Hey guys!
I know it's been a while since the last update. But after posting the last chapter I realized I had no more chapters for editing. So... yeah I had to play catch up. Not to mention the writer's block and life deciding to stick a fork in me in the process. But don't worry. This story isn't going anywhere but forward. I'm now a couple of chapters ahead that are pending for editing but come next week me and the hubby are going on our first vacation together. On a cruise! Booya!
My trusty laptop will go with me, of course, and I'll be writing like a crazy person at every chance I get but this may mean a couple more weeks before another update. By then I hope to have enough chapters ahead that we won't have to worry about something like this again. Call it writer's insurance.
So many of you were excited for Kevin finally getting his wits about him and I am too. Even I was like 'Finally Kevin! Geeze what took you so long?' Thank you all who took the time to review. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions, even if I don't agree, I love hearing from you guys. And thank you to the quiet ones who just lurk and read. I hope you're all enjoying reading the story as much as I do writing it.
In any case here is the next chapter and I hope you all enjoy it. I contemplated waited a few more days before posting this but decides you guys waited long enough. I hate when stories go silent for too long without any kind of update so I'm not going to do that to you guys.
Enjoy!
"May I open my eyes now?"
There was a gentle tug at Eddward's foot and the sockhead twitched in irritation.
"Not yet amoureux (sweetheart)."
Edd's lips fell into a pout, the bottom swell poking out much like a child's. "You have been at this for ten solid minutes." And he had been counting. "Perhaps you require some assistance?"
From his front he heard a grunt before his foot fell free of Edwin's grasp.
"My charm is wasted on thee, little one." He heard Eddward chuckle and beat down the warmth that spread from his gullet for it. "Now, I am almost finished. Sit still please. Goodness, you'd think I was about to cut off your toes."
Eyes closed and fighting to sit perfectly still Edd entrusted himself into Edwin's guiding hands. With a surprised gasped he felt his other foot lift suddenly into the air, biting back a giggle when the soft fibers of carpet brushed across the sensitive sole. He couldn't help the shudder that ran through him as unseen fingers danced across the top of his foot, a tightness forming in his core as he felt a familiar slip of material engulfed him hell to toe. It was a sensation he fondly recognized with but without seeing he couldn't say for certain if it was a particular shoe Edwin had just placed on him or just some very uncomfortable footwear.
Against his wishes Edwin felt the simple glide of a smile fall into place across his stoic features. It was adorable to witness the pinch in Eddward's lips as they struggled not to grin, cheeks lifted to accentuate gentle yet curious eyes. The twitch under his eye lids told the older of the two he was deep in thought, wiggling his toes about in Edwin's hand an inquisitive manner. It reminded him of when they were children. When the sockhead was stricken by nothing more in the world than the wonder of discovery. It was what made surprising the sockhead with treats and gifts so exhilarating. To see the sparkle of enchantment glisten in those endless depths was a site worth the trouble he went to ensure every surprise was worthy of taking his little one's breath away. Birthdays were a given and holidays were a trifle easy to predict; but it was in moments like these that he excellent. Those quiet moments together when no such anticipation could spoil the genuine of his surprise.
Such memories, fond and familiar, filled his heart with unspoken predilection. Shifting his weight, Edwin released a sigh of relief and finality.
"There little one."
Falling back from his squat Edwin collapsed onto the carpet, stretching out his long and nimble legs. His calves felt cramped from their prior position but a simple flexing of his ankles fixed the ached that threatened to cripple him. He glanced down at his hands and fought the urge to wince.
He really should have gotten a pair of scissors from the kitchen. His nails were chipped and fingers split open in two different places from having tried to peel back the plastic bare handedly. Thankfully he came out with all ten of his digits and wouldn't be needing any stitching for the silly venture. He could only imagine how badly Bernice would have been on his case about it if they had to back track to the hospital. He had no intentions of replaying that horrible scenario. Just thinking about the fight between Eddward and his mother and the brutal ending it had come to made Edwin's stomach curdle. Yes, he would do anything to avoid a repeat of that.
Glancing up from the floor to the sockhead's feet Edwin stood to collect the mess of wrapping paper he had made in setting everything up. The look of anticipation on Edd's face was almost too much to bare. He was sure his surprise would bring a much needed smile to his little lover's face. After his episode on the side of the road Edwin had been unsure if granting the gift so soon was a good idea. He didn't want to send mixed signals. After all he knew how sensitive Eddward could be in situations like these and nearly expected him to fly off the handle at the drop of a hat. Offering gifts only to pacify Edd's temper was certainly not the point, but he was certain no matter what he did would be damning. None the less he had a gift for his little one and Edwin wasn't about to start breaking promises or traditions for that matter, even if Edd was still upset with him.
"Open your eyes."
Edd did as he was told and immediately glanced down at his feet. Edwin had his back turned when he heard a soft gasp from behind, warm air pumped from the vents in the house filling his lungs in a single intake of breath. The taller man grinned into the opening of the trash can, ignoring the rather dull ache in his face as he threw out the remaining scraps in his hands.
