Thanks so much for reading. Even though Felicity and Steve Rogers will NEVER be a couple in TV land, it's fun to play with characters we love. Enjoy!
Chapter 8: Because You're Worth It
******New York-Same Day******
Steve waited impatiently for Natasha to arrive. Finally, his doorbell rang. He opened it, surprised to see Clint with her.
"I didn't realize you were in town," he said to Clint.
Natasha smiled knowingly as they stepped into his apartment. "Well, Clint knows more about seducing and satisfying women than I do, so I figured he could help," she said with a wink.
"If you'd rather talk to Nat alone, it's not a big deal," Clint said with an easy smile.
"No, it's fine. I need all the help I can get," he said with a sigh. "Please have a seat. Need a drink or anything?"
"I'll get it," Natasha said, heading toward his small kitchen. "I did bring the good vodka the last time I was here."
Steve finally smiled. Natasha did like her vodka.
"So what's going on?" Clint asked. "Did you and your girlfriend—who I've not met yet—have a fight?"
"No, not exactly," Steve replied, looking slightly confused.
Natasha came into the living room with three tumbler glasses that she'd bought after her first visit months ago. "What did you do?" she asked as she put the glasses on the coffee table and began to pour.
"I'm not exactly sure," Steve admitted. "Things have been so amazing between us. She's so perfect, so wonderful that I'm still in awe."
"I'm so going to have to meet the woman that can put that look on Cap's face," Clint remarked, grinning.
"She's a real sweetheart. Brilliant, beautiful, a bit awkward," Natasha said, smiling.
"She's not awkward," Steve defended. "She just gets carried away and babbles a bit. I find it very cute."
"So do I," Natasha said. She turned back to Clint. "She understands Tony when he speaks about his inventions." That said enough. Clint nodded in understanding. "She sounds great. Perfect for you, Captain. Congratulations," Clint said, happy for him. No one deserved something good more than the Captain.
"So what happened?" Natasha asked after giving him a drink and sitting on the sofa next to Clint. Steve was sitting in the chair.
"Felicity made me dinner last night," Steve shared.
"Was it bad?" Clint wondered.
"No, it was great. Everything she does is great," Steve said with a small smile. "As I was cleaning up, she got a call from one of her friends in Starling City."
"She's leaving?" Clint guessed, surprised.
"I think so," Steve said with a glum look.
"What do you mean, 'you think'?" Natasha asked. "How can you not know?"
"She said they needed her back. She was upset and crying," Steve said.
"She's upset at the thought of leaving you?" Clint asked.
Steve nodded. Then he frowned. "At first she was. Then she, like, changed. It was odd. She wasn't upset at all. She smiled and said goodnight," Steve shared.
"So you made her feel better," Clint said. "That's good."
Steve shook his head. "I don't know. She didn't seem herself. Her smile didn't reach her eyes," Steve shared. "I think she was upset with me or disappointed."
"So what did you say exactly when she told you she needed to go home?" Natasha asked.
"I told her that I'd miss her, but I understood she had to return to her work and that we'd work it out," Steve told them.
"So the woman you've been seeing constantly for the past month, the woman you're crazy about tells you she needs to go back home and your response is 'I'll miss you'?" Natasha asked, incredulous.
"That's not all I said!" Steve said defensively.
"She was crying at the thought of leaving you, and it didn't occur to you to ask her not to go?" Natasha asked.
"She has to go. She has a job that's important to her. I wouldn't expect her to give it up," Steve said.
Natasha rolled her eyes. "The woman loves you, and you say, 'I'm going to miss you.' You might as well have said, 'Don't let the door hit you on the way out!'" she said with a smirk.
Steve looked at her in disbelief. "What? That's insane! I wasn't going to say that! Nor did I mean that!" Steve exclaimed.
"That's probably how she took it," Natasha said.
"Women need to know they're special and that they matter," Clint said. "If the thought of leaving you brought her to tears, she needed to hear you would be deeply upset at her leaving."
