Wow, guys, thanks so much for your awesome reviews! I really appreciate your feedback and tremendous support for this story. I did a few edits recently for this fic and answered a few spoiler-y questions, which you can find on my Tumblr. The dress Felicity wears in the last scene is also on there if you want to check it out. I hope you enjoy this next chapter, and please let me know what you think!

Chapter 12: The Gift

"Do you have to go?" Felicity pouted. Locking her arms and legs around Oliver, she lifted up off of the pillow to chase his retreating mouth.

Oliver groaned as he returned her eager kisses. "Yes."

"Are you sure?" She scraped her nails along the back of his neck, which she knew he loved. Felicity had learned a lot of his little quirks recently since they'd begun to explore the more intimate aspects of their relationship. Her tongue traced the seam of his lips, coaxing him to open for her. When he did, she plunged hers inside and stroked his enticingly.

Felicity smiled against his lips when she felt his body, which he'd been trying to lift up, fall back on top of her and pin her to the mattress. Oliver cursed colorfully in Arabic under his breath. "Damn it, shamsi," he panted into her neck, "if I don't get out of this bed and get ready right now, my advisors are going to kill me."

"You're Warith al Ghul," she reminded him. "The party doesn't start until you walk in."

Oliver smirked and buried his hand in her wavy locks. "That's not exactly how it works." He tilted her head back so he could kiss along the underside of her jaw. She keened at the sensation of his gentle nips against her skin.

"Plus, I know you could take out every one of them with your eyes closed if they gave you a problem." She nuzzled his cheek and shivered when his scruff scratched her. It was due for a trim, not that she was going to complain. Felicity loved how ruggedly handsome he was. Cooper could barely grow peach fuzz.

"That may be true, but I don't think Ra's would appreciate me wiping out his entire council while he's away just so I can play hooky with my wife." He drew back to look down at her as he attempted to catch his breath. "I've got a busy day, and I can't afford to get sidetracked—no matter how much I want to," he was quick to add.

Felicity sighed loudly before grumbling, "Al Sah-him is no fun."

Chuckling, Oliver promised, "I will make it up to you later." He stroked her cheek and kissed the tip of her nose affectionately. "Why don't you get some more sleep while you still can? I'm sure you've got a full day, too."

"But now I'm wide awake—which is totally your fault, by the way."

"How? You're the one holding me hostage," he teased. He glanced pointedly at their intertwined bodies. She had yet to release her arms or legs from where they were wrapped around him.

"You started it."

"All I did was kiss your forehead on what was supposed to be my way out of bed," he defended.

She argued, "Which woke me up and made me want more kisses." Felicity was by no means a morning person but if she had to be woken up at such an ungodly hour, she'd prefer it be Oliver's doing. Not that she would admit that, since he was already looking rather smug.

He met her playful gaze with a teasing one of his own. "It seems I've created a monster."

"I am technically Bride of the Demon or whatever," she muttered with a casual flick of her hand.

"True. Why do you think I haven't fought to escape until now? I'm afraid for my life." Oliver pecked her lips and gave her waist a squeeze before once again moving to get up.

With a dramatic sigh, Felicity finally released him. He chuckled at her pout before heading into the bathroom. She also got up and walked over to her armoire. She'd been serious about not being able to fall back asleep—although she wasn't entirely coherent either. It would take a strong cup of coffee to get her brain functioning at full capacity. The sound of the water running in the bathroom could be heard while she searched for something to wear.

"When is Ra's getting back again?" Felicity called to Oliver. It wasn't like she had much contact with the evil dictator when he was around, but still his absence was a welcomed reprieve for her. If he and Talia could just stay out of sight and mind, then Felicity's time in the League wouldn't be so bad. For Oliver, though, it meant he was even busier all day (and sometimes at night) having to deal with various League matters. Hence, why their little morning makeout session was cut short.

"He extended his trip by another week," Oliver replied. His words were a somewhat garbled. She suspected he was brushing his teeth while trying to talk.

After picking out her dress, Felicity placed it on the bed and joined Oliver in the bathroom. She was right and saw him put his toothbrush back in the holder. He let the water run in the sink to warm it up and splashed a handful on his face.

"Is it a vacation or a mission?" Felicity questioned curiously. It had been a little over a week since Ra's had first left. He didn't seem like the type who wanted to be away from his "kingdom" for very long or without good reason.

"Both. From what I understand, his business is taken care of and now…" Oliver paused, as if choosing his words carefully. "Well, let's just say he made a new friend and wants to get to know her better."

Felicity scowled. "Seriously? The guy has a whole harem here, and he's out chasing tail?"

"'Chasing tail'?" Oliver repeated, guffawing. "Where did you learn that term?" He grabbed his shaving cream and razor from the cabinet behind the mirror. Apparently, he was going to give his sexy scruff a trim today.

"There was this rap song on Sara's iPod I heard the other day and—that's not the point," Felicity retorted.

He was holding back a grin. "So, what is the point? Besides the fact that it's obvious we need to finally get you your own iPod before you start quoting the entire urban dictionary."

Felicity crossed her arms and indignantly proclaimed, "The point is it's disgusting, and he's an affront to all women." She added, "And since we're on the subject, I also wouldn't be opposed to having my own iPod." Sara had never asked for hers back, but Felicity still felt bad for holding onto it all this time.

"What color?"

"Huh?"

"What color iPod to do you want?" he elaborated. "Although I think I already know."

"Oh, um, pink," she answered, thrown for a second.

Oliver nodded to himself as if he'd guessed right. "Okay. Done." When she thanked him, he replied, "If I get to walk in on you dancing again, I'm all for it."

