Chapter 8
Rose:
'Edward Nygma came to live with us. True to his word, Oswald treated him like a servant and stayed ice cold towards him. Oswald didn't tell me exactly what he had meant when he said that both of them had hurt each other, but I knew it had to be something terrible for Ed to have shot him. But the past was gone, the future seemed limited and I didn't want to waste time looking back, Oswald was making the most of every day and Ed's presence in the house seemed to give him a little more strength.
By now he was having good and bad days, but he always treated Ed like something he'd just scraped off his shoe. Ed just took it, he must have felt such remorse for his actions that he figured he deserved being treated like a slave. But he never once resented it, not even when Oswald yelled at him or insulted him. I watched him closely for signs of anger or hatred - but Ed only looked at Oswald with deepest love.
Sometimes I swore I could see a look pass between them – it was certainly in my husband's eyes, and I reminded him that he didn't have years to make his choices, if he wanted Ed, I was happy to share him with Nygma, the first person he had ever loved. He had told me so much about him and Ed and the past, but he refused my offer instantly. He said Ed needed to be punished. I wanted to say that if he died, Ed would live the rest of his life feeling that punishment, but Oswald wouldn't have taken it well so I said nothing. He was a loving husband to me and Ed being in our lives didn't change that. But I worried for the future, for how Oswald would feel if he never mended the bridge between them.
By now I was five months pregnant, and my husband was still fighting on, getting involved in the plans for the cryogenics centre, looking to a future he didn't know he would definitely live to see...
It was now summer time, and the situation between Oswald and Ed Nygma was about to unexpectedly change, and that change would alter the course of our lives... It was also a turning point for me. For months I'd loved a man whose life was partly in shadow, I knew he had a dark side and I'd earned to love it. Now it seemed some of that darkness was in me, even if it was in a playful way. Perhaps it was because I had his child growing inside me, I'd absorbed some of that impish wickedness that ran through Oswald's soul. I was becoming a Cobblepot, I was changing, and it seemed, it was not a bad thing...
As Oswald stood on the street beside Rose, he looked up at the tall building, watching as new windows were installed and through the open doors he saw the walls were being painted white. This was to be the cryogenic centre, the place where he would spend an uncertain amount of years, waiting for his cure. But hope shone in his eyes as he looked to the building and spoke to Rose.
"Strange told me that I'll be frozen in time... I won't age. When I get out of that place, I'll still look as young as I do now."
"I feel like I'm seeing the construction of your prison," Rose replied.
Oswald stood behind her, sliding his arm around her and placing his hand on her swollen bump. He felt the baby kick and smiled.
"I think our son disagrees," he said, "That's my lifeline, Rose. That place will keep me alive until I'm able to be with you both again."
She turned around and met his gaze.
"You're not scared?"
"I'm Penguin, I'm not supposed to be scared of anything!" he joked, then his optimism swiftly faded as he admitted the truth, "Actually, I'm terrified. I don't know if I'll survive. But it's my only hope and I have to do this. When the time comes – hopefully not for a long time yet – I have a chance."
"I know that," Rose replied, "But I think such crazy thoughts sometimes...I worry that you might be trapped in there, freezing cold, actually feeling cold..."
"I won't know a thing about it," he assured her, "I'll go to sleep and when I wake up, I'll be cured."
"And then there's the matter of the long term freezing and what it will do to you," Rose said quietly. As the sun shone down and traffic rushed by, the breeze whipped at the ends of her red hair as she looked at her husband and tears shone in her eyes.
"I've already been through this with Strange," Oswald replied, "Long term freezing will mean muscle weakness and I may lose my voice for a while...but that's a small price to pay, I can get over that. I won't age inside that chamber, as soon as I'm cured I can get over the side effects easily. He said it would take around four to six months to fully recover."
"If you can be revived, if the treatment works, if you're strong enough to come back from all of it..."
The baby kicked again. She didn't want to look at that building and think about the day he would be frozen. It was too painful and as she struggled to hold back her tears, her darkest fears came to the surface and she could no longer hold it back.
"What if you die, Oswald?"
