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: 14/27
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
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 Fourteen

Chloe sighed lightly as there was another thump against the back of her seat. There was amusement on her face as she brought her coffee to her lips and took a large sip. After getting back from dinner last night she'd spent thirty-five minutes editing the sound off of Connor's soccer tape. She'd learned her lesson from the tape Oliver had watched the other night. She didn't need Connor hearing them talk about him being their son... Or Adrian's comments. Connor, after dinner and dessert had been exhausted from the day and had fallen asleep early so he hadn't watched it yet, but Chloe had.

Several times actually, in her room and it had confused her even more than she was before. Especially the part where Oliver got up and yelled at that man for being rude to her... He had seemed genuinely upset at the way she'd been treated and he had made that perfectly clear. She had watched that part of the tape repeatedly, looking for some insight into what he had been thinking, but nothing. It was safe to say she hadn't slept very well, thoughts of Oliver possibly not hating her as much as she had originally thought invading her mind, successfully keeping sleep from her.

So when they had all woken up slightly later this morning, she had suggested they start their day early, go out to breakfast at the small diner near the house and then spend the morning at the book fair and possibly grab lunch before shopping for the things Connor and Oliver needed for their practice sessions. To which both men in her life had been happy to agree to.

Another thud against her seat knocked her out of her thoughts and she shifted, glancing at Oliver in the drivers seat who had a smirk on his face, most likely waiting for her to get annoyed enough to say something to their son.

Chloe shifted so she could glance over the seat at their six-year-old, eyebrow raised, tone slightly amused, but stern, "Connor... Favorite son of mine... Why are you tossing your soccer ball against my chair?"

He shrugged and grinned, "I'm your only son... And I'm bored."

Chloe shook her head and sighed turning back around, "I swear kid... You've got more energy than a Mexican jumping bean. Look, we're turning into the parking lot now... Please for the sake of my sanity, put the soccer ball down." He chuckled and put the ball on the seat next to him as Chloe took another long sip of her coffee while Oliver parked the car.

“At least you didn’t spill your coffee,” Oliver lifted a shoulder, chuckling softly as he turned off the car and unbuckled his seatbelt.

Chloe snorted lightly, but there was a sparkle of humor in her eyes as she pulled the buckle off and glanced at him, "I would have made you turn around and go home so we could get me more."

Connor threw the door open and Chloe called out, "Hold on there Rambo... Wait for us." Connor closed the door and stood beside it until Chloe and Oliver made their way out of the car and locked it. She scrunched her nose, mug in her right hand as she held the other out to Connor.

He moved so he was standing between her and Oliver, his hand gripping onto his Mother's as he bounced right as Chloe was taking a sip of coffee causing it to splash against her lips.

She arched an eyebrow at Connor as she licked it off her mouth and he gave her a sheepish look,"I wanna swing."

Chloe laughed, "Well one of my hands is occupied kid, grab Oliver's hand and we'll swing you together... You're gettin' too heavy for just me."

Connor glanced up at Oliver hesitantly, not sure if he should take the older man's hand.

Oliver held out his hand, his palm face up toward Connor, “I’ve never done this swinging thing before...” He grinned at Chloe as Connor took his hand slowly, “Your height meets the requirement right?”

Connor grinned and rolled his eyes, "Just swing me, please. On the count of three... One... Two... Swing!"

Chloe chuckled as she pulled back in unison with Oliver and let Conner swing forward between them before his feet were on the ground and he was counting again.

They swung him between them four times before making their way to the entrance and Connor called out, "Okay last time... Let me go at the end of this one so I can jump inside."

Chloe tilted her head to the side and pursed her lips, "Make sure you watch the other people. Don't knock into anyone."

He nodded and then swung him, releasing his hands the moment his feet touched the ground again. He jumped over the entrance and turned to face them grin on his face, "Can we go find Nicklaus?"

Chloe and Oliver walked into the fair and she nudged Connor lightly, "Why don't you hang out with me and Ollie for a little bit? Nick's not here yet, his Mom said they were coming a little later."

Connor nodded, "Okay... Can we go to the sports books first?"

