The Right Side of Wrong

Date Night Delights

{A/N: Photo above is Veronica's dress for the date}

Veronica's POV:

I'm in a fancy restaurant, getting top-notch service, sitting across from the Riddler. Awkward as I thought this would be, it's pretty great. We know each other reasonably well, and whatever we didn't know before, we're more than happy to discuss over wine and fine dining, especially over the wine.

Riddler: "So, you were your father's associate back in the day?"

I nod while sipping from my wine glass.

Me: "Mom freaked out when my powers kicked in, but Dad saw an opportunity. I saw the 'proper' way to handle business, and he got an indestructible bodyguard to keep him safe from misplaced bets with the wrong bookies. Fortunately, I had Harley to keep me grounded and teach me the ropes of getting by without being ridiculed for my differences and her unique psychological tendencies."

Riddler: "Like associating with the Joker?"

Me: "Pot, kettle. Have you met?"

Riddler: "Oh, please! I only fraternize with the Jolly Green Jack-Ass because it's my obligation as a member of the LOD. Something I'm sure you'll enjoy as much as I do."

We share a laugh at the sarcasm behind such an implication.

Me: "Her relationship with Joker is nothing. Before we got into psychology, Harley and I were renowned gymnasts. We had the skills, flexibility, and drive to reach the top. But, the day that could've made or broken our career, Dad asked us to take a dive so he could win money for betting against us since we were the heavy favorites. I love my Dad, but sometimes he gets to me. No seven-year-old should be responsible for her father's safety. It's supposed to be the other way around. How I ended up with that little-*takes a breath*-Nonetheless, we took a dive, got medals, and Harley punched Dad into the ground. I let her get a few good licks in before security had me pull her back."

Riddler lets out a maniacal laugh at the idea.

Riddler: "I'm sorry. That little what?"

Me: *chuckles* "As if you never do the same during a conversation regarding the Dark Knight?"

Riddler: "Touché. Any other fascinating stories from your past that I should know?"

Me: "Uh, Harley might've committed first-degree murder at our summer camp."

Riddler: "Motive?"

Me: "Alleged loss of virginity to a horse."

Riddler nearly chokes on his wine at the idea.

Riddler: *clears his throat* "Witnesses?"

Me: "II may have been involved to a degree. Then, there's the restraining order from Frankie Muniz."

Riddler: "Star-crossed love gone wrong?"

Me: "Oh, you know, just the unspoken urge to kidnap, fuck, and provide children to a famous pop star. Normal kid stuff."

We catch other diners glancing at us in shock at the use of such vulgar language in such a 'respectable' place, causing both of us to laugh with wide grins.

Me: "Hey, love makes you do crazy things."

Riddler: "Well, you should know. Most would call you crazy for joining me on a night like this for such an occasion."

Me: "Easy there, Nygma. No one said anything about the 'l' word regarding our relationship. This date was part of a bet, but I won't say I haven't enjoyed tonight's events or the company."

Riddler: "And the feeling is mutual. That said, you can't honestly tell me our arrangement is the only reason you're here. No one has to say it yet, but we could always engage in an attempt to progress toward such things.

Me: "Is that your 'twists and turns' way of asking me out for another date?"

Riddler: "If you insist."

Should I? Oh, what the hell? He's asking for it anyway.

Me: "Well then, to twists & turns and the unlikely circumstances."

He raises his glass for a toast, but I gently tug his tie to pull him into a lasting kiss to seal the deal. He doesn't pull away until at least two minutes later with a lovesick grin while I telepathically send our tab to the waiter.

Me: "Pleasure doing business with you, Riddler."

I slowly rise from the chair, softly swaying my hips as I walk away with a sly smirk. Harley's going to get a huge kick out of this later. Alright, Nygma, let the games of true Mayhem begin!

End of Chapter