friends across the dark

[enigmaster]

Inter-dimensional Pen Pals

AU CATCHALL



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[enigmaster]

Ah.

[That makes him pause. Because, really. That's what Oswald does. That's how he conducts his business, that's how he's lasted as long as he has.

So.

Maybe that's valid.]

One of the pieces moved in a way it shouldn't be able to.

[agoodname]

Yes. Yes, the bishop moved straight back instead of diagonal, Edward, yes. I have to figure out why.

[enigmaster]

You're not going to be able to figure it out like this.

In a situation like this, you have a few options. Option one is you calm down, take some time, and then you gather what information you can. You stay away from the piece until you have more to act on. Then, you'll know what to do.

That's the course I recommend, anyway.

[But. That's one option. He has more in mind.]

[agoodname]

[that....that makes sense. That's logical, right? Edward's good at logical.] ...okay. Okay, what are the other options?

[enigmaster]

Option two is you don't play. You step back. You let someone else take a turn on the board, while you watch the game.

You move the other players to deal with this first. In which case, you might be so lucky that they take care of the problem for you. And if not, well, it isn't you going down and now you have more information to fall back to option one.

Low risk, if you play it right, but less control.

Then... there's option three.

[agoodname]

[oh he’s not fond of option two. Being out of control.....he’ll pass] And what is option three?

[enigmaster]

Burn the board.

1/2

[agoodname]

[Oh. There it is again, isn't it? That hint of danger. It's that edge, curling the fringes of Edward's voice, that sends a shiver down his spine and pulls Oswald's attention away from Fish, away from his panic, and straight to Edward himself. It's a pity that Oswald can't see him when he's like this. It must be something...what expression might be on that handsome face, when he says things like that?]

2/2

[agoodname]

[....Oswald is quiet for a moment, considering Edward's words.] ...I believe the only option I really could take...is option one. I don't like it, particularly, but...to have so little control or to enact such chaos...neither of those options are viable for me, personally. I don't much like chaos. [he lets out a small sigh, leaning back against the seat of the taxi] ...I don't know how long I can wait, though.

[enigmaster]

Good choice.

[Edward's voice is more jovial now, like this is a perfectly normal discussion and he didn't just suggest... that.]

It's the wisest decision you could make.

Patience is never easy, but you don't want to panic and rush ahead. That only leads to stupid mistakes and we both know you're better than that. Frustrating though it may be to play it smart.

[agoodname]

No...no, you're right. I don't want to rush ahead. I need to...to see more of how she'll move. What steps she'll take. Then I can determine where she'll go next.

[enigmaster]

Good. Now you're sounding more like yourself. [Mission success.]

[agoodname]

[...he is, isn't he? He feels calmer, too. Not so panicked. Fancy that. ]

...I am. Thanks to you.

[enigmaster]

Glad to hear it. It's important to keep a cool head, even under circumstances such as these.

[And if he can help with that, then, well. Hey.]

[agoodname]

It is. Thank you for your help, Edward. I...really appreciate it. [he almost points out that he's being kind again but...holds his tongue, this time. He doesn't want Edward to disagree, and it seems that telling him such a thing often does that.]

[enigmaster]

Oh, it's no trouble. I enjoy talking about these things anyway.

[agoodname]

About people coming back from the dead? Or being unpredictable? Or future plans? [he sounds mildly amused, lightly teasing. But he is also interested in the answer]

[enigmaster]

Strategy.

Chess.

[agoodname]

Aha. [can you hear his knowing smile through the phone, Edward? Can you?] Yes, that would appeal to you. I should have known.

[enigmaster]

What can I say? I like games. And oh, yes, chess especially.

I often play against myself to pass the time.

[agoodname]

Hmm...I wonder what would happen if we played, sometime?

[enigmaster]

Oh, I'd win, of course.

But I've no doubt that I'd have to actually try against you.

[Edward can you flirt without your ego getting in the way-- No, of course not.]

[agoodname]

Hmm...I'm not surprised you think so. [he doesn't agree, but...well. Oswald has banked on people underestimating him before.] However, I'm glad I'm at least somewhat of a worthy opponent. [flirty? Oswald? No......]

[enigmaster]

You're someone I can actually talk to an an equal level. I couldn't imagine you being anything but. [Are y'all flirting over chess. Nerds.]

[agoodname]

That's quite a compliment, coming from you. [he can't help but grin, cheekily, to himself, as the taxi pulls up outside the Van Dahl manor.] I'll take it.