Chapter Text
She put her car in park, turning the ignition off as she looked at the bath leading into the woods waiting for her feet to step through. Felicity Smoak got a text from her best friend, Oliver Queen to meet him at their spot. It was a simple text that read "terabithia" was all she needed to know to drop everything she was doing and drive over to the lake.
Felicity has known Oliver since the first grade after she was getting tease by the other classmates for wearing glasses. There was a skinny tall weird kid by the name of Ray Palmer that was constantly poking at her during recess, as small girl was trying to mind her own business by reading her Charlotte's Web book. Oliver was watching from the top of the spider web dome playground climber. He was focused in on the two just waiting for the moment Palmer pushed it too far and it wasn't long until he did by snatching her book out of her hand. Oliver quickly climbed his way down, careful not to hit any of the other kids going the opposite direction. Once on the group he saw how the small brunette had her hands in the air trying to reach for her book that was being held him up in the sky away from her.
Once within reach, without another thought, Oliver kicked the back part of Palmer's knee, dropping him down to the ground. He quickly grabbed the book, walking over to the small brunette. She hesitated slightly, taking the book, and pushed her glasses up on her nose.
"Thank you," she quietly said.
"Don't worry about it."
"Oh, that hurt, Oliver," Screamed Ray, holding onto his attacked knee, "Why don't you mind your business?"
"Why don't you mind your's?" he spat back, "She was just reading. Now bug off before I make it my business that you never get in her's again."
Ray got up to his feet and walked over to the hand-ball court where is friends were waiting.
The tall blue-eyed boy turned to the small blue-eyed girl and gave her a small smile, "Hi, I'm Oliver. What's your name?"
"I'm Felicity. Thank you for getting me my book back."
"What's it about?"
"A talking spider and a pig become best friends," she gave a soft smile holding the book in tight.
"Mind if I read it sometime?"
"I can read it some of it to you now, if you want."
And she did. Felicity and Oliver spent the rest of the recess sat under the tree reading a chapter. Day by day, Felicity and Oliver grew closer together and soon enough they were inseparable. As they grew older they learned about each other's interests and more importantly each other. There was nosying going on in each other's life that the other didn't know about. There was no secrets and there were no lies.
As they got older and went into high school, Felicity knew how handsome he had gotten and how most girls only befriended her to get to him. She didn't mind though because she knew that none of those girls stood a chance. He might have dated a few of them for a couple months but nothing ever stuck. One thing always did and that was that she was his best friend and he hers.
One day their freshman year, Oliver and Felicity had gone exploring into the woods talking about the adventure they would have like the kids from another book they read Bridge To Terabithia. Turns out they were right, because they came across a different view of the lake they would come to with their family. There was a small wooden dock over the water that was hidden by the shrubs of the trees around it. From far away, no one would ever know it was there but once actually accessing the dock, it was spacious and quite beautiful.
They had made a pact to never speak to someone about the hidden location and to keep it just between them. Whenever they wanted to be alone or whenever they just wanted to get away from the world they knew to come there. It was there own little bubble.
That is where Felicity met Oliver on a warm summer night.
"Hey, you," she asked approaching him, "Why did you ask me here so late?"
"I wanted to be alone with you," he looked at her taking her spot next to him on the end of the platform, "one last time."
"You are the one driving me to the airport, silly," she shoved him slightly with her shoulder, a small smile on her face.
"With hundreds of people around us. I wanted one last memory of just me and you, here in our spot."
"I am going to LA to study tech, I'm not dying," Felicity rolled her eyes.
"Still. This town will not be the same," he reached over and took her hand in his, "Felicity, I don't know what life is like without you in it."
"I will always be here for you," she looked up at him and he noticed how the moon shinned against her eyes.
"I really hope you hold me in your heart as I do mine," his eyes locked on hers, briefly glancing over her lips.
"Of course, I do," there was a small gap of silence as it felt as if they were pushed towards each other. When it felt like all trace of oxygen left her body, she took in a deep breath before saying, "You are my best friend, Oliver, where else would I hold you?"
