Affection

Felicity passed Diggle on his way out of Oliver's office in the Queen Consolidated building. They stopped for a moment to exchange a greeting and a joke.

Oliver watched from his desk contemplating his two closest friends. He had so much to think about, to plan, all while organising his multiple lives and his personal mission, that he forgot that the people around him had their own lives outside of his. It was not surprising that Felicity and John were friends, but Oliver had been the uniting force and every now and then when they showed knowledge of each other that he was not aware of, it surprised him. They met up for meals every now and then, shared a beer at Diggle's or a wine at Felicity's. It wasn't that Oliver wasn't invited; it was something to do while Oliver was off being a CEO or a member of the Queen family.

In fact, Oliver mused, the only time that he felt like himself was when he was with the two of them. He wasn't a CEO, a Queen or a vigilante, but Oliver. John and Felicity didn't give a damn about who he was to the rest of the world. Both had treated him exactly the same when they thought he was just a rich brat, with a few concessions, as when they found out the real him. Both had refused to be walked over, neither had dismissed him as just another spoiled trust fund baby.

John was still determined to protect him, albeit in a different way now. John had always known that there was more to him.

Felicity was still his guide, just now more than a provider of information. Felicity…she had always trusted him.

"Ms Rochev has added another topic to this afternoon's meeting," Felicity announced as she approached Oliver's desk, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Here is all the data I could find that will be relevant though I can't imagine you'll need it all." Felicity looked doubtfully down at the handful of paper files and tablet in her arms. "Maybe I should have refined it."

"It's fine, Felicity. Thank you, I'm sure Ms Rochev will be pleasantly surprised that I am well versed on the subject."

Felicity sniggered. "I'm sure she'll love it when you one up her again."

Oliver shook his head to stave off the laughter, which Felicity misinterpreted.

"Oh, God, she's not behind me is she?" she asked freezing.

"No, no," Oliver laughed this time. "I just really shouldn't be laughing about her. She is a colleague."

Felicity rolled her eyes and turned to leave.

"Felicity," Oliver called suddenly, rising from his seat and walking over.

"Yes?" she asked, frowning in confusion.

The next thing she knew Oliver was wrapping his arms around her and warmly, affectionately, hugging her.

"Oliver?" she asked, still confused as he stepped back.

"Thank you," was all he said.

And that was the first time Oliver hugged Felicity, but not the last.

A/N: Thanks for reading.