Hello All! I'm sorry for the delay. Unfortunately, I can't dedicate all of my time to this at the moment but I'm trying my best to keep the updates as recent as possible. Thank you for all the new alerts/faves and reviews!

Huge thanks for Hip Karma!

REPLY TO GUEST REVIEWS:

Xander: "Oh, and Felicity," I said quickly before she could end the call. "I recommend you wear some kind of swimsuit. Wouldn't want your dress to get splashed by chlorinated water."

That's actually sexual harrassment from her boss; to make her attend a pool party and wear a swimsuit. There is absolutely no reason for Felicity to be wearing a swimsuit when she is there in a professional capacity. – It's a pool party where like Bruce mentioned everyone would be dressed casually. Also if you consider this as sexual harrasment, I believe you had negative feelings about Oliver enforcing his power as Felicity's boss to make her do illegal stuff as his employee before she knew he was the Arrow.

As much as I liked the idea of Felicity working for Bruce, the fact that you have her working as PA instead of in a technical role is too OOC for her. She agreed to work as Oliver's PA for very specific circumstances and the way Bruce is treating her is basically as a sleazy boss would. – "I also need technical support." As Felicity took the position it means she also agreed to be part time personal assistent of Bruce if she gets the chance to have access to the technical departmant.

There is also no reason that Bruce would assume she works with the Arrow etc. That's like making the assumption that everyone who has had contact with him must work with him.

I was intrigued by this woman. I found more than interesting that she was working for someone like Oliver while she was also working with the Arrow. I didn't know much about that part though, only that she was in contact with him at one point. – Bruce was interested in Felicity, also hoped that maybe she wasn't only a one time partner of the Arrow. Later on: Look, I can keep a secret. You can trust me, I'm the best secret keeper ever. Just ask the Arrow... or thinking about it, don't... he didn't seem too happy with you yesterday," I rambled as the door closed in front of us.

"Are you still working with him?" He raised an eyebrow and turned to me.

"No, definitely not," I stated as convincingly as I could. "I just saw your encounter on the TV, and his body language didn't scream happiness. As you've already noticed, I'm a great observer, it's my super power. An ability, a gift, and a burden at the same time, almost as much of a burden as my wonderful communication skills."

However, it concerned me that she worked with the Arrow. Of course, she denied it but after her rant it was more obvious than ever.

An interesting idea but the way you are portraying both Felicity and Bruce is too OOC and as I said, it's pretty much sexual harrassment from Bruce and that is *not* something that Felicity would stand for; she most certainly wouldn't finish calls off with a laugh about it or any of the other situations you've put her in. – I've always thought Felicity was a flirt. Personally, I think that after Felicity found out Bruce was Batman, and they talked about it, they crossed a line, and became slightly more than just employee and employer despite of the fact that Felicity turned him down. Because of this I think this was merely harmless flirt from both parties, also I believe Felicity appreciates Bruce seeing her as a woman, and not only someone who could make his life easier.

A disappointment as I really liked the idea behind this story.

All in all, I think the problem we see Felicity in a very different way. I'm not going to apologize for disappointing some of the readers as unfortunately, it's almost impossible to make everyone happy, no matter how hard I try. However, I'd like to say thanks to Xander who left a very decent review with critical notes instead of just saying it was stupid. I appreciate that whether I agree, or not.

"Did you get the sample from Detective Lance?" I asked, walking into the lair hurrying not wanting to be late for work because of my morning detour. Oliver had been supposed to meet the detective to pick up the blood samples of the terrorists. We hoped we'd be able to figure out what kind of drug, or poison they used. It could be a good start if it was something special. "Also, good morning everyone," I added, seeing some were more fresh this morning than me. Laurel was sitting at the desk in my chair –I had to admit that I didn't like this image- and Diggle was watching TV. He was becoming a TV addict.

"Yes, and I got something else, too," Oliver answered, the tension in his voice set my inner alarms off. What could have gone wrong again?

My gaze landed on the newspapers, and tabloids that Oliver dropped onto the desk in front of me. My eyes widened for a second as I stood there puzzled, then stared at my own photo on the front pages. Most of the papers had the same picture of me standing between Oliver and Bruce. They had stupid headlines such as "Oliver Queen not only losing his company to Bruce Wayne but also his woman", or "Queen vs. Wayne there'll be fire with Smoak", or "Who is the Smoak blinding both Queen and Wayne?".

"Wow... I'm the famous one now," I blurted out, not exactly certain what I was supposed to say about this nonsense. I couldn't understand why Oliver seemed to be so worked up over some stupid tabloid articles. The whole idea was ridiculous. I couldn't even imagine what made these people think that I had anything to do with these two men other than working for them. Also, the papers mentioned that Bruce left with a model after I took off with Oliver.