There was a flicker of alarm in his eyes as those words echoed his own silent fears, then he forced a smile and pushed his own worries aside as he reassured his pregnant wife.
"I've made provision for every outcome. If I don't make it, someone suitable will oversee the running of my empire until the time comes when our son is old enough and ready for that responsibility. You and my mother are provided for and of course our child will inherit eventually. But I'm not going to die, I will make it! Stop worrying. Who knows, maybe Strange will find the cure much quicker than he estimated... maybe I won't have to be frozen. We don't know what the future holds."
Rose put her arms around him as he told her again not to worry, and they embraced in the middle of the busy street, in the shadow of the soon to open cryogenics facility.
Hugo Strange was yet to move to his new lab, for now he was situated in a private house on the other side of Gotham. His experiments and all plans for future monster making attempts had been cancelled, now he was ready to start work at the new facility, his future was to be in the field of cryogenics and curing diseases – and firstly, he would cure the inherited condition than ran in the Cobblepot family, because the founder of the facility would be priority...
He was busy packing up his notes and lab equipment when he heard the door open and turned sharply.
"Edward Nygma," he said, "What a worrying surprise – you have that rather intense look about your eyes that leads me to believe you're either under a great deal of stress or you've been sent to kill me. I would hope it is simply stress, I've stuck by my new agreement and intend to do so for many years to come. I'm still not used to the fact that I'm no longer a wanted man."
"I came here to help," Ed replied.
He crossed the room and joined him by his desk as Strange left the packing for later and looked intently at him.
"What can you possibly help me with?"
"Oswald doesn't know I'm here."
And that will have to change, Strange thought to himself, remembering the terms of his agreement stated his honesty and clarity in all matters would be required.
"Why are you here?" he asked.
Ed had planned all he wanted to say, but suddenly he needed a pause to gather his thoughts. He had planned this for a while, out of sheer desperation.
"I'm just trying to help," he said again, "If I can help, I will..." for a moment emotion had almost got the better of him, but then he drew in a breath and fixed his gaze on Strange as his eyes shone with intensity and determination.
"I can't stand back and watch Oswald die. If he needs organs or blood... anything, I'm willing to provide it if I can."
Strange shook his head.
"Edward, if you're proposing to go out and kill for spare parts I must refuse. I have to remain within the law if I want to stay a free man. I won't get another deal as sweet as this in my lifetime!"
"No, I'm not suggesting murder!" Ed replied as annoyance sounded in his voice, "That would be pointless, how would I know if the victims were compatible? I was suggesting, if I am compatible, he can have what ever he needs... blood, organs...I'd give my life to save him, I'd change places with him if I could!"
Strange understood at once and gave his reply kindly, no longer feeling uneasy around the desperate Mr Nygma.
"I understand why you would make this selfless offer, but Oswald doesn't need blood or organs. He needs a genetic condition removed from his DNA and the damage caused by the condition repaired. This is why research and development of a cure could take many years."
"But I want to help him!" Ed said in frustration, "Isn't there anything I can do?"
"If you want to help, go home and be there for him," he replied, "I am sorry but there is nothing you can medically do for him. Go home to Oswald, Edward."
Frustration still burned in his eyes.
"If you happen to find a way for me to help during the course of your research, you have my full co operation," he added.
"That will not be necessary," Strange replied, "But your offer is understandable. I noticed you don't seem to be riddle making these days. I also see no hint of insanity about you. Is there a reason for this?"
"Riddler was the other side of me," he replied, "Now he's joined with me because we both agree my life should be dedicated to helping Oswald."
"So perhaps your care and concern for him is keeping you sane?" Strange suggested.
Every muscle in Ed's body tensed as he looked back at Strange.
"I don't believe you're permitted to practise as a psychiatrist any more. Something to do with torturing inmates at Arkham?"
Strange fell silent for a moment, noticing the pronounced and sudden coldness in Ed''s stare. He knew at once his remark had been something comparable to poking a crocodile with a stick. Ed was still insane, but heavily distracted by his concern for Oswald. He knew a murderous look when he saw one. He guessed Nygma must be deeply in love with Oswald to still hold such anger over the past.
