Imagine Book 2

You Ridiculous Man- Edward Nygma (Gotham)

Fem Y/N

The Cobblepot mansion bustled with the energy of Oswald's mayoral campaign. Staff dashed back and forth, clutching clipboards, checking schedules, and debating strategies. The air buzzed with urgency, yet for Y/N Cobblepot, the younger sister of the Penguin himself, the world had briefly stilled.

Perched at her desk in Oswald's office, she had managed to carve out a rare moment of calm amidst the chaos. A well-worn book rested in her hands, its spine softened from years of turning pages, though this particular copy was brand new to her. Edward Nygma, Oswald's eccentric campaign strategist and forensic analyst turned confidant, had given it to her just days ago.

"It seemed like something you'd enjoy," he had said, awkwardly adjusting his glasses as he placed the novel on her desk. Y/N, touched by his thoughtfulness, had promised to read it when the campaign gave her a moment to breathe. Now, she immersed herself in the intricate prose, her surroundings fading away as she turned page after page.

Edward, meanwhile, found himself in a far less tranquil situation. Standing by Oswald's campaign board, he fidgeted as the self-proclaimed "King of Gotham" reviewed a speech draft. Edward was an expert in puzzles and patterns, but Oswald's increasingly flirtatious behaviour was a riddle he had no desire to solve.

"Ed, darling," Oswald purred, his tone veering into dangerous territory as he leaned closer. "You've outdone yourself again. Truly, your brilliance is unparalleled. What would I do without you?"

Edward's fingers tightened on the edge of the table, his discomfort palpable. "I—uh—thank you, Oswald. I'm just doing my job."

Oswald's smile widened, his eyes lingering a moment too long. "Well, if this is just your job, I can't imagine what your personal talents might be. Perhaps you could show me sometime?"

Edward's mind screamed for escape. He offered a weak excuse about needing to check some data and fled the room before Oswald could press further. His footsteps echoed through the hallways until he found himself at a familiar desk—Y/N's desk.

There she sat, engrossed in the book he'd given her, the golden afternoon light streaming through the nearby window and catching in her hair. Edward's heart gave an involuntary lurch. She looked peaceful, her lips slightly parted as she read, her fingers absently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Wordlessly, Edward approached and perched himself on the edge of her desk.

Y/N, sensing his presence, looked up, her expression softening into a smile. "Edward. To what do I owe the honour? Shouldn't you be with my brother, working on his campaign?"

Edward let out a breathy chuckle, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I needed... a break."

Y/N set the book down, marking her page with a gentle precision. "You? Taking a break? That's unusual. What's bothering you?"

Edward hesitated, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his blazer. He glanced around as if ensuring their privacy before answering. "It's... your brother."

"My brother?" Y/N repeated, her curiosity piqued.

Edward exhaled sharply, his shoulders slumping. "I think... I think Oswald has feelings for me."

Y/N blinked, her lips parting in surprise before a laugh escaped her. "Oh, Edward. That's not exactly news. Oswald has been flirting with you for weeks."

Edward groaned, running a hand through his dark hair. "I thought he was just being dramatic. But now, I'm certain. He—he looks at me a certain way, and the things he says..." Edward's voice trailed off as his cheeks flushed.

Y/N bit her lip, stifling another laugh. "Well, how do you feel about it? Are you interested in him?"

Edward shook his head so vehemently that his glasses nearly slid off. "No. Absolutely not."

"Why not?" Y/N asked, tilting her head.

Edward froze, his lips twitching as he struggled to articulate an answer. Finally, he muttered, "Because I... I have feelings for someone else."

Y/N's amusement gave way to genuine intrigue. She leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand. "Oh? And who might this lucky person be?"

Edward's face turned crimson, and he avoided her gaze, his eyes darting to the floor. "It's... It's complicated."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. There was something about the way Edward looked just then—vulnerable, unsure—that made her breath catch. She leaned closer, her voice soft. "Ed. Who is it?"

Edward's jaw tightened, and he forced himself to meet her eyes. For a moment, his words failed him, but then they tumbled out all at once. "It's you. It's always been you."

Time seemed to freeze. Y/N stared at him, her mind reeling. "Me?" she whispered, as though the word itself were foreign.

Edward nodded, his expression equal parts nervous and earnest. "Yes. I know it's ridiculous. You're Oswald's sister, and I'm—well, I'm me. But you're kind, and intelligent, and—" He gestured to the book she'd been reading. "You see me, Y/N. You actually see me."

Y/N felt her cheeks heat as a blush spread across her face. Edward's words echoed in her mind, each one sinking in like a warm embrace. She had always admired him—his intellect, his quirks, the way his eyes lit up when he solved a problem. And now, hearing him confess his feelings, she realized with startling clarity that she felt the same way.

A slow smile spread across her lips. "Edward..."

His shoulders tensed, as if bracing for rejection. "I understand if you don't feel the same. I—I just needed to say it."

Before he could continue, Y/N stood, closing the distance between them. She cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her.

"I do feel the same," she said, her voice steady despite the rapid pounding of her heart. "I've felt this way for a while. I just didn't know how to say it."

Edward's eyes widened in shock, his lips parting as though he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You... you do?"

"Yes, you ridiculous man," Y/N said with a laugh, her thumb brushing over his cheek. "I like you, Edward Nygma. More than I probably should."

Edward let out a breathless laugh, his tension melting away. He looked at her as though she were the answer to every question he'd ever had.

And then, as if drawn together by an invisible force, their lips met.

The kiss was hesitant at first, a gentle brushing of lips that quickly deepened as they surrendered to the emotions they had both been suppressing for so long. Edward's hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer, while Y/N's fingers tangled in his hair.

The world outside their little bubble ceased to exist. There were no campaign staff, no bustling schedules, no Oswald Cobblepot. Just the two of them, locked in a moment that felt both endless and fleeting.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested against each other, both of them breathless and smiling.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," Edward murmured, his voice tinged with awe.

Y/N laughed softly, her hands still cradling his face. "I think I have some idea."

For a moment, they simply stood there, savouring the newfound intimacy between them. Then, Y/N's playful side resurfaced.

"So," she said, her tone teasing. "How do you plan to break the news to Oswald?"

Edward groaned, burying his face in her shoulder as she laughed. "One problem at a time, Y/N. One problem at a time."

They stayed like that for a while longer, stealing a precious moment of happiness in a world that rarely allowed it. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Edward Nygma felt truly seen, truly valued—and most importantly, truly loved.