Felicity blushed, remembering the heated moment of her dancing on the bed and him catching her when she'd almost bounced off. Clearing her throat to get back on track, she asked, "Do you think Al Hassoub will let me on his computer so I can sync it with my own iTunes account?" She could already picture his freckled face turning as red as his hair. The guy was very possessive of his workstation, though she couldn't completely blame him. Felicity hated if anyone touched her computer. It was the equivalent of someone reading her diary.

"He will if I order him to. Or you could do it yourself. You outrank him," Oliver reminded her. "Don't be afraid to flaunt your authority every once in a while. It'll keep him and the others in line."

"Hmm, noted," Felicity muttered and crossed the rest of the distance between them. She hoisted herself up to sit on the counter while they talked. Oliver, who was supposed to be paying attention while shaving, watched the movement of her bare legs crossing with keen interest. It was only when he flinched that they'd both realized he'd nicked himself.

"You okay?" she asked when he swore under his breath. Before he could act, Felicity had already grabbed a tissue and dabbed at the blood.

"It's just a cut. I'll live." The casualness of his words didn't match up with the husky tenor of his voice.

"I promise I wasn't trying to distract you—this time," she teased in a quiet voice. "Do you need to take a shower?" When his eyes darkened, Felicity realized it probably wasn't the best subject change. "I just meant I can go—"

"No. Stay," Oliver urged. After a moment of charged silence between them, he admitted, "I don't need to shower now, and I like talking to you while I'm getting ready."

Normally, they took turns in the bathroom and mostly stayed out of each other's way. This was new for them and while it was a friendly change, it also felt tremendously intimate and domestic. Felicity took it a step further by ripping off a piece of the tissue to place over his cut. It'd have to stay on there until the bleeding stopped. She then leaned forward and kissed the spot for good measure, causing Oliver to inhale a sharp breath. It was followed by him reaching out to brush away the shaving cream Felicity had gotten on her face, and she flushed from the tender gesture. Their eyes met and held as they basked in the heated camaraderie.

"So, uh, are you going to be training with Tommy later?" Felicity spoke up to ease the building tension.

Oliver cleared his throat and dragged his gaze back to the mirror to finish up his task. "Yes. Since he's mostly healed now, he has to start strength training. If I work him hard enough, maybe I can get him so winded he'll stop talking when he's bored."

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with being verbal. I talk a lot," Felicity pointed out, "and you put up with me."

"Yes, but with you it's endearing. With him it just makes me consider removing his tongue." It sounded like a joke—mostly.

Felicity rolled her eyes. "You want to know what I think?"

"What?"

She folded her arms and sat up straighter. "I think despite how much you grumble, you actually like Tommy."

Oliver scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous."

Felicity grinned knowingly and jested, "It's okay to admit it. I won't tell anyone about your developing bromance. Your tough guy reputation will remain intact." He could act annoyed all he wanted, but she'd noticed the numerous lengths Oliver had gone to recently to keep Tommy safe while he trained him. She'd even noticed Oliver hiding a smile a couple of times when Tommy delivered his usual quips.

"You're hilarious," Oliver deadpanned while finishing up his trim. He put his razor aside afterward and turned toward her. The mischievous expression on his face had Felicity eyeing him suspiciously.

"What?" She let out an unexpected gasp when he hooked his hands behind her knees and yanked her to the edge of the counter. Oliver swooped down to kiss her, his mouth hot and demanding, but that wasn't what had her squealing seconds later. Felicity squirmed when he started rubbing his face against hers, smearing her with the remnants of his shaving cream. "Oliver!" she shrieked while laughing against his lips and pushing at his chest.

His grip remained firm. "This time you started it, shamsi." He kissed her until she was breathless from both his affections and her own laughter.

"You big jerk!" Felicity exclaimed, giggling, when she finally managed to push him away and hop off the counter out of his reach. She wiped at her face, which was lathered in his shaving cream. "Now I need a shower."

Oliver didn't look sorry in the least. In fact, he was beaming with smug satisfaction. "Then we're even."

Felicity rolled her eyes at him, grinning despite the outrage she was trying to feign. The truth was she actually loved this side of Oliver that no one else got to see. Despite his Heir to the Demon persona, he could actually be quite fun and playful when he let his guard down.

With an exasperated huff, Felicity went to turn the shower on. "You're lucky you're running late or else I would totally retaliate," she warned.

"There's always later," Oliver challenged, looking intrigued by the prospect.

Or right now, the blonde mused. Felicity knew exactly how to push his buttons. She held his stare as she slowly walked backward to the shower stall. After testing the water temperature with her hand to make sure it wasn't too hot, Felicity got inside fully clothed. She drew the curtain closed and swiftly took off her pajamas before peaking her head out once more. Oliver was still staring in her direction, his eyes dark and dazed. With an audacious wink, Felicity tossed her pajamas onto the floor at his feet and closed the curtain again. The deep, strained growl that followed had Felicity beaming in triumph. She bit her lip to keep from busting out laughing when he grumbled exiting the bathroom.

"Taban, enaha sataqtuluni." Damn, she's going to kill me.

The duels seemed to drag on that night. It was the first time since her abduction that Felicity had returned to watching the festivities. She enjoyed them even less than she had before, which wasn't all that much to begin with, but kept her expression neutral. In Ra's absence, Al Sah-him had taken his seat on the throne. Felicity sat beside him, hiding her annoyance at the clunky wooden armrest that was currently separating their bodies. Though it didn't make much difference, because Oliver wasn't being his normally affectionate self. His stern Al Sah-him mask was securely on as he watched each of the duels play out.

