"What are you wearing?"

He frowns, half confused half surprised. "Is that supposed to be dirty or flirting or something else?" he asks, because though the question is suggestive her tone isn't and she really doesn't seem like the kind of woman who would ask that on television.

She blushes and for once is glad he can't see her. "No! I mean it in a completely innocent way. I just want to get the feeling of who you are. I mean, of course I know who you are. At least I think I do. But knowing stuff like how someone dresses or how their home is like tells a lot about them too."

He looks down, "I'm wearing jeans and a plain maroon sweater."

"Shoes?"

"Sneakers. Though they look like boots. Not sure which they are to be honest."

"So comfort over fashion?"

"Definitely."

"Is it how you dress everyday?"

He shrugs and shakes his head at the same time, "I wear a suit to work but if I'm on my free time, then yes." He pauses for a second turning his voice very suggestive, "What are you wearing?"

She blushes again because his husky voice gives her chills she wasn't expecting when she started this conversation. "I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm wearing yoga pants and a pink sweater. Shoes off, purple socks. They are fluffy. And my hair is on a ponytail."

He smiles at her honesty. Most women he knows would never admit to wearing that. "Why would you think that look would be disappointing to me."

"Men like women who dress sexy. I'm comfort over fashion when I'm home or just hanging out. Though when I'm at work I prefer dresses or a skirt and a blouse."

"Shoes?" he repeats her earlier question but his voice remains suggestive.

She raises an eyebrow but holds a smirk, "Sometimes heels, sometimes flats. Depends on my mood. And I like colorful clothes. Like pink and purple and orange. Oh, and I wear glasses; not sure if I mentioned that."

"No, you haven't. You were right, it's nice to be able to picture you in a more accurate way."

"You seem to be very easy going. I like that."

"I like your vibe too, though I don't care too much about it. For all I know you could go back to your Goth phase and it would make no difference to me."

"That's nice to hear but I think I'm over that."

"I know we said appearances are not as important as everything else and that's why we're on the show after all but I can't wait to actually see you."

"Me neither," she whispers.

"You're very quiet today," he notices.

"Just thinking."

"Anything bothering."

She is quiet for a moment before starting what he could recognize would be a rant. "Okay, so, just to be clear, I don't talk about you nor do I ask about you to other women. But some of them like to talk; loudly; and brag. And apparently there are three other women I'm living with who believe they have a very strong connection with you and that you'll propose to them at any moment now. And they can't stop talking about how charming you are and- seductive would be a polite way to say it, I guess. But the guy they describe sounds like what you say is the old you, not the guy I've been talking to from day one. And usually I'd say it makes no sense and they are crazy, but there are three of them and one of me, so math says I'm the crazy one. Which makes me wonder what the hell is happening and how can three women be sure you'll propose to them when I thought we were still getting to know each other."

"Okay, so obviously there is something bothering you," he tries to joke because he can see he's in trouble and not sure how to get out of it.

"I'm not laughing," she tells him seriously.

He sighs. "I'm talking to three other women, yes. But it's different with you. I like you; really like you. You're different from every woman I ever met; you're absolutely amazing. I can be myself with you and even if you don't always like what I have to say you're always there for me." He pauses, "These other women… they are very much like the women I used to date when I was younger. I know exactly what they want me to say and how they want me to act. And it's very easy to impress them. To be honest I don't want to propose to any of them even though I'm pretty sure all of them would say yes. But the thing is… of all four women I'm talking to, you're the only one I want to be with but you're also the only one I have no idea if would say 'yes'."

Felicity definitely isn't expecting that and she has to take a moment before questioning, "So, you're stringing along three women because you want to have a backup plan? Do you think they want to be someone's second choice? I mean, it's disrespectful. Okay, so maybe a couple of them wouldn't mind all that much, but I really believe one of them would be offended."

