Okay my darlings I am not quite sure where the inspiration for this chapter came from, but I have only had like three hours of sleep and an infinite amount of energy drinks (did you know after five you can practically see sounds :P Joking of course ….) So if this chapter turns out absolute piddly winks then please blame my poor sleep deprived mind, plus the endless cartoons I've been watching ;) enjoy and please review my darlings.
Safe to say the next week did not go down well between me and my brother at all, in fact our flat was like a war zone at the moment, if you think I'm joking you really don't want to see the state of it. Cushions had been thrown, Jason had broken my prize plates which Mom had bought me which caused me to ruin some of his prize comics and it seemed to escalate from there, not my fault I promise! So at the moment I am simply hiding out at work, which I thankfully still have and Penguin hasn't shot my kneecaps out just yet, plus the way he keeps sending me sly smiles is not keeping my heart pressure down, I am simply going to be grey before I am thirty. Great.
"Yo! Clara! Order up for table eight." Trust me if the flat wasn't as bad as it was then I would so not be here. Grabbing the orders I slink over to the table and give the group of girls their food and their 'sex on the beach' drinks, how I want one of them right now! Smiling my best fake smile I check on my other tables and see no one else needs me just at this moment, glancing at my dodgy knee I cannot help a genuine smile, that knee support thing Edward gave me really was magic you could hardly see the bruising any more, having a little celebratory jiggle in my head I end up walking into a blonde woman.
"Oh my gosh I am so so sorry, are you okay?" I quickly stammer and come face to face with the well-known Harley Quinn without all the make-up and outfit, how did I know this? Everyone in Gotham knew what she looked like without make-up I think it was something to do with her being a popular psychiatrist or something like that.
"Aww darl'n don't cha worry 'bout it, we blondes have our moments." Her accent made me smile and I nod thankfully. "Say ain't cha that gal Eddy is soft ova'?" Tilting my head I frown a little, Eddy? Oh Edward, well done Clara stay smart. "What's ya name, something wiv' a 'C' … Cara? No no ummmmm Claire? Nah oohhhh ohhh CLARA!" Jumping a little at her enthusiasm I let loose a giggle and nod, she slaps her hands together excitedly, her blue eyes dancing with humour. "Well Clara, I'm Harley Quinn, but ya can me Harls, everyone does!" Nodding again I shake her outstretched hand and nearly have my arm pulled out of the socket, rubbing my shoulder after I grin.
"Wow got a grip on you, haven't you." I chuckle as she giggles behind her hand.
"Now I can tell we are gonna be good friends, I'll tell Eddy to give you my number! We'll go out shopping or somethin'! Oh and I am loving that skirt by the way!" Ooh would that be safe? Probably not but I'm descending towards the deep end I might as well tip-toe at the shallow end for now.
"Sure Harls and when I eventually see Edward I'll ask him to give you mine! Thanks I think the black really brings out the rest of the classiness of this outfit" Grinning she gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and carries on to the back door towards Penguin's offices, what a strange lady, funny, but strange. Shaking my head I go back to working my tables, collecting plates and glass's and giving out orders.
Picking up one glass I feel two hands clasp my waist softly, quickly turning I am met with the famous smirk of Edward, peeking around us I can see we are in the dark area so no citizens can see him.
"You scared me!" I pouted and jabbed his chest with my finger playfully, chuckling he brings me closer towards him. Okay? "Well someone is touchy-feely today." Seeing him lean down I take a little step back smelling the alcohol roll off him. "Edward have you been drinking?" Grinning cheesily he stumbles a little to the left, quickly grabbing his waist I try and steady him.
"Nooooooo … t'was only a fewish fewer …few FEW! Shots." Holding back the giggle that wanted to escape me I shake my head.
"Oh Edward what am I going to do with you?" His cheesy grin suddenly turned into something of a sexual smirk but the alcohol ruined it.
"Oh we" waving his hand between us managing to smack himself in the face "could do dots of dings." Not being able to hold in the giggle from him hitting his nose and trying to speak I wrap his one arm around my shoulder.
"Come on Casanova let me speak to Penguin quickly and we'll get you home, okay big guy?" Nodding happily he stumbled with me over to my bosses door, knocking three times in the traditional tune – don't ask its Penguins idea to know who it is at the door – having the door opened I stumbled in with Edward leaning on me, jeez what does this man eat?
"Clara? My Dove what can I do for you? And Riddler too?" Smiling sheepishly I sit Edward down in a chair off to the side before my legs give out under me, I've assumed he must eat rocks to weigh that heavy!
"Sorry to barge in like this Mr. Cobblepot Sir, but Riddler is a little bit er drunk, may I have the rest of my shift off to get him safely back to one of his lairs before Batman swoops down and picks him up please?" I run my fingers through my hair, feeling the tugs I quickly put it up in a messy bun as Penguin observes Edward. Laughing Penguin wobbles over and slaps Edward on the knee.
