Delicious smells were wafting from the small kitchenette, filling the whole apartment with their savoury scent. An apron loosely hanging around his slender body Ed hummed happily, stirring the fresh vegetables in the old cast iron pan. The roast he prepared was browning up nicely in the oven and soon everything would be ready. Taking a sip from the wine glass in his hand he proudly looked at what he had made in the last hour. That would be more than enough, he thought to himself. Hopefully she would like it.

The memory was still vivid in his brain. How when he went to the library, he suddenly spied a beautiful woman through the open bookshelf. As soon as he spotted her his mouth pulled itself into a big toothy grin and she coyly smiled back at him, warming his heart with a flicker of emotions. With deep brown eyes she looked right back at him, inviting him over, her long blond hair flowing over her shoulders like a wave. Hectically he immediately stumbled around the shelf and introduced himself, nervously smiling at her. They wasted no time hitting it off. Something instantly clicked and it truly felt like the cliché that they had known each other forever. Normally Ed did not believe in such a thing as fate or destiny, but everything fell into place like pieces into a puzzle. She loved reading, liked riddles and was clearly interested in him…how lucky he got! After talking in what had felt like forever he told her that he had to leave but not without asking her if she wanted to come over tonight, a date at his place. Without missing a beat, she agreed, warmly smiling at him.

And there he was now. The food was almost finished and the table had been set. Flowers that he especially had bought for this occasion were sitting in a vase in the middle of it and the green lights from outside reflected in the wine glasses, sparkling like the suit he was wearing. Nervously he walked to the mirror and adjusted himself. Though he had nothing to worry about, he looked his absolute best, the tight suit snuggly fitting against his body and his curls neatly tamed. With a finger he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath, looking at clock on the wall. It could not take long anymore, soon she would be here. As nervous as he was, as excited he was at the same time. The woman had been perfect and spending an evening with her promised to be absolutely divine. Maybe if everything went fine more dates would follow and maybe there was even a chance that more could develop out of this.

Setting the food on the table he promptly heard a knock on the door. That had to be her! Giddily he quickly took the few steps separating himself from the door, adjusting his cuffs one last time. A deep breath. Now it was time. His hands slightly shaking he gripped the handle of the aged metal sliding door, struggling to pull it open.

"Hello old friend!"

Oswald smiled at him widely, his eyes shimmering with delight. Ed on the other hand was completely overthrown by his sudden appearance, confusion steadily arising inside of him. That was not what he had expected on the other side of his door. Not at all.

"What are you doing here? Under normal circumstances I would be happy to see you but I'm waiting for a date so I have to sadly ask you to leave, I'm sorry…"

The smaller man did not even budge, his smile not fading a bit. He seemed a bit flustered, fidgeting with his fingers. Hesitantly but beaming he looked up to him.

"But I am your date!"

Excitement radiated from Oswald's every pore but it did not spark over to Ed one bit. He was not heating up, instead he felt the cold building up, running through every vein. He felt like his whole body turned into stone, rendering him unable to move.

"But…but…that's impossible! I didn't invite you…I invited a woman I just met to…"

Out of nowhere it hit him like a truck. A woman. Every little detail of how she looked, how she acted, what she had told him. Everything was neatly filled into the cabinets of his brain. Something was missing though. A name. Everything was there but even though he tried really hard to remember there was no name for her. Nowhere. That was impossible. If they had talked that long he surely should know her name. He was sure she had told him at some point. But it was no there, nowhere to be found.

Jittery Oswald pulled a crumble piece of paper out of his pocket, poorly smoothing it out with his hands. He proudly held it up, a big smile plastered on his face as he practically waved it in front of Ed's face.

"I even still have your invitation!"

Disbelieving Ed stared at the handwritten card. There was no reason to discuss it. The scribbled handwriting definitely was his, his distinctive signature under the short text addressing Oswald. It was written by his own hands. But he did not write it. Only one possibility was left but he did not want to believe it, even though everything pointed at it being what had happened.

It had gotten more frequent during the last weeks. His…other side taking him over out of nowhere. Him waking up dizzy, not having a single memory of what happened while he was unconscious. Anxiety filled him not knowing what he had done in the meantime. The last time this happened he had hidden his dismembered dead girlfriend in the GCPD and that had been done in the course of only one night. This past time it had been far more than just one night. Sometimes he even would be suddenly gone through the day, waking up just in time for dinner. He could to everything in this lost time. He could make a fool out of himself, do things he would not even allow himself to think about. Even trying as hard as he could he never could remember any details. Everything being completely lost. Not knowing what his other half meticulously planned over those long periods of time.

