Detective Khoshekh

Poof! Fear gas injection with a new formula

Open Starter!!

// dude i love when people are mean to dick it gives me LIFE- anyways, anyones welcome to respond to this! (ocs included) gives me a fresh starter for dingus anyways lols lols

.* --- 🌌🩵🌌🩵🌌🩵🌌 --- *.

Dick sputters, grabbing at his arm where he was injected and gasping. He feels whatever drug it was going through his system and he can't react fast enough when his assailant runs off.

The fear serum doesn't hit immediately, and for a second Dick can't tell what the drug did. He's in an abandoned building right near the Bowery in Gotham, investigating things. Whoever it was that hit him ran off soon, so all Dick can determine is there probably some rogue goon that was tasked with leading him here.

He checks out his arm and stumbles backwards into some crates, making a loud crashing sound as he grabs for a wall. He's starting to feel off as the drug kicks in and when his heart starts to beat faster and his adrenaline goes up, he realizes what it is.

Fucking Scarecrow.

He swears, panicking almost immediately and trying to wipe at the injection site like that could somehow take the drug out of his system. He does it even more insistently before things start to get worse.

"...Ni..."

It distorts reality and the progression of time itself. There's no way of telling how much time passes. That's the worst part. Anything may or may not have happened in that time, and you have no way of knowing what was real.

More voices, as always

"...Night-..."

Then..something more coherent..?

"HEY...! Look at me!!" Followed with a light smack to his cheek. Not meant to be cruel or painful. Something to see if he's still conscious, or rouse him from the lack of it.

"I- I'm sorry I didn't- fuck...no, no- I didn't mean to do anything, I'm- I didn't...."

His voice is scratchy and weak, like he's being choked. He has his arms out, less in a defensive position and more him trying to protect himself, with his arms risen and over his head a bit. He's trying to catch his breath but it's hard.

"I need to help...I didn't mean to hurt anyone I need to- everything's going to..."

Despite the past few months of them trying to track down the vigilantes of Gotham, a victim of the Scarecrow's fear toxin is still a victim that needs help.

Khoshekh starts to reach toward him instinctively to help, but they stop about five feet away because they fear the closeness or touch will only scare him more. They pause for a few seconds, trying to think of how to handle the situation before they respond in the softest voice they can.

"No..no I- I....fuck stop it stop."

Dick says, trying to breathe but being unable to, he hears Bruce for a second, sees him behind his eyes, and all he can hear is how angry and disappointed the man is, because Dick did something wrong- of course he did...what did he do?

"Please I'm..."

He opens his eyes, just staring back at Khoshekh, blinking for a moment like he's just realizing they're there. He jumps a little, scrambling back considering he knows that Khoshekh is one of the detectives who's been trying to catch the vigilantes, just like the ones from Bludhaven who've always hated Dick's guts.

"Wait- wait! I'm uh...I wasn't tr-trying to cause any trouble I- Please detective I- I'll go, just-"

He can't get up and run like he always does, it's like he's rooted to his spot, scared that he'll fuck something up. Bruce will be so mad if he fucks this up somehow, it's all so stupid. He shouldn't be here.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

Worry is the only emotion on their face. They've been trying to track the vigilante's down for months now, this is the perfect opportunity to finally bring the Nightwing in. They know what they should do legally. They could be punished if their supervisors found out they let a vigilante go, even more so for helping them...but someone suffering and scared outweighs any sense of duty they had before.

They speak again, keeping their voice as gentle as possible. Nightwing already scared enough, and he doesn't need anything making it worse

"..I won't arrest you, okay? At least not tonight. I won't even touch you if you don't want. But can you look at me? Can you hear my breathing?"

Dick wheezes a little and tries to blink a bit and looks away from Bruce, staring back at Khoshek and rubbing at his face. He hugs himself even closer and just looks around a bit aimlessly, for once Nightwing seems terrified and small. He doesn't look like an intimidating vigilante, but a terrified young man.

"I'm- I'm fine I just...I- you should go, it's not safe and B said...said I shouldn't talk to strangers."

He says the last part with a hesitation, as if he himself is confused why he's even saying it in the first place. He's rubbing at his arms in a weak attempt to self soothe. Dick hesitantly looks over at Khoshek and looks them over a bit, confused but following the request.

"Um...there's a lot of talking. Loud."

They pause. This needs to be handled carefully. They've seen enough victims of Scarecrow's toxin to have figured it out by now. They don't move any closer, and they keep their voice soft, trying to be as careful as possible.

"...can I move closer? I won't touch you if you don't want."

-@detectivekhoshek

// yeah yeah ofc!! ive just been busy atm since im on vacation irl, so my long rp responses are a lil slow- thats mb

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

They pause for a moment, and their face drops just slightly.

"..."

"...I can't even disagree with you at this point...I joined the GCPD a few years ago because I thought I could help people, but now that I'm part of it, it's just...they're all corrupt, even my superiors. I'd be willing to bet that they won't let me investigate the tip because they're being paid off..."

Another pause.

"...but I don't know what else to do. Every time I try to file an accusation, another superior that I know is corrupt just backs the other up..."

