The Fall 11/?

[calie15]

Title: The Fall 11/?
Fandom: Smallville
Rating: NC17
Summary: Sometimes even a hero needs to be saved.
Notes: I've been working on this on and off since yesterday. I hope it's what everyone has been waiting for. I like it. I'd kind of played this out a few different ways in my head, but this seemed the best. Not to much but just enough. Please review! 

 

Chloe scanned the newspaper silently. Just as she lifted the coffee to her lips she stopped. Staring back at her was Oliver, and a very voluptuous brunette on his arm. Chloe swallowed hard and let her eyes stray to the caption.

‘Oliver Queen, CEO of Queen Industries attends the Mayor’s ball.’

She looked down further where the article discussed his most recent transgressions and bad business decisions. He’d been unavailable lately; she didn’t know that because she had tried to contact him, just from what the other members of the JL had told her. For a time it seemed he had been coming back to them, leading them once again. But ever since that night in her apartment a week ago…he’d just hadn’t been there, reverting back to his old reckless behavior.

---

Oliver leaned over the bar and studied the three shots lined up in front of him. Everything in his gut told him to just get up and leave, go home for the night. The problem with being sober and in the silence of his own home was that his mind wandered. It had been doing that a lot lately and no amount of alcohol would stop it. To work, to Clark, Lois, Jimmy, Davis, Lex, his parents, and most of all Chloe. All he could do was replay that scene in her apartment over and over again in his head. Thinking about what he could have done differently, what he really had wanted to do.

Taking the first shot he threw his head back and downed the fiery liquid.

Then when he realized what he really wanted it scared him. Oliver couldn’t remember being scared in a long time. Never Lex, never Doomsday, just Chloe and his need for her. When he sat there drowning in his mistakes and the people he lost all he could think about was her, how he’d much rather be in her warm apartment, feel her smooth hands on him, her arms around him.

Downing the other shot he slammed it on the table.

The problem was he knew if he went to her, begging forgiveness and falling in her arms she’d take him in, she’d hold him and when he tried to kiss her to ease the pain he felt she’d let him.

“Well, well, well. I can’t see I’m not surprised to see you sitting here drinking yourself to death.”

Oliver felt himself tense at the sound of the familiar voice. “I’m surprised you have enough nerve to get this close to me.” Turning his head he found himself meeting the eyes of the woman he’d tried for so long to get back. “Considering I’d love nothing more than to strangle the life out of you.”

Tess smirked. “Try.” She titled her chin up in invitation, but when he turned his head she smiled in triumph, lowering her chin again. “You aren’t that scary Oliver.”

“Tell that to the guy whose arm I broke.” Oliver took the last shot and placed it on the bar.

“Yes, well, I don’t think he was expecting you.”

No he hadn’t been. He’d been expecting to take care of Chloe with no problem. Every instinct told him to control his anger, because if he didn’t she’d know and she’d use it against him. Turning in his seat he looked at Tess evenly. “I would hope you had gotten my warning. The next time you send someone after anyone close to me I’ll kill them and then I’ll come after you.”

“Scary words from a man who can’t even take care of himself.” She leaned in and narrowed her eyes. “Stay out of my business Oliver and I’ll leave you alone. But if you don’t I won’t hesitate. And next time she will be dead.” His arm grabbed her suddenly, squeezing her hard, and before she could stop him he was hauling her up and pulling her through the bar. It didn’t matter how hard she tried to pull away from him, or pry his hand from her, his grip didn’t loosen.

Oliver yanked her into one of the curtained private booths and slammed her against the wall. Wrapping his hands around her neck he placed his thumbs over her windpipe. “Make me do it Tess, I dare you.”

“You wouldn’t.” She could barely control the shudder that passed through her. The problem was she didn’t know anymore. The Oliver that she knew had been different, the man before her seemed almost wild.

“You threaten her or anyone else I’ll kill you.” He pushed against her throat and watched as her eyes widened in fear. “You don’t know me Tess and you have no idea what I’m capable of.”

