"On your left, Green Arrow"
"On it" he calls making a sharp left into the dark alley. With every step he makes, water splashes in every direction on the wet pavement.
When he sees the dead end up ahead, he comes to an abrupt stop, pulls back his arrow, and stares his prey down.
"Roger Knot, you have failed this city."
Stepping out of the elevator he is met to the beautiful sight of Felicity spinning in her chair to meet his eye.
"Well Mr. Knot, did 'Knot' get away."
She laughs at her own joke, but quickly sobers up at his expressionless face.
As he put his bow in its case, she continues with the business part of her speech.
"Anyway, with him in custody, you have officially put the terror of all women away. Well done Mr. Mayor."
"Well it's my job. Are you about ready go?"
"Yeah" she says turning her computers off, and spinning again in her chair. Helping her up, she finally gains her balance and holds on tightly to Oliver, as they leave.
The next day Felicity while runs a search, she runs into something that makes her gasp. She couldn't tell Oliver.
After dinner on the third night, Oliver finally decides to confront her about her strange behavior. Once she lays her dishes in the sink, he steps next to her and corners her between the counter and himself.
Turning around, she gasps at the sudden closeness between the two of them.
"Hi" she says in a mere whisper.
"Hi. Are you ok, Felicity?" he asks sincerely with worry in his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm fine, why would you think that I'm not?" she babbles as she gives a small smile.
"Maybe because you have been avoiding me for the last few days."
"What? No, I haven't, I haven't been avoiding you."
"You know only saying a few words to me all day is considered avoiding in my book. Now what's going on? What did I do wrong?"
Sighing she says "Oliver you did nothing wrong."
"Then what is it?" he asks desperately. "Talk to me."
"Oliver it's nothing I promise" she says trying to get passed him, but every attempt she makes, he moves with her.
"It's not nothing, and we aren't leaving this spot until you tell me what's going on."
Realizing that he's not joking, she finally sighs in defeat.
"Fine, but you have to promise me that you won't freak out."
At that sentence, he grows worried, but nods anyway.
Taking a deep breath, she tells him the one thing that has been burdening her down for the last couple days.
"I found William."
"What?"
"It was by accident, but I came across his location, and I've been keeping tabs on him."
At the revelation so many questions come to mind, but the first one to make it out of his mouth are… "How is he? Is he ok? How's Samantha"
"Ok, if we're going to have this conversation, I would rather be somewhere more comfortable, knowing that this is not a light and quick subject."
Realizing that they are still standing in the kitchen, he quickly agrees and leads her to the sofa in the living room.
When they are both settled and comfortable, Oliver just watches her and urges her to continue the conversation they were just having.
"To answer your first questions, yes he's fine, and Samantha, from what I've seen, is doing well."
"How did you even come across this information?"
"Well, I should define accidently stumbling upon him."
When he doesn't respond she continues.
"When Tommy was here, I remember him telling us that William was in his life, and I remember how happy he was, when he was talking about him. Oliver, you remember, his entire face lit up when he was talking about his brother."
"I remember."
"Look Oliver, we don't have to find him if you don't want to. We could just keep him at arm's length and keep an eye on him. Oliver, I'm not going to force you into something you don't want to do. But if you do want to seek him out, to fight for him, I will be right beside you."
Taking a deep breath, he absorbs everything she just told him.
She waits patiently as she watches him closely, gaging his reaction. After a while he speaks again.
"What makes you so sure that I even have a chance?"
"Because if we've learned anything… if I've learned anything, it's that everyone deserves to know their father and more importantly every child should know what it feels like to be loved by their father. Oliver you've got to try, and if it doesn't work out, we'll move on and continue to watch over him."
"Promise?"
"I promise." And with that confession she leans over and kisses him delicately, and he responds quickly with more passion and reassurance.
The next morning, they both sit down after breakfast and Felicity tracks down the location once more.
"Coast City?"
"I know."
"That's only four hours away."
"I know."
Looking up at him, she notices that he's getting lost in his head and she immediately steps in to bring him back.
"Hey" she says laying her hand on his cheek, "it's ok, it's going to be ok."
Looking up into her eyes, all she can see is fear and the lost look in his.
Giving him a smile of reassurance, she puts her head to his.
"It's going to be ok."
Breathing in, he lets her love seep over him and makes a decision.
"Well I guess we better pack our bags."
"Ok"
Opting to take the quicker route, they take the Queen Jet to their destination.
When the plane touches down on the Runway, Felicity tightens her grip on Oliver's hand. At her reaction to the bumpy landing, Oliver grins.
