Emerald Vertigo [Vale]

[Deleted]

Finally, the day was here. The grand opening of a plot thats been brewing for several years. Tonight was the new Oliver Queen expanded into Gotham City. He was basically royalty in star city, but outside of that he would have to go very far to find someone that didn't know his name. Due to some personal falling outs, Oliver took off back to the island he was stranded on, and left most of the project in the hands of his trusted business partners, and he arrived back just in time for the grand opening.

He sat back in the comfortable seats in the back of the limousine. He had a personal pen that he twirled in his fingers. The heavy medication he took to keep himself from flipping out was starting to kick in. Although he wasnt taking it because of the crowd, it was more to ease the throbbing pain from the raging techno music that the DJ’s would have cranked all the way up. It was always the same gig. The limousine would go past the front and pull up to the back of the club, where some armed men in suits would help oliver get out of the car, and into the club safely. From there, he would walk through the kitchen and into the rear end of the dance floor. The DJ seemed to always have it timed perfectly to make his introduction upon the time he walked through the door.

As the vehicle approached the club, Oliver let out a big sigh.

“Here we go again…” He silently thought to himself.

Of course it all played out as he predicted. They drove past the front that had a line of people around the entrance, small bits of fog seeping underneath the door ways, and inside the green neon lights bounced off every physical object. It was indeed a sight to behold.

The limousine took a hard left around to the back and of course, a man in a black suit with wires coming out of his ears approached the door. Oliver clapped his hands together once and jumped out of the vehicle as soon as the door was ripped open.

“Mr Queen…”

Before he could even finish his sentence

“Look, its real simple, my only demand is that we do NOT let Bruce Wayne in. This is about me, and I dont need Gotham’s golden boy crashing my party. Hell, go ahead and shoot the guy if you have to..”

He saw the agents lips begin to move, but Oliver simple held up his hand in order to silence him.

Oliver cut through the kitchen, avoiding the people moving around with trays and knives. He came up to the door leading to the dance floor, and through the kitchen he could hear the DJ speaking

“And now! the man of the hour! Your host! Your best friend for the night and mine!... Oliver Queen!”

Oliver walked through the door with everyones attention shifted to him. The green spot lights shined on him. Oliver waved his hand at everyone, putting a smile on his face. He shook a few hands as he walked past everyone to the center of the dance floor. A woman in a skimpy dress approached him and handed him a microphone. Oliver kissed her on the cheek as he snatched it from her hands.

“Good evening everyone! Hows everybody doing tonight?!” Oliver said enthusiastically.

Everybody roared

“Thats exactly how it looks! Well all of you know im a man of simple words. I wanna take a second to thank my business partners… my sponsors… the city of Gotham… but most of all.. You guys! all of you… The people of Gotham who have really made this possible. No matter what you have to deal with in your day to day life. Maybe you had a break up, a divorce.. got fired or had a bad week at work. Maybe you lost an account, or didnt make your sales quota.. Whatever the reason, you can come here. You can come here to relax. To just talk to people, to have fun. The whole purpose of this place is so you can become a new YOU!”

Everybody cheers.

“Do I have anyone here from my native Star city!?”
some people cheer

“How about Central city?!”

Slightly louder

“Well tonight, we’re all in Gotham, so lets make it one for the history books!”

Everybody cheers and the music bumps back up. Oliver shakes his head in his hand as he walks over to the bar and gets a martini

“Triple absolut and keep the olives coming..”

[Deleted]

Standing on the fringes of the party, Vicki Vale, star reporter for The Gotham Gazette, recognized many faces in the crowd, but had no desire to approach anyone except for one person in particular -- Mr. Oliver Queen.  Hoping to get an exclusive interview with Star City’s prodigal prince, she was dressed to impress, in a skintight, strapless bandage dress and heels.  The pink and purple-colored material hugged her body, and complemented her blue eyes and naturally blonde hair perfectly.

When the DJ made the announcement and green spotlights shifted into position, Vicki’s pulse jumped in anticipation of Mr. Queen’s entrance.  In unison, everyone glanced toward the door and the tall, good-looking, blonde-haired man who walked through it, smiling and waving to the crowd.  The people were definitely giving him a warm reception, which impressed Vicki tremendously.  It reminded her of the adulation that was bestowed upon her friend, Rowdy Yates, when he performed in his own nightclub in Gotham's west end.

