Fic: Start Over (12/17), Chloe/Oliver, PG

[isdon_isgood9]

Fic: Start Over (12/17)
Author: me
Rating: PG
Spoilers: 6.04
Summary: What if Oliver had been a supporter of Senator Kent from the very beginning of his campaign?
Character/Pairing: Oliver/Chloe, Martha, Clark, Lionel, Lois
Disclaimer: I’m an idiot who keeps forgetting to do this so please don’t sue me. I understand that these characters aren’t mine.
Author’s Note: Thanks to miss_morrygan who made me the banner below. I really do love it and thanks so much again : ). Also I’ve place myself up for auction to help the people affected by the Queensland floods so if you’d like to bid for me click here.
Enjoy and feel free to comment.




Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chpater 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6   Chapter 7  Chapter 8  Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11

Moving into the room Oliver made sure he was wearing the grin he always wore at these events. Chloe was on his arm, looking stunning in her light blue strapless knee length dress. Watching her he noticed as her scanning the room, what for he was unsure but he needed her to stop doing it soon.
Leaning down he whispered in her ear, “Calm down Chlo. Stop drawing attention to us, everything will work out fine.”
“I know I’m just nervous.” She muttered back.
Stopping and placing both of his hands on her arms he said, “Look everything is going to be fine I’ve done this before.”
Chloe nodded, “Ok. Let’s go talk to someone then.”
“Well Mrs Kent is talking to Lionel so I guess you’re going to have to live talking to someone from my work.”
“As long as you’re not embarrassed of me,” Chloe said with a smile.
Kissing her gently he said, “Never. Just remember to use that tact of yours that your cousin always seems to be missing.”
Laughing Chloe was about to respond when an older man and his wife called out to the pair of them.
“Ollie!” he called, “We haven’t seen you in such a long time.”
“Hello,” Oliver said, his smile holding firm as he guided Chloe over to the pair.
“Hi, Oliver.”
“Mr Westcott and his wife Candice, I’d like you to meet Chloe Sullivan, my girlfriend.”
Smiling Chloe shook both their hands, “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“Likewise,” Mr Westcott said, “And please, call me Simon.”
“Sure,” Chloe said before looking to her left, “I’m sorry you’re going to have to excuse us. My cousin needs rescuing from her mouth.”
Nodding as Chloe pulled him away, he placed his hand on her back. “Smooth Sullivan,” he said in her ear, “Now I’m going to get us drinks. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Smiling Chloe placed a quick kiss on his lips. Watching him leave she couldn’t help but feel worried. She knew what he was about to do and it scared her a little bit. It wasn’t that she wasn’t use to being a sidekick, it was just that Clark never did things like this. Defiantly not if it risked him being exposed in public, let alone blurred the lines of right and wrong to make a shade of grey. Oliver however was more than happy to risk everything it do what was right, even when it blurred into that shade of grey and it was something that she was defiantly going to have to get use to.
She was dragged out of her thought when Lionel tapped on his glass near the microphone, “I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight. I hope you’re having a splendid time and that you’ve had a chance to reconnect with some old friends,” he said.
Moving to stand next to Lois she shook her head as he continued with what he was saying, “Right now, though, I’d like to introduce you to someone who I hope will be a new friend, a valuable new friend, someone I’m sure you’ll be glad to have on your side. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you our Kansas State Senator and your future United States Senator, Martha Kent.”
Joining in with the applause she laughed when she heard Lois say, “Pretension Douche,” before giving a big whoop for Mrs Kent.
Smiling a she stepped up to the microphone Martha looked around before saying, “Thank you very much.”
Knowing that that was the cue that Oliver was going to use she listened to an arrow go whooshing past and hit the generator, effectively killing the lights. Grabbing Lois’s arm she looked around like everyone else, pretending to be confused by what was happening. Watching as Oliver ran straight past the pair of them she sighed as Lois broke her hold to give chase. Following quickly she watched as Oliver placed his long bow away in its compartment in his utility belt before pulling out his cross bow, ready to make his exit.
