Hi everyone! It's time for an update. Yay, right?
So, everyone was expecting Lois to be the one throwing a tantrum and completely insult Oliver, right? Well, wrong. Lois will surprise you.
I just hope you guys like it, it's not as long as the previous chapter, but it's kind of important. Anyway, I can promise you an update on Halloween! And please, I'm open to ideas, what would you like to see in the future of this fic? I have a lot planned, but I kind of want to know what my readers expect *wink*
Like always reviews = love and love =inspiration!
I do not own Smallville. I wish I owned Oliver...the things I would do to that man...ugh!
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are
- "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
Chapter13 – Unexpected Reactions
The boys were around all afternoon, with Bart's help, Chloe finish what she had to do around the house a lot quicker than she would have on her own, leaving her time to hand out and play video games. They all left around six thirty when she started dinner. Connor was still trying to beat Vic's high score in Wii bowling when the doorbell rang at seven sharp. Damn, Lois was punctual when she was worried.
"I'll get it, I'll get it," Connor screamed running to the door, almost tripping over the carpet. "Aunt Lois!" he squealed.
Chloe smiled, cleaning her hands on a dish cloth before she left the kitchen and saw Lois lift Connor up into a huge bear hug. Martha caught Chloe's eye, and with that motherly smile she had, approached and enveloped the younger woman in a warm embrace.
"It was a huge scare," she started and Chloe nodded swallowing the lump in her throat, hugging the woman who was the closest thing she had to a mother a little tighter. "But he's fine and that's the only thing that matters."
"Aunt Loissss….you're squishing me!" Connor complained squirming to get free of her.
"Lois, let the kid breathe," Clark chuckled.
"You're alright, right?" Lois sniffled.
"Yes, I am," Connor huffed. "Let me gooooo…."
Lois released Connor and he quickly rant to Clark, who picked him up and gently hugged him. "You gave us a scare yesterday, kid."
"Don't worry, Uncle Clark, Mommy and Ollie told me I didn't have to play that game anymore since I didn't like it," Connor said and Clark smiled.
"Mommy and Ollie," Martha repeated in a whisper to Chloe. "I've been hearing that more and more recently, I wonder why," she said with a wink and Chloe blushed.
Clark looked at his best friend suspiciously and Chloe shrugged. He had nothing to do with her personal life.
"I was making dinner, it's almost-…Lois!" Chloe said and laughed when her cousin pulled her to a hug, sniffling.
"I promise I'll be more careful," she whispered.
Clark rolled his eyes. "Were you playing a game, kiddo?" Connor nodded. "I'll play with you, women are so emotional," he grunted taking Connor to the living room.
"It wasn't your fault, Lois, these things…" Chloe couldn't exactly explain that she was Watchtower, the holder of the information for the Justice League and that was why her son was targeted. "…happen every day. How many stories do we read about children that are kidnapped? It could have happened when he was with me or you."
"She's right sweetheart, this happens a lot more than it should, but few are as lucky as we were," Martha added.
"Not every kid can say that they have a Mommy that works with Oliver Queen who has plenty of…resources…" Lois said sighing.
"Don't torture yourself Lois, he's ok," Chloe smiled. "Come, help me finish dinner."
"I brought dessert, by the way," Martha said, giving Chloe a basket that she'd left next to the door.
"Apple pie?" Chloe asked almost drooling.
"And chocolate chip cookies for Connor," Martha smiled.
"You are the best," Chloe said kissing Martha's cheek and going to the kitchen.
In the living room, having given up on the video game when it became obvious Clark wasn't that interested, Conner was showing Clark all the tricks he'd taught Archer.
"Archer, sit," Connor said and the puppy sat down wiggling his tail. "Play dead," he ordered and the puppy fell to the floor.
Connor grinned up at Clark who slowly clapped as Connor gave Archer some treats. "Ollie helped me teach him," he explained.
"Oliver's been helping you a lot," Clark said dryly.
"He's going to teach me archery," Connor said excitedly. "With real bows and real arrows!"
Clark rolled his eyes but Connor was oblivious to his Uncle's actions.
"Wow, Ollie is really cool, isn't he?" Clark asked sarcastically.
"He's awesome. The best!" Connor praised Oliver. "I really love him."
The alien glared at a random spot on the opposite wall. Chloe's snort broke him out of his thoughts.
"Connor go wash your hands, dinner's ready," she said and Connor nodded rushing to the bathroom.
Chloe stared at Clark amused and he started to shift uncomfortably.
"What?"
"Green is so not your colour," she smirked.
"No, it's Awesome Oliver's color…" Clark said frustrated.
