The Crow Chapter 20 – Photograph

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A/N: A couple months ago we started on a great journey to bring some Bratva Oliver and Goth Felicity loving to you. It snow balled out of control and we met great people, got awesome feedback and contributed to the amazing community that is Olicity.

We want to thank each one of you for the amazing support and love! It always amazes us that so many of you care for our work. Thank you all!

We will spend the hiatus taking a break from writing (We wrote #Demons, #BrokenArrows and #TheCrow, going non stop for over a year. We need some time off). We will focus later this year in publishing Broken Arrows as a book. We hope you will also join us in this journey into taking our work into the next level!

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Link for The Crow Soundtrack - /lyra-aureus/the-crow-official-soundtrack

Enjoy!

Music – Photograph by Ed Sheeran

Loving can hurt
Loving can hurt sometimes
But it's the only thing
That I know

And when it gets hard
You know it can get hard sometimes
It is the only thing that makes us feel alive

We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts are never broken
And times are forever frozen still

So you can keep me
Inside the pocket
Of your ripped jeans
Holdin' me closer
Til our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone
Wait for me to come home

Loving can heal
Loving can mend your soul
And is the only thing
That I know (know)
I swear it will get easier
Remember that with every piece of ya
And it's the only thing we take with us when we die

We keep this love in a photograph
We make these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Our hearts were never broken
And times forever frozen still
So you can keep me
Inside the pocket
Of your ripped jeans
Holdin' me closer
Till our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone

And if you hurt me
Well that's ok baby only words bleed
Inside these pages you just hold me
And I won't ever let you go

Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home

Oh you can fit me
Inside the necklace you got when you were 16
Next to your heartbeat
Where I should be
Keep it deep within your soul

And if you hurt me
Well that's ok baby only words bleed
Inside these pages you just hold me
And I won't ever let you go

When I'm away
I will remember how you kissed me
Under the lamppost
Back on 6th street
Hearing you whisper through the phone
Wait for me to come home

The days following Felicity's kidnapping and Roy's shooting went by in a flash.

Oliver was always by Felicity's side, never letting her leave his sight, watching her, making sure she was safe and well. The hours that she had been kidnapped had been the most horrifying he had spent after his family's murder and he hadn't been that afraid in years. He couldn't picture a world without her in it and the idea of losing her was unbearable. So he stood like a hawk by her side, always vigil, always ready to step up and fight for her with his life if he had to. After all, China White might be dead, but there were still members of The Triad in Starling City.

He was overreacting. He knew that. She knew that. But the rational side of him wouldn't stop even if she were safe. He couldn't stop picturing her broken and bloody body, tied to that chair while he watched, frozen. He couldn't stop thinking about all the pain she'd felt at the hands of Anatoly and China White. He couldn't stop thinking about what could have happened to her if the Feds hadn't come to their rescue.

That terrible day was Oliver's worst nightmare come to life and that was not something he would get over easily. No, Oliver would carry that day with him for the rest of his life as a reminder of how easily he could have lost the most important person in his life.

So yes, he was acting like an over protective and worried boyfriend. Which drove Felicity crazy but also filled her with a warmth that she never wanted to let go of. She loved that he was overprotective and watchful even though he practically didn't even let her go to the bathroom alone. Which she jabbed him in the shoulder and told him that she was alright and could go to the bathroom alone. She had proved to herself and to the world that she was going to fight for her family and the new life that she had here with Oliver. China White's kidnapping and the things that followed would haunt her dreams for months but it was a comforting balm to know that Oliver was there to walk her through this. Even if it was in that horribly uncomfortable chair because he didn't want to irritate her healing ribs.

Oliver had asked John to bring Felicity her favourite foods (doctor approved of course), her pillow and her comfortable pj's. Oliver also made sure she had her tablet so she could distract herself with Netflix and work stuff. He called her mom to assure her that Felicity was all right, making sure to convince Donna to stay in Las Vegas, as Felicity wouldn't want her to lose her job or miss more classes because of her. But the truth of it all was that Felicity wouldn't be able to handle her mother right now. She just wanted to take it a step at a time and heal.

While Oliver hovered over her, Sara did the same thing with Roy that occupied the room next door. She had to make sure that Roy would stay down as he was hyperactive and couldn't stand the idea of spending the entire day in bed, no matter how much his body ached and how weak he still felt. Of course that was the perfect opportunity for everyone to meet Roy's mysterious girlfriend, Mia Dearden. The young blonde attached herself to Roy's side, promising to take care of him but also killing him if he scared her like that again. It only served to make Sara laugh as the young couple embraced, enjoying seeing this other side of Roy Harper. The whipped side.

Since Felicity couldn't get up and see this all and Oliver wouldn't leave her side, Sara had taken a video for her and laughed along with her for ages. Felicity was relieved to know that Roy was recuperating from his gunshot wound. He was the closest thing she had to a young brother, and it pained her to know that he was hurt because someone wanted to get to her. The hours that she spent thinking he was dead were painful; thinking that she had lost another member of her family because of China White, that she was impotent to stop the wrath of the vile woman. That's why during the time Oliver actually chilled out and Mia left, Felicity spent it texting the man; poking fun at him and comparing what kind of food they'd managed to sneak in.

This was the aftermath of the destruction that China White and Anatoly had reined upon them and there was no going back. It was the end of that part of their life.

When they had arrived at the hospital and checked her in days earlier, Diggle, Oliver's lawyers and Quentin dealt with the Feds and the DEA. But they had needed a statement from the remaining member of the Queen family. And even for that he wouldn't leave Felicity's side.

Oliver told them about his father's involvement with the Bratva, something that ended up leading to his family's death and his association with it as well. He told them about seeing Anatoly as the only family he had left when he was a child, something that the Russian man had used to manipulate the young Oliver to his will. How he had grown up in a house filled with violence, terror and coercion. How he used to threaten Raisa, the only mother figure that Oliver had left if he didn't agree to let Queen Consolidated launder the Bratva's dirty money. How he thought he would be free of the Bratva when he moved back to Starling City, only to have Anatoly hold him hostage in his own home, with Bratva men all around it, all faithful to the Pakhan. He told the Feds that this was how John Diggle, Sara Lance and Roy Harper had gotten involved with all of this. He told them about how the three members of his personal security team were the only ones that Oliver felt he could trust inside his own home. Oliver told them how Anatoly swore to torture and kill both Raisa and Felicity if he didn't do as the Bratva leader commanded. That he lived in a constant state of fear and panic. A prisoner of his own life.

He continued the tale with Felicity finding out that the Triad was involved in human trafficking and that a company that worked with QC was behind it all. Oliver thought enough was enough. He wouldn't allow those people to get away with their crimes any longer. With Felicity and Sara's help they approached Detective Lance with the information they had found, hoping to find a way to end the nightmare once and for all. But while the investigation was going, Anatoly somehow found out about their plan and in retaliation he decided to join forces with China White and torture and kill Felicity. He wanted to teach any who dared cross him that this is what happened, even to someone that was part of his family.

