New Year's Eve….The Seventh Day of to Midnight…11.5 hours..

"What about this?" Lois held up a red satin bustier and Chloe wrinkled her nose. "Too much?"

"Um, yeah…" Chloe grinned. "A little." While she hadn't planned on shopping, Chloe was glad to go with Lois, armed with her Christmas gifts from her father and her Uncle Sam. "It's a nice feeling to be out and know I could buy something for myself without worrying…"

"Oliver set you up?" Lois asked, eyebrow arched. She laughed at Chloe's sour expression. "I'm teasing. You aren't that way. And neither is Oliver."

"Thanks." Chloe pulled a cream lace dress from the rack. "What about this?"

"Ooh." Lois eyed it, and then smiled. "It's perfect for you." Lois' eyes widened. "You have to buy this."

"White? Lois, I'll look like I'm going to a costume party." Chloe frowned. "I don't want to look bride-y."

"Don't be ridiculous." Lois said, holding the dress up to Chloe's shoulders, studying the length. "That dress LOOKS see through. No bride in her right mind would wear that. Besides, with those cream suede pumps we saw in the shoe department, and you'll look like an angel."

Chloe took the dress. "Okay. You sold me. So, what about you?"

"I don't know…" Lois pushed hangers on the rack, pouting. "I wonder what Diana is wearing…"

"Diana? I don't know." Chloe shrugged. "She could wear a paper bag and look great."

"I wish she'd wear one over her head." Lois snarked, and Chloe giggled. "How about this?" Lois pulled a narrow, knitted black dress. "I'll have to not breathe all night, but…"

"I can get a can of black paint and paint something on you, too. Put that back." Chloe shook her head. "Lois, what about this?" Chloe pulled the deep blue dress from the rack, and held it up. "It's really pretty." The iolite colored silk seemed to glow richly in the store lights.

"Really?" Lois frowned, and then grinned. "It is kind of hot…."

"Bingo." Chloe handed her cousin the silk dress. "Let's get out of here."

Lois took the dress and grinned. "Hey, it's a party. I want to show off a little."

Chloe laughed. "Or a lot…" Lois turned, ready to make a comment and then laughed too.

"What the hell? I'm only young once. Might as well enjoy it." Lois said, winking at Chloe. "Let's go find those shoes."

With Chloe out shopping, Oliver went down to his office to look over some satellite images he'd gotten, possible locations for Lex's new area 33.1. He looked at the printed out images, and then at the map, shaking his head.

"You realize that you're almost making windmills into giants." Bruce Wayne stood in the doorway, his dark eyes inscrutable, and Oliver looked up. "Don Quixote didn't have the best life."

"You're almost as intimidating during the day as you are in that getup you wear at night, Bruce." Oliver smiled. "What brings you here?"

"We never sat down and discussed particulars. Last night, when you mentioned taking turns, it occurred to me." Bruce took off his coat and draped it carefully over a chair. "You want Lex to come clean about this 33.1. He's not going to."

"I don't want him to confess, Bruce." Oliver put the pictures down. "I want to shut him down. Period."

"Never happen." Bruce shook his head. "Oliver. You know Lex as well as I do. If anyone knows anything about not keeping all his eggs in one basket, it's Lex. I'm willing to bet the seeds for this project of his are all over the country. Close one down, another lab will open elsewhere."

"Then we shut those down too." Oliver frowned. "I don't understand you, Bruce, whose side are you on?"

"Oh, I'm on your side, and I agree with you. I'll do what I can to stop Lex at every turn, believe me. But, did it ever occur to you that Lex isn't our fight?" Bruce looked at Oliver across the desk. "Right now, there's a guy on a farm two counties over who knows more about Lex Luthor and how he does business than either of us. Why isn't he looking over maps and aerial photography?"

Oliver shrugged. "What Clark actually knows about Lex, he hasn't shared with me, Bruce. I agree, I think he should be doing more too. Clark and I have gone back and forth on this. He's moving at his own pace."

"Which should be faster than light, if I've calculated correctly." Bruce said, dryly. "He should also be able to fly, be super strong and a host of other things that you and I couldn't begin to imagine being able to do."

"What the hell are you talking about? Fly? Clark?" Oliver laughed, thinking about the times he'd wondered that very thing, watching Clark leap to the top of a building as easily as Oliver would have jumped over a puddle. "Have you been drinking?

Bruce nodded. "It sounds crazy. What do you know about Virgil Swann?"

"The astrophysicist? His work helped get the satellite technology I've got get off the ground." Oliver sat down and gestured for Bruce to do the same. "I have a feeling I'm going to find out more, though."

