More Than Anyone

Read on AO3 or FF.net.

 Shoving another pile of pamphlets into her tote bag, Felicity continued to peruse the job fair. The best tech companies from around the world had come to recruit the new graduating class of MIT. It was as exciting as it was overwhelming. So many possible paths lay before her. Felicity had talked to countless recruiters today about the cutting-edge tech they were working on and how she could be a part of it. The few recruiters who seemed to pay more attention to her male classmates and treated her like an afterthought were already crossed off her list. It was hard enough to make it in the tech world as a woman without a company already telegraphing she would be a second-class citizen from the very beginning.

 Felicity's steps slowed when she passed by the Queen Consolidated booth for the third time. She'd noticed it as soon as she'd entered the large hall—and it wasn't just because of the massive sign and setup. One of the displays featured a portrait of the Queen family. It was silly, but Felicity swore she felt Oliver's brilliant blue eyes following her the entire time. The heavy ache that resided in her heart every day expanded, nearly stealing her breath. God, she still missed Oliver so much. If he could see her now, he probably wouldn't recognize her with the blond hair and glasses.

 There'd been no breaks in the case since the Gambit disappeared. No new clues or evidence that the Queens were still alive. The world had accepted the tragedy and moved on. Felicity wished it were that simple for her. The lack of evidence didn't discourage her. If anything, it fueled her desire to keep searching. Mysteries were meant to be solved; and as along as Oliver's whereabouts remained a mystery, she had hope that maybe, just maybe, he would return to her someday.

 Despite all of the great pitches she'd listened to, none of the prospects each company had to offer seemed like enough. None could satisfy her need for answers and the desire to do something big and important with her life. If Felicity returned to Starling City jobless, she knew her mother and Malcolm would yet again try to convince her to work at Merlyn Global. Walter Steele, now CEO of QC, was also in the process of recruiting her. As much as Felicity admired him and the company, she didn't know if she could handle working there long-term. While it would make her feel closer to Oliver, she feared it would put her in an even deeper emotional rut. Though her heart would always remain with Oliver, she had to at least try to move forward...

Excerpt:

With a straight face and stiff posture, Al Sah-him sat through what felt like the longest meal of his life. If not for Ra's order, he would've skipped the meeting altogether. He'd much rather have supper in his bedroom with Felicity, relaxing after yet another stressful day of keeping up appearances. It seemed like all they'd been doing since their return was putting on a show for Ra's and the League. In the wake of H.I.V.E.'s demise, though, he could not refute a summons from the Demon's Head when he wanted to talk strategy.

Whenever an advisor would address a question to Al Sah-him, Ra's would zero in on him. The older man studied him closely, searching for any cracks in his hard facade. The truth was Ra's had been observing him for a long time now. There had been countless tests of loyalty and endurance over the years. Each one more rigorous and complicated than the last to prove his worthiness to ascend to Ra's al Ghul. Al Sah-him had accepted each of them without hesitation. Most of the time he excelled. The times he didn't, he pushed himself that much harder. Failure was not an option for Warith al Ghul. Failure was weakness, and weakness would not be tolerated—especially when so many others were eager to take his place. Ra's right-hand man wasn't just an heir and ally, he was also a weapon. Wherever Ra's wielded him, Al Sah-him would have to strike true—and he did. The years' worth of markings burned, inked, and cut into his body proved it.

Al Sah-him had taken pride in the role, especially as a young boy coming of age. After losing everything—his family, his home, and even his identity—he felt like a sense of control had been given back to him. The League taught him not just how to fight, but how to survive. When the unthinkable happened, Al Sah-him didn't rely on luck. He relied on his own skill and ingenuity to see him through. He would never be that helpless little boy drifting in a raft again. And he hadn't been, until Shado was taken from him. Her death had been an enemy he could not see and did not expect. All the power and skill he'd amassed as Warith al Ghul had meant nothing, because he wasn't there to save her.

Never again, he'd vowed...

Excerpt:

Felicity didn't say much in the van on the way home from Queen Consolidated, and Dig had taken notice. He kept shooting not-so-subtle glances in her direction, the hint of a concerned frown starting to form on his face. Felicity couldn't meet his eyes. She could barely listen as Lyla and Nyssa discussed the evidence they'd gotten while investigating the crime scene. All she could focus on was the name on that plaque and its shocking connection to her husband. Oliver was actually Oliver Queen, the last surviving heir to one of the world's most powerful families and a multi-billion-dollar corporation. It was absolutely unreal.

When Lyla finally turned to the blonde, it took a gentle nudge from Nyssa before Felicity paid attention. "Uh, sorry. What were you saying?" she replied.

"I was just saying that we'd like for you to come back to A.R.G.U.S. headquarters with us. You can work on the data you pulled from QC there." In case Felicity and Nyssa needed more convincing, Lyla quickly added, "It's the safest location, and our network has the computing power you'll need to track down Merlyn."

Felicity automatically looked to Nyssa, who nodded her head in agreement. "Yes, we'll go to A.R.G.U.S."

