The Many Faces of Edmund Fig (ManxMan)

Chapter 22: Set into motion

Edmund slipped into the car careful not to disturb the sleeping boy splayed across the seat. He sighed raking his fingers through his hair. His gaze shifted back to the boy. His hair had somewhat slipped into his face, lips parted slightly, his hands were folded together neating across his slim belly. He looked completely at ease...relaxed.

Edmund reached forward his gloved fingers brushing the stray hairs away. Joesph turned into the gentle touch.

(Edmunds P.O.V)

My eyes widened a fraction. Joesph nuzzled into my hand, his face relaxing further. I caressed his cheek savoring his expression. If only it could remain like this. My thumb traced his lips and I had subconsiously leaned in closer. My hair fell into my face tickling his forehead. He shifted slightly and our faces were perfectly parallel.

"Indulging in foolish behavior, as amusing as it is, is not worth a god's time. I will kill whomever you develop a fondness for Eros."

I pulled away and sat on the furthest side of the car.

(Joesph)

Something soft brushed along my lips and My eyes opened a fraction. Cool grey eyes gazed down at me fondly. I kept my eyes closed and waited silently. The gentle touch was gone and I was left alone.

I waited silently until the car came to a halt and contemplated on how to "wake up" as I normally would. Arms slipped under me and I was lifted up with little effort.

Edmund wrapped my arms behind his neck and slipped an arm under my thighs to support me.

Vanilla and an unfamilar floral scent flooded my nostrils. My eyes peered open.

My face was semiburied between Edmunds neck and his hair. I remained limp as we went through the building to our floor.

He pulled out a set of keys and opened my apartment and carried me through to my bed. He shifted and laid me down carefully a soft sigh leaving his lips.

I kept still as he sat beside me. He caressed my cheek briefly before removing his hand.

"Sleep well Joesph."

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

I opened my eyes and watched surprise register on his normally stoic features.

"It's not hard to pretend to be asleep Edmund."

I sighed sitting on the side of my bed and massaged my temples.

"I really don't want to do this whole hot cold thing with you Edmund. You've given me the cold shoulder for weeks now and suddenly you're back to carrying me around and tucking me into bed." I snapped. "You can't throw a million personalities at me and expect me to handle each one with ease."

His lips thinned into a grim line, his eyes meeting mine a moment before he looked to the wall. He took a deep breath and stood smoothing his shirt.

"Good night Joseph."

I reached out grabbing his sleeve and stumbled to stand up. He froze not turning to even glance at me.

"You can't keep brushing this off. Stop throwing all of this shit at me. You can't be possessive and cold all at the same time. I don't even know what to call you...you act like we are...some sort of item one minute and the next I am suddenly the gum beneath your god damn shoe!"

My eyes stung, tears threatening to come. I coughed desperately willing the tightness in my throat to go away. A gloved hand clasped my hand and removed it from his sleeve.