Just when she feared he might actually strangle her he dropped his hands and left. It took her a few moments before she came back to herself and was able to push down the fear that she’d felt. She’d underestimated him, that wouldn’t happen again. Pulling out her cell phone she dialed and waited. “He just left. Go remind him who’s in control.”

---

The cell phone rang, drawing her out of sleep. Squinting her eyes, Chloe peered at the alarm clock and groaned. It was just after midnight. Grabbing blindly for her cell phone she hit talk without even looking at the caller ID. “Hello?”

“Chloe, were you sleeping? We’ve got a problem.”

She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes. “Bart?”

“Yea, look, Oliver called us about an hour ago. He got roughed up by a couple of Tess’ guys. He took care of them. They were alive, but he needed us to move them.”

Her stomach dropped. She could only imagine what one of Tess’ henchmen would do considering she’d had her own experience with them. “What’s wrong? Is he okay?”

“Yea. He’s fine. Kind of. Looks a little rough. I mean we took care of everything. Dropped those idiots off at a hospital. Oliver did a number on them. But he’s roughed up pretty good. He didn’t know I called you, but I was thinking maybe you could go over there and you know…maybe heal him.”

She sighed. Partially from relief and partially because the last thing she wanted to do was go see Oliver.

“I know you two don’t really get along. But he looks bad. And I mean it’s not even just that. It’s like he’s not himself. He just. I don’t know, like really down. I’ve never seen him like this.”

“I don’t know what I can do for him.” She could heal him, but that wouldn’t do anything for the real problem.

“Just try, please.”

She wanted to, she really did. But Bart didn’t understand, he didn’t know the most recent rift between Oliver and Chloe. But she didn’t want to let Bart down and most of all she really couldn’t sit there and not even try. “Okay. I’m on my way.”

---

Oliver groaned at the sound of the buzzer signaling someone at the elevator. He pushed himself off the sofa, where he had collapsed an hour ago and remained, and headed to his computer. When he tapped the mouse pad he almost felt sick. Oliver hit the speaker and forced the angry tone. “What?”

“Let me up. And don’t think about telling me no because you know I can get in on my own.”

Knowing he had no choice he buzzed her up and headed back to his sofa, turning off the lights as he did so. The last thing he wanted was for her to see him. The sound of the gate opening signaled her arrival.

“What happened to all of the light?” Chloe squinted in the darkness, trying to make out his figure.

“Just leave it off.” Oliver said gruffly.

“Yea, whatever.” As she walked slowly she stopped at a table lamp and flicked it on. As her eyes readjusted to the light she spotted him sitting slouched against the back of the sofa clad in only a pair of shorts. “Bart called me.” Closing the distance between them, she came to stop just a few feet in front of him. The light was dim, but from what she could see his eyes were swollen, there was a deep gash on his cheek, a swollen lip, and if it wasn’t the shadows then she believed his ribs were bruised.

“Don’t even think about it.” She reached her hand out and he grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

Before he had a chance to stop her the second time she grabbed the arm that held her. The light started from her palm and enveloped him, healing him in only seconnds. She staggered forward under the pain of his injuries. But just as quickly as they over took her, they were gone and she was standing upright again. As her eyes roamed over his body she breathed a sigh of relief. The hand that had held her fell away. “Are you okay?”

Oliver rested his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. Having her so close, it made him sick. She plagued his thoughts night and day. It made him miserable, everything about her made him miserable. His whole life was a train wreck which was only made worse by the woman standing in front of him.

“Oliver?” He didn’t say anything, just sat there, and she could slowly feel her heart breaking for him. “Ollie.”

He could hear the pleading in her tone, and he wasn’t even sure what it was for, because he’d done nothing to deserve it. But it made him reach out for her hand, pulling her closer to him until he felt her shirt brush against his hair. Without even thinking of the repercussions Oliver wrapped his arms around her thighs and pulled her against him. Resting his face against her stomach he sighed, his breath coming out in a shudder as he tried to control the emotions that were threatening to take him over.

Slowly, unsure of what she should do, she lifted her hands and laid them over his head, holding him close. There was nothing she could think to say that would be appropriate. In fact she didn’t even know what she would say. She’d never been very close to Oliver; she didn’t know how to comfort him. But he seemed content to just hold her.

