Calendar Girl (3/12)

[serafina19]

Title: Calendar Girl
Summary:  Chloe leaves for Star City to start fresh after inadvertently seeing Clark and Lana consummate their relationship. But she soon finds herself hesitating to let another guy into her life when she accidentally runs into Oliver Queen during her first day at Star City University.

Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except for Evie Chambers, any resemblance to another character is coincidental.

Author Note: So I was supposed to finish this early next week, but I was inspired by the amazingly wonderful "Beacon" screenshots and I thought I'd (hopefully) add to the happy.

August      September

Banner courtesy of: geek_or_unique 

October

If I am lost for a day, try to find me
But if I don't come back then I won't look behind me

October 13

Turning over in her mattress, Chloe slammed her hand over the snooze button on her alarm clock. She squinted her eyes once they came in contact with sunlight; she clearly wasn't ready to face the day yet. Normally she was an early riser, but she had been dreading today. It was her first official assignment for the paper after a month of shadowing Evie, and she got the feeling John didn't trust her much. At least that's what she hoped the reason was for him giving her a fluff piece about the one topic she couldn't stand.

However, she wasn't going to let it stop her. She was going to prove to everyone here that she could write, and she'd be walking through the glass doors of the Daily Planet the moment after she graduated.

Slipping a green tank top over her head, Chloe located her brush to get rid of her bed–head. Her curls had seen better days, but she didn't have time to perfect them as she desperately needed coffee if she expected to get through this assignment. Sliding her arms through a white cardigan, Chloe opened the door to find Oliver standing on the other side with a coffee cup in his hand.

"I was about to knock."

Chloe half-waved at him before pointing towards the cup. "Is that for me?"

"Almond mocha." He held it out for her.

"You're a lifesaver!" Chloe snatched the mug from Oliver's hands and chugged.

"You going to be okay?" When Chloe didn't respond, he continued. "Does this have anything to do with the story you're writing? Evie told me that you were freaking about it last night."

Finally removing the cup from her lips, Chloe happily sighed while pointing at Oliver. "That's an overstatement... frustration's a better word."

Oliver raised an eyebrow at 'overstatement' because at the rate she was drinking the mocha, it'd be gone before she got outside the door. "I… I guess it's different from when you ran your own paper."

Chloe walked past him and gestured for him to follow her as she began to head towards the stairs. "You got that right. I wouldn't be caught dead writing an article about the stresses of maintaining relationships during school."

"It could be worse."

She pushed the door open, not even bothering to hold it open for Oliver behind her. "Oh... it gets worse. They recruited two happy couples and four exes and I'm supposed to interview them... together."

Oliver's eyes widened as he quickened his pace to keep up with her. "You can't be serious."

"I can't make this stuff up. That's why I need my caffeine buzz just to get through the sugar-coated fluff mixed with unbearable drama."

With a chuckle, Oliver asked, "Can I come along?"

She stopped in her tracks and peered in his direction, trying to determine his motives. "Depends. Is it for moral support or your own entertainment?"

"If I promise to keep you fully caffeinated, can I say both?"

Chloe was about to respond when she spotted a familiar red jacket walking through the quad. It couldn't be. Was it that time already?

"Chloe?"

She whipped her head to look back at Oliver, who held a confused expression. "Deal. You can start now. Get me as many as you think I'll need to get through a half-hour interview." Chloe dropped the cup in the garbage can.

"You're done already?"

"I won't drink the others that quickly... I have to have some form of poker face." Pushing him slightly, she smiled. "Get going."

He simply grinned and began to walk away. Once Oliver was out of sight, Chloe scurried across the quad to confirm her suspicion. There was no doubt... he was here. But how was she supposed to approach the best friend that she had hoped to leave behind?

For starters, get his attention, she thought. Now was better than waiting until he found her when she wanted to run away.

She spoke flatly, "Clark Kent."

Clark stopped on a dime, eyes widening as he turned around. "Chloe."

"So it's true, you hit the big time. The hot-shot quarterback of Metropolis University."

Clark quickly blushed, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. He quickly put his arms around her. "How are you?"

She hesitantly returned the hug. "Fine. Star City's been treating me well." Patting his back and quickly stepping back, Chloe tried to smile. "That reminds me, I know you probably don't do interviews, but my roommate is dying to talk to you."

"Would you be there?"

Her eyes wandered slightly, unsure on how to answer. "Um... I can be."

"Good, I want to spend some time with you while I'm here."

"So is that a yes to the interview?" After Clark nodded, Chloe grabbed her phone to notify Evie. "Great, I'll let her know. How long are you in town for?"

