CHAPTER 13

Fortesque Penthouse - Mercury Suites

Edward sat in the low armchair, looking out contently over the city. The cool greeney-blue glow of the ocean bathed his naked body. He cradled a glass of brandy in one hand that hung over the arm of the chair. Sheridan was still led in bed, his own nude figure partially covered by some of the rumpled sheets.

The silence hadn't been intentional by either of them, but had somehow descended, and both were trying to figure out how to start a suitable, post-coital conversation. That in itself led Sheridan to say something.

"Do you remember how outrageous it used to be, when we had to avoid getting caught? Now we can lay around our own apartment like this, completely free of any shame?" Sheridan wasn't sure if he was saying it was a good thing, or whether he was lamenting the loss of something that made their previous sexual exploits, and perhaps even their relationship, that bit more exciting.

"I do..." Edward replied. He could sense some form of disappointment in Sheridan's tone, even if he hadn't expressed it intentionally.

"It's good to have some time together again, we've both been so busy lately." He sipped his brandy.

"But that's good isn't it? Don't you enjoy being a businessman now? A successful one at that?" Sheridan asked, sitting up.

"Of course I do. But many still look at me as a leech riding on your coat tails. I wouldn't mind that on its own, but I just miss us doing everything together. I thought as partners we'd work on each project together." Edward's eagerness to say this had been mounting for over a month. Ever since Sheridan had handed him responsibility for Talos Tower, and taken on his own new projects with Anton and that Tenenbaum woman, all of which had consumed him entirely.

Sheridan sat up straighter, and his face screwed up in annoyance. "I've given you massive influence and power over our interest Edward, a little gratitude would suit you better."

Edward was taken back by his sudden change in attitude, somehow angry.

"I am anything but ungrateful my love, you know that surely. But my our aim in coming to Rapture was foremost to be together, was it not?"

Sheridan shifted uncomfortably, and cleared his throat. "Of course it was. But now we have it, and we still come home to each other in the evening, but I have... I mean we have such incredible opportunities down here, but not without incredible competition. I'm getting us into projects that are not only lucrative, but ground-breaking, of immeasurable importance for Rapture! For humanity!"

"You do come home to me yes, but frequently not until after you've had your doses of Cohen - christ knows why you are so taken with that idiots style... he's a freak."

"I just like to unwind, excuse me... I don't critisize you. And it was you who stopped coming with me, because like a spoilt child you didn't like him and weren't getting your way..." Sheridan raised his voice and threw off the blankets, slipping out of bed. "Someone from your background should be grateful to even sit in a theatre, let alone be so critical of the star on stage!"

Horrified by Sheridan's sudden rage, Edward rose out of his chair, and the two naked men faced each other in a defensive stance.

"So there it is... someone from my background. Everything you sold me about Rapture - that I wouldn't be judged for that, that I could leave it all behind, was bollocks. Even you still throw my poverty back in my face when it suits you!" Edward screamed suddenly at the end of his rant, and threw the brandy glass to the floor, smashing it. He span about and began to march towards the dressing room.

"Stop Edward, please...I..." Sheridan cut off, he'd been chasing after Edward when he trod on the broken glass, and lept back in sudden pain, lifting his leg into the air. "Fuck it!"

Edward turned back, but looked in sudden astonishment at the realisation.

"Sheridan... your limp!?" He gasped. "How can you even stand on that leg only?"

Sheridan's face dropped, and his cheeks grew a dark red. He slowly let his injured leg fall back to the floor, and letting out a sigh, walked over to his partner, placing his hands on both his shoulders.

"You are right. I am sorry - what I said was uncalled for. And I admit, I've been keeping a few too many secrets - but believe me, I had my reasons." He kissed Edwards cheek passionately.

"We agreed on having no secrets Sheridan." Edward still found it difficult to speak so boldly to his past master and employer, but if his new found financial independence and authority had helped him with anything, it was his confidence. "Now tell me what is going on. Let's get ourselves back to where we promised each other we'd be."

Sheridan lowered his head in submission. "Absolutely." He looked back up slightly, so he could look Edward straight in the eyes. "Get dressed... I'll show you everything. I'll show you how only this morning I cured my limp, and how soon, we'll be able to cure everything!"