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This chapter will give you a little more insight into the terrible Luthor past dear Chloe has had.

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Enjoy.

Xx

Chapter Seven; Trouble.

'If I ever let you slip through my fingers, I have no idea what I'd be capable of' – Lex Luthor. (Season 6, Episode Crimson)

Chloe rolled the arrow in her fingers. With Lex's demands and tasks she'd not had much alone time to investigate further, but now she sat crossed legged on the bed filled with wonder. The last few days had been spent being amazed by such a small device, marvelling, puzzling… it was occupying her mind all the time. Now she was coming down to her last guesses.

What was it made of?

How did it carry the charge of electricity powerful enough to knock out a brute like Lex's goons?

Again, she turned it in her fingers, the silver shaft shining in the light from overhead, the emerald feathers of the fletching brushing against her skin gently.

Did Arrow intend to fire these from distance? They were too small she noted. They'd have to be affixed to arrows to be fired. It explained the shape of the projectile, it could easily become the extension to a basic arrow.

With a sigh, she turned the object again.

Did he craft it himself? Surely not, it was too skilled. There were few places for criminals to buy such skills… most she could find by a walk around suicide slums.

Clearly a visit was in order.

Her fingers froze their activity as the thought became more developed. She had time now. The sun had set and work had finished for the day regarding Lex's records. Now, she could focus on Arrow.

Being a criminal, it wasn't a large stretch to say he had friends in the slums. Maybe these friends were loose lipped when it came to her powers of persuasion. Maybe she'd walk out with a name in 30 minutes…

Excitement filled her arteries, flooding her system.

Even if she found no friends, she could find the retailer of these weapons and find a link back to her target.

With a smile, she found herself full of energy. Anticipation fuelled her actions and she found herself in Lex's study tugging on her coat before she could think of the words she wanted to say.

"Going out?" he asked in her momentary silence after she burst through his door. Without knocking, he noted, slightly peeved.

"Green Arrow lead. Time sensitive." It wasn't, but she didn't want to be locked here explaining herself for the next 30 minutes.

"Where?" He closed the laptop and stood, his interest peaked.

"Slums." He wasn't shocked. No, not at all, in fact he expected the archer to have friends in those dirt ridden parts of the city.

"Take-"

"No guards." She cut him off before he could say the words. He rose an eyebrow at her. "My informant isn't going to talk with a brute behind me. And we know suits don't do well for getting words out of people in the slums."

"You have friends. Call them. You do not need to leave." She took a breath to calm herself before replying.

"Not all of my 'friends' will be so lose tongued. Some persuasion will be in order."

"Then take some muscle." he re-iterated.

"I want them to be able to talk afterwards Lex. And it's not always that kind of persuasion that's necessary." Lex's blood boiled, his features turned hard, no-body touched Chloe but him.

"You're not leaving."

She breathed a laugh.

"Not that kind of persuasion Lex." She hid the offence she felt that he'd thought she was ready to whore herself out for information. "The kind that favours and little computers skills buys."

"You're not going alone." he stated again and closed the conversation, moving back to his laptop, but he didn't open back the screen until she had agreed.

"The only way I'll take someone is if they promise to stay in the car, and that would make them obsolete anyway." He didn't see her point of view. He didn't even try. "I know you're concerned Lex, but I can take care of myself."

"And what about Arrow." he spoke slowly. "Will he be as forgiving now that you've tricked him? Will you remain an innocent bystander to him now?" Her stomach suddenly flooded with butterflies, she was potentially walking into the lion's den.

A lion that was heavily injured, she corrected.

"He's in no state to be harming me Lex, he could barely walk last I saw him." The images still haunted her mind. Not that she could admit that to Lex. Pity for a murderer… he'd send her away if he even caught a whiff of that kind of emotion. She needed to be 100% in the game.

"And his friends." he prompted. "No doubt he has shared your true colours with them by now." She felt a cold shiver stretch deep down her back.

