[Jason had never been particularly good at 'easy'. It wasn't something he was used to, even after being adopted. He could have gotten used to it, of course. He didn't have to work at all if he didn't want to. Or go to school. Or sleep on a couch.
But the idea of just coasting by on his family's coattails was enough to make his stomach twist. No, he'd earn his living. Carve out a bit of life for himself. And that included Edward. He wasn't getting paid to have dinner with the older man. He'd asked first, after all, that meant that he was paying the bill.
It also meant that he wanted to be there, even if Edward couldn't see it.
Arching a brow, he picked up a fry and pointed it at his company.]
I just opened my mouth and trauma dumped on you, I don't think that really counts as 'private', Edward. [He took a bite out of his impromptu emphasis tool before pointing the bitten off end right back at the older man.] I'm...boring, mostly. At least, I try to be. My family is...loud. Being quiet is kinda nice. If you want to know something, just ask. I'll try to keep the 'poor kid from the Eastside' to a minimum.
Here, I'll even go first. What's your favorite color?
[Pursing his lips at the rebuke, Edward... didn't wrinkle his nose at having a half-eaten fry pointed at him. He did arch an eyebrow at Jason's claim to be boring but offered no further argument, quietly taking in the barest hint of information regarding Jason's family and where the younger man had come from.
The question earned an ever stronger reaction; Edward stared dubiously at Jason and looked down at his bright green button-down. It was a colour the younger man regularly saw him in, to go with his equally green car and phone and the rotation of mugs he kept at his desk. He looked back at Jason with that same dubious stare.]
That's not a serious question, is it? If you're going to ask me something, at least make it interesting. Let me show you how it's done.
[He took a gulp of his energy drink to give himself a moment to consider what to ask. Anything about family would invite the same in return, and Edward was in no hurry to share that mess. It didn't matter that Jason seemed to feel similarly self-conscious over the earlier confession and eager to avoid a repeat. Edward had barely spoken to anyone in Gotham about where he'd come from and what he'd left behind. He wasn't planning on changing that tonight.
Setting his drink down, he pointed at Jason.] What would you ideally do once you graduate if you had the freedom to choose anything you wanted without financial concerns?
[That pointed look followed by an epic level stare had been the entire point, however, and Jason's lopsided grin once more spread out on his lips in triumph. The older man really did give great line face. The hard part was getting the incredulousness without also getting annoyance. But, again, Jason had never been one to shy away from things that were hard.
The awkwardness of his slip up was forgotten in the wake of his asinine question, the tension in the air lessening with each passing moment. Mission accomplished. He rewarded himself with the other half of his fry, waiting patiently for his company to ask his question.
When it finally came, he arched a brow of his own.]
I'd teach. English and literature, not finance. Middle school or maybe high school? It's stupid, I know, but you asked. [He gave a little, one shouldered shrug before picking up his burger for another bite. He wasn't going to be a teacher, but the notion was a nice one.]
If you could drop everything right now and just get on a plane, where would you go?
[Seeing Jason's grin, Edward realised he'd been baited into responding as he had. It was annoying to find himself played so well, eased only by the fact that it had dispelled the tension that had sprung up, and Jason gave a serious answer to his question. In light of that, Edward could overlook the teasing; it wasn't as though he hadn't seen Jason being far less friendly in his jests with others.
Edward listened to Jason's answer, thinking of his past teachers. Most of them had been too underpaid and overworked to want to deal with him, joining the litany of others who'd wanted him to sit down and be silent, but there had briefly been one who'd encouraged him and given him his first taste of programming. Would his schooling have been different if they'd stuck around? It didn't matter any more, but he could see how some would claim the right teacher had an impact on their life for the better.]
Not stupid, I'd say, but maybe a sign of self-destructive impulses. Children are terrible.
[But Jason lived with one and presumably felt differently given the few pictures Edward had found of the younger man online, almost all featuring the young girl.
At Jason's question, he looked down and picked up his burger again.] Egypt. I'd like to see the Sphinx and visit some of the museums. Some of the oldest board games have been found in Egyptian tombs, you know.
[Jason hadn't expressed the expected disdain for his puzzle boxes, but Edward still kept his gaze lowered in case this was a step too far in childishness.] Would you leave Gotham if you could?
[School had always been Jason's respite from his father when he'd been young. It wasn't much, public schools in Gotham were at best absolute garbage, but it had sparked his love of reading. Once he'd moved from public schools to Brentwood, it had been like a whole new world had opened up to him and a lot of that was simply because Brentwood teachers weren't overcrowded to the point of just ignoring their students by default. It wasn't fair, but he could understand it now that he was older. How different his life would have been if just one of his early teachers had taken the time to notice all the red flags of his home life.
He gave another shrug, but his smile softened into something more genuine when Edward didn't immediately shoot down the idea as idiotic.]
Kids can be little jerks, yeah....but some of them are pretty cool. I think you'd probably be able to tolerate Lian. She's basically my niece for all intent and purposes and she can hold better conversations than most adults. Takes after her daddy, for sure, little fucking geniuses, the both of them.
[He rolled his eyes fondly, affection radiating from him as he talked about Roy and Lian. That fond affection lingered as the conversation continued, lighting up anew at Edward's almost shy answer. It was very different than pretty much every other piece of body language that he'd ever seen from the older man and it was endearing to be able to see just a little bit past that snarky, toughened exterior.]
You know, I'm not surprised. Ancient Egyptians were pretty advanced. I would love to try my hand at reading some glyphs. Just settle in with a tablet and a notebook and completely forget the world around me for a few hours while you go off and have riddle games with the Sphinx.
[He wasn't wistful, exactly, but there was a hint of it in his tone. He hadn't lost himself in a language like that since the last time Alfred had given him a book in a completely new language and told him to 'sort it out, lad'. So lost was he in the idea of puzzling through the glyphs that he didn't stop to consider the fact that apparently they were taking this theoretical vacation together.]
