#detectiveriddler

Mom can’t help but sigh with a smile as the three of them look up to him, bloodied grins clear amongst their bruise spattered skins and scratched up faces. His three little angels are in nothing but their boxers as he cleans them up, washing wounds, binding any cuts and strapping together aching fingers to help them heal better. Yj, Swag and Puzzles all look so innocent and yet so proud of themselves as they’re tended to, each one speaking over the other as they try desperately to tell the tale of their night.

“Mom it was so cool! We were just marking up some side streets-“

“And out of nowhere came these two guys from the Narrows gang-“

“They were huge and had bats but we totally weren’t scared-“

“Hush now!” He cuts through their babbled story, pinning the bandages in place around Puzzles’ hand and moving to dab at the slowly oozing blood from Swag’s cheek. “You did very well taking down two of them and I’m very proud of you for doing as your told and coming straight home afterwards. My little boys are growing up so fast, proving themselves to be real Riddlers.”

The boys all grin to him again and soon enough they’re back to hurriedly explaining their tale, Yj jumping in with a few points to his injuries for emphasis, Swag giving a few jabs to the air as if he’s taking out an opponent, whilst Puzzles simply swings his feet and nods, giving a few words through his still clinging shyness when around the louder boys.

It had been their first night out without one of the older Riddlers for protection. Usually he’d only let the young teens out when they were with either himself, Arkham or Enygma but they’d begged and begged to be allowed a chance to prove themselves. So he’d given in, letting them have that chance on the understanding that they stayed together and stayed within their territory. He’d been worried of course, pacing across the station floor and constantly checking the old cracked clock for reassurance. Enygma was away on business, making deals and connections with outside sources for him, meaning that if they boys needed backup there was only himself and Arkham there to help.

Arkham had scoffed of course, sprawled upon the ratty couch against the wall and puffing on a cigarette, musing about how he’d been on the streets by himself at their age and been just fine. Mom had rolled his eyes at that, knowing how Arkham had ended up in Juvie plenty of times and then prison afterwards when that hadn’t straightened him out. He worried, he knew his boys couldn’t cope with that, they were still so young, Swag and Yj only a few years older than Puzzles and none of them out of their teenage years yet.

He’d worried right up until the second they’d run down the tracks home, giggling and laughing amongst themselves, jostling to get close as the scrambled up the platform to him. Mom had gathered them all into a hug, noting their injuries and taking them to the safety of the train car to clean them up. Arkham had followed, spitting the butt of his cigarette onto the tracks and swinging his cane over his shoulder. It was clear the other Riddler cared, even if he tried to pretend that he didn’t.

Now Arkham stands behind him as he finishes binding their wounds, wiping away bloody streaks, checking that bruises aren’t covering breaks and fixing up his kids first real wounds of war. The three are still grinning despite the injuries, all glowing in their victory over the rival gang, so proud of themselves for beating two men into unconsciousness without the help of the older gang members. Mom smiles to them all, kissing at their foreheads before standing up. “I’m very proud, it won’t be long until you’re all earning your tattoos by the sound of it. Isn’t that right Arkham?”

Turning to the older Riddler he raises an eyebrow to him, trying to silently convey his wish for him to stop being such a sullen prick and show some semblance of approval to the children. They all look so eager the little darlings, wearing their wounds with pride as they sit before them, watching Arkham with bright eyes just begging, nay pleading for just a scrap of a positive comment from him.

Sighing loudly as if it’s such an effort, Arkham pushes away from the wall to stand before them, arms folded, cane still in his grip as he looks down at them all. Mom can see the way they look ready to be classicised, memories of their father and others constantly belittling them swirling in their heads. “Next time remember to shield your faces more, you can’t afford to have black eyes and restricted vision for a few days after every brawl.”

Mom nudges him, clearing his throat in annoyance and hoping that won’t be all. Yj, Swag and Puzzles look so disappointed with themselves, smile drooping as they’re given advice rather than the praise they so desire. It’s heartbreaking and Mom scowls at Arkham until finally the older Riddler sighs in frustration. As he goes to leave the train car, Arkham reaches out to ruffle each of the boys’ hair roughly, not exactly words of praise, but it’s as good as they’re going to get for the moment.

“Hush my little Nerdling.” A stereostrip is fixed over his nose, pinching the skin together there to stop the bleeding. He sighs and feels ashamed of himself, having to bother the only man he really admires for help just because he can’t take care of himself. It’s at times like this that he feels like nothing more than a troublesome child. “No more fretting. Just let me take care of you.” Detective leans in pressing a gentle kiss over the bandage, smiling reassuringly all the time. “Oh! I forgot, I got you a present.”

Braces is too stunned to react for a moment, mind running on repeat, throat dry and blush spreading over the back of his neck and cheeks brighter than ever. Detective had kissed him. He flushes, curling in on himself, embarrassment curling through his body as well as an epic increase in excitement. His lips had been as gentle as they were in his dreams. “Wh-“ His voice comes out squeaky, high and strained in his fluster so he clears his throat before starting again. “What? You didn’t have to do that.”

Detective chuckles, having pulled away to go through his pockets, shaking his head as he fishes out the gifts themselves and holds them out to the younger Riddler. “I know I didn’t, but I wanted to. Besides they’re a little selfish in a way, I just didn’t want to go alone this year.”

