Rose let out a sigh as she stepped out of the towering Wayne Enterprises building. It had been a long day at work as the marketing coordinator, promoting the company's various products and philanthropic initiatives. Though she loved her job, Rose found herself longing for friendship and community in Gotham City.
She had moved there a month ago, after applying online and getting a phone call from Bruce Wayne himself, offering her the position. It was nice to leave her small hometown, where she felt like she had outgrown the limited opportunities and familiar faces.
She had a close group of friends she'd known since grade school, but they had drifted apart over the years. They rarely kept in touch, busy with their own lives and careers in different places. Rose wanted to meet new people and make new friends in Gotham City, but that proved to be harder than she expected.
Her coworkers were friendly and professional, but they didn't seem interested in getting to know her better. They mostly talked about work-related topics in the break room, or exchanged brief greetings and compliments. Rose tried initiating conversations about hobbies, interests, or personal stories, but they often ended abruptly or awkwardly.
Tonight, a coworker had finally accepted her invitation to happy hour at a nearby bar, raising Rose's hopes. But a last-minute family obligation canceled those plans too, leaving Rose disappointed once more.
Glancing at the darkening summer sky, Rose hurried down the sidewalk toward the bus stop. As she turned the corner, her heart sank - the bus was just pulling away, leaving an empty stop behind.
She broke into a jog, calling out desperately, "Wait! Please stop!"
But either the driver didn't hear or was already running behind schedule. The bus rolled on without stopping, ignoring her frantic pleas. Now she would have to walk.
As she began the long trek towards her cramped studio apartment, Rose felt a growing knot of anxiety in her stomach. Gotham had a notorious reputation for danger, especially once night fell on the crime-infested streets. With her petite frame, long chestnut brown hair and matching doe eyes, Rose knew she made an easy target for the city's violent criminals lurking in the shadows. She quickened her pace, hoping to avoid any sinister encounters on the way home.
Suddenly, a gravelly voice called out from a narrow alley to her right. "Well well, what do we have here? A little lost mouse scurrying home?"
Rose whipped her head towards the sound and saw three thugs emerging from the darkness. She stumbled backwards in alarm, only to collide forcefully with two more men who had been concealed behind her. They seized her roughly by both arms, their fingers digging painfully into her skin.
"Please, just take my purse and leave me alone!" Rose pleaded desperately, heart hammering in her chest.
"Oh we'll take more than just your purse," one of the men leered, his hot breath on her neck.
Rose felt paralyzed with terror as the men began groping her body. She squeezed her eyes shut and whimpered involuntarily, every touch feeling like a violation. Her heart raced so fast she thought it might burst from her chest.
Through the rushing in her ears, she heard a faint, eerie sound in the distance - a sing-song voice echoing down the alleyway. The men froze, exchanging wary glances as the voice grew louder.
"Riddle me this, riddle me that. Who's afraid of the big black bat?"
Rose forced her eyes open and peered upwards with difficulty. A shadowy figure was perched high above on the ledge of a building, backlit by Gotham's murky glow. He was clad in a skin-tight green suit decorated with glowing black question marks. His face was concealed by a green mask, and he gripped a golden cane topped with a question mark. It was none other than the Riddler, Gotham's criminal master of puzzles and mind games.
The Riddler dropped down with inhuman grace, rolling as he landed to absorb the impact. He rose casually and sauntered forward, idly twirling his cane.
The largest thug stepped forward aggressively. "Scram, creep, before-"
"Tut tut, is that any way to treat an old acquaintance?" The Riddler cut in with an oily smile. "I merely wished to play a game. But it seems you gentlemen have...prior engagements.."
The thug sneered. "We ain't got time for your games. Beat it!"
The Riddler's smile didn't fade. "As you wish. But first..."
Without warning, he flung a small dart from his cane directly at Rose's neck. It struck with a painful sting, and instantly her vision blurred as an icy paralysis overtook her body. Unable to scream, she collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath.
