Scarlet gazed at the necklace in the jeweler's window. It was a silver key with diamonds set on the length of the key, a blue gem sat at the top of it. She had her heart set on it and had done for a while, but the price was insane! She was hoping to save up enough money for her birthday, she could finally treat herself. But that wasn't going to happen now. She didn't realize how much it cost to live in Gotham, even a low end apartment was leaving her short. She sighed and took one last look as she walked away.

She continued her walk into the club. Oswald wanted to talk to her about something. She had been working for him for a while. At first, it was just simple waitressing. But in recent months, she had built a solid friendship with her boss and worked her way up in the ranks. She was by no means a known name in Gotham, far from it in fact. But those who knew her, respected her presence. She had hoped this would give her a little more money, in Gotham, names meant everything after all. But she soon found out it wasn't that easy to hold onto the money. In one hand out of the other within a blink of an eye. Granted, she had a little more money than she used to thanks to Oswald Cobblepot. But it still wasn't quite enough for the luxuries she desired.

She approached the well dressed man who was admiring a singer on stage. "You wanted to see me Oswald?"

Oswald turned his head to her, a smile on his face. "Ah! Scarlett, indeed I did. Please," he motioned to the chair next to him, "did you have anything in mind for your birthday yet?"

Scarlett groaned. He had been trying to persuade her to have a party ever since she let it drop that her birthday was coming up. "You know I don't celebrate my birthday."

"Oh, but you must! You're in a prime place to have a party!"

"If it's all the same, I think I will pass."

"Not even a little party?" he asked with a sing song voice.

"If I say yes will you shut up?"

He took a sip of his drink from a Martini glass, "Maybe."

She sighed. "Fine, but only a little one. I don't know many people anyway."

"Deal! I will make the arrangements, now," he pulled a piece of paper from the inside of his jacket, "I have a little errand for you to run. I need you to deliver a few things to Mr Galavan. He has ordered some alcohol in, he knows he always gets a good deal from me."

Scarlett took the list from him and scanned it. "I shall see to it," she stood to leave.

"Oh and Scarlett?"

She turned to him.

"Don't forget to invite them, I know Jerome would love to come."

"You will actually let him in?" she raised an eyebrow. She knew Oswald didn't mind the other Maniax, but he always seemed to have something against Jerome. After trying to figure out what exactly it was, she came to the conclusion it was because Oswald needed a reason for his actions. Whereas Jerome did whatever he wanted, because he could. Plus the fact she had let it slip she may have a slight crush on him. It was a rarity that he seemed to talk about the ginger, let alone invite him into the establishment. She made a mental note to tell Jerome he should be honored by the invite and left to attend to the delivery.

The elevator door opened and Scarlett made her way down the hall. It was quiet today, but it was still somewhat early for the group. She entered the room on her right and looked around. A few of the guys were there alongside Jerome of course. "Is Theo around?"

"He just popped out, he should be back in five or so," Barbara said as she flicked through a magazine, "you're welcome to stay for a while."

"Thank you," Scarlett took a seat next to Jerome and poured herself some tea. "It's weird seeing you all in pajamas, do you always get up this late?"

"Late?" Robert laughed, "it's only 9 am!"

"I've been up since 5," Scarlett smirked.

"That time of day doesn't exist!" Robert replied.

"With you lot it would seem not," she took a sip of her drink, "by the way, Penguin told me to invite you all to a party this Saturday evening."

"Oh a party!" Jerome smiled.

"What's the occasion?" Barbara asked.

"Her birthday, of course!"

Scarlett shot a look at Jerome. "How did you know?"

"We were talking about star signs remember? You told me then," he tilted his head to the side, "you're so forgetful," he cooed.

"Oh yeah, well, you're all invited. But no weapons, okay?"

"Can I do your hair?" Barbara looked over the magazine with a wide smile. "I've always wanted to try something on you."

Scarlett fiddled with the bottom of her blonde hair. "Sure, why not."

"Oh, then I can do your make-up, I have the perfect dress for you!"

"Whoa, whoa, no dresses!" Scarlett laughed.

"Why not?" Barbara pouted.

"I don't do dresses, Barbara. You know that."

