Chapter 46

It was finally here.

After the countless sacrifices, innumeral number of gemstones, and pulled strings, the night of elections arrived.

Tonight, they would see if all of this effort had been worth it. They would see if Oswald would indeed take the next step up...or be forced to kill Aubrey for stealing what was rightfully his.

Ruby hoped for the former, and not only because such an action would have the police all over them like flies on honey. In truth, she just wanted to see Oswald happy. And if it turned out that her gemstones and his money hadn't been enough...well, all the murders in the world couldn't lift his mood.

Cautiously, nervously, she prepared the party. After meticulously leafing through the Yellow Pages, she invited every Gotham citizen that was worth invited, but she avoided the upper crusts. If Oswald lost, then the cream of Gotham would never let him forget it. And if one of them got too annoying, no amount of hush money would keep the police from announcing Oswald's latest homicide.

Once the thirty people had been invited, Ruby breathed on the servants' neck until everything was ready: the house cleaned, the decorations up, the food prepared. She of course contributed to each of these chores. Being able to stretch her limbs, or add more, helped speed things along. Only after the mansion was spotless, each floorboard glimmering, that she helped put the posters up. Then came Ruby's favorite part: the food. As the sky changed from burnt orange to blood-red to royal purple, she oversaw the others' cooking as much as she did her own. By the time the first couple of stars had emerged, a full banquet had been prepared.

Ruby skimmed through the list, checking off each dish as she saw it served, potted and lidded to be kept warm or cold until guests arrived. Finally, after three and a half hours, the banquet consisted of the following:

Pigeon pie. Trout baked in clay. Ham studded with cloves. Skewered tenderloin with bacon and sage. Salad of greens with peas and onions. Stewed plums. Seaweed bread and butter. Mongolian milk tea. Teff porridge. Sweetcorn fritters. Poached pears. Tyoshi honeyfingers. Onion and cheese pie. Lemon cakes.

Wiping her brow, Ruby placed her list in the hands of the closest servant. "Looking great. Don't forget to serve the champagne when Mr. Cobblepot is announced the winner. Until then, make sure that refreshments remain filled at all times."

The servant bowed slightly. "Yes, miss."

A forbidden thrill raced through her bones. Trying to hide her pleasure, she bowed in return. "Thanks." Glimpsing at the grandfather clock at the end of the hall, she turned back to the servant. "Remember: the party officially starts at seven thirty on the dot. Open the doors a moment before then, and make sure someone's there to collect the guests' hats and coats." Excused by the servant's second bow, Ruby transformed into particles no larger than dust. Racing through the air like birds, they made their way to Ruby's bathroom. Reforming in a few seconds, Ruby stretched and cracked her knuckles.

Half an hour later, after copious amounts of cinammon-scented soap and enough perfume to knock out an elephant, Ruby stood over the dress. The one that she had bought years ago, but had only worn once.

Ruby looked away, but the remembrance rammed into her anyway. She remembered seven years ago, when Opal Sinclair had intended to host a photo shoot in a nearby wood. Using her month's pay, Ruby had bought the best dress she could find and worn a necklace of black diamonds. The Master's mother had no longer wanted them, and had given them to Ruby as a gift. She had planned everything perfectly, making sure that Opal would be there.

Ruby had shown up. Slipping past the security guards and the snobby photographers, she had walked up to the mother who had never given her a hug. A kiss on the forehead. Any real acknowledgement. With the hope that, maybe, this time would be different.

Instead, Opal had started screaming the moment she saw her. Pointing and shrieking, 'Devil' and 'monster' while everyone turned to watch. Ruby had been so stunned, then so ashamed and hurt, that she'd turned heel and fled. Crying as she did so. Knowing that, for the first time, her mother had told her exactly what she thought of her.

Nothing can possibly hurt more than knowing that your own mother sees you as a monster best forgotten.

But...no. Tonight was to be one of celebration, not of sad recollection. Oswald had worked so hard to make it this far. Ruby would not ruin this for him. She wouldn't let anyone ruin it.

Taking a deep breath, she slipped it on. It was a long-sleeved gown of black silk, with blue and white stars and comet trails sewn into the design. The gown reached just below the knee. It was loose enough to be modest. Yet tight enough to reveal the humble contours of her average form. Beneath, she put on dark purple stockings. Before getting to the jewelry, Ruby looked in the mirror and smiled. The dress was just as beautiful as she remembered. It looked like she had cut out a piece of the cosmos and woven it into cloth.