I did, actually. I spent about five years overseas as a teenager. Before that, I dreamed of leaving Gotham, but when I finally made it back, I realized I missed it. I might leave again, one day, but if I do, it'll be on my own terms.
What is your idea of the ideal weekend? No work, just two days of whatever you want to do with whoever you want to do it with.
[Edward's dubious expression made it clear he doubted that any child would be tolerable. Jason's clear bias towards the one he lived with made the claim of her capability and intelligence questionable at best. Edward couldn't believe she was that special when Jason was clearly very attached to both child and parent. And for all he'd carefully navigated, making sure there wasn't going to be trouble with Jason's... roommate prior to that first night out, the affection in the younger man's voice still sparked a sharp irritation that he refused to examine further.
Jason was able to lessen that irritation before it could truly fester, Edward smiling faintly at the image of matching wits with the Sphinx.]
I could lend you some books if you want to try your hand at translating some of the tales recovered from different tombs. It's not too dissimilar to code-breaking once you have the key.
[Honestly, Edward wasn't putting any thought into this theoretical vacation they were taking - it was pure fantasy if he were going to be able to engage in a game of riddles with a mythological creature so why not assume everyone they were even a little attached too was also there?]
What is there to miss? The smell? The crowds of small-minded idiots? The complete lack of imagination most people show?
[Edward huffed, waving a hand dismissively. He had come to Gotham from his birthplace and stayed there since but he wouldn't claim to have any affection for the city over anywhere else. What was surprising was that Jason had managed a five-year international trip. Even working to pay for everything whilst travelling, it would have been difficult to manage. But before he could ask, it was his turn to answer again. Leaning back, he considered the question, taking another bite before answering.]
I'd spend the first day working on my personal projects in the company of someone competent enough to understand what I'm doing without feeling the need to stick their nose in. Perhaps we could work on individual projects and then go out in the evening for dinner and a show or to visit a museum. The second day we'd play some games - something intellectually challenging - and I'd stream a game after. In the evening, we'd meet up with friends for a game night.
[Not the most exciting answer, but he doubted Jason would judge him for that. Eyeing the younger man up, Edward abandoned the formula they'd established to ask-] Tell me about your international travels. Five years is a long time for anyone to be overseas as a teenager.
[In Edward's defense, most people that saw Roy and Jason interacting just assumed that the two were either already a couple or would be soon. Many people, Jason's own family included, still didn't believe him when he said that he slept on the couch and didn't, in fact, share Roy's bed. They were close, comfortable with each other in a way that most men were uncomfortable showing.
For all of that, he'd assured Edward that they were just friends and that wasn't a lie. The red head was more his brother than some of his actual brothers were, plus Roy had dated his older brother. It would be weird.]
Hey, if I had the time I would very much take you up on that offer. I love it and I want to say yes...but I also know that it would take me forever with my schedule what it is. I don't want to take your book for that long. The offer is very much appreciated, though. Thank you.
[He smiled, the expression lingering as he listened to the description of what sounded like a wonderful weekend.]
Honestly, that sounds so nice. Very peaceful and relaxing. Add in a pot of hot tea and a good book and I'd be sold on that exact weekend.
[No judgement, then. Maybe even a little wishful thinking, if his little wistful smile could be trusted. The smile was short lived, however, fading almost completely at the older man's follow up question.
He bought himself some time to think by taking a big bite of his burger, but then he was glancing up at his company with a little shrug.]
That is a very messy answer, actually. I don't want to make you uncomfortable again, but I also don't want you to think I'm hiding anything, cause I'm not.
The most sanitized version is: I got in a fight with my adoptive dad when I was fifteen. Ended up going to stay with a living biological relative. It was a mistake and I regret ever going, but I can't change what I did. I eventually got home and got my life back together. There is...a lot more to it, but that's the reader's digest version.
If you want to know more, you can ask me and I'll tell you, but I also don't blame you at all if you don't want to know more.
[He smirked, but the expression wasn't a kind one and he quickly took another bite to cover it.]
You stream games? Like on Twitch? What do you play?
[So long as there wasn't trouble with Jason's roommate as a result of their arrangement, Edward was mostly willing to ignore any doubts he had over Jason's claim to just be friends. He had no reason to care, and if he continued to ignore the irritation at the way Jason spoke about this Roy, it would go away.
He nodded at Jason's refusal of his offer, not surprised by it. He knew how busy the younger man was - that they were there, eating a leisurely meal together was a surprise, let alone anything more than that. Much as he wasn't surprised, Jason appreciated the prospect of a peaceful weekend too.]
Somehow, I'm not at all surprised by that last addition.
[The more he saw of Jason, the more he was surprised; the younger man didn't have his nose in a book more often.
That amusement faded quickly at Jason's response to his question. Edward frowned, wondering if he was going to be told he'd overstepped again, but surprisingly, that wasn't the case. He listened quietly as Jason spoke, weighing up the words and taking his time to think after the younger man had fallen silent again. He was curious about the details but it was easy to see that it hadn't been a good or easy time for Jason. There were unpleasant memories there, and this wasn't the place for unloading dark personal secrets - if there was ever going to be an appropriate time and place. Edward was in no hurry to share certain personal details either, so he tilted his head at Jason in quiet understanding.]
I see. Well, there will be future opportunities to escape Gotham if you choose to.
[Given the awkwardness of the moment, he was eager to latch onto Jason's next question, scoffing and looking down his nose at Jason with exaggerated disdain.]
Obviously, on Twitch, what else would I use? Kick? I'm better than that. [Even if his subscriber count wasn't that high. He couldn't stream regularly enough for that.] I like anything that's a challenge. Puzzle games are the best - the Talos Principle games, and I've demonstrated some of the levels I've created for Portal 2 before. And the good Souls-like games - as well as the genre's progenitors, naturally. I've been looking at virtual reality, too, but there aren't a lot of games yet that use the platform in an interesting way - I have some ideas for puzzle games that would be an ideal fit, but that's all they are so far.