“Hey!,” Lois cried. Watching Oliver turn from his position at the window she widened her eyes trying to tell him to get out of there without drawing Lois’s attention. Oliver seemed to get the idea as he leaned out the window and shot his arrow off waiting for the string to pull taut before he could leave.
Stopping in front of him Lois demanded, “Give me the necklace!”
Chuckling as the string finally pulled taut Oliver replied, “You forgot to say please,” before hitting the retract button and flying out the window.
Trying not to react Chloe grabbed Lois’s arm, knowing Oliver was planning to use that window to get in, and pulled her back to the crowd saying, “Come on. I’m sure there are people who will want to ask us questions.”
*********
“Ok, my last question is, do you really die your hair?” Chloe asked, pulling at Oliver’s spikes.
Before Oliver could answer they were interrupted by Lois’s voice as she cried, “I couldn’t ID the guy. He didn’t exactly stick around to chat.”
Oliver sighed and placed a quick kiss to her neck, “I’m going to go and save the security officer before Lois rips his head off.”
“Hey. What about my question?”
Oliver laughed before leaning forward and kissing her softly, “Of course I don’t dye it, fool. I ask my five when Lois is gone.” Turning and leaving he smiled. When he’d first suggested the game he wasn’t sure how Chloe would take to it but so far she seemed to be having fun and was being honest at the same time.
“... Yet you expect me to believe that you didn’t see anything?” The security officer asked.
“Look, Lionel Luthor pays Safetex, what, a gazillion dollars for personal security? So don’t blame me if you let a boy scour with an archery badge crash his party.”
“Okay,” Oliver called as he walked into the room and stood between them, “I think Miss Lane’s made her point. She’ll call you if she remembers anything. Good evening.”
Watching as the security officer nodded at Oliver before turning and leaving Lois growled, “Now why wouldn’t they leave when I asked them too?”
“Because you were rude,” Oliver offered.
Scoffing Lois crossed her legs and turned away from Oliver as Chloe entered the room.
“Why do I get the feeling that you weren’t telling them something?” Chloe asked.
Lois smiled, “I just nabbed the story of my life. I’m not telling you what it is either Chlo, you’re just going to have to figure it out for yourself.”
“Lois, just don’t do anything risky, ok?” Chloe said as the elevator dinged.
Lois stood, “That will be Clark. He’s giving me a lift home.” Stopping in front of Chloe she said, “I’ll be fine Chloe. I’ll be careful.”
Watching as the pair left, still squabbling, Chloe couldn’t help but sigh. Lois always had a knack for getting herself into trouble and this time she was going to get herself in far too deep. Normally she would only be a little worried about Lois but now she also had to deal with Oliver’s secret on top of that. She loved her cousin but she was far too nosy for her own good and if she had to pick between Oliver and Lois there was no doubt in whom she would pick. She’d pick Oliver every time and although that thought scared her a little bit.
Before she could analyse her feelings further Oliver wrapped his arms around her waist and kiss to her neck before saying, “She’s gone now.”
Turning in his arms she smiled, “Really? Whatever will we do with ourselves?”
“I have a few ideas,” Oliver whispered into her ear before taking it into his mouth and biting gently.
Laughing Chloe replied, “You still have your questions.”
“I’ll just ask them in the bedroom,” he said, a sneaky smile on his face as he pulled towards the bedroom. Shaking her head she followed him anyway knowing no matter what this hero held her heart.
********
Sitting down at her desk Chloe took another drink of her coffee as she typed her story. She hated it when she had to work nights but it was the price she paid for being an intern. One of these days though, they were going to make her an actual reporter, she knew it, and that kept her going through nights like this. Nights where she could be curled up on the couch with Oliver and a movie before he had to patrol, playing their questioning game. She found the game enjoyable even though she had been a little resistant to start off with. The game required her to answer any question he asked truthfully and while there were things that she knew he’d want to know about she wasn’t sure she was ready to share them.
