July 11

Clark and Lois couldn't have asked for a better day. Bright sunshine, blue sky and a light breeze filled the air as Evie walked towards the Kent barn. The last few days had been spent prepping this place as a reception hall, and based on what she saw last night; Evie knew it was going to be beautiful.

What she didn't expect was to see her ex-boyfriend talking to her brother in front of the barn. Her actual brother, one she hadn't talked to since she was a teenager. She considered turning around and running back to her car, but she couldn`t. There was no other reason for him to be here, so she swallowed hard and approached them.

"Will," she said quietly, announcing her presence, noticing the way her brother's face lit up when he saw her.

Looking between the two siblings, Scott figured now would be the best time to take his leave. "I'll let you catch up." That was an understatement, and he knew this was a huge overstep, but Scott hoped that she would see why he told Will where she was.

"So..." Evie started, trying to find a way to start this conversation when she noticed Will's wedding ring. "I believe I'm two years late in saying this, but congrats for marrying the girl who, and I quote, 'meant nothing' to you when I caught you two making out in the basement."

Will laughed, a little out of disbelief as he didn't think she'd remembered that. "Time changes things." Oddly enough, it was his sister's disappearance that brought them closer together, even as Will was determined that there was more to the story that his parents told him, she stuck by him. "So... Evelyn huh? Taking grandma's middle name was an interesting choice."

Tilting her head to acknowledge his point, Evie knew the name wasn't the most creative, but it was a small essence of her life that was. "Hence the shortening; Evie was more fun."

"I guess I should probably explain how I got here."

"Please," Evie said as her shoulders relaxed more. "It's not that I'm not happy to see you, I just... I'm stumped."

From there Will told her everything, the constant questioning, the way their mother apologized right before she passed away the previous year, the sudden visit from a guy thinking his sister was alive after all. "I was the one who answered the door when Scott came and we talked a bit before Dad came home."

Will wanted to get into more detail, but he noticed that other people were starting to arrive and he didn't want to overstay his welcome. "It's funny, because Audrey's had this theory that Evie Chambers was your twin, and when my call was returned from the tip line... I knew it had to be you. So when Scott called me back, I told him that I had to see you one last time. Don't be mad."

She wasn't mad, but she knew her brother was holding back a little, which was understandable. It didn't surprise her that Will had figured it all out, he always had great instincts, but Evie had so many questions she wanted to ask him. Yet everytime she opened her mouth, her emotions would get the best of her, leading Evie to hug her brother. "It's so good to see you."

"Speak for yourself," Will replied, closing his eyes as the hug wore on. "Are you coming home?"

Evie stilled at those words, for although she should have expected them, she didn't in that moment. "I don't know."

"When Chloe called, all I asked was if there was a chance you were alive and she said yes." Backing away, Will shrugged, averting his eyes once more as everything flashed in front of him. "After that, Dad told me everything, what happened to you, why you were taken from our lives. He doesn't know that you're alive, but he doesn't care about what you can do, sis. I don't either; we all just want you home again. Holidays weren't the same without you, nothing was the same. I think even Mom knew that."

The more she looked at him, the more Evie could see that her brother was on the brink of tears, and she wanted to say something to make him feel better, but she didn't want to let him down. Stepping forward, she was about to comfort him when she felt a different hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Chloe's looking for you."

"Thanks Vic." Evie dipped her head, knowing this wasn't the way she wanted to leave things, but the best response she had was, "I'll... think about it."

"I'll take it," he whispered, and Evie began to walk away, leading Will to turn around and see that her friend remained where he was.

"I knew your sister when she was still Emily," Victor started, knowing this was something Will would want to hear. "I can't tell you everything, but I will say that despite the many dark days, your sister is one of the strongest people I have ever met."

"I believe that." Will looked towards where Evie had taken off, just barely managing a smile. "And I'm glad to see she isn't alone."

Looking over his shoulder, Victor caught a glimpse of Evie entering the barn and he said softly, "She never was."

It didn't take long for Will to realize how true that statement was, or who the man in front of him was to his sister. Knowing that she had this was more than Will could have ever asked, and he was ready to accept the fact that even if she didn't come home... she was happy. "I should probably go, but I was glad to meet you..."

"Victor." He shook Will's hand proudly, meeting the other man's eyes. "Likewise."

~0~

It was easy for Evie to relax as the night wore on, but the idea that her brother had been here spooked her more than she wanted to admit. Victor had told her that they would talk later, but her biological family was something she was always willing to live without, so again, the chance of going back had seemed impossible prior to a few hours ago.

