Chapter 3

The day Jim Gordon's secret had been found out by Harvey was a day he would never forget. But it would be several months until that day arrived. By now he had been meeting with Oswald at various anonymous, busy places around the city, they had gone for a drive, found somewhere quiet to park up and then the heat of their bodies had steamed up the windows. He had made love to Oswald in the car with the seat down while they were parked under an abandoned bridge. He had taken him hard on the hood of his car around the back of an old, closed down warehouse. Another time they had taken a drive to the edge of town and gone for a walk along the river and as the day was warm, they had sat by the riverbank embracing, then they had rolled in the grass kissing deeply.

But once, things had not gone to plan:

Oswald had driven out to an area where the buildings were crumbling and the streets were deserted. That day he had called Jim's cell phone, breathing hard as he spoke with urgency:

"Jim, I really need you... it's urgent. Hurry up, just get here..."

As he had reeled off the address, he had not realised Harvey had picked up the phone. When Jim walked back into the office Harvey had checked his weapon and said they had better leave because Penguin had just called to say he was in trouble, and the call had come from an abandoned industrial park. He had already called two more cars to hurry to the scene. Jim's mind had been in turmoil as they sped through the streets of Gotham, his thoughts with his lover as he feared for his safety.

They had arrived at the scene to find Oswald sat waiting, alone in his car. Harvey had questioned him and Oswald had lied and said some guys had tried to attack him but he had fought them off and now they were gone. He certainly didn't look like he had been in a fight as he sat there in his elegant suit, with his hair groomed as he gave off the scent of expensive cologne. He had even left a pack of condoms on the passenger seat, but Harvey had not noticed. Jim had, and he had caught Oswald's eye and looked away as he laughed. When Harvey turned to walk back to the car as the squad cars drove off, Oswald called to Jim.

"I won't be a minute," he had said, leaving Harvey to get in the car, and then he had hurried back over to Oswald's vehicle and leaned against the open window.

"I didn't get your call – Harvey picked up my phone! Next time I'll keep it in my pocket."

"I hope you do that," Oswald replied in a low voice, "I asked you to meet me and you turned up with five other guys? I wanted Jim Gordon, not a gang bang!"

He had smiled playfully as he said that, and Jim had laughed softly. He desperately wanted to lean closer and kiss his lover, but that kiss would have also kissed his career goodbye – he couldn't be a cop and openly date the head of Gotham's underworld. There was no way around it. He knew eventually he would have to choose, and deep in his heart, he hoped by then the circumstances would be right to choose Oswald...

Jim often hoped, in those crazy days of their secret affair, that one day Oswald would leave Ed. He often said eventually their lives would go in separate directions and then he would be free. Other times, he told him one day he would make enough money to quit crime and then they could run away together. Jim wanted to believe every line he fed him, even though he knew it was unlikely he would ever break ties with Edward Nygma.

By now, Jim knew for certain that he loved him. He was yet to say so, and even though he hoped he saw it in Oswald's eyes, he had not voiced it aloud. These days there was a big change in Oswald, he was more confident, he was happier. Jim hoped it was more than just the great sex; their togetherness felt like the two of them becoming one in every way in those stolen moments and he wanted to know he was right, but he wouldn't know until Oswald said it. A few months after their affair had started, he got his answer.


It had been a grey and rainy start to the day, Jim was in his office going through paperwork when Harvey had come in.

"Penguin's outside, he's around the back of the building, he said he needs to speak to you about something," Harvey said.

"Okay, I'll see what he wants," Jim replied, and even though he had given nothing away, he was sure his face had flushed as he left the room.

He made his way to the back of the building, went along a corridor and came to the fire exit, it was propped open and outside light rain was falling. Oswald stood there beneath the shelter of his umbrella, looking his usual dashing self in a sharp suit with his hair spiked and there was a sparkle in his eyes.

"I was just passing by," he told him as he leaned on his cane and stepped closer, "And I decided I should tell you something..."

