Hey guys, thanks for the reviews! One week until Arrow is back on, and I'm super excited for this season. Looks like a lot of great Olicity and OTA ahead. Here's the next chapter for you.

Chapter 3

There was so much to tell Oliver and his partner that Felicity didn't know how to start. It's not like she'd ever told anyone her story. She'd never had the chance to get close to anyone outside of Brother Eye. Spilling her secrets was a little scary. Felicity wasn't sure how they were going to react. They'd helped her thus far, but she wasn't under the illusion that they now trusted her. What if something she said turned them against her?

They waited patiently for her to begin. Taking another deep breath, Felicity decided to stick to the facts. She told them about meeting Cooper and getting involved in the hacktivist group. She mentioned the super virus and how Cooper's greed grew, leading him to create Brother Eye.

"So this super virus can get into any system?" Oliver interrupted.

"Any infected server, yes. If there are vulnerabilities, the virus will exploit them."

"You were a member of the hacktivist group, but you told me you were forced into Brother Eye. How did that happen?"

"Look, I realize how misguided we were back then. We thought we were doing some real good in the world, but really we were just kids playing with matches. The virus...it was my creation," Felicity revealed. "I never intended to use it. So much of my focus was on if I could create it rather than if I should. If I'd known what was brewing beneath the surface with Cooper, I never would've shown it to him in the first place."

"Then what?"

"When I found out that Cooper was using the virus to steal money from companies, I told him that I was done. I wanted no part of his plans. He didn't like that answer, and so he threatened to go to the authorities. If he got caught, which he probably would without me to help him, he would tell them I created the virus." She sighed. "They would've believed him, because my digital fingerprints were all over it." Felicity took her glasses off and rubbed her eyes before putting them back on. Her head was pounding. "I've been under his control ever since."

Oliver was still having some trouble connecting the dots. "How did that lead you to discovering that I am The Arrow?"

"I couldn't just erase what I'd done. It wasn't possible, and it wouldn't be enough to get away from Cooper for good. I had to not only retrace my steps and destroy my digital markers, but then I had to make sure that Cooper and the guys were implicated."

"You could've gone to the police then."

Felicity shook her head. "Cooper knew I couldn't leave the group, but he was still suspicious. He liked to keep a close eye on me, and I didn't trust that he wouldn't figure out my plan. I also didn't know if the authorities would try to bring me down with him in the end. It took me two years to start setting up the digital trail while also wiping my involvement in Brother Eye. After altering the virus, I spent another two years trying to find the perfect opportunity to set him up without showing my hand. I only had one shot at this.

"We moved to Central City about a year ago. It was then that I started to see the news reports of the vigilante in Starling. I kept track of you. You targeted the wealthy and brought down criminals but not for personal gain. You were outside the law, but you still sought justice." Felicity met Oliver's gaze straight on. "That's when I knew you were the only one who could help me."

Her words made his chest tighten. "You still haven't told me how you connected me to The Arrow," Oliver reminded her.

"I estimated the times between an emergency call and how long it took you to show up at the scene. I plugged that into an algorithm I wrote, and it led me to Verdant." Felicity looked down in embarrassment as she confessed, "Then I kind of hacked into your system here at Verdant and found your hidden network, which could use a serious upgrade by the way. And that reminded me of how the SCPD thought you were The Arrow when you first arrived home." She cringed at what she was about to tell him. He already didn't look happy. "Just to be sure I kinda, sorta, maybe a little bit hacked into your phone's GPS function and learned that you were, in fact, in all of those locations at those times."

Oliver exchanged a look with Diggle. He didn't know whether to be impressed or horrified by Felicity's capabilities. In a way, he could understand why Cooper had been so eager to trap her. The woman was a genius.

"Well, you got what you wanted," Diggle stated. "Oliver managed to turn the other Brother Eye members over to the authorities. You don't think they're going to tell them it was all you?"

"Oh, I'm sure they will. But as far as the cops and FBI will be able to tell, Cooper was the one who created the virus and they were the ones unleashing it on the corporations. I managed to keep a property in Boston as my permanent address while moving around with Brother Eye. Any records of me living anywhere else have been wiped, and the majority of my legitimate consulting work has been done over the phone-with a few exceptions."

"What about Cooper? He's still out there."

