Chapter 2 – Relearning Lesson #1

AN – I have no excuse for posting a 2nd chapter for a "one-shot" but I'm maintaining my position that others are to blame (I believe xXxtellmewhyxXx brought up Roy re-learning Lesson #1 in different situations which hadn't occurred to me so a lot of blame goes to you my friend)! Seriously, I love the support for what was meant to be a single shot esp those who marked to follow as you clearly knew I couldn't stop at one chapter! So here we go – I hope you guys enjoy this!

DISCLAIMER: I love them but I don't believe that makes them mine!

It was hard to continue to number all the Lessons Roy learned but he did continue to add to both lists. One was the public list that Felicity created and had actually written down and posted in the lair. The most recent additions included (again by Felicity): #11 - Plan B is no more likely to work than Plan A so make sure you have a Plan C, #12 - Horror movies have taught us to never say "I'll be right back" unless you want to run into trouble and #13 - "Hacking" is such an ugly term, we are simply borrowing intel from others. All of the public notes were up for Team discussion and comment and while Diggle and Felicity bantered about them Oliver had never weighed in.

Roy actually added more serious notes for himself as both Oliver and Diggle continued to train him in hand-to-hand combat. He had gained more control over his strength but he still couldn't overpower Oliver when they sparred. The man was like a machine as he just kept coming at you but he was super hard to catch so Roy didn't land nearly as many shots as he did. Oliver also taught him his own brand of parkour training that usually included rooftops, dark alleys and more than a few broken bones as Roy still struggled with precision over power.

As for the second list, well, Roy wasn't stupid enough to write down his private Lessons but he did continue to add new points there too. He now knew Felicity's preferred caffeine choices (they varied depending on the time of day and stress of the mission) and that Diggle had dated his sister-in-law who was still their connection at Big Belly Burger. He felt more and more comfortable with both Felicity and Diggle and that really did help him deal with continuing to lie to others. Roy still felt like the newbie but as the Team really felt like a second family that was ok. He had started to really look forward to his time at the lair especially even if Oliver was there.

Both Diggle and Felicity seemed to speak freely enough with Oliver and Felicity was particularly vocal but Roy didn't think everyone would survive arguing with the Oliver Queen or the Arrow that well. For his part, Oliver was still someone who Roy was cautious about, not intimidated by, but concern is appropriate if someone throws you across a room for teaching a girl to box. Oliver was usually quiet even when they trained so much of the information Roy had on him came from Felicity and Diggle. They weren't divulging state secrets or anything and Roy knew they were loyal to Oliver. Felicity was especially protective of Oliver...See Lesson #1, Roy reminded himself with a laugh. He had put a few pieces together though so one of his Lessons now included things not to mention to Oliver. The obvious topics to avoid included the Island, his scars and Thea but Roy also now included some guy named Barry Allen.

Roy had no clue who Barry Allen was other than the fact that he had created the mask Oliver wore. You'd think that would make him a friend so Roy didn't think asking about him would be wrong. It was safe to assume Oliver disagreed as Roy came face to face with a growling glaring Arrow after voicing his question. That was not the person you wanted to spar with so Roy immediately added the name Barry Allen to the list of topics not to be discussed and shut up.

Roy had considered asking Thea about Barry Allen but discarded that idea as it still best for him to keep her completely separate from his training with the Arrow. He actually tried to avoid any time with Thea's family as it just felt weird to see Oliver Queen like that now. Roy knew Thea loved her older brother but he also knew she didn't really know him now and wasn't sure if she could accept him. Roy couldn't think about whether or not she would accept him either. That was what made their situation a ticking time bomb in his mind and Roy really wanted to avoid that explosion. One part of his plan to guarantee that was to avoid any contact with Oliver outside of the lair so he was annoyed that Thea was dragging him to Queen Consolidated before they could go to lunch.

As they got off the elevator Roy took a deep breath and followed just a few steps behind Thea. He didn't want to be the reason Thea found out the secret and he was afraid his expression may tell her something. Maybe I should look for the Emergency Exit as Plan B?

"Hey, is my brother…oh, I see he is here and doesn't look too busy. You don't mind if we just let ourselves in, right?"

