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abrcmswrld · 1 year

Text

Talk to Strangers

Edward Nashton x Coworker! Reader

━━━━

Word Count: 4,951

Warnings: smut (18+ only MDNI), stalking, unprotected sex, angst and fluff and smut, a decent bit of tears, obligatory mentions of murder

Summary: You’ve warmed up to Edward despite his cold nature, but what happens when the puzzle pieces start to fall together and you can feel someone watching you in the darkness?

Authors Note: I actually tried so hard on this yall, I posted this to my ao3 page first so I am sorry if the formatting is all kinds of messed up on here :( This is my first fic i’ve posted since 2017 so I sincerely apologize if it’s meh, i also don’t have anyone else proofread my fics so i apologize for any errors i missed! enjoy!

Ao3 Link

He's arrogant. Oh so arrogant, and you can't fucking stand it. You watch him every morning as he strides in, past your desk at reception, white button up shirt, clear framed glasses, shaggy hair that falls over his forehead . He's certainly not a hit among the office, so maybe you're not wrong in your feelings. Though your other co-workers generally regard him as a pushover- not a self-absorbed asshole. He's good at what he does, sure. He's earned his spot, but he often brings a shadow into the rooms he walks into. A presence that you can only describe as infernal.

You don’t know much about his story. You generally pride yourself on getting to know the people you surround yourself with, but he has never let you get close enough to find out. Maybe that’s why you find him arrogant. He thinks he’s too good to speak to you for more than two sentences related to files he needs you to fax for him. What you do know about him is that he’s been at KTMJ for longer than you have been- maybe 5 years more. You can still remember the first time you met. You were fresh faced and eager. Seeking validation, in desperate need of some stability.

You extend your arm for a handshake. His hands are slightly clammy as he accepts your handshake. And though you had greeted him with your brightest smile (might as well go all in if you ever wanted to be anything other than a receptionist) he hadn't smiled back. He'd kept a rather straight face as he gave his brief introduction. "Edward."

Now you have a sense of stability. Sure, the quality of life in Gotham is subpar and you still haven't received that promotion, but you make enough to live comfortably in comparison to others in the city. You try to count your blessings.

━━━━

You had already been having a shitty day. Your landlord had informed you of an increase in rent rates by slipping an envelope under your door. Sure, it sucked to be asked to pay more for an apartment that could be deemed shitty by any normal person with a pair of eyes, but it was the lack of communication that got you. Not even the decency to call your residence and tell you with their own voice. Just a slip of paper under the door.

But you tried to bring a good attitude to the office. You hate being the one to damper the mood. You would rather leave that to him. Always him. Never smiling back at you as he walks through the door, never meeting your eyes to acknowledge your presence, nothing. And you were used to that. It would be okay, if it weren't for the stack of papers that laid on your desk when you got in. Neatly stacked with a green sticky note reading "Need copies. -Edward" scrawled in messy handwriting. You immediately feel the flames rise into your chest.

It's a quick stride from your desk to his cubicle, stack of papers tightly tucked into your fist. You slam them onto his desk as soon as you reach it, and he raises an eyebrow at you in response. "What the hell is this?" He glances at the papers and back at you. "The copier isn't working. I wrote what I needed." You sigh, annoyed at the fact that he doesn't understand.

"You couldn't have waited for me to get here and brought them to me yourself? I would really appreciate it if you would treat me like a human being every once in a while, ya know, actually acknowledge my existence." You realize how dramatic you must sound, but in all honesty you've been thinking it for years, it was only a matter of time before it came out. "I needed copies. I didn't think my acknowledgement meant that much to you." He holds his hands out in defense, feigning that he actually cared if he had hurt your feelings.

"I think you think you're smarter than everyone else here." You plant a hand on the table in front of him as you crouch to his level.

He sighs and you can see the corners of his mouth twitch. "I do. Is that so bad?"

"It makes you an asshole."

He finally faces you.

"Better to be an asshole than to be an idiot."

His voice doesn't carry any malice, yet the words feel like a slap in the face to you. It leaves you scrambling for a response, opening your mouth only to close it a second later. Until you decide to merely respond with a nervous chuckle. Sure, you thought his response showed his ego, but you had to admit. He got you. He faces you once more at the sound of your light chuckle, green eyes meeting yours completely. "I guess you're right."

You catch the corners of his mouth turning upwards.

"If it means that much to you, I will greet you next time."

━━━━

And he does. Greet you that is. You find yourself talking to him more and more. Sitting in the break room with him at lunch, looking over his shoulder at the crossword puzzle he works on at his desk and giving your best shot at an answer, relishing in the furrow of his brows as he turns to look over his shoulder at you. He's an asshole. He's arrogant. But there's something about him that's drawing you in. Sometimes you feel like a fish caught in a net. All those moments he'd brushed you off and yet you find yourself repeating the little quirks of his soft smiles in your head. You hate the term "work husband", but it seems that Edward is slowly becoming the very definition of that.

You don't speak outside of the office, but you find yourself gravitating towards him when you're stressed. You tell him about your landlord and the reason you had gotten so defensive with him. He understood.

"It's a cesspool here. None of these people actually care about people like us, not the landlords, not our coworkers, certainly not the politicians." He had said in that moment.

As October rolls around and the leaves begin to fall, you find yourself beginning to bring two coffees to work, one for you, one for him. He always shows an appreciative nod. But the moment you start to think about asking him to actually go out with you for coffee is like being the fish pulled out of the water and accepting it's inevitable fate. You were gonna let him drive you insane.

You're sure of it as you are caught up in the nerves and find yourself softly grabbing his hand to stop him outside the front doors of the office. You quickly pull your hand from his. no doubt blushed a deep red. But he just stares, waiting for you to speak. You clear your throat. "I- um- Sorry, I was just gonna see if you had plans now." And it pains you the way he doesn't speak, just continues to stare.

"There's a diner on the corner near here. I think they have decent pie."

He loosens the tension in his shoulders and looks down. "Oh. I'm actually sort of drowning in... paperwork right now." He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable. God, you hoped you hadn't made him uncomfortable. "I'm sorry."

You quickly shake your head and let out a breathy laugh. "Oh no! It's totally fine, I probably have paperwork to finish too." You hope it hides the pang you feel in your chest. "I'll see you tomorrow." You swiftly turn and walk away before he can respond.

━━━━

But you wouldn't see Edward tomorrow. Matter of fact you wouldn't see him for the next three days after Halloween. You try not to let it bother you.

It's the beginning of a cold November, he's probably just sick or desperately needed a vacation. Or perhaps you'd seriously fucked it all up and he couldn't even stand the sight of you. You can't stop the deep sigh that comes from you as you rest your forehead in the palm of your hand. Embarrassingly, you ask Zach if he's heard from Edward. Not that you expected him to be particularly helpful. "Are you guys, like, fucking?" You are stunned and stammering your words. "Wha- No! No. I just worry about him."