[Realising he was rambling a little, Edward took a quick bite of his burger, trying not to sound too invested when he asked-] Do you play any games?
[Relief eased through the younger man's shoulders as Edward seemed to accept his answer. He could almost see the temptation chasing itself through that brilliant brain, but if Edward hadn't reacted well to Jason's early childhood meal times, he certainly wasn't going to be enthused with teenage rebellion lead blackmail.
Though, that wasn't really fair to him. He hadn't been the one doing the blackmailing.
His thoughts threatened to spiral, to drag him down into those old memories like an anchor...but the older man's obvious joy about gaming was a balm to his heart and it was almost easy to smile as he picked through a few more fries. His past held no edge against that level of joy about something and he was grateful.]
I have no idea what 'kick' is, so I'm glad you're on Twitch. What's your name? Maybe I'll have some time to look you up. Watch you while you play.
[He was smiling, but he wasn't teasing. He was being as honest as he knew how to be, actually. The idea of pulling up one of Edward's streams after he stopped being able to see the man in person was actually a little nice. Like maybe he wouldn't have to let go of the man completely.]
I do, but probably nothing you'd play. Lian has picked up Mario Kart and has taken to completely kicking my ass for a match or two before bedtime. My brother got me to play Hades and that was fun. Oh! Actually, I have played Bloodborne. That's a Souls-like game, right? I died. A lot. But I have played it. Umm...I watched Roy play Skyrim, does that count?
[His smirk made it clear that he knew it didn't count at all, but he couldn't quite help the tease.]
[The expected ignorance was still met with another exaggerated scoff as if Jason should rightly know every streaming platform online. He was younger than Edward, so he should have been knowledgeable about these things. If he had the time for it anyway.
Edward equally doubted Jason would be spending any time watching his streams, the question likely born from politeness and a desire to stay on Edward's good side during their arrangement. But he still hesitated before answering, wondering if Jason would see through the username.]
It's ENygma. With a y. [He'd thought about legally changing his name so many times but never had. It was hard to explain why when part of him wanted that distance from where he'd been - who he'd been - so badly. He'd filled out the paperwork more than once and wound up shredding it each time. Whether it was from some foolish illusion that he could go back to where he'd grown up one day and show his parents how wrong they'd been about him or concern over his new name not being taken seriously, he couldn't say, Whatever the reasoning and as unwise as it was, Jason would find the same username across multiple platforms all with a familiar face behind them if he cared to check. It was a name Edward had some attachment to, unofficial as it was.
Those concerns aside, he returned Jason's smile, brightening further at the games named.]
You and your brother have good taste even if your skills need improvement. [Which answered that question, as did Edward's huff.] Watching doesn't count. And Skyrim isn't challenging unless you don't know how to handle bugs. You need better entertainment.
[So maybe Jason would watch one of his streams after all... Would he appear in the chat? Edward would... not be keeping a closer-than-usual eye on it when he next streamed, but he would make sure to call out any newcomers. Just in case.]
I don't have a particular favourite book. I like a good mystery, but once you've solved it, there's no excitement in revisiting the story. The same goes for anything I've already read. What's the point if I know how it's going to end? There are some science fiction writers who present interesting ideas to grapple with, but I've never read their works more than once, either. [He shrugged, looking at Jason wryly.] A disappointing answer for you, I'm sure.
[He was younger, yes, but it had already been well established that he was more than a little social media ignorant. And that, until very recently, his schedule had been far too full for breakfast, let alone keeping up with said social media. There was a reason that most of his siblings and their father just let the PR department of WE deal with all of that.
Technically, he did have a page...but it was old and hadn't been updated since he'd starting using Todd over Wayne. No doubt the PR reps spun it and his lack of appearance at in person social events on his desire for privacy after the scandal of his time overseas and the resulting legal issues it caused.]
ENyg- [He cut himself off, a slow grin forming as he rolled the name around in his mouth a few times.] I see what you did there. Very clever, I like it. It suits you, Mr Puzzlebox.
[He had every intention of going home and figuring out how to use Twitch. It would cut into his cooking time but that was a sacrifice he was willing to make.
At the answer to his question, Jason nodded along...at least until the end. Then he frowned a little and sat up to reach for his lemonade.]
Not disappointing at all, actually. It's an issue when you have an eidetic memory. My brother --Hades, not Bloodborne-- has the same issue. He can rewatch comfort shows and movies, but not reread books. That doesn't stop you from enjoying a book, just means that rereading it doesn't hold the same joy for you. And there's nothing wrong with that.
I'm kinda the opposite. Rewatching shows or movies is boring unless it's something with a lot of depth, but rereading a favorite book feels like wrapping up in a favorite blanket. [For a moment, he considered leaving it there. After all, Edward hadn't asked a question. It didn't seem fair, though, and after a moment, he cleared his throat and gave a little one shouldered shrug.]
Anything written by Austen. Unless you're talking poetry, then it's Wild Geese by Mary Oliver.
[As someone who thrived on attention, Edward couldn't imagine not keeping on top of social media. Whether it was as the mysterious puzzle box maker who teased his little community with challenges or as himself streaming and posting about games, riddles, and trivia, he needed that engagement, no matter whether it brought him hatred or admiration. It was an endless source of frustration that people like the Waynes could garner so much more attention than him with a single post. Oh, the entire family were easy on the eyes; he wasn't blind, but there was never so much as a mildly challenging logic puzzle on any of their pages. Such a waste.
A little ball of tension sitting in his chest dissolved at Jason's grin, and Edward puffed up, oddly proud to hear the younger man thought the name suited him.] I needed something more fitting for my audience to use.
