[ Again, he was waiting. Waiting for what Ed would do and say. It was horrible, he knew, but if he reacted with that kind of emotion it had to mean he didn't hate him just yet, didn't it? The constant push and pull of his doubts and hopes vying for control was almost too much, but the answer he got made him take pause.
The same.
Despite himself, a barely visible hint of a smile tugged at his lips. It was small and in a way very insecure, thoughts in the back of his mind telling him he had no business to be smiling at a time like this, but the notion was a comfort. He didn't hate him yet. His own expression was one quick to turn to surprise at what he said next, and without thinking he placed both hands over one of Ed's and shook his head intently. ]
I would never test your trust. I've never even thought about it. Ed, you are not the problem. Not in a single way, I assure you. It's just -- [ He realized it then. The sensation of skin against skin registered in his mind all at once and in a swift instant he withdrew his touch, an intense heat burning at his face in embarrassment. He repositioned himself so that he was turned away from Ed, the hands that were moments ago so at home where they had been now clenched and resting on his knees. Stupid. Moronic. Idiotic.
But he had to keep going. It took him a moment, but he did. ]
The reason I asked is because... because I don't deserve it. [ It was surprising how easily those words came. ] I've lied to you, Ed. In pursuit of keeping my secret I've told you so many mistruths and given so many roundabout answers that I can't possibly deserve your honesty anymore. I... I was selfish and I hurt you.
[ More and more emotion was into his voice and mannerisms as he went on, but as hard as it was he didn't try to vanquish the feelings or put himself in control again. Ed had been vulnerable to him. At his mercy, even. He'd trusted him with the side of himself he'd deemed lesser, yet --
Oswald froze. His expression was hard to pinpoint, but it was certain that he'd just realized something very important. Very important. Something he should have already known, but maybe it had fallen into place just when it needed to. Maybe he could really do this. With a determination he hadn't realized he possessed until that very second, he turned back to face the man beside him. ] There is one thing I haven't trusted you with, Ed, but I do want to share it with you. I'm ready to, if you'll let me. [ He inhaled, knowing that if he opened this door there was no going back. But did he want to go back? ] I'm strong and tough but can be broken in ways. If I stop working it's the end of your days. What am I?
action;
The same.
Despite himself, a barely visible hint of a smile tugged at his lips. It was small and in a way very insecure, thoughts in the back of his mind telling him he had no business to be smiling at a time like this, but the notion was a comfort. He didn't hate him yet. His own expression was one quick to turn to surprise at what he said next, and without thinking he placed both hands over one of Ed's and shook his head intently. ]
I would never test your trust. I've never even thought about it. Ed, you are not the problem. Not in a single way, I assure you. It's just -- [ He realized it then. The sensation of skin against skin registered in his mind all at once and in a swift instant he withdrew his touch, an intense heat burning at his face in embarrassment. He repositioned himself so that he was turned away from Ed, the hands that were moments ago so at home where they had been now clenched and resting on his knees. Stupid. Moronic. Idiotic.
But he had to keep going. It took him a moment, but he did. ]
The reason I asked is because... because I don't deserve it. [ It was surprising how easily those words came. ] I've lied to you, Ed. In pursuit of keeping my secret I've told you so many mistruths and given so many roundabout answers that I can't possibly deserve your honesty anymore. I... I was selfish and I hurt you.
[ More and more emotion was into his voice and mannerisms as he went on, but as hard as it was he didn't try to vanquish the feelings or put himself in control again. Ed had been vulnerable to him. At his mercy, even. He'd trusted him with the side of himself he'd deemed lesser, yet --
Oswald froze. His expression was hard to pinpoint, but it was certain that he'd just realized something very important. Very important. Something he should have already known, but maybe it had fallen into place just when it needed to. Maybe he could really do this. With a determination he hadn't realized he possessed until that very second, he turned back to face the man beside him. ] There is one thing I haven't trusted you with, Ed, but I do want to share it with you. I'm ready to, if you'll let me. [ He inhaled, knowing that if he opened this door there was no going back. But did he want to go back? ] I'm strong and tough but can be broken in ways. If I stop working it's the end of your days. What am I?