Disclaimer: I own none of the original characters. This chapter is somewhat a crossover with Arrow and the Man of Steel movie.
The interview didn't take long, and for Oliver, it wasn't very interesting. He gave his usual honest answers to the questions regarding the Queen's philanthropy, ensuring he didn't seem arrogant. He was the face of the Queen family, and he knew it. A handsome, positive, (mostly) well-behaved prodigal son was exactly what Starling City needed.
But he saw something in the reporter. There was something more about him. This Clark Kent didn't seem like an untrustworthy man, but he was definitely hiding something. Having successfully hidden many secrets from the public, his family and his closest friends for over a year now, Oliver could see when another person was concealing something. He was keen, and hard working, but not as demanding as other reporters and journalists. Kent didn't seem the type to wait outside doors, microphone in hand waiting for the latest exclusive on the city's high profile figures. He had a little more self-respect than that. It was the square-chiselled jaw line, the neatly slicked hair and functional-rather-than-fashionable glasses that gave this impression to Oliver.
After seeing the reporter out the door, Oliver decided to dig a little into Kent. When researching into people, no matter who it is, Oliver preferred to do it himself, rather than call Felicity for it.
Having learnt a few tricks from Felicity about hacking, Oliver quickly found what he was looking for, although not what he was expecting. By accident, he had hacked into the government mainframe, accessing some highly sensitive material – something he knew Detective Lance would be all too happy to lock him up for if it weren't for the encrypted software Felicity used. It was during times like this that Oliver appreciated just how useful she was.
What Oliver found was highly intriguing to the curious mind. It was an interrogation tape in military headquarters, although there wasn't exactly an interrogation taking place in the video. There was a woman, young and attractive, whom Oliver worked out to be Lois Lane, a reporter from The Daily Planet in Metropolis, much like Clark. She was sitting at a table talking to a man who looked remarkably like Clark, but without the thick glasses he was expecting. However, Oliver knew this wasn't just a man. He was strong, powerful and confident, but not cocky or arrogant. An honest leader – one of a dying breed. Also, he was wearing what appeared to be a highly functional costume, with a large "S" on the chest and a bright red cape on his back.
This astounded Oliver. Who could wear such an outfit to military headquarters and still be labelled a sane man? And it was no coincidence that he looked so much like Clark, he thought.
Oliver kept searching, until he stumbled across a file about the individual. "Man of Steel Repels Alien Invasion", it was titled.
"An unidentified individual has saved Metropolis and undoubtedly the world in what was the first ever visit from an intergalactic threat. Despite causing millions in damage, he was labelled a hero by authorities for his bravery and skill in the use of his powers to contain the situation and eliminate the peril. Speculation is that this individual is not human, owing to his abilities to fly, withstand massive amounts of force without harm and superhuman strength. Following the incident, the individual, nicknamed "Superman", disappeared and has not been seen since."
Attached to the file was a single photograph, perhaps the only photograph of this man. Upon opening it, Oliver nearly fell off his seat. It was in Metro-City Station. Amongst the rubble was a man lying on the ground, with "Superman" standing over him in his trademark suit. The caption read "Superman saves innocent family by killing the alien leader known as General Zod." The face was unmistakable. It was Clark.
Completely taken aback by what he saw, Oliver knew he had to get back in contact with the "reporter" he had spoken to previously. With the help of a man like that, Oliver could really clean up Starling City, more permanently and more thoroughly.
Intrigued and with his mind racing, Oliver immediately called Felicity, but with no intention of telling her about the "visitor".
"Felicity, I need the home address and mobile number of Clark Kent, a reporter for The Daily Planet in Metropolis."
"Easy. Any reason why?"
"I have second thoughts about something I said to him in the interview." Oliver lied.
"Got it. It's a small place in rural Smallville, Kansas, with his mom Martha. The coordinates should be coming through now."
"Thanks Felicity, much appreciated."
Based on how far it was from Starling City, Oliver estimated it would take him several hours to get to the residence. Perfect, he'll be home.
