The Penguin's Heart (Oswald Cobblepot fanfic* orig charac)

War Plans

Red P.O.V
"Ah, there you are. We have important business to go over. You can come too, Oswald." Fish ordered us with a charming smile. She took my arm and led us to our table. Once we sat down, she kicked off her heels and made Ozy massage her feet. I stretched my legs out and rested my heels on the metal frame of the table. Immediately, I felt extremely comfortable in my makeshift footrest.

"Things are going to be chaotic for a while. For your own protection, You are staying here in the club until the danger passes. If you want to go out, Butch and Penguin have to accompany you no butts."Mom stated as she stared me down, anticipating a smart ass comment.

"Things only get crazy when you're scheming. What's the plan?" I asked as I returned her iron gaze. I began fidgeting with my tights more as I awaited her answer. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Oz flash me a small smile.

"Momma just wants to expand her territory a bit. You know when I see an opportunity I pounce. Falcone is getting soft but I've still got my edge. My name has more weight to it than the old man. No one in this city would dare to fuck with Fish Mooney, remember that." My mom stated as she emphasized the last four words. She got up and gingerly placed a kiss on my forehead. She went to the bar to fix us a drink while I leaned back in my chair. I closed my eyes and felt a strong pair of hands massage my shoulders.

"You read my mind Ozy, thanks. We'll have to be on our toes from now right?" I asked him as I gripped my gun holster.

"As long as I'm around, you'll be safe."He whispered in my ear as he continued the massage.

"Penguin will you take your hands off my kid before I cut them off!" Mom commanded as she tightly held onto his pressure point on the shoulder. Ozy quickly complied and I felt terrible for getting him in trouble. My mom slammed my glass on the table and went to sit across from me. The entire time she sent Ozy a death stare as we discussed business and downed our drinks.

At night the club kicked into high gear as guests piled in. I helped mom greet our regular customers and some friends. Ozy remained at my back surveying for any danger. I eyed the entrance and saw that Butch had returned from his errand. I asked the table for permission to leave before heading over to Butch, who was coming over. I quickly got to him and led him towards the secluded kitchen hallway.

"Is Vince taken care of?"I whispered as I kept watching our surroundings.

"Yeah, you won't be hearing from him no more." Butch whispered back.

"Did you recover the money?" I asked fiercely as I played with the hidden knife on my back.

"Yeah boss, every penny. The boys are placing it in the office now." He replied as he anxiously eyed my right hand. With his answer, I brought my right hand into view and placed both on his shoulders.

"Thank you Butch. Your loyalty won't go unnoticed. Have a little fun, you and the boys. But, keep an eye on the club. We'll be in the office." I said as I squeezed his shoulders and left for the office. Ozy followed me closely and took his place next to me as I sat in mom's chair. A black duffel bag was left on her desk and I opened it up. I tossed the contents out and the cash covered the desk. I quickly got to work and counted the money. Ozy, who sat to my right, helped me stack the money after I counted it. I tallied the amount recovered, $1,200, into the ledger under several miscellaneous donations. I was satisfied with my book keeping which kept us "legit". I began to relax in mom's giant leather chair after a long day.

"You know I didn't enjoy getting in trouble, you temptress." Ozy whispered into my right ear as he caressed my arms. A smirk appeared on my face and I turned my head towards him.

"It wasn't my intention. Surely I can make up for it?" I coyly asked him as our faces hovered over each other. I saw his eyes darken for a moment as he thought about my punishment. This caused my smirk to transform into a giant grin as I caressed his hands.

"Tomorrow you have to spend dinner with my mom and I. You can't slip out." He replied with a giant grin.

"I accept. What should I wear?" I asked as I began to get up. Once I got up, Ozy wrapped his arms around my waist while I put mine around his neck.

"Something formal. My mom is old-fashioned so no guns and provocative clothing." He told me as he traced my spine.

"You have a date. Now we need to get back to the party." I replied as I gave him a peck on the nose and began to walk out the room.

I returned to the table and took my seat next to my mom. I helped her entertain the guests as the night began to wind down. The club finally closed at 3 am and I trudged to my bedroom. I clumsily kicked my shoes off and changed into my pajamas: oversized red t shirt and black shorts. I went to the bathroom off to the right and took my make up off. Finally, I could go under the crimson red cotton sheets. The fluffy white pillow with red stitching finally eased me to sleep.

Oswald P.O.V

I left my shift unnoticed and practically ran back home. Gotham wasn't a nice place to stay out in , especially at night. In 30 minutes, I made it back to my humble abode. I slowly closed and locked the door to avoid waking up my mom in our dark desolate apartment. I thought I was quick but was startled by a woman's voice behind me.

"Oswald, why must your employer keep you out so late? Anything could have happened to my poor boy in this sick city." My mom wept in her polish accents as she sat in the big floral armchair. In a quick stride, I was in front of her on my knees, hugging her waist.

"I'm sorry momma. Today was a busy today and it might be a little crazy for a while. But I get overtime and might be able to ask for a carpool." I replied and gave her a kiss on her forehead. This managed to quiet her for a while and I moved to kitchen off to the left. I was starving and threw open the fridge. I saw a sandwich and grabbed it along with some water. I set my food down on the small rectangular table and pulled a chair out for my mom. I ate a few bites before decided to break the awful silence.

"Momma, I want to bring a guest over for dinner tomorrow? A friend and co-worker of mine." I asked, hoping that she wouldn't pry too much. However, I was wrong.

"That depends on who your friend is. Why are you so cryptic?" She replied as she nervously played with her handkerchief.

"Her name is Red and I've been working with her for 5 years. She's really nice and I thought it was time you two met." I replied strongly as I sipped my water.

"No, no , no!!!!! All the girls here are bad, very bad and filthy. You know this!! How could you fall for the grim of this city, my sweet boy. You're breaking your poor mother's heart." Mom wailed as she screamed a string protests in our native language.

"Enough mother! You haven't even met her and are already assuming the worst. I'm done with you isolating me. Yes, the world is scary but it has some good points: friends. I just wanted to share more of my life with you. I guess I was just asking for too much." I screamed back as. slammed my hand on the table leaving my mom utterly shocked.

"Fine, I'll meet her. But if she turns out to be like I know she is, I'm throwing the both of you out. Goodnight son." My mom replied coldly as she went to her room. I cleaned up my plates and stormed into my room. The argument had drained too much of my energy and I fell fast asleep.