It had been two weeks and all Oswald had heard about Jeremiah was that he had a plan that involved Bruce Wayne and that he was working to gather people into the "Red Hood" gang once again.
It wasn't much, but it's not like he had promised Jim he would actively be searching for the maniac, only that he would keep his eyes and ears open, and so he had.
"Oswald." Jim nodded, sitting down. He offered a coffee and Oswald gratefully took it.
Jim's apartment was more dilapidated that the one he had visited so long ago. Certainly, a downgrade. The kitchen was scrubbed but still looked dirty, Oswald chanced a closer look at the kitchen table they were sitting at before sighing and resting his elbows on it.
He told Jim what he knew. Jim looked a little frustrated but nodded. "That's not a lot to go off of, but it's better than I've been able to gather." He smiled tersely. "Thanks."
"Is that it?" Oswald frowned. He hadn't expected their little meeting to be over so fast.
"What else is there?"
"I don't know. Nothing, I suppose." He looked down at his mug. "Can I finish this coffee though?"
"Oh. Yes, of course."
The coffee was too hot to gulp so he was forced to sip it.
"For some reason I thought you didn't like coffee." Jim said quietly after a few minutes.
"I acquired a taste for it when I became mayor. Ed would make it every morning and I guess the smell finally won me over."
"You two were pretty close. Were you ever…?" Jim trailed off, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Not that it's any of your business but no." Oswald scowled.
"Sorry I asked."
They sat awkwardly, and Oswald tried to take a few more sips without burning his tongue.
"Why is Jeremiah so obsessed with young Bruce Wayne?" He finally asked.
"I wish I knew, I thought it was an extension of Jerome's obsession, but it's gone beyond that I think." Jim shrugged and rubbed his eyes. "It's like he thinks Bruce is a part of him. He wants to get him to play. What's worse is I think he's succeeding."
"Why do you say that?"
Jim looked up at him and for a split-second Oswald recognized a lonely look in his eye. He wanted to tell someone something but couldn't. Instead he blinked and smiled another fake, tight smile. "It's nothing."
Oswald, not wanting to pry, accepted his response. Jim looked so small suddenly, like he had something heavy on his shoulders that was crushing him slowly over time. "I hope you catch that cretin, Jeremiah, sooner rather than later." He offered what he hoped was an encouraging smile. He had the impulse to put his hand over Jim's, now laying on the table, but ignored it.
"What are your plans for the rest of the day." Oswald asked absentmindedly as he fluffed his coat around him, finished his coffee and stood up. Jim Stood up as well.
"The usual, catching bad guys, putting them in Jail, trying to ship them over the river so they can't just break free." They both laughed at the absurdity.
"Why are you still here, Jim?" He asked suddenly. "This seems like a hopeless endeavor to me."
"I thought you like a challenge." Jim purred. Oswald's face felt warm. He realized the wall was directly behind him. He and Jim were close enough for the tips of their shoes to touch and there was nowhere for him to do.
"Challenges, not impossibilities." He huffed, grabbing his cane. Jim instinctively moved his hand to the right side of his belt. Oswald snickered. "If I wanted you dead why would I have waited until now?"
"Right. Old habits, sorry." Jim grimaced. His voice was so quiet.
Against his better judgment, Oswald lifted his hand to put it on Jim's offending arm. Looking him in the eyes he gently but firmly pushed it away. "You're forgiven." He breathed heavily. Jim's lids were heavy, and he nodded in response.
"I should let you get back to your important work, Detective Gordon." He smirked with more confidence than he had and brushed against Jim to get from in between him and the wall. Coming out of his mild stupor, Jim walked him to the door.
"We don't always have to wait." Jim said lamely.
"What?"
"We don't always have to wait the two weeks. If you know something sooner, come find me."
"Okay. I will." He paused in the doorway. "What if I don't know anything new?"
Jim looked a little startled, so Oswald quickly backtracked. "Dear Jim, relax. I will certainly come see you if I have anything new regarding Jeremiah."
He hurried to his car and drove away, leaving a slightly flustered Jim in his wake.