Hey guys, I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! Thank you for your comments last chapter. Reviews are always appreciated. Here's a new one for you. Enjoy!

Chapter 18: The City

Felicity was so excited that she could barely sit still in her seat. Her face was practically plastered to the window, looking out at the white, fluffy clouds and clear blue sky. It was hard to believe she was actually on her way to Starling City. She'd had dreams about returning, but none compared to the real thing.

Al Sah-him had been serious when he said they had to leave immediately. Felicity was only able to pack the necessities and quickly change into a simple outfit of black pants, a shirt, and a jacket. She'd pulled her hair back into a ponytail and donned her glasses, already feeling more like herself, before meeting Sara, Nyssa, and—to her surprise—Tommy at the main entrance of the compound. A bunch of other assassins that served under Al Sah-him had also arrived with their gear packed.

Once everyone was accounted for, the group had headed outside where a caravan of black SUVs awaited to take them to a private landing strip. Felicity had done a double take. She was so used to the League's "traditional ways" that she half expected a bunch of horses or camels waiting for them to ride. When she'd said as much, Sara snorted while Al Sah-him attempted to maintain a straight face in front of his men. She saw the corner of his mouth twitch, though.

Nyssa and Tommy had been more somber, not that she blamed them. This trip meant something completely different to the both of them. Apparently, Malcolm Merlyn had been spotted in Starling. It wasn't by anyone in the public, of course, since that would've been a huge story in the media. The real world still thought he was missing and presumed dead. But the underground network of spies Ra's had in place reported that Merlyn was back in town.

Al Sah-him believed it was intentional. Merlyn wasn't known as The Magician for nothing. The man had a knack for disappearing. If he was seen now, it was because he wanted to be. It didn't take Felicity's genius IQ to figure out that he was probably pissed about Tommy's abduction. His blatant reappearance signaled that the League had played on a weakness, and he wasn't about to let them exploit it any longer.

Ra's had tasked Al Sah-him with finding Merlyn and bringing him back to Nanda Parbat to face justice. Unfortunately, Tommy was a part of the plan. Not only would he serve as bait, but Ra's considered this the ultimate test of Tommy's loyalty to the League. He was supposed to help Al Sah-him lure his father out and capture him.

Although Tommy didn't particularly like his father, Felicity could tell that he was torn. She understood all too well what it was like to despise one's father for his evil ways while also yearning for his love and acceptance. She'd finally let go of that hurt and insecure little girl inside, but clearly Tommy's internal battle was just beginning. He sat at the back of the private jet by himself, drinking what looked like mini bottles of vodka.

Nyssa, though talking softly with Sara, appeared more stoic than usual too. She had her own score to settle with Merlyn. Although she and Tommy had bonded in their own way, it seemed Tommy could sense that Nyssa was out for blood on this mission—even if he didn't completely know why. They sat at opposite ends of the plane. Felicity would've told him, but the truth of Nyssa's mother's death was a closely guarded secret; she didn't feel it was her place to reveal it.

"Would you like something to drink, Seti?" the flight attendant asked, jarring Felicity out of her thoughts. "Some champagne or wine perhaps?"

"Oh, um…I can have that?" Felicity had never flown first class before, let alone on a spacious and luxurious private jet; the League really spared no expense. She was used to the standard coffee-soda-juice option—minus the peanuts that could kill her.

The woman patiently replied, "Of course."

"She prefers red wine," Al Sah-him interjected. "Bring us the bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1982."

Felicity's mouth dropped open, but it wasn't because of the absolutely amazing (and insanely expensive) wine he'd ordered. Al Sah-him, after heading to the bathroom in the back, now stood before her wearing a navy blue t-shirt and jeans. On any other man, it'd be a simple outfit; nothing drool-worthy. But on Al Sah-him…Felicity didn't know whether to melt into the seat or pounce on him.

Even though she knew exactly what her husband was packing, all she'd ever really seen him wear was his dark, heavy, and layered League gear—with the occasional t-shirt. She'd never seen him wear anything other than black. The blue, however, perfectly brought out the vivid and enticing color of his eyes. Combined with the way the fabrics clung to his tall, muscular body, this new look caused her mind and mouth to have serious trouble forming a coherent connection.

"Holy frack," she eventually managed to utter.

