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A day or two after all these shenanigans, Edward comes bouncing over to Andrew at the Hellcat. He's in the spider body, but the injured leg isn't bandaged any longer. Instead, it has a solid callous of scar tissue over the stump. He's accompanied by his motorcycle, which is revving cheerfully and driving itself beside him, occasionally zooming forward a little and then shivering in anticipation until Edward catches up.
Or is the motorcycle driving itself? It has a new feature: attached to the back of it is some unholy hybrid of a camping trailer and a mobile chicken coop. It also has a fat white cucco perched on its handlebars, and three more huddled and riding on its seat. The handlebar cucco is surveying everything around it with the air of an elderly British gentleman in some faraway land, content with the idea that he's taught the natives how to wear proper trousers.
"Andrew!" Edward's voice is bright and excited; whatever is going on, he's clearly pleased by it. "Andrew, I have something to show you!"
Or is the motorcycle driving itself? It has a new feature: attached to the back of it is some unholy hybrid of a camping trailer and a mobile chicken coop. It also has a fat white cucco perched on its handlebars, and three more huddled and riding on its seat. The handlebar cucco is surveying everything around it with the air of an elderly British gentleman in some faraway land, content with the idea that he's taught the natives how to wear proper trousers.
"Andrew!" Edward's voice is bright and excited; whatever is going on, he's clearly pleased by it. "Andrew, I have something to show you!"
Andrew didn't have a lot here, in terms of possessions, but what he did have, he'd been keeping in the Hellcat's trunk. The clothes he'd shown up here in were tucked off to one side with the intent to keep them safe and clean until the day he could return them to their proper owner. Then there were the spare clothes he'd gathered from various places, hair clippers, scissors, a spare belt, a few bottles of alcohol. Various other odds and ends he'd picked up, some of which probably looked like trash to some people, made up the remainder of what was scattered in the trunk.
The sound of Edward's voice, and his motorcycle, snagged Andrew's attention in a heartbeat. He leaned around the side of the trunk, then immediately did a double-take upon seeing the cuccos gathered on Edward's motorcycle. And when he saw how cheerful Edward was.
"I'm here," he said, leaving the trunk open and stepping around the side of the Hellcat. "You're in a good mood." It was a fond observation, accompanied by a smile. "And you've got some rotund friends." Very cute, very fluffy, rotund friends. That Andrew would like to pet sometime, if he wouldn't get pecked for it. The addition of the mobile chicken coop told him these new friends were likely around to stay, so he had plenty of time to get there.
"What's up?"
The sound of Edward's voice, and his motorcycle, snagged Andrew's attention in a heartbeat. He leaned around the side of the trunk, then immediately did a double-take upon seeing the cuccos gathered on Edward's motorcycle. And when he saw how cheerful Edward was.
"I'm here," he said, leaving the trunk open and stepping around the side of the Hellcat. "You're in a good mood." It was a fond observation, accompanied by a smile. "And you've got some rotund friends." Very cute, very fluffy, rotund friends. That Andrew would like to pet sometime, if he wouldn't get pecked for it. The addition of the mobile chicken coop told him these new friends were likely around to stay, so he had plenty of time to get there.
"What's up?"
"Yes!" Edward scoops the handlebar cucco up and offers it to Andrew. "This is Lord Earl Cluckner, and you can pet him, if you like."
The bird blinks lazily up at Andrew before bowing its head. Yes, you may worship him now, peasant. Please be generous with all offerings of corn and seed.
"I have a trailer." Edward gestures behind himself with one arm, at the abomination of a trailercoop. "But that isn't all I want to show you. One moment."
He pushes the cucco into Andrew's arms and turns back to the trailer. With a few practiced movements, he unhitches it and settles the hitch so it's sound and level. The three birds on the motorcycle seat flutter down, and the bike zips over to the Hellcat, driving itself around towards the front of the car and making excited vroooooming noises. Edward straightens up and almost skips to the trailer door, which he opens before turning back to Andrew and beckoning.
"You can put him down, he won't run away. Come here."
The bird blinks lazily up at Andrew before bowing its head. Yes, you may worship him now, peasant. Please be generous with all offerings of corn and seed.
"I have a trailer." Edward gestures behind himself with one arm, at the abomination of a trailercoop. "But that isn't all I want to show you. One moment."
He pushes the cucco into Andrew's arms and turns back to the trailer. With a few practiced movements, he unhitches it and settles the hitch so it's sound and level. The three birds on the motorcycle seat flutter down, and the bike zips over to the Hellcat, driving itself around towards the front of the car and making excited vroooooming noises. Edward straightens up and almost skips to the trailer door, which he opens before turning back to Andrew and beckoning.
"You can put him down, he won't run away. Come here."
[At some point in mid-November, once the convoy is well away from the carnival, this will appear in the Hellcat's driver seat one morning. There’s a small spiderweb on the side mirror, where some enterprising spider has woven the words This was a prize at the carnival and it made me think of you. Don’t worry, Zack and I cheated to win it.]
