I am so sorry for the long wait...
Morning filtered in the grimy window onto Lillie's face. She stared out at the rays of light, letting it warm her face with half-open eyes. Jason's arm was draped over her torso, keeping her anchored beside him with his face in her spine. She had never felt like this. It was so alien, so abnormal. With Jason's arm around her she felt a security that had long vanished after the death of her parents. She turned slightly to kiss his forehead before turning back to the window. She felt lazy, yet invigorated. Drained, yet energized. It was a weird sense of calm and excitement. This was the day that would bring her all the more closer to finality. Two-Face would be dead soon by her own hands.
The thought brought a sly smile to her face. Different scenarios played in her head, each vengeful and exacting. She would make him beg, break his spirit and shred his ego. She would torture him and put him through hell. He'd beg for his death – the suffering would be that bad. She would watch him wither and die a painful death, laughing as anguished tears run down his face. But then again, maybe she wouldn't. Maybe she'd make it quick. A bullet to the head, a snapped neck… Something along those lines. Or maybe she'd just set him on fire. Who knows?
She felt her abdomen clench and her body tremor. She was laughing, trying her best to stifle it as to not wake the sleeping man beside her. But it was too late. Jason was now propped up on an elbow staring at her. She gazed into his eyes, still ever amused. He cocked his head to the side and swept a loose strand of hair that had managed to escape behind her ear. He placed a hand on the side of her face and she leaned into it, nuzzling her face in it and taking in his scent. Jason somehow always smelt good to her, no matter how dirty he got.
"What's so funny?" he asked quietly.
Lillie kissed him softly on his lips, then pulled away to stare into his eyes, all amusement gone from hers. "Today's the day, Jason. I'm that much closer. She'll tell me everything I want to know, willingly or unwillingly. I'm that much closer, Jason, that much." Her voice had trailed off into a whisper and they now stared at each other silently, speaking only with their eyes, appraising each other. The soft morning sun grew warmer as it made its way up into the sky.
"We have a ways to travel, you know?" Jason said, rising and beginning to dress.
Lillie was staring at his body and not fully aware of anything he was saying. "How far is 'a ways'?" she said lazily.
"Far," was Jason's only reply.
Lillie licked her lips, feeling a tingling that only meant one thing…
"Stop dressing. Let's take a shower."
She locked her lips with his, sucking in his bottom lip into hers. The water ran down her spine and she shivered when Jason dug his fingers into her back and clenched her to his body. The tiny bathroom steamed from the hot water, fogging the mirror and facets. Jason's hands were exploring Lillie's body, making her groan in appreciation. He took her breasts into his hands and kneaded them, taking her nipples and tweaking them. He took one into his mouth and began to suck and bite it, causing Lillie to moan loudly. She was becoming fretful and impatient, pushing against his shoulders and the pressure being applied on her. She growled, "Stop teasing, Jason. Foreplay takes too long." There was a hint of a whine in her plea. Jason grunted in reply, "Fine." He brought his lips to hers again, letting their tongues dance inside their mouths. He then plunged his fingers deep inside her, causing her to scream out, breaking the kiss and arching her back.
Her back was pushed against the shower wall; the cool tile mixed with the warm climate of the room and the heat of her own flesh sent chills through her. She was panting as his fingers moved in and out of her in a circular motion. He angled his fingers upwards and she screamed in response. Jason smirked. He could always make the ladies scream. The moistness of her most inner parts was turning him on and soon he was at full attention. He pulled his wet digits out of her and replaced them with his own member. Back still against wall, Lillie hoisted her legs around his waist and squeezed, pulling him in closer and deeper. He moved slowly at first, careful as to not send them both sliding down the wall and crashing onto the shower floor. She found his lips again and began to pillage her lover's mouth. She moaned into his mouth as he began to pick up the pace. Soon he was pounding into her as hard as he could and she dug her fingers into the flies of his back.
Jason was swearing under his breath as she moaned and screamed louder and louder. She bit into his neck as she reached her end. The bite sent Jason over the edge and he emptied himself into her. His chest heaved and he shuddered. He pulled out of her and lowered her feet safely to the ground. Lillie leaned against the wall, resting her body lazily against it. Both were still panting, and Jason's hands were pressed against the wall on either side of Lil's head. She gently kissed his lips. "Clean up. We need to go."
