[ It really was ridiculous. Smiling like that when Ed hadn't done what he had for any affectionate reason. But it felt good to be free about it. To not have to turn his head or lie about what he was really thinking. He'd done so much lying, and not even that had saved him every time. Grell couldn't prove it, but she knew. She was too intuitive not to know. Dave... Dave was trustworthy. He hoped.

Oswald allowed his hand fall back to his lap, but his eyes trailed after Ed's hand for a bit longer than needed. He was probably only seeing what he wanted to. Did hesitation make sense? The answer to the riddle he'd posed didn't take long to come, and when it did he nodded several times. Once to confirm he was correct, although that was unnecessary. A second time to emphasize what he wanted. A third time because he was still nervous. Still biting his lip. ]

I figure that's something we can share regardless of what happens, so -- [ He hadn't realized what he'd said at first. He blinked, processing it. ] Really? [ Don't smile. Don't smile. Don't -- He was smiling. Maybe it didn't seem like much, but hearing that Ed accepted any part of this struck him in a way he hadn't thought it would. Which is probably why he ended up quickly leaning forward and wrapping his arms around him. ] Thank you for giving me a chance. [ He didnt't add anything else at first, but after a short while of silence he spoke up again in a voice not much above a whisper. ] I really am going to prove it, Ed. I'm going to prove to you that I mean what I'm saying. I promise that I will.