#aubs writes

It's definitely not, but she doesn't know how he picked up the habit so soon, the habit she's been trying to break Oliver of for years. So now there are two men in her life that can't seem to fall asleep without their hand finding its way into their pants, but Felicity will be damned if she lets this stick for Tommy.

She starts gently pushing it away every time it gravitates toward his diaper while he's nursing, but somehow, between the time she lays him down and when she gets to her room to peek at him on the monitor, that right hand has managed to get tucked into the waistband of his pants.

So Felicity waits. She waits, and watches until the little boy drifts to sleep, and then she gently pulls his hand back out after setting him in his crib. It takes some arm twisting, but she finally convinces Oliver to do it at nap time too until finally, finally, the habit is broken. Until it isn't.

Her 1 o'clock had cancelled so she'd decided to take a long lunch and surprise her boys. However the surprise was on her when she walked into a silent house.

Dropping her bag by the door and kicking off her shoes (in her designated bin, as per Oliver's latest organization spree) she moved quietly down the hallway until the sound of soft snores reached her ears.

Rounding the corner into the living room she sees the menu screen of Finding Nemo on the tv and two sleeping bodies on the couch. They're sprawled in exactly the same way, left arm thrown out and right hand tucked into their pants.

Felicity tries to muster some frustration at the recurrence of the habit she'd worked so hard to break, but in the end she can't hold back the smile that creeps onto her face.

It happened on a Wednesday. Oliver was coming off a particularly bad one night stand that just would not leave. He’d tried all his usual excuses and finally had to pull out the big guns and let Arsenal out of the guest bedroom to come growl the woman out the door. This meant they were a bit behind on their morning run and he had a little extra frustration to work out, so he’d kicked things up a notch and was pressing for higher speed than usual. Not that the dog seemed to mind, considering he was still keeping the leash tight, coming as close to pulling Oliver as his training would allow.

They were in their first mile and getting back into their groove when Oliver felt his arm suddenly jerked all the way behind him, damn near causing him to fall on his ass. He turned around to curse at the damn dog for stopping so quickly when he saw something that shocked him to his core. Arsenal, the dog that doesn’t like anyone save Oliver, but especially women, the dog that only last month finally stopped growling at Thea when she came to visit, that dog had come to a screeching halt right next to a woman sitting on the patio of the coffee shop they’d been passing. And as Oliver was about to give the leash a tug and move them on their way, Arsenal leaned closer and placed his head in the woman’s lap, startling her into knocking over her coffee.

He was stepping closer, ready to chastise the mutt, when the woman laughed and brought a hand down to pat her surprising visitor on the head. Her voice came out a bit loud, probably due to the headphones in her ears, as she scratched Arsenal and gushed, “Well, hello there! Where did you come from, Cutie?”

He watched as her eyes followed the line of the leash, felt them hit his skin when they reached his arm and travelled up the length until they reached his face. And then he felt the air leave his lungs as soon as her face, and the most gorgeous smile he’d ever seen, was in full view.

What a crappy start to a day. Her alarm hadn’t woken her due to the earplugs she’d had to put in when her roommate decided to have the loudest sex ever last night- Who brings someone home on a tuesday? And she couldn’t find the sandals she wanted to wear- probably in said roommate's room, borrowed without permission, again! So she was running later than usual to get to the coffee shop and grab her table for the morning. Not only was it gone, but all the other tables inside had been snatched up. After checking the weather app on her phone and seeing she’d be okay for the next couple hours, she ordered her regular latte (with an extra shot or two) and grabbed a table outside, pulling out her laptop and popping in her headphones.

She quickly dove deep into the code for a new client’s website, easily working out a few glitches so the comment section would operate properly while already mentally mapping out her next project. She had several other minor issues to work out for people today before she could begin the web designs for the bar opening downtown and could feel the tension creep into her shoulders at the seemingly unending to-do list.

