Well HELLO everyone! It's been some time, I know, but as I said, I'm going to complete this story. I've just invested some of my time in other endeavors. Also, had a smidge of writers block. Knew what I wanted to write, but didn't know how I wanted to write it. ANYWAY, just two or three more chapters to go before we reach the conclusion! But first, let me answer your lovely reviews:

theoriginalsrizzlesouat1D - AHHHH! I hope this chapter satisfies your curiosity! Although, I may or may not have created MOAR suspense. ;)

Kas221 - Thank you, as always! She definitely has more than words to throw at Olive, that's for sure.

panda-chan - Thank you! And there will definitely be more cameos by a few other villains as well. As for Olive's future career, who knows where this turbulent relationship will take her. Let's just hope she manages to stay alive at this point. Haha!

Guest - Aww well thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my entire story! You're awesome! I hope this extra long chapter I pumped out continues to be a source of enjoyment. :)

hermonine - Thank you! Updated as soon as I could, Hope you're still here!

beth - You want to see a reaction, you are surely going to get one in this chapter. Haha. Hope you enjoy!

Again, thank you everyone for the reviews and the FAVS AND FOLLOWS! I'm still getting them and that means soooo much! This chapter is a much longer chapter than the rest so I hope that makes up a little bit for the delay. As always, read and review because reviews are ALWAYS welcome. Enjoy!

"If you can't stand the heat,
Then stay out of the fire,
You might get what you, desire.
Boy, love is strange,
Sometimes it makes you crazy,
It can burn or break you down.

I'm in love, I'm in love,
Love in a hurricane,
I'm in love, I'm in love,
Love in a hurricane

I've been bad, I've been wrong,
Playing a dangerous game"

- Lana Del Rey, "Playing Dangerous"

I sat up, casting an ominous glare in her direction.

