[ 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. ]
[ 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. ]
[ He'd rarely try to ever shush Oswald. It would just annoy him, he figures. Piss him off. Make him retort with a "No, you shush." - Though this is one of those rare moments where Ed could get away with doing it without getting irritation aimed at him.
Ed's a little glad he isn't being constantly reassured he's going to be okay more than needed. That would get tiring. Irritating. He knows perfectly well what kind of state he's in right now. Oswald clearly is the best person to call, even if he thinks he might be panicking a little and doing his best to hide it.
There's a pause. Ed's eyes go a little wide before he frowns in confusion, just giving Oswald a completely baffled look. ] Blood? [ A pause. He looks ahead then back at him, scrunching his face up in disbelief. ] What? Blood... That- [ Technically an answer. ] No.
[ That is exactly what he would have said to being shushed.
He was definitely feeling panic, as much as he wished he weren't. It was one thing to edge his own way out of precarious situations, but this was entirely different. Oswald had held the lives of others in his hands before, but rarely was his intent anything but harm. To be on the opposite end of the spectrum and in a position where his actions played a pivotal role in the survival of someone important -- it was daunting. A bit frightening, even. He couldn't afford to fail.
... well, at least Ed wasn't at the point where he'd stopped caring about riddles. ] Don't look at me like it was a completely preposterous answer. There's at least a dozen things it could be. [ Was it a good sign or a bad one that he'd reacted so strongly? ]
[ He lets out a little huff at the response, bit irritated. Agitated. It bothers him even if Oswald is perfectly right about there being multiple answers to that one. But only the one he's thinking of is correct. The blood must have distracted him. He was trying to make it themed to the current situation. He wouldn't have gotten it wrong otherwise. Surely. ] Watch. It's a watch.
[ He raises his hand to make a point, turning his wrist side to side. His watch is broken, the surface cracked and busted in like his glasses had been. It is not running. Ed only realizes it right then and drops his arm, placing his hand back over Oswald's to keep it where he previously placed it. ] But not my watch. [ Ed leans into him more without thinking much on it. Eyes dropping again for a second before he tries to jerk his head up. Going going- Oh. ] Fine. I will accept your answer but only this one time.
[ Maybe requesting a hard riddle was a mistake. Or it was just Ed being stubborn about it. Oswald squinted briefly, but that almost immediately changed to him raising his eyebrows and shifting his gaze from the broken watch and back to Ed a few times as if he was making an unspoken point. ] Not your watch.
[ He really didn't have to keep his hand in place like that, but no point in arguing it. At least he was finally listening as far as it being okay to use him for support as much as he needed. ] It's not as satisfying when you only give it to me on technicality, but I'll accept your generosity. Just this once. [ Oswald didn't know even a fraction as many riddles as Ed did, but aside from banter it was the only surefire way he could come up with to keep Ed awake and answering him. ] My turn. What asks but never answers?
[ Ed keeps giving Oswald side-long glances, lips turned downward. Just frowning about Oswald not having the exact same answer he was thinking of a moment ago and having to adjust accordingly. It's Oswald so it's fine. They can be in sync later.
He needs that hand there. He has to hold it there, if only to be sure he still has feeling in his hand. Oswald's hands are warmer than his own. ] Just this once, yes. [ Ed ends up lulling his head forward, hanging while they move. He lets out a little sigh that's followed by some sort of laugh. ] A question mark.
[ He could feel Ed's frequent gazes toward him, but after looking back the first few times he gave up and decided to ignore it. As much as he liked to hear Ed's signature affirmation that he'd gotten the answer right, he'd accepted a long time ago that he'd never get them correct all the time. Out-riddling Ed Nygma isn't something you can just do.
But you can still have a little fun. ] Are you sure? [ It wasn't like normal, but it was still good to hear something akin to laughter. Oswald adjusted the weight that was being put on him just slightly before glancing over at him, a little smirk on his face. Ed wasn't the only one who could do a multiple answer riddle. ]
[ The gazes die out in favor of Ed keeping his eyes-closed now that there's another riddle between them to focus on - and how he can hardly keep them open anyway. He's practically making Oswald carry him at this point. He should apologize for that later.
