Never A Bride-21/27
Author: BlueSuede
Title: Never a Bride
Rating: NC17
Genre: Romance/Humor
Pairings/Characters: primarily Chloe/Oliver
Summary: When a newspaper prints a false engagement announcement for Oliver Queen and Chloe Sullivan, and all their friends are thrilled, Chloe and Oliver decide to stage a fake engagement and breakup to prove to their friends how wrong they are for one another. Because, they will break up, won't they?
Warnings: completely Alternate Universe; also, sexual content and occasional language
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dandiandi22
Back again! I hope everyone's had a lovely month and that you've been wary of the Ides of March today. ;) Sorry it took a while longer than planned to get this up today, but on the bright side, it's nice and long and full of juicy goodness.
First Chapter
Previous (Chapter 20)
Next (Chapter 22)
-21-
"So have you given any thought at all to the actual wedding dress?"
Chloe shook her head idly, feeling a bit overwhelmed by silks and chiffons and taffetas as she looked around.
"That's all right, no pressure, dear," Laura Queen said easily, holding up a pretty satin number and studying it thoughtfully. "But remember, it will probably have to be altered, so don't leave it until too late."
Chloe didn't need to be told that. After all, her work involved the fashion industry. But Laura said it in a casual, non-pointed way, as if she were really just voicing the thought as it occurred to her. In a motherly way.
"Well, now that you've finally set a date, you can really get down to business," she continued. "I know you're like me: we're both planners. We like to have a structured schedule. Oliver gets his flexibility from his father; trust me."
Chloe smiled amusedly. She and Oliver had finally been forced by all sides to pick a date for their fictitious wedding, and Laura had already advised her to look at stationery for save-the-dates. Chloe wondered uncomfortably exactly which circle of hell was reserved for those who stoop to deceiving Laura Queen.
"Oh, what do you think of this?" Laura asked, holding up a soft teal dress with a pretty beaded bolero.
"I think it would look stunning on you." The truth was, just about anything would probably look good on Laura, and she had impeccable taste, so the idea that she needed Chloe's help in finding a mother-of-the-groom dress was an almost laughable ruse. But Chloe understood that she was just looking for a chance to bond with her future-daughter-in-law, so she had more than happily taken a Saturday afternoon to oblige her. "It's not very spring-y, though."
Laura nodded. "I agree. I suppose it's a bit early to be shopping for a spring wedding. And you're not even sure how formal it's going to be. But I couldn't resist at least looking for a few ideas with you. What are you wearing for Gotham?"
She was referring, of course, to Diana and Bruce's wedding, which Mr. and Mrs. Queen would also be attending. The whole family had decided to fly commercial together, something which gave Chloe heart-palpitations. Not because she was concerned about flying commercial-which she had always done before meeting Oliver-but because she was going to be spending an entire day flying trans-continent with the Queens and then flying back for Christmas with them.
That was a lot of up-close-and-personal time with Oliver's family. And there would be so many people watching.
She supposed, really, she could get some sleep on the plane, and that would help.
"Well Diana picked out some beautiful red velvet bridesmaid's dresses. Very classic silouhettes and perfect for a Christmas wedding. I've got a nice olive green sweater dress for the rehearsal dinner. You?"
"Oh, that sounds stunning. I can't wait to see how that wedding turns out. Diana Prince has a reputation for the extraordinary. I've got a very nice midnight blue gown for the occasion. You'll love it. Very haute couture. Or so the designer told me," she smiled indulgently.
"It sounds nice."
"It is. I think it's very heavy, though. I'm so glad you and Oliver will have a summer wedding, Chloe. I think sunshine and light, airy things suit you a little better. Oh, maybe you could get married in the park!"
Chloe laughed. "Hey, careful! My mom has already laid claim on pressuring me about the venue. You only get to pressure me about the bridesmaids' dresses."
Laura laughed and Chloe followed her to the dressing room.
Five hours on a plane.
Five.
Hours.
She was going to murder Oliver Queen before this flight was over.
Chloe shot him a scathing look and mouthed 'Stop It' at him, but he just smirked devilishly.
About an hour into their flight, after Laura and Robert Queen had reclined their seats and fallen asleep, the flight attendants had come around with a post dinner dessert. Ice Cream Sundaes. As if the coincidence weren't bad enough, Oliver had also discovered the exciting development of seat-to-seat instant messaging on their seat-back monitors around the same time. So in addition to telling the flight attendant, who had offered Oliver a choice of chocolate, butterscotch, or mixed berries on his ice cream, "I'll have chocolate syrup. Extra chocolate syrup," he had also started sending dirty texts to her seat.
