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[whatam_i]

What demands an answer, but asks no question?
....
A telephone.
And I'm not here to answer mine so please leave a message at the sound of the beep.

Comments

[hobblepot]

A fine charcoal grey will do. Look for the one with the peaked lapels.

[He watches Ed finger through his suits a moment, scoffing softly.]

Do you honestly expect me to believe that you wouldn't fall head over heels for a sleek emerald-green tailcoat with black accents? [He asks, with raised eyebrows and a pointed head-tilt.]

perfect icon choice <3

[whatam_i]

[Ed's fingers patter along the line of jackets, finding the one Oswald wants and he pulls it out and then turns to grin at Oswald.]

I stand corrected.
Perhaps I shall have to order one someday soon, do you know of any good tailors I can put the order in with?

[He teases as he comes over to Oswald, leaning down to give him a smooch.]

One who knows my measurements already, perhaps?

why thank ye

[hobblepot]

[That conspiratorial smile of his flourishes under Ed’s kiss.]

I am sure I will think of someone.

[He answers, giving Ed a thoughtful once over and taking mental measurements all over again.]

[whatam_i]

[He catches the once over that Oswald gives him and is inwardly pleased, it's so good to see Oswald act like his regular self again.]

Okay, I assume you'll want the matching trousers so that means we are on to accessories!

Tie or cufflinks first?

[hobblepot]

Let's start with the latter.

[His collection of cufflinks - kept in a padded box - consists of a mix of gemstones cut into typical geometrical forms, as well as a slew of gold, silver and stainless steel designs that reflect his more unconventional tastes: skulls and birds, blades and bullets.]

[whatam_i]

[Ed retrieves the box and comes to sit down on the bed next to Oswald, opening it up so he can look inside. No doubt he knows his collection but it's always good to see things next to the outfit as to best judge what would look the nicest.]

What do you think? Jewels perhaps?

[hobblepot]

[With a boyish giggle:] I am just spoiled for choice! [Oswald sifts through his shiny treasure trove a while before picking out a green pair.]

Allow my wearing these to serve as a small token of appreciation for you and all that you have done for me.

[He turns them gently in his fingers, admiring the play of light.]

They do match my eyes. [He adds, with a sharp little uptick to his grin.]

[whatam_i]

[Ed watches the way Oswald looks over his little box of treasures, his beautiful bird does so love his shiny things.]

That's very sweet.

[He carefully takes one from Oswald's hand and holds it up near his eye, as if inspecting the color similarities.]

They really do. [His voice is soft and he leans in closer.] You really have the most beautiful eyes, Oswald.

[Closer still until he can move in to steal a kiss.]

[hobblepot]

[Ed knows how to soften him up - and after weeks spent starved of Ed's touch, forgetting what life was like before pain consumed his senses, Oswald yields needily, gratefully, to his kiss. Humming his pleasure behind Ed's lips. His hand comes up to cradle Ed's cheek.]

...only for you, friend.

[whatam_i]

[Ed is just as starved for affection as Oswald is and the moment their lips meet he is practically swooning, a wave of desire washing over him and once the kiss ends he moves forward for another. His hand placing the cufflink back into the box before moving to rest on the back of Oswald's neck, his long, slender fingers playing in the hair that has grown longer back there.]

[hobblepot]

[Everything falls away around them when their lips touch. As they re-learn the shape and feel and taste of each other, every kiss both a triumphant celebration of life and an act of defiance against everything that would tear them apart. Dressing can wait.]

I missed you. [He pants against Ed’s mouth. His next breath catches – not because any of this hurts but because it doesn’t. Because his skin aches to know the kindness of Ed's touch all over again.

Taking Ed’s hand, he lays it gently over his heart.

It goes without saying that this, too, will always be Ed’s.]

[whatam_i]

[Oswald's desire is so clear and pure that for a moment it takes Ed's own breath away and he swallows thickly, moving closer and pressing his palm against Oswald's thin chest so he can feel his heart beating away against it.]

I missed you too.

[He husks and then kisses him again, this time a little more hungrily.]

I missed your lips, I missed how sweet they taste.

[hobblepot]

[His eyes stay shut after Ed gently pulls away. As if he's afraid this is nothing more than a fading, pleasant dream.]

...I want to feel you. [The warmth and weight of Ed's body over his. The comfort and safety of that place Ed makes for him in his arms.] Touch me. Please.

[whatam_i]

Happily.

[He says and smiles brightly before moving the box of cufflinks aside, not wanting to spill any of Oswald's precious stones to the floor. He the slips his hands up both of Oswald's arms and onto his shoulders, leaning in to kiss him again as he gently pushes at him to lay down.]

[hobblepot]

[A pleasant wooziness washes over him as Ed settles him into bed. His robe falls open, baring the hollow of his throat, the delicate ridge of a collarbone. Bandages, still clean and white. He softens into the mattress a little, looking up at Ed hazily through his lashes. Lips damp and tingling with the memory of his kisses.

He lifts a hand to stroke Ed’s arm in a tender, half-absent sort of way.]

I love you, Ed. [He breathes. Tears prick his eyes.] I always will, no matter what the future may bring. Never forget this.

[whatam_i]

You should know by now, I never forget anything.

[He reminds Oswald and leans down to place a few soft kisses against Oswald's exposed throat.]

I love you too, with all my heart.

[Slowly he kisses his way back up and onto Oswald's lips, sweeping his tongue into his mouth to quickly taste him while his one hand gently tugs his robe open a little more.]