Bruce nodded, sitting. "You are. Dr. Swann had another project going, one pertaining to extraterrestrial life."

Oliver grinned. "Well, naturally. You don't spend years developing theories and technology like Dr. Swann did without a really good reason."

"He found it." Bruce said, seriously. "Years later, when no real contact could be made. It was just signals, bouncing around in space. But, what Virgil found out was that the signals were messages for an alien already here."

"How do you know all this?" Oliver asked. "And what does it have to do with Clark?"

"You've been his friend and you've not even considered this?" Bruce asked in reply. "I have Dr. Swann's research. All of it. I had to fight Lionel Luthor for it, but I won. It's taken time to pick it all apart, and there are holes, but I've figured out this much: There was one survivor, from a planet called Krypton, I believe, and that survivor lives in Smallville."

Oliver sat back, staring at Bruce incredulously. "Clark?"

"If Dr. Swann was right." Bruce nodded. "And as to why I think Clark knows enough about Lex? Who do you think kept our friend Alexander from drowning the first week the Luthors moved to Smallville?"

"Clark." Oliver shook his head. "So?"

"They were good friends for a long time." Bruce said. "Chloe never told you any of this? Lois is quite informative, without realizing it."

"No. If Clark trusted Chloe with this, she'd never tell me unless he told her it was okay." Oliver grinned. "And Lois doesn't even suspect this, that I know for a fact."

"No, she doesn't, she's got an idea that Clark might be the Green Arrow, surprisingly enough. As it is, there's been enough people affected by the radiation from the Kryptonite meteors in that area that Clark's abilities, if noticed, were probably just dismissed as one more weird thing in Smallville. One more kid who got dealt a hand by fate and actually came out okay. Chloe's articles are full of the kids that didn't make out okay."

Oliver stood. "Chloe's articles? Those were from their high school newspaper. How long have you been researching this, Bruce?"

"Years." Bruce stood. "You always were impetuous, Ollie. Always reckess. You're involved with the best friend of the single most powerful living being on the planet and you didn't even know it. At least Chloe will know your interest in her was genuine." He smiled, genuinely amused. "Now, ask me again why Clark, above all others, is the one that needs to keep Lex in check."

"Holy shit." Oliver blinked, processing everything Bruce had just said. "He'd be able to keep an eye on Lex all the time."

"Exactly. And still have energy left to be involved in helping other places. Like in Star City, for example. How long will Hal Jordan be able to handle things alone?" Bruce asked, concerned. "You're building a life here."

"Never mind Star City." Oliver replied, crisply. "Who is minding your store, Bruce? Or is that body armor of yours motorized?"

"I've got help." Bruce acknowledged with a solemn nod. "But I'm not putting down roots here in Metropolis, either. Next week at this time, I'm home." He looked at his watch. "I'm going to go. But, to sum up, Oliver, we need to work together. Those of us who have the will to do, and are driven by that." Bruce nodded at Oliver, who folded his arms over his chest, head cocked to the side, listening. "And those like Clark."

"Those like Clark?" Oliver raised his eyebrows. "Diana? Is she like him?"

"It would be fascinating if they were the last two of their kind." Bruce said, one eyebrow raised over a dark eye. "They'd be ruling the world in no time. No. Diana is something entirely different, but it comes back to the same thing. Unlike Clark, Diana is already making inroads toward her destiny." He walked around the chair and picked up his coat.

"Don't make an issue of this with Chloe, Oliver. If she's promised Clark to keep this a secret, she's had no choice."

"I won't." Oliver nodded. "See you tonight."

"Yes. Any time after eight." Bruce smiled again and left Oliver alone, studying down at the aerial pictures of 33.1. When Oliver heard Bruce get on the elevator, he cleared his throat.

"Come on out, Clark. I know you're there."

"I was here the whole time. Besides, if I move at the speed of Light, how did you know?" Clark asked archly and Oliver looked up at him, expressionless.

"You're kidding, right? The same way I know how you get past my security. I actually pay attention, - there was a breeze just after Bruce came in that didn't come from the heat. That kicked on ten seconds later." Oliver shook his head. "I can play dumb with Bruce, but holy shit, Clark. I guarantee you Bruce knew you were here too. He's been researching you for years."

"Great, another one." Clark replied, rolling his eyes. "I should be used to it by now. Lex made it a hobby."

"You're probably why 33.1 was invented." Oliver laughed. "How much does Chloe know?"

"All of it." Clark defended Chloe immediately. "Bruce is right, I asked her…."

"I understand." Oliver replied. "I'm not mad. I just don't want to get diarrhea of the mouth and say too much to her if she doesn't know."

"It's safe. I'll tell her you know." Clark looked out the window. "Diana, though."

