Chapter 4 – Public Personas

AN – I am still just giddy that you guys like Roy and the Lessons! And yes, I'm trying to create the actual lists and hope to post them at some point (thank you for that idea jocillyria)! If you have any that you should be worked in then just let me know pls! And always a shout out to my beta, Mic Riddy, who is the best beta in the world! :)

DISCLAIMER – The characters all belong to CW's Arrow, no infringement intended, no profit gained!

Roy found it ironic that it was again Lesson #1 that was creating issues in his life and it wasn't exactly because he had told Felicity about his personal list. She had blushed furiously while she steadfastly denied anything was going on between her and Oliver. She actually called Oliver her friend 7 times during her rambling defense (yes, Roy had counted). Despite it being a ramble, Roy thought it sounded rehearsed and wondered if she had tried to convince others or maybe even herself the same way. She also refused to include that Lesson anywhere on the list as it wasn't true, but Roy couldn't resist asking her if she wasn't violating her own #1 Lesson by lying to him about her relationship with Oliver.

It was at that moment that he realized he actually considered himself part of the Team. And, of course, Felicity read the expression on his face and she had softened immediately. Roy couldn't believe that this teasing banter was what made him feel like he belonged. He had thought he would continue to feel like an outsider until some big mission or until Oliver acknowledged him in some way. He hadn't expected it to be a conversation with Felicity that did it for him.

It actually made sense when he thought about it more though. Yes, Oliver that brought him into the Team and created the Team. Yes, Diggle, as a soldier was an equal to Oliver and there was respect there. However, it was Felicity who made this feel like a family or a Team with a capital T. Roy realized both Oliver and Diggle saw her that way too as while neither of them could ever be considered chatty both went out of their way to talk to her. Roy also just realized how many of his Lessons were either about her or about her getting her way.

After that big light bulb moment, his relationship with Felicity changed and they actually acted more like a brother and sister would. He really enjoyed teasing her even if by some unspoken agreement they were quieter around both Diggle and Oliver. (Roy realized he needed to work in some type of Lesson on communication and he would do that - just as soon as he figured out how three people who could finish each other's sentences left so much unsaid.)

He was still cautious around both men and Felicity delighted in teasing him about it – she would even subtly bait him in front of them. Roy quickly realized that despite his experience with bantering with Thea, it was really hard to win against Felicity; and yet there was one advantage he had and he wasn't above using it. Whenever he brought up the disputed Lesson #1 Felicity would blush and stammer even as she glared at him which made it impossible for Roy not to bring it up (often). It also didn't matter how many times he brought it up he still laughed at her response.

However, on this particular night Oliver and Diggle arrived back early and Felicity's blushing increased as did her nervous rambling as the men joined them. Roy had immediately stopped laughing and tried to appear normal even though Felicity continued to dart nervous glances his way. Roy couldn't believe she was nervous about him opening his mouth about their conversation. Teasing Felicity was fun, angering Oliver was not – not to mention Roy fully accepted Lesson #1!

As Roy was focused on Felicity it took him a minute to realize both men were sending questioningly looks his way trying to determine the reason for Felicity's obvious discomfort. Roy now focused his attention on Oliver as he was the more dangerous threat - especially as it was quickly becoming clear that Oliver held Roy responsible for whatever he thought was bothering Felicity even if he didn't know what it was. It finally clicked that Felicity's nervous glances were more about his safety than about his blabbing. Roy was neither surprised nor happy when Oliver narrowed his eyes then announced they had time to train right then. Despite the voting thing, Oliver usually gave commands not requests and Roy wasn't to the point of arguing with the man, especially when Felicity was involved.

Diggle joined them after a brief, private discussion with Felicity. Roy was relieved to see Diggle wasn't glaring but then he knew Felicity had his back and would try to protect him even if that meant sending Diggle to look out for him. Roy knew Felicity understood what the serum had done to him, but her faith in Oliver winning was absolute so Roy didn't mind her being protective – in fact, he kinda liked it (that should probably be added to the list of things not to tell Oliver). Of course, considering how his training had gone so far even he had to admit Oliver would still be the best bet.

It was a quick but brutal session and Roy again thanked whoever was out there for the fact that he healed quickly. Roy knew Oliver had superhuman control but it had never occurred to him that Oliver might use it to hold back when they sparred. He just assumed since he was stronger that Oliver had always given it his all – another important Lesson to add to the List? Roy had that thought even as he felt Oliver's fist connect to his ribs and heard at least one rib crack.

Diggle intervened then and Felicity quickly joined them as well. Felicity stood next to Oliver as he and Diggle moved over to the med lab so Diggle could monitor his healing. Roy faced away from Felicity and Oliver and as their hushed voices didn't carry he tried to twist enough to look over his shoulder. That movement brought a flash of pain that radiated from the still healing fracture and he winced and placed a hand protectively over the injury. He looked up to see amusement not sympathy on Diggle's face and knew the older man knew why he had moved.

"Just let her handle him or that broken rib won't be your only problem."

Roy gave a stiff nod and tried to keep an impassive face. Although he healed quickly there was still a lot of pain in the process so he tried to regulate his breathing the way they had taught him. He simply focused on his breathing and now tried to block out the voices behind him. Diggle's voice so close by though did startle him as did his actual question.

"So, do you really have a second list of Lessons?"

"Felicity…" Roy sighed her name in exasperation and met Diggle's amused eyes when he continued. "Yes."

Roy waited and finally after several long moments of holding Diggle's eyes he watched as Diggle broke into a grin. "You're alright kid."

Though he grimaced at the 'kid' Roy did then grin back. He even dared to taunt Diggle when he continued. "Wanna know what's on the list?"

