Oliver knew that something was different between him and Sara since last week. They didn't talk about it, but there was definitely an air of resignation. He wasn't too bothered to be honest - he knew ever since Sara's "you're cute" greeting to felicity that there was someone else on team arrow far more interesting to her than he was. That said, being with Sara was… easy, if not fulfilling. Not only were they both on the same page without needing to talk about anything, but he never had to worry whether Sara could take care of herself. Hell she took him down every other day during their sparring sessions. Granted he never got to use his bow and arrow during their spars and she specialized in close combat but still. Sara was his equal in every way be it good or bad.
And that's probably why I need to be worried. He thought as he finished signing the last few contracts before he headed out. Sara had been acting different not only towards him but with Felicity too. More open, warmer - intentional. He wasn't sure whether it was just friendship that she was after since Felicity was straight - thank goodness for that - or if Sara came to a similar conclusion that he had. Felicity was too good for the both of them and even without being in a relationship with her, she would always be the best thing to happen to either of them. When Barry Allen had come in to swoop Felicity off her feet, he was certainly jealous but not challenged. Barry was barely a man and Felicity had already done so much and seen so much with the vigilante business that Oliver never viewed Barry as a worthy competitor for Felicity's affections. Sara's different though. An equal. One who knew how rare and important someone like Felicity was. Oliver frowned. He never learned to share in the first place and would need to tread lightly with Sara to see exactly what she was after.
Finishing up his last signatures, Oliver headed out to see Felicity who was idly on her computer.
"And how is my lovely assistant today?"
"Bored. Unchallenged. Overall just pondering her existence in this present moment - I feel like if there were alternate Felicities in alternate universes that they would all be so embarrassed for me - I literally played through Candy Crush and bought three new pairs of shoes the last 5 hours. But alas - tis the life of an underachieving genius." Felicity finished with flourish. In all honesty, she had gotten over the job change and just liked to hold it forever over Oliver. Smirking at Oliver's reactive wince, she inwardly smiled. Too easy.
"And would this underachieving genius like lunch with her favorite boss?" Oliver gave her his best charm the pants off anyone grin.
"You're my only boss Oliver. Both early hours and the sleeping hours. Not that we're reenacting any Fifty Shades scenario." Felicity cut herself off after that. She would have explained further but seeing Oliver's beginning grin, she just moved on. "Only if you're including a chocolate milkshake with it. And I get to drive. No town cars since it's Dig's night off anyways"
He hated her car. Not that he didn't think she made a good choice with it or anything - but seriously. What's a 6'1 vigilante to do in a Mini Cooper? Oliver sighed, " You drive a hard bargain Smoaks. Don't think I don't know how amused you get I have to cram into your car…" Oliver trailed off as he saw Felicity's steady pokerface give back an eyebrow raise. "Ok. Deal - let's go."
"Should we text Sara to see if she wants to join?" Felicity asked as she grabbed her things.
"Did you want her to join? I guess she might be free…" He missed his lunches with only Felicity - they only really got them when Dig had a day off and it had been awhile. Although this would give me a better read of Sara. It never occurred to Oliver that if anything, he and Sara were supposed to be the ones dating.
"Well she is your girlfriend isn't she? Plus it's way too early for any respectable nightclub bartender to be working anyways. I'm gonna just go to the ladies room quickly before we head out. Go ahead and let her know we're leaving now if she wanted a ride. A hot Mini Cooper ride!" Felicity finished off as she walked off.
Oliver shook his head with a slight chuckle and took out his phone.
Hey grabbing lunch with Felicity. Want to join? Before he could half hope Sara was still sleeping, it pinged back.
Sure - where?
Although Felicity is going…Big Belly I'm guessing?
Yup. she's driving too. Asked if you wanted a ride in the Mini.
Yeah ok. Pick me up at 56th and Oak. Should be there in 10.
Oliver heard her heels before he saw his blonde IT genius come back. "Sara's free - you all set to go?" Oliver turned to Felicity when he didn't get any reply and saw her frowning "Hey Felicity. You alright there?"
"Wha -? Oh yes good. Yes I'm ready. Actually Oliver, can I also have the afternoon off after lunch? My brother, er half-brother just called - he's staying over in the Glades for a few nights and just called. He wanted to…catch up?" Felicity was thrown back. In all honesty, her relationship with her brother was always shaky hence her leaving and coming to Starling by herself. But she could never say no to family either.
Oliver grimaced. " Felicity…" he half whined, " You know I'd give you any afterno -any day off that you need but the Glades is a dangerous place to be meeting. I'd go with you but I have that board meeting later - could you postpone for tomorrow?"
Felicity stared back hard "You do know that I used to live on my own and never needed a bodyguard before this whole Arrow thing came up right? I mean yes granted, I did get mugged once but it was a small mugging. Or at least I think it was a mugging - they started walking towards me and I threw some cash at them and ran. Now I hope it really was going to be a mugging or whoever they were probably got offended- and ANYWAYS, " Felicity broke off and breathed. " The point is, I'm sure I'll be fine meeting my brother after lunch without you Oliver. I do not need any 24/7 guard. And I know that I'm -"
"Felicity. You just got shot." Oliver broke in and failed to hide the crack in his voice. "I just - it's too much too soon. I can't- "
She replied softly this time, "Oliver, yes I got shot. But I'm going today. I'll be safe I promise. I have my tracker - two of them!- in my phone and the emergency SOS beacon too. I don't want to be babysat or told what I can and can't do. And yes that does mean that I was only asking for the afternoon off out of politeness." She ended with a slight smile hoping to win him over.
He sighed - he wasn't going to win this one. Maybe he could get out of the board meeting early to catch up with her later. In secret of course. "Alright Felicity." Oliver crooked a smile " I don't know when I lost the ability to say no to you"
"Great!" Felicity answered enthusiastically. She still had slight butterflies about meeting her brother but knew she needed to play off any apprehension lest Oliver think she could be convinced to skip it otherwise. "Let us get lunch then - onward to Natasha!"
"Natasha?"
"You've met her Oliver. And you've bled all over her too"
"Ah yes. Sorry."