"That Bruce knows about her?" Oliver asked. "Why are you surprised?"

"It's not that I'm surprised." Clark said quietly. "He was lying."

"Bruce doesn't lie." Oliver replied, looking at Clark. "What makes you think so?"

"About it being interesting if Diana was Kryptonian. He's glad she's not." Clark stared out the window. "I had hoped she was. She told me her history, but somewhere in my mind I really thought maybe she was, like me…"

"Clark?" Oliver put a hand on his shoulder. "I have no idea how you must feel. I can only tell you that I know it's hard being the last of your family…the only one left to carry any kind of history into the next generation." He didn't finish his thought because it struck him how easily NOT being the only one of his family could be arranged. Marriage, children, and suddenly the Queen Family could be a small army. "I'm sorry, Clark."

"It's like that to the thousandth power." Clark nodded, looking at Oliver sadly. "Thanks for trying, though. I came here to tell you I heard from A.C. and Bart. They're on their way. A.C. will be here tomorrow, and Bart should be here tonight. I'm going to call Bruce later and ask him if it's okay for me to have Bart tag along. He needs supervision."

Oliver nodded. "Great. I'll arrange a place for them all to crash."

"Good. I'd better go." Clark walked to the door, slow, plodding steps that made Oliver grin in spite of himself. "I'll see you tonight." Clark walked through the open door and onto the elevator.

"Yes." Oliver looked back down at his desk, and shook his head. Laughing, Oliver left his office, and shut the lights behind him. "He can freaking fly and he walks like he's made of bricks."

New Year's Eve – Countdown to Midnight – 5 hours……

Later, Oliver waited for Chloe in the living room, reading "Les Miserables" and wondering whom Clark would most identify with, Javert or Valjean when he heard Chloe on the stairs. He mentally held his place and held his breath, as her heels clicked on the polished concrete floor. Chloe cleared her throat, and Oliver looked up, his eyes wide. She grinned, turning, the lined lace skirt of her dress floating over her ankles. The dress itself was simple enough, off the shoulder with long flared sleeves and closely fitted, until it spilled over her hips in elegant folds. The illusion, that you could see through to her skin, was perfect, and completely sophisticated enough for the party they were going to. Chloe had pulled her hair up, and her only jewelry was the antique looking diamond necklace Oliver had given her.

"Wow." He put his book down, completely forgetting to mark the place with a piece of paper. Grinning, Oliver nodded. "Wow. I thought you looked beautiful in green, but wow."

"Really?" Chloe looked up, slightly self conscious, her hand rising to the necklace he'd given her for Christmas nervously. "I told Lois I didn't want to look bridal."

"No." Oliver shook his head, loving how the lace dress hugged her perfectly, the skirt whispering around her ankles. "You look like you're ready to dance."

"I am." Chloe smiled, holding out her hands to him. "You look all kinds of awesome too."

"Ah, I'd rather be home in sweats watching the game with you." Oliver grinned, kissing her gently. "Well, this is it, the end of the holidays. Tomorrow is football, and taking down the tree."

"I know." Chloe pouted a little and then moved into his arms. "Hard to believe."

"Best Christmas of my life. Except for the year I got my first two wheeler…" Oliver said, casting his eyes up at the ceiling. "Best bike ever."

"I could hardly compete with that." Chloe laughed, pretending to think about it. "Let me guess, was it green?"

"Why yes, yes it was." Oliver nodded thoughtfully. "How did you know?"

"Lucky guess." Chloe laughed, and then spotted the large boxes from the bakery. "You didn't call me down again!"

"You were getting ready." Oliver laughed, walking with her to the table. "They delivered the one for tomorrow, also. But, the boxes are marked, so no funny business."

"Okay." Chloe grinned, reaching for the 7th day of Christmas box. She hesitated and looked up at Oliver. "You okay?"

"Open your box." Oliver grinned, and Chloe laughed, opening the box. Seven sugar swans sailed on a pool of what had to be poured sugar, tinted in swirling shades of blue. On the pool, was a small sky blue box. "What's this?"

"Extra credit." Oliver shrugged. "Open it." Chloe shook her head and Oliver laughed. "It's not going to bite you, Chloe."

"What is it?" she asked again, and Oliver took the box out and opened it. A pair of diamond earrings, matching her necklace were revealed, and Chloe laughed, sighing with relief. "They're gorgeous!"

"And thankfully not a ring. You are too much." Oliver kissed her, chuckling at her reaction. "Be glad of me, Sullivan. I'm the only person in the world that would take your relief completely the right way."