Still wearing a bit of a grin though. ] Am I sure? [ A scoff. He rubs at one of his eyes. ] The obvious answer would be the least creative one, which is 'an owl.' Don't tell me I over-estimated you.
[ Oswald was a bit torn between telling him to open his eyes or not. It would be bad if he started to nod off, but at the same time he hardly felt like he had a right to tell him otherwise after all he'd been through. It should be okay if they were still engaging in something he had to think about. ]
That is what I asked you. [ Laughter was good, but so were grins. Oswald couldn't hold back either one, though said laugh was quiet and shortlived. ] Actually, I was banking on you thinking a question mark would be the far too obvious one and go for something else instead. Is this the part where I concede that you outsmarted me?
[ Still talking. Still focusing. A little numb right now and once again tipping his head to use Oswald's head to rest his face on. He deserves some sort of award for staying upright this long, he thinks. The pendant just isn't cutting it as a singular prize for the day. Wake him up when someone has a trophy. ]
But I think you're just pretending to play at being outsmarted because you knew that was my favorite version of that. You can't fool me.
[ Oswald could get used to Ed being so close like that, honestly. Too bad it probably wouldn't happen again anytime soon. ] Me? Try to fool you? Never. [ No time to keep that little discussion going, though, as fun as it was. After what was quite a struggle in of itself, they were finally turning on to their street and home was just a few minutes away. There would be plenty of time for their usual quipping later, he was sure. ] You're going to have to tell me where you'll be most comfortable for me to address your injuries.
[ He of little faith in how close they can get. ] Mmhm. [ A bold claim. But he doesn't think he would try to trick him (he'd hope) outside of playful banter. The bond of trust wouldn't be broken to an actual cruel trickery, Ed believes. Not unless Ed did something.
He wouldn't like it if Ed lost consciousness on him, he's sure. There's a short delay between when Oswald speaks and Ed answers. ] Wherever you don't mind blood, I suppose. Your room is closest to the front door and easily accessible. I have more supplies in my room but it's the furthest away. The living area is between the two but the sofa lacks the leg room.
[ There were times where he did worry how easy it would be for him to make a mistake big enough to be a detriment to their relationship and when the warning he'd been given drove him down a path of hows and what ifs, but because of those things he was trying harder now more than ever to ensure that deeply hurting Ed was something he would never do. Few good things in his life remained, but... he really hoped that Ed always would. That he'd get it right with him. Existence would be unthinkable without him. ] Blood is the least of my concerns. That can be taken care of later. I'll take you to my room and get anything we need afterward. [ There was a brief period of silence as they made it to the door before Oswald looked down at where Ed was holding his hand over his wound. ] I'm sorry to say that I'm going to need that back to unlock the door.
[ A deviance from their current trajectory as friends (more?) isn't a happy line of thought. While it's one Ed's frequent paranoia brings up, he's comfortable enough now that he can easily dismiss it as just that. No where they'd go in reality, of course.
Ed hums in agreement to the current plan. Go in Oswald's room. Get everything after. Oswald has a bathroom he can rinse off in. He can be put down and have things gathered.
The period of silence is one where Ed might have spaced out. He doesn't exactly remember reaching the door but it's a good thing it's there. ] What? [ His eyes stare at him blankly. ] Oh. [ The hand Ed's been holding very tightly in place. That's not helpful to Oswald. He releases his grip and drops his own hand like a dead weight. ]
[ For Oswald the problem was in the knowledge that in some way, in some universe, his fear had become reality. It was terrifying to conceptualize, but even more terrifying than that was the very real possibility that it could have happened here had he not been given the fortune of someone else's foresight. But he couldn't think about that kind of thing right now.