"Two, maybe three days." He paused for a moment. "It's good to see you Chloe."

Without looking up from her phone, Chloe blurted. "How's Lana?"

"She wishes that she could come with me to see you, but she's been busy with upcoming midterms."

"I'm sorry I haven't called. Getting acclimatized and all takes time."

"You didn't even say goodbye."

Great, Chloe thought as she slipped the phone back into her bag. Looking back up at Clark, she realized that it was time to address the unknown elephant in the room. "I wanted to... but... you and Lana were... um... busy."

Clark took a step back, clearly caught off guard by her words. "You walked in on that?"

Chloe spoke up quickly, trying to get past the conversation. "For about half a second, then never looked back."

She knew that it was a lie because she could never forget the way she felt when she stood frozen at the entrance of the barn on the sight of seeing her best friend and his eventual girlfriend on the verge of consummating their relationship. It was the equivalent of having her heart getting pulled out of her chest and someone stomping on it.

Chloe got into her car and drove home with tears in her eyes. She should have seen it coming, but she didn't. Part of her always hoped that the reality wouldn't live up to the fantasy. On instinct, she called Lois, who insisted on her coming to Star City to live with her. Chloe was always someone who needed a plan, but she was too heartbroken to care about that anymore. Apparently someone owed Lois a favour at the University, and before Chloe knew it, she was packing her things and on a plane to California. It was a scary concept narrowing down eighteen years of her life to two suitcases. She left a note for her dad, apologizing for the short notice, but she couldn't bring herself to face Clark after what she saw.

Fortunately for her, Clark was oblivious to her little fib. "Sorry."

"It's okay, Clark. I know how you feel about her."

"Well... you look good, and I'm glad to hear you're adjusting well. Are you on the paper?"

She nodded. "Yeah, Evie was nice enough to convince the editor to add me to the staff."

Clark raised an eyebrow. "Evie?"

Slipping a loose curl behind her ear, Chloe rolled her eyes. "Sorry, Evie's my roommate... the one who wants to interview you."

"Oh...I thought someone else got you there."

Chloe titled her head. "Who?"

"You haven't seen the photos?"

"Which photos?"

There was a slight pause before Clark responded, "The ones of you and Oliver Queen."

At this point, Chloe had gotten used to seeing the photos, but she immediately felt her cheeks warming discovering that Clark had seen them. Her eyes left Clark and focused on her feet as she struggled to put words together. She knew it was only a matter of time before she'd receive the big brother speech because it never mattered to Clark what she was doing until there was another guy in her life, platonic or otherwise.

Granted, Clark had been right on a couple of occasions, but Chloe wasn't in Kansas anymore. "Clark, why are you looking up the Star City papers?"

"Lana showed them to me. She wanted me to call you to get details, but I figured I would get your side of the story before jumping to conclusions."

Before Chloe had a chance to thank Clark, she heard Oliver's voice behind her. "There you are." Chloe turned and saw him holding a tray of four mochas. This moment was one that she had hoped to avoid during Clark's stay in Star City, but there was no way around it now.

"Um... Clark Kent... Oliver Queen."

Oliver waved in Clark's direction. "Nice to meet you Clark, Chloe's told me so much about you." Chloe grabbed one of the mochas and sipped it, praying that Oliver wouldn't go into details about what she had told him. Sure the biggest secret was safe, but she didn't want Clark to know how much he had hurt her.

Clark simply narrowed his eyes with a scowl on his face. "Wish I could say the same."

Oliver managed a grin and said, "It's probably best that way," before turning his attention to Chloe. "You ready to go?"

"Hey, we were just..."

Chloe glared at him. "Clark, settle down. Oliver's right, we should probably get going."

"You could always come with us."

Chloe was halfway through drinking her mocha when Oliver suggested that, so his words caused her to swallow too quickly. Leaning over, she tried to catch her breath when she felt a hand on each of her shoulders. She peered up, noticing how Clark was holding her left, Oliver her right.

She backed up a couple feet and said,  "I'm fine."

Still with an expression of concern, Clark asked, "Where are you going?"

Oliver patted her back. "Chloe here is conducting her first article for the Journal."

"That's great Chloe, I'd love to come."

She raised an eyebrow. "You would?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I?"

Because there's no way I want to have you two in the same room, Chloe mentally thought, but she knew she couldn't say it out loud. "It's a complete fluff piece."

"That's their fault for not using you to your full potential."

Oliver laughed. "That's what I keep telling her."

Looking between the men, Chloe wondered if maybe there was a way for this situation to go smoothly.

