be resuming, and I've mentioned before that past Oliver still has some Ollie in him that he needs to overcome. So I hope you guys will keep that in mind as you read. I'll explain more in the end note but enough of my babbling...on to the chapter!

Chapter 38: Free Falling

March 16, 2014

It felt good to be outside instead of cooped up in the mansion. The incessant rain over the last few days made it impossible to venture out. Combined with the fact that she was technically on house arrest, Felicity was starting to feel more than a little stir crazy. Even now as she walked the expanse of what used to be the gardens of the Queen mansion, Felicity was aware of the armed security guards along the perimeter. They didn't have to be directly looking at her for Felicity to know that they were watching her closely.

Felicity pushed Connor's carriage along another path. Although she'd only seen Oliver in passing around the mansion a couple of days after their fight, he'd made sure that she, Connor, and Sara had everything they'd needed. Somehow his men had managed to get their clothes and most of Connor's things from their home in Ivy Town.

Unlike a few days ago, the weather had once again cooled. Felicity made sure that Connor was bundled up in his jacket and hat and tucked under a blanket. His little cheeks were flushed but that was mostly from the exertion of playing with the toys dangling above him. Connor wasn't as agitated as he'd been when they first arrived, but the mansion was still unfamiliar to him. Felicity was trying to surround him with as many recognizable things as she could to help him to adjust—not that she intended to stay at the mansion for very long. Felicity's first priority was figuring out a way to get them the hell out of there.

"Hey," Sara called out. With Lucky's leash in hand, she caught up to them. "I didn't bring a doggie bag. Maybe if we're lucky, one of Oliver's guards will step in the big pile he just did."

Felicity laughed out loud at that. "Well, that's one way to exact your revenge."

"It's the little things in life," Sara joked back. Her voice lowered. "So now can you tell me this plan of yours?"

Since she wouldn't put it past her father or Oliver to bug the house, Felicity told Sara they needed to talk somewhere they wouldn't be overheard. "I'm not even sure I can call it a plan yet," Felicity mumbled. "What I need to do is get in touch with Mei."

"Mei from A.R.G.U.S.? Are you sure that's such a good idea? If your fath—Darhk," she quickly corrected at Felicity's annoyed look, "is to be believed, Waller's already got her claws into her. How do you know she can be trusted?"

"She protected me from Waller and let me escape with Connor the first time."

"Yeah, because she owed you one. But it's been over a year, Felicity. Waller would've had plenty of time to turn her against you since then."

"I know what you're saying," Felicity acknowledged, "but I'm not talking about trusting her blindly. I just need some time with her to assess the situation and see if she could still be an ally. I doubt she knows about Waller's sordid past. Either way, it'll be good to know where I stand with her and A.R.G.U.S."

"So how are you planning on getting in touch with her?" Sara questioned. "You gonna steal a phone or something?"

They hadn't been given any of their devices back yet. Oliver knew giving her any piece of technology was the equivalent of handing Felicity a gun.

"That's step one. I need the phone just long enough to call my mom."

"Okay, now I'm confused."

"I'm not going to tell her what's going on. All I'm going to say is that I'm in town for a little bit, and I'd like to see everyone. Knowing my mother, it'll take all of ten seconds to organize a family dinner at the Merlyn manor," Felicity explained. "No way will Malcolm be able to get me out of that one. My mother will have a fit if I don't show up and think something is wrong."

"You do share the same stubborn determination," Sara teased and nudged her.

"Then I'm going to call Tommy," Felicity went on. "Tell him about the dinner and encourage him to bring Mei with him."

A knowing grin formed on Sara's face. "They've been dating for a while now. It wouldn't look suspicious at all for Tommy to bring his girlfriend who was also your former co-worker to see you."

"Exactly. If I can get her alone at some point, then I can tell her some of what's going on and feel her out. Maybe A.R.G.U.S. will make a move. Maybe not. Either way, we disrupt H.I.V.E.'s plan of keeping our presence here a secret."

"We run the risk of ending up in their crosshairs if something goes down."

"We're already in as deep as we can get," Felicity muttered. "Evil father vs. killer ex-boss, remember?" Sighing, Felicity said, "I'm sorry for dragging you into this, Sara."

"Hey, don't apologize. I told you a long time ago I would always have your back." Sara placed her arm around her shoulder and gave her a squeeze. "I have no intention of losing another sister."