Oliver, in his desperation to get the woman he loved back, ended up finding out the location of their whereabouts and went after her in hopes of convincing Anatoly to let her go. There he ended up getting into a fight with some of the Triads men, some getting hurt and being finished off by China White. He then told them that Anatoly said that he would kill both him and Felicity, since he had betrayed him and the Bratva by deciding to go to the authorities. The leader of the brotherhood also admitted knowing that the Triad had been the one responsible for the murder of Oliver's family. When China White killed Anatoly the Feds had broken in and thwarted China White in the process.

Oliver and Felicity were relieved when they were told that the Feds had caught the tail end of the kidnapping and that everything matched up to what was being said in the statement. Detective Lance tied it off all together with a pretty little bow by confirming that everything was true and sealing their immunity deal while the FBI and the DEA investigated the Bratva's activities on US soil.

All they needed was for Slade to arrive and explain as to how some of the leads the Feds were going after in QC had already dried up. Without a doubt the man had taken control of the Bratva until he could speak with Oliver.

A few days after the Feds inquiry and disappearance to follow Bratva leads, Felicity and Roy were still in the hospital and ready to be signed out in a couple hours.

Oliver was dropping off some of Felicity's things in the car sitting in the hospital underground parking garage, while John kept her company, when a familiar face stepped out of the shadows a couple cars over. The figure stepped back into the shadows and Oliver followed him into the dark alcove nearby. He had been dreading and looking forward to this moment for days.

"It took you long enough," Oliver said, resting his back against the wall next to the man, "I thought you would be here days ago."

"There has been some upheaval back home, Pakhan," Slade answered, slipping his hands into his jacket and peering over at him as if to say 'because you were nowhere to be found', "I had to deal with pulling business out of Starling City before I could come here."

"What happened to, 'Hey, Kid'"? Oliver teased back. He wanted to start off the conversation easy. This would be one of the last times he saw his brother and it wouldn't be easy on either on them.

"It was before you became the leader of the brotherhood," Slade whispered with a smirk, "How is Ms. Smoak?"

"She's recuperating. She was hurt pretty badly…but she will be fine," Oliver answered; the relief clear in his voice as he returned the smirk with a smile of his own.

"I'm glad to hear. She's a fighter. She has a lot of fire in her," Slade said with a small smile, almost as if he was proud of her. Oliver needed someone strong and full of fire by his side.

"That she does," Oliver said. She was a survivor. His warrior. "But I've got a feeling that you're not here to inquire about my girlfriends wellbeing. Well I know you aren't."

"News travels fast. You know that. Anatoly's death is known by all the brotherhood. They needed a leader and you were not there. You were not coming."

"We both know why," Oliver said bitterly.

"You are the Pakhan. The brotherhood needs to know there is someone at the top of the chain of command. I held things together but they need leadership."

"You are my second in command. That should be enough," Oliver said shortly, pinching the bridge of his nose. Slade understood deep inside somewhere that he wasn't coming back but he was too much of a loyal member of Bratva to take control himself.

"Anatoly's death destabilized everything Oliver. They know the Feds are over the Bratva business in America. I have pulled out what I could with Isabel. But the men are on edge about staying here."

"They should be. The FBI and the DEA have opened up an official investigation on the Bratva. They know the connection between the brotherhood and the Triad. They know the connection between the Bratva and QC," Oliver explained. He wished he could tell Slade absolutely everything but he couldn't. That's not how it was going to work, "Anatoly only made it worse by coming in and kidnapping Felicity with China White. They've put me in a position where I can't even move an inch."

"Fuck," Slade cursed. "Laundering money through QC was a thriving business," Slade said, moving his hand over his beard, "What are we going to do?"

Oliver had spoken with Felicity about what he was about to say extensively. Oliver began, "We need to send the men back to Russia. The ones that will stay here will be prosecuted."

Slade looked over at him in surprise. The man had finally gotten revenge on the killers of his family and he wasn't taking control as expected, "But if they leave, who will protect you? You are the Pakhan now, Kid. Your life will be even more in danger than ever."

"No, it won't."

"Oliver…"

"There won't be the necessity to protect me, Slade," Oliver said calmly before finally dropping the news on Slade, "Because I'm not the Pakhan."

"What are you talking about?" Slade hissed, trying to keep his voice down to avoid attracting attention if someone happened to pass by. Despite the way that things were going the entire brotherhood knew he was Anatoly's rightful heir, The Crow; that he had been preparing his entire life for this moment.

"I feel….I feel that every choice that I made. That everything that I lived…it brought me right to this moment," Oliver said, making Slade feel even more confused, "I went through hell and back for the past twenty years. I grew into someone that I was not because it was the only way that I could survive."

"Kid…"

"I am free, Slade," Oliver said the words out loud for the first time, his voice not wavering, "For the first time in as long as I can remember I'm free from Anatoly. I am free from Bratva."

"Oliver, you're our leader. The Pakhan. I don't see a way out of this."

"You know what I know, Slade? I finally have something for live for. For years, I was consumed with avenging my family's murder, only to find out that Anatoly knew there would be a hit on my family. He is responsible for their deaths. The man that raised me, which made me into The Crow, he was the one responsible for it."

"Damn kid. Oliver I don't know what to say."

"He had my family's blood all over his hands," Oliver said, holding back a pained gasp, the pain of the news was still too raw, "Not only was he responsible for my family's murder, he knew what China White was going to do with Felicity. He knew she was planning to kill Felicity. But he didn't care; he actually gave her his blessing. Just like he did with my family."

Slade's hands curled into fists. He knew the extent that Anatoly would push things, but this was outrageous, "What? He knew?"

"Do you really think he was there to negotiate Felicity's release?" Oliver said bitterly. "He was there to watch as that devil killed the woman I loved. He wanted to take everything from me. He didn't want me to love anything but the brotherhood," Oliver hissed, remembering how Slade had warned him about it when he was in Russia with Felicity, "His death along with China Whites, avenges what he did to my family. What they both did to Felicity. I'm at peace now. I can move on with my life."

"I'm sorry," Slade said, knowing exactly how horrifying Oliver's life had been. His own life matched his in many ways, "But that still…"

"Do you remember that once you also decided to leave the brotherhood? To start a new life with Shado? Or did you forget about her already?"

"Of course not! I won't ever forget about the love of my life," Slade shot back, the words pained, even after ten years.

"Don't you think it was suspicious that a day before you went to leave, that she was run over by a car?" Oliver said, making Slade clench his jaw. They hadn't talked about this in years, "Don't you think the timeframe was suspicious?"

"Are you trying to say that Anatoly was the one behind Shado's death? Is that it?" Slade asked, anger rising off of him. He turned to face Oliver.

Oliver placed a comforting hand on Slade's shoulder, "All I know is that Anatoly always made it clear that one day you would be my second in command. That he raised you, just as much as he did with me. He wouldn't let you leave. His precious code would never allow it. So he terminated your only reason to leave the brotherhood. Just like he tried to do with Felicity."

"No," he said with a grunt as he shrugged Oliver's hand off. The idea of losing Shado in the hands of Anatoly too much for him to bear.

"We both know it's the truth, Slade. We just didn't want to accept it. We didn't want to accept that it was all for nothing," Oliver said, as Slade closed his eyes, pressing a hand against the cold concrete wall, pain filling his features, "I'm sorry, Slade."

"I shouldn't have pursued her. I shouldn't have dared. She would still be alive if not for me," Slade said, trying to hold back the aching and the fury that was building inside of him. It was like his eyes were being opened to something he had missed for years, "Loving her was to sentence her to death."