~0~

Walking out of the room, Chloe held her palm against her forehead. The article itself was a complete disaster, but Chloe did unexpectedly discover that Oliver and Clark made a good team when they weren't glaring at each other. The only reason that most of her interview subjects didn't have at least a bloody nose was because they were able to break up the catty melees.

However, Chloe was determine to find a way to salvage the piece despite everything that happened, but she almost felt like barging into the Journal offices to give John a piece of her mind.

"Well... that was interesting."

She shook her head. "That's your word choice?"

Oliver sarcastically chuckled. "I'm with Clark here, I don't think there's another word for what just happened."

Not wanting to push it further, Chloe said, "Thanks again Oliver for the mochas."

"My pleasure."

"And thank you both for coming. I'm not sure what I would have done without you." She turned to face Clark. "Do you think you're still up for the interview?" Chloe knew the answer to that question, but she had to ask.

"Yeah."

"Okay I told Evie we'd meet her at Lazee's in fifteen. It's a coffee shop just..."

Clark nodded. "I stopped by there earlier... I know where it is."

"Oh... okay...can we meet you there? I have to talk with Oliver about something."

Clark gave Chloe a confused look before heading down the hallway. "Sure thing."

After Clark rounded the corner, Oliver smiled. "Are you holding up alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was hoping you could do something for me."

"Name it."

Chloe sighed before looking up at Oliver.  "Can you do anything about the tabloid pictures? The last thing I want is people to start speculating..."

Oliver put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm afraid that it's a little late for that."

Blinking, Chloe said, "Oh."

"You had to know that this would happen."

"No... I did... it's just that... I thought that..."

"I'll talk to the tabs and see if they'll let up, but I can't guarantee anything."

"I'd appreciate that."

Oliver leaned his head down to look Chloe in the eye.  "But know that as long as we know the truth, that's all that matters."

She grinned slightly. "Right."

Reaching inside his jacket, Oliver pulled out an envelope. "Hey... I've been meaning to give these to you... maybe this will make up for this. Costume required."

Chloe took the envelope from him, which contained three invitations to the annual Queen Industries Halloween gala. The night at the club, Chloe had told Oliver about how Clark had abandoned her at the spring formal. It was a sign of things to come, and the last thing she needed was a cruel reminder. She quickly frowned and shook her head. "Oliver, you know how I feel about dances in general."

Noticing the worry in her eyes, Oliver rubbed his palm against her arm. "You need to get over that, but there's no pressure."

Nodding, she raised an eyebrow. "Why give me three?"

He shrugged. "Invite Evie and Lois along... if they need plus ones let me know."

"I'll work on Scott, but I know Lois and I won't have a date."

"Actually, I was hoping you'd keep me company... as a friend, of course. As for Lois, my friend from Florida is coming to visit. He's..."

Chloe interrupted, "Honestly, he sounds perfect for Lois as long as he's easy on the eyes... and no... I'm not expecting you to answer that question."

Oliver tilted his head to the side. "So you'll accept the invitation?"

She closed her eyes and silently chuckled. "Why not? Someone has to save you from your screaming fans." Chloe looked at the invitations further. "Cartoon or animated characters? How did you pull off that theme?"

"I thought it would fun for everyone to embrace their inner child."

"Something you clearly need help with." She tried to elbow his side, but Oliver caught it and pushed her away slightly.

"Maybe not, but it wouldn't hurt you to relax more often."



October 15

After the game, Chloe had made her way over to the transit station where the bus was idling to take Clark and the team home. This was the first time she would officially say goodbye to Clark, and it felt kind of surreal approaching him.

Right before Clark stepped onto the bus, Chloe called out to him. "Clark!"

Clark looked at the bus driver for a second. "I'll be a second."

"I'm so sorry. I tried to catch you after the game, but security wouldn't let me by."

"Thanks for coming here."

Her grin widened. "I wanted to at least say goodbye this time."

When Chloe hugged Clark this time, it wasn't as awkward like earlier in the week. She wanted to believe that they had healed over the wounds of the past and that they could move on. But as she backed away, Chloe noticed how his expression had faded.

"What?"

With his eyes facing the bus, Clark said, "I...I don't think it's a good idea for you to be hanging around with a guy like Oliver.  He's..."

She shut her eyes in disbelief; she should have known it was too good to be true. "Save it Clark."

"I just..."

"You just think that he's going to hurt me, right?"

"Right."

"Well, I don't need you taking care of me, Clark. I can do that myself, and besides Oliver would never let anything bad happen to me. I trust him." She took a deep breath and stared right into Clark's eyes. "This is my life, Clark. My life, my choice."

"But..."

She stood her ground and continued to glare at him. "But nothing Clark. I spent years doing everything you wanted, never asking for anything in return." Her expression softened, "As your friend, please... trust me."