“Hey!” Lois’s voice came over her shoulder.
Turning Chloe sighed, “Let me guess. You need help researching your next article.”
Flashing Chloe a charming smile she said, “Yeah... The Inquisitor’s search engine consists of a highlighter and the yellow pages.”
Smiling Chloe asked, “Does Mrs Kent know you’re still moonlighting on her?”
“Are you kidding me? I’ve got this double - identity thing down.” Lois replied before shrugging, “Besides, I told her this morning.”
“Is the Green Arrow still bringing out your alter Lois?” Chloe asked.
“Actually now we’re in the same biz I probably shouldn’t be leaking my story.”
Chloe scoffed, “Really. Lois, I was in that hallway with you. If I wanted to write a story it would have been on the front page of this morning Planet instead of the Inquisitor. I think you’re safe.”
“Fine,” Lois sighed, “It’ll probably be faster if you help.”
“Yes it will,” Chloe replied with a smile as she took her seat.
“So,” Lois said as she played with a pen on Chloe’s desk, “How are you and Oliver?”
“Oliver and I are great,” Chloe responded, not looking up from the computer.
“Good. You seemed good last night, the two of you playing cutesy in the kitchen.”
“I don’t know if I’d call it cutesy but its great whatever it is,” Chloe said, a smile illuminating her features.
“That’s great and nothing knew has happened with photo dork?”
Before Chloe could answer her phone went off. Picking it up she said, “Daily Planet, this is Chloe Sullivan speaking.”
“Don’t be mad at me,” Oliver said.
“Why would I be mad?” Chloe asked sceptical.
“I have to go after that thing we were talking about tonight.”
Chloe sighed, “Give me five minutes so I can go somewhere more private and I’ll call you back on my mobile.”
“I’ve got to go Chloe,” Oliver replied, “Now. They’re moving tomorrow. If I don’t go now all my hard work will be for nothing.”
“Well I’m yelling when I get home.”
“I can live with that as long as you’re ok with me doing this,” Oliver said with a grin.
“I’m ok with this. Just be safe, ok?”
“Always. I’ll see you soon,” Oliver whispered.
“Yeah I know,” she replied before hanging up the phone. Ignoring Lois’s look she continued to set the computer up for the search as she gathered her thoughts.
Before she had a chance though Lois said, “What was that about?”
“Nothing that you need to worry yourself about,” Chloe said, “The computers set up for your search so I’m going to get some coffee. Do you want a cup?”
“Sure,” Lois replied as she sat in Chloe’s seat. Her eyes followed her cousin as she moved to the coffee pot on the other side of the room. Her cousin had a funny relationship with Oliver but it made them both so happy that Lois couldn’t bring herself to mention it to either one of them.
*********
Crouching on the rooftop Oliver’s eyes swept over the building, calculating where he should shoot his arrow to. Finally picking a spot, two inches above the window, he calibrated his bow before walking to the ledge. Standing carefully he loaded his cable arrow and took carefully aim. He knew that one inch off would be the difference between going home to Chloe and having his identity revealed to the world, most likely by Lois, as they wheeled him into the emergency room.
Shaking off any thoughts of failure he lined up the shot perfectly and shot. The arrow flew across the gap between the buildings, the string pulling tight as the arrow embedded itself into the wall. Smiling he pulled the rope tighter, making sure it’s secure, he places his crossbow away in its compartment in his belt and pulled out his folded up long bow out. Hooking it over the wire he said a silent pray to God, and Chloe, before jumping off the edge and allowing the bow to follow the line of the wire. Just before he hit the wall he let go of one side of the bow and landed gracefully in a crouching position on the balcony, bow safely in hand.
