Sofia lived in a small studio apartment, but it was big enough for her. She lit her cigarette and sat near a large window overlooking the city, she had two hours before the fundraiser began. Sofia always hated big events, she wasn't one for being surrounded by countless people no matter the status. It was always an inconvenience to her, but she made a promise.

She sighed and sat up, heading for the bathroom.


Sofia chose a tight fitting red maxi dress with a slit down the right side of her leg. She put her hair up and wore a single locket that she was given by her brother long ago before they were separated. She put on her black strapped ankle pumps along with her matching coat along with her clutch. She walked to the door and lifted her hand, taking a breath before turning the handle.

Vallentino usually had a ride scheduled for her when it was later on in the evening. This may have been a nicer part of the city, but it was still Gotham. The driver stepped out and opened the backseat door for her, she nodded and hopped inside.

It was drizzling outside and Sasha watched the water drip down the window, thinking.


"Sofia my darling you look absolutely breathtaking!" Vallentino said, walking up to her in his usual black tuxedo

She smiled, "Thank you Val."

He lifted his arm for her to grab, she looked around, she hated the stares she would always get and she knew it was because of the ink all along her spine and ribs. Of course, she chose the one dress that revealed most of her back.

Vallentino turned to her, "Pay them no mind child."

She blinked and looked to the older man, "Is it really noticeable?"

He looked at her back and smiled, "yes, but it looks lovely."

She scoffed and shook her head, "I can't stand it."

He looked ahead, saying hello to new guests walking past, "embrace your differences Sofie. One day you might find yourself thankful to have it."

Sofia furrowed her brows and opened her mouth to speak.

"Belomi!" a voice called

The two turned to see Salvatore Maroni make his way to them. Sofia has known Maroni for most of her adult life. He was a good friend to Vallentino and was always a gentleman, she enjoyed Maroni's company.

He walked up and bowed to Sofia, "Ms. Black, you look beautiful," he commented

Sofia smiled and allowed him to take her hand and kiss it, "Thank you."

He reached over to Vallentino's shoulder, "Do you mind if I steal him for a few minutes?" he asked

Sofia looked to Val, who smiled at her and nodded, "sure, that's fine," she replied

Maroni smiled and walked with Vallentino towards his office. Sofia turned to see the open bar on the opposite end of the room.

"Ms. Black!"

She closed her eyes and took a breath, great.

Cobblepot made his way closer to her. She turned to him, "Cobblepot."

"Well don't you clean up nicely," he smirked

Sofia glanced around before looking back down at Oswald, "I try."

"Yes, yes you do," he walked closer, Sofia couldn't help but take a step back, "now back to your last name dear, where's is it from."

She gave a look of confusion, wondering why her last name was so important to him, "Excuse me?"

He chuckled, "You'll make for a great bargain one-day sweetheart."

She didn't understand what he meant, he turned around and headed for the other room with the rest of Gotham's finest. She stood in place, she had this weird feeling in the pit of her stomach. She took another breath and walked over to the bar, she smiled while the bartender gave her beverage. She took minimal sips and glanced around, waiting for Vallentino to walk by.

She nearly jumped when she heard someone next to her.

"Cheer up, would you? You look miserable," Francis whispered

She rolled her eyes and downed the rest of the alcohol, "Don't you have some crooked frames to adjust?"

He scoffed and picked up the glass he was given, "Your hilarious. I'm just waiting for Bruce Wayne to make his entrance."

She turned to him, "for what?"

He raised a brow, "uh, because he is the most eligible bachelor around who has mountains of cash stashed in that huge mansion of his."

Sofia snickered, "he's not gay."

Francis shrugged and flipped his brown hair, "Doesn't mean I can't stop trying."

"Well you'll be trying for a while then," she answered

They watched as people began crowding the front entrance, the flashing of cameras distracting them from seeing an older man jump out of the car and open the door to the famous Wayne himself. Francis smiled and fixed his bowtie, "Speak of the devil."

Sofia chuckled and put her glass down, she noticed Vallentino walk out of his office with Maroni, he seemed upset about something. He looked at her and turned to greet Bruce Wayne, her eyes shifted to Maroni, who seemed to have the same look as Val, he retreated to the other room.

Francis fixed his hair and turned to Sofia, "How do I look?"

She smirked, "like Francis."

He made a face at her, "hilarious."

She shook her head, "You know nothings gonna' happen."

He shrugged, "Uh yeah? And if it doesn't, do you see the company that comes with being him?" He pointed to separate men huddled around the crowd.

He winked, "wish me luck."

She chuckled, "good luck Romeo."

She watched as the crowd of people headed for the room where the fundraiser was being held, an auction was to happen in a few hours after. So far, she was the only one besides older couples walking around the gallery admiring the art. It was quieter over here, she liked it. But Sofia could feel eyes still on her, she looked over to the glass doors to see a purple Lamborghini drive past.

"Oh shit." She muttered, she turned around and headed through the crowds of people, looking for Vallentino