Morning comes too damn soon. As Terry is driven to the waking world by the demanding growl of his empty stomach, he wishes consciousness would kindly fuck off for just a bit longer. Of course it's not that easy. His hunger forbids it. But at least, as he groggily opens his eyes, he's rewarded for his submission to wake. Nestled at his side and with one arm draped lazily over his middle is his precious Sleeping Beauty. His perfect face is relaxed in his sleep and his cheek is nearly blessing his shoulder with unconscious contact.
Biting his lip, Terry fights against the growing urge to touch him. To swap their positions so that he is bearing down upon the sleeping boy. To pepper his lips and cheeks with affectionate kisses and whisper sweet nothings into his ears. The temptation is torture, but he can't give in to it. He can't bear the thought of disrupting his darling's peaceful slumber. Not when he looks so fucking radiant like this. Not when he looks so happy just to be in his arms. His stomach gives another impatient growl, reminding him that he still hasn't eaten since lunch yesterday.
With a repressed sigh, Terry carefully pulls himself away from the sleeping child. In his absence, Edd clings to one of the pillows, nuzzling it before settling back down. Terry groans as he slips out of the bedroom, reminding himself that he's got all the time in the world to spend with Edd today. Just gotta get some food to quell his incessant hunger and then it's back to bed to snuggle up with his Princess.
He doesn't want to prepare much — a few slices of toast and jam would be enough, right? — but his stomach guides him to cook eggs and bacon on top of that. The succulent aroma of the cooking bacon sends a pang of overeager hunger through him and he decides to add another couple of strips and at least one more egg to his mini feast.
"Terry?"
He tenses at the tiny voice that calls to him from the hall. Abandoning the sizzling stove, he races over to the hallway and peers down the corridor. Edd's peeking out at him from the bedroom and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Shit! He'd been so distracted by his hunger that he didn't think to lock the door behind him!
"Get back in there!" he warns through his teeth, pointing menacingly at the bedroom.
Edd pouts back at him and calls back softly; "Are you making breakfast?"
"Yes!" Terry hisses back, "Now, get—"
"May I please have some?" Edd begs, hunching his shoulders and wrapping an arm around his middle, "I'm so hungry…"
Terry opens his mouth to snap back at him when he hears the sizzling get louder. Glancing back, he sees that the unmanned skillets are in need of desperate attention to prevent burning. The toast pops as well, adding to his stress. With a groan, he glares back at Edd.
"Fine, fine!" he snaps, "I'll bring you breakfast. Now, get back in that room!"
Edd's shoulders fall, but he obeys, closing the door behind him. Satisfied, Terry returns swiftly to the stove, turning the strips of bacon and testing the bubbling eggs that are threatening to burn. When he's satisfied that they're cooked, he places the eggs onto the plate he'd set out and removes the crisping strips of bacon onto a plate covered by a paper towel. Next is to replace the toast with fresh slices of bread and then garnish the toast with butter and jam on either slice.
As he cooks up a full second portion for Edd, he munches absentmindedly on the eggs that have been cooked. He also keeps an ear out for any sounds of escape: the bedroom door opening, Edd's little footsteps creeping down the hall, the locks on the front door being undone. Sure, he could run back, grab his keys and lock Edd in the bedroom, but then he'd have to leave the stove…Besides, it's almost like a test — one that may result in letting Edd out for real later.
To his relief, none of those sounds reach his ears and the occasional glance around provides the peace of mind he needs to finish cooking. His own plate of eggs is nearly half-eaten, so he adds more bacon for himself. If Edd wants more, he'll have to ask nicely.
When everything's ready and the stove has been turned off, he returns to the bedroom, plates in hand. Edd's got the t.v. back on and is resting on his stomach, propping his head up with his hands as he gazes at the screen. As Terry shuts the door behind him, Edd glances up at him before rising to sit on his knees. Taking a seat beside Edd, Terry can see that he's put the ride documentary back on. It seems he wanted to finish it, as the credits have begun rolling over footage of a 'Monster' type of ride. A couple of close-up shots show the mechanisms at work, specifically the rotating and undulating arms of the spider-like ride.
Maybe he'll be able to let Edd see the ride in person one day?
For now, though, he sits back to eat, feeling a bit disgruntled. He's glad to have finally silenced his growling stomach, but he's probably missed out on his opportunity to lie with Edd like before. After all, he doubts Edd would be at all interested in indulging his desires after he'd been so hostile. Oh well, maybe they can get back to that sometime later.
When they've made it through most of the food on their plates, Edd looks up at him with a pout.
"You're still angry with me, aren't you?"
Terry squints at him as he swallows his bite.