[Edward doesn’t bother to sign his name. He assumes everyone will be able to figure out who was responsible.]
[Edward doesn’t bother to sign his name. He assumes everyone will be able to figure out who was responsible.]
Lord Earl Cluckner. If that wasn't the fanciest name Andrew had ever heard for a chicken--or rather, a cucco, in this case. He did, in fact, reach out to stroke the cucco's feathers. They were so soft. "That's a great name." And he meant it; it was the exact sort of silly and charming that he'd expect from a chicken name, and he liked it.
Nodding, he looked over at the trailercoop. It sure was a thing, and he was honestly impressed by how multi-functional it seemed.
"To keep all these little guys safe, yeah?" he said, a moment before he accepted the cucco and tried to figure out how, exactly, he was supposed to hold a chicken-like animal. How did people do that properly? Was it way more simple than he was making it out to be? It probably wasn't like holding a cat, where there were a bunch of little things that helped them feel more secure.
Edward's motorcycle seemed excited, too, in better spirits than it had earlier on. He wondered if that was connected to whatever it was Edward wanted to show him, since he was also in much better spirits. And what he wanted to show him was...potentially something inside the trailer? Andrew looked down at the cucco in his arms, whose feathers he was still gently--and carefully--petting, and then back at Edward.
"Alright, there you go," he said to the cucco, leaning down to set the bird on the ground.
Brushing his hands against his jeans more out of reflex rather than any actual cucco particles, he stepped over towards Edward. "I'm here."
Nodding, he looked over at the trailercoop. It sure was a thing, and he was honestly impressed by how multi-functional it seemed.
"To keep all these little guys safe, yeah?" he said, a moment before he accepted the cucco and tried to figure out how, exactly, he was supposed to hold a chicken-like animal. How did people do that properly? Was it way more simple than he was making it out to be? It probably wasn't like holding a cat, where there were a bunch of little things that helped them feel more secure.
Edward's motorcycle seemed excited, too, in better spirits than it had earlier on. He wondered if that was connected to whatever it was Edward wanted to show him, since he was also in much better spirits. And what he wanted to show him was...potentially something inside the trailer? Andrew looked down at the cucco in his arms, whose feathers he was still gently--and carefully--petting, and then back at Edward.
"Alright, there you go," he said to the cucco, leaning down to set the bird on the ground.
Brushing his hands against his jeans more out of reflex rather than any actual cucco particles, he stepped over towards Edward. "I'm here."
"I thought so. He's named after Lord Kitchener."
The cucco settles himself into Andrew's arms and blinks benignly up at him. The other human, the one with all the legs, has been kind and a friend to cuccos, supplying them with corn and greens before finding them a cozy place to sleep, so the Lord is feeling friendly towards humans. For now. You take one step out of line, boy, and he and all his friends will peck you back into place!
"It's for them, but it's for me as well." When Andrew comes towards him, Edward reaches out with his lower pair of hands to take Andrew's and lead him inside. "The coop is attached to it, but they're not connected. The inside is for people."
The inside of the trailer is small but neat and well-ordered. It mostly consists of a bed, a sink, and a stovetop, but it is enclosed, and it is private. It has tattered curtains over the windows and a door that locks, which is Edward's primary concern.
"Will you close the door behind you, please? I have something else I want to show you." Edward squeezes Andrew's hands and smiles at him. "I'm afraid this will be a little unseemly, but I hope you'll like the results."
And with that, he shifts.
The spider legs shiver before going rigid and straight, which shoots Edward's torso upwards. It forces him to duck his head so he doesn't crash through the trailer's roof. Then the spider abdomen contracts inward, and with wet, slurping sounds, the flesh from the abdomen starts running down Edward's legs. The legs themselves twist with sharp cracking sounds to get into a human formation, and then they slorp together into two legs as the muscle and skin reforms on them.
It only takes a few seconds, and Edward doesn't make a sound while it does. When it's over, he's balancing on his left leg, completely bare from the waist down, but he has two human legs again for the first time since he's met Andrew.
"Look! I have legs again!"
The cucco settles himself into Andrew's arms and blinks benignly up at him. The other human, the one with all the legs, has been kind and a friend to cuccos, supplying them with corn and greens before finding them a cozy place to sleep, so the Lord is feeling friendly towards humans. For now. You take one step out of line, boy, and he and all his friends will peck you back into place!
"It's for them, but it's for me as well." When Andrew comes towards him, Edward reaches out with his lower pair of hands to take Andrew's and lead him inside. "The coop is attached to it, but they're not connected. The inside is for people."
The inside of the trailer is small but neat and well-ordered. It mostly consists of a bed, a sink, and a stovetop, but it is enclosed, and it is private. It has tattered curtains over the windows and a door that locks, which is Edward's primary concern.
"Will you close the door behind you, please? I have something else I want to show you." Edward squeezes Andrew's hands and smiles at him. "I'm afraid this will be a little unseemly, but I hope you'll like the results."
And with that, he shifts.