"How are you Edward ol' lad?" I can't help but roll my eyes as Edward's head lolls to the left and grins soppily. Raising my eyebrows at Penguins natural grin I can't help to shake my head.
"Do you mind if I take the rest of the night off?" He carried on smiling good-natured at me.
"Of course my dear, thank you for looking out for my fellow rogues, we need good eyes out for us when we get like this." He waved his hand dramatically at Edward eliciting a giggle from me.
"Could I also ask whether I could call a taxi from here?" Chuckling he shakes his head.
"No no my dear I'll give you one of my drivers and cars to get you back to where ever you need to go, but do tell dear old Riddler that he owes me when he wakes up with a hangover." Nodding my head but I worry my lip between my teeth, he is going to kill me for this! Walking towards him I lean down a bit and pull his arm over my shoulder.
"Come on Riddles time to get up now I'll get you home okay?" Nodding he leans fully on me when he finally stands up, pulling him towards the back door I quickly thank Penguin and push Edward into the black car that was waiting for us. Giving them my address I end up with a Riddler basically drooling on my shoulder, so not attractive!
Pulling up at my apartment I sigh and look at the lean man drooling on me, well this is going to be the awkward bit, things I do for my new boss. Huffing I yank him up the stairs and into the apartment as carefully and gently as I could but he managed to trip up half the steps and over the threshold to my apartment, holding in the giggles I pull him into my room. Now I can almost hear what you are thinking but it's not like that, my room is the only room without a window and with Batman flapping around it might be best to keep him hidden until he is able to look after himself. Sitting him on my bed I wave my hands around in a stay motion and quickly run out my room, stepping over the mess and avoiding the broken plates and cushions I grab a glass and fill it with water and grab a few paracetamol, I'm assuming he is going to want these in the morning.
Walking back in the room I see him flat out on the bed, not even in the covers or even near the head of the bed, giggling quietly I place the tablets and water on the nightstand and walk over to my mysterious rogue, now what to do with you? Frowning I kneel down and quickly take off his leather shoes, leaning up I try and take his green blazer off but his eyes sudden opened quickly and his hands clasped on my waist pulling me on top of him, holding in a shriek I try and move my weight off him but hearing his groan I quickly try and lean back off him but his hands encased me closer.
"Edward! Get off!" His drunken chuckle made me narrow my eyes. "I mean it Edward, I need to get you in the bed." Blushing at those words and seeing his naughty grin I tap him gently on the nose and smile. Helping him sit up I gently take off his blazer and tie before pulling him up, throwing the covers back I walk him back till he sits on the edge of the bed. "Come on Edward you know what to do you are just being awkward!" Smirking he points at his hat, laughing I take his hat and place it on my head, lifting his legs up I put the covers back over him. Looking at his drunken smile I'm suddenly reminded how often I had to do this with Jason and my dad, looking down I rub my eyes quickly getting rid of the small tears that collected in the corner of me eyes, trust me to be an emotional wreck the one night I need all my wits about me, breathing in deeply with my eyes shut I calm myself before looking back at the rogue in my bed who was now sitting up and rather close to my face. Blushing I send him an unsure smile and try to lean back but he catches my chin between his fingers and runs his thumb down my cheek. "Edward?"
"What do you hide behind those blue eyes?" Looking up at him I can't see his eyes because of that stupid mask I raise my hands and gently peel away the mask letting those emerald eyes focus on mine.
"I don't hide behind anything Edward." I huskily whisper unable to make myself speak properly with this rogue so near.
"Don't lie to me song bird, I can see it." Smiling I tap him gently on the nose.
"You can see me lie?" I tease and can see his returning smile though he drunkenly tries to repress it.
"Stop trying to distract me." Giggling I push him shoulder's down softly back onto the mattress, leaning up I go to walk back into the living room but his hand caught my wrist. "Clara please don't leave." Those emerald eyes make really good puppy dog eyes, groaning slightly I put my hands on my waist and frown, probably regretting my decision but knowing I am not going to have any peace I quickly grab my bed clothes, big t-shirt and shorts.
"Okay I won't leave, give me a minute to get changed." I walk into the bathroom and pull off my uniform and put it inside the laundry bag, shoving on the t-shirt and shorts I walk back into the bedroom seeing Edward sitting up and waiting for me. Smiling I go to walk over before I hear a smash in the kitchen, frowning I start backwards towards the door. "Go to sleep Edward, I'm just going to check on my brother." Nodding he leans back on my pillow and closes his eyes, quickly walking through the door I shut it gently, turning back round I see Jason going through my purse holding money in his hand. "Can I help you with something, oh wait I see you already have helped yourself." I glare and walk closer towards my supposed brother and grab my purse off him but he pushed the other hand into his pocket with my money.