Truthfully, he hadn't realized just how fierce Ed's grip had been until he'd let go. The way he had stared was concerning, but asking if he was okay would be completely idiotic. He clearly wasn't. Getting the key in correctly and unlocking the door had taken a touch more concentration than it did normally, but quickly enough he was guiding Ed into the house and to the place they'd agreed on. It was a little embarrassing to think of Ed being on his bed, even with circumstances as they were. Ugh. Dwelling on those sort of details was only going to make this harder. ]
Did you want to wash up at all? [ He peered over at him, sounding unsure even as he asked the question. It would be better if he rested now and did that later, but it was probably better if he let him make up his own mind. He had to know better than to push himself at this point. Oswald could always help him, of course, but that could be potentially very, very awkward. Was offering even appropriate? He didn't know. He just kept looking at him for an answer and maybe a hint of what to do next. ]
Thank you. [ Once on the bed, Ed takes a second to just lay there with his eyes closed before his instinct to take care of the situation kicks in and he decides he better not fall asleep. Oswald is asking questions. Ed gives him a tired look before he rubs at his eyes and starts forcing himself up enough to get his own shirt off. ] Not yet. Have to figure out what the damage is first. Aid kit. Steps.
[ Peeling off the drying bloody mess is going to be such a relief, modesty be damned. It's a bit harder than it should be, he's been favoring one hand this entire time without realizing it. The watch is broken for a reason. Smashed to bits. This might be the biggest problem out of everything. You fool. Getting a wrist injury is going to be harder to hide.
He doesn't make a lot of progress with the shirt and ends up looking over at Oswald. Now to ask the awkward question. Want to strip me, Oswald? ...No, that's not appropriate. ] Um.
You've done the same for me. [ He gestured as if to push the words away, trying to show that it wasn't necessary. How much more had Ed done for him? Bringing him home was the very least he could do. He nodded several times at Ed's assessment, but when he looked back up with a question at the ready he paused and immediately shut his mouth when he realized what Ed was doing. He started fidgeting with his hands immediately and found a place on the floor to study in both shyness and an attempt to give him some semblance of privacy even though he'd have to look back up sooner rather than later. Oswald left what he thought was a suitable amount of time pass before he lifted his eyes, though he felt like an utter idiot when he realized he'd completely overlooked the idea of a wrist injury.
And he needed help. Oh no. A fresh rush of nerves spread through his body, but he moved forward quickly. His hands hovered for a few seconds before he actually got the nerve to start undoing the buttons of his shirt, though. ] Why didn't you just tell me you needed help to begin with?
[ He was mumbling. Couldn't look Ed in the face. His full attention was on each button as he went along before moving to the next, a large part of him actually dreading that he'd have to take off his undershirt too. One step at a time. Breathe in. Breathe out. ] This may hurt a bit. [ Oswald finally looked up, but only for a split second. He hoped that he was being gentle enough that it didn't hurt while he maneuvered the shirt off, but it was so much harder to judge when it wasn't yourself that you were taking care of. ] Better? [ There was so much blood on his undershirt. That stain would never come out. Was it okay to keep going? Again, he asked with a look instead of words. It was too much to say it out loud. ]
[ Done the same in a way. Oswald is going 2 to 1 as far as he's concerned. There's Butch's strangling situation. Though Oswald being unconscious with a gunshot wound was more of a mess. Bringing out that expression of worry isn't something Ed was planning on doing again. People rarely plan to get hurt. He thought he could handle this part until he hit the roadblock. Normally, one-hand could handle buttons but at this stage of fatigue, it just wasn't working out.
He didn't want to have to ask him to do this part but he hadn't needed to. Oswald is close and only hesitated for a moment. Mumbling. He must think he's foolish for not being capable of getting the words out. He finds himself unsure what to say. Only Oswald seems to be able to make words fail him. He doesn't know why he couldn't just ask. It's like there was another layer to it he's not completely aware of.
Ed's watching Oswald's hands. It feels like Oswald's doing it slower than needed. Careful. Silence outside of breathing. Is this dragged out or is he so lightheaded that the concept of time is avoiding him? He catches his eyes when he does look up and nods at him, maneuvering himself without hurting himself so Oswald can slide the shirt off easier. It feels like he peeled off a layer of skin, having that come off. ] Incredibly.
