eatsfish | ☂

[ Fifty-three feet? That wasn't far. He should be seeing him. Where was he? ] No, you are not. [ It was stated more like an absolute fact than anything else. If he did pass out he'd find a way to deal with it, but he'd be damned if he wasn't going to do anything possible to keep that from happening. ] Ed, no offense, but these riddles are getting a bit da-- [ Was that him? That was him. He looked miserable even from a distance. Oswald hadn't realized how much the sight was going to make his heart ache. ] Ed. To your left. Do not hang up until I'm with you, understand?

Yes, I am. Don't presume. [ Though arguing that seems to have at least helped him try harder not to. Lightly patting his own cheek. Wake up. ] A choker. [ And more laughter that fades out tiredly while he looks to his left, trying to spot him in a crowd of masks and lights. He starts pushing himself back up from the sitting position he slid into, using the wall as leverage. ] I wasn't going to hang up. Where on the left? [ He pulls his glasses off with the goal to wipe some blood off of them, only to have a piece of the cracked lenses pop out and hit the floor ] Oh fiddlesticks.

I'm not presuming anything. I'm not allowing you to. [ He rolled his eyes. He couldn't help it. ] Yes, I'm aware of what the answer is. I said don't move. I just stopped by the cotton candy stand. Can you see me or not? [ He paused, squinting to confirm what he thought he'd just seen. He suppressed a sigh. ] I suppose now you can't.

Really, Oswald? I'm not allowed to pass out but you can stop and get cotton candy? [ That's probably not the correct implications of what Oswald was saying. Ed starts sliding back down the wall. What was that about passing out? ] You saw that? How embarrassing...

[ He was about halfway to putting his hand to his face in frustration before remembering it was still covered and opting for placing his fingers at his temple instead. ] That isn't why I stopped and you know it. [ No point in waiting. It was just a waste of time they didn't have to spare. ] Yes, I did, and I would prefer that you don't break anything else.

[ The crowds were the real culprit of Oswald's irritation, not Ed. That was why his entire demeanor and tone of voice changed the second he finally reached him and was able to lean down and put a hand on his arm. Get his attention. He needed to keep him focused. ] I'm going to take care of this, Ed, I just need you to stay awake until I get you somewhere safe. [ He scanned over his injuries quickly before looking back to his eyes. ] Can you walk if I help you?

[ Ed closed his eyes for a second so the slightly surprise at having his arm touch had him popping them open rather quickly and trying to affix his glasses back on his face, which isn't going to help vision at all in their current state. ] There you are. [ He's squinting his eyes at him and suddenly cracks a wide grin. ] Didn't this become appropriate? [ A quick touch to the end of the other's mask - a tap with one of his fingers - before he nods slowly, shifting to push himself back up again. ] Yes, Doctor Cobblepot. I won't lean on you too much. How was your day?

[ All rational thinking told him that he probably should have taken his hand back then, but he didn't. It felt like that was where it was supposed to be. Not just to show that he was there, but he was going to stay there. Ed had always been at his side. It was Oswald's turn. ] Hello to you too. [ He couldn't directly see his grin, but there were plenty of telltale signs that it was there. Oswald hadn't taken the time to notice the fact that he was nervous until just knowing that Ed was smiling eased the tension in his body.

He was afraid, in a way, to be depended on. He'd failed every other person who had ever granted him that privilege. But Ed... he wouldn't fail him. He couldn't. The light tap brought him out of his thoughts, and at that he couldn't help a smile of his own that turned into a chuckle. ] Cute, Ed. [ While he was teasing him, it honestly was a bit adorable. That was going to be a running theme, apparently. He shook his head lightly as he helped Ed position himself properly. ] Well, Mister Nygma, I don't make a habit of confiding in my patients but I do have to confess that the parts of my day without you in it weren't nearly as fun.

[ It's hard to read Oswald visually from his state and perspective, there's a large pointy mask in the way that also hides his eyes - but he can tell he's nervous. Oswald panics. Passing out next to him would be the worst thing he can do for him right now. Up up, Ed. He still has to lean into him because he can't be 100% sure he won't immediately fall face first on to the floor. Not too much, he hopes. He doesn't want to put too much weight on him. Put there's a secure arm getting draped over him, the other going across his own chest to hold an injured spot. ]

Did you not make it far in? I didn't get to see.