After stretching her neck and rolling her shoulders, she took a quick gulp of her cooling latte and opened up the next item on her list. But before she could get absorbed back into code she felt something heavy fall into her lap and her hands flew off the keyboard, the right catching her coffee and sending it tipping off the table.

She glanced down to find black fur, slobber, and dark brown eyes that were staring pitifully up at her. Her surprise quickly faded and she couldn't help her  laugh as she reached down to pat her visitor before scratching behind his ears. Her head tilts and her voice automatically  pitches up as she greets her new friend, “Well, hello there! Where did you come from, Cutie?” and when the dog lifts its head slightly, she recognizes him. It’s the dog that runs past here every morning, both he and his owner looking like men on a mission, but the dog drooling on her skirt looks nothing like the fierce animal she’s seen before. And speaking of fierce- her eyes travel up the leash, over the tanned arm attached to it and up to stare into the face of the Adonis she’s drooled over many a morning.

The Adonis who is staring down at her with his mouth gaping and one eyebrow quirked, and she runs a mental check over her ensemble before realizing her earbuds are still in. She yanks them out and smiles once more. “It looks like your dog isn’t feeling like running today.”

The man gives a shake of his head and smirks slightly, “Well I can’t really blame him. We had a late night and that lap looks cozy.”

She sees his eyes widen a bit, and let’s him off the hook for that terrible line by giving the chair across the table from her a light kick and throwing out one of her own. “Well the lap is spoken for, but this chair is open.”

Slightly surprised at herself, and not really expecting him to take her up on the offer, her eyes widen in surprise when he slips the leash from his wrist and hands it to her. “That sounds great actually. Why don’t you watch him and I’ll grab you a new drink first, since my mutt spilled yours?”

As he walks off, Felicity wraps the leash around her chair before reaching up with one hand to save her work and close the computer. She’s deep in a one-sided conversation and making herself chuckle when the man makes his way back with their drinks. “Well you do look tired! What kept you up so late? Partying hard with the neighborhood bitches?"

"He's not usually one for parties. Definitely not one for bitches, especially of the human variety." His voice is low and right next to her ear as he reaches around to place her coffee on the table, "So you must have passed inspection."

She looks up at him with a smirk, "I'm honored, truly."

"I'm Oliver Queen. And the honor is all ours."

Placing her hand in his surprisingly gentle hold, she murmurs, "Felicity Smoak." Then, removing her hand from his grasp, she gestures to the dog now snoring softly in her lap and then the still open chair, "The seat's still yours if you want it, Oliver. I don't think the big guy is moving for a while."

They talk only briefly before Oliver's watch beeps reminding him he should be finishing his run and getting ready for the rest of his busy day and though he's tempted to stay, he sighs and moves to stand.

Arsenal lets out a low whine when the leash tugs as it's transferred back to Oliver's hand. “I’ve never seen him take to anyone so quickly! Do I need to be concerned about him going home with you?”

Looking down at the dark puppy eyes and feeling herself frown a bit, she shakes her head quickly. “Oh, I wish. But I have roommates and a pet free lease, so I suppose I’ll just stick to admiring him from afar.”

“Well hopefully not too far. Have dinner with us tonight?” His smile is more earnest than smarmy this time and she's tempted, but still can't quite believe this is all happening to her.

“I don’t want to read too much into this, but are you asking me out on a date? Because your dog likes me?”

He pats Arsenal on the head, "Sure, let's go with that. I’m willing to trust him on this one. So 6:30? We can find a place that serves dogs too if you’d rather dine with him.”

It's the final wink he throws in that makes her giggle and agree as she writes her cell phone number down for him. "Sure, why not? Just text me where to meet you guys."

He tucks the slip of paper intone pocket of his shorts and gives a final nod before he and Arsenal start running back the way they came. And yep, she's drooling right on schedule.

Special thanks to simplyfragile for the title and sharingmyworld for doctoring up a picture for me!

