Fanfic: In Our Hands - Chlollie

[slytherinpunk]

Title: In Our Hands
Authors: slytherinpunk  and sxymami0909
Rating: NC-17
Summary: “The palms’ don’t lie, Oliver.” Zatanna acclaimed as he snatched his hand away from her grip, “You have a son."
Spoilers: Canon til Season 10 episode 3... And goes AU from there (Oliver never revealed himself as Green Arrow, and Tess never ran Watchtower) runs with the timeline of the five years of Superman Returns.
Pairings: Chlollie
Status: 22/27
Previous Chapters: Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight, Chapter Nine, Chapter Ten, Chapter Eleven, Chapter Twelve, Chapter Thirteen, Chapter Fourteen, Chapter Fifteen, Chapter Sixteen, Chapter Seventeen, Chapter Eighteen, Chapter Nineteen, Chapter Twenty, Chapter Twenty-One
Disclaimer: We do not own Smallville, nor do we claim to own any other characters therefore owned by DC Comics or CW network.
Fic Banner by: dhfreak
Chapter Banners by: sanaazzy
Special Thanks to: dhfreak  and sanaazzy  for contributing their art skills to this story.
Dedicated to: The wonderful sanaazzy  who fell in love with this fic when I shared the first few chapters, and for never letting me give up on this story, even after brainstorming and failing for a year. Thank you so much for everything. ♥


Chapter Twenty-Two

Oliver cracked open his eyes, a slow smile spreading onto his mouth as he watched a sleeping Chloe curl her body against his side and he tightened his arm that hung around her hip. After they had told Connor another bedtime story, Oliver and Chloe had waited almost two hours before they crept into her room and closed the door softly.

It hadn’t been his attention for them to do anything but sleep, despite his inability to keep his hands off of Chloe. They had cuddled, hands roaming and skimming over each others skin for over an hour before they couldn’t hold back anymore.

He leaned down and lazily dropped a kiss to her shoulder, his eyes finding the clock on her nightstand and groaning softly. He nudged his nose into the crook of her neck, kissing her tentatively. “Chloe...”

She sighed and mumbled against his chest, eyes still closed, "Shh... I'm sleeping." She shifted, practically sprawling on top of him as she placed a kiss against his chin.

Oliver chuckled lightly, “Mhm... But our son will be up in a few minutes.” He kissed her again before pulling back and propping up his arm so that he held up his head with his hand. “I was thinking... That party is tonight... But maybe we could tell Connor sometime tomorrow... About everything.”

Chloe shifted back leaning her head against her arms as she studied him closely, "Yeah? If you're ready then we can definitely sit him down and talk to him about it."

She pursed her lips and placed a hand against his chest lightly, voice soft as she gazed up at him, "I just want you to prepare yourself for the possibility that he might be a little upset with us for keeping this from him for so long... Especially since the two of you have talked about his Father."

He shook his head, running his and up and down to rub her arm, “Chloe... Honestly, I’m just worried he’ll be disappointed.”

She cupped his cheek her eyes softening, "How could he ever be disappointed with someone as amazing as you?"

Oliver gave her a small smile, “Chloe... He believes his Dad is a Super-Hero...” He laughed lightly but it didn’t reach his eyes, “That trumps Billionaire-Dad.”

She leaned in closer to him and scrunched her nose as she whispered, amusement in her voice, "You are a Super-Hero..."

Oliver grinned, “Well yeah, you and I know that...” His nose wrinkled, “But I think its better if our children don’t.” He chuckled, not noticing his use of the plural word.

Chloe arched an eyebrow, "You say that as if there are more hidden somewhere." She chuckled and then paused eyes widening slightly, "Oh my god... Children... We've been having sex."

He tensed, about to ask about her circumstances when he clamped his mouth shut firmly. Chloe hadn’t been with anyone in over five years. She didn’t need a reason to use birth control. And he certainly hadn’t packed condoms and expected this all to happen...

He almost gulped until he remembered Zatanna’s reading she had given him. While she had proclaimed he had a living heir now, in the present, she had insisted he would have children; as in more than one, in the future. And that realization immediately calmed him.

Smiling, he lifted his hand to smooth her bed-hair down, “I can understand if it would seem fast... But I love you, and whether its early or planned...” He smirked and lifted a shoulder, “Well, we already know we make beautiful children.”