She was watching him search for a clean set of clothing. His towel was wrapped low around his hips. She smiled to herself at the trophy marks she'd left on his back. She took in the rest of his body. He was most definitely a man. His back and shoulders were broad, his muscles large and rippling, chin and facial structure chiseled, and those abs… Those abs. She clenched her towel tighter around her body and bit her lip. No, Lillie, it's time to go, she reminded herself. She began to dress to, silently, never letting the thought cross her mind again.
Once dressed she plopped down on her back onto the mattress. She had packed a knife into her belt and now took it out to play with it, twirling it over her head and between her fingers. "Careful with that," Jason warned. Lillie scoffed and turned over on her belly and began cleaning her nails with the blade. "What's the plan of action, Mr. Todd? How are we gonna make her talk?"
Jason shrugged. "I don't know. We wing it. I'll call her up, tell her I'm stopping by, tell her all the shit you girls love to hear. She'll practically beg me to come over. She can't resist me," he winked. Lillie scowled and lifted an eyebrow. "You better watch yourself, Jason. This knife is sharp." Jason laughed, clearly not taking her seriously. He walked over to the far side of the room and picked up the phone. Frustration rose in Lillie and before she knew it she had sent the knife flying by Jason's head and lodged it into the wall panel behind him. Jason turned to her, trying to keep a straight face but soon lost out to amusement.
"You're the jealous type, aren't you?" his tone was mocking.
She rose from the bed and slinked over to him, yanking the blade from the wall. She ran the cool steel across his face. "No, but I prefer that what's mine stays that way. Watch yourself, Jason," she warned again. Jason shrugged again and began to dial a number she assumed was Duela's. Why'd he remember it so damn easily? Someone on the other end must've picked up because he was now smiling. "Hello, Duela."
Lillie folded her arms across her chest and stared up at him impatiently. He was smiling at whatever she was saying, and it wasn't just any smile, but that mischievous smile he does when he's up to no good. Lillie punched him in his arm. "Speed it along," she rushed in a hushed voice. Jason playfully nudged her aside. "Hey, listen. I would love to stop by, that is if you don't mind… Great, see you soon." He hung up the phone and turned to Lillie, only to receive another punch, of course. He sighed. "You really need to stop doing that. C'mon, let's go."
Lillie's arms were wrapped around Jason's torso as they sped along on his motorcycle. The wind whipped her hair around her face and she constantly had to sweep it behind her ears. She couldn't fathom what it'd look like once the ride was over. She would make sure to take a moment to compose herself before entering the home of her nemesis's daughter.
"How close are we?" Lillie asked, tightening her grip as they rounded a sharp curve.
"We're getting closer. Five, ten minutes tops."
Her heart sped up a bit. Yes, she was closer. She looked around at the scenery around her. This was not what she expected of an individual like Duela. Duela was the type who liked to make a statement, the type who liked attention. Lillie expected her to live in the center of Gotham at least, yet she lived far off, secluded in the far off woods. Lillie hadn't seen a single house since the city disappeared behind them. She squinted against the wind battering her face. She hadn't seen Duela in years; she had barely seen her when they were kids. Duela had, over the years, become this oddball criminal, wearing various stripes and colors, taking on the personas of other Gotham villains. Who was she now? The Joker's Daughter? The Riddler's? Did she even know who she was anymore?
"We're here," Jason says, breaking her train of thought.
They rounded a curve to reveal a large Colonial-style home, stretching at least three stories high with a flat-top roof with a garden on top. Duela lived here? Where was the grandeur, the glamour? This was definitely not what Lillie expected. Jason parked the bike outside the door, which had a flight of steps itself you had to climb to reach. Okay, Lillie recanted, it may not be the house I expected, but it damn sure is stately. She climbed off the motorcycle followed by Jason. She stretched her body and stared up at the grand wooden door. She clenched her fists. "Let's go, Jason."