"I have many allegiances in the slums. More than them, stronger than them." she bluffed. She had many allies, she had many strong bonds… but then she left without a word. Friendships fell apart quickly in such dangerous climates, she could only hope the embers still burned hot enough.

"Chloe. You. Are not. Going. Alone." he spoke slowly and flipped back open the lid on the laptop.

"Alright. I'll take one. Only one." she conceded and leaned against the sofa, waiting to negotiate something agreeable.

Seconds passed with no input from Lex, just the click of keys, then a silent stare at the screen… something had caught his attention. She moved closer, intending to enquire as to the new development. As he heard her feet move his eyes clicked up.

"I thought this was time sensitive Chloe." The 'reminder' was a clear red light and dismissal. She bit down on the boiling anger and nodded, turning sharp on her heels and marching out.

"Miss Chloe requires two bodyguards for her immediate departure." Chloe heard Lex speak to the phone. Her head spun back and rage flickered in her eyes. But Lex didn't look up to see the hurt, he didn't even lift his attention from the screen to speak aloud.

With a huff, Chloe hit heels to the wooden floors at a rapid pace and claimed the first keys she saw. The sleek black ride roared alive before security could even get their gear together.

She let her anger out on the gas pedal and gunned the engine loud and disruptive until Luthor's manor was a mere dot in the rear view mirror. Unable to calm as quickly as she wanted she couldn't enjoy the ease of handling nor power locked under a hood of a stallion.

Regardless, by the time she had parked the car in a secure garage a safe distance from the thefts of suicide slums she was satisfied that security wouldn't be able to track her once they had finished following the GPS to the car.

She had a name in her mind and photos of the arrow in her handbag.

Jack was an art fanatic, well, he was the one to see when you wanted something pricing for the black market, under-the-table trades. He'd also be her best bet of identifying the material of the arrow. He could point her in the right direction for buyers, sellers and weapon enthusiasts. They would be her ticket to finding a name. And that name, would be her one way ticket to freedom. A smile crept to her lips as she let herself think of such a delight.

Arrow crouched on the roof. It couldn't be…

But what would Lex Luthor's lay be doing on the wrong side of Metropolis? Silently he followed her from above, watching as she turned further into the darker side of the criminal district.

Since Morgan Edge had retired from his business of governing the crime of downtown metropolis, there were smaller bands of criminals which looked out for themselves, they'd attack anyone they assumed a threat to their new independent system of living. He had the scars to prove it. Well, he did have. He also had too many broken ribs to count and couldn't breathe. He flexed his fingers, fisting then releasing the fully healed digits. The RL-65 did wonders… once the side effects were controlled he'd be safe to take it out with him. But since he'd spent the entire day yesterday locked in a room screaming bloody murder in a fit of rage, he could hardly approve it yet.

Three addresses later and her kitten heels were tapping the wrong kind of ground. He promised himself he would just watch and not interfere, but at any moment she could be taking her last breath in these parts. His finger twitched as she approached another abode. From his positioning he didn't see the shotgun to her back until he saw her reaction.

"Hold it there Missy." A voice muttered behind her. It was full of disinterest and had the rasp of a heavy smoker. When she didn't move the barrel was nudged against her again and she slowly raised her hands in a show of innocence.

"I'm looking for Jack." she replied softly.

"Yeah, and I'm looking out for you. Go home now Missy, turn around and be glad I was here tonight." he retorted, softening the pressure on her.

"He's an old friend." she continued.

"Turn around and go back. Forget you came." he reiterated in a commanding voice, ignoring her.

"Just let me see Jack. Tell him-"

"Ain't nobody called Jack around here love. Trust me on that." He sounded true. The smoker released his grip on the gun to cough out a blackened lung, or at least you would guess from the sound.

Chloe whipped around and had the shotgun from his hands and in hers.

