Drawing in a breath, the girl moved away from the side of the bridge. She took a few steps backward to put more space between them, pushing her heels into the ground.

"Why are you here?", she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Why do you infer malicious intent?" He raised an eyebrow.

That wasn't an answer she expected, and it showed. "...I'm not justifying that question with a response".

"What if I was just concerned why a pretty woman would be by herself in such an ugly place at this time of night?" He extended a hand. "I'm Victor".

Her expression was skeptical and somewhat weary. "Haley." She hesitated before shaking his hand. His grip was firm, his skin cold.

"Why don't you let me walk you home?"

She thought about this for a minute. What a terrible idea it was, reckless. Then she thought about how the monotony of her life had been killing her lately. How she sometimes felt like being dead wouldn't be all that much different from her current stagnant place in the world.

"...why the hell not. But just so you know, I'm not stupid. I know this is a bad idea."

He smiled a crooked smile. "Of course."

She started walking. He was by her side, his hands clasped together loosely behind his back. Her head was buzzing a bit, she was having a difficult time focusing. City lights seemed to blur and the ground appeared uneven.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, sure. I just don't understand what's going on and I definitely don't understand why I'm going with you."

"I'm a charming guy, I've been told."

Haley kept walking. He was studying her and he wasn't trying to hide it. Combat boots, black leggings, a slouchy gray shirt that hung off of one shoulder. She gave off a vibe that wasn't common among his victims. Confident but wary. Careless yet cautious.

As they got further into the city, Haley watched people going in and out of the bars and clubs that framed downtown. She noticed a police car every couple of blocks. Loud, heated voices drew her attention to two men, obviously intoxicated and obnoxiously belligerent. She didn't care to pay attention to what they were fighting over as she stepped into the street to avoid them.

She always did have bad timing, and her effort to stay out of their way failed as one of the men slammed into her-he was pushed hard, and the unexpected force almost knocked her over. Victor stepped between the two and put an arm in front of Haley.

"I highly suggest you apologize to the lady." He glared at them vehemently.

The two looked at him with apparent fear.

"Hey, man. It was an accident. Sorry."

Victor closed his eyes for a second, taking in a sharp breath before hooking his arm around hers nonchalantly. They started to walk again.

Haley was speechless. Who the hell was this guy? Why was she okay with this situation? Was he leading her, now…?

"Are you much further?" he asked.

"Not much."

They were silent until they reached her apartment stoop. The whole time she was aware that their arms were linked together. It was out of place and uncomfortable...and something else that she couldn't peg.

She sat down on the steps and looked up at him. "Well..your good deed is done, thanks."

"You know, the cops are looking for a murderer in Gotham right now."

She shook her head. "Um...alright. Isn't that the norm?"

"All I'm saying is maybe you shouldn't wander by yourself."

"Gotcha." She was staring at him.

He nodded. "See you, then." He didn't give her an opportunity to respond.

Watching him disappear down the street, she smacked her arms against her sides and went into the building.

The foyer was dimly lit and smelled of cigarettes. She walked quickly down the hall and into her apartment, locking the door behind her.