Meaningful Artifacts [Edward/Jacob]

eighteen

Fridays, by most people's standards, are usually more relaxed. Of course, they're a bit noisier, busier, but it's easier to deal with when the weekend is just a few hours away. Jacob's should be even more so considering he was curled up in bed still recovering. Edward's made himself at home next to the wall, flipping through a book on cryptids and spirits. As odd as it seems, it doesn't feel intrusive. It should be the ideal day. Instead, Jacob's phone is being blown up as Mike panics. 

Jacob had made him agree that he'd tell Eric how he felt the next time he saw him and today was the day. If things went terribly, he'd have the weekend to recover. If things went well, he'd have the weekend to spend with the guy. Jacob thought it was a great plan. However, he hadn't factored in not being there to help calm the nervous wreck. 

"Dude, relax. You've got this." Jacob hums, ignoring the little huff of amusement that Edward lets out. 

He seemed to find everything funny these days.

Jacob's about to whip around, toss an admonishing look over his shoulder because it was hard enough to get Mike to see reason without Edward laughing at his expense. That is until he's suddenly very aware that Edward has left his corner. He's now pressed against Jacob, arm wrapped around his waist as he tries to get closer to the phone. 

"I also believe in you, Newton." He helpfully adds.

"Tell your boyfriend to shut the fuck up." Mike snaps, sounding like a disgruntled chihuahua.

"He's trying to be supportive, Mikey." Jacob attempts to defend him, but Edward's chuckle basically cancels out the sentiment. 

"Just call me back when you've talked to him." He sighs, hanging up before Mike can start to panic again. 

He gets about an hour into some action movie before Edward, yet again, abandons his book to throw his arm over Jacob. He ignores it, eyes never leaving the screen as he watches yet another car explode.

"Find anything?" he tries to casually pivot as Edward refuses to be ignored, head popping in between Jacob and the TV.

"Not quite." he hums, eyes roaming Jacob's face like he's searching for something. 

"Well, you should get back to looking," Jacob grumbles, pointedly tilting his head as if he could simply just go back to watching cars fly through the air with Edward draped over him. 

"Mm," Edward hums, but doesn't immediately move, eyes popping back up to meet Jacob's.

Jacob refuses to show that he's unnerved by it, not allowing himself to be the first to look away. 

"Headache must finally be letting up," he hums again, continuing to analyze Jacob. "Your eyes aren't squinting anymore."

He sits there for another couple of seconds before finally unlatching himself from Jacob.

"What do you want to eat for lunch?" He follows his examination up with, his wrist coming up so that he can glance at his watch. 

Somehow, the statement throws him off more than the previous interaction. It was lunchtime already. Edward had briefly left to grab a bag and the books that Carlisle had lent him, ducking out in the middle of the night while Jacob was still asleep, slipping back in before Jacob could even peel his eyes open. 

Edward, and seemingly everyone else in the household, had decided that he wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. Leah seemed to make a statement out of placing extra towels on Jacob's desk. He tries to pretend not to notice. 

As soon as Edward's out the door, Jacob's phone starts buzzing on his nightstand. He doesn't even have to look at it to know that it's Mike.