Work Text:
Out of all days for this to unfurl…
Dion has been stuck in traffic for a good half hour due to one of the rogue’s dangerous heists going wrong. It has destroyed a few cars and caused damage to the roads. Everyone has been redirected to another route to avoid the damage and cars are creeping to the detour.
Dion has tried to be patient with the whole fiasco, but they’ll admit that it stressed them out that their routine has changed. They are going to be late for work. Normally, this wouldn’t be the end of the world, but considering it’s opening night, this tardiness will be a huge deal.
If they fall behind on schedule, they’ll ruin the entire show.
Yet, by some miracle, they are on time. By the sliver of a hair strand, of course, but that’s enough time for them to set up their desk and get to work. As they dig through their bag to get all of their supplies ready for the evening, they realize that they have made a fatal error. They swore they triple checked they grabbed everything on the way out before driving to work.
Yet, they are missing the only source of energy they have set up for this shift. A delicious, nutritious lunch that has – well, had – an assortment of nuts, fruits, and a simple sandwich.
They had even been foolish enough to put their source of caffeine in that same bag, so they’re out of luck with that too.
Ugh, they’ll have to message Edward. They can only hope he’s not too busy working on another puzzle or pulling off a heist already. Though it’s early in the night, he takes an ungodly amount of time planning his projects.
Just like them, he hates it when his schedule is disrupted.
Yet, they have no choice.
Taking out their phone, they shoot a quick text asking if Edward can swing by and drop off their lunch. They’re not sure if Edward is even near his phone, but they can only hope he’ll at least see it. Maybe he can drop it off right before he’s about to work on one of his hijinks for the night…
Dion ignores their phone and gets back to work, trying to ebb away the concerns in the back of their mind.
As they say, the show must go on.
They break down everything task by task on the list their incompetent manager has left them. Of course their manager flaked out for some reason. Probably for something stupid.
They exhale through their nose, knowing it’s going to be a difficult night. If anything is to go awry, they’re on their own. They march forward, focusing on what they can do. They help the actors with their outfits, helping them fit into them. Everyone is thankfully cooperative and don’t have any issues with how the clothes are suited on them. When they’re done with that, they begin to structure their booth. They start to decorate the exterior of the ticket booth with little trinkets that connect to the show. They dust around every part of their section and begin to go through the paperwork for their opening tasks.
There’s a soft, gentle knock on their window. They roll their eyes subtly before glancing over, expecting one of their coworkers to bother them with a stupid request that will keep them from doing their own work. Thankfully, they’re already on schedule. At least, whoever organized this place yesterday did an immaculate job…
They can take this request. To their surprise, their boyfriend is grinning ear to ear with a wave. He’s smart enough to not wear his usual attire that would have definitely gotten everyone’s attention.
Rather, he’s donning a forest green peacoat with jet black slacks and bottle-thick rimmed glasses. He’s not even wearing his iconic question mark anywhere. Which…is sort of a surprise within itself. He’s normally completely decked out if he’s going out to do what he needs to.
There’s no reason why he wouldn’t, actually. He’d love the attention of the press if a scandal broke out. It would be pressing news if the Riddler showed up at a random theatre. At least it would certainly get Batman’s attention.
Is it possible he has no intentions to scheme tonight? Dion exhales in relief though. They were honestly not expecting Edward to go out of his way to get their lunch to them.
Without a word, Edward slides over Dion’s special lunch box bag to them. It’s a bit heavier than they expected, but they’ll investigate the contents within it when they have a moment.
“Oh, thank you.” Dion exhales a sigh of relief as they place the bag under their desk with a smile. “That really means a lot. I won’t keep you, though. Have a goodnight. I’ll see you when I get home.”
Edward blinks with confusion. “I had no plans. Can I not see someone I care about on my day off?”
“Oh!” Dion exclaims before staring at all the workload they have to tackle. “I’m still working, but you can stay as long as you’d like, but the show doesn’t start for another hour or so.”
“Ah yes, that’s right. You’re opening with your dolls and puppets, hmm?”
“Nope, not for this show. Unfortunately, The Phantom of the Opera doesn’t have or require puppets.” Dion explains. “I’m almost set up, though. I’m about to check on the actors. If you’d like, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind showing you around backstage.”
Edward’s been curious of how the theatre’s stage has been formatted for quite a while, so why not take the opportunity? Plus, it might keep him out of undue trouble and they can just focus on the show. So, it’s a win - win situation.
“That would be delightful!” Edward’s eyes glisten as he takes a seat, politely waiting for Dion to be done. With his tapping foot and soft hum, it’s almost as if he's stimming with excitement.
Dion focuses on their tasks as much as they can, but their eyes do occasionally avert away to check on their partner. Yet, Edward is still there and anticipating to be let behind the stage. If he wanted to, he could and would escort himself back there, but Dion likes to think it’s because Edward respects them as the expert in this field – for now. Edward’s waiting for their lead to show him the ropes. They’re sure within a matter of months, Edward will be diving head first into researching all about stage-plays. Within a short amount of time, Edward will truly be an expert in it.
