Author Note: All comments and reviews are appreciated. They are my addiction, so please feed it!
A big thank you to Chloesilvers for being my beta on this project. This one's dedicated to Al and Jude for helping me organise my thoughts with this chapter.
Oliver picked Chloe up early on Saturday as promised. She was thankful that the drive to the hospital had been in silence- this morning was going to be hard enough for her without having to talk through it beforehand. Despite the quiet journey there, she didn't feel awkward. It had been a comfortable silence, and she was glad that he had made the offer to drive the day before. She needed a friend around today, even if it wasn't to talk.
Oliver showed Chloe the way to her mother's room and the hospital staff greeted him as he made his way through the grounds. Chloe felt vaguely embarrassed that she was having to introduce herself as Moira's daughter while Oliver was already known so well. This was the first time she had visited her mother since the move, and she was ashamed of it.
He stopped them outside the door of a private room. "I'll wait right here. Just let me know when you're ready to go." She nodded silently before opening the door and entering.
Her mother was lying in bed, propped up by a number of soft pillows. As she approached, she noticed five photo frames on a nearby table. There was one of her parents' wedding day and a photo of Chloe when she was ten. She had posted these to the hospital a few weeks ago when she had started to pack in Metropolis. Next to them were more photos that she hadn't sent. One of her and Clark at the Spring Formal, a photo of her with Lois in front of the Daily Planet, and finally, one of her and Bart laughing. She hadn't seen it before, but she recognised the background. It had been the day the JLA left Metropolis to save the world.
"Oliver really went all out." She whispered to herself.
Chloe crossed the room and stood at the edge of her mother's bed. "Hi Mom, it's me." As expected, her mother didn't respond. She just stared, absorbed in her own little world.
"I'm sorry I haven't visited for a while, but I've moved out here now, so I'll be able to see you more often." Chloe pulled a nearby armchair towards the bed and took a seat. "A lot's happened since I last saw you. Clark and Lana are together now - she divorced Lex and they moved in together at the farm. I don't really see him anymore, but I don't think he even realises it. He's happy though, so I should be happy for him too, right?"
There was no answer from her mother, but she continued anyway.
Chloe brushed the hair from her mother's face, tucking it behind her ear like her mom used to do for her. Chloe could smell her shampoo, but it wasn't the floral scent she was familiar with as a child. Her mom now smelt like clinical soap and medicated talcum powder. Chloe made a promise to herself that she would bring some personal touches when she next visited, like her mom's favourite soap and perfume.
"Jimmy broke up with me, Clark told you about him, remember? He's seeing Clark's cousin, Kara now. She's tall, beautiful, and very unique. She's everything I'm not, and I lost him to her. He said that he realised we weren't soul mates, that we really didn't have that much in common. I could have argued that, but he's made his choice. Maybe it's for the best?"
She held her mother's hands, threading her fingers through her own. It was nice to be close to her after so long apart.
"Lois isn't speaking to me anymore. I could take losing Jimmy's love and Clark's friendship if I had her in my life, but she doesn't want me around any more." Her voice started to break as the feelings of the past few months resurfaced. "She found out I was infected, Mom. I found out what my power was in the worst way."
Chloe cuddled her mother's arm as she retold her tale.
"I'm not evil and I'm not dangerous. I heal people - that's my power. But in order to do that, I have to die. Don't worry, it's only for a few hours, but it seems real enough. It happened for the first time when Lois died in my arms. She had gotten herself into trouble as usual, and I found her bleeding to death. I can't remember what happened too clearly: one minute I was crying, and then there was a warm glow surrounding us. After that I passed out and woke up in a morgue a few hours later." She vividly remembered the look of shock and disgust on her cousin's face when she discovered what Chloe had done. Even if it had saved Lois' life.
"That's why I came here. I needed that fresh start. I didn't want to be reminded of all the ghosts of my past, because that's all they are now. I've not heard from any of them since before the move; not even a phone call or a letter." Chloe could feel the tears welling up in her eyes "I've never felt so unimportant in my life, not even when you left me."
"Why can't I be special, Mom? I just want to feel loved. Dad doesn't even stay in touch any more - he's too busy with his new family. He's abandoned us both now, huh?" Chloe let the tears run down her cheeks, and she cuddled in further to her mother's arm, clinging to her hand like it would keep her grounded. She could let go here. There was no one here but her mom to see her tears, and she wasn't even sure of that. "I really need you right now, Mom."
She let herself break down for a few moments. Her mother was the only person who could possibly understand anything she had gone through. Her meteor infection had cost her just as much, maybe even more.
It almost felt like her mother was squeezing her hand back. Was she? Chloe sat straighter and wiped her face. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to be so depressing. It's the last thing you need, right? I promise that I'll be happier in the future. I mean, it hasn't been all doom and gloom these past few weeks, I brought this for you." Chloe released her mother's hand long enough to pull out a folded newspaper. She held it directly in front of her mother's face so she had a chance to see. "See! Your cub reporter made her first headline."
