Author's Note: Are you guys ready to get to the main plot? Because I am.

Also, I have an account on Polyvore under the same name (theirhappystory) on which you can find Felicity's outfits. FF doesn't let me link them in text but I did put the link to my account on my profile here as well as the links to my accounts on Tumblr and AO3 :)

...

Chapter 4: The Shot Heard Around Her World

Three days later Robert and Moira Queen announce proudly that their son will be taking a position in the company. Apparently, Oliver's employment necessitates a full on press release in the Queen Consolidated lobby and a formal gathering that night. He's not all too sure why that is. The position is a small one, nowhere near the one his parents had in mind for him those few years ago. In fact, it's not even close. There's a sinking suspicion in Oliver that tells him maybe his parents did not take his refusal of a permanent spot as seriously as they seemed to.

"Good afternoon everyone."

A chorus of voices responds with a greeting and cameras flash from all different angles. Eager reporters sit on the edges of their seats, waiting to get the big scoop on the Queen family and company. Their recorders are on hand and held as close as possible so they don't miss a thing. On stage sits the Queen family, including Felicity. It is common knowledge now that she has been welcomed into their home and no one is shocked to find her amongst one of Starling's most prominent families. She sits next to Thea, who is attempting to be discreet about checking her phone in her purse. Oliver is seated between Thea and Moira while Robert stands at the podium to address the crowd.

"My name is Robert Queen and I am CEO of Queen Consolidated, but you all knew that." Polite laughter follows and Oliver resists the urge to roll his eyes.

Robert begins his introduction, subtly reminding the crowd of the company's past success and partnerships.

Oliver takes this time to sneak glances at Felicity. Things have been awkward, to say the least, between them since the incident on his couch three nights ago. After their first run in at the office, and Oliver's subsequent ignoring of Felicity the rest of the week, he had learned better than to ignore her completely. But now it seemed she had changed her tune because she had done everything possible to not be alone with him these past few days. The only conclusion he could come to was that it really had freaked her out and he tried to remind himself that was a good thing. Maybe if they kept their distance he wouldn't keep getting inappropriate hard-ons for a minor and they wouldn't keep ending up in suggestive situations. He told himself it was all for the best.

But every now and then Oliver would still find himself looking at Felicity. Even now, with his sister between them and an audience of publicity junkies, he caught himself admiring her. Right now she's wearing a floral print dress with a teal blazer. The color brings out her eyes behind her glasses, something he definitely shouldn't notice from this far away and at this angle. She's shaking her foot in an effort to sit still and her pink-tipped fingers are tapping against her purse. A sudden urge strikes him to reach over and settle his hand on top of hers but he suppresses it.

"And with that I would like to introduce to you my son and the chairman of this new project, Oliver Queen."

He's startled out of his admiring by his father's introduction and quickly stands to walk to the podium as a quiet applause spreads through the room. After a few seconds he raises his hand to quiet them. Oliver knows how to command a crowd both from his playboy days and his time in the Army. Now he just does it with more respect and maturity.

"Hello, everyone. How are you all doing?" He pauses as they reply with a variation of positive response. "Great, I am glad to hear it. As my father said, he and my mother have asked me to oversee the new project our Applied Sciences division has taken under its wing. This project will take Queen Consolidated further into the field of technological development than it has ever been before. We, hopefully with the help of DefenseTech, are aiming to produce less violent and negatively consequential tactics of warfare. So what does that mean? Well over the next few months our employees will be working hard to design less invasive weaponry for the U.S. military. As you can see, this project involves something I am personally familiar with. It is my hope that my experience coupled with the brilliant minds of our scientists and engineers on board will help create a safer method of warfare to be used in the future."

The applause this time is slightly louder than it was when he was introduced. Oliver throws the crowd of onlookers a few smiles before continuing.

"I would now like to open the floor to any further questions you may have."

Immediately hands shoot up. This is unsurprising and after talking with his family publicist and head of PR it was decided Oliver would take a maximum of six questions before ending the press conference. He picks a random reporter in front to go first.

"Mr. Queen, in the past DefenseTech has dealt with allegations of unfavorable conduct. What do you say to this?"

"I have personally looked into DefenseTech and their current operations. A good friend of mine from Afghanistan coordinated with them at the base and after talking to him I am confident that the allegations, which were dropped years ago I might add, are not a worry of mine."

