Chapter Text
“Ozwald would like to meet danny. Before going through with the deal.”
“Why?” Jason asked, annoyed.
“Because the man is curious. And likes to stick his nose in everything.”
“So we need to come up with a new…”
“No, I'm asking if you want to go with Jason.”
Jason scowled at Selina.
“I know you understand networking jason. It's not just for the rich upper class, to schmooze business deals and insider trading. You are a crime lord.”
“My gang is not the same as fucking penguins. We are in two completely different leagues.”
“Which is why networking would be good for you. You both aren’t likely to step on each other's toes but could use some fingers stretched out in case a need ever arises in their other areas of expertise. Ozzy is mostly dealing in information these days. Not exclusively, but it is his biggest market."
"And loan sharking, and brokering for snooty rich people who want to find people to do their dirty work. Yes I know."
"Happy to know you keep up on the greater gotham gossip."
Jason rolled his eyes at her. "I don't think he should meet danny. That, that is potentially dangerous."
"Life is potentially dangerous, more so here generally. Danny is good at making friends. Friends help you survive here. I think you know that better than anyone."
"It is one more person who has seen his face and Bruce's and Damian's. Bruce has gone to the iceberg lounge. And penguin has gotten his fingertips into the upper crust life like he always wanted. He also isn't stupid. He'll see the resemblance."
"Yes and Oswald knows the value of information he isn't about to let the cat out of the bag at first chance."
"He will for a price. Because it is his business."
"He just needs incentive to keep it off the market."
Jason glared at her. "You bartering with me, my gang, or am I the threat?"
"Let's just toss it all in." She turned both hands out palms up, fingers spread wide.
"What are you stealing for Danny's tuition?"
"He is rather upset at a gentleman in Poland who will not sell him some of his bird themed artwork. I'm taking care of it."
"Typical." Jason rolled his eyes going back to preparing dinner. Harley and Ivy would be back soon with danny. They had gone to help him collect something from the scrap yard. "I can see why he's leveraging for a meeting though. It's not an equal value is it?"
"Excuse you, my skills do not come cheaply." She placed her palm fingers spread on her chest head tipped back. "I think Ozzy is actually using Danny to leverage a meeting with you." She dropped her head with a sigh.
"Why?"
"Words getting around about a little red riding hood getting a little kitty sidekick."
"He is not my sidekick! He dresses like a cat! He is obviously your side kick!"
"You aren’t aggressively removing him from your business when he gets into it. And Danny does not hide his playfulness with you even when you are in one of your moods. It's obvious you're close."
"Which is dangerous Selina." She shrugged.
"My son wasn't born with a poker face kitten, and seems to have the family penchant for adrenaline rushes. Luckily he got my social abilities and emotional skills. Showing your true feelings on occasion will not hurt you."
"What does penguin even want from me?"
"I'm not sure. Could still be his curiosity. Red Hood gang is known for keeping a strong hold on their drug supply. The safest drugs are found in the alley. Rich people do love their designer drugs, and those snobs would definitely be too scared to come down just to buy them. Could be something else. He does fancy himself a philanthropist. Maybe he wants to help with some of your charity work. He is fickle as a bird."
"I'm not doing drug deals in front of danny."
"It's just a meet and greet. And I'm not suggesting you go as hood. But Jay Peter's. Second to the gang. It's also at his house. Not the club."
"Fine whatever. Check in with the crazy club and find out when they will be here for dinner."
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"What the fuck are you gonna do with a cement truck danny?" Jason barked down at the alley from the roof where he was setting out dinner with Selina.
"Harley said she liberated condiment king of some giant bags of sugar." He had his arms outstretched to show just how big. He was also sitting on top of the drum while ivy's vines carried the thing across town. "And there is the big market festival in a few weeks. I want to turn it into a giant cotton candy machine. And then after I was gonna repurpose it to make the ecto generator I was telling you about."
"That sounds wonderful honey. Set it up near the middle of the alley ok so we don't need to move it as far once you're done." Selina said.
Ivy and Danny got it settled into place while Harley launched herself up the fire escape stairs. Throwing herself at the table. Hood smacked her hands away from the food. "Go wash up. Before you get tetanus."
"Ugh that's not how tetanus works. You would think a bat would know how you get tetanus."
"You're not that kind of doctor. I wouldn't trust your knowledge on it anyway." He shot back ignoring her petulant raspberry at him. "Make sure you go in and wash up first." Hood shouted down to the other two.