Post by Peyton Riley on Jan 8, 2013 10:56:28 GMT -5
Silence and Scars
Story By: Batman and Peyton
Heroes:
Villains: Scarface, Ventriloquist, Hush
Plot: The origin story of the new Ventriloquist and Hush.
Hush: ‘October’s howls of gust held a bitter bite; I remember feeling the cold air and the aura of water splashing down. My shoes sunk into the mud as I stood by my friends. I see the grave stone of my mother and father….”1950-1988” and “1952-“ with a blank value…My friends nearby, I look at them underneath a veil of wet brown hair. My closest friend to me was younger than me, smaller too. I despised the way he seemed to have everything he wanted. Our friendship was forced by my mother’s love for money and my father’s pursuit of alcohol. I see Bruce Wayne wanting to reach out, but he had no idea what happened...’
December, 1998; Thomas stood at Six feet and three inches dressed in a tuxedo. Gotham New Year’s party was a social event for all of Gothamite’s notorious families. The man who everyone learned to fear and respect…Carmine Falcone, he was roaming around the city ballroom and despite the few politicians who had gone missing, Thomas saw the man as a rat.
Thomas’ attention would be drawn briefly to a man holding a bag while also wearing extermination equipment. The exterminator passed by Falcone and nodded underneath his gas mask.
“Everything is safe. I didn’t find any rats or vermin…Though there does seem to be a nesting of Owls.”
“Yeah, so? Get a water spray and give them some juice. What am I paying you for? Just kill any pests.”
The exterminator hung his head and carried on to his truck. Thomas then shifted to the laughter of HIM. Voices of his mother came to mind. ‘Oh my baby boy…Your friend Bruce is such a lovely young boy. You two will be great leaders of Gotham someday. And you will honor our family.’ Thomas’ face would cringe some, his eyes filled with rage before he smoothed his hair back forcing the slick shine of hair gel to flash in the lighting. ‘Who would want to lead a shithole like Gotham anyway? The Falcone, Maroni, Zucco, Bertineli, and Wayne’s seem to own everything. The Commissioner, Loeb…Is in the mobs front pocket. Scumbags. This city is filthy and disgusting. My stomach churns with the idea of escape. I just want to scream, but I just keep my head up. Play the part mom wants me to…until I can go to university and break out of this god forsaken hell-hole. Thomas tried to get the words out of his head.
“Bruce Wayne. You’re such a handsome young man…Did they ever find that nasty man who did that tragic thing to your parents?”
‘Tragic? What the hell does she know about tragedy? Calm down Thomas. *Hush.* There’s no reason to get worked up over the words of a crazed lunatic.’
“Yes, Ms. Elliot…I…” ‘He stutters…why? He stutters as if he’s injured and helpless. He owns the *largest* company on the East coast next to S.T.A.R Labs and LexCorp.’ “How is college for you, young man?”
Marla Elliot smiled at Bruce to which he responded. “I’m getting my master’s degrees in a few more months.”
“What are you studying?”
“Criminal and computer sciences and a few other things…”
“How nice…I wish Thomas would gather himself like you, but in time I suppose he will…”
Batman: Music chimed throughout the room, a melody of classical music. Bruce had kept himself reclusive from public eye with the exception of these events that were expected of him. Five girls surrounded Bruce, one of the women was a brown-red girl with a curve to her jaw, a bit of fluff to her cheeks, and perfectly round eyes.
Rachel Dawn came to Bruce and pulled him into a hug. “Bruce…It’s so nice to see you!” –Bruce and Rachel’s lips pecked against each other before Bruce looked to the women.
“Rachel, this is Sidney, Rebecca, Diana, and Heather…Ladies this is Rachel, my oldest friend. She’s known Tommy and I for years…” Rachel smiled at the gathering of women, despite some of them giving Rachel a bit of dirty looks.
Bruce was awkwardly shy; he hated to admit that he felt comfortable around Rachel being his first friend and most trusted. Rachel and Thomas both were aggressive personalities; Bruce never really seemed to exhibit those traits to anyone except Rachel. She had seen that he had determination, his grades in school were 90’s and above, his short time spent at the circus helped sculpt his body into an attractive teenaged boy. After a moment or two, Marla Elliot approached and began answering her questions to Bruce. It made him think about Thomas’ lost father. ‘Thomas…I’m sorry for your loss. I can only imagine your anger. You have no one to blame. No one to seek revenge on. I have someone I have to kill. I hope you, and Rachel…can forgive me someday. The storm of rage within me is uncontrollable. This pain in my chest won’t stop until Joe Chill is dead.’
Peyton Riley: A rather tall blonde walks into the ballroom, her long hair up with meticulous curls draping down. A cute and rather pricey blue dress hugs her curves and matches the color of her eyes. She looks about the room, seeing the same familiar faces. She had grown up knowing these people, always getting invitations to these exclusive parties and pushed to go them by her father. He wanted her to live up this life style, he never realized that they never truely accepted her at them though. The guest they had to invite or get daddy's wrath. She smiles beautifully at the crowd, although no one can tell the smile is fake. Eyes look up at her and quickly look away, as if they were all thinking 'oh, its just her'. She strides across the ballroom a few people greet her but quickly go back to their own conversations, rather forced and overdone in her opinion. She sighs inwardly and bee-lines to the refreshment table.
Peyton picks up a blushing martini and sips at it, cool blue eyes scanning the crowd. Playing the old game she had for years, trying to name each person in the room, she knew them all. It had been a few years since she had seen some of the 'children' her age. The last she had seen Rachel Dawn, was the birthday party the Waynes had thrown for her. She had certainly grown up. Peyton smirks watching Bruce Wayne next to her, awkwardly talking to all the girls, they all knew he was a catch and were circling him like hungry rats after cheese. She couldn't hide her smirk thinking of that. He was handsome and charming in his own way, but off limits for a girl like her. At least that is what daddy would say, he liked her to date with those in the 'business'. Peyton frowns at the thought and starts to drink her martini a little faster. She then spots Thomas Elliot near his mother, like always, like an obedient little corgi. Poor boy, his mother was insufferable. Although the blonde never really got to speak to her, Marla always had an excuse, but she saw the way old crone sniffed as she passed. As if Peyton's family smelled like rotten eggs and it had rubbed off on her. Peyton helped herself to another martini and watched the crowd, another exciting night with Gotham's elite.
Hush: Thomas starts “Mother…I would-…”
“…-Thomas, I am talking here…As I was saying Bruce…”
Thomas would sigh, brushing his hand through his hair in the process. His black tuxedo shoes clicked against the floor, the sound falling on deaf ears between the music and chattering of “high” class people.
Thomas reached for a glass of wine when his Mother’s voice called out. “TOMMY, can you get your loving mother something to eat?”
Thomas’ expression twitched as his lower lip tucked itself in between his teeth and his chin stiffened. His hand, if it were holding a glass of wine, would’ve shattered. He grabbed a plate of food and walked over to a buffet table to begin creating a salad. ‘If Bruce Wayne is so great, why don’t you just marry him? Why don’t you take him as your son? Give me your money and you can have HIS.’
Thomas continued scooping the salad onto the plate when suddenly a tomato jumped off and he sighed. “Damn...” Thomas placed the plate onto the table and knelt down to look around the floor for where ever the tomato had run off to, as he scurried along the skirts of the table, his eyes would come to rest upon the ankle of Peyton Riley. Thomas’ eyes sank not really afraid of the woman whose ankle he has come across. He would stand up and see himself tower over the woman, but to her complimenting features; she was almost as tall as him. His brown eyes looked her face over, her eyes were beautiful, a glass like shine that would show desperation and loneliness if Thomas cared to look for it.
“Excuse me…I’m sorry, I dropped something...” He said before spotting the tomato, he walked over and grabbed it off the floor and came to stand before Peyton. “Found it…” he glanced back at his mother. ‘Amazing how *someone* so small can stop an entire future from ever starting…’
‘Tomato’ Thomas said looking at the tomato, holding it up, before looking at Peyton, taking note of her beauty.
Peyton Riley: Peyton watched as Thomas tried to carry on a conversation with Bruce, but was failing, his mother interrupting , focusing on her own conversation before shouting across the ballroom telling him to get her something to eat. She studied his face, he was quite handsome, but it was clouded with his irritation and pain with his mother’s constant want and need for Thomas’ attention. She could see that look in his eyes as he walked over to the buffet table, she knew it all too well. She casually sipped her maritini and looked about the room not giving Thomas too much attention, he had his own business of being mommy's waiter. So she was a little surprised when she caught someone moving down by her feet Peyton couldn't help but smirk as she saw Thomas searching about her matching blue heels. A memory from school of young boys dropping pencils to try to look under her skirt flashed through her mind. But she didn't say anything; he had obviously dropped something, as he looked at her ankles. She smirked as their eyes met as he stood up. She smiled at him as he excused himself, for scrounging about her feet, holding the errant tomato She looked the young man over. ‘My how Tommy had grown up’ tall, strong broad shoulders, quite handsome, and those eyes...
"Have you ever been to the Gotham zoo? Their Snow Leopard exhibit is quite impressive." She said casually, as if they were in the middle of a conversation.
Hush: Thomas walked over and pitched the dirty tomato.
“The zoo? Yes, but I was little. I don’t remember much of it. I spent most of my time at parties like this, talking with the same three people.” He said as he started to ladle some salad dressing onto his mother’s plate.
The dressing was thick, just like the mud about his dress shoes when he stood in front of his father’s grave. ‘Bruce, have you ever done something you can’t tell anyone about?’ Bruce stared at his friend confused. ‘What do you mean Tommy?’ the rain fell about them, like the sound of the large urn of bubbling tea next to him, bringing Thomas back to the ballroom.
“What’s so special about snow leopards?” he asked.
Peyton Riley: She watches as his eyes go a bit distant as he took care of the tomato remembering. She can't help but smirk as he talks about only getting to socialize with the same people at these parties. Her childhood was filled with them too. Except when daddy took her to the zoo or Poseidon’s or some other special place, special times for just the two of them, but those moments were few and far between. One outing to the zoo stood out the most. The time daddy had to leave for ‘business’ and she was stuck at the zoo all day, being watched by zoo keepers who had notice the stranded girl, while she watched the big cats waiting for him to return. He didn’t come back until closing time, the zoo keepers wondering what to do with her.
"The snow leopards have it made in this city. They have the largest enclosure in the park. Ample food, they even release rabbits for them to catch. They are beautiful wild creatures. But if you ever go in the evening you can hear them cry, like they do every day, crying to be free." her tone level and contemplative watching Thomas.
Hush: “Are you trying to say that you’re a Snow Leopard yearning to break free of this…” Thomas held his tongue before insulting the host and present company. “…*fantastic* party.” Tommy’s tone made the word “fantastic” seem sarcastic and clearly expressed his discomfort for being here and not spending his time doing something with his money. “Most of these people are fakes. Wearing masks, snickering to each other like rats crawling inside paper thin walls…” Thomas’ gaze shifted, his head turning to look around him while maintaining a strong upright appearance. At 20 years old, he was sitting at home looking after his mother, instead of pursuing a career. Of course he did research online different scientific facts about medical school; he ate up what he could with what limited knowledge was placed on the Internet and in books.
Peyton Riley: Peyton gives a humorless laugh at his description of the party. "I'm saying we're both snow leopards, seeking freedom from these 'friends' and our families." she says smiling a little. Years of grooming and special tutors made sure that Peyton could fit in with Gotham's elite. That didn't change the fact that they didn't want to accept a prominent crime family's daughter. All dressed up with nowhere to go. Her father had complete control of where she went and who she saw. Most men here were afraid to date her, thanks to her daddy's reputation, as well as a list of boyfriends who ended up in the hospital. And if they were brave enough it didn’t change the fact that Daddy had high hopes for her marrying someone from another 'family' building a stronger empire for both. "I think you of all people would appreciate the irony."
Hush: “I suppose I do feel caged…” Tommy said with an afterthought popping into his head. “Thomas Elliot. Friends call me Tommy, not that I have many…” Thomas reached to grab hold of a glass of wine; no one would stop him from drinking it, except his mother. Thomas took a glance to see what his mother was doing; apparently she was now yakking to Bruce and Rachel. He took a slurp of the wine before setting his brown eyes onto Peyton again, noticing her curvy dress and enchanting blue eyes.