As she eyed Mr. Queen’s masculine form, a faint smile tipped up one corner of her mouth, and she started toward the bar to get a better view.  The synergy buzzing throughout the room was unexpected and amazing, and it left her feeling both anxious and excited to hear what the man had to say.

“I get first dibs,” a woman said to her friend as Vicki passed them.  The woman was tugging the bodice of her dress down to display the swells of her breasts, then ran her fingers through her highlighted hair.

Really?  Vicki thought, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes at the absurdity of it all.  Unbelievable.

Taking a seat at the bar, Vicki ordered a Pina Colada and listened intently to what Oliver Queen had to say. 

His welcome speech was rousing, to say the least.  It made her think of her boyfriend, Marc Dahlmaine, who was out of town on business.  Vicki’s eyes widened as people raised their fists and cheered Oliver on as he excited them with his enthusiasm.  She couldn’t help but smile.  Yes, Oliver Queen had to meet Rowdy Yates someday.  She thought they’d definitely hit it off and become great friends.

When the speech concluded, to Vicki’s surprise, she didn’t have to go to Oliver Queen.  He came to her!  After he ordered his drink, Vicki turned and smiled at the man.

“So, did you come all the way from Star City to play cheerleader in Gotham City?" she inquired playfully.  "If so, you succeeded in your mission.  My, you are an extremely gifted motivational speaker, Mr. Queen.”

With that, Vicki offered her right hand in greeting.

“I’m Vicki Vale with The Gotham Gazette.  May I have a few moments of your time?  I’d love to feature you in my column this week, if it’s all right with you.”

[Deleted]

"I live for the applause, applause, applause; I live for the applause-plause; live for the applause-plause; live for the.."

Oliver quietly sang outloud. It was only a matter of time before some bimbos wearing way too much make up, in a dress thats way too short, and way too tight all lined up to have a chance at the billionaire man. He removed the toothpick with 3 olives on it, slammed half his vodka based drink and ate two olives at once.

"Way that you cheer and scream for me; the applause applause applause..."

Before he could hit the high note to his song, a voice echoed to the side of him, slightly down the bar. He turned the other way and made eye contact with her. She wore a strapless dress of bright color, but it wasnt the typical attire women who tried to seduce him wear. Immediately when he saw her one thing came to mind. Reporter. She didnt have that look in her eyes that he had seen so many times, and she wasnt flaunting herself to him. He watched as her hand extended out. Yeah, definitely reporter. Oliver looked down to his right hand and saw his drink in it. He shrugged and slammed his drink down real quick. He sat the glass on the bar, whiped his mouth with his left arm sleeve and extended out his hand to meet hers. He gave her hand a fast, but firm hand shake.

As his eyes met hers, and he slowly brought his hands to his hips, then crossed his arms, he heard her speak about doing an interview.

He wasnt sure what it was, but he started to like this woman. It must be her confidence. The last woman to project such confidence was Dinah, but they had split awhile ago, prompting his return to the island; and making it back just in time to be at the opening of his club. She was probably taken anyways.

"Vicki Vale you said your name was?"

Now he remembered. The star reporter of Gotham. A woman who had a few run ins with some of the freaks that plagued this town. Now he was very interested in speaking to her. Besides, deep down Oliver didnt want to be there.. Not at the club. There was only one place he really wanted to be, with only one person..

He dropped his hand to his pocket before Vicki could respond. He pulled out his cell phone, and checked to see if he had a text message. There was one person he really wanted to talk to, to see. He wasn't sure if that person was aware he had returned to the real world. For some reason he anticipated it, but did not expect it. It was complicated...

His head started to pound with the beat of the dance music. He then remembered that he had his own private room upstairs. He hadn't even seen it himself.

"Tell ya what... The music, lasers and lights are making my head hurt.. and its too loud... Would you like to come upstairs where its a bit more quiet? I'll tell you whatever you like to know.."

Oliver extended his arm to her to escort her where she could conduct her interview in private

[Deleted]

Before she introduced herself, Vicki smiled when she overheard Oliver singing.  He had a nice voice – just like Rowdy.  She hated to interrupt him, but he seemed to be getting lost in the music, something she didn’t want to happen.  So when she finally did speak, she made sure she got his full attention.  And by the way he was eyeing her outfit, she knew she had done exactly that.

The sparkle in Oliver’s eye brought a familiarity to her.  Although they had never met prior to this, she felt a connection to him.  Maybe it was all those many years she spent pining away for Bruce Wayne?  She seemed to have a thing for billionaires.

