People Make Mistakes Chapter (6/13)

Banner By: Andrea

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Chapter 6
August 17th 2010



Oliver was just finishing up the last of his paperwork when his secretary buzzed him.

“Sorry to bother you Mr. Queen, but there is someone here insisting on seeing you.”

Oliver rolled his eyes as he continued to sign the last paper in front of him. Up until this point he’d actually been having a good day. The first in a while. When was Tess going to realize that he was done playing her games?

He got her message yesterday after he and Chloe left the orphanage and he’d chosen not to call her back. Knowing her, returning the call would only incite things between them and with everything else going on in his life he didn’t need to add fighting with Tess to the mix.

“Hanna tell Miss Mercer I’m busy and whatever she has for me to please leave with you and I will take a look at it later and get back to her.”

He heard Hanna pause before she spoke in a quiet voice.

“It’s not Miss Mercer sir. There’s a General Sam Lane here to see you.”

Oliver stopped what he was doing and frowned. General Sam Lane…Lois’s father? What could he possibly want with him? He cleared his throat and spoke calmly into speaker phone.

“Alright…send him in.”

“Yes sir.”

Less than a minute later the door opened and Oliver stood as Hanna showed the General into his office. Oliver met him half way into the room, smile on his face, hand outstretched. Sam shook the younger man’s hand taking note of the sturdy grip.

“General Lane sir, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

He nodded.

“Mr. Queen, I apologize for the lack of appointment, but I’ve got an urgent matter to discuss with you.”

Oliver motioned for him to take a seat as he walked back around his desk.

“It’s not a problem, what can I do for you?”

“It has recently been brought to my attention that my sister is under your care and it’s imperative that I speak with her. Surprisingly even with all my security clearance I am unauthorized to enter the specific wing of your facility that she’s in.”

Oliver frowned as he watched the man in front of him, confusion on his face. He was trying to wrack his brain and figure out if there was anyone with the last name Lane that was currently under his care. Sam sat to attention, hat in hands as Oliver spoke.

“I’m sorry General, who exactly is your sister?”

“Moira Sullivan.”

Sam watched as a startled look crossed the young billionaires face. Oliver leaned forward in his seat hands resting on his desk as he spoke.

“Chloe’s Mom? I didn’t realize she was your sister. I thought Chloe and Lois were related on their mother’s sides. Have you tried calling Chloe? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind taking you to see her.”

Before he even finished his sentence Oliver saw the change in the General’s body language. He tensed, confident demeanor faltering slightly as he glanced quickly around the room before looking back at him. Sam’s voice was cautious when he spoke.

“I wasn’t aware that you knew my niece.”

Oliver nodded and leaned back in his seat while studying the older man. Something wasn’t right. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but it seemed like the General was hiding something.

“Actually sir, Chloe and I have been seeing each other for a little over a year now.”

Sam’s brows creased a frown settling on his face. When he found out Moira was in a secure facility under the care of Oliver Queen he just figured his daughter had asked him as a favor to help out her cousin. Though he wasn’t sure why Moira required such detailed care, but either way it looked like his assessment was incorrect.

The last time he’d spoken with Moira she was in a facility in Metropolis. She was disoriented, but still functioning fine on her own if things had changed since then he’d had no prior knowledge of it. The last thing he wanted was to get Lois or Chloe involved in this mess, which is why he hadn’t told his daughter he was coming into town.

By the looks of things though, he was going to have to give Lois a call when he left there. He sighed before speaking.

“I see…well even so I don’t think there’s any need to bother Chloe or Lois with this. After all I am family. I’d appreciate it son, if you would clear me to see my sister.”

Oliver nodded. It was becoming obvious that Sam Lane did not want anyone to know he was attempting to see Moira, the question was why? Apparently Oliver was going to have to take a different approach to the conversation.

“Perfectly understandable and I can definitely do that, but there are a few things you should probably know before going to see her.”

Sam’s shoulders tensed again.

“Such as?”

“When’s the last time you spoke to Chloe? Are you aware of your sisters…unique make-up?”

Well that answered Sam’s question on whether or not Oliver Queen knew about Moira’s abilities. His jawed ticked and he gave the younger man a curt nod.

“I am.”

“And what about her current state of mind?”

“What do you mean?”

“At the moment Mrs. Sullivan is in a catatonic state. That’s why she’s in my Star City facility. So she can be within close proximity to the best doctor on my staff. He’s the head of her team and for the past few years they’ve been working to create a serum if you will that will counter act the effects of her meta-ability for more than just a few hours, but without the original formula it has proven difficult.”

Sam was silent for a moment as he digested the news. He remembered what happened all those years ago with Moira and Chloe. The day she realized how dangerous her power were to her own child. He never envied the fact that his sisters were different, that they had gifts.

