Fanfic: In Our Hands - Chlollie

[slytherinpunk]

Title: In Our Hands
Authors: slytherinpunk  and sxymami0909
Rating: M for Mature (eventually 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: 10/27
Previous Chapters: Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight, Chapter Nine
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 Ten

Oliver took another drink from his coffee papered cup as he listened to Victor updating him on everything while he was away. After dropping Chloe off, he had driven back towards Connor’s school, parking at a cafe around the corner with a good view of the entrance of the school. Locking the car, he had gone in, ordering a coffee and taking a seat outside at one of the tables, calling Victor once his coffee was served.

He asked Victor to hack into Connor’s school database, to immediately let him know should anyone try to remove Connor from school. It wasn’t that he thought Chloe might try to take off and go on the run with Connor, he was just taking extra precautions to make sure he didn’t lose them again, no matter what the scenario.

Victor had done what Oliver asked and he had to smirk when he saw that Chloe had called the school that morning and informed them Connor was not to be released to anyone who wasn't her.

He cleared his throat before speaking, "So apparently you and Chloe have scary similar minds... She called the school earlier, told them Connor shouldn't be released to anyone who wasn't her and if anyone tried to pick him up to call her immediately..."

He pursed his lips and attempted to hide the amusement in his voice since technically the situation wasn't actually funny, "Is there a reason Chloe thinks you might try to take off with Connor? What exactly has been going on the past day or so?"

“Figured she might do something like that.” Oliver grunted, “Oh and you know... She’s just being Chloe.” He took another sip from his coffee, “When I first got here she was all, ‘I call the shots, back-off’ attitude... It was Watchtower mode all over again.”

He sighed, his eyes falling down to look at his coffee, “After a few heated words that sparked from her obvious displeasure at seeing me, I might have told her not to make me regret not just coming in and taking Connor away...”

Oliver cleared his throat, “But I’ve made it perfectly clear now that I wouldn’t do that. You know Chloe, she doesn’t trust anyone but herself.”

Victor bit his bottom lip at Oliver's obviously clipped tone. It looked like things were going good in some ways and bad in other's. His tone was neutral as he continued typing, "Well, are you sure you actually managed to make that clear? Cause’ dude, granted she kept your kid from you for years and that shits not cool... But threatening a Mother... Man, Chloe was crazy protective before she had a kid... And I don't want to find your body in some river because you said the wrong thing... If anyone can get away with murder it's Chloe."

Victor was only half joking, trying to ease the tension in the other mans voice and make him realize that maybe the approach he'd taken with Chloe hadn't been the best. Oliver was angry and he had every right to be, but Victor still wasn't convinced that Chloe left because she fell out of love with Oliver.

If there was anyone who knew Oliver better than himself it was Chloe and he didn't think she'd keep something this big from him without a reason. And the only way Oliver was going to find out that reason is if he could try to get along with Chloe long enough that she no longer felt threatened by him.

Victor sighed, "All I'm saying is... You know Chloe better than anyone... And though you have a right to be angry with her, maybe you should try to take a different approach with things. You know how defensive she gets when she feels threatened, and maybe your presence is what's threatening her right now... But you both have the kid in common and I guarantee that she'll work something out with you for his benefit. Just, maybe you should talk to her... Find out why she left Oliver... Maybe there's an actual reason."

Oliver snorted, “I don’t really care why she ran, she’s Chloe... It’s what she does, I don’t need further explanation,” he lied over the phone, no more convinced by his words than Victor probably was. “She said when she left she didn’t know she was pregnant...” He exhaled, and closed his eyes, “I at least believe that... The morning before I came home to find her gone, we...”

He winced, not wanting to get into details, “Well, I mean, that was probably the day Connor was conceived.” Taking a deep breath, Oliver leaned back in his chair, “I’ll make it clear to her I’m not here to take Connor from her, last thing I want is to scare him or have him hate me.”

Oliver swallowed, his grip tightening on the phone, “But she’s not going to open up to me, Vic... She can’t stand to look at me, let alone be in the same room alone with me...” A small, empty sounding chuckle escaped him, “And if Chloe committed murder, there wouldn’t be a body to find... So you know what happened if I don’t check in daily.”

