OPEN LATE ;; PENGUIN

1.2

It was my work shift, and I was suspecting it was also Margo's as we both walked in. Oswald smiled and stood from the bar.

" Ah. My favorite lady and my new worker. " he chuckled, then held out his hand for Margo to shake. " Just kidding. I'm sure you'll be able to stand next to Butch. " I rolled my eyes as Margo smiled sweetly.

" I don't know who that is but...sounds good? " she laughed, shaking his hand back. Oswald smiled at me, then leaned over to my ear and whispered.

" Don't worry. I'll explain more later. " he then pulled away and winked. I blushed.
" So...if you don't mind me asking...what's my or--our first task? " Margo smiled. She was in her best, most charismatic form. But Oswald just seemed to...ignore it...
" Wiping down tables. Basically. But I will need to speak more to Lyla so if you don't mind... "
" Oh. " Margo laughed nervously, shaking it off and proceeding to grab a wash rag and start her job. I snickered at Oswald. Two can play, two can play...
" There is no need to be rude... " he tilted his head.
" We need to get something straight. " I raised my eyebrows.
" What is it? " he breathed in and out deeply. He opened his mouth to speak but he was quickly interrupted as a man much taller than Oswald with glasses walked up to me.
" No man wants me, yet no man wants to lose me. What am I? " he asked and smiled. Oswald was clearly annoyed, but I didn't mind at all. I could use seeing Oswald annoyed more often...
" Work? " I laughed as the man smiled wider.
" Correct. " he put his hand up. " What's your name? "
" Her name's Lyla and friend if you don't mind-- " I rolled my eyes at Oswald and interrupted before he could finish.
" Lilly, actually. My name is Lilly. Yours? " I shook the man's hand.
" Edward. Nygma. " I chuckled.
" It's nice to meet you Edward. I don't think I've ever seen you around here... "
" I guess not? I haven't seen much of you either. But now that I am seeing you I must say it is a pleasure to meet you-- "
" I'm sorry Edward but-- " Oswald interrupted again, sliding his hand in mine and showing it to Edward, raising my hand a little. " this one's mine and we've got business to do. " Edward's grin turned to a frown slowly as Oswald turned, taking me with him as he walked away. He pulled me closer and walked me to the back.
" Could you not be more impolite? " he turned and looked at me.
" Well same to you! " he spoke in a quiet, childish manner. As if he were jealous...
" Oswald he wasn't approaching me in that way...and even if so we aren't in a relationship you know that... " he opened his mouth to speak again, taking a large gulp of air, but then he just sighed.

" Yes, we aren't. What I wanted to tell you about was that I'd...like to be. " he spoke as if he meant every word with his heart. There was a silence until he spoke again. " and that my mother...just died. "  there was more silence. I slowly walked over to him and wrapped my arms tightly around him. I wasn't a touchy feely person, but I knew he needed it as he hugged me back.

" you shouldn't...count on me... " I told him as he pulled away and looked at me.

" Think so? " he tilted his head. I leaned in a little.

" I think so... " he leaned back. And then in the blink of an eye, I could hear a thousand bullets coming from outside the walls. My ears rang, and I could see Oswald's eyes wide and then I could see him as he chuckled, staring down at me, brushing his fingers through my hair.

" You're okay...you made it...you're okay... "