Author's Note:

If you're confused about the following information, go to my profile for more details or shoot me a private message.

As I've mentioned, I'm not accepting anonymous reviews right now. I know that's kinda weird, but I'm done being unable to respond to people who don't seem to like this fic, but continue to come back to it just to complain at me in a way I'm unable to respond. Obviously, you can still submit them, but they won't be published, Frankly, if you really want to be anonymous and send me a review that will go up, head over to Archive of Our Own and find me there. My username is Scammy_chan and, at least on Ao3, I can still respond to your comments. It's not a complete shutdown of the conversation like it is here. Otherwise, I don't know what to tell you. I never claimed this would be a happy story by any means and I shouldn't have to explain my reasoning behind the decisions I make for this fic, particularly in the author's notes. If you're not enjoying it, don't force yourself to read it. I certainly don't discourage reviews. It's just that some of the anonymous ones I had been getting had nothing constructive to offer and I decided I didn't need to deal with it.

Hope you can look past that and enjoy the fic for what it is.

Also, I realize it's been a full month since my last update, but I needed a bit of a mental health month so…sorry, not sorry.

The routine that's set is finally beginning to reflect a proper sense of domesticity. As the weather improves, Terry's hours start to pick up and he finds he's working more and more as the Spring Break crowds roll in, naturally resulting in less time spent at home. Less chances to mill about with nothing to do but fritter away time until Edd relents to crawling into bed for sex to quench the lust that refuses to ebb. He'd worried, initially, that his hours finally improving might result in Edd succumbing to boredom fairly quickly, but it was a concern succinctly resolved upon returning home after that first long shift in forever and finding Edd sitting at the table, nose buried in a book and papers strewn over the tabletop, indicating a long study session.

Of course, there were other activities that Edd could pass his time with. Reading and his created scholarly work were certainly options for him, but there was also that damned cleaning fetish of his — which, for whatever fucking reason, also involved a few freshly-made labels appearing in the bathroom and bedroom — practicing with the harp, maybe a little television, and occasionally venturing out to visit the park when it's not too rowdy (usually on an overcast or slightly rainy day when the coeds and drunk assholes don't feel like coming out). That last one in particular seemed to be the most refreshing for him, though he'd rarely stray away from Terry during these little outings. Maybe to get a bite to eat or watch a ride Terry's not running at the time, but otherwise, he'd stick fairly close. It never really occurs to Terry to ask why. Easier to just assume he's uncomfortable in such crowded spaces.

Well, it was the initial assumption, at least, right up until Edd had approached him during a particularly dreary shift, dressed in his cute little Valentine's number, but without even that stupid squid hat on his head. He still refuses to wear his old black hat, but he'd remained adamant about at least wearing the novelty headwear when he'd leave the trailer, spouting that odd excuse of his: that he couldn't 'bear' to allow anyone to see him without something covering his head. Yet, there he stood, smiling sweetly as though everything was normal. Naturally, that's the point at which Terry felt compelled to question him. After all, why would Edd choose now to break that little rule of his? Why would he so suddenly take a step outside of his comfort zone? Is that why he'd been sticking so close to Terry during his outings? For some kind've lifeline during such modest exposition? His response, though, was thoroughly unremarkable. A shy shrug paired with an uneasy tugging of his hair near the nape of his neck as he averted his gaze.

"I don't…really feel as though I require it any longer."

No more, no less. After that, he quickly moved on from that topic in favor of discussing Terry's day and what ride he'd been put in charge of for his shift. Terry wanted to push his questioning — to point out how weird it struck him that Edd would so readily abandon the one thing that gave him the most comfort — but Edd wouldn't allow him to get back to that, changing the subject or doing something to otherwise distract the man from his queries with some sort of physical contact. Fine, fine. Reluctantly, Terry dropped it to better enjoy their time together.