Once the words are out of his mouth there are more shouts of his name before he picks the next question.

"So what you are saying, Mr. Queen, is that these allegations are of absolutely no concern to you and Queen Consolidated?"

"Of course they were a concern. However, like I said, I have personally looked into the matter even though the accusations were proven false years ago and those possibly believed to be involved replaced. Next question, please."

This goes on for another fifteen minutes and most are simple enough to answer. Oliver takes his last question from a short, balding man in the front.

"Should we be expecting you to take a more active role in the company once this project is fully underway? Perhaps, say, training to become CEO?"

The question causes Oliver to tense slightly. He had thought his father planned on addressing this but apparently that had not been the case. Of course he had prepared for this but realizing Robert had not mentioned his son's intentions as planned put him on edge.

"No. The terms I have agreed to upon accepting this position state that once this project is up and running and making sizeable headway, I will be leaving the company. CEO was not something I wanted for myself five years ago and it is still something I do not see as a part of my future. Thank you all for your attendance today."

Reporters call out as Oliver leaves the stage, begging for one more question, one more photo. Instead he gathers with his family and the security detail as they exit the lobby. Once they reach the elevators Thea and Moira say their goodbyes. His mother will be overseeing the preparations for tonight's congratulatory gathering in one of the local business bars while Thea accompanies her.

"Oliver, you did an excellent job, sweetheart." His mother compliments him before kissing his cheek. "Wasn't your big brother wonderful, Thea?"

The teenager in question barely throws a glance her brother's way, instead choosing to burry her nose in her phone and mumble something that sort of sounds like an agreement. Things between them were still tense. Thea was waiting for Oliver to open up to her but he wasn't sure he would ever fully be able to. This would, hopefully, blow over soon. She always did know how to hold a grudge but Oliver had learned years ago to weather the storm with her.

"Darling, you did great. I'll see you tonight." With that Moira and Thea exit the building and are driven away in their town car.

Oliver turns back around to see that his father had already left. It's no surprise to him. What is a surprise is the sight of Felicity, waiting for him by the elevators. She looks pensive, unsure as he crosses to her.

He's about to speak when the elevator opens and she steps in quickly. Oliver follows and the doors begin to close when someone calls out for them to hold it. He has absolutely no intention of doing so but Felicity does. The man joins them and turns to her.

"Thanks, cutie. What floor are you going to?"

Cutie? Who is this guy? The term of endearment makes Oliver's skin crawl.

"Uhm, seventh floor."

"Too bad, I'm going to five." The man is about to press the button to close the doors when Oliver accidentally knocks the folder he is holding out of the elevator. Complete accident, really.

"What the hell man?"

The guy doesn't even look to see whom he's yelling at as he dives after his papers. The doors slam shut before he can get back on.

"What was that?" The question comes from Felicity and he turns to see her staring at him with one eyebrow raised.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Oliver plays it off like he is trying to be charming but really he doesn't know the answer to her question either.

"Okay, right."

They stand in silence as the car rises. There's tension between the two of them. He can feel it, an invisible presence crowding the elevator car. Sometimes it's so easy for him, natural, to open up to Felicity and talk with her. But other times, like right now, he can't decide if he wants to push himself against the farthest wall or pull her close. They reach her floor without speaking and he thinks that whatever the reason she chose to wait for him she has rethought and decided against. But then she turns quickly to face him before stepping out.

"I just wanted to tell you that I think you did a great job. I know it's not exactly what you want for yourself but you fit the role perfectly up there." She pecks him on the cheek, leaving a faint pink mark, before exiting the car.

The Applied Sciences floor is only three above the IT Department so Oliver spends the rest of his ride in stunned silence. Through his reflection off of the elevator walls he can see the light mark from her lipstick. Part of him, for some reason unbeknownst to him, wants to leave it there. However, a much bigger part tells him to wipe it off before anyone sees it and starts asking questions. Lipstick was not an uncommon thing to be found on Oliver Queen during his wilder years. One time he and Tommy had even made it a challenge to see who could get the most varying shades on them in one night. But that isn't who he is anymore and that isn't the image he wants to represent so he pulls the handkerchief out of his pocket and wipes the small trace of Felicity away.

As Oliver exits the elevator he finds an intern, young probably around Felicity's age give or take a year, waiting to show him around.