Provided, if he does find a way to get invested in it. Puppets and marionettes don’t tend to go hand in hand with puzzles. Yet, they’re sure if anyone would find a way to connect the two, it would be Edward.
Once Dion is done with all of their administration work, they grab the key under their desktop and walk out of the booth, leading their partner to the backstage. When they open the door, Edward’s expression changes into complete amusement as he steps in.
“I’ve been to quite a few backstages, but this is pretty lovely.” Edward gestures with his hands.
There’s probably some truth to that. Some of the backstages around Gotham are in rough shape. Though it’s a bit ironic since they’re in the state of New York, a lot of the arts industry is extremely underfunded in their city. Almost every establishment survives through donations and generosity from corporations and the occasional billionaire.
This place has not been so lucky…
“Yeah,” Dion pauses, not admitting that this theatre isn’t quite doing well. “We do our best with what we got.”
“Well, I’d say! It’s a marvel of what you’ve done here.” Edward compliments as he wanders down the stage.
Dion rushes to closely follow him with a quick step, making sure they don’t lose him. He stops when he notices the collection that’s Dion’s pride and joy. It’s a stack of puppets that they use for some of the shows, but they’re mostly for the children’s focused charity events.
Those little kids adore the puppets and their little skits they make on a whim and they’re perfect to let Dion’s creativity shine.
Edward picks up one of the hand puppets Dion has made with their own two hands. One that they based on Edward’s image. Of course, it’s not a dead ringer that it is the Riddler, but there’s small, subtle details that Edward would catch on. None of the puppets in their collection are equivalents of the rogues. They have done their best to not villainize the rogues more than they already are on television. Dion may not be the most skilled actor or writer out there, but they know how to be sensitive.
“Is this me?” Edward places the puppet in his left hand before moving his thumb and fingers together with a bright grin.
“Well, not quite. He’s based on you.” Dion admits before leaning down and grabbing the puppet’s little hand. Edward takes the moment to grab Dion’s finger. “He’s got a personality of his own.”
“Oh, well, that’s a bit of a shame. He’s a rather charming puppet. ”
Dion notices the actual disappointment in their partner’s voice almost immediately. Dion looks up before promising. “I’ll give him a few more of your traits when I use him again.”
Edward nods. “I’ll be happy to hear how that goes with the kiddos.”
“Oh, they already love him as is.” Dion explains. “He’s super smart and adores playing games with everyone around him. However, his antics are always connected to a riddle. The kids love trying to figure out the answers to them.”
“Do they?” Edward arches an eyebrow, his voice coated with curiosity. “And…do they ever get it?”
“Oh, that’s the biggest difference between you and this puppet,” Dion admits. “He doesn’t do those complex riddles that you can think of on the top of your head. I can’t make it too hard or the kids would lose interest.”
“Ah, yes.” Edward nods, following along. He’s done the occasional riddle to stump some kids. Unfortunately, rather well, actually. “I suppose it’s good to keep it simple for such one-tracked creatures such as children.”
Well, that’s one way to phrase it…
The biggest difference between Edward and Dion is their approach with kids. Though Edward isn’t callous towards them, sometimes Dion can’t help but wonder if Edward has forgotten what it was like to be a child…
They continue to walk down the stage with Dion leading the way as Edward fidgeting his fingertips with the puppet he’s very obviously gotten attached to in such a short time. It’s so sweet to see Edward so fond of the little guy. It’ll be hard to ask for him back.
Actually, Dion has a feeling that the puppet won’t be in their collection for long…
As Edward bombards Dion with a plethora of questions of what lever does what and what piece of machinery applies to each area of the backstage, Dion tries to answer with as much rapid firing, but even they’re not sure of how everything works. Though they absolutely know everything they have crafted with their own hands and are more than happy to indulge in the lore of each and every one of them.
Something which Edward intently listens to and of course, has a billion follow up questions. Thankfully, he leaves them all intact. He most certainly has noticed that Dion has made clear that they’re fragile pieces of art. Detailed parts of Dion’s being that has taken hours to craft with their loving hands. Puppets and marionettes alike require a specific, stable hand to add all the details for each of the characters that have been brought to life
Besides, he seems to have picked a favorite. Even if he’s trying not to show it, one of the puppets has stolen his heart. That hand puppet is still comfortably snug around his hand, even using it to react to some of Dion’s ramblings.
They stop at one of the marionettes that Dion constructed for their last show — a replica of the Boy that Never Grew Up, Peter Pan. They used this marionette behind a silhouette instead of risking propping an actor on a thin, unstable string across the sky. Something that has fooled audiences each and every time.
“Another one based on me? You shouldn’t have.” Edward chuckles.
“Oh, no. This isn’t based on you at all.” Dion pouts.
“Oh really? The green impish suit and the red hair?” Edward cocks an eyebrow. “If that’s the case, then who is this?”
Really? Has Edward, in spite of all of his cultural knowledge, never heard of Peter Pan? For some reason, Dion has a hunch that Edward is lying for whatever reason. In spite of whatever Edward is up to, they play his game.