Chloe looked up at Oliver, eyes wide. "Oh, Oliver …I love you so much…I'm sorry…"

"No, don't be." He shook his head. "What we have here is enough for me right now. I'm not going to push for more. It's already more than I could have ever imagined, so…" Oliver kissed her softly again. "I love you, Chloe. I could offer you a thousand rings and it wouldn't come close to showing you how much. So, no worries. " He handed her the box. "The New Years Eve present was a thing my parents did. Well, Dad used to. He said, that on New Years, he'd give Mom the LAST thing she's expect, and it usually was. And, no, he didn't propose on New Years Eve." He looked in Chloe's eyes as she put the earrings on.

"I was wondering." Chloe smiled and, finished with the earrings, looked up. "How do I look?"

"Beautiful." Oliver kissed her, smiling. "And don't worry, when I'm ready to propose, you'll never know."

"Right, because I was totally expecting diamond earrings on New Years Eve." Chloe laughed, picking up her purse and the deep green wool wrap that had been one of Oliver's Christmas presents to her. "Tomorrow? Is there a present for the first day of the New Year?"

"Um, no." Oliver laughed. "But, we can start a new tradition. I like it, actually, because then if I screw up on Valentine's Day, you still will have the New Year's Day present to bail me out of trouble…"

Chloe smiled at him, making a small pout. "I think I can cut you some slack on Valentines Day without a present tomorrow." She took his hand, and he brought hers to his lips. Their eyes locked and Chloe grinned at the butterflies she felt. "Besides, I can always take it out in trade…" Her voice went soft and the answering gleam in Oliver's eyes was all Chloe needed to see that he felt the same way.

"True." Oliver nodded, all business. "We can stay home and negotiate those trades, if you want." Chloe laughed, and pulled him toward the door. "There's no harm in asking, you know..."

New Year's Eve – Metropolis Plaza Hotel…

One thing Metropolis society would be able to say of Bruce Wayne when he returned to Gotham City was that his New Year's Eve party was the highlight of the year. However, while Bruce Wayne made the rounds amongst his guests, Lois Lane on his arm, one guest was not enjoying themselves at all. Clark Kent was absolutely miserable. The party was already in full swing, and Clark was nervous.

"You look wonderful, honey." Martha Kent smiled her approval at Clark, who was fidgeting with his tie. "What a lovely party" Martha had been surrounded from the minute she arrived by people, a popular, romantic figure in the state Senate, and finally, had come back to be with Clark. She sipped her drink and smiled at her son. "Will Diana be here?"

"Yes, I think so." Clark nodded, checking the doorway again. Aside from babysitting Bart, who was currently talking to two young women who might have been models, Clark was wondering if Diana would show up at the party at all. They had fought this afternoon about Diana keeping her association with Bruce a secret, not parting on the best possible note. And, then there was Lois, absolutely beautiful in violet blue silk, and casting dark, life threatening looks in Clark's direction. All things considered, Clark wondered if it would have been better to stay home alone this year. Clark scanned the room, and spotted Chloe and Oliver. Chloe was talking to a man who looked vaguely familiar, and then when he raised his glass, Clark recognized him. Perry White. Clark stood and made his way over to where his friends were, hoping that by being occupied, neither Diana nor Lois would know how miserable he was. He greeted Chloe with a kiss on the cheek and Oliver with a quick handshake, and then turned to Perry White.

"Look at you!" Perry White said, holding out a hand, before Clark could speak. "Good to see you, kid."

"Mr. White." Clark shook Perry's hand. "Bruce Wayne's party can't possibly be X-styles material."

"No, nothing like that." Perry said, sipping his drink, which Clark was glad to see was simply soda water and lime. "I'm City Editor at the Metropolis Journal now. Worked my way back up into the bigs since you've seen me, kid. "

"Really?" Clark smiled. "That's great, Mr. White."

"Yeah. Clean and sober, too. Can't have too many tractors fall out of the sky to make an impression." He looked at Oliver Queen with a sharp eye. "Not that you'd need to worry about that."

"No." Oliver smiled politely, his eyes darting to Chloe. "I guess not."

"I can see you have close connections at the Daily Planet, Mr. Queen." Perry smirked at Chloe. "But I hope you'll be giving the Metropolis Journal a chance to interview you, too. Our business section…"

"I read it every day." Oliver said, taking Chloe's hand. "If you'll excuse us, Mr. White, I really would like to dance with my connection at the Daily Planet." Chloe shrugged a little and let Oliver lead her to the dance floor.

"Of course, of course." Perry nodded, sipping his soda water and turning to Clark. "I haven't noticed any ordinary articles about new fire hydrants with your byline on them, Clark. Did you give up journalism?"