The clown girl tapped the end of the bat in her left palm as she blew translucent, pink bubbles. Her eyes swirled with crazy. "So I've been thinking-"
"That's cute." I stretched out my arms and rolled my neck. I was beyond the point of choosing my words carefully.
A twisted grin curled upon her face. "Huh, so the rumors were true. You've gained quite a mouth, ya little insect." She strode closer to me, leaning in. "I think you've become too comfortable here."
I smiled mischievously. "Well, if I have that's only because Mister J treats me so nice."
Her expression immediately turned sour. "Why you little…" She went to swing her bat into the side of my face but I caught it with my left hand. I'd be lying if I said the impact wasn't excruciating.
Regardless, I held my ground and rose to my knees on the bed. Gripping the edge of the bat, I shoved it backwards into her chest. Harley stumbled a bit as I growled. "Give it up, Quinn. Whatever the reason is as to why I'm still here, neither of us will know." I gracefully slinked off the mattress. "But I am, and I saved J's life. I'm not gonna keep running around in circles with you."
"That's nice, but here's the thing, I don't care!" She took another swing, this time catching my wrist.
I stepped back to nurse it. She laughed manically and came in for another. I dodged to the left, bobbing down and up to avoid the hard wood. When I came back up I grabbed ahold of her wrist and rotated it in the wrong direction forcing her to drop the bat. Then I clocked her square in the jaw.
Her head lulled back for a second but she recovered quickly. Her right leg came up and kneed me in the side. I crumpled to the floor as the wind was knocked out of me. I was never certain if I could win this fight, however, I'd be satisfied as long as I got in a few good punches.
She ripped me up to her level by my hair. "You may have some pretty locks but my Puddin' isn't into washed up beauty queens."
I chuckled, "If I didn't know any better I'd say that was a compliment."
She punched me right in the cheek, never letting go of my hair. "If ya know what's good for you, you'll leave this place. Like now."
"You still think it's that easy?"
Her brow furrowed. "Sure. I've decided it'll be much more fun to hunt you down along with J instead of letting you mettle with things from the inside."
"You're delusional."
An open-mouthed grin spread. "Surprised?"
"No, but you should understand that I'm not the only one doing the mettling."
She didn't like that answer. You could tell that internally, she was struggling to believe J had any interest in me at all. She refused to believe it. Her teeth clenched as she went in for another swing. I grabbed her fist and brought my knee up into her abdomen. She released my hair allowing me to crawl across the bed to the other side.
With some distance between us, I stanced myself, ready to rumble. She huffed vehemently before fixing her hair. "You really wanna die today, don't cha? I can make that happen."
Suddenly, she lunged across the mattress for me and I took the bedside lamp and smashed Harley in the head with it. Then I circled around the bed watching her shake it off like it was hardly anything. She laughed through gritted teeth as blood trickled down the side of her temple.
The clown girl leaped off the bed, twirling the bat in her left hand. "Come on little bug, why don't you let me squash you!"
Harley's bat landed into the dresser that was behind me. Jewelry and hair pins clattered to the carpet. I maneuvered myself to my trusty knives all splayed out on the bedside table. This scenario gave me major deja-vu.
I picked up two and countered another strike from Harley by defending myself. She still had a crazy grin sprawled across her lips as she put weight into the object. I tried to keep my features as expressionless as possible as I struggled to keep her back.
She grew real tired, real fast of our standstill. Her grin morphed into a toothy scowl. "Just" She raised her bat up only to swing it at me from another direction. "Die already!"
I ducked and brought my body back up to greet my blade with her throat. She froze almost instantly, a faltering look over coming her. Glaring at one another, you could cut the tension with a knife. Then, a small smile curled at the corner of her lips.
"Do it. I dare ya."
I was tempted. So tempted. Just one clean slice and she'd bleed out before anyone could even call a doctor. Inch by inch…
"Ladies…" A gravelly voice intruded on our brawl.
We both turned our heads to see J appearing rather unpleased at this predicament. However, Harley's face lit up as she backed away from me.
"Puddin'!" She went to bounce happily over to him but he raised a bejeweled hand to stop her. She frowned.
"Papillon"
I lowered my knives. "Yes, Mister J?"
He closed his eyes taking in a deep breath. "What business did Penguin have here?"
Harley's nose scrunched, "Penguin? That bird-brain?"
My heart dropped. I had almost forgotten about that. "He wanted to extend an invitation to a party he's hosting."
J looked reasonably skeptical. "You mean to tell me he waddled all this way just to invite me to some detrimental gathering that I'm sure he is well aware, I have no intentions of coming to?"
I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. "Wellll, it didn't start out that way."
He narrowed his icy blue hues and stepped toward me. "What does that mean? And be clear."
His stare captured mine. Harley stood off to the side sporting a shit-eating grin. I set the blades down on the bedside table. "From what I'm told, it was supposed to be just a few people but-" My eyes gravitated to the clown queen. "-he'd heard of Harleen's situation and all that followed before that and decided to turn it into a magnificent festivity. I ima-"
The blonde hissed, "-It's Harley! Ya got that?!"
"Hush, Harls. Enough with semantics, let the little bug finish." J had his hand raised again.
Harley stuck her tongue out at me as I continued with a smile. "Like I was saying," I adjusted my robe. "I imagine it's just Penguin's way of showing off his riches. His influences. He seems like a man who wins people over with promises."