Step by step, closer and closer, finality coming nearer and nearer within reach. She stood before the door and raised her hand to knock but it swung open before she got the chance. A tall slender blonde stood before her. Gilda? Lillie's eyes widened. Holiday? There was no way. Gilda's eyes appraised the redhead before her, taking her in and analyzing her. Her eyes then left Lillie and found Jason. A large smile formed on her face and Lillie turned to see that Jason had formed one too.
"Why, hello Gilda," said Jason, in a low seductive voice.
Lillie scoffed. He's disgusting.
"Why, hello handsome. You look just as well as before," Gilda replies.
Lillie groaned internally. She's just as worse.
"And you look just as lovely as before," Jason says with a wink, taking the older blonde's hand and kissing it.
That's enough. Lillie slaps Gilda's hand from Jason's grasp and smiles the most devious, cynical smile yet.
"We came to talk business and that is what we'll do," she said through clenched teeth, never losing her smile.
Gilda wringed her hands and rolled her eyes, tossing her hair back over her shoulder. "Very well. I suppose I'll allow you in." Lillie and Jason followed closely behind the tall blonde, whose stride was unmistakable. She led them to a parlor room with large vintage couches. This becomes more and more unlike Duela. They all sit, Lillie beside Jason and Gilda across the room. There are footsteps nearby. Duela? Lillie tensed.
"Mom? He's here?"
Duela enters the room and Lillie's heart begins to pump with adrenaline. She turned to Gilda. "You're Duela's mother?" Gilda shrugged. "I am… Lillie," she replies nonchalantly. Lillie's eyes widened. She hadn't expected her to know her name. How would she? Duela sat on the arm of her mother's chair. She looks like a fairy. Her hair is short and a deep, rich red. She has a petite build and looks as dainty as ever. Whatever resemblance they had when they were little was definitely gone now. Duela flashed a brilliant smile. "Hi, Jason. Pour you a drink?" Jason smiles. He is way more lax than Lillie. "Sure thing," he grins. Duela crosses the room to a cupboard and retrieves a large bottle of wine and four glasses. She placed a glass before each individual, saving Lillie for last and pausing to stare into her eyes. "Will you be drinking with us?" she asked cautiously. Lillie tried her best to give a polite smile but she could tell it failed. "I suppose one glass won't hurt," she said quietly. Duela nodded and poured more than enough into Lillie's glass before returning to her spot beside her mother.
The bottle was placed in front of Jason, who had already finished his glass and was reaching to pour another. Idle conversation bounced between the company but Lillie remained silent, her eyes trained on Duela. The voices seemed to fade around her and her head felt hollow. She needed to speak with Duela alone. It wasn't until she saw Jason's hand reach for the bottle that she came back into focus. She clasped a hand around Jason's wrist. "That'll be enough, Jason," she said sternly, her eyes burning holes into him. He sighed and lowered the bottle. He'd get his chance again.
Lillie cleared her throat and turned to Duela. She felt more confident and managed to pull off a smile that looked sincere enough. "Duela, your home is beautiful. I would love to see more of it. Show me around?" she requested sweetly. Duela shrugged. "Sure, let's go."
Lillie followed Duela out of the room and heard Gilda say to Jason is a hushed voice, "Oh, drink up. She's not around, doll." Lillie rolled her eyes. She didn't have to ride on the back of a motorcycle with him. Duela looked over her shoulder at her follower. A smile crossed her face. She led her up the steps and down a long corridor. She paused at a door. "Oh, Lillie, let me show you my closet please! You'll love it," the petite little miss said with a smile. Lillie was beginning to feel uncomfortable. This place was too formal and the inhabitants too friendly. What the hell was going on?
The door opened to reveal Duela's bedroom, a large, lavish dwelling place. The colors were deep and rich, something you'd expect in a palace. Lillie paused to take it all in. She could only imagine what the rest of the home looked like. Duela stood by another door on the far side of the room. She cleared her throat and motioned for Lillie. "Follow me."
The closet was massive and more of what Lillie expected. Her many various costumes and wigs were scattered about in disarray. On one wall hung weapons. This was Duela. Lillie stooped and ran her fingers and palm across a feather boa. "This is pretty," she said, trying her best to make conversation. Duela stood over her. "You can have it," she offered. Lillie looked up at her. "Really? Why?"
