Disclaimer: If I owned the characters, I wouldn't need this.

Spoilers: Since this is mostly AU, there aren't many. The ones there are are subtle, so I don't really think you have to worry about not understanding anything. Mostly any spoilers are in the author's note below, so just ignore that if you must.

A/N: Just a few notes before you begin. This is set sometime post season eight with a few changes. First off, Jimmy knows Clark's secret and he and Chloe are just boyfriend and girlfriend. He's obviously not dead. Secondly, Lois and Clark are still partners, but they no longer work in the basement. Lastly, this is based in part off of a famous Shakespearean play. If you can name which one, then kudos to you.

This story is complete and has seven chapters including the epilogue. I will try to post one chapter a week, but I may be nice and post more often. Of course I could also be mean and post less often. It really depends on the kind of reaction I get. Hint, hint, hint. I'd also like to thank my sister and beta, ComicNerd, because if I didn't, I'd definitely be in trouble. Not that she ever thanks me for all the editing I do for her, but that may be because she doesn't know I do it. She really should consider changing her password.

The Power of Suggestion

Part 1: The Plan

Oliver looked appraisingly across the loft. The entire Justice League was there, as well as Chloe, Jimmy, and Lois. Everyone had dates, with the exception of Clark and Lois.

Oliver took a moment to appreciate the irony. Here were two attractive, young, ambitious reporters and neither one of them could get a date. Really, he had to do something about this. It was just wrong.

They really were just right for each other. Lois's strong personality perfectly balanced Clark's easy-going one. If only they would realize this. They'd been "friends" for years and the chemistry between them was undeniable to anybody but themselves.

Maybe it was time for the Green Arrow to try out Cupid's bow for a while.

But first: recon.

Deciding Clark would be an easier first target, he set off across the landing to find the elusive Mr. Kent.

He found him on the balcony looking down at the passing cars with an expression of deep contemplation etched on his chiseled face.

"Don't jump until you've got your wings, there, Tweedy bird," Oliver deadpanned.

"I don't need wings to fly," Clark responded dryly.

"No, just a jet-pack. Give it up. We all know you'd fall faster than Impulse does for a pair of hot legs."

The two vigilantes stared into each other's eyes, each man challenging the other not to laugh.

Clark was the first one to crack, flashing one of his patented toothy smiles in Oliver's direction. The pair shared a round of good-natured chuckles at the farm boy's expense.

"So what do you need, Ollie? I know you didn't just come out here to admire the view," Clark asked seriously after a brief silence.

"No really, the weather is fine tonight," Oliver said nonchalantly.

Clark just grunted and stared expressionlessly at Oliver, waiting for him to continue.

"Speaking of fine, have you seen Lois this evening? That dress…" He whistled to emphasize his point. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed. I saw that look you gave her when she arrived."

"What look? Lois and I are just friends," Clark said.

"That's like saying my aim's only so-so. You and I both know there are deeper feelings between you two than just friendship. You look at her like Jimmy does Chloe."

"Your aim is way off this time, Oliver. There is nothing between us. Do you understand?" Clark said. "Now why don't you just go and chat up Dinah over there? She looks like she would enjoy your company." Clark gestured in the direction of the bar.

"Nah, I think I'll stay out here with you. You're being such a pleasant jerk right now," Oliver said, smiling widely.

"Leave, Oliver. Now."

Oliver recognized the glare Clark was giving him. On any other person, he would crack a joke about his head bursting on fire from that kind of focused beam, but when faced with a man that made that statement more reality than humor, it was best to just leave quietly.

Without another word to Clark, Oliver returned to the party, his eyes searching for Lois.

He found her circling the buffet table and eyeing the door.

"Not so fast, pretty lady. There are handsome men that have been waiting all night to get a dance with you," Oliver called to her.

"Really," Lois responded. "Where are they hiding?"

"Ouch! You wound me, fair princess," Oliver said dramatically. Then, straightening up, he continued seriously, "I think I saw one head out to the balcony a little while ago. Why don't you take a look?"

"Let me guess: tall, dark hair, big muscles, sexy?" Lois recited warily. "Oh, did I forget smells like farm animals and has a soft spot for flannel? Not interested."

"So you admit he's sexy?" Oliver pointed out.

"No, my cousin tells me he is, but considering she thinks the same about Jimmy, I don't know how much I can trust her," Lois recovered without a pause.

"I don't think she's wrong," Oliver said coolly, looking in the direction of the silhouette on the balcony.

"Oh, coming out are we? Chloe owes me fifty bucks."

Oliver turned his head sharply back to face Lois. "I was merely stating a fact about Clark's physical anatomy," Oliver said defensively.

"Yeah, and I'm in love with Clark."

"I knew you'd admit it one day."

"Leave, Oliver. Now."

With a cheeky smile, Oliver turned and left. He had some planning to do after all.

A couple hours later, the room had thinned dramatically. The only people left now were Victor, AC, Jimmy, Chloe, Oliver, and Dinah. Bart had long ago run off to find more food and possibly chat up the cute vender across the street.

The moment Clark and Lois had succeeded in escaping, Oliver summoned all the remaining guests. It was time to inform them of "The Plan."

"We have a problem," Oliver began.

"The polar ice caps are melting," AC said.

"No--"

"The global Internet has crashed," Victor interrupted.

"No--"

"Braniac's back." This time it was Chloe.

"No! If you all would just shut up, I'll tell you what our problem is!" Oliver cried exasperated. His crew looked at him expectantly and without a hint of remorse. Glancing around to make sure they were all paying attention, Oliver continued. "Lois and Clark aren't together."

"What does this have to do with us?" Dinah asked. "For that matter, why is that even a problem?"

"Are you crazy? Those two belong together!" Chloe cried. "Like Lewis and Clark."

"I'm confused," AC said, his brow furrowed. "Are we talking about Lois or Lewis and what's Clark got to do with either?"

Victor rolled his eyes. "What else would you expect from a guy who thinks mollusks are great conversationalists?"

"Chatted up any hot mother boards recently?" AC shot back.

"Shut it, Fish Stick."

The rest of the Justice League silently voted to continue without their bickering comrades.

"So, do you have a plan, Oliver?" Jimmy asked. "Or are we just going to throw them at each other and see what happens?"

"I'm thinking something a little more subtle would be best," their ringleader responded with a smile.

"And that would be?" Jimmy asked warily. He'd seen that kind of smile before and it generally led to a dangerous situation for both his girlfriend and her buddies. The good thing about not being in the League was you were spared most of the danger usually faced by the costumed vigilantes.

"Well…" Oliver trailed off conspiratorially. "It involves eavesdropping, duct tape, and a torture chamber."

"Seriously?" Chloe looked doubtful. "That's your idea of subtle? I'd hate to see obvious."

"Fine, we'll drop the duct tape."