BOLD: Contest Winners
ALL CONTEST WINNERS ARE REVEALED IN THIS CHAPTER. If the links for the contest winners don’t work all the winners are listed at the end of the story with images.
Updated on A03
Chapter 12
***When I Was Younger by Liz Lawrence
Finally, the wedding day arrived. Oliver and Felicity used offices at the newly minted Queen Inc. to get ready. Donna finished fitting Felicity’s veil, and she turned to face her bridal party. Thea, Lyla and Caitlin gasped.
“Wow,” Lyla said.
“Really?” Felicity asked anxiously.
“Yeah, my brother is going to faint,” Thea added approvingly.
“Well, I’d prefer him conscious, so let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”
“Okay ladies… time for a bit of tradition,” Caitlin said with a glint in her eye. She picked up a little white bag, handed it to Felicity and said, “For you.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” Felicity said.
“Yes, we did,” Lyla said as she fingered the diamond pendant Felicity gifted all of her bridesmaids.
“I agree with Mrs. Diggle… and also reference tradition again,” Caitlin argued pointedly.
Felicity opened the bag and blushed a little as she took out a blue lace garter.
“Your dress is your something new, and this is your something blue,” Caitlin winked.
“I stitched something on the inside,” Lyla said softly.
Felicity turned the garter over and said, “De Opresso Liber.”
“It means to ‘liberate the oppressed’. It’s the Special Forces motto,” Lyla explained. When Felicity gave her a bewildered look Lyla smiled a little and continued, “I think that the work you are doing…” she paused and glanced hesitantly at Felicity’s mother, “with Oliver, helping Starling, is doing exactly that. You are one of the bravest people I know Felicity.”
Felicity hugged Lyla tightly and whispered, “Thank you.”
As they parted, they both wiped tears from their eyes. Thea took a deep breath and said, “Okay, my turn.”
She handed Felicity a small jewelry box. Inside was a stunning diamond bracelet.
Thea smiled and said, “This is your something borrowed. This was my mother’s. It was my favorite as a little girl. In fact, I use to sneak into her room and steal it. And Oliver, he never made me put it back. Instead, he would loop it around my wrist to make sure it stayed on. Most of my mother’s jewelry was auctioned off, but he made sure I got to keep this. I think he’ll be really happy to see it on your wrist today.”
“Thea…” Felicity was speechless. Thea wrapped her arms tightly around Felicity and tearfully whispered, “You were always my family, but now it’s official.”
“I love you, Thea,” Felicity whispered back.
Thea took the bracelet and clasped it around Felicity’s wrist. A huge, pleased smile spread over her face as she looked up at Felicity and said, “Perfect.”
Donna took Felicity’s hand and handed her a larger jewelry box, “My turn. Open it up, baby.”
Felicity took a deep breath and gasped when she saw the box’s contents. Inside was a stunning pearl necklace. Felicity looked up at her mother and said, “Mom… you cannot afford this.”
“Well, technically I can since my daughter is a billionaire, but I didn’t buy this. This necklace was your grandmother’s. This is your something old.” Donna turned Felicity to face the mirror, and she clasped the necklace around her neck. “When we were broke and had nothing, I sold everything I could, but I could never sell this. It was all I had left of my mom. And because I was saving it for your wedding day.”
Donna wrapped her arm around Felicity’s waist, and the two women stared at their reflection in the mirror. “You are beautiful, my girl. You ready?”
Felicity nodded happily, “Yes. You?”
Donna turned, and Felicity gently stroked her face as she tearfully answered, “No… but I don’t think I ever will be.”
Thea said, “Well… I’ll check on the groom. See if he’s ready to get this show on the road.”
“Oh, Thea… tell me how he reacts to your dress, okay?” Felicity said with a devilish grin.
“No detail spared. I promise,” Thea answered with a wink.
As Thea left the room, Lyla glanced at Felicity and asked, “Does she know?”
Felicity giggled and said, “No. She thinks she’s walking down the aisle with my Uncle Arnie.”
“You don’t have an Uncle Arnie,” Donna said bewildered.
The women burst into laughter that echoed all through the halls of Queen Inc.
As Thea entered the guys’ prepping room, she stopped short. Talking quietly with Diggle, Barry and Oliver was Roy. Dressed in a tux.
“Roy!” Thea ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. Roy closed his eyes and wrapped his arms tightly around Thea. They held each other for a moment as Diggle and Oliver exchanged knowing looks. When Thea pulled away, she immediately asked, “How?”
Roy smiled and said, “Well… it helps that Oliver and Felicity didn’t invite anyone who doesn’t already know I’m alive.”
“But how did they sneak you into the city?”
“Merlyn,” Oliver answered a bit grimly. Thea gave him a look and Oliver shrugged a little. “It was Felicity’s idea. She figured if there’s anyone who knows how to get in and out of Starling City undetected it’s Merlyn.”
“And he did it?” Thea asked, amazed.
“Yeah, he did. Felicity can be pretty convincing when she wants to be,” Oliver answered.
“And scary,” Diggle added.
“Personally, I think he did it to score points with you,” Roy said. “But I don’t really care as long as I get to be here.”
“Aren’t you worried about it getting out? What about the staff -”
Oliver shushed her and said, “We took care of all that, Thea. Don’t worry.”
“All the members of security are ARGUS agents… courtesy of my lovely wife. As for the rest, Felicity has every single worker’s social-security number and threatened to evaporate any penny they have if they breathe a word,” Diggle explained.
“And that’ll work?” Thea asked skeptically.
“I wouldn’t screw with Felicity and Wi-Fi. Would you?” Diggle answered knowingly.
“No. Honestly, sounds a little bit like what Mom would do,” Thea muttered. Off Oliver’s pointed look she said, “What? It’s true.”
Thea turned to Roy. “How long?” she whispered.
