Author's note: Ok, first story ever in the history of stories posted by City! Hopefully it doesn't suck? Could be seen as slash/incest.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Believe me, I wish I owned everything Narnia. I'd have so much fun playing house then. :)
Oceans Apart
During the cool evenings in summer, Edmund liked to slip out of Cair Paravel and sit on the beach. His siblings learned long ago that when he left after dinner, he wasn't to be disturbed.
These evenings were spent in silence as Edmund gazed at the ocean, lost in a sea of thought. He thought of Narnia, his responsibility, military strategies, foreign affairs, anything that he felt deserved the time. Often, he would think of his family. Lucy and her sunny disposition and curious way of cheering him when he got into one of his moods. Susan, who acted as a mother to them all, constantly fussing over him, driving him positively mad, but always a comfort. And Peter. Peter, his annoyance of an older brother, who also happened to be his friend and confidante.
Staring at the vast body of water one night, Edmund thought that the ocean and his brother were quite alike. Both had a lulling sense of endlessness, a steady rhythm that soothed and comforted. Peter always knew what to do, what to say, and never failed to carry out his duties. He did the right thing. He never faltered.
Peter and the ocean could be angry, however. When Peter was cross, waves of rage swirled around the room, sweeping away all sense of peace. Peter rarely got truly angry, so when he did, everyone knew to clear the path. Everyone but Edmund. He was the one who stayed, who tried to calm Peter, though he'd never been a calming sort of person. It was Edmund who braved the storms until everything was better.
And, just like the ocean, Peter could be distant. Like the frigid water stretching out to the ends of the earth, Peter could be cold, could separate himself, could steal all warmth away. Edmund knew that firsthand. Peter had acted that way toward him for years prior to Narnia. Edmund didn't blame Peter for driving him to betrayal. He didn't need to. Peter blamed himself.
Peter and the sea were sources of happiness for Edmund. Truth be told, if he could spend the rest of his days with either one of them, he would be content. Peter was perfect, smooth and clear and pure like the water on a lovely day. Edmund knew that he and his brother were oceans apart personality-wise. He often smiled at his pun while he sat on the sand.
"Ed? Are you ready to come in now? I thought maybe we could spend some time in the library together before bed," came Peter's steady, warm voice. Turning, Edmund smiles his brightest smile.
"Sure, Peter. I'd like that."
Yes, Peter and the ocean were very similar, but if Edmund had to choose . . .
He'd pick his Peter.