"There's nothing he can do to reverse what I've done. But that doesn't mean he can't come after me now," Felicity replied, clearly worried. "I hadn't planned on this."

Oliver had heard enough. "Excuse us for a minute." He stood up and motioned for Diggle to join him across the room. "What do you think?"

"I'm thinking all that money I pay for identity theft protection is a waste." Diggle shook his head and blew out a low whistle. "Damn."

"What do you think of her?" Oliver pressed, sneaking another peek at Felicity. The events of the night were visibly wearing on her. It looked like Felicity was having a hard time staying upright on the couch.

Diggle crossed his arms over his chest, sensing that Oliver was up to something. "I think the real question is what are you thinking, Oliver?"

"She's clearly gifted, Diggle. We could use someone like that when we're out in the field...and to help us track down Merlyn."

"This is assuming that she's telling the truth."

"You don't believe her story?"

"She's not exactly an innocent damsel in distress. She did use us, Oliver," Diggle pointed out.

"She needed help and had no one else to turn to," Oliver countered. "It's not like we haven't done worse at one point or another. Besides, she knew beforehand that I was The Arrow. She could've led with that and forced my hand by threatening to tell the police about me if we didn't help her. Not only did she not do that, but she helped us dodge them altogether."

"Okay, let's say her intentions were honorable," Diggle proposed. "That girl has been through enough. She just got out of a really dangerous situation. We can't ask her to get involved in another one."

"Dig, you heard what she said. That Cooper guy is going to come after her. It's only a matter of time. At least if she's with us, we can protect her."

"Is this really about her or you seeking vengeance with Merlyn?"

"I would protect her either way," Oliver retorted, annoyed. Even if he didn't want to find and kill Merlyn, there was no way Oliver would leave Felicity to fend for herself. Not after everything she'd just told him. "All I'm saying is that if she's going to be around, why not let her use her skills?"

Diggle was already shaking his head. "You might want to give the girl a choice before making all of these grand plans."

"Um, excuse me," Felicity called to get their attention. "I don't mean to interrupt your whisper arguing, but I think I'm going to head out."

Oliver was confused. "What? Why?"

"Look, I really am grateful for all of your help-and for you not accidentally shooting me with one of your scary arrows-but I've been enough of an imposition. I think it's best if I go." She was quick to add, "And you don't have to worry. I promise not to tell anyone your secret. Exposing you was never my intention."

Oliver shot a pointed look to Diggle before asking, "Where are you going?"

"Probably back to my hotel."

"No, absolutely not," Oliver objected. "You can't be anywhere that Cooper might find you."

"I'll find another place then. I just..."

Oliver could tell that Felicity was trying to formulate another plan. She yawned once more and swayed. She wouldn't last much longer.

"You look dead on your feet," Diggle observed.

"Yeah, well, it's been a rough five years and a very long night," the blonde quipped.

The words were out of Oliver's mouth before he could even think about them. "You can stay at my place tonight." Both Diggle and Felicity stared at him in surprise. "It's the safest place for you right now. My sister's away at college. You can take her room."

"Thank you, Oliver, but-"

"Great, then it's settled. You're coming home with me. Diggle, can you please bring the car around?" He sent him a pleading look not to fight him on this.

"Right away, Mr. Queen," Diggle acquiesced, though his expression communicated something else. It wouldn't be the last time Oliver heard from his partner that this wasn't a good idea.

It took a few seconds for Felicity to realize where she was. The bed was one of the most comfortable she'd ever slept in. The silk sheets wrapped around her like a warm, sleek cocoon. She'd been out like a light as soon as her head had hit the pillow. Staying in Oliver Queen's multi-million-dollar loft, and wearing one of his shirts to bed, was not how she'd anticipated her night ending.

The ride over to Oliver's place felt quick-probably because she was too busy trying to stay awake rather than keep track of the time. The doorman and concierge pleasantly greeted them on their way in, though Felicity noticed them eyeing her knowingly. She got the feeling she wasn't the first woman Oliver Queen had brought back to his place late at night.

The loft was huge, but Oliver didn't waste time giving her the tour. He led her up a flight of stairs to the right and brought her to his sister Thea's room. It was nicer than her hotel room and larger than Felicity's entire studio apartment in Boston. The queen-sized, dark-cherry wooden bed was up against the left wall. The comforter was a girly floral pattern and topped with a bunch of throw pillows. Across the room was a small fireplace and seating area. To the right was what Felicity assumed was the bathroom.