Another difference was that Tommy was in attendance. It was an additional phase of integrating him into the League and showing him how the warriors fought. He sat on the other side of Al Sah-him next to Nyssa. Tommy watched each fight in fascination and horror.

"I am so screwed. How the hell am I going to learn to do that?" he griped and gestured with his hand to the warriors currently engrossed in an epic sword fight. The movement caused him to flinch. Al Sah-him's strength training efforts had left Tommy sore, and the guy wasn't shy about making it known.

"Patience," Nyssa told him. "It will not happen overnight—although it could not hurt to practice a little more."

"More practice?" Tommy grumbled. "I can barely move my body as it is."

"You move your mouth just fine," Nyssa shot back. Her words weren't mean but sarcastic. Felicity brought her hand to her mouth to hide a smile. To anyone else listening, it would seem like Tommy and Nyssa didn't get along but it was the opposite. They actually enjoyed pushing each other's buttons. The dynamic, however odd, worked for them.

"You'd also think they'd serve some beer and nachos at this thing," Tommy muttered. "Or popcorn at the very least."

"You could eat your nuts," Felicity suggested and then blushed profusely when Tommy snorted out a laugh. Sara chortled quietly next to her while the corner of Al Sah-him's mouth twitched ever so slightly. Nyssa remained straight-faced as usual. "You know what I mean."

"I think I'd prefer to preserve my nuts," Tommy replied. "I may need them later on." He wriggled his eyebrows and winked.

Al Sah-him exhaled in a rough sigh and glanced heavenward. It appeared like he was counting in his head to keep from saying something he'd regret. Was he fantasizing about cutting out Tommy's tongue again? She got the feeling that he was, which wouldn't be all that different from the violence playing out in front of them.

Tommy wasn't done. "I was serious about the beer and nachos, though. They make everything more enjoyable—including watching your favorite baseball team totally bomb for nine innings against a rival team in the playoffs." He shook his head, reminiscing. "I needed to be drunk that night."

"Are you talking about the Starling City Rockets?" Felicity asked him

"Yes, that's the home team. Did you ever go to a game when you were in Starling?"

"No. I'm not that into sports."

"You should go—er, um, I mean it would've been fun if you had gone," he corrected, remembering where they were. Tommy shot a look to Al Sah-him to see if he'd said something wrong and was relieved when his eyes remained on the duel. "I've been going since I was a kid. My best friend's dad had seats right near the dugout, and he used to take us all the time."

"That sounds cool," Felicity commented.

"It was. Those were some of the best memories I ever had." His tone sounded wistful, but Felicity thought she detected an underlying sadness.

Before she could question Tommy further, Felicity just happened to glance at Al Sah-him and was surprised to find him so tense. A muscle in his jaw ticked and his fingers were rubbing together. No one else would really notice because it was par for the course with his hard outer shell, but it was obvious to Felicity. Without thinking, she reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers.

She leaned in and quietly murmured, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Al Sah-him answered.

She didn't quite believe him. "You sure?"

Finally, he met her stare. His eyes were less clouded than they'd been a moment before. "Yes, I'm all right, shamsi." Al Sah-him gave Felicity's hand a squeeze, and she was glad that he didn't pull away afterward. "I was actually just thinking that maybe you should be training, too."

Her eyes widened. "What?"

"Not as intensely like Al Tareq but for self-defense. I'd feel more at ease if you could handle yourself a little better."

"I think I handled Al Torr just fine," she pointed out, trying not to shudder from the terrible memory.

"You did," Al Sah-him acknowledged, "but the outcome could've been very different if you didn't have the dagger I gave you." His grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly.

"I do know some self-defense," Felicity defended since it wasn't the dagger she'd used right away. "My bodyguard taught me a few maneuvers growing up." The clash of swords called her attention back to the pit, and she watched as one competitor finished off his opponent in seconds. Looking around the room at the cheering crowd, Felicity was once again reminded that she was surrounded by assassins on a daily basis that could take her out just as easily. She unconsciously squeezed Al Sah-him's hand back. "Although a refresher probably couldn't hurt."

"I don't mean to butt in," Sara apologized, "but I as your current bodyguard, I would have to agree. I think it's necessary. And I'd be happy to train you. We're roughly the same size, so I can teach you how to fight based on your body type."

Al Sah-him nodded in approval. "What do you think?" He added softly, "You might not be so on edge still if you felt like you had some control."

Felicity was sick of the League violence, to say the least, but understood where both Al Sah-him and Sara were coming from. There were times when she still jumped if something startled her. The nightmares were fewer and farther between, but they weren't completely gone either. Felicity had always been the type of person eager to learn. She was already book smart, but perhaps it was time she got more street smart, too.

"Okay," she agreed.

Al Sah-him, looking pleased, kissed her hand—his first display of affection since she'd sat down—causing Felicity's cheeks to warm. Even though the gesture was small and quick, she felt it all the way down to her toes afterward. Felicity didn't let go of his hand until a while later when Amina came bouncing towards her. Sahar and the tall, swarthy man who turned out to be her husband followed behind. After greetings were exchanged, Felicity pointed them to the seats directly behind her. Sahar had said they'd be late, and so Felicity had them saved until then.

Instead of going with her parents, Amina climbed comfortably onto Felicity's lap. The blonde didn't mind in the least. She was eager for a distraction from the duels and felt slightly better that Amina didn't appear that interested in them either. The League may be okay with having its young members watching and engaging in such violent behavior, but it would always bother Felicity.

The little brunette also greeted Al Sah-him and proceeded to hand him another picture that she'd drawn especially for him. It showed Al Sah-him "shooting his arrows at the bad guys." Amina had been very liberal with her red crayon to show all the blood from the epic battle. Al Sah-him, this time, smiled freely and thanked her for the gift. Amina beamed with pride at the compliment before chatting away with Felicity about a new doll she wanted.