"For what?" he asks, lowering his gaze back to the last few morsels on his plate.
No answer for a moment. Edd needs to think about it? When he glances up again, Edd's fidgeting instead of eating.
"You weren't…here when I woke up…" he mumbles, his little shoulders hunched, "And I smelled the food so I…I wanted to…to see if…" He stutters, wringing his hands together. "Y-You didn't give me anything to eat last night."
Terry grimaces; "I'm sorry I didn't make you anything or bring anything home. But you had something to eat. I went to bed hungry."
"Who's fault is that?" Edd retorts.
It's harder than he wants to admit to not snap at him for that, but Terry manages to hold back his irritation. As if Edd has any idea what kind've day he had yesterday. As if he has any idea what he's feeling right fucking now. But he doesn't want to fight. He's fought with him too much. He can't stomach anymore.
"Whatever," Terry grumbles, scooping up the last of his breakfast, "You got your breakfast and you didn't actually leave the room. It's fine."
He glares down at the plate instead of looking at Edd as he chews.
"But, you are still angry…" Edd notes after a moment.
Terry groans, dragging his hand down his face.
"I am not angry," he retorts, "I'm just…" He sighs, unable to think of a better excuse than; "tired."
Looking back at Edd, he finds him poking and prodding at his food.
"Of me…?" he mumbles, almost too quiet for Terry to hear.
"What did you say?" Terry demands, his tone carrying a threatening edge.
Shaking his head, Edd pushes the food away; "Nothing…"
"You ain't gonna finish?" Terry asks, picking the plate up.
There's not much left — a few hearty bites at most. Edd shakes his head again, scooting back towards the pillows.
"I've lost my appetite."
Without another word, Terry takes the dishes back to the kitchen. Upon reaching the sink, he leaves his own plate amidst the dirty dishes and polishes off Edd's meal. He digs his fingers into his hair, glaring at the counter top. He's fucking up again. He can feel it. Now he really has no choice. He'll have to let Edd out. If it means getting out of the rut they're in, he'll do it.
Setting the plate in the sink with the rest, he returns to the bedroom, his plan in mind. Edd's ejected the tape (which Terry knows without asking he also rewound) and he's replacing it into it's rental case. Terry approaches the t.v., drawing Edd to look up at him as he sets the tape aside.
"I suppose you'd like to go back to reading?" he asks, picking up the book left on the bedside table.
Terry shrugs; "If you want." He places his hands on the television. "But, I was thinkin' we could check out what's on t.v."
Edd gives him a curious look; "I thought you said we couldn't get cable in here?"
Drumming his fingers on the t.v. set, Terry returns his look with a knowing one of his own.
"We can't."
It takes a moment, but realization soon dawns on Edd's face. He gasps softly.
"Y-You mean it?!" he breathes, sitting up on his knees, "Y-You'll let me—"
"Calm down, Princess," Terry grumbles, "I got a few conditions and if you wanna get out of this room, you'll agree to all of them. Got it?"
Taken aback, Edd doesn't seem to know how to answer for a moment. He eventually nods, giving a timid; "Y-Yes, of course."
"Good," Terry grimaces a bit, "So, Rule Number One: No talking — not unless I say so, in which case, you're gonna be quiet about it."
Already off to a rough start as Edd pouts back at him in response to that. Too bad.
"Rule Number Two," Terry continues, "No running around. You can walk around all you want, but you're gonna be quiet. So no running. In fact, let's just say 'No being loud at all.' A mouse oughta be makin' more noise than you."
Edd nods to show he's listening, though he's still not pleased with what he's hearing.
"Number Three; no touching anything," Terry glances to the door uneasily, "You don't need to be messing with anything while you're out of this room and, frankly, if you're touchin' anything out there, it better be me."
A shudder runs through Edd at that, but he nods, glancing up at him.
"Number Four…" Terry sighs, rubbing his eyes, "No going outside. Period. And if anyone comes to the door, you better get your ass back here or to the bathroom. No excuses. No questions."
Standing straight again, Terry glares down at him.
"And if you break any of these rules…" he snarls, his fingers curling, "There will be punishment like never before. You got that?"
Shuddering a little, Edd nods, hunching his shoulders. Satisfied, Terry turns back to the t.v. and walks around to unplug everything.
"Good," he murmurs, "For now, just sit tight while I move this back out."
As he loads everything up, he notices Edd out of the corner of his eye, watching him carefully.
"Would you like some help?" he offers, his voice sweeter than usual.
Terry sends a suspicious glance his way; "'Preciate the offer, Princess, but I got it under control."
