Lessons Learned

Chapter 14 - HEA

Chapter 14 Happily Ever After

AN– This update is focused on Roy and Thea as I couldn't resist the idea of the Lessons coming full circle and him returning to share them with Thea but pls see my AN after the chapter for more info if you want some Olicity!

DISCLAIMER – Oddly enough no one from Arrow has encouraged me to return to writing fanfic or granted their permission...oh well!

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Thea took the diving roll hard and felt her shoulder jam painfully but she continued to her feet.  The dull ache in her shoulder wasn't worth her attention considering the sharp pain shooting through her with each breath.  However, with no more than a passing thought for her injuries or a backward glance for those following, she sprinted forward quickly. Glancing around she realized that she needed to find a way out but no safe exit presented itself.  As gunfire exploded behind her she pushed forward to jump between buildings once more. 

Approaching the end of the roof Thea knew she couldn't make the next leap – she was exhausted, injured and it was just too far. Things hadn't exactly gone according to the plan and she was out of ideas.  More gunfire sounded and she moved to crouch down behind the AC units. 

She had known that deciding to wear the mask was dangerous but it had gotten even more so lately.  Cursing under her breath she realized that her previous training hadn't quite prepared her as well as she had thought.  She and Laurel had both suffered various injuries and setbacks since Ollie had ridden off into the sunset with Felicity.  Laurel was actually in a coma and in the hospital at that moment.

As more shots were fired even as she glanced over the edge of the roof, Thea paused to wonder just who was after her. She had stumbled upon what looked to be a regular drug deal but the men chasing her weren't the usual street thugs. Their dark suits and guns spoke of a different kind of villain.  Shaking her head, Thea realized that she needed to focus on escaping the men not identifying them.  She also realized that she wasn't prepared to stand alone as the only protector of Starling City.

"What you need is an escape route."

At the sound of the familiar voice Thea turned to the side and found herself face to face with Roy Harper.  Her ex was dressed in a dark blue leather jacket and wore the same cocky grin that she had both loved and hated at various points.

Roy moved the rest of the way up over the ledge before he stepped closer to Thea and listened to the gunfire to determine how much time they had left.  He was surprised that she hadn't yet responded as Thea had always been quick to argue and challenge.  It was clear she had learned some control though and he was grateful for that as it would help keep her alive.

"So what do you have in mind?"  Thea asked as she heard the men land on the same roof they were on.  Before she could turn to fight Roy wrapped a belt around her waist and Thea froze at the feel of hands on her and the closeness of his body.

"Unfortunately the window isn't open."  Roy replied mysteriously as he grabbed Thea and launched them both over the edge just as bullets landed near them.

Thea held onto Roy even as she tried to twist and see where they were going.  At that moment, the rope caught and their motion switched from a downward plummet to more of a swing.  She turned and saw the closed window just before they crashed through it.  Thea blew her breath out hard as Roy landed on top of her.

"Sorry about the glass but this is the best floor."  Roy paused as he moved some broken glass from Thea's hair.  He knew they needed to move but he took an additional moment while she was quiet to return her stare.