Hot and Cold

Jonathan Crane sighed, packing his toxins into the pockets of his long overcoat.

"You're not really going on that heist, are you?" a worried voice asked from the doorway.

"I am." he replied, pulling on his mask.

"But…it's snowing…"

"I am aware." the Scarecrow responded, turning to the green-clad speaker. "But, unlike you, I will not cancel a heist for a few flakes of precipitation.

Edward Nygma shifted in the doorway, nibbling at his lip.

"I…they said on the news it…might be a blizzard…"

"I don't care, Edward."

"But…"

"I said, 'I don't care', Nygma!" Jonathan snapped, towering above the Riddler.

Eddie sucked in a breath, stumbling back.

"B-but, I…made h-hot..chocolate…" he said in a small voice, looking very close to tears.

The Scarecrow blinked, looking at the trembling man before him as if seeing him for the first time.

Eddie was breathing faster than normal, one hand pressed against his chest as if it pained him.

"I-I'msorry…" he said in what was little more than a whisper, usually bright green eyes dimming as they filled with tears.

"I-I didn't mean…"

Jonathan ripped off his mask, tossing it on the bed and pulled the Riddler into his arms, gently pressing the smaller man's face into his coat to quiet him.

"No. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry…"

Eddie shook his head, swallowing hard.

"M-my fault…you wanted…to go. My fault…"

Crouching slightly, Jonathan looked into the Riddler's eyes.

"No, Eddie. No. this was not your fault. It was my fault. All my fault. And I am so sorry."

The Prince of Puzzles watched him for a few moments and then nodded, scrubbing at his eyes with a too-long sleeve of his fuzzy, green sweater.

"It's ok…"

Jonathan gently moved his arm aside, softly wiping away the last traces of tears with the tips of his fingers.

"No, it isn't."

"I still forgive you."

"Thank you." Jonathan murmured, slipping his arms back around the Riddler. "It really is far too cold outside."

"Your hot chocolate probably is, too." Eddie murmured, relaxing against him.

"I'll drink it anyway."

"Really?"

"Of course. You make the best hot chocolate."