Chapter 53

Coughing. Weak attempts to clear one's throat. Burning wood crackling. These were the noises dominating the sitting room.

Edward Nygma sat quietly on the velvet sofa. His green suit had been traded for Oswald's black and gold robe, with ebony silk trousers underneath. But all of the finery in the world could not fully conceal the hideous red markings on his throat. A reminder of Butch Gilzean's anger. Of his mercilessness. His intention to kill.

Ruby still could not believe it, even though Oswald had spoken passionately about it all throughout the return home. As she had driven, her red gloves removed, she had listened silently and tried not to bite her tongue. It all sounded so insane. Butch, the leader of the Red Hood gang? Meaning to kill the new mayor in front of Gotham's most important members, just to make a statement? And Edward had just happened to know what was going on? Had shielded Oswald from harm?

Ruby had missed it. She had more power than the rest of Oswald's men combined, yet she hadn't been there to protect him.

In the kitchen, she kept Oswald company. No longer in a partying mood, even if one removed Butch's betrayal from the equation, she had changed in a gray shirt with a small white gecko on it, with black sweatpants underneath. Oswald, on the other hand, had only loosened up slightly. His bow tie was a bit loosened, and his shoes had been removed, but other than that, he was still achingly handsome. He gently tilted the teapot into the cup. It filled with hot liquid that smelled both sweet and tangy. Ruby recognized the aroma. He had made the same recipe for her some time ago, when her throat had felt like an ashtray.

He looked so calm. Concerned for his friend, yes, but not angry. Somehow, that made it worse.

Ruby swallowed hard. "I'm...sorry, Oz."

The porcelain made a small plic sound as it scraped against the cup's rim. Then, it was set on the marble counter. Oswald turned to her, icy-blue eyes wide with wonder. "Whatever for?"

Ruby blinked, then held her hands out, palms up. "For not protecting you."

Oswald's parted lips pressed together.

"I wasn't there, and I'm sorry." Ruby went on. "If I could go back, I'd undo-"

"Shh." Oswald's finger on her lips cut her off. Ruby's cheeks caught fire at the intimate gesture. When Oswald stepped closer, the reddening in her face only worsened. His eyes were large and gentle, so unlike the cutting orbs of ire that so often scrutinized his foes. Kindly, he pushed some of her freed curls out of her eyes. "Ruby, it was not your fault. You were dealing with old ghosts. I didn't expect you to return right away. Besides, it all turned out in the end." He gave a small smile, his eyes travelling to the world of dreams. "I discovered the true depths of loyalty residing in Edward."

Ruby swallowed. Guilt was a dense chain around her neck. Had she misjudged Edward all this time? From the moment that she'd met him, Ruby had seen nothing but an arrogant, self-indulgent riddler who thought himself a god among dogs. But if Oswald had stuck to the facts, which he was prone to do, then Ruby had gotten the man all wrong. He'd put Oswald's safety above his own, just as he had when he'd found Oswald in the woods. Edward had known what would happen if he'd been caught nursing a criminal, and yet he'd done it anyway. Likewise, he'd stepped between a furious bull of man and Oswald despite the danger that may have befallen him.

Edward had kept Oswald here. Alive. With her. She needed to repay that in some way.

Her hand rested on Oswald's wrist, moving his finger away from her lips. She looked up at him with glassy eyes. Without another word, she trapped him in a tight hug. Oswald automatically responded, resting his chin on her shoulder. "I'll never leave you like that again." Ruby whispered. "Ever."

Oswald, moved, nevertheless replied, "You have your own life, Ruby. I would not have it any other way. You cannot wait on me, hand and foot, for the rest of your life."

"I won't. I just want to keep you safe. If something happened to you, I...I don't know." She took a deep breath. "You're...probably the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Oswald's eyes widened. His words abandoned him in the face of emotion. Ruby rubbed the back of her head, looking bashful but truthful. "True, Master saved my life. It's a debt I'll never be able to repay...but you're the best friend I've ever had. And you helped me finally put this," she held up her hand, which morphed into a claw, "to good use." She dropped her hand. "And...I really care about you."

Oswald's eyes became glassy. Staring intently at Ruby, he ensnared her in another tight hug. They stood like that for a moment, too content to speak. Oswald didn't say anything. He didn't need to.