She grinned, "Sure can kid." Connor went to take off but Chloe gripped his hand before he could jet across the room. The fair was surprisingly full for ten in the morning and she didn't want him taking off into a crowd full of people. They might have lived a fairly uneventful life the past six years, but it wasn't in Chloe's nature to let down her guard.

"Remember the rules Connor, stay in sight of me or Ollie at all times. No running off. I know you're excited, but we'll make our way around."

He sighed but nodded as he moved so he was slightly in front of them, but not far enough for either of them to worry. Chloe nudged Oliver slightly to get his attention, drawing his eyes away from what he was looking at as she inclined her head in the direction Connor was moving, tugging Oliver gently along with them.

Oliver let Chloe lead him as they tried to keep up with Connor, following him to the sports books and he got to see their son light up, completely animated in his surroundings.

“Mom, look! David Beckham’s biography!” Connor held up the thick book in awe.

“Hey champ... Think you could help me find some books on football and the rules?” Oliver smiled, “I’d like to learn a bit more.”

“Sure!” Connor grabbed Oliver’s hand, pulling him toward another table.

Chloe's eyes followed Connor as he pulled Oliver over towards the books on soccer and she grinned watching them interact with each other. Connor spoke with his hands as he pointed to different books and she could see the concentration on Oliver's face as he took everything in, listening to their son intently as if he was the only thing that mattered... The light in her eyes dimmed slightly and she swallowed hard. It was the same way he used to look at her when she spoke to him. Like she was the most important thing in the world to him.

She could feel a slight sting in her eyes and she closed them briefly, turning away from Oliver and Connor to collect herself. When she opened them, Chloe glanced back at her son and his father, noticing they were still immersed in talking so she moved towards the aisles containing the books about computers and other techy like things as Connor so often called it,to browse and give Connor and Oliver some time to themselves.

“And this ones all about kick styles,” said Connor as he piled another book into Oliver’s hands. “If you look through it,” he started to flip through some of the pages, “It has what level you are and what kicks you should be using.” Connor wrinkled his nose, “Some of its way too advanced for me.”

Oliver looked through the pages Connor flipped through, “It’s probably just as well.” He smiled down at Connor, “You need to grow a little more to pull off the really difficult kicks...”

Connor nodded, “Thats what coach says. No offense to Mom, but I hope I take after my Dad in height.”

Pursing his lips, Oliver’s eyes fell back to the book, “How do you know how tall he is?”

Connor removed his hands from the books, “You’ve seen the pictures, right? Green Arrow has got to be over six feet tall!”

Oliver glimpsed over his shoulder, not seeing Chloe in his immediate sight, “You remember how you said Green Arrow has a secret identity?”

“Yeah, all superheros have them,” Connor turned to another table of books, seemingly interested.

“I just thought it might be safer for you and your mom if you mentioned him less, in public,” Oliver tried to speak nonchalantly.

Connor cocked a brow, turning toward Oliver, “He’s in the States though.”

Oliver nodded, “Well yeah, but... He has enemies... And if they believed you were his son, you and your mom could be in danger.”

“But we’re in Germany,” Connor frowned. “He doesn’t have enemies here.”

Oliver pushed his tongue into his cheek, “Trust me... If you’re in the hero business, you have enemies everywhere.”

Connor studied him silently for a moment, “Okay, you make a good point... I won’t say anything in public anymore.”

“Thank you.” Oliver ruffled Connor’s hair, “Now what else can we get for me to read up on football?”

Connor shrugged, "There are tons of books, here's another one." He placed it on top of the growing pile in Oliver's arms before pursing his lips at the collection of books they had, "That should be enough for now, we've got some at home too." He started to walk out of the aisle and paused glancing around the room, his small body tensing slightly, "Where's Mom?"

He moved quickly through the crowd as a unfamiliar panic settled inside of him. He was six years old and he felt it was silly for him to panic just because his Mom wasn't right next to him, but she never just left him with strangers. He knew Oliver was him Mother's friend and if he was being honest he was pretty cool, but his Mom never just left him with people. He swallowed hard as Oliver tried to keep up, Connor's voice loud and slightly panicked as he called for her, "Mom... Mom!"

Chloe glanced up, dropping her book at the hint of panic in her son's voice and she moved through people quickly coming out of the aisle, spotting Connor's back. She rushed up behind him, spinning him around so she could see his face her heart beat banging against her chest, "Connor, what's wrong? What happened?"

