The First of Many

Banner By: Natasha
Title: The First of Many
Rating: PG-13
Author: Sxymami0909
Fandom: Smallville
Pairing: Oliver/Chloe
Word Count: 3205
Universe: This is a one-shot based in the ‘People Make Mistakes’ Universe



Chloe pulled the oven open, reached in with mitt covered hands and carefully pulled out the oddly shaped cake pan. She frowned slightly wondering how exactly the cake was supposed to look like a person’s body as she placed it on the cooling rack and closed the oven.

Just as she was pulling the mitts off her hands Oliver made his way towards the kitchen in a pair of jeans and a button down striped shirt, phone attached to his ear, brows furrowed as he spoke. “Of course I understand, but it’s his birthday…and you said you’d be here.”

She watched as Oliver straightened at whatever the person on the phone said as his lips pursed and he spoke calmly, but Chloe could see the anger in his eyes. “I know that sir and no one knows about business better than me…but it’s his first birthday with us and we really wanted his family to be here. He’s turning nine and….yeah. Okay. Sure I’ll tell him. Bye.”

He pulled the phone away from his ear with a sigh as he pressed the end button, turning and tossing it on the counter. Chloe arched and eyebrow at him and he motioned towards the phone. “That was the General. He’s not coming to the party.”

Chloe’s shoulders deflated. “He told Nathan he was coming out here and staying for the week.” Oliver nodded. “I know that…I offered to fly him out on the jet I even offered to have my pilot wait until his business was completed to bring him here after, but he declined.”

Chloe shook her head, disappointment coloring her features. “I thought he had finally started to change. He actually hung around for a few weeks after everything happened…got to know Nathan…became a part of our lives. Now what he’s too busy to be bothered?”

Oliver shrugged as he sat on the stool in front of the kitchen island. “I don’t know and at this point I really don’t care. I’m sick of him disappointing Nathan. I know he's your family Sidekick, but I’m seriously rethinking inviting him here for the Holidays. I won’t be the one to get Nathan’s hopes up again only to see the disappointment on his face when the General doesn’t show.”

Chloe moved around the counter turning his body so she could situate herself between his legs as she rubbed his arm lightly. “I know…and I’m sorry. At least Lois and Clark with be here…and Mia…and we’ll be here. He’s gonna have a great birthday…though I’m not too sure about the cake…”

Her voice trailed off and Oliver glanced at the cake in the pan and arched an eyebrow a grin sliding onto his lips. “How exactly is that supposed to be the shape of a person?” She groaned and he laughed lightly. “I don’t know! I followed the directions exactly. It said the indentations of the pan when you flip the cake out will show you the outline of a person…”

He gave her an amused look and nodded as his hand fell to the small of her back, his lips placing a light kiss on her jaw, voice soft as he spoke. “Tell me how much you love me.” She wrapped her arms around him and raised an eyebrow. “I love you….a lot?”

He smirked. “What if I told you I ordered a back-up cake complete with the theme of the birthday party on it…then how much do you love me?” Her eyes widened slightly a grin settling on her features as she leaned in and peppered him with small kisses.

“If that was the case then I’d love you…as much as I love my coffee…maybe even…gasp…a little more.” His head reared back gently as he gave her a mock look of surprise, one of his hands going to his chest. “Oh my god…you love me more than coffee?” She rolled her eyes. “I said maybe…maybe even more than coffee.”

He ‘hmphed’ and moved forward capturing her lips in a soft kiss that quickly heated up when she pressed her body flush against his. He groaned into her mouth coaxing her lips open as one hand ran up grasping the back of her neck lightly.

The ringing phone in the background broke them apart and she sighed as she leaned her forehead against his, voice light. “Hold that thought hero.” She reached towards the counter and grabbed the phone. “Hello?” Lois leaned back in her seat as she flipped through a file. “Heya cuz…I was wondering what time is the party again tonight?”

