Hello to everyone out there reading this, I hope all your lives are filled with happiness, and that you enjoy this chapter. I'm sorry I didn't get it posted sooner, but I just got a new job that keeps me so busy. I am so tired lately because of it, but no matter how tired I really am I'll always find time for my updates. They make me very happy no matter how exhausted I am when I'm getting them ready. As always remember I own nothing and remember to always read, review, and enjoy.
Chapter 6
Oswald's POV…
Mary and I stayed in each other's arms as I finished singing our song. We looked at each other and continued to share passionate, heated kisses until our breathing was ragged and heavy only then did we part. I looked down at her, my Mary, my beautiful girl; she was my angel the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I felt her shiver then as the wind blew and I knew then I needed to take her back downstairs. I held her hand in mine as we left the rooftop my other hand coming to rest on her lower back as we descended the stairs. Entering my hiding place, I turned my back to her locking the door then I focused completely on her, and wrapping my arm around her I drew her closer against my chest. She was my girl, I loved her, and looking at her face, her wrists, her neck I felt a pang of guilt. She was mine, she was mine to protect, and I had failed to protect her from that monster that happened to call himself her husband. But he would never truly be her husband, she only wore his ring, but as far as I was concerned I was her only true husband. I loved her, I cherished her, and someday I would protect her from everything no matter what the cost. And with that thought coursing a path in my mind I kissed her lips noting that they still had that distinct taste of cherries and something all her. Mary didn't hesitate to kiss me back her hands fisting in my shirt as they moved up my chest and around my neck. It was her who deepened the kiss her teeth lightly nipping at my bottom lip telling me without a word what she wanted before her tongue slithered inside to meet mine. Our lips finally parted, our eyes meeting both of them filled with a desire that we couldn't do anything about. I think we both wanted to consume the other because in that moment that's all I wanted to do. We kissed one final time, it was almost just the same except quicker, and I was consumed with so many heart pounding thoughts as we continued all of her. One thought in particular filled my mind; I couldn't help, but think that I would always want this. I would always want her in this and every way. I would always long for her in the middle of the night, I would always want to see her face first thing in the morning, I would always want to make love to her and nobody else, and I would never ever want to kiss another woman. Kissing her would always be like kissing an angel sent from heaven, kissing her would always be my favorite thing in the world to do, and breaking another heated kiss in that moment I looked down into the flushed swell of her face feeling a tender pride that I had done that to her. I loved her; I would always love her.
"You are my beautiful girl; you are mine no matter what may happen you shall always be mine. You are my heart, my soul, and all that I am. I love you Mary; I love you more than anything I hope you'll always know that," I purred sensually covering her face in chaste kisses.
"I love you too Oswald; I always have and I always will nothing will ever change that. You are my everything too. You mean more to me than anything else in the world. I love you Oswald; I love you so much," whispered Mary her lips gingerly touching mine as our foreheads touched her hands moving through my hair. Suddenly she moved us towards the bed pushing me to sit down before sitting in my lap. It didn't escape my notice the way she made sure to wrap my arms around her. She snuggled closer to me as if seeking warmth and I said nothing as I held her close. I had a feeling that after what she had been through tonight that she needed me to hold her, so that's what I did I held her, and in that moment I tried to make her feel safe because she was safe with me. No one would ever hurt her as long as she was in my arms. And then suddenly she was kissing me again. It was a tender slow kiss at first, it was simple, and only when she pulled away again did I see she was crying again. I kissed her forehead then as I tucked her head beneath my chin, I couldn't imagine what she must be feeling, and I felt that guilt again because I had failed to keep her safe. I kissed her when our eyes met again after she had stopped crying. Her fingers found their way into my hair then as mine gently caressed the skin along her arms and laying her on her back on the bed I broke the kiss. I kissed her remaining tears from her face as she gazed up at me her eyes closing for an instant as I did so. Nothing was said as I lay at her side touching her tentatively; I could understand if she didn't want to be touched, but then I felt her hand touch my cheek. I looked at her then as I kissed her palm leaning into the cool comfort of her touch, we peered into each other's eyes, and as her hand ran distractedly up my chest our lips met again. It was like each kiss we shared was a cool compress to her soul because in that moment she didn't seem like my Mary; she seemed wounded and I understood why. She had been wounded in the most awful of ways. I knew that as I began to kiss her with a fierce passion part of me expecting her to push me away at some point, but she didn't she only pulled me closer. And in that moment all I wanted to do was devour her.
"I love you Oswald," coed Mary her voice a breathy whisper that I just barely heard before she attacked my lips once more her arms tight around me. I wondered then if she wanted me as much as I wanted her in that moment and with that thought in mind I wrapped both arms around her. I loved hearing her love on her lips, I loved knowing she loved me, she wanted me as much as I wanted her, and continuing our kiss I ran my tongue along her bottom lip making her gasp granting me entrance to the sweet warmth of her mouth. When I felt her hands roam soothingly down my back I did the same moving my hands up her body from her waist to her back cupping her face in my hands making her moan as we continued to kiss deeply. I wanted her so badly then, it took all my restraint not to take her then, not to take her, and show her how much I loved her. I wanted to make love to her and if that monster hadn't hurt her like he had I would have. I would have made sweet love to her and showed her how much I loved her. As that thought went through my mind my hands were feeling each part of her without stopping. My hands let her face moving over the rest of her beautiful curves gently caressing her neck moving to unbutton her blouse when finally she pulled away a pained look in her eyes. I hated myself then because here I was hurting her all over again.