"Thanks." They continued hugging and walking along. Felicity's smile turned into a laugh. "Do you think this is why our neighbors thought we were a lesbian couple when we first moved in?"

Sara threw her head back and laughed. "Oh my God, that was great."

"I still can't believe you hit on Janine down the street."

"I did more than that."

Felicity's eyes widened. "Seriously? Sara, she was married!"

Shrugging, Sara stated with a satisfied grin on her face, "Maybe so, but Gabe wasn't getting the job done. I'll tell you that."

"You are so bad," Felicity playfully admonished as they approached the mansion. "So, you think you can use some of those stealth skills to get me a phone?"

"I've got it covered," Sara assured her.

No sooner had they entered the mansion did the pair run into Oliver and John. Both their faces were slick with sweat and portions of their shirts were soaked and clinging to their bodies. They must've been in the private gym training. In his casual clothes, Oliver looked even more muscular than when she'd seen him before she left Starling City. He'd obviously upped his workout routine since then. It took every ounce of willpower for Felicity not to gawk at him and ignore the surge of heat zinging through her body at the sight of him.

"Hi," Oliver tentatively greeted.

Felicity's response was equally strained. "Hi."

A moment of awkward silence passed until Lucky let out a low growl. He still hadn't warmed to either Oliver or Dig. Sara shushed him and petted his head.

"I didn't know the gym was open," Sara spoke up, for which Felicity was grateful.

"Yeah. You're welcomed to use it if you like."

"I will."

Another bout of awkward silence followed. It was finally broken when Connor made a noise and started kicking at the blanket over him. Felicity went to remove it along with his hat and coat. It was much warmer in the house.

After a quick look at Connor, Oliver said, "Felicity, do you have a minute?"

Felicity paused, unsure what to say. She couldn't avoid Oliver forever, but she also didn't think she could handle another intense conversation so soon. A part of her was still angry with herself for the way she totally broke down in front of him the other day. She'd meant to stay calm and composed, but a year's worth of pain, anger, and sadness could no longer be suppressed. The raw emotion had completely overwhelmed her.

"Actually, I was on my way upstairs to feed him."

"Good. Because that's where we need to go." He stared at her expectantly.

With a quiet sigh, Felicity nodded and picked up Connor. Sara mumbled something about finding Lucky's chew toy, but the meaningful look she gave Felicity hinted that she would be on the prowl for the perfect phone to steal. John also made himself scarce as Felicity followed Oliver to the staircase. They walked silently to their wing—the only sounds coming from Connor as he happily played with the toy in his hands. It was already covered in spit from him shoving it in his mouth. Oliver kept looking over at him every few seconds, his expression unreadable.

Felicity headed toward her bedroom, which had previously been Thea's. After her fight with Oliver, she didn't want to keep staying in his room. It was too weird and personal. Oliver, of course, had moved into it afterward. Sara was in another guest room a few doors down.

"Over here," Oliver directed her and pointed to the closed door across the hall.

Frowning curiously, she followed him. There had been men in and out of that room for the last few days. It was under some type of construction, along with a few other parts of the mansion, because Felicity had heard hammering and tools constantly being shuffled around.

"What's in here?"

Oliver didn't say anything and instead opened the door. He walked inside and flicked on the light before stepping aside for Felicity to enter. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the nursery. It looked just like Connor's room back in Ivy Town, including the blue and yellow duckling wallpaper. His crib, the rocking chair, changing table, and his toys, some new, were all in their designated spots. Even the pictures on the wall were the same.

"Oliver…" Completely taken off guard, Felicity was speechless.

"You mentioned the other day that he was having a difficult time adjusting. I know Connor has been sleeping with you in your room, but I thought this would help. I had the baby monitor and camera installed, too," Oliver added. "So we can keep an eye on him."

"Not your men—" she began, slightly panicked.

"No," he reassured her. "Just you and me."

Felicity nodded, placated. "Okay."

"I've only given Dig and Raisa permission to be near him, if that's okay with you."

"I'm okay with that," she agreed. Raisa, despite her Bratva ties, was a very kind woman and John had proven himself by taking care of Connor when Felicity had been knocked out.

Connor made a sound and shifted in her arms. He held his toy out for Oliver.

Oliver's voice instantly softened, as did the expression on his face. "Is this for me?"