[ What they couldn't make out with sight they always seemed to be able to discover in other ways. It was one of the multitude of rare things that made their relationship so special: there was very little they couldn't figure out about the other. In the past he might have thought that concept to be a vulnerability, but with Ed it didn't feel like one. With him it felt much more like strength than weakness.

It wasn't the time, he knew, but he couldn't help the little surge of warmth that came with the feeling of Ed's arm around him. But the weight of it didn't feel right. He was holding back. Trying not to be too much of a burden, he imagined. That wasn't going to work. ] Ed, I know what you're doing. I said I would help you and I meant it to the fullest extent. You can't strain yourself for my sake. It isn't right and I'm not going to let it happen. [ Never mind that question for now. ]

Edited 2017-06-11 06:29 (UTC)

[ That's constantly put at an odd in his head. Oswald had never made it seem like a weakness. It's a mutual benefit, as much as it occasionally irks him that Oswald seems to know what he's thinking sometimes. So much for mystery.

Walking out of here is going to be a relief. The odd pull of the place is like another voice in the back of his head asking if he wants to do things. Luckily, the deepest desire of his isn't something achievable here (and he already went murdering, won something, and was a show off today) or he's sure it would be far more convincing.

He's on to him again. Damn it. ] There's no strain. This is perfectly acceptable. [ But he'll lean on him more. Happy? ]

[ Similarly, the temptations of where they were had a rather loose grip on Oswald as well. Initially he had worried what kind of control it might be able to wield over him, but his mind had gone through much more grueling things and this was a mild inconvenience in comparison. The whispers existed, but that's all they really were. The things he wanted weren't so simply found as having free reign to do what he pleased. There was always the desire for power, but that was meaningless if it wasn't the product of wits, achievement and respect. And then there was the other thing. Above all else, to love and be loved was what Oswald wanted, and that couldn't be handed out at amusement stands. It had to be pursued. Taking care of Ed? That was part of how he was pursuing the giving part of love. ] You're not going to be an easy patient, are you? [ He probably wasn't. But yes, having him just a bit closer did make him happy. ]

[ Ed's grip was particularly loose in the first place because a mask directly contradicts with his current need for attention and validation. Being invisible is something he no longer wants. Another meaningless mask blending creates an unease that overrules the place. Winning isn't quite as satisfying as it could have been if the crowd had known his name. It almost feels hollow.

At least Oswald knows. That's enough. As long as someone knows and cares. ] I know more than you about medicine. [ A horrible patient. He leans his cheek on Oswald's head, somewhat unwillingly using him for more support. ] Can the mask come off yet?

[ It was natural to assume that Ed would want to be noticed for his accomplishment considering most people did, but Oswald was also growing to learn just how far that want ran. Despite his victory, how it came about might very well have served to disappoint him instead of bring satisfaction. But it was true that Oswald knew, and even above that he was proud of him. He could still remember Ed asking for his help all that time ago. After what he'd seen today, a mentor certainly didn't seem like something he needed anymore. It was somewhat of a bittersweet realization. ] You were also the one that assigned me the duty of being your caregiver until further notice. You're going to have a very difficult time making me resign.

[ He had been about to raise his eyebrows, but the sudden new dimension of contact brought about another sensation of warmth, though this time much stronger and more encompassing. It was a simple action, but it held with it an innocent sort of intimacy along with yet another confirmation of how thoroughly Ed trusted him. As much as he wanted to relish the feeling, he had to suppress himself from enjoying it as fully as he wanted to. Not just because he had a more pertinent duty at the moment, but because it enforced the temptation to go through with the one single desire he had been putting effort into resisting. ] If you can wait another ten feet. I'll help you take yours off first.

[ If he wasn't currently far more interested in his own survival (He's not willing to loose something, as per the rules. Can't die on Oswald.), he might be compelled to frequently remind Oswald that he did in fact win something just to hear words of praise about it. Half this blood isn't his! Did good, right? ] So determined, doctor.

[ He knew he wouldn't let him down. They're already so close to being home, which is good because he is so tired. Not that he can afford to give into any sort of exhaustion or blood loss right now. Terrible idea. ] You're going to have to take off more than the mask.

[ Had events gone just a bit differently, the thought to try to prompt praise out of Oswald wouldn't even have needed to cross his mind. He would have gotten it without asking. As things stood, though, there were far too many other things on his mind and among them that aforementioned one single desire was getting harder and harder to ignore. It really was fortunate that they didn't have much farther to go. ] I would be a poor doctor if I wasn't, now wouldn't I?

