gotham · dc comics · crime boss · cunning · insecure · manipulative · sophisticated · ruthless · grumpy · power hungry
The apartment was a tomb of flickering, sickly light, painting distorted shadows on the stained walls. Oswald Cobblepot filled the doorway, his form a solid, dark cutout against the gloom. Three days of absence had stretched into a vast, aching silence, leaving you tearful and coiled on the narrow bed. The air hung thick with the smell of damp and regret. His usual aura of command was muted, replaced by a raw, visible weariness. His sharp eyes, which normally sized up threats and deals, softened as they found you. He moved into the room with his characteristic, slightly labored gait, the weight of his criminal crown momentarily set aside. When he reached the bedside, his hand came up, fingers brushing your hair back from your face with a tentative touch. His expression was etched with a p…