Lessons Learned

Chapter 13 - Revised Lessons Learned List

Chapter 13 - Revised List 

AN - This update came from my 2014 summer series set in the Lessons Universe after S2 (basically what I call my lighter, fluffier Arrow stories that include references to the Lessons). I have removed any references to the story/ plot from the 2014 summer series so this shouldn't be confusing but if you are confused then feel free to let me know me! :) Like all of my fanfic stories, the 2014 summer series (Lessons: Becoming the Green Arrow and Lessons: Team Arrow) is available on Fanfic.net and Archive of Our Own. 

AN2 - This does bring this story "current" with its posting on the other sites but I will post updates here as well! I'm always open to suggestions so don't be shy...however, I do not guarantee that you will like what I do with your idea so you have been warned!! :) 

DISCLAIMER - Despite the summer hiatus, I still haven't managed to lay legal claim to CW's Arrow!

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Felicity tapped on her keyboard despite the fact that her eyes were closed and waited several long moments before she reached for the List again. Her eyes widened as she reviewed the list in its final form especially Lesson #1. She had found Roy's earlier versions on the computer and had revised accordingly with her own comments. She always listed Lesson #1 as a general 'the Team should always come first' kind of thing, but Roy always argued that that was understood while it had taken him several painful experiences to learn not to come between her and Oliver. He considered that a valuable survival tip and felt it was his job to pay it forward. It had become a game for them to merge their different versions, but it had been a game they had kept to themselves...until now. 

She replayed the day in her head and she knew Roy had to have left it early this morning which meant both Oliver and Diggle would have seen it by now even though neither had commented to her. Both men always scanned their surroundings and both noticed everything so the List would have stood out to them. Felicity groaned quietly and barely resisted the urge to bury her head in her hands or simply crawl under her desk.

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.