[Edward tilted his head as Jason mentioned the brother again - it was taking actual effort to keep himself from digging into the details of Jason's life, why, despite clearly having a decent relationship with this brother, the only things he knew about them was that they had decent taste in games and an eidetic memory. Jason hadn't shared as this was nothing but a job for him, but that didn't make Edward less curious.]
Mm, it is a burden. I can see why he enjoys roguelikes when they're not too repetitive. [He smiled as Jason answered the unasked question. Like many things about the younger man, the answer wasn't one most would guess to look at him. It was charming and intriguing how unexpected almost everything Edward learned about his companion was.] I've never been much of one for poetry. Perhaps you should pick something you think I'd like.
[He was curious what, if anything, Jason might choose.] Nor am I well-versed in Ms Austen's works - except for one. She wrote some appreciable riddles in Emma.
[Unsurprisingly, that was the main reason he'd picked up the book in question.]
What is one skill you don't possess but would most like to?
[It was the greatest difference between them, honestly. Not the age gap or the perceived wage gap. Not the differences in their intelligence or education. No, the biggest hurdle they had was that Jason had long ago reached the limit on how much attention he wanted. It was why he wasn't saying more about his siblings, because his family was almost always on the front page of some gossip rag or another. Between Dick's career as a cop, Bruce's randomly appearing mixed race son, and Tim just all out dropping out of high school out of sheer boredom, so many things could be used to find out who they were.
And, through them, who he was. At least in the eyes of the public media. Never mind that he wasn't that person or that none of them were the people that were painted in those stories....the public didn't want to see the real people behind the Wayne name. They wanted their celebrity personas and nothing else. Jason had left it as soon as he'd been able to. It meant that he didn't see his family nearly as often as he wanted to, but they could still keep in contact.
Of course, none of his family knew about Edward. That would have been a disaster in and of itself.]
Emma was good, I enjoyed it. Pride and Prejudice will always hold a very special place in my heart, but that shouldn't come as any surprise. Mr. Darcy was my first crush.
[He grinned, holding a hand over his heart and pretending to swoon a little before he relaxed and tilted his head a little.] I'd love to be able to write. Really write. Any time I try, I can never translate what is in my head to paper.
But, one skill I'm not half bad at, is guessing what people might like. And I think I got something you'll appreciate.
[He pulled out his phone and spent a moment looking for something, then grinned and licked his lips. When he spoke again, it was with the rhythmic cadence of someone reciting.]
Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of Mankind is Man. Placed on this isthmus of a middle state, A Being darkly wise, and rudely great: With too much knowledge for the Sceptic side, With too much weakness for the Stoic's pride, He hangs between; in doubt to act, or rest; In doubt to deem himself a God, or Beast; In doubt his mind and body to prefer; Born but to die, and reas'ning but to err; Whether he thinks to little, or too much; Chaos of Thought and Passion, all confus'd; Still by himself, abus'd or disabus'd; Created half to rise and half to fall; Great Lord of all things, yet a prey to all, Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurl'd; The glory, jest and riddle of the world.
[He took a sip of lemonade after he finished up, arching a brow as he leaned back in his seat.]
[Edward chuckled at Jason's confession and choice of fictional crush.]
Was he? And what appealed most to you about him, hm?
[He tried to picture a young Jason curled over a book, blushing at what was on the page, but the image kept turning to the grown man before him. It was still an endearing image.
Tilting his head at the answer, Edward was about to probe further when Jason claimed to have that recommendation already. He waved his hand in a 'go ahead' motion, waiting quietly and picking at his fries as Jason looked up whatever poem had come to mind. When the younger man began his recitation, Edward stilled, listening to the words thoughtfully.
He was quiet as Jason finished and took a drink, a faint smile offering an answer before he spoke.]
You were right. You are good at guessing what people like to hear. [He chuckled.] An excellent riddle you chose.
[It was surprising that Jason could read him that well, given the nature of their relationship. One dinner hardly seemed enough to have such an understanding of him, but then, Edward hadn't been the one playing a part in their other engagements. No more than the one he wore whilst working, and it was a flimsy mask at that.]
Do you do that often, make recommendations?
[It was a fitting skill for someone who would like to be a teacher if he could.]
Lalala~ I totally didn't lose this in the midst of everything else~!
[Was it so surprising that Jason had read him that well? After all, it wasn't Edward who put up a front for most of the time they were together. Sure, there was a difference between the man sitting across from him and the man at the office party, but not nearly as much of one as he might like to think.
Sharp-witted, brilliant, a little bit narcissistic. The smartest man in the room and well aware of that fact. But still...awkward. Uninvited to join the close circle of co-workers, even if he'd wanted to, so he made it a point to never want to. To bring someone in to show off that he didn't have to join that circle because he had one of his own.
Sometimes being raised by a man who devoted his life to being a detective was a detriment for his social regulation.
Smirking a little, he shrugged his shoulder as he reached out to set his drink back down.]
I try not to, but I still somehow manage to make every single one of my siblings groan if I so much as suggest a book to them. Well, not every one. Dami has been spared. I moved out before he came around.
[He was from the system, right? Surely having a sibling 'come around' instead of simply being born was understandable, right?]
I read with Lian, though. She's a good chunk of the way through the Narnia series. I helped her pick it out a while ago and we read through the first couple together, but she's pretty much just reading to me now.
[He didn't bother trying to hide his proud smile as he finished off the last of his burger.]
[Jason could only have read him so well if the younger man had been paying attention to Edward during all those past events - more attention than he'd realised. More attention than a simple performance required. That was the surprising part.
It wasn't that Edward hadn't been paying attention to Jason as well, but the younger man was something of a mystery, so of course, his attention had been held. Jason kept surprising him at every turn, never what Edward expected, even after spending time around him. It was only tonight, with their impromptu mutual questioning, that he was getting the answers to some of those mysteries.