She wasn't the only person contemplating something, for although Scott agreed to stay, Evie could sense how he was distancing himself from the group by remaining in his chair. Replacing her self-reflection with a sincere grin, she approached Scott quickly and pulled him out of his seat. "Okay, no more moping."

As they approached the dance floor, there was something calming about knowing where they stood and also understanding it. Before, there might have been this awkwardness between them, but now, they could just act naturally and finally, she noticed Scott grin as they moved their feet to the smooth piano interlude in the background. "See... not so bad right?"

"I'm glad I stayed," Scott said with a nod, his smile falling slightly, but not out of unhappiness. "I... want you to know that I talked to John and he told me there was an opening with the Chronicle."

Her eyes immediately widened, knowing that was the dream for him for years. One he gave up while he was with Evie when she got her break. "And you're going for it right?"

He nodded again, as Scott applied last month during his recovery, but he didn't want to tell anyone until there was a reason to think he had a shot. "I had a phone interview last week, and thanks to Tess volunteering herself as a reference... I have an in-person interview in Star City. I leave tomorrow morning."

Feeling her smile widen, Evie tapped the hand that rested on his shoulder. "I always knew you could do it."

"I know," he replied simply, finding a grin once more. But as he lifted his head, he noticed that it was time to officially let go. Releasing her slowly, Evie looked up at Scott, confused, but he just smiled. "I believe there is another gentleman that wishes to dance with you."

"You don't mind, do you?" Victor asked, taking Evie's hand. He didn't mean to cut in, as he wanted them to have their moment, but once he had caught Scott's eye, Victor knew there was no avoiding it. It's why Scott's response was a short shake of the head before he walked away.

It didn't take long for Evie to place her hands on him and for the first minute or so, she just stared at him. Victor could see that she was deep in thought, and that she wasn't trying to hide it, so he thought it was only fair to ask, "What?"

Evie smirked momentarily, thinking about today as a whole. A wedding, a job offer, people leaving for different places. It was a time to move on, to build their lives together, but in the case of Chloe and Oliver, they were about to give a particular home a second chance. If they could, then maybe so could Evie.

So she released the lip she had been biting and found it within herself to say, "I'm ready to go home."

Victor took it silently, knowing that there was no need to ask if it was what she wanted. However she did surprise him when she leaned in and kiss him. He thought that they were waiting to tell everyone else, but once she backed away, Evie smiled wider than he had ever seen. So he leaned his forehead towards her, forgetting the music in the background and just standing there with her in the middle of the dance floor.

That wasn't to say their actions went unnoticed as Chloe and Lois stood near the head table, the former shaking her head as her suspicions were confirmed. The latter was a little more surprised, but not completely shocked. Evie had been oddly happy lately, Lois figured it was related to something else. "When did that happen?"

"That is the million dollar question," Chloe replied as she leaned against the table, sipping her champagne. "Between Lex, LuthorCorp, Watchtower, I... I guess I didn't really pay attention to it."

Lois laughed, finishing her flute before setting it down. "I told her to date a teammate, and she shot me down."

Chloe remembered that day. It felt like ages ago, in a way it was, but considering everything that happened, she knew they weren't ready at the time. In the end, what mattered was that when Chloe looked at her friends and see how happy they are. "Regardless...they deserve this."

"I second that," Oliver interjected as he wrapped his arm around Chloe's shoulders, pulling her close. Chloe quickly responded, leaning her head against his chest.

"C'mon Mrs. Kent, that dance floor looks a little empty," Clark said, but upon seeing Lois open her mouth, he smiled. "I know you're hyphenating, but for today...?"

"Fine," Lois replied, taking his hand.

The laughs, smiles and overall love in the air wasn't missed either from Tess Mercer, watching the reception from a distance, as the only reason she came was because Clark had insisted her attendance. Seeing how happy everyone was... it was nice, but her life was still a mess and she had a feeling that she would be leaving soon.

That was before she heard someone else stand next to her. "Easy to feel out of place here isn't it?"

Recognizing him immediately, Tess didn't take long to supply her reason. "Well, Dr. Hamilton, I never expected to be invited."

"Emil, please," he replied, holding out his hand to her. "The only way you're going to feel like you belong in this world is to step into it."

The doctor had a point, so Tess took his hand and decided it was time to relax a little. "I should warn you... I may try to lead."

