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This wasn't so bad. It really wasn't. Maybe a little frightening at times, put Edward a little on edge; Gotham certainly wasn't the safest city... By any means. At all. Actually, it was one of the most dangerous, with crime rates far higher than any other city its size and even some larger, but it had been fine so far. Aside from the questionable sounds both near and far that had Edward moving his legs a little faster, and the occasional altercation across the street or down an alleyway that had him resisting the urge to look and call for help, he supposed he had been lucky enough. Nothing had happened to him, and that was good enough.Edward had been stuck to walking to and from work for the past week or so. Six days. Before that, he had the unfortunate misshap of running over some debris that had been thrown out into the street on his way there, leading him to not just having to get his car towed and taken in for repairs, but clocking in late. He was never late. And he still wasn't, making sure that he had planned and mapped out his exact route each day so that he would still arrive at work on time and get home at a point that was still reasonable, even if it meant getting up a little earlier than usual in the morning. It was actually kind of nice, sometimes, especially the Tuesday morning that the sun had come out for a little while. Usually though, he had to carry an umbrella. Also nice. He didn't get the opportunity to do so that often.Stepping off the bus, Edward let out a breath, partially out of relief. It saved him a lot of time, leaving only a short walk at the beginning and end of his journey and being a mercy to his body so unused to walking much of a distance at once, but he wasn't all that fond of public transportation. At all. The forced interactions with an established form of etiquette that he wasn't familiar with or fully aware of while being stuck in an enclosed space with any rude or strange individual that decided to get on and might not know the forms of etiquette Edward was aware of... No thank you.He was quite tired of being stared at, and if someone sat next to him one more time, he was considering seeing how bad it would really be if he walked the whole way. A few at work had offered to drive him home, but Ed felt bad accepting such a kindness when it was so out of their way, tacking on another task to their already busy days. Most of the detectives, the people he knew, lived in nicer places further away, and Harvey... Well, Ed was fairly certain Harvey lived nearby, but taking his chances in the street was slightly more preferable than the idea of being stuck alone in a car with him.But now he was free, left to traverse the final stretch of his route home as he took a right and began to walk down the street once more, adjusting the grip he had on the strap of his bag. He rounded a corner, entering an alleyway that was short enough to ease his cautious mind and a big enough of a shortcut to justify it as well, spitting him out near the front of his apartment building as opposed to circling around the block and taking up energy that he didn't typically have to spare at the end of a long shift, on top of all this extra walking.Busy day, many steps, he just wanted to be home. Make some tea, read a book. Maybe play some video games. He hadn't done that in a while. That would be fun. Edward loved his job, it was endlessly fascinating, but it had been rather stressful for everyone for the past couple of weeks. Everyone else. Edward couldn't have been more excited. An uptick in suspicious deaths, a new suspected serial killer, bodies showing up with strange puncture wounds to the neck and drained of nearly all their blood, but they were so clean. None of them had ever seen anything like it, and Ed's mind was constantly racing with ideas and theories, trying to figure out what could have happened. How the killer had managed to pull this off, and repeatedly so.His colleagues were troubled, but he was thrilled.Edward was about halfway through the alley when he heard a sound that made him startle with a jump, slowing down as he turned halfway to look behind him, brows furrowing. Eyes quickly scanning the empty darkness, confused and heart pounding from the initial scare. Strange. Maybe an animal digging through trash or skittering about a fire escape. Not like he was going to stick around and find out. Feeling satisfied enough that no one was going to pop out and attack him, Edward faced forward once more to continue his short walk back to his apartment.
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Oswald was keeling over, one hand clutching his stomach through the firm fabric of his dress shirt and vest, the other pressed to the tree in front of him. Too numb to feel the sensation of bark clawing through the skin on its palm as his fingers curled deep into the husk. His insides were eating one another in a terrible flight of endless hunger, like a caterpillar feeding on its constant-growing tail.It had been exactly seven hours since his last meal. The last ritualistic nourishment of his haunting disease. A burden of something far more than desire. A tumor. A leech. A jinx in his life. Though, seven hours wasn’t much time of going hungry. At least not enough to elicit such drama. For Oswald, a monster, seven hours was the equivalent to seven days. A week’s time of starvation. Dehydration. Loss of figurative oxygen to his just as figurative red blood cells.He held back a groan, holding his abdomen, digging his way into it as if to shovel out whatever parasite had spooned its way inside. He felt like crying, he felt like digging a knife through his skin to empty himself of this agony. He felt like-Oswald froze. The nervous sounds of quick footsteps against an empty sidewalk. The sounds of heavy breathing and a pounding heart. Oswald could smell them. The pulse of this person’s veins. Thick and rich. Could taste the blood on his tongue like the juices of a pomegranate. The beautiful ichor of his next victim.He tried to stand straight. The heavy scent making it difficult to do so. Like a poisonous gas leaking through his blood stream, making any simple task that much more difficult. His vision was blurring, stumbling through the bushes and using whatever he could as some form of leverage as he made his way to the sidewalk.It was so dark out. Cold, but humid and foggy. Like a gothic scene in an old horror film. The muggy outline of a man. A dark figure in the shadows of the night. If Oswald weren't the predator here, he’d fear this man’s presence. A terrifying encounter of an unknown name. An unknown face. Oswald could hardly make out what was in front of him. That woozy feeling hitting him tenfold as he made his approach. Jelly legs stumbling their way around as another hunger pang capsized him. Cuffing him to the ground as his knees hit the pavement.He tried so hard. Oswald always tried. He’d never gone so long with no food. Without feeding. But this curse, this burden only grew with time. Worsened and festered within him like a weed. Vines through a tree. A snake around the neck of an innocent man. Oswald never asked for this. Damn him for ever falling in love.His palms hit the concrete. Irises, in all their red glory, peering up at the figure. The moon, so round and bright, aiding in the outline of his head. Glasses glistening and white and brilliant. His hand reached forward.“Help,” So weak. His voice was hoarse. He felt stupid. He was supposed to be a monster. A demon of the night. A predator.How pathetic of him.His head fell forward and those eyes stared down at his fingers. Pale and horrible and skinny. His own veins black and protruding. As if losing weight by the second. His ears were ringing and that familiar cold sweat draped over him like a blanket.He saw the approaching steps of black dress shoes, heard the muffled sounds of a voice, before it all went black.
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Silly. Silly. He was fine. Everything was, of course it was. Not that it was unrealistic to think he could be in danger in a city like this, but, well… It was easier to get through when he pretended that it wasn't. Easier not to live in a constant state of fear, especially when he had a job that was so closely related to the dangers contained within the island. Occasionally he had nightmares. Very occasionally. Typically content with his work but every so often letting his mind wander with the possibilities, the thoughts of a particularly fed-up criminal coming after him for being involved in their business. Even if it wasn't really his fault. Just his job. It wasn't personal. He didn't care what they were up to. He just liked studying their work.But he had been fine so far. The worst he ever got was the usual scolding from the detectives or the Captain when he got a little overeager be that in his own work or others', and that he could certainly handle... As much as he didn't enjoy it. He knew he could be far more helpful to them if they were a little more open-minded, but so be it. At least he still had his job, and a place to live, and enough money to put food on his own table every day. His big, lonely table.
It really was a shame he was such a good cook and had no one to cook for.
Edward made his way down along the final stretch of pavement to his apartment building, but the sight of someone stumbling out from the bushes into his path ahead immediately had him stuttering to a stop, hands clutching at the strap of his bag tighter as he watched with lips parted in surprise. That pounding in his chest getting uncomfortable again as his fear spiked back up, taking half a hesitant step backward as he considered going back down the alleyway where he came from and circling around the other way after all.But the figure was coming closer, trying to, appearing to struggle greatly as it eventually ended up on the ground in front of Edward, making him jump at the way it fell to its knees. Ed was frozen. Staring down at this man with wide eyes, meeting a pair that he could have sworn were red in the hazy mix of street and moonlight as the other fell further, now on hands and knees. One of those hands reaching forward, out toward Ed, making him inadvertently shrink back as if the figure on the ground was some kind of threat like this. So obviously helpless.A high, raspy voice, breaking as it begged him for help with a single word, and Ed was stuck. His panic at the sudden and very serious situation getting the best of him for a moment as all he could do was watch, trying to process what was happening and how he could possibly help. Edward blinked and snapped his head one way, then another, quickly scanning the area as he either tried to find the source of danger or someone else that could assist, he wasn't sure which, but there didn't seem to be another soul around except for them and what could he do, leave? Scoot around and run off past this man who looked about dead already, pretend he never saw anything? Edward may not have been the bravest person, or the strongest, but he wasn't evil.Swallowing thickly and blinking a few more times in rapid succession, Edward braced himself and stepped forward, pushing his glasses up with a shaky hand as he approached the man."What-... What's wrong? What happened?" Edward asked, voice just as shaky as his own hands were. "I- Do you need me to call someo-"Edward interrupted himself with a gasp as a hand jerked up toward his mouth, eyes going wide as the man before him collapsed fully, unmoving. Unconscious. Instinctually took a step back once more, again looking around in a panic. For help? For someone who might have seen and thought that he did something to this poor man? Who knows. He quickly looked back to the other, that uncomfortable feeling of dread filling him and his quickly pounding heart as he took a few small steps forward without a thought. His feet taking him before he knew it."Oh... Oh dear..." He whispered under his breath to himself. Nearly wobbly like a newborn giraffe as he moved to drop down to his knees before the man, moving his bag to settle on the ground beside himself and reaching toward the other, then back, hands hovering awkwardly and nervously. Fingers twitching unsurely. Should he call someone? Jim? Jim would know what to do.Before he knew it, his hands were reaching back out again, one moving to press fingers against the man's neck to find a pulse. Immediately he was struck by how cold the skin was, as if this man wasn't just dead but had been for a while, but that concern was quickly pushed aside for the much greater one that was exactly that. He did feel dead. Like no pulse dead. That panic hit him harder than ever, shaky fingers moving, adjusting, trying to find something he was missing, but it wasn't there."Ohh no... No no no no." Ed muttered as he scrambled around to crouch at the man's side, pushing him onto his back so that he could lean down, pressing an ear to his chest just so that he could be sure, that he really wasn't finding a pulse, and his fears were confirmed as he couldn't hear a heartbeat, either. Couldn't feel a thing. Edward quickly picked his head up and looked down at the man- the body- then up, around, eyes flicking from point to point as he shakily fixed his glasses. Gaze aimless and fearful. What did he do?A man just died in front of him. Edward's mind immediately jumped to murder, that there was someone nearby, someone dangerous, and it made him want to get up and run home, but he couldn't just leave this person here, could he? Would that be right? Even if he called someone, got help, reported it. But even that filled him with fear. Would they think he did it? Surely they couldn't blame him when there was no reason to, no evidence for it, but Ed was just scared. He didn't know what to think.Edward didn't know what he was doing. He didn't know why something in his head was just telling him to take the man with him. And he didn't know why he couldn't fight that voice. But before he knew it, Edward was shifting, sliding his arms under the man on the ground and scooping him up, grunting out a short sound from the effort as he stood up. Holding a body. Carrying it. He looked around again. He really needed to get out of here. It was a struggle. Very much so. And a very terrifying one, realizing that there was nothing more suspicious than the sight of a man carrying another very motionless one anywhere, let alone into his apartment, but he simply tried to focus on the task at hand and hope like hell that no one saw anything. By the time he was up there, he was too exhausted to care anyway.Placing the man onto the closest surface there was, his bed, Edward let out a heavy breath and stepped back, panting as he stared at the body. Gaze drifting after a moment to glance around his apartment, letting out a breathy laugh of disbelief and despair that made him feel like he was going a bit crazy as the stinging of forming tears pricked at his eyes. Great. Great. Why the hell did he do this? Why did this happen to him? It was going so well. He made it this far. He was getting his car back soon. He just needed to make it a couple more days without any problems.He looked back to the body. Brought his hands up to his mouth as he stepped backward, letting out a muffled sound into them like a whine as he stumbled and ended up sitting down at his couch. Still staring at the man on his bed the entire time.He didn't know what to do. What was he supposed to do?
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Oswald remembers a silvery light. Round and opulent and brightly casted behind a shadowy figure. A hazy, yet brilliant, satellite casted down upon him. So intense, he feared he may burn alive in that very instance. Then he saw black. Then green. Viridescent bursts behind his eyelids like the beginnings of a Jackson Pollock painting. The muffled sound of panic. The feel of uncomfortable warmth against the chill of his skin. The press of a blanket across his chest. Oswald felt unconscious and aware, all the same. Confused, yet lucid. A familiar symptom of this unfortunate phase of starvation. As if a computer in sleep mode.When he finally awoke, that same satellite peered down menacingly through a large window. So dark, unlike it. The rest of his surroundings a pitch black void. One big eyeball of a flashlight gazing into those starving eyes as if to mock him. He turned his head, almost sighed out at the feeling of a plush pillow beneath it. The weight of a large comforter against his chest. The quiet hum of the AC firing up, interrupting the otherwise silence. He was in an apartment. A studio apartment, he decided, as he gazed at the kitchen just across the way. An island with two stools, hovered by four large unlit lamps. There was a ladder and a sink and a white pantry filled with, what he presumed was, glassware.He noticed a small dining table out of the corner of his eye, turned his head to soak in the rest of his surroundings, then jumped at the sleeping figure on the compact sofa just beside it. Sitting up a little in the bed at the abrupt sight. His brain still felt a bit foggy from the long, and much needed, rest. But upon seeing the man, his stomach was back to eating itself. Perhaps it was placebo. A mind trick. But that familiar scent was hitting him tenfold. The visions of juicy pomegranate and deep, red cherries. Dripping from his chin in a most obscene way. It had already been a solid seven hours of no feeding since he’d passed out. It had to have been at least eleven by now.A groan ripped from his throat as a hunger pang pierced his stomach. Climbed his chest like a spider. Clenched around his unbeating chambers like a boa, knocked the wind from his body. His entire being was suddenly in pain. So much more than achy. Greater than any torment from his past. It reminded him of the last time he had felt this way. Hundreds of years ago. That bitter taste on his tongue, the stabbing knife through his heart. The whispered words of all his fears as those lips brushed his ear, before canines sinking deep into the throbbing veins in his throat. He wished he had the power to forget. To move on from his past life and leave it all behind. But he will never go unhaunted by those words.
I will never love you, Cobblepot.
He gripped the blanket, ripping it from his body. He was still in the same clothes as earlier, appreciated the privacy this stranger had bestowed upon him, though his shoes had been removed. Assumed it to be some sort of germ thing. He attempted to sit up straighter, with his back against the headboard, groaning out again as another wave of pangs crashed through his abdomen. His hand gripped his stomach, clawing at the fabric as if to rip the pain from within it, then stumbled out of the bed. His legs ached, vision blurring again as his knees hit the floor with a loud bang! He watched the body stir.He assumed this man presumed Oswald dead. Well...he was technically dead. But besides that technicality, Oswald would have been perceived as a dead human being.
So why bring him back to his apartment?
He went through any possibility. A mortician. Perhaps frightened. A sicko. Curious. Necrophiliac. None of them necessarily made sense in his brain. The man appeared normal. Still dressed in, what Oswald assumed was, his work clothes. A plaid dress shirt, a tie, dress pants, and a dusted blue lab coat. A scientist? He guessed it wasn’t so farfetched. Still, it didn’t quite necessarily answer his question. Did the man think he could save Oswald?He sighed out, shakily. Attempted to crawl toward the couch. The man was easy takeout, Oswald almost felt too lucky. Luck, mixed with only a tinge of guilt. He was a vampire, this was no secret, at least amongst the divots in his own brain. And with such a curse came with the responsibility of indifference. It’s what he needed to survive. A tortured life of having no remorse. But, Oswald was human first. That was always his first mistake. It’s how he ended up here.His nails carved at the wood floor, his knees dragging him along toward the unconscious man. Lifting a hand to pull himself upward against the armrest of the sofa. Using whatever he could as leverage to pull his body to a standing position. He watched the man stir. Could hear his breaths, so uneven and quiet. Could hear the thumping of those thick veins through a particularly transparent patch on his neck. His mouth grew dry, another set of pangs constricting him as he let out another sound of pain. Keeling over, pressing one palm into the stranger’s thigh and squeezing. Clenching his eyes, so red and bright, as if to clear his mind.He craved for this to be over. Knelt down to where he assumed he was face level, then opened his eyes. Finding a pair of brown ones gawking back.
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Distraught was a good way to describe Ed. Distraught, terrified, maybe a little worried he was actually going insane. That this was the final straw to break and snap whatever had been keeping the different facets of his mind together. Dramatic may have been another word to use, if it weren't for the voice in his head arguing with him not to walk out that door every time he was tempted to, or to put his phone away every time he picked it up and let his thumb hover over the buttons that could have Jim on the other line in moments.Why? Why? What good could possibly come from keeping a dead body in his home? A random one at that, and one that he decided to put in his own bed. If he wasn't so worried sick, he'd be more concerned about buying a new mattress after this, maybe a whole new frame to be safe, or apartment. What good was this? What could he do but contact someone for help or watch it rot away?Or dispose of it. But that hardly seemed logical. Or moral. This man was a stranger, which means he could have been a bad person, sure, but he could have been good. Deserving of more respect than some jittery moron throwing him in a river, or chopping his limbs up for easy mobility somewhere else. Down a drain perhaps. No.No, Ed would just wait. Sleep on the couch. Tell Jim when he was at work tomorrow. That way he could speak to him face to face, gauge his reaction, his tone, Ed could defend himself more easily and not have to worry about being hung up on. Just... Cuffed and thrown in a cell.The decision was come to after a long bout of staring at the body in his bed, maybe a little crying, a lot of pacing back and forth, and a few anxious flaps of his hands. Eventually settling back down on the couch... And staring some more. Staring until he couldn't bare it anymore, until he had to pretend it wasn't there just to keep himself from panicking all over again, and until he was so exhausted both mentally and physically that he could no longer keep his eyes open. Work clothes still on his body, glasses still on his face, tear stains still on his cheeks.Even if he could have gotten himself to grab clothes to change into, he wasn't sure he could have gotten past the fact that there was a stranger there, even if they were dead.He hadn't gotten to sleep for long. A few hours, maybe. A few hours until sounds had him shifting, frowning, not quite awake but almost there. Disturbed from what little peace he had managed to find in his exhaustion. A bump, a scratch, a few noises that may have gone by unnoticed otherwise. But then there was a hand. Squeezing at his thigh. And when he opened his eyes, there was a man in his face.
There was a man.
With a startled yelp, Edward immediately jumped up into a sitting position to scramble back along the length of the couch, ending up on the floor in his haste but only using that to push himself back and away further, one or two pushes of his feet worth until his body told him to stop. For a couple of reasons. For one, the man stayed put, and second… Ed's eyes flicked to the bed. The bed. The empty bed. They looked to the man, then the bed, then back, and back again. Eyes wide, lips parted as he panted, chest heaving. Still panicked but processing.And then his breathing became a little more uneven, but a little slower. A little more controlled, until it started to come out in breathy laughs. Disbelieving and relieved. His gaze still bounced back and forth like he was trying to understand, but he knew enough."You're alive... You're alive." The last utterance came out through a laugh, and another one followed it. "Oh-... Oh, thank god."Ed let his eyes close and head drop just a moment, trying to catch his breath. Trying to settle his heart down, the way it felt like it was going to burst out of his chest at any moment from the shock and physical exertion he just put himself through. Or... This man put him through. Either way. He was thankful. Very, very thankful. At least he wouldn't end up in jail now.Taking a deep breath to try and calm his nerves, blowing it out, he picked his head back up and opened his eyes. Actually taking a moment to look the man over and try to assess his condition now that he had a moment to process past the whole dead man actually being alive part of it. And Ed's eyebrows furrowed. A hand quickly coming up to adjust his glasses, then coming back down. The man was on his knees just as he had been before, and also like then... He didn't look good at all. Pale, sick, in pain, skin and bone as if picking him up hadn't told Ed enough, and suddenly he felt bad for taking so long just just to process that this person was up and out of his bed."You-..." Edward shifted so that he was no longer leaning back on his hands, instead looking as if he was about to crawl forward before sitting back on his legs, still unsure whether or not he should be approaching a stranger that he had brought into his home and was... Well, exactly that. Strange. Hurt, in need of help, maybe, sure, but that didn't mean he wasn't dangerous. Or wanted to be, seeing as it hardly looked like the other could even stand. "... What happened to you? I think we need to get you to a hospital.”
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Oswald expected a scare upon realizing the man was awake. Expected him to go barrelling backwards against his floor. Using any strength in his sleepy body to further the distance between them. And just that happened. A familiar display for Oswald. To be feared. To recognize the curse in those hungry eyes of his. A striking vermilion against his pale skin. He didn’t react in turn. Just stayed there on the floor, one hand gripping his stomach. The other, lazily dragging against the ground.He was weaker than he’d ever felt. Like the fatal moments just when death approaches in a cold hospital bed and you drift into a bright light as the monitor comes to a monotone beep. Somewhere there in the background. Or even the fatal moments of his own death, those years before. The pounding of his heart slowing in his ears like he was trapped inside his own body. The aching burn that coursed through him as his soul was stolen. Was sucked from between his lips.Oswald stared at this man, who had begun to calm down. Much to his surprise. Watched him heave out a laugh of relief at the fact that he was…alive? Oswald’s lips twitched out a small smile. A little shocked that he’d not noticed his eyes yet, hadn't figured out that he was something far beyond human. Hadn't demanded answers as to what he was. Instead, only concerned.Oswald had to say, he was a little honoured.He observed the stranger. The way he fixed his glasses. Knelt forward with ease, in an assumed caution. Most likely taking safe measures in any case Oswald very well may be dangerous. The man held a curious gaze as he sat back against his legs. Curious and disquieted as his eyes scanned Oswald’s condition. He was certain he didn’t look well. It never took him long to become skin pulled back on bones, with a complexion paler than his regular state. He could see it when he peered down at his hands. So pallid and frail and weak, those veins like coal against his ivory flesh. He was sure this stranger was confused, especially at the next words he spoke.Oswald’s eyes peaked in interest as he looked back up at the man. Held one hand up, the other pressed firmly against the floor.“No,” He stated weakly. Damn this stupid man. Damn him for trying to help. Oswald’s plans were beginning to shift, even with that scent still wafting around his nose. As if to tease him. He hated feeling bad. Hated even being a part of it. Never once in his life thought it would come to this. Sure, he always knew the danger. Had been familiar with the existence of vampires since he was a child. Could still hear the screams of his mother, the shadows of blood spraying his walls as her life was being taken. Ripped from him. Soon dedicated to a world of hunting them down, finding the identity of the one who had taken his light.He still didn’t know to this day.“No…hospital…no ambulance. They…won’t help.” He spoke slowly. Like all energy was sucked from his body. All spirit. All vitality.Did he dare share his secret? Tell this man who- what -he was. Enlighten him with the knowledge of the one thing that could send him back out onto the streets- or worse. Staked in the heart for being something he had no control over. He felt wrong still craving to indulge in that neck of his, too aware of the deep throb of his heart, of his veins. A smell so potent, he could vomit.He couldn’t eat this man. Couldn’t kill him. He settled on the idea that he may offer to help. Risking the idea of him not. “I’m not going to…hurt you.” Oswald gripped his stomach again. Swooned forward a little as another groan ripped through his throat.Capsizing at the wave of pain that took over. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing it to go away. Willing all of this to end. Swallowed, met the stranger’s eyes. “I’m going to tell you something. You can’t…yell or get scared. Promise me you won’t.” The hand fell with a thump, no longer pressed into his abdomen as the pain began to subside. Sighed out with a sort of relief, preparing for the next ripple of torture. “But first, maybe we should know one another. I’m Oswald.”He sat up a little, leaning forward, pushing himself further toward the man with an outstretched arm. As if to offer a handshake, hoping he would meet him in the middle. “You are?”
