Chapter Text
October 31st/ November 1st 2023
Minerva Dorothy Jones stood outside the goods delivery door of the Iceberg Lounge, leaning against the wall as she smoked, gazing up at the night, she couldn't help but smile. She usually was able to take a break whenever she wished within reason, the upside to working the kitchen. Tonight, though, it tended to be rarer- the joys of working a holiday- being Halloween and all. She was dressed in a worn, torn vintage style dress which went to her thighs, tattered stockings leading down to matching heeled shoes, with fingerless lace gloves. Her blonde hair was curled and teased up, a small top hat pinning it up, battered. Her face was painted white, with a black gap on her forehead, cracks running from it, her lashes were dramatically long and fanned out, with shadowed eyes, the only colour being the dark red of her lips and ocean blue eyes. The door suddenly burst open as Lola, one of the other bar staff- who was dressed as a witch- shot out, looking around frantically till she saw her, Minerva silently watching.
“Everything alright love? You look like you're running from some axe wielding maniac,” she teased.
“Close, Mr. Cobb's just got here, and…” She panted, taking a moment to catch her breath, Minerva arched a brow at her, gesturing with her ciggie.
“And..?”
“The fuckin band we got just cancelled on us, and I really don't wanna tell him, not when the place is this heaving.” Minerva shrugged, looking back at the stars as she took a drag.
“So don't, like you said, place is filled so much that no one will miss some band. Sides, I imagine Mr. Cobb really wouldn’t give a shit, so just tell him…” Lola rolled her head towards her, eyes wide.
“I'm serious Minnie.” Minnie raised her hands in mock surrender.
“Alright, you're serious, I don't see why you're telling me, less you want me to tell him?” She offered, reaching into the pocket of her skirt, pulling out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, flipping it open and offering her one. Lola shook her head, hanging her head, running her fingers through her hair before raising her head, looking at her.
“No, more… I've got a favour to ask ya, that is if you can, you’d be saving our arses big time.” She gave her a small smile as she took one and the lighter, Minnie pocketing the pack.
“Okay, so ask,” she said as Lola lit up, handing her back the lighter.
“You're in a band right?” Minnie snickered, rolling her eyes as she nodded.
“Right, and you know they ain't really Mr. Cobb’s kinda thing…”
“Mmm usually you'd be right, but with it being spooky night, I think he'd dig it.” Minnie sighed, nodding.
“I guess…” She looked at Lola who was giving her big, puppy dog eyes, Minnie groaned before nodding. “Alright, I'll give em a call, if they're down I'll go see Mr. Cobb.” This caught Lola by surprise.
“You sure? I mean you've never really spoken to him, have you?”
“Nope, but you know what they say, first time for everythi…” She was cut off as Lola wrapped her in a tight hug, pinning her arms to her side.
“Oh thank you, Minnie, you're a doll,” Minnie snickered, lightly patting her back.
“So they say, now come on, how am I meant to call anyone when you're squeezing the fuck out of me,” she teased as Lola let her go.
“I'll cover for ya till you get an answer, alright?”
“Sounds like a plan, superman.” Lola rolled her eyes, smirking as she stubbed out her ciggie.
“See you in there,” she said, before heading back inside.
“That you will, wasteful wench,” she said, sniggering as she took out her phone and began to make calls.
Ten minutes later she made her way back inside, spotting Lola along the bar, she gave her nod, Lola's face lit up before gesturing up with her head. She nodded, making her way towards the stairs that led to Mr. Cobb’s office, being stopped by one of the bouncers.
“Woah, Dolly, where'd you think you're going?”
“I have to speak with Mr. Cobb, was told he's in his office.”
“Well ain't that nice, shame Mr. Cobb never mentioned you, now screw off.” She shrugged, nodding.
“Alright, and when there's no band tonight, be sure to let Mr. Cobb know I helped sort it, but, as you wouldn't let me get his go ahead, I couldn't. I'm sure he'll have to have a talk with you…” She turned, beginning to walk back before he stopped her.