Emil turned his head over his shoulder. "Do what you must... but I'm far from having two left feet."

Tess chuckled. Maybe this doctor had more in store for her than she thought.

July 19

It felt like a lifetime since she had been here, yet the memories were still strong. However, it felt fitting that one moment stood out as she set her bag down. Walking slowly towards the glass door leading to the balcony, Chloe gripped her heart-shaped pendant, thinking about how many days she spent looking at this view alone. More specifically, the first day she lived in this place and she looked at this view alone.

But there was one important difference now, as Oliver walked through the door with the rest of their stuff. He smiled at her like always, dropping the boxes and closing the door with his foot. Taking a few steps towards her, Chloe followed suit, interlacing fingers when they were close enough.

True, this place didn't have the most positive memories, most were laced with bittersweet, but the rest... they were okay. And the best part was that they were still together and they could give this space a new start.

Twirling his fingers in her loose curls, Oliver leaned his head towards her. "What are you thinking about?"

Chloe leaned her head up before wrapping her arms around his waist. "Remember what you told me the first time I was here?"

"That was the Valentine's Day your dorm building shut down, right?" When Chloe nodded, Oliver tried to remember which comment she meant. "The third wheel comment came back to bite, so I'm hoping that's not the one you mean."

"There's a lucky guy out there who's coming as fast as he can." Chloe laughed about it at the time, but considering the events that followed, in a weird sense, it was true. "Did you mean yourself when you said it?"

"There's a part of me that wants to say yes."

"Then you sure took your time," Chloe said, followed by a short laugh before she let go of him, finding her gaze returning to the familiar pane of glass. "You have no ideas many times I'd look here and see your reflection looking back at me. The fact that you're actually here now when I look at it is ..."

Oliver heard her choke up slightly, so he pulled Chloe tight to him, feeling her grip her fists in his shirt. He could only imagine all the pain she experienced while he was missing. "Trust me, no one is happier that I'm here than I am. Starting this life with you here...it's everything I wanted."

They stood there for a minute, as Chloe slowly calmed down. Peering up at him, she managed a small smile. Thinking about her first night, there was so much that showed his supportive nature, but tonight was different, they were different.

"You're not sleeping on the couch this time."

Reaching forward, Oliver slid his hand through her hair to cradle the side of her face. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He leaned in and kissed her, and it didn't take Chloe long to respond, tightening her grip against him once more.

She moaned as Oliver's tongue massaged against hers, and then he wasted little time bringing her up in the air, waiting for her legs to wrap around him before he stepped towards his bedroom, his lips never leaving hers.

Slipping the jacket from her shoulders, Oliver thought how fitting it was that she was wearing that particular jacket. When he gave it to her that Christmas, it was no accident, as in his head, Oliver had always planned to tell Chloe about Green Arrow, and even though he chickened away from it, her reaction was one he expected. Her steely resolve to change the world, even as a teenager, never ceased to amaze him, but the fact that Chloe found a way to forgive Oliver was more than he could have asked.

And as he laid her down on his bed, all of the dreams he had of Chloe being here flashed in front of him. Sure, they had been together for a long time, but this was different, this was a new beginning with a reminder of where they started.

"I love you," he whispered as he hovered over Chloe, staring down into the eyes that never gave up on him.

She could see that he was deep in thought, so she brought him down to her, her kiss hard as she lifted her hips to rock against his. "I love you too."

It was easy to reflect, to get lost in the past, but eventually, that had to fade away so that they could move forward. And for Oliver, those simple words were all it took for his mind to be clear, to focus on the woman here with him now, the happiness she made him feel, and he had every intention of reminding her of that tonight. Over and over and over again.

July 21

This was it, Evie thought as she closed her last suitcase. Her lease was up at the end of the month, but she couldn't wait any longer. There were a lot of things she had to do and she didn't want to wait to start. Looking up to see the sunset, Evie felt it was fitting, so she turned around with her bag on her shoulder, only to stop upon seeing Lois in her kitchen.

"You really are leaving."

Dropping her bag back down, Evie couldn't help but shrug. "I have to live my own life, and I won't do that here, and I won't do it in Star City." When Lois' expression didn't change, Evie wanted to remind her friend of all the amazing things she had here and how Evie wanted that for herself, but she held it back.

Rushing forward, Lois wrapped her arms around Evie, squeezing almost so tight that Evie lost her breath momentarily. "Don't be a stranger, okay?"