Her face softened slightly and she nodded, "I love you too, and that's sweet... But we just fixed this," she motioned between them before placing a hand against his chest and continued speaking, amusement in her voice. "And we haven't even told Connor yet. Maybe we should work on that before you go expanding our family, Romeo."

He shook his head, laughing lightly, “I never actually made plans here.” He shrugged, “I’m just saying, Zatanna already proclaimed I would have more children when she read my palm and told me about already having a son. It was already fated, all of it...”

Oliver held her gaze seriously, all humor gone from his features, “I’m not trying to rush you... But you’re my destiny, Chloe. Whatever happens, will happen.” He placed a quick kiss to her forehead and wrapped his arms around her securely, “But I like I said... I’m not intentionally trying to rush you.”

He just hoped she had finished doubting him indefinitely and that her small moment of panic was just because things between them might have changed too quickly for her.

Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes as she moved out of his arms slightly so she could look at him, voice soft, "Is that how you found me... From Zatanna? What do you mean she read your palm?"

Oliver stiffened at the sight of her emerald eyes welling with tears that threatened to fall, “She... Was at a benefit, reading palms and she cornered the skeptic in me and...” He exhaled slowly, “And told me I had an heir, and I--”

He licked his lips nervously, unsure of her reaction, “And I knew he was ours, Chloe. She didn’t tell me but I knew.” He lifted his hand to cup his palm against her cheek gently, “How could it not be you?”

Inclining his neck, he touched his forehead to hers and closed his eyes, “... And after years of searching for you and coming up empty handed... I realized our son would lead me to you. You’d have to settle down into a permanent setting and leave a paper trail.”

Chloe swallowed hard and nodded, "Then the next time I see Zatanna I'll need to remember to thank her..." She pressed a light kiss to his lips and let out a shaky breath,"I'm so sorry... I hate that you missed so much... There were so many times when all I wanted was to have you by our sides..."

She licked her lips a tear sliding down her cheek as she spoke, voice filled with emotion, "I never let anyone into our lives because this was your place... And if I couldn't have you then I didn't want anyone... But now that you're here and we have a second chance. I'm hoping the three of us can be the family I used to always wish we were."

“We will be,” he pressed his lips to hers and repeated his promise again. “I want that more than anything, and we will be a family.” He tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear and kissed her simply before pulling back, “Now I think I’m going to have to sneak out of here quietly before our son gets up and finds me in here.” He pecked her lips again, “Mind if I jump in the shower first?”

She grinned and nodded, "Go for it."

Oliver removed the bed sheets from him and moved out of her bed, bending down to collect his pajama pants before putting them back on. He grinned at her over his shoulder as she tugged on his big ivy league school shirt, "I'll see you downstairs."

He crept to the door quietly and turned the doorknob slowly, opening the door softly. He took two steps before turning to shut the door behind him as gently as possible, and he froze when he turned back around to see Connor staring at him a few feet away. Gulping, he tried not to look as guilty as he was.

Standing still like a deer trapped in headlights, he stared as Connor narrowed his green eyes at him in a manner that was all Chloe, a single brow perching up. "What were you doing in there?"

Oliver swallowed and licked his lips nervously, “Uhh...” His mouth quirked into a smile, “I was just asking your mom if it was okay if I jumped in the shower first...”

Connor studied him silently for a moment before he seemed to accept Oliver’s answer, and moved to the side, “Okay... Do you think after breakfast we could practice some archery? Its getting colder out lately.”

Nodding, Oliver smiled genuinely, “Yeah, I think we could manage that. You’re right we should get in a few before the wind starts to affect your shots.” He ruffled Connor’s hair, “I should be out soon.”

“Okay,” Connor nodded with a smile as he watched Oliver head down the hall, and he turned to his mother’s bedroom door once Oliver disappeared from view. Knocking lightly, Connor reached for the doorknob and turned the handle, “Hey Mom.”

Chloe had thrown her pajama pants on underneath Oliver’s school shirt when he made his way out of the room and she had started making the bed.

She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Connor when he poked his head in her room, "Morning hun, you're up early." She finished making the bed and turned to face him.

“Yeah, I want to try some archery with Oliver after breakfast.” He pushed himself up on her neatly made bed, “What time is the party tonight?” He didn’t really want to go, but his teammates would be there, and more importantly, Bren would have to see Oliver around again, and that made a small smirk rise on his lips.

