Take It Off

Chapter 2: Where The Freaks All Come Around

In most cities, once you commit to Supervillainry, your social life is pretty much over. That's it, you will never have anything resembling normalcy again. Hanging out with friends in broad daylight, in costume or out? Entirely unheard of.

That's one of the things that's special about Gotham, and special about the Iceberg Lounge. For some, it is the dark jewel of Gotham, the shining heart of corruption no one can stamp out.

For the freaks, the weirdos, the Rogues? It's an oasis in a desert. A place where they can chat, eat, and just hang out like regular people. Catch a show and gossip with a buddy or two. Go on a date.

Harley's laugh rings across the dance floor, soon drowned out by Joker's own. Scarecrow scowls at a waitress, who only smirks in response. Riddler stands on a table and rants about something or other.

Of course, there is entertainment. Plays or skits by Clayface and Mad Hatter. Dramatic readings from Bookwyrm. Comedy shows with a surprisingly nervous Joker. Music Meister just being himself.

Ivy coos over a plant in the corner, while Mr Freeze broods over some new schematics and an extra-cold drink. None of them care about the civilians around them, none of them have to hide.

Dancing and kisses and dumb challenges, birthdays and holidays and anniversaries, all the little things most people take for granted -- all the things the Rogues and the other freaks can't find anywhere else.

The other freaks. The Metas, the aliens, even the Bats. People who are deformed, people who dress weirdly, people who just don't fit in. The Lounge doesn't care, all are welcome.

Well, so long as you can pay your tab, of course.