Instead he spent his time trying to protect them from anyone who might take advantage of their abilities including the government. One of the many reasons he was who he was in the Army. Sam met Oliver’s eyes and he could see the blond studying him.

And he could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew more than he was letting on. Sam scratched the back of his head and cleared his throat.

“Listen kid, I appreciate everything you’ve been doing for my sister, but can we be honest here?”

Amusement colored Oliver’s face as he leaned back in his chair placing his hands behind his head and never losing eye contact with the man in front of him.

“I always prefer honesty.”

Sam leaned forward elbows against his knees as he spoke.

“Good. Obviously you’ve come to the conclusion that my daughter and niece don’t know I’m here right now and in the interest of their safety, I’d like to keep it that way.”

Oliver frowned and opened his mouth, but the general held up a hand and continued.

“In regards to my sister, no one and I mean not even the United States Military has that much security around one person unless they’re either trying to keep that person safe or imprisoned. So which is it Queen?”

Oliver pursed his lips together unsure of how much to tell the older man.

“I assure you general I am doing everything I can to help your sister. I have only her best interest at heart.”

Sam smirked slightly.

“Nice avoidance tactic.”

“Thank you sir, I’ve learned from the best.”

He sighed at the lack of humor on the other man’s face.

“Look…Chloe gets regular updates on her Mother and all visitors though cleared by me, are run by her for final approval. I’ll clear you to see Mrs. Sullivan as long as you realize I will not lie about it or hide your visit.”

Sam’s brows creased and Oliver could see he was about to protest, but he held up a hand to stop him.

“General Lane, I love your niece very much and the only reason we’ve lasted this long together is because there are no secrets between us. It’s taken me a long time to get Chloe to open up and I won’t risk our future on you…no offense.”

Sam was tight lipped as they sat across from each other neither willing to give in. It took a lot for people to stand up to him and not back down. Maybe there was more to Oliver Queen then he’d thought. Finally the general gave Oliver a small smile, stood, and put his hat back on.

“How long do I have before you speak with my niece?”

Oliver’s body unclenched and he chuckled.

“I’m heading out now, but I’ll tell Chloe to wait until at least tonight for Lois’s call before saying anything to her.”

Sam nodded.

“Alright then. It was…interesting meeting you Mr. Queen.”

General Lane gave him one last nod before making his way to the door and heading out. Oliver watched him go confusion swirling around in his head. What in the world was going on?




_____

Mia took a deep breath, drew back the string on the bow, and aimed. Right as she was about to let go there was a gust of wind that startled her causing her arm to jerk up in the release. The arrow sailed through the air, ricocheted against a metal beam and embedded itself into the side of a picture frame on the wall. Mia through her hands up in frustration as she placed Oliver’s bow on the ground.

“Jesus Bart, get a bell I was trying to…you’re not Bart.”

Clark stood in Watchtower, eyes searching the room before they landed on the petite brunette in front of him. His body tensed as he gave the young woman a cautious look.

“Who are you and how’d you get in here?”

Mia glared at the newcomer, crossing her arms over her chest as she took in his stance.

“I think a better question is who are you and what are you doing barging into places uninvited. Ever heard of knocking?”

He took a step forward and Mia dropped into a fighter’s stance. Chloe took that moment to walk through the double doors, two cups of coffee in hand. She froze as she took in the sight before her confusion settling on her face. She spoke breaking the tension in the room.

“Am I interrupting something?”

Clark glanced at Chloe and nodded to the girl in front of him.

“I came to see you and found her here going through Oliver’s things.”

Chloe chuckled and moved further into the room. When she made it to Mia’s side she handed the teenager her coffee and spoke.

“Yeah I think she was practicing though I can see that didn’t go so well.”

Her eyes drifted to the picture frame and Mia huffed.

“Well that’s because Mr. Tall dark and moody came speeding in right as I was taking my shot. He scared the crap out of me.”

Chloe smiled and Clark raised an eyebrow.

“So you two know each other?”

Chloe rolled her eyes.

“Of course we do. You don’t think I let just anyone in Watchtower do you? This is Mia, Mia this is Clark.”

She turned toward Clark eyebrow raised clearly looking unimpressed by the tall man less than ten feet away from her.

“This is Boyscout?”

Chloe nodded and Mia let out a humph before shrugging and moving toward the desk.

“Hmm I thought he’d be taller.”

“Hey!”

Clark’s indignant voice echoed through the room as Mia grinned and Chloe laughed. She moved towards the mainframe while taking a sip from her coffee. Chloe pressed a few buttons as she spoke.

“What’s up Clark?”

“I was wondering if you had a chance to get any more information on that women yet. Lois is driving me crazy.”