Oliver looked down at his watch. Chloe had been visiting her mother for about an hour now and he couldn't hear any movement. She should be safe within the hospital grounds - there was very little cover for Merlyn to hide in outside. But still, there was always that chance.
Oliver gently pushed the door open. He sighed in relief to see Chloe sat close to her Mom, happily chatting away.
"So you see Mom, things are looking up. Bart and Ollie have been there for me lately, and they're not letting me think about the bad things so much. It's helped having them; they've stopped me from going completely crazy."
He knocked on the door, alerting her to his presence. "Sorry, I just wanted to check to make sure everything was okay."
Chloe was startled at the knock, but recovered quickly. "It's fine, Ollie. It's probably a good idea to get going anyway." She could see Oliver standing awkwardly by the door. "It's okay to come in, you know."
"Hi, Mrs. Sullivan." He said as he stepped into the room.
"I suppose you already met, huh?" She said to her mother. She stood up from her chair and straightened the pillows. "I'll be back in the week. I'll bring you some things - we'll see if we can brighten this place up. And I'll try to find those lavender candles you used to like so much."
Oliver put the armchair back in its rightful place as Chloe gave her mom a hug. "I love you. I'll see you soon." She kissed her on the cheek before picking up her purse and walking towards the door.
"We'll take care of her. I promise." Oliver told Moira before following Chloe out of the room.
Chloe was leaning against the hallway wall when he joined her. "That was hard."
He could tell that she had been crying but didn't mention it. He had learned that the women in her family didn't like to have their weaknesses exposed. Instead, he collected her in his arms and gave her a hug.
Oliver had never hugged her before, and Chloe was surprised at the close contact. She felt herself melting into his arms and relaxing in the comfort he provided. She felt safe and warm.
Chloe had always been a touchy person, and right now she could feel how the lack of personal contact lately had left her feeling vulnerable.
"Thank you, Oliver. For everything." She lifted her head from his chest, and looked up to meet his eyes. "You've done so much for me and my family. I'll never be able to pay you back, but I just want you to know how much I appreciate it."
"I'll tell you what, you buy us coffee and I'll call it even." He smiled down at her. Coffee was an offer she would never refuse, and the caffeine would be welcomed at this point.
"Okay, you talked me into it."
Oliver led her down the hallway with his arm still around her shoulders.
"But just so you know, you're buying Bart's pastries. My pay cheque only stretches so far, Mr. Queen."
"Seriously Oliver, with all your money you would think you could afford a car with a little leg room." Chloe squirmed in her seat "I'm five foot two, and even I am uncomfortable. It's a good thing you do all that yoga."
Oliver chuckled. "Don't worry, we're here now anyway." Oliver pulled up in front of large gates which automatically opened as his car began its approach.
"Oh my god, this is your home?" Chloe couldn't believe what she was seeing. She had been to the Luthor mansion on many occasions, but it seemed to resemble a tool shed in comparison.
The place was huge. It was two stories high, but seemed to stretch forever. As they drew nearer, Chloe squinted as she tried to focus on the building. "Even your roof is green!" She exclaimed while laughing.
"I promise you, it was like that before I was ever given the keys."
"Uh-huh. So you say."
Oliver parked the car in front of the light stone mansion. Chloe opened the door and managed to get herself out of the sports car, while keeping her paper bag of goodies intact. "Like I said Ollie, this car is ridiculous." She said as she regained her balance.
"'LICIOUS!" There was a shout coming from the front door. Chloe had little time to respond as she was suddenly lifted and spun around. She squealed with shock and was swiftly put back on her feet.
"Was that enthusiastic welcome for me, or for your muffins?" She said waving the bag in front of Bart's face.
"As much as I love you Chloe, Bossman hasn't stocked the kitchen in forever. I'm so hungry."
Chloe rolled her eyes and handed him the bag. "I think I'll let you off this time."
"That's one of the reasons you are so awesome." Bart kissed her on the cheek before running into the house.
Oliver frowned as the young man ran off. "You know, if he's becoming too much, I can get him to back off." It hadn't gone unnoticed how often the speedster touched or kissed Chloe. It was starting to grate on Oliver's nerves.
"He's fine. Bart's always been affectionate around me, and I don't mind." Chloe smiled and closed the car door, "A little male attention can do wonders for a girl's ego!"
Oliver shook his head. "Just don't encourage him." He walked towards her before grabbing her hand. "Come on, let me show you the place."
"Lead the way!" She encouraged happily.
Oliver led her through the open doors to the reception room. Chloe looked around. The hallway itself was almost the size of her entire apartment. She could see why Oliver was reluctant to live here on his own. All of that space to himself would feel incredibly lonely.
"Wow. This place is huge! You seriously think we can clean all of this in a weekend?"
"I hope so. I want to move in tomorrow."
Chloe wandered into an adjoining room. There were dust sheets covering the furniture, and heavy curtains covered the windows. She walked towards the curtains and drew them aside, allowing the light into the room and the dust to rise into the air. Coughing she opened up the windows in an attempt to air the room.
