The Iceberg Lounge

[The Joker]

Joker beamed and released her hand, but not before slipping a Joker card out of his sleeve and into her palm. "Oh, my dear, you must be new. This is me at my most agreeable. Just ask Harvey."

He jerked his head in the direction of the still crowded booth. "He's the one with half a face. Don't get any ideas, though. I know he's handsome, but he's taken. Both sides of him." He paused, realizing that he'd just implied that he and Two-Face were actually something. That would have to be rectified the next time they were alone.

He shook his head, much like a dog would, and shifted his weight. "Talia. That's an interesting name. Mine is more interesting, of course."

He had noticed her eying the cane and casually popped the blade out of the handle, twirling it deftly between thin fingers. "Bet you wish you had one of these. It's rather neat, not going to lie. Penguin's flamethrower tops it, though. It shoots flames, and it's an umbrella. I wonder if it works in the rain..."

He tapped the flower on his jacket with his other hand, causing the rest of the cane to fall to the floor with a loud clatter. A slight twitch of one scar was the only indication he'd noticed its fall. "See this? This is my new invention. I haven't tried it out yet. I'd ask if you wanted to be a guinea pig, but I think you're too interesting. I wouldn't want to make a bad impression so early on in our...ah...relationship."

[Katarina Williams]

Katarina let out a frown realizing that Joker was going to be grumpy about their approach. And Harvey was being rather quiet about the situation. Maybe she should just head back to Arkham after all.

[Talia Al Ghul]

Talia's eyes flicked down to her palm when he'd released her hand and she noted the joker card. How fitting. She then looked over at the booth that was occupied be more people and saw the man that Joker had described quite well. Harvey. Talia was generally taking notes in her mind, especially when it came to names and faces. She wasn't going to have any problem with remembering the two whose names she now knew, of course, but it was just something she did. Those who knew her well enough could attest to the fact that she had excellent recollection.

Talia let out a quiet chuckle, as he continued on. "I'd say your name suits you more than mine does me." Of course, her surname suited her just fine, but she wasn't about to go around blabbing that she was the daughter of Ra's Al Ghul unless she felt it absolutely necessary. In all honesty, she was surprised she didn't use one of her aliases, but Talia preferred her real name over 'Adele.' Why her father wanted her to be an 'Adele' was beyond her, but that was neither here nor there.

She raised her head slightly as the blade from the cane popped out, and she smirked, proud that she'd called it. "Ah, yes, I so wish I had something of that nature. Perhaps I can add a gun of some sort to the bottom of my bag to fit in." She smirked, as he wasn't aware she had a blade hidden up her sleeve. If she could, she'd probably walk around with her katana's strapped to her back, but they clashed with many of her outfits.

After watching the cane fall, she looked back at the scarred man and looked curiously at the flower. She assumed something would come out of it, as she recalled that most clowns had something of that nature. She looked up at his eyes as he called her interesting and continued on. "It's much appreciated. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding someone to test it on." She raised her hand and adjusted the flower on his jacket slightly before smiling again.

[Suzume]

((Going to hop in if that's okay!))

Suzume had been in Gotham for two weeks and had decided tonight was the night to finally begin mingling with the rest of the citizens. She had seen advertisements for the grand opening of The Iceberg Lounge and decided to start there.

Her ruthlessness and general attitude had earned her the respect of the men she was sent with. Suzume had been granted the privilege of being their leader while in Gotham. They had allowed her to choose their outing. Suzume had opted to wear a kimono for the occasion. She opted to wear a bright red furisode. With her katana secured in its shiny black scabbard on her back, she entered.

Blue eyes quickly swept over the patrons. She had spent her time in the city studying who was who, and was pleasantly surprised to recognize several faces. She had been planning on introducing herself to Joker, someone she saw as a rising threat, but then she recognized Harvey Dent.

She waved off her fellow yakuza and went straight for the booth. Her eyes were bright with excitement, though her body language was that of a demure, young Japanese woman.

"Konbonwa." She said, bowing slightly at the waist. "Cobblepot-san, Dent-san, it is an honor to simply be in your presence."

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

Harvey's bodyguards moved to block the entrance to the booth as Kat and Lavinia approached, but a gesture from Harvey and they stepped away. He gave a small smile. Business was over for the evening - why not relax a little?

"Kat, you look beautiful. What an amazing dress. I've never seen you in evening wear before, but now I intend to make a habit of it."

He looked at her companion, a young woman that he'd never seen before. He didn't recognise her from Arkham, so he wondered idly how Kat knew her. "Harvey Dent. A pleasure to meet you." He flicked his gaze towards a passing waiter. "May I get you both a drink?"

It was some time later that the young Japanese woman approached the booth. A very young Japanese woman. In fact Harvey wondered how she had made it past the bouncers.

~Hello, Jailbait...~
~Shut up.~

Harvey gazed at the young woman as she bowed, raising an eyebrow slightly. He wasn't sure what to make of the extravagant compliment. He wasn't particularly well-versed in Japanese etiquette so he had no idea of this was a standard greeting or if the girl had an other agenda.

