9457/A walk received

A walk received
Date of Scene:	04 January 2022
Location:	The Glades
Synopsis:	Felicity is escorted safely home by Slade Wilson; who would have the nerve to bother them?! No one. It's mostly uneventful.
Cast of Characters:	Felicity Smoak, Slade Wilson

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Felicity Smoak has posed:
New Years parties thrown by any member of the Queens, even sedate parties, is usually one for the books. With the 'soft opening' of the Verdant a success, the holiday party to ring in the new year was just as. Horns were blown, and confetti dropped as the brightly lit ball in Times Square did the same. Video monitors caught the excitement, and with the new year comes all the good thoughts, the hopes and the past is given to the past.

As for the resolutions?

Not one word whispered about it! Shhh!

As the party goers trickle out, it is indeed time for Felicity to go home as well. While Queen Consolidated is kind and the offices are closed, she does still have a life, such as it is, and as much as she'd love to spend the day ahead in bed, that's not going to happen. Shopping, and the drudgeries of life goes on.

Oh.. and she does have to check on a couple of processes in the Arrowcave. (Where else does she get such a cool, to-spec system?!)

With winter coat wrapped about her, Felicity is suddenly regretting life choices, that is, the wearing of a short dress with spaghetti straps. The red, form fitting tasseled flapper dress isn't appropriate for winter, and she can hear her mother in her head, asking why she'd wear such a thing anyway! The blonde, short-haired bobbed wig is off, anyway, allowing natural shoulder length hair to breathe, so that's one small mercy. Hat forgotten, coat pulled up and around her, she's ready to brave the walk back.

Stepping outside onto the entrance, the streets have a small amount of people on it, mostly party-goers that are also headed home. The streets are dark, but for the lingering holiday decorations attempted on the streetlamps to try for a little festivity.

Slade Wilson has posed:
New Years.

A strange time for Slade. He's been married. He had a family. He hasn't seen them in years, no idea if they are even still alive. He makes no resolutions, kisses no one at midnight, and finds himself perpetually minding his own business.

Then there's Felicity.

Felicity starts to go home, and Slade comes up behind her as if to walk with her. "Ms. Smoak. Plenty of unsavory characters out on this night, plenty of people who might wish to pursuing a lovely lady like yourself." He offers his arm to the lady and he approaches her more closely until he's beside her.

"May I walk you home?" Slade asks politely, not demanding, not forceful, just kindness from one person to another. "Did you make any New Years resolutions?"

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Thanks to Vin, it seemed that every time Felicity put her glass down for one reason or another, it 'magically' refilled, full in the knowledge that the blonde computer nerd wasn't driving home. She'd mentioned taxis for most of the night, and, well, rum and cokes don't sneak up on a person, no.. but they do hit hard. At least they do her, the girl least likely to open a bottle of beer on a warm day.

The air is most decidedly chill, almost too cold for snow, even if it is a touch on the damp side. Arms are wrapped about her in that 'closed off' posture as well as 'keeping warm'. So, the first steps are uneventful. Steady, even gait even if deliberate in their step; for any who would watch such a thing, it's obvious that she's walking deliberately, paying attention. So, when she's joined by her evening's sometime companion, she first starts before recognizing the distinctive voice.

There's that moment that plays upon her face as she reasons it all out, and it does come out for the better. A relieved smile, again a little self-conscious, is given before she speaks, "Mr Wilson, I'm sure-" No, no she's not, and the decision is obviously completely made as she steps closer to take hold of his arm at the elbow. "You know you don't have to do this, right?" He does seem to show up just when she needs him, and it's not always evident that she does.. until he does.

"And, it's Felicity. I think we've run into each other enough." She glances next to her at her guide and companion before looking straight ahead again.

The traffic on the street is light, and the crosswalks have only brief waits before jaywalking can safely be done. "I try not to make resolutions. That way, I'm not disappointed in myself. I mean, if I was going to, I'd do all the same ones again. Get out more, exercise more, eat right more, get a better apartment, stay out of trouble.. you know." Felicity smiles a little brighter, the more she makes fun of herself, "I don't think I could get a better job than the one I have." Given her 'rap sheet', that is.

Slade Wilson has posed:
Yet, Slade is here.

He knew he didn't have to do this. He knew it was largely unnecessary and most definitely not something he would normally do. But Felicity is not a girl you would normally meet. Felicity is a special breed. Capable, effective, yet somehow still maintaining her innocence, or what is left of it. She was a kind woman, beautiful beyond compare, and despite how self-conscious she was, Slade is aware that she has had more than enoug hto drink...and some darker characters would take advantage of her if given half the chance.

