"Deadshot is stateside," Felicity says interrupting a Diggle/Oliver workout. Momentarily she pauses because they are two sweaty, attractive men and she is a woman who likes that sort of thing. Her and Dig and firmly friends but she can appreciate the muscles as much as the next girl. Really though it's her guy looking masculine and ready to defend the homestead that has her swooning.

"What?" Diggle asks dropping everything to follow her to the computers.

"I thought it might be helpful to track A.R.G.U.S.' manhunt for Deadshot so I decrypted their communication logs," she says. "That kind of makes me a cyber-terrorist which is bad because I really don't see myself fitting in well at Guantanamo Bay."

"They don't send blondes there," Oliver says.

"Well...I dye it."

"Not really the point and I already knew that."

"So what did you find?" Dig asks impatiently.

"Deadshot is scheduled to meet with a potential new client here in Starling except your not-so-much-a-friend-but-a-something-else Lyla is setting a trap."

"Not so much a friend but a something else?" Dig asks.

"I have eyes Dig. They see things."

"Okay well I'll call her and see if I can get any information," he says walking away.

"Try it shirtless! I bet that will get her to talk...in fact run there!" she calls after him.

"Why are you looking at Dig without a shirt?" Oliver asks sitting on the edge of her desk.

"Hey I can appreciate what has been in front of me," Felicity says. "You know I'm all about your body. All those...muscles. So many muscles." Her eyes dip down his stomach and pause.

"Normally I would take you up on the vibe you are throwing out but I need to go meet with Laurel for lunch," Oliver says leaning down to kiss her.

"Mood killer," she quips.

"Felicity it's not like that."

"I know," she sighs. "Maybe you could try not taking out your ex-girlfriend who's your ex-best friend's current girlfriend? Also, you know, the girl who is still in love with you. You know for simplicity."

"I shoot people with arrows and wear a hood. I'm more complex."

"Oliver you are not the complex. You're a guy. Trust me I could get you to stay just by unbuttoning two buttons."

"I'm wounded."

"We need supplies for more s'mores so stop at the store on your way home," she says turning back to her computer.

"I love you," he says kissing the side of her head. "I'll see you at home."

"Love you too," she says as he leaves. Sighing she turns back to the computer and starts running another program to try and find Walter. Even she's starting to lose hope.


After not having lunch with Laurel due to her caseload and spending a long evening showing his girlfriend just how focused he can be on her, he's surprised to hear the news about the death of the Moore's. Felicity is understanding when he leaves to see Laurel at the police station and offers to help in any way she can. He leaves her with a cup of coffee and another long, soft kiss that leaves her glassy-eyed. He'll show her complex.

He finds Tommy standing there instead of Laurel. He glares at Oliver and Oliver feels tired. He's tired of dealing with Tommy and Laurel. He's tired of being juggling the club and the hood. He's just tired. All he wants to do is go home and just relax with his girl without the world exploding. He deserves a break right?

"What are you doing here?' Tommy demands.

"I heard what happened and I just wanted to make sure Laurel was ok."

"You could have called."

"I met Laurel's clients and their son yesterday and I felt badly."

"You met them?" Tommy asks.

"Yeah when I was picking up Laurel for lunch...which she clearly did not tell you about. Great."

"What does Felicity have to say about you having lunch with my girlfriend?"

"She told me to pick up supplies for s'mores so...okay I guess."

"Taylor is coming home with us tonight," Laurel says to Tommy. "Ollie what are you doing here?"

"I just came to check up on you. If you guys need anything-"

"We won't," Tommy says abruptly. "We'll be fine without you."

Laurel shoots Oliver a look as she's led away. Oliver sighs and heads out knowing whoever tried to kill Taylor will be back. After a discussion with Dig and Felicity, Oliver suits up and sets himself up near Laurel's apartment. He has a feeling the killer will come tonight. When he's proven right it takes only two minutes for Tommy to suggest them staying at Oliver's until the hitman is stopped.


Laurel and Tommy listen as John Diggle explains the security of the Queen Manor to them. He assures them of the security team and the ways they will be protected. Raisa comes and takes Taylor by the hand for cookies in the kitchen while Oliver messes with his phone.

"Please make yourself at home," Moira says thrilled to have a full house again. Oliver has agreed to stay on during Laurel and Tommy's stay. She will have a chance to talk to him without interruptions.

"Felicity," Oliver says suddenly. He holds the door open and angrily removes a guard's hands from her. "Ms. Smoak comes and goes as she pleases."

"Oliver really," Felicity says when he takes the suitcase from her. "I brought your suit for the...Lawton meeting."

