EEEK new update :P I want to thank 'Crows Terror', 'Lunabloodmoon666' and 'Vic95' for the reviews you cannot imagine how ecstatic I get when people review :D SO THANK YOU! Also a big big thank you to everyone who has followed and favourite this story :D Makes me want to update even quicker, though University seems to be keeping me away more and more from the computer :(

FWI in this chapter there is swearing!

So what are your thoughts so far, anything I can improve on? Want more Riddle action or would we want him to slowly be charming?

ENJOY DARLINGS :P


It is safe to say these past few days have so NOT been relaxing, thanks to that stupid Riddler and his stupid note and leg support thingy I have been looking over my shoulder every single minute. Grumbling to myself I shove another mouthful of ice cream into my mouth while glaring at the offending items, I know so ladylike what on earth would my mother say … actually I don't think I want to know! Turning to the living room I quickly poke my head through my door and notice Jason is once again not home, where on earth that boy goes is beyond me, I see less and less of him every day. Oh well, more food for me!

Swallowing another mouthful of deliciously yummy ice cream I throw the empty Ben and Jerry's tub in my bin before shoving the note in my drawers before pulling it out again and shoving it in the next draw, seeing as the first one was my underwear draw and I am so not having anything to do with that 'man' near my pants thank you! Irritably I shove the leg/knee support thing on and close my eyes in happiness, the man may be an ass but this leg thing is amazing! I am still not sure how on earth he managed to get into the flat, then again he is the 'Riddler'. Stupid obnoxious male.

Huffing I limp into the living room, switching on the TV I then slump down on the sofa, smiling as I see Buffy the Vampire Slayer comes on; yes I know I am sad! Relaxing into the pillows I started watching and couldn't help a little fan girl squeal when Spike came on the screen - come on girls you could eat off those abs – I continued to smile like an idiot until an alert from the News interrupted the butt kicking.

'Breaking News: Penguin has struck again at Gotham Jewellers and has managed to once again escape the Vigilanty Batman and Robin. Be on alert, this Rouge is armed and dangerous! Do NOT approach whatever you do, ring Gotham Police station immediately if you see this man. Thank you!'

Snorting I relax against the pillows again until a picture of my Boss fills the screen, choking slightly I lean forwards so quick I fall off the sofa. Mr Cobblepot is PENGUIN? WHAT! Oh shite I work for a Rouge, shit! Oh I've got to quit my job I mean come on he is a Rouge, but then again he has been so lovely to me and didn't have to give me that job, but he is a criminal! These thoughts keep whirling and whirling around in my head. Oh lord why on earth did I have to follow my dumbass brother to Gotham, as soon as I get the money I'm leaving this hellhole. Can't even get a bloody job without the boss being a criminal, in fairness I'm sure most in Gotham are, and I even have to now serve the rouge table! Oh god I've got to go into work tomorrow and face Mr Cobblepot! What on earth will I say or do? Oh oh … now I have a headache, great. Groaning I face plant the pillows on the sofa and let out a small frustrated scream. Why can't things ever be easy? I mean I could phone up Gotham Police and tell them that the Rouges are dining and drinking at the Iceberg Lounge, but then Mr Cobblepot would know it was me that grassed them up, and I very much want to keep on living. So what to do?

Hitting my head repeatedly on the cushions seemed like a good way to help the creative juices flowing; however all it did was increase my headache. And that's how my brother found me, spread out on the floor and my head resting on a sofa cushion. I think his exact words were 'my sister is so freaking weird'.

"Where've you been?" I mumble loudly into the cushion.

"Oh er just you know … work!" Raising my head up from the cushion I tilt my head to properly look at him. He was wearing a green shirt with black trousers … huh when did my brother start to wear smart clothes? Shrugging it off I go to place my face back into the cushiony softness until a thought stopped me.

"Jason. You don't have a job?!" Clearing his throat he looked anywhere but me. "Jason, where are you working?"

"Jeez just because Mom isn't here doesn't mean you have to take on her role you know, just chill Care Bear." Glaring I sit up and lob the cushion at him, out of all the nicknames over the years that one always rubbed me up the wrong way.

"Stop changing the subject, why didn't you tell me you got a job?"

"Never have the chance, you are always working."

"Jason I've been at home for the past three days?" Smirking, I lean back on my arms as he starts to frown and then count on his fingers for some bizarre reason. "Er Jas, that's the first three fingers on your hand, see." I put three fingers up, he flips me off and stomps into his bedroom, chuckling I stand up and skip over to his door. "Come on Jason tell me, can't be that bad right?"

"Um … sure." Scowling, I cross my arms and use my best Mom glare.

"Jason!"

"Ugh! FINE! I work at um a telesales place in er town!" Now it was my turn to be confused, why didn't the daft sod just tell me?

"Jason why on earth didn't you just say that?"

"Because it's embarrassing, we were supposed to come here and get great jobs and that and you are stuck being a waitress while I'm being a henc- I mean uh telesales man. It's embarrassing Clara!" Smiling softly at him I quickly give him a hug and step away before he starts spewing about how much I disgust him, etc.