He paused and as Jim looked at him, his expression as impossible to read. He was holding something back, making him wait and all Jim could silently think was two possible answers: Jim, I've done it, I've finally left Ed. Or the one he feared hearing, the one thing he never wanted to hear: I'm sorry Jim, but it's over. I love Edward too much to deceive him any more...

But he didn't say either of those things. Instead, his eyes shone with joy as he made a declaration:

"I love you, Jim Gordon!"

Jim felt relief flood his heart as he looked back at Oswald with a smile on his face.

"I love you too, Oz," he said softly.

"Kiss me!" Oswald said, looking at him in anticipation.

Jim glanced left and right, the back of the building was deserted. If anyone had looked out of the window, or walked out for a smoke at that moment, he would lose everything he had spent years working for... But Jim took a chance, feeling impulsive as he leaned closer. Oswald grabbed him by his tie and dragged him closer still, right under the shade of his umbrella, as they shared a kiss.

"I have to go back to work," Jim said, hating to say those words after such a sweet moment. All he wanted to do was pull him into his arms and kiss him again, and he ached and felt instantly alone to step out of his embrace, but he did have to get back to work. This was not the place to share his love with the man the city of Gotham knew as Penguin...

"I'll be in touch tomorrow," Oswald told him, "I have a great idea. I'll tell you more about it later!"

"I can't wait to hear all about it. See you soon, Oz," Jim replied, their gaze lingered, then he reluctantly turned away and went back inside.

Jim had stayed up late that night, hoping his phone would ring. But it stayed silent, and he knew he was being left to wonder about Oswald's little plan. As he wondered what his lover had come up with, he got hard just at the thought of it. Oswald had become bold and adventurous these past few months, he was no longer the shy man who had given him that first, almost unnoticed kiss up in his office at the club. That night Jim barely slept, every time he thought of what tomorrow might bring he felt a shiver of excitement...


Back at the Van Dahl mansion, dinner had been tense and Ed had barely spoken a word as Oswald had talked about business and then mentioned perhaps they should be seen at the Lounge together this weekend.

What do you think, Ed?" he asked, looking across the table.

Ed blinked as his eyes blurred.

"I have a headache, Oswald."

He fell silent for a moment, then forced a smile.

"Are you asking me to shut up? I'll be quiet if that's what you want."

"No," Ed replied, and he paused to rub at his temple, "I'm in pain. I think I need to lie down."

As he got up he seemed a little unsteady and for the first time, Oswald felt a flicker of alarm.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, please don't irritate me. Leave me alone."

As Oswald got up and reached out to place a hand on his arm, Ed brushed him away.

"I said, leave me alone."

"No, you've not been yourself for months, all you do is yell at me or lash about and when you're not doing that, you're apologising for treating me like shit! What is wrong with you, Edward?"

"Get out of my way!"

"Not until you tell me why you keep doing this to me!"

Oswald was still standing in front of him, blocking his way. Ed felt his temper rising like a volcano as pain cut through his mind. He lashed out in a blur, dealing a sharp blow to Oswald's cheek that made him sway sideways, as he leaned on his cane and recovered his balance there was a look of shock on his face as blood ran from his nose. Then rage filled his eyes and he lunged at Ed, slamming a fist into his face.

"That's the last time you ever touch me!" he yelled, "The last time, Ed!"

The blow to his face had sent the sharp pain that cut through his head to a swift fading out, Ed had broken his fall by leaning against the table and now he straightened up, standing there as the blow to his face throbbed and he had a moment of clarity.

"I do love you Oswald!" he said as his voice choked with emotion, "I don't know why I keep losing it like this..."

Ed fell to his knees and started to sob. Oswald looked on, bewildered by his sharp change of mood. He couldn't bear to see him weeping like this, in that moment all he wanted was for everything to be right between them again. He stepped closer, putting an arm around Ed, pressing him against his body as he spoke softly.

"You have no idea how much I love you," he told him, "This is why I'm putting up with this. I'm scared I'll lose you. I'm getting close to walking away forever. Please don't make me do that, I never want to give up on you."

