Chapter 5
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Edward was on his second banana frappe when he was starting to doubt whether or not Roy Mustang will make his appearance. He gazed attentively at the busy pedestrians of the metropolitan city as they went on their business. He gained hope every time he saw similar attire to the man in question, that was any guy with smooth black hair and casual (yet expensive suit) but with no sight of the person he was looking for. Maybe I just finish my frappe and go home, he thought to himself, this whole thing was a stupid idea to begin with.
The photographer was too busy mentally berating himself to notice a shadow casting over him. ''Sorry I'm late'' the voice low and deep was what brought Edward back to attention, and looked up.
''I thought you weren't going to show up'' the photographer felt a little relieved that he didn't
''That would be rude without even letting you know'' Roy pulled the back of his chair and sat down.
The smell of cologne invaded the photographer's nostrils, he smelled good. Somehow perfume always made the person more appealing, but besides that, he was wearing a sweater wide from the shoulders with a light blue jacket, his sleeves rolled to his elbow, jeans, and suede shoes. This man was no cover boy, he was a fashion model alright. He leaned back against his chair and crossed his legs, with his ankle resting on the knee.
''I see you have already made your order, man I'm starving'' he pulled the menu book off the table and started flipping casually through the pages, unaware that the other was practically carving his eyes over him.
Edward swallowed and trying to calm the pounding in his heart and rather reason with his mind. Okay he was handsome, and there was a good reason why women swarm all over him, but there is no reason to let it get you in the head. Roy's lean eyes gazed briefly at him, and he felt almost like he could read his thoughts, so he averted his attention to the streets, cars lined up in front of each other, honking impatiently, there and then he could spot a yellow cab. Some people were luckier because they could use bikes instead and others walked across the pedestrian area, clustered; some heading to shops, others dropping down to the subway station.
''Edward?'' the blond's head turned around got back his attention from the rush of the city.
''Is everything okay?'' that question earned a raised eyebrow from the younger man.
''Yes I was thinking…stuff'' he shrugged, oh great that sounded very lame. Luckily Mustang didn't seem to think much about it as he started a casual talk.
''So how are you doing, well since we last met'' Roy asked, he closed the menu book with a flip, and placed it down on the table.
''Good I guess, still doing some commissions but I am still trying to get employed'' Roy titled his head slightly
''Have you ever tried to be self-employed?''
Edward let out an exaggerated sigh as if it what he was offering an impossible suggestion ''If that means building your own business, that is an overkill I have to have the money and name and…well that is what exactly I'm trying to gain'' he blushed a little, embarrassed that he is still a novice in this big city,
''I see, you can always go for small business like photo book shops or galleries''
''Well with my friend's help I am putting up my own website, you know, setting information about me, setting up my work and maybe commissions''
''That is a good start''
''Thanks, what about you?''
''In my case I handed out my applications a few companies, one which went to capitales, I was called for an interview and been working ever since, that is pretty much it''
Edward's jaw was loosely hanging as Roy was giving his brief overview of how he got the job.
''Man you had it easy'' he answered with a little envy.
''Really'' the reply puzzled the photographer by that vague answer, he wasn't sure if it was a question or a statement, but before he could question it, Mustang proceeded with his own questions
''Has it been tough to cross the ocean and getting used to the new city?''
''Yes but I didn't move alone, my brother and his wife came with me, so it wasn't totally lonely, then I made new friends of course'' Roy listened to him brushing back his bangs with his fingers
''And a lover perhaps?'' Edward blinked at the unexpected question
''no not really'' he shrugged trying to be casual about it, it's not like he was handing hey I'm gay do you want to go out with me cards
''And you?'' The blond naturally was curious too
''Neither do I' Roy answered nonchalantly but rather looked at the waitress who was approaching towards the table.
The waitress scribbled down the orders and swift off to serve another table. It was relatively warm sunny afternoon, that one can go enough with a t-shirt and cap, Roy started to feel uncomfortable under his jacket so he slipped it off and hanged it on the back of his chair. The hem of his sweater was loosely hanging over his shoulder exposing his collarbone and neck, gives one ample place to bite. He tried to leave it at that before his mind runs off wild with imagination.
''So would you show me your work sometime?'' Edward blushed but tried to hid the fact that he gets very happy when people show interest in his work
''um sure if you want to, I have camera here but it is better to see them printed'' it was as if he was secretly asking him over.