Chloe smiled at Connor's words, she was almost positive that their sons request had brought a smile to Oliver’s face. She moved past him running her hand through his hair gently before making her way to the closet to grab clothes. "I believe it starts at four. So we'll probably leave around three forty-five."

Connor pursed his lips but nodded, “Okay... And... Oliver’s still going with us, right?” Without his father around, he at least liked the idea of someone looking out for his mother and intimidating other men away, while Connor himself was busy with a game or like he would be with friends at the party.

She turned and gave Connor a warm smile, "Of course. We'll all have a good time. It should be nice." She pulled out an outfit before walking back to the bed and laying it out next to her son. She ruffled his hair and pressed a kiss to his head, "Why don't you go get dressed and I'll head downstairs and start breakfast while Ollie's in the shower."

“Alright,” Connor agreed, jumping down off the bed and heading for the door. He glimpsed at her over his shoulder, “Can we have waffles?”

Chloe nodded, “Sure we can, now get going." Connor grinned and nodded before disappearing outside the door. Chloe let out a content sigh. Today was going to be a nice to for them to spend some time together as a family before telling Connor tomorrow. And then... Well whatever happened they'd work it out from there. Grinning, Chloe picked up her clothes and headed out the door to see if Oliver was done with his shower.

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

Chloe had just put the last cleaned plate from lunch away before leaning over and wiping her hands on the towel. They'd spent most of the morning in the house playing a few games before Oliver had taken Connor out back to practice. They'd taken a break to come in for lunch and had made there way right back out when they were finished.

She moved out of the kitchen glancing at the clock on her way to the door. It was getting late and they needed to head out soon. She made her way outside and stood aside for a minute watching as Oliver gave Connor a few tips before letting him take a shot. When he'd completed the shot Chloe cleared her throat to get their attention.

They glanced over their shoulders and she smiled, "It's getting late boys... We should probably head out soon."

Connor sighed and moved to collect his arrows with Oliver moving to help while patting his back, “Don’t get discouraged. At least you hit the target, thats an accomplishment to be proud of.”

Connor’s lips slanted into a small smile, “Yeah... But only three times.”

Oliver shook his head, “I didn’t hit a target till I was stranded on an island after I was out of high school.” His hand moved to pat Connor’s head, “Don’t worry about it. Let’s just clean up and join your mom.”

“Thanks for trying to help me practice,” said Connor as he pulled his dull arrows off the target. They had barely hit, but he was appreciative of Oliver’s guidance and help.

“It’s just like Soccer, Con.” Oliver grinned as he knelt down to take apart the target. “You just have to practice regularly.”

Connor glanced up at the taller man as he started to take down the target, “... When will I get to see you shoot an arrow? You only instructed me.” While he knew from online articles Oliver survived being on an island due to obtaining and securing his hunting skills, Connor had yet to see the man use a bow.

Would he be better than his father? He had to wonder... Oliver was, first and foremost, a billionaire, and Connor found it hard to imagine the man taking time out of his busy work and public schedule to concentrate and improve a skill like archery.

He noticed Oliver pause as he disassembled the target stand, “Well, I don’t have my bow, Con...” Oliver finished collecting the pieces and stood up nodding toward the porch, “Besides, I don’t think your mom would appreciate me shooting off sharp objects while you’re in the vicinity.”

Connor wrinkled his nose, “Are you that bad of a shot?”

Oliver chuckled, ruffling Connor’s hair again as they reached Chloe and he attempted to dodge Connor’s question. “Hey,” he smiled at her and nudged his head down in Connor’s direction. “He did really well for his first time, he hit the target three times.”

Connor rolled his eyes, “I hit the stand once and technically only hit the target twice.”

Chloe smiled and brushed his hair out of his eyes, "That's awesome sweetie... That's a lot better than I did my first time without any help." She leaned down slightly and whispered slightly, "I only hit the edge of the target once."

Brows furrowing slightly, Connor glanced up at his mother, “You know archery, mom?”

Chloe opened and closed her mouth before biting her bottom lip lightly. She stood ups straight, her hand brushing against her neck, "I wouldn't say I know it... Oliver tried to teach me a long time ago... But like I said... I'm not very good," she gave Connor a small smile while swallowing hard.

Unaware of their son’s frown, Oliver brushed her words off, “You hit a bullseye.” His hand slid to the small of her back as he guided them into the house, “I’d say you had a better handle on it than you think... So naturally Connor should inherit some of that raw talent.”