"Jack. Black hair. 6 foot 3 inches. You'll tell me where he is now or-" Chloe stopped and lowered the gun. "Charlie? Is that you?" The muscled man flashed his gaze over her features and recognition crossed him. The shaggy hair flopped over his eyes, untamed as usual. Age had met him well, she noted. He was still handsome as ever.

"Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Never thought I'd see your face again. How are you lass?"

Oliver watched stunned through his crosshairs as the gate keeper of the inner circle pulled her into a hug usually only reserved for favourite family members. Who was this woman?

"Lookin' for Jack are ya?" Charlie asked after they'd sped through the very basics of catching up. "Last I heard he had some business with Loretta… if you catch my drift…" Chloe caught the drift loud and clear.

"Where did he run to?" she asked humorously. Loretta was the woman men continually wanted, but could never keep, and as soon as things went downhill they usually skipped town to avoid her mood swings.

"That's for him to know and the rest of us to wonder." he answered on a sigh. So nobody knew. Great… no Jack. No Jack meant no starting point.

"Don't suppose you know who took over his businesses?" She tried without hope.

"Sorry lass. My domain has nothing to do with the changing of hands. I finished with that after Arlene gave birth. I'm just making sure the lost city folk don't end up as fertilizer."

"Congratulations." She smiled, but it quickly turned to a sigh.

"Oh, lass. Put a smile on that face. You don't ever deserve to be sad. All you've been through. I saw Alfie the other day, he wandered from wherever he's been liv-"

"Thank you!" she suddenly exclaimed. "I owe you Charlie!" she added, heading off in the other direction. Charlie ran his fingers through his mess grinning at the girl's enthusiasm, it had been a while since he'd seen her like that.

Oliver followed her from the rooftops, watching in awe as the woman received threats then seconds later she'd be pulled into greeting. Each time she had a different name called to her. Just how many did she go by? He didn't even have a clue what she was born with. Certainly no Charlotte Maine was employed at Luthorcorp, nor any other name that matched her description. If she didn't work for Lex, why was she doing his bidding? Could she not see the villain he was?

"Alfie?" she asked, stepping closer to the old man with cautious footsteps. He might be old and retired, but his grumpy attitude mixed with penchant for carrying weapons could be dangerously fatal.

"No. Nobody of that name here. He retired and moved to San Francisco last I heard." The voice was practised with lying, so much that even she had to double take.

"It's important Alfie."

"Listen you. Your great grandpa ain't here anymore, so piss off." She watched his back as the muscled moved to grip a gun.

"I'm not looking for a great grandfather. Just a great man with a lot of important knowledge." She watched his frame lock and she went on edge, it was still only a 50-50 chance she would leave alive.

"I told you to scram lady, don't make me do something to force you." he hissed and turned to point the gun at her. Watching, she saw his eyes squint then widen again. "Well…" On a breath the anger seemed to drop and he became unburdened again, like she knew him before. A smile played on his wrinkled mouth and he opened his arms for her. "It's been years. How are you sweetie?" he spoke as she embraced the old man. "Still under Lionel's reign?" he asked.

"I'm a hand-me-down actually." she conceded. "Lex has me to play with." He frowned and released her, choosing to rest his tired frame on the steps instead.

"Still no escape clause?"

"If there was-"

"Aye, yes. You would have found it. Ain't that the truth. You're still good for work aren't you though?"

"He keeps me busy." she answered without divulging any more to upset the man. "But that's not what I'm here for." He rolled his eyes.

"Too much to ask for a social visit then." he complained in his grump. But the humour was there too. He was a scrooge when it came to conversing. If he could avoid it, he would.

"Jacks business. Who's looking after the sales and trades?" The old man scoffed a laugh.

"Aye. Down here for business alright. I wouldn't tell you if you paid me. You need to stay away from those parts of life."

"So it is true." she commented, his words reaffirming the rumours she'd heard in her visits while hunting down Alfie's address. "Where do I find Bryan?"

"Those words should never leave anyone's lips." he sternly told her, shutting down and closing off.