''that sounds delightful, though I believe I didn't catch what kind of photography you do''
''street photography'' Edward replied proudly
''that is an unusual take'' the black haired man looked interested and curious
''I guess but this is a perfect place to do, and besides I always wanted to do something different''
''Like the owner I see'' Edward shot a glare in his direction, but Roy chuckled
''I mean it as good thing'' he explained but the blond looked skeptical, different meant also meant to be weird.
''So would you like to see them after lunch?'' Edward asked, he was a little eager to show him that he has something to offer too.
''show what?'' he had a great skill in plummeting his hopes up in less than a second
''the photos, MY photos'' Edward explained patiently
''oh right'' the photographer wandered whether the older man's head is floating in the clouds or he just doesn't really care.
''I'm sorry I was thinking about other things, work-related, since you mentioned photography and all, I've remembered that I have a photo session I have to sign for next week'' it seemed like it was sincere, so Edward mentally took his word for it.
''no problem'' he slurped down his frappe with a loud sound produced from sucking air through the straw. It would be considered as lack of manners in doing so, but the black haired man found it endearing. Soon the waitress came with the food, and both fell in silence, eating their respective meals.
''By the way do you have a car?'' Edward's head was bowed down, picketing on the crisps that were gathered on the side of the plate, now he lifted his head.
''Me? No I don't have a car'' ''mine is in repair, so I guess we have to take the subway''
''do you mind?''
''no it's just been a long time and I don't wish to be recognized, especially in a place like that'' which was true, among other things
''well I have a cap if you want, I took it off because it was annoying me''
''That is thoughtful'' He reached for his bag pulling his cap and pulled it onto Roy's head
''There, why are you laughing?'' Edward said looking puzzled
''it's nothing'' the truth was that he found Edward's mannerism to be very cute.
''Shall we take the subway train then after we finish lunch?'' Edward nodded.
Xxx
Edward opened the door of his apartment and headed in first, looking down to the ground and blushing, Roy followed him.
''Nice place'' he said looking around
''thanks'' with a plop he threw the keys on the counter
''want something to drink?''
''I am fine thanks, are you okay?'' Roy was standing in the middle of the room, wandering why Edward was behaving strangely since they got out of the train.
''No I'm fine'' he replied as he poured some soda in his glass
''Sit down I'll bring the album to the table'' The black haired man walked to the large table and took a chair. He rested his elbows over the table and entangled his fingers together waiting for Edward as he disappeared into another room. The photographer walked out a minute or two later, holding a large book in both hands, it had colourful sticky notes coming out. He placed its back on the table in front of Roy which made a soft thump when it landed; it was thick and heavy. Crimson flushed over his cheeks as if he knew what Roy was thinking
''Yea I have many pictures, but I'll show you my latest'' he flipped over the sheets in which the photos were neatly stacked under a layer of plastic folder.
At first glance the boy didn't seem to be organized at all, from his appearance down to his home, but Roy had to admit that when it regarded to his work, that was something else. The photographer used the sticky note under the name of Central park garden, in this way it was easy for him to find the section he wanted like this.
''well here is the collection I took at the park'' he started flipping through the pages more slowly now. Edward was standing behind him bending forward as he showed him his pictures, his chest brushing against his shoulder. He turned beet red, as he remembered what happened in the subway train. As usual the trains were very busy and filled with people going to and fro, from one place to another, and most of the time, they are cramped in the space of each compartment. Edward and Roy hopped in the train but there were no seats available, so they had to hold on the hangers. Edward tried to stabilize himself whenever the train recoiled and forced Ed in pushing into others, when the train stopped or started to move, but at one moment it took a sudden break that sent Edward right into Roy's arms. He looked up and realized he was practically hugging him ''I got you there'' Roy muttered which made Edward turn several shades of red.
''You have some quite unique ideas there, usually photography is mostly attributed to either people or landscapes'' the model said this in admiration.
''…uh well there are people and landscapes in my photos, but they are more intended as sceneries, if you know what I mean'' Roy nodded in agreement
''I don't like the idea of taking stationary photos, for me the whole idea of photography is about catching the moment, like what Eadweard Muybridge did with horses. It is more natural when you take photos of people doing things they usually do without taking notice of the camera, instead of having them sitting down and looking at it
''that is a very interesting concept'' he turned his head to the side looking at him, he was now so close to his face that their noses could touch.