"Wow," Felicity had muttered.

"I'll find you something to wear in my room."

"Oh, your sister doesn't wear pajamas?" the blonde had questioned, frowning. It seemed odd that a girl with billions of dollars at her disposal wouldn't at least have a nightgown. "Is she one of those nudists who likes to sleep in the buff?"

Oliver had chuckled softly and shook his head. "Thankfully, no. It's just that my sister is kind of on the skinny side. Not that you're fat," he was quick to correct. "You've just got more curves-" He shut his mouth abruptly and took a beat before continuing, "I'll bring you one of my shirts."

Suppressing a smile at how flustered he'd gotten, Felicity nodded in reply. Oliver returned a minute later and handed her a large white t-shirt with the Starling City Rockets logo on it.

"Are you hungry? Thirsty?" Felicity shook her head. "Okay. If you change your mind, the kitchen is downstairs to the left. Help yourself."

"Thanks, Oliver."

"Sure."

"Not just for this, I mean." She gestured to the room and the shirt. "Thank you for what you did tonight. You saved my life."

"You're welcome." He'd touched her shoulder briefly before nodding at the bed. "Get some sleep. We'll talk in the morning."

Rolling over, Felicity checked the clock on the nightstand. She was shocked to see that it was almost noon. It was way past time to get up. She used the bathroom and found a bathrobe hanging on a hook on the door. Seeing as though her clothes from last night were missing and she couldn't simply walk around in Oliver's shirt, she put it on. He'd been right about Thea's size. The robe was a bit tight and just barely fell above Felicity's knees. It would have to do.

Oliver was in the kitchen sitting at the large counter, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Despite his late night, he'd gotten up early to go for a run and clear his head. He didn't bother waking up Felicity, figuring she could use the extra hours of sleep. He looked up when he heard her on the staircase. The sip of coffee he'd taken instantly dried in his mouth at the sight of her. He recognized Thea's robe, but it did little to cover Felicity's bare, toned legs. The top of the robe was slightly open, revealing his Rockets shirt that he lent her. Her glasses were back on, but her hair was down and loose. She was barely dressed, and she was still as beautiful as that night he'd met her at the club.

Oliver mentally berated himself. It was not the time to get distracted over such trivial things. He hardly knew Felicity, and they still had a lot to talk about. "Hey," he greeted after regaining control of his wayward thoughts.

"Good afternoon, I guess. I'm sorry I slept so late," she said a bit shyly. He was already dressed in a business suit, though his jacket was off. "I didn't realize the time."

"You needed the sleep. Want some coffee?"

"Yes, coffee would be good if I plan on functioning today." He made a move to get up when she halted him. "I can get it myself."

Oliver handed her the mug he'd left out for her and told her where to find the cream and sugar. He didn't know how she could stand it so sweet after seeing the three scoopfuls she'd added. He preferred his black. "The maid brought some muffins this morning if you're hungry."

"There aren't any nuts, right? I'm allergic." She dug into the box after he said no. Felicity loved blueberry, but the chocolate chip ones looked too scrumptious to pass up. She placed it on the plate left out and took a seat next to Oliver.

"Did you sleep alright?"

"Yes. So well, in fact, that I forgot where I was."

"Good."

A moment of awkward silence passed between them. Felicity picked at her muffin while Oliver fiddled with the paper. Everything had been so crazy the night before, neither knew quite how to proceed in the light of day.

"I didn't expect you to be a newspaper guy," Felicity blurted out, unable to take the silence. "Most people I know read the news online."

"I do that, too, but I don't know. Sometimes I like having something tangible."

"I can understand that. I still prefer print books. Can't beat the smell of fresh ink on the pages." She took another sip of her coffee. "Headed in to work?"

"I will be." He checked his phone, which had just pinged. Carrie had been texting him all morning. Oliver had already missed two meetings and was supposed to sign some paperwork for a new project.

"You don't have to wait around for me. I promise I'll be out of here as soon as I'm finished."

Oliver set his phone aside and met her gaze. "First, I'm the CEO. That means I can go into work at any time I want. Second, I'm not throwing you out, Felicity."