Peyton Riley: The blonde smiles as he confirms that he felt it too. He had the same trapped helpless look in his eyes that she saw haunt her own mirror every morning. She watches as he checks his mother before taking a sip of wine, not acknowledging it. Her smile broadens and brightens beautifully as he introduced himself. "I know who you are Tommy. I'm Peyton Riley." she offers a delicate hand to him as he looks her over, her weight shifts a little, resting on one leg causing her hip to push out a bit. Their eyes meet, her cool blue eyes sparkle like ice. She liked him already. He was right, the people here wore masks, and both of them did too. It wasn't just a party, but a masquerade. And of all the people here, they could actually relate to each other. After a brief pause she smirked and added, "Yes, that Riley." she looked past Thomas and caught Mrs. Elliot stealing a glance at them, looking very displeased. She gave the old ruffled crow a bright dazzling smile in response.
Hush: He shook her hand almost clueless, trying to think of where he heard of the last name before. Once she tried helping him with her last words, he smiled, genuinely for a moment. “Oh. You and I both know what it’s like then to have stories told in front of you by someone that doesn’t even know you. People assume you’re a chip off the old block, but who’s to assume you are, really? I will be nothing like my mother or father…” Thomas was cut off by Peyton smiling, he was charmed for that moment until he turned to see who she was gazing at, his mother looked away, to everyone else it was a normal shift, but to Tommy it was judgment, she didn’t approve. ‘To hell with her. This is something I want.’ Tommy decided within his own means and said. “Give me a moment to take this salad over to my mother. Would you like to sit down with me?” Thomas reached for the salad and listened intently for her response before slipping off to his mother where he handed her the plate.
“Thomas…Be a dear and never talk to that girl and her family again. Thank you, dearest.”
Thomas’ eyebrows furrowed, brown tinted with a shade of orange bulked up as his face wrinkled. “Mother, what is the point of me coming here if I don’t talk to new people and learn about this ‘empire’ I’m going to create?”
Marla Elliot took a moment as Rachel and Bruce glanced between Thomas and Marla. Bruce appeared hesitant to get involved ‘Poor Bruce, too useless despite having all his money and education.’
Rachel, however; seemed ready to jump in, placing a hand on Marla’s wrist and wheel chair. “Excuse me, Mrs. Elliot, perhaps Thomas’ needs to experience things for himself.”
‘Rachel, when she’s not trying to dominate and control Bruce and I, this is unusually nice of her. I’ll thank her later.’ It was then that Marla nodded grudgingly and waved Thomas off her shoulder. Thomas left then with a bit of a smile on his face.
Peyton Riley: Peyton smirked inside as Tommy figured out who she was, enjoying that genuine smile he gave; it was like sunshine to a plant used to indoor lighting. She knew exactly what he meant, people talking about you without even knowing you. She would like to tell him that she wouldn't be like her parents, but that would be a lie. She was expected to be her mother; a cultured piece of arm candy for the next big leader of a crime family, the quiet supporter of a powerful man. But her own smile to Mrs. Elliot distracted him and he soon realized his duties again. She smiles and nods. "That is the best thing I heard tonight. I would like that."
As he walked away she found a nearby table at the end of the ballroom near the refreshments. She watched him give his mother the salad, she could see their lips move but couldn't make what they said over the small ensemble's classical music and the drowning chatter of the gathering. She whispered their conversation to herself. Her voice changing to suit each person, she was surprisingly close, but was making their voices over the top on purpose.
Marla's voice sounded like Mrs. Bates from Psycho. "Thomas dear, thank you for the salad you know I need more roughage in my diet. Don't talk to that criminal trash, it's beneath you."
Her voice deepened mirroring Thomas' "Mother, I'm a grown man and she is beautiful, I have to talk with her." her voice making him sound like he was in a cheap soap opera.
She then switched to Rachel's voice. Making it sound too cheerful, like a stereotypical cheerleader. "Oh my god! He is a man! Did you know that Brucey? Of course you do. I just told you!"
She went quiet as Tomas walked back. She was seated in her chair, legs crossed, back straight in perfect posture. Her leg appeared through a slit in her dress, revealing it’s shapely curve. She smiled as he came back, surprised that he was smiling after the exchange. "Welcome back, mommy dearest actually let you come over?" she sounded amused. "You know I'm not complaining." she gave a little cheeky grin.
Hush: Thomas sat down across from Peyton. “My friend Rachel was able to convince her to let me see you. Maybe I can take the night off and get away from mom.” Tommy made his last statement as if eager for an escape, not so much as an obsession or yearning to be with Peyton. “So…What is it that you do besides looking good in a dress?” Tommy placed his hands in his lap watching her, his brown eyes studying her, analyzing how she was reacting. Her blonde hair stood out amongst the crowd of people currently in the room who were primarily dark haired like most Gothamites.
Tommy’s mind would flash back…
Detective: ‘What do you know about cars, son?’
Tommy, 10 years old: ‘Our butler drives mom and dad everywhere. Dad insisted on driving that day.’
Peyton Riley: She was a little surprised that Rachel had helped Tommy, but didn't let it show. Peyton did catch his subtle statement that he was joining her to be away from his mother and not just to be with her. She was a little disappointed, but couldn't blame him. She knew what it was like to be a grown adult stuck with your parent at one of these functions. Maybe she could change his reason a little, pour on a little bit more sugar. At his question she leaned forward a little, arms resting on the table, arching her back a bit, giving the young man a bit more to look at. She made a show of mock surprise at his question.
"Oh you caught me! It is my best skill. It is why I'm invited." she teased, although she was a little flattered he found her attractive. "Oh, I do a lot. Sing, dance, act, play the piano... mostly for 'family' functions, and create art - mostly sculpture. As for activities this crowd would frown upon... I can sharp-shoot with a pistol." she smiles genuinely proud of her abilities.
Hush: Tommy’s eyes trailed down her chest; noticeably until she began speaking then his eyes would periodically flash between her bust and her eyes. Tommy was completely unaware of her seductive trick, but he did listen to her abilities; particularly acting, sculpture, and sharp shooting.
“You can use a gun and hit something? Doesn’t seem very hard but, maybe you can show me sometime…Maybe this Friday?” His topaz like eyes flicked from her chest once again to her hair and then changed the pattern, his eyes slipped to her temples, eyeing the stream of hair falling down either side of her face, and his eyes bounced back and forth from one side of her face to the other; suddenly her chest wasn’t captivating him anymore.
Peyton Riley: Peyton couldn't help but smile as she caught his attention as he blatantly stared at her chest. She knew using a little bit of seduction was rather crass, but she knew the affect she had on men and could use it to her advantage. She liked this boy and wanted him to be with her for more reasons that to get away from 'mummy'. She smiled glad that he was able to focus a bit on her face as she spoke, he was paying attention. She nods at his question the blonde tresses trailing down her cheeks bobbing a little. "Hitting things with a gun is easy, anyone can do that. Hitting a small target exactly the way you want to every time, is skill." Her eyes flickered with excitement as he suggested a date, a date where she could show off.
"That sounds fun, I would love to come. Do you think you can get away from your mother enough to make it?" she teases a little. She noticed his eyes catching the hair framing her cheeks. she reached up and started to play with one, curling the hair about her finger. "I know of a private firing range we can use." she offers.
Hush:-The idea of a private firing rage was very appealing, how he longed for someplace secluded and ripe for him to get away from his mother. Her binds kept him from truly developing a personality, truly becoming his own individual. While he hoped that this would happen, he would have to find something to distract or occupy his mother’s time. He smiled some and said.- “Alright. Friday at 4?” –His mother went to a Salon where she spoke to the women there all day on Friday’s. it was the only time he ever had alone, he was grateful that it was this day above all others.-
Peyton Riley: Peyton smiled, still playing with one of her tresses. "That sounds lovely. You could meet me at Hibernian's and I could take y
ou there." she smiled. She was glad he could get away from his mom enough that they could spend some time together. She was flattered that he was intersted in her and asked her for a date. The ensemble went quiet as their leader took the mike, it was only minutes until midnight.
Peyton Riley: Party favors started to be handed out to the crowd of elites.
-Thomas held his eyes towards a television and then looked at her, with a confident, yet awkward smirk he said.- “Have anyone you’re going to kiss?” –He took a party glasses shaped to spell out “1999” and casually dropped them onto the table next to him.- “Hopefully the new millennium won’t be as lame as the past 20 years of my life.” -Thomas commented, strangely feeling comfortable enough to tell her Peyton this. She seemed to understand.-
Peyton Riley: She smiles beautifully at Thomas. "hm, no. But I have someone special in mind..." she offers, looking at him through her lashes. She smirks as he takes the goofy party glasses and grabbed a noise maker horn. She smiled both inside and outside as he commented on the next year and more. she reached out and touched his hand with one of hers. "I have a feeling that the next year will be a lot better for both us."
Hush:-His face turned into a blank face, an expression of numbness that no doubt Peyton could read. He was bitter, her words only reminding him that it would only be another year in hell, his realization that there was nothing to live for in this next year. His hand would finally react to hers and he would take her hand and nod passively, without much joy or celebration. Around them laughter and chatter, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. No one knew anything of pain from imprisonment, except Peyton. A woman he had just met and was a part of an Irish mafia gang. –
Peyton Riley: Her smile faded as his face returned to that numb expression. Yes, she knew it was bleak for him, it was for her. another year being forced to go to parties and following parents. But she had hope, they had each other. she gives a little grim smile. "I know. We'll get through it, together, you'll see." the crowd started to count down. She leaned across the table more, eyes closing, her wetlook lipsticked lips parting slightly in expectation.
-Tommy nervously smirked, his left cheek tugging at his lips exposing his finely brushed teeth, he was nervous of course. A woman taking interest in him and money didn’t seem to have anything to do with it. His thoughts were conflicted, money was everything in his world; it could buy women, entertainment, housing, food, comfort, and especially friends. His tugged smirk turned into an attempt at a serious expression. He coughed into his palm and adjusted his cuff links to the white dress shirt underneath his black suit jacket. He leaned over the table and closed his eyes the sound of people around him drowned out as screaming went out.- ‘5…4…’ –Tommy already had his lips pressed against Peyton’s to take in the taste of her skin and finely crafted arch of each tier.- <c>
-His lips were smooth, salt mixed with pineapple juice offering a bitter yet sweet taste.- Tommy: ‘I’m angry. Why didn’t she die? ’ Bruce: ‘I’m angry. Why couldn’t I save them?’ Tommy: ‘A partial victory, a defeat none the less.’ Bruce: ‘I am defeated, none the less a partial victory.’ –Bruce leaned into Rachel when he froze, their lips close but then she looked into his eyes.- “Bruce…?” “HAPPY NEW YEARS!” –People screamed as Rachel rubbed Bruce’s shoulder.- “Wanna go talk?” –Bruce shook his head.- “I’m fine. Just need some air.” –Bruce smiled softly and left. Thomas would maintain his lips against Peyton if she would allow him, his right hand reaching to cup her cheek.-
Peyton's eyes fluttered open a little in surprise as Tommy's lips met hers early, not expecting the kiss until midnight. But she didn't draw back, nothing could make her want to right now. Not the scowl she was sure would would be passing over Mrs. Elliot's face, not the stare her father's men would be giving them who would be sure to tell daddy. Tommy was a nice guy and of anyone here, maybe anywhere he understood her. And it felt nice, so very nice. Her eyes closed slowly and she pushed into the kiss more, bending over the table a bit more. the crowd kept cheering '3... 2..." the crowd seemed so distant now. It had been a long time since she had kissed like this, feeling his smooth lips, tasting the sweet hint of pineapple with salt. Her lips felt soft, plush against his. (c)
Black Canary: She gently started to suckle on his lower lip. Her lips tasting a little sweet, of cherry and cranberry, with the lingering trace of gin from her drink. She rested her cheek against agaisnt his strong firm hand, loving it, grudgingly admitting to herself that she could fall for him. She had a bad habit of that, falling for a man too soon. But, Tommy was different, like her. Someone that also needed someone to hold and be with, to be trapped with. (d)
-He felt her lean against him, his eyes glanced open, noticing the appearance of men staring at them, trying to maintain subtly, they weren’t.- ‘To defeat your enemy, you must think like your enemy.’ –He pulled back from her.- “Something tells me that this new year, is going to be different.” –His hand on her cheek gently began tugging on a stray piece of hair next to her cheek bone, her skin reminding him of a smooth desert with a dune with a hill side sliding down into an oasis with a black hole in the very center of it. Her eyelashes created a brush that seemed to sweep the sands of the desert away from the oases that were her eyes. The few eyes that were on them were merely Peyton’s guards.-
She could almost feel the eyes of her guards watching her, she was so used to by now. Going to a little girl's birthday party with two large thugs on either side of her was awkward back then, now it was just boring. She didn't care, let them stare. Daddy couldn't help who she dated, even though he kept reminding her he could, all the blinde dates worked through other 'family's parents. She felt him pull back the kiss fading, she couldn't help but keep smiling. She tried not to and failed, her lips blossoming in an attractive grin. She watched his eyes tracing over her face as he teased the stray curl by her cheek. She sighed happily, he was falling for her. "Yes, I think so." (c)
she looked down and then slowly back up, looking through her long lashes. Her eyes a sparkling blue, gazing into his eyes. she picked up her martini and smiled, raising it towards him. "To a new year Tommy." she smiled.