But Edd omitting his hats was just a small part of the changes that Terry's been noticing in his wardrobe as of late, (though it was certainly the most notable, in his opinion). The other few are more subtle, for sure. Every now and then, when he's not focused on work or whatever list of errands he's got in mind, he'll notice that Edd will sometimes wear the ring he'd been gifted or, albeit far more rare, the velvety necklace bearing his darling pet name. Even better, he'd even started wearing Terry's jersey in and out of the trailer. Sure as shit didn't quell Terry's insatiable lust, which he doubts was Edd's goal when making those decisions, but, really, how else did he expect Terry to react to such a sight? To see his little beloved donning these articles that held so much meaning. Really, how could he be expected to restrain his desires and not bend the kid over the couch the second they walked in the door?

Sure, that might not be totally ideal, given Edd's discomfort with sex, but, honestly, it's not like that's been much of a problem either. No longer does his little Princess shy away from the longing kisses or tender nosing to his neck. No longer does he whine and sob or try to push Terry away during. No longer does he turn away after sex to whimper and weep, but instead lean back into Terry's arms for comfort and warmth. It's fuckin' bliss. Pure, beautiful, and so goddamn wonderful.

It's a shame that bliss can't ever fuckin' last when a certain anklebiter gets his fuckin' phone privileges back.

Yes, while things are certainly improving more and more with Edd and at the park, Terry's also got himself a terrible nagging that breaks through the heavenly fog in the form of near-constant phone calls from home. He felt no concern about Edd answering the phone — he'd been very careful to forbid that completely and the kid seems to be obeying as far as he can tell — but the problem still persists of that aforementioned screeching brat who just can't take a fuckin' hint. On more than one occasion, the little shit has called to interrupt an otherwise peaceful evening or wake them from a comfortable sleep with an early morning call before he'd have to leave for school or audibly barge in on a particularly intense battle of tongues that promised to creep towards something much more satisfying.

Always the same goddamn thing too. "Hey, Bro! Just checkin' in to see if me n' Ed are still good to come out for Spring Break?' 'Hey, Bro! I guess if ya don't want us to come to you for Spring Break then…maybe you could come here?' 'Bro! C'mon! I need a break from this shithole!' The latter at least got him grounded for the rest of the day for that foul language the old man just happened to catch, but it only stopped the begging for that afternoon and no longer. Then there were the bargains from his mother. 'Eddy's so excited about visiting…' 'Would it really be so bad, sweetheart?' 'It's just a week!' Swerve after dodge after deflection, he could hold her off, but only just, and by the next call, she'd be back at it after snatching the phone from her precious little angel. His willpower to keep them at bay is waning, he admits, but he does what he can to hold firm. Like hell is he going anywhere near that cul-de-sac or leaving Edd alone like that again and like fucking hell is he going to let those little anklebiters invade his home and pester him for a whole fuckin' week.

Especially after coming home the other day.

It was quiet when he walked in. No sign of Edd even, save, perhaps, for the television left on and the bathroom door shut. The pillows on the couch had been disturbed and a couple were on the floor — certainly a departure from anything Edd would have consciously done. Panic bubbled up in Terry's chest. Where is he? Did something happen? He made a beeline for the bathroom and felt a wave of relief through his surprise when he found it unlocked. The pipes were silent, so Edd couldn't be bathing, but just in case he decided to make his presence known before simply barging in. So, after a knock and waiting a hot second, he opened the door to find the boy curled up a little and huddled in the far corner. His little hands clutching at his hair and his shoulders shaking. Nestled in his lap and just barely visible as it was being squished between Edd's stomach and knees was his cuttlefish, its tentacles lying limb near his hip. Aside from the obvious distress, he looked…fine?

So what caused the distress?

"The fuck's going on?" he asked, his tone a tad sharper than he intended and with a hint of irritation as the initial panic began to fade, "What's wrong?"

Edd didn't look at him right away. Instead, he started frantically rubbing at his eyes and gulping down mouthfuls of air in his attempts to calm himself. Impatiently, Terry approached him. After finally settling down, Edd glanced up at him with his brow furrowed. He couldn't hold the man's gaze, though, and quickly looked away again with a shameful whimper. Picking up his cuttlefish from his lap, he hugged it and held it closer to his face as though it were a shield or something. Forcing himself to take a soothing breath, Terry flipped the lid on the toilet seat down.

"You gonna answer my question or not?" he pressed, taking a seat.