Coughing emerged from the saloon, breaking the spell. Slowly, the two friends untangled and stepped back. Pushing some hair out of her eyes, Ruby saluted Oswald. "Your patient awaits you, Dr. Penguin." Winking, she began to melt. "See you tomorrow."

"Ruby?"

The melting stopped. Ruby, half-formed, stared at him expectantly.

Oswald gave her a small smile. "I truly enjoyed dancing with you tonight. Would you...care to do it again sometime?"

Ruby blushed. Nodded with a smile. "G'night, Oz." With that, she turned to clay and sprung upwards. Slithering in between the boards, she disappeared upstairs. Within seconds, it was as though she'd never been there at all.

Except for the traces of perfume on Oswald's clothes. And the warmth in his face. Chuckling softly to himself, he collected the tea and limped his way towards the coughing.

The saloon was very welcoming. Pleasant heat, along with the smoky-sweet scent of burning wood, filled the spacious room. The lights and candles had long-since been extinguished, leaving only the fireplace's yellowish glow. Everything looked different in the semi-darkness, yet familiar enough to avoid the presence of fear. It reminded Oswald of the many nights he and Ruby had spent playing board games or watching movies. The memories filled him with a lightness that helped muffle his concern.

Edward looked up as the hot teacup and saucer were held over his nose. With those big eyes and clueless expression, he looked laughably innocent. It was kind of adorable. "It's ginger tea with honey." He sat down next to his Chief of Staff. "It's my mother's remedy for a sore throat." Edward did not say anything, but his expression did. Carefully, he sipped at the tea and winced when it reached his throat. Swallowing again, he massaged his neck. The ugly red welts shone against his pallid skin like bloodstains. Seeing them hurt Oswald like an ice shard to the chest. "Are you sure you don't need a doctor?"

"No, I'm fine." Came the hoarse whisper. Then came another brief cough.

Oswald resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. His friend didn't need to be hassled any more than necessary. "I still don't understand why you didn't tell me what you were doing."

Edward's brown eyes flashed to him. Attentive. Studious. After swallowing the last mouthful of tea, he set the cup down. "Your shock when seeing Butch had to be genuine. The people had to believe it, and they did. And once again, you're the city's hero." He stared at Oswald with a soft, admiring expression. Smiling softly. Oswald, for the second time since returning home, was almost speechless. "You were almost killed." He protested.

"And you saved me. Again." Edward coughed again, hunching over slightly, before facing Oswald again. The contours of his face were outlined by the fire. "I hope you know, Oswald...I would do anything for you."

Oswald stared at Edward.

"You can always count on me." Edward added solemnly.

Beneath the calm surface, a torrent of emotions overcame Oswald. Buzzing up his curved spine. Setting his nerves on fire. Tingling his skin. A magnetic pull dragged him closer to the other man. His arms curled around him in a gentle, warm embrace. It was different from Ruby's hug. Less personal, yet more intimate. Oswald's face broke out in a smile. "Thank you."

Edward patted his back.

The two stayed like that for a while. Even after the fire collapsed into the ashes and hissed into silence.

Early morning light streamed into the bedroom like liquid gold. Blinding shards cut through the shutters, creating a striped pattern on the hardwood floor. Its presence slowly awakened Ruby before her alarm clock could. Stoically, she reached out and deactivated the clock before it could destroy this peaceful silence. Once the switch had been pushed, she retracted her hand. Staring up at the ceiling. A thousand different emotions rushed through her, intertwining to create a cluster of contradiction. On one hand, last night felt like a fairy tale. On the other, it had been a nightmare that she'd been dreading for years. On one hand, she felt ready to tell Oswald the truth. On the other, the thought made her want to pack her bags and flee to Canada, despite its love for bacon.

Unable to decide, she simply lay there for as long as she could. But when her internal clock's ticking only grew louder, Ruby sighed and rolled out of bed. Today was one of duty. As first deputy mayor, she could hardly start her career by slacking off. Scratching her head, Ruby selected a semi-formal outfit from her closet. It consisted of inky-blue jeans just a size or two larger than her own, a gray turtleneck, and a navy-blue jacket not unlike what a secretary might wear. Though Ruby had never heard of secretaries wearing an acquamarine pendant and blue diamond earrings.

