Chapter 43

Night came, and with a fleeting change.

Usually, at this time Edward Nygma found himself curled up on his bench/bed with a borrowed book in his hands, trying to memorize the passages that hadn't already ingrained themselves into his brain. He would listen to the insane screams and howls as one might distant traffic. Then, when the lights would go out, he would close his eyes and wonder if he would ever open them again.

Instead, he found himself in his old clothes - a checkered shirt, khakis, a green sweater, and a red diamond-patterned tie - and bathed for the first time in weeks. He was standing outside the asylum's gate, with the new warden before him and a slip of paper that would influence his future.

Edward stared at it, then flitted his eyes back up at the warden. He flipped the paper over so that the other man could read the words that formed his freedom. "I'm sane." He stated in a gravelly voice.

"Absolutely. One hundred percent." The warden was shaking like a leaf from the other side of the gate. "I examined you myself."

"And the murder of Miss Kringle?" Edward asked.

"Committed while you were insane." The warden said quickly.

"Officer Dordy?"

"Insane."

"Officer Pygny?"

"Insane."

"And now I'm-"

"Sane." The new warden sounded as if he were reciting an unfamiliar line from a script. "And not responsible for any of the crimes done during your sickness. You're a free man, Edward." The gate began to squeal like a stuck pig as the warden started to close it. Edward's hand halted the process. "Not to look a gifthouse in the mouth," he said, "but how did you-?"

Headlights blared in his direction, temporarily blinding him. Turning around, he saw something so strange he questioned his own eyes. A fine black limousine sat before him like a growling panther. Shining like a dark crystal, with tinted glass, its presence both reassured and startled him. For a moment it simply sat there, seemingly evaluating him.

Then, the window on the driver's seat slid down. A head of curly, fair hair popped out. Beneath that mop of untamed hair was a very unremarkable face: round and chinless as the moon, with a simple, straight nose and big eyes. Nothing memorable in the least, unless one counted the garnet earrings dangling like jewelled grapes from her lobes. Yet she smirked knowingly at him. "Sup, bro." She greeted casually. "Want some weed?"

Edward frowned. Laughter emanated from the car's interior. He froze as the cackles reached his ears...and his heart. He waited, almost scared, as another head popped out. But this one was far more familiar.

Oswald grinned at him. "Hello, old friend."

Edward slowly smiled. Turning back to the new warden, he said, "Never mind."

The ride back home was a peculiar one. At Ruby's suggestion, given the late hour and the lack of ingredients in the fridge, they stopped at the Big Bang Burger. It was a large, well-lit fast food joint that was kept clean by the high school staff. Everything was space-themed, from the star pattern on the ceiling to the rockets painted on the tables. The food was a bit greasy and very generous in size, but it was the best thing to have passed Edward's lips in months. Oswald and Ruby watched with some amusement as he attacked the Comet Burger, complete with two beef patties and nearly half a head of lettuce. The two friends shared a look as mustard and ketchup stained the green sweater without Edward's noticing. He barely looked up or said a word whilst he ate, which led to the other two casually conversing.

With the exception of a few questions.

"So, how are you living with Oswald, again?" Edward asked tautly.

Ruby quirked a brow. "I've been living there for nine and a half years now. I was a maid to his father, Elijiah Van Dahl."

Oswald smiled. Stroked her hand. Ruby blushed and looked away.

Edward licked his lip. "I see." He took to eating again.

Ruby stared at him for a second, unsure of what to say, before trying her own card. "So, uh, Edward. Oswald tells me you worked in forensics. How was that?"

Edward wanted to reply that he doubted that she'd understand. Instead, he answered with, "Fine."

"So I heard." With a chuckle, Ruby nudged Oswald from across the table. "If only he'd had a zircon necklace too, eh? That may have warded off the negative energy."

Edward groaned.

Ruby stopped. Blinked. "Ugh?" She echoed. "Geology and stone symbolism is 'ugh' to you?"

"No, I'm sorry." Edward replied. "As a man of science, I know how important people's superstitions are to them."

Ruby's eyes narrowed. Oswald, seeing the red flags, quickly rushed in. "So, how's your tofu burger?"

It took a moment for Ruby's dark expression to lighten. Doing her best to smile at him, she held her food out to Oswald. "Wanna try?"

Chuckling at the intimate gesture, he complied. Taking a small bite, he was overcome with delight. The food was soft and light, wonderfully seasoned and scented with origano. "Very nice. It is definitely worth the three additional dollars in ordering it."

Ruby playfully stuck her tongue out at him before taking another bite. When Edward made a slight moan, she chuckled drily. "Think we should order another for Wolf Man over here?"

"Oh, no." Oswald shook his head. "He's got a stomach no larger than a gourd. If he forces himself to eat, then he'll be throwing it back up." He shuddered. "Believe me, I know. I made him a cucumber lasagna when we were living together, and put too many helpings on his plate."

"Zucchini." Edward corrected him between mouthfuls.

