A/N: Hello, lovely readers! I can't believe this is the last chapter. It's certainly bittersweet as I've enjoyed writing this story so much. You've blown me away with your feedback and support. Thank you all. I couldn't have asked for better readers. I'd also like to give special thanks and a shout-out to Almondblossomme on Tumblr, who graciously helped me with translations throughout this entire fic.

It took a while to write this last chapter (partly because I didn't want to say goodbye). But I'm really excited to post it for you now. Consider it an early Christmas gift. Stay safe out there, and Happy Reading!

Chapter 30: The Beginning

The chorus of chirping birds in the morning was something Felicity would never tire of. Their sweet, melodic sounds were a welcomed reminder that she was no longer in the desert. She'd heard the birds countless mornings, in various places, since leaving Nanda Parbat. Whether in Italy, Bali, Aruba, or the Pacific Coast Trail, they all seemed to carry the same cheerful tune. As Felicity stretched in the king-sized bed, which had the softest sheets she'd ever slept on, she decided the birds of Starling City had that little something extra.

With a yawn, Felicity cracked open her heavy eyelids. She could sleep another hour or two, at least, but sleeping in was not an option today. There was too much preparation to do. Turning over on her side, she wasn't surprised to find an empty spot beside her. No matter how many months passed, Oliver still found it difficult to sleep in. Usually by the time she got up, he was either on his way back from a run or in the middle of a set of push-ups. Felicity would pretend to be asleep during the latter. The rippling and straining of his muscles as sweat slicked his body had her wanting to join him on the floor—albeit for an entirely different reason.

This morning she didn't hear his heavy breathing or low grunts. Oliver must've gone for a run. The grounds of the Queen mansion were huge—big enough for their own tiny village with its beautiful fields of grass and lush gardens. Its elegance rivaled even the most exotic destinations they'd visited. Except here, it actually felt like home.

The bedroom door opened, and her head popped up. In walked Oliver with a breakfast tray. She grinned.

"Did you make me breakfast in bed again?" Felicity grabbed an extra pillow to prop herself up.

Oliver gently placed the tray on her lap. "It's a big day. You need your strength." He winked and leaned down to kiss her lips.

"I could say the same for you." Her stomach grumbled from the scrumptious smell of bacon, omelets, and pancakes. Oliver was such a good cook.

"I'm starving."

"I can hear that," he teased.

As Felicity dug in, Oliver went to open the massive curtains. She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the light. Then she got a whiff of coffee and reached for the warm, heavenly cup.

The bed shifted with Oliver's weight. "We've got blueberry pancakes, a bacon and ham omelet, and fresh fruit."

Her stomach rumbled again. "So much for that diet." She patted her stomach, which was sticking out a little more than usual.

"You don't need to diet. You're perfect." He pressed a tender kiss to her cheek and offered her a bite.

Her cheeks heated. A little over a year had passed since they first married and he still made her blush. The handsome rogue knew it, too, as he beamed with pride.

"Still, I don't think I can eat all of this on my own." She pushed the plate toward him, and they dug in.

"What?" he questioned minutes later when she just stared at him, smiling.

"You've got a little bit of whipped cream"—she leaned in—"right there …" Felicity wiped it with her thumb and sucked in a breath when Oliver caught it with his mouth. His eyes never left hers as he sucked on her finger. The air between them became charged. The want and desire she felt building in him mirrored her own.

Oliver's eyes darkened when Felicity set the tray aside on the nightstand. He barely had time to register her movement before she pounced on him.

"I'm a little sweaty from my run," he said.

"I know. It's amazing," she replied and sank back into the sheets.

Oliver eagerly followed. Her hands found the hem of his hoodie and drew it up and over his head. His own hands tangled in her hair before sliding down the curves of her body. The friction of his rough, calloused fingers through her silky nightie had her gasping into his mouth. Oliver left open-mouthed kisses down the side of her neck and continued to follow the path of his hands.

His thumbs hooked around her panties, drawing them down and away from her body. Felicity threw her head back, moaning loudly in pleasure when her husband buried his head between her thighs. Her hands grasped for his hair, pulling at it as he delved into her core. His tongue equally teased and tormented her. She cried out when he added a digit, and then another. Her hips rocked with the movement as he sucked on the sensitive little nub that sent shock waves of ecstasy throughout her entire body.