If she would have pulled away from him he didn’t think he would have been able to handle it. Knowing she was there helped, but her rejection, he couldn’t handle that. He didn’t know when he’d gotten so desperate for her, but he didn’t care. At least she was there, holding him, her fingers sliding gently through his hair, her hand sliding down and rubbing his back. It wasn’t sexual, he just wanted to touch her, be closer to her.

He sat back, pulling her with him. When her legs bumped the cushions he grabbed the back of one of her knees, pulling at it, making her kneel on the sofa, and then grabbing the other one. She went willingly, not sure what else to do, and found herself straddling his lap. His arms went around her waist, hugging her closer. When he buried his face in her neck she wrapped her arms around him. She’d never been so close to him before and perhaps he didn’t realize his state of undress, but she did. She hadn’t been so close to a man since Jimmy died. Now here she was straddling Oliver, and pressed against his naked upper body. His hands slid over her back, finding their way under her shirt, but they stilled again, resting against her bare skin. “Ollie, what’s wrong?”

All he heard was concern in her voice. She wasn’t asking him what he was doing, why she was suddenly in his lap. He wanted to say something to her, and when he lifted his head, looking into her concerned green eyes he tried. But it never came.

The pain on his face was evident; she could see some internal battle going on behind his troubled eyes. Chloe lifted a hand to his cheek and cradled it gently, rubbing her thumb over it gently. “It’s okay.” His eyes moved, seeming to be searching her face. The lack of space between them was beginning to make it difficult for her to breathe. As much as she tried to tell herself she just needed to comfort him, she couldn’t stop her eyes from traveling to his lips. As if he understood what was going through her head he pushed on her lower back, forcing her closer. Their lips met for the second time, this time much slower than the first time in her apartment.

When he slid his tongue over the seam of her lips she gave him entrance. Oliver pulled one of his hands from under her shirt and buried it in her hair. The first time he pulled away it had been easy, he had seen reason. This time he didn’t care. All he cared about was her in that moment, keeping her there with him, forgetting about everything that troubled him. If she was the only thing that could make him forget than that was fine, he’d do whatever he could to keep her. Oliver didn’t even realize he’d become hard until she grinded her hips into him. Unconsciously he dropped his hand to her hips, pulling her down against her. She whimpered into his mouth and he was suddenly overcome with images of her in his bed below him, naked. It was too much.

Chloe pulled away, pressing her forehead against his own. “Ollie.” His hands dropped to her hips, holding her against him.

“Don’t leave.” It was out of his mouth before he could stop himself. Her chest pressed against him as she inhaled, breasts pressing against his chest. “Just to sleep. He needed her to much to let here leave. Her fingers slid up his head, combing through his hair.

“Just to sleep?” Chloe asked in confirmation, not even thinking of the repercussions. All that mattered was he wanted her and she wanted to be there.

Oliver brought his hands up to her face, cradling her cheeks in his hands gently. He’d never been so gentle with her. He’d been an idiot. All along she’d been the only one who could bring him the kind of peace he needed and he’d treated her horribly. “Please.”

He’d never pleaded with her. And it didn’t matter what he asked of her at that point, he’d said please. It was so different from the Oliver she’d come to know. He was so desperate; she could see it in his eyes. All she could do was say yes. “Okay.”

Oliver pulled his hands from her and settled them on her hips as he slowly stood. She unfolded herself against him, kneeling on the sofa and then standing. Looking down at her he was once again reminded of the difference in their height. She was so short and small against him, even smaller in her pajamas. It struck him that she must have come straight over when she’d heard of what happened, not even caring to change. Oliver grabbed her hand in his own and pulled her gently to him, pressing a kiss against her forehead. “Are you sure?” She nodded, and that was all he needed.

When he pulled harder, leading her towards his bedroom she didn’t resist.