"At the time I was trying to help him and my methods were perhaps extreme. And that is in the past. Now I will be helping him in a very different way. I will do everything possible to ensure he recovers. It may take years, but Oswald will be restored to health – providing complications do not get in the way. I'm sure he's told you of the risks involved?"
Ed nodded.
"I'm aware of that. I just hope for your sake, you're as dedicated as you claim to be – if you double cross him you'll have me to deal with...Be under no illusions, if you harm or kill Oswald, I will slice your throat," Ed told him, then he smiled, but his eyes stayed cold.
"I wouldn't want to attempt any sort of betrayal," Strange replied, "I have too much to lose. Oswald set up this deal to benefit all who are involved. If that chain collapsed because of me, I would be a wanted man – and not only by you or the law. Fries would want my blood too. Fortunately, I would like a peaceful retirement one day so I can enjoy the wealth I shall gain from this venture - so I have every intention of staying alive and keeping my promises. I also look forward to the day Oswald can go back to a normal life free from pain, free to enjoy his time with his family and you. Now, perhaps you should go home to Oswald, spend time with him, make the most of now?"
"Don't tell him I came here today."
"Of course not. Good bye, Edward," he replied.
He watched as Ed left, then he listened for the door to close and when he was sure he had left the house, he took his phone from his pocket and called Oswald, who answered the call immediately.
"Hugo, why are you calling me, has there been a new development already?" he asked hopefully.
"No, I am sorry to say the cure for your condition is still a long way off," he replied, "But we have an agreement and I'm required to be entirely honest with you, so I am honouring that. I'm calling to let you know I had a visitor just now - Edward Nygma. I think you should know what he said to me..."
Oswald listened. By the time Strange had finished explaining, he thanked him warmly for the information. As the call ended, Strange felt sure next time he encountered Nygma he would not be so hostile. Clearly, Oswald had not realised just how far Ed was prepared to go to try and save his life...
The call had come through just as Oswald and Rose had returned home. Rose watched as Oswald took the call, then when it ended, he turned to her with an expression in his eyes that had long been absent – his sparkle was back. His eyes were shining with enthusiasm for life, as if for a moment all the pain that had worn him down had been wiped away.
"It seems Ed is desperate to help me. He just visited Hugo Strange and offered to sacrifice his own life if it meant saving mine... I'm starting to think maybe you're right, Rose. Maybe I should let him back into my heart... How would you feel about him properly sharing our lives? I'm thinking of when I'm away... I could be on ice for many years, now I have no reason to doubt his feelings, I'm thinking that the two people who love me would be stronger together, he could be around to help you raise our son..." another idea had hit him and he snapped his fingers as he smiled.
"That's it! I have the perfect plan! He could be the one to oversee my empire while I'm gone!"
Rose didn't doubt that Ed loved him, but their past had been such a mix of love and hate she had her doubts.
"You once told me he's crazy."
"But if he was working under my instruction, even though I'm not physically there as long as he's carrying out my wishes, he would pose no threat. Rose, this is a perfect solution!"
"Do you really think so?"
"Do you like Ed?"
He looked intently at her. Rose hesitated. She didn't know Ed very well. He had been staying with them for a few months, he had been sad and lonely and one glance had told her his love for Oswald was real...
"I suppose so, I don't know him as well as you do."
"That's because I've kept him away from us. That needs to stop today."
Then he placed his hand on her arm and pulled her closer as his intense gaze deepened.
"I always loved him, Rose! I love you both. I want to be with you both...in every way!"
Her heart didn't sink at the thought of Ed getting closer, in fact it made some kind of sense. She had known before she married him that Oswald's previous and only love had been a man who had rejected him. Clearly, Ed regretted that decision now, and she loved Oswald completely – enough to allow Ed to become a part of what could be a tragically short life for the man she loved. All that mattered now was Oswald's happiness.
"You don't have long," she reminded him as she tenderly touched his cheek, "If you want him to be with us, you have my blessing. But if he turns on you, he has to go."
"Agreed," he replied, then he kissed her softly as his eyes shone with tears of joy.