When Lois backed away, Evie felt herself exhale. "I won't, and feel free to visit whenever." There was a part of her that figured she may regret that comment, but she also knew that Lois was busy right now, what with newlywed life and all. That, and the last thing Evie wanted was to abandon her friends again.

"Does that apply for me as well?"

Smiling upon seeing her ride at the door, Evie went back to grab her bag. It wasn't much, but Bart agreed to take her back and forth as many times as necessary to get what she needed from here. For now, this bag would do. "You're blood Bart, of course it does."

"Alright then let's get this over with." Bart held his hand out and within seconds, they both disappeared from the room, leaving Lois smiling before she exited the apartment herself. It was hard, but deep down, Lois knew this was the right call.

~0~

Bart had dropped her off at the front door of her new apartment complex and after their goodbyes, Evie noticed that he didn't move from his spot, even as the elevator closed. He was always protective of her, something she appreciated, but Evie was ready for this new chapter in her life. Even if it appeared that any unpacking would have to wait until morning, as the lights were off in their apartment.

Once she was inside, she did up the extra lock, grateful that Vic hadn't used that lock in the first place or else she would have had to wake him up. Placing her bag down slowly, Evie abandoned it as she tiptoed towards the bedroom, where sure enough, Victor was sleeping.

It seemed like he was right about the state of the furniture in the apartment, as their 'bed' was a mattress on the floor, but Evie had faith that they would figure it out soon enough.

However, she didn't want to disturb him, so Evie was about to head towards the main room and sleep on the recliner, but a particular possession next to the bed caught her eye. Approaching it carefully, Evie blinked continuously, not believing that this was here. Sighing, she realized that Victor must have stopped by Scott's place, because she had left this particular item in Ann Arbor when she left him.

It felt like ages ago, pulling that jersey out of the bag, simpler days when they all hung out at Lazee's and SCU. She immediately got it framed, terrified that she would ruin it, but it was something that she hid away because it was something she was so attached to as Emily. Kneeling down, Evie streamed her fingers down the frame. Maybe things had a chance to be that simple again.

About to stand up again, Evie felt her arm being grabbed. "You're... early."

Evie moved slightly to sit on the edge of the mattress. He hadn't opened his eyes yet, but based on his grip, he was waking up. And also right, as her estimated time of arrival was supposed to be tomorrow. "Is that a bad thing?"

"No," Victor replied as he finally opened his eyes, "but I... had plans."

Lowering herself to lie on the bed, Evie lifted her hand and caressed his cheek lightly. "I always thought you were a night hawk."

Victor tiredly scoffed, reaching forward to pull her close to him. It had taken plenty to get to this point, but the result felt worth it in his book. "Lots of long nights, trying to save a crazy girl... still getting caught up I guess."

Seeing his eyes shut once more, Evie lightly chuckled, nestling her head towards his chest. "'Night you."

July 28

"I can't do this... explain to me why I thought I could do this."

Victor shook his head as he undid his seatbelt. He expected as much from her, but just a few days ago, she saw her other brother in a convenience store and realized that she couldn't avoid this anymore. Despite all that, even with the seven years that had passed, there was one constant fact with this place.

"This is your home," he said quietly.

Evie looked at herself in the mirror and realized that while she had put in the effort, she still looked different enough. The lack of contacts helped, but her hair still looked different, as she wore it a lot longer when she lived in the house across the to mention all of the growing up she had done over those years of trying to keep herself alive.

"If you're not going to go to that door, he still is." Victor turned his head to look at Scott approaching the front door. He knew that she would protest, but he didn't expect the click of her seatbelt, so Victor turned and grabbed Evie's arm to keep her from running after Scott to get him to change his mind. "He owes a lot to your family Evie. It maybe wasn't the ideal method of finding out the truth, but he figures the least he can do is say thank you."

~0~

Scott had seen Victor's car across the street, but it seemed like Evie was getting cold feet, just like they both thought. It didn't matter though, as Scott was planning on coming here today anyway. His first day at the internship was next week, so he had packed up the rest of his things, ready to fly out tonight, leave Michigan behind.

Knocking on the door, Scott thought over the speech he had planned. There was so much he wanted to tell Evie's father, but until she came around, the most he could show was gratitude.

Sure enough, after a few seconds, he heard footsteps approaching the door and it opened to reveal the person Scott was looking for. "Mr. Hopkins, I don't know if you remember me, but..."