He opened his mouth and hesitated before speaking, feeling slightly sheepish, "I... Don't know. I didn't see you... I thought..." He gulped and shook his head before hugging her waist tightly for a minute.

Chloe glanced up at Oliver, her eyebrow raised in confusion as Connor pulled away not looking at either adult while he spoke, "Lets go look at the books about cars..." His voice trailed off as he took a couple of steps forward not letting them out of his sight, or straying too far from them.

Oliver blinked for a moment before handing the soccer books to Chloe and reaching for Connor gently. He lifted him up easily, placing him over his shoulders and behind his neck, holding onto him securely. “There,” Oliver glanced up at Connor out of the corner of his eye, “This way you can keep an eagle eye on your mom.”

Connor looked down at his mom, and then turned slightly to peer down at Oliver, “You’re really tall...” Reflexively, he tightened his grip on Oliver, “I didn’t realize how tall you were before... Mom, look how high I am!”

Chloe swallowed hard as she realized what must have happened. She'd forgotten to tell them she was going to look at books and Connor got scared when he didn't see her. She felt horrible. She steadied his leg slightly before her hand fell to Oliver's upper arm gripping it tightly.

"I see that... You must be able to see the whole fair from up there!"

He nodded and she gave Connor a weak smile as she caught Oliver's eye and mouthed a thank you as she held their books under her arm.

Oliver gave her a small smile in response, the corner of his mouth lifting his smile a little higher.

“Oh!” Connor shouted and pointed forward, “I can see the fairytale book section from here! Can we go there instead?”

Chloe grinned, "Sure thing sweetie, since you can see it from up there you lead the way, but don't forget to hold on to Ollie..."

Chloe let her hand fall from Oliver's arm as their son directed them through the throng of people and into the section of the fair with the books on fairy tales.

Connor's face lit up as he glanced around, "Wow... Look at all the books! Can we get a few? Oh my god Mom, look they even have superhero comics!"

He shifted on Oliver's shoulders nudging him to let him down. Oliver took the hint and lifted Connor of his shoulders placing him on the ground. As soon as his feet hit the floor he was rummaging through books and comics.

Chloe chuckled lightly before glancing at Oliver and speaking softly, "Sorry about before... I should have told you guys I was looking around... I just thought I'd give you two a little time together," she shrugged before looking back at Connor.

Oliver nodded, “It was thoughtful, but I understand where he’s coming from. He’s had six years and nine months with you... You’re all he knows, and there are a lot of people here.” He grinned, shifting closer to her, “You did an excellent job raising him though... He didn’t talk to one stranger the whole time he was looking for you.”

She smiled and rubbed Oliver's arm slightly, "Stranger, danger," she chuckled lightly as Connor bent down on his knees and started rummaging through the comics on the bottom shelf as Chloe continued to speak. "But thank you... And I'm sure you're right. There are a lot of people here and I don't make a habit of walking away without letting him know where I am."

Oliver nodded and was about to open his mouth when Connor let out a loud shout. "Aha... Look Mom! It's a Green Arrow comic! And look the Green Lantern is in it too! Can I get it?" He was already sitting on the floor, leaning against the bookshelf and pulling the comic open, eyes traveling over the pages with interest. Chloe smirked in Oliver's direction and the grin on his face. "Sure hun... Do we want any fairy tales?"

Connor shrugged, but didn't look up from his comic. Chloe turned towards Oliver amusement on her face, "I think we lost him to the comic book world, although somehow I don't think their storytelling skills are as good as mine."

Oliver stared at the comic book Connor was so intently lost in, “I didn’t know I had a comic book...” He mumbled in a barely audible tone.

Chloe arched an eyebrow at him, humor in her voice, "You do... Admittedly not many, but if you're curious about them I'm sure Connor wouldn't mind showing you his collection... He has them all at home. He's got a few Justice League ones too... But you're pretty much his favorite..." She swallowed hard, licking her lips to moisten them as she spoke hesitantly, "A lot of the night's when we aren't reading fairy tales... He asks for stories about Green Arrow... I haven't told him any in a while. " She cleared her throat slightly and looked away from Oliver, "Maybe you could tell him one... If you wanted to I mean..."

