Edward Nygma (The Riddler)

Indie canon RP blog, 21+, under construction

[enigmavis]

Oswald tilted his head slightly, a coy smile playing on his lips as Ed praised him. He waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing off the compliment ( was he blushing?? maybe ).

When Ed mentioned Jim's face, he couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, believe me," he grinned. "It was absolutely priceless. I only wish I could have captured it on canvas."

Their glasses clinked togehter, the sound ringing in the air, and Oswald's smile only grew wider with hope and... excitement.

This was a brand new chapter. The first step toward a bright future.

"As you're well aware, I have a fundraiser scheduled for next week— a glorious opportunity to reconnect with Gotham's bureaucrats and wealthy elite. It's a chance to acquire the funds necessary for the city's rebuilding efforts, but more importantly, it serves as a platform to remind them all of my generosity and the countless acts I've undertaken to improve this city," he spoke with a tone of superiority, "... and who truly holds the reins."

He looked at Ed and paused; his boastful demeanor giving way to a more timid stance.

"I-... I know this may not be your cup of tea, but... I want you to be there with me, Ed." The KINGPIN took a step closer to his friend (?). "I want us to present a... united front. I want them to know we are ALLIES and that going against you means facing both of us."

This way, Ed would be granted a certain degree of immunity and right now, Oswald wanted to know that he was safe and secure; or at least wouldn't end up in Arkham anytime soon.

[theriddlr]

Ed bit his lower lip with excitement. The grin never left his face. He licked his lips, enjoying the aftertaste of brandy burning his tongue. He was eager to have another one, yet decided to stay put. Walking away during their conversation could be considered rude. "God," he grunted with his teeth bare. "I wish you could have. That would've been a priceless piece of art." He shook his head once more. He could barely believe his luck. "I swear, Oswald, I could kiss you right now." He tapped his fingers against his (already empty) class and inhaled sharply through gritted teeth. "Another week in isolation would've surely driven me mad." The joke was on him. He'd already lost his marbles. His mind drifted off; forced to relive the last two weeks in fear. The lack of sunlight had severely lightened his complex. Ed was snapped out of it once Oswald continued to share his endeavors. He listened with great interest while putting the empty glass to his lips. Occasionally he licked the inside walls - hoping to scoop up any leftovers of the sugary liquor that he so swore to hate. Back in the day, Ed would've rolled his eyes at Oswald's narcissistic self-praising. He would've been annoyed by the fact Oswald forgot to mention most of it was thanks to his helping hand, yet today he couldn't give two drops about getting the recognition or not. He simply stared at him in awe; like an obsessive teenage girl watching her favorite boyband perform at an overpriced concert. He was taken aback when Oswald turned a little timid. His brows lifted in slight fear of doing something wrong, and he lowered the glass to his chin. His lips were pink and wet around the edges. He already had quite a bit of scotch tonight. His mouth opened slightly ajar when Oswald came a little closer, telling him he wanted his company during his fundraiser. His gaze turned from being worried to being touched. He quickly took ahold of Oswald's hand; placing it onto his chest as if he wanted his friend to feel his heartbeat rising with excitement. "It would be an honor," he guaranteed with a little twinkle in his eye. Was this lunatic about to cry? "BUT!" he jumped a little closer; his eyes darting around with secrecy and suspicion. "Won't this be a disadvantage? Considering my little pickle?"

[receiptsofwhiskey]

“DAMN.” Questions for Muses.

BLOOD. -What types of injuries has your muse sustained? What was the worst? 

DNA. -What was your muses home life like?

YAH. -Something your muse agrees on 100% of the time.

ELEMENT. -What is your muse “made of”, what is their character like? Courageous, loving, scared, etc.

FEEL. -How does your character react to a persons touch? A random stranger’s? A loved one’s? A friend’s?

LOYALTY. -Does your character have any loyalty to any group?

PRIDE. -What is your muses biggest flaw?

HUMBLE. -How does your muse handle praise?

LUST. -Who does your muse find attractive?

LOVE. -Does your muse have a “special someone”

XXX. -What’s the raunchiest thing your muse has ever done?

FEAR. -What are your muses biggest fears?

GOD. -Does your muse believe in a god? If so, describe it.

DUCKWORTH. -Has your muse ever thought about committing or committed a crime?