"Look, I wouldn't worry about him too much, I mean the guy's basically a fucking recluse. When do you ever see him outside of here? Maybe it's good that he's somewhere besides here."

Still, there's no chance of you actually focusing on work and you find yourself aimlessly scrolling through news headlines, before one in particular catches your eye.

'Mayoral Incumbent Donald Mitchell, Jr. Murdered in his Home on Halloween Night.'

Holy shit.

━━━━

Edward is back at work after three long days, and despite your worry of his annoyance and anger, he is oddly elated.

It's the first time he approaches your desk. Leaning against it, coffee cup in hand, and flashing an awkward smile before asking, "So did I miss anything?" It leaves you a little taken aback, but it's a relief to see him approach you willingly after your last conversation.

"Um yeah, Zach was a total prick as usual- Oh! And our mayor was murdered."

He raises an eyebrow and takes a sip from the coffee cup. You feign annoyance, "No but seriously where were you? I started to wonder if that psychopath got you too."

He smiles. "Just sick. November weather and all."

━━━━

The first time you see the green mask you are in a huddle of coworkers around a computer screen.

'Police Commissioner, Pete Savage, Murdered. Killer Leaves Shocking Confession.'

"My God. What a sick freak." Zach interjects.

You can barely stand to watch. The video is hardly graphic aside from the disturbing voice of the masked man, but the implications of what happens when the video cuts off leaves your stomach turning. You walk away. Desperate for some space, but also desperate for a distraction. Edward sits straight in his office chair across the room. You hesitate slightly before striding toward his desk and leaning your weight against it. You can feel the sweat beading at your forehead as you lightly brush hair from your eyes. "Shit."

It's merely a whisper to yourself, but he turns his head to face you. For once his face shows concern towards you. Yet he still says nothing, only looks. Observant as always.

"Sorry. I needed to get out of that." You gesture towards the group of coworkers still huddled and murmuring among each other. He glanced back, before turning back towards his work. "The news?" He inquires quietly.

"Yeah. It's a little too much for me to stomach." There's a little pause as if he is hesitant to say anything before finally replying, "They were pricks. Don't you think they kind of deserved it?"

You straighten up, looking at him with shock. "I think they were still people with families." He frowns at you before you finally walk away from his desk to make your way to the restroom. You needed to get a grip.

━━━━

Edward apologizes for his insensitivity after work. You had stayed with him outside of the building long after all of your other coworkers had left. "It's fine." You refuse to look at him as he lights a cigarette and gets in a few quick puffs. You're being mean. But if you're honest the combination of his rejection and his comment earlier in the day had set you off. "And I'm sorry for last week." Only then you look up at him.

"I've had a lot going on, and it feels a little unfair to bring you into all of that."

"This feels like an excuse to let me down easy. It's okay if you just don't want to go on a date-"

The feeling of chapped lips on your own stops you mid sentence. He tastes of coffee and cigarettes and you crave more, but he pulls back quickly. His free hand remains at your cheek, holding your face in a gentle caress. "It's not an excuse. Things are just complicated for me right now." His eyes never leave your face. It's the best look you've gotten of them. Of him. His features are gentle behind shaggy hair and acetate glasses.

Something feels wrong and eerie in the back of your mind. Like seeing him this close gave you a sickening feeling of deja vu. Things were definitely complicated. The bags under his eyes were showing his exhaustion well, he had gone from elated to unwell since his return. He seems like a broken man, but he'd never let you close enough to find out why. You can't help but feel the connection, like he deserved a shot even if he didn't want it. Even if he thought he was smarter. Even if there's a side to him that could hurt you. You push down your feelings of uneasiness.

You press a chaste kiss to the corner of his lips.

"When you're ready."

━━━━

You're awake nearly all night the next weekend. Spending the entire time digging through news about the figure known as The Riddler, his possible next targets, possible identities, and most importantly all of the video footage he'd put out in the last few weeks. It's certainly not healthy. You generally steer clear of these sorts of things. Years of therapy had gotten you far and you would rather not ruin it by desensitizing yourself. But you can't help it. You find yourself going deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole until you find yourself tuning into his streams late at night.

He speaks with such a confidence in himself. As if he has all of the answers, and is just waiting to enlighten the world. His followers are even more terrifying. They'd do anything for him. You wonder how low a person must be in life to resort to this sort of behavior. But, you're not a psychiatrist. Who are you to speak on these people. These strangers.

"We are going to cleanse this cesspool of city."

You slam the laptop shut.

Sleeping isn't easy after this sort of activity. You should've known. You turn on a show you don't actually care about to give yourself some sense of security in background noise. And soon you find yourself drifting asleep. It's not great sleep. You can sense yourself tossing and turning, but you can deal with it. Everything is fuzzy until you find yourself on your back.

Paralyzed.

It's not uncommon for you to experience sleep paralysis, but you've experienced it less after your time in therapy. You try to keep your breathing steady, trying to convince yourself that whatever you see is merely a hallucination.

Shh. Shh. Just breathe.

But the figure that appears is familiar. That's what scares you the most. The green coat and mask is horrifying as it inches towards the bed, and you can't scream. you can't move away. You can only watch the blood drip from his gloved fingertips onto your floor as he stares. Tilting his head at you slightly, as he brings a hand up to his head. You can hear your heart pounding and you are practically internally begging yourself to wake up. The latches on his mask pop open and you're horrified to find that the face underneath is so familiar. A slight smirk on lips you have kissed before. Blood dripping from a hand that you've held before. You try to scream. Tears falling down your temples until he is suddenly gone and you shoot up in your bed.

You can't hold back the cry that escapes your throat. It wasn't real, he's gone, and you're safe in your room.

━━━━

Until suddenly the safety of your room begins to feel a lot less safe. You hear it. The creaking of the floorboards at night, the slight tapping against the glass of your bedroom window. The slight squeak of leather rubbing and rustling together. You're too scared to open your eyes those first few nights. You'd rather be blind and take your fate than die in paralyzing fear.

But you know it's him.

It was never unclear what was staring at you in the night. Maybe the nightmares of the leather gloves touching your skin hadn't been nightmares at all. You want so badly to be sickened. To run into your bathroom to empty your stomach out of panic and fear. Instead you feel a strange mixture of annoyance and arousal in your gut.

He thinks he's smarter than you.

You find yourself playing into his games.Attempting to one up him. To show him you aren't scared of him. That you can keep up. You begin to deliberately change in front of your window. Letting lacy fabric hit the cold floor and standing just a tad longer, stalling before covering yourself back up.

You hope he's watching when you peel off your work tights. You hope he's imagining himself on his knees tearing the delicate fabric from your form, only to be blocked by a thin pane of glass. You wanted the upper hand.

You hope he's watching as you sink two fingers into yourself, thinking about crisp, white button ups and clear framed glasses.

━━━━

The next few weeks are tense at work. You heard the news of what happened to Gil Colson at Don Mitchell's funeral. Edward would walk in everyday, and attempt to greet you, only this time it's you who is short. You have a little hope that he can't see straight through you. But you can see it in the way that he looks at you that you're an open book. Who's to say that he won't just watch, but actually kill you to keep you from talking. But deep down you both know your lips are shut tight.

