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Edward sat on the pier watching the water. The gentle blue waves splash against the wearing wood. The sound thrumming in a hypnotic lull that soothed his nerves. Passerby's walking by chattering aimlessly with each other. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but the tone came through and he filled in the blanks. They don't see him today. He seemed to blend in naturally. He saw what looked like a clumsy trade down on the boardwalk. He knew it when he saw it. They were a careless lot. How they continued to evade the GCPD baffled him. Perhaps he should be down there doing that? That's what he does right? Shady underground business to continue grow in power? Or perhaps that isn't quite for someone such as the Riddler?
A young woman with a paper wrapped snuggly under her arm strolls by and then he looks at her and she flashes a look back. She is quite pretty, he observes and has a spring in her step. He wondered if she was meeting someone here. Perhaps a date? And yes a man is there now. Of course. Then he turns, boring of this story quickly, as he now turns and sees an older man who hobbles about with a bad leg and and a small brown bag he holds in his hand. Hm it is sad to see him struggle. The man suddenly seems overjoyed to find a bench as he makes his way awkwardly towards it. Hm, a limp, who is that reminding him of? Oh right, forget it. He is about to turn away but the man opens his bag and and throw seeds on the ground. Flocks of birds are instantly around him on all sides. Edward almost lost in this plain moment, as the birds everywhere are attacking at the ground. Hm, interesting. Slowly turning back and looking back out at the sea, the waves again moving before him, the sounds all bring him back. He sees the little lines of boats starting to form in the distance. The fishers are coming out now. There were also smaller boats that were a bit faster and weaved around them. Fun zippy ones. He took it all in. Nothing was too insignificant these days.
He had just gotten his binoculars out, a bit oversized but they did the trick, when he was startled, with a jump. It was a young boy, maybe 12 tapping on his shoulder. What do you want?! He shrieked. The boy said in polite reply, "Excuse me, are you The Riddler?!"
"Why yes I am. Do you want a riddle?" He said perking up.
"Oh no that's okay. I was actually just wondering, I see you here all the time now, see my father works nearby so I am often here, but what is it you're doing here? Is this somehow related to being a super villain?" Edward straightened feeling defensive.
"Well it doesn't matter does it? So just get out of here.." The boy left and Edward was still stewing in his thoughts. Anger threatening to bubble over, with nothing to do with it. But pretty soon he just went back to the water watching again. And the moment passed. Well more that he did not really like the idea of losing it at some random kid, and so he relented the sting.
Perhaps people were beginning to talk? he wondered, oddly paranoid. He didn't know exactly where that thought came from or what it meant, but now that it was there it seemed to feel true in some way he couldn't name. The air had gotten a bit cool the last few days. Not too cold, but just enough that Edward had to wear a coat now. It was this plaid coat, not the purple. But it was still quite nice. with oranges and yellows and greens. The sun took the bite out though. He felt the fabric on his coat as he pulled it to himself, felt the fine needlework with it's thick texture as he traced his finger. He only knew one other who could appreciate fine fabrics and would know. He smiled thinking of him.
He felt they were near in his heart though. That Oswald was with him when he was here. Especially when he really focused. First it would just be the faintest feeling of, oh I remember this or that about him. But it fills in after a bit. He could see him with the biggest smile in the city brimming back at him. It's so easy to not appreciate all the little things. And as corny as it was he placed his hand on his heart now, standing there looking out at the pier. Feeling the deep sound from in his chest, the life force that kept him breathing each day. Did anyone see that and think, "Look at him, he must be crazy!?" He didn't care if they did anyways. Oswald would be proud of this. They were together in his mind now. Oswald always wanted him to be open with his emotions. Something he had often struggled to do.
But Oswald had unlocked him, opened him to the beats of life. The feelings that came to him sometimes were sometimes too much though, surging all at once, and he would clamp it down BAMN (by any means necessary.) But Oswald gave him the courage to try to feel and live. It was an amazing gift. A second shot at life. Who knew feeling was a brave thing? Something about Oswald openness, his trust made him believe in himself and made him try to do so.