"Gotta start out small before you can be a big shot Jas, don't worry things will pick up soon!" He beamed at me and swiftly spun me around in his arms, giggling I hug him gently, I missed this side of Jason recently he's been more subdued and grumpy.

"Thanks lil sis." Punching his arm softly I stick my tongue out.

"Dude I am older than you!"

"Only by a few months."

"Still older little brother." I grin and skip away from his room and then flinch in pain, bollocks forgot about my leg. Huffing in irritation I limp to the kitchen and see Jason has brought Chinese food home. "Jason did I mention that I love you!" I call out and hastily stuff my face, oh glorious fast food!

"Gross Clara, gross!" Smiling up at him with my mouth full I carry on chewing and walk to the sofa, plopping down on the cushions I can't help but feel happy, I may not have a lot but at least I will always have my little brother. Or I was happy until I remember I have to go into work tomorrow and face Mr Cobblepot. Should I tell Jason? Looking over at him he is happily devouring his food with gusto, even though he is only a few months younger than me I cannot help but think of him as still my innocent and naive little brother who thought Crayola pens tasted like the rainbow. Don't even ask, he was a strange child, I think Mom dropped him a few times. Anyway, I can't have him worry about me especially now he has a new job, I'm sure I will be fine, if not then I can tell him if I know trouble will happen and not before! Nodding with this thought I carried on watching TV with Jason until the early morning.


Limping quickly from the bar I grab the next tray of drinks and speed as fast as I can go to table six, avoiding my boss who seems to be taking every opportunity to try and talk to me. Jeez that little guy can bloody move when there is a need! Giving the men their drinks I smile slightly and go to walk away, as I turn a sharp slap connects with my derrière (butt for anyone who is unsure) making me stumble forward onto my bad knee, hissing through my teeth slightly I grab a table in support. Turning back round I give them the most evil glare that I possess but it doesn't seem to do much but make them chuckle. Limping off I can feel tears collect in the corners of my eyes from the pain in my knee; it seems I have jarred it once more thanks to the slight tumble.

Muttering to Gareth at the bar that I was going on my fifteen minute break I stagger off to a chair near the back of the restaurant where many staff take their breaks. I couldn't help but send Gareth a grateful look as walked over and gave me two shots of whisky. Normally I couldn't stand the stuff but I always have it if I am either feeling rough or am in pain or if I get assholes like table six. Rubbing the corner of my eyes I scowl down at my knee and huff slightly, stupid leg why won't you just heal already?!

"I can see you didn't take Crow's advice." Looking up I see a man decked out in a green suit, black shirt, expensive looking tie and green bowler hat, I'm going to take a flying guess and say that this guy loved the colour green? Warning signals were sounding in my head, I looked up at his face but his eyes were covered with a purple domino mask, this sounds very daft and I'm not sure if it was the earlier shots of whisky but this man was quite the dish with broad shoulders and a cheeky grin on his face.

"Crow?" I asked, of all things I could have asked. You know his name, number, girlfriend status … nope I had to ask about a 'crow'.

"The man at the renowned 'shadow table' as you call it, the one who examined your knee."

"Oh? Oh yeah, his name is Crow?" I raise an eyebrow and smile slightly at this yummy man, or I did until I noticed the question mark on his tie and then his cane caught my eye, especially the gold question mark on it and the smile seemed to melt off my face. Okay I had figured this guy was a criminal but really tell me I was not speaking to The Riddler, surely Fate didn't hate me that much right?

"I believe he prefers the alias Scarecrow more however." Nodding I look up once again at that domino mask, what did the Riddler have to hide?

"What name do you prefer? Riddler or Nigma?" I smile slightly at his down turned mouth, finally that smirk was off his face I could properly concentrate.

"Please, call me Edward miss …?" Smiling fully I tilt my head.

"I was always told never to give out my name to a stranger and I am sure you could easily find it out if you do not already know it, that is." His confident smirk was back in place, reaching his hand out and took mine from where it was on the table, confused even more i can literally feel my eyebrows reaching my hair line.

"Well then, I guess the pleasure is all mine song bird, until I can find out your name." He surprised me by bowing swiftly and kissing the back of my hand making a blush spread across my cheeks. Claiming my hand back I place it on my lap while telling my cheeks to calm down, you'd think a handsome man had never kissed my hand before … FWI a handsome man never has. "Did the knee support help?"

"Yes, yes it did thank you … I should ask how did you find out where I live and how did you get into my apartment?" I know I should be freaking out but after three days of waiting for him to come back and kill me I figure if he is going to I might as well ask it out right before he stabs me or riddles me to death.

"That would be telling my dear. I am so glad it helped, but why are you not wearing it tonight?" He glanced down at my knee which had thankfully not turned more purple, it was still a little swollen though and sore as hell, if I haven't mentioned that a thousand times!

"They don't allow them: it's not part of the uniform." His frown made me shiver slightly; you never want a Rouge frowning at you, ever! Gulping I look down and play with my fingers wishing he would avert his glare to someone else. A soft sigh reached my ears and I glanced up at him through my eyelashes and see the glare gone but a slight pucker on his forehead was letting me know he was still frowning.

