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jasntodds · 2 years

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Caving In [1]

Pairing: Gar Logan x Fem!Powered!Reader, Jason Todd x Fem!Powered!Reader

Words: 13,538

Chapter Warnings: Swearing, angst, mentions of various injuries including a mention of road rash, bruises, cuts, and a burn, mentions of death, some fluff I suppose, a mention of drug addiction, jason todd is a smartass and so is the reader, reader gets arrested (not long and doesn’t go to the station or anything like that), a mention of the Joker and Two-Face

Summary: ❝Tell me Atlas: What is heavier, The world or its people’s hearts?❞ You never expected your life to end up this way, turned upside down by an infamous Gotham villain. It’s been a living hell, every single day, until Dick Grayson brings you to Titans tower where you meet Gar Logan and Jason Todd.

A/N: I came out of the gate swinging with a long chapter. But, I have literally been writing this every single day for a month straight and I have never been more excited about posting a series before. I am VERY proud of this series so please lemme know what you guys think!! I am easily motivated to post more often when I get feedback 😂 The first few chapters take place between season 2 episode 1 and season 2 episode 2. You can add yourself the tag list below, ask me to be tagged, or you can follow my library blog @jasntoddslibrary and turn on notifications if you prefer that!!

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You didn’t have what you would consider a horrible childhood. In the grand scheme of things, it could have been a hell of a lot worse. You had a mom who loved you and did her absolute best to provide for you. You rarely ever fought and your mom took care of you. You had a few friends, none that really stuck around when shit hit the fan, but you don’t blame them. So, you had some friends and that was cool while it lasted. Your dad was ad deadbeat addict you only remember seeing once and the way you see it, good riddance. You had your mom.

Had.

However, that was then and this is now where you’re standing on the street, using a car window breaker to break into a car late at night in the middle of Gotham City. Gotham has a habit of breeding some real fucked up psychos. You’re almost positive it has got be the water and it’s only a matter of time before everyone in the city either turns into Batman and Robin or The Joker and The Riddler. The psycho doesn’t care who you are and if you have a family, they take and take and laugh in the face of everyone else’s agony. So, here you are breaking into a car as you’ve done for last few months since the Joker decided to do what he does best. Kill.

Whenever you break into a car, which is almost nightly now, you remember judging those who did before because this is someone else’s property. They probably worked hard for it and who are you to take it from them. But, no one ever said surviving was easy. You get it now, a little guilty about it but not guilty enough to stop.

“Sweet.” You huff to yourself, smile on your face as you find a hundred dollars in the center console. “Idiot.” You mumble as you stuff it in your pocket.

You rummage around the car some more, hoping to find more. If the person was dumb enough to leave a hundred dollars, maybe there’s something you could sell. You push around a few unimportant things like papers and a pair of old shoes, not finding much. With the shrug of a shoulder, you consider this car a win and back out of the car only for the flashing of red and blue to catch your attention from your peripheral.

“Ah, fuck me.” You groan, turning on your heels and sprinting as fast as your legs will let you down a close alleyway.

The sirens sound behind you. There’s still a smile plastered across your face with the lights behind you and your feet smacking puddles. The city lights guide you in and out of other alleys and down side streets. It’s a bit of a thrill. The air is wet on your skin, thick with moisture from the previous storm. The city streets have that smell of wet pavement and fresh rain, something that lives in your bones. Running through the streets of Gotham is a regular activity but you find it fun, adrenaline in your blood and city lights guiding the way.

This is not the first time GCPD has found you breaking into a car but they didn’t catch you then and you don’t think they’ll catch you now. The only one really competent at catching anyone committing a crime is Gotham is Batman and Robin but they don’t normally go after kids robbing cars. It’s not exactly hot radar here.

Your chest heaves with every step but you’re having a blast. The burning almost doesn’t bother you with every stride, lungs feeling like they could collapse at any moment. That’s part of the thrill, how far can you run before they catch you or your lungs explode. Well, normally, but tonight the pavement is a little too slick. You go to run around a corner, shoes slipping on the pavement, sending you right into the pavement.

“Shit!” You scream out, feeling the road rash on your arms and your legs, knowing you ripped your clothes from the fall.

“Hands up.” One of the cops says as they catch up, getting out of his car.

You roll your eyes, racking your brain in hopes you can come up with a big bad escape plan. You do not want to go into the system. “Can’t you see I’m little hurt here, asshole?”

“Looks like that’s on you.” His voice is annoyed. “Get up.”

“Again, I’m hurt.” You pout up at him. “I should really have an ambulance. It’s your fault I fell.”

“How do you figure?” The cop questions, making it evident this is not how what he thought he’d be doing tonight.

“You were chasing me.” You shrug a shoulder, looking at your elbow, grimacing at the sight of blood and gravel in your arm. “I wouldn’t have fallen had you just let me go.”

“You committed a crime. You’re not getting off.”

“I’m a minor living in Gotham City who just broke into a single car. Our courts can’t even keep the fucking Joker behind bars, you think I’ll be put away? Please.” You let out a scoff following by a hollowed laugh.

The one thing you have never learned how to do is hold your tongue. It’s always been a little bit of an issue but ever since your mom died, it’s gotten worse. Who do you have to hold your tongue for? You have no one. At least if the cop arrests you, you’ll have a warm bed to sleep in and probably a meal. Not a good one, but beggars can’t be choosers.

“Get up.” The cops sneers, grabbing your arm and yanking you up. “We’ll take you to the hospital to get checked out. Where are your parents?”

“Dad’s somewhere getting high, mom’s in six feet under.” Your voice is nonchalant as you shake your arm free, your knees and arms feeling like they’re vibrating from the pain.

The cop looks down at you with a sigh. Unfortunately, this isn’t an unusual thing for him or any other cop in Gotham to deal with. Kids with parents who are either dead, nonexistent, or not participating in their lives is normal thing here. Far more normal than any other city. You have a smart mouth and you robbed a car but you’re also alone, parentless, and clearly homeless. He doesn’t really want to take you to the station. It’s another kid thrown into the prison system.

“You’re gonna call CPS, right?” You ask from the back of the squad car as the cop drives.

“That is protocol.” He says, glancing to you in the rearview mirror.

“I think that’s a horrible idea.” You scoff, plopping back in your seat, crossing your arms to the best of your ability with the stinging road rash.

“Can’t just let you live on the streets.”

“You could.” You sigh. scrunching your nose.

“Don’t you want a place to live?”

“Yeah, but the system is corrupt. You would know. Why the fuck would I wanna go there? I can take care of myself.”

“You’re in the back of my car and for what? A few bucks?”

“I’ve been doing fine. The pavement’s wet.” You pout. If you had shoes with actual grip, you wouldn’t have fallen.

“Look, I’m sure you’ll be fine, okay?” The cop’s voice is quieter this time, trying his best to be reassuring. “Lots of kids turn out fine.”

You roll your eyes, ignoring him as you watch the city pass by. There’s something in your gut that just knows this is not going to end well for you. Foster care, group homes, it never sounds like it’s going to end well, not for you. Maybe others, sure. Not all foster homes and group homes are bad, but you can feel it in your bones, the shattering of your world consuming you with every passing building. This is going to get really fucking bad.

1 Year Later

Your eyes peek open, lids heavy and weighed down as your chest heaves. Your face is in agony with an aching pain your right side. Your head is throbbing as you blink your eyes, swearing it feels like you’ve been hit with a sledgehammer. The pavement is cool beneath you as your eyes move up the walls in front of you, a red and worn-away brick. It’s all moving so slowly for you, almost like a YouTube video lagging at 480p. Slow and staggered, taking in one sense at a time as you come to.

You feel someone beside you, their hand is warm on your arm and he comes into focus from the corner of your eye. Your heart rate spikes, the drowsiness vaporizes and the throbbing of your head suddenly makes everything click. Your eyes widen and you grab his forearm with your hand, a burning and stinging sensation makes him yank his hand away.

“Fuck!” He yells, looking at the growing chemical burn on his arm and back to you as you try to scramble to your feet, legs weak and stinging. “Wait!” He yells at you, trying to get you to stay put, processing what’s going on.

You get to your feet, the man following your lead and standing up, holding his arm across his stomach. Your eyes scan him over and look behind him, trying to ignore the throbbing in your head to come up with a clear plan to escape him. You’re not going back to the basement or to the heinous piece of shit who clearly left you here for dead.

“Who are you?” He asks, his voice is stern, jaw squared while he looks to your hands that outstretched in front of you. Your palms are flowing a florescent green aimed right at him.

You shake your head, matching his stare, teeth grinding. There's a firey anger in your eyes, almost telling him to go ahead and try you. You’re in agony, every muscle feels likes it’s being eaten by fire ants and you’re using every bit of strength to square off with him. But you hold that hard stare not willing to move. The pain will have to take a backseat this time.

“Look,” He lowers his voice trying to ignore the stinging pain of his arm. “I found you here. I was making sure you were okay.”

You scoff. “Sure. You just check on random people passed out in an alley?” You’ve lost a bit faith in humanity recently.

“You burn everyone who tries to help you?” He quips.

Your eyes narrow, not playing the game of getting ‘helped’ again. “Bold of you to assume people help.”

He sighs, dropping his head while his hair falls onto his forehead. “I’m Dick.” He picks up his head, stepping forward just one step and you take one back. “You’re hurt.” He gestures to your side where blood is seeping through the fabric of your shirt.

You look down and see the bright red staining the white fabric. Oh, that’s not good. A sense of queasiness comes over you and that’s when you really start taking in what’s happened. Flashes of the day before haunt your eyes, clouding your view of Dick. You slam your eyes shut which just seems to make the memories worse. The throbbing becomes a catastrophic earthquake in your head, begging to crumble everything in its path. Your hands come to your head, trying to get it to stop as the world around you starts to spin.

Dick takes a few steps forward. “Hey, are you okay?” Dick asks, looking down at you but before you can tell Dick to leave you alone, everything falls black, your legs going limp as you pass out, Dick catching you on the way down. “Alright, then.”

He looks you over, taking notice in the several cuts, bruises, and scars you have on your exposed skin. He has no idea what happened to you but he does know one thing, he’s going to find out and he’s gonna find out how you burned him. Dick’s always had a thing for saving kids so he picks you up and decides to take you to the tower. You were terrified, at least he knows you’ll be safe there.

Back at the tower, the elevator doors open and Dick walks through caring you with broken skin. Gar and Rachel are in the living room, their attention pulled back as they hear him come in.

“Hey, what are--” Gar pauses from his seat on the ottoman while Rachel stands up from her seat, eyes wide and confused as Dick comes into view.

“Who is that? What happened?” Rachel asks, her words fast as she walks over to Dick, Gar right behind her.

“I found her.” Dick states, his voice a bit exasperated. “Gar, can you help me?”

“Uh…sure.” Gar nods, knowing it’s because of Dr. Caulder that Dick’s even asking.

“Rachel, go spar with Jason.” Dick says and Rachel shakes her head but does as she’s told while Dick and Gar head off to the infirmary wing.

Dick places you on a bed while Gar stays behind him. This is weird. He knew Dick had a thing for picking up strays, that’s how him and Rachel ended up with Dick. But, it’s very weird being on the other side of that and actually seeing him bring someone home, especially someone who’s as banged up as you are and unconscious no less. It makes Gar pretty uncomfortable.

Dick directs Gar to grab bandages and the saline solution so they can clean some of the blood cuts that are visible to them. Gar does as directed without saying a single word. He just follows Dick’s lead and helps him clean a few cuts on your arms while Dick cleans a gash on your cheek. Whatever happened to you was bad, that’s something that everyone can see clear as day. But, they don’t know how it happened or why and maybe that’s the scariest part about it. Whatever happened, was bad and what if you’re more than a random person from the streets? Or what if you are and someone is hunting you or something? It’s a terrifying thought.

As they finish up, Gar sees Dick start addressing his own wound. He hadn’t noticed it before but now he can see a red burn on his arm. But, when Gar asked Dick about it, Dick brushed it off a bit by just saying you had done it when you came to for a minute. He didn’t seem to be too concerned about it which made Gar more confused by the whole situation. Not only are you just some girl off the streets but you also have powers and have already burned someone. That sounds a bit dangerous but Gar isn’t one to question authority so he goes with it.

They finish up before leaving you alone. Dick and Gar head to the comms lab where Dick gains access to the security cameras where he found you. He’s mostly showing Gar how to do the same, just in case something happens and Gar ever needs to know. Gar is more of the tech guy in the tower anyway. So, Gar watches closely as Dick brings up the city’s security cameras and they find footage of an older car that looks to be in decent condition pulling into the alley. A bald man with a medium build gets out, looking around to see if anyone is around. He walks to the back of the car and opens the door, pulling you out, looking completely lifeless. He dumps you up against a wall before getting back into his car, pulling out of the alley and driving away as if nothing happened.

Dick shakes his head, his jaw clenching and he just cannot understand how people do that to kids. Being a detective and Robin, he saw it a lot, grown adults beating on kids or getting verbally horrible with them, taking them to drug deals. It’s a mess and he cannot understand why adults do that to kids like it’s normal and it’s okay. There will never come a day where it doesn’t send his blood into a rapid boil.

“Do you think he…did that to her?” Gar asks, looking up to Dick with worry in his eyes.

Dick looks at him, seeing the concern embedded in his face. “I’m not sure.” Dick keeps his voice level, looking back at the screen. “But, by the looks of it, yeah or he knows who did.”

“Why would someone do that?” There’s sadness etched in every word. Gar doesn’t like real violence very much. He doesn’t know why anyone results to it unless it’s a dire situation. Similar to Dick, he just doesn’t understand how someone can do that to another person.

“Maybe we’ll get some answers as to what happened when she wakes up.” Dick nods his head, trying not to worry Gar more. “Why don’t you go join the others? I’ll watch the cameras until she wakes up.” The question was more of a request, rather than an actual offer and Gar knows that.

Gar nods his head and leaves, head swimming with the who, what, when, where, and why of the situation. Maybe you’re dangerous and that’s why it happened. You did burn Dick so you at least, have powers. But, maybe there’s more to it. Maybe you tried to defend yourself and it didn’t end in your favor. Gar knows it’ll be picking at the back of his head until they find out more but for now, there’s nothing he can do but listen to Dick and join Rachel and Jason.

You finally come to a few hours later. Your eyes open slowly, seeing a wall with a TV mounted to the wall in front of you, similar to a hospital room. But, it’s aesthetically warmer as you look around. The walls aren’t white and the lights aren’t fluorescent. The bed is definitely more comfortable and so is the blanket. For a split second, you almost forgot about your encounter with Dick and think maybe you really could be safe in a hospital but that second fades.

It comes back like a polaroid printing. Slow and fading the images, dulling the colors as it develops. It’s blotchy, the alley and Dick standing in front of you. A part of you isn’t entirely sure you can picture his face. All you know for certain is that he’s tall with brown hair and then you remember burning him, which wasn’t entirely on purpose. But, that’s it, it’s like it all just stop developing like maybe someone moved the camera right as they clicked the capture button. It just gets blurry and blank so you look around a bit more.

You notice gauze bandages wrapped around the cuts on your arms, an IV sticking out of your hand. You touch your face where there’s a bandage covering the large gash you had and you sit in a state of foggy confusion. Who is that guy and did he bring you here? If so, why? What’s his motive? Everyone has a motive and it’s never just to be kind. No one is ever just that nice. And where is here anyway? The room is big but it’s not a hospital, there isn’t anyone walking the hallway from where you can see. There isn’t a window looking into the room on the wall or on the door. It’s like a standard room so it’s not a hospital.

Dick walks into the room as you’re looking around, you only notice him when you look over and the dread fills your bones. It shouldn’t be too shocking given the amount times you’ve been hurt but you didn’t hear him come in and that sucks. Surely, with the laminate flooring and him wearing shoes, you should have been able to hear his footsteps but you didn’t. You can’t remember if his voice was muffled in the alley or if it was clear and that’s a bit unsettling. But, this has happened before and the hearing always comes back in a few days.

“You’re awake.” Dick says as he walks to the foot of your bed, his voice sounding a little muffled. You just stare at him, not wanting to talk until you know what’s going on. “What’s your name?” He asks and you get that look in your eye like you did in the alley, filled of anger and spite, with the slightest touch of terror. You shake your head slowly, standing your ground on not talking. “Alright,” Dick sighs, putting his hands in his front pockets. “Not talking?” Dick asks and you give him the quick raise of your brows, tilting your head slightly to your right.

It’s not that Dick thought this would be easy. He remembers being taken home by Bruce, how new and scary everything was. He had just witnessed his parents die and then some strange billionaire picks him up, decides to adopt him. It was weird and this is weird. It’s a little different and he doesn’t know your story, but he can understand your hesitance in talking.