Ed was still on his knees as he wrapped his arms around him and sobbed harder. All Oswald could do was stand there, his heart aching for his Edward as he tried to push aside all thoughts of Jim and their love affair. In that moment he had never felt so torn in half; he couldn't get enough of Jim, but right now, Ed needed him. He didn't know why his lover had changed so sharply over the past few months, but he knew he still loved him. They had been through too much to break apart now...But he still wanted Jim. He needed them both and he knew it as he kept his arms around Ed, letting him weep as he clung to him. Then Ed wiped his eyes and got up from the floor. Oswald took him upstairs, they went to bed and Ed clung to him all night long.


In the morning, Ed woke up with a nosebleed and glared at Oswald as he lay there wondering what mood Ed would be in today, it always changed so quickly these days...

"This is your fault for hitting me!" he said sharply, and got out of bed and went off to the bathroom.

Oswald gave a weary sigh, then cautiously touched his face, feeling a small bruise. There wasn't a great deal of noticeable damage this time. He turned his thoughts to Jim, and those thoughts made sense. Jim was always glad to see him, Jim obviously loved him... He felt a warm glow in his heart and then he thought about his plans: He had dreamed up a fantasy about Jim dominating him, it had started with thoughts of handcuffs, and then evolved into something very exciting as he had laid back in the bath, with his eyes closed as he stroked his erection. His mind was made up now, he was going to make that happen today. While Ed was making every effort to wreck what was left of their relationship, he felt sure seeing Jim was the way forward...

As if to confirm that, Ed came back into the bedroom still complaining about his lingering headache, his nosebleed and the fact that for once, he had fought back and hit him hard. Ed called him a little prick as he started to get dressed. Oswald let that insult slide as he got out of bed.

"I'm going out this morning," he said, "I need to get away for a few hours."

"Don't bother coming back," Ed said darkly, "I couldn't care less what you do or where you go."

"And that's fine by me," Oswald replied, "I think we both need some space."

Ed had said nothing in return.

.An hour later, after taking a shower, putting on a fresh suit and a splash of cologne and styling his hair into the usual swept up spikes, Oswald left the house and drove away, with thoughts of Jim and living out the fantasy playing hot through his mind.


When the phone rang on Jim's desk, he answered it, thinking it was a police matter – but he was wrong.

"I'm outside," Oswald said, "And I need you to be a bad cop, Jim! I want you to come outside, arrest me by force, cuff me and take me through the building in front of anyone and then take me down to the cells... the other holding cells, the ones on the lower level...the ones with solid walls. I want my face pressed up against that tiled wall while you -"

"Not on this line!" he said urgently, realising it wasn't secure enough, "My cellphone... just hang up this call and use my other number!"

"Why?" Oswald said.

Jim lowered his voice. His back was turned to Harvey and he could only hope he hadn't become suspicious...

"This isn't a line for personal calls..."

"Why not?" Oswald asked again.

"Because anyone can listen in," he whispered.

While his back was turned, Harvey had looked up from paperwork, as he wondered why Jim had suddenly sounded so worked up and then lowered his voice. He reached for his own phone, carefully lifted it and hit the link to Jim's desk, and listened.

"Anyone? Sorry, I didn't realise! I'll see you outside, mister bad cop..."

Harvey quickly put down his phone as Jim turned around and he noticed his face looked flushed.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing at all," Jim said quickly, "I just need to go and speak with someone..."

On his way out, he was aware of his hardening cock. He had condoms in his pocket. He had been waiting for this ever since yesterday, wondering what Oswald was up to. The cells on the lower level? He was pushing his luck. He liked danger, maybe a little too much... but those cells were rarely used and that level was empty right now... He walked out of the building feeling like fire was raging in his blood.

Oswald's car was parked close by. He got out and stood there, glaring defiantly at Jim.

"It's about time!" he said, faking anger and doing it very well as he took a step closer, glaring at Jim, "Last time I called you for help, your guys were too late! Doesn't anyone do their job around here, Jim? Maybe I should waste police time more often, you're all a bunch of useless jerks!"