Despite having the middle—and most elaborate with its fully reclining chairs—area of the plane to themselves, her voice carried and a few of the men glanced in their direction.

"Would you prefer the champagne instead? I can call her back over," Al Sah-him replied.

"N-no. I want the red wine." And you.

Al Sah-him studied her for a few seconds before a dimple appeared in his cheek. He took his seat beside her, looking pleased with himself. The handsome bastard had to have figured out by now how he was affecting her. He lifted the armrest, and Felicity took the invitation to snuggle into his side.

"I'm guessing you approve of this look," he murmured when her hand started rubbing along his jean-clad thigh.

"It's all right," she nonchalantly replied.

Al Sah-him chuckled. "That look in your eyes makes me think it's more than just 'all right.'"

Since she'd been busted ogling him, resistance was futile. "It's not fair that you're this handsome. Then again you're my husband, so maybe it is," Felicity teased.

"Then you do approve," he prodded.

"Most definitely yes. If I'd met this version of you first, I'd probably have been a swooning, stuttering mess."

He kept his voice low and twirled the end of her ponytail around his finger. "You'd have blushed, and it would've made me want you again right then and there."

While lightly but deliberately running a finger up and down his solid chest, Felicity whispered, "And if this plane wasn't full of assassins watching our every move, I'd take you in the back and show you just how much I want you right now."

Their heated gazes held for what felt like an eternity until the flight attendant returned with their wine. Felicity eagerly reached for hers. She'd need a few good sips to help ease some of the tension in her body. Before she could bring it to her mouth, Al Sah-him clinked their glasses.

"What was that for?"

"To us," he murmured. "And our first trip."

She smiled and took a sip. The rich smoky and berry flavors exploded on her tongue before smoothly sliding down her throat. It was by far the best wine she'd ever tasted. "Is it wrong that I'm so excited to be going back to Starling?" she questioned after taking another sip.

Al Sah-him frowned. "Why would it be wrong?"

Felicity glanced back toward Tommy, who had another mini bottle in hand. "Because it's not like this trip is a honeymoon," she quietly replied, not wanting to be overheard. "You're all hunting Merlyn and forcing Tommy to take part."

He sighed and put his glass down. "Merlyn betrayed the League. He's a wanted man, shamsi."

"I understand that, and I'm not worried about him. I'm worried about Tommy. I know what it's like to have a parent who takes you for granted but still feel an obligation to family loyalty."

"You were able to let go of your father," he pointed out.

"Yes, once he betrayed me and sold me to the League," Felicity stated. "Merlyn may have done terrible things, but he never did that. He faked his death to disappear and spare his son. Now he's reappeared most likely in response to his abduction, and Tommy is being used as bait to lure his own father to his death. That's a hell of a thing to process."

"It's Ra's order, shamsi."

Felicity was tempted to tell him where Ra's could shove his ridiculous orders but held her tongue. The last thing she needed was one of the men to overhear her speaking ill of their supreme leader. When Ra's wanted something, he got it. End of story.

Al Sah-him lifted her chin, and he gave her a squeeze. "All will be well. I'll watch out for Tommy. Promise."

Although she believed Al Sah-him would keep his promise, there was more than one way to protect Tommy. Al Sah-him could ensure Tommy wasn't physically hurt, but what about mentally? The League was transforming him into a completely different person and now expected him to sever the last connection to his past life to fully become Al Tareq. Though not visible, the wound would run deep and the scar might not ever heal.

Felicity sipped her wine, torn between her excitement to return home and the dread of the challenges in the days to come.

The safe house where they'd be staying wasn't exactly a house but a high-rise. It was located in midtown, in the heart of Starling City. Felicity had passed by the area a few times when she'd first moved there but never really had a reason to explore it. The real estate was expensive, and so were the surrounding establishments.

The League leased various units on different floors. Felicity and Al Sah-him would be on the fifteenth floor while Nyssa and Sara were one below. Tommy would be staying with Al Sah-him's men a few floors up. After piling out of the SUVs and signing in at the front, they filed into the elevator. They'd settle in to their separate units before preparations to track down Merlyn were underway.

Once again, Felicity was overwhelmed with giddy anticipation. Al Sah-him had informed her that their apartment would be a spacious loft with a beautiful view of the city. The ride up was mostly quiet. They were all a bit jetlagged after such a long flight—although Al Sah-him and the other assassins never seemed to not be acutely aware of their surroundings. Tommy, meanwhile, sagged against the wall in the corner, looking a little hungover.