Ruby rolled her dark blue eyes. "Oh, it speaks." Her gaze landed on the untouched platter of curly fries on Oswald's dish. "Not in the mood for deep-fried potatoes?"

"No." Oswald replied. "I simply dislike curly fries. If I wanted to eat something curly, I would order Medusa's head."

"Oh, fine." Ruby smirked. "I'll take 'em, then!" She laughed at Oswald's expression as she swiped the paper dish away. Edward munched busily away, eyeing the two from the corner of his eye. Jealousy bubbled within him like witch's brew. Seeing the relaxed, contented expression on Oswald's face as he interacted with this woman...and how casually they took food from each other's plates...it was as if they were lovers. Yet there was no engagement ring on the woman's finger. An emerald ring, yes; on the index finger. A turquoise ring, also; on the middle finger of her other hand. But no ring symbolizing a promise to wed.

The absence quelled Edward's anger a bit. He knew Oswald well enough to know that the Penguin would never wait too long before proposing. His complete lack of romantic experience rendered him emotionally impatient.

The girl - what was her name? Topaz? Jade? - noticed him watching. Her smile slipped off like a veil. "Why don't you take a picture? It'll last longer."

"You are satisfied?" Oswald turned to the bespeckled man.

"Yes, thank you." Edward straightened. Brushing himself clean, he kept his eyes on his friend. "And not simply for the dinner. Oswald...you got me out of there. Thank you. How can I hope to repay you?"

"Oh." Oswald looked away flustered. "Don't worry about it, Ed. You deserve a bit of leisure after all that you've endured."

"At least let me pay for dinner." Edward insisted. "They returned the thirty dollars that were confiscated upon my arrest."

"Wow, thirty bucks?" Ruby murmured in her raspberry slushie. "You've got it like Richie Rich."

Neither man heard her. Oswald eyed Edward with concern. "What about the rest of your funds? Your savings?"

Edward shook his head. "Gone. Or, rather, blocked. All of my credit cards are useless, and my funds have been scattered to the four winds." He scratched the back of his scalp nervously. "I'm afraid all I have left in the world is in the little suitcase back in the trunk."

Ruby's stern expression softened a bit. She knew all too well how that felt. When she had left Arkham at the tender age of eighteen, she had felt like a caterpillar thrust in a world of butterflies. Or, rather, moths.

Her sole possessions had been the jewels that she had inherited from her grandmother, the hand-me-downs on her back, and the certificate. Nothing else. No I.D of any kind. Furthermore, she had tried to call her parents only to hear their secretaries asking her to call again later. When she had told them that she was their daughter and needed at least some money, they had laughed. And told her that the great model Opal Sinclair didn't have any children, and neither did her brother Jasper.

That had been the greatest blow of them all. For the first time, Ruby had realized the truth. That her parents had been so utterly ashamed and disgusted by her that they had concealed her very existence. Had left her alone without a word or means to survive.

For that reason she felt her hostility towards Nygma thawing. Not quite room temperature yet, but a bit less frigid.

Taking a deep breath, she reached out across the table. Her hand rested on Edward's shoulder. He jolted and stared at the hand. Then, at her. Ruby maintained eye contact. "Look...it gets better. I know it seems hopeless right now. But bit by bit, things'll work out."

Oswald gave her a grateful smile. Seeing it warmed Ruby's cheeks. Edward said nothing. He just stared at her, incapable of figuring her out.

Patting his shoulder, Ruby wiped her mouth. "Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm exhausted. Wanna call it a night?"

Oswald and Edward both nodded. The former rose. Realizing his intent, Ruby placed a hand on his arm. "If you want, I can treat you."

"Oh, my dear." Oswald lightly covered her hand with his own. "You already treated me last week at the Ritz."

"All you had was the salad!" Ruby protested.

"And it was the size of a fish tank. Dear girl, relax." Oswald patted her hand. "This simple, yet delicious meal will hardly bankrupt me."

Sighing with resignation, Ruby let go. "Fine. But next time we go out, I'm paying!"

"Very well." Oswald chuckled as he claimed his cane and limped away.

Now left alone, Ruby and Edward couldn't make eye contact. An uncomfortable silence fell over them, thick as a damp shawl. Rubbing the back of his neck, Edward stared out the window with empty eyes. Still trying to figure out how much of all this was a dream and what was mere fantasy. Ruby cleared her throat. Edward's eyes flitted toward her for a second. The young woman wiped her hands clean with the paper napkins. "Um...you'll be staying in the guest room on the ground floor. It's got its own private bathroom. I've already supplied it with soap, shampoo, and conditioner, so you don't need to buy anything yourself. There are a few clothes in the closet, too. We had to guess. Hopefully, everything will fit right."

Edward didn't speak. Acknowledge her in any way. Ruby sighed. She rose from her seat. "Tell Oz I'm starting the car up."

"It's 'Oswald'." Edward piped up.

Ruby stopped. Turned back to face him. "Pardon?"

"His name is Oswald, not 'Oz'." Edward spoke slowly, as if to a child. A very stupid child. "So don't call him by that childish nickname."