Standing he slide through the window carefully, knowing that the alarm had been switched off. Moving cautiously he stepped into the room where the necklace he was after was sitting. Smiling at the lasers that were still swirling around the room he whispered, “Too easy,” to himself before pulling out the gem tipped arrow he had prepared for this moment in particular. Raising his opened crossbow he aimed at the place he knew that the lasers were coming from. Shooting the arrow he smiled as the lasers stopped moving and made a path straight to the necklace. Moving forward he picked up the necklace from the Egyptian figure head it was sitting on and turned to leave when he saw a silhouette in front of him. Standing still he waited to see what the figure wanted, knowing that if it was a guard they would have spoken by now.
“Who are you?” the voice called.
Oliver sighed inwardly, knowing he would know that voice anywhere. It was Clark, though why he was there was a mystery, “Haven’t you read? I’m the Green Arrow.”
“Well... I hope you enjoyed you cult status while it lasted.”
“I think you’re taking the whole neighbourhood watch thing a bit too seriously,” Oliver replied with a smirk, trying to move around him.
Watching as Clark smiled Oliver tried to predict his next movement. Before he was able to though Clark put his fist straight through the glass display on his left setting off the internal alarm the case had. Furious with himself for not thinking to switch them off to Oliver raised his bow.
“That was fun,” he said, taking cautious steps forward, “Looks like I’m not the only one with a secret. I hate to break it to you, tough guy but you’re on the wrong side.”
“I’m not sure the police would agree,” Clark yelled over the alarm.
“Look around you, Beav,” Oliver said, spreading his arms wide, “The days of the good guy running the show are over.”
Switching bows he loaded a tasor arrow fast into his crossbow, shooting it off. His eyes opened wider in shock as the Clark caught the arrow in his hand, seemingly unaffected by the arrow, before tossing it away as a security guard entered. Loading his bow with another tasor he fired at the security officer’s shoulder. Smiling as Clark ran towards the man when he made a nose and fell slowly to the ground, Oliver moved back towards the window, sliding out to safety.
*********
Pacing the living room Chloe was more panicked than she would like to admit. She was still getting use to the Green Arrow side to Oliver and even when she did get use to it she was sure that she would still be pacing in the kitchen, worried sick. It wasn’t that she didn’t think that Oliver was coming home it was just that she didn’t have anything to take her mind off the fact he was doing something dangerous. If she had something to take her mind off what he was doing she wouldn’t be so worried but she had done all her work at the Planet while keeping an eye on Lois and Clark hadn’t come to her in need of help so she was left with just pacing.
Hearing the balcony door open she moved towards it and sighed in relief when she saw Oliver enter. Walking to him she took off his glasses as he pushed back his hood, shooting a smile at her. Shaking her head she just wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. It was nice to feel him there, safe, when she wasn’t sure just minutes ago. It gave her a piece of mind that she found she enjoyed. Of course there were other things that she enjoyed with him but that would have to until she had found out the full story from him.
Pulling back a bit she asked, “How did it go? Why did you have to change the plan? And were you careful?”
Smiling Oliver kissed her lightly before replying, “It went fine. The necklace is in my pocket.” He kept talking as he walked towards the clock face, unzipping his vest as he went, “The plan changed because Teague was planning to move the piece tomorrow, I’m assuming because of all the coverage that Lois did of the Green Arrow, he was scared I was going to come after it.”
Sighing as he stepped into his secret room to finish changing she said, “As long as you were careful.”
“I was,” he replied fiddling with the waist of his pants as he came out, “But Clark may be on the way here.”
Raising an eyebrow Chloe turned to him and asked, “Why is Clark heading here at this time of night?”
“He may have been there while I was stealing the artefact.” Oliver said while wrapping his arms around her, “How well do you know Clark?”
“Pretty well, why?”
“Well he did some strange things that I didn’t realise that he could do.” Oliver replied, looking into her eyes.
Trying to stay calm Chloe asked, “What sort of things?”
“You know what he can do,” Oliver whispered, “Why haven’t you told me before?”
Sighing Chloe replied, “It’s not my place to tell, just like I haven’t told Clark about your green leather fetish.”