Taglist of beautiful, beautiful people: cityofolicity bookolicitynessa u-r-notdonefighting olicity4ever01 babblingblondegenius olicityalamode jaspertown smoakingenius skcolicity lieutenantsmoak andjustforthismoment bowsmoakandarrow gosmileattheworld agentsassydirewolf sailorslayer3641 onlyhere4olicity comegetyourloveredbone bluebook mrsd923 scu11y22 dreamingolicity @jelizabethl fullychippedcreation jedichick04 @525600fandoms525600ships arrow-through-my-writers-block sabahuniverse osnapitzsara amellsbett cherrychapssstick miriam1779 olicitykisses blondewhirlwind oiiverqueens snowssmoak saidthebutterfly dust2dust34 pharmalen bluemorgana nillachaps geniewithwifi boo-ritz-radley clarasfelicity secretglimpses @smoakandpepper hotcookinmama bitchwitharrow aussieforgood flailykermit lerayon nikkibeckettcsm

Hand in hand they ran for the nearest cover, a partially roofed gazebo in the center of the park. They were followed in by a yoga class using their mats as cover and a group of boys that had been skateboarding around the park.

Felicity is giggling when they come to a stop, leaning against a pillar and trying to catch her breath through the laughter. He's grinning at her and shaking the water out of his hair, splattering it on her and making her giggles start all over.

But his grin falls from his face and a familiar flame enters his eyes, stealing the laughter from her chest, when he glances down and notices her pale pink dress had gotten soaked and is damn near see through. He can see her nipples pebbling and licks his lips, bending to close the gap between them, only to be jerked back to reality by the muffled chuckles coming from the boys hiding across the way.

Glancing over his shoulder to glare at them, he reaches behind his back with one hand. The movement is familiar, almost habitual even after their time away, but instead of pulling an arrow he grabs hold of his t-shirt and quickly yanks it over his head. After giving it a shake he looks back to Felicity, just in time to see her lick her own lips as her eyes travel appreciatively over his exposed skin. He smirks as he lifts his arms and pulls the shirt back down over her head, catching her by surprise.

As he pulls it down, covering as much of her as possible, she glances over his shoulder and sees the boys in the corner still watching him, but her gaze also flicks over the group of women "casually" sneaking glances their way. Her voice is low, almost a whisper, "Really, Oliver? Was that necessary?"

He matches her volume, but his voice contains an almost arrow-ish growl, "Yes. It was. Those kids were staring at you."

"Oh, so only you can be wet and ogled? Because me tell you, buddy. Those women over there won't be able to resist watching the raindrops roll down that back of yours."

Her finger was poking him in the pectoral as she made her point, but when he just continues to stare at her it begins to run through the water gathering on his tattoo, tracing the pattern over his rain-slicked skin.

Her eyes drift down to watch the movement of her hand, and he catches her chin, bringing her gaze back to his and crushing her lips in a quick, hot kiss. When they part he rests his forehead against hers and mutters, "Maybe we should have made a run for the car instead."

She swallows twice, visibly gathering herself before she leans back and grins at him once more. "It's not too late for that."

"They- That was- He-"

Concern flooding his face he reaches out a hand to cup hers. "Felicity what's wrong? What happened?"

She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly while focusing on his gaze. "That was Ray's lawyers. Apparently he's gone missing? And they kept it quiet, but the board is getting antsy. So they went through his belongings and in the process found some papers I'd signed."

"Okay. And?"

"Well apparently he signed the company over to me?" Then, eyes drifting, staring over his shoulder and out the window, she speaks even softer, almost too low for him to hear. "I own PalmerTech. I own a Fortune 500 company."

Oliver let's her process until she turns back to him once more, slapping him on the shoulder and practically bouncing on her seat, "Oliver! I own the controlling shares of your family's company! Or what was your family's company-" She freezes, tilting her head in that way she'd picked up from him, "And it could be again. Do you want it? It should go to you."

His lips cut her off before she can get even more lost in her ramble.

"Felicity. I had no business running that company the first time. You, on the other hand, you have more than proven how capable you are at the behind the scenes running of the company. It's time to show the rest of the world what you can do."

