Listening to too much Taylor Swift and here is the result (based on the song ‘Call it what you want’). Set after Penguin’s release from Blackgate and based on episode trailer, since I haven’t watched episode yet.
Oswald gazed out the window, as his driver drove through Gotham towards the cemetery, reflecting on the new landscape of his home.
The city had been rebuilt since those dark days of isolation when the city had been abandoned. Where ruins once stood, now stand skyscrapers. New businesses have replaced the old. The streets once again busy with the people, trying to make home from the what was once chaos. It was beautiful.
Oswald clenched his jaw as they drove past a poster of Jim. Gotham’s new Police Commissioner. What a joke. He as corrupt and ineffective as the last. Oswald still couldn’t believe he had had the audacity to arrest him. To lock him Blackgate. Call him a liar, a criminal… a villain. With everything he has done, Jim was the true criminal.
Despite his separation from his home, whilst locked away in Blackgate, news from the outside crept in. The Joker had taken his place as King of Gotham, the media declaring him the Crown Prince of Crime. A ridiculous moniker. Ivy, Bridget, Fries, Tetch and Crane all escaped capture at unification. They certainly made sure to make themselves known to the new citizens of Gotham, all while causing trouble for the GCPD. It never would have happened under his rule. Sofia Falcone had woke from her coma, not too long after unification, and reclaimed what was left of his empire. Organised crime was now solely in her control. He had nothing. Absolutely nothing left. Damn Jim Gordon.
The car pulled to a stop at the gates of Gotham cemetery. Oswald reached for his cane and climbed out, taking a deep breath as he greeted the fresh air. Never again, he thought. Never again would he allow someone to lock him away.
As soon as he started to walk the familiar path, his leg aching from the simple activity, he had to pause. A gust of wind hit him, messing his hair and blinding him with a memory of a decision so sudden and so vivid it felt like the present.
The 8th of November, that dark and cold year. The only time Gotham hadn’t felt like his home. The wind was wild and the smell of seawater permeated the air. He was standing toe to toe and staring up at the only person, other than his mother, he had ever truly loved. Arguing. Arguing over leaving Gotham. Abandoning her in favour of safety and riches. It was one of the few moments in his life he had felt truly torn, but in the end he just couldn’t do it. Gotham was his home, no matter what it had become.
Oswald quickly shook his head, pushing the memory back and continued towards his mother’s grave. Refusing to allow himself to question his choice. He made the right one, no matter the consequences.
When he reached her headstone, a smile formed as he saw the white lilies placed against it.
The soft crunch of foliage alerted Oswald to the fact he had company. Turning, Oswald saw him. The brim of the bowler hat obscuring his downturned face but the garish green suit giving his identity away. Ed.
Ed raised his head and grinned “It’s good to see you Oswald”
With a sudden desperation Oswald reached for Ed and pulled him into a hug, his head immediately burying into his throat, and whispered back “You too, my friend”
When they eventually broke apart Oswald gestured to the flowers and asked “Was this you?”
Ed nodded, a pink tinge visible against his pale cheeks, then said “You said lilies were her favourite”
Oswald felt his eyes well with unshed tears and let out a soft, choked “Thank you” as he wiped at his eyes.
Oswald was no stranger to poor choice, misplaced friendships and burned bridges. He made the same mistakes over and over, and he knew he would again, but this… what he Ed had, he knew he did one thing right.
Ed held out his hand “Let’s go home” and Oswald smiled and placed his hand in Ed’s. Certain everything would be fine.
The world can call it what they want but what he had with Ed, it was indescribable.
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