Chapter Text
She stands proudly with a monocle and makeup on her face, her perfect purple dress and feather boa standing out in the crowd like a beacon. Edwin watches her move like she owns the party and in some way Edwin supposes she does, or her attention anyway.
Her attention is drawn away from her new transfection when the bartender slides a drink across the bar. She smiles though she doesn't appreciate the interruption. “Ah, Thank you.” The bartender nods, he's clearly seen one too many sleepless nights. “On the house, the Penguin’s taken a liking to you.” Her eyes slightly narrow in bewilderment. “Penguin? As in the bird?” He rolls his eyes, not responding. Edwin finds her gaze searching the floor again, lingering on the woman again but this time she seems to be looking back.
Edwin looks away, an odd nervousness surging through her as she straightens her bowtie. She can hear heels click just beneath the music, almost on beat as if the person has heard the song a thousand times before. “Hey Peahen, you have something to say or are you just staring?” Edwin looks over at the owner of the voice. The woman she's been staring at now right beside her and far shorter than she thought. “Oh… You're um..” “Oswalda, Oswalda Cobblepot. But you can call me Penguin, hm?”
Edwin's eyes slightly widen, gaze averting as her thoughts search for a proper response. “Edwin. You ordered me a drink?” She immediately felt stupid for pointing out the obvious but Oswalda speaks before she can hide away. “I did, lovely isn't it? You look like a woman of class.” “I admittedly haven't tried it yet.” Oswalda takes the seat beside her, smiling unbothered. “My point still stands, you look lovely.” Edwin can feel her face heat up, speaking almost shyly. “Thank you. You're.. You're rather stupendous yourself.”
Oswalda chuffs in amusement, resting her arms on the bar. “You flatter me, Edwin. Tell me do you dance?” Edwin looks confused for a moment before Oswalda sighs. “I'm asking if you'll dance with me. It's a shame to leave such a gorgeous lady alone.” Edwin nods, rubbing her neck subconsciously. “Yes. Yes I will.” Oswalda grins, pulling her to the dance floor with surprising strength. Edwin finds herself with barely enough time to do anything but follow each move Oswalda does, eventually finding a rhythm.
Edwin finds herself not wanting to look away from the woman before her. Oswalda looks elegant and so confident in every single moment of the dance. Edwin can't help but genuinely smile as she spins her, leaning her back just to hear her odd laughter, and for once Edwin finds her mind quiet. The night continued on but Edwin found herself transfixed until the very end. As Edwin walked Oswalda home she found she wouldn't mind seeing her again, a guilty pleasure perhaps but one she was eager to indulge.