With every fiber of his body he wanted to deny that he had something to do with the card presented in front of him but in reality it was clear. The other part of him had written it. He had put the memory of the woman into Ed's head, inviting Oswald instead. For the life of him he was unable to figure out why he had done this but it was the situation he found himself in. There never had been any woman at the library. No perfect lady wanting to go on a date with him, the dorky nerd he still was on the inside. The realization hit him hard like hitting cold water, pushing the air out of his lungs.

"I have no date after all?"

Sadness spread through him, a sigh leaving his lips. He had been so excited for nothing. All the preparations and planning were for nothing. It all would go to waste.

A warm hand touched his arm, gripping into the fabric of his suit.

"Oh yes you have…with me!"

And with that he was gently pushed aside, Oswald squeezing past him determinedly, entering his flat. Not waiting for Ed inviting him in.

Being completely out of it Ed just let it happen, shakingly pushing the door shut. He gulped down a sob rising in his throat, looking at Oswald uncertain.

"I do feel really sorry for it and I truly mean no harm…but I just don't feel attracted to men at all…but I guess if you're already here and the food is prepared you can stay for dinner…as friends!"

Instead of understanding Oswald returned a scornful snort, rage building up in his eyes. He was seconds away from one of his famous tantrums, his whole body visibly tensing. Making his small frame look bigger and trying to be intimidating.

"I do not have an invitation for a dinner with friends…I have one for a date! And I want one…now! With you!"

Trying to calm him down Ed grabbed him by the shoulder, clearing his throat. Hurting him was not his intention at all.

"I…I really can't provide you that…but…let's just eat before the food gets cold."

Mere seconds later he found himself sitting across the table from Oswald, his hand tensely holding onto the glass of wine like onto a raft on the open sea. This was not what he had been imaging this evening to be at all and there was no way out for him that did not include an outrage from Oswald's side. He just had to sit this out, trying not to upset him in any way. Even though Ed did not agree to a date he still was his friend after all and he genuinely wanted it to stay this way, keep being friendly with him.

"Just try it…maybe you'll even like it!"

Oswald's voice cut through the dense silence like a knife through butter. A cheeky smile made his way onto his face, looking at Edward teasingly. That definitely did not make it easier for Ed to stay calm, it even fuelled his tension further. Oswald wanted something specific from him, something that he was unable to provide.

"Please don't get your hopes up! It's simply not my cup of tea and I can't change that."

Oswald's eyes narrowed, fisting onto the edge of the table cloth. He knew him well enough to realize that he was incredibly stubborn. He was used to getting what he wanted, one way or another. Keeping his resistance up against that for as long as possible was Ed's top priority, even if there was the likely possibility of losing the fight in the end.

"Well…we will see my friend!"

Ed felt his gaze lingering on him. Felt the sensation of being thoroughly examined, every cell of his body under observation. Ed felt like a piece of meat, ready to be eaten. Uncomfortable was an understatement for the range of emotions inside of him. He just wanted it to stop, get out of here.

Tight-lipped he clinked his glass with Oswald's, wanting to desperately distract from the topic. Talking about it any longer would make him sick. Imagining himself in such a position with him just seemed so…wrong. He could not explain it but it just was something he never wanted to even consider.

"Bon appetit! I hope you like the food I made!"

And with that he immediately looked down on his plate. As long as he ate, he would not have to look at the way too content face in front of him, which was more than welcome to him.

The dish he prepared looked absolutely delicious and would taste incredible normally but under the circumstances present it took all of his energy to stiffly gulp down bite after bite. At least the wine made it more bearable.

Silence filled the room. They both kept for themselves but he could clearly feel the constant stare on him. Longing and excitement radiated from Oswald, reaching out for him. As longer as the quiet meal got on the more frustration mixed into the vibe he was spreading, overtaking his happy mood.

The last bite was not even completely swallowed down yet when Oswald promptly stood up, admirably fast for his condition, crossing the distance between them with a big step. Not asking for permission he got a hold of Ed's hand as he was reaching for the wine, trying to drown his anxiety. A warm smile brightened his face as he looked down upon him, a silent plead rising in his eyes.

"Can we please sit on the couch for a bit?"

Resistance would be futile. Os would get his wish one way or another and just sitting next to him surely could not be that bad. It would make him satisfied for at least a while and he surely would not be pushing Ed that much anymore. That is what he thought at least.

