Oliver got up early and got ready for QC. He was determined to talk this out with Felicity and make things better. He knew Felicity came into work early each day. When he arrived, she was always there and his agenda for the day with any other paperwork he needed on his desk. Naturally, last night after Oliver asked Dig to pick him up early Dig commented he "better get it fixed." Oliver knew what the IT was that Dig was referring to. Dig could feel the tension between Oliver and Felicity. Felicity was her normal sweet and quirky self to the rest of the team but she was as cold as ice to Oliver and only spoke to him when she absolutely had to. Of course, she ignored Laurel and her comments as usual. When he got to QC, he was happy to see Felicity at her desk.

Immediately he strolled over. "Felicity, I really need to talk to you."

"About what, Oliver? I have all your paperwork ready for your day." She turned back to her computer.

"I wanted to talk about our conversation yesterday before you left. You misunderstood what I was saying and I wanted to clear that up."

Felicity whipped around to stare at him. "I misunderstood? You think I am not attractive enough to catch Bruce Wayne's attention. You believe that just because you think I am not worthy as a woman that no other man would think I am. It seemed pretty clear to me." Felicity used her loud voice and that was never a good thing.

Oliver was shocked. Felicity not attractive enough? She thought he did not think she was worthy? Bruce Wayne and every other man in the country would be thankful to have the attention of Felicity. He did not want to admit how jealous and upset that made him feel inside.

Frustration evident on his face, Oliver attempted to stay calm. "Felicity, that was not what I was saying. Wayne is a playboy. You are very important to me both here at QC and at the lair. I don't want to see you hurt."

"I am a grown woman and can take care of myself. I didn't ask for your help and I really don't need it. I make my own decisions and can date who I want. You have a girlfriend and that is who you should be focusing on!" Felicity could hardly speak she was so upset.

"Felicity…." Oliver started desperately but before he could get any more out, the elevator opened and Laurel ran out yelling.

"Oliver we have to go. My heat is starting. We don't have much time."

Oliver did not know what to do. He finally followed Laurel out of the office with a look back at Felicity.

Felicity put her head down on her desk after Oliver and Laurel ran out of the office. She knew he planned on doing this but seeing it was another matter. She quickly canceled all his meetings and sent out all the necessary emails stating Oliver would be unavailable for the next few days and to email her if they needed anything. She shut down her machine. Just as she was getting up to leave, Dig came in.

Dig turned to her. "You okay?"

Felicity jumped up. "You heard. Laurel is going into heat and Oliver is helping."

"I don't know what goes through his head. He blames himself and makes stupid decisions because of it." Dig did not know how to comfort his friend in her distress.

Felicity decided to tell what Dig the truth. "Dig, Bruce Wayne offered me a job at his new R&D facility. I would be VP and oversee the new operation. It has great pay, benefits, and perks that are unbelievable. I would have to move to Gotham."

"Felicity, are you thinking about taking the job? You would leave the team?" He was reaching out to her.

Felicity looked determined. "Dig, I can't stay here. I can't watch Oliver and Laurel dating and maybe getting married. That is a pain I will not inflict on myself."

"What about dating here?" Dig pictured a lair without Felicity and that was a dark idea.

Felicity grimaced. "Dig, I am honest enough with myself that if I stay I will continue to hold some type of unrealistic hope in my heart that Oliver will want to be with me. That he will finally see me as a woman and not just a sidekick. That he will suddenly wake up and see ME. That would not be fair to someone else. I will not subject someone else to the same pain I feel. I don't want to start a relationship with someone else knowing they are not getting my entire heart. Seeing Oliver every day makes it too hard to break the connection. I am going to tell Bruce yes. I will give ample resignation time for Oliver to have a find a replacement EA. I am also just a phone call or skype away if you need me. While Oliver is gone, I will start working on selling my townhouse, making arrangements and flying out to Gotham for a week to find a place to live. This is the perfect time since Oliver is gone and not much is going on." Felicity's face smoothed out as she made her announcement.

"Felicity, I understand but I really want to see if there is another way. I hate to lose you. Lyla and I consider you a great friend." Dig wanted to knock some sense into Oliver right now.

Felicity hugged him. "I know, Dig, but this is the only way for my stupid heart to get over this ridiculous crush I have on Oliver. He will never feel that way about me and we both know it."

Dig tried to convince her to stay but saw the pain on her face. "Felicity, Oliver does care about you but he has his head stuck too far up his ass to recognize it."

