Disclaimer: WB/DC own these characters. I'm only borrowing them for a while. I own the original ideas found in this.
AN: So very sorry for the length of time it took to get this chapter out. I started taking college classes again, so it's been hectic. Here's the next chapter; hope you enjoy. Now that Slade has been captured, Olicity can get down to business of becoming a couple. Or we'd like to think so, at least.
Note of warning: Near the middle of this chapter, Felicity will have a nightmare/flashback. Please skip this section, written in italics, if this is a trigger for you. Thank you.
Previously:
Moira slid to the edge of her seat in preparation to standing up. "Well, I do believe that is all Thea and I can handle for one night. Or is there something else we should know before we go to bed?"
"Like when did you and Felicity start dating?" Thea asked her older brother.
"Thea!" reprimanded her mother again as Felicity's face turned red, and Oliver began to choke on his water.
"We...uh, we are not dating…not exactly…it has only been recently…um, well, maybe I should let Oliver explain," Felicity stopped herself abruptly to prevent further babbling.
"Thea, we'll talk about this at another time. Felicity needs to get her rest. It's been quite the day for her," was Oliver's reply.
His sister gave him her patented look of looking down her nose at him. "Uh-uh, big brother. We're not letting you off that easy."
Oliver cleared his throat, a slight flush coloring his cheekbones. "Well, this situation has helped me realize my feelings for Felicity. Which we will explore, she and I, once Felicity feels up to it, taking into consideration the trauma Slade had put her through." He threw a sofa cushion at his bratty sister, which Thea caught. Oliver wrinkled his nose at her and said, "We'll let you know then, if that's all right with you, Speedy."
Thea clapped her hands together, a huge smile on her face. "I knew it! I could tell, the first time I saw the two of you together." Leaning towards Felicity, Thea said, "I promise I wouldn't begin planning the wedding tonight." Just as Felicity relaxed, she added with an even larger smile, "At least not before tomorrow."
Felicity's face turned even more red as Oliver yelled Thea's name again.
"Now, with that, young lady, we are going to retire for the night." Felicity felt that if Moira hadn't been so proper, she would've pulled Thea out of the room by her ear. "The rest of you should again find everything you need in your rooms. However, if you need something, press the button for housekeeping next to the light switch by the door," Moira said as she stood up. She and Thea left with a chorus of "Good nights," following them.
Oliver watched them leave the room. He turned back to his friends, looking at each one in turn, and said, "Well, we did it, guys."
"Thank God!" Felicity said.
"I'd like to say again how sorry I am that you all were involved in this…." Oliver began.
"Oliver!" a chorus of protests and eyerolls followed his statement.
"One of these times, you'll stop saying that, Oliver, and know we're here for you by our own choice. If we didn't agree to the possible dangers, we wouldn't be here," Diggle said.
"I know. I am trying to release needless guilt." Oliver said. Looking at Felicity, he added, "Hopefully with the help of this beautiful woman, I will improve." He brought her hand to his mouth and gently placed a kiss on the back of it.
"I think she's already helped you an amazing amount," Dig said, causing Felicity's blush to deepen.
"Enough of embarrassing Felicity for the night," Felicity said, rising. "I got to get to bed and get some sleep as well."
"I guess it's a good idea to postpone the discussion of everything until tomorrow," Oliver said. "May I walk you to your room, Ms. Smoak?"
"You may, Mr. Queen," Felicity said as she nodded her head at him. She also caught the looks the rest of the team exchanged. She rolled her eyes at them as she took the arm Oliver offered.
They remained silent until they reached Felicity's room. Turning to her, Oliver took both her small hands in his larger ones and took a breath. Felicity waited for him to speak.
After a moment, they both said the others' name at the same time. Oliver laughed, and said, "You go first."
"I guess we have lots to discuss, now that Slade's been dealt with."
"Whenever you're ready, Felicity. I've told you I'll wait for you."
"Thank you, Oliver. I appreciate it."
"You're worth waiting for." Oliver shook his head. "I know that sounds cheesy, but I mean it. It took me long enough to realize it." Leaning in slowly, watching her reaction, he kissed her on the cheek. "We'll talk tomorrow. Good night, Felicity."
Felicity nodded as she gave him a small smile. She entered her room, shut the door, and leaned against it. Suddenly everything from the past weeks weighed on her, making her too tired to move. Realizing her pajamas were waiting for her in the bathroom, Felicity resigned herself that the quicker she got ready for bed, the quicker she could climb into bed.
Only after she had climbed into bed did she allow herself to think about what the defeat of Slade meant for her and Oliver. A slow smile crossed her face as she contemplated pinching herself. It seemed unbelievable that he felt the same way about her that she did about him. And the way he had been looking at her all evening, with the softest smiles and the love in his eyes…it made her feel weak. Who would've thought she, a lowly IT girl, could win the heart of Starling's reformed playboy? But then, who would've thought that hidden behind a stony exterior was a heart full of such warmth and love. Of course, she suspected it, she supposed, since the moment he had walked into her office carrying a bullet-filled computer. With such thoughts, Felicity fell into a dreamless sleep.