"Oswald stop please…I'm sorry, but I need to stop," breathed Mary her voice trembling as she refused to look at me in that moment. I stroked her cheek then making her look at me and when our eyes met nothing was said as I pulled her close only holding her. That monster had hurt my girl and if it killed me he would pay for it. As I held her I couldn't help, but look at her. She was covered in bruises all because of him; he had given her those bruises.
"I'm sorry Mary my Mary. I should have protected you, I didn't protect you, and I'm sorry so sorry. This is my fault if I had never walked away we might not be here now. If I hadn't of walked away you wouldn't be covered in bruises now and that man would have never even had the opportunity to touch you like that. I'm so sorry, I promise someday I will make him pay for this, this, and every other offense he has ever committed against you," I muttered my anger showing more and more with every word. I pictured it then, I saw him hurting my Mary, and in that moment I just wanted to break something. I wanted to break Maroni's neck in that moment and burn that restaurant the thing he loved most to the ground. Mary made me look at her then, I expected to find anger in her eyes too and I did, but it wasn't the anger I was expecting. She took my face in her hands refusing to let me look anywhere, but at her our foreheads touching as she kissed me ever so chastely on the lips our noses grazing afterward.
"Oswald no, this is not your fault. This is not your fault; do you understand me? You have nothing to be sorry for because you may not be able to protect me now, but someday I know you will. And right now in this very moment you are protecting me just by being right here with me holding me when I need you more. I love being here with you because I don't feel safer than when I'm right here with you so don't you dare blame yourself for this because this is not your fault," whispered Mary her hands leaving my face to wrap securely around me. And in that moment as I felt her arms around me and my arms around her I was the luckiest man on earth to have her. I don't know what I did to deserve her, but in that moment I was just happy to have her right there with me.
"I love you so much Oswald. There isn't a moment in the day I don't think of you. I don't want you blaming yourself because you are not him. You would never hurt me like that; you would never hurt me for any reason whatsoever. You are my best guy, the love of my life, and I am so glad to have you in my life again. My life without you was terrible in every way; I never want to live without you. I can't live without you Oswald that's how much I truly deeply love you my Oswald," exclaimed Mary her voice cracking with emotion as she spoke. Her lips lightly grazed mine then and when our eyes met again they were both shining with our love. She truly was an angel, my angel, and she would always be my greatest treasure because not only did she know me like nobody else she loved me unconditionally. Our foreheads were still touching as I continued to hold her to my chest our eyes closing in contentment tiny smiles on both our faces. I opened my eyes first looking down at her, she was so beautiful, and with that thought I kissed her head making her open her eyes to look up at me. She smiled at me as her hand gently stroked my cheek and pulling me down to her she kissed my lips with the tiniest of kisses laying her head against my chest afterward sighing. We sat up then our bodies still right next to each other and pulling her into my lap once more I watched as she smiled that smile that made my heart soar.
"Mary I need to tell you something. And then as soon as I tell you I can give you your present," I breathed smiling against the skin of her neck as I nuzzled my face into the long graceful column of her neck. Mary seemed to purr in the sexiest way as I did this her hands running like a cold chill up my back before splaying out against my lower back with a sigh. It was getting harder and harder not to make love to her with every second.
"You can always tell me anything Oswald you know that…and as for your present well I will love it no matter what. I cherish everything you've ever given me," whispered Mary one of her hands running through my hair making a mess out of it.
"In the next few days I'm going to tell Maroni who I really am," I whispered my face still buried in the skin of her neck at first before finally she made me look her in the eye. She didn't say anything at first as we just stared at each other, but then she wrapped her arms around me holding me so tight in that moment. I did the same, I wrapped my arms around her, and I held her silently waiting for her to say something anything in response.
"No Oswald no, he will kill you. Please don't do this not yet; he will kill you," exclaimed Mary taking my face in her hands.
"No he won't, not if I prove myself useful to him," I whispered part of me feeling unsure if this was the truth, or a lie.
"I know the Falcone crime family better than anyone he knows now, he will need me if he wants to get back at Falcone, and we both know how badly he wants that. He will see that I am of use to him, he will not kill me because of that, and because of the trust he will grow to have in me I will in turn be of value to Falcone against him. They will both underestimate me and that will be their downfall which will in turn give me my power. And I can't give up on my power my Mary because that will give me what I truly want; you. There's nothing I want more then you," I explained taking one of her hands from my face holding it in my own as I looked into her eyes seeing not just her love for me now, but her fear for me.
"How do you know that for sure?" asked Mary her voice barely a whisper.
"Maroni wants to rob Falcone's prized casino and I am his way in. Frankie has been looking for a way in for weeks, but he can't get in. I can. Once he knows who I really am I will prove to him what an asset I can be by helping him rob the casino that will get me into his inner circle. My plan is slowly falling into place," I explained taking both her hands in mine now.
I looked at the bruises marring her wrists, her neck, her face trying in vain not to picture the rest of her body covered in purple.
" This is only the beginning my Mary, my plan is falling into place, and in time I will have the power to take you far away from him so he can never hurt you ever again. I promise you that someday soon I will do that, but I can't do that if I don't do this first," I whispered looking deeply into her eyes watching as tears gathered in those green pools I loved so much. I brought her hands to my lips then kissing them before doing the same with her neck then her face and finally her lips feeling as she held me so close as if at any second I would disappear her tears sliding unhindered down her cheeks.