"No, that's not it. I mean, yes, it is. Maybe it is." He stops and closed his eyes, rubbing his face, "I just wonder if these women- they are like the women I used to date, and I wonder if they are the only kind of women that will ever want me. Because it feels like I'm your second choice. I know you've been talking to Ray." He pauses, contrite to admit, "And Ray is the smart guy who has all these things in common with you while I don't get what you say when you start rambling about technology or sci-fi or whatever… Sometimes I don't even know what subject you're talking about."

She purses her lips and crosses her arms, "That's not an excuse."

He sighs, "Maybe it's not a good excuse but it's the truth. You know I care about you and you know I'm talking to three other women I don't care about. And I know you care about me but you're also talking to another guy who you care about and has a lot more in common with than me. No matter the number of women I'm talking to I'm in a worse position than you."

"It's not a competition-" she tries and he interrupts her.

"But it is!" he argues. "Ray and I want you and you'll chose just one of us; it's simple as that. And I feel like I'm not in the lead." He sighs in defeat and she can hear the sadness in his voice, "The way he talks about you and about your time together; it sounds like you two have a strong connection. And I wonder if you're talking to me just because you want to see what else is out there or maybe because you're not ready to say 'yes' to him or something like that. And I wonder if tomorrow you'll cut me out of your list."

"I didn't know you felt like that."

He closes his eyes and falls back on the couch, "Well, now you do."

She says quietly, just loud enough so he can hear, "I'm not stringing you along, Oliver. I'd never do that. But I'm not stringing Ray along either. Yes, you two are very different. And I like you both but in a very different way. And of course I feel a stronger connection to one of you but until I'm completely sure that that's the person I'm willing to spend the rest of my life with I won't cut the other one out."

"I suppose you won't tell me who you feel a stronger connection with."

"I don't think it would be fair to the other. At least not right now."

"So, I'm supposed to cut out all the women I'm not interested in and only talk to you when I have no idea where your mind is at."

"No, of course not. You're supposed to do what you want; whatever it is. This show puts us in a once in a life time position and you should take advantage of that. Maybe you actually like one of these other women and if that's the case then there is nothing I can do. No matter how I feel about you. You have to do what is right for you; just like I'm doing what I feel is right for me."

"Hey."

"Hey."

"So, how are you doing?"

He sighs in a tired tone, "Good. I got a good run this morning."

"That's nice," she pauses but he can feel she is jittery. "Are you going to break up with me?" she suddenly asks and he frowns at the blue screen in front of him.

"What are you talking about?"

"Today. Are you going to tell me now that you think it's better we don't talk anymore?"

"Where did that come from?"

"Well, are you?" she insists anxiously, ignoring his question.

"No, I'm not. Now can you tell me where that came from?"

"During lunch Chris and Natalie were unconsolable because apparently you've told them you had no interest in them anymore. So, of course Ashley was over the moon because she was sure you'd propose to her."

"I've just talked to Ashley; next time you see her she'll be unconsolable, too. And probably very pissed off. She didn't take it very well."

"So now you're not talking to anyone?" she confirms.

"I'm talking to you," he points out.

She rolls her eyes, "You know what I mean."

"Yes, I'm just talking to you."

"Please, don't propose," she blurts out and then covers her mouth with a hand.

He scoffs, "Just what a guy wants to hear."

"I'm not saying ever! I just meant today. I mean, we're gonna continue talking; we still have time."

"Do we?"

"Yeah, we do. At least we do if it's up to me," she pauses. "I know I'm probably not reacting the way you wanted me to but- I'm doing my best. You have to believe me. And I do care about you; you know that. Just- don't give up on me because I haven't given up on you."

He throws back his head exasperated, "As if I have any choice."

"Hi," she sniffs and he instantly becomes worried.

"Felicity, are you crying?"

"Yeah, sorry. I just-" she starts but doesn't continue.

"What is wrong?"

"Ray," she says, and the word ices his heart.

That is it. She is crying because she has chosen Ray and now she is going to break up with him. Even if they aren't actually dating.

The silence is heavy but he refuses to break it. He just sits on the couch and waits for her with clenched fists and a tightened heart.

