[ So then THAT SCENE HAPPENS and we aren't playing it out again because we are adults with busy lives who need a nap.
When he leaves the building, she's sitting on the front stoop in case her new dumpster friend had partners. ]
Harley. I'm in the apartment below hers.
[ His mother had mentioned the new neighbor between fussing over his long absence and scolding him for imagined sexcapades, a nice young lady, a doctor, and such a shame the hours she had to keep, but so helpful! Wonderful company! But a hopeless cook, not the right sort of woman for him at all, before he got taken in by a pretty face. ]
[Why was she suddenly in his life? It felt like a trap. Was it a trap? Or was she just an unassuming woman who liked his mother? It was so hard to tell and he didn't like the risk, honestly. He eyed Harley with open suspicion, barely concealing how he felt.]
You and my mother seem like you've become fast friends. Interesting. Is that why you decided to defend her from the man outside?
It's not exactly an ideal neighbourhood but you try telling the people who live here that.
[Just on the outskirts of the Narrows, they acted like they were in a safe part of town when they really weren't. Oswald wished he could tear this place down so maybe this mother would finally move.]
It was a pleasure, Miss -- ? [He only has a first name, makes it harder to be formal.]
Quinn-zel [ A strange hiccup as she remembers, oops, cover stories. Right. The rogues gallery isn't a thing here. God, this Gotham suckssss. ] And it's "doctor" if you have to be formal, which you don't.
[ A disregard for formality, and even basic tact, is one of the most obvious things about her. ]
"Ideal" isn't in my price range, but it's alright. Not the worst place I've hung my hat. There's only like, what, one murder every other week around here? That's pretty good by Gotham standards.
Oh, I'm aware, my mother has raved about your profession, your manner, your inability to cook. [And he has been warned off several times but, well, let's face it - Oswald isn't really looking to date. Anyone. Especially not a girl but that was neither here nor there.]
You're a doctor and you can't afford a better place? Maybe consider changing your job.
[He offers a smile with too many teeth, fake and clearly dismissive.] Join the mob, they have great rates and you often get dental.
[HMMM. The more he spoke to her, the more questions he had.] Mob ties in Gotham are common but you should be more cautious sharing that around. Especially if you intend to spend time with my mother.
[ She leans back on her elbows and stretches her legs out, taking up nearly the full length of the stoop. Poor shorty, he will never know how that feels. ]
That was a joke. Obviously. Do I really seem like some kinda moll to you? [ There's a dull scrabbling as the dumpster boy decides to risk an escape. ] DID I SAY YOU COULD GET OUT YET? [ The noises stop again. ]
Beating up crooks in an alleyway and the off colour humour, the location and all of -- [He gestures at her.] -- This? It does ask some questions. Not that I need them answering.
Just know that I won't turn a blind eye to endangering my mother.
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When he leaves the building, she's sitting on the front stoop in case her new dumpster friend had partners. ]
Harley. I'm in the apartment below hers.
[ His mother had mentioned the new neighbor between fussing over his long absence and scolding him for imagined sexcapades, a nice young lady, a doctor, and such a shame the hours she had to keep, but so helpful! Wonderful company! But a hopeless cook, not the right sort of woman for him at all, before he got taken in by a pretty face. ]
no subject
[Why was she suddenly in his life? It felt like a trap. Was it a trap? Or was she just an unassuming woman who liked his mother? It was so hard to tell and he didn't like the risk, honestly. He eyed Harley with open suspicion, barely concealing how he felt.]
You and my mother seem like you've become fast friends. Interesting. Is that why you decided to defend her from the man outside?
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It's my building too, you know. Not exactly pure altruism there.
[ She tsks as she notices a chipped nail. She should go back and see if that guy was carrying any cash, pay for a new manicure. ]
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[Just on the outskirts of the Narrows, they acted like they were in a safe part of town when they really weren't. Oswald wished he could tear this place down so maybe this mother would finally move.]
It was a pleasure, Miss -- ? [He only has a first name, makes it harder to be formal.]
no subject
[ A disregard for formality, and even basic tact, is one of the most obvious things about her. ]
"Ideal" isn't in my price range, but it's alright. Not the worst place I've hung my hat. There's only like, what, one murder every other week around here? That's pretty good by Gotham standards.
no subject
You're a doctor and you can't afford a better place? Maybe consider changing your job.
[He offers a smile with too many teeth, fake and clearly dismissive.] Join the mob, they have great rates and you often get dental.
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[ Oh, wait, he's just being a little shit. ]
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[HMMM. The more he spoke to her, the more questions he had.] Mob ties in Gotham are common but you should be more cautious sharing that around. Especially if you intend to spend time with my mother.
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That was a joke. Obviously. Do I really seem like some kinda moll to you? [ There's a dull scrabbling as the dumpster boy decides to risk an escape. ] DID I SAY YOU COULD GET OUT YET? [ The noises stop again. ]
... Well maybe don't answer that right now.
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Just know that I won't turn a blind eye to endangering my mother.
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Yeah well, I'm from Brooklyn. So.
[ As much an explanation as he is apparently going to get for any of it right now. ]
I literally did the opposite of endangering her, but sure, make the implications if it makes you feel better.
And call her if you're gonna be going out all night. She worries. I can hear her pacing around.
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[Of course he knows, they have a weird clingy relationship.]
I don't need advise from some random alley ... person.
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[ She stands up and brushes the dirt off her butt before heading back to the door. #classydame ]
Nighty night, neighborino. Have fun with your mob stuff.