#riddler arkham

---

Edward Nygma leaned back in his chair, eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched you, sitting on the floor in front of him, desperately trying to solve the riddle he had given you. It wasn’t a difficult one—at least, not for him. But for you? He knew it would be quite the challenge.

He loved this. Loved the way you would struggle, the way your brow furrowed in concentration as you tried so hard to impress him. You adored him, worshiped him like the genius he was, and he reveled in that adoration.

“Come on, dear,” he cooed, his voice smooth and patronizing, “It’s not that difficult. Think about it for a moment longer.”

You looked up at him, biting your lip, frustration clear on your face. You hated disappointing him, and right now, you felt like you were failing. He had given you such a simple riddle, yet you couldn’t figure it out, no matter how hard you tried.

“I-I’m trying,” you stammered, glancing back down at the slip of paper he had given you.

What has keys but can’t open locks?

It seemed so simple. You read it again and again, trying to think of what it could possibly mean. “Keys but can’t open locks…” you murmured, wracking your brain.

Edward chuckled softly, enjoying the sight of you struggling. He adored these moments—the moments where you would stare up at him with those wide, pleading eyes, looking for the answer, looking for his approval. He leaned forward slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. “Don’t strain yourself too much, darling,” he teased. “It’s not beyond you… or perhaps it is.”

Your cheeks flushed at his words. He was so smart—so brilliant—and here you were, fumbling with the simplest of puzzles. “I just… I don’t get it,” you mumbled, feeling embarrassed.

“That’s quite obvious,” Edward replied dryly, crossing one leg over the other as he continued to watch you with that smug look on his face. “But I’m sure you’ll get there eventually. Or perhaps I should give you a hint?”

You glanced up at him, hopeful. “A hint would help…”

“Would it now?” He raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by the whole thing. “Very well. What object do you use every day that has keys?”

You blinked, thinking it over. “Keys… I use my house keys… no, that’s not it…” You wracked your brain, feeling even more confused than before. “Wait… a piano has keys, doesn’t it?”

Edward’s grin widened, and he clapped his hands together. “Bravo, my dear! You’ve done it at last!”

Your face lit up, beaming at him. “Really? Oh! It’s a piano!”

He stood up from his chair, walking over to you with that superior air about him, as if he was bestowing a great honor upon you. “Yes, it’s a piano,” he repeated, his voice laced with mock approval. “Not bad… though it did take you a while.”

You blushed again, but this time there was a sense of pride beneath the embarrassment. You had solved it, even if it took you longer than it should have. “Thanks, Eddie,” you said softly, “I’m glad I got it.”

Edward leaned down, cupping your chin in his hand, lifting your face so you were looking up at him. His smirk was as sharp as ever. “You should be glad, my dear,” he purred. “But don’t mistake this for true brilliance. It was… adequate.”

Your heart fluttered at his touch, at the way he always made you feel like he was so far above you. And you loved it. You loved the way he could make you feel small and insignificant, while at the same time making you feel special for being the one he chose to keep by his side.

“I’ll keep trying,” you promised, your voice soft. “I want to get better, for you.”

Edward chuckled, releasing your chin and straightening up. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll improve, in time. But honestly, my dear, don’t try too hard. I rather like you just the way you are. After all, it’s far more enjoyable to watch you struggle.”

You blushed even deeper at his words, but the embarrassment only made you more determined to please him. You adored him so much, even if you couldn’t match his intelligence. And he adored you in his own way—because he knew you would never leave him. You needed him, and he thrived on that.

---