Their eyes met. Jim wanted to kiss him. Instead, he grabbed his free hand, aware he needed the other for his cane, twisted his arm behind his back and pushed him up against his car. Oswald hit the car a little too sharply and gave a yelp.

"Sorry," Jim whispered, then he took his cane and cuffed his hands.

"Oswald Cobblepot, you're under arrest!" he said firmly, "For wasting police time..." he lowered his voice as he turned him around and marched him up the stapes towards the open doors, "And for being too damned sexy," Jim whispered, and then he led him through the busy building, as cops looked on in surprise to see Jim had just busted Penguin.

"This is unfair!" Oswald protested, "I'm innocent!"

"No you're not," Jim said, and he led him through the main building, then out through a doorway and down a corridor, saying nothing more as he kept a firm hold on his shoulder, he was carrying his cane and aware that Oswald was a little unsteady without it. They reached the stairs and Jim led him down carefully, then they reached the place where the lights shone brightly and a narrow corridor led to several holding cells, all were empty and the doors were open. Here the walls were solid and he had already decided the best one to use would be the one at the far end, because Oswald liked to make noise now – and he would certainly be making noise today...

They reached the cell and Jim led him inside, then he leaned the cane against the wall and marched him over to the back of the cell. Oswald turned his head and looked at him, he was shaking and sweating and his eyes were dark with desire.

"You're a bad cop, Jim..." he said breathlessly.

"Shut up," Jim said in a low voice, then he turned Oswald's head so his cheek was pressed against the cold tiles that covered the wall. He reached around and unbuckled his belt, tugging his pants down sharply and then he exposed his ass, and gave a soft kick to his undamaged leg.

"Spread your legs and bend over, Cobblepot!" he said sharply.

As Jim unzipped his pants and freed his erection to put on a condom, he could hear Oswald's shaky breathing, he was trembling with anticipation. He wanted this fantasy, he was going to get it...

"I know you're going to hurt me," Oswald whispered, "But I can take it! I'm not scared of you!"

Jim shoved two fingers in his mouth.

"I don't waste lube on criminals," he said, and Oswald started to suck desperately, summoning as much spit as he could manage, knowing it was the difference between pleasure and pain. He withdrew his fingers then thrust them firmly into his ass, Oswald's body tensed as he cried out and the sound was amplified in the hollow of the cell. Jim reached into his pocket and squeezed on the opened tube and secretly slid some lube on to the condom. Oswald wanted it rough, but he couldn't bear to hurt him, not really, he was sure if he did, his lover would soon regret it...

"Now shut up and take your punishment!" he said, and he grabbed his hips, sliding in firmly as Oswald cried out again. He moved hard and fast as his lover could only manage to lean against the cold wall, yelling with every thrust, gasping as his rhythm got more brutal and he started pounding harder.

"Oh god, Jim... Oh help me... I need to come..."

"Me first," he said breathlessly, "I don't do favours for prisoners..."

He slammed against him again, then felt his climax hit as he cried out sharply, then as the last throb of pleasure faded out, he withdrew from his body and was still breathing hard as he grabbed Oswald by the shoulders and turned him around. His lover looked wrecked. His hair was messed up, his face was flushed, he could barely stand. He slid to the floor as he held out his cuffed hands.

"I need to come..."

Now Jim dropped the act, he flushed the condom and pulled up his own pants then knelt in front of him, and tenderly grasped his solid cock.

"It's okay, Oz, I'll take care of that for you..."

As he leaned closer, his hands were still cuffed, but he raised his arms over Jim's head, so he could hold on to him.

"I love you, Jim..." he whispered, still weak from it all as they kissed, then he leaned his head against his shoulder, giving a whine and then moans of pleasure as Jim's hand moved firmly up and down his hardness.

"Oh Jim...harder, don't stop, I'm coming!" he yelled, throwing his head back as his voice echoed abut the hollow cell and he shouted Yes as he throbbed and ran warm over his hand, as he was coming, Jim was holding him tightly.