“Wait…” She smirked to himself, it fell away as she turned back to him, watching as he stepped aside, she made her way up the helix staircase, knocking on the door.
“Come in,” he called, she opened the door and entered. Stepping inside she heard him before she saw him, he had walked over to see who it was, smirking on seeing her costume.
“Well hello, you got something for me?” She nodded, he gestured for her to come in as he sat on the sofa. She walked over, standing before him, he ran his eyes over her, on seeing nothing he asked, “you hiding it or what?”
“The band fell through, but I was able to arrange a replacement, just wanted to clear it with you, Mr. Cobb,” he raised his brows at her, nodding.
“That right, and how'd you do that?”
“I'm in one, normally wouldn't be a good fit, but it being Halloween.” She said, handing him her phone, “this should give you an idea of us.” He took it, tapping the screen the video played, he watched silently.
“This you singing?” He asked, looking up at her, she nodded. He gave an approving nod, watching the rest in silence. Once it finished he handed it back to her, “how long till you can get ‘em here?”
“Already on their way, should be five minutes, be ready to go at the already set time.”
“Alright, seeing as you were so kind as to sort it, I'll give you’s ago…” His eyes went over her again, “what er what exactly are you supposed to be?”
“A broken doll, a kinda play on my name.”
“Which would be?”
“Minerva Dorothy, Minnie Dolly,” he chuckled, nodding.
“What broke ya?” She raised a brow at him, smirking.
“You first, Mr. Cobb,” he looked at her, clearly not expecting that kind of retort. He snickered, nodding.
“Touché, go on, break a leg doll-face.”
“Thanks Mr. Cobb,” she said, a small smile coming to her lips before she turned and made her way back down.
Hours later, once the last patron had left and the club had closed, Minnie and the other staff cleaned up. Lola walked over to her as she wiped down the bar.
“What's up witchie?” She asked, looking up at her, sighing with disapproval as she saw she was mostly back to her usual look.
“Mr. Cobb wants to see you,” Minnie's brow furrowed as she looked at her.
“Shit, were we that bad?” She asked, smirking, only partly joking.
“Oh no, no. Least that's not the feeling I got… I thought you guys were great.” Minnie snickered, nodding.
“Thanks, I woulda thought he'd have left before closing.” Lola nodded as Minnie handed her the cloth.
“Usually he does, but he's still up there, I wouldn’t keep him waiting either way.” Minnie nodded, patting her arm.
“Thanks Lola,” she said, as she made her way to his office.
Before she could knock, she was greeted by his voice. “Come on in, doll face,” she smirked, rolling her eyes as she walked in and over to where he sat.
“You wanted to see me, Mr. Cobb?” He nodded, taking a sip from his drink.
“That's right, have a seat,” he said, patting the seat beside him, she sat across from him, he snickered. “That was one helluva show you put on, baby,”
“Thank you, Mr. Cobb, presuming you mean that in a good way, either way, thank you for letting us perform.” He nodded, pointing at her.
“I like that; you got a mouth but you're proper, you've got talent but you ain't got an ego.” He lowered his hand, “course I meant it in a good way, you nuts? The crowd loved you,”
“I mean, they were most likely drunk, high or both, so kinda hard not to please ‘em.” He cackled, nodding.
“Jeeze, you don't take compliments easily, do you?” She looked up at him, brow creased.
“I did say thank you, Mr. Cobb,”
“That you did. Anyway, you did a great job, doll face, surprised you're still all er, well, dolled up after that.”
“It's… It was Halloween, I don't dress down till I'm done for the night.” He sniggered, nodding.
“You must really love it then, I dunno if I could stand working, performing and cleaning up all dressed up.”
“You never know, ya might enjoy it, Mr. Cobb,” she said, smirking at him, he arched a brow at her, smirking back at her.
“I might just, though I think I'd enjoy the er dressing down more.” She laughed, rolling her eyes.
“It certainly does have its fun points,” she said, flashing her eyes at him, smirking.