His best friend couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing. "Oh my God, you really are jealous of Oliver."
"Am not!" he denied.
"Oh, you so are," Chloe said smiling. "Dinner's ready, Clark."
Clark huffed and got up following her to the kitchen.
"Clark, have you washed your hands?" Martha asked.
"No," he said in a tiny voice.
"Ollie always washes his hands before meals," Connor pointed out as he took his place at the table.
Chloe was sure she heard Clark growl as he stomped to the bathroom. She ruffled her son's hair affectionately. She was sure that he would be elated when he heard that Oliver was really his father. In Connor's eyes, there was no one more perfect for the job and in all truth, Chloe though the same thing. She looked around the room, Martha and Lois were discussing some changes needed on the far, and a sulking Clark sat down at the table.
Chloe would tell them about Oliver being Connor's father tonight, after Connor was in bed. They were going to find out eventually and better from her than Oliver. She was already expecting a full tantrum from Clark, complete bafflement Lois and probably a somewhat knowing smile from Martha. But after the shock wore off, Chloe needed advice, especially from both of the women.
The blonde really wasn't sure what to feel right now. In a way she was somewhat relaxed by the news. She'd been so scared to find Connor's dad before, but knowing it was Oliver put her mind at ease. On the other hand, her relationship with Oliver had been elevated to a completely different level – not only because he was Connor's father but now, she knew Oliver loved her. The question was, was she ready to love him the same way?
"Chloe!" Lois exclaimed snapping in front of her face. "Where were you?"
Chloe blushed, noticing that dinner was almost over and she had been lost in her own thoughts. Looking at Connor she narrowed her eyes.
"Don't feed the dog," she said suddenly, making Connor jump, his hand shooting up to the table as he smiled sheepishly at his Mom. "Sorry, I was distracted," she sighed looking at her cousin.
"It's ok, dear, you've had a long couple of days," Martha said patting Chloe's hands. "Dessert?"
"Chocolate chip cookies, right?" Connor asked with a bright smile.
"Only the best for my adorable grandson," Martha said kissing the top of his head.
After dessert was eaten, Clark took Connor out to walk Archer, and the ladies stayed to clean the kitchen.
"After Connor's in bed, I need to talk to you," Chloe said. "It's important."
"Is it because of what happened yesterday?" Lois asked.
"No. It's just something that I found out. Connor's dad…I know who he is and what really happened."
Martha and Lois' jaws dropped as they stared at a relaxed Chloe.
"How?" Martha asked, the first to break free from her shock.
"I'll explain later," Chloe said.
"Who is he? How are you so relaxed?" Lois inquired.
"You won't believe me when I tell you. It's someone we know actually, and I'm not worried because I have no reasons to be," she said with a little smile.
Martha gasped and her eyes widened. "Oh my…"
Lois just looked from one to another. "Who? Chloe! Who?" she persisted.
"Think a little," Martha said. "I think I got it…"
"I don't want to think, I want Chloe to tell me!" Lois huffed and saw Martha mouth something to Chloe and her cousin nodded.
"Well, I wasn't expecting that. Fate has a twisted sense of humor," Martha said and went back to put the dishes in the dishwasher.
Lois was ready to grab her cousin and shake her until the information fell out, when the door opened and Connor came in with Clark and Archer.
"Can I watch TV before I go to bed, Mommy?" Connor asked.
"No, no you can't," Lois replied before Chloe. "You had a long day Connor, I bet you're tired. I'll even read you the Robin Hood story."
"No! You get the whole thing wrong," Connor pouted.
"How get Robin Hood wrong?" Chloe asked.
"She says that Robin Hood wears green tights and leather and drives a very fast motorcycle and that he has cool gadgets," All eyes turn to Lois who just grinned and shrugged. "That's not how Oliver tells it."
"I bet he tells you perfectly," Clark muttered.
"He does," Connor nods.
Chloe bit the inside of her cheek, trying not to laugh.
"Connor I'll put on a DVD in my room and you can watch it before you go to bed, alright?"
"Can it be the new one that Ollie gave me? Cars 2?"
"Yes, it can," Chloe smiled. "Now, let's give you a bath," she said, picking up Connor. "I'll be right back," she said to her guests.
With Archer hot on her heels, she went to the bathroom.
When Connor was bathed and ready for bed, she put him in her room and put on Car's 2. He cuddled into the pillows with Archer already snoring softly on his side. Chloe kissed his forehead. "Goodnight baby," she whispered.
"Night, Mommy," he said yawning.
Chloe smiled and left the room, leaving the door a little open. She went to the living room, were Martha, Lois and Clark were all talking in hushed tones.