"Sometimes I forget how much I hate flying, at least we're not jumping out of planes on a regular basis… anymore" she murmurs.
"Come on" he says bringing her hand to his lips and get up when the plane comes to a complete stop.
As soon as they leave the airport, the rental car goes completely silent. At the midpoint to their destination, Oliver finally voices his worries.
"What if this was a mistake? What if Samantha says no and forbids any contact with him?"
"Hey" she says taking his hand in hers and squeezing it reassuringly. "It's going to be ok. You are going to fight for him. Fight for him to know his father."
"And if Samantha absolutely disapproves?"
"Then you tried and you have me."
When her words die into nothingness, the car goes back into its quietness and the only signal that Oliver gives is a squeeze of her hand.
10 minutes later they arrive at a dark blue and white suburban style home. Pulling up to the curve the car comes to a final stop. When the ignition is off, both Oliver and Felicity let their eyes drift over to the home that would change everything.
Felicity is the first to break eye contact and turns her attention to the man in front of her.
"Are you ready?"
"No…Yes... I don't know" he says sighing in defeat.
"Hey" she says bringing her hands to his face and cupping his cheeks. "Look at me, you are Oliver Queen, the man who has survived five years in hell, a former Bratva Captain, a
Former member of the league of Assassins. A man that has taken down some of the most ruthless men to ever graze this Earth. You can do this."
At her words, he feels his confidence building back up. Taking a deep breath, he faces her one more time and says, "You're right."
"That's the spirit."
And with one final nod to her, he slowly retreats his face from her hold and gets out of the car. Going around to open her door, he helps her out and takes her hand, and holds on as if I were his lifeline.
Without another word, they walk up the path that would change everything for better or for worse.
Arriving at the door, they both take deep breaths and Oliver takes the bold step and knocks.
Holding their breaths, what feels like hours, is mere seconds, the door finally opens.
On the other side of the open door, a wave of brown hair is the first thing they are met with and as quickly as the brown hair is out of the way, a less pleasant look is welcomes them.
"Oliver? What are you doing here?"
"Samantha, hi."
At the frown she is giving him, his mind quickly goes blank and his confidence is stripped.
When Felicity notices, Oliver retreat in himself, she decides to step up.
"Hello, my name is Felicity, I'm Oliver's wife. Which you probably already knew that, because we met once, but that is beside the point."
"What are you doing here?" Samantha asked again.
Gazing at Oliver again, she notices that he is trying to say something, but is failing.
"Well that is quite a funny story, one day I came across your location and the next thing I know we are here wanting to check on both you and William. I guess it's not that funny of a story, and I will shut up now."
Ignoring her awkward rant, Oliver finally speaks.
"Can we come in?"
Samantha looks between both people on her doorstep and finally sighs and opens the door wider.
When they make it to the living room, Oliver helps Felicity sit down and follows in suit.
On the other side of the house, William hears additional voices make their debut in the living room. Perking his ears up, he puts down his laptop and gets up to check it out.
He creeps down the hall silently, so that he won't be heard. Staying out of sight, he eavesdrops onto the conversation the adults are engrossed in.
"Oliver, why are you here?"
"Samantha, look I came here because I want to get to know my son. And I know with the life that I lead, it's dangerous but I need to try or else I will regret it for the rest of my life."
"Oliver, we tried that and you broke the agreement, and my son was kidnapped. So, excuse me if I say that I don't want you anywhere near my son's life."
Sensing the unbearable tension in the room, Felicity finally decides to speak.
"With all due respect Samantha, but don't you think that William should decide whether he wants to get to know his father or not?"
"Honestly, no. You have to understand that I am his mother and I don't think that having you in his life is a good idea." Turning toward Felicity, she continues "And I would think that out of everyone, you would be the one that understands where I'm coming from."
"Samantha…" Oliver started.
"Mom?"
"William" Samantha says in shock.
"What is going on?"
Sighing both Oliver and Felicity look at Samantha waiting for her to explain. When she doesn't say anything, William speaks instead.
"Is it true, is he…" cutting off then turning to Oliver, "are you my father?"
With wide eyes, and a look of fear as if she had just been caught red handed, Samantha takes a deep breath.
"Mom, is it true?"
Not being able to find words, she just nods. At the act Oliver steps in, turning his full attention to the little boy.
"William, yes, it is true, I am your father."
At the revelation, William stands there and tries to process what he heard.
"William, I can explain." Samantha tries to reason.
"Mom, I thought you said my father was dead."
"Well he was but, it's a long story."
Turning to Oliver he asks the one question that comes to his mind.
"Why are you here, now?"
