BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AU 1

[enigmaster]

Comments

[agoodname]

There, now, let me see--[and Oswald's pulling his sleeve down a bit over his wrist so he can wipe the gruel spots away gently with his sleeve] Ah..you'll have to bend down a bit. There's a spot I can't reach, just up there...[and he's trying to reach for it, but he really can't stand on his other foot for really any amount of time right now--and thus he wobbles slightly]

[enigmaster]

[It takes a moment, but he'll bend down. Fine, then. Which'll put them eye to eye.]

[agoodname]

[this is a lot this is very much a lot coming face to face with a beast like this. He could easily tear Oswald in two if he so chose. But he hasn't. There's an intelligence there, clearly. So Oswald's leaning in just a bit, doing his best to keep his expression mild as he gets the last of the gruel on his face] There. That's better.

[enigmaster]

[Edward's ears fold back, nervously, but. All Oswald does is wipe the food off his face. There's a beat and then he just... warily steps back again. Trying to resist the urge to drop into a crouch again.]

[agoodname]

[The beast is definitely wary. Which is...honestly incredibly puzzling, because he is in a much better position than Oswald. Oswald is heavily injured and not in the greatest shape right now--he can barely even walk. This creature? Can climb on ceilings and probably fly and has some incredibly sharp teeth. He can't help but look a bit amused because it's just so ludicrous. This beast is just as afraid of Oswald as he is of him.] That wasn't so bad, was it?

[enigmaster]

[No, he supposes it wasn't. He still doesn't much trust this, but. It's... alright, for now. Maybe.] ...I. Guess. [It's rough, again. He's still not used to speaking.]

[agoodname]

[...yep those were definitely words. So absolutely intelligent enough for conversation.] That's a start, I suppose. [his amusement only seems to grow, and he slowly lowers himself back into the chair] What's your name?

[enigmaster]

[He narrows his eyes, turning his head away slightly. Ears still very much folded back. He's not... sure if he wants to say or not.] ... What's yours?

[agoodname]

Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot.

[he answers immediately, resting his elbow on the table, and his chin on his hand. The corner of his mouth is still quirked in amusement because what else can he do about this situation but laugh?? It's either that or scream and that won't help anything at this point. Besides he's...starting to get use to the look of this creature. "Starting" being the key word...it's still pretty terrifying.]

[enigmaster]

... [This is starting to feel almost like an actual conversation. What does he... do with this.] ...Edward.

[agoodname]

[Oswald's not sure what he expected, but it certainly wasn't that. Not something that, well...normal. It's a concession, really, and an exchange and...well. If nothing else, it's certainly a victory on his part] Edward. [there's a warmth that seeps into his voice a bit, sounding pleased. A little flattery, after all, goes a very long way. Especially if this beast is intelligent as he seems.] It's nice to know the name of my rescuer~

[enigmaster]

[He's... quiet at that. Not sure what to do with it. If he should respond or not? In what way? It's... weird. Rescuer, huh?] You were bleeding. [...] I didn't... do a lot.

[agoodname]

I was bleeding. I'm fairly certain I had a fever as well, and I'm certain I still had part of that arrow in my arm when I got here. [he gestures to his own arm] That is no longer the case. So I'm certain I would be in a much worse position without your help. [well, he's not lying??]

[enigmaster]

...You did kind of barge in. Had to do something. [Like, you were bleeding in his castle. GOSH.]

[agoodname]

[Oswald chuckles at that, trying to keep looking amused despite the sudden spark of annoyance--barge in, seriously??? As much as he would very much like to make a snide comment right now, at the moment he's still feeling out the situation. He needs to keep it friendly. It would not be good for this creature to reverse his opinion of Oswald, which already is tenuous at best] I do apologize for barging in. Had there been any other seemingly-abandoned castles in the area, I promise I would have imposed myself there rather than here. However, at the time, it was my only option.

[enigmaster]

[He feels a little annoyed himself, at that.] ...Just don't stay too long. No one else should be here.

[agoodname]

You have my word. As soon as I can walk on my ankle again, I'll leave.

[Breezily, and maybe just the smallest hint of tightness....he does arch an eyebrow, though] Why should no one else be here?

[enigmaster]

It's my castle. I don't want anyone else here. [Well, he does live here. Must've called dibs on it, huh?]

[agoodname]

[...he may not have that much experience with reading animalistic faces, but he's got more than enough experience with human ones. And if human reactions are anything to go by, Edward is hiding something. He files that away for later. Now is not the moment to bring that up; he has to gain more of his trust first.] That's understandable. Have you live here your entire life?

[enigmaster]

... [...] Long enough.

[agoodname]

By yourself?

[enigmaster]

Yes.

[agoodname]

[Oswald resists the urge to narrow his eyes. If he's been alone all this time...] Someone must've raised you at some point. [he props his chin on his hand] Otherwise I doubt you would've known how to treat a wound, much less talk.

[enigmaster]

[Edward turns his head away. He doesn't... want to think about that.]

[agoodname]

....sore subject. [murmured--and he straightens, turning back to the rest of his gruel, now gone cold] Apologies.