The spider legs shiver before going rigid and straight, which shoots Edward's torso upwards. It forces him to duck his head so he doesn't crash through the trailer's roof. Then the spider abdomen contracts inward, and with wet, slurping sounds, the flesh from the abdomen starts running down Edward's legs. The legs themselves twist with sharp cracking sounds to get into a human formation, and then they slorp together into two legs as the muscle and skin reforms on them.
It only takes a few seconds, and Edward doesn't make a sound while it does. When it's over, he's balancing on his left leg, completely bare from the waist down, but he has two human legs again for the first time since he's met Andrew.
"Look! I have legs again!"
[A plush was the last thing Andrew would expect to see in the Hellcat, but you know what? This was a pretty damn good surprise, and he found himself delighted. If there was ever a plush that felt like it fit for him, it was this one. He was absolutely going to take a picture of it before he moved anything, and in the course of getting his phone out--the one not connected to the network--he saw the spiderweb on the side mirror. He would've guessed that the plush was from Edward, but that confirmed it. (He took a picture of the web, too.)
He wanted to thank Edward, but he also wanted to rustle up something in return, especially considering the holidays that were approaching. So he made a note to himself to thank Edward the next time he saw him--and try to figure out who would be best to ask about surprises.]
He wanted to thank Edward, but he also wanted to rustle up something in return, especially considering the holidays that were approaching. So he made a note to himself to thank Edward the next time he saw him--and try to figure out who would be best to ask about surprises.]
Andrew didn't have the faintest idea who that was, but either way he thought that meant the name was punny on top of being flat out great, which just increased the quality of it, honestly.
He'd also missed the memo about how dangerous cuccos could be. They were just round chicken dudes to him. But he was still going to treat them well; he was sure being pecked by anything with a large enough beak would hurt like hell. And besides, they didn't deserve to not be treated well. Also, they were Edward's, and so Andrew had three very good reasons to be kind to the cuccos.
He hadn't expected the inside to have more to it--it seemed bigger on the inside--and he'd genuinely thought, at a glance, that it was all coop. He was glad there was space for Edward, too, even if it was a small space. It was charming too, in its tidiness and compactness.
"This is nice," he said, looking around as he was led inside. "I'm glad you've got a little space for yourself." He had been concerned now and then, about the lack of immediate cover. It was one thing being tucked inside a car, but another to be on a motorcycle, exposed to the elements--and shit got dicey outside sometimes.
He nudged the door shut with his foot, while trying to figure out what he should actually be expecting if it might be unseemly. "What's-"
He didn't have to wonder for long, or finish his sentence. He realized now that he'd never seen anyone else shift before. He'd gone through his own a few times, of course, but that was it. This wasn't so bad--mostly because he remembered Edward telling him it didn't hurt, and Andrew could tell it really didn't. He would've preferred a lack of wet noises, but it was what it was, and it was all finished so quick it was easy to just...not focus on certain details.
Especially when the most important part was the fact Edward could shift back at all, and that he had legs again. And he was also now half-dressed, a fact that promptly had the tips of Andrew's ears flushing pink. He tried to pretend he wasn't very aware of this, even as he had a hand flung out--reacting on instinct--not touching Edward, but there in case he needed to be steadied. Andrew knew how, at least for him, the first few moments after going from more than two legs down to just two could be a bit disorienting.
"You do." No wonder Edward was in such a good mood. Andrew felt a surge of emotions, himself, his throat tightening a fraction. "How did-" He shook his head, stepping closer instead. As much as he wanted to sort of just fling himself at Edward, he understood that wasn't the best course of action here. He reached out to touch his shoulder first, slow, then pressed in to hug him.
"I do like it." The results, he meant, however slightly muffled his voice was thanks to having pressed his face against Edward's shoulder. "And I like seeing you happy."
He'd also missed the memo about how dangerous cuccos could be. They were just round chicken dudes to him. But he was still going to treat them well; he was sure being pecked by anything with a large enough beak would hurt like hell. And besides, they didn't deserve to not be treated well. Also, they were Edward's, and so Andrew had three very good reasons to be kind to the cuccos.
He hadn't expected the inside to have more to it--it seemed bigger on the inside--and he'd genuinely thought, at a glance, that it was all coop. He was glad there was space for Edward, too, even if it was a small space. It was charming too, in its tidiness and compactness.
"This is nice," he said, looking around as he was led inside. "I'm glad you've got a little space for yourself." He had been concerned now and then, about the lack of immediate cover. It was one thing being tucked inside a car, but another to be on a motorcycle, exposed to the elements--and shit got dicey outside sometimes.
He nudged the door shut with his foot, while trying to figure out what he should actually be expecting if it might be unseemly. "What's-"
He didn't have to wonder for long, or finish his sentence. He realized now that he'd never seen anyone else shift before. He'd gone through his own a few times, of course, but that was it. This wasn't so bad--mostly because he remembered Edward telling him it didn't hurt, and Andrew could tell it really didn't. He would've preferred a lack of wet noises, but it was what it was, and it was all finished so quick it was easy to just...not focus on certain details.