“Oh I bet it does, baby. So,” he sniffed, picking out one of his cigars, putting it to his lips, his eyes widened when he saw she already had a lighter out and ready, he snickered, leaning forwards, he took a couple of small puffs as she lit it before sitting back. “How long you been working here? I can’t say I overly recognise you, with or without the makeup and getup.”
“About two or three years, I’m more of a backstager, kitchens and the likes,” he raised a brow at this.
“So, you’re the reason why my desserts have been on the uptick.”
“I’m glad you like them, Mr. Cobb,”
“Oh baby, do I.” He flashed her a grin, a brief glint of his golden teeth poking through. “You do anything else, other than feedin’ my sweet tooth?”
“I help with the more “friendly” clients,” he smirked, arching a brow, she rolled her eyes at him. “Not that kind of friendly, though I do enjoy it, I'm yet to find one that enjoys it… Least not the whole thing.” He scoffed, taking another sip of his drink.
“No offence doll, but I can't see you taking care of business like that,”
“Never judge a book by its cover, Mr. Cobb, if I may say, I imagine you know all about that.” He tilted his head slightly to the side, as if taking her in for the first time, after a few moments of silence he let out a low chuckle.
“I like you kid,” he glanced out the large window, seeing that they were seemingly the last ones left. He turned back to her, running his bottom lip over his teeth, keeping his mouth closed. “Can I give you a ride home? Seems everyone else has already fucked off.”
“Actually, Mr. Cobb, I was going to offer to drive you home. You've drunk and I haven't, so it'd at least make me feel better.” He looked at her, pleasantly surprised.
“And er, how will you be getting home?” She shrugged, smiling sweetly at him.
“I can always get a cab or something,” he sniggered but nodded.
“Why not, especially if it'll make you feel better, c'mon then doll face, let's get out of here,” he said, easing himself to his feet, offering his arm to her as she stood. She arched a brow, the faintest blush coming to her painted cheek as she took it, the two making their way out to his car, pausing to let Minnie grab her coat and bag.
“Byzantium or plum?” She asked, he looked at her, confused before clicking.
“Er plum, you like it?” She nodded, raising a brow as he walked to the drivers side with her, pulling out his keys, he unlocked the car. He handed her the keys as he held the door open for her, smirking at her. “What? I can’t be a gentleman every now an’ again?”
“I'm yet to see you not be one, Mr. Cobb,” he snickered.
“Whatever you say baby, damn smooth talker…And please, call me Oz, ‘nough of this “Mr. Cobb” shit.” She nodded, sliding into the driver's seat, he closed the door before making his way round, climbing in. Once they had both buckled up, Minnie started the car, Dolly Parton began to play before he quickly switched it off, looking at her. She began to drive them, he directed her to his place, otherwise it was silent.
“I like Dolly too,” she said, looking at him as they stopped at a light, he smirked.
“That right?” He asked, before tapping the console, Dolly Parton playing again. “No offence, but I didn't really think you would…”
“Course, she's one of those; anyone with taste or at least sense does.” He sniggered, nodding.
“Makes sense to me doll face. Still, with that get up, I got the feeling you were more… I dunno, goth, heavy metal shit,” she shrugged.
“I like a bit of everything, some things I couldn't even tell ya why. Though my go to has to be musicals…” She said, as the light changed and traffic moved.
“I can weirdly see that, you were the most done up out of the staff, even though you're rarely seen? That I don't get,”
“I dress up for myself, I like it, planning, making and putting it together.. “
“You made that?” She nodded, a shy smile on her lips.
“I enjoy sewing and drawing, this is just their natural combination.” He nodded, looking ahead, sniffing.
“Maybe you could er do a piece or two for me,” his eyes going over to her.
“I could give it a go, if you’d like Oz,” he raised a brow.
“Leave it with me, doll.”
She pulled up outside as he directed, he looked over at her, a small smile on his lips, he drew a breath in through his teeth.
“I don’t wanna be too forward, but er, I’d appreciate it if you stayed over. It’d make me feel better.” She narrowed her eyes at him, smirking as she ducked her head.
“If it would make you feel better…” She said, looking at him, he nodded.