"Don't be scared, or worried my angel nothing is going to happen to me. I will always be right here with you; I'm not going anywhere," I whispered moving my hands to run through the soft mahogany strands of her hair.
"Yes, no matter what you tell me I will always worry after you; I worry because I love you. I love you Oswald, I don't want to ever spent another second of my life without you, and if I lost you I don't know what I'd do. I understand though what you're trying to say; you need to do this if we ever really want to be together. If you want to get the power you need to save me from him so we can be together you must do this. All I ask of you is that you don't get yourself killed because I love you so much. And…and …Oswald if things should ever go wrong while you're doing this don't…don't let him take you to his cabin. If you go there you won't come back," cried Mary sniffling as he wiped away at her tears trying to get her calm before asking her about this mysterious cabin Maroni had hidden away.
"What cabin?" I asked seeing only fear in her eyes at the mention of it.
"Maroni has a cabin up in the woods far from Gotham. I think he takes people there to kill them because everyone he's ever taken there never comes back," exclaimed Mary burying her head in my chest then her arms impossibly tight around me.
"Thank you my Mary for telling me now I know that I can be on guard. I don't know what I'd do without you; I love you," I smiled making her do the same before I kissed her passionately on the lips.
"I love you my Oswald," whispered Mary as our lips parted once more. We continued to kiss for a little while then until the temptation to make love became too much for both of us and we had no choice, but stop. And looking at her, I felt her nails scratch lightly at the nape of my neck, and though we knew we should separate so she could leave once more neither of us made a move to leave.
"I love you Mary; I wish I could make you forget what he did. I would replace the memory of his hands touching you with my own," I whispered pecking her soothingly on the lips.
"I do too, but you will as soon as I'm healed. I love you Oswald; I only want memories of your touch on my skin not his. When you touch me you make me forget his touch completely," smiled Mary her hand moving slowly almost teasingly down my chest. Her head fell onto my shoulder then her lips finding my neck to lightly kiss it. Nothing was said between us as I held her in my arms; it wasn't until I felt her lips lightly graze my throat again that I looked at her. I didn't care about the overwhelming urge to make love to her then, I just wanted to kiss her, and so I did. I kissed her with passion, I kissed her with a need that I only felt for her; I kissed her with every ounce of love that resided in my heart for her. Mary didn't hesitate to return my kiss, she laid her hands against my chest, and as her eyes closed she sighed into the kiss. I hoped that sigh meant that this was helping heal the wound that man had created inside her as well as the many bruises covering her body.
" You are quite the kisser Oswald; I just love when you kiss me," smiled Mary afterward our fingers intertwining as our noses touched both of our eyes closing as our foreheads met then as we sat there together merely enjoying each other's presence. Her words filled me with pride, I had been afraid in the beginning that I would disappoint her with my inexperience, but she was never disappointed. She loved the way I kissed her, she loved the way I touched her, and she loved the way I made love to her. And then I remembered my present for her opening my eyes to look at her.
"I have something I want to give you," I breathed down at her.
"Oswald, you didn't have to do that; what is it?" whispered Mary reaching up to cup my cheek in her hand.
"Wait and see. Here lay down on the bed so you'll be more comfortable," I whispered kissing her cheek as I laid her down on the bed feeling as her eyes never left me as I went to my coat to retrieve her present from my coat. I reached into my coat pocket retrieving the special gift I had for her; it wasn't much, but it was all I could give her for now. I returned to her then lying at her side on the bed taking her hand. Nothing was said between us, I just stared at her in the beginning bringing her hand to my lips making her smile, and then I opened the hand I held. I pressed her gift into her palm and curling her hand around it I kissed her hand once more.
It was a key, a simple key, but I wanted her to have it. That hey was one of two that opened the door to my hiding place. I had one and it seemed to me that it was only right she have the other.
"I love you Mary; you are the only person I would give this to. I hope you'll have it," I whispered allowing my arm to wrap around her to stroke her sides gently kissing her shoulder in the same moment. She peered down at the key in her hand for a long time before she finally looked at me. Mary looked at me there was a certain glint in her eye that I knew to be her love. Our heads collided as we both stared down at the key in her hand.
"What does this key go to?" asked Mary her voice that same sexy whisper that always gave me chills in all the right ways. I would never understand how she did that; she could be the sexiest woman in Gotham without even trying.
"It goes to the door to this room. It is the only spare key and it is yours because you are my girl; you are the only one who should have it. I want you to have a key so you can come and go as you please. I'm really looking forward to coming back here one night to find you already waiting for me. I know it's not much, but for now it is all I have to give. Will you accept it?" I exclaimed my eyes peering pleadingly searchingly into hers. Mary took my face in her hands then making my heart pound with each silent second that ticked by and finally when she kissed me tenderly yet far too quickly on the lips that was answer enough.
" Of course I'll accept it my Oswald, of all the gifts you could have given to me this means more to me than anything else, and I promise you I will not only protect it I will cherish it long after we no longer need it. I love you Oswald," exclaimed Mary and I wanted to return to sentiment to her, but before I could her lips attacked mine in an almost carnal way. We had shared many kisses since finding each other again in that alleyway, but there was something about this one. It wasn't just filled with our love, our passion; there was something else in there, but I don't think either of us knew what it was as we continued our lips moving sensually in tandem my tongue sliding over her lower lip seeking permission to explore the recesses of her mouth. She moaned in response to this and opening her mouth she let me inside. And like always her kisses, her touch, even just the feel of having her so close drove me into frenzy. I could tell she felt the same as she pulled my body to cover hers and as our kisses became more passionate I wanted to make her mine.