"Oh no, nothing like that." Clark smiled. "Since Dad died, I've really not spent much time in school…" Clark shrugged and Perry nodded again, the older man's quick and observant eyes darting to the entrance of the ballroom.

"Well, if you've been busy with her, I'll forgive you." Perry gestured at the doorway. Diana Prince stood there at the top of the steps into the ballroom, like a vision from a fairy tale. "She's been staring at you so hard I felt it. Better go to her, kid." Perry clapped Clark on the shoulder. "Come see me at the Journal if you decide to get yourself back into the newspaper business. You can learn it the old fashioned way, from the ground up. Okay?"

"Yeah. Thanks, Mr. White." Clark shook Perry's hand and walked to Diana. He walked up the few steps and smiled. "Hi." She placed a finger on his lips gently before he could say any more.

"Clark, before you say anything, I want to tell you that I'm sorry. Bruce was hoping I could encourage you somehow, having abilities myself. It's no excuse, I know. But, meeting you at the museum was a happy accident." Diana said softly, her regal appearance completely undiminished by her regretful expression. "I should have been honest with you, Clark. I despise lying so much. To have hurt you…" She smiled at him sadly. "I am sorry."

Clark kissed her hand. "Let's forget it, okay? I had no business being upset with you. I've been in similar situations myself and I should have been more understanding." Diana's smile brightened. "I hope you'll forgive me for being so judgmental and jumping to conclusions."

Diana nodded, blushing at the softness of Clark's lips on her hand. "There is nothing to forgive, Clark. You only acted as you did because I was not entirely honest." She looked up at him, her blue eyes sparkling. "But, if it matters, this afternoon was one of the worst in my life. Never have I been so ashamed."

"Let's not think about this afternoon anymore." Clark told her as they walked down the steps, Diana holding on to Clark's arm. "I'm just glad you're here. You look like a," Clark grinned. " A princess. For lack of a better word."

"Oh." She blushed. "I brought this gown with me from home. Too much?" She looked up at him, her dark hair pulled away from her face and cascading down her back in a river of curls, her coral colored gown making her appear to shine with her own light.

"No. It's perfect." Clark looked out at the dance floor. "I'm not very good, and I've been told that I step on toes too much, but do you want to dance?" He smiled at her hopefully.

Diana's answering smile was wide. "We could pretend to be flying. And then you couldn't step on my toes."

"That's an idea." Clark said and Diana laughed. "So?" He looked toward the dance floor and then back at her. "Willing to risk it?"

"I'd love to." Diana nodded, and together they glided on to the dance floor, turning heads as they made their way around the dance floor, unaware of anyone else in the room.

Lana made her way to where Chloe and Lois were, waving. "You both look amazing. What a wonderful party!"

"Where's your worse half?" Lois asked, ignoring Chloe's elbow in her side. Lana smiled indulgently, and nodded toward where Lex was talking to the Mayor of Metropolis.

"The mayor is helping set up outreach centers for the illegal immigrants here in Metropolis. Luthorcorp is providing the funding for them." Lana said. "It's really exciting."

"That's great, Lana." Chloe replied, sipping her drink. "How are you feeling?"

"Oh, I'm okay." Lana sighed, and Lois peered at her, studying the smaller brunette. "Tired all the time."

"Yeah." Lois frowned. "Are you sure you're okay? You're very pale."

"Well, with a wedding to plan." Lana offered her left hand to her friends to show them the ring Lex had given her. "And everything else, it's hard not to be tired. That's all it really is." She smiled brightly, but Chloe felt something was off with Lana, especially after being her friend for so long. It was more than the wedding, or the pregnancy, too.

"Look at that." Lois shook her head. "You could choke a pig with that ring."

"Chloe, stop looking at me like that." Lana laughed. "It hurts."

"Oh, sorry." Chloe blinked. "I just…." She stopped herself as Lex and the Mayor were joined by Bruce and Oliver. "If this is what you want, Lana, I'm very happy for you." She smiled, squeezing Lana's hand without looking at the ring. The mayor had left them, and Lex, Bruce and Oliver were standing in a small group, talking.

"Lois, Lex was telling me that Bruce Wayne went to Excelsior with him. Did you meet him at the reunion? I don't remember hearing he was there." Lana asked, and Lois shook her head.

"No, I met him here. He didn't go to the reunion." Lois replied, her eyes going to the odd trio on the other side of the room, too. "I guess that's why they all look so cozy right now."

Her eye fell on Clark and Diana and she shook her head. "I wish they'd play something fast…I really want to dance and this slow, romantic music is killing me."

"Well, well, well. This is familiar. Two of the Three Musketeers. Athos and Aramis. I see D'Artagnan over there." He looked over at where Clark and Diana were dancing. "Sadly, no Porthos, though. Who was the third wheel in this little cadre back at school? John Irons, right?" Lex remarked, politely snide. "Almost brings back memories of the dances at Excelsior."