“That’a girl, come on,” he said, undoing his belt before opening the door and getting out, he made his way around, opening the door for her as she turned the car off, he offered her his hand. She looked up at him, suppressing a giggle she covered with a hiccup, he smirked at her, his gold teeth flashing at her in the streetlights.
“Thank you,” she said as she took his hand, he gently drew her up to her feet, closing the door behind her. He offered her his arm, she grasped it as he led her inside and upstairs to his apartment.
“You can take the bed,” he said, parting with her as he began to get spare bedding out, laying them on the sofa.
“Oh no, Oz, I couldn’t. Please, I already appreciate you letting me stay here,” she said, brow furrowing as the briefest look of disgust passed over his face before he gave her a charming smile.
“Least let me give you something to sleep in, I can’t imagine that dress would be all that comfortable to sleep in, bed or not.”
“I would appreciate that, thank you Oz,” he nodded, pointing towards one of the doors.
“Bathrooms through there, if you wanna wash up, otherwise, make yourself at home, I’ll be right back.” He said as he made his way through the large metallic, safe looking, doorway. Now alone, Minnie let out the grin she had been fighting since he’d offered his hand to get out the car. She went into the bathroom, doing her best to clean off the makeup without making too much mess, she cleaned up any she did once done. When she had uncurled her hair, she made her way back out, seeing Oz making up the sofa for her, his coat and suit jacket now off.
“Please, let me Oz,” she said, stepping towards him only for him to spin towards her suddenly, lip curled, body taut.
“What’s your game, doll?” He asked, snarling at her, she looked at him completely lost and slightly hurt.
“I don’t have a game, Oz, I just don’t want you putting yourself out anymore than you already are on my account…” He scoffed, shaking his head.
“Don’t want me putting myself out? What, you think cause I walk with a limp, I need help with every little fucking thing?! Or what, you think ‘cause of the way I look, I’m easy to play?! Aye?!” He snapped, at this her lip curled at him, shaking her head.
“Fuck you,” she said, catching him off guard, as she stepped closer to him. “You think what, I’m pitying you, like, trying to play the good little worker or some shit? Fuck you, Oz, alright? I was offering to be nice, because I don’t want to take up too much of your time.”
“Too much of my time?” She nodded, lip dropping back, brow furrowed.
“You're a busy guy, Oz, I figured you’d wanna get some sleep tonight.” He drew his head back, looking at her he relaxed, sighing as he rubbed his hand over his face.
“Shit, I’m sorry, Minnie, I just…” He sighed, “I guess I just don’t get why you’re being so… Nice to me, without expecting anything in return.” She scoffed, shaking her head as she stepped closer.
“Oz, like I've said, I appreciate you letting me stay here, if it makes you feel any better, we could call it even for me driving you home.” She offered, smiling softly at him, shrugging, “plus I enjoy your company.” He smirked at her, nodding as he patted her arm, handing her the bedding and one of his purple shirts..
“Likewise, doll face, if you’re sure then I will see you in the morning, well, later in the morning.” She nodded, grinning slightly.
“That you will, Oz, thanks again,” she said, leaning up slightly, she kissed his cheek, “good night.” She said, casting eyes down as she realised without the makeup, her blush was far more obvious. He gave her a charming smile, winking at her.
“G’night doll, sweet dreams,” he said, as he made his way into his room, he paused in the doorway, looking back at her over his shoulder, “you suit your hair down, by the way,” he said before walking in and closing the door behind him.
He got himself ready for bed, sitting on his bed he took off his leg brace, massaging his foot. He looked over at his bedroom door, his thoughts going to the woman on his sofa, smirking to himself. The fact she’d been working for him for so long, yet it was only tonight by pure happenstance that the two had spoken. He looked to the floor, brow creased, he’d have to find out why the band had cancelled, make sure it was happenstance, she may have pure- if any- intentions, but that just means she could be someone's puppet. For one of the rare occasions, he hoped he came up empty, as he’d enjoyed her company. It’d been a while since someone had fronted him and not ended in the hospital if not worse, yet she had without a moment's hesitation. “Headstrong bitch,” he smirked, as he laid back in his bed, “freakin’ firecracker.”