Roy looked at her sadly and said, “I leave right after the reception.”
“Save me a dance okay?” Thea whispered as she kissed Roy on the cheek.
“Count on it.”
Thea turned to her brother and admired his tux. “You clean up nice, bro.”
Oliver laughed and hugged Thea as he said, “Thanks. How are you feeling today?”
Thea smiled and said, “Today is a good day.”
Oliver kissed her forehead and whispered, “Good.” Then he paused and put his hands on Thea’s shoulders. He held her back a bit and said, “Wait a second… your dress…”
Thea twirled and said, “You like it? Felicity took it easy on us didn’t she?”
“It’s stunning, but… it’s red!” Oliver exclaimed. “What happened to green?”
Thea laughed, “She was screwing with you, Oliver. It was always red. She said red is your color. Something about a pen.”
“It’s a strong choice. Red is far superior to green,” Barry teased, winking at Oliver.
Diggle and Oliver exchanged a look. Wordlessly, Diggle gave the signal to Thea to twirl again. She laughed as she did. The dress was a deep ruby. The cap sleeves were adorned with an intricate floral embellishment. The silk & chiffon shifted and rolled around Thea like water cascading down rocks as she spun. When she stopped, she smiled softly at her brother and asked, “Are you ready?”
Oliver glanced at Diggle and took a deep breath as he said, “Yes.” His voice confident and certain.
“I’ll let the bride know. It’s time get this party started,” Thea said. She stepped towards Oliver and hugged him tightly. She whispered, “Wherever they are, Mom and Dad are proud.”
Oliver hugged Thea tightly and said, “I’m just glad I still have you.”
Thea kissed Oliver on the cheek and said, “Always.”
The boys watched as Thea left the room, and Barry turned to Oliver, a glint in his eye.
“You want me to zip you up there?” Barry said as he snapped his fingers.
"Not necessary, Barry,” Oliver answered dryly. He paused and looked at the men. “Before we head up, I just want to thank each of you. For getting me here on time…” Oliver glanced at Diggle knowingly, and he smiled. “And for being here on time…” he added as he glanced at Barry, who smiled proudly. “And for risking everything to be here,” Oliver added to Roy. “The truth is… each of you has saved my life one way or the other… multiple times. The only reason I’m alive to marry this woman is because you had my back. You made sure I survived. So thank you. I’m lucky to call you my friends. My family.”
Barry offered Oliver his hand. Oliver shook it as Barry said with a wink, “I guess you got the girl after all.”
Oliver chuckled in response and said softly, “Yeah… I guess I did.”
“I always knew you were full of crap,” Barry teased lightly, before he turned and headed out of the office. Before Roy followed Barry out, Oliver called out to him.
“Say Roy… hang on a minute. I have something for you,” Oliver said as he took an envelope out of his inner jacket pocket.
“What is it?” Roy asked as he opened it. As he read it his eyes grew wider and wider. Finally, when he was finished, he looked up at Oliver stunned. “Are you freaking serious? You’re giving me a bar? In Coast City?”
Oliver smiled at Diggle and then answered softly, “Yes.”
“Oliver… this is too much. I can’t accept this,” Roy argued.
“You sacrificed your life for mine, Roy. The least I can do is give you a fresh start in your new life. And to be honest, you’re helping me too. I feel pretty guilty leaving Jake and the bar behind.”
“Is he cool with this?” Roy asked skeptically.
“Of course. I discussed it with him beforehand. Told him you were a hard worker and a good man. He’s onboard,” Oliver explained.
Roy offered Oliver his hand. Oliver shook it as Roy said gratefully, “Thank you, Oliver.”
“Thank you, Roy.”
“See you up there,” Roy smiled at Diggle as he left the office.
For a moment, neither Diggle nor Oliver said anything.
Gently prodding, Diggle said, ”Let’s go get your girl, Oliver.”
Hesitantly, Oliver nervously asked, “Diggle… do you think I’ll be a good husband?”
Diggle paused and considered carefully before he answered. “Yes, I think you’ll be a very good husband, Oliver.”
“How can you be so sure?” Oliver questioned.
“Because you’re selfless, and you love Felicity more than anything in this world. That’s a pretty good start. The rest you’ll figure out as time goes on,” Diggle advised wisely. He offered Oliver his hand. Oliver shook it as Diggle said, “And don’t worry. I’ve got your back, boss.”
Oliver pulled Diggle into a hug. Then the two men headed upstairs to the roof.
*** Once In A Lifetime by Landon Austin
The roof of Queen Inc. was transformed. A white fabric aisle lined with pillars led up to the huppa, which stood in the center of the roof with a white canopy drifting over the top. Decorative hurricane lanterns stood next to each pillar casting a soft, warm glow inside. The pillars and top of the huppa were covered in varying shades of white and cream roses. The small amount of guests sat on chairs covered in white silk and listened as a string quartet played.
The rest of the roof was set up for the reception. A large table covered in a champagne-colored tablecloth with a white lace overlay was the focal point. White china sat delicately on gold and pearl charger plates. Gold-rimmed champagne glasses and champagne napkins wrapped in pearl napkin rings were the finishing touch. Stretching along the table were towering floral arrangements and hurricane lanterns, working in perfect cohesion with the huppa. Scattered throughout the roof were lounge areas. Comfortable couches and chairs accented with outdoor fireplaces. The heat from the glowing fires warmed the guests in the cool wind.
As the ceremony began, the rabbi came down the aisle. Then Barry and Roy entered. Following next was Diggle and then finally Oliver. Next, Caitlin and Lyla entered with little Sara between them, gripping their hands tightly. A collective “aww” went through the crowd at the sight of Sara. Her flower girl dress was adorned with appliqué red roses and white tulle poofing all around her. Last, Thea entered carrying a full bouquet of white and cream roses.
