16604/Arrow Clan Musings

Arrow Clan Musings
Date of Scene:	17 December 2023
Location:	Phoenix Towers
Synopsis:	Oliver and Felicity have a chance to catch up before patrol time, tackling a few items on the agenda. After patrol they really have a chance to catch up.
Cast of Characters:	Oliver Queen, Felicity Smoak

---

Oliver Queen has posed:
In the grand scheme of things, New York City during the holiday season is not exactly a bad sort of place to be.

There is no shortage of things to do, no shortage of things to see, even a measure of holiday cheer to be experienced, to be appreciated. All in all, in some respects things are looking pretty good.

And while Oliver Queen misses being back in Star City, especially at this time of year, the simple fact of the matter is that his attention is still needed here. At the end of the day, the holidays are where his friends are. His family is.

But for the moment at least his mind isn't on the holiday season. His mind is on the task at hand. Hell's Kitchen still very much has a problem with the local Triad, and whoever the mysterious force is that is guiding them. Which means the Phoenix Tower Project -- Queen Consolidated's latest entry into affordable housi9ng -- has a problem too. So the blonde billionaire is currently in the basement of that towering apartment complex, hidden away in a discrete corner whhere Team Arrow has set up their remote Arrowcave, going over his gear for the latest patrol, face a mask of concentration.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
While it's her job to keep abreast of things related to Queen Consolidated and any potential criminal activity with the local Triad, a girl needs a coffee break every now and then. Having bundled up to head to the local Starbucks to grab a latte (or two), it's only now that she comes back down to the basement. The sound of her winter boots stomping on the floor as she heads downstairs is the first signs of the blonde.

Her brows raise as she spies the billionaire and then yawns, stretching her arms in the air as she approaches. "I thought it was my turn to monitor things tonight." she offers with a warm smile before offering the other latte to him just in case he needs the caffeination.

"So, anything interesting going on on your end? I overheard a young girl bitching about some mafiosos threatening her dad in Chinatown, saying their club needed to be under protection." a beat. "And they were probably Triad from the description. A woman named Mai-yin. Sound familiar?" she asks.

Oliver Queen has posed:
When he is in Arrow mode, he can get a little intense. A little focused.

Just a little though, mind you.

And certainly he looks that way at the moment. Perhaps with some cause. This particular collective of criminals has proven to be rather resilient, determined and dug in. Quite literally, given the maze of tunnels and converted basements that they have found beneath the streets of Hell's Kitchen, a literal warren of stockpiles, armories, illicit medical centers, barracks and other criminal entries put to use by the local Triad.

Fortunately for the both of them, Felicity has a certain way of grounding him and the extremely focused look on Oliver's features finally drops when she reemerges from the cool, blustery night outside, slipping back into the hidden section of the building's basement.

Glancing up at the offer of coffee, a wry smile slides over his face and he reaches out to accept the offered latte from her, pausing to take a sip. "I'm not about to say no to a little caffeine. Or the heat. I think I'm going to need it tonight," he admits. It's definitely blustery out there.

"I was just gearing up for patrol," he offers up, finally seemingly satisfied with his survey of his gear and sliding that quiver into place on his back. "It does sound familiar as a matter of fact," he admits, a small frown creeping over his expression. "SHe's been a hard one to pin down and take off the board."

Like so many others in the local Triad. Shine a light on them and the skitter back underground. Giant cockroaches, plaguing the neighborhood.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
"Matsuya. Matsuri? Something like that. I didn't exactly catch all of the conversation, but that's the family that's getting extorted for 'protection.'" Felicity explains as she takes a seat and nods at the mention of patrolling.

"Their club is on the edge of Chinatown, so you might want to look there. Apparently, something about a meeting place?" Maybe the Triads want to meet there or use it as a front. "I just know the girl was upset about it and wanted to do something. So hopefully she doesn't get herself into trouble. So you might want to watch out for her. Gwen. About my height? A high school sophomore I think?"

Her brows furrow as she does what she can to remember the eavedropped conversation at the coffee shop. "That's the only lead I have for tonight, I'm afraid." Looking apologetically in his direction, she offers a sheepish smile.

"You be careful out there, okay?"

Oliver Queen has posed:
The simple, unfortunate truth is that the residents of this building, of this neighborhood, all seem to have stories like the one that Felicity is relaying. With his heavy involvement in the purchase and renovation of the apartment buildings above Oliver has gotten to know quite a few of the tenants. And the sheer number of people that have been adversely affected by this particular Triad gang is absolutely staggering.