"What happened to Shado was not your fault. You loved her. You wanted to have a life with her outside of the Bratva. It shouldn't be considered a crime by some ridiculous code," Oliver assured, as Slade closed his eyes in pain, "And that is exactly what I want for me. To build a life outside of the brotherhood. A life with the woman that I love. The life that I deserve. The life that had been taken from me when I was just a child."

"They won't allow you. The brotherhood…"

"They will. If the new Pakhan says its so. If he sets me free from the code because of my years of service."

Slade blinked his eyes open and stared at Oliver. "The new Pakhan? You mean…"

"The only man that I would trust my life with. The only one I have trusted since I was a kid," Oliver completed calmly, letting the words really sink in.

"Me?" Slade questioned, pointing at himself, "You want me to lead the Bratva?"

"There is no other man that could do it better than you. You have already done a good job pulling business out of Starling City. You grew up in the brotherhood. You learned everything that I did. You are strong and fair. A leader," Oliver said evenly, "You've got what it takes to be the Pakhan."

"They won't simply accept it. It's not how the brotherhood works," Slade said, still shocked with what Oliver was offering.

"The Bratva will do what is best for the brotherhood. The Feds will be watching me closely from now on. I lost all my contacts in the US. Not to mention that Queen Consolidated won't ever be able to be a front for money laundering. It is dangerous to maintain my connection to the brotherhood. Talking to you is already putting in jeopardy the plan that I had for you."

"Which plan?" Slade asked, curious.

"You have a very able fiancé. A Bratva daughter. The perfect woman to wed the Pakhan," Oliver reasoned. Slade raised an eyebrow at him at the kind words at Isabel and he explained, "I may not like Isabel, but she is very good at what she does. She has a wicked mind and a natural instinct for business. With the software that Felicity developed, you and her can work the laundering in any front company that you choose from. I would recommend a small European country, to stay away from the Triad business as much as possible. But I am sure the two of you can think of the perfect front for it."

"You are serious about this, Kid?" Slade asked him, crossing his arms across his chest and shifting a little.

"If I didn't have the Feds on my neck I would go to Moscow to do the announcement myself. But it would only jeopardize everything. But I will call a meeting through a secure line with the other high hacking members of the brotherhood. All you have to do is say yes."

"I never desired for this. I never saw myself as the leader of the Bratva," Slade said honestly and Oliver knew he had chosen the right man.

"I know that. Which makes you perfect for it. You said yourself that a life in the brotherhood is all you know. That it was because of this that you accepted marrying Isabel. You are a leader. You won't act on greed or rage, but with your head. You will take the brotherhood where Anatoly never could."

"You seem pretty sure of that."

"That is because I know my brother. I know the kind of man he is," Oliver said with conviction, knowing that by choosing to leave the Bratva, he would chose to leave Slade behind as well forever. There would be no ties left with the man besides calls through secure lines sporadically.

With a shaky breath, Slade offered his hand to Oliver, pulling him into a brotherly hug. There would be no changing Oliver's mind when it was set. Both knew it. "Then your brother will do this. For you. For Felicity. For the life you two will have. For the life that was taken from me and Shado."

"For Felicity and Shado," Oliver agreed, patting Slade on the back.

"For Felicity and Shado," Slade said, voice full of a tumble of feelings; longing, sadness, and acceptance.

They stood silent for a few seconds; enjoying the last seconds of their partnership, of their brotherhood. With a nod, Slade moved away from Oliver and further into the shadows and towards the exit, where he no doubt had a car.

"I will do as you asked. I will be the Pakhan. I will lead the brotherhood."

"Thank you."

Slade pulled out his phone and checked it, "I have enough time before my flight leaves to pull men from Starling City. The Bratva men will leave the perimeters of the Queen Mansion. Replacement security needs to be found."

"Done," Oliver agreed. He would have John look into securing the house immediately. From what he knew, John had plenty of contacts to find suitable and trustworthy security. "I would like to ask for Raisa to remain with me at the mansion. She and Nicholai actually. They are…family."

"I am sure Raisa will like staying by your side. The cook as well," Slade said with a small smile. Oliver exhaled in relief, "Your protection, as well as those around you will be guaranteed, as long as you vow to remain silent about the brotherhood from this day forward. To swear on your life."

"Yes, Pakhan," Oliver said with respect, the words falling off his lips for the first time. They felt right and both could feel it, "I swear on my life."

"The Bratva will be leaving Starling City and will no longer be in contact with you. You are no longer a part of this brotherhood. No longer a Bratva Captain. No longer The Crow."

"Yes, Pakhan," Oliver said with a hint of sadness, knowing that this was it. This was the end. He and Slade would never see each other again. The Crow would be disappearing off with him to never return.

"Goodbye, Kid," Slade said. He gave in and pulled his brother into another hug, which Oliver returned eagerly. Slade spoke lowly, "If anything should occur where you need my help do not hesitate to call me brother."

The word brother was not said in the way of the Bratva. It was said in the way of family, friendship. Oliver pulled back and they held each other at arms length, "Ok. I'll make the call as soon as possible. Keep me updated. Even if I am not part of the Bratva and we shall not see each other…check in every once in a while."

Slade stepped back and nodded, "Until then Oliver."

Oliver's smile was small and final, "Until then Slade."

He stood there and watched as his oldest friend melted back into the darkness. The man that did for him what no one else could do. The man that saved his life, over and over again. The man that made him into a warrior. The man that took all his darkness and carried it along with him. The man that gave him everything. And this time, Slade gave him back all the things that Anatoly had stolen by taking on the role of Pakhan. He gave him a chance at a new life.

He took a couple minutes and stood there in the dark, saying farewell to Slade and the life that was no longer his. Saying goodbye to the Triad and the Bratva, that were no longer dangers he had to carry. Saying goodbye to The Crow, that no longer had its talons dug into him despite the tattoo still on his chest. He said goodbye to it all.

Oliver Queen was finally free.

Hours later Oliver was finally able to take both Felicity and Roy back to the mansion. With all the Bratva men long gone, the house was quiet, empty, but somehow it never felt more like a home that it did in that moment.

Diggle had hired a small group of trustworthy and highly recommended men to work as the new security team until John could hire a full fledged one. All were good men that had once belonged to the army just like John Diggle. For the first time in a very long time, Oliver actually felt safe coming home.

Raisa was now officially living with them at the mansion and had moved into the west wing, into the room that had once belonged to Felicity. In the time that they were gone she had taken control of the house and erased any sign of Anya or the Bratva in their home with the help of Nicholai. She and Nicholai were the only reminders in the home that the Bratva ever existed. But Raisa...brought back the sense of family that Oliver had missed.

As the days passed the house felt warmer, safer and happier because of it.

Raisa had a natural motherly instinct, and she'd suddenly become almost like a second mother to the entire group. She would cook Diggle's favourite meals, make sure to keep Sara's favourite ice cream in the fridge for when she was feeling down, she was the one that helped Oliver keep in check with his meals and she had used her loud voice once or twice when they wouldn't listen to reason. She was even helping taking care of Roy and Felicity, which was harder than expected, as Roy wasn't very happy with the doctor's order to remain on bed rest for the next two weeks, since his surgery had been complicated and he almost had died.

