Chapter 45

The drive home was one of intense rigidity. Ruby's knuckles were white as she drove, her shoulders are curved as Oswald's usually were. She avoided eye contact with Edward at all costs, even when they had to stop at a gas station and he asked if she wanted anything. Playing with her necklace, she'd spat out, "Raisins." When he'd given her a pack of them, she'd swiped it out of his hand without a word of thanks. Oswald was more willing to speak to Edward, yet there was no denying the wedge that had formed between them. Something in the kingpin's tone, his body language, was less close than it had been before.

They were still friends. Edward sensed as much. But his actions had chipped off some of the trust that Oswald had held in him.

If Edward had been alone, he'd have buried his face in his hands. Possibly cried. Try as he might, he could not justify what he had done. He couldn't say that the possibility of Cobblair getting hurt hadn't crossed his mind. By God, they had been swordfighting with a robot! If he hadn't distracted them, Edward didn't doubt that Cobblair would have beheaded it. Instead...

Edward shuddered. Why, really, had he acted that way? Had he really been so jealous of the closeness between Ruby and Oswald that he had sabotaged their training?

Oh, God.

Had he really wanted them both injured, as a sort of perverse punishment for having a friendship that he coveted?

Edward didn't want to face the possibility. But it was right there, beating down on him like the hot sun. The only refuge he found was locking it away in a mental box, knowing he'd have to face it eventually.

But not now, not when the wound was still fresh.

At last, after what felt like a decade, Van Dahl mansion rose from the fog. Up close, Edward saw how truly magnificent it was. Its five storeys were made from dark gray stone, with matching tiles. Much of the eastern wing, where the morning sun shone, was coated in rich green ivy. Its three chimneys jutted against the fat thunderheads. Polished windows stared out at the horizon like doll eyes. The front entrance was crowned with arches, keeping the porch safe from all weather. Below was a neat, healthy row of rose bushes. It was truly a house fit for a king. Not someone with a mere thirty dollars in his pocket.

The limousine came to a smooth halt right in front of the mansion. Ruby killed the engine, pocketed the keys, and climbed out of the car. She opened the door for Oswald, taking his hand to help him walk. She slammed the door in Edward's face as he tried to exit after his friend. Edward sat there, frozen by the hostile gesture, before looking out the window. Ruby held Oswald's hand, while her free arm was wrapped around his waist. While his words were muffled, Oswald's face told Edward that he was insisting that he was fine. Ruby kept shaking her head. When she turned her head to glare at Edward, the man was quick to look away.

At last, when both of them had disappeared behind the stain-glass door, Edward followed suit. When he stepped into the house, he saw the blue, white, and red equivalent of a county fair. Banners and posters with Oswald's face were hanging from every available surface. Dozens of people were discussion that speech or this procedure. Phones were buzzing. The television was on, advertising the incoming election. Ruby's cinnamon rolls, fresh from the oven, sweetened both the air and the mood.

In all of this ruckus, admist such positivity, Edward felt that he could almost forget about what had happened.

Until there came an abrupt jabbing on his shoulder.

Edward turned around to see Ruby standing before him, her arms almost as crossed as her expression. On her side was a dark, sticky stain. Edward bit his lip. Ruby spoke up. "You'd better change in one of the suits Oz bought you. He didn't spend three hundred bucks just for it to sit in the wardrobe, y'know." She was about to turn around when Edward grabbed her arm. "Ruby, wait."

The young woman sighed with exasperation. "What now?"

"I just..." Edward swallowed. "I just, wanted to apologize-"

"What? For this?" Ruby lifted the hem of her sweatshirt. Edward winced. Thick bandages were wrapped around her lower ribcage. Beneath the sticky stain was an even larger one. A dense, red-and-brown blossom was drying on the gauze. Some of the flesh peaking under it was red and probably feverish to the touch. Seeing his expression, Ruby let the fabric conceal the wound once more. "Oh, it's no problem! Oswald and I are going to take six whole weeks to heal, plus regular check-ups to make sure nothing gets infected. But hey! We may not be able to join again for a while, so you can rest easy!" The sarcastic bitterness dripping from her words were almost as hurtful as getting a broken rib himself.

Edward swallowed. "Don't take it out on me."

"No, I will take it out on you." Ruby growled. She folded her arms again. "Do you even realize what you've done? Or is your ego so humongous that it blocks the view? Because of you, Oz and I got wounded. Granted, we both have gotten hurt before, but not while we were Cobblair. When we're like that, we're nigh invincible. We would've been fine if you'd kept your pie-hole shut!"

