Disclaimer I don't own the Arrowverse or any characters from it I only own ones I create.

Chapter 3: Training begins

Queen Consolidated

Oliver Queen walked into his father's old office, heart thumping. This was his now, he was C.E.O Starling City's largest employer. A wave of insecurity rolled through him, how the hell was he going to do this?

Yes, he had some training in business. His father had groomed them from an early age. Yeah, he had no formal degree, thanks to the fact he had dropped out of multiple colleges more interested in partying than anything else.

Turning to his girlfriend who walked beside him, "Laurel, I'm not sure if I can do this" he said looking into those beautiful green eyes.

"Ollie, have faith in yourself, I know you can do this" she responded by cupping his cheek with her hand. Then drawing him in for a kiss.

"Thank you, Pretty bird," he said breathlessly as they broke apart.

Knock Knock

Turning the pair noticed, Felicity stood on the other side of the glass. Oliver gestured for her to come in.

Stumbling over her words, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, if I interrupted something"

"No, No, you're fine. I called you up here for a reason" Oliver said, attempting to calm her.

Felicity nodded.

"Felicity, I'm naming you my Executive Assistant,"

"What?!" She called out in alarm. "No, I went to MIT for a reason, it's my strong suit. I have no business being an Executive Assistant"

"Felicity, we all have to maintain a certain appearance, I can't be heading down to IT every time I need help with our other job" Oliver responded.

Felicity shook her head, "No Oliver, the answer is no"

"Felicity, please it'll look suspicious if I was making regular trips down to IT" Oliver responded looking frustrated.

"And it doesn't look any more suspicious that you suddenly promote a lowly IT girl to Executive Assistance" Felicity parried.

At this, Oliver's mouth opened and shut. "She's right you know, either way, people are going to talk" Laurel chimed in.

"So you're not taking the position?" Oliver asked, one last time for confirmation.

"No, Oliver I'm not taking the position" with that Felicity left in a huff.

"Well, that could have gone better" Oliver shrugged his shoulders.

"Sorry Ollie, you'll figure something out," Laurel said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Adrien Rivers, may I suggest"

The pair turned to see Walter standing in the doorway, "I don't mean to intrude, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation with Miss Smoak,"

"No, No it's fine Walter, your Insight is always welcome" Oliver responded beckoning Walter to come in.

"Miss Smoak would make a fine head of the IT department, but if you're looking for an Executive Assistant I highly recommend Miss Rivers,"

Walter suggested.

"Adrien Rivers, I'll put her on top of the list thank you, Walter," Oliver said gratefully pulling his stepfather into a hug.

"Oliver, how are you handling things?" Walter asked.

"As good as things can be right now", Oliver responded, thinking of his mother who currently sat in Iron Heights.

With a knowing look "It's not the company is it,"

Oliver nodded in response. At this Laurel took his right hand and squeezed it gently.

"For Moira's sake we can only hope for the best," Walter said thinking of his ex-wife.

Oliver, turning attention to Laurel "You want to stay?

"No, I'm going to meet up with Joanna. And discuss whatever future the C.N.R.I. may or may not have" Laurel answered.

"Then I'll see you this evening?"

"Yes, my place" she answered with a quick kiss. Before taking leave of the two men.

"Walter, I must thank you again for stopping by your advice is invaluable," Oliver said as the pair sat down to discuss the company's situation.

The Foundry later that night

Both Felicity and Laurel stood hypnotized watching Oliver on the salmon ladder, chest glistening with sweat. Felicity licked her lip with lust, wanting what she could not have. While Laurel imagined what they would get up to later this evening. John simply smiled, amused by the two women.

Finally, Oliver jumps down, grabbing a towel turning to the two women with a smile on his face. Both women turned away, their faces flushed. Knowing they both were caught gawking.

"Are you ready to start?" Oliver asked, turning to Laurel. Who was dressed in a black sports bra, and a pair of gray sweatpants.

The pair moved to the mats, took their stances. "Alright, let's see how good those self-defense classes are."

Laurel smiled, "You want to get a Baseline"

"Yes," Oliver responded.

"Alright" Laurel responded, lunging forward attempting to put Oliver in a headlock, a move he easily avoided kicking the feet out from under her.

Laurel not missing a beat was immediately back on her feet, she moved in close throwing a couple of jams which Oliver blocked easily. Oliver now went on the offensive, throwing a couple of punches each hitting their mark.

Laurel, recovering quickly, threw a few of her own which either missed or was blocked by Oliver, realizing it wasn't working she attempted a kick that, Oliver by surprise landing a direct hit to his left side.

Laurel, taking advantage of his surprise, managed to put him in a headlock, which unfortunately for Laurel lasted only a few seconds as Oliver flipped her over his back, causing her to land hard on the mat.

Oliver offered her a hand, as she recovered from having the air knocked out of her. "You did well, it's clear your father taught you everything he knew"

Laurel smiled at his compliment, "Yeah, Dad gave me the full tutorial of a police officer's training"

Oliver tossed her a bottle of water, "Your father's training certainly gives you a good base, to begin with. But it's likely going to take until Summer's end before you're capable of joining me in the field"

At this Laurel felt deflated, she had hoped to be out there in only a few months. But at the same time, she was a realist. It had taken Oliver 5 years in hell to get to the point where he was. "Ollie, I understand but I have a question. What if you weren't the only one I trained with" she asked.

Good, she's thinking Oliver thought to himself. "That's actually a good idea, who do you have in mind?" He asked curiously, thinking she already had someone in mind.

"Ted Grant, he owns the Wildcat gym in The Glades. He's an ex-heavyweight boxer and MMA fighter" Laurel answered.

Oliver nodded, in approval. "Sounds like he might be an excellent teacher, he could give you an entirely different skill-set than I can give you"

"I thought so," Laurel responded, wiping her forehead with a towel. "I'll pay a visit to the gym tomorrow, after my meeting with Joanna"

Now curious Oliver asked, "You never said how today's meeting went"

"Not well, the future of the C.N.R.I. it's doubtful" she responded, with the look of defeat in her eyes.

"I'm sorry Laurel," Oliver pulled her into a hug.

" It's Okay Ollie I'm sure it will work itself out."

There ya go Canary's Heart Chapter 3 is finally out I hope you enjoyed it as much I enjoyed writing it Keep a look out for more updates soon.

Sincerely,

Troy Grimes