"Lawton...right. I forgot," he says. "I'll get right on that. Do you remember where my old room is?"

"Sure," she says. "Where's your security room? I can update the software and keep tabs on it."

"That won't be necessary," Moira says harshly. "Our trained security team has much more experience than an I.T. girl."

"Mr. Robbins?" Oliver calls gesturing to one of the new security men. "Please take Felicity to the security room and make sure she has everything she needs."

"Oliver!" Moira says. "That is unnecessary."

"I'm not going to spend the next few days arguing with you about Felicity. She's with me and that's what matters."

Laurel and Tommy look uncomfortable during the argument but they manage to divert their gaze and at least pretend to not eavesdrop. Laurel watches as Raisa re-enters the room, carrying a tray with tea and cookies on it.

"Raisa, let me carry that," Oliver says lifting the tray from her hands. "Where would you like it?"

"The living room unless you would all prefer it in the foyer?" She says glancing around at the tension. "Where is Miss Felicity? Surely you have not done something so stupid as to leave her at home?"

"She's with the security team Raisa."

"Good sometimes those men need a firm hand to keep them in line," she says. "I made it quite clear they are not welcome in my kitchen."

"Am I?" he asks as they walk towards the living room leaving Moira, Tommy, and Laurel to play catch-up.

"I expect you to use the kitchen and show me what you've learned. Miss Felicity says you cook all the time at your home," Raisa says setting out the cups. "I know you didn't learn any of that from me. Now I'll go see to Mr. Taylor. He needs to eat something. Should I then go to Miss Felicity? I know she forgets to eat."

"Please Raisa," he says. "I need to go to a meeting and I'm not sure when I'll be back. Can you help her get settled too?"

"Of course," Raisa says.

"You're leaving?" Tommy asks.

"I have a prior engagement Tommy. I can't miss it," he says. "You and Laurel will be fine here."


Moira steps into the study with her cup of tea to find Laurel sitting there looking at old pictures. Laurel is smiling at the picture of her and Oliver and Moira smiles in return.

"You looked so beautiful that night," she says. Laurel looks up at her and puts the picture down. "I remember Oliver telling me once he wished your father would let him come over to your house more often. That being there made him feel less like Robert Queen's son and more like himself."

"I miss him," Laurel admits. "I miss him a lot more than I expected."

"He's home now Laurel," Moira says.

"Yes but my Oliver...he's not here anymore. He's become someone else," she says sadly. "I just...I don't know what to do."

"I liked who my son was when he was around you."

"Thank you."

"Why don't we head down to the kitchen and get you some tea," Moira says. "It might help you sleep."

The two head down the steps and go towards the kitchen. They both pause in the doorway when they see Oliver and Felicity in front of the stove. Oliver seems to be cooking something while Felicity watches.

"Do you think I made the wrong decision tonight?" he asks. "With John?"

"I think it's not that simple," Felicity replies. "You made a decision tonight and to John it was choosing the old over the new."

"Do you think I was wrong?"

"I can't answer that," she says. "It's a matter of trust. John trusted you to be there and you weren't. Maybe you made the right call and maybe you didn't. You just have to remember John might not always wait for you to be there for him."

"It's hard to balance this life," he says.

"I know. That's why we have s'mores at 1 in the morning at least once a week," she says. "Are they almost done?"

"Here," he says offering her the plate. He moves to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head on her shoulder. "Don't get fed up with me."

"I'll try really hard not to," she says offering him a bite. "Try to keep John and me in mind okay?"

"Okay."

Moira and Laurel turn around and leave the kitchen. They stepped into something private and neither seem to want to mess with it. Moira lingers downstairs long after Laurel has gone upstairs and watches as Oliver and Felicity leave the kitchen. The first crash of thunder sounds and Oliver goes rigid.

"Do you think you can sleep?" Felicity asks him. "I forgot they were calling for storms tonight."

"I'll try," he admits. "I've been pretty good for awhile now but you'll stay?"

"Where would I go?" she asks him.


The scream echoes through the house and Moira jumps up. She listens carefully but can only hear the howl of the wind, the lashing of the rain, and the thunder. She grasps her robe and and rushes for the door, wrenching it open. She is attuned to her children and her heart feels like it's lodged in her throat. She rushes for Oliver's door and throws it open.

The door bangs open and she freezes in the doorway. The bed is empty and the sheets are on the floor. There is a torn shirt laying on the floor at their feet. Oliver is against the window seat and he's holding himself tight in a fetal position. Felicity comes alongside the bed and stands beside Moira for a moment. Glancing at her, Felicity moves forward kneeling beside Oliver.