"I'm not holding out hope they've even started without us." Oliver said while trying no to cough.
"Hey, I'm offended!" Came a voice from the doorway.
Chloe looked over to see Victor and AC standing there, flecks of paint were scattered over their clothes and skin.
"For your information, your kitchen has now been dragged back from the nineteenth century." Victor said.
"Hey, Chloe!" AC said as he walked towards her. He wrapped his arms around her in a crushing hug, easily lifting her from the floor. "Long time, no see!"
AC gently placed her back on the floor only for Victor to grab a quick hug of his own. "The team's never been the same since our Watchtower went back to her civilian life."
"That was a one-time gig, I hardly think that was long enough to make an impression." Chloe said with a sheepish smile. As much as she would love to deny it, co-ordinating a JLA rescue mission was one of the most adrenaline fuelled experiences she'd ever had, and she had loved every minute of it.
"I just hope Oliver can convince you to join the team full time. There might be less chance of us being cornered by an entire security outfit in a locked down Japanese harbour." AC said, throwing a meaningful look in Oliver's direction.
"That happened one time!" Oliver said defensively.
"Whatever dude, those guys planned on making us sushi, and we were about to get out asses handed to us." AC said, grinning at Oliver's indignation.
"I got us out, didn't I?"
"If I remember correctly, it was Bart and thirty metres of rope that got us out." Victor piped in.
"You're all here and in one piece. That's the main thing, right?" Chloe stepped in "You're all smart, talented men. I'm sure it wouldn't have been a problem for any of you to come up with a plan."
Oliver smirked as he watched the other men turn their attention to her, smiling. Victor hadn't been wrong that Chloe had been a useful addition to the team. Her feminine charm was working within minutes of her being in his home. He could only imagine the positive effect she would have as Watchtower long term.
He pushed the thought from his mind. It was a fantasy even considering that Chloe would work with them again. She was swearing off of all heroes - Watchtower would probably be her own personal version of hell right now.
"Where's Bart?" He asked.
"He finished his snack and then headed upstairs. He's starting on the cleaning." Victor replied.
"Probably the best place to start." Oliver said as he looked around the room.
"We can hit the rooms upstairs as Bart manages to air them out - start moving that furniture down." AC offered.
Oliver nodded in agreement. "Great. If we can get the bedrooms half finished by tonight, I'll be happy."
"Okay, we'll get started. Make sure Bart's putting that speed to good use too." Victor walked from the room.
"Yeah, because that speed worked so well with the kitchen." AC muttered as he followed behind.
"You want me to help out with cleaning upstairs or moving furniture first?" Chloe asked as she took off her jacket.
"I have a special project for you." Oliver took Chloe's jacket and placed it over one of the covered chairs.
"Oh?"
"This was my mom's favourite room, and a lot of her favourite trinkets are in here. Dad brought one home for her every time he returned from a trip away." Oliver pulled a sheet from a glass cabinet full of tiny figurines. "I really don't want the guys crashing through breaking things. I'd like your help packing things up."
Chloe peered into the dusty cabinet. "You're getting rid of them?"
"No. I'm going to store them away safely, prevent them from being damaged." He used the sheet to wipe more dust from the cabinet "I'd like this room to be our main living space."
Chloe looked around the room. It was large, which was imaginable with a house this size, but as she took everything in, she could see its potential. With all the curtains open, this room would be bathed in light from sunrise to sunset. The room could be warm and welcoming, just what the guys would need after a difficult mission or a rare day off. A lick of paint and some TLC was all that was needed.
She smiled as her imagination ran with the possibilities the room provided. "Let's get started."
It was eleven at night before Oliver had offered to drive Chloe home. Today had been both emotionally and physically demanding, and she was exhausted. She was longing to wash off the grime of the day before sinking into her bed for a few hours uninterrupted sleep.
He pulled up outside her apartment and turned off the ignition. "Thanks for all your help today, Chloe. You have no idea how much I appreciate it."
"It's not a problem. If I wasn't helping you, then I would probably be watching television until I passed out. So really, you're doing me a favour." She told him with a grin.
"C'mon. I'll walk you up." He got out of the car before Chloe could argue.
Chloe stepped from his car with Oliver's helping hand. She gave him a puzzled look. "You really don't have to walk me in Ollie, I'll be fine."
"Amuse me?" He asked her as she let herself into the building.
"Fine."
Oliver smirked at her defeated tone.
Chloe led the way up the staircase to her floor. As she reached her apartment door she turned to look at him. The look on his face was familiar, and knew what he was going to do before he even spoke.
"You're patrolling near my apartment again tonight."
"Better safe than sorry."
"I really don't see why. Personally, I think the Green Arrow has scared Merlyn off." The expression on Oliver's face didn't change, and Chloe knew it would just be easier to give in. "You know what, I'm not even going to argue. It's not worth it. You'll only do as you please anyway."
"Great!" Oliver said with a smile. "You won't mind if I check your apartment out first then!" He snatched the keys from her hands and let himself in.
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Give an inch, and they'll take a mile." She muttered under her breath before following him inside.