Victor smiled, "I was joking, but that's true she most likely wouldn't leave a body... Seriously though Oliver, you and I both know you’re lying... And with an attitude like that... This thing, it's never going to get resolved. Look I've gotta go, it's almost two and I have some stuff I need to take care of. Call me tomorrow."

Oliver agreed, thanking Victor for his help before they said goodbye. He set his phone down on the table, and lifted his coffee again, glancing at his watch while taking another drink. He had another three hours to kill before he had to go pick up Chloe, and he figured he should order another coffee. Despite Victor’s words, Oliver wasn’t relaxed enough to take his eyes off Connor’s school yet.

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

Class had ended ten minutes ago and Chloe had stopped in the lounge to refill her mug with coffee before heading outside. She spotted her car not far away and a nervous flutter had started in her stomach. She'd called Connor's school three times today to check in on him, they must have thought she was crazy.

But after everything she still wasn't completely sure Oliver's wasn't going to run off with Connor. What was stopping him really? Aside from her and what kind of match was she for Oliver Queen? She just hoped he didn't hate her that much.

She swallowed hard as she made her way down the pathway towards Oliver. She'd had enough time to come up with a game plan. They had an hour and a half until Connor got out of school and she had some papers to grade but aside from that she was planning on letting him know exactly how things would work and seeing if he had any ideas to add or change.

She could do this. When she was close enough to the car she pulled the passenger side door open tossed her briefcase in the back and got in. She shut the door behind her, placed her mug in the holder and buckled up.

She glanced in Oliver's direction and gave him a tight smile, "Hi."

Oliver gave her a bittersweet smile, “Hi... Did you want to drive?”

She shrugged and picked up her mug taking a long sip making her muscles relax slightly. Her voice was calm and lacked the tension from earlier in the day, "You're already sitting there, it's fine. Do you know how to get back to the house?"

He nodded, pulling the car out and into the street. He stole a glimpse at her from the corner of his eye, “How was your day?” He tried for small talk, feeling some of the tension from earlier had gone, and now only the silence bothered him.

She shrugged, glancing down into her mug as a way of avoiding eye contact with him, "It was okay. Same as everyday... Predictable. And you?"

He lifted a shoulder, “Spoke with a Victor... Tried to call Hal, but he was just getting in from patrol and had an early flight in the morning so I just told him to call me back later.” Oliver couldn’t fight the smirk that turned his lips upwards, “You don’t know him, but I’m sure you’ve already figured out he’s the Green Lantern.”

Her eyes darted to his as she took a sip of coffee, a small smile forming on her lips, "I might have googled him last night... And surmised something to that effect."

Chloe glanced out her window watching the scenery go by as her fingers tapped lightly against the mug. She could do this... She could talk to Oliver like having him sitting right next to her didn't make her heart want to explode.

She just... Needed a minute. She nodded her head to herself. Right, a minute was what she needed.

Oliver turned the car down another street, only a two blocks away from the townhouse, “Did you need to stop at a store for anything?”

Chloe glanced at him, "No... I've got some papers to grade before we get Connor. So, just back to the house..."

A minute later Oliver was pulling in the driveway and parking the car. Chloe unbuckled herself, twisted in her seat and reached back to grab her briefcase. She lifted her mug out of the holder making sure not to forget it again and headed towards the house.

Pulling out her keys, she unlocked the doors and went inside, leaving the door open for Oliver. She brought everything into the kitchen, placing her things on the table and pulling open the fridge.

She had just realized she was starving and hadn't eaten anything all day, but at the same time her stomach was still in knots because she wasn’t exactly sure what to do with Oliver around. When he made his way toward the kitchen and stood in the archway she swallowed hard to moisten her throat and spoke softly, "Have you eaten?"

Oliver shook his head, placing her keys on the table, “No, other than coffee, my stomach is empty.”

Chloe glanced at the coffee maker on the counter noting it hadn't been touched since they left earlier in the morning. She processed his words and nodded willing the tension in her body not to come back.

She pursed her lips, voice quiet, "You know... They have food at that cafe shop too... Its pretty good you should have eaten something."

Surprise crossed his face and he opened his mouth to speak, but she put up a hand stopping him, "Don't it's fine... It makes me not feel so bad." She shrugged, "I called the school three times today to make sure you hadn't dragged him out."