Eddward hopped onto his feet, feeling the stiff suede around each foot giving in to the movement of his limbs. With slight ease the black material bent to his whim, creasing and flexing with him.
"Do you like them?"
The sockhead finally glanced up at him, eyes dancing in awe. "You procured these? For me?"
Edwin nodded and reiterated, pointing to the brand new dancing shoes wrapped snuggly around Eddward's slender feet.
"Are they comfortable?"
Eddward couldn't find the words to respond.
"They're…Well um…."
When Edwin had spoken earlier about having a surprise for him, he hadn't taken it very seriously. In fact by the time he made it home he had nearly forgotten all about it, marching straight to his room and taking a well-deserved nap before Edwin could seek him out. His chrome depths gazed longingly at his feet and gave them an experimental bend. He then stood to get a further feel for them, wiggling his toes for the feel of suede wrapped around them. They fit perfectly.
"I wasn't sure what color you preferred so I chose standard black. They are of quality material and came highly recommended."
Eddward caught his lip between his teeth, dragging his pearly whites across the pliable skin until a wet shine was left in its wake. Edwin found he couldn't ignore that subtle gesture and darted his own tongue to stroke the corner of his mouth.
"Edwin I don't know what to say." His eyes snapped up from the ground, suspicion suddenly washed in them as he sat back down in Edwin's computer chair "Why?"
Edwin could have rolled his eyes. The only set back that came with Eddward's intense curiosity was his infuriating ability to look a gift horse in the mouth without intending.
A meager handful of steps brought Edwin to his beloved, sinking down to his knees to gaze up at Eddward like a devout to his god. Eddward's eyes were still creased in that look of awe Edwin so admired but in them stemmed suspicion and uncertainty. He sighed. It wasn't exactly the reaction he had been looking for but he refused to let his deflated id sour his mood.
"Un cadeau pour vous cher (A gift for you dear)."
Edwin scooted closer, pressing himself to Edd's knees. "I promise. No strings attached."
His natural French accent was showing its exotic colors, filling every syllable with velvet resonance that filled the sockhead's ears like some heavenly tone.
"Le faites vous comme eux? (Do you like them?)"
He sounded so quiet, almost afraid his gift would be turned away.
Eddward suckled a moment more on his lip, ignoring the way his neck and chest warmed in response to their proximity.
"I do not know what to say. They're…" The suspicion in his depths suddenly lifted, agitation transforming into wonder. "They're splendid!"
It was Edwin's turn to suckle on his lip, his perfect teeth gripping the bottom swell so hard marks would be left when he finally released it. A smile fell into place, his neck straining forward to press a gentle kiss to the sockhead's knee caps. His god, his universe, did not turn him away. He could have swept the boy up in his arms and kissed him if he hadn't known such a thing would only serve to piss Eddward off. None the less he craved it, missing what it felt like to be able to hold his sweetheart in his arms. He craved it like a drug and like an addict he clung to the memory, unable to separate himself from the sockhead who was busy staring at him.
"Edwin."
Arctic blue sailed high, meeting chrome blue skies. To his surprise they were wrought with storm clouds of thought, black lashes sweeping over the tops of pale painted cheeks. Edwin felt his heart skip a beat, no other beauty in the world able to compete with what was before him.
Eddward had thought long and hard since their last altercation. His hand still throbbed from the resonation of the slap he had delivered, Edwin's shocked features haunting him like an unforgettable dream. He had tried to sleep it off, to forget and convince himself that that was the end of it. He had said his peace, released the tension long built inside since being confronted by Kevin. He had needed it. Desired it so that at the first opportunity he took it like a desperate man at his wits end. Only now, regret and disgust filled him. Eddward was not a violent person. He hadn't known himself capable of such barbaric actions yet he had allowed himself to fall victim to anger's temptation.
While he would not say Edwin didn't merit what he had coming to him, he knew deep down that he could have risen above it. Yes Edwin deserved that slap of reality, pun intended, however Eddward could have transcended such behavior. He knew better. He could have walked away with his head held high but no he had felt the, now, abhorrent need to prove his point by hitting him. As if the swing of his fist would somehow knock some sense in Edwin's terribly thick skull.
Had he achieved the results he was looking for? Perhaps but that didn't mean he was happy with how it all turned out.
Since then Edwin had kept his distance. He kept commands to an absolute minimum. His role as the head house was not entirely done in, but he had yet to push Eddward about like some chastised child. He had made conscious efforts in allowing Eddward all the space he could give and only approached when within reason, such as calling him down for dinner and requesting his help with certain chores about the house. They were mundane requests but not the ego centric commands Edwin was so used to giving. To him they were second nature. He ran his house almost like a military general, a place for everything and a thing for every place. It was almost comical how the older of the two would stumble over his words from time to time.
Three days was not enough to warrant permanent change. This Eddward understood, but Edwin's impeccable adaptability would ease things along.
It wasn't easy to see Eddward as the growing adult that he was. In his eyes the blue eyed beauty was still that adorable youth clinging to his pant leg, eager to get outside and play to his heart's content. He was still the young man who confided in him his deepest and darkest secrets, who armed himself with knowledge and provided Edwin with a love so true and innocent only a mad man would let it slip from his fingers.