Yj tightens his hold on Rattata, petting him softly between the ears as he tries to block out Puzzles and his stupid ideas. His Pokémon judders in his arms, grinding his teeth together in worry as he peers up to his master. It’s amazing how Rattata can tell how he’s feeling so easily, always trying to make him feel better any way he can. “He doesn’t want to evolve and I’m not going to push him into it.” He finally replies, still feeling uncomfortable enough to not look up at where Puzzles is training with Umbreon.

Rattata squeaks in upset as he’s placed on the floor, curling around Yj’s ankles and scrabbling to try and climb back up into his arms. He nibbles at the hem of his trousers, calling for attention and the comforting hold he’s used to from his master. Yj ignores him, focussing instead on Umbreon’s training and watching how Puzzles manages his Pokémon so well. He’s never been very good when it came to battling, instead preferring to just keep his Pokémon as friends, maybe become a researcher or something in the future.

Detective enters the training room, Rapidash trotting behind him gracefully, tossing her mane back and forth as she nickers happily following as her master walks over to Yj. “Good work Puzzles, you’ll take down that Gym leader no problem.” The older man smiles as he watches them train, letting his fingers trail up to run through Yj’s hair gently. “How’re you doing sweetie? Everything okay?”

Yj shrugs, nudging away the still squirming and whining Rattata with his foot as he wonders if he’ll ever be good enough to take on the Gym challenge. He may not enjoy battling his Pokémon but he has to do something, sitting around here annoying Detective isn’t helping anybody. “I’m just picking up tips. You know, learning how to battle properly.” Rattata whines, slumping on top of his foot on the floor, obviously worried for the sudden change in his Master. His whiskers twitch and no matter how much Rapidash tries to nudge him with her nose to get a response he stays curled up and sad.  

The two of them are propped up on his bed, their bad legs splayed out before them on pillows as Swag nuzzles closer into Puzzles’ side. He scowls at the mop of blonde hair that buries into his chest, the thin arms that wrap around his chest are tight an uncomfortable. Puzzles doesn’t want this, he doesn’t need to be mollycoddled by these two and forced to watch Disney movies in a poor attempt to make him feel better. Swag sighs happily and nuzzles closer, making noises of comfort and happiness from under his blanket, his warm body pressing so very close to Puzzles’ own. Behind him Detective slings an arm around his shoulder pulling him in closer that way as well until he’s sandwiched there with no hope of moving.

“Look kid, you’re a Riddler and part of being a Riddler is causing trouble. There’s no better way to cause trouble than trolling a bad movie.” He throws a kernel of popcorn into the air before catching it in his mouth, grinning all the while and hushing the ridiculous fangirls who tut at him. “Oh shut up, he’s not that attractive.”

“I don’t get it. Why does he sparkle? Isn’t he meant to be a vampire? All grr grr and fangs?” Narci has him arms folded, sitting beside Yj and looking completely disgusted with every second of the film he’s watched so far.

“It’s not about vampires Narci it’s a love story that has vampires in it.” Detective mumbles, sighing to himself as he shuffles in his seat. He’s not impressed with having to chaperone this little outing but it’s better than leaving the younger one to it. He sits with his bad leg propped up on the seat in front, his eyes closed as he tries to catch a nap through the worst film ever made.

“He should still at least look a bit evil, not like some fluffy haired wannabe model.” Narci grumbles, nudging Yj and looking to his other self for some backup of his opinion. “What do you think Yj?” Narci looks over when there’s no response, only a shudder and small whine. He moves closer in the dark, seeing the glint of tear tracks on the other man’s cheeks as the film flickers on the big screen. “Are you crying?”

Yj shakes his head, swatting the other man away as he concentrates on the film, watching as the main character lies on the floor in a pool of blood. Narci’s hoping she’ll die and put an end to it all, it seems Yj is getting a bit more involved. “She c-can’t die.” He mumbles, reaching out the hand that’s not smothering his mouth to grab at Detective’s sleeve. “Their l-love is meant to b-be.” He wails and ends up burying himself in Narci’s shoulder, clinging there as it all becomes too much.

A firm yet gentle hand is placed on his thigh, patting there softly to reassure him as his older self speaks. Narci keeps his head down but he can hear the chuckle and smile in Detective’s voice. “He’s a difficult one that’s for sure. But I am positive that he does not dislike you, otherwise he would simply not speak to you.” Detective taps his teaspoon on the side of the fine china, gaining back a few drops of tea from the metal he’s used to stir the beverage. “I think he cares for you in his own way, he just does not respect you yet. That’s where the problem lies. Get his respect and he’ll be a lot more accommodating.”

Narci nods to himself, sipping at the tea in thought. How exactly does one gain respect from someone so…bristly? He’s a Riddler he can surely work this out. Beside him Detective pats his thigh again before taking a sip from his own cup, a small smirk at the corner of his lips as he sets down the china and leans in. He’s used to the friendly contact by now so Narci doesn’t flinch as he used to. A soft kiss is pressed beneath his ear. The tea cup jerks in his hand, splashing hot tea over his fingers when he hears the older man’s idea.