"Momma said I can have it for my birthday next week," she excitedly explained.

"When is your birthday?"

"July 28. I am so excited! I get to have a party with all of my friends. Will you come, Abad-eshams? Please?" Amina begged. "You are my friend, too."

Laughing, Felicity replied, "Of course I'll come."

"Yay!" Amina cheered and hugged her. "Momma, did you hear? I told you she would come."

"I heard," Sahar responded and gave Felicity a thankful look.

"When is your birthday, Abad-eshams?" Amina asked.

Felicity hesitated at the question but knew there was no way she could not answer. Hiding her discomfort, Felicity told her, "Um, my birthday is in July, too." She immediately felt Al Sah-him's sharp gaze on her. "July 24."

Amina's eyes brightened. "We almost have the same birthday," she enthused.

"We do."

"Is Al Sah-him going to throw you a party, too? Can I come?"

"Amina," her mother lightly scolded in an attempt to rein her in.

Steeling herself, Felicity glanced over at her husband and wasn't surprised to see the mixture of curiosity and confusion staring back at her. He was obviously trying to figure out why she hadn't told him, and the only thing preventing an interrogation right now was that they weren't alone. However, it wasn't just Al Sah-him who was caught off guard. Sara, Tommy, and Nyssa were also staring at her with equally inquisitive expressions.

Felicity shifted uncomfortably and replied, "I'll let you know, sweetie."

When the duels were finally finished, Felicity wasn't surprised in the least that Al Sah-him was eager to leave. He bid the others goodnight before holding out his arm for her to take. Felicity did so reluctantly and nervously chewed on her bottom lip as they headed out into the corridor. Al Sah-him gestured for the guards to give them some space as they walked. There was definitely a talk coming.

He cut right to the chase. "Why didn't you tell me your birthday was next week?"

"To be honest, with everything going on, it slipped my mind at first."

"At first?" he repeated. "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"Yes…though probably not until a few months passed," she answered honestly.

"Why?" Al Sah-him didn't sound angry but disappointed, which was actually much worse.

"I'm sorry," Felicity apologized and instinctively tightened her grip on his arm "I swear it doesn't have anything to do with you. It's just that my birthday isn't exactly my favorite day of the year like most other people's." When he asked her to elaborate, she responded, "After my mom died, it was just never the same. She was always the one to make it special for me and with her gone, I didn't feel much like celebrating. It sort of stuck in a way."

"Your father didn't ever acknowledge it?" he questioned, barely disguising his irritation.

"It 'slipped his mind' the following year, but I never wanted any of the gifts he gave me when he did remember. After a while, he got the message and stopped buying them. I barely got so much as a 'Happy Birthday' some years."

"I'm sorry it was so difficult for you," he said and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Felicity allowed him to pull her into his side as they walked. "And I'm sorry I didn't ask about it sooner."

"It's okay, Oli—Al Sah-him," she caught herself. There were other League members also walking the halls, and she had to be careful. "We're still getting to know each other, and I didn't realize I hadn't asked about yours either."

"Mine has already passed. It was May 16, a week before you were brought to the League."

"Really?" Felicity mumbled. "Then Happy Extremely Belated Birthday."

Al Sah-him chuckled lowly. "Thanks."

"Maybe I should get you a present."

"You already did."

"I did?" She frowned in confusion.

He didn't say anything at first. Instead, Al Sah-him simply gazed at her with a dimpled grin. He then gently squeezed her waist. "I like to think that meeting you was my belated birthday gift."

"Oh." Felicity blushed fiercely at his confession. He never ceased to amaze her when he said things like that, especially when he looked so tough and official in his Warith al Ghul uniform. Felicity leaned up to peck his lips and was happy he met her halfway. They tried not to be too affectionate in public and show some decorum, but Felicity didn't care right now. And neither did Al Sah-him, apparently, as he caressed her lips with his own. If anyone stopped to stare, the pair didn't notice. They were wholly content to exist in their own little world, even if just for a moment.

A tingling sensation started at the base of Felicity's spine and spread throughout her body. Oliver, despite moving about their room to get ready, couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Felicity was fully aware that he liked watching her routine of brushing her hair or touching up her makeup. Pouting her lips ever so slightly, Felicity took her time applying the vibrant red lipstick she'd chosen especially for tonight.

It was finally her birthday, and somehow Oliver had managed to convince her to let him host a dinner to celebrate the occasion. Actually, she knew exactly how he'd talked her into it. When Oliver had asked if she did anything at all for her birthday each year, Felicity had casually mentioned Diggle. Oliver had tensed for a moment upon learning that there was another man she cared deeply for but relaxed when she explained that he was her former bodyguard and the big brother she'd never had. Felicity explained how Dig would get her a single cupcake and a candle for her to blow out, as well as a small gift.

The hopeful look on Oliver's face was hard to resist when he'd asked if he could do something similar. He really wanted to make it special for her, and so Felicity had agreed to a small, quiet dinner with Sara, Tommy, and Nyssa. Amina and her family had also been invited, but Sahar had been worried her young daughter would be too boisterous and disrupt any adult conversation. Instead, Felicity decided she'd have another special dinner with just Amina for them to celebrate their birthdays together. Both meals Sahar had promised to cook something truly delicious.

