technicallyhellbound | for @convincingsmile - Nobody's dying today (probably)

for @convincingsmile - Nobody's dying today (probably)

Edwin knew as soon as he fell through the mirror that something was wrong, and not just a little bit wrong, but the kind of wrong that made the whole world tilt on its axis a little.

It wasn't a misdirected portal, not like the case that had ultimately led them to Crystal, not like many other failures of concentration when traversing mirror portals before, it was something else, and he couldn't place what it was. All he knew was that he'd simply passed through the mirror in question and had landed, hard on the floor on the other side of the room, hard enough that he actually skidded a couple of feet and that couldn't be right because that actually hurt, and hurt in the way he hadn't felt in... well, decades.

It was enough to tumble him against the far wall just from his own momentum, impacting hard enough to knock the breath out of his lungs, and that was definitely wrong, because he shouldn't have had breath or lungs. He could see, even through pain-hazed vision that the poltergeist he'd been baiting had, indeed, gotten caught in the trap he himself had leapt over when aiming for the mirror.

That was, however, the last thing he saw before the half-rotted-through loft floor gave way beneath his sudden and unexpected weight, sending him falling, flailing, scraped to ribbons on the broken slats, to the ground below, and he was reasonably sure he'd actually heard something snap on impact, ribs, if the sudden radiating pain was anything to go by, though his shoulder wasn't in good shape either, and that was an entirely different kind of pain, just layering on top of the feeling of the ragged scratches from the wood, and it occurred to him, dimly, that he'd forgotten how much he hated the feeling of blood on his skin.

It had been different in Hell, the pain, the sensations in general, all of it, it had been horrible, yes, but it was so much more visceral now, and even as his vision began to go hazy again, head swimming, his last thoughts were trying to remember how he'd somehow gotten separated from Charles, who had been barely a step behind him when he'd rounded the corner into the loft pursued by the poltergeist now trapped securely above him.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The towels were an unexpected luxury soft and fluffy in a way he hadn't been expecting, and enough to get him dry easily without scrubbing and it was the unexpectedness of it that allowed Charles to get him bundled without complaint.

His brow creased a little at the subject of clothes, only just then realizing that there was really no use putting his uniform back on, especially when there was a hole torn in the shoulder of it, "Something soft, I suppose? As we aren't planning on going anywhere until tomorrow, and we aren't expecting visitors." The tone was distraction and puzzlement rather than any kind of trepidation or disagreement, not wholly sure what Charles and Crystal would have picked, but surprised to find that he trusted the pair of them not to have gotten anything he'd be wildly uncomfortable in.

"Sure thing, we got a few set of joggers and jumpers too," Charles grinned, drying his hair. "You check which one you like, yeah?" he added.

Charles packed up some of their stuff, wondering if they would ever use it again, and then helped Edwin to go back upstairs. He figured a quick trip up the stairs in towels wouldn't be too much, as the house was abandoned. He barely took his hands off of Edwin, though, still under the spell of being able to touch him in the shower, under warm rays of water. Charles already missed it.

It also brought back some memories of how other people's bodies felt. Mostly girls. A few boys. But with Edwin under his fingertips, he once again realized that yes, yes he missed kissing. And everything coming with it.

He probably should have argued tromping through the building in naught but towels, but they were massive and covered anything that should have been covered, and they were good about keeping the place tidy so it wasn't as if they were risking stepping on anything on the way back.

I was only once he was wearing something comfortable, if unfamiliar, that he went about setting aside an outfit for their outing the next day, a little surprised at the number of options, but figuring it was so they wouldn't have to do much -if any- laundry before he got the issue sorted out, and he wasn't going to say anything on that, either, not until he was actually somewhere close to solving it.

Clothes for the next day set aside he eyed the desk and the careful stack of paperwork he'd set aside so they could eat, "I should consolidate my notes from today, but I think after that I'll be ready to turn in. I know I'll be useless for doing any further research this evening."

This was like camping, Charles wondered as they were going through the pile of clothes. A bit weird camping but still he got the idea of it. It was fun to pick clothes for their 'date' and to slip into something that actually felt different against his skin. His skin! It was only a jogger and a shirt but completely different than what he was usually 'wearing'. He turned to Edwin to comment on taking a break but his throat suddenly tightened.