-Tommy took hold of his drink and raised it to tap against her glass gently.- “To a new year.” –Tommy would lift his drink and take a gulp of it as he pulled back from her and sat down looking across the table, once more his eyes taking sight of her teasing pair of cushions held within the chest of her dress. He smiled and took another gulp of his drink; brown eyes shifted and spotted his mother crossing her arms over her chest with a pouty face on. Her wrinkled face, scarred from her accident. Tommy’s face almost frowned.- “I…have to go. Mother wants to go home. I had fun meeting you, Peyton.” -Thomas stood up and pulled out a business card to hand it to her.- “My home number. Call any time…”
She smiled as their glasses cinked and took a sip on her blushing martini. She smirked a little as his eyes traced down to her low neckline and barely contained contained cleavage. She saw his eys flicker to look at his mother, it took longer this time. She was glad she was getting more attention than his mother. She smiled and resisted from looking at the old nag. She nodded as he started to excuse himself, she knew it. At the strike of midnight Thomas Elliot turned into a pumpkin to take the wicked queen home. She smirked at her own thoughts. "I understand tommy." she truely did. She smiled. "I did too." she took his card, glancing at it. "I will. See you Friday." she smiled giving a little wave as he left her alone.
Black Canary: in a crowd of people. (d)
-Tommy approached his power and immediately she was complaining about something that he was forced to apologize for, sorry escaped his lips at least three times as he wheeled his mother out of the party and towards the car. It would be that Friday that Tommy had dropped his mother off at the salon, her words sharply telling me.- “Don’t be late for picking me up! I want to watch my shows tonight.” “Yes Mother…” –She eyed him.- “Why do you smell like that? You smell like your father.” –Tommy growled lowly with a mumbling tone.- “Right. Maybe if Dad *didn’t* smell like a freakin’ drunk.” “What was that?” “I said…Dad didn’t smell like me. He smelled of Alcohol because he was a drunk.” “Thomas! You be respectful of your father. God rest his soul.”
Peyton sat alone in Hiberion's in a darkly lit booth in one corner. If one could really call this alone, everyone around her worked for her daddy in some aspect. Hiberion's was one of Daddy's investments and meeting places to do business. That is why she didn't need an 'escort' this time and her father didn't ask if she was meeting anyone, he would know eventually. She smiled thinking about Tommy and new years. Her father never mentioned about it, or that his men had seen them, but the 3 dates arranged by him for this week, told volumes. She was wearing a short black dress that barely went midthigh. trimmed with black lace and a pair of black lace gloves. Her legs crossed, the hem of her dress had lifted up a bit, showing the hem on pantyhose, her feet donning a cute pair (c)
of black stilettos. She smiled and waited, sipping lemonade with raspberries in it. (d)
-Tommy arrived he was wearing a brown suit jacket with a white dress shirt and brown sweater vest over his shirt. His hair was a bit wild on the sides of his head, but the top seemed groomed in a combed up fashion. He stopped as the mobsters at the door forced him to raise his hands, scanners began going over his body, the men frisked him and then took a bouquet of red flowers to insure it wasn’t anything hazardous.- “What you bringing flowers here for?” –Thomas’s eyes would calmly study both men.- “I’m seeing someone. My date.” “Heh. Sounds like a rough chick if she comes to a place like this. Where you find her at? Ha ha.” –The men laughed some as Tommy did what he learned so well. <c>
He masked the loneliness, the frustration, the rage, and put on a smile with a polite chuckle.- “She’s quite amazing.” “Aright man, go on in.” –He walked through the doors and looked around groups of people spotted Tommy as he held the flowers, most people shrugged off his appearance once realizing he was carrying flowers. He stopped by Peyton and offered them to her.- “For you. I thought red was a good color. Though, this is the second time I’ve seen you wear black…I have three hours. Then I gotta drive mom home to see her show and get dinner.”
She smiled brightly as she saw tommy get scanned and pawed over, her eyes tracing over the flowers as he came closer. she took them and smelled them, gazing over the flowers to look up at Tommy through her lashes. Her lips the same color as the roses. "You picked well, I love Red." she didn't mention that her last dress was blue, it was a moodlit ballroom, last they met. "I don't get to wear red as much since I'm not supposed to stand out too much around family friends..." she gave a quick glance about the mobster filled room and gave an apologetic look. "Hope they weren't too gruff on you coming in. They like to flaunt their power." she voice showing her disdain at it. she nods. "I think that gives us plenty of time." she smiles. A waiter comes over to ask Thomas if he'd like a drink.(d)
Tommy nodded ordering his drink, a sprite and then he adjusted his jacket.- “Well a few hours away from everything sounds like the healthiest thing. I wish I could get away from it all.” –He shook his head and then looked over her again. He was oblivious to his error about her attire, his mind clearly focused on other things. Tommy didn’t know what this woman saw in him, despite the common pattern in their personal lives. Tommy knew she was an amazing looking woman; men turned their heads to look at her, at least, where ever he saw her, including himself. Most heads turned to look at her and reconsider because of her “background.” <c>
-Tommy didn’t care about that. She was a good looking woman, nice kisser, and seemed perfectly fine hanging out with a man stuck at the hip to his overbearing mom. –
She made a face and nodded hearing about it being healthy getting away and wishing to get away from it all. "Yes, I know what you mean... like birds in guilded cages... I used to play a game where I would open up atlas' and plan elaborate trips that I would never take..." she sighed softly. A slight smile started to curl up the corner of her lips as saw Tommy looking her over. Her smile turned into a slight smirk as she arched her back, giving him a little more to look at, just to tease him. And she knew she could get anything wanted with a sexy pout too, it was rather fun at times, just another game for a bored princess. She was used to guys looking her over, she always noticed, and to be honest she liked the attention. But for as much attention as she got, no one came close.(c)
Too many afraid to cross her daddy or thinking she was trash from where her wealth came from. It was a fact of life for her, everyone had to work somehow and there is always demand, waiting for someone to offer what they wish for. Just another business. She looked tommy over. He was handsome and clever, and knew what she experienced. He had to be lonely like she was. know about all the stupid things you do to fill in the time. Know how nice it was to just have someone to be with. Belong to each other. Not just owning someone like their parents did to their spouses and children. she smiled at him. "Ready to go rifle range? we have to sneak out to do it." she gives a mischevious smirk, her voice soft and warm. (d)
-Tommy raised an eyebrow when suddenly his eyes lit up with thrill.- ‘Mischievous. Hm?’ –Tommy would briefly touch on a memory.- Bruce: ‘Tommy, I don’t think we should.’ Rachel: ‘Tommy, you’re going to get us arrested.’ He nodded his head lightly.- “I could go for some sneaking…I wouldn’t let mom keep *this* from me, a couple of bodyguards with guns don’t scare me.” –He said, boldly stating his fearless nature, it was a fire that sparked within him just by hearing her suggestion of it. He grinned at her looking around to glimpse at the sight of the people around them, they were all clueless. They didn’t understand anything about Tommy or Peyton; they saw only two “rich” people in Gotham, not the layers underneath, the depth of their pain.-
Her icy blue eyes sparkled as she saw his eyes light up. Ooh this boy does like a little trouble and adventure, she was liking him more by the minute. "mm, I'm glad to hear that." she looks down at her seat and scoots a little bit, reaches down, making something click. She smiled at him and gestured for him to look. "This place used to be storage place for bootlegging. There is a tunnel down here." looking at the seat it folded up a bit revealing a dark tunnel that went through the wall. "I know it by heart so if you just follow, I will take you to the rifle range. Just close it behind yourself and no one will be the wiser." she smiled glad of her plan. she was always good at working about her daddy's men when she had to, and they rarely found out. She bent down and dissapeared (c)
into the seat crawling beneath it. No one noticing in the dark corner shrowded by the buildings lay out and some potted plants. (d)
-He immediately shuffled and slipped into the space ducking his head, his figure taller than hers, but as he closed the hatch he began walking with her.- “You sure there aren’t any rats or bats down here?” –He huffed quietly not wanting to draw too much attention as dust got in his way. His hand reached out in front of him when suddenly he reached into his jacket and pulled out a flash light attached to his car keys, he would offer the keys to her.- “You want this? It’s been a long time since I’ve done this kind of thing…Not since I was 14.” <c>
–Tommy’s frame was medium sized and the crawl space was scratching against his shoulders and the back of his head as he continued to follow along, amused slightly at getting a glimpse of her backside, something he hadn’t seen of hers yet.-
She giggled softly at Tommy's question, not wanting to make a lot of noise since the restaurant was right above them still. "No, there shouldn't be any, daddy has the whole place sprayed and cleaned a few times a year." her voice hinting that there were other reasons for that which she wasn't mentioning, although there was a good amount of dust down there. She made a little noise surprised by the bright light in the dark place. The light showed that as she had crawled Peyton's short dress had slipped up and giving Tommy a clear view of the bright red satin and lace bikini style panties she was wearing. The tunnel was narrow enough she couldn't look over her shoudler so she was looking at him upside down, between her legs, although her chest blocked a lot of her view. (c)
She smiled at the offer. "No, I'm good, you can keep it. Thanks though." she laughed as he mentioined that he hadn't snuck about like this since he was 14. "I'm sure a lot has changed since you were 14." she teased and winked at him before she continued. Her round tush and wide hips swaying in front of him as she worked down the passageway. There was a sound and a click as she opened the other end of the passage, the entrance way into an abandoned and cemented over basement, the Riley Rifle Range. (d)
-He enjoyed the view of her, stumbling some as he was distracted at the sight, his movement would have to adjust itself as he felt constriction in his own pants. He finally crawled out, his suit moderately covered in dust, causing him to take off his jacket and flap it around before carrying it over his shoulder.- “Well…that was fun…I think the trip here made this worth it. That’s quite a cavern to crawl into.” –He looked around the underground range and then said.- “Quite the place. Must of sound proof walls and a few feet underneath the ground.” –Thomas did take note that if the place was reinforced enough that gunshots couldn’t be heard, these two were effectively alone. The thought of killing her came to mind. <c>
The thought leaving just as fast as it came, as he was becoming very fond of this girl and his ‘passion’ for killing wasn’t a ‘passion’ anymore. He had felt guilty about his past sins, however; he kept it buried years after Bruce and Rachel tried to force the information out of him.
She smiles. as he looked around with his little flashlight, she went over and flicked on an old light switch, bare old bulbs flickered on from where they had been mounted to beams that supported the roof of the bunker. (c)
She smiles, and smoothed down her dress unashamed. she had enjoyed hearing tommy stumble behind her in the tunnel. she stole a quick glance to see the affect she had on him. "I'm glad you think it was worth it..." she said smiling, going over to a trunk and pulling a key out that she had hidden in her cleavage. She nodded looking back at him. "Yeah, daddy wanted to have a nice private place, sound proof and covered in cement. The best place to just get away." she said as she bent over and unlocked the chest, her tone hinting that she came down here to get away from her faily. The chest was full of guns, rifles and ammo, all the serial numbers had been filed off. "Pick what ever you want to try out." she smiled.
