Jim and the Two Letter Word
"Jim, am I mistaken or do I detect a less than happy edge to your tone?"
Oswald looked at Jim with pursed up lips and a bewildered frown.
Jim stared back at Oswald and wrinkled his brow in a less than bewildered way.
"No Oswald, you're not mistaken."
"What is the matter then?" Oswald sighed with forced patience, folding his arms defensively. He had to leave shortly for a very important rendezvous - but he didn't like to leave Jim on a negative note. It would leave a bitter taste in his mouth. Besides, he always hated to be left in the dark - and he also didn't want to get the cold shoulder in bed later on.
"Oh, y'know...I didn't sleep too well last night."
"Didn't you?" Oswald arched his eyebrow in surprise. "I slept like a log!"
Jim sniffed archly. "Well yeah, I guess you did." He continued putting on his jacket, ready to leave for work.
"Is there something you're not saying, Jim?" Oswald walked up close to him and searched his gaze intently with his brilliant blue eyes.
Jim looked back into those eyes and his heart almost stopped. He swallowed hard. He couldn't bring himself to say it - mention that name - even though it was only two letters and one syllable. And anyway, Oswald's eyes were so beautiful and they always turned his knees to jelly when they looked at him like that….
"Erm, no...no, sorry, I guess I just got out of bed the wrong side, huh?" And he smiled and kissed Oswald on the forehead affectionately.
"That's better, Mr Police Detective. And now, sorry but I really have to skidaddle…"
"Skidaddle?" Jim's heart fibrillated again and his blood ran cold. He had never heard Oswald use that word but he knew someone who did - it was a bit of a catchphrase of his….
"Erm..leave..you know…."
"I know what it means, Oswald. I just never heard you use that expression before."
"You haven't? Oh well, I guess I must have picked it up from somewhere." Oswald shrugged casually and grinned impishly. "Well anyway, I have to go now..see you later Jim!"