Tucking some hair behind her ears, Ruby examined her jewelry box. Holding one piece for inspection, followed by another. She went over chemical and physical facts, color, texture, and significance.

Flourite. Most colorful mineral in the world. During the eighteenth century, it was grounded into powder and mixed with water in order to treat kidney disease. Thought to have a calming effect on the body.

Rutile. The zodiacal sign for Leo and Taurus. Red, and mostly comprised of titanium dioxide. Said to aid the fighting of phobias and the process of forgiveness.

But...no...none felt right. Until her eyes trailed on the rhodonite necklace. It was a simple silver chain holding a stone the size and shape of an egg. It was a black, smooth stone with cloudy pink blotches.

Ruby grinned. Rhodonite. The name stemmed from the Greek word 'Rhodos', which meant 'rose-colored'. Usually found in Russia, Australia, and Sweden. It was believed to express confidence and lovingness. Exactly what she wanted to express tonight.

Collecting the necklace, she slipped it over her head. The cold, smooth stone rested just below her collarbone.

Okay. Ready. No use stalling.

Feeling butterflies swimming in her belly, Ruby brushed herself off. Took a deep, cleansing breath before dissolving into dust once more.

Oswald stood rigidly admist the guests, trying in vain to drown his nervousness in a glass of wine. He sought distraction by prattling with the guests, but their simple-minded conversations soon bored him and made him covet a stronger beverage. No matter how he tried to avoid it, he kept glancing at the television screen. Why did he feel so nervous? With his money and Ruby's polished amethysts, they should have had the board members in the bag. Victory was inevitable. So why?

He searched for Butch, to no avail. Took a swing of his drink and grimaced.

Soft laughter brushed against his dark blue suit like a springtime breeze. "Keep drinking like that and you won't be able to hear the good news." Chuckling, he turned to meet the friendly, comely face of Ruby. Yet her attire made the words shrivel up and die on his tongue. She looked...nice. Very nice. It took another sip to get over it. He smiled and cheered to her. "Wise words. I fear, though, that they fall upon deaf ears." Ruby gave him a playfully disapproving look. Without a word, she took the glass from him and downed it in one gulp. She shuddered, momentarily turned green in the face, and set the glass down on the table.

Oswald cocked a brow at her. "I never did ask for the reason behind your anti-alcohol diet."

Ruby gave him another look. "Hm. Let me see. Fermented grape juice or super-strong stuff that kills my liver. Gee, what's not to like?"

Oswald chuckled. "Pardon me, Mother Teresa. I did not realize your reasons were so just."

Ruby lightly punched his arm. "Nah. Mostly, I just hate the taste." Now fully recovered from the exposure to wine, she folded her arms. "What about you? Why do you love red wine so much?"

Oswald blinked, then sniggered. But Ruby caught the hint of sorrow behind the mirth. "My...mother. She allowed me a glass during each celebration since the age of thirteen. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and so on." His icy-blue eyes adopted a glaze of distance, like those of a doll's. His tone dropped. Became meek and almost childlike. "I suppose...it's a way of remembering her."

Ruby stared at him for a moment, regret flowing through her. Wishing, just this once, to be able to rewind time for just a minute. That way, she could have avoided darkening Oswald's thoughts. He of all people didn't need that tonight.

Without hestitating she trapped him in a hug. Oswald quickly responded. They breathed in each other's scents. Felt the other's solidity. Reminding themselves that their friend was here. Ready to anchor them back to reality when the past attempted to pull them away.

At last, they slowly pulled away. Oswald stared at Ruby with gratitude in his eyes. Ruby smiled gently in response, squeezing his shoulders. "It's okay to miss the people you've lost, Oz. Never forget it." Reaching up, she brushed a stray hair out of his eyes. "You know, they say a person dies twice."

Oswald arched a brow.

"Once is when their consciousness ceases, and their body fades." Ruby explained. Hesitating, she added, "And...the second time is the last time their name is spoken." She tried to smile in spite of the tears rising in her eyes. "So, from what I'm seeing...Gertrude Kapelput will never die twice."

Oswald's eyes welled up. But he, too, smiled. His hand covered hers. "The same goes for my father, Ruby."

Ruby swallowed.