"Text us when you're ready," Sara said before she and Nyssa got off.

Al Sah-him nodded while pocketing his phone. "I will."

It was strange to see Al Sah-him with a phone. The League for the most part was still in the Dark Ages. Felicity wasn't accustomed to seeing her husband using modern technology.

The elevator dinged with their arrival. She and Al Sah-him stepped out, along with a few men from their personal guard. They were staying down the hall just in case they were needed. Al Sah-him issued an order in Arabic. Felicity understood enough to know they would be required to take shifts surveying the area and keeping an eye out after they'd settled into their quarters.

She let Al Sah-him lead her down the hall to their door. He pulled out the keys and handed her the extra set. Felicity palmed them, unable to curb her delight that this meant she wouldn't be cooped up like back in Nanda Parbat. Why else would she need keys if she couldn't come and go as she pleased?

Al Sah-him opened the door but before Felicity could step inside, he scooped her up in his arms. She let out a surprised squeak. "Oliver, what—"

"It's tradition." He then walked her across the threshold of what would be their home for the next week or so.

After affectionately kissing his cheek, Felicity's eyes did a sweep of the loft. Oliver hadn't embellished. The wide open space and stunning wall of windows with a spectacular view of the city took her breath away.

"Wow," she murmured as Oliver gently placed her down.

Felicity walked fully into the room, taking in the modern kitchen and long dining room table to the left. On the right was a set of plush couches and a coffee table facing a large flatscreen TV, which rested above a long, rectangular fireplace. There was another fireplace on the opposite side of the room as well.

Her stare lingered on the windows once more. When she noticed the door leading to the balcony, Felicity couldn't contain herself. She swiftly crossed the distance to take in the view outside. As soon as she opened the door, she was bombarded by the sounds of the city. The hustle and bustle of the people and traffic below echoed up to her. There were a few honks and sirens, as well as the sound of construction in the distance. The familiar chaos made Felicity's eyes water and a sense of calm enveloped her. This was her home, and she'd missed it even more than she'd realized.

"Shamsi?" Oliver questioned. "Are you all right?"

Felicity wiped at a stray tear before nodding and throwing her arms around him. "Thank you so much for bringing me here."

"You're welcome," he murmured, hugging her back. "Do you want to see the upstairs now?"

"Sure."

Oliver guided her inside and paused at the front door to grab the small bags they'd packed with their essentials. With the luggage in one hand and hers in the other, he led Felicity up the stairs not far from the front door. They entered a room surrounded by brick walls, although the ones facing the living room below didn't quite reach the ceiling. It gave the effect of privacy while still remaining open. There was a smaller set of windows and a king-sized bed a few feet away. There was also a dresser, fancy chaise lounge, and a patterned carpet.

He pointed at the door in the corner. "The bathroom is through there. The closet is next to it." Oliver also motioned to the open hallway. "That leads around to the office. There's a small set of stairs set back downstairs, as well, if you want to access it from there."

"Wow, the League doesn't do anything halfway, does it?" she mumbled, still in awe. "This place is amazing."

"There's one last thing," he said and tugged her forward. Felicity gasped when he flipped on the light. The closet was a spacious walk-in. There were rows of racks and different sets of drawers with a little island in the middle for additional storage. Oliver's things only took up a small portion while the rest of the closet was bare aside from a couple of basic outfits that she hoped would fit her.

"I guess you don't need much," she commented.

"Not really. The rest is yours to use."

"That's great and all, but I didn't bring much. I don't really have anything…" her words trailed off when Oliver held up a tiny, square piece of plastic. "What's that?" she asked, although it was quite obvious.

"A credit card." He handed it to her.

Felicity stared down at it, abnormally perplexed. "The League of Assassins uses American Express? Where do they send the bill?"

Oliver looked like he was trying not to laugh. "Nanda Parbat may be traditional but when we're out here in the real world, we have access to all the modern conveniences—and now, so do you. This credit card is yours exclusively to use."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. The limits here are not the same as in Nanda Parbat. You can go shopping and pick out whatever you want to wear. Fill this entire closet up if you desire. You can also go out to lunch and have a spa day with Sara."