Seat 2E how's your sundae?
Seat 2E mine's delicious.
Seat 2E remember the last time we had a sundae?
Seat 2E only there wasn't any ice cream
Seat 2E because you were licking it off of my naked body
A pause while Chloe stared at the screen in horror. Then…
Seat 2E Chloe.
Seat 2E Chloe.
Seat 2E why are you ignoring me, Chloe?
Seat 2E is this thing working?
Seat 2E chloechloechloechloechloe
Seat 2D OLIVER FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CUT IT OUT!
She glared at him from around the small partition between their seats, meant to create a little privacy if desired, but he just licked some of the chocolate off of his spoon, wiggling his eyebrows at her. He typed something and another message showed up on her screen.
Seat 2E Oh good it does work. Hi Chloe.
Chloe groaned, sinking further into her seat and trying to read her book. She peered over the top of it after a couple of minutes, unable to resist.
Seat 2E this is really good. I mean, not as good as licking it off your breasts while you moan my name, but good.
Seat 2E have you even touched yours? I can see it melting. Chloe, that's a waste of good ice cream. How dare you.
Seat 2E i demand you eat that ice cream.
Seat 2E it's chocolate-y goodness.
Seat 2E remember when you ate chocolate off my dick
"Oh my God!" Chloe exclaimed in a loud whisper and a couple of disgruntled passengers who were trying to sleep-like normal people-grunted, a couple of them shooting her annoyed looks before rolling over and she heard Oliver chuckle next to her. She was so embarrassed it was killing her, but a tiny little part of her was having trouble not laughing, too.
Seat 2E do you think the hotel will have chocolate sauce?
Seat 2E it says it's all inclusive
Seat 2E maybe that means there will be whipped cream, too.
Seat 2E which reminds me, since you lost our bet, I never got to lick whipped cream from your pussy
Chloe's eyes widened and her face flushed a deeper scarlet as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
Seat 2D Oliver stop it. What if the crew can read these?
Seat 2E don't care
Seat 2E So have you thought about it? Or would you rather try another topping? The flight attendant mentioned butterscotch. That sounds amazing. Or I've always wanted to try edible paint.
Seat 2E maybe we should just generally have food-themed sex as much as possible. I could tie you up with twizzlers
Seat 2E how do you feel about being tied up with twizzlers while riding my face?
Seat 2E or do you still prefer my necktie?
Chloe's mouth had fallen open, and she was uncomfortably aware of the ache between her thighs as several risqué images flooded her mind. She shoved back the partition and looked him directly in the eye.
"Oliver, shut up."
"Never."
"Mr. Queen, can I get this out of your way?" The First Class flight attendant had reappeared at Oliver's side, and was carrying a small tray of empty dessert dishes that she was collecting from people's seats. She spoke quietly so as not to wake the other passengers. Chloe scrambled to close out of the instant messenger on her screen and switch to a movie.
"Yes, thank you," Oliver said politely. "Actually…Kirsten-" he read the name off of her nametag, "I know this is terrible, but could I trouble you for another one? I seem to have a bit of a sweet-tooth tonight."
She looked mildly surprised but smiled, "We actually did have a couple left over, so certainly. Extra chocolate syrup, right?" she added.
Shit-eating didn't begin to cover the grin Oliver sent Chloe's way as he said, "Please."
"Are you finished as well, Ms. Sullivan?" the flight attendant continued, looking to Chloe.
"I-"
"You know, I distracted her, Kirsten, and she didn't get a chance to finish hers before it melted. Could we get two more?"
"No problem at all," Kirsten said pleasantly, disappearing with Chloe's melted ice cream before she could protest.
"I hate you," Chloe said darkly once she was out of earshot. Oliver just chuckled.
"That's not what you said last night," he winked.
"Ollie, doesn't it even bother you that your parents are right in front of us?"
He shrugged. "They're asleep."
"I swear you have no shame."
"None whatsoever."
"Here we are, extra chocolate syrup," Kirsten had once again snuck up on them. She handed Oliver an ice cream off the tray and placed it in front of him before passing one to Chloe. "I added a little extra to yours as well, Ms. Sullivan," she said genuinely.
"Perfect," Oliver said as Chloe turned vividly pink and hoped that the plane would crash before she reached Gotham.
In reality, by the time they reached Gotham, Chloe was the one shoving Oliver into the hotel room and stripping half his clothes off before they reached the bed.