Oswald brushed a tear away from the corner of her eye. "Come, now. Let us honor both their memories by living in the present. Preparing for my victory." His words were comforting and gentle, but firm enough for Ruby to see the truth. She nodded vigorously. "Well, start by trying the Tyoshi honeyfingers. I had to use my favorite pot of wildflower honey to make those."

Laughing, Oswald looped an arm around her waist and let her guide him to the banquet table. His cane clacked against the tiles, confident and proud.

Ten minutes later, when their stomachs were filled and their spirits rejuvinated, the two examined the television. In a few minutes, they would announce the winner. The new mayor. Neither of them pretended that this wasn't a big deal.

It was only from the corner of her eye that Ruby noticed Edward. Dressed in a fine dark suit, he looked like a GQ model who'd stolen his secretary's glasses. Her stomach tightened at the sight of him. But she knew that hiding his presence from Oswald would have been both dishonest and pointless. That was why, with a strained heart, she nudged Oswald. When those unbearably bright eyes landed on hers, she jerked her weak chin in Edward's direction. "Well, look who decided to show up."

Oswald sighed. "Please try to get along?" He took her hand. "For me?" Looked at her with huge, imploring eyes.

It was Ruby's turn to sigh. "I can't say no to that face."

Squeezing her hand, Oswald whispered, "Thank you. I shall return in a moment." Ruby felt his warm, soft hand leave hers. Hugged herself.

Oswald limped towards Edward with a grin. "Hello! Is everything alright?"

Edward nodded. "Of course. Why?"

"Well, you were gone for the majority of the party."

"Ah," Edward waved off his friend's concern as one would with a fly. "Just some business to take of. So," he fixed his grin on Oswald, "are you ready?"

"Absolutely." Oswald beamed. "This is it. The moment I've been waiting for."

Edward's smile widened. "Indeed."

Ruby bit her lip. Rubbed her arm. Gathering what little tolerance she had, she began to step forward. The sound of a door slamming stopped her dead in her tracks.

"YOU!" A distant roar had all heads turning. A furious Butch emerged from the shadows, his pudgy face red with anger. He charged straight towards the duo. "You! You ruined everything!" His meaty fist closed around Edward's tie, slamming him against the wall. Gasps echoed within the room. People backed away from the violent spectacle.

"Butch!" Oswald yelled. "Release him this instant! What is going on?"

"Oh, I'll tell you what's goin' on: he has cost you the election!" Butch growled, his watery-blue eyes focused on Edward. "He went to every district official and took the money back! Said you wanted to run a clean election!"

Ruby covered her mouth with her hand.

"Oh, by the way," Butch reached into his pocket and extracted a plastic bag filled with amethysts. He handed them to a stunned Ruby. "I think these belong to you, Curly. I found 'em in this guy's dresser." With a soft gasp she hugged the gems close. Oswald stared at the glassy, grape-colored stones before slowly turning to Edward. His mouth was agape, his eyes wide. "Tell me this is not true." His was not an order, but a plea.

"I'm afraid Butch is right," Edward replied, "for once."

A snarling Butch tightened his hold on Edward's tie, his fingernails scratching the skin beneath.

"Why?" Oswald asked in a more heated tone. "After everything I've done for you, everything we could've done together...you betrayed me!" He sounded as if he were still digesting the fact. His mannerisms reminded Ruby a little too much of the night Cobblair was born. The way he'd looked at her afterwards. It was as though he'd erased everything positive that he may have seen before, and replaced it with betrayal and dishonesty. Ruby turned away, trying to avoid seeing that dark time.

Edward breathed heavily.

Oswald sniffed. "Butch!"

Recognizing the cue, Butch summoned his gun and held it an inch from Edward's speckled face. Dozens of guests gasped and cried out in alarm. Several of them fought for the exit. Ruby clenched her jaw, waiting for what was coming.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't let Butch kill you where you stand!" Oswald dared him.

Edward glanced about. "Well, there are about thirty witnesses-"

"I DON'T CARE!" Oswald yelled. Ruby jumped at the harshness delivered from such a typically gentle voice. Butch just stood there, looking like he couldn't wait to pull the damn trigger. Ruby found herself edging closer to the scene. Her hand found Oswald's. Stilling it. Oswald turned viciously towards her, but stilled when she saw her face. Ruby hoped to transfer her thoughts in her gaze, enabling her friend to understand. He had wanted this friendship so much. Was such an action, however severe it may have seemed at first, really worth throwing his wish in the trash?

