Chapter Text
Oliver walked down the sidewalk. His dog leading the way. He kept a tight hold on the leash as he made his way towards the crosswalk. He could hear the city moving around him. People walking past him, cars speeding down the street, beside him a bird had just landed and began pecking at something on the ground. He suspected it was a piece of leftover food someone had dropped. It was a nice calm morning.
Oliver pushed his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose. Maxwell stopped and so did he. “Good boy,” he muttered at the dog. He was told Maxwell was a yellow lab. He didn’t really care what Maxwell looked like; he was the best damn dog anyone could ever ask for.
“Oh no, he’s so cute,” someone whispered beside him. “But he’s working. He is a service dog. I’m not allowed to ask if he can be petted.”
He could hear the woman squirming.
“He is doing a job and that is that.”
Oliver smiled. “Would you like to pet Maxwell?”
“Ack!”
He chuckled. “I didn’t mean to startle you, but I have very good hearing.”
“Oh god, that’s so embarrassing. I’m just standing here talking about your dog and…” She gave an exasperated sigh. “Yes, I would. Are you sure it’s okay? I don’t want to be a distraction.”
“It’s okay.”
He felt movement in front of him as the woman knelt down in front of Maxwell.
“Say hello to—”
“Felicity.”
“Say hello to Felicity, Maxwell.”
Maxwell barked.
“Oh aren’t you the sweetest!” Felicity exclaimed.
Oliver smiled even wider. He often got kids getting excited about Maxwell, but he didn’t think he ever had an adult woman get so excited about his dog. She was a nice change of pace. Felicity also had a beautiful voice. He was already picturing what she looked like.
“I’m sure you have someplace to be,” she said.
“I was actually going to get my morning coffee, would you…” he cleared his throat. “Would you like to join us?”
Felicity stood in front of him. “I’d like that.”
“I’m Oliver by the way,” his cheeks turned a light pink.
“Nice to meet you Oliver and you Maxwell.”
The lab barked again.
“I will let you two lead the way.”
“Maxwell, back to work.”
Oliver felt Maxwell tense at the end of the leash. He was back in work mode as if nothing had changed. They waited a few more minutes until traffic slowed. Maxwell led them out onto the street and to safety on the sidewalk.
“He’s very well trained.”
“He’s extremely smart,” Oliver said proudly.
Maxwell led them to the left and across a few more streets. Felicity stayed kind of quiet, but he didn’t mind. He had a feeling she had eyes for Maxwell. He was kind of used to people paying more attention to his dog than to him. If they weren’t paying attention to his service dog then they were asking questions about his… condition. Questions he usually didn’t want to answer. He didn’t want it to turn into one of those days. Oliver pushed down his anxieties and focused on where he was going.
He had walked this pathway so many times, he knew when Maxwell stopped for the fifth time, they were there.
“Good boy.”
“I’ve got the door. If you don’t mind,” Felicity said.
“Not at all.”
She opened the door and let them both inside. He was immediately met with the sounds and smells of the coffee shop. Clinking glasses, typing keyboards, milk steamers, and coffee grinders. People chatted quietly and sipped at their coffee. The smell of the fresh coffee and equally fresh baked goods set is senses alight. This was truly one of his favorite places to be.
“Hi, Oliver! Hi, Maxwell!” Jaime called from behind the counter.
“Good morning.”
“The usual?” he asked.
“Plus whatever Felicity wants.”
“I’m Felicity.” He felt air moving beside him as she waved to Jaime. “I’ll have a… what’s the sugariest drink you have?”
“Probably the candy bar latte,” Jaime laughed. “You can order any candy bar you can think of.”
“Now you’ve just given me too many decisions.”
Oliver laughed. She was so cute.
“Can you do a Twix latte?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Oliver paid for the drinks and sat down at a table in the corner. Jaime kindly brought his coffee to him every morning, so he could rest his legs. Felicity squeaked her chair as she sat down across from him.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“What?”
“Pay for my coffee.”
“I wanted to.”
Felicity sighed. “You’re sweet.”
“I try.”
“Got your drinks for you,” Jaime said, coming from behind him.
“One black coffee with two sugars for Oliver, a Twix latte for Felicity, and a dog biscuit for Maxwell.”
“Thank you, Jaime.”
Oliver picked up his coffee and took a sip. He let out a content sigh as the hot liquid hit his tongue. Exactly the way he liked it.
“Oh my god, this is delicious,” Felicity said. “It’s like a liquid candy bar. I’m coming back tomorrow, Jaime!”
Jaime laughed from his place behind the counter. “I’ll be waiting!”
Oliver chuckled. Maxwell crunched his biscuit under the table and Oliver scratched his head gently.
“So why ask a crazy lady out for coffee?” Felicity asked.
“You’re not crazy,” he said.
“I was talking to myself about your dog.”
“I thought it was cute.”
She snorted. “Cute.”
“It’s true.” He took another drink of his coffee.
“Again, you’re sweet.”
“Where were you heading?” he asked.
“Oh, I have to get to work… eventually.” She paused. He guessed she was looking at her phone or a watch because she added, “I still have time.”
“Where do you work?”
“Queen Consolidated. I work in the IT department. It’s not very glamorous.”
He bit down on his lip.
“What’s with the face? You got something against the Queen family? I mean I know they’re not everyone’s favorite. I don’t really get to see any of them. Actually, I think I’ve only met Walter, who’s technically not a Queen.”
His heart pounded in his chest. She was about to get up and leave. “I’m Oliver Queen.”
“Oh god. I didn’t know…. I shouldn’t have said anything. No one ever said anything about you being… I’m so sorry.”
“No, please don’t leave. You have nothing to be sorry about.”
“Yes, I do… I practically bad mouthed your family and you probably think I’m a terrible employee.”
“No! I don’t.”
“I’m sorry, Oliver. Um, Mr. Queen.” The chair squeaked. “Thank you again for the coffee.”
And then she was gone.
Damn his family. They ruined everything.