Felicity on the other hand loved to spend so much time with Raisa. The older woman quickly found a place inside Felicity's heart, and the blonde enjoyed being taken care by this motherly figure. Raisa was like a mother to Oliver, and while Felicity knew that she would never replace Oliver's parents, she considered Raisa her mother-in-law. It was another addition into the family that made her happy.

That's not to say that everything was perfect. Felicity thought that overprotective Oliver was a loving hurdle that she could survive. But now that they were free from the hospital John, Sara, Raisa and Oliver had teamed up on her to make sure that she stayed in bed until she was better.

That's how she found herself being tucked into bed by Oliver and Raisa at the first sign of Felicity rubbing her eyes and looking tired.

"There, now you rest," Raisa said while putting an extra blanket over Felicity's legs. Felicity's ankle still ached in the cold and the woman knew it without being told.

"Raisa you don't need to trouble yourself. Oliver is already doing enough of that," Felicity said, moving to rest against the pillows that Oliver was tucking underneath her head, sides, and ankle. Oliver rolled his eyes at her stubbornness.

"Felicity," Oliver said, tired of getting in the same argument. Felicity was strong and independent and she didn't particularly liked to depend on others. She wasn't being difficult like Roy, but she also didn't want to be a burden to people. Not that she was, but she was stubborn and denied liking that she was being taken care of.

"Felicity, you are still hurt," Raisa argued with a motherly tone that warmed Felicity's heart, and even through she was tired of people hovering her, she couldn't ask Raisa to stop anymore. "Let us take care of you. We do it because we love you," Raisa said, moving down to sit next to her on the bed while Oliver nodded in agreement.

"I know that," Felicity whispered, moving her hands against the thick blanket, "But you guys don't have to worry about me. I'm ok. I feel better. Ribs don't ache that much."

"Still, you know the doctor said for you to take it easy for the next couple of weeks," Oliver said, handing her a glass so she could take her meds. Raisa followed with the correct pills. She even had that organized.

"You must rest," Raisa said with finality.

"Ok ok. Thank you," Felicity said after finishing her glass of water, "I'll be healed in no time with you two hovering about."

"You better believe it," was Oliver's quick reply.

A soft knock on the open door made them all look towards the door, where Nicholai was holding a large tray filled with food, "Ms. Smoak, I brought you and Mr. Queen supper."

"Thank you, Nicholai," Raisa said with a smile, while the older Russian put the tray on the side table that stood next to the bed.

"Look at that, soup," Felicity said with a slight annoyance at the soup and not Nicholai's nice gesture. She had been eating only liquid foods because of her sore throat (thanks to Anatoly and China White). She had been dying for something different, even though she knew she had to stick with it for a few more days.

"I do happen to like soup," Oliver hummed, moving to grab his bowl and sitting next to Felicity on an armchair he'd deposited there a couple days ago. Felicity gave him a small frown that clearly said 'traitor'.

"That's my boy," Raisa said with an agreeing nod. Oliver ate his meal and made a show of it until Felicity sighed and took her bowl. "I'll go check on Roy. Then I'll go to bed," Raisa said, getting up from the bed, kissing both Felicity and Oliver on the head, "Goodnight my darlings."

"Goodnight," they called after the woman as she left the room with Nicholai.

Oliver and Felicity ate in a comfortable silence. When they were done, Oliver put their empty bowls back on the side table tray.

"Are you tired?" he asked her.

"Not really," Felicity half lied, resting against the pillows. She felt a little sleepy from the meds, "I feel all I have done lately is eat and sleep."

Oliver huffed in laughter and rounded the bed. "Seems good to me," Oliver said with a smile.

Felicity stuck out her tongue at him. "You won't love me anymore when I'm fat from staying in this bed forever," she joked.

"I will love you no matter what," Oliver said, eyes following her tongue but squashing any thought of ravishing her because her ribs were still healing. He slid into bed next to her and curled an arm around her waist, "But you won't stay in bed forever. You know you need a few more days for your ankle. And longer for your ribs."

"I know," she said with a pout, "I'm just tired of doing nothing all day."

"And here I was thinking you would enjoy marathoning that new show they just put up on Netflix. The one with the guy that can't see," Oliver said with a smirk, making Felicity roll her eyes at him and shove his hand off her stomach. Oliver just slid it back to place and tucked his face into her neck.

"It's unfair for you to use my love for Netflix like that," she joked.

"I am well aware."

They lay there for a few moments, just enjoying each other, just enjoying feeling their heartbeats beating together. Oliver kissed the skin of her neck and Felicity tipped her head to rest against his.

Her hand came up to lace with his and she said, "Oliver?"

"Yeah, baby?" he mumbled against her skin.

"Are we going to be ok, now?" she asked him. He pulled back and she avoided his eyes until he kissed her chin and she couldn't resist anymore. She looked.

Oliver kissed her mouth this time, "Why are you asking me this?"

"I…"

"Fe-li-ci-ty," he stressed out, peppering her mouth with kisses until she laughed and pushed him away gently.

"It just seems too good to be true," she said with a shrug, "After everything we have been through, I guess I'm afraid to believe that it's all over. That we're free."

"Felicity, we are free," Oliver assured, bringing their hands up so he could place the gentlest of kisses there. They hadn't had this talk yet, "There is nothing holding us back anymore. There is no Bratva. No Triad. No darkness. We can do anything we want. We can be anyone we want. This is the beginning of the rest of our lives."

"Who knew my broody boyfriend would turn into the optimistic one," Felicity said with a small teasing smile. He was right. This was the beginning. The scary, oh my god, we're really doing this beginning.

"I have you. That was all I wanted. I don't need anything else," he said, softly grazing his lips over their joined hands. His words rang true and calmed her heart and mind, "All I want is to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. Nothing else matters."

"I love you, Oliver," she said, bringing their hands to her mouth this time.

He trailed after her and softly kissed her lips, "I love you too."

"Even when I'm old and grey?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. Oliver chuckled and settled back down into the skin of her neck, their joined hands on her stomach.

"I will love you always. No matter what. No matter what happens. I won't ever stop."

"Not now?" she mumbled sleepily.

"Not ever."

A couple months passed and with it came grand change.

The Triad left Starling City after a multitude of raids destroyed their businesses. With the accompanying loss of their properties and the death of their leader, China White, they had decided that a move was best. So they moved away, to what Slade informed them, closer prospects to get revenge against the Bratva. Apparently they believed that the retreat of Bratva from Starling City was confirmation that Cooper Sheldon was actually working with the Bratva. That he was the reason that their business had collapsed.

Now onto the Bratva. They seldom heard from Slade. A small greeting here or there during the holidays. Always through the most private of networks since they didn't want to raise any suspicions that the Bratva was anywhere near Starling City. Business in Russia had been thriving under the guiding hand of Slade and Isabel and neither Oliver or Felicity were surprised at the Pakhan strength and the strength of his partner. The two were a powerhouse to be feared and would guide the Bratva on a unique path for sure.

Back in Starling City things were going more than well. They were perfect.

They felt like they could breathe and actually figure out what they were going to do and the kind of people they were going to be without the Bratva or Triad in their lives.