Just as the sun was setting, Felicity entered. A hush fell over the guests as she glided down the aisle. Oliver’s heart stopped as he gazed upon her. He almost couldn’t breathe. Her dress was covered in a delicate lace, and it hugged every curve of her body, casting a sexy but elegant silhouette. A crystal and pearl belt cinched at her waist, accentuating her figure. Her golden curls were swept loosely behind her as her veil spilled behind. In her hands, a bouquet of red roses of varying shapes and shades. In all his life, Oliver had never seen anything more beautiful and his eyes welled with tears.
Donna, dressed in a skin tight gold dress, escorted Felicity down the aisle to Oliver. As she handed Felicity’s hand to Oliver’s, Donna kissed him softly on the cheek. Oliver led Felicity into the huppah, and she circled him as Oliver circled her. The rabbi offered greetings to Oliver,Felicity and their guests. After blessing the wine, Oliver and Felicity each took a sip. Then, Diggle handed Oliver two simpler silver bands. Felicity looked down at the rings in surprise. She suddenly realized they had never picked out wedding bands.
As if reading her mind, Oliver whispered, “I made them.”
Felicity looked up at him in wonder, her eyes filling with tears. As one slipped down her cheek, Oliver brushed it gently away.
Slipping the ring on her finger, Oliver vowed, “With this ring, you are made holy to me, for I love you as my soul. You are now my wife.”
Felicity took the other band and slipping it onto Oliver’s hand she vowed,” “With this ring, you are made holy to me, for I love you as my soul. You are now my husband.”
Donna stepped forward and wrapped Oliver and Felicity’s shoulders in a tallis, binding them together. Then each member of the bridal party read a blessing. The seventh and final blessing was read by Walter. Then, Diggle placed a wine glass wrapped in white cloth at Oliver’s feet. Oliver crushed it in one flourish step, and the entire roof erupted in “mazel tov!” and applause as Oliver gently kissed Felicity.
As they ran up the aisle, they made their way to the Yichud. Donna had walled off a separate section of the roof by draping white curtains to give Oliver and Felicity privacy in their first moments as husband and wife. Donna was careful not to cover the view of the Starling City skyline. The view was breathtaking. Starling City was sunlit in a fiery blaze, and for a moment, Oliver and Felicity simply took in the beauty of their city.
Felicity turned to Oliver and whispered, “Husband.”
As Oliver bent to kiss Felicity he whispered, “Wife.”
As they lost themselves in their embrace, the entire world faded away. There was nothing but their love and this moment.
*** I Was Made For Loving You (feat. Ed Sheeran) by Tori Kelly
As night fell, the guests arranged themselves at the banquet table. A murmuring of happy conversation rippled through, but everyone fell silent as Thea clinked her glass. Very slowly, and a bit nervously she stood and looked to Oliver and Felicity.
“When I was little, Ollie was always trying to make me laugh. It usually wasn’t too difficult since I found everything he did hysterical. I think it was because Ollie had a light to him, a joy, that I just adored. When I think back to my childhood, that’s what I remember most.” Thea paused briefly and looked at Oliver thoughtfully as she continued, “I think sometimes life takes pieces of who we are. Or who we were. Sometimes, those pieces are gone forever, and we can never get them back. But sometimes, someone comes along and helps us find what we lost. And it’s like experiencing a miracle. That’s what I see when I look at my brother and Felicity. He’s so happy. He lights up. And… he’s the brother of my childhood again. The brother I remember.”
Thea paused and looked at Felicity. With tears shining in her eyes, “I want to thank you, Felicity, for helping my brother find that piece of himself again… and for giving that piece of Oliver back to me. You were made to love my brother, and Ollie, you were made to love Felicity.” Thea faltered as her voice broke. “I wish Mom and Dad could be here to see this day. Ollie, you are everything Mom hoped you be, and you are everything Dad asked you to become… and so much more. But mostly, I want to thank you, Ollie. For always being there for me. For helping me find the pieces of myself. And… for giving me the one thing I always wanted but never thought I’d have. A sister.” Thea raised her glass and said, “To my brother. To my sister. To finding what was lost. Congratulations you guys… I love you both.”
The guests raised their glasses and sipped their champagne. Overwhelmed, Oliver stood then Felicity stood too. They both hugged Thea tearfully. Next Diggle stood.
*** Only Love by Mumford and Sons
“Thea is going to be a tough act to follow. I probably should have gone first,” Diggle deadpanned as laughter echoed around the table, “but I’ll do my best.” Diggle paused thoughtfully and then continued, “My job as Oliver’s bodyguard meant I spent a lot of time watching him. A lot,” Diggle said pointedly as Oliver chuckled along with the rest of the guests. “But it meant I was in the unique position of watching Oliver and Felicity’s relationship develop from the very beginning. I watched as they went from strangers, to acquaintances, to friends and finally to partners. Oliver and Felicity bring out the best in one another. Besides not taking any of his crap,” Diggle paused and winked at Oliver, “Felicity makes Oliver smile. She gives him peace. And Felicity is braver with Oliver. She takes risks with him… as evident by her behavior today.”
The crowd erupted in laughter again, but as it died down Diggle grew serious.
“It has been an honor bearing witness to their love because, the truth is, Oliver and Felicity come alive around each other. We have a tendency to isolate ourselves in life… to live on islands of our own making. The only way to survive is to cling to those who make life bearable. I told Oliver once to find something to live for. And now I’d like to raise my glass, to my friend… my brother… because he chose well.” Diggle paused and tilted his glass to Oliver and Felicity as he said, “You both did.”
***Lives Entwined by Matthew Mayfield
As Diggle completed his toast, Oliver and Felicity stood to hug him. As Felicity and Diggle sat down Oliver stayed standing. He shuffled nervously and looked down shyly before he began speaking.