Their head snaps up. They look...not quite offended. More like upset. Incredibly upset.

They pause again. They almost look defeated.

They nod slightly.

"...thank you."

"..."

"Well..thanks for your help. And for not putting a gun to my head this time..."

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

They pause for a moment, and their face drops just slightly.

"..."

"...I can't even disagree with you at this point...I joined the GCPD a few years ago because I thought I could help people, but now that I'm part of it, it's just...they're all corrupt, even my superiors. I'd be willing to bet that they won't let me investigate the tip because they're being paid off..."

Another pause.

"...but I don't know what else to do. Every time I try to file an accusation, another superior that I know is corrupt just backs the other up..."

Their head snaps up. They look...not quite offended. More like upset. Incredibly upset.

They pause again. They almost look defeated.

They nod slightly.

"...thank you."

"..."

"Well..thanks for your help. And for not putting a gun to my head this time..."

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

They pause for a moment, and their face drops just slightly.

"..."

"...I can't even disagree with you at this point...I joined the GCPD a few years ago because I thought I could help people, but now that I'm part of it, it's just...they're all corrupt, even my superiors. I'd be willing to bet that they won't let me investigate the tip because they're being paid off..."

Another pause.

"...but I don't know what else to do. Every time I try to file an accusation, another superior that I know is corrupt just backs the other up..."

Their head snaps up. They look...not quite offended. More like upset. Incredibly upset.

They pause again. They almost look defeated.

They nod slightly.

"...thank you."

"..."

"Well..thanks for your help. And for not putting a gun to my head this time..."

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

They pause for a moment, and their face drops just slightly.

"..."

"...I can't even disagree with you at this point...I joined the GCPD a few years ago because I thought I could help people, but now that I'm part of it, it's just...they're all corrupt, even my superiors. I'd be willing to bet that they won't let me investigate the tip because they're being paid off..."

Another pause.

"...but I don't know what else to do. Every time I try to file an accusation, another superior that I know is corrupt just backs the other up..."

Their head snaps up. They look...not quite offended. More like upset. Incredibly upset.

They pause again. They almost look defeated.

They nod slightly.

"...thank you."

"..."

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

They pause for a moment, and their face drops just slightly.

"..."

"...I can't even disagree with you at this point...I joined the GCPD a few years ago because I thought I could help people, but now that I'm part of it, it's just...they're all corrupt, even my superiors. I'd be willing to bet that they won't let me investigate the tip because they're being paid off..."

Another pause.

"...but I don't know what else to do. Every time I try to file an accusation, another superior that I know is corrupt just backs the other up..."

Their head snaps up. They look...not quite offended. More like upset. Incredibly upset.

They pause again. They almost look defeated.

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

They pause for a moment, and their face drops just slightly.

"..."

"...I can't even disagree with you at this point...I joined the GCPD a few years ago because I thought I could help people, but now that I'm part of it, it's just...they're all corrupt, even my superiors. I'd be willing to bet that they won't let me investigate the tip because they're being paid off..."

Another pause.

"...but I don't know what else to do. Every time I try to file an accusation, another superior that I know is corrupt just backs the other up..."

Their head snaps up. They look...not quite offended. More like upset. Incredibly upset.

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

They pause for a moment, and their face drops just slightly.

"..."

"...I can't even disagree with you at this point...I joined the GCPD a few years ago because I thought I could help people, but now that I'm part of it, it's just...they're all corrupt, even my superiors. I'd be willing to bet that they won't let me investigate the tip because they're being paid off..."

Another pause.

"...but I don't know what else to do. Every time I try to file an accusation, another superior that I know is corrupt just backs the other up..."

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

"...thank you. Unfortunately, I don't have any information I can give you since I haven't been allowed to look into it. But I can't just do nothing if something of that could hurt so many people is even a possibility. But..."

They carefully reach into their coat pocket, moving very slowly to show him that they aren't reaching for a weapon. They take their hand back out and offer a contact card to him.

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

Red Hood put his hands on his hips, waiting for them to say something else. They said a lot.

“Fine. We can make a truce.” He said reluctantly.

They pause again, then quickly recompose themself.

"I got a tip that supposedly the Joker raided and took over one of Scarecrow's hideouts two nights ago while Scarecrow is in Arkham. I'm sure we both know how cruel the Joker is."

They pause for a fraction of a second, their eyes unfocusing slightly with recalling memories.

"...I don't think I can even describe the state of some of his victims I've found..."

Another moment passes before their eyes focus on him again.

"I'm terrified to even think of what he might do if he has some of Scarecrow's fear toxin. The things he could do with that..."

"..."

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

They pause again, considering their words. They very much do not want to say something that gets a gun to their head again. They've kept their weapons holstered in an attempt to show no hostility, but Red Hood has quite the reputation for being trigger happy, and their first encounter with him only made them believe it more.

"...I can't guarantee I won't come after you in the future. My whole job is arresting criminals."

"..."

"...but I'm willing to make some sort of truce for the time being, as long as you'll help look into it and take care of it."

Another pause.

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

Red Hood crossed his arms, waiting for the other to speak again.

Their eyes drift to the ground and they sigh before speaking again.