"I love you so much!" Oswald said again between gasps of air, he looked dazed from the intensity of the experience, and then as he raised his arms and shifted back, he looked to his cuffed hands.

"Set me free."

"I think I already have," he said, recalling all the noise his once silent lover had made in this room.

He unlocked the cuffs, then he went over to a sink and washed his hands before turning back to Oswald. He was up off the floor now, tidying his clothing. He paused clean up at the sink, then to run his fingers through his hair. Jim handed back his cane.

"Was that everything you hoped it would be?"

"My legs are still shaking!" Oswald hugged him, and then they shared a kiss.

"I'll let you out around the back way," Jim said, then he noticed a small fresh bruise on his face.

"Has Ed hit you again?"

"It was nothing," he said dismissively, "just a stupid fight...rather minor compared to others we've had, it's nothing to worry about."

As they left the cell and headed for the stairs, Jim felt concerned. In his haste to play Oswald's game and lose himself in the heat of the moment he had not noticed that fresh bruise until now. It made him silently criticise himself; he was a cop above all else and should have noticed it...

"But you don't think it's getting worse? You don't think maybe you should leave?"

"No, we're fine," Oswald said dismissively.

As they climbed the stairs, Jim watched him carefully, thinking of his leg and his need for that cane – he was still slightly shaky from their encounter.

"Do you need any help, I've made your legs shake," he reminded him.

"I have excellent balance, especially on stairs," Oswald assured him, "Remember our first night together at the club?"

He thought back to how he had climbed those stairs with ease despite being slightly drunk and leaning on his cane.

"How could I ever forget?" he said fondly.

They had reached the back exit.

"I'll call you," Oswald promised, and Jim leaned in, replying with a kiss. Then he watched as Oswald hobbled away, heading for the front of the building where his car was parked close by. He turned from the open doorway and stopped, staring in disbelief:

Harvey was standing there, he was staring back at him, looking utterly stunned.

"I didn't even know you were into men," he remarked, "But Cobblepot?"

Jim's jaw dropped. He felt rising panic as he looked back at Harvey, but that man was a good friend and thankfully, on the day his secret was discovered, it would go no further.

"I came down to see what all the fuss was about," he told him, "Then I heard Penguin yelling and I thought, it's not like you to beat up anyone... especially not him... and that's when I saw you both through the barred window in the door of the cell. Don't deny it , Jim. I know you and him were playing some kind sex game in there...I also heard the word love mentioned. You and Penguin?"

He paused, shaking his head.

Jim stepped closer as he looked at him pleadingly.

"Harvey, you don't know him like I do, this isn't some cheap tacky sex arrangement, we really do love each other."

"But he's Penguin!" Harvey exclaimed, "Jim, if you want a guy in your life, there's a few cops in this precinct who would jump at the chance. There are lots of guys in Gotham who would give their right arm to date a guy like you. Why him? The head of the underworld? Have you gone nuts? If this ever gets out, your career is down the toilet. No one in law enforcement will ever trust you again knowing you're sharing a bed with Penguin."

"Please don't say anything!" Jim said again.

Harvey gave a heavy sigh as he put his hand on his shoulder.

"I won't say a word. Who you see is your business. But keep it away from the GCPD. That's all I'm saying, now I want to forget I ever came down here. We didn't have this conversation!"

"Thanks, Harvey," Jim said with deepest gratitude.

They went back towards the office together, with Harvey saying nothing more on the subject as Jim thanked him again. All Harvey could do was shake his head as he watched him go in, wondering how the most honest cop in Gotham could choose such a notorious criminal as his lover. He still wasn't over the shock of what he had seen, either. Jim Gordon passionately making love to notorious Oswald Cobblepot? It seemed crazy.

"Jim, why the hell did you pick him?" he muttered, then he went into the office and dropped the subject...