“I want to thank everyone for coming, especially on such short notice. My wife and I appreciate it more than we can say. Every single person here is family. Either family we were born into or family Felicity and I created together. Each of you has had an impact on our lives. The only reason we are standing here is because of your love, your friendship, your sacrifice and your support.” Oliver paused and then looked down at Felicity. “And to my beautiful bride… for the rest of my life, I will wonder what I did to deserve you. And for the rest of our lives, I promise you I will never stop trying to deserve you. In his final words to me, my father asked me to make it home and I think, today, I finally have. I love you.”
The table rumbled with tinkling of forks clinking on glasses. Felicity stood with tears shining in her eyes.
She whispered, “I love you too.”
Oliver kissed her gently, but then dipped her low as he deepened the kiss. The guests erupted into joyous applause.
***Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
After dinner the party was in full swing, everyone began to dance. As Felicity chatted happily with her mother, Detective Lance approached her.
"Congratulations, Felicity,” Lance said earnestly.
“Thank you Detective- Captain. I’m glad you decided to come,” Felicity replied sweetly.
Lance shrugged and said, “Yeah, well, Laurel can be pretty persistent when she wants to be.”
“Yes I can,” Laurel said as she linked arms with her father.
“The fact that the bride’s last name wasn’t Lance had to be a major selling point,” Felicity mused, with a glint in her eyes.
Lance’s mouth dropped open, and Laurel burst out laughing as she said, “Damn straight.”
“Felicity!” Donna admonished in shock.
Lance’s eyes flicked to Donna and said, “I’m sorry… we haven’t met. I guess I didn’t realize Felicity had a sister.”
Felicity snorted, and Donna shot her look as she shook Lance’s hand, “Actually I’m her mother.”
“Captain Quentin Lance. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Lance said as they shook hands.
“Captain?” Donna asked lightly.
“My father is a Captain in the Starling City Police Department,” Laurel explained.
Donna’s eyes lit up as she smiled seductively and said, "Well… I love a man in uniform.”
Laurel and Felicity raised their eyebrows at one another.
“Would you care to dance?” Lance asked hopefully.
“Love to,” Donna said as she shimmied out to the floor with Lance.
Laurel and Felicity watched in stunned silence.
“Did that just happen?” Laurel asked.
“I think it did. Did he really use the "sister” line?“
"Uh huh. Did she really fall for it?”
“Uh huh.”
The girls paused and looked at one another before they downed their drinks in unison. Thea approached them and looked visibly thrown.
“You okay, Thea?” Laurel asked concerned.
Thea nodded and said, “I think so… Walter just asked me to introduce him to the – and I quote – ‘stunning blonde dancing with Captain Lance’.”
The three exchanged bewildered looks. Iris approached and gave Felicity a tight hug as she said, “Congratulations, Felicity. You look amazing.”
“Thank you, Iris,” Felicity answered.
“Listen, I hate to pester you, but my father will not get off my back about an introduction to your mother. Unfortunately, I’ve never met her. Help a girl out?
“Get in line,” Thea deadpanned.
“What?” Iris asked. Laurel pointed to the dance floor where both Walter and Joe were waiting impatiently for Lance and Donna to finish dancing.
Eyebrows raised, Iris turned slowly to look at the other girls. Then they all burst into laughter.
***I’ll Be Good by Jaymes Young
A limo with tinted windows parked a few blocks away from Queen Inc. Malcolm Merlyn approached the door and entered it quickly. Damien Darhk smiled at Merlyn as he settled into his seat. Malcolm noted Damien’s sling and pulled the bottle of Lazarus water slung around his neck. He offered it to Damien, but Damien refused, waving him away.
Surprised, Malcolm asked, "Damien Darhk healing the old fashioned way… now I have seen everything.”
“There will come a day, Malcolm, when an endless life becomes less desirable than death.” Damien paused and asked, “Did you get it?”
Merlyn glared at him and tossed the USB drive at him. Damien caught it in one hand. “Yeah, I got it.”
“Did she suffer?”
Merlyn sighed and said, “She suffered enough.”
“You made it quick, didn’t you, Malcolm?” Damien mused. When Merlyn refused to look him in the eye, Damien said, “That wasn’t what I requested.”
“What you requested was that USB and her death… which I delivered.”
“Are you forgetting our arrangement? Perhaps now that you are Ra’s you believe you are above it. So let me remind you… when Oliver Queen left you dying on that rooftop, it was me and my remaining supply of Lazarus water that saved you. Among other things…”
Malcolm flashed with anger and said, “And in exchange I killed Ra’s Al Ghul for you.”
“You mean you had Oliver Queen kill Ra’s Al Ghul… from which you benefited handsomely.”
“The end result was the same. ”
“And you think this makes you worthy to be Ra’s? I assure you it does not,” Damien said in disgust.
“What more do you want from me? I pledged my loyalty to you and your daughter. I protected her. I followed her every command.”
“We both know you have ulterior motives for helping me,” Damien replied.
“Can you blame me?” Merlyn sneered. “You delivered me from death only to torture me with a fate worse than it. You know what I desire from you.”
“And someday I shall give it to you. But for now, I require your services, Malcolm. Your ascension to Ra’s, while fortuitous, provides an interesting opportunity.”
“To do what?”
Damien rolled the USB drive in his fingers and said, “To make the world a better place of course.”
“You really think men like us can achieve such a thing?” Malcolm asked.
Damien looked almost amused by his self reflection, “Don’t tell me you look at the world in such simplistic terms as good and evil, Merlyn. You know it is far more complicated than that. The world needs men like us to do what is necessary.”
“If you raise a hand against Oliver Queen I will come for you,” Merlyn threatened.
“Really? May I ask why?”
“Oliver is like a son to me,” Malcolm explained.