So you work through the days, just ready to get home. You can hardly stand to look at him. It makes you feel like you're an accomplice. A sitting duck for a man who probably doesn't even care about you, withholding a tip to the police because deep down you really do like him. And you had hoped he liked you too until things got complicated. Now you think it would just be best if he abandoned you right where you were. But he doesn't. In fact, he suddenly has more courage than you'd ever seen from him. It's evident as he catches you by your arm and pulls you into the alleyway beside the office after work is over. It's dark and you'd be lying if you said you weren't scared, but he kisses you like nothing is wrong. Like he has no clue. Like nothing has changed.

You pull away from him, wide eyes staring back at him. "Are you okay?" He asks quietly as he brushes a hand up your arm. You can't help the break in your voice. "I know, Edward."

He just stands and stares. "What?" You take two steps back. "You're killing people." He continues to stare. He drops his hand from your arm. The silence scares you more than anything. But he simply sighs.

"I think you should go home and get some rest."

And before you can argue he walks away with a quickened pace.

━━━━

So you do. You return to your shitty apartment and try to compose yourself. What would he do now that you said that? Maybe you were wrong. Maybe you had accused him of something he genuinely didn't do. But it didn't feel wrong. You sigh as the hot water hits your back. You had hoped a shower would help you feel refreshed, but for the first time in a while, it feels like a chore. You can't enjoy it, so you rush through it. As you step into your bedroom you stop in your tracks. The window is slightly ajar, a cool draft flowing in tingles your bare legs. And then you see him. The figure in the darkness of your room. This time you're not dreaming.

He's in your room. You're paralyzed. The position you swore you'd never let yourself be put in. He's got the upper hand.

He just stands there. A part of you wishes he would attack you. Kill you. Anything just to break the still silence. You realize you're shaking. You agreed to play his game and now you're trailing his lead, allowing yourself to be beaten.

"Edward."

It comes out as a shaky whisper, but he visibly takes it in as he steps toward you to close the distance. You can see his eyes crinkle at the corners through the green mask. He's smiling. And he reaches a gloved hand to your face, cupping one cheek. You can feel the warmth radiating from his hand even through the glove. So, he is human. The Riddler has a beating heart and flowing blood. He is not a cold, lifeless monster. His stoic frame you had become so familiar with at work was gone. He catches a tear from your cheek with his thumb.

He is terrifying.

"No more through the window. I'll be gone soon."

Before you can entirely comprehend the statement and it's implications, your brain forms the word that leaves your mouth. "Gone?"

He simply smiles again, this time reaching his hands behind his head to abandon the mask he had come in with, and there he is. Cherubic features glowing under the street lamp light that flows in from your window. "I watched you live for a month. I watched you eat, sleep, undress, touch yourself. But you knew that right? Otherwise you wouldn't have put on such a show."

You attempt to struggle away from his grasp in disgust at his words but he holds you tight in front of him. "But that's alright. I'll tell you the truth because I hate liars. I liked knowing that you were doing it all for me. I wanted nothing more than to cleanse Gotham, to give them true salvation, but you put a dent into that plan. You became a distraction that I foolishly indulged." The soft light is hitting his features just right. He looks like an angel in devils' clothing. And his tight grip is right back to a gentle caress. His hand reaches the small of your back and you're sucking in a shrill breath.

His kiss is soft, inexperienced. Much like the other times you had kissed. But he is treating you like glass that might break. You think it might be the first time you've seen him relax enough to be seen as a particularly gentle being. He's ditched his looming, arrogant behavior you're so used to just to show you his utmost affection. It's the first time you have seen him like this since the first time you had kissed.

But some part of you is burning. He's not your prince charming. You know exactly what he is capable of, you've seen it. You're not glass. You're not a damsel. This is a man who has watched you undress for him through your window for weeks. This is a man who has killed. And it shouldn't bring heat into your core the way it does. Perhaps it's the thrill of the danger.

You kiss him so hard that your teeth clash. It stuns him as his hand lifts from your body momentarily before finding purchase at your hips. He's inexperienced, but the desperation coming from both of you is enough to cover it up.

The warmth and weight of his tongue in your mouth is intoxicating. The little sparks of guilt and shame that flash in your stomach are quickly subdued by his nimble fingers caressing under your nightgown and up your thighs to hook in the waistband of your panties. You can't help the pathetic moan that escaped your mouth as he slowly drags the fabric down your legs.

"I wanted to do it right. Wanted to take you to that diner, buy your food, take you home, and act like I hadn't thought about fucking you into your mattress every single night."

It's almost strange to see him on his knees. He has built himself up to be godlike. You were sure he wouldn't mind you on your knees in front of him. Absolutely worshipping him. The warmth of his tongue swiping over you has your thoughts lurching, and yes, god, he is divine.

"But it would be wrong to pretend to be someone I am not. I'm not a liar."

You can't help but tangle your fingers into his beautifully unkept hair and pull. He is ravishing you. Sinking two fingers into you until you feel the heavenly curl right into the spot that makes you whimper. "Eddie-" He swallows your moans in a desperate openmouthed kiss. His fingers are working you open, you can feel tightness build in your stomach. Like a rubber band ready to snap. But it's ripped away from you as he pulls his fingers out of you and swiftly pushes you to the bed. The sounds of his belt buckle coming undone has your heart racing faster than it already was, your stomach fluttering.

He buries himself inside of you with no hesitation, no time to adjust. It hurts and his inexperience is noticeable, but the look of bliss on his face and his slight whimpers has you ready to cum before you've even started.

You're gripping onto the back of the green leather parka, reminding yourself of who you're with. Who you're letting fuck you right now. But those green eyes bring you back to all those times he'd flash a slight smile your way in the office. He'd try to hide it but you're the only person he showed fondness towards in that hell hole of a workplace. Thinking back to the night he had kissed you has tears welling up in your eyes again. He notices.

He slows his pace momentarily, letting his short thrusts turn into long drags. A gloved hand wipes tears away once again and you meet his concerned gaze.

"Does this not make you happy?"

Your hands move to cradle his face. A move that he's certainly not used to as his thrust halt for a moment in surprise. "I am happy. But what comes after this? Am I supposed to ignore you and pretend I know nothing about you? That I feel nothing for you?" He stops his movements completely now. The room has fallen silent apart from the heavy breathing between you two.

"I have to mean nothing to you. Momentarily."

You knew the answer before you asked the question, but it hurts just as bad anyway. You don't take your eyes off his. The Riddler's facade is cracking before your eyes, you can see his eyes becoming glossy. It's almost like he's turned into a completely different person. He kisses you. Deeply, but not rough. There's so much pent up feeling behind it, you could sob even harder. But you don't and he keeps kissing you as he resumes his movements.