"It certainly isn't me the one of the front pages accused of fucking my way to the top," he growled, his hands tightening to fists as he kept his eyes on the papers.

"I guess you should be proud of that... I mean, that they don't accuse you of sleeping with Bruce... or any other men," I laughed sheepishly, trying to ease the tension with no luck at all.

"That's all you've got to say?" Oliver stared at me in disbelief, his voice shook with anger even though, he was trying to hold back his rage.

"I don't know, Oliver... What do you want me to say? It isn't true." I replied, confused. He knew well that I had nothing going on with Bruce. Not to mention, even if I did have something between my boss and me, it would only be our business, and no one elses, not even Oliver's.

"I don't know, Felicity, maybe that you care that people think that you're sleeping with your boss!" His eyes blazing, and I felt my blood boiling.

"And they thought the same when I was working for you as your personal assistant, and you didn't seem to be this upset about that," I narrowed my eyes, feeling my face starting to burn with anger.

"It was different!" He yelled at me, making me wince as his voice filled the air with tension in the small place. "You really don't care at all about this?"

"I don't care what people think because we both know it isn't true, just as it wasn't true that I slept with you!" I raised my voice as well, my own hands tightening into fists. "What does it matter to you anyway? Does it affect anything? I don't think so, Oliver! Whether I sleep with Bruce or not, it doesn't impact you, or your business in a single way!"

"Are you seriously that stupid?" Laurel stepped between us, glaring at me angrily. I only realized how close I was to Oliver when she interrupted.

"Excuse me?" I raised an eyebrow, gasping, in disbelief. What was she thinking? She might be a part of this team now but that didn't mean she could talk to me like this. I wasn't the one who made a huge deal out of nothing.

"You heard me. Can't you see how badly this affects Ollie?"

I stood there, staring at her, gaping like a fish, not knowing what to say. She was Laurel after all, and I knew Oliver would take her side, especially now that he was angry with me again but she was completely out of line.

"You're causing trouble for him so maybe you should consider just stop being such a selfish..."

"Okay, that's enough," Diggle stepped between us, facing Laurel. His voice was even, and one would think calm but I could tell he liked Laurel's input into our fight with Oliver as much as I did. "I think you should take a step back, Laurel. Oliver and Felicity are both adults. Let them deal with the problem as they always do."

"But she has to..."

"That's enough, Laurel," Oliver cut her of this time before she could continue her rant about me being the worst person ever. Laurel stared at him puzzled and huffed angrily as she turned around but he didn't take his eyes off me. He did not want me to think this was over. I wouldn't even dream of it.

"I'd like to take that blood sample so I can sneak into the highly secure tech department before anyone realizes and use the analyzer... Of course, only if you allow me to go to my terrible work place," I looked hard at Oliver, not even trying to hide my annoyance.

"Be careful, Felicity," Diggle said, giving me the sample. "If anything goes wrong, just call."

"Don't worry, it's gonna be alright," I forced a smile to my face, wanted Diggle to know that I was grateful for him. I could have defended myself but it was nice to know that I still had his support.

By the time I got to work I had an awful headache. All the tension between Oliver and I had started to get to me. The presence of Laurel didn't help the matter at all. They would always take each other's side when it came to an argument. It seemed like it didn't matter what we'd been through together in the last two years, or the fact that he used me as bait against a monster. He didn't care about my feelings when he tricked me, didn't care if I was hurt by it but now it mattered that he was hurt because of my new job. I didn't even want to think about what his reaction would be if he knew Bruce was Batman.

On the top of everything my phone kept ringing constantly. Journalists were calling me, asking insane questions. I didn't want to comment any of their nonsense but I didn't want to switch my phone off either in case I got an emergency call.

I stopped a few meters away from the entrance of the building when I saw all the paparazzi loitering there. I didn't know how I'd get into the building without being eaten alive by them. The situation was new and strange for me. I'd spent two years by Oliver's side, and I'd never had to deal with the press. I felt completely lost for a second.

"Felicity," Lucius called out from a car next to me, saving me from the horde of bullying photographers, and journalists. "Come on, I'll give you a lift."

"Thank you," I smiled at him, quickly sitting into the car, feeling relieved that I didn't have to face those people.

"This comes with working for Bruce Wayne. You'll get used to it," he returned my smile, trying to ease my tension a little bit.

"I'm sure I will," I sighed, my thoughts going back to Oliver again. If I had to get used to this, it meant he'd have to as well. I wasn't certain if he'd be able to put up with the rumours about Bruce and I. For whatever reason my new boss seemed to be a sore point for him. I should have asked Sara about what happened between the two men. Unfortunately, she didn't have time to gossip.