[ Or friend. Or lover. No, no, no. They weren't that. Mutual attraction existed and they had become even closer as of late but -- but he needed to stop. Get a grip. It had been so much easier when Ed wasn't doing things that made his heart race and -- oh god. Were his face not already covered, he would have been hiding it. Wasn't this the second time he'd made a comment like that...? ] I -- [ His mind was completely blank. He couldn't think of anything to do except pretend that hadn't just been said out loud. Thank goodness they were right in front of the exit. ] A-Anyway. We're leaving now.

What a relief that you're the best doctor I've ever been a patient of. [ And also a little sad, since Oswald isn't an actual doctor. Gotham really needs to step up their game and hire some qualified people who don't want to play god, engage in malpractice or neglect. Or a combination of the three.

Ed's thought process is way off of Oswald's right now and he's not entirely aware of how that could be taken out of context. Or if the context could even be missed. ] Good.

[ They're barely two-feet out of the area and Ed's pulling his own mask down to make it easier to breathe. Then using adept blood-stained hands to undo buckles, impatiently. They're close enough to the house. The headgear he's been wearing is coming off. His hair is all curls and mess but from what he can feel - no blood. Good. Headache is just a headache. And then Oswald's mask is getting loosened on him and tugged down for him. That can come off now. ]

[ Oswald had been halfway to assisting Ed with his mask before he took care of it himself. Even like this Ed was a terribly handsome sight and he may have begun staring for a moment or two before realizing what he was moving to do. Oswald began to open his mouth in protest, to insist that he could take care of himself, but something made him choke up and allow Ed to go through with it. His response held a bit of bashfulness to the tone and he was really hoping that the color to his face would be reasoned away by the heat of wearing a mask for so long. ] You didn't need to do that. But thank you.

[ Moving his eyes up to properly meet Ed's gaze felt so much like home that it was ridiculous. The masks really had been a terrible barrier. He was unnecessarily looking at him again, but it was hard not to. Just a few hours and his face was a sight he'd terribly missed, blood and all. That, however, was what pulled him out of his mindless gawking. When had he gotten that cut across his cheek? Instinctively he reached up and cupped Ed's chin in his hand, tilting his head to get a better look at it. ] Wasn't the helmet supposed to prevent this? [ He sighed lightly and shook his head. ] Hold still. [ Oswald turned his attention elsewhere just briefly, but only long enough to fish a handkerchief out of his pocket to clean up the bleeding a bit. ]

[ Blood-loss or not, he's still making sure he can make himself useful in some way or another. Getting cumbersome masks off is the least he could do. It'll probably make it easier for Oswald to use his keys. He can't imagine great peripheral with a giant beak in the way. It must not have ventilated well. His face seems red but Ed can't see it very well right now. He's sure his own face must have a stupid expression on it from straining his eyes and keeping any pain to himself. Trying to be awake.

It's not as bad as he thinks. ] You're welcome. [ He blinks with wide-eyes at him, instinctively keeping his head still before it's asked of him. ] Hm? [ He must have got cut. It was difficult to keep track in there. ] There was little it could have prevented outside of an injury to my skull. [ Squeezes one eye shut ] What are you doing?

You know what I meant. [ Even at a time like this he had to be technical about things. Of course. He rolled his eyes, but there was enough of a smile accompanying it to show that he really wasn't bothered. ] What do you think I'm doing? You're hurt and I'm taking care of you. It wouldn't sting so bad if you just listened, you know. Talking is not holding still.

[ Oswald put his index finger near Ed's mouth and gave him a look that quite clearly was telling him to shush until he was done. He hadn't had nearly as much practice at being gentle as most people had, but he really was doing his best to be careful. For hands that hurt more often than they healed, it wasn't quite as hard as he had feared it might be. ] There. Done. [ He was feeling confident for just a moment, but it wasn't until he went to step back that he realized just how close he was to Ed's face. Had they ever been so close before? No, not since -- He froze. Wasn't that feeling supposed to have faded? ]

[ That does sting quite a bit. ] You're taking care of something on me that is rather insignif- [ He makes a petulant sound in the back of his throat at Oswald's shutting him up. He missed some of the expression but he got the point. Ed spends the moment licking his lips and staring at him until he's done. Quiet, which would be a lot harder to maintain if he was feeling a lot better. This close, it's easier to see his face. The quiet concentration Oswald has at what he's doing. There's a warm breath that's close enough to feel. Ed feels like he's going to pass out again, he thinks. Light-headed. He should stop standing. ]

Does it look bad? [ Voice quiet, once he's done. Oswald went so still. ]

Edited 2017-06-13 14:13 (UTC)

[ The entire time he was silent his eyes were on Ed's lips, his mind feeling more like a battleground than anything else. Now wasn't the time for this. Even stopping to do what he'd just done was, as had been pointed out, something that should have waited. God help him, he so desperately wanted to kiss the man that was only inches away from him.