"But...it's a special occasion!"

"C'mon doll, dress up. You'd look gorgeous!"

Scarlett looked back to Jerome, trying to hide the flush on her cheeks. "You think so?"

Jerome nodded and leaned over to her a little. "I know so," he smiled.

"I will think about it."

"That's a yes then!"

"Barbara no I said-"

"Ah Scarlett, good morning," Theo walked into the room.

"Scarlett is having a party!" Barbara said excitedly.

Theo looked at the blonde at the table, "Is that so?"

"Yeah, it's my birthday. Penguin has decided to throw me a small party."

"Small? It's never small with his parties," Theo chuckled, aAnyhow, what can I do for you?"

"I have a delivery for you," Scarlett brought herself to her feet and walked over to Theo, handing him the piece of paper for him to read.

He nodded. "Very well. Jerome, go give her a hand."

"On it."

"I will go unlock the car," she turned to the group, "see you Saturday," she walked down the hallway with Jerome.

They reached the elevator.

"So a birthday party. Didn't realize you were into celebrating it."

"I'm not. I only agreed to shut Oswald up," she sighed, "I don't like celebrating it."

"Why not?"

"A whole day dedicated to me? Jerome you know I don't like attention drawn to me."

"Aww it's only for a few hours doll. Oh! That means I can get you a birthday present!"

"Jerome you don't have to."

"Yes I do! Because that means you can get me one for mine," he smiled.

The elevator doors opened and Scarlett walked to her car. "No, you really don't."

Jerome sighed as he watched her unlock the trunk of the car. "You're no fun."

"I am fun!"

"No you're not."

Scarlett tutted and tried to pick up the crate of bottles.

Jerome saw she was struggling. He moved behind her, placing his hands around her and helped her to lift it out of the car. "I got it."

She tried to hide her blush. She loved being close to him, but at the same time she couldn't stand it. He drove her insane and she tried her best to hide it. she didn't know if he knew her feelings towards him or not, but he did love to tease her and mess around. "Well, no you haven't. I can't take my hands off."

"Exactly. I got it."

"Jerome this isn't time to mess about, this is expensive stuff!"

"First you wont let me to buy you a present. Now you're not letting me have fun."

"It's not time to have fun! If I break even one bottle Oswald will kill me!"

"Hey," he took his hands from her and moved them up to her shoulders, spinning her around to face him. "I know you doll, what's up? What's got you like this?"

"Nothing."

He placed a finger on her chin and lifted her head up to meet his gaze. "You know you can't lie to me."

She sighed. "The reason I don't like celebrating my birthday isn't just because I don't like the attention on me..." she paused and took a breath, "It's because...well...in all honesty...I don't see why I have to have a whole day dedicated to my existence. It's not like I'm someone special."

"Yes you are."

"No Jerome I'm not. If Theo has a birthday it's a big deal, if Oswald has one, if that spoilt brat Bruce Wayne has one, those people are special. I don't deserve a party on the scale I know that Oswald is planning. I wish he would listen."

"Everyone deserves some acknowledgement on their birthday."

"I don't want it. I don't deserve it."

"Listen doll, you are going to have that party and you will damn well enjoy it okay! That's an order from Dr Jerome."

Scarlett giggled. "Dr Jerome? Now that's something that is never going to happen."

He placed a hand on her chest. "I will have you know miss, I am an academic individual!"

"Oh yeah? And I'm the queen of England."

"Oh!" he dropped to one knee and kissed her hand, "My lady!"

Scarlet laughed and hit his arm. "Get up silly."

He smirked as he stood up. "Plus, it will be fun. I'm gonna be there after all," he winked.

"Yeah, you have an invite to the club. You should conciser it an honor."

"Of the highlight your majesty!"

"Don't screw it up okay?"

"If I'm a good boy, does that mean I can visit you there instead of just your apartment? In your private quarters?" he teased.

"I wouldn't go that far just yet," she turned back to the crate of bottles, "just promise me you will be good."

"Best behavior!"

"Good, now let's get these upstairs."

Jerome picked up the crate Scarlett had struggled with and began to walk to the elevator. "I'm still getting you a present."