Clark's POV is still giving me trouble, but thankfully, re-runs saved me from re-writing instead of adding to a scene, hence the delay. Instead, it Oliver's turn. I really hesitated with which scene to use, and I settled on this one. While it's not my best, I'm hoping it'll do.
Moving on to Checkmate, after Chloe takes off to find Icicle.
Be Careful
That was the best you had Oliver? You just escaped from Checkmate, and have been looking forward to seeing her smile for god knows how long, and the best you can come up with is be careful?
The Oliver Queen that my shareholders know is nothing but a façade. I may have been born into that life, but I don't live that life. No one knows that better than Chloe. Clark sees me as a reckless liability at moments, and Lois... I'm not exactly sure what Lois thinks of me. One minute I'm a jackass, the other I'm playing beer pong with her. Regardless, neither of them would gone the lengths to bring me back like Chloe did. We've saved each other's backs countless times and we understand each other completely.
So I meant it when I said to be careful. Chloe has a tendency of going a little over her head, and with Checkmate agents everywhere, I don't want us to fall apart like the Justice Society. But that's not the only reason I said it.
With Lois and Tess, it was easier. With other women, it was easier. However, with Chloe, the Queen charm either doesn't work or it doesn't exist. She can see right through my bullshit and see me for who I am. Maybe that was why she thought I was worth saving even after I had given up on myself. We've had an unbelievably solid friendship, so it didn't surprise me when our relationship started to change.
However, what happened after "target practice" was an accident. But this was Chloe: Clark's best friend, Jimmy's ex, and Lois' cousin. Normally, those facts would have stopped me, but it didn't. I thought she wasn't ready, though, so I tried to call it off, but she wanted to give me a chance. She was willing to keep it going after I accused her of stealing. Even when I gave her a gift, she was willing to overlook it. She probably saw right through that pitiful attempt at being honest, but she doesn't call me on it. Instead, she simply grins and leaves without a word.
To be honest, I figured our arrangement would eventually change and we would consider giving a relationship a shot. However, I knew the moment I suggested a relationship, she'd run, and when that happens, I'd have to explain myself to everyone and likely fly back to Star City before Bart or Clark could catch up to me.
But I knew we weren't just "having fun" anymore, or at least, I wasn't. I did the very thing that I was trying to avoid. I fell for her.
I'm willing to wait until she's ready because she's worth it. However, I may have to be the one who brings it up, even if it means losing her.
Regardless, I don't want to lose her without being honest with her.
So stay safe, Chloe. You deserve the truth, even if you don't want to hear it.