Vicki noticed Oliver watching her hand as she extended it to him for a handshake.  The firmness of his grip surprised her.  She’d expected a more gentle touch, with less brevity.  The way he shook her hand seemed more like an inconvenient formality than a genuine greeting.  She hoped he wasn’t self-absorbed and emotionally unavailable, like most of the men she knew.

Despite the festive fanfare happening around them, Vicki could tell by Oliver’s body language that he wanted to be elsewhere.  As he retrieved his cel phone from his pocket, Vicki noted the urgency in his actions.  That disappointment in his eye was oh-so noticeable and all-too recognizable.  It cued her to check her own text messages to see if Marc had sent her a new one.

When Oliver suggested that they go upstairs to his private office, Vicki nodded.  She had no reason not to trust him.  Standing to her feet, she wrapped her arm around his and tapped into her natural gift of making people feel comfortable with her.

“Lead the way,” she told him, signaling for him to take the lead.  As they walked, she leaned into him and spoke into his ear so he could hear her over the loud music.  "So you'll tell me anything I want to know, eh?" she jeered.  “Okay.  I’ll take you up on that offer.  My first question is this: What’s her name?”

She smiled broadly.

“You know what I’m talking about, Mr. Queen.  I know that look in your eye.  Been there.  Done that.  Bought the T-shirt.”

[Deleted]

She took his arm with a not too firm, but not too loose grip. They began to walk around the back of the dance crowd, and through a couple of people. One girl having way too much fun on the dance floor, with a bottle in her hand. She slowly made her way off from the dance floor, and into Oliver and Vickis path. He extended a hand out as they passed, to keep the distance, and when they cleared her, he retracted his hand, letting her dance off in front of the bar. He made his way around to a spiraling staircase. Before they ascended, she started talking to him and asked him the question. She asked him about Canary. Of course he couldn't say anything about her, not to anyone else, especially someone he just met, and a reporter at that. He didn't need his love life stapled up for every nobody in Gotham to read. He promised to answer her questions, but he didn't say anything about answering them truthfully. He made the choice of looking up as he conjugated a lie. Since she had worked for the news so long, and was used to people lying to her so much, she would have to know the obvious signs. The KGB always taught him to look up when thinking. Maybe he could tell her he was expecting important business news? Nah, too obvious.

"A distant cousin is having surgery tonight.. I'm just awaiting news on his recovery.."

Oliver said in a serious tone. Of course it was a horrible thing to lie about, but hopefully it would get her off his case. They slowly began to ascend up the staircase. It wasn't crowded, and nobody was hanging out on the stairs as they usually do. One noiseless step after another, they made their way to the top. Standing by the entrance to the hallway was a guy the size of Bane... Before the venom. Oliver nodded to him and he nodded back in acknowledgment, and stepped aside as they walked through. They took a sharp left and went threw a green door, with an emerald door handle. He opened it and allowed her to go in first.

The room had a mix of dark and bright green lights around it, while the floor was light up with brighter, viridian lights. On the left side of it was a private bar with his own bar tender, and the other end was a series of couches linked up with chairs and tables in front of them. He walked over and sat down, then extended his hand out for her to sit next to him

"Alright ask me whatever you please"

[Deleted]

Vicki Vale was all about truth.  She believed in people, until they gave her reason not to.  When Oliver responded to her question, she was shocked, taking his answer at face value and giving him the benefit of the doubt.  “I-I’m so sorry!” she apologized, genuinely concerned.  “Wouldn’t you rather be at the hospital?  We can postpone this for another time.”

In reply, Oliver motioned for her to ascend the staircase ahead of him.  Vicki thought maybe he just wanted to do something to occupy himself, rather than counting the grueling, passing seconds in a waiting room.  Keeping busy always made time fly faster -- for her, anyway.

Vicki was thankful that Oliver had shielded her from the crowd while they were en route to his office.  Upstairs, there was hardly anybody around, except for security.  She watched Oliver communicate non-verbally to one guard, who stepped out of their way and let them pass.  Vicki felt like she was in a maze; there were so many twists and turns.  Fortunately, Oliver seemed to know his way around the place and was guiding them.

When Vicki saw an emerald door with a matching handle up ahead, she shook her head.  “Is green your favorite color?” she asked sarcastically.  “I would’ve never guessed!”