Her own arousal fed his. Until finally, the coil in her core snapped and she rode the aftershocks of her orgasm. Oliver grunted, feeling it through their connection. Though powerful, the pleasure was short-lived. Her husband was tightly wound from not getting his own full release.

Felicity yanked her nightie off and threw it to the side, needing to feel her husband's hot, taut skin. He wasted no time stripping off his sweats and boxers. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he settled on top of her. They moaned into each other's mouths as he entered her slowly. His patience surprised her, considering she could feel how desperately he wanted to take her. But the slow, measured pace had her toes curling.

Their frenzied desire slowed to a steady, intense passion. There was no need to rush. They no longer needed to worry about interruptions from servants or summons about court affairs. The demands of League life were a thing of the past. Oliver and Felicity moved together in perfect synchronicity. The pair knew each other inside and out—forming a harmonious balance like a yin yang.

"I love you, Oliver," she panted against his ear. His much larger form enveloped her completely. She arched her back to keep pace with him, offering him her entire body as the deepest part of her soul melded with the deepest part of his. They were truly one.

He sucked on the skin under her neck, kissed the tip of her chin, and then reclaimed her mouth. "I love you, shamsi."

Several thrusts later, and Felicity moaned his name. Oliver collapsed on top of her with a grunt, completely satiated. She didn't mind the extra weight. She loved cradling her large, lumbering husband in her arms. It was the safest and most loved she ever felt.

"Best breakfast ever," she murmured seductively into his ear.

He chuckled, which had her grinning from ear to ear. Oliver laughed so much more freely now. It was music to her ears.

Oliver grazed her lips and slid onto his stomach next to her. Felicity turned on her side to face him.

"Are you ready for tonight?" she asked while letting her hand lazily trace the contours of his back.

Her husband's eyes closed and he replied, "Yes, though I'm not sure why it's necessary."

"You heard what Walter said. When you come back from the dead, you get a party."

After their extended honeymoon, when they'd decided they were ready to return to Starling City, Tommy helped reach out to Walter Steele. The older man had understandably been skeptical at first. It was a one-in-a-million chance that a member of the Queen family had survived that terrible shipwreck. Others had tried to claim the Queen legacy over the years, and so Walter had grown used to scammers and con artists claiming to be the long-lost Oliver Queen.

When he'd seen Felicity, he'd recognized her immediately. Thanks to Dig, and his government connections, they had a plausible cover story in place: A young Oliver had washed ashore on an island. A local fisherman and his family took him in and raised him. When Oliver was older, he'd set out to travel the world to find out his true identity.

Tommy, who'd never quit his search for his friend, enlisted the help of Felicity. She'd been part of the team that traced the bombing at QC to the same people who'd kidnapped Tommy. His rescue and return from a group of corporate terrorists had the media in a frenzy. When Oliver submitted his DNA to a popular ancestry website months later, looking for his family, it led Felicity right to him. With Tommy and Felicity's help, Oliver rediscovered who he was. And in the process, Oliver and Felicity had fallen in love and gotten married. They didn't return to Starling City until they were sure any real threats were gone.

Walter was still a little cautious even with the DNA test. But eventually they managed to earn his trust. Hence, the party tonight to celebrate Oliver's return to Starling and the company, Queen Consolidated.

"The party planner and her team are already here. She said something about putting on the final touches."

"Better them than me." Over a hundred guests were expected tonight. Their party seemed to be morphing into a ball. Thankfully, the Queen mansion had a grand ballroom, and Walter knew the best party planners in town.

"Did you work on your speech?"

Walter would welcome Oliver back and make the announcement he'd be taking a role as senior vice president. He'd actually offered to step down as CEO, but Oliver didn't want that much responsibility yet. He wanted time to settle in and get to know his family's company. Plus, Walter was doing a great job. His parents couldn't have entrusted it in better hands. After the announcement, Oliver would say a few words.