“I don’t think thats a good idea...” Oliver lifted his eyes to meet hers as he held her gaze silently for a moment, “My favorite one is where Green Arrow gave the woman he loves a satellite...”

Chloe watched Connor as she took a deep breath, shifting slightly, and wrapping her arms around her mid-section. That day had been the best and worst day of her life. It was the first time she and Oliver had said I love you to each other... It had also been the day that caused her to put on Dr. Fate's Helmet... A course of action that had changed her life forever.

Pulling out a large green hardcover, Connor lifted it with both hands, “Mom!” He exclaimed in excitement, “The Adventures of Robin Hood! We don’t have this one!”

Chloe didn't have a chance to comment on Oliver's words as her eyes were immediately drawn to Connor and the book in his hands. She swallowed hard. Connor might not have that book but she did. A first edition no less.

Oliver had given it to her before he left on one of his business trips... He had told her to keep it safe for him until he got back. He used to joke that since the book was his favorite no matter where she was he'd always find his way back to her because that book was a piece of him. Or something silly like that she couldn't quite remember, but at the time Chloe did remember his words made her heart soar.

She moved forward to Connor, knelt down so she was I level with him, and took the book from his hands. A small smile settling on her lips that didn't entirely reach her eyes, "You know... If you want to get this you can, but I've actually got a much nicer version at home." She hesitated looking down at the book instead of at Connor, "I'm sorry I never showed it to you."

Connor put the book back down where he originally got it from, “That’s not nice. Sharing is caring, Mom,” he teased her lightly, an unmistakable Queen smirk on his lips.

She chuckled lightly her son's words breaking the tension that had been surrounding her, "Hmm... Wow if I didn't know better I'd think we were related or something." Chloe leaned forward placing a big kiss on his cheek before grabbing him gently around the waist and tickling him as he struggled playfully to get away from her. She laughed, letting him go gently, and he took off moving behind Oliver.

Connor smirked as he poked his head out from behind Oliver, "Can't get me now... Oliver's bigger than you." He stuck his tongue out at her and Chloe arched an eyebrow, "Oh really? Well Ollie's a gentlemen... He'd never hit a girl," she lowered her voice to a whisper, "Besides I have it under good authority that Ollie might be a little ticklish too..." Her voice trailed off and she pointed not so discreetly to his sides.

Connor's grin widened and he glanced up at Oliver with mischief in his eyes while giving the older man a calculating look, "Is that so..."

“Don’t get distracted,” Oliver advised Connor. “Your mom’s just trying to hide the fact that she’s ticklish.”

“Really?” Connor glimpsed over at Chloe.

“Yup,” Oliver nodded. “She’s sneaky, but she’s ticklish everywhere...”

Chloe glanced between them as she took in her current situation. Well now, that hadn't exactly turned out the way she planned, but she was nothing if not a quick improviser.

Her gaze strayed to their surroundings, noting her possible exits before her eyes found Connors, an easy smile sliding onto her face, "You've known me for six years Connor, I think you'd know if I were ticklish... Don't you see what he's doing? I mean come on, how manly would it be to giggle in public because a six year old is tickling you? He's gotta keep that flawless image of his, it's a tactic... Don't you remember when Mom read The Art of War to you? Chapter three kid... You're closer to him and he needs to distract you so he can get away... Strategic defense, have I taught you nothing? Besides we're a team... Aren't we Connor?"

Connor smiled at his mom before turning back to Oliver.

A corner of Oliver’s mouth twitched, “Told you she’s sneaky... Think about it though, I could hold her easily, with no chance of letting her go while you tickle her.” He grinned as he looked back at Chloe, “Connor... How many years has your mom tickled you?”

Connor shifted his eyes back to his mom, “Six years...”

Oliver nodded, “I haven’t tickled you once...” He took a step closer to Chloe, “Who would you rather tickle, Con?”

Taking a step in time with Oliver, Connor smirked at his mom, “... Mommy.”

Chloe pursed her lips, amusement in her eyes though her tone was serious. She'd inched her way towards the end of the aisle while Connor and Oliver had been talking. "Traitor... Fine I see how it is. Turning your back on the woman who spent hours bringing you into this world..." She shook her head, "Real nice... Well I'll tell you what kid, you're gonna have to catch me first."