Roy was familiar with Thea's style of bulldozing over opposition so he wasn't surprised when Felicity didn't get a word in at all. Of course, he also knew Felicity was silent for another reason as her eyes flew to his in question. He gave a slight shake of his head and mouthed the words, "It's ok." Roy wasn't actually sure it was ok but he knew Felicity was concerned that Thea was in on the secret and that just wasn't the case (yet).

Roy was still considering the Emergency Exit plan so he stopped at the door to Oliver's office. Thea had rushed across the room and hugged Oliver as he stood up. As Roy watched a brief look of concern flashed on the face before it was replaced with an expression of affection for his sister.

"Speedy, what you are doing here? We don't have plans do we?"

"Can't a sister just visit her favorite brother?"

Roy rolled his eyes as he thought she was laying it on a bit thick. Oliver must have agreed as he simply raised a single brow to question her.

"Ok, there's a new charity forming to help the Glades and they want to have their first event at the Club. I thought it would be best to get you involved now so I asked her to meet us here for a quick intro. The charity will help build new clinics for the Glades and even includes a few mobile clinics as well. I thought it would be great if QC could be a sponsor." Thea was beaming by the end of her pitch and her smile only grew wider as Oliver nodded quickly in agreement.

"Great, there's Melinda now. You'll love her Ollie – she's the doctor in charge. Very smart, sweet and beautiful." Thea had tossed that over her shoulder as she moved away from Oliver to greet the woman that was talking currently talking to Felicity. Only Roy saw when Thea's sweet smile turned smug and a little devious which sounded all kinds of alarm bells in his head.

"What are you doing?" Roy hissed quietly as he stepped forward to meet her and stop her progress.

"She's perfect for him and he needs to move on from Laurel, don't you think? Melinda is even a brunette and he's always had a thing for brunettes!" Thea whispered gleefully.

Roy's eyes widened and he tried to grab Thea again to beg her to back off but she shrugged him off and rushed out to greet the woman. Roy tried to blank out his expression but he knew by Oliver's intense frown that the man was suspicious. Aw, hell, this is going to be bad.

Thea ushered the woman passed Felicity and brought her straight to Oliver. Roy tuned out the introductions but noticed that Oliver's face was again politely blank and didn't reveal his annoyance. He did glance out toward Felicity's empty desk a couple times and Roy wasn't surprised at all when he interrupted Thea's vocal support of the plan by asking him to request Ms. Smoak join them as soon as the blond woman reappeared. Roy was thrown off by the formality but quickly nodded and gratefully stepped away.

Diggle was with Felicity and it was clear he was teasing her about something as she mumbled. Roy waited until both stopped speaking and looked at him before he blurted out, "He wants you in there Felicity."

"I bet he does." Felicity grumbled as Diggle laughed. "You could join me, you know?" Felicity directed that at Diggle.

"Nope, I'm just the black driver…you're his assistant, so get in there and assist girl." Diggle was laughing outright by now and even Roy had to smile as Felicity glared at him. Felicity pasted a sweet smile on her face and marched slowly toward the office. Roy watched for a moment before Diggle prompted him.

"You might as well follow her – should be a good show."

Roy debated whether retreat was possible before he slowly moved back toward the group. He saw Oliver had stood up and motioned Felicity in the seat closest to him which placed her between him and the other woman. Both Thea and Melinda had continued to chat and neither really acknowledged Felicity. Roy lingered near the door and tried to tune out the discussion even if it was beneficial to the Glades – he just couldn't understand why Thea thought this was a good idea. Even he could see that while the woman was clearly interested in Oliver, he kept including Felicity in the conversation and often looked at her instead. Felicity was trying to play her part but Roy knew her better now and knew she was flustered and more than a little annoyed. Roy just wasn't sure who her annoyance was directed toward: Oliver for making her come in, Thea for instigating or the Melinda woman who appeared to want to crawl onto Oliver's lap.

As the discussion continued it became apparent to Roy that Melinda was now responsible for Felicity's continued annoyance while Oliver seemed to relax back, content to let Felicity protect him. Roy almost laughed out loud at the thought that the Arrow needed protection but seeing the hunger in the woman's eyes did make her look a bit like a predator. Roy actually felt a little sympathy for Oliver and that was before you factored in the fact that Thea was scheming against him.