Once he's got the cords and remote stored in the cabinet, he begins rolling it to the door. Edd rises to follow him, a smile on his face. Terry stops and turns to him.
"I told you to sit," he commands.
"But—"
"You'll wait till I come back," Terry specifies, "Now, sit down."
With a bit of a huff, Edd obeys, retreating to the bed and sitting down again. Terry then wastes no time in rolling the television out of the room and closing the door behind him. It's a quick setup, putting the cabinet back in its place and plugging everything back in. He tests the remote and the channels, satisfied that they're working well enough. Once that's done, he unplugs the phone line before returning to the bedroom to retrieve Edd. To his delight, he finds the boy still sitting on the bed, kicking his feet as he waits.
"Alright," he announces, grabbing his robe and throwing it on, "Let's go."
The bright, excited smile returns as Edd hops down from the bed and approaches the door. He starts to walk past him, at which point, Terry grabs his arm.
"What?!" Edd gasps, struggling a little.
"Patience, Princess," Terry snarls grimacing down at him, "If you think I'm letting you wander around out there without me, you got another thing coming."
Edd pouts, but allows Terry to escort him by the arm into the main living area. Terry then reluctantly releases him and makes his way to the front door, which he takes sentry over. He watches Edd like a hawk, following him with his gaze as the boy pads lightly into the kitchen. A look of discomfort flashes over his face and he glances at Terry with a furrowed brow.
"What?" Terry asks, recognizing that he seems to have something to say.
Edd gestures towards the mess in the sink; "Would you like me to take care of that? Or clean anything else for you?"
The notion of Edd bustling about and cleaning like a little housewife sends a shiver down his spine. Damn straight he'd like to see that. But, of course…
"No," he replies shortly, "I told you not to touch anything."
With a pout, Edd turns away; "I know how to cook too…"
Dear god — this is agonizing.
"That's nice," Terry musters through his teeth, "The answer's still no."
He swears he sees the boy roll his eyes as he retreats to the t.v., content that there's not much else he'll be able to do at the moment. Taking a seat on the worn-in couch, he picks up the remote and flips it back on. Terry had left it on some news channel before heading to the bedroom. A couple of anchors are discussing plans for tomorrow night's New Year's party and are joyfully bantering about watching the ball drop in the Big Apple, including a bit of playful flirting about who they'll be lockin' lips with when the clock strikes midnight.
That's about as much as they get from the news story before Edd starts flipping through channels, looking for something to catch his interest. Terry, however, doesn't move from the door. He can't risk it. Not after everything else Edd's tried. He wants to be close to the door — ready to catch him and restrain him. Sure, he could be closer to Edd instead — keeping a firm grip on him and restraining him preemptively — but Terry's decided that he wants to give him at least a little space. To at least pretend that he's giving him a bit of freedom.
Edd doesn't seem to recognize it as such, however, and glances up at him with a frown.
"Wouldn't you like to sit down and watch television with me?"
The question startles Terry and nearly pulls him from the door. Fuck yes he wants to sit and cuddle up with his little darling. So much so that he ignores the fact that Edd just broke rule number one. He's wanted to just hold him and cradle him all fucking morning. However, he forces himself back with a grumble.
"No…"
Pouting, Edd turns to him a little more; "Isn't that what you want?"
"I'm fine!" Terry snaps, glaring at him.
The sudden shout makes Edd shrink away before he bows his head. Dejectedly, he settles finally on some cartoons and pulls his legs up to his chest, watching through his knees.
Terry's not sure how long it goes on for. All he knows is that, after several of those shows — so…maybe an hour? — he's starting to feel his legs going weak. His back is aching from leaning against the door and he's bored as fuck just standing here. Maybe he should grab a chair? At the very least, he could give his fucking feet a rest. No! The second he leaves this door, Edd might make a break for it. He's got to bear with it.
It feels like another hour passes by the time Edd looks up at him again, looking more concerned than before.
"Are you sure you don't want to sit with me?" he offers, "You can pick what we watch?"
"I told you not to talk!" Terry snaps back, "And no! I said I'm fine!"
Edd's look hardens a bit and, with a sigh, he rises to his feet and turns the t.v. off before turning back to the hallway. Terry watches him, suspicious as he walks back down the hall.
"Where are you going?" he demands, stopping him, "You wanted to be out here."
Hugging his arms, Edd shrugs, his head bowed.