"Alfie. It's important, I wouldn't ask otherwise. You know that." Seconds passed where he grumbled under his breath, cursing and blinding.

"What trouble you in now?" he finally asked, anger in every word.

"None, surprisingly." she admitted. "I need information."

"I've got information girl!" he snapped.

"Specialised arrows, where do I buy them?"

He groaned.

"Arrows? What you after arrows for? Bullets still work don't they? Or are they too last season for you now?"

She laughed and looped her hand around the railings.

"Information." she explained. "For a client." she added after a second.

"Well this client is leading you into deep waters." He sighed heavily. "Yeah, you'll need to ask Bryan. I can hook you up with guns, bullets, and even throwing stars. But medieval weaponry is out of my interest range. I'm hardly the prime age to start building new contacts." he admitted with another grumble. He loved the girl, but being back in that vicious world again was too dangerous.

"No. I wouldn't ever ask you to, you deserve your rest. I need to find Byran that's all."

Time passed in silence. Finally a loud resigned groan came from the aged man and he answered.

"You'll need a trip to the hospital then…"

"He's dying?" she said it so quick she couldn't stop the excitement showing at the thought. To describe Bryan as a mean bastard was like saying nuns had maybe once given thought about the idea of there being a God.

"One could only wish." he huffed. "Drive-by nicked his shoulder with a nine millimetre."

"Suppose I should pay him a visit."

"You'd be the first. Even his daughters steered clear of this one." he told her, pleading with his eyes for her to stay as far from this as possible. But he knew her well enough to know she'd never let it drop.

"Never too late to mend fences." she spoke and rose from her perch, brushing off her coat. "Besides, I can get something he wants."

"Really?" he asked, genuinely surprised. "Never known Bryan want anything…"

"Small things Alfie. Very small." she replied mysteriously. He shook his head in humour and looked up at the women he had once found crying on the street. She had certainly grown since that day. Blossomed into something beautiful and strong. Shame she'd been so deep in with the Luthor's though.

"Met Gen. Room 206." he reeled off the information reluctantly. "Take someone with you though girl. Some muscle or something. Please. For your own sake."

"Alfie. I owe you." She laid her lips briefly to his forehead and turned to leave.

"Chloe." he called. Slowly she turned, not used to being called her real name by anyone who wasn't a Luthor. "Be safe will you?" With a humble nod she gave him one last hug and was taking the faster route away from suicide slums.

Alfie sighed and gripped the railing to haul himself up. He'd fathered a few bastard children in his younger days, most he had no care to know or bring into his life. But Chloe… she was more blood than his own offspring. She was the one that he couldn't turn away no matter what happened. As far as family went, she was it. With another grumble, he smoothed his aged fingers over the pistol in comfort and prayed for some god to care for the woman's health, because he knew damn well it was the last thing she thought of when she had her mind set.

Arrow fisted his hands again. He'd been out of earshot for most of the conversation between them, but from the fatherly hug and care he showed, he knew he'd be finding out the name of this man one way or another. Finally he'd be able to put a name to the dame who was driving him insane. Murderer she'd called him… she thought he was a killer. She'd tricked him and intended to turn him over to Lex, but still he wanted to see her.

Now where was she going? he wondered as she wrapped her coat tighter around her small frame and hurried past streets on the fast track out of the slums. Unable to follow any further he watched her fade from sight as she left the slums for an exchanged safety.

Who was she?

What was she doing in such a dangerous place?

Had Lex sent her down in his bidding?

Damn Lex, he could kill that man!

Chloe was met at the parking lot by four very annoyed employees of Lex's. Stern faces froze all optimism she had of freedom. Heavy hands encouraged her into the passenger seat. A cold silence led her back to Smallville, the buzz of his radio told her Lex would be waiting for her and his mood was far from pleasant. She watched in the quiet as tall towers of buildings turned to busy neighbourhoods, eventually it flowed to scattered factories amidst fields. Finally, the car drew to a stop as her heart grew to lodge in her throat, pounding against her with every hurried beat, Lex was in the doorway. A fierce ember burned, almost vibrating against the night.

