Since the Mr. X escapade, Metropolis was quiet except for a petty pick-pocket here and there, so Clark and I were forced to focus on more important issues… like our wedding. Neither Mr. White or Martha would let us go a day without making some decisions about colors, centerpieces, and music. The biggest question was who would be my Maid of Honor? I am such a workaholic that my friend list is pretty limited, so the question is completely valid.

"Lois," he called out to me. I looked up to find my man leaning against the jamb. It astonishes me that it took me so long to figure out his alter ego. The man fills a doorway just by being.

"Lois," he called again, "are you alright?"

"Yeah," I smiled.

"You just have a distant look on your face."

"I am just admiring you." I bite back my smile.

"Well, that's good to know," He chuckled. He pushed off the jamb and came toward me. "You looked almost sad."

"I've just been think about my Maid of Honor," I sighed.

"Have you decided on one?"

"I was wondering if you'd be okay with me asking Jimmy."

He thought for a second before a smile spread across his handsome face, "I love that idea because I wanted to ask Bill to be my best man since the Chief is insisting on giving you away."

"I am so glad," I giggled. He was kneeling next to me so I leaned over to lay my forehead against his.

"Why?"

"Because I really didn't know of anyone else to pick other than your mother and she already told me that she just wants to sit and enjoy."

Suddenly my intercom crackled on, "Lois!"

"Yes, Chief?"

"I need you in my office," he growled. "Bring Clark if he is with you."

He got to his feet and brought me with him, "That's our cue."

"Do you know what this is about?"

"No," he shrugged, "I assume it is wedding plans."

"What else can we plan for?!"

"I guess we will find out," he chuckled. He slid his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

A blusterous "Come in" met out knock. We were welcomed immediately by a jubilant cry, "Clark, Lois!"

My eyes landed on the radiant face of Smallville High School's intrepid investigative reporter, Chloe Sullivan.

"Chloe," Clark questioned. "What are you doing in Metropolis?"

"You told me to apply for an internship when I graduated, and Lois was kind enough to write me a reference."

Oh my goodness, I completely forgot. The young blonde smiled at us with beaming happiness and innocence that seemed to be homegrown traits raised in Nowheresville, Kansas. She quickly rushed to my side and wrapped her arms around me. To shocked to do anything else, I hugged her back.

"Chloe," Clark called for her attention, "why didn't you let us know you were coming to town? We would have met you at the station."

"I know, Clark," she smiles and hugs him too.

"Then why didn't you," I asked.

"Well, two reasons. First, I wanted to surprise you both. Second, I'm a small-town girl looking for a big-time adventure, so I really didn't want to rely on someone meeting me at the station."

I understood that. If I were a small-town girl I would want to have my own adventure as well. I looked over at the Chief who was trying to size up the new recruit. His eyes were soft, he used that same Papa Bear look on Jimmy when he thought no one is looking.

Mr. White cleared his throat causing everyone to become silent and focused. "Miss Sullivan, you have very impressive credentials of such a young reporter."

"Thank you, Sir."

Clark and I stood in the corner silently as Mr. White appraised Chloe's resume. I knew by the tone of his voice that Perry was just testing how she will hold up under his scrutiny. Chloe planted herself in front of him and stood a little taller. I looked to Clark who had stiffened into his protection mode, but as he realized that Chloe was not moved he began to relax.

"Mr. White, I am a hard worker and I am not afraid of a little danger. I am just looking for an opportunity to prove that I have what it takes."

Perry's face remained stone as she tried to plead her eligibility. Without the slightest give, he reached for his here immediately."

"Chief," Clark began, "What does Olsen have—"

Clark was cut off by a sharp look before Perry brought his attention back to Chloe. "Miss Sullivan, you took a large risk coming to Metropolis without any security of a job."

Chloe waivered under his unimpressed tone, I watched her shift on her feet. The silence grew awkward just as Jimmy came bursting through the door.

"You called for me, Chief – uh Mr. White."

"James Olsen, just the reporter I wanted to see," White announced. "Jimmy Olsen, meet Chloe Sullivan, our newest Cub Reporter. You two are going to be spending a lot of time together."

"It is nice to meet you, Miss Sullivan." He reached out for her hand.

She smiled at him and accepted the offered hand, "Same to you, Mr. Olsen."

I couldn't help the giggle that was bubbling up in me. Clark leaned down and whispered, "Is Mr. White playing matchmaker?"

"I think he did," I chuckled.

"Do you think he did this to us?" Clark and I looked at each other with a sudden realization. Perry White had been pitting us against each other from the very beginning to create tension and then encouraged our partnering to keep the tension up. THAT'S WHY HE IS MORE EXCITED ABOUT OUR WEDDING THEN WE ARE!

"Olsen, please escort, Miss Sullivan to the City Desk and get her paperwork started."

"Yes, Chief."

"Don't call me Chief!" Jimmy hurried Chloe out of the office, but not before she got in a quick thank you. Once they were gone, Perry smiled and look straight at us, "I like her."


Author's Note: I love Perry White. I hope that you liked this little scene, it was just for fun.