Chapter 10

Hello all! Thank you so much for all of the supportive reviews. I am getting so excited with where this story is leading, and can't wait to bring you more Olicity and Arrow drama! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it. Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve!

In this chapter Oliver and Felicity attend the SW International charity event on behalf of Queen Consolidated. Little does Oliver know he will get the shock of his life at the event…

Oliver sat in the front sitting room at the Queen mansion, feet propped up on the coffee table in front of him, eyes fixed on the playoff game on the television. Both he and Roy let out a groan as they watched the receiver from the Starling City Sabers drop the pass that had landed right in his hands.

"I can't believe he missed that," Roy exclaimed, gesturing toward the screen.

"You're sure they actually won a Super Bowl a few years ago, because they look like they'll barely make it to the next round of the playoffs right now," Oliver interjected, distracted by the game going on.

He had been extremely nervous twenty minutes ago when coming down from his room after getting into his tuxedo for the charity event being hosted by SW International at the Hilton Plaza that evening. He knew Felicity was just upstairs, being poked and prodded by his little sister in preparation for the evening. Thea wasn't going to the event, but had insisted on taking Felicity out to get a massage and mani-pedi that day before their big night.

His sister hadn't made a single sarcastic comment to Oliver about his asking Felicity to join him as his date to the corporate event, and all indications were pointing to her approval of the newfound relationship. It had started with Thea marching into his office earlier in the week to take Felicity, not him, to lunch, and progressed to the two of them having their "spa day" that afternoon. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it since he and Felicity were still trying to take things slowly, trying to keep their physical feelings in check, despite how heated their kisses could get. He was approaching this relationship differently than ever before, knowing that this was different than anything else in his past.

Another change had been Roy staying with them at the mansion while he fully recovered. Oliver was learning just how deeply Roy's feelings went for his sister, and despite the fact that he was pretty sure things were moving quickly on a physical basis for them, he was still happy that the emotional side was right in line with their physical relationship. He wouldn't tolerate someone taking advantage of his baby sister.

The fact that Roy was right there made it easy to keep tabs on his physical well-being and doing blood work on him to figure out where the serum had come from. Felicity had talked Oliver into letting Barry Allen help analyze the blood samples as he had the training from his undergraduate work at Central City University. It still left Oliver a little green with jealousy that Felicity had spent a day with Barry in his lab at Central City doing the analysis, but he knew if there was anyone he could trust with his heart, it was her.

Oliver's attention was brought back to the game as the seconds ticked down at the end of the fourth quarter, the Sabers punching throw a field goal as time ran out to get the win and advance to next weekend's playoff game. He and Roy jumped up, high-fiving each other, only to be brought up short at the shout behind them signaling that Felicity had come down and was happy about the win as well.

Oliver turned and felt the breath catch in his chest at the sight of her as she stood there. He couldn't help but stare.

Her hair was pulled back into what looked like a delicate French knot, the black knee-length fitted cocktail dress emphasizing her small waist. The pearls around her neck and in her ear lobes kept the look simple, but extremely elegant, and although he always thought Felicity looked beautiful, she was absolutely stunning.

The look Oliver was giving her was starting to make Felicity feel like maybe there was something she had spilled on the front of her dress as he wasn't saying anything, just had this "deer in the headlights" look. Feeling extremely self-conscious already, she asked, "is there something wrong with the dress?"

Oliver finally found his voice, stepping around the sofa to stand immediately before her, taking her small hands into his own. He shook his head slightly. "No, there is nothing wrong with your dress. You look absolutely beautiful," he answered breathlessly.

She gave a huge sigh of relief, casting her eyes down at the unexpected compliment, her heart speeding up at his touch.

"She does look pretty amazing," Thea interjected as she came up behind them, giving Felicity a reassuring pat on the shoulder before making her way over to Roy.

Oliver looked at Roy and Thea, unable to wipe the silly grin off of his face, feeling like he was getting ready to take Felicity to the prom. "I guess we better be going," he finally said, giving Felicity a soft kiss on her cheek, mesmerized by her lips but knowing if he messed up Thea's handiwork he'd never hear the end of it.

"You kids have fun," Thea said after them. "And don't stay out too late," she called, feeling very satisfied with the look that Oliver had on his face at seeing Felicity.

The transformation of her brother within the last week since things had changed in his relationship with Felicity had not been lost on her. He was like the old, carefree Oliver, but without the arrogance and selfishness that came with being young and privileged. She had been afraid she would never see that lightheartedness in him again since his return from the island, knowing he had experienced some horrific things in his five years away, but afraid to ask what had actually happened. It warmed her heart to see the side that Felicity seemed to bring out in him.

Diggle was waiting outside with the car. At seeing their approach, he quickly got out of the driver's seat to make his way around to the other side to let them in. He came to an abrupt halt as he caught sight of Felicity, hardly recognizing her. The fact that Oliver couldn't take his eyes off of her as they approached didn't surprise him. At his open-mouthed stare Felicity found herself wondering again if there was something horribly wrong with her attire.