Especially when the most important part was the fact Edward could shift back at all, and that he had legs again. And he was also now half-dressed, a fact that promptly had the tips of Andrew's ears flushing pink. He tried to pretend he wasn't very aware of this, even as he had a hand flung out--reacting on instinct--not touching Edward, but there in case he needed to be steadied. Andrew knew how, at least for him, the first few moments after going from more than two legs down to just two could be a bit disorienting.
"You do." No wonder Edward was in such a good mood. Andrew felt a surge of emotions, himself, his throat tightening a fraction. "How did-" He shook his head, stepping closer instead. As much as he wanted to sort of just fling himself at Edward, he understood that wasn't the best course of action here. He reached out to touch his shoulder first, slow, then pressed in to hug him.
"I do like it." The results, he meant, however slightly muffled his voice was thanks to having pressed his face against Edward's shoulder. "And I like seeing you happy."
There is a certain irony to the fact that Edward, from prim and buttoned-down 1917, is a member of the convoy more comfortable shifting in front of others. He's starting to rack up quite a list of people who have seen him transform himself, and the drama of it has started to wear away. Really, once you've been dicks-out in front of one convoy member because you just changed from a giant spider into a human being again, what's another?
That said, Andrew is the one convoy member where Edward doesn't try to cover himself immediately.
The hand out is appreciated, because in his excitement, Edward forgets that he isn't back to one hundred percent; he tries to step forward into Andrew's arms and immediately stumbles, pitching himself directly into Andrew's embrace.
"Forgive me, I'm unsteady on my feet." Unsteady on his foot would be more accurate; while Edward's right leg is in no danger of bleeding him out any longer, it's a mangled mess of scar tissue. His right foot is gone, his shin ending with a hard cap of scar tissue banded around his ankle, and the lower leg is noticeably thinner and more frail than its partner. Most of the muscle and flesh on the back of the lower leg is gone, leaving Edward with something more like a scarred rib than an actual leg. From the knee up, though, the right leg matches the left, and Edward's hips and pelvis are back in their normal configuration.
Once he has his balance back, Edward melts into Andrew's embrace, tucking Andrew's head in against his shoulder with one hand. He's even taller in his usual form than he is as a spider, and Edward would be lying if he said he didn't like being bigger than Andrew.
"I didn't think I'd miss being a man as much as I did." That is another of Edward's unique qualities in the convoy; he normally doesn't mind being a spider, and shifts between the two forms easily and without much mental stress. But being forced to stay as the spider as long as he did has given him a new appreciation for being a human being.
"Help me get to the bed?" Edward could make it on his own, by using all four arms and hoisting himself through the trailer, but then he'd have to let go of Andrew and he'd really rather not.
That said, Andrew is the one convoy member where Edward doesn't try to cover himself immediately.
The hand out is appreciated, because in his excitement, Edward forgets that he isn't back to one hundred percent; he tries to step forward into Andrew's arms and immediately stumbles, pitching himself directly into Andrew's embrace.
"Forgive me, I'm unsteady on my feet." Unsteady on his foot would be more accurate; while Edward's right leg is in no danger of bleeding him out any longer, it's a mangled mess of scar tissue. His right foot is gone, his shin ending with a hard cap of scar tissue banded around his ankle, and the lower leg is noticeably thinner and more frail than its partner. Most of the muscle and flesh on the back of the lower leg is gone, leaving Edward with something more like a scarred rib than an actual leg. From the knee up, though, the right leg matches the left, and Edward's hips and pelvis are back in their normal configuration.
Once he has his balance back, Edward melts into Andrew's embrace, tucking Andrew's head in against his shoulder with one hand. He's even taller in his usual form than he is as a spider, and Edward would be lying if he said he didn't like being bigger than Andrew.
"I didn't think I'd miss being a man as much as I did." That is another of Edward's unique qualities in the convoy; he normally doesn't mind being a spider, and shifts between the two forms easily and without much mental stress. But being forced to stay as the spider as long as he did has given him a new appreciation for being a human being.
"Help me get to the bed?" Edward could make it on his own, by using all four arms and hoisting himself through the trailer, but then he'd have to let go of Andrew and he'd really rather not.
"Don't worry about it." Especially when Andrew took a moment to get a better look at Edward's right leg. The feeling that immediately fought its way above all the others was similar to what he'd felt in the carnival, on his birthday when he'd first seen what had happened to Edward in the arenas. The anger he'd felt then resurfaced, accompanied by the desire to protect. Everything about the arenas had been cruel, but especially pulling someone back in repeatedly.
"I'm- it doesn't hurt, does it?" He didn't get the impression he did, but he'd rather be sure.
He let himself relax in Edward's arms. He was tall, the tallest person Andrew had ever been so close with, taller than when he was in his spider form. Andrew wasn't used to being the smaller one, but it was- good. Edward's arms around him were good. Right. He would've been content to stand there like that for a good while, face pressed to Edward's shoulder, just breathing.
