Disclaimer: WB/DC own these characters. I'm only borrowing them for a while. I own the original ideas found in this. Some scenes and dialogue were either inspired by or quoted from Arrow episode 2 x 18 "Deathstroke" by Drew Z. Greenberg and Marc Guggenheim.

AN: Thank you for all the reviews, favs, and follows. Hope this story is still holding up the promise you felt it did in the first chapter. Let me know, one way or another. Always appreciated.

Previously:

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.

Oliver sat beside Felicity stroking her hair until she fell into a restful sleep. He stopped himself from giving her a kiss on the forehead and went back to the armchair. He forced himself to at least do several meditative exercises, because even if he didn't fall asleep again, he still needed rest.

Finally, he fell asleep, but several hours later he woke up to hear his name being called. He opened his eyes to see the beautiful blue eyes of Felicity, filled with concern, looking at him.

"You were in the middle of a nightmare…I couldn't bear to hear you like that."

"I'm glad you didn't touch me, Felicity…."

"Yes, yes, I know. Don't touch you while you're sleeping. I'd rather not add to my bruises with your tackling me to the floor. Not that I wouldn't like that, I mean, 3…2….1…"

Deciding to ignore her faux paus, Oliver asked, "What time is it?"

"About seven I believe."

"Do you feel as though you'd be able to sleep some more?"

Felicity shook her head sadly. "I don't think so. And I'm not even hungry."

"Maybe I could tempt you with chocolate chip pancakes? Provided, of course, whether Dig has the fixings for them."

Felicity returned his smile. "That does sound good. I think I'd like to get a shower in while you do that. You don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all. Your suitcase is over there, in the corner."

Oliver walked to the kitchen, but turned back to watch as Felicity took some clothes and bath items from her suitcase and then walked into the bathroom. He was pleased to see she looked somewhat rested. At least some of the bags under her eyes were gone, and she seemed somewhat herself. As well he knew, it all could be a cover, but it did give him some comfort that she could at least act like herself, even if she was only pretending.

Oliver shook his head to clear out such thoughts and began to collect the ingredients for his special, special chocolate chip pancakes.

~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~

Sara and Dig had woken up by the time breakfast was ready. Not only was Oliver able to make pancakes, he found and cooked up eggs and bacon as well. Everyone gathered around the table looking forward to the scrumptious breakfast. They ate in somewhat comfortable silence, until Felicity spoke.

"I was thinking…I know what Oliver will say about me going out by myself, but I was thinking…I really need to visit the center today. To talk about stuff from yesterday."

Sara smiled at her. "Guess what, Felicity? It's all decided…I'm going to accompany you there. Grumpy Pants agreed."

Oliver quirked an eyebrow at her, "Grumpy Pants?"

Felicity failed to smile at that. "Not to sound ungrateful, but you were talking about me? Without me there." She added quickly, "Not that it isn't okay, because I know it comes out of love, but I don't know how I feel about you talking behind my back while I sleep." She took a breath, and said, "I mean, I suppose I didn't used to mind, I suppose, but now, I guess I'm more sensitive. So, I apologize, but…."

Deciding to interrupt her babble, Dig said, "We didn't go behind your back, Felicity. We just want to do what's best for you, and want to be there for you. We hoped you'd want to go to the center today, and understandably we were concerned about you going by yourself. With Slade still out there. Somewhere."

"And…the center has programs for family and friends as well, so I…if it's all right with you, I will check them out while you are doing your therapy." Sara made sure Felicity was looking at her. "Because I'm concerned, and I only want to do what's best, and I want to learn." In a quieter tone, Sara added, "Um, there just might be something in my past I would like to discuss with a counselor as well, while I'm there." She cleared her throat. "Something stirred up with Slade returning and all this mess."

Oliver looked at Sara with concern. Turning to him, Sara said, "I know, Ollie. We still have some secrets from each other, don't we?"

Oliver pursed his lips, but didn't ask any questions. "So, Felicity, you and Sara will go there, while Dig and I start brainstorming on several issues we have. See if we come up with any answers." He cleared his throat. "And…I was thinking, we should change your locks at your apartment and upgrade your security system. Is that okay?"

Felicity was about to object, but Oliver looked at her with such pleading in his eyes, she could only shake her head. "Okay, yes, do it. It's a smart idea, after all. Thank you for thinking of it." Looking down at her hands in her lap, she said softly, "Even though I've been thinking about moving." When she didn't get a reply from anyone, Felicity looked up at the other three and decided to be honest. "I haven't been able to sleep in my bedroom since…since…you know."

"Perfectly understandable," Sara said. "Maybe if there's a quiet moment, I'll grab the want ads and start looking for a new place for you. As a head start. Get some ideas and all that."

