Moving forward.

Chapter 4: A simple, if not flawed, solution.

Oswald as he watched the love of his life flee in fear and torment. He may not be able to help Ed but that didn't mean he wasn't going to try. He couldn't just sit and do nothing.  He marched determinedly outside to find Ed standing only a short distance away, the collar of his jacket turned up in a vain attempt to shelter himself from the deluge of water that was raining down on their heads. He looked lost and broken. Oswald sighed as his already water logged hair began to flop into his eyes.  Of all the times to forget his umbrella.

"Ed Nygma!"

Edward turned to see Penguin walking towards him, determination sparkling in his eyes. "Oswald, I..." Ed began but he was silenced instantly. "Now you listen to me Ed" Oswald snapped "This silly feud between us gone on long enough. I need you!" There was a long pause, the only sound was that of the rain hitting the pavement. Penguin drew himself up to his full height and rearranged his suit with the air of a bird ruffling it's feathers in a bid to make it's self seem impressive. "If I'm not mistaken you feel the same" he continued stiffly "That's why you came here, isn't it? Because you need me too. We are lost without one another." Ed mulled this over. He couldn't deny it. "So, what's your plan exactly?" he asked quietly and despite the internal struggles he was going through he couldn't help but smile slightly. Penguin's ability to maintain the illusion of being in control of almost any situation was one that never ceased to amaze him. Yet the reply he received was not one he found overly reassuring.

"I know you, Ed. So no matter happens I'll be able to handle it. I know you're scared of having a repeat of what happened with Kristen  but trust me when I say that I don't think that will happen. Lets face it, if we were ever going to kill each other we would have done it already but as of yet neither of us have managed it. There are risks sure but I've made my peace with that. The question is whether you are willing to do the same. Because if you are then quite frankly I don't think we have anything to worry about. Please, trust me this once."

And there was the other side of Oswald, the part of him that felt sure that everything would work out fine as long as he just kept hold of it tightly enough. Edward wished he had that faith, or was that foolish.  "You do realise that things wont be the same, don't you?" Ed asked slowly "Things have changed. We have changed. After everything we've done to each other we'll never be able to go back to the way things were." Oswald shrugged and let out a small chuckle. "To be perfectly honest Ed, I don't care" he said and he was unable to keep the smile off his face. Throwing caution to the winds he reached up and smoothed an errant soaking wet curl out of Ed's eyes, his hand lingering by Ed's cheek as he stared into his eyes, all pretense of enmity banished completely by the hope that was clearly painted on his face. Despite everything and against his better judgement Ed couldn't help but give in.

"Neither bought nor sold but more valuable than gold it is built but not by hand. What is it?"

"Trust."

They nodded silently, both knowing each other well enough to realise the significance of the seemingly simple statement. They beamed at one another, scared yes, but happy none the less.Then Ed shuddered violently as a cold drop of rain trickled down his neck, drawing their attention back to their less than comfortable situation. "Lets get back inside" Oswald sighed exasperated and Ed nodded firmly in agreement.

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"I'm glad he isn't scared of me" Ed whispered. He, Oswald and Martin were wrapped up in blankets on the sofa, the two men having dried off after their discussion in the rain, Martin had squished himself in between them and had fallen asleep with his head resting on Oswald's chest yet maintaining a firm grip on Edward's hand.

"I haven't exactly been friendly."

Oswald rolled his eyes and gently pulled the two of them closer. "First impressions are overrated. Just look at you and me, I couldn't stand you when I first met you yet look at how that turned out. Besides, the kid has been kidnapped and threatened by a guy wearing a pigs head who liked to make people into pies. Martin is tougher than he looks" he replied, smiling proudly down at the sleeping child. Then his face darkened slightly and he murmured darkly "But if anyone even thinks of hurting him they will pay with their life. I won't be letting him out of my sight again, that's for sure." Yet to be honest, Ed wasn't paying full attention. Thinking back to his realisation earlier that day he bit his lip nervously, trying to come to a decision.

"Oswald?" he blurted out suddenly. "Hmm" Oswald replied, nodding to show that he was listening. Taking a deep breath, Edward continued tentatively. "I lied, back at the docks. I just never realised until now. I do love you Oswald" he whispered seriously. There was a shock filled silence. Martin continued to sleep peacefully, unaware that his plan had finally reached the conclusion he had been trying to achieve. Oswald gaped at Ed, tears trickling down his face. Ed drew in a sharp breath as he felt a wave of panic wash over him. What had he done?! Why had he gone and spoiled everything?!

His eyes suddenly widened in surprise as he felt Oswald's lips on his and his breath hitched in his throat. Before he could even try to comprehend the situation however, Oswald had already pulled away, his breathing shaky and a fearful uncertainty in his eyes. They stared at each other for a moment, each trying to gage the others emotions. Trying to decide whether this was what the other wanted. Reaching an unspoken unanimous decision the two of them lent forwards, hearts pounding, and their lips met once more. Edward's eyes fluttered shut as he felt Oswald tremble slightly at his touch yet judging by the way Oswald was desperately trying to deepen the kiss there was nothing to worry about. Shifting the sleeping Martin onto their laps so as to get closer to one another, Oswald tilting his head up slightly as Edward ducked down to compensate for the height difference in a way that seemed almost second nature.

Eventually they broke apart and Oswald smiled, staring up at Ed with eyes filled with adoration as he whispered "I love you Ed", his warm breath tickling Ed's face "Thank you for coming back to me." Emotionally exhausted yet unbelievably happy Oswald nuzzled his head into Edward's shoulder and closed his eyes as he hugged his sleeping son tightly, finally daring to embrace the familiar feeling of being part of a family again. Tears prickling in his eyes Ed buried his face in Oswald's hair as he sighed happily. He had no idea what the future would bring, after all anything could happen in Gotham, but he knew one thing. This was where he was meant to be.

                                                              The End.