Diggle started laughing but, unfortunately, Roy hadn't noted that Oliver and Felicity had rejoined them until Oliver spoke.

"On what list?"

Roy turned quickly to face him and again felt the sharp pain slice through his ribs. He briefly met Oliver's eyes before he looked to Felicity. He wasn't sure what he expected but he knew he didn't want to share the details of their private conversation and he hoped she didn't either.

"Nothing Oliver. Isn't it time to call it a night? You have several meetings tomorrow and there's that fundraiser for your Mom as well."

Roy knew Oliver was curious but Felicity provided a sufficient distraction that it appeared he was out of trouble. Oliver also looked much calmer now so whatever Felicity had said must have ended his need for blood. Roy breathed a sigh of relief even as they continued to discuss QC business. As he again worked to regulate his breathing Roy also thought of all the Lessons he still needed to learn…

"Roy? I asked if you were going to the fundraiser?" Felicity spoke as she waved a hand in front of him. And of course, being Felicity she had to tease. "Good to see you are picking up the ninja skills and have total awareness of your surroundings, Roy. You must be a great teacher, Oliver!"

Roy wasn't surprised to notice Felicity ignored both his and Oliver's glares as she continued to wait for his answer. He actually meant to talk to her about this but hadn't planned on speaking in front of the whole Team as he was hesitant to mention Thea in front of Oliver. Deciding quickly, he just blurted out.

"Thea said I should come…that I need to be there."

He watched as the three exchanged glances and got annoyed as he was tired of feeling left out whenever they did that. He jumped up from the table with barely of hiss of pain and turned to leave. He wasn't really surprised when Felicity grabbed his arm and despite his annoyance with her he still stopped moving as it was Felicity.

"Aren't you even going to give us a chance to speak Roy?"

Felicity's voice was soft and Roy felt himself giving in more. He refused to just cave though so he kept his back to her even though he hoped his silence would be enough to make her continue. Oliver speaking was enough of a surprise to make him turn back toward them.

"You need to go...and we'll all be there with you."

Roy waited but realized that was all the man had to offer. Really, that's it?! He turned to Felicity in both annoyance and in need of help. She smiled and spoke even as she now moved to stand beside Oliver.

"Bad news – we all have a public persona that must be maintained. Good news – part of your persona is being Thea's boyfriend. You go and be the supportive boyfriend Thea deserves. We will be there so if there are any issues then you just let one of us know. Hmm, I really need to add the public personas thing to the Lessons as it is important even if its annoying."

Roy stared at Felicity as he tried to figure out if she was kidding about the public persona thing. He was just about to ask when Diggle spoke.

"Felicity, I think he got a better cover than we did."

Roy didn't understand but as usual with this Team he didn't need to ask a question to get an answer (any more than asking a question guaranteed an answer). It appeared they could all read him rather well which was helpful and annoying - especially considering Oliver didn't show his emotions unless directed to Felicity. Roy wondered if he would always feel at a disadvantage with that man but couldn't worry about it now as Diggle continued.

"I'm the black driver…and bodyguard."

Roy busted out laughing as both of those job titles were ridiculous! He was still laughing when Diggle gestured to Felicity and Roy turned in time to see Felicity's glare.

"I'm the secretary…despite having a degree from MIT!" Felicity grumbled and shot a baleful look at Oliver.

Even though this was the first time Roy heard this he was quite sure it wasn't the first time the Team had discussed this – it was clear these were complaints Oliver had heard before (probably many times). However, it did just occur to Roy to wonder what exactly Oliver's public persona was as he still seemed liked Thea's older, disapproving brother to him. He didn't want to actually ask but he did turn to look at Oliver and noted the other two were focused on him as well. Oliver just gazed out into the distance and made no move to answer the unasked question. Roy continued to watch and wait even though he was now counting on Felicity explaining instead of Oliver.

"Yeah, he's the billionaire CEO playboy – tough gig, huh? John, we really did get the short straw! Is it too late to get new identities?"

Roy and Diggle both laughed and Roy noticed Oliver's lips even quirked into a slight smile before he finally spoke.

"My role does give us the funds to afford your shiny new toys, Felicity…" Oliver paused to let a hand hover over a new computer without actually touching it before he continued. "There's also the new dress and shoes you wanted for tomorrow. I had them delivered to the office as we'll need to get dressed there. That last meeting starts late and will probably go over so we'll be short on time."

"No, you need to get ready there." Felicity disagreed with a stern voice. "I'm going home before the meeting, I'm going to be a girl and get ready there before meeting you at the fundraiser."

Feeling like he was watching tennis, Roy turned to see Oliver's response.

"Felicity, I need you..." Oliver had barely started when Felicity stepped toward him and interrupted him.

"No, you want me – there's a difference Oliver!" Felicity's face heated but she continued quickly. "You want me to be there because it's easier for you but it is not necessary! I am going home!"

"Felicity…" Oliver tried again and this time he was the one who stepped closer to Felicity but was again she cut him off.

"No, Oliver. Stern voice and angry face won't work! No pretend emergencies either, Oliver! I am taking a couple hours away regardless of what you say!"

Both Felicity and Oliver had continued to step forward until there were only inches between them now. It made watching them easier but Roy also couldn't help but feel the tension radiating between the pair.

"Okay, kids – it's time for all of us to get our beauty sleep so let's head out." Diggle ended the banter much to Roy's disappointment.

It was hard not to enjoy the small blond winning so often. Roy laughed softly as the two continued to glare at one another before everyone moved toward the door. Tomorrow night just may be fun after all.

AN2 – I really do intend to use the current season for this story but I couldn't resist this little update! As always, thanks for reading - I always appreciate reviews, faves and follows too! :)