Chapter 4
A couple of weeks later ...
"Are you busy?" came the breathless question as Richard threw himself into the empty chair in Edward's cubicle.
Edward stared at him, a severely masticated pencil hung from his mouth as he looked up from the file he was reading. He took the pencil out of his mouth and took a moment before he replied with, "Never too busy for you, Ri. What's up?"
Noting that the teen seemed nervous, Ed took a sip of his coffee not knowing what was coming.
"I wanted to know if you'd go to a concert with me," Richard blurted out, causing Ed to choke in his shock.
'A concert!' Ed's mind sputtered. He hate tightly packed social situations. He was a loner by nature and preferred to keep it that way. The only other time he had been to a concert was to pick up the drunken male genetic donor ... his father.
"Jesus Eddie! Are you okay? I'm so sorry!" Richard apologized profusely as he hovered over the sputtering scientist.
Edward gave a feeble thumbs-up before going back to his regularly scheduled choking session. As he regained his composure again he sat up to his full height. "Yes, sorry about that I was just surprised. Luckily I kept from raining coffee all over my work."
Richard's nervousness was apparent as he took one of the many pens out of the coffee mug of a fracturing puzzle. He began clicking the pen rapidly, forgetting the fact that it was one of Ed's few pet peeves. Edward felt his eye twitch a little at the sound. "Um anyways, they're my favorite band and my friend gave me the tickets. Originally he was going to go with his girlfriend but she can't so-"
Edward placed a gentle and soothing hand on Richard's wrist to stop the incessant clicking. He gently took the pen from the teen's hands, and gently turned his hands over and looked at the marks on his hands. He made his expression unreadable so Richard wouldn't know he was thinking about their misadventure in the bank with Joker.
"Those are some ... interesting scars, Ri. Are they on both hands?" Eddie asked, voice gentle as he looked at the marks. "What happened? I've never seen anything like these before. They look painful, and pretty new."
"I uh...," Richard began. He cleared his throat to keep his voice from cracking. "After school job, I was fixing a piano and wasn't paying that good of attention I guess."
Eddie merely raised an eyebrow as he gently traced the uncomfortable-looking marks. He knew Richard was lying but wasn't about to call the young man on it. Especially if it revealed his own secret.
"So about the concert …" Richard tried to deflect the close examination by moving his hand out of the larger one. Ed tried to keep himself from unconsciously holding onto the hand in his own.
"Shouldn't you be going with one of your friends from school?" Edward asked, feeling guilt at wanting to go with Richard. He knew it wasn't a good idea but he couldn't keep himself from waning it.
"I want you to go with me," Richard replied stubbornly.
"You know how I feel about things like this," Eddie reminded him. He gave a nervous shift.
"Look Eddie, I ... I really like you and I think it will be fun. I know you hate concerts and think they're good for nothing more than a study on Darwinism but I don't want to go with anyone else."
Eddie tried to ignore the look that was being given to him. His only real hatred of going to a concert stemmed from his hatred of crowds and what could happen to a person in one, but he wasn't about to let that part of it out.
"Please?" Richard begged plaintively.
"I-" Eddie began but was harshly interrupted.
"Nygma," came the stern voice of Mr. Staeman. His horrible whining gravely voice cut through their discussion like a chainsaw. "I presume there is a reason why you are talking to the Wayne kid and not getting that damn report on my desk?"
Eddie's eye twitched imperceptibly as he reached behind him and without a backward glance grabbed the folder in question. He waved it like a paper fan to catch the irritating man's attention. Staeman grabbed the folder and started flipping through it with a disapproving look on his face. He noted Richard catching the date on the back of the folder from the corner of his eye and realized that the report was done over two days ago.
"Why didn't you bring this to me?" Staeman demanded.
"I was about to; it's rude to not address a guest who has come to pay a visit," Eddie replied, trying to keep his voice calm and level.
"This is wrong. Redo it," Staeman replied with a snarl and triumphant look.
Eddie couldn't comprehend what was being said and merely blinked at the belligerent man. "Excuse me, sir?"
"You heard me, Nygma," Staeman replied stomping over to the desk and dropping the folder as though it was on fire. "This is shit!"
"And why is that?" Eddie asked in a calm voice, trying to placate Staeman.
"I told you to stop writing in that damn green pen, so now you get to redo it and the DIOS project. Congratulations, smart-ass," Staeman replied with a triumphant smirk.
Eddie gave the man a kind smile and nodded submissively "Yes sir, I will see to that immediately."
Staemen gave another triumphant smirk of satisfaction and a glare at Richard before turning to leave. Eddie gave a tiny sigh, that project had taken him more than three months and he had been staying at work so much he needed to take his sleeping bag to the cleaners and find a better hiding spot than under his desk. Even Bruce Wayne had been concerned for him.