Oliver had convinced Felicity to take a pain pill for her injured ankle and she’d slept the whole way to town, not even waking when he’d carried her in and stripped her down before tucking her into bed. He’d taken a few minutes to wrap and ice her ankle before he’d crawled in behind her, quickly drifting off into the peaceful sleep he could only find with her in his arms.

The next morning Felicity awakes first, her mind a little foggy and startled by the unfamiliarity of the room, but she quickly settles when she feels the familiar weight of his arm wrapped around her. She gently eases out from beneath it, sliding to the edge of the bed. She lets out a sigh when she sees her carefully wrapped injury, glancing back over her shoulder at her hero with a soft smile before gingerly testing the wrapped limb and climbing out to begin her day.

When she exits the bathroom, feeling more like herself, Felicity finds Oliver dressed and sitting on the end of the bed ready to go. “How are you feeling? Is your ankle okay to walk around this morning?”

She comes to stand between his knees and bends down to kiss him softly. “The ankle is much better. Thank you for taking care of it last night. Though I still don’t think I’ll be running with you this afternoon.“ She pauses to sigh dramatically before, “I guess I’ll just have to enjoy the view while you do it.”

Oliver chuckles at her as he stands up. He remains in her space so that he’s speaking against her lips when he murmurs, “A hardship for you, I’m sure.” before kissing her soundly.

She indulges for just a moment before bringing her hands up to his chest and softly shoving him back and turning to grab her purse. “None of that. We have shopping and exploring to do. Let’s go!”

The rest of the morning had been spent at the craft fair, sipping on coffees and wandering hand in hand through the tables. Felicity had picked up some hairbows and headbands for little Sara, including a bright pick one with two arrows crossed on the top. She’d also found a gorgeous set of earrings for Lyla, a necklace for Laurel and a beautiful framed picture for Thea. When she’d loaded his arms with the bags and thrown on a handsewn leather gun holster for Digg before patting him on the ass and sending him back to their room with their treasures he’d just shaken his head and muttered with a chuckle, “Guess it’s time to send another care package home.”

Oliver had caught up to her near the food trucks, where he’d ignored her protests and purchased the funnel cake loaded with strawberries and whipped cream that she was clearly drooling over.  The he’d ushered her to a clear spot on the sidewalk, unfolding the new folding chair he’d purchased and grinning at her as he presented it with a flourish, “Your throne, my dear.”

Felicity giggled, dropping into a wobbly curtsy before she eased down into the seat and popped a bite in her mouth.

He remained staring at her with a smile, watching her enjoy her treat and stealing just a bite, until the announcement for the FunRun rang out. Then he’d kissed her, catching the whipped cream off the corner of her mouth, and licking his lips as he walked away to the starting line with a wink over his shoulder.

While she had gotten an entire summer with Oliver all to herself, he's been through far too much to ever really be carefree again. He's lighter, happier than ever, she's sure, but there's always just a small hint of worry on the edge of his happiness. So while she would never trade her Oliver, maybe she wishes she had seen Laurel's "Ollie". Just once, to experience it.

She hears them take a break from the small talk to catch the gangbangers, leaving them ziptie-ed and waiting for the cops, and Felicity flicks the comms off at the sound of his Ducati's engine revving. She brings her hands up, removing her glasses and rubbing at her temples to get rid of the traitorous thoughts that had crept in.

When her mind relaxes she begins to set up her searches for the rest of the night and tomorrow, occupied until she hears the door locks beep and laughter accompanying the heavy bootsteps on the stairs. Her face must not have been as blank as she meant it to be when she turns her chair around, because while Laurel walks past her with a quick high five, Oliver stops in his tracks and stares at her, his head tilting and eyes studying her in a way she hasn't seen for several weeks. Ignoring him, she spins back to the computer screens, attempting, once again, to school her features into calm. He remains behind her, and she subconsciously tracks his motions as he sets his bow aside and removes his jacket, their years together allowing her to follow his routine in her mind without turning to watch. He waits until Laurel says goodnight on her way back out before he comes closer, turning her chair around to face him once more.

