Man Behind the Mask

Chapter 5 - Reconciliation

Chapter 5 - Reconciliation 

DISCLAIMER: Still must concede I own nothing and make nothing!

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Lance watched as Queen dropped to his knees in front of Felicity and after briefly caressing her face he immediately went to work on the zipties binding her. As soon as she was free she returned the caress to his face and reached to hug him. He pulled her in tightly and buried his head at her neck. He reared back suddenly and reached to remove the mask but Felicity's fingers on his hands stopped him. 

"It already took you too long - don't mess up the rescue further by revealing your identity." Felicity's quiet voice was teasing even if slightly uneven. They watched as she pulled him back in for another tight hug. 

Oliver's husky laughter could be heard as could his whispered response, "We do need to work on our communication skills Ms. Smoak." 

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Lance watched the byplay with interest even as he saw Diggle and Thea exchange a look from the corner of his eyes. Clearly they see nothing out of the ordinary with Queen fighting for Felicity then comforting her. How did she know it was him anyway? That's a lot of faith to put in someone who may not deserve it. 

Diggle spoke to the couple who continued to hold each other tightly enough for Felicity to hear through the comms. "Felicity, we didn't locate the bomb so you need you update the police when you call them. Keep the hostages in that room until the police clear everything and get to you." 

Both Felicity and Oliver nodded but they still didn't break apart to act on Diggle's commands. 

"Hate to break it up guys but Oliver, you need to get out of there now. The alarm alerted the police and there's a frenzy of activity outside. You guys need to get back as they will probably be looking for you." Diggle announced. "Not to mention the others are getting restless." 

Thea, Diggle and Lance saw the hostages were no longer cowering in fear of the gunshots but instead starting to look around. 

"You need to go." Felicity's soft voice was muffled as she continued to cling to Oliver. As he wasn't ready to let go yet either, neither acted on her words. 

Thea's long suffering sigh was clear on the comms. "Seriously guys - get a room later but for now, Oliver you need to go. Roy's waiting at the side entrance." 

Felicity finally pulled away slightly but tilted her head up to whisper to Oliver. "Thank you...now get out." 

It was clear to those watching that both tightened their grips before finally letting go. Oliver ghosted a hand from temple to chin before stepping back and turning toward the side entrance. 

"Who are you?" One QC hostage asked from beside Felicity but Oliver didn't acknowledge the question. 

"Don't you mean who was that masked man?" Felicity couldn't resist the retort even as everyone on the comms groaned. She continued more seriously.

"Did anyone manage to keep a phone? We need to alert the police and have them rescue us." Felicity grinned to herself and watched as Oliver darted away. 

Lance noted Felicity's easy attitude even as he felt the tension leave the room as Thea and Diggle both returned to work. 

"Clear shot guys but keep moving please." Thea encouraged. 

"We need to extend the camera feed and security measures into that vacant building. You guys will be walking in there blind." Diggle's annoyed frown was heard in his voice.