A robbed figure pours a pale rose liquid into two fine glasses a sturdy hand reaches out picking up the neck delicately sniffing it before giving it a light swirl. Takes a peak drink of it, setting it to the side. Their eyes look across at their sitting guest who took no interest in the drink. Though their eyes did count the air bubbles with amusement.
Odd, was always the thought that crossed their mind about them. Not just their attire but mannerism as well, that long creepy-calming smile they carried and those long fingers one now swirling around the rim of the glass. Despite it all, they knew and figured out they held knowledge and the same taste as themselves. One could almost consider this a sort of...partnership. To some degree. After all their partner found them of interest too and their knowledge as well.
A fair trade.
Clearing their throat gets their attention. Their odd eyes lift up with a gleam interest and thirst. "Shall we begin our discussion?" They gesture for their follower to leave the room.
With hesitant steps they do, closing the door behind them for privacy, not before sharp glancing at the guest first. "They never will like me, hmm..." They snicker lightly. "What a different color this time." They pick up the glass. "Rose, how interesting. A delicate taste no doubt. Is your collection growing?" They set the glass back down.
"In ways yes, now," their host comes back to the matter. "the presentation for small talk is not needed. We are practically partners in this, I dare call you a friend in so many words."
"How flattering, but, you and I both know such a formality is a mask. You would like to know about the mouse, well it always runs once the clock strikes twelve. It scurries away, back home."
Narrowing eyes at their guest who laughs. "Enough of your nursery rhymes." Raising their voice. "I could care less about such, have you even bothered to try and obtain them? Hmm?"
Holding up a finger to them. "One cannot just simply pluck out a splinter so easily, oh," they tsk. "it is much too difficult. You must carefully and delicately remove it. To quickly and it will...well lead to an infection correct? You know this well." They lean back. "Though leaving it in will also cause an infection if not taken care of, though when it does, that is the time to-" with their other hand swipes their finger, tucking it under. "remove permanently. If you would like to know, the mice have moved. My mouse is currently in a state of illness. We did spend a pleasant time together."
"So?"
"Impatience doesn't get the job done all the way." They rise from their seat. "We can't speed up time...oh, wait.." they smirk dauntingly at them. Enjoying their face crinkle and twist. "You shouldn't make such a face. Otherwise, you might reveal more than that is needed."
Knowing well what they were saying, relax their face. Rising from their seat. Adjusting their tailored suit. Earning sort of a sneer from their guest. "What? This is made from the finest material." Adjusting their cuffs. "One must learn to adapt in new environments. I have for some time now."
"Yes, so you have. How can I forget, though, I am pleased."
"Why so?"
There was no answer, only a humming smile. "The other one..."
"The other one? What do you mean?" No answer again, looking closer see whom they were talking about. "Oh, that one."
"Yes, that one. How aware are they? Actually?"
That was a good question, one they weren't sure. Going through their memories. "Before a threat, now, I highly doubt so. They've become tamed. Why? What have seen?" Their tone stresses.
Their smile remained. Sliding their eyes back to their host. Quickly looking at the rose wine. Pick it up and swirl it around, pour it out onto the floor. Sticking a finger into it the liquid taking a taste. "Nothing. Nothing at all." Sets the glass back down.
Time was moving slower than it should be, or it could be Edward was being rather impatient. Why? Because his green eyes kept looking at every single clock he came across and his constant fiddling with his cuffs. Every second that past was just agony. Was it time yet? Could it finally be over? How much longer was going to have to stay?
He really wanted to return home for the weekend, he could see his adorable sister and most importantly he could...
"Edward." A hand comes down on his shoulder, startling the young man. "Are you alright?"
Turning around Edward finds his fellow colleagues and classmates as well fellow Perfects. Realizing who it was he calms and straightens himself out. "Yes?" The others look at each other before addressing Edward who noticed their side looks. "Yes? What is it?"
