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fanfic-the-wish-your-heart-makes · 3 days ago

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Obvious Santa — Nygmobblepot in December (Gotham Secret Santa 2024)

Dedication: Hi, @out-there-tmblr, I'm your @gotham-secret-santa this year 🤗🎅 From your posts & reblogs I deduced that you're more of a what-they-have-is-wonderful-but-they-should-keep-anyone-else-out-of-it Nygmobblepot shipper, so I wrote my first ever Nygmobblepot fanfic without a reader ��️ It got soooooo much longer than I thought it would be, from headcanons to a big one shot (at least for me, advice for my future self: don't do this again because you might get ill and then be stressed becauae the story needs to be finished 🫣😂). I hope you enjoy it 🤗

Also, if you prefer to read it on AO3, it's there too :)

Plot: Noticing how often Oswald dreads getting up in the morning and knowing how lonely the time before Christmas can be, Ed wants to bring more joy into his boyfriend's December with lots of love and an advent calendar. Spoilers: for season 3 episode 5 (what Oswald & Ed's positions are) Warnings: the main characters thinking of murdering someone, slight insecurity (Ed's after years of loneliness), a bit of grief (Oswald about his mother), physical pain (Oswald's leg), Oswald being grumpy in the morning. This is very fluffy though 🥰 Word count: 4209 ❄️🌨🎅💚💜❄️🌨🎅💚💜❄️🌨🎅❄️

It was a cold November morning and both Ed and Oswald lay close together in bed when their alarm woke them at six p.m., making Ed cover his ears at the volume, careful to keep them under the cozy warmth over both their bodies.

Meanwhile Oswald shuffled in the bed, pulling the blanket towards him, making cool air hit his boyfriend's sensitive arms in the process. "Osw—" Ed stopped himself, realizing that Oswald was still asleep. There was no use trying to get back under the blanket, he figured, looking at the time and mentally going though today's schedule.

Carefully, so as not to scare the sleeping figure next to him, he brushed a black hair strand to its correct place, admiring the adorably scrunched-up face of his dangerous friend and boyfriend, and whispered, "Wake up, sleepyhead."

"Ah!" Oswald shot up and closed his eyes again. "What is the matter with you?" "What?" Ed's hands sunk to his sides. "I'm wishing you a good m—" "Why would you wake me up?" He must be confused. "We need to work today. The alarm already—" "I don't care whether I need to get out of bed, don't ever wake me like that again. Being kidnapped once is enough." "Kidnapped?" Ed was confused. "I saved you. Your wounds were—I needed you to lie still." Oswald huffed, out of habit, then remembered. "Whatever." He lay back down.

With Ed having gotten out of bed, the sheets weren't as warm as expected and he quickly got up again, wincing as he felt how cold the house was this morning. He glared at the window for a few seconds, not ready for the day.

"Here's your shirt." Ed stood before him, holding the piece of clothing, a puzzled expression on his face but keeping quiet. "Ready for the day?" Perhaps Oswald just needed an hour or more to wake up. "No, Ed, but it will have to do." "Okay." He was still curious but let Oswald be for the moment.

The day wouldn't bring him any clarity, by noon Oswald had seemingly already forgotten about this morning, and Ed didn't want to bring his mood down, loving to see his partner happy again.

❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️ The next day, Ed tried tried a different approach, getting up before Oswald and pointing out the falling snow once the other had sat up in bed. "Look, Oswald, isn't it wonderful, snow this early? According to the weather report from yesterday, all of it will be gone by seven." "Ah." Oswald barely threw the snow a glance. Okay. Well. That was...what did Oswald want? Something to look forward to? "Everything okay, Ed?" Well, at least he was as perceptive as usual. "With me, yes." Oswald gasped. "What? Did I—" But his boyfriend had already gotten up and turned his back. "AHh." "Oswald?" The black-haired man was clutching his leg and Ed suddenly realized what the problem was, "Is the cold hurting your leg more?" All he got was a nod. "I'll get you something warm—" "No time! I mean, thank you, Ed, but it's better to go early and return early."

Okay. At least Ed knew more now. That was a start.

❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️ The first time Oswald woke up the next morning, he was too tired to think about whether the alarm clock had truly rang or not. If it had, he was sure Ed would let him know.

When Oswald awoke the second time, he found the other side of the bed empty, and buried himself under the blanket until Ed came into the room and sat down next to him.