"Mr. Queen, welcome to Applied Sciences. It's a pleasure to have you on board with this project. The engineers and chemists have been working really hard to make sure everything was ready when you arrived. Not that they were unprepared before. I'm Barry, by the way. Barry Allen. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The man, no definitely kid, eagerly sticks his hand out for Oliver to shake.

"Right, it's nice to meet you, Barry. And since we are going to be working together you can call me Oliver."

"Wow, okay. It's such a great project you've chosen to oversee here, Mr. Que – Oliver. There are so many civilian casualties in war. The technology we are designing aims to reduce the number by at least twenty percent, which might not seem like a lot, but really when we are talking about human lives any number counts. Don't you think? We're also hoping to advance the accuracy in…"

This is going to be a long day.

….

Sure enough, by the time Oliver arrives at his congratulatory celebration that night at eight o'clock he is exhausted. Right now there is nothing else he'd rather do than crawl into his bed and pass out. But he can't because now he's a businessman and that entails formal gatherings and business meetings and putting on a face to please the people. So he pulls on his best charming billionaire smile and walks into the crowded room.

People greet him as he walks through the room. They pat him on the back and congratulate him by name like they've known him his entire life. He doesn't even recognize half their faces, except for a few daughters and young wives of businessmen he may or may not have encountered in his younger years. Those days are long behind him and he's more than a little ashamed of his actions as a young adolescent.

There's a weight on his back and her turns to find his mother smiling at him with pride.

"Oliver, darling, you're here. Come, there's someone I would like you to meet."

Together they make their way across the room. Moira greets a few guests in passing but Oliver's eyes have zeroed in on his father and a leggy, brunette woman. They're speaking quietly but what draws Oliver's attention is the way they lean into each other, closer than business acquaintances should. As they approach the woman pulls back slightly, but does not seem guilty or ashamed of how close she was standing to Robert.

"Oliver, I would like to introduce to you our new CFO of Queen Consolidated, Isabel Rochev. She has been working with us for the past year and is doing a splendid job."

Moira's words are kind, poised and she smiles at the younger woman. However, there's a slight detachment to her tone and Oliver picks up on it right away.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." He takes her outstretched hand to shake it lightly.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Queen."

The glint in her eye gives Oliver an uneasy feeling. It's not the look he is used to receiving from women, full of desire and infatuation. No, this look is cold, cutting. She looks like a predator on the prowl and not in a way that makes his blood start racing. Instead it freezes him in place before she retracts her hand.

"Have you found Queen Consolidated to suit you, Ms. Rochev?"

"Yes, I have found it a rather… enjoyable experience thus far." He doesn't miss the way her eyes slide to the side to briefly glance at Robert before returning to meet his gaze. "The company is quite adaptable and cutting edge and I am pleased to say that our stocks and financial reports have taken a positive turn this past year."

"All thanks to your leadership, no doubt."

"I was glad to be given such an opportunity to make a name for myself, especially within a Fortune 500 company. My time here has been quite rewarding to say the least."

There's a tense moment where all four stand and smile politely at one another. Something is going on unsaid between Oliver's parents and Isabel Rochev and he has a pretty good idea what that is.

"Sorry to interrupt, Moira, Mr. Queen, but I was hoping to maybe steal Oliver away for a little bit?"

Felicity stands next to the group of adults, small in size but large in presence. Moira and Robert smile at her fondly while Isabel gives her a look of indifference.

"Of course, dear, and you have lived under my roof for almost two years. You can call me Robert."

Robert has always held Felicity in high regard. Her intelligence and work ethic made her a valuable asset, something Robert sought out and held on to.

"Thank you. It will only take a second. Oliver?" He nods and excuses himself from the group to follow her away.

"What do you need?"

"Oh, I don't need anything but it looked like you did. I thought I would save you from the awkward tennis match between your parents and Isabel." Felicity says the woman's name as if it leaves a bitter taste on her tongue.

"I take it you're not a fan."

"You would be correct. Your father has done some indecent things in the past but she has to rank in the top ten." Well that confirms Oliver's suspicions.

"Does Moira know?"

"Of course she does. When have you ever known someone to pull one over on Moira Queen?"

"I knew my dad had his…. extracurricular activities, but to bring one into the company and flaunt that is a whole other kind of low."

"Things aren't the same as when you left, Oliver. A lot has changed."