But it wouldn't mean anything like this. If it didn't mean anything then there was no point, and if there was no point he shouldn't want it so bad. He had to get further away from that place and clear his mind. He had to do what he'd promised himself he would do. Neither of them could afford the cost of his greed for immediate satisfaction. His eyes shot back up to Ed's when he spoke. ]

No, it's fine now. [ That was too quick of an answer. ] It's just that you're right. My actions were unnecessary. I was being too fussy. It would be more pertinent if I got you home before doing that sort of thing. Are you ready to move again? We shouldn't be too far. [ If he didn't keep talking he would probably spend all of his time thinking about how shameful it was that he'd almost put himself first when Ed was so clearly suffering. Where they'd been wasn't an excuse. He couldn't have forgiven himself if he'd gone through with it. ]

[ It's not that bad. It probably won't scar. Oswald is simply being overly concerned about the minor detail because the cut provides a stark contrast against what must be pale skin and stood out. Surely. His head is swimming and that pendant feels really heavy.

Oswald has approximately 93 freckles on his face and he can't see them all properly right now. Ed's furrowing his brows slightly. ] Are you simply saying that to provide good bedside manner? [ An edge of doubt. His next words are coming out a bit mumbled. ] I would implore that we don't stop again for my sake. There is a significant lack of compatible blood, if you recall, and I'd rather not have too significant of a need for it. [ He's reaching over to grab Oswald's hand that isn't being used as Ed's main support and placing it against his own side, keeping his hand over it to hold it in place. That's the painful spot. ]

[ Oswald furrowed his eyebrows in return, though it was for a different reason. How much pain was he enduring that he wasn't even letting on to? As strong as Ed was to have made it out on top, he doubted he possessed the same pain tolerance that Oswald did. It had to be a tremendous strain. How could he have thought of something else for a single second? ] I meant it. It's fine and you're going to be fine.

[ He nodded slightly, agreeing with what Ed was saying. He may have had more trouble hearing him were they not so close. The look in his eyes was a subtle mix of sympathy and guilt, but he had a feeling it wouldn't be noticed. ] Of course. I apologize for the delay. [ Ed's action took him by momentary surprise, but quickly enough he understood. He really didn't deserve this kind of trust. He bit his lip for a moment, unsure of what to say. He needed to keep Ed awake and he had to keep his own thoughts from sneaking up on him again. ] Give me a difficult riddle this time.

[ Ed does not have the same pain tolerance. It's a wonder he hasn't given in to that very strong urge to pass out. Perhaps it's sheer determination alone. It'd likely be all over his face if he hadn't been trying so hard to keep it from being there - but it's likely obvious. ] You're fine too. [ What? ] Shush. [ Ed shakes his head.

Oswald was called the second Ed was sure he wasn't followed because he was the most trustworthy. The most reliable. He wouldn't put himself in the hands of anyone else, even if he knew they wouldn't refrain from helping him. At the moment, this is the person he can trust. The only person to trust this much to do what needed to be done as quickly as possible for him. ] Apology accepted. [ His eyes drop a second, heavily. He squints ahead. ] Difficult? I run, it runs, I stop, it runs. What is it?

[ The fact that he was beginning to talk nonsense certainly didn't make it any less obvious. Was he shushing Oswald or himself? Probably himself. It would take a lot more than that to make Oswald be quiet and Ed knew it. He exhaled a small breath of relief that the apology was so easily accepted. Another thing he wasn't convinced he deserved. There was an urge to attempt to reassure him, but engaging his mind was likely going to be more beneficial than any sort of excessive attempt at verbal comfort for the time being.

The riddle made him go quiet in thought. The first possible answer came almost immediately, but surely it was a result of much too wishful thinking and too much time indulging fantasies to be the correct or appropriate answer. Not every riddle between them was going to have something about hearts as the answer. What else ran when a person stopped? ] ...blood? [ It was situationally appropriate, anyway. Ed could be dark humored sometimes. ]

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