Opening his mouth to answer he was cut off by the buzzer from the elevator ringing. Walking towards the elevator he called, “That’s either Lois coming with a story or Clark coming to steal you away to talk in private.”
“Ollie,” she sighed.
Looking at the screen he smiled, “Or maybe both at the same time.” He replied before hitting the button to let them both out.
Knowing she couldn’t say anything else she looked over at the clock face to ensure that it was in its proper place. When she saw it was she smiled and turned back to Oliver while trying to convey with her eyes that they would continue this conversation when there company had left. She was unsure whether he got the message or not because he turned his back quickly to her so that he could face their guests.
“So the Green Arrow Bandit has struck again,” Lois cried as she stepped out of the gate that Clark had opened for her.
“The ‘Green Arrow Bandit’ doesn’t really roll off the tongue,” Chloe replied as she went to stand with Oliver.
“Yeah, the Green Arrow would be much better.” Oliver said
“Well when either of you becomes my editor I’ll remember to care what you think about the names I give to things,” Lois replied.
“That whole sugar and spice thing never really took with you, did it?” Oliver asked.
“Look. Green Arrow, green eggs and ham, it doesn’t really matter what I call this guy. I’m going to have his face plastered over the front soon enough, especially if he keeps robbing places like he has been.”
“Unless I’m missing something you have nothing to go on Lois,” Chloe reminded.
“Well it’s a good thing the Inquisitor doesn’t pride itself on integrity,” Oliver whispered in Chloe’s ear.
Trying not to laugh Chloe turned to Clark, “So why are two here together then?”
“Who says we came together,” Lois protested, “I was in the elevator when Clark’s hand shot out and stopped the door.”
“I’m here to see Chloe, in private,” Clark said.
“Ok, we can talk on the balcony in a minute,” Chloe replied before turning to Lois, “What if the people who are after the Green Arrow come after you?”
“Anyone after the Green Arrow is a friend of mine. I’ll be sitting front and centre with them when they lock this guy up.” Lois replied.
“I wouldn’t want you on my jury,” Oliver replied, a little shocked at her manner.
“Meaning what, exactly...”
“Well, I thought that we had done away with the ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ mentality with covered wagons.
“Don’t tell me my cousin is dating a pacifist,” Lois scoffed, “Ah well. I just came to see if Chloe would let me use the Planet’s database tomorrow to do more research for my follow up to tomorrow’s article.”
Nodding Chloe said, “I’ll be starting at eleven. Don’t get there before me,” she sighed as she walked Lois over to elevator and pressed the button. Waiting for the elevator to leave before she turned to Oliver she kissed him gently before saying, “I have to go talk to Clark but I’ll meet you up stairs and we’ll finish that conversation we were having.”
Kissing her back Oliver replied, “Forget Clark, I can have us in Cancun in time for the sunset tonight, sipping margaritas. What do you say?”
“I say I’m under age, I have to work tomorrow, my best friend would notice if we left and you’re not the kind of guy who drops everything and flies away anymore.”
“I hate the fact your under age, have to work and your best friend is on the balcony,” Oliver said, kissing her again, “However I’d like to think that I’m the kind of guy who would drop everything and fly to wherever you are.”
Smiling Chloe grabbed his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss. It’d been what she had wanted to do since he had shown up at the penthouse but hadn’t been able to. Groaning as Oliver caressed his tongue against hers. Moving her fingers into his hair she moaned as Oliver pulled her flush against his body. Taking a step back she wrapped one hand around his back and began the trek to his bedroom.
“Chloe!” Clark called from the balcony breaking the pair from their trance.
Keeping her eyes closed Chloe took a deep breath before saying, “I will see you upstairs in twenty minutes. Time me.”
“No need,” Oliver replied, kissing her again, “I’m going to shower. Join me if I’m still in there when you come up.”
Laughing Chloe said, “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
*********
Stepping off the elevator Chloe spun in a circle, happy with the dress she had chosen just because of the way that it twirled when she spun. Holding out her hands for Oliver she smiled as he took them and pulled her back to him.