"Shh...it's okay," she says firmly. "You're with me Oliver. You're okay."

"Felicity," he croaks.

"I know. It's because we're not home..." she says. Ignoring his mother she just hugs him to her. He doesn't respond so instead she just rests her head on top of his and holds him. "Listen to my heartbeat okay?"

She rubs her hand over his back and soothes the bunched muscles. Using the very little breathing techniques she's picked up from watching him she tries to maneuver them into a more relaxed breathing pattern. She smiles when she realizes he's mimicking her. He hasn't had a nightmare in months but she knows the storms tend to aggravate his fear. He slumps into her and she tugs a nearby blanket over them.

Moira just stands there watching the two of them and notices Oliver calming. His back stops heaving and his grasp on her softens. His eyes smooth into relaxation and Felicity continues to hold him, swaying gently. She opens her eyes and meets the trio's gaze and smiles slightly.

"He'll be okay," she says. "You can go back to bed."

Moira lingers a moment or two more watching the couple. Felicity's focus is entirely on Oliver and Oliver is clutching her like a lifeline. When she does leave she does not go back to bed. Instead she goes down and sits in the kitchen with a cup of tea. She sits there and and just thinks. The sun rises and still she just considers things, waiting and pondering.

"Oh Mrs. Queen," Felicity says surprised. "I thought…you would be asleep."

"No," Moira responds.

"I never sleep after Oliver has a nightmare," she says. "I just stay up and make sure he stays asleep. I need a lot of coffee but it makes Oliver feel guilty so I'll drink some now and then I'll…"

"Women tend to hide things like that from the men they love," Moira says. "It makes them feel guilty so we mask our discomfort to ease things. They do it too in their own way."

"Mrs. Queen?" Felicity asks.

"Moira," she says. "Moira. That will be fine."

Felicity looks at her questioningly and Moira gestures to the chair across from her. Felicity sits in the chair gently and stirs her coffee. Moira reaches out and lays her hand over Felicity's.

"I was wrong," she begins. "I say that rarely but I was. You truly love my son and I'm...glad he has found you. I've been so unaware of my children and Oliver...it was easier to pretend he'd been away. It's easy to forget what he went through. He makes it so easy."

"Oliver doesn't want to be defined by it," Felicity explains. "He views it as something dirty or sinful. He thinks it will make people look at him differently so he hides his problems and insecurities. I try to respect his boundaries but he knows I'll push if needed."

"I did not even notice he was not eating properly or sleeping properly. He's been angry and experiences these triggers..." Moira says. "Will you keep watching over him?"

"Always," Felicity replies smiling.

"Yes. Now let's talk," Moira says. "Tell me about yourself and your plans for the future."

Oliver finds them just like that. Moira is explaining the intricacies of being CEO while Felicity nods and asks questions. The coffee carafe is sitting between them and almost empty. He notices the package of crackers and sighs. Neither woman can cook to save their lives.

"Morning," he says leaning down to kiss Felicity. She pauses mid sentence and kisses him back. "You look beautiful this morning."

"What do you want?" she asks.

"If I make you eggs, will you eat them?"

"If you make me pancakes, I'll eat them," she replies. "Did you sleep through?"

"Yes," he replies. "You should eat and go back to bed."

"I'll survive."

"I love you," he says softly before kissing her forehead.

"Oliver, make the pancakes," Moira commands, "I'm not done talking to your girlfriend. So Felicity you had ideas about streamlining our plans to grow Applied Sciences."

"Well Star Labs is working on some really innovative things and it might be worthwhile for Queen Consolidated to partner with Dr. Wells and his staff moving forward. They already have a satellite warehouse here plus SCPD works jointly with the CCPD when it comes to Iron Heights. It would make sense to more fully partner the cities in greater ways. With the particle accelerator being worked on and the potential growth that sector has...it would be in our best interest to get ahead of the competition. I can guarantee Kord Industries is already trying to partner."

"Kord has been becoming such an irritant in recent months," Moira muses. "Perhaps you are right. You're wasted in I.T. Perhaps we should discuss that further."

"I'm not looking for that," Felicity says blushing.

"Queen Consolidated deserves the best people in positions where they can create change. It seems you are being wasted in your position," Moira continues. "Oliver what is that you are doing?"

"He's adding chocolate chips, right?" Felicity asks. "And nothing else?"

"Would it kill you to have a banana or something?" He asks putting the fruit down in the fruit bowl.

"It might," Felicity says. "I have conditioned my body to accept junk, takeout and copious amounts of Chinese food. You are corrupting my body."

"I love your body and I want you to be healthy," he remarks. "Why do you think I keep cooking all the time? I'm trying to save your life."