With a sigh Ed slowly stood up, suppressing the urge to pull his hand away. Keeping Oswald happy and content would make the evening easier for him and as a consequence he knew that he would have to stand a few things, like him holding his hand for a bit.

Taking the wine with them they quickly made their way over to the dingy used couch, settling next to each other. Ed tried his best to keep a certain distance between them, pushing himself against the armrest as close as he could.

It took only seconds for Oswald to slide over to him, trapping Ed between him and the armrest, still tightly holding onto his hand with no intention of ever letting go. With big eyes he looked up to him, studying every little detail of his face.

"The food was delicious!"

Freeing his hand from Oswald's grip he smiled a forced tight-lipped smile. All his muscles tensed up, not being able to get distance from Oswald. He was invading his private space, pushing up to him.

"Thank you…I tried my best."

For his date. Working hard in the kitchen for hours had been to impress his date. A woman he thought existed. And instead Oswald Cobblepot was sitting next to him, badgering him on his own sofa in his own apartment. That was exactly the opposite of a relaxed evening.

He nearly jumped when he felt an adventurous hand creeping up his thigh. His grip onto his wine glass got so tight that he was scared it would just burst in his hand. Maybe that would not be a bad thing actually. The glass surely would cut him deep enough to need stitches, which would at least get him out of this misery he was caught in.

His thoughts were interrupted when on top of the hand he felt the rest of the body slowly pushing up against him. He swallowed hard, turning stiff as a board.

"Please keep your distance! I…I don't feel comfortable with you being that close…"

An angry huff prickled on the skin of his arm.

"Don't act like such an idiot…I even lived here for a while! You're a grown man so you will surely stand a bit of touching!"

Ed felt that Oswald tried to keep calm as good as he could. But despite his best efforts he could not hide his temper rising at all. He did not budge an inch though, his fingers digging into Ed's thigh.

"That was different! We're friends…I don't cuddle with friends!"

He miserably fidgeted with his fingers, staring down at the floor. Being through a lot, nothing had prepared him for this. On one hand he had no intention of ever hurting Oswald, he had been an amazing friend that always believed in him and stayed by his side, but on the other hand he did not see him in the light Oswald wanted to be seen in. On top of that the way he acted made him as anxious as he possibly could be.

Oswald just stared at him. A sliver of hope left in his eyes, his fair skin melting against Ed like a popsicle in the sun.

"Oswald…I really do like you. Not in that way though. I don't wanna hurt you but I just can't be what you want me to be…"

A frustrated sigh is all he got in response.

"You're not even trying!"

Tensely Ed clenched his jaw. This discussion did not let into territory he wanted to tread. He did not want to discuss this at all. Being uncomfortable should be enough of an argument to make Oswald stop, but the stubborn bird did not value his consent at all, nagging him on.

"Because it just isn't for me…I'm very sure about that!"

His fingers dug into the torn armrest, leaving behind deep marks. Touches burnt all over his skin, Oswald still not inching away from him. Instead of easing off he took hold of Ed's hand again, gripping it tightly. Stiffly Ed stared at the wall opposite of him, wishing it all to be over. His supposed date with a perfect woman had turned into a nightmare. There never had been a beautiful lady attracted to him, just Oswald borderline harassing him. Nothing he could say or do would make him back off. Hurting him was still not an option. He just hoped Oswald would not push further, expecting more than the physical closeness he was already taking from Ed. All he could do was to appeal to his reason and hope that it actually would reach him.

A whimpering plea left his lips. "Please back off…I don't want this! You're making me uncomfortable…"

His fear got real when Oswald just looked at him with that face. That face of pure rage and anger. His eyebrow twitching slightly.

The same one he put one when he swung down a metal rod onto an already crippled person laying on the cold hard floor. Pleading to him to stop. Begging for their life. The sound of a cracked skull filling the room. Blood trickling down, forming rivers on the hard floor. The smell of death sinking into every crack.

The same one he put on moments before erupting like an active volcano. Before screaming out his lungs. Ruffling his feathers like a bird. Destroying everything and everyone coming into his way. Taking no account. Battling for himself until everyone obeys. Follows his lead.

The icy eyes stared into his soul, his lips twitching with anger.

"YOU INVITE ME TO A DATE AND THEN PUSH ME AWAY FROM YOU! HOW DARE YOU!"

A blood-curdling scream shattered the silence so loud that Ed was sure even the neighbours a block down could hear. Oswald was absolutely furious, basically foaming at his mouth. His fingernails dug deep into Ed's arm, nearly breaking the skin. Red marks were left all over, clearly showing Oswald's wish to take possession of him.