"You'll forgive me for saying that seems rather premature, but I appreciate the sentiment. What can I do for you?"

~I can think of several things you could do for her.~
~I said shut up. ~

[Katarina Williams]

Katarina blushed at Harvey's compliment on her dress. "Thank you." Her eyes only glancing at the bodyguards but she didn't take offense they were there to protect him after all. She could respect that. "I apologize for interrupting your meeting." Giving him a soft smile as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.

This place was definitely getting more crowded with the female gender as she looked over at the obviously young woman in a kimono of sorts who seemed to know Harvey and Mr. Cobblepot. She started to feel a bit out of place now and the discomfort showed in her eyes even if she didn't verbalize it.

[Oswald Cobblepot]

((I feel compelled to point out that Penguin never actually left the booth. He simply stood up.))

Penguin had waited for a dismissal from Harvey but when none came he had turned to leave. He didn't want to approach the new girl who had walked in as she was occupied by the Joker and just now he didn't feel it was wise to leave Harvey's company just to join that of the man who had insulted his girlfriend. Then he was cut off by yet another distraction.

Surprised, he let out a "Meh!" And blurted out "How do you know me?" Before he was able to compose himself.

He shook himself and tried to look friendly. What a young pretty thing. He wondered if she liked sushi. He noted how far she bowed to them. She respected them, it seemed, but did not consider herself below them. He noted this and wondered what her ties were.

"Good evening to you as well. I was just off to check on the band. You're welcome to walk with me or stay and chat with Harvey here."

He walked quickly away. It had been successful but he was glad to be away from the tall men. He hadn't thought to bring his own protection to the club that night and clearly, that had been a mistake. He didn't slip up often and didn't slip up the same way twice. He'd be sure that he had people with him from now on.

[Katarina Williams]

[sorry about that i misread it and i apologize i edited my post.]

[Suzume]

Suzume kept her gaze low, wanting to stay the picture of innocence for as long as possible. She smiled slightly, hiding her mouth with a delicate hand. "Oh, Dent-San, it's not premature! You see, I have been studying notable people in Gotham for some time now and your name is very high on the list. I wanted to meet you in person."

Her body language shifted ever so slightly as she raised her piercing blue eyes to meet his. "Besides, I wanted to get a good look at my competition."

She glanced at the young woman who stood near her. She didn't recognize her. Suzume gave her a curt nod before looking over to Penguin. Before she could even open her mouth to respond, he had gone.

She looked back at Harvey, one thin eyebrow slightly raised in question. "You Americans are very strange. Why ask a question and not wait for the answer?"

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

Harvey was cautious as she continued. This type of effusive praise was not something he was used to. He gave a slightly cynical smile as she looked up at him. He nodded. "You're Yakuza."

He sat a little straighter and indicated the booth opposite, eyes calculating. "Have a seat, Miss...?"

The bodyguards shifted position as Harvey asked the young woman to sit down, one stationiing himself on either side of the booth. Any sudden movements to draw a weapon and one was close enough to catch the young woman in a stranglehold while the other could push Harvey out of the line of fire.

"We're an impatient society," Harvey answered her as a the bodygards moved. "Or maybe you just make him nervous."

[Suzume]

Suzume smiled shyly at Harvey. "I am, Dent-San. I am Yamaguchi-gumi to my core."

She hesitated as he invited her to sit, glancing over at her fellow Yakuza. The Japanese men were scattered strategically throughout the lounge, but all had her within her peripheral vision. Several members carried shurikens and had deadly aim. If it came down to a fight, she was certain they would be victorious.

She tentatively slid into the booth, feeling hopelessly trapped. She drew her fan from her obi and began fanning herself, wrist moving quickly. The fan hid the tension in her lips, though if he knew anything about Japanese culture he'd see that she was uncomfortable. Ever since her captivity at the hands of a rival gang, she'd been struggling with PTSD and anxiety.

She hated being weak. That's part of the reason that Suzume had left so many dead men in her wake. Her oyabun had begun noticing her when she began taking down known and suspected rapists with the precision and ruthlessness of a man much older than her.

Suzume forced herself to calm and her fan slowed in its movements. Though she hid her smile behind her fan, Harvey would be able to see the crinkle in her striking eyes. "My name is Takenaka Suzume-Oh, forgive me. You Americans do names backwards. Suzume Takenaka. You may call me Tora, or Tora-san, if either of those suit you better."

She snapped her fan and placed it in her lap, clasping her hands loosely over the wood. At the motion, a young man hurried over, holding an expensive looking katana in his upturned palms. Once he reached the table, he bowed over the sword, first to Suzume, and then a lighter bow to Harvey. He set it on the table before backing away, keeping his head bowed.

Suzume smiled ever so slightly. "I hope you shall accept this gift, Dent-sama. It is a katana made especially for you by one of the finest sword makers in modern day Japan. If you will look at the scabbard, you will notice the dragon surrounded by kanji. The dragon symbolizes the name we have given our sector of the yakuza, The Emerald Dragons. The kanji simply says 'two'. In our research of crime lords of Gotham, we came across your nickname and affinity for the number two."

