Oswald tilted his head slightly, a coy smile playing on his lips as Ed praised him. He waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing off the compliment ( was he blushing?? maybe ).
When Ed mentioned Jim's face, he couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, believe me," he grinned. "It was absolutely priceless. I only wish I could have captured it on canvas."
Their glasses clinked togehter, the sound ringing in the air, and Oswald's smile only grew wider with hope and... excitement.
This was a brand new chapter. The first step toward a bright future.
"As you're well aware, I have a fundraiser scheduled for next week— a glorious opportunity to reconnect with Gotham's bureaucrats and wealthy elite. It's a chance to acquire the funds necessary for the city's rebuilding efforts, but more importantly, it serves as a platform to remind them all of my generosity and the countless acts I've undertaken to improve this city," he spoke with a tone of superiority, "... and who truly holds the reins."
He looked at Ed and paused; his boastful demeanor giving way to a more timid stance.
"I-... I know this may not be your cup of tea, but... I want you to be there with me, Ed." The KINGPIN took a step closer to his friend (?). "I want us to present a... united front. I want them to know we are ALLIES and that going against you means facing both of us."
This way, Ed would be granted a certain degree of immunity and right now, Oswald wanted to know that he was safe and secure; or at least wouldn't end up in Arkham anytime soon.
Ed bit his lower lip with excitement. The grin never left his face. He licked his lips, enjoying the aftertaste of brandy burning his tongue. He was eager to have another one, yet decided to stay put. Walking away during their conversation could be considered rude. "God," he grunted with his teeth bare. "I wish you could have. That would've been a priceless piece of art." He shook his head once more. He could barely believe his luck. "I swear, Oswald, I could kiss you right now." He tapped his fingers against his (already empty) class and inhaled sharply through gritted teeth. "Another week in isolation would've surely driven me mad." The joke was on him. He'd already lost his marbles. His mind drifted off; forced to relive the last two weeks in fear. The lack of sunlight had severely lightened his complex. Ed was snapped out of it once Oswald continued to share his endeavors. He listened with great interest while putting the empty glass to his lips. Occasionally he licked the inside walls - hoping to scoop up any leftovers of the sugary liquor that he so swore to hate. Back in the day, Ed would've rolled his eyes at Oswald's narcissistic self-praising. He would've been annoyed by the fact Oswald forgot to mention most of it was thanks to his helping hand, yet today he couldn't give two drops about getting the recognition or not. He simply stared at him in awe; like an obsessive teenage girl watching her favorite boyband perform at an overpriced concert. He was taken aback when Oswald turned a little timid. His brows lifted in slight fear of doing something wrong, and he lowered the glass to his chin. His lips were pink and wet around the edges. He already had quite a bit of scotch tonight. His mouth opened slightly ajar when Oswald came a little closer, telling him he wanted his company during his fundraiser. His gaze turned from being worried to being touched. He quickly took ahold of Oswald's hand; placing it onto his chest as if he wanted his friend to feel his heartbeat rising with excitement. "It would be an honor," he guaranteed with a little twinkle in his eye. Was this lunatic about to cry? "BUT!" he jumped a little closer; his eyes darting around with secrecy and suspicion. "Won't this be a disadvantage? Considering my little pickle?"