"So...I got an anonymous tip recently about some things going on. If it's true, it could cause untold damage and hurt more people than you could count. I told my higher-ups about it, but since it was an anonymous tip, they aren't taking it seriously and I can't get them to give me permission to investigate it further."

"..."

"They won't let me, and I can't risk losing this job. It's the only way I've been able to actually help people. But...you're already a criminal anyway, and despite the fact that I don't always agree with your methods, I..can't deny the fact that you do protect people."

The detective steps out from the alley behind him. It isn't hard to track him down, he usually stays around Crime Alley, and observation and attention to detail is their entire job, after all. Their hands are empty this time. Weapons holstered. There's a slight hint of anxiety in their voice after their last confrontation with him, but they remain steady this time.

-@detectivekhoshek

Their eyes flick to the side briefly before focusing back on him. Having the vigilante most known for being willing to kill in all of Gotham hold a gun to your head is not exactly a settling experience(quite terrifying to be honest).

-@cockroach-drifting-goon

"What...? You think I would take a bribe?? There are plenty of corrupt officers in the GCPD, but I am 𝘯𝘰𝘵 one of them. But...unfortunately, I don't recognize you on any arrest warrants, so I have no legal cause to arrest you at the moment. You're either lucky or know how to lay low. But don't think I won't keep my eye out in the future."

They look almost offended, and a bit frustrated at not being allowed to get another criminal off the streets.

But they pause for a moment. A thought crosses their mind, and a slightly smug look across their face. They unhook their handcuffs and step closer.

She spats out and takes a step back.

"Fine. I suppose I don't truly have a cause to arrest you..𝘺𝘦𝘵. But y'know..I've actually been looking for a new informant. Someone with connections, that can fly under the radar and get info I don't have access to."

They take a card out of their pocket and offer it to her. They know she won't admit anything for now. But maybe if she has time to think about a deal...

"Name's Cockroach. I'm not even sure this is my Gotham. A lotta shit happened. I don't know anyone who would be interested in tattling to the cops. But I will call if a clown aproches me. Fucking clown doesn't take a no. Maybe I should look into two-faces offer again..."

She looks at him and sighs as her stomache grumbles.

Their head tilts slightly. Eyes scanning her, just assessing. Observation is my entire job, of course.

"You're hungry? There's a diner down the block that's open 24 hours. I can fund a meal for you, but your insight better be useful."

"Two-Face gives legal advice, good legal advice, to all his goons. Mr. Freeze makes sure they are all bundled up and up to date on their flu shots. Scarecrow vaccinates his goons against his products and gives therapy when something does happen. Strangest therapy I ever had, the one time I got dosed."

She tilts her head and humms in thought.

They pause and tap the table with their finger. Not in impatience, just in thinking.

"..well yes, all of that is true. But any GCPD officer that's confronted those criminals in person knows well the effects of their abilities first hand. I was hoping for more..details."

They pause again, thinking about their wording.

She had paused and her voice dripped disdain to the point of turning their title into an insult. She shock her head.

"If you want more information, I need concrete questions. You know what any of the Rogues or other goons will do to me if they find out I'm a snitch? The clown will be happy to get me afterwards. And I will not end up as one of Joker's goons because I was forsaken by my usual bosses"

Coockroach sighed and finished the food that had been delivered. She made sure to mind her manners in the presence of the detective, but that didn't stop her from practically inhaling the food as fast as she could without making her sick.

"...I suppose I can't blame you for being skeptical. Half the officers in my department only arrest innocents on technicalities because they're taking bribes..."

They scowl again. "Ugh."

..

She looks at the table and gets very quiet for a moment, clearly mourning the loss of someone she had come to consider a friend. When she looks up again, there is a determined fire in her eyes when she meets theirs.

She waves the detective off, snorting in amusement at their worry about the fear toxin getting away from Scarecrow. She then looks longingly at her empty plate. Sighing and shaking her head, obviously chastising herself, she lifts her eyes and looks with bright/golden hazel eyes straight at the detective.

They scoff and sit back in their seat.

"They're both criminals, but the Joker is downright psychotic. He tortures just for fun. He leaves his victims alive on purpose just so they can live the rest of their life crippled and in pain. The Scarecrow's use of that toxin is bad enough already, but...I don't even want to think about what Joker might use it for..."

They sigh and run their hands over their face. This can't end well. But they pause when they notice the look in her eyes when she looks at her empty plate again.

Cockroach declines the offer. Sure, she could still eat, but she didn't need more food. The portion had been decently sized and edible! And the topic was turning her stomach anyway.

They sigh again, rubbing their temple. This will only end badly if he's not stopped. And they hate people suffering more than anything. After a moment, they recompose themself.

She glances out where something had caught her attention.

"Keep your head, officer. Gotham's finest need more like you. And keep out of the shadows, the owls are active."

Cockroach stands up and starts slinking out of the diner, vanishing between the masses of people. Her voice a haunting hum as she does. Leaving them alone at the diner.

They sip their coffee, eyes tracking her as she stands. They make no move to stop her.

"Well, the offer still stands. You have my card. Contact me if you change your mind."

"..."