J curled a finger under his nose, lowering his face. "And for what reason would our feathered friend need to do that?"
I laced my fingers together against my thighs. "Well, with Belle Reve coming to light and the possibility of being forced into Task Force X, I wouldn't dream of any villain who'd want to end up on that side of the fence." I stepped forward carefully. "So wouldn't it be better to gather as many as possible to provide protection or better yet, a solution to this problem? Because, honestly, Mister J, at the end of the day when it comes to push and shove, you'll want to be on the winning side. Despite Batman, criminals rule Gotham."
A grin of metal reflected brightly in my eyes. He let his arms fall to his sides. "Well, Olive, you aren't wrong. Penguin's always been quite the coward." He chuckled mildly.
"But me and Mistah J can handle ourselves just fine." Harley snootily added.
Ignoring the woman's sass, I kept myself focused on the green haired clown. "As true as that may be, no one said you'd have to agree to any unity. I personally think a night out would do us all some good. Besides, he did make it a point to emphasis that Harley would be a guest of honor. Which means, free drinks."
Her pale face lit up as she gestured a hand to herself. "Me? A guest of honor?"
I played into her excitement. "And why not? Word has it The Enchantress was defeated because of you."
She giggled, "Well, Deadshot helped a little." She was eating out of the palm of my hand. She propped an elbow up on J's shoulder. "J, people are finally noticing my talents. Isn't that great?"
The older man pinched the bridge of his nose but his pupils never wavered from mine. "Yessss." He let his tongue elongate the last letter.
"Ohhhh Puddin' I have the perfect outfit for the occasion!" She stared dreamily off into space. The impatientence in J's face ever growing. "Wait!" She jumped, gripping her king's arm instead. "You said us, we ain't going as a three piece, bug."
I let the anger wash past me. "That's fine."
J raised a non-existent eyebrow, suspicious. Harley hummed with delight as Ben the butler entered the scene. He presented the clown with an envelope. "This just arrived, sir."
Harley squealed, swiping the paper from his hands. "This must be the formal invitation!" She twirled around while opening it and skimmed it posthaste. She was riding on the exact high I needed her to.
"A masquerade?!" Her voice raised an octave while whipping back around to J. "Puddin', we get to dress up! Now we have to go!"
Where I thought he'd explode with utter irritation, he instead displayed a minuscule smile. "I hear you loud and clear, Harls." He patted the girl on the head. "You go pick something out and Daddy will join you momentarily."
"You're the best, Mistah J." She pecked him a kiss on the cheek and shot me another tongue before prancing out of my room.
As soon as J focused back on me, he frowned. "Why do I get the feeling theres something you aren't sharing about your little rendezvous with Cobblepot?"
I scoffed, "It's a rendezvous now, huh?"
"Don't be cute." He licked his lips as he advanced on me hastily.
I didn't budge. "I'm not. I just don't understand what's so bone rattling about a party?"
"Well," he chuckled and outstretched his arms. "I have to be leery of all of my enemies, naturally."
"Enemies?" my face reflected confusion. "I thought you and Penguin were friends?"
"Frienemies" His silver teeth shined. "Is that what the kids call it these days?" He pointed a finger at me. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
"Oh, I see. Penguin doesn't seem to feel that way."
"Penguin feels whichever way will favor him. Remember that." He sized me up, inching near. "And I'd hate to see you fall on the wrong side of the tracks."
It was simple but it cut me deep. He was warning me, I could tell. Whether it was for my benefit or his own, I wasn't entirely sure. Regardless of all of that I knew that what Penguin wanted was rather straightforward. Though he was a villain himself I couldn't fathom him knocking off J if he really needed his assistance. J was a powerful ally.
Or maybe I was being too naive.
"Yes, Mister J."
He clapped palms down on either side of my shoulders, squeezing slightly. "Good."
The clown let his hands slide off of me as he exited the room. I let out a relieved sighed. It was a good thing I didn't plan on making a habit of lying to Mister J. Regardless of whether it was small or not, that was close.
Too close.
Flopping backwards onto my bed, my eyes drew invisible patterns into the blank ceiling. Despite the calm and collected, but total lie of answer I gave Harley, I was actually excited for the event as well. And I couldn't help but revel in her reaction when she discovered other wise.
A faint smile tugged at my thin lips as I let my eyelids close dreamily. Perhaps now I could finally get some sleep.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Perhaps not.
"Come in." I called without even opening my eyes.
"Miss Pendragon, a package has arrived for you." Ben's voice had taken me a little off guard.
I immediately sat up. "Just now?"
The butler tapped his fingers against the package paper, stepping in slowly. "Well, Miss, it actually arrived with the invitation but…" He became shifty eyed. "…I figured since Mister Joker isn't aware it was I who let Mister Penguin in, thus keeping my job, then he needn't be aware that you were attending with said Penguin. Not just yet." He winked.
Hmm, maybe I was wrong about Benjamin. I gave him my best smile and ushered him to hand me the package. "Thank you very much, Ben."
The old man bowed before he left and as soon as he closed the door behind himself I flipped over and bounced the present in the mattress. I wasted no time in tearing off the sandy colored paper to reveal a shimmery, silver box. It had beautifully written script on the lid that if I hadn't been so eager, or cared, I would have stopped to read it. However, it was from Penguin, so I knew it was expensive.
Inside a mess of turquoise and blue stuck out like a sore thumb from the elegant, neutral packaging but before I could get to that I picked up the small note handwritten on top.