So, here Sladew as.

She takes hold of his arm however, and he pulls her closer to his side so he can keep a closer eye on her. "Felicity." He corrects himself. "Call me Slade then, since we are on a first name basis." He chuckles deeply, even as they walk. He shows up neither early or late, but exactly when he needs to - like some fairy tail character of old. Yet by her side he remains. "That makes sense. I don't make resolutions either. I just think people take them too lightly." He shrugs a little bit. "But if you have an apartment, you're already better off than plenty." Slade tells her with a small smile.

He had done some digging.

"Sometimes, all it takes is saying things the right way."

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Arm. Felicity can feel the sinew, the muscle even under the layer of jackets, and there are those couple of glances given to the man escorting her, keeping her safe. For some, well, for her upon their meeting, there was the sense of danger; she'd heard the stories. Some of them, the Readers Digest version, anyway. Their second meeting, she would have sworn that there'd be blood all over the floor. Strange, now, that there's a feeling of security, that nothing in the world could harm her at this very moment, on these mean streets of the Glades.

Nothing.

Dipping her head with a theatric gesture, the smile remains, "Right. Slade, then." As they walk, she is easily maneuvered to stay closer, easily remaining within the small, comfortable 'protection' radius. "It's not the best, but the best I can afford right now." It's easy conversation. "Apartments in the city are expensive, and most landlords are jerks, so..." She lets the word hang as she pushes up her glasses before finishing it, "At least my landlord isn't too much of a jerk."

It's amusing; she's most definitely intoxicated, and the way things just sort of spill out is in that 'everything is great' stage. She's going to feel it in the morning. "The right way?" A soft chuckle exits the blonde hacker, and she shakes her head before looking back up at him. "I am the //worst//. Everything I say comes out completely and totally wrong. It's a gift, I think. Nope, I'm pretty lucky I've gotten this far. Good job, a couple of good friends.. I think they are, anyway. And," she nods her head to the thoughts that are obviously rolling around in her head, answering them, "I really like.. this. This.. you know, makes me feel kinda special, if only for the moment." Another quick smile is given before she looks forward in their direction of travel,

"Tell me you're not married."

Slade Wilson has posed:
Maybe its something about being next to one of the most dangerous men alive that keeps people from approaching them. Guys who would normally maybe whistle at Felicity or cause her problems would find themselves met with the steeled, one-eyed gaze of Slade Wilson. Even still, Slade -listens- to her. Even as he feels her fingers occasionally attempt to feel the muscle under the sinew and fine material of his suit. Despite its more...cosplayer-ish look, it feels like its made of firm materials.

Maybe even tough material.

Yet, she calls him Slade and he chuckles. "Heh. Sometimes, you don't need the best. Sometimes you need only what you need, and everything else is just wanting. Learned that one in the military." Slade mentions to Felicity with a gentle smile. He was worried briefly that she'd start talking, and say things she might regret in the morning.

...or do something she might regret in the morning.

Yet, even as she mentions that she's the worst. "Well, if anything, it means you're charming. I find it cute." Slade tells her with a chuckle. Though he seems to soften a little bit as she speaks to him. "If you'll let me...I'd like to keep making you feel special." He realizes he's telling her this while she's absolutely hammered, but he chuckles, even if he looks down.

"Honestly? I was married once. It didn't really work out. But no, I'm not married or attatched to anyone right now." He looks at Felicity a moment. "Are you married?" He questions her.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
"Military?" She tilts her head sideways as she looks at him again, studying his face; the lines, the character to his features, and she nods. "I can see that." There's a certain air that now she gets; he's got that commanding presence, even when dressed in a zoot suit at a holiday party. Yet, he's quick and appears seemingly out of nowhere.

"Then I guess I have pretty much everything I need. Except maybe a dog. Or a fish. I wouldn't be good for a dog. I'm never home." Beat. "A fish would work."

Felicity finds it in her to be quiet for a few more paces before his words settle through the slowly, and there's a decided warm glow that rolls up from her chest, to neck, bringing a pinkish tinge to her face again. Blame it on the cold, yeah! "You really think so?" It's almost a whisper before she shakes her head, "You'll get tired of it quickly. One, two dates, and it's 'good bye Felicity'.. 'It's been great.. but I"m busy next week.'" She looks both hopeful and resigned, both at the same time. Still, she has that happy smile on her face at the thought of at least being asked.

"You mean it?"