You're not using any protection, but you're too blissed out to care. You crave that feeling of warmth. "Eddie- I-"

His hips start to stutter as he cuts you off and buries his face in your neck. " I love you- please God- just say it back to me. Tell me you love me." You hold his face in your hands guiding his gaze to meet yours again. "Edward, I love you."

That's all it takes for him to fall apart. His whimpers and cries are like music to your ears and the feeling of warmth as he releases everything he has into you is blissful. You both have to take a second to recover, foreheads pressed together. But eventually he rolls off of you carefully and tucks himself back into his pants. The silence is deafening. You said it to push him over the edge, but was it true that you loved him? The idea of falling in love with Edward was easy in your mind, in a perfect world the idea of settling down somewhere else and waking up next to him felt good. But this wasn't a perfect world. Edward killed people, powerful people, and the chance that he'd get away without paying for it was slim.

"I'm gonna turn myself in in a couple of days."

"Okay."

"You should leave Gotham. It's not going to be safe for you here. If the cops ask you're visiting a friend in Bludhaven."

His hand grips yours as he looks at you.

"I promise if I ever get out, I'll find you."

━━━━

You do as he asked of you. Got a hotel in Bludhaven and in the next couple of nights you watched the television endlessly, waiting to see his face. The night you finally did, you cried yourself to sleep, gripping the hotel sheets as you buried your face into your pillow.

But you held yourself together and did as Edward asked.

When the man in the bat suit showed up at your hotel door a week after the flood you give your best answers.

"I'm visiting a friend, but the flood has kept me in town."

"No, I didn't know him well, we just worked together."

"I mean he was a little strange, but I never thought he would murder someone."

“I would never have expected it to be him.”

"I hope he gets the help he needs."

#edward nashton #dano!riddler #dano riddler #paul dano riddler #edward nashton x reader #edward nashton x you #dano!riddler x reader #paul dano #danonation #the batman #edward nashton smut #edward nashton fluff #edward nashton ily forever -abram #gonna log off for the night to keep my nerves down i think

935 notes · View notes

astrok1dz · 7 months

Note

❤️ Glad you’re back! ❤️

I can’t remember your request guidelines rn so I’m gonna play it safe. Coddling and complimenting Eddie? 👀

RRRAHHHH THAT WAS QUICK!!!!!!! ALR, YES. Eddie needs to be spoiled and just. so much attention. I am very much willing to give that to him. that being said

cw: Eddie being traumatized (duh), a bit of angst, a dash of relationship issues, dw they fix it, happy ending, fluff

Never Too Much

-----

okay so bc of Eddie's past, we know he most probably has a lot of trouble getting into relationships, let alone romantic ones.

so when he met you, and obsessed over you, of course, he felt so lucky he could even breathe the same air as you

but nothing good ever lasts for him, everything is ripped away from him by this god forsaken city. he tries not to get too attached (and fails miserably) so he's shy for longer than he should be.

he's just trying to be prepared for when you'll leave him.

he's absolutely surprised when you don't

he doesn't say anything, of course, but he's just utterly confused

how? how didn't you leave him? all this city had taught him was how he wasn't good enough, how he was different, and how different people, people like him, don't get anything nice. don't deserve anything nice.

you notice this. you always do. it's not hard to tell when he's overthinking. he'll stop and take deep breaths or immerse himself in puzzles, but you're working on communication

you decide to start coddling Edward. to spoil him a little bit.

it doesn't even have to be something big, he'll be grateful for whatever you give him, although he doesn't quite know how to tell you or thank you properly

Eddie hadn't been your Eddie for the last two weeks or so, consumed with work and his plans to cleanse the city. He hadn't had the energy to be quite romantic or intimate lately, so things had been a little colder than usual. It hurt. Did he not love you?

One day you realized your mistake. Eddie? Your Eddie worshipped you. Sure, he could have his bad moments and want some time to himself, but after all the neglect and abuse he'd lived, he probably wanted to be coddled. He just was too embarrassed to ask you to do it. No wonder things had been like this. It was your turn to take the lead.

Now you knew, and you decided to take matters into your own hands. For the last couple of weeks you had been thinking of little ways to make him feel better, and today would finally be the day when you unleashed them all onto little unsuspecting Edward.

You hear the creak and slam of the door to your apartment. In comes Edward's tumbling silhouette, shuffling around to plop down on the couch next to you. Your sweet boy, all tired from work, all tired from this city. He always was.

"Eddie! Oh honey I missed you so much...", you coo, and his heart melts, because although he knows you adore him, he's used to having his absence not quite matter.

He's silent as he shuffles a little closer to you, and you immediately receive him with open arms and an inviting hug.

"Tough day?", you ask, and he nods. You do as well, and hold his shoulders.

"I got a little surprise for you, c'mon, follow me", you tell him. He looks at you, eyebrows knitted in confusion. You help him get up and slowly peel off his jacket, take his hand, and lead him to your bathroom.

He doesn't even get to see what it is before a sweet aroma invades his nostrils. Your tiny bathroom, adorned with scented candles, bubbles and rose petals floating on your tiny tub (if you could call it that).

What?

He looks at you, confused. Why would you do this? Why you, such an angelic being, the antithesis of this dirty city, do this for him, a broken man?

"I- you didn't-", he starts.

"I didn't have to, I know. But you've been so stressed lately and I wanted to help you relax...", you explain kindly. You start shredding your clothes, ready to enter the tub with him. You extend your hand to him, and he feels as if he's being dragged to the pearly gates of heaven.

"Besides, I've been missing you so much... I wanted you all to myself a lil' bit...", you say, and ignore the sting in your eyes. You really did miss him so so much...

"You can have me all to yourself whenever you want (Y/n)...", he stutters out, feeling guilty.

"Oh...", you let out. There he was, so kind, so sweet to you, so unapologetically yours.

"Well, in that case...", you say, almost seductively, but cover up a little once again when you remember your appearance. You were so busy planning this whole thing for today, you hadn't even shaved, you hadn't taken care of yourself. It felt overwhelming. What if your appearance ruined this whole things for him?

"Shit- I didn't- I forgot to- Sorry-"

He stares at you, but his eyes sparkle and his round face is flushed as if this was the first time he's ever seen you (which you both know is not the case).

"You know I don't care about those things. I want to see you...", he says, taking your hand. He looks at you, eyes full of adoration. His hands make their way to your waist and caress it gently, bringing you closer. He leaves a chaste kiss on your lips.

A few happy tears escape your eyes. There he was, the Eddie you've been missing. You help him undress, hands sliding lovingly over every inch of skin you know he's not fond of. Eddie. Your Eddie, so soft and round and most of all, so gentle.

You both get in the tub, cuddled up together. You don't even need to say a word. You both occasionally ask each other questions regarding doubts or insecurities, and reassure each other. When you're both satisfied with each other's answers you share the silence, snuggled up.

"You're so pretty, Eddie... my baby..."

He shivers, and you keep going.

"I love you, Eddie. You're kind and so so sweet. You deserve this, Eddie"

You notice by the way he shakes that now it's his turn to cry, happy cry, of course.