As Edwin's hair got drier it also got... fluffier. It had no product in it anymore. And Charles realized that he was seeing an Edwin that was not in school but not in Hell either. An Edwin who was... home. With him. Charles took a long, calming breath.

"Right, yeah, rest," he nodded. But then he put down whatever that was in his hand and stepped to Edwin. He let out a soft chuckle, mostly at himself because man, was he down badly for his best friend or what? Did he only want good things to happen to him? Did he want to make sure Edwin can be home with him? With him who had never knew how safety and a proper home looked like before he died? "Lemme just, come here," Charles smiled and reached for Edwin, gently gathering him in his arms. He tightened his hold on him as much as he dared, hugging him.

He'd been puzzled by the request, brow creasing a little, but he did move closer to Charles instead of returning to the desk, not questioning what it was Charles wanted, especially when it soon became obvious and all Edwin could really do was relax into Charles' hold, head tilting forward until his brow rested against the slope of Charles' shoulder, a soft sigh escaping him.

He hesitated only briefly before his arms curled around Charles' waist in turn, keeping him close, the warmth of that embrace far outweighed any lingering ache from the weight of it, and the fact that Charles was being careful about it, cautious instead of his usual half-reckless exuberance only warmed Edwin further, just murmuring a quiet: "Thank you." Against Charles' shoulder, though not yet making any more to actually disengage. It was as if Charles was intent on showing him just what was worth missing about being alive, as it was clearly not the kind of thing Edwin had experienced the first time.

"S nothing," Charles murmured in a smile as his hand slid up the back of Edwin's neck. His fingers played with a few loose strands of hair. He turned his head to press his nose against Edwin, breathing him in. Breathing! He let out a soft noise, his eyes fluttering shut. The scent of soap was nostalgic to his senses, and there was also something that was most definitely Edwin's own scent. Charles nuzzled into it, laying a kiss on the shell of Edwin's ear. His heart was so full, he wondered how it didn't burst yet.

And yes, Charles was maybe a little intent on showing Edwin what he was missing. But not on purpose... So without thinking about it, Charles gently guided Edwin's head up, just enough so he could meet him halfway in a soft kiss on his lips. And it felt very different than the one they exchanged when Charles was still worried for Edwin's life. It hurt Charles's heart more.

Edwin had made a soft noise of his own at the tease of Charles' fingers against his nape, eyes dipping fully closed, not exactly sagging forward against his partner, but still leaning more fully against him all the same.

The kiss to the crest of his ear was enough to have his breath hitching briefly, a little hiccup of a sound that was halfway to being a sob, though it wasn't out of pain or upset, it was just too much to process at the moment, and then Charles was kissing him, properly, and it took him a moment to catch up to that, returning the kiss with another soft sound, one arm curling more securely around Charles' waist to tug him just a little closer.

He did, finally, draw away from the kiss, trying to catch his breath, having to catch his breath in away he never had to before.

Charles loved the quiet, soft noises coming from Edwin. It was a rare treat. He watched as Edwin was trying to catch his breath with a soft smile on his lips, pressing closer as he was being held tighter.

"It's okay," Charles assured quietly. "I got you, yeah?" he smiled. "You looked real cute there for a tick, had to take my chance," he added in a chuckle. He was going to let Edwin nap, truly. But not yet, not when he was so soft, and cozy, and safe. As long as Edwin was in his arms, he was safe.

There was a soft laugh at that, he couldn't help it, shaking his head even as he rested his brow against Charles' temple, "Yes, well, if you hadn't done I certainly would have." Once he'd organized his notes and could let himself actually pay attention to how Charles looked.

He took another slow breath to steady himself again, careful not to aggravate the cracked ribs. He pressed another kiss to the arch of Charles' cheek, because it was there and he could, "I really should organize my notes, but after that we can make the best of the couch?"

Charles smiled wider, his cheeks heating up at the small kiss on his cheek. He could do this all night. All day. Forever.

"Nah, mate, you take the couch, I'll be fine," Charles said. He maybe consider getting on the couch with Edwin if he wasn't hurt. But knowing that only a little pressure could make his pain worse made Charles reconsider. "Need to lookout for nightmares, eh?"