“Well,” Dick lets out a breath. “Do you remember what happened?” Dick asks. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Just nod your head. The alley?” Dick clarifies and your eyes narrow but you nod your head twice. “Do you remember how you got there?” Dick asks and he sees your eyes fade as if you’re not with him anymore. The heart monitor starts to steadily go up.

You remember everything, the haunting in your bones running your blood cold. You remember everything in vivid detail. He asks that question and you’re right back where you were, right in that room in that chair, in screaming agony. It’s all there, right in the front of your head and you might not be there now but you swear you never escaped.

“Okay,” Dick gets the hint that you do remember but it’s nothing good. “The tower is safe, fully secured if you’re worried about someone coming to get you.” That brings you back and of course you’re worried about that. But what does he know? “No one here is gonna hurt you.” Dick assures you and he can see the slightest bit of relief come your face. “There’s Gar, he came in and helped me clean up your cuts. They’re pretty bad.” Dick explains, getting no reaction. “Rachel, she’s nice, good kid and then there’s Jason, he’s a bit much sometimes but he’s a good kid, too.” You raise a brow at him, as if to be questioning why there are three other teenagers here. “It’s a long story.” Dick states and you give him a long singular nod. “What’s your name?”

You debate it for a minute. If you tell him, he might be able to find who did it and call him to come get you. But, you look to the badges on your arms and you figure he could also just run a blood test of some sort and figure it out. If this is some type of medical center, that’s something he could do. There is also the slight chance he actually wants to help and maybe telling him your name is just that. Telling him your name.

“Y/n.” Your voice is graveled.

The corner of Dick’s mouth pulls into a small smile. “I’m Dick.” He says and you nod again, remembering that detail. “How’d you burn my arm?” He asks, this time a little sterner and you match him again, shaking your head slowly.

That’s not something you’re going to discuss with some random, run-of-the-mill average person. Having powers and talking to a seemingly powerless person doesn’t seem to end well for the one with powers. So, she keeps her mouth pressed into a hard line.

“You’re not gonna tell me, huh?” Dick asks and he chuckles softly. You sure are stubborn. You shake your head giving him a small but sarcastic grin. “Alright,” Dick nods his head. “How’s food?”

The idea of food is almost nauseating from lack of food recently. The more you think about it the more foods come to your head. Burgers, pizza, pasta, even a bag of chips. All of it is making your mouth water. You are fucking hungry.

You nod slowly.

“I’ll have Gar bring something in for you.” Dick says as he starts walking towards the stand next to your bed. You move slightly to get away from him, your right side aching with the movement. “I’m just grabbing the remote for you.” Dick assures you, keeping his voice level while he opens the drawer and pulls out a black remote. “Here, there are streaming services connected. You can watch whatever.” You narrow your eyes as if expecting it to be a trick of some sort. “It’s just a remote.” Dick tells you and you take it from him slowly, carefully dodging his hands.

You give him a thankful nod as you turn the TV on, a welcome screen lighting up the once black screen. Dick gives you a warm smile before heading for the door, choosing to let you be by yourself for a few minutes. You watch him leave and once he’s out of view, you put your attention to the TV. This whole thing feels weirder by the minute but you’re injured and it hurts to even move. So, you scroll through recommended movies and find one that you remember your mom always saying you should watch together. You never got around to it so you turn it on now, letting the movie help you forget everything that’s happened.

It's half an hour before someone knocks on the open door to your room. You look over to see a cute boy with green and black hair wearing a black shirt with a red logo at the door. He gives you a wide and cheeky smile, holding a plate of pizza.

"Hey, I'm Gar." He greets you, walking in and to the side of your bed.

You look between his eyes and his hair. Green hair. Interesting choice. "Y/n."

"Here." Gar offers the plate to you gently.

You eye it carefully, not sure if you should really take it. What if it’s been poisoned? For all you know, these people are also crazy. But, you look back to his eyes and they’re so warm and welcoming, his smile kind and hopeful. And you are hungry. So, you take it with reluctance, careful not to brush his hands.

"Dick wanted me to bring it to you." Gar states.

"Thanks." The word is quiet as you rest the plate on your lap.

Gar watches as you seem disinterested. Dick told him you were not too talkative and seemed scared, that’s why he asked Gar to bring it in. Rachel is kind of course but Gar tends to be a little warmer and Jason is an unpredictable smartass. Gar seems like the best shot to find out information and he knows that’s why he’s here. But, he feels a bit bad for it and he kind of just wants you to eat.

"There's, uh, there's different kinds of pizza in the kitchen. If you wanted something else I could--"

"It's okay." You offer him a gentle laugh. His words were rambled as if he were nervous and you think it’s kind of sweet. "Cheese is fine." You pick the slice, Gar sticking his hands into his pants pockets.

He watches her for a few seconds, noticing the marks on your wrists, brows furrowing. The marks look like they're ligature marks. The very middle is a brighter color as if to have been rubbed raw. A sting punches Gar's heart and he moves his eyes to the TV, not wanting to look at any more injuries you might have. He’s seen enough for today.

"Oh, I love this movie!" Gar gushes, watching as the goonies walk through a cave, trying to escape the Fratellis.

You glance over to him, barely turning your head. "Yeah?" You ask before taking a bite of your pizza.

"Have you never seen it?" Gar asks, looking back to you, ready to start rambling about it.

He loves movies, especially classic. Movies and video games, that’s how he killed his time at Caulder House and that’s how he kills a lot his time here when Dick isn’t having them train. He likes the adventures the characters get to go and the ones he gets to partake in for video games. Being hidden away like a dirty secret, it was the only way for him to have some type of adventure and the love of movies and video games grew. He could talk for hours on end about them.

"No?" You chuckle softly, finding the excitement in his voice amusing. "Looks old."

"1985, Steven Spielberg." Gar beams.

"Oh, okay so you know the movie." You chuckle, chewing your lip and it feels so casual with him.

Maybe it's just because he brought you food. Or that he seems the same age as you and he looks non-threatening, especially with the green hair. He also just seems ready to talk about anything which you thinks is a little funny. And he's not asking you any questions about who you are or what you can do. On top of that, he’s not looking at you the way Dick was, with some sort of expectation of something. Maybe that’s just Dick’s face, but it’s like he expected you to just talk and talk about what happened. You don’t want people to expect something from you anymore and Gar doesn’t. He just likes the movie.

"D-did you w-wanna watch it?" You raise the question, eyeing him from the corner of your eye. It’s been awhile since you’ve had contact with other people, let alone someone your own age who just wants to talk about a movie.

"Really? Yeah!" Gar jogs around the bed, going to the chair that's by the windows and pulling it closer to your bed. "Cool." Gar bounces in his seat. There’s a reason he has this poster hanging in his room, he will watch it at any given opportunity.

You laugh at the boy who's a little too excited to watch a movie but it's kind of nice. "I like your hair." You say quietly.

"Oh, uh, thanks." Gar smiles softly at you. "Oh watch this, Data has awesome gadgets." Gar's attention goes back to the screen as you watch Data's shoes up from the back, oil spilling from the heels.

"Well, that's cool." You raise your brows, finding it interesting.

"Right?!" Gar exclaims. “He even has a winch attached to him!” Gar says. “But, that’s later, sorry, don’t wanna spoil it.” Gar looks down for a second and then back to the screen.

“No, that’s really cool.” You nod at him. “I liked the zipline between their houses.” You let out a laugh. “I actually think my mom would have killed me if I tried that but it was sick.”

“Yeah, right? Dick should let us put in a zipline.” Gar looks back at you, the excitement etched across his face.

The two of you sit and watch more of the movie while you finish the pizza. You look to him every so often, subconsciously making sure he isn't planning anything or looks like he might be ready to do something fucked up. It's as if you’re fully prepared for him being nice to turn out to be some type of act but instead, he just keeps his eyes on the screen and points out fun little facts he has about the movie when the scenes come on. It's a little confusing for you. You don't really understand why he'd be in here over a movie unless he was told to. It’s nice, of course, but Dick was a bit persistent which makes you wonder if that’s why Gar came in here in the first place.

Gar looks back at you, catching you look at him. He lets out a sigh, looking back to the movie and the smile falls. "You, uh, you wanna know why I'm here, huh?" He looks back to you.

You scrunch your face. "Kind of." You shrug, watching Gar grow defeated. "I-I don't mind....you in here. I-I just don't...d-don't know why you are." Your eyes are slightly narrowed.

"Dick asked me to see if I could get you to talk." Gar confesses. He’s gotten you to say more than Dick did so he didn’t see a point in hiding it. Maybe honesty will get them a little further.

"Mmm, yeah that tracks from the two minutes I've known him." You roll your eyes.

"Well, uh, in his defense, you did burn him." Gar slows his words down as he looks at you again.

You shrug, looking your hands on the blanket. It's a little bit of shame flowing through your veins. If Dick really was just trying to help and your head told you something different, that's really an issue. You wouldn't want to hurt anyone that was really trying to help you. You’ve just spent so much time in the defensive mode it's like your mind forgot what it's like to shut it off for a minute.

"How'd you do it?" Gar asks carefully.

"Mm, nice try." You shake your head at him, appreciating the effort but it’s still a no for you.

Gar shrugs, looking back to the TV. Having powers can be dangerous and Gar knows that so maybe you knowing you’re not alone will help. "I can turn into a tiger. If you're worried about sounding like you're a freak or--"

"Sorry, did you say...tiger?" You question, your voice nearly yelling.

"Yeah." Gar laughs. "I guess, it's uh, kind weird." He hangs his head a bit.

"What? That's fucking awesome. How do you do it?" Your words all slur together as you sit up, crossing your legs and leaning forward.

Gar laughs as he watches as you get excited. The only one who's ever seemed interested in it, kind of like this is Rachel. It's making Gar feel incredible and powerful. "I don't know. This doctor cured me from a mysterious disease. This was one of the side effects." Gar gestures to his head. "Turning into a green tiger."

"That's the coolest thing I have ever fucking heard in my life. Can I see?" You forget every ounce of suspicion you should have in this unfamiliar place but how many times do you run into someone who can turn into a tiger? Batman has cool gadgets and a cool car and Superman can fly but neither of them can turn into an animal. Turning into an animal is basically the coolest thing in the entire world.

"Maybe...." Gar pauses, a grin tugging at his lips. He's not so sure Dick would be happy if he decided to transform just because you asked. "So, what about you?"

You sigh and if he's gonna tell you, maybe you can tell him something. Turning into a tiger is still a power. "I can produce acid with my hands." You flip your palms up, gesturing toward Gar but not too close. Your palms glow a fluorescent green. "I can control how much and how strong it is." The green fades as you put your hand back down in your lap.

"That's awesome." Gar's brows knit together. "Have you been like that your whole life?"

You shakes your head, the mood shifting in the room. "No, something new. But, uh, we're not gonna talk about that."

"Okay." Gar gives you a side smile, accepting that he got an answer.

He doesn't really like to push people for answers anyway. He knows the only reason Dick as him to come here is because Gar is the most likely get something out you. Jason is....an asshole and would likely call you a freak. Rachel doesn't really have a lot of control with her powers so if something happened, that probably wouldn't end well. Gar was really Dick's best option in trying to get any answer of you and Gar does want to help. He helps people. He'd say it's one of his better qualities.

You let out a sigh, watching Gar get back into the movie. "I'm-I'm gonna have to like...talk to him, aren't I?"

Gar looks back at you, pursing his lips with a shrug. "Yeah, but hey, he's really not a bad guy. He can help. He won’t force you to talk, but it’s not a bad idea."

You scoff, seeing flashes of the last night you spent on the streets of Gotham. "Yeah, you know the last person who told me that...." You pause, seeing Gar's eyes soften. "Well, I ended up here." You gesture a hand over your face, knowing it can't look pretty by the sense of the throbbing. "So."

"I'm sorry." Gar says softly. "For whatever you went through."

"Thanks." You say quietly. "Is there anyway I can....borrow a hoodie or something? It's...cold." You pause and you’ve always been good at deflecting.

He nods. "Uh, yeah, yeah. I can grab you one." He stands up quickly, moving to the doorway. "I'll be right back." He smiles sweetly at you before leaving, jogging down the hallway.

Gar jogs to his room, rummaging through his clothes, looking for an oversized hoodie. He could have asked Rachel because he knows Rachel has to have something, too but he almost worries that Rachel will go bring it herself. It's obvious you don't really want to talk to anyone and Dick asked him to do it. He wasn't even supposed to actually leave you alone until Dick told him to. He's never been very good at staying put when he's told to. Call it a flaw. So, he goes through his clothes quickly and finds a gray zip-up hoodie.

"Gotcha." Gar says triumphantly before quickly turning around.

"What are you doing?" Dick asks with exasperation, arms crossed as he stands in the doorway.

Gar's eyes widen. "Uh, hey, Dick. I was just grabbing Y/n a hoodie. She asked."

"Didn't I tell you not to leave her alone?" Dick questions but his tone isn’t mad or upset and Gar nods. "It's alright." Dick shakes his head and offers Gar a gentle smile. "Just trying to help?"

"Yeah." Gar nods slowly. “I feel bad for her.”

"I'll bring it to her." Dick holds out a hand and Gar hands over the hoodie. "Did you find anything out?"

"She can produce acid from her hands. They turn green so I guess it can be obvious." Gar explains, feeling a little bad about it since you obviously don't want him to know but Gar isn't going to lie to Dick. "That's really it, though."

"Good work. Thank you." Dick says with a closed, half smile.

"You're welcome." Gar says, not exactly pleased about it.

Dick leaves Gar in his room, heading back to you. While Gar was talking with you, Dick came up with a plan. He has to find out what's going on. So, he's just going to try and make friends with you. Surely, you seeing that Gar is just another kid and is happy and healthy should help. He'll try to level with you. Not push you or badger you, just level.

You catch a glimpse of Dick coming through the doorframe caring a grey hoodie and you just shake your head. You aren't sure what you expected. Is it too much to ask that you just doesn't want to do talk to this Dick guy?

"Gar was bringing this to you. I stopped him." Dick says, offering the hoodie to you as you narrow your eyes at him.

Everyone always has an ulterior motive. You’re trying to figure out what his could possibly be. Taking in kids who need help? Who have powers? If that's what he's doing, is he building a team of teenage weapons? Is he powered, too? Does he not think it's a little bit weird? But you’re cold and take the hoodie from him.

"Acid, huh?" Dick asks, walking to the front of your bed, your eyes following him still narrowed. "How much control do you have?" Dick asks.

Your brows raise, looking side to side. What a weird fucking question. "Uh...I-I don't...I don't know. A lot, I guess?" You pause, watching him carefully. "Why?"

"I'm just wondering. If you're going to stay here, it's best for me to know." Dick explains and he's so calm despite the fact you burned him.

Stay? You don't know these people, why would you stay? Is that something that people do? Just stay with complete strangers in hopes they aren't serial killers or something? What if they're all a group of serial killers?

"Why would I stay?" You challenge.

Dick shrugs. "Do you have anywhere to go?"

You chew the inside of your cheek, pulling the sleeves of the hoodie over your hands. "No." Your voice is broken, as you dodge looking at Dick.

That's a fair point. You don't have anywhere to go. The only place you’ve ever known is Gotham and that basement. That's it. You don't know anyone in the city or have a phone to call anyone back in Gotham, not that you want to really. At least in Gotham, living on the streets wasn't easy but it was familiar. You knew the cars to break into, the stores to rob and get away with it. You knew where all the cameras were and the GCPD shift schedule. But, this is San Francisco and you are clueless.

"I know it seems..." Dick pauses for a second as he leans against the wall behind him. "Scary maybe?" He pauses again, you looking up to him. "But, really, I just wanna help."

You think about it for a few seconds. This is the most comfortable you’ve been in a year. You’re on high alert and you don't think your brain will ever rest but you’re warm, in a bed, watching a movie. You had pizza. You can't remember the last time you had pizza. And you got all this by not robbing anyone or squatting. Maybe a night or two couldn't hurt.

"O-okay." You say quietly.

"Yeah?" Dick offers a side smile, surprised you said okay. "Did you want to stay here?"

"Um...if that's...okay." Your words are soft and unsure. "As long as you're not gonna like....kill me, I guess."

Dick chuckles softly, looking to the floor and back to you. "We're not gonna kill you."

"Well, that's great then." You shrug, tugging at the sleeves again. "Um...what about the others? Do they have powers?" You ask before continuing. "Gar said he can turn into a Tiger so...."

