Hi everyone! It's been quite a while since I've written any stories! My life got incredibly busy once I got to college, and since I've graduated and began working full time. The entire world being quarantined, and subsequently not working, has given me the inspiration to read and write more fanfics, so I'm hoping I'm not too rusty! Please bare with me in the beginning!
This story will include descriptions of assault, sex, violence, parental abuse, and horror themes. If any of these topics upset you please turn back and stop reading.
The timeline is definitely an AU, kind of a mix between Batman Begins and Dark Knight, with character influences drawing from those two movies and Gotham (for the Riddler). I hope you all enjoy! Please leave reviews! :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own character, Delilah Davis.
Thoughts
Scarecrow speaking
Delilah Davis had a pretty average life, considering the fact that she grew up with very close ties to Carmine Falcone's crime family. She did her best to keep herself out of trouble, distance herself from Falcone's influence, and make as normal of a life for herself as she could. Once she began to work at Arkham Asylum, under the watchful eye of Dr. Jonathan Crane, her life changed forever. Will she survive her time in Arkham with her morals and sanity in tact, or will these rogues show her the path to a more dangerous, yet exciting, life? Dr. Crane/OC, slight Scarecrow/OC, The Riddler/OC. Rated M for a reason!
Chapter One: A New Opportunity
"Look at the camera Delilah, smile!" Delilah heard her mother, Elizabeth, call out to her. Delilah couldn't contain a large grin as she faced her mother, her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology in hand and wavy ash blonde hair waving slightly in the breeze. Delilah had just finished getting her Master's from Gotham University, and was already in the university's PhD program. The graduation ceremony was more of a formality, as all PhD candidates received their Master's degrees along the way, but it was still a momentous occasion for Delilah Davis's family. She was the first person to receive a four-year degree in the family, after all. Goosebumps covered her arms as she posed for different pictures, hugged her family members, and socialized with her classmates and professors. She was having the time of her life when she heard her father, Ron, greet one of his closest friends. Carmine Falcone.
Delilah's heart froze when she heard Falcone's name. She begged her parents not to bring Falcone to the graduation ceremony. It was too important to her to be reminded of her family's association with that...that monster. She knew all about his mob connections, and, unfortunately, how his father got swept up with Falcone's business. Her father was involved with his various dealings since before she was born, but she never wanted to know the details. She should have known her father would bring him here, as Falcone always had an uncanny ability to show up anywhere Delilah did not want to see him.
"Ron, Elizabeth! It's wonderful to see you both! Where is Delilah? I'd love to be able to congratulate her myself." Before Delilah could get the chance to disappear into the crowd she was called over to see her parents and Falcone. She took in a deep breath, put on her fakest smile, and went over to shake his eagerly awaiting hand. "Congratulations Delilah! I always knew you would do wonderful things, and this certainly shows it." Falcone said, gripping her hand and pulling her uncomfortably close to him. "Thank you Mr. Falcone! I -" "No, please, you can call me Carmine. You're an adult now and I've known you your entire life, after all". Carmine smiled and gently kissed the back of her hand once he was done shaking it. Delilah did her best to not show any visible signs of disgust or discomfort. "Of course, Carmine. Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate that. I try to do my best, so I'm glad to see it's paying off." Delilah said. "Well, you've certainly proven yourself. So, remind me, what is it you want to do once you get your PhD?" Carmine asked, leaning in inquisitively. Her parents also listened intently, trading private glances to each other as if to remind each other how proud they were. She loved her parents' subtle ways of communicating with each other, she found it heartwarming.
"Well, I'm looking to specialize in psychopharmacology and analyze how different chemical imbalances and medications influence behavior, particularly in people with severe mental illnesses. Hopefully I can use that knowledge to do some good in this city and work in Arkham to help the people there." She grinned when mentioning Arkham, as it always made Falcone uncomfortable. She couldn't quite decipher why, but she reveled in his discomfort either way. "Well, that's certainly a, ah, noble goal for you. Although it could be very dangerous to be around those types of people, especially for a young woman like yourself." Falcone replied, looking to her parents for approval. "We've certainly had that discussion before. The idea of Delilah working in Arkham frightens me half to death!" Her mother exclaimed, holding her father's hand. "But if we tried to stop her she'd just push even harder. I suppose raising her to be as headstrong as she is backfired this one time, although we wouldn't trade it for the world." Her father smiled, placing a strong hand on her shoulder. "Thanks dad! You're absolutely right on that one. This is kind of your fault, sorry!" She laughed. The others joined in, but she could tell Falcone was still uncomfortable. He had always had his eye on her and it gave her the creeps.