"I appreciate you saying that but we both know Oliver will choose Gorgeous Laurel over anybody at all times. This is just something I need to do for me. I hope you understand." Felicity was determined not to cry and upset Dig.

Sadly Dig told her, "I do. I'll miss you, Felicity. You know how much I love you. Lyla and little Sara will miss you, too. We will have you over for dinner so we can spend time with you before you leave."

Felicity smiled at the loving bodyguard. "That will be wonderful. We will set it up after I come back from Gotham."

Felicity knew this was not the proper way to leave but she just wanted the pain in her heart to stop. She had to tell the team and she would send Oliver a text letting him know.
There was a truthful part of her that admitted to herself that she might also want to inflict a little pain on the man who stomped on her heart.

Felicity called Bruce and he was delighted with her decision. He offered to send the jet over to get her and for her to stay at Wayne Manor while she house hunting. Felicity began to feel like a weight has been lifted. She made the correct decision. She would have an exciting new job and challenge to keep her mind busy, she would be looking for a new home and could start dating without Oliver being in her view every day. She would still see Oliver and Laurel in the social news but she would make sure she kept away from that as much as possible. For the first time since Oliver Queen walked into her office, Felicity felt like she could break the spell and move on with her feelings and heart.

If Oliver was honest, he would have to admit that being with Laurel was not all he expected it to be. As a warm blooded Alpha, her scent was all that was needed for him to perform and take care of her physical needs but he found himself not emotionally involved in the process. During the time Laurel slept he found himself thinking more and more about Felicity. Due to Laurel's interruption, they didn't have a chance to finish their talk. He saw what he thought was a flash of hurt in her eyes before a mask of indifference and cold came over her face and she turned away.

He checked his email since he shut off his phone during this time. When he opened his phone he did not have too many emails since Felicity had obviously put his out of office notice on and cancelled all appointments but he did have several calls and texts. He decided to check the texts first while waiting for Laurel to finish dressing so they could leave. A text from Felicity was the first one he noticed so he opened that first.

Oliver,
You were unavailable so I was not able to tell you this in person. I was offered a job at Wayne Enterprises as VP of their new R&D project and I accepted. I put a letter of resignation on your desk with a copy to human resources. Since you were out of the office, this seemed like a good time for me to go to Gotham to find a new house. Bruce sent the jet for me and I will be staying at Wayne Manor for the week. I already notified HR and they are setting up interviews for a new EA for you. I will screen them and when I get it down to a few, you can interview them. If you prefer we can do the interviews together. If you give me some qualities you would like I will make sure I focus on them. I told the team before I left so they would not find out another way. I assured them I would always be there for them if they need me. Dig is already familiar with the programs in the lair but I am going to give him more information. Since Laurel is now a part of the team, I will be happy to show her, too. Of course, I told Dig to call me if the team needs my help. I hope this time away was enjoyable for you both. This situation made me realize what I have been missing by masking my true identity. I am looking forward to finding my own Alpha to experience this in the future. I will see you Monday at the office.

Felicity

What the hell? Felicity was moving to Gotham and leaving? She was setting up interviews for a new EA? What the hell happened while he was away? Wait, what? She was looking forward to finding her own alpha? Felicity was an Omega? How did he not know? How did he not smell her Omega on her? Was she using the supplements and creams to mask or did she already hook up with another alpha or maybe go to a shelter to find an alpha when it was her time? She must be hooking up because he was surely have sensed an Omega in heat nearby.

His mind was spinning. The next text message was from Dig.

JD: Call me as soon as you get this. There is a development we need to discuss.

A development? He calls this a development? Oliver can not believe Dig was not taking this seriously.

Then he saw several texts and they were all from Thea.

TQ: WTF, Ollie. Felicity is leaving us. What was so damn important that you are not here to fix this. Do you realize how this will affect not just QC but the team?

TQ: Dig told me that you had to HELP Laurel with something. I hope it is worth what we are losing. CALL ME.

TQ: Again, no response. I guess the toxic relationship with Laurel is much more important. Can not believe this shit!

The last one just had a link with a few words.

TQ: Too late.

The link was a gossip column with a headline that read:

Did a blonde beauty steal the heart of this sought after billionaire? There was a picture of Wayne with Felicity.

He needed to get to QC as quickly as possible. Oliver felt like an alternate universe sucked him in and this was all a bad dream. However, he was afraid it was all too real and he was wide awake.