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As Edward waited for a response from the man, he blinked a few times and brought his hands up to rub at his eyes, fingers pushing under his glasses to try and wake himself up a little more. He felt very tired and was sure he still looked it, especially considering his eyes felt almost sore and were probably puffy from both exhaustion and previous tears, and god knows how his hair must have looked. He was uncomfortably, unfortunately, in his work clothes as well, which only made him feel all that more disheveled and defeated. But there wasn't a dead body in his apartment. That was a big enough of a win for him.As Ed removed his hands from his eyes and readjusted the glasses, blinking a few more times rapidly to try and refocus after rubbing them, he brought his gaze back to the other man on the floor, brows furrowing in confusion both at the response he was given by him and... His appearance. Frowning deeper as he tried to process what he was even seeing. The guy still... Looked dead. Essentially. So pale, thin, practically skin and bone, and his eyes were... Red? Ed wasn't even sure he was seeing that correctly. Perhaps that his sleepy, traumatized mind was playing tricks on him, or this man really was about to die anyway with some strange, terrible disease. Maybe Ed would die too. Catch whatever he has. Or — because he was dressed rather fancy — maybe he just had an odd sense of fashion. Some weird contacts. Liked the whole vampire look. Ed had seen weirder things in this city.At first, Edward was worried that maybe he had accidentally brought a dangerous man into his home after all, that help wasn't wanted because the other didn't want to be caught, but Edward felt a sinking dread at the words that followed. They won't help. God, was he really going to die anyway? Knew he would so any help would be pointless? It sure seemed it. He had a hard time even getting his words out, and Edward was starting to lose whatever relief he had felt from seeing the man up... Sort of. Out of the bed and conscious, at least.Edward opened his mouth to protest, but shut it as the other continued. Brows still furrowed with worry for the both of them, and perhaps a bit of doubt now that the man could even hurt him anyway. Not in this condition. He was probably more scared of Ed than the other way around. Edward winced as he watched him sway and groan, obviously struggling with some kind of pain, and Ed turned his head to the side slightly, watching the other with a very odd look. Confused, skeptical, concerned. He didn't like how vague that request was."I... Can try, but I don't know how to promise that." Edward replied unsurely, shifting on his legs and pushing his glasses back up his nose more out of nervous habit than necessity this time. He couldn't promise something he didn't know. Especially in regards to not being scared by a stranger that was, admittedly, kind of scary. In the way that a mystery and all the possibilities it held was scary. Much less in the way of being physically intimidating.As the man changed subjects, leaning forward and holding out a hand, Ed couldn't help leaning back the slightest bit instinctually, putting on an even odder expression as his eyes flicked down to the hand and then back up again. Almost comically concerned as his eyebrows rose. This man — Oswald — looked about ready to fall flat on his face, dead in Ed's apartment, and he wanted to exchange pleasantries? Shake his hand, maybe give him whatever weird disease he had? He supposed he couldn't refuse a man's dying wish.Slowly, hesitantly, he moved to a position more on his hands and knees so that he could reach forward with one hand while keeping his distance, ready to pull back if needed."... Edward?" He replied, so unsure of the situation that he couldn't help introducing himself like even that was a question. He took the other's hand in his, about to shake, but he couldn't even get that far when immediately the very obvious lack of warmth against his own palm was very alarming, frowning down at it as his mouth opened but couldn't quite get any words out for a moment. Staring. Picking his head up, eyes locked on their hands a moment longer, then lifting to Oswald's face. "Are-... Are you about to die?"Of course. Of course he was. Stupid. Ed was stupid. He was going to get in trouble for someone dying after all. He didn't do it, sure, but the body would still be in his apartment, because what is he going to do, throw a dying man out into the street? It made sense, the guy knew he couldn't be helped, wanted to tell Ed something horrible, maybe he was just being kind now and trying to make this a slightly less traumatic experience for Edward by letting him know the name of the dead stranger that would be in his home. Perfect. Wonderful. Very thoughtful."Because-... No offense, but you look like it, feel like it, and I honestly thought you were dead already before I even brought you in here, so..." Ed paused as his eyes scanned all across Oswald's body, as if he could find any sort of answer as to what to do next in the other's appearance as he kept a hold of his hand, entirely unfocused on the fact that he was. "I don't know how to help you."The words were uttered rather helplessly, slightly quieter and apologetic, an expression to match as he looked at Oswald with big eyes. He wasn't good with taking care of living things. Entirely inexperienced and ill-equipped. He was better with dead bodies. And maybe that was both ironic and good for the other man once he had passed, but not so much for Ed. He didn't want to get this up close and personal with a death.
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This man was clearly wary of the situation, and rightfully so. A stranger, who just hours before, had been presumed dead; awake, seemingly alive, speaking of words that could do nothing less but frighten. Oswald was sure his appearance was frightening on its own. Now combined with a mysteriously worded sentence, he was sure the man was shaken and confused. The way he flinched backward upon Oswald’s slight approach, cautious in his own movements. Glancing nervously at the space in which his hand was outstretched. He pondered for a moment, pulling away. But Edward was quick to oblige in the request. He was so warm. A pleasant kind of warm. A warmth that almost brought the life back into Oswald.He spoke of his name in the form of a question. Probably in place of things he actually wanted to ask. Disoriented in his facial expressions as he stared down at their joined hands. Oswald assumed it was the temperature. It wouldn’t be the first. He’d spent hundreds of years practicing his vampirism. Meeting people, shaking hands, bringing an odd sense of shock into the individuals who laid eyes on him. Who dared touch. Oswald let his lips curl into a small smile. Like watching a child experience life for the first time.
Edward.
Oswald thought it sounded elegant. Nice. A name he’d consider worthy of respect. Though simple, still lovely. He smiled meekly, especially so at Edward’s next spoken words. A pitiful display of ignorance, though he couldn’t really be to blame. It wasn’t exactly common knowledge that vampires were real. Seen traditionally as a myth. Folklore. A tall tale whispered amongst people whose hobbies were instilling fear in the hearts of ordinary people. Edward did seem ordinary. In the sense that he was just trying to live his life. Not step on any toes. Maybe that’s why he decided to bring back a body he assumed was dead. Maybe he craved a little excitement.
Are you about to die?
Oswald let out a chuckle, blinking as he stared down at the ground for a passing moment. Pondering on his approach. “I fear that would be impossible, Edward.” He said softly, tracing the pattern on the wood floor with his eyes. Watching trails go by as he did so. “I am not as I seem. Though maybe I am.” He peered up through lashes. “Seeing as I appear to already be dead to you.”He didn’t wait for a reaction, knowing it would be one of great confusion. He was curious, however, what the next steps in their interaction would be. It wasn’t Oswald’s first time admitting his secret. He’d done it on more occasions than he could count. But those always ended in slaughter. Victims who he would warn of their unfortunate fates. Like informing someone on death row that their last moments would be spent on an electric chair. He’d never told someone who he planned on keeping alive. For now.Another ripple of pain surged through him. Had him doubling over until his forehead met with the floor. Eyes scrunched tightly shut as he held his stomach again, this time met with that fiery sensation all over his flesh. He didn’t have much more time. Though, he wouldn’t die immediately. Something slower. Torturous. Dragged out. Until he just…dimmed.Oswald curled in on himself as his head vibrated. Eyes closed so taut, he saw bursts of light behind his lids. Like fireworks, celebrating something morbid as he let out yet another groan of affliction. He wanted to claw his skin off. Felt like he’d been set aflame. Like the sun had come to show its intentions on his livelihood. “You could help me-” His words were coming out choked as his stomach began to eat at itself again. That endless caterpillar. A doomed cycle. He looked up, his chin now resting against the floor as he met eyes with Edward. “By getting me some…blood. It’s going to become quite difficult for me to avoid stealing yours and…” Groan. His fingers curled harder into himself. “Stealing yours…and I’ve already told myself I wouldn’t. You’ve offered me your humble assistance…I’d feel quite guilty killing someone so innocent…helpless.”Helpless. That word repeated in his head like a mantra. What a joke. Oswald. Helpless. Once again…The feeling abated once more, his body laxing upon the release. A moan of relief escaping him as he let out another sigh, sitting up only slightly as his shaky limbs patted at his clothing. An odd cold sweat overcoming him. Vertigo. Trails of the man- Edward -in front of him, leaving Oswald unable to focus. Closing his eyes to regain his full consciousness.“It can be any form of blood.” He whispered, drooping his lids to find the new stranger. Swallowed hard as his brows worried. “Please.” It was only a breath.
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The longer this interaction went on, the more Edward was well and truly confused. Almost overwhelmingly so, and it was obvious. Visible through his expression, his body language and everything in between. Every word the man spoke felt cryptic to Edward's ears, unable to put them together into anything that made sense into his tired, jarred mind. Anything that gave him an answer as to what was going on, as to what he should do. He could hardly even process the sight right in front of his eyes to begin with.Seeing as I appear to already be dead to you... Yes, and with the previously spoken words, it implied to Edward that Oswald suggesting that he was dead. Which, of course, made no sense. Not unless he was speaking figuratively. Sort of. As in... He was about to be dead. But... He said that was impossible.
What?
Before Ed could have enough time to even begin to try and figure out how to respond to that, the man was doubling over once again, making Ed finally let go and move back as he flinched at the sudden change, a quiet gasp leaving him. Holding his hands up as if he had been burned, as if he had been the one to cause it, and watching helplessly as the other curled up and groaned. So obviously in such pain. It was rather terrifying, knowing and having absolutely no clue how to help. Having to simply sit there and watch someone else suffer.The moment Oswald began to suggest that Edward might be able to help somehow, his fingers twitched, practically itching to get up and do something to aid the man. Anything to stop him from having to go through... Whatever this was. It looked terrible. And sounded it, too. Watching Oswald with a mixture of fear and concern, it quickly morphed right back into confusion, and even more concern.
... Blood?
Edward began to subtly lean back again as the other continued to talk. To groan and struggle. Very put off by the mention of stealing his blood, whatever that meant, and even more so by the suggestion that Oswald was capable of killing someone. Him. Perhaps if he hadn't helped the other. So maybe he was right about bringing someone dangerous into his apartment.He also may have frowned a bit deeper at being called helpless. He still wasn't entirely sure what was going on (or at all), but he still didn't think he appeared to be the helpless one here at the moment.Edward stayed quiet. Waiting for... Something. He had no idea what. Because he was still trying to process, and being told that he needed to get blood did not help him do that. It didn't help him at all. Made it worse, if anything. Where the hell was he supposed to get blood, and why? What could this man possibly need with blood?Edward's hands were still up slightly as he continued to watch Oswald, staring, observant and cautiously so as the other seemed to get over this latest bout of pain and sit up somewhat. Gaze flicking up and down the other's form, trying to take in his appearance a bit more while remaining on high alert. Still shaken by everything, stirred up once more by the perceived urgency of the situation. Even if the man wasn't making any sense, it was obvious he was in a great deal of actual pain.Edward continued to stare. A rather helpless look, near-panicked, and a frown mirroring Oswald's as the man begged. Voice only a whisper, a breath. Only a brief moment passed before Ed's eyes started to flick around, head starting to follow a second later as he quickly looked around the small space of the apartment, unsure of what he was even looking for. Thinking, trying to, as his already confused mind was coming up empty-handed.
Blood?
"Um..." Immediately his head checked off the obvious no's. There were no other people here, no animals, and he sure as hell wasn't stepping outside to bring any in. He wracked his mind for anything that could even have blood, and another moment passed before he quickly got up off the floor, fast steps taking him over to the fridge to open it before shutting it and whirling back around just a second or two later. Letting out a huff as his eyes continued to bounce around anxiously. No red meat.The time in which it took for Ed's eyes to land on the block of knives to then pull one out with the idea of using it on himself was really rather alarming, and that didn't quite register in his head at first until he was turning to look at the man on his floor, knife in hand, and he had to think about what he might have to do next with it."Wait... I don't-... I don't understand. What-... What are you going to do with it? Why do you need it?" He asked as his face scrunched up slightly with it, asking in a manner as if he was wanting to be reminded of something he had already been told, a what was that again? But, maybe with a little more panic and concern. Just some. Because now he was starting to think that he was actually delirious, suffering from a lack of sleep, or maybe he was asleep and dreaming, because only then was he ever this confused about something. This utterly clueless and lost in a way that was also rather horrifying. Why the hell was he considering cutting himself for a stranger in his apartment?
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Watching Edward bounce around the room in a near panic had this bout of adrenaline coursing through Oswald’s veins like a waterslide. Could smell the pickup of Edward’s heart, his own veins pulsating and thick and- God -Oswald doubled over again. A throbbing in his head like his body had jumpstarted. Came alive. The sound of rain in his eardrums like a crackle of electricity jump starting his heart. The smell of iron. Sweet and metallic and sticky. Could taste it on his tongue. Could feel it fill his throat.The first time Oswald had drank blood, he felt as if he’d choke on it. Thick and gooey, coating his larynx. Gurgling, gasping for air as his body was transforming. The full moon blazing down at him. Glaring, watching, observing.
If you don’t drink it, you’ll die. Your choice.
Those whispered words caressing the shell of his ear as his entire soul ripped through his body. Like he’d been peeled back. His flesh cleanly slipped from him like a casing. Swallowing down that gore and feeling the completion of his mutation. A curse in its final stages as he drank the love of his life’s ichor. Salty and hot and sticky and bitter. The best thing he’d ever tasted.Craved more. A powerful desire gushing through his body. The echoes of his cries trailing the woods as he became the one thing he despised so in this world.Oswald breathed out, twisting his neck to find Edward standing above him. With a knife. That same look of worry and confusion sported across his face, contorting his features into something of a somewhat panic. Oswald choked on his own tongue, coughing as another ripple of pain passed through him. This time quick and sharp. His fingers clawed at the wood floor, his eyes begging and wet and red. The deepest shade of vermilion they’d ever been since the night he changed for good. Hunger spilling through every facet of his form as he sucked in a gust of wind. This wasn’t good. How could he allow himself to go so long?“I need to drink it, Edward.” He near snapped, curling in on himself again, with his chin pressed to his chest. Holding his abdomen for dear life.Oswald whimpered, a streak of black cascading down his cheek as that wet from his eyes spilled over. The pain, almost unbearable. Leaned back to see trails again, his own memories flashing behind his eyelids like reels from a movie. His mother, his father, his old home, that blood splattering across his walls with the sounds of his mother’s screams stained with them. Victor. Another tear. Then another, and another. Until a mess of black was coating his cheeks like mascara on a rainy day. He could hear the organ of his own funeral playing in the background of his mind.Edward was still standing there, knife in hand. Glowing against that silvery satellite through the window. Moon, opulent and large. A ripe honeydew in the night sky. He finally looked back to the man, met his eyes. Watery and sad and begging. Opened his mouth with his head tipped back, baring his teeth like a scared dog, mean and angry in defense. Eggshell canines suddenly sprouting from outside his incisors. Long and sharp and threatening. His eyes never left Edward’s. Something about the moment felt incredibly personal. Intimate.“I’m a vampire, Edward.” His Adam’s apple bobbed as he spoke. Like imploring that blood from within his wrists. "A monster."
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Edward was almost bordering on becoming so skeptical at this point that he was about ready to tell this man to leave, to try to usher him out with the knife in his hand or maybe call Jim after all and hope that the kitchen utensil was enough to keep himself safe until the man arrived, but he was still confused enough and concerned for the other that he couldn't quite bring himself to that point. Instead feeling the need to clarify, to try and understand, to still try to help. Because it was very difficult to not still be scared for the other when he was in such a critical state, practically writhing on the floor in pain in a way that had Edward instinctually wanting to help. To hurry before it got any worse. What kind of person would he be if he didn't?So he gave the man a chance. A benefit of the doubt. Maybe there was a good reason he wanted blood. Of all things. Maybe there was something Edward was missing entirely. Too tired and panicked to think clearly, to pick up on whatever it was. And the man seemed awfully sure of it. That he needed it.Ed's shoulders hunched slightly at the way Oswald coughed and curled up, a flinch, and once again, he wasn't sure he heard correctly. Or more so, hoped that he hadn't. His expression turning to one of pure disbelief and almost horror.
Drink it... Drink it?
That couldn't be right. Ed couldn't think of one good reason why anyone would be needing to drink blood. Especially if they were this ill. He couldn't think of a single condition, even the oddest of ones that would require such a thing. Maybe a weird fetish, something psychological, but to ease pain and whatever he was currently struggling with? No. That would certainly only make him more sick.But Edward's own internal debate couldn't argue with what his eyes saw. With what they were met with in the other's. The intensity of unnaturally red irises accompanied now by even more unnaturally black tears, streaking down a pale face. Making Ed's own eyes widen, and remaining so as he then gasped, nearly jumping once more with the sight of long, sharp teeth bared to join it all in a horrifying picture of something that his mind was not ready to process. A scenario that it refused to.Especially when the other spoke.All Ed could do was stare. Frozen in place as was the look of utter confusion and fear on his face. He didn't understand. Couldn't understand. The rational part of his mind telling him over and over that it wasn't possible, that this was some kind of trick, that he was in danger. That he needed to get away, to get this man out, get help for himself before he got hurt by someone that was clearly out of their mind. Dangerous. Or maybe Ed was insane. Well and truly lost it, finally, imagining that there was a vampire in his apartment. In front of him. Speaking to him. Real.But everything that he was seeing wouldn't allow him to fully believe that. That this wasn't exactly what it appeared to be, what the man was telling him it was. Because how else could it be explained? What in this world could possibly explain Oswald's features? People didn't cry black tears. People didn't bare fangs where they had normal teeth just moments ago. And they also didn't lie that still, cold, and without a heartbeat for that long and get back up again. Without even warming up.So Edward continued to look at him. Continued not to move a muscle outside of the way his heart pounded and his breath came in and out in short, quick bursts. His gaze eventually drifting away aimlessly, flicking around in a panic, targeting nothing in particular at all as his mind scrambled for an answer. A solution. Anything. Desperate to try and properly process even any of it. But soon, there was something that spoke to him again. Something in his head that told him that he did know what to do. That he shouldn't question it. Any of it.He supposed there could be some logic to that. Listen to the man, see what he did. Prove that it was useless. Call his bluff. Protect himself. Oswald had implied that he would kill Edward if he didn't help, or that he would harm him in some way at the very least. Take the blood by force. It was logical. Smart. Safe.Though, what shouldn't have been logical was the way that Ed looked to the counter, setting the knife down. Thinking how that if Oswald was truly a vampire, if he had teeth like that, Ed wouldn't need to cut himself. They bit. He had seen enough movies, read enough books. There had to be some truth in them, somewhere.But that was ridiculous. Vampires aren't real.
And yet.
Edward took a step toward Oswald, stopped, took one back again as if changing his mind, but then moved forward once more, shaky and unsure as he got back down to his knees. Joining Oswald on the floor, close, but still keeping just more than an arms' length between them as being near felt far more dangerous than it had last time. Ed held a hand up, moving as if he was about to hold it out, but took it back near his chest and curled his fingers into his palm, not quite able to make eye contact. To look at what was in front of him. As much as he wanted to be able to, to understand what he was seeing, to learn, it was overwhelming as the idea of being harmed was not just a very real possibility, but an inevitability at this point. One that he was now allowing. Gaze dropped in surrender, submission."You-... You can... Bite me, right?" He asked, voice quiet and unsteady as he attempted to hold his wrist out once more, not making it far or able to keep it still. As if he was actively fighting himself on it, back and forth between offering, and retreating. Not able to get his body to cooperate as the fear of being grabbed, bitten, hurt in whatever way might come had him reflexively inching back each time he tried. He had the sudden thought in the back of his head as well that vampires were typically thought to bite necks, but Edward was not about to go offering that up willingly. Not like this. "I don't-... I don't know."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Oswald expected much. Watching in a shocking patience as Edward stared down at him with a look of horror. Twisted fascination as he stood there, so frozen Oswald thought for a moment time stood still. His apartment settled quietly. That AC still humming gently, crickets singing to the passing cars on the road. Flashes of headlights running across the walls over and over like passing bullet trains.Oswald didn't dare speak a word, in fear of something going wrong. In fear of furthering this poor man’s panic. Glanced between those wide, brown eyes and the knife still clutched firmly in his grip. What was he planning on doing with it anyway? Surely the source of blood wasn’t going to come from himself.The vampire swallowed thickly. Could hear the pace of Edward’s heart quicken again, a clear sign of nervousness as their eyes stayed glued to one another. Like an invisible string tying them together. Pulled taut to leave no space for leaving either behind. He wondered if he feared of Oswald harming him in some way. That wasn’t the plan. Though if Edward didn't act fast enough, things could easily go south.Suddenly the man was moving. The sound of the knife sliding across the counter making Oswald jump, his eyes quickly looking to it, then back as Edward was getting down onto his knees. Unexpected. Arm outstretching for only a moment, those eyes of crimson tracing its every move, before it curled back into its owner's chest. Cradled by his other hand as Edward’s eye contact broke. Facing the floor with a harrowing gaze.Oswald stared in wonder. In worry. For his own safety. For Edward’s. It wouldn't be long until his brain would snap. Until he’d lose control. Leave the man to be nothing but a pile of blood and bones on the floor. The one thing he’d been trying to avoid. He could understand the need to process, but Edward did not know what he was messing with.Oswald froze at the next words suddenly spoken, eyebrows furrowing in a new form of confusion,
now glancing down at the floor in thought. Bite him? Surely he had heard wrong. You’d have to be insane to offer yourself up like that. Vampires didn't just bite people. Not unless it was to drain you of your blood completely, or give you the curse, as well.Biting without a form of death was like choosing your life partner. Usually reserved for Familiars who had gone through an entire trial of dedicating your life to said creature. A tedious process. A commitment so diligent, a life outside of your vampire was no life at all. Non-existent. Gone. Edward truly didn't understand what he was offering.Oswald looked up again. Watched in his own horror at the careless sentence that had left Edward's mouth. A trail of words escaping in a quick flash, ribboning their way through Oswald’s brain as he struggled to wrap his head around the idea. He looked down to the floor again with wide eyes and furrowed brows.“A bite where I don't kill is followed by a permanent bond between vampire and human.” Oswald explained quietly. Slowly. Softly as he continued to trace the wood with his eyes. His skin vibrated as he thought of it. He’d never had a Familiar before. Never cared enough to seek one out. The thought of following another written rule under the Vampire handbook, sickening. His fingers curled in and out of his palms nervously.“I…” He licked his lips. Smelled that potent blood sloshing around in Edward’s system. Struggled to hold back the saliva that began to build in his mouth. “I could do it. But you need to know the consequences.” Oswald met those eyes again. Wet with worry. With excitement. Dread and adrenaline. He curled his hand again. Bit at his own lip.“We will be bonded for life. Forever. Until you die.”Suddenly, his whole body was in pain. That tortured feeling of being set aflame. Like standing in the direct rays of sunlight and letting it rip the last shred of your soul apart. He squeezed his stomach, curled into himself. Chin pressing to his chest again as he let out a groan of unrelenting agony. That endless caterpillar. Eating its own tail as it continued to grow. That dooming cycle. Refreshing like a web page over and over and over again. Spinning around with no true end.He coughed into his hand as that pain dulled, a smudged puddle of black cupping into it, before he peered up at Edward. “It’s your choice. But you need to decide quickly.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, ran that palm against his pants to rid it of that tar like liquid. He’d get them dry cleaned later, he supposes.“If it helps any,” He said again, now breathing a bit heavier at the smell of rich iron. Watching the veins in Edward’s skin pulse. Heard the heavy thump of his heart. “It’s supposed to feel quite euphoric. You won't be in any pain.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
This was stupid. Really stupid. There was nothing about this, the situation nor the man in front of him, that should have made Edward feel like he should be staying put, complying, offering himself in a way that made him so vulnerable. Opened himself up to being an easy victim to whatever the other's plans were. And if Ed even lived through it to come out the other end in one peace, how could he possibly live with himself knowing it was his own damn fault? That he let a stranger lure him in by claiming that he was a vampire?
