Chapter 18

Chloe

As it turned out she hadn't needed her passport instead Bruce had taken her to the lake and a secluded spot that had a table lit by a couple of candles. He'd arranged for Metropolis's top chef to bring a mobile kitchen, a range of supplies and a couple of assistants to make them what ever they wanted. There was something about it that made her smile. It wasn't too outrageous although it wasn't exactly subtle either but somehow it seemed to be Bruce, not the Bruce that was on show to the public but the one that lived behind closed doors and counted his Butler as his best friend and Father. Intimate and showy.

Dinner itself was amazing and it was interesting to talk to Bruce without the pressure of anyone else around. She noted the way he talked about Gotham, about Rachel and about Alfred. Listening to the stories he told about the times he spent at school with Oliver made her smile. Information to remember and tease him about the next time she saw him. Yet there was a point, some time in amongst it all when she noticed the cut of his jaw and the curve of his lips and was reminded of something, someone else.

He had taken her for a walk along the shore line after they had finished eating and once she was satisfied they were alone and out of earshot she looked at him and told him she knew his secret. The denials had followed of course but she had smiled and and repeated she knew he was Batman. She mentioned maybe he should think about a device about changing his voice, it was difficult not to be so specific about it all. Another secret to add to her collection, but that was something else she couldn't say. But with some encouragement she let him know it was safe with her.

Sitting in the car on the way back she asked him to drop her off at the Clock Tower instead of taking her back to Smallville. It was late and if Lois had taken Clark out to dinner she didn't want to go back home just in case. Giving them privacy was at least something she could do, especially now she had a bolt hole to go to. Maybe she would take a bag over with her another day just so she had some of her own things there.

Bruce hadn't really spoken much and Chloe looked at him before smiling, "maybe you should ask Rachel to dinner sometime, instead of just pining. You'll get thin and be no good to anyone then." She thought a little gentle teasing was in order. It at least made him smile at her. "I had a good time," she continued, "the lake is beautiful and the food was awesome, the company wasn't bad either." As the car pulled to a stop outside the Clock Tower she leant over and kissed his cheek, "thanks Bruce. Don't worry," she whispered, "your secret is safe with me."

As she made to climb out of the Limo Bruce caught hold of her hand and pulled her to him. His lips fastened on to hers and he gave her a kiss, not passionate, not spectacular but searching. It seemed like it was over before it had begun and Bruce was pressing something into her hand. "I hope Oliver knows what a lucky man he is." The crooked smile he gave her made her smile in return even though she was puzzled as hell. "If you need me for anything," he tapped her hand, "call me, it doesn't matter what time it is I'll be there." Now she climbed out of the car, "Chloe thank you." Turning she leant down and looked at him, "I'll remember and thank you for an awesome night." Finally she stood and stepped backwards watching as the driver closed the door. As the car pulled away she walked towards the door of the building and smiled up at the doorman, "evening." Running her hands through her hair Chloe pondered Bruce's words.

Her eyes slid closed as she rode the elevator up to the penthouse and Olivers face appeared in front of her drawing a smile before a frown replaced it. Finally she had met a guy she didn't have to have any secrets from, at least until now. Although... The movement of her ride coming to a standstill was enough to push the thought away for the moment, some sleep and a little time would help her figure out how she was going to get Green Arrow and Batman to meet.

Emerging into the open living area of the penthouse she was surprised to see a laptop on the coffee table but no figure in front of it. That changed when she heard a snore and saw Olivers long frame sprawled out along the couch. A smile formed easily as she moved over and closed over the laptop after she had saved his work and powered it down. Pushing the table away she dropped down and sat on the floor, her hand swept along his cheek, "Ollie, come on time to go to bed."

Oliver

Her voice reached him through the haze of sleep that had over taken him and even though he was convinced she was nothing more than a dream he answered her, "only if you come with me." The kiss on his cheek and the feel of her fingers on his face was enough to make him open his eyes.

She was smiling at him in a way that made his heart race just a little faster, "good job I'm not a super criminal come to kidnap billionaire Oliver Queen because your security is terrible." He smirked at her before sitting up, he had to resist the temptation to pull her into his lap, "well maybe I'll get you to work on that for me."

He stood and yawned stretching out before taking her hand in his. It was more sleepiness than boldness but he didn't want to go to bed alone, or at least without her again. He was more than willing to let her have another one of his shirts to wear just as long as she was next to him. The fact she was willing to let him led her towards the bedroom made him relax a little more, she was going somewhere she wanted to be? Oliver hoped so.

Reaching the room he slid his shirt off and silently offered it to her before he kicked off his shoes and socks then hung his pants on the back of the chair before heading into the bathroom. He was still sleepy but at least it didn't take him long and soon enough he was back sliding between the soft sheets enjoying the feel of the material next to his bare skin. It was only when Chloe slipped between the sheets next to him that he closed his eyes again, moving over he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her flush to him. "I love listening to you breath," he mumbled before he fell silent again and did just that. It didn't take long before the sound had lulled him back to sleep.

He woke before she did and for a little while he just lay and listened to her, allowing himself time to take in the scent of her hair and feel the heat of her body against his. Once he had decided enough was enough, mainly because if she woke up it might seem a little creepy, Oliver rose and dressed. He felt better for the decent nights sleep and knew that he wanted more of those.

He ordered breakfast, making sure to have plenty of her favorite coffee before popping out and getting a bunch of flowers. Finding the dinner table he pulled it out and laid it, flowers, breakfast and coffee plus the added advantage of shutting off the elevator and being able to palm her cell without disturbing her, at least until he was ready to, meant he had her to himself.

Leaning against the door frame he looked at the way her hair framed her face and smiled, how could he have missed her for as long as he did. She was Wow. Her eyes opened, he noticed the way she fluttered her lids while her eyes adjusted to the light. "Oliver?" her voice was sleepy, but the way her hand reached out to pat the bed to see if she could find him almost made his heart flutter. "Over here sleeping beauty. I've already had time for a work out while you slept." When she looked over at him he grinned, every morning needed to be like this, maybe with fewer clothes.

"Show off," the grumbled tease in her voice made him smile and with a few quick steps he moved pulling the covers off the bed, "come on I got you coffee." That made her sit up "You had me at coffee." He certainly hoped so.