Connor shifted, falling behind as he watched them go into the house, and he decided right then and there, no matter how much he liked Oliver as a friend, he had to follow through with the last of his plans. He glared at Oliver’s hand on his mom’s back before shaking of his frown and following his mother and Oliver into the house. “Can I call Nicklaus before we go? I told him I would.”

Chloe made sure Connor was inside before closing the door and nodding, still standing by Oliver's side, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Sure sweetie, just make it quick. I think the cordless phone is in the living room."

“Thanks!” Connor hollered as he ducked away, grabbing the phone on his way up the stairs as he ran up to his room in a hurry, Nicklaus’s number already dialed as he held the phone to his ear and shut his bedroom door. “Nick? Yeah, it’s Connor... Change of plan.”

He stared forward at his door, remembering how easily Oliver had touched his mother so simply, which had resulted in the immense change in her smile, a small gesture that unintentionally was changing his course of action. “Any chance you could post it now?”

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

Oliver finished putting the archery equipment away, and made a quick change into a comfortable dress shirt and jeans just in time for Connor to come barreling down the stairs and into the living room. He tossed the phone back on the charger and looked around for his mom.

“Everything okay with Nick?” Oliver asked, reaching for his leather jacket off the back of the couch.

Connor nodded, “Yeah just confirming when he’d get there.”

Chloe made her way back down the stairs, purse in hand as she glanced between Oliver and Connor with a warm smile. "You boys ready to head out?"

“All set,” Oliver beamed her a smile as he stood up straight and glimpsed over at Connor. “Ready to celebrate with your team?”

“Yeah,” Connor replied, tugging his hoodie on to keep his mom from fussing. “Nick said they won’t be there for a little while though, he had something to do first...”

Chloe shrugged as she moved toward the door pulling it open and letting Connor walk out ahead of her her hand unconsciously leaning against Oliver's arm as he moved away from the door after locking it. "You have other friends on the team, hun. Maybe this will be a good time to get to know them a little better before Nick gets there."

Connor’s nose wrinkled at the implication, “I have other friends on the team...” He crossed his arms over his chest as he headed to the car and jumped into the backseat once his mom and Oliver had unlocked it. He kept relatively quiet during the drive, only speaking when spoken to or a question was asked of him. For the most part he acted as an observer, watching as his mom would turn with a smirk, and reply to something Oliver had said, or she would give him a bright smile.

He hadn’t been blind, he may be going on seven, but there was no way anyone could have mistaken the suffocating tension every time they were near each other before, ever since Oliver had appeared at their door. But once Connor realized his mother was the object of Oliver’s harbored affections, he chalked it up to Oliver’s unrequited feelings.

Only now the tension was replaced by something else, something Connor couldn’t quite place or name as he had never seen anything like it before. But it made him uneasy none the less. So much had obviously changed in so little of time--just one night that he had been gone... He squinted his eyes, trying to determine what precisely he had missed, but he couldn’t figure it out no matter how hard he tried, and he relented halfway through their drive to the Kirsch residence.

His mother’s co-worker, Bren Kirsch was known for his advanced research at the university, and was well respected. He had a good sized house with a reasonably expansive backyard that Connor wasn’t used to with the townhouse he and his mother lived in. He imagined on the weekends that Alric visited his father, that he probably practiced kicking around the soccer ball in the backyard.

Connor didn’t have any issues with Alric either... He was a good football player, and easy to get along with. And between football and their parents careers, they met fairly often and had a great deal in common. His problem lied with the way Alric’s father flirted and approached his mother.

He stole a glance up at the front drivers seat. At least Oliver had the decency before to hide his feelings pretty well--the billionaire had only slipped up once, and of course it was right in front of Connor, but still, he had never seen Oliver blatantly hitting on or making a move toward his mother. Which he appreciated and respected, considering he had reminded him his mother belonged to his father--with his father.

Connor just had to make sure that happened.

He vaguely heard Oliver say something, stirring Connor from his thoughts and he blinked, “Huh?”

Oliver grinned into the mirror as he quickly glanced back at Connor, “I said you’re awfully quiet...”

“Oh,” Connor turned back to his window, glancing out onto the dark street as they passed more lights, and a neighborhood. “Just thinking.”

