Chapter 6

The following day, Chloe was packing for Star City when Oliver came in.

"Hey," he said, "are you almost ready for the big move?"

"Yeah," Chloe said distractedly. "Just packing up the last of everything."

He walked behind her and put her hand on her shoulders. "Need some help?"

"No thanks," she quickly responded, shrugging her shoulders so his hands slipped off.

Oliver was taken aback. "Chloe, what's wrong?" he asked her.

"Nothing," she said after a moment's hesitation. "I.. I guess I'm just nervous about this whole new adventure. It's a big step."

Oliver studied her stance and expressions before speaking again. "I don't think that's all of it, Chloe," he observed. "I noticed you have been pulling away from me more ever since Davis came back into your life. Is there something you want to talk to me about?"

Chloe stopped packing and looked down at the floor.

"It's okay, Chloe. You have a history with Davis, I understand that. You just need to be honest with yourself and be happy."

"But you and I are married," she responded, finally looking up at him.

"You erased your identity, Chloe. Our marriage isn't technically legal," he reminded her.

"That doesn't change the way I feel about you."

"Is that different from the way you feel about Davis?" he asked her. "Tell me, why were you with me after both Jimmy and Davis died?"

"I felt safe," Chloe admitted. "I had been so hurt by losing them, I just wanted to not feel that way anymore."

"I think I was looking for the same thing. We were both looking for a safety net to fall back on after falling off the deep end. I think we needed that in each other. But, maybe it's time to move on. It seems you're ready to stop shielding yourself from feeling something deeper for someone again."

Chloe pondered his words for a short while. "Maybe you're right."

Oliver gave her a small smile. "I just want you to be happy. And for us to still stay friends."

"I'd like that."

He then made to walk away, but she stopped him in his tracks. "Ollie," she called after him. When he turned around and faced her she continued. "Make sure you take your own advice."

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, Ollie. I've noticed the way you've been looking at Tess lately. You shouldn't lose out on your chance to be happy either."

He continued his exit, deciding to take her advice.

Chloe wanted to resume packing but was too distracted trying to figure out what to do about Davis. Her decision seemed to be made for her when he showed up at her door a few minutes later.

"Hey," he greeted her. "I know you're busy getting ready for your move, but I just wanted to get a chance to say good-bye. I hope to see you next time you're in town visiting."

Chloe knew then she had her opportunity then and there, and she was going to seize it.

"Davis," she began, "this doesn't have to be good-bye. I want you to come with me to Star City."

Davis was shocked. "What do you mean? What about Oliver?"

"He's not coming with me," she explained. "We broke up."

"So, what does this mean for us?"

She walked closer to him. "It means that I don't want to be afraid of opening myself up to people anymore. You're the only person I was ever truly myself with and who completely understood me and put me before anything else. And when you died, I thought I would never have that chance with someone again. But now you're back, and I'm not letting go this time."

He stared at her blankly, not believing what he was hearing. After letting her words sink in, he closed the rest of the gap between them by pulling her in for a kiss.

"So, that's a yes?" Chloe asked him after the kiss was broken, flashing him her trademark wide smile.

Tess was at Watchtower alone at her desk. Oliver stood in the doorway, trying to find the words to explain what he was feeling and muster up the nerve to walk in.

"Hey," she greeted him when he finally did. "Ready for your move?"

"Change of plans," Oliver explained, "I'm not going to Star City anymore."

"What happened?" Tess wondered, getting up from her desk and walking toward him. "Is Chloe not starting the group? Or is she starting it here?"

"Oh, she's still moving."

"I don't understand," Tess looked at him confused.

"Chloe and I broke up," he finally explained, nervous about getting to this part of the conversation.

"Oh," Tess said, a look of disbelief on her face. "I'm sorry, Oliver. I never would have expected you to say that."

Oliver wanted to respond, but hesitated for a moment.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Tess asked, noticing there was definitely something on Oliver's mind.

"Actually, yes," he replied. "As it turns out, we weren't as good of a fit as we thought. Davis turning back up helped us to see that."

"That must be tough for you."

"Not as much as you think," he told her. "I'm actually thankful because it helped me to see that I was only with Chloe because I was closing myself off from what I really needed."

"Well then, I hope you find that someday."

Oliver walked closer to her. "I think I already have." He took her hand, and she stared at him in surprise. "Tess, you have always been the only person who I could completely be myself with. You were the only family I had after my parents died. You always pushed me and challenged me and made me want to be the man who this city now sees as a hero. I know I have pushed you away before and hurt you, and I'm sorry. But I'm not afraid anymore, and I don't want to lose you again. I'd like to start over with you."

Tess looked down at the floor, not believing what she was hearing. Sensing her hesitation, Oliver continued, "I understand if you don't feel the same way, of course."

After taking Oliver's words in, Tess finally spoke. "I do," she said, "You are the only person who has made me feel completely safe and who has made me feel loved. I just never thought you would feel the same way. I didn't think I was ever enough."

He put his hands on her shoulders, causing her to look up at him. "I don't want you to think that anymore. And we can take this as slow as you want. You know I always like it when you take charge." He gave her a wink.

She smiled back at him. "Deal."

Lex was at his desk looking at his computer when Lana walked in.

"Hey, boss," she greeted him. "Glad to finally be back where you belong?"

"Extremely," he responded, smiling at her.

"How about you take a break?" she asked him, coming behind him, wrapping her arms around him and kissing his cheek.

"Well how can I say no to that?" he responded, standing up against his desk and turning to face her. "What did you have in mind?"

"Actually, Clark is coming over," she informed him.

He raised his eyebrow and stared at her with mock suspicion. "Should I be concerned?"

"Of course not," she responded, sliding her hand up his chest. "Clark and I are history. Besides, I never loved him the way I love you. She wrapped one hand around his back and placed the other behind his head to pull him in for a kiss.

A few moments later, Lana broke the kiss, knowing that Clark would be showing up shortly. She leaned up to Lex's ear. "We'll continue this later."

"You are such a tease," he said, causing her to giggle slightly.

They broke apart right before Clark entered the room.

"Hey Clark," Lana greeted him.

"Hi Lana," he said. "Thanks for letting me come over."

"No problem," she smiled at him. "Ok, I'll let you two get talking."

"You're not staying?" Lex asked her, confused.

"No, Clark has something he wants to talk to you about in private," Lana explained. She then exited the room.

"Is everything alright, Clark?" Lex asked once the door was closed.

'Yeah…everything's fine," Clark replied.

"You must be busy the wedding coming up," Lex said. "But Lana mentioned you wanted to talk to me about something?"

"Yeah. It's about the wedding actually. "I was hoping you would be my best man."

Lex stared at him in disbelief. When Clark said he wanted to ask him something about the wedding, he was not expecting that.

"I'd be honored, Clark" he finally responded.

Clark smiled at him. "Thanks, Lex."

"I think this calls for a toast," Lex said, heading over to grab his brandy and two glasses. "Especially since you're now old enough to drink." He poured their drinks and handed a glass over to Clark.

"To you and Lois Lane," he said, raising his glass. "You'll need your super abilities being married to her," he continued jokingly. Clark laughed as the two of them clinked their glasses together.

"What did Lois say when you told her you were going to ask me?" he asked.

"She likes you more than you think, Lex," he replied. "She's happy we're getting back to where we were."

"Me too," he said. "And in the spirit of getting back to where we were…" he walked over and grabbed two cue sticks. He handed one to Clark. "How about a game for old time's sake?"