Oliver was well protected though as each time Melinda tried to make eye contact with Oliver Felicity happened to lean in the same direction and block her. Roy had to admit it looked incredibly natural and not really suspicious at all. At the same time, Felicity blocked any attempt Thea made to get around her and engage Oliver directly too. Clearly her time as Oliver's assistant had taught Felicity more than a few tricks that Thea hadn't expected.

Roy coughed suddenly to cover his laugh as he remembered that Thea had no knowledge of Lesson #1 and was foolishly trying to get between Oliver and Felicity and had even underestimated Felicity in her attempt.

Oliver suddenly jumped up and somehow managed to gracefully pull Felicity to her feet at the same time. He announced that he had another pressing engagement which required Ms. Smoak as well (Roy rolled his eyes at how vague and lame the lie sounded considering Oliver lied a lot). Oliver continued on to say he knew Speedy would be able to handle everything for this worthy cause but that they could contact Ms. Smoak if anything was needed on this end. His voice was smooth and commanding and both Thea and the other woman stood and smiled politely as they watched both Oliver and Felicity quickly leave the room. Roy jumped back and smothered a laugh as the pair continued their hasty exit not even pausing at Felicity's desk for her bag.

Thea schooled her features to politely thank the woman and offered apologies for the crazy schedule Oliver had as CEO. The woman simply gushed about her excitement in working with them…at which point Roy ignored her and moved to stand by Felicity's desk. After just a few moments both women joined him and he nodded at the other woman as she said good bye and headed toward the elevator.

"Can you believe him? What was he thinking?" Roy wasn't surprised that Thea was annoyed but he still only half listened as he wondered if Oliver and Felicity were hiding at the lair and if he could sneak off to join them. He knew there was a recon mission tonight and he wanted to see just how they planned things out. Clearly his first effort with Sin hadn't been successful so he thought he might be able to learn something from them.

"—sexy librarian thing—" That phrase coming from Thea caught Roy's immediate attention and he snapped his head around to stare at her as they walked toward their car.

"I'm sorry – what sexy librarian thing?" Roy had to ask that question even though he didn't think Thea's answer would match the images of her in his head.

"Of course that got your attention! Why did Ollie bring his secretary in? I mean, I know they seem to be friends and I've heard the rumors of how she got that promotion. But, she's not his type at all even with the sexy librarian thing…" Thea continued to complain but Roy just added one more thing to this list of things not to mention in front of Oliver Queen: Felicity Smoak as a sexy librarian.

After lunch and some work at the club, Roy made his way downstairs to find Oliver and Felicity at the lair. He must have missed Oliver's workout as he was currently standing behind Felicity shirtless while she typed and rambled. It appeared tonight's mission was on and Diggle joined the group at that exact moment to bring more intel. Roy was excited to get the details so he quickly took a seat near Felicity and listened intently as the other three discussed the plan to access the penthouse suite of a John Charles.

Lance had advised the Arrow that he appeared to be a new player in the drug trade but they couldn't get sufficient evidence. The plan was to visit the suite while Charles was at a gala event in a ballroom several floors below. Oliver Queen would be making an appearance at the event as well so it would be up to Diggle and Roy to get Felicity in and out safely. Roy wasn't thrilled with the assignment as he could think of a million ways this could go wrong. He couldn't help but notice Oliver also appeared annoyed and that didn't exactly boost his confidence.

Oliver required everyone repeat the details multiple times and nerves were running high as the Team left for the night. Roy wasn't used to wearing the comms unit so that was a distraction but other than that everything seemed to be going well. Felicity bypassed security easily for them and commandeered the service elevator for their use as well. There had only been one security guard who surprised them but Diggle had disarmed him before Roy could even think to do anything.

Soon Felicity was doing her thing on the computers and Diggle was making patrols while Roy stayed with Felicity. The three checked in constantly within one another even if the comments were brief. Roy was impressed at how easily Oliver could get his questions and answers in while still surrounded by people.

Felicity's voice startled him as she spoke much more loudly than she had been.

"We have problem. There's a silent security alert - I can't tell where the alarm is coming from but we should probably move. John, where are you?"