She turned her back to him, pulled open the fridge and took out some cold cuts, placed them on the table and then grabbed two plates and the bread. This was the opening shed been waiting for, "So it's clear we don't trust each other... Which is fine, but since we're obviously going to be around each other I thought explaining our schedule to you might be helpful..."

She paused in making the sandwich, looked up at him, and motioned to the table, "Would you like one?" It was clear she'd been making two anyway, but she thought she'd ask just in case he didn't.

“Yes please,” he nodded and sat down in one of the chairs at the table. “I’m not excusing what I did, or trying to make you feel guilty, but I want you to know I won’t take Connor from you.” He took a deep breath, “It would only scare him, and most likely make him hate me. So I want you to know, those are two things I never want to do to him.”

Chloe finished making the first sandwich and placed it in front of Oliver before moving back to the cabinet and grabbing a glass, filling it with ice water and then placing it in front of him.

She nodded and met his gaze, "You don't need to explain your actions Oliver... Nor do you need to excuse them. I get it, you thought I'd take off. You haven't exactly hid your feelings for me or my actions and that's fine. I understand why you're angry with me... If our situations were reversed I'd probably have done the same thing..."

Pausing to take the time to finish making her sandwich, she sat on the other end of the table, "I know you think I'm a horrible person and before you say anything, I'm not trying to start a fight or anything like that... But now that you know about him... I wouldn't run. As horrible as I may be, I'm not heartless."

She glanced down at her sandwich, "I can see you want to get to know him and I've already told you I respect that. You both deserve to... Know each other," Chloe spoke calmly and rationally, no hint of anger or frustration or any other emotion in her voice.

While she was at work she realized if she was going to have to deal with Oliver being a part of their lives as Connor's Father... Then she needed to distance herself emotionally from the situation and just look at the facts. Because acknowledging that Oliver probably hated her, well, it made her feel like someone had a vice grip on her heart and wouldn't stop squeezing it.

She had kept Connor from Oliver for six years. He was upset, he wanted to be a part of their son's life. That was natural. But he wanted nothing to do with her and she had to accept that. Shifting slightly, she reached into her briefcase, pulling out a planner that had a monthly calendar in it. She opened it and pushed it between them.

It was color coded and arranged by day and activity. There was no spark in her eye as she spoke and her voice was completely neutral, "This is what our daily schedule looks like this month. All of my work and office hours are on here as well as Connor's practices and games. What else would you like to know?"

Oliver glanced down at the book between them and then looked up at her, raising an eyebrow, “For starters, why I need to look at your schedules. What exactly am I supposed to be looking for?”

She gave him a startled look, "I... Well I figured you'd want to watch his practices... Maybe go to a game if you'll still be here and there are a couple of school events... And so you know what time we have to be places if you're going to be coming with me to drop him off and stuff... But if you don't want to... You know what it's not a big deal, don't worry about it."

Chloe gave him a strained smile, swallowed hard and counted to ten in her head as she pushed the book closed, but left it between them and focused on her sandwich. Maybe she'd pushed too hard. She should have just let him ask what he wanted to know instead of shoving things at him.

Oliver’s features drew back in surprise, and he reached for the book between them, opening it back to the month she had flipped open, “No, no... I thought you were trying to go over visitations or something, and get me to pick a day...”

He glanced over the book, looking over how busy and precise Chloe had every detail etched into her planner. “Wow... He’s... Probably the busiest six year old in the world.” He chuckled lightly, “I want to do everything... Can I make a copy of this so I don’t have to ask you everyday what we’re up to?”

Her brows furrowed as she glanced at him, voice confused, "Why would I go over visitation? That doesn't make any sense... You made it sound like you were staying here with us... Are you... Leaving? I mean if you'd prefer to stay somewhere else I understand... The couch is hardly comfortable, but I'm not trying to... Limit your time with him... You've missed six years Oliver..."

Chloe paused and looked away from him, "I wouldn't make you miss anymore." She dug around in her bag and handed him a piece of paper, "I photocopied it at work for you... Just in case..."

“Thank you,” he smiled at her as he took the paper. “No, I’m still staying here. The couch is fine, like you said, I’ve missed six years... I don’t want to waste anymore time.”

He paused and licked his lips as he looked up at her face, “Chloe... I know you love Connor, I could see it even if I was blind.”

