A Penguin faced with an enigma

by Cid Dante

The room was quiet but he swore he could hear someone whispering. He listened to what was being said and was rather surprised to learn it was the odd rescuer, what did he say his name was? Edward? "You're being a little creepy you know," Oswald heard him say from his position from the work table at the window, "Penguin doesn't need creepy..."

Disclaimer: I do not own Gotham. This is purely for fun

Oswald felt weak to his core. A weakness that he had never experienced before but he couldn't bargain or blackmail himself out of it. His entire body ached and he was dealing with a strange young man who had came to his rescue in the woods around the city. Surprisingly, the man had tended to the bullet wound quite efficiently but it would still leave a small scar.

He had also tended to his ankle as well, a tight bandage covering it with a splint of sorts. It worked quite well if he was honest but he wasn't sure if that was due to the rather strong painkillers the man had managed to get.

The slender fallen crime lord opened his eyes slowly as he realised that it was the middle of the night. The apartment studio bathed in a warm green light from one of the neon signs outside. He sat up in the bed, looking to see where his rescuer was.

Has he left? At work? Penguin ran a hand through his unwashed hair and grimaced, I really could do with a bath but I'm not strong enough to even attempt that and I certainly am not allowing that man to undr...to undress me again and have him wash me. I have some dignity left in me.

The man seemed to have no concept of personal space, invading Oswald's more often than not without asking. Big dark eyes looking innocent despite the fact that the man had admitted to murdering two people and was now looking to someone to teach him more.

The young man was far too innocent to steer to a life of crime. There was still the option of a good life ahead of him. Oswald would do anything he could to leave Gotham, he no longer wanted to remain in this damned city. There was no reason. His mother was dead, he was being hunted by the police and no doubt by Galavan too as the man didn't want any witnesses or anyone who could derail his plans.

The room was quiet but he swore he could hear someone whispering. He listened to what was being said and was rather surprised to learn it was the odd rescuer, what did he say his name was? Edward?

"You're being a little creepy you know," Oswald heard him say from his position from the work table at the window, "Penguin doesn't need creepy and you decided to admit that you had killed people minutes after he woke up? You're an idiot Ed."

"I had to tell someone," Ed was softer in his voice, "and I truly believe that I can trust him."

Penguin was fascinated if somewhat alarmed but was he imagining the change in body language and the subtle changes in the voice when he was talking to himself? Ed was or was trying to work on something but his attention was being distracted.

"But he doesn't trust you. Nothing is stopping him from picking up the phone and calling for help when we're working," the man's tone had changed again, "then it's hello Arkham for the cop killer if we are lucky."

He trusts me? No, impossible. He doesn't even know me, Oswald moved to the end of the bed and carefully stood up, not wanting to disturb the man who was currently distracted by his own conversation, if he remains with me then he'll die too. It's a guarantee. There is still a chance for him to have a normal life. He can live with the two skeletons in his closet, I will not be responsible for the death of another person who places their trust in me. The good old, no body no crime.

"He won't," the softer voice replied, "he's had ample chance and he hasn't. He's looking for something too and I want to help him find it. If I can help him get his revenge on Mayor Galavan then perhaps then he would take me seriously. Besides I..."

"Don't even think about that," the firmer...Edward, Oswald had decided, whispered, "Think he would be interested in seeing someone like you? You're nothing but a sickly sweet marshmallow. He'd eat you alive and that's if he is interested in men. What on earth do you have to offer him? He held a knife to our throat."

Wait...he...he...Oswald hated how his brain suddenly began to grind to a halt when he had heard those words.

Very few people had willingly stated that they found him attractive. His years in high school had proved that, the girls teasing him and the boys would beat him when they discovered that he was gay.

He had never dated seriously when his mother had been alive as no woman would have ever been good enough in the eyes of his beloved mother but if he was honest, he had no sexual interest in the female sex. He respected them of course, he could see them as powerful allies and had allied himself to them but finding them attractive? No but it didn't stop him from admitting when they were.

He had adored Fish Mooney, she had been beautiful but in the same way he found some art beautiful. The strength in her had made him want more in the form of power, she had came from nothing and had became a close confidant and lieutenant of Don Falcone. She had inspired him and he truly was thankful to her for all she had taught him. Everything he was had been because of Fish. Nothing had went unnoticed as he had been by her side until he had decided that he would overtake her and take her place as the one ruling the city.