Felicity was very excited about her new job. She felt bad about texting the news to Oliver but once he left with Laurel, she knew she had to do something quick before her willpower left her. She knew if she waited, Oliver would come back and she would let herself fall back into that fairy tale world where she believed she was the princess who needed the prince to just see the real her. Felicity lived in the real world and it was time her heart followed her there. She went to the foundry and told the team (minus Oliver and Laurel).

"I have some news. It's great you are all here. I was offered a fantastic job at Wayne Enterprises and I have accepted." Felicity wanted to let the team know as soon as possible. She made sure she kept a positive tone to her voice.

"Are they opening up a division in Starling?" Thea asked suspiciously.

"Nope, it is in Gotham." Felicity looked at the team and waited for the reaction.

"But you would have to move, Blondie. You are leaving the team?" Roy was stunned.

"Felicity, what did my brother do this time?"

"Thea, this is just a decision I made for myself. I would be the youngest VP at Wayne or any other company for that matter. I will always be available to you if you need me." Felicity stepped up and hugged Thea and Roy. "I will miss you all but the decision is made. I can show Laurel the comms and she can take over."

"Laurel on the comms? We might as well just give ourselves over to the perps and be done with it. Laurel will not be doing that as long as I am on this team." Thea exclaimed loudly. She knew Laurel was going to be a problem but she never thought it was going to be this bad. She was texting Oliver as she spoke. He better get this fixed!

"Dig also knows the computer system and I am sure Laurel can learn. She wants to be part of the team so this can be her way in, Thea. I am also just a phone call away. You know I am always here for you." Felicity felt horrible but she was more determined than ever to move forward.

Roy walked away muttering about how valuable she was and what was going to happen to them. Felicity felt so guilty about the team but what was she to do?

Now she was on the Wayne jet back to Starling and face Oliver. He tried to call her several times but she did not answer. She wanted to spend time with Bruce and have a chance to heal before she dealt with that. Bruce treated her like a queen the entire week and Alfred was adorable. Bruce showed her the new division, introduced her to everyone and showered her with attention. They went out to dinner and a few social events Bruce was required to attend. Of course, they made TMZ and other sites.

"Our pictures are all over the gossip sites. Don't you care?" Felicity had asked Bruce one morning.

"Pictures with a beautiful woman on my arm. Great press for the company. Besides, if they are following me around, they will leave others alone." Bruce jokingly replied.

The only unease she felt was how Bruce would sometimes rush out with a lame explanation at the oddest times. There was something weird with him. Sometimes he would get a call or Alfred would pull him over and he would apologize and rush off. It was almost like the Oliver/Arrow scene but that would be too weird. They did have the Batman in Gotham but Bruce as Batman? She spent too much time with Oliver and was starting to see crazy things in every scenario. This only proved that she needed this change. She would miss the team but some normality would be nice for a change. She needed to give herself time to get over this obsession with Oliver that was going absolutely nowhere.

Oliver was furious. He tried to call Felicity and she would not answer and did not bother to call back. When he went to QC, he did have a very professional resignation letter from Felicity. HR contacted him and asked if he wanted to start interviewing for a new EA or did he want to wait and let Ms. Smoak do it? He was never going to interview for a new EA. He has the EA he wanted. HR explained to him that since Ms. Smoak had already given her resignation and found another position, he would need to have a new EA. He was so mad he just slammed the phone down which he later admitted to himself was not the correct way to handle it.

To make matters worse, when he returned it was obvious the team was beyond upset that Felicity was leaving. They blamed him for Felicity leaving. Thea said he was an ass and why did he "flaunt" his relationship with Laurel in Felicity's face. Roy was not as aggressive, probably due to his fear, but did mention that they would never find a replacement for blondie and Laurel certainly would never replace her. Wait, what? Like he thought Laurel could replace Felicity. Felicity could not be replaced and he expressed his displeasure that the team thought that he believed she could. Thea told him Felicity said she would try to train Laurel on the comms since she was a big part of the team. Her tone made it plain she blamed Oliver for that scenario.