Edward scoffed, unable to restrain himself. "Yes, I'm sure melding forms in such an unnatural way must be bullet-proof."

Ruby's eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. "Listen to me very closely." One of her arms turned to rubber. Coiled around Edward so quickly and tightly that he couldn't shrug it off. Their noses were inches apart. "I'll let it slide just this once. But I swear, if you ever endanger us again, I'll take you to a windowless room and show you how someone unnatural lets out their anger." Ruby squeezed his middle so solidly that Edward almost lost consciousness. Instead, she quickly let go and marched back into the kitchen.

Edward stared after her, trying to remember how to breathe, before quickly retreating to his room.

Ruby scowled and winced as she filled the coffeemaker. Setting it on the stove, she gingerly rubbed her side. Suddenly realizing how hungry she was, Ruby peered into the fridge. Hmm...she was in the mood for something sweet...oh, wait. The only sweet things were the cinammon rolls, which were for the crew, and the pies, which had yet to emerge from the oven. Sighing, Ruby closed the fridge.

"Yo."

Ruby turned to find Butch standing in the doorway, a bun in his beefy hand and crumbs around his mouth. He held it out to her. "You make this?"

Oh, great. Nodding, Ruby turned back to the coffeemaker. Watched the dark liquid rise.

"Well, good job." Butch said. Ruby frowned. Eyeing him suspiciously, she leaned against the counter. "What's with the niceness all of a sudden?"

Butch blinked, then frowned. Swallowed. "Jeez, I just said you make good cinammon buns. Didn't know women can get so huffy about that, too." He turned to leave. Ruby did the same. The sudden movement sent a pot of hot lava splashing across her side. Crying out, Ruby covered her side with her hands. Butch turned back to her. His expression could almost resemble concern. "You okay?"

"Oh, yeah." Ruby huffed. "I'm on top of the world! Just ask Nygma." She spat out his name as though it were toxic. Butch whistled lowly. Pocketing the bun, he took a few steps into the kitchen. "Okay. What did that beanpole do?"
Ruby quirked a brow at him as she rubbed her side.

"I mean, I know he showed up at your training and all." Butch said. "And now you come back hurt? What's that all about?"

"What do you care?" Ruby asked. Seeing Butch's expression, she softened. "Sorry. It's just..." She shrugged. "Not been a good day for me. That time with Barker is supposed to be our time, you know? And Nygma took that away from me, for a while. So." Another shrug. Ruby ran a hand through her curly hair. Butch nodded. After a moment of silence, he spoke. "Um...I, uh..."

Ruby cast a wayward glance at him as she filled the cups.

"What's it like?"

Ruby blinked.

"I mean, what you two do."

Ruby cocked a brow. "Since when are you interested?"

"Eh," Butch shrugged. "Always was, really. Just couldn't find a way to ask. And tryna ask both of you felt kinda...weird. Like I was interruptin' somethin'."

Ruby rolled her eyes. She rang a bell. A maid showed up and bowed upon entry. Ruby bowed in return before handing her the tray now loaded with cups. "Here," she said, "please leave this on the table. This should hold them back until the pies are ready."

"Yes, miss." The maid took the tray and left without another word. Ruby chuckled. 'Miss'. All of the servants called her that now, yet it never ceased to amaze her. She faced Butch once more, still puzzled by his question. "Well..." She crossed her arms. "What do you want to know?"

"For starters, do you, er..." Butch scratched his arm, searching for the right term. "Do you two forget who you used to be?"

Ruby thought about it for a moment. "You forget you were ever alone. When we become Cobblair, it doesn't really feel like we're two people. It's like being a new, single being. And your old names may as well be names for your left eye, and your right." She didn't realize that she was smiling until she noticed her reflection in the window. Blushing, she looked away. Butch nodded slowly, absorbing her words. He said, "Look, ah...sorry, by the way. For everything."

Ruby stared at him. For the first time realizing what an anomaly this was. Not only had they almost never been alone together, Butch had never apologized for...anything, truly. For a second, Ruby wondered if she had actually fainted back at the lab and this was all a dream. But Butch went on, as if speaking quickly would get this over with. "I know Babs put you through a lot, but she's really sorry. She just...wanted more support. She wanted to be taken seriously as a person, not just as the Penguin's lapdog, you know?" Butch explained. "And I went along with it 'cuz, well-"

"Tabitha was going along with it." Ruby interrupted softly.

