Al has always been very bad at just saying no to Edmund. That, apparently, hasn’t changed, as what he meant to be a brief handshake had become a cozy hike to the kitchens. Al’s heart seized in his chest, and no matter how it hurt, he followed Edmund with a slight smile. “I really don’t— ”
Edmund was different. He was quieter. Still bossy — the fact that he was towing Al along to the kitchens spoke to that. But he was less of a know it all. Less strident. It didn’t seem like he thought he was more correct or smarter, anymore.
Which was good — but it unsettled Al. It didn’t seem so much like this new introspection was just from maturity. There was something off about it.
Then Ed said her name, and his heart — already pounding in his chest, froze. “Have you been spending a lot of time with her?” Al asked finally, withdrawing his hand from Edmund’s grip.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2018-07-20 02:34 am (UTC)Edmund was different. He was quieter. Still bossy — the fact that he was towing Al along to the kitchens spoke to that. But he was less of a know it all. Less strident. It didn’t seem like he thought he was more correct or smarter, anymore.
Which was good — but it unsettled Al. It didn’t seem so much like this new introspection was just from maturity. There was something off about it.
Then Ed said her name, and his heart — already pounding in his chest, froze. “Have you been spending a lot of time with her?” Al asked finally, withdrawing his hand from Edmund’s grip.