Chapter 4: Trouble

What does the team decide to do when they find out about Ray? Will they ask Felicity? Or will they choose a different path?

And how does Oliver deal with what his teammates' have told him? Has he realised what he is doing to himself and everyone around him?

With Ra's al Ghul's offer hanging over their heads, it's time for some action, before they get in more trouble.

Big thanks to my friend MC for some much needed inspiration!

Looking forward to hearing your comments!

Oliver was standing in the shadows at the top of the house opposite the Empire Hotel, his dark hood helping him blend in with the night. He was very close, although invisible, and had a good view of the ball room, where the PT charity gala was taking place.

It had been almost two weeks since the night that Captain Lance had send them that police report of a man in a suit flying around Starling and asked for their help. He remember getting one shock after the other, seeing Felicity stand on that roof with the man in the suit, realising that the man was Ray Palmer. Oliver had wanted to take action immediately, to find Palmer and make him talk; The Arrow wasn't famous for his patience, but Diggle and Roy insisted on waiting and he had given in. Oliver shook his head remembering all the things they told him.

Oliver frowned lost in thought, but his hand ready to grab an arrow if he saw Palmer. The day after, they had decided to try and find out more about what Ray Palmer was planning before they did anything or said anything to Felicity. They tried to look - but without Felicity's help it was pointless, computers were not their forte.

Roy had tried asking around and they had managed to track down some purchases for materials that Ray had gone a long way to hide. Other than that, they hadn't managed to find much about why he was building a suit and what were his plans.

And this is how he had ended up about a week later standing on the ledge outside Palmer's window waiting for Ray Palmer to leave before he broke in. At the exact same time Roy was following up a lead half way across the city, but he could hear him and Diggle through his com.

He remembered now looking in Ray Palmer's living room or at least what was supposed to be his living room, to see computers, tools, materials, all scattered across a big table. He had waited patiently for Ray to leave, before pushing the slightly open window and entering the house.

He had heard Diggle on the com as he walked inside.

'Oliver, what's going on?'

He shook his head as he stepped inside and replied 'I'm in. For someone with so many secrets he doesn't have an alarm apart from the one that covers the doors and he left his window open.'

Oliver walked towards the table and tried to make sense of everything he was seeing. I need Felicity! He thought and hated himself immediately for thinking that. About twenty minutes later he had managed, with some of the tricks that Felicity had taught him and Diggle's help to break into one of the computers and had scanned through most of the files. He was frustrated, it didn't seem there was much to go on, but perhaps they could figure out what the suit could do with what they go.

All of a sudden Diggle's voice rang in his ear.

'Oliver get out of there! He's coming back!' They had managed to ping Ray's phone and Diggle had been monitoring his movements from the lair.

Oliver cursed under his breath before he ran for the window and jumped out, bow in hand shooting an arrow to the building opposite to get himself as far away as possible before Ray walked in the penthouse. As he climbed down the fire escape, he had seen the lights turn on before he had hopped on his bike and headed back to the foundry.

He had taken the stairs two at a time on his way down to the lair, eager to see what they could find. Diggle was waiting for him, sitting at Felicity's chair, but Roy wasn't back yet. Oliver lowered his hood and took off his mask as he passed him the stick he had hidden in an inside pocket and put his arms on the desk leaning forward to look at the files on the screen. The files looked like designs for the suit, different shapes and materials and quite a few things that they both knew would never be able to understand without Felicity's help.

They didn't notice Felicity till it was too late. So much for being aware of everything around him at all times… Oliver thought, still frustrated with himself.

'What do you think you are doing?' She had asked and both him and Diggle had jumped at her voice and had turned to find her looking at the screens over their shoulders.

'Where did you get these?' Felicity asked turning her gaze first towards Diggle and then Oliver.

Diggle tried to save them, an unspoken understanding between the two of them not to say anything till they knew more. He tried to go with an altered version of the truth, mumbling about Lance sending them a police report about a man in a suit, but making it seem like the files were in there.

As they were trying to patch things up, however, Roy had come running down the stairs saying 'You are not gonna believe what I heard about Pal…' causing Felicity to stiffen before she looked at them with a murderous glare.

'I'm sorry, were you just lying to me?' she asked. 'Because it sounded like you were just lying!' Her voice threatening enough for both of them to want to back away.

'When did we start lying to each other?' She asked, her voice full of steel.

