Chapter Text
Gotham. A hot pot of glamour and deceit. Those who came held a lust for insanity, debauchery and betrayal, and I was just like them. Gotham was never where I thought would end up being home, but the rainy nights and sirens were always soothing, even when the lights went out and darkness reigned- nothing ever truly dies.
The apartment was small, definitely not what was listed but it would have to suffice. A strong odor of sulphur and Lyme lingered in the walls, keeping track of the countless amount of time the apartment had to be scrubbed and fumigated due to fowl odors. Setting down my bags I started to unpack. When I left I thought I could possibly return, which could be farther than the truth, so unfortunately I grabbed what I could within arms reach, which happened to be a pair of heels, two nail guns, a wrench, an inflatable mattress, handfuls upon handful of priceless gems, a full suit, a kitchen knife with a leather handle and a few other spontaneous items. Once everything was situated you placed the basic food items I bought inside the empty cabinets. Scoping out the neighbors would be the next step of the process, figuring out who I would be: a smoldering temptress whose every breath fueled the hopes of bachelors and bachelorettes alike; a bright and bubbly sweetheart who must be protected by those hardened by this world; or a wilted flower, hurt by those before them in need of someone to heal their heart again.
Closing the door behind me I took account of whom I was surrounded by. People on the steps clamored as they seemed to be in their own world; an old women on the steps laughing to herself using a water-logged ventriloquist dummy, a teenage boy with scrapes on his arms and knees carrying a skateboard, a young women with a pale drawn face huffing and puffing away at her cigarette. But someone caught my eye- a tall tan women, with toned muscles leaning against the wall. Her hair was in two taught braids on either side of her head, sunglasses blocked her eyes but her lips were defined by her strong Cupid’s bow as she held them apart with a small smile. She was gorgeous to say the least, if I wasn’t trying to control my carnivorous urges I would’ve asked her then and there if she would want to come back to my dingy apartment and take her then and there on the half filled air mattress- but I had to hold back, because lust and love have never done anything good for me, and perhaps I could use a friend here.
Approaching her tall figure was intimidating but I tried my best not to show it. I took a breath and started up some light conversation.
“So, which shithole are you from?” Nice, the epitome of class.
“Down on Breakers street.”
“Where that man was found with his face all fucked up and peeled?”
“The very same.” She spoke like everything she said was predestined, an air of calm and class surrounded her despite where she was currently hanging about and her tattered attire.
“So where are you from?” Her smile was dazzling.
“Oh you know, killed the wrong person and had to go on the run before I was killed in cold blood.” We both stifled a laugh.
“Nah seriously?”
“Me and my family....had a falling out.”
“My shift stars in an hour, ya wanna pay for my cab and I’ll let you in for free?”
I tilted my head and flirtatiously mused “And where would that be?”
“The Black Mask.”
If I knew then, what I know now I would’ve turned away and never looked back. Never felt the urge to pursue a possible friendship. Never known what it felt like to have death running right behind you. And never met him.