Timeline: Season 8 AU starting after Hex, samples events from Odyssey.

Metroville

It was a relief to be back in her body again, because her unintentionally granted wish by the mistress of magic was one birthday present Chloe didn't want to keep. She got the message, one she had to hear, but she could have done without the heel blisters from Lois' high heels. But Chloe supposed that after walking a mile in her cousin's shoes, she understood why she had made the decision to help Oliver and the guys in the first place.

It wasn't just the money, which was a healthy plus, but Chloe had missed this, helping out to save the day, and the guys allowed her to do things on her terms, giving her a sense of freedom that she hadn't felt in awhile, which allowed her to strive for new goals. However, seeing Lois living the dream, or at least, what Chloe thought was her dream of being an intrepid reporter, it was hard for Chloe not to be jealous of what Lois had.

It had been ages since Lex had fired Chloe from the Daily Planet, and even though the man in question was out of the picture, Chloe figured, based on the metaphorical black hole she sent her resumes into, that a blacklist for any legitimate publication came with her firing. Sure, Chloe managed in the interim between her Watchtower work and Isis, but her professional life wasn't the only facet of her that dramatically changed thanks to Lex, as her stint at Black Creek cost Chloe the man she... well... she thought that she loved him. But that didn't matter. Even though the last time she had seen Jimmy Olsen, he was proposing to her, he was nowhere to be found in Metropolis, Kansas... her life.

Well, that wasn't completely fair to Jimmy, as he did wait for her, he did run the leads he could, but when a job opened up in Coast City, an offer of a lifetime that Jimmy couldn't turn down, he left, thinking that she was gone for good. Sure, when Chloe had returned to Smallville, he had called, willing to give long distance a shot, but Chloe knew that she couldn't do that. They both deserved better than that.

In fact, the down sides of long distance ended up being a blessing in disguise, as Chloe wasn't exactly sure if she was ever ready to settle down, especially considering all the secrets she kept from Jimmy. All this relationship proved was that a normal life wasn't meant to be for Chloe Sullivan.

"Nice to see you in your natural form."

Hearing Oliver's voice enter her thoughts, Chloe shook back into reality, chuckling at his word choice. "Really?" she asked, turning to face the man straight on with raised eyebrows. "That's what you're going with."

Oliver just shrugged, pushing himself from the doorframe as he entered Isis. "I managed to find Zatanna."

Leaning her head to the side, Chloe could see the woman in question behind Oliver, but that didn't mean Chloe was overly impressed. Crossing her arms, Chloe couldn't resist rolling her eyes. "I'm glad you're able to find the magician you hired for my birthday."

Oliver raised his hand in defence. "Hey, it's not my fault you doubted where you belonged." Noticing Chloe glaring in his direction, he added, "Your words, not mine, remember?"

Zatanna gave a quick glance between the two before taking a good look at the atmosphere Isis had to offer. "So this is your actual job, huh?" Peering inside the room where Chloe's Watchtower console lay, Zatanna grinned, amazed at the technology in such a small space. "You have way better digs here than at the Daily Planet."

"Glad you think so." Chloe said quietly as she stood next to the other woman.

"Oh yeah," Zatanna said, snapping her fingers as she turned towards Chloe. "Oliver here wanted me to apologize, but really, I like to think I help people open their eyes to what they want, even if they already have it."

Chloe nodded, as it wasn't quite what she was expecting to hear, but it would have to do. After all, Chloe did wish for it. However, aside from the obvious lesson involved, she realized the potential upsides of their introduction to Zatanna. "I'm actually glad he brought you by." Seeing the surprise on the other woman's face, Chloe chuckled lightly before explaining further. "Ever think of using your magic bag of tricks for good?"

"You mean joining your little hero group?" Zatanna looked over to Oliver, who clearly wasn't informed on this plan based on his expression, which gave her the impression that despite being the newest member, Chloe definitely had a say in the league's activities. "Can't say I ever considered the possibility that you'd want me to join you, but I suppose it can't be worse than a weekly show of the same tricks over and over."

After waiting a couple seconds for Zatanna to elaborate on her answer, Chloe asked, "Is that a yes?"

Zatanna shrugged. "I'll consider it, but for now, I have to head to my next show." Giving a quick glance to Oliver, she held out her hand to Chloe, "It was nice meeting you."

"Likewise," Choe replied, shaking her hand, "except next time, save the hocus pocus for the bad guys."

With a grin, Zatanna bowed her head before heading for the door. "I'll do my best."

At the doorway, she stopped, hearing Chloe's laugh fill the room. She turned back and watched Chloe and Oliver interact across the room. Playful glances, light banter from what she could hear and Oliver had this way of subtly touching Chloe without her noticing.

It had been that way at her birthday party too, as Chloe was less than enthused at the event, and talking to the birthday girl after the candle was blown out, Zatanna learned to understand why. Everyone that she cared about had either not shown up or left her to fend amongst strangers. However, before he left, Oliver alone had brought a temporary smile to her face, salvaging what was likely a very long night for her.

In fact, the whole time she had watched the two blondes interact, Zatanna genuinely thought they were a couple, but through some subtle drops to the both of them, they had pretty much cemented their single status to her, because from the sounds of things, romance wasn't exactly their strong suits.

It seemed understandable, considering the one and only Oliver Queen's reputation, but after a few conversations with the man himself, Zatanna had a very different picture. Lois, the woman Chloe envied, was clearly a part of his past, a great friend, but Zatanna got the impression that the only woman in his life was Chloe.

From the small conversation they shared at her birthday party, Zatanna liked Chloe, as she was a strong, independent woman from a small town who held a strong front, but even Zatanna knew there were insecurities there, but they seemed to disappear when Oliver was around... hence how Zatanna figured they had to be something going on between the two of them.