Oswald had long since accepted the fact that he was never going to have a wife and he had of course would day dream about having a husband. Who didn't want that? To have someone waiting at the end of a long day with a warm smile and open arms. He wanted someone to love him and to rub his feet when they were tired, to tell him...but no one would ever want to marry a freak like him. He was destined to be alone and he had fully came to accept that.

"...then I will just need to be his friend then," Ed replied to himself and Oswald struggled to remain quiet and to embrace the quiet man.

How many Gothamites had actually wanted to be friends with Oswald Cobblepot because they actually wanted to? How many people could he honestly count? Butch had been ordered to follow him, to ensure the club had remained successful and he had remained by his side until Tabitha Galavan got her dirty claws into the big man. She had then made Butch betray him so now Oswald was utterly alone. No friends and no family now. He had never had someone who just wanted to be his pal, his buddy just because they had decided that they liked him.

That might still be too dangerous Edward Nygma, Oswald made his way quietly out of the bed area, the pyjamas Ed had loaned him trailed and he didn't have the strength to turn them up at the cuffs.

"Do you ever sleep?" Oswald broke the silence that had fallen, "I don't need any more friends either. All they do is stab you in the back."

Ed was startled, almost leaping straight to the ceiling had he been a cat. Those brown eyes wide in surprise as Oswald had been quiet. He nodded but he never made a move to leave his seat.

"I do sleep Mr Penguin," Ed flashed him a shy smile, "but you are in my bed at present. Also, there is still the very real chance of you harming yourself as you are quite...restless as you sleep."

"So why don't you sleep on the couch?" Oswald ignored the use of the name Penguin and the rather adorable look on Ed's face.

"My bed is comfier," Ed responded matter of factly as though it explained everything, "do you need anything Mr Penguin? Water? Food? Fresh bandages?"

"...no...well," Oswald sighed as he ran a shaky hand through his hair, "...I could really use a bath."

"I don't have one. Showers are much more efficient and cleaner," Ed mused but he seemed to be apologetic about it, "Would you like me to help you?"

Green eyes went wide with horror as Oswald reacted to the offer. He clutched the oversized shirt at his chest and he didn't understand why he was acting so nervous. His mother had washed his back, he had had male lovers before who had offered the same thing if he ever managed to keep them in a relationship long enough for that. Was it simply down to the fact that Ed was asking it so innocently? No signs of anything other than an offer to help.

"You needn't be embarrassed," Ed continued totally oblivious of the man staring at him, "I have already seen you naked and I don't mind at all touching you."

He doesn't mind touching me? How gracious of...wait...Seen me naked? Seen...me...naked? Naked?! The thought suddenly struck him like the bullet that had lodged itself in his shoulder and his entire body burned in a humiliating heat. He was keenly aware that he was not as muscular as others and he certainly didn't find himself attractive.

"Wait...was that inappropriate?" the forensic scientist frowned as he saw Oswald becoming upset, "You needed clean clothes and I had to establish exactly what the extent of your wounds were. There was no inappropriate touching Mr Penguin. I can assure you of that."

"Enough," Oswald tried to sound threatening but he simply sounded exhausted, "How long exactly was I out for?"

"Three days," the man stood up, "I had to change your clothes a few times."

"Why?"

The question seemed to surprise Ed, "Well, interesting fact. Even when a person is unconscious, the body still processes liquids and foods normally so it will void itself automatically."

The shorter criminal rolled his eyes and sighed as he tried to figure out what the man was talking about. Pain and drugs had dulled his mind and he didn't have the energy to decipher the words. Ed seemed to enjoy either the sound of his own voice or he was just desperate for someone to listen to him.

"Your bladder still empties itself when it's full and because you weren't awake..." Ed allowed the sentence to hang in the air and Oswald felt repulsed by himself.

He took an unsteady step back, horrified at what Ed had told him. The scientist didn't seem at all offended by it. It was as if he simply told him the time of day. Was Ed really that accepting of things?

You mean I...oh god, Oswald buried his face in his hands in utter shame and he tensed instantly when a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder.

"Oh dear...I ah...I didn't mean to upset you Mr Penguin," Ed voiced softly and it was a genuine tone of respect.

"Please," Oswald mumbled through his hands, "I think you have earned the right to call me Oswald for the moment."

He lowered his hands in time to see a beautiful smile light the naïve features of Ed up and he had to stop himself from thinking of nothing else. The man in front of him had drugged him, was basically holding him against his will but the longer he was in Ed's presence, the harder it was to convince himself that Ed was going to harm him.

The scientist had tended to his wounds, fed and watered him. Allowed him to stay in his bed and had sang his mother's lullaby song to him. Edward...Nygma was it? He had been an absolute gentleman to Oswald even when he was acting like a spoilt child.

