Scene 1: The Plan
(Edward is pacing in his lair, murmuring to himself as he meticulously arranges a set of files labeled "Jonathan" and "Jervis" on a table.)
Edward: smirking to himself Ah, love in Gotham—trickier than any puzzle I've concocted. But even the greatest riddles need a little push, and who better than the Riddler himself?
(He picks up his phone and dials Jonathan's number.)
Edward: in a smooth, almost too-friendly tone Dr. Crane! You're cordially invited to a gathering tonight. Just you, me, and... a surprise.
Jonathan: suspicious What's the catch, Nigma?
Edward: No catch. Just a chance to unwind. I'll even buy the first round. He grins mischievously to himself.
Jonathan: Fine. But if this is another one of your riddles...
Edward: cutting him off Oh, it's no riddle. Trust me. Just be there.
Scene 2: The Meeting
(Edward arrives at the bar first, arranging the seating so that Jonathan and Jervis are positioned across from each other, while he takes a spot to the side. Jonathan arrives, looking mildly uncomfortable, his arms folded. Moments later, Jervis floats in, humming to himself.)
Edward: with a gleeful smile Gentlemen, so glad you could make it! Have a seat.
Jonathan: raising an eyebrow Nigma, what is this about?
Edward: innocently Just a friendly gathering. Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment...
(Edward "discreetly" slips out of the booth, leaving Jonathan and Jervis sitting across from each other in awkward silence.)
Jervis: cheerfully Well, well! Isn't this a delightful surprise? A night out with Gotham's finest minds! Quite the enchanting evening, don't you think?
Jonathan: studying him carefully Enchanting is… one way to put it. I don't typically partake in Nigma's little social experiments.
Jervis: smiling warmly Oh, nonsense! Sometimes it takes a touch of madness to see things clearly. And perhaps a touch of mystery to find something… he trails off, looking at Jonathan with a curious gaze.
Jonathan: trying to maintain his guarded demeanor but letting curiosity slip through And you… think this was an intentional setup?
Jervis: Why, of course! leans in conspiratorially Our dear Edward is a meddler at heart. He loves to stir the pot—and what a lovely stew we make, wouldn't you agree?
Jonathan: softens slightly, a faint smile forming Perhaps. Though I wouldn't exactly call us "lovely."
Jervis: chuckling Oh, but the loveliest things are often hidden behind masks, no? Isn't that why we're here?
(They exchange a lingering look, both seeming to realize that there's something more than just Edward's trickery at play. Edward, watching from a distance, grins to himself, satisfied.)
Scene 3: A Shift in the Atmosphere
(After a few minutes, Edward "accidentally" bumps into the booth, interrupting their conversation with a feigned look of surprise.)
Edward: Oh! Still here, I see. You two must have quite a bit in common.
Jonathan: rolling his eyes You planned this, didn't you?
Edward: feigning innocence Planned? Who, me? I just thought it might be… beneficial for you two to get acquainted. Gotham is a dangerous place, after all. One never knows when one might need a friend.
Jervis: smiling at Jonathan Well, I for one am grateful for the company. And, Edward, while you're here, why don't you settle our tab? I'd hate for our night to be cut short by such trivial concerns.
Edward: sighing, resigned Fine. But only because I'm invested in Gotham's emotional welfare. I expect my matchmaking fee later.
Jonathan: murmuring under his breath There's no such thing as a "matchmaking fee," Nigma.
Edward: smirking as he walks away There is now.
Scene 4: The Spark
(With Edward gone, Jonathan and Jervis are left alone once more, and the tension between them has transformed into something more comfortable.)
Jervis: You know, Jonathan, life is a riddle—one we don't always get the answer to. Sometimes, it takes a bit of faith… a leap into the unknown.
Jonathan: softly, almost contemplatively I suppose a bit of mystery… isn't so bad.
Jervis: grinning That's the spirit! Now, tell me, if I were to take you for a night out in Wonderland, would you dare follow me down the rabbit hole?
Jonathan: smirks, but there's warmth in his gaze Lead the way, Jervis.
(They share a laugh as the night stretches on, and Edward, watching from the shadows, smiles, pleased with his handiwork.)
End Scene