"My baby, you're so strong... You're safe here, you're okay. I love you Eddie, I'll never leave you". You coo.

He sobs, feeling free to break down in your presence. You kiss his tears away.

"Th-Thank you... you're too good to me... you do too much...", he hiccups.

"Oh, but don't you get it, Eddie? It's never too much", you reply, and for the first time, he begins to believe it.

#oneshot #dano riddler #dano!riddler #danonation #edward nashton #paul dano #paul dano riddler #the batman riddler #the riddler fanfiction #riddler x reader fluff #riddler x reader #riddler 2022 #the riddler x reader #the riddler 2022 #edward nashton x you #edward nashton x reader

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the-riddlers-glasses · 1 month

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Fluff Headcanons Where Riddler(Or Should i Say Riddly,Kinda Cringe Nickname, Right? Anyways Riddler with Chubby!Afab!Reader? Please?

Riddler/Edward Nashton w Chubby!Afab!Reader Fluff Headcannons

- He’s obsessed with your entire body. Anything you’re insecure about, you can guarantee he’s obsessed with

- He loves massaging your thighs, and resting his head on them - super comfy

- He loves rubbing your stomach and peppering kisses all over it

- His favourite cuddling position is resting his head on your stomach/thighs and being engulfed by the warmth

- He’ll take chance he gets to compliment your curves and chub

- He loves when you wear things that show off your body

- Finding ways to make you feel confident and powerful in your own skin is a priority

- He admires you and your body in a gentle way that no one else could

- He thinks it’s cute when you wear his clothes and they’re tight/don’t fit due to your chubbiness

- He thinks you’re the most beautiful girl in the whole world

- All in all, he loves every inch of you

- Riddly loves you for you

Let me know if there’s anything I should add, I think this is a really cute prompt <3

#edward nashton #paul dano #the batman #the riddler #dano!riddler #danonation #edward nashton x reader #the riddler x reader #dano!riddler x reader #edward nashton fluff #dano!riddler fluff

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a-noodle-doodle · 2 months

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you should draw riddler and boomerang smooching, and or watching a horror movie and one of them is terrified and clinging to the other one, idk who would be who so I’m letting you decide:33

Oh Eddie spends too much time criticizing the impossible traps and stupid actions of the characters to get scared, but Boomer...

And some smooches :))

#batman #captain boomerang #arkham riddler #edward nygma #kill the justice league #dc #drawing #riddlerang #riddler x boomerang #riddler #art #digger harkness #suicide squad #ssktjl #sillies #fluff #asks #the flash #arkhamverse

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confused-wanderer · 1 year

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Do - do you think that Damian uses his pets to his advantage?

Like for standing guard the goons immediately call it quits when they see a cow with a bat mask with a katana in its mouth and poisonous horseshoes modified to fit its hooves?

Or when at 3 am Two Face tried to break into the Wayne Manor just to see a sea of glinting eyes in the dark that all growled and were focused solely on him? Harvey spent five hours trying to get the coin to land on its other side so he could call it quits.

Or the time the riddler met Alfred the Cat? No you don’t get to ask why he has third degree burns, lingering PTSD when he hears meowing or what happened between them.

But more so, when it comes to assessing his family’s mental health state as well.

Ace was a very smart boy, but unfortunately too obvious to the rest. So who alerts him to the most emotionally unstable person? Alfred the Cat.

If you have a dog come to you, it’s nothing special. But if a cat sits on you, would you move? Would you not absolutely gloat about it in front of your other siblings? Exactly. The fools monitor themselves by revealing with whom the cat stayed with most.

Watching Jason while he’s reading? Par for the course, Todd’s doing okay. Meowing aggressively at Tim while he does recon work? A normal behaviour for anyone unfortunate enough to encounter Drake.

But when Alfred finds someone not doing so well, he simply curls up on their lap. Easiest way to get them to sit still, have something to hold on to, acts like a weighed blanket, and gets the message to Damian. Ace and bat cow, along with his other pets, all act as intermediaries then to signal to Damian. They’re all an efficient team. Damian’s very proud of that.

So when Dick comes over to visit, and the moment he enters the cat launched itself at him and then refuses to get up, say no more Wally’s on his way.

Hanging onto Jason like glue (which Jason doesn’t mind he just makes sure the cat is sade and comfortable on his shoulder before continuing his work) somehow his favourite theatre performance is scheduled for that evening.

Nestling in Tim’s hair? Gee why are superboy, Kid flash and the rest of the the titans there? Better have some fun together then anyway, take Drake away I don’t care where or for how long.

The only other person aware of Alfred’s shenanigans is none other than the butler himself. He’s very pleased to see it happening and always rewards the cat well afterwards.

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always-andromeda · 1 year

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i just wanna cuddle with edward nashton 🥺

– 𝐂𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: oh, me too, anon. in fact. this sent me on a little brainstorming session! you probably totally didn't expect a headcanons list from this but lmao I always have to go overboard so enjooooy. <3

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: vague mentions of Edward's trauma, tooth-rotting fluff, nothing else I can think of!

Physical affection is foreign to Edward. He craves it more than anything else; desires to be known so deeply that when you finally try to give him just that, it freezes him up almost entirely.

It starts innocently enough.

You're watching television with him, only partially paying attention to the game show. It's far more engaging to watch Edward watch the show anyways.

His expression quirks every so slightly with each question. Head tilted, you can tell that he's deep in contemplation. Completely fixated on the screen. Barely blinking.

And you're so lost that you lean into him. You keep telling yourself that it's unintentional as your head rests carefully on his shoulder.

Edward almost doesn't notice you at first. It isn't until your arms curl around his soft midsection that he realizes how close you'd gotten.

He lets out a nearly inaudible, "Oh," as you snuggle into his side. Brain going blank, he stays still for a few seconds.

He's struck by the warmth of your body. How your hands caress him over the fabric of his shirt. He feels each one of your fingers gently pressing into his skin. In that way, you play with the ripped seams of his soul. Your softness has a way of untangling the frayed threads, leaving them open to being weaved into some new design.

There are a few things he does when he finally comes back to his body. He closes his eyes and hopes that the moment etches itself on the back of his eyelids. Then his lean arms offer their own form of kindness as he awkwardly pulls you closer, almost into his lap.

Like a decades old couch in your grandmother's living room, you sink into Edward's body and he groans softly as he lets part of your weight anchor him to the earth.

A chuckle from deep in your throat escapes you. "Mmm, you're comfortable."

You mean I'm not repulsive? Edward wants to ask. But he doesn't.

He tries not to let that worried little voice take form in his head, but his own voice still cracks when he says, "Thank you." To which you laugh one more time.

Edward can be so terribly nervous sometimes over the most normal things. Your amusement quickly turns once you remember that it's probably because of his past; probably because he hadn't really known this simple, sweet sort of solitude. But you flip that thought again and resolve, then I'll make this normal for him.

