THE SEARCH IS OVER

CHAPTER 7: THE PARTY - PART 1

PREVIOUSLY:

"You really try my patience sometimes Lois," shaking his head at her.

"You know I just love to bust your chops Smallville."

He leans toward her. "It goes both ways Lanie," winking at her before he hops off her desk and sits back down at his; a smile on his face...

The next night

Clark arrives at Lois' apartment and knocks on the door. "Lois," he calls out.

"I'll be right there Smallville," she replies back.

He hears her footsteps come closer; finally stopping at the door. Then it finally opens. He looks her up and down. "Wow Lois," giving her an admiring look. "You look amazing," smiling at her as he walks into the apartment; closing the door behind him.

She looks at him curiously. Is he actually checking me out? That's weird.

Why is she looking at me that way? That's weird.

"Can you do me a favor?" she asks; breaking the silence at last.

"Sure," he replies. "What's the favor?"

"Zip," turning her back to him.

He stares at her nearly naked back. She stands there tapping her foot impatiently. "Are you going to just stare at my back or are you going to zip me up?"

"Um...sure," he says; a little nervously. He moves a little bit closer and takes the zipper pull in his fingers; slowly gliding it up her back. He's trying not to touch her skin as he pulls it up but his fingers have a different agenda. Hum...her skin feels really nice.

He gives himself a mental shake. Get a grip Kent. She's your friend. Yes. Keep telling yourself that. She's your friend. He brings it all the way to the top; finally letting go and stepping backwards. "All done," he says.

"Thanks Smallville," turning around to look at him. "I just have to get my coat," walking away from him and towards the closet where she keeps her coats. She opens the door and looks for the right coat. He's so cute when he's nervous. Huh? Smallville is cute?

She turns her head slightly to glance at Clark. But he doesn't notice her looking because his back is turned to her. So she decides to take a closer look. When did he become so damn gorgeous? her eyes lingering on the dark blue suit he's wearing. Okay Lois. Knock it off. This is Smallville you're thinking about in an not-so-innocent way. Your best friend. She pulls out the coat and closes the door.

"Found it," she says; the coat draped over her arm.

She's about to put it on when Clark takes it out of her hands. "Let me," standing behind her.

She was going to say something when he lifts her arms behind her and slips her coat over them and onto her shoulders; his hands resting on top of them. "All done," removing his hands and making his way over to the front door; holding it open for her. "Are you coming or not Lois?" he asks her.

She stares at him for a moment. Then she says, "I'm coming, I'm coming," rolling her eyes at him as she walks past him and out the door...

Metropolis Hotel - Ballroom

"You did say they were coming right?" Oliver asks Chloe; taking a sip of his drink and looking anxiously towards the front door..

"I went dress-shopping with Lois yesterday and she said they were," taking a sip of her drink.

"I don't know why I agreed to this," picking up a piece of fruit from the buffet table and popping it into his mouth.

"You know why," putting down her drink and looking over at him. "They need to stop denying the fact that they have feelings for each other."

"And you still think that setting them both up will do the job?" he remarks.

"Jealously is our ally Oliver," smiling back at him. "If Clark sees Lois with someone and vice versa..."

"Well I hope you're right about this," picking up his drink and taking another sip.

"Stop being so nervous Oliver," she says; picking up a stuffed mushroom and biting into it. She glances at the front door. "There he is," pointing towards a man who just walked in.

"Well, here goes nothing," Oliver says; gulping the last of his drink and setting it back on the table.

Chloe watches as Oliver walks over to the man who just came in and begins to talk to him. But then her view is blocked by the appearance of another woman walking towards her. "Are you Chloe Sullivan?" coming right up to her.

"I am. And you are?"

"Diana Prince," extending her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you in person."

"Likewise," she says with a smile. "So how was your flight?"

"Long," she replies; smiling back at her. "But I wouldn't miss one of Oliver Queens parties for the world."

"I feel the same way. And I also have a feeling that it's going to be a very interesting evening," she remarks.

"Really?" looking curiously at Chloe.

"That's right," a knowing look in her eyes.

While they're talking, Clark and Lois have arrived at the hotel; checking in their coats. "Let's go get this over with," Clark remarks as they walk towards the door to the ballroom.

"You didn't want to come tonight - did you Smallville?" turning to look at him.

"Not really," he replies. "But Oliver insisted that I come. He said I would meet some interesting people."

"Oliver said that?" her eyebrows furrowing.

He looks at her curiously. "Yes. Why do you ask? And what's with the look?"

"It's just that..."

"Just...what?" he asks her.

"Chloe told me the same exact thing."

"She did?"

"Yep," a thoughtful look on her face. "You know Smallville? My spider sense is tingling."

He gazes at her for a moment. Then he realizes what she's saying. "You think they're up to something - don't you?"

She nods yes. "Absolutely," she replies. "But what?" biting her lip.

"Now that's an interesting question," he says. "We'll just have to keep our eyes and ears open," smiling at her.

"Well that won't be a problem for you now will it Smallville?" lightly punching him on his upper arm.

"You know one of these days I'll punch you right back," rubbing his arm.

"You know that doesn't hurt Smallville," punching him again.

He frowns for a moment; then reaches out and lightly punches her on her upper arm.

"What the hell?!" rubbing her arm and glaring at him.

He just stands there a moment; a mischievous smirk on his face. Then he opens the door to the ballroom. "So are you coming or not?" his eyebrow cocked.

"Oh you would just love that wouldn't you?" she retorts; brushing past him as she walks into the room.

He just stands there with a shocked expression on his face. Did she just say...?

As soon as she steps inside, then it hits her what she just said. Did I just say...?

He finally comes inside; the door closing behind him. "What did you just say Lois?" he asks her.

"I didn't say anything," turning slightly red. "I need a drink," abruptly walking away from him and towards the bar.

She just blushed. Lois Lane never blushes. He's so lost in thought that he doesn't see the woman that was coming in the door; bumping into her. He looks up at her. "I'm sorry miss. I didn't see you. Are you okay?"

She stares at him. Who's Lois Lane? And why is it unusual for her to blush? she wonders. Out loud she says, "I'm fine Mr..."

"Kent. Clark Kent," extending his hand. "And you are?"

"Lori Lemaris," taking his hand and smiling at him.

"Nice to meet you Lori," smiling back at her.

At the same time, Lois is standing at the bar; drink in hand and looking around the room. "You look like you don't want to be here," hearing a voice behind her.

"You have no idea what I want Mr..." turning around at the sound of the voice and looking into the darkest and most intense eyes she's ever seen.

"Wayne. Bruce Wayne."

TO BE CONTINUED...