What Oliver was offering sounded absolutely amazing, but she didn't miss the one caveat in his statement. "But there are limits," she prompted.

"Sara and/or your guards must be with you at all times. Although there's more freedom here, the League's enemies are never far. You still have to be careful, shamsi."

Felicity nodded. "I understand." Living in the compound had taught her to never let her guard down. As thrilled as she was to be back in the city, that instinct for self-preservation wouldn't be leaving her anytime soon.

"I have one last thing for you."

"There's more? This feels an awful lot like my birthday," she teased. Instinctively, she rubbed the sunflower necklace resting against her chest.

They returned to the bedroom, and Oliver searched through his bag. He pulled out two devices: a tablet and a phone. Felicity felt her breath quicken as her fingers twitched with the urge to touch them.

"You must keep the phone on you at all times. All of our numbers are programmed inside. If for any reason you need me, you call or text me right away. I will always try to answer. If not immediately, then within moments once I'm sure the coast is clear and I'm secure."

"No interrupting missions. Got it."

"Not unless it's an emergency," he replied. "Then I want you to call me no matter what. Okay?"

"Okay."

"I know how much you miss your tech. There's Wi-Fi here, so you can surf the web or catch up on current events. Do whatever you want to do as long as you're careful. All that I ask is you don't reach out to anyone you once knew. Your father has his tentacles here, too, and there's no telling how far his influence has extended since your absence. I don't want you vulnerable. Just like in Nanda Parbat, you trust me, Sara, Nyssa, Tommy, and your guards. That's it."

"All right."

"I'm trusting you, shamsi," he stressed.

"I know, and I appreciate your trust in me. I promise I'll do as you say," Felicity replied, holding his intense gaze.

She would've loved to contact Dig and see him again but if her father really was operating out of Starling now, too, then it would be too dangerous for him to be anywhere near here. Not to mention the uncertainty of how the hell she'd introduce him to Oliver and vice versa. Although both men loved her, Felicity had to admit she wasn't sure exactly how they'd react to each other.

When he was satisfied that he'd gotten his point across, Oliver leaned down to give her a tender kiss. Felicity took hold of the tech and clutched it for a few precious seconds before tossing it on the bed. She then wound her arms around her husband's neck to deepen the kiss.

"I suppose you have to get started straight away on your mission," she mumbled.

"Well, not right away," he murmured against her lips. "We're not venturing out until nightfall."

"Mmm, good. Because after that long flight, I could use a hot shower." Felicity nipped at his bottom lip and scratched her nails along the back of his neck. "Want to join me?"

Oliver didn't need to say anything. For the second time today, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her across the threshold. Felicity smiled into their kiss. She could definitely get used to this.

Felicity moaned in pure ecstasy. She closed her eyes to savor the familiar sensation. It had been way too long. "Mmm…oh my God," she muttered.

"Would you two like to be alone?" Sara's bemused voice cut in.

Her eyes popped open to see Sara and Tommy staring at her. The trio was sitting in the loft having the dinner they'd ordered. Taking a moment to swallow the last bite of Big Belly Burger, she composed herself enough to innocently reply, "What?"

"You were practically making sex noises while eating that burger—not that I blame you. God, how I've missed fast food," Tommy commented and lovingly eyed his own deluxe burger. "If Al Sah-him were here, though, he'd probably be jealous. In fact, I'm a little turned on myself." Sara smacked Tommy upside the head. "Hey, ow! You know you were thinking the same thing."

"And you know that if Al Sah-him were here, he'd break a few of your fingers for that comment."

"It was a joke," Tommy defended, although he did look a little bit nervous after Sara's warning.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to sound so…carried away," Felicity sheepishly replied. "I've just missed good, old-fashioned American food. By the way, Sara, tomorrow we're going for pizza." She was determined to eat all of her favorite meals while in Starling. Once they returned to Nanda Parbat, which already seemed like a depressing thought, there was no telling how long she'd have to go without again.

"Since I'm confined to this place—you know, except for when I'm hunting down my own father—maybe you can bring me back some sushi," Tommy requested. He tried to keep his tone light, but Felicity saw through his attempt at humor. He could barely look them in the eye, and his entire body was suddenly tense.