Sweat started to trickle down Ed's neck. One wrong word and he would pull the pin, making the grenade explode and leave nothing but destruction. Caution was what was needed now. He gulped, trying to focus his view onto him. What should he say now? What should he do? The only thing that surely would calm him down was something he was not willing to do. This friendship was important to him. He was his only friend. But intimacy was out of the picture. Nothing could change his view. Ever.

The longer he kept quiet, the more the rage inside of Oswald started bubbling up. He was a bonfire, every second of Ed's stillness pouring oil into him. Extinguishing him was impossible. He burnt up hotter and higher, ready to take everything with him and turn it into ashes. Ed had to say something. Do something. Before it was too late.

With a breaking voice he broke his silence, his heart beating as fast as a hummingbird's wings. Nearly choking on his own words.

"It…it wasn't me who invited you! And you know that!"

That had not been what Oswald wanted to hear. At all. With a big leap he jumped onto Ed, pushing him into the cushions. His legs were on each side of Ed's, locking him in, unable to escape. Ed instinctually put up his hands, trying to grab onto him and get him off. Blindly he tried to get a grip on his suit coat. Anything to get some leverage. The only thing he felt though were Oswald's hands, grabbing him by his wrists, firmly pushing them over his head. Struggling with his whole body against him he tried to take control of the situation. It was hopeless. He was trapped.

Oswald made no effort to back off. He firmly locked him into his unfortunate position, his icy stare piercing him directly through the heart. Ed wanted nothing more than to be his friends. To take care of him and make him happy. Make his life better. Instead he made him burn up, fuelled his anger. Happiness had been exchanged with miserableness. He had the power to make Oswald the happiest man on earth but every cell in his body rebelled against that. He did not want it. He just did not. Was that so hard to understand? So hard to accept?

A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, filling up his brain. Did Oswald truly hate him? Was he as disgusted as his eyes showed him to be? What had he expected in the first place? That he would just come over and Ed would invite him with open arms? Spending a romantic evening? Doing…things?

But Oswald knew all along, didn't he? He knew that he was not the one who sent out the invitation. That he would never have done that. That it had been his…other side. The one he tried to get on terms with. Instead of making progress the last weeks opened up a rift, making him drift away more and more from himself. He had lost touch with his own self. A distance spreading inside of him.

Would he do this to himself? This invitation was definitely real. He had written it. Worked against himself. Why did the other part of him do this to him? He was him. He knew that he was not interested in Oswald in that way and despite that he just carelessly had fuelled his desire to be with him more by inviting him to a date. Furthermore, he tricked himself by creating the illusion of a woman taking Oswald's place. A memory that never existed. That had been carefully crafted to gullible. To prepare for a date. A date that had been meant for Oswald all along.

But why? What was his plan? Why Oswald? Why invite him? Why make him hope for a something Ed could never provide him?

What had brought him to this situation?

Oswald's eyes fixed on him. Pressure on his wrists. Knees bracing along the side of his thighs.

He took a deep breath. A weak voice leaving his lips.

"Please Oswald…please stop…"

He was pleading to him like the hundred of man begging for their life that came before him. Too weak to defend themselves anymore. Being under Oswald's mercy. Unable to fight any longer. Just waiting for the god above them making his decision. The god with the black feathers. The one with the cold eyes. An emotionless shell of himself.

This was no life or death situation. He wasn't fearing a bat cracking his skull. Taking his last breath. Whatever would happen he was still his friend, put on a pedestal. Oswald would never willingly hurt him, do him any harm. His pleads had no real purpose. Whatever Oswald was meaning to do, it would not leave him marked in any way.

The more he tried to focus on him the more his view blurred. Oswald's face in front of him began to morph. Everything became cloudy.
Quickly he shut his eyes. Darkness washed around him. It clung to him, taking him with it.

Something was wrong. Anxiety started to rise in him. Helplessly he tried to steady his breath.

In…

Out…

In…

His brain became fuzzy. All his thoughts were washed away, leaving behind nothing. Everything was empty. Nothing was left.

Ed was not there anymore.

And then he opened his eyes.

Blinking a few times, looking into Oswald's eyes. Those beautiful eyes.

His whole body relaxed, the tension leaving every fiber of his body. He took a few calm breaths, filling his lungs with fresh air. Pumping energy into his body.

His demeanor changed instantly. His face shifting into a genuine wide grin, showing his teeth. Beaming with self-esteem and charm, filling the whole room with his charisma.

"Hello Oswald…did you miss me?"