They still had an hour before having to meet up with the others, so Felicity took her time getting ready. The dress she'd chosen for tonight was one of her more risqué ensembles—at least by League standards. The first layer was a black crop top and a long skirt. The second layer was a dark, navy blue abaya—a full-length, sleeveless outer garment. It was partially translucent and had fancy navy, red, and gold embroidering from the lapels down to the hem. It was the most skin Felicity had ever shown in one of her dresses. Since it was her birthday, and she would really only be seen by their friends, she figured it would be okay to wear. That was at least the excuse she'd come up with if Oliver protested that it wasn't appropriate. Instead, when he'd first seen her, he'd simply gawked for a full minute with his eyes darkening by the second. Perhaps it was her dress and the lack of fabric keeping him from fully tearing his gaze away all this time.

Oliver was dressed in his usual black garb, only he'd replaced his heavy jacket with a thin tunic. It was a little loose, which unfortunately failed to highlight his bulging muscles she knew were underneath. He'd begun rustling around in his drawer for something. A moment later, he was crossing the room to come stand behind her.

Felicity smiled at him through the mirror as she finished fluffing here wavy hair and securing her jeweled headpiece. Oliver grinned back, but his expression was somewhat subdued. "Everything okay?" she asked him.

He was standing ramrod straight with his arms behind his back. "I'm fine. You?"

"I'm fine," she repeated while staring at him curiously. Oliver was rarely this awkward. He took a deep breath, and it was then that she realized he was nervous. "Oliver, are you sure you're all right?" Felicity questioned after another minute of silence passed.

"I got you something," he announced.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh."

"I know you said you didn't want any gifts, but I'm hoping you'll make an exception."

Felicity hadn't been expecting anything else. Oliver had already made her birthday special. She'd awoken this morning to him muttering "Happy Birthday" as he left feather-light kisses on her face. He'd then announced they were having an elaborate breakfast on their balcony. It had been so beautiful and romantic watching the sunrise together while feasting on some of her favorite foods. Later in the day he'd had some urgent League business to attend to, but in the afternoon Felicity had received a beautiful bouquet of roses with a sweet note. Sara, of course, had teased her about Al Sah-him spoiling her rotten and asked if he was having a tiara made for her birthday dinner. It was almost dinnertime now and yet Oliver obviously wasn't done indulging her. If Sara was right and there was an actual tiara involved, Felicity would never hear the end of it from her or Tommy.

"It's not a tiara, is it?" Felicity blurted out.

Oliver frowned and shook his head. "No. But is that something you wanted?"

"No," she was quick to reply. "Not really. Forget it. I would be happy to make an exception—especially if you went through all the trouble and really want me to have whatever it is."

"I do." Oliver gestured to the seat and she scooted over so he could sit beside her. Oliver faced the opposite way so it was easier to address each other. He moved his hands to the front and held out a small, carved and painted wooden box with a flower pattern. There was ribbon and a bow on top. "Here." Oliver placed it in her hands. "Happy Birthday, shamsi."

"You've already done more than enough today but thank you," Felicity said and accepted the gift. As soon as the box was out of his hands, Oliver started rubbing his fingers together. Yup, he was definitely nervous. But why?

Felicity undid the ribbon and bow before opening the box. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the small but dazzling gold necklace. The charm was no bigger than a penny and was shaped like a sunflower with the center made of tiny diamonds. "Oliver…" she breathed in admiration, taking it in.

"Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful," she told him.

"Like you," Oliver murmured and ran a finger along her cheek.

"And it's a sunflower."

"Also like you." His finger caressed her shoulder and glided down her bare arm.

A little shiver ran through her. "I love it."

He looked relieved. "I'm glad. I didn't know if I'd be able to finish it in time, since it was such short notice. But—"

"Wait," she interjected, "you made this?" He nodded. "Since when do you know how to make jewelry?"

"I've fashioned my own arrows for years, so I'm pretty good working with metals. I did have help with placing the diamonds, though."

Felicity stared back at him in complete awe of both his skill and thoughtfulness. Just when she didn't think Oliver could get more wonderful, he'd utterly surprised her yet again. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Felicity leaned forward to place a tender kiss on his lips. "Will you put it on me, please?"

"Of course." He carefully removed the necklace from the box and went to crouch behind her.

Felicity brushed her hair aside and watched in fascination as he let it fall against her chest and clasped it behind her neck. The diamonds sparkled beautifully in the lowlight. When he leaned forward and kissed the skin where the chain rested with such reverence, a wave of emotion suddenly hit her and she felt her eyes helplessly start to water.

"Hey," Oliver murmured upon noticing the first of her tears falling. "You okay?"

Unable to speak right away, Felicity managed to nod and looked down at her vanity to collect herself. She hadn't expected to have such a strong reaction. She clutched at the necklace as more tears fell.

Oliver placed his hands on her arms and rubbed them gently. "Felicity, talk to me."

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to start crying."

"If I upset you—"

Felicity's head shot up, and she locked eyes with him through the mirror. His face was full of concern. "No, not at all," she reassured him. "These are happy tears. I promise." She wiped at the moisture on her cheeks and took a calming breath. "I just…I've never gotten a gift like this before. I mean, you've already given me a lot of beautiful things but this…it's different. The fact that you made it makes me treasure it all the more."

"Which is exactly why I wanted you to have this," Oliver murmured. He placed one hand over hers before using the other to cup the side of her face. He turned her head so he could address her directly. "You deserve to feel special, especially today, because you are, Felicity. You will never be an afterthought to me."

"Do you really mean that?" Felicity couldn't help questioning. She'd been told a lot of things from a lot of different men over the years and, with the exception of Dig, none had ever lived up to their word. Even though she did feel like she could trust Oliver, Felicity still heard that tiny voice of doubt in the back of her head.