She swallows, sniffs again and clears her throat. "I just talked to Ray. I told him I couldn't keep talking to him. That I was in love with you and to keep talking to him wasn't fair to any of us. He- he was brokenhearted. He asked-" she cries harder. "I care about him, I didn't want to hurt him. I never meant to do that."

"Felicity, did you just say you're in love with me?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"Okay, I understand you're sad about Ray and everything but I really need you to clear it up: you told Ray that you're in love with me and that you don't want to talk to him anymore? We're talking only to each other?"

"Yes and yes."

He starts laughing loudly, "I'm sorry, I know you're sad but these are great new to me. I'm over the moon. I just need a moment to bask in it before I can be there for you."

They remain quiet for a few minutes as he throws punches on the air with a huge grin on his face as she sniffs every few seconds brushing tears from her face.

Finally he sits in front of the blue screen and says in a soft tone, "I'm sorry this was hard for you. But we all came to this show knowing we could get our heart broken. Of course he cared about you; you're amazing. But I'm glad you feel the same way I do."

"Me too. It's just that I really like him, you know? He's an amazing guy and I'd like to be his friend. But I don't think he'd be up for that and I completely understand it. I hurt him and maybe he feels I strung him along even though I didn't; or at least I didn't mean to." She sighs, "I just feel sad and guilty and like I lost a friend, which completely sucks."

"Ray is a good guy," Oliver admits against his will, "I think if you give him some time he'll be able to get over it and be friends with you."

"And you'd be okay with that? I mean, not in a 'would you allow' it, obviously. But in a 'you wouldn't be jealous and annoying?' kind of way."

He chuckles, "I'll most definitely be jealous. Specially once you meet him face to face. But I trust you and I think it'd make you happy so I'll just have some very tiring work out sessions."

She smiles at the blue screen, "I'm glad you see things that way."

"So, now that we're officially talking to each other exclusively, is there anything you want to know or say?" he asks.

"Uhm… yeah. I know we're talking just to each other and I'm really happy about that. But the show's next step is marriage and I don't know how you feel about that. I mean, do you really want to get married during the show? Or maybe we should date for a while once the show is over before deciding on something that important?"

He frowns, "What is your take on that?"

She rolls her eyes, "I asked you first."

"Yeah, but you obviously have been thinking about it and has doubts about marriage or me. Do you feel getting married now would be too soon? Do you need more time?"

She sighs, "I don't know."

"What's worrying you?"

She rubs her face looking down and bites her lip, "There's so much we don't know about each other. Don't get me wrong, I know we've talked about serious and important stuff and I know you've been open to me but-"

"But I've cheated on my one serious girlfriend with her sister? And obviously have a very screwed up personal life?"

"Well, I wouldn't put it that way, but-" she pauses for an instant. "And I know it's ridiculous because my life is probably just as screwed up if not more. And maybe that's the reason I'm scared. I just-" she sighs, "I just want to be sure."

He walks around the room and runs a hand through his hair anxiously. "But there is no way to be sure," he completes her thought.

"Yeah," she agrees. "I know it's stupid and irrational. And I'm not saying I'm opposed to marrying you. But I still feel insecure. And it's not just that; I wonder if you really know what you're getting yourself into. You haven't seen me, you don't know if you'll feel attracted to me or like me or be ashamed of me the first time I say something completely inappropriate to your mother. Which I can assure you would happen."

He takes a deep breath and rests his hand on the back of the couch, looking at the wall that separates them, "I'm here because I want to find the right person for me, someone I love; and that's you. I know it's scary; I'm scared too. Not because I'm unsure but because it's happening so fast and after everything I've been through it feel like it's too good to be true and that I don't deserve it." He looks down, "But I can understand how you feel and if you don't want to get married now it's fine by me. We can date for as long as you want; screw the show. All I care about is you."

She pulls the oversized sweatshirt she's wearing closer to her, "So, you're saying you're ready to marry me in a month. Even though you don't know how I look like and haven't seen me embarrass myself in front of other people- or you?"