"What did you do to the girl?!" one of the thugs growled.
"Merely ensured you have the proper motivation to engage with me," the Riddler replied smoothly.
He produced a second dart from his cane, embedding it in the neck of one of the thugs. The thug cried out, collapsing on the ground as the venom spread through his body.
"Johnny!" the others yelled in alarm.
"Your friend has ten minutes before that concoction stops his heart," the Riddler explained smoothly. "Solve my riddle correctly, and I'll cure both poisonings. Refuse to play, and you lose Johnny and the girl suffers as well."
The thugs looked at each other in panic, then back at Johnny's writhing form on the ground. They realized they had no choice but to engage with the Riddler's deadly game to save their friend.
"Fine, we'll do your damn riddle," sneered the largest. "But Johnny better live through this."
"We'll see!" the Riddler replied with theatrical glee. "Riddle me this: What has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees, up, up it goes, yet never grows?"
The thugs racked their brains frantically, throwing out wild guesses to the Riddler between panicked glances at Rose and Johnny.
"The sky?"
"A tree?"
"Clouds?"
The Riddler merely chuckled as he inspected the watch on his other wrist. "Tick tock, time is running out," he sang, his eyes wild with twisted excitement.
As Rose slipped into darkness, the last thing she heard was desperate, muttered discussion amongst her would-be attackers. Their fear wafted off in waves, feeding the Riddler's wicked delight.
Finally, the largest thug lost his nerve. "To hell with this!" he spat, spinning to bolt for the alley exit.
His cohorts scrambled after him, only to pull up short with gasps of horror. The Riddler stood calmly blocking the way, having slipped between them in a blur of motion.
"Uh uh uh," the Riddler tutted, wagging a gloved finger. "You're not going anywhere until you solve my puzzle."
They knew with dread that stalling would avail them nothing now. As one, in a last act of hopeless bravery, the men rushed their tormentor with fists flying.
The Riddler dodged their clumsy attacks with inhuman grace, cane lashing out to strike pressure points that dropped his assailants screaming. He straightened calmly among their writhing forms.
"It seems our time is up. Pity you didn't guess...a mountain." He cast a final mocking smile and stepped daintily over the groaning thugs.
The Riddler gazed at Rose's motionless body. Though this night's diversion had ended, his curious interest in her was not yet satisfied.
He bent and slid one arm under her knees, the other around her shoulders, lifting her frail form with ease.
"Worry not my dear, I have the antidote. We're going to have so much fun together," he purred with twisted delight.
Turning on his heel, the Riddler walked briskly from the alley without looking back. Rose drifted in and out of consciousness, only catching glimpses of the city swirling past in her delirious state as he carried her through Gotham's shadowy backstreets.
When Rose finally woke up, unfamiliar surroundings came into blurred focus. Disoriented, she slowly sat up, eyes blinking heavily as she took in the cluttered room. Gadgets and books of all kinds were strewn across workbenches and piled high on every surface. Where was she?
Rose realized she was lying on a worn couch placed haphazardly in the middle of the chaos. Her hand flew to her numb neck, fingers probing the poisoned dart wound.
Memories of the alley rushed back - her attackers, the paralytic dart, being carried away into darkness. Panic rose in her chest as a tall figure moved about nearby, his back to her.
Turning, the stranger peered down at her with an unnerving grin underneath his mask.
"Ah, you're awake," he said almost gleefully. "Good. I have the antidote here."
Adrenaline surged through Rose's veins as she attempted to push herself up, but her body refused to cooperate. The man loomed closer, syringe in hand, and her heart raced in terror.
Before she could protest, the needle pierced her arm. Agonizing fire flooded her veins, and Rose cried out weakly. But soon the pain subsided, her mind clearing even though her body remained weak.
Rising unsteadily, she registered her surroundings once more and met the man's intense gaze warily. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" she asked.
He tilted his head, grinning. "Straight to business, eh? Very well."
With a flourish, he removed his green bowler hat and gave an exaggerated bow.
