AN: Sorry it's been a while, hope you all enjoy and thanks for the feedback.

For those worried it is going to be a Chruce fic, don't worry Chollie is how it will end, it's just taking a few turns along the way.

Chapter 11

Chloe

The journey to the gala was punctured by a few words here and there but it past pleasantly enough. Chloe felt nervous how was she going to talk to any of the people there, but then she didn't really need to talk to any of them, all she needed to do was watch and listen.

As Oliver helped her step from the car to the curbside Chloe let out a soft sigh before slipping her arm through Ollies offered one, "Relax, you'll be fine." The hairs in her ear tickled as the much taller man had leant and whispered in it.

There were a few photographers there no doubt for the society magazines and gossip columns and as Oliver waved to a couple she had to laugh as he spoke through gritted teeth, "I hate these people." Chloe half wondered if there were going to be any column inches asking who she was, making the news instead of writing the news.

As they stepped inside her head tilted upwards looking at the lobby. Compared to what was outside it seemed like she was stepping into another world. It was an opulent red colour with gold trimmings. It seemed like something she would expect to see in Paris or at an opera house.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Oliver handing over the invitation to a tuxedo wearing man who looked as if he'd be more comfortable in a zoo. Escorted through a second door she was again surprised to see a brightly decorated room, large, high domed, a sweeping staircase rising from the centre leading to a balcony that curved around the room giving a fantastic view of the entire affair.

It struck her that Gotham really was a city of contrasting people, you either had money or you didn't, the middle ground hardly seemed to be there at all. It was the difference between being in this room with them now or being at home in a poor neighbourhood wondering who was going to break in next. This place seemed to need Batman more than they knew.

Chloe wondered how many in this room gave their time or money to help those less fortunate without having their photograph taking to celebrate their generosity. While respecting what Bruce and his foundation were trying to achieve she felt as if it was something that should be done anyway. Or maybe that was wishful thinking on her part, or perhaps she was being harsher than she needed to be, some quite possibly were generous and giving.

When she finally looked around Chloe noticed Oliver had moved away slightly to talk to an older distinguished looking man, she touched his arm softly and indicated she was going to go upstairs to get a better view.

As a waiter passed her by he offered her a glass of champagne that she took and sipped on before she hitched her dress up slightly and climbed up the stairs to the balcony area. It was quieter up here, providing her with a chance to get her breath and actually watch what was going on.

Occasionally Oliver would tip his head upwards and smile at her as she began to pick apart who the rich were, who the powerful were and who had combined the two. Before she knew it her glass was empty but before she could even turn to look for a waiter one seemed to appear next to her. The empty one was quickly replaced by a full one and the spot next to her was taken by a cute brunette.

She was taller than Chloe, but she was attractive and had a nice smile, "Hi," the brunette said eventually, "Rachel Dawes." Chloe felt as if she had to draw himself up to her full height and offered a hand, "Chloe Sullivan."

"Hope you don't mind, but you look as if you belong here as much as I do. I'm only here because of Bruce." Chloe looked at Rachel, "I'm here because of him," she pointed down at Ollies blonde haired figure, "Oliver Queen."

They fell silent for a few moments as Bruce suddenly appeared along the balcony and gave a short speech promising the auction would be upon them soon. Either he hadn't spotted them or he had decided to leave them alone but he moved downstairs and found Oliver to talk to for a few moments.

"So, what do you do Chloe Sullivan?" Chloe gazed down at the top of the heads of all those below them, "Reporter for the Daily Planet in Metropolis, and a student."

"I'm a DA, in Gotham that's not always easy." Again they fell silent just watching those below and Chloe wondered how hard it must be for someone like Rachel here. She was about to speak when Rachel broke the silence, "That's the mayor," and with that she pointed out the whose who of Gotham giving Chloe little bits of information about them all as she went.

Oliver

Oliver was bored, but still he managed to keep up his façade, he had to. Tonight was all about business contacts and helping Bruce, well mostly about that. He turned and looked up at Chloe noting she was with an attractive brunette. Quirky he'd probably describe her as.

About to head upstairs with fresh champagne for the three of them he was interrupted by Bruce who appeared in front of him after giving his little speech. "Bruce, where were you today?" he asked teasing his friend a little, "negotiations weren't the same without you."

The smirk on Bruce's face worried him slightly but he didn't show it, "having lunch with a reporter. Blonde, spunky, I think you'd like her." Well that explained why Chloe hadn't answered her cell.

"Ah, so you're the one who was trying to persuade her to join the auction items. I wonder why?" He kept his tone light, friendly, teasing but he felt a surge of something in his stomach.

It wouldn't be the first time that Bruce had been attracted to a woman Oliver was with, nor indeed would it have been the first if it was the other way around, both however knew Oliver wasn't really with Chloe. "What better way to spend my money?" Bruce smiled at Oliver before laughing, "Come on Oliver, it's just dinner. If I win her that is." With that he winked and looked up at the spot Ollie knew the two women were. "I see Rachel found her."

There was something in Bruce's voice that caused Oliver to look at her again, "Who is she?" His eyes flicked slowly between his long time friend and the quirky brunette. "That's Rachel?" A sudden spark of recognition hit him, Bruce had mentioned a girl who had been his friend during his childhood.

A smile curved Bruce's lips, "Yeah, she's a DA now. And not afraid." Oliver was impressed to here pride in the other mans' voice. "You like her?" Maybe he wasn't interested in Chloe at all and it was just in Ollie's head.

There was a quick flash of something on Bruce's face, so quick Oliver nearly missed it, "she's a friend." His tone was hard and Oliver knew not to press further. If Bruce wanted to tell him then he would although he found that doubtful.

He was amused to see a look of panic cross his friends face as he looked over Oliver's shoulder. "What?" Bruce gulped down on glass of champagne before taking hold of a second, "someone I hope doesn't win the bidding war. I have to go," the glass was placed on a tray, "I'll see you shortly for the auction."

As easily as he had been there Bruce was gone leaving Oliver alone amongst the throng. That didn't last as he was swooped on by an older gentleman, a woman who was clearly his wife, and a second younger woman. "Mr Queen," the man had grabbed Ollies hand and was shaking it firmly, "Simon Tate, my wife, Matilda and our daughter Victoria. So very pleased to meet you."

Oliver looked confused, "Likewise I'm sure." He smiled at the two women before taking their hands and kissing the backs of them causing them both to giggle. Struggling not walk away he waited for Simon to give him some kind of clue as to why he was here. "I'm planning on winning you for dinner with Victoria."

A weak smile appeared, "best of luck with that." He was saved when he felt an arm slip through one side and then a second through the other, "Oliver, I feel neglected," Chloe's face was smiling up at him looking amused. "Rachel and I thought we come and claim you back." He could tell that Chloe was amused, more than amused that she'd had to rescue him. "Sorry," he paused as if trying to remember the other man's name, "the lady has claimed me, at least for now, if you'll excuse us."

Smiling he turned and walked away with Chloe on one side and Rachel on the other. "Miss Dawes," he said turning to look at Rachel, "pleasure to meet you. I hope Miss Sullivan here hasn't told you any stories about me and if she has they aren't true."