Oliver began filling his life with...colour. Not literal colour. He still loved his greys, blues and blacks for his suits and had that secret smile just for Felicity. But he filled his life with new things. He started looking into new projects for QC, with Walters help in London, to improve and build on Queen Consolidated. It had gotten to the point where he was able to stabilize QC and the money it had lost from money laundering with these new ventures in technology, medicine, clean energy and security with John, Roy and Sara. Oliver had also taken a liking to going out on drives more often. A couple times a week he would go out with Felicity on his motorcycle or new sports car to take in the scenery up and down the West Coast.

The most surprising thing that came for Oliver was that he started rekindling his relationship with Tommy. It wasn't a huge rekindling. Just a cup of coffee here or there where they talked about what they were doing in their lives. They never touched up on the past. And they hadn't gotten to the point where they felt comfortable enough to invite Felicity and Laurel. But it was a start.

Felicity also began filling her life with new things. She'd given up hacking and thrown herself head first into the Advanced Sciences department. In a couple months time she'd become the head of the department with no contention because...she was good. No she was more than good. She was brilliant according to her employees in the department. They had started doing projects and contracts with companies they never thought QC would even agree to. They became one of the leading departments in the company.

The most surprising thing that Felicity had done was help her mother move to Starling City. For months they talked on the phone and video chatted when possible. And she could feel something new and bright and oh so different begin to grow between them. She felt the love and the change that Donna Smoak had desperately wanted to give and prove to her. Out of nowhere Felicity was the one to ask her mother to move to Starling City. She wanted to spend time with her mother and Donna did with her. A week after Felicity proposed the move Donna Smoak was in Starling City in an apartment that she herself had rented over a coffee shop that she herself planned to run.

Felicity was proud of her mother.

The end of the Triad and the Bratva breathed even more life into Oliver and Felicity's relationship. They were more raw and open with each other. Showing the other the soft underbelly of the things that had plagued them. They also began exploring the regular side of being a couple. Holding hands, going out to restaurants (without the threat of being shot upon) and surprisingly enough they had a date day set up where it was just them all day, lazing about.

More than once a week they had dinner with Raisa, whom they found out got into the country with Nicholai's help. Raisa would cook these big elaborate meals and would invite everyone. John and his new wife Lyla. Sara and Nyssa, who had just moved in together. Roy and Mia, who were now engaged. And Donna, who when she met Quentin Lance at her coffeshop and at the mansion for their family dinner, quickly became Donna and Quentin; attached at the hip and lips. It was weird for Felicity and Oliver to see them like that but...they were all happy.

Oliver and Felicity fell even more in love with each other and with the life they had built around them with their friends and loved ones. And they felt that the dark shell around them built by the Triad and Bratva was slowly peeled away day by day.

"Oliver, I'm home!" Felicity said as she entered their room. She'd had a tiring day and all she wanted to do was lay down with Oliver and forget about the day. Slipping her shoes off she fiddled with her phone for a bit, "You'll never believe what I saw today, again. Went to visit mom at her shop and it was ridiculously busy. Apparently word has gotten out that Felicity Smoak, girlfriend of Oliver Queen, which I don't like because even though I am your girlfriend they could say 'head of Applied Sciences at Queen Consolidated'. Anyway...what was I saying? Oh yeah. Apparently word has gotten around that I get my coffee there almost every morning, even when I personally can't come to get it myself. I suggested to mom that she should open up a second..."

Felicity stopped talking at the sight in front of her. The bed was covered with rose petals and Oliver was standing off in their sitting area impeccably dressed. He'd also gotten rid of the couches and coffee table to replace it with a two-person dinner table.

Oliver's face lit up at the sight of her, "Hi."

Felicity's grin matched his, "Hi. What's this?"

Oliver had the nerve to act like he wasn't standing there looking…delectable, "What's what?"

Felicity dropped her bag on the floor near the bed and pointed behind him, "That...all the stuff behind you. Are all the couches gone? Did you make me dinner?"

"And lined the bed with roses," Oliver replied with a nod as she slowly approached him.

"You did. And you look really…handsome. Edible honestly," Felicity observed, her eyes trailing his body. Oliver preened and stood taller, meeting her halfway, "What's the occasion? It's not our one-year anniversary yet. That's not for a couple of weeks."

His hands cupped her face and kissed her in greeting, "No, this is a different anniversary. It's the day we met."

"What?" she asked, face alit with wonder. She knew the day he was talking about. She was just touched that he would want to celebrate it. She hadn't even realized it was 'that' date.

Oliver's hands ran down to rest on her waist and he clarified, "The day you broke into my house and propositioned me."

"Propositioned sounds dirty," Felicity said without realizing it and Oliver laughed.

He'd been planning this day for weeks. Going through multiple plans, some extravagant, to finally settle on this. Something simple, intimate. "It is. I wanted...to celebrate today as the day that you came into my life and I into yours. I know it wasn't a good time in your life and that things were falling apart. But if you hadn't broken into my...our home, then we wouldn't have this," Oliver said, before looking down at her almost shyly, "I wouldn't have you."

Felicity cupped his face and he leaned into it. She was at a lose of words as she blinked back tears, "Oh Oliver. You...just...thank you."

She pressed her mouth against his and melted into him.

His arms wrapped around her, "You're welcome."

Felicity popped his collar a bit and fiddled with it, "I'm glad I broke in."

"Me too."

"Even if I messed up your carpet and scared the crap out of you?" Felicity asked with a raised eyebrow.

Oliver rolled his eyes and gave her a fond look, "Even then."

Felicity tried to peek over his shoulder, "So...what'd you make me?" Felicity said as she peeked around him, "I'm really really hungry."

Oliver released her and urged her forward, "Let's see."

He began pulling the tops off platters on the fanciest dinner setting she had ever seen. She noticed a pattern, "Italian food and are those books?"

"They are. On our first real 'fake' date we didn't have time to eat because of…" Oliver paused and thought of China White. That woman had ruined the first time and she would never get a chance to ruin this, "…obvious reasons and we never did start that book club we talked about."

Felicity went to kiss him again when the smell of the food hit her. Now she had been expecting her stomach to grumble and her mouth to salivate in anticipation. But what had actually happened is that her stomach churned and her eyes widened, "Oh no."

Oliver frowned and asked, "Hey, you ok?"

Felicity covered her mouth and said, "Cover the food."

"What?"

Felicity waved her hand at the food. "The smell. Cover the food please."

He did what she asked of him quickly and efficiently. Turning to her he checked her over before asking, "Done. You ok?"

Felicity nodded, still covering her nose and mouth, "Yeah...just my stomach has been feeling weird lately. I think I caught the flu or something."

Oliver pressed the back of his hand to Felicity's forehead. She had been eating less lately and this had been the second time in a week that something had soured her stomach before she perked up a half an hour later, "Well you don't feel warm."

"No but I…" she hesitated for a moment before pulling her hand away from her face and saying, "…did throw up in Malcolm Merlyn's trashcan when I visited his office today. They had tuna."

"Atta girl," Oliver grinned despite the fact that she'd thrown up. Malcolm Merlyn was a pain.

Felicity laughed and fell into his chest, her cheek pressed to the heartbeat there. "Just been feeling weird lately. I instantly felt better when he took it away. I'm sorry that the smell of your delicious smelling food threw me off. It really did look good."

He ran his hands up and down her arms in a comforting manner, "I even ordered from the best restaurant."