"I have something for your leg." He held out two pillows of sorts, far from the cushioned things he preferred to put under his leg. "No offence, Ed, but those don't look comfortable. But there's no time anyways. We've gotta get ready." He sighed. "Which is why," Ed proclaimed proudly, "I set the alarm so that you'd have..." he checked the time, "five minutes more than usually, and you usually already stay in bed a bit before getting up.

He set the cushions down. "Oh! And these are cherry pit cushions, an alternative for hot-water bottles. They're leak-proof — obviously — and can fit more snugly around your ankle and knee. You could also try longer hot-water bottle ones and if that doesn't work, it was just an idea I had, that-that—"

Oswald held up a hand. "Enough talking for now. You said we had five extra minutes?" He pulled on Ed's hand. "Y-yes, plus the usual time. I thought I'd start with this amount so I wouldn't disrupt your sleeping pattern." "Thank you, dear." He began to arrange the cushions." Now come back to bed."

Ed did so, making sure they were both under the blanket while Oswald was still awake. He rested his head, looking at Ozzie, who'd closed his eyes again, hand to the side with his palm open. Ed took it in his and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I hope it helps." "Mhm, already does."

❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️ Ed sat to the side of the long table, tapping his fingers on a pen and admiring Oswald's energetic speech about electricity, how simple he made the facts Ed had explained to him sound, how much passion he put into chosen words to keep his audience's attention.

"But Mayor Cobblepot, wouldn't it be better for the economy if we let them be cold?" Oswald's head snapped around. "Did you even listen to what I just said? What was the last topic I was on?" "Boss, I'm sorry, I-I, the stress, my-my..." "Shush." Oswald turned to Ed. "My chief of staff has made some notes on this topic. Could you send them to this...stressed men?" Ed straightened his back, "Of course." He'd need to sum it up in simpler terms. Much simpler ones.

"Good. Now, could we move forward to the topic of Christmas robberies?" The same man from before spoke up, "But it's November." Ed fixed him with a glare. He'd happily get rid of him for Oswald. Contrary to his expectations, the secret kingpin only huffed. "Please learn about prevention versus damage control. I'm sure you'll find a good example in Gotham's electricity and heating problem."

Not that Oswald himself wouldn't order any robberies in that time, it was just good to keep up appearances, and criminal or not, he wanted small businesses to be able to build something for themselves while bigger stores could...become a bit more grateful for the power they had.

"Meeting dismissed." The people at the table started to leave quickly, with one of them being exceptionally fast. Ed called him back when he reached the door, "Wait." The man turned around. "The mayor meant what he said. You can collect my summary..." He thought of a time the man wouldn't normally come here, "the day after tomorrow." "O-okay. Thank you, Mr. Nygma." He almost hastened out but stopped himself in time to nod at Oswald.

"Well, that was an idiotic pick by the governemnt", Ed remarked after closing the door. "As opposed to my chief of staff." Oswald pulled him closer by the waist. "Because you are the most suitable, intelligent, thoughtful man who could be in this position." He put his hands to either side of Ed's face and the taller man quickly understood, leaning down to meet his lips, a gentle mix of affection and a strong admiration for each other, with Oswald holding Ed close tightly while the latter made little sighs, overjoyed at being appreciated.

"Now let's get to work on our other job. My leg is feeling much better today. I may even take your shortcut up the stairs." When Oswald walked through the corridor, Ed almost had to keep up with him.

❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️ Compared to the government's people, the crime families and other members of the underworld showed much more respect for Oswald, Ed observed happily.

The King of Gotham could speak freely in their presence and despite the fact that they obviously knew what he might do to them should they anger him, their attention was more genuine.

Ed was in awe too, listening intently to all his partner had to say, "...whis is why, I of course understand the importance of family, especially nearing winter and the festivities often taking place then." One woman turned her head away from Oswald, looking touched, angry?

Ed could understand her well: before meeting Oswald, December had been a lonely time for him too many years in a row. The former forensic scientist had tried to start various conversations with what he thought were easy topics: the new season, baking, plans for the holidays. Yet it seemed that whatever he chose, his colleagues would rather have conversations with anyone else, no matter the topic.

Now he had Oswald, though...except that if he was honest with himself, the other man had done most of the talking, had earned the most successes. He was still speaking now, at least twenty minutes after Ed's last comment Ed.

