Disclaimer: Arrow does not belong me. All rights belong to DC Comics, The CW, and those persons associated in the creation of the show and comics.

Summary: And episode of Friends inspires Oliver and he gives Felicity a promise.

A/N: I blame this all on supersillyanddorky06 (tumblr), which is why it is dedicated to her ^_^. Also, good news! Chapter 2 of The Benefits of Early Mornings is complete! I'm just having it beta-ed because I am a little worried about it, but if all goes will it should be up tomorrow. This fic is unbeta-ed, so all mistakes are mine. I hope you all enjoy!

Lobster Love

During those five years away, Oliver had missed out on a lot of things: music, movies, sports, technology. You name it, there is more than likely an obvious topic that Oliver Queen has no idea about. However, as Felicity discovered, it wasn't only those five years where Oliver missed out on quintessential areas of popular culture that practically everyone else on the planet was knowledgeable of.

For instance, the television show Friends. Oliver had no idea what this show was; obviously, partying and getting blindly drunk was more important to the playboy. For Felicity, this was unacceptable.

"We're fixing this."

"Felicity, really, it's not that big of a deal."

"Nope, false. It is a big deal, so we're going to fix it." Felicity's hands sat on her hips as she gave him her stern face. "So, whenever we get some down time, you and me will be binge watching Friends."

As they toured across the country, that's exactly what they did. Rainy days, and quiet afternoons lent themselves to Netflix marathons of the show, while the couple cuddled up on the couch.

They had just settled at a cozy B&B along the coast of Maine when they picked up the show from where they had last stopped. The weather was miserable, so they chose to spend the day relaxing inside and venture out the rest of the week.

Snuggling up with Oliver, Felicity clapped in excitement, explaining this was one of her favorite episodes.

Phoebe: Hang in there, it's gonna happen.
Ross: What? Okay, now how do you know that?
Phoebe: Because she's your lobster.*

Felicity giggled as Phoebe proceeded to explain how lobsters fell in love and mated for life. Oliver, on the other hand, sat in silence and watched the scene in awe. It was probably one of the most ridiculous analogies he had ever heard, but it spoke volumes to him. Gazing down at the woman in his arms, Oliver lightly kissed her head as Phoebe's sentiments explained everything he had come to know in his heart. He had found his mate, his partner for life.

The days following the "lobster" episode were spent exploring Maine's beautiful coastline and some of the state's national parks. As usual, at least one day was spent in the town they currently resided, shopping and browsing through boutiques and little tchotchke shops. Oliver and Felicity lazily strolled from shop to shop, picking up gifts and souvenirs whenever something caught their eye.

Window-shopping along one of the side streets, the glint from a jewelry store window caught Oliver's eye, causing him to do a double take to confirm what he saw. The second his eyes landed on the gold necklace, he knew he would be purchasing it for Felicity. But he wanted it to be a surprise. Luckily, she was the one to give him the opening he needed as she stopped outside a boutique a few doors down.

"I want to take a look inside. You coming?"

"Actually, I wanted to go grab a coffee from that café on the corner. Do you want one?"

"When have I ever turned down coffee?" she teased with a smile.

Oliver smiled in return before kissing her briefly on the forehead. "I'll meet you back here when I'm done."

As soon as he knew she was far enough in the shop, he sprinted down to the jewelry store and purchased the necklace in the window, then casually proceeded to get their coffees from the corner café. Felicity was waiting for him on the sidewalk as he returned, two cups in hand.

"Find anything?" he asked, passing one of the cups to her.

"Not really, you?"

Oliver just shrugged and avoided eye contact as he sipped on his drink. Felicity quirked an eyebrow, but chose to let her question remain silent. Lacing his hand with hers, the pair continued their stroll through the town. Felicity's gift safely tucked away in the pocket of his leather jacket.

That evening the couple decided to dine out at a little seafood restaurant many of the shop owners had raved about during their morning tour. The food was delicious and, like every meal they had shared since the start of this trip, conversation came easy. Unlike their first rather disastrous date, nerves were no longer a problem. They were open and honest, sharing stories from their past, present, and sometimes even the future. Oliver slowly recounted the times from his years away, but Felicity never pushed; knowing he would share when he was ready.

As a lull appeared in their current conversation, Oliver grasped the opportunity and slid the small wrapped box across the table to rest in front of Felicity.

"What's this?" she questioned surprised, eyes darting between him and the box.

"A gift." Oliver shrugged as if it explained everything.

Felicity rolled her eyes, "Well I get that, but why did you get me a gift?"

A small flush of heat graced Oliver's cheeks as he gave a quick nervous fidget in his seat. "It's actually more of a promise."

Finally looking her in the eye, Oliver watched Felicity's forehead wrinkle in confusion before she turned to the box and slowly began unwrapping it.

Lifting the lid, her expression quickly moved from confusion to shock. "Oh! It's… a lobster."

The necklace was simple, having a singular lobster pendant hanging from the end. Adorned with amber and turquois gems, the piece was beautiful, but Felicity was still confused. Glancing back up at Oliver, his face held nothing but a small, relaxed smile, and his eyes shown brightly with love, hope, and anticipation.

"It's a… promise lobster?"

Oliver huffed out a laugh and shook his head slightly – a moved he only seemed to make in response to her. "Felicity," he reached for her hands across the table, "What I'm trying to say is… you're my lobster."

"Oh…" Her voice trailed off. Suddenly everything made sense. The episode of Friends they had just watched came rushing back from her memory. With this abrupt realization of what he was trying to say, emotions hit Felicity hard.

The breath she sucked in stuttered through her lips as she tried to keep the threatening tears at bay, but her efforts were futile as one escaped down her cheek. She gave a short laugh while quickly wiping it away. "You didn't give me a promise ring. You gave a promise lobster."

She continued to laugh at her ridiculously sappy and romantic boyfriend. Grinning brightly at her reaction, Oliver took the proffered necklace when Felicity made a motion to help her put it on. He stood up from his chair and rounded the table. Once she had moved her hair out of the way, he slipped the chain around her neck and clasped it in the back. Kissing her now exposed neck, he moved back to his seat and watched her gaze at the pendant she held in her hand.

"It's lovely. Thank you," Felicity spoke softly.

Using her thumb to quickly wipe under her eyes one last time, she raised her head to look at Oliver. The smile she gave him stole his breath away.

"So," she continued conversationally, "Does this give me free reign to pinch your butt now? I can just blame it on my inner lobster."

Oliver laughed so loud and so hard, many of the restaurant patrons turned to look in their direction.

"Oliver, shhh!" Felicity whispered, embarrassed by their sudden attention.

Reaching across the table, he gathered her hands in his and quickly kissed her lips. "I love you, Felicity Smoak."

Exasperated by the man in front of her, she shook her head. "And I love you, Oliver Queen."

* Lines were borrowed from Friends season 2, episode 14.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Please leave a review if you enjoyed the story, I'd love to hear what you think. Until next time!

-RedPens&GreenArrows