The Many Faces of Edmund Fig (ManxMan)

Chapter 24: Trust

I nestled into the couch grateful that the house was warm. Edmund returned and handed me a cup of coffee. I nodded gratefully and took a cautious sip. He sat across from me and his gaze seemed distant.

After a few silent moments he finally looked up, a breathless sigh escaping his lips.

"Where do I start?"

I swallowed nervously.

"Why isn't it possible? A relationship I mean?"

He raked his fingers through his hair and crossed his arms.

"There are....circumstances that will not allow me to be in a relationship with anyone."

"Circumstances?"I frowned. "We are in America for God's sake."

I massaged the bridge of my nose feeling my newcome impatience wearing thin.

"It doesn't make sense to me Edmund."

His lips pursed conflict swirling in his usually calm gaze.

"There is only so much I can share Joseph."

I shook my head and stood up and began pacing.

He can't be in a relationship but can't validate why....this must be some way to brush me off. If he isn't interested why can't he just come out and say it?!

"Bullshit." I mumbled.

"What did you say?"

I reared and glowered down at him.

"That is pure and utter bullshit and you know it! You can't even validate it! Don't try this mysterious shit with me!"

He stood and reached out towards me.

"Joseph-"

I slapped his hand away and took a step back.

"I don't want to hear your bullshit! You are nothing but a fuc-"

My back slammed into the wall, furious grey orbs glaring down at me.

"Shut up." He growled. "You have no idea what you are talking about. You children seem to think you have lived and experienced hardship! I would gladly return your feelings if I could but I simply can't. I am bound by contract. Happiness is the farthest thing from what I am allowed to have."

I blinked once, then twice before bowing my head.

"Let go of me." I whispered.

His grip was gone and he has crossed the room. I walked back to where I was sitting and massaged my temples. This conversation is turning into a headache. A few moments of silence passed before Edmund finally turned around.

"I don't expect you to understand Joseph. I need you to just trust me. There is no other way I can explain it to you without....without everything crumbling in on itself."

I looked up and met his torn grey orbs.

"I don't understand....and I can't just trust you. Just...."

I stood and sighed shakily, my arms crossing over my torso in a feeble attempt to comfort myself.

"Just end it already. I don't even want to know anymore Edmund."

I was met with no response. I sighed and walked to the door and unlocked it.

(Edmund)

I watched him stand and turn away from me. His arms immediately wrapping around himself.

"Just end it already. I don't even want to know anymore Edmund."

Without much thought I was on my feet and my hands hovered above him. He sighed and reached for the door. I grasped his shoulders and pulled him back so his back was firmly against my chest. One arm slid down his middle and the other across his chest.
"I don't want to end it."

"Get off of me."

His voice crackled and he trembled beneath me. I rubbed small circles with my thumb on his hip. My face fell into his neck and I held him. The only sound in the room was his breathing.

"You're going to work him up again."

I tensed at the memory. Was I willing to put you in the same danger? After what felt like an eternity I slowly pulled away. Joseph remained still, his hands twitching slightly.

I gently turned him to face me and took his wrist. He looked up at me with glassy eyes. I pulled him into my room and laid him onto the comforter.

"I can't promise you what you want Joseph."

I laid beside him and pulled him closer.

"I won't promise you anything." I whispered. "I will not send you off to that fate."

I caressed his cheek and wiped a stray tear. I kissed his forehead and pulled him back. His arms remained crumpled against my chest.

"Look what you've done now Edmund." The voice sighed caressing my hair."You went and worked him up."

A scream filled the room and chains rattled desperately.

"Edmund!"

Alexander smirked as he sliced through the boys flesh.

"Like butter." He sighed. " I wonder how much more he will be able to take."