"As I was saying," Eddie said, trying to get Richard to loosen the tension in his hands before the young man made them bleed. "Usually I wouldn't, but for you, Ri, I'm willing to try."
He noted the happy look of the young man with a smile. Hopefully nothing would go wrong on this particular outing.
Eddie shuffled nervously in front of his closet for over an hour trying to decide what he should wear. Simple and functional?
No. He was headed to a rock concert.
Something that flattered his body but kept him covered against the crowd. That would do just fine.
He dug through the closet and came across his tightest fitting jeans, not an easy find for someone his size. He slipped into them, noting that his recent 'exercise program' had made him gain a little muscle on his legs. Digging further through the closet he came across a pair of ankle high hiking boots that he slipped on. The black of the boots shone nicely with his pants, but now he was faced with the dilemma of finding a shirt. He stared at the various colors in his closet, immediately discarding all of the green shirts. He didn't want to seem as though that was the only thing he had in there.
"What should I wear? Long sleeve or short?" Eddie asked his mirror, looking at his half naked form. He stared again and a slightly shinny red shirt caught his attention. He noted the blood red color and shrugged. That would be his shirt for the evening.
He made his way into the bathroom and opened the medicine closet. Grabbing four small brown bottles with droppers built into the lids and taking three drops from each with a slight shudder. He shook his head and grabbed a contact case, swiftly putting in the clear contacts and checking his reflection in the mirror. He put a thin layer of lip gloss on to keep himself from being tempted to drink anything right away and headed for the door. Figuring on being at the concert hall early so that he could find a good place to wait for Ri, he gave an unconscious smile.
Half an hour later Eddie was ready to kill the next person that laid against him and asked for a kiss. He was tired of being groped and harassed simply because he was waiting for his ... date; the thought sent a shiver up his spine, to arrive. He crossed his arms and glared at everything and everyone around him, hoping that his now sour disposition would drive them away.
"I didn't know you have contacts," came the almost timid voice from near Eddie. He turned to glare and was greeted by the tempting sight of the one person he was waiting for. Richard was certainly a sight to behold. In a green v-neck that accentuated his eyes, and black pants laced up the side, he was definitely, good looking. Eddie swallowed hard.
"Ri, you look ... amazing," Eddie managed to get out without drooling all over himself.
"Yeah? Well so do you," Richard said with a laugh and grabbed Ed's hand to drag him inside. Ed noted that the young man got the black 'X's on the back of his hands while Ed merely flashed his ID at the checker before moving inside.
Eddie only halfheartedly protested being dragged closer and closer to the stage. The smell of alcohol and smoke is enough to bring the sensitive man to his knees but he endured it for his young companion. He choked for a moment as the overwhelming nature of the atmosphere nearly caused him to panic. His breathing became shorted as the smoke began to get to him and he huffed a little.
"Eddie what's wrong?" Richard asked, tone full of concern.
"It's nothing, Ri. No worries. So when is this band of yours supposed to start?" Eddie asked, hoping this wouldn't take too long. Otherwise he would be forced to duck out at regular intervals to keep himself on his feet.
"The opening band is forty-five minutes then it's the main show, which is at least an hour without encore," Richard replied, worry evident in his eyes.
"I see," Eddie replied with a mental wince. That would be too long without fresh air. "I might have to step out every once in awhile to get some air."
"Air? The smell's bothering you?" Richard asked with an adorable cock of his head.
Eddie flicked a stray lock of hair from the enchanting emerald eyes. "I'm allergic to tobacco."
"What .. why didn't you tell me?" Richard demanded, eyes full of guilt.
"Because you are so excited to be here, and I want to be here with you. I took some medicine I'll be fine, just have to be careful is all."
Richard's eyes shift in worry and all Eddie can think to do is pull the young man into a tight hug.
"Have fun, and don't worry so much. Do what you want."
Richard blushed and Eddie noticed his nostrils slight flare as he caught his scent.
Eddie gave him an impish smile and gave a slight flourish. "Hold on, I'll be right back."
Eddie quickly disappears into the crowd, an evil plan forming in his head. 'I can grab a beer and under the pretense of sharing get a kiss out of the ordeal.' Eddie thought mischievously. He made his way to the bar and held up a five in the hand with his marked wrist band. He pointed to a beer and got a cold one without any fuss, leaving the change for the bartender as he quickly slipped back through the crowd to his waiting friend. He noted the amused look on the young man's face as he spotted the beer bottle.
"Didn't peg you for much of a drinker," Richard said.
Eddie smirked again. "Generally no, however ..." He took a quick sip of beer and closed the distance between the two, capturing the lips of the younger man and passing the beer through shock slackened lips. "How else can I share? You're not old enough."
"So I guess I made it obvious I like you a lot," Richard replied with a nervous look.
