An agreement between Jim Gordon and Oswald Cobblepot
"Oswald?" There was no way for Jim to say the name without sounding like it had already cost him his soul, but Gotham was worth his life, it was his home after all. The Penguin was much too obliged to answer his call, delight flourished in his smile and his walk, though waddle was a more accurate description. He respected Jim for his honour, but why he was duty bound to protect this city was beyond him. Moreover despite owning his moniker, he was thankful Jim called him by his true name, even if it meant he wanted something. "What can I do for you, old friend?"
Jim seethed at the reminder of their long and complicated history. Penguin was a reminder of all the mistakes he had made but he knew like once did about Carmine Falcone, Oswald was the best of the worst and their history may help him tame the King of the underworld. That unfortunate truth was the reason he was here. They had saved Gotham but it still wasn't safe. The city was in ruins, the streets were lawless and the G.C.P.D. could barely provide for the citizens that had survived Nyssa's attack. Plus with Bruce away, he could no longer rely on a steady donation to aid his dwindling resources. The mainland aid would restore Gotham, there was trouble here before the Al Ghul's wreaked havoc.
"I want to a truce" Jim asked, trying to sound as kind and open as he could muster his voice to be.
"Sounds more like a favour Jim? Gotham is free for the taking and I've earned it." Oswald smiled; he enjoyed watched Jim barter for the city. Truthfully, Oswald's food stock was in short supply and even he needed a time to regroup.
"You can't earn Gotham and this is NOT a favour." Jim hated how everything sounded like a game to Oswald. Sometimes he felt like the only sane person in Gotham, but then again he'd always chosen to stay in this forsaken city.
"You never did learn to bring right tools for the job, Jim. You still owe me several favours and you've to offer me anything in return here." It wasn't that he wanted Jim to beg, but it would be nice to get a please from the man once in a while.
"We're still living for scraps here, even when the mainland support kicks in. This city is on its knees and I don't have the manpower to hold it together."
"And what do you want me to do about it, Jim?" Penguin mused, as he heard the desperation in Jim's voice. They were friends, but you don't go into business with your friends, especially in the cut-throat world of Gotham.
"1 month. You control your side; no wars, no shootings and no deaths." Penguin looked positively offended at the notion, how was he to have any fun. Jim ignored him, "Let me deal with the refugees and the relief aid for now, till Gotham is restored. This city needs a break."
"I thought you were against organised crime?" Oswald joked as if Jim had a stainless reputation. Between Jim's words, he could see what he was offering. 1 month without having to hear 'GEE CEE PEE DEE' screamed at him from every angle.
"The best of bad situation- a temporary solution." Jim grinded his teeth, he hated to admit he needed the support but Oswald was as close to a friend rely on. They had helped each other on countless occasions in the name of Gotham. One more was all he needed.
"You have a deal, a truce for Gotham, I'll do as you ask friend." Oswald held out his hand for Gordon, and gripped tightly before whispering, "1 month, then Gotham is mine."
Jim pulled his hand out of the birdman's claw-like grip and turned to walk away. He had sold Gotham to the lowest bidder and he wanted to return home to finally sleep through a night of just regrets and no worries for the morning to come. He opened the door to leave and heard Oswald exclaimed, "It's a new day Jim. A new day."