[His grin folds in on itself, his face scrunching up in a sort of wince. Of course it comes back to this, to choosing between an easy out and an innocent boy's safety. A nagging little voice in the back of his mind reminds him that he's already paid for Martin's protection in the six weeks he languished in Arkham and, god, is it tempting, more tempting than it should be, to give into selfishness and want and have Martin dragged out in the open, clearing his name. They could live happily together - or as close to happy as Gotham allowed, at least - with him providing the boy a room of his own and nice clothes and good food, nearly the entire mansion open to him to explore. But if Oswald couldn't even keep Edward safe, then what of Martin, and of every enemy who would eventually seek him out like sharks to blood?
He may be desperate to escape, but not that desperate.]
I can't. [Oswald says with a shake of his head, resigned. He looks to his hands over the table.] I cannot, in good conscience, expose him to danger - the boy has been through enough.
[A sentimental creature, indeed. His heart may very well be what kills him, someday, one what or another. But before it does, he's determined to have lived a rich, full life, the best life he could hope for in a pressure-cooker of a city.]
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2019-11-30 05:43 am (UTC)He may be desperate to escape, but not that desperate.]
I can't. [Oswald says with a shake of his head, resigned. He looks to his hands over the table.] I cannot, in good conscience, expose him to danger - the boy has been through enough.
[A sentimental creature, indeed. His heart may very well be what kills him, someday, one what or another. But before it does, he's determined to have lived a rich, full life, the best life he could hope for in a pressure-cooker of a city.]