And it frustrated to hell and back that he had to hold himself back.
"Yes chéri?"
Edwin's tenor quaked beneath the hurricane of emotion swirling about in Eddward's endless depths. Edd inhaled sharply in a bid to collect his ramped thoughts.
"I have thought long about this. And-" Their gazes connected for the first time that day. "I will not apologize for that day."
Edwin nodded his head with grace.
"I would expect nothing less."
He did not expect Edd's legs to suddenly spring free, allowing him access to his center. At first he gazed questioningly at Eddward, brows disappearing beneath the hem of his hat before his little one gave him an encouraging nod. Edwin took shop between his little lover's legs, warmth enveloping him from all around. His head upon Edd's lap and fingers much smaller than his own cut through the loosened tendrils framing his narrow face. He chanced a glance upwards to see kindness radiating off Edd in waves. The physical contact centered from the base of Edwin's neck to his collar, ghosting over jumping muscles at his feather lite tough. Eddward could feel Edwin's pulse and it made his own heart leap in time with his.
"Does it hurt?"
Edwin's eyes fluttered shut at the feel of Edd's thumb brushing across his cheek. The ache could only be felt when he took on exaggerated expressions but not even a smile would be detoured from this precious moment.
"I will not lie. It throbs on occasion but the initial sting is no longer there."
He could not help himself. Ediwn collected Edd's hand into his own.
"Mon cher… (My dear)"
Eddward shook his head. "Please. Don't say anything. Can we just be? I'm tired of this useless bickering. It guides us nowhere."
Edwin nodded pressing his lips to each of Eddward's knuckles. The sockhead felt a blush creep up from the depths and hammered them down as fast as he could, slipping his fingers out from Edwin's grip with a look that said overzealous are we?
Oops. Well there is a reason they are called habits.
"Of course."
Both Edd and Edwin stood but neither made a move to separate. Instead they embraced each other. Together they embraced their faults, a reprieve from their constant bickering achieved in the form of a sigh. Both could not resist the urge to smile and Eddward tightened his hold on Edwin. He hadn't wanted to admit that he missed Edwin as dearly as he had but denying the truth only brought him misery. He still loved Edwin very much. He was his brother, his confidant. Edwin had been his rock in childhood, his protector against the elements of life and to this day Edwin's loyalty never strayed. Even in the face of absolute abandonment he never stopped searching his sockhead. He never stopped investing in Eddward's best interest, even when in truth he was wrong and Edd fought him tooth and nail the whole way through. It had all been for him. A love that never stopped giving.
Thinking about it only drove Edd further into his ex's arms. No, it wasn't right to call him that. They were something more, linked at the chest, hips and cheek, melting away the frost that had collected on both their hearts.
Eddward's lips found the shell of Edwin's ear, back dropped by a window painted white with falling snow. The room was cold but his breath was hot, goosebumps dancing across the other's skin like microscopic ballerinas.
In a soft breathy sigh he said, "Merci (Thank you)."
Edwin fought the urge to shiver. To hear his native language spring forth from Eddward's lips did terrible and amazing things to him. What he would have given to throw caution to the wind and worship Edd the way he always wanted to. Oh the ways he would take him! To grandeur heights and beyond, stoking the little flame inside to a raging firestorm.
No. Focus. Edwin mentally kicked himself. One step at a time.
Over Edwin's shoulder the sockhead spotted a shadow lingering by the door. The hall light was off but the rays of the setting sun were beaming in like a holy spotlight, washing the sunken face of his mother in a soft orange glow. Had it not been the starkness in her dark brown eyes she could have easily blended in with the stillness of the wall. Her expression was unreadable. There was a melancholy aura about her that Edd could not quite put his finger on. It did however remind him fiercely of their prior altercation. He couldn't tell if her standing there was a sign of contrition or something else entirely. He'd bet his hat on the latter though. Bernice never apologized for anything she did and he wasn't about to start giving her the benefit of the doubt.
It was hard not to notice her hand. It was clasped at the front of her fluffy pink robe where it subtly shook. Any other eye would have missed it, perhaps even mistaken it for minor shudder but he knew better. Her knuckles were too tense. Her face far too stoic for it to be a simple chill. She was experiencing the shakes.
Which could only mean one thing.
Eddward's arms tightened further around Ediwn's neck and in return Edwin copied the gesture, as if his body could protect him from the instability and danger loitering just a heartbeat away. Edd wanted to yell at her some more. To curse and throw the door in her face. Anything to make her leave. He made it clear in his eyes that he did not want to see her.
Boom-chaka-laka! (I don't know what I said that. I just wanted to.)
So what did you guys think? I figured some kind of adjustment needed to be done about Edwin in regards to Edd. Edd is all about those boundaries but we'll see how Edwin adjusts and with Kevin on the horizon- who knows what will happen? Hope you guys enjoyed it.
Let me know what you guys think, cause I love knowing. Until next time~
Ciao!