To Miss Pendragon,

Please accept this gift for the party. I'll be by around 6:30 sharp.
Once a chrysalis, forever a butterfly.

Oswald Cobblepot

I giggled. What an awkwardly sweet man…whom seemed to know a little too much. Tossing the card to the side, I tore into the box pulling out a long, sparkly dress. The aquamarine hues were vibrant against the coating of sparkles that danced in the light. I admired it's dazzling beauty.
Finding the neck, I held the item by it's spaghetti straps up to myself in the mirror. It appeared very fitted but I think I could manage to squeeze into it. I smoothed a hand delicately down the front. It had a slit that ran mid-thigh. I would definitely have to wear heels with this little number.
Now on my tip-toes, I glanced back toward the silver box. More glittery items seemed to fill it's content. I hung the dress on the bathroom door handle and made my way back to the package. I traced the shimmery wings of the butterfly mask inside.
Clever. Clever. Clever.
A crooked smile hooked the corner of my lips. Penguin appeared to be known for playing up his part, I suppose I should've expected him to suggest to me the same.
I lifted the mask to my face as I bounced toward the mirror. I was now fully prepared for this evenings masquerade. I would sparkle like a jewel and if I were lucky, maybe Mister J wouldn't be mad enough to deny me a dance. He'd place a hand on the small of my back as I wound both arms around his pale neck. I'd let my head nestle at the crook of his shoulder and his lips would just brush the tip of my forehead.
I sighed, swaying from side to side, remembering that Harley was still going to be there. Resting the mask on the bedside table, I climbed back into bed. As much as I'd have loved to day dream about things that would never be, it was still rather early and I hadn't caught a wink of shut eye yet. Purple bags wasn't something I intended on wearing in my masquerade fantasy.
I pulled the fluffy comforter up to the tip of my nose before dozing easily into a deep slumber. So deep in fact, that as quickly as I had fallen asleep, I was being shook by some great force.
"Miss." It hissed. "Miss!"
My eyelids fluttered open to visage of wrinkles.
"Miss! Are you not to accompany Mister Penguin at 6:30 sharp?"
It had been Ben trying to rouse me. His thick, grey brows were knitted together as he eyed me and the clock. I followed his worried gaze.
"Ah!" I screamed, leaping from the confines of my bed. The clock had read 5:59 PM!
"I don't believe this! What rotten luck." I scolded the world as I gathered all the things I would need to get dressed, half turning to Ben. "Thank you, Benjamin. That'll be all."
He promptly left after a short bow, leaving me to scour about my room. I threw on undergarments not caring if they matched and pulled on the dress in one fell swoop. It was as snug as I imagined it would be but nothing I couldn't breath in. The aquamarine piece generously accentuating the curves I did have.
I ran to my closet to strap on some silver heels and then stared at the mess of my ashen hair. What was I to even do with this? My pupils surveyed the top of my dresser for a solution. I had a hair tie and some clips.
That'll have to do.
I pulled my hair up in to a messy bun, pulling out some strands to wisp about my face. I then added a sparkling silver clip to give it a little pizazz. J wasn't a fan of any of my updos but I had to remind myself that tonight my date would be with a bird and not a clown.
As I was adding the finishing touches of the light make-up I applied, a knock sounded against the hard wood of the door. "Come in, Ben"
The greying man peeked his head in, "Miss, Mister Cobblepot has just arrived." I eyed the clock. 6:30 sharp. "What shall I tell him?"
I smacked my lips together. "Tell him I'll be right down."
"As you wish."
I coated my lashes with mascara, shrugged on the long, shimmery cape that also accompanied the dress, and propped the mask against the bone structure around my eyes. I felt almost like royalty in my luminescent duds. Something told me I was meant to stand out tonight.
As my heels clicked in unison down the marbled staircase an unpleasant scowl greeted me. The deep pools of blue reflecting endless bouts of fury. "Tell me, little bug, I was under the impression that you were fine with not attending this…this…glorified costume party?"
I paused at the last step. "I was…until I found a date."
J's eyes grew dangerous. "Date?"