Felicity would also be taking a role in the company, working with the R&D team in Applied Sciences on a new state-of-the-art cybersecurity system. Walter offered to give her a similar introduction, but Felicity declined. She wanted Oliver to have his night. Her announcement could wait.

Not to mention, the idea of speaking in front of all those people had her already upset stomach churning even more. Felicity bit her lip and pressed her hand to her abdomen. She already had jitters about the party tonight. Better to get through that and then deal with the other issue at hand.

"We should probably get up before Yolanda comes barging in asking about floral arrangements."

Felicity groaned and shoved her face into the pillow. "Do we have to?" She'd been so tired lately.

"Yes."

"I need a shower first."

"What a coincidence." His fingers trailed along the base of her spine. "So do I."

Her eyes popped open, and she bit her lip. "Then what are we waiting for?"

The Queen ballroom looked nothing short of magical. Yolanda might've been annoying throughout the whole process, but she sure knew how to throw a party. The food was delicious, the champagne flowed, and the illuminated floral arrangements looked like A Mid-Summer's Night Dream brought to life. If not for the strict guest list, Felicity would've sworn all of Starling City had showed up. People dressed in their finest hailed waiters and chatted by the bar while others danced to the orchestra.

The difference was startling compared to one of Ra's celebrations. There was less standing on ceremony and no threats of retaliation or bodily harm. On the contrary, excitement hung in the air as everyone tried to get a glimpse of Starling's "prodigal son."

Tommy and Walter were welcomed guides to navigating Starling City's high society. They made all of the introductions and filled them in on the who's who of the city. While Walter was more concerned with the business connections, Tommy filled them in on the all of the good gossip.

That's how Felicity knew the woman talking off her and Oliver's ear was as a fake. Carrie Cutter, a publicist for Starling's elite, became the subject of more news stories than her press releases. According to Tommy, she had a bad habit of conducting affairs with her clients. She'd destroyed quite a few marriages in her wake. Tommy was convinced she did it on purpose so they'd hire her to clean up the mess. "Cupid" is what he'd nicknamed her. Felicity tried to keep a straight face as the pretty redhead made her pitch.

"So you can see why it's so important to have the right team on your side. The press in this town can be brutal, Mr. Queen." She eyed Oliver up and down. "I promise you'll be satisfied with my work."

If Felicity had a champagne glass in her hand, it probably would've shattered. The woman had no shame.

"We'll think about it," Oliver replied diplomatically. "Now if you'll excuse me, I owe my beautiful wife a dance."

Sliding his arm around Felicity's waist, he ushered her quickly away.

"We are absolutely not hiring her," Felicity muttered once they were on the dance floor.

Oliver just smiled.

"What?" she demanded. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I can feel how much you mean that. Another second and I was worried you'd challenge her to a duel," he teased.

Felicity was already quite aware of how other women reacted toward her husband. The man was tall, built, and gorgeous—not to mention those adorable dimples that made her weak in the knees when he smiled. She didn't blame them for drooling. Sometimes Felicity had to pinch herself to make sure this was all real. But it'd been a while since a woman dared make a pass at him in front of her.

"You know I'd win," she replied. "Don't mess with the Bride of the Demon."

Oliver leaned in close to whisper, "It'll always be you, shamsi."

Felicity turned her head to capture his lips in a tender kiss. She was fully aware of the eyes on them. Let them stare.

"Besides sly publicists, are you finally going to tell me what's been on your mind all day?"

"Huh?"

"You've been nervous all day. I thought maybe it was the party, but now that we're here, I'm getting the sense it's something else."

Sometimes it was a relief when her husband could sense her emotions through their connection. Other times, like now, it was problematic.

"It can wait."

"You're sure?"

She stroked his cheek. "It's nothing to worry about. I promise. It can wait." A crowded room of people was the last place she wanted to tell him the news.

Oliver relaxed slightly, appeased. A second later, though, his head snapped suddenly to the right. His hackles rose and his eyes scanned the ballroom.

"Oliver."

"Wait here."

"What's the matter?"

Tommy walked up. "Everything all right?"

She never took her eyes off of her husband. "I don't know."

The pair shared a look and quickly, yet discretely, took off after him.

