Jim and Oswald kiss and make up.

"Oswald…"

"Yes Jim?" Oswald turned back, trying to resist the urge to check his watch. He really needed to be on time for this meeting….but he didn't want to upset Jim, either.

"Oswald..erm..about what I just said...I do need to ask you something."

"Oh?" Oswald searched Jim's gaze for clues. He saw that dark, reflective look in Jim's eyes that only usually appeared if he had something really serious on his mind. He could read his handsome detective like a book!

"Oswald..there is something I'm worried about."

Jim had been prepared to let Oswald walk out the door but had then suddenly changed his mind. It was important to clear the air between them. He didn't want to let Oswald go without saying what he needed to say.

It might make him late for work and it might even make Oswald miss his appointment - whatever that was - but somehow, it felt important to him to get this sorted out. He had a bad taste in his mouth and an ache in his heart.

"Ah yes." Oswald hobbled up closer. "I somehow suspected that!"

He folded his hands in front of him and looked up at Jim attentively. "What is it, then?" he asked, desperately fighting his inner temptation to add, "And can you make it quick please? I'm going to be late….."

"It's about...about..you and...and..." 'Come on man, for God's sake, it's just two letters and one syllable!' Jim's inner voice screamed, whilst his lips just refused to spit out the name.

"Yes, Jim?" Oswald lowered his voice to be almost as soft as a whisper. He forced his lips into an encouraging smile.

"Me and...whom?"

"You and….Ed." Jim finally uttered it. He almost choked on it.

"Ed? Oh, Jim - not this again!" Oswald rolled his eyes and threw up his hands with exasperation.

"Please, Oswald. Let me explain…"

And Jim told Oswald all about what had happened in the dead of night, and how it had kept him awake all night…..holding on to Oswald for dear life, and feeling the fear and dread that Nygma could be coming between them after all…if only in Oswald's own head.

"And then when you just said 'skidaddle'..that's one of his - Ed's - favourite expressions!"

"Jim, Jim...hold on, right there. These are all coincidences. I thought I told you I didn't want Ed back!" He reached out and touched Jim lightly on the arm. Jim flinched.

"I know. I know….but maybe, in your subconscious…."

"Listen, Jim. Yes, maybe I do still think of Ed from time to time - it's not surprising, is it? But it doesn't mean that I want him back."

"Are you sure? Do you mean it?"

"For God's sake, Jim, yes….I'm sure. And yes, I do mean it. He had his chance. Now, come here and give me a kiss and make up. We'll see one another later….ok?"

Jim complied. He just couldn't help himself. He couldn't resist Oswald's sweet, tulip-like lips.

"And, before I leave you," Oswald said, his face turning solemn and sad, "for what it's worth, Jim - I often feel afraid that I will lose you, too….not to a person, but to the GCPD…."