I smiled, carefully stepping down to circle him halfway. "Well, not really a date, really. There's nothing between Penguin and I. He's just so kindly invited me."
The clown tugged at the bottom of his suit jacket, sizing me up. "So kindly enough that he even bought you your very own outfit." He stalked me like a cat as his voice raised an octave. "Because I know I didn't buy you that get up. I'd say that's too kind"
My fingers gripped the insides of my cape, trembling. "Honestly, what's it to you, Mister J? You chose your date for the evening. Forgive Penguin for thinking that a butterfly should be free to flutter it's wings instead of bottled up in a jar."
Pale fingers roughly clutched my forearm. "Or pinned up on a wall."
His breath was hot on the side of my neck as he seethed and as terrifying as he was, there was something elating about it all together. This emotion, could it be-?
"I'd hate to disturb you Mister Joker, Miss Pendragon, but I do believe there is a gentleman waiting outside."
J side-eyed him, ready to draw blood but I briskly brushed him off. "Thank you very much, Benjamin. We shouldn't keep Mister Cobblepot waiting any longer."
A barrage of small chuckles erupted behind me as I was about to leave through the mansion entrance. I cocked my head back to see J covering a tattooed hand over his mouth. The lines around his eyes crinkled as he laughed. Then he released himself to shake a finger in my direction.
"Oh, you're good. I see what you're trying to do, Olive. It's all clear to me now."
Truthfully, I had no idea what he was talking about. My eyebrows raised with the thought. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean, J."
"I see you, Olive." His tone turned harsh. "I see you. After everything I've done for you-!"
I saw Harley approaching up his rear as he began to shout. Her features were contorted to confusion. "Puddin'?"
I swiftly closed the door behind me. There was no way I was sticking around for the end of that argument. Despite wanting to know what it is exactly that he saw.
I climbed into the back of Penguin's limousine with as much grace as possible after that whole ordeal. The smile on his face indicating he was already privy to it all. I tried to give a weak smile back.
"He's quite mad." Penguin leaned forward with what seemed to be a detection of enthusiasm.
I narrowed my eyes. "So you've noticed."
The strange man giggled as he straightened himself out. "Well, we all know how Joker is when one messes with his things."
"Things?" I clenched my jaw.
Penguin's pupils flashed to mine. "Are you not?"
"No"
"No?"
"Yes"
"Are you sure?"
My hard stare rolled to the passing world beyond the window. "It's complicated."
"It always is."
I looked back to him to see him resting his hands on the tip of his cane. He was still grinning from ear to ear. I suddenly became very irritated. "I needn't explain any of it because I'm positive you already know the whole story. So what does any of it got to do with you?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing." He eased up. "It's just, when you've known Joker for as long as I have it's actually rather humorous to see someone as insignificant as you make a man like him squirm." He bent his arm at the elbow so he could rest his chin on his palm. "It's quite fascinating, really. I can't figure it out."
"Well, I'm glad it's a source of entertainment for you." My voice dripped with sarcasm.
He shook his head lightly, "No, no, I think you misunderstand the situation entirely." He cupped his hands, holding them out. "What it is you truly posses within the palm of your hands." I glared at him, dumbfounded, trying to decipher what he was saying. Instead, he blinked his eyelids and withdrew. "Never mind that, Miss Pendragon, why talk about such dreary things when we should be celebrating!"
"I wanna know." I interjected, tilting my head. "What kind of criminal are you, anyway?"
Now he was the one with the odd look. "Whatever do you mean?"
"I mean," I hunched towards his thin frame. "what purpose is it you serve in this decadent lifestyle? You're low key enough to where you roam pretty freely and yet the Batman still keeps tabs. What is it you do?"
A look of distain settled on his pointy face. "And how would delving into my personal operations with you, benefit me?"
"It doesn't." I stated flatly. " I don't need you to delve into anything. I'm just trying to understand how one man walks free and one can't. Considering you boast about doing about the same amount of work essential, what's your schtick?"
He held up a gloved pointer finger. "I don't do any of it myself."
"Hm?"