"Exactly," Natasha agreed.
"So I should ask her to stay?" Steve asked, unsure.
"You need to make it clear that you don't want to live apart from her," Natasha said.
"Unless you really don't mind," Clint said slowly. "It's okay if you aren't heartbroken at the thought of her moving hundreds of miles away. It's okay. Sometimes a summer romance is just that. And sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder."
"I don't want to live apart from her. I've never loved a woman the way I love Felicity," Steve said firmly. "She has changed me for all time. I know I haven't known her long, but I can't imagine her not being in my life."
"So what are you going to do about it?" Natasha asked.
"What are you prepared to do?" Clint inquired.
Steve thought about it a moment. Then he replied, "Whatever it takes."
*****The Next Day*****
Felicity woke up the next day ready to finalize plans to end her vacation and head back home. A lingering listlessness made getting things done a bit harder. By ten o'clock, however, everything was ready. She thought about waiting until tomorrow and getting another night with Steve. However, staying goodbye was going to be hard enough. There was no point in dragging it out.
When the doorbell rang, she ignored it, figuring it was for Tony or Pepper. A knock sounded on her bedroom door. Thinking it was Pepper, she called out, "Come in." She returned to zipping up her suitcase.
"Felicity," a voice she immediately recognized as Steve's said. She turned in surprise.
"What...what are you doing here?" Felicity stammered.
"I wanted to see you," Steve said, stepping closer to her. "That's okay, right?"
"Yes! I mean, of course, it is!" she assured him, forcing a smile on her face. She stepped forward to embrace him. However, he held onto her shoulders, forcing her to look up at him.
"Felicity, I believe I really disappointed you with my reaction to your departure," Steve said. "I am sorry."
"Oh...well, it's okay. We've had fun together. You've made my vacation so much better," Felicity said, trying to sound casual.
"I'm sorry, honey," Steve said, apologizing again. He moved one of his hands to cup her cheek. "I've not been very clear. Let me fix that."
Felicity couldn't find her voice. His gaze was so full of love that she couldn't speak. How did she not see it before? She nodded, hoping he'd continue.
His other hand moved from her shoulder to hold one of her hands. "I love you, Felicity Megan Smoak. I love everything about you," he said with a smile. "I love your heart that is full of so much compassion and kindness. I love your mind that is so unique, so brilliant. You challenge me as much as you comfort me. In a world that often baffles me, you make sense. Being with you makes me happy like nothing has in a long time. I don't want you to go, but I love you too much to ask you to walk away from the work you are doing in Starling City. I know how much it matters to you."
As Felicity listened to his beautiful words, tears coursed down her cheek. His thumb wiped most away.
"Don't cry, sweetheart," he said, hating her tears.
"I love you, too," she said. It was the first time either of them had said those words. "How do I say goodbye to you? There's nothing good about saying bye to you!"
Unable to resist, Steve pressed his lips to her, kissing her. He wanted his kiss to show both his love and his passion. But he also wanted it to show his faith, his faith in them. He gentled the kiss that had begun so fervently. He pulled back, taking a breath. He placed one final, soft kiss on her lips, smiling warmly at her.
"I meant it when I said we'll work it out," Steve said.
"How?" she asked, wiping her eyes.
"Do you trust me?" Steve asked.
Felicity nodded. "Of course," she replied, finally smiling at him.
"Give me some time, and I'll figure out a way to keep us together," Steve told her.
"You'll move to Starling City?" Felicity asked in surprise.
"SHIELD is broken, dismantled. I'm sure it won't stay that way, but I could never trust it again," Steve said. "I'll always be a soldier. If my country needs me, I could never say no. If the Avengers need me, I'll be there."
"But you would be willing to move out of New York?" she asked, her eyes shining with hope.
"I would do whatever it takes to be close to you," Steve said. "I'm never going to let you go."
"Is this really happening?" Felicity asked. Then she groaned. "Did I say that out loud?"
