Lessons Learned

Summary: My take on Roy being trained by the Arrow (somewhat in the current Season 2 timeframe and staying in character as much as I can). Roy POV but still with a Team focus and Olicity spin!

AN – This is my first one with Roy's POV and I have to say that I found him rather fun! It's always a challenge to find a character's voice and I'm not sure I found Roy's so my apologies if his energy seems off to you! I really do like him and want him on the Team - I love the possibilities that presents for the whole Team!

DISCLAIMER – I can claim nothing as my own unfortunately!

Roy hadn't been training long with the Arrow but he had learned a lot. Lesson #1 – The Arrow is actually Oliver Queen. Simple but really hard to remember and Roy still kept them separate in his head. That did help him lie to his girlfriend…who's older brother was not only overprotective but also perfectly happy to put an arrow through him (again). He hated keeping this from Thea and wasn't sure how much longer she'd stay in the dark. Thea was surprisingly street smart for a rich kid and really stubborn, like dog with a bone stubborn. She was already suspicious of the missing chunks of time from his days and nights but luckily the assortment of bruises and injuries healed too quickly for her to see them. Roy knew he couldn't be the one to tell her though as that would have to be on Oliver now and hopefully he'd be the one Thea would be angry with after she found out.

Shaking off thoughts of Thea, Roy continued to watch with Oliver as his broken fingers healed. They had been sparring with the metal batons and Roy had missed a block so Oliver's strike connected with his hand. Roy wasn't sure when he would even had a metal baton handy during a street fight but Lesson #2 (your life depends on your training so always train seriously) kinda discouraged sarcastic taunts and jokes.

Roy actually did take all of this seriously – the serum made him feel like he was losing his mind and this might be his only chance to save it and hopefully keep Thea in his life. Getting to help the Arrow was an added perk even if it didn't always feel like that. Oliver was a tough teacher but you'd have to be stupid not to respect the skills. Roy considered himself a lot of things (few good) but he didn't think he was stupid. He listened to everything Oliver told him and did everything he said whether they were training in the lair (Arrow Cave still sounded too weird to him) or they were out on the street.

Lessons #3 seemed to be Oliver's favorite and that was that strength isn't enough. Roy knew he was stronger than Oliver but he still couldn't beat him on the mats nor when the raced on the streets. Oliver kept telling him that it was about focus, precision, control and balance and the man had all those in spades. It was surreal to watch Thea's older brother jump between roof tops, take down multiple attackers and just generally kick ass without breaking a sweat.

Life on the street had taught Roy a lot of lessons too: life isn't fair, you have to fight to survive and if anything good ever comes your way then you have to grab it with both hands. Roy often thought Thea was his once in a lifetime gift and he was willing to fight to keep her and keep her safe (even if that meant protecting her from himself). However, he now considered Thea's brother his second chance and he was grateful enough for that to do whatever he told him to do even (if he didn't tell Oliver that).

He actually found he said little to Oliver…he wasn't intimidated, just cautious really. Roy wasn't sure what he had expected to learn from the Arrow but it wasn't only Oliver who surprised him but also John Diggle and Felicity Smoak as well. The other two weren't as…well, he wasn't quite as cautious around them but he still didn't feel completely comfortable. Felicity was actually very friendly and chatty and didn't seem to fit into this dark world any more than he imagined Thea would. That Felicity was that different, special was enough to have Roy keeping his distance. Diggle was easier to figure out as he was a well-trained soldier and Roy learned from him as well.

Tonight it was Diggle who had lead the patrol and Roy found it easier to relax around him. Diggle was even sharing some stories on Oliver that had Roy laughing as they entered the lair. The fun died quickly though when he heard Oliver's voice raised in anger – that was something he had never heard. Oliver was the man who rarely showed emotion so Roy couldn't imagine what lowlife scum had cracked that ironclad control and why Oliver was interrogating him here. Roy rushed inside to see who the Arrow's target was as he didn't think the scum would live long and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the lowlife scum was actually Felicity Smoak. She was standing toe to toe with Oliver and was clearly just as angry as he was.

Neither was speaking now but they did continue to glare at one another. Roy felt Diggle push him toward the other side of the room and glanced back in question but the older man just shook his head. Roy was curious but as curiosity kills the cat and all that he followed Diggle's lead. After he changed and put away his supplies he rejoined the group to see them gathered at Felicity's computers. The conversation was fast, clipped and harsh but Roy figured out pretty quickly that Oliver had gotten info on a gang leader they had been hunting and wanted to go but Felicity didn't trust the intel.

Lesson #4 – Team Arrow does vote. Not all the lessons Roy learned were strictly about fighting but all did pertain to survival and that meant survival on the street as well as in the lair. So, for example, Lesson #5 (don't touch Felicity's computers) was essential to his survival.

Right now it appeared the "vote" went Oliver's way and he told Diggle to suit up even as he turned and told him to stay put. Roy didn't argue even if he did want to go wherever it was they were going. He had just nodded his agreement when Felicity spoke.