"My apologies…" he mumbles, "I don't…really feel like it anymore…"
Gritting his teeth, Terry prepares to launch into some tirade about how fickle Edd's being when a knock on the door behind him stuns him to silence. Shit! Shit! Shit! He whips around, wide-eyed in his hopes to catch a glimpse of the sudden visitor through the grimy window while also ducking away from it. Who the fuck would come calling on him right now?! He can just barely make out Mike's familiar features through the fog. The fuck does he want?! Turning back to Edd, he finds the boy turned to him fully, his shoulders hunched and his fingers wringing together. He's staring at the door with wide eyes. Terry looks between the window and Edd, still stunned. Could Mike see him from there?! He shoots Edd a fierce glare and points down the hall.
"Get going!" he hisses through his teeth, desperately trying to stop himself from yelling.
To his horror, Edd hesitates. His eyes flicker over him as he weighs the pros and cons of obeying. The horror dissipates — thank fuck — as he then scurries further down the hall and into the bathroom where he shuts and — Terry fuckin' prays — locks the door behind him.
Taking a breath to calm himself, Terry pushes himself off the door and adjusts the robe to cover himself better before turning around to greet the nosy fucker who has decided to pay him a visit. And there he is; the boss-man himself, standing on his little stoop and staring at him with a raised brow. Terry looks him over before opening his mouth to say something.
Mike speaks first; "Why ain't you answerin' your phone?"
Terry's stomach drops. He was afraid this would happen. He scoffs.
"Shit, I ain't heard the phone ring all morning," he forces a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, "Fuckin' phone company must've cut me off. I'll have to head down there n' make sure the check didn't bounce or somethin'."
"Mm…" Mike hums, still giving him a suspicious look.
When he says nothing more, Terry sighs.
"Do you seriously need me today?" he groans, "C'mon, man — I thought it was my day off."
"It is," Mike retorts, handing him a sheet of paper, "You forgot to grab your upcoming schedule yesterday and I ain't about to let you skip work just cuz you don't know when to fuckin' be there."
Surprised, Terry accepts the paper, which does indeed have the detailed schedule for after the first of the year.
"Right…" he mumbles, glancing back into the trailer and down the hall, "Thanks, I guess…"
He keeps anticipating the bathroom door to open. For Edd to saunter out and expose his presence and blow the entire operation.
"Y'alright?" Mike asks, drawing Terry's attention back to him, "You seem kinda distracted lately."
With a sigh, Terry rubs his eyes; "M'fine…Just got a lot on my mind…" He looks to him, resting his hand on the door frame and leaning heavily against it. "Did you need anything else?" He glances back down at the paper. "I don't gotta work tomorrow, do I?"
"Nah," Mike replies with a shrug, "I'm givin' everyone New Year's Eve n' a couple days after off. Y'know how it is. Everybody'll be too busy gettin' drunk and nursin' their hangovers the next day. It'll be the same for me and since I'm pretty sure none of us will be in any shape to do any actual work, there's no point to putting it on the schedule."
"Right…" Terry mumbles, "Well…thanks, I guess."
"Yeah…" Mike pauses, scratching the back of his neck, "Hey, some of the guys are comin' by for drinks tomorrow to ring in the new year. Dave and Adam'll be there and we're gonna just shoot the shit, if you're interested…"
Terry scoffs; "Why should I care?"
"Just thought I'd mention it while I'm here."
Rolling his eyes, Terry crosses his arms over his chest; "Thanks for the offer, I guess, but if it's all the same to you, I'd rather 'ring in the new year' alone. I get enough of you fuckers on a daily basis in the park…"
Mike responds to that with a shrug.
"Well, can't say I didn't ask," he states, turning away, "Enjoy your booze and your new year."
"Thanks…" Terry grumbles, watching him walk away before shutting the door behind him.
As he secures the door with the multitude of locks, he breathes a sigh of relief. It was too close a call. He knew bringing Edd out here was a bad idea — his cover was nearly blown all because he decided to be nice to the kid.
Although…
He stands straight and turns back to the bathroom, his brow furrowed. Edd had remained hidden. He was silent the entire time and Mike showed no signs of noticing him, so he clearly hadn't walked out or even opened the door. But…why? He'd had the perfect opportunity. After everything that he's done — after every plea and demand to go home and after he'd tried so hard to run from him — why, then, would he silence himself and let that opportunity slip through his fingers? The tension weighs heavily on his chest with each step as he approaches the door. The possibility that Edd could finally be coming around — that he could want to be here and stay with him beckons him.
He has to know.
Rapping his knuckles on the door, he nearly holds his breath as he waits for Edd to answer. He could just barge in on him, but the apprehension is making him hesitate. Moments later, Edd opens the door, peeking up at him shyly.
"Are they gone…?" he asks softly.
"Yeah," Terry replies, crossing his arms over his chest uncomfortably, "And you stayed in here the whole time…"
Shrugging, Edd nods, fidgeting a little with the hem of the jersey that's covering him.