It felt like his heart stuffed in his throat, and he swallowed, eyes falling down to the paper she had given him as they watered, “But do you ever... Wish I wasn’t the father?” He blinked, trying to ignore the sting in his eyes, “I know things aren’t the best between us... But do you regret it?”

Chloe shifted in her seat, her eyes studying his body and the downcast expression on his face. Her hand reached out of it's own accord, covering his and causing Oliver to look up, his eyes glittering slightly with unshed tears and she couldn't keep the emotion off her face. She sent him the first honest and open expression since he'd been there.

Her eyes were soft, head tilting to the side as a smile pulled at her lips, "It's the only thing I've never regretted... We made the most amazing kid in the world and he's only that amazing because he's a part of both of us... I see you in him everyday... In everything he does... Connor was the greatest thing you've ever given me, Ollie. I've never regretted anything involving you... Ever."

Chloe hadn't even realized her lapse into the familiar nickname and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she let loose something that she'd held in for six years. Her voice lowered to barely a whisper as her eyes became glassy, "You were the best decision I've ever made."

Oliver swallowed, wanting to do nothing more than kiss her then, when he remembered she was referring to how being with him had led to their son. And he knew Victor was right, that Oliver needed to know why Chloe had left. But he wasn’t actually sure if now was the time for them to work out their personal issues, and if he was honest, he was a little scared to know her reason.

Like Chloe had said, he lost six years with their son, and he needed to take advantage of what time he now had with Connor. When things were better between him and Chloe, with less tension between them, then he would ask why she had left him broken hearted, and then never returned to tell him they had a child.

“I’m glad Connor has you,” he whispered softly, giving her the first genuine smile since he had been there.

Chloe returned his smile with one that lit up her face, the spark that she had long ago lost returning slightly and gleaming in her eyes, "Not just me... Now he has both of us."

“You’re right,” his smile broke out into a grin. “Now he has both of us.” His eyes traveled back to the sheet of paper, high lighting the months activities they were scheduled for and he glanced at her again, “How long until you think Connor... Likes me? You said he doesn’t trust easily.”

She opened her mouth when she realized her hand was still over his and she pulled back quickly clearing her throat and getting up to put some distance between them as she grabbed more coffee, "I'm not sure. I mean... He doesn't seem to dislike you. Just be yourself. I know it seems like there's a lot going on in the schedule, but it's mostly after school stuff and soccer practice."

She turned, leaning against the counter as she faced him, "He loves soccer. He likes to practice in the yard... I'm sure he wouldn't mind having someone else to practice with... If you see him getting uncomfortable, just back off a little and give him space and he'll come around."

Chloe pursed her lips before taking a sip from her mug, "The whole thing this morning... He just isn't used to having other adults around... Especially not men, so I think he's trying to figure out why I'm letting you stay and what that means." She shrugged and glanced down before turning to place her mug on the counter, "I'm sure Connor will come around, it's difficult not to like you."

Olive exhaled, “That’s so relieving to hear... I’ve never been this nervous about someone liking me before.”

Chloe turned back around slowly and tilted her head to the side as she watched him while fidgiting with her hands, "He's got a mind of his own though, and he's smart... He picks up on a lot of things that most kids don't... But... You're his Father. I'm not really worried about him liking you. I know once he gets to know you he will."

That's exactly what she was so worried about. That Connor would love Oliver and get attached, and then Oliver would leave to go be with Dinah and start their own family. A family that didn't include her or worse, that didn't include her and Connor.

“That means a lot,” he set the copy of their schedule down on the table and glimpsed at the clock. “We have about thirty-five minutes before Connor gets out of school.” He looked back at her and nearly held his breath, “Was there anything else you wanted to go over while we’re alone?”

Chloe opened her mouth and her phone blared, causing her to jump slightly. She shut her mouth and moved to her briefcase fumbling around for her phone, hoping Oliver didn't notice her shaky hands. She pulled it out and pressed the dismiss button, remembering what Oliver had just said. Glancing up at him, the shutters once again came down as she pushed the emotions she'd just let loose back into their box. She needed to stay emotionally distant from him, hadn't she already decided that this morning? She couldn't let old feelings creep back in.