"I wouldn't say that, Lex." Oliver folded his arms over his chest, grinning. "After all, you're here."

"With a date." Bruce finished. "You weren't much of a dater in school. I guess that's changed for you."

Lex nodded, a smile flicking over his face briefly. "It's been a long time, Bruce. What brings you back to Metropolis?"

"Oliver and I have a project we want to work on together." Bruce answered. "His satellite technology outstrips mine, surprisingly. Wayne Telecom could only benefit from such a partnership."

"I see." Lex turned to Oliver. "So, in league with each other? Interesting. I had heard your satellites were the only ones not affected on Dark Thursday, Oliver. That's quite an accomplishment..."

"Aw." Oliver managed to look modest. "I say it was just dumb luck. I'm not going to argue with the increased revenues my company will get from working with Bruce, though."

"So, it's a love story all around then." Lex said, narrowing his eyes in the direction of Chloe, Lois and Lana. "Good business, good friends, even to sharing girlfriends…both of whom look exceptional tonight." He nodded appreciatively. "Chloe's sense of style was always, unique. And Lois can certainly fill out a dress."

Bruce darted a warning look at Oliver, whose hand had tightened into a fist at his side. "Absolutely, Lex. The best kinds of business relationships are built on trust. Just like friendships, and romances, I suppose. After all, I'm sure Lana trusts you. She'd have to, to agree to marry you."

Lex nodded. "Nothing has been announced yet, of course, but yes. Just like there's not even been a peep on Wall Street about this project of yours. I can't believe it's been so under the radar."

Oliver's reply was quick. "It's not Street ready, that's why. When it is, you'll know about it."

The women were headed in their direction, and Oliver looked at his watch. "It's almost midnight. Excuse me, gentlemen. Angel approaching with my name on her." He left them, taking Chloe's hand and immediately leading her onto the dance floor. Their blonde heads were close together, and Lex noticed Chloe's hazel eyes dart quickly in his direction before she laughed out loud, leaning into Oliver and resting her face on his arm as they began to dance.

"You must be the famous Bruce Wayne." Lana said when she and Lois reached Bruce and Lex. "Lois has been filling me in."

"Only the nice things." Lois said, laughing and Bruce nodded. "That's all I know, anyway."

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Lang. Congratulations on your engagement. I could tell you that Lex doesn't deserve you, but I doubt you'd take me seriously." Bruce took Lana's hand, and she smiled up at him, charmed.

"I wouldn't." She replied and Bruce nodded. "But since you're here, I'd love to talk to you about…"

"I got your letter about the illegal immigrant project. I'd love to talk to you about it before I leave, Lana. Unfortunately, right now, it's almost midnight and I am the host…" He turned to Lois. "Ready to ring in the New Year?"

"You bet." Lois said, taking Bruce's offered hand. "See you later, Lana. Lex." They walked away toward the bandstand, and Lana sighed, watching them go.

"You looked engrossed in whatever you all were talking about, Lex." Lana remarked as Lex led her to the dance floor.

"Just reliving wonderful memories of Excelsior with Bruce." Lex replied simply. "Nothing that remarkable." Lana nodded slowly, deciding to let Lex share more with her about it when he was ready. Pushing him to tell her now would only make his dark mood worse.

Clark had led Diana out into the garden surrounding the ballroom. Bart had gone back to the suite Oliver had arranged for the teen and the arriving A.C. Babysitting duties over, Clark could feel himself relax, and being with Diana was quickly becoming his favorite way to do that. It was nice knowing that he couldn't hurt her if he touched her slightly too hard or squeezed her just a little too much. The night was quiet, and the stars were shining, clear, blue and sharp in the blue-black sky, perfect for what Clark planned to do.

"There." Clark pointed to a star that seemed to be faintly greener than the rest. "That was Krypton."

"How strange, to be able to see where your birthplace was, and not be able to reach it." Diana sighed. She walked to the wall of the garden and turned around. "How strange to live in a city that hides it's beauty behind tall brick walls."

"It's private property." Clark said, and Diana nodded, and then cocked her head, listening. Clark did as well, frowning. "That's a bank alarm. I should go."

"I'll go with you." Diana nodded, and as the midnight countdown began, Clark and Diana flew from the hotel garden to investigate the alarm, leaving the party behind.

"So, tell me the plan again?" Oliver asked, and Chloe smiled. "When are we leaving?"

"Ten minutes AFTER midnight. Time for one more dance. We say goodbye, and we're home by 12:45." Chloe rested her head against his chest and let Oliver lead them around the dance floor again. "I love dancing with you. Clark always steps on my toes."