"If Ed is to control my empire when I'm gone, I shall need to make arrangements... I'm going to make some calls tomorrow, he needs the same immunity that was granted to Fries and Strange. The authorities won't turn me down, if I back out of this deal the house of cards collapses. They won't know I'm not crazy enough to sign my own death warrant. I'm great at bluffing! I'll tell them I'd rather die than see Ed go back to Arkham. And no one wants me to die – too many people will lose a huge investment."
She smiled, her heart warming through with love. It felt good to see Oswald plotting again, she could almost hear the wheels in his devious and clever mind turning as he spelled out his plan.
"But why don't you call them today?" she asked.
"Because I want to tell Ed my decision...I also want some time alone with him. But I'm not going to tell him the good news right away."
There was a devilish gleam in his eyes.
"What are you going to do to the poor guy now?" Rose exclaimed.
Oswald chuckled.
"I'm just going to play on his offer to Strange... see how he reacts. I'll tell him Strange called me and said he's found a way to save my life – but he's going to need to take Ed up on his offer. He will think he really does have to give his life for me. Let's see how he reacts to that!"
"Oswald, that's cruel -"
His eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Well, he did shoot me. But this is the very last time I punish him, I swear! I think you should be waiting for him when he gets home. Send him upstairs, tell him I'm resting but need to speak with him urgently. He should be back soon."
Oswald was still smiling. Rose started to smile too as she shook her head.
"You can be so evil sometimes!" she said fondly.
"Maybe that's why you love me so much!" he replied with a wink.
A short while later, Ed arrived back at the house. As soon as he came in, Rose was waiting for him by the staircase.
"Ed, you need to speak with Oswald," she said, "It's urgent."
He felt a flicker of panic as he thought about his visit to Strange. If he had called Oswald, there would be trouble.
"What's wrong, is he okay?" he asked.
Rose played the part well, taking a surprising amount of enjoyment from this new found sport of teasing Ed. He was so concerned, it was so easy to toy with him. She understood why Oswald enjoyed it so much, she was starting to like this game too...
"He's tired and resting but he said he needs to see you. He won't tell me what it's about."
Ed looked as nervous as he felt.
"I'd better go up and see him right away," he replied, then he hurried off up the stairs.
In the bedroom, Oswald was also feeling nervous. He was sure if not for his little game, he would have been a complete wreck now he had made the choice to pull Ed right back into his life. Everything he had once wanted and thought impossible was in the palm of his hand...yet it all felt fragile as glass, needing such careful handling, because his heart was also in that fragile bundle of hopes and dreams, and he didn't have much longer to enjoy the outcome of his decision... But at least the build up would be fun. The emotion that would hit when Ed realised what was really going on would probably cause his carefully built wall to tumble down, he didn't doubt he would cry. But Ed loved him, he knew he was safe to let him in now...
There was a soft knock on the door.
Oswald took a glance in the mirror, checking his hair and his suit as he hoped he still looked good despite his pale and tired face, then he remembered that wouldn't matter – Ed loved him. He went over to the bed and sat on the edge of it, then rested his cane within reaching distance. He didn't want to have one of his weak moments later on and not have the cane close at hand – no matter how weak he often felt, he wanted to seem capable in front of Ed. He got onto the bed and pushed up the pillows and sat there resting against them as Ed knocked again.
"Come in," he said.
Ed opened the door with a worried look on his face.
"Get over here," Oswald said coldly.
He closed the door and obeyed him, standing at his bedside as he looked down at him with concern in his eyes.
"Rose said you needed to see me, that it was urgent... are you okay?"
"Sit down," Oswald replied, indicating to the edge of the bed.
Ed sat, saying nothing as his heart raced in panic as he wondered if his visit to Strange had been reported.
"I've just had some rather good news," Oswald told him, "It seems Hugo Strange was going through some old files and he came across an experiment he did many years ago that he thinks could be reworked...he thinks it could help me. But there's a problem. It would involve using the internal organs of a single donor – a live donor, who would likely not survive the procedure. He also said because of the legal terms he's now bound to, he can't pull some random victim off the streets. In other words, I need a volunteer to save my life."
He said no more, setting his sights on Ed as he waited for a response.