He considered that for a moment, reluctant to let Charles go just yet, but doing so if only because he knew drawing out the process would only make it more arduous, "Alright, but do take one of the cushions this time, please? And don't fret if you fall asleep, I'm quite sure you're attentive enough to notice if I've slipped into a nightmare even if you're asleep."

Making sure his notes were in working order for the next day didn't take long, clipping three separate bundles together before stacking them just to make sure nothing would get lost. Then, running both hands along the edge of the desk in consideration he added, "I think I've enough energy for a game of Cluedo, if you're amenable. But if you just need to turn in for the night, that's fine as well." He knew Charles hadn't gotten as much sleep as he had, and had been out running errands, which definitely used more energy than the researching did.

"Right, cushion, good idea," Charles said a little sheepishly. He forgot how hard the floor could be for a living after all. But being reminded also delighted him somehow. Then he chuckled softly. He had been stifling a few yawns here and there after their shower after all. But he didn't want to sleep, he wanted to have as much time alive and conscious as possible.

"You know I'm always up for some Cluedo. One day, I'm also gonna beat you," he chuckled, already heading for the closet. "Maybe today!"

Edwin's laugh was warm and amused without being at all unkind, it was the laugh that Charles got from him more than anyone else ever did, and he nodded, making sure the desk was cleared for the game board, "Perhaps. I suggest picking the one you think you're most likely to beat me at, in that case."

Not that it mattered, they played them all the same way with only slight variations due to regional or edition specifics, "Perhaps we can talk Crystal around to playing with us again sometime. It was... refreshing to have another person at the table." And as much as she'd argued how stupid the rules were, she'd still played, and Edwin was reasonably sure she'd enjoyed herself.

"Nah mate, I don't want your handouts, I'll beat you in the classic game!" Charles shouted from the closet as he got the game. He carried it out with a grin. Having Crystal playing games with them was brills. She was just as fierce about it as Edwin and watching them go at it was making Charles's week. "Next time let's invite her for sure. Maybe make it mandatory after a successful case?" he suggested playfully, placing the Cluedo on the desk.

He couldn't help but laugh again at the response, the teasing vehemence in it, just nodding as Charles returned, considering the stipulation, "It could work, though honestly we've more successful ones than unsuccessful, it just sometimes takes longer than expected, so for every closed case, perhaps?"

Closed wasn't necessarily the same as successful, because sometimes they had to close a case that had been unsuccessful, and sometimes the successful ones were still open, "I don't know if it will work of course, but it's worth trying." He added, already shuffling and dealing the cards, slipping their case cards into the evidence envelope and setting it aside, just leaving Charles to set up the board in the meantime.

"'S fine by me, I'm always chuffed to see you two play," Charles shrugged with a smile, setting the board and handing out their usual figures.

However, as it was expected, Charles was once again too distracted by everything than to pay proper attention to the game after a while. He also had to realize that his body does not go on endlessly as when he was a ghost. He was trying to fight the sleepiness and the fatigue that claimed his muscles and pay attention to which tool was used but it became his doom. He truly forgot how tired a living person could get...

Truthfully, it was only Edwin's meticulous note-taking that saved him, and he almost made his final accusation of a character that had already been cleared, catching himself at the last minute with the correct one.

He did laugh about it, however, as he sorted the cards back into their usual decks for storage, "I forgot what it was like to be this tired." He commented mildly as he put the lid back on the box, mostly he was trying to catalog the difference between the sort of tired he was at the moment and the bone-deep exhaustion that had been the norm in Hell.

But he wasn't going to dwell on it too long, instead just stretching gingerly and moving to the couch, wrangling one of the flat cushions free to pass over to Charles.

Colonel Mustard will rise one day, Charles was sure of it. But they had an eternity to make that happen, he thought amused.

He reached for the cushion but slowly put an arm around Edwin in the same motion, pulling him close.

"Today was fun, eh?" he asked. "And tomorrow's gonna be fun too," he added in a small smile. He couldn't believe it. He was tired, truly tired. And they will watch a movie the next day. Charles suddenly wished Edwin found the cure fast because the more he spent alive, the less he wanted to die. The less he thought he could do good on his promise to be by Edwin's side... and that scared him.