"Yeah, he can." Dick confirms it and catches the smile wanting to split your face. "Rachel, she has powers. We're still trying to figure them out. Then there's Jason, don't mind him." Dick warns with a grin. "You'll get used to him but he doesn't have powers. He's pretty good at combat, though."

You nod, as if to be accepting what he's saying. "So, you just...pluck kids off the street or?"

"For someone who doesn't answer a lot of questions, you sure have a lot of them." Dick offers a light-hearted chuckle.

You tilt your head with a shrug. "I-I, uh, haven't, uh." You furrow your brows. "Haven't had much contact with anyone really. In a while." You suck in a breath. “I am also just an inquisitive person.”

Dick nods. "Rachel found me, actually. She needed help, I didn't want to help but..." He pauses thinking back to the whole mess that unfolded. "I couldn't just leave her on her own."

"Now you want to help?"

Dick nods once more. "Yeah, she doesn't have anyone else. I lost my parents so I get it. I didn't have anyone either until someone decided to reach out."

You nod slowly, grasping it now. It's like a passing of the kindness kind of thing. Someone helped him as a kid, showed him some of the greatest kindness so now he's out here doing the same. Assuming what he's saying is all true, that is.

"What about Gar and Jason?"

"Gar was with Rachel, we got separate and he helped her. Wanted to come with and he didn't have a place that he felt like he belonged. Jason....well, he needs more guidance. He's not really allowed to go back to being who he was yet. I took him in."

Your eyes narrow with suspension again. "Is he like a bad person or something?" The way he talks about Jason compared to the others is a little weird. He speaks highly of Rachel and Gar but seems to have a harder time doing that with Jason. There is some sort of history there that you are very intrigued about.

"No," Dick answers quickly with a shake of his head. "He's just a little reckless."

"Ahh." You say quietly, knowing that being reckless tends to be a little fun but also understanding the consequences. If it weren't for recklessness, you'd still be in Gotham. "So, what now then?"

"I can show you around, show you to a room that'll be yours if you’re feeling up for it."

"I'll have a room?" You ask with a scoff. "How fucking big is this place?"

Dick laughs. "It's pretty big."

"Sweet." You sit up fully, crossing your legs. "Then what?"

"Do you have other powers?" Dick asks, feeling like maybe he'll get an answer.

The other one isn’t a big deal, really. It doesn’t hurt anyone and will maybe just protect you. To you, right now, it doesn’t seem like not telling him is really going to be much benefit to you anyway but you also doesn’t know exactly how to explain it.

“Uh...” Your brows furrow as you search for words. “If...someone tries to....hit me or attack me,” You start. “I get this intense throbbing in the back of my head and I just....know where they’ll come from.” You explain.

“Combat clairvoyance, how long have you had that?” Dick asks, finding it interesting.

You shrug your shoulders. “It’s a new thing, like the acid.”

“Okay,” Dick nods his head. “Anything else?”

“Not that I’m aware of.” You answer honestly. Maybe you have more, maybe not. You’re hoping with everything in you that you don’t have some hidden power, one is more than enough for you and you’re stuck with two.

"Okay then." He seems satisfied with answers, choosing not to push to find out how you got your powers for right now. "Want the tour or did you want to rest some more?"

"Tour." You say without even thinking about it. You’ve been in the same room for months and you’re tired of being locked in one room. You want to see everything.

"Alright." Dick chuckles. He walks to the side of your bed and offers you an arm to help you.

"I'm fine." You shrug him off, pulling the blanket off of you, revealing your black leggings that have holes at one of the knees and one on the other shin. "Are there like....clothes I can borrow?" You ask as you get out of the bed carefully, your legs feeling a bit weak as you stand.

"I’m sure we’ll find something. Hoodie is Gar's though." Dick explains.

"Cool." You flash him a smile. "He's cool."

"Yeah, he's a good kid." Dick smiles back at you as the two of you exit the room.

Dick leads you down the hallway and decides to start with the kitchen and living area. It's right in the middle of the tower and figured that might be a good place to start. You take in the open-concept rooms. You’re relieved it's not all white. You remember watching HGTV back in Gotham and everything was always white. It's like these grown adults had a problem with color. Who would want to live in a place that looks like a hospital? But this tower isn't like that. It has a dark color palette. The floors, the walls, all dark but big floor-to-ceiling windows line the back wall of the two rooms giving the place plenty of light. A large fireplace sits in the center of the living room, not against a wall. You like it a lot more than you would ever openly admit.

"Kitchen, living room." Dick gestures a hand out, letting you walk in front of him to look at the rooms.

"It's nice." You say, looking back at Dick. "You an interior designer or something?" You quip, looking to the windows, seeing the city.

Dick just looks at you, looking unamused before a smile cracks across his face. "No," He scoffs. "I didn't decorate the place."

"Mmm, a shame. It would give you at least a point in my book." You look back to him and give a sarcastic grin.

"You're keeping a point system?" Dick’s brows riase, unsure if you’re joking or not.

"You don't?" You scoff with a chuckle.

It was a sarcastic comment but you’re not gonna let that go. You'd keep the bit going for as long as you know Dick now. He's stuck with a point system.

"What's next?" You ask.

"Follow me." Dick walks past you, leading you down a dark hallway.

You follow closely, looking at the rooms you pass which all have doors closed. The spacing of the doors indicated they're all large rooms. You couldn't tell what the housing market is like, something you never could even in Gotham but you'd have to bet this is at least a million-dollar house, apartment? Whatever it should be called. It's so fucking big.

You’re pulled from your thoughts as you reach what seems to be a training room, a boy with black hair hitting a punching bag off to the side. You take in the area and are actually seriously questioning if Dick is turning kids into weapons. What would the point be to have a room like this if not? And there is already a kid working out so it’s being used. Maybe it’ll be beneficial to you. Learn a few things and escape when the time is right.

"This is the training room. When you're able, you can train here with everyone else." Dick explains, putting his hands in his pockets as you stand at the open sliding doors.

The boy turns around hearing Dick talk. He looks at you with bruises and cuts across your face. He grimaces at the sight of you. Gar told him Dick brought you home but he didn’t think it was that bad.

"What the fuck happened to your face?" He asks with a scoff.

"What the fuck happened to yours?" You strike back, Dick doing a double take with the fire in your words.

"My face is fucking perfect, fuck you." Jason sneers, he was just asking a simple question. He didn't expect for you to have a comment back.

"Yeah, who the fuck says? Fuck you." You sneer back at him.

The immediate question of your face just caught you off guard. It seemed a bit rude, the way he asked and you’re not gonna let him talk to you like that. But, by the way his nostrils flare, you can tell that challenging him will be fun.

Dick watches the two of you, not even sure exactly what he expected from Jason but this should have been it.

"Hey," Dick shakes his head.

"She started it." Jason pouts his glove-covered hand at you.

"You asked what happened to my face!" You defend. “And my name is y/n.”

"Because you look like someone fucked you up. Maybe get in here and spar a bit, it'll save your face next time if you’re that offended." Jason snips.

"Jason, right?" You look to Dick and Dick nods.

"Heard about me, huh?" Jason gains a cocky grin as he walks closer to you.

"That tracks." You nod with the roll of your eyes. If he’s like this all the time, you get why Gar and Dick have both said you’d get used to him. But, what they don’t know is that people like Jason are always really fun to fuck with.

"What?" Jason asks, the smile still wide, almost expecting everyone to talk highly of him.

"Just heard you're really good at combat." You smile at him, playing into his ego and deciding to have a little bit of fun with him.

"Yeah, maybe I can show you a thing or two." Jason looks you up and down.

"I can show you." You do the same, mimicking his actions.

Dick stands there a bit in shock as to what is happening right now. You blatantly refused to talk to him and warmed up a bit to Gar. But, had he known introducing you to Jason would get you talking, he might have just done that first. What is even going on? And why are you humoring him?

"Can we not--" Dick starts but Jason cuts him off.

"Look, babe, it looks like you're the one who needs help." Jason offers and you can't tell if this is him being nice or if he's trying to get laid or what but whatever the fuck it is, it is not working. But, either way, you know this is going to be fun.

"Okay, I'll bet you, you can't fucking touch me." You challenge him while Dick snaps his attention to you. Did you suddenly forget you were injured?

"You need more rest. Let's continue--"

"What's the bet?" Jason plays along.

You smirk at him, looking him up and down again. "Mmm, I don't know. If you can't land a single hit in thirty seconds, you owe me whatever I decide. If you win...."

Dick is standing there, asking the universe "Why him?" what did he do for this? He was just trying to help and now he's here with two of the same people. Of all people you had to be like, it had to be Jason. Can't be another Gar or Rachel. No, you have to be like Jason because Dick can never catch a break.

"I'll let you let off this time." Jason offers, catching Dick by surprise.

"Deal." You stick out your hand, Jason catching a glimpse of the mark on your wrists, pausing. "Don't make it fucking weird."

"Deal." Jason widens his eyes before sticking a hand out.

“Be careful.” Dick warns them.

Normally, Dick would step in and stop this. You’re injured and shouldn’t be doing anything really but he is pretty interested to see the combat clairvoyance in action. Jason is reckless and hot headed but he’s not violent and Dick doesn’t believe Jason will go full out. So, Dick doesn’t stop you as you walk to the middle of the floor, straight face.

"Come on, babe, let's see what you got." You mock Jason and Jason wastes no time in moving towards you.

Jason takes a swing, you dodging him making him miss, ignoring the pain your side. Your ability to mess with someone like Jason should also be a superpower. You will do everything in your power to not let any of your injuries interfere with this. Jason stutters for a second before trying again, missing. You give him a side smirk with the raise of your brows, taunting him. Jason huffs before putting more power into it, going faster this time and you put your arm up just in time to block him.

"What the fuck?" Jason mutters, throwing punches and trying to kick you while you keep dodging and blocking him.

It's fun for you and you know nothing about combat but you remember seeing videos of Batman and Robin fighting. He reminds you of them, the way he fights. If those two are any indication, he really must be good at it. But, this is also unfair to him and you think it's funny. You like how he's growing more and more frustrated, nostrils flaring with every miss. Jason takes another swing, right for the center of your face, you catch his fist, less than an inch from your nose.

You look past his fist, not letting him go, deciding to mess with him a little more. "You're kind of cute, ya know?" Jason narrows his eyes but his arm doesn't relax. He knows the tactic and he’d be lying if he didn’t find it a bit amusing that you tried it. "Nothing?" You raise a brow.

"Nice try." Jason yanks his fist away, going to the floor to trip you but you’re just quick enough for him to miss.

"Okay, that's enough." Dick walks to the middle with you, tired of watching and if this goes on any longer, he knows he'll be hearing from Jason about it. It's never something he wants to deal with.

“I won, thanks for that.” You beam at Jason. “Needed it.”

“You're just not playing fucking fair." Jason yells behind Dick.

"So, you thought it was fair to try hitting me, someone who has no combat experience and is injured but it's not fair for me to not tell you that I can avoid being hit?" You question and watch Jason become flustered.

"You started it." Jason groans and you can't help but find it funny.

You completely understands why Dick and Gar weren't very vocal about Jason. You get it now. He's definitely something else. Most people would probably find him annoying and an asshole, which he is, but you find it amusing more than anything. Plus, he looks like he carries damage. Something about the way he moves, the lost and distant look in his eyes. It's interesting.

"Yeah," You grin with a shrug. "And what are you gonna do about it?" You taunt, a wide, challenging smile on display.

Jason's brows furrow as he jerks his head back. He's never had anyone challenge him like this before and he's not a fan of it. He takes the same shit he dishes out but it is kind of fun going back and forth about it. But he really doesn't get it. No one comes out of the gate swinging like that.

"We're gonna continue the tour if that's okay with the two of you." Dick looks between you, his voice more a statement rather than an actual question.

"Okay." You offer him an apologetic smile.

"Yeah, I got shit to do." Jason mumbles, walking back to where he was when you first walked in, eyes trailing on you a little longer than he really wanted.

You smirk to yourself, watching Jason walk back to the punching bag. It's weird because he's kind of an asshole but something about him feels like home. Maybe it's because he isn't tip-toeing around you or offering you some weird type of kindness that makes your skin crawl. He doesn't look sympathetic and look at you with pity. Not after you talked away. Dick and Gar do though, it makes you shift and you hate the uneasiness about it.

You follow Dick back down another hallway decorated with lights and a few memorabilia-type things. It gives you the impression this isn't some new superhero thing, despite the younger ages of the other kids. It looks like this place was lived in for awhile, haunted by previous heroes.

"This is your room." Dick opens a black door, sitting in between two other rooms and showing you inside.

It's plain and simple. A TV sits on an entertainment center against the left-hand wall. Large windows line the first half of the room and a bed sits against the right wall. It's as if the room is literally divided into two parts, a living area and a sleeping area. Two small backless shelving units divide the two areas. A dresser is next to the left-hand side of the door, a turntable and a lamp sitting on top. They're empty and so is a bookshelf next to the left side of the bed. It's so empty.

"We can go tomorrow to get you some clothes and a few things if you want." Dick offers as you walk into the room fully taking it in.

"Uh..." You stutter, turning around to face him. "I-I don't have...money?"

Dick smiles gently. "It's okay. I got it."

Your eyes narrow at him and you cannot figure out why he would do this. "Okay...why? Like why are you doing this? Everyone has a motive so what's yours?"

Dick shrugs a shoulder, putting his hands in his pockets. "The people here are special and so are you. It's hard being out there and being special."

"So what makes you special then?"

"Same as Jason."

"Ahh." You nods your head once. Interesting. "What if I don't wanna fight?" You ask.

Dick shakes his head. "You don't have to, you just have to learn to control your powers. It's up to you if want to learn more. But you'll be safe here."

You feel like this is some type of dream about to turn into a nightmare. You’ve had a dream before where someone comes to rescue you from the dreadful and dreary basement but then they turn. They find out about your powers or they're just as fucked up as her foster dad and they just use you. An endless string of torture. This doesn't feel like that, not really, because this isn't a dream. You’re wide awake but it's hard to believe.

"Okay." You say, turning back around and walking to the TV.

"You can stream from it if you want, it's connected to the Wi-Fi already with the accounts, like the TV in the other room." Dick explains.

You look back to him. "Cool." Your voice is quiet and you always just liked to watch TV and movies.

It wasn't a coping mechanism or some type of escape from the hell for Gotham. Some people find fun in sports or art or social media, your thing was TV. You just found it fun to see the stories play out in front of your eyes, not reading, just watching. A part of you think it might sound dumb if you said TV was one of the things you missed the most.

"Well," Dick sighs. "I'll leave you be then. If you need anything, I'll be around and so will everyone else. Gar is to the right and Jason left, Rachel is across the hall." Dick explains.

You nod, still just looking around unsure how to even feel about being here. Is there a way you can plan an escape if shit hits the fan? Always have some type of escape plan. Anything can happen and you won't be captured again and held captive. But, Dick is really nice and there's a part of you that is certain if he were kidnapping kids and holding them here against their will, he would have let Jason go a long time ago.

"Uh....t-t-thank you." You stutter catching Dick right before he leaves the room. "For saving me."

"Don't mention it." Dick smiles at you, feeling good about the decision to help you. "Just don't burn me again."

"Yeah..." You scrunch your face. "Sorry."

"It's alright, get some rest." Dick says kindly before leaving you to yourself, shutting the door behind him.

Meanwhile, in the training room, Gar and Rachel have joined Jason. Rachel, thus far, is the only one who hasn't met you and she's curious. And if Dick is gonna bring another person so soon, all three of them feel like they need to talk about it. They should get a say if someone gets to join their little found family.

"What is she like?" Rachel asks.

"She's nice, seems scared though." Gar shrugs while Jason scoffs.

"She's a bitch." Jason walks over to the two of them. "And she's a freak."

Rachel rolls her eyes. "You think everyone is a freak." Jason has also called her a freak on more than one occasion.

"She was nice to me." Gar shrugs, casually knowing it's not exactly easy to be nice to Jason even on a good day.

He's his best friend, of course, but he's not easy to get along with. It's kind of up to Jason and what kind of day he's had. Gar, on the other hand, is the easiest one in the tower to get along with. He's just nice to everyone even if they aren't nice to him.

"Did she tell you how and why she burned Dick?" Rachel asks, ignoring Jason as he takes a seat beside Gar.

"She can produce acid with her hands." Gar states, ignoring the groan leaving Jason. "She didn't say why."

"Maybe that's why Dick brought her, to help control her powers." Rachel offers.

"Maybe." Gar tilts his head with the raise of his brows, not really thinking that's what it is. "I think he just has a thing for picking up strays."

"I wasn't a stray." Jason scoffs in his own defense, the idea of Bruce sending him here still sour in his mouth.