But there wasn't and that was fine, because she knew they were smart people, and with time, Zatanna had little doubt that they would see their feelings for each other. So as much as she was tempted to intervene again in their lives, she held back, seeing no reason to intervene... for now.

~0~

"Come on Chloe, everyone's here, and I'm sure your boss will give you a night off."

Zatanna had just come back to Metropolis to catch up with her favourite hero group, and after Clark informed her of their plans at the Ace of Clubs, she went straight over. But as she exited the elevator, what Oliver said grabbed her attention. However, she didn't want to interrupt or make the situation awkward, so she waited for the elevator door to close so she could do what any self-respecting women would.

Eavesdrop.

Of course, Zatanna wasn't that inconsiderate, so an invisibility spell later, it was like she never showed up.

It had been a good three or four months since her first encounter with the league and well, she had taken a liking to the group. While she hadn't officially joined by any means, she admired the camaraderie and the overall family dynamic they shared. Since she knew she wasn't going to bring her father back, it calmed the lonely side of the mistress of magic, and maybe that's why she fell under their spell.

It really was a dysfunctional family; Bart, the impulsive spoiled kid; Victor, the older, mature "brother," and she could only assume Dinah and AC had their roles to fill as well. But, as she assumed from day one, Chloe and Oliver filled the den mother and father roles perfectly, without actually admitting to anything, but the tone of Oliver's voice this time piqued Zatanna's interest. Sure, he wanted Chloe to take a night off, but there was a hint of concern there, one that hadn't been there before.

Finally, she thought, rolling her eyes. At least one of them has a clue.

Unfortunately, Chloe made it clear that any progress that may have been made was one-sided. Passing to Oliver what looked like a thumb drive, she said, "I'm just here to drop off the files." She leaned to look around Oliver before snickering at the antics of the group in the club. "But don't go too crazy on me."

That was her normal, naivety-filled concerned tone that she took with her boys. Only Chloe was capable of making Oliver come down a couple levels. Zatanna rolled her eyes as she continued to lean against the wall until she noticed Chloe turning around.

Subtly hitting the elevator button, Zatanna saw luck on her side for once and she materialized just as the elevator doors fully opened. Also just in time to see Oliver's expression as Chloe got closer to the elevators

"At least let me get you a drink... it can even be non-alcoholic." He said it optimistically, but in a way that he knew Chloe wasn't going to accept, and she didn't disappoint.

"Thanks Oliver, but I have to go. I'll see you in the morning."

"See you in the morning," Oliver repeated as he turned away, just barely catching Zatanna out of the corner of his eye. He gave her a quick wave before heading to the bar.

Zatanna was about to return the gesture when she noticed how Chloe was about to accidentally walk straight into her. Her eyes were square on her phone, and well, Zatanna figured it was worth a shot to see if she could get Chloe to stay. "Leaving so soon?"

Chloe looked up, eyes widening upon recognizing Zatanna before shrugging a shoulder. "I was just dropping something off, I'm back to Isis for a few hours, and then home to bed for me." Turning her head back towards the party, she sighed. "This is great for the guys though... they need to have that sense of fun in their lives." For a second, there was a hint of disappointment in her features, but it disappeared as fast as it surfaced as she faced Zatanna again. "Didn't realize you were in town."

"I don't have a show for a month. Figured I'd stop by to check on the team's shenanigans."

"Well, it's not just the team." Chloe chuckled, as she remembered her first run-in with her. "You might have the chance to meet the actual Lois tonight."

After a quick laugh, Zatanna stepped aside, gesturing her hand towards the elevators. "Alright, I won't keep you longer than I have to." She knew now it was a lost cause, and didn't see any point holding up Chloe any longer. "It was good to see you again Chloe."

Chloe nodded, and headed towards the elevators, gone from Zatanna's sight, which led her to walk fully into the Ace of Clubs. A few familiar faces, but instead of mingling right away, she found herself drawn to the bar, a stool next to Oliver, who was nursing what Zatanna hoped was only his first glass of scotch.

"Someone looks a little gloomy tonight," she remarked, knowing how obvious it sounded to the both of them.

"Hey Zatanna," was all he said in response, tilting the glass back and forth.

"So... what's bothering their resident leader?" Sure, Zatanna knew the answer to that question, but she needed to hear it from him, get confirmation for something she had long suspected.

"It's nothing."

Turning around in the stool, Zatanna leaned her back against the bar as she looked out into the crowd. "You can spout that all you want to your league-mates, but even you know that's a big lie."

It took Oliver a while to reply, but as he sensed Zatanna peering in his direction again, he gave in. "I guess... I was hoping Chloe would have taken the night off, but she still insists on working late."

"She doesn't have much fun, does she?"

Oliver laughed sarcastically, as he offered Chloe to be Watchtower full-time to lift her spirits, but instead of dwelling in the past, she had become a reclusive workaholic. "Since you reaffirmed her faith in what she does as Watchtower, not that I blame you or anything, but she hardly lets anyone in anymore."

Listening to Oliver, Zatanna was almost convinced that she could help, and she was hoping that Oliver saw that too. "I seem to remember that I owe you a wish for everything I did."

Downing the rest of his drink in one big swig, Oliver shook his head. "Thanks, but no. Chloe would figure it all out and we'd be worse than square one."

He walked away, and that's when Zatanna realized that Oliver had feelings for Chloe, but he wouldn't act on them. Then again, knowing their stubbornness, he may not be aware of them in the first place. So, even if they were going to object to her actions, Zatanna realized that she couldn't sit back anymore.

Standing up, she did her rounds, stuck around long enough to catch up with the league members she knew before heading towards the elevators to leave. She had some work to do, and it couldn't wait until morning.