"Somebody had sex last night," Lois teased in Chloe's ear, handing her a glass of champagne.
Chloe blushed. But then she examined Lois with a suspicious squint. "You did, too, didn't you?"
Lois wiggled her eyebrows. "Oh yeah."
Chloe laughed. The rehearsal dinner had been fun, but she swore Oliver was turning her into some kind of addict. Just like the night they'd gotten in from their flight and the following evening of the respective bachelor and bachelorette parties, Chloe had found it difficult to keep her hands off of Oliver by the end of the evening. They were both finding it difficult to keep their hands off each other lately. She couldn't help that being with him just left her feeling good about herself. She felt loose and pleasant in the day time, and at night, she slept better than she had in her entire life. Once she'd gotten past some of her inhibitions with him, she had just felt so incredibly free. And she loved what a sense of humor he had about the whole thing. Teasing her on the plane about chocolate syrup…she shook her head.
"So how's the bride doing?" Lois asked, passing out mimosas to the other girls as stylists did their hair and makeup in the bride's chambers.
"She's just fine," Diana announced, entering the room gracefully in a white silk robe. Everybody started gushing as they looked up at her, unable to move without upsetting the hair and makeup crew.
Chloe, who had been early and was already finished, went over to hug her. "You look beautiful this evening, Diana," she informed her friend.
Diana beamed. "So do you, my friend."
"Chloe and Lois both had sex last night," Barbara piped up and everybody giggled.
"You weren't supposed to hear that!" Chloe laughed, embarrassed.
"They weren't the only ones," Dinah trilled suggestively and everybody laughed again.
"You're all ridiculous," Diana rolled her eyes.
"Oh please," Dinah scoffed. "Don't act like you and Bruce weren't all over each other after that dinner."
"Ugh, I wish!" Diana groaned. "He's being all traditional and romantic and crap. He's been hands-off for a week now."
"What!" Dinah and Lois shrieked indignantly.
Chloe snorted and Barbara's mouth dropped open. Courtney laughed. "Bruce? Traditional?"
Diana sighed. "It's sweet. It's just making me crazy."
"That's probably the point," Lois laughed. "I'm surprised he made it a whole week."
Diana smirked. "Well. He wanted to wait the entire month. I had other plans."
They all laughed again and the hair team sighed with frustration as their subjects refused to hold still. Someone ushered Diana to a seat so she could begin to work with Diana's gleaming mass of shiny black hair.
Chloe watched as the girls continued to joke and laugh and Diana withdrew from the conversation, slowly sinking into her own reverie, eyes miles and miles away. At one point Diana blinked out of it for a moment and caught Chloe's eyes in the mirror. Realizing she'd been caught, she winked at Chloe, who gave an understanding nod.
She brought Diana a champagne glass and handed it to her. "Now that's the last one you get," she warned lightly. "We don't want you tripping down the aisle." More softly, so the other girls couldn't hear, "Penny for your thoughts."
Diana smiled and squeezed Chloe's hand. "I just can't believe this is happening. It's real, you know? Isn't it so difficult to believe that we've found that one person we're going to be with?"
Chloe found she didn't know what to say to that, but Diana didn't notice.
"I just can't believe it. I can't believe I'm marrying him. How in the world did I get here?"
Chloe smiled. "Not getting cold feet, are you?"
Diana laughed. "Will you quote The Wedding Planner if I am?"
"A hundred times if necessary."
They smiled and Diana just sighed again. "No, I'm not scared, I just…it's so surreal, you know? It's…I was in a lot of weddings growing up. Lots of women in our family. I was a bridesmaid in nearly all of my cousins' weddings. And I started to feel like it would just never be me. I never really dated anyone seriously before Bruce. And my cousins loved to tease me about that 'always a bridesmaid, never a bride' thing."
"I can relate," Chloe said dryly.
"Yes, exactly!" Diana said, eyes shining. "And doesn't that just make it even more incredible? You go your whole life thinking 'That's never going to be me. I'll never meet a man that I could trust that implicitly, that I could be completely myself with like that,' and then one day he just walks into your life and you're not expecting it and at first you're thinking, 'Who is this arrogant idiot who thinks he can see right through me?' But then you start to realize just how wonderful he is and slowly you can't imagine your life without him? I know you understand better than anyone else here, Chloe. You and I…we were the picky ones. The ones who waited but were never chosen because men found us intimidating or because they couldn't live up to our standards. And when we finally met the right ones…it was honestly the last people in the world we were expecting. I remember you looking at Oliver like you were going to murder him the first time you met him. I honestly thought we were going to have to protect him from you if he had showed up a second later for the Currys' wedding," Diana chuckled. "And just look how it turned out! He ended up being exactly what you needed. The yin to your yang. That's how it was for me and Bruce. I thought he was shallow and arrogant and he turned out to be the most profoundly decent man I've ever met. Oh God…I'm making speeches and I'm going to start crying."