Her eyes flickered to the driver, he met her with a shade of guilt and quickly put his full concentration on his grip on the wheel. But she'd met a fate worse than this under that roof, running would only make it worse, she had learnt that in a way she never hoped to repeat. With forced bravo, she stood from the car and walked the short distance across the gravel. Almost ominously the crunch under foot was only broken by the engine of the car fleeing from the scene to be stored again.

She stopped half a metre from him, daring herself to look into his eyes when nobody moved. She saw emptiness.

With a blink, he stepped back into the warmth, she knew without a word that she was to follow. But he didn't lead into the study, nor to the parlour. He passed the bedrooms and pushed open the door to the library that held the history books she had no interest in. The door shut out his security and his calm patience was also barred.

"What were you thinking?" he began.

"I was thinking about getting the job done!" she snapped back, instantly loosing fear and finding it replaced with hatred. How controlling did he want to be?

"And I was thinking about your safety. In case you forgot, you belong to me!" He made the claim she hated hearing with every intention of hurting her. "You follow my orders and you do not EVER betray me!"

"It was necessa-"

"Was it?" he interrupted. "Was it necessary when I helped you? Was it necessary when I fought to give you a life?"

"Some life!" she scoffed. "How is this any better for me?" she screamed. She saw the anger bubbling brutally aggressive under his skin, but the next words slipped free before she could hold them back. "You really are your father's son."

Panic raced her body as she saw Lex's fist tighten and raise. Fear came strong and fresh hitting every cell and shutting her down. She'd gone too far this time. After all Lex had done to save her and she was trapped in the same hell. Her skin stung in anticipation of the hard blow, each millisecond torture for her as she waited for the pain. She pried open her eyes after too long to see Lex drop his fist to his side.

"You will follow my orders Chloe. There are worse ways to punish your disobedience than sinking to my father's lows." The voice was controlled but not as calm as he intended. With the threat in the air clinging to her bones he stepped out of their deadlock towards to door. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow's a fresh start." The gesture was merciful at best. Something she hadn't expected of Lex, yet she knew why. He was proving he wasn't like his father.

Shakes overtook her and she dropped to the floor after the door clicked closed behind him.

The sooner she un-masked Arrow, the sooner she could be free from this torture. But a comfort washed over her knowing that if Lex hadn't released her from Lionel's reign she'd be dripping crimson onto the mahogany floors right now, trying to hold back the sobs until the end of the sounds of her tormentor's footsteps walking away.

"And now?" he asked, his height powerful and restrictive.

"I-I… I…"

"I-I-I-I" he mocked cruelly. "If you want to talk, speak properly."

"I won't do it again." she swore whole heartedly.

"I don't believe you."

"I promise. I swear. Please." Her begs were nothing to him. She watched from her red knees as he grew taller and taller.

"You need to learn." he stated, like it justified everything he did.

"No. please. I-I swear it won't ever happen again."

"I wish I could believe you Miss Sullivan."

"Please Mr Luthor. It was an accident."

"An accident?" he repeated. "Is that what you'll have me believe?" he asked in rhetoric. "I am neither stupid, nor going to let your lies carry on."

"No. no, I swear. I didn't mean to. It was an acci-"

"An accident. I heard the first time." He took a step closer. "But you're only making it worse for yourself by carrying on the lie."

Lionel stepped closer, the shining buckle of his belt glinting in the light. Her eyes watered, the rich leather lay tight in his fist.

"Please, I-"

"Enough." he called and she brought up her arms to save her body again as the belt broke the air.

Chloe woke sharply, covered in a cold sweat. Her eyes stung, her arms ached, her back burned, a toxic tear leaked from her scared eyes scorching the track down her cheek and falling to the bedspread. She shot her fingers back in her hair pushing it back from her eyes. She needed air, she needed to think clearly, she needed to lose the fuzzy feel of the nightmare that told her it was reality.