"I never make a promise I don't intend to keep. And I intend to treasure you, my little sunflower." Oliver nuzzled her nose and grazed her lips.

Felicity whimpered with longing before reaching to pull him against her and kiss him fully. She leaned back onto his shoulder as their mouths collided in a fiery onslaught. The tip of Oliver's tongue teased her bottom lip, and she opened her mouth wider to accept him. Their tongues tangled as they feasted on each other. His hand left her face to travel the length of her body, outlining her curves and making Felicity tremble. She gasped when his arm banded across her waist and tugged until her back was flush against his chest. Panting, Felicity attempted to catch her breath while Oliver began leaving open-mouth kisses along her neck. His teeth nipped at her sensitive flesh and she moaned, not caring in the least if he left a mark.

His ministrations felt amazing but nowhere near enough. She twisted the hand that was beneath his on her necklace so their fingers interlaced. Giving it a squeeze, she then let go and guided it further down her chest. Oliver groaned when he felt her breast in his palm, and she let out another breathy moan as he kneaded the pert mound.

"Felicity," he gasped into the crook of her neck, "your dinner…" Despite his mild and very unconvincing protest, Oliver's other hand slipped beneath her abaya to stroke the exposed skin of her stomach.

"It's my party. We can be fashionably late," Felicity joked and directed his face back to hers. She deepened the kiss, and he tightened his hold on her in response. He massaged one breast before doing the same to the other.

The burgeoning desire in her core intensified, and Felicity needed to feel even more. With trembling hands, she sought out the tie of her abaya. When Oliver realized what she was doing, he helped her to slide it off. "I've never seen this outfit before."

"It's new. I was actually supposed to wear a long-sleeved dress under it, but I figured the hell with it," she said in between frenzied kisses. "I miss showing my skin. It's so damn hot here."

He sucked her bottom lip into his mouth before angling his head to intensify the kiss. Felicity mewled loudly and reached behind to grip his shoulders to create more leverage.

"Some days are hotter than others," he growled huskily.

She couldn't argue with that. Everywhere he touched her left a streak of fire across her flesh. Felicity leaned forward a bit when Oliver moved to kiss the exposed skin of her back. He buried his hand in her golden locks to brush them aside and continue on his path. She dropped her own hands to his waist and fumbled for the hem of his shirt. There was far too much clothing between them still. At her eager tug, Oliver obliged and quickly lifted the fabric over his head and tossed it aside. They both keened when patches of their bare skin met.

On a whim, Felicity finally opened her eyes stared at their reflection in the mirror. Oliver's large, strong arms were wrapped around her. His broad frame engulfed her, providing the perfect cocoon to nestle into. Her cheeks looked like two cherries, and her eyes followed the blush that extended down to her neck and chest. The hunger she saw shining in her own gaze was enough to rival Oliver's, who was also admiring their wanton state.

Felicity turned her head to graze her lips against his jaw. Out of the corner of her eye, through the reflection, she noticed Oliver's eyes close for a second before forcing them open. He followed every little movement she made with rapt attention. A surge of heat ran through her and she brazenly said to him, "You like watching me, don't you?"

His voice came out low and coarse. "Yes."

"Every time I sit here and get ready, your eyes are always on me."

Oliver didn't even try to deny it. "Yes."

"What are you usually thinking about?" she coaxed.

His rapacious and heavy-lidded stare would've told her everything she needed to know, but he spoke anyway. "I think about a lot of things," he huskily murmured. "Like how much I love your hair. It was one of the first things I noticed about you. It always looked so shiny and silky. Every time you brushed it, I used to imagine what it would be like to run my fingers through it." He did exactly that by burying his hand in her golden waves and easing it down. Her hair slipped easily through his fingers.

Her head tingled from the sensation.

Emboldened, Oliver continued, "When I see you put your perfume on, I'm wishing I could bury my face in your neck and breathe in your sweet scent." He turned his head and poked his nose just below her ear, where she usually sprayed her perfume. She heard him inhale before feeling his hot breath against her neck. "You smell so damn good, shamsi. Just like the flower you're named for."

Felicity shivered, hanging on to his every word.

"Your legs are even more irresistible. When you're putting lotion on them, I can't help but fantasize that it's my hands rubbing it into every inch of your skin." Oliver's eyes were penetrating as he slid his hands down her curves to reach her legs. His fingers clawed at the fabric of her skirt until it was hiked up enough for him to run his calloused hands along the tops of her smooth thighs. "You have no idea what it does to me when you innocently wrap them around my waist when we're in bed." Oliver massaged and squeezed her flesh, causing Felicity to arch against him. She sighed softly and shifted as her inner walls clenched desperately from both his words and his touch.

Felicity wasn't the only one affected. Oliver's body behind her was practically vibrating. He was just as turned on as she was and didn't even try to hide it. She fought to catch her breath while her heart pounded.

"But you want to know what really drives me crazy, shamsi?"

"What?" she replied, her voice cracking.

"When you put on your lipstick. I could get lost completely just dreaming about kissing those red, full lips until your gloss is either smeared across both of us or gone completely," he whispered in a thick voice.

Oliver touched her chin before swiping this thumb along the outline of her mouth. He looked like he was about to snap, and Felicity couldn't resist flicking her tongue out to lick the tip before taking it fully into her mouth. It had the desired effect. A strangled groan erupted from deep in his throat.

"Fuck," Oliver rumbled before descending on her. His mouth was hot, dominate, and demanding over hers, and Felicity kissed him just as fiercely back.

Pressed so tightly against him, she felt every tremor of his muscles and gasped when her lower back felt the tip of his sizable erection. Without thinking, she ground her bottom on top of it. The sound Oliver made was nothing she'd ever heard from a man before, and Felicity felt a rush of satisfaction at evoking such a guttural response from him.