Chuckling, Oliver turned the car at Chloe’s direction. “Well you should get ready to celebrate, I’m sure your team is excited.” He glimpsed over at Chloe to his side, “What sort of deal is this? I mean, what does Bren have planned for the kids? We’re entering the end of November, its getting too cold outside...”

She gave Oliver a sideways glanced a grin pulling at her lips at the protective tone of his voice. "Bren has a game room for the kids. So I imagine he'd have some food and snacks and then let the kids go run wild in the game room while us adults enjoy some down time." She glanced back at their son and grinned, "Isn't that right, munchkin?"

Connor nodded, “Yeah. Most of us crowd around the Foosball table.”

A corner of Oliver’s mouth lifted in amusement, “Ah... Well, I’m better at air hockey personally...”

A short laugh escaped Connor, “It’s not the same... And Foosball can have more players.” Before Oliver could reply, he pulled the car into the driveway of their destination, and Connor sighed as the Kirsch residence came into their view.

Chloe unhooked her seatbelt as Oliver parked and shut off the car. She pushed open her door and when Connor didn't follow right away she tilted her head to the side eyebrow raised, voice holding a hint of amusement in it. "You planning on hanging out in the car all day kid while we go party?"

Unlocking his seatbelt, Connor shucked out of the car and closed the door behind him, forcing a smile to his face. He followed his mom and Oliver up the driveway, moving to walk in between them as they reached the front door, and he took a deep breath. While he wasn’t thrilled about having to deal with Bren, he hoped Oliver’s presence would annoy his mother’s colleague.

Chloe lifted her hand and rang the doorbell, brushing some of Connor's hair out of his face while they waited for Bren to answer the door. He answered a moment later with a wide smile that reached his eyes as he set them on Chloe, “Chloe! Glad you could make it.”

He turned his attention down to Connor, his smile still in place, “Hey buddy, most of your team is all here. Alric and the others are in the game room, and there is food in the kitchen.” He glanced at Oliver out of the corner of his eye before stepping aside to make way for them, “Nice to see you were still in town to make it.”

Oliver nodded, and patted the man’s shoulder as he passed through the entry way with Chloe, “Thanks again for the invite.” His eyes wandered briefly over what few rooms and items he could see, “Nice place you got here.”

“Thank you.” Bren shut the door and turned to them. “Can I offer you a beverage?”

Chloe shook her head and smiled at their host, "No thank you Bren, maybe in a little bit. Connor sweetie are you thirsty?" He shook his head and she motioned towards the other room, "Why don't you join your friends sweetie?" Chloe turned to Oliver her, hand brushing against his arm, eyes meeting his when he didn't answer Bren's question, "Thirsty?"

“I could use something to drink,” Oliver smiled at Chloe before turning to smirk at Connor. “Go kick butt at Foosball.”

“I’ll probably watch until Nick gets here... We like to team up for Foosball,” Connor gave him a weak smile before shuffling away toward the game room down the hall.

Bren nodded down the hallway that Connor headed for, “It’s a pretty big room. Lots of games and couches and chairs.” He grinned at Oliver, “You know, in case you wanted to watch.”

Oliver’s lip quirked at the corner, “I think I’m good here.” His arm slung around Chloe’s back, his hand collapsing at her waist as he turned down to smile at Chloe with misplaced innocence, “Shall we go find that drink?”

She tried to hide her smirk at Oliver's not so subtle display of territoriality as she leaned into his side and placed a hand against his chest, "Sure." Chloe glanced over at Bren a bright smile on her face. "You're more than welcome to come with us... By the way the place looks great." She glanced around the rooms noting some of the balloons and decorations saying 'Congratulations'. He really had gone all out for the party.

Bren’s mouth twitched in hesitation before smiling awkwardly, “Thanks.” It took him sometime to adjust to Oliver’s presence, and the tension wasn’t overbearing, but it was noticeable. “Let me show you to the kitchen,” Bren gestured for them to follow him as he led them toward the back of the house. He turned to the counter next to the sink and nodded to a few spread liquor bottles farther back, “Help yourself... There is also wine if you’d prefer.”

Oliver didn’t remove his arm from Chloe even after entering the kitchen, instead he kept her close to his side as he looked in the direction Bren and pointed and tried not to smirk. “Thanks... But I’m driving, and I like to drink responsibly.”

Bren fought to keep from rolling his eyes, “Well, there is soda in the fridge.”