Such as hearing Jason talk about those siblings, including one adopted after his departure. Idly, Edward wondered at this adoptive father that, for all Jason had had a falling out with the man, clearly wasn't so terrible as many foster families in Gotham. And outside of Gotham. He didn't have to have ever been part of the system himself to know that.]
If they don't care to read, that's a failure on their part.
[Was it acceptable to criticise someone's siblings? He didn't know, but it was true. Edward at least knew to hold his tongue when it came to the child Jason cared for so much, only humming in acknowledgement.
Abandoning the last of his burger and fries, Edward drained the final dregs of his energy drink, glancing at his watch as he set the empty can down. Jason was no doubt eager to get home to the child and her father soon. Carefully wiping his hands on a napkin, he glanced around for a staff member to wave down for the bill.]
Well, this has been a pleasant diversion. [There wasn't any sarcasm in the words either, as there was when he expressed similar sentiments to most others.] I expect you're ready for your night alone in the kitchen now.
[He pulled out his phone to pay for their meal, feeling somehow both reinvigorated and disappointed that the night was coming to an end.]
[Acceptable or not, Jason still chuckled at Edward's calling out of his siblings. He was right, after all, and Jason had told them something similar to their faces. It didn't matter, but it still felt nice that the older man was on his side. Felt nice to talk about them at all, actually. It wasn't often that he felt comfortable enough with someone to speak about them even a little.
It left him feeling very isolated, most of the time. It was nice to be able to open up the part of himself that no one else ever got to see.]
A failure I tell them about every chance I get, believe me.
[Popping the last of his fries into his mouth, he hummed and nodded in agreement. It had been a pleasant diversion, even the parts where Jason had overstepped and shoved his own foot in his mouth.]
Oh, I don't know about being 'ready' to get home to my empty kitchen, but it's something that should be done. I don't mind cooking during the week, but cooking with Lian takes about twice as long as cooking alone does and some nights I have way more homework than time.
[He smirked, wiping his mouth with his napkin before shifting to reach into his pocket, pulling out his aging leather wallet and pulling a couple of bills from it.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
But the idea of just coasting by on his family's coattails was enough to make his stomach twist. No, he'd earn his living. Carve out a bit of life for himself. And that included Edward. He wasn't getting paid to have dinner with the older man. He'd asked first, after all, that meant that he was paying the bill.
It also meant that he wanted to be there, even if Edward couldn't see it.
Arching a brow, he picked up a fry and pointed it at his company.]
I just opened my mouth and trauma dumped on you, I don't think that really counts as 'private', Edward. [He took a bite out of his impromptu emphasis tool before pointing the bitten off end right back at the older man.] I'm...boring, mostly. At least, I try to be. My family is...loud. Being quiet is kinda nice. If you want to know something, just ask. I'll try to keep the 'poor kid from the Eastside' to a minimum.
Here, I'll even go first. What's your favorite color?
no subject
The question earned an ever stronger reaction; Edward stared dubiously at Jason and looked down at his bright green button-down. It was a colour the younger man regularly saw him in, to go with his equally green car and phone and the rotation of mugs he kept at his desk. He looked back at Jason with that same dubious stare.]
That's not a serious question, is it? If you're going to ask me something, at least make it interesting. Let me show you how it's done.
[He took a gulp of his energy drink to give himself a moment to consider what to ask. Anything about family would invite the same in return, and Edward was in no hurry to share that mess. It didn't matter that Jason seemed to feel similarly self-conscious over the earlier confession and eager to avoid a repeat. Edward had barely spoken to anyone in Gotham about where he'd come from and what he'd left behind. He wasn't planning on changing that tonight.
Setting his drink down, he pointed at Jason.] What would you ideally do once you graduate if you had the freedom to choose anything you wanted without financial concerns?
no subject
The awkwardness of his slip up was forgotten in the wake of his asinine question, the tension in the air lessening with each passing moment. Mission accomplished. He rewarded himself with the other half of his fry, waiting patiently for his company to ask his question.
When it finally came, he arched a brow of his own.]
I'd teach. English and literature, not finance. Middle school or maybe high school? It's stupid, I know, but you asked. [He gave a little, one shouldered shrug before picking up his burger for another bite. He wasn't going to be a teacher, but the notion was a nice one.]
If you could drop everything right now and just get on a plane, where would you go?
no subject
Edward listened to Jason's answer, thinking of his past teachers. Most of them had been too underpaid and overworked to want to deal with him, joining the litany of others who'd wanted him to sit down and be silent, but there had briefly been one who'd encouraged him and given him his first taste of programming. Would his schooling have been different if they'd stuck around? It didn't matter any more, but he could see how some would claim the right teacher had an impact on their life for the better.]
Not stupid, I'd say, but maybe a sign of self-destructive impulses. Children are terrible.
[But Jason lived with one and presumably felt differently given the few pictures Edward had found of the younger man online, almost all featuring the young girl.
At Jason's question, he looked down and picked up his burger again.] Egypt. I'd like to see the Sphinx and visit some of the museums. Some of the oldest board games have been found in Egyptian tombs, you know.
[Jason hadn't expressed the expected disdain for his puzzle boxes, but Edward still kept his gaze lowered in case this was a step too far in childishness.] Would you leave Gotham if you could?
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He gave another shrug, but his smile softened into something more genuine when Edward didn't immediately shoot down the idea as idiotic.]
Kids can be little jerks, yeah....but some of them are pretty cool. I think you'd probably be able to tolerate Lian. She's basically my niece for all intent and purposes and she can hold better conversations than most adults. Takes after her daddy, for sure, little fucking geniuses, the both of them.