"It's different when the choice is taken away," he said after a moment though, turning his head slightly so his voice wasn't muffled. "I don't mind turning into a dog, but I think I'd lose it if I was stuck that way for a while." He enjoyed turning into a dog, was the more accurate truth, partially because he couldn't talk in that form. But that was one of the same things that would drive him crazy if he got stuck. Or he'd just end up barking nonstop until everyone else got fed up with it. Not having hands would suck after a while, too.
"Yeah, 'course." He shifted, not to pull away, just to position himself better, so he could support Edward with his hip if and when he needed to. "Don't worry if you need to lean on me, I'm good." He could handle it. He had a little experience with helping people who needed some support walking, though for different reasons.
"I'm- it doesn't hurt, does it?" He didn't get the impression he did, but he'd rather be sure.
He let himself relax in Edward's arms. He was tall, the tallest person Andrew had ever been so close with, taller than when he was in his spider form. Andrew wasn't used to being the smaller one, but it was- good. Edward's arms around him were good. Right. He would've been content to stand there like that for a good while, face pressed to Edward's shoulder, just breathing.
"It's different when the choice is taken away," he said after a moment though, turning his head slightly so his voice wasn't muffled. "I don't mind turning into a dog, but I think I'd lose it if I was stuck that way for a while." He enjoyed turning into a dog, was the more accurate truth, partially because he couldn't talk in that form. But that was one of the same things that would drive him crazy if he got stuck. Or he'd just end up barking nonstop until everyone else got fed up with it. Not having hands would suck after a while, too.
"Yeah, 'course." He shifted, not to pull away, just to position himself better, so he could support Edward with his hip if and when he needed to. "Don't worry if you need to lean on me, I'm good." He could handle it. He had a little experience with helping people who needed some support walking, though for different reasons.
Edward can't find it in himself to be angry about his leg anymore. Perhaps that anger will resurface later, but for now, he's too happy to have it, and this form, back. It helps that he lost the leg through his own actions, his own choices; it wasn't stolen from him. This would also be considered something of a lucky wound, during the war. It isn't completely debilitating or life-threatening, but it would get him summarily sent home and honourably discharged.
"No, there's no pain. Heat healed me." As much as he could, anyway, and for that, Edward will be supplying Heat and Serph with a regular supply of web-caught food. "Donnie is making a prosthetic for the spider leg. I'm going to ask if it's possible to make one that shifts between forms with me, that I can use for both legs."
It sounds impossibly complicated to him, but Edward is confident Donnie will, at the very least, enjoy the challenge.
"It is." On that, they can both agree, and Edward combs a hand through Andrew's hair before stopping behind one of his ears and playfully scratching at him. "I still haven't seen you as a dog."
Edward likes dogs, and he misses having them around. He's not sure how to ask if Andrew would like playing fetch when he's a dog, but Edward would certainly enjoy it. He also likes the idea of finding somewhere peaceful to simply cuddle with Andrew in his dog form. Nothing sexual or untoward, just peacefully napping with one or more arms around him.
"Thank you." Edward leans a good part of his weight on Andrew, and uses his hands on the other side to further support himself. "Without two feet, my vibrations don't go out as far as before. This must be what it feels like when someone misplaces their spectacles."
Fortunately, the trailer isn't that big, and it only takes a few steps to get to the bed. Once they're there, Edward turns on Andrew and grabs him with all four arms before falling backwards onto the bed, trying to drag Andrew with him and over himself.
"No, there's no pain. Heat healed me." As much as he could, anyway, and for that, Edward will be supplying Heat and Serph with a regular supply of web-caught food. "Donnie is making a prosthetic for the spider leg. I'm going to ask if it's possible to make one that shifts between forms with me, that I can use for both legs."
It sounds impossibly complicated to him, but Edward is confident Donnie will, at the very least, enjoy the challenge.
"It is." On that, they can both agree, and Edward combs a hand through Andrew's hair before stopping behind one of his ears and playfully scratching at him. "I still haven't seen you as a dog."
Edward likes dogs, and he misses having them around. He's not sure how to ask if Andrew would like playing fetch when he's a dog, but Edward would certainly enjoy it. He also likes the idea of finding somewhere peaceful to simply cuddle with Andrew in his dog form. Nothing sexual or untoward, just peacefully napping with one or more arms around him.
"Thank you." Edward leans a good part of his weight on Andrew, and uses his hands on the other side to further support himself. "Without two feet, my vibrations don't go out as far as before. This must be what it feels like when someone misplaces their spectacles."
Fortunately, the trailer isn't that big, and it only takes a few steps to get to the bed. Once they're there, Edward turns on Andrew and grabs him with all four arms before falling backwards onto the bed, trying to drag Andrew with him and over himself.
"Okay. Good." He didn't know who Heat was--and it took him a moment to parse that as a name--but he was glad they'd been able to help. "I met Donnie. He mentioned he was working on your prosthetic." He wasn't sure how in the world a prosthetic that changed with someone would work, but he also thought Donnie would appreciate the challenge. It seemed like something he would enjoy, from the little bit they'd talked.