"Yes, Roy, do stay put as His Royal Highness has commanded…clearly this isn't a Team but instead Billionaire Playboy Oliver Queen's private army or are we just personal staff meant to be at your beck and call?"

Roy coughed to cover his laugh as Oliver's gaze scanned the room before he locked his glare on the smaller blond woman. Roy watched as Oliver stalked silently back across the room toward her. He had to give Felicity credit for standing her ground as having the Arrow glaring at you was scary. Roy couldn't believe it when they both stepped forward – he knew Oliver was crowding her as an intimidation tactic but he wasn't sure Felicity understood that as she looked angry not scared.

The lair was silent as the two just glared at each other. Roy's jaw dropped when it was Oliver who turned away and barked a final comment before he headed toward the door.

"If you get better data then let me know."

Roy turned to watch Felicity, awed that she had won that contest. Who would have bet against the Arrow, well, ever? Roy felt Diggle behind him and turned to see the man was smiling even as he spoke quietly before he too left.

"Always bet on Felicity."

Roy was now alone with Felicity and he wasn't sure what to say or do. He assumed she was still upset as she continued to pound the keyboard, mutter to herself and whenever she spoke to Oliver the tone wasn't exactly soft and friendly. He wasn't sure how to handle this new Felicity but he knew he did want to help her.

It wasn't just Oliver he was grateful for but the Team. While he still felt like an outsider or at least the newbie Roy knew the Team was all he had right now in many ways. He was forced to lie to Thea and even Sin and no one could possibly understand what was going on in his life right now except the Team. They were close, like family, and had offered him a place on the inside even as they saved his life. Felicity especially had been welcoming and more forthcoming by sharing information before he even asked so he owed it to her to help her if he could.

She was the one who actually started numbering the Lessons for him but now even Diggle used that when training him. Lesson #6: Just don't get shot, grabbed or stabbed. Roy was fine with that one as even with his healing abilities the injuries still hurt like all hell. But because Lesson #6 wasn't always practical Lesson #7 was everyone get medical training. Lesson #8: Any roll or fall you get up from was a good one…again obvious and useful. Lesson #9: You watch the sword that kills you. That one took a little longer to figure out but Roy did now understand he couldn't watch the attack but instead had to focus on the attacker to find openings. He couldn't expect anything and just had to be fluid and move which is why Lesson #3 was so important.

Lesson #10 was a surprise – Only kill when there's no choice. Diggle was the one who filled him in on that one by telling him about Tommy and the Count capturing Felicity. Until that time Roy had thought Felicity was always safely stashed behind her computers and he was surprised that he didn't like the thought of her being in danger.

Felicity had come back in the room at the end of the story and suggested they make Team shirts with the Lessons…she had continued into a long ramble which he and Diggle had ignored but hadn't stopped. Roy had already noted Felicity's chatty nature and that the guys never discouraged her. Privately Roy added Lesson #11 as humor Felicity while she rambles and ignore any drooling over Oliver (verbal or visual – the girl really did like to watch him on the salmon ladder).

Roy knew he was wasting time and putting off the inevitable so he slowly approached Felicity. He then heard Oliver's voice over the comms as he stated the target wasn't there. Roy also heard Felicity's whispered "Thank God" before she responded directly to Oliver.

"I'll start searches and let you know what I find."

"We need a location now—"

"I know that but I'm not the one who sent us on a wild goose chase! You can either wander around the City in the dark hoping you stumble across him or you can come back here and wait while I figure it out. Your choice."

Roy watched as Felicity shut off the comms before knocking the microphone off her desk. Suddenly he remembered how angry Thea had been during her mom's trial and how he had gotten her to box with him. He turned away from Felicity abruptly and started searching for a pair of gloves to fit her. It couldn't hurt to let her work off some aggression before Oliver and Diggle returned. Finding the smallest, lightest pair Roy returned to Felicity's desk.

"I think I can help you." Roy offered quietly.

As Felicity jumped up from her chair on a choked gasp, Roy realized she had forgotten he was even there. He grinned even as he tried to interrupt her rambling apology.

"Felicity, you might feel better if you punch something." Felicity did stop speaking but only to stare at him in confusion. He offered the gloves to her hoping to get this moving as they wouldn't have much time before Oliver and Diggle returned.

"I've had Thea box a little before…when she was upset during her mom's trial. It really is a great way to deal with anger."

Felicity continued to stare and Roy started to think this was a bad idea – perhaps there was some Lesson he hadn't learned yet and this was wrong. He lowered the gloves and was wondering how to backtrack out of this when he heard Felicity speak.

"Ok, let me get this search started for His Highness then I'll pound the crap outta you serum boy!"

Her sudden playfulness startled a laugh from Roy and he met her smile with one of his own. He just realized it would be wise to add another Lesson about never underestimating Felicity Smoak.

