[ No, it wasn't a joke. Just a desperate attempt to ground himself in a situation that had left him shaken in a multitude of ways, but he could almost breathe easier again. Not yet, but almost. He shook his head at the doctor remark, but the trace of a smile was present. They both knew full well that Ed was the real expert and had he not been able to give guidance things may not have gone as well. ] I can't take all of the credit. I happen to have a very skilled partner.

[ Oh. Oh no. That was the most awkward word he could have used. Oswald immediately put a fist to his mouth and cleared his throat, absentmindedly tugging at the sleeves of his jacket for lack of anything else to do with his hands. ] I'll go get that then. Excuse me a moment. [ He turned abruptly and left the room without any fanfare, groaning at himself once he was far enough out of earshot. Ed could probably hear him banging cabinets and generally being a bit too forceful with things in the kitchen though. Oops. At least that would drown out the way he was verbally scolding himself. ]