"Well while you're having your happily ever after with your job, I need money." He hissed at me and shoulder-hit me as he walks towards his room.
"Excuse me?! This was never meant to be 'our' happily ever after Jason but this was meant to be a new start for me and you if you remember! Something to make our parents proud. But oh no you decided, what, you were going to act like a hooligan like you saw off the T.V., prance around in a green suit and pretend you are one of the big guys, one of the rogues?" Seeing his sheepish look I frown and step closer to him. "Is that why we are here?" He nods slightly, seeing a red haze I growl under my breath. "So you know what happens to people like that? They DIE!" I snap and kick a cushion out of my way.
"Oh yeah because you are so worried!" Snarling I whip around and stare my brother in his dark blue eyes which look so much like my fathers, where was that little boy I used to love I so much?
"You think I'm not afraid? I am TERRIFIED!" Tears collect in my eyes I quickly rub the corners trying to wipe them away in frustration. "I am terrified that every day I am going to do the wrong thing and get you killed, or you get yourself killed. Ever think what I am going through or are you so far up your own arse you can't actually see what your actions are doing to any one apart from yourself? Ever think for a second, 'oh hey maybe Clara will be mad when she finds out about this?' Or was I never supposed to know. Ever think if you get yourself killed the police will be on my doorstep with a body bag, your body in it? Do you know what that would do to me? It would kill me! All I have got in this city is you!" I tug my hair in frustration when I can see my words are having no effect on him at all.
"Oh yeah like you care if I hang around with rogues, you are too busy with your perfect life." Narrowing my eyes I storm forwards away from my bedroom door so Edward can't hear my next few words.
"Do you actually understand who these rogues are? What they do? Do you actually know? Do you know who scares the shit out of cops, lawyers and citizens in this town, those rogues; they are that evil that they have to have Batman to try and save people. What does that tell you?"
"That these people are weak! If you are so scared why is he in your room?" He snarls in my face, seriously he cannot be this thick!
"Why is he in my room? Because I am hoping beyond hope some where I will be able to get to see his humanity and beg him not to hurt you. You understand that every second I spend with that man my life is in danger, because of you! He could easily kill me, easily! It wouldn't even bother him it wouldn't mean a thing, but do you care? No because you are a selfish, piggish little brat who doesn't give a shit about anyone but himself!" I throw my hands up in the air in even more frustration at him and the situation, why can't this man be my little brother any more. Feeling a sudden blow on my face and landing hard on the floor suddenly disorientated me. Jason has actually just hit me. My own fucking brother just hit me, screw red haze I am going for the kill, stumbling to my feet holding my cheek I feel blood spilling down my cheek, bastard had cut me as well.
"I am your sister, the only thing I ever wanted to do was protect you and you have abused every single thing about that relationship. I want you to leave. NOW!" I scream and throw a vase at him, seeing him flinch and back up quickly towards the door he stammers a small sorry but it just isn't real, even I know that. "Oh and Jason?" I snarl as menacingly as I can and narrow my eyes into slits: "If you ever, ever, touch me again it will not be the Riddler you need to fear about who will kill you, I'll put you in a body bag myself. Now get out before I make true on that promise." His blue eyes focused on mine and I could see all the sorrow and hate behind those eyes, but he is just not the same boy I used to know so I turned away and didn't turn around until the door shut.
Sliding back down to the floor I let loose a sob that had been clutched in my throat, I cannot believe my own brother would steal from me and hit me, sobbing slightly I wrap my arms around my knees and rock myself slightly hiding my face in my knees, what on earth did I do to deserve this?
"Well my dear you seem more suitable to rogue status than I first believed, brutal aren't you? I even almost shivered at your tone at the end." Holding back the sobs that still wanted to escape me I clutch my knees even closer towards me, the bastard was pretending to be drunk all along.
"Glad to have given you entertainment, now you are not intoxicated you can bloody leave as well!" Hearing him chuckle I look up slightly to see where he was until two feet are in front of me and he is bending down until those gorgeous green eyes are looking into my own.
"I hope you know I wasn't pretending, just exaggerating I needed to know you could be loyal and trusted, you passed the test." Smiling slightly I shake my head and rest my chin on me knees.
"Seems I'm doing all of this for nothing now, I am guessing you heard every word." Him nodding made me groan slightly and rub my face roughly then flinch away when I accidently touch my cheek.
"Every single word song bird … wait why is your cheek bruised? Did he hit you?" His shock made a sarcastic chuckle leave my throat before I could stop it.
"No Edward he just used my face as a battering ram for his fists, I am a good sister like that." His chuckle made me look back into his bright green eyes and see anger, oh please say I haven't pissed him off now, I don't need to have pissed two men off in a space of half an hour. Seeing his arms reaching out I can't help but flinch slightly.