He chuckled. Then he kissed her again.
When the kiss ended, Felicity said, "I've made plans to leave tonight."
"Can you wait until tomorrow? My friend Clint would love to meet you. I know Tony and Pepper would want to give you a nice dinner before you leave. Bruce and Natasha would also like to see you and say goodbye.
Felicity smiled. "I guess I can move my timetable up a day," she said, not wanting to protest. She wanted to be with him as much as possible. Now that she knew he was going to come to Starling City, goodbye would be much easier.
"Good!" Steve said, grinning.
"So what should we do until dinner time?" Felicity asked with a coy smile.
"We could go back to my place," Steve said, flashing her a look none of his friends had ever seen before.
"I think that sounds like a very good plan," she said, moving up on her tip toes to kiss him again.
*****Later that Evening*****
Pepper was glad that Felicity allowed her and Tony to treat her to a special dinner her last night in town. It'd been so good to have her stay for an extended vacation. Although Tony and Pepper were disappointed that she wanted to leave, they understood. Tony insisted he treat her and their friends to diner at Per Se, a five-star restaurant at the Time Warner Center that had an amazing view of Central Park. Tony's bank account assured them a very secluded section of the restaurant. Natasha, Clint, and Bruce joined Steve in saying goodbye.
Tony sat at the head of the table. Pepper was on his right and Bruce on his left. Felicity sat next to Pepper with Steve next to her. Natasha was directly across from Steve with Clint next to her. Felicity was very excited to meet Clint, whose reputation with a bow was legendary. It was really hard for her to refrain from asking him about his technique, his training, and his preferred bow and arrows. She was always looking for ways to give Oliver an edge.
Pepper smiled as she watched Felicity attempt to make small talk with Clint. She knew how badly Felicity was dying to get her hands on Clint's bow and arrow and make a comparison note. Feeling sorry for Felicity, she leaned over and whispered, "Don't worry, Felicity. I'll get Tony to get his specs and send them to you."
Felicity turned to her cousin in surprise. Then she laughed. "You know me too well!" she exclaimed.
Knowing and understanding people were Pepper's gifts. It was what made her so good at handling Tony long before they became a couple. It served her well as she stepped into the CEO role so easily. She gave Felicity a wink. Tony caught it and looked quizzical. "I'll tell you later," she told him quietly.
"So you're really leaving us?" Natasha asked her after their first course was passed out.
"Yes, it's time to go home," Felicity said. She reached under the table and squeezed Steve's hand.
"I can't believe Steve is letting you go," Clint remarked.
"Well, he's not," Felicity said, smiling happily at Steve. "Not exactly."
All his friends looked at him in confusion. He put his arm around her shoulders. "I'm going to move to Starling City," he announced.
His friends had varying degrees of surprise on their face—except for Natasha. She hadn't been too surprised. She knew Steve meant it when he said he'd do whatever it took.
"So what's your plan?" Tony asked him.
"I won't go right away. I have to take care of a few details here. Clear it with Uncle Sam," Steve said.
"The president won't like you so far away from D.C.," Tony remarked.
"He'll have to get over it," Steve said flatly. "I will never abandon my duty to this country, but they can't expect me to not have a life. I lost too much serving this country. Although I have no regrets about that, I'm not willing to give up Felicity for him or anyone else."
Felicity looked at him a bit in awe, her heart in her eyes. Steve's friends were both happy and relieved to see that her feelings for her were just as strong as his. They were happy to see him get some long overdue personal happiness.
"Isn't he the most perfect man?" Felicity said, gazing lovingly at Steve. Then she cringed, turning to the other men at the table. "Not that the rest of you aren't great! I'm sure you're pretty perfect, too. I mean, I'm sure some woman somewhere thinks so. Or maybe you haven't met the perfect someone yet."
Tony laughed while his friends gave her amused glances. "I'm going to miss your babbles," he said, giving her a fond look.
