With Our Backs to the Wall (The Darkness Will Fall)

by theirhappystory

5 years ago Oliver Queen made a choice to enlist in the Army. Now he's back and things are very different. His parents barely talk, his best friends are dating, and his sister isn't the spirited little girl he remembers. She's grown up and so has her best friend, Felicity Smoak. When a threat is made on Felicity's life, Oliver finds that keeping her at arms length won't be easy.

9. Keep Your Hands to Yourself

Author's Note: Hi awesome readers! Thank you to everyone who has reviewed/favorited/followed this story. I'm really sorry that I haven't been replying to reviews. The system here on is a bit tedious and very time consuming. Please know that all your input has been read and is greatly appreciated! Receiving reviews always makes me smile :)

Enjoy!

(Oh and if you aren't already tired of my writing, check out my new multi-chapter fic "You Put the Arrow In (Became an Angel Too)". It's an AU in which Felicity becomes Oliver's superhero protégé/apprentice and it's a fairly lighthearted story. This is totally shameless self-promoting, I am quite aware.)

….

Chapter 9: Keep Your Hands to Yourself, Before They Notice My Racing Heart

They go another two days without really speaking to each other aside from the occasional exchange of pleasantries. And it drives Oliver crazy. He had thought that after their moment in her room and the few occasions he checked in on her last week that maybe things wouldn't be as strained as he expected. He wasn't wrong but he wasn't right either. They interact, they talk, but the openness they shared since his return has taken a major hit. It's unsettling even though he knows he brought this on himself. He was fully aware of the possible outcomes of pulling the sister card on Felicity and he did it anyway. His regret is beat out only slightly by his need to protect her from the dark and damaged parts of himself as well as the scrutiny and judgment that would come with any romantic entanglement between them.

Still, come lunchtime he finds himself rounding the corner to where she works at Queen Consolidated with the other interns. As he suspected, she's working alone, caught up in the task at hand on her tablet. Digg stands just outside of the work area and after a silent exchange of head nods between him and Oliver, leaves the cubicle.

Oliver stands there, waiting for Felicity to notice him, and takes the time to really look at her.

It's Felicity's first day back on the job since getting shot at a week ago. The wound and bandage on her shoulder are hidden underneath the sleeve of her beige and white polka dot blouse. She's completely engrossed in whatever she's doing on her tablet. He can see the deep concentration on her face, her teeth chewing on the nail of her thumb as she reads. Which, of course, draws his attention to her mouth, painted a bright pink to match her dress pants. It makes them look that much fuller and kissable.

Oliver quickly clears his throat to gain her attention and disrupt that line of thought.

"Hey."

Felicity all but jumps in her seat, barely avoiding dropping her tablet to the floor.

"Oliver! Geez, don't you knock?"

"Felicity, this is the IT department. Not the ladies' room."

The glare she gives him before quickly locking her tablet and setting it aside makes him smile. Her hands flutter about, shuffling papers and various items in a manner that looks like she's trying to discreetly organize her work area and failing. The way she quickly folds down the flaps of the Chinese takeout box next to her and moves it behind a computer monitor only causes his grin to widen.

"Yes, well most people with manners still knock instead of sneaking up on people and giving them mini heart attacks. You keep that up and I won't even live to be as old as you. Not that you're old. I mean that was kind of the point of the statement. Because you're not old and if you give me a heart attack then I wouldn't even live to be not old, too. Does that make sense?"

That one actually causes him to release an audible laugh. God, he's missed her babbling. He's missed how happy he is around her.

"I'm going to assume that you didn't come here just to laugh at me, because that would be rude, so what can I do for you, Mr. Queen?"

The formality in her tone throws him off. It's not something he's used to with her.

"I, uh, just wanted to see how you were doing on your first day back."

"Well, no one tried to kill me walking in so I'd take that as a positive. No one slipped poison into my coffee when I wasn't looking, also a plus. Although there was a really sketchy looking plant in the lobby on my way up. Might wanna send security to check on that."

