𝚂𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚊 𝚒𝚗 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 (𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙱𝚊𝚝𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚡 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛)

𝕓𝕠𝕟𝕦𝕤

"Isn't that just terrible? Him raining on your parade like that? What is it they say? One day you're on top...the next, you're a clown. Well, let me tell you...there are worse things to be..."

The Riddle shrinked to the floor after wailing over his failure. He cried and as he became unresponsive.

"Don't be sad," the voice beside his cell cooed. "You did...you did so well. I heard you didn't get the girl, but that's okay. Because you know, Gotham loves a comeback story..."

The Riddler slowly rose to his feet and peered through the bars of his enclosure. "Who...who are you? How..." The Riddler's face twisted in confusion. "How did you know...?"

"Well, that's the question, isn't it?" The unseen man paused before continuing, "Riddle me this...the less of them you have, the more one is worth."

The Riddler pondered for a moment before slowly brightening up. Hopefully, he answered, "A friend...?"

The unseen man began to laugh, and laugh, and laugh, and soon the Riddle followed gleefully while horrible ideas brewed in his mind.

The man's words echoed in his head...

He didn't get the girl, but that's okay. Gotham loves a comeback story.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Batman was busy helping rebuild Gotham. It helped to throw himself at his work, that way he didn't have the time to think of you. He was currently exhausted and resting at Wayne Towers. He barely sat in his chair before his phone buzzed. Checking it, his heart swelled when your name popped up. It had been a few days since he last spoke to you. He still didn't know your name, so he had you added as "Rat <3."

I'm sorry! Something came up...

Would dinner work?

Dinner sounds perfect. I'll let you know on the date soon.

Speaking of dates, am I finally going to learn the name of my mystery date?

Mmmm sorry, I guess you'll have to find out at dinner ;)

...

I'm guessing we aren't going to get that dinner anytime soon...

So I thought I'd tell you my name, but only if you confirm something for me.

Got it?

Bruce raised his brow at the message, but he missed you so much that he'd be willing to say just about anything to continue a conversation with you.

Yeah, sure. Anything.

His heart raced as he watched the three little dots move to indicate that you were typing. He meant what he said too.

I just want to say that this will stay between us, okay?

Our little secret :)

You sure you want to know? Because then you'd HAVE to tell me the truth...

Bruce smiled at your message before answering.

I promise to tell you the truth.

Bruce's smile widened when you replied with your name. It was pretty and he thought it suited you nicely, which he made sure to message you. He quietly whispered it to himself to see how it would sound, but then quickly stopped upon realizing how cringe he was acting. He was Batman! Batman doesn't act like he's in love or anything... right? God, he was going crazy.

Thank you, Batman ;)

His heart stopped and he froze immediately. His smile fell just as quickly. How...what? How did you...? He took several minutes to think. He did promise that he would confirm something for you and tell you the truth, but that would be telling someone of his secret identity. It's called a secret identity for a reason. But if he lied, then he probably wouldn't forgive himself. Plus, it would be so much easier to just tell you instead of dance around it. He must have taken too long to respond, because he could see you typing again.

I know that it might sound crazy, but I'm pretty sure that I'm right.

I mean, there were a couple clues that pointed to you, but there was one big one.

...

You were oddly nice to me at Mitchell's funeral, and even asked me out. That doesn't seem like something a billionaire would do to just anybody.

And when the bombs went off, you were super protective. A normal person would have been running away, but you didn't.

And when Batman (yes, you) and I were on the tower, he asked why Falcone would take me with him to the funeral. Batman wouldn't have known...unless he was you.

Bruce just stared at his phone a little numbly. He felt so stupid; how did he not cover his tracks better?

The icing on the cake is that I've kissed both Bruce Wayne and Batman...

They're like the same, haha.

Bruce slowly started to laugh. It started quietly, but quickly he was actually laughing. He rolled his eyes in amusement.

Alright, you've caught me Ms. Detective.

I'm impressed.

I knew it!!!

We really do need to meet up for dinner now, you need to tell me everything.

He smiled at your excitement. It felt strangely good for someone else to know his secret, someone other than Alfred. Maybe he could see you more because of it. Bruce quickly typed back, secretly excited and filled with content.

It's a date :)