C-Listers

Sleepover Gossip

Arnold Wesker ran Block H in the asylum, and that's because he didn't belong there. Block H was for low level rogues, no danger to the guards or each other, and Scarface by no means belonged there. But by the measure of the Gotham Court system Arnold Wesker was the inmate, and Scarface didn't factor in whatsoever.

It was stupid of them, even with the doll in cold storage Scarface made his presence known, a sock, a torn up poster, a mop, each looked like the boss to Wesker after a few days. One time Thomas Blake swore on his life he saw the man use a rock as a phone through which Scarface barked orders. Vinny thought Blake probably made it up though, he hated taking orders from the old man, or his dolls. And that was where the gossip in Block H's eastern hall turned that fateful morning.

Block H was the most overcrowded block in Arkham. Two-bit loons were a dime a dozen, and about 10 years back Jeremiah Arkham had doubled up on cells in the block, by now it was tripled. Vinny Ratch, the Copperhead, circus geek, and fourth villain to bear the name, had miles more respect for Wesker than he did for Tommy Blake. And had pretty clearly steered the conversation this direction.

"He's completely a liar, Tommy would literally do anything for attention." Vinny had asserted as soon as he'd heard.

"He wants a seat at the big kids table, of course he's mad he's under Arnold." Miranda Falkenberg, the Manikin, replied. She fiddled with the hem of her bright orange dress. Miranda had sewn a long ballgown out of uniforms too damaged to use. She'd been a model once, and liked to maintain an air of glamour even in Arkham's halls.

"Oh do lay off Thomas, he's terribly sweet when you get to know the man." The Ragdoll chided, lounged across the top bunk of the tiny room. Peter's hands were entangled in the thick hairs on his wig, but he gestured dramatically all the same.

Vinny was picking carefully at his newest acquisition, a line of metal studs protruding from his knuckles. It was something of a tradition among the cellmates to trade rumours while they got made up. It had first been a tradition at public lunchtimes, but Miranda's position as a seamstress in the asylum meant she had the leverage to get them transferred to the same cell. It was by that same position that the three were able to keep up their costuming from their room.

"Peter I completely don't care how much you like the guy, I think he's got his head up his ass. Man's more lion tamer than lion of you get my meaning." His accent got thicker toward the end of the sentence. Vinny in fact didn't mind Thomas Blake that much, but not only did he have a point to prove, he was dead certain Ragdoll was wrong on him being "sweet" deep down. Completely petty, and he knew it.

Those two would pick at each other for hours, costuming really was the only thing to do in the cell, and Miranda needed her concentration while she added her sequins.

"You remember Lonnie from down the hall? The kid? He's over the moon about something or other, says he's heard something's happening soon."

"Kid's new, he'll believe whatever the first little while."

"When I first got here I was certain the place was haunted."

"It's got that effect on people, first month I thought everyone was somebody in disguise."

The room got quieter, no one spoke for a while, Vinny filed his teeth, Miranda polished herself, Peter kept picking at the wig like an ape looking for lice. It was unspoken but they all agreed. If what Lonnie said was true they'd have to look their best. A public appearance was nothing to scoff at.