Define Close [Nygmobblepot]

Ch5: What Pains You Makes You Feel Alive

Oswald's POV

Once again I'm surprised to come face to face with Edward Nygma once Olga guides him inside as I'm getting ready to leave.

"Mr Nygma." I try to greet him but it comes out as a more of a question. "What are you doing here?" I ask, securing my cufflinks.

He looks around as if the answer to his arrival is physically somewhere in the room. "I wasn't supposed to start today?"

"I thought we agreed tomorrow." I reply as I straighten my jacket and glance at myself from the mirror. "I have a stupid but necessary interview today, I don't think I have time to guide you through everything."

"Yes, right, of course, I bet you're busy." He says quickly. "But isn't that what I'm here for? To make your job a bit easier?" He smiles at me. "Well, since I'm here already.. feel free to take advantage of me immediately."

I raise my brows curiously. "You seem to have a strong work ethic."

"That I do." He nods in agreement. "Do you mind if I tag along today, then? I'd love to see what you do."

"I'm not doing much, it really is just a dumb interview." I tell him but he already seems to have gotten his hopes up so I smile, telling myself I should be grateful. "But of course you can come along if you wish."

"Great." He says, suddenly stepping into my personal space and gently taking a hold of my tie, running his fingers down it as he straightens it. "You look brilliant."

My throat feels dry and I try to cough silently as I automatically lean back a bit. "You're looking sharp as well, Mr Nygma." I say a bit awkwardly but smile, hoping my red face won't give me away but considering how pale I am it's probably very noticeable. Saying someone looks sharp is usually referring to what they're wearing rather than their looks but it was the only appropriate thing I could think of to say without stuttering.

"Call me Ed, please." He says smiling and I nod shortly. He is rather handsome and has very attractive, beautiful, sharp features.

"Ed." I repeat before walking around him, leaning heavily on my cane because my injured leg is having a bad day. "I believe the car is waiting outside already, we should go."

"Right, of course." He says, following me to the door.

The driver is waiting outside as I expected, standing by the car and opens the door once he sees us.

"How classy." Edward comments and I glance at him. I guess it'd make sense he's not used to that. "Let me help." He says as I'm about to turn away and I frown as he takes my cane from me and instead offers me his hand. I hesitate before carefully taking his hand, letting him help me into the car.

"Thank you." I mumble once he gets in as well and hands me my cane with a wide smile.

"Oh, don't mention it." He says and I decide to do just that from now on and instead fold my hands over the top of my cane as the car is started and eventually moves. "How is your leg?" He goes on then and I turn to look at him.

"Excuse me?"

"Is it painful today?" He asks and I roll my eyes before looking out the window.

"It's painful every day." I point out.

"I believe that." His voice replies. "But you seem to be tensing it now." He observes and I look at him and then my leg.