"Felicity," he barked. It was both a chide and a plea.

She did it again and said to him, "You don't have to imagine any of that anymore. You can have all of it. You can have me…" They'd gotten pretty hot and heavy numerous times recently, but Oliver was still somewhat reserved when they were together. Tonight was the first time since their first kiss that Felicity truly saw him so wound up while skirting the edges of his desire. Although Felicity appreciated that Oliver didn't want to push her too far if she wasn't ready, that wasn't the case now.

"Tell me what you want, shamsi," he demanded, not letting up on her red and probably swollen lips.

"I want you to touch me, Oliver. Just like you've imagined doing." He squeezed and stroked her thighs again, and Felicity whimpered with unfulfilled desire. She continued to writhe in his grasp as he began to tease her. "You can give me another first," she said without thinking.

It took a minute, but she felt Oliver finally tear his lips away to look down at her. "What do you mean?"

Felicity licked her lips and attempted to catch her breath, all the while cursing her uncontrollable mouth. "Um, I just meant that…uh, do you remember Cooper? What am I saying? Of course you remember him because I told you not that long ago," she rambled. "Anyway, that one time I told you I was with him, well, that night was…I'm not entirely sure that I…" She blew out a frustrated breath at her complete lack of verbal ability right now.

"You're not sure of what?" Oliver clutched her tighter—whether from some kind of inherent possessiveness or to steel himself, she wasn't sure.

Felicity didn't know how she could suddenly feel so shy and turn any redder than she already was, but her blush intensified from his penetrating gaze. "I'm not entirely sure that I finished," she blurted out.

His eyes widened a fraction. "So, you never had an orgasm," he inferred.

She reluctantly shook her head. "I don't think so…?"

Oliver didn't look convinced. "Trust me, if you did, you'd know." He questioned, "He never touched you like this either?"

Another shake of her head. "No."

"Al laqeet al anani."

"What?" she questioned, unable to fully translate. It sounded like he'd called someone a bastard, but she was so in a tizzy her mind wasn't functioning properly.

"Nothing," Oliver dismissed as he stared at her in disbelief.

Felicity admitted, "The farthest I let him get before we actually slept together was second base. I was only seventeen at the time so…yeah." She fidgeted but not from unfulfilled desire. This time it was embarrassment at her very obvious inexperience. It was fun to be all sexy and bold in the heat of the moment but now that she had time to think and question it, Felicity couldn't help but feel timid and insecure. Oliver seemed to bring out so many different sides of her, it was difficult to get a handle on any one emotion.

Oliver scrutinized her closely before cupping her cheek. He leaned in to place a tender peck on her lips. "Felicity, you don't have to explain yourself to me or feel embarrassed. All I care about is that you're really ready—"

"I am ready," she interrupted. "I swear I am."

"Okay," he acknowledged. "Then you don't have to worry. And we can stop at any time if you want. All right?"

"Okay but…don't feel bad if you can't get me there. I'll understand." Despite her body thrumming with a hot, frenzied kind of energy, Felicity still feared that something was wrong with her. She'd been into Cooper too—granted, he wasn't as hot or attentive as Oliver—but she'd thought she loved him at the time. Felicity should've climaxed right along with him when they were together, and it had been disappointing when she realized afterward the experience had been lacking. What if the same thing happened with Oliver? She wanted so badly for it to not only be different with him but better, because she had never felt anything like this before. She didn't want to be a disappointment to him either.

"Do you trust me?" Oliver questioned. His bright blue eyes were piercing.

"Yes."

Oliver reclaimed her mouth, kissing her deeply, as his hand slid slowly underneath her skirt and between her thighs. His fingers brushed over the top of her panties along the tiny bundle of nerves before pressing down hard. A jolt of pure pleasure made Felicity's entire body jerk, and she gasped loudly into his mouth. Holy frack, he really did know what he was doing. Her stomach churned with nervous excitement.

"Then trust that when I take you over the edge, and I will, I've got you, shamsi," he promised against her lips. "Can you do that for me?"

"Yes," she breathed, already trembling with eagerness for more of his touch.

Oliver kissed her for long minutes while sliding his hands continuously up and down her body. His ministrations made her tingle all over and clutch more tightly at his shoulders to keep him close. There was a slight crick forming in her neck from twisting her head to kiss him, but Felicity ignored it. The sensations he was pulling from her body were slowly starting to overshadow her discomfort.

Finally, Oliver shifted his focus to her thighs. He started at the top and massaged his way down to her knees. Felicity inhaled sharply when she felt his hands drift beneath them into the crook. They ran along the underside, drawing her legs wider apart the closer they got to her center. Felicity felt her core pulse in anticipation when he kneaded her inner thighs. Oliver cupped her backside and gave it a squeeze, making them both groan.

He took hold of her hips and slid her back so she was sitting more upright. It made her feel more open and exposed. When Felicity felt his fingers dip lower to rub along the thin layer of fabric over her center, it sent a shock through her system. If not for his arm that was banded across her chest, keeping her close, she would've slumped forward. He proceeded to stroke her before tugging aside her panties to glide his fingers through her slick folds. A soft cry tore from Felicity's throat as she adjusted to the feel of him touching her so intimately.

Oliver rasped against her neck, "Damn, you're already so wet. How does that feel?"

"G-good," Felicity stuttered. "Really good." Her hips naturally started to grind against his fingers. "Don't stop—" her plea was cut off by a choked whimper as he circled her entrance before dragging his fingers up to the sensitive bundle of nerves. Her hips jolted a second time at the sensation.

