Chapter Text
Having no parents and being stuck on the streets sucked, but it sucked less with Jason Todd. He has been my rock, my constant reminder that everything will be better.
"Wait up!" I yell as I try to catch up with him, stealing from stores didn't bother me much anymore. It is for survival, I would be a giggling mess if not for the shop owner chasing us two, "c'mon!" Jason yells yanking me into an alleyway, hiding from the shop owner. Hushed giggles could be heard from the alley as us two left to eat on the abandoned playground.
Nobody occupies the playgrounds anymore considering that it is now overrun by drug addicts and thugs, but in the daytime it is just a husk of what it once was. We were young and dumb, and didn't know where else to go. I sat down on a rusty swing, practically stomach growling seeing the meal we stole, “ not bad, for a newbie.” He jokingly mocks me, “ yeah yeah.” I rolled my eyes.
We enjoyed our meal, leaving the playground as it turned dark out. We went to our secret hideout, and turned in for the day. Waking up early in the morning I see that Jason was nowhere to be seen. I wasn't entirely worried because he does that pretty often, disappearing only to appear later in the day.
- like a black cat, that just appeared in my life, maybe the cat distribution actually works.
I push away that thought.
He doesn't appear for the next few days, I worry, alot. Next time I saw him, he was all smiles, beaming about being adopted by an important man, he didn't say more than that. An inkling of jealousy grows deep in my chest, but I couldn't bear feeling the jealousy in me, he deserved being happy.
I see him less and less everyday, but when he does show up he comes with delicious snacks, and just in general interesting things. He goes to school, I feel guilty for being jealous, but I couldn't help it. I mean why is he allowed to experience all these cool things while I still steal essentials just to barely live? It's so unfair.
But I keep quiet, smile dimming whenever he visits. He shows off his muscles, when did he start working out? He says it's because he's Robin, I think he's just pulling my leg.
A few years go by, but our friendship is still strong. I got a job! Jason held a little celebration party for me, the party being two muffins, a dozen donuts and a movie night. It was wonderful.
One day after coming home from work late, I was tired and Jason was there. Jason complained that going out late in Gotham was dangerous and that I should have called him before going home. I was too tired to care and it ended in a pretty tense fight.
After that I didn't see him for a few weeks, getting worried I checked the news. Blood ran cold as I read the headline, “Jason Todd killed at aged 15.”
He was dead, Jason died and the last time I saw him was when we had that stupid fight.
Thoughts repeating in my head like a broken record, my last memory of him was an arguement. Guilt rooted in my chest, I couldn't bear to even get up from my bed for a few weeks, but alas I had payments due and money wasn't gonna make itself. I go to a vendor and buy a cheap bouquet and find his grave.
Public knowledge and all that, the internet can do wonders.
I sat hunched over the grave, crying for a good few minutes.
tears flowing like a fountain, “I'm sorry I wasn't there, I'm sorry I couldn't get you better flowers.” He deserved better flowers, better start and better ending.
I needed to get a better job, the one I currently have wasn't going to get me anywhere. I need to earn more to live for the both of us, for Jason.
–
A few years ago I started working at the iceberg lounge as a waitress, dangerous yes but it pays well, I waitress on the upper floors amongst the more famous rogues. I have had many uncomfortable meetings with a few famous rogues but none too bad.
The penguin has been very close to me lately which is never good, he doesn't fear to show his ‘affections’ to me. I just hope no trouble comes along.
It was an average night at the lounge, taking a five minute break in the back room chatting with one of my girls.
“Have y’all heard of the gos’ of the vigilantes? Seems like the old robin changed his suit, he goes by Discowing now.” sweet Darla’s booming voice shines through the comfortable silence, her country accent clear in her voice she's been trying to make new slang everyday, saying gos instead of gossip or fab instead of fabulous, she's a real fan of those vigilantes and heroes just in general.
“ouu and his behind is just so!” another girl chimes in, moving her hands in circular motion, she was about to finish her sentence until I hear ruckus outside the door, two burly men bust through the door and they don't exactly look friendly.
"Can I help you?" no answer, they grab onto me and i flail around trying to get out of their grip.
clearly no manners either.
Yelling out profanities that could make even a sailor blush, I didn't realize I was brought down the hallway, the hallway led to the penguins office. I could feel the temperature lower the closer I went to the door, but maybe that was just because of my fear of Oswald Cobblepot.
He always took care of people who ‘disrespected’ him, and disrespect is subjective. That's what scares me.