Chapter Text
Oswald Cobblepot was no fool, he knew walking into the competitions bar was stupid. Knew his reason was even more so… But, he had to see this singer for himself. Consequences be damned.
Edward Nygma stood on the stage as the lights fell on him, he looked out of place in a Mafia bar, all soft curls and softer features, he smiled innocently at the crowd, dressed in a dark green suit that would have seemed black if not for the intense spotlight on him, as the music started he took a deep breath.
“My smile is brilliant, my glance is tender “ he smiled at the crowd as he took the Microphone
“But I'm noted most for my unspoiled gender
I've been made Mister Reingold, though I never touch beer
And I'm the person to whom they say, "You're sweet, my dear"
The only etchings I've seen have been behind glass
And the closest I've been to a bar was at ... ballet class
Prim and proper, the Boy who's never been kissed~
I'm tired of being pure and not” he paused for effect, “chased” he ended with a small flourish as he stepped off stage
“Like something that seeks its level
I wanna go to the devil” He sang beautifully walking through the crowd now,
“I wanna be evil, I wanna spit tacks
I wanna be evil and cheat at jacks
I wanna be wicked, I wanna tell lies
I wanna be mean and throw mud pies
I want to wake up in the morning
With that dark brown taste
I wanna see some dissipation in. my. face.” He sang, reaching out to cup a man's cheek as he passed, winking at him.
Edward Nygma was highly sought after, now Oswald could see why, an uncorrupted soul in Gotham was hard to come by, especially one like this boy.. Oswald leaned forward in his seat as he watched the preformance.
“I wanna be evil, I wanna be mad
But more than that, I wanna be bad
I wanna be evil and trump an ace
Just to see my partner's face” he said, moving onto the next patron, he accepted a bill from the man, Oswald noticed.
“I wanna be nasty, I wanna be cruel
I wanna be daring, I wanna shoot pool
And in the theatre, I want to change my seat
Just so I can step ,on ,everybody's ,feet!” He made exaggerated steps on mens feet through the aisle as he walked through, laughing as he did, Oswald had never heard a more appealing sound..
“I wanna be evil, I wanna hurt flies
I wanna sing songs like the guy who cri-i-i-ies”, He sang using his fist to mimic crying dramatically. That was when he seen Oswald tucked into the back of the place..Oswald watched Edward light up and smirk as he bagan to make his way over
“I wanna be horrid, I wanna drink booze
And whatever I've got, I am eager to loooose~” He finally got to Oswald and sat on his lap, wrapping his arms around the Bosses neck. Ed smiled at him and winked before standing and turning his back, making his way back to the stage.
“I wanna be evil, little evil me
Just as mean and evil as I can be” he finished with a wide smile. The lights turned off and the room exploded in applause.
In the dark of the bar, however, Oswald felt something in his pocket. When the lights came on for the next singer, Oswald saw it was a napkin with a scratchy handwritten note on it.
‘Meet me out back
-E.Nygma’
~~~
Oswald wasted no time in heading to the alley behind the bar, his beak-like nose wrinkled at the smell and how dirty it was. He saw Edward by the backdoor and he paused to admire the man's pure beauty. If he seemed too good for the bar he seemed absolutely heavenly in the dank alley.
“Edward Nygma. I heard Falcone had captured an angel but I had no Idea they were being literal” Oswald said, hobbling forward to him.
Edward looked over at the man and tilted his head, “Flattery won’t get you very far, Mister Penguin… I must admit I was surprised to see you inside..If Mister Falcone saw you it would likely start a war” he said, pushing his glasses up gently.
Oswald hummed and leaned against his cane, “He knows he'd lose that fight. Besides, how could I stay away from such compelling rumors?”, he shifted closer, “You really are stunning, I’m sure the gods are jealous”
“I’m not interested in being another Hellen of Troy-”
“What a shame because I’d gladly go to war for you”
“Quick witted aren’t you?” He raised an eyebrow
Oswald grinned and suddenly seemed more like a shark than a penguin, “ I didn’t make it this far on brute strength, Eddie.” He said easily, he brushed invisible dust off his shoulder. “I want you to come work for me instead. I’ll pay tripple what Falcone pays you” he offered
Edward scoffed, “I am not for sale, Thank you.” he said looking away
“Oh? Then what would it take to get Helen of Troy on my side?”
“Nothing you can offer. Victor!” he called suddenly
Oswald cursed as the door opened and the bald assassin stepped out, “Yeah Nygma?” he asked, blowing a bubble with his gum. The assassin spotted Oswald and raised a nonexistent eyebrow.
“I was just leaving, Victor.” Oswald said, lifting his hands harmlessly. He looked at Edward, “I’ll see you around, Eddie” he said before turning on his heel sharply and leaving.. He would have that boy for himself. He'd gladly go to war for Edward of Troy...