Lessons Learned

Chapter 4 - Public Personas

Chapter 4 - Public Personas

AN - Roy was simply too much to stop writing so this story just keeps continuing!  ;)

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

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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.