"Yup. That's exactly what I'm saying."

"Even though right now I'm wearing a sweatshirt three times my size, yoga pants and pink socks, with my hair in a messy ponytail?"

He laughs, "I think that's very sexy. It it a Dr Who sweatshirt?"

She rolls her eyes at his teasing tone. "No, it's a Captain America one."

"Do I have more competition?"

She chuckles, "You're fine. I'm pretty sure I'm not Steven Rogers nor Chris Evans type."

He shrugs, "Their loss; my gain."

She shakes her head at the wall with a smile, "You're such a dork." She pauses and bites her lip again, "Will I have a lot of competition once we leave the show? You made it sound like you had your pick of women. And I know for a fact you could have chosen anyone you wanted in the show."

"I'll release an announcement saying I'm taken, if you want."

She laughs loudly and he realizes she believes he is joking and that the idea is ridiculous. He joins her laughter when he remembers people in general don't make that kind of announcement. "Seriously, though, I think everyone will know I'm off the market once the show airs. And I'm not interested in any other woman anyway."

"Very good answer."

"You know, you still haven't answered if you'd consider marrying me during the show. I know you said you're not sure about some things but once we meet face to face we'll still have some time to get to know each other better. Don't get me wrong, I mean it when I say I can wait and we can date for as long as you want. I'm just wondering if you'd consider marrying me in a month or so. Knowing me the way you do now."

"Yes," she says quickly and blushes, thankful he can't see it. "I mean, based on the 'you' I know right now, yes, I'd marry you in less than a month."

"That's all that matters."

"I feel like… you're my person," he finally states as if he is just realizing it. When Felicity remains quiet for too long he becomes too anxious not to ask, "Say something."

"Will you marry me?" she asks but as soon as she does she shakes her head and continues, "Shit! Guys are supposed to propose in this show, right? Okay, so I take it back. Pretend I didn't do that. They'll probably edit it anyway. So, I didn't just do that and my answer to what you said is…" she sighs, "I feel like you're my person, too."

Oliver grins so hard it hurts, "Felicity?"

She makes a face looking at the wall that separated them, afraid she might have scared him a little too much, "Yeah?"

"You're my person. Will you marry me?"

"Shit! Are you serious?"

He chuckles loudly, "Of course I am."

"Okay. Yeah! I'll marry you!"

"So, tomorrow we'll meet in person," she says with a tremor in her voice.

"Yes. Are you nervous?"

"Oh, you have no idea!"

He chuckles, "Why? You know I'm in love with you."

She feels a shiver run through her body with those words. "So that means you're not nervous?"

He laughs, "Oh, no! I'm terrified."

She laughs back and repeats his words, "Why? You know I'm in love with you."

He sighs deeply and she can sense he's turning serious, "There are still a lot of things you don't know about me and some of them you'll learn tomorrow."

She frowns not quite understanding, "Is it about the scars? Because I've told you, I don't care about that."

He smiles at her answer, his heart soaring. "No, it's not about that. At least not just about that." He runs a hand down his face and sighs, "Everything will be okay. Just meeting face to face won't change what we've built here. Right?" he asks anxiously.

"Right," she assures him. "Oliver, the way I know you and you know me and the way I feel about you- There is no way that meeting face to face can change that."

"Okay. Good. You're right," he agrees but then adds quietly, "At least I hope you're right."

When the doors open and she looks across the aisle she can't help herself but cover her mouth, "Shit! You're Oliver Queen!"

He keeps walking towards her, knowing for some time now that this reaction was quite a possibility, "Yeah, I hoped it'd take a little longer for you to realize that."

She starts shaking her head as she walks towards him, "It's just… damn! I know about you and it just doesn't fit with everything… Ohhhh… Okay! Now I get what you were going on about in our conversations! So much stuff makes sense now!"

He finally reaches her and wraps his arms around her, "So, is it still a 'yes'?" he questions looking deep into her eyes.

She laughs happily, "Of course! It's still you, right?"

"Yeah, it's still me. It's still us."

The end.