"Actually, we meant just you, Felicity," Dig spoke up. He then addressed Nyssa, "Being League of Assassins, we can't actually let you inside A.R.G.U.S. It's a security risk. You understand."

"It is my duty to protect Abad-eshams during this alliance. You must understand that wherever she goes, I go," the brunette replied in challenge.

Felicity assured her, "Nyssa, it's okay. Dig and Lyla would never let anything happen to me."

"I do not believe they would cause you harm," she muttered low enough for only Felicity to hear. "I do, however, have concerns about them returning you to us. Al Sah-him needs to know where you are at all times. He would not approve."

"Yes, well, there are quite a few things I need to know about him and don't approve of," Felicity bit back, her voice unintentionally rising at the end...

Summary: 

Rumor has it that Queen Consolidated CEO Oliver Queen is having a steamy affair with his new executive assistant, Felicity Smoak. Set in Season 2, this collection of key moments told through outsiders' points of view chronicles how the office gossip of Oliver and Felicity's "relationship" began and spread throughout the company like wildfire.

Excerpt:

The crisp breeze drifting off the bay was a welcome relief against Oliver's burning skin. Though it was only the first week in September, there was a chill in the air that hadn't been there before. Summer was fading out as fall crept in. Oliver rubbed his hands together to release some of the extra tension. Meanwhile, his eyes darted between the yacht being prepped for departure and the busy street beyond the dock.

 A few times his mother had watched him from above deck and called for him to come aboard. Oliver had declined and made a show of helping his dad and the crew. It was better to keep himself busy than to pace back and forth—kind of like he was doing now. Felicity would be arriving soon to join them on their voyage to China. She'd never been on a yacht before or to Asia, and he was excited to share these new experiences with her. But mostly, he couldn't wait to come clean to his parents and finally introduce Felicity as his girlfriend.

 He was nervous, too. His parents, like everyone else, had always assumed that he and Laurel would end up together. Oliver worried they wouldn't see that what he had with Felicity was the real deal. He wanted so badly for his parents and Felicity to get along on this trip. His father was already a fan but as Oliver sneaked peeks of his mother's rather serious expression up on deck, he wasn't exactly sure how she'd take the news. However she reacted, he would just have to make it clear that he loved Felicity and emphasize the positive impact she'd had on him these last few months and would have on him in their future.

 Checking his watch, Oliver let out a labored sigh. Felicity must be running late; she was supposed to meet him five minutes ago. His father said they'd be ready to cast off soon, and Oliver wasn't sure how long he could stall. Should he come right out and say that he was waiting for his girlfriend? Or should he keep it vague and say it was a friend? He'd hoped to get Felicity onboard and settled in first before they sat down to tell his parents.

 Crossing his arms, Oliver felt like he might come out of his skin if Felicity didn't show soon. Then, finally, a taxi pulled up and parked along the street. A smile tugged at his lips until he realized the brunette who arrived wasn't the one he'd been expecting.

Laurel, his mind supplied. What the hell is she doing here?

Excerpt:

After slipping on her heels, Felicity stood from the bed and walked over to the dresser to pick out her jewelry for the evening. She still couldn't believe that not only were she and Oliver in Starling City, but that they were also going on a date. They'd had date nights in Nanda Parbat, but this one felt completely different. They wouldn't be in a compound filled with servants waiting on them hand and foot or assassins watching their every move. This was the real world, which meant tonight she and Oliver would be in a normal restaurant surrounded by ordinary people. No one would care who or what they were. For once, she and her husband could be free.

Felicity took one last glance in the mirror to check her outfit. She shifted from foot to foot as the nervous knots battled the excited butterflies in her stomach. She hoped their date went well. So much of her heart and mind were riding on tonight—not that she could tell Oliver that now. Felicity worried that telling him her fear of their relationship not working outside of Nanda Parbat would hurt his feelings or put unnecessary pressure on him. She wanted Oliver to be himself—no matter who that was here.

The door downstairs opened, and Oliver called out to her. She'd kicked him out of the apartment hours ago—sending him to spend time with Tommy—so she could get ready. Sara had offered to help her, but Felicity assured her she had it handled. It was a relief to dress herself and do her own makeup. Not that she didn't appreciate what her servants did for her back in Nanda Parbat, but she'd always been independent. Having people wait on her so often made her feel like a spoiled diva most of the time.

"Shamsi," Oliver called again. "Are you almost ready? You said the reservation is for seven, and we don't want to get caught in traffic and be late—wherever it is we're going."

"I'm coming." She reached for her small purse and mumbled to her reflection, "You got this."

Taking a deep, calming breath, Felicity went to join Oliver. The moment she came into view at the top of the stairs, she felt his eyes on her. His burning, intense gaze followed her the entire way down. Felicity was grateful for the railing, because she most definitely would've lost her balance if she didn't have it to grip. Her legs felt like jelly even as her cheeks flamed.

Oliver wore a dark gray suit with a sky-blue tie that matched his brilliant bright eyes. The suit accentuated the broadness of his shoulders and the strong, natural grace of his posture. Even his scruff, which he'd trimmed, looked sexier and more sophisticated.