With no time to waste, the son of Queen set out on his motorbike.
After a long, but by no means slow trip, Oliver, slightly stiff and sore, arrived at a small house, relatively isolated on the outskirts of town.
He approached the door, being greeted by Clark before knocking. His glasses were not present, and he was wearing a flannelette shirt, sleeves rolled up bearing strong, thick forearms, seemingly able to pull a tree from its roots. His mind was racing, he had never been as nervous to meet someone properly as he was to meet the real Clark. This man could save the world, change its views of how it sees the universe and its place in it. For Oliver, talking to supermodels and bringing them to bed was easy compared to this.
"Mr Queen, it's a surprise to see you here. Can I help you?" Clark began in a more casual but still polite tone than earlier in the day. Oliver was surprised to see Clark acting in such an ordinary, calm way when not at work. Despite being an intergalactic phenomenon, Kent still had to maintain some normality on Earth.
"Clark, are you alone?" Oliver was in no mood for chatting, he meant business.
"Yeah, mom is shopping for groceries. What is it?"
"Okay. I need to talk to you."
"Come in." Kent welcomed the guest in a slightly apprehensive, almost concerned tone, wondering why one of the richest, most recognised faces in Starling City would be at his doorstep.
Clark invited his guest into the sitting room, gesturing him to take a place on the couch as Oliver unzipped his riding leathers, revealing a pristine shirt and vest underneath. As a result of his haste to reach Clark, Oliver had not changed his clothes from the day.
"Clark, I am no enemy, but I know who you are."
"What do you mean?" The Man of Steel could see that Oliver meant no aggression, instead brushing off his remarks.
"You're not from this planet, are you Superman? I know what you can do. Behind the reporter is a hero, someone to lead the people and change the world. Now tell me, what's your real name?"
He knows. Clark could see no point in playing dumb.
"How did you…?"
"When you interviewed me this morning, I could see you were hiding something. There was more to you. I can see someone who has secrets."
"Well I'm not surprised. You would know how to spot someone with secrets, Arrow."
No. Oliver tensed up. Heart beating at a mile a minute, he didn't know whether to put an arrow through himself or the man sitting in front of him. He decided it would be unwise to settle on the latter.
"How did you…?" Questioned the Queen whose identity had been revealed.
"Let's just say, I have my way of seeing through things."
"Then you should know exactly why I'm here."
"I've been thinking about it too. We could make a great team. Now tell me, why do you do what you do?"
"I do it to save my city, ensure the citizens can live safely without the fear of those who intend to take it away from them."
"Good to hear that. I'll be in touch." Clark said as he tapped his ear, hinting at his super-sensitive hearing.
"It's been a pleasure, Clark."
"My name's actually Kal-el, I'm the last of my planet."
With an understanding nod, Oliver began to put his riding leathers back on. He knew all to well what it was like to feel alone.
"Don't worry about that, I know a faster way to get you home. Come outside."
Not know what to expect from Superman, Oliver followed him outside. He could see no transport or alien teleporter, Kal-el simply stood in an opening in his yard.
"Hold on."
Oliver felt slightly uncomfortable being on the receiving end of that; usually it was he who said it to Felicity in order to save her from a sticky situation. However, trusting his judgement, Oliver gripped Clark's powerful shoulders. They felt crafted from solid granite, almost intimidating to touch.
Before he could react, the pair were rushed into the sky, concealed by the late night darkness. Oliver could barely maintain his grasp, but knew that Clark would not let him slip. Despite the tremendous speed at which they were travelling, Oliver was pleased at the relative stability of Superman's flight. With one arm outstretched above his head, making a fist with his hand and the other by his side, Clark was in control. This heroism was not misplaced. All of a sudden, the pair began to nose-dive before stopping. Blood rushing to his head and barely able to stand, Oliver felt a combination of exhilaration, adrenaline and nausea. Regaining his composure, he noticed the calm look of satisfaction on his partners face.
"I'll be back with your bike." Clark said before looking towards the sky and making a sudden jump, disappearing from view.
Yes, a great team.