Chloe frowned slightly. “It’s starting at five. Dinner, cake, presents and maybe some movie watching.” Lois nodded as she continued flipping through the pages her source gave her. “Right…isn’t he having another one this weekend?”

Chloe pursed her lips already getting what her cousin was hinting at and she wasn’t having any of it. They were all going to have a nice family dinner if she had to drag them to the penthouse herself.

“That party is for his friends at school. Lois you will be here tonight. Nathan only wanted two things for his birthday. A superhero birthday cake and to have dinner with his family. The General already canceled…you and Clark will be here at five or else.”

She sighed and nodded. “No of course we will. I’m sorry Dad cancelled…you know how he is. Smallville and I will see you tonight cuz.” Chloe nodded. “I’ll see you later.” They said their goodbyes and she pressed the off button before placing the phone back in its holder.

Oliver glanced at her and she waved the phone off, “Where were we?” She leaned back in right as his phone beeped. He let out a long breath and reached for his cell phone reading over the message. He glanced back at her and pursed her lips at his expression.

“What? It better not be work.” He slipped his phone inside his pocket and shook his head. “Nope, Nathan’s gift is ready. I’ve gotta go pick it up. I’ll grab the cake from the bakery on the way back. You just focus on decorations and food. I’ll handle everything else.”

He stood up and she smiled. “I can do that.” He grinned and leaned down pressing a quick kiss against her lips. “Good. I’ll be back in a little bit. Tell Mia to send us a text when she’s on her way back with Nathan so we have enough to get everything together for the surprise.”

“Will do.” He opened the gate to the elevator and glanced at Chloe winking at her as he slid the gate shut. “I love you.” Her heart warmed as she titled her head to the side. “I love you too.” She watched him disappear behind the doors and wondered how she’d gotten so lucky.




______

Nathan grinned as he and Mia walked back towards the car ice cream cone in hand. Mia had picked him up from school early and taken him to the arcade at the mall where they spent three hours playing all kinds of video games before heading to his favorite ice cream shop. It was almost five a clock and they were finally heading home.

Mia glanced at Nathan eating his ice cream and grinned while nudging him lightly. “You having a good day squirt?” He nodded his head excitedly as he hopped towards the car. “Only the best day ever! I can’t wait until my party this weekend. Mathew is gonna come early and help us set up!”

Mia chuckled as she used the keyless entry to the car and guided Nathan towards it. “Sounds awesome.” She pulled the door open for him and he got in and buckled up holding his ice cream carefully. “Are you and Bart gonna come to the party this weekend?”

Mia nodded. “Of course. We wouldn’t miss it for the world. Bart’s sorry he couldn’t be here today, but he’s in Star City. He promised he’ll be back by the weekend though.” Nathan grinned as Mia shut the door and moved around the car. She got in, started it up and pulled away from the curb heading towards the penthouse.

Fifteen minutes later they were pulling into the underground garage and parking. Mia unbuckled her belt, glanced over her shoulder at the eager 9-year-old, and chuckled. The entire area around his mouth was covered with chocolate ice cream.

She shook her head and got out of the car before pulling the back door open as he unbuckled himself. “You’re a mess kid.” He grinned as he jumped out of the car and used his napkin to wipe off his face as they made their way over to the elevator.

Mia had sent Oliver and Chloe a text right after they had gotten ice cream letting them know they were on their way back. Nathan hopped into the elevator, Mia trailing behind him as she pushed the button to the penthouse and then typed in the code.

Less than two minutes later the elevator came to a halt chiming and sliding open to a darkened penthouse. Nathan frowned as Mia pushed open the gate. “Where is everyone?” Mia shrugged. “Dunno, maybe they’re still at work?” His shoulders slumped slightly as they walked into the foyer.

“Oh.” His voice sounded small and her heart tightened as the excitement drained from his body. Mia dropped her keys in the bowl and proceeded towards the living room. “Come on Nate, why don’t we watch a movie…I’ll let you pick.” He gave her a small smile and nodded. “Okay.”

