A/N: Just another pleasant warning of the use of strong language in this chapter. :)
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Jon's P.O.V.
It took me awhile to wake up, and even longer for me to realize who I was in bed with. A slow grin crept across my face once I did though. Sitting up slowly, I rubbed my eyes a searched for my glasses. Thankfully they weren't too far away, just on the floor, halfway under the bed.
Grabbing them from off the floor,I fixed them on my face, before finally focusing on the sleeping form next to me. Edward was still out, his mouth set in a hard line. I marveled at the fact that he was still asleep, he was usually an early riser. It was understandable that he hadn't woken up yet though, all things considered. A shiver of realization and delight passed through me. Last night had been one the best moments of my life.
Edward rolled over with a grunt, causing the blanket to fall just enough so that his upper back was exposed. I winced slightly as I beheld the bite marks and bruises that peppered his otherwise pale skin. Feeling bad about it, I reminded myself that it was Scarecrow that had done those things.
'Liar,' Scarecrow scolded, 'you were the one that did it. And don't say that you didn't enjoy it too.'
That wasn't a compete lie, I had to admit. Being with Edward in such away was everything I had dreamed of since I realized I wanted it.
'At least I wasn't the one that wanted to use Fear Toxin on him,' I told Scarecrow. It's taken all my willpower to not do such a thing, and it was particularly harder because I secretly did. I would do to Edward yet though, it would've been too much the first time-err, the first night? I felt my cheeks heat up and decided to not dwell too long on that tidbit of information.
'That was pathetic,' Scarecrow growled, 'could you imagine how much more satisfying it would've been?'
'While it may have been, would it have been necessary?'
'Would it have had to be?' Scarecrow countered.
Edward had woken up while I'd been arguing with my other self, and was now staring at me through bleary eyes.
"Do you always stare at people until they wake up?" he asked sleepily.
"I'm not staring," I said, settling back down before leaning against his shoulder, "I'm admiring. Can I not do that?"
"Mmm..." Edward said as I ran my hand through his hair. It was impressively soft, like feathers. There was no way that he used any sort of hair products on it. Edward wriggled around, trying to get me off of his back.
"Get off," he whined.
"Why the complaining?" I asked, leaning more heavily against him. "You didn't seem to mind me like this last night."
Edward muttered something incomprehensible and buried his face in his pillow. I chuckled and withdrew, the sleepy brunette rolling over to face me.
"D-did that really happen?" he asked tentatively.
"Mmhmm." I grinned at him.
Edward groaned and his face flushed.
"This will often leave you tongue tied and red in the-"
"No riddles Edward," I said, stopping him, "we already established this. You talk too much. Do I need to shut you up again?"
A deeper shade if red bloomed on Edwards cheeks and he shook his head.
"I thought so," I said with a smirk.
"W-what time is it?" Edward asked.
"10:34," I said, glancing at the clock hanging on the wall, "why?"
"Well, Selina and Ridley should be back by now, unless things got too out of hand..."
I scowled at the mention of Ridley, he was supposed to stop talking about her by now. After everything we'd done, what I'd done, he was still thinking of her.
'She'll be taken care of soon,' Scarecrow consoled, 'do not worry.'
I grabbed Edward's arm as he made to get up, "I'm sure they're fine, just stay here, ok?"
"Well I—" Edward glanced at me and hesitated. "I guess I could..." He bit his lip and laid back down.
It was so disgustingly fascinating, this side of Edward's personality. Such pliancy from someone who was usually so confident and stubborn. Through some perverted feelings, I realized that I had become addicted to it; this part of his personality. Edward's insecurities were high enough to make the traits possible, just as his pride kept it rim going too far. It was a delicate balance, one that was easy to break if you knew how.
Maybe I could draw this out, it would be extremely selfish of me, and would put things in jeopardy, wasn't it worth it? Yes, I would postpone my plans another week or so. It'd be hard to convince them, but it was manageable if I played my cards right. I'd probably have to let the man know as soon as possible though for a better chance of changing the plan.
Throwing back the covers, I got up and pulled on my pants.
"Where are you going, Jon?" Edward asked, sitting up.
"Downstairs," I said vaguely, making my way to the door. "I'm going to saw if they're back yet."
"Maybe I should go With you," Edward said, voice filled with uncertainty.
"No," I said, turning to him, "you will stay here." I wouldn't be able to do what I hadn't given do if Edward was out and about. Better he stay here, out of the way.
Edward opened his mouth to protest, but I cut him off.
"Could you really face Ridely," I said, advancing on him, "knowing what a dirty thing you did?"