Damien considered his words and hissed, “Like a son? Or is a son? Let me assure you, the difference is vast. Do not presume to threaten me Merlyn. You will do exactly as I say and when I say it. You are not Ra’s Al Ghul. You are my dog, and I am your master. Never forget that.”
Malcolm glared at Darhk and answered, “You hold yourself above the rest of us, Darhk, but the truth is you’re just as power hungry as we all are.” Merlyn paused before he exited the vehicle, “Isn’t your daughter getting married today? Shouldn’t you be walking her down the aisle?”
Damien fell silent and Merlyn clucked his tongue in mock sympathy, “Not invited I see. Ouch.”
“Neither were you.”
Ignoring him, Merlyn continued to needle away, “And yet you insisted on meeting this day of all days… in this city of all cities. It hurts doesn’t it? To be on the outside looking in. There is a price to our sins, Damien. This is it.”
“Again, so prosaic in your pontification about useless matters such as good and evil.” Damien spat back.
As Merlyn existed the limo, he bent low over the door and said, “What I know this is… whatever good is… we’re not it.”
And slammed the door.
***Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) by Mark Ronson
As Felicity danced with Diggle, an ARGUS agent approached her.
“There’s someone here to see you.”
“Who? Everybody I speak with is here,” Felicity giggled happily.
The agent elaborated, “He requested your presence downstairs, but we can get rid of him.”
Diggle and Felicity exchanged knowing looks.
“No, don’t. I’ll take care of it.”
Diggle signaled Oliver who was chatting with Roy and Thea. He immediately excused himself and joined them.
“What’s up?”
“Somebody wants to see Felicity. Downstairs,” Diggle said grimly.
Felicity took a deep breath and said, “Let’s go.”
*** Lullabye by Billy Joel
Diggle, Felicity and Oliver made their way to the lobby of Queen Inc. It was completely deserted.
“There’s nobody here, Dig,” Oliver said concerned.
Felicity turned to the glass doors and immediately saw her father waiting on the street just outside Queen Inc.
“There,” Felicity said softly.
The trio made their way outside. Promptly, Oliver stepped in front of Felicity, and Diggle stepped in front of Oliver. Diggle pulled a gun on Damien.
“Packing at a wedding, Diggle? Seems a bit overkill,” Damien said.
“My brother taught me a bodyguard is never off duty.”
“Put the gun away, John. I’m more than covered, and you are outgunned,” Damien answered confidently.
“I warned you if you ever came near me or - “ Felicity said, but Damien interrupted.
“I’m not here to shed any more blood, Felicity,” Damien explained softly.
“Then why are you here?” Felicity asked.
Damien shrugged a little helplessly and said, “To be honest, Felicity, I’m not sure. I just…” he paused as he gazed upon her. “You look beautiful.”
Felicity reached for Oliver’s hand as she said, “Thank you.”
“Could we talk?”
“Just talk?” Felicity asked skeptically.
“Yes,” Damien said. “You have my word.”
Felicity let go of Oliver’s hand and he looked at her with panic, “Felicity -”
“No guns. Tell your guys to back off or this doesn’t happen.”
Damien nodded quietly to Cameron Kane standing nearby next to the limo. Cameron picked up his phone and gave the signal to Damien when his security had backed down. Felicity stepped towards him and Oliver grabbed her hand.
“No,” Oliver said.
“You’re right here. So is Diggle. I’m safe. It’s okay,” Felicity said softly, her reassuring tone lulling the worry deep inside Oliver.
Reluctantly he released her, and Felicity stepped out onto the street with her father. For a moment, neither said anything.
“So… what now?” Felicity asked.
Damien shrugged again and said, “Not quite sure. I thought about what you said.”
“Can you be more specific? We said a lot.”
“You said you only needed a father and… I thought maybe…”
“I told you it’s too late for that.”
“I know. I know that. But it’s an important day. I missed so many important days. I didn’t want to miss this one,” Damien said regretfully. “I thought maybe, just for tonight, I could be Elijah again. Just for a minute. Would that be alright?”
“Okay,” Felicity said weakly, completely uncertain of what to do next.
Damien paused and took off his sling. He grimaced in pain a bit, but took a step toward Felicity. Oliver tensed, and Diggle reached for his gun. Felicity turned to the boys and shook her head. Diggle backed down. Damien took one last step and offered Felicity his hand. Very tentatively she took it and her father pulled her close. Then very slowly, he wrapped his arm around Felicity’s waist and began to sway her back and forth. Tense at first, Felicity began to relax as her father moved her gently around the street. As Damien pressed his cheek against Felicity’s head, he closed his eyes. The smell of lilacs from her shampoo wafted all around him, and he took a minute just to breathe her in. The street lamps were lit low as the city lights glimmered around them in the dark, as if day and night had found a compromise… a way to finally coexist. Damon lifted Felicity’s hand and twirled her around, but as the circle ended, Felicity let go of her father’s hand. His empty hand still outreached, Damien looked surprised.
Felicity looked at him sadly through her tears and said, “Goodbye Dad.”
Damien nodded sadly in acceptance and said, “Goodbye… my Felicity.”
Felicity stepped back to Oliver and Diggle, and they blocked her from Damien’s view.
“Congratulations, Oliver. I suppose we’re family now,” Damien said cryptically.
“Leave,” Oliver said firmly, dropping his voice an octave.
“Enjoy your time with her. It goes by so quickly. Believe me,” Damien said. His clear threat intermixing with his sadness.
Diggle stepped forward and looked Damien in the eye, “Time’s up Darhk. Start running because I’m coming for you.”
***This Woman’s Work by Greg Laswell
Damien glared at Diggle but stepped away and headed back to the limo. Diggle, Felicity and Oliver went back into the lobby where they were greeted by Donna.
“Felicity!” There you are. Security said you were down here. It’s time to throw the bouquet,” Donna said. She fell silent when she saw the tear stains on her daughter’s face, “Are you alright?”