Edward was so stupid.
But he wasn't moving. No. He had already made his choice. Already decided that he'd rather understand than to run, his morbid curiosity getting the best of him and winning over everything else. Because what if? What if the man was telling the truth? What if this was all real, all exactly as it appeared to be, and there really truly was a vampire in his apartment? There was certainly that part of his mind that still refused to believe it, thought him to be stupid for even entertaining the thought, but it was getting harder and harder to be so sure. Not with a pale-skinned, red-eyed, fanged being coughing up and crying black right in front of his eyes. A being that Edward was sure would still have no pulse were he to check in that moment.But he wouldn't. He didn't need to. He was going to let the other's actions speak for themselves, and face whatever consequences they brought.Perhaps it was the fact that Oswald still hadn't harmed him. Had a few chances, already, between falling asleep on the couch and now being so close to the other more than once. Maybe it was that, that allowed Ed to feel like he could at least try. See where this led him. Because if Oswald didn't want to hurt him, then what was the worst that could happen? They both make fools out of themselves, and then he kicks the man out. Ed loses some sleep and has to go into work tomorrow, tired and possibly warning the detectives of a crazy man running around town saying he's a vampire. Could be worse. Could be much worse.That's what Ed kept telling himself. Along with it's fine, everything's fine, and any other variation of the phrase or its sentiment as he tried to keep from backing out and skipping straight to the part where he got this man out of his home. Just so he could be alone and try to calm himself. Soothe away the stress he was under. Stop having to wonder. Hand still hovering between the two and remaining almost reactionless as the other eventually began to speak after a stretch of silence.A permanent bond. Edward glanced at Oswald. Gaze dropping back down to his own hand after a moment as he wasn't sure he could bear looking at the other for long. Less out of fear of being hurt, and more out of actually being convinced that this was real.You need to know the consequences. Edward's heart rate picked up briefly, and he met the other's gaze as he caught the movement of Oswald lifting his head to look at him. Unable to look away now. Consequences? It was difficult to imagine any aside from a bite wound. It was difficult to even imagine someone wanting to bite him in the first place. But a vampire? It was still too farfetched to bear any weight in his mind.We will be bonded for life. Quite honestly, the words held nearly no meaning to Edward. Unable to think in such serious terms in regards to what was either a mythical creature, or a mentally unstable, sick man. Either Edward was insane, or he would get bitten, and then have to file a restraining order, perhaps. And in the least likely case that what the man said was true, well… Ed still had no basis of knowledge to go off of. No way to grasp such a concept. To know what any of this truly meant. He couldn't know what he was getting into.And if there was any hope of him backing out, it was quickly pushed aside the moment that Oswald seemed to be struck with that pain once again, Ed shrinking back as he watched in horror while his heart pounded away in his chest. Desperate once again to make it stop. All of it, all of this, whatever this man was going through. He hated the way it sounded, how Oswald looked to be in utter agony, and even if he was a perfect stranger to Edward, that didn't erase his compassion. His natural compulsion to help. His mind was already made up, but the urgency cemented that decision. Even as the other seemed to recover somewhat from this bout of pain, wiping his mouth. Trying to reassure Ed that he wouldn't be in pain.It almost seemed as if Oswald had made up his mind as well. Trying to talk Edward out of it, and yet trying to ease his nerves. Speaking in more certainties than possibilities. And somehow, perhaps foolishly so, it did calm down the fear that ran through Ed. Eased his hesitancy, slowly allowing curiosity to creep back in with more force. A desire to understand, to experience something so truly unique and unheard of were it true.Because what if? What if Oswald was honest? Was everything he said he was? What would it be like? How much would everything Ed knew about his life change?Edward swallowed thickly. Kept his wrist upturned, eyes trained on it as he held it out closer to Oswald. Scooted slightly closer with the help of his free hand. He glanced up at the other's face, down, up and then back again. He pushed his glasses up with that other hand, cleared his throat quietly and nodded in a quick, almost subtle fashion. His heart refused to calm down now in anticipation for whatever was to come, but it wasn't all entirely fear now. Mixing in with almost a sort of excitement, a thrill at the possibilities that could come with these next moments.Maybe he would be disappointed. But there was only one way to find out."You-... You can do it." Edward confirmed, voice still a bit unsteady, quiet, but determined. His fingers curled into his palm and he squeezed once, then relaxed. Taking a deep breath and letting it out through his nose as he tried to calm himself. "... It's not like I have anything else going on." The words were added in a half-hearted attempt to lighten things up for himself. Let out partially under a breath as his gaze began to flick back and forth between his own wrist and the other man once again. Anticipatory.He really didn't. Work. That was all. Work. When he got home, he had no other responsibilities. Certainly no one that needed his time. What would be the harm in being... Bonded? Even if to someone he knew nothing about. He supposed he'd learn. And if that were really the case, he wanted to know absolutely everything.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Edward seemed like a predictable man. Had given him the mundane reactions that Oswald had grown accustomed to. Confusion, followed by fear, followed by a deep horror he was sure pitted their bellies like he’d gone and gutted them. Oswald knew the feeling himself. He was a vampire. But he was human first. He had tasted the harrowing terror of being face to face with fear itself. On multiple occasions. Long nights of hunting down the one creature that had taken his only true meaning to life. His poor dear Gertrud. His mother, the saint she was. Gone far too quickly, ripped from his grasp in the matter of seconds.He had come face to face with love. The worst feeling of all. Far worse than realizing that love was just another form of terror. Yet another thing wrenched from him like a moth plucked of its wings. He could still taste life on his tongue, but what was the point if he could no longer fly?Edward was a predictable man. Most likely a predictable life. A normal apartment, a normal job, normal hobbies with his normal clothes, and his normal glasses, and normal hair. He didn’t seem the type to go around getting himself into trouble or danger. So maybe that’s why he uttered those next words. Had Oswald whiplashed. Offering his wrist like cotton candy at a fair. His heart was racing. Oswald could hear it. Smell it. Taste it. His own mouth watering as he glared down at Edward’s arm. He imagined how he probably looked. Like one of those old cheesy vampire flix, where the poster is of a stereotypical Dracula-esque man hovering down at a low angled camera, a bright light casting from below his face. Highlighting all the wrong features. It was difficult remaining calm. That fire inside of him clawing its way out through his chest.He finally broke contact with that flesh, met his eyes with Edward’s. Oxblood red. Almost a burgundy-purple. So hungry he could launch himself toward the man. Go for the neck instead. He pondered on asking if he was sure. If he truly wanted to go through with this. It seemed like he wasn’t completely grasping the situation. Though, who could blame him? He wasn’t a part of this world, fortunately so. Not so fortunate anymore. And Oswald had yet to go in depth of what a bond truly meant. But, to be completely frank: Oswald was far too famished to give a fuck.He realized, upon reaching forward with an outstretched hand, that he was shaking. Whether from lack of blood to feed on or his own odd nervousness, the tremors had yet to cease. Especially upon contact, suddenly feeling the racing adrenaline coursing through him like a million lightspeeds, sparking in his chest as his vision went blurry again. Swallowed thickly like his throat was caving in. He peered up at Edward through thick lashes, eyes sticky from his own tears, met a pair of two hazel rings. Blinked once. Twice. Then looked down again. Wrapped those cold fingers carefully around the base of Edward’s forearm and slowly brought it to his lips. Ghosting them against the protruding bone there.He could hardly hold himself back, that smell so potent like cherries and bitter almonds and the overwhelming scent of old pennies. Could feel his pulse through his fingertips. He gulped, very obviously so, and looked back at the man with wide eyes. Vermilion. Frightening. “Prepare yourself.” He whispered, before those fangs sprouted again and sank deep into that hot flesh. Oswald saw white, a ringing in both his ears as the only sense remaining was taste. So rich and thick and wonderful, like everything he’d ever dreamt of. That sudden shot of euphoria leaving his body vibrating as he gulped down Edward’s liquid lineage. Bitter and sweet, all the same. So warm and welcoming and fresh.He could feel it leaking, could hear spots of it drip to the floor below. The only sound breaking that constant ringing in Oswald’s ears. That, and the obscene noises coming from his counterpart. His victim. His eyes closed, hot breaths leaving his nose, brows drawn up into a worried fashion as he pressed further. Small, high sounds leaving his throat with every swallow. It felt like it’d been years since he last ate. Since he last fed. Could feel the elasticity reenter his own skin as he continued to indulge. His colour coming back. That grip tightening around Edward’s arm in a natural instinct to protect. Hide what was his, not allow another soul to see. To steal.Finally, he found the sense to pull away, breathing heavily as he fell back onto the wood floor. Used the pads of his fingers to touch his lips, where that sticky gore had stained, dripping down his chin in a most indecent way. His chest was rising and falling, so rapidly he almost questioned if that experience had brought him back to life. Sighed out with fluttering eyes, now back to being bright and blue, before he turned to Edward.“You okay?” He asked, sounding out of breath. Waited a long moment in silence, before he was sitting up again, using his elbows as leverage. “I know it’s intense.” He mumbled.“Thank you.” He said even quieter.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Edward was sure of his decision. Knew his mind was made up, that it wouldn't be changing. He needed to know what the truth was, what kind of reality he was really living in after all, if everything he had ever learned about life wasn't a waste of time or if it was all a lie. Maybe not all of it, but... Enough. Enough that it would possibly make him start questioning everything. Everyone, everything he knew. Because what else was there?If vampires were real... Who was to say other creatures weren't? Other incredible beings, things that weren't so human, things thought to be nothing but silly myths and fantastical stories. If he were being perfectly honest with himself... There was a part of Edward that wanted it to be real. Even if nothing else, then just what the man before him was claiming. That he was truly something more. That in doing this... Ed would be, too. Even if he didn't know what it meant. What it would entail.
He wanted to find out.
That fear did still linger. More so for this being all a lie. And, quite honestly, for the pain. Edward wasn't sure he could trust what Oswald had said, even if he was right about the rest, Ed could hardly imagine that someone biting him hard enough to draw blood — and presumably, a lot of it —wouldn't hurt. That it would feel good, euphoric as the man had said. Holding his arm out to the other made him nervous. The look in Oswald's eyes making him even more so. The color, the hunger, the hesitancy as he was stared at. Making Ed's brows twitch inward with an unsure frown. Nearly second-guessing.But then Oswald was touching him. Cold fingers wrapping around his arm. The contact nearly made him jump, both from the temperature and the unfamiliarity of even such a simple gesture, but he didn't shy away. Tensing, perhaps, in anticipation, but Oswald's hold only made him more sure of his choice. A silent authority in his grasp. Edward's gaze continuously flicked back and forth between the man's face and his own arm where it was held, and as it was brought closer, closer to the other's lips, Edward's heart began to pound heavier than before. Heavier as lips brushed against his skin, nearly making him gasp. Something that could so easily be interpreted as gentle, caring. Intimate. He supposed it was, in a sense.Edward's breathing picked up along with his heart. Scared, but ready. Knowing it was coming and there was no going back. Those eyes bore into his own and he was locked in place, by fear, by obligation, he didn't know anymore, but it didn't matter. Oswald was speaking, he was bearing his fangs, and then he bit down.Edward gasped. His whole body going rigid as his fingers splayed out reflexively in response to what very much was a sharp, hot flash of bone-deep pain at the initial piercing of fangs through skin and muscle, his own mouth agape as he stared in disbelief. Eyes wide with an almost renewed panic at what was happening. What he was seeing. Feeling. His body immediately beginning to kick into that fight or flight response, that desperation to get away as he felt tricked, betrayed, stupid, scared, danger, danger-Edward's breath came in, out. Once, quickly, in shock.Again. Shuddering. Slow. Eyes nearly rolling to the back of his head as they slipped shut.Edward's head tipped back, his breathing changing entirely from rapid, shallow bursts to nearly holding it in between loud, heavy pants. Each quick breath inward sounding like their own little gasp, almost sinful. Especially as they began to be accompanied by other noises. Small, quiet, at first, involuntary on their way out as the pain was replaced entirely, entirely with something else. Something else that had those accidental noises changing into something that sounded much more deliberate, though Ed was hardly even aware of anything in that moment but the feeling that was shooting up his arm and into his entire being. Filling not just his body but his mind. Not creeping in, but invading, every inch it could find within him and so shamelessly too. Leaving him to moaning out his appreciation for it.
It was incredible.
The feeling was so unlike anything he ever could have even imagined. A sense of pure and utter joy, a peace, a lightness that made him forget everything else, all while a sense of pleasure unlike anything he had ever known felt like it was pulsing through his veins. Tingling, vibrating, settling itself into his body's every fibre. It only intensified as it continued. As Oswald continued to drink, as the blood left Edward's body and he began to grow lightheaded. Focused on nothing else but the sensations, helpless to it. He couldn't go anywhere. He didn't want to.
He never wanted to.
Edward's head lulled forward. Eyes closed, beginning to pant more regularly as it became necessary, as his body felt weaker. He could feel the blood dripping down his arm but hardly registered it. Didn't care. Only cared about the warm tongue, lips on his arm, the cold fingers growing warmer and tighter in their grasp, and everything they brought. It was perfect. It was beautiful. It was everything. It was over too fast.The moment Oswald pulled away, Edward dropped to his free hand, the other hanging limply against the floor as he hung his heavy head and panted. Eyes remaining closed for a long moment as he could hardly bare to try and open them. To find the energy to. When he did, he simply stared at the floor. At the blood. At his other hand, arm beginning to shake with the effort of keeping himself held up. Dizzy and swaying subtly, though from the sudden blood loss or intense feelings, it couldn't be certain. Most likely both.When Oswald spoke, Edward didn't react at first. Quiet for another long stretch even after the other had finished speaking. But eventually, Ed found it in himself to pick up his head, movements slow and eyes bleary at first. In a daze. Though as they focused, his breath hitched. Gaze unwavering from Oswald's form.Edward was hit with an overwhelming sense of something he wouldn't have known how to put into words, because he had never felt it. A fondness, a safety, like he wanted to launch himself at the man and never let go. Something he truly couldn't explain. Could hardly even resist in his haze as his eyes began to take it all in. Processing what he saw in front of him.Oswald looked... Different. Better. Healthy. Beautiful. Human. And something else."You-... You look-... You changed." The words came out breathy, quiet. Still a bit out of it and not entirely at capacity to use his words as well as he should have. Or his head. Or anything. Edward looked down as he blinked once, slow and exaggerated as he moved just as slowly to lean to the side and let himself rest against the front of the couch, his arm growing too weak to hold himself up any longer.Once there, Ed closed his eyes. Hung his head slightly and tried to steady his breathing, still on the heavier side, but evening out. Calming down. He was far too aware of the pumping of his own heart, the blood in his veins, the way they throbbed especially in his arm as his body worked to replenish what it had lost. It was... Far less enjoyable than whatever had just happened.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Oswald watched the stretch of time stretch even further, like salt water taffy in long, malleable ropes. A silence without a beat of interruption, apart from the soft shudder of pants coming from Edward’s throat. His parted lips slicked with saliva, shiny against that same satellite. Watching what had transpired through the large floor to ceiling window. Slanted as if looming over them in a haunting scene of a horror movie. Oswald still had blood painted against his chin, still had that metallic taste on his tongue. He felt blissed out, still leant up on his elbows, glancing up and down Edward’s keeled over figure, before leaning his head back. Exposing his neck, Adam’s apple on full display as it bobbed out a sigh.He decided, after another stretch of silence, to finally sit up properly, now meeting those eyes. An odd spark of…something shooting through him. He was unsure of it at first, never having felt such a sensation, but was quickly pulled away as the gaze in Edward’s eyes shifted to something more obvious. This must be what bonding feels like. He assumed it was much stronger for his peer, a sparkly glisten in those eyes that hadn’t been there before. Oswald has no idea the situation he’s just put himself in. A greedy moment of desperation. How careless. He held his head as if to think, quickly decided he didn’t want to think at all. That he’d deal with this later. For now, it was probably best to check up on the man who just discovered Vampires, as well as getting bit by one in the same punch. He opened his mouth, as to speak. But Edward beat him to it.A small smile curled Oswald’s lips, always so oblivious to the fact that normal people didn’t know the things he did. Though, attempting to be patient and well-mannered. The man seemed like he was about ready to pass out. He was sure to have lost a lot of blood. Oswald leaned a little closer, pressing himself into the couch as well, following the actions as if to comfort by mimicking.“My form tends to change depending on a lot of different things. I suppose now that we’re officially bonded, you will start to learn that about me.” He sighed out again at the thought. At how negligent he’d been. He should have just suggested something else. Anything else. Now he had a Familiar, a stranger with a lifelong bond. This was reckless. Stupid.He thought hard, another silence blanketing them. He figured it would be a waste to pester on things he had no power to reverse. It wasn’t as if he’d associated with any other creatures of his kind. And Edward seemed normal enough, accepting enough, to have affiliation. To share whatever became of this bond. Oswald supposed he had bigger fish to fry.He finally looked down. Examined the mess he’d made. The two large holes accompanying Edward’s red wrist. Flush and raw and…painful looking. That crimson drying across his skin in a sticky disarray. It looked like a crime scene. He probably appeared like one, himself. With his face still dripping in the man’s gore. He felt his hand, still in a blissed state, reach for Edward’s. Lifting it to inspect it further, feeling the other flinch upon contact.“I’m just going to heal your wound.” Oswald muttered softly, only glancing up through his lashes once, before looking back down at the wrist. Edward’s skin was so warm, it almost sent shivers down Oswald’s spine. A tingly spark as their flesh reunited. Something else that felt different. Something new for the Vampire. An urge to protect as he intertwined their hands, curling fingers into one another like vines, pressing his lips against that forearm to lick up the remnants of blood across it. Dragging that tongue down over the wound to lap at that, as well. As if a cat grooming its young.He felt a bit awkward doing so, only because he was sure it was awkward for Edward. He knew it wasn’t common practice to just go licking people, but the last thing he’d wanted was for Edward to catch an infection from being careless with such a large wound. Not that he didn’t trust Edward. He just didn’t know him.As soon as he was satisfied, he knelt back, watching those holes disappear as if by magic. Hummed softly, before gently placing his hand back to the floor. Watched it go limp again. A soft display of a weak and tired man feebly draping himself across the couch, as if all his energy was put only into breathing. It made Oswald feel sort of…guilty. Not only had he bonded so carelessly with this poor man, but he’d also taken so much of his vigor just to replenish his own. Such as life. Killing to take. Stealing to survive. No way of escaping death to create new energy.He pressed a palm to Edward’s shoulder, that spark again. Squeezed it gently, as if to get his attention. Even for just a moment. “I think I’m going to go home, Edward.” He was so quiet, afraid of alerting him. “You should get some rest.”Peered up at the clock. Damn. Already 5:45 AM and he didn’t have his umbrella or glasses. He bit his lip with unease. The moon was still out, but for how long? He supposed he could get there in half the time, using his speed ability. But he’d made one too many careless choices tonight and at least he had more energy to think. It’d only be another negligent decision, decreasing that already small window of time between now and his next feeding. Using more energy than necessary, especially when he had a place to stay already.He looked back to Edward, his bottom lip still stuck between his incisors. Lost in thought as the man’s eyes bored into nothing in particular. He supposed he should focus on getting him into his own bed, perhaps ask if he had an umbrella he could borrow until next time.