Clark sighed, bowing his head slightly. "I don't like it."

Chloe could feel her patience wavering and bit her tongue to prevent herself from losing her cool. "No offence Clark, but I don't care."

"Okay." There was still agitation in Clark's voice, but in the end, Chloe didn't need his permission.

She tried to ignore his frustration because she wanted to leave on good terms. Placing her hand on his shoulder, Chloe said calmly, "I'll try to keep in touch this time. Say hi to Lana for me?"

"Of course. Take care of yourself, Chloe."

Chloe managed a grin before saying, "Don't I always?"

Clark smiled back as he got on the bus. Watching it pull away, Chloe took a couple breaths. She had done it, she had stood up to Clark and he didn't affect her anymore. She honestly felt bad for speaking to him like that, but Chloe felt like a weight had been lifted off her chest. In the end... that talk was way overdue.

"How do you feel right now?"

She took a final sigh as she turned to face Oliver, but instead of letting her relief show, she simply replied, "I'll let you know," as she walked past him to head back to her dorm.

October 20

Walking out of class, Chloe took her vibrating phone out of her bag and placed it on her ear, "What's up roomie?"

"Hold on a sec." Chloe heard the door closing before Evie whispered, "Where the heck are you?"

Eyebrows raised, Chloe stated, "On my way back."

"Good, I'll meet you at the entrance."

"Evie, wait." But Evie had already hung up. Chloe wasn't far from the dorms, but she wondered what had her roommate so agitated.

~0~

As Chloe walked in the door, she found Evie walking up and down the hallway. "Where's the fire?"

Seeing Chloe, Evie stopped pacing and pointed to the ceiling. "Our dorm room."

"What?"

"Chloe... I know you warned me about Lois, but she's... I'm sorry because you're related to her... but she's crazy. She's been in there for the last hour waiting for you. I figured she'd let me study, but no, she insists on an insider exclusive."

Narrowing her eyes, Chloe asked, "What would she ask you about?"

"Three guesses, Chloe. She works for a tabloid." Seeing Chloe's reaction, Evie continued, "Before you get yourself worried, I kept the friends stance."

"Thanks."

She took a couple deep breaths before heading towards the door. "No problem, but she's waiting for you upstairs."

Chloe had gotten used to her cousin's antics, so it was weird to see how Evie had reacted to meeting her cousin. They were two completely different personalities, but she hoped they could learn to get along. Sighing, Chloe opened the door to find Lois sitting and bouncing on her mattress.

"Finally! I've been waiting for you."

Dropping her backpack on the floor, Chloe shook her head. "I had class."

"Sure... whatever you say." Lois' eyebrows were wiggling, which only meant that she wanted information that Chloe didn't have to give.

"Lois, I love you, but please back off."

"Hey, what's up with you?"

"You're terrorizing my roommate. I happen to like her."

Lois shrugged. "She wasn't being helpful."

"Evie was telling you the truth."

"Seriously cuz? Just friends? I saw the way he held your hand at the club."

"There's nothing going on between Oliver and me, and I hope you learn to accept that, because he gets that an aspect of our friendship is having you around, even though you are a tabloid writer." Chloe opened a drawer of her bedside table to hand Lois her invitation for the Halloween gala.

"He wants me to come? You mean I finally get an interview with Oliver Queen?"

"No, Lois wait... I didn't..."

Unfortunately, she didn't get to finish her thought because Lois had squeezed her arms around Chloe. "You're the best cuz. I gotta run." Within seconds, Lois had run out the door and started down the hallway.

"Lois... wait..." By the time she got to the door, Lois was already down the stairs. "Great," she muttered as she closed the door behind her.

October 24

"For the last time Lois… I'm not being Tinkerbell."

Chloe grabbed the revealing costume from Lois' hands and hung it back up. She may have agreed to go to the event, but there was no way she was showing up with a costume like that.

"Please Chloe, you loved Tinkerbell as a kid, and the attention…."

"There are a hundred ways you could finish that sentence… none of which I want to hear." She pointed towards the shopping bag in her cousin's arm. "You're being Belle, Lois… hardly what I was expecting."

"I have to look professional for work."

"How many times do I have to tell you that I can't guarantee you'll get an interview with Oliver?"

Lois shrugged a shoulder. "Hey… a girl can try, right?"

Looking desperately in her friend's direction, Chloe asked, "Evie, have you found what you're looking for so we can get out of here?"

Evie came back holding a white hat with a wide brim and a black sash wrapped around it. "Yep… you sure Oliver's okay with footing the bill?"

