After the party, Laurel decided to remain behind to help Oliver clean up.
"You know you didn't have to help me. After all, this party was for you." Oliver said.
"I know, but I wanted to. Besides, it's clear we still have more to talk about." Laurel said.
"What else is there to talk about?" Oliver asked.
"Well for one thing, there's the fact that I'm not coming back to the team, at least not in the same capacity." Laurel said.
"What?" Oliver asked.
"Oliver, the last time I put on my mask, I died. I don't think that's something I can just come back from instantly. I'm not ready to be the Black Canary yet." Laurel said.
"Well, if you're not ready to get back in the field, maybe you could put your combat skills to use in a different way." Oliver said.
"How so?" Laurel asked.
"We've been training Dinah to take up the mantle of Black Canary in your absence. Maybe you could train her personally." Oliver said.
Laurel smiled and said "Sure, although you'll have to come up with a new codename for her, since I'm keeping mine as Black Canary."
"Works for me. As long as you're still involved with the team." Oliver said.
"So you understand why I can't put that mask on yet?" Laurel asked.
"I get it. I'm still trying to work out whether or not I'm ready to put the hood on again and be the Green Arrow." Oliver said.
"Yeah, John told me about that and I think you're being ridiculous. The Green Arrow is who you are. It's time for you to be that person again." Laurel said.
"Laurel, I assume that John told why I'm not wearing the hood anymore." Oliver asked.
"He did and Oliver, when you said you killed because you liked it, maybe it was true then, but when I look at you, all I can see is the man I fell in love with. And that man is the you, all of you. Oliver Queen, the Hood, the Arrow, the Green Arrow, all of you." Laurel said.
"You think I'm ready to put the hood on again?" Oliver asked.
"The only person who will truly know if you're ready is you, but yes, I think you're ready." Laurel said.
Oliver smiled at her as they got up and he pulled her into a kiss.
"I've really missed doing that." Oliver said as he pulled away from her.
"I think I know something you've missed even more. Though we'll need to move up to your room." Laurel said.
Oliver simply swept her into his arms before kissing her again and carrying her upstairs.
"Ollie, I can walk." Laurel said.
"I know, but I also want you to save your legs, especially since this is going to be your first time in a while." Oliver said.
Laurel smiled as they kissed again.
The next morning, Oliver woke up feeling someone lying against his side and when he looked to his side he smiled as he saw Laurel sleeping peacefully next to him, her arm wrapped around his chest.
Oliver gently kissed her forehead to wake her up and sure enough it did the trick.
"Morning." Laurel said with a tired smile.
"Morning sleeping beauty." Oliver said.
"Thank you for last night. I'd forgotten how good having sex felt." Laurel said.
Oliver smiled and said "Well, hopefully that will not be a problem anymore."
"As long as more nights like that one are in my future, definitely." Laurel said with a smile of her own.
"So, does that mean you see a future for us after all?" Oliver asked.
"Only if you do. But, as much as I'd love to spend the day having these conversations, I believe you have to get to work Mr. Mayor." Laurel said.
"I hate it when you're right." Oliver said.
"I believe you have a contract for me to sign." Laurel said.
"Fair point. Come on, we need to get dressed and I'll make breakfast." Oliver said.
"One problem, the only clothes I have are the ones I wore when I was brought back to life and the outfit I wore to the party last night. Neither of those seem like the most appropriate thing to wear on the first day at an old/new job." Laurel said.
"We'll stop on the way to the office and get you some more business appropriate clothes and then after you sign, you can talk to Thea about getting your old clothes back." Oliver said.
"Works for me." Laurel said.