Rachel glares at him, unamused while Gar just shakes his head and ignores him. "You could talk to her." Gar says. "She's only talked to us, maybe a girl will make her feel better about being here."

"Yeah," Rachel laughs softly. "There's too much testosterone here." Rachel looks to Jason. "Is that okay with you?" She asks mockingly, not actually asking for his opinion.

Jason shrugs, seemingly to have not gotten the sarcastic tone. "She is hot, ya know, besides the cuts and shit so yeah. Need something pretty to look at it."

"Gross." Gar grimaces.

"You're such a fuckboy." Rachel shakes her head, looking back to Gar.

"Hey, fuck you." Jason retorts. "All you do is stare at Gar, I want someone to look at."

"I do not!" Rachel fires back, cheeks tinting red.

Gar watches the two of them, shifting in his seat having never noticed if she did stare at him or not. He's hoping she knows they're just friends. He is not very good at letting people down softly, mostly because he trips over his words and makes everything worse by trying to spare their feelings.

"Right." Jason scoffs, getting back to his feet. "You're with me, right?" Jason looks to Gar. "About y/n?"

"Uh..." Gar tilts his head, forehead wrinkling not even wanting to get into this.

He thinks it's a little insensitive. Of course, it's exactly what he expects from Jason but he's not gonna get dragged into it. You just got here and you’re very clearly traumatized. He's not looking at you in any type of way besides with sympathy and empathy. Though he does think you’re pretty, even with the cuts and bruises Jason wants to so rudely dismiss but Gar won't say it. It's not his place or the time. Surely, they can let you settle in and let you just do your own thing. They don't need to be talking about you.

Jason shakes his head. "We gotta find out more about her though, right? Like who the fuck is she?"

"Does it matter?" Rachel counters.

"Yeah, man, I don't think it's up to us." Gar adds in.

Jason puts his weight to one leg. "What if she's like...here to kill us or some shit? Shouldn't we know?"

"Pretty sure Dick would have looked into that already." Gar states, eyes slightly narrowed at him.

Jason is paranoid and dramatic and over-enthusiastic about being a hero. Gar thinks it's the coolest thing that's ever happened to him, becoming a Titan. There are so few people who get to say they're a Titan and Gar is one of them. He's so excited to get out there and fight these big bad guys but not until Dick says they're ready. Jason, on the other hand, has the experience and doesn't think he even needs to be here. Gar can tell Jason is just hoping you will be part of a big bad plot.

"Did he tell you that?" Jason counters.

"He doesn't need to, Jason." Rachel grows more annoyed with Jason with every passing second.

"Come on, you wanna know, right? How she got her powers? Ended up here? Think it's some coincidence or some shit with Dick finding her?" Jason argues, looking directly at Gar knowing Gar won't be able to resist. "We can find out."

"Gar." Rachel says.

It's the way she said his name that he knows it's threatening but...Jason has a point. If Dick and you don't find out, no one else will know. He doesn't think Rachel will rat them out or anything. Jason is always just very persistent and he'll probably do it himself, if Gar is there and he gets caught, maybe Dick will go easier on him and they won't have to listen to it.

Gar sighs. "Fine but just to sure."

"Unbelievable." Rachel stands up. "You two are terrible. We shouldn't pry into someone else's privacy."

"What if there is someone though? Jason kind of has a point." Gar counters, still sitting on the ground. “I mean, you were being chased by people who wanted to kill you. Maybe it’s better if we find out just to be safe.”

"You don't have to come." Jason shrugs a shoulder, looking at Rachel.

"I wasn't going to. You two do whatever you want." She waves her hands in annoyance before heading to leave the training room. "I'm going to be normal and just talk to her." Rachel leaves the boys to themselves, knowing they won't be far behind to go to the computer.

Gar and Jason stay in the training room a little longer before making their way to the infirmary. They saw the cuts and Gar helped Dick clean them up so Gar knows they can get blood from the garbage to run your DNA. It's definitely an invasion of privacy that doesn't quite sit well with him but what if Jason is right? He's paranoid, sure, but what if Dick didn't look into you? What are they supposed to do? It can't hurt. Dick sometimes seems too trusting, he didn't really ask Gar any questions before letting him join the little group. If Dick is just waiting for you to start talking and you’re a part of something bigger, that would be very not good for any of them. That's the reasons he lists as to why this isn't some horrible thing they're doing.

"Y/n Y/l/n." Jason crosses his arms as they see your picture show up on the screen.

"Born in Gotham City." Gar says, sitting at the computer, matching the stare on the large screen before looking at Jason, then back to the screen. "Uh...let's see. Her mom was killed...by the Joker." Gar's voice grows sad and quiet, looking over to Jason knowing his dad was killed by Two-Face.

"Shit." Jason huffs, a sense of what one might describe as guilt comes over him knowing what it's like.

"Dad has a rap sheet for drugs." Gar looks back to Jason and then back to the computer, growing more uncomfortable with the similarities of the two of you. "She was arrested for breaking into cars, put into foster care. That's all there is." Gar reads it off before looking back to Jason.

Jason squints his eyes at the screen, knowing how close he was to being you and something in the pit of his stomach feels horrible for how he treated you. It makes him feel uneasy, knowing he could have been you had he just robbed the wrong car of the hubcaps, had you robbed the right one. It’s a reality check.

"Look up the guy." Jason says, hiding the uneasiness in his voice.

"Jerry Johnson, what a name." Gar mocks. "Uh....former scientist from Gotham."

Gar lets the words sit in his mouth. The thing about Gotham is that it really does breed special kind of people. The fucked up kind of special. Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, Penguin, the Joker, the Riddler, what is happening in that city? It doesn't take much for Gar to figure that your powers didn't come from anything accidental, that you were some type of test subject your foster dad used. That explains a lot, your attitude toward Dick. The defensiveness. Gar wonders how he came out the other end not like that. He wasn't really an experiment but...it was some crazy scientists who thought Gar changing into a tiger was better than dying. It is but it's not always easy and he's not always a fan of it. It's hard to imagine how you might feel.

"Fuck, dude." Jason huffs, looking down to Gar. "Think that guy did that to her?"

Gar shrugs, not wanting to think of someone being victimized like that. Beat, tortured, chained up. It makes his stomach twist. "Maybe." Gar clears his throat. "We should...get out of here." He looks away from the computer.

"Yeah," Jason says quietly while Gar exits out of everything.

"It doesn't seem like she's the bad guy." Gar's voice is defeated and maybe a part of him was hoping you would be. It would give them something to do but this just got really sad, really fast.

"Guess not." Jason mutters and Gar can't tell if he's disappointed or just lost in his thought about it.

"You okay, dude?"

"Yeah." Jason gives him a grin. "Just fucked up."

Gar curls his lips in with a nod. "Yeah."

While the boys sit and figure out how they're supposed to handle this newfound information without letting you or Dick know how they found out, Rachel went to your room.

You’re in your room, sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket and watching Zombieland. The movie's been out for a while but you’re so in love with it. There's zombies who don't just walk and eat people. They actually have speed and the characters aren't dumb. There are rules to surviving any type of horror movie and this guy in the movie just gets it. It's by far one of your favorite comfort movies. And you’re having a great time, just relaxing for the first time in a year. It's like you can almost breathe clearly again, wrapped in a blanket on a couch and in a warm home. But, then a knock sounds on your door and you’re reminded that you’re not alone.

You get up, taking the blanket with you. "Uh....hey?" You ask, seeing the girl with purple hair, dressed head to toe in black with a weird red gem in the center of her forehead.

"Hey," Rachel smiles softly. "I'm Rachel."

"Y/n." You offer, hand still on the door.

"I just wanted to come and meet you. I know you met everyone else." Rachel explains nicely.

You nod and you almost feel like an animal at a zoo but that's not Rachel's fault. It's like when someone new comes to school halfway through the school year and suddenly everyone wants to talk to them. They're like a new toy.

"Yeah, uh, yeah." You nod, sliding your hand off the door. "Did....you wanna come in?" You ask, not sure if you should or not. It all feels so bizarre.

"Sure." Rachel smiles softly, walking inside while you shut the door. "How do you like your room?" Rachel looks around at the empty place, wondering how you would decorate it.

"It's okay." You answer with a shrug. "Kind of boring, I guess."

"Dick will get you stuff to make it yours." Rachel explains.

"Right." You nod slowly before going back to your spot on the couch.

You don't have much else to say. You’re not actively trying to be standoffish. Rachel is just being nice but you don't even know how you’re supposed to talk to people and you’re truthfully tired and want to enjoy your movie. You just didn't want to sound like a bitch and tell Rachel to leave.

"What do you think about the guys?" Rachel asks, sitting on the opposite end of the couch, not getting too close to you which you really appreciate. Rachel figures talking about the guys might be an easy way to get you to warm up to her.

"Uh..." You furrows your brows and a smile creeps onto your face. "Gar's really nice." You say quietly. "Dick is okay, I guess. Jason's an asshole."

Rachel lets out a laugh. "I know! It's been just us for a month." Rachel leans her head back dramatically making you laugh. "You'll get used to him. Gar and Dick make it easier."

You shake your head. "I don't mind, actually." You huff with a smile, earning yourself a surprised and confused look from Rachel. You shrug. "He's funny to fuck with. He gets all mad and I think it's funny."

"What'd you do?" Rachel asks, intrigued why someone would find it funny but also kind of wants to see someone actually get under Jason's skin and not be bothered by whatever ignorant comment he'll say.

"I asked him what was wrong with his face when he asked about mine then I challenged him to a bet. He lost." You hold your up proudly.

"What was the bet? Teach me. He bugs me." Rachel says dramatically, her eyes wide.

"I can do this thing," This time when you explain it, your head is held with pride and confidence. "I can sense when someone is gonna attack me, told him he could hit me and he couldn't."

"That's awesome! Can I be there next time, please?" Rachel pleads.

Rachel and Jason haven’t gotten along since her dad possessed him. They got along fine when they met in Chicago but then things got a little rocky. Rachel actually doesn’t like not getting along with him, especially living under the same roof, but she can’t pinpoint exactly what it was that made him not like her. She’s tried to be nice but it never really gets her anywhere with him. So, seeing someone put Jason in his place sounds like a good time.

"Sure. I don't think Dick thought it was very funny." You let out a soft chuckle, warming up to Rachel. She is very nice.

"Gar will think it's hilarious. They spar together more than us and Gar puts up a good fight but Jason always wins." Rachel rolls her eyes.

"Gar doesn't seem like a fighter."

Rachel shrugs a shoulder. "He's not."

"Probably a good thing, he's cute." You blurt it out, shocked you actually said that out loud. "I have said too much."

"No, it's okay. He is." Rachel laughs softly.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" You backtrack. "Are you a thing?"

"No!" Rachel exclaims. "No, we're just friends. No one here is like a thing or anything."

"Oh, okay. That's a bit surprising. Though, I guess you wouldn't be into Jason." You joke.

"God, no." Rachel grimaces with the thought. "I'd rather die." Rachel says making you laugh. "Is that Gar's?" Rachel points towards the hoodie.

"Uh...yeah. He loaned to me. I asked for a hoodie because it's a little cold in here."

"That's really nice of him." Rachel offers a soft side smile.

"Yeah..." You tug the sleeves over your hands.

"Can I ask what happened to you?" Rachel asks carefully.

You shift in your seat. You’d love to go as long as humanly possible without saying anything about it. It's just traumatic. It's not even like it's a secret. It's just hard to talk about and you don't know these people at all. It feels like something more personal than to just go around and blasting it to complete strangers. If Dick makes you say something, you will but until then, you'd like to just tell them on your own time. Not when you’re asked.

"Uh...it's....a-a long story." You look to the TV and Rachel can see that a part of you just shut down with the question. It's obvious that it's bad but Rachel didn't think it would cause a distant reaction.

"I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me or anything but if you want to talk about it, you can talk to me." Rachel's voice is quiet.

"T-thank you." You glance at her from the corner of your eye. "Uh...it's okay. I, uh, I just don't wanna talk about it yet." You shake your head.

"That's okay." Rachel smiles softly. "No pressure. We all have shit here." Rachel huffs with a laugh.

"I can tell." You whisper. "No offense." You say quickly. "You seem fine, actually but everyone else has....a vibe. Even Gar, feels like there's something going on. Jason can't be that big of an asshole without having trauma and Dick seems like he picks up teenagers off the street because of trauma."

Rachel laughs. "Yeah, pretty much." She lets out a sigh. "My dad is a demon who tried to kill me."

You furrow your brows, forehead wrinkling as you slowly turn to look at Rachel. "I'm sorry, what?"

Rachel nods. "Gave this as a trophy." Rachel taps the gem that's embedded to her forehead.

"Well..." You pause. "What the fuck?" You laugh. "It's not funny...I just....did not think I'd hear that."

"Yeah," Rachel laughs softly. "I didn't expect to find out my dad was a demon. I guess it explains a lot." Rachel scrunches her nose.

"Yeah, meeting the parental figure that fucked shit up can sometimes have answers even if it's not the ones you want." You say quietly, feeling Rachel staring at you. "Long story, dad's an addict. Got the answers I didn't want but needed."

"Jeez." Rachel sighs.

"Yeah," You say, realizing you’re saying too much and figured this was enough for the night. "Hey, uh, I'm like...really tired." You tug the sleeves of the hoodie over your hands again. "Can I get some sleep?" You ask slowly, trying not to sound harsh.

"Yeah, of course!" Rachel says quickly, getting up from her spot. "I'll see you tomorrow." Rachel smiles at you. "You can trust us, just so you know. We're a family here."

"Thanks." You answer before Rachel heads for the door and leaves.

You almost hate to admit but you think maybe you could fit in here. It's a bunch of people with trauma trying to make something work, maybe even work through it. You actually like everyone that lives here from the small interactions you’ve had. Everyone seems genuine, even if one of them is an asshole, at least it's genuine. None of them seem to be here being held against their will. Rachel and Gar made you feel comfortable. The door isn't locked and you can leave when you want. Something about it still feels too good to be true but for this moment, just this moment, you let yourself sit in peace with the hope that it's all going to be okay again.

next chapter

series masterlist | masterlist | tag list

Tag list: @italiana-20 // @fairyofshampooF----

#gar logan #jason todd #gar logan x reader #garfield logan x reader #jason todd x reader #gar logan fanfic #gar logan fanfiction #jason todd fanfic #jason todd fanfiction #titans #titans fanfic #titans fanfiction #caving in

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sweetlikehoneystingslikeabee · 1 year

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Can I get Riddlers with Henchwoman crush, who isn't too bright but still doesn't ask questions because she doesn't want people to laugh at her.

"Sweet as honey, dumb as..." Riddler party x F!reader

Absolutely! I figured I'd go directly for "she/her" rather than "you" for this one. Maybe I'm wrong but I'm getting oc vibes!

TW: None

Gotham

He figures it out within a few times of meeting her and is very actively not saying anything about it. She's pretty, she listens to his instructions, and she's nice to him! What else could he ask for besides her staying out of his plans?

He might get a little frustrated that she doesn't know the correct answers to his riddles but if she actually tries, that's already a step above others pre-criminal career. Even Oswald was kind of a jerk to him at first! But if people are mean to her... kill bill sirens.

The truth is, he knows his genius plus neurodivergency makes him a bit of an odd figure to others. Awkward and gangly. He tries to fit in, well, the TRIED to fit in. Seeing someone he cares about struggle to do the same thing because they don't feel enough hurts his heart. He'll help her fix it...

60s

He honestly didn't notice at first because, obviously, the reason she's so quiet is a silent reverence for his brilliance. Lots of people don't get his riddles anyways! Except the boy blunder and that thorn in his side.

Anyways, he likely only notices when another henchperson is giving her guff about being dumb. Cornering her when they think he's not around to bully. Edward is quickly behind them, chastising, "Oh, and you think you're so clever?" Rattling off riddles and quiz questions until they shirk away in shame.

"Pretty thing, is that why you haven't been speaking up? Such a shame to miss the sound of your voice simply because others are jealous you have my eye." That's what it is. Of course. That's how he'll phrase it. It's okay she doesn't need to be a genius for him, he'll do the thinking for both of them <3.

Zero Year/Capullo

He notices rather quickly. Her cute, puzzled looks but the way she keeps silent. The way he rambles on about certain topics and she gives a nervous smile and a nod.

of course he's going to fuck with her. Privately.

Tells her some long, theatrical version of Perseus and Medusa- Asks her how it relates to his current crime and what she knows about it. Come on, no need to be shy. He's waiting...

Aw, she doesn't know? It's alright, let him tell you all about it. Funny, he was willing to wipe out a whole city because they couldn't best him. Yet, he can't bear to lose her. She'll just have to be his prized caged bird, favored by the Gods.