---

As she shifted soft sheets rubbed against her bare legs. That was her first hint that she wasn’t in her bed. The one she was currently in was way too comfortable. Half awake, the nights previous events rushed back to her. She couldn’t help but wonder where Oliver was, but didn’t dare open her eyes to find out. She didn’t have to wonder long though. The bed shifted and a warm body pressed against her back. As his hands slid over her waist, pulling her closer to him she tried to keep her breathing even.

“I know you’re awake.”

Chloe turned in his arm and lay on her back. When she opened them she found him looking down at her, the sunlight that had made its way through his curtains lighting up his face. He looked different then what she had remembered. He didn’t look angry as he usually did, mad at the whole world, or even troubled as he had seemed the previous night. “How did you know?”

“Your breathing changed.” He’d been awake for a short time before he noticed her waking. Nervous and scared about how she’d react to waking up next to him. But now that she was looking up at him, still in his bed, he felt those fears slowly fading away.

“You could notice that?” She asked speculatively.

Oliver shrugged it off. Silence settled over them and her eyes moved over him as if she was searching for something. She’d want to talk and he knew they would have to, but not yet. Leaning over her he lowered his lips to hers and she didn’t stop him as he feared she would have. Instead her hands slid over his cheek and into his hair, pulling him closer.

The last thing she should have been doing was kissing Oliver in a bed. But that didn’t stop her from running her hand down his back, feelings the hard planes and the way his muscles slid under her hands as he moved over her. One knee slid between her legs and she parted them, allowing him to settle his body between them.

Nothing mattered at that moment as he kissed her. She held on to him, nails biting into his skin. When he pulled his mouth away and trailed it down her chin she lifted her chin up, exposing her neck to his lips.

His hand found its way under her shirt and when his thumb brushed over her bra clad breast she arched her body against him. It was almost a shock to feel the hard length of his erection pressed against her core. Chloe squeezed her eyes shut, whimpering as she bit her lip. His hand wrapped around her waist as he thrust against her.

Oliver dropped his face into her neck and released a shaky breath as his body responded to her.

“Okay, okay.” Chloe grabbed his shoulders, but didn’t push him away. He shifted against her, putting pressure in all the right places. But then he was still, arms holding him up over her body and face still buried in the crook of her neck. Worried that he might think she was pushing him away she slid a hand around his neck, holding him against her.

After taking a few deep breaths in an effort to calm himself, Oliver lifted his head, looking down at her. Slowly a small smile slid over her face. Oliver opened his mouth to speak, but the sound of his house phone ringing stopped him. He growled to himself and she laughed. “Just wait.” Oliver reached over, grabbing the phone off his bed stand. Still laying over her he pressed talk. “Hello?”

“Have you seen Chloe?”

Oliver cocked and eyebrow and mouthed Bart’s name to her. She nodded. “Why?”

“Well I’ve been calling her all morning. She said she was going to check on you last night and I wanted to see how that went.”

“Bart, I’m sure she’s just sleeping. I’ll try getting in touch with her.”

“I could go over there. It would only take a second.”

“No.” Oliver said a little more forcefully then he would have liked. “It’s fine. I’ll take care of it. I’m sure she doesn’t want you showing up at her door freaking out. Okay?”

“Yea, okay.”

Oliver hung up and looked down at her. “Bart is looking for you. You may want to call him back before he shows up at your place and realizes you’re not there. Where’s your phone?”

“My purse.” He moved off of her body and she tried to ignore her disappointment. He was back seconds later, purse in hand. Chloe sat up with a groan and dug through it. It only took her a few moments to ease Bart’s worries and then she found herself facing a much larger problem, Oliver. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her. “I don’t know what to say.” He just sat there, his face unreadable. “I don’t know what you want from me.”

The truth was Oliver hadn’t really thought it through. He didn’t know what he wanted either.

“I mean I can’t be like those girls. Just someone you can use to forget about for a night. So I mean if that’s all last night was, that’s alright. We’ll just forget about it.” She paused, hoping he would interrupt her, tell her that wasn’t the case, but he was silent. “I just can’t be hurt like that, not after everything I’ve been through.”