[He rolled his eyes fondly, affection radiating from him as he talked about Roy and Lian. That fond affection lingered as the conversation continued, lighting up anew at Edward's almost shy answer. It was very different than pretty much every other piece of body language that he'd ever seen from the older man and it was endearing to be able to see just a little bit past that snarky, toughened exterior.]
You know, I'm not surprised. Ancient Egyptians were pretty advanced. I would love to try my hand at reading some glyphs. Just settle in with a tablet and a notebook and completely forget the world around me for a few hours while you go off and have riddle games with the Sphinx.
[He wasn't wistful, exactly, but there was a hint of it in his tone. He hadn't lost himself in a language like that since the last time Alfred had given him a book in a completely new language and told him to 'sort it out, lad'. So lost was he in the idea of puzzling through the glyphs that he didn't stop to consider the fact that apparently they were taking this theoretical vacation together.]
I did, actually. I spent about five years overseas as a teenager. Before that, I dreamed of leaving Gotham, but when I finally made it back, I realized I missed it. I might leave again, one day, but if I do, it'll be on my own terms.
What is your idea of the ideal weekend? No work, just two days of whatever you want to do with whoever you want to do it with.
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[Edward's dubious expression made it clear he doubted that any child would be tolerable. Jason's clear bias towards the one he lived with made the claim of her capability and intelligence questionable at best. Edward couldn't believe she was that special when Jason was clearly very attached to both child and parent. And for all he'd carefully navigated, making sure there wasn't going to be trouble with Jason's... roommate prior to that first night out, the affection in the younger man's voice still sparked a sharp irritation that he refused to examine further.
Jason was able to lessen that irritation before it could truly fester, Edward smiling faintly at the image of matching wits with the Sphinx.]
I could lend you some books if you want to try your hand at translating some of the tales recovered from different tombs. It's not too dissimilar to code-breaking once you have the key.
[Honestly, Edward wasn't putting any thought into this theoretical vacation they were taking - it was pure fantasy if he were going to be able to engage in a game of riddles with a mythological creature so why not assume everyone they were even a little attached too was also there?]
What is there to miss? The smell? The crowds of small-minded idiots? The complete lack of imagination most people show?
[Edward huffed, waving a hand dismissively. He had come to Gotham from his birthplace and stayed there since but he wouldn't claim to have any affection for the city over anywhere else. What was surprising was that Jason had managed a five-year international trip. Even working to pay for everything whilst travelling, it would have been difficult to manage. But before he could ask, it was his turn to answer again. Leaning back, he considered the question, taking another bite before answering.]
I'd spend the first day working on my personal projects in the company of someone competent enough to understand what I'm doing without feeling the need to stick their nose in. Perhaps we could work on individual projects and then go out in the evening for dinner and a show or to visit a museum. The second day we'd play some games - something intellectually challenging - and I'd stream a game after. In the evening, we'd meet up with friends for a game night.
[Not the most exciting answer, but he doubted Jason would judge him for that. Eyeing the younger man up, Edward abandoned the formula they'd established to ask-] Tell me about your international travels. Five years is a long time for anyone to be overseas as a teenager.
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For all of that, he'd assured Edward that they were just friends and that wasn't a lie. The red head was more his brother than some of his actual brothers were, plus Roy had dated his older brother. It would be weird.]
Hey, if I had the time I would very much take you up on that offer. I love it and I want to say yes...but I also know that it would take me forever with my schedule what it is. I don't want to take your book for that long. The offer is very much appreciated, though. Thank you.
[He smiled, the expression lingering as he listened to the description of what sounded like a wonderful weekend.]
Honestly, that sounds so nice. Very peaceful and relaxing. Add in a pot of hot tea and a good book and I'd be sold on that exact weekend.
[No judgement, then. Maybe even a little wishful thinking, if his little wistful smile could be trusted. The smile was short lived, however, fading almost completely at the older man's follow up question.
He bought himself some time to think by taking a big bite of his burger, but then he was glancing up at his company with a little shrug.]
That is a very messy answer, actually. I don't want to make you uncomfortable again, but I also don't want you to think I'm hiding anything, cause I'm not.
The most sanitized version is: I got in a fight with my adoptive dad when I was fifteen. Ended up going to stay with a living biological relative. It was a mistake and I regret ever going, but I can't change what I did. I eventually got home and got my life back together. There is...a lot more to it, but that's the reader's digest version.
If you want to know more, you can ask me and I'll tell you, but I also don't blame you at all if you don't want to know more.
[He smirked, but the expression wasn't a kind one and he quickly took another bite to cover it.]
You stream games? Like on Twitch? What do you play?
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He nodded at Jason's refusal of his offer, not surprised by it. He knew how busy the younger man was - that they were there, eating a leisurely meal together was a surprise, let alone anything more than that. Much as he wasn't surprised, Jason appreciated the prospect of a peaceful weekend too.]
Somehow, I'm not at all surprised by that last addition.
[The more he saw of Jason, the more he was surprised; the younger man didn't have his nose in a book more often.
That amusement faded quickly at Jason's response to his question. Edward frowned, wondering if he was going to be told he'd overstepped again, but surprisingly, that wasn't the case. He listened quietly as Jason spoke, weighing up the words and taking his time to think after the younger man had fallen silent again. He was curious about the details but it was easy to see that it hadn't been a good or easy time for Jason. There were unpleasant memories there, and this wasn't the place for unloading dark personal secrets - if there was ever going to be an appropriate time and place. Edward was in no hurry to share certain personal details either, so he tilted his head at Jason in quiet understanding.]
I see. Well, there will be future opportunities to escape Gotham if you choose to.
[Given the awkwardness of the moment, he was eager to latch onto Jason's next question, scoffing and looking down his nose at Jason with exaggerated disdain.]