-Tommy walked over to her and looked over the guns, spotting a couple of pistols that he reached to. He grinned at her.- “Maybe try something close and personal.” –His smile was enchanted, he seemed to enjoy having the power of a gun in his hand, though it wasn’t loaded or armed. He reached to grab the ammo for it, somehow he already knew. He slipped the clip into the magazine and examined safety latch that was still on.- “Okay. Where’s our targets?” ‘Hell of a first date. Get away from mom, got a chance to use a Glock 19, and possibly fuck a sexy blonde that’s interested in me. Three hours…Gonna need more sessions than this… ’
Peyton smiled as Tomm looked over the guns, smiling as he picked a couple glock, she nodded. She was surprised he was getting so into it, enjoying the feel of the gun in his hand. Not many guys wanted to go shooting with her, as her mother used to say it wasn't lady-like. She watched him look over the ammo and pick the right one and checked it right. She walked down the length of the long narrow basement and pulled out some target paper that was stacked on a barrel, she started to clip it to line on the wall, which was riddled with bullets and stained. "Right here. You look pretty good with that gun." her tone having more than one meaning. "Sure you haven't used it before?" she asked smiling and naturally curious.
-Tommy looked over the gun and listened to her.- “How hard can it be? You see enough movies. You get the idea how they work.” –He flicked off the safety and looked back at the sandbags and bullet impact points on the walls. He lifted the gun and stared down its sights, his holding of the gun wasn’t perfect. He waited for her to get clear before he fired looking down the sight, the bullet struck the target but, the gun almost bounced out of his hand as his finger pulled on the trigger rather than squeezing the handle and trigger.- “Whoa.” –He aimed again and fired provoking the same reaction.- “This one has a bigger kick than I thought.” –A 9mm pistol hard almost no recoil, but Tommy didn’t know this.-
She smirked at his words and bit her tongue. She would let him learn himself, show that guns are more than just point and click. She cooly watched how he handled the gun. She surpressed a laugh as the gun nearly jumped out of his hand. She sauntered up behind him and let a hand trace down his arm, down to his hand holding the gun she drew his arm up. "Yeah, you have to watch out for that." her voice sounded sincere, like she belived him. She then brought his other hand up to help steady the gun, her chest pressing against his back as she hugged him from behind, her fingers adjusting how he held the gun. "just focus, exhale, and then squeeze the handle and the trigger together, one fluid movement..." her voice a purr in his ear.
-He would smile feeling her attach herself to him, taking to his form. He nodded his head along listening to her- “Okay.” –He waited until she set him up and then fired another shot, scraping the target but, with almost no recoil. He narrowed his eyes and dropped his smile to begin firing multiple shots to tear up the target paper. He lowered the gun upon hearing the hammer of the gun click against metal and empty space. He looked at her and said.- “Think I’m going to need more bullets…” –He wrapped his arms around her.- “Thank you for this…” –Tommy surprised himself, for even giving her consideration and respect for her trouble.- “Are you going to shoot?” –He smirked, teasing her a bit. While holding her in his arms, the gun he hand in his right hand tucked between her hip and his hand.-
She smiled as his shot was better and the recoil didn't affect him so. She was surprised by the rain of bullets, but kept smiling as the paper tore up. He was a quick learner, ooh what she could teach him... she smirked at him. "hehe, I think you do." She smiled as he embraced her this time, looking down a little almost blushing at his appreciation. "you're very welcomed. Just glad you are enjoying it." She had left her hair down that day and half of it spilled down in front of her right eye as she gazed back at him. She smiles feeling the cool firmness of the gun on her hip as his hand rested there "Would like to see me take my turn? Just watch out. I always get what I set my sight on." she smiled, leaning into his embrace a little her lips inches from his own.
-He grinned and chuckled teasingly at her.- “Mastermind, are you? Don’t play me in Risk…I always win.” –He pressed his lips against hers leaning into her some to take the cherry and lemonade on her lips. He would softly purr into kissing her. When his lips pulled back some he looked over her features, her hair down.- “You know…Your hair looks better when it’s down…maybe straightened too.” –He lifted his left hand to brush through her gold locks.-
She laughed as he teased her and melted into him a bit as they kissed. Her lips caressing his own as he tasted her. She looked up at him, lips parted as the kiss ended, her eyes on his. "hehe, I don't know about mastermind... but I am good at coming up with a plan. I got us here didn't I?" she smiled. She shivered as his fingers traced through her curly tresses. "You think so?" she asked smiling at him, "I like wearing it down, but I was afraid I would look too... plain." she admited. She pondered a moment and smiled. "I might have to not curl it next time, then you can see if it looks better straight yourself."
-He would gently snickered hearing her.- “You like to show off a lot…No one seems to notice…but I do.” –It was an attempt at admitting to sneaking peaks at her features.- “I think your body is a potentially a very deadly thing about you.” –His hands wrapped around her waist and gently caressed her lower back just above her backside. His hands pulled her closer to him, a creak of cold air would turn his breath into a cloud of warmth as he exhaled smiling down at the woman in his arms.- “Have you ever thought about going into business? Maybe together we could, make a *killing* in profit.”
She lowered her head a little as he admitted that he noticed that she showed off a lot. She looked away, it was true, as hard as she tried, people didn't notice her, or purposely ignore her. She smiled and looked into his eyes, her blues, bright and sparkling, he noticed, that was all that really mattered to her. "I'm glad you do." she grinned. she leaned into him more as his arms wrapped about her, loving how close he was bringing her to him, feeling him press into her cleavage. She smiled and looked at Tommy through her eye lashes as she talked about her curves."Mm, you think so? Do I have a killer body?." she pressed into him more, her lips near his ear, her breath warm on it, her voice sultry. "It would be fun to share such danger... see how far someone would go, just to touch me..." she gave a playful yet gentle nip at his ear and then leaned back to look in his eyes. She smirked and laughed a little at his question. "When I was little, before my mother had me take all my classes, I used to love my daddy's stories of his business." she laughed a little thinking of it. "Other kids hear stories about princesses and knights, I had stories of the punk who double crossed my daddy, hehe." she laughed. "I used to daydream and come up with business ideas for daddy, he said they were good, or show me what would go wrong. But then we had a scare one time and he wanted me to do better than that, to be a socialite who never had to worry about business. Be a good high society wife like my mother." her voice went down sounding dissapointed. she looked up again smiling. "But I would be tempted to go into business with you."
Bruce Wayne: “Though, there would be a problem.” –His tone got serious, as his hands slipped one to grab her backside and the other to support her upper back as a means of possessively hold her closer.- “Not sure I could accept anyone touching you…Besides, using you to make money. It doesn’t feel right. You’re not a whore, not for me and definitely not for anyone.” –He smiled at her caressing his nostrils across her cheek as his lips gently brushed across her face.- “I’d kill anyone who would try to get between our future.” –He whispered into her ear, a imagery of flower pedals in front of a Gotham church, <c>
Bruce Wayne: a sun shining day that caused her to appear as an angel within the Spring, identified only by gold hair and a dark haired gentlemen holding her arm dressed in a tuxedo. He saw a wealthy future, combine their strength and power would fare well and likely be more successful than Bruce; Tommy was a strategist and Peyton had a sense of business, together they were a wrecking ball, who knows? Maybe someday Elliot Umbrella will own Wayne Enterprises, the thought of Bruce working as his secretary amused him, it was only matter of time until that idiot ran his company into the ground.
She smiled and pushed her tush into his hand that grabbed it. Feeling her heart race as he held her so close, feeling him hold her so possesivly, it felt good to belong to someone. she smiled and looked into his eyes searching, so glad to hear he didn't like the thought of her using her body to earn money. that she wasn't a prostitute. she shivered as he talked about how he would kill anyone whoone who would try to get between him. To some girls the thought that their love would kill for them would be a horrorific, but if anything it made feel more wanted and protected. It is what her daddy would do. Or any of her uncles who would do anything for her. She shivered hearing the words in her ear, sounding like a sweet song. She had her own mental image of herself running and laughing out of a gotham church, her white dress fluttering behind her like wings, clinging to tommy's arm. She could see a future where they were out of Gotham, free. Only having and needing themselves, having children, not needing anything more. she blushed a little as she realized she was daydreaming. tommy was so special to make her feel this way, he really wanted her for who she was. she smirks thinking fora moment. "Would you like to see me shoot?" she grins.
-He grinned seeing her.- “Shoot some straight shots and I’ll buy you another date.” –He slipped his body around to her left side allowing the gun Tommy was just using to be revealed as it sat on the table before them.- “Sound fair?” –His body slipped around her to stand behind her, his groin pressing against her back side as his nose took in a scent of vanilla from her hair. His half muscular arms wrapped around her as his gaze settled upon a target down range and in line with their position. His lips placed a soft kiss against the back of her earlobe as he smiled intently at the gun and then the target.-
The blonde's eyes seeming to spark a little at the challenge, although she was smirking confidently. "mm you got yourself a deal." she purred as he offered the gun, feeling him slide against her. She scooped up the gun picked up a ready clip that was setting on the table. she felt him rub against her and shivered as he breathed in her scent. oh he was so close it felt so good. To have someone that enjoyed a little gun play and being close, close to her. she shivered as she felt that tender kiss on her sensitive ear. She sighed out slowly and then With lighting percision she discharged the empty clip and had it loaded. All the while, rubbing against him, a little, teasing while she rapidly gave three shots. She smirked and set down the gun, it still had some shots left. But looking at the target Tommy would see that her first and second shots had been so close there was a little tag of paper between them, and her third shot had removed the paper tag. "That's what you get when you have been practicing as long as I have." she teased, and arched her back. Her tush rubbing against him provactivly."Want to see a really neat trick?" she said huskily, teasing. He wanted to see dangerous? she would show him.
-His face turned plane and his eyebrows lifted to his forehead.- “Nice shots.” –He examined the shots, not in disbelief but, in an enlightened state of mind. A joke about her bloodlines and family stirred within his mind but, he would refrain from making such comments right now. He felt her body grind against him provocatively and his expression would melt as his body leaned into her some, silently encouraging more from her.- “…Keep them coming, so far you’re surprising me by the minute…” –He mumbled into her ear. His hands, gentle and precise like a surgeons would stroke the sides of her waist while holding her hips against his.-
She smiled as he seemed impressed by her shots and how his expression melted so as she teased him so, feeling him press back. She loved how responsive he was, it made her feel so speical. Shivering a little as his hands came up, so gentle and caring, delicate and prcise. feelin him hold her so close. She smiled and picked up the gun again and shot the paper near the clips holding the paper up and then shot again, a clean head shot, before it hit the ground. she smiled sexily over her shoulder and then reached down between her thighs and lifited up the hem of her dress slowly teasing, her red panties showing again as she reveals a matching red garter with a holster in it, pulling out a little one shot revolver. She winked at him. She smiled looking at it. She remembered when she got it, her fifth birthday. It was the only birthday where she didn't get a doll.
She remembered for a moment her dolls, she loved them so. She had a playroom filled with them. She was often seen carrying one around. Her parents were always gone at functions or her father was doing 'business' so when she didn't have a lesson she had a lot of alone time and would spend it with her dolls. Each one had its own personality to her and she wove such complicated histories for them. She remembered the moment it all changed. She still wondered how long her nanny had been standing there watching. Watching her in the dining room, the best table settings out, dressed in her fanciest dress, having a tea party with the dolls. Playing all their voices, each one different, pouring real tea and making it with cream and sugar just the way each doll liked it. Her years of training evident, she had perfect poise and posture, her ettiquite flawless.
"Peyton... what are you doing?" asked Nanny Anne. Peyton excused herself to the dolls. "Just a little social event." she said casually. Anne looked down at the floor. "What happened to Rose Marie?" Rose Marie had been smashed onto the floor hard, the doll's porcelian face shattered across the expensive rug. Peyton made a ticking sound with her tongue. "She was being mean to Betty Sue and no one is mean to her, Betty Sue is such a sweetie. Besides Rose Marie was using her salad fork to stir her tea." her contempt for the doll's bad manners evident. She went back to her tea party, she hardly noticed when the scared nanny slipped out of the room.
The next day was the end of it all. Her mother had cabinents installed in the room to display the dolls, each one of them locked away with her mother keeping the key. she remembers crying, down on her knees begging her not to do this they were her friends. Her mother was no nonsense as usual. "Peyton you need to make new friends, real friends. You are twelve years old. A young lady. You are too old for dollls. This is the end of the matter."
Suddenly everything came back into focus and she had an angry dangerous look in her eye as she stared at her gun. She then spun around and kissed Tommy, her fingers grasping and knotting in his hair, pressed against him. Feeling so close again, no longer alone. Her hand with the gun caressing up his back, the hardness felt there. Then she turned abruptly and her arm came straight out and shot the last poster through the heart. She grinned as she turned back to tommy, dropping the gun, breathing heavy from the long kiss, her chest heaving against him. "Mm... I'm so glad we can have moments like these..." she purred.