"Why?" Terry asks through his teeth.
The sudden question startles the boy, drawing Edd to look up at him in concern.
"Isn't that what you told me to do?" he asks, his tone becoming defensive.
"Of course it is," Terry retorts, clenching his fist, "But…I don't get it. You had a chance to get out of here and go home. To try to leave me again. Why didn't you take it?"
Again, Edd shrugs, bringing his hand up to paw at the door and staring down at the floor.
"I don't…" he mumbles, his fingers curling against the wood, "I don't…know. I just…couldn't."
He shifts his weight from one foot to another, looking like he wants to say something more, but that he's holding back. Or maybe that he doesn't know how to say it. Either way, whatever he's got on his mind has brought tears to his eyes. Whatever kept him from exposing his presence to Mike, it's made him upset.
With a sigh, Edd stands straight and opens the door a bit more.
"Anyway…" he continues, "I'll go back to the room now. I think…I'd like to lie down."
Before Edd can slip away, Terry extends his arm, blocking his path and grabbing his shoulder.
"No."
Edd gazes up at him, confused; "You'd rather me stay in the bathroom?"
"No," Terry glances at him out of the corner of his eye, "I'd…rather you come back out to watch some t.v."
Unsurprisingly, Edd gives him a skeptical look.
"Are you just going to behave like a prison warden again?"
Shit, I deserved that…Terry sighs, turning to him fully.
"No," he repeats, gritting his teeth as he searches for the right words, "I…trust that you won't run."
Still, Edd looks uncertain, but seems to be coming around a little.
"May I please," he pauses, searching Terry's face, "clean up the dishes as well?"
Terry groans a little; "Fine. If that's what you really want. We'll wash the dishes and then sit down for some t.v. Okay?"
Finally, Edd smiles up at him. That sweet little grin that lets his gap peek out, but restrained enough that it can't be totally exposed. Disregarding his earlier reservations, Terry steps aside, placing his hand on Edd's back and letting him lead the way to the kitchen.
They spend a short amount of time washing the dishes. Edd calls dibs on actually washing and scrubbing while Terry is given the task of drying. He might've been upset by the idea of taking orders from the kid, but Edd's conviction to clean is more delightful than his fuckin' pride. Besides, he's able to focus on watching Edd while he absentmindedly drags the dishtowel over the tableware, so it works out well enough. What's more, Edd starts going on and on about how he could clean the trailer for him — different organizational tips, strategies for tackling difficult stains, simple solutions for homemade air fresheners, and more. It's adorable, to say the least, and he almost regrets when he sets the last, cleaned dish aside.
Ah, but after that, they retreat to the couch, where Edd switches on the television. As Terry sits down, Edd settles in beside him, pulling his legs up and curling them beneath him. He spends a few minutes flipping through channels, looking for anything of interest. Terry, meanwhile, puts his feet up on the coffee table and rests his arms along the top of the couch. He doesn't try to touch his little prize just yet. As bad as he wants to, he also wants to see what Edd will do on his own. When he settles finally on some cheesy sitcom, Edd reclines against the back of the couch.
The rest of their day is spent like this. Sitting on the couch and watching whatever they happen to flip to. Edd eventually relaxes with him, leaning against Terry's chest to get comfortable. He's not fully embracing him by any means, but he's not as uncomfortable eliminating the space between them. During their breaks for lunch and dinner, which Edd eagerly helps with, they talk about the shows they've sat through. Edd, in particular, has plenty to say about the logic of a couple of the more outlandish story lines. It's delightful as fuck and leaves Terry relieved and relaxed for the first time in weeks.
And Edd…to see his little darling so happy is the real reward. He's not sure how real any of it is — if it's all just some ruse Edd's employed to lower his defenses or not. But he doesn't care. Edd had the chance to leave him and he didn't. Now he's spending time with him with a smile on his face. Did the revelation about his family and friends really make all the difference? Shit, he really should've tried that sooner. Could've saved him so much anguish. Ah well…Edd's happy to be with him and he at last appears to be enjoying his company.
If there is a heaven, it surely can't compare to this.
They finish the night with a quick update from the news. Another announcement about the ball dropping in Times Square with some kind've estimate about the size of the incoming crowd. Edd glances up at Terry with an eager grin.
"May we watch that tomorrow night?" he asks, his eyes pleading.
Terry doesn't really have to think about his answer. Edd's been on his best behavior and the happy look on his face is too wonderful to see. Not to mention; he said 'we'.
"Sure we can," Terry shrugs back, cupping his chin, "We'll welcome the new year together."
Just the way it should be.