Entering the office first, the reporter walked into a setting that was totally unexpected.  It was a lavish space, complete with its own bar, bar tender, plush seating, and track lighting on the ceiling and floor.  She was expecting the usual set-up -- desk, chair, credenza, bookshelves, etc. -- but instead, it looked more like a lounge area.  The casual environment was the perfect place to conduct an interview.

Vicki watched as Oliver plopped down on one for the sofas and reached for her hand.  She had planned on taking a seat in one of the chairs across from him, but, obviously, he wanted her to sit next to him, and so she complied.

“This is so nice, Mr. Queen!” she exclaimed, observing the room as she made herself comfortable.  “I’ve never before seen anything quite like this!  I’m sure a major investment of your personal time and financial resources was needed to undertake such a monumental endeavor!”

Once she was settled, the blonde bombshell opened her purse and retrieved her notepad, pen, recorder, and camera.  Previously, she had taken pictures of the nightclub's exterior and interior to use for her article.  She wanted Oliver to see the camera so he’d get used to the idea of her taking his picture later.

When the billionaire told her to ask whatever questions she had, Vicki turned on her recorder, crossed her legs, and smiled demurely.

“All right, Mr. Queen.  Let’s begin with you telling me this: Why Gotham?  Of all the cities in America, why did you choose this location for your nightclub?  What attracted you to Gotham City?  The Metropham?  Lex Luthor?”

Vicki let out a laugh.

“Batman?”

[Deleted]

He saw her turn on the record and held back his eye roll. Great, he was now "officially on the record". So he had to be careful about what he said. He remembered the time he wasnt so careful, and he made a comment about another woman that Dinah nearly killed him over. Even though she was no longer around, it didn't hurt to watch it. A waiter brought him over another drink like he had down stairs. He would definitely need it.

She asked him why Gotham of all the places in the world, and of course had to open end question with the Batman. Oliver got tired of hearing about that guy. I mean the dude obviously had money, then dresses up and struts around town beating guys up. Only thing is, he never killed anyone like Oliver had done so many times before. The Batman was a ripping off his style anyways

He drank from his glass and started off the interview in a way that everyone would expect.

"Ummm... Who's Lex Luthor?" He said in a serious tone.

Although having a vigilante alter ego, he did of course know about Lex, but that was Supermans territory and he's not stepping on anyones toes. He'll do what the other's wont, and put an arrow through their skull.

He just went ahead with what else she said

"Well, to go back to your previous question. Gotham kind of... corners all the markets. You see, Gotham has the party mentality of Coast City, the brains of Central City, and women as beautiful as Star Cities. And when you put all that to gether, you just really have a force, and a community (which in my opinion is WAY more important) who just really appreciates what im trying to do in this town. Not only that, but Gotham doesn't really have anything bringing any major revenue to the city... With the exception of course of Wayne Enterprises. So, I am here to not only make some new friends, but to help the great people of this city, as I did Star City."

He was sure Bruce Wayne would take that as fighting words, but he didn't care. Bruce was a nobody to him. He finished his drink and looked at Ms. Vale.

"Oh im sorry, did you want anything?"

[Deleted]

Vicki took a deep breath when Oliver realized she was recording their conversation.  “Please don’t be nervous,” she said, trying to put him at ease.  “I only use my recorder to make sure I wrote down everything correctly.  Sometimes I can’t read my shorthand.  I should’ve asked first.  I’m sorry.  Do you mind if I use it?  I’d hate to misquote you.”

She smiled at the waiter who brought Oliver a drink.  Patiently, she waited for him to walk away before she continued the conversation.  She noticed Oliver had bristled at the mention of Batman.  Was there a history there?  Or was Oliver like Marc -- someone who didn’t care for vigilantes taking the law into their own hands?  Vicki sensed some jealousy surfacing.

“What the matter, Mr. Queen?” she cajoled.  “Do you desire to put on a mask and hunt down the bad guys, too?  With all the lunatics running around this fair city, I’m sure Batman would appreciate the help!”

Vicki blinked at Oliver’s inquiry concerning Lex Luthor.  “You’re kidding me, right?” she asked.  “Lex Luthor has come to Gotham City to transform it and its citizens into something grand and glorious!  He is a wonderful man with wonderful ideas!  Gothamites, including myself, are fully supportive and united in helping him make his dream of a better Gotham a reality.”

