a/n: This was written as a drabble on my tumblr, and it was before we saw Moria's death.

"Your mom is expecting you to arrive in 10 minutes, Oliver," Felicity's voice says over the comm.

Oliver grunts in frustration as he bolts down an alley on his way back to Verdant. "Us," he manages to get out between breaths.

"Huh?" Felicity asks. It's clear she is also preoccupied.

"She's expecting us to arrive in 10 minutes," he reminds her. He jumps over a fence, spotting the familiar glow of his club's lights on the horizon.

"Right. Yes. Us. I keep forgetting we're a we. Well, a public we. That sounded odd aloud. You know what I mean."

Oliver can imagine her blush, and it makes him grin. He types in the code to the back door and slides inside, only taking off the hood once he's safely inside.

He can see Felicity getting up from her desk as he walks over. She's already dressed for the party, sporting a golden dress that reminds him of her first mission.

"Hey," he greets softly.

"Hey yourself," she replies, but doesn't look at him as she walks over to her large bag and riffles through it.

She takes out a mirror and proceeds to check her makeup before taking her hair out of its high ponytail. Oliver watches, simply enjoying watching her get ready for their night out. Suddenly realizing he's not moving, Felicity looks at him confused.

"Aren't you going to get ready? We have 7 minutes to get to your house, and I'd like your mother to think we didn't arrive fashionably late for some untoward reasons." She blushes again, though her face remains serious.

"Right. Yes." He echoes with a smile, finally moving away to his locker of clothes.

He dresses quickly, which has been his way since becoming the Arrow, and returns to Felicity, who has also finished preening.

She evaluates his suit and tie briefly, seemingly satisfied with his work. Then, she glances at her phone to get the time.

"Cutting it close Mr. Queen," she scolds, looking to him with a smile.

"We'll arrive fashionably late," he admits. "But our entrance will give me a chance to show Starling City my beautiful date." He flashes her the Oliver Queen, playboy smile, knowing how silly it will look.

"Cheese ball," she snorts.

He holds out his arm. "Shall we?"

"We shall," she replies, smiling up at him.