[It's been almost six months since Oswald discovered that his mother (or, well, a version of his mother) is alive and well in Edward's dimension. Unfortunately, he's hardly had time for a visit, which is honestly an eternal frustration. At least once a month, true, but they've all been relatively short, usually lasting no longer than a few days at most. Now he's finally been able to come over for a bit longer. It's the second day of the week that he has, and Edward has gone out again, so...naturally, Oswald takes the opportunity to step out just before dusk while Edward works.
Using his connection to Edward's internet, he's already done significant work in discovering several things about Gertrude Van Dahl--née Kapelput--in this dimension. She's the same age as his mother would be. She works as a cook at a nearby Hungarian restaurant. She and his father have been married for more than thirty years, though they have no children. They live approximately four blocks from Elijah's shop. They have two cats.
All of these things he tallies off and repeats to himself as he returns to that bench to watch his father start to close up his shop. This time, when his mother arrives, he's not nearly as surprised, though her appearance still feels as though it knocks the wind out of him. She looks just as perfect as when he first saw her, a basket with what looks like some groceries tucked over her arm, which his father takes from her after kissing her in greeting. Oswald pushes to his feet, watching as they head off, and this time....he follows.
He stays at a bit of a distance, granted, but follow he does, watching them walk arm and arm along the streets of Gotham until they reach their apartment building, at which point they disappear inside. Oswald's eyes flick over the rows of windows, waiting with baited breath until....there. One of the sets of lights goes on in an apartment about five floors up. He moves towards the alley that the building borders, sucking in a breath as he spots the fire escape.
This is probably a horrible idea. Edward will probably chastise him for this.
Dry the Tears from My Face
Using his connection to Edward's internet, he's already done significant work in discovering several things about Gertrude Van Dahl--née Kapelput--in this dimension. She's the same age as his mother would be. She works as a cook at a nearby Hungarian restaurant. She and his father have been married for more than thirty years, though they have no children. They live approximately four blocks from Elijah's shop. They have two cats.
All of these things he tallies off and repeats to himself as he returns to that bench to watch his father start to close up his shop. This time, when his mother arrives, he's not nearly as surprised, though her appearance still feels as though it knocks the wind out of him. She looks just as perfect as when he first saw her, a basket with what looks like some groceries tucked over her arm, which his father takes from her after kissing her in greeting. Oswald pushes to his feet, watching as they head off, and this time....he follows.
He stays at a bit of a distance, granted, but follow he does, watching them walk arm and arm along the streets of Gotham until they reach their apartment building, at which point they disappear inside. Oswald's eyes flick over the rows of windows, waiting with baited breath until....there. One of the sets of lights goes on in an apartment about five floors up. He moves towards the alley that the building borders, sucking in a breath as he spots the fire escape.
This is probably a horrible idea. Edward will probably chastise him for this.
He walks to the fire escape, and starts to climb]