Taking a deep breath, Oliver tries to think of the best way to explain it to an 11-year old. Bending down to his level, Oliver says the most reasonable thing he can think of.
"William, I just found out about you and I wanted to come and get to know you. Now I need you to understand that I am not trying to take you away from your mother. I just want
you to know that I am here to meet and hopefully, if you'll let me, get to know you. William, this is your decision to make, and if you want me to walk out that door and never come
back, I will understand. But I will also understand if you want to hear my side of the story, then we can take some time and get to know each other."
Holding his breath, he watches his son's reaction carefully.
"Who is that?" he asks pointing behind Oliver.
Looking down with a grin, Oliver looks over his shoulder at the beautiful blonde sitting patiently behind him.
"That is my wife, Felicity."
William gets quiet again and thinks about all the information that was just thrown at him.
"William, you don't have to do anything, you don't want to do" Samantha says inching towards him slowly.
Looking around at each of the faces in the room William finally comes upon a decision.
"Ok."
"Ok?"
"Yeah"
"Oliver eyes light up and a grin paints his face.
"Ok, yeah. Um, well are you hungry? We could go somewhere." He says nervously.
"Sure."
And with that Oliver, Felicity, and William end up at Big Belly Burger.
"Out of all the places we could have chosen, you choose this place." He says looking at Felicity.
"What? It's homey."
That comment gets a small grin out of William.
"So…" Felicity starts.
"Why" William asks cutting to the chase, while pushing at his fries.
"Ok, let's just skip over to the small talk" Felicity says and then she immediately looks down at her burger and fries and tries to act as small as can be.
"Well I guess I should start from the beginning. William, when I first met your mother we were…" Failing to find the right term, Oliver looks over to Felicity for her help.
"Friends" she pipes in.
Clearing his throat, Oliver responds.
"Yes, friends and unfortunately before she got the chance to tell me about you, I ended up getting ship wrecked on an island."
"You were shipwrecked?" he asks surprised and intrigued.
Clearly gotten his attention, Oliver continues.
"Yes" he says hesitantly, but then a soft hand grabs his and he instantly calms down.
"Yes, I was shipwrecked for 5 years, which is why I wasn't there."
"Wow, cool"
Seeing the frown on his father's face, he quickly responds.
"I mean not cool… but…"
"It's ok" he says grinning. "William, I need you to understand that I wasn't in your life because I didn't want to be, but because I couldn't be. Do you understand that?"
Taking a deep breath, William slowly meets his father's eyes. He sees the pain and desperation deep within the crystal blue's.
"I do"
Letting out a breath, he didn't realize he was holding, Oliver felt like he could breathe again.
"Ok. Ok, yeah, good."
Deciding to change the subject to something lighter, Oliver shares a small smile.
"Do you have any questions for me?"
"Where are you from?"
" Well, Felicity and I live in Star City. She owns her company, and I am the Mayor."
"Wait, you're the Mayor?"
Laughing a fully belly laugh, Oliver nods.
"Yes, yes I am."
Realizing the tension has eased up between the two people before her, Felicity decides to join the conversation.
"So Will, do you mind if I call you Will? Because if not I won't…"
Looking at the blonde across from him, his eyes are wide and full of surprise.
"I'm sorry, I'm going to stop talking now" she says zipping her lips.
After a beat of silence, he breaks out into a wide grin.
"Yeah, it's ok if you call me Will."
Smiling shyly, she responds.
"Ok, great. Well then, Will, what do you like to do?"
Taking a second to think about it he answers her question.
"Well I really like baseball."
"Oh cool, Oliver loves baseball too. Is there a game we could go to?"
"No there's no game today" he says sullenly.
"Well that's ok, what about batting cages?" Oliver asks.
Lighting up at the suggestion, William quickly responds.
"Yeah, there's some downtown, but I've never been."
"Then I guess we're going to have to change that, aren't we?" Oliver asks grinning.
Excitement radiating off of him, he nods.
"Ok"
They finish their food and head downtown and go to the batting cages. After renting out the bats and helmets, they make their way to the cage.
"Alright Will, why don't you go first?"
"Ok" he says nervously while stepping into the cage. He lines up to the plate and watches the machine. Within seconds the first ball is pitched and zooms right past him.
While this is going on, Oliver helps Felicity sit down on the bench nearby.
Looking up they see him swing and miss.
Noticing how nervous he looks, Felicity looks up at Oliver and squeezes his hand for moral support. Sending him an encouraging smile, Oliver takes a deep breath and makes his
way to the pin and putting the machine on pause.
"Hey bud, you ok?"
"Yeah" he says looking down.