At nearly the same time, Edward determines that he likes this. He likes the way that even among all of the chaos and darkness, he can have this equilibrium. As he kisses the top of your head tenderly he remembers that this moment belongs to him and him alone.

#askmeda✨#anon ask✨#paul dano #danocel #danonation #the batman #edward nashton #dano!riddler #edward nashton x reader #edward nashton x y/n #edward nashton x you #edward nashton fluff #dano!riddler x reader #dano!riddler x you #dano!riddler x y/n #dano!riddler fluff #˚ʚ meda writes ɞ˚

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babyyoda234 · 4 months

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Cobblepot's Cabana

Summary: Working for Oswald Cobblepot has its perks. Mr. Cobblepot always gives out Christmas and summer bonuses, you get excellent health insurance... However, working at a pool owned by one of Batman rogues can put you at odds with the Caped Crusader himself. One day, the Riddler and Killer Croc team up to defeat Batman. This team endeavor doesn't work out the way they expected.

Lifeguard POV:

There wasn’t any mention of how to handle situations like this during the certification. Teenage boys doing back flips into the shallow end? Yes. Nose bleeds? Of course. Clocking into work to find the Gotham knight fighting not one, but two of his rogues on the pool deck? Absolutely not. Nothing could have prepared me to witness the all out brawl that was occurring during my shift. Or the fact that Killer Croc’s tail defensively slapped the Riddler, Batman, and Robin into the pool. Tyler hands me the lifeguard tube with a sly smile.

“Good luck with that. I’m going to go pee.”

If I wasn’t so concerned for the teenage vigilante getting his face pushed underwater by a crocodile, that would have been incredibly annoying.

Staring at the drowning quartet, I am faced with a dilemma.

Do I get paid enough for this? (No)

Would interrupting the feud end with my imminent death? (Probably)

Poor Eddie Nygma flails desperately against the waves made by Killer Croc and Batman wrestling. For such an intelligent guy, one would have assumed he would at least know how to doggy paddle... One would be wrong. Every time the man, known to the rest of the world as the Riddler, touches the water... He sinks. It's honestly impressive how quickly he can reach the bottom of the pool. His panicked green eyes cause my heart to swell.

Dammit... Fine.

Within moments, I plunge into the icy water. Of course today of all days Cobblepot would turn the temperature down for dramatic effect. Fighting against Killer Croc's waves, I lunge for Eddie first. Avoiding his panicked limbs, I shove the buoy flush against his chest. Eddie clings onto the life preserver with a grateful gaze as I meet a face full of salt water.

My eyes burn from the impact. Resurfacing a few feet away, the vigilante/ crocodilian brawl somehow managed to turn on the manual waves. I watch in disbelief as Eddie gets pulled in their direction. His feverishly pale skin and blue lips chill me to my core.

"Oh.. No you don't!" I gasp struggling against the current. Another wave pushes me under. Stay calm. You've done this before. Opening my eyes, my heart stops when I register what I am face to face with.

Void like black eyes stare emotionless in my direction. With skin so grey and smooth, I'm almost tempted to run my hand across. However, the hundreds of sharp teeth keep me at bay. There's a shark in the pool, King Shark, to be exact... and he's not happy about the wrestling match going on above. Typical Gotham. Funny enough, I checked the attendance log this morning. Nanaue canceled his membership months ago, but that's none of my business.

From the corner of my eye, I vaguely make out the faint outline of the drowning boy wonder. The kid’s head is above water for now, but the heavy plated Robin suit cannot be easy to swim in.

Sometimes, King Shark confuses the lifeguards for poolside snacks. Easy mistake really. Cobblepot had warned us previously of the last guard who got eaten. Unzipping my fanny pack, I fumble for my saving grace: a small tuna packet from my morning lunch. Offering it to the shark, I await his response. That must have been the right move because a smile emerges with hundreds of teeth barring all at once.

Pressure and panic spreads throughout my body from the lack of oxygen. Crawling to the surface, my lungs gasp for air while I assess the current situation. Eddie's conscious, yet even with the raft his lips are still tinged with blue from his underwater adventure. Robin's fighting with less vigor than before. He doesn't have much time. Killer Croc is in his element. And Batman? Well, like any Florida man wrestling with their local wildlife: he's doing his best. His sluggish movements are showing how much the cape and his weaponry are weighing him down.

Considering my options, I make the dumbest split second decision of my life: I ask for help. Diving under the oncoming waves, I gesture towards King Shark with as much pleading as I can muster. I don't speak Shark, but I motion to my fanny back to insinuate their would be more fish ahead. Nananue slowly nods his head before circling the water around me.

For a second, I think my life is over. Maybe my parents were right to throw a fit when I announced my acceptance into Gotham U. I'm sure Metropolis Lifeguards’ don't have to make bargains with their local trespassing aquatic life.

To my relief, King Shark doesn't bite my head off. With an impatient shimmy, he waits for me to hold on. I shrug before crawling on his back. We cut through the waves with such ease that I find myself in awe of the cartilaginous fish. If I swam like that, I would bum off Oswald Cobblepot too. The Riddler and his life raft tug loosely behind due to the harness around my waist.

Checking my watch, I frown.

Tyler was supposed to take me off stand ten minutes ago. That bastard. From the empty pool deck, I bet he left work early again... for the 3rd time this week.

Speeding past the giant iceberg in the center of the pool, King Shark reluctantly slows down once we near the frail looking teenager. Before I can hoist the kid up, Nananue eyes the young boy with interest.

"Don't even think about it. If you eat Robin, I have to explain to Cobblepot how you've been staying here for months without paying for a membership."

With an exaggerated sigh, the Shark man allows me to hull the kid half way out of the water. Somehow, Robins mask managed to stay on during the kerfuffle. His wet black hair sticks to his forehead. He's got a pulse. He's breathing. Reaching the pool deck, Robin’s limp form is proving ridiculously lofty to move.

Across the pool deck, Batman somehow managed to tranquilize Killer Croc. His damp armor makes a hilarious ~squish~ noise with every step. Eddie sprawls on his back muttering something I assume to be riddle associated. Robin's starting to regain color.

Thank goodness, I didn't have to do CPR; I do not want to be the one responsible for breaking the Boy Wonders ribs.

One eye flutters open, then the other. The intensity of his blue eyes catches me off guard.

"Instead of saving my life," He rasps with a mischievous grin, "Can you save my phone number?"

Very original.

I briefly consider shoving him back into the pool. If I hadn't spent the last 20 minutes trying to save his life, I would have. Instead of responding, I make eye contact with his Guardian.

"I'm going to need to ask you two to leave." I elaborate gesturing to my watch, "The pool closes at 9."

#iceberg lounge #batfamily #lifeguard #gotham x reader #the riddler x reader #edward nygma x reader #killer croc #king shark #gotham rogues #robin x reader #gotham #oswald cobblepot #batfamily x reader #batfamily fluff

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imagine--if · 2 years

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how would soft!yan eddie react to the reader rejecting his advancements and confessions towards them because they have a fear of abandonment and it seems that every person the reader has ever cared for/loved always leaves them in the end and the reader will think it’ll happen with edward?