[enigmavis]

Oswald's heart swelled with joy when he saw Ed's excitement and happiness, particularly in light of these past exhausting days. Ed had been a restless mess ( who could blame him ) and Oswald suspected that he had sought solace in... well, substances far stronger than alcohol, but he refrained from prying.

But oh, he was worried about him. Very much so. And he was willing to do everything in his power to help him unwilling to lose Ed again.

"No, Ed," the KINGPIN reassured him with a gentle chuckle, pouring two drinks.

"I assure you, this is not a trap. This city may be in ruins, but I still have pull within the GCPD. We have every reason to celebrate, my dear friend. And then," he added with a sly smile, his words laced with playful menace, "I want you to take a shower or I will have Olga hose you down."

His grin turned into a resolute expression, his eyes blazing with determination as he offered Ed the glass of fine brandy. "I have a grand vision for this city's revival, and I want you as my partner in this endeavor." As he spoke, there was a flicker of emotion in his words ⸺ he meant it. He needed him. He couldn't imagine doing this without him, not after everything they had been through.

"Together, I am certain, we will accomplish great things. We will become a force to be reckoned with, unlike anything this city has ever seen."

With Oswald's wealth and influence, and Ed's brilliant mind, they would become unstoppable; he was sure of that.

"Here's to new beginnings," Oswald proclaimed and raised his glass, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.

[theriddlr]

"Oswald," he repeated breathlessly. "I continue to be in awe of you. Even after all this time." It was impossible for him to wash that ridiculous, manic grin off his face. His obsessive behavior had returned. Not just his obsessive compulsions, but also his obsession with Oswald. That grenade really did change everything - as well as being forced into hiding (and probably his substance abuse).

His grin turned into an awkward smile when Oswald ordered him to take a shower. He quickly sniffed his left armpit and nodded in agreement. His feathered friend was right. Boy, he needed a shower. Ed was so entangled by his own madness, he'd forgotten how to properly take care of himself. He kicked his feet with excitement when Oswald handed him the glass of brandy. Although he claimed to dislike the taste of it, he seemed awfully eager to gulp it down in one go. "I wish I could see Jim's stupid face right now." No matter how they all worked together for the sake of this God-Forsaken city, Ed still held a great grudge against his former colleague (and probably vice versa). He'd give anything to see him suffer at any given time. "I am honored, my dear feathered friend. You and I are finally going to claim what we so rightfully deserve. This city belongs to us and us only." He raised his glass - syncing with his partner in crime. "To new beginnings, my friend." His voice was raw with excitement. He quickly licked his lips and brought the rim of the glass to his lips; gulping down the liquor with ease, hoping this would seal their future.

[enigmavis]

» 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 for: @theriddlr

It had been nearly two weeks since the WAR, and just a week ago, Oswald, Ed, and Olga finally settled back into the van Dahl manor, which miraculously survived the chaos relatively unscathed. A few squatters had been... evicted, and the place required a thorough cleaning, but in a matter of days, it was restored to its former glory.

However... the situation with Ed had become a bit more complex. On one hand, Oswald was grateful to have his friend back ( even if it meant risking his own life and suffering a severe eye injury in the process ). Something had clicked in Ed's brilliant mind, and now... well, frankly, Oswald didn't quite know what they were now. Or what he wanted them to be.

At least, they could finally put their troubled past behind them and move forward.

There was still much work to be done, and Oswald found himself hardly ever at home, busy with his responsibilities and restoring order to the city.

"Ed! I'm home."

Tonight, Oswald returned even later than usual; it was almost midnight. With an air of grandeur, he strode into the living room, the distinct sound of his cane clacking against the polished wooden floor.

"Forgive me for returning so late," Oswald said, a self-satisfied smile playing on his lips. "But I have some remarkable news. "You'll be delighted to hear that my efforts have paid off and I successfully extended my pardon onto you, Ed."

He headed straight for the liquor cabinet, grabbing a bottle of Brandy and two glasses.

"After countless negotiations, a few well-placed bribes, and some... strategic leverage, I can proudly say—" His triumphant grin widened.

"At long last, you are officially a free man."

The PENGUIN's influential power and ( generous ) financial investment in Gotham's restoration, ensured that the law conveniently turned a blind eye to his crimes. Unfortunately, Ed's one-time act of bravery couldn't compensate for the crimes he had committed, so Oswald had to pull some strings.