“Waters fine,” said Oliver as he steered Chloe to the sink as he turned it on and reached for one of the plastic cups. “This is a nice party you throw for the kids,” Oliver attempted small talk before lifting his cup to take a drink.

Leaning against the opposite counter, Bren crossed his arms, “Yeah well, its the least I could do. Being divorced isn’t easy and I don’t get to make it to as many of Alric’s games as I would like to... So this is my way of showing I’m proud of him.” He shrugged slightly, “Being a single parent, you know how it is.”

Oliver narrowed his eyes over his cup at the mans insinuation, and swallowed his gulp, placing the cup back on the counter. Of it’s own accord, his hand on Chloe’s waist started to draw small circles over her hip, teasing with the way his fingers would slip underneath the fabric at the bottom of her shirt to tease her skin. “No, I really don’t.”

Amusement flickered in Bren’s eyes, but he bit his lip, “My apologies.”

Chloe didn't like Bren's tone or implication that Oliver had left her to be a single mother. This was her fault and she wouldn't stand there and let him make Oliver feel uncomfortable. She cleared her throat, her body relaxing at Oliver's side as she glanced up at him brushing a thumb over his chin to gain his attention.

When he glanced down at her their was warmth in her eyes as she placed a light kiss against his shoulder before addressing Bren, "Connor is Oliver's only son... Had he been aware of Connor's existence prior to a few weeks ago, I have no doubt that I wouldn't have had to know what being a single parent was like either."

Bren’s mouth appeared to became unhinged as he tried to form a suitable reply. His doorbell rang a moment later, saving him from a moment of embarrassment as he excused himself to answer it.

Oliver’s eyes were glued to Bren until he was no longer in sight, and then he turned to peer down at Chloe, brushing her bangs from her face. “You wouldn’t have had to raise Connor as a single mom...” His voice was low with a deep affection that mirrored in his eyes, “I know you said what the Fate helmet showed as my future... But I’m telling you...”

His hand fell a few inches as he gingerly brushed his knuckles and the back of his fingers over her jaw and cheek. “I wouldn’t have left you for anyone.”

Chloe’s face softened and she gave him half a smile, as she leaned up and whispered against his ear, "Have I told you today that I love you? Because I do."

With a grin, he titled his head to the side, “You did, but saying it more will help make up for the days I didn’t hear it.” He leaned in to press his lips to hers, pulling back just as Bren reentered the kitchen.

“Nicklaus and his parents are here,” he stated as he moved over to the counter, fixing a drink. “He’s already disappeared to go find Connor... Those two sure are joint at the hip,” he chuckled and shook his head, ignoring the intimate moment he had clearly interrupted.

Chloe sighed at the interruption as she moved back from Oliver, but didn't take her hand off of his midsection. "Mm, that they are. I should probably go say hi to Adrian..." She glanced at Oliver, and tilted her head to the side her voice softening as she spoke to him, "What do you say Romeo? Should we go find Adrian? Or are you hungry? I can grab us some food."

Oliver moved his hand to rub her back, “I’m not quite hungry yet, but we can go speak with Adrian if you’d like.” A smirk tinted his lips again, “You know she’ll make a comment on our... Recent development.”

Chloe rolled her eyes and smirked, amusement coloring her voice as she shifted away from him playfully with a scoff. "And who said I was going to claim you? Maybe I don't want her to know... Maybe I plan on keeping you my super secret special friend from out of the country..."

“I meant it’d be noticeable,” he shook his head in merriment. “But thats fine, don’t own up to it... I’ll just sleep in the living room tonight.”

Chloe shrugged, trying to pout as her voice dropped slightly lower as she waved to Bren and turned Oliver in the direction of the hall, "Fine... You sleep on that cold, small air mattress... Me?--I was thinking of sleeping completely naked tonight, enjoying the smooth sheets against my skin... Too bad I'll have only cotton to keep me warm," she smirked as she glanced at him, mischief in her green orbs.

His eyes darkened with lust, “Oh really? Surely the sheets won’t feel nearly as good around your erect nipples as my tongue...” Oliver’s husky voice dropped off as he saw Connor and Nicklaus approach near them, heading toward he kitchen. He cleared his throat uncomfortably, “Hey boys... Getting something to drink?”

Chloe had to bite her lip to keep from simultaniously moaning from Oliver’s sensual words, and laughing at the expression on his face as the boys came into view.