"No, not terribly. I'm just very observant," Eddie replied with confidence he didn't feel. "Although it isn't very difficult to be perceptive when I feel the same. Here I thought my willingness to drop anything and everything for you made me obvious," Eddie said with a slight laugh.
"No one we know I here, I checked while getting the beer," Eddie said with a laugh as he noticed Richard looking around in a nearly paranoid fashion.
The two decided to have a good time of it. Four trips outside, twelve songs and two shared beers later, Richard was dancing with a grace that would shame nearly anyone. Eddie was more than willing to lend encouragement to his young companion, afraid that if he should start dancing he would shame himself, or let Richard feel something he wasn't ready to know about just yet. He did allow himself to run his fingers across any bare flesh he could and found it yielded very pleasant results for himself.
Their good time was rudely ended with a gunshot and the sound of insane laughter.
Laughter that made Eddie want to crawl up a wall and never come back down.
It was a laugh that made the marks on his neck; cleverly hidden under foundation and liquid latex, throb painfully.
The entire crowd numbly watched as the lead singer touched his chest with an unfeeling hand and crumpled to the ground.
As new laughter rang out and the body hit the stage, hysterical screaming filled the hall. Eddie and Richard both turned to look around and noted that all of the exits were covered by the cackling freak's cohorts. Eddie noted one that would know him and he knew the only way to contain the situation would be to try and divert the clown. He noted that Richard was not looking in his direction and ghosted off to his scooter.
He grumbled to himself as he swiftly changed between two large trucks, hoping no one would notice him out in the parking lot. Thankfully, no one stumbled into his changing area as he cursed the need to keep at least one of his costumes in the trunk.
Taking as little time as he can, he hurries back inside. Hoping against hope that it is only Joker. One he can deal with. More than that and he's screwed.
He made it back inside in time to see the lights hit Joker and light up the laughing creature. "Now, now don't fret! We have an INCREDIBLE SHOW for you!" the maniac yelled.
"And what is good, wholesome entertainment without a little FEAR?" Scarecrow asked, swaying as though listening to his own music. "Fear is your desire for survival, your humanity crying in injustice."
Ed twitched as his eyes shifted, noting that he would be dealing with his two least favorite villains. At least Joker had an excuse. He was completely out of his mind. Crane was another story all together.
"RIDDLE ME THIS!" Ed cried out, spinning his staff for a flare of the dramatic and tipping his hat. He kept his confident look as the lights hit him and made his eyes water momentarily. He was sitting on the bar counter with one of his usual unhinged smiled. He mentally noted the angry glare of the two other villains and stood up on the counter with another twirl of his signature cane. "When you don't know what it is, it means something. When you know what it is, it means nothing." Ed jumped off the counter with a flourish, making his way towards the stage, being careful to avoid looking for Richard in the crowd. "How about we lose the pitiful drunkards and have a talk. After all, our last conversation really struck a cord," Ed chuckled darkly with a brush of his fingers against his own neck.
He quickly hopped up on the stage, willing himself to continue staring down the two in front of him. Joker gave him a look that simply willed the green clad man to drop dead. Scarecrow placed a calming hand on the purple clad shoulder and whispered something into his ear. Joker nods with malicious glee and steps back.
"All right, Riddler fair enough. However we are going to play a game of mine. Don't worry it's a fun little game, and as long as everyone cooperates no one should be hurt. However don't listen to me and the nice gentlemen at those doors will kill you," Scarecrow taunted. "UNDERSTAND?"
Choruses and nods of 'yes' ripple throughout the crowd. The disturbing masked man nodded and began his 'game.'
"All the women are free to go WITHOUT RUNNING. Run and you will receive a penalty shot to the head."
The Riddler watched as women buzzed with conversation, not wanting to leave their men. A moment more and the men gave their women the encouragement to leave, and in groups and lines they held hands and made their way out. Once all of the women are out of the building the men remaining glared at the lunatics on the stage. The Riddler shifted uncomfortably, not knowing yet what game Scarecrow is playing at.
"Gentlemen! If you are fifteen and younger you may go."
A handful of people make it outside, and the Riddler shuffles nervously again.
"Gentlemen, if you are eighteen or older you are free to go," Scarecrow calls. There are much fewer men left over after the last call.
"Scarecrow," the Riddler's voice was a nasty growl, barely audible. "What. Are. You. Doing?" He kept his tone harsh and chilling.
"Why, Riddler, you should know the answer to that," the textured burlap mask pulled into a grimace that should be a grin. "As we both enjoy the works of Darwin, I thought it most appropriate to have a little fun in a scientific manner. I believe there is a young man here that was the key to your survival when you were at the mercy of the Joker, correct? I am simply seeing if I can trace that external factor."