"When did he say this?" Ed asked in a hushed voice.
"About fifteen minutes ago. He called me as soon as he found the notes."
Ed gave a short gasp as he broke into a sweat. He had meant every word he had said when visiting Strange, but to learn of this sudden turn of events had left him feeling shocked. He looked at Oswald, his heart aching. As he spoke quietly his voice trembled with emotion.
"When I think back to the day I shot you, I wish I could go back and change it, but I can't. I guess now is my chance to take a bullet for you. I want you to see your son grow up. I can't bear to think the time will come when you won't be here any more. I'd rather give my life to save you than go on without you. You've got your volunteer."
Oswald had felt deeply moved by his words, but at the same time, amusement was darkly building as he gave his reply.
"You'd die for me? So I get to live with Rose and see our son grow up? There's nothing in this for you."
"But there is," Ed replied sincerely, "I get to save you. That's all I've wanted to do since that terrible day I made the worst mistake of my life, the day I shot you. I get to make amends for that now."
Oswald knew this prank had to stop. Ed was getting tearful. He smiled brightly as his eyes sparkled.
"And by the way, everything I just said was a joke, Ed! Of course Strange didn't say that to me! He called me to say you paid him a visit and offered to help me. You even said you'd change places with me if you could! This is why you're not my umbrella boy any more."
Ed's jaw dropped. The first thing that hit him was confusion, then hurt as he blinked back tears.
"Why did you just put me through all that? You knew I'd give my life for you!"
"I'd never allow that to happen," Oswald replied.
He was still looking directly at Ed, there was a smile on his face and now a sparkle in his eyes as he spoke again.
"Why do you think I said you're not my umbrella boy any more?"
He shook his head.
"I... I don't know, because you hate me and you want me to leave?"
"No!"
Oswald sat up and leaned closer, holding him in his gaze.
"I couldn't ever let you die for me," he said softly, "I couldn't bear that thought. And I'm sorry for treating you like a servant and being so cold..." he was becoming tearful now, and he knew it was time to spell out the truth.
"I was angry but that's in the past. I love you too, Edward Nygma."
Ed gave a gasp, a tear ran down his face and then he started to smile.
"You love me?"
Oswald nodded emphatically as his eyes sparkled with joy.
"I'm crazy about you!"
Ed gave a sharp sob, then he reached for Oswald and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"I never thought you'd say that!"
"Well I just did, and I mean it."
Ed gave him a gentle squeeze, then remembered his health was fragile. He pulled back and looked into his eyes as love rushed through his heart and his face radiated pure happiness. He tenderly stroked his face, then ran his fingers through his hair as Oswald trembled and caught his breath.
"I've been dreaming about this moment," Ed said softly.
"So have I," Oswald replied, "Life's too short for regrets, I just want us to be happy."
"And we will be," Ed vowed, then his gaze wandered over the man he loved, there he was sat on his bed in a fine suit, his pale face had flushed a little and his eyes were darkening with desire and he was smiling like he had everything to live for, even though they both knew time could be running out. Despite the uncertainty of the future, to Ed, it still felt like the best day of his life.
"What about Rose?" he asked.
"She agrees with me that you should become part of our lives. We have her blessing."
"This is the best news ever!" Ed exclaimed as he climbed on to the bed and joined him, then as he leaned over the man he loved, he smiled, recalling the past and the good times, and how he had always secretly had a nickname for Oswald, who was shorter than him and always had to look up to him.
"I love you so much, my little Penguin," he said fondly.
Oswald laughed.
"Don't call me that!"
"You are my little Penguin, you're short and I always thought I'd have to lean down to get a kiss... but I wasn't brave enough to cross that line back then. But I am now..." his hands slid over the shoulders of his jacket as their eyes met and Oswald felt a flicker of apprehension.
"I'm going to be very gentle with you," Ed said tenderly.
He pulled him into his arms and their lips touched. Oswald closed his eyes, welcoming his kiss, deep and passionate, a first time moment that made his head swim. He reached for Ed, running his fingers through his hair, becoming breathless and impatient as Ed broke off from their kiss.