She beats him to the punch. "So it seems like the night was a success. I know you miss working with your boys, but you and Laurel finally seem to be doing alright." She stands and reaches for her bag, ready to pack up and move on with their night.

He stops her with a gentle hand on her elbow as she moves to pass him on her way to grab her coat. "Fe-li-ci-ty. What's going on?"

"I'm packing up so we can go as soon as we get you out of those pants- as soon as you get out of those leather pants, and into your jeans."

"Nice try. And we can come back to that later, but you know what I'm talking about. When we came back. You had that look on your face- the one you get when you’ve been overthinking something. Want to tell me what’s on your mind?"

"It's nothing. Really. It's-” She pauses, letting out a huff of frustration at herself, “Listen, I'm glad you guys are getting along. There's just this small part of me, miniscule even, that gets a little jealous listening to you guys joke over the comms. Actually, it's not even jealousy, because I wouldn't take those memories away from her, it's more that I kind of wish I'd known you before. Before you had the weight of the world on your shoulders."

"But-"

She's quick to correct herself, "That's not to say I would change you now, just that it would have been nice to have seen the carefree joker that ran around with Tommy, pulling pranks and goofing off. Sometimes it's hard to reconcile him with the you I know now."

She's worked herself into a pace without realizing, her hands moving rapidly as she speaks, and comes back to a quick stop in front of him.

He's still staring at her, waiting to make sure she's through this time. When he speaks his voice is low and she can hear his shame. “Felicity. Believe me when I say, that guy was not someone you wanted to know. Ollie was a stupid boy- taking advantage of his family’s wealth and generally acting like an asshole. You wouldn't have looked twice at him."

"Oh, I've seen the pictures. Believe me, I would have definitely looked twice. Even with that ridiculous long hair you favored."

Oliver shakes his head with an exasperated chuckle before he pulls them back to the subject at hand. "But do you understand? The part of him that Laurel is describing? That was one small good in a sea of bad traits. I don't want you to have known him because he's not me. And he was definitely not someone I ever want to be with you." He steps into her space, his hand coming up to cup her cheek and his voice dropping to almost a whisper. "Knowing you, working with you, loving you. You've changed me. You help me to be so much more, that sometimes I actually think I come close to deserving you. With you I'm a better man."

Feeling the blush creep up her neck, she ducks her head with a smile and tucks a stray hair behind her ear before she grabs hold of the hand on her cheek. Giving it a squeeze and pulling it to her lips, she kisses his palm with a smile, then pushes up onto her toes to meet his lips next.  As she lowers herself back down her eyes remain locked on his and she gives him a small nod of assent, telling him she understands.

They stay there, gazing at each other and hands still clasped, for one more long moment before he gives her fingers a light squeeze and releases to finish removing his gear. When he’s through changing, Felicity’s waiting, both jackets in hand. After he slips into his, he helps her into her’s, and she feels the small goosebumps that rise with just the brush of his fingers on her neck as he pulls her hair free from the collar. He runs his hand down her left arm until he reaches hers, catching her fingers once more and leading her up the stairs.

Thanks to sharingmyworld and cityofolicity for giving this the read through and catching all my phone typos!

My taglist of beautiful, beautiful people: bookolicitynessa u-r-notdonefighting olicity4ever01 babblingblondegenius olicityalamode jaspertown smoakingenius skcolicity lieutenantsmoak andjustforthismoment bowsmoakandarrow gosmileattheworld agentsassydirewolf sailorslayer3641 onlyhere4olicity comegetyourloveredbone bluebook mrsd923 scu11y22 dreamingolicity @jelizabethl  fullychippedcreation jedichick04 525600fandoms525600ships arrow-through-my-writers-block sabahuniverse osnapitzsara amellsbett cherrychapssstick miriam1779 olicitykisses blondewhirlwind iloveyouallthemore snowssmoak saidthebutterfly dust2dust34 pharmalen bluemorgana nillachaps boo-ritz-radley clarasfelicity