Chapter Text
The sound of quickly approaching footsteps pulled Oswald out of his thoughts. Looking up, he saw Edward practically run into the room, soaking wet, hair stuck to his forehead, glasses fogged up, clutching a bottle of wine in his hand.
“I’m SO sorry for being so late!” he gasped out, leaning against the door frame and trying to catch his breath. “There was a massive queue and some woman bought the last bottle, so I had to go to another shop but they didn’t have what I wanted and then it began to rain and, oh dear…” he leaned back, trying to get his breathing under control. “But I’ve got it.” He weakly held the bottle up in triumph.
Oswald couldn’t help but laugh. Ed spent almost five hours chasing all over Gotham after one brand of wine, just so that their dinner could be perfect. He shook his head.
“Go get changed and rest.” He waved his hand. “I’ll get Olga to heat up the food meanwhile.”
Ed nodded gratefully, setting the bottle on the table before leaving the room.
When he was out of earshot, Oswald sighed in relief. He was beginning to grow seriously worried when Ed didn’t show up over four hours after their agreed date. He was considering sending Gabe to look for him before he eventually returned. Another good thing about the delay is that Ed is going to take a while to shower and change, so both he and Olga will have a while to prepare. Heck, he’s been rehearsing his speech for hours, and he still felt that he wasn’t ready. Still, Oswald didn’t want to chicken out like the last time.
He was going to confess, no matter what.
~~~
When Edward returned, he wore a different (dark green) suit and his hair didn’t look like a wet mop. He inhaled the scent of the food, smiling.
“The dinner looks delicious.” He remarked, feeling his stomach rumble in agreement. “I’m starving.”
Oswald smiled back, gesturing for him to sit down. The food was all warm and the wine opened and poured into crystal glasses, the ones that Oswald reserved for special occasions. Like this one, for example.
They ate in silence, occasionally making a comment about the food or the wine, and moved to the living room when they were done.
The fire was crackling silently in the fireplace, casting shadows on Ed’s face and reminding Oswald of the night when Ed saved him from Butch. He didn’t have the courage to make a move back then, but he has it now, and he will not back down.
He took a deep breath. “Ed,” he began, making Ed look up at him. “A man comes to a crossroads in his life and he has to make a choice. Does he choose safety and cowardice or does he opt for courage and risk everything?”
Edward nodded, his face showing nothing but keen attention.
Encouraged, Oswald continued. “My mother always used to tell me: ‘Life only gives you one chance at true love, Oswald. You find it, run to it. So that’s what I’m going to do. What I’m trying to say is…”
He swallowed.
“The thing I’ve been trying to tell you all day long is…”
He smiled, collecting all his courage and forcing out a clear, sincere “I love you.”
Ed’s eyes widened and he quickly set his glass of wine on the table to avoid dropping it. They stared at each other in silence for what seemed like an eternity, and just when Oswald was sure that his heart will explode in his chest, Ed threw back his head and laughed.
“Oh, Oswald.” He chuckled, taking off his glasses and wiping his eyes with his sleeve. “You’re such a remarkable man, you know that?”
Oswald just blinked, not entirely sure what to say. Did Ed just laugh at him?
“I’ve spent weeks planning out and rehearsing my speech, writing out hundreds of drafts and stressing out that I’ll ruin everything with one word. But lo and behold, when the opportunity finally arose, all I have to say is…”
He smiled back. It was the most sincere smile Oswald has ever seen.
“I love you too.”
Oswald felt his jaw drop. No way. Impossible. There was no way that this was happening. He covered his mouth with his palm to hide the wide, goofy grin that appeared on his face.
Edward Nygma loved him back!
Laughing, Ed moved his hands aside and leaned forward, pulling him into a kiss. Oswald couldn’t help but laugh against his lips, wrapping his arms around his neck to pull him closer. The kiss was sloppy and a little bit awkward, since neither of them had much experience and Ed’s glasses kept getting in the way, but it really couldn’t be better.
“I love you.” Oswald gasped out when they pulled apart. “I’ve been waiting to tell you for so long, but couldn’t get it out. I’m so, so happy that you feel the same.”
Ed smiled, giving him a quick peck on the lips.
“Likewise, Ozzie.” He paused. “I can call you Ozzie, right?” he asked, a little hesitantly, and Oswald couldn’t help but kiss his stupid dorky wonderful lips again.
“Of course you can.” He nodded. He actually found the nickname rather endearing. “But pray tell, my love, what happened to the whole ‘love is a weakness’ business?” he winked.
Edward shrugged. “Seems that even great minds make mistakes sometimes.” He admitted. “With you by my side, I’ve never felt stronger.”
“Me too.” Oswald yawned, resting his head in the crook of his neck. “I’m tired, though, and we have a big day tomorrow. How about we end the day here?”
“Deal.” Ed ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m exhausted, too. After all, I ran quite a marathon after that wine today.” He chuckled. “I do believe it was worth it, though.”
“It definitely was.”
…
“Oswald?”
“Hmm?”
“We should actually go to beds.”
“We definitely should.”
“But…” Ed laughed awkwardly. “You’d have to get off me.”
“I’m too tired to walk.” Oswald stretched theatrically to prove his point. “Plus, my leg hurts. I guess that you’ll have to carry me.”
~~~
To be honest, Oswald really didn’t expect Ed to actually carry him to his bedroom, but it’s not as if he was complaining or anything.
“There.” Ed gently set him down on the bed. “We’re here. How’s your leg?”
“Doesn’t hurt that much anymore.” Oswald briefly considered telling him that it was just an excuse to make Ed carry him, but decided against it. After all, Ed will either figure it out himself or remain blissfully unaware of the little white lie and eventually forget about it. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Ozzie. Goodnight.” Ed gave him a quick peck on the forehead and turned towards the door.
“Goodnight.” Oswald called after him, briefly contemplating asking him to stay, but no. It was too early for that. Maybe once they get more used to the whole relationship thing…
He was willing to wait.
~~~
It turned out that he didn’t have to wait long.
A soft voice whispering his name made Oswald shoot awake, reaching for the knife under his pillow. He relaxed immediately when he recognised Edward’s silhouette sitting on the bed.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
Ed nodded, seeming rather sheepish.
“Ozzie, I was wondering…” he stuttered out. “Could I sleep with you tonight?”
Oswald’s heart did something akin to a salto in his chest. He nodded immediately, shuffling a bit to the side to make room in the bed and feeling impossibly grateful that it was too dark for Ed to see his grin.
Sharing a bed was an odd experience, but not an unpleasant one. Oswald fell asleep to the sound of Ed’s breathing and the feeling of his arms wrapped securely around his waist.
This day couldn’t have gone any better.