The revelation left her stunned, as she summoned the strength to face Oswald. She was trying to curb her frustration with him, but it bled through her voice "What was that all about?" She thought they were done playing games. She had just started to trust him, but this encounter left her questioning her decision to stay with him. At first it had been for protection, but as time went on she started to enjoy his company. He acted so refined in public, but when she insisted they share their interests he lit up like an excited school boy. He would pull out his ornithology books, eagerly showing her his favorite species. He divulged his interest in building an aviary on the roof, and even plotted to steal some birds from the Gotham Zoo for the occasion. She reveled in his passion, it was a side of him that was charming and honest. A sharp contrast to the man who had kidnapped her just a few months ago.
He was unlike any man she had ever met. She didn't want to leave him, but she knew it was dangerous to stay with a man she couldn't trust. She needed to know why he hadn't told her about the police dropping the case. She needed him to acknowledge his blame so they could move on together and put it behind them. He couldn't be all bad, but if he lied to her tonight it would change the dynamic of their relationship forever. She would withdraw and start to her search for another place to live.
Oswald started to speak with trepidation, "You know Gotham cops...always sticking their noses where it doesn't belong." He held his breath, hoping his answer was satisfactory. "How long have you known?" she hated this back and forth, it was exhausting having to endlessly search for the truth in his responses. "W-whatever do you mean?"
"Oswald-" she looked so tired, her despondent tone was painful for him to hear "-tell me the truth." Oswald had learned it was better to be a deceptive winner than an honest loser. Nothing good ever came from being honest. Watching the exploits of his 'friend' Jim had reinforced his resolve. Still, he wanted to offer her something. Meet her halfway in the hopes of mending fences. He assumed it was his last chance of keeping her. "Jim and I go way back...I suppose he wanted to deliver the good news in person." he felt his muscles tighten as he forced out the false adjective. Good was everything it wasn't.
She looked down trying to stifle her disappointment from hearing his blatant lie. "I see." His features began to brighten but she brought him to halt by adding "Well, thank you for being honest." His face fell, she had indirectly challenged him but granted him the small consolation by avoiding a direct confrontation. His heart sank as new fears started rising in his mind. He had to prepare himself for her eventual departure after his less-than covert betrayal. He approached her cautiously, afraid she would slip out of sight forever with each passing step. "Are you still going to stay with me?" he sought out her hand, but thought better of it when she pulled away. She pondered the question, trying to search for any signs of deceitful manipulation. The phrasing took her by surprise. He wasn't asking about his apartment, but his companionship. She couldn't refrain from being honest despite the consequences - "For now." Her tone was cold and indifferent. She wasn't feeling very motivated to comfort him at the moment. Oswald swallowed his pain, trying to gloss over the lack of commitment in her response. He decided to hold onto the fleeting hope that he could still salvage what they shared.