"I'll allow one of those smoothies you make, seriously so good Moira, but none in my pancakes! Don't mess with a good thing. Now I'm going to run to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

"Smoothies?" Moira asks.

"It's a battle to get her to eat healthier. She hides chocolate all over the place and I had to lockdown Diggle because he kept doing takeout runs for her. Now it's a bagged lunch and I try to get as much healthy food into her as possible and it is not easy."

"Look at you Oliver," Moira says. "This is what your father and I always wanted for you. We had thought you had it with Laurel but..."

"It's been difficult since I came home and she helps me feel...normal. It's different with her."

Oliver starts pouring the batter onto the pan and turns to get plates out for each of them. He's slow and methodical as he cooks and Moira watches him. She's not used to this side of Oliver. He's very calm and collected and he's very focused on his task.

"Is she okay?" he asks. "She won't tell me if I hurt her or if I scared her."

"I think she's very strong and very protective of you. She's not going to give you ammunition to torture yourself."

"You two sound closer," he says. "I know you haven't been...supportive."

"After last night I realized I misjudged her. So we've been talking. I know you do not need and are not looking for it, but I approve of what I've seen," Moira says. "Promise me you won't elope."

"Mom," Oliver says smiling.

"You are not allowed to elope with Felicity," she says. "You will do the right thing. I deserve to see my only son get married whenever you finally ask her. I've missed enough."

"Okay Mom. No eloping," he says turning back to the pancakes.

"Good. Do you have the ring or do you need access to the safe?"

"Mom!"

"I've seen the way you look at her Oliver," Moira says. "Now I'm going to make myself look a little more presentable. Please make me some pancakes as well and like Felicity, don't try sneaking fruit into mine either."

"Of course not," he replies. Felicity re-enters as Moira leaves and moves towards him. She wraps her arms around him and just nuzzles his back. "You two…"

"Better," she says. "I think it will be okay."

"You should go back to bed," he says. "I kept you up."

"And miss the awkward relationship issues? No thank you. Do you think they'll be okay?"

"Honestly? No," he explains. "I don't know what to do for them but they're imploding and I don't think they even realize it yet."

"Laurel is still in love with you Oliver. That needs to be dealt with."

"I would never…"

"Oliver I trust you," Felicity says. "I know you wouldn't cheat and I know that it is part of your history but you are not that man anymore."

"What would I do without you?"

"You probably would have dated Helena…"

"Oh...yeah probably," he admits. "That would have gone poorly."

"Aren't you glad you met me instead?" she says when he puts her pancakes on a plate. "I'm so docile and unproblematic."

"Definitely not words I would use to describe you," he says.

"The Hood needs someone strong enough to keep him in line."

"Yes," he says. "While you eat I'll tell you a story about the island."

"Is it a shirtless story? Those are my favorite," she asks him as her hand trails down his chest. "Picturing you covered in sweat...mmm"

"Eat your pancakes," he commands.


Laurel doesn't know what to make of the sudden shift in the Queen household. After a quiet breakfast with Tommy and Taylor she heads down to the living room, surprised to find Oliver alone poring over ledgers and inventory sheets. He looks tired but he's smiling. She watches him for a moment when he reaches into his pocket and tugs out what looks like a compass. He looks at it for a moment before slipping it back into his pocket.

"Morning Laurel," he says. "Where's Tommy?"

"Playing with Taylor," she says. "Felicity?"

"Getting the grand tour from my mother," he says as he flips one of the inventory pages. "I don't expect to see her before dinner knowing Mom. She was going on about the paintings and I didn't have the heart to tell her Felicity has no clue what she's talking about. Show her the security room or a laptop and she is so much more interested."

"Oh...I thought they weren't getting along," Laurel says.

"Things change."

"Yeah," Laurel says unnecessarily before slipping down onto the couch beside Oliver. "Sometimes things can go back though."

"Some things but not all things," Oliver remarks. "Some things are best left in the past."

"Ollie…"

"I'm thinking about proposing," he says quickly. "Not right now because we're still waiting for information on Walter and I'm still healing from the island. Soon though. Maybe in the Fall so we can plan get settled in a house first."

"Propose?! I didn't know you were headed that way."

"Where did you think it was going Laurel?" Oliver asks looking up at her. "I'm in love with Felicity and we're building a life together. I'm planning to love her for the rest of my life."

"Oliver...I…what if there was another option?"

"I don't want another option Laurel," he says firmly. "She's going to be my...always. There is no choice for me. There hasn't been since I came home. I'd like to think I would have found her even if we hadn't met that day that somehow we would have found each other. When you live the way I did for so long...you stop hoping for things. I want it all. The wedding. The house. The kids. I want it all and I want it with her."

