Define Close [Nygmobblepot]

Ch10: Nothing To Apologize For

Edward's POV

'Oswald knows it's you, I suggest you go somewhere else and keep a low profile.'

I look at the text long before sending it, almost too long. I could've risked them getting caught. I almost did.

I put my phone in my pocket, I don't care what they reply. Not right now. I helped them, I let them know, I don't owe them anything else. Frankly, it's kind of eating me on the inside. I'm not sure why, this plan never bothered me before. Maybe it's the way Oswald talked about traitors, cowards, sneaking behind people's back and having no respect. I never considered myself to be some kind of a weasel, I've made it this far proving myself with my intellect. Or maybe it's because I really do like Oswald and going behind his back is starting to feel like a real betrayal and not a game I use to keep my brain occupied. I can't tell what exactly does Oswald think of me, of course, but the thought of being capable of actually, personally hurting him doesn't feel right. But why should I care and why do I?

I shake my head and continue walking before I slap myself. I can't believe I'm having second thoughts, I can't believe I'm hesitating and doubting myself.

"Weak." I hiss at myself under my breath. "Get a grip on yourself."

Oswald's POV

"How is that even possible?!" I demand and Gabe looks kind of lost. Of course, he doesn't know, I shouldn't take this out on him but God, if I can't take this out on who really deserves it, someone will have to pay.

"What's going on?" Asks Ed who has appeared at the doorway again, looking as good as ever in his suit and his eyes as observant as always behind his glasses that fit him perfectly. His presence makes me want to smile. Which makes me feel like an idiot.

"The Sirens was empty." Gabe tells him, looking like he's afraid of disappointing him as well. "They're gone."

"Gone?" Ed repeats. "But they're always there. I'm sure they'll open it again tonight. Why would they be gone? I mean how? Unless of course they knew they'd get caught or someone tipped them off..." He starts mumbling, sounding like his words aren't keeping up with his thoughts.

"They will show their faces again. And when they do, I'll make them regret it." I hiss as I turn to Gabe. "Keep an eye on that stupid club and if they return, bring them to me." I tell him before taking a seat. "Ed?" I question then considering he walked in with probably something else in mind than the conversation he got in the middle of.

"Oh, I was just hoping to talk to you." He says and I nod as if to say go ahead because he seems kind of unsure again of whether it's a good timing. "Alone." He adds then, glancing at Gabe and I wave my hand to excuse him and he leaves. I look at Ed, waiting for him to open his mouth but he waits until the door is closed and suddenly I feel like us being alone in the room means something. Especially when he requested it.

"Go ahead." I say then, encouraging him to talk because frankly I'm dying to know what is it.

"About earlier today..." Oh, God. Of course.

"Yes?" I ask, trying to sound casual as if I'm not sure what he's referring to.

He walks over to my desk, looking at me with those curious eyes. "It felt like there was something there and I.. I thought we should talk about it."

Talk about it? "Look, Ed, feel free to forget it." I tell him, wanting this to be over as soon as possible. I've never had this sort of problems and I really do not want to get into that now when I have bigger problems than getting awkwardly rejected without anything even really happening. "We do not need to-"