Wincing, Edd hugged his knees more tightly against his chest. The poor little cuttlefish became squished between his chest and knees, but he didn't seem to care. Perhaps the pressure was helping somehow?

Finally, he spoke, his voice hoarse; "Did you…check your messages when you came in?"

"No," Terry shrugged back, reclining a bit, "Why?"

The shame proceeded to burn on Edd's face again and he fell back into silence for way too goddamn long. Picking at the pilling on the plaid shirt covering his little body like an open robe, he seemed to be struggling with whatever's on his mind. Terry almost pushed the subject again before Edd managed to form his response.

"Eddy called…"

Oh? Giving Edd a suspicious look, Terry leaned forward again.

"So what?" he asked, "Doesn't really explain why you came in here."

Still unwilling to answer immediately, Edd bowed his head, sniffling and hugging his legs even tighter. At this point, Terry could tell he was picking and choosing his words carefully. For what reason, he wasn't totally sure.

"I thought it would help…" he eventually mumbled, "I didn't…think I'd feel this bad."

Terry's eyes narrowed as he gave him a stern look; "Did you pick up the phone?"

Apparently not, as Edd shook his head solemnly and uttered a sorrowful 'No' without any hesitation. Okay? He wanted to press again. Clearly it upset him — enough to drive him to the bathroom to collect himself — but…why, exactly? It's not the first time Eddy'd called (and likely won't be the last). What's the problem? Luckily, there was no need to say anything to spur the conversation on as Edd began mumbling again.

"I don't know why I keep expecting more out of them…" he sniffled, bowing his head into his arms, "I don't know why I'd ever expected to hear anything else…" He tensed considerably and tried wiping the tears away again. "I'm sorry…I-It shouldn't affect me like this…I know it shouldn't…I just…" A hot tear trickled traitorously down his cheek. "Would it have killed him to even…pretend he missed me?"

Oh…okay…Sighing a bit, Terry slipped down from the toilet to sit beside him. Edd peeked up at him, quivering a little. He started blubbering incoherently at that point. Something about feeling homesick, which made him feel guilty, which led to him trying to make that feeling go away, but falling short, et cetera, et cetera. Rather than speak and risk saying something he was sure wouldn't do anything to actually help, Terry chose to pull him tight against his side and press a kiss to his temple in response. As gentle a reminder as he can manage to let him know it's okay. It helped to silence him, of course, but the action also offered enough comfort to allow Edd to relax and melt into his arms. Well, relax 'enough'. He started clutching Terry's shirt and burrowing his nose into his chest, his body still tense and shaking, but it's not like Terry had any intention of stopping that anyway and it was better than his whimpering had been.

He can't recall how long they sat there, Edd clinging to him and whimpering. More weepy recitations about how no one back home cared that he was gone or missed him or could muster the slightest somber tone that might invoke even a false sense of mourning. More apologies for daring to allow Eddy to cause him this much anguish and for falling back into this depressive state. As though he had to be the one to apologize for feeling bad. It only fueled the fire of hatred Terry had burning for the little Pipsqueak.

He didn't need to hear the message to know what Eddy was calling about (again) and it hadn't occurred to him until that moment that Edd had never actually heard any of those previous calls from home. That he didn't know that Eddy had been begging and pleading for Terry to visit or for Terry to let him and Ed visit the park. It hit him then that Eddy had always somehow managed to catch him before leaving for work or after he came home. This had been the first time he'd called when Terry truly hadn't been around to pick up. So, the machine picked up instead for Edd to hear while enjoying some television. Fuck…To hear that voice from home after so long and for it to sound much like his mother's had that night…It made Terry's blood boil.

Ain't no way in hell Pipsqueak's coming within a hundred miles of him or vice versa.

After managing to calm Edd down enough, Terry sent him back to the bedroom with a promise to bring him dinner and a gentle command to rest. Casting Terry a relieved smile, Edd obeyed, clutching his darling little plush tight as he retreated to the bedroom. Meanwhile, Terry walked back out to the kitchen to turn off the television and fix up something simple for dinner. But not before deleting Eddy's message and picking up the phone. It was all he could do to not scream into the receiver as he took that moment to call back home and stress for the absolute final time that there'd be no visit. Period. Granted, he probably shouldn't have thrown in that blatant threat on the brat's life, and he was sure he'd hear about it later from mom, but fuck if he cared in the moment. That little shit made his Princess sad and he was gonna make him pay for it one way or another. Before returning to the bedroom, he unplugged the phone to offer them a peaceful night.