There had to be a next time…
He slowly got up, using his strength to pull Edward up with him, tossing the man’s arm over his shoulder. Urging him to take steps toward his own bed. He’d been uncomfortably quiet this entire time. Feared that maybe he was traumatized. Oswald decided it was pointless to think about it at the moment. Just another thing to push to the future. Current Oswald was far too mentally exhausted to really care. Future Oswald could handle the baggage.The mattress groaned as Edward was plopped down onto it, being seated forward to get his coat removed. Oswald peered at the badge attached to it. Nygma. What an odd name. He wasn’t sure he recognized it, though it wasn’t as if he socialized much. Oswald usually spent his time alone. Cooped up in a mansion far too large for just his lonesome self. He supposed this interaction wasn’t the worst of its kind. Gave him something to do, something to ponder on later. With both his parents dead and a deep seeded hatred for the one creature he could properly associate himself with, Oswald truly had nobody. Never cared for a Familiar, as it was just another step toward embodying this curse. Plus, people annoyed him way too easily. It was just simpler to be solo. By himself.He sighed out, deciding to distract himself by loosening Edward’s tie.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was an odd thing, knowing that what was happening right in front of you, what was happening to you was of such great importance, such great interest that you wanted nothing more than to know more, to watch and observe and ask a million questions among everything else and yet, not having nearly enough energy to even attempt to do so. To even think about it. Edward could hardly even comprehend the words that were coming out of the other's mouth as he leaned against the couch, vaguely wishing in the back of his mind that he wasn't so tall, just in this moment, so that he could rest his head on the cushion. He could... If he moved. But he couldn't do that right now. He wasn't going to move.Edward did briefly glance at Oswald, though. After listening to his words, the idea of learning more about the man piquing his attention and interest just enough to spur the action. He didn't know what... Any of that meant. Not except for maybe the idea that now because they were bonded, whatever that may entail to the man, that Edward would be seeing more of him. He'd like to assume. With the way Oswald worded things, spoke of them, and the fact that Edward had just let him bite him. Drink his blood. The idea of that same man walking off never to be seen again would have made Edward feel rather used. Dumb. Very, very disappointed. He was far from being able to properly process the idea of vampires being real in this moment, but he at least knew that he did not want this to be the last he saw of Oswald. The last he experienced of what he had just gone through. As much as it didn't feel all too great now that it was over.Edward's gaze dropped back down to stare at nothing in particular. Back and forth between that, and letting his eyes slip shut, simply trying to focus on his breathing. Unable to focus on much else but that. The way that it seemed to even out to a consistent pace that was a little too quick to be considered normal, and a little louder to his own ears than it should have been. Coming out in short bursts through his nose as his body continued to work through what it had just been put through. Dizzy, lightheaded, he felt cold and almost sick. Very, very tired. Would he die, if he fell asleep now? The thought was more alarming than he would have liked.The unexpected touch to his hand was enough to have him still flinching as his eyes opened to see what was happening, though the initial fear that the contact may have brought quickly subsided. Being replaced with something that almost had Edward pushing his arm out further into the touch, closer to Oswald to encourage. For what, he didn't know, didn't really care. But he made no such move, not needing to even if he had the energy for it. Oswald was holding him. Not letting go. Intertwining their fingers, touching lips to his wrist, and Edward sighed out through his nose almost happily as his eyes closed once more. No longer worried, no longer scared. Trusting Oswald fully whether he should have been or not. It felt like he should. He did. He wanted to.Edward's arm tensed slightly once he felt the other's tongue against it, not out of discomfort, but almost as if it felt too good to remain still. Fingers weakly squeezing around the ones that held him. It was over too soon, and the loss of that strange new pleasure was about the only thing he registered from it. Too tired, too dizzy to pay much mind to the purpose, the result, much of anything. Almost as if he was dozing off, having to be brought back to attention as the hand to his shoulder had him looking, down at an arm, up at a face, the joyful, pleasant tingling of the contact clashing with the sudden dread, the way his stomach dropped at the man's next words. Unsure of why he even felt such a thing.But he knew he didn't want to be alone. Not like this. He didn't want Oswald to go. Not after that. He wanted to protest, to grab him, stop him, but Edward was too tired. Too out of it. It was almost as if everything that was happening around him didn't even feel real anymore. Teetering between consciousness and sleep in a state of perpetual confusion.Before he knew it, he was being brought up to his feet, knowing he would have fully stumbled and fell if it weren't for the other supporting him and his weight as he was led away from the couch. Relishing in the new, fuller contact, but only for a moment until he registered that he was at his bed once he was sat down. He was beginning to be undressed, and he simply went along with it. Unable to do much else, no matter what would have been done to him in the moment. But it was okay. He knew it was. Knew somehow now that he was safe, safe with Oswald, that nothing would happen to him while the other man was there. He was being taken care of.Edward did his best to remain upright as to not cause any more inconvenience for the other. He didn't want to be difficult. As his coat was removed, he had the brief worry of not wanting to get blood all over his clothes and bed, but... Well... Seeing as it was already smeared and dried across his arm, as well as in a puddle by the couch, worrying about such a thing was rather pointless. The outcome unavoidable. He would have a mess to clean up, most certainly, and one that he would not be greeted with pleasantly when he woke up, needing to prepare for work, soon, and being dead tired."What-... Where-..." The half-formed questions, the quiet, breathy words left him before he had even realized it, his mouth moving faster than his brain was... And even then, it wasn't fast. Hands worked at his tie, and he remained still. Eyes half-closed as he stared down at the arms in front of him, at Oswald's body. He liked how close they were. "... Where are you going?"As weak as his voice was, the concern still crept through into his tone. The worry he had at the idea of Oswald leaving. What was he supposed to do?"... Are you coming back?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Oswald had been slightly put off by Edward’s sudden…needines. A rather shocking display of words as he aided the man in getting undressed. Comfortable. Something in his tone. So worried. Eager. Panicked, almost. A sense of urgency to know of Oswald’s whereabouts, where he was going to be. As if the man didn't have a home of his own.He was curious where all these questions were sprouting from. This tired, yet dire demeanor - until he remembered. Right. He was biting his lip again. An odd new feeling creeping into his abdomen. Oswald had been alone for…centuries. Rooted in that same fear he held the first and last time he’d ever fallen for someone. Planted there. Like he’d always be in those woods had that man ever needed to find him again. Stuck. In a loop of replaying that moment over and over, like it had just happened yesterday.That terror was coming back. At the thought of letting someone else in. Oswald was used to having nobody. A safe space in his own mind. A safe bet on being solo. He couldn't handle another rejection, couldn't handle answering to someone, couldn't handle another being slithering inside his head and moving around all his parts.His fingers stilled on Edward’s tie. At the concept of letting a human of all creatures, in. He really had no choice in the matter now. Those fingers continued and he hummed, blinking down at his own thoughts. Pondering on how to respond. He wondered if Edward would even remember when he woke up. He pulled the tie over his head and pressed him down against the bed, gently by the shoulder.“Well, Edward. Seeing as you're my Familiar now, I would have to come back.” He pursed his lips. Familiar. What an odd taste on his tongue. He’d just met the man earlier that night, or technically the night before, and now they were soul bound. He hoped this wasn’t some huge mistake. He hoped he hadn’t roped himself, or God forbid, roped this man into something horrible. Something irreversible.He pulled the comforter, which had been a heap on the other end of the bed, over the bottom half of Edward’s torso, giving him a once over before he stood. He felt it unnecessary to ask the man for anything, seeing as he was far too out of it to hold a proper conversation. Instead, glanced around the room. He had to have had an umbrella of some kind. Everybody had an umbrella.He walked toward the sofa, glanced at the pool of blood beside it. Fought the embarrassing urge to squat on his knees and drink the remnants of it up. Mostly out of fear of Edward still watching, awake. Swallowed as he approached the small keyboard piano set up behind it. There were no racks, upon Oswald’s inspection. No place in which an umbrella, or even a coat, would live. Just a wall of miscellaneous framed photographs and paintings along a mostly brick wall. An uneven slab of concrete between spots of crumbling cement blocks.Oswald sighed. He’d already been exhausted enough. Perhaps he’d take the chance. The journey couldn’t have been too far. And even so, he supposes he wouldn’t be in direct sunlight until around 7:00AM. He turned to face Edward, whose eyes were shut. He could tell the man wasn’t asleep yet by his breathing pattern, could hear his pulsing heart. Not slowed by rest. He was sure to be dozing off fairly soon. He made the approach toward the door, slid it open, and entered the main hall to the apartment.He hadn’t made it very far, just at the entrance, where he could find, even at this hour, the bustling of cars and women of the night. Streaks of headlights painting the walls as they passed by. With his hand on the door, pressing to the glass, when a pang of…something hit him. A dread. A longing. An overwhelming disquieted unease just in the pit of his stomach. His face contorted, with eyebrows furrowed. Gripping his abdomen through the fabric of his clothing. Creasing that cotton with the dull of his fingernails. The last time he’d felt such dread was centuries ago. He’d avoided this sensation since. Remained alone to do just that. Stayed to himself.He clenched his jaw and pushed the door open, nearly falling to his knees as the outside wind hit him, whipping his hair across his forehead. Another pang of sadness. Washing over him like the sea drowning the sand. Drowning the shells and the grass. Pulling him into it as he gasped for air, reaching out for that numb feeling again. He stopped walking, nearly jumping as the door closed behind him. A low squeak, then a slam. It was suddenly so quiet to him. Just the howl of the breeze. The pebbles crushing beneath old car tires. Cats wandering the alleys and running from trash can lids crashing to the pavement. He stared off into nothing in particular, with those brows still pulled into a worried crease.He swallowed down, felt every muscle in his neck move as he did so, then felt something roll down his cheek. His hand swiped at it, parting his lips for a breath when he saw the residue of a black tear across his fingertips. What? He ran his thumb across it, rubbing it into his flesh, where it soaked. Why was he crying?He clenched his jaw again. His head was swimming. No. He breathed out, swallowed. No. Finally looked back, up to the window belonging to Edward’s apartment. No, no, no. The emerald light from inside glowing out like a UFO. So viridescent and rapturous. Almost like pulling him in.It all felt like a film. A twisted scene of realization, where the camera pulls in with a Dolly Zoom. That vertigo effect like the world was colliding with your entire being. There was something totally wrong. And Oswald couldn’t pinpoint why. He knew why, but not exactly. This had something to do with the bite, there was no doubt. But what was wrong? Why couldn’t he stay away? Did he develop the power to tell the future? Was his fate coming to a doom? Was the sun going to awaken at a time much sooner than an hour from now?Was his heart going to combust the further he distanced himself from Edward? It felt as such. And before his brain could catch up, he was already at Edward’s door. Sliding it open again. Entering with a soft click. Breathing out in a sort of relief at the sight of Edward still there, laying just as before. Now hazily glancing at him with heavy eyes. Oswald swallowed, removing his jacket as he approached the sofa.His jaw clenched as he embarrassingly looked to the floor. That puddle of blood, still sitting there untouched. “Perhaps I’ll stay here tonight.” He mumbled.But first, he’d probably wash up in the bathroom.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Edward didn't understand his own neediness. Couldn't begin to, between the exhaustion, the blood loss and the sudden, massive change to his life and entire being that he knew not a thing about. Nothing, except that it had happened, and this stranger in his apartment had done it. This man, who had needed his help, who he had brought inside, this vampire, that bit him. Edward could hardly register his own words. His own thoughts. The former coming out almost without the latter to accompany them at all; a reflex, an instinct upon hearing of the man's plan to leave.
And he was still touching Ed. Indirectly, hands on his tie, helping him. Standing so close, looming over Ed in a way that he was sure he would be able to feel the other's body warmth, had he had any. The thought of either of those things leaving him filled him with dread. The thought of Oswald leaving was terrifying.
Edward was already having a hard time keeping his eyes open by the time Oswald had seemed satisfied with the level of his comfort, head lulling forward until the movement had him waking up just enough to correct it before his eyes started to slip shut again. There wouldn't have been any protest from him whether he wanted to or not as he was gently pushed to lie down, though he didn't, too weak to fight it while the silent command would have been enough to have him obeying regardless. Attempting to ease back halfway until it was close enough, giving up and letting himself fall with a gentle thump into the mattress.
Edward's eyes took a moment to focus on Oswald. Lids feeling far heavier than they ever should as he peered up at the man. But then he was spoken to, and Ed closed his eyes. Satisfied in that moment, feeling that it was safe to relax, because he would be back. Oswald wouldn't leave him. He was still here. Pulling blankets over Ed, he was comfortable, safe, he could hear Oswald walking away, moving, but still in the apartment. Away from the door. It was okay.
Until it wasn't. At this point in the morning, after already being woken up once with the day he had, he was utterly exhausted, already nearly asleep by the time Oswald had moved to the door. It took it opening for Edward to open his eyes, and by the time he had actually managed to move his head and look up toward it, Oswald had slipped out and shut it.
It was immediate. The way his heart dropped. Sank down into his stomach while he held his breath, involuntary and uncomfortable. Until it felt like all he could do was breathe, quick and shallow. An inexplicable panic that was fast to build, and only felt like it rose in mere moments. One that made his eyes sting and fill with tears as they remained closed. Too tired to try anything else. To do anything at all, and maybe that made it worse. Knowing there were no options. He could hardly move. He was alone.
He was alone. It hurt. It hurt like it had never hurt before, except for maybe when he had been a child, when he first found out what abandonment felt like, but that was so long ago. He was used to it, now. Being alone. There was no one to be abandoned by anymore. Oswald was a stranger, a man he had only just met, knew nothing about, Ed had met many people and knew them longer than he had this one, and never did it hurt when they parted.
But this? There would have been no words to put the feeling into, were he able to speak them in the first place. To formulate them. He didn't know them.
A creation left behind by its master the moment it was brought into existence. Confused and scared and alone.
Edward was almost too tired to even cry. Almost. It was quiet, silent aside from his short, unsteady breaths that stuttered with the emotion, but the tears were there. Building and falling down the sides of his face, one, then the other, a miserable acceptance. What else was there to do? What could be done? He didn't even know what needed fixing.
Didn't know it didn't need it anymore until, almost asleep, he was brought back by the sound of the door sliding open once more. Shuffling, shutting, unafraid of whatever it could have been because he knew. Knew somewhere, somehow, without even looking, that everything was as it was supposed to be. That horrible, horrible feeling dissipating, evaporating almost as if it had never been there to begin with, especially once Edward had managed to summon the energy to turn his head and see Oswald there once more. Closing the door, removing his jacket and moving further into the apartment again.
In an instant, with Oswald's words, Ed let his eyes close again. Like his body knew that it was safe, he could rest now. There was nothing to worry about. Why would there be? He was back.
Finally, Ed's breathing actually began to slow. Settling into something steady, quiet, relaxed as his mind and body joined. His heart still working to fix what had been done, but no longer with the added stress of fear.
It didn't take much longer for it to slow. For everything to come down for a rest. Head rolled to the side, one hand resting on his stomach, Edward fell asleep, almost looking like nothing had happened to him at all. Maybe had a misshap at work with some blood samples and crawled into bed too exhausted to change out of his clothes, but not much else. Not any of what he would have to face in a mere few hours.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Oswald stared at the bathroom mirror. An empty sheet of glass encased by a metal frame, most likely doubled as a medicine cabinet. The only remnants of his existence in it, a dress shirt and suede black vest. Floating there like The Headless Horseman. It'd been far too long since he’d seen his reflection, the memory of his own face beginning to fade like a blurred out background character of a movie. Only the outline of their features recognizable amongst the muddled effect.Perhaps a good thing, he thought, leaning in slightly closer to catch a few patches of spotted blood on the collar of his shirt. Edward’s blood. Couldn't see it speck across his neck and chin, but felt the squinch of it dried every time he moved. Uncomfortable, as if his flesh had become old leather.He picked at his shirt with the nail of his thumb, sighing out when he’d done so, to no avail. Already soaked and dried, one with the fabric, like an odd design. Almost purposeful. It wasn’t the first time. He’d have to get it dry cleaned. Leaned back again, now glancing around the bathroom, until his eyes landed on a white towel. Pinched his mouth to the side in thought. He supposes white wasn’t necessarily the best choice to clean up blood, but…Edward seemed to be an understanding person. Plus it wasn’t like white towels were hard to come by. He plucked it from its hanger and placed it under the faucet, where the knobs squeaked open and the water splashed from it like a waterfall. Soaked the corner of the towel that sat in Oswald’s palm.He worked to get the blood from his skin, wiping over his lips and reanimating that flavour as it slipped past and bled back on his tongue. Swallowed it down. Savoured that wonderful crimson like a Hershey’s Kiss melting on your palate. Edward did taste good. All blood tasted good. Well…almost. But Edward tasted different somehow. Sweeter. Richer. Like thick, buttery iron. Wonderful and tantalizing.He was curious as to why. Why did Edward taste different? Perhaps it was as simple as it being their bond. A way to feel more connected and different. Give Edward a special meaning to Oswald in a way that the other couldn't relate. A way for Oswald to like Edward in some form. Make it easier to stay. It was odd discovering new things about his vampirism, having been one for centuries. Never did Oswald think he’d bond with a human, and in turn gain a Familiar.He had a long road ahead of him. Showing Edward the basics of what it was that Familiars even did, though he’d feel bad giving the poor man chores. Oswald was a little negligent when it came to explaining how serious and life consuming the position was. Strangers did not become Familiars. In fact, if a Vampire found out he’d done just that…he’d probably be killed. It was a good thing he didn't necessarily partake in hanging around them.Perhaps he’d worry about all that after some rest. Though…where would he rest? Definitely not the bed, as that was taken. And he’d certainly prefer not to cuddle up with some man he hardly knew. Wasn’t sure Edward would be too fond of it, either. The couch was an option, but the large, uncurtained window wasn’t particularly a comforting thought.He sighed again, tossing the towel in a presumed dirty hamper, opening the door and stepping out to find Edward fast asleep. Flat on his back with one hand pressed gently to his chest. Short hair, once neatly parted, now tousled about, curling slightly against his forehead. He looked peaceful. Parted lips, soft escaping breaths. Oswald could hear them. Matching the tranquil throbs of his heart, slowed by unconsciousness.His eyelids were closed like an antique treasure chest, pretty and delicate. Fragile. Hidden underneath, a set of eyes that offered no judgment. Oswald, though slightly stressed from the situation at hand, almost felt thankful. Edward easily could have staked him, or sent him back to the streets where he’d have to stumble his way around for another fresh neck to chomp down on. But he didn't. He, instead, offered himself. To a stranger. One who claimed something that seemed utterly ridiculous, no less. You'd have to be crazy or…extremely selfless and kind. Oswald assumed the latter, though perhaps a mix of both.He took a step forward, still undeciding of where to sleep, glancing around the space to find that really nothing was safe from that damned window. The glass pane of doom. The easy route for suicide. Air blew from Oswald’s cheeks as he peered back to Edward’s sleeping figure. Under the bed, it was.He'll sleep at home tomorrow. For now, he’d settle on a bad night’s rest. - When Oswald awoke, with hands pressed to either shoulder like a stereotypical Vampire flick, the first thing he saw was the bottom of Edward’s mattress, tucked on top of a metal frame, as if jailed. That, and Edward’s shoes. His legs to be exact. Pacing. Nervously. Anxiously, as if searching for something. Or someone. Oswald presumed the second, as the memories of the night before began to flood back to him.He was curious as to what time it was, could see the sun gleaming down and presenting the wood floors with its deadly cast, squinting slightly at the sight. He assumed it couldn't be any time past 9:00AM, as he didn't feel particularly famished. It had to have only been about 3 or 4 hours since he’d last fed. He would need to feed again soon. For now, he’d put all his focus into getting Edward’s attention, as he was probably becoming a bit worried upon Oswald’s absence.He scooted slightly closer to the end of the bed, avoiding any form of sunlight as he peeked his head out, blinking up at the pacing man. Watched him chew on his nails nervously. He was wearing his coat again. Oswald wondered if he had work today.“Edward.” He called, watching the man suddenly perk up. Glancing around the room in an odd panic. Oswald smiled fondly at the sight. “I’m down here. Could you please cover the window?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Edward did not enjoy waking up this morning.The first thing he noted was that he was tired. So, so very tired. It felt as if he had only slept a few hours, not unlike those particular nights that his mind had found something to fixate on and refused to let go of until he was so exhausted that he could no longer go on, forced to sleep those few remaining hours that he had until he needed to be awake for work. Some days it was a book, some days a video game, sometimes a case he was working on or had simply heard about, or perhaps something that he was reminded of thanks to one, maybe the works of an old serial killer, a bomber, what have you. Curious and invested, researching and reading until he could do so no longer. But... He didn't remember doing so last night.He also felt... Not great. Aside from the fact that he hardly felt like he had the energy to even open his eyes, he didn't seem to have enough for much else, either. Almost shaky as he went to reach for his glasses on the nightstand out of habit, until he was grabbing at nothing and pausing. Frowning and touching his face, where his glasses already were. Still were. Why didn't he take them off?Blinking heavily, trying to will that horrible feeling away out of his eyes, he glanced around his apartment, trying to remember what he had done. Or not done, aside from going to bed properly, apparently. He could feel that he hadn't even changed out of his work clothes, aside from his coat, and looking down at himself he seemed to have only made it out of his tie and-Blood. There was... Blood. And a lot of it, all over his arm and staining the sleeve of his shirt, some even smearing the sheets where he had been resting. Edward stared with wide eyes, bouncing back and forth between every little spot of red, trying to figure out what he had done. To remember what had happened. In his sleepy, hazy mind, the idea of someone in his apartment, someone doing something started to come to him, foggy and quiet beneath the quickly consuming panic that started to take over, but he knew that couldn't have been right, it wasn't, there was no one here and there wasn't even a wound on his arm, maybe he had a nose bleed. Dreamt up some ridiculous scenario in his head to accompany it, that he had been bitten by a vampire, but that happened on the couch, and there would be blood over there. On the floor, where he was.... Where it was now. Throwing the covers off of himself, Edward quickly moved to stand from the bed, stumbling and stopping though as he closed his eyes and raised a hand to his head. Dizzy. Okay, slower. Letting out a breath, making his way over to the couch more slowly than he wanted, and lowering his gaze to look at the puddle of blood on the floor. A mixture of fear rising up in him at what that meant, and a darn it, I have to figure out how to clean that up. But, far more importantly...Edward picked up his head. Glanced around one side of the apartment, back and forth, then whirled around, putting a hand to his head as he scanned the opposite end. Looking to the windows, then the door, hurrying over to it a little faster and checking the locks. Unlocked. Flipping them back on, he turned and pressed his back to the door, breathing slightly heavier as he continued to let his eyes flick around everywhere, as if that would help him figure out what the hell had happened. Where that man was. He was real, wasn't he? What the hell was his name... Oliver, Oscar... Oswald? Where the hell did he go? Did he leave? Ran out the door, that's why it was unlocked? Surely Ed hadn't forgotten to do it himself.Edward quickly moved around his bed, stepping into the bathroom, then popping back out. No. Went to the other end of the room, opened the closet door and peeked in, then shut it. Also no. Crossing one arm around himself and lifting the other to begin chewing at the nail of his thumb, he walked over to his nightstand, checking the time on his alarm clock and sighing out almost frustratedly. He didn't have time for this, though quite literally, because as much as he needed to figure this out, he had to get ready for work if he wasn't going to be late. Maybe he could be late. Call in. Make something up. He didn't like lying, but maybe he didn't have to. Say he woke up not feeling good, bleeding. Not still bleeding, but close enough. So it wasn't an emergency. All handled. He just needed time. Really needed time.Edward was fast to get himself changed out of the previous night's clothes and into new ones, all while going through everything in his head over and over again, letting it come back to him and being very sure by the end of it that no, he was not insane, and he had absolutely had a dang vampire in his apartment. One that yes, he remembered, thought was a dead body for a while that he put in his bed, brought in from the street. Begged him for help. He did help, in the form of offering himself to bite. He remembered not wanting him to leave, either, a terrible feeling when he did, but he came back, didn't he? Had Edward imagined that part? Did he come back, but left before Ed woke up?A similar feeling from before, not quite as dire, not as miserable but still not so great started to creep up on him as he began pacing, unsure of what to do. Like his body knew that the other was there, but his mind didn't. What could he do? He knew nothing of this man but his name, perhaps what he was, but that wouldn't help him. If he told anyone that he was looking for a vampire named Oswald, they'd surely think he'd gone insane. He didn't think that was enough to warrant being put in Arkham, but he didn't want to risk it. He was only fairly sure he hadn't committed any crimes. Unless he blacked out and killed a man after all. Actually put a dead body in his bed, then went out to make it disappear before crawling back into bed and forgetting to lock the door.And that was a line of thinking that was not helping his panicking.Though, in a beautiful answer to his prayers, there was suddenly a voice speaking his name. Making him stop, picking up his head from where it had been ducked to meet his own hand halfway as he bit away at his nails, and turning it toward where the sound had come from. Heart pounding while his breathing had momentarily froze, as if even that was too loud right now, needing to put all his focus into knowing where Oswald was. Knowing he was here. Knowing he was okay. At the words that followed, Ed frowned with confusion. Down where? Gaze flitting around until it finally landed on Oswald's face, head peeking out from under Edward's bed, and he let out a breath, all tension and anxiety leaving him with it as a pure and utter, inexplicable relief quickly rushed in to replace it all.For a brief moment, Edward simply stared at Oswald, unresponsive to his request. His desire to focus on the other, to go to him, to ask him a thousand questions fighting with his mind on trying to process what the other had even said, and his own desire to comply. After a moment, Edward blinked, opening his mouth, then shutting it. Again, as he glanced toward the window, then back to Oswald, and back again. Doing so a few times in his confusion at the ask, frowning, but after a short moment of hesitant twitching, he quickly moved over to the large, slanted windows, pulling the blinds down on all of them and shutting them so that they let in as little light as possible."Is-... Is that okay?" He asked, turning halfway to look back over toward the bed, though he was now on the other side of where the man had been poking out of. Edward walked over, getting down on his hands and knees and putting his head to the floor so that he could look at Oswald. "I'm not sure I have time to figure out how to cover them better if that's not enough. And... Why are you under my bed?"Edward frowned once more, looking Oswald up and down. One hand reaching to push his glasses back up into place before placing it down back down on the floor. Suddenly growing nervous again."Um... I have to go to work. You're-... You're not going to leave while I'm gone, are you?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Oswald felt he could release his held breath upon Edward shutting the blinds. Supposes he could have done so himself the night before, but never sure of peoples’ spaces. How things worked. What boundaries he was sure to cross had he done so. Took the safe bet of spending the night on the floor. That, and he was just a tad too exhausted to truly care. And his own windows at home were tinted. He watched Edward squat down and meet Oswald’s eyes. Pressing his cheek flat against the wood floor, glasses squishing into the fatty flesh there. Oswald thought it looked uncomfortable.“It’s perfectly fine.” He groans out, using whatever strength he had left in him to crawl from underneath the bed, before sitting back against it. Shutting his eyes with a loud sigh. Exposing his neck as his head pressed into the mattress. “And I was under there because of your terrifying window- do you watch any form of vampire media? Could learn a thing or two.”He supposes an attitude wouldn’t help, but in his complete defense, he was never up this early. Always asleep until the point of dusk, where the sun’s deadly rays weren’t out to terrorize. Though, it wasn’t all the time. Oswald did still take morning strolls to get specific things done in his day to day life. He did still need to shop and go to the dry cleaner’s. Quite a bit more often than the regular person. An umbrella in his gloved hand and his round sunglasses to protect his sensitive eyes. He was never this careless with the responsibility to protect himself.He finally opened an eye to peer at Edward, who was still awaiting an answer about work and leaving and whatnot. Right. He felt his chest heave out another sigh. This was all very brand new to him. Oswald didn’t answer to people, not for almost one hundred and fifty years. When his mother was still alive and well and around. Constantly in his own head about what could have been. He runs a flat palm over his face.“And to answer your last question, I feel that’s something we need to discuss.” He bit at his lip, turned to face the clock. Earlier than he expected. 8:53 AM. It would be a little while before he had to feed again, but sooner than he could manage without having a proper conversation first. He met Edward’s eyes. “You’re…technically my Familiar now, Edward. Which means your life isn’t going to be the same anymore. I feel it’s going to be quite difficult for us to part, especially for you.” He paused to think. Wondered how he could word this, knowing Edward probably didn’t have much more time before he had to head out. Was he going to go with him? He didn’t really have his proper gear and there was still blood on his collar. Would his colleagues and higher-ups have an issue with it?This was suddenly all too much for him.“You’re either going to have to call out sick or…I’m going to have to come with you. There’s absolutely no way I can go home right now, unless you plan on joining me. And even then, I would still need my gloves and glasses and umbrella.” He peered down to thumb at the collar of his dress shirt, picking at the spots of dried, browned blood. “And a change of clothes.” He muttered.He didn’t particularly want to leave at all. Preferred to wait it out until the sun finally set. Perhaps sleep the rest of the day away to regain all the energy he had lost from the night prior. And on top of that, this just all felt quite…odd. The interaction. The human interaction. Conversing with someone for longer than the few words it took to instill fear into his victims’ hearts. He didn’t exactly have the mental or physical energy to deal with this. And it wasn’t like he knew all that much about bonds and Familiars. This was all very new to him, too. Maybe not quite as new as it is to Edward, but Oswald was learning things. It didn’t really matter that he’d been a vampire for one hundred and twenty three years. He never included himself in whatever affairs that community kept up with. Never considered himself a part of it. Especially spending the entirety of his life despising the creature he’d inevitably become from the ripe age of ten. Unaware of his doomed fate, using all his time to seek revenge for his poor mother. His poor Gertrud.Oswald licked his lips. Swallowed thickly. Avoided eye contact as Edward’s eyes bored into the side of his head. He swore he could feel two holes starting to burn into it. “I feel I should mention that I’m going to have to feed again very soon. And as my Familiar, it is technically your responsibility to aid me in that.” He paused to blink in thought, now deciding to look up. Caught a glimpse of that sticky pool of blood by the sofa. His stomach sank a bit. It always did take him a little to realize the weight of situations. “I’m not going to put a bunch of responsibility onto you, Edward. Just for a bit of reassurance. But I suppose now we’re partners in a way and I feel it’s most appropriate to act like it a little. I won’t keep someone around just for the sake of it.”He cleared his throat, thinking it a good decision to get up and stretch his limbs a little. And he did, raising his arms high as he stood, wiping his palms across his face, before holding a hand down for Edward to retrieve. He smiled a little, just to make the air somewhat less tense.“So what’s your verdict?” He said.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Edward wasn't sure why he cared so much. Not really. Just that he did. That suddenly, somehow, the idea of this complete stranger that he had only just met last night and knew absolutely nothing about other than the fact that he had bit him and was a vampire — though that information had really yet to sink in — leaving him, or being apart from him in general, sounded absolutely horrifying. Didn't even sound like an option, really. And it was hardly even a thought to begin with, Edward's anxious questioning coming about more out of an instinctual need than anything else. The worry, the words, coming all on their own. Clueless to its absurdity.As Oswald began to move out from under the bed, Ed quickly pushed himself up and back, still sat on the floor but making room for the other to get out comfortably and settle himself against the side. Watching his every movement, observant and attentive. Almost as if on alert for another command, ready to carry out any other requests that were asked of him. With Oswald's chastising, Edward blinked, pushing his glasses back up into place with a finger and twisting his body slightly to look over at the window, confused. None of it quite sinking in still as his eyes scanned the large glass panes, then trailed along their path to the rest of the room, most especially the couch, and what light still peeked through the blinds, diluted and dimmed. Needing a moment before it began to click back into place in his mind, with the aid of Oswald's words.