Oliver lets out a frustrated sigh before making his way over and seating himself in the empty chair beside hers.

"Felicity, you know I'm just trying to keep you safe."

"Isn't that what Digg is for? By the way, sending the personal bodyguard away while on duty kind of defeats the purpose of having one."

She's just not going to make this easy for him, is she?

"I gave him a break. You're just as safe with me as you are with him. He did help train me, after all."

"I wasn't doubting your capability."

No, she was just trying to avoid being alone with him.

There's an awkward, tension filled silence between them. A moment so different from the comfortable silences they used to share. Being together used to be natural, easy but now he's forced this wall between them and he hates it.

"How has your day been?"

Please, please say something, anything. He needs her to talk to him.

"It's fine. Busy. My shoulder is hurting a little bit but it's manageable."

Oliver really doesn't think his next course of action through very well.

Rolling his chair over, he stands up behind Felicity. She's turned her attention back to her tablet momentarily so when his hands gently land on her injured shoulder, she lets out a small squeak of surprise, caught off-guard by his unexpected movement.

"Sorry, I didn't hurt you did I?"

"No, just… surprised. What, what are you doing?"

His hands ghost across the skin of her shoulder, the top of which is covered by the sheer fabric of her blouse.

"I've had my fair share of bullet wounds. This is something I learned to help with the stiffness that comes along with it. Let me know if I'm hurting you."

He starts off light, barely putting any pressure on her shoulder, testing the waters to see how sensitive the wound and surrounding area still are. His fingers dance across her skin in gentle swirls, careful to avoid direct contact with her injury. When she doesn't protest, he adds more pressure to his movements, beginning to massage the stiff muscles in her shoulder. He pays close attention to her body language, lightening his touch and avoiding certain areas when she tenses and pressing with more force when she relaxes. It's completely clinical.

Until it isn't.

At some point, one of Oliver's hands slips beneath the loose-fitting material of Felicity's sleeve. His fingers circle around her soft skin as he gently kneads her tender shoulder. He must hit a particularly good spot because her heads lulls to the side and a breathy sound escapes her parted lips. It causes his mind to go straight to less than clinical thoughts of her making that sound, only louder and in very different circumstances, circumstances that involve his bed and much less clothing.

"Is this okay?"

"Yeah, feels good."

It's like a fog has invaded his mind, filling every corner and wrapping around his better judgment, hiding it from view. He should stop, especially because he has no right to objectify Felicity like this when she's so unsuspecting and trusting of him to take care of her. But he doesn't because he selfishly wants to hear that sound again, knowing he's the cause of it.

"Mmmm… Right there."

Jesus Christ.

Oliver has had his fair share of women in his days, probably more than his fair share to be quite honest. He's done some pretty kinky things and heard some pretty obscene noises. But none of that ever had his heart racing and blood pumping as fast or as hard, pun unfortunately on point in this situation, as Felicity does and she hasn't even touched him. Hell, she's not even trying to be sexy in the least. But she is and when did his hands start traveling away from her shoulder?

"Hey big brother there you… are…"

Oliver all but throws himself into the chair he previously occupied and quickly crosses his legs as Felicity swivels around in her seat to face their intruder.

"Hey Thea! What are you doing here? You didn't tell me you were stopping by today. You didn't tell me, right? I swear I would have remembered that. No, right here my calendar says lunch on Wednesday and today is definitely Monday. Guess I'll live another day without receiving the 'Worst Best Friend/Lunch Date' award. So, what brings you by?"

A glance over at Felicity reveals heated cheeks and wide eyes. She's flustered just as much as he is. It's a little bit satisfying to see, not that Oliver will ever admit to that outside of his own thoughts.

"I came by to see if Ollie wanted to grab lunch but he wasn't in his office. The intern, I think his name was Barry, told me you would be here. I can come back if now's not a good time."