We pulled apart finally both of us breathing heavy, we rolled onto our backs onto the bed, and after a moment we both turned our heads to look at each other. We both knew we couldn't go any farther as much as we wanted to, I knew as much as she may want me to touch her that she needed time after what that monster had done, but as we laid there still we couldn't take our eyes off each other. Finally she moved closer so that her head was on my shoulder, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders then, and turning my head I kissed her head. She would have to leave me again and as usual I didn't want to part from her especially now knowing how Maroni had hurt her. Eventually her head found its way onto my chest; I laid there with her in my arms in silence. We didn't say anything; we were content in our silence. We didn't need to say anything, we didn't need to do anything; we only needed to lie there together to be perfectly happy. We would enjoy the time we had while we had it. When the time came for her to leave me once more, I stood by the door with her in my arms; I didn't want to let her go.
"I love you Oswald; I love you so much," exclaimed Mary just before she was about to leave flinging her arms around me. She held me then for the longest time, she held me as if she was afraid she would never see me again, and I knew as I returned her embrace that that was exactly what she was afraid of. Mary buried her head in my chest just before letting go and she whispered something then that I couldn't quite understand.
"What was that?" I breathed making her look at me.
"I was breathing you in; I want to remember everything about you just in case something should happen. I want to remember your smell, the taste of your lips, and everything about you just in case I lose you. But I'm…I'm not going to lose you because you…you are going to be fine. The next time I come here you'll be here," cried Mary burying her head in my chest once more her arms slipping around my waist. I held her close then and I let her cry; I knew nothing I said would make her feel any better until after I revealed myself and I returned to her safe.
"I love you," whispered Mary into my chest once more.
"I love you," I whispered kissing the top of her head. Slowly she left my arms then leaving our hiding place; I moved away from the door a few seconds after it closed. I had barely taken more than a few steps away from the door when she came bursting back into the room making me jump breathing a sigh when I realized it was just her. I was confused at first as she moved at an alarming gate towards me, but then she grabbed me by my shirt collar peering into my eyes with tears in her eyes.
"Mary," I whispered, but she didn't respond as she merely stared at me as if memorizing every inch of me.
"I can't lose you Oswald. You can't die on me; I love you too much to lose you like that," cried Mary and as I was about to console her she stopped me when her lips crashed against mine kissing me as if she would never do so again.
"I love you," breathed Mary breaking the kiss for only a second before attacking my lips again with the same ferocity her hands still gripping my shirt collar. I was shocked when this all began, but that soon faded away as I started to return her kiss. My hands found her waist moving seductively up her back in the same moment her hands left my collar wrapping around my neck, but neither of us pulled away we only continued to kiss at a bruising rate. Eventually her arms loosened around my neck and the kiss finally broke leaving us both short of breath.
"I love you Oswald Cobblepot. Don't you dare die on me," exclaimed Mary her breathing still heavy from our kiss as she looked at me with all her love in her eyes.
"Don't you worry my Mary everything will be fine. I will be fine. I will never leave you; I will always come back to you my beautiful girl. I will always return to you my angel because I will not die. I am going to live, I am going to be king of Gotham, and you will be by my side as my queen. And a king always comes back to his queen especially this one because I love you. I love you Mary; that love will always make me come running back to you," I smiled watching as more tears moved down her cheeks. Her hands moved down my chest then as she nodded in agreement to my words and finally she gave me a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. I knew she was still afraid for me and I knew she would be until I returned safely to her. We shared one last kiss before she left, it was deep and passionate; it was nearly overflowing with the love we shared in our hearts. When my Mary was gone and I was once again alone I laid on the bed my hands behind my head as I stared up at the ceiling. I had a lot on my mind, I couldn't admit it to anyone not even Mary, but I was a little nervous about revealing myself to Maroni. He wouldn't kill me when he found out what asset I was to him of that I was sure, but what would he do until he knew that? But when I could finally push all thought of that aside a smile curved my lips; the pieces were slowly falling into place. Once I proved my worth to Maroni I would prove my worth to Falcone and then I would have my power. I would have my power and then in turn I would have my girl, my angel, my Mary by my side. This was the beginning of all my dreams coming true, my dream to be king of Gotham would come true; my dream of having the woman I loved by my side would come true. Now I would have to find the perfect time to reveal who I truly was to Maroni. I didn't know when that time would be, but I hoped it would be soon.
For days I waited until finally the day I was meant to reveal my true identity came. The fact that it came on the same day that that deadly viper drug was terrorizing the city was mere coincidence, but nonetheless I worried about Mary. I hoped she wouldn't go roaming the city with that drug on the loose and with that on my mind along with everything else I waited for my perfect moment. I stood not far from Don Maroni and his right hand Frankie as they discussed robbing Falcone's casino again; it seemed to be something Frankie just couldn't seem to do. In that moment I knew this was the time to reveal myself because unlike Frankie I had a way into that particular casino. As they finished talking I made my way over to their table and even though I tried to hide it I was a little bit scared.