They've made their way over to the open bar and Felicity asks for a glass of champagne. As she leans over to chat with the bartender, Oliver is distracted by her outfit, which is becoming an increasingly normal occurrence that he really needs to shake. She's wearing her hair down, blonde curls cascading over her bare shoulders, exposed by her strapless cream dress, which is overlapped with red flowers and lace. It makes her look older, sophisticated. She turns around, champagne flute in hand and takes a sip to which he raises his eyebrow.

"Oh did you want one, too?" She takes another sip before he snags the drink from her.

"Last time I checked you weren't twenty-one." Life would be so much easier if she was.

"You're no fun."

The pout that Felicity gives him is adorable and he wonders what it would be like to kiss it away, to replace her pout with a very different expression.

"Trust me, I can be very, very fun."

That really wasn't supposed to come out as low and throaty as it did. Her eyes widen and Oliver watches as her pupils dilate. Damn it. Why does he keep getting himself into these situations with her?

"Ollie? Is that you?"

The voice is somewhat familiar and the memories associated with it cause Oliver to cringe. Turning around, he finds a redhead in a purple dress, if it could be called that, walking up to them.

"Oh, hi uh…." He trails off, searching his memory for the woman's name and failing.

"Shannon."

He was thinking Jessica so it's a really good thing he didn't just go for it. At his side Felicity snorts, quickly covering her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter.

"Right, of course, how are you?"

"I'm doing well. Not as well as you though."

She reaches out to squeeze his bicep and Oliver cringes. Were these really the type of women he was interested in before the Army? She practically purrs at him as she takes a step closer. He tries to move back, only to be followed closely. Felicity has an arm wrapped around her waist and the other is pressed firmly over her mouth, attempting to hold in her laughter.

"What are you doing over here, by yourself? You should be out on the dance floor with a pretty girl on your arm." By pretty girl she obviously means herself.

"I'm not alone, actually, but you're right." He shifts towards Felicity and holds a hand out to her. "Care for a dance?"

"Of course."

There's still a smile on her face and laughter in her posture as she takes his hand. It's soft and small and it fits perfectly in his own. He's momentarily struck by just how tiny and fragile she is and he pulls her close when a wave of protectiveness washes over him.

"If you'll please excuse us, Shannon."

Oliver doesn't wait for a reply as he pulls Felicity to the center of the dance floor. He hears the other girl's huff of indignation as he walks away but doesn't look back. Instead, his hand not holding onto Felicity's settles comfortably on the small of her back as her pulls her into position and begins to sway. When he looks down at her face she's still smiling but it's not as full of amusement as it was during their encounter with Shannon.

"So, do you want to tell me why you've been avoiding me?"

He regrets the words almost as soon as he says them but part of him wants to know if she really does find his actions inappropriate and appalling, like he assumes.

"Depends, do you want to explain what just happened?"

"Past encounter from my irresponsible young adolescent years. Your turn."

Felicity looks away and bites her lip in hesitation before returning his gaze and taking a deep breath.

"Do you remember the other night, in your room?"

Yeah, he definitely remembers. He remembers it every time he closes his eyes at night and the evidence is there when he wakes up in the morning. It would be a lot easier if he didn't.

"I believe I was there."

"Right. Uhm… well it's about what happened you know after the talking part but before the part where I basically bolted out the door like I was on fire."

This was something Oliver thought he wanted to here. However, he is quickly realizing that isn't exactly the case anymore.

"About that, listen Felicity, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable in anyway. How I acted, that won't be happening again. I promise."

For a second she almost looks disappointed but he's too distracted to read into it because a small red dot hits his face before disappearing behind Felicity's head. Years in the Army trained him to recognize what it is and he barely has time to react before the shot rings out.

Oliver tackles Felicity to the ground, shielding her with his body. Terrified screams ring out around them and the room fills with chaos. He tugs her close and into a crouch, running close to the ground. Bullets whiz by them and one nicks him in the shoulder. It stings where the bullet tore open his skin but he's had much, much worse. A nearby table at the edge of the dance floor provides cover for them as Oliver yanks Felicity underneath it with him.

"Felicity, are you okay?"

She's shaking and her eyes dart around frantically. Both of Oliver's hands frame her face, forcing her to look at him.

"Are you hurt?" He looks her over to see if there is any visible injury and finds none.

"N-no. No. I'm okay."

"Are you sure?"

Just then a bullet hits the top of the table and ricochets off, causing Felicity to jump and pull herself closer to him. They can't stay here for too long. If he remembers correctly, there is a marble pillar approximately ten feet from where they are hidden. They should be safely hidden behind that.

