The image of himself sitting in an office on the top of a Daily Planet, in tights, had Grayson laughing in an oddly uncharacteristic unrestrained manner “It feels weird when you combine those two. I think you’re much closer to real life personalization of a superhero, though, so I should be asking you how it feels.” In reality, both of them were pretty mean at living up to the stereotype of heroes, just in non conventional way, that is. They weren’t saving the threatened citizens of Arkham city or Metropolis, but instead they were saving themselves and in a world as crazy as theirs, that was more than enough, Grayson believed. To do right by yourself, even at the cost of being selfish, because you’re the only person you’ll have in the end.
“Oh man, I was catwoman for one Halloween party. Don’t even ask. If I hooked up with a Poison Ivy, was that a hetero or homo hook up? It’s been bugging me ever since.” How he’d let Tatiana rope his 16 years old self into wearing a red wig, nail extensions, black leather jumpsuit, cat ears and a whip – he’ll never understand, but that was admittedly one of the most exciting nights of his life. And the catcalls and general calls for all sorts of freaky things he’d gotten after that night. Go figure, maybe that’s when he started being into freaky sex; not that Ryan had to know about any of that. “Well, you haven’t killed anyone-“ I’m the epitome of calm at most times, and I have. “-and most importantly, you haven’t killed yourself, so I’ll say you’re pretty good at keeping yourself in control. As long as you’re trying…” But even Grayson knew trying wouldn’t always be enough.
“Hello, could I take your order please?” the woman behind the front counter addressed them and for a second he diverted his attention, opting for something simple for himself “I’ll take the Hamburger – with fresh cucumbers and pickles, tomato, ketchup, lettuce and salt, please.” Peasant child. “And whatever the Mr. chiseled face you could get yourself cut on wants.” He grinned, waiting for Ryan to make an order before adding “Now, you said something about boxing or something. Maybe you should teach me some stuff?”
“Me? If anything I’m inventing my own supervillain origin story so I don’t know about that.” Ryan laughed, he found himself picturing what life might be like as a superhero but somehow the pieces didn’t fit. He was never really the good guy, despite how much he wanted to be. “Please tell me you still have photographs of that.” He hadn’t gambled on Grayson being such an adventurous type of guy, he’d struck him as more straight-laced by Ryan was actually pretty pleased to see that he seemed to know how to have a good time. Then again in the long run, he probably could have used boring right about then.
“Well you don’t know that for sure, I could be Jeffrey Dahmer, just biding my time and only killing every so often to make sure I don’t get caught. One time my Psychology teacher told us all that -- the reminder that serial killers are still out there that haven’t been arrested yet. Kinda thing that keeps you up at night. But, yeah, I’m still kickin’ for now.” Ryan’s shoulders lifted in a tired sort of shrug, one that carried extra burden that wasn’t really his to carry anymore but that he felt tethered to regardless. “I was joking by the way.” He reassures, an amicable smile on his lips when they reach their destination.
Perusing the menu whilst he listened to Grayson order, Ryan decided to just play it safe for the time being. “I’ll have the same thing with a Sprite, please.” Tossing his credit card on the table, he gestured to pay for Grayson’s meal to. “Least I can do for you saving my ass back there. Boxing? Yeah, I mean, it kinda helps me get the edge off and work out some tension. I could show you a little if you want. It’s exhausting though I gotta warn you.” Which was exactly why he liked it.