She bit her lower lip, hesitant to speak, "No, if there's anything else you want to know just ask... I need to... Go change. I'll be back down before it's time to go."

His eyebrows furrowed, but he made no objections. He could see the wheels in Chloe’s head starting to turn, and he assumed he had crossed some imaginary line she had drawn up between them. And why wouldn’t she? She made it perfectly clear that while the best thing had come from them being together, she didn’t want to be with him. And if he was going to come out of this without a broken heart, he needed to stay on his side of the line that she had drawn between them.

“Okay,” he nodded. “Thanks for the sandwich.”

She nodded and glanced at the sandwich she'd barely touched, "Sure..." She gave him a small smile before walking around him and heading upstairs. Pushing the door to her bedroom open, she entered her room and shut the door quietly behind her. Chloe closed her eyes and took a deep breath, this was a lot harder than she thought it would be.

She figured in the six years that had gone by, her feelings for him would have waned... That him not being in her life for that long would make the intense ache in her chest dissipate, but if anything seeing him and having him near only made it worse.

Chloe sighed and pushed away from the door as she started to undress. Ten minutes later she was wearing a pair of jeans, a black wrap sweater and black boots. She rummaged around in the closet before letting out a small 'aha' as she gripped a box and pulled it out before standing and heading toward the door, walking back down the hallway and down the stairs to the kitchen.

Oliver was just finishing up his sandwich and she cleared her throat softly to get his attention. He turned and she held up the box, "Air mattress... Thought maybe it would be more comfortable than the couch..."

She placed the box down on one of the empty chairs, "We should get going soon... People get there early and I like to be there before he gets out so he doesn't have to wait."

“Thank you,” Oliver placed his plate in the kitchen before walking back toward the table and picking up the box. “This will definitely be better,” he chuckled slightly. “Let me put this in the living room next to my bags and I’ll meet you at the door.”

"Okay," she grabbed the keys and her purse from the table and made her way to the front door. Oliver joined her a minute later and she raised the keys, "Would you like to drive? Since I'm sure you messed with my seat and I'd rather not waste the time fixing it right now."

Her tone was slightly amused as she held out the keys, but there was an undertone of tension to her movements that she couldn't seem to get rid of no matter how hard she tried.

“Sure,” he smiled at her politely as Chloe handed him the car keys, while she locked the house. When she entered the car, he started it, pulling the car out onto the street as they headed toward the school, just a few blocks away.

They drove in a some what comfortable silence, with Oliver glimpsing at her out of the corner of his eye from time to time. As the car came in front of the school, he pulled the car up along the sidewalk where most of the other parents seemed to waiting, placing it in park and turning the key to turn it off.

He turned to her in his seat, looking out her window and noticing no running children, and he pursed his lips, “Victor was ninety-nine percent positive you wouldn’t have put Connor in a private school... So why did you?”

Oliver glanced out her window again, noticing the pale brick stones and pale green rooftops of the all boys academy, “What made you choose this place?”

Chloe swallowed, still glancing out the window as a smirk formed on her lips, "Well since he gets his looks from his Father and he is his Father's son, I thought I'd keep him away from females for as long as humanly possible... I don't think I could take him flirting with girls... And he seemed to not even go through the cootie phase, which personally I would have been okay with."

She shrugged, and it's possible she had been covering her bases. It was a well know fact she wasn't crazy about private schools, so she'd chosen one despite that because it was one of the last places anyone would look if they found out about Conner. Plus, it was honestly the best and most well rounded school in the area. And Connor deserved the best.

Oliver nodded, “Victor says they also have great security... Which was reassuring.”

Chloe chuckled slightly and nodded, "It was the first thing I looked at. I figured our genes wouldn't help him any in staying out of trouble, so better safe than sorry."

“That’s a terrifying point...” He laughed lightly, “You’re a danger magnet.”

Before she could reply, he caught sight of their son running down the stone steps with the brown haired boy that had been at their house yesterday. Nicklaus, Oliver remembered the name Connor had called the brunette boy, and he turned to Chloe before their son reached the car.

“How does he get along with everyone? Theres no bullying problems he has to worry about, right?” He glanced back out the window, “He seems big for going on seven, but I still can’t help worrying...”

Sighing, Oliver gave Chloe a small smile, “Its startling how worrying just comes naturally... I guess you know that though, you’ve been dealing with it longer.”