Felicity smiled sheepishly. It was still surprising that she'd found a place here amongst these incredible people. If it wasn't for her time with Oliver, however, she wasn't sure she'd be nearly so comfortable. Tony she'd known for several years, but his superhero for friends were in a class by themselves. Oliver had been her first hero. It was kind of funny that he'd opened the door to a whole new world.
She glanced up at Steve. Felicity hoped that Steve would fit just as easily into her world in Starling City.
*****Starling City*****
Felicity didn't know why she was so nervous as she was about to enter their lair. It had been her home. If she was being honest to herself, though, that wasn't true. The new location had never felt like home—at least not the way the foundry had been. She had sent Diggle a message that she was arriving today sometime. After unpacking and calling Steve and Pepper, she had no reason not to go see her guys.
She opened the door and braced herself for the questions. Smiling at the familiar sight of her guys engaging in sparring, she stepped further into the room. There was no Laurel in sight. Feeling relieved and more confident, she moved closer.
"Hello!" she said loudly.
All three men froze and turned toward her. Oliver's familiar mask went up as he realized it was her. Diggle smiled and Roy grinned, running toward her.
He picked her up in a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. "Thank God you're back! Don't ever leave me alone with these guys again!" Roy exclaimed.
Felicity laughed as he put her down. Diggle embraced her next as Oliver slowly approached.
"Good to have you back," Diggle said happily.
"Are you back?" Oliver asked carefully.
From his tension, Felicity knew he was afraid. Affection and love for him welled up inside of her. Something inside of her relaxed. "I'm back," she said softly.
Oliver exhaled and moved to hug her. Roy and Diggle moved away to give them a minute. "I missed you," Oliver whispered into her ear, lowering his mask with her as he did with very few people.
She smiled happily. "I missed you, too," she said. She stepped out of his embrace, relieved that his touch no longer stirred her like it used to. Until she saw him again, she hadn't been sure.
"I can't believe you went out with Captain America!" Roy said excitedly. "How awesome is he?"
"He's pretty awesome," Felicity said, her smile widening.
"Did you get Oliver his autograph?" Diggle asked with a wink.
"Hey, that was you that wanted one!" Oliver insisted in outrage.
Felicity laughed. "No, I didn't get one because I figured that when he comes to town, you can meet him in person," she said.
Roy and Diggle's faces both lit up while Oliver frowned.
"He's coming? When?" Roy asked eagerly.
"He loves me," Felicity said softly. "He will be moving here as soon as he gets clearance from the government." She said it to Roy and then looked at Diggle and Oliver, waiting for their response.
To say Oliver was surprised would be an understatement. Before he could hide his reaction, he said, "You cannot be serious! You just met the guy, and suddenly he's going to just pick up his life—his life defending the freakin' planet to be here in Starling City with you?"
Felicity took a step back. Oliver's words were like a blow. Both Roy and Diggle turned on Oliver, ready to defend her. Oliver winced, realizing how bad his words sounded. "I didn't mean it like it sounded!" he exclaimed. "I'm just surprised."
Felicity took a deep breath and stepped toward Oliver, fire in her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure you can't imagine a guy loving me enough to give up his life to be with me. You can't imagine anyone wanting me enough to do exactly that!" She paused to take a breath, trying to get a grip on her anger. In a softer tone, she continued, "I would've loved you, Oliver, if you'd let me. But you didn't want me that way. To you, I wasn't worth the risk. Now this amazing man thinks I'm worth it, so yes, Oliver, he's moving here. Eventually. When he does, I won't be lying to him about what I do here. Just like your exes Helena, Laurel, and Sara know your secret, he's going to know mine. Be okay with it, or I won't work with you. He will come first. You will no longer have that distinction."
"What?" Oliver asked, feeling lambasted by her outpouring of words. He wasn't sure what to address first. He went with the last thing. "It's not your secret to tell!"
"It's just as much my secret as it is yours. We're partners, remember? That's what you told me. Is it no longer true?" she asked, daring him to deny it.