Vicki’s soft blue eyes smiled as Oliver shared his reasons for opening shop in Gotham City.  From what he was telling her, Gotham had caught his eye way before the Metropham was even conceived by Lex Luthor and Selina Kyle.  It sounded like Oliver wanted to help Gotham develop and prosper economically as much as Lex did.

“Yes, Bruce Wayne is trying to generate revenue through efforts by Wayne Enterprises,” Vicki confirmed.  “He is a ‘homegrown’ visionary, carrying on the work his parents started here decades ago.  I can’t speak for Mr. Wayne, but I’m sure he appreciates you and Lex coming alongside him and helping him achieve his objective.  We’re all team players in this.”

Vicki’s eyes narrowed when Oliver mentioned Star City.  From what she remembered from her research, Star City had just as many problems as Gotham did.  What city didn’t?

“I hope you succeed in your goals and objectives here,” Vicki said to encourage him.  “You have my support, if you ever need it.”

Finishing her last sentence, Vicki reached over and took Oliver’s hand in hers.

“Thank you for your investment in Gotham.  Seriously.”

The tears welling in her eyes revealed she was being sincere and genuine.  Her love ran deep for Gotham City.

When Oliver asked Vicki if she wanted something to drink, she declined the offer.  Managing to regain her composure, she remembered something else about Star City -- Green Arrow.

“You’re used to vigilantes like Batman, aren’t you?” she asked.  “Do you have a history with Star City’s resident vigilante, the Green Arrow?  I’d wager he likes the color green as much as you do!  You wouldn’t happen to be Green Arrow, would you?”

With that, she smiled just a little, almost as if she was answering her own question.

[Deleted]

She reassured Oliver of the recorder. It wouldnt be used for corrections and reference. Sounds logical, but still.

He nodded to her in response to asking if she could use it. It was at this point he took the drink and was slamming it down. He noticed her eyeing the waiter, making sure she left before she began to continue her sentence. She asked him about putting on a mask and hunting down bad guys like Batman. Why Batman? Why not Flash, or Lantern. Hell, even Aquaman as lame as he was.
"Well, you see Ms. Vale. I had to do hunting and all these other things to survive during my 5 year vacation on a completely deserted island. I had a steady diet of bugs, leaves, and the occasional bird. So I guess you could say im... Hunted out.. on hunting anything down."
He began to sip his drink as she brought up the subject of Lex Luthor. All her praise to him, talking about all the good he had done. How he helped the city, brought the economy, yada yada yada. Oliver personally felt like he was an Adolf Hitler type person. Showing up to take advantage of peoples desperation, and creating power over their minds. Projecting himself a god with all his money and power. All Oliver needed was a clear shot, and his home made bow and arrow. If only she knew who that man really was. If only she knew what he had done, and what he was capable of. Hell, if he spilled it to her, and provided her the proof, she would be a million times more famous than she is now. It would be better than her unveiling Batmans identity.
He turned to her with an innocent smile.

"Nope.. Never heard of the guy"

She kept smiling at him. He started to recognise the look. Maybe asking her out for lunch tomorrow would be a good idea.

Then she mentions Bruce Wayne.. Carrying on the work of his parents. He interrupted her.

"Look, only thing I have to say about Bruce Wayne is that he has the IQ of a bottle of beer. Not to mention the guy considers blinking to be hard work. Its not him, its his investors and the people his parents put in charge prior to their untimely death (may god rest their soul) who have transformed the company and grew it. I would have loved to have done that for Queen Industrys if it werent for... You know.. Fighting for survival on an island"

He watched his tone so she wouldnt think he was getting too offensive.

He watched her eyes start to water, and her eyes glistened in the green light. Oliver looked down, then she grabbed his hand. He looked up at her, and for once the whole night, noticed how absolutely stunning she was. He cracked a smile at the side of his mouth

She then asked if he was used to vigilantes like Batman. He nodded, answering her question. Then she asked about his history with the Green Arrow, and went a step further to ask if he was the Green Arrow! how hysterical! she was so right and didn't even know it. Oliver couldn't help but laugh. His casual laugh became a hysterical one with him hitting his fist on the side of the couch, and whipping tears from his eyes.

"Now that!.. That is hysterical"

He catches his breath


"I was actually accused of that, even taken in and questioned. But the lie detector tests said I was telling the truth when I said I wasnt him and that ive never killed anyone. Besides, ive never even touched a bow and arrow a day of my life. When i was on the island, i had to make spears out of sharpened bamboo like the guy on cast away..."

