[ Much of Ed's response had been close to or exactly how Oswald had imagined it would be. The confusion, the frustration, that certain look he got on his face when he couldn't put the puzzle pieces in the right order fast enough. All of that he had seen before.
What he couldn't have anticipated, though, was just what he would do when those three specific words came and were finally allowed to float freely in the space between them. Disbelief, even shock was an easy guess, but what was to come after that? Anger? Raw, unhesitating rejection? Would he say their friendship was over? Ask why Oswald was still lying even when he wasn't? As always, almost impossible to read. But something gave him a clue. Another thread of hope. Ed could have moved his hand away, but he hadn't. They were still connected.
And that gave him courage. ]
It's true. [ Oswald's reply was quiet as well, but not for lack of conviction. His expression remained the same. Open, earnest, loving. Accepting, even. Accepting that if Ed needed time, he'd give it to him. If Ed needed proof, he'd give it to him. Whatever he needed or wanted, Oswald wanted to provide it. For Ed, he wanted to be selfless. Had he ever truly wanted that before? ] I love you, Ed. No one has ever made me feel this way and no one else ever could. It's only you. [ He ventured a soft squeeze of Ed's hand, eyes still locked on his. His face remained stained with tears, and although for a moment he wondered if that would make him look weaker he dismissed the notion. No hiding. Honesty only. ]
It... it has occurred to me that this may seem like a shallow fickle infatuation, but I would do anything to assure you that has never been the case. The only thing I've doubted this entire time is... well, me. My thoughts about you never came into question. Not even once. Everything I feel about you is so much more than words could ever properly describe. I want to show you that, but... [ In a surge of bravery Oswald lightly placed his hand on Ed's knee, trying so hard to show his sincerity. ] I know whatever happens now is up to you, but please know that in my heart you're irreplaceable. You're everything. To me -- to me you're perfect. [ A fresh wave of tears began to run down his face, but he didn't falter. ] Edward, I would do anything for you. Anything.
action;
What he couldn't have anticipated, though, was just what he would do when those three specific words came and were finally allowed to float freely in the space between them. Disbelief, even shock was an easy guess, but what was to come after that? Anger? Raw, unhesitating rejection? Would he say their friendship was over? Ask why Oswald was still lying even when he wasn't? As always, almost impossible to read. But something gave him a clue. Another thread of hope. Ed could have moved his hand away, but he hadn't. They were still connected.
And that gave him courage. ]
It's true. [ Oswald's reply was quiet as well, but not for lack of conviction. His expression remained the same. Open, earnest, loving. Accepting, even. Accepting that if Ed needed time, he'd give it to him. If Ed needed proof, he'd give it to him. Whatever he needed or wanted, Oswald wanted to provide it. For Ed, he wanted to be selfless. Had he ever truly wanted that before? ] I love you, Ed. No one has ever made me feel this way and no one else ever could. It's only you. [ He ventured a soft squeeze of Ed's hand, eyes still locked on his. His face remained stained with tears, and although for a moment he wondered if that would make him look weaker he dismissed the notion. No hiding. Honesty only. ]
It... it has occurred to me that this may seem like a shallow fickle infatuation, but I would do anything to assure you that has never been the case. The only thing I've doubted this entire time is... well, me. My thoughts about you never came into question. Not even once. Everything I feel about you is so much more than words could ever properly describe. I want to show you that, but... [ In a surge of bravery Oswald lightly placed his hand on Ed's knee, trying so hard to show his sincerity. ] I know whatever happens now is up to you, but please know that in my heart you're irreplaceable. You're everything. To me -- to me you're perfect. [ A fresh wave of tears began to run down his face, but he didn't falter. ] Edward, I would do anything for you. Anything.