She took off out of the aisle and immediately went into a different one so she wasn't encouraging Connor to run all over the fair. She was looking behind her and ran smack into Oliver. She let out a small grunt as she spun around to run back the other way when his arms wrapped around her waist.

She squealed lightly and laughed calling out to Connor, "Connor help! There's a giant holding me captive!"

Oliver lifted his head, glancing around for Connor to attack him at any moment when he spotted him talking to Nicklaus, and Mrs. Strauss three aisles away. He grinned and tightened his hold on Chloe, brushing his fingers under her shirt and just over her hip, successfully tickling her before he retracted his hand.

“Our son is distracted... You’re kind of at my mercy,” he chuckled softly before he inhaled, accidentally catching the scent of her hair, causing a shiver to run down his spine.

Chloe laughed squirming in his arms as she struggled to get away from him. She shifted successfully turning around in his arms, hands reaching out to poke at his sides, "Keep it up Queen you should know by now I give as good as I get."

She let out another laugh before gazing up at him their eyes locking and suddenly their positions weren't so funny anymore. She swallowed hard the smile dropping from her lips as she ran her tongue over them unconsciously, breath hitching in her throat as her hands gripped his sides tight instead of releasing them.

He watched her tongue dart across her lips intently, and suddenly found himself breathless, “Oh trust me...” He shifted his gaze up to her eyes, “I know you give as good as you get...”

Her heartbeat sped up at the tone of his voice and warning signs went off in her head. This was all kinds of bad, she should be moving away and instead she could feel her body melting into him, shifting slightly closer with her hands sliding up his sides. The body of a man she hadn't touched in years... Of a man that wasn't hers. Oliver was engaged... And just like that it was like a bucket of ice cold water had been tossed on her.

Chloe froze, tension filling every part of her body and her mouth opened and closed twice before she spoke, "Connor... We need to go find Connor."

Oliver clamped his mouth shut, swallowing hard and nodding before he released his hands from her and took a step back, taking a quick shallow breath, “Three aisles to the left...” He glanced at her for a fleeting moment, “He’s with Nicklaus and Mrs. Strauss.”

Chloe looked away from him and nodded, voice slightly above a whisper, "Thanks." She turned and headed down the aisle in Connor's direction without once looking back, her heart clenching the further she got from him, which only made it worse.

She spotted Nicklaus's Mom and when Adrian looked up, Chloe gave her half a smile and waved. She grinned and motioned for her to come over as she called out, "Come on you two, you're missing all the fun."

Chloe could feel Oliver's eyes on her from behind, but she just kept her pace towards the kids and Adrian.

Oliver followed Chloe from a good distance away, his eyes on her back as he tried to figure out what had just happened between them, especially on Chloe’s end. He knew he was still attracted to her, she was still beautiful, smart, and snarky as ever. And as soon as he let his guard down she was unconsciously pulling him to her.

He watched as Connor wrapped his arms around Chloe’s waist, asking her where she placed the Football books Oliver had handed her so he could show Nicklaus.

Oliver drew in a breath, realizing Chloe must have dropped them when he had caught her in his arms, intent on tickling her. He winced slightly, and cursed himself for blurring the lines once again. He was going to have to remember to keep his distance and not get too caught up in everything, because while Connor was his son, Chloe didn’t belong to him, nor did she have any desire to be with him.

“Your mom dropped them when I scared her,” Oliver gave a weak smile. “But thats okay, I’ll go grab them.”

Adrian glanced at Chloe curiously before smirking as the boys followed Oliver back down the aisle.

Chloe watched them go and sighed, she had completely forgotten about the books when Oliver grabbed her. The only thing she had been conscious of was his arms around her, in a way they hadn't been around her in a long time. She'd slipped up yet again and got lost in him... And this fantasy world that she'd created in her head because of the past few days. Just because he was around and in their lives, it didn't mean he was trying to start things up with them again. He was there for Connor... Not her.

Oliver was engaged to Dinah... And he obviously didn't want her and she needed to accept that, but until she did it was obvious she was going to have to keep her distance because even though the past few days with him and Connor had made her crave the family she'd always longed for with him... It was never going to happen.