The last part is directed right at Oliver, complete with raised eyebrow and trademark Thea Queen smirk.

Oh, he's in trouble now.

"No, now is," he pauses to clear his throat because when did it get so low, "now is perfect. I was just taking a look at Felicity's shoulder."

"Really? I didn't know you got a medical degree while you were overseas. Should I be calling you doctor?"

"I did have medical training, you know. And I have first hand experience with gunshot wounds. Didn't you say you wanted to get lunch?"

Felicity has busied herself with tidying the already organized surface of her work area, avoiding looking at either Oliver or her best friend.

"I did. Felicity, you coming with?"

The girl in question turns from her task at hand to face the youngest Queen.

"I would, Thee, but I'm trying to catch up on all the work I missed while I was out last week. We're still on for Wednesday though. You guys enjoy your sibling bonding."

She throws a smile at Thea before swiveling around in her chair, effectively ending the conversation without looking at Oliver once.

"Okay, then. Let's go Big Brother. I'm starving and in the mood for that new Thai place down the street. I heard they serve food in pineapples instead of plates!"

And just like that, Hurricane Thea whisks Oliver away before he can even so much as say goodbye to Felicity.

….

The conversation between the two Queen siblings doesn't take a turn for the danger zone until they're both enjoying the beginning stages of their meal, Thea happily eating from a carved out pineapple and Oliver aimlessly twirling spicy noodles around his fork, mind still caught up in his previous exchange with Felicity.

"So, how's working with the big wigs? Is it everything you've ever dreamed of?"

She sarcastically hums out the word dreamed, knowing full well that Oliver would rather be doing anything but dressing in suits and making small talk all day under the expectant gazes of their parents.

"Oh yeah, it's everything from my wildest fantasies."

"You can stop right there. I don't need nor do I want to know about your kinky office fantasies with Felicity."

What an unfortunate time to choose to take a sip of his drink.

Thea's comment has Oliver inhaling sharply, causing some of the carbonated beverage to go down the wrong pipe. He quickly dissolves into a coughing fit and grabs the silk napkin from his lap to cover his mouth. Thea sits across from him, eating her food with a knowing smirk plastered across her face.

Once he's finally calmed down, Oliver takes a considerable swig of his drink to clear his throat.

"What are you talking about?"

"Please, Ollie. I'm seventeen. I know what a fantasy is."

"You know that's not what I meant."

"Oh you mean the part about Felicity? I'm not blind. I see what's going on."

"You do?"

The fact that she's so calm is baffling to Oliver. Considering how Thea reacted when she caught Felicity leaving his bedroom the other week, he didn't think she would be so… casual about this.

"Yeah. I mean, I know I freaked on you the other week about it but I've seen the way you look at her and how you act with her. It's not the way you used to when all you wanted was to get into some girl's pants. You genuinely care for her and I know she cares for you, too. Don't ask me why, she just does. You guys aren't exactly subtle about it with all the lingering touches and wistful gazes and such. It's a miracle I'm the only one who's caught on."

"What exactly do you think you've caught onto, Speedy?"

"You and Felicity are dating, obviously."

The fork he had picked up in a grasp for control clatters against his plate as he drops it.

"We aren't dating."

"Okay, I know I wigged out on you the other night about her leaving your room, but that was more because I was still angry about the Shane thing. Also, I really couldn't resist messing with you about the age difference. Who would give up a golden opportunity like that? But seriously, you can be honest with me."

"I am. Felicity and I are not dating."

For once in the conversation Thea looks confused, no longer having the upper hand.

"But I thought… then what was with all the touching and then the avoiding followed by the," she lowers her voice several octaves and makes it scratchy in imitation of him he assumes, "I'm so glad your okay, Felicity. I love you, Felicity. Let's get married, Felicity."

I love you.

