Siren // Orm Marius

Chapter 12: All Along the Watchtower

Chapter 12: All Along the Watchtower

23:42
Gotham City
Two Days Later

The crisp air drifted through the city, leftover newspapers fluttering in the breeze. The ebony skies dimmed the already dark city as the stars twinkled, peeking through the thick layer of clouds. The city was all but silent, except for the occasional honk of a car horn or a scurrying rat. Few people were out, and rain fell in sheets, pummelling against windows. Puddles slowly formed against the curbsides, and were untouched, almost waiting, watching for action. As Cora neared the heart of the city, the noise started to pick up. She could hear people yelling, the thudding of fists, clicks of guns, but she ignored it all. Her eyes zeroed in on a large building, emitting light that would almost blind you. Wayne Enterprises. She pushed her damp hair out of her eyes, blinking raindrops from her lashes, and she scanned the rooftops. A glint of red caught her eyes, and she slipped across the street, blending with the crowd. She reached a fire escape, her hands gripping the slick metal. Climbing up it slowly, the air around her cooled significantly as she reached the top. The hint of charred ash filled her nose, and she walked over to the man sitting on the edge of the roof. His jet black hair drifted lazily around his face, the white tufts brushed across his lashes. Every now and then, he lifted his cigarette to his lips, taking a long drag as he scanned the city. His domino mask laid in his lap, the red metal one lying to the right of him.

"Thought I'd find you up here," she called out, her boots splashing rainwater as she sat down next to him. He silently held out the box of worn Marlboro's, and she tapped it against her hand before pulling one out. The rain had slowed almost to a stop, so she lit it, inhaling the burnt stick. She looked to the right, taking in the sharp jawline, clenched in an unrecognizable emotion.

"Hey Cora," he finally said, his dusty blue eyes meeting hers. She offered him a small smile, taking a drag of her cigarette.

"Hey Jason."

"Haven't seen you for a while, what brought you back?" He asked, puffing a mouthful of smoke into the sky.

Cora stayed silent for a moment, nodding, "I've missed you."

Jason cracked a smile, the moonlight reflecting off of his pearly white teeth, "Running away from your problems again? Didn't help last time, it won't help you this time."

She snorted, "This time is different."

"How so?" He questioned, peeking to the side.

"You know how it is in our line of work," she stated, picking at her fingertips, "You can't let things get too comfortable, you can't be too vulnerable. I feel so...comfortable. It's terrifying."

"So you chose to come to Gotham?" He raised an eyebrow at her, a soft chuckle dropping from his lips. She shook her head softly, a smile peeking across her lips, and she laughed.

"Not the best choice, but I needed time to clear my head."

Jason nodded, and they sat in silence for a few moments. The fall air brushed around them, whipping her hair in all directions until she tied it back. The soft thudding of a few figures behind them alerted them both, and she peeked over her shoulder.

"Hey Dick," she said, with a wave. The eldest brother stood behind them, flanked by the two younger sons. The tall Romani man walked over to them, a smile on his face. She quickly stood to give him a hug, and he wrapped his muscular arms around her, tucking his head into her neck.

"Always good to see you, Cora," he mumbled into her neck, his breath fanning her skin. He stepped back, hands on her shoulders, and sized her up, "You're looking well."