“She’s good. Oliver and I were just making her laugh,” Diggle explained quickly.
Felicity wiped her tears away and smiled at her mom, “Until I cried.”
Donna hugged Felicity as she laughed. Outside, in the limo, Damien watched as Felicity and Donna hugged.
“Sir… we need to go,” Cameron warned.
“Just one minute more, Kane… just one more,” Damien said sadly as he watched his wife and daughter chat happily. Damien smiled with pride and said, “They are beautiful aren’t they? My girls…”
“Yes, sir. Very,” Cameron replied gently.
As Diggle, Felicity and Oliver walked to the elevator bay, Donna followed behind them. Suddenly she paused as if pulled the other direction. She went to the door and for a minute, looked out into the street. Her eyes fell upon the black tinted limo. Felicity came up behind her and grabbed her hand.
“What are you doing, Mom?” Felicity asked softly, casting a quick look in her father’s direction.
Donna shook her head and murmured, “I’m not sure… I just thought… I saw something.”
“What?”
Donna stared at the limo, but it remained unmoved, as if empty. She shook her head at her foolishness.
“Nothing baby. I’m seeing things. I must be getting old,“ Donna said.
Felicity wrapped her arms around her mother and said, "You’ll never get old.”
Donna slung her arm around Felicity as they walked back to the elevator bay where Diggle and Oliver were waiting for them. “Have I told you lately you’re my favorite daughter?”
As Felicity and Donna disappeared from Damien’s view, Cameron looked at him and said, “It’s time to go… Elijah.”
Damien smiled sadly, “Thank you for that kindness, Cameron, but we both know… I’m not him. I’ll never be him again.”
Damien gave the signal to the driver. The limo lights flared to life just as the elevator door, with Donna inside, closed.
***Hard Time by Seinabo Sey
As the elevator doors opened, Cisco and Barry were waiting for them. Donna smiled at the boys and turned to Felicity.
“I’ll go find your bouquet, okay, sweetheart?”
“Yes, thanks, Mom,” Felicity said.
They waited until Donna was headed up the stairs, and then Cisco turned anxiously to Felicity.
“Did it work?”
Felicity paused and glanced at Diggle and then Oliver. The three broke out into confident, knowing smiles.
“Yeah… it worked,” Felicity said.
“Yes!” Cisco shouted with both hands up in the air. He and Barry high fived.
“Now what?” Barry asked.
“Now… I throw my bouquet. You’re up Cisco,” Felicity said as she winked. Oliver gently led her away, and Barry looked at Cisco confused.
“What does she mean?”
Cisco pulled a small tracker out of his suit jacket. “I’m on Daddy detail.”
When Barry gave Cisco a skeptical look, Cisco rolled his eyes. “Beats the guest book.”
As Damien Darhk drove through Starling City, Felicity tossed the bouquet to Laurel, Donna, Thea and Iris. Donna caught it and squealed with delight. Darhk pulled up at Cameron Kane’s offices with Kane in tow. They entered the elevator bay and clicked down. The elevator ride was long, until they were deep underground… the real H.I.V.E. headquarters. Damien made his way down a long corridor into a large computer bay, where the servers were lined up neatly. He sat down at the computer.
An alarm went off on Cisco’s tracker. He signaled Oliver who whispered in Felicity’s ear. Felicity waved Diggle and Lyla over and the five made their way back into Queen Inc. Meanwhile, Cisco walked quickly over to Barry, Iris, Caitlin, Ronnie, Thea, Roy, Laurel and Ray who were lounging by one of the fireplaces.
“We’re on!” Cisco whispered excitedly to the group.
“Now?” Laurel asked.
“I guess H.I.V.E. headquarters is nearby because that microchip Felicity developed is signaling. He’s logging into the network to load The Box. Let’s go watch!” Cisco paused and glanced over at Ray Palmer. He looked him up and down suspiciously and asked, “Aren’t you suppose to be tiny?
”Ray shrugged, “I got it under control… today.”
“Cisco, don’t you think that would be a little conspicuous if nearly all the wedding guests disappeared?” Barry advised.
“Dude… this is like Star Wars meets WarGames. I’m not missing this,” Cisco replied emphatically.
The entire group gave Cisco a bewildered look.
“Would you people watch a movie occasionally?” Cisco said irritated.
Laurel brightened, “Oh! WarGames… the one with Matthew Broderick?”
Everyone turned slowly to look at Laurel, completely shocked. She shrugged sheepishly and said, “What? I like movies.”
“Please, marry me. Please,” Cisco begged adoringly.
“Still, it would be better not to tip people off. We should stay put,” Caitlin said.
A beat. Then the entire group stood up in unison and dashed towards the door.
***Returning Fire with Fire by Mindy Smith
Felicity sat down at her computer and started typing furiously as Diggle, Oliver and Lyla watched. The rest of the group came in excitedly.
“Has it started? Are we too late?” Cisco asked anxiously.
“He just logged in,” Felicity said.
“WAIT!” Thea shouted at the top of her lungs. Every froze and looked at her. She ran over to Felicity’s chair and fluffed her dress, ensuring it laid perfectly. She stood up and everyone was still staring at her. She shrugged, “What? It’s still her wedding day. We’re not savages.”
Diggle looked up and down at Ray and asked, “Hey… aren’t you suppose to be tiny?”
“Can a man have size issues without comment?” Ray huffed. Everyone slowly turned to look at him. “Sorry that came out really wrong.”
Diggle leaned over to Oliver and whispered, “Dude, you’re right. They are virtually the same person.”
“I know,” Oliver muttered.
“How did you know Damien was going to show up?” Laurel asked.
Felicity looked over at Oliver and said, “Damien wouldn’t, but Elijah would. We needed the wedding for bait though.”
“How did you slip the microchip on him?” Palmer asked.
