Edmund walked into the flat, closing the door behind him as he dropped his satchel on the floor. He stretches until he hears his back pop, which is sore from sitting through all of his classes that day.
He walks into the living room and sees Lucy talking to Peter. He wonders what Lucy is doing here on a Friday, but decides to not question it. She is using her hands wildly to express whatever she is going on about, as Peter just sits there smiling so sweetly at her.
One of the first things Edmund fell in love with was Peter's smiles. Edmund loves them so much, that one day in his English class, he made a list of his Top Five Favorite Smiles.
Number 5 is Peter's excited about having toffee smile. His eyes glow as he unravels the sugary treat, smiling excitedly like a child on Christmas Day. Edmund loves having spare change, because then he can surprise Peter with toffee when they are home.
Number 4 is Peter's excited about seeing Lucy smile. It's slightly similar to Number 5, but this smile holds much more depth. You can really see Peter's heart in this smile, both from excitement and relief. Sometimes, Peter has nightmares that Susan and Mum will turn Lucy against us, and the thought breaks his heart. But come Sunday, when Lucy knocks on the door at exactly noon, Peter's excited about seeing Lucy smile shows and for a bit, the nightmares won't get him.
Number 3 is Peter's summer smile. Unlike 5 and 4, which is a big smile full of teeth, this one is just lazy and serene. The sun will shine on Peter's skin, which will quickly become golden again after months spent in doors to avoid the harsh weather. His smile will reflect just how happy and at peace he is feeling, as he'll sit outside with his eyes closed, against his favorite tree.
Number 2 is Peter's just got laid smile. It's actually quite similar to 3, lazy and serene. But Peter's lips, which are bruised from sharp kisses and light nips, make this lazy and serene smile unbelievably sexy. Peter probably doesn't know how much Edmund loves this satiated smile, with the corners of Peter's lips moist from not only his own perspiration, but from Edmund's also. When Edmund sees this smile, he can't help but kiss Peter again as he gently whispers "I love you" against Peter's mouth.
Number 1 is not at all like the others. This smile, which Edmund has only seen once, will be forever engraved in his mind. Some people wouldn't call this a smile, as Peter was crying heavily on Edmund's shoulder while he held him fiercely tight. But Edmund saw Peter's lips upturned at the edges, as he cried thanks for Edmund's life being sparred. This smile occurred moments after Lucy used her healing cordial, when Edmund took a gasp for life. The smile was seen only for a second, as Peter quickly grabbed Edmund and held him, afraid he might lose him if he didn't. Edmund calls this smile, Peter's love.
Both Peter and Edmund agree that this was the moment they fell in love with each other. Sadly, it took them until their second trip to Narnia to admit this to each other. It was after the one on one battle with Miraz that Edmund realized he needed to tell Peter how he felt, before he lost the chance.
He had asked Peter to meet him at the garden that was near their bed chambers, by the big apple tree that was beyond the iron gate.
When Peter showed up, his face glowing beautifully in the moon's light, Edmund almost lost his nerve. How could someone so beautiful ever be interested in someone like him?
Stuttering quite horrendously, Edmund told Peter about his feelings. About the longing glances, the jealously of Pete's various dates and wishes he were those girls, about every emotion of love that has been dedicated to his older brother.
Peter had just stood there, gaping at him. Edmund sighed heavily and began to walk away, but was roughly pulled back and shoved up against the tree. He closed his eyes tightly, and braced himself, worried that Peter was going to hit him. But when he felt Peter's lips against his own, his eyes shot open in surprise. When he felt Peter tugging at his belt though, all of his shock was gone as he wrapped his arms around Peter's neck in order to deepen the kiss.
"Edmund, you alright love? You've been spacing out for awhile now" Peter asked as he smiled at Edmund. Lucy giggled as Edmund sat next to Peter, kissing him lightly on the lips. He laid his head in the crook of Peter's neck, and wrapped his arms around Peter's waist. He sighed happily as the two began their conversation again.
He quietly tip-toed out of the house Sunday afternoon, not wanting Peter and Lucy to see him. He walked quickly through the streets, in order to avoid getting hit by cars. After 10 minutes, he finally reached his destination and began to walk through the market.
Peter's birthday was in a week, and Edmund still didn't have a gift for his lover. He walked by booth after booth, checking out all the various items.
"Peter wouldn't be interested in any of this crap" Edmund mumbled to himself, as he continued walking.
Edmund wasn't paying attention to his surroundings, so when he bumped into someone and caused that person to drop all of their purchases, he felt like an ass. He quickly got on his hands and knees to retrieve the fallen items.
He looked up to apologize to the person, but shock stopped him quickly from saying another word. The familiar blue eyes of his older peered down into his own dark one's. He stood up quickly, still holding her stuff in his arms. Susan looked up at her little brother, eyes wide and mouth open.
"Um…thanks, Ed" she said, as she grabbed the stuff from his arms. Edmund noted curiously why she hadn't walked away yet.
"So, Susan, how have you been?" Edmund awkwardly smiled at his sister, hands in his pockets.
"Oh, I've been good. A bit busy with school and all, but you know how that is…" Susan awkwardly smiled back, looking very uncomfortable.
"Yeah, definitely. Um…how's mum been?" Edmund timidly asked, worried that his sister might hurt him for bringing up their mother.
"She's alright" was Susan's short reply. Quickly changing the topic, she asked what Edmund was doing here on a Sunday.
"Well, since Lucy is over, I decided to sneak out and try to find Peter a birthday present. It's not going too well though, everything I've seen so far I just know Peter wouldn't like" Edmund was surprised at how casually he said all of this, as though nothing had happened between them.
"Well, Peter's always loved classic books. Maybe you can try finding him some Dickens, or Shakespeare? I saw a cart back that way that had a lot of books…I guess I could take you over if you'd like". Susan looked down as she said this, staring anxiously at her feet.
Edmund was about ready to have a heart attack at this point. Susan was being so much like her old self, it really threw Edmund off course. Not knowing what else to say, he mumbled a quiet yes and the two began their walk over.
"You should definitely get Peter a big bag of toffees, he'll really love that" Susan smiled shyly at Edmund.
Just then, as though the heavens smiled upon him, Edmund realized the perfect gift for Peter.
"Susan, I just had a brilliant idea" Edmund said this vaguely, knowing it would catch her attention. "I know exactly what to get Peter. And I have feeling that this would be the greatest gift ever".
"What is it Ed?"
"A sister who is willing to understand and love her older brother" Edmund replied as he stopped walking, and turned to face Susan.
Susan looked upset, but not violent. She signed heavily and turned to face Edmund.
"I can't give Peter that gift, Ed…I'm sorry but-"
"Yes you can" Edmund said, as he interrupted her. "I can see it in your eyes Su, I always have. Your letting your morals replace a family's love, and that isn't right".
Susan looked helplessly at her younger brother, a storm waging behind her eyes. Edmund stood there, patiently waiting for a reply.
Susan wrapped her arms around her brother's neck, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Edmund quickly placed his arms around her waist, afraid that by letting go, he'd never get this chance again.
She pulled out of the embrace, and with a nod of her head, walked away.
As Edmund made his way over to the book stand, he prayed that this wouldn't be the last time he got to hug his older sister. Or see her, for that matter.