'You are one to talk.' Oliver snapped and received another murderous look from Felicity before deciding to keep his mouth shut.

So they decided to tell her everything. Diggle took it upon himself to explain how Lance called and asked for their help, how they knew the man in the suit was Ray Palmer and that she was involved in whatever he was doing. He also told her what they had done since that day and what they had found.

'So you decided that the best course of action was to break into his apartment and steal his files?' She asked finally. 'You decided you didn't trust me enough to know what I'm doing? To ask me? You thought I was helping a criminal?'

'Felicity, I'm sorry…' Diggle said finally, Roy noting in agreement. 'We should have come to you first, but we thought we might get you in trouble.'

Her gaze softened at their concern 'In trouble with Ray Palmer?' Felicity laughed shaking her head.

'So can you tell us what's going on? We kind of suck without you' Roy added, and her gaze softened further with his praise.

She looked at them all her gaze lingering on each of their faces. Oliver had remained quiet during most of the conversation and refused to look at her.

'No' She said finally and her friends gaped at her.

Oliver knew he had to say something. Diggle kept glaring at him pointedly. And even though he was angry at her for choosing Ray Palmer over them he felt hurt that she no longer trusted him. Irrespective of how things were between himself and Felicity at the moment he cared deeply about her and no matter what he said or how much he tried to suppress it, he wanted to be the one she confided in, the one she reached to when she needed help.

He took a breath and tried to remember Diggle's words; Felicity was above all else his friend, his family. He walked closer to her looking into her eyes.

'Felicity, talk to me' He said finally.

'It's not my secret to tell Oliver.'

He tried to object, but as soon as he opened his mouth, Felicity held a single finger up to shush him before continuing.

'But if you want to know more you can just ask him instead of stalking him.'

'Fe Li Ci Ty' He said, emphasising every single syllable before putting his hand on her arm as she turned and started moving away.

She didn't shrug away from the contact as his fingers touched her skin, she just turned round to face him. He could feel the familiar pull towards her accentuated by the touch; he wanted to touch her, to kiss her, to never let her go, but as usual he had to stay content with what little he got.

'You know you can talk to me about anything right? No matter what happened…I want you to know you can talk to me.' He said and even though she was looking at the floor he could tell she was nodding. She looked up at him and he could see the pain in her eyes.

'For how long though?' She said and he looked at her confused.

'For how long will I be able to talk to you before you decide to leave us?' She asked quietly and his shoulders dropped in defeat.

'Felicity, I may not agree with all of Ra's methods, but the League can make an enormous difference…'

'So are you saying that what we do is pointless Oliver?' Diggle suddenly interjected.

'In all this time what have we accomplished?' He asked turning around and looking Diggle straight in the eye.

'503 people died in the Undertaking. We let Slade come and destroy almost everything that was left of Starling. Tommy, my mum, Sara…all dead. We haven't done anything to make things better, we just brought more distraction to the city. All I've managed in the time I've been back is to hurt so many people and put all of you in danger. You know as well as I do that Ra's al Ghul's offer is an offer in name only. It's not a request. And if I say no, what do you think it will happen? Do you think there will even be a city to protect?'

Diggle gaped at him.

'So what are you saying?' Roy asked.

'Maybe I should become the next Ra's al Ghul.' He said, looking at his teammates with a pained expression. Not waiting for an answer he walked to the glass case to take his bow and quiver.

'For now we need to figure out how to deal with Ray' he said finally, as if he was telling them that he wasn't sure yet what his decision would be, that he hadn't made up his mind. 'I'm gonna patrol for a while. We can talk to Ray tomorrow.'

He had walked towards the staircase as the two other men moved towards the practice mats, discussing what they wanted to practice. Felicity sat at her chair and looked at her computers, but as Oliver walked by her in full gear to exit the lair she turned around to look at him before saying 'Ray is a good man, Oliver. He's not trying to hurt anyone. He's trying to accomplish something, to make this place a bit better. The world needs more heroes, more people like you Oliver. Don't forget that.' A small smile appeared on her face before she return to her screens.

Even when they weren't really talking anymore, she always knew what he needed to hear.

This was how he had ended up on the roof opposite the Empire hotel. He shook his head trying to bring himself back to reality. It had proven to be impossible to find Ray on his own this past week even though they tailed him the entire time and Oliver was getting very frustrated. But Felicity was right, if they wanted to find out what exactly was Ray Palmer planning the Arrow had to pay him a visit.