Her voice shook as she spoke and he couldn’t sit there any longer letting her get upset. “It isn’t like that.” She stopped talking, waiting for him to continue. “It isn’t that easy. Don’t you think I tried not to-.” He stopped. It wasn’t going how he wanted it to. He wasn’t even really sure how he wanted it to go. “I don’t want that.” He did, but not the way she was thinking.

“You don’t have to explain yourself. I mean I’ll leave right now and that’s okay. You don’t have to worry about it.” She didn’t see the look of confusion that came over his face as she stood up. All she knew is she didn’t want him to see her upset; she didn’t want him to see that he’d already gotten to her.

Not even sure what was going on he grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. “I don’t want you to leave. We’ll figure it out, okay?” She seemed hesitant at first. “Just stay.”

“I don’t want to be hurt.” She blurted out. The last thing she wanted to do was appear pathetic, but she had to say it, she couldn’t take the chance. “It’s only been a year and I just-.” He pulled at the arm he still held and cradled her face with his other hand.

“It’s okay.” When she nodded he pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. “We’ll figure it out.” She slid her arms around his neck. Feeling the need to pull her closer he hauled her into his lap. She came willing, straddling his legs and tightening her arms around him. Oliver wrapped his arms around her waist, holding here close. With a sigh he buried his face into her neck.

Comments

[gen717.livejournal.com]

And to think I was about to go to bed! Whoohooo, I'm so glad I didn't!

Have I told you how amazing this story is yet?

Every chapter just gets better and better. In fact after I post this comment I'm going to read this chapter again, just so I can enjoy it one more time! Great writing, great story line, everything is so well written. I'm so glad I stayed up! :D

[lynzie914.livejournal.com]

So, like the loser I am I've been checking all day for an update, and this was so worth it! I absolutely loved the scene where he just wanted to be held. It was so perfect. And the Tess scene, where he grabbed her by the throat, so poetically just. I can't wait to read more and find out what happens next!

[calie15.livejournal.com]

I know I'm so sorry for the late update! It just took forever! But I was determined to get it up. And the next chapter will pick up almost practically where the last one left off. So another chapter of Chloe/Oliver goodness before I get back into all the drama.

[calie15.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I like it too. I think it might turn out to be my longest yet. I'm still trying to work out what I want to do with Lex though. That is giving some problems. But hopefully it will come to me eventually.

[kc-2009.livejournal.com]

Ok... I'm still recovering from this... And this comment is going to be a little long, cause I don't want to hold my thoughts about this chapter.
At the begining, I didn't like so much that Oliver was so agressive with Tess, but then I understood that he was really collapsing.... he wasn't in control of himself anymore...
But all the rest, since Chloe got to Oliver's apartment... perfect, just perfect. I felt all of Oliver's anguish, fear, sadness, and also felt all of Chloe's confusion, need of comfort him, help him... Honestly, I got my eyes teary when Oliver buried his face in his hands, and then hided on Chloe's belly... he was suffering so much, and he just didn't know the right way to deal with that. But now he couldn't hold it anymore... I'm so glad to see him breaking, it broke my heart but I'm so glad, because he's starting to open his heart to Chloe... And when he asked her to stay, just to sleep... again, so perfect. I don't want things rushed between them, and this way was so tender, so sweet... All what Oliver needed was to feel her... and I think Chloe needed to be close to him too.
And now he's feeling better because he's being honest with himself and with her, and Chloe's also starting to fall for him because she's now getting to know the real Oliver.

Really, so well written, I read slowly every word you wrote, to enjoy all of the emotions that you brought in this chapter...
It made me almost cry, made my heart's beat rise, made me smile... I simply loved it!! And this is my official season 9 now :)

Like Gen said, I need to read this all over to enjoy again...

[calie15.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the great review. But about Tess your right, he was kind of hitting rock bottom. Things had been going down hill for him and then when he kissed Chloe on that whim it was kind of the last straw for him because he realized he really needed her but he just wouldn't allow himself. So finally when she showed up, I guess he didn't hve a choice. But I know since Chloe's break down a few chapters back that it would be ridiculous if Oliver didn't have a similar episode. So I'm hoping now I can kind of get him to ease up a bit. He'll still be a bit tempermental becuase he's Oliver, but not so much to Chloe.

