Disclaimer: WB/DC own these characters. I'm only borrowing them for a while. I own the original ideas found in this.
AN: Thanks so much for enjoying this story with me. It's kinda fun seeing a slightly different view of Olicity I think. I really apologize for taking too long to get this chapter out. My muse was busy with other stories. Sigh. As always, thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter. Always, always appreciated!
Previously:
"I agree. Now, if you have any questions that come up, make sure you call us. Perhaps, if you live alone, you should have someone stay with you tonight…but, it's up to you."
"No problem, Doctor. We got it handled," Oliver spoke up.
Dr. Anderson looked at me, with a smile on her face. I felt a small blush begin, and I hurriedly said, "Um, yeah, something like that."
"That's good. I'm glad you have good friends watching out for you."
"Me too." I looked at Oliver, who was strangely looking out the window.
"I'll send in the nurse to finish your paperwork, and you can start getting ready to go home."
I smiled and thanked her. I turned to the two men. Diggle said, "Do you need us to get you the nursing assistant to help you dress?"
Oliver said, "Yeah, I think that's a good idea. I'll go get them." He made a beeline out the door
"What's wrong with him?" Diggle asked me, referring to his quick exit.
I shrugged. "I don't know, but I suppose the sooner I get home the sooner he'll feel better."
Diggle smiled and left. The nursing assistant entered and she offered to pack my things while I did whatever hygiene I needed to take care off. I headed to the bathroom, deciding to think about Oliver later.
Needless to say, I was bustled out of the hospital in the usual efficient manner characteristic of both Oliver and Dig. I was so happy to see the sunshine, I hardly talked during the ride home. Dig teased me about not being myself, but I said I was enjoying the fresh air, since it seemed like forever since I had enjoyed it. Actually, between my captivity and the hospitalization, it was close to two weeks since I had spent any time outside.
I drew the line when Oliver offered to carry me to my apartment. It had been bad enough when the hospital insisted I use the wheelchair all the way to the car. Halfway to the door, however, I was questioning my judgement when suddenly I found myself in Oliver's arms.
"Well, I let you try your way first, now we'll try mine," he said with a huge smile. I couldn't help but smile in return. That man indeed had the best smile in the world.
He carried me to my sofa, which was luckily cleared of any of my stuff. Actually, I don't even know what type of housekeeper I am. He settled me on it, as Dig carried in my luggage. He carried into my bedroom after asking where I wanted it put.
"I may have some beers in the fridge, if you and Dig are interested," I offered. At least I hoped I did. I still couldn't remember any of that sort of thing. At all. Still so frustrating.
"Well, me and Dig…we thought we'd run a few errands for you, and well, check on the Foundry as well."
"Oh, wait!" All of the excitement of coming home had totally wiped out my thoughts about finding out about 'the secret'. "You guys were going to tell me more about the Secret, and everything."
Dig walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I think you need to rest first. It's been quite a day, and quite the last few weeks." Nodding his head towards Oliver, he added, "This one has something he is anxious to check into. If I don't get him out of here, he might injure himself."
Oliver made a loud 'humph' sound and I let myself express a small giggle.
"All right, you guys. You do that, and I promise I'll behave myself and get some rest."
I laid down on my sofa, and allowed my thoughts to drift. I really didn't feel sleepy. At least, I thought so, until I woke up five hours later to my phone ringing.
It was Oliver. "Just wanted to check to see how you are doing, and if you're hungry for Chinese."
My stomach growled loud enough for Oliver to hear over the phone. His laugh floated over the wires before I could answer.
"I'll take that growl for a yes. Anything special you're hungry for?"
I told him my order of beef and broccoli. I also mentioned to him I had slept all afternoon without difficulty. He said it was the best news he'd heard all week, and to expect them within the hour.
I stumbled to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. After fixing my hair, I thought I looked pretty presentable. Especially for two people who had seen me look my worse. I still had time, so I applied a little makeup to make me feel better. When the doorbell rang, I was more or less satisfied with the results. It would have to do, I told myself.
I decided we should eat my kitchen table instead of the living room, because I needed to feel like a grown-up after eating in bed for five days. Oliver seemed to understand and didn't argue when I led them to the table, which I already had set with plates, glasses, and a gallon of lemonade I found unopened in the fridge.
It was a fairly good supper. Oliver shared a few stories about the Arrow, like how he had started the crusade when he returned home and several of the adventures I helped him with. Nothing seemed familiar, though, which was disappointing for me. However, I enjoyed watching Diggle give Oliver several jabs during the stories, especially regarding the lame excuses he came up with to keep his real purpose hidden.
