[He lifts his head, taking in the face that haunted him for years, the gentle, dreamy glow of the fire softening the cut of Ed's cheekbone and jaw.
It has been his dream to rise above being a mere footnote in the city's history to leave an indelible mark, commanding the respect of others if he couldn't be loved by them. But for everything he's done, the good he thinks he has tried to do for Gotham, he has been cursed and challenged at every turn by would-be usurpers to his throne, the thought of his death met with relief, triumph, celebration.
And then there's Ed.
Ed mourning his loss. Ed drugging himself.
It's hard to know what to say to that.
It's a little troubling, how far over the edge Ed had gone. But it's gratifying, too, being missed. Having some power over Ed in the way Ed did over him, his heart so full, so sick with wanting.
Calmly, he holds up a hand to stop him.]
All that is in the past now. There's no need for any of it ever again. [He pauses, trying to gauge Ed's expression. Wondering if he can feel his gaze on his face and if that alone can compel him to look back.] I'm here now... and I have no intentions of leaving, not for a very long time.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2019-12-10 06:04 am (UTC)It has been his dream to rise above being a mere footnote in the city's history to leave an indelible mark, commanding the respect of others if he couldn't be loved by them. But for everything he's done, the good he thinks he has tried to do for Gotham, he has been cursed and challenged at every turn by would-be usurpers to his throne, the thought of his death met with relief, triumph, celebration.
And then there's Ed.
Ed mourning his loss. Ed drugging himself.
It's hard to know what to say to that.
It's a little troubling, how far over the edge Ed had gone. But it's gratifying, too, being missed. Having some power over Ed in the way Ed did over him, his heart so full, so sick with wanting.
Calmly, he holds up a hand to stop him.]
All that is in the past now. There's no need for any of it ever again. [He pauses, trying to gauge Ed's expression. Wondering if he can feel his gaze on his face and if that alone can compel him to look back.] I'm here now... and I have no intentions of leaving, not for a very long time.