"Mr. Kane... you were asking about Emily, about your father."

Scott nodded, dipping his head down slightly. "I know that it was tough to tell me about your daughter, sir, but..." So many moments, he considered this speech, but now, it was fading away. Looking back up, he noticed how Mr. Hopkins was looking right past him and it was only through his pause that the other man found his words.

"You found her."

"Dad," Evie said through tears, rushing up their driveway, up the stairs to hug her father with all her might. It took every ounce of courage she had to open that car door, to walk towards her house, but that feeling was lost the moment she saw her father. Feeling him return the hug gave her the most satisfying feeling she could imagine. She could hear him choking up, in disbelief that his baby had come home, and there was something about standing on her childhood home's doorstep which allowed Evie to let a few tears to fall as well. After all, it was an event she never expected to happen again.

"I'm sorry," her dad finally managed to say, "I can't believe that I put you through that."

"Hey Dad, who's at the door?"

Surprised to hear her brother's voice, Evie backed away and leaned over to greet him as she sniffed back her tears. "Hey."

Eyes widening in surprise, Will's head soon turned towards the hallway. "Jason... you might want to come here."

"What's going on?" a different voice called from inside the house.

Will chuckled as he took his turn to hug his long-lost sister again. Truth be told, despite their encounter, he never expected her to come home. "You know how Audrey always suspected that girl in the tabloids of being a ringer for Emily?"

His voice still coming from around the corner, Jason replied, "Yeah?"

Will's smile firmly planted, he turned around just in time to see his brother approaching the door. "I think you owe my wife 50 bucks."

"What are you..." Jason's eyes moved away from Will to see Evie at the door. He squinted them a little, but there was no doubt about it... it was her. "But...it can't be..."

Evie sighed as she shook her head, knowing just how crazy the possibility was after all this time. "If I remember it correctly, I accidentally knocked you out with a frying pan when you were sneaking in from your twenty-first birthday party," she said to Jason before turning to Will, "and I have more dirt on you if you keep laughing."

His mouth wide open in shock as the memory came back to him, Jason finally found his voice. "Em?"

Nodding slightly, she smiled, glad to see the resulting smile on his face as she confirmed it. "Evie now, actually..." She looked up and added, "Surprise?"

Jason shook his head and pulled his sister close. "You have some serious explaining to do." Backing away, he finally noticed the people accompanying his sister at the door. "Like who are these guys?"

For a minute, Evie had forgotten they were both standing there. "Scott Kane, Victor Stone... meet my family."

Looking back and forth between everyone, it didn't take long for a sly grin to come across Jason's face. "Come on guys, I'll pour you a drink."

Both guys seemed okay with that, entering the house, leaving Evie to call out, "Take it easy on them please, Jase."

"I always do," her brother replied, waving his hand in the air.

Evie scoffed. "Yeah right." As she entered, she saw Victor turn around to give her a curious look, but Evie just nodded. She knew what her boyfriend had experienced, her overprotective brother would be nothing in comparison.

Still a little choked up, after her father took her coat and hung it up, he said simply, "I'll make sure he does. Make yourself at home."

"Thanks Dad."

When her dad turned the corner, Evie directed her attention back to Will, who was grinning wide. "I'm glad you changed your mind, Jason's going to grill Victor so bad... you know that right?"

"Do I ever... but I warned him."

Evie was ready to see the rest of the house, see how much it changed since she was a teenager, but her movement was stopped by a knock on the house's screen door. Part of her hesitated on turning around, as Evie hadn't had time to establish her cover story with her family yet, but it turned out the person at the door was far from a stranger.

"I hope we're not intruding," Oliver's voice called out and Will didn't take long to let them inside, or from Evie being incredibly confused as to why they were here. Unfortunately, before she had a chance to ask, another person zipped past the doorway.

"Miss me cuz?"

"Is that Bart?" Jason called from the other room, joining them in the entryway. "Hey little man, how're things?"

Bart frowned slightly. "Oh come on... I've grown a little."

While everyone was holding back their chuckles, Evie was just trying to find her words. Her mouth gaped open, but she had no idea where to start. So Scott did it for her. "I knew you'd come around one day, so we're bringing your two lives together... starting over." Standing in front of her, he smiled, hoping she would understand. "Properly this time."

After a quick sigh, Evie turned her head to look at Victor, who was quick on the defence. "Don't look at me, this was all his idea." However, when Evie narrowed her eyes, showing her skepticism, it didn't take long for him to cave. "Okay, I helped, but keep in mind what you told me."