"He's in bed, he'll probably be asleep within minutes," Chloe said sitting down.
"They already told me you know who Connor's father is," Clark started. "If you care to clue the rest of us in…"
"Like I said, it's someone you know and trust," Chloe said. "Before I tell I beg you to keep your cool and listen until the end. Do not," she glared at Clark "fly off the handle."
Clark only shrugged.
"It's Oliver," she sighed.
Martha nodded, she'd already figured it out. Besides, who else could be Connor's father?
"What?" Lois asked in a tiny voice and Clark's face just stayed blank. "I'm sorry, I thought you said it was Oliver."
Chloe nodded. "It's him. I found a DNA test he requested a while ago. There's no room for doubt, Oliver is Connor's father."
Lois' eyes widened and for once she was at loss for words. Meanwhile, Clark had come out of his shock, and his hand turned into fists, his face red with anger.
"That bastard," he gritted his teeth. "I always knew he couldn't be trusted. How could he? Sleep with you, get you pregnant, and then pretend like nothing happened!" Clark was having a hard time keeping his anger in check.
"Oliver was just as drunk as I was," Chloe's eyes turned cold. "He didn't remember our night together any more then me."
"He left you the next morning, Chloe. He did to you, what he did to the other random women he slept with," he growled.
"He explained that. He got an emergency call from Hal, Queen Industries was trying to vote him out, he had to leave but he fully intended on coming back!" Chloe narrated.
"And you believe him Chloe?" Clark shouted. "He's lying!"
"Yes, I believe him," she hissed. "Now keep your voice down, Connor is just down the hall and I don't want him to find out by accident because his Uncle has a bad temper!"
"Clark, calm down," Martha said. "You don't know if Oliver's lying. These things…happen."
"You said he had a DNA test done, why?" Clark asked his eyes hard as steel.
"When Hal firs met me, he remembered me from the club that night. He told Oliver that we'd met before and that's when Oliver remembered what happened between us. It wasn't too hard to figure it out the rest," Chloe explained.
"That was almost a month ago," Clark said. "He didn't tell you? You had to find the test. He's a coward."
"I'm not going to deny that," Chloe replied. "He was a coward, but he was still trying to come to terms with everything. Yes, he should had come to me right after he found out, but think what he was going through. He'd just found out he was a father. He was scared and trying to figure out how the hell to tell me."
"It's understandable that Oliver felt a little confused and overwhelmed," Martha said, taking Chloe's side. "He's watched Conner grow up the past three years from the side lines. To suddenly find out that he's Connor's father, it's got to be hard to process."
"Lois, what do you think of this?" Clark asked his girlfriend angrily, knowing that somehow, she was going to support him.
Lois, who had been quiet, watching them and thinking, spoke for the first time, strangely calm. "Damn, that makes sense," she said surprising everyone.
"What?" Clark shouted. "How can you say that Lois? He knocked up Chloe, your cousin, and left her alone to raise Connor."
"Oh, shut up, Clark," Lois said. "We all know how Oliver was in the past, I'd be surprised if he didn't have more kids out there."
"Aren't you mad?" Clark asked.
"Why should I be? Actually it's a relief. I was worried Connor's dad would be a low life or a stupid bastard, but damn cuz," she turned to her nervous cousin. "Even drunk you snatch a billionaire hero with a good heart and that cares deeply about you."
"Cares about her? Oliver is a player." Clark said. "He doesn't care about women's feelings. He likes to play with them, get laid and then he never gets in touch again."
"You don't know him." Chloe shouted. "You are so wrong about Oliver. So, so wrong. He's nothing like that. He's actually one of the sweetest, most caring guys I have ever met. He takes care of me, of Connor, of our team. Oliver took Mia in, saving her from a life that no teenager should have. I trust Oliver with my life," she was slightly out of breath now. "For your information Clark, Oliver and I are dating, have been for weeks now."
"Finally," Lois said. "He found the courage to ask you out."
"He's only going to break your heart," Clark said. "He doesn't know how to be a boyfriend, or a father, he's irresponsible. Do you think he's a good influence on Connor?"
"Clark!" Martha warned. "You're going too far, and keep your voice down."
"Lois, check on Connor, will you?" Chloe asked and her cousin nodded.
Lois disappeared into the master bedroom and Chloe turned towards Clark.
"Listen to me, you stupid alien, Oliver is the most capable guy for this job. You're just jealous that he's doing so well. Just listen to Connor. He worships the ground Oliver walks on. He's an amazing father, even before he knew the truth. The past three years, he might not have been the most available guy or responsible, but every time he was around Connor he did what needed to be done," she snapped. "Yes, he's made mistakes; well guess what, that's what humans, do! We make mistakes, but he's started a new chapter in his life and embraced this new responsibility with open arms. Do not talk about what you don't understand!"