Felicity nodded, "Yes, that would…that would be truly helpful."

Oliver cleared his throat. "In the meantime, Dig and I will still fix your security problems. I will also call Roy and...let him know we had a few run-ins with Slade while he and Thea have been out of town."

Dig said, "Yeah, can't wait to see the kid and tease him about his romantic get-away."

"Watch it," Oliver pretended to growl. "That's my baby sister he ran off with, you know."

Dig slugged Oliver on the shoulder as he stood up on his way to the kitchen sink with his dishes. "I know, man. You gotta let it go. She's an adult now, you know."

"Barely," Oliver smiled, silently acknowledging the teasing, but quickly changed the subject. "We better get going, though. Lots to do. And perhaps we can fit in a work-out as well today."

"I'll wash dishes while Sara gets ready," Felicity offered as she stood up and started gathering the rest of the dishes together.

"You don't have to do that, Felicity. I'll get them later," Dig said.

"No, that's okay. I need something to keep me busy."

Dig winked at her as he and Oliver were leaving. "We'll see you two later, then."

~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~

Felicity and Sara did spend the rest of the day at the center. Sara was pleasantly surprised with the counseling she herself received for the feelings which had erupted with the reappearance of Slade and with Felicity's incident. Even though Ivo protected her on the ship when she'd been rescued after the yacht went down, there were a few instances, in the early days, when a crew member had gotten Sara alone for a time, and…so Sara was able to get those feelings sorted out without spilling details about Oliver or the Arrow.

With the basic security of the apartment building where Felicity lived, Oliver and Dig decided an added security lock and a burglar alarm were all that was needed to make them feel secure about "their" girl's safety. For now.

Roy and Thea were indeed back in town, and Roy sounded rested. Oliver hated calling him in to patrol that night, but decided they needed everyone on board, just in case. In telling Roy about Slade and his run-ins with the team, he didn't specify the details regarding Felicity. Those details he'd share in person. Later.

Sara kept in contact with Oliver throughout the day, finally texting him they would be at the Lair at 6pm, after they stopped at Felicity's for her to pick up some things she needed. She'd decided to take advantage of Dig's offer to spend another night at his place. Oliver suggested they all meet at the Lair for supper then. He and Dig would bring the food. He somehow felt Felicity would feel more comfortable there instead of a crowded restaurant, and they'd be able to discuss Arrow business without restraint.

By the end of the afternoon, Felicity felt drained but good. She was never one for talking about her feelings, but she now understood the benefit of talking about a trauma in order to heal. It was somewhat tricky talking about what happened the day before, especially the shock and pain of the video being shown to her friends, without revealing anything about the Arrow. Luckily, with the advent of camera phones and texting, she could change the story somewhat and say her assailant was a known acquaintance of her's, had videoed his attack without her knowing it, and sent it to her friends. It was weird, but she got a small sense of pride in herself for coming up with a valid story.

So overall, even with the fear of Slade hanging over them, and the trauma done to Felicity, the group could simply spend some time enjoying a supper together. The group was pleased to see an occasional smile appear on Felicity's face, which cheered everyone else. Since it appeared to be a quiet night, and everyone was still recovering from the events on Saturday, Oliver suggested everyone go home early. They would all need their rest, for the week ahead.

~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~

Oliver slept in his own bed Sunday night. He'd rather had spent the night at Dig's, watching over Felicity. But…his cowardly heart had decided it would show too much worry for only a friend. So…he spent a night at the mansion. Even though he was sleeping in a bed, he felt he'd gotten more sleep last night in a chair. Oliver pushed such thoughts aside for now, telling himself there were more immediate things to think about at the moment. Mainly, QC, since he'd been ignoring it for this mess with Slade.

It being Monday, Oliver had wanted to turn a new leaf and show up at the office 'early'. And with Felicity being out most of last week, he hadn't had the opportunity to check her computer to see if anything hadn't been pointed out to him of which he should be aware. With all his good intentions, he still managed to only get to the office at 9am. Which, for him, was better than his usual 10am.

Oliver had convinced Felicity to take another two weeks off, to continue her progress in healing. He also secretly hoped they had defeated Slade by then, so Felicity wouldn't have to worry about that while working. She planned to go the center five days a week, to take advantage of all the resources they had available. Then, depending upon how she was feeling, she'd join them in the Lair. But, as Oliver emphasized, only if she was up to it. She gave him a small smile when he said that, thanking him for understanding.

Upon their arrival at QC, Oliver and Diggle headed directly up to Oliver's office. Oliver couldn't help but notice the occasional strange glance thrown at him from various employees. A certain unease rolled down his back. Something was apparently wrong, but Oliver couldn't fathom a guess. Perhaps his alarm bells to check Felicity's emails went off a little too late?