"Ah, well." Oliver smiled down into her hair. "I had to learn how. It was required torture. I wanted to be playing baseball."

"My toes are grateful to not be tortured now." Chloe looked up at him again. "I'm sure you didn't lack for baseball time."

"The windows at Howard Hill were replaced with great frequency, yes." He smiled as the music ended and the countdown to midnight began. Oliver leaned down and kissed Chloe softly, lingering just a breath away from her. "Last kiss of the old year." His lips touched hers again. "I love you, Chloe. I'm happier than I've been in a very long time. That's because of you."

"I love you too." Chloe whispered, returning his kiss gently. "Do you believe in magic now?"

The room erupted in cheers as the clocks struck midnight, and Oliver grabbed Chloe and kissed her deeply, both of them forgetting the others around them. When the kiss broke, Oliver smiled at her.

"I believe in magic now, because I believe in you, Chloe. Don't ever forget that." He smiled down at her. "You make the magic happen."

"Wow." Clark said, as Diana wrapped the shining rope she'd unfurled from a pocket hidden in the folds of her skirt. The three would be bank robbers were subdued, and Clark had called 911. "I've never seen anything like that in my life."

Diana tossed back her dark hair, which had fallen out of it's elaborate style as they had flown to intercept the bank robbers. "I am a warrior born. It's no different than you working your farm, I guess."

The bells and horns honking in the distance made them both look at each other and laugh. "It's midnight." Clark said, a little sadly. "We missed it."

"Hmm." Diana thought about this. "That clock is slow, then, so it's not midnight right here yet." She pointed to the clock outside the bank that was just shy of the hour. "We still have a minute or two."

"In that case." Clark took her hand and led her to a deep doorway. He kissed her and then smiled as the clock ticked to midnight. "Happy New Year, Diana." They kissed again, a kiss full of the adrenaline of their little adventure, and the built up emotion of the day, leaving both Clark and Diana slightly breathless at the end.

"Happy New Year, Clark." Diana reached up and caressed Clark's cheek with her long hand. "It's been a great night."

"It has." Clark laughed. "Drama earlier, followed by romance and action. There aren't many guys who could offer you that in one evening."

"No." Diana giggled, covering her mouth. "That's very true." She looked at Clark and shook her head, her dark curls spilling over her shoulders again. "Walk me back to the party? Your mother will be wanting to drive back to Smallville."

"I'd love to." Clark smiled and took her hand. "I don't have to worry about Mom, either. She's staying at the Plaza tonight in a suite with Lois. It was too late for them to drive to Smallville tonight."

"In that case," Diana said, looking up at Clark with a small, flirtatious smile. "We can walk very slowly and you can dance with me more when we get back." They stepped out of the doorway to see the police loading the bank robbers into cars and walked back to the hotel, their hands loosely linked.

"That sounds like an excellent idea." Clark kissed her hand gently. "I can't imagine anything I'd like better."

New Year's Day, 12:46 a.m. – Eighth Day of Christmas….

Chloe kicked off her shoes when they got off the elevator, scowling as one white suede pump flew across the room and landed in the center of the living room. "Remind me never to wear brand new shoes to a party again."

"I will, but you won't listen." Oliver grinned. "I would have carried you, you know."

"Aww." Chloe turned and smiled at him. "I know, but white lace dress, carrying me over the threshold after a big party…too wedding-y."

"Right. I forgot about that." Oliver nodded. "It makes no sense. We both know that's not what was going on." He took off his tie and dropped his jacket over the railing. "But, I can't argue with Sullivan's logic."

Chloe laughed and went to pick up her shoes. She looked at the Christmas tree sadly, and with her shoes in one hand, reached out to touch one of the delicate glass snowflakes. "The holidays are really over, aren't they?"

"Well, there's New Year's Day." Oliver said, walking to where she was and taking her in his arms. "And the rest of the days of Christmas, but reality starts up again on Tuesday." He kissed her nose. "Want to fly to where it's still New Years Eve? We can make California in an hour. Star City has fireworks at midnight and it's really beautiful."

"No." Chloe laughed, dropping her shoes to unbutton the small pearl buttons of his shirt. "We can fly to California at midnight next year. I'm glad to be home."

"Me too." Oliver watched her, and then smiled. "So, this isn't too wedding-y? Me in a tux, you in a white dress...after a big party?" He raised his eyebrow at her, and shook his head. "I'm confused." His green eyes danced as she ran her hands over his chest. "This has wedding night written all over it."

Chloe shook her head. "I don't think so. If you had carried me in to the apartment…." She grinned brightly. "It would have been different. I've saved it from being too honeymoon suite-ish now."