Edwin couldn't help but lean forward into that embrace, nodding at the question, "It... well, it wasn't so terrible as I'd been expecting." A faint twitch of a smile caught at one corner of his mouth, "Which I suppose means that it was fun, after a fashion."

His brow creased a moment later, "We really are going to have to figure something else out as far as sleeping arrangements if this goes on much longer." A gentle smile followed, giving Charles' shoulder a squeeze, "Can't very well have my protector getting a cramp or not being fully rested, right?"

"You're getting used to it, eh?" Charles teased playfully. Then he laughed at the mention of proper sleeping arrangements. "Right, wouldn't mind some mattress to lay on, yeah. But if we gonna do this I want to also hold you while we sleep," he said pointedly. A bed definitely didn't fit in the office. And yes, he would be fine with a camping bed but... "Is that too much?" he asked in a sheepish grin.

"Everything still aches, don't misunderstand that, but it's... it's bearable. It's the rest that isn't so awful. Just the, you know, whole mess of it all." Eating, sleeping, showering, even just breathing wasn't as bad as he remembered, even with the ribs. But then, he was also with people who actually cared about him, now, and that made quite a lot of difference.

He couldn't help but smile at the question, shaking his head, "No, not too much at all. I'd... well, I'd quite like the same, if I'm being honest." There was some sort of realization trying to spark in the back of his mind, and he knew it, some shapeless question that he felt he should be asking but couldn't quite grasp what it was, though he could chalk it up to being tired and go from there.

"I should have at least the first steps to correcting the issue tomorrow, though, before we leave for our outing." He was pretty sure he had that much information squared away already, it was just a case of putting it together in the right order.

"Right, wasn't talking about the injury," Charles said with a small shake of his head. But he was glad Edwin was getting used to having a body, even if it hurt. Because many things could be done with a body. He also felt like forgetting something but he figured it mustn't have been important. Edwin was more important after all. So Charles reached for him again to kiss his lips.

"Right, big day tomorrow then?" he said softly. "A date and... progress with a case."

He couldn't help but return that kiss in kind, just dipping his head to do so, brow resting against Charles' briefly once the kiss broke, nodding briefly at the question, "Indeed."

He pulled the lighter-weight afghan off the back of the sofa to drape across Charles, rummaging around on the bottom shelf of the bookcase half-full of supplies before coming up with a heavier quilt for himself.

He hesitated briefly before giving Charles another quick kiss, as if he couldn't bear not to do so, "Sleep well, Charles." It was mostly just a reminder that Charles didn't have to stay awake to make sure Edwin didn't slip into a nightmare. Mostly because Edwin was reasonably sure that he wouldn't actually do so, and even if he did, Charles would know and rouse enough to wake him from it.

Charles pulled the blanket around him as he watched Edwin search for the other one. He felt his chest so full and heavy with a heartbeat, that he could almost burst out crying.

"You too, mate," he sighed and sat down to find his place by the couch, lying on the floor. Charles was sure he was not going to sleep, however. He wanted to look out for Edwin but he still also wanted to feel his alive body. Though the thing with alive bodies were that they needed sleep. So the moment his head hit the cushion, Charles was out. And he dreamed.

He dreamed of food, of eating. He tasted it too. Charles dreamed of running and feeling his lungs burn. He dreamed of holding and kissing Edwin, and then he dreamed of his father and his rage... It was the one that shook him awake, filling his stomach with nostalgia of something he didn't really miss.

It was still the watery grey light of pre-dawn gloom, and while Charles' movement hadn't fully roused Edwin from his own -thankfully dreamless- sleep, it had still been enough to draw him to a sort of drowsy wakefulness, just disentangling a hand from the quilt, turning over on his side so that he could grip Charles' shoulder gently before dropping back off to sleep himself with a murmur that was probably some fashion of 'it's alright' as he did, though it definitely wasn't all the right syllables.

He would be easy enough to wake if Charles didn't slip back off himself, but would likely be out for another hour otherwise, healing took energy, and even if he hadn't been out and about the way Charles had been the day before, he had still been at his limit for energy by the end of the day.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject