Chapter Text
Picking at skin hurt. Edward knew that all too well. The nuns would yell at him but he didn’t care. He especially liked picking near his fingernails because the peeling felt like tape. When he’d fall on the concrete steps that led to a grass field he’d pick at those wounds that were usually on his knees. If he couldn’t sleep, which was most nights, he’d bite his nails. The rats would probably do the same to his hands anyways.
Today was a different day, however. He and his choir were performing some songs for the press. They didn’t care about these children though. Their attention went to the Wayne’s. Edward was living in their former home so it made sense that Thomas Wayne would announce his run for mayor here. It would make him look favorable.
How could anyone like this man? He’s letting me get bitten by rats and turn cold in the winter. Edward thought to himself.
Right next to him was someone he didn’t even want to think about. Bruce Wayne. You’d get called a ‘Bruce’ if you were spoiled at the orphanage. Of course, he was never called this childish nickname. When their singing was finished he glanced at the boy. Glancing turned to outright staring.
Spoiled brat. His parents had to drag him in here. He doesn’t want to be around dirty sick kids.
Bruce would glance back at him. He looked nervous.
He's thinking about me. I know it. He would hurt me if his mommy and daddy weren’t looking like a bully. Edward finally looked away from the poor kid.
After the press had left he was allowed to get his notebook and some newspapers and go out in the field. It was one of his favorite activities other than picking at his skin. He sat under a tree and tried not to get his choir gown dirty. Other kids would look at him funny or whisper about him but he didn’t care. He did the newspaper little puzzles and games and when he got inspiration he would try to make new ones. The riddles page was his favorite on the paper. When he made his own he thought they were pretty clever.
Suddenly he felt a pair of eyes on him and someone looming over him.
“My mom said to say hi. Can I sit with you?” The boy stuttered.
Edward couldn’t believe his eyes when he looked up. Bruce Wayne. Why is he out of all kids here? Why has he taken an interest in me? The boy just nodded in response. He would’ve said no but he felt like Wayne would’ve hurt him.
“I’m Bruce,” he told as he sat down, “who are you?”
“Edward.” He bluntly replied still reading the paper.
“Oh, you’re a boy? I thought you were a girl.” He smiled.
Edward didn’t smile back. “Because of my hair?”
“Yeah… sorry but you are pretty for a boy.” Bruce looked over to his paper. “What are you doing?”
“Uh, puzzles…” why did Bruce Wayne just call him pretty?
“Did you make these ones here?” He asked pointing to the open notebook
“Yes.” Edward was still focused on the puzzle on the paper.
“Do you not like me?” Bruce suddenly asked.
This took Edward by surprise. He looked up at the rich kid. “Why you ask?”
“Because I saw you staring at me and um you don’t like talking,” Bruce answered.
“I don’t talk a lot. I was looking because I was scared. Sorry.” Edward confessed.
“It’s okay! I still want to be your friend.” The boy smiled.
Edward placed his newspaper down in silent shock. “Really? With me? Nobody likes me .”
“Well, I like you and your puzzles.”
Ed picked up his notebook and flipped to a different page. “How about a riddle? I really like riddles.”
“I can try and solve one.” Bruce grinned.
“Okay here’s one I made. What has a lot of ears but can’t hear?” Edward finally smiled back.
“That’s hard…” Bruce rested his head on his hand and thought. “My teacher just told us about farming… I think it’s corn!”
“Correct.” He suddenly pulled him into a hug. “People said you would be mean but I guess you're pretty nice,” Edward admitted.
Bruce hugged back. “Why do they say I’m mean?” He pouted as they separated.
“Because your mommy and daddy have a lot of money and if you have a lot of things here you’re called a ‘Bruce’ and that means you’re mean a spoiled.” He explained.
“Oh… I guess that makes sense.” Bruce leaned against the tree looking saddened.
“Don't worry. You have parents you should be happy.” Edward declared also looking a little down.
“I used to play hide and seek in your house you know... Want to play with me? I think you would be good at hiding.” he said to cheer up the mood.
“The sisters do like hide and seek... Sorry.”
Their heads both turned as they hear Bruce's name being called in the distance.
“Well, I'm gonna ask my mom if you could have a playdate with me,” he exclaimed as he stood up and reached his hand out. “Come with me to ask!”
Bruce Wayne... Wants a playdate with me?
“Okay...” he gathered his things and took his hand.
Bruce ran him to his mom who was observing them on the concrete steps. Other children looked in awe (and hatred) as Bruce held Edwards's hand and asked if he could play with him at his house.
“Aw, I can’t believe you made a friend honey…” she caressed Bruce’s face before looking over at the other child. “What’s your name darling?”
“Edward… Edward Nashton.”
“Oh, how wonderful you’re a boy?” She asked confused.
“Why do people think I’m a girl?” He looked over at Bruce who shrugged.
“Well, I’ll ask if he can okay? We have to go now say bye!” She took bruce causing their hands to split apart.
Why does she smile so much?
“Uh, the sisters don’t let little kids l-leave.” Edward stuttered.
“I’ll find a way I promise Ed-“ she was interrupted by Bruce.
“Tell my mom a riddle Edward!”
“O-okay-“ he flipped to the riddles page in his notebook. “You can catch me, but you can’t throw me, what am I?
Martha seemed genuinely confused at the simple riddle before she leaned down and bruce whispered to her the answer.
“A cold.” She smiled. “Wow, you really made that? You’re a smart boy Edward.” She said ruffling his hair.
“Thank you…” Edward looked over the heard of children near them waiting to get in. “I need to go to dinner now.”
They hugged one final goodbye before his new went home. Leaving him.
He probably will laugh at me once he gets home… he doesn’t even want to play with me…
A day later one of the younger nuns came up to him before he went outside. She told him to gather some of his things in a little green backpack. It was new which was uncommon.
“Why?” He bluntly asked.
“You’re going to Bruce Wayne’s for the night. He wanted a sleepover and bought you this bag.” She gleamed.
No way.