Dig was quiet about the entire situation. That was worse than the yelling. Dig told him Felicity had her mind made up and Wayne was making sure she did not change it. He tried to get Dig to let him know a little bit about what Felicity was thinking. Dig refused to say much but he was able to get a little info by reading between the lines. Dig verified what he suspected. Felicity was an Omega who used products to make her seem like a beta. Felicity was being "wooed" by Bruce Wayne on both a professional and personal level. Damn Bruce Wayne was doing his best to make sure he fit into that Alpha spot along with Felicity's new boss. The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. Felicity was his. She was his EA, his Girl Friday, his IT girl, his friend, his Omega...wait, Felicity was not his. Where was all this coming from? He was with Laurel, right? No, he had to be honest with himself and admit that was not going the way he planned. All he felt for Laurel now was regret and guilt. When he agreed to be her Alpha, he felt no connection to her except the physical. At the family dinner, she presented him as her boyfriend and he felt very uncomfortable when she did. Oliver felt bad about what he did to Laurel all those years, especially Sara, but he no longer loved her.

He realized that it was a blonde head he looked for at the office and lair. He laughed at Felicity's babbles and felt a happiness inside when he talked with her, not Laurel. He now admitted to himself how much he enjoyed it when she came into his office, in his personal space, to fix his computer or show him something for a meeting. He now admitted he watched her when she walked away and admired the shape of her ass in those skirts. When he saw her in her heels, he could not help but notice how long her legs looked. When did Felicity become more than his EA and work her way into his heart and why did he not realize it until now? Today was Monday and he came into the office very early to speak with her who was due back from Gotham today. He would offer her more money, he would promote her to head of IT, he would do whatever it took to get her to take back this resignation and stay.

When Felicity walked into QC on Monday, she felt a lot of emotions: anxious, excited, determined, sad and much more but she was going to walk in proud and professional. Oliver was already in the office and immediately came out when she arrived.

"Felicity, please come to my office."

Felicity braced herself. "Okay."

Oliver was gripping the arm of his chair so tightly to try to keep control. "What is all this nonsense about you leaving? About you working for Wayne and moving to Gotham?"

Felicity stared at him. "Did you get my text and resignation letter?"

Oliver underestimated Felicity again. He changed the tone of his voice when he realized how determined she was. "Yes, but I was shocked and want to see what I can do to make sure you stay at QC. I understand you are overqualified for this job but I can promote you with a substantial raise if that is the issue. Whatever Wayne offered you, we can do better."

Felicity was flabbergasted. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Queen. I already accepted the offer and can not go back on my word now." Did he think so little of her professionally that he thought she wanted more money? Unbelievable.

Oliver tried another tact. "I am sure Wayne will understand. Business is business. He is a businessman and I can talk to him if that will help." Felicity looked like he had slapped her.

He would talk to Bruce for her? Had Oliver lost his mind. In what universe did he think she would want him to speak for her? This was getting out of hand. "No, I can speak for myself. Your offer is generous but this is about more than the job and money. Did you decide if you want to interview the new applicants or do you want me to screen first?"

Oliver now realized how serious this was. He never believed Felicity would leave but he was waking up to the fact that she would leave and Wayne would make sure she did. Dig was right. He needed to do something to get Felicity to change her mind. He knew she was attracted to him and right now, he would use that to his advantage. He had to because nothing else was working.

Oliver gently touched her arm and said in a soft voice, "I don't want a new EA. I am very, very happy with the one I have. Felicity, what is this all about if not the job and money?"

Suddenly, he was concerned about her feelings? Really? Now, he wanted to be friends? He was back after being with Laurel and now she was good enough to take notice of? Felicity was sure she was doing the correct thing. Oliver treated her like an employee and she was done being the IT girl.

"I want a change. It is not just the job. I want to change some other things in my life. Bruce will help me do that."

Oliver felt like a hot poker was shoved into his chest. Wayne was an alpha, Felicity was an omega and even someone who dropped out of 4 colleges could add that up!

"Wayne will help you? Exactly how is Wayne going to HELP you? By being your alpha for you? Felicity, why didn't you tell me you were an Omega?"

Oliver tried reaching out again but Felicity backed away.

Felicity gave him a look that was heated. "Why would I? You are pretty busy as an Alpha now so you don't need another Omega to take care of. Plus, I don't want to have just any Alpha. Going from Laurel to me would not really work for me even if you offered. This is none of your business. Who I sleep with, mate with, date or anything else has no effect on you. You never gave it a thought before so why all the questions now? Never mind, I don't care. I have to go talk to HR now."

With that, Felicity walked out of the office and headed to HR. She was determined to get those applications and start the interview process ASAP.