Diggle and Roy exchanged a glance. Both realized their presence was not necessary. However, Diggle was reluctant to leave Felicity alone, knowing how vulnerable she was when it came to Oliver. He gestured and let Roy know that he should probably leave. Roy didn't argue. He didn't want Felicity to feel embarrassed or upset at having him witness a very personal conversation between her and Oliver. They needed her too much. Roy knew that Oliver understood that, so he'd better not run her off. Roy threw one last glare at his mentor before leaving them to their privacy.
"Yes, we're partners, Felicity," Oliver said in resignation.
"Oliver, this is Captain America. Not some stranger from the big city," Diggle interjected. "This man gave his life for our country and was given a second chance. If we can't trust him, who can we trust?"
Oliver knew attacking the integrity of Steve Rogers was not the way to win this argument. "I'm not saying Steve Rogers isn't trustworthy. That's the point," Oliver said. "He is an America icon. He should not be party to the very illegal activities we do here."
That argument brought Felicity up short—she'd not considered that at all. "Well, that's a good point. However, Steve already knows I work for the Arrow. He just doesn't know you are the Arrow," she shared.
Oliver clinched his fist in frustration. He didn't want to upset her when she had just gotten back. But this really pissed him off. "Felicity!"
"Don't 'Felicity' me!" she fumed. "I didn't tell him or them! It was Tony! Tony and his big mouth!"
That response surprised him. "Seriously?" he asked, a bit thunderstruck.
"Yes. But Tony didn't tell them it was you. We should be grateful for that! Tony hates secrets. He blabbed his to the world even when SHIELD ordered him not to," Felicity shared. "The mess that happened with SHIELD has only reinforced his belief that secrets are bad."
"Who is 'them'?" Diggle asked.
Felicity winced. "Well, Pepper and Tony first introduced me to Steve at a dinner with their friends," she said carefully.
"Which friends?" Oliver asked pointedly.
Diggle just grinned as he figured out who the friends probably were. He waited for the explosion.
"Oh, you know. Dr. Bruce Banner. And Natasha Romanoff—the Black Widow," she said.
"The Avengers? You told a team of superheroes you work for a vigilante?" Oliver asked in outrage. He hated thinking a group of people he admired was looking down on him for his criminal actions.
Felicity got that look on her face. The protective mama bear look she reserved for defending her guys. "No one thinks badly of you, Oliver! I'd never let them! Surely, you know that!" she exclaimed. "Even if they didn't know it was you, I'd still not let anyone think less of what we do!"
"The Black Widow is a trained assassin," Diggle said. "I can't see her throwing stones."
"No, she wouldn't, and neither would Clint," Felicity said.
"You met Hawkeye?" Oliver asked incredulously.
"Not until last night. He was out of the country most of the time I was in New York," Felicity said. "Pepper promised to get me his specs!" She flashed him a pleased smile, her annoyance with him momentarily forgotten as she got caught up.
Oliver couldn't help but smile at her. Even when in the middle of such illustrious circles, she still thought of ways to help him. And just like that, his anger left him. How could he be angry at her? He took a step toward her, reaching out for her hand. He gave it an affectionate squeeze. "I really missed you," Oliver said softly. "Don't leave me again."
Felicity sighed. She reached out and grabbed Diggle's hand. "You two are my family. I love you both. I'll never abandon you, but I can't promise to always be here like I have been," she told them, begging with her eyes for them to understand. If Steve was willing to uproot his life for her, putting him first was the least she could do.
"Do you love him?" Oliver asked her.
A smile broke out on her face. A look appeared in her eyes that neither men had ever seen before.
Oliver realized that in one very important way he had lost her. For one moment, he allowed himself to feel the loss of that. Then he pushed it aside. Steve Rogers was a man actually deserving of Felicity. He was a man who could keep her safe. No longer would Oliver have to bear the burden of her safety alone. A weight lifted off of him.