Story By: Batman and Peyton
Heroes:
Villains: Scarface, Ventriloquist, Hush
Plot: The origin story of the new Ventriloquist and Hush.
Hush: ‘October’s howls of gust held a bitter bite; I remember feeling the cold air and the aura of water splashing down. My shoes sunk into the mud as I stood by my friends. I see the grave stone of my mother and father….”1950-1988” and “1952-“ with a blank value…My friends nearby, I look at them underneath a veil of wet brown hair. My closest friend to me was younger than me, smaller too. I despised the way he seemed to have everything he wanted. Our friendship was forced by my mother’s love for money and my father’s pursuit of alcohol. I see Bruce Wayne wanting to reach out, but he had no idea what happened...’
December, 1998; Thomas stood at Six feet and three inches dressed in a tuxedo. Gotham New Year’s party was a social event for all of Gothamite’s notorious families. The man who everyone learned to fear and respect…Carmine Falcone, he was roaming around the city ballroom and despite the few politicians who had gone missing, Thomas saw the man as a rat.
Thomas’ attention would be drawn briefly to a man holding a bag while also wearing extermination equipment. The exterminator passed by Falcone and nodded underneath his gas mask.
“Everything is safe. I didn’t find any rats or vermin…Though there does seem to be a nesting of Owls.”
“Yeah, so? Get a water spray and give them some juice. What am I paying you for? Just kill any pests.”
The exterminator hung his head and carried on to his truck. Thomas then shifted to the laughter of HIM. Voices of his mother came to mind. ‘Oh my baby boy…Your friend Bruce is such a lovely young boy. You two will be great leaders of Gotham someday. And you will honor our family.’ Thomas’ face would cringe some, his eyes filled with rage before he smoothed his hair back forcing the slick shine of hair gel to flash in the lighting. ‘Who would want to lead a shithole like Gotham anyway? The Falcone, Maroni, Zucco, Bertineli, and Wayne’s seem to own everything. The Commissioner, Loeb…Is in the mobs front pocket. Scumbags. This city is filthy and disgusting. My stomach churns with the idea of escape. I just want to scream, but I just keep my head up. Play the part mom wants me to…until I can go to university and break out of this god forsaken hell-hole. Thomas tried to get the words out of his head.
“Bruce Wayne. You’re such a handsome young man…Did they ever find that nasty man who did that tragic thing to your parents?”
‘Tragic? What the hell does she know about tragedy? Calm down Thomas. *Hush.* There’s no reason to get worked up over the words of a crazed lunatic.’
“Yes, Ms. Elliot…I…” ‘He stutters…why? He stutters as if he’s injured and helpless. He owns the *largest* company on the East coast next to S.T.A.R Labs and LexCorp.’ “How is college for you, young man?”
Marla Elliot smiled at Bruce to which he responded. “I’m getting my master’s degrees in a few more months.”
“What are you studying?”
“Criminal and computer sciences and a few other things…”
“How nice…I wish Thomas would gather himself like you, but in time I suppose he will…”
Batman: Music chimed throughout the room, a melody of classical music. Bruce had kept himself reclusive from public eye with the exception of these events that were expected of him. Five girls surrounded Bruce, one of the women was a brown-red girl with a curve to her jaw, a bit of fluff to her cheeks, and perfectly round eyes.
Rachel Dawn came to Bruce and pulled him into a hug. “Bruce…It’s so nice to see you!” –Bruce and Rachel’s lips pecked against each other before Bruce looked to the women.
“Rachel, this is Sidney, Rebecca, Diana, and Heather…Ladies this is Rachel, my oldest friend. She’s known Tommy and I for years…” Rachel smiled at the gathering of women, despite some of them giving Rachel a bit of dirty looks.
Bruce was awkwardly shy; he hated to admit that he felt comfortable around Rachel being his first friend and most trusted. Rachel and Thomas both were aggressive personalities; Bruce never really seemed to exhibit those traits to anyone except Rachel. She had seen that he had determination, his grades in school were 90’s and above, his short time spent at the circus helped sculpt his body into an attractive teenaged boy. After a moment or two, Marla Elliot approached and began answering her questions to Bruce. It made him think about Thomas’ lost father. ‘Thomas…I’m sorry for your loss. I can only imagine your anger. You have no one to blame. No one to seek revenge on. I have someone I have to kill. I hope you, and Rachel…can forgive me someday. The storm of rage within me is uncontrollable. This pain in my chest won’t stop until Joe Chill is dead.’
Peyton Riley: A rather tall blonde walks into the ballroom, her long hair up with meticulous curls draping down. A cute and rather pricey blue dress hugs her curves and matches the color of her eyes. She looks about the room, seeing the same familiar faces. She had grown up knowing these people, always getting invitations to these exclusive parties and pushed to go them by her father. He wanted her to live up this life style, he never realized that they never truely accepted her at them though. The guest they had to invite or get daddy's wrath. She smiles beautifully at the crowd, although no one can tell the smile is fake. Eyes look up at her and quickly look away, as if they were all thinking 'oh, its just her'. She strides across the ballroom a few people greet her but quickly go back to their own conversations, rather forced and overdone in her opinion. She sighs inwardly and bee-lines to the refreshment table.
Peyton picks up a blushing martini and sips at it, cool blue eyes scanning the crowd. Playing the old game she had for years, trying to name each person in the room, she knew them all. It had been a few years since she had seen some of the 'children' her age. The last she had seen Rachel Dawn, was the birthday party the Waynes had thrown for her. She had certainly grown up. Peyton smirks watching Bruce Wayne next to her, awkwardly talking to all the girls, they all knew he was a catch and were circling him like hungry rats after cheese. She couldn't hide her smirk thinking of that. He was handsome and charming in his own way, but off limits for a girl like her. At least that is what daddy would say, he liked her to date with those in the 'business'. Peyton frowns at the thought and starts to drink her martini a little faster. She then spots Thomas Elliot near his mother, like always, like an obedient little corgi. Poor boy, his mother was insufferable. Although the blonde never really got to speak to her, Marla always had an excuse, but she saw the way old crone sniffed as she passed. As if Peyton's family smelled like rotten eggs and it had rubbed off on her. Peyton helped herself to another martini and watched the crowd, another exciting night with Gotham's elite.
Hush: Thomas starts “Mother…I would-…”
“…-Thomas, I am talking here…As I was saying Bruce…”
Thomas would sigh, brushing his hand through his hair in the process. His black tuxedo shoes clicked against the floor, the sound falling on deaf ears between the music and chattering of “high” class people.
Thomas reached for a glass of wine when his Mother’s voice called out. “TOMMY, can you get your loving mother something to eat?”
Thomas’ expression twitched as his lower lip tucked itself in between his teeth and his chin stiffened. His hand, if it were holding a glass of wine, would’ve shattered. He grabbed a plate of food and walked over to a buffet table to begin creating a salad. ‘If Bruce Wayne is so great, why don’t you just marry him? Why don’t you take him as your son? Give me your money and you can have HIS.’
Thomas continued scooping the salad onto the plate when suddenly a tomato jumped off and he sighed. “Damn...” Thomas placed the plate onto the table and knelt down to look around the floor for where ever the tomato had run off to, as he scurried along the skirts of the table, his eyes would come to rest upon the ankle of Peyton Riley. Thomas’ eyes sank not really afraid of the woman whose ankle he has come across. He would stand up and see himself tower over the woman, but to her complimenting features; she was almost as tall as him. His brown eyes looked her face over, her eyes were beautiful, a glass like shine that would show desperation and loneliness if Thomas cared to look for it.
“Excuse me…I’m sorry, I dropped something...” He said before spotting the tomato, he walked over and grabbed it off the floor and came to stand before Peyton. “Found it…” he glanced back at his mother. ‘Amazing how *someone* so small can stop an entire future from ever starting…’
‘Tomato’ Thomas said looking at the tomato, holding it up, before looking at Peyton, taking note of her beauty.
Peyton Riley: Peyton watched as Thomas tried to carry on a conversation with Bruce, but was failing, his mother interrupting , focusing on her own conversation before shouting across the ballroom telling him to get her something to eat. She studied his face, he was quite handsome, but it was clouded with his irritation and pain with his mother’s constant want and need for Thomas’ attention. She could see that look in his eyes as he walked over to the buffet table, she knew it all too well. She casually sipped her maritini and looked about the room not giving Thomas too much attention, he had his own business of being mommy's waiter. So she was a little surprised when she caught someone moving down by her feet Peyton couldn't help but smirk as she saw Thomas searching about her matching blue heels. A memory from school of young boys dropping pencils to try to look under her skirt flashed through her mind. But she didn't say anything; he had obviously dropped something, as he looked at her ankles. She smirked as their eyes met as he stood up. She smiled at him as he excused himself, for scrounging about her feet, holding the errant tomato She looked the young man over. ‘My how Tommy had grown up’ tall, strong broad shoulders, quite handsome, and those eyes...
"Have you ever been to the Gotham zoo? Their Snow Leopard exhibit is quite impressive." She said casually, as if they were in the middle of a conversation.
Hush: Thomas walked over and pitched the dirty tomato.
“The zoo? Yes, but I was little. I don’t remember much of it. I spent most of my time at parties like this, talking with the same three people.” He said as he started to ladle some salad dressing onto his mother’s plate.
The dressing was thick, just like the mud about his dress shoes when he stood in front of his father’s grave. ‘Bruce, have you ever done something you can’t tell anyone about?’ Bruce stared at his friend confused. ‘What do you mean Tommy?’ the rain fell about them, like the sound of the large urn of bubbling tea next to him, bringing Thomas back to the ballroom.
“What’s so special about snow leopards?” he asked.
Peyton Riley: She watches as his eyes go a bit distant as he took care of the tomato remembering. She can't help but smirk as he talks about only getting to socialize with the same people at these parties. Her childhood was filled with them too. Except when daddy took her to the zoo or Poseidon’s or some other special place, special times for just the two of them, but those moments were few and far between. One outing to the zoo stood out the most. The time daddy had to leave for ‘business’ and she was stuck at the zoo all day, being watched by zoo keepers who had notice the stranded girl, while she watched the big cats waiting for him to return. He didn’t come back until closing time, the zoo keepers wondering what to do with her.
"The snow leopards have it made in this city. They have the largest enclosure in the park. Ample food, they even release rabbits for them to catch. They are beautiful wild creatures. But if you ever go in the evening you can hear them cry, like they do every day, crying to be free." her tone level and contemplative watching Thomas.
Hush: “Are you trying to say that you’re a Snow Leopard yearning to break free of this…” Thomas held his tongue before insulting the host and present company. “…*fantastic* party.” Tommy’s tone made the word “fantastic” seem sarcastic and clearly expressed his discomfort for being here and not spending his time doing something with his money. “Most of these people are fakes. Wearing masks, snickering to each other like rats crawling inside paper thin walls…” Thomas’ gaze shifted, his head turning to look around him while maintaining a strong upright appearance. At 20 years old, he was sitting at home looking after his mother, instead of pursuing a career. Of course he did research online different scientific facts about medical school; he ate up what he could with what limited knowledge was placed on the Internet and in books.
Peyton Riley: Peyton gives a humorless laugh at his description of the party. "I'm saying we're both snow leopards, seeking freedom from these 'friends' and our families." she says smiling a little. Years of grooming and special tutors made sure that Peyton could fit in with Gotham's elite. That didn't change the fact that they didn't want to accept a prominent crime family's daughter. All dressed up with nowhere to go. Her father had complete control of where she went and who she saw. Most men here were afraid to date her, thanks to her daddy's reputation, as well as a list of boyfriends who ended up in the hospital. And if they were brave enough it didn’t change the fact that Daddy had high hopes for her marrying someone from another 'family' building a stronger empire for both. "I think you of all people would appreciate the irony."
Hush: “I suppose I do feel caged…” Tommy said with an afterthought popping into his head. “Thomas Elliot. Friends call me Tommy, not that I have many…” Thomas reached to grab hold of a glass of wine; no one would stop him from drinking it, except his mother. Thomas took a glance to see what his mother was doing; apparently she was now yakking to Bruce and Rachel. He took a slurp of the wine before setting his brown eyes onto Peyton again, noticing her curvy dress and enchanting blue eyes.
