Lessons Learned

Chapter 10 - Fluffy

Chapter 10 - Fluffy 

AN - This was written when a good friend on Fanfic.net requested something "fluffy" to combat the S2 darkness and I took her literally so be warned this is extreme fluff without a plot! ;) 

DISCLAIMER - Absolutely no legal claim to ownership but I love Arrow anyway!

-----------------------------

Roy and Diggle were training when Roy heard Oliver's voice and even though all he said was "no" Roy easily recognized the angry voice that was usually directed at him. He exchanged a look with Diggle before they both turned to watch as Felicity followed Oliver into the lair and spoke in an even louder voice. The pair had had a late meeting at QC and had just made their way to the lair. 

Felicity had stopped walking and now had her arms crossed over her chest as she glared. "Seriously? You aren't even going to make the effort to save-" 

"We need to focus on Slade Felicity-" Oliver interrupted and returned her glare. 

Despite being curious, Roy made no effort to get closer as he really was working on never again getting between them for any reason. Felicity still glared at him periodically and he knew she was remembering the 'sexy librarian' comments which had so offended her until Oliver had approved. Roy noticed she blushed even more often around the man lately but they all ignored it and it was never discussed - just adding it to the list, Roy thought with a laugh. Realizing his thoughts had wondered Roy joined the argument already in progress. 

"-so this isn't worth your time?" Felicity now looked more hurt than angry. 

Roy winced at the expression and he noticed even Diggle shifted uncomfortably. Angry Felicity wasn't anything new but Felicity rarely appeared hurt or upset on her own behalf. 

"Felicity. We have real work to do." Oliver's tone was milder but still firm as he stepped toward her. 

"Fine - then I'll do it myself." Felicity snapped before she turned and left Oliver staring at her back. 

Roy didn't know what was going on but there was also an instinctive urge to protect Felicity, still though he hesitated as Lesson #1 wasn't something to ignore lightly. "He won't let her-" 

"No, he won't." Diggle interrupted before he continued more softly. "5-4-3-2-" 

Oliver suddenly moved toward the stairs and Roy breathed a sigh of relief that he was going after her. He then realized that Diggle had been counting down as he predicted that very action. Roy turned and raised a brow in question. 

"I used to have to start at 10 - he's getting faster." Diggle shrugged and turned away. 

Roy was still turned toward the door so Diggle's fist to his lower back caught him off-guard. He turned quickly and the two continued sparring. It took only a few minutes though before Oliver's return distracted them again. 

Oliver was now shirtless and grumbling and as he passed by them Roy saw the evidence of blood on his hands and chest. Roy turned quickly to Diggle silently asking about Felicity. Diggle shrugged without apparent concern but Roy noticed his attention was on the door instead of on Oliver. 

Felicity then came down the steps carrying Oliver's shirt and speaking softly to herself. Roy again breathed a sigh of relief that she looked unharmed. He was very curious now but when he made the move toward her Diggle grabbed his arm and shook his head. Mere seconds later Oliver returned, still shirtless but he had replaced the suit pants and dress shoes with more comfortable cargo pants. He cut a direct path to Felicity who stood by the med table still holding his shirt. 

Roy watched as Oliver pressed close to Felicity and reached for his shirt. Roy was surprised when he pulled something from the shirt but he was completely shocked when he realized the something was a small fluffy kitten. Oliver held the ball of fur in one hand and appeared to examine it before he placed in on the table. Felicity immediately started petting the animal - Roy couldn't tell if she was talking to it or to Oliver though. 

"She made the Arrow save a kitten?" Roy asked in disbelief. He had always been impressed that Oliver listened to Felicity but this surprised even him. 

"No. She's making the Arrow save himself." 

Roy turned to find Diggle smiling as he watched the pair. He didn't understand the man's comment but before he could ask Diggle spoke again. 

"The hero business is tricky - it's easy to become the very things you are fighting. It's easy to work in the gray area and lose sight of the people you are supposed to be protecting. Felicity reminds him of just what he is fighting for...she reminds all of us of our humanity. If we lose that then we become the villains Roy." 

Roy watched dumbfounded as Diggle moved to join the pair and Felicity held the kitten up to him. Diggle took the kitten as Felicity turned toward Roy and called out. 

"Come on Roy - meet the Team Arrow mascot. I named her Fluffy because sometimes we all just need a little fluff in our lives." Felicity was laughing by the end and Roy noted that even Diggle and Oliver smiled at her. 

Knowing he wanted to be one of the good guys, Roy moved quickly to join the Team and even held Fluffy when Felicity pushed the kitten toward him.

----------------------------------

AN2 - I did warn you guys that it was pointless fluff but I hope it at least made you smile! The image of a shirtless Oliver holding a kitten certainly made me smile! ;)