"Felicity, you look radiant," Diggle finally said, regaining his composure at the frown that Oliver had finally given him for gawking at their partner in crime. Felicity definitely did not fit the "IT girl" image at the moment, and Diggle was pleased to see that Oliver was appreciating it. They had seen her clean up a few other times while working undercover before, but given their recent change in status, he guessed Oliver was seeing her through a different lens these days. He smiled to himself, happy that they had finally fessed up to their suppressed feelings for each other. He hadn't been surprised when he had noticed the change earlier that week, but he had made sure to have a little chat with Oliver about treading carefully with her. He had been pleasantly surprised to hear they were taking things slowly and that Oliver seemed to be thinking long-term.

As they made their way to the Hilton Oliver couldn't keep his eyes off of Felicity, the grin on his face a clear indication of how pleased he was being there with her. She felt her heart swell for what felt like the thousandth time in the last week, letting it sink in that she was there with Oliver and they would be greeting the rest of the world as a true couple. The thought brought panic and happiness to her, the same mix of emotion that Oliver typically brought out in her.

"Are you nervous?" he finally asked, noting her distracted look.

"Yes, I mean no, I mean I'm not sure, I just hope we don't get a bunch of dirty looks while we're there," she finished, her mind going through all of the possible scenarios that their entrance would bring. "I mean, I'm sure a number of people will be wondering why on earth you're there with me of all people."

Oliver chuckled, struck once again at her lack of knowledge at how beautiful she was. "I think people are going to be wondering how the hell I got so lucky to land you as my date; that is if they even are able to take their eyes off of you long enough to acknowledge who your date is."

She blushed in true Felicity fashion, clasping Oliver's strong hand as it rested in her lap, wrapped in her own. She couldn't imagine anyone spending any time looking at her given how handsome Oliver was in his tuxedo. She thought he looked amazing with no shirt on, but the tuxedo and white shirt underneath brought out a glow in him that left her speechless. How could a man be so beautiful, she thought to herself.

"What did you say?" Oliver asked, taken back by the words she mumbled.

Mortified that she had actually said her thoughts out loud, Felicity stumbled over her words, not sure how to respond. Thankfully Oliver took pity on her and did the only thing that could get Felicity to stop rambling; he kissed her.

She felt the world melt away, forgetting where they were going, forgetting that they were in the back seat of a car being driven by their friend.

At the sound of Diggle clearing his throat Oliver pulled back, that same silly grin she had been seeing often plastered on his face. It warmed her heart to see him smile so openly.

"I like that smile," she said, using her thumb to brush the hint of lipstick still on his mouth from their kiss.

Oliver felt his pulse quicken at the feel of her touch on his lips, knowing Felicity had no idea what kind of affect she had on him. He knew they had agreed to take things slow, but it was hard when the slightest gesture from her made him feel like a teenager.

Thankfully they arrived at the Hilton just then. Oliver gave Felicity's hand one last reassuring squeeze before they exited the car. They entered the magnificent building, checking in with the head of security to ensure that they were invited guests, and then were escorted to the main ball room. Felicity clung to Oliver's arm for dear life, her eyes looking around the room, taking in the grandeur of the guests, the décor and the food. Whoever ran SW International was going all out tonight.

As the couple made their way to their assigned table they came face to face with Laurel Lance and Sebastian Blood, looking very cozy.

"Hello Laurel," Oliver said, leaning in to give her a small peck on the cheek. "Councilman Blood," he said more coolly to her escort. "I didn't realize the two of you knew each other," Oliver finished, looking between his old flame and the man that had been a thorn in his side for the last few months.

"Good evening Mr. Queen," Sebastian stated calmly. Turning to Felicity, he added, "I almost didn't recognize you without your glasses, Ms. Smoak. You look ravishing." His smile should have pleased Felicity, but instead it sent a chill down her spine. She quickly thanked him, then remarked at how beautiful Laurel looked in her white gown that nearly plunged down to her navel in the front, leaving almost nothing to the imagination.

"Thank you," Laurel said, her smile much more genuine than her date's. "It looks like you've made a full recovery from your experience in London. I'm glad everything turned out all right."

"Everything has turned out better than expected," Felicity stated easily, smiling at Oliver. Sebastian noted the slight grimace on Laurel's face at how close Oliver was with his date, and was impressed at her attempt to act as if it didn't bother her.

The two couples quickly parted ways, heading in opposite directions. Felicity gave Oliver's arm a soft squeeze. "Are you okay?" she asked earnestly.

He frowned at her. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Felicity glanced back briefly at the departing couple. "I didn't know how you would feel about seeing Laurel with someone else. I know you two are close…" She let her voice taper off, not sure what she was expecting him to say, and realizing that she didn't want to hear about his feelings for his old girlfriend.