Felicity smacked his chest lightly, "I'm serious."

"I know. And it's ok. I'll just ask Sara to bring us some burgers or something. She's around right now. Is that ok?"

"Yeah that's ok," Felicity agreed.

Oliver pulled away from her to scoop out his phone from his pocket and tucked Felicity back against his chest. He began texting and running his hand down her back, "How you feeling?"

"Still a little weird."

Oliver got a quick confirmation from Sara and put the phone away, "Sara has to finish something real quick and then she'll grab food. Here come with me. I've got another surprise."

He redirected her and they entered their recently redesigned bathroom. Oliver felt a glow of satisfaction inside of him when she paused in the entranceway. He had spent a good amount of time lighting candles and spreading them around the room to give it a warm glow that reflected off of the hot water inside the bathtub. He was hoping that by the time they got done with dinner and let their food settle, they could come here.

Slowly she walked into the room. She was in awe. He'd even picked up some towels and robes for them and had them set next to the tub, "You did this too?"

"Yes. Wanted to make it special," he revealed. Maybe this would make her feel better until their food got there.

Felicity turned to Oliver and smiled, gathering him close to her. The incident in the other room with the food was completely forgotten. She just wanted to be close to the man she loved, "It is. Thank you Oliver."

"You're welcome," Oliver replied. He set his hands on her arms and walked them slowly into the room. He went for the button of her jacket, "You know…plenty of good things have happened in bathrooms for us."

"They have," Felicity replied, biting her lip and following his hands as they took off her jacket and then fiddled with her dress. She swallowed, not knowing if he was going to take that piece off too, "Is something else going to happen soon?"

"Yes it is," Oliver said as his hands left her and he unbuttoned his jacket. He caught the hint of disappointment in her eyes and grinned, "Maybe it'll make you feel better before the food comes. I was hoping to do this after dinner. The water might still be a bit hot."

Not moving her body away from him, Felicity leaned over and dipped her finger into the water. "No, its good," Felicity said. She dipped her hand in, "God, this is perfect Oliver. My muscles have been aching today."

"I'll get in first." Oliver peeled off the jacket slowly. He made his movements long and exaggerated. He wanted her eyes on him as he peeled off his shirt, button by button. He flexed his muscles subtly as he tossed the shirt to the side. Felicity swallowed and her mouth dropped open when he fiddled with his belt and he toed off his shoes. He didn't even give her a chance to touch him as he peeled off his slacks, underwear and socks. He pulled himself over the lip of the tub and settled in with a hiss. The water was really the right temperature to ease anyone's muscles.

Resting his arms on the side he leaned back and said, "Well are you coming?"

Felicity had never undressed faster in her life, her clothes flying off to the side and landing with Oliver's. Piling her hair on top of her head she burned the picture he made into her memory and said, "Yeah I'm coming."

Holding his hands out Oliver helped steady her and bring her down into the hot water. She relaxed back into him with a sigh.

"Better?"

Her eyes drifted closed as the water began to work on her muscles and leaving her all lose and relaxed in his arms, "Much better."

Oliver stepped it up a notch by bringing his hands up and massaging her temples. Felicity practically purred and dropped completely back into Oliver, her expression that of unadulterated relaxation. Her feet scrambled against the bottom of the large tub to press herself further into his hands.

When her feet scratched up against something odd against the bottom of the tub she ran her foot over it until she realized what it was. Eyes flying open she whirled on Oliver, dislodging his hands, "Did you put bathtub decals on the bottom of the tub?"

Oliver grinned without restraint, his face rosy from the water. He'd planned this bit too, "What would you say if I did?"

Felicity drew in closer and draped her arms around his shoulders, "Well we could work on that bathtub sex that you've always wanted to have but I said no because I wanted to make sure we were safe and that when we…went at it you wouldn't slip and fall. Safety first."

His hands traced her back slowly and she shivered in anticipation. Leaning closer to her mouth he replied, "There are towels off to the side as well in case I want to drape you over the lip and take you from behind."

Felicity's eyes widened and she nodded quickly. Gripping his growing hair she tugged his mouth to hers, "Yes, lets do that."

Oliver cemented his hold and brought her flush against him quickly, heated mouth teasing and biting at her lips gently until she let him inside. It only fired Felicity up even more and she straddled his thighs, pressing down on him as he pressed up against her. He was hardening quickly, having thought of pressing her naked and wet body against him with every candle he lit in this room.

Pulling back Felicity ran her mouth over his stubble-lined jaw, "Been thinking about this all day? Planned it out just like I wanted?"

Oliver gasped and threw his head back when she bit into his tender neck, "Yes, for you."

She didn't sooth the skin like he expected her too. No, she started kissing and sucking on the skin there, trying to leave her mark as he keened in pleasure and thrust his hardening length against her.

He shifted her on top of him and asked in a breathy tone, "So, over the lip of the tub?"

She grinned, eyes darkening as she pulled off of him and reached over the lip of the tub for the towel there. Oliver really had planned everything out. Placing the towel against the cold and wide lip of the tub she laid down on it, her breasts now covered while her bottom stood outside of the water. Felicity turned back to look at Oliver and his mouth was open, eyes on her slick skin.

"Oliver," she called out to him and he seemed to snap out of it.

He growled and got on his knees, hands gripping her hips. Unplugging the tub he let some of the water escape and cupped his hands to wash away some of the suds on her bottom, "I'm going to take care of you baby."

Her eyes followed him, body propped up on her elbows. Felicity felt exposed and hot all over, "Promise?"

Oliver's eyes met hers, "Promise."

She wiggled her hips a little and Oliver growled for her to stop. One hand on her hip he stopped the water and cleared off any suds from himself. Pulling her back and down a little he pressed his cock against her entrance. He had to make sure he was slick and soaked with her, so he could slide right in when he was ready.

Felicity's hands gripped the towel as Oliver's ran the length of his cock over her folds. She groaned and he smirked when he pressed inside just a little, mock thrusting against her. He wasn't ready yet but there was nothing wrong with teasing her. He continued to bump at her entrance, running down her slit to tap at her clit before starting again. The noises she made filled him with pride. The sounds echoing off the walls.

Curving her back Felicity got herself more comfortable and said, "Come on Oliver. You're ready."

He gripped her bottom, large hands opening her up to him. His eyes trailed down to her entrance where he pressed in the tip of his cock. If she would look back now she would see his hungry and heated eyes just taking it in, "You sure, baby? I can drag this out."

Felicity shook her head and used her grip to push back into him. She tipped her head forward when he slid a couple more inches into her and she shook in his arms, moaning out, "Oliver!"

His fingers dug into the sensitive skin of her bottom and pulled her onto him, his length disappearing into her hot insides. He was going to wait. Ground himself so he didn't come with the first thrust inside of her. He had been thinking about this all day after all. But she wasn't having any of that. Felicity was the one to make the first move, rolling her hips and shredding any grip on his control.

Pleasured whimpers left Felicity's mouth as he thrust into her, stroking her walls and pressing against every inch of her. The water splashed around their knees and their wet skin snapped against each other with every punishing thrust he bestowed upon her. She trembled and released her grip on the wide lip of the tub to trail a hand down her stomach and tease her clit.