He watched as she started typing frantically, different windows popping up on the monitors surrounding her.

“I’m doing the best I can. It’s been busy the last few days with the League, packing and stuff, but hopefully I should have something by tonight.”

Clark frowned.

“Packing…where are you going?”

Chloe stopped what she was doing and swallowed hard before turning so she was halfway facing Clark. Ever since Clark came back from his training or whatever he was doing when he ran off claiming Clark Kent was dead things had been different between them.

It was better than before, but not back to the way they were. And to be honest Chloe wasn’t sure they’d ever get their friendship back to the way it was.

“I was going to tell you and Lois once things settled down. I’m moving in with Oliver. We decided just the other day.”

She gave Clark a small smile, but he didn’t return it.

“Do you think that’s a good idea Chloe? I mean I know you and Oliver have this…thing--”

“A relationship Clark. Oliver and I are in a relationship. It’s not like that’s new news. We’ve been together for over a year.”

Her voice was gentle, but Clark could see the warning in her eyes. He knew what that meant. She wasn’t asking for his permission and voicing his concerns would do nothing to change her mind, but he couldn’t help it. Sure they were happy now, but Clark just didn’t think Oliver was the right guy for Chloe.

“Exactly. It’s only been a year. Don’t you think you’re rushing into things? I know Oliver thinks he’s in love with you, but you know how he is. You saw what happened with Lois and--”

His rant was cut short by the furious looking teenager sitting at Chloe’s desk. Her voice was loud and hard as she spoke.

“Chloe isn’t Lois. Oliver does love her. What would you know anyway? I don’t think I’ve seen you around them once since I got here. Maybe you shouldn’t stick your nose in other people’s business.”

“Mia…”

Chloe’s voice was soft and Mia clamped her mouth shut before sighing and glancing back down at her coffee and taking a sip. She really wasn’t Clark Kent’s biggest fan at the moment. No wonder Oliver had issues with the guy. He thought he had all the answers.

Chloe looked back at Clark a semi-shocked expression on his face at the young woman’s outburst. The look Chloe was giving him told him the best course of action would be to drop the subject.

“Listen Clark, I’ve got a lot of work to finish up, but like I said hopefully I’ll have more information by tonight.”

He glanced between the two women before giving Chloe a tight lipped smile.

“Great, well I should probably go before Lois realizes I’m gone. Guess I’ll see you later…”

He paused for a second, but before she could say goodbye there was a gust of wind and he was gone. Chloe let out a heavy sigh and Mia snorted.

“Well he’s pleasant.”

Chloe glanced at the teenager sitting at her desk, feet up and shrugged.

“Clark’s a good person…he’s just a little misguided sometimes.”

Mia rolled her eyes.

“He didn’t even say thank you!”

Chloe pursed her lips together and Mia took that as a sign that it was time to change the conversation. She cleared her throat, put her feet down and spoke.

“So…you’re moving in with us…”

“It seems like that’s the case,” worry crossed Chloe’s face as she continued speaking, “are you okay with that?”

Mia frowned.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Chloe pressed a few more keys and then moved away from the computers and towards Mia.

“No reason It’s just if this whole adoption thing pans out then a lot of things are going to change…for all of us I mean.”

“Are you scared?”

Chloe raised an eyebrow studying Mia carefully.

“Are you?”

She gave the older woman a thoughtful look and then leaned over on the desk a hopeful look on her face and Chloe could see the kid inside Mia that she barely let out.

“Honestly?”

“Of course.”

“Don’t tell Oliver or anything, but I’m kind of excited. I mean I know I’m practically an adult, but I’ve never really had a family before. I never had people who wanted to be around…or cared if I was okay or safe or happy. This…right here with you guys. Well it’s the closest I’ve come.”

Chloe’s face softened and Mia shrugged looking away from the blonde, feeling exposed and vulnerable. Two things she did not like feeling. Chloe touched her arm and squeezed it lightly. Her voice was soft when she spoke.

“I’ll tell you a secret…I feel the same way. I mean I have Lois, but this is different. Sure I’m slightly terrified,” she chuckled lightly, “but it is exciting…isn’t it?”

Mia grinned.

“Yea…it is.”

They quietly smiled at each other for a minute before Chloe motioned her head in the direction of the target.

“Come on, I’ve got a ton of stuff to do and a recon mission to walk Canary through and you need to work on your shooting. Oliver said target practice for an hour. Hop to it.”

Mia smirked at the authorative tone in Chloe’s voice and popped up from her seat bounding towards the target. Chloe watched her go a warm smile on her face. Maybe this whole moving in with Oliver thing wouldn’t be so bad…now all she had to do was tell Lois…

Chapter 7