[ The darker fabric of a false uniform hid most of his own injuries and had blended it with blood from other sources than himself. The stark white of the undershirt puts the red on display, broadcasting exactly where he got hurt, exaggerating it by retaining a stain far past the tear in the fabric.
Ed takes a breath, puts a non-injured hand over the pendant on his chest to quickly remove it and put it aside by carelessly dropping it on the floor. It's not important. He looks back to Oswald, returning with a look of his own and a nod. Keep going. ]
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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?
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[ 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? ]
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Does it look bad? [ Voice quiet, once he's done. Oswald went so still. ]
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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. ]
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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. ]
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[ 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.
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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?
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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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Ed's a little glad he isn't being constantly reassured he's going to be okay more than needed. That would get tiring. Irritating. He knows perfectly well what kind of state he's in right now. Oswald clearly is the best person to call, even if he thinks he might be panicking a little and doing his best to hide it.
There's a pause. Ed's eyes go a little wide before he frowns in confusion, just giving Oswald a completely baffled look. ] Blood? [ A pause. He looks ahead then back at him, scrunching his face up in disbelief. ] What? Blood... That- [ Technically an answer. ] No.
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He was definitely feeling panic, as much as he wished he weren't. It was one thing to edge his own way out of precarious situations, but this was entirely different. Oswald had held the lives of others in his hands before, but rarely was his intent anything but harm. To be on the opposite end of the spectrum and in a position where his actions played a pivotal role in the survival of someone important -- it was daunting. A bit frightening, even. He couldn't afford to fail.
... well, at least Ed wasn't at the point where he'd stopped caring about riddles. ] Don't look at me like it was a completely preposterous answer. There's at least a dozen things it could be. [ Was it a good sign or a bad one that he'd reacted so strongly? ]
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[ He raises his hand to make a point, turning his wrist side to side. His watch is broken, the surface cracked and busted in like his glasses had been. It is not running. Ed only realizes it right then and drops his arm, placing his hand back over Oswald's to keep it where he previously placed it. ] But not my watch. [ Ed leans into him more without thinking much on it. Eyes dropping again for a second before he tries to jerk his head up. Going going- Oh. ] Fine. I will accept your answer but only this one time.
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[ He really didn't have to keep his hand in place like that, but no point in arguing it. At least he was finally listening as far as it being okay to use him for support as much as he needed. ] It's not as satisfying when you only give it to me on technicality, but I'll accept your generosity. Just this once. [ Oswald didn't know even a fraction as many riddles as Ed did, but aside from banter it was the only surefire way he could come up with to keep Ed awake and answering him. ] My turn. What asks but never answers?
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He needs that hand there. He has to hold it there, if only to be sure he still has feeling in his hand. Oswald's hands are warmer than his own. ] Just this once, yes. [ Ed ends up lulling his head forward, hanging while they move. He lets out a little sigh that's followed by some sort of laugh. ] A question mark.
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But you can still have a little fun. ] Are you sure? [ It wasn't like normal, but it was still good to hear something akin to laughter. Oswald adjusted the weight that was being put on him just slightly before glancing over at him, a little smirk on his face. Ed wasn't the only one who could do a multiple answer riddle. ]
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Still wearing a bit of a grin though. ] Am I sure? [ A scoff. He rubs at one of his eyes. ] The obvious answer would be the least creative one, which is 'an owl.' Don't tell me I over-estimated you.
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That is what I asked you. [ Laughter was good, but so were grins. Oswald couldn't hold back either one, though said laugh was quiet and shortlived. ] Actually, I was banking on you thinking a question mark would be the far too obvious one and go for something else instead. Is this the part where I concede that you outsmarted me?
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But I think you're just pretending to play at being outsmarted because you knew that was my favorite version of that. You can't fool me.
