Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or any relating characters. I only own Cassidy Matthews.
Oh, and I forgot to mention, the setting of this story is pre-Batman Begins.
XXX
Cassidy wakes early the next morning. She's draped in a long t-shirt with the name of a band she's unfamiliar with, her hair is sticking up at all ends, sleep stuck in the corners of her eyes. She makes her way to the nearest bathroom and stares in the mirror, rubbing her eyes and flattening her hair with her hand. Crane's nowhere to be seen, and she wonders where he's gone.
She recalls last night and a smirk curls along her lips. She never thought she'd be sleeping with her psychiatrist. She wasn't sure if she'd end up regretting it or not, but for the moment, she was content. Happy, even. The first glimpse of happiness she's experienced in a while.
She waits in the bedroom for another few minutes - her and Crane wandered into there at some point during the evening - before her impatience settles in, and she leaves the room on a search for her... doctor. She starts with the kitchen, where she spent some time in the night before (but not exactly for food-related purposes), then the living room, and lastly, the second bathroom. When Crane fails to appear, she turns her sights on an unfamiliar door that seems to be shut tightly. She presses her ear against the wooden frame, and hears the sound of murmuring within, but she can't make out the words. She turns the doorknob slowly, and the door opens with a moaning creak.
The muttering stops the moment Crane notices her entrance. He's positioned at a desk that's completely engulfed with various papers, none of which Cassidy can make out. The room is depressingly dim and eerie, but she smiles nonetheless. Even in spite of the displeased look on Crane's face.
"I'm sorry, was I interrupting someth-"
"I would very much appreciate it if you wouldn't enter rooms in my apartment without an invitation, Miss Matthews," Crane says sternly. Cassidy recognizes his sour tone, and flinches internally. Leave it to her to fuck things up so quickly. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
"I'm really sorry," she apologizes hastily. "I'm so stupid, I should've knocked. I'm sorry. Do you want me to leave?"
Crane heaves a sigh. "No," he answers, coming toward her, "but I did want to have a conversation with you about something specific."
Cassidy is suddenly filled with the utmost excitement. She grins so widely her jaw aches, her cheeks flushing scarlet red per usual. He's going to ask her out on the date, isn't he? For once, she's more than just a one-night stand, a whore to be thrown away the next day...
"It's research-related," says Crane with a tiny smirk. His response automatically crushes Cassidy's spirit; her smile falls flat, and her body wells with embarrassment.
Crane's reaction is quite opposite - he's pleased with the amount of control he already possesses over her. She'll make a fine companion, easily manipulated and wholly attached. And perhaps even an adequate test subject. They always do.
"Oh," replies Cassidy, trying not to appear crestfallen, "what kind of research?"
"My own personal research. I've been working on it for years," Crane explains. He steps nearer to Cassidy and takes it upon himself to brush her bangs from her eyes and tilt her chin forward, "But I suppose we could discuss it over coffee." It's not an offer, more of a statement. Even if she wanted to deny him, she felt as though she couldn't. But that wasn't a problem, at least not at the moment.
"Yes, of course," Cassidy answers, her excitement surging once again. "Let me get dressed and we can go. I know a really good coffee place."
XXX
The coffee house that Cassidy guides them to is too loud and bustling for Crane's tastes (and matter of business), so he directs them to a small, quaint family-run establishment in Gotham Square. It's much more his style, and Cassidy seems to be pleased with anything he suggests at this point. He likes that about her. Obedient and flexible.
"I'll order us coffee," Cassidy offers brightly. "How do you like yours?"
"Black with two sugars, thank you," Crane replies. As she retrieves their drinks, he wonders if he'll decide to use her as his subject. It's a likely occurrence, and it's not as though he's meaning to make her deranged... he's curious, really. And just the possibility of witnessing a person's rawest fears gives him a rush of pure adrenaline and pleasure. He thrives off fear; it's like a drug to him, and not one he's about to quit using.
I bet she has the sweetest screams, says Scarecrow. It's not to kill her, Johnny. It's just another show for us.
She probably does.
You DID get a glimpse of them last night, Scarecrow adds with a snicker.
Crane almost laughs, but Cassidy arrives back at the table and takes a seat across from him, and he smothers it.
"So, what's this research you were talking about?" she asks interestedly, nudging his drink across the table. "You said it's your own personal research?"
"Yes, I tried to bring it up at my workplace, but my boss was a bit... skeptical, to say the least," Crane explains, pausing to sip his coffee.
"Oh," Cassidy answers. She's a bit hesitant now, but still she pushes forward, "Why? I'm sure it's not illogical?"
"No, of course not," Crane replies. "However... it is research that I'd only like to share with someone open-minded for the time being."
"You think I'm opened-minded?" Cassidy inquires.
"I think you have many positive qualities, that being one of them," says Crane. His tone is almost sickeningly sweet, which is very much unlike him, but Cassidy eats it right up. He's easily able to please her cravings for affection and praise.
"Thank you," she says with a giggle, her cheeks ablaze. "Tell me more about your research. What's it for?"
Crane has already prepared for this question beforehand, so his answer comes smoothly, "Treatment for those suffering from PTSD, certain anxiety disorders, and phobias. A type of exposure therapy, really."
Cassidy leans forward. "Go on," she urges.
Crane chuckles under his breath and replies, "Better yet, would you like me to show you?"
XXX
Second update of the day! I'm on a roll. :3 Reviews would be nice. :)