Chloe laughed through some tears that were forming in her eyes. "You're allowed the speeches; it's your wedding day. But if you start crying and ruin the beautiful job they did on your eyeliner I'm going to smack you."
Diana laughed and squeezed her friend's hand again. "We are the luckiest girls in the world, aren't we? I can't wait to see you on your wedding day, Chloe. I can't wait for you to feel as happy as I do right now."
Chloe shifted uncomfortably but held Diana's hand fast. "Stop thinking about my happiness and think about your happiness, damn woman," she shook her head and Diana laughed quietly.
"What are you two whispering about?" Dinah demanded from across the room. "No secrets in the bride's chambers!"
"I'm the bride I can whisper with whomever I want!" Diana argued back saucily.
"Oh leave them alone!" Barbara chided. "They're having a chick flick moment, can't you tell?"
"Nobody asked you, kid," Lois sassed.
"I agree. Let them be alone with their tear-fest. I think weddings are happy occasions!" Courtney chimed in.
Diana chortled and Chloe shook her head. "Chloe, you'll protect me from all of these crazy females, won't you?"
"What are bridesmaids for?" Chloe laughed touching her friend's shoulder comfortingly. "Oh, Diana," she sighed. "I'm going to miss you." Diana was joining the married women club and leaving her behind now, too. Just like Dinah. Just like Katherine.
Diana raised an eyebrow. "Miss me?" she asked. "Just where am I going, huh?"
God, what a stupid thing to say out loud, Chloe realized. "I meant while you're on your honeymoon. You guys always say you'll keep in touch and then none of you ever does," she teased, covering for herself.
Diana accepted the excuse easily enough, but she gave Chloe an odd, penetrating look just the same.
"Is my tie straight? It seems crooked. It's definitely crooked. This is ridiculous," I know how to tie a tie." Bruce pulled off his bow tie for the fourth time and began re-doing it once more.
Oliver rolled his eyes. "Dude. If you make me go get a clip-on, I swear-"
"Shut up. I'm shaking. My God, my hands are actually shaking."
"Oh for Chrissake," Oliver sighed, pushing himself out of his chair and going to help his friend straighten his tie. "Get yourself together, man."
Bruce smirked. "You say that now. Wait 'til it's your turn. I will be more than happy to bring you a clip-on when you can't see straigh,t either."
"Not having second thoughts, are you, dude?" Oliver asked. "Because I'm here to tell you that if Diana doesn't kill you…well, have you met her mother?"
Bruce laughed and his tension eased a little. "Right. Better go through with it, I guess."
"That's the spirit," Oliver joked, giving Bruce's shoulders a bracing squeeze. "Now shut up, you're driving me crazy."
"Hey, we've got five minutes," Clark said, reappearing in their room. "How you feeling, man?"
"He's driving me nuts," Oliver answered for Bruce, taking a seat. "You're the Best Man here, Clark. Tell him to get his shit together."
"Okay, I've got this," Clark said. He walked over to Bruce and grabbed his shoulders, looking him square in the eyes. "As your best friend, I'm telling you: you are going to go out there and marry Diana because if you don't, her best friend, my future wife, is going to kill me."
Bruce laughed. "Why would she kill you and not me?"
"Because," Clark said in dead seriousness, "she will have decided that as your best man, it was my responsibility to personally drag you down the aisle whether you like it or not."
Oliver and Bruce both laughed at that, Oliver shaking his head.
"Amigos!" Bart popped his head in the door, looking excited. "You best get your butts out here; they're nearly ready to start!"
"Where's Dick?" Bruce asked, looking around.
Bart snickered. "Making out with Barbara."
"Oh brother," Bruce rolled his eyes.
Oliver chuckled. "Well, my friend," he threw an arm around Bruce's shoulder. "I suggest we get a move on. Ready for the end?"
Bruce elbowed Oliver in the gut. "Is my tie actually straight this time?" he asked, glancing in the mirror.
Oliver groaned and Clark grinned. "It's straight. Nothing to worry about. Go marry her so we can party at the reception."
"Now you're talking!" Oliver said.