"Slow down," he said, pausing to take off his glasses and then strip off his jacket, "Just lie back, let me do all the work."
Oswald obeyed him, feeling every nerve in his body come alive in a way that seemed to defy his weakened health as Ed carefully undressed him. By the time he had opened up his shirt and run his hands softly over Oswald's chest, he knew there was something he had to do before they went further.
"Don't stop," Oswald said impatiently, but Ed paused, his gaze fixed on the bullet wound above his belt.
"I did that to you..."
"And it's forgiven."
"I'm sorry," Ed whispered, and gently kissed the faded scar. The feel of his mouth on his skin made Oswald tremble as his erection ached unbearably.
"Ed...Ed, help me out!"
He reached for his belt and tugged at it, his hand shaking as he pulled down his zip and grasped at his hardness, desperate to free it from the restriction of his clothing.
"Slow down, you horny little Penguin!" Ed teased, "I know what you need..."
Oswald gave a gasp as Ed slid lower and took control, taking him deep into his mouth and sucking firmly.
"Oh yes!" Oswald gasped, one shaking hand tangling fingers in Ed's hair as the other gripped his shoulder tightly, "I've wanted this for so long... I've dreamed about it..." he caught his breath as he began to perspire as the heat of their need for one another made his balls ache, "Oh this is even better than I thought it would be! Don't stop, Ed..."
On hearing those words, Ed worked on him gently, keeping a gentle grip on his hips as his mouth caressed him. Ed was still partly dressed and painfully hard, but Oswald's need came first, because this was new to him and he couldn't hold back much longer. Feeling him tremble and hearing him gasp as he grew closer to losing control was beautiful as he carefully held on to his hips, controlling his shaking body as Oswald desperately tried to thrust against him. He held him down, taking him deeply into his mouth as he sucked harder, then Oswald lost control and gave a gasp of helpless pleasure as his climax exploded. Every second of that rush of bliss was heightened as Ed sucked and swallowed until his lover's needs were spent and Oswald was exhausted and breathless and still trembling as the last trace of pleasure faded out. As Ed released him then lay beside him, Oswald felt weak as he pulled him into his arms.
"Was that okay?"
He was till recovering his breath.
"That was the best."
Ed held him in his gaze as he reached down and freed his own erection, then guided Oswald's hand down to his hardness.
"You don't have to be gentle with me," he said in a low voice.
He gave a gasp as Oswald touched him intimately for the first time, gripping his hardness and stroking firmly.
"I love you so much!" he said, pulling him closer and kissing him hard as his touch grew sharp and impatient. It didn't take Ed long to lose control.
"I've waited so long for this..." he gave a gasp, "That's perfect... I'm going to lose control... all over you..."
"I want you to do that... I want to see it happen!"
Those words tipped him over the edge as Ed gave a gasp and thrust hard against Oswald's grip and came sharply, hotly, making a mess on his sheets and Oswald watched as every last throb pulsated in his grip.
It was a while before either of them could move, they just lay together in a gentle embrace, Oswald with his head on Ed's chest as Ed softly toyed with his lover's spiked hair.
"We should have done this a long time ago!" Ed suddenly remarked.
Oswald laughed softly.
"Better late than never!"
He raised his head and looked into his eyes.
"No matter what happens in the future, I'm happy. Right now at this moment, I love my life. I don't even want to think about next year or being frozen or how it could end. I just want to lay here with you and stay happy."
"I feel the same," Ed replied, then he pulled him closer, hugging him tightly as Oswald gave a tired but satisfied sigh and slipped into a deep sleep.
Ed held him while he slept, watching him rest with a flush to his face, warmed by the afterglow of their union. As he thought about all they had shared and how their lives would change thanks to this day, his smile faded as he thought about the future and worry filled his mind:
At this moment, Oswald was resting safe in his arms. But he knew the day would come when he would have to let go of him, and live without him while he waited and his lover was left all alone, frozen in a cryogenic chamber until a cure could be found. It could take years...
The thought of it ripped at his heart more brutally than ever before as he studied his sleeping face and whispered a promise:
"No matter what, I'll never give up hope," he vowed, "I love you too much to lose you now, my little Penguin..."