Truth be told, I was fascinated watching Oliver talk. His beautiful eyes lit up, and he appeared more relaxed than I've ever seen him. (provided my lack of memory, of course.) Several times, I had to shake myself to prevent sighing like a school girl over her crush. Or, embarrassing to admit, from drooling.
After I tried to hide a third yawn, Oliver stood up. He and Diggle carried the dirty dishes and garbage into the kitchen, and they stacked the dishes up. Oliver told Digg he would do them later, which I began to protest, but stopped when Oliver looked at me. Digg walked over to me, gave me a kiss on the forehead, and announced he was leaving. "I got to get some rest myself. You will be fine here tonight with Mr. Bad Liar?"
I giggled and gave Dig a playful slug on the shoulder. "Yep, I believe we will be just fine." He winked at me, said good night to Oliver and left.
Oliver stood there for a moment, then he began to load my dishwasher for me. What a sight, seeing Oliver Queen loading a dishwasher like a regular guy. Hmm. I shook my head and went to my hallway closet to get some linen, blankets and a pillow. I set them down on the chair for now, then returned to the kitchen as he was finishing up by wiping down the counters.
"I apologize I don't have a guest room, but I have a fairly comfortable sofa. Even though it might be a tight fit for you, with your broad shoulders and all, but I suppose it's better than an old airplane. And I am going to stop babbling in 3, 2, 1…." I looked at Oliver in amazement at what I just said. The silly countdown sounded…familiar, but how dorky is that? A countdown to stopping babbling?
"It's another endearing habit you have, Felicity," Oliver said as he rinsed out the dishrag and set it on the sink.
My face again flushed red, and I felt a warmth going up my body. "I spoke out aloud again?"
Oliver laughed a full laugh, which sounded wonderful to my ears, despite my embarrassment. "Yeah, you did. Do you remember saying that before, or did it just pop out again?"
"Um, it just…popped out."
"Hey, don't be so disappointed. Your memory is bound to come back soon, now that you're home." I gave him a resigned smile as we walked back into the living room.
"Do you want to watch a movie or something?" I asked. I wasn't sleepy yet, given my long nap earlier, despite my yawning. Which didn't make sense to me.
"Oh, okay." I grabbed my laptop and set it up on the coffee table. We settled down on the couch, and I pulled up Netflix. I stared at the titles, hoping something would look familiar.
Oliver looked down at me. "I suppose movies and TV shows don't look familiar to you either, then?"
I shook my head sadly. "I suppose that means whatever we choose, it will seem new to me then," I said, trying to sound optimistic.
He smiled. "Makes sense to me." Scanning the list, he said, "I always love watching 'Die Hard'. It's adventure…you usually like adventure movies."
I shrugged my shoulders. "Yeah, sounds good."
I pulled up the movie and we started watching it. Given what his nightly activities consisted of, I could understand why he liked the movie.
Despite the fact the movie kept my interest, I found myself drifting off. The third time I caught myself, looked up and found Oliver smiling at me.
"What?" I asked him.
"I think it's time to go to sleep. We can finish the movie tomorrow."
I smiled in surrender. "Well, good night then." I watched as he grabbed the sheets and began to make up the sofa. "If you want I can do that for you," I offered.
"Don't be silly," he said as he finished putting the blanket on and plumping up the pillow. "I got it. I'm not totally useless."
"That you aren't," I mumbled, and for some reason I found myself blushing. Again. "If you need anything let me know."
"Now that's supposed to be my line. Before I forget, any headaches, double vision, ringing of the ears or nausea?"
I tried to look my most stern. "Now, I would've said something if I did."
"Well, good. You have a good sleep. See you in the morning." He thought for a moment, then added, "Why don't you use the bathroom first? I'll wait." He sat down and grabbed the nearest magazine. I laughed when I realized it was a computing magazine.
"What? Who says this wouldn't hold my interest?" He smiled, then winked at me.
I rushed to the bathroom before he could notice my face turning red yet again. I washed my face quickly, removing the makeup I had applied earlier, and brushed my teeth. Quelling my instinct to look in on Oliver one more time, because, really, how long can I drag the good nights anyway…I crawled into bed and shut off the light. A sudden tiredness overtook me. I fell asleep as soon as I laid down.
AN: So, whatcha think? Make an author happy and let me know what you thought of this. Always, always appreciated. I also appreciate deeply you continuing to return to see where this takes our lovely couple. It will be a shorter story, like most of mine end up being, so perhaps only several more chapters left.