"I am telling you two, just wait until it's your turn. You're both going to fall apart and I'm not going to lift a finger to help either of you," Bruce informed his friends.
"Who, us?" Oliver and Clark looked at each other, amused. "I mean, have you met Clark here? Steady as a rock. Nothing shakes this guy up."
"Except Lois," Bruce pointed out, smirking.
"True, true."
"Oh yeah," Bruce laughed, "like you're not going to be having a complete panic attack at your wedding, Queen. I've seen you with Chloe. You're probably going to have an actual heart-attack if she shows up to walk down the aisle. Just wait."
Oliver glared. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just that I've know both you and Chloe most of your lives. She's going to have a moment of complete and utter panic right before marrying you, and you're in love with her so you already know it. And you're going to spend the whole day in a sweat worried that she's going to chicken out on you, even though we all know you're so head over heals for each other it's disgusting."
Oliver's mouth had fallen open, but he was spared answering when Bart appeared a second time. "DUDES! WHAT DID I JUST SAY? Get your butts out here! And I need someone to help pry Dick and Barb apart." Bart vanished again and Clark, Oliver, and Bruce got serious.
"Okay, we're a go," Clark said.
"My God, this is happening. Oh my God, if she goes through with this, she's completely insane and I don't even care. Does that make me insane by proxy?" Bruce looked at Oliver wildly.
Oliver rubbed his face in his hand. "Clark, let's get him out to the church where he won't be allowed to talk anymore."
The trio made their way into the fellowship hall of the church and Lois made a beeline for Clark and Bruce, pecking Clark on the lips and Bruce on the cheek before steering them to their appropriate positions. She was clearly in full Maid of Honor mode as she disappeared to drag Dick and Barbara back to business.
Oliver scanned the room until he found Chloe leaning against a wall, bouquet of dark redpoinsettias in her hands. She looked like Christmas Eve in that backless red velvet dress, which he supposed had been Diana's idea, it being December 21st and all. Chloe had a distant look on her face, her thoughts clearly far, far away from him. He caught her eye and she gave him a small smile, mouthing the word, "Hi."
He walked over to her and ran a soothing hand over her shoulder. "How ya holdin' up there, Weepy?" he asked in a soft, teasing voice.
Chloe laughed sniffily, betraying herself as her eyes glistened in the lights and Oliver couldn't help smiling. That was his Ice Queen, all right. A total puddle. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her. She grinned through her tears, dabbing at her eyes. "God, I'm a mess."
"You seriously cannot handle weddings."
"I can't help it…everybody's growing up and leaving me. It makes me sad."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Who exactly is leaving you?"
She waved him off. "Oh, you wouldn't get it. It's a girl thing."
He cupped her face, unconvinced. "Chloe, just because people are getting married, does not mean that they love you any less, or that they are leaving you."
Chloe sighed, not seeing a point in arguing with him but clearly not really believing him either, "You're right," she said to please him. "I'm being crazy."
He gave her a concerned look, but didn't press the subject, just gave her a swift kiss on the forehead as Lois reappeared and began lining up the boys and then the girls before giving the ushers the cue to open the doors.
"Well, it certainly was a lovely wedding, wasn't it?" Laura sighed into her champagne glass, watching couples revolve on the dance floor. "A Christmas wedding. What a pretty thought."
The reception hall was a deep pool of red poinsettias and crystal snowflakes, looking, like the wedding, as if it had fallen out of a Christmas card. Diana had made a beautiful bride, a veritable Snow Queen in her beautiful white gown with her fair skin and dark features. Bruce ha looked as if he could have fallen over from the touch of a feather when he set eyes on her across the church. They were a lucky pair. Oliver and his father nodded and agreed for the third time on this comment of Laura's before Robert looked around for something else to comment on. He frowned. "Isn't that Dent again? My, he's awfully persistent, isn't he?"
Oliver's head whipped up, foggy thoughts of champagne and wedding cake fading quickly from his mind when he spotted Harvey Dent talking to Chloe by the champagne fountain. He frowned. Again? He wished Dent would leave Chloe alone, every time he saw them together he felt a sudden urge to punch something.
Chloe was smiling and laughing, clearly in a much better mood than she had been during the wedding, when she'd barely managed to hold back her tears. He watched Dent reach out and brush Chloe's bare arm, leaning in to whisper something in her ear, and Oliver nearly shattered the glass in his hand.
When Chloe's face grew pink and she said something eagerly back, Oliver pushed his chair back and stood up.