After Lucius stopped in the parking lot, we both went to our separate ways. I decided to take a few minutes to gather my thoughts before I'd start off on my mission. I knew I wouldn't be in any danger because I used the Mass Spec before but I was also aware if I got caught, I'd have to come up with something believable about why I used company gadgets to analyze an unidentified blood sample.

I could tell Bruce was suspicious of me after the rant I had about the Arrow. It concerned me that he, or should I say Batman was known to be a fantastic detective. However, it was also true that people easily missed the obvious in front of their eyes. I hoped that Bruce wouldn't be any different, and wouldn't uncover the identity of Oliver.

I glared again at the constantly buzzing phone on my desk before I started off to the tech department. Fortunately, the building was still more than half empty as the hiring of the staff was still in progress. As far as I knew other than Lucius and myself there'd be no employees at the applied sciences division yet.

I let my gaze wander around before I used my card to open the door. One last look behind me, and I stepped into the small room where the Mass Spec was held. I quickly walked to the machine, bit my bottom lip as I opened it, and placed the sample into the small hole. Now, I'd only have to hope that no one would want to use this in the next 7 hours it would take for it to finish the analysis.

I turned on my heels, stepped out of the room and groaned in frustration when my phone buzzed again.

"I said no comment," I answered the phone angrily, glaring in front of me, not that the person who I was talking to could see it but it felt good. Cursing under my breath I ended the call. I took a few angry steps towards the lift when I bumped into someone, almost falling onto my bottom but two strong hands reached out to steady me.

"Rough day, Felicity?" Bruce asked, raising an eyebrow as he moved his gaze between the door of the room and me. Oh, crap, was I busted?

"The press," I groaned quietly and took a step back as he let go of my arms. I was running crazy circles in my mind, counting my options, wondering what I could use as an excuse for my visit to the analyzing room.

He nodded but still watched me cautiously. I knew I wasn't off the hook just because he was aware that the press was harrasing me after his pool party.

"What were you doing in Laboratory #3?" He asked casually almost as if he asked how the weather was today but I could see the hint of suspicioun in his eyes. That look didn't let me forget I wasn't only talking to my current boss but also to Batman who happened to be a great detective.

"Ahm... I mistook the room for the ladies room... I thought this place is so highly secured that you even have to use your card for that," I laughed sheepishly, crossed my arms over my chest in almost defensive motion. Way to go, Felicity now he'd surely believe that you were this stupid. My prize was of course a doubtful look that clarified I didn't belong to the greatest liars of the world. "Fine..." I sighed after a few moments of silence. "I'm using the machine for personal reasons, and I just didn't want you to think that I was a bad employee."

"What kind of personal reasons?" He asked, and I couldn't be sure but he seemed to enjoy the fact that he caught me, and my struggle to figure out a good explanation.

"One of my friends is starting an energy drink company, and he says it's awesome but I'm very particular about what it is I put in my body," I almost burst into laughter as the words left my lips. I couldn't believe I stole Oliver's nonsense line.

It made smile to think of those times when Oliver first asked for my help. There was something that pulled me to him despite of the fact that I knew he was lying through his teeth. I missed those days, the light flirting, the smiles.

I tilted my head to the side and watched Felicity got lost in thoughts. A smile appeared on her face and made her features even softer than usually. For a moment it seemed she forgot about where she was, even about my presence.

Her answer to why she used the Mass Spec made me smile. One would think someone as smart as her would be a better liar. Taking a closer look at her I saw she looked very worn out so I decided to let her off the hook this time. I knew how it could be when the media was breathing down on your neck. Unfortunately, I couldn't spare her the stress caused by this. The pool party went as it was expected, and I was all over the papers front pages. My plan worked out, except that she ended up being caught in the middle. I felt bad about it. However, this didn't change the fact that I thought she was doing something risky. As for now though, she needed a break. I also thought that if she saw me not pushing for answers over time she might stop sneaking around behind my back.

"It must be a good friend of yours if they can make you smile like this," I said softly, pulling her back from her own little world.

"Yes, he's a good friend," her face darkened as she said those words, almost made me wish that I left her alone with those obviously nice thoughts.

"You look exhausted," I watched her close, deciding that I'd make her rough day a little bit less stressful. She'd deserve some down time.

"Is that your way of saying that I look terrible?" She asked with outrage in her voice, as she pushed her glasses up on her nose.

"No, that's my way of saying you look tired," I shook my head with a supressed laugh. "You need a day off. If you let me, I'd like to take you somewhere."