She made a tiny sound of protest when he pulled his hand away, and it took a couple of seconds to realize his fingers had hooked the sides of her panties. He nudged her, and she took the silent instruction to lift up so he could slide them off. Felicity helped drag them the rest of the way before tossing them aside. She settled back into Oliver and parted her legs for him once more. Everything about her position now made her feel vulnerable but also incredibly aroused. It was a hot, carnal heat low in her belly that demanded to be fired.

Oliver touched and teased her for a couple more minutes as he ravished her lips. They were going at it so hard that she felt their teeth knock together a couple of times. Then, when Felicity felt so aroused she thought she might pop without some relief, he slid one long, calloused finger inside of her. She clutched at his shoulders as her body writhed from the intense wave of pleasure.

"God, you feel amazing," Oliver panted. "Just like I knew you would."

"How do I feel?" Felicity questioned and held his impassioned stare. She was surprised she could form a coherent sentence at all with the seductive haze clouding her mind.

"Warm and slick and tight. You're so fucking tight, shamsi," he growled and flexed his finger buried inside of her. Her walls contracted around it, and he cursed under his breath.

"Do that again," she pleaded, feeling the coil in her abdomen constrict with need. Her fingernails dug into his skin when he repeated the gesture.

Oliver licked a trail from the crook of her neck to her earlobe before sucking it into his mouth. All the while, his finger began to steadily thrust in and out of her. Felicity's head was thrown back against his shoulder, exposing her neck to him while her hips followed his rhythm. The fire in her core intensified with each thrust, and she moaned when he added a second digit. The added fullness stretched and strained against her walls. His free hand, meanwhile, slid beneath her shirt. He kneaded her breast and pinched the pebbled nub between his fingers before doing the same to the other. Intense , white hot pleasure radiated throughout her entire body, and her inner muscles clutched at him as his fingers penetrated her tight, wet heat.

She'd just bitten his lip and smoothed it over in a frenzy when he suddenly broke away. "Open your eyes, Felicity, and look at me," he quietly but forcefully instructed.

She forced her heavy-lidded eyes to open, and Oliver's intense, tantalizing stare immediately drew her in.

"Look in the mirror."

"Huh?"

"Look in the mirror, Felicity," he repeated. "Please."

Felicity turned her head to face the mirror and gasped. Her lipstick was smeared across both their mouths, and their bodies undulated together in perfect synchronicity. Her arousal spiked upon seeing his hand buried and moving beneath her skirt as he plunged his fingers into her over and over again. While the reflection in the mirror was hers, Felicity did not recognize the woman staring back at her. This woman's eyes were dark, desperate, and lascivious. Her chest heaved and hips rocked with an animalistic urgency. Everything about her appearance was wild and erotic. When the palm of Oliver's hand began to rub against her already throbbing bundle of nerves, she bit her lip to keep from shouting.

Felicity had been overheated before, but now it felt as if her blood was boiling in her veins. The rousing pressure deep in her core continued to build. It was so intense it was almost unbearable and yet she craved more. Her heart stuttered when her eyes locked with Oliver's. His expression was hard, hungry, and possessive. He looked like he wanted to ravage her completely until he glanced down at her chest.

Oliver removed his hand from beneath her shirt to take hold of her necklace. His expression softened, though his other hand never ceased in its ministrations. His eyes closed as he kissed her temple, exhibiting more reverence than passion. They reopened, and he sought her out. Neither dared to look away, not wanting to break the silent connection. Needing to feel closer to him on a deeper level, Felicity covered Oliver's hand that was over her heart and interlaced their fingers. He clutched her just as tightly back, and it was her undoing as he curled his fingers inside of her on a sharp thrust.

The coil snapped completely, and the orgasm hit her in full force. Felicity's entire body shuddered and hitched before falling back against Oliver in a heap. He held her tightly, keeping his promise to support her as she spiraled from the high. Felicity fought to catch her breath and clutched at Oliver in return, whimpering in silent protest when he eventually pulled out of her. He pecked her forehead, and she lifted her chin in silent invitation. Oliver wasted no time kissing her and drinking her in.

"Thank you," Felicity whispered after a couple of charged minutes and squeezed his hand. "That was amazing." She kissed him again softly.

"You never have to thank me, but you're welcome," Oliver murmured back.

"What about you?" His rock hard erection was still poking into her back. Felicity had tried to grind against Oliver as much as she could but had lost sense of her movements when he'd started to take her to the brink.

Despite the need she could still sense in him, he shook his head. "Not tonight. This was for you, Felicity." Oliver smirked and added, "Besides, I did get part of my fantasy. Your lipstick looks good smeared all over me."

Giggling, Felicity nudged him. "Is that one of your possessive husband fetishes?"

"That's exactly what it is," he teased. "Anything that flaunts that I get full and exclusive access to those beautiful lips of yours is a good thing."

"Ugh, but now we have to get ready all over again," she told him and glanced at the clock. "And we're already late." Felicity should've pulled away and scrambled to fix her disheveled appearance but she didn't want to move from Oliver's embrace just yet. She wanted to still enjoy the intimacy and closeness of what they'd just shared.

"It's okay. The party doesn't start until you walk in," he said, using her joke from several days ago.

Felicity laughed and nuzzled into him further. "That's exactly right. Besides, it was worth it."

"Of course it was," he agreed and sought out another kiss. "Happy Birthday, shamsi."

She clutched him tighter, beaming as their lips came together in tender strokes. For the first time in years, it was a happy day indeed.

Translations:

shamsi = my sun

Taban, enaha sataqtuluni = Damn, she's going to kill me

Momma = Mama

Al laqeet al anani = selfish bastard