"...after that, you two will call your people and follow my plan exactly, which—" When Oswald saw Ed, he paused, "which you already have, so no need to go over it again. Everything clear?" "Yes, boss."

What happened to the rest of Oswald's speech? Was he exhausted? He was already limping towards his car —so as to not make it too obvious that he and Ed lived together—, seemingly not much different than usual.

On their ride home, Oswald noticed how quiet Ed was in comparison to his usual talkative self. "What's wrong, dear?" Ed was startled out of his thoughts. "How did you—nothing." Oswald rolled his eyes. "Be honest, Ed." "I won't bite", he added with a chuckle and after some silence, a press of his boyfriend's hands.

He was right: Ed shouldn't have to fear rejection, not after Oswald making it clear that he treasured him. "You did almost all the talking this day and it made me wonder... How important am I really, Oswald? I-in your business. And the government." Oswald blinked. "Whatever do you mean? You're a valuable asset in the office and concerning matters of the crime world. We need intelligent people like you, who can do things like...quote that study I brought up today." Ed snuffled. "But I merely read a meta study!" Oswald handed him his handkerchief, his initials stitched into a corner in black. "See, I don't even know what that is." "It's a study summoning up other studies and often judging them. So, I didn't even sum them up myself."

The King of Gotham shook his head. "Oh, Ed, you can be so smart but when something concerns you..." He put his hand to Ed's chest. "...you can be too critical. You don't need to read studies or sum them up, you've got other things to do. Didn't you write today's schedule?" "I did." "And didn't you help me prepare my pitch?" "That too, but Oswald, I barely did any of the talking. Wh-which is fine but compared to you..." He gripped onto Oswald's fingers, afraid that he might retract them.

"Also, I might be good at making speeches but one woman turned around in annoyance, so, nobody's perfect." "What? I thought she was just reminded of a lonely December. The time leading up to Christmas can be so lonely..."

He slumped back in the car, the rigid posture from the day gone. Oswald joined him in letting his guard down and leaned close. "I love you, Ed. You're so precious to me and should you ever want to speak more in meetings, you'll be free to do so." "I love you too, Oswald."

They stayed nestled together, seatbelts still on, until the car came to a stop in front of the Van Dahl mansion. As soon as they were inside with no one around, they embraced each other, glad to finally have complete privacy. Oswald meant to kiss Ed silly and whether that succeeded in fully cheering him up or not, he hoped to show Ed his worth with a gift sometime. Ed's eyes lit up with his boyfriend's attention. Multiple gifts. There was still time until Christmas.

❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️🌨❄️ Of course Oswald's leg didn't simply stop hurting. One day in late November, he called for a quick discussion break in the midst of a meeting while clutching his leg, alerting Ed, who scrambled to fetch painkillers for him and asked whether he wanted something warm to help combat the pain. "I could fasten it around your leg." Oswald refused. "I can't afford to show weakness in here." He huffed. "I thought you knew that." "O-of course." The word 'sweetheart' died right on his tongue. "Thanks", Oswald at least managed to say before putting a pill into his mouth and washing it down with water.

Even hours after he swallowed it, his mood wasn't up again, instead seeming worse. It went as far as ignoring Ed! He didn't seem ill, no, if Ed had to guess, he'd say he was sad.

"Oswald," Ed started carefully when they were at home again, "What's wrong?" He approached his partner and immediately noticed the tears in his eyes, as well as the black smears of make-up underneath them.

"It's almost December," he began shakily, "which was...when—when my mother would bake us special things and—" He broke into sobs.

Ed sat down next to him and held one of his hands, letting his friend gesticulate with the other in search for words.

"I miss her so so much. As a kid, I used to look forward to the baked goods and the meals but...now I wish she was here on a boring day, even if just for a few minutes. That I may come back from work to find her here, welcoming me with a hug."

Ed kept holding onto him but rummaged in his pockets for a tissue and gave it to Oswald, who blew his nose loudly through more crying.

"I-I know that that can't happen, though. People return from the dead but she's been too long gone for that." He blew his nose again, then looked up at Ed with teary eyes. "At least I know I'll have you with me, Ed, even if my mother isn't here to pass December with me. You won't die too, right? Promise me to be careful." Ed nodded sincerely. "You have my word."

He crept closer until he could put his arms around Oswald and they stayed like this for a while, until he looked to their joined hands and consequently to Oswald's knee, which might hurt after staying in the same position until now.