Obviously, on Twitch, what else would I use? Kick? I'm better than that. [Even if his subscriber count wasn't that high. He couldn't stream regularly enough for that.] I like anything that's a challenge. Puzzle games are the best - the Talos Principle games, and I've demonstrated some of the levels I've created for Portal 2 before. And the good Souls-like games - as well as the genre's progenitors, naturally. I've been looking at virtual reality, too, but there aren't a lot of games yet that use the platform in an interesting way - I have some ideas for puzzle games that would be an ideal fit, but that's all they are so far.
[Realising he was rambling a little, Edward took a quick bite of his burger, trying not to sound too invested when he asked-] Do you play any games?
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Though, that wasn't really fair to him. He hadn't been the one doing the blackmailing.
His thoughts threatened to spiral, to drag him down into those old memories like an anchor...but the older man's obvious joy about gaming was a balm to his heart and it was almost easy to smile as he picked through a few more fries. His past held no edge against that level of joy about something and he was grateful.]
I have no idea what 'kick' is, so I'm glad you're on Twitch. What's your name? Maybe I'll have some time to look you up. Watch you while you play.
[He was smiling, but he wasn't teasing. He was being as honest as he knew how to be, actually. The idea of pulling up one of Edward's streams after he stopped being able to see the man in person was actually a little nice. Like maybe he wouldn't have to let go of the man completely.]
I do, but probably nothing you'd play. Lian has picked up Mario Kart and has taken to completely kicking my ass for a match or two before bedtime. My brother got me to play Hades and that was fun. Oh! Actually, I have played Bloodborne. That's a Souls-like game, right? I died. A lot. But I have played it. Umm...I watched Roy play Skyrim, does that count?
[His smirk made it clear that he knew it didn't count at all, but he couldn't quite help the tease.]
What's your favorite book?
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Edward equally doubted Jason would be spending any time watching his streams, the question likely born from politeness and a desire to stay on Edward's good side during their arrangement. But he still hesitated before answering, wondering if Jason would see through the username.]
It's ENygma. With a y. [He'd thought about legally changing his name so many times but never had. It was hard to explain why when part of him wanted that distance from where he'd been - who he'd been - so badly. He'd filled out the paperwork more than once and wound up shredding it each time. Whether it was from some foolish illusion that he could go back to where he'd grown up one day and show his parents how wrong they'd been about him or concern over his new name not being taken seriously, he couldn't say, Whatever the reasoning and as unwise as it was, Jason would find the same username across multiple platforms all with a familiar face behind them if he cared to check. It was a name Edward had some attachment to, unofficial as it was.
Those concerns aside, he returned Jason's smile, brightening further at the games named.]
You and your brother have good taste even if your skills need improvement. [Which answered that question, as did Edward's huff.] Watching doesn't count. And Skyrim isn't challenging unless you don't know how to handle bugs. You need better entertainment.
[So maybe Jason would watch one of his streams after all... Would he appear in the chat? Edward would... not be keeping a closer-than-usual eye on it when he next streamed, but he would make sure to call out any newcomers. Just in case.]
I don't have a particular favourite book. I like a good mystery, but once you've solved it, there's no excitement in revisiting the story. The same goes for anything I've already read. What's the point if I know how it's going to end? There are some science fiction writers who present interesting ideas to grapple with, but I've never read their works more than once, either. [He shrugged, looking at Jason wryly.] A disappointing answer for you, I'm sure.
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Technically, he did have a page...but it was old and hadn't been updated since he'd starting using Todd over Wayne. No doubt the PR reps spun it and his lack of appearance at in person social events on his desire for privacy after the scandal of his time overseas and the resulting legal issues it caused.]
ENyg- [He cut himself off, a slow grin forming as he rolled the name around in his mouth a few times.] I see what you did there. Very clever, I like it. It suits you, Mr Puzzlebox.
[He had every intention of going home and figuring out how to use Twitch. It would cut into his cooking time but that was a sacrifice he was willing to make.
At the answer to his question, Jason nodded along...at least until the end. Then he frowned a little and sat up to reach for his lemonade.]
Not disappointing at all, actually. It's an issue when you have an eidetic memory. My brother --Hades, not Bloodborne-- has the same issue. He can rewatch comfort shows and movies, but not reread books. That doesn't stop you from enjoying a book, just means that rereading it doesn't hold the same joy for you. And there's nothing wrong with that.
I'm kinda the opposite. Rewatching shows or movies is boring unless it's something with a lot of depth, but rereading a favorite book feels like wrapping up in a favorite blanket. [For a moment, he considered leaving it there. After all, Edward hadn't asked a question. It didn't seem fair, though, and after a moment, he cleared his throat and gave a little one shouldered shrug.]
Anything written by Austen. Unless you're talking poetry, then it's Wild Geese by Mary Oliver.
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A little ball of tension sitting in his chest dissolved at Jason's grin, and Edward puffed up, oddly proud to hear the younger man thought the name suited him.] I needed something more fitting for my audience to use.
[Edward tilted his head as Jason mentioned the brother again - it was taking actual effort to keep himself from digging into the details of Jason's life, why, despite clearly having a decent relationship with this brother, the only things he knew about them was that they had decent taste in games and an eidetic memory. Jason hadn't shared as this was nothing but a job for him, but that didn't make Edward less curious.]
Mm, it is a burden. I can see why he enjoys roguelikes when they're not too repetitive. [He smiled as Jason answered the unasked question. Like many things about the younger man, the answer wasn't one most would guess to look at him. It was charming and intriguing how unexpected almost everything Edward learned about his companion was.] I've never been much of one for poetry. Perhaps you should pick something you think I'd like.
[He was curious what, if anything, Jason might choose.] Nor am I well-versed in Ms Austen's works - except for one. She wrote some appreciable riddles in Emma.
[Unsurprisingly, that was the main reason he'd picked up the book in question.]
What is one skill you don't possess but would most like to?