Once bathed and changed, Ruby stared long and hard at herself in the mirror. The same quandry kept returning to torment her. Should she really tell him? Should she not? What if he did not reciprocate her feelings? What if he didn't feel ready to engage in a relationship? From what Oswald had told her, usually while under the effects of after-dinner wine, he had never really had a girlfriend...or a boyfriend, for that matter. He had even confessed that for most of his adolescence, he had been unsure of his own sexuality. Hell, he'd never even been kissed by someone who wasn't his mother.

So could Ruby really win him over? Could her feelings help him overcome a lifetime's worth of insecurities and doubt? She had never faced any of these problems, and thus had no idea what it must have been like. Even during her years locked in her parents' attic, with only a few servants knowing about her existence, she would leaf through books and magazines that had been abandoned in boxes. Ruby had never doubted that she like boys. Then, during her time as the Master's head maid, she had rolled in the grass with more than her fair share of gardeners, male servants, and chimney sweepers (yes, they had had several for hire). In those days, despite wanting a serious, long-term relationship, Ruby had never sought out anything more than flirtatious fun. What was the point, when they all lived in service? When there was the risk of being fired, and thus unable to be near your mate?

With Oswald, the situation was radically different. But what if it was similar enough to render a future with him impossible?

Ruby's eye caught a flash of color. On her desk. Turning toward it, she spotted something new sitting amongst her gems and tools. She smiled. Picked it up and held it to the light.

It was the photo that had been taken last night. In it, Ruby and Oswald were smirking at the camera while wrapping their arms on the other's shoulders. This frozen moment, so perfect, stirred something in Ruby's heart. Her fingers caught something damp behind the photo. Curiously, she turned it around. Neat calligraphy spread across the back.

Good morning! I hope you will find this as Morpheus releases you from his tempting embrace. I discovered this photo in my jacket's inner pocket and did not wish to deprive you of last night's memory. Don't worry; I already have that image stamped in my mind. It was that special to me.

-Oswald

Ruby smiled. Slowly, she turned the photo back. Then, without tearing her eyes away from it, she extracted a strip of tape and stuck it to the wall.

Of course, everything would be alright. Oswald was her best friend, first and foremost. Even if things didn't work out...but what if they did?

As a surge of optimism rushed through her, Ruby began to melt. Destination: one of living rooms, where she could sense Oswald was breaking his fast.

The living room was drenched in gold. Dust particles burned as they danced. Birdsong streamed through the glass, sweetening the air. The table had already been set. On it sat coffee, tea, orange juice, scones, buttered toast, three different boxes of cereal, a variety of fruit, muffins pudding, eggs, bacon, yams, jams, marmalades, bacon, grits, and oatmeal. Each dish burst with flavor, each beverage begging to be savored.

Oswald intended to do just that. His body needed nourishment as much as his spirit.

"What a beautiful morning!" He cheered as he sat down. "Sun is shining, birds are singing..." He leaned his head back, sighing with satisfaction. "They say that fortune favors the brave." Pensively, he muttered to himself before turning to the newest maid. A large woman with excessive make-up and no grasp of the English language, she was the perfect servant for a criminal. Still, out of desire for conversation, he asked her, "Do they have that saying in your country, Olga?"

Olga replied in a foreign language as she placed more food on the table.

Oswald chuckled. "I don't know what you're saying."

Olga said something else.

"Eh, it's not important." Oswald said. "What is important is that I have found someone." His heartbeat picking up, he asked himself, "What good is love if it's one-sided?" He turned to Olga. "I have no choice but to confess my feelings to Ed."

"Da." Olga said unenthusiastically as she placed a napkin on Oswald's lap. The thin man laughed. "Now that I undeerstand. It means 'yes'! My mother taught me that." Olga just stood there, waiting for her next order. But nothing could deter Oswald's mood. He continued, feeling a warm hand grasping his heart. "She used to tell me, 'life only gives you one true love, Oswald. When you find it, run to it'." Inhaling deeply, he turned back to Olga. "So that is what I am going to do. I'm also going to enroll you in an ESL program. You should really learn the language if you're going to work here."

Olga snorted and walked away as Oswald sipped his tea.