Clark was slightly taken aback. Chloe defended Oliver like she had never defended anyone, not even him and they were really close. This was more than friendship or even a friends with benefits situation. It was something much stronger.
"I'm only going to say this once. I need you to leave. You need to do some serious thinking. You can come back when your mind is on the right track, because Clark, if you really think about this, I mean really think about this and forget this stupid jealously, you'll see the big picture," Chloe finished and turned her back on Clark.
Clark looked at his Mother who told him silently to go. Lois had come back from the bedroom just in time to hear Chloe's last statement.
"She's right, Smallville, you need to go before you make things worse," Lois sighed shaking her head.
Feeling like he had no way out, Clark headed through the door and at least had the decency not to slam it.
"He's sleeping," Lois smiled at Chloe. "And yes Chloe, I'm really fine with this. I'm not saying that I won't have a chat with Oliver, but I promise not to hurt him…too much."
Chloe smiled and hugged her cousin. "I'm so relieved."
"Clark is being an asshole, but he'll come around," Lois said hugging her cousin back.
"He needs to cool off," Martha said. "Now, when exactly did you and Oliver start dating?"
"Don't spare any details," Lois said pushing her cousin down onto the couch. "Tell us everything."
"Lois, you dated him, remember?" Chloe rolled her eyes.
"Well, yeah, but he didn't love me like he loves you," Lois pointed out.
"He told me that he loved me yesterday," Chloe said in whisper.
"That's so amazing," Lois said excited. "Why aren't you excited?"
"It's going too fast," Martha guessed and Chloe nodded.
"Too fast? Girl, you have a son with him."
"But this thing between us needs to be about more than that," Chloe said.
"And it is," Martha interjected. "Chloe, did you have feelings for Oliver before you knew?"
"Of course, for a while now, but I thought it was just a crush, something casual," Chloe confessed. "I never expected it to grow into this huge scary thing."
"I know for a fact that he had them too, for much longer, Chlo," Lois admitted. "He talked to me, but even before that I could see it in his eyes. He would get this little twinkle whenever he talked about you. Most of the time he didn't even know how much he cared."
"I don't want to hurt him," she whispered.
"I'm not going to lie, you're probably the one who could hurt him the most," Martha softly said.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to feel for him what he feels for me," she went on.
"That's nonsense cuz, I can read you. Deep inside you know you love him, but it just feels too soon," Lois stated. "Besides, the way you defended him to Clark, says a lot."
"We only started this thing two weeks ago. How can it have moved so fast?" Chloe groaned.
Martha smiled. "But it didn't start two weeks ago. You've known each other for three years now Chloe. From what I can tell, you're the one that grounds Oliver, that knows him inside out and vice versa. There are no secrets between the two of you, you're closer than any two people could be. It didn't move fast, it's been building for three years."
"No one is telling you to marry him Chloe, no one's even saying you have to tell him you love him. Not if you're not ready yet. But don't push him away." Lois offered.
Chloe groaned. "This whole thing is just too complicated, and that's what I was afraid of from the start, even before I knew about him being Connor's dad."
"Look, it is what it is. You can't change that now you just have to figure out how to deal with it." Lois rolled her eyes. "You should go to bed. Sleep will do you good."
Chloe half smiled. "When did you get so good at giving advice," she hugged her cousin. "You're welcome to stay here for the night." She hugged Martha as well.
"Do you still have my pajamas?" Lois asked.
"Bottom drawer in the guest bedroom, I'm sure there are some that would fit you too Mrs. Kent," Chloe smiled.
"We'll stay darling," Martha smiled kissing Chloe's forehead.
"Mrs. Kent, you can take the guest bedroom, Lois, will you mind sleeping in Connor's room?"
"Thank God the kid's got a big boy bed." Lois said.
The next morning, Chloe woke up to the smell of bacon, fresh coffee and muffins. She grinned remembering that Mrs. Kent had spent the night. Sparing a glance at her sleeping son beside her, she quietly left the bed and tiptoed to the kitchen were Mrs. Kent had made enough breakfast to feed a whole army. Lois was already up, drinking coffee.
"Morning cuz," Lois grinned, passing her cousin a mug of coffee.
"Good morning," Chloe took the cup and sipped the hot coffee. "Hm delicious. Everything in here smells so good, you didn't have to do all this, Mrs. Kent."
"Please, dear, I love to cook," Martha smiled. "Beside, we're having company."
"Company?" Chloe asked.