Felicity watched the exchange as Oliver, tentatively, took it and started teasing him with it. Connor, always eager to play, shrieked and reached for the toy again. His dimpled grin lit up his entire face, simultaneously warming her heart and making it ache.

"He seems like a very happy baby," Oliver commented, never taking his eyes off of him. He let Connor grip the toy for a few seconds before pulling it back. Felicity tightened her hold on him as he leaned forward in an attempt to go after it.

"He is," Felicity confirmed.

"I'm glad he got that from you." He sounded relieved.

The comment tugged at something deep inside her, but Felicity brushed it aside. "He's very active. Loves to play and meet new people. He's got a set of lungs, though."

The corner of his mouth quirked up. "I've noticed." After handing Connor back his toy, Oliver finally met her gaze with a piercing one of his own. "He's beautiful, Felicity."

There was that tug again. Her heart raced. "Thank you," she murmured and then gestured to the nursery. "For all of this."

"You're welcome."

"Since you went through all this trouble, I'm assuming this means we won't be allowed to leave anytime soon."

Oliver's posture immediately stiffened. "It's not safe, Felicity."

"So I've been told."

"You were attacked the other night and almost abducted."

"I know that, Oliver. But you also can't keep us trapped here forever."

"It's not forever, and I'm not trying to trap you. I'm trying to protect you," he countered.

"As usual, we differ on the best way to do that. What else did my fath—Darhk"—she caught herself just in time—"order you to do?"

"It doesn't matter. My top priority right now is you, Connor, and Sara. He might not want you to leave, but he doesn't control what goes on in this house. I'm doing everything I can to make sure you're all comfortable," Oliver explained.

"As long as we're being kept here against our will and surrounded by a bunch of Bratva and H.I.V.E. goons, we're not going to be comfortable, Oliver."

"And if you are allowed to leave then what?" Oliver challenged. "I know you, Felicity. You'll try to shake the security detail and run off again with my son."

"Oh, so now he's your son?" Felicity remarked. She kept her voice level but the tiniest tremble belied the undercurrent of exasperation. "You've barely been around him since we got here. You won't even hold him."

"I'm just doing what you said. You don't want me infecting him with my darkness, remember?" Oliver edgily shot back. "I am, after all, just like your father, right?" He was angry but the kicked puppy expression on his face and way he was rubbing his fingers together at his sides told Felicity that he was hurt more than anything.

She opened her mouth to object but nothing came out. That was basically what she'd told him, and she still wasn't sure whether that was true or not. Oliver said he was protecting them, and the nursery was a nice gesture, but whose side was he on this week? At one point, Felicity would've trusted her heart and sworn that Oliver had her back. But as long as Darhk was in control and pulling the strings, Felicity didn't think she could silence the doubts. If Oliver had lied to her and betrayed her once in some misguided attempt to save her, he could do it again.

Connor patted her chest and pulled at her shirt, calling her attention back to him. "I need to feed him," Felicity said dismissively.

Any trace of emotion was gone, and Oliver was as hard as stone again. "Let me know if you require anything else," he replied brusquely before walking out.

Felicity sighed and sat in the rocking chair to nurse. Connor settled in much easier now, already feeling at home in the replica of his room. Felicity envied his innocence, wishing so badly in that moment that she could forget everything and do the same.

July 8, 2007

Mere seconds after ringing the doorbell, Oliver was being pulled into the Queen mansion and enveloped in a tight embrace from his mother. "Hey, Mom," he greeted, somewhat taken aback. She must've been waiting by the door for him in order to answer it so quickly.

"Oh, my beautiful boy. I've missed you."

"Mom, it's only been a week," Oliver chuckled and patted her back. "Everything okay?"

Moira placed her hand on his face and looked at him. "Of course. I'm sorry, Oliver. I guess I'm still shaken from what happened at QC. Then you went away on the trip and…you can't blame a mother for worrying."

"I'm fine, Mom," Oliver reassured her. "How's Dad?"

"Bored," Robert interjected as he hobbled into the foyer on crutches.

His mother tsked under her breath. "Your father really is the worst patient. If not for the doctor's orders that he get some rest, he would be rejoining you in the office tomorrow."

"I've rested enough, Moira," his father grumbled, sounding an awful lot like a petulant child. Oliver bit back a grin. "We've got work to do if we're going to get the stock prices back up."