Chloe shrugged as she handed the credit card to Evie. "He gave me his platinum card."

"I like you having billionaires wrapped around your finger."

Lois said quickly, "So you see it too, right?"

"What?"

Without hesitation, Evie replied, "Absolutely," before sauntering off to the checkout counter.

"What," Chloe repeated.

"Nothing, cuz… let's find you a costume."

Lois dragged Chloe around the store, trying to find a costume that suited Chloe, but after twenty minutes of waiting for Evie, Chloe was just about ready to give up.

"Lois, for the last time, I'm not really princess material."

Evie finally walked back over and smiled. "Sorry, that line-up took forever. How's the search going?"

Chloe skimmed her hand on the top of her head. "Pointless."

Shaking her cousin's arm, Lois added, "Only because you refuse to try anything on."

"Lois insists I do the whole clichéd Cinderella thing."

Evie shrugged. "You don't have to do Disney, Chloe… you can get more creative."

Looking at the hat sticking out of the bag, Chloe said, "You seem to know more about this kind of creativity than me….I don't even know what your costume is."

"Ever seen Howl's Moving Castle?" Evie chuckled as she saw Chloe's eyebrows raise. "Didn't think so. My character's name is Sophie. I'll show you a picture when we get back to the dorm."

Chloe stuck her arms out and sighed. "Well... any ideas for me?"

Evie titled her head to the side. "Yes... but everyone else, by which I mean Lois, is going to hate me."

Chloe smiled, despite the sour face forming on her cousin's face. "I like it already."

Chuckling, Evie settled her bag on the floor and rubbed her hands together. "Okay... how do you feel about wearing a suit?"

October 31

Chloe grabbed the tie and wrapped it around her neck. She had no problems tying it because she used to tie her dad's all the time, but it made her feel a little homesick in that moment. While Chloe didn't regret leaving Clark and Lana to enjoy their relationship without an obvious third wheel, she was all her dad had left in Smallville and it hurt leaving the family home.

Evie interrupted her thoughts. "Having second thoughts about the costume?"

Chloe looked down at the blue suit she was wearing, wondering what expressions she'd get from the guys. Most girls used Halloween as an excuse to be as promiscuous as possible, but here she was in a suit and professional boots. However, Chloe wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's perfect, thanks again."

Shifting her hat slightly, Evie grinned. "My pleasure."

Meanwhile, Lois was trying to fix her hair with only a hand mirror. "Is Scott coming?"

"He lost the bet with the boys from the paper... so yeah."

Taking one last look at her appearance, Chloe asked, "You told him your costume?"

"John let it slip at the meeting you missed. But he's not coming as Howl if that's what you're thinking. I told you, he doesn't see me that way."

"But he's agreeing to go with you."

Evie narrowed her eyes in Chloe's direction. "Do I need to state the obvious comparison?"

Chloe tilted her head. "Really? You're pulling that again?"

"If the shoe fits."

After hearing a knock on the door, Chloe turned to her cousin. "Lois, hurry up... they're here."

"Two minutes."

Chloe rolled her eyes as she opened the door to find Oliver and his friend outside the room. Lois was going to flip, she thought. He looked the part of Prince Charming perfectly and was by no means, hard to stare at, an impressive feat while he stood by Oliver.

Turning back to her friend, she snickered. "Robin Hood... really? You made this theme so you could shoot fake arrows and run around in tights? Where's your tail?"

Oliver's eyebrows furrowed at her question. "What?"

Gesturing for the guys to enter the dorm room, Chloe patted Oliver back as he walked by her. "He's a fox in the Disney version."

Oliver grinned. "I knew I was forgetting something. But who are you supposed to be?"

Evie spoke up. "Elena from Final Fantasy VII, she's known for kicking ass and taking names, just like Chloe here. Granted... she's supposed to have brown eyes, but the hair more than makes up for it."

Chloe said while fiddling with her hair. "When it stays in place... I didn't even think that I had enough hair to pull this 'do off." Her curls had been straightened and she had more product than she usually liked, but Evie was right. It did look good.

Lois piped up in the background, "If we had it my way, you would have been Tinkerbell."

Evie hit Lois with her pillow. "Give up on that, will you? That costume was completely inappropriate for our purposes and besides...Elena's more fitting to Chloe. "

Oliver's friend broke his silence. "Isn't Halloween supposed to be something you're not?"

"Well, it's... sorry..." Evie bit her tongue slightly. "Not trying to sound rude here, but who are you?"

"Arthur, but my friends call me AC."

Shaking his hand, Evie smiled. "Nice to meet you AC, I'm Evie. Anyway, as I was saying... Chloe doesn't kidnap or assassinate people for a living." Evie looked at Chloe, dazed by the unknown description of the costume, "Do you?"