Oh no. What did it say about him that he enjoyed that playful scratching--a lot. He decided he didn't care what it said, even if his ears flushed again. "I'll show you sometime." He hadn't been putting it off; there just hadn't been a time that felt good for it. The carnival had been stressful, and then it'd taken Andrew a while to unwind from all of that. But he did want to show Edward his dog form.
He always seemed to have a ton of energy in his dog form, so far, but maybe that was because he hadn't properly worked it out yet. Playing fetch would no doubt help a lot, and dog-Andrew would love the hell out of it. And sweet cozy nap-time cuddles sounded like one of the best things in the world. Dog form or not.
Andrew huffed out a soft laugh. "Yeah, probably." He'd definitely seen Riley hold things two inches from his face on occasion without his glasses or contacts, so he imagined this was similar to that sort of thing.
It was easy maneuvering, both despite of and thanks to the small space, and when they were there, he couldn't say he didn't expect Edward pulling him down with him. Andrew let him, laughing as he went. He tried to make sure he wouldn't accidentally catch Edward with a stray elbow or knee, otherwise just letting himself be pulled along and then settling against him.
Oh no. What did it say about him that he enjoyed that playful scratching--a lot. He decided he didn't care what it said, even if his ears flushed again. "I'll show you sometime." He hadn't been putting it off; there just hadn't been a time that felt good for it. The carnival had been stressful, and then it'd taken Andrew a while to unwind from all of that. But he did want to show Edward his dog form.
He always seemed to have a ton of energy in his dog form, so far, but maybe that was because he hadn't properly worked it out yet. Playing fetch would no doubt help a lot, and dog-Andrew would love the hell out of it. And sweet cozy nap-time cuddles sounded like one of the best things in the world. Dog form or not.
Andrew huffed out a soft laugh. "Yeah, probably." He'd definitely seen Riley hold things two inches from his face on occasion without his glasses or contacts, so he imagined this was similar to that sort of thing.
It was easy maneuvering, both despite of and thanks to the small space, and when they were there, he couldn't say he didn't expect Edward pulling him down with him. Andrew let him, laughing as he went. He tried to make sure he wouldn't accidentally catch Edward with a stray elbow or knee, otherwise just letting himself be pulled along and then settling against him.
"Donnie is a great kid." The simple affection in Edward's voice beams through; it's clear that he holds Donnie in high esteem. "I need to check in with him soon for another fitting."
Once they're both on the bed, Edward rolls onto his side, curling around Andrew and slotting his knees behind his. From here, he can press his lips to the back of Andrew's neck and pull him in with two arms.
"I used to dream of being able to do this with someone." He murmurs it against Andrew's neck as he seeks out one of his hands, to twine their fingers together. "I never thought I'd have the chance."
Yes, one of his kinkiest dreams was being able to be the big spoon. Don't judge, it was 1917.
"Would you like to spend the night tonight?"
Once they're both on the bed, Edward rolls onto his side, curling around Andrew and slotting his knees behind his. From here, he can press his lips to the back of Andrew's neck and pull him in with two arms.
"I used to dream of being able to do this with someone." He murmurs it against Andrew's neck as he seeks out one of his hands, to twine their fingers together. "I never thought I'd have the chance."
Yes, one of his kinkiest dreams was being able to be the big spoon. Don't judge, it was 1917.
"Would you like to spend the night tonight?"
"He seemed cool, yeah." Even though part of their interaction had been awkward, it wasn't something he'd fault either of them for--or at least, not Donnie. Donnie had kept things from getting even more awkward, and Andrew had appreciated that. He could see why Edward was fond of the guy.
There was no force in the universe that could've stopped Andrew from melting when Edward tucked in behind him. If he was being completely honest, he loved being the little spoon, loved being held close. He took a breath, slow and deep, closing his eyes as Edward kissed the back of his neck and took his hand.
He wasn't judging, not in the slightest. Andrew had never thought he'd have the chance for this; feeling so whole and light and affectionate. Happy.
"Have I ever told you you're very sweet?" he asked, giving Edward's hand a gentle squeeze. He genuinely couldn't remember, but even if he had, he'd say it again.
"Yes." He didn't care if he sounded incredibly eager about spending the night; he was. "I don't remember the last time I had a good night." Even when he'd been exhausted, sleep hadn't been his friend. There had been too many things on his mind, too many fears, nightmares that he jerked awake from in a quiet panic. The nightmares were less frequent now, at least.
"And I..." Oh, fuck words. "I'd like to spend as many nights here with you as you want me to."
There was no force in the universe that could've stopped Andrew from melting when Edward tucked in behind him. If he was being completely honest, he loved being the little spoon, loved being held close. He took a breath, slow and deep, closing his eyes as Edward kissed the back of his neck and took his hand.
He wasn't judging, not in the slightest. Andrew had never thought he'd have the chance for this; feeling so whole and light and affectionate. Happy.