Oliver looked down, closing his eyes in slight disappointment, before lifting his gaze to look over her head, kissing her forehead softly. For the next hour they sat there, hands interlaced, his head rested on hers as she rested on his shoulder. They sat quietly just enjoying being there together for the last time in their beloved spot.
The next day the car ride to the airport was quiet. She stared out the window just watching the only town she has ever known move behind her. She now had her new life ahead of her. A life away from Starling, without her mother, without her one year old dog, Ophelia, without her friends Laurel, Tommy, Barry and a life without Oliver. He was the hardest one she would have to leave behind.
She knows that she will be back to visit but it was not going to be the same. He was not going to be just streets away and they would not just be able to get up and go to the local library to pick up a random book and read a little from it together.
When they got to the airport, Oliver took her luggage in one hand and her hand in the other. They made it through check in, handing off the luggage to a worker, before they made their way to where Oliver was no longer allowed to pass.
"Now, don't you go forgetting about me out there in fancy Los Angeles, Spidey."
"Couldn't even if I tried...piggy," she chuckled shaking her head, "God, that was always such a horrible nickname."
"That is the mind of a 6 year old for you," she chuckled, "I'm glad I got to hear your giggle a final time before you left."
"Thank you for always giving me a reason to laugh," she looked down at her watch and her smile faded, "Now I must go before I'm late. I still have to make it through TSA."
"Call me when you land safely?"
"And we will make it a regular thing."
They looked at each other before taking the other in each other's arms. Felicity took his the way she felt safe in his arms and the feel of his hard chest against hers and Oliver took in the way her hair always smelled of vanilla. They were both going to make the most of this final moment together. It was the hardest thing to pull away but they finally did.
"I will see you see you soon."
"Count on it," she smiled as she started walking backwards before stepping onto the escalator and finally disappearing into the second level.
Felicity held onto the escalator hand railing, looking into the abyss of the last memory she had of this airport. It seemed just like yesterday she had left the small town of Starling, when in fact it has been nearly 10 years since that day. She wondered how different the town must have been and how different the people must have been. The only connection she had to the town was her mother who for the last 10 years had been the one to travel to wherever her daughter was. The place she once called home had now just been a place she was visiting and it felt like the first time she had been there. She had just landed and already she felt like a stranger.
The last time she was in that very airport there had been someone she cared about dearly waving her off, but instead of the man with those beautiful blue eyes standing in that spot, was another blonde that she looked the splitting image of.
"Felicity! Felicity! Nugget, we are right here!"
Donna Smoak was jumping up in down, waving her arms around. How she managed to not fall in her 6 inch heels was beyond Felicity, but she wasn't surprised. Her mother was always a fan of heels, and that is where she got it from if she was being honest but she doesn't wear them as high as her mother does.
Felicity pulled on a smile to her face as she was going down the escalator, her friend, Iris beside her. Iris West and Felicity became friends a little after she was interviewed by multiple newspapers and magazines over her rising tech company. Iris had just started off as an intern and had gotten the honor of getting the job to interview the ever popular Felicity Smoak. Felicity herself usually dreaded interviews but Iris had made it so fun and made it seem like it was just two girlfriends chatting away. This interview headset Iris to get a second with her after the world saw Felicity in a bright new light. After the third interview Felicity and Iris got together for dinner and quickly became friends. After a while, the two single ladies decided to move in together, where the rest became history.
Iris is now a successful newspaper editor for The LA Times with rumors that the owner has her under his will to pass the newspaper over to her hands upon his passing. Felicity is now CEO of a successful tech company, Smoak Technologies and together two are one of LA's most followed celebrities, but all of that didn't get to them.
"Hi, Mom!" Felicity stepped off the escalator and walked over to her mother. She let her suitcase stand up on it's wheels as she embraced her mother in her arms, "Oh, how I missed you!"
"I missed you too baby," the older blonde said into her daughter's hair, "It has been too long since you have been home!"
"Ten years."