She swallowed hard and turned to face Adrian who was looking at her curiously. Chloe arched an eyebrow at her speaking in English, "What?"

Adrian shrugged, before looking at Oliver and the boys and then glancing back towards Chloe, "What's going on between the two of you? It's clear there is still something there... A spark, maybe... Love?” Adrian grinned and Chloe shook her head doing her best to keep the pain off her face as she continued to speak in English even though Adrian had lapsed into German.

"Nothing is going on, and what does it matter if there are feelings? Do not repeat what I'm about to tell you," she gave her a stern look, lowered her voice and moved closer to the brunette beside her. "He's engaged, Ade... Engaged... Trust me, the only reason he's here is for Connor... Nothing else. So get rid of the delusions of a happily ever after now... I have, because this isn't a fairy tale."

She turned slightly, her mouth slamming shut as Oliver and the kids made their way back towards them. She plastered a smile on her face for Connor, "Sorry about that munchkin, were you guys able to find all of them?"

Connor nodded, “We found them all. Nicklaus wants to go back to the sports section and get one of the books too.”

She nodded, "Okay that sounds like a good plan." Chloe pulled her phone out of her purse glancing at the time before her eyes were back on Connor, "Wow time really does fly. It's a little after twelve so after you and Nick find the books he wants we, should probably go pay if you want to grab lunch before we go shopping for the stuff that you and Oliver need to practice. The stores close earlier on Sunday..."

Her voice trailed off and Connor nodded, "Okay, can we get pizza?"

Chloe smiled, "Sure thing kiddo... Want me to come with you guys to get the book?"

Before he could answer Adrian chimed in, "It's fine. I'll go with them, I'm sure you've been running around with Connor all morning."

Chloe went to say something, but they were already walking away. She swallowed hard and risked a glance at Oliver who had his hands in his pockets, standing beside her quietly. She cleared her throat and spoke quietly, "Is that okay? Or did you want to stay here longer or something?"

Oliver glimpsed at her before lifting his shoulders, “Yeah thats fine.” His eyes wandered over the different aisles, “Was there something you wanted to look at while we’re waiting or...?”

She shook her head, "Nope... I've got everything we need... I need. I mean me..." Her voice faltered, but she recovered quickly, finally making eye contact with him as she tilted her head and took him in, "Is there anything you need? Or anything you want?"

He bit his lip to keep his mouth from twitching, “No I’m good... Just going to buy the football books I think.” He glimpsed over his shoulder at the fairytale section they had been in some minutes ago, “Want to help me pick out a book for Connor?”

She chuckled lightly, holding up the books in her hand, "These aren't enough? He's also got his Green Arrow comic... But if you want me to I can..." Her voice trailed off unsure. She wasn't sure if he was being friendly or just trying to get rid of the awkward tension that had fallen between them since her wildly inappropriate grope-fest of his arms and chest. Places she no longer had the right to touch. But they were spending the rest of the day together and she really didn't want it to be this weird between them so for once Chloe decided she needed to face the issue head on.

Chloe swallowed hard and turned towards him, catching his eye and speaking quickly before Adrian and the kids come back, "I'm sorry... About before. I didn't mean to... I just--" She paused, pursing her lips into a tight line, "I didn't mean to invade your personal space... I promise it won't happen again... I'd just really like it if this day could be good for Connor. I don't want things to get weird because of it. We still have lunch, shopping, dinner, and bedtime to get through and the last thing he needs to see is tension between us. I know how important it is to you that Connor likes you and I don't want to jeopardize the progress the two of you have made so far. So are we good? Can we get through the rest of the day all of us just like..." Her voice trailed off, her heartbeat picking up speed as she realized what she was going to say 'like a family...' Except they weren't.

She cleared her throat, "Like people who get along?"

“I apologize for invading your personal space first, it was just--” Oliver coiled his fist at his side, his nails digging into the palm of his hand as if to keep himself from reaching for her again. “Natural,” he breathed an octave below a whisper.

“I don’t want to cause problems either... So I think as long as we don’t try to start another tickle war, we’re good,” he gave her a small smile.

