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It seemed like forever since they talked like this. Probably because it has been forever. Just the two of them, sitting down and talking, face to face, no weapon in hands, no murderous intentions in the air... when was the last time it happened? When Oswald was still the mayor, probably. Before the whole chaos went down, before...
Edward didn't like to think about that.
It was dark outside, darker than what it already normally is for a night in Gotham, the weather was surprisingly pleasant though, it was that time of the year where the wind is chilly, but not exactly cold, more like a soft breeze. Oswald observed the night sky through the window, avoiding Edward's burning gaze as he took a small sip of his wine.
Edward audibly cleared his throat, trying to get his attention, but it didn't do much, Oswald just kept looking away, his mind seemingly somewhere else entirely.
-So, Oswald, I... - Edward tried to grab the man's attention again, more bluntly this time, being cut off on the spot
-You know, Edward, I have been thinking...
Edward sighed, but decided to let him continue.
-Things had been easier. - he said with a certain solemn look on his eyes, which was... unusual, to say the least.
-Easier?
Oswald nodded, finally turning to face him.
-One thing no one tells you, is that climbing your way to the top is the easy part...
-Oswald. - now it was Edward's turn to cut him off - what are you trying to imply?
He paused, staring off into nothingness once again. Edward leaned forward in his seat, paying close attention to every movement, every little lip twitch, the unbearable hesitance making him even more curious.
-I'm... old, Edward.
Silence.
Not that dramatic, theatric, silence of when a big revelation is made, just complete awkward quietness as Edward took a moment to process exactly what he heard.
-I'm sorry?
-I'm old. - Oswald repeated. - And I'm not getting any younger.
Edward heard him loud and clear the first time, he just couldn't believe it... It's not like he wanted to undermine anyone's problems, but really? Old? Oswald?
They were about the same age, first of all, and Edward wouldn't consider himself particularly "old" yet... it's true that sometimes he'd find some white hairs here and there, but it was a rare occurrence, and he didn't worry too much about it... hell! If anything Edward considered himself young, and plus, aging was just a natural part of life, so again, he failed to see why Oswald would be so worried about it... old? He wanted to laugh.
-I'm sorry, that's... that's just ridiculous.
While Edward wasn't particularly good at reading expressions, Oswald had a very signature "I am annoyed" look that Edward knew very well, and it always felt like the ringing of the bell for Pavlov's dog; the need to immediately justify himself upon seeing it, the way he still stammered even after all these years.
-Look, I get why you might be feeling this way, however-
-However? - he interrupted. Edward thought he might've been mocking his way of speaking, but he wasn't sure - normally nothing great comes after "However".
-Oswald, I've been very tolerant of your behavior recently, so a little courtesy would be nice.
He made that face again, but this time he raised his eyebrows slightly, a minor detail, but a huge change in meaning, at least in Edward's conception, it wasn't a simple display of annoyance anymore, Oswald was surprised.
Surprised that someone would speak up to him like that, that someone would even have the nerve to do that. It was belittling, enraging, daring even. Had it been anyone but the riddler himself, Oswald probably wouldn't have let them contiue, but instead, his gaze dared Edward to go further, to risk running the pacific acquaintanceship they managed to have after so many years of quarreling, to reveal that all along it wasn't anything more than just the same old rivalry disguised as something productive... Edward knew the damage they both could do, how it only took a small trigger for all to fall apart once again, it's like they were a time bomb, one that could never be defused and any wrong movement could send it all flying over the window... He had to take a deep breath to calm himself down; he needed an intervention, not confrontation, it wouldn't be wise to let this turn into one, especially for such a silly reason, so he just swallowed his pride once more:
-I just think, you shouldn't be too worried about that right now...
-I'm not worried. I'm...
He paused, a hint of doubt could be felt in his voice, as if he didn't know what to say next... or maybe it was hesitance? He knew what to say, but didn't want to? Whatever it was, Oswald was quiet. He kept quiet for a good while, but at least the time bomb wasn't about to explode anymore, so that was a good thing at least, right?
-It is not worry. - he finally managed to say - I guess it's just nostalgia? I mean, even my body has changed... I'm afraid spending so much time in prison won't help you age well.
Edward nodded, grasping the situation a bit better after Oswald's explanation, and arriving at the conclusion that maybe he was the one approaching the topic in the wrong light; this wasn't the type of problem one can expect to solve with a practical solution, this was more of a understanding and reassuring situation...
Edward sucked at that.
-You look fine. In my opinion, at least.
Oswald scoffed
-You're just saying that.
-No, I- The man had to keep himself from rolling his eyes. He was trying to be helpful, but Oswald wasn't helping himself. He closed his eyes, taking a quick breath before continuing - I mean it. If anything I think you look... better.
The penguin clearly doubted that. Better? Right. He was still as careful with appearances as ever, but he knew he lacked something he used to have back then. It wasn't the same thing.
-Now you're just playing me for a fool.
-Jesus- Edward took off his glasses to rub his temples, clearly exasperated - what'll it take for you to believe me, huh?!
They both stayed in silence for a while, not knowing what to say, cold breeze still blowing. Edward's eyes scanned the whole room, landing anywhere but on Oswald's. He looked out the window, as if searching for some kind of answer outside, looked at the couch Oswald was sitting on, as expensive as everything else he owned, looked at his own glass of wine...