"Have I ever told you you're very sweet?" he asked, giving Edward's hand a gentle squeeze. He genuinely couldn't remember, but even if he had, he'd say it again.
"Yes." He didn't care if he sounded incredibly eager about spending the night; he was. "I don't remember the last time I had a good night." Even when he'd been exhausted, sleep hadn't been his friend. There had been too many things on his mind, too many fears, nightmares that he jerked awake from in a quiet panic. The nightmares were less frequent now, at least.
"And I..." Oh, fuck words. "I'd like to spend as many nights here with you as you want me to."
"You may have mentioned it a time or two." Edward nuzzles into the spot where Andrew's neck meets his shoulder. "But I certainly won't stop you from saying it again."
The eagerness in Andrew's voice is wonderful; it soothes nerves Edward had been barely aware he'd had. Without intending to, he opens up the vibrations so Andrew can see them. The golden flowers are back, spreading from Edward's chest and curling around Andrew's torso, but this time, they're accompanied by a rich, peacock teal glow that surrounds both of them. It's a bit thinner at their extremities, but they're cocooned in its warmth, and the glow pulsates faintly with the rhythm of their heartbeats.
"I don't always sleep well either." Sharp, electric yellow spikes of anxiety spring from the back of Edward's head when he admits that. Too many years on the front, too many horrible things he witnessed and took part in. "But I think I'll sleep easier if you're there."
The anxiety spikes fade away when Andrew says he wants to stay. Edward doesn't answer right immediately; instead, he traces a line of kisses across the back of Andrew's neck and down his shoulder. They leave pale pink lip prints in the vibrations that slowly fade away.
"I would like that." Edward chuckles quietly. "Although if we're going to be sharing space, we may need a bigger trailer. Perhaps something the Hellcat could pull."
Outside, there's a distant, irritated honk. No, the Hellcat will not be pulling trailers! Then a higher pitched horn chimes in, beeping repeatedly and excitedly, which makes Edward laugh again.
"It sounds like the vehicles are getting along."
The eagerness in Andrew's voice is wonderful; it soothes nerves Edward had been barely aware he'd had. Without intending to, he opens up the vibrations so Andrew can see them. The golden flowers are back, spreading from Edward's chest and curling around Andrew's torso, but this time, they're accompanied by a rich, peacock teal glow that surrounds both of them. It's a bit thinner at their extremities, but they're cocooned in its warmth, and the glow pulsates faintly with the rhythm of their heartbeats.
"I don't always sleep well either." Sharp, electric yellow spikes of anxiety spring from the back of Edward's head when he admits that. Too many years on the front, too many horrible things he witnessed and took part in. "But I think I'll sleep easier if you're there."
The anxiety spikes fade away when Andrew says he wants to stay. Edward doesn't answer right immediately; instead, he traces a line of kisses across the back of Andrew's neck and down his shoulder. They leave pale pink lip prints in the vibrations that slowly fade away.
"I would like that." Edward chuckles quietly. "Although if we're going to be sharing space, we may need a bigger trailer. Perhaps something the Hellcat could pull."
Outside, there's a distant, irritated honk. No, the Hellcat will not be pulling trailers! Then a higher pitched horn chimes in, beeping repeatedly and excitedly, which makes Edward laugh again.
"It sounds like the vehicles are getting along."
"Good." Both that he'd said it before, and that Edward didn't mind hearing it some more. Maybe even liked hearing it.
The vibrations still never ceased to be mesmerizing, especially now that they had color. He liked the golden flowers, and the rich teal that accompanied them--he wondered what that meant, the new color. He tucked aside the question for a moment when he saw those yellow electric spikes. Anxiety was a very good word (spot on, honestly) for the things Andrew felt, himself, but that he never really acknowledged and certainly never put a name to. He just knew he got overwhelmed sometimes, refused to deal with certain things or situations, and he knew, in a way, it was connected to his firm monthly limit on difficult conversations. He understood anxiety.
"I think I will, too," he said. He'd never liked waking up alone in the dark, trying to figure out if he'd only been dreaming or if there was a real threat. It was harder to quiet his thoughts, to keep from thinking about things he didn't want to unbox in the middle of the night. And he didn't think he was the only one. "We'll chase away the dark for each other." Even if it was something as simple as being curled up together in the same bed. It meant a whole lot more to him than just something simple.
His skin tingled with warmth with every kiss against the back of his neck and shoulder, and he smiled when he saw the way they showed up in the vibrations. He hadn't been sure if it was too much to say he'd happily climb into bed with Edward every night he was welcome to, but he was glad it wasn't. The idea of the Hellcat pulling a trailer was both silly and wholesome, but before he could finish formulating his opinion on it, he heard all the honking outside, and he couldn't help but laugh, too.
"Maybe, yeah. You think some of that noise means one of 'em's excited about the idea of trailer buddies?" One of them definitely did not sound excited, but.