[Deleted]

Vicki laughed at Oliver’s comment about a five-year vacation.  “That sounds like fun!” she exclaimed.  “I’m lucky if I get to take a week!  It’s a personal choice, but still . . . .”

For a moment, Vicki fell silent, pondering vacations with Marc.  In the past, she never had a reason to take time off from work.  Her job had been her priority.  Now that Marc was in the picture, her life was definitely changing in many ways.  For the better.  Her eyes went briefly to her notepad, then back to Oliver.

Holding Oliver’s hand had been a disturbingly wonderful feeling.  It made her miss Marc all the more.  When Marc was out of town, Vicki effectively put aside her feelings for him, giving up the right to even think about him, and certainly to miss him . . . until his next text or phone call.  Putting up that wall was a defense mechanism for her -- the only way she could focus on work.  In her private times, she dreamt of Marc smiling with those hypnotic, ice-blue eyes and that wise, knowing smile.  It made her special places croon.  Although she was looking at Oliver, she was swamped with waves of love and helplessness for Marc.  Marc was everything she wanted and needed.  She loved everything about him, and he returned those feelings to her.  Yes, Marc Dahlmaine was her one true love.

Vicki studied Oliver’s eyes as he meditated on Lex Luthor’s name in his mind.  His innocent smile helped convince her that he really had no clue who the man was.  Yes, Oliver was definitely billionaire-playboy material!  She wondered if he squandered his time like Bruce Wayne did.  She wanted to ask Oliver so badly if he ever read the newspaper or watched the news on television, but she bit her tongue.  They were still getting to know one another, and she didn’t want to be smart to him.

Vicki almost bit through her tongue when Oliver gave his critique of Gotham’s Prince.  She let him speak his mind though, without interruption from her.  Her eyebrows arched when Oliver mentioned his time on the island again.  Did he want to talk about that?  It seemed like he’d never brought any real closure to that harrowing experience.  She was certain it had been life-changing for him.

Vicki blushed when Oliver roared with laughter at her accusation that he was Green Arrow.  Then she noticed the way he was looking at her.  “You have a cute smile,” she commented, reaching over and stroking his cheek gently.  “I can only imagine how many days you didn’t smile when you were on that island.  Do you want to talk about it?  Or is that something we should avoid altogether?  I don’t want to rip open any old wounds, or pour salt into ones that haven’t healed yet.”

With that, Vicki waited for Oliver’s answer.  Then she withdrew her hand and asked sheepishly, “How in the world did you keep your sanity for all those years?  You must be very resourceful because you lived to tell the tale.  Where did you learn your survival skills?  Were they developed and honed after you went into survival mode?  The average person would’ve given up and perished.”

She smiled timidly.

“Then again, I can tell just by looking at you that there’s nothing average about you, Mr. Queen.”

[Deleted]

She was with him, but then she wasn't with him. He could tell her mind wasn't 100% committed to their interview. She must have had something for Bruce Wayne, he could see the uncomfortable look in her face as he went on his rant about how incompetent the man was of doing anything. But he had said enough, and no further comment was needed. It was getting to the point where Oliver was feeling stale, and there was nothing else to talk about. Then it happened. She asked about the island. Of course she would, he had mentioned it twice. He had not talked to anyone about that grueling experience, not even Dinah. Maybe it would help him put it to closure if he talked to someone about it. Even if it was in a vague way to not expose his combat experience and training.

He was about to talk. Then something went "Buzz" in his pocket.

The ringing of his cell phone interrupted them, and broke his gaze on her. She was rubbing his cheek when the phone rang. He reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled his phone out, slowly raising his hand for her to stop. He looked at the message. It was a report of a man in make up who had taken hostages in a court house. The interview was over, the Arrow was needed, especially in the Batmans absence.

Oliver stood up, straightened his jacket. He leaned in towards Vicki, only a few inches from her face. He was sure at this distance she would be able to smell his after shave. He reached towards the recorder and turned it off.

"Your right Ms. Vale. There is nothing average about me. Id love to tell you about my island adventures. Off the record though.. person to person. Im planning on having breakfast at the café on the corner of 5th and commerce. It would be great if you would join me. I'll be there at 10..."

He backed off from her, and walked towards the door.

"Help yourself to whatever it is you like. Drinks are all on me."

He exited the room, and walked out the hallway, past the guard, and ascended down the stairs.