Vampire... Oh… Vampire.
Oh.
Eyes going wide and lips parting, not quite gasping but close, Ed shifted with a new not quite nervous energy, but an excitable one as he turned to look at Oswald again, but in the time it took for his mind to process through the million questions that were suddenly running through it enough to actually be able to formulate any words out of them, the other was already speaking again. Forcing him to remain silent, though his mouth still moved slightly for a moment before it ended up shutting, fighting itself against interrupting. He wouldn't. Couldn't. But goodness was it difficult. Almost needing to put in effort just to focus on Oswald's actual words as he listened, but the seriousness of them did well enough in helping him with that and snapping him back into focus. He supposed he could save the questions for another time. Maybe. But he had so many.
Admittedly, it was still a bit too much for Edward to truly take in. To grasp the weight of. This information seemed highly important to Oswald, but didn't mean a whole lot to himself. His brows furrowed, both in focus and confusion. Expecting more of an explanation, really, of why it would be difficult. Or... What a Familiar was. He was one, apparently. Whatever that meant.
Ed's mouth did briefly open again at the suggestion of calling out sick, immediately wanting to protest such a thing (he wasn't sick), but he still kept quiet. The listing of items quick to have him glancing around the room, cataloging in his mind what he has available, even if he hadn't yet processed what for. The need to assist and please taking over before anything else could. Looking back to Oswald, his eyes flicked to the spot of blood the other picked at and swallowed. Down at his own arm, where some of it still remained as well. His heart pounding a little harder for a few beats at both the memory and the weight of it. Blood wasn't exactly a good thing to be associated with the events of his daily life outside of work.
And yet, at the mention of needing to feed again soon, Edward's heart pounded a little harder for different reasons. Shifting, coming back to attention, looking directly at Oswald as the other looked away. A sensation flooding his system that he couldn't identify in his mind, couldn't pick out from excitement or anxiety, but his body didn't need to do all that thinking. Didn't need to figure out that it wasn't dread at the sound of being required to aid in such a thing.
There was certainly still a part of him that found it quite odd, being considered anything like partners in any form with someone he knew next to nothing about, including whatever being partners might entail, but there was also that strange part that didn't care. Didn't care what it was, what it would be, what he would have to do. Only that he would get to. That it would happen. That this wasn't a lie, a trick, and he really would get to help Oswald. Have Oswald in his life. Do anything he could for Oswald. He could just... Figure out why later. That was the least of his concerns, it seemed, even to the other. Seemed pretty certain that this was permanent and life-changingly so. And so be it.
Ed leaned back slightly, almost out of surprise as the other moved to stand up, pulled out of his thoughts once more to watch Oswald as he peered up at him. Eyes briefly flicking up and down the other's form as he stretched, subtle and subconscious, then to the hand that was offered. Back up to his face again. His smile. His hand once more. Edward reached up, took the hand and helped himself up with it and a push off the floor from his other, almost stumbling just from straightening out of the odd tangle of his own legs he had been in. Hand coming up to push on his glasses again, and the other... Still holding onto Oswald's. Pleasantly cool to the touch, in terms of what human skin should feel like, anyway.
He blinked again. Took his hand away, slid both down along his hips and quickly turned his head to the side. Scanning the room.
"... I don't have sunglasses." He blurted out. Silent for a moment, entirely still, then looked back to Oswald almost as if remembering he was still there. Blinked twice. "I don't like wearing contacts. Getting prescription sunglasses sounds silly because I'd either have to wear them indoors or be blind when I take them off. Or carry a normal pair with me and then I'd probably lose one of them."
Ed simply just stared at Oswald for a moment, then looked off into the room again. Still for another beat longer before he walked off, crossing the room to a small closet where he opened the door, ducked in, then popped back out, returning with an umbrella in hand. He placed it on the bed before continuing to open a drawer in his dresser, pulling out a pair of gloves and setting them next to the previous item. Stepping back, he put his hands on his hips and peered down at the two.
"Okay." He pressed his lips together, running through the list of key points Oswald had made when he was talking. Checking the boxes in his head, skipping past the one labelled sunglasses, and turning his head to look at Oswald. Eyeing him up and down, though this time was much more purposeful. "My clothes might be a bit big on you. Actually, will be, but nothing a coat can't draw attention away from. It should be fine."
And with that, Edward went right back to the dresser, digging through drawers to find what would work. Humming out a sound to himself once or twice in disapproval at whatever was in his hands before he settled on a shirt worthy enough, adding it to the quickly growing pile on the bed, then going right back to the closet again. Retrieving a long, dark coat, Ed came back, tossed it with the rest of the things and then turned to Oswald, smiling almost proudly.
"There."
It seemed as though he had made the instantaneous decision that Oswald would be coming with him, without considering the other options... Or even really taking them in. Though he had heard the part about calling in sick. Not happening. This was much better.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Oswald was a little put off by Edward’s eager willingness to help. Watched him flit about his studio apartment, gathering the essential items Oswald had listed off, and place them on his unmade bed. He peered down at them with unease, trying not to be ungrateful as his eyes scanned them thoroughly. A grimace fighting for a place on his lips as he avoided looking over at the man beside him. Great. He held back a sigh, an exasperated one. A green folding umbrella and a pair of winter gloves. Hideous. Not particularly what he had in mind. Perhaps something more…classic. Though by the state of Edward, his classic was certainly a different definition than what Oswald considered classic. His head tilts to the side. He supposes the shirt makes up for it. Nothing special, but a simple white button up would do fine. He could still wear his own pants and vest and coat.He sighed, turning his neck to face Edward as the man stood there, looking awfully proud. Puffed a gust of air through his cheeks, gazed back down at the items. “I guess that answers my question.” He mumbles, before he was collecting the shirt to hold it up.It was slightly large, nothing insane. But Edward was certainly broader, taller. A bit like BigFoot, Oswald pondered. Awkward and lanky and towering, with a set of gangly limbs that hung gracelessly at his sides. He set it back against the bed, gently, before he was undoing his vest and soiled shirt, slipping both off his shoulders, leaving his skin bare and open. From Edward’s angle, the bites on Oswald’s neck were visible. Two small, brown dots just under his jaw. A constant reminder of the night it had happened. Oswald’s first, and only, heartbreak. First and only love.His shirt made a soft thud to the floor. There in a heap against the wood, dots of blood spotting little bits of the material. Oswald was slender and pale. A bit paler than your average human, like freshly fallen snow with a bit of sun glowing against it. White with a golden cast. And his spine dipped there in the middle of his back, between his two sets of ribs. Left a divot like a long, straight road, curving at the end where his hips started. He was littered in old scars. Varying between small cuts and large gashes, pink and puffy and stark against the chalky background of his skin. More reminders of his past. Days of murdering and hunting and bloodshed. A lifestyle long forgotten, and one he’d like to forget. It’d been far too many decades since he’d fought his last fight. Oswald was tired now.Once his arms were through Edward’s shirt, he began tucking it into his pants, slipping his vest back up and over his shoulders and redoing all his buttons. His arms held out as he inspected its fit. A bit puffy, and the sleeves were slightly too long, but it wasn’t horrible. It’d do for today, until he could finally make it back to his own home, with Edward unfortunately, to fix himself a proper outfit. He’d have to convince the man to let them stay there for the night. Oswald doesn’t think he could stand another slumber beneath Edward’s bed. Or in bed with him. Or the couch. He turned his head to look at it, before approaching where his coat was hanging over the back, slipping that on as well.He attempted to hide his very visible grimace as he retrieved the folding umbrella and winter wool gloves, inspecting them again in a displeased fashion. Held back another sigh. “How long do you suppose we’ll be stuck at your work?” He asks, slipping one glove on. Splaying his fingers out like daggers as he scrutinized the intricate, woven design. “When Vampires eat, it’s a bit different than humans. Besides the fact that humans don’t particularly partake in the drinking of blood. I can’t go longer than seven hours, Edward, and that’s very important to remember.” He looked back at the clock on the wall, pulled on the other glove. “It’s already been about five. Pretty soon here, I’m gonna get to the state I was in last night.”He tucks the umbrella beneath his limb, presses it into his underarm, offers Edward an earnest look. “I don’t plan on eating you, if you’re worried about that. But I will need to feed on someone.” He pats himself down, cringes at the feeling of those wool gloves on his coat. “That’s up for you to decide, I suppose. Less you plan on joining me for a nice stroll on your break, or whatever it is that you do at work.”He was looking down at himself, sighing at the umbrella. That ungodly olive green tone, then peered back up to Edward with tucked lips. “Off we go then.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Edward was silent as he stood there, watching, an almost expectant look on his face. Eager, ready, happy. Far happier than anyone should be about handing over their clothes to a stranger in their apartment so that they could bring them to work. So inexplicably attached in a way that there was no other option. Wouldn't consider it even if there were one. It shouldn't have been that easy to accept. To want. So easy that it wasn't even a thought in Edward's head, only an instinct. Natural. Automatic. Right.The smile stayed on Ed's face as he watched, nearly faltering as the other sighed and mumbled, but not quite. Eyes following Oswald's hands as they reached out for the shirt he had been lent, flicking back and forth briefly between the item and the man's face. Observant. Hopeful that what he had chosen would be satisfactory enough for Oswald, that it'd be okay that he didn't have sunglasses. That it was enough.Edward's gaze didn't leave Oswald once, still quietly and patiently waiting, but using the time to take the man in. Now that he himself was finally up and lucid enough that he could understand what was going on, and not feel like he was about ready to pass out. Or die, maybe. He was tired, sure, but he didn't feel that bad.Oswald was... pale. Paler than anything that should be healthy, but aside from that, there was something about him that Edward could only describe as unique. Between the way he styled his pitch-black hair, longer in the front than most men Ed had ever seen, to the pointed slant of his nose and what he now knew to be bright, almost green blue eyes, even down to how short he was, he was entirely unlike anyone Ed could go back in his mind and conjure up the memory of. It was nice. Pleasant. Oswald was intriguing. Even without adding the fact that he was a vampire.Something Ed was reminded of as his gaze landed on the marks on Oswald's neck. Curious at first, confused, but as the reality (apparently) of the situation came back to him, it has the wheels in Ed's head turning. Unsure of where they were trying to get him until they clicked, eyes then going wide. Mouth gaping. His hand came up, about ready to point and start rambling out every word that formed in his head until he was effectively distracted from them all, those wheels unclicking to let one dislodge and fall to the floor. As did Oswald's shirt. And for whatever reason, that had him silenced. Mouth still open though it may as well have been zipped shut.Ed's eyes traveled over all of that skin as well. All just as pale as the rest of him, almost appearing more so though with how much more was exposed, and it was far more covered in scars. It only had what felt like a thousand more questions adding to the list of millions Edward already had for the man, but now didn't quite seem like the time. When would it be? Maybe on the way to work. Or there. What would Oswald do there? Would everyone get mad at him for bringing someone along? He wasn't quite sure what to do in that case. It'd be fine.Edward swallowed somewhat thickly, eyes flitting around as he tried to avoid staring at Oswald any longer as the other began to re-dress himself... And failing to do that. Feeling awkward even aside from that as he felt the need to wait for Oswald to finish before he started rambling again. Why? He had no clue. He supposed it was polite. Maybe. He wasn't really sure what he was doing at any point, now.Though when Oswald's voice filled the room once more, Ed's head was quick to lift and his attention to snap right back to the other fully, gaze flicking to the now-gloved hand just once. He blinked at the blunt, authoritative tone he was spoken to in and was fast to glance at his watch at the mention of the time in which Oswald would need to feed. Already starting to do a quick calculation in his head before it was interrupted by the answer, and his heart fluttered nervously at the idea of going through last night again. At least Ed wouldn't have to worry about whether or not the man was dead this time, he supposed. But he wanted to avoid it getting to that point to begin with, and, well... He just needed a private place to be for a moment when he was at work, that's all. Easy. A very easily avoidable problem, a very easy solution.Somehow, that point couldn't come fast enough. Oswald mentioned needing to feed on someone, and Edward felt that inexplicable little rush of excitement as he cleared his throat and pushed up on his glasses, turning his head to the side briefly. Mind jumping back to that feeling he had experienced just hours before, bouncing between that and the thought of finding someone else... Wondering how on Earth he would be able to do such a thing at work... And deciding that there would be no need.He looked back up at the sound of Oswald speaking again. Blinking once more, realizing he had gotten completely lost in both listening and staring without responding to anything that the other had said, not that there was much room to. Right. Go. Right. What question had he been asked again? Was he asked a question?"Um-" Ed looked one way. Then the other. Scurried over to the couch, picking up his bag and tossing the strap over his head to rest at his shoulder before coming back, then stopping to quickly look Oswald over. Going through a mental checklist to make sure he had everything the man needed — except for sunglasses — and nodded to himself, stepping up to the door and pulling it open."Right... So... Uh..." He moved around to allow Oswald out after him, shutting the door and locking it. Turning and leading the way down the hall. "First off- not a problem. Seven hour time limit, got it. Two more hours. Time to snack. Check."Ed lifted a hand to salute on the wrong side, smiling and glancing over at Oswald as they descended down the stairs, both hands then coming to rest in a grip around the strap across his chest. Though in looking at the man, Ed's smile dropped as he did a sort of double-take, and then a triple, nearly stumbling down the stairs as he did."You wouldn't let me take a blood sample, would you? If I could sneak you into the medical exam room. Or sneak a syringe into forensics. Or get you in at all. I don't know, I might be on thin ice already today." Ed tried to focus a little more on his steps down the stairs and less on looking at Oswald so he wouldn't fall and hurt himself, but once they were down and out the building, Ed was right back to looking over at the man, breaking out into a grin and letting out a breathy, giddy laugh as he continued them down the street. "Gosh, I have so many questions, I wish I had my car back so I could just ask them all right now," he explained happily, interrupting that smile with a sudden seriousness as he leaned in. "I shouldn't ask them in public, right? People don't know about this? You? What you are?"The last part was uttered in a somewhat loud whisper, almost comically so in its sincerity as he glanced around for people who could possibly overhear. He then straightened, focusing just a bit more on where he was actually going than the man following beside him."Oh, and, I suppose since it's probably in both our best interests to get back when we can, I probably shouldn't stay overtime at work today. So it'll only be eight hours." He smiled, glancing over once more to flash it at the other. As long as they don't make him leave because he brought a stranger with him. He wasn't sure what their policy was on that. Never asked. Never had anyone to bring with him. Apparently no one else did either, though, so he didn't feel too bad about that.
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Oswald watched in fascination as Edward scurried about his apartment, before following him to his door, where he’d quickly pulled it open. Stepped aside and gestured for him to enter the hallway first, which he did, his limp now becoming that much more noticeable as he walked in front of Edward. It was a common misconception that Vampires had the special ability to rid themselves of the injuries or disabilities they’d developed when they were human- Oswald had fallen victim to that myth, as well. Though they can heal themselves of the things inflicted upon them as Vampires, they are unfortunately stuck with all the other roadblocks they’d already had from their previous lives. Oswald curses whatever higher power that had thought of that idiotic idea. Curses Victor the most.They were descending the staircase and Edward was just a figure out from the corner of Oswald’s eye. He sure was…fidgety. Far more of a twitchy mess than he was the previous night. He supposes their first meeting wasn’t necessarily something he could base anything off of. They definitely couldn’t know everything, let alone anything, about one another in a single interaction. And certainly not an interaction such as the one last night. They were both far too out of it to even hold a proper, intelligent conversation.Oswald is finally looking over, making eye contact with the side of Edward’s face as they approach the main entrance, untucking the umbrella from his breast and pushing it open. It made a fluttering sound, almost like the wings of a large raven taking flight. He grimaced again. Green. Sighed softly as they made it outside. The sun hit him tenfold, a white light bursting against his eyes as he squeezed them shut, hissing out slightly. Struggled to regain himself as they continued walking, squinting. Keeping his vision down to his feet. Paid them mind, as they were the only things that wouldn’t blind him senseless. He could hear Edward laugh, peered up for only a moment to catch his smile. He sure did…talk a lot. Significantly more than yesterday. Filling Oswald to the brim with a consistent flow of thoughts. Was curious if the man’s brain ever stopped to take a rest.It wasn’t necessarily annoying, he supposes. But it also wasn’t anything he wanted to particularly partake in. Conversation. Wasn’t one to be too keen on conversing. Spent his days in his lonesome. The only words exchanged, ones with himself. In his head, floating in whatever thoughts conjured in that brain of his. Mostly ones of the past, his past. His mother and father, their doomed fates. His revenge and the unfortunate years of giving that up, especially after he had turned. It was exhausting enough living in the shadows to hunt down the one creature who had stolen his life, as a human. It was another to actually have his life completely turned around by that same being and still seek out his retribution. It was pointless. And Oswald was tired.He found himself stopping, squeezing his eyes shut, holding a hideously gloved hand up as to seize any other word or action from the man beside him. “Edward.” He pressed, ingested a breath in through his nose, puffing his chest, before releasing it into his next words. “I understand you are…discovering new things.” He gestured with a wave of his hand, tucking his lips into a sarcastic smile. The chirping birds in the distance were almost enough of a distraction from his sudden bout of frustration. “But I am not some experiment. I am a person, Edward. I was a person before, I am a person now. Got it?”He tilted his head, squeezed out a smile, then continued walking. Only felt a tinge of guilt as Edward walked alongside him in silence. Could see his hands nervously gripping at the strap of his bag out from the corner of his eye. Could tell the man may have felt bad or been embarrassed. It wasn’t like Oswald was mad or anything, he was just tired. Had been tired for the last few days. For the last one-hundred and fifty-eight years. And he didn't need someone poking at him with sharp objects and other miscellaneous tools for their own dumb little science project, for their own benefit or gain. He’d certainly dealt with far enough.He was done with being stepped on, being used. And had been for some time now. Victor had already done quite a number on him with that one. So long ago, yet fresh in Oswald’s mind like an open wound. A river of blood pooling around him and drowning him in the exact feeling he’d felt that night in the woods. Alone. Restless and hopelessly in love. It’d been hard enough being a closeted gay man in the late 1800’s. It was far more devastating to trust someone enough to share that part of yourself, only to have it ripped from your chest. Watched his own beating heart give out in Victor’s unrelenting grasp. Those whispered words hissing into his ears before he’d tasted his first drink of gore.Suddenly, Oswald’s eyebrows were furrowing. Halted his movements once again as he registered the last thing Edward had spoken to him, blinking up at the man as they stared at one another in an uncomfortable silence. Apart from the bustling sounds of Gotham around them. Children playing and the crisp wind whipping both their faces, Edward’s nose dusting a light pink. Curious to know if from the cold or embarrassment. Perhaps a mix of the two. Oswald swallows hard, sighing frustratedly. A great struggle not to take out his annoyance on the other man as he pinched at the bridge of his nose for a moment. “I’m sorry- eight hours? As in…eight whole hours.” He blinked again with a sigh, a sardonic smile splitting his face in a sort of disbelief. “What the hell do you even do in eight hours- you know what? It doesn’t matter. I suppose it’s completely in your hands what you decide to do with me once I start to get cranky from hunger. I won’t argue with the man who signed up for this.”His hand slapped against his thigh before he ventured on again. He supposes Edward hadn’t necessarily signed up for anything. Was never handed a manual or a list of instructions on how to do any of this. Was never bestowed a book on How to Take Care of Vampires: For Dummies. It wasn’t his fault he had a life. Just as Oswald had before he became different. Before he became bitter and old and hardened like leather. It wasn’t exactly fair to get angry or frustrated or pop an attitude. But he wasn’t exactly in practice anymore. With talking, that was. With people. This was going to take some time for him. Maybe he’d apologize when he decided to calm down. Plus, they had already made it to the GCPD and Oswald was ready to sit in a spot where he could be alone.