He was smiling again as he lowered his hand. "Unlike our favorite clown, I don't do the jobs myself. I may orchestra them, pay into them, plan them, what have you, but, I'm never physically there. I'm never truly connected."
I started to giggle, "So you're kind of like a mob boss?"
"Yes" He sounded very irate. "Why is that so funny?"
I attempted to quell my fit. "I'm sorry, it's just hard to picture. You don't look like one."
He quipped me. "I don't look like many things, Miss Pendragon, but I assure you the last thing you'd ever want to do is underestimate anyone."
I calmed myself. "I don't underestimate you, Mister Cobblepot, I just find you strange."
He still looked upset. "Thanks."
I reached a delicate hand for his. "I do want to graciously thank you for the escort and the costume. It was beyond any kindness you needed to show."
He tugged his hand away, staring off into the distance. "No need for that."
I leaned back in my seat, grinning. He was a man who lived off of praise and ass kissing. He indulged in secrets to sell them for a higher price. A man who made a career out of being a weasel. A powerful weasel at that.
We sat in silence for the next twenty minutes before we pulled up to an extravagantly large building. In bold, ice blue lettering it said "The Iceberg Lounge" atop the packed entrance. A long line of hopefuls dressed to the nines waited fervently to get in. My grey hues eyed Penguin.
"I thought this was a villains only party?"
He shrugged, "I have to keep my business running. Besides, the Iceberg has many levels, my dear."
Our car door was tugged opened and the driver offered his hand to me. Stepping out, I couldn't help but feel my stomach waiver as the sea of people turned in our direction, curious to see the flightless bird and his plus one. Cobblepot was more than use to this kind of attention, I'm sure. He had an infamous celebrity status amongst the citizens of Gotham. I, however, only knew eyes from the stage. If they were scrutinizing me, I wouldn't know. The notes of my music drowned them out.
Penguin looped his arm with mine as we walked past the agonizingly long line. Their intent stares of agog were probably more focused on the mask about my face. Which reminded me that they couldn't actually see who I was.
And maybe that was the point.
Every bouncer and staff member let us in without question, nodding their heads in greeting. Up until this point, I had never seen such a wide grin plastered to the pointy visage of my temporary companion. You could tell he took great pride in the image he portrayed to the world. He craved respect and he got it. Despite how he obtained it.
As we trudged through back hallways, my mind wandered to a green haired man. He was pretty angry with the minor backstabbing I had done. Although that wasn't my intentions, I couldn't help but shiver with J's accusations which prompted me to shut my eyes momentarily. This feeling, this vibration, like fluttering of butterfly wings, was becoming more prominent each day.
The ding of the elevator brought me back to the present. It's mechanical doors slid open as we boarded it. I was in awe at the intricate detail Penguin had put into something as simple as a lift. The cerulean blue on the inside almost made you feel chilly. Regardless of all the parts it took to make up such a contraption, he had it detailed to appear as if the entire thing were carved from ice blocks.
Running the tips of my fingers along a gleaming panel, he chuckled. "Amazing, isn't it? Pure crystal I had imported." His matching irises beamed with delight at the high ceiling. "Couldn't very well use real ice, unless I employed Mister Freeze." He snorted at his own joke, raising the back of his hand to his nose. "This was the next best thing."
"Extravagant." I smiled.
The corners of his mouth slightly retreated. "You know, it's the little details in life that everyone seems to want to gloss over. Yes, this may just be an elevator and yes, I may have dipped a bit too much money into it but this elevator is the gateway from room to room. It's the first impression." His eyes now met mine. "Did you know that when I opened this place I never had a dress code. Actually, I still technically don't and yet, people still and have been coming dressed in their Sunday best. Do you understand the gravity of that?"
"A first impression is a powerful thing."
His quirky smile returned. "That's exactly right, my dear. Which is why the stairs are equally as beautiful."