He let her. Knowing that she was pleasuring herself and pushing herself towards her own orgasm, flooded his mind with thoughts of coming inside her tight walls. Gripping her skin and just rocking his hips until she tightened around him and he spilled inside of her. Oliver struggled to control himself as he ran after that thought and every sweet sound he could pull out of her.

Oliver pinned her down with his hands as he deepened his thrusts with no warning. Felicity groaned loudly and pressed herself desperately back into him, meeting each press of his hips with a turn of her own. Their hearts were hammering in their chests and they felt like they were on the cusp of a most memorable orgasm.

Neither had a choice in prolonging this inevitable moment when Oliver shuddered behind her and shifted quickly and sharply to spill inside of her. A rush of pleasure washed over Felicity and she followed right after, still shoving herself back into him and trying to milk him for all he was worth.

He used his grip on her to ground him as he threw his head back and panted, "Fuck...I…god Felicity."

Felicity's arms could no longer hold her up and she collapsed forward and against the towel, "Thank you bathtub decals."

When Oliver laughed and draped himself across her back, she met his searching mouth with hers. She breathed him in and groaned when he slipped out of her. She felt like her nerve endings were on fire and that she wanted Oliver as close to her as possible.

Oliver lazily licked into her mouth before teasing the side of her face with the tip of his nose and kissing her cheek, "We're most definitely doing that again."

There was a rapid vibrating coming from their clothes, interrupting their moment. Heaving a sigh, Felicity leaned down and sifted through the clothes with one hand. She fished it out and laughed at what she read, "Sara said she came around with food and knocked. When she heard me calling out your name she left the food. She said happy anniversary. How'd she know?"

Oliver laughed but shrugged. He settled back into the water and kept his hands on her hips, "She's very punctual, that one."

Felicity replied with a quick 'thank you' and dropped the phone back into the pile of clothes. She eased herself back into the water with Oliver's help, "That she is. I don't want to get out. Can we sit here for a while?"

Oliver pulled her back to his chest and filled the tub back up with warm water. Felicity poured some soap into the water and they sat there enjoying the warmth surrounding them, their hearts finally calming down to a soft lull. They were at peace here.

"Sorry for forgetting our anniversary," Felicity mumbled as she played with the bubbles slowly rising and covering her stomach and breasts.

Oliver nuzzled her neck and brought a pile of bubbles towards them, "You can make it up to me. Our other anniversary is coming around."

Felicity snuggled back into him, "The day we kissed?"

He spoke into her ear, "The day I told you I loved you."

"Ok, don't plan anything on that day," she said, leaning her head against his. A part of her understood that the moment she came into Oliver's life was one of panic and pain, and that's why she forgot. Another part of her felt like she should have kept that moment tucked into her mind. It was the day that had brought her to him. "Leave it to me," Felicity promised before leaning to the side and looking at him playfully, "Unless you planned something already?"

Oliver gave her an innocent smile.

"You did plan something!" she accused.

Oliver leaned down to kiss her, stealing her breath away before challenging her with, "Prove it."

Felicity huffed and turned away from him, settling back into him and saying, "I'll prove it and top whatever gift you've got planned."

Oliver snickered and they settled into a relaxing silence. When the tub was sufficiently filled they turned it off and played around with the bubbles and water; slapping around and splashing each other. At one point they even had beards made out of bubbles that ended up in laughter and making out like teenagers until they couldn't breath anymore.

They loved these moments of intimate leisure filled with opportunities to strengthen their love.

They ended up a tangle of limps with Felicity's back to his chest as she played with his fingers. Oliver couldn't help but saying, "You really are the best thing to have happened to me. You barged into my life and turned it upside down. You never gave up on me even when I was so…pig-headed and cold to you. Sometimes I wonder how you even did it."

"Because I have patience," she answered automatically, still playing with his fingers, "Also...I saw something in you. Even in the beginning when I wanted to kick your ass for being rude...there was something there."

"I'm sorry for that. For being that man."

"Don't be. I love that man. Warts and all. Plus you liked it."

He nipped at her shoulder and felt her jump a bit, "Liked what?"

Felicity laced their fingers together and settled them on her stomach. "Arguing with me," she answered smugly.

Oliver blushed but didn't deny it. Felicity arguing with him had done something to him from the start. Had drawn him in like a moth to a flame, "I did not."

Felicity argued back, "Did too." She liked the arguing too. Even in the beginning she had felt it. Arguing with Oliver was…exhilarating.

Oliver blew into the side of her neck on that spot she still liked and she burst into laughter, "Did not."

Felicity squeezed his thigh in retaliation and ground back into him. He just pushed up against her and mouthed at her shoulder. "So...do you want to head to Verdant later?" Felicity asked.

Oliver was surprised by her question. They hadn't been to Verdant in weeks. The last time had been just for show and partially to hang out with John, Sara and Roy in a non-work setting, "I thought you were tired."

"I am," Felicity said as she turned her body a little to look up and back at Oliver. His mouth chased her shoulder and she took his mouth into a teasing kiss, "I'm not going to drink either because I don't want to even risk messing with my stomach, but if we're going to go for the big hits of our relationship why don't we..."

"Get dressed and go out to people watch?" finished for her with a chuckle, "We haven't done that in a while. The first time was fun. Maybe we'll see that girl wearing the bandana for a shirt?"

Felicity grinned excitedly. She did remember that. She also remembered the way Oliver pressed against her, his body against the balcony. Maybe they could do that again, "Exactly. So...?"

Oliver's bubble covered hands came out of the water and tucked her hair behind her ears. His thumbs ran over her cheeks, streaking them with more bubbles. "Fine. We can do that after dinner. After this I'll get Sara to come around with the car. Maybe even invite the others for…" he said before pausing. He didn't know how to name what they would be doing besides, "…people watching."

Felicity chuckled and curled in on her side, resting her head on his shoulder. She felt loose limbed and happy here in his arms. A year ago she had run from her home, panicked and scared for her life, and took a chance with the Bratva Captain. She didn't know what she was getting into with the cold and hard man that she had first met. She was glad she took the chance.

"I love you."

He pressed her close, fingers trailing over the skin of her hips. One year ago a lonely and conflicted man, despite appearances, had met a woman who had bowled over him with her brashness and fire. They had made a deal that he initially thought would solve all his problems with the Triad, with Anatoly. He was happy that it didn't go as planned. That he had fallen head over heels for her a step at a time.

"I love you too."

Apparently Felicity hadn't just been feeling sick that day on their 'first meeting' anniversary. Or the days after. Throwing up three mornings in a row made Oliver panic in confusion and John chuck a bag of pregnancy tests at him. Everything had stopped when he looked at that bag. And God, Oliver had always expected a freak out of his own when he found out that he was having a child. But none of that happened. He]d walked up to the kneeling at the toilet Felicity, and had started peeling boxes open with a smile.

All twelve tests confirmed it. With a scream of surprise Felicity had beamed at him and told him that she was pregnant.

They weren't even married yet, the engagement only coming into question on the anniversary of the day they confessed their love to each other. But they went with it. Holding off their wedding until Felicity gave birth. It had been a whirlwind of months as Felicity grew bigger and Oliver more protective than ever. Felicity had mourned not fitting into her clothes and loved the way Oliver's wide hand slid over her curved belly. Oliver took to it in stride; taking care of Felicity even when she wanted to wring his neck because her emotions were everywhere. He loved that he, someone that he believed was so broken, so lost, had found someone to share his life with and make a brand new one.