The phone would then remain unplugged whenever he'd leave for work.

At least that was the only real hiccup, and as they reach mid-March, things are calming down again. Sure, Pipsqueak still calls to beg and plead for his 'perfect spring break' despite Terry's very stern denial, but even that is becoming manageable. Manageable, of course, consisting of hanging up the second he hears one of those grating voices and continuing to unplug the phone for his shifts so Edd won't have to hear that little shit's voice ever again. It seems to have worked to help make him more comfortable, at least.

Hell, it's the most comfortable he's ever seen Edd act around him. Less and less concern with personal boundaries, specifically. Lounging about during Terry's down time, those creamy white legs draped over his own for him to stroke so tenderly and Edd's sweet little head against his shoulder. The occasional unprompted peck to his cheek while they're reclining on the couch that he can't ever get the kid to explain. A slightly more…'enthusiastic' effort put into reciprocating their lovemaking. The most telling sign, he thinks, is how often he's been finding the kid's clothes around the trailer since the first of the month. That he would stray from his strict organization and seem to forget to grab this or that reflected, at least to Terry, just how comfortable Edd's started feeling in this space.

Or…that's what it seemed like at first. It was always socks. Never a shirt or pants or even the misplaced pair of underwear (though he must admit the latter might be a little too far even for Edd). That being said, finding only socks wasn't totally strange as far as Terry was concerned. After all, how easy is it to forget a pair of socks after folding up the laundry? But at this point, and as weird as it sounds, it's beginning to feel intentional. No amount of returning them to the dresser will make the behavior cease. Oh well…At this point, Terry assumes Edd wants him to wash them. Fine. He does so and returns them, assuming that'll be the end of it for a while.

Not so. Again and again, he'll find a pair of Edd's socks, now frequently left with his own clothes. Not even a response from Edd when he returns them. Mostly a look of disappointment followed by an uncomfortable silence. Then, of course, the socks are still left the following day. Alright, maybe he should actually say something? It's not like it's necessarily a problem, but the whole situation feels like it's getting out of hand and he'd at least like to know why. Thus, he has a feeling he'll have to bring it up.

And tonight appears to be the time. After leaving the bathroom, a towel around his waist and the notion of sneaking in a little sex before dinner in mind, he heads for the bedroom. However, after a quick glance down the hall, he spots Edd in the kitchen, fidgeting near the table and dressed in his jersey and not a whole lot else. Dammit…Seems he's ready to eat, though. Fine. Still, he retreats to the bedroom, and approaches the bed where he'd left his clothes, only to find another pair of those dainty little socks placed purposefully on top. With a grimace, he leans out the door.

"C'mere for a sec, will ya, Princess?" he calls, his voice as even as he can keep it through his frustration.

It takes a little longer than he expected for Edd to walk in and, when he does, his adorable face is a light pink and he looks much more shy than usual. Terry tries to maintain his composure and focus on the topic at hand. Doesn't help that Edd's wearing as little as possible tonight, though. Or that he's acting all shy and cute; fidgeting and wringing his hands together while refusing to make any eye contact at all.

Focus, dammit! Just get right to the point.

"Why do you keep doing this?" Terry asks, holding up the little pair of socks, "I already washed 'em y'know? Several times at this point."

That gets the boy to look at him, at least, his eyes wide and that blush darkening. For a moment, he says nothing, merely gazes back in silent surprise.

"That's…" he mumbles finally, hunching his shoulders, "not it…"

"Oh really?" Terry asks, brow cocked and tone reflecting his annoyance, "So what is it, then?"

Reaching up, Edd starts toying with the velvet band of the necklace, his gaze returning to the floor. Goddammit…Does he have to keep drawing attention to the things Terry loves seeing on him the most? Is he trying to distract him from this conversation?! Well, no. He does answer.