He moves to answer the fateful question, and she's steeled for the 'wife' or 'girlfriend', but it doesn't come. Not in the way she'd figured, anyway. "Nope," and the word is enunciated. "Not seeing anyone, either. Had a date two weeks ago, though." She leans slightly, and stagewhispers, "Both of those donuts were mine last month."

Slade Wilson has posed:
"Mhm." Slade tells her with a chuckle. "Major Slade Joseph Wilson, United States Army. Pleasure to officially make your acquaintance." Slade says with a bit of a commanding voice, as if a superior officer But it explains much, oh yes. He's swift, and if only the scars and the eyepatch could talk...they would tell a story worthy of the annals of history...and maybe Felicity's amusement.

"Dog's are good. They let you know when someone's at your door, whether to visit or to break in. If you want, I can see about getting you a big dog." Slade -loves- huskies. Good guard dogs. Huskies and German Shepherds (or a mix) would be Slade's favorite dogs. Good for protection.

Though a pink hue rises in his sudden date's face and Slade seems to chuckle a little bit. "I do think so." He tells her. "Are you going to get tired of my no nonsense attitude and terrible fashion sense? My last relationship ended very...poorly." Slade shakes his head. "but I do mean it." He tells her with a smile.

"So...if I were to maybe, walk you home and see about a second date, you wouldn't say no?" He questions her. Though her admittance about the doughnuts does make him smile. "I know." He whispers back.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Felicity whistles softly, though she smiles and nods her head once in acknowledgment, following it with a light, "Felicity Megan Smoak. I'm happy to meet you." There's a pause in her step, and when she stops, she's searching his face, looking for something. "I think you look great in a suit. I mean, I do like men in suits, I think it looks a whole lot better than, you know, blue jeans and t-shirts. But, don't get me wrong- t-shirts can look really good." When they're form fitting, and.. "Right. Shut up, Felicity," she tells herself before, "I wouldn't say no, no.

"Really."

She holds a hand up soon after, "I don't know if my apartment allows dogs, actually. But, there's nothing in there about fish. Maybe a piranha?" Now, she's joking before she's ready to start walking again.

"Thank you for not calling me out on the donuts.. you know, in the coffee shop."

Slade Wilson has posed:
"Megan? Nice middle name." Slade gently teases Felicity. "But believe me, the pleasure is mine." Though the pair of them come to a stop, and Slade looks Felicity in her eyes. Well, at least he looks her in the eyes through her lenses. He turns to face her, baring all and leaving nothing in the shadows. What she sees in his eye is what she sees. Yet, even as she fumbles about how nice he looks in suits versus how he may look like in a shirt and jeans, Slade couldn't help but smile.

"Don't shut up Felicity."

Those words are accented by the gentle touch that Slade attempts to give her, a single finger moving along her jaw if she permits the contact. "Then I should ask." He tells her. "I know of a good place downtown. Nice steakhouse. Would love to take you there, if you like."

Though as she mentions that a dog is probably not allowed, but a fish totally is, Slade smirks. "A guard piranha. Gotta say, wasn't expecting that one." He chuckles.

"My pleasure. Figured you were al ittle nervous, didn't see a need....but.." His eye slowly lowers to her lips. "I find myself tempted to see what I can get away with myself. But, I'd rather not scare you away." He tells her.

Felicity Smoak has posed:
Felicity leans her head slightly in the light touch of his finger against her jaw, her smile lightening her face once more. "When? I know not tonight because there's nothing open this time, and I do kinda need to get some sleep tonight." There's a moment before, "I do get the occasional lunch break, though."

It's cold, there are still cars that drive slowly past, taking their routes back home, whether it's in the city or out to the suburbs. Traffic is getting lighter, however; only one, two cars in minutes, even if the traffic lights still blink their instructions in their reds, yellows and greens. Right now, however, Felicity really isn't paying any attention to much, including the cold. "I can be pretty fearless."

Slade Wilson has posed:
"I get that sense about you too." Slade tells Felicity after she claims she's fearless, or at least can be. "I have no doubt in your capability." Though they start to move to and fro, even taking their routes back home. Slade walks with Felicity as they talk further. "Perhaps tomorrow. My number is in your purse." He tells her with a gentle smile, though he seems to notice how she touches and leans into his gentle caress.

When Slade and Felicity finally arrive home? He opens the door for her and ensures that she is peacefully resting by the time they split apart.

"Sleep well." and if she permits, he'll gently kiss her forehead goodnight before he makes his way out of her home, locking the door behind him to ensure her safety. The night draws to a close, with Slade heading back home with a small smile on his face.

This was a good day.