Disclaimer: WB/DC own these characters. I'm only borrowing them for a while.

AN: Welcome back! Thank you for all the favs, follows, and reviews. It does do a writer good, and it encourages the Muse. Sorry this took a little longer than I had planned. I was sick with a bad cold. Good news…I was working on later chapters of this, so that is almost done. Well, I hope this next chapter is entertaining for you as well.

Oops, I posted this already on AO3, and got a review that made me realize something. On the show, Sara and Oliver were still a couple. In this story, they aren't, but I forgot to address it. (That's the problem writing stories of different seasons; sometimes I forget those little details. Sigh). I've added something to make it clear, because there's a scene where it matters.

**Warning: Mentions of rape throughout this chapter.

Previously:

When the sobs seemed to stop, Diggle gently drew away from her. "You want to sleep on my couch tonight, Felicity?"

Her lower lip trembling, Felicity nodded. Sara said, "I'll go to your house, Felicity, and grab a bag for you." Felicity nodded and gave her a little smile. "Thank you, Sara." Swallowing a sob, Felicity continued, "And thank you for your words. They mean a lot."

Oliver exchanged glances with Dig. "I think we should hold our planning session at your house. We don't know for sure whether Slade bugged the lair before we arrived."

"Grab what we need, and let's get out of here."

Oliver kept a careful eye on Felicity as she climbed the stairs and walked to his car. Luckily, for some unknown reason, Oliver had taken his car to the Lair today instead his bike. At the moment, he was very thankful. He opened the door and guided Felicity into the seat and couldn't help but notice the thankful exhale of air as she sank into the comfortable cushioned seat.

Oliver got into the car and began to drive to Diggle's place. Forcing his attention on the road, Oliver kept seeing images from the tape. Finally forcing his mind clear, he asked her, "How are you doing? You can tell me anything, you know."

He barely heard her say, "I know." At the brokenness in her voice, his heart broke as well. "I do hope you know it, Felicity. Nothing could ever change the way I think of you."

"Except as a girlfriend." They looked at each other at the same time, shock in his eyes, wide-eyed disbelief in hers as she realized what she'd said out loud. Oliver pulled the car over to the curb and parked.

"Why did you say that?" Oliver asked gently.

Felicity sniffled a few times before she could answer. "I'd imagine any man would consider me ruined now." Oliver had to bend down closer to her to hear her.

Oliver changed his position to look her directly in the eye. She persisted in keeping her head lowered. Oliver asked gently, "Felicity, please look at me."

Raising her eyes, Felicity could only find understanding in Oliver's eyes. No reproach, disgust, or pity she could find in those eyes. "I wouldn't, Felicity. I would never consider any woman to be ruined after undergoing something like that. Never."

Tears began rolling down her cheeks again. Oliver silently asked if he could touch her, and Felicity nodded. Taking a Kleenex, Oliver wiped some of her tears away. "You will get through this, Felicity, and we will help you." Clearing his throat, he took a breath and said, "And regarding us having a romantic relationship? I've…I've been thinking…and even before this happened, how much I wish I could let you into that part of my life. I…I know I said I wasn't able to let someone into my life who I could really care about. But, you've been slowly changing my mind, Felicity. So, when you're ready to talk about it…it would make me the happiest man on the earth if you'd consider being with me. But only when you're ready to consider it."

Slowly taking a breath in and letting it out, Oliver returned his gaze to his hands gripping the steering wheel. "I only mentioned it now because of what you said. I couldn't let you think that way about yourself, when I so desperately want you in my life in that exact way." Clearing his throat and looking back at her, Oliver continued. "It's not the right time to discuss this, so I will drop it for now. But when you are ready…know that I am here. Waiting. Waiting for you."

That shocked Felicity to stop crying. "I…I thought you and Sara were… together."

Oliver turned a little pink. "Oh, well, with everything else going on, I guess you hadn't heard. Sara and I decided to end things. We're better off as friends." Clearing his throat, he added, "Sara said there was someone else I was in love with."

Felicity asked softly, "Who?"

Oliver stated, "You."

Breaking the gaze, Oliver sat up straighter and started the car once again, his eyes on the road, his face expressionless. It was quiet, but not an awkward silence. Felicity could only sit there, in silence, thinking about Oliver's words. A little part of her heart warmed up hearing it, but she quickly pushed it aside. Oliver was correct. There was so much needing to be done first. She needed to be healed, and they had to capture Slade. Then they could think about beginning a romantic relationship.

Upon reaching Dig's apartment, Felicity jumped out the moment the car stopped. Without looking at Oliver, she rushed up the stairs, staring at her feet while she waited for Oliver to join her. Oliver watched her lithe figure run up the stairs, wondering if he'd spoken at the wrong time. For once, his inner soul was screaming at him that he had done the right thing for once, communicating his feelings, declaring his love, and he decided he wasn't going to worry about it being the wrong time. Felicity needed to hear that reassurance. He was sure of it.