No. No, he does not need to dwell on those words right now. He just accepted the fact that his feelings for Felicity are beyond platonic and not just physical. It is way too soon to be thinking about that. In fact, he's not even sure there should be an acceptable time to think about that ever.

"Okay, first of all, I only said one of those things. Second of all, she's just a friend, like a sister even."

Thea is overcome by a laughing fit so hard that it brings tears to her eyes. She clutches at her stomach in an effort to regain control and takes a few deep breathes before speaking.

"If that's your definition of a sister then we need to find you a dictionary and maybe watch a couple episodes of the Brady Bunch or any other show featuring sibling relationships. Except no Life With Derek because that was a stone's throw away from step-cest."

Step – he figures it's better not to ask.

"Thea, it's not like that. It can't be like that."

"But you want it to be."

It's a statement, not a question.

"Even if I did, we couldn't be."

"And why the hell not? You like her. She likes you. I'm not seeing the problem here."

Oliver sighs in frustration, reaching a hand up to drag it through his hair.

"The problem is she's seventeen. You said so yourself, she's almost half my age. If we were together the press would chew her up and spit her out. She's already under enough scrutiny as it is with Karen's trial coming up. I won't add to the list of hardships she's already going through."

"Spare the drama, Ollie. Sure, some people will be uncomfortable with the idea but who cares? It's your life and Felicity's, not theirs. You shouldn't let what others consider to be 'right' and 'acceptable' hold you back from being happy. They'll get over it eventually. Plus, you would be surprised how open-minded some people can be nowadays."

"Thea, it's not that simple. Especially with our family and you know it. Think about the bad press it would give Karen's trial and Queen Consolidated and the Defense Tech project."

"It's as simple, or as difficult, as you make it. Is it going to be easy? No, probably not. I'm not telling you to declare your undying love on a billboard for all of Starling to see. I'm just telling you that you deserve to be happy and those who love and care about you will want the same thing. It might take some adjustment, but that's their problem not yours."

Thea leans back in her seat, picking up her glass to take a sip while Oliver takes in everything she's just said.

She has a point. The people who care about and matter to Oliver and Felicity should support what makes them happy. The problem is that's not necessarily the case one hundred percent of the time. The idea of a thirty-year-old with a seventeen or eighteen year old can be very unsettling. It's obvious that Thea doesn't have a problem with it, because she's young. But there are a lot more people to think about in the situation, his parents, for example. Even if he can ignore the paparazzi and the press, he can't very well ignore the people whose roof he lives under, even if he had been thinking about getting his own apartment.

But Thea was right about another thing. He doesn't have to publicize his relationship with Felicity to the world. They could keep it quiet, strictly platonic in the public eye. Only that feels unfair to Felicity. She deserves someone who can be with her openly and freely and not just physically or behind closed doors.

"Oliver, I care about you and I care about Felicity. If there are other reasons, legitimate reasons that have to do with just the two of you, then I'm not telling you to rush into a relationship that is definitely going to be a bit complicated. But if her age and the public scrutiny are the only things holding you back, then screw it all. I know I've been angry with you and that we haven't been on the best of terms since you came home, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you and your happiness. You both deserve to be happy. Everyone does."

And just like that, the strain that has been present on his relationship with Thea lifts. He can hear the silent apology in her words and can see the sincerity in her eyes.

"I know you do, Speedy. I also know that it wasn't easy for you here, either. I never wanted to leave you behind. It was never about you. If it were, I would have stayed, no question. Joining the Army, it was just something I had to do for me."

"I get that now. And I think it's time that you make another decision for you. Just, be happy, Oliver. At the end of the day that's all that matters."

It's funny how six years ago he sat in a tree house across from a different girl with glasses that slipped off her nose and eyes slightly too wide for her face, who told him something similar. Felicity and Thea may be very different to outsiders looking in, but to Oliver, they're the same at their cores. They both have the purest of hearts and only want what's best for those around them. That's what binds their friendship.