Al Sah-him and Nyssa had gone to check in with their unit and make preparations before venturing out into the city tonight. Since Felicity had pointed out Tommy's discomfort to Al Sah-him on the plane, she wondered if he let Tommy stay with her and Sara for a bit so he could feel somewhat at ease. Unfortunately, there was no making Tommy forget why exactly he was back in Starling.

"Sure, we can do that," Felicity said while exchanging a look with the other blonde.

Tommy picked up a fry and took a bite before throwing the rest of it back in the pile. He abruptly stood up, startling them. "I need some air."

"He can't go tonight," she immediately said to Sara once he was on the balcony and out of earshot.

"Felicity, he has to."

She kept her voice low. "Sara, look at him. He's all twisted up in knots."

"If he doesn't go, Ra's will find out and it will be even worse for him. Besides, it's not like Merlyn is innocent. I know Nyssa told you what he did to her mother, not to mention the other crimes he's committed against the League."

"What other crimes?" Felicity pressed. "Al Sah-him mentioned that he's wanted, but he never told me why."

"All you need to know is that he was planning to do something horrible to this city that would've taken millions of innocent lives."

"And Ra's was against that? I never knew the Demon's Head had a soft spot for the greater good," she sarcastically replied.

"The League does not kill on a whim—especially innocents. Only Ra's has the power to decide when and how the League can strike—if at all. But beyond that, Merlyn made his plans behind Ra's back. When he was caught the first time, Merlyn begged for forgiveness and swore Ra's a life debt. He was spared but not permitted to live in Nanda Parbat. He would serve Ra's from the outside. Shortly before he faked his death, our spies reported that Merlyn had not given up his grand plan. He was being as sneaky as his name suggests and biding his time until the day of reckoning. Luckily, we discovered his plot and prevented it a second time."

"So, if Malcolm had sought Ra's approval to carry out this grand scheme, would it have been allowed? Is this nothing more than a power play and him being pissed he wasn't asked permission?" Felicity felt infuriated by the idea.

"I don't care what Ra's reasons were for stopping Merlyn. All I care about is Nyssa finally being able to put her past behind her and find peace. Her mother's death has haunted her ever since she was a child, just like Armitage's destruction of my family has haunted me."

"Merlyn played a part, but he wasn't the one who actually killed her mother. If Nyssa wanted true justice, shouldn't it be Ra's that pays for his crime?" she challenged.

"In a perfect, uncomplicated world, yes. But you know why she can't make a move against him. If taking out Merlyn is her chance to exorcise her demons, then so be it," Sara declared.

Suddenly, Felicity didn't feel hungry anymore either. "I need some air too." She got up and headed for the balcony to join Tommy. He stood at the very end of it, far from the door. "Mind if I join you?"

"It's a free country," he muttered, staring straight ahead.

"I'm sorry you're being forced to do this," she murmured. "If you want, I can try to talk to Al Sah-him again. Maybe you don't have to go tonight."

"It doesn't matter. If I don't go, I'm as good as dead. And if I do, then my father is as good as dead. Nobody actually wins in this situation."

They stood side by side in silence for a few minutes. Felicity wrung her hands over the railing, feeling completely at a loss to help her friend.

"You see that building in the distance? The one taller than all the rest."

She followed his line of sight and saw what she thought was the building he referred to. It had a big, glowing blue sign. "Queen Consolidated?"

He nodded. "My best friend's family owned it. Even though it was technically competing with Merlyn Global, our families were still close. God, I loved spending time with them. My father, when he did finally come home after his League training, was so damn cold and detached. I spent every second I could at the Queen mansion, and they welcomed me with open arms. When they died, it was like my mother had died all over again. My father was always in and out. No matter what I did, I knew I wasn't his priority. But even though I hated him more often than not, he was all I had left. You'd think it'd be so easy for me to just say 'fuck him' and help the League, but it isn't. I still feel like that stupid, abandoned little kid. Even when I know he's the reason I'm in this mess, it still feels wrong to be the one hunting him. My mother was the best person I'd ever known. She must've seen something good in him to marry him. What would she think if she could see me now?"

"She'd think that you have a good heart, Tommy," Felicity encouraged. "And that no matter what you may face on this mission, you should fight like hell to keep it that way."

Tommy finally turned to face her. "How did you do it? How were you able to separate from your father and not feel guilty? Or feel guilty about feeling guilty because even though you know for a fact he's committed evil, you still feel in the wrong for turning your back?"

