DC Scenarios (Villains)

Hanging Out With the Mad Hatter

The mere fact that Y/N had been hypnotized into doing the physically impossible was astonishing. The only thing that was even more astounding was the fact that she ran into the man that hypnotized her in her favorite bookstore.

Y/N had been roaming the aisles of a little, hole-in-the-wall bookstore. She had already selected some other books but decided to peruse the old store for any other hidden treasures. She paid no attention to the faint sound of the bell atop of the door chiming, indicating another patron.

It wasn't until she had another small stack of books that she decided to head to the checkout counter. She rang the small desk bell for assistance and waited. As she waited for assistance, Y/N picked up the sound of a clock ticking.

Ever since the night she got hypnotized, Y/N's ears had been particularly sensitive to the ticking of clocks. She hated the silence in offices or clinics when all that could be heard was the insufferable clock ticking. Y/N looked around for the source of her strife but she stopped once she laid eyes on an unfortunately familiar acquaintance.

It was the man from the show!

He had seen her too. An eager smile crept onto his face as the realization of his newfound company hit him. In an almost childlike manner, Tetch waved at Y/N, excited. "Hello, Miss L/N!"

Almost immediately, a random bystander hushed loudly. Y/N frowned in their direction before focusing her attention back to Tetch. Despite the annoying sound of his pocketwatch, Y/N was determined to have a civil conversation with the hypnotist, free of any awkwardness or prior memories.

"Hello, Mr. Tetch", she whispered and waved politely. She smiled briefly before setting her books down on the desk. "How are you?"

"Miss L/N, what a surprise. I'm doing well. How are you today?" Jervis hadn't really expected to see any of his former hypnotees. Half of them were dead, and the other half didn't bother remembering him. Besides them, it was refreshing to see one of them outside of the club.

As Y/N went on about her day so far, Tetch zoned out and glanced at the books Y/N had put down on the checkout counter and caught glimpses of the titles in an attempt to guess Y/N's literary taste. He saw some familiar authors and some he didn't recognize, but he ignored the books and focused on the conversation at hand.

"...and now I'm here, talking to you." Y/N gave him a pursed lip smile, trying to see what he was looking at. "I'd ask what you're doing here but by the looks of it", she looked at the books he cradled in his arms. "The answer is pretty obvious."

Jervis had forgotten about the pile of books he carried but he put them next to hers. "You're quite right." He chuckled as he placed a divider between her books and his. "I have today off and I decided to explore the town."

That earned him a scoff from Y/N. Of course, she realized it'd come off as rude. "I didn't mean to make it sound like that but let's just say Gotham isn't the most explotable city." She hadn't meant to be rude but he unwavering cheerfulness stuck out like a sore thumb in contrast to everyone's constant gloominess.

"Don't think I know what you mean, Miss Y/N." Jervis was distracted once a cashier came to the counter to ring them up but he focused on Y/N once again. "I know Gotham City isn't exactly the kindest place but believe it or not, I can handle it."

It didn't take long for Y/N's books to be rung up. She paid and was about to say her goodbyes to the peculiar man but something in her head just insisted to talk to him more. Y/N hesitated but she waited while he paid for his books.

"Hey, Mr. Tetch. It's kind of weird but I just wanted to know if you'd like to join me for some coffee. I usually go to a little coffee shop nearby to read a book. I thought it'd be nice to have some company." Her smile was slightly less awkward and more kind.

Jervis had just planned to go straight back to the doctor's house to relax and continue his search for his dear Alice but he figured it wouldn't hurt to take a break. He eager grin grew. "Miss Y/N, I rather like that idea." He opened the door for her. "I'll let you lead the way."

Y/N smiled and lead the way to the coffee shop. After walking with him for a couple of blocks and making some small talk, they finally arrived at the coffee shop. They felt instant relief once they walked into the warm, welcoming shop, a harsh juxtaposition to Gotham's cold, cruel streets.

Y/N took Jervis to a booth. After a waitress came up and took their orders, Y/N and Jervis cracked open their books. They sat in silence, enjoying the comfortable atmosphere. Occasionally, they'd spared glances at each other.

They put their books aside once their drinks came.

"Do you mind if I ask you a question, Miss Y/N. It's been nagging at me since we got here", Jervis asked before taking a sip of his piping hot tea.

"Sure, go ahead." Y/N shrugged as she continued reading her book.

"Why did you invite me? Trust me, I don't mind it. Actually, I rather enjoy this and I hope to come here more often but I do think it's rather peculiar that you invited me out for tea after I hypnotized you and essentially made you act a fool a couple of nights ago." Jervis didn't waste his time mincing his words but he was curious as to why Y/N had bothered with the nicety.

"I don't really know. I found it weird too, Mr. Tetch. I just did it on a whim and I thought it would be nice to have some company. I'm glad you like this place as much as I do, though." Y/N  bookmarked the page she was on once she decided to just stare out the window and enjoy her cup of tea before it got cold.

Jervis accepted her explanation and continued to read in silence.

After a while, Jervis and Y/N mutually decided that it was time to go home. Jervis thanked her and offered to walk Y/N home, but she politely declined.

"It was lovely seeing you, Miss Y/N. I trust I'll see you again at the Sirens", Jervis asked as he made his way to the door.

"Most definitely, Mr. Tetch." Y/N waved him goodbye before finally taking her own path home.