Peyton Riley: The blonde smiles as he confirms that he felt it too. He had the same trapped helpless look in his eyes that she saw haunt her own mirror every morning. She watches as he checks his mother before taking a sip of wine, not acknowledging it. Her smile broadens and brightens beautifully as he introduced himself. "I know who you are Tommy. I'm Peyton Riley." she offers a delicate hand to him as he looks her over, her weight shifts a little, resting on one leg causing her hip to push out a bit. Their eyes meet, her cool blue eyes sparkle like ice. She liked him already. He was right, the people here wore masks, and both of them did too. It wasn't just a party, but a masquerade. And of all the people here, they could actually relate to each other. After a brief pause she smirked and added, "Yes, that Riley." she looked past Thomas and caught Mrs. Elliot stealing a glance at them, looking very displeased. She gave the old ruffled crow a bright dazzling smile in response.
Hush: He shook her hand almost clueless, trying to think of where he heard of the last name before. Once she tried helping him with her last words, he smiled, genuinely for a moment. “Oh. You and I both know what it’s like then to have stories told in front of you by someone that doesn’t even know you. People assume you’re a chip off the old block, but who’s to assume you are, really? I will be nothing like my mother or father…” Thomas was cut off by Peyton smiling, he was charmed for that moment until he turned to see who she was gazing at, his mother looked away, to everyone else it was a normal shift, but to Tommy it was judgment, she didn’t approve. ‘To hell with her. This is something I want.’ Tommy decided within his own means and said. “Give me a moment to take this salad over to my mother. Would you like to sit down with me?” Thomas reached for the salad and listened intently for her response before slipping off to his mother where he handed her the plate.
“Thomas…Be a dear and never talk to that girl and her family again. Thank you, dearest.”
Thomas’ eyebrows furrowed, brown tinted with a shade of orange bulked up as his face wrinkled. “Mother, what is the point of me coming here if I don’t talk to new people and learn about this ‘empire’ I’m going to create?”
Marla Elliot took a moment as Rachel and Bruce glanced between Thomas and Marla. Bruce appeared hesitant to get involved ‘Poor Bruce, too useless despite having all his money and education.’
Rachel, however; seemed ready to jump in, placing a hand on Marla’s wrist and wheel chair. “Excuse me, Mrs. Elliot, perhaps Thomas’ needs to experience things for himself.”
‘Rachel, when she’s not trying to dominate and control Bruce and I, this is unusually nice of her. I’ll thank her later.’ It was then that Marla nodded grudgingly and waved Thomas off her shoulder. Thomas left then with a bit of a smile on his face.
Peyton Riley: Peyton smirked inside as Tommy figured out who she was, enjoying that genuine smile he gave; it was like sunshine to a plant used to indoor lighting. She knew exactly what he meant, people talking about you without even knowing you. She would like to tell him that she wouldn't be like her parents, but that would be a lie. She was expected to be her mother; a cultured piece of arm candy for the next big leader of a crime family, the quiet supporter of a powerful man. But her own smile to Mrs. Elliot distracted him and he soon realized his duties again. She smiles and nods. "That is the best thing I heard tonight. I would like that."
As he walked away she found a nearby table at the end of the ballroom near the refreshments. She watched him give his mother the salad, she could see their lips move but couldn't make what they said over the small ensemble's classical music and the drowning chatter of the gathering. She whispered their conversation to herself. Her voice changing to suit each person, she was surprisingly close, but was making their voices over the top on purpose.
Marla's voice sounded like Mrs. Bates from Psycho. "Thomas dear, thank you for the salad you know I need more roughage in my diet. Don't talk to that criminal trash, it's beneath you."
Her voice deepened mirroring Thomas' "Mother, I'm a grown man and she is beautiful, I have to talk with her." her voice making him sound like he was in a cheap soap opera.
She then switched to Rachel's voice. Making it sound too cheerful, like a stereotypical cheerleader. "Oh my god! He is a man! Did you know that Brucey? Of course you do. I just told you!"
She went quiet as Tomas walked back. She was seated in her chair, legs crossed, back straight in perfect posture. Her leg appeared through a slit in her dress, revealing it’s shapely curve. She smiled as he came back, surprised that he was smiling after the exchange. "Welcome back, mommy dearest actually let you come over?" she sounded amused. "You know I'm not complaining." she gave a little cheeky grin.
Hush: Thomas sat down across from Peyton. “My friend Rachel was able to convince her to let me see you. Maybe I can take the night off and get away from mom.” Tommy made his last statement as if eager for an escape, not so much as an obsession or yearning to be with Peyton. “So…What is it that you do besides looking good in a dress?” Tommy placed his hands in his lap watching her, his brown eyes studying her, analyzing how she was reacting. Her blonde hair stood out amongst the crowd of people currently in the room who were primarily dark haired like most Gothamites.
Tommy’s mind would flash back…
Detective: ‘What do you know about cars, son?’
Tommy, 10 years old: ‘Our butler drives mom and dad everywhere. Dad insisted on driving that day.’
Peyton Riley: She was a little surprised that Rachel had helped Tommy, but didn't let it show. Peyton did catch his subtle statement that he was joining her to be away from his mother and not just to be with her. She was a little disappointed, but couldn't blame him. She knew what it was like to be a grown adult stuck with your parent at one of these functions. Maybe she could change his reason a little, pour on a little bit more sugar. At his question she leaned forward a little, arms resting on the table, arching her back a bit, giving the young man a bit more to look at. She made a show of mock surprise at his question.
"Oh you caught me! It is my best skill. It is why I'm invited." she teased, although she was a little flattered he found her attractive. "Oh, I do a lot. Sing, dance, act, play the piano... mostly for 'family' functions, and create art - mostly sculpture. As for activities this crowd would frown upon... I can sharp-shoot with a pistol." she smiles genuinely proud of her abilities.
Hush: Tommy’s eyes trailed down her chest; noticeably until she began speaking then his eyes would periodically flash between her bust and her eyes. Tommy was completely unaware of her seductive trick, but he did listen to her abilities; particularly acting, sculpture, and sharp shooting.
“You can use a gun and hit something? Doesn’t seem very hard but, maybe you can show me sometime…Maybe this Friday?” His topaz like eyes flicked from her chest once again to her hair and then changed the pattern, his eyes slipped to her temples, eyeing the stream of hair falling down either side of her face, and his eyes bounced back and forth from one side of her face to the other; suddenly her chest wasn’t captivating him anymore.
Peyton Riley: Peyton couldn't help but smile as she caught his attention as he blatantly stared at her chest. She knew using a little bit of seduction was rather crass, but she knew the affect she had on men and could use it to her advantage. She liked this boy and wanted him to be with her for more reasons that to get away from 'mummy'. She smiled glad that he was able to focus a bit on her face as she spoke, he was paying attention. She nods at his question the blonde tresses trailing down her cheeks bobbing a little. "Hitting things with a gun is easy, anyone can do that. Hitting a small target exactly the way you want to every time, is skill." Her eyes flickered with excitement as he suggested a date, a date where she could show off.
"That sounds fun, I would love to come. Do you think you can get away from your mother enough to make it?" she teases a little. She noticed his eyes catching the hair framing her cheeks. she reached up and started to play with one, curling the hair about her finger. "I know of a private firing range we can use." she offers.
Hush:-The idea of a private firing rage was very appealing, how he longed for someplace secluded and ripe for him to get away from his mother. Her binds kept him from truly developing a personality, truly becoming his own individual. While he hoped that this would happen, he would have to find something to distract or occupy his mother’s time. He smiled some and said.- “Alright. Friday at 4?” –His mother went to a Salon where she spoke to the women there all day on Friday’s. it was the only time he ever had alone, he was grateful that it was this day above all others.-
Peyton Riley: Peyton smiled, still playing with one of her tresses. "That sounds lovely. You could meet me at Hibernian's and I could take y
ou there." she smiled. She was glad he could get away from his mom enough that they could spend some time together. She was flattered that he was intersted in her and asked her for a date. The ensemble went quiet as their leader took the mike, it was only minutes until midnight.
Peyton Riley: Party favors started to be handed out to the crowd of elites.
-Thomas held his eyes towards a television and then looked at her, with a confident, yet awkward smirk he said.- “Have anyone you’re going to kiss?” –He took a party glasses shaped to spell out “1999” and casually dropped them onto the table next to him.- “Hopefully the new millennium won’t be as lame as the past 20 years of my life.” -Thomas commented, strangely feeling comfortable enough to tell her Peyton this. She seemed to understand.-
Peyton Riley: She smiles beautifully at Thomas. "hm, no. But I have someone special in mind..." she offers, looking at him through her lashes. She smirks as he takes the goofy party glasses and grabbed a noise maker horn. She smiled both inside and outside as he commented on the next year and more. she reached out and touched his hand with one of hers. "I have a feeling that the next year will be a lot better for both us."
Hush:-His face turned into a blank face, an expression of numbness that no doubt Peyton could read. He was bitter, her words only reminding him that it would only be another year in hell, his realization that there was nothing to live for in this next year. His hand would finally react to hers and he would take her hand and nod passively, without much joy or celebration. Around them laughter and chatter, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. No one knew anything of pain from imprisonment, except Peyton. A woman he had just met and was a part of an Irish mafia gang. –
Peyton Riley: Her smile faded as his face returned to that numb expression. Yes, she knew it was bleak for him, it was for her. another year being forced to go to parties and following parents. But she had hope, they had each other. she gives a little grim smile. "I know. We'll get through it, together, you'll see." the crowd started to count down. She leaned across the table more, eyes closing, her wetlook lipsticked lips parting slightly in expectation.
-Tommy nervously smirked, his left cheek tugging at his lips exposing his finely brushed teeth, he was nervous of course. A woman taking interest in him and money didn’t seem to have anything to do with it. His thoughts were conflicted, money was everything in his world; it could buy women, entertainment, housing, food, comfort, and especially friends. His tugged smirk turned into an attempt at a serious expression. He coughed into his palm and adjusted his cuff links to the white dress shirt underneath his black suit jacket. He leaned over the table and closed his eyes the sound of people around him drowned out as screaming went out.- ‘5…4…’ –Tommy already had his lips pressed against Peyton’s to take in the taste of her skin and finely crafted arch of each tier.- <c>
-His lips were smooth, salt mixed with pineapple juice offering a bitter yet sweet taste.- Tommy: ‘I’m angry. Why didn’t she die? ’ Bruce: ‘I’m angry. Why couldn’t I save them?’ Tommy: ‘A partial victory, a defeat none the less.’ Bruce: ‘I am defeated, none the less a partial victory.’ –Bruce leaned into Rachel when he froze, their lips close but then she looked into his eyes.- “Bruce…?” “HAPPY NEW YEARS!” –People screamed as Rachel rubbed Bruce’s shoulder.- “Wanna go talk?” –Bruce shook his head.- “I’m fine. Just need some air.” –Bruce smiled softly and left. Thomas would maintain his lips against Peyton if she would allow him, his right hand reaching to cup her cheek.-
Peyton's eyes fluttered open a little in surprise as Tommy's lips met hers early, not expecting the kiss until midnight. But she didn't draw back, nothing could make her want to right now. Not the scowl she was sure would would be passing over Mrs. Elliot's face, not the stare her father's men would be giving them who would be sure to tell daddy. Tommy was a nice guy and of anyone here, maybe anywhere he understood her. And it felt nice, so very nice. Her eyes closed slowly and she pushed into the kiss more, bending over the table a bit more. the crowd kept cheering '3... 2..." the crowd seemed so distant now. It had been a long time since she had kissed like this, feeling his smooth lips, tasting the sweet hint of pineapple with salt. Her lips felt soft, plush against his. (c)
Black Canary: She gently started to suckle on his lower lip. Her lips tasting a little sweet, of cherry and cranberry, with the lingering trace of gin from her drink. She rested her cheek against agaisnt his strong firm hand, loving it, grudgingly admitting to herself that she could fall for him. She had a bad habit of that, falling for a man too soon. But, Tommy was different, like her. Someone that also needed someone to hold and be with, to be trapped with. (d)
-He felt her lean against him, his eyes glanced open, noticing the appearance of men staring at them, trying to maintain subtly, they weren’t.- ‘To defeat your enemy, you must think like your enemy.’ –He pulled back from her.- “Something tells me that this new year, is going to be different.” –His hand on her cheek gently began tugging on a stray piece of hair next to her cheek bone, her skin reminding him of a smooth desert with a dune with a hill side sliding down into an oasis with a black hole in the very center of it. Her eyelashes created a brush that seemed to sweep the sands of the desert away from the oases that were her eyes. The few eyes that were on them were merely Peyton’s guards.-
She could almost feel the eyes of her guards watching her, she was so used to by now. Going to a little girl's birthday party with two large thugs on either side of her was awkward back then, now it was just boring. She didn't care, let them stare. Daddy couldn't help who she dated, even though he kept reminding her he could, all the blinde dates worked through other 'family's parents. She felt him pull back the kiss fading, she couldn't help but keep smiling. She tried not to and failed, her lips blossoming in an attractive grin. She watched his eyes tracing over her face as he teased the stray curl by her cheek. She sighed happily, he was falling for her. "Yes, I think so." (c)
she looked down and then slowly back up, looking through her long lashes. Her eyes a sparkling blue, gazing into his eyes. she picked up her martini and smiled, raising it towards him. "To a new year Tommy." she smiled.