They found Oliver in the living room. To their surprise, he was talking to Sara. She wore a plain yet pretty, tight black gown.

"Sara," Felicity greeted enthusiastically.

"Hey," she greeted back and gave her a hug. "I was in town and heard there was a party, so I thought I'd drop in. Hope that's alright."

"Of course, you're always welcome here."

"Glad to see civilian life hasn't softened you," she said to Oliver, playfully punching him in the arm. "You nearly took my head off."

"Maybe if you'd used the front door instead of skulking in the shadows."

She laughed. "Fair enough."

"What brings you to Starling?" Tommy questioned. "Miss us?"

"An old enemy. I came to settle a score."

"Armitage," Oliver muttered. At Felicity's surprised look, he said, "I may not be in the League, but I still make a point to keep track of potential threats—just in case."

Sara nodded. "Well, that's one less enemy you'll have to worry about." She added, "Not to get too into the gory details, but it'll be headline news tomorrow morning."

"Good for you." Felicity rubbed her friend's shoulder. If anyone deserved to get justice and finally put the past behind her, it was Sara. "Where is Nyssa?"

"Back home in Nanda Parbat being the badass Ra's al Ghul I always knew she could be."

"So it's going well?" Oliver asked.

"Yes, mostly. The League has gone through a lot of changes. Nyssa is trying to continue those changes steadily."

"How are Amina and Sahar?" Felicity added.

"Very well, though Amina misses you. Sahar's husband has proved to be a wise choice for her second in command."

"I thought Nyssa would choose you for that," Tommy interjected, confused.

"Best to keep love and politics separate. Besides, I serve better as a protector at my beloved's side. A second in command is more often off doing their master's bidding. Nyssa treats me as an equal, not a soldier."

Oliver nodded in approval. "She needs people she can trust."

Felicity inquired, "If I write a letter, can you make sure Amina gets it?"

"Of course."

Felicity missed Amina and Sahar too. Although she couldn't see them, she still wanted to keep in touch.

"You look good, Oliver. Happy," Sara observed. "I'm glad."

Oliver put his arm around Felicity's shoulders and smiled down at her. "I am."

"Excuse me, Oliver," Walter interjected from the doorway. "It's time."

Oliver excused himself and followed Walter.

"Time for what?" Sara asked while eyeing some of the pictures on the mantle in the living room. The photos were of Oliver and Felicity's various trips. A larger photo of their wedding was in the center.

Dig had married them on the beach in Aruba. Since Oliver had left the League behind, the tension between him and Dig had dissipated. They finally realized they were on the same side and loved Felicity in their own ways. Felicity wasn't sure if Dig would say yes to marrying them and was relieved when he said he'd be honored. She wished he could be at the party tonight, but he and Lyla were on another important mission. They'd promised to visit the following week.

The trio made their way back into the ballroom and watched Walter make his speech introducing Oliver. Lights flashed from the small group of press that was allowed to attend. Champagne was passed around and a toast was made to Oliver's safe return. Felicity brought the glass to her lips but didn't take a sip. No one seemed to notice but Sara, who raised an eyebrow in question. Felicity blushed and quickly looked away.

Oliver made his speech afterward thanking Walter, Tommy, and all of Starling for a warm homecoming. Felicity felt some of his nervousness about being accepted. But mostly her husband felt proud to reclaim the Queen legacy.

"…and I can honestly say if it weren't for my generous, strong, beautiful wife, I wouldn't be here today. She's been the light in my darkest days." He raised his glass to Felicity. "I love you, Felicity. Forever and always."

"Alone at last."

"Didn't you enjoy the party?"

"Sure. But I enjoy taking my heels off more," Felicity joked. "Did you have fun?"

"Yes." Oliver smirked. "Oddly enough."

She studied her husband. Despite his assurance, his feelings revealed another answer. Felicity tugged on his hand, halting him.

Oliver turned to face her and squeezed her hand. "I can't hide anything from you."

"Nope. You gave up that right the moment we entered the magic hot tub."

He chuckled and then became serious once again. "I did enjoy the party. Being Oliver Queen again, with the entire city's eyes on me, will take some getting used to after years spent in the shadows," he revealed.

"You've faced worse."

