Author's Notes: SAP. Utter. COMPLETE. Sap.
Disclaimer: No ownie, no sueie. Lyrics are "Answer." They belong to Sarah McLachlan. Edgar and Nny belong to Jhonen Vasquez. Inspiration for this fic belongs to Zarla. Go read "Vargas." Now. Wait. That's not really part of the disclaimer. I SHUT UP NOW.
Answer
By Dai
Thin digits slid through dark blue tresses, skin brushing against scalp as Edgar watched the dangerously thin man asleep with his head in his lap.
The TV screen flickered. Edgar pried the remote gently from Nny's fingers and turned the TV off.
I will be the answer at the end of the line
I will be there for you while you take the time
Placing the remote down again, he leaned back on the couch, awed at the innocent visage Nny took on when he was sleeping. A small smile crept onto his face.
He knew, of course, that when Nny woke up he'd try to hurt Edgar, he'd done so several times by now. But Edgar also knew that he'd recognize him before he did end up harming him. Each time Nny seemed to recognize him faster and faster.
In the burning uncertainty I will be your solid ground
I will hold the balance if you can't look down
At this thought, Edgar absentmindedly touched the scars on his cheeks. He shook his head slowly and returned his fingers to Nny's hair.
His grandfather clock ticked in the hallway, slowly counting the seconds, minutes, hours...
If it takes my whole life I won't break I won't bend
It'll all be worth it worth it in the end
Nny shifted slightly and Edgar's hand fell from his hair into his lap. Nny's hand wrapped around his, fingers locking together.
Edgar was shocked for a moment.
'Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
Hesitantly, he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the other's forehead, placing his free hand on Nny's cheek.
When the stars have all gone out
You'll still be burning so bright
Edgar watched as the darkness slowly ebbed away to be replaced with the soft morning light.
Cast me gently into morning
For the night has been unkind
Nny shifted again once the new light hit his face. His eyes flew open and he quickly sat up, yanking his hand away from Edgar's and placing it around his throat. He shook violently for a few moments, staring angrily at the other.
Take me to a place so holy
That I can wash this from my mind
Edgar glanced upwards slightly, the light from the living room window hitting his cheeks, Nny-induced scars coming into view.
The memory of choosing not to fight
Nny's expression softened. "Edgar."
If it takes my whole life I won't break I won't bend
It'll all be worth it worth it in the end
Edgar smiled softly as Nny's fingers loosened from his neck. There was a soft thump as his hand fell limply to his side and hit the couch. Edgar picked it up and held it in his own hand. "Nny."
'Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
Nny slumped forward, resting on Edgar's chest as his head fell onto his shoulder. Edgar put his arms around his back.
And when the stars have all burned out
You'll still be burning so bright
Nny shook slightly, bringing his arms up and placing them around Edgar's back.
Cast me gently into morning
For the night has been unkind
"I'm going to kill you."
Edgar smiled. "I know."