Pushing from the bed she stumbled in the dim light to the en-suite and shoved open the door with a force she hadn't intended. The wood bounced back to shut almost immediately as she passed.

Water.

Cold water hit her face putting some colour into her cheeks, washing off the sting of the nightmare. She was safe, she told herself. Lionel was gone. Lex wouldn't hurt her as long as she did what he asked.

Maybe it was Stockholm Syndrome her mind piped up, maybe she believed she was safe with Lex because she'd spent too much time around him and was going mad. Chloe shook her thoughts out and reached for the towel, patting her face dry. No, Lex was no villain to her. He'd saved her. He was the hero. And she wasn't his prisoner, she could leave… but it wasn't favourable. She was the closest to complete freedom she'd been for years.

Feeling empowered again she turned on her heels, this time more gently opening the door, but her reflection caught her eye. A strong women faced her dressed in short pyjamas. She'd always been a strong willed one. But the face was aging, the looks were fading and the stress was kicking in. As much as she wanted to deny it, deep in her heart she wanted to settle down with someone, relax and kick out a few kids. But not while she was under the Luthors. She nodded strength at the woman in the mirror and turned her back.

Her back…

Pausing on the spot, she risked a glance back. The soft cotton of the top hid everything from view, but she knew what lurked beneath. Scars of her battles, her punishments, her unrestrained will. As she had done many times before she lifted the top and crept closer to the mirror, letting her back fill the view. Most of her skin was its creamy colour, soft to the touch… but then there were lashes of white and pink blending in. Most didn't even notice, most she never let see, those that did catch a glimpse couldn't tell unless they were right on top of her. Scars that wouldn't fade, marks that couldn't leave.

Memories that shouldn't be forgot.

She knew how she got those three crossing lines. It was the day she pushed him too far. The day he revelled in drawing blood. The day she wished to never forget, but not for that reason.

"Papa." she breathed almost silent to herself. She missed him ever so. Since her mother left… he was all she had… and now she was alone.

"I am strong." spoke aloud, and dropped the material. Lionel had beat her down more than he was allowed, and now she was stronger than ever. He would get what he deserved, that she would see to.

She filled back off the light and put herself into the bed again, forcing her eyes shut. She would not be beaten by a bad memory coming to life in her dreams. No, she would think of her future. Of her own private island, tanning on a beach as far from the Luthors as money would allow.

"Ten minutes." he swore. "Ten minutes and I'll be up." Eyes met her over the laptop on the desk. An angelic smile shot to her and infected her own lips. "You look beautiful when you smile." he spoke getting distracted. "You also look beautiful dressed in that green lingerie, that one with the lace that sits over you so amazingly that I can't wait to take it off you." A cheeky wink added to a dirty proposal had her cheeks alight with colour.

Her man stood from behind the desk. "Why don't." He took steps as he spoke. "You. Go and slip into that lovely underwear for me. And I'll bring you up that surprise I was talking about earlier." His fingers curled under her chin and she couldn't help but smile.

"And this surprise?" she asked just as devilishly. "I'll like it?"

"You'll love it."

"It's nothing bad."

"Bad stopped happening to you as soon as you met me babe." His lips came down to hers, his tongue begging for entry which she gave.

"If this is any indication of where my night is heading I think I'll love it." she breathed as they parted, her eyes still closed and bliss still painted all over her face. No binding contract tying her down. He could tell the freedom was delightful for her, it made him just as happy.

"Oh darling, the night's young." he teased. "And you know my talents never disappoint." His arms slipped around her, keeping her as close as lovers could be. "All I need is ten minutes. Ten horrible minutes for us to be apart. Ten minutes where you can freshen up, dress up and lay seductively in that big bed for me. Ten minutes where i'll think of nothing but you. Ten terrible minutes of proofing!" he added a melodramatic groan and sank to his knees before her, his hands splayed on her hips. Slowly he looked up with lusting eyes. "Tell me it's not worth it. Tell me to quit and take you now. We both know I will."

