So honestly, I already wrote this one and two more chapters. I might just post them tonight because otherwise they'll just sit here, unread.

This is from 2x23, the first I love you.

And also the first betrayal from the producers.

Drop a review if you like, I will take requests! I own nothing!

Chapter 2- Safe and Alone

Oliver stepped hesitantly into the mansion, black trench coat tied firmly around his waist. His hands were stuffed in the pockets, but the right one did occasionally shoot out to push his glasses up his nose.

This wasn't where he or Felicity needed to be right now.

"Felicity, what are we doing here-the whole city's falling apart."

Felicity closed the door behind them and grabbed his arm. She didn't want to do this, not when she knew it would hurt him. "I know," she said, walking them further into the entryway and stopping next to the stairs. Oliver impatiently waited for her to explain.

"You need to stay here." It wasn't a suggestion, and Oliver blurted a "What?!" In protest.

"Why? You can't just ask me to-"

"I'm not asking." Oliver sighed. He had realized that much, at least.

Felicity trained her hardened eyes on his. "I will come and get you when this is all over." She began to walk away, but Oliver was on her heels.

"No!"

Felicity kept walking and let out an "Oliver..." in what was clearly a warning tone.

"No, not unless you tell me why." Why was she doing this? Was this a joke? Oliver knew he wasn't the most athletic person alive, but never had Felicity outright left him like he was dead weight.

Felicity turned sharply around. Without hesitation, she said, "Because I need you to be safe."

Oliver's brows furrowed in confusion. Since when was this such a huge issue? He'd been unsafe before. She'd been a bit...perturbed by him being in the line of fire, but never to this degree.

"Well, I don't want to be safe, I want to be with you.." Felicity still seemed resolute, and Oliver added, "...and the others, unsafe."

"I can't let that happen." Felicity said it as though it was the most obvious sentiment in the world. To her, it was. Even if the rest of the conversation was more acting, the idea of Oliver being safe was a huge weight off her chest. Well, if he was actually going to be safe. She was actually just putting him in more danger, something she'd regret for a long time. Oliver just grew even more confused.

"Felicity," Their eyes locked, and Felicity's held so much emotion, it was hard to believe that the rest of her face was so expressionless. "You're not making any sense."

Felicity seemed to become just a little bit sadder. It was minimal, practically nonexistent. But Oliver knew her too well.

"Slade took Laurel because he wants to kill the person I love."

Had Felicity hit her head? Maybe Oliver should check her for injuries. His hand flew to Felicity's arm.

"I know. So?"

"So he took the wrong person."

Oliver didn't want to believe the statement at first. There was a split second where it just seemed too impossible, where he thought this was another salmon ladder day dream. But Felicity was standing there, telling him she loved him.

The realization (and utter joy) washed over him. Of course the only thing that could come out of his mouth was, "Oh." 'Oh' was almost as bad as 'You're Ms. Smoak'.

He would tell her everything later, when this was over. They'd go to his apartment and talk and laugh. He wouldn't trip over his words (hopefully) and they'd finally be...together. For now, the city was still in trouble.

It felt too good when Felicity grabbed his hand, and she said, "I love you."

Oliver's own feelings were on the tip of his tongue, when a cylindrical item was pressed into his hand.

The cure, he realized with growing dread.

Oliver tried desperately not to let his face fall. This was all a ploy. If only he knew how much Felicity wanted to take it back. Or would that be worse?

It was smart, and Oliver was glad she'd out-thought Slade as he suggested. But he was mad that Felicity had out-thought him. He was angry for letting himself believe it, even for a moment. It wasn't his fault, of course, but he couldn't help the crushing weight that was pressing in on him. And Felicity had delivered a perfect performance. Equal parts emotional and brooding, Oliver had fallen under the Smoak spell. Or should he say, Smoak Signal? God, his jokes were worthless at a time like this.

"Do you understand?"

Oliver wanted to believe that the flicker of emotion on her face was real, that maybe Felicity was hurt or upset. But Oliver couldn't let himself have hope, not after she had taken the rug from under him.

And Felicity was upset, she never wanted to hurt him like this. But it was better than being physically hurt...she hoped.

"Yes." It took all his willpower to keep his face devoid of heartbreak, but he knew, as she walked away, that for a moment it had slipped. But as soon as the door was closed, he acted as though it had been a good experience. Because he knew now that someone was watching him.

He'd have to wait until he was safe and alone in his apartment to cry.