"Yes, I do. I do love him. I know it's fast. But we spent so much time together," Felicity said. "He's so wonderful! He listens when I talk. He isn't turned off by my babbling. He is the most incredible man I've ever met. I can't wait until you meet him."
Oliver released her hand and smiled. "I can't wait to meet him," he said, meaning it.
"I most definitely can't wait!" Diggle said eagerly.
Oliver and Felicity laughed. Felicity was so glad that they were taking things so well. She hated to bring it back to the origin of their argument, but it wasn't cleared up yet.
"When Steve moves here, I don't want to lie to him, Oliver. I can't," Felicity said earnestly. "He's the most honest, upright person I've ever known. I just can't do it to him."
Oliver sighed in resignation. Nodding, he said, "I understand. I don't blame you. I doubt I could lie to the man either!" He smiled. "If you trust him, then so will we."
"You know he may not always agree with what we do here," Diggle said. "I was a solider. Soldiers are trained to work with a team, to think much differently. He's the soldier. The best America has ever had. It may cause some problems for you."
"I'm sure it will at times," she acknowledged. "Things may change, but change isn't always bad. If we ever get into a situation like we did with Slade and his super soldiers, we'll have the best kind of help."
"I can't say I'd turn down the help of Captain America," Oliver agreed, smiling at her enthusiasm.
Diggle's eyes lit up. "Do you think he'd mind training with us sometimes? I'm really tired of Oliver's same lame-ass moves," Diggle said with a smirk.
"The lame-ass moves that put you on your ass time and time again," Oliver said dryly.
Felicity laughed, glad to be back with her boys. She'd be so focused on Steve that she hadn't allowed herself to miss them. Looking around the room, she realized Roy was gone. "Where did Roy go?" she asked.
"He left to give you two some privacy," Diggle said.
"Well, get him back here," Felicity said. "I want to take my boys to dinner."
Diggle threw his arms around her shoulder, pleased with her and her return. "It wasn't the same without you. Layla is in her second trimester and could use a girl to talk to about stuff," he said.
Felicity's eyes lit up. "I'm going to be an aunt in five months! I got the baby a I Luv New York onesie! It's so cute! I can't wait to show you guys," Felicity shared.
Diggle grinned and pulled out his phone. "I'll get Roy back," he said, stepping away.
"Where's Laurel?" Felicity asked, addressing her surprising absence.
"I told her that I didn't need her down here anymore," Oliver said.
"Really?" Felicity said in surprise.
"You didn't want her here. We can't do this without you, so I told her that," Oliver said.
Felicity winced. "You told her that I didn't want her here, so she had to go? How could you say it like that?" Felicity demanded. "This is the woman you love, Oliver! The woman who loves you! She'll always hate me now!" Felicity pictured awkward holiday meals with Laurel at Oliver's side and groaned.
"Well, first, she is a woman I love like you are. I'm not in love with her. We can never be together that way," Oliver clarified. "I made that clear to her. Two, she needed to know the position you hold both in this team and in my life."
"And what position is that?" Felicity asked anxiously. She didn't want him to suddenly say she was the one he loved-loved. She didn't want to be his girl-girl any longer. Talk about awkward.
Oliver gave her one of the most open and honest looks she'd ever seen from him. "I told her that I'd lost too much. I couldn't and wouldn't lose you. You are my family now. If she can't respect that, then she needs to back off," Oliver said. Emotion filled his voice. "Am I going to lose you anyway?"
Felicity stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest. His embrace didn't feel the way it once did, but it still felt warm and comforting. He would always have a piece of her heart. Loved never truly died, but it could change. It could evolve.
"Never," she said against his chest. "You'll never lose me."
John watched from the corner, pleased. The team was whole again.
