Tentacles Need Love Too

Live on earth, study the highest life form, report back home in seven years.

His mission was clear and simple enough. He was devoted to getting the job completed in a timely manner, but living on earth has created challenges that Edward Nygma— chosen human name— couldn't have foreseen. This was supposed to be a mission of study, not exploration in finding oneself.

As a tentacle alien living in the city of Gotham, Edward obviously couldn't walk among the humans in his true form— which one could describe as a hybrid of both human and cephalopod. His tentacles cover the lower half of his body which he can camouflage into a pair of human legs to disguise himself as a normal citizen. He's given this ability with a series of injections that he developed himself. He didn't have the time to fully study his injections for side effects before he was given the earth mission, but he's lived among the humans for the last three years without any complications with the vaccine.

With his advanced skills and intelligence, Edward has taken up dozens of different roles in the city, but none of them have been as satisfying as working for the mayor as his chief of staff.

Edward has found himself admiring the human, Oswald Cobblepot. He was only supposed to be Edward's next test subject, but his feelings for the man has gone far beyond the range of science. How unprofessional of him to see this human as attractive. His people would probably think it was revolting for one of their own to even look at a human as anything more than a creature to be studied. He has four more years before anyone is to be sent to take his reports back home, so why shouldn't try to get closer to Oswald? Why can't he have close intimate contact with him?

But how would he get Oswald's attention? How is one to get involved with another if they only think of you as a loyal friend and employee? Three years on this planet and Edward still hasn't really learned the human mating ritual. There's no way he could use the aphrodisiac fluid that secretes from his tentacles to lure Oswald into his bed. He isn't even sure if it would work on humans. He honestly didn't expect for them to be this complex.

Nevertheless, Edward doesn't want to trick the human or alter his perception in a way that Oswald wouldn't know. If something was to happen between them he wants it to be by their own free will.

"Mr. Nygma?" Oswald says stepping out of his office and leans on his cane. He catches Edward in the corridor of city hall, starting out the window. "Mr. Nygma?"

Edward stares up at the sky, conflicting thoughts about his earth-boss and the mission clouding his mind.

Oswald walks up behind his chief of staff and pats him lightly on the shoulder. "Edward Nygma?"

Edward flinches and quickly turns around. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't hear you," he apologizes.

"It's alright. I'm sorry to bother you. You seemed very deep in thought."

"I was, but it's fine."

"Are you sure?" Oswald asks concerned. He doesn't want someone he thinks of as a friend, and possibly something more if ever given the change, to have to deal with heavy issues on their own. "We can talk about anything with me, Ed. I've told you that many times."

"Yes, you have and I appreciate it," Edward says with an honest smile. "I really am fine. Nothing to be worried about."

"Right." Oswald shifts his weight and holds his cane out in front of him. "I'll get to why I'm looking for you then."

Edward nods.

"As you very well know, since you're the one that keeps my schedule, that there's a banquet tonight at Wayne Manor."