[Deleted]

To say the least, Vicki was a bit startled when Oliver’s cel phone sounded.  The next thing she knew, he was shunning her, shutting down altogether.  Had he received bad news about his cousin?  She assumed that was the case.  What rotten timing!  He was about to enlighten her about his experience on the island.  What an exclusive story that would’ve made!

As he stood and straightened his jacket, Vicki smoothed out her lap.  He surprised her when he leaned down and shut off her recorder.  She wasn’t expecting his invitation to join him for breakfast the next morning.

“Café.  5th and Commerce.  Ten o’clock.  I'll be there,” Vicki managed to say as he backed away from her.  He seemed spooked about something, but she respected his privacy and let it go.

Watching him disappear out the door, Vicki took Oliver up on his offer and ordered a Martini from the bar.  Then she retrieved the phone from her purse and started texting Marc to let him know she was thinking about him.

* * * * * * *

The next morning, Vicki arrived at the café a little before 10 am.  She didn’t want to seem too eager, but she’d brought along her pen, notepad, recorder, and camera, just in case Oliver agreed to let her use some portion of their conversation this morning in one of her future articles.  It was a helluva longshot, but she was going to take it.

Finding a table in the far corner of the room, Vicki sat down and made herself comfortable.  She had already eaten breakfast.  She was here more for the company than the food, but she perused the menu anyway, hoping that something would catch her eye so Oliver wouldn’t have to eat alone.

[Deleted]

A long daze lost in the back of his eye lids, caught up in a seemingly peaceful world. He walked on clouds, the angels played their harps and Oliver flew through the heavens, the wind brushing against his face. Everything was perfect, his fears, responsibilities, anything that could mentally cripple him had disappeared from the face of the Earth. Then that insufferable noise went off.

"Your the best! Arrooouuund!! Nothings gonna ever keep you down!"

The song he had made his alarm rang and rang throughout his bedroom. He turned over to his side and crushed the pillow against his ears. He had only gotten 3 hours of sleep and he wanted to dream some more. He reached his hand out and hit the snooze. Then a thought went through his head. He shot up like he was hit by lightning.

"Vicki!!!... Shit!"

He immediately jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom. He put barely enough tooth paste on his brush and scrubbed his teeth clean. No time for a shower, he grabbed a bottle of axe. He quickly raised his arm pit and gave it a smell. The deodorant from last night was still working so he could go light with the spray. Oliver jumped in his shoes and ran towards the door. With his phone in hand he texted the front office so they would have his car ready. Right before he ran out the door, he grabbed a collared shirt and put it on.

He saw a few people waiting in line in front of the elevator, no time.

He turned and ran to the stairs, buttoning up his shirt all the way down. When he reached the lobby, he walked straight past the nice woman at the desk, giving her a smile, he exited the revolving doors and saw his corvette waiting for him. Handing the valet driver a 20 dollar bill in the form of a handshake, he hopped in, put the car in gear, and squeeled the tires taking off. Breaking every traffic law on the way there, he parked in front of a fire hydrant caddy corner to the cafe. Oliver kicked the door open and ran at a full sprint to the cafe. Crashing through the door, he stopped and scanned the dinning room. There she was, in the corner.

Straightening out his shirt, and running his hand through his hair, Oliver made his way to her.

"Good morning to you!" said Oliver sitting down

He took a deep breath then looked up at her.

"So.. Where do we start?"

[Deleted]

Vicki heard a noise and looked up from her menu.  That’s when she saw Oliver Queen staring back at her from the entranceway.  At first, she thought she was daydreaming, but then she realized she was wide awake.  It was really him standing there, although his attire was a bit disheveled, and he was out of breath.  She wondered if he had driven to the cafe or had traveled on foot to make their brunch meeting.

Hiding a smile, Vicki watched Oliver approach the table, fixing his hair and clothing along the way.  After he greeted her and plopped down in his chair, she handed him the menu she had been reading and replied, “Good morning to you!  You’re right on time, looking as handsome and dapper as ever, Mr. Queen.”

Vicki’s eyes smiled when Oliver asked her where they should begin their conversation.

“How about telling me how your cousin is?” she suggested, sitting up in her seat.  “You left so abruptly last night.  I assumed that was the reason.”

As she finished her sentence, Vicki reached over and gently straightened the collar of Oliver’s dress shirt.  Then she caressed his cheek before she pulled her hand away.  Her concerned gaze drew to his shadowy green eyes.