~~FS~~OQ~~FS~~
Beginning of Nightmare/Flashback:
She was handcuffed to the headboard of her bed, and her legs were tied to the footboard. There was no way she could get free, despite her efforts of pulling at the ropes. Suddenly she heard footsteps and turned, seeing the tall, broad figure of a man walking towards her, wearing a black and orange mask. He takes the mask off slowly, revealing himself to be Slade Wilson, Oliver's greatest enemy, and gives her a huge smile as his gaze takes her in from head to toe. She then realizes she's wearing only her underwear and is now a helpless captive.
"You, Felicity, look so delicious. Oliver will be so sorry he didn't taste your fruits first."
She attempted to struggle as Slade covered her body with his much larger one, but he was too strong and she was restrained. He forced his lips on hers as he tore off her bra, and suddenly his cock found entrance into her before she could scream. Felicity flung her head back and forth, trying to find an escape from Slade's bruising kisses, but her efforts were in vain as the pain from his forceful entrance rolled over her.
As Slade repeatedly thrust into her, pain cut through her, making Felicity feel she was being cut in half. When she felt she could no longer bear it, he pulled himself out of her, wiping his cock on her upper thigh before rising from the bed.
"I am sorry you got in the middle of all this, but it was something I had to do to bring the Kid down. I hope you can understand."
She began to scream as Slade walked out of the room. She screamed and screamed until strong hands were grasping her shoulders, shaking her.
End of Nightmare/Flashback
"Felicity, Felicity! Wake up, honey! It's only a dream; you're having a nightmare!"
Felicity sat straight up in bed, attempting to throw Oliver's hands off her. However, Oliver maintained his grip until Felicity opened her eyes and realized Oliver was there.
She threw herself into Oliver's arms. "It was terrible, Oliver. I was there again, with Slade raping me. he was raping me, Oliver, and I couldn't do anything to stop it!"
Oliver held her gently in his arms, rocking her back and forth, rubbing circles on her back. Felicity cried uncontrollably for five minutes before she stopped in exhaustion. She attempted to bring her breathing under control.
Pulling himself out of her grasp slowly, Oliver lifted her head so she could look into his eyes. "Do you feel better?" Oliver asked her gently.
Felicity breathed out a sigh and fell back into her pillows against her headboard. "I just don't know, Oliver. It was just so real."
"That's what happens with flashbacks," Oliver said in a quiet voice. "It's normal. I'm so very sorry you're experiencing them for yourself."
Swallowing hard to clear her throat, Felicity said softly, "I was warned about them, that sometimes it helps the healing, bringing up memories." Pausing, she swallowed. "At least, that's what they say." Squaring her shoulders, Felicity looked him straight in the eyes and asked, "Have you found that to be true in your case, Oliver?"
Oliver smiled sheepishly. "I might not be the best example of how to recover from trauma, Felicity."
Felicity gave a little smile as she patted his upper arm. "You're getting better, Oliver."
She gave a little laugh when Oliver raised his eyebrows expressing his skepticism. Oliver shrugged, saying, "It probably goes without saying but I have yet to figure it out for myself." The light-hearted expression left Oliver's eyes. "You need to go to a meeting tomorrow and deal with the issues remaining with this entire Slade episode." He paused, taking a swallow. "And…perhaps…we should stop this relationship before it begins."
Oliver watched as a burst of anger appeared in Felicity's eyes. She stood up and faced him. "You did not just say that." Oliver's head sagged, but Felicity raised it so he could look her in the eye this time. "I continually tell you, this is my life, my choice, and I know fully well what I have gotten into. Ever since the Dodger, remember?" Felicity sighed, shook her head and said in a softer voice, "You keep forgetting, nothing really changes whether we're together or not. I'm still in danger whether we are together or not. Not only because of Arrow business, but simply by working at Queen Consolidated." Felicity held up a finger and put it in Oliver's face. "And if you fire me from there, and prevent me from working on Team Arrow, people will still know we know each together."
Oliver shook his head. "You are one stubborn woman, aren't you?"
Felicity gave him a sparkling smile. "No, what I am is smart. And persistent. And I don't give in."
Oliver stood up and placed a kiss on her forehead. "You get into bed and get some more rest. And hopefully you can get up and go to the group meetings tomorrow."
Felicity smiled mischievously. "Yes, Sir," saluting him smartly.
Oliver simply shook his head, rose from the bed and said, "I'll see you in the morning."
Felicity watched him leave, wanting to call him back and ask him to stay with her. However, she knew it wasn't the right thing to do. Not yet. But she was determined for it to be soon.
AN: I sure hope this chapter was worth the wait. Again, I sincerely apologize for the long wait. My classes will be done by the first week of March, so I plan to be able to write more. I hope you will take pity on me and let me know what you thought of this chapter, as we move into the second phase of this story, Felicity healing and Olicity finally happening.