Felicity swallowed hard. How the hell did he manage to look even more handsome than he already was? And how the hell was she going to sit across from him at dinner and try to carry a normal conversation without fantasizing about jumping his bones? Hell, would they even be able to make it out of the loft in one piece? Her husband already wanted to devour her if the dark, voracious look in his eyes was any indication.

Oliver met her at the bottom of the stairs, and they silently stared at each other. He examined her top to bottom, openly taking in her bare shoulders, low neckline, and the triangular cut-out just beneath her breasts baring part of her torso. He lingered on her legs before looking back up and honing in on herpink lips.

"Hi," she whispered.

"Hi." His voice was just as low and thick. "You look…" Another quick glance. "Gorgeous."

It was physically impossible for Oliver to take his eyes off of his family. Felicity lay wrapped up in his embrace with her golden curls splayed out across the pillow. Resting on her chest was Connor, also sound asleep. There had been a terrible rainstorm last night. Thunder had cracked the sky and the wind had howled. Connor had cried nonstop, obviously frightened by the chaos outside.

Since it was unlikely he'd fall back asleep on his own, Felicity had brought the baby into Oliver's—now their—bedroom. Connor rested with his head over Felicity's heart and cradled under Oliver's arm, completely nestled between their chests. She'd hummed a familiar lullaby to drown out the storm while Oliver rubbed his back. Eventually, Connor's crying had tapered off. The storm continued to rage outside, but he'd calmed in their warm, protective little cocoon.

A part of Oliver was almost convinced he was still dreaming. He'd certainly never thought he'd ever get to have precious moments like this. His fingers absently wandered into Felicity's hair, and he stroked the silky strands while he counted the adorable little freckles on her nose. His lips followed, pressing the softest of kisses against her beautiful skin.

A moment later, when he'd lightly kissed her eyelids, she let out a small sigh. She shifted ever so slightly in his arms, and he knew she was awake. Felicity lifted her chin, and Oliver took the silent invitation to kiss her lips. He free hand traveled up his arm, her touch giving him goose bumps as their mouths moved in perfect synchronicity.

"Good morning," he murmured, pulling away just enough to gaze into her dazzling blue eyes.

"Morning," she greeted in an adorably groggy voice before checking on Connor. She pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "You'd think we were the ones who kept him up most of the night."

Chuckling quietly and rubbing soft circles into his son's tiny back, Oliver replied, "Can't blame him for sleeping in. He's laying on the best pillow ever."

Felicity hummed at the compliment. "Well, he's also got the best blanket. You're always so warm at night." She pushed her feet between his legs.

"Damn, how is it your toes are always so cold?" Despite the shock of her chilly limbs, he locked his legs over her feet to give her some of his heat.

"Lucky for me, I have my favorite human space heater back," she teased and pecked his lips. "Let's just stay like this all day."

"You read my mind," he mumbled. "Although eventually we will have to get up if we're gonna be ready on time."

"Yeah," Felicity sighed as a crinkle formed between her brows.

Oliver knowingly asked, "Are you nervous?"

Excerpt:

Sitting on the couch, Felicity lay against Oliver's chest and snuggled up in his strong embrace. They'd both had a long day at the office and had been looking forward to returning to the loft and enjoying a relaxing evening together. With Tommy out to dinner, they were able to order pizza and pop in a movie. Oliver wanted to watch Top Gun. It didn't matter that much to Felicity; she was merely content to be in his arms.

 She sighed when Oliver's hand started playing with the strands of hair in her ponytail. Every now and then he'd also drop a tender kiss on the top of her head. Felicity was so comfortable that she eventually began to doze off. That was until Oliver's cell phone rang, jolting her awake.

"Sorry," he muttered and leaned forward to grab it off of the coffee table. "It's my mom."

 Felicity immediately tensed. The Queen matriarch still made her nervous. Every encounter they'd ever had had been cold and tense.

"Hey, Mom, what's up?" Oliver greeted. Within seconds, he was alert and moved to stand. "What? Is she okay? Do you need me at the hospital?"

 Felicity moved to pause the movie and stand, too, but Oliver held out his hand to halt her. He motioned to the balcony and went outside to continue his conversation. Felicity huffed in frustration. She didn't care about the movie. She wanted to know what was going on. It must've been Thea in the hospital. That was the only person who would put both Oliver and his mother in a tizzy.

 She stood and started pacing in the living room. If the situation probably wasn't so serious, she might've laughed at the fact that Oliver was doing the same on the balcony as he listened to what Moira had to say. The more time they spent together, Felicity noticed, the more they seemed to mimic each other's mannerisms. Watching Oliver carefully, he didn't look as concerned anymore. His scrunched up brow showed his confusion and maybe even a little exasperation.

 Now what was Moira telling him?

 Felicity swore she was about to wear a hole into the floor when Oliver finally got off of the phone. She immediately joined him on the balcony. "What's going on? Is Thea okay?"

"How did you know?"

"It's not that hard to put the pieces together."