-Tommy took hold of his drink and raised it to tap against her glass gently.- “To a new year.” –Tommy would lift his drink and take a gulp of it as he pulled back from her and sat down looking across the table, once more his eyes taking sight of her teasing pair of cushions held within the chest of her dress. He smiled and took another gulp of his drink; brown eyes shifted and spotted his mother crossing her arms over her chest with a pouty face on. Her wrinkled face, scarred from her accident. Tommy’s face almost frowned.- “I…have to go. Mother wants to go home. I had fun meeting you, Peyton.” -Thomas stood up and pulled out a business card to hand it to her.- “My home number. Call any time…”
She smiled as their glasses cinked and took a sip on her blushing martini. She smirked a little as his eyes traced down to her low neckline and barely contained contained cleavage. She saw his eys flicker to look at his mother, it took longer this time. She was glad she was getting more attention than his mother. She smiled and resisted from looking at the old nag. She nodded as he started to excuse himself, she knew it. At the strike of midnight Thomas Elliot turned into a pumpkin to take the wicked queen home. She smirked at her own thoughts. "I understand tommy." she truely did. She smiled. "I did too." she took his card, glancing at it. "I will. See you Friday." she smiled giving a little wave as he left her alone.
Black Canary: in a crowd of people. (d)
-Tommy approached his power and immediately she was complaining about something that he was forced to apologize for, sorry escaped his lips at least three times as he wheeled his mother out of the party and towards the car. It would be that Friday that Tommy had dropped his mother off at the salon, her words sharply telling me.- “Don’t be late for picking me up! I want to watch my shows tonight.” “Yes Mother…” –She eyed him.- “Why do you smell like that? You smell like your father.” –Tommy growled lowly with a mumbling tone.- “Right. Maybe if Dad *didn’t* smell like a freakin’ drunk.” “What was that?” “I said…Dad didn’t smell like me. He smelled of Alcohol because he was a drunk.” “Thomas! You be respectful of your father. God rest his soul.”
Peyton sat alone in Hiberion's in a darkly lit booth in one corner. If one could really call this alone, everyone around her worked for her daddy in some aspect. Hiberion's was one of Daddy's investments and meeting places to do business. That is why she didn't need an 'escort' this time and her father didn't ask if she was meeting anyone, he would know eventually. She smiled thinking about Tommy and new years. Her father never mentioned about it, or that his men had seen them, but the 3 dates arranged by him for this week, told volumes. She was wearing a short black dress that barely went midthigh. trimmed with black lace and a pair of black lace gloves. Her legs crossed, the hem of her dress had lifted up a bit, showing the hem on pantyhose, her feet donning a cute pair (c)
of black stilettos. She smiled and waited, sipping lemonade with raspberries in it. (d)
-Tommy arrived he was wearing a brown suit jacket with a white dress shirt and brown sweater vest over his shirt. His hair was a bit wild on the sides of his head, but the top seemed groomed in a combed up fashion. He stopped as the mobsters at the door forced him to raise his hands, scanners began going over his body, the men frisked him and then took a bouquet of red flowers to insure it wasn’t anything hazardous.- “What you bringing flowers here for?” –Thomas’s eyes would calmly study both men.- “I’m seeing someone. My date.” “Heh. Sounds like a rough chick if she comes to a place like this. Where you find her at? Ha ha.” –The men laughed some as Tommy did what he learned so well. <c>
He masked the loneliness, the frustration, the rage, and put on a smile with a polite chuckle.- “She’s quite amazing.” “Aright man, go on in.” –He walked through the doors and looked around groups of people spotted Tommy as he held the flowers, most people shrugged off his appearance once realizing he was carrying flowers. He stopped by Peyton and offered them to her.- “For you. I thought red was a good color. Though, this is the second time I’ve seen you wear black…I have three hours. Then I gotta drive mom home to see her show and get dinner.”
She smiled brightly as she saw tommy get scanned and pawed over, her eyes tracing over the flowers as he came closer. she took them and smelled them, gazing over the flowers to look up at Tommy through her lashes. Her lips the same color as the roses. "You picked well, I love Red." she didn't mention that her last dress was blue, it was a moodlit ballroom, last they met. "I don't get to wear red as much since I'm not supposed to stand out too much around family friends..." she gave a quick glance about the mobster filled room and gave an apologetic look. "Hope they weren't too gruff on you coming in. They like to flaunt their power." she voice showing her disdain at it. she nods. "I think that gives us plenty of time." she smiles. A waiter comes over to ask Thomas if he'd like a drink.(d)
Tommy nodded ordering his drink, a sprite and then he adjusted his jacket.- “Well a few hours away from everything sounds like the healthiest thing. I wish I could get away from it all.” –He shook his head and then looked over her again. He was oblivious to his error about her attire, his mind clearly focused on other things. Tommy didn’t know what this woman saw in him, despite the common pattern in their personal lives. Tommy knew she was an amazing looking woman; men turned their heads to look at her, at least, where ever he saw her, including himself. Most heads turned to look at her and reconsider because of her “background.” <c>
-Tommy didn’t care about that. She was a good looking woman, nice kisser, and seemed perfectly fine hanging out with a man stuck at the hip to his overbearing mom. –
She made a face and nodded hearing about it being healthy getting away and wishing to get away from it all. "Yes, I know what you mean... like birds in guilded cages... I used to play a game where I would open up atlas' and plan elaborate trips that I would never take..." she sighed softly. A slight smile started to curl up the corner of her lips as saw Tommy looking her over. Her smile turned into a slight smirk as she arched her back, giving him a little more to look at, just to tease him. And she knew she could get anything wanted with a sexy pout too, it was rather fun at times, just another game for a bored princess. She was used to guys looking her over, she always noticed, and to be honest she liked the attention. But for as much attention as she got, no one came close.(c)
Too many afraid to cross her daddy or thinking she was trash from where her wealth came from. It was a fact of life for her, everyone had to work somehow and there is always demand, waiting for someone to offer what they wish for. Just another business. She looked tommy over. He was handsome and clever, and knew what she experienced. He had to be lonely like she was. know about all the stupid things you do to fill in the time. Know how nice it was to just have someone to be with. Belong to each other. Not just owning someone like their parents did to their spouses and children. she smiled at him. "Ready to go rifle range? we have to sneak out to do it." she gives a mischevious smirk, her voice soft and warm. (d)
-Tommy raised an eyebrow when suddenly his eyes lit up with thrill.- ‘Mischievous. Hm?’ –Tommy would briefly touch on a memory.- Bruce: ‘Tommy, I don’t think we should.’ Rachel: ‘Tommy, you’re going to get us arrested.’ He nodded his head lightly.- “I could go for some sneaking…I wouldn’t let mom keep *this* from me, a couple of bodyguards with guns don’t scare me.” –He said, boldly stating his fearless nature, it was a fire that sparked within him just by hearing her suggestion of it. He grinned at her looking around to glimpse at the sight of the people around them, they were all clueless. They didn’t understand anything about Tommy or Peyton; they saw only two “rich” people in Gotham, not the layers underneath, the depth of their pain.-
Her icy blue eyes sparkled as she saw his eyes light up. Ooh this boy does like a little trouble and adventure, she was liking him more by the minute. "mm, I'm glad to hear that." she looks down at her seat and scoots a little bit, reaches down, making something click. She smiled at him and gestured for him to look. "This place used to be storage place for bootlegging. There is a tunnel down here." looking at the seat it folded up a bit revealing a dark tunnel that went through the wall. "I know it by heart so if you just follow, I will take you to the rifle range. Just close it behind yourself and no one will be the wiser." she smiled glad of her plan. she was always good at working about her daddy's men when she had to, and they rarely found out. She bent down and dissapeared (c)
into the seat crawling beneath it. No one noticing in the dark corner shrowded by the buildings lay out and some potted plants. (d)
-He immediately shuffled and slipped into the space ducking his head, his figure taller than hers, but as he closed the hatch he began walking with her.- “You sure there aren’t any rats or bats down here?” –He huffed quietly not wanting to draw too much attention as dust got in his way. His hand reached out in front of him when suddenly he reached into his jacket and pulled out a flash light attached to his car keys, he would offer the keys to her.- “You want this? It’s been a long time since I’ve done this kind of thing…Not since I was 14.” <c>
–Tommy’s frame was medium sized and the crawl space was scratching against his shoulders and the back of his head as he continued to follow along, amused slightly at getting a glimpse of her backside, something he hadn’t seen of hers yet.-
She giggled softly at Tommy's question, not wanting to make a lot of noise since the restaurant was right above them still. "No, there shouldn't be any, daddy has the whole place sprayed and cleaned a few times a year." her voice hinting that there were other reasons for that which she wasn't mentioning, although there was a good amount of dust down there. She made a little noise surprised by the bright light in the dark place. The light showed that as she had crawled Peyton's short dress had slipped up and giving Tommy a clear view of the bright red satin and lace bikini style panties she was wearing. The tunnel was narrow enough she couldn't look over her shoudler so she was looking at him upside down, between her legs, although her chest blocked a lot of her view. (c)
She smiled at the offer. "No, I'm good, you can keep it. Thanks though." she laughed as he mentioined that he hadn't snuck about like this since he was 14. "I'm sure a lot has changed since you were 14." she teased and winked at him before she continued. Her round tush and wide hips swaying in front of him as she worked down the passageway. There was a sound and a click as she opened the other end of the passage, the entrance way into an abandoned and cemented over basement, the Riley Rifle Range. (d)
-He enjoyed the view of her, stumbling some as he was distracted at the sight, his movement would have to adjust itself as he felt constriction in his own pants. He finally crawled out, his suit moderately covered in dust, causing him to take off his jacket and flap it around before carrying it over his shoulder.- “Well…that was fun…I think the trip here made this worth it. That’s quite a cavern to crawl into.” –He looked around the underground range and then said.- “Quite the place. Must of sound proof walls and a few feet underneath the ground.” –Thomas did take note that if the place was reinforced enough that gunshots couldn’t be heard, these two were effectively alone. The thought of killing her came to mind. <c>
The thought leaving just as fast as it came, as he was becoming very fond of this girl and his ‘passion’ for killing wasn’t a ‘passion’ anymore. He had felt guilty about his past sins, however; he kept it buried years after Bruce and Rachel tried to force the information out of him.
She smiles. as he looked around with his little flashlight, she went over and flicked on an old light switch, bare old bulbs flickered on from where they had been mounted to beams that supported the roof of the bunker. (c)
She smiles, and smoothed down her dress unashamed. she had enjoyed hearing tommy stumble behind her in the tunnel. she stole a quick glance to see the affect she had on him. "I'm glad you think it was worth it..." she said smiling, going over to a trunk and pulling a key out that she had hidden in her cleavage. She nodded looking back at him. "Yeah, daddy wanted to have a nice private place, sound proof and covered in cement. The best place to just get away." she said as she bent over and unlocked the chest, her tone hinting that she came down here to get away from her faily. The chest was full of guns, rifles and ammo, all the serial numbers had been filed off. "Pick what ever you want to try out." she smiled.