******Two Months Later******
The past two months away from Steve had been difficult. She hadn't realized when she'd said goodbye in New York that it'd take so long to get him to Starling City. If she wasn't sure how strong her feelings really were for him before, she was now that they'd been apart. Talking on the phone or Skyping was not the same. His absence was like a physical ache. Felicity threw herself into work to keep from missing him. She'd began working for the new CEO of Queen Consolidated, trying to help keep the company from a hostile takeover. She didn't know that her efforts were going to help. She was trying her to get Oliver reinstated as the new CEO. Quentin Lance got appointed Chief of Police. Felicity hadn't seen him much since they'd both been busy with their new jobs. The last time she'd seen him, he couldn't quit smiling at her. Felicity assumed he'd heard from Laurel the news about her and Steve.
Things with Laurel had not really improved. The only difference was the woman now acknowledged Felicity politely when she saw her. Felicity, though, felt so much better about her position in Oliver's life and on the team that nothing with Laurel really even registered. Having a man like Steve love her put other things in perspective. A part of her just felt sorry for Laurel—she would never have Oliver now. Felicity hoped one day Oliver would meet someone that he could love completely and who would love him in return. She wanted that for him. She wanted to see the haunted look leave his eyes. One day, she hoped, he'd feel like he deserved to be happy, too.
They'd still not located Thea. Felicity was planning on getting Natasha to help her. If anyone could find the elusive Queen, it'd be the Black Widow. Roy was working hard, trying not to obsess too much. He felt his actions, more than Oliver's, had driven her away. He became determined to be a better version of himself as Thea stayed gone. He was convinced that one day she'd return. This was her home. Roy couldn't imagine she'd stay gone indefinitely no matter what she said. After Laurel worked a plea deal for his killing of the police officer, he was able to find a job with Diggle's contacts. He, too, stayed busy to keep from missing the one he loved.
Oliver was lighter than he'd ever been. If Felicity was more distracted at times than normal, he didn't comment. He was just so happy to have her back, and he knew that she was missing her boyfriend. The longer the elusive Captain stayed away from her, however, the more annoyed Oliver got. No man was going to be allowed to take advantage of Felicity. Just when Oliver was about go to New York and drag the man down to Starling City, he appeared.
It was a Friday evening. The team was having dinner with Layla at Big Belly Burger, their preferred hang out. Diggle's sister-in-law was happily involved with a new man, so it was no longer awkward bringing Layla around.
Felicity was in the middle of telling everyone a story about her mishap at work when her audience became very quiet, their attention no longer on her. Oliver, who was sitting next to her, sensed someone entering. He and Roy both turned to see who had captured Diggle and Layla's attention. All four people couldn't do much but stare for a full minute. Although they'd knew consciously that Captain America was involved with Felicity, his presence still brought more than a little awe.
Oliver gently put his hand on Felicity's arm. "Felicity, I think you need to see who is here," he said pointing.
Felicity finally noticed Steve. Her friends watched the look of joy on her face as she realized he was finally there. If a pang of jealousy hit Oliver, he ignored it, forcing himself to take pleasure in her happiness. She'd given up so much for him. He would never begrudge her happiness. The smile of greeting on his face was genuine.
Felicity jumped up. "Oh my God! You're finally here!" she exclaimed. She ran to him and hugged him tightly. The entire restaurant finally noticed the famous guest. They all immediately got out their cell phones, snapping pictures of their very public reunion.
Steve smiled affectionately at her. It had taken him longer than he had wanted to get here. The president and had been reluctant to let him move to a city that had been so crime-ridden. Steve's pro-active plan to help with that had gone a long way into getting him to sign the papers allowing Steve to live a life without bodyguards.
Felicity pulled back and grinned up at him. "Why didn't you call me and tell me you were coming?" she demanded.
"I wanted to surprise you," he said. He reached up and pushed some loose hairs off of her cheek, gently caressing it. She looked so beautiful. God, he'd missed her. He'd been frustrated at the delays. When he finally decided what he would do with himself when in her city, it had made things move faster.
Felicity took in his appearance, finally noticing what he was wearing. "Why are you wearing a police uniform?" she asked in confusion.
"Because I joined the Starling City police force," he said, smiling.