Edward's defiance turned to shame and I had to suppress a sneer. He stared down at his hands; at the sheets that were bunched up around his waist.
He wanted to give and see if Ridley was here himself, I knew he did. The only thing that was stopping him was me, and himself. In any other giving situation, Edward's sudden prudishness would've been humorous, but right now it was nearly pathetic.
"So you're just going to leave?" Edward asked, sounding hurt.
"What do you want me to do?" I asked, spreading my hands. Sheesh, it was like dealing with a child.
"Well, I don't want— I mean, I only—" he faltered.
"You only what?" I asked, stopping by the side of the bed and crossing my arms.
"I did it for you," Edward said helplessly, staring up at me. "For you," he repeated.
"What did you do for me?" I asked, a dangerous edge to my voice, not liking his tone.
"I know that you like me Jon,"Edward tried again.
"Wow, I would've never guessed that." I rolled my eyes in exasperation.
"You're not making this any easier," Edward said indignantly.
"Making what easier?"
"This." Edward waved a hand between us. "I mean," he hesitated, "I don't know how—"
"Just come out and tell me already!" I snapped, losing patience.
Edward flinched at my tone before speaking, "I only slept with you because I knew it was something you needed!" he gasped, his face twisting in both pain and fear. "You're my friend Jon, you always have been."
"Friend," I repeated, voice hollow, anger passing over into icy calm. "Is that what I am to you? A friend?" The last word came out a bite; unable to contain the bitterness. "Nothing more is it?"
Edward glanced down and muttered something incomprehensible.
"What did you just say?" I demanded, grabbing Edward's shoulder and pushing him against the bed frame.
"N-nothing!" Edward stuttered, eyes widening.
"Liar! I hissed, "What. Did. You. Say?"
"I-I didn't say anything of interest?" It came out as a question so I knew he was lying; again.
I tightened my grip on his shoulder, and he let out a whimper.
"I-I'll always be here for you," Edward said quietly, "you know that, right? A-and I'll do anything you need me to. Even if it's—" his gaze skirted my face before landing on his lap again. "Even if you need me to be, you know..."
He whispered the next part so quietly I almost didn't catch it.
My face flushed with anger and I, for once, was speechless. It didn't last long for my voice to come back to me.
"How dare you," I snarled, "after everything? After everything we've been through together? You tell me that you want to be a f*cking Dutch Wife?"
"I-if that's what you need, then yes." Edward swallowed as a blush creeped over his face. "I n-now it's weird, b-but I thought that—"
"You obviously didn't think enough!" I snapped. "Who the hell says stuff like that?"
"I didn't know!" Edward protested. "I don't know how I feel about this! I mean, you're my friend and friends do things for each other."
"Friends are there to supporting each other," I roared, "not by being f*ck buddies!"
Edward visibly shrunk back from me, "I don't like like you, I mean I— I-I thought that you—"
"Well you thought wrong," I said, lips curled back into a snarl. "Tell meX is this because of Ridley? She's not Anna for Gods sake!"
Edward's silence was all the answer I needed.
"You disgust me," I spat, releasing him and storming out, slamming the door behind me.
Entering my room, I dug through my dresser and threw on a sweater before forcefully opening my bedside tables drawer.
Picking up the phone I hit speed dial.
"Jonny!" Penguins voice came through after the first ring, "what a pleasant surpise. What can I do for you? Do you wish to cancel?"
"No," I said, tense, "in fact... Can we move it up?"
"How soon?"
"How does tonight sound?"
"Well..." I heard clinking and loud music in the background. "I suppose that would work," Penguin said, "things are already in place as we took the thought of you moving it up into consideration."
"Excellent," I said, mood brightening. "I'll see you later then."
"Oh, you won't see me," Penguin chuckled, "but you have my word that my people will be there."
"Thank you," I said, hanging up. It wasn't the best decision for me to do that, Penguin always got the last word. I was too excited though, and my hands shook as I replaced the phone in the drawer and shut it.
'I told you patience was the key,' Scarecrow said.
"Yeah, well sometimes you really are annoying, do you know that?" I said aloud.
'Just be comforted to know that things will be taken care of soon,' Scarecrow said, sounding a bit miffed by my attitude.
"Couldn't happen soon enough," I muttered.
The plan was set into motion, sooner than I thought it would be. Edward had only himself to blame for this. He'd regret ever saying the things he did, and I would make sure he knew it.
'Yes,' Scarecrow chuckled, 'the problem that is Ridley Wayne will soon be dealt with, taken out with brutal efficiently.'
"And so it shall," I whispered to the empty air. "So it shall."