“While they were dancing,” Oliver explained softly as he put a gentle and reassuring arm on Felicity’s shoulder.
“So let me get this straight… you designed an undetectable microchip that is going to load what I can only imagine is a virus onto H.I.V.E.’s network while you ran a multibillion-dollar corporation and planned a wedding?” Ray asked.
Felicity shrugged, “Yes.”
Impressed, Ray said, “That’s…”
In unison Barry and Cisco said, “Hot.”
Oliver turned and glared at all both men. Barry cleared his throat embarrassed and refused to meet Oliver’s fierce gaze.
“Platonic hot. Completely platonic hot. So it’s more lukewarm… Mr. Queen,” Cisco babbled nervously.
“I’m in!” Felicity exclaimed, but she didn’t start typing. Ray looked at Felicity warily.
“Normally this is when you start typing, Felicity.”
“Not this time. The virus will infiltrate the servers on its own. I just have to wait for my father to realize it.”
“Why?”
“Because the more he tries to stop it, the more it will spread,” Felicity said confidently.
“Ingenious design,” Ray said approvingly.
“Thanks, but I had help. I used Andrew Diggle’s code as the base to build off,” Felicity looked up at Diggle. “He had the right idea. A trojan horse. He just needed the right target.”
Lyla squeezed Diggle’s hand as his face filled with pride.
Damien slipped the USB drive into a computer, and Kane stood nearby. As The Box began to load, Damien immediately noticed something was wrong. He began to type rapidly.
“It’s a virus,” Kane said.
“I can see that, Cameron. I need to stop it before it reaches the servers. How the hell did this get in here?” Damien asked angrily as he typed.
“I don’t know. We just swiped the network today. It was clean.”
Felicity smiled as she began to type, “There. It’s in the server. I’m downloading everything off H.I.V.E.’s network now. Then I’ll type in the final code.”
“To do what?” Caitlin asked.
“To destroy the network. We’ll have every H.I.V.E. operative’s name and location, but without the network, they’ll be blind.”
“Then we go hunting,” Diggle said and nodded at Oliver.
Damien stopped typing. Cameron looked at him anxiously. “What are you doing sir?”
“It’s too late, Kane. I can’t stop the virus. In fact… by trying to stop it I simply aided the infiltration into the network. It’s done. The network is gone.”
Damien pushed away from the desk and stared at the computer, his anger seething. He picked up the chair and threw it across the room, tearing his jacket at the same time. He slipped it off and something caught his eye: a small, tiny piece of clear plastic, stuck to his shoulder. It was nearly undetectable by the human eye. If the jacket had not torn so close to it, he probably would have never noticed it.
“That’s how she did it,” Damien said quietly.
“She?” Kane asked perplexed.
“Felicity… she… planted a chip on me… one that was designed to load a virus into the server the minute I tried to upload The Box.”
“Wait - is The Box…”
“It’s all gone, Kane. She has everything.”
Damien paused and set his hands on the desk, hanging his head. Then in a rush of anger, he picked up the computer and threw it across the room.
Felicity loaded two USB drives with information, and she handed both to Lyla.
“The blue drive is everything ARGUS will need to open an investigation into H.I.V.E. It should be enough to prosecute my father when we finally catch him.”
“ARGUS agents are on their way to Kane’s company.” Diggle explained.
“And the second?” Lyla asked.
“It’s The Box. You can decide what you want to do with it, Lyla. I trust you,” Felicity said.
Lyla paused and stared down at the USB drive, “This is an extraordinarily powerful weapon, Felicity.”
“I know.”
After a moment of thought, Lyla looked up at Diggle and said, “I think I know the best thing to do with it. Everybody follow me.”
***Renegades by X Ambassadors
As they reached the roof, Lyla walked over to one of the lounge areas. She took out the drive and tossed it into the fire. Felicity looked over at her surprised.
“Even if I am running it, no government agency should have something so powerful,” Lyla said firmly.
“Which is why you’re the best person to run ARGUS,” Diggle said as he kissed Lyla on the cheek.
“Let’s us know if you need any help tracking down these guys,” Barry offered.
“Count on it,” Oliver said as he shook Barry’s hand.
The two teams smiled at one another, confident in their trust and partnership; knowing they would be there for each other… no matter what. They all stared out on the lights of Starling City, quietly enjoying the satisfaction of knowing it was a little safer.
***Control by Halsey
Roy kept his word. He left immediately after the reception, but not without giving Thea a kiss goodbye. As Thea entered her loft, she touched her fingers to her lips; trying to feel the memory of Roy’s kiss. As she pulled her fingers away, tears were the only remnants there.
“It’ll be alright sweetheart,” said a familiar voice.
Thea froze. Very slowly, she turned. A figure came out of the shadow in the corner. It was Moira, still dressed in the business suit she died in. A bloody stain from Slade’s sword still on her white blouse.
“You’re not real,” Thea said tearfully.
“Of course I am,” Moira answered softly.
“No… no. You were gone. I made you go away. Oliver helped me,” Thea cried out in a panic. She took several steps away from her mother.
“Oliver never knew I was here and, even if he did, he can’t help you, sweetheart. Only I can. You just have to listen. You were listening so well,” Moira explained as she followed Thea.
Thea went into the bathroom and splashed water on her face. She shut her eyes and pounded her fists against her head. “You’re not real. You’re not real. You’re not real.”
She felt her mother’s arms wrap around her waist.
“Shhhhh. Shhhh. It’s alright Thea. You’ll feel so much better.”
Thea faced her reflection. Her face was dripping water, and her black mascara was running down her face. Moira was in the reflection, but only the reflection. There was nobody in the bathroom with her.
“Are you a hallucination? A demon? What?” Thea asked desperately.
Moira didn’t answer. Instead she said, “Go ahead.”
“No… I stopped.”