A/N: Just like this 😍 hope you enjoy!! As always, comment anywhere or dm me to be added to the taglissstt

Pairing: Dano!Riddler x reader (The Batman 2022)

Warnings: Obsessive loving Riddler, comforting fluff 💚

Words: 860

You look so still, so stunned, so... beautiful, to Edward. His arms encase your body as he rocks you affectionately, his face rubbing against yours as he smiles against your skin, pressing the occasional kiss on your cheeks and lips. All you can do is stare back at him with those big eyes, that could blink up at him and make him do whatever you want, but they're equally nervous, shy, like he first was.

"It's a lot to take in, I know," he mumbles in acknowledgement after chuckling at your expression of wonder. "Oh, my angel... you'll get used to it, just wait and see. It was always supposed to be this way."

Edward leans in closer to press his lips against yours in a more passionate kiss, his fingers tangling in your hair as he hums in bliss, and after a moment you kiss him back hesitantly. He seems to notice, because he pulls away, forest green eyes searching yours in concern behind his glasses.

"What's wrong, my love? Hmm?"

You shake your head as you try to come up with a response, and Edward waits patiently, not stopping his smothering affections, as if you've been together for months.

"I... I don't know," You mumble, and Edward rests his forehead against yours, staring straight at you in curiosity. "If this is a good idea, I mean."

"Is it because of The Riddler?" Edward shakes his head with a fond smile, bracing his hands on your shoulders. "Darling, we've been over this. You aren't going to get hurt, I'm not going to get hurt. Don't worry so much, okay? Trust me..."

"It's not because of The Riddler," You disagree, though that in itself was a pretty big shock. Still, you didn't really mind - the people who Eddie targeted deserve what they get - but if normal people get bored of their partners and throw them away, mad geniuses like Edward Nashton might throw you away in a much more literal sense.

"What then?" He encourages you gently, but you can see the growing worry and panic forming in his gaze, creeping into his tone. "You don't like me? You won't try to love me?"

"No, of course not that," You shake your head again, and Eddie relaxes slightly, his hands raising to cup your cheeks as he nods attentively. "It's just... people leave, Edward."

"Leave?" He repeats blankly. "What do you mean?"

"Everyone leaves eventually," You find yourself telling him, "and there's no point in trying to love someone, because when you do, that's when they're bored, and when they're bored, they abandon you, and-"

"Ssh, ssh, ssh, " Edward hushes you softly, pulling you into his lap properly as he cradles you, his head resting on your shoulder. "Sweetheart, are you telling me that everyone you've loved... have just left?"

You squeeze your eyes shut and nod smally, and you hear Eddie sigh sympathetically, hugging you tigher.

"It's not always just... dying," You can't help admit, letting yourself bury your face in the crook of his neck, and Edward shivers at the contact, closing his eyes with a slight smile. "They just go. And that's it."

"My poor, sweet baby," he coos, dipping his head to leave a trail of wet kisses on your neck, and you bite back a whimper at the feeling. "I understand, angel. But I'm not those people," Edward says, pulling away enough to look you in the eye. "Do you understand? I'll never, never leave you. Hah- how can I? I can't live without you!"

You blink at the sudden emotion filling his voice, and he squeezes your hands in his, eyes wide, barely restraining himself from overwhelming you with more hugs and kisses. But there's a spark of hope in your stare now, and he smiles eagerly at you.

"You can't?"

"Of course I can't," Edward breathes desperately. "You, my beauty, are my life. I'll do anything for you, truly. We have to stay together forever, or... it's just not right! We aren't meant to be separated, we're meant to be like this, because we were made for each other. I'm completely yours," he continues, letting go of one of your hands to stroke your cheek lovingly, "and all you need to be now is mine."

You take in his words in awe, watching as he slumps into your arms with a needy whine, nuzzling his head under your chin and hugging your waist. Edward can't be lying - he's practically absorbing you, breathing you in, drowning in everything that makes up you...

He really is in love.

"O- okay," You say with a small smile, and Edward immediately looks up at you in anticipation, "thanks, Eddie. I'll try, then."

"Yes!" He shrieks eagerly, attacking your face with kisses, and you squeal as his body traps yours underneath his, brown locks tickling your face as he peppers kisses over the bridge of your nose and your cheeks.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Edward almost moans in between kisses, and you can't help smiling properly, as he raises his head to stare down at you adoringly. "I'm going to love you, forever... just you wait and see..."

Taglist:

@katjourno @yoyoanaria @yaeyuuki @vinxlsketches @beenz-beenz @ghoulsgraveyard @birds-have-teeth @repostingmyfavs @r3ptiliaaa @for3v3rda1sy @glitterycheesecakegladiator @moonwritesblog @lilyevans1 @httpsunflowers @hxney-lemcn @confusedchildsstuff @phantomofthecathedral @sugahbabieexo @bokksieu @skateb0red @wilburrrsworld @philiasoul @darthcringe @felicityofbakerstreet @bloodypantomime @deadlights-darling @tianotfound @mortem-muse @ireadandream @tinyryder @kpopgirlbtssvt @truecobblepot @jessicainhell

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r1ddlessy · 2 years

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edward nashton with a hyper-feminine girlfriend

a/n:this is embarrassingly short

"eddie-bear!"

edward grunted softly when you threw yourself at him, wrapping your arms around his neck.

"hello, honey." he kissed your forehead sweetly and reciprocated the hug. "did you have a nice time while i was at work?" he pulled away to look you in the eyes as he asked.

"mhm!" you nodded happily, elated to be in his arms once more. "looked at magazines and stuff..." you absentmindedly rubbed his shoulders as you rambled on about your day, while edward's own hands trailed down to rub the fabric of the hem of your skirt between his fingers. eventually his hands brushed against your stockings and he pinched the fabric gently, watching it lightly snap back against your skin. he snapped back to attention when you grabbed his hands in yours. "do you like the skirt?it came today, i bought some other things..." you smiled sweetly at him and he almost felt his knees buckle.

no matter how long you were together for he'd always be in shock at the situation he was in. he can't believe the pretty girl in the diner actually wanted to be with him, despite the number of times you've confirmed it.

"i like all your clothes baby, especially these tops." his finger gently traced the lace edging on your vest. "you look like an angel..." he murmured softly and your face warmed. "my guardian angel." he smiled his shy smile and you couldn't help but lay a tiny kiss on the corner of his mouth, proud of the red lipstick mark it left.

" 'm not an angel, just a girly girl." you giggled and edward shook his head.

"you're my angel. do they do fashion shows in Heaven?"

"mhm, but the entry fee is a kiss i'm afraid." you frowned exaggeratedly and edward rolled his eyes amusedly. he pulled you in by your waist and kissed you slowly and sweetly.

"in that case, i can afford hundreds of entries."