"I can speak to Oswald if you would like? I'm sure he would not mind." Blushing, I tuck a curl back behind my ear and look him over curiously, why was he suddenly helping me?

"No, no it's fine; I do not want to be a bother. I should probably be getting back to work soon anyway." His frown was back with a force, worrying my bottom lip between my teeth I look at his shoulder instead of his face.

"A lady should not have to work with an injury." Chuckling softly I can't help but smile at this strange man, I mean er Rouge slash criminal.

"A lady must if she wants to eat this week." I tease and use the table as a support to help me stand properly. His infectious smile was back; thankfully he didn't seem annoyed any more. Talk about mood swings much!

"Well I shouldn't keep my lady from her job." He bows while giving me a boyish wink which turns the blush up full volume on my cheeks. "Just be careful, yes? No over working, I'll be sat over at the usual table so I shall be watching to make sure you do not stress that knee too much." With that being said he turns and saunters off to the Rouge table a couple of tables down, a corner of my mouth twitched at his words, what a strange man. He didn't even threaten me! That would be a first, though more preferable, maybe he did feel bad about his attitude towards me?

Shaking that thought away I limp back to the floor and start giving out drink orders again, avoiding table six until I had to go up to them. They were thuggish looking, with blazers that were too tight, white shirts that need a good wash, as well as their greasy hair. Their arms seemed to have more jewellery on than the local shop near me sold. Sighing in regret I walk up to the table and ask them their order, keeping a good distance away from their grabby pig like fingers. Limping to get their drinks I return, groaning in my head I have to step closer to the table to put the drinks on the table unfortunately.

Two hands grab my waist and I can literally feel the grease seep into my clothing, for goodness sake do these men not know I just washed these bloody clothes?!

"Sir, will you remove your hands from my waist please?" I ask and try to restrain the part of me that wants to smack this slime ball over the head with my tray.

"Come on babe, stay and chat to us!" Ick no thank you!

"I have a job to do so could you please release me now." Their dark chuckles made my pulse raise and I try to struggle away as one of the man's hands reach lower and squeeze my ass, bloody pervert!

"Remove your hand, before I remove them from your wrists." Looking behind me with wide eyes I see Riddler stood there fuming, is he mad at me or the thugs?

"Huh no, this one is 'ur play thing go find y'ur own!" Glaring at the cretin, yes I stole that word from the Riddler so sue me, I try to shake his hands off me but his nails then dig into me making a hiss escape from my lips, there are going to be bruises after this I can tell! A sharp swish was heard before the man holding me bellowed out and his grabby hands left my waist trying to move back I stumbled, a strong arm caught me and I was pulled against a firm waist. Looking up, because let's face it I'm a midget at five foot four inches, the Riddler's face was red with anger or I am guessing anger.

"She is not yours; I think one Rouge is enough for her don't you." Say what?! One Rouge, er hello I don't remember this happening?! Glaring up at the green clad man I clench my jaw, I am not any ones thank you, I am an independent woman who simply has a magical way of getting into trouble at every twist and turn, that's all. "I suggest you leave gentlemen, while you still have the capability to walk." A dark curl was now in his words and I couldn't help but shiver a little, I knew those words weren't meant for me but I never knew he could sound so aggressive or well scary. The men got up and left, even the one who was now supporting a bleeding nose and lip but not before sending me a glare and a snarl. Shivering I lean back more, okay screw that about me being dependent I would like to live longer than twenty-three! Surprisingly the Riddler kept his arm tight around my middle and pulled me even closer, holding onto his arm I try to still the nervous shaking that was rocking through my body.

"Breathe song bird, breathe!" Breathing deeply I lean a little more on him than I truly wanted to.

"My name is Clara; think you earned the right to know, don't you?" A soft chuckle rustled my hair by my ear and I turn round till I was face to … well chest, looking up my view is blocked by that darn domino mask. "I feel a thank you is in order." I smile shakily up at him, a grin worked its way onto his face and he leaned forward a little.

"Riddle me this: I never was, am always to be. No one ever saw me, nor ever will. And yet I am the confidence of all, to live and breathe on this terrestrial ball. What am i?" Bemused I bite my lip and frown slightly.

"Tomorrow?" Nodding his grin grows.

"That's what your thank you can be too me, let me take you out to dinner tomorrow, please?" Shock hits me and I blink up at him a few times before the blush returns.

"You want to go out … to dinner with me?"

"Yes, I believe I made that clear?" Blushing more I stand a little straighter without having to use him as a walking stick.

"Well um, I have work tomorrow."

"I will speak to Oswald, don't worry about a thing just let me pick you up at, let's say eight tomorrow evening, dress code is smart. Until then my song bird." He quickly kisses my cheek and walks off over to my boss on the other side of the room …

What the bloody well just happened?


Hehehehe you enjoy this chapter? Romance will not be going fast fast, Clara still has some issues with our beloved Eddiekins but hey what romance doesn't have its issues ;) Hope you enjoyed it and please review and favourite this story :D Until next time my darlings :P