There was a knock on the door. Oliver got up to let Diggle in. He was carrying a garment bag that Oliver took. He walked back to Felicity and handed it to her. "I had my assistant get this for you. It should fit. Get dressed and Diggle's going to drive you to the hotel to get your things."

"Huh?" She wasn't following him.

"You'll be staying with me until we have a chance to figure things out." Oliver's phone started ringing.

"Do I even have a choice?" Felicity countered, a bit miffed that he hadn't asked her before deciding this.

He checked his phone and frowned. It was Carrie yet again. There was no way he could blow off the rest of his schedule today. "I'll be at QC for a bit. When I get back, we can talk."

Before Felicity could mutter another word in protest, Oliver had grabbed his suit jacket, briefcase, and was out the door. "I'm beginning to think he's not the best listener."

Diggle smiled. "We can leave when you're ready, Ms. Smoak."

Felicity stood in front of him. Without her heels, he truly did tower over her. "I've realized that in light of all the chaos last night that we haven't been properly introduced. Felicity Smoak-IT expert and potential fugitive. It's nice to meet you."

He took her outstretched hand. "John Diggle-bodyguard and partner in crime. It's nice to meet you, too."

Oliver had barely made it through his office door before Carrie was upon him. She was running down the list of the people he'd missed and the calls he would have to return. Oliver halted her, having heard enough.

"Just leave it on my desk," he instructed, taking a seat. "I'll get to it. How's the internal system?" That's what he was most worried about. The Brother Eye message had thankfully stopped playing, but his email was slow to start up.

"Mr. Palmer and his team are working on it, but they're having some trouble. I could reschedule the meeting you were supposed to have with them this morning. They can explain what's going on."

"Push that to tomorrow."

"Are you sure?" Carrie questioned. "It's been kind of crazy around here. People are freaking out. Perhaps we should send a company-wide memo?"

Oliver really didn't want to have a meeting with Ray Palmer today. The CTO was nice enough and a genius, but Oliver found it difficult to talk to him. Ray's mind was always moving faster than he could speak. Oliver was usually trying to comprehend Ray's last point just as he moved on to another one. He recognized the same quality in Felicity, though she seemed better at reining in her outbursts. At the thought of Felicity, something occurred to him.

"Carrie, I need you to have a guest pass made by tomorrow."

"Sure. Who's it for?"

"Felicity Smoak." If the QC team was still having trouble getting rid of the virus, why not bring the creator in to fix it? Felicity had mentioned her ability to alter it. She would probably know the best way to wipe it from the system for good and set up safeguards. He'd make sure to ask her about it tonight.

Carrie's pen halted. "The klutz from the club the other night?"

"She's not a klutz," Oliver reprimanded, not liking her catty tone. "It was an accident that was partly my fault."

"Why is she coming here?"

"She's an IT consultant. I'm going to have her take a look at the system."

Carrie inquired indignantly, "Is that who the dress was for this morning?"

"I also like the memo idea. I'll send you something in an hour. That will be all, Carrie," he dismissed. They were so not having that conversation.

Carrie smiled tightly and left his office. The abrupt clicking of her heels was a not-so-subtle sign that she was annoyed, but Oliver didn't care. Sometimes Carrie had the bad habit of overstepping boundaries. She was good at her job, so Oliver normally let it slide. Today, though, he wasn't having any of it.

Finally alone, Oliver looked over the status reports on his desk. He was glad that Brother Eye hadn't been able to get at any of QC's funds. That meant they could keep their donation obligation to Starling. Oliver could probably use another cup of coffee if he was going to stay awake while reading such dry information, but he really didn't want to call Carrie.

Once he read enough to understand what the problem was in their system, Oliver wrote a quick company-wide memo. Carrie was right that they needed to reassure employees that everything would be back on track soon. He'd just pushed send when Carrie buzzed in.

"I have Mr. Diggle on the line for you. He says it's urgent."

Oliver picked up the phone. "Diggle, what's up?

"We have a problem."

"Now what?" Oliver didn't think he could take any more surprises today.

"I took Felicity to the hotel. We were just about to leave when the SCPD came for her. They're taking her in for questioning."

Oliver was already out of his seat. "I'm on my way."