Chloe glared at him slightly for his comment before her gaze softened when it fell on Connor, "Yes, and leaping off tall buildings and fighting crime doesn't attract any danger..."

She shook her head, "And no, no bullying. He gets along with everyone well. He did get into a fight once... Pushed another kid, but it wasn't a very big deal. He was provoked and he apologized..." She scrunched her nose right as Connor caught sight of them and started to run in the direction of the car, with Nicklaus is tow.

Chloe grinned and touched Oliver's arm lightly eyes still watching their son, tone slightly wistful, "This is always the best part of the day... He'll most likely ask if we can drive Nick home... And when we get back to the house he'll have a snack before he starts his homework... Maybe you can ask if he wants to pick up a snack at the bakery on the way home. He likes their big cookies... And it'll earn you some points with the boys."

A smile broke out on Oliver’s face, “Thanks.” He knew she didn’t have to help him in any extra way, and it was kind of her to toss him a bone, or cookie, on how to ease their son into getting to know him.

Connor ran straight up to Chloe’s window, pausing slightly when he realized she was in the passengers seat. “Mom, can we drive Nick home today?”

She nodded, "Sure can kid, hop in. Hey Nick, how are you?"

They climbed into the back seat and buckled up as Oliver started the car. Nicklaus smiled up at her with a wide grin, "I'm good Miss Hawke, thanks for giving me a lift." He turned his head towards the drivers seat, motioning towards Oliver as he whispered to Connor, "Who's the big guy?"

Connor glanced up at the front of the car toward Oliver and wrinkled his nose, dropping his voice very low as he buckled his seatbelt and whispered in German, “An old friend of my mom’s...”

Chloe smirked and shook her head. The boys were talking low, but she was pretty sure German was one of the languages Oliver spoke fluently and after years of living there she spoke it pretty well too.

Their son thought he was sneaky and she couldn't help but find it amusing. She nudged Oliver lightly as they pulled out onto the street and mad a motion letting him know now might be a good time to ask.

Oliver swallowed, his throat suddenly dry as he grew nervous, “Hey Connor... I’m kind of craving sweets. Would you and Nicklaus like to stop and get something to? Your mom mentioned this bakery--”

“Kleine Bonbons!” Connor grinned, “It’s called ‘Little Sweets’ in German, but they are famous for their big cookies!” His face lit up as he looked to Nick and then back toward the front at his mom and Oliver, “Can we go? Nick you want a cookie too, right?”

"Yeah!"

The kids were bouncing around the backseat and Chloe gave Oliver a warm smile before clearing her throat and glancing forward, "Sure... We can go." She pointed towards the street as she directed Oliver, "You're going to turn left at the light and then a right at the first street. Then just follow the road down and it's on the right."

Oliver followed Chloe’s directions, parking by the curb on the sidewalk, just outside the bakery. He turned off the car after putting it in park, and unbuckled his seatbelt, glancing out the window before stepping out.

He followed Chloe and the boys inside, glimpsing around the small bakery before turning and smiling down at Chloe and the kids, “So... What’s good here?” He nodded toward the boys, “What would you recommend?”

They both started speaking at once naming different cookies and pastries, while gesturing to the cases excitedly, causing laughter to bubble from Chloe's throat, "Guys one at a time... I don't think Oliver can understand you when you're talking all at once."

She motioned to the cases, "Why don't you show Oliver your favorite ones?"

Nicklaus immediately followed Connor over to the case, "I like this peanut buttercup cookie! It's delicious."

Oliver cringed inwardly, “I bet it is, sadly I’m allergic to peanuts, so I’ll have to take another recommendation.”

Connor turned away from the glass, his brows furrowing as he looked up at Oliver, “You’re allergic to peanuts?”

Oliver nodded, “Yeah, and peanut butter and anything cooked in--”

“Peanut oil,” Connor finished for him. “I’m allergic too...”

Oliver glimpsed at Chloe, hesitating slightly, before his eyes returned to Connor with a smile, “Maybe you could recommend a good cookie then... Since we both have to steer clear of the same things.”

Connor held his gaze silently for a moment. “I like the cinnamon sugar cookies,” he finally said after a long moment that had Oliver holding his breath.