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Edward felt like he had already held on as long as he could, kept it all contained until he was no longer capable and it all came bursting out— as much as it could when he realized that, maybe, he shouldn't be asking certain questions in public, and he may actually have to wait until his shift was over so that he and Oswald had true privacy once again. If he could make it that long. Maybe it would be fine enough to wait until they were in his office, he could just keep an eye on anyone coming in and shut his mouth before they heard anything, that'd be fine.Because gosh, this was incredible. He discovered something amazing. Found a myth to be true, a real-life vampire right here, beside him, speaking to him, and he wasn't going crazy. Pretty sure he wasn't, at least. He'd be able to tell, right? In the beginning stages, anyway? He was fine. Perfect. Wonderful. He had information that possibly no one had, the source of so much more and he was only just at the surface. What else could he learn? Behaviors, habits, biology, maybe there was a preference in the taste of different blood types, and oh, Ed wondered just how much from books and movies were accurate, if some things held truth be it purely from coincidence or actual knowledge, maybe passed down from a time when creatures other than human were known to be real and known how to be dealt with.What now? Did people know? Kept it quiet? Was all that knowledge wiped out somehow? Were vampires wiped out? It was still difficult to even wrap his head around being able to ask himself that, to not think he was crazy for it. He did feel a little silly, but... He had seen the evidence for himself. The proof, though really, he would have liked to research further to be able to feel comfortable calling it that. Proof, a fact, now reality instead of what was thought to be fiction. He just needed time. The right space. Whatever... He needed to do to get the man beside him to warm up to him. He supposed he understood, they had just met, people didn't typically tend to like him upon first impression. Or second. Or after years of knowing him. So that part may prove to be difficult, but if they were really bound together like Oswald had said, then that shouldn't be much to worry about. That had to mean something.But patience was key. And manners. He didn't want to be rude, bombarding the man with questions on their way to work. Right out here on the street. Edward wouldn't want to be spilling out all his secrets in the open Gotham air either, not that he really had any, though he wasn't sure if they could be considered secrets anyway when no one much cared to talk to him in the first place, so it wasn't like he was actively,/i> keeping anything from anyone or trying to-
Ed almost didn't notice Oswald stopping at first, shoes scuffing against the ground in a hasty halt as he had to take a step back to meet the other again, smile dropping in confusion at the sudden change. Quickly glancing down the path they had been taking, then bringing his gaze back again. Eyes bouncing around and scanning all across the other man's body to take in its posture and try to understand what was happening. Flicking to the hand that waved around in gesture. Hearing that tone, and getting that feeling that settled into his bones from the top down that something was wrong. Entirely unsure of what it was until the other continued speaking, and a new feeling washed over him, similar in the way that it felt quite literal, drenching him from head to toe as it hit him, but coming much faster and harsher.
A hot, burning embarrassment, flaring up on his cheeks to reflect what the rest of his body felt. An understanding, though less of where he went wrong, and more so simply that he had. That somewhere, somehow, he had hit that threshold once again and blew right past it without being at all aware, not until it was too late and he was being punished for it. That odd, terrible sensation deeper down, one that almost felt like fear, but in the wrong place. The fear he might have had as a child getting in trouble, knowing that he was. Unpleasant and isolating and nearly nauseating.
All Ed could do was stare, eyes widened slightly and looking like a deer in the headlights as his mouth stayed shut until the very end, only managing to open for the very beginnings of an attempt to respond before Oswald was already beginning to walk again. Frozen in place a moment longer, having the briefest thought in his head that he may not have wanted to follow. Realizing quickly that he had no other choice, if it even was one at all. Not really. Quickly taking those few steps to catch up, he fell back in line beside Oswald, though not as space-invadingly close as before and with his head slightly ducked down shamefully, looking anywhere but near the other as that uncomfortable heat refused to leave him. If anything, only intensifying. A few stuttered-out syllables left him, starting but not quite finishing any words as he tried to find any.
"I-... A-... Yes sir." He muttered nervously, almost rushed. Unsure of what the right response was if anything at all, but the response he was so used to giving was a habit burned into his brain. A reaction almost natural. Oswald may not have been his superior professionally, but that didn't matter in more than enough ways.
Ed stayed quiet then. Fidgety and anxious, entirely silent while he walked just that much faster in a subconscious effort to now get this over with. To get out of this situation. A reality that wasn't possible, not now, but he didn't want to think about how he would no longer have peace from any mistakes he made, nowhere to sit alone and recover away from judging eyes and ears. He couldn't think about that right now. He just needed to get through today.
When Oswald stopped again, it still took Ed a moment to fully register, not nearly as attentive to the other's presence as he was before. Still quick to stop once he had noticed, but slower to come closer. Gaze flitting around nervously as one part of him wanted to look at Oswald questioningly, and the other part wanted anything but. Even more anxious as he fully expected to be chastised once more, though this time, for what, he had no clue. Perhaps nothing new. Maybe Oswald had thought of something new to say and wanted to add on. He couldn't know.
That sinking feeling didn't get any better this time around. Maybe worse, somehow, as that tone and expression came back and Ed's eyebrows furrowed confusedly, clueless as to what the problem was about the answer he had given to the other's question about the length of his shift. Was that too long? Too short? Suddenly that feeling tightened in his chest and he glanced down, hand quickly reaching to push up his glasses before it went right back to the strap of his bag. The familiar question of what the hell does he even do triggering that just as familiar negativity, the bitter dismissiveness just the same, and as Oswald began to walk away once more, Ed lingered in place before he continued to follow. Staying behind until he realized that he might of had to lead, that maybe Oswald didn't know the way to the GCPD from his apartment, so he returned to his spot beside the other.
Not a peep from him this time, not a word as he kept his mouth shut and just focused on his steps. As he tightened his shoulders and lowered his head to make himself as small as he could. Fighting back that tight feeling in his stomach, the hot shame, the desire to be alone and the stinging in his eyes. Why were they doing this again? Did this man really need to be with him? Maybe they should try parting ways before he put himself through this too. Trying to deal with the detectives on top of what's happened already. He wasn't even sure he knew what happened.
Edward almost thought he would feel better once they reached the precinct, but he was painfully wrong. Almost literally. As the building came into view, Ed thought he might actually throw up from the pure anxiety he felt from the sight, from the way his heart pounded rapidly in his chest that was impossible to ignore even for him. Maybe he should have called in sick after all. He really, really did not want to do this. His fingers tightened around the strap of his bag and he continued forward, stepping up to the doors and opening one to allow Oswald through before he followed. Stopping once inside to fiddle with his glasses again as he glanced around, swallowing thickly. Was he weighing his options or simply stalling?
Both. Definitely both.
"Um... I don't-... I don't know what to do.”
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Oswald may have been a monster by technical, and societal, standards. The blood sucking vermin of the underworld here to torment the innocent citizens of their beloved city. But he wasn't a monster. Not by choice and definitely not one without a heart. Though his wasn't necessarily beating, it still held the same empathy it did before he turned.It wasn't a lie that with age and experience, Oswald had bittered. Become old and tart and sour and maybe a bit mean. But he wasn't completely cruel, especially after he calmed down and leveled with the situation at hand. Edward was just curious. And from the smell of his blood rushing and the sound of his pounding heart, Oswald could only assume embarrassment. Perhaps shame. A tad of unease that he’d upset the grumpy vampire, especially so at his lack of spoken words. Those tremoured hands reaching up to push his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. Oswald turned as they clicked in place.His brows curled in worry, sighing out a sharp breath through his nose. Maybe at his own calloused attitude. How he directed it at the man in front of him. Using his own past traumas as a means to be a bit rude. Edward certainly wasn't deserving of it. All he’s done in the last twelve-ish hours was help. Offer things no sane person would even summon a thought to offer. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, one hand reaching up to slide down his face.“I-” His eyes blinked as they stared up at the man, whose disoriented gaze continued to stare right back, doing no aid in Oswald’s abiding guilt. His lips parted, then shut, parted again to let out another sight. His chest heaved.He always struggled to keep his voice at a calm level, found it to be permanently stamped with a bite. A bit sharp when he spoke. Never completely neutral. Always set up without a single stain of vulnerability. No chance of exposure. No chance to be taken advantage of again.But as he turned on his heel, accepted the offer of the opened door with a heavy limp, and pulled his umbrella shut, Edward’s softly spoken statement had his heart dampening a bit. Finding no space in his body to cock any more of an attitude. Feeling rather softened by the man’s anxious stance. Perhaps it was the bond talking, whispering in his ear. He supposed it didn't matter. Edward didn't necessarily do anything wrong.He sighed again, pursed his lips, tucked the umbrella back against his breast, just beneath his arm. “Let's just forget about it. We can figure everything out once we’re in a safe and private place to talk.” He offered a tucked smile, deepening the curves surrounding his mouth, and reached forward to press a firm hand to Edward’s arm. Squeezed gently as if to reassure him of…whatever needed reassuring.Oswald turned around again, scanning the room with curious eyes. His lashes fluttered as he blinked, taking in the busy environment before him. Bustling men and women and others holding various papers and clipboards. Some dressed in police uniforms, others simple suits with harnesses and special belts. All equally intimidating. Even for a man such as Oswald.His head turned to face Edward again, raising his eyebrows as their eyes met. “I suppose finding a private place in this establishment may be a bit difficult, huh?” His hands crossed over one another and stayed there pressed against his lower abdomen. He hummed out in thought. What was he supposed to do in eight hours? Sit there famished and weak until Edward’s shift was over? He certainly couldn't make it that long. It’d be a bloodbath by that point, his natural instincts taking over like a parasite and blinding him red from the use of his own abilities. Uncontrollable.He glanced down and decided the gloves could go, hideous as they were, and they were slipped into his coat pocket. The air conditioning felt nice against his bare palms, no longer burdened by the uncomfortable sensation of that wool material.“I think we do need to establish what it is you plan on doing when it comes to my…needs.” He found himself glancing around for any curious ears nearby, doing his best to not appear suspicious. He lowered his voice a bit as he continued. “I truly cannot wait eight hours before I feed again, Edward. It's not safe for me or anybody here. It's not safe for you.”He pursed his lips, made no attempt at breaking their continued eye contact. Hoped it further pressed the seriousness of their situation. The seriousness of his eating schedule. He was sure Edward was aware that Oswald’s needs were a tad different from a regular person’s, but wasn't completely certain just how much Edward was aware of. He could only make assumptions.For now, Oswald would just do his best to guide and work with what he had.
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This was ridiculous. Dumb. He was stupid. Ed was stupid. Was this why Oswald had been so adamant about warning him on the responsibilities of the decisions he was making? Perhaps indirectly, because he doubted Oswald knew anything about his personality, his behavior, Edward had hardly been in a talkative mood for most of lastnight, but now that he had regained his energy and was lucid enough to realize that he was dealing with a real living mythical being that he supposed wasn't technically living but he sort of was and as far as Ed knew, no one else knew, he wanted to ask questions. Needed to. Was absolutely itching to and to have that groundbreaking knowledge that millions would kill to have but not be able to do anything with it about threatened to drive Edward mad.Maybe he already was. Maybe that's why he thought there was a gosh darn vampire next to him. One that was extremely rude. That would really be his luck, wouldn't it? Couldn't even hallucinate a nice mythological creature.As if that wasn't bad enough, but apparently, Edward was also stuck in this situation. Seemingly permanently. He believed Oswald... Though, he wasn't entirely sure why he should. What was really stopping the man from going off and... Doing his own thing? He made a lot of claims about their situation here, but they weren't exactly logical. Oswald said it would be difficult for them to part, but they hadn't tested that theory. Edward could have just left for work on his own.... Right? Why hadn't he tried that? Waking already felt like a blur in his panic wondering where the other had gone, and then being so relieved that he had actually been there the whole time. Under his bed. And then Ed had simply taken Oswald's word for it, that they needed to remain together, and... Maybe he had been a little overenthusiastic about preparing the other to leave with him. For whatever reason. What was all that about? Maybe he did need to calm down.That thought didn't exactly help the growing heat of shame and embarrassment that creeped up seemingly from his fluttering heart to his pink cheeks. Neither did the realization that he wasn't entirely sure how to tell the other man to just... Leave, anyway. If he were to want to try that. Which he didn't. Probably. Oswald seemed awfully confident in his statements, and equally displeased by them, so Ed didn't quite think that the other was volunteering his presence here. Perhaps stuck in the way that Edward currently felt, but without the way that he felt like his heart was about ready to climb up his esophagus and jump right out his mouth in a terrible mess all over the other man's quite expensive-looking shoes.He'd most definitely be far more upset than he already was. Right. Edward would not be throwing up, no sir. Not right now, anyway. Perhaps in the privacy of a bathroom stall. With no one else in the room.Ed shot an almost panicked glance in Oswald's direction when the other had spoken up for only a moment, the single syllable leaving his lips before silence followed, and Ed wasn't sure if he was more relieved or concerned by it. Fully expecting a continued beratement and now wondering if it was only being held back to be released at a later time. He hoped not. It might be a little harder to stick with that not-throwing-up thing. The other man sighed, and the sound was nearly as anxiety-inducing as any fully formed sentences may have been, but Ed decided not to push in any way whatsoever as was typically the safest bet for him, and he continued forward. Not stopping or speaking until they were inside, a bit at a loss and risking it with his brief admittance. A little too overwhelmed to push through and hope that he knew what he was doing now that he had brought a vampire into his workplace. Which... Wasn't actually the problem. Because no one else knew Oswald was a vampire. But he most certainly was an entirely random person that Ed had brought with him to his job and that didn't exactly sound like something that would be entirely accepted in his line of sensitive work.Yet, despite all this... Ed still found himself looking to Oswald for guidance in that moment. Fingers fidgeting at the strap across his chest and eyes flicking around the busy room. When the other spoke, Ed hesitated in making eye contact, still flighty and unsure with it once he had managed to take his eyes off of just about everything besides the man next to him. Quite honestly, the idea of being somewhere private with Oswald to talk ("talk," his brain briefly supplied unhelpfully) only shot his nerves up higher. A sense of dread at the possibilities. Hearing whatever the man couldn't quite get out on the way here, perhaps. He supposed he would find out soon, far too soon, enough.But then, somehow, just as quickly as that anxiety spiked, it dropped so far down that his shoulders slumped along with it, relaxed and eased of their tension. A breath left him that he hadn't realized he had been holding, soft and so quiet that a soul wouldn't have been able to hear it, except for perhaps the being with quite literal super-human hearing before him. Touching and squeezing his arm in a way that was so simple and brief, so unexpected from a man that currently had him overwhelmed beyond belief, and yet the contact even through the layers between their skin comforted and reassured Ed in a way that he couldn't have begun to explain even if he was fully aware of it happening in the first place. He only stared at Oswald, blinking and glancing away just for the moment that the other did, curious as to what he was looking at but bringing his gaze right back. Maybe it flicked downward when the hand was removed, slightly disappointed. He certainly couldn't say.At the other's question, Edward straightened slightly with the encouragement of feeling that he had a solution, looking off toward one end of the room and hesitating only slightly in opening his mouth before he looked back, wrists twisting and fingers curling around the strap of his bag. Lips forming the beginnings of his words before any came out, mind and body fighting with each other to be the fastest."Well... Actually... People don't tend to bother me too much in the forensic examination room. I'm sure there'd be time in the day that we'd be left alone long enough to discuss whatever needs to be... Discussed." The words still naturally came out very fast, the brief pauses in between few doing nothing to slow them down once they were out. Stopping and staring once more as if waiting for approval on his thoughts. He was still concerned about what others would think once they did come and bother him and Oswald, but... This seemed more urgent. Oswald seemed to think it was fine. Maybe he'd know what to do.At the man's following statement, Edward had to simply continue to stare, head cocking to the side slightly at the emphasized word spoken. At the mention of needs. As if he had no clue what the problem was. His gaze dipped down Oswald's form almost lazily as the other's voice lowered in its continuation, stopping somewhere at the man's chest and glazing over slightly, unfocused at the mention of feeding. Remaining so until he blinked himself back to attention at being addressed, meeting the other's eyes. Swallowing, glancing away again. Back once more. He pushed on his glasses again, then smiled."Not a problem. You told me you had two more hours left, and that gives us about an hour and a half, which then leaves us with the perfect amount of time for me to finish my shift and get home for you to fee-... Eat, again." Ed corrected himself after realizing he was not speaking any quieter, his polite, pleasant smile widening. He tilted his head to the side as he looked at Oswald, then turned and automatically began walking off to clock in and start his routine, deciding in that moment that he would simply... Do just that. Start his routine, pretend nothing was different about today in regards to how anyone else was concerned (and how they may be concerned about Oswald's presence), and hope for the best. Deal with whatever trouble came when it did. Or... Maybe Oswald would. That'd be preferable.
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Edward was hesitant in his actions, an obvious sign of nervousness. Perhaps this had been a bad idea. Oswald was sure the man wouldn't have been able to focus on his work properly, had they parted. But it wasn't like he could focus like this either. An obvious distraction, especially when it came to his excitement of discovering a creature that’d been passed on as an old myth for generations. He should have just gone home. Or eaten him instead. Left him for dead. He would have been better off. Now it felt far too late to do such a thing, having already gone through the process.Oswald felt lucky he didn't necessarily associate with other Vampires, let alone anyone in general. If word got out he bonded with a complete stranger, he’d be staked and hung for all the town to see. Maybe beheaded or tortured or stoned. Though it was ages ago since he’d last heard of the consequences. Those methods did seem a bit outdated.The Vampire turned his head, straining his neck to get a look at what it was Edward was glancing nervously at. Caught eye of a door with an unfamiliar sign nailed to its front. Forensic Examination. He hummed. Turned to face Edward again as he spoke. He supposes if he was so sure nobody would bother them in there, it would be a good place to start. And suddenly, it had Oswald eager to enter. But the man was speaking again. Rather…loudly. And fast. He supposes it’s something he’d have to get used to.Oswald had to say, though, he was slightly relieved at Edward’s response. A clear indication that he had a plan set out in his head. Maybe he would be a fine Familiar after all. It wasn't like Oswald was going to give him a list of daily chores. If anything, he wanted to remain as alone as he possibly could. Didn’t necessarily need anyone in the way, especially someone like Edward. Someone…different, to put it lightly.Then he was walking off. It had Oswald jumping in confusion for a moment, his body twitching with every limp as he struggled to follow at Edward’s pace. It made sense that he walked so fast, aside from the fact that his legs were ridiculously long. Oswald supposes he’d have to keep up with the man in every aspect of his personality. There was no going back now.He watched him punch in and decided to take the lead of heading toward the Forensics room. Leaving no space to waste any time for them to discuss things. Oswald wasn't exactly super knowledgeable when it came to Familiars, but he knew the basics. The important stuff. The rest was simply dynamics, and that was something they could learn as they got to know one another.Oswald walked alongside Edward, glancing up at him every now and then to catch the side of his face, his brows in a permanent state of worry. As if every second was one spent on guard. Nervous at every corner turned. Oswald wondered how the people here treated Edward. It couldn't be good, seeing as he’d only known the man for less than a day and already he was beginning to get on his nerves. Edward worked here. Probably for years. There was no way he didn't get at least a little annoying. They left him alone in Forensics for a reason, right?Oswald turned his head the moment they made it there and he allowed Edward to enter first, following closely behind. It looked like your basic examination room. Cupboards filled with supplies, a few rolling chairs, overhead lights that had yet to be turned on, and a large table sat in the middle of the room. Oswald inhaled through his nose. The thick stench of cleanliness. Sterile and pristine.A small lamp turned on just in the back corner, assuming Edward chose that instead of the larger ones above them to avoid any further attention. Probably for the best. Oswald wasn't exactly prepared to speak to any more people than he had to. He took a seat on one of the random chairs and sighed out as the relief from his leg washed through it and spread goosebumps along the thigh there. He used one hand to drive it against his calf, pressed stern fingers into it, before he leaned back to meet Edward’s gaze.“I…” He sighed, swallowed. Pondered on what it was he wanted to say exactly. “I’ve never had a Familiar before. So trust me when I say I'm new to this, as well. And I'm understating when I tell you I have gone about this completely backwards…wrong.”He leaned forward, elbows pressed into his knees, hands sliding down his face. As if pulling all his stress from it and sucking them into his palms. He let out a heavy sigh. The weight of their situation hitting him over and over, like the needle of a record player stuck on a divot in a vinyl. Replaying the same notes again and again until it made his head spin. This was ridiculous. It may have been better if he had just passed away in agony. He did not want, or plan, to deal with this. He’d never planned to deal with this.“I know I didn't explain in full detail what this entire thing entails. That's my fault, Edward, and I am…deeply apologetic for what I have sucked you into.” He was still leant forward, now with his neck straining up to find Edward’s eyes, his own scanning the man’s face for any sign of stress. It was definitely the last thing he wanted to do. Stress the man out. “When I said we would be bonded for life, I sincerely meant that. We are life partners. Never separated. Until you die, or I happen to be killed. That is unless the time comes where you make the choice of becoming a vampire or not.” He sighed again. Leaned against the chair this time, using the back of it to rest his neck, where his head faced the ceiling. His eyes stayed open, focused on the squares that made it up. Counted them in his head. “And seeing as we’re stuck with each other, I suppose it might not be a horrible idea to try and get to know one another. Please do forgive me, though. It's been decades since I’ve been around anyone, besides the clerk at the cleaner’s.” He let out a dry chuckle at his lame attempt at a joke, then lulled his head to find Edward again. Focused on those eyes with a hearty sigh. He was sick of sighing.“Go ahead and ask away.” He stated quietly, deciding it wasn't necessarily the right time to get mean. He could fix what he broke, he supposed. And it was only fair that Edward had questions, less than fair for Oswald to deny him of that. His lips pulled a tucked smile, still an action unfamiliar to him, then waited for whatever it was Edward yearned to know.