"Excuse me gentlemen, I couldn't help, but overhear your conversation regarding the casino," I began before as I expected that ruffian Frankie interrupted me. After he told me to mind my own business I quickly apologized turning as if to leave them be, but I knew Don Maroni was desperate to take that casino; he would listen to me.
"No, tell me. What about the casino?" asked Don Maroni making me turn back in his direction.
"I know a janitor that works in the boiler room of the casino, he could get you inside quite easily I believe. There are access tunnels no one knows about," I explained, but again before I could continue Frankie had to put forth his opinion.
He proceeded to mock my story about the access tunnels, but luckily the Don paid him no mind. Don Maroni asked me to sit down then and after I thanked him telling him what an honor it was I had his full attention. And when he asked my name I knew this was the moment to finally reveal to him who I truly was.
"Everyone here calls me Penguin sir," I said with no small hint of trepidation in my voice. I hated that name, names had power, and what sort of power would that name give me.
"You don't like that name," smiled Maroni and I could only nod in answer. But then what he said next caught my attention. He told me I was wrong, he told me that the name suited me well as he poured me a glass of wine.
"How do you know this man, the janitor?" asked Maroni.
"I have connections," I answered simply.
"Reliable is he," continued Maroni.
"I think I can persuade him to be," I began before that idiot butted in again. I was really starting to get sick of his constant interruptions.
"Boss this guy is a dishwasher in a suit," began Frankie before Maroni silenced him quickly telling him to relax before returning his full attention back to me. And in that moment I couldn't help, but think about the glorious moment when I could kill both these men for the crimes they have committed against me and the one I loved. But I had to push all thought of that aside when I had Maroni's focus solely on me once more; I knew now was the time to tell him.
"Is that right Penguin; are you just a dishwasher? Cause I don't get that vibe. You come off as all humble, but you got a little player in you," smiled Maroni and as he said that I couldn't help, but think of Mary. If only he knew what a player I truly was; I could play his wife's body like a finely tuned instrument. I made love to her in a way he couldn't. I made her feel things he never could; I loved her in a way he didn't.
"That's very perceptible of you sir…I guess that's why you're the Don," I began making him laugh. Thankfully Frankie didn't say anything this time because I knew this was my moment.
"I'm not a dishwasher and this isn't my first rodeo so to speak," I continued making him laugh more.
"So you rode some bulls huh. I knew it, well tell all cowboy," laughed Maroni patting my leg playfully.
"Well…my real name is Oswald Cobblepot and I think that once you hear my story you'll agree that I could be a great asset to you sir. It's a long funny story…really, but the headline so you're not surprised. I used to work for Fish Mooney," I explained trying to remain calm though I must admit I was a little flustered.
"Fish Mooney," repeated Maroni this seemed to impress him and I didn't miss the look he shared with Frankie.
"Yes sir, I was privy to many aspects of the Falcone family business…until they tried to kill me. Hello…suffice it to say," I began smiling slightly, but the smile soon left my face then when I found myself flung face forward into the table.
"That is a funny story," said Maroni as he held my face to the table looking across it at Frankie. And in that moment I felt his breath against my ear as he started to speak.
"You should know I don't take kindly to being lied to Penguin," seethed Maroni.
"I am not lying everything I have said is the truth. Let me tell you my story please," I exclaimed.
"If Falcone and Mooney tried to kill you why are you here now alive," snapped Maroni.
"Falcone ordered a detective named Jim Gordon to kill me to prove he could be trusted, but he didn't. He took me to the end of a pier and only pretended to kill me. I was supposed to leave Gotham and never return, but I couldn't. I had to come back; Gotham is my home," I explained. The room grew silent then as Maroni continued to hold me to the table.
"Then if that's the truth I only have one other question Penguin. What did you do to make Falcone and Mooney want you dead," asked Maroni.
"They framed Mario Pepper for the Wayne murders and I told the GCPD," I exclaimed and it was then he let me up from the table.
All was quiet as they both just stared at me and in that moment I once again thought of Mary. I had told her I wouldn't leave her, that he wouldn't kill me, and that I would return safely to her. I hoped that wouldn't be a lie; I didn't want the last thing I said to her to be a lie.
"Frankie get me the phone then I want you to bring me Jim Gordon. If he tells the same story then you live, but if he doesn't well then we'll be taking a trip," said Maroni leaning real close to me a menacing look in his eyes.
"Until he corroborates your story it would be best if you kept your mouth shut," growled Maroni ripping open my crossbow tie as he grabbed my shirt collar bringing me so we were face to face. He tossed me away from him then looking at Frankie.
"Frankie take him to the back. Give him a preview of what will happen if their stories don't match," said Maroni in menacing tone. I was escorted roughly from the room before I could say another word.
Mary's POV…
I was at home alone as usual with the TV on watching the news, but not really paying attention to it. But on that day the headline caught my attention and I couldn't seem to look away. Viper, the newest thing to terrorize Gotham city was all over the streets, people all over were going crazy, and I have to admit it even scared me a little. And I didn't need anything else to worry, or be scared about I already constantly feared for the life of my Oswald. I didn't let the drug occupy my mind for long; all I could think about was Oswald. I had been worried to death about him since he told me of his plans to reveal himself.
