Used to the Darkness || V.Z.

ughts was his shelter. In his mind, the cycle of events that had just occurred kept repeating itself: the release from Arkham, the meeting with Butch, the reaction of Ed. The little man

abruptly interrupted when Oswal

emetery, there was a simple gray stone stele. Engraved in capital letters wa

"I'm so sorry I couldn't be here for the funeral, but I think you'd be proud of me. I'm a changed man. Or, at least I'm trying to be. To be honest, I

ed and carried a bouquet of white flowers. The surprise of not being alone, like every

presence known. "I'm terribly sorry, I don'

all." He replied politely. A chuckle left his lips, notici

mory serves." The m

d confirmed. "Did you k

e nodded, a sad smile forming on his lips at the memory. "I'm Eli

epot." Owsald rep

s frowned for surprise. "Cobblepot? You're re

." Oswald

"You're Gertrude's son?" He asked him

sudden change of attitude. "I'm sorry. How d

urned his eyes wide open and damp toward the tombstone. "How old are you?" He suddenly inquired

derstanding why his age could be relevan

Dahl asked him again imp

-one." He t

tonishment evident in his tone of voice. "Oh my god. She never

ald, who was still trying

d a son."

ned his eyes and opened his lips, but he realized he

♛

e trees flow along the avenue. Their branches were now almost complete

dn't have anywhere else to go after all, and he wasn't sure that if he asked one of

out against the orange colours of the evening sky. In the distance, you could see the

oulders, who was staring at the building with wide eyes. "Come, my boy. It's warm

smiled

den decorations along the doorjambs and windows, the crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling,

♛

d wearing a soft embroidered robe, Oswald sat

life. So beautiful." Elijah began telling him, as he poured hot soup into his plate. "I was

shone with curiosity as he began to enjoy the fi

ver stood up to them. They must have known my words were just that. A spoiled child, making idle threats. The next day Gertrude was gone. My parents told me only that they had come to an arrangement. She would be taken care of and I must never make an atte

had died when I was still a

you would be better off making your own way. Which, in fact, is probably the truth." Elijah resumed, after composing himself. "Look at you.

d chucked, rising

ely. "My poor boy, you've been all alone in the world

Oswald confirme

father, and a family." Elijah state

asked, his eyes g

y are going to be so thrilled to meet you." H

e stared at him like he was a vision, afraid he would disappear at any

re home." Elijah assured him, h

on his cheeks, abandoning h

a smile, releasing his hold on his son, who gave him a questioning look

him anything about his family and had not even mentioned that there

and they stayed in the City for dinner. But Brooke rarely leaves the house. You see, her

the names, but he expected that he wo

rl's health. From the way he talked about her, i

k wooden door at the end of a

, knocking twice. "Brook

s was heard coming from inside the room. Then a

iful long and wavy hair, dark brown, like her eyes. She gave them a

lijah said politely, his eyes gl

the door. "I'm truly sorry for the mess." She added, pointing at the books and the papers

ed. "Brooke, I'd like to introduce you to my so

you." Oswald smiled and hold

slightly parted. The notorious "Penguin" was in

ise." She eventually said, giving him a small grin. "It's just...this is so

h other, at Gertrude's grave. She reunite us."

oth of you." Brooke to

dear." The olde

you." Oswald

book?" Elijah suddenly asked her, pointi

e changed the subject, but still try

ds hours and hours typing on that computer of hers, composing beautif

n, Elijah, too much flattery at once is not go

e won't disturb you any longer, go back to your book. Have a g

Oswald told her, foll

and turn around to face her. "It was really nice meeting you. I hope you can feel at home he

uch to me." He muttered, surprised

She replied. "Just tell Elijah you're tired. He's so excited about your reunion that he co

anks for the advice." He ch

come." She

ight. Again.

d." She smiled an