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Perhaps this wasn't the wisest of options, but Edward found that he couldn't quite bring himself to care in the moment. Not exactly. As brief as the little rush of encouragement came in the form of a simple gesture of reassurance, a hand to squeeze his arm, it was enough to get him moving and out of his head just long enough to keep him from inevitably hovering by the door for so long that he and his new friend — Acquaintance? Vampire? Master? — would catch the attention of far more people than he wanted. Or of the people he least wanted, the ones that could get him in trouble, or that he'd be disappointed in himself for upsetting, or... One of the many other detectives that would simply use it as an opportunity to torment him more than they usually did by default. Like Bullock, or Flass, or Dougherty, or... Yeah, maybe it was best he get a move on with Oswald and get the two of them out of sight regardless of who was around. He was just glad Oswald didn't seem about ready to rip his throat out anymore.Would he do that? Could he? Would it be easier for him to do compared to any normal human thanks to a heightened strength?Ed needed to stop thinking of so many questions that he wasn't allowed to ask before it started making him even more fidgety than he was already. Not helping.He had hardly registered that the other man took a moment to catch up to him, focusing on the task at hand and fully expecting Oswald to follow without any thought to it. They needed to talk anyway, right? Very important business. Maybe Ed would get lucky enough today and not have much work to do. Something he never thought he'd hope for before. He loved his job, loved the work he did and how it allowed him to exercise his brain in a way that many other things didn't quite hold a candle to, but what was more exciting than knowing you had just met a vampire? And not just a vampire, but one that you apparently shared some sort of important connection with. One that he didn't understand, but wanted to test nonetheless. Was it real? Did it mean anything? Did it change anything? Ed wasn't sure that he felt any different. Aside from the obvious anxiety of being stuck to the side of quite the rude man in a building full of other perhaps even more rude men.Scratch that. Definitely more rude. They didn't try smiling at him, unlike Oswald.Though the worrying threat of the wrong person having seen them and being able to come in at any moment to chastise him, or doing so at any other point of the day still lingered, Ed felt a sense of relief at making it into the room with the other and having that quiet privacy washing over them. Away from the lights, the sounds, voices and clicking and papers rustling while everyone bustled about. There were times that needed to be spent out there in the open occasionally for Edward, but much of his work was conducted within his own space, that of which he was thankful for. Working with others was never his strong suit, in many more ways than one. People were a lot, and it seemed to be the general consensus that he too was just that for them in turn. Even more so, apparently. At least he tried, but others were never quite so inclined.It was fine. It was easier to think in here. Easier to get his job done. No one interrupting him unless it was important, unless they needed something they couldn't acquire on their own, and he didn't need to venture out much unless to grab some files or inform someone of what he had discovered. They still didn't always seem entirely grateful, but... Again, it was fine. There was always next time.After the door had been shut and the lamp in the corner had been turned on, Ed spun to then rest his hands on the edge of the table, the fixture sat between the two men as he observed Oswald with the slightest tilt of his head in curiosity. Watching the other in the chair, bending down to press at his leg and massage the oddly-turned limb. Ed supposed he hadn't fully noticed that. Noticed the limp, yes, but not fully processing it in the excitement (and stress) of his short time with the man so far. He supposed he had questions about that as well. Ones stored safely in his mind where they would cause no one trouble, of course. Lips zipped, key tossed down the drain.Ed remained silent, waiting to follow the other's lead naturally. Blinking as Oswald began to speak, face now neutral aside from his ever-present look of taking it all in. Analyzing and ready to store all the information away in case he might need it. Every little expression and movement. He'd do his best with it.His head only tilted further to the side at Oswald's admission of doing this wrong, still unsure of what was even doing it right and seeing no problem. He was ready to listen, though. To try to understand. He very much wanted to. As the man sighed out once more and rubbed his hands along his face, seemingly stressed himself, Edward moved to come around to the other side of the table, his movements somehow smooth yet stiff at the same time, posture upright and rigid as neither his eyes nor his head moved away from Oswald while he still glided around to the other side with ease, not bumping into a thing despite not looking where he was going. He came to a stop somewhere between the table and Oswald, closer, but not too close. Maybe not consciously. He continued to listen, and his expression didn't change until the other expressed his regret. Ed's brows furrowing into a mildly concerned confusion.Was he sucked into something? He still wasn't sure what entirely was going on, but he seemed to be fine so far, and none of it had been particularly bad. Just an attitude very typical of people who... Spent any time around him. Nothing new. He had made the decision to help Oswald, both in bringing him inside his home and in letting him feed, even if the alternative had presumably been... Dying. Being killed. Eaten. Sucked dry. And with said feeding being quite enjoyable and Edward now being able to say (to himself, or quietly) that he knew vampires were real, really, this was all quite the net gain to him so far. He was thrilled, and even if the company wasn't pleasant in the most technical of senses, it was still company. Something Ed didn't have that often, certainly not like this. Oswald may not have been thrilled about their situation, but he didn't seem angry, all things considered. Another point for the moody vampire in his chair, none for the GCPD.Oswald kept talking. Edward blinked. The term of 'life partners' being used making his brain pause, click, rattle around and thud in his skull in its attempt to get running and back on track the right way. His ears felt hot along with his cheeks and he wasn't sure what to make of it. What did life partners mean to Oswald, exactly? Maybe he would have to actually ask that question out loud, despite whatever consequences it may bring. He was sure there was more to it than never parting, as Oswald seemed to keep implying, but a mind did wander. Or launch itself entirely from one train of thought to the other as there was mention of being turned into a vampire. He could do that? That was an option? Yes, no, Edward did not see the problem here. His eyes widened and his stance straightened with the excitement of such a suggestion, but he was smart enough to keep quiet and let the other continue, briefly glancing up toward the ceiling as well to see if there was anything of interest to look at up there. Didn't seem to be. Back down to Oswald.The man chuckled, a pleasant sound compared to the rest he had produced so far, a response to — what Ed assumed to be — his own joke while Ed continued to stare and listen. Suddenly intrigued and eager at the idea of getting to know each other. Whether that meant Edward got to learn more about this man or Oswald actually wanted to know a thing about him, it was rather exciting. For quite obvious reasons he had already been scolded for, and Ed didn't get to talk about himself often. At all. He might not get very far even now, but the thought was enough to flood him with enthusiasm.An enthusiasm that was really rather incomparable to what he felt after the words that followed. An invitation. A permission. Go ahead and ask away. Edward had to blink again, and then once more, maybe a few times as his mouth opened and his brain had to catch up to what he was hearing. Running the words over a few times as he tried to make sure he was understanding them correctly. Running through every other to ensure the context was correct. He was... Allowed to ask questions now? About Oswald?"You-... You mean, I can-... Oh. Oh, oh dear, um... Uh..." Finally his head turned, off to the side and aimless as his gaze flicked around the room like there was anything there that might tell him exactly what he should ask. It was far from being that he had no ideas, in fact, he had far too many, so many questions rattling around his brain that it was near overwhelming, especially in his desire to still not irritate the man.He certainly couldn't ask them all. They may have been stuck together now, apparently, but that didn't mean that Oswald's patience would be any less thinner than anyone else's. How many would he allow? How many could Ed get in before he was cut off? What were the most important and optimal questions to get the information he both needed and desired? He had to rank them by priority, but practical benefit and safety held a different yet equally significant priority to Ed's own curiosity, unless he thought about it logically, which was probably the best action regarding something so monumental, and maybe also-"Hold on." Edward then suddenly spun again to face the other direction, taking two quick steps to stop himself at the table, back turned to Oswald. Crossing an arm around himself and ducking his head slightly, his other hand came up to alternate between letting a knuckle press to his lips and taking his thumbnail between his teeth, chewing in thought. Though he was silent, once or twice he gestured to himself as if speaking, a tilt of the head or a shrug of the shoulder, a hand lifting and fingers splaying like another had made a good point in his one-sided, mental conversation.Nodding to himself once, twice, he then spun back around, taking one large step to return where he had been before. Looking at Oswald, his arm remained around himself as his other hand came down to rest against his chest, but after a brief pause, he looked down at himself. At where his hand rested against the strap of his bag, which he only just now realized he still had on, so he quickly took it off and turned around to place it on the table. Turning back around just as fast as if nothing had happened. He stared. Blinked. Held his closed fist forward to point his thumb at Oswald."Are there more of you?" He finally asked. The question he had settled on. The first one. Though there were more. Would Oswald think he only had one question if he left it at that? He had more than one question. "More... Vampires? Do you know? How many? Approximately? Do other people know? Or- would you even know that? Wouldn't I know that? Nevermind, scratch that last one. That one doesn't count."He kept staring. Would that be good enough for now? That felt like the most pressing information out of the way, that should do."... Can you turn into a bat?”
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Oswald could sense the fast moving change of emotions in Edward. From the pace of his heart to the smell of blood rushing to his head, causing a deep flush on his ears, cheeks, and neck. Curious as to what it was that caused such a thing. It was clear the man got flustered easily. Or embarrassed. Or an equal mix.Then he was suddenly excited. If it weren't for his quick change in position, Oswald would have assumed his heart picking up speed was also some form of self-consciousness. But Oswald was very keen when it came to expressions. The way people held themselves. Reacted to things or responded with simple gestures of their bodies. That was except for Victor. He almost shivered at the thought.It was clear Edward didn't get to talk very often. At least not with some form of permission. An invitation to speak his mind when it didn't come to important things like work. And even then, Oswald wondered if his coworkers liked to sit and listen to whatever Edward had to say pertaining to their job. Did Edward have friends?Oswald didn't, that was for sure. But his reason was simply by choice. This man seemed quite desperate for some sort of communication, connection. It was a little pathetic if he had to be honest. Why would you want friends? All anyone ever did was hurt or disappoint youOr worse, both simultaneously.Oswald’s brows furrowed, then raised. Almost in amusement as he watched Edward spin around. Facing the other way, his back hunched and present. His movements were odd, jittery. Hands raising or shoulders shrugging, moving in such ways that seemed as if he were speaking to someone else just on the other side of him. Oswald’s lips curled into a smile, one of disbelief. Almost like a grimace, using both hands to lever himself up a bit. Stretching his neck to see if there was anybody there. There couldn't be. But what was Edward doing, exactly? Talking to himself?Oh brother, was this guy a fucking trip. Oswald slumped back in his seat with lazy eyes, softly sighing. Used one palm to rest his cheek, doing his best to keep the patience he’d previously built.Then the man was spinning around. Then quickly back again to remove his bag, wasting no extra time to face Oswald once more before he decided to finally speak. Were there more-? Jesus Christ. Oswald closed his eyes, clenched his jaw to keep any sort of rude comment down. Refrained from interrupting at all. What a dumb question. Obviously Oswald wasn't the only Vampire. What sense would that make?Nonetheless, he allowed it. Opening his eyes again in a lazy manner, tapping his fingers against his cheek to distract from the impatient frustration bubbling inside of him. And before he could prepare for any more curiosities, as he assumed there were more, Edward was speaking at a rapid speed. Shooting question after question like a child who skipped his adderall dose. All just as equally as stupid. His eyes were shutting again, out of fear his impatience would show, and exhaled quietly through his nose.“No, Edward, I cannot turn into a bat…” He spoke slowly. Menacingly calm. In the hopes that it would aid in his loss of tolerance. It only did in the slightest as he met Edward’s eyes again, inhaling long and deep, before he was breathing out his next sentence. “Though I suppose some Vampires can, which I believe answers your first question. That there are more, yes. Unfortunately. I'm not exactly fond of my kind, to put it lightly.”He crossed one leg over the other and leaned back, now placing both hands in his lap. Intertwined his fingers in a more neat, professional manner. Blinked a little as he pondered on all the questions that had been thrown at him. On all his potential answers. He looked down at his thighs, furrowed his brows in thought.“I can't say exactly how many there are, but there are definitely thousands. Maybe millions. Certainly some outside of Gotham. I'm near positive other people know. My father-” He paused, blinked again. Attempted to swallow around the sudden lump in his throat at the mention, the thought of his father. The odd feeling it left in his esophagus. That he could even speak of the man without a second beat. As if his being was still present. With him. He shook his head, blinked again, then cleared his throat. His hands were grasping much tighter when he looked back up to face Edward. “I…wasn’t born a Vampire, as I believe I’ve previously mentioned. So I have met, and known, and even killed others. Though, those years are far behind me now. It's been a very long time since I’ve associated with a lifestyle outside of simply surviving.”His hand waved around, almost nervously. Looked away again to avoid any sort of eye contact. He hated being vulnerable. Despised it when his emotions got the better of him, especially around another person. Perhaps Edward would be understanding. It was obvious the man held his emotions right on his sleeve, or chest. Didn't seem to even attempt to hide them. That could be a good thing, seeing as Oswald was now stuck with the guy. Communication wouldn't be as tough of a task, at least on Edward’s part, and Oswald didn't have to hold his breath as often as he did.He found himself clearing his throat again, a nasty habit of his when he didn't know how else to break the silence. Then looked back up, then down again, up to meet those eyes. Pursed his lips.“Um, do you have any more questions?”
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Edward did, in fact, have a lot of questions. So, so many more, ones that quite possibly would have been endless were he to have the time and patience from the other man — the vampire, incredible still! — to ask them all. He hoped that he would get the chance. That if he were not able to satisfy his curiosity here, now, that maybe he could once they had returned home, or perhaps over time through both asking and Edward learning in his own from simply being around Oswald. The latter seemed to be most likely, and probably the safest for himself as well... He didn't want the man's patience to truly run out, as it seemed to have come close to already.This would do for now. Oswald was already being so kind, so generous by allowing him at least a few questions so freely. Maybe being stuck with him wouldn't be so bad. Edward didn't need to worry. Only needed to worry about learning, observing, feeding schedules, not getting in trouble at work, easy. He could do that. As long as his visitor was allowed. If he wasn't... Well, maybe all but the last parts would be easy. He'd figure it out.Maybe he felt a little silly asking Oswald if he could turn into a bat, but Edward was determined to soak in as much knowledge as he could and wanted to get a baseline for what myths and stories really were true or not. What really was silly and what things he actually needed to be worrying about, to keep in mind. Were the typical, common knowledge vampire traits something of fiction? Were they made up entirely of teenagers on the internet, movie makers in Hollywood, or maybe even distorted through generations from real stories passed down from a time where things now thought as fantasy were simply part of daily life? Or were people like Oswald not so different from Edward, only plagued by something like a disease, altering his life in ways easily explained away by simple science?Edward wanted to believe the latter. For the sake of his own sanity. Knowing vampires were real was one thing, an incredible thing, but he wasn't sure he wanted to have to try and come to terms with something so drastically different from what was thought to be reality by... Well, probably anyone he could have ever possibly asked. Were he to ask fifty people on the street, he doubted he'd find one that believed vampires to exist to begin with.Fifty sane people, anyway.And yet... Edward nearly pouted when Oswald answered him. No bats. Expectations of reality aside, it would have been cool to see. And then his eyes were widening, because oh, nevermind. Apparently they can be bats. And that was they. There were more. Oh, he just had to know. Were there a few? Dozens? Maybe hundreds. There had to be a reason no one thought they were real, and Edward had even gone to briefly wonder if Oswald could be the only one, something having happened to the rest. That Ed was just that lucky. Of course not.He blinked a few times as he listened, watched, wondering briefly what was so bad about the rest of them that had Oswald seeming so displeased, but it felt like the least of his concerns at the moment when faced with the rest of the information he was being told. Especially... As Oswald was continuing, and Ed's eyes were practically bugging out of his skull at that point, mouth falling open at the word 'millions'. Now- that couldn't be, right? He would have heard about this by now. Had to. He was smart. Smarter than any of those fifty people he could have bothered on the street, or another fifty, or any others he decided to include. He would have known. Figured it out. Had he met one already before? Were they everywhere? Was that weird guy he passed by the deli one?As much as Ed wanted to speak up and interrupt, shocked by this revelation and quite frankly a little offended, he did know it wasn't his place yet and was still far too interested in what the other man had to say as he paused and seemed to shift uncomfortably. Ed's lips remained parted, eyes still a little wide as he listened, but he did just that. Listened. Taking it all in and processing it all as fast as he could. A task a little more challenging than usual, but nothing he couldn't handle. Surely.Oswald speaking of interacting with others and surviving on his own, for a long time, did still have Edward feeling a little strange. Hearing of a life so obviously different and seperate from his own and anything he knew. He wondered about the others. How Oswald knew them, how he interacted with them, he wondered just how long it had been. He wondered what made Oswald so... Civil, and if the others were like that. All able to blend in and hide away, if only a part of their true identity.Edward appeared as if to be stuck, still frozen in place with his gaze locked onto Oswald with that same dumbfounded expression on his face, only blinking out of it and back to the present once the other had addressed him directly to inquire about his... Inquiries. He did. Of course he did. He had what felt like just as many questions as there were vampires in the world apparently— terrifying, but he was still thinking about them as if he were on a limit, only allowed a few before he was cut off. It was overwhelming, and it was exciting. Endless possibilities, knowledge to be shared and experiences to be had, he didn't know if he wanted it to last forever if he wanted to jump straight to the end, all information ingrained into his memory.Edward kept staring, then blinked again."In numbers and space I extend without end, a concept so vast, none can comprehend. What am I?" He blurted out the riddle just as quickly as the rest of his words usually came, perhaps even faster, though spoken with a cadence that almost made it sound rehearsed and prepared beforehand. Between the odd look Oswald was giving him accompanied by his lack of reaction, and Edward's own excitement, he decided to cut the wait for a response short and quickly answered it himself with a short, breathy laugh. "Infinite. I have infinite questions. Well- not literally, because I'd have to live forever to be able to ask that many questions but- oh, can you live forever?" He stared a little longer, then looked up and off to the side, head briefly tipping one way in a half-shrug. "Not that you would technically be able to know that either, as we can never truly reach forever, but theoretically speaking... Immortality, yay or nay?"The question was emphasized with a finger pointing downward at the two invisible words, one and then the other, other arm still crossed around himself as an elbow rest for the other as he watched Oswald expectantly. He supposed the other mentioning the option of becoming a vampire in solution to the possible outcome of himself dying and breaking their bond implied an answer to the affirmative, but clarification never hurt, and it provided an easy segway into what could kill and harm a vampire, which he was also extremely curious about. Was he going to have to throw out his garlic? Invest in some curtains?Good thing he wasn't religious. No crosses on the wall, only bugs.
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The last thing Oswald expected was a riddle. Of course the man liked riddles. It suited his very unfortunate personality, and yet another trait that has Oswald holding back an exasperated sigh. He offered a strange look, one of great confusion as he found himself genuinely pondering on an answer to it. What was he doing? God’s sake, Edward wasn't already rubbing off on him, was he? He parted his lips, then quickly shut them as Edward let out a breathy laugh, answering the riddle, himself.Ah. Great. Lots of questions. Exactly what Oswald intended to spend his afternoon doing. Talking about himself.He thought Edward’s curiosities were a bit…dumb. Didn’t he watch movies? Indulge in your classic Vampire horror flicks? Or did he assume they were just that- fiction? Oswald supposed it was less about curiosity and more of confirming. It would be less than fair to get short tempered. He did say the man could ’ask away’, as he so kindly put it. So, did he live forever? Was he immortal?Oswald gave a curt nod of his head, ducking it a little with a slow blink of his eyes, gesturing slightly with his hand. His shoulders shrugged, then sagged as he sat back in the chair. It gave a low squeak. “I would assume I'm immortal, yes. Seeing as I have been alive since 1866. Though,” He gave a quick snort, holding up the flat of his hand with a tight smile. “I didn't turn until 1901. I spent my young adult years,” He laughed again, almost embarrassed by his soon to be admission. “Hunting vampires. Ironic. I'm sure you can assume why I became one. Surprisingly not while I was hunting. I can save you that sob story.”He pressed his thumb nail to his parted lips and bit down in thought, eyes spacing on a random tile on the floor. Edward hadn't necessarily asked, but he could only assume what the man probably wanted to know. What was appropriate to know. Perhaps he could share some information that Edward hadn't even thought of. Some important, maybe unimportant, facts about other Vampires. His eyes looked at the man again, not moving his slumped body as it stayed there pressed back into his seat. Legs crossed still with one hip jutted slightly out as he leaned on an elbow.“I feel you’re probably curious about the bat thing. I can only assume some Vampires can transform into bats, as there are shape shifting Vampires.” He held up his hand, as if to start counting his fingers. “As well as Daylight Vampires, Manipulators, Genetic Vampires, Emotional Vampires, Seductors,” He shifted in his seat, uncrossed his legs, then recrossed them the opposite way. Leant against his other elbow and pressed his cheek against his knuckles. “I think you get my point. I’m considered a…Classic, I suppose. Most Vampires are technically Classic, just with specific abilities. Perhaps ones they’ve adapted overtime. I do have certain abilities. Just not, you know,” his hand waved around. “The bat kind.”He smiled tightly. Hoped Edward thought his lame attempt at a joke was maybe even slightly funny. Then cleared his throat. Blinked a little. Scrunched his lips to the side in thought. What else…?He could only assume that Edward would accept any knowledge given. He seemed the type. Always curious, no matter the subject. Fascinated by things he had yet to know already. Probably even more fascinated by something that seemed to reject science or things beneath the humanly possible umbrella. And Oswald certainly knew a lot. Surprisingly not necessarily because he was a Vampire, himself. But really from his days of studying them after the incident with his mother. Learning anything he could about the creatures before his ventures of destroying any in his wake. It was out of revenge’s sake. Survival’s sake. A means to get closer to the one Vampire that took her from him. It was with great guilt for him to admit he had yet to do so. Had yet to face them. He’s unsure he ever will.It took him a moment to realize he was staring off in a spaced out thought. With his eyes glossed over and that thumb back in his mouth. And Edward was gawking in his naturally curious state, presumably waiting for the next thing Oswald decided to share. He peered up and hummed. Tucked his lips for a moment, before he straightened his posture.“Enough about all that.” He said dismissively, clearing his throat a little, leaning forward to get closer to the man. “I should probably say that, yes while I'm immortal- I'm certainly not invincible. Think of your stereotypical Vampire bullshit. I'm assuming you've seen a movie. Garlic, sunlight, stakes, the lot.” He snorted out a dry laugh, then leaned back again. He didn't think he had much else he cared to share. Certainly not his own past. That was far too personal, emotional, to get into. He was sure Edward would ask eventually and he’d definitely save it all for then. His eyes drifted, then looked back to the man, sizing him a bit, before they made eye contact again.“By the way, we’re going to my home after all of this. I'm certainly not spending another hour in your stuffy little apartment.”
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At this point, the reality that he was at work and supposed to be doing his job had become lost entirely to Edward, focused solely on the man before him and any scrap of information he could possibly get from the other. So utterly fascinated, intrigued, and desperate in a mostly enthusiastic sense to understand it all. Maybe a little nervous, a little worried, because it was a lot, but right now, he couldn't quite bring himself to fully see the downsides to any of it. Surely that would come later, but for now, he remained on the point of being near-giddy.Only proven more so when the other man began to answer him, and Edward's excitement went from being over the existence of vampires, the presence of one right in front of him, to the fact that said man had been alive since the eighteen hundreds. Ed's look of shock perhaps being even more evident than before this time, mouth gaping with disbelief only a moment before it opened wider as if about to speak, but Oswald seemed to be able to read his mind and shut him up before that could even happen with a lift of his hand. A gesture he was quickly becoming accustomed to already, trained to silence. Not that he wasn't quite used to being shut up by people on the daily, but this bond had certainly seemed to make the action even more natural for him, ready to please and obey whether he gave it a single thought or not.It did feel as if it paid off regardless, the information of Oswald having been turned to a vampire that specific year setting off the quick calculations in Ed's head to determine how old the man was in terms of a typical human's physical appearance, or at least he assumed, coming to the conclusion that Oswald was, in a way, thirty-five years old. A concept much easier for a person like Edward to wrap his head around as opposed to the idea of Oswald being one hundred and fifty-eight.Even then, still a little scandalous. He was going to be committing himself to a man he had just met who was seemingly nearly a decade older than himself? Perhaps it was good that they learn about each other, because it would be far more embarrassing if anyone asked, and Ed couldn't tell them a thing about this person.Not that he could tell them that Oswald was a vampire. Maybe he should be asking more personal questions. He had a lot of learning to do.Edward's head did tilt at the mention of a sob story, curious as to what it was, but this was at least the kind of cue he could pick up in the moment that the other didn't currently want to speak of it. Ed would still probably ask, but not right now. The idea of a young Oswald hunting down vampires did make Ed assume that things like this had been more common knowledge at one point, picturing the man dressed far differently in a world so far from what anyone knew now, tracking creatures down and taking lives with the ability to keep it all quiet at the same time far easier than it would be in this day and age.As Oswald went on to explain other types of vampires, listing them off so casually like it was perfectly normal to imply what Ed was beginning to think was many kinds of creatures existing out there somewhere, the look on his face only became more dumbfounded. Staring, blinking repeatedly like it was the only thing keeping him in the present and sane. Hardly. The information coming but now doing very little to his expression, stuck on the same one. Abilities? Well, now he just needed to know. Everything. How long did he have to be here again? Could he pretend he was sick after all and go home so he could start finding out more about all of this? Surely that was a far better use of his time, the GCPD could do without him for a day. They sure seemed to think so.Edward did manage to raise his eyebrows slightly as Oswald went on to talk about his vulnerabilities, only vaguely registering the disappointment he felt about the garlic thing being confirmed. Sad, but a small price to pay all things considered. It did help somewhat in coming to understand what was and wasn't myth in regards to vampires, but Ed still preferred more clarification, so it would do for now. Help form a general rule of thumb in his mind. Know how to be better safe than sorry when in doubt with the other and his wellbeing, or his own, though somehow, Ed did find himself already far more concerned with keeping Oswald safe and unharmed before even beginning to consider himself.Edward was still a little lost in his own head, mulling everything over a mile a minute though it felt like the distance was hopeless to cover any time soon, so it took the complete change of subject to actually get him to stop in his tracks and focus back on the reality before him when Oswald suddenly brought up going to his home after they left work. Blinking rapidly at the spoken decision, gaze locking onto the other more fully, then pouting with a slight frown at the comment about his apartment."What's wrong with my apartment?" He asked almost immediately, processing that part well before the rest. He then tilted his head to the side, frown still fixed to his face though in a slightly more thoughtful manner. "Are we staying at your place? For how long? I think we'd still need to go back so I can bring my things, clothes at the very least..." He paused as his eyes scanned over Oswald, as if to confirm his suspicions. "No offense, but I don't think I'd fit in yours. Unless you live with someone half a foot taller, or you have a random stash of oversized clothes in your house. Also, you probably don't have the face wash I need, or the lotion I like. Or the spoons. Or my blanket. Can I at least get my blanket? ...And my clothes? ...And the rest?"That would do for now. He liked his things, but they could go back and get them another time. Would he be staying that long? He hardly believed that Oswald would want him living in his own home permanently, people who knew him could hardly handle more than a few minutes, surely a stranger wouldn't be able to handle a whole... Rest of his life. If that's really what Oswald wanted right now, so be it. Who was Ed to tell him no? Certainly not not a person bound to him by some strange force meant to carry out his will and keep him fed."Do you live very far away? Or have a car? I have a car but it's getting worked on right now, I hit something in the road last week so I've been having to walk and take the bus." He pressed his lips together, looking off to the side in mild disapproval, then seeming to remember where he was as he looked right back to Oswald. "I just want to be sure I can get to work okay. It's already a bit of a hassle having to work around my current situation, but they said I should have it back in a couple of days.”