"He will be fine," I thought as I continued to stare at the TV. I thought that, but I don't know if I really believed it. I held a fear in my heart that he would be gone one of these days when I went to the restaurant for dinner; I worried he would be another person Maroni took to his cabin that would never return. And continuing to stare at the television I still didn't see, or hear anything that was said as I thought only of my Oswald.
I couldn't lose my Oswald, if I lost him there was no reason for me to go on living; if my husband killed Oswald I would not hesitate to join him in death. I would not hesitate to slit my own wrists. I was jarred from my thoughts by the ringing of the phone. At first, I merely stared at it ignoring its continuous ringing, but finally I reached out a hand to pick up the receiver.
"Mary honey, you there," said Salvatore on the other end of the phone making me become still as stone.
"Salvatore…yes I'm here. What is it; is something wrong," I answered getting a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach; he never called me during the day.
"Sort of honey, I'm sorry, but you can't come down for dinner tonight. I need you to stay home and not come down here for any reason," explained Salvatore his voice taking on a serious tone. I thought of Oswald then, I knew he had finally revealed himself, and I closed my eyes staying silent for a second as I held in my tears. I was so scared then that my Oswald was dead right at that very moment at Maroni's feet as we spoke. Salvatore always called me like this when he didn't want me coming down to the restaurant and this was usually the reason. He usually went to the cabin too, to dispose of the bodies. It took everything for me to hold in my tears in that moment, I was so scared; the man I loved with all my heart could be dead.
"Does this have anything to do with that viper drug their talking about on the news because if it does you could always have someone come get me…I was really looking forward to seeing you for dinner tonight," I whispered letting the pain I felt for Oswald leak into my voice making him think it was pain over not seeing him.
"Yes that's part of it; I'm having trouble with the management here so I probably won't be home tonight. I promise I'll make it up to you," said Salvatore and then before I could say another word he hung up. I set the receiver back into place with a click; my heart was beating a mile a minute as his words repeated themselves in my head.
"I'm having trouble with the management," he had said; Oswald was the restaurant manager that could only mean that he had revealed himself and Maroni was probably taking him to the cabin right now. I didn't know what to do in that moment, I sat there my breathing becoming ragged as I started to panic, and it was then I did the only thing I could think to do. I felt to my knees on the floor dragging my purse to the floor with me making everything spill out and clasping my hands together I began to pray. I didn't know what else to do, I wasn't religious hell I'd never even been to church, but if it would save my Oswald I would pray.
"Please god I know I haven't exactly been one of your faithful followers, but please don't let my Oswald be dead. I love him; I love him more than anything in this city…in this world so please keep him safe. Keep him alive because he is all I have, all I want, and if I lose him I will have no other reason to keep on living. Please if you can, please protect my Oswald from that maniac, amen," I breathed my tears starting to fall as I prayed.
" Please keep him alive; I love him," I cried as I pictured his face in my mind that smirk that I loved so much gracing his lips as every moment we had ever shared flashed through my mind.
"I love him," I breathed as I dried my tears beginning to pick the spilled contents of my purse up off the floor stopping when I came across the key to our hiding place that he had given me only days ago. In that moment I remembered what Oswald had once told me, I had to have faith in our love meaning I had to have faith in him; that faith gave me hope that my Oswald was alive that my Oswald would live. My Oswald was alive right at that very moment and he would be alright like he had said he would; he would be alright and he would become invaluable to Maroni and Falcone. He would in turn be their downfall. They would underestimate him as everyone always did, he would be more brilliant then both of them combined, and he would rule Gotham as its king.
I had to hold that hope in my heart then in that moment. I couldn't think that he was dead because that would make it a reality; he was alive until I knew any better. And if he was indeed dead I promised myself that I would not live without him, I would slit my wrists, and join him in death the second I knew for certain that he was dead. Until I knew any better Oswald was alive.
Oswald's POV…
After Frankie was done beating me to a disheveled pulp, he left me locked in the backroom, and there I thought of the events so far. I had faith that Jim would back my story, but I felt naive in a way. I should have known Maroni would want proof that I was telling the truth, I should have known my pain would be great if he had to seek out that proof himself, but I knew all was not lost once Jim repeated the same story I had told Maroni would see what an asset I truly was. But that wasn't all I felt as I sat yet again on another floor waiting for a Don to decide my fate. I felt de ja vu; I felt the irony of being in this type of situation yet again. I hoped that I would live through this situation like I had the last one. I remembered vividly the last time I was locked in a room waiting for my own demise, I had managed to talk my way out of death then, and I knew I would do it again.
"I didn't have anything good to think about last time though," I breathed as I looked up at the ceiling thinking of her, my Mary, my angel, my beautiful girl Mary. She truly was my angel, she gave me the one thing I had never truly had in this world; unconditional love. Even my mother put conditions on her love, but Mary never did all she asked was that I love her in return. And I did, I loved her more than anything in this whole world, and as long as I lived the greatest moment of my life would be the day she came into it. If things did go wrong today I would die with her face in my mind, my undying love for her in my heart, but I pushed that aside because I would not die. I would live and I would return to her like I said I would safe and sound.
"I love her," I whispered still thinking of her trying to imagine what I had done to deserve her. I didn't know what it was, but whatever it was I was glad I did it. Closing my eyes I hoped that I would see her again, I hoped that I would live; if only so I could see her again. When I heard footsteps approaching the room where I was being held I opened my eyes again. This was it, this was the moment that would determine my fate; I could be a man with a little more power to his name, or a dead man lying in wait for his grave. It would all be determined by what happened in the next few moments. Frankie and a couple of his guys entered the room not hesitating to grab me as if I was a diseased animal as they dragged me from the room through the empty restaurant.