-You know what - Oswald broke the silence - nevermind that. I'm probably overreacting.
As always.
Edward kept his eyes on the glass for a while, gave it a little flick and watched as the wine barrel swayed inside... when a thought occurred.
-I flow at a feast, in goblets I reside,
From grapes I am made, with nothing to hide. The older I get, the more I'm revered , A glass of me banishes fear. What am I?
Words can't describe how frustrated Oswald sounded when he sighed.
-I swear to... wine?
-Correct! - Edward smirked as if he had just made a great point.
-...okay?
-The older I get, the more I'm revered! - he repeated - you... you see that...
-Well, I'm not wine am I, Edward?
-You aged like-
it came out despite himself. What he had been thinking all this time, deep down, so far buried not even Edward himself could access. Why did the revelation make him feel so... awkward? Oswald was an attractive man, or at least he thought so, what's so strange about admitting that. He looked up to see an insufferable smirk looking back at him... well that was a quick (and infuriating) change of attitude. Edward cleared his throat.
-What?
-Well, my friend, keep saying things like that and I might be inclined to believe it.
Edward scoffed, taking another sip, the glass was like the mask he hid himself behind... damn wine, he thought, it was probably the thing making his mind feel so hazy.
-Well, I told you I meant it.
-I see that now. - Oswald replied, a bit more light heartedly now. At least he was feeling better, right? - thank you. truly.
-It's... - Edward stumbled all over himself again. How'd he manage to keep his composure intact this whole time, only to fumble right when the discussion was over - it's... nothing. You...You look great.
Okay, that's enough, shut up
-I guess you don't look so bad yourself. - Oswald laughed. - well...this has been fun...I suppose I'm gonna call it a night.
-Already?! - Edward's tone sounded more urgent than he intended
-Yeah, yeah... unfortunately, I do have a lot to do tomorrow.
-oh... - and now it sounded more disappointed than he intended - well, we should...do this more often... the...wine, I mean.
-Yes. I agree. It was rather enjoyable.
Edward went to get his coat before Oswald could say anything else... his hands trembling a bit as he put it on. The situation has been strangely overwhelming for a simple conversation. Maybe it was a good thing that Oswald ended things early.
-I'll...see you, then...I suppose. - he turned back around, expecting the other to open the door for him
-Sure. - Oswald's hands stopped at the doorknob. A flicker of hesitation that lasted not longer than a second, but enough time to think back to long buried feelings and hopes that had been as good as dead. Or maybe not. He turned back to the man, standing so close now, face flushed and ears red from the alcohol in his system, and thought to himself what did he have to lose?
-Perhaps... - he spoke up, almost shyly, but soon recuperating that good old eloquence he was known for - perhaps, you should stay the night? It's rather cold outside after all.
Yes
For some reason Edward really wanted to spend the night, but afraid of what that could mean, he averted his gaze
-I wouldn't want to be a bother...
-Nonsense! You're never a bother!
God...
How could he say no? He was trying really hard to say no... instead
-Well... if you insist... I could take the couch.
-No! Of course not! What kind of host will I be if I let you sleep on the couch?! I have a guest bedroom for that!
Of course he did.
-Oh...in that case...I don't mind taking the guest bedroom.
-Oh! I just remembered... - Oswald pressed his palm against his forehead - silly me! I'm reforming the guest bedroom.
Edward nodded
-In that case, I'll take the couc-
-Nonsense! I'm not gonna let you sleep on the couch! I'll take the couch! You can sleep in my bed.
-No... Really, no need - Edward insisted. - I'll take the couch.
-Oh, of course not! I'll take the couch, it's fine! It's just for the night!
Edward rolled his eyes. He wasn't the kind of person that cared too much about formalities. This was Oswald's house. It would make the most sense that he slept on his own bed.
-Oswald...
-Okay, fine! How about we share the bed then?
Complete and utter silence.
-I mean... it is big enough for two people. - Oswald continued. - we could-
-You're doing this on purpose.
Oswald smirked, not expecting him to catch on. He averted his eyes, putting a hand over his chest, feigning ignorance
-Who?! Me?!
He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but the caution and hesitance of moments ago seemed to be long gone now.
Edward almost smirked as well, part of him loved to see that sudden boost in pride, as much as he found it extremely exasperating. Silence followed, Edward wasn't sure what to say, or even what to make of it, he was afraid his judgement was too compromised to make such a bold move, while Oswald's newfound confidence was quickly fading and starting to make way for an overwhelming feeling of despair... maybe he made a mistake. He cleared his throat
-Or perhaps we could...
-I don't mind sharing the bed. - Edward decided that, to hell with caution. He had been playing this game for too long, he should've known better than to be cautious when it comes to Oswald, both of them thrived on the danger, the unstableness of each other, that was the fun part of it after all. - honestly...? We should've done that long ago.
Oswald scoffed, but it quickly morphed into a laugh.
-Well...took you long enough. But yes. I agree. We should've. - Oswald took Edward's hand, their fingers locked together for a moment - come on... I'll lead the way.
As they walked back to the bedrooms, Edward stopped by the kitchen's door. He gestured towards the wine
-One more?
Oswald rolled his eyes
-Now's not a good time to pass out.
-I'm perfectly fine, thank you very much. Far from passing out... and you know...seems appropriate. - he smirked
-Fine! - Oswald conceded, reaching the cabinet for another bottle - ...the older ones?
-Of course.