"Just think about it. Okay, Ollie?"

"Okay."

That signals the end of their conversation, for now. Oliver and Thea spend the next few minutes finishing their meals and discussing much lighter topics, like her summer internship at some high-end boutique or Tommy and Laurel's wedding plans, which are very limited at the moment seeing as both of them are swamped with work. It's probably going to be a long engagement.

The siblings make their way out of the restaurant after Oliver pays the bill and wait for the town car to come pick up Thea. When the car arrives, she envelopes Oliver in a tight hug that he returns with equal fervor.

"I love you, Ollie, and I'm really, really glad that your home."

"I love you too, Speedy."

She presses a gentle kiss to his cheek before sliding into the back seat of the town car. Once the door is closed, the window rolls downward.

"For the record, Felicity turns eighteen on Friday. If you wanted to drop by Verdant – I was just being polite you don't really have a choice – you'll find her there celebrating because I'm throwing her a party. Lots of inebriated people who won't remember things and dark corners to hide in. I'm just saying. See you at home!"

Oliver shakes his head at his younger sister and her persistence as the car pulls out into traffic. She's not going to let this go.

….

"Security at Queen Consolidated could use some work."

The two trained men don't loose pace as they talk, shuffling around the mats as the wooden sticks they wield as weapons collide in a considerably steady rhythm.

"I know. I noticed it on the first day I walked in. Also, I'm thinking about getting my own place. You have any suggestions on both fronts?"

Oliver makes a swipe at Digg's shoulder, narrowly missing before ducking out of the way of his friend's counterattack.

"A few. We can discuss this in detail later. Now come on, you going soft or something now that you're home? Don't lose steam on me now, Queen."

The men exchange teasing remarks and get a few soft blows in until they're interrupted by a figure in the doorway.

Felicity stands there, hair pulled back tightly in it's usual ponytail. But that's the only thing that's usual in her appearance. Her glasses are nowhere to be seen, traded in for contacts and giving Oliver an unhindered view of her bright blue eyes. A somewhat loose fitting tank top with large arm cutouts reveals the floral pattern of her sports bra. Black, cropped workout pants hug her legs, outlining their shape and definition. It's a completely different look from the usual skirts and dresses but she still looks just as beautiful and as usual the sight of her causes Oliver's breath to catch in his throat.

"Uhm, sorry to interrupt your whole – uh – grrrr."

Felicity makes a half hiss, half growling noise and mimes claws with her hands in an adorable gesture.

"Not a problem. What can we do for ya?"

Her teeth worry at her bottom lip as she contemplates how to answer Diggle's question. Then she takes a deep breath in and lets it out, looking straight at Oliver.

"I want you to fight me. I mean not fight me, fight me. But attack me and then tell me how to react. As in, instruct me on what to do. I want you to teach me how to fight."

That was not at all what Oliver was expecting her to say.

"You… want me to train you?"

"Yes, well, one of you. Or both of you. If that's not going to cause too much trouble."

But why would she need to learn how to fight? Felicity should never be in any situation where she would need to know that, especially with Diggle and him around to protect her.

"I think it's a good idea."

"What?"

"Really?"

Oliver turns to look at Diggle questioningly as his and Felicity's exclamations ring and mingle in the air.

"Yeah. Think about it. We know someone is after Felicity, who has come after her twice now. Both times were unfortunately close calls but from a far away range. Whoever this guy is, he's going to change tactics soon."

"And you or I will be close to her to make sure nothing happens."

Felicity doesn't need to learn how to fight. She doesn't need to be exposed to the violence he's learned. The violence he's used to hurt people, kill people when necessary.

"Oliver, you and I both know that's not always the case. Tactically speaking this is a good idea. We should have thought about this already."

"Wait, seriously? I mean yeah, see. Diggle thinks it's a good idea, too."