“So I’m assuming you had fun Tiny Dancer,” Oliver said, wrapping his arms around her waist and moving her backwards so that they were further in the penthouse.
“Short jokes will not be appreciated and I had lots of fun on our date,” Chloe replied, wrapping a hand around his neck, “I’m just hoping to have more fun while we’re here but if your make jokes about my height I may just have to leave, head to Smallville, and spend the night gossiping with Lois.”
“Really?” Oliver said, “When my lips are here? And they can do so much,” he continued before dropping his head and brushing his lips against a sensitive spot just behind her ear.
Sighing Chloe tipped her head back to give him better access. Smiling as he began to suck the point she said, “I’ll stay, as long as the jokes go.”
Claiming her lips with hers in a searing kiss he quickly parted her lips with his tongue. It was an odd but he quite enjoyed kissing her. He didn’t know what it was but no matter what he couldn’t get enough of her lips. Moaning he pressed her into the nearest book case. Dragging a hand down her thigh he smiled as her bare calf wrapped itself around his waist.
Pulling his lips from her Oliver kissed slowly down the right side of her neck, stopping at places he knew would make her moan or sigh, as he said, “I can... stop with... the short... jokes. Just... stay.”
Feeling her nod as she tried to keep her head as far back as she could, his hold on her tightened. Giving a short laugh at the effect he seemed to have on her, he kept teasing, hoping to drag it out as long as he could. Shifting his lips back to hers he groaned as her phone went off.
“Please tell me you don’t have to get that,” he whimpered pulling back as she fished the phone out of her bag.
“It’s Lois,” she sighed, showing him the screen. “If I don’t answer she’ll just keep calling. Hey Lois, this isn’t a good time and I have no idea how to stop the mail room forwarding you mail.”
“Chloe!” Lois cried.
“Lois what’s wrong?’
“Chloe! Aaah! Chloe, help me!”
“Lois! Lois answer me! Please!” Chloe said before looking up at Oliver, worry filling her eyes, “She’s not answering,” she whispered as Oliver pulled the phone away from her gently.
“Lois, can you hear me?” Waiting a couple of seconds he suppressed a sigh before ending the call. Handing Chloe back the phone he said, “It must be the Safetex people. Other than the Green Arrow there the only person she’s been slandering,” as he walked over to the clock face and typing in his code.
Watching as he left Chloe walked to the couch and sat. She wasn’t sure how she was going to deal with this. Her worry levels were astoundingly high when it was just Oliver out there now she wasn’t going to be so worried she wouldn’t even have the ability to pace.
Before she could dwell on it for too long though, Oliver’s arm snake around her, holding something in his hand. Opening his hand she saw one of his com devices sitting there.
Turning to him she asked, “What are you doing?”
“Chloe, as far as I concern your my partner in everything, including this. I also know how much you worry about me when I’m gone. So I’ve come up with a solution,” he said before walking around and pulling her up from the couch. Moving her over to his dining room table where a green laptop sat.
“What’s this?” she whispered, daring herself not to hope too much.
“On the laptop is a program that will allow you to track where I am while I’m playing Robin Hood. It also allows you to talk to me anytime you want, as long as you’re wearing the com.”
“Ollie, is this what I think it is?”
“Yeah. So what do you want your call sign to be? I was thinking Watchtower.”
Grabbing his unzipped vest she did it up before reaching for his belt and strapping it on. Making sure he looked ok she reached up and kissed him lightly on the lips, “I love it,” she whispered, “Because you’re the person who’s giving it to me. Now go save me cousin hero.”
“I’ll see you soon sidekick.” Oliver replied, kissing her swiftly before grabbing his glasses and heading out to the balcony.
Waiting til he had left Chloe sat down at the laptop, starting it up, ready to start her first job as Watchtower.