Clayton pushes up his glasses. "Are you alright, Edward?"
"Am I alright?" Edward arches a brow not following. "What on earth are you talking about?"
Clayton sighs a little. Opening his mouth to be beaten and slightly shoved out the way. "Why are you acting like a high bird? Huh?" Cheslock demands his face in front of Edward's who still was not following.
Clayton comes back pushing the hot-headed Perfect back. "Ignore him, we would like to know if you have been feeling well. And by well we mean are you ill by any chance?"
"I-Ill?" Edward shutters his cheeks begin to flush. Which was noticed, Clayton leans in looking at them. Shaking his head.
"So, you are ill. Well," he pulls back. "that explains a lot. Edward if you are ill then would it not be wise to seek a cure. I am sure there is one that can remedy what it is that has inflicted you. Taking it will help. Just take a good amount into your mouth and swallow. It might not go down well at first, but, eventually, you will enjoy it." He instructs not realizing his words were having the exact opposite effect on Edward who's face was now burning. "Once it does, it causes your body to become tired, but, that is normal. It needs to recharge in order for it to be at its peak an-"
"Hey," Cheslock points. "I think you're making it worse."
Stopping Clayton looks seeing the fuming blonde. "Odd. Edwa-"
"Why would you say such lecherous things!" Edward yells shaking his head feverously. Leaving the others at a complete loss. Pointing an accusing finger at Clayton. "H-How...that is the most improper thing to say! I could never have thoughts cross my mind. It is most soiling. I will not let you taint such purity."
This was both ridiculous and confusing. Clayton and Cheslock look at their flustering and profusely sweating friend. "He looks like a tomato," Cheslock said oddly. "A really red one at that."
"Hmm, this is worse than I thought." Clayton presumes."This illness is spreading faster than I thought." He suddenly takes out a book opening automatically to the right page. His finger goes down stopping. His eyes look back at Edward, then back to the text. "No, he doesn't have any of this. Then..." rubbing his chin. "what could it be?"
"It's nothing!" Edward defends himself stepping back, thumbing over his shoulder. "I-I...excuse me!" Turns and flees down the large corridors.
Cheslock scoffs."Rude."
Feeling he was far enough, Edward stops and catches his breath. Wiping away the sweat fanning himself. Breaking down like that was just...flat out embarrassing. If he acted that way if...she was here then...the thought flamed his face again. He'd humiliated, unable to keep his composure. To be dignified before her, for her to see him as a proper gentleman. To be her protector and...his eyes drift doely...more.
Shaking his head, he could not allow her to see him like that. No, he couldn't. Then again, his mind drifted to her with a light smile growing with amusement on his action. She would laugh, he thought. Hearing her laughter ease his steady heart. Imagining her smile before him. He treasured it. The few times they've been in each other's company.
His cousin always smiled at him and now, he would be able to see it more than on opportune moments. He'd able to see it when he'd go home, he'd be able to hear it should he call home, which he was now going to do more of. And most importantly...no rejections of his letters or his calls being diverted. He could finally spend time, time together. Looking out the window at the gazebo on the lawn. Where he and the other Perfects meet and went. Imagined himself proudly introducing her to them, formally of course. Nothing so far has been set in stone. Or moved for that much. Edward hoped he'd get their first, before anyone else. Still staring out his eyes begin to move when he noticed someone's reflection approaching him from behind.
This was an unfamiliar face, well, one of them. He knew the teacher, just not the other who accompanied him. "Ah, Edward I'm glad to have caught you before the day was over."
"Mr. Wilson," Edward addresses giving his full attention. To the older gentleman. "is there something needed?"
A smile appeared on the firm man's face, a delighted smile. For the young man standing next to him. "Edward, this here is Alejandro Lewis Constantine. Alejandro this is Edward Midford senior and Perfect of Weston College."
"A pleasure," Alenjandro extends a hand to him humbly. "to meet you."