So while it might not be a new story, an unfamiliar story, the blonde billionaire still lets his features get creased by the frown that slides over them, quite while he listens to her relay what she has picked up. Sometimes it is amazing just much they can glean from an overheard conversation.

"Chinatown, hmmm? Sounds like they might be expanding their operations some. I just hope that their little underground network doesn't extend all the way to there. It's already a big enough pain mapping them out just underneath Hell's Kitchen," he says drily, shaking his head slowly.

Taking another sip of that hot drink, Ollie reluctantly sets it down on the edge of the work bench. "I'll see what I can dig up," he promises. It's not like they are in short supply of matters that need attending, but sometimes you just need to prioritize. They've definitely gotten used to that fact since they relocated to New York, at least temporarily.

The last comment at least makes the blonde billionaire crack a smile, for a moment his whole demanor changing. "You know me," he counters.

Which is most definitely not a promise to be careful. Not by a long shot.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Pfft. She shakes her head and lets out a soft sigh.

"I do know you." a beat. "And that's why I'm telling you to be careful." A cheeky grin curls onto her lips as she leans over and steals a quick peck upon his cheek.

"But you know I'll have your six when you're out there. Why do you think I got two lattes?" One for him and one for her, so she can monitor things from the relative safety of the tower.

"As an aside, did you know that we need to have a license to fly drones in New York airspace? I was thinking it might be good to take the classes to get the license, so there's no issue should a drone be found."

And then she looks towards him. "What do you think?"

Oliver Queen has posed:
In fairness she knows him far better than most.

The rejoinder is a pretty fair one, as even Oliver would freely admit, and a wry little smirk slides over his features, dipping his head towards her as if conceeding the point. "Lets just say that I'll do my best," he offers up as a sort of middle ground. He's not really the best at playing it safe.

Though, admittedly his recent brush with Circe and being turned into a pig has made him at least a little more thoughtful about some of the risks that he tends to take. He is, however, fairly confident that he doesn't have to worry about ancient Greek sorceresses showing up on his patrol tonight, however, so he can probably afford to take a few chances.

"I do. And it's always appreciated," he conceeds quietly, one hand coming to rest on her shoulder for a moment, squeezing gently before falling away again. Who would have thought? The day would come when Ollie would actually look forward to having a team with him, in the field, instead of playing the lone world. Certainly not him.

"I think it is adorable that you want to make sure that our illegal vigilante operation is covered in case one of your drones is brought in," Oliver says slyly, flashing her a playful grin. "If you can muster the time it certainly woudn't hurt. I mean, I imagine you could probably teach whoever they get as an instructor a thing or two but it never hurts to be on the right side of the legal system. Just in case."

Felicity Smoak has posed:
"Plausible deniability." she says after clucking her tongue on the inside of her cheek before grinning toothily in his direction. "Besides, the demand for people who can fly commercial drones is getting up there. If things don't work out for whatever reason, I could get a job with a construction crew doing remote inspections."

But of course things will work out in the end, right?

"It's not like the drones are emblazoned with a Green Arrow insignia. They're commercial drones. They could belong to anyone, and if I'm around or they track it to me, then I could flash a license." See, it's all part of a clever plan to be able to continue illegal vigilantism legally.

"Besides, I've been seeing lots of open source programs that can calculate distance through computer vision for drones. It might be helpful for you." she says with a sage nod, always thinking of ways that things can become improved, more efficient, and safer for everyone. "I might just need you to bankroll the classes though."

Oliver Queen has posed:
Oh, he's all about plasuible deniability. It's practically his middle name. Oliver Plausible Deniability Queen. It's probably the only reason that his noctural activities as the Green Arrow have not already outted him to the public at large as Star City's resident vigilante in chief and general all around troublemaker.

"Mmmmhmmm. Somehow I don't think it will come to that," Ollie admits dryly, flashing a near identical grin back her way as he continues the process of gearing up, weapon and various other useful little toys tucked away in that hooded costume. Ready for any eventuality. Or most of them at least. "Given that I'm fairly certainy that you're capable of anything."

He pauses for a moment. "Though I suppose I could always squander my family fortune. Then we might all have to rely on your mad drone skills to keep us afloat, so maybe it's not such a bad thing for you to keep this in the back pocket. Just in case," he quips.

But surely even he couldn't blow through all that money right? Right?

"Agreed. Another layer of legitimacy never hurts and they have certainly proven their worth, even if getting them to work well in mapping out all those tunnel systems have proven to be a little difficult," Ollie admits. "Just expense it. We'll hide it in Queen Consolidated books. Heck, we can probably put it to use on that front too and really make it legtimate."