Duela shrugged. "You like it and sisters share. That's what sisters are for."
"Sisters?"
"Yes, sisters."
Lillie gazed down at the accessory in her hand. "Thanks but no thanks," she said as she stood. Duela stood against a wall, looking at her "sister." Her arms folded across her chest and her voice was different when she spoke again. "Lillie, come with me. We need to talk."
She pushed against the wall and, to Lillie's surprise, it opened, revealing what appeared to be an elevator. Duela stepped in and waited for her. Hesitantly, Lillie followed. The door closed and Duela hit a button, sending them upward slowly. Once it stopped and opened again Duela stood aside and allowed Lillie to exit before her. They were on the roof and the sun was bright. Lillie walked to the edge of the roof and looked down. If she were to jump she could totally make it; she'd jumped from higher. She had to admit, the place was beautiful. It reminded her of Two-Face's lush home, which reminded her of why she was there. She turned and immediately had to dodge Duela, who was charging her at full speed with a knife wielded.
Out of Duela's path, she turned to face her adversary and kicked the knife out of her hand. Duela looked shocked momentarily, but it soon dissolved with a smile. She charged again and the two were engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Lillie hadn't expected Duela to be as strong as she really was. Duela was clinging onto her back, her arms tucked under Lillie's neck, strangling her. Lillie managed to reach behind her and toss the smaller fighter to the ground. Duela landed on her back, dazed. Lillie advanced on her, prepared to end it all then and there. If she couldn't get the information from Duela, she could get it from Gilda. She had to know where her ex-husband was, right?
Duela's eyes her closed tight and she was wincing, clearly in pain. Lillie sat on her, straddling her torso. She reared back, prepared to land a hard blow but Duela's yells stopped her short.
"Stop! Stop! That was a test! Get off of me!" she yelled.
Confused but ever wary, Lillie stood and allowed the other to stand and compose herself.
"A test? What do you mean?" Lillie inquired, an eyebrow raised.
Duela sighed. "To see if you were tough enough. I haven't seen you since you ran off that night. You're here to kill my father, aren't you?"
Lillie blinked. "Yes, he has to die."
Duela smiled. "Good. I'll tell you all you wish to know," she said. Whoa, what was going on? Why was she so willing to help someone hunt and kill her own father? Lillie stepped back, taking a defensive stance. "Why are you doing this? Why are you so eager to help?" she demanded. The other shrugged; she seemed to do that a lot, Lillie had noticed.
"Isn't it obvious? He's weak. He could never fend for himself. He's always had everything handed to him on a silver platter. He's always made me sick. He uses money to fuel his wishes, paying off henchmen to do his dirty work. Never lifting a finger. That's not a man. Men go out and do, not sit around and give out orders. He wasn't one to look up to and I never did. Ever wonder why I claimed the daughter of everyone else? The Joker? The Riddler? Because they're doers. They do. They're not weak like my father. I wish I had been born to them. Maybe then I'd have someone to look up to and I wouldn't be telling you where to go kill them."
Lillie stood silently. So Duela hated Two-Face? Granted, the reason was different, but it was hate, and she wanted him just as dead as Lillie. Duela stared at her, standing as still as a statue, the wind blowing her hair gently. "He's in Hawaii. He has an island to himself. Which one, I don't know. That's all I can tell you."
Lillie found her eyes and bowed her head.
"Thank you… sister," she said quietly.
"That's what sisters are for," Duela replied, a smile threatening to split her face in half.
Suddenly there were arms around Lillie and she gasped. Duela's head tucked under her chin and her body pressed against hers. Apprehensively, Lillie wrapped her arms around the other and allowed her head to rest atop hers.
"Lillie?"
"Yes?"
"Save his head for me," Duela requested.
She pulled away and held Lillie at arm's length. A devious, mischievous, devilish smile had formed on Lillie's face. Her eyes were on fire, blazing. A sadistic chuckle escaped her lips.
"Sorry, I don't plan to leave anything behind after I'm through with him."
Okay, once again, I am so sorry! I hope you guys like the chapter though.
This...is the last chapter before the end. D:
Yep. The story's winding down.
I hope you guys liked it so far and continue to like it!
Thanks (: Love y'all!