Oz was woken up by his alarm going off, groaning as he rolled onto his back, swatting the alarm till it went off. He ran his hands over his face, sniffing, brow creasing he pushed himself up, was that… bacon?
“What the fuck…” He muttered before recalling the early hours of the morning, he laid back down, sniggering. If she really wasn’t playing him or some game, he’d seemingly stumbled across one hell of a girl. He got ready, as much as he could considering he didn’t have access to the bathroom till he was ready to be seen, making his way out he saw Minnie busy at the stove, the mulberry coloured shirt he had given her to sleep in hanging mid-thigh on her. On hearing the door, she turned to face him, smiling sweetly at him.
“Good morning, Oz, I hope you don’t mind but I er made you breakfast, it’s not quite ready yet as I wasn’t sure when you got up. I hope that’s okay,” she said, he nodded, slightly distracted. If she had looked good from the back in his shirt, it was only outdone by the frontal view. He chuckled, shaking his head as he made his way over to her, seeing she had already laid out a place for him.
“Course not, what man in his right mind turns down a meal made by such a doll,” he said, winking at her. “You er, you're not joining me?” She shook her head no, turning back to the stove.
“No, I don’t like eating in the morning,” he nodded, taking a seat, admiring the view.
“You definitely shouldn’t have, sweet heart,” he shook his head, sucking air in through his teeth as quietly as he could. “So, why don’t you tell me about yourself?” She shrugged as she began to serve him his breakfast.
“Not really much to tell, born in Metropolis, grew up in Britain, moved back to Metropolis then here.” He nodded, running his tongue over the inside of his lips as he admired what she served him; eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns, only for her to add a side plate of toast once it was done.
“Damn baby,” he said, looking up at her, “you are too good, you know that? Honestly, it’s been a while since I got treatment like this.” He began to eat, winking at her as she poured him coffee, preparing it how he liked it. “You really do pay attention, don’t you doll face?” He said after taking a sip, “I swear a man could get used to this, babe.”
“I take it, you're enjoying it?” She asked, leaning over the breakfast bar towards him. He nodded, taking a sip from his coffee before he gave her a light peck on the cheek.
“It’s perfect baby, I swear, I dunno what those hands of yours can’t do… Closest thing to Midas,” he sniggered, watching as she turned bright red. “See what I mean?” He asked, as he continued eating, “make an old gangster feel young again, baby.”
“You’re not old,” she said, suddenly interested in the countertop, he chuckled.
“Just can’t help yourself, aye?” He asked, taking another sip of coffee, once he put the mug down she leaned further yet, kissing him on the lips. He was taken aback, but returned it, their lips caressing each other. She drew back, biting on her bottom lip, looking at him through her lashes, shaking her head.
“Nope, not really,” she said, winking at him. His eyes were locked on her lips, before darting to meet hers.
“You workin’ tonight?” He asked, she sucked her lips in, running her tongue over them before letting them go, shaking her head.
“Nope, I’m off for the next two nights,” she said, brushing a piece of hair behind her ear, he nodded, smirking.
“I see, you got any plans for those nights?” She shook her head no again, “would you be opposed to me seeing you?” She shook her head, inwardly cursing as she was sure she was smiling like an idiot. He nodded, gesturing for her to come closer with his finger, she leaned in, he kissed her, painfully briefly. “Good to know, doll face,” he said, going back to his breakfast, head turned down to hide the smug smile he had on seeing her face. She stood, stunned, a mix of a smile and pout on her lips. “You wanna borrow something to get home in? I mean, I may enjoy the idea of you wearing one of my shirts or your dress, but I figured you'd want something more comfortable.”
“I er,” she cleared her throat, her voice sounding dry after her delayed response, “could I borrow a pair of scissors? For the dress, I know I've got a needle and thread in my bag,” he chuckled, looking up at her.
“Sure, but you don't have to ruin it just to…” She shook her head, putting a finger to his lips, her skin soft with slight, small calluses.