“Nope. This is Peter Pan.” Dion explains, gesturing to the figure’s small details to prove their point.
“Oh.” Edward clasps his hands. “Yes, yes, I see it now.”
Actually, for all accounts and purposes, Edward is a horrible liar. His lip is barely trembling, but it’s enough to give him away.
“Come on, I know you know who Peter Pan is.” Dion chuckles before crossing their arms. “I know you don’t tend to read a lot of fiction, but I have a feeling he’s been used for a riddle or two.”
“Ah, guilty as charged. I should have figured you would have caught me in my fib. Though to be fair, it really did stump me for a bit. I think someone…” Edward bends down on the ground, picking up a red feather that Dion hadn’t initially noticed before placing it back in Peter’s cap. “Was missing a crucial piece of his outfit to be identified. Now that looks like Peter Pan.”
The hand puppet claps his little hands together as Dion nods in approval. Even though it’s a little bit silly, they’re relieved that Edward did notice the feather dropping. They certainly wouldn’t have with the current schedule of tonight’s opening.
Ding. Ding.
Speak of the devil…
It’s about time for the doors to open for the show and it’s their cue to get back up front. Dion exhales through their nose before taking a moment to gather themself for the chaotic night ahead. A classic such as The Phantom of the Opera will at least perform alright.
They look at Edward and before they can say anything, he nods with understanding. “I see. You need to get to work?”
“Fraid so. I won’t keep you, so I’ll see you when I get home.” Dion promises. “Thanks for bringing me my lunch again.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to escort you out of the backstage.”
Edward sighs, “Yes, I figured. It’s a shame I didn’t get to see everything, but alright. Show me the way out.”
Dion opens their arms as Edward hugs them tight and places a kiss on their cheek. With a bit of a pout, he pulls off the little puppet, placing it in Dion’s hands before pulling away from the embrace. Dion follows Edward out, making sure the backstage door is secure so the actors can have their privacy as they do their final set up.
The next hour and a half is a blur. To their surprise, there’s a massive crowd for the show. Though they know this theatre is well hidden in Gotham, it’s not Broadway. Yet, with tonight’s packed lobby and a constant demand of tickets, snacks, and drinks anyone would have been forgiven for mistaking that.
By the time they begin to close doors to start the show, Dion barely has enough time to grab a snack for themself. They dig through the bag to find that Edward has packed an extra energy drink, hence why the bag was so heavy. Dion takes a swig of the awful combination that will carry them through the night. Now they can just sit and rest until someone tries to beg them to let them in right before the show…
Before they can take a moment to look up, there’s a soft knock on the window. Dion, as much as they try to contain it, exhales through their mouth to see what straggler they’re going to have to turn away. It always sucks, but opening the doors continuously right before the show starts will distract the other patrons. Dion glances up to see a familiar, welcomed face. Their lips form a soft smile before they open the window to their guest.
“I thought you were going home.”
“Ah, well. I figured a bit of a night out would inspire me.” Edward admits. “My next riddle is in a sort of limbo. So, I figured I’d keep you company during the show.”
So, he’s just being a bit clingy…
That’s cute.
“Well, you’re in luck. Until intermission, I don’t really have much to do.” Dion admits before leaning in with a grin. “Besides, I don’t want you to steal from this register so I got to keep an eye out on you.”
“Come now, you know me better than that. There’s no riddle attached to it.” Edward shrugs. “I don’t steal for the cash. I steal for the thrill. And…there’s no thrill in destroying something that you care about.”
Dion’s smile only grows. “I appreciate that. Really.”
With that, Dion closes out the sales register and closes their window before getting out of their booth to meet Edward. They don’t forget the lovely puppet that’s accompanied them all night. They’ll give it to him when the time is right.
“Well, it would be a shame if we missed the show that your lovely props must have helped create, hmm?” Edward suggests.
To be fair, they still have five minutes to sneak in and they’re sure security will let them in regardless. They agree before they show Edward to the booths upstairs for the best part of the showing. A place where usually management is only allowed in to observe the stages, it should be a sight to behold.
Security doesn’t even blink when Dion walks up and opens the door for both of them. As they make themselves comfortable on the perched balcony, Dion hands Edward the beloved puppet. His eyes glisten brighter than the headlights in the theatre as he takes the hand puppet back in his hands. Before Dion can move back to their seat Edward plants a kiss on their cheek to thank them for the gift. As the lights dim and the audience politely claps, the puppet enthusiastically joins in the applause and the two observe the show.
Edward slowly places his hand on Dion’s thigh. Knowing exactly what he wants, they wrap their right hand around his, holding it close as the music bellows throughout the entire theatre. It’s a relief that Edward is here. Tonight would have been absolutely miserable if they didn’t get to spend a portion of it with him. It has truly been a magical moment and they can only hope Edward is more receptive to the arts now that he has more information about the topic.
They could even enjoy a riddle or two about it, if Edward is so inclined…