Chloe's eyes widened as everyone else started laughing when Evie's phone buzzed, and she quietly left the room to take the call.

"Lois... are you going to be done with your hair anytime soon?"

With a bobby pin in her mouth, Lois replied. "How about you guys go ahead... AC and I will catch up."

"No, we'll..."

Chloe interrupted, noticing the glint in her cousin's eyes. "Okay cuz, but keep it PG-13 okay? The laundry room's closed tomorrow."

Opening the door slightly, Evie added as she closed her phone, "And if you break it... you buy it."

After him and Chloe left the room, Oliver closed the door with a chuckle. "You two are terrible."

Tipping her hat, Evie simply replied, "It's our dorm room, we have rights." Fiddling with her phone, Evie added, "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up."

"No, we'll wait. You shouldn't walk out by yourself."

A moment later Scott came around the corner. He was wearing a red shirt, cinched with a black belt, and white pants, while his dark hair had been straightened. As he approached Evie, Chloe and Oliver looked at each other before Chloe spoke, "Evie?"

"What?"

Chloe grabbed her shoulder and started to turn Evie's body."Turn around."

She took a step back upon realizing he was there. "Scott?"

"Evie... hey...you look…"

Oliver pointed his head down the hallway and started to walk with Chloe down the hallway. "We'll meet you guys by the car."

"But..."

Evie reached out slightly, trying to slow down Chloe, but she tapped her friend's hand reassuringly. "Take your time."

When they were far enough away, Oliver looked back. "You think they'll ever figure it out?"

"I doubt it, but who knows?"

"Yeah, some people just can't see what's right in front of their faces." Of course it was that moment when they realized they had been walking arm-in-arm.

Pulling apart, they strode in silence, careful of what was said next.

Oliver broke the silence. "Do you know what his costume is?"

Eventually finding her voice, Chloe whispered back, "Not a clue."

He opened the door for Chloe, as she quickly walked past him. Waiting for him to catch up, Chloe said, "So...I have a dumb question."

Oliver rubbed the back of his neck. "Shoot."

"Do you steal from yourself?" Chloe was more than aware of how silly it sounded, but she couldn't resist.

However, that didn't stop Oliver from raising an eyebrow. "What?"

"Robin Hood... rob from the rich to feed the poor. Do you steal from yourself?"

"I have no idea."

They chuckled down the sidewalk as they made their way towards the limo.

"So do you even know anything about your costume?"

"Kick-ass female video-game character with slightly comfortable shoes and a not-too-revealing outfit. That's all Evie told me, but that's all I needed to hear. Even if the hair drives me nuts."

Seeing her fiddle with her hair again, Oliver quickly stated, "You look good."

Feeling herself blush, Chloe added, "Thanks. You too. You'll make the ladies happy at the party, not that you usually need help in that category."

"Well, I'll likely be staying close to you for the entire evening... you know... keep the ogling at a minimum."

Chloe looked up at him with narrowed eyes. "What… it's too much for you?"

"How arrogant does it sound if I say yes?"

"Very, but it's balanced out by your plea for me to save you."

Oliver walked ahead of Chloe to hold the door open for her. "If you wouldn't mind."

Before Chloe had a chance to get into the limo, they heard Evie's voice behind them. "Chloe... Oliver...lovebirds are out of the dorm... how about we get out of here?"

Lois quickly retorted, "We're not lo… oh hell… I don't care. Let's get moving."

~0~

Exiting the limo, Chloe looked up at the flashing lights from the cameras, thankful that her costume would prevent further objectification in the tabloids. Lois was able to keep the relative press to a minimum at her tabloid, but despite Oliver's attempts, they wouldn't back down.

Granted, coming in a group made the pictures a lot easier to bear. But when the other two 'couples' left for the dance floor, Chloe was left with a glass of punch and a lot of awkward. The questions wouldn't stop about her and Oliver and she had half a mind to scream at these people to get a life.

But she didn't... she stayed quiet and tried to be civil, even though Oliver could tell that she was gritting her teeth.

The worst were the numerous Cinderellas expecting Oliver to be their Prince Charming, even going to the length of giving him one of their shoes.

The truth was that Chloe was grateful for his costume choice because he stood out as much as she did in a room of regal costumes. She always thought he would be one of those people too, but instead he showed up in a green tunic and brown tights, as a character that fit his actual persona. Robin Hood was seen as an outlaw, but like Oliver, he was just a misunderstood member of society, for behind the smile and charm, Oliver was a business man, and a gentleman who had none of the normal qualities Chloe had gotten used to seeing in billionaires.