Oliver takes a step closer to Felicity. Close enough so that he's just invaded her personal space but not enough that she should feel scared or threatened. It's meant to intimidate her, to deter her from this argument that he really doesn't want to have.

"This isn't up for discussion, Felicity."

To his surprise, she takes a step towards him, getting a little too close for comfort but he refuses to back down.

"Like hell it isn't. Digg thinks it's a good idea and so do I, obviously or I wouldn't have brought it up. What's the problem here? I'm not some weak little girl who sits around and waits for bad things to happen to her."

"I know that. I know you're not weak, Felicity. You're one of the strongest people I know."

"Then what's the problem?"

What's the problem? The problem is that Felicity should never be in this position to begin with. The problem is that she shouldn't need to learn how to defend herself. The implications of what that kind of situation could be don't sit well with him, at all.

But he can't explain that out loud. He can barely explain it in his head as is.

So instead, Oliver hangs his head low and sighs in defeat before looking back up to meet her gaze.

"You said this morning that your shoulder was still bothering you. It's only been a week since..."

It's his last ditch effort and he knows it won't be enough to deter her.

"I took my pain meds, iced it, heated it, and now it feels fine. If it bothers me or starts hurting I'll let you know."

The look in her eyes dares him to defy her, to make up some excuse. It's fire and determination and damn it if it doesn't turn him on a little. Or a lot. But then again it seems everything she does has that affect on him these days. And he really needs to stop this thought process because he just agreed, more or less, to help train her. Which means he will be in extremely close proximity with her body for the next however long it takes.

"If that's what you want."

"That's what I want."

She snaps around, ponytail nearly flicking him in the face due to their proximity and he gets a whiff of her perfume. It's light, slightly floral but not too sweet. It's also not overpowering, just the smallest hint of a scent that sends his imagination buzzing.

"So, Digg, where should we start?"

Fifteen minutes later Oliver has decided that this is what hell feels like.

Felicity is currently pressed backwards against his chest while his arms wrap around her, grabbing onto her wrists. Digg decided the best way to train Felicity would be to teach her how to escape different attacker holds. It's a defensive technique, which Oliver is forever grateful for because Felicity is too small to be fighting against anyone. Both he and Digg made it very clear that she is to escape and run. Engaging in a fight will do nothing for her.

But he also can't stand it at the same time because it means that he has to grab onto Felicity and bring her close to him in as many ways possible while Digg explains to her how to escape. There has already been one too many close calls with her brushing up against things she should not be brushing up against if he's supposed to keep any semblance of control. On top of that, he's also actively avoiding putting pressure on her shoulder.

"Okay, Felicity, now you're going to push back into Oliver. When someone grabs you like that, your first instinct is going to be to try to pull away. But by backing into him you use his own momentum against him."

He braces for it, knowing that her small, warm body is about to push back against his much larger one.

"Like this?"

Yes, like that.

No, not like that.

Mother of God please make it stop.

"Yeah good, now if you had momentum and were taking an attacker off guard he would falter back a step." Oh right, he's supposed to step back. "Then what you want to do is guide both arms out to your side, push up, and then back down in the center."

The first time she does it is slow and experimental so it's easy for Oliver to maintain his grip. Once Digg tells her that she's doing it right, she tries again with a little more force. Again, it's not enough and Oliver stays strong in his hold. A few more times and she's able to loosen his grip enough to free one hand. Throughout it all, Oliver constantly checks her face and the way she holds herself for any signs of pain or discomfort. So far he's seen none.

"Okay, let's try it with Oliver grabbing you so you can combine both the push backwards and the wrist roll. It might be the extra bit you need to escape both holds."

"Sounds good."

Oliver takes the opportunity to ask her about her injury incase he missed a flinch or a sign of pain.

"How's your shoulder doing?"

"It's fine, a little sore but nothing worse than earlier."

"You sure? We can take a break or call it a day, pick training up when it's less sensitive."