"Oswald," his name sounded different when Ed had spoke it and it was quite pleasing to his ears, "Rather unusual name for Gotham."

"...my mother is Hun...was Hungarian," Oswald informed quietly as he corrected himself, "She used to tell me that it meant power. She did have a sense of humour, what power do I have now? None at all."

"It does. You will have that power again," Ed leaned against the back of the chair he had stood up from, "Now you have nothing to hold you back."

Yes, so you have said, Oswald limped away from him, using whatever came to hand to help him remain upright, my mother was my weakness. She died because I couldn't protect her from Galavan. She died in my arms because I didn't think far enough ahead.

"Ed...I would like a shower please," Oswald swallowed the lump in his throat down as he decided that his need to be clean was greater than trying to keep up the thin veil of dignity up with this man, "and...yes, I suppose I would like some help."

The scientist nodded and quietly went about getting things for the smaller male. Oswald went over to the bathroom, listening to Ed move about and for a tiny split second of a moment, he allowed himself to imagine that this is what it was like to have a husband. A man who wanted to look after him, to set the world right.

The small distance he had travelled in the apartment had drained him but he refused to return back to the bed without washing. It was amazing that Ed hadn't made more of a comment about his personal hygiene other than him soiling himself. The tall man seemed to be quite organised and he had allowed the shambles that was Oswald Cobblepot access to his home.

The bathroom was small but neatly arranged when he entered. He caught his reflection in a mirror and he had never seen himself look so defeated. His naturally pale features gaunt and lifeless. The clothes he wore made it look like he was a child dressing up in his father's and he had stubble on his chin. A far cry from the man who had been king of Gotham.

He hadn't looked this bad when Jim Gordon had pretended to shoot him and he had to leave Gotham. Was it because back then, he had been filled with rage at Fish Mooney? A purpose had filled him then, one that had pushed him to become the king of Gotham but the king had fallen. All he had now was a numb and shattered heart. Was it possible to rebuild again? Was there enough strength left in him to climb once more from the bottom? No, there wasn't.

The last time he had had his mother to think about. He wanted to show her that her son was a man who was exactly what she said he was. Strong, smart and handsome and that he would indeed be a great man but he didn't have her now. There was no one to tell him those things, no one to kiss him on the forehead and tell him that everything was going to be alright.

Oswald placed a hand over his reflection, "...god, I'm pathetic. What kind of a man am I? I couldn't..."

Tears fell from his eyes and he didn't stop them as he wanted to scream. An animal scream that would allow him to vent some of the pain that was gaining pressure in his body but it remained stuck in his chest. He looked at the shower, he couldn't even drown himself but it did have a green curtain that would allow him privacy.

"Mr Peng...Oswald?" Edward knocked on the door and opened it a few inches, "May I enter?"

What is the deal with this man? He's seen me naked and he still asks permission to enter, Oswald rubbed his eyes and wiped away the snot from his nose, "Yes, it's fine."

Edward was holding a neatly folded pile of clothes and towels as he entered, "Oh dear...You've been crying."

"No," Oswald snapped and thankfully Ed didn't question further.

Ed placed the clothes on top of a laundry hamper and returned back to the door, "I took the liberty of purchasing some clothes that should fit you better. Perhaps you would also like some food too, something not to rich or heavy for your stomach but you need something filling. Oh...porridge!"

Penguin blinked in surprise at the man in front of him. The young man looked as though the idea was brilliant and the sheer delight in the dark eyes was hard to deny. He didn't have the heart to tell him that he didn't like oatmeal or porridge. Ed had a rather intense look in those eyes of his and Oswald wanted to keep that innocence pure.

"If you wouldn't mind..." the wounded man raised an eyebrow, "I'll...call on you if I need help."

The tall scientist nodded and left the room, allowing Oswald to undress. Oswald hissed as his right shoulder took objection to the movement and it almost made him pass out. He decided to remove his socks first but that proved to be a bad choice, he stumbled forward and was fully prepared to feel the hard wood of the door crack against his head but instead he was given a softer impact and a quiet rush of air.

He looked up and saw he was being held upright by Ed, "I don't remember calling."

"...I know but you shouldn't aggravate your shoulder further," Ed took a step back, "Would it be alright if I assisted you in undressing?"