Ten Years Later:

It was the weekend, Jim was at home in his apartment when he got a phone call. He picked up his phone, didn't recognise the number, but after speaking with Ivy Pepper online, he was hoping maybe she had got a message to Oswald. She had seemed kind enough and certainly understood his reasons, maybe she had changed her mind and wanted to help.

"Hello," said Jim as he took a seat in his kitchen. Outside it was a bright day and the sun was shining in, making the room look bright. But as the caller spoke, Jim felt a sharp jolt and a sense of unease along with it.

"Hello Jim, long time no see. It's Edward Nygma. I understand you've been trying to get in touch."

Jim said nothing for a moment, he felt stunned to get this sudden call, and as he thought back to the past and all that had happened, and then to the reason why he and Oswald had broken off their affair, he was unsure how to respond. Ed had sounded his usual, pleasantly polite self... Jim didn't want to think back to what had happened ten years ago, it made him too angry... I know what you did, he thought silently...

"Jim? Are you there?"

"Yes, Ed, I'm here. It's been a very long time... How did you get my number?"

"You never changed it," he reminded him, "And when Ivy said you'd been asking about Oswald, I thought I ought to give you a call."

"Thanks," Jim replied, remembering he ought to be polite even though he felt sure he would never get along with Ed, "First of all, how are you these days?"

"I'm very well," he replied, "Thank you for asking. But I'm sure you'd rather hear all about Oswald. Shall we meet for lunch? I can get away for a couple of hours but no longer, I'm needed at home a lot these days. Shall we meet a noon and catch up? I know a lovely bar with a view of the river. It's a nice day, we could sit outside and have a couple of drinks?"

"Okay," Jim replied, and as he agreed, he felt nervous. It was partly because of the past, of all that had happened when what was a once wonderful love affair had turned swiftly into a nightmare, but he didn't want to recall those dark days yet, it was too painful to think about. The other reason was he feared the worst for Oswald, and he knew Ed was going to tell him everything, it would likely be bad news he didn't want to hear...


He found the bar easily, it was a smart, uptown place and the open doors led out to a seating area that overlooked the better part of Gotham river. Across the water, tall buildings shone bright and gleaming in the sunlight. He ordered a drink and went outside, then he saw him, Ed was sat at a small table in the corner of the terrace, he was wearing a dark green suit and he had barely changed in the past ten years, his hair was groomed, behind his glasses, his eyes didn't quite match the warmth of his smile as he gave him a wave and called him over.

"It's good to see you," Ed told him, and briefly shook his hand, then as Jim sat down, he set his drink down and looked across the table at Ed.

"I realise it's been a long time," Jim said, "But I've been hearing rumours about Oswald and I just want to know what's going on."

Ed paused, a flicker of pain showed in his eyes and then it was gone again.

"Thinking back, when I found out about you and Ozzy, at the time I was furious but of course, things have changed vastly over the years. I've changed, Jim. Back then I was treating the most precious person in my life I the worst possible way but I had no control over it, I didn't know how sick I was..."

His words had prompted another memory, and Jim silenced it quickly, as he focused on Ed and this moment, not wanting to think about the day he had wished Ed Nygma would just die, to wish another man dead was not in Jim Gordon's nature, but ten years back, it had been there for a split second, along with hopes and dreams of a life with Oswald, a life where Ed was dead and gone... No, he couldn't think about that today...

"It's all in the past," Ed told him, "I need you to know that. Oswald and I have a great life together, we're so happy...I make him happy every day..."

"That's good to know," Jim looked to his drink but couldn't touch it, all he wanted was to find out if Oswald was okay.

"But this past year has been hard," Ed told him, "It's very hard to see the person you love go through so much pain..." he paused, taking in a sharp breath, he looked to the water, then back at Jim.

"He did go through hell. He needed surgery and it was complicated and my poor Ozzy was left in agony for weeks... then we found out the implant used to treat him had leaked toxic chemicals and he had to have more meds to clear away the toxins. It's been very hard for me, seeing him so sick. I felt so useless sometimes... But Oswald doesn't want anyone to know about this. He's a very proud man, he doesn't want anyone to think he could be dying – he's still thought of as Penguin by those who used to know him, he wants them to think he can fight anything and win... but not all battles can be won, Jim."