They went to bed earlier than usual that night, Oswald cuddling up to Ed and assuring himself that he'd stay there with a tight grip on his arm. Meanwhile, Ed started to think of ways to make Oswald's first December without his mother more bearable.

🎅💚💜🎅💚💜🎅 When Oswald awoke on December 1st, he confidently ignored the date. For all he knew, it could still be November, after all. He sighed. Ed was still asleep and squinting at the clock confirmed that it was too early to get out of bed.

Maybe he could warm those blanket things. He rolled to the side and felt Ed's warmth through their pajamas. Ah, or he could simply inch closer and forget his worries in the warmth. Ed made a small noise. Yes, he'd do that. Oswald huddled against the warmer man and closed his eyes.

The beginning of a new month didn't go unnoticed to him: with mayoral duties came stays in government buildings and decorations. Small trees, twigs and whatnot were already in too many corners.

Oswald gripped his cane tightly. "So this is what they do with money lacking in areas like electricity. I really hope they take our proposals seriously." "So do I." Ed clapped his hands. "Oswald, do you have time for a minute?" That made him wary, "Why, what is it?" "Just a surprise." Ed nearly tugged on Oswald's sleeve but let it be. The suit was much too elegant.

They went to an empty room together, Ed's eyes gleaming with something akin to mischief. "I have multiple doors—" "Seriously, darling?" Ed nodded and Oswald sighed, ready to attempt to solve the riddle his dear chief of staff would throw at him.

"I have multiple doors you can open but only once a day. I last longer than Christmas but end days before New Year's Eve. What am I?" Oswald blinked. "A building, house, uh...gingerbread house!" He laughed. "You want to make one together? When I was younger, it would've been too expensive and we were only two people anyways..."

He caught Ed's amazed look. "Did I solve it?" His boyfriend laughed softly. "Your answer is smart: a gingerbread house is usually made before Christmas and often kept until then but often already eaten up by New Year's Eve. But no: it wasn't my answer." "It isn't?" "No. The real answer is 'an advent calendar'." "A calendar?" "With gifts. One each day from today until Christmas. Or Christmas Eve. It's supposed to be something to look forward to each day. I thought I could make one for you. So that, well—you deserve the best."

Oswald couldn't believe what he was hearing for a moment. Him, receiving gifts each day and because he deseved them? The next moment, he was already hugging Ed's middle, overjoyed. "You're so good to me, Ed." "I just want to be helpful." "Oh, you are and so much more! The thing with the heating cushions too."

Ed checked the time: they had to be in another room in three minutes. "Do you want today's gift right now? I didn't know whether you'd want it here or at home. I guess either are fine but maybe you should tell me in advance so I can make sure it's there."

Oswald thought about it. "We don't have much time left, do we?" "Two minutes now." "Then I say I admire the best gift of them all: you." He cupped Ed's cheeks and brought their lips together, feeling him breathe in deeply and snake a hand to his back in return.

They pulled apart in time, both very aware that they couldn't look suspicious. Yet when they entered the meeting room, both bore a strong sparkle in their eyes.

🎅💚💜🎅💚💜🎅 "They're leg warmers", Ed explained, after Oswald had fished for his gift in the velvet satchel he was given at home.

To Oswald's relief, they were black, harder to spot under dress pants. "Thank you." He stroked over the knitted fabric. "I didn't know I'd receive something this big on one day." He shrugged. "I was more expecting a picture slowly revealing each part of itself." Ed tilted his head. "Positively surprising", he concluded. "Come here!"

When they hugged, Ed smiled against Oswald's shoulder, a warm feeling of accomplishment spreading in him. "I planned them for the first day so that you can profit from them from the start." Oswald caressed his back. "Thinking everything through as you so often do." Ed was positively glowing. "Everything for you." He kissed him on the top of his head.

The following days Oswald continued to receive thoughtful or interesting things. One day it was a nice tie, another day an apron (Ed insisted that everyone could become a good cook), then a special blend of tea. Ed disliked when celebration was strongly associated with alcohol and Oswald didn't complain, treasuring each gift and making a point of trying each item the same day or afterwards when Ed could see him.

"Oh, darling, these things are all wonderful! If we weren't already together, mother would have to give you her blessing by now." His eyes watered. "I'm glad you see it this way. Most people haven't exactly liked my December-themed gifts." Ed wiped a tear away and caressed Oswald's face. "You're different. She would be so proud of you. Of your work as mayor, of our relationship, I hope." "She'd be glad to be the only woman in my life", Oswald mused. "Though you'd definitely cook together, hopefully without that rivalry you and Olga have going on."