She smiled again, that beautiful smile that caused an explosion in his pulse.

"You have 10 minutes to finish your work Mr Queen, then you better be in our bedroom or there will be trouble."

"Ma'am yes ma'am." he answered, then dropped character for a moment "And you'll wear those stockin-"

"I think I'd know what you like by now." She grinned, her thoughts on the many occasions she'd donned this lingerie set for him. It was by far his favourite. Why? Because it was the first set he's taken her in, the first time he'd held her that close, the first drag that got him addicted.

"But not those ones with the silk on the-"

"I know." She cut him off and guided him back to his feet to plant another kiss on his lips. "I know what you like."

The original underwear set had been destroyed in an act of passion a few nights after the honeymoon. They'd been buying in bulk for when he felt the need to rip, but sometimes, he craved a little stiletto on her feet, others it was a necklace, sometimes the stockings were required. It would be some steamy sex tonight, she knew. "Ten minutes." she reiterated and tapped her wrist where a white gold watch hugged her. She turned and walked out of his study. "I'm counting." she added from the hallway, her heels on the floors. "And I expect that work to be done!" she called in afterthought.

"It won't be." A deep voice called behind her. She felt her balance be taken as a body met with hers and swept her off her feet taking her back to the study.

"Chloe, what's-" Oliver was stopped short as he saw him. And manhandling his wife like that. Anger rose as Chloe was shoved to the floor, the study doors locked with the man inside.

"You thought you saw the last of me. Handing me over to Lex like that?" he hissed at her. "Selling me out!" The emerald archer was in a furious rage, his crossbow aimed directly at her. Oliver reached for the gun under the desk. He'd told his wife he'd got rid of it like she asked, but he needed something for their safety… except his hand met solid wood, the gun wasn't there. She'd probably searched the house herself and got rid of it. Damn Luthors, ruining his women! He would have to fight this archer hand to hand, he had faith he could win.

"I-I-I didn't know what he was doin-"

"Didn't know?" Arrow shouted. "How naive are you? Did you think he'd let me play with puppies?"

"I-" Oliver saw the fear in her eyes, the guilt in her lips, the shame in her posture as she crawled backwards across the floor slowly.

"You took my life from me. It would only be fair to return the favour. But then you wouldn't suffer enough would you? So I'll take his life from you!" The crossbow suddenly changed direction and the arrow flew before any reaction could change.

It landed with true aim slicing clean through Oliver Queens carotid artery and slamming into the wall behind them. Oliver cupped his neck, feeling the sting of blood seeping from him. Slowly he felt himself slipping down, gravity claiming his body.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Her scream could be heard across the world. It was one of pain and torture so bad it would curse the lands into depression for years on end. No care for the escaped murdered who had taken her husband's life she sprinted to Oliver, holding close his body, covering the wound. But his vision was blurring, his skin was white and his life was ending.

"Chloe." he whispered between the flickers of death. "Love you." he managed to utter. He felt the wet tears cascade onto his skin as she rocked him. Then it was dark.

Greif turned to anger and she turned back to the man she had once locked away. Killing the workers wasn't enough, he had to come back to kill her happiness. Her eyes looked at the man she had once kissed asking for a reason why.

The only answer she got was the cold sting shooting across her neck, the thud echoing in her ears as another arrow lodged in the way behind her. Blood sped from her artery, her mind going blind in the pain.

At least she'd be away from this man and back with Oliver.

For the second time that night, and not the last, Chloe woke in a cold sweat, her hands shivering and pulse shaken.

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I missed you. Hope this was good for you too :)

Feedback earns imaginary baked goods and fluffy baby animals. (Yes, I am very comfortable with bribery, thanks for asking :))

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