"How long..." Jim stopped, as emotion made his voice choke as he blinked away tears, "How long has been sick?"

"It started almost a year ago. It was sudden, it was a shock to see him in so much pain. The surgery helped but it stole a lot of precious time from us, he was in pain for weeks..." he leaned on the table, looking intently at Jim, "I'd like to ask you to do something for him."

"Of course, anything," Jim replied.

"I need you to put a stop to these rumours about his health. I want you to start telling everyone that Oswald Nygma is absolutely fine. Would you do that for us, Jim? I know Oswald would be very happy to know you're helping to protect his privacy at this time."

Jim nodded.

"I'll be sure to say that to anyone who asks," he replied, "Is there anything else I can do to help?"

"If I can think of anything, I'll let you know," he replied, "I'm going to stay in touch with you, Jim. I'm sure when my Ozzy is feeling stronger he would love to see you and catch up."

"So he's recovering?"

"He has good and bad days," Ed replied, "He's very tired today, he couldn't sleep much last night. I think I can honestly say the life we used to have will never be the same again."

He didn't want to ask, but he drew in a breath and found his voice and asked anyway.

"How long does he have left?"

"We don't know," Ed replied, "How long do any of us have left on this earth? We're making the most of every day. I often think back to how things were ten years ago and I think to myself, I would have missed out on so much love and happiness if I hadn't been with Oz. I'm so glad he gave me a second chance. My life is dedicated to him now, it has been for many years."

Jim felt an ache in his heart. He still wasn't clear on exactly what was wrong with Oswald, or how severely his health had been affected, but he didn't want to push Ed with more questions. Just then, Ed's phone rang and he answered it quickly as a smile came to his face.

"Ozzy!" he said warmly, "Yes, I'll be home very soon. Have you finally got up?"

He listened to the reply and then laughed.

"At least you got your beauty sleep. Not that you need any, you're always beautiful to me, Oz. You always will be."

Jim looked down at the table as he felt caught between heartbreak and feeling thankful to know Ed so clearly adored him these days. A few moments later, after Ed assured him he would be back soon, he ended the call.

"Please keep your promise and kill these rumours," Ed told him again, "It's so important you do that. Now I really should be heading home, Oswald said he needs some help... just stuff around the house."

"Is he struggling?"

Ed briefly smiled.

"Not as much as I have, but that's another story! I'll be in touch, Jim."

Then he got up and left the table. Jim sat there for a while, looking out over the water, lost in his thoughts as he realised he had not actually learned a great deal from Ed at all. But as he had said, Oswald was a private person. When he left the bar, his mind was made up, he would do that favour for Ed and Oswald, he would make sure everyone believed the rumours on the street about his failing health were not true...It was the least he could do, right now, it was all he could do for him...


Over the next few days, Jim did his best to keep his promise. He even called Harvey and said the rumours were totally untrue, Oswald was just fine. When a few of the guys at work happened to mention the rumours about the man who used to be known in the underworld as Penguin, Jim had set them right, telling them he knew Edward Nygma through a friend and he was very sure Oswald was okay. It seemed the rumour was spreading everywhere, but every time he heard it, he repeated all Ed had asked him to say. And he kept watching his phone, wondering when Ed would call again. It was crazy to think he was so desperate to hear from him after all that had happened years ago, but he was his only link to Oswald.

As Jim got through each day, his thoughts remained strung between the past and the present. His love affair with Oswald had been wild and wonderful in so many ways, but everything was about to come crashing down around them, and neither of them saw it coming:

Ten years back, they were happy in their own way, meeting in secret, as Jim lived in hope that one day something would happen that would mean the end of Ed's involvement in his life. He just wanted Oswald to be free. Then he felt sure he would no longer want to keep up the facade of being the hard working, honest cop who wouldn't look twice at Gotham's most notorious crime boss. But dark times were coming, terrible dark times to change everything...