**********
Clark stood on the rooftop of an uninhabited building looking out over Metropolis. He found it calming, for some reason, to look over the unsuspecting city, helping people every so often. Mostly he just liked to come and think about Lana and all that he had lost. He was happy that Chloe had found happiness with someone as great as Oliver but he was all alone. Sometimes it was hard to put up with the pair, unsure he could be happy like them, and maybe that’s why he hadn’t helped when they had a rough patch several months ago. He knew it was wrong but he was hoping that if they broke up he could mope with Chloe and it would help them restore their bond. He wasn’t upset that they had survived through it but it didn’t stop him feeling jealous when his best friend spent too much time with a man who wasn’t him. He just wasn’t use to it, even after months.
Turning to face the other way he was shocked when he saw Lois being laid down on a rooftop by the Green Arrow. Moving over rooftops he listened as Lois groaned and woke up as the man began to speak.
“Are you ok?” he asked. Clark tilted his head to the side trying to see whether his super hearing could help him to determine who the Green Arrow was.
“No thanks to you,” Lois replied.
Listening intently he was shocked when he heard Chloe sigh and say, “Thank God.”
“I saved you,” the Arrow argued. Moving closer Clark tried to see where Chloe’s voice was coming from. Noticing the ear piece in Arrows ear he smiled, figuring it was some form of communication device and Chloe was safely locked up at either Oliver’s or the Talon.
“Yeah. You saved me from goons who were trying to find you. They’re not the one with a vendetta on your little leather ass.” Lois argued, raising the crossbow that Clark had somehow missed seeing her holding it.
“Little? I’ve been working the glutes lately, too.” Oliver replied.
“I’ve noticed baby. If you come home soon I’ll appreciate them more.” Chloe replied.
“Oh my God,” Clark sighed. It was an obvious conclusion and explained everything. Why Chloe was helping this guy and sticking up for him. The Green Arrow was Oliver. Speeding over, he stood behind the billboard that was behind them, just as an arrow embedded itself into one its sides.
“Oops.” Lois remarked, “Guess my aims a little rusty. Now... let’s take off those glasses and unveil our prince of thieves, shall we?”
Watching as Lois reached for his hood Clark looked around to see whether he could cause a distraction. Spotting a loose wire behind the billboard Clark moved quickly, shooting off his heat vision and watching as Lois ducked, leaving enough time for Oliver to escape. Moving again he stopped in the middle of the road, hearing a motorcycle coming his way. Blocking the path he crossed his arms and waited as Oliver came racing towards him. Watching as he spun the bike onto its back wheel before coming to a halt centimetres in front of him.
“Oliver Queen,” Clark called, “You owe me one.”
Pulling off his helmet Oliver looked shocked, “That was you on the roof? Why’d you let me get away?”
Clark shrugged, “My best friend cares about you and somehow I don’t think her cousin will understand why Chloe’s boyfriend leads a double life.”
“Or why you do the same thing?” Oliver asked, “I think we’re even.”
“We’ll be even when you return what you stole from Lionel.” Clark replied before speeding away.
*********
Landing lightly on his balcony, Oliver entered the apartment with a practised stealth. Smiling he saw Chloe was still sitting at the laptop he’d just given her, typing away. He was happy that he had finally found a place for her in his team. He wasn’t ready to tell her yet but he was sure he was falling in love with her and he really wanted this to work, which meant that she would be a partner in everything she could be. As far as he was concerned he was in this for the long run and that didn’t scare him at all, which was odd. Usually when a relationship got serious he ran, cheated or withdrew, like he had with Tess and so many others, but this time he couldn’t see himself doing any of those things. He was even being more careful than normal when he was patrolling knowing that he had to come home to Chloe. The changes in him really did astound him at times but they were for the blond beauty in front of him and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Walking up behind her he wrapped his arms around her waist and closed his eyes, breathing in her scent. Kissing her temple lightly he said, “So Clark’s a fast moving, fire blazing, kind of superhero.”
Chloe laughed, “He doesn’t blaze fire, he has heat vision.”
Oliver pulled back in shock, “You know?”