Bashfully, Butch nodded.

Ruby smiled faintly. "Look, you have nothing to apologize for. It was quite a while ago. I'm over it." She rubbed her arm. "And to be honest, I know what it's like to do stupid things because of someone involved." Her voice grew quiet. Almost inaudible. "To be in love with someone and not knowing how they feel about you."

Butch's eyes widened. So did Ruby's. Blushing even harder, she rushed out of the kitchen. "Well, apology accepted. Bye!" Butch gave a curious wave. Feeling like he had truly spoken to Ruby for the first time. And that, however different they may have been from him, there was someone who understood how he felt.

Freshly bathed and changed into his new, dark green suit, Edward felt somewhat better than before. Stepping into the crowded saloon, where Ruby's pies, cinammon buns, and coffee helped keep the morale high, he felt almost like a part of the team. Looking around, he tried to decide where to help. That was when he noticed Butch walk out of the kitchen. A few people were waiting for him. There was nothing strange about their exchange. After a few seconds Butch thanked them and patted their arms as they left. Nothing too odd. Yet Edward couldn't help tilting his head in suspicion.

A voice cropped up behind him. "I must say, you are looking quite the dapper fellow."

Edward smiled. Turning around, he saw Oswald smiling at him. He, too, had changed. With his hair combed back like a good little boy's, he hardly resembled the criminal that Edward knew and cherished. He wore a midnight-blue suit, an iris in the breast pocket, and a necklace just barely visible beneath the tie. It was small. Rectangular, with rounded edges. A translucent gem with a brilliant teal color. Edward bit his lip when he realized who Oswald must have received it from. Oswald thankfully didn't notice his faltering smile. There was still a bit of distance between them, but it seemed better than before. In his heart, Edward rejoiced. Oswald eyed Edward's suit nervously. "I had to guess on the jacket size. I hope it fits."

Edward's smile widened. "Perfectly. I cannot thank you enough."

Oswald looked bashful. "It's just a suit."

"No, no." Edward differed. "If it weren't for you, I would still be falling asleep to the screams of the insane."

Oswald sighed. "It becomes almost a white noise after a while, doesn't it?"

"It does." Edward grinned. His grin faded when the weight of his guilt pressed against his jugular. "Look, Oswald...I am very sorry about what happened this morning."

"Ah." Oswald looked away. "Don't...don't worry. It was bound to happen sooner or later. We were getting too confident. Perhaps we needed a small lesson in humility." Wincing slightly, he rested a hand on his side. "Besides, a few fractured ribs will hardly scar."

"Oswald-"

"Stop." Oswald gently interrupted him. Icy-blue eyes met deep brown. "You couldn't have known. So please, stop dwelling on the past." He paused, then leaned forward. His arm snaked past Edward and grabbed a cloth on the table. One that Edward had failed to notice. With a tug, Oswald revealed both of their release certificates. Framed and ready to be hung. Edward gasped as he peered down at them, his heart picking up a beat.

"I hope that this gesture reinforces what I mean when I say that I want us to look beyond past struggles and towards new beginnings." Oswald said solemnly, his eyes on the certificates.

Edward felt the weight lift. Smiling freely for the first time since leaving for Barker's lab, he turned to Oswald. "If I didn't know better, I'd accuse you of being a sentimentalist."

Oswald chuckled. "Guilty." The two shared a laugh.

"You all set, Boss?" Both men spun around to see Butch leaning against the table, both hands - one made of metal, the other flesh - resting on chairs. "Busy day today."

"Who were those people you were speaking with?" Edward quickly asked. Oswald's smile faded.

Butch stared at Edward as though he'd spoken in a foreign tongue. "Don't worry about it." He muttered tersely.

"Now, now, Butch. Be nice." Oswald instructed him. Oblivious to the hostile looks that his two coworkers were sharing. "We're all on the same team here." He grinned. "My team." Chuckling softly, he hobbled away.

"Yeah, sure." Butch muttered without looking away from Edward. "Whatever you say." Leaning forward, he hissed, "You keep your nose out of my business." As he began to move away, Edward replied, "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say." Scowling, Butch marched off. Edward watched him go.

City Hall was abuzz with activity. Every important member of Gotham, whether they worked in politics or not, had shown up. The twenty-foot walls played host to a poster war between Oswald's and James'. The refreshments table had been replentished thrice to accomodate the large number of people. Banners bearing America's colors decorated the banisters. Cameras went off every few seconds, capturing the historic moment.