It was only then that Ruby emerged from the shadows. Oswald brightened up, setting down his tea and rising with the help of his cane. "Ruby! I was beginning to worry. Here," he gestured to the empty seat next to his, "I ordered your favorite: blueberry muffins. You'd best eat them before I'm tempted to eat them myself."

Ruby didn't move. She just stared down at her feet. Her uncombed hair covered her eyes, concealing her expression. She was so still, so unresponding, that Oswald felt a chill up his spine. "Ruby?" He repeated in a softer tone.

Ruby sniffed. Looked up. Her indigo eyes, made sea-green by the new day's light, were gleaming with unshed tears. Oswald quickly hurried towards her, all thoughts of breakfast disappearing. "Ruby, what's the matter?" He reached for her hand. It ducked out of his reach. Confused, he looked up at her. She sniffed again. "It's...it's nothing. I just...had a nightmare. What with my parents and all."

Oswald frowned. "But I thought you told me that you hadn't killed them."

"I didn't." Despite Ruby's best efforts, a tear ran down her cheek. "But...but it still hurt seeing them."

"I know." Oswald quickly grabbed her hand before it could dart out of range. Ruby winced, as though she'd been seized by a bear trap rather than a loving hand. She quickly pulled her hand free again, stepping back. Shadows fell over her like cobwebs. Hiding her from sight. "I...do you mind if I stay in my room until the driver gets here?"

Oswald nodded. "O-of course." He wanted to say more, but he had no idea what.

Ruby nodded in return. In the time that it took Oswald to blink, she turned to clay and floated upwards, retreating to the attic. Oswald stared after her, confusion and hurt mixing in his chest like vegetables in a broth. His appetite suddenly gone, he rubbed the back of his neck. Sighed. Half-heartedly, he turned the television on. In need of distraction. As the reporter spoke, he crashed in an armchair, exhausted. He mostly ignored the television until something caught his attention.

"...the fashion world is all a-tumble due to the unexpected death of world-renowed male model and manager Jasper Sinclair."

Oswald bolted upwards. Eyes wide. he seized the remote. The volume escalated as a picture of the handsome man took up the entire screen. As Oswald struggled not to shake, he listened closely.

"Shortly after leaving the party in celebration of Gotham's new mayor, Oswald Cobblepot, Mr. Sinclair suffered a sudden, fatal heart attack that medics believe is related to shock. A glance at Mr. Sinclair's medical records reveal a use of heroin, cocaine, and other illegal substances in the past ten years, and repeated medical procedures to maintain a youthful appearance may have weakened his heart. But all the doctors agree that it was a great scare that gave the finishing blow. His sister Opal has been repeatedly accosted in search of answers, but the model has closed herself off and commenced her mourning. More on this later."

Oswald stared at the screen long after Sinclair's death lost the spotlight to one of the countless robberies, murders, and gang-wars unravelling in the city. He stared at the screen, went over the words, and finally understood. He looked up at the ceiling, where he knew Ruby's room to be, and felt sympathy.

If only he'd succeeded in sending them away before Ruby could see them.

Ruby leaned against the door. She was fairly certain that it was the only thing between her weak knees and the floor. Now free from unwanted observations, the tears streamed freely down her face. Plopped silently on the floorboards. Darkening them. Trying to hold in her gasps, Ruby finally felt herself slip. She hit the floor, feeling nothing. Slowly, but horribly, she felt her heart split in two.

Oswald loved. But he didn't love her.

He loved Edward. A man who'd been here for less than a month. A man who'd abandoned Oswald when he'd needed a friend.

The man who'd saved his life.

Ruby had been here. She had always been here. But all it took was one heroic deed on Edward's part to win Oswald's heart.

She had never stood a chance. Why had she been foolish enough to believe otherwise?

And that touch...God. Oswald had been so worried when he'd seen her, tried to comfort her...somehow, that had made it worse. Feeling that gentle touch, hearing that soft voice, and knowing that it could never be hers...it had been salt poured into an open wound. She'd pulled away as quickly as she could. Ruby was fairly certain that if he'd touched her an instant longer, she may have died from heartbreak.

Ruby covered her face with her hands. The sobs finally took over, wracking her body like a rag doll caught in the wind. Burning her eyes and turning her hands cold. A thousand rivers poured from her eyes. But it wasn't enough.

It would never be enough.