Ruby's jaw tightened. She leaned forward so that they were practically touching noses. "Listen to me very closely." She hissed. "You should be grateful for Oz's generosity. He still sees a friend in you, even though you've done nothing for him since he got out of Arkham. I, on the other hand, have been his friend and partner since he moved into his father's ancestral home. We've been through more than you can imagine, and we've reached an intimacy that you can only dream about."

Edward's eyes widened. "You mean you two-?"

"No." Ruby cut him off. "Not that. Better."

Edward's eyebrows flew up.

"So you have absolutely no right to tell me what to call him. As long as he likes it, I like it. End of story." Ruby slammed her fist against the table hard enough to make the plastic trays rattle. A few nearby customers turned around in fright. Edward felt a cold sweat sweeping across his body. Feeling like a mouse in the presence of a very hungry cat. "Tell Oz I'll bring the car in." She repeated in a flat, cold voice. Then, just like that, she stomped out. Edward was left trembling in the booth, wondering if his bought freedom was worth it.

A week passed.

That moment at the Big Bang Burger solidified Edward and Ruby's distaste for each other. Each day that passed had them avoiding each other at all costs. It proved to be fairly easy, considering how large the Van Dahl mansion was. It also helped that they were stationed in different activities. While Ruby posted fliers and collected support from the masses, Edward stayed indoors with Oswald discussing tactics to use. In the mornings, Edward and Oswald shared breakfast long after Ruby had prepared everything. Then, in the evenings, Oswald and Ruby would spend time together while Edward retreated into a good book. All the same, the two were forced to put up with each other during meals. During which time Ruby found every excuse to leave the table.

Once, Edward stopped her on the way to the kitchen. He held out the glass that she'd filled at the beginning of lunch. "Look," he said, "I know it may be difficult to put fruit in a blender and push a button," he wiggled the drink, "but this isn't a 'smoothie'. It's a 'lumpy'."

Oswald stiffened. "Ed." His tone was neutral. Nothing like the warm, honeyed voice he'd been using with him until this point.

"No, no. It's fine. Evidently, my smoothie-making skills have gotten rusty." Ruby said through clenched teeth. All while never breaking eye contact with Edward. Forcing a smile that would send any child hiding under the bed, she took the glass. "Fine. Let me fix it." She rushed into the kitchen before she could lose her temper.

"Thank you." Edward leaned back in his chair. When he saw Oswald's expression, he held his hands out. "What?"

Oswald gently set down the spoon. Pushing his leek soup aside to avoid spilling it, he leaned forward. "Is there something that I should know?"

"No, why?" Edward asked.

"Because, yes, you are my friend." Oswald stated. "But Ruby is as well. That is why I will ask you to avoid disrespecting her in the future."

Edward stared at the black-haired man, flabberghasted. Then, the shock was quickly replaced with hurt. So, Oswald had replaced him. And with what? Some gold-digger with no education, no connections, no life of which to speak?

The man cleared his throat. Looking down, he pushed his black-rimmed glasses up. "Understood. It won't happen again."

Oswald nodded. "Thank you." Even as he tried to eat, he found his appetite curdling. This was not he had expected. He had hoped, perhaps foolishly, that Ruby and Edward would get along through him. Perhaps even become friends. That would have been a dream come true to him. But apparently, that was asking too much.

But maybe there was a way to remedy the situation.

"Ed," he straightened, "tomorrow, Ruby and I have to go somewhere. And, if you like, you may come along."

"Is it business?" Edward asked without looking up from his chicken breast.

"Not exactly." Oswald replied with a smirk. "But it is important to us both. It would please me to share it with you."

Edward cocked a brow. Daring to look up. "Does it have anything to do with Ruby's power?"

"Yes." Oswald grinned. "I have only told you the tip of the iceberg. So, what say you?"

Edward was silent for a beat. Then, he replied, "If the answer is not no, nor maybe, what is it?"

Oswald blinked. "Yes?"

"Yes."

Oswald grinned. "Great! Then, right before elections, we shall go to the professor." He resumed eating his soup with relish. Edward as well, albeit for a different reason. While he had yet to see Ruby utilize her so-called 'clay' powers, Oswald's descriptions had been enough to capture his interest. Whatever would happen within twenty-four hours, he would bring a notebook.

Meanwhile, Ruby poured the re-blended smoothie into the glass. She was about to return to the dining hall when an idea appeared before her. One so infinitely devious, yet very childish, that she couldn't resist.

A moment later she returned with the glass in her hand and a smile on her face. "Here ya go, Nygma."

"Thanks." Edward sipped from the smoothie and brightened. "Oh," he turned to her with wide eyes, "This is delicious! Did you add anything?"

"A pinch of cinnamon, and a little extra sugar." Ruby was smirking. "And something else really special."

"Mm." Edward took another, longer drink. "Please, make this more often."

Ruby's smile was huge at this point. She wiped her mouth, suddenly realizing that her bottom lip was still wet. "Oh, I will."