#ramblings...to the batman!✍️#the riddler fluff #the riddler x reader #edward nashton x reader #edward nashton fluff

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mytownhasariddleroad · 2 years

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Sorry if I’m confusing anyone when I switch between “Edward” and “Eddie” for my posts! Love y’all and thank you for the support! Requests are open!

Edward with a Musician S/O!

He’ll love to listen to you singing or playing an instrument. You’re already an ethereal being to him but this helps cement that in his mind even more.

If you go do any sets at bars, clubs, etc, you already know he’s going to be there! He’d never miss any of your shows if he can help it!

Need help with lyrics? He’s your guy! Wether it’s rhyming, hypothetical questions, riddles and secrets, or even just a joke or two, he’s got it on lock. He’s got a smart mind with a lot of ideas that are always at your disposal.

He secretly wants to be serenaded.

If you like musicals, he’ll happily watch and sing along to every single one.

See an instrument you want in a store window? Consider it yours!

He’s the kind of guy to send a video or recording of your work in to a talent scout or show and do anything he can to make you win or get a shot at a career in music if you want one.

He loves you and he just wants you to succeed in something you love.

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devilfic · 5 months

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Could you write some fluffy headcanons about Edward Nashton when he was still in the orphanage? I just want little choir boy Eddie to get some affection

❝young!edward nashton headcanons❞

pairing: edward nashton x gn!reader. cw: none! words: 1.2k.

a/n: ngl, this one is a little difficult because almost all of edward's life in the orphanage was awful asfkaskfj but I'll try! this is more edward centric than x reader bc I wasn't sure if that's what you wanted. these headcanons jump around from childhood to when eddie is a teenager.

I like to think edward always had really severe bedhead which he would not take care of at all

the exception being if it was for mass, but this used to get him in trouble with the wardens a lot

until one year he just buzzed it all off bc he was sick of getting yelled at about it all the time.... except all the wardens were DEVASTATED

"your hair fit you so well :(((" "why would you do that? it looked really nice when you combed it"

the wardens were rarely ever nice to him so he was very taken aback by this

so he eventually let it grow out again and started. kinda taking pride in his hair?

there wasn't a lot he could do with what little the orphanage had to go around, but sometimes with the money he'd get from his delivery job, he'd buy some nice hair gel and do his hair really neat before leaving for the day. eventually he would get compliments about how nice and soft it was and sometimes pretty people at school would ask to touch it which used to send his little heart into OVERDRIVE

tried growing it down to his shoulders ONE time but he eventually had to invest in hair ties and that was just way too much work

I can't remember if his hobbies are ever mentioned in the before the batman novel but since paul dano is a movie buff in real life, I think it would be cute if eddie was too

when he would get some money, he'd cut class to go to matinee showings and have the time of his life

it was nice bc it was somewhere he could be alone for a few hours and he could always afford a little escapism

the nights where his mind was still fresh with a movie he'd seen earlier in the day were some of the easier ones

sometimes he'd lay up in bed replaying them over and over in his head until he conked out for the night

and sometimes, when the really young kids couldn't fall asleep at night, he'd recite the plot of the movies he saw as bedtime stories

the older kids are awful to him but the younger kids? they love his bedtime stories

(he also might've gotten reported to the wardens about cutting class to see movies but his grades are so good that if they call about him skipping out on a class every now and then, some of the teachers will just straight up lie for him)

(and I mean, he gets really good grades. as long as he passes his classes and isn't getting into anything bad, they couldn't care less)

ironically, his time as a choir boy made him want to join a rock band as a kid

edward probably had a cheap little cd player he kept close to his heart and a secret stash of cds hidden in one of the ceiling tiles in the boys' bathroom that he'd pull out when he was alone and just lose himself in the music

I also like to think he's a fan of math rock and midwest emo because why wouldn't he be

once he got too old to be a choir boy, he started taking lessons from the organist just so he could do something with his hands

but you know what he'd really love to play if he could? the bass

if he'd had the money (and the assurance no one would destroy it), he would've loved to get a bass and just shred on it all hours of the night

(I'd like to think older eddie puts some of that accountant money toward one and it's one of his prized possessions. he may not be the best at it, but he can play his favorite songs and that's much better than nearer my god to thee)

(he definitely sings under his breath too while he plays, partly because his neighbors would complain if he sang any louder and partly because he hasn't really gotten used to losing that choir boy voice)

(this is definitely inspired by the fact that paul is in a band btw)

very eloquent writer!! he used to write poems and songs as a kid that he'd run by his english teacher after class to get advice on

he's written a few secret admirer love letters to crushes over the years with that skill. he never had the guts to reveal he was the one behind them, but he preferred the reveals in his head where they at least could never go wrong

truth was, he'd slip in some riddles from time to time and it almost surely gave him away, but none of his crushes ever outed him on it and that was a small victory

used to take naps in church when he could get away with it but his snore would always give him away

(can you imagine that being why no one liked him. no edward, the orphanage kids didn't hate you because you liked riddles, they hated you because you snore too loud)

near insatiable sweet tooth which he carries into adulthood

teachers would sneak him bags of candy on his birthday that he'd guard with his LIFE so the other kids wouldn't steal any

the wardens would also have to save money on birthday cakes so sometimes all the kids born in a month would all share one cake, but sometimes one of the wardens would save him an extra slice without the other kids knowing if he helped her with her crossword puzzles or filing her taxes

if this takes place in the first snow universe, I'd also like to think that tween-age eddie would sneak out at night to come see you at your place

you'd wait for the tell-tale sign he was there—a small pebble at your window, followed by two more just to be clear, and then you'd rush downstairs to let him slip in through the backdoor

you'd share the leftovers from dinner in your room, laughing under the sheets as you shoot "would you rather"s at each other for as long as you have breath in your giggling little lungs

(you'd almost been caught a few times, and as eddie got older and as he eventually started climbing through your window when his legs got long enough, the rush of hiding under your bed while your father asked what all the noise was about would get him a little lightheaded)

sometimes you two would even lay in bed with the bedroom door locked (when you were old enough to get away with doing that), sharing your fears and worries and ambitions for the future

and you'd always fall asleep first

and he would just lay there, content, facing you, watching your smushed face in the pillow and your hand still half gripping at his wrist over something funny he'd said ten minutes earlier

he'd always tuck you back in tight and sneak out the back door bc he didn't want to leave the window open in the winter, and he surely didn't want to wake you to close it

your mother sometimes saw, but she never said a thing about it to you, and you and edward were both too confidently stupid and young to think you'd been caught

and if you noticed that she always made just a little too much extra at dinner these days... well, nothing really needed to be said about that

taglist: @yikes-buddy @alexxavicry @theclassicvinyldragon @marina-and-the-memes @angxlictexrs

#edward nashton x reader #edward nashton scenarios #edward nashton fic #edward nashton headcanons #edward nashton fluff #edward nashton #the riddler x reader #the riddler scenarios #the riddler fic #the riddler headcanons #dano!riddler #the batman x reader #the batman #dc #mjwrites

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