He knew Oliver and Chloe were busy and he understood that they had a lot of work to do and people to save at least they would be with him at the party they were throwing for him over the weekend. Until then he could hang out with Mia.

The minute Nathan walked into the room the lights flickered on and a chorus of ‘SURPISE’ filled the room. He stopped in his tracks startled as he saw Oliver, Chloe, Lois and Clark. A huge smile beamed on his face as he ran across the room jumping into Oliver’s open arms, giving him a tight hug.

“You didn’t forget!” Oliver chuckled and shook his head before moving back so he could see the 9-year-old in front of him. “Are you kidding? We’ve been home all day buddy. Chloe made us an awesome birthday dinner for you and Cousin Lois brought you a special gift from the General….and even though the team couldn’t be here they left a few things with me too.”

He bounced up and down and few times before turning towards Chloe and giving her a shy smile before hugging her too. “Thanks Chloe.” She hugged him back and ran a hand through his hair gently, a warm smile on her face. “You’re welcome sweetie.”

He stepped away from her and turned towards Lois and Clark a grin settling onto his features as he looked at Clark excitedly. “Can you make me fly? Pretty please…” Clark chuckled and shook his head as he lifted Nathan off the ground with one hand and hovered slightly above the room.

Chloe and Oliver watched as Clark maneuvered through the room flying Nathan around slowly with him while Lois and Mia chuckled about something towards the corner of the room. Oliver tilted his head towards Chloe and spoke, voice low. “I don’t know about you Sidekick, but I think we did pretty good here. We might have a future in party planning.”

Chloe rolled her eyes good naturedly. “Mm, let’s not get ahead of ourselves Romeo…one party doesn’t say much. Remember Mia’s surprise party? That didn’t go so well…” Oliver winced thinking about how the team had surprised Mia at Watchtower, but hadn’t told Bart because they didn’t want him to ruin the surprise.

It was safe to say they had all seen a little more than they wanted to that night, which led to some very uncomfortable questions from Nathan. “I try not to remember that night.” She chuckled and turned back toward her cousin who had now joined the fun with Clark and Nathan.

She patted Oliver’s chest quickly before walking towards the kitchen. “I’m gonna get the food out, bring everyone in, in about five minutes.” He nodded grabbing her arm and pulling her towards him for a quick kiss. “Anything for you.” He winked and she smiled before leaving him to entertain their family.




______

Oliver held the gate open as Lois and Clark finished saying goodbye to Nathan, got in the elevator, waved, and disappeared behind the closing doors. Nathan turned and smiled at the older man who ruffled his hair lightly as Mia made her way over to them.

She had just finished helping Chloe clean up the kitchen and she had plans to go out for a bit with some friends from school. She pulled her jacket on and grabbed her keys before bending down to Nathan’s height. “Alright kid…I’m heading out.”

He nodded and wrapped his arms around her giving her a hug. “Are you still gonna drop me off at school tomorrow?” She nodded. “Sure am.” He smiled and waved before calling out to Chloe and running into the other room. Oliver chuckled and glanced at Mia eyebrow raised. “Not too late.”

She rolled her eyes and saluted him jokingly. “Ay, ay captain.” He tilted his head as she made her way into the elevator and waved until he could no longer see her. Oliver let out a light sigh and slipped his hands into his pockets as he moved into the living room where he could hear Nathan telling Chloe about his day with Mia.

He plopped down on the couch and looked over at Chloe who was sitting on the chair across from the energetic 9-year-old. She met his eyes and he jerked his head towards the bedroom. She nodded and cut Nathan off in the middle of his words. “Hey sweetie…Ollie and I have one more gift for you…”

His eyes widened. “Another gift? Really? But we had dinner…and I got the awesomest super hero cake ever….and the new Xbox…and more drawing stuff…” His voice trailed off and Chloe laughed. “So…you don’t want your other gift?”