"Ten years?" Iris asked shockingly.
"Yeah, mother always came to visit me or we would go on vacation together, but this is my first time being home in almost ten years," Felicity smiled over to the man quietly waiting his turn, "Hi, Quentin."
"How are you doing, Felicity?" He went and wrapped his arms around her, giving her a kiss at the top of her head.
"I'm doing well," she looked over at her friend and introduced, "Iris, you remember Quentin right?"
"How could I forget?" she reached over cheek kissing the older man, "Your's and Donna's wedding was so beautiful."
"I can't believe it has been 3 years with this handsome man as a husband," Donna cuddled up to her husband smiling, "but it will be just as long if we don't get home for dinner."
"First night of Hannukkah!" Felicity linked arms with her mother, taking the lead back to the car, with Iris and Quentin trailing behind.
The Smoak household always enjoyed the holidays and decorations were always Felicity's favorite thing to see. Donna always went above and beyond with them and this year was no different. Quentin was not jewish and Donna being the loving wife that she was had her decorations with the respectful mixture of both. The theme stayed blue but there was a tree and a reef with blue and white decorative balls. There was Christmas lights hanging in the dining room to give light. This time of the year Donna would rarely use the house lights as the hanging lights and electric candles turned on to shine into the rooms. Donna always believed the holiday's to be magical times and wanted her home to feel the same way.
"Felicity, you get the honor of lighting the first candle! Take the shamash!" Donna clapped her hands watching her daughter proudly.
Felicity grabbed the candle that was already lit in front of the menorah and held it for a second silently saying a small prayer before lighting the first candle on the left. Upon lighting the candle Donna started the first of three blessings, holding her daughter's hand. Iris and Quentin stood on either side of the Smoak ladies going in staring at the lit menorah, currently the only source of light in the room. After the blessings every one gave each other a brief hug before taking their places around the table.
They started their dinner with small talk and catching up with what was going on in their lives as well as remembering all the beautiful memories of the past.
"I am so glad you have come home this year for Hannukkah, Nugget," Donna said clearing the table.
"Well, don't thank me, thank Iris," Felicity said taking a sip of her drink.
"Oh, I wanted to see where Felicity was raised," Iris smiled, "Plus, it gives us a chance to get away from the all the hustle and bustle of the streets of Los Angeles."
"Well, thank you for bringing her to me this year, sweetheart," Donna placed a plate of desserts for everyone to grab in the middle of the table, "There is nothing like a small town, isn't it?"
"I can't wait to explore the town tomorrow, Donna," Iris grabbed a dessert from the plate after her friend.
"You should check out the town's square," Quentin added, "It is very beautiful this time of year, with all the snow and then maybe a walk in the park."
"We can do that after breakfast," Felicity took a bite out of the pastry, "Oh my god, mom this ufganiyot is so good. What did you do with them this year?"
"Oh, I didn't make it this year. I know it is no secret that I'm not the best cook in the world, so thankfully someone sent them over this afternoon."
"They are from a bakery in the town square actually," Quentin spoke.
"What's the name? Maybe we can stop there for a cup of hot cocoa and small bite as we walk around," Iris asked.
"The Royal's Bakery," Donna smiled, secretly winking at her husband.
"Interesting name," Felicity grabbed for another pastry, "Is it a new shop?"
"Yes, it opened a few years ago. It's very popular in town. Everyone goes, and the owner is very friendly."
"Super friendly if he gave you a whole plate full. Is this something Quentin should be worried about?" Felicity smirked over, jokingly.
"He's nice on the eyes for the young ladies in town, that's no secret, but there is no one that can take me away from my handsome man."
"That is beautiful. I hope to find someone to love me the way you love each other."
Felicity wanted to giggle at her friends statement. She believed that love was just a game people liked to play around with.
She learned that a long time ago.
Iris and Felicity walked, arms linked, in the town square, Felicity telling Iris about all the stories growing up there. There was people Felicity use to know that they would say hello to or make quick small talk before moving on.