The gates of the lift gently slid apart to reveal a grand ballroom of sorts. It was very reminiscent of the one on the cruise ship. Only, instead of gold hues it was decorated in velvet black, silver, and crystalline. I truly felt like I was waltzing into a glacial palace.
I looked over to my feathered companion as he placed a Scaramouche mask upon his face. "Ready?" He inquired.
I gave him a graceful nod as we descended the marble staircase lined in the middle with velvet black carpeting. At the bottom of the steps there were already thickets of guests with shiny glasses of liquor between their fingers. Various masks disguised each criminal attendee so it was hard to tell who was whom. But I knew that when he did arrive, there'd be no missing that clown.
Penguin escorted me to a private corner table next to the smaller stage. It was round with a white table cloth a top it. Silver accents adorned the silverware and napkins as well as the chairs. I noticed that ace villains liked to nestle themselves in corners of rooms. I supposed that had to do with the lack of worry one would have to feel knowing there was no-one else behind you but a wall. It also made it easier to surround yourself with bodyguards.
I eyed the four goons standing around the table.
For the first half of the evening I found myself sitting alone sipping on the wine in my glass. While Penguin busied himself with an opening speech and usual gracious mingling a host is obligated to, I spied on all the odd bodies, secretly on the lookout. Taking into consideration that this was a room chalk full of Gotham's notorious it was still impressive that this many miscreants dwelled in the city alone, roaming free.
I had lived in this city for a few years but mostly kept to myself. Angelo made it a point to keep me out of the dirty bits of the business. I was only suppose to be the glamorous topper on the tree. The beacon that lured the undesirable into his club. They could look, but couldn't touch.
I pressed the edge of the glass to my lips, sighing. I was starting to feel quite bored. I imagine a masquerade being much more exciting. Or maybe that was because my date was nowhere to be found.
Then, like a genie summoned to answer my wishes, Cobblepot stood before me at the table. "How about a dance?" He offered a gloved hand.
The corners of my lips upturned. I set the wine down as I followed him onto the dance floor. The orchestra he had hired played nothing but classical pieces. It fit the atmosphere brilliantly while we swayed from side to side. He actually wasn't a terrible dancer, even with his injured leg.
As we floated across the granite floor, Penguin spoke in my ear. "Are you enjoying yourself, Papillon?"
There was a hint of bourbon in his breath. "Quite much, so." His eyes shifted around the room behind me. "I can't thank you enough for this evening out of the house."
He pulled back, "Oh no, it's you I should be thanking. Your talents of persuasion and hold on Joker are what continues to make my business ventures successful."
My cheeks ran hot. "Well, I wouldn't say that, exactly."
"And why not?" The gelled pieces of salt and peppered hair touched my forehead.
My smile was weak. "He has Harley. Theres no room for a nobody like me. He's made that clear numerous times." I giggled faintly. "I just don't know when to give up."
"Has he?" There was something strange lurking within the depths of his irises. "Shall we find out?"
And, like the over confident man he liked to portray, he pressed his thin lips to mine. I made a surprised sound at the back of my throat as a shockwave struck me. We immediately halted our dance as my hands cringed against his upper arms. Never once did I get the vibe he ever felt any sort of attraction towards me. Just the same, I didn't have any towards him.
A hand reached out to grip his shoulder and spun him around.
And then, I understood.
"You little vulture, I'm going to clip your wings ever so slowly." Furious blue eyes glared menacingly at the victim between his clasped digits.
The room had fallen silent as J practically strangled Penguin. The feather brained fellow struggled to find the words to ease the fury in his attacker. You could tell he had bit off more than he could chew. I suspected the alcohol had made him too bold.
"Now, now, J" Cobblepot pried at the fingers attached to his throat. "It didn't mean anything. It was a joke. Just a joke. I know how you love jokes!"
Guns were drawn at the back of J's head as Penguins goons closed in. My hands shook against my chest. If Mister J didn't lighten up, his brains might be spattered across the grey granite floor. He was powerful, there was no doubt about that, but no-one holds power in a place they don't own.
