As they took off into the night, it was awkwardly quiet for a few minutes. Felicity broke the silence before too long though.
"So," she said. "What's our cover story going to be?"
"Well, we should probably keep it simple," he said. "Most of these people still live around here, and if they're anything like back in high school, the gossip will spread."
"Oh," she said. "I didn't think about that."
"But it should still be enough to know that we're serious and not just a date," he continued.
"So, girlfriend?" she asked.
"That sounds good. Right?" he asked, glancing in her direction.
"Sure," she said.
"You sure you want to do this?" he asked. "I hadn't really thought about the consequences after."
"Yes, yes," she said. "I don't mind."
"If you're sure," he said. He paused. "You know, I really appreciate you coming with me. I know it's for the mission and all, but I'm really glad I don't have to go out there alone."
"No problem," she said smiling. "So what's our back story."
"We should probably stick as close to the truth as we can," he said. "It'll be less confusing that way."
"Okay, so," she thought aloud, "We met in my office when you brought me your bullet-ridden laptop."
"Or broken laptop," he said laughing.
"Okay, your broken laptop," she smiled. "But when did we start dating?"
"I'd say a few months after you gave me a ride, um, home," he said.
"That would make sense. So 5, 6 months?" she asked.
"Let's go with 6. That makes sense, since everyone thought we were sleeping together anyway,"
"Don't remind me," she said, thoughts of Isabel Rochek coming back to mind.
"Sorry," he said.
"Actually, we'll have to go sooner," she said.
"Why?" he asked.
"Did you cheat on me in Russia, while I was with you?" she asked.
"Oh, right," he said. "So three months?" Maybe he hadn't changed as much as they all thought. Not that he technically cheated on anybody. Plus he hasn't slept with anyone since then.
"Three months works," she said, a little put off now after that particular topic. "How'd it happen?"
"Okay, how about, after work one day, I asked you to dinner. We went to that little Italian place downtown. We were both super nervous since we knew each other so well already. You started babbling about the day we met…"
"Oh my gosh. I think I was chewing on a pen or something…"
"It was red," he said smiling at her.
She blushed.
"Anyway on the way home, we got a call from Diggle saying Sara was being born. So we rushed to the hospital. After seeing them, we walked out in the hallway to talk. After seeing them so happy together, we decided to give us a try. A real try. I kissed you, and it was happily ever after from there."
"That's awfully detailed," Felicity said. "You really thought this through."
"I actually just made that up as I was telling it," he said.
"Mhmm," she hummed. "So, any surprises I should brace myself for tonight?"
"There is no telling," he said. "But I really hope not."
"Is Laurel going to be there?" she asked.
"I guess so. Why do you keep bringing her up?"
"Well, she knows we aren't, you know, dating. I just hope she doesn't ruin anything."
"We've been dating in secret," he said. "To keep out of the press and keep business and pleasure separate."
"Okay," she said. "What about after?"
"I guess we'll come up with something later," he said. "What I'm hoping is it won't actually turn into that big of a deal."
"That would be nice."
"It's probably wishful thinking. We'll deal with it as it comes."
He pulled into the parking lot of the high school and took a deep breath.
"You ready?" he asked.
"Yup," she said, grabbing her tablet.
"Why don't you put that in my bag?" he asked. "That way you don't have to pack it around."
"Okay," she said. "Just be careful."
"Felicity, my bow and arrows are in here. Of course I'll be careful."
They snuck into a side entrance to find the empty locker Felicity had located earlier. They put their stuff in before going back outside so they could enter in the front door.
When they walked in, Felicity jumped a little at Oliver's arm wrapping around her waist. He smiled down at her as he pulled her completely up against his side.
"You good?" he whispered.
"Yeah," she said.
They walked up to the check-in both.
"Mr. Queen! So glad you could join us," the teacher behind the table said. "If you could just fill this form out for me real quick, I'll find your name tags."
He picked up the clipboard and began to answer the questions: name, job, marital status, accomplishments, etc.
He filled it as quickly as possible while the teacher got Felicity's name and made her a name tag.
"Enjoy your reunion, Mr. Queen," she said, pointing them towards the gym.
After sticking the nametags on, Olivers arm wound around her waist almost immediately.
"Are you good?" she asked looking up at him.
"Still not as nervous as I was on our first date," he said, smiling down at her.
She laughed, but managed to push him forward into the gym.
"Ollie! I knew you'd come," a brunette said, rushing up to him. "Uh, who's this?"
"Jessica, this is my girlfriend Felicity. Felicity, this is Jessica."
"Nice to meet you," Felicity said, sticking out her hand.
Jessica just looked at her. "You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend, Ollie."
"It didn't come up," he said. "Felicity, this is the girl that told me about the reunion. Remember I told you I bumped into her yesterday."
"Oh, so you're the one who keeps texting me?" she asked, cocking her head to the side the way she did when she knew Oliver was lying to her.
"Excuse me?" Jessica asked.
Felicity pulled out her phone and showed her the many many messages.
"Why did you give me her number, Ollie?" Jessica asked.
"I got a new number. Couldn't remember the new one, but I knew Felicity would make sure I got the information," he lied smoothly.
"Hmm, well can't say I'm not disappointed, Ollie. I was hoping to have a little fun while I was in town."
"Sorry, I'm a changed man now," he said, smiling down at Felicity. "Can't believe it happened to me, but now that I'm with her, there's no one else I'd rather be with." He smiled down at her. She smiled back, holding in the giggle that tried to burst from her throat.
"Well, that's too bad. So where's Tommy?" she asked.
Oliver's face dropped. Even his hold on Felicity loosened significantly.
"He passed away," Felicity said. "In the earthquake that destroyed the glades."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know," she said, taking a step back. "Well, I'll talk to you later."
"I can't do this," Oliver said. turning to the exit.
"Hey, hey, hey," Felicity said, grabbing his arm. "Look at me." He stopped at her touch, turning to look into her blue eyes. "I am here for you. We can do this. Besides, don't forget why we're really here."
"Right," he said, taking a deep breath. "We should probably check in with Dig, too."
"Yes, we should," she said.
They both reached up to activate the comms.
Looking like they were talking to each other, Oliver said, "Dig, man, you there?"
"I'm here. I was wondering if something had already happened," Diggle said.
"No, we just got here and checked in," Felicity said. "Are you picking up anything yet?"
"Not yet?" he said. "If I do, I'll let you know. Is Pulin there?"
Oliver scanned the room quickly. "I don't see him."
"Okay, keep your eyes peeled," Diggle said.
"We will," he said to Diggle. To Felicity, he said, "Let's make a few rounds of the room, see if we can't figure anything out."
"Alright," she said, as he reached down and grabbed her hand this time.
He gave it a light squeeze to remind himself that she was with him before they made their way towards one of the guests.
Hey guys! I totally did not mean to kill Oliver's self-confidence when I decided to write this, but when I start typing, I just go with what comes out. Anyways, reviews are always wanted! I'll try and get out another chapter or a few tomorrow!