Oliver stopped her, pulling her to the side of the room and facing him. He tilted her face up so her eyes were looking at him. "Laurel and I WERE close, and we'll always be friends, but I have no lingering feelings for her, Felicity. I wouldn't be here with you if I did." He gazed into her eyes, trying to see if the truth of his words were registering with her.

She smiled up at him, believing him, yet still wondering why he was there with her rather than the statuesque brunette that was walking around looking like a goddess that evening.

Just then something caught Oliver's attention out of the corner of his eye. He looked over Felicity's shoulder and squinted, like he was trying to focus on something that wasn't really there. His face went deathly pale, and red flags started popping up in Felicity's head. She turned to look in the direction he was viewing to see what horrific thing was causing the blood to drain from his face, but only saw Isabel chatting with a well-dressed gentleman who had his back turned to them. She looked back at Oliver and noted that his countenance had changed from a look of shock to rage.

"Felicity, call Diggle and have him pick you up immediately," Oliver said through clenched teeth.

"What?" she asked, sure she hadn't heard him correctly.

He gripped her upper arms, his hands grabbing hard enough to cause bruising she was sure. "Oliver, you're scaring me. What is going on?" She looked back at the group Oliver had been watching, seeing Isabel laughing animatedly at whatever the gentleman in front of her had said.

Oliver took Felicity by the arm and started leading her to the nearest exit, reaching into his tux pocket and grabbing his phone. He hit the keypad and started talking almost immediately. "Digg, get back here now. You need to get Felicity out of here. Meet us at the south entrance of the hotel in 5 minutes." He ended the call abruptly, his strides lengthening as he practically dragged Felicity out of the room.

They had just made their way out of the main ball room and were going down a back hall when Felicity came to a halt, yanking her arm from him. "OLIVER!" she shouted, finally gaining his full attention.

The look of anger on his face was like nothing she had ever seen before. He stood over her menacingly. "Felicity," he ground out in a harsh whisper, "you need to leave now. Come on." He tried to grab her arm again but she took a step back.

"Oliver, please stop," she pleaded, tears starting to form in her eyes at his irrational behavior. "You need to tell me what's going on or I'm not moving one step from this spot." She stood her ground, her arms crossed, trying not to be intimidated by his glare.

He got right up in her face. "This is neither the time nor the place, Felicity. For once will you please just do what you are told without questioning me," he snapped.

The hurt look on her face was like a cold bucket of water being thrown on him. He immediately regretted his words, the fear and anger that had been consuming him being pushed aside by guilt and regret. He took her face into his hands. "Please, Felicity, I will never forgive myself if anything happened to you, and right now there is an immediate danger in that ball room. I need to know you're as far away from it as humanly possible."

She saw the fear on his face, and suddenly wished she was seeing the rage instead. The fact that Oliver was scared caused goose bumps to form over her entire body. "Then come with me, Oliver. Don't just send me away not knowing what's going on and wondering if anything is going to happen to you. You are not alone on that island anymore. You can tell me what it is, please." Her voice cracked slightly at the last words, her eyes searching his to make sense of his behavior and words.

Oliver took a deep breath, cringing at her mention of the island. He realized she had a right to know what was going on, and he needed to take a moment to gather his wits.

"Remember when I told you that I had been alone on the island before being rescued?" Felicity nodded. "You know that there had been a ship that had taken me off the island for a while, the one that Sara had been on. Well once we ended up back on the island I was reunited briefly with my friends that had been helping me survive. A woman named Shado and Slade, a soldier. Shado was…" he faltered, pain ripping through him at the memory, "Shado was killed by the men from the ship, but Slade survived their attack."

Felicity was struggling to take in all of the details of what he was saying, trying to suppress a twinge of jealousy at the mention of another woman he had been stranded with other than Sara, but also trying to connect what he was saying with whatever he saw in the ball room of the hotel. Catching on to his last remark, she finally said, "but I thought you said there weren't any other survivors rescued with you on the island. What happened to Slade?"

"He….died."

"Oliver, I don't understand where this is going," Felicity exclaimed, frustration evident on her face.

"Slade Wilson, my friend, died on that island. But I am ninety-nine percent positive that Slade Wilson is the person that Isabel was just talking to in that ball room, is probably the SW behind SW International, and is responsible for the super soldier serum."

Felicity shook her head, becoming more and more confused. "Is it possible he could have survived like Sara did, and gotten off the island some other way? Isn't it possible he's here to reunite with you again, as your friend?"

"I know he didn't get off that island, and I know he was dead," Oliver said with a finality that sent a chill down Felicity's spine.

"How can you be so sure he died?"

Oliver closed his eyes and took a deep breath before answering, knowing that what he said next could change their entire relationship. However, he knew that to keep her safe, he had to be completely open and honest with her. He opened his eyes, making sure he had her full attention.

"I'm sure Slade Wilson was dead because I'm the one who killed him."