"True." Oliver shrugged. "The venue and people are different, but the ambitions and muddled intentions are the same. People seeking power is universal."

"Then the city is lucky to have a strong, selfless man like you to keep it in check." She caressed his cheek.

"As long as you're by my side."

"Forever and always," she replied, still red-faced from his loving declaration in front of everyone.

Oliver pressed a kiss to her palm and continued to lead her toward the roof. The view of the sky and moon was breathtaking this time of night. Sitting outside under the stars remained one of their favorite pastimes.

Felicity bit her lip when she saw the blanket he'd laid out with an ice bucket and two glasses for champagne. She kept a straight face and instinctively touched her stomach.

"This is so sweet," she said, trying to play it cool. "I must warn you, though, that I've had my fill of toasts for the night."

"Then one last one will seal the deal."

They sat on the blanket. While Oliver popped the champagne, Felicity gazed up at the stars. There weren't as many visible with them being so close to the city. Nanda Parbat still had the most beautiful night sky Felicity had ever seen. The stars of Starling, however, shone just as brightly.

Oliver handed her a full glass of champagne. "What should our final toast be?"

She contemplated for a moment. "To finding our way home," Felicity proposed. "And to our family."

"They're one in the same to me. You will always be my family, shamsi."

"And you will always be mine."

They clinked glasses.

"Is something wrong?"

"Huh?"

"You didn't drink," Oliver pointed out.

Felicity took a deep breath. Although she was nervous, the excitement was starting to win out. If she kept the news in any longer she might burst.

Oliver raised an eyebrow in question, sensing the shift in her emotions.

"It's so beautiful here. The stars, the lush green gardens, and all of the rooms in this big house. There's so much possibility," she rushed out. Her husband looked like he wanted to question her further but she continued, "I was thinking we could move into the master bedroom—once it's redecorated, of course." Oliver's parents' had a lavish sense of style while she and Oliver preferred a more modern look.

"It's our home now. We can do whatever we want."

"Then we can start renovating your room."

He was still studying her, curious. "Did you have another use in mind?"

Felicity set her champagne glass aside and met her husband's gaze. "It would stay a bedroom but be something more … something else …"

"Felicity, honey, what are you trying to say?" His hand brushed her shoulder, urging her on.

"I think it should be made into a nursery."

His eyes widened. "You think …"

"I know," she corrected, holding his stare.

She could see him piecing it together in his mind. "Shamsi, are you …?"

"Yes." She smiled. "I'm pregnant. We're pregnant."

Oliver looked down at her hand against her stomach. He seemed a little dazed. "We weren't trying."

"It happened anyway. Surprise."

"Are you … are you okay with this?" Oliver gazed into her eyes, searching. Then he smiled. "You are. I can feel how much you love this baby already."

It'd been one hell of a shock when a routine doctor's visit had revealed to Felicity that she was pregnant. She'd been tired and nauseated lately, but she'd chalked it up to the stress of moving back to Starling and dodging the press every time they left the house. So much change in their lives, even good, was bound to take its toll. Felicity just hadn't known she was about to face the biggest change of all.

"How could I not? It's something we made together," Felicity replied. "How do you feel?"

Oliver cupped her face and touched his forehead to hers. "Like this is the happiest day of my life."

Felicity grinned as his pride and excitement blended with her own feelings.

"Really?" she croaked, so full of emotion she could barely speak.

"Yes." He wiped away a few of her stray tears. "I never thought I'd have a family again. And now I have you, and soon our baby." Oliver shook his head, as if he still couldn't believe it. "This family is everything to me." He stretched his hand out to cover hers.

"It's everything to me too." She kissed him deeply. "You know, I think we've reached peek level domesticity."

"That probably won't happen until the baby is born," he muttered and leaned in for another kiss. "I can't wait."

"Me neither."

Oliver and Felicity continued to kiss and hold each other under the stars. They talked about the baby, their plans for the mansion, and their new roles at QC. So much had changed-was still changing, even-and yet a calmness and contentedness washed over them. Two former lost souls had unexpectedly, and against the odds, found themselves in each other. Now they were whole and home at last.

And it was only the beginning.