-Tommy walked over to her and looked over the guns, spotting a couple of pistols that he reached to. He grinned at her.- “Maybe try something close and personal.” –His smile was enchanted, he seemed to enjoy having the power of a gun in his hand, though it wasn’t loaded or armed. He reached to grab the ammo for it, somehow he already knew. He slipped the clip into the magazine and examined safety latch that was still on.- “Okay. Where’s our targets?” ‘Hell of a first date. Get away from mom, got a chance to use a Glock 19, and possibly fuck a sexy blonde that’s interested in me. Three hours…Gonna need more sessions than this… ’
Peyton smiled as Tomm looked over the guns, smiling as he picked a couple glock, she nodded. She was surprised he was getting so into it, enjoying the feel of the gun in his hand. Not many guys wanted to go shooting with her, as her mother used to say it wasn't lady-like. She watched him look over the ammo and pick the right one and checked it right. She walked down the length of the long narrow basement and pulled out some target paper that was stacked on a barrel, she started to clip it to line on the wall, which was riddled with bullets and stained. "Right here. You look pretty good with that gun." her tone having more than one meaning. "Sure you haven't used it before?" she asked smiling and naturally curious.
-Tommy looked over the gun and listened to her.- “How hard can it be? You see enough movies. You get the idea how they work.” –He flicked off the safety and looked back at the sandbags and bullet impact points on the walls. He lifted the gun and stared down its sights, his holding of the gun wasn’t perfect. He waited for her to get clear before he fired looking down the sight, the bullet struck the target but, the gun almost bounced out of his hand as his finger pulled on the trigger rather than squeezing the handle and trigger.- “Whoa.” –He aimed again and fired provoking the same reaction.- “This one has a bigger kick than I thought.” –A 9mm pistol hard almost no recoil, but Tommy didn’t know this.-
She smirked at his words and bit her tongue. She would let him learn himself, show that guns are more than just point and click. She cooly watched how he handled the gun. She surpressed a laugh as the gun nearly jumped out of his hand. She sauntered up behind him and let a hand trace down his arm, down to his hand holding the gun she drew his arm up. "Yeah, you have to watch out for that." her voice sounded sincere, like she belived him. She then brought his other hand up to help steady the gun, her chest pressing against his back as she hugged him from behind, her fingers adjusting how he held the gun. "just focus, exhale, and then squeeze the handle and the trigger together, one fluid movement..." her voice a purr in his ear.
-He would smile feeling her attach herself to him, taking to his form. He nodded his head along listening to her- “Okay.” –He waited until she set him up and then fired another shot, scraping the target but, with almost no recoil. He narrowed his eyes and dropped his smile to begin firing multiple shots to tear up the target paper. He lowered the gun upon hearing the hammer of the gun click against metal and empty space. He looked at her and said.- “Think I’m going to need more bullets…” –He wrapped his arms around her.- “Thank you for this…” –Tommy surprised himself, for even giving her consideration and respect for her trouble.- “Are you going to shoot?” –He smirked, teasing her a bit. While holding her in his arms, the gun he hand in his right hand tucked between her hip and his hand.-
She smiled as his shot was better and the recoil didn't affect him so. She was surprised by the rain of bullets, but kept smiling as the paper tore up. He was a quick learner, ooh what she could teach him... she smirked at him. "hehe, I think you do." She smiled as he embraced her this time, looking down a little almost blushing at his appreciation. "you're very welcomed. Just glad you are enjoying it." She had left her hair down that day and half of it spilled down in front of her right eye as she gazed back at him. She smiles feeling the cool firmness of the gun on her hip as his hand rested there "Would like to see me take my turn? Just watch out. I always get what I set my sight on." she smiled, leaning into his embrace a little her lips inches from his own.
-He grinned and chuckled teasingly at her.- “Mastermind, are you? Don’t play me in Risk…I always win.” –He pressed his lips against hers leaning into her some to take the cherry and lemonade on her lips. He would softly purr into kissing her. When his lips pulled back some he looked over her features, her hair down.- “You know…Your hair looks better when it’s down…maybe straightened too.” –He lifted his left hand to brush through her gold locks.-
She laughed as he teased her and melted into him a bit as they kissed. Her lips caressing his own as he tasted her. She looked up at him, lips parted as the kiss ended, her eyes on his. "hehe, I don't know about mastermind... but I am good at coming up with a plan. I got us here didn't I?" she smiled. She shivered as his fingers traced through her curly tresses. "You think so?" she asked smiling at him, "I like wearing it down, but I was afraid I would look too... plain." she admited. She pondered a moment and smiled. "I might have to not curl it next time, then you can see if it looks better straight yourself."
-He would gently snickered hearing her.- “You like to show off a lot…No one seems to notice…but I do.” –It was an attempt at admitting to sneaking peaks at her features.- “I think your body is a potentially a very deadly thing about you.” –His hands wrapped around her waist and gently caressed her lower back just above her backside. His hands pulled her closer to him, a creak of cold air would turn his breath into a cloud of warmth as he exhaled smiling down at the woman in his arms.- “Have you ever thought about going into business? Maybe together we could, make a *killing* in profit.”
She lowered her head a little as he admitted that he noticed that she showed off a lot. She looked away, it was true, as hard as she tried, people didn't notice her, or purposely ignore her. She smiled and looked into his eyes, her blues, bright and sparkling, he noticed, that was all that really mattered to her. "I'm glad you do." she grinned. she leaned into him more as his arms wrapped about her, loving how close he was bringing her to him, feeling him press into her cleavage. She smiled and looked at Tommy through her eye lashes as she talked about her curves."Mm, you think so? Do I have a killer body?." she pressed into him more, her lips near his ear, her breath warm on it, her voice sultry. "It would be fun to share such danger... see how far someone would go, just to touch me..." she gave a playful yet gentle nip at his ear and then leaned back to look in his eyes. She smirked and laughed a little at his question. "When I was little, before my mother had me take all my classes, I used to love my daddy's stories of his business." she laughed a little thinking of it. "Other kids hear stories about princesses and knights, I had stories of the punk who double crossed my daddy, hehe." she laughed. "I used to daydream and come up with business ideas for daddy, he said they were good, or show me what would go wrong. But then we had a scare one time and he wanted me to do better than that, to be a socialite who never had to worry about business. Be a good high society wife like my mother." her voice went down sounding dissapointed. she looked up again smiling. "But I would be tempted to go into business with you."
Bruce Wayne: “Though, there would be a problem.” –His tone got serious, as his hands slipped one to grab her backside and the other to support her upper back as a means of possessively hold her closer.- “Not sure I could accept anyone touching you…Besides, using you to make money. It doesn’t feel right. You’re not a whore, not for me and definitely not for anyone.” –He smiled at her caressing his nostrils across her cheek as his lips gently brushed across her face.- “I’d kill anyone who would try to get between our future.” –He whispered into her ear, a imagery of flower pedals in front of a Gotham church, <c>
Bruce Wayne: a sun shining day that caused her to appear as an angel within the Spring, identified only by gold hair and a dark haired gentlemen holding her arm dressed in a tuxedo. He saw a wealthy future, combine their strength and power would fare well and likely be more successful than Bruce; Tommy was a strategist and Peyton had a sense of business, together they were a wrecking ball, who knows? Maybe someday Elliot Umbrella will own Wayne Enterprises, the thought of Bruce working as his secretary amused him, it was only matter of time until that idiot ran his company into the ground.
She smiled and pushed her tush into his hand that grabbed it. Feeling her heart race as he held her so close, feeling him hold her so possesivly, it felt good to belong to someone. she smiled and looked into his eyes searching, so glad to hear he didn't like the thought of her using her body to earn money. that she wasn't a prostitute. she shivered as he talked about how he would kill anyone whoone who would try to get between him. To some girls the thought that their love would kill for them would be a horrorific, but if anything it made feel more wanted and protected. It is what her daddy would do. Or any of her uncles who would do anything for her. She shivered hearing the words in her ear, sounding like a sweet song. She had her own mental image of herself running and laughing out of a gotham church, her white dress fluttering behind her like wings, clinging to tommy's arm. She could see a future where they were out of Gotham, free. Only having and needing themselves, having children, not needing anything more. she blushed a little as she realized she was daydreaming. tommy was so special to make her feel this way, he really wanted her for who she was. she smirks thinking fora moment. "Would you like to see me shoot?" she grins.
-He grinned seeing her.- “Shoot some straight shots and I’ll buy you another date.” –He slipped his body around to her left side allowing the gun Tommy was just using to be revealed as it sat on the table before them.- “Sound fair?” –His body slipped around her to stand behind her, his groin pressing against her back side as his nose took in a scent of vanilla from her hair. His half muscular arms wrapped around her as his gaze settled upon a target down range and in line with their position. His lips placed a soft kiss against the back of her earlobe as he smiled intently at the gun and then the target.-
The blonde's eyes seeming to spark a little at the challenge, although she was smirking confidently. "mm you got yourself a deal." she purred as he offered the gun, feeling him slide against her. She scooped up the gun picked up a ready clip that was setting on the table. she felt him rub against her and shivered as he breathed in her scent. oh he was so close it felt so good. To have someone that enjoyed a little gun play and being close, close to her. she shivered as she felt that tender kiss on her sensitive ear. She sighed out slowly and then With lighting percision she discharged the empty clip and had it loaded. All the while, rubbing against him, a little, teasing while she rapidly gave three shots. She smirked and set down the gun, it still had some shots left. But looking at the target Tommy would see that her first and second shots had been so close there was a little tag of paper between them, and her third shot had removed the paper tag. "That's what you get when you have been practicing as long as I have." she teased, and arched her back. Her tush rubbing against him provactivly."Want to see a really neat trick?" she said huskily, teasing. He wanted to see dangerous? she would show him.
-His face turned plane and his eyebrows lifted to his forehead.- “Nice shots.” –He examined the shots, not in disbelief but, in an enlightened state of mind. A joke about her bloodlines and family stirred within his mind but, he would refrain from making such comments right now. He felt her body grind against him provocatively and his expression would melt as his body leaned into her some, silently encouraging more from her.- “…Keep them coming, so far you’re surprising me by the minute…” –He mumbled into her ear. His hands, gentle and precise like a surgeons would stroke the sides of her waist while holding her hips against his.-
She smiled as he seemed impressed by her shots and how his expression melted so as she teased him so, feeling him press back. She loved how responsive he was, it made her feel so speical. Shivering a little as his hands came up, so gentle and caring, delicate and prcise. feelin him hold her so close. She smiled and picked up the gun again and shot the paper near the clips holding the paper up and then shot again, a clean head shot, before it hit the ground. she smiled sexily over her shoulder and then reached down between her thighs and lifited up the hem of her dress slowly teasing, her red panties showing again as she reveals a matching red garter with a holster in it, pulling out a little one shot revolver. She winked at him. She smiled looking at it. She remembered when she got it, her fifth birthday. It was the only birthday where she didn't get a doll.
She remembered for a moment her dolls, she loved them so. She had a playroom filled with them. She was often seen carrying one around. Her parents were always gone at functions or her father was doing 'business' so when she didn't have a lesson she had a lot of alone time and would spend it with her dolls. Each one had its own personality to her and she wove such complicated histories for them. She remembered the moment it all changed. She still wondered how long her nanny had been standing there watching. Watching her in the dining room, the best table settings out, dressed in her fanciest dress, having a tea party with the dolls. Playing all their voices, each one different, pouring real tea and making it with cream and sugar just the way each doll liked it. Her years of training evident, she had perfect poise and posture, her ettiquite flawless.
"Peyton... what are you doing?" asked Nanny Anne. Peyton excused herself to the dolls. "Just a little social event." she said casually. Anne looked down at the floor. "What happened to Rose Marie?" Rose Marie had been smashed onto the floor hard, the doll's porcelian face shattered across the expensive rug. Peyton made a ticking sound with her tongue. "She was being mean to Betty Sue and no one is mean to her, Betty Sue is such a sweetie. Besides Rose Marie was using her salad fork to stir her tea." her contempt for the doll's bad manners evident. She went back to her tea party, she hardly noticed when the scared nanny slipped out of the room.
The next day was the end of it all. Her mother had cabinents installed in the room to display the dolls, each one of them locked away with her mother keeping the key. she remembers crying, down on her knees begging her not to do this they were her friends. Her mother was no nonsense as usual. "Peyton you need to make new friends, real friends. You are twelve years old. A young lady. You are too old for dollls. This is the end of the matter."
Suddenly everything came back into focus and she had an angry dangerous look in her eye as she stared at her gun. She then spun around and kissed Tommy, her fingers grasping and knotting in his hair, pressed against him. Feeling so close again, no longer alone. Her hand with the gun caressing up his back, the hardness felt there. Then she turned abruptly and her arm came straight out and shot the last poster through the heart. She grinned as she turned back to tommy, dropping the gun, breathing heavy from the long kiss, her chest heaving against him. "Mm... I'm so glad we can have moments like these..." she purred.