"Oh, Oliver-" Laura said, about to stop him, but he was already halfway across the dance floor. She sighed, leaning back. "You know he gets that from you, don't you?" she said to her husband, who patted her hand.
"Just don't you go talking to any other handsome men," he said placatingly.
"But ugly men are acceptable?"
"Absolutely."
"Okay then," Laura looked amused, taking another sip of champagne. "As long as we're clear on the rules."
"Damn straight."
Across the room, Oliver reached Chloe and Harvey. "Dent. Good to see you again," he said, interrupting whatever joke Harvey had been telling. "How's the DA position treating you?"
"Oh, Oliver, hi. I was just telling Chloe here how I handled this one case. It was really quite unusual. The man was obsessed with clocks of all things; I-"
"Fascinating, listen, I just came over because I realized I've been a horrible fiancé because I haven't danced with Chloe in at least ten full minutes. Chloe?" he said, sweeping her away before she could protest, and leaving Harvey standing alone with his brow raised.
"I don't like him," Oliver said, drawing Chloe into his arms for a slow waltz.
Chloe snorted. "You and Harvey are friends, remember?"
"Well maybe I just-" Oliver stopped, suddenly self-aware. He just what, exactly? He was jealous. He didn't like other men talking to Chloe? Looking at her like they wanted to undress her? He couldn't tell her that! She'd be furious. They weren't really engaged. Just because they were sleeping together…well, it was just sex after all. Nothing more than that. When had he started thinking like he and Chloe were actually getting married?
"You just what?" Chloe asked, eyebrow raised.
"I just thought you looked bored and like you needed to be danced with," he turned her and brought her back into his arms.
"Uh huh," Chloe said disbelievingly. "Right. Bored."
"Maybe," Oliver teased, "I just think he's a creep for flirting with someone else's fiancée."
She smirked, rolling her eyes. "I'm not actually your fiancée, though, am I?"
"Well he doesn't know that. Jeez, Sullivan, we're going to have to work on your taste in men. I don't want you slumming it when this is over."
Chloe laughed and he smiled. Good. Just keep things humorous. That was the trick to friendship with Chloe Sullivan. She needed people to look after her, but she wanted to pretend that she didn't, that she was independent and didn't need anyone.
"What am I going to do with you?" she asked, smiling at him.
"Well hopefully you're going to take me home with you."
"I haven't decided yet. Maybe I want to go home with someone else."
Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"But on the other hand," she sighed, as though it were a tough decision, "who else could make me feel dirty just for eating an ice cream sundae?" she smirked.
"Good point," Oliver said, bumping his nose against hers. "Guess you'll have to stick with me until you find a suitable replacement."
"I'll go shopping in the morning. Maybe Santa will bring me a new boyfriend for Christmas."
"Now you're talking. Only the best."
"Only the best," Chloe agreed.
The flight home was considerably less eventful than the one to Gotham, as both Chloe and Oliver were so worn out they slept the entire time, not even staying awake for the in-flight meal, let alone dessert. Laura Queen smiled to herself early the next morning, when their limousine pulled into the Queen Manor drive around three in the morning, and her son pulled a sleeping Chloe out of the car, scooping her easily into his arms and carrying her inside.
"How come you don't carry me like that?" she teased her husband in a quiet whisper, watching the couple disappear into the house while Robert yawned tiredly. He looked at his wife mischievously before sweeping her into his arms.
"Because you never ask," he informed her, carrying her over the threshold of the house before setting her down again. He might have good intentions, but he wasn't quite as spry as his son, who was now halfway up the stairs with Chloe. His wife didn't mind, though. She leaned up and planted a solid kiss on his lips.
"I love you," she told him as he wrapped his arms around her.
"I know. I'm glad you're happy," he added, glancing at his son and Chloe again. "I like her, too."
Laura smiled, leaning into his arms. So many years together and he still knew right where her thoughts were. "Weddings really are such happy things, aren't they?"
He didn't reply, but kissed the top of her head.
Chloe and Oliver vanished down the hall to their bedroom, and Laura sighed. "We'd better get some sleep. The jetlag alone…and a party to finish preparing…."
"It will be wonderful," he assured.
"Hmm," she sighed happily. "Have you thought about the fact that this time next year…we might have a grandchild on the way?"
Robert squeezed his wife tightly. "Don't rush them."
"I'm not rushing anybody, I'm just looking forward to it.
"If you say so."