Felicity's friends had gotten to their feet and surrounded the pair. While she stood stunned, trying to take in what he said, Diggle spoke. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"
Felicity blinked, her mind a whirl. "Oh, Steve, these are my friends," she said absently, gesturing to them. His news had rattled her. She turned to him. "What do you mean you joined the police department? How did you find us? How could I not know that?"
Steve grinned, fondly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and drawing her against him. "One, I found you here because your friend Quentin Lance, my new boss, told me I probably would. An officer drove me here. Two, I didn't want to spoil the surprise, so I thought I'd wait until getting here and meeting with Captain Lance. Three, I figured if I wasn't going to be a solider full time what better use of my time?" he said. "Do you approve?"
Felicity couldn't help but glance at Oliver before answering. Steve didn't miss the man's nod of approval. "I'm so glad you're here that I don't care what you're doing. Let's take this reunion to my place," she said.
"Since Felicity isn't going to introduce us, let me," Diggle said with a fond grin. He held out his hand to Steve. "I'm John Diggle, a former enlisted soldier myself."
"Oh, forgive me, guys!" Felicity exclaimed sheepishly. "Steve, this is John and his wife Layla. This is Oliver Queen. And that's Roy." She pointed them all out while Steve shook each of their hands, greeting them cordially.
"We're happy you finally made it," Oliver said, a slight note of censure in his voice.
Steve grimaced, taking note of Oliver's unspoken rebuke. He appreciated, however, that the man Felicity worked so closely with watched out for her. He'd learned long ago the importance of having friends who watched out for you. "Believe me, it wasn't my plan. The government didn't want to let me move so far from New York City or the Capital. Deciding to become an officer, thus being surrounded most of the time by armed guards, helped him relax," Steve said.
Felicity looked at her friends. "Please, join us at my house, so you can get to know Steve," she offered.
"We have plenty of time to get to know your guy," Oliver said, smiling. "You two enjoy your reunion. We'll see you soon."
Roy was so awestruck he could barely do more than wave weakly as her friends said their goodbyes and left.
Felicity followed Steve out of the restaurant. "I can't believe you're here, and that you're a cop," she said.
"Well, I won't be in uniform for long. My experience will move me up the ranks fairly quickly. I will take the detective exam before finishing the academy," Steve said. "The mayor and Lance insisted."
"We might be out of a job," Felicity said in bemusement. "When criminals find out you're a cop, they will surely quit their crimes!"
"In my experience, a leopard rarely changes its spots," Steve said. "And sometimes, bad guys are drawn to a challenge."
Felicity walked him over to her car, the police officer with him, keeping spectators at bay. When they got inside her car, she told him, "Before I lose my nerve, I need to tell you something. Now that you're a cop I'm more nervous about sharing this than I was."
"Honey, I know you assist the vigilante in catching criminals. Captain Lance and I already discussed it. We both agreed to not arrest you," he said, grinning.
"Well, that's good. But it's not me I'm worried about," she said anxiously. "It's Oliver."
Steve frowned. He'd noticed the look between them and wondered. "What about him?" he asked.
"He's the Arrow. John and Roy help him, too," she said.
Steve took a moment to take that in. It made sense. The playboy had undergone a metamorphosis like he had. However, Queen's had happened due to years of trials and tribulation. "Okay. I'm glad you told me," he said. He reached over for her hand.
She turned in the car seat, facing him. "I can't believe you are here. Or that you have joined the police force. Why would you do all this for me?" she asked, still a bit insecure.
"Because you're worth it," he answered honestly. "I love you." Then he leaned over and kissed her.
Now he was finally home.
******The End*******
I hope you loved this chapter and feel satisfied with the Stelicity pairing. I wrote it before season 3 was aired, so I went on what I thought would logically happen. I have no idea how Roy's cop killing that was caught on live TV was swept under the rug. I addressed it in the chapter. I hope no one minds too much. Thanks for reading. Your reviews are so very welcome!