"Felicity, listen to me. There's a pillar not far from this table. Are you paying attention? Okay, we can't stay under here. We'll wait for a break in gunfire and then run. You stay as close to me as you can, make yourself as small a target as possible. Do you understand?"

Felicity gives him a frenzied nod. Her body is still shaking and her teeth begin to rattle, vibrating against each other. She's going into shock. Oliver quickly shrugs out of his suit jacket and drapes it around her shoulders. Another minute goes by until the shots quiet.

"We have to run now!"

"You can't, like, count to three or something?"

"Three!"

Then they're running. His arms are around Felicity and every part of him is shielding as much of her as possible. They're almost to the pillar when the next bullet is shot at them. It misses but just barely.

As they make it to the marble column, Oliver pulls Felicity around to push her against it, crowding her in with his body. He can feel her hands clutching onto his dress shirt and holding him close.

There's movement on the other side of the room. The hired event security storm in, guns drawn. Two men are quickly taken down and do not get back up. The rest of the unit splits into groups, one sweeping the main floor and the other running up the stairs to the secondary level. Shots are no longer being fired but the room still remains in chaos.

"Oliver. Oliver, we have to find Thea and your parents!"

He wants to. He wants nothing more than to search the ballroom and make sure his family is okay. But Felicity was the target. For some reason the shots were aimed at her. Bringing her out in the open would be like signing her death warrant right now.

"We can't move until the area has been secured."

"What? Thea is my best friend, your sister! We have to go find her!"

Frantically, Felicity attempts to push her way past Oliver. It's a feeble attempt seeing as he's at least twice her size. She continues to fight him on it until he wraps one arm around her waist and places the other on the column behind her head then forces her back.

"Felicity! The shots were aimed at you." That freezes her in place.

"What? No."

"I saw the sight indicator on me before it disappeared behind your head. That's how I knew what was about to happen. Whoever was firing those rounds was firing at you."

"I – I don't understand. Why would someone try to kill me?" Her shaking from earlier increases causing Oliver to tighten his hold.

"I don't know. All I do know is that it's not safe for you to be out in the open until security gives the okay. Do you understand?" She nods mutely, wide eyes quickly filling with moisture, and buries her face in his chest.

The room starts to calm. Looking around Oliver can see the guards reconvening. They check on a few scared party guests and begin searching for evidence. The few that went upstairs descend without a suspect in hand. His eyes catch sight of Thea with Tommy and Laurel on the other end of the room. They look shaken but unharmed and Oliver lets out a sigh of relief.

"Thea is with Tommy and Laurel. She's okay." Felicity's shoulders sag in relief and he feels her death grip on his shirt loosen.

"The cops just got here. Security is briefing them on what happened. It looks like they lost the shooter."

They stand like that for a few more minutes. All of his senses are hyperaware of their surroundings but he doesn't feel the presence of a threat anymore. Years in the Army have honed his instincts to be vigilant. Sure enough, the cops give the all clear shortly after and everyone begins to seek out their company for the night.

"Come on. It's safe now."

Oliver releases his hold on Felicity but grabs her hand to keep her close. He leads her across the room to where Thea, Tommy, and Laurel stand. The second Thea sees the pair she runs towards them.

"Lis! Ollie! Oh my God you're okay!" She wraps her best friend in a hug before repeating the action with her brother.

"Are you hurt, Thea? Did you get hit?"

He let's go of Felicity's hand, still making sure she remains close to his side, and reaches out to cradle Thea's cheeks in his palms.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. I was over by the buffet on the side of the room with Tommy and Laurel when it happened. Wait! Ollie you're bleeding!"

Damn it. He forgot about the bullet that nicked his shoulder.

"It's fine. Just a graze."

"No it's not, you're hurt!"

Thea reaches out and grabs Oliver's arm, turning him so she can examine the wound.

"Oh thank goodness you are all okay." Moira rushes over to join the group, Robert in tow.

"Oliver's not, he got shot."

"I told you it's fine. It barely grazed me. I have had much worse before this. It wouldn't be the first time I've been shot."

Everyone stills, not yet comfortable with the topic even if they already knew about it. Thea gives up her scrutiny after that.

The Starling City police show up a few minutes later. Security briefs them on what happened before the cops begin searching for evidence and taking statements. Oliver spots Laurel's father, Detective Quentin Lance, making his way over to them.