BTAS

Genuinely, he's used to it? Most if not all of his henchpeople are pretty... eh, in terms of intelligence. They're there for MUSCLE and BRAWN. Surely, if Edward is there, they don't need anyone else thinking for them, anyways. Even Query and Echo weren't the brightest at moments!

It's more that she's choosing to not even ask questions. Everyone asks questions! Tim, the dumbest rock of them all, asks all his questions and Riddler is amazed the man knows how to breath and talk at the same time! Just... ask.

Also it's totally fine that she needs to ask him things and croon about how intelligent he is, that revs his engine. In fact, it's kind of ideal, in a way. Gain a little more confidence, stay devoted, sweetheart, and the world is your oyster! He'll make sure of it!

Telltale

There was some friction at first. Silent and stupid doesn't suit him. Condescending questions, "Did you actually understand all that or are you trying to save face, girl?" It's a good thing she's patient or she'd be scared off.

Anyone else laughs at her, though, and it's on. There's blood in the water and he's the shark. Only HE gets to be a shit to her, thank you very much.

"Ask your questions. Now. If you mess up my carefully articulated plans because you didn't bother to ask, I'll be much more cross than if you looked a certain way."

The affection develops from her genuine kindness and passions. Maybe she's not bright, but he sees her value as a person in other ways.

Arkham

In fairness, he already thinks everyone besides him is an idiot so it's not exactly disproving that theory. She's just more quiet about it. In some ways, it's pleasant. It means he doesn't have to listen to moronic whining all the time.

Yet, and he's not sure why, he feels this sort of longing in the pit of his stomach for her to not die while helping set up his traps. If he sees her on camera about to trigger something, he's shouting at her to stop! Stop, What Are You Doing-

It's quite distracting. She's going to have to stop being that kind of henchwoman immediately. Perhaps a position in the "office" with him, where he can keep an eye on her. Yes, surely this will have no consequences whatsoever and he can stop worrying about her safety or person.

2022

Probably the most "forgiving" of any of them. He's quiet himself so he just assumed his new henchwoman was matching his energy. Yet it's when she gets one of his direct orders wrong and he loses his temper... She's in tears and babbling about not understanding and the lightbulb goes on.

The mask is coming off and he's comforting her, "Shh, shhh, it's alright, it... People make mistakes." It doesn't hurt he's still been crushing on her for ages now so getting her to lean on him is a good feeling. He tells her it's alright, that if anyone makes fun of her, he'll take care of it personally.

He actively encourages her to ask him if she doesn't understand. It doesn't mean she's dumb it just... maybe she needs a little bit of help sometimes! It's okay!

#gotham riddler #60s riddler #btas riddler #arkham riddler #telltale riddler #2022 riddler #zero year riddler #Riddler #foxwriting #riddler x f!reader

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the-odd-devil · 2 years

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The Sky Is Dark, But I See You : Chapter 1

Edward Nashton x f!reader Dark Academia College AU

Summary : Edward Nashton caught your attention instantly, how could he not? You've never seen someone like him, from his boyish feature to his fashion sense, everything makes him standout. But you're totally normal about him.

Word Count : 1 578

Warnings : None I think? Tell me if you find any! (there will be smut and other riddler paraphernalia in the future chapters)

Author's Note : I'm soooooo excited for this fic hihi! I really love the dark academia aesthetic and I wanted to do a college AU fic for Eddie and I feel like the vibes really match! Plus Gotham is already very dark academia I feel like! Anyway, I'll add a link for the mood board of this fic later! Enjoy <3

Update! thank you so much @always-andromeda for helping me and proof reading! it's always so fun and so useful for my english to work with you! <33

Chapter I : It'll go away

The weather today is particularly shitty. Which is saying something, because the weather in Gotham is always awful. Usually, you don’t mind it. You like – no – love the rain. You’ve always found beauty in the tiniest things; things that others find ugly and disturbing. But you think that there is beauty in everything.

The ambiance Gotham has when it rains is substantial. Everything seems to be a blur. All your senses are affected. The smell of the street changes, humidity suffocates you, the usual noisy sirens and vehicles are muffled by the falling water. Some days, you take off your jacket to feel the drops on your skin.

But today is not that kind of day. You sprint from the subway station to the main entrance of Gotham University, taking no time to appreciate it’s beautiful gothic architecture. You don’t even notice the fact that at this time of the morning the lights are still on, making the building even more imposing, rising in the dark and foggy sky.

Once again you’re late to class, you couldn’t get off the bed after working all night at the college cafeteria. You fucking hate that. Having to rush to find where the room is, not being able to choose your seat or take a coffee. All of that stresses you out even more than you are already. And you rapidly start to fall into a cycle of feeling not good enough. You’re late, you feel like your grades will never be high enough, and that you’ll never be able to pay your student loan. You’ll be in debt all your life in a city that couldn’t care less about the ones who need it the most.

When you arrive in front of the closed door, you wait a second to take a deep breath. You will not let your mood impact your grades. You need to make a good impression in this new class. Feeling ready, you knock on the door and open it.

“Good morning, sorry for being late…” you say, first thing, while looking at the professor.

“It’s okay! The storm really had made it difficult for everyone. You can take a seat.”

You scan the room, searching where to sit, when you see him. A big smile grows immediately on your face, fixing him. He dives his head in his paper immediately when he notices you too. You could see his face becoming red even from his seat at the bottom of the class. A light chuckle passes through your lips as you sit a few rows before him. You saw him rapidly looking from his paper to you while you crossed the room and can feel him looking at you now that you are in your chair.

You think you noticed him for the first time in your very first year at Gotham University. He had made you turn your head all the way back to follow his figure as he walked through the same corridor as you. He looked down almost immediately after noticing your stare. Your college friend, Sarah, was looking at you questionably before chuckling at how cartoonish the action was. The next few times you walked that corridor the same week, you completely ignored Sarah talking to you to spy every corner to see him. But hey, you were just curious. His looks and attitude made you want to know more. He didn’t look like any other student you had met in the cathedral-like building. You could tell by watching him walk that he was shy and reserved. The other times you met him going from one class to another had confirmed that. He kept excusing himself in a worried, soft tone every time he even brushed against someone. He was also always alone. Which only made you want to learn more about him. And be his friend; his only friend. He reminded you of your younger self, always too scared to stand out, trying to make yourself as tiny as possible, hoping that nobody would notice you, and not having friends because nobody wanted to hear you talk about your favorite cartoons. His look also instantly drew you to him. You’d never seen someone who looked like him. You found him very beautiful, but in an unusually boyish way. He didn’t have the playboy physique that you usually saw on magazine covers. His face was round and soft, and he had high and visible cheekbones that made him so appealing. His eyes seemed to always sparkle despite his loneliness. His lips were so delicate, you could only imagine what he looked like when he smiled, changing the shape of his eyes and accentuating his cheekbones. You surprised yourself wondering how you could make him smile when you’re alone with your thoughts. You also loved his fashion sense, distinguishing himself further from all the other students. You could tell right away that all his clothes are thrifted. Some were ridiculously large on him; like his mother had given him his brother's hand-me-downs. And some were a bit too small; so tight that it made you wonder what he looked like underneath all that fabric. He also seemed to wear an infinite amount of layers, which made you question how he didn't suffocate over the summer.

Strangely, his outfits were always coherent with some recurring garments and an earthy color palette, greens being the most prevalent. His wardrobe consisted of old knitted sweaters, vintage trousers, washed out white or beige shirts (sometimes paired with a tie). And he always wore the same shoes; old, deep brown, low rise docs which allowed you to see his often mismatched funky patterned socks. It ended up making him look more academic and in theme compared to the other students, almost like he'd been born and lived in the walls of the university. His look and features are amplified by his silver wired and oval glasses, accentuating the boyish, academic look. The glasses immediately caught your attention, and you used them as a pitiful excuse for why you were looking at him in the first place.

“Oh, I just really love his glasses! I need new ones!” you told Sarah, who responded by rolling her eyes at the fact that you held your gaze even when his back was to you.

Sarah is a really good friend, always there for you. But she was immediately done with your bullshit. She wasn’t dumb or blind, and sighed every time you denied your attraction to the mysterious boy as you forced her to take the seat in front of you so you could get a good view of him or when you completely tuned out her voice every time you crossed paths with him. You told yourself that you were being totally normal about him. You’re just intrigued, you reasoned, only looking at him occasionally, where you are, in fact, borderline stalking him. You had started following him when you were alone and had memorized his schedule just two months after seeing him for the first time. You hoped he wasn’t questioning the fact that he’s seen you so often.

And still, you haven’t spoken to him. Neither has he approached you. But you know he noticed you. He probably noticed you the first time you looked at each other in the hallway. He noticed you multiple times after that. One time, while studying at the library after carefully choosing your spot, you smiled at him. He froze, blushed, and then looked down at his paper with extreme intensity for the rest of the time you were there. He didn’t even look up once, you got time to take a coffee and go to the bathroom, he hadn’t moved, his face bright red. You thought it was the cutest thing ever. So, you gave him your prettiest smile every time your eyes met and soon became addicted to all his reactions. Blushing, sometimes glasses fogging, other times bumping into someone and babbling mindless excuses while his books fell, fixing the ground while picking them, avoiding your gaze. On rare occasions he maintained eye contact. Intense, burning eye contact, before picking all his things and running away. Soon you wanted more, more reactions, more babbling. You were hoping to become the only thing on his mind. It seems to work, you caught him more than once looking at you thinking you wouldn’t notice, sometimes, you’ll let him do, other times, you caught him, he almost spit all his coffee once. He does drink a lot of coffee, to a point where you're pretty sure his smell has a hint of it, probably mix with cheap detergent and deodorant, you’re imagining a warm, floral tint to it, combined with the smell of old books. You’re totally normal about him, though. The little hearts you draw on his coffee cup when you serve him at the cafeteria is just a nice touch. Because he can’t look you in the eye when he orders with the most shy and soft voice that resonates in your head every night before you fall asleep. Especially not when you see him choose the same spot to sit in everyday, where you can smile and wave to him, making him choke on his coffee.

And it’s totally because you don’t know anybody in this new class that, when prompted to choose a partner for the class, you wrote his name down next to yours without asking him.

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capr1pengu1n · 29 days

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rules:

*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*

- my blog is strictly 18+

- i’m predominately an x reader smut writer, but will write fluff! Unfortunately i do not write character x character

- i take requests! be as specific as you like

- won’t write anything noncon related (dubcon is fine), pregnancy/childbirth/being a parent, watersports (sorry piss enjoyers) or anything underage/incest related

- mainly write fem reader, will write gender neutral if asked, however I’m not comfortable writing for male reader

- finally, i take requests for any batman villain although my favs are riddler, scarecrow and the gotham city sirens.

Now Playing:

idkhow - kiss goodnight

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batmanrogues-scenarios · 2 years

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Masterlist 3

Fluff

Big Vigilante S/O Being Gentle With Them : DS, MM

Metal Head S/O : DS, MM

Witchy S/O Doing Tarot : DS, MM

Crush Giving Them Cute Name in Phone : Riddler, Scarecrow, PI, MrF

Crush Rogue Is Out of the Costume : Scarecrow, MrF, Joker, Catwoman

Sleep Walking S/O : Scarecrow, Riddler, BM, MrF

S/O Being Amazing With Traps : Arkham! KC, Joker, Penguin

S/O Just Shows When Called : Scarecrow, BM, MrF, MH

S/O Proposing : MH, Scarecrow

S/O Insults Back for the Rogue: DS, Joker

Gifts for/from Rogues : All

Music Meister with S/O Making Musical References

Actor S/O Being Slasher in New Movie : DS, TF

Intimidating Gothic S/O : MH, MM

S/O Never Having Happy Christmas Before : DS, MM

S/O Wanting 50 Squish Mellows : DS

Kiss Under Mistletoe: DS, MM

Crush Vigilante Immune to Their Effects : Scarecrow, MM, PI

S/O Having Night Live : DS, MM

S/O Has Creative but Weird Solutions: Scarecrow (GN, Arkham)

Arkhamverse Scarecrow x S/O with Thermorecuration Problem

Mad Hatter x Wonderland Enthusiast

Wonderland Enthusiast Asking Jervis Out

MH and S/O Going To Costume Party, Other Rogue Wears Alice Costume

Reader Dressed as Alice Kidnaps Jervis

S/O Often Praising MH

S/O With Crackhead Energy : GS

S/O Being Cyborg : MH,.MM

MM Finding Out Ghost in His Hideout

S/O Being Captain Marvel: Arkham!DS, TF

S/O Just Baking at 1am : DS, Lego!Joker

S/O Being Fashion Disaster: DS, MM

Getting in a Relationship While in Civilian Break to Find Out New Rogue is S/O : DS, MM

Cryptic S/O : Scarecrow, Riddler, Penguin, Poison Ivy

S/O Being from Zombie Apocalypse : Arkham! TF, Penguin,PS

S/O Frauding IRS : Joker, BM, Penguin, PS

S/O Wearing Mustache Nose Piercing: Unburied!Riddler, Joker, MH,PI

Harley and Bumper Cars

Not Sure/Mix

Uncanny Valley S/O : Joker, Scarecrow, Riddler

Another Dimension MM Dating Their Daughter: Riddler, Scarecrow, TF

Rogues Experiencing Period : Riddler, TF, BM, MH

S/O Who Hibernates : MrF, MH, PI

S/O Resurrecting Because They Kicked Devil in the Balls : Arkham!: Anarky, Joker, HQ, Scarecrow

Crush Henchperson Who Can See Ghosts : MB, HQ, Scarecrow

Meeting Man Eating Siren: Arkham!KC, Scarecrow, MM

S/O Having Firepowers and Loving Fire: MrF, BM, Joker, Arkham!Copperhead

Past Best Friend Ending Up as a Hero : Scarecrow, UN Riddler, Arkham Anarky, Twojar Kiteman

S/O Using Spine of First Victim as Pitching Wedge : Arkham! KC, Scarecrow, BM, PI

Vigilante Flipping Script : DS, MM

Finding Posirive Pregnancy Test: MrF,MH, TF, MM

Comedic

Condiment King in Poly Relationship

Reaction to Scarecrow Saying Toxin Needs LSD : Riddler, HQ, MH, PI

S/O Saying Most Out of Context Insults : Arkhamverse! :Riddler, MH, Zsasz, KC;

S/O Doing These Threats (up, same rogues)

S/O Mistaking Them for IRS : Anarky, Copperhead, Bane (Arkhamverse)

"Can I make make meat taboocan out of them?": Arkham!GS,

Taboocan 2: Copperhead, TF, Joker

Kidnapped Y/N Just Chilling : GS, MH

Platonic/Singular

Friend Realizing They're Gay : Riddler, HQ, Catwoman, MM

Arkham Guard Friend : Scarecrow, MH, TF, Joker

Friend Being Too Much Into Daydreaming : MH, Scarecrow, HQ, MrF

Magical Sib Getting Mortal : Scarecrow, BM, HQ

Friend Not Knowing how to express Emotions: Scarecrow, MH, MrF, MM

Friend Wanting Nuke as a Kid : BM, Riddler, TF, Scarecrow

Sidekick/Kid being Ex-Robin: DS, TF

Robotic Protege Sib : Riddler, MH, Penguin

Friend Who is Neurodiverged : Scarecrow, MrF, Catwoman

Rogue Finding Kid with Batman Backstory: Catwoman, MrF, MH

Young Vigilante with Venom like Powers : BM, Scarecrow, PI, Joker

Best Christian Tree : MM, MH, PI

Seeing Cryptid : BM, Riddler, Scarecrow, TF

Friend Being Animal Magnet: HQ, MH, Catwoman, Scarecrow

Getting Scarecrow for Secret Santa : Riddler, MM, HQ, MH

How they Handle Blizzard : DS, MM

With Willing Person as Subject : MH, Scarecrow

Mr Freeze Meets Orphan Kid with Ice Powers

DS + MM Snowed Together

Drinking Out of Scarecrow Toxinated Cup: HQ, Riddler, Penguin, TF

Reaction to Ed Becoming Detective: Scarecrow, MH,MM

Reacting to Crane Being Caught by Mystery Gang : Riddler, MH, MM

DS Getting Muscular Without Noticing

Penguin Getting Growth Spurt

Friend Who is Ghost Pirate: HQ, MH, BTAS!Clayface

Dork Squad + MM Living Together

Magician Putting on a Mask: BM, HQ, Scarecrow

Art

Soda Queen and Milk Man

NSFW

Make me, Sexy Outfits BM

S/O Talking in Underwear Casually : MH, Scarecrow

Scarecrow in Lingere +18

MM First Time With S/O

#masterlist #riddler x reader #mad hatter x reader #black mask x reader #joker x reader #two face x reader #harley quinn x reader #music meister x reader #mr freeze x reader #scarecrow x reader #catwoman x reader #poison ivy x reader #pati writes

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ihavenosoul12 · 2 years

Text

OKAY SO i haven't written for gotham/riddler for a few months and i've never written an x reader fic but i wanted to write a thankyou present for @finniestoncrane!! it's a bit late for christmas but i hope you enjoy it.

just got some good old one-sided pining, revenge theft and a brief near murder. the perfect recipe for a reader x riddler oneshot

word count: 2081

also btw i'm doing comms sorry for posting on a christmas present but i really need some cash check out my carrd in my bio ty for even just perceiving it

When you’d dropped out of Metropolis-U and wondered what the hell you were gonna do with the next five years of your life, the one thing you hadn’t considered was whatever the hell Gotham is, or whatever the hell this heist is.