"I... I don't think I made enough for supper," Evie's dad said slowly. It was safe to say that he had no idea how this was all happening, but he was more than willing to host their guests tonight.

"Well, I think I can help with that," Oliver said, turning to put his shoes back on. "We picked up some things on the way, and I don't mind cooking them up if we need."

"Mr. Queen..."

"Call me Oliver, and I insist. Evie, do you want to help me grab some stuff?"

"Sure." At this point, a little fresh air for her would probably be a good idea. "I've been meaning to ask you about those QI issues you were having."

"I can take a night off for a friend." Once they were outside, Oliver waited until the car trunk obstructed the view from the house. "And I need an opinion on something."

~0~

After the groceries were dropped off, Oliver kicked Evie out of the kitchen and noticed how the guys were bonding over the ball game in the family room, which led Evie to finding Chloe looking over pictures of her childhood.

"I have to ask... everything that happened, was it worth it?"

Evie shrugged, as Victor always told her that 33.1 was where she found her strength, so maybe it was oddly for the best. "I don't know, but I wished that I could have met all you guys without the baggage."

Setting the photo back down on the table, Chloe took a seat on the nearby couch before fully directed her attention to her friend. "How are things settling in?"

It didn't take long for Evie to sit down next to Chloe, looking out the familiar living room window that looked out to their backyard. "We're a little different than you and Oliver when it comes to the apartment. It isn't furnished yet, minus a mattress and a few chairs. There's a lot of shopping to figure out what works."

"I am curious why you never told me. About him."

"That was because I didn't know my own feelings when it came to him." It was odd admitting that now, but it was also the truth. "When I did, I actually had no intention of telling him, but I remembered the way you felt when Oliver went missing, so when I saw Victor the night I took off, I guess I didn't want any regrets. Even though I wanted nothing more to take it back at the time, I'm glad I did it."

"Moving in together already though... a big step." Thinking back to her own insecurities on this decision, Chloe felt that Evie almost made the decision too fast. Not that she wasn't happy for them, she just wanted to be sure that this what Evie wanted.

"We've done it before. There may have been bars on the windows and filthy floors..." Evie was smiling, but when she turned to see Chloe's far from amused expression, she sighed. "I'm kidding."

Evie then came clean about how Victor had already been working with Oliver to open S.T.A.R labs in Michigan regardless of her choice, about how instead of steaming up the windows like Chloe and Oliver, they had spent that day talking, realizing that they were ready for this step. "Right now, Vic's pretty busy, so I'm mainly working on the domestic stuff, but even he knows that's going to change... H.O.M.E is going to happen, just not right away."

Chloe smiled. "Sounds like you've figured out your whole life."

Her choice of phrasing didn't get past Evie, as she remembered saying those words the night of the bachelorette party. "It's getting there."

The seven years since she had been in this house had been anything but easy. There had been consequences, bloodshed, lives lost, but it helped Evie understand everything that happened, helped her build her strength that much more. While before, Evie felt a need to hold onto her guilt, now she could let it go, while remembering everyone she had lost for the right reasons.

And yes, she still had plenty to figure out. But for the first time in a long time, Evie couldn't wait to see what life had in store for her.

July 31

It was beautiful... and a little daunting to stand in front of, but Chloe expected nothing less of Queen Manor. When Oliver said that he wanted to spruce up the place, Chloe was floored. Speaking about his past was something Oliver tended to avoid, so the idea of coming back to his childhood home felt out of the question, but there must have been something about Evie's homecoming that made him realize that it was time.

For two days, he had been here, as Chloe and him agreed that he needed the initial space to get through this. But a few hours ago, he called her, asking for her to dine at his childhood home.

She took a deep breath, taking in the details of the exterior. It would be a work in progress, as the landscaping clearly needed work, but that would come in time. Between the two of them, this place would stand for something again.

"You look beautiful."

Chloe shook from her trance to look towards the door where Oliver was standing. The compliment felt unwarranted, as it was just a simple sundress, one he had given her ages ago. Oliver, on the other hand, had clearly cleaned up, as he was in a comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt that wasn't covered in paint or cobwebs.

"Sometimes I can't believe you grew up in a place like this." For as much as she lived with Oliver, knowing the charmed life they had, he was so humble for a man of his stature. More than anything, she knew that if he could give it up and make the world a better place, Chloe was pretty sure that he would. "How are the renos coming?"