"Oh, look there is the bakery. Let's go get a hot drink," Iris said pulling her friend along, "I did not think Starling would be this cold. Why didn’t you tell me that it snows here?"
"I told you to bring warmer clothes," Felicity giggled, entering the shop with her friend.
Upon entering there was no hiding away from the wonderful smell of cookies and overall the smell of vanilla. She found it kinda odd that it didn't smell like peppermint as that was the typical smell during the holidays but Felicity had no objections. She loved the scent of Vanilla and it always brought her peace. Felicity was taking in the beauty of this small bakery when a voice disrupted her thoughts.
"Felicity?"
She turned around and looked at the man standing behind the counter, a smile shining on his face.
"Please, tell me this is not an ex-boyfriend of yours," Iris spoke through her teeth as the man approached them.
"It is you. Wow, I almost didn't recognize you," the tall man took her in his arms for a hug.
"Barry?" it finally hit Felicity as she hugged him back, "Barry Allen?"
"Yes," he pulled apart and threw his towel over his shoulder.
"Wow, you look great. You grew out a beard."
"Me? Look at you! you cut your hair and you're blonde now?"
"Does it look bad?" she asked, touching her hair that was mostly hidden by her red beanie.
"No, it suits you," his eye wondered off for a second and before they can focus on her again he went back look at what had caught his eye, "Oh, I'm being rude. My name is Barry, what's your's?"
"Iris," she took his hand gently, a smile, the biggest Felicity has ever seen, came across her face, "Iris West. I-I'm Felicity's friend from Los Angeles."
"She's here with me to visit," she looked over at the two, who didn't look back at her.
"We came for Hannukah," Iris spoke, still in her spell.
"Are you Jewish?"
"No, but I wanted to accompany her on her holiday and see her home."
"I hope you like what you see so far," Barry smiled, his eyes attached to the beautiful woman before him.
"Oh, I bet she does," Felicity smirked, finally getting the attention back from them.
"I'm sorry, I'm stopping you guys from your activities," Barry finally let go of Iris's hand and stepped back, "What can I get you ladies?"
"Two hot cocoas and two gingerbread cookies please."
The ladies followed Barry over to the front counter and waited for him to meet them with their order and an added pastry.
"What's this?"
"A couple mini bimuelos, they are one of the holiday's pastries correct?" Felicity nodded, "Everything on the house," he pushed them over closer to the ladies.
"Well they did say the bakery's owner was friendly," Felicity said picking up her cup.
"Oh, no, I'm not the owner," he chuckled, "I just work here."
"Oh, then please, let me pay for it. I don't want you to get in trouble," she looked in her purse for her wallet.
"No, I won't get in trouble. Trust me. The owner would have done the same himself."
"And why would he?" Iris asked, taking a sip of her drink, "Who is the owner?"
"Hey, Barry, I have new cookies in the ov-" he man stopped in his tracks as he saw the bakeries current customers.
"Oliver," Felicity said under her breath, not heard by anyone.
"Oliver, look who is back in town," Barry said smiling.
"Felicity," Oliver stepped in but stood respectfully away.
"Hi-Hello, Oliver, this is my friend Iris," she spoke, trying to put in a conversation, not wanting all her attention on her.
"Hello, nice to meet you Iris," Oliver looked over at the woman beside her and shook her hand quickly.
"Nice to meet you too. Are you the baker and owner of this place?"
"Yes, I am. I hope you enjoy the pastries," he pointed to the small bags in their hands.
"I am sure we will. We had one of your pastries last night and Donna mentioned she got them from here."
"Yes, I always give her pasties to celebrate the first night of Hannukkah every year."
"You do?" Felicity pops in.
"I do," he nodded, "Yes."
"Thank you," she said pulling a forced smile on her face and then grabbed Iris's arm, "We should get going. Lots to see and catch up on before dinner."
"Yes, indeed. Have a good day boys," Iris managed to say before being taken away from the scene.