"Ollie…"

"I know my history is...colorful. I'm sorry for how I treated you back then. I can't undo it. I can't fix it. I can just say I'm sorry and hope you forgive me for it," he explains. "I wasn't ready for all of this then. I'm ready now. I think maybe I grew up. Huh..."

"Ollie…"

"I hope you find it with someone Laurel...with Tommy or someone else. I hope you find it," he says before standing. "I need to go check on something."

Laurel is left sitting there surrounded by Oliver's things and feels more cut off from everything than ever before. Her heart hurts and she can't help but look around for something to ground her. She always thought it would be Oliver and Laurel but now...she's really lost him.

When Tommy comes up behind her she barely reacts. He touches her shoulder, massaging the tense muscles. He's a good guy. She knows that. It's just...he's not Oliver. She should let him go but then she'll be alone.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"I don't know."

"We'll get him."

"Him?"

"The gunman Laurel. We'll get him."

"Okay."


It's a quiet night in the Queen Manor. Laurel puts Taylor to bed and turns to see Tommy standing in the hallway awkwardly. Walking out she sees him staring at Oliver who is flat on his back with a screwdriver, trying to fix a table that is off balance. Felicity is standing nearby talking into her cell phone. Laurel makes a face when she sees Oliver's free hand slipping up Felicity's leg, causing her to look down at him with a 'down boy' look on her face. Tommy catches Laurel's look and frowns.

When the power cuts out everyone jumps. Oliver is on his feet in a second and he tugs Felicity down the hallway towards Tommy and Laurel. Gesturing the three of them into the room, he slams the door shut and Laurel jumps at the sound of the door knob being broken off the door.

Laurel sits with Taylor but watches as Felicity immediately goes to the windows and checks the latches. She also heads to the bathroom door and makes sure there is no other exit. She's calm and collected while Laurel can't help but freak out even if it is internally. Tommy looks just as worried but he watches Felicity too.

"We'll be fine," Felicity says. "Oliver will get help."

"He's out there with a trained hitman…" Laurel says.

"Oliver will get help," Felicity says sharing a glance with Tommy.

They hear the gunshots and they all jump. Felicity watches the door with a level of intensity that surprises Laurel. She slips her heels off and grabs a baseball bat nestled in the corner, handing it to Tommy.

"Just in case," she says. She picks up the phone but the person doesn't answer. "Damn it."

The loud crash echoes through the space and Felicity jumps again. They wait in silence as footsteps come stumbling towards them. A shoulder thuds against the door but when it swings open it's Oliver, looking worse for wear.

He immediately reaches for Felicity and hugs her to him saying it's over. He nods towards Tommy and then asks Felicity to call the police. Downstairs Laurel and Tommy watch the police come into the space and remove the bodies of the security team and the hired man. Laurel and Tommy also watch as Felicity stands next to Oliver and cleans up the cuts on his face and hands.

Laurel's father takes statements but expresses his irritation in the story being told. He knows there is something wrong with it but he cannot figure out what it is. Either way he offers Laurel, Tommy, and Taylor a ride and they accept leaving Queen Manor behind for the night. Tommy does not miss the longing look in Laurel's eyes.


When Oliver tells Felicity about his argument with Diggle and Diggle leaving the team after the night they had, he can see the damage on her face. She's crushed and he doesn't know what to do. He still thinks he made the right decision to deal with the immediate threat to Laurel and Tommy versus the non-immediate threat with Deadshot. Either way he knows Felicity is deeply hurt by the decisions made without her.

In the living room they sit, silent as the television recaps the attack on Queen Manor. Oliver holds her hand and tries to figure out a way to make this okay. He screwed up with John. He knows that. He knows he should have been there when it came to Deadshot. He should have been there but he just can't help but wonder what would have happened if he hadn't gone to help Laurel.

For the first time since he moved in she sleeps with her back to him and he lays awake thinking. She's not exactly mad at him. Disappointed maybe. In the middle of the night he rubs a hand over her back and sighs. He kisses her shoulder and gets out of bed. He places the note on the pillow and heads out. Maybe punching things will make him feel better.

It doesn't. He heads home in the early hours and removes the note, falling into bed. He lays there and just lets the exhaustion in his body move him towards sleep. She moves into his arms then and snuggles against him, kissing his chest gently.

"Did it help?" she asks. From her tone she clearly wasn't asleep.

"No," he replies. They say nothing more. Instead they just lay there, both awake and both struggling to deal with what it means now that John has left them.