Felicity jumped into the boxing with surprising enthusiasm but no actual skill. Roy let her work off some aggression before he started to tweak her form if it could even be called 'form' as Felicity basically just swung wildly at the heavy bag. Roy knew Felicity was a genius so he had assumed she would quickly catch on to the basics but that wasn't the case. It didn't matter how many times he said "Don't overextend" as it just seemed to fall on deaf ears even as Felicity fell to the ground.

Roy quickly realized that telling Felicity what to do wasn't working. She really didn't seem to understand how to keep her center under her and still use it for power. As her punches lacked real power Roy didn't think it was necessary to hold the bag for her so he stepped from behind the bag to demonstrate the form beside her – just the basic stance and jab. Felicity was still struggling but at least she now laughed when she overextended and fell. She also had the tendency to get tangled in her own feet whenever he encouraged her to move.

As he again helped her stand another idea came to Roy. Instead of standing beside her Roy moved behind her to physically place her in the correct position and move her arms for her. He was going through it for the third time as Felicity again tried to jab without falling over. Roy was so wrapped up in helping Felicity that he didn't sense the threat until it was too late. He heard the growl even as he felt the hands on him throwing him away from Felicity.

Roy landed hard against the wall but stood quickly shaking his head to clear it. He searched for Felicity as well as the threat against them. He was shocked to see the Arrow standing between him and Felicity. Diggle was holding Felicity in place even as she struggled and sputtered angrily.

Roy was confused by the anger and threat he saw in the Arrow…this was definitely not Oliver Queen even in his most intimidating overprotective brother role. Roy didn't know what was going on but he recognized the threat he faced and dropped his center to assume the fighting stance this very man had taught him.

The silence grew but no attack came. Roy finally switched his gaze to Felicity and that action had more consequences than he could have anticipated. The Arrow took a step forward even as Diggle released Felicity allowing her to fly forward and latch on to the Arrow's arm. It took a moment for Roy to even hear Felicity over the blood pounding in his ears.

"—Nothing happened Oliver. He loves Thea and wasn't doing anything wrong. You know for someone who didn't originally approve of Roy for Thea you are definitely playing the aggrieved brother well. He was just teaching me to box…which is something you really should have done already yourself."

Roy couldn't believe Felicity ended her defense of him with a taunt. Then again he couldn't believe that she thought Oliver was upset on Thea's behalf. Roy had seen his eyes and the emotion there wasn't a brother protecting his sister. Oliver was acting like a jealous boyfriend laying claim to Felicity. Roy still wasn't sure what was going on between those two so he looked to Diggle and saw the amusement on his face. Ok, so no help there, Roy thought as he switched his gaze back to Oliver and Felicity.

Oliver still hadn't spoken but he had switched his glare to Felicity now so Roy breathed a sigh of relief. He saw Felicity move her hand to Oliver's side and was surprised when Oliver flinched away from her.

Felicity cried out in alarm, "You're hurt?"

Roy watched as Felicity turned to glare at him and quickly raised his arms in surrender and shook his head. He didn't know why she thought he had done something but he knew he didn't want her mad at him. It was Diggle who saved him though.

"We ran into some Triad on the way back."

Roy watched as Felicity immediately pulled Oliver over to the med table and he noted Oliver let her. Everyone acted as if the last five minutes hadn't happened and it was business as usual. Roy continued to watch as Diggle joined them at the table and motioned for him to join as well. When Roy reached the table Oliver's shirt was off and he was resting on his back as if stretched out at the pool.

Roy assumed the injury must not be bad as Oliver seemed unconcerned so he was surprised to see the four deep, jagged cuts that were bleeding steadily. He also saw the myriad of bruises that covered Oliver's ribs, some old, some new – as if there weren't enough scars on him already (those scars still threw Roy every time he saw them). Diggle's voice jarred Roy from his thoughts as he started explaining what needed to be done. However, it was Felicity who was the one actually working on Oliver.

Roy almost blurted out the question as to why Felicity instead of Diggle but he remembered the look in Oliver's eyes after he had thrown him across the room and swallowed the words back. It was easy to see Oliver's expression was much softer now as he watched Felicity tend his wounds. Roy definitely didn't want him to return to Arrow mode right now so he kept his distance and turned to look at Felicity.

It was Felicity who appeared to be pain and winced each time she applied the antiseptic. It was didn't take long for her to clean the wounds but Roy noticed her hand lingered on the bandage as she applied the last piece of tape. When she finally moved to pull her hand away Oliver covered it with his own and held both against him just above the bandage. The two stared at each other for a moment and then smiled. Roy was sure Thea would have had a lot to say about the googly eyes and sappy smiles but he wasn't going to say a word.

He had just learned another Lesson – Do not come between Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak. Perhaps he should even move that one up to Lesson #1 now?!

AN2 – I really do consider this a "complete one-shot" but that doesn't mean I don't want to hear your thoughts! Pls review if you have any suggestions or comments! As always, thank you!