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It was already assumed that Edward would express shock at all the random facts that’d been thrown at him. Surely this was an extremely astounding event for the man. Out of the ordinary. Nothing he had necessarily planned on occuring.Oswald was less assuming of Edward’s clear, but slight, offense at the mention of not returning to his apartment. Perhaps he could have left out that it was small…and stuffy. But was that a lie? Not exactly. It was small and stuffy. And cluttered. Filled to the brim with unnecessarily hoarded crap. And it resided next to a busy road, exceptionally different from Oswald’s very large, secluded, and empty home. Neatly decorated with things much finer than whatever Edward liked to call decor.He sat there in silence, only reacting to the sudden rambling of their plans, his clothes. Pausing once to size Oswald, before insulting him. The Vampire blinked, clenched his jaw with a slight flare of his nostrils. If he were still alive, his heart would be pounding out of his chest. Perhaps sprout arms and legs to leap from his ribcage and hobble over to Edward to strangle the daylights out of him. Perhaps Oswald would do it himself.And he kept talking. Like a switch had been turned on, suddenly on an anxious rant. Lips unwavering and moving at such hyper speed. Oswald wondered if he’d even thought to give himself enough time to breathe. He did need to breathe, right? That is what humans still did these days, correct? Maybe Edward wasn't exactly human. Oswald wasn't even sure he’d ever met someone like him. So…different. Annoying…no. Irritating…? Pesky, perhaps?Oswald’s lips tucked into a straight line, ever so patient. Allowing the other to finish whatever idiotic monologue he had to announce. Things about blankets and spoons and lotion.
Whatever the hell he needed that for.
His jaw was beginning to hurt. His fingers dug themselves into one another as he gripped them hard. Struggled to hold back whatever anger had suddenly sprouted inside of him. His patience was truly running low.“Edward.” He spoke slowly, through gritted teeth. Swallowed rough as his unblinking eyes bore into Edward’s. “I don't think I'm all that opposed to killing you if you ever feel the need to mention my height in such the way that you did.” His words were enunciated clearly. Sure to speak as properly as possible so that there wasn't any miscommunication.The lines surrounding his mouth deepened and curved into the edges of his nose as he expressed his distaste through a grimace. Breathed in heavily with shut eyes, before opening them again. Releasing that same breath as slowly and evenly as possible. As if exhaling any anger that had been left behind.“As for the rest of your dumb little rant, I am perfectly fine with you getting all your useless crap. So long as you don't leave my home a mess.” His head bobbed in a twitchy manner as he spoke, words like venom. “I do suggest you use your brain a little before you decide to speak. I will not do with your little speeches. You don't want my patience to run dry.”He only felt slightly guilty, but dear God Edward did need to learn at least some social skills. He could not live out the rest of the man’s years listening to him babble on about utter nonsense. Things that had absolutely no value to Oswald whatsoever.He sighed and leaned back, fixing his suit a bit as a nervous habit, as well as a bit of a distraction. Something to do with his hands while he calmed down to continue their much needed conversation. They definitely needed a plan. Something. Anything. A set schedule they’d follow from now until…well…forever. He was curious to know if Edward was at all willing to quit his job. Surely he didn't really need it. And seeing as they were certainly stuck together forever…kind of at the hip, Oswald wasn't all opposed to just supporting the man in any way he needed. A new home or financial reasons. Oswald had both taken care of.The man didn't necessarily have bills to pay for and the inheritance of his father’s business was sure to keep his finances in check for the time being. Plus what were Oswald’s victims going to do with their wallets? They were dead.He hummed in thought, cleared his throat. Pressed a finger against his chin as he leaned on his elbow again. “As for the car, I do have one, yes.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Though, I haven't driven that thing for…say, 90 years? But have at it, I suppose. It's a piece of junk, anyhow.” He tilted his head. Offered a small smile, one of a cunning nature as a thought occurred to him. His head tilted the other way as he stared at the man, blinking a few times before he decided on what to say. “And no need to worry about distance, my dear. I have that covered.”He smiled wider, though with lips still tight and tucked. Eyes squinting slightly at the pressure. The man was staring at him with wide eyes and Oswald realized.Obnoxious. That was the word he was looking for.
Edward was obnoxious.
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Edward hoped that it wasn't too inconvenient that he didn't have his car right now. He would get it back soon, but that left them needing to figure out what to do in the meantime for the next day or two, and Ed felt a little guilty for the possibly extra issue that Oswald would have to put up with in a situation already so sudden and significant. It was Ed's fault, wasn't it? He had stumbled across Oswald, offered to help, felt some force compelling him to stay with the man in need and decided to listen to it. If he had taken another route, ran past the man and gone home, or still had his car, Oswald wouldn't be stuck with him and could have found someone else better suited, or someone else he could have killed, fed off of, and gone on his way.Which... Did then make Ed question why Oswald hadn't killed him. If this was such an issue for the other, why hadn't he done away with him? Why go to all this trouble just to let him live? Edward was still quite confused on many aspects of this all, and he very much did want to ask, but the moment the thought came to him, he was being interrupted from it all by the sound of his name being spoken, slow and... Hostile. Like a warning. An all too familiar one that immediately had his eyes locking onto the other's, head snapping to attention from where it had been slightly turned away in thought.Edward blinked in surprise, rapid and nervous at the threat that was spoken, immediately feeling that anxious pounding of his heart with the uncomfortable sinking in his stomach, a fear and discomfort at the attitude coming from the other man. That shame again, that disappointment in himself for so obviously getting something wrong once more. Eyes widening, mouth opening and trying for words though none came out, shutting after a moment with a thick swallow. A desire to defend himself but too overwhelmed to do so, both by his own confusion and the multitude of excuses he had, unsure of where to even begin.What had he done wrong? What had he said that was so terrible? He said he didn't mean to offend, was that not clear? He hadn't said anything that was untrue, anything cruel, they were quite obviously very different in height and Edward would need clothes that fit him were he to stay with Oswald, and Oswald's would most certainly not fit him. What was wrong with that?For a brief moment, Ed thought that it may not matter, that once Oswald began speaking again he would simply move along and address the rest of what he had said in a more helpful manner, but that thought had lasted for all but two seconds before he was blinking hard at the harsh words spoken to him, leaning back the slightest bit as if they physically affected him. That embarrassment sinking in, the shame intensifying. The beating in his chest uncomfortable, and the heat in his face just as bad. An offence taking over him, but only the most pathetic kind, the kind he would never actually defend himself over and would only store it all away, push it all down in the only method he knew how. He would not argue, only think to himself, 'it's not useless.'He had learned long ago that his opinions did not matter, most especially if someone was angry. Voicing them made it worse. Voicing them was talking back, voicing them would only get him yelled at, or hurt. No matter how much they made sense in his own head, it was only better to take what he was given, and leave it at that.It was not the first time, it would not be the last, but it didn't mean it didn't still hurt.At the harsher, more insulting words, Edward ducked his head and dropped his gaze to the ground, suddenly wishing he hadn't taken his bag off so that he had something to hold onto, something to do with his hands. They twitched at his sides and his fingers rubbed against each other until he resumed his position from before, an arm wrapped around himself to support the other, thumb to his mouth to chew at the nail with an almost shaky hand. The shame felt almost burning hot by this point, desperately wishing there was some way for the other to understand, though even speaking felt wrong now. How was he supposed to know what the right and wrong way was to speak, to Oswald? Protesting was the only thing he knew was off the table, was always off the table.
He wasn't stupid. It wasn't a speech. He's trying his best. He doesn't know what he did wrong. He was just talking. Trying to help.
"I don't-... I don't know what I did wrong." He took the chance of muttering around his thumb after a long moment that felt even more eternal in his own head, fighting off that brief panic that wanted to bubble up, not sure what else to do. He needed some kind of direction, otherwise he would simply not speak just to be safe, but that didn't seem correct either. Surely he would be berated for silence as well.Edward wanted to turn and busy himself, but that too felt wrong. He thought he should look at Oswald, but couldn't bring himself to. Don't walk away from me. Look at me when I'm talking to you. He felt on edge as he waited for the other to continue, hearing him shift around in his seat, gaze only lingering just close enough to the man that he could make sure out of the side of his vision that the other was staying put, on edge and subconsciously watching for a threat. Not that he would be able to defend himself if there were one.His thumb was starting to feel weird, so he moved his hand down to the collar of his shirt, using it to wipe the spit from it and then begin fiddling with the fabric. One form of anxious fidgeting to the next. As Oswald went on to speak about his car, Ed was relieved only slightly, briefly at the change in subject, as his brows then furrowed deeper as he once again resisted saying anything. Ninety years? He couldn't imagine a car sitting around for that long would be very useful. But he'd worry about that later. He certainly wouldn't tell Oswald that now.The use of the pet name nearly startled Ed, eyes a bit wide from worry to surprise mixed with it as he finally looked at Oswald, maybe with a bit of confusion as well. Thrown off by the drastic change from how he had been spoken to so far. It was perhaps more comforting than it should have been, once again in a way that Edward wasn't even sure he was fully aware of, and he began to fidget a bit more as he looked off to the side, trying to determine if it was safe now. If he could move, if he could speak, if any of it would be appropriate or allowed.Oswald told him to use his brain before he spoke. He did, it was impossible not to, in fact he did it a lot, but apparently that wasn't satisfactory. Oswald didn't want speeches. They weren't speeches. But perhaps less talking. That was typically what people wanted from him. Got it."That's-... That's good." He responded quietly, almost absentmindedly, still looking somewhere off to the side before apparently deciding that it was okay to move now, as he was off without a thought to pick up his bag from the table and go set it down in a chair in the corner furthest away from Oswald. He was a little out of sorts, suddenly desperate to busy himself to ease his nerves but overwhelmed enough that he wasn't sure where to start that fast, so he picked a drawer and began looking through it just to buy himself some time, pretending to be busy.Reluctantly, he remembered that Oswald had said that they should get to know each other. Edward had only asked Oswald questions, a rather unfortunate disaster, and the other knew nothing about him. Quite frankly, he wasn't sure the man cared, but he didn't want to risk being chastised for yet another thing he'd missed. Edward paused, lifting his head as if to brace himself, then looking back down as he continued his rummaging."Do you have any questions for me?”
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Oswald had to admit, he didn't necessarily care to ask any questions. What would he even ask? He wasn't quite familiar with the concept of small talk, nor did he enjoy it either, and he’d much rather just answer whatever inquiries Edward had. It was far easier than brewing up senseless curiosity. Oswald didn't necessarily have any.It had been a long time since he indulged in casual conversation or, god forbid, getting to know someone. And never did he plan on doing so again. Come to think of it, Victor must have been the last to be so generously bestowed of Oswald’s attention, and look how that turned out. Now he was half alive for far longer than he ever wanted to be with two dead parents and a nagging Familiar he didn't even want in the first place. One that got his feelings hurt far too easily, at that. Maybe Oswald could ask why he was so soft.Nonetheless, he sighed, fixed his posture, patted at his suit, and peered up at Edward through heavy lids. His tongue clicked against the roof of his mouth, pondering. What was he supposed to ask?“Um,” Cleared his throat. “Well, I-” Fixed his posture again. Furrowed his brows. Counted the tiles. Tapped his fingers on his chin. Counted the tiles.He was quite uncomfortable now. It must have been easier for Edward, seeing as he’s not a Vampire. Oswald was human. At one point. And he still lived among them, acting just as so. Caught between two separate worlds that he was far too familiar with. What was he to ask? What's your favourite sandwich? It's not like he would even care.They couldn't relate. He assumed they had nothing in common, seeing as Edward is annoying and Oswald…well…he’s not. It’d be quite difficult to brew up something he wasn't even sure he could understand. His throat cleared again, tried to think of the things that were important in his life. That could possibly also be important to Edward. He didn't have very many. Only a few in particular. Like his life, his clothes, his hairspray. Though, those were quite minor. Plus he didn't think Edward cared much for hairspray.His lips pursed. They were going to have to do this whether either of them liked it or not. He settled on an idea and shifted again, now avoiding eye contact as he focused on a wrinkle in Edward’s forehead.“What are your parents like?” He asks suddenly, now resting his chin on a few splayed fingers. His head bobs in thought as he pondered on how to follow up. “Mine were very dear to me. I find myself missing them every waking moment, and even so in my sleep. It's hard to have loved, harder to have lost. Infinitely painful to lose the ones you love.” His head tilted down and he found himself counting those tiles again. Hummed out a small sound from his throat. “Are yours still around? I lost mine many years ago. Much longer than I can count on both my hands.”And it was true. He was only ten when his mother died, horribly so at the hands of the same wretched creature he had inevitably become. And his father some years later when Oswald turned twenty-two. He had gone one hundred and thirty-six years without a guardian. Sometimes he thinks he’s forgotten what they sounded like.“I do hope that isn't too personal of a question. You're welcome to ask me something personal in return and I'll be forced to oblige in my answer.” He tucked his lips and stared through Edward’s permanently worried gaze.
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The silence that followed Edward's question was... Discouraging. To put it one way. Still digging around in the drawer, moving a few things around, shutting that one and moving to another with careful fingers to kill more time looking as if he was organizing its contents, at the very least. He hoped it was convincing enough. Truly, the drawer didn't need any organizing at all; Edward already had everything in this room neat and organized to perfection and had for a very long time, sorted by color, size, importance, and frequency of use. He moved a pen, just to look a little more convincing, but quickly put it back with a frown. Disrupting the space wasn't quite worth it.He should have figured. Of course Oswald wouldn't have any questions. He seemed far from wanting to be in this situation and even farther from desiring to take an interest in Ed. The package was new, but the contents were the same. Oswald, a vampire, but still very much someone who did not care to know Edward. Sleep in his home and drink his blood, sure, but know him? No. At least he had made himself of some use, he supposed. Got about as much recognition for it as he did anything else, anywhere else, here, but it was something. His efforts weren't pointless. He got to learn of the existence of real, actual vampires, and that was something he could never take for granted. Wished he could appreciate more, but he wasn't sure when the time would be appropriate, if ever. Oswald didn't seem to be a fan.The movement of Ed's fingers slowed as the other finally began to speak up, focusing his attention, but he eased back into his 'task' as more silence followed. Instead pretending to look for something. As if he didn't know exactly where every item was in this room, tucked away in their designated spot. Quite honestly, fully prepared to be told no, that there were no questions, and that he would actually have to go about his actual job now and pretend there wasn't a mythical-but-not-actually creature mere feet away from him as if that wasn't far more interesting than anything his colleagues could have presented him today, tomorrow, or ever for the rest of the days he lived. Unless they brought him another vampire. One that was actually nice.He had almost begun to enter autopilot, tapping into routine and grabbing what he would need to begin, but then Oswald got his question out. One that had Ed's fingers freezing, body tensing and gaze lifting to stare blankly at a spot on the wall between the counter and the cupboard. Blinking once, twice, three times as the other continued speaking, multitasking on listening to the man's words while getting the gears of his mind and body back in action. Doubling his efforts in the upstairs department, because ah, something sensitive was being shared with him, and he would need to react appropriately. That would take some effort, more than usual for something he had no way of relating to. Perhaps if he weren't already on thin ice, he wouldn't have felt much need to try at all. What fault was it of his own that he was not experienced here?Ed slowly closed the drawer. Hands remaining in place against it, lips pressing together as he turned his head slightly to look partially toward Oswald, not fully. Staring at another new spot, or maybe a few. He briefly wondered if he should sweep in here. That corner was probably dirty.Ed blinked a few more times. He wasn't sure anymore how he felt about the idea of asking Oswald questions. He had many, so many, of course he still did, but he did not see any of them going well. None of them had so far, the odds weren't in his favor. Ignoring the last part of Oswald's statement in favor of not forgetting the response his brain had already worked on and supplied to him, finding it acceptable enough based off the seemingly arbitrary social rules people adhered to, he looked at a crumb of what he could only assume was from the bag of chips he had yesterday that now sat near the leg of Oswald's chair."I'm sorry for your losses," He replied, sounding as if he were simply reciting a line off paper, "That must be very..." A silence that stretched far longer than it should have passed as Ed's glaze flicked to the side, and his eyebrows twitched, almost appearing as if he was actually looking for the word and not approving of whatever came until the end. "... Difficult for you." Yes, that was it. "I can only imagine." That was definitely true.Ed took in a breath. Straightened, looked ahead of himself at the cupboard, reached up with a finger and pushed up on the bridge of his glasses. Was that all? He wasn't sure what else one would say to that, at least not when they were already being asked a question. An answer was expected out of him more than sympathy, yes?He almost wanted to continue trying, to try his hand at offering support and an outlet instead of actually answering. A distraction tactic. But unfortunately, the need to finish what had been started in the form of Oswald's question was a bit too overpowering for any of that.Ed blinked again, turned his head away and took a step closer to the other end of the room, instead trying to distract himself as he began to appear as if he was looking for something, albeit slowly. "I don't remember much of my mother. She left when I was young. I don't remember how old... After my birthday... Eight, maybe. I don't remember a lot from when I was young. I blacked out a lot." Another blink. Pausing and looking up again. The mild annoyance he felt toward himself for using the same words repeatedly was almost as distracting as the anxious pounding in his chest. "My father was... Um." Another pause. "... Unkind."He stared at a spot on one of the cupboard doors until his eyes went unfocused before he cleared his throat and ducked his head back down, deciding to scatter around the contents of this drawer after all just so he could focus on putting it back together. It helped."I don't know if either of them are alive. I ran away when I was sixteen and came here, changed my name and forged my records so I could go to college, started this job. I know that's not what you asked me, but... It seemed perdanent." With his lips pressed together in an awkward excuse for a smile, he briefly glanced over toward Oswald, then away again. Placing a few things in new places and tilting his head thoughtfully at them. "I suppose I can't actually answer your question. I don't know what they're like, not anymore at least.”
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Oswald refrains from using his voice. Tucks his lips into a straight line as he awaits for Edward’s answer, who hasn't ceased in…whatever he's doing. Making a great deal of noise that has Oswald’s pathetic little heart speeding in a race of a struggle to keep his annoyance at bay. He thought it inappropriate to yell at the man, to shout at him to stop whatever it was he was doing. But what a struggle it was. Oswald didn't do well with pesky little things like that. With constant noises and people…fiddling with things.He shifts uncomfortably as Edward finally turns to voice his apologies. He never did well with that either. Even at ten when he’d lost his mother. Condolences and dumb little sorry’s and she was a great woman. Always just as unbearable as the last. Like a new reminder of what had happened. Edward’s face disappears again and he goes back to rummaging in the drawer.And when he finally answers the question, after seemingly frozen from the initial shock of it being asked, a pang of sadness pierces through Oswalds heart and he finds himself staring at the back of Edward's head. Even with the glance of Edward's sad smile, he couldn't find himself to smile back. He was aware of neglect or abuse, especially so in people who were supposed to be your guardians. But he’d never been up close. Never near enough to smell it. Never witnessed the consequences of someone who had experienced it. Both.It became very clear to Oswald that Edward acted in the ways that he did because he was in a constant battle for attention. One he was stripped of as a child. Perhaps he, himself acted mean because he got too much attention. Expecting and rude and selfish. Always given what he asked for. No amount too high for either of his parents to reach. He grew up poor when he lived with his mother, but never poor enough for him to notice. Not until she died and his father had been contacted, who was wealthy beyond Oswald’s comprehension. He was greatly aware of how lucky he was. But apparently not aware enough.With the last bit of Edward’s confession, Oswald is standing. The chair rolls back and hits a counter.He couldn't tell if this was him or the bond or even perhaps an equal mix of the both, but he suddenly felt the urge to protect Edward. To love and to nurture. Perhaps it was his own life experiences that caused him to pity the man or the fact that Edward's parents should have died instead. Maybe if they'd met when they were kids, Edward could have lived a better life. Get a taste of unconditional love for once.Oswald was hesitant but he walked, or more so limped, toward Edward. Swallowed roughly as he met his shoulder blades, staring at the back of his labcoat. That dusty blue. He could hear the pickup of Edward's heart like a drum. He was nervous. Oswald could tell. A few thoughts entered his head and made him ponder on what it was Edward was thinking. Did he think he was about to die? Oswald swallowed again and held out his arms. They stayed there for a fleeting moment, hung in the air, like his brain had two separate entities battling between swallowing his pride and giving into it. That invisible ego yanking at his collar like an angry authoritative figure pulling him down the hall and into the principal's office. He didn't even realize, so caught up in his own thoughts, that he’d already carefully wrapped them, his arms, around Edward's torso, pressing his cheek into his back and fluttering his eyes shut. A wave of electricity entered through him, feeling as though it came from the man he was hugging. Like a current that had them connected. A golden string. He felt himself sigh out.“I am far used to death, Edward.” He says softly. The feeling of his own voice buzzes in his throat and tickles his jaw. “It seems abuse has latched itself onto you.” He sucked in a breath, released it just the same. Squeezed tighter. This was definitely the bond. Or perhaps Oswald wanted to tell himself that. “I fear I’d have done the same, had I been in your position. All I do is run from my problems. At least now.”Edwards heart was picking up. Oswald could hear it. Could feel it thump against his cheek. His eyes opened and he stared at a random spot in the room. His body threatened the fall of a tear at the thought of his mother. His last horrific memory of her. Dying in his arms as she gasped for air. Him, a coward. He could hardly imagine life without a mother who loved him, life with a father who didn't.“No father should ever be unkind to his son.” He closed his eyes again and focused on the unsteady breaths that entered and escaped his Familiar. Perhaps he’d been quite harsh on Edward. Something that came naturally to him. Maybe it came naturally to Edward’s dad, as well. It was no excuse. “I hope he's alive. In case the memories of his own mistakes should haunt him.”