A slow guitar beat signalled the beginning of a new song, but as she saw the couples gather, Chloe stiffened up. Slow dances weren't exactly on her list of favourite activities, especially considering the last one she had resulted in Clark speeding away to save Lana. Since that night, Chloe hadn't been to a dance, never wanting to relive that moment.

Oliver could see that she was tense and squeezed her shoulder slightly. "Relax, Chloe."

"I am... it's just... I don't think I'm built for one of these. Maybe I should have gone for something a little more feminine."

Slipping his hand in hers, leading her out onto the dance floor, Oliver tucked his hand on Chloe's waist. He saw her uncertainty, but he tugged harder to bring her close. "You look fine. Don't let these people change you."

Hesitantly placing her hand on his shoulder, Chloe tried to hide her fear as she rolled her eyes. "You always seem to know what to say, don't you?"

"Except when I'm around you."

Chloe's cheeks were warming up as she looked around the room. Sighing, she finally allowed herself to relax as she lowered her head to rest on Oliver's chest. Listening to the music playing on, she closed her eyes and tried to enjoy the moment.

It felt oddly similar to the last time she danced with Clark, but she felt safer in Oliver's arms. Maybe because this time, there wasn't anyone else. It wasn't a stupid competition with the local beauty, and even though Oliver probably had a fan club, he wanted to be her friend and he wanted to be with her.

Opening her eyes, she lifted her head and smiled at Oliver, who grinned back. Spinning her out and pulling her back with ease, Chloe laughed lightly at how effortlessly he led her around the floor.

Back in form, Chloe whispered. "Thank you."

"For what?"

She grinned momentarily as she looked at the other couples on the floor. "For making me come. I don't know how, but you've managed to understand me better than anyone."

"I think we're just looking for similar things."

"Like what?"

"A person who sees... us. For me, the real person, and in your case, you're the person who gets ignored but is the better part of the people she meets."

Sighing, Chloe shook her head. "I'm really not that special."

"Hate to break it to you, Chloe Sullivan, but look around." With a chuckle, he continued, "You are."

November




Author Note: Forgive my wacky costume choices. "Howl's Moving Castle" is one of my favourite movies and I couldn't resist using it for Evie. (for the Batman fans of the com, Christian Bale does Howl's voice in the English version) I highly recommend it... if nothing else but to hear Billy Crystal as a fire demon. As for Robin Hood, aside from the obvious, it's actually my favourite Disney movie (I swear).

Evie’s and Scott’s costume:  (except Evie’s hair is Sophie’s natural hair colour like this: (http://www.zerochan.net/148238)) http://www.zerochan.net/151394

Chloe’s (only without the bandaid): http://images.wikia.com/finalfantasy/images/e/ea/VII_Elena.jpg

Comments

[geek-or-unique.livejournal.com]

Yay, an update!
This chapter was great, and I really liked the way you handled the Clark/Chloe relationship.

And Oliver is right, she's amazing. <3

Great chapter!

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

I was a little afraid of going over the top with the Chloe/Clark confrontation, but it felt necessary for her to fully move on.

Yes, Chloe's pretty awesome

Thanks for reading!

[luminare91.livejournal.com]

I think I fall more in love with this every time I read it. You do an amazing job with the characters. I totally love the interaction between Clark and Oliver, even if there isn't much of it. And Lois wanting an exclusive is just plain perfect. I can't wait for more!!!

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Aww... thank you.

There's not a lot of Clark/Oliver interaction in the story, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I couldn't resist Lois wanting an exclusive...

[ebarb001.livejournal.com]

Can I just say how much i love that Chloe went dressed Elena, and not because of the character because to be honest I googled her to find out who she was, but because that's my name and I liked seeing associated with my favorite character

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Hehe... yeah, I think I've just put my nerd status through the roof, but I couldn't resist.

[ebarb001.livejournal.com]

It's ok I think we all have inner nerds lol :D

[saurina.livejournal.com]

Another amazing chapter in this story. I liked how Chloe finally had the courage to stand up to Clark and tell him to back off.

And Oliver's words to Chloe at the end was just.. *happy sigh*

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

The Chloe/Clark confrontation had to happen early... close the wounds of the past.

*chuckle* Glad you liked that part.

[abarbiestory.livejournal.com]

you make me all happy when you update this story!!!

Loved how Oliver handled the entire Clark thing! he is just the bestest!!! can't wait for more!!

OMG and hell yeh for A.C. being mentioned and i hope scott and evie have fun!!

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Aww... I love it when that happens. Thanks!

