[Oliver shook his head. He needed Felicity to know that he had always, always wanted her even if it was probably not the best course of action at the moment. How did you tell someone you loved more than life that you would rather break their heart than see them hurt because you acknowledged them? How did you reconcile your need for a personal connection with the need to keep everyone around you safe?]

I always wanted you, Felicity. Always. Don't ever think that I didn't want you. I wanted to keep you safe more than I wanted to be selfish and have you for myself, that's all.