Oswald nodded but avoided eye contact even though he was sorely tempted. At least this time he was awake and the man had asked permission. Would Ed back off if he did? Ed's long fingers began to unbutton the nightshirt and slowly removed it from Oswald. His fingertips brushing gently against Oswald's shoulders as the shirt was taken off and he couldn't stop the intake of breath because it was so soft. None of his previous lovers had been so gentle. The forensic examiner for the GCPD examined the bandages carefully and he began to remove them as well.

The pain in his right leg was building and it was becoming more difficult to remain standing without some kind of help. Edward stopped and allowed him to sit on the edge of the toilet. It was a rather strange feeling but one that Oswald didn't want to examine at present.

A pile of blood stained bandages fell to the floor and Ed made an approving noise as he looked at his handiwork. Fingertips flitting across his chest as they prodded the wound and how the man's warm breath could be felt on his bare chest as he was inches away from it. Oswald shivered but he was grateful when Ed left his position and went to the shower. He turned it on and offered his hand to Penguin who reluctantly took it.

Penguin went into the shower and pulled the curtain across to separate himself from the bizarre creature who was currently being so kind to him. He leaned against the wall and released a slow shaky breath. He was aware that his bottoms were soaking the water up and he swallowed his concern and removed them painfully slowly.

He's either crazy on a level I am not familiar with or he really wants to help me, the fallen king thought, he works for the police though. Is he doing this so he can get the reward? Perhaps I should hand myself in and save myself the hassle of being paraded and killed by Galavan. It means that the young man there could still perhaps remain in his job and not be arrested for the murders he has committed.

The water was warm as he stood under the stream, closing his eyes as it flowed over his head. It mixed with the tears that fell silently despite his efforts at thinking of other things. He just stood there, using his left hand to keep him steady. He lifted his right arm as far as he could to reach the shower gel and he cursed loudly as the pain flared like a supernova.

"Oswald? Are you alright?" Ed was extremely close to him, he was standing on the other side of the curtain.

"I'm...fine," he hissed back.

Edward pulled the curtain back and stood beside the naked Penguin, "Forgive me Mr Penguin but you are not alright."

There was nothing Oswald could do except feel utterly mortified that a quite attractive young man was standing next to him when he was totally naked. He pushed Ed back, losing his balance as he hadn't realised how weak he truly was and he fell into the arms of the man who had saved his wretched life. Brown eyes never dropped lower than his lips but even that was too much for him. The man took a step into the shower, the water drenching him and he didn't move to take any of his clothing off. His glasses remained in place but the height difference was startling. Oswald didn't understand the conflicting feelings that were bubbling in his form, one wanted to push him away and end his life for being so damn presumptuous. The other part didn't want him to leave and that was the part that was confusing him.

Edward took hold of a bottle of shampoo and placed some on top of Oswald's head after he carefully turned him so his back was facing the scientist. He replaced the bottle and he then began to massage the liquid into a soapy lather.

The feeling of the man's fingers massaging his scalp was sending jolts of electricity down his spine. The warm water was easing his battered body and he closed his eyes and just lost himself in the moment. He swayed gently, tears still falling but he was relieved that the water was hiding it from Ed.

Ed hummed quietly as he washed Oswald's hair. The lullaby, why was he so taken by it? There was no reason for him to sing it and Oswald just wanted to forget the harshness of the city that had betrayed him. Just for a few minutes, Oswald could forget his mother and forget the betrayal of Butch. if he could focus on the feeling of numbness, then it was possible he could keep going.

The scientist rinsed the shampoo off, "Are you alright?"

"...I'm fine," Oswald sighed tiredly, "why do you keep asking that? And when I do answer, you don't believe me."

"You suffered a gunshot wound, blood loss, dehydration and mild hypothermia," Edward explained as he conditioned Oswald's hair, "You haven't ate much and you are barely able to stand unassisted."

The dethroned king of Gotham made a surprised sound of oh but he rested his head on Ed's chest, not caring if he soaked the man further. The water was easing some of the tightness in his shoulder, his ankle still ached but it was less of a bother now.

"...I'm going to wash you now," Ed informed him, "I swear that I will not go lower than your chest."

An hour later...

Edward Nygma had kept his word in the bathroom. Oswald felt better merely because he was clean. He usually took pride in his looks and once he had washed off all the crap and blood, he felt lighter. Had the shower washed away some of his grief? No, it was a ridiculous thought, of course it hadn't.

His rescuer was making porridge for them both and Penguin simply allowed it. He sat at the kitchen table, looking at a glass of water with unfocused eyes before he shook himself mentally.