Take the chance his mind demanded, encouraged by the fact that was dangerously approaching closer, it just took one moment for their lips to lock. His lips were soft, tasted of the coffee that he took earlier, his mind went blank, all he knew that he wanted to taste him more. He stuck his tongue in the cave of the blond's mouth, their wet tongues swirling battling into a hot passionate kiss. Edward's breathe hitched, and had to pull back for a second to catch his breath, Roy's hot breathes tickled down his neck making him shiver uncontrollably, he never thought he would get so much adrenaline from one kiss. The older man stood up and held Edward by his waist and lifted him up on the table, he shoved to the floor whatever he found in the way, but before Edward could complain about his precious book being dropped on the floor, his lips were sealed by Roy's. The photographer wrapped his arms around his neck and ran his hand all over his hair, silky and soft as he mussing it up as much as he could, he felt the weight of the older pushing onto him as he pinned him down his back against the surface of the table. Roy straightened up, he crossed his hands on the side of his waist and pulled his sweater over his head, bending his torso as he did so. Not in his wildest dreams he thought such a thing would turn like this.
Xxx
''Edward are you alright?'' Rebecca entered into his apartment to find Edward lounging onto the couch with one barefoot foot on the seat and one of the floor, He laid against the corner and rested his elbow on the arm's couch. The rubber band at the end of his pony tail was missing and so the braid was started to get loose.
''Are we going to the movies?'' '
'Yea yea'' Edward didn't seem to be as enthusiastic as his friend, which it was nothing out of the ordinary, but she knew something was definitely out of sorts.
''Come one get your lazy ass up!'' Rebecca pulled his arm, the blond shrugged and stood up
''Take a shower and get ready'' she said smacking him on the bottom as he walked away. Then she noticed the books and other stuff were on the floor next to the table
''Why is your book on the floor?'' she said innocently, Edward accidentally hit his toe on the coffee table's leg and almost tripped.
''uh...nothing I was upset and stuff'' he hoped she would buy the lame excuse, there was no way in hell he was going to tell her what he was really doing on the table, or rather the appropriate term was who was he doing. He rushed to the bathroom before she could ask any more questions, while she went to pick up his photo collection album to place it back on the table.
She did notice that he was acting strange ever since the went to that exhibition not to mention that she tried to call him all afternoon and he didn't reply, and when she asked him he started to get flustered and bringing up excuses as if he was doing housecleaning on a Sunday afternoon. She smirked, she could safely assume that he has a boyfriend that he was keeping secret. She was determined to find who it was.
Edward got out of the shower, now freshly dressed and groomed for the evening. He took Rebecca's arm and headed out of the apartment. They took a cab and gave the direction to the movies. Before they entered in to the theatre they went to the cinema's cafeteria; Rebecca ordered popcorn and a big Coca-Cola while Edward just bought an ice tea.
''I'm so looking forward to see Tony Stark again'' she muttered very happily
''you have the weirdest tastes in men'' Edward replied in a not an amused tone.
''oh speaking of which, you saw Roy Mustang at the exhibition, I told you he is very cute''
Edward nearly spilled his drink at the mention of that man's name ''aha'' he tried to sound as un interested as possible to avoid suspicion, he knew her friend had a sharp eye on these things.
''I met him in person and he even signed the photo I took with him!'' she continued on excitedly ''people say he is a jerk but he's actually a nice person''
''why do people say that?'' That statement got Edward's attention
''They say he is hostile towards men and he's a hopeless skirt chaser, he got in trouble many times because he slept with someone else's woman, so they say''
''Is that so'' it came to a bitter realization that the man he invited to his house and had sex with on the table, knows next to nothing aside for his occupation and that he came from the same native country as Edward did. He didn't know what kind of personality he had or what his relationship with that blond haired woman was, or why he chose to work as a fashion model, all these question came to him now, and he felt more stupid than ever that he did not think it through.
The commercials were over and the movie was about to start. Rebecca was putting a handful of popcorn in her mouth which left the bag three quarters empty and they hadn't reached intermission yet. Edward was once again was with his head in the clouds. He didn't know where he stands, he wandered if it was just a flick, or it can become something more than that. He knew that the only way he can find out is to call him again, at the risk of being turned down, he swallowed the thought and decided to take it.
Rebecca was glancing at him from time to time, as if she knew something was troubling him, despite that she didn't say a word, he figured that she was waiting for him to say something. That is another thing he had to gather his courage and tell her, she would be probably shocked when she will know the truth. It was yet too early, he knows that he has to make the first move, than the rest will follow.
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