The night sky is briefly littered with green sparkles and that’s your cue. You’d gotten a hell of a lecture from the brains of the operation - that’s what he called himself and glared as you giggled about it - and could probably recite the plan ten times fast to the GCPD if they caught you. If. They kind of suck at their job. After all, they’re too busy chasing down the brains to even notice you sneaking into the club they’re supposed to guard.

Penguin was always a shitty hire; that’s why you’re working with his ex instead. You slink in through an open window (summer in this city was brutal but seriously? It’s like Penguin wants to get robbed) and duck underneath the familiar bar. Ooh, Belvedere, don’t mind if I do, you barely keep yourself from saying out loud as you sneak it into your bag, scanning the rest of the bar for anything else worth taking. The fancy martini glasses are a bit out of your way and you doubt they’ll survive the journey you have to endure before getting to clink them together with your partner. Partner in crime, that is. Though it would be nice-

Shit, a camera, you spot its red glare as it swivels around. Selina needs to be better at her job. Your frustration comes out as flared nostrils and a slump against the bar. Your earpiece wiggles in the flesh of your, well, ear, as Mr Brains speaks: “Where are you?” It’s not concern, it never is with him, but impatience. It’s been maybe a minute but since his bird boyfriend turned archnemesis’ lounge hasn’t exploded yet, he’s sure something’s gone wrong and he’s absolutely fucking certain it’s all your fault.

“Bar- yes-” you add before he can even think to assume you mean a different bar, “-in the lounge. Cat didn’t do a good job getting rid of the cameras.”

“Oh.” Then he chortles, breaking out into a mad laugh that makes you mad at and for him. “I asked her to leave one.” He has the privilege of an outburst against you but you can’t exactly scream back at him, not without alerting the underpaid security. He also has to be loud otherwise you’d never hear him over the sirens closing in.

“What?” You hiss, keeping your voice low. “Why the hell-”

“To test you, of course! What’s the point of having a thief who can’t sneak past a itty bitty camera?”

Okay, now you’re just mad at him. “What’s the point of having a thief who can’t steal the thing you’re looking for because you got them in jail?!” He has the audacity to shush you as the sirens on his end get louder and louder, then your other ear picks up on distant sirens closing in and several cars whoosh past the club before the sirens fade out. “Why are you bringing them here?!”

“It’s not by choice, you imbecile.” Such cute pet names he gives you. Truly, what did Penguin see in him? “Lucky you, you have me to make choices- I’ll deactivate the camera from here.”

“I’m not playing into your mind games, Riddler,” you grumble as the red eye glaring around the room begins to blink, trying to keep itself awake- alive. Its last words are a beep dipping down into the lower octaves and the lens drops to face the floor, staring at nothing. You poke your head above the bar - nothing, no one, but you still hesitate on standing straight, checking the rest of the cameras. No red glares, not even the humming whirs of them turning their heads to stare. “That camera probably saw me come in thanks to your little stunt.”

“And? Just means Oswald will definitely notice he’s been robbed.” There’s that laugh again, satisfied at almost jeopardising his mission just to play with his meal. You can imagine with excruciating detail the way his jaw hangs near lopsided and loose, how he’ll eye himself in the rearview mirror and lick his teeth and he won’t even consider how he could have gotten you in trouble. Anything to spite Penguin. “Just get the diamond.”

Rolling your eyes, you vault over the bar - shorter than average to make Penguin less insecure so you barely have to expend effort - and dart across the room to a corner to duck around, maybe pocketing the little things you find along the way. The sirens fade in and fade out again and his manic laughter begins to hurt your ear. “Be quiet or I’m muting you.”

“You will not!” He barks and you almost laugh yourself. Men and their tantrums. He stammers for a reason to keep listening to him - you know the way around the club pretty well, you know where the diamond is, and you can hear the sirens your-goddamn-self. “I’ll activate the cameras!”

“Then I won’t get the diamond,” you respond coolly. “Or I will and then I’ll sell it.” An evil idea crosses your mind. “Or-”

“No,” he gapes.

“I’ll give it to-”

“Don’t you dare even say it-”

“Cat-”

“That little brat wouldn’t know what to do with it!”

“Maybe Jim Gordon would appreciate it-”

“I hate that goody-two-shoes.”

“Or maybe even back to Penguin.”

“HOW DARE YOU!” It’s not just him screeching, it’s the goddamn tyres too.

“Then don’t turn the cameras on, handsome, and let me have some quiet to think.”

He grumbles like a kid told no cookies before dinner and you’re blessed with some silence as he mutes himself. You sigh, maybe too loud, and from the corner, you scamper to the stairs leading up to where Penguin ‘hides’ the diamond. A generous way to put it; he doesn’t hide the damn thing, he has it in the centre of his room so he can coo over it and brag about it and show it to every poor soul who has the misfortune of talking to him.

“Hiii.” And the other star of the show - Zsasz. Of course he couldn’t take one day off, he’s not even sipping a milkshake. Nope, just a gun in his hand, which you are currently lacking. “Here for the diamond? That’s not yours.”

You cough to the speaker to get Riddler’s attention - these days it’s noticeably sparse but thank God it works, he groans at you but you speak over him. “Well, Zsasz, it will be mine soon enough. When I steal it.”

“Zsasz is there?” Panic begins to lace his tone and you can hear the squeaking leather of 'his' car. “That bastard…”

Zsasz raises his gun toward your ear. “Cute earring, I’ll have that.”

“Tradesies?” You try. “Diamond for the earpiece.”

“Haha,” he doesn’t actually laugh. “No.” His eyes flicker to his empty hand, he's noticed the lack of milkshake and he clearly wants one. You, on the other hand, want to live so you take his lapse in focus as an opportunity to run. Not into a safe corner, that'd be smart, but you near tackle the diamond, smashing its casing on the floor but catching the jewel in your hand, all in the blink of an eye.

Your stunt startles Zsasz; his finger too as it tugs prematurely at the trigger and even he, skilled marksman as he is, can't aim quick to redirect it. It fires into a wall and he swears. Definitely coming out of his pay. He won't make that mistake again, his eyes stiffen and this time he swivels around to you. You're still on the ground from your tackle, glass shards crunch below your clothes and definitely cut into it so it's an easy shot for him. You're staring right down the barrel of his gun.

"Wait, wait, don't shoot!" You plea, holding your hands - and the diamond - up in surrender. "Come on, Victor, we used to work together! You like me! We're friends!" Yeah it's all total bullshit but it's total bullshit that's stalling for time - Zsasz can't help but humour you; he tilts his head back and forth, his eyes look up at the ceiling, puckering his lips in pretend thought, he even waves the gun slightly, only returning it into position when the glass shifts under you.

"I've worked with a lot of people," he shuts you down. Your terrified gulp is for show but he cracks a little smile at it. "Sorry."

"You will be." It's not you saying it, you're really not in position to make threats, but it isn't a new voice either. In fact, he's been here all along in your ear - but now he's getting his hands dirty. The Riddler stands in the doorway, his own gun in his hand pointed at Zsasz who slowly turns his gaze. Too slow to fire back against the gunshot but quick enough to notice it and lurch out the way enough that it only hits his shoulder. Riddler uses his long legs to both of your benefits as he makes it to you in half the amount of steps you had to take, then he yanks you to just about on your feet before he runs out the room with you in tow.

"You saved me!" You gape.

Of course he has to correct you and ruin the moment: "I saved the diamond." Nevertheless, he doesn't do the much simpler task of prying it from your fingers and leaving you to die but you already know he'll blame that on Zsasz definitely targeting him. ("I'm Oswald's rivalllll," he'll say, though you add the whiny tone in your head. "He'll be under strict orders to capture meeee. He doesn't care about some nobody who worked on his bar!") Whatever excuse he gives later, you'll currently take as a kind gesture and only that. Don't go getting your hopes up - that's how you became a dropout.

He doesn't stop running until he gets back to 'his' car. Sleek, black, new and understandable why it was his target. Probably a Wayne make, you haven't lived in Gotham long enough to know the ins and outs of Wayne and you're definitely not in his marketing team's demographic. Maybe, in another life, Riddler could have been, because the car suits him as he sits down behind the wheel and drives.

One hand on the wheel, he plucks the diamond from your hands. "Keep us on the road," he commands as he inspects it instead of driving, taking his one hand off. You lean over him, only briefly able to glower at him before having to watch the road. His legs awkwardly shift under your stomach and chest, almost anxiously but you're probably making that up in your head. When he presses his thighs (not that there's much of them) together however you reconsider calling yourself delusional.

Suddenly the diamond is thrown at the window, then the window is rolled down and the diamond is finally thrown out of it. You let go of the wheel immediately and he lurches forward to take it, steaming angrily. So are you. "What the hell?! I almost died for that!"

"It's a fake," he mumbles bitterly. "Oswald's hidden the real one. He wanted my attention and he got it. He thinks he's so smart."

"I almost died for a fake diamond! You're supposed to be the brains here!" You put your hand on his skinny thigh and squeezed tight in frustration like he was a stress ball. He didn't bat your hand away. He did however roll his eyes and ignore you. "Just forget Penguin, you're just toying with each other to no end. You make schemes, he outwits them, he makes schemes, you outwit them." You desperately wanted to squeeze his thigh, touch his cheek, and be a comfort to him, to run your hand down further and not have a gun in your face. You wanted him to meet your eyes, never mind if there was oncoming traffic, and want for you.

"I'm not giving up. I won't back down- won't give him that satisfaction. I'll get him. One day I'll really get him."

Removing your hand from his thigh, you set it in your lap and gaze out the window to force yourself to an understanding: you'll never really get him.

#gotham #gotham riddler #edward nygma #riddler x reader #riddler x you #gotham riddler x reader #edward nygma x reader #edward nygma x you #gotham fanfic #writing #my writing

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riddle-me-ri · 1 year

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Riddler boys with an s/o in college who is really smart, but has anxiety and feels like a total screw up and a failure. And reader just wants Riddler to comfort them and help to stop the feelings of drowning and pressure. No, I’m not projecting, and you can’t prove that I am.

a/n: You can’t hide from me anon, I know when someone is projecting when I see it. Especially because I do it too! And this is the exact type of feelings and thoughts that I deal with on a regular basis both when I was in college and even now out of school. So if it helps, I’m projecting too lmao, also although I love him I skipped hush (dcau) eddie cause again, I felt these get a wee repetitive lmao

The Riddlers with an Anxious College Student S/O

Arkhamverse Riddler:

First of all, he’s like…the last person to go to for comfort.

Not only because he’s busy but…he rarely handles his own emotions in a healthy way…

But no matter how much he ignores you…it’s distracting having you all fidgety and self-loathing…

Edward will give you something to do to try and take your mind off of it.

Yes, that’s right…he’s allowing you to help him…

To be in his workshop, with him, quite a privilege really! You’ll probably learn much more from him than any college course!

Almost tries to talk you out of college altogether.

You know he’s trying and it does mean a lot to know he trusts you enough to be in his workshop.

Besides…if the Riddler himself trusts you and thinks you’re smart enough…then you must be!

Reevesverse/Dano Riddler:

Ah, yeah…he recalled not having the best time in college either.

Edward went in and got out doing the bare minimum just so he could get a decent job

(so much for that, he bemoans)

You’re so much more than any institution, or grades, or anything like that.

You’re brilliant, intuitive, and perceptive!

He’s quick to comfort you although you may need to tell him how.

He’ll offer to hold you and rock you back and forth while rubbing your back

Or he’ll let you bend his ear and just vent your emotions and frustrations, he’s learned that sometimes helps.

Whatever you need him to do, he’ll do it.

Gotham Riddler:

Oh gosh, oh dear…

Unlike Dano Riddler, I have a feeling this Eddie absolutely thrived at university.

Atleast the educational aspects anyhow.

But he’s familiar with the feeling of not being good enough, no matter how hard you try.

He takes you in his arms and begins whispering sweet affirmations in your ear.

You’re enough, you’re more than enough. You’re the best thing that’s happened to him.

Perhaps you’re just burned out, he notices the bags under your eyes.

And if you’re struggling you can always come to him for help, regardless of the subject.

Edward knows how amazing you are, but even amazing people need help every once in awhile.

BTAS Riddler:

Edward is instantly there for you.

He holds your hands or shoulders and rubs them with his hands, trying to soothe your nerves.

He hates to see you this upset, but he can understand reaching a boiling point with your own emotions.

Eddie lets you let it all out, all your anxieties.

He will likely ask you what you need, if you need advice, comfort, or just his presence.

He will gladly oblige to whatever you choose.

Like Gotham Riddler, he’ll offer to help you with your school work

He’ll comfort you with kisses and embraces.

He will sit by your side until you’ve calmed down and will be ready with something to take your mind off your anxieties.

Zero Year/Cappullo Riddler:

Again, not exactly the first guy I’d go to for comfort or reassurance.

Edward will just shrug, not entirely sure why you care what your professors or peers think.

If anyone’s thoughts should count, it’s his.

You should feel worthy of yourself because he tolerates you…

That’s him being nice, I told you he’s not the best at this.

Ed gets confused when you don’t continue the bait to banter.

He sighs when he sees the absolutely crestfallen look on your face.

It takes everything he can, but he tells you that you’re special…to him especially…

It takes a certain someone to put up with him, your tenacity, your brightness…that’s all you.

TWOJAR Riddler:

Edward honestly doesn’t understand why you choose to go anyway.

You could easily learn whatever you need to know from him, instead of some dull professor.

He thinks it’s strange that you let something trivial as school get to you, it’s not like it’s going to last forever, unless you insist of going to get a better degree.

He tries, he honestly does, but again he just doesn’t understand the big deal.

You’re clearly smart, you got into that school anyway, and you impress him time and time again.

Him, you know, The Riddler? You have nothing to prove…this pressure you feel from school is temporary.

Edward isn’t the best with words of comfort, but somehow the effort he tried to put in is enough to make you feel a little better.

Gotham City Sirens Riddler:

Edward was curious why your mind seemed to be somewhere else.

You also began second-guessing yourself, which wasn’t like you.

When you admit your insecurities and how you’ve been struggling with your self-worth from college.

Edward’s perplexed. Really? College courses?

Why do you care? College is a means to an end.

You’re obviously really intelligent, almost on par with him.

You often helped him think outside of the box on his more obscure cases.

He didn’t just allow anyone to be his assistant, or to aid him on cases.

Maybe, he should tell you that more often, but when he tells you it definitely makes you feel warm inside.

Telltale Riddler:

Likely frowned upon you attending a university anyway.

But I can see this Edward using it as a means to distract you from interfering with his work.

Also another Ed not to go to for comfort, lmao.

Doesn’t understand why you put so much pressure on yourself when it’s not necessary.

Especially for some meager classes.

He leaves you alone to grovel for a bit, assuming it will pass eventually like such emotions do…

But he realizes that your moping silence is more distracting than when you’re trying to get his attention with affection.

Edward reassures you that you’re just enough how you are, if you weren’t you wouldn’t be with him now would you?

The comment surprises you, but makes you perk up nonetheless.

Young Justice Riddler:

Bless him, Eddie gets upset because you’re upset.

Man is panicking slightly but tries his best to hold it together.

When you let him in on the growing, heavy pressure building up, and how you feel like a failure…

Eddie’s heart cracks for you. You can’t be serious?

You’re more than enough, you’re not a failure, are you kidding? You’re the glue that holds the team together! You have the best plans!

Screw that school, they’re not worth your attention!

B-But maybe, you could also be burned out? It’s been a while but, he’s been to school…

Edward nervously offers to help you with your school work, but enforces that it doesn’t have to be like a date or anything.

His endearing comments and efforts are enough to ease your insecurities, especially in favor to help him with his.