Taking a deep breath Oliver takes a new tactic.
"Hey, can I show you something?"
Still looking down, he nods and Oliver makes his way over to where his son is standing. He comes up behind him and helps him with his stance.
"Ok, now bend your knees, watch the ball and swing. Got it?"
"I think so."
Oliver gives his son a short nod and an encouraging smile, then walks out of the pin to start the machine.
"You've got this Will!"
Taking a deep breath, the ball is released and Will swings and hits the ball.
A proud grin erupts on Oliver's face.
"Just like that. Good job Will!"
About an hour later, they finish up at the batting cages, after both Will and Oliver take turns they decide to call it a day. As they head back to the car, all the boys can talk about is
their love for baseball, while Felicity idly walks on the outside intertwining her fingers with his.
When the car comes to a stop in the driveway, Oliver gets out and opens William's door. At the sound of the last door closing, Felicity lies back into the seat watching the scene before her .
"I had a lot of fun today" William said.
"Yeah me too."
Silence consumes and then William takes a bold step.
"Are you going to be here long?"
"Yeah, we'll be her for the weekend."
Nodding his head he says "cool."
"Would you like me to come back tomorrow?"
Looking up, Will has a sparj of excitement in his eyes.
"I mean if you want to" Oliver concludes.
"I think that would be cool."
"Great, then I'll be here bright and early tomorrow."
"Thanks…"
"You can call me Oliver."
"Oliver... Thank you"
With a smile and a nod, he says, "You never have to thank me, William."
On the way to the hotel, pure silence accompanies them, and the first words aren't spoken until they both land on the bed.
"So, is this day added to your top 5 best days ever?" Felicity asks laying her head on his chest.
Smiling, he lets out a content sigh, "Yeah, it is definitely in the top 5. Thank you for this" he says laying a kiss on the crown of her head.
"You're welcome, I would never have forgiven myself if I didn't give you the choice to know your son." She says this with closed eyes while listening to his heartbeat.
"I love you."
"I love you too" she says sleepily.
And his final thoughts before sleep claims him, are how much he loves his family and can't wait until it's complete.
The next day, Oliver takes Will to the fair and they spend the day laughing and getting to know each other easily. After they've had enough of the crowds and heat, they stop and pick Felicity up for lunch.
As the day continues, they explore the beauty of downtown Hub City. When the day winds down and sun sets, they arrive once again at the home that changed everything.
As they all get out of the car, they make their way into the house.
"Mom, look what I won" Will says running into the living room, holding up the large teddy bear.
"Wow, it's huge" she says smiling at his excitement.
"Yeah, Oliver helped me with my aim on the darts and I didn't miss a single balloon."
"Wow, that's awesome" she says stealing a glance at Oliver, with a hint of nervousness.
"Yeah"
"Why don't you take that to your room, Will" Samantha suggested.
Not arguing he turns and leaves to his room. When he's gone, Samantha, turns to the two-people standing side by side in her living room.
"So, I take it you had fun?" she asks tensely.
"Yeah, we did."
Cutting to the chase, she says.
"Look, Oliver as nice as this was, this can't happen again."
"Samantha…"
"Look I mean it Oliver, we left for a reason. I am not going to let you put my son in danger again."
As the two argue, Felicity glances to the other side of the room and sees William cowering behind the seal.
"Oliver"
When that doesn't shake them, she says "Guys", which immediately gets their attention.
At the sound of her voice, they both look at her with a hint of worry and agitation. Then they both follow her line of sight. Looking at Felicity, William sees her nod at him
encouragingly, which gives him the confidence to speak.
"Isn't it my choice to make?"
"William- "
"No mom, I had a lot of fun with both Oliver and Felicity and I want to see them again."
At a loss for words, Samantha just stands there trying to come up with a proper comeback.
"Will…"
"Mom, please. I've always thought about my father and now he's here and I can't remember the last time I smiled this much. Please mom, he was already taken away from me once,
don't take him away from me again."
As he pours out his fears and heart, Samantha watches hopelessly as her heart breaks. Sighing she finally gives in.
"Ok, ok, I'm sure we can figure something out."
The sad frown that grazed his face a moment ago, is now replaced with a smile of relief and excitement.
"Really? Oh, Thank you, mom." He says hugging her tightly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you mom."
"I love you too.
"Thank you for joining us on…."
"So, are you happy? She asks nudging him.
"Very" he says smiling meeting her eyes.
"I'm just glad we came to an agreement."
"Yeah, every other weekend is a good start, right?" she asks lacing their fingers and leaning into his side.
Laying a kiss to her hair, he says, "It's a wonderful start."