"Laurel, sweetheart, are you okay?" The concerned father gently takes hold of his daughter's arms and checks her over.

"I'm fine, dad. Oliver might need some medical attention though." Quentin's gaze shifts to Oliver's bloodied shoulder.

"What happened to you?"

"It's just a surface wound. I was caught in the fire. Felicity and I were in the middle of the dance floor when the shots went off. I think they were aiming for her."

His response is straight forward, like he has been trained to do.

"And why would they be aiming at Ms. Smoak? You got any felonies you wanna tell me about, kid?"

"No, sir. I honestly don't know why I would be a target." Felicity's voice shakes slightly, pushing Oliver to take a step closer to her.

"We can't be sure until it's properly analyzed, but it looks like the bullets have a signature make. It matches the M.O. for the Italian organized crime group. You piss anyone off in there?"

The Italian mob has had a strong presence in Starling since before Oliver joined the Army. It mainly deals with business tycoons and other shady corporate contracts. Why anyone involved in that would wish harm on Felicity he has no idea.

"No. I wasn't even sure if the mob was real or at least still active."

"Okay. Well I'm going to need to take statements from both of you." Quentin gestures between Oliver and Felicity and pulls them aside to take their statements.

One hour later they are finally in the town car on the way back to the mansion. Oliver hasn't let Felicity out of his sight and insisted everyone else take a separate car.

Someone tried to kill Felicity and could very well still be trying to. He doesn't want to risk anyone else getting hurt but also he doesn't trust anyone else to take care of her if the gunman comes after her again tonight.

Felicity is terrified. Oliver watches her across the backseat of the car and can see her attempting to hold herself together. He can still see the shaking in her clenched hands and wants to reach out to comfort her. But he doesn't know where they stand after their conversation that was unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, cut short.

"Why would someone be trying to kill me?"

Felicity's voice comes out soft and meek. She's staring out the window at the passing traffic as they drive through the city. Orange light cast by lampposts illuminates the side of her face Oliver can see. She nervously clasps and unclasps her hands in her lap, absentmindedly playing with her fingers and shaking out her hands.

"I don't know, Felicity." There's a pain in his chest at seeing her like this when he can't do anything about it.

"I mean I know people are angry with my mother and her trial is coming up but Detective Lance said the M.O. was similar to..." She pauses to take a breath before continuing. "My mother isn't being tried for involvement with the mob. I didn't even think they were relevant anymore. Of course the whole thing about a mob is that no one ever actually catches them doing anything. You only know the reputation and hear the stories. The point is, how does my mother being tried for large scale embezzlement have anything to do with an organized crime group? It couldn't be because of that but it's the only thing I can think of."

"I don't know, but I swear to you, Felicity, we will figure this out."

She turns to look at him then and he can see the tear tracks on her face.

"What if we can't?"

Oliver doesn't even hesitate before grabbing Felicity and pulling her to him. The shaking he saw in her hands spreads to her whole body, but she doesn't sob. Instead, silent tears slowly slip out as he tucks her into his side. He welcomes her warmth and realizes that had he not been there, dancing with her, she could very well be dead. This realization causes him to pull her closer; her tiny frame nestled into his. You would think that with such a large height and size difference, standing even in heels the top of her head barely meets his chin, that they wouldn't fit as well as they do. But Felicity's head tucks perfectly under his chin and her small body fits beneath his arm like she was meant to be there, two perfectly matching puzzle pieces.

"We will. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."

The remainder of the car ride is spent in silence and when they arrive back at the mansion Felicity pulls away from Oliver. She doesn't say anything to him. Actually, she doesn't even glance at him. The sudden distance is unsettling and gives Oliver emotional whiplash. No more than five minutes ago she was clinging onto him in the backseat of the town car while she trembled in shock. Now she's acting like she would rather be anywhere but here with him.

Upon entering the mansion, he sees his family waiting in the parlor for their return. Felicity thanks them for their concern before making a getaway upstairs to her room, claiming sudden exhaustion and a need to sleep off tonight's events.

She doesn't once look at Oliver.

….

Author's Note: And the plot thickens :)

Poor Oliver has absolutely no clue what is running through Felicity's mind right now. They are a hot mess and I love it.

Thank you so much for reading and please share your thoughts with me. I love hearing them no matter how big or small.

- B