Oswald raised a finger. "Seriously, Ed, it's not even Christmas yet and she's already asked me where you'll be spending the holidays! In very broken English but not with any less importance." Ed crossed his arms. "Well, you can tell her I'll be spending them in the kitchen." They broke into laughter, Oswald leaning against Ed and spilling a few tears as a result of the movement, but all together happy.

"Who was mean to you in Devember?" Ed stopped laughing. "Can I tell you some other time? This seems like enough sadness for a day." "Okay. Anytime."

🎅💚💜🎅💚💜🎅 The door to the Van Dahl mansion closed behind them and both sighed, stressed from today's activities. "If I have to explain the need for more sewerage filters one more time," Ed complained while taking off his scarf, "I'll make sure they're sleeping with the fishes. Dead fishes." "I could have them killed for you, dearest." "Won't be necessary, sweatheart. Let's just relax for now."

Oswald nodded. Too many people bored Ed with their stupidity and unwilligness to inform themselves about subjects they ought to understand.

"Wanna open your gift?" "Oh, yes, absolutely." "Today it doesn't come in a satchel. Do you want me to lead you to it with closed eyes instead?" "You know what: no! I actually—" He wanted Ed to have fun too, "Would you like to make a riddle out of it?" "A riddle?" Ed smiled widely. Oswald chuckled. "Yes. You have my permission for at least today. My brain could use an intellectual change from the people in City Hall." "That it could. Alright." He rubbed his hands, happy about the opportunity of making a riddle for his love, about being asked to.

"I am a shelter for many, yet no real man could live or bake under my roof despite me being made of things that can nourish." "A...you're a house", Oswald tried, "or building but not—gingerbread house! A gingerbread house. Did you buy us one?" Ed stepped to the side. "See for yourself. It's in the kitchen."

He took Oswald's arm and held it like a proper gentleman, leading him there. Once there, the giftee set his eyes on planes of gingerbread cookies and multiple types of decoration, all layed out on top of a cleaned surface.

"We'll make them ourselves. Oh, Ed this is wonderful!" He eyed the table. There was enough for two houses. "Do we build them today?" "If you want to." "Well then, let's make them right now." "Wait. If you want to, you can wear the apron you got." "No way! You planned this perfectly and I didn't even see it. I'll get it right away."

After they'd washed their hands, they set to work, both wearing aprons and happy expressions. Ed couldn't help but stare at Oswald occasionally, so immersed in his task but without any stiffness in his shoulders.

"This is more difficult than I thought it would be", Oswald remarked, trying to glue one part of a roof to the rest of his house for the third time. "I know, you have to wait for longer than I expected. Maybe there's too much water in the mixture. Let me hold the other roof part, that way it'll be done sooner." "Thanks."

Ed coated two sides of a matching gingerbread piece with the mix of powdered sugar and water and held it to Oswald's, their fingers brushing. To their joy, neither pulled away as haters would've once claimed would happen, that no everyone would recoil from their touch. Instead, they positioned their hands in a way that made them rest against each other.

Oswald looked around the room. "How long do we have to wait?" Ed laughed. "Of course you'd grow impatient." "Well, I'm a very busy man." "Oh, are you,....Mr. Mayor?" "Why, Mr. Chief of Staff, what do you suggest we do? I can be ready in...how long do we have to hold this for again?" He giggled. "I think we can let go now." They did, though still not wanting to be apart.

"What would you say if I told you that I'd gotten you a green bathrobe?" Oswald teased. "Really?" "Yes. I couldn't resist getting you a gift and you should feel more at home." He shrugged. "I can't very well install a neon sign on the facade. Or can I?" He turned his gingerbread house around, revealing a sign made by glueing green pearls onto the surface.

"How...when did you make this? How did I not notice?" "You were too busy staring at my face, dear." Ed mock-defended himself, "That time was thoughtfully invested." He countered Oswald's stare. "At least...if it payed off." He winked at him and in seconds Oswald leaned over to kiss him. What a wonderful time December would be this year.

🎅💚💜🎅💚💜🎅 Author's note: Happy holidays/vacations, everyone! 🤗🎅🧑‍🎄🤶🎄 As always, I love receiving comments, and have a good time ❤️