She flitted her hand at him dismissively. "The company will be fine. I'm going to the office and meeting up with Walter tomorrow to discuss our options." His father opened his mouth to protest when she added, "You can video conference in, of course. The beauty of modern technology is that you don't have to leave your home to be useful."

Robert was somewhat placated, though he couldn't suppress one last grumble. Shaking his head, he turned to his son. "Oliver, how are you doing, son?" He also hugged him and slapped his back. "Save any more people while you were away in Ivy Town?"

"No. Thankfully, Ivy Town is much too boring for that."

"Well, you're still the hero here," Moira told him. "Which is why we wanted to celebrate. I've instructed Raisa to make all of your favorites for brunch today."

Oliver didn't know what had come over his parents. They'd doted on him a lot over the years—at times he wasn't sure he even deserved it—but this was different. They actually looked…proud of him. Genuinely proud. Oliver wasn't prepared for the way it made him feel. There was an unfamiliar sense of contentedness that washed over him, helping to dissolve some of the anguish he'd felt from his conversation with Laurel yesterday. She'd accused him of failing—or worse, not even trying—to live up to his parents' expectations. This was the one time that she was actually wrong.

Unused to this type of praise, Oliver deflected and asked, "Where's Speedy?"

"Right here. You're late as usual, Ollie. I'm starving," his little sister griped.

"Thea," Moira gently scolded.

"What? I am. If you give him too many compliments, it'll go straight to his already oversized head," she joked. Seconds later, she shrieked in protest when he affectionately ruffled her hair. "Ollie!"

Moira's expression was a cross between a frown and a grin at their childish behavior. "All right you two. Let's all go into the dining room before the food gets cold."

Raisa had prepared a feast fit for a king—or Queen rather. There was so much food, and it all smelled delicious. He really hadn't been expecting this. "Wow, you could feed half the city with all of this."

"I instructed Raisa to make extra. I thought you and Tommy would like some leftovers."

"You thought right," Oliver told his mother. Tommy would be thrilled.

Their conversation while eating was pleasant. Oliver couldn't remember the last time they'd all been together and talking like a normal family. They laughed at some joke Thea had learned at camp and later on again when his father was being a difficult patient. He didn't want any more pain meds when Raisa brought them to him. His mother warned that if he didn't take them, then she'd start crushing them up in his food like they do with dogs.

"Speaking of, when can we get a puppy?" Thea interjected.

Moira replied, "Thea, we are still recovering from the time you brought home that stray cat."

"He was cute."

"He was filthy and mean," Moira pointed out.

"Then we'll make sure to get a clean and cute puppy this time."

Moira appeared as if she was about to object when Robert interrupted. "We'll think about it," he promised her, exchanging a look with his wife.

"Keep working on them," Oliver whispered to his sister. "Eventually they'll cave."

"I know," Thea murmured confidently. "I'll have that puppy before the summer is over."

"What are you two whispering about over there?" Moira inquired.

"Nothing," they answered simultaneously. Of course, that only made their mother more suspicious.

"Oliver," Robert spoke up, "your mother and I wanted to run something by you."

The forkful of eggs that had been heading toward Oliver's mouth paused in mid-air. It was never a good thing when his parents got "ideas" concerning him. "What?"

"We were thinking of holding some kind of ceremony or event at QC to honor your bravery. Maybe even invite the press. It would be a great way to boost morale and show that we're moving forward."

"Like a PR stunt?" he asked, feeling uneasy.

"No, of course not," his mother denied. "Sweetheart, we are so proud of you and we think it's only right that we acknowledge that."

"Then why do you need the press there?"

"They don't have to be if you don't want," his father said and took a sip of his coffee. "But some of the press was involved in the hostage crisis that day, so we thought it would be good to include them."

Oliver wasn't sure what to think. As much as he wanted his parents' praise, he felt weird about them making a big event out of a tragedy. He was well aware that the PR team at QC was in crisis mode since that day. The reports of Oliver and the SCPD saving the day were interspersed with speculation and criticism about QC's new quantum processor and the failure in adequate security.

Another thought occurred to Oliver. "Well, if you're going to honor me, then you should also do the same for Felicity," he told them. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without her."

"Felicity refused to be identified by the press," his mother reminded him.