She bit her lip and shrugged, "You didn't and it's fine... It's a natural reaction to me too... That's why I apologized... But yeah I think the tickle wars are better left for the kids," Chloe chuckled lightly amusement on her face. “So... Did you want to--”

"Mom! We got the books, can we go pay?" Connor Chloe sighed and nodded and the boys and Adrian made there way towards a table. She glanced at Oliver, her hand touching his arm lightly, "Sorry... The fairs going on all week though. If you want we can come back one day while he's in school."

Oliver shook his head, “I want to read the books before he gets home. That way we can practice when he’s done with his homework,” he smiled sheepishly.

Chloe's heart warmed and she gave his arm a small rub before moving her hand away and heading towards in the direction the Adrian and the boys went, with Oliver in tow behind her, "That's really nice of you..."

She hesitated for a second before speaking in a low voice even though they were still far enough away from Connor that he most likely couldn't hear them talking, "I don't think I've mentioned how great you've been with him... I mean I know he's your son, but you've been really good about going with the flow... And... I mean if I'm ever throwing too much at you..."

Her voice trailed off and she shrugged, "Just tell me... But I think he's really starting to warm up to you..." She gave him a small smile before looking down at the books in her hand slightly embarrassed by her words, but playing it off better than she thought she could.

“You’re not,” he reassured her with a smile as they caught up with the boys, where Adrian was paying for Nicklaus’s books.

Oliver squeezed between Chloe and Connor, grabbing the books out of her arms and Connor’s, placing them into his own pile before setting it down in front of a woman to ring up.

Tilting his head, Connor glanced up at Oliver as he took out his wallet from his back pocket, “Why did you grab our books?”

“It’s my treat,” Oliver smiled as he handed the woman several large German bills.

“Oh,” Connor glanced at his mom before flashing a smile to Oliver. “Thanks.” Oliver nodded, taking their bags of books from the woman as he thanked her, and Connor raised a brow, “And now you’re carrying the bags?”

Oliver chuckled, “Yeah... Its a nice thing you’re supposed to do... Carry a girl’s books for her,” he winked at Chloe.

Chloe rolled her eyes at him good-naturedly and Connor scrunched his nose as they headed towards the exit, Nick and his Mom walking beside them. "You only carry a girls books for her if you like her... Those are the rules," he pursed his lips and glanced between the two adults before arching an inquisitive eyebrow in Oliver's direction, seeing what kind of come back the older man would have for his comment.

Oliver chuckled, “Chivalry is not dead.”

Connor snorted playfully, mischief on his face as they all made there way outside, "Do you ride a white horse too?" Chloe bit her lip to keep from laughing as she glanced up at Oliver, humor glittering in her eyes at how their son was teasing him.

Oliver lifted a shoulder, “No, I find they get in the way of rescuing damsels. They’re much easier to steal than cars or jets.”

Connor grinned up at Oliver, bumping into him slightly as they headed towards the car, "Rescued many damsels, have you?" Nicklaus chuckled as Adrian smirked at Chloe who ignored her and continued walking while running her hand over Connor's hair.

“Yup,” Oliver grinned, unlocking the car and placing the bag inside, he shut the door before looking back at Chloe and their son. He pursed his lips, his eyes dimming slightly, “Sometimes they don’t want you to save them though...”

Bouncing on the balls of his feet, Connor tilted his head to the side, a thoughtful look on his face as he took note of way the smile on Oliver's face had dimmed. He nudged the taller man with his foot drawing Oliver's attention to him.

Connor gave him a cheeky grin that was all Chloe as he spoke, "That's when you're supposed to try your hardest cause sometimes the damsel doesn't know she wants to be saved until you save her..."

A corner of Oliver’s mouth twitched slightly before he smirked, “Saved many damsels in your day, have you?”

Connor shrugged, "Maybe..." He turned to Nicklaus and smiled, "Wanna hang out after school tomorrow if my Mom says it's okay?"

Nick nodded as his Mother motioned towards there car, "Sure."

Adrian waved to Chloe, "Maybe while the kids play tomorrow you and I can get coffee and... Talk, yeah?"

Chloe smiled, "Sure..."

Adrian smiled at Oliver, "Good to see you again Mr. Queen."

Oliver nodded, “You too, Mrs. Strauss.” He glanced at Chloe and Connor as they started to get into the car after Nick and Adrian said their goodbyes, “So... Where do we go for the best pizza in Germany?”

Next Chapter