"Edward Nygma, known to most as The Riddler, criminal virtuoso and master of puzzles, at your service," he proclaimed proudly.
Rose stared back silently, unsure what to make of this strange man who had abducted her.
His grin stretched even wider at Rose's fearful confusion. She pressed back into the couch, heart pounding.
"Now now, no need for alarm, my dear," the Riddler soothed in his silky voice. But his wild eyes betrayed a chaotic curiosity that set her on edge.
"I must confess," he continued, pacing back and forth, "I've found myself quite...fascinated by you. These past weeks, I've observed you walking the streets of Gotham, lost so deeply in your thoughts. Such a curious little puzzle you presented."
Rose's breath quickened as he loomed near. "I don't even know you," she said, her voice trembling. "Why have you brought me here?"
"A reasonable question." Riddler conceded, pacing once more. His voice pitched low and contemplative. "You see, I am a man who revels in mysteries. And you, my dear, have piqued my interest like none other. I wanted to...make your proper acquaintance."
He stopped before her, meeting her gaze with manic intensity. "What secrets lie behind that pensive gaze? What quiet wisdom do you conceal within? I am most eager to unravel the enigma you present and plumb the depths of your mind."
Rose flinched as his gloved hand closed around hers in a bruising grip. He brought it to his face, planting a cold, possessive kiss upon her knuckles that made her skin crawl.
"And what shall I call my new...fascinating guest?" he prompted, releasing her roughly.
Rose hesitated, hugging herself as if to shrink away. "R-Rose," she replied quietly, offering only her first name.
The Riddler threw back his head and cackled delightedly. "Rose! What a perfectly enchanting name for one so lovely. I have a feeling we are going to become very well acquainted, my dear Rose."
"I don't know who you think you are, but you can't just grab people off the street. This is crazy!" Rose cried out, hugging herself tighter.
The Riddler tsked, shaking his head with exaggerated dismay. "Come now, my dear, no need for such hostility. I merely orchestrated a chance for us to become better acquainted."
He spread his arms wide, gesturing around the shadowy lair. "Think of this as...a first date, if you will. What better way to get to know someone than by bringing them into your home?"
Rose rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah, kidnapping someone is a great introduction. Real normal behavior."
The Riddler laughed. "My dear, I am far from normal, as I'm sure you've gathered. But let's move past this little hiccup, shall we?"
He sat down on the other end of the couch, rubbing his gloved hands together eagerly. "Now then, where were we? Ah yes, getting to know each other."
Rose sighed, seeing no immediate escape route. She'd play along with this psycho's game for now. "Fine, let's just talk so I can get out of here quickly."
"Splendid!" Riddler grinned. "I had a feeling you'd oblige me. Now then, let the true games begin!"
The Riddler steepled his fingers, looking at Rose intently. "So tell me, my dear, what sorts of interests occupy that inquisitive mind of yours?"
Rose considered remaining silent, but knew stalling could irritate him. "I like reading sometimes. Watching TV. Normal stuff," she answered vaguely.
"Reading!" Riddler exclaimed. "What sort of literature intrigues you?"
When Rose simply shrugged, he continued undeterred. "For me, I enjoy riddles, cryptic codes and puzzles of all kinds. The more confounding, the better!"
Leaning forward in his seat, the Riddler fixed her with an intense stare that seemed to bore into her soul. "But enough about my interests. I want to delve into the enigma that is you, dear Rose."
Rose suppressed a shiver at his intense stare. She tried steering the conversation away from herself. "Don't you have anything better to do than bother random women?"
The Riddler chuckled. "You are not a random woman, my dear. You are a fascinating mystery!"
He stroked his chin, as if pondering a puzzle. "Now, tell me…what's your story?"
Rose hesitated, but found herself explaining softly, "I'm from a small town originally," she began. "I had a close group of friends growing up. But over time they all moved away, leaving me behind."
The Riddler nodded. "Go on."