"Where?" She asked suspiciously, eyebrow raised. It was going to be difficult to make her trust me. However, that only made me more determined to earn that trust. Why it was so important for me to get close to her, I couldn't tell. I simply wanted her to understand I wasn't only interested in her because I could have used someone as brilliant as she was to help me as Batman but because I wanted to get to know her in general.

"Trust me? I know it must be difficult but I promise you'll like this," I said honestly thinking, she'd like my idea of having a relaxing time.

"Alright," she nodded, obviously still having doubts. "But I have to be back for that sample, and the paparazzi can't see us together."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of you," I smiled at her, placing my hand to the small of her back, guiding her to the lift, pushing the button that directed us to the garage.

"Master Wayne, Miss Felicity," Alfred nodded, question lingered in his eyes as we walked to the black limousine. "I was about to leave."

"I'm glad you didn't," I said and glanced at Felicity, saw that she relaxed a little bit by his presence. "We need a ride."

"As you wish, Master Bruce," the old man smiled at me, moved his gaze between the young woman and me. He thought I didn't know but I was aware how much he liked romantic stories. I had a feeling he had the same idea about us as if we were the hero and the heroin of a Jane Austen novel.

However, the truth was I didn't have such plans with Felicity, not intentionally at least. I wouldn't deny that I liked her but I wanted to take one step at a time. As for now my idea was to take her away from the source of her problems, to take her away from Starling. The time seemed to pass quickly as we headed towards Gotham. I sent a text to Lucius, asking him to take a look at what she was doing with the Mass Spec, with that the business part of things were dealt with, and I could listen to Felicity, and to the things she had to say.

She was talking a lot, about her education, about how she enjoyed having the chance to work with the gadgets at the company. She seemed to open up easier in Alfred's presence as if we were alone. However, I noted she didn't talk about anything personal though. It was all about working, and learning but nothing about her family, or friends.

"What is this place?" She asked, peaking out through the window as the high iron gates opened in front of us.

"It's my orphanage," I answered, driving into the yard. If there was any place on the planet where the hyenas of the tabloids couldn't find us it was beyond the highly secured walls of my former mansion. "After I left Gotham, I left the place in the hands of Wayne Foundation with the intention to provide a place for orphan children."

It was important to me to support children who had to face the world alone. I had been them once, except that most of them didn't have the advantage of being part of a wealthy family.

"That's very nice of you," she said quietly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear as she stared up at the enormous walls of the building.

"I'm an orphan myself, it's only fair that I help those who like me are alone in the world," I replied as Alfred opened the door for me and I got out of the car.

"Still, not everyone would be that considerate," she smiled at me as she stepped out of the car, Alfred holding the door for her. "I think it's very generous of you to spend your money on supporting children."

"Bruce, hey! We didn't expect you to make a visit," Blake appeared in the door with a big smile on his face. I was happy there was someone I could trust with both the orphanage, and the city. It was important for me to know that my city was in good heads during my absence.

"This is my friend, Felicity," I gestured to Felicity as she shook hands with the young man. "She needed a break, and where would be better than here, right?"

"Nice to meet you, I'm John Blake," he smiled at her warmly, moving his gaze between us. I could tell he was already getting the wrong idea about me being here with a woman.

"Felicity Smoak, I think we've already talked on the phone," she returned his smile, a sparkle of realization mirroring in her eyes.

"Yes, I remember now when I called to report that everything was alright," he nodded, moving his eyes to me. "I help to keep things... in order," he added.

"I see," Felicity glanced at me, obviously, hearing out the hidden words between the lines.

"We're about to have lunch. Would you like to join us?" Blake asked, not waiting for an answer and starting back inside. "The kids will be thrilled to have you here."

"You were right, it was worth it to trust you," Felicity smiled warmly at me as we followed Blake inside, kids rushing towards the dining room.

"I'm glad you think so," I returned her smile, happy to see her relaxing completely as one of the little girls grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the table, babbling about how she liked Felicity's blonde locks.

"May I ask why her, Master Bruce?" Alfred stepped up to me, and asked quietly the question I couldn't answer myself. "Other than the obvious reasons such as she's an attractive, smart young woman who obviously has a good heart. But there are many good people in the world, still you don't trust them."

"Don't you trust her?" I watched her as she sat to the table, pulling a little girl to her lap, and started to braid her hair. "You seem to be eager to get her closer to me," I said, referring to the party and the fact that he paid someone to push Felicity into the pool.

"I do, Master Bruce. But I'm not you," he replied, and I nodded. Indeed, it was true there was hardly anyone who managed to get me plant faith into them but there was something in Felicity Smoak that made me believe she would worth it.

"I don't think I have an answer, Alfred," I replied as I tried to wrap my mind around the question of Felicity.

"That's the best type of answer, Master Bruce," he smiled at me satisfied.