Penguin tried to breath. "J, this wouldn't be a wise decision to make." The cocking of guns echoed off the walls.
J's gritted silver teeth gradually transformed into a manic grin as he began to laugh. "Oh, you're right old buddy." He released the bird so suddenly that Penguin hit the floor. "I admit, you almost had me there." He smoothed back his disheveled locks. "But jokes on you, I'd never hurt a friend of mine!" He bowed forward toward the fallen man. "Would I?"
Cobblepot nervously shook his pointy head as he chuckled exasperatedly. "No, never."
"Hmm." The clown straightened himself out before glaring at me. The sickly sweet smile still on his lips. "And you, a word?"
I was frozen in place. It was incredible how this man could go from zero to a hundred within seconds. Even though I've witnessed it, it still held a fearful affect on me. I had to remind myself that we were at an event full of people and I was Penguin's plus one. For now, I should be safe.
The thought eased me enough to where I was able to follow my green haired lover out onto a private balcony area. There, he stood ever so still gazing out at the city lights. The way the glow highlighted certain features of his worn face made my heart melt all over again. The deep crimson of his lips, the shadowing of all the tiny scars, the way his eyes sunk into the pale skull of his. There was something forbidding about him entirely that drew me in.
I pressed fingertips to my lips. I really was ill in the head.
"Well, well, well." He began, gripping the railing. "You look at me like that but dance hand in claw with that bird."
I inhaled, "Remember J, I'm his plus one tonight. Let's not do anything stupid."
His face twisted as he finally turned to me. "Are you threatening me?"
I shook my head, daring to take a step. "No, I just don't want to see you killed for something so stupid."
He chortled, "Oh, don't worry about me, baby. I'd never want to risk my life over someone like you."
His words stung, just as he wanted. I held the tears back as best I could. "Well then, we're done here."
I started to walk away but he snatched my bicep in anger. "Who do you think you are, calling the shots?!" He growled into my ear.
This is what I didn't understand. "What more is there to say?!"
He held fast to both of my shoulders as we stumbled backwards. "Plenty" My back hit a wall. "All that I do, I do to protect what's mine! I clothe you, I feed you, I supply you with anything you could possibly imagine and all I ask in return is that you remain obedient." Panic filled me under his ever growing force. "To listen, to behave. I'm known to be an awful man but I've never done anything unreasonable to you, have I? Hm?"
The tears were hot and heavy cascading down the apples of my cheeks. My insides were in turmoil as he continued. "At least, I haven't done anything you didn't enjoy."
The silver of his caps gleamed through his clenched teeth. He seemed just as distraught as I was about the whole thing only now I was seeing what he saw. It was true, all of it. Never once had he done something that I didn't secretly want or relish in. That I didn't, one way or another, bring upon myself. I was selfish in the worst way. I was completely inconsiderate. How many times would I ride this carousel of ignorance before I realized it only went in circles? Before I could see what everyone else was seeing?
It wasn't in the way that I wanted it but it was blatantly there. I couldn't be a child about it. I couldn't ask that of him. I couldn't make him do anything he didn't enjoy.
The revelation passing through me was thunderous. All of the things that I wanted to know, all of the things I had questions to, were now answered. Where I stuck myself at the lowest rung he placed me higher, but he didn't need to say it.
He never did, because it was always enough.
My lips trembled. "I'm s-sorry."
His breath was uneven but he remained quiet. Instead, as is his nature, he physically accepted my apology with a heated kiss. The passion behind it was overwhelming as I reached for his suit jacket to keep me from buckling. I was enveloped by his musky cologne and whiskey tainted tongue. I could taste all the love and hatred and everything in between that welled inside of him and spilled over into me.
I decided I would carry it all.
And as we fervently bit at one another lips, I couldn't help but catch a glimpse of a pig-tailed shadow looming ominously through the glass doors.