Your name

Soulmates

It didn't take long for them to get to their destination; Oswald had some guy called Gabe drive them downtown to a nightclub. On the journey, Oswald hesitantly asked him to show the name on his arm to make sure that it wasn't a trap or a joke, despite the fact Ed had his ID card on his jacket. They talked a bit, but both men seemed nervous, or excited. Maybe a bit of both. About halfway, Oswald had finally asked for the answer to his riddle, and when Ed told him the answer was love, he began to blush lightly.

The car pulled up outside the nightspot and the two men head inside, walking past the bar and into the seating area. A few men sat at the tables smoking and playing cards, paying them no mind as Oswald turned to Ed, gesturing at the nearest table.

"Sit, sit. Let's celebrate, do you like champagne?" He asked limping over to a table with a bottle and a few glasses, pouring them both a drink and sitting down opposite Ed smiling. "I can not tell you how delighted I am to finally meet you Edward. Oh, is that what you want me to call you or-"

"Ed. Please, call me Ed"

"Ed" He smiled, and took a sip of his drink as he sat back, "Do you like it? I have to redecorate but this is all mine now"

"You are very lucky, Oswald. This used to be Fish Mooney's place right? It's amazing that you beat her and took her place in a matter of months. Some people won't admit it, but you're very clever"

Once again a soft blush dusted Oswald's pale face as he smiled into his glass. Ed is almost certain that no one else had seen him look so happy. "Thank you. I worked hard and they all underestimated me. But how about you? You must be smart to be in Forensics"

Oswald had asked what his job was during the car journey here, but Ed hadn't been able to elaborate on it then. "I studied a lot, and I've always been interested in different facts my whole life. I've got a vast range of knowledge for many subjects, and I graduated Gotham University top of my classes" He grinned proudly, but some part of him was anxious of his reaction. At this point he was used to people being uninterested in his life and achievements, expected it even. So he was pleasantly surprised when Oswald seemed amazed at the information.

"You are smart, Mister Nygma"

Ed chuckled and slowly took a sip of his own champagne. He was never a drinker, so he wasn't sure if he liked the drink. Once the flavour hit his tongue, he decided that he was not a big lover of it and placed the glass back on the table.

"So...I hope I'm not intruding, but what's with your last name? I know it's not a genuine last name, so you probably made it yourself"

Oh crud.

"Well I uh..." Oh dear, what to say? "I wanted a fresh start once I left home, so I decided to change my last name to...to leave my family behind" He hesitated watching for his soulmates reaction, but the concerned but knowing look he had made him feel a bit more confident, "They weren't very nice to me, well, my dad mostly. I chose Nygma, because I like riddles and puzzles, so I thought it would work with the initials of my first name"

"Enygma" The two said at the same time.

"You're such an interesting man" Oswald said after a beat of silence, as he picked his glass back up and stared at the carbonated liquid for a brief moment. Ed stared at him for a few seconds, taking in the details of his face. His eyes were more beautiful up close, and Ed could now see light freckles speckled across his nose and cheeks. His eyes moved down to his lips, which seemed surprisingly soft. He hadn't even noticed he was staring at them until Oswald cleared his throat and gave him a quizzical look.

"I'm sorry I-" Heat rushed to his face, but he suddenly felt more confident. "Can...can I kiss you?" He watched Oswald's face slowly twist into a soft smile, as he moved around to sit beside him. Their hands brushed against each other as Oswald straightened his back, though Ed could tell from his eyes that he's nervous. Inexperienced. Not to worry, Ed was too.