Aubrey James bowed in the half-hearted applause. As he climbed down the stage's steps, he gave Oswald the stink-eye. Oswald tensed as he reciprocated the look, tripling the venom. Ruby's hand found his, squeezing hard. Returning the pressure, Oswald felt a fraction better. As the applause died down, Oswald's name was announced over the speakers. Gripping his cane, he turned to Ruby. She had changed in more formal attire: a loose, ankle-length dress the color of fresh olives. Sitting on her collarbone was an emerald the large of a ping-pong ball. Jade earrings adorned her lobes. Grinning sheepishly at him, she adjusted his tie and brushed some dust from his coat. "There," she said, "you look like a million bucks. And trust me, I know what that looks like." She winked at him.

Oswald laughed feebly. Swallowing, he turned back to the stage. "Alright." He said. "I can do this." He tried to sound more convinced than he actually felt.

Ruby's arms coiled around his middle. Hugging him closely. Oswald blushed lightly at the close contact. He reddened further when Ruby's warm breath brushed his ear. "You can. I know you can."

Overcoming his juvenile embarressment, he patted her hands. "Thank you." Ruby nodded in reply as she let go. The moment Oswald limped into the public's sight, he was greeted with warm applause. Waving at them like a king atop a castle, he made his way up the stage. Ruby watched him proudly. When he began to speak, Ruby felt her heart brim with pride. As the speech unwinded, Ruby regularly switched between looking at Oswald and at the public. The sight pleased her. Everyone was captivated by Oswald's words. Hypnotized, almost. No surprise. Oswald spoke of his mother: of growing up with her in humble apartments, seeing the horrors of the city even at a young age, yet bearing through it all thanks to her love. Hell, any Oscar nominee could take a page from his notes.

Seeing Aubrey James practically eject steam from his ears made the moment worth gold.

Something caught her eye then. It was a certain something that she'd hoped to avoid. At least until the end of today.

Edward.

"What's he up to now?" She hissed to herself. Pushing past the tree-like crowd members, she fought her way to the hallway. Where Edward stood before one of the board members. Having taken a familiar envelope from him. Fury bubbled hotly in her gut. She closed the distance between them. "It's all there." Edward, still with his back to her, handed the bag back to the man. Looking unsure, the man quickly pocketed the envelope and hurried away. Edward watched him go with a curious expression. Ruby scoffed. "Breaking a few of Oswald's ribs wasn't enough for you, eh? Now you have to put his career at risk, too?"

Edward froze. Slowly, nervously, he turned to face Ruby. She looked like the wrath of God in a dress. He swallowed, "Um."

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Ruby crossed her arms.

Edward's eyes brightened at the newfound leverage. "What are you doing?"

Ruby's jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

Edward gestured towards the direction the man had run off to. "That envelope was filled with precious stones. Topaz. Morganites. Sapphires. And there is only one person under Oswald's influence so involved with stones like that."

"Yeah, me. I put them there." Ruby freely confessed. "So?"

"So," Edward echoed, "does Oswald know about this?"

Ruby cocked a brow. "He's the one who asked me to prepare them. How else can we guarantee to see James lose?"

"So, you think Oswald is incapable of winning without indulging in Man's greed." Edward stated flatly.

Ruby's round, chinless face was the very image of anger. But then, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again she was still furious, but less so. "I do think he can win this on his own." She stated. "But I also know that James is probably cleaning out his bank account for this. If he does end up winning, it'll crush Oswald. I've never seen him this enthusiastic about anything since he murdered Grace." Her indigo eyes flashed. "And I'm not going to let anyone take this away from him."

Edward shook his head. "Considering you've literally shared a body and mind with him, I'd think you'd know he can win on his own."

Ruby looked as though he'd slapped her. Quickly shaking it off, she growled. "Don't talk like you understand what Cobblair is, because you don't. And you never will." With that, she spun around and stomped back into the crowd. But even as she did, she couldn't fight off the doubts now crawling within her brain. Did she really doubt Oswald? Or did she just doubt the common sense of the people listening to him?

Little did they know that Butch Gilzean had witnessed the entire thing.

"Follow him for the rest of the day." He told one of his men. "Don't let him leave your sight."

