In the end, Edward sat down by the bed, pulling his legs up and slouching in a truly uncharacteristic way. He lowered his head and pushed his glasses up so he could rub at his eyes, confirming his suspicions that, yes, he was crying. He was crying and he had no idea why. He hated this. Weakness. Weakness all over again.
Oh. Oh no, not that. He was so bad at this. He hesitated for a while, afraid of being pushed away again or hurt but in the end, he had to held. He knew he did. So he did all he could think of in that moment. He reached out and moved in closer so he could pull Edward into a hold, an almost hug, gripping him tight so he couldn't easily get away. "It's going to be okay." And with that, he stroked his back slowly and started to hum. His mother always did this when he was sad, perhaps it would work for Edward.
Edward giggled, because what else did he even do in this situation? He should have left or he should leave now. He had failed Oswald tonight, he knew that. It was difficult to compose himself, but somehow he finally managed, looking at Oswald and struggling to find words. "What am I?"
What was he? Good question. So many things. "Brilliant. Calculating. Clever. No, no, that's an underwhelming word to describe it. Pure genius. Handsome. Dashing handsome. The most handsome man alive. Entirely in control too. Cunning, devious, deadly. You're the Riddler." Oswald laughed too because yes, this was all a little messy and neither of them was any good at it but at least they still had something together. "You're Edward Nygma. And I love you."
"Thank you." Did it help to hear it? Perhaps he did, because right now he didn't feel like any of these things. However, if Oswald thought he was, maybe he was right. Edward smiled at him tentatively and then finally kissed him, just a short peck on the lips that tasted of his tears. "I may never understand love, my dear friend. My Oswald. But I know that I have never felt this strongly about anyone. As strongly as I feel about you, my love."
"I understand. It's okay, Edward. I don't expect any different." With a smile, he leaned forward and rested his forehead against Edward's, raising his hand to idly stroke his hair. "We'll muddle through this challenge together. We're smart guys, we can do this. We can't let some girl break us apart. Especially not when that is exactly what someone might want from you."
"I have to keep playing this. I... She still makes me weak. I know it's not her, but she still does, whereas you've only ever strengthened me." Why were they doing this to him? And who was? His mind was trying to work it out, but there simply weren't enough clues, not enough of a connection. "Of course they want me to stumble. It's a better move, at this junction, than killing me would be, for anyone who is after you. If somebody killed me, no one would get out of it alive, would they?"
"If you died, I'd destroy this town. There would be no mercy, I would end anyone in my way. You, Edward, are all that matters. If someone hurt you, I would -- well, you know what I would do." He was so passionate as he spoke, so sure of himself. He knew what he'd do, he had no doubts. He would end anyone who harmed Edward. He loved him so much, he couldn't even imagine not having him. "We'll get through this together. Me and you. We'll work out what her game is. I promise."
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