"Clara please don't flinch, I don't want to hurt you." I look again and blush.
"Sorry Edward I didn't mean to." Shaking his head he reaches his arms out again and places one underneath my knees and the other behind my back and picked me up bridal style. "Seems you are always sweeping me off my feet." I try to joke but seeing his face stay serious I decide to keep my mouth shut, wisest option I've had alright I think. Placing me gently on the edge of the bed he waves his hand in a stay motion and leaves the room again, hearing some bangs I tilt my head, what is that man up to? Touching my cheek I groan slightly in pain, this night has been crazy! Seeing Edward walk back in the room I place my hand back in my lap and watch him as he kneels down and reaches a hand up to my cheek with a wet cloth, gently rubbing it across the gash; his frown his still there. "Why are you frowning?" I mumble feeling slightly tingles from whenever his thumb softly scraps against my skin.
"All the things you've heard about me are true, but never have I ever raised a hand towards a woman. Why am I frowning? Because I am thinking what possibly drove him towards doing this, was it me?" Putting my hand on his stopping him from wiping my cheek I then shook my head what I got his attention.
"Like I said before, if it wasn't you Edward it would have been someone else, it's my fault he hit me I pushed him to far." His fingers caught my chin and shook it gently.
"Never should you have to worry about him hitting you even if you did push him, but all those words you used, they were all true!" Tears started collecting in the corner on my eyes and I bit my lip softly.
"What did I do that's so wrong Edward? Am I a bad sister?" Trying not to let the tears fall I raised my face up a little to try and stop them falling, but him pulling my head back down which caused them to roll down my cheeks. "Am I that bad a person?" I hiccup.
"You bad? You couldn't hurt a fly even if you tried, so stop that! Where is that strong woman that basically told me to fuck off the first time I came face to face with you?" He whispered as he rubs the tears away with his thumbs leaning into his hands I looked up at him through my eyelashes.
"She's gone on vacation, this is her twin sister here but if you would like a message to reach her I will gladly help." I smile gently when I see his frown disappear slightly.
"Do you ever stop with the humour?"
"Only on Mondays" I giggle slightly, and dry the corner of my eye slightly.
"Why Mondays?" He tilts his head confused, but resumes wiping my gash which hopefully stops bleeding soon.
"You ever worked for Penguin before at the Iceberg? Hectic is not the word!" He shakes his head at my poor attempt at humour. Placing the cloth on the floor he brings out one of my pink Band-Aids, looking at me with an eye brow raised I can't help but grin. "What? I like pink." Placing it gently on my cheek he laughs, pouting I tilt my head. "What?"
"Now you look like Barbie who looks like she's been in a fight with a Cindy doll." Giggling I jab him gently in his chest.
"Ouch Mister Edward, I'm hurt!" Laughing he picks me up again and holds me close to his chest as he walks around the bed. "Ooh this is special treatment, do you do this for all women who work for you?" I grin up at him and see his face soften in a genuine smile.
"Oh I would but you are the first one." Shock hit me as he placed me on the right hand side of the bed, my side of the bed strange how he knew that.
"Really? You've never worked with a woman before?" He shook his head as he walked round to the other side of the bed and sat down.
"Not unless you count Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy but they tend to hit and abuse me so I try to stay away." He jokes and I can't help but laugh.
"What makes you think you are staying here tonight, you are not drunk now mister!" He pouts those lips and leans backwards on the pillows.
"Ah but I helped you with your issues tonight surely that guarantee's a sleepover privilege tonight? Plus I don't want to risk the Bat catching me out and about now." Sighing I shook my head.
"You aren't going to let me forget about this are you?" Chuckling he shakes his head while keeping those mesmerising eyes on me. Huffing I snuggle down in my bed and lie on my side while reaching for the covers. "Fine, but don't think you're ever getting this privilege again it's only because the sofa is out of commission and you were incredibly lovely to me tonight you are allowed the great honour of sharing my bed." His responding smile made me roll my eyes as he reached over me to turn the light off and then laid down beside me, closing my eyes I cuddle into my pillow. "Edward I can feel you staring, go to sleep." Laughing he gets comfy, as I drift off to sleep I feel an arm wrap around my waist pulling me up against his warm chest, too sleepy and kind of vulnerable I cuddle into his chest. Feeling a sigh in my hair I smile slightly and wrap my arm around his waist holding him close as well, on the edge of sleep before I totally collapse I feel a soft whisper in my ear:
"I'm in too deep here Clara, but I promise you won't ever be hurt again, not while I am around." Wow my dreams are getting way to mushy for my own good.
EEEK So what did you think? Sleep deprivation sometimes makes me write better chapters, but what do you think PLEASE REVIEW! Spent five hours on this baby I'm now going to crash on my bed and sleep this weekend :P Enjoy my darlings!