"It's…sort of a…belated Valentine's gift…"

A gift? Terry tries to play off his surprise with a light scoff.

"As much as I appreciate the thought, sweetheart," he begins carefully, pretending to inspect the socks, "These ain't gonna fit me."

Edd starts making that whining sound he often does when he's feeling overwhelmed.

"They're not…for you to wear."

Terry grimaces in frustration; "Then can you actually tell me why the fuck yer givin' 'em to me?"

His face beet red, Edd shifts from one foot to the other: "I…m-must I really explain it?"

Okay, as adorable as he's being, this schtick is getting old real fast.

"Yeah. You do."

More pathetic whining as he seems to be debating whether or not he actually wants to say anything. When he comes to a decision, he heaves a reluctant sigh, but still refuses to look anywhere higher than the floor.

"It's…the way I express certain…feelings," he explains, pulling the neck of the jersey up to hide his face, "when I'm incapable of articulating them. I…I assumed that was customary?"

Terry shrugs; "Ain't nothin' about givin' people a pair of yer own socks that I'd call 'customary', Princess."

"But…" Edd swallows thickly, "Isn't it customary to give gifts…to…"

He continues stammering, clearly unsure of just how to put this. Terry, meanwhile, is catching on to his tone and is beginning to piece together what he might be trying to say. Eventually, Edd bows his head ashamedly.

"Perhaps…I'm the only person who does something like this…" he mumbles, "I was…under the assumption that it was appropriate to offer something…personal…to the individual you have…certain feelings for…"

All the frustration Terry had been feeling fades away to nothing in an instant. The socks slip from his hand and fall to the floor with a soft thud. Breathing is suddenly so goddamn hard. Is he hearing this right? After all this time…After all of his efforts…Is he finally hearing what he's been dreaming about since he first realized how bad he wanted his Princess. Taking a breath to calm the excitement welling within him, he keeps one hand on his towel — if only to prevent Edd from becoming more flustered than he already is should he lose it — and gently urges the boy to look at him with the other.

"And what, exactly, are these feelings yer havin' trouble tellin' me about?" he asks, keeping his voice to just above a whisper.

Edd gazes back at him, looking a little sick.

"I-I think I…u-um…" he stutters, "I think…"

Goddammit…He still can't seem to say it. Edd worries his lower lip between his teeth a moment, his eyes darting over the floor before an idea seems to hit him. With an audible gulp, he gestures Terry to come closer, which he does. Edd hesitates a little more before leaning up into his ear.

"Je…Je t'aime…" he murmurs, his lips ghosting across the shell of the man's ear.

He can feel Edd looking at him, waiting for his response. At first, Terry's not wholly sure what to say. Hearing that little taste of French was sexy enough, but that phrase…The last time he heard something like that was…The grin that creeps across his face feels more wicked than he intends as he turns to look at him.

"My sweet little Princess…" he coos, "You really mean that?"

With the weakest of smiles, Edd offers him a shy nod. Pleased — more pleased than he's ever felt in his entire fuckin' life, for that matter — Terry holds him still to plant a deep, yearning kiss to his lips. Edd releases a shocked, yet wanton moan before leaning in to reciprocate. As Terry lets him go and pulls away, breathless, he gazes at him intensely.

"I need you," he breathes, allowing the towel to fall, "Now."

Startled, Edd whines a bit and crosses his arms over his chest.

"Can't you wait until after we've eaten?"

"After what you just said?" Terry purrs, scooping him up into his arms, "Not a fuckin' chance."

Seems he realizes that further protests will be useless, as he begrudgingly allows Terry to carry him the few short steps to the mattress and lay him down. With a hastily breathed promise to be quick so they can eat, Terry jumps right into the foreplay, his mind fogging over with desire. Despite his lust, his body practically acts on autopilot as his mind supplies fantasies about the future in store now that his Princess finally loves him back. Watching his little darling grow and blossom more and more. Spending their summers around the park and on the beach. Cozy autumn nights around a bonfire. Celebrating Christmas and Edd's birthday. Shit, maybe they should get away for a while around then? Go somewhere warmer and avoid the cold? Yeah…that sounds fuckin' perfect.

The happily ever after he's been chasing so goddamn long.