And it wasn't too long ago that they officially became a pair. At first he only wanted to kill him, to strike him out for good. But Oswald just kept living, kept being there. Of course there was Isabella who he had thought was his love at the time, till Oswald had killed her. And then well, yeah it's history. But now after all this time they were together and it was beautiful. Warm days of feeling loved and giving love freely. As easily as one puts on shoes in the morning. And some pretty heated fights as well. But now he wasn't here anymore was he? Now he just had this. He had to make do.
There was a new boat out today. A real nice one with new trim and lots of pipes. Looked so deliciously technical. It made a huge sound as it drove up and looked especially dashing with a fresh painted symbol. He didn't recognize it though. It wasn't the one he was looking for, but he still wanted to know what the symbol was. The curiosity would kill him, so he'd look it up later when he got home.
The water was a bit high today, which was probably better then low. As that meant water for the crops, which are around here somewhere?! He will look over every little thing that had changed from one day to the next. a new boat, a person walking by, it didn't matter what. Everything was worthy of attention here. it helped him feel in control over the impending sense of chaos. Like he had tackled something when he made a new observation.
It had been several months since he last saw Oswald. It was getting to him. He would try and steady himself when he felt nerves start to rise up: He'd grip the posts with an iron grip, his hands growing white and his feet unsteady below him. Where is he? A voice inside would call. It's okay, he says back to himself. Trying to soothe himself, as he had been learning. Oswald is okay and he will be back. He stared out at the ocean into the very vastness of it, and to the furthest point he could make out straining to see anything at all, but just the waters churning is all he could see. He finally would relax his eyes and go back to looking at the waves and seagulls. He will be back! He has to be. He said to the air and the sea gulls and the man on the bench, and new boat #10 with a nice trim. However it was still very quiet out here despite the occasional boat that broke the tranquility.
Then after the morning started to ebb and give way to day he'd get up, dust himself off and make himself to the local spot where he'd get some food and a drink. these routines became important. he used to keep to himself. but with all this new developments that had changed everything. he had found he did like people.
even if he didn't always exactly get others or likewise they get him. that's okay. well not really. not totally. But he was gonna practice better things. perhaps he was doing all this so he could be a better person. he didn't know exactly. but either way he knew it was helping somehow. so he did these things. and no one was better than Barbara for making people feel welcome. She'd often give him a free drink, which didn't hurt either. The shuffling activity of the lounge contrasted with the stillness of the water. That was nice too. He did feel closer to Oswald there, but somehow also he realized how far away they were too, and that got to be too much after a while.
After a bit Barbara swung over and sat across from him. She wore a pretty pink skirt and crop top. Her blonde pixie cut swiveled about her head. Glad to see you again. Hungry?
Um Yeah a bit. But um..
I'll get you soemthing. Oh no don't worry you little head, it's on the house.
Are you s-?
Yeah of course. She said and smiled knowingly.
A few minutes later a sandwich on a plate rolled to him. He didn't realize how hungry he was. He took a big bite, loving the salty bacon with the cooling tomato and crunchy lettuce leaf.
Then Barbara was sitting across him, watching him inhale the food before him. She smiled. Then, hey, how long as it been since Oswald left?
Edward looked up surprised with himself as he felt emotions catching in his throat. Ohh um, i think 3 months?
Wow, that is a while. It's like a whole different season. You'd think he would have called you or soemthing.
It's okay. Besides I am not the type to just sit around waiting for a person. I keep busy you know?
Yeah.. yeah of course. Hey, if you want to, you could come by later and help a bit?
Pssh you better pay me then. i don't work for free you know?
Hm well we'll see. I have to see how the business is doing for that.
Okay well then I am probably too busy then. he said crossing his arms, self consciously defending.
Sure thing. Let me know if you change your mind.