If he'd had a choice, of course Oliver wouldn't have chosen to reveal his feelings to Felicity in such a way. The most logical way would have been to express them and ask her on a date. And of course, she would have known Sara had basically broken up with him before he said anything, and there would have been a decent amount of time passed, so Felicity wouldn't have thought she was some kind of rebound. However, when she'd expressed such heartbreak Oliver knew he needed to make sure Felicity knew she was still desirable as a woman, to help her recover from the attack.

Oliver shook his head to stop such thoughts and he rushed to catch up with Felicity. When he reached the door, Oliver opened the security door with the extra key Dig had given him months ago and they walked into the building. Despite the early hour, hey didn't meet anyone as they boarded the elevator.

When they had reached Digs apartment, Oliver opened the door, turned on the light, and scanned the apartment before allowing Felicity to enter.

Oliver offered her something to drink or eat, but Felicity shook her head. She stumbled her way over to the couch and sat down. Oliver heard a heavy sigh escape her lips, which then trembled a little before she stopped it. He could only admire the strength she had inside of her as he watched her straighten up, and turn to look at him.

"Thank you for all you have done. I…I really appreciate it."

Oliver solemnly nodded. "Of course. Do you want to lie down as we wait for Dig and Sara?"

Felicity nodded. Oliver moved with his characteristic speed, grabbed a pillow for her head and took off her shoes. As she laid down, Oliver grabbed an afghan from the back of the couch and covered her. Felicity gave him a small smile, which he acknowledged with a nod.

In his restlessness, as he waited for the rest of their team to show up, Oliver wandered into the kitchen. He absentmindedly looked in the refrigerator, saw a beer and took it out. Pulling out a chair at the kitchen table, Oliver sat watching Felicity's figure on the couch. She had burrowed herself into the pillow and afghan, so all he could see, besides the afghan, was a small amount of blonde hair spread out on the pillow.

After drinking the beer, Oliver got up again and made his way into the living room. Amazingly enough, Felicity was sleeping soundly. Oliver shook his head while looking down at her. Tear stains were apparent on her beautiful cheeks, and fatigue clearly showed on her face. Oliver was about to caress her cheek when he remembered. Pulling his hand back, he closed his eyes and weathered a wave of grief for his girl.

The door suddenly opened, and Sara and Diggle walked through. They looked at Oliver, who pointed to the couch and put a finger to his lips in the 'quiet' gesture. He followed the other two into the kitchen, and he and Sara took seats at the kitchen table. Dig went to the refrigerator, took out three beers and brought them to the others.

Taking his seat, Dig said, "Well, nothing appears missing, and nothing seems touched. At least from what we could discover tonight."

Sara added, "Yeah, I think it's a smart idea for discussing our plans here instead of the lair. Until we can do a sweep with ARGUS equipment, I agree we should be careful with what we talk about in there."

The friends sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, wondering what they could say. Oliver stood the silence as long as he could, then he put his head in his hands, resting his elbows on the table. "What exactly happened, guys? How did he get to her? Why didn't she tell us?"

"She probably knew it would destroy you. But too bad she didn't realize how truly evil he is. She probably didn't think he would tell you." Gritting his teeth, Dig added, "I suppose because of the trauma, she didn't think of the possibility of him taping it to show it to you later."

"That was why he did it. Or at least one of the reasons. I'm surprised I haven't run off yet to find him. All I want is to kill him. How dare he do that to Felicity?" Gripping his hair, Oliver released it, leaving it standing up. "How am I to live with this? I caused this." The agony Oliver was feeling showed clearly in the sorrow in his eyes, the slumping of his shoulders, the downcast look.

"I'm actually surprised you haven't run after him either. But not knowing where he is, I suppose, is a very strong determent." Dig took a slug of beer, swallowed it, and looked at Oliver with understanding. "Oliver, you did not cause this. It is not your fault."

Oliver appeared as though he wanted to cry. "Oh, Dig, why did this have to happen to Felicity? She doesn't deserve this." He put his head in his hands and shook his head.

"No one deserves it, Oliver. I know it's difficult but we need to be strong for our girl. To get her through it." An idea occurred to Dig. "It must have killed her keeping this a secret from us."

"Why did she then!" Oliver slammed his hand down on the table, causing the beer bottles to topple. Dig caught them before they fell over.

"Funny coming from Mr. 'Keep-it-all-inside' Queen," Sara muttered, looking at Oliver without apology.

Oliver wrinkled his nose at Dig, acknowledging the well-deserved jab. "But Felicity's different. She doesn't deserve to have awful things happen to her." Adding, more softly, "The circumstances are also different."

"And you deserve awful things? Or because your circumstances were supposedly different?" Dig asked.

"Okay, let's agree not to talk about my hang-ups here. What is important is getting Felicity the help she needs."

Sara spoke after swallowing a sip of beer. "I think she should attend one of her meetings tomorrow at the center. And I think I should accompany her…just in case Slade comes after her again."

"That sounds like a great idea," Oliver said. "She's probably not expecting me to allow her out of my sight."