Ed's touch in the bathroom had been soothing and the man had been soaked to the skin as he had washed him. Oswald couldn't fathom out why he had allowed him to do that as he didn't want anyone seeing him as weak or vulnerable. Another man had washed him, had groomed him and Oswald had simply allowed him. Ed had placed fresh bandages on his bullet wound, everything done with respect and kindness. He had acted like a child and there was a tiny part of him that had kept whispering that under any other circumstance, Edward was the perfect husband.

The clothing Ed had bought fitted him better and they were certainly warmer too but it didn't stop the now most wanted criminal in Gotham from continuing to wear a jumper he had claimed from the tall scientist. It was startling as to how a hot shower and some clean clothes had lifted his spirits and now that he could smell the porridge, it was becoming rather tempting. Different from what Don Maroni had made him back in the woods, this had a sweeter scent. This meal was created with more care and attention.

He could be working for Galavan though. This is all a ruse to make me trust him and drag me back but...I don't think so, Oswald scratched the back of his neck as his current room mate sat down at the opposite side of the table once he had placed a bowl of porridge in front of him, he's like a puppy. So eager to please, desperate for any scrap of affection or approval.

Ed had been dressed in a green jumper and dark trousers as he had showered Oswald but he had changed into a set of sleepwear. He was wearing a fitting t-shirt and dark green sweatpants now.

"Dig in," Ed nodded to the food in front of him.

Oswald picked up a spoon and looked at the dish, he really wasn't fond of oatmeal or it's variations but the man had went out of his way to be nice to him. He took a mouthful and expected it to be bland, lumpy and tasteless but despite initial reservations, it was creamier, smoother and better than he thought. The porridge was really nice. It held notes of vanilla and caramel and Oswald took another mouthful, savouring the warmth.

Edward was watching him for a few moments as Penguin tried not to show his true interest in the simple meal. The brunette offered him a smile as he dug into his own. Oswald made himself think about everything else other than the generous deeds of the man.

"...Why are you doing this? You can still have a normal life," Oswald stated as he ate, "If you continue doing what you are doing then you're going to wind up either in prison or dead."

"You needed help," Edward stated without looking up, "and I need help too on the path that I am now on. We can help one another. I'm sure if our positions had been reversed, you would have done the same for me."

Penguin frowned at that statement, "Listen friend, I cannot stress this enough. This path that you have just started on, get off it. All it will bring you is nothing but loneliness and heartache."

His words seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as Ed simply looked at him with those dark eyes that seemed to see something else other than the wretched creature Penguin...no Oswald was. Penguin was the king of Gotham. Penguin was smart, capable and resilient. Oswald was not, he was weak. Oswald had been blackmailed because he wanted to protect his mother. It had been Oswald who had failed to see what was right in front of him.

"It's late...and I'm going to bed," the shorter man excused himself from the table and limped over to the bedroom area.

The sheets had been removed and fresh ones put on. Oswald clenched his jaw as he remembered the earlier conversation but he pushed it down. He was now able to reach the bathroom himself, he just didn't have the strength to leave the apartment just yet.

He climbed into the bed and pulled the blankets over his head. He didn't want to deal with any more thoughts. The kindness of the man currently in the same room as him, the heavy weight of guilt about his mother, his rage at Galavan and his sister refused to stop swirling in his skull. Tears flowed again and he struggled to keep them fully silent.

A heavy warm weight appeared behind him, Oswald refused to lift the blankets as he knew it was Ed. Was he going to say more of the cliches or give him more advice on what he should be doing?

Ed didn't seem to say anything but he did make himself more comfortable on the bed. He shifted down so he was laying next to Oswald and the smaller man under the covers held his breath. What was he doing? He had killed men for less but this young man seemed to have no clue or even fear of his actions.

"What...what are you doing?" Oswald asked from the safety of his covers.

"Going to sleep," Edward had the ability to make the most simplest of answers sound perfectly innocent, "as I said earlier, you are quite restless in your sleep."

"I will kill you if you don't remove yourself," Oswald growled, "I promise you that."

Edward seemed to know that he was bluffing and what was frustrating was that he was right, "If you were going to, it would have been in the shower. I assure you once more Oswald, I am not trying to harm you. I have no ill intentions towards you."

Someday, somehow Edward Nygma, I will pay you back for this, Oswald threatened mentally but he knew it was an empty promise. Ed turned on his side and their backs touched through the blanket, Oswald allowed himself to close his eyes.

"Just...just don't get any kind of ideas then," the fallen king of the city of the damned muttered, "I am not that kind of boy who you can bed with some nice porridge and a hot shower."

"Good night Oswald," Ed yawned as he encroached on more of Oswald's personal space without asking.