The lucky one

Chapter 18

Astra was playing in her room, her mighty lightsaber slashing through hordes of enemies as her cape floated behind her when suddenly, as she was blocking blaster bolts, music notes filled the house.

It had been a few years since she had heard someone play the instruments, her grandmother having giving up playing it after her arthritis being too severe for her to continue. So who was playing? It couldn't have been her mother, as she was an entire catastrophe on the instrument. 

It only left Oliver as a potential suspect, even though he didn't appear to be the type to play an instrument. But then again, it's not like they really knew a lot about the kennel's newest and only employee. He was tall, yes. Handsome? Probably, not that Astra was ever really into that... type, let's say. He was defiantly strong, as he had proven much time during his work. And if the few scars she had seen on his forearms were to be believed, he had seen much of the same, if not worst, than her uncle and aunt had seen.

But while Aunt Alex had been a scientist and uncle Clark a journalist, and didn't seem to have many talents or hobbies outside of their jobs, it seems that the former mayor and suspected vigilante now kennel worker, was also a somewhat decent pianist! As proven by the sight that Astra had when she quietly walked up to what was unofficially called the 'piano room', where Oliver was seated in front of the keys, pressing them in a familiar order and rhythm.

Just where had she heard it last... She had heard many songs played on the piano as her violin instructor used recordings to give her the 'feel' of the songs she was about to learn. But this wasn't one of those. She hadn't heard it during a lesson. She had heard it... When her mom was singing! And the title was Moon River! Of course! It was one of her favourites!

Or at least it seemed to be, as it always brought a smile to her face, especially when she was holding the picture of her and her friend Barry. That smile never did last long afterward, however, always replaced by a melancholic and sad expression. 

Astra simply hoped that her mother wouldn't be too disturbed if she ever heard him play. As it could potentially make the afterward sad expression even worst to see someone else than her father, Mike, play the song.

Fortunately, or maybe not, a car's hunk rang outside, making Oliver promptly stand up, and cover the piano again. Astra quickly hid away when the man passed by her, seemingly missing her presence.

Diner with the Danvers

"Come on Loki, inside" Oliver prompted the dog, the canine finally complying when Oliver threw a dog treat in the cage. "Spoiled" the kennel employee sighed. 

He made sure that everything was in order before calling it a day. "Zeus, we're going" he called as he turned the sign on the door to 'closed'

He hadn't even gotten his foot on the first step of the patio that he heard the music, smiling when he saw Kara and Astra dance together in the kitchen.

"Night all" he waved at them from the door.

"Do you like jambalaya?" Astra asked

"No. Be-Astra. Kid, I'm sure that Oliver already has plans." Kara said, grabbing Astra's hand

Oliver caught the slight slip on Astra's name but decided not to linger on it, acting as he didn't hear her

"Do you?" the child asked, ignoring the slightly exasperated sigh of her mother

"I can't remember the last time I had a plan" Oliver shrugged and closed the door "All right, kid, you got some dance moves?"

"Yeah" she smiled, letting go of Kara's hand to come dance with Oliver