Diggle chimes into the conversation and Oliver's thankful that he's not the only one being mindful of her wellbeing. He wouldn't expect anything less from his former brother in arms.

"Thanks but it's all good, coach. Now let's get this show on the road."

Diggle and Oliver both smirk at that because it's just so Felicity. She bounces to the side of the mat, ponytail swinging back and forth with her gait. The word mesmerizing definitely does not come to mind.

Oliver calls out to her to distract himself.

"You ready, Felicity?"

"Yeah, hit me with your best shot."

She keeps her back to him but he can see the determination in her stance. Her feet are planted, shoulders tense as she waits for his attack. Only he doesn't come at her right away. If she's going to train for a real life situation, she needs to be prepared to be taken by surprise.

Oliver glances over at Diggle, nodding to silently communicate that he understands what to do and that this is his plan. His friends nods in understanding and takes a step away.

"Oliver, I said I was – "

Felicity is about to turn around so he takes that as his opportunity to grab her. A surprised squeal leaves her lips as she's caught off guard. It takes her a little longer than it should to react but when she does, she follows her training, falling back into him and using the momentum against him. Only she falls back into all the wrong, or right, places and it causes his steady footing to slip, sending them both tumbling to the mat.

The minute Oliver's back hits the cool, synthetic material of the mat, instinct and years of training kick in. He slides out from under Felicity, rolling them over so that he's no longer beneath her. Reaching down quickly, his hands snatch at he wrists and pin them on either side of her head, legs dropping to the outside of her hips to straddle her waist and pin her down.

For a moment when Oliver's eyes meet hers, he flashes back to that night in his bed almost three weeks ago when he had attacked her. He had trapped her in a similar position then. But it's her eyes that really get him because just like that night there's no sign of fear in them now. She trusts him not to hurt her, even when he looses control and gives way to his military instincts she still trusts him.

An entirely different instinct starts to take over then. Because also like that night, when her blonde hair had fanned out behind her head on his sheets, cheeks flushed an oh-so-appealing pink, now Felicity's hair is spread across the training mat. Her breath comes in soft pants, synchronized with the rapid rise and fall of her chest brushing against Oliver's as his own breathing starts to pick up.

He doesn't realize he's begun putting some of his weight on her until she lets out a whimper of pain.

"Uhm… Ouch. Oliver, you're hurting my shoulder."

He's off her in seconds, gently helping her shift into an upright position with one hand placed on her lower back and the other on her good shoulder.

"I'm so sorry, Felicity. Are you okay? How badly does it hurt? Do you need ice? Ibuprofen? A heating pad?"

She stares at Oliver like he's grown a second head. It's possible he's overreacting but he'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to her health, always.

"I'm… fine. Thanks. But I do think that's it for me for the evening."

Good. If Felicity thought he was going to continue tonight's impromptu training session after injuring her shoulder then she had another thing coming.

"You did good, girl. Maybe once your shoulder's out of remission we can train you with a couple of offensive moves. Maybe teach you how to shoot a gun."

Oliver's head snaps up to look at his friend.

"Digg, don't you think that's taking it a little far?"

"Hey man, it was just a suggestion. It might not be such a bad idea. But of course only if that's something you're comfortable with, Felicity."

Her lips tuck together for a second in contemplation before rolling back out as she drags in a breath.

"I don't think I'm ready for that just yet. But thank you, I appreciate the offer."

"Of course. Whatever you're comfortable with, Felicity. We'll go at your speed. Now, I'm gonna head off to the guest wing for the night. I'll leave you two to chat for a second."

Diggle gives Felicity a smile before making his exit, patting Oliver on the back as he passes.

There's an awkward pause where neither Felicity nor Oliver really knows what to say. Which is rare because Felicity almost always has something to say.

"Hey, Felicity – "

"Oliver would you – "

They both start and stop talking at the same time, causing them each to let out an awkward, uncomfortable laugh.