"I completely understand! You can't always control your kids, as much as you may want to. If you ever want a safer option down the line please let me know. I'm sure I could help you find something worth your talent and time." Falcone said.
"Thank you, I'll definitely keep that offer in mind!" Definitely not. "If you'll excuse me, I have a few people I'd like to talk to before we leave." Delilah said cheerfully, seizing the chance to leave Falcone's presence. She made her way through the crowd, weaving through excited graduates and their families, along with other faculty members. It took her a while but she finally managed to find who she was looking for; Professor Jonathan Crane.
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As he saw his student, Delilah Davis, approach him he let a small smile appear on his face. She happened to be the one student in all of his time teaching that he saw any sort of promise in. She always paid attention, received perfect marks in each of the three classes she had taken with him, and even gave him some insights that proved to be very useful in his personal work. For example, she had reminded him of newer research occurring with glucose as a chemical that influences a person's fear responses. That, in turn, influenced him to incorporate glucose deprivation in his long-term experiments and "participants". He would also be foolish if he did not admit he had a fascination with her. He had subtle ways of attempting to manipulate everyone around him into admitting their fears to him, but in the three years he had taught her he was still unable to solve that puzzle.
"Hi Dr. Crane! I'm surprised to see you here!" Delilah chuckled, her icy blue eyes looking up into his own. She was significantly shorter than him, his 6'2 frame easily dwarfing her petite 5'3 body.
I absolutely detest these sorts of events, but at least I can socialize with someone even remotely close to worth my time.
"Well, in all technicality I do need to be here. It would be unprofessional for me to not attend, but I am glad to be able to see you here Delilah. I know I'll still be seeing you on campus, but I do want to congratulate you on your accomplishment. Unlike a lot of other people here, you truly deserve this." Delilah blushed slightly at his comment. She looked away slightly, hoping he would not notice. He did.
"Thank you professor, that means a lot! I do have a very quick favor to ask you, if that's okay?" She asked.
"What can I help you with, child?" Dr. Crane asked, his curiosity piqued.
"You still work at Arkham Asylum, correct?"
"Yes I do. I actually recently became the head psychiatrist in the Maximum Security portion of the facility."
"Wow, that's so impressive!" Delilah smiled. "I hope this isn't overstepping any sort of boundary, and I apologize if it is, but is there any way I could work with you? Even if it's as an intern, I'd even be fine with being unpaid. I would be eternally grateful to have the chance to see the patients there, really get into their heads."
Delilah held her breath as she noticed Dr. Crane pause to consider her proposition. She was hoping she didn't overstep a boundary, but she knew she had to take her chance.
Crane, on the other hand, held this fake pause to appear as though he was deep in thought, even though he already had his answer. He had been looking for a worthy apprentice for a while, but through his search and many, many, failed experiments, he could not find someone worthy of him. Perhaps this girl could be the one he was looking for. He smirked a bit as he looked at the anxious young woman before him, noticing a flash of fear in her eyes.
Her fear is….delicious. I'd love to see more of it. His darker side chuckled.
I agree entirely. I think I've found my new right hand.
In more ways than one, Jonny boy! Scarecrow guffawed as Jonathan momentarily became flustered, pushing his glasses up to distract himself from Scarecrow's taunts. Yes, he saw the young woman as attractive, he'd be blind to deny it. No man in his right mind wouldn't be with her petite frame, soft hair, bright eyes and curvaceous, if a bit full-figured, body. Her intelligence and wit were simply plusses. But he couldn't let those thoughts distract him, not yet at least.
Crane kept his smirk as he held his tongue, enjoying watching Delilah's breathing increase as she became more anxious awaiting his answer.
"As a matter of fact, I have been looking for an assistant. Although I do have to warn you, working with me will be very different from our current relationship. I expect nothing but the best from you, at all times, and I expect you to do what I ask, when I ask. But in return I can give you the experience you want and proper connections for the future. Is this acceptable for you?" Dr. Crane responded, already knowing what her answer would be.
"Of course! I-I mean, yes, I would absolutely be able to do that! Thank you so much, this is such a huge opportunity, and I hope in time I can repay you!" Delilah squealed, unable to contain her excitement and grin. She felt tempted to hug Dr. Crane but knew he did not like physical contact. She couldn't contain a little jump, which was not unnoticed by Crane.
"No worries, child, I wouldn't extend this offer to you if I didn't think you were worthy of it. Now go along and enjoy your time off. Once we get started you'll be working incredibly hard, so take the time you can to prepare yourself." Crane smirked, allowing the girl to shake his hand as a compromise.
"Thank you again, you won't regret this!" Delilah grinned as she practically ran to tell her parents the great news.
No, I certainly will not regret this little….arrangement. Not one bit.