When they had Samuel it was love at first sight.

With ten toes and ten fingers, blue eyes, and Felicity's dark head of hair, Samuel Queen came screaming into this world. He was a quiet boy surprisingly enough. Always watching. Always observing. Felicity loved her dear boy. Loved the way he lit up her days and watched her with rapt attention when she read to him. But most importantly, he was a daddy's boy. He stuck to Oliver like glue, searching for cuddles and kisses that Oliver was oh so willing to give to his son. He didn't want his son to grow up like he did so he put his all into being a father. He gave himself completely to it. And after his birth and his subsequent marriage to Felicity, he gave himself to being a family man.

Five years later they were still going strong. Samuel was growing in leaps and bounds, still a shy little thing. And the only thing that Felicity and Oliver argued about/worried about is who was stealing the sheets at night and if private school was better than public school. Their life was peaceful and they loved it.

Today found them in Samuel's room. Felicity was putting away 'Sammy's' mega puzzle, that they'd just done in record time because he had taken after his mommy, and Oliver was sitting next to a drowsy Sammy reading to him The Little Prince. At 5 years old he didn't understand most of what Oliver was telling him but he was enraptured by the fact that Oliver Queen, the big bad ex-Bratva Captain...did voices while reading. Even Felicity liked his reading and never bothered him about it; afraid that she would break the spell he cast with his 'voices'. He even used the voices the first time he'd read it to Felicity all those years ago.

With a yawn that was contagious, Sammy made grabby hands at Felicity aka 'mommy' and pulled her growing belly in for a multitude of kisses.

"Goodnight Thea," he mumbled into her nightgown before he wrapped himself around his favourite turtle and bear, courtesy of Grandma Donna and Raisa, and fell asleep seconds later. Felicity hummed in approval. Oliver's voice had a strange power of putting Sammy to sleep every night.

Oliver tucked him in and placed the book at his bedside table as Felicity brushed his forehead with a kiss and Oliver followed with one of his own. He loved this part of their daily routine. They left the room after they set up the nightlight, Oliver's hand on the curve of Felicity's hip as they returned to their room.

"I'm sleepy," Felicity grumbled as she took off her robe and handed it to Oliver. He threw it over a chair and helped her onto the bed.

"Well you would be," Oliver said. He helped her settle down before bringing the blankets up and around her. He knew she was tired but he loved seeing her like this, her skin glowing and her belly round with their daughter. Their little Thea. "I've never seen you run around so much."

Felicity patted her blankets and fluffed her pillow. "It was my last day before maternity leave," she answered. Her feet, back and ankles hurt but she wasn't going to leave her department without making sure that everything was set. She wanted to make sure her people were ok, "I had to make sure everything was alright."

"Your team will be alright. Barry and Caitlin are more than capable of taking care of things until you return," Oliver reasoned. He chucked his robe and came around the bed. He stood by the nightstand and started setting the alarm for tomorrow.

"But what about the..." Felicity began with a small pout. Her phone was across the room and there was no way she was getting out of bed now to get it. And knowing Oliver and his need to make her relax and be safe, he wouldn't get it for her. She loved this man.

Oliver threw a grin at her and threw another name at her, "Cisco will take care of it. Isn't that why you hired them? Best in their line of work?"

"Yes I guess. I just don't like being out of work."

"Well good thing you have your tablet and your phone all the way over there."

Felicity narrowed her eyes a little at Oliver before frowning when she realized something else about her maternity leave, "Yeah good thing."

Oliver set his phone down when he heard the sadness in her tone, "Hey what's wrong?"

"Sammy starts school soon," Felicity admitted when he slipped into bed with her.

Oliver could read her face. He said, "It's ok to miss him you know."

Felicity picked at her special blanket. Raisa was absolutely talented and wanted to make sure Felicity was warm during cold nights despite Oliver being like a furnace. "I know we just recently decided to send him to school with Tommy and Laurel's kid because those two are attached to the hip, and they have the best security on the West Coast but I...he's my baby. What if he falls? Or if he needs a cuddle because someone's been mean to him?"

Oliver soothed her head with warm hands and a gentle kiss, "Felicity, he'll be alright. First off, Caleb is a firecracker and would never let anything happen to Sammy. He's fierce like his mother. And Sara and Roy will be around."

"Can't believe those two volunteered to be Sammy's security," Felicity said briefly as Oliver's hand helped her turn to her side. Both knew that it was more comfortable for her as her pregnancy pushed along.

"That's what family does. Protects each other."

When she was snuggled up and comfortable with a pillow between her legs she asked, "How do you always know to say the perfect thing?"

Oliver pressed himself against her back, legs tucking in behind hers. He threw an arm around her and kissed her ticklish neck without hesitation. Felicity shook with laughter and he said, "Years of experience."

"Figured out how to tame the pregnant woman?"

"No. Can't tame you," Oliver teased. He tucked the blanket around himself and stole a bit of her pillow. By morning Felicity would have all the blankets anyway. That little blanket thief.

Felicity laughed and tucked her hand into the one around her waist and under the blankets. Closing her eyes she yawned, "I'm happy."

Oliver shared her yawn and asked, "What?"

"I'm happy," she repeated.

"Where'd that come from?"

Felicity shrugged, "I just wanted you to know. Here with you. With Sammy. With Raisa. With Diggle and Lyla. With Sara and Nyssa. With Roy and Mia. With mom and Quentin. I'm happy with our family."

Oliver swallowed a lump of emotion. Moments like this still caught him by surprise years later. And with Felicity's pregnancy she had become especially loving and sentimental. He loved it.

"Even if it didn't start out the best?"

"Especially because it started out like that. I wouldn't change a thing that led us to here. This moment."

He didn't know how to tell her that he loved every bit of their lives, even the ugly bits. Didn't know how to tell her that every day he thanked who ever was out there looking out for him, for bringing Felicity into his life. And despite how bumpy their start was and how hard things unfolded...he wouldn't change a thing. It had led to this moment.

Where he was happy.

Where she was happy.

Oliver's eyes lingered on the framed sonogram picture of their little girl sitting on the nightstand. He kissed her neck and replied with the one saying that had stuck with them through thick and thin, "Not now."

Felicity turned her head to him and grinned at him, sleepy eyes shining with love and recognizing his words for what they were; a promise to never let each other go, to fight for this for the rest of their lives. She pecked his lips quickly, "Not ever."

THE END

A/N: The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds *thank you The Notebook*.

Thank you for reading! We are going to miss doing this with you every Wednesday. Leave a little bit of love and let's share in the pain, love, and angst of tonight's episode of Arrow. May it have glad tidings of Olicity. Bucket loads!

An additional note for what's coming next for us. I, TheAlternativeSource, will be working on more smut over on my tumblr: feelingallsensual. I'll also be working on finishing my fics and seeing what I can whip up to get us through hellatus (send me ideas!). Poisonangelmuse will be working on a mega paper for her masters so wish her luck!

We're super excited and would love for you to join us over on twitter for updates and to keep up with what's going on with us and with you!

Thank you again and have a lovely day!

From your loving authors,

PoisonAngelMuse & TheAlternativeSource