Connor really was something else around kids. Oliver loved watching him with all his cousins, whether he was chasing them around pretending to be a giant, rolling on the ground as the bottom of "stacks on", hiding presents behind his back and pulling balls from behind someone's ear, or even just discussing the merits of the Avengers in such childlike joy.

It wasn't that he was a different person as such – he'd seen that caring side come out from time to time, like when Oliver had the flu or Laurel's brother had passed away – and he was always a human being. But around such young minds, he seemed almost free. He didn't have to put up this carefully planned front. He didn't have to fulfil any roles – perfect son, hard-working employee, charming confidant, arrogant son-of-a-bitch. He could just be himself and give in to the crazies running around him.

But it wasn't until the birth of his niece that Oliver knew for sure. Connor was walking slowly around the house, tiny infant wrapped in blankets rocking in his arms. His curls were falling out of their gel and over his eyes, but for once he let them sit. His sole focus was on the child in his arms. And in that stare, he saw everything. The love, the need to protect, to provide, to nurture.

He moved to stand beside Connor, placing an arm on his back.

"Isn't she beautiful?" he murmured.

"Of course." Oliver kissed his cheek, nuzzling his forehead against his fiancée's. "I want one," he whispered.

Connor rocked from side to side, smiling, eyes never leaving the baby. "I was thinking the same thing."

Hi everyone!

Yet another prompt response - Coliver talking about kids. I really like this trope though, so I'm thinking this might become a little collection of shots. So... I will need prompts for this. Please, please, help me think of cute kid things to do with them!

Like it? Hate it? Want me to turn into a pack of Mentos and be dropped into a bottle of diet coke? Please let me know!

Keep smiling! :D