"Honestly, all my life I've felt that way. I've fought back against my father, sure, but there was always that part of me that wished he would just be my dad and love me for who I am. Selling me out to Ra's was the ultimate betrayal. That was the final straw for me. I knew without a doubt that he was not the loving husband and father he pretended to be when I was younger. That's not who he is at his core, and he'll never be that man. I couldn't change him, but I could change myself.

"The League is…it's dark, dangerous, and flawed. But I've come to learn there are at least some good people in it. Meeting you, Sara, and Nyssa—plus little Amina and her parents—I've never had so many strong but kind people around me. I didn't really have friends growing up. The only person I had was my bodyguard, Dig. This is all new for me too."

"You forgot Al Sah-him," he pointed out.

"I could never forget him. He's a warrior, but he's got a good heart too. Knowing him has changed my life. I don't know if I could've reached this point without him. He's protected and supported me every step of the way. I know he'll help you too." Al Sah-him had said he would look out for Tommy. She knew firsthand that he was an honorable man. Even though she hated everything about this mission, she would take him at his word.

"Not to sound ungrateful, but I know the only reason I have his protection now is because I helped save you."

"Maybe it started out that way," she acknowledged, "but it's more than that. I like to think we all look out for each other now not because of some order, but because we actually want to. Maybe it's silly but these past months it's kinda felt like we're…it's kinda felt like we're our own little family." She bit her lip. "Crazy, huh?"

Tommy glanced out at the city once more before meeting her gaze. He then put his arm around her and gave Felicity an affectionate squeeze. "Maybe not that crazy."

Felicity smiled up at him. The worry lines in his brow hadn't disappeared, but Tommy did seem more at ease. They stayed like that for a couple of minutes until a throat cleared behind them. Tommy immediately let go of her and took a step away at the sight of Al Sah-him.

She looked to her husband, ready to give him an admonishing frown if he tried one of his intimidating and possessive glares. He knew he had no reason to be jealous of Tommy, but sometimes the man couldn't help himself. Normally, Felicity would find it sexy. But considering she was just trying to convince Tommy that he wasn't alone in this and they had his back, Al Sah-him's reaction would upset him all over again.

Thankfully, Al Sah-him looked entirely calm. He was back in his League gear. "It's time," was all he said.

With a resigned sigh, Tommy bobbed his head in agreement. He gave Felicity one last conciliatory glance before going back inside.

Al Sah-him didn't follow right away. She saw his gaze wander past her. Besides the way his hands rubbed together at his sides, there was no other indication that something was affecting him.

"How much did you hear?" she knowingly asked.

"All of it."

Felicity closed the distance between them and tilted her head back to hold his stare with a determined one of her own. "Was I wrong in anything I said?"

He hesitated but shook his head.

"You'll make sure Tommy knows that. You'll have his back tonight, right?"

Al Sah-him nodded.

Felicity stood on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss against his lips. "You'll be careful, too, won't you?"

Their lips brushed a second time as he agreed. With one last kiss, he drew back. The change in him was immediate. She recognized the hard resolve in his eyes and the way his body tensed, ready to do battle.

"Don't wait up, shamsi."

"You have to get it."

"I don't know…" Felicity trailed off as she glanced in the dressing room mirror. The bright pink dress had caught her eye on the rack, and now she wasn't so sure wearing it. It was beautiful but also showed a lot more skin. Before the League, she probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. But now that she was so used to covering up, it seemed that much more shocking. "Do you think it's too much? Or too little, I mean?"

"I think you look hot, and that Al Sah-him is going to completely lose it when he sees you in it," Sara reassured her.

Felicity had to admit she loved the shape of her body in the dress. And if she loved it, then Oliver would certainly approve. "You're not in Nanda Parbat anymore. You can wear and show whatever you damn well want," she muttered to herself.

The decision was made.

"I'm getting it," Felicity announced.

"Damn right you are," Sara agreed. "I'm getting these things too." She lifted up the armful of outfits she just tried on.

After making their purchases—it felt so good to be doing normal things like shopping again—they walked over to a nearby bistro for lunch. It was a beautiful sunny day, and so they decided to eat outside on the patio. It wasn't like Nanda Parbat where they would've melted within seconds. The weather in Starling City was warm with a light summer breeze.

