Save Your Sin || Dick Grayson [2]

23| Love Like Poison

***

There were some nights where I felt especially lonely, with Selina still investigating in Rome it felt that I was on my own. Even with Harley and Ivy still around they were in a honeymoon phase where they knew nothing else but each other. Even though no one like to voice it out loud it was clear that Gotham was changing.

Falcone no longer seemed to be the fearsome threat that he used to be. With the Holiday Killer singlehandedly tearing down the Falcone crime family others like Penguin and Black Mask were just waiting for their moment to take full control of the city. Though that wouldn't be so easy with the identity of the Holiday Killer still a mystery.

Although the underground bar of the Iceberg Lounge was where I found myself most often, there were nights where I simply didn't want to surround myself with the other Gotham Rogues. The less I knew about their chaotic plans to create havoc the better. There were just somethings that were better not to carry on my conscious.

"So unlike you to be on your own." A familiar voice teased, however I don't think he realized the irony in his words. The reality was that I was alone more often than I was in company, even though I created a facade to have everyone think otherwise.

"What do you want Eddie?" I questioned not bothering to meet Edward Nygma's eyes, not only did he make me uncomfortable but I was simply in no mood to deal with is eccentricities.

"There's a rumor going around that you had a private meeting with Carmine Falcone."

"Don't call it a rumor when you know it's true. You know I don't like games."  I replied taking a sip from my drink and not bothering to meet his eyes. Edward Nygma was a smart man and every word he used had a purpose, and I didn't want to fall into whatever trap he could be setting up. One small slip and he would know exactly what I was thinking, a trait that oddly reminded me of Bruce.

It wasn't until I felt him move closer that I looked up to meet his analytical eyes. It was odd to see him not dressed in his usual green attire, but he probably thought the same of me out of my usual black and blue suit. "If I say 'everything I tell you is a lie' am I telling you the truth or a lie?"

"I don't like riddles either." I muttered becoming increasingly disinterested with the conversation.

"A lie." Ed replied answering his own riddle as he leaned against the bar counter. "You lie to others and yourself."

As much as I could play nice or simply just play along like I usually did my patience was wearing thin. "If I wanted to talk to a therapist I'd go to Harley or Crane."

"Scarecrows back in Arkham didn't you hear?"

"Get to the point Ed." I said annoyed with the direction this conversation was headed, he was clearly stalling for time and I was in no mood to be involved in the little games that he liked to play. Whatever this was it was more than just friendly small talk between friends.

Like a flip of a switch Nygma's expression become incredibly serious. "Cobblepot wants to talk to you about the little meeting."

For once it was my turn to take a moment and study him. Edward Nygma was an incredibly intelligent man, and it was still a mystery why he decided to work for Cobblepot when he could easily have a man like Penguin working for him instead. There had to be a bigger plan for his submission, one that was sure to reveal itself soon enough. "Fine. Just give me some more..."