He could clearly see the guests inside talking and laughing and kept an eye on Ray who was making his way across the room. He heard Roy shuffling through the coms and swearing loudly before going quiet again.

Just as he was about to turn towards the garden of the hotel to check what Roy was doing he noticed Ray talking to a familiar figure in the room. Felicity, he thought smiling. She looked… breath taking. He had no other word for it. She was wearing a strapless dark green dress –and the irony wasn't lost on him - that was short at the front and longer at the back. She did not have her glasses and her hair was not in its usual ponytail. Rather long glossy hair with soft curls at the end framed her face, falling far below her shoulders, almost to her chest, having grown longer over the past few months. She was wearing long diamond earrings and soft make up and as she talked to Ray she seemed younger and less wary than usual. She looked so much like herself before the two of them got involved, the Felicity that was full of laughter and joy and he felt saddened by the thought.

Not long after he couldn't believe his luck. He saw Ray heading alone for the glass doors of the ballroom that led outside and towards the now empty gardens holding his phone to his ear. Maybe he'd get his chance after all.

He couldn't hear what Ray was saying, but as he moved deeper into the gardens and away from the other guests that lingered inside due to the cold, Oliver got ready to jump and have the long awaited chat.

As Ray put his phone away and was about to turn around Oliver jumped silently behind him and raised his bow ready to strike. Roy appeared out of the trees behind Ray at the same time. Just as Oliver expected, Ray was startled by their presence looking from one to the other.

'Wh…?'

'Ray Palmer' Oliver started, the Arrow's voice making the other man flinch. To his credit Ray didn't run, but stood waiting to hear what the Arrow had to say.

'Why are you building a suit?'

'How do you know ab…' Ray tried asking, but Oliver interrupted him again.

'Answer the question.'

'For the same reason that you became the Arrow.' He said finally. 'I want to make this place safer for all of us.'

'Give up this quest. This life isn't for you. You will get yourself killed.'

'You mean a rich man who wants to play the vigilante because he is bored?' He replied back, voicing exactly what Oliver was thinking. 'No. This isn't like that. I've felt enough pain and have suffered enough loss because of the way things are to know what I want to fight for. And yes maybe I have money but it just means I can make a bigger difference.'

Oliver was shocked; he actually felt that Ray's words were genuine. That he really cared about Starling. Maybe he had underestimated him after all.

He wanted to know more about the suit, however, but suddenly he was aware of someone rushing towards them. He heard light, rushed steps and he felt the electricity in the air before he whipped his head around to see Felicity. He tried to clear his head – just being in the same space with her send shivers up his spine. But it seemed impossible… Felicity looked…even more breath taking from up close.

'What the hell do you think you are doing?' She asked Oliver anger flaring, a pointed finger held up in an accusatory stance.

Oliver was taken aback by her sudden outburst, almost moving away from her.

'I said ask him! Not threaten him!' She continued and Oliver took a step back, but did not lower his bow that was still aimed at Palmer.

'Wait, so you know the Arrow? You work with the Arrow?' Ray sounded shocked.

Felicity nodded, turning towards him.

'Are you okay? He didn't hurt you did he?' She asked Ray, her face softening.

'No. He was just asking about the suit. Well, more like trying to intimidate me into telling him, but yeah. But I mean I would love to show you the designs and the features. Getting the opinion of the Arrow would be awesome!' He continued in his standard Ray excitement.

'Not now Ray.' Felicity said. 'You have guests waiting.' Turning to Roy and Oliver who were now standing side by side she said 'Since he's so willing to show you everything, we'll talk about this later.'

Oliver nodded as he lowered his bow and Felicity took it as a sign that Ray had passed the vigilante's test. He wasn't considered a threat. Oliver took a step towards her and said 'Goodbye Felicity' quietly and all of a sudden the Arrow and Arsenal had disappeared, blending into the shadows of the trees. Felicity couldn't be sure, but she thought that before Oliver had disappeared, he had whispered 'Keep her safe' to Ray. But as much as Felicity strained her ears she couldn't hear a thing other than the small fountain that lay a few meters behind her. Little did she know that although Roy had left, Oliver was standing back on the roof from which he had descended and was listening to their conversation.

'How does he do that?' Palmer asked in awe still looking around him.