He shook his head frantically popping up from the floor. “No! I do I do!” Oliver patted the empty spot on the couch next to him. “Well come on sit up here with me and Chloe will grab it.” Nathan hopped off the floor and dropped down next to Oliver as Chloe stood and walked towards their bedroom.

She pushed open the door, lifted the medium sized box, and carried it carefully into the living room. When she got inside she placed it gently on the floor in front of Nathan and glanced between him and Oliver. “Here we go.”

Nathan tilted his head to the side studying the box intently. He noticed the small round holes on the top and his brows furrowed as he tried to figure out what it was. He reached forward unhooking the side of the box and prying the top open.

His eyes widened when he stared down into the box and was met with the face of a very tiny golden puppy with a green bow wrapped around its neck. The minute the puppy saw him it let out a small bark, jumping in the box and wagging its tail.

Nathan’s head shot up as he looked between the two grinning adults. “A puppy? Oh my god you guys are the best ever! A puppy!” A burst of laughter left his throat as he reached and carefully and pulled the small animal out of the box and into his arms.

Warmth filled Oliver’s chest as he watched the small dog lick Nathan’s face. Chloe moved the box aside and sat in front of them on the floor. Nathan pushed himself off the couch to join her on the floor and put the puppy between them.

The small golden retriever ran back and forth between them, letting out small yelping barks as he jumped, and bounced around excitedly. Oliver shook his head. He had searched all the local pet stores for a dog, but none of them had felt right and then two days ago, his secretary had called him telling him that a litter of puppies had been found abandoned on the side of the road.

Hours after the call he’d found himself on the shelters doorstep and after watching all four puppies carefully for over an hour he knew exactly which one he wanted for his family. It was slightly smaller than the rest, a lighter color, and ridiculously energetic.

After telling them which puppy he wanted he’d gone back to the office and planned to find places for the other dogs as well, but by the time he headed back to pick up the dog today, the other three had already been adopted. Chloe’s startled laugh knocked him out of his thoughts and he glanced at the grin on her face eyebrow raised.

“Having fun there Sidekick?” She nodded, eyes bright like a little kid as she lifted the climbing puppy off her shirt and handed him to Nathan. “What are you gonna name sweetie?” He gave Chloe a thoughtful look then glanced back at the puppy with a studious expression.

“I think I wanna name him…Hero. Can we?” Oliver grinned. “Sure…Hero I like it.” Nathan glanced between them as he lifted Hero into his arms. “Can I go play with him in my room? And can he sleep with me too?” Oliver nodded. “Sure. We’ll need to set up his crate and everything but we can put it in your room if you want.”

He stood up and grinned. “Cool.” Nathan started to walk down the hallway before pausing, turning and running back towards Oliver and Chloe carefully. He gave them both a tight hug making sure not to squish Hero before speaking softly. “Thanks for a really great birthday…I love you guys.”

Chloe moved so she was sitting next to Oliver, her eyes getting slightly red-rimmed. “We love you too.” He nodded and turned heading down the hall and into his bedroom. She leaned back and Oliver lifted an arm around her, pressing a soft kiss against her cheek.

“You and me Sidekick…we’re doin pretty good at this being adults thing. I’m sorta proud of us. We’re all mature…on most days…” He laughed and she smiled turning to face him as she cupped his cheek. Chloe hesitated before speaking softly, eyes warm, expression affectionate. “Yeah we are…and who knows maybe someday…we can add more than a puppy to our family.”

Oliver blinked not sure he heard her right before a large smile broke out on his face. “Yeah?” Chloe shrugged. “It’s not a horrible thought.” He cupped her cheek and pressed his lips against her slowly coaxing her mouth open as he deepened the kiss.

A minute later he pulled back mating their foreheads together, eyes warm, love clearly written on his face. “No, not at all. Personally I think it’s one of the best thought’s you’ve ever had.”