Nicklaus arched an eyebrow at Oliver before glancing at Connor who was frowning at the older man. When his friend didn't say anything he looked at Chloe and spoke, "We were going to get some food... What are you two doing?"

She smiled, "We were actually just going to look for your Mom."

Oliver retracted his hand from Chloe and smiled with a short nod, “Bren said their was soda in the fridge if you’re thirsty.”

Connor gave the same short nod, “Thanks.” He glanced at Nicklaus as if to say ‘Come on’ before moving past his mother and Oliver and into the kitchen. Bren smiled at the children, though Connor felt it seemed rather forced at him than normal, and he repeated what Oliver had said about the soda being in the fridge, and the snacks and food out on the counter before dashing off to deliver a drink for Nick’s parents.

When they were completely alone, Connor paused and waited a moment before looking at Nicklaus. “Did you post it?”

He nodded as they moved to grab a drink from the fridge. "Yeah, it's up... Are you sure that you want to do this? I mean it's not too late for us to take it down..." He shuffled his feet slightly as Connor passed him a can of soda.

Connor turned to glance at Nicklaus sharply, “You’re kidding right?” He grabbed a soda and opened the can, before leaning over the counter to glimpse over the desserts Bren had laid out on the counters with the other foods. “My Mom and Oliver have gotten way too close lately. They’re acting...” He narrowed his eyes before moving to the chocolate and caramelized brownie dish with coconut shavings. “Funny.”

Nicklaus shrugged as he took a sip from his soda and glanced at his friend. He moved over to the counter to glance at the desserts as he spoke, "It's just... I mean, Oliver doesn't seem like a bad guy..."

“He’s not a bad guy...” Connor reached for one of the brownies.

Grabbing a cookie, Nick bit into it before speaking,"Yea, he seems cool... Are you sure that your Mom and Oliver are just friends?"

Connor took a bite out of the brownie, chewing it as he tasted the different flavors of the chocolate, and caramel mixed with the coconut and... Connor froze suddenly, dropping the brownie, his eyes going wide as he coughed when his throat tightened. He felt panic rush through him as it knocked the air from him, his throat constricting and suffocating him as though it began to close on him. He reached out to grab onto the counter to keep from falling, but his grip slipped and he collapsed onto the tile.

Nick's eyes widened when Connor started coughing and he shifted towards the archway and called out to Connor's Mom. "Mrs. Hawke! Mrs. Hawke!" He ran under the archway until he could see Chloe who was standing next to Oliver while talking to his Mom.

Chloe turned at the sound of his frantic voice and frowned, "What's wrong Nick?"

He pointed behind him,"It's Connor!"

Chloe paled as her body tensed and she tried to focuse on staying calm as shaky hands pushed her purse and beverage into Oliver’s hands before she moved away from him and ran over to Nick "Where is he?"

Chloe followed Nick towards the kitchen as she focused on staying calm. When she caught sight of Connor on the floor she crouched down and opened her mouth to call out for Oliver, but he was already there. She motioned to her purse in his hands, her face pale as she did her best to speak calmly, "The EpiPen's in my purse! Get it--"

Oliver had already dug through her purse and already pulled out the EpiPen. Removing the gray activation cap and without glancing up to waste another second, he held the needle to Connor’s outer thigh. Oliver paused for only a moment to allow Chloe to push up Connor’s pant leg before he injected the EpiPen into Connor’s leg. He held it there for ten seconds before extracting it and massaging the area he had punctured. His eyes flew up to meet Chloe’s, his eyes glimpsing over Connor and back up to her gaze as his heart continued to hammer beneath his chest.

Chloe swallowed hard, her eyes never leaving Connor as she ran a hand through his sandy blond hair, voice barely a whisper as she spoke, "It's okay sweetie, everythings gonna be fine... You're okay now, we're here..." She leaned down, placing a kiss on his forehead. When she caught sight of his breathing finally starting to go back to normal she glanced up and gave Oliver a shaky smile before turning her eyes back to their son.

Oliver held his breath as he watched Chloe and their son for a moment before catching sight of the half eaten brownie on the floor. He jumped up off the floor and glared at Bren as he cornered him, “You didn’t think to warn Chloe or Connor about the brownies?”