The Queen Christmas Eve Party was generally considered the social event of the season. The entire population of Star City looked forward to it, whether they were attending or not. Laura Queen insisted on making it a charity event, each year's proceeds going toward the Angel Tree foundation, making sure that children in need woke up to happier Christmases the next morning. All around the room, people were posting pictures of the children they had sponsored as their way of accepting their invitation.
Chloe was admiring the wall full of wishes come true when an older gentleman walked up beside her. She thought she recognized him as one of the members of Oliver's Board of Directors, but couldn't remember his name. "A lovely idea, isn't it?"
Chloe nodded. "They're lovely people, the Queens."
"The very best. I've known them for quite some time." He paused. "So have you and Oliver talked about how many, yet?"
She gave him a confused look. "How many…?"
"Children, of course!"
Chloe choked on her saliva.
"Oh, I'm sorry, my dear!" the gentleman, patted her on the back. "Didn't mean to be intrusive!" He looked genuinely concerned, and Chloe shook her head, still sputtering.
"N-no," she managed. "You just surprised me. We've…erm…talked about kids, of course," she vaguely recalled mentioning children somewhere in the midst of several shots of vodka and the two of them agreeing about it, months and months ago, "but I don't think it would be for sometime."
"Of course!" the old man seemed apologetic for having embarrassed her. "You have to forgive an old man, we can't help ourselves at times!"
"Can't help yourself what?" a third voice chimed in.
"Hal!" Chloe said delightedly, throwing her arms around the tall brunette's neck and hugging him tightly. "When did you get here?"
"Barely half an hour ago. Carol's dying to see you, by the way. Hi. Hal Jordan," he turned to the older gentleman, offering his hand, "United States Air Force."
"Theodore Guster, Queens Industries. It's a pleasure, Mr. Jordan. Merry Christmas," he said genially.
"Merry Christmas yourself. Now what exactly have you said to my girl here to have her turning redder than Mrs. Queen's decorations because I'm clearly going to have to file it away for future reference."
Guster chuckled. "Well, being a nosy bastard I asked how many children she was planning to have with her fiancé."
Hal threw his head back and gave a deep laugh, and Chloe couldn't help chuckling as well. "Oh God," he sighed mirthfully, wiping a tear from his eye. "Yeah, that'll do it. Sorry Mr. Guster, our girl's a somewhat private, delicate little flower."
"Hal!" Chloe scoffed, elbowing him. "Hardly!"
"Theodore! Theodore, stop bothering these young people and come dance with your wife," a woman who could only be Mrs. Guster appeared at that moment, coming to sweep Theodore away, her cheeks flushed with Christmas punch. "Excuse me, dears, I need my husband," the old woman excused herself and her spouse, hauling him away as he shrugged apologetically.
Hal grinned, watching them go. "Well, I liked them," he said boyishly, charmed.
Chloe hit him in the chest. "How come you didn't tell me you were going to make it, you great big idiot?"
He shrugged. "We didn't think we were going to make it. Big snowstorm backed up a lot of the airports."
"Well I'm glad you're here, even if you are a complete idiot," Chloe said, hugging him again. "Where's your better half?"
"Where's your worse half?"
"I resent that," Oliver said, approaching from the left with two cups of Christmas punch in his hands. He handed one to Chloe who sipped it eagerly. "Hal!" he greeted, hugging his best friend happily. "Good to see you, man! I thought you were stuck at the airport!"
"Storm finally cleared up and we made it out just about two hours ago, drove here straight from the airport."
"Chloe! Oliver!"
"Carol!" Oliver and Chloe chimed in unison when Hal's fiancée appeared, looking exhausted but cheery.
"Good to see you, Carol," Oliver said kissing her on the cheek before Chloe hugged her.
"I'm so glad you guys made it in safely! We were worried!" Chloe gushed as she squeezed Carol tightly.
"Well, we couldn't possibly miss the Queen Christmas Party, could we?" Carol laughed, hugging Chloe right back. "Hal was about ready to fly us here himself."
"Right, I'm sure that would have been a great plan," Chloe rolled her eyes, releasing her friend.
Hal shrugged. "What's a little flurry? Honestly?"
Oliver chuckled and Carol and Chloe shared a look.
"So, are we gonna tell them?" Hal asked eagerly, looking at Carol.
"Tell us what?"
"Well now we have to tell them don't we, you great lunkhead?"
"What's going on?"
Carol and Hal exchanged glances before Carol held up her hand, showing off a small sparkling wedding band. "We eloped!"
"What!" Chloe exclaimed, grabbing Carol's hand. "Oh my God!"
