Twenty One Days (Riddler x Scarecrow)

Twenty one days. It had been twenty one god damn days since Jonathan Crane had been confined to solitary, and Edward’s worry was growing each day. Doctor Leeland was away for a holiday, so when she returned later that day, the woman was furious and ordered for Crane to be escorted to his cell immediately. Both she and Nigma were horrified when Crane was dragged into view, even Cash looking away as Leeland helped the male into the closest showers with Cash’s help. The six foot six inches tall male mumbled nonsense under his breath, his eyes dilated as Cash undid the straps of the straightjacket he wore carefully. Having his arms stuck in one position for so long, Crane let out whimpering noises when Leeland tried to move his arms so blood could properly flow back into his arms.

“It’s alright Jonathan, it’ll pass.” She murmured softly, leaving so Cash could give the Rogue a proper bath then dressing him in a clean Arkham uniform. Riddler was given some food to feed Jonathan as the male was escorted to the second bunk in his cell, the two left to their own as Leeland left to give Warden Sharp a good berating. Crane seemed to be slightly more aware after his shower, blinking owlishly as Nigma held a spoon to his lips.

“Come on, it’s time to eat.” The Prince of Puzzles murmured, Jon opening his mouth after staring at the food for a few seconds. Edward smiled and continued to feed the other, grimacing every time he happened to catch sight of the striking clear outline of his ribs pressing against Crane’s pale skin, almost looking like they were about to burst from their confines. Crane never noticed, eating the food slowly as Nigma encouraged him to finish the small portion. Once full Jon stopped opening his mouth, Nigma setting the plate aside as he sat beside Crane, gently holding the other male close with a soft hum.

“T-They’re everywhere…” Crane muttered, drawing Riddler’s attention as the other began to shake. “Keep them away…”

“What’s everywhere?” Edward asked soothingly as he tightened his grip slightly as Crane shook even harder, the professor pressing his face into Nigma’s collarbone.

“The crows…” Crane whimpered with a strangled noise, his heart beating faster in pure terror. “The crows are coming to get me…”

“No they’re not.” Nigma said in a strong yet soothing voice, rubbing Crane’s back as he kissed the top of his head. “They won’t get you because I won’t let them.” Crane continued to shake for a while more, Nigma murmuring to him comfortingly as the psychologist began to relax and eventually fell still. Edward was alarmed until he head the very soft but unmistakable snore that only Crane possessed, the other smiling softly as he gently lay him down on the slightly too small bed. Before he could pull away Crane’s hand shot out and snatched around his wrist, his grip strong even though the male was still asleep. The red-head looked down at him for a moment before lying beside Crane, tucking his arm under Crane’s head so he could comfortably and properly hold him close, biting back a chuckle as the other pressed close in an almost adorable fashion. However Nigma didn’t get much sleep that night, calming Crane when he started to slip into a drug-induced nightmare or glaring at any guard or orderly that wasn’t Leeland or Cash. They were the only people any of the Rogues gave any semblance of trust to, as they weren’t sadistic or eager to test out various drugs or experiments upon them. Edward was close to dozing off when Jonathan stirred from his sleep, striking crystal blue eyes watching the Prince of Puzzles as he started to snore with his mouth hanging open. Crane lay his head on Nigma’s chest with a soft sigh, feeling comforted by the fact that Nigma had stayed up all night just to make sure he slept well. The two were left on their own for the day, Leeland checking up on them occasionally to make sure Crane was eating properly. Later that night after lights out the two tensed when someone unlocked their cell from outside, the shadowed guard just leaving as Nigma slowly opened the door. Cash was turning the corner as they peered out, a convenient ventilator shaft map sitting on one of the guard chairs. The two looked at each other before grinning wickedly, quickly making their way to Sharp’s office to enact some very well deserved revenge.