"I felt lonely so I decided to move here for a fresh start. But I struggle to connect with people." She paused, surprised at sharing these details.
"Yes, I understand such loneliness," the Riddler replied. "As a boy I was different - too clever for other children. They mocked me relentlessly." His eyes darkened at the memory.
She had never imagined that this ego-driven man had suffered bullying and isolation in his youth. For a moment, she saw a flicker of the hurt little boy he had been.
"I'm sorry you went through that," she said softly. "No one deserves to feel so alone."
The Riddler studied her face, seeming to appreciate the sincerity of her reaction. The hardness in his expression faded slightly.
"It was long ago, but the scars remain," he murmured. For an instant, his cocky facade fell away, revealing the vulnerable man within.
Rose felt an unexpected urge to comfort the Riddler, this strange criminal who was perhaps not so different from herself. She reached out and gently laid a hand on top of his.
The Riddler flinched almost imperceptibly at her touch, as if unfamiliar with a gentle hand. Then, to Rose's surprise, he slowly turned his palm upwards to curl his fingers around hers.
They sat that way in silence for a long moment, the unlikely pair joined by an unspoken bond - two lonely souls finding solace in one another.
Finally the Riddler spoke, his voice subdued. "It seems you have managed to unravel some of my mysteries, dear Rose. Not many have glimpsed beneath the surface."
He gave her hand a tentative squeeze before withdrawing from the intimate gesture, though his eyes never left her face. They shone with newfound curiosity and vulnerability.
Rose offered a small, reassuring smile. "And now you know more of my story too. I guess we both hide parts of ourselves from the world."
The Riddler nodded contemplatively. "A mask we wear for self-preservation. But in rare moments, we yearn to remove the facade."
He leaned towards her, his tone earnest. "I sense you truly see me, Rose. Not just the villain, but the man."
Heart fluttering, Rose replied, "And I feel you might understand me in a way others haven't."
The Riddler smiled, a genuine one devoid of cunning. "Well then, my dear, let us continue unraveling one another's mysteries. I have a feeling ours is a puzzle still unfinished."
The Riddler and Rose continued to talk for hours. The initial wariness between them faded into genuine friendship. Rose was surprised to feel so at ease in his company.
As the night wore on, Rose felt her eyelids growing heavy as she sat listening to the Riddler's voice. He was enthusiastically describing his latest complex puzzle in vivid detail, but in her fatigued state she could barely follow the twisting logic of his words.
Rose blinked slowly, trying to focus on his animated expressions and hand gestures as he explained the intricacies of the puzzle. But exhaustion was creeping through her body. Her shoulders slumped and her head nodded forward involuntarily as sleep beckoned.
Fighting her tiredness, Rose quickly sat up straight again, hoping the Riddler hadn't noticed her lapse in attentiveness. But she couldn't stop an involuntary yawn from escaping her lips.
The Riddler abruptly paused his monologue. Concern shadowed his face as he noticed Rose struggling to keep her eyes open.
"My dear, you're exhausted," he said, standing up from the couch.
He strode across the room to a small closet. Retrieving a cozy fleece blanket, he returned to the couch where Rose was seated.
With care, the Riddler fluffed and positioned one of the decorative pillows on the couch's armrest. Gently gripping Rose's shoulders, he eased her down into a reclining position, her head coming to rest on the plump pillow. She felt grateful for his thoughtfulness.
Tenderly, he draped the soft blanket over Rose's body, tucking it snugly around her shoulders and feet. The warmth enveloped her, amplifying the feeling of being cared for.
"Thank you," Rose murmured, a small but sincere smile touching her lips as she met his gaze.
The Riddler smiled back, his usually manic eyes softening. He perched on the couch edge beside her, then began gently caressing her hair in soothing strokes. Rose's eyelids fluttered at the calming sensation.
Leaning in close, the Riddler whispered in her ear, "Sleep now, my dear Rose. You're safe here. I'll be here when you wake up."
Reassured, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. For the first time in forever, Rose didn't feel alone.