As they entered the elevator, Diggle asked, "Have you noticed the weird glances we've been getting?"

"Yeah, and I also sense weird vibes in general around here as well. Something's off."

Oliver strode off the elevator with Diggle at his heels, who had to stop suddenly as to not run into Oliver, who had stopped for no apparent reason. However, with one look around the office Diggle knew what the problem was.

Isabel was sitting at Oliver's desk, and boxes were lined up beside the door on a cart.

Diggle then looked across the room at Felicity's desk and saw a similar pile of boxes on another cart across from her desk against the wall.

"How nice of you to finally make an appearance, Oliver," Isabel said, remaining seated in his chair.

"Isabel, what the hell is going on?" Oliver asked as he walked into the room.

"Well, on Friday the Board of Directors called an emergency meeting for 7am this morning. It was very unfortunate you seemingly couldn't make it."

Oliver looked at Diggle, who shrugged. "I had no idea such a meeting was taking place. No one let me know." He managed to keep his voice calm. "Otherwise I certainly would've been here."

"You didn't know about the meeting?" Isabel asked with fake concern as she rose from his desk, walking around it with a small smile hovering on her lips. "A message was sent to your assistant. Didn't she pass that on to you? She should've given it to you." She gave him another innocent look.

"You know damn well Felicity had called in sick the rest of last week."

"Oh, I did? I guess it slipped my mind."

Oliver swallowed his impatience to ask, "Why didn't you tell me about the meeting yourself?" He asked the question but somehow knew what she was going to say.

"Were you in the office Friday?" Isabel's eyes widened as a look Oliver knew wasn't innocent appeared on her face. "I don't seem to recall that. Friday was a very busy day for me. I guess it didn't occur to me to check up on you. Again."

"What was the meeting about, Isabel?" A hint of Oliver's 'Arrow' voice snuck in his question.

"It was to discuss your fitness to continue as CEO of Queen Consolidated. The ending vote was unanimous; you don't have the board's confidence, so you have been removed."

"What?"

"Needless to say Ms. Smoak has been let go. May I suggest, Oliver, you take your belongings, as well as Ms. Smoak's, and leave these premises immediately. Before I have security called. I am now CEO of your family's business, Oliver, and you're no longer welcome here."

Oliver started toward Isabel, but Diggle grabbed his arm. Oliver shook it off, but didn't move. "This…this is illegal, Isabel."

"I would have to disagree, Oliver. This is all very legal, I assure you. I am sorry this didn't work out. I really am. But, like I told you when we first met, you really aren't cut out to be a businessman."

Diggle pursed his lips. "Oliver, I don't like this either, but we better leave. Nothing we can do." Catching Isabel's eye, he said, "Today. But Isabel, we will be back."

"I have no need to be afraid of any so-called threat a lowly bodyguard or a playboy pretending to be a CEO might throw at me." Isabel walked back to the desk, turned around and said, "Too bad you were too busy with your evening activities to be a proper CEO, Oliver."

Somehow, Oliver knew there was a certain meaning behind her words. Before Dig could stop him this time, Oliver had rushed towards Isabel, catching her unawares and pushing her into the back wall of his office, his right hand at her throat. Everything suddenly became very, very clear.

"Slade. You're working for him," Oliver said in a low, controlled voice as his fingers slowly tightened around her throat.

"With, Oliver. Not 'for'. With." She laughed in his face, lifting her chin defiantly at him. "He knew planting me in your family's business would draw you back to Starling City. Truth be told, I was skeptical, but it worked out perfectly, wouldn't you say?"

Just as Oliver's fingers began to tighten completely around her throat, four security guards entered the office, revolvers drawn. Isabel's voice was raspy but calm as she said, "You better leave now, Oliver."

Oliver looked back at the four men and their guns drawn on him. He reluctantly removed his hand, and Isabel rubbed her throat as she stepped away from him.

"Let's go, Dig," Oliver said. As he passed by the cart, he grabbed the handle and pulled it out after him.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you, Oliver," Isabel's voice a pitch higher than normal and filled with triumph and scorn, followed him down the hall.

Diggle grabbed the handle of the cart holding Felicity's belongings and led the way into the elevator. As the doors closed, Isabel peered around one of the guards and gave a goodbye wave to the departing men.

AN: Hmm...seems like part of Slade's plan. What else does that man have in store for Team Arrow? And that Isabel. Just as much, if not more, a witch than on the show. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and have pity on a poor writer. Let me know what you thought of it. It is truly worth it to take the time to let FF writers know what you think. Thanks, always greatly appreciated!