Lessons: Ever After
AN – I haven't charted this out in detail as I did with the 2014 Lessons summer series so I can't guarantee a specific update schedule. Pls just know that I will do my best to have regular updates! As this will be a bit more free flowing, pls review/ PM with requests and/ or suggestions! A summary of the Lessons Universe is below and this first chapter is the List; however, I'm updating immediately to include a 2nd chapter!
AN2 – Special thanks to Janna18 for reviewing my S3 episode tags in After the Calm and suggesting this story line! I hope this meets your expectations my friend!
SPOILER WARNING: Any season of Arrow may be referenced!
LESSONS UNIVERSE SUMMARY – The Lessons Universe is loose collection of stories highlighting a lighter, fluffier version of Arrow with a focus on Team Arrow (Oliver, Diggle, Felicity, and Roy) and Olicity! The Lessons started in my story Lessons Learned and references a list of Lessons that Roy created from his training with Oliver. There have been updated versions of the List and various stories inspired by it - this is yet another one. In this future world, Oliver is Mayor of Starling City as he gained that position in a special election after Moira's death. Both Walter and Lance are in on Oliver's secret identity and provide assistance. Thea is also in the know and has been trained by Merlyn - she now fights with Team Arrow. Baby Sara is included so Sara Lance is no more unfortunately. I haven't yet decided how to play Laurel or Ray. So now, you can check out the earlier Lessons stories or just jump in here now with those basics in mind!
REVISED LIST OF LESSONS LEARNED ON TEAM ARROW
1. Do NOT get (or even try to get) between Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak.
2. Maintain a 5' perimeter around Felicity's computers - do not touch them without express permission and written instructions. Archery lessons within 10' are not allowed either.
3. Felicity has no brain/ mouth filter especially after taking an aspirin - ignore any and all inappropriate rambling and behavior (esp. toward Oliver – See Lesson #1). If Oliver is not around, some teasing is allowed and expected.
4. Topics NOT to discuss with Oliver include: the Gambit, the five years during which nothing good happened, his scars, Thea, Barry Allen, and Lesson #1.
5. Do not lie to Team members (withholding information does count as lying unless it concerns Oliver's five years on/ off the Island).
6. Everyone is afraid of something. Felicity is afraid of heights (see Lesson #1). The Team is afraid of Felicity.
7. Team Arrow does vote but never bet against Felicity.
8. Even Oliver's super human control has its limits – there's no shame in standing behind Felicity during those times.
9. Plan A never works, Plan B's success rate is 50/50 at best, Plan C frequently doesn't work either so have Plans D, E, and F ready. Also have an exit strategy, preferably one that does not include windows and Tarzan acts (especially if you are sweaty).
10. Food and drink rules: Mint Chocolate Chip is the best way to process. Russian Vodka is the drink of choice for serious conversations. Felicity does have specific caffeine requirements to function – she is not a morning person so the earlier in the morning it is, and/or the longer Oliver has been in the field, the stronger the caffeine dose she requires.
11. The Teams sucks at cover stories…however, if you lie badly enough (aka sports drinks are often carried in syringes) then others may not bother asking for the truth.
12. Diggle is all-knowing and all-seeing so just assume he knows what's going on even if no one else does.
13. Basic Mission goals are always to NOT get shot, grabbed, stabbed, or blown up; however, everyone gets medical training as no one has learned this Lesson yet.
14. Communication is important…and sometimes even requires words, sometimes even more than 3 words. We can't afford to keep replacing training dummies so learn to share with the Team.
15. Strength isn't enough – you need focus, precision, control, and balance (aka ninja skills). Ninja skills aren't enough – you need good intel, a good plan (or plans), and a good Team.
16. Topics NOT to discuss with Felicity include: Russia, her "promotions", and never, ever ask her to bring you coffee (if you are Oliver). You can ask her about her battle scar.