“Yeah but now I can tell you all about it.” Chloe replied, “I’ve known for almost two years. His crazy wife told me.”
“Clark was married?” Oliver asked sitting down in the seat next to her.
“Yeah, but only for a little while in senior year, she died before their one month anniversary.” Chloe replied.
“Ok,” Oliver said, “And she told you and then you told Clark you knew.”
“Well he found out I knew when I got taken to the Arctic by accident,” Chloe replied, “And almost died of hypothermia.”
Oliver nodded, “This is so much to take in,” he whispered.
Kissing him lightly on the lips Chloe said, “Then what do you say to me filling you in on everything to do with Clark tomorrow morning.”
“Are you trying to salvage our date?”
“Depends,” Chloe said with a raised eyebrow, “Are you up for it?”
“Defiantly”
*********
Picking up the newspaper Oliver turned it over and smiled. He couldn’t believe that Clark Kent was doing research on him, well his alter ego, but still it was a part of him. Gazing at the article he smiled as he remembered the heist from almost a year ago, before he had even moved to Metropolis. Looking around the barn he smiled as he realised that at lot of it was from high school. He couldn’t believe that Clark really liked to live in the past that much.
Turning as he heard Clark head up the stairs he said, “I didn’t realise I was such a fascinating subject,” showing him the newspaper, “You and Lois ought to start a fan club.”
“I’m assuming you’ve told Chloe?” Clark asked, “Because she hasn’t said anything to me.”
“Well considering she didn’t say anything to me about you I’m pretty sure she kept both our secrets.” Oliver replied, “Though I trusted her too, since you have to ask I’m not too sure that you did.”
“I trust Chloe,” Clark yelled, “I trust her more than anyone else.”
“Really Clark?” Oliver asked, “So you told her you’re secret.”
“Well... No not exactly.”
“But you have the right to comment on how much I trust her.” Oliver replied, “I haven’t kept anything from her. I’ve been more than honest about everything and I’ve answer any questions she’s had truthfully. Can you say the same?”
“You can’t be with someone unless they know who you really are. Trust me, I’ve tried.”
“I’m guessing this is about Lana and how you lost her to Lex. Is that why you hate me Clark? Cause I remember a time when you didn’t hate me but I guess that was before I started dating your best friend, who I have almost no secrets from, especially not the important things.”
“You can play this game as long as you want but sooner or later, you’re going to hurt her. When that day comes there will be people who will want you dead.” Clark argued.
“Well you seem to have all the answers Clark. I’m so glad you’re supporting us.” Oliver replied, his mouth in a hard line, before pulling out the necklace he had taken, “In case you’re wondering, Lionel bought that off a notorious Bosnian warlord, used it to launder LutherCorp money.”
“So why give it to me?” Clark asked.
“Well, you seem to have a crystal-clear idea of what’s right and what’s wrong. You decided who it belongs to,” Oliver said before standing.
“It’s not as clear as it used to be. Do you really think its right to steal, as long as it goes to a good cause.”
“That the end justifies the means? Absolutely, yes,” Oliver replied walking to the staircase just as Chloe came up.
“I’ll never feel that way. You said you didn’t owe me one, so why are you really here?”
“Cause I made him,” Chloe replied wrapping an arm around Oliver’s waist, “Plus I figured if you two were at least friends you could help each other out.”
“How do you mean?” Clark asked.
“Clark you have abilities that normal people never dream of and I admire the fact that you use them to save the people you’re close to. God knows I’ve been on the receiving end of it but there’s a whole wide world of people out there, Clark. They need saviours like you and Oliver, even if they’re not willing to admit it.”
“When you’re ready I have something special in mind for you,” Oliver replied before heading down the stairs with Chloe, “So, I’ve got an empty penthouse at the moment,” he whispered in her ear.
“Ah,” Chloe replied, “But my apartment is empty and so, so much closer.”
Kissing her gently he said, “I like the way you think.”

Chapter 13