“Cinnamon,” Oliver stepped closer to the glass to look over the cookies. “That sounds good. Chloe, Nick,” Oliver turned toward them, “What will you two be having?”

Nicklaus picked a large chocolate chip cookie while Chloe bit her bottom lip, eyes landing on a mocha toffee cookie. "Hmm... I think I'm gonna try the mocha toffee cookie."

She got the young man's attention and ordered all the cookies in German before turning towards the kids and Oliver, "Anything else?"

Oliver glanced down at the boys, “What do you think guys?--Do you want some milk for those cookies or do you want to eat them when you get home?”

“We should eat them now while they’re warm, thats when they’re the best.” Connor turned to look up at his mom, “Is that okay?”

She couldn't help the warm smile that graced her features at Oliver and Connor's interactions. She nodded, "Sure... Why don't you three manly men find us a table and I'll grab the cookies and get some drinks."

The boys rushed toward the tables, missing Oliver hand Chloe some money before following them. Oliver took the seat across from Connor, knowing he’d prefer to be in between his mother and his friend. He smiled at the boys, “Are you on the soccer team too Nicklaus?”

He nodded, "Yup..." Chloe made her way over to the table with cartons of milk in one hand, a bag of cookies under her arm and two cups with straws in her other hand.

She placed the cups in front of the boys before taking her seat near Connor and passing a carton of milk to Oliver. She arched an eyebrow as she doled out everyones cookies.

"Smells good boys... Say thank you to Oliver."

Connor and Nicklaus said thank you, tossing their straws into their cups before pouring the milk.

“You’re welcome.” Oliver opened his carton of milk, digging out one of the giant cinnamon cookies for himself. He took a bite, noticing Connor watching him and he swallowed, smiling brightly, “Good call. Warm, cinnamon sugar cookie definitely hits the spot.”

Connor grinned before reached for his own cookie, breaking it apart before dunking a piece into his cup of milk and tossing it into his mouth. “How’s your cookie Mom?” Connor muttered after swallowing.

Chloe reached for her cookie and pulled off a piece before popping it into her mouth with a small grin, "It's good hun." She pulled out her cell phone and handed it took Nicklaus, "You should call your Mom sweetie let her know you're with us so she doesn't worry."

He nodded his head quickly taking the phone from her, "Thanks Miss Hawke." He dialed the number and spoke rapidly in German to his Mother, letting her know where they were and when he'd be home. When he was done he handed the phone back to her and she put it away.

Chloe broke off another piece of her cookie and shot her arm out quick dunking it into the cup Connor had opened before pulling it into her mouth.

Connor's eye's widened as Chloe gave him an innocent look, "Mom!"

"What?"

The expression on his face was indignant, but there was humor in his voice, "You dunked your cookie in my milk!"

There was confusion on her face, "Hmm, I don't think I did."

"I saw you," he protested.

She arched an eyebrow at her son, "Can you prove it?"

Connor snorted, "Uh, yeah, I've got two witnesses."

Chloe pouted, "Oh fine... But you love me enough to share with me don't you, Con?"

He rolled his eyes and laughed, "Fine but no double dunking."

She chuckled and nodded, "You got it kid."

She poked him lightly and he and Nicklaus both laughed, before Connor's friend spoke, "You've got the coolest Mom."

Chloe smirked and looked at her son, "See, I'm a cool Mom... Remember that the next time you get mad at me."

Connor clamped his mouth shut as he dunked his cookie into his milk. “You mean like when you try to get me to eat peas again...” Connor mumbled under his breath while Oliver grinned at the interaction. Chloe was good with kids, responsible, but fun and sensible. And he wondered how long it would take him to be that balanced with their son.

“Your mom’s just looking out for you,” Oliver interjected.

Glancing up from his milk, Connor wrinkled his nose, “Did your mom make you eat peas?”

Oliver’s face fell slightly, “Well... Not that I remember. But I lost my parents at a young age.”

Silence filtered through the table, as Connor studied Oliver before taking a deep breath, “I’m sorry.”

Connor held his gaze, surprisingly very sincerely for a six year old and Oliver swallowed, “Thank you.” His lips lifted into a small smile, “And thanks for making sure I got a good cookie.”