[kryptolori.livejournal.com]

WOW I know I've said this before but this time I really do meant it, this was the best chapter yet! lol it just keeps getting better, I actually liked Ollie being a bit rough with Tess, it't about time! Now the Chlollie scene, gosh that was so damn good, everything that is great about Chlollie was in that scene, the comfort, passion, understanding....it was amazing, an absolutely pleasure to read again and again! Great job.

[campbti.livejournal.com]

That was wonderful. Just caught up with the three chapter update. This is an amazing story. I like how lost they both feel and how hard it is for them to get ahold of their feelings. But also just instinctively knowing that they need each other. This chapter especially was simply wonderful. Keep up the great work, I anxiously await another chapter.

[calie15.livejournal.com]

Well Tess did have it coming. The Chlollie scene went just the way I hoped it would, I was really happy with it.

[lilmoochie.livejournal.com]

This was just HAWWWWWWWTTTTT! I can't begin to list all the things I love about this because it would take too much time. Incredible is all I have to say. The slow redemption of our hero and the making of a great pairing is just amazing.

I loved that Ollie threw Tess a curve ball, loved it..
Keep up the great writing, cannot wait to read more...

[gen717.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm thinking I'm stuck again, but hoping to work through it. I started back at work and life is crazy again, so I've not had much time to sit and write or come online to chat with you about stuff.

You're doing a wonderful job here. Really, this one is fast becoming my favorite of yours, it's soooo good.

[mad-nephelite.livejournal.com]

That was beautiful. Can't wait for more!

[nightsrayne.livejournal.com]

Ah! i love it i love it i love it. awesome chapter. their whole interaction was just heartwarming and made me grin. I love what you did with oliver, having him show a softer side and break down a little. :) i wub this story cant wait for more. yay chollie!

[cking1575.livejournal.com]

Oh WOW! What an incredible chapter!!! Great job with everything! Loved how Oliver was so aggressive with Tess, I like that she doesn't know him anymore too, she couldn't judge whether he'd follow through with the threat or not. And Oliver wrapping Chloe in his arms, burying his face in her belly! Oh the image, I just pictured him so broken. Wonderful job! Can't wait for the next chapter!!! :D

[calie15.livejournal.com]

They both have been pretty lost. I'm hoping at this point they kind of work through it together.

[calie15.livejournal.com]

Tess had it coming, that was for sure. Plus I needed someone to kick his ass into misery. =)

[calie15.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I swear I'm going to have another chapter up soon. Maybe in a couple of days.

[calie15.livejournal.com]

I knew for a while that I needed him to be totally broken down before he could start turning himself aroud. It didn't seem to work any other way for me. I'm glad it worked so well for everyone else though. =)

[calie15.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you picked up on that thing with Tess. Because I think as I've been writing this I kind of realized that he is totally a different person now and at this point she really doesn't know who she is messing with. And that scene with him hugging Chloe, I knew I wanted that, I had that decided before I had written the chapter. I wanted him to be that desperate.

[calie15.livejournal.com]

I hope you can work through it. It's hard when you've been writing something for so long. Thanks again for the review. This story is working our really great.

[haleyjames1.livejournal.com]

Definitely the best chapter so far. I loved how intense it was, how Chlollie was close without it being sexual and stuff. And I love to see how Ollie's struggling with his feelings for Chloe. "I don't want this" Awesome. Perfect for jealousy. If Ollie saw Chlo with another guy then it might make things even more interesting.
Good job.

[calie15.livejournal.com]

This fic is definately about Oliver's struggles. He's definately going to have it rough going from trying to fight his feelings for her to trying to control them.

[justwriter2.livejournal.com]

(giggles) They've *slept* together. It was nice. I think that when I get married that for the first few nights I'd like to *really* sleep with him and then when he and I are comfortable with one another we'll finally... you know.


-jw`chan ^-^

[justwriter2.livejournal.com]

By the way, I love how you put it, 'just to sleep.'