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He wouldn't like it if Ed lost consciousness on him, he's sure. There's a short delay between when Oswald speaks and Ed answers. ] Wherever you don't mind blood, I suppose. Your room is closest to the front door and easily accessible. I have more supplies in my room but it's the furthest away. The living area is between the two but the sofa lacks the leg room.
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Ed hums in agreement to the current plan. Go in Oswald's room. Get everything after. Oswald has a bathroom he can rinse off in. He can be put down and have things gathered.
The period of silence is one where Ed might have spaced out. He doesn't exactly remember reaching the door but it's a good thing it's there. ] What? [ His eyes stare at him blankly. ] Oh. [ The hand Ed's been holding very tightly in place. That's not helpful to Oswald. He releases his grip and drops his own hand like a dead weight. ]
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Truthfully, he hadn't realized just how fierce Ed's grip had been until he'd let go. The way he had stared was concerning, but asking if he was okay would be completely idiotic. He clearly wasn't. Getting the key in correctly and unlocking the door had taken a touch more concentration than it did normally, but quickly enough he was guiding Ed into the house and to the place they'd agreed on. It was a little embarrassing to think of Ed being on his bed, even with circumstances as they were. Ugh. Dwelling on those sort of details was only going to make this harder. ]
Did you want to wash up at all? [ He peered over at him, sounding unsure even as he asked the question. It would be better if he rested now and did that later, but it was probably better if he let him make up his own mind. He had to know better than to push himself at this point. Oswald could always help him, of course, but that could be potentially very, very awkward. Was offering even appropriate? He didn't know. He just kept looking at him for an answer and maybe a hint of what to do next. ]
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[ Peeling off the drying bloody mess is going to be such a relief, modesty be damned. It's a bit harder than it should be, he's been favoring one hand this entire time without realizing it. The watch is broken for a reason. Smashed to bits. This might be the biggest problem out of everything. You fool. Getting a wrist injury is going to be harder to hide.
He doesn't make a lot of progress with the shirt and ends up looking over at Oswald. Now to ask the awkward question. Want to strip me, Oswald? ...No, that's not appropriate. ] Um.
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And he needed help. Oh no. A fresh rush of nerves spread through his body, but he moved forward quickly. His hands hovered for a few seconds before he actually got the nerve to start undoing the buttons of his shirt, though. ] Why didn't you just tell me you needed help to begin with?
[ He was mumbling. Couldn't look Ed in the face. His full attention was on each button as he went along before moving to the next, a large part of him actually dreading that he'd have to take off his undershirt too. One step at a time. Breathe in. Breathe out. ] This may hurt a bit. [ Oswald finally looked up, but only for a split second. He hoped that he was being gentle enough that it didn't hurt while he maneuvered the shirt off, but it was so much harder to judge when it wasn't yourself that you were taking care of. ] Better? [ There was so much blood on his undershirt. That stain would never come out. Was it okay to keep going? Again, he asked with a look instead of words. It was too much to say it out loud. ]
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He didn't want to have to ask him to do this part but he hadn't needed to. Oswald is close and only hesitated for a moment. Mumbling. He must think he's foolish for not being capable of getting the words out. He finds himself unsure what to say. Only Oswald seems to be able to make words fail him. He doesn't know why he couldn't just ask. It's like there was another layer to it he's not completely aware of.
Ed's watching Oswald's hands. It feels like Oswald's doing it slower than needed. Careful. Silence outside of breathing. Is this dragged out or is he so lightheaded that the concept of time is avoiding him? He catches his eyes when he does look up and nods at him, maneuvering himself without hurting himself so Oswald can slide the shirt off easier. It feels like he peeled off a layer of skin, having that come off. ] Incredibly.
[ The darker fabric of a false uniform hid most of his own injuries and had blended it with blood from other sources than himself. The stark white of the undershirt puts the red on display, broadcasting exactly where he got hurt, exaggerating it by retaining a stain far past the tear in the fabric.
Ed takes a breath, puts a non-injured hand over the pendant on his chest to quickly remove it and put it aside by carelessly dropping it on the floor. It's not important. He looks back to Oswald, returning with a look of his own and a nod. Keep going. ]
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