#ri writes #the riddler x reader #edward nygma x reader #headcanons #arkhamverse riddler x reader #reevesverse riddler x reader #dano riddler x reader #gotham riddler x reader #btas riddler x reader #zero year riddler x reader #capullo riddler x reader #twojar riddler x reader #gotham city sirens riddler x reader #telltale riddler x reader #young justice riddler x reader

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that3nbytrash · 2 years

Text

Nothing Special

General Scarecrow x Riddler; 2.9k words

Thank you to @finniestoncrane for being my muse, my mentor, and my beta reader for this fic. What started out as a "oh, how interesting would this be to write lol" quickly turned into "oh God I have written over 10k of smut 😳" and I don't think I would have been able to have the confidence to actually write this if it weren't for Finnie. You should definitely go check out her stuff when you finish reading this! It's really good!!

Hank would like to remind folks: minors DNI!! 🔞 cw for nsfw stuff: masturbation, handjob, humiliation?, mention of being drunk towards the end (in a memory), desperation, scriddler shenanigans.

::readmore::

Edward Nygma paced back and forth in his lair, unsure of what to do with the flannel left behind by the only person that he could ever consider a friend.

Jonathan had been over just that morning to discuss the recent shipment of carbogen, a crucial ingredient to its signature Fear Toxin. But it left in a hurry, causing it to accidentally leave its favorite flannel behind in Edward's lair.

Which wouldn't be a problem for Edward. If it didn't smell like the one he so desperately lusted for. He couldn't get the scent out of his mind. So when Jonathan left he grabbed the shirt and hid it under his mattress for safe keeping.

But now as he laid on his bed, he wanted nothing more than to put his arms around it and inhale that particular aroma that seemed to always surround the garment. He tossed his phone onto the bed next to him and let out a frustrated sigh.

He hated not knowing what to do.

He'd never felt this way about someone before. He'd previously dated both men and women alike, but they had all been superficial relationships that never lasted. This was different.

And he hated it. Not because it wasn't fun or appealing. No, he adored every little thing about it. There was no denying how much he wanted Jonathan. But the feelings were still so new to him. And so confusing.

The scent taunted Edward as he lay there, trying to center himself before he did something he would regret. His emotions were already getting out of hand. And he really didn't want to deal with the thought of Jonathan right now.

But even the act of trying not to think of Jonathan brought an unwanted smile to his face. He loved being its confidant so much; and he hated being apart from it after a long day of crime. Even if Jonathan wasn't physically there, the smell of it on its flannel called to him like a siren's melody.

He rolled over and buried his head into the pillow, his cheeks burning at the mere thought of Jonathan. Why was he feeling this way? They weren't anything special to each other.

...

... Right?

...

... Edward sighed again. He knew deep down that he cared deeply about Jonathan. But could he actually say he loved him? Would Jonathan accept such a claim?

His fingers traced the worn material of the flannel as he thought it through.

Wasn't love just a chemical reaction? A biochemical reaction meant that you felt things for another person, right? So maybe the chemicals inside his body made him feel these things.

But what else could it mean? He was attracted to Jonathan as a person, not a chemical reaction! That didn't seem plausible, either.

What if he was just infatuated with Jonathan as a specimen? Could it happen? He certainly had been drawn to his specimens before, but this was different somehow. It was different with Jonathan. Different and yet, eerily similar.

Edward pulled the shirt to his nose to take another sniff. It definitely smelt like Jonathan; there was no doubt about that. It felt warm on his skin. Comforting. As if nothing bad would happen if he wore it. As if everything was going to turn out okay… and for the first time since coming to this wretched world, he believed it.

Maybe he should wear it. Maybe it would help calm his nerves.

Maybe it would make him fall in love.

Edward slipped the shirt on over his head and smiled as it sat comfortably across his shoulders. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. The sweet smell made his head swim.

It didn't smell like his lab at all. It smelled like a home he didn't have anymore. Like a family he hadn't ever got the chance to be a part of.

This was probably what the scent of it reminded him of. The one he'd been missing.

Edward took a step toward the mirror and stood in front of it with a determined look on his face. He raised his hands and reached out to touch the glass. He pressed his forehead against it, looking directly into the reflection that was staring back.

"Why can't I have you, Jonathan?" he whispered, his voice wavering. "You're my best friend... my only friend..."

Edward took off the flannel and sniffed it again, this time allowing himself to imagine that Jonathan was with him. Holding him close. Kissing him. Edward's heart swelled. He wanted Jonathan. All of him. Every inch.

Edward closed his eyes and leaned against the mirror. He imagined Jonathan was in his arms, kissing him gently, running his fingers through his hair, his hands gliding along his waist, pressing him against the cold surface of the glass. He felt himself getting aroused as he imagined it.

He rubbed his hardening member through his pants as he imagined the feeling of Jonathan's lips upon his own, its tongue exploring every crevice of his mouth, its hips thrusting upwards eagerly, its fingers stroking him slowly, giving him a gentle massage…

Edward moaned softly, letting his eyes slip shut, imagining Jonathan above him. He could practically see those familiar blue eyes gazing down at him. Could almost hear its soft humming and feel its breath fanning across his neck. He could practically smell the mint on its breath as their lips met.

He wanted Jonathan so badly. He needed Jonathan. With every fiber of his being. The thought alone made him ache with need.

Edward's breathing became more ragged with each passing moment, and his erection strained against his pants. He struggled to unbuckle his belt as he imagined Jonathan taking care of him. He tugged open his fly, sliding out of his boxers and shivering at the cool air against his throbbing cock.

The soft fabric of Jonathan's flannel brushed against Edward's thigh. It felt like silk rubbing against his sensitive skin. Edward took off the flannel and palmed his cock through the worn material. His grip tightened as he began to stroke, his vision starting to blur at the edges as he imagined what Jonathan would taste like against his skin. What Jonathan would do to him. How it would feel to be wrapped tightly around Jonathan's cock… how it would ride him hard and fast….

His orgasm was coming faster than he anticipated. He groaned loudly as he came, his dick pulsing as he released his load into the soft fabric that started this mess. The last remnants of his orgasm faded quickly after as he realized what he just did.

"What the hell am I doing!" Edward cried, dropping the cum-soaked flannel onto the ground beside him. He covered his face and let out another frustrated groan as his body tried to cool down.

He felt tears pricking at his eyes as he contemplated the fact that he just lost control. Just let his hormones get the better of him, and his libido led him to act irrationally.

Edward was usually careful and cautious about what he allowed himself to feel. He had to be. Or else he risked destroying his friendship with Jonathan. He couldn't afford to lose that now. Not when they finally had grown to trust each other.

A small knock sounded at the door. Edward didn't move, afraid of who he suspected to be out there.

"Edward?"

Edward froze. Oh shit. He hadn't heard Jonathan return yet, had he?

"Are you in there, Edward?"

Oh fuck, it had come back too soon. He quickly got up, pulled his clothes back on, gathered up the flannel and stuffed it back into the drawer before Jonathan entered.

He saw his friend enter the room, carrying a box labeled 'carbogen' in its arms. Jonathan glanced around the room, its brow furrowing in confusion as it noticed the wet spot on the floor. "What happened here?"

Edward looked down at his feet, guilt pooling in his stomach as he tried to come up with a believable lie. "I.. uh..."

Jonathan placed the bag of groceries on the ground. It approached Edward and grabbed a hold of his arm. "Hey, are you okay?"

Edward nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Jonathan narrowed its eyes and shook its head. "Don't bullshit me. Are you sick?"

"No," Edward replied firmly. "No, I'm perfectly fine."

Jonathan studied him closely, searching for any sign of illness, before releasing his arm and backing up a few steps. "Okay. If you're sure…"

Edward breathed a soft sigh of relief. He could hardly believe how lucky he was that Jonathan didn't question him further.

They stared each other down for a while. Both waiting for the other to say something. To break the awkward tension that hung thick in the air between them. Finally, Jonathan broke it.

"I left my flannel here earlier when I left, and I was wondering if you knew where had I put it?" Jonathan asked.

Edward swallowed hard, knowing full well where he had seen it last. "Uh, no, no I don't."

"How unfortunate, but thank you anyway." Jonathan nodded politely as it turned to leave. But it suddenly stopped in its tracks, turning to face Edward once again. "Wait a minute."

Edward tensed up again. His heart skipped a beat as Jonathan walked back over to him. This was it. Jonathan was going to end their collaboration because Edward couldn't keep himself under control.

Jonathan reached forward and cupped Edward's cheek.

Edward stiffened. His breathing hitched, and he held his breath, waiting for Jonathan to pull away and shout at him for his actions.

Jonathan gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Edward."

Edward's mind went completely blank as Jonathan lifted its thumb up and gently stroked his cheek. Edward shivered and leaned into its hand. It felt good. It felt nice. It felt so nice. He never wanted it to stop.

Jonathan's gaze traveled down to Edward's mouth. It smirked slightly and bent down a little. Before Edward knew what was happening, Jonathan's lips were brushing against his own. Its kiss was soft and gentle.

Edward felt his face redden. Jonathan kissed him deeper, pulling Edward closer by the hip. It tilted its head ever so slightly and ran its tongue lightly against Edward's bottom lip. Edward obliged, parting his lips slightly as Jonathan deepened the kiss.

Edward's arms slid up Jonathan's chest until he wrapped them around its neck. Jonathan placed its hands around Edward's waist, its fingers brushing against his bare skin. Jonathan moved closer. Edward parted his legs slightly, wanting Jonathan to take even more advantage of what little space was left between them. Jonathan smiled into the kiss as it lowered its lips back towards Edward's.

"You know," Jonathan murmured, its voice low and husky. "If we were together, we wouldn't have to hide anything from each other."

"O-oh? What makes you say that-" Jonathan cut Edward off with another kiss. Edward kissed it back, completely unaware of Jonathan reaching into the drawer and pulling out its flannel.

"Have you stolen other things from me for your own pleasure? Or did you just take advantage of me leaving it here? Did you think I wouldn't notice?" Jonathan asked, pulling back just enough to speak.

Edward blinked. "What?"

Jonathan rolled its eyes and grabbed Edward's shirt collar, pinning him against the wall. It then held the flannel against Edward's cheek. "Does this belong to you?"

"No," Edward said quickly. "It belongs to you."

Jonathan sighed and loosened its grip on Edward's shirt collar. "And why is that, Edward?"

Edward's eyes widened. Jonathan knew. Somehow, somehow, Jonathan had found out what he had done. He felt panic rising inside as Jonathan flashed him a sadistic smile. "Did you really think you could hide things from me forever?" it asked mockingly.

"I... I didn't-"

"Shhhh!" Jonathan interrupted, raising one finger to silence him. Edward stayed silent. "You can't lie to me anymore."

"I... I was only..." Edward stammered helplessly, unable to finish the sentence. He didn't dare look into Jonathan's eyes, fearing what he might see there. Fearful that he might find out what a terrible person Edward truly was.

Jonathan smiled again and kissed Edward tenderly. "Don't worry, Eddy boy."

Edward closed his eyes as Jonathan caressed his cheek. He felt Jonathan's warm breath against his ear. "I won't tell anyone."

Edward opened his eyes and gazed into Jonathan's. He could see the sincerity in Jonathan's eyes. He could see the love Jonathan felt for him. And he knew that Jonathan would never betray him. Never.

Jonathan pressed a soft kiss to Edward's forehead. Edward felt Jonathan's lips against his skin as Jonathan slowly eased its way down his forehead. When Jonathan reached his chin, it trailed kisses down to his neck, and then it rested it against his throat for a moment. It lingered there, pressing tiny kisses into Edward's neck. It nibbled at his Adam's apple.

Edward closed his eyes as a small moan escaped his lips.

Jonathan chuckled, running its teeth along Edward's jawline. It continued kissing its way across Edward's neck until it reached his collarbone.

"You taste so sweet, Edward," Jonathan said quietly, taking a few nips of Edward's flesh.

Edward bit his bottom lip and squeezed Jonathan's shoulders. He could feel his arousal building up within him again, threatening to spill over at any second.

Jonathan removed its lips from Edward's neck and trailed butterfly kisses down his chest. Its tongue grazed his skin, causing goosebumps to form all over Edward's body.

"Jonathan," Edward moaned as Jonathan began to trail kisses back up towards his lips. "Please."

"Yes, Eddy boy." Jonathan whispered huskily against his lips, kissing him softly.

Edward reached down and grasped hold of Jonathan's shirt as he guided it to lie down next to him. They fell onto the bed in a tangled mess of limbs. Edward pulled Jonathan closer, desperately trying to close the distance between their bodies. Their kiss deepened, becoming more intense as the need grew greater and greater.

Jonathan's hands roamed over Edward's naked skin and he arched upwards into its touch. Jonathan smiled against his lips and began placing gentle kisses down Edward's jawline.

Edward's legs tightened around Jonathan, pulling it impossibly closer. Edward moaned again, his whole body shaking in anticipation.

"I want you, Jonathan."

Jonathan didn't wait for him to finish his confession before it tugged at Edward's belt. With a quick motion it pushed his pants down his hips. Edward let his knees fall open for Jonathan as it slipped its fingers underneath the fabric of Edward's underwear.

Jonathan took in a sharp breath through its nose as its fingers brushed against Edward's erect cock.

Edward groaned as Jonathan began to play with his member, slowly stroking it with its fingers. Edward's entire body shuddered with every stroke. Jonathan smirked as it brought its hand to the base of Edward's shaft. It massaged it slowly, moving in and out of Edward's length.

Edward cried out in pleasure as it began to pump him. The feeling was incredible.

Jonathan kept working him, rubbing circles in between Edward's thighs with its free hand. A low, lusty growl vibrated through Jonathan's chest, reverberating throughout the room as it continued to stroke Edward relentlessly. Edward clenched Jonathan's hair in his fist, letting out a loud whine from the sensation.

Jonathan finally looked up at Edward with an evil smirk. "You sound like you are enjoying yourself."

Edward nodded eagerly.

Jonathan smirked again and began to stroke harder, faster, sensing how close he was. Edward let out a loud gasp as he came, spilling his seed all over the bed sheets below.

Jonathan's breathing became ragged and heavy as it stared hungrily at Edward's body. It pulled back, looking down at Edward with a smirk. It licked his cum off its fingers, and then licked him clean as it stared into Edward's wide green eyes, which were still glazed over.

Jonathan laid back down beside Edward, their bodies still intertwined. Edward stared up at the ceiling, too exhausted to move or do anything. All he could think about was how nice it felt to have Jonathan's weight over him and how amazing his kisses were. And how much Edward loved having him as close as possible.

After a few minutes of laying there, Jonathan spoke. "Hey," it mumbled. Edward turned his head towards Jonathan. "Do you remember when we first met?"

Edward thought for a moment. "Yeah, we were at the Iceberg Lounge and you were only there to try and find someone to help you get the drugs you needed. And you were drunk off your ass, weren't you? You told me everything was my fault, and that I made you sick."

Jonathan laughed softly. "That sounds about right."

Edward grinned and snuggled further into Jonathan's side, wrapping his arm securely around Jonathan's waist. "So you admit it."

Jonathan shrugged. "Well, yes. That's what alcohol does to us sometimes. But I'm not mad at you, Eddie."

"Hm, maybe you should be."

"Oh really? What makes you think that?"

"Because I was a jerk."

Jonathan chuckled. "Well, yeah, but you're my jerk now. Right, Eddie?" Edward smiled brightly. "Right."

"Now let's sleep," Jonathan said. Edward nodded, closing his eyes.

"Goodnight, Edward."

"Night, Jonathan."

Edward fell asleep in Jonathan's embrace, feeling better than he had in years.

#scriddler fic #scriddler #scarecrow x riddler #scarecrow #dc scarecrow #riddler #dc riddler #scarecrow smut #riddler smut #my first fanfic

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riddlerxl · 2 years

Text

It is always Nice to see you Says the man Behind the counter

PART 2

Pairing: Edward Nashton | the Riddler x GN!Reader

Rating: Mature (18+)

Word Count: 713

Warnings: brief implied mentions of murder and porn.

Summary: You frequent a certain diner that brings you comfort and a sense of routine within the unforgiving walls of Gotham city. All is well until someone new begins to invade said routine.

A/N: First time writing an Edward Nashton/Riddler x reader so forgive me if it is not the best! I expect this to be more of a series so this is just a little teaser. >:p also unedited currently so there may be some errors ;-;

1:34 AM, Monday morning.

The usual crowd washes out around 12 AM which leaves only a few stragglers left in the diner. Now only caffeine fiends are seen gulping down the stale brew of some generic coffee. The windows are painted by the constant downpour that plagues the city of Gotham. All of the muted colors surrounding you bring an odd sense of comfort. This is the last spot in Gotham where you feel safe.