“Thea… the reflection isn’t right. You and I both know it. Fix it sweetie. You’ll feel so much better.”
Thea stared at her reflection for a second, but then in a fit of rage, she slammed her fist into it. The mirror cracked into hundreds of pieces, leaving a fractured image of Thea and Moira behind.
“There… that’s so much better, isn’t it?” Moira said eerily.
Thea sighed and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, they were filled with a blank, almost lifeless stare.
“Yes,” Thea said flatly.
She made her way around the apartment and shattered every mirror with her fist until her reflection was in pieces and her hand was dripping with blood.
“Good. Now we can begin. Are you ready?” Moira asked.
Thea faced her mother, the blood dripping onto the ground, but she didn’t register pain. Instead, the crazed look was back, and she smiled at her mother, “Yes.”
***You Are Love by Taylor Swift
After walking the last guest out, Oliver headed back up to the roof where he found Felicity staring out at the city. He watched her for moment, taking in her beauty, as the lights of the city shimmered in front of her. Wisps of her hair blew in the wind, and her wedding dress, gathered elegantly behind her, flapped softly in the breeze. Oliver approached her slowly and wrapped his arms around her.
“Hey,” Felicity whispered at the feel of his touch.
“Hey,” Oliver said as he kissed her neck.
“Everybody go home?” Felicity asked. Oliver nodded silently. Then he turned Felicity to him as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Felicity wrapped her arms around Oliver’s neck.
“So… we’ve officially been married for six hours. How’s it going for you?” Oliver asked playfully.
“Pretty good. How about you?” Felicity answered, playing along.
“Good. This marriage thing is easy.”
“It really is. I think we’ve got it handled.”
“Six hours down. Another…55 years and 18 hours to go,” Oliver said, chuckling as Felicity swatted him.
“Oh so now you believe Dr. Wells?”
Oliver shrugged a little, “Not really.”
“87 years sounds better,” Felicity teased lightly.
Oliver nodded, “It does. How about a compromise?”
Felicity smiled at him adoringly, “You really do have this marriage thing down.”
“How does forever sound to you, Mrs. Queen?”
Felicity kissed Oliver gently as she whispered, “Sounds perfect.”
Oliver led her out to the center of the roof, and Felicity laughed. “What are you doing?”
“I want to dance with my wife.”
“You don’t dance, Oliver.”
“That’s true, but I think we can make an exception,” Oliver answered.
He took her hand and placed the other on her waist. Felicity placed her other hand on his shoulder. As they began to sway, she leaned against him. The heat of his hand warmed her own. The strength of his arms as he confidently held her gave her an overwhelming sense of safety. Felicity didn’t need to think where she was going. Oliver simply glided her across the roof as the lights of Starling, their city, sparkled all around them.
“You’re pretty good, Mr. Queen,” Felicity said softly.
Oliver gently whispered in her ear, “I said I don’t dance. I never said I couldn’t.”
He released her suddenly and began to twirl her around. Felicity laughed as Oliver spun her, his hand holding firmly to hers. When she felt dizzy, Oliver pulled her close and steadied her. Never once did he let go of her hand, and as Oliver bent to kiss her, Felicity knew he never would. As she kissed her husband back, Felicity knew this was the life for which she was destined. The life that was once only a dream was now a reality. It stretched out before them, an endless night of possibility. There was no ending. Only a beginning. For one perfect moment, Oliver and Felicity were infinite.
***Chimes at Midnight by In The Groove
Damien Darhk sat in near pitch black as his limo drove him to the nearest airport. He picked up the phone and dialed. The person on the other end answered immediately.
“I have a job for you… one for which you are uniquely qualified. I want you to kill Oliver Queen.”
A familiar voice on the other end said, “Shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Good. See that it’s done,” Damien hung up. He stepped out of the limo and onto a private jet for parts unknown.
Back on the streets of Starling City, a figure in the shadows hung up the phone. As he lit up a cigarette, his face was illuminated by the glow of the lighter.
Tommy.
He took a long drag of his cigarette before he tossed it casually to the ground. A street lamp shined on the H.I.V.E. emblem tattooed on his hand, as Tommy lifted a black hoodie over his head. He glanced upward to the building over which he was keeping careful watch.
It was not Queen Inc., or even Oliver and Felicity’s loft, but rather Laurel’s apartment. As Laurel passed in front of the window, ready for bed, she shut off the light. Tommy walked away as darkness engulfed the apartment, disappearing into the shadow of the night.
The End
Stay tuned for Part 2 which I wil write… at some point!
Again special thanks to my wedding selection committee. Your picks were all beautiful. @callistawolf, @fanmommer, @olicity-i-believe-in-you, @kalichica12, @oliverqlovesfelicity, @palindromepoet, @louiseblue1
CONTEST WINNERS:
1.
What opening song should I use? Oliver is running on the beach.
WINNER: I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons
2.
Where do you want Oliver to propose?
WINNER: Starling City docks
3.
Vote for Felicity’s Engagement Ring
WINNER: Selected by Calli @callistawolf
4.
Vote for Felicity’s Wedding Dress
WINNER: Selected by Em @olicity-i-believe-in-you
5.
Vote For The Bridal Party
WINNER:
Diggle/Roy/Barry and Thea/Caitlin/Lyla
6.
Vote for the Bridesmaid Dress COLOR
WINNER: Red
7.
Vote for the Olicity Bridesmaid Dress
WINNER: Selected by Jen @jbuffyangel
8. Donna’s Mother of the Bride Dress: Donna’s dress was chosen by a friend of mine and member of the Olicity fandom who her 28th Wedding anniversary. @
@TriciaTesH
WINNER: Selection by Chery @oliverqlovesfelicity
Other selections I made:
Sara’s flower girl dress:
Huppa:
Table setting:
Thanks for participating in the voting!!!!!