After lunch he walked back to his home, he turned on the radio for a bit to catch up on the news and then ultimately turn on a favorite song of his and flipped through his papers for what seemed like ages without much rhythm or rhyme to it. Occasionally something would catch his eye and he'd jot down a note. Though he had not been reading his previous notes in a while. And then before he knew it he'd be fast asleep, sometimes right where he was and wake up in a terrible charlie horse. Today he managed to get himself into bed and eat a lite something before that. And in the morning first thing, he'd hike back to the pier, and start it all over again. His legs hang over the edge. It was important to keep a routine, no matter how flimsy it really was.
The water was beautifully still and pristine with only a slight breeze this morning. Reflected light rippled and played on the water from the sun. And he stared mesmerized. And when he would see a boat coming in the distance he'd squint till he could see if it was the one Oswald had left on, what now was starting to seem so long ago.
He felt sorry now for how long it took him to see his feeligns for what they were and accept them. They could have been together so long ago. Instead he wasted all this time.
Oswald come home? he whispered into the air pleadingly. A desperate sorrow threatening to escape and unravel him. No that's too many feelings, reel in. Today he maybe would. It could be the day. He looked forward now for some sort of spiritual message or omen but the wind met with just silence.
Then he kept thinking. And they'd embrace. would he embrace him firmly or more soft? Would Oswald have missed him too, his his misty looking back at him with the pure joy that he was. and then he'd kiss him gently, almost like the mist itself. and curl Oswald's hand into his. stroking his hand and telling him how much he loved him, without candor or control, or just say nothing.
Finally the thoughts were all gone and just the sea was left, and he stared at it. When something passed by, a boey or a piece of drift wood, he would stare at it, unraveling it's every secret to himself.
Then as afternoon hit, he thought maybe he'd go see Barbara. Maybe she'd feed him. And she would of course do that. But especially it was nice to have that bit of banter, that grounded him from his thoughts. And again she asked if he wanted to work for her. But of course for free. He didn't accept it and then meandered through the town, through hordes of people he'd never meet. But many of whom undoubtably knew him. He wouldn't get pick pocketed on these streets. Finally with a heavy heart he opened the door to his apartment and dully ended up flipping through papers, and writing down odd little notes he maybe would read at some later date. As evening came he sat at the living room watching the television until he fell asleep in his chair.
He was woken by a sound. Maybe a cat, or some robbers nearby. He slowly got out of his chair to go look at the window. But he was stopped, cause in front of him, was Oswald staring down at him. He didn't know what to say. All plans he had made for the moment were gone. Oswald? he asked sheepishly.. is that really you?
Uh huh, he said smiling back and Oswald embraced him so tightly, it surprised Edward even more. I'm so sorry that I was gone for so long. They both held each other for a long time. Then Oswald said, I hope you did okay, kept busy?
Yeah I did, definitely I had loads to do.
Oh? Oswald seemed almost sad by this.
I mean I did miss you of course but it was not too much or anything, Edward said. Oswald seemed sadder still. Well I mean, of course I missed you.
No don't say more. it's fine. Oswald turned away and headed to the kitchen silently. Edwards heart fell. He chased Oswald.
I meant I missed more then I could have imagined. I missed so soo much. It was hard, really hard. I wondered everyday had something happened to you. Tears started to threaten to fall and he let them. I was upset too, though I tried not to be. You didn't tell me you'd be gone for months! What happened?
Oswald swallowed deeply, trying to level himself before Edwards intense stare at him. I'm sorry, I am. I shouldn't have left for so long without contacting you. But I am glad you missed me. He smiled a little sheepishly and wiggled his hand into Edwards. Edward was still angry but didn't have the energy to keep fighting and so just dropped it for now. Later there would be more questions though. For now they were together again and that was perfect for him. He smiled despite himself and then kissed Oswald and Oswald returned the kiss with a passion he hadn't expected. Oswald you only just got back, perhaps we should wait a bit?
Oswald nibbled on his ear which quickly grew reddish and he huffed with warmth rising inside him. Okay, and Oswald led him into the bedroom..