Felicity Smoak has posed:
"Speaking of expenses..." and she uses this opportunity as a segue into a more business related topic. "Interns. There are a lot of applications. Promising applicants from places on the teen front like Happy Harbor High School and then other schools like Columbia and NYU. Thoughts on that?" she wonders, as she could always use a good crime fighting intern or two. Green Robin? Red Robin? Oh wait, that would make them get sued for copyright infringement.

"And you are so smart!" she beams at the mention of the tunnels. "It would be truly efficient if you got a license too and we could shorten the time. Besides, it would be a neat date, drone licensure." she continues before chuckling softly under her breath.

Looking at the time, she hrmms, "So when were you thinking of heading out for patrol? Or do you need another cuppa?"

Oliver Queen has posed:
Sometimes the line between Oliver Queen, corporate overlord and the Green Arrow can get pretty blurred. He's used to that.

It certainly adds to the likelihood of that given that the people he tends to work closest with are either likewise highly involved in the family business, or actual family themselves. It definitely means that there is a lot of crossover, so when she brings up the issue of internships, Oliver only smiles briefly. "It's a good project and having some fresh eyes never hurt. If you don't mind taking on a little of the responsibility for it all, I don't mind helping to foot the bills," he assures her with a shrug of the shoulders and a wry grin. "If there's more then we technically allotted assets for we can just change it up. Expand the program."

"You know me. I'm all about the flexibility."

He eyes her for a moment, pursing his lips and turns away from that workbench at last, reclaiming that cup to take another long drink of that hot latte. "I have a sneaking suspicion that you just conned me into spending our next date night in a class room," he says, a wry note creeping into his voice. "I also suspect you're looking forward to showing me up in front of the entire class," he teases.

"Fine. I'll come along. You're right. It could be useful," he conceeds. "And as for patrol, that all depends on what else you need me to sign off on," he counters, eyes glinting with good humor under the lights of the Arrowcave.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
With a lascivious brow waggle she grin, "I know you're flexible." Oh, did she mean to have that double entendre? Probably.

There's a nod as the intern program is approved, and she makes a mental note of it before taking her spot in front of the monitors. Spinning in her chair to face him, she looks over him with an appraising glance before she stands up and brushes something off his chest. "Ketchup?" she asks before wiping it on a napkin in her pocket from the coffee shop.

"Other than that, we're good to go. Nothing else needs your John Hancock on it. Just you know, come home safe." Felicity says, her expression softening somewhat.

Oliver Queen has posed:
He has been known to have the occasional bite to eat while still in his costume. Particularly while they are all gathered here in the Arrowcave, either before or after a patrol.

But odds are that the little stain is less likely to be ketchup and more likely to be blood. Someone else's surely. Fortunately for him. Less fortunate for them but hey, if they didn't want to bleed a little they probably shouldn't have gotten into a life of crime. At least that's the way Ollie figures it.

Still, he's gotten pretty good about not worrying her unduly. "Ketchup. Yeah. Probably," he agrees. I mean it's technically possible. Either way, between her attention and the fact that his costume is in the darkest shades of green it is unlikely to show.

"And I know you do. But it never hurts to remind you," Ollie counters with a wink, teasing her right back. He's fairly certain that she even meant th double entendre this time, instead of setting him up unintentionally. Or did he set her up this time?

"Fair. I'll be back in a few hours and maybe we can grab a late dinner," he suggests, following her back to the back of monitors long enough to lean in and press a soft kiss to the back of her neck, one hand finding hers for just a moment. Then he whirls towards the secret entrance leading out into those tunnels and the waiting Triad gangs beyond.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Feeling the heat of his breath along her neck, she closes her eyes and shudders for a few moments. She bites on her lower lip and as she spins to say something, he's gone and out the door.

The evening patrol is.. somewhat uneventful. That doesn't necessarily mean that nothing happened. It just meant that a vast conspiracy to end the world, smuggle loads of drugs or create new metahumans wasn't discovered, but it doesn't mean that it's not out there.

Sighing as she takes a sip of her third coffee of the evening, she continues to monitor things as Overwatch. There's a bit of clickety clacking as she opens up a channel to Ollie.

<<I think it's all clear. You knocked out most of the goons from the looks of it, though there's some boxes that might look interesting in that warehouse. We can mark it and have people bring it for analysis? Or should I send the police an anonymous tip?>>

While waiting for a response, she sighs and just leans back, putting an arm over her brow. "Phew. Oracle has nothing on this." she giggles.