Lois smirked holding Chloe's phone on her hand. "You, well technically I, texted Ollie and invited him and Mia for breakfast. He immediately said yes, I think he was waiting for you to call because you had two missed calls from him last night."
"Oh my God, I was so busy fighting with Clark that I didn't heard the phone," Chloe groaned. "Stupid alien," she muttered under her breath.
The doorbell rang and Chloe jumped under her cousin's knowing smirk. She looked down at herself, wearing nothing but a pair of black boy shorts and a forest green tank top. Sighing, she walked out of the kitchen to open the door. She was greeted by that charming Queen smile she loved so much and a hug from Mia.
"God, it smells good in here," she said entering the house, immediately going to the kitchen. "Mrs. Kent breakfast? Awesome!"
"Hi," Oliver said stepping into the house, leaving Chloe to close the door behind him. "Mrs. Kent is here?"
Chloe nodded. "And Lois," she added. "They spent the night, yesterday was eventful."
"Oh? How so?" he inquired.
"I told them," Chloe said and Oliver paled. "Mrs. Kent, Lois and Clark know that you're Connor's father."
Oliver looked like he might faint. "Do I need protection from Lois? Kryptonite for Clark?" he asked in absolute horror.
Chloe laughed. "I won't worry about Lois but I might consider that kryptonite."
"Boy Scout didn't like the news?" Oliver guessed and Chloe shook her head. "Predictable," he sighed. "I know what Clark thinks of me."
"What he thinks doesn't matter," she said closing the distance between them. "What I know, does."
"And what do you know, Sidekick?" Oliver asked looking at her with adoration, she wasn't wearing any make up, and her hair was tousled from bed, she was really tiny since she wasn't wearing any heels, but she'd never looked more gorgeous in his eyes.
"I know that you're a great father already," she smiled and he grinned. "Come on, breakfast awaits us," she took his hand and pulled him to the kitchen.
Almost immediately Lois slapped his arm and he yelped, looking at the brunette like she was crazy. She slapped him two more times, making him hide behind Chloe, rubbing his arm.
"What the hell, Lane?" he hissed.
"The first one was because you got my cousin knocked up. The second, because you knew and you didn't tell Chloe for a month and the third… because I felt like it."
Chloe smirked and Oliver just rolled his eyes.
"Play nice, Lois," Martha smiled and gave Oliver a plate full of food. "Good morning, dear."
"Morning Mrs. Kent," he greeted taking the plate from her. "It smells delicious."
"Taste it," Mia moaned closing her eyes as she chewed her muffin.
"Where's Connor?" Oliver asked sitting down next to Chloe who was pouring herself some orange juice.
"Still sleeping, I want him to rest, he's had a couple of exhausting days," Chloe said. "I think I might ask you for some vacation time soon." she said to Oliver.
"Well, I was gonna make you take some time off soon," he smiled at her. "Great minds think alike."
The four of them sat around the table eating breakfast and Lois grilled Oliver about how he'd found out and how he felt. He told her the truth and that seemed to keep Lois satisfied and made Chloe thoughtful.
"I'm going to check on Connor," she said getting up.
In her bedroom she sat on her bed and Connor sighed.
"Mommy, I don't feel good," he said sleepily.
Chloe immediately rested a hand against Connor's forehead.
"You have a fever, baby," she said, tucking Connor even more and he coughed. "Oliver!" she called.
"Ollie's here?" Connor asked.
"Right here, buddy," Oliver said coming into the room, to the other side of the bed, keeping Connor between both of his parents.
"He's sick," Chloe said lying next to Connor.
Oliver rested his hand against his forehead and nodded. "Want me to call Emil?"
"I know this is probably some sort of bug, but please," she said. "I always feel safer when a doctor says it's nothing big."
He smiled and nodded, kissing Connor's hot forehead.
"Something wrong?" Martha asked from the doorway.
"He has a slight fever…" Oliver said.
"I'll go and buy medicine," Lois said, coming right behind Martha.
"Want me to call Emil?" Mia asked.
Oliver nodded as Connor's hand reached out to him.
"Stay?" he asked weakly.
Oliver exchanged a small glance with Chloe who smiled and nodded. "Of course," he said.
"You two stay with him, we'll take care of the details," Martha smiled.
"Put in the Cars 2 DVD, so we can watch it together," Connor said snuggling into his mother.
"Whatever you want," Oliver said.
After putting in the DVD, Oliver lay on the bed on the other side of his son. Connor took Oliver's hand on one of his, and took his mother's in the other one, sighing happily. Oliver glance at his son and Chloe…at his family. He would do anything to be with them forever.