[theriddlr]

The war was finally over. No man’s land was no more. Two weeks had passed since the fight of Gotham. Slowly, but surely, the rehabilitation had begun. The city was still in ruin, but no longer in lockdown. The Wayne tower and manor was already being rebuild, as well as the bridges. Although they were still cut off from the main land, all the river mines were successfully disposed of and detonated in a safe area. Dozens of boats docked on a daily basis to resupply the citizens that survived (and stayed) during the war. As well as the shops and companies that remained somewhat standing. It was a new day. A new era. Would this time be better? Not for Edward. Not yet, at least. He was now a fugutive. Although he’d managed to find a way out, a second chance at life in a different city, he’d decided to stay with The Penguin to fight for Gotham. Something he was close to regretting by now. Although Ed fought against the forces, helping to reclaim the city, he was now announced a wanted man. A fugutive. None of his crimes before (and during the war) were forgiven, and the goverment wanted him to pay. There was a cell at Arkham with his name on it. He couldn’t afford to be locked up now, after everything he’d been through. Oswald  was generous enough (thank God) to let him stay at the van Dahl manor, where he decided to hide for the time being. Their relationship drastically changed after they’d decided to team up. They let bygones be bygones and agreed on starting anew. It felt a little strange, yet Ed was inmensly grateful for Oswald’s hospitality and loyalty. The Penguin really did change. Ever since Edward Nygma turned into a wanted man, he became severly more quiet. Since there wasn’t much he could do, he was stuck within the theathering walls of the van Dahl manor - together with Olga (they did not like each other very much). The days were awfully long. Oswald was often out. The King of the Underworld had fully returned and was in strong need of new minions - concidering most of his former pawns ended up betraying him, many of them ending up dead in a ditch by Penguin’s hand. This resulted in Ed retreating in his guestroom, planning heists and searching the dark web for endless possibilities to reclaim his own freedom. He concidered fleeing Gotham, for a split second, yet his pride kept him from fully submitting - as well as Oswald, for Ed owed him his life after what happened on the baricade. Olga often passed his door, trying to sneak in a peak whenever a draft of wind pushed his door to a crack. She would scoff and shake her head whenever she found him sitting in the dark; messy hair and doped up by caffeine and God knows what else. She would mutter something in Russian and stroll ahead - making sure her broom would smack against the wall at least seven times to piss him off. She always succeeded. Ed was still up at the point when Oswald finally returned from his duties. He was no longer in his room, but now sitting on the lounge with a glass of scotch. He looked exhausted. His hair was messy and by the looks of it he hadn’t showered in days. No matter, he was still wearing his signature green suit. His glasses were on the side table. He often took them off, hoping it would make Olga dissapear. Besides, everything distracted him nowadays. He was on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Every sudden sound made him jump - afraid the GCPD would infultrate the place and drag him off to Arkham. Never again. “Oswald!” Ed exclaimed with relieve when he entered the living room. He jumped up from his seat and gulped the contents of his glass in one go. The room smelled of liquor. “Thank God, yes- I am so happy you’ve returned. I swear, Olga is going to be the death of me. You would not believe what she-” He wanted to ramble on, yet was interupted by Oswald claiming for his efforts to be paid off. He wanted to roll his eyes and waddle in self-pity, until his compagnion decided to share great news. Ed couldn’t initally respond, at first. His brain did not progress. At least not for the following ten seconds. He simply stood there like a wildred beanstock, out of breath (for whatever weird reason), looking like a full mess. His mouth was gaping. He wanted to respond, but was at a loss of words. This mind was lagging due to intense self-isolation, hyperfixation and being paraniod. Once it finally clicked, he threw his head back - letting out a long moan in relieve and desperation. “No way. Thank you!” He quickly ran over to Oswald, wrapping his arms around him to pull him into a tight, awkward but short hug. “I did not listen to half of what you just said. But I did hear that. I am a free man! Does that mean I can finally walk the streets again without the fear of being tackled?” Ed was clearly not right in the head. He was a man of knowledge, structure, severe planning and calmth. Now he was nothing but a paranoid, angsty and hyperactive mess. “Wait, how did you do it?” He pulled back and grabbed Oswald by the shoulders - staring him in the eye. He seemed suspicious. “Are you sure this isn’t a trap?”

[reihea]

EDWARD NYGMA in GOTHAM | 2.19 “Azrael”