A Favor. With furtum_est_vita.

[olliequeen]

Oliver had already completed the majority of his Christmas shopping for the season. But there was one item--the most important one on his list--that he really wanted a second opinion on. Lois was out of town for the week, visiting the General, and the other woman whose name came to mind just happened to be nearby on business.

Anytime Bela was in or even near Kansas, they made an effort to visit and catch up, so the timing had been perfect. Chloe was at work for the day, so he knew he'd have plenty of time to visit with Bela and get her thoughts on the particular gift in question.

Now he was just waiting for her to arrive at the clocktower.

Comments

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

Bela loved Kansas. Probably a lot more than she ever thought she would have. Of course, it's entirely because Oliver was in Kansas, and having a friend there made the state even better, but it really was a beautiful place to be, especially Metropolis. The city was absolutely gorgeous and despite what had happened to her before while she was here, she loved walking the streets.

But she couldn't meander about today, she was going to see Oliver, so she made it to the clocktower as soon as she could, calling him to let him know when she arrives.

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

As soon as he picked up his phone, he knew it was Bela. "Come on up," he told her, pressing the button near the elevator that would let her step into it and bring her to his apartment.

And I don't think I ever got the notif for this. Damn my computer! *fistshake*

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

She was in his apartment in a matter of minutes, stepping off of the elevator with a smile on her face. "You know, have I ever told you that half the time I feel more at home here than I do in my own house now?"

Is it all fixed now? Welcome back if so!

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He smiled at that, moving over to her and giving her a quick hug. "Well, I'm glad to hear that. And I'm always happy to have you here."

No, but I sorta worked something out, so that at least I can get on.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

She hugged back easily before putting down her purse. "So it sounded important when you called. What's up?"

Cool :)

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

Oliver nodded slightly and gently took her by the arm, leading her over to his desk. He let go of her and opened the desk drawer, suddenly feeling nervous. "I really need your opinion on something," he admitted, drawing in a breath.

Re: Cool :)

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

She raised her eyebrows, increasingly curious. "Okay?"

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He pulled a small, black ring box out of the drawer and hesitantly held it out to her.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

Taking it carefully, she smiled at him. "Is this for who I think it's for?"

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He met her eyes and smiled back, almost shyly. "Yeah. It is." He blew out a breath. "I know we've only been together for four months, but we've known each other for a few years now and...I don't know, Bela. It just feels right, you know?"

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

She gave him a broad grin and looked at the ring. "I may not know her very well, but she's going to love this. She'd be crazy not to. And not just because this is one of the most beautiful rings I have ever seen." She handed it back. "Also because she has one of the best boyfriends in the entire country, and possibly the world. She makes you happy, and if you think you're ready for it, then go for it."

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

"Really? You really think she'll like it?" His eyes were bright as he took it from her once more. He wondered if she had any idea how much her words meant to him.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

"I would take a picture of her face after you give that to her, too. You can start a scrapbook." Teasing him, even if she is serious about the idea.

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He chuckled involuntarily at her words. "I may have to do that." Oliver slid the ring box back into his desk drawer. He smiled at her.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

"So when are you planning on asking her?"

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

"New Year's Eve," he admitted. "I know that's kind of cliche. I debated on Christmas Eve, but I sort of have another surprise for that."

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

"You spoil people, you know that?"

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He grinned involuntarily. "You think so?"

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

"I am standing here as living proof, and if you treat me this well, I can only imagine how you treat her." Matter of fact.

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He ducked his head a little. "Well, I never really had friends before a few months ago. Not real ones. And I never had someone like Chloe or someone who's like a sister." His voice was quiet and he looked at her.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

She blinked, surprised, and not quite sure what she just heard. "Like a...sister?"

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He paused, then nodded. "Yeah. Like a sister." His eyes were filled with warmth.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

"I-I've never...well..." It had been so long since she'd had anything resembling family, but she definitely didn't expect an admission like that to actually make her feel this warm. "...I'm blushing, aren't I?"

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

"It's possible," he teased gently.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

Which only made her blush harder.

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He wound an arm around her shoulders. "You hungry?" he asked with a grin.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

She laughed. "Famished."

[dl-greenarrow.livejournal.com]

He nodded. "What sounds good?" he asked, leading her toward the kitchen.

[furtum-est-vita.livejournal.com]

She thought about it. "Anything that doesn't require evil flour."