Oliver Queen has posed:
There are no earth-shattering threats out there on the streets -- or beneath the streets -- of Hell's Kitchen tonight admittedly. No sudden, shocking reveleation that will turn the tide in their little ongoing battle with the local Triad.

And honestly? Given some of his recent experiences with the Justice League, Oliver is rather glad of that particular fact. There is something to be said about just being there on the streets of the city, making small gains, putting away those who prey on the weak and vulnerable.

Even if it's just one at a time.

It might not be glamorous, but that's not really why Ollie got involved in all of this to begin with. There are a pair of muggers that won't be preying on anyone else soon and a double handful of goons who definitely have had their night ruined. That's enough.

<<Lets involve the police. It all lots like pretty standard issue. They can have their labs do the assessment and then we can use the JLA line to get our hands on the report. Between drone lessons, interns to oversee, the holidays and me, I think you've got more then enough on your plate,>> the blonde billionaire teases over the line. <<I'm heading in. See you in fifteen.>>

And true enough to his word the hooded figure emerges back into that underground lair almost exactly fifteen minutes later, pushing back that covering as he does so.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Tippity tappity. The NYPD would definitely be getting an anonymous tip that appears on their computers about the warehouse. Of course, she lives for stuff like this, getting to flex her l33t computer skills every now and then. Naturally the tip isn't exactly anonymous as it's signed Overwatch. How edgy of her.

And as she finishes typing is when Ollie come back in. Spinning her chair in the direction of the entrance (and exit), there's a warm smile on her features as she stands up and decides to meet him half way.

When Felicity finally comes up to him, she tilts her head, trying to examine him from different angles. "You didn't get too hurt out there, did you?" Of course there was probably a punch here or a kick there, but she's making sure he truly didn't get hurt and not just get into some light fisticuffs.

"And I'm glad you're back."

Oliver Queen has posed:
While they might not quite have all the conveniences of home out here on the wrong coast, their New York setup is coming along pretty well. It admittedly helps to have the resources Oliver doees at his disposal, and her genius brain has insured that their setup has all the computer resources they need.

But that doesn't mean that they have to do all the heavy lifting for the NYPD. The local authorities can earn their keep.

Outwardly at least the blonde billionaire doesn't look any different from when he headed out earlier in the evening. The uniform looks unruffled and fortunately unpunctured and the intent look on his face almost seems to melt away as she hurries over to meet him, softening his own features a little.

"I return to you unmarred, if not exactly in my original packaging," he assures her wryly. "Near mint, if no longer quite pristine," he says slyly, laughing quietly and leaning over to brush lips and a hint of the stubbled chin against her cheek.

"I assume everything is taken care of on your end so if you give me just a few to change and clean up we can get out of here for the night and find some place still open to grab a bite. Or at least pick something up."

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Her arms wrap about his shoulders as he leans in to brush his lips and that scruff against her cheek. Naturally, she blushes. Sure, he's done that probably hundreds of times, but each time it happens, she can't help but feel like a giddy school girl.

Rgaining her composure, she nods and hrmms for a few moments. "Take your time." Felicity whispers, flaring her nostrils, as she drinks in his scent. Of course, that scent of physical exertion does wonders to a woman, but she won't admit that there's something unconscious about her statement.

She then nods at the plans for the rest of the evening. "I know there's a 24 hour schwarma place or we could always just get chicken and rice or lamb and rice from a Halal Guys food truck." Because they are in the city that never sleeps after all.

"No need to do something fancy. We can just grab some food, then binge on some Netflix while we eat." Is that a euphemism? Who knows?

Oliver Queen has posed:
Star City might always be home.

But that doesn't mean that New York doesn't offer certain charms of its own. Like the fact that just about any kind of food one can imagine is probably available relatively close by, no matter the time of day. Even when one happens to find themselves on the wrong side of midnight. Or the right side, depending on one's outlook on life.

He does linger for a moment, lips close to her ear, drinking in her presence -- the rush of the evenings adrenaline calming, if not entirely fading away. At least not while she is close by at any rate.

He might have a certain effect on her, but it is pretty apparent that the same can be said for her on him. Which is no doubt part of the reason that they work.

"Sounds like a plan," Ollie murmurs, lips pressing to the side of her neck briefly, curving into a smile there. "One I can definitely get behind," he agrees before giving a little sigh and forcing himself to straighten away.