"We are officially hitched. By law!"
"Oh my God," Oliver stared.
"But wait! We just got an invitation to your engagement party!" Chloe said. "Oh my God, Carol, you got married and you didn't invite me!" she said, jumping up and down and failing to sound angry. She hugged Carol again. "What were you thinking, you nutcase?"
Carol shrugged helplessly. "We decided we didn't want to wait. But we're still having the engagement party so everyone can celebrate with us. We'll make the big announcement then, but we're keeping it a secret for now so you can't tell anyone!"
Chloe laughed. "You might want to hide your ring, then."
Carol chuckled, fingering it happily. "I know, but I couldn't resist. Hal and I decided on the way here that we wanted you both to be the first ones to know. But really, you've got to keep it under your hat until the party next month."
"Listen, if there's one thing Chloe and I are great with, it's secrets," Oliver said, deeply amused. "Congratulations, Hal," he said, shaking his best friend's hand in both of his. "Really, I couldn't be happier for you. This is incredible."
"Mum's the word," Chloe confirmed. "But you'd better hope I don't run into your father between now and then because I'm going to be too excited not to spill the beans."
Carol laughed. "I'll be sure to keep him far away from you, then."
"Dude," Oliver said, pleasantly clapping his friend on the back. "Her Dad's totally gonna murder you. Congratulations!"
Hal swallowed nervously, as though this idea were sinking in on him for the first time.
"Congratulations for what?" Robert Queen had worked his way to their part of the room. "Hal! Carol! You both made it! Where's Laura? She's been fretting about you both since yesterday," he glanced around the room for his wife.
"Hi, Robert," Hal said, shaking the older man's hand. "Great to see you. We just got here half an hour ago, drove straight here."
"Glad to hear it! Congratulations for what?" he looked at everyone expectantly. Chloe and Oliver looked to Hal and Carol.
"Hal just received a promotion within the Air Force, taking effect in January," Carol stepped in to everyone's aid.
"Well that's news indeed! Congratulations, young man," Robert shook Hal's hand, beaming like a proud father. "And perfect timing, if I understand correctly. Congratulations on your coming nuptials to this beautiful young lady as well." He grinned at Carol, who smiled back.
Oliver snuck a glance at Chloe and caught the forlorn little look in her eyes behind the cheerful smile. He sighed quietly and moved a step closer to her, grabbing her hand and squeezing it. Stop that, Chloe, he thought. No one's leaving you.
Later that night, around midnight, when all the guests had finally gone home, and Chloe had slipped off her shoes, rubbing her aching feet from the edge of the bed, Oliver slipped into the room with a bottle of Bailey's in his hand.
"Merry Christmas," he said cheerfully, passing her a small liqueur glass and pecking her on the cheek.
She smiled gently up at him. "Merry Christmas, Oliver."
Oliver saw the dried tear stains on her face and his mood fell slightly. He sat down next to her and put an arm around her, squeezing her into his side. "And here I thought it was just weddings that made you weepy," he teased gently. "Apparently it's marriages altogether."
Chloe let out a small chuckle that sounded suspiciously like a hiccup or a sob. He fished in his suit pants and pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to her. She held it tightly in her hands, wringing it slightly and not bothering to dab at her eyes. "I just hate goodbyes," she said sadly.
"Hal and Carol are not going anywhere," Oliver said soothingly. "And neither are any of your other friends."
Chloe shook her head. "I don't see as much of Dinah or Katherine anymore. And it will be the same with Diana and Carol. And then Lois." Her lip trembled slightly before she swallowed and blinked it all back. "It just makes me a little sad how everything has to change, that's all."
"Chlo, it's their first year married. All married couples disappear from the public for a little while. They're still honeymooning. They'll come back to their friends and family soon enough."
"Because you're such an expert?"
He shrugged. "I'm Laura Queen's son. That makes me better than an expert. I was born wise."
Chloe snorted.
"Hey," he poked her in the side, making her giggle. "Wanna stay up for Santa?"
"What?" she asked, still chuckling, rubbing her side.
"Let's stay up for Santa," he said, uncapping the Bailey's and pouring a little into her glass and his. "I used to do it all the time when I was a kid."
"You're crazy."
"And that's exactly what makes it such a genius plan," he said, sipping his own Bailey's. "Only a madman could pull it off." He winked.
She sighed. "Only you."
"Exactly," he grinned. "It's why you like me in the first place, admit it," he pushed.
She shook her head, sipping the Bailey's he'd poured her. "Must be something like that."
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