“Recycle, not ruin…” She drew her hand back, having realised what she'd done, “sorry Oz.” He licked his lips, giving her a wink, smirking.
“Don't worry bout it baby.”
Once he'd finished, she went to clean up his dishes only for him to shoo her away.
“Go on, you've done more than enough babe, go work your magic on that dress,” she giggled, eyes widening as she heard it. She picked up her dress, bag, a pair of scissors and her shoes, before disappearing into the bathroom. Oz watched her go, chuckling to himself as he turned back to the sink. “Cute kid,”
Twenty minutes later Minnie emerged, her dress looking more sleek and modern, but still very much her. The frills had been trimmed down, slashes had been added and sewn up across it, the shoes fairing similarly. Her hair down, but styled to the right, her lips a faded shade of the red from last night, with mascara and eyeliner. As Oz saw her he let out a whistle, clicking his tongue.
“Shit baby, I woulda had no idea that that was the same dress, you really do have magic fingers.” She ducked her head, a blush again coming to her cheeks, pushing her hair back as she looked at him, a shy, sweet smile on her lips.
“Thank you Oz,” she said, walking over to him, lightly smoothing out the collar of his purple suit jacket, he had gotten changed himself. “You look as smart and swave, as always,” he chuckled, waving his finger at her playfully before holding her coat for her. She slid into it, taking the chance she lightly pressed back into him before pulling her coat up. The two made their way out and down to his car, getting in, belted up before he started the car. Dolly singing out again, he turned it down as she gave him her address, he nodded.
“I know the place baby,” he said, driving on.
Thirty or so minutes later, he pulled up outside her place, a brownstone building, he let out a breath.
“Gotta say, doll face, you got a nice looking place,” she nodded.
“Yep,” she said, feeling embarrassed, she looked at him. “You got time for a coffee, or does business call?” He laughed, sighing as he nodded.
“Unfortunately, baby, business calls, but I er I'd be free for one later. If the offer is still standing?” She nodded, sniggering.
“Course, whenevers best for you, Oz.” She said, leaning over she kissed him, he eagerly returned it before she drew back. “See you later Oz, thanks for letting me stay and for driving me back.” He waved her off, giving her a charming smile.
“That you will, doll face, an’ think nothin’ of it.” He said, undoing his belt before getting out, walking around, he opened the door for her. She got out. putting her hand on his.
“Thank you, but you don't have to,” he shook his head.
“C'mon doll, you know I do,” she giggled, kissing him, she cupped his cheek with her hands. His hand eased off the door and onto her waist, returning the kiss, his other hand joining and drawing her closer. As they parted, he grinned at her, “now I really do,” he said, guiding her to the bottom of the steps. “Catch ya later baby,” she nodded, slowly drawing her hand back, caressing his arm before making her way up to her door. Once she had unlocked and opened the door, they were greeted by music blasting, I know why (and so do you) playing.
“I am gonna break your fucking neck, you smart ass!” Was the last thing Oz heard before she shut the door, he chuckled, nodding. He walked around and got back into his car, looking up at her place, his eyes were drawn to a twitch in the upstairs blind. He gave a wave before driving off, a smug smirk on his lips.
He pulled to a halt at a set of lights, looking over to the now empty passenger seat, he saw a folded note stuck to the glove-compartment; Oz x written on it in a fancy but shaky hand. He plucked it off, wiping his hand where it had been stuck. As the light turned green, he drove on, pulling up so he could read it.
Oz,
I hope I wasn’t too forward or offended you last night/this morning, I really did enjoy your company, and look forward to seeing you again soon. Part of me wants to say, “that doesn't mean I’m easy” or some shit, but I don’t feel like I have to with you. For someone who is a “big bad”, you really are a sweetheart.
Sorry to bother you with this silly thing, just I’m better at writing what I mean than saying it, I have a tendency to trip over my words or misspeak.
Have a good day,
Doll Face x
He chuckled, shaking his head as he folded it back up, putting it in his shirt pocket, patting it lightly, a fond smile on his lips as he drove on.