You decide to sit at a far corner table away from the door. Last thing you need is to become another name in the Gotham obituary. Sprawled across the table in front of you are notebooks, your laptop, Misery by Stephen King, and a half eaten slice of pecan pie. If it wasn’t for your semi-presentable appearance you’d be mistaken for a drifter. The reason you even step foot in this diner is due to the fact that your apartment has seen better days. Every single night there are screaming matches coming from the couple next door which develops into the sounds of near pornographic moans. If you could, you would move; however, you’re stuck in a twelve month lease.

A police car flies by, sirens blaring, causing you to snap out of whatever trance you were in. You look up to see that a new person has joined the late night crowd. A lanky man in a green bomber jacket. He was not a regular at this hour. You kept a mental note with nicknames for each and every person. This man was different. What you did not expect was to accidentally lock eyes with him. His gaze felt nauseating. You wonder how long he had noticed your staring.

Quickly, you avert your eyes back down to your laptop. The screen is black, reflecting a distorted image of yourself. Something about the man made your insides scream danger; nevertheless, you ignore it. Jamming your right index finger on the space key, the screen lights back up. It is only illuminated for a moment before an image of an empty battery flashes. You shut the laptop in closested frustration, moving to grab the book you had brought with.

1:34 AM, Monday Morning, two weeks later.

It appears that this man is now a part of the diner scenery. You two share glances every so often. His indirect company has caused you to abandon your table, moving to sit by the bar. Your clutter has been reduced to Misery and your laptop. While your attention rests upon the novel, you did not notice the mystery man bring out a book of his own.

When you needed to take a break from reading, you turned to him. The novel was Gerald’s Game by Stephen King. This piqued your interest. Maybe you had the wrong idea about him. Maybe all he needed was a friend. Hell, that’s what you needed in this depressing city.

“Isn’t it strange that King dedicated that book to his wife?” You start, clearing your throat.

He looks at you with confusion plaguing his face. The two of you stare at one another until he decides to speak up.

“Yes.” His voice is soft but laced with meager certainty. It cuts through the suffocating atmosphere with ethereal qualities.

“Well… you chose a good novel.” You add.

There was silence between the two of you. Both unsure of what to say next. The man stares at you with counterfeit innocence. Something felt perverse. You curse yourself out pensively for even saying a word to the man. You clear your throat and ask for your check. Maybe your serine safe space was just another dangerous spot haunted by the ghosts of Gotham.

“I recommend Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates if you want a story that is strange.” He offers, looking down at his own book. “Main character is based on Jeffrey Dahmer. The book is fiction; however, isn’t it sick to continue a mad man’s ‘legacy’ through the guise of a made up story?”

You nod in agreement. Maybe your space was safe. He’s just another book worm, albeit a little strange. But who in Gotham city was normal? Definitely not you.

“I’m Y/N.”

“Edward.” You catch a flash of excitement in his eyes, “I’m Edward.”

( PART 2 )

#riddler x you #riddler x reader #dano!riddler x reader #edward nashton x reader #kinda just word vomited onto the page #my works #the riddler x reader

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anarchy-n-glitter · 3 years

Text

No More Lies

Summary: ** Spoilers for The Batman ** After killing the mayor, Edward opts to visit his safe haven and come clean about what he's done. Dahlia Vance pieces together the rest of the strange puzzle that is Edward Nashton.

Riddler oneshot for us paul dano stans lets goooo

(Edward Nashton x Query/reader)

The rain was cold. It was always cold. Dark, swirling clouds gathered across the darkening sky as the wind howled and shrieked. He had to get away. He had to hide. He went to the only place he knew would accept him. He had dragged himself that far on tired and aching feet, out of breath with blood on his hands. The mask had come off far before he reached the complex’s doorstep, mixing his own warm sweat with the chilled rain.

Walking up the concrete steps felt like coming home. It was the closest thing he’d ever had to a home. His hand shook as it reached for the buzzer. The sound that came from the speaker was irritating on the best of days, but not that night.

He didn’t have to say anything - he was glad he didn’t have to.

He was let in without any fanfare. No “hello Edward” or “come on in.” Just silence; quiet and foreboding and once again he had to fight off that familiar fear of being abandoned. It’s happened time and time again, despite reassurances. Though this time the calmer side of him (one that was quite buried at the moment) was sure these feelings came from the adrenaline and paranoia still lingering even as he got closer to his safe haven.

His shoes squelched and squeaked as he made his way up the stairs. The elevator was broken - it had been broken since he’d been coming there, and from what he knew it had been broken long before that. The cracked linoleum stared up at him almost reminding him of what he was - what this city was. The rain continued to pound on the narrow window, creating steady lines that streamed down the glass pane in erratic patterns, the motions nearly hypnotizing in nature. The wind was still so loud, even inside the building. In fact, Edward could have sworn that being inside made the whipping wails echo in a ghostly manner.

A reminder.

He hadn’t realized he completely stopped halfway up the stairs.

What was he doing there? Why did he not just go home? What if he was followed? Could he really just drag the only other person who cared about him other than himself into this mess?

He considered turning around. He considered leaving everything and everyone behind. He was scared. Scared for himself and the person who lived in that god forsaken building. He didn’t have the same privilege they did. The privilege of being forgotten - forgotten by the city, the people who were supposed to be looking out for them… forgotten.

As he took another step forward he realized he couldn’t do that. He couldn’t be like everyone else. He couldn’t forget-

“Eds?” Her.

He looked up at her with glassy eyes as he attempted to hide his trembling hands. He didn’t realize he was shaking. He hoped she would understand.

In the dark he couldn’t actually tell it was her, only vaguely being able to see her outline in the soft, blue light from the window. If it weren’t for her voice - that sweet sound akin to a siren’s song - he would have been on edge. A flash of light and the crack of thunder put any concerns to rest.

She stood at the railing, leaning over it slightly with worry evident in her blue eyes. He didn’t dare move his hands, but the saner, calmer side of him panicked for a moment. He had to wonder if there was blood elsewhere. Could she see it? Would she get scared? Would she leave him?

“Did you walk all the way here in the rain?” No, she didn’t know. He glanced down and noticed the sizable puddle left behind from where he was standing.

“I did.” He answered. His own voice sounded so foreign to him - less hollow and muffled. He was quiet, though; the less people who could hear him the better.

She wanted to ask why - wanted to know what was worth coming all this way. She had a feeling she already knew.

“Eddie, are you hurt?” She was hesitant, quiet. He wasn’t sure how to answer her question. How was she supposed to answer? For once, the Riddler was at a loss for words. Instead, he opted to say nothing. He continued walking up the steps, his head down and his eyes glued to his feet. She went quiet, utterly unsure of what to do or what was even going on.

He wasn’t aware of how he was moving, but when she straightened up like a prey animal realizing it was being stalked, he had to wonder. It made him stop dead in his tracks, giving her a moment to calm down. She did nothing but stare.

Edward had come over unannounced before - several times, in fact - and it was always a nice surprise. This time, however, felt different, almost sinister.

She’d never seen him dressed like that, like the killer she’d seen on the news and online. The slight rustling from beneath his winter clothing sounded like plastic. It was shrill and easily permeated through the booming sounds of the rain and thunder outside. She’d never seen him stand so still, almost as if he was haunted by something - staring blankly out the window as if he’d find the answers to the universe. He treated life as one big puzzle, she knew that much, and now she feared the answers he was laying out before her.

She knew. She knew and she didn’t want to believe it. Those people deserved what he did to them - deserved the cruel, uncaring hand of justice to crush them beneath its weight - but…

She agreed with his actions, but if he truly was the killer, he certainly hadn’t come down from that adrenaline rush, and he was certainly much more paranoid than he would have been before. So she played dumb, not unlike how she had many times before, though those times were a bit different. She often would question herself when she thought about him being the Riddler, almost gaslighting herself into believing otherwise, despite the cold, hard facts that presented themselves to her. Instead of panicking, or telling him what she knew, when she saw the blood she asked if he was hurt.

He stopped walking toward her, looking through her with fogged lenses adorned with water droplets that pearled on the surface. His eyes were wide, and for a moment he wondered if he had been caught, or if she would care about what he was doing.

“Are you afraid of me?” He almost sounded hurt. Almost.

Yes, she wanted to shout, right now I am! All she could muster was a measly head shake.

“No.” She lied easily, taking a shaky step forward as if to prove she wasn’t scared. She reached out, attempting to take his hands into her own. It was an act so tender he almost forgot about the reason for his crusade, the suffocating anger and anguish. She made it difficult to remember the torture and pain, the one thing he swore to never forget. There was good in this world, even if it was tainted by pessimism and slight sadism. She was a supporter of his true self - the side of himself that he was sure she wasn’t aware of just yet - and when she reacted positively to another one of the murders, his heart couldn’t help but swell with pride.

She was one of the forgotten ones he fought to defend. Not an orphan, like him, but still forgotten, down-trodden. When he looked in the mirror, he not only saw the children he suffered with all those years ago, but he saw her too.

He let her have one of his sullied hands, albeit hesitantly. The blood of the guilty dirtied her pristine hands.

Her breath caught in her throat as that sickening feeling clung to her hand, making her want to scrub them until they bled. Sticky, yet cold, she could practically taste the coppery substance, and it was almost sickening. It was slick on his gloves - easier to get off that way - and she didn’t want to say anything. It was hard for her not to start panicking, after all, this all started with little puzzles she’d find online, or around town, and in time they were at her doorstep. Then, as she started piecing everything together, she was assured through ciphers that all of the injustice in Gotham, all the problems the dysfunctional city had, could be traced back to corrupt officials…

She was in too deep now. One could say she was in too deep the moment she met Eddie - the moment she gave him the time of day and got to know him. She was in too deep when he started showing up more often at her apartment, in too deep the moment she kissed him and let him take her out for dinner.

To everyone else, she was in love with a monster. Someone irredeemable and selfish. They wouldn’t know that she was almost the same as him. He wasn’t a monster to her. She admired the Riddler, in fact, she thought he did a better job than Batman half the time.

“Come on, let’s get you inside.” She said lowly, leading him back to the place he missed so much. That familiar door was at the end of the hall, marked as “C11” in crooked, golden letters. The oak was weathered and splintered toward the bottom, with a large, painted over crack running from the doorknob to the bottom of the door.

“It was from a break in a couple years ago.” She told him only a few months prior. He knew there was more to it than that, but if she didn’t want to tell him then he wouldn’t pry.

Through that broken doorway was a dim apartment, lit up only slightly by the neon signs outside her windows. They were green and bright, but not bright enough to keep the room bright all night. The apartment always seemed a bit cluttered, almost purposefully. He wondered what secrets she might be hiding. She had to know that there was nothing to hide from him… and there was nothing she could hide. He would find it - solve it like every other puzzle he’d come across so far.

He was left standing in the middle of the living room, next to the tattered couch that smelt like a library. The mask and plastic wrap were tucked away in his pocket, hanging out only slightly and brushing against his arm almost as if to remind him of what he was and what he was doing. He wanted to tell her everything, and he only hoped she’d understand.

He watched her silhouette move about the apartment, only catching a glimpse of her features when she passed through the lights at certain angles. He wondered what she was still doing at home, especially on Halloween. She was obviously dressed up, wearing a green one-piece with fishnets underneath, and a purple domino mask that was ill-fitted to her face that was currently pushed onto her forehead, pushing her bangs out of her face like a headband would. And then there was the coat…

The old TV was displaying a paused image from a horror movie. Eddie wasn’t entirely sure of what movie it was, but by the bright colors and gore and giggling blonde on screen, he assumed it was that one horror movie she said she loved, the one he couldn’t remember the title to. She described it as a movie that felt like a haunted house…

House was in the title, he remembered that much.

“Eds, you can sit down, you know.” She was behind him now, moving things around, apologizing for the state of her apartment. “You look tired.” She commented, her voice sounding solemn and concerned.

“I have something to tell you.” He began, which made her stop in her tracks. “If you have me, you’ll want to share me. If you share me, I’ll be gone. What am I?” He was speaking in riddles again, and she was quick to realize that what he wants to share must be important.

“A secret.” She answered. She knew to play his game to get the bigger picture. That was how she found out about the orphanage and his childhood, after all. They were things he never wanted to speak of out loud, and she always assumed that games and puzzles were his way of coping with that trauma.

“Those who hide behind one are to be feared.” He wasn’t even looking at her, and she dared not move a muscle.

“Mask.” Now the trick was trying to figure out how those go together. It didn’t take a genius to figure that one out. As she walked over, he dug into his pocket, pulling the mask out and holding it between his bloody hands.

“And what does a liar do when he’s dead?”

She stopped for a moment, feeling her mouth go dry as she thought of the answer. “He lies still.” She answered. It was apparent now, with his confession looming heavily in the air. “Eds, you’re him, aren’t you?” She stood in front of him, and she didn’t look angry or frightened. He held out the mask for her to take, and she did. He watched her closely as she stared blankly at the mask in her hands. A secret identity, a mask to hide behind while he enacted acts of vengeance against the corrupt officials of the city.

“I’ve known.” She finally spoke, her voice quiet. “I’ve known for a while. Part of me couldn’t believe it, and the other part of me… it made sense. The orphanage, the people who were targeted being involved with Renewal. The puzzles left at my door in the middle of the night for a few weeks before I actually met you, and then you told me that you love riddles and puzzles and mysteries. You’re the smartest guy I know, Eds, and it would be easy for you to throw off the cops.” She was bright, and quick witted, how could he not?

“You’ve believed in me from the very beginning, Dahlia.” She smiled at this, despite the twisted nature of their conversation. It was the truth, she was one of the Riddler’s many followers, and he was glad to have found her. If he had it his way, she would be his right hand woman, his partner in crime. He even had a name for her, something he could call her while livestreaming to his audience:

Query.

And it seemed like she knew. The way she was dressed that night - the coat that hung loosely off of her shoulders adorned with his insignia. It was a sign, wasn’t it? He brought her closer, his hands coming to rest on her cheeks adorned with question marks. The look in his eyes was one of pure adoration, and it made her heart jump in her chest.

“You’ve done so well.” The edge in his voice was enough to make her shudder in delight. It was a familiar tone that he took in his videos, and she expected to hear him call her Query. There were no more secrets, though. No more aliases to hide behind. As he stared at her face, watching the blood smear on her skin, he realized the obvious truth.

He was the Riddler, and she was Query. No more Edward and Dahlia. No more masks.

No more lies.

His lips collided with hers in an almost forceful display of affection. It was rushed, feverish, and needy - a true reflection of his love for her, the only person who seemed to ever give him the time of day as both Edward and the Riddler. She cared, and that was enough.

When he pulled away he saw a look in her eyes that begged for more. She let her coat fall to the floor, letting him know exactly what she wanted, and he was happy to oblige, if not a bit nervous. His fingers traced along her jaw, stopping at her chin as he snatched it, and the whole time she didn’t break eye contact. He lost himself in her eyes for a moment, and lost himself in the blur that followed.

She led him to her bedroom, a place he’d only stood in before, and sprawled out on her bed, waiting for him to make the next move. She’d undone the back of her leotard and let it sit just above her breasts, loose and waiting for someone to rip the rest off. He wanted to - oh how he wanted to - but his movements were slow and shaking. He couldn’t help but be nervous. He could have sworn he told her this before but…

The way her legs wrapped around his waist when he got the article of clothing off seemed to stop his thought process in its tracks. His eyes were wide and practically glued to the newly exposed flesh. He leaned over her, using her remaining clothing as a way to pull her closer as he discarded her fishnets and panties, too. She looked like a goddess, the only woman in his world that was worthy of his attention.

Crimson spread across pale flesh as he ran his hands down her body in a feverish manner. Red tainted her untouched skin. The profane tainting innocence. She was in too deep now, with the evidence now on full display on her divine form. Her gentle yet experienced touch reminded him that she was not some pure virgin, but she waited for him. She reassured him that she loved him, and love him she did. Her kiss was sweet - sweeter than anything he’d ever tasted - and it was enough to help him forget the horrors he’d committed.

Her body arched into his as he pressed into her, letting out a small cry of his own as the foreign feeling enveloped his body like a flame. He wanted nothing more than to make her his, and letting her take this part of him forever was enough.

She was his and his alone at the moment.

His own Query. His safe haven, a place where he knew there would be no more pain, no more torture…

And no more lies.

#riddler x reader #edward nashton #edward nashton x reader #riddler x reader smut #the batman spoilers #the batman 2022 #the batman fanfic #batman fanfiction #riddler fanfic #query #query dc #dahlia vance #dahlia vance x edward nashton #batman oc: dahlia vance/query

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