'He is a master of disguise' Felicity replied with a sad tone, her double meaning not lost on Oliver.

Ray placed his hand at the small of Felicity's back and she smiled at him.

'Is he the one you talked about? The one who wouldn't listen, who wouldn't save himself? Who you thought was gone? Who was the reason you wouldn't help me?' He asked and she lowered her gaze.

'Felicity… I won't be like him. What we are… I don't know. After, after she died, it's been hard to move on, to be normal again. But no matter what, you are my friend, my partner above all. And I wouldn't push you away like that.' Ray said grasping her hand and Felicity looked up at him.

As Oliver looked down at the pair he felt he was starting to realise how much pain he had caused her. He also believed that Ray sounded damaged, like he was… What is it with Felicity and broken men? He thought. But he wasn't as broken as Oliver, he didn't look or sound like darkness was inside him. He could protect Felicity and this city. If Felicity believed in him then Oliver trusted her judgement. With Felicity's help and the team, maybe Ray could be what he –in so many ways- couldn't.

And in that Oliver felt his heart break, but he was satisfied she'd be safe.

About an hour later, Felicity had found herself back inside the ballroom. A glass of champagne was in her hand given to her by Ray who was now babbling excitedly. But she no longer enjoyed herself, the room didn't hold any of the magic of dancing and laughing and flirting it did before. And she certainly hadn't listened to a word that Ray had told her in the past ten minutes.

She felt unsettled, but she couldn't figure out why. She kept replaying everything that happened in the past few days with Oliver and she felt like she was missing something that was right infront of her.

And all of a sudden she could see it. She could see what she had been doing these past few months. To Oliver. To herself. She had fallen right into the trap.

How could she have been so stupid? He needed her to believe in him, like she had done so many other times before, to help him see himself the way she saw him. And her, having known nothing more than abandonment and loss in her life; first and foremost by her father, then Coop, then Sara, she had fallen right into the trap and gave up. She had done exactly what he 'wanted'. To push her away. To 'prove' to himself that he wasn't worthy of being loved, of being cared for, of being missed, of having a family, of belonging to someone and having someone belong to him.

Well no more.

She needed to tell him so much… That she would fight for him, for them, she would do anything for him, that she would never give up on him again, that she would go to hell and back to save his soul. She would tell him everyday for as long as she lived that he was a good man, that he deserved much more than he gave himself credit for but first he needed to decide that he wanted to live.

That's how she found herself apologising to Ray before racing out of the ballroom and across the foyer of the hotel as fast as her heels would allow her without tripping over. People were staring, but she didn't care. She cursed under her breath for not having come in her own car – it wasn't fast, but she needed it now!

She run outside and was relieved to see a line of cabs outside, opening the door to the first one and throwing herself in, yelling the address and closing the door behind her as fast as she could.

That's how she found herself knocking on Thea Queen's penthouse door. Well more like Thea and Oliver's door now, she thought. She waited anxiously for the door to open listening intently for any signs of someone coming.

All of a sudden she heard someone walking towards her and two seconds later the door swung open. Thea Queen, wearing a pretty short dress and high heels stood at the door.

'Whoa, Felicity? What are you doing here so late?'

'I…uh…'

Felicity didn't know what to say. She hadn't expected Thea to be home, but rather at Verdant, but it was so late, the club must have closed hours ago.

She took a deep breath and tried to relax. She was doing this. No going back now.

'I need to speak to Oliver. Now. Erm…it's an emergency' she added.

'Ollie isn't here. I thought he was with you at the lair?' Thea replied puzzled.

'Oh… We were…at an event, but we kind of got separated.' Felicity mumbled as she took her phone out of her clutch. 'Let me check. Maybe he headed back there after.' She added, but she had a feeling that by now Oliver should have been home.

With shaking hands she opened the feed from the security cameras back at the foundry. She flipped between images till she could see the feed from the camera right above the stairs that showed the entire foundry. She could see her computers on the left and the medical bay right infront of her. The salmon ladder to her right. The lair was quiet. And then she noticed the glass displays holding his hood. Everything was in place, except his bow and quiver.

All colour drained from her face as she stared at Thea, her brain replaying his last words 'Goodbye Felicity', 'Keep her safe'. And in that moment she knew what they really meant. She knew that if Oliver had shed the Arrow Hood, but taken his bow, he was heading for Nanda Parbat. Permanently.

She'd been too late.

He was gone.