"Alright, I'll try not to keep you waiting Miss Smoak," he teases, turning away and already starting to unfasten his gear, going through the process of disarming before disrobing, equipment neatly stored away as he begins to make his way towards the makeshift change rooms and showers in the back of the little underground lair.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
There's a bit of a nervous swallow as he remains close. Feeling the heat of his breath upon her neck once more, she can't help but shudder and let out a soft little whimper at the intimacy of the moment.

Seemingly quite flustered after that, she tries to regain her composure. She is Felicity Smoak and she can usually remain in control of what would be her more base desires and interests.

And so when he starts to disrobe, she simply thinks about other things. Computers. Terabyte RAM. The latest NVIDIA processors.

A little peek as he goes into the shower and she squints, nosewrinkling as her cheeks burn bright red. Cute puppies. Her grandmother.

And then she cracks open another peek. NYPD Firefighter Calendars. No no no! Calendars of puppies. Of scenic places in the United States. Of rugby players..

And that'swhen she decides to follow. Just a little peek wouldn't hurt, right?

Oliver Queen has posed:
Back in Star City everything is practically polished to a fine sheen. There has been time to attend to the little things, to put all those Queen resources to good use.

Setting up shop here in Manhatten has been a little more of a rush job. It wasn't really their intention to relocate to New York for any sort of prolonged basis. Just long enough to deal with the local Triad, to insure a better life for the tenants of the Phoenix Tower project. That meant rushing through to get their local Arrowcave setup quickly, without some of the bells and whistles that might be nice. Everything is a little rudimentary.

And doors are distinctly optional.

The 'change rooms' are little more then an enclosure of lockers to tuck away personal clothes and items while out in the field with a small bathroom beyond, complete with a simple shower stall, concrete floor, and drain in the middle. Luxurious it ain't.

It also only has a bare minimum of privacy so Felicity might just get an eyeful, the Arrow outfit left draped over a bench, hot water pouring down and Oliver very naked in the middle of the shower, back turned to the door.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
"Ahem." she says announcing herself as she leans against the door frame that would lead towards the changing rooms that remains within view of the shower.

If he doesn't notice, then she coughs into her hand to maybe get him to turn around.

"You know? It was kind of warm near the monitors all day. I may have worked up a little bit of sweat myself." she says, as she knows there's always an extra change of clothes in her own little cubby in the change room. She's always prepared for things to happen that could potentially ruin whatever she's wearing. Papa Smoak was a boyscout after all and taught his daughter things.

"So um..." and she glances around furtively, her gaze moving from side to side before focusing on that muscular behind of his. "I was thinking... maybe I could get your back and you could get mine?"

Oliver Queen has posed:
The real chill and snow of winter might not have descended upon the city quite yet, but it is definitely a little colder then back on the west coast and in Star City. Hot coffee does a lot, but it can't quite match a hot shower when it comes to warming.

Of course there are other good ways to get nice and warm too.

While the whole shower setup might be a little on the crude side, all the improvements and renovations that have gone into the apartment complex above has at least guaranteed that the water is good and hot so Ollie doesn't have to try and whip in and out of the spray of water as quick as possible. Instead, when he hears her clear her throat behind him, he casts a backwards glance over his shoulder, a cheeky grin sliding over his features.

Maybe in a couple of similar, but still distinct respects.

Admittedly, the shower offerings back at the Penthouse eould be a little more luxurious, a little more comfortable. But sometimes that's not the most important thing in the world. And besides, that happens to be about fifty blocks away and on the other side of Central Park.

This is handy, here and now.

"You are definitely the smart one here so I'm inclined to trust your lines of thought," the blonde billionaire says lightly. "And I think we'll both feel much better after a shower."

Or they're probably doing it wrong.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Ever since he first kissed the back of her neck this evening, she couldn't stop thinking about him. How he made her feel. How she wanted more of that feeling, that excitement of being around him.

When the invitation is granted, a coy grin curls onto her lips as she starts taking a few steps forward, her hips sashaying from left to right with each step. Along the way, she begins disrobing, slipping off that tactical turtle neck, pulling it up and over her head to reveal the toned, pale flesh of her tummy, those soft ample breasts, and her slender frame.

Her leggings are next. Good thing she already took off her boots earlier, as she hooks her thumbs along the waistband and begins pulling downwards.

It isn't long before she's completely bared before him, and she soon steps into the shower, stepping in behind him before reaching over to grab some soap. As she reaches for the soap, she can't help but press herself against him, and with the bar in hand, she takes another step back before she begins lathering up the taut muscles of his back ever so slowly, making sure she touches as much of him as she can.

"Tell me if you want something, handsome. I think after a patrol, I should take care of you, right?"