"Ladies first."

"Uhm, I was just wondering, would you mind walking with me? To my room?" When he doesn't respond at first Felicity quickly continues on. "Or not. I'm sure you have something else more important to do. I just thought since we live on the same hall… Forget I asked. I'll just go."

She's already turning to leave and out of his reach before the last words finish leaving her mouth.

"Felicity, hey, I'll walk with you. I'm heading back upstairs anyway."

"Oh, okay."

The smile on her face makes something jump in his chest and Oliver thinks he'll never get over the thrill of being the cause of her happiness, however fleeting it may be.

They walk in silence for a bit, Felicity occasionally rolling her shoulder. Neither one of them breaks the bubble until they're walking down the hall towards her room.

"I'm sorry about how I reacted to you asking to be trained. I just… the training, it makes this a lot more real. I know it's ultimately your call. You just caught me off guard."

He doesn't look over to see her reaction, instead staring straight ahead. But he can almost feel the jolt of surprise go through her at his admission.

"Thank you, for admitting that. I don't have a lot of control over the situation and this, learning how to defend myself; it gives me at least a little bit of that back. If there are people out there targeting me, for a still unknown reason, it makes me feel marginally better knowing that I'm not completely defenseless."

That is something Oliver can understand. He's been left defenseless before. It's not a feeling he cares to revisit often.

"Just don't go starting and street brawls, okay Tiger?"

Felicity laughs softly as she turns to face him, having arrived at her door. She bounces lightly back and forth on her feet and brings her fists up in a very intimidating fighting stance.

"What's the matter? Scared I'm gonna go on a one woman crusade to save the city? Single handedly stop war and spread world peace? What would they call me? What would I wear? Probably something black and leather because that's – oh whoa!"

Oliver reaches out to catch Felicity as she trips backwards, trying to stop her from slamming her bad shoulder against the door. One of his hands braces against the door by the side of her head, the other wraps around her waist to hold onto her. It softens to blow but doesn't completely prevent them from falling into the door with a soft thud.

"Ouch."

The word is only a light groan when it leaves her mouth but Oliver's hand travels from Felicity's waist to gently splay across the back of her shoulder blade anyway, fingers gently pressing circles into the tender area.

"You okay?"

When did his voice lower several octaves without his knowledge?

"Uh huh..."

When did hers get so breathy?

His fingers continue their ministrations against her skin as the pair stands in silence, eyes never leaving the other's. He watches as hers darken and flutter shut for a moment before opening again as she swallows deeply, an action he unconsciously mirrors. When her tongue peeks out to lick at her bottom lip he almost loses it, almost says 'to hell with it' and closes the few inches remaining between them.

But then Felicity's tiny clenched fist taps his jaw lightly and it's what he needs to pull back.

"Got you. Shouldn't have let your guard down. Isn't that the first thing they teach you? Always be aware of your surroundings?"

He let's out a weak laugh at her attempt to break the very obvious tension between them and slowly begins to pull away, arm dropping from her back as he pushes himself off the door with the other.

"Yeah, you got me."

They stand across from each other in silence for a few seconds.

"I should probably go. I'm really dirty and need a shower. Not, like, dirty but just, you know... From all the working out we did together. As in Digg training us in completely appropriate methods of self-defense. Okay, yeah, I'm gonna go before I embarrass myself even more. Goodnight, Oliver."

"Goodnight – " the door all but slams in his face as she makes her hasty exit " – Felicity."

Yeah, she's got him.

She's got him for as long as she wants him.

….

Author's Note: Can you feel the building tension yet? *evil smirk*

On a more serious note, I thought it was really important to Oliver that someone on the outside expressed their opinion/approval on his feelings for Felicity before he goes for it. Or at least considers going for it. The scene with Thea seemed like a natural choice to me. I hope everyone agrees.

Please let me know what you think, review keep the muse going. Thank you for reading!

- Bri