"Southeast corner – there are guards coming up the stairs. You guys need to take the other stairs and head up to the roof. I'll buy you some time then meet you there."

Oliver's voice came through in a harsh whisper, "Roy, get her out now."

Roy grabbed Felicity but she resisted his gentle tug, "Just a second, there's something here…"

Before Roy could argue both Diggle and Oliver spoke, "Now Felicity." Roy was grateful for that as when he pulled this time Felicity came without further argument. They moved quickly to the stairs and up to the roof. Roy was checking for possible exits as Felicity stayed just on the other side of the door. They could all hear the commotion as guests were told there was a security breach and police would be arriving. They could also hear the commotion as Diggle was working his way out as well.

"Come on, Felicity, we need to get out." Roy had found some construction supplies including a ladder so he knew they could get over to the neighboring building easily enough…he just hadn't counted on Felicity's fear of heights and absolute refusal to do it. Updates flew between Oliver and Diggle but Roy stayed focused on trying to persuade Felicity to cross from one building to the other on the ladder. He wasn't sure how Oliver would take it if he dragged her across plus there was the possibility that…well, best not to go there. Roy did move to take hold of Felicity just in case but his hands met air. He turned in surprise and saw Oliver had just crossed the ladder himself to join them on the roof and he was now standing next to Felicity.

"Oliver!" Roy tried not to be insulted at just how relieved she sounded and turned instead to focus on Diggle as he joined them as well.

"Plan B or C is it? We need to get out of here. Roy, cross now. Oliver?"

"On it." Oliver's reply was terse and Roy hesitated so he could watch him remove his bow from his bag. He quickly notched an arrow and shot across the dark alley. As Oliver turned his attention to Felicity, Roy did as well and saw her face fall. Her whisper sounded like 'no, not Tarzan again' but Roy didn't have time to make sense of it as Diggle pushed him toward the ladder none too gently.

Roy crossed the ladder with Diggle right behind him. Oliver quickly pulled the ladder back to remove the evidence of their escape. He then grabbed hold of Felicity and Roy heard his voice over the comms.

"Hold on to me tightly Felicity…platonically, of course."

Felicity actually laughed a bit before gasping loudly. Roy turned to look back but the pair was no longer visible. He then heard a crash that sounded like their escape included a closed window but Diggle continued to push him further along without concern for the pair. He and Diggle quickly started going down the fire escape toward the street and their ride. Roy wasn't sure where Felicity and Oliver were but before he could ask he heard her laugh and then her voice.

"Oliver Queen, I am not going to thank you for rescuing me! I rescued you earlier and did my rescue include us crashing through a window? No, it did not! And why couldn't you at least have found an open window – oh God, you have glass in your hair, I think I can brush it out. Are you hurt? Why do you insist on doing the Tarzan thing? At least you aren't sweaty this time and you are letting me be on top…oh no, stopping now…"

Roy heard Diggle chuckle and couldn't help smiling himself. Felicity's voice was now muffled but he could hear Oliver clearly.

"We are fine, Felicity…and I like you being on top too…but we do need to move."

Felicity's gasp was clearly heard but her mumbled "Thank you Oliver" was again muffled.

Roy laughed out loud as he continued to follow Diggle to their car. He knew it wasn't just Felicity's antics that amused him but also the simple relief from the adrenaline rush of the evening – kinda like a runner's high. He was energized, excited and his thoughts ran immediately to Thea. He hated not having her with him but her safety was the most important thing.

He couldn't share this experience with her but could secretly bring her somewhat into this world. He now had inside information that would allow him to finally win a bet against her and their bets always had interesting stakes. Unlike her, he fully understood the importance of Lesson #1 and knew despite her best matchmaking efforts she wouldn't be able to get between Oliver and Felicity. Roy almost felt sorry for her but that didn't mean he wouldn't place some interesting bets to take advantage of his newfound knowledge.

AN2 – I am stubbornly leaving this as "complete" but as always, feel free to prove me wrong and provide some wonderful inspiration and I'm sure I'll be back (Roy is rather fun)! Oh and, 1 I do like your thoughts about writing in different POVs for the team with Roy on it – I am hoping the tonight's episode may provide such an opportunity so don't give up on me yet!