Oswald opened his mouth, then closed it. Up close, Ruby could see that his eyes were damp with unshed tears. "Oz-"

Noises rose from the television, cutting her off. Edward, noticing them, smiled. He nodded. "And there's that."

Ruby and Oswald turned their heads at the same time just as the recorded cheering began. The reporter was grinning as she spoke, "In what can only be viewed as a seismic shift, even by Gotham's standards, former underworld kingpin Oswald Cobblepot has won the mayor's office by a landslide." The woman vanished even as her voice carried on. In her place were images of thrown confetti and a familiar poster, combined with clapping people and the headline, COBBLEPOT WINS!

Half-hearted cheers began to rise within the crowd, only to be quickly shushed by Oswald. Without letting go of Ruby's hand, he limped towards the television. His mouth was open, trying in vain to form words. His eyes, now like drops of crystal dew, widened with marvel. "I still won." He choked. Breathing shakily, he turned to Ruby. "I still won." He repeated, still sounding incredulous. Ruby, trying to get over her own shock, did her best to smile. Oswald mimicked her expression before reverting his gaze to Edward. "They really want me as mayor."

"Yes." The man confirmed. He sounded strangely calm, considering Butch was still aiming a gun at his head.

Oswald hobbled back towards his friend. "I can't be bought, but I can be stolen with a glance." He did not stop walking until they were just a few inches apart. "I'm worthless to one, but priceless to two." Edward made a heart shape with his fingers, staring down at the shorter man.

Oswald cracked a smile. "Love."

Ruby's breath caught in her throat.

As if just know realizing that the gun was still aiming, Oswald tore it out of Butch's paw. Edward sighed with relief. Ruby stared at the scene, trying to understand it. Oswald turned back to the television. The people were literally cheering his name. Oswald let out a breath that was either a happy sigh or laughter. A shaky smile appeared on his face, even if for a second. He looked at Edward. "They love me."

Edward nodded, looking sage. "If you would have bought the election, then you would have never known. And know you do."

Oswald made a bittersweet noise.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Edward smiled widely. Ruby hugged herself as she watched them, suddenly feeling cold. Butch just rolled his eyes, unable to believe his ears. Oswald stared at the taller man with timid inquisition. "How did you know I would win?"

Edward stepped closer. His gaze was firm, but gentle. "I believe in you, Oswald," he said softly, "even when you don't believe in yourself."

Oswald stared at Edward like he had never stared at anyone, with a smile on his lips and tears in his eyes. For a timeless moment he remained like that, enraptured by the rush of alien, wonderful feelings. Then, he turned to Butch with a rigid frown. "You. You never believed I could win this election on my own." Edward smirked at Butch from over Oswald's shoulder. Oblivious Oswald continued, "I think, maybe, you're not cut out for this after all."

Ruby blinked in surprise.

"What?!" Butch yelled. "You gotta be kidding me! This guy-"

"Don't worry," Oswald snapped, "I still need someone to crack skulls."

Ruby looked at Butch's expression. She had seen him walk through the door with bruises, black eyes, and gunshot wounds bleeding stains into the carpets. But this was the first time that she truly felt sorry for him.

Oswald, completely ignorant (or uncaring) of whatever damage he may have caused, turned back to Edward. His expression was as gleeful as a schoolboy's. "Come, Ed. We have plans to make." He looked out in the crowd. "Ruby?"

"Coming." Ruby brought herself to his side. Feeling negative about it for the first time. It did not help that Edward walked right past Butch, like the latter did not even exist. And that smile...Ruby felt herself shudder at the sight of it. What she saw was not a smile of moved friendship, but one of calucated success. It was the smile a chess champion wears when he delivers the fatal checkmate.

The trio began to walk towards the center of the room, where Oswald had planned to make a speech upon winning.

Ruby felt herself take Oswald's hand. Leaning towards his ear, she whispered, "I never doubted you could do it. Jewels or no jewels."

Oswald smiled and leaned his head against hers. "I know, dear. But now, you may keep the amethysts and fashion from them a necklace befitting a queen."

"Yeah." But even as she said this, Ruby turned back to look over her shoulder. Butch was glaring holes into Edward's back.

Somewhere in Ruby's mind, or perhaps her heart, thunder rumbled.