She sat perfectly erect, her back not touching the seat at all. Through the entirety of her explanation, Suzume kept her eyes on Harvey's face, gaging his reaction.

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

Harvey's eyes grew ever more watchful at the mention of her crime family. He knew the name - who in the field of organised crime did not? The Yamaguchi-gumi were the most powerful Yakuza family in existence. And now they had come to Gotham...

Harvey nodded. "Tora-san, then. You'll forgive me, I don't speak any Japanese. Is that a nickname?"

He noted her nervousness through the tension in her pose as she sat down and began to fan herself. He wasn't overly concerned with making her feel at ease but out of politeness he nodded to a waiter. "Can I get you a drink?"

Harvey was almost speechless when the sword was laid in front of him. Even without knowing much about Japanese ettiquette he could tell this was an incredible gift, and was almost priceless. He gazed at it without speaking for a moment or two.

"Miss Takenka - Tora-san. I'm overwhelmed. You are far too generous." He looked at the shining black scabbard and the inlaid lettering, raching a finger out ot the bright character which translated as the number 2.

"You honour me," he said softly. "And I hope to be able to repay your generosity."

[Suzume]

"In a sense." She replied, pleased he had opted to call her that. "Tora is an affectionate name that my family gave me when I was young. When it proved to be a proper name for my personality, it stuck. Tora means tiger. San is merely an honorific that translates most well to 'mister' or 'miss'."

Suzume bowed slightly. "Your offer is most appreciated, but I must decline. You will, given our line of business, understand my hesitance in accepting a drink in a strange place from a man I am not yet familiar with. I trust you are honorable, Dent-san, but I must not take any chances."

She flicked her fan open and hid her pleased smile behind the landscape of Mt. Fuji. "I am most glad that you like your gift. Do not think of it as a bribe to cooperate with us. No, instead I ask that you look at it as a promise that The Emerald Dragons will always be good to their friends."

Once again the fan disappeared into her lap. "Let us get to business. I understand that you have just recently been...how should I say...released from your imprisonment and are planning on retaking your old territories. The Yamaguchi-gumi see Gotham City as a wonderful investment. I shall give you fair warning that The Chinese Triad are first in our crosshairs."

Though her voice remained as sweet and gentle as it had been all night, an odd gleam had appeared in her eyes. "Out of respect for you, I would like to know which areas you still consider 'yours'. We could be great allies, Dent-san. I would not want to step on your toes."

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

Harvey smiled slightly. "Miss Tiger. I've heard of a jewel thief in the East End who calls herself Catwoman, though we've never met."

Harvey blinked slowly as Suzume bowed. She was clever. He'd only intended to be polite, of course, but he could already tell she was both wise and wily beyond her years.

He picked up her double meaning almost immediately. The Emerald Dragons were good to their friends and merciless to their enemies.

Harvey folded his hands on the table again and leaned slightly forwards as she spoke. His voice was level when he replied.

"You've been slightly misinformed. To say I plan to retake my territories implies that I lost them while in Arkham. They were never under threat. Nor do I expect them to be." He lowered his head slightly, meeting her gaze. "I have no quarrel with the Triads, and no allegiance either. Though I appreciate your forewarning."

Two-Face raged within him as Suzume continued.

~Who the fuck does this little bitch think she is? Is she threatening us - threatening everything we've built up together? Take that sword and shove it down her throat, Harvey.~

~Do you really think she's here alone? We're being watched. We'd be dead before we hit the floor.~

Two-Face snorted. ~I suppose that's why you do the negotiating...~

Harvey went on, his own gaze level and intense. "And to say I 'still consider' them my territories would imply they won't be for much longer. I know what you're doing. I also know that keeping face is probably important to you, so I'll simply thank you again for the gift and repeat your hopes that we can enjoy a long and productive business relationship."

[Suzume]

Suzume barely disguised her disgust. "Dent-san, if that is what you choose to call me I do ask that you say it in Japanese. In English it is...too childlike for my tastes."

Suzume bowed her head in acknowledgement. "Of course, please forgive me. I am glad that I was able to speak with you to clear up that detail."

At his final words, a terrifying grin lit up her features. She leaned forward, eyes boring into his with dark intensity. "This is why I sought you out first, Dent-sama. You are wise and know that not everyone is who they claim. I have very high hopes for us. I hope you feel the same."

She slid out of the booth, once again the absolute picture of a demure, young Japanese woman. She bowed more deeply to Harvey than she had before. "It has truly been a pleasure speaking with you. As I already respect you very much, I must warn you not to have us followed or attempt to infiltrate us. Should I catch wind of this, I will see to it that your head serves as decoration for my living room. If you do need to speak with me, you may get in touch through the Banzai restaurant near City Hall. They will pass along whatever you need to say."

With that, she spun on her heel and headed to the door. Her fellow yakuza swarmed around her, blocking the young woman from view of Harvey and all others in the back of the club.

Had she been the type to allow herself that type of emotion, Suzume would be giddy. Things had gone even better than planned.