Bren tore his eyes away from Chloe and Connor on the floor, his face going pale as he held up his hands in defense, “I-I didn’t know! I didn’t make the brownies--one of the mom’s brought it...” He tried to glimpse around Oliver, “Chloe, I swear I didn’t know Connor was allergic...”

Settled with the sincere tone in Bren’s voice, Oliver turned back around and knelt down by Connor and Chloe, “We have to get him to a hospital...” He handed her purse and keys to her, “You’ll have to drive, I don’t know where it is.” He slid his hands under Connor and lifted him up into his arms, pulling him protectively against his chest, “We’ve got you, Con.”

While Connor’s breathing seemed even, he still appeared slightly out of it, not responding to Oliver other than one of his small hands grasping a tight hold onto Oliver’s shirt.

Chloe stood, gripping the keys tight in her hand, not even bothering to acknowledge the people around them as she headed for the door, Oliver following behind her. They moved out of the house and towards the car quickly. She pulled open the back door for Oliver before making her way around to the drivers side of the car, nearly ripping the door off as she slid in and started the engine.

She glanced over her shoulder as Oliver got into the backseat with Connor, and she swallowed hard as she spoke again to try and reassure their son, "Everythings gonna be fine sweetie...We'll be at the hospital in a little while..." When his door was closed she pulled away from the curb, speeding marginally, but not enough to jostle Connor.

It took Chloe ten minutes to get to the nearest hospital and when she pulled up at the front doors she idled and glanced behind her at Oliver, "I'm going to let you out here with him... I can't keep the car here though... I need to park it..." Her voice trailed off, she was torn between parking the car and leaving Connor.

She bit her lip before meeting Oliver's eyes. Taking a deep breath and spoke softly, "Take him inside... I'll... I’ll Meet you in there just..." She paused and glanced at Connor before her gaze drifted back to Oliver. "You can do this... I trust you." She wasn't sure if she said it for his benefit or hers, but she had needed to get it out before letting them leave the car.

Oliver nodded before securing Connor in his arms again and carrying him out of the car. He felt Connor’s grip tighten and his heartbeat skipped uncontrollably from the mix of fear and adrenaline as he rushed inside to the front desk in the emergency section. It took two nurses to understand the situation fully, and they called for a bed immediately, insisting Oliver lay Connor down so that they could take him to run tests.

He hesitated briefly, not quite willing to trust his son’s well being in the hands of a stranger, but then he glimpsed back at the entrance, catching sight of Chloe running frantically toward the doors and he relented to the hospital staffs demands. Placing Connor down on the bed, he swallowed hard at how helpless their son looked, compared to the usual ball of energy he imitated.

“We’ll call you as soon as he’s out and we get his room settled,” one nurse told him as the other shoved a clipboard at him. “Can you fill out his remaining info?”

Oliver moved to take the pen and clipboard when he felt a slight tug over his left hand. His eyes dropped down to see Connor’s hand squeezing it tightly, the nurses sighing and dropping their hands from his bed.

“Ollie...”

Turning away from the other nurse, Oliver faced Connor and gave his small hand a reassuring squeeze, “Everything is going to be okay. They just need to make sure your EpiPen worked, okay?”

Connor didn’t answer right away as he watched Oliver, his eyes glistening under the bright lights of the hospital, making his vision of him blur slightly. “Please don’t go.”

Oliver bent down, still holding Connor’s hand firmly, “I’m not going anywhere. Your mom and I will be right here until you’re done.” Oliver cast his eyes over his shoulder, noticing Chloe spotting them from a few feet down the hall as he made her way over, worry etched into her features.

He turned back to look at Connor and attempted his best to smile, “But someone has to look out for your mom while you’re back there...” His attempt at a smile nearly became a smirk, “You know she’s a mess without you.”

Connor nodded, his hand relaxing its hold on Oliver’s, but not quite letting go.

Leaning in, Oliver brushed his lips across Connor’s forehead, “Be brave Connor, I already know you are.” He whispered before Connor released his hand, his eyes never leaving his until the nurses strolled him down the hallway and behind double doors until he was no longer in sight.

He felt Chloe walk up and lean into his side for support, and he extended his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his frame tightly. “He’ll be okay,” he promised, his hand running up and down her arm. “Don’t worry.”

Next Chapter__________________________________________________________________________

Author's note: I apologize for the late update. Life's been unexpectedly hectic. I'd really like to thank everyone for their kind feedback, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.