When I finally caught sight of Maroni he was seated at his favorite table with a plate of seafood in front of him, a man was sitting with him with a hood covering his head; I knew this had to be Jim. I was shoved to the ground at Maroni's feet, he looked at me then his stare filled with warning, and then without another word they removed the hood from Jim's head. When the hood was removed, Jim breathed in a breath as he took in his surroundings looking first around at the restaurant then at Maroni then at me, and finally at the me standing directly behind us. Despite it all he kept his cool though I imagine he was as nervous as I was.
"Welcome, I'm Salvatore Maroni," said Maroni his voice not losing that dangerous tone.
"I know who you are; what do you want?" asked Jim and even I could hear the slight quiver in his voice. Maroni started to speak then, but I had to speak up. I shouldn't have, but part of me was afraid Jim would alter his story so it wouldn't completely match my own. We both had so much to lose, but him especially. He didn't know it had been part of the plan all along, he didn't know Falcone never really expected him to kill me; as far as he was concerned if it was discovered I was alive he would be taken to that same pier and killed himself. And even I knew that was still a possibility, Falcone would not appear weak if the truth were discovered; he would put a hit on Jim's head just for appearances sake.
"Jim just tell the truth," I exclaimed before Maroni gave me that warning look telling me to silently keep my mouth shut. And I did looking at Jim pleadingly for just a moment before letting my eyes find the floor.
" You want a drink Jim?," asked Maroni his tone still unchanged and when Jim asked only for water he snapped his fingers making it instantly appear within a few minutes. Jim looked around still as the water was set before him; he was nervous.
"So our friend here told me a fascinating story. Never heard a story so good; it's hard to believe its true," explained Maroni before I intervened the tone of my voice making it quite clear how scared I was.
"It's true, it is," I exclaimed before I was silenced by a very angry Don Maroni.
"Shut up, shut up! One more word and I'll jam this down your throat," screamed Maroni pointing a lobster claw at my throat before turning to continue talking to Jim.
"I try to be civil Jim, but I'm not the kind of man that likes to ask twice so here's how it's going to go," growled Maroni throwing the lobster claw onto the table. This time it was Jim who interrupted him, it was proving to be a very bad thing to do, and in that moment as scared as I was I wanted to be the man people were scared to interrupt someday. Jim didn't get very far before Maroni was barking down his throat.
"No, No, No. You let me finish. You'll have your turn to speak," snapped Maroni and the room grew silent as Jim and I looked at each other.
Our eyes met and I could tell neither of us was very happy with this situation.
"Ok then…I want you to tell me the same exact story that Penguin told me," explained Maroni and when Jim asked what story I tried not to panic.
"Oh, you better know what story my friend because if you tell me the same story he told me then I can believe its true then I'm happy, but if you tell me another story then someone's lying to me. And I don't know which one and the both of you will die. Understand?" said Maroni.
"Yes I do," said Jim in answer.
"Good so…tell me a story Jim," smiled Maroni and with a brief pause Jim began his story.
And as I hoped and expected he began with the Wayne murders; in truth that was when it all began. I was so nervous in that moment I had to put my two sense in.
"We didn't even know each other then," I began.
"What did I say? Go put him on the slicer," ordered Maroni and then despite my protests I was led away hearing Maroni continue to give orders on how to slice me. I prayed as hard as I knew how then that Jim wouldn't divert from the truth in any way, or else I was a dead man. And as the cold metal of the slicer touched my skin and I breathed in the cleansers used to clean it I closed my eyes wondering how many others had been in this situation and not survived.
My life lay in the hands of Jim Gordon like it had once before; now all I could do was wait and pray. It wasn't until I heard Maroni's voice again that my eyes opened.
"Frankie, bring the Penguin back out here. The little punk is telling the truth," exclaimed Maroni and as I was led back into the room I heard him thank Jim. I knew I would have to do the same; he had saved my life again. When I entered the room limping more than usual I was happy to find that Maroni was happy to see me.
"There you are, you rat, you snitch; you gorgeous turncoat son of a bitch. Come here, I love you," exclaimed Maroni kissing both my cheeks before putting his arm around me turning me towards Frankie.
"Be happy Frankie, we just got a new weapon against the Falcone's. It's Christmas," smiled Maroni and I couldn't help, but think then that I would be a weapon against them both. Jim spoke up then his tone condescending as he asked if he could leave standing as if to make for the door. Maroni let him telling him not to tell anyone about what had taken place. Our eyes met again as he was leaving, I mouthed a thank you to him, and not saying anything in return he left. Maroni took me then to get cleaned up and as I entered the bathroom I found myself staring into the mirror.
All I could think about in that moment was Mary, I would be alright of that I was sure, and I would return to her safe just like I had promised. I saw her face in my mind once more, I loved her so much, and just thinking of her gave me the strength to continue with this despite the dangers. As always she was never far from my thoughts. Today had been harder than I had expected and suddenly I couldn't wait to see her, to kiss her, and to hold her. And hopefully that would be a reality very, very soon.
" I'll see you soon my angel," I breathed as I turned on the facet splashing water over my face wetting a towel to wipe at the blood on the cuts on my face. When a knock sounded at the door, I was startled for only a second before I limped over to answer it. When I found Frankie on the other side I won't lie I was a little scared, but I tried not to show it.