The first couple of days, Felicity had actually felt cold as she adjusted to the milder temperature. But she wasn't about to pass up any extra time outside. She'd been stuck inside a dreary compound for months, and she was going to enjoy every second of her freedom while she could—although her freedom wasn't absolute considering her guards still remained nearby. They were dressed normally and kept a distance, but Felicity was always aware of their presence.

The waiter came by to take their drink orders and gave them a few more minutes to peruse their menus. Sara managed to convince Felicity that noon was never too early to drink sangria. They clinked their glasses, enjoying their girls' day out. She'd also suggested that Nyssa should join them but like Oliver, she preferred to sleep most of the day so she would be ready by nightfall to track down Merlyn. It was easier for them to do what was needed in the city's shadows. Plus, Sara said that Nyssa hated shopping.

"I'm so glad you got that dress," Sara commented while reaching for a piece of bread and some butter.

Felicity followed suit, needing to ease the famished feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Me too—even if I don't know when I'll be able to wear it."

"Why can't you wear it?"

"I don't really have an occasion to," the blonde pointed out.

"So make up an occasion."

Felicity shrugged. "Al Sah-him is so busy with his mission."

They'd developed a new routine in the city. Al Sah-him would return in the morning just in time to fix Felicity breakfast. To her surprise, he was actually an amazing cook. The look of disapproval and horror on his face when he saw her toasting a pop-tart for breakfast was priceless. Despite the dark circles under his eyes from a long night, he'd stripped out of his gear and proceeded to rummage around the kitchen. About fifteen minutes later, Al Sah-him was serving her blueberry pancakes he'd whipped up. The sight was adorable and the result delicious.

During the day, Felicity would hang out with Sara. They'd gone to a spa yesterday, and the massage she'd gotten had done wonders for the tension in her back. In the evening, Al Sah-him was usually up and preparing dinner for the group. Felicity was convinced he was a bit of a food snob and wanted to prevent her from binging on any more Big Bell Burger. But she looked forward to that time together before he had to leave again to track down Merlyn. The man was a slithery snake who had a knack for slipping through the League's grasp. Al Sah-him didn't talk about it, but Felicity got the sense he was frustrated. Tommy and Nyssa didn't appear to be in great moods either.

After they departed, Felicity took a few hours to work on her Armitage project. It was the best time, since there was little chance of her being discovered and interrupted. Al Sah-him would surely be suspicious of her sitting in the office for hours on end with equipment even more high-tech than what he'd given her. She couldn't take any chances until she had something viable to show him. All in all, they both had plenty of activities to keep them occupied.

"You know he'll make time for you if you ask," Sara stated.

"I know," she mumbled while staring way too intensely at her menu.

"Unless there's something else that's bothering you."

"Are you ladies ready to order?" their waiter interrupted.

Felicity sighed in relief before declaring she'd have a turkey and avocado panini with a salad on the side. She also ordered a plate of fries to share with Sara. After the waiter had taken her friend's order, Sara was right back to staring at Felicity in that disarming way of hers.

"Are you sure things are okay between you and Al Sah-him?" Sara prodded.

"Why do you think something is wrong?" she replied, dodging the question.

"I don't necessarily think something is wrong. But since you're my friend, I can sense that something is bothering you. And after the minor observation I made last night, I kind of have an idea of what it is," Sara explained.

"If you're going to try to convince me about Tommy—"

"It's not about Tommy," Sara interrupted. "Although maybe that's a small part of it."

"Part of what?" Felicity challenged.

"Why you don't tell Al Sah-him you love him."

Felicity's jaw dropped. "W-what?"

"I wasn't trying to overhear your conversation with Al Sah-him last night, but I did. Before he left, you told him to be careful and then he said he loved you. You didn't say it back. You kissed him, which wouldn't have been a big deal if I didn't notice the deflated expression on his face as he left."

Sara's words were like a dagger to Felicity's heart. "He looked deflated?"

"It wouldn't be obvious to anyone else, but I know him. Reminded me of when you first came to Nanda Parbat. He was trying so hard to get through to you, but nothing was working. He used to get the same look on his face."

"Frack," Felicity cursed before taking a long swig of her sangria.

"I'll understand if you tell me it's none of my business. You don't owe me an explanation. I just figured we're friends and if something is on your mind, you can tell me. You know, instead of keeping it bottled up, which is your tendency."