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And, through them, who he was. At least in the eyes of the public media. Never mind that he wasn't that person or that none of them were the people that were painted in those stories....the public didn't want to see the real people behind the Wayne name. They wanted their celebrity personas and nothing else. Jason had left it as soon as he'd been able to. It meant that he didn't see his family nearly as often as he wanted to, but they could still keep in contact.
Of course, none of his family knew about Edward. That would have been a disaster in and of itself.]
Emma was good, I enjoyed it. Pride and Prejudice will always hold a very special place in my heart, but that shouldn't come as any surprise. Mr. Darcy was my first crush.
[He grinned, holding a hand over his heart and pretending to swoon a little before he relaxed and tilted his head a little.] I'd love to be able to write. Really write. Any time I try, I can never translate what is in my head to paper.
But, one skill I'm not half bad at, is guessing what people might like. And I think I got something you'll appreciate.
[He pulled out his phone and spent a moment looking for something, then grinned and licked his lips. When he spoke again, it was with the rhythmic cadence of someone reciting.]
Know then thyself, presume not God to scan;
The proper study of Mankind is Man.
Placed on this isthmus of a middle state,
A Being darkly wise, and rudely great:
With too much knowledge for the Sceptic side,
With too much weakness for the Stoic's pride,
He hangs between; in doubt to act, or rest;
In doubt to deem himself a God, or Beast;
In doubt his mind and body to prefer;
Born but to die, and reas'ning but to err;
Whether he thinks to little, or too much;
Chaos of Thought and Passion, all confus'd;
Still by himself, abus'd or disabus'd;
Created half to rise and half to fall;
Great Lord of all things, yet a prey to all,
Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurl'd;
The glory, jest and riddle of the world.
[He took a sip of lemonade after he finished up, arching a brow as he leaned back in his seat.]
How'd I do?
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Was he? And what appealed most to you about him, hm?
[He tried to picture a young Jason curled over a book, blushing at what was on the page, but the image kept turning to the grown man before him. It was still an endearing image.
Tilting his head at the answer, Edward was about to probe further when Jason claimed to have that recommendation already. He waved his hand in a 'go ahead' motion, waiting quietly and picking at his fries as Jason looked up whatever poem had come to mind. When the younger man began his recitation, Edward stilled, listening to the words thoughtfully.
He was quiet as Jason finished and took a drink, a faint smile offering an answer before he spoke.]
You were right. You are good at guessing what people like to hear. [He chuckled.] An excellent riddle you chose.
[It was surprising that Jason could read him that well, given the nature of their relationship. One dinner hardly seemed enough to have such an understanding of him, but then, Edward hadn't been the one playing a part in their other engagements. No more than the one he wore whilst working, and it was a flimsy mask at that.]
Do you do that often, make recommendations?
[It was a fitting skill for someone who would like to be a teacher if he could.]
Lalala~ I totally didn't lose this in the midst of everything else~!
Sharp-witted, brilliant, a little bit narcissistic. The smartest man in the room and well aware of that fact. But still...awkward. Uninvited to join the close circle of co-workers, even if he'd wanted to, so he made it a point to never want to. To bring someone in to show off that he didn't have to join that circle because he had one of his own.
Sometimes being raised by a man who devoted his life to being a detective was a detriment for his social regulation.
Smirking a little, he shrugged his shoulder as he reached out to set his drink back down.]
I try not to, but I still somehow manage to make every single one of my siblings groan if I so much as suggest a book to them. Well, not every one. Dami has been spared. I moved out before he came around.
[He was from the system, right? Surely having a sibling 'come around' instead of simply being born was understandable, right?]
I read with Lian, though. She's a good chunk of the way through the Narnia series. I helped her pick it out a while ago and we read through the first couple together, but she's pretty much just reading to me now.
[He didn't bother trying to hide his proud smile as he finished off the last of his burger.]
lol it was your turn to do so, seems fair
It wasn't that Edward hadn't been paying attention to Jason as well, but the younger man was something of a mystery, so of course, his attention had been held. Jason kept surprising him at every turn, never what Edward expected, even after spending time around him. It was only tonight, with their impromptu mutual questioning, that he was getting the answers to some of those mysteries.
Such as hearing Jason talk about those siblings, including one adopted after his departure. Idly, Edward wondered at this adoptive father that, for all Jason had had a falling out with the man, clearly wasn't so terrible as many foster families in Gotham. And outside of Gotham. He didn't have to have ever been part of the system himself to know that.]
If they don't care to read, that's a failure on their part.
[Was it acceptable to criticise someone's siblings? He didn't know, but it was true. Edward at least knew to hold his tongue when it came to the child Jason cared for so much, only humming in acknowledgement.
Abandoning the last of his burger and fries, Edward drained the final dregs of his energy drink, glancing at his watch as he set the empty can down. Jason was no doubt eager to get home to the child and her father soon. Carefully wiping his hands on a napkin, he glanced around for a staff member to wave down for the bill.]
Well, this has been a pleasant diversion. [There wasn't any sarcasm in the words either, as there was when he expressed similar sentiments to most others.] I expect you're ready for your night alone in the kitchen now.
[He pulled out his phone to pay for their meal, feeling somehow both reinvigorated and disappointed that the night was coming to an end.]
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It left him feeling very isolated, most of the time. It was nice to be able to open up the part of himself that no one else ever got to see.]
A failure I tell them about every chance I get, believe me.
[Popping the last of his fries into his mouth, he hummed and nodded in agreement. It had been a pleasant diversion, even the parts where Jason had overstepped and shoved his own foot in his mouth.]
Oh, I don't know about being 'ready' to get home to my empty kitchen, but it's something that should be done. I don't mind cooking during the week, but cooking with Lian takes about twice as long as cooking alone does and some nights I have way more homework than time.
[He smirked, wiping his mouth with his napkin before shifting to reach into his pocket, pulling out his aging leather wallet and pulling a couple of bills from it.]
My ask, my treat. You can get it next time.