"He the boss sent out for a fresh suit for you," said Frankie making it clear just by the tone of his voice how unhappy he was that he didn't get to kill me. I took it from him without saying a word and as he walked away I stood there in the doorway looking after him. I would kill him if it was the last thing I did and with that thought I closed the door returning to my spot in front of the mirror. Mary was still on my mind as I changed suits; she was still on my mind as I finished washing my face so that only the bruises remained, and smiling I saw her so clearly. I knew if she was with me now she would kiss every single one of my bruises; she would take care of me as she always did. And I loved her for that, I was glad she was safe at home, and I was proud to say she was mine and that she loved me as much as I loved her.
I had loved her since the day I met her. I had never believed in that whole love at first sight thing before she came into my life. I would always love her; I would die loving her. I knew she didn't like the path I was taking sometimes, I knew she feared for my life more than I ever did, and most of all I knew she was afraid of losing me again only this time to death. But I also knew she understood it all. Mary knew why I had to risk my life to do what I had to do, she understood, she believed I was destined for greatness, and like she always had she understood me better than anyone ever had. She was my true love, my soulmate, and the only woman I would ever love. She understood I needed power to be anything in this city and she wanted me to have it as much as I did.
I couldn't help, but still be nervous as I prepared to go back out into the restaurant. Maroni was waiting for me out there and he was not the type of man you kept waiting. We would prepare to rob the casino and I knew it would all be alright. I hoped it would all be alright because if it wasn't I was a dead man. I pushed all that aside, this was the beginning of my path to greatness, this was the beginning of my story, my new beginning; our new beginning. Mary's and mine.
"We'll have everything we ever wanted very soon my love," I breathed smiling as I thought of my Mary. And with that thought I walked out of the bathroom.
Mary's POV…
"I'm going to go wait for him. If he never comes then I'll know for sure," I whispered suddenly standing going to get my purse remembering how he said he wanted to come back to find me waiting for him. Salvatore most likely wouldn't be home; if I waited for him at our hiding place he would never know. And even if he happened to call if I didn't answer he would call Charlie and he could come get me immediately. And it was then I made up my mind; I called Charlie to tell him to bring the car.
"Maybe he's already back safe," I whispered when I arrived hoping in my heart this was the truth, but I knew he wouldn't be in there when I opened the door. Standing in front of the door, I hesitated before putting the key in the lock, and opening the door I went inside.
"He's not here." I whispered after I went inside finding it empty and I missed him so much then our hiding place felt so empty without him there. Days had passed since I had last been there, Oswald had returned the chair to its place by the table his jacket was hanging off of it, and seeing it I felt a longing deep in my heart for him. I moved closer to the chair setting my purse down on the table and gently I let the soft fabric run through my fingers. Smiling, I picked up his jacket bringing it to my nose, and breathing in his scent I clutched it to my chest. I don't know when I sat down in the chair, but when I did I buried my head in the fabric of his jacket. If he was really dead this was all I would have left of him. And then I couldn't stop myself I burst into tears his scent of peppermint and something all Oswald filling my nose with every breath. It would be forever engrained in my mind from now on. It was my new favorite scent.
"Oswald," I cried my tears moving without stopping down my cheeks onto his jacket as I buried my head deep within it. Standing up again, I slid my arms into the cool comfort of his jacket, and I went to lie on the bed. Lying on the bed in his jacket, I missed him even more, and when I felt the tears leave my eyes still I closed them tight seeing his face. I could see him clear as day, he had that smirk I loved so much on his face still, and I cried harder than because I felt that fear again that fear that I would never see him again.
"I love you Oswald, my Oswald," I sobbed wrapping his jacket tighter around my body. I was so afraid, so scared that he was already dead. I tried to dry my tears after a while, Oswald would be very upset if he saw me like this; he hated it when I cried. I could remember many a time when I cried and he would hold me in an effort to console me. And just thinking of him and the possibility that he was still alive made me feel so much better.
He loved me, he loved me like no one ever had before; he was the love of my life. He would always hold that title no matter what happened. I eyes were still closed tight, my hands were balled into fists in the sheets of the bed, and I smiled as I pictured him still. I relived all our memories, I thought about his kisses, his touch, and how much we loved one another. I wanted to believe that he was alive and that we would share many more happy times together; we would make more memories together. I still had his jacket on, it covered my body in his warmth, and for a moment I felt his presence. I kept my eyes closed and suddenly I wasn't just wearing his jacket anymore I was laying in the cool comfort of his arms. I imagined I heard his voice in my ear whispering my name, I imagined I felt his lips against my skin, and in that moment I imagined he was there with me.
"Oswald," I whispered hoping that suddenly it would all be true and he would really be there. But time ticked by and he never appeared.
I continued to wait for him. I waited for the door to open and for him to be right there in arms reach, but it never happened. And the longer it took the more I lost hope that he would come. He wouldn't come because he couldn't come. He couldn't come because he was dead. My Oswald was dead and he wasn't coming back. As hard as I tried to have faith that he was alive it was becoming harder with every passing second. And the longer I waited the more scared I became until finally I couldn't hold it back anymore. I cried my eyes out again; I cried until I cried myself to sleep.
"I love you Oswald," I breathed as I was drifting off hoping when I woke up that he would be there.