Ruby wiped her eyes, taking deep breaths, as Oswald finished his speech. Inhaling deeply, she clapped alongside the audience. As Oswald climbed down the stage, she hurried to help him. "That was amazing, Oz!" She wrapped her arms around him. He did the same, burying his nose in her curls. "Thank you." He whispered. "I simply did as you advised and imagined that I was still rehearsing in front of the mirror."

Ruby giggled softly as they pulled away. When Oswald saw her face, his smile faded. "Is something the matter?" His hand rested on her cheek. She shook her head, making Oswald frown. "Oh, come now. Please tell me? I can't enjoy this if you don't."

Touched, Ruby cracked a smile before taking another breath. "I just..." She swallowed. "You know I believe in you, right?"

Oswald stared at her, stunned, before nodding. "Of course."

"And you know we're only bribing these idiots so that there's no chance you'll lose, right?" Ruby asked. "I mean, I-" She sighed, dropping her head. "I just don't want to see you hurt."

Oswald stared at her for a second before placing a finger under Ruby's weak chin. He lifted her face so that their eyes met again. "Ruby, where is this even coming from?" His expression hardened. "Did someone say something? Has something transpired?"

Ruby didn't answer right away. If she told the truth, she knew that Oswald might very well kick Edward out. Or at least warn him. And as much as it pained her to see him so comfortable with Nygma, she knew that she couldn't crush their rekindled friendship before it could blossom. Sighing, she shook her head. "Nah, you know me. I just...get doubtful sometimes."

Oswald gave her a tiny smile. With his free hand he pushed some curls out of her face. "Well, you must never doubt us, alright? We're solid."

Ruby blinked, then smiled. Tears filled her eyes once more. They shared another embrace. Ruby rested her cheek on Oswald's shoulder, breathing in his scent...and noticed Edward approaching. Her good mood souring, she forced a smile on as she pulled away. "Hey, I'm gonna go grab some punch." She jerked her thumb at the refreshment table. "Want anything, Mr. Mayor?"

Chuckling, Oswald answered, "A tuna sandwich. If there are any, please. If not, some cheese cubes would be lovely."

"Gotcha." Ruby pistol-shot him with her fingers before melting into the multitude. Oswald watched her go until Edward's voice called him back to reality. "I assume you know Butch is paying campaign officials?"

Oswald cocked a brow. "You don't approve?" When Edward didn't answer, Oswald chuckled. "My dear Ed, this is Gotham. This is how things are done."

"Yes." Edward nodded. "And in theory, I support that. But, Oswald," he gestured to the room, "don't you see how these people are cheering for you?" Oswald stared at him before peering out at the throngs. "Yes, they...do seem very excited."

"You can win this on your own." Edward stated.

Oswald gave him a look. "Why risk it? There is no up-side." Edward rolled his eyes as his friend continued, "I want this, Ed. I want this like I've never wanted anything."

"I know." Edward replied calmly. "Which is why you need to call off Butch."

Oswald stood there, fidgeting and quiet. A soft, little hand rested on his sleeve. Curious Oswald turned to see a small girl, perhaps no older than nine or ten, in a white outfit and pigtails. "Mr. Penguin?" She asked sweetly.

"Hello there." Oswald greeted with a mixture of surprise and pleasure.

"I wanted to thank you for getting rid of all the monsters." The little girl said. Oswald stared at the child as a tiny, white bloom was born in his chest. He turned to face Edward again, "Do you see? People see me differently now. For the first time in my life, I feel wanted." He did not mention that the first time he had truly felt wanted had been with Ruby. The two had hardly gotten off to the best start. He also did not want to weaken his argument. Yet he could not understand why Edward was smirking like that. Had he said something funny?

The little girl faced Edward as well. She held her hand out. "Nice doing business with you." Oswald hoped he'd heard incorrectly. He twisted back in time to see Edward give the girl a ten dollar bill. She walked away with a satisfied smile on her face.

The white bloom crumbled into dust.

Edward waited a few beats before asking, "And how do you feel now?"

Oswald's pain heated into anger. He glared up at him. "I feel like I've misjudged someone who's supposed to be my friend."

"I am your friend." Edward replied. "I can't be bought, but I can be stolen with a glance. I'm worthless to one, but priceless to two. What am I?"

"I don't care!" Oswald snapped. "I do not need a stupid riddle right now." He stepped closer to Edward. People seemed to be doing that a lot today. Oswald's voice dropped to a low, deadly hiss. "I know what I want. I want to be mayor. Stay out of it, Ed. I'm warning you."