“Great cookie,” Connor corrected before his eyes shifted over to Chloe for a second and he dropped his voice into a whisper. “Fair warning, she’ll make us brush our teeth as soon as we get home,” he warned Oliver.

Oliver let out a chuckle, “Probably because of all this sugar...”

Chloe glanced between them her heart warming as she leaned her head towards them eyebrow raised, amusement in her voice, "You do realize she is sitting right here... And of course. I wouldn't want either of you losing those gorgeous teeth," she ruffled Connor's hair as they finished their cookies. Ten minutes later both Nicklaus and Connor were tossing their garbage into the trash can and walking to the rest room before they headed home.

Chloe watched them until they were out of sight before turning to Oliver, a lot more relaxed than she'd been when they left the house earlier, "Thank you... For today... He had a good time... I think this was a good start... It'll go a long way with him."

“Thank you,” Oliver replied gratefully. “You didn’t have to want him to like me...” He took a deep breath and gave her a weak smile, “But you did, and that means a lot...”

He watched the boys come out of the bathroom and he stood up from his chair but kept his attention to Chloe, “So whats the plan for tonight? I’m guessing dinners not for a few hours.”

She stood and nodded, "Yeah, when we get home Connor has homework and I've got papers to grade. We usually sit in the dining room and do our work together or sometimes he'll do his homework in his room and then bring it down so I can check it."

She hesitated briefly as the boys came over to them still immersed in their own conversation. She lowered her voice as the four of them headed out of the bakery and toward the car, "So if you have any work that would probably be a good time to get it done. You can sit with us... Or whatever works for you... And then I usually just let him hang out and play until dinner."

The boys were already waiting by the car and Oliver pressed the key less entry so they could get in. Connor and Nicklaus hopped into the back of the car buckling themselves in as Chloe and Oliver got in the car and did the same. A few blocks later, with Chloe's directions, they dropped Nicklaus off outside his house, which Oliver noticed was just down the block from where Chloe and Connor lived. Connor said goodbye, and Nicklaus thanked Chloe and Oliver one more time before getting out of the vehicle.

The ride down the block was quick, Oliver was parking the car only a minute after they had dropped Nicklaus off and Connor was talking quite animatedly about how Nicklaus and Connor were getting to try a new kick style at practice tomorrow after school.

Oliver grinned as they stepped out of the car, "That must be some kick."

Connor nodded, tossing his backpack over his shoulder, "It's a strong kick for a football ace! We're not fully listed to play certain positions yet, we're only six," Connor shook his head. "But thats what I want to play when I get old enough to play on the high school team."

Chloe chuckled as she unlocked the door and pushed it open, "Okay football ace come on, it's homework time." Conner pouted slightly before darting off to the dining room and tossing his bag on one of the chairs.

Chloe moved inside towards the kitchen to grab her work papers as Oliver shut and locked the door behind him. She glanced up when she heard Oliver make his way into the kitchen. And she arched an eyebrow as he stood there watching her.

She swallowed heavily to moisten her throat at the weight of his gaze, "Everything okay?”

Oliver watched her, his eyes soft, “It just... Everything he says just...” He exhaled, his breath barely above a whisper, “God, every time he speaks its like I’m breathing for the first time.”

Chloe's face softened as she tilted her head to the side, her chest bursting with love at the sound of awe in his voice and she took a step toward him, voice light, "Ollie..." She froze when she realized she was moving in his direction.

He hung on every word Connor said... No wonder he wanted nothing to do with her. She had made him miss that. Connor's first words, first steps... The day he was born. Water pooled in her eyes as she took a step away from him and when he frowned and took a step forward she shook her head, hand coming up to cover her mouth briefly before her voice spoke, pain etched into every word, "I'm so sorry... Oliver..."

He opened his mouth and she shifted, "I-I need to... I've gotta take care of some things upstairs... If Connor asks tell him I'll be down in a little bit." She didn't give him a chance to say anything before she was trying to shove the emotions back in their box and moving forward to walk past him.

Next Chapter______________________________________________________________________________

Author's note: Some people may find allergies being inherited to be a little unbelievable. However it is true, that you can inherit allergies. My aunt, my brother and I are all allergic to morphine and penicillin. Upon research, I discovered peanut allergies to be the most common, inherited allergy.

And for everyone who has commented to this story, thank you so much.