Oliver wasn't accepting that, especially since he knew his mother wasn't that keen on Felicity. The evidence was on Thea's face as she readjusted her fake nose ring. "Have you asked her?"

"We should," Robert agreed with his son. "She seemed like a lovely girl when I met her. Clearly, she's brilliant. I'll have Walter call her in to the office tomorrow to discuss it."

After brunch, they all went out on the terrace. The weather was sunny but not overly humid, which made having dessert outside a nice change of scenery. Oliver got a text from Felicity at some point asking if he wanted to meet up later. His usual desire for her swirled with another weird sense of panic. He texted her back and said that he was spending the rest of the day with his sister. Thea had been surprised when Oliver suggested afterward that they hang out. They hadn't been as close since he moved out—not that Oliver was always home anyway when he was living at the mansion. His mother suggested that he stay the night and go into QC with her in the morning. Oliver agreed, latching onto any excuse not to go back to the loft. He didn't know how he'd feel if Felicity showed up or if Tommy questioned where he'd been last night. Oliver needed some time away to think.

Later that evening, he and Thea ended up in the living room watching movies and binging on snacks. In the middle of their movie marathon, Oliver got another text. He fully expected it to be from either Felicity or Tommy but was surprised when it was from Laurel. She said that she needed to talk to him and that it was important. Remembering how distraught she'd been the night before, Oliver told her to come to the Queen mansion. It was the only place they would have some semblance of privacy, and he was curious about what more she could possibly have to say after their massive fight.

A half hour later, the doorbell rang and Raisa let Laurel in. She brought her to the living room, and Oliver immediately took in her appearance. Unlike last night, Laurel was calmer and more put together. She wore jeans and a t-shirt, full makeup, and had her hair down and wavy. Oliver would think she was her normal self if he didn't know any better.

"Laurel, hey," Thea greeted in surprise. "I didn't know you were coming over."

"Sorry to interrupt."

"No, it's fine. We were just having a movie marathon if you want to join us," Oliver offered.

Laurel smiled. It wasn't as bright as usual but it was genuine. "I'd like that." She took a seat next to Oliver and accepted the bag of gummy worms Thea passed to her.

Aside from a few glib comments about the events on screen, they watched the rest in silence. Both he and Laurel were tense, but it didn't seem to be the result of residual anger. It was born of awkwardness and uncertainty.

"Well, I think I've had enough for the night," Thea announced and stood up, stretching. "I'll give you two some alone time." She shot a sympathetic look to her brother. She must've picked up on some of the tension. Thea was way too observant for her own good sometimes.

"Night, Speedy," Oliver called after her. He glanced back at Laurel, who was coyly staring at her hands. Unused to seeing her so subdued, Oliver knew that this was probably going to be another tough conversation. "I was surprised to hear from you."

"I know."

"What did you want to talk about?"

Finally looking up, Laurel asked, "Do you think we can go to your room first?" Noticing his hesitation, she explained, "What I have to say, I'd like to keep private."

"Sure." Oliver led the way upstairs, sneaking peeks at the brunette every few seconds. Laurel looked even more nervous than before. He shut the door behind them and waited for her to begin.

Taking a breath, Laurel declared, "I owe you an apology." Oliver did a double take. He definitely hadn't been expecting that. "I know we've been having problems lately, and I think part of the reason is that I haven't been completely honest with you."

Oliver took a seat on his bed and patted the spot beside him for her to sit. "What's going on?"

She came right out with it. "My parents are getting a divorce."

"Oh, wow," he said in shock. "I'm so sorry, Laurel." Even though he didn't get along with Laurel's father, Oliver still secretly admired him. He had a tough exterior, but there was nothing he wouldn't do for his wife and daughters. Quentin and Dinah had always seemed so loving around each other, and Oliver could admit that he envied their "picture perfect" family. Apparently, appearances were deceiving.

"Everything seemed fine. They fought sometimes, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. My dad would still make my mom's favorite dinner, and she would rub his shoulders when he had a hard day at work," Laurel recounted. "Then, out of the blue, my mom asks my dad for a divorce. She completely blindsided him. Sara and I could sense something was wrong, but he didn't tell us right away. I think he was trying to talk my mom out of it."

"Did she say why?"

"She met someone else. Some other professor at SCU. I don't know how long the affair has been going on, but she moved out of the house last month and has been shacking up with him ever since," she explained, barely disguising her anger. "My father started drinking, and it's turned into a problem."