Sara said, "I looked at their website. They have groups for friends and family, as well as informational talks. I can attend those while Felicity is attending her groups." She took a breath. "I'll see what information I can get you guys, but I think it would be a good idea if you two could attend one of those sessions this week as well."

The two men looked at each other. Dig raised an eyebrow; Oliver nodded. "We'll see, Sara. It seems like a good idea, provided…."

Silence followed as the three drank their beers. The words, "provided we can catch Slade" hung in the air unsaid.

"Make sure she knows she shouldn't go off alone for any reason whatsoever," Dig said in a low, stern voice.

Sara nodded. "Yep, good point. Will do."

~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~

After the three had sat up for a while, drinking several beers, it was decided it was time to go to bed. Oliver made it known he was going to sleep in an armchair next to the couch in the living room, instead of the cot Dig had placed in his bedroom. Sara quirked an eyebrow but remained quiet, choosing not to comment on his overprotectiveness. He probably needs just as much to be near Felicity as she needs him to by her for security. She headed to the guest bedroom, with Dig following to his bedroom, after leaving a small light on in the kitchen.

About an hour later, after he'd fallen into a light sleep, Oliver heard Felicity calling for him softly, while assuming she was dreaming. He quickly went to the couch and knelt beside her when he observed her eyes were open and looking at him.

"I'm here, Felicity." Looking into her face, taking her in, all he wanted was to hold her tight and never let her go. "Were you able to sleep some?"

Felicity nodded, then began to sniffle trying to stop her crying. Looking into Oliver's eyes she suddenly threw herself into his arms. "I know you're probably either angry at me for not telling you where Slade was, or you despise me after what he did to me, but I hope you will just hold me."

Patting her long silky hair lightly, he whispered, "I could never be angry with you for either of those things, Felicity. I also could never despise you. Ever."

As she softly sobbed into his neck, Oliver lightly rubbed patterns on her back, holding the broken woman in his arms. When she pushed herself away, she looked into his face and was surprised to see several tears on his cheeks.

"Oh, Oliver…why…why are you crying?" She cupped his cheek.

"How could you even ask that, Felicity? I'm so sorry this happened to you. Because of me. You don't deserve something like this to happen." He asked softly, "May I ask, Felicity, why didn't you tell us what happened?"

Felicity broke the eye contact, looked down at her hands grasping the blanket covering her. "I…I just couldn't, Oliver. I didn't want to be the reason for Slade breaking you. I…I couldn't bear it."

"So you sacrificed your own well-being for me?" Oliver gently placed his hand on her cheek. "You are so good, Felicity. I hardly deserve you as a friend, much less anything else."

"That's not true, Oliver. You are the most selfless, heroic man I ever have met. I only have wanted to keep you safe, to help you become the man I always have known you could be. But…you don't deserve to be broken like Slade wants to break you."

"But he's right, Felicity. I deserve it."

Felicity reached out and caressed his cheek. "No, you do not, Oliver. You never meant to choose between Shado and Sara. You only meant to protect both of them. I know you are so self-sacrificing you carry around guilt you don't even own. I don't know why you do that."

"But…but…"

"No, Oliver, it was never your fault. Quit thinking it is. You said yourself, Slade's mind has been destroyed by that damn mirakuru. He will not see reason."

"And now…he has done…how could he do that? How did you survive that?"

"By thinking of you. Of resolving to help you get Slade. So that he can't hurt you." Before Oliver could speak, Felicity hurried on. "No, I am not selfless. It's the only way I think I'm going to survive this." Looking down at her hands, she continued. "I…I didn't know what to do. I…I did get checked out right away, got the evidence collected. I…I just didn't know what to say to not implicate the Arrow into the mess. So…I lied that I didn't know who attacked me."

"Oh, Felicity…."

"And I should have told you about it…" Felicity choked back several sobs, waited until she had her voice under control, and continued. "But…I…I just couldn't. I didn't want you to be broken. And…I should have known he had…Oh my God…he taped it and then he…he…" Felicity began to cry huge sobs again.

Oliver let her cry, not wanting to interrupt her getting the grief out. Somewhere he had heard that was what you were supposed to do. Not offer consolation, but to let the tears flow.

"I will try to be strong and not blame myself either, for I know that is another reason why you didn't tell us. Because of my damned habit of always blaming myself. That should never have occurred to you. You should be able to tell me anything, anything, from now on. Please, Felicity."

Felicity looked up into those blue eyes looking at her with such…caring…and could only nod. He then took her in his arms, where she could feel safe. She refused to let Slade ruin that for her. It was difficult, but she tamped down the feelings of shame which had no right to be within her. Oliver was her partner, her friend. With his and Dig's help, as well as help from Sara, she knew she'd get through this. Somehow.

AN: Thanks again for reading this chapter. Hope it flowed. A lot of touchy-feely stuff, I think and less action. Of course, more action is to come in later chapters. (Do I have a wing-banger of an ending for you, just you wait and see). Shame on me for dropping such a hint this far ahead. Oh well.