Edward returns the gesture and shakes. The young man was a year younger than himself, a handsome and sturdy built. Stood identical to his own height. The only difference, he had long rich orange hair pulled back into a ponytail, bright blue eyes like the sky and a skin complexion that reminded him of a beautiful wheat field. He dressed so distinguishedly, in a fine wine suit with black shoes. Carried a respectable smile.
A firm grip, that was good. He did though have a small...small accent when he spoke. "A pleasure to meet you as well Alejandro."
Mr. Wilson interrupts their greeting. "Alejandro here is one of our newest students here at Weston, he has been assigned to the Green Lion house and seeing as you are its Perfect it would be fitting that you give him a tour and inform him of life here."
Words that shattered what Edward had planned, fighting against his real desire, understood the task. "Yes, of course. Please, right this way." He escorts the young man. Bidding farewell to Mr. Wilson. "Weston College is an esteemed school for those of high caliber. We strive to become worthy and sophisticated members of our society. To uphold all traditions is the utmost importance." He preaches. "We do not give into any sort of temptation, one the finest and top public schools in England. We are light for others to follow."
He stops and gazes out the window down at a few students leaving heading home. His heart shrunk inside. The pain pinched in his chest, his eyes turned gray. He could be one of them right now.
"...And?" Alejandro interrupts his solemn thought. Noticing it looks at the other students. "I apologize if I am keeping you, Edward." He said sincerely. "If you would like, we can skip all this."
Edward turns around to him surprised. Alejandro walks to the window looking out soothingly. With a smile. "I know that look in your eyes, Edward, that longing look you have. That wanting look. Tell me," he turns to him. "who is that has your heart? Hmm?"
Stun with not words, Edward's cheeks heated up again. His mind racing to find the right words. Only for Alejandro to laugh and nudge him a bit cheekily. "Now, now come do not be shy." Poking his cheek a little. Edward pushes it aside. Fuming. Alejandro couldn't help but chuckle. "Touchy it seems, well," he sets his hands on his hips. "how about instead of this tour, we do something better. Much better."
His words hooked Edward's curiosity, throwing an arm around his shoulders casually. Alejandro pulls him close. His eyes drop with suave. Shaking his head with disappointment. Placing a hand over his heart. "Oh, how the heart bleeds for love. A fickle thing love is, it can enchant so many with its bewitching powers. Can make any person crazy or man. Edward, Edward," he pats the young man's chest lightly. "the tour can wait." His voice serious. "This is much more important. Come! We shall go out and get the proper gift to show your love!"
Before Edward could object Alejandro had him a tight grip and drags him away. Ignoring Edward's screaming resistances.
It nearly going on 8 o'clock by the time Edward returned to his family's manor. Exiting the carriage goes inside quickly greeted by the servants whom he greets back in hast. Running up the steps seeking out his desire, he nearly forgot to find his sister. Turning around runs the other way and manages to find her and Harmony. Greeting them both, leaving before they could return it. Leaving both girls confused.
Moving quickly down the hall asking someone to point him in the right direction which they did, he finds what he was looking for. A smile slowly started to spread, to drop just the same noticing one of the maids stepping out and shutting the door lightly.
"Oh, master Edward." she quickly bows her head to him. "I-Is there something I can help you with?" Looking pass her at the closed door, she was able to read him. "Oh, yes the Baroness turned in early tonight. She is rather worn-out from today. With her studies and lesson from the Lady Francis. Was there something you needed me to wake her for?" Noticing him holding something, goes to open the door.
He quickly stops her. "No! I mean..no it's quite alright. Let her sleep." He closes the door. "Mother's teachings can put a toll on one's body both physically and mentally. I believe my dear cousin should rest up. I will..I see her when she rises." He turns quickly to hid his sullen frown.
"Are you sure? She just put her head down."
He looks back at the maid. With a smile. "Yes. I am." Tucking away what he had. "Let her rest." Without another word he walks away.