"You son of a-" the Riddler began.
"Gentlemen! Four of our associates are going to come through to have a look at you, hold out your hands with your palms facing up. If you don't have an unusual scars that have occurred within the last four weeks you are free to leave as well. However this is only after our colleges have confirmed this."
The Riddler is more than ready to attack the loon in front of him, but for a single reason.
"Try anything and I will have all of these young men executed on the spot. There are more than enough guns to do so," Scarecrow said. His tone uncaring.
The Riddler pauses, not willing to sacrifice lives for the sake of slaking his anger.
The sound of something metal and plastic being crushed his heard and a low rumble of command. Richard's hands were held up as one of the henchmen called to the stage, "Got 'em boss!"
"All of you leave now!"
Without further protest the remaining young men aside from Richard leave the building in a hurry, not wanting to incur the wrath of the madmen that held them hostage. "Good work, now bring him here."
The thug picked up Richard with little effort and carried him to the stage. As he reached the stage the tossed the high school-er to land; with a skid, at the feet of Scarecrow. Richard couldn't help but yelp as he was dragged up off the floor by his hair and his head was tilted at an unnatural angle so the taller man could get a better look at his catch.
"Well, well, what a pretty little bird," Crane said with a faint musical tone to his voice.
"Crane if you don't let go of him I FUCKING SWEAR TO GOD!" the Riddler snarled and with a roar and held his staff tighter.
"Crane?" came the uncertain question from Richard.
Scarecrow gave him an evil look. "Grayson, was it?
The Riddler had enough and lunged towards the stage; abruptly stopped by two of the clown-faced guards. Unable to get to the stage and save his friend we was forced to watch as Crane got a better and more restrictive hold on the young man. He moved one arm around his waist firmly while using the other to firmly hold his jaw in place.
Richard's eye held his panic as he tried to gain leverage to escape, causing Ed to try to free himself from his own captors.
"If you hurt him I will kill you. I will skin you alive and roll you in sale and lemon juice. I will castrate you with a rusted blade, rip your organs out in alphabetical order from your mouth," the Riddler said, voice unnervingly calm as the green in his eyes became more unholy and actually seemed to be bleeding into the the whites as he spoke his solemn oath in a low tone.
Scarecrow squeezed the slighter frame to himself and shouted in condemnation, "There is nothing I can do to this boy that is worse than what you have done! The atrocities you have committed are not only unforgivable, but you have betrayed him in ways he will never, ever, fully comprehend. Tell him of your treachery, monster!"
The Riddler's eyes dimmed slightly and he took a half a step back as memories flooded his mind.
"You're a lying sack of shit, Crane! Let go of me!" Richard yelled defiantly.
"And look how sweet and naive this Boy Wonder is, he combats the depravity of this city, yet he still has all the faint in the world vested in you," Scarecrow taunted as he pressed the barrel of a gun to Richard's head, causing the young man to stop struggling. "Let's try this again, tell him the truth, Nygma. After all, Joker doesn't know where he is half of the time to remember this night, but I personally would like to savor this."
Ed saw the tears start to form in Richard's eyes as the realization hit him like a freight train. "E-Eddie?" he called in a soft and plaintive voice, willing this to not be the truth.
"I ... he's not lying to you. My god, Ri, what have I done..." the Riddler said, slumping slightly as misery filled his voice. He was now being held up by the guards instead of being held back by them. Joker and Scarecrow laughed at the green-clad man's misery.
"Well I feel this is a suitable enough punishment. Don't double cross us again, Edward. You and your harlot are free to go. Go on, boy. Run along home. And don't dress like such a whore; it gives men like Nygma ideas."
Scarecrow let Richard go, the teen fairly flying from his grasp. Thee steps later, Joker fired his gun one last time, the bullet ripping through the small frame and taking the boy down.
"Consolation prize, Riddles," Joker cackled as the gang left Ed to pick up Richard from a pool of the young man's own blood.
Ed carefully picked up Richard, arms and hands gentle as he saw the young man pass out. His own eyes had bled completely to a dark blue color as he stood and carefully carried the young man outside and drove him straight to the hospital. He stopped a block away, tearing at his own clothes before hand and using them to help stem the bleeding.
Ed had very little thought process left as he stumbles into the ER of Gotham Hospital with the pale and blood soaked Richard in his arms and his own backpack over one shoulder.
It takes the doctors and nurses a few moments to get him to let go of the boy as he arms and body went numb shortly after he picked the teen up. He had no recollection of how he ended up in the waiting room, changed into clean clothes with his costume aside from the cane having been disposed of in the hospital incinerator.
Eddie came back to himself several hours later as Alfred, the doctor and a couple of high-school students showed up and spoke to him. The only thing that came through his fogged mind was the fact that Richard was alright and he was going to pull through.