"Good," Oliver said as he looked back inside the house. It was far from its former glory, but gone were the mounds of plastic wrap and the abandoned feeling this house use to give. Which was good, because this was a big step for him and he didn't want Chloe to be sneezing every couple of steps.

At the base of the steps leading to the house, Chloe paused, looking up at Oliver once more. "You sure you want me to see this?"

Oliver nodded, holding his hand out to lead Chloe inside. "I'm ready now."

Smiling, Chloe breathed in deeply as whatever he had been cooking smelt amazing, and if Oliver was to be believed prior to now, he had done a lot of work already. It wasn't a home yet, but it was coming along.

"So how long had it been since your last visit?'

"Years." He paused in the doorway to the main room, sighing at the empty state, despite how often it had been a lively place when he was a kid. "This place made me think of my parents, my shortcomings and failures."

"Ollie..." Chloe reached her hand up to his shoulder, which he covered with his own seconds later.

"I know better now." Turning to face her, Oliver quickly found her eyes. "You helped me see that."

Chloe was glad to see him lighten up, which allowed her to turn her focus to the little details of the house as there was something about it that drew her in. "So why come back now?"

"The timing felt right," Oliver replied, grateful to see Chloe's comfort level increasing as she walked through the hallway. Seeing how she was getting closer to the kitchen, Oliver lifted his feet, wanting to be there when she rounded the corner. "I liked the idea of shedding off the cobwebs of the past, but also embracing where I came from to allow for a better future."

"Also known as Evie's latest life philosophy." Chloe laughed momentarily before she turned around, but continued to pace backwards. "Although it has worked, finding peace within herself after carrying that pain all those years."

Standing in front of the entryway to the kitchen, Oliver gestured for Chloe to enter. "Life's struggles have a way making the truth clear. Being isolated on an island helped, but if this year has taught me anything, it's that when life is good, you hold onto everything that makes it that way."

"Oh my..." Chloe almost couldn't believe her eyes as she walked past the kitchen and into the dining room. With the west-facing window, the sunset lit up the table near the window on the far side. Two candles did the rest of the illuminating, where in-between them stood a vase full of tulips. But it was what was sparkling in front of that bouquet that almost stole her attention right away.

"Ollie," she said softly, not trusting herself as she felt tears coming. Approaching the table, she picked up the small brown velvet box. "This is really about our future. To us starting again in the place where it all began."

Wrapping his arms around her from behind, Oliver whispered, "It was my grandmother's." She probably could tell based on the small size of the diamond, the aged state of the box, yet somehow it still fit Chloe. "It's simple, so we can go get something new. I just... as much as I enjoy your expression when I give you something new, I kind of wanted you to say yes this time instead of 'it's too much.'"

"Well your plan worked," Chloe said, not stopping the tears anymore as she turned around in his arms. "Yes."

After wiping the tear from Chloe's cheek, Oliver took the ring from the box and slid it gently on his finger, wondering what he did to be so lucky to have a woman say yes to marrying him without him even asking. He marvelled at her finger for a minute, but after he found her eyes, noticing the way the green had magnified, at how he had never seen her look this happy.

So Oliver kissed her with everything he had, for while they never needed anything official to know that they would be by each other's side, this moment was a reason for them to forget all of the crap they had been through, all of the continuing drama in their lives and just be them. Just be Chloe and Oliver, two people completely content in each other's company.

As the kiss ended, Oliver took a breath and then quipped, "I'm sorry that I didn't get down on one knee."

They both laughed as they kept their faces close to each other. "Unconventional works for me," Chloe said with a shrug, because it wasn't like they did anything how it was normally done anyway.

"In that case, we can sit down for dinner... or how do you feel about christening our new status here?"

She shook her head slightly before she found herself chuckling again. "You never fail to amaze me with that one track mind of yours." Leaning back enough that she could look him in the eyes, Chloe added, "What am I going to do with you?"

Oliver pulled her close once more, as space between them felt optional at this point. "Marry me I hope. But if you're looking for more short-term answers, well, I have a few ideas."

"Well," Chloe replied as she got up on her tiptoes, "in that case, I might be open to suggestions."

~End~

Sera's Scribbles: And the saga ends. Almost. As you will see, there is one last chapter in the "Second Chances" series (aka my Victor/Evie series). Other than that, hopefully you enjoyed the journey, because this has been a pleasure to write.