Goodnight Gotham.

Chapter Nine.

Words can not describe how relieved you were to see Jervis. Even though you only met each other just hours ago there was something so comforting about him. You let out a fake concerned tone "Jervis, is your new past time hanging outside of the women's bathroom? Strange, but whatever suits you!" You both let out a laugh. You felt you could joke around with him, like you've been friends with him for years. He reached out for your hand and said, "come sit down with me." You complied, accepting his invitation. He chose to sit at the end of the bar.

As soon as you sat down, the bar tender who had served you earlier approached you and said, "is this your purse miss? You left it behind when you headed towards the stage." A wave of sweet relief washed over you. "Oh my god yes! Thank you so much." "It's not a problem" he said. "Just being a good person is all." You responded with "There certainly aren't many of those in Gotham." The man let out a hardy chuckle. "Let me at least pay for my previous drink." You insisted. "It's the very least that I can do." "Oh don't worry about it, your kindness and conversation is payment enough." He said, very genuinely. "But I will have to charge ya from now on." You smiled and said, "completely understandable. Thank you again. I will have a (F/D)." You looked over at Jervis to see if he wanted anything. He shook his head no. "Alright, one (F/D) coming right up." He tapped on the counter twice enthusiastically and began making your drink.

You twisted your stool to ensure that you were facing Jervis. He did the same. "You seem to have collected yourself very well after what happened. I will be honest with you, my heart sank when you ran off the stage. I know it sounds strange given that we have practically just met but I think that we have a very strong connection, something beautiful.¨ You tried to let him keep talking but you couldn't help yourself. You excitedly blurted out "I feel the same way! I didn't want to say anything and embarrass myself." He let out a small chuckle. You reached out to hold his hands. There was not any sort of hesitation as he returned the gesture. For a few minutes, both of you stayed quiet. Just taking in the other persons features. After awhile, the silence was broken by the delivery of your drink.

"One (F/D), made to perfection! That will be $6.08." You reached into your purse for some cash and a tip. "You have been great tonight, thank you." He smiled while grabbing your money off the table and said "It was my pleasure miss."

You turned again to face Jervis, bringing your drink to your lips. He looked intently at you and said, "so (Y/N) tell me about yourself." You let out a heavy sigh. You told him everything. "God, where do I even start? Well. I moved to Gotham a few months ago and I haven't set foot out of my apartment until today." Jervis looked surprised. You continued. "My anxiety has prevented me to do anything. Think of the simplest task humanly possible and I can guarantee that I could not physically get myself to do it. My mind has had such control over me for so long I am sick of it. Earlier today was when I finally decided that I would face my fear and disobey my mind. I did some research and found out that this was a hotspot in Gotham so I decided to go. I got ready and as soon as a tried to leave, I curled up into a ball on my couch and panicked. I waited for a while to try again. When I reached the door I had the courage to pull it open and leave my apartment which has kept me prisoner for so long. I was so proud of myself, I felt triumphant! But, that feeling did not last long. I had to take public transport. That by itself is not a bad thing but crowds terrify me. When the bus pulled up to my stop I froze, I froze like a fucking idiot". You started tearing up. ''I'm so sorry.'' You began to wipe your tears with the back of your hand but Jervis pulled your hands down to stop you. You were confused. He pulled out his small handkerchief that was kept in his breast pocket and wiped your tears for you. When he was finished, he whispered, ''keep going little dove, it's okay." You took a deep sigh and continued on. "Eventually I got myself to get onto the bus. I walked on and wouldn't you know? There was a huge crowd. I immediately panicked and went towards the back of the bus." You paused and reached for your purse, pulling out your trusty laminated card. You slid it towards Jervis. He looked down at it. You continued "That little guys helps me during my worst episodes, keeps me grounded. Anyway, I got off the bus, came here, grabbed a drink, watched your act, had a mental breakdown on your stage and here I am!"

Jervis looked at you with amazement. He grabbed your hands once again, helping you off of your stool. When you were both standing he wrapped his arms around you, giving you the most comforting and sweetest hug. You returned the gesture, holding him close and never wanting to let him go.

He grabbed your right hand and helped you up on the stool. Once you were both seated again, he began speaking, holding your hands and looking deep into your eyes. "My love, I am so deeply sorry for what you have been going through, the mind can be a very scary place. I have had my own personal experiences. You are so strong. Do not belittle what you have accomplished, I mean look at you! Dear, you are sitting in a club!" He smiled excitedly. "I am proud of you, so proud. I mean that". "Here," he said. Grabbing a napkin and clicking a pen he wrote down his phone number for you. He took the napkin and folded it into your hand. "I want you to reach out to me whenever you need to. I absolutely adore you, when can we meet again?" "Call me and we can certainly set something up.'' You said sweetly. "Then a date it is." He bowed and kissed your hand softly, just like when you first met. "Please let me drive you home, I want to make sure that you are safe." "Of course." Jervis wrapped his arm around you. You began to walk with him but briefly stopped. "Jervis," you said. ''Yes?" He said admiringly. "Thank you, for...well...everything." No words were needed. Jervis affectionately kissed your cheek as you walked out of The Sirens Club. The place that changed your life forever.