The next day, Felicity and Donna were sitting in the living room drinking coffee, reading. Quentin had left for work at town hall and Iris was still upstairs sleeping. The house was quiet and although Felicity had the book open her mind had been elsewhere. It had been 8 years since she had last seen Oliver and it seemed as though it had been longer. She didn't know what she was expecting coming back to small town Starling. Everyone knew everyone and there was very few places where you wouldn't run into someone but she supposed somewhere deep down inside Felicity had convinced herself that he had moved on and left Starling. They had always spoke about it and figured he had managed to do so. She had imagined him with a beautiful wife and two kids running around, but she certainly did not expect him to still be living in the same town with a bakery.
Come to think of it, she couldn't even remember if she saw a ring on his finger or not.
"Felicity?" Donna's voice filled the air, "Your coffee is going to get cold if you don't get to drinking it."
"Right," she paused, "Actually, I think I am going to go for a run."
”Should I let Iris know you will be back soon?” Donna asked.
”Umm,” Felicity walked over to the kitchen and put her cup in the sink, “Sure, I just need fresh air.”
She wasn’t lying but Felicity wasn’t telling the whole truth. She wanted to get away. She needed to get away.
Coming back to Starling was more than she expected. It was nice seeing her mom and the people she grew up with but she didn’t feel a sense of peace she hoped it would bring. Instead there was a knot in her stomach that she felt the second the plane connected to the terminal. There was no other way to explain it other than her guts were twisted up in knots with no way of untangling them.
Seeing Oliver only heightened that feeling.
Last night at dinner Felicity was mostly quiet, thinking about her encounter with one Oliver Queen, as Iris and Donna talked away about all the things the small town of Starling had to offer. They spoke of the big town holiday party coming up in a few days, the ice skating rink at the pond, and the holiday concert for the tree lighting celebration that was held the night before they left.
Even though this use to be an annual holiday tradition for Felicity she had forgotten all about them.
Instead she had taken on new traditions during the holidays and that included taking vacations to exotic locations with her mother - far, far, far away from Starling.
Traditions weren’t the only thing that was different for Felicity. As a teenager Felicity hated the idea of exercise and only did it if she absolutely had to, but after a while of living in Los Angeles there was no way one didn’t become a runner or a hiker or even a yoga goer.
Felicity, to some extent, became all three.
Felicity ran to clear her head and clearing her head was what she needed that morning. She couldn’t stop thinking about a pair of blue eyes. It had been strange seeing Oliver after all this time. They had spoken almost daily for the first year after she had left and he had even gone out to Los Angeles for a weekend. That had been the last time she saw him in person. They had spoken on the phone after that visit but it was never the same. It wasn’t long until the calls stopped altogether.
Felicity had missed his blue eyes.
She had almost forgotten how hypnotizing they were.
So hypothesizing, that it took Felicity a second to realize where her jogged had taken her to.
The lake, but not just any part of the lake. It was her part - their part. They had taken her to the place she knew like the back of her hand. Her mind had been in the clouds that her feet decided on a destination without consultation from anyone else.
Felicity unplugged her headphones from her ear, letting them hang around her neck, as she walked further into the woods until she saw it. Terabithia.
The place she spent what was most of her childhood at and the place that held all her secrets.
She couldn’t believe that it was still there.
Felicity was almost sure it would have been taken over by other kids or even taken down, but it wasn’t. The spot seemed to have remained untouched. The shrubs from the tree covering the small platform seemed almost twice as big, providing even more privacy. There was still a nice view of the lake, now frozen and covered in ice.
She slowly went and took a seat, crossing her legs, at the end of the dock. She looked beyond the lake over to the mountains in the distance, taking in the beauty.
After a minute or two, she closed her eyes, placing her hands on her folded knees. She took a few deep breaths, realizing that the knot in her stomach getting tighter...
and tighter...
and tighter...
”Great minds, right?”
Felicity opened her eyes at the sound of the voice. She didn’t move, but everything made sense. Her intestines felt like they were going to jump out of her.
She turned around and blue met blue.
”Oliver.”
”Felicity.”