Lessons: Becoming the Green Arrow

Episode 13 - Not Alone (Part 2)

Episode 13 – Not Alone (Part 2)

AN – There is a long rambling apology at the end regarding my take on Oliver's character as I received a lot of feedback concerning him on other sites. Feel free to skip but I wanted to include it anyway! Thanks!

DISCLAIMER – No change to the legal status, CW's Arrow and DC Comics are still NOT mine!

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Diggle, Roy, and Oliver continued to analyze and plan their response as Sara and Nyssa joined them. Barry remained focused on the suit until Felicity brought up all the intel on the location and then all focused on how to save Walter and keep Felicity safe. No one planned for Felicity to go alone but there were concerns about what reinforcements and traps Caitlyn would have waiting for them.

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The strategy session went smoothly until Oliver handed the ARGUS gloves and jacket to Felicity along with the boots that were coated in the protective chemical Barry had created as part of his tests. Unfortunately, Barry had been unable to determine the likely success rate of his creations. Regardless though, Oliver was adamant that Felicity should wear the protective gear even if there were no guarantees and nothing fit perfectly.

"She'll want you out of the way once and for all Oliver. You need to consider—." Diggle spoke even though he knew his partner wouldn't agree.

"Yes, you do—" It was Felicity who joined the argument and Diggle stood aside to let her.

"Felicity—" Oliver tried to reason with her but Felicity immediately interrupted.

"She's been targeting you this entire time. She'll—" Felicity's voice was loud, but Oliver still spoke over her.

"She's been targeting me to get to you! You need the protection." Oliver turned away, unable to meet Felicity's eyes any longer. He wasn't surprised when she immediately moved to stand in front of him and forced him to focus on her.

"And what about the rest of you? I don't want to be alone and safe, I would rather be with the rest of you, unsafe." Felicity was still concerned and unwilling to accept the additional protection if it cost anyone else their life, especially when that person was Oliver. She knew he would risk his life for her, but she couldn't accept that sacrifice – not from him or anyone else. Felicity turned to look at the others for support.

"We'll be further back. She won't be able to touch us." Sara gave the reassurance even though it wasn't strictly true. The plan did call for them to stay back as Caitlyn had requested Felicity come alone, but Sara knew that she and Nyssa would both step forward as necessary.

"Same for us." Diggle took advantage of Sara's excuse as he nodded toward Roy to include him as well. Roy wisely remained silent even though he too planned to do whatever was necessary to protect Felicity.

Felicity turned in question to Barry thinking that he would support her and was surprised to find him grinning. At the continued silence, all eyes followed her gaze and soon the group was staring at Barry who continued to grin.