"Oh." Oliver nodded. He kissed Chloe and hugged her to him. "Hmm. Sullivan's logic again. I'm going to need the advanced guide I think." He unzipped her dress and pushed the neckline away to kiss her shoulder. "I'm utterly lost…"

"Don't worry." Chloe laughed, after a sharp intake of air when his lips touched her skin. "You're getting the hang of it."

"I am?" Oliver looked up, running his fingers over the smooth skin he'd just kissed, and watched Chloe shiver pleasantly. "Oh, good. I'd hate to be accused of not understanding you."

"You're doing just fine. Let's go upstairs." Chloe said, and Oliver nodded, taking her hand. They walked up the stairs, and Chloe turned to look at Oliver sharply. "I almost forgot, what did Lex say to you?"

"Say to me?" Oliver asked, distracted, by the sight of her skin, exposed by the open zipper. "Oh. He was just sniffing around, trying to figure out what Bruce and I were up to. Mentioned an old school friend of Bruce's, a guy from the football team, John Irons. Funny. I haven't thought about John Irons in a long time." They walked into their bedroom, and Oliver stopped, turning Chloe around to face him. "And I don't want to think about him now." Chloe smiled, and let her dress fall to the floor, standing before him in her almost sheer, flesh colored bra and panties and her thigh high stockings, edged at the top in the soft lace that held them up. Oliver chuckled, nodding. "Oh, see, that totally works. I'm right back here with you but, I'm not sure I remember my name now, though." He smiled at her. "Who am I?"

Chloe stepped out of the puddle of white lace and shrugged, running her hands on his arms, up to his shoulders to push his shirt off. "You're Oliver Queen. Billionaire, philanthropist, all around great guy, who is about to have his way with his very willing girlfriend."

"Right." Oliver said, tracing the line of her bra with his finger. "The luckiest guy in the world."

"Uh huh." Chloe laughed as he undid her bra and dropped it on the floor near her dress. "See, you remember the highlights."

Oliver kissed her. "We talk way too much." They moved to the bed, and Chloe sat down, rolling one stocking off and then the other while Oliver watched, smiling. "Say something. Anything." He said, as the second filmy stocking drifted to the floor. "Wow."

"Make up your mind." Chloe said, standing again to ease her panties off. She placed her hand on her naked hips. "You can't have it chatty and quiet." Oliver fell to his knees before her and grabbed her, running his hands on her body, caressing her breasts gently and watching as Chloe closed her eyes at his touch.

"You're right. I can't. I'll settle for you saying my name over and over again. No, I take that back. I won't settle for that…it's my goal for the night."

Chloe bit her lip, and smiled. "That's a worthy goal. Like this…?" She gasped as he kissed her flat stomach. "Oh, Oliver…" The words came out as half sigh and half giggle, and Oliver laughed, pressing his cheek against her soft skin.

"That's a start. But, I think we can do better." He said as Chloe sat. Oliver pushed her back onto the bed, undoing his black tuxedo pants and taking them off, along with his own underwear as he stood to look down at Chloe admiringly. "God knows, I'm going to be saying yours over and over." She grinned and licked her lips. "Chloe…" Oliver grinned and lay down beside her on the bed, exploring her with his mouth and hands, every time he'd stop, she'd gasp his name….

"Oliver…" Chloe whispered later, wrapped in his arms, under the covers. The room was dark, and it seemed like their world was just them. She stroked his chest gently. "You awake?"

"Yes." He replied. "I thought you were asleep." Oliver sat up a little and Chloe could see him looking at her. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." She smiled at him. "Better than fine."

"Good. What's on your mind?" He gathered her close again. "It's not like it's three in the morning or anything." The clock ticked to 2:58 and Chloe grinned.

"Just happy." She said. "And, you aren't getting out of bed at five and we both know it."

"Just happy?" Oliver repeated, surprised. "JUST? I'm delirious with joy and you're just happy. Thanks." She laughed and bit him a little.

"I love you. Really, really. And I am deliriously happy, too." Chloe said softly, and Oliver kissed the top of her head. "I wanted to tell you that, since it's the first day of the New Year."

"I love you, too, Goldilocks." He replied, closing his eyes. "Come on, go to sleep. Being deliriously happy is very tiring."

"Yes, it is." Chloe sighed, her eyes drifting shut as she felt his arms tighten around her, loving the feeling of home she had when she was with Oliver. The New Year was starting beautifully.

"On the Seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,

Seven Swans A Swimming, Six Geese A Laying,

Five Golden Rings…

Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens,

Two Turtledoves,

And a Partridge in a Pear tree…."