He is kind of awesome, isn't it? If only there was an equivalent in my life...

Hehe... I thought it'd be fun to have him around. As for Scott/Evie, bare with me... it's not a done deal yet.

[brittany2922.livejournal.com]

Lovely update! I loved that Chloe didn't let Clark convince her to say away from Oliver and just flat out told him tat she didn't care what he wanted!

I can't wait to read more of this awesome story! =)

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Thanks... I'm still trying to figure out where I'm taking this story, so the updates may be a little less frequent after "November" but I'll do my best.

[f-queen.livejournal.com]

wow =)! and ther start all :p!! i like me so much youre work!!! i wait the next cap. =)!!! congrats:*!!!

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reading! I'll update as soon as I can.

[sjww.livejournal.com]

Im really loving this story :-) great chapter

Really liked as others have said how Chloe dealt with the Clark situation - and that she didn't just bow to his wishes and was comfortable enough to tell Clark so and that tell him that she trusts Oliver...

"Yeah, some people just can't see what's right in front of their faces." Of course it was that moment when they realized they had been walking arm-in-arm. - this line mmc

Im also enjoying the Character Evie and her interaction with Chloe well...

Really looking forward to November now! :)

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Thanks, glad you're enjoying thus far.

*chuckle* I had to have that line in there.

Evie's fun to write, but I'm struggling with December/January because I'm still in the process of developing her character. November is almost ready to go though and it should be up within the week.

[gaialy.livejournal.com]

See I like the Japanese sound for "Howl's Moving Castle", and it is one of my favourite anime's:)
For a second there I thought you would pair up Lois with Hal Jordan, but of course AC makes more sense

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

I admit that I haven't seen the Japanese version... but it's on my list.

I never thought of Hal actually, mainly because I don't know a thing about him, but I'm glad you liked AC's involvement, even if it is small.

[the-bluesuede.livejournal.com]

I just had to take a moment to say: I LOVE Howl's Moving Castle! :) I had to chuckle at that. Evie's a fun character.

Anyway, I'm enjoying this. Fun idea.

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was re-watching it a couple weeks ago when I was writing this chapter and I couldn't resist.

Thanks for reading.

[iheartbl.livejournal.com]

This story keeps getting better and better, and I love how Clark showed up. I had a feeling Lois's date just might be AC.
I've never seen Howl's Moving Castle or Final fantasy games so the pictures were a big help.

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Like I said, I had a nerd moment writing this chapter, and I couldn't resist, so I had to put up pictures.

Glad it's kept your interest so far.

[jedishadowolf.livejournal.com]

Just read the 3 posted chapters and really enjoying your take on Chloe & Oliver! :)

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reading... hopefully I'll keep it interesting the rest of the way.

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

I figured as much... but I'd thought it would be fun for AC to have a cameo appearance.

Thanks... still working out the last elements of Evie's character, hopefully I can keep her interesting.

The Clark/Chloe friendship will take a backseat for now... but I'll be addressing it soon enough. Unless anything changes, this is the gloomiest it gets though.

*sigh* I couldn't resist that line.

(As a side note, the song they're dancing to is where the Faber Drive was supposed to be, but I thought it was more effective without the lyrics)

[acemademoiselle.livejournal.com]

AHHA!! Found it!

I just re-read the first chapter and that one, this is an amazing story. I like where you're going with this. Especially the slow build up between Chloe and Oliver.

The reference to Howl's moving castle made it even better!

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

*chuckle* Here I am telling you not to hurry, and you've already found it.

I'm glad you like it thus far, and the reference to Howl's Moving Castle...I thought it'd put my nerd status through the roof, but people seem to like it's inclusion.

[phoenix-173.livejournal.com]

Howl's Moving Castle is one of my favorite movies! I love that you had Evie be Sophie and Scott be Howl. Love it!

=D

G

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you loved the idea too because the moment I thought of it, I had to write it.

[slytherinpunk.livejournal.com]

First I want to say I like the format you're using to this story, it's very unique to break it up into the days within the month like this. I love the dynamic between Chloe and Oliver, and you can feel the chemistry, even I neither are willing to admit it just yet.

I'm a final fantasy fan, so I have to nod my head for your costume choice for Chloe and you get props for not putting her in a revealing dress. =) Really enjoyed this!--Now onto November!

[serafina19.livejournal.com]

I've seen people using dates to show time, but never like this. I figured because I wasn't sure how unique the idea itself was, that I'd try to add something new.

I never played FFVII (I'm more of a video game watcher/navigator. My brother would be walking in circles in some games if it wasn't for me), but I was trying to think of something Chloe-esque that wasn't too cliche... Elena seemed to fit.