nxgmaus:
‘ hey, it’s called precaution. you did try to strangle me in front of hundreds of witnesses. ’ edward answered matter-of-factly, followed by a low, dark chuckle. ‘ i did not enjoy that, by the way, waylon. i thought we could be civil with each other. but since you couldn’t help getting physical, a little DISTANCE is required. ’
edward leaned back and listened to the gargle and grumble from the other end of the line. his fingers drumming against the hardwood desk, exuding patient anticipation — and there it was. nygma’s lips curled at the expected question, wherever he treaded slightly over the line to the side of the public good.
‘ the pursuit of truth is hardly an exclusive right to the heroes, croc. one of the greatest lies is them making you believe that it is — that only they know what is right, only benefits resulted from selfless acts are justified. that they have your best interest at heart … when they only pity you, at best. ’ he answered evenly, with a serious edge cutting through his voice.
he let the words hang for a moment, before adapting a more chipper tone as he went on to explain, ‘ i don’t pretend to be heroic. i have an interest in this case, and i believe you do too. we can both benefit from working together, that is all. after all, i have the brains, and you have a certain … skillsets that can be useful —- i need more samples from the explosion, but most of the original sites have expired overtime. the elements washed away … into the sewers. nobody has a better understanding and access to the modern sewer system than you. i would like you to collect some samples for me. are you still in new york? ’
When the Riddler mentioned their latest meeting, Waylon sighed exasperatedly. "You... Have you forgotten why I act this way with you?" The depowered metahuman growled into the microphone, his free hand tightening into a fist. Chuckling at the man's words, he took a furtive look around. "Yous sure? I swear yous a glutton for punishment... Can't even help it, you, mouth won't stop," he pointed out. "Either way, the further, the better..."
Although, as the green-suited rogue spoke again, the chuckle that past Waylon's lips turned bitter. Had the Riddler found out that he'd been working with the Batman? This teasing or threatening was going to win him any brownie points. Taking a seat on a lonely park bench, Waylon sat back as he noted the change in the other's tone. His now more chipper attitude was more annoying to Waylon than his previous mild hostility. "You asking for help," Waylon stated. "This is what it has all been about?" All about Edward Nygma getting some muscle on his side.
"Yous keep saying I have an interest in this when I've said the complete opposite, you," Waylon pointed out, closing his eyes tightly to attempt to control his blinding anger. "I been literally done told you, I aint gotta single worry nor thought about the why." He sighed once more, shaking his head to himself. "I'm in Gotham now, I'll be taking the train back to New York in a few hours... What I gotta do when I get to New York?" He finally gave in. "But this just employment. And Ima be charging," Waylon specified.