Felicity couldn't believe that Sara had noticed that, although she could believe Al Sah-him's reaction. He never outright questioned her on it, but she wasn't oblivious to his silent disappointment. She was disappointed in herself too.

"It's not that I don't feel the same way," Felicity admitted, allowing the emotional flood gates to open. "I've wanted to say it back so badly. It's just that every time I know I should, I can't. Something keeps holding me back."

"Any idea what it is?"

She shrugged and let out a frustrated breath. "I couldn't figure it out in Nanda Parbat. Things are as good as they can be there. As you said, the League has started to accept me and all of that. I actually feel like I've earned my place," she explained.

"You have," Sara confirmed.

"But here…I don't know my—our place," Felicity corrected as she struggled to put into words what had been troubling her. "All of my life, no matter what the situation, I've always waited for the other shoe to drop. Being back in Starling City, I think I still am."

"How so?" her friend prodded.

"The only way I can describe it is Nanda Parbat is a bubble. The League too. Al Sah-him and I have been living in that bubble all these months, and it allowed us to get close. But it's also kept us sheltered from a larger reality. This is the real world. What if, regardless of how we feel about each other, we don't work out here? What if it's a well-intentioned lie?"

Sara was quiet for a moment and chewed thoughtfully on her bread. "You can never be one-hundred percent sure when it comes to love, but it's a fair point," she eventually agreed. "Which is why you should go on a date."

Felicity's eyes widened. "A date?"

"Yes, a date. Take charge and spend time out in the real world together. Nanda Parbat is our turf, but Starling City is yours. There's this whole other side to you here, Felicity. I know because I've seen it these last couple of days. You need to show Al Sah-him that part of you too. If you don't, then that'll be the lie."

"What if he doesn't love the other side of me?"

"What if he does?" Sara challenged. "Matters of the heart are always a risk. Trust me, I know. Nyssa and I have never had it easy. But you have to ask yourself if you were ever gonna risk it for anyone, wouldn't it be for Al Sah-him?"

Despite all the uncertainty, it was one question Felicity could answer without doubt. "It would."

"Then you know what you have to do." Sara raised her glass.

Felicity followed suit and clinked them together. "I guess I'm asking my husband out on a date."

Walking into the loft, Felicity was immediately hit by the delectable smell of pasta and tomato sauce. Oliver was bent over—his jeans yet again doing wonders for his muscular behind—reaching into the oven for the casserole dish. The table was already set for dinner with a big bowl of salad, a basket of Italian bread at the center, and a couple of glasses of wine poured.

"Hey, you're just in time," he greeted.

"Is that lasagna? It smells amazing."

"Thanks. It needs to sit for a little bit before I cut into it, but it'll be ready by the time the others show up." He eyed the bags in her hands. "I see you and Sara had another successful shopping day."

"We did." Felicity bit her lip as she placed them near the end of the stairs to be taken up later.

"Get anything good?" Oliver handed her a glass of wine when she joined him, followed by a sweet kiss.

"I got one thing in particular I'm excited about."

"Yeah, what is it?"

Thinking of the dress in question, Felicity suddenly blurted out, "I wanna go on a date."

Oliver paused with the glass barely to his mouth. "What?" he replied, frowning in confusion.

Sara had been right; she needed to take charge and go for it. "Tomorrow night, instead of hunting Merlyn, I want you to come out with me on a date. I already made reservations for us at a restaurant I've been dying to go to. Not that I don't appreciate you cooking each night, because I do. It's just that we haven't gotten to spend that much down time together since we've been here, and I think it would be really great if we were just a normal couple, eating a normal dinner, and having a normal time. Well, not a normal time. I hope it's actually fun. But the point is you're in my city, and I want the chance to show it to you and enjoy it with you." She took a deep breath after her extraordinarily long ramble. "So, what do you say?"

"Okay," he replied.

That was easier than she thought. "Okay? Really?" she questioned, already feeling a tinge of nervous-excited butterflies.

"Yes, really. Nyssa is more than capable of taking over for a night. If you want to show me your city, shamsi, then I'd love to see it. " He drew her forward, meeting her eager gaze with an amused one of his own. "Let's go on a date."

Translations:

Seti = My Lady

shamsi = my sun