Chapter 5

Chloe

The ride to the airport had been uneventful, Chloe had watched the people they passed by, acutely aware of Oliver sat across from her. It wasn't the first time she had been in a Limo, but this time seemed different somehow not that she could have explained how, it just was.

His giving her the keycard had been a surprise but one she was grateful for, living with Lois was great, but until the university campus was restored it meant she didn't have much privacy, and long hours at the Planet meant she wasn't always fit to drive home. This was an option that was available to her if she needed, or wanted it.

Now they were airborne and Chloe again was looking out over the Metropolis skyline, "It seems so small and unimportant up here." Her palm rested on the frosted pane that separated her from the freezing air outside. "Everything does, it's quiet, and peaceful, also it's the place you're least likely to find yourself battling a bad guy, although its not unheard of."

Turning her head towards him Chloe tried to figure out who Oliver Queen was, Billionaire business man, clearly good at it, or at least picking the right people for the job. She had never had a problem matching Lex with the idea of a ruthless tycoon, even when he had been a reasonable man there had always been the dark side to him. Man, he was a pretty ordinary guy, if you didn't know him you wouldn't guess that he was a billionaire, he just seemed so ordinary, sure his clothes looked expensive but he wasn't quite what she would have thought of. Hero, this side was the most hidden and Chloe felt honoured that she was one of those who knew his secret. Although of course she'd figure out his fetish for green leather on her own it didn't matter, he still trusted her and that mattered. He was an open book and a mystery all at once, and Chloe liked that.

"Yeah, not the best place for it all things considered." She turned her attention back outside, watching the clouds as they passed by. It seemed strange to be on a flight that was so devoid of the usual chatter, smells and other sundry noises, "This is nice." Sighing she snuggled back further into the plush seat pulling her legs up, wrapping her arms around her knees. "Flights are usually so noisy, I like just being able to sit and look out." Her voice was thoughtful, open and honest, "thank you for bringing me." Glancing over at him she smiled. "It's my pleasure."

She took in the contours of his face, he was one of the most eligible bachelors on the planet and here she was alone, on a private jet with him. Amused she chuckled quietly to herself, "so what are we going to do in Gotham?"

"First we're going to go shopping and get you some clothes," Chloe was about to protest when Oliver's finger waggled at her, "No Chloe, no objections." Her mouth closed and she was surprised at her own reluctance to object, "then tonight I thought we could go visit an old friend, tomorrow is Gotham's annual Wayne Foundation charitable ball and auction. It seems only polite to attend, especially since I'm going to be doing some business with it's head honcho."

Wayne, Wayne, the name rang a bell before it clicked, "Bruce Wayne," another billionaire. "It sounds, um interesting." She wasn't entirely sure if it was something she would enjoy, but then she wasn't there to enjoy herself, well not much. "I hear there are some great art galleries." Her eyes were focused on him and she wondered how many times he had been there and if he'd heard the stories of a man dressed as a bat who roamed the nightskies.

"Don't worry Chloe, I'm sure you'll have a great time. The Ball is always full of surprises."

Oliver

The rest of the flight had passed in silence and now on the other end they were travelling through the streets of Gotham shrouded in welcoming cloak of the tinted windows the limo had. Oliver had travelled the streets of Gotham once or twice since Bruce's return from the hinterland. He'd never asked his old friend where he had gone or why, he just accepted that he was back and alive. Questions would come, were coming, it was one of the reasons Oliver had come here this time, that and he really did have some business with Wayne Enterprises.

He had taken over the penthouse suite of Gotham Plaza, he liked the hotel and it's service, plus it provided him with ample exits if he needed them. Watching Chloe out of the corner of his eye he smiled to see a look of wonder on her face, gone was the jaded reporter. He had to admit the differences between Metropolis and Gotham were vast and obvious, while Metropolis was light and open, Gotham seemed to be darker, closed in, it's gothic architecture adding to the appearance.

Arriving at the hotel he took in the façade before exiting the car and offering his hand to Chloe, it was half out of habit but she took it and he escorted her inside, leaving her at the set of couches that were in the foyer. "Queen," it was all he needed to say, the people behind the desk knew his face, with his money they made it their business to know who he was and what he looked like. "And a guest," they asked no questions merely provided the extra keycard and made a note on his records. "Welcome to the Plaza Mr Queen, we hope you enjoy your stay, if there is anything we can do for you," the young woman serving him made sure he took the extra meaning, "please ask."

Oliver smiled, and nodded, "Thank you, we'll need a car in about an hour, I'm taking the lady shopping." The woman nodded, and Oliver took note of her name, Elaine, "If you could arrange that for me Elaine it would be appreciated." The hint of a blush that took to her face amused him, "Certainly Mr Queen, leave it to me." He gifted her with a smile before returning to Chloe.

"Are you safe or did she mark you as part of her territory?" Chloe was smirking at him, "Can I help it if women find me irresistible?" Her laugh was loud and he joined in as she covered her mouth as she realised that it was the loudest noise in the foyer. He took her arm and tucked it into his before walking her to the elevator, "Wait till you see the view."

While she was admiring the view he made sure his bag containing his gear was stowed safely so no one could find it, and see what was inside, Gotham wasn't his beat but he didn't like to travel without the leather, it made him feel naked. Taking her shopping had been a new experience, he was used to girlfriends who didn't feel like they were robbing him when they bought dresses that cost more than most earned a year but Chloe was different, she seemed to be worried when a dress cost more than $100. In the end Oliver had taken her to a few shops where pricetags didn't exist and he didn't show her the bill when she finally finished picking out her wardrobe for the visit, it was his money and he was happy to spend it as he pleased, which in this case was on someone who knew the value of it.

"So who is this friend we're going to see," she asked finally as they were seated in the limo that had been sent, she looked great, sleek black trousers, a beautiful green top, hair dangling loose over her shoulders. "Oh, Bruce, we went to school together." He waved it off as if it were nothing, "Good guy, you'll like him." He didn't catch the frown, "Bruce, as in Bruce Wayne?" Looking at her he looked confused for a second, "Yes, that's him."

"You have some interesting friends Oliver."