"Laurel…" He reached for her hand and was relieved when she actually accepted it.

"He's at the bar most nights." Her voice shook, and she swiped at a few stray tears. "Sara and I have been taking turns bringing him home. I had to call into work the other day and say he was sick. He was so hungover he couldn't even get out of bed."

"Was he drunk the day of the explosion?" There was nothing that seemed out of the ordinary to Oliver when he'd been talking to him on the phone. Detective Lance sounded coherent when giving Oliver instructions to help take out the bombers.

"He wasn't drunk, but he was hungover. Didn't stop him from going back for more that night, though," she said bitterly.

"Why didn't you tell me any of this?"

"Because I was ashamed, and you never seemed to notice anything was wrong with me. You wanted to take a break, and I didn't want to force you into anything. I thought maybe you were going through something like my mom, but unlike her you at least were being honest about it. I didn't want you to completely cut me out, so I agreed." Laurel continued, "But then I felt you pulling away as things were getting worse at home and…I don't know. The more I couldn't control what was going on with my parents the more I clung to what I had with you. Everything came to a head in Ivy Town, and I know I was projecting my insecurities on you. I should've believed that you wouldn't go with Samantha. Like you said, you were dealing with your own issues from the explosion."

Oliver felt a tsunami of guilt. He might not have been with Samantha, but he had hooked up with Felicity. A part of him knew he still wouldn't have been able to resist her. The pull was too damn strong after their kiss. But if Laurel had told him what was going on, maybe he could've been more attentive and supportive of her. She deserved that much after all of the years they'd been friends.

"You weren't wrong last night," Oliver admitted. "I am selfish and out of touch—"

Laurel was shaking her head. "No, I was out of line. I can't expect honesty from you and then not give it in return. I was feeling sorry for myself, and I wrongfully took it out on you—especially since you were doing what I'd hoped for all along. You came to check on me and see if I was okay, and I threw it back in your face. I'm sorry, Oliver," she apologized.

The guilt only increased, because Oliver hadn't actually noticed what was going on. He'd been in a blissful bubble with Felicity ever since Ivy Town. It was Tommy who'd told him about Laurel and urged him to go to her. Oliver sighed quietly to himself. "I owe you an apology, too. I haven't been a good boyfriend or friend to you. That's totally on me."

Laurel squeezed his hand. "Thanks, Ollie."

"If you do need anything, let me know. Okay?"

Tears still spilled from her eyes, but she smiled gratefully and wound her arms around his neck. Sensing how much she needed the support, Oliver drew her closer and rubbed her back. Laurel clung to him tightly and buried her head in his neck. They stayed like that for a few minutes. It felt good to finally come to an understanding with Laurel. Just like older, happier times.

As they pulled away, Laurel paused and looked up at him. Her glassy brown eyes took him in before drifting down to his lips. She raised her hand to his face, and Oliver closed his eyes. The anxiety he'd been feeling all day lessened at Laurel's touch. The free fall he'd been in seemed to stop, and his mind quieted at the comfort and familiarity she gave him. The first touch of her lips was a shock, and he stiffened for a second.

"Oliver," Laurel murmured, barely above a whisper. "You said if I need anything to tell you."

He opened his eyes, instantly recognizing the desire staring back at him. "Yeah."

"I don't want to lose you," she breathed, her voice cracking. "I want to try and be us again." Before he could respond, Laurel pressed her lips more firmly to his.

Oliver didn't know what was happening. He didn't know what he was feeling or why he started kissing Laurel back. All he did know was that he needed to feel like himself again. He needed to be in control. And most importantly, he needed to stop falling.

A/N: Are you guys cursing yet? Not to sound too much like Stephen Amell after 5x09, but I did want to let you guys know that Lauriver only kiss in that last scene. I know some readers might be upset by it, but Olicity are not perfect in this fic. And although we know that FB Olicity dated and loved each other very much, they both had to work at it then, too. I've always wanted to explore the toxicity of the Lauriver relationship, and part of Oliver's challenge in the flashbacks is recognizing and breaking that cycle of behavior. But if you guys still want to be mad and throw things at him, I wouldn't blame you. I wanted to slap him upside the head while writing it, too! Looking forward to your comments, even if they are just to rage. ;)