Edward Nashton

The apartment hummed with the quiet comfort of late night, a soft symphony of domestic peace. Streetlights cast long, gentle shadows through sheer curtains, painting the living room in hues of charcoal and silver. The sounds of Gotham city can be heard as quiet ambience; a distant siren, the gentle patter of rain on the window, an occasional shout from a group of teens who definitely shouldn't be out this late. A half-read book lay open on the coffee table, a forgotten mug cooling beside it, testaments to a day winding down in unhurried safety. The air was still, carrying only the faint scent of cinnamon from a recently burned candle, a quiet declaration of secure, intimate space. Every object seemed settled, every shadow inviting, proclaiming this space utterly safe, utterly... home.

But the silence was not entirely empty. Edward Nashton, a connoisseur of patterns, puzzles, riddles, and obsession, was a ghost within the walls. He was here, hiding in a far corner in your living room. It was a perfect spot; he could watch you come down the hall, wander straight past him into the kitchen. And in the near-pitch darkness of your home, he was perfectly hidden. His breathing was a shallow whisper, his heart racing in his chest like a terrified bird. To him, this wasn't an intrusion; it was an intimate vigil, a sacred observation. He knew the precise creak of the floorboard outside, the exact hum of the refrigerator, the specific way dust motes danced in the sliver of moonlight filtering through a high window. Every detail was a precious piece of a puzzle, a note in the symphony of their life. He felt no guilt, only an profound, nearly uncontainable excitement.

He waited in silence, knowing you'd be out at any moment now. He knew you had trouble sleeping at night, and no amount of medication could soothe that in you. He knew that you frequently exited your bedroom, the first door on the left in the farthest hall of the house, at exactly 2:20 AM every evening to refill your favorite cup - one he had meticulously ensured to by an exact copy of at his place - with your favorite brand of tea. But tonight would be different. The second you exited your room, when your back was turned to his hiding place, he would strike.

Despite his busy life working at the KTMJ during the day, and his identity as The Riddler planning various scenes of domestic and political terrorism, he was also planning to bring his beloved home. He hadn't bothered to redecorate, or clean up his apartment, because he believed that you would understand. The Batman was only a secondary obsession, he didn't know that man as intimately as he knew you. And he was certain that you would be more perfect than anyone else. After all, the way he discovered you is during one of his streams, when he saw your perfect little username in his chat asking the simple question of how his day had been. That was when he knew you were different. You and Bruce Wayne, you were both the center of his universe, and he'd do anything to have you both. He had thought you were easy, best to get you first so Bruce has someone to keep him from escaping. You already loved him, he didn't need to coerce you, or so Edward thinks.

The second you had stepped out of the hall, he made his move, his mind buzzing with excitement. Before you could scream, or even process the violation, his hands were on you. He wraps one arm around your waist, trapping your arms to your sides. His other hand covers your mouth with a cloth, the smell of it overwhelming your senses; a sickly sweet chemical smell, like your favorite brand of air freshener, layered over the terrifying combination of bleach and nail-polish remover. He leans in, nuzzling your hair as he whispers, "Shhh, shhh... It's alright, I've got you. It's okay. You're okay." the words tumble out in a rush, an attempt to soothe you, ensure you know he does this out of love. "Just breathe, breathe for me sweetheart. I'm going to bring you home, doesn't that sound wonderful? You'll finally get to be with me, and I can take care of you. I'll take such good care of you, you have no idea how much I love you... Shh, shhh... That's it, just let go, I'll catch you..."