The vibrations still never ceased to be mesmerizing, especially now that they had color. He liked the golden flowers, and the rich teal that accompanied them--he wondered what that meant, the new color. He tucked aside the question for a moment when he saw those yellow electric spikes. Anxiety was a very good word (spot on, honestly) for the things Andrew felt, himself, but that he never really acknowledged and certainly never put a name to. He just knew he got overwhelmed sometimes, refused to deal with certain things or situations, and he knew, in a way, it was connected to his firm monthly limit on difficult conversations. He understood anxiety.
"I think I will, too," he said. He'd never liked waking up alone in the dark, trying to figure out if he'd only been dreaming or if there was a real threat. It was harder to quiet his thoughts, to keep from thinking about things he didn't want to unbox in the middle of the night. And he didn't think he was the only one. "We'll chase away the dark for each other." Even if it was something as simple as being curled up together in the same bed. It meant a whole lot more to him than just something simple.
His skin tingled with warmth with every kiss against the back of his neck and shoulder, and he smiled when he saw the way they showed up in the vibrations. He hadn't been sure if it was too much to say he'd happily climb into bed with Edward every night he was welcome to, but he was glad it wasn't. The idea of the Hellcat pulling a trailer was both silly and wholesome, but before he could finish formulating his opinion on it, he heard all the honking outside, and he couldn't help but laugh, too.
"Maybe, yeah. You think some of that noise means one of 'em's excited about the idea of trailer buddies?" One of them definitely did not sound excited, but.
"I like the sounds of that." Edward smiles against Andrew's shoulder. "We can be each other's guardians against the bad dreams."
He shifts, rearranging himself to get more comfortable. The bed is fairly bare, with only one thin pillow and a pair of blankets. It was all Edward could carry on the motorcycle alone, and it was suitable when he was sleeping alone in his tent. Now though, with two of them and a dedicated space, Edward will be on the prowl for blankets and pillows. He might not be part bird like some of his friends, but the nesting instinct is strong all the same.
"I know my bike is excited about being back in use." More high-pitched honking from outside, accompanied by the sounds of what is probably a very irritating bike driving enthusiastic donuts around the Hellcat. "I'll apologise to the Hellcat later. I'm sure it's making itself a nuisance."
But the vehicles can wait. One of Edward's hands--not the usual suspect of the second left hand, but a different one--moves along Andrew's ribs to the space where his shirt meets the top of his jeans. Edward slips his hand under Andrew's shirt and over his skin, pressing it flat against his lower abdomen before lightly tugging him backwards. Spooning is great and all, and he has plans to spoon the hell out of Andrew tonight and for as many nights afterward as they're granted, but Edward has his legs and all other equipment back, and he'd like to see what they can do with a partner. He's not fully erect, but what he pulls Andrew back onto isn't entirely flaccid either.
He shifts, rearranging himself to get more comfortable. The bed is fairly bare, with only one thin pillow and a pair of blankets. It was all Edward could carry on the motorcycle alone, and it was suitable when he was sleeping alone in his tent. Now though, with two of them and a dedicated space, Edward will be on the prowl for blankets and pillows. He might not be part bird like some of his friends, but the nesting instinct is strong all the same.
"I know my bike is excited about being back in use." More high-pitched honking from outside, accompanied by the sounds of what is probably a very irritating bike driving enthusiastic donuts around the Hellcat. "I'll apologise to the Hellcat later. I'm sure it's making itself a nuisance."
But the vehicles can wait. One of Edward's hands--not the usual suspect of the second left hand, but a different one--moves along Andrew's ribs to the space where his shirt meets the top of his jeans. Edward slips his hand under Andrew's shirt and over his skin, pressing it flat against his lower abdomen before lightly tugging him backwards. Spooning is great and all, and he has plans to spoon the hell out of Andrew tonight and for as many nights afterward as they're granted, but Edward has his legs and all other equipment back, and he'd like to see what they can do with a partner. He's not fully erect, but what he pulls Andrew back onto isn't entirely flaccid either.
It did sound nice. "Yeah." He smiled, too, soft and warm.
The bed might have been pretty bare, but it was better than where Andrew had been sleeping most of the time he'd been here, which had been the backseat of the Hellcat. He hadn't even had a pillow, just a wadded up shirt and all the kinks in his neck to go with the strange positions he'd fall asleep in. This was vastly more comfortable, already.
"Sounds like it," he agreed. He was glad the motorcycle was in better spirits. "I'm sure she'll forgive you. She likes you." He wasn't sure at what point he'd made that sort of distinction with the Hellcat, but he did know he was far from the first, especially when it came to guys who modded and raced.
While he'd managed to completely forget about asking about the teal color, he had not quite forgotten other things. But he'd never turn down a nice little reminder, like Edward's hand sliding under his shirt to tug him backwards. Andrew's attention promptly split, half of it lingering on Edward's hand and the other various points of contact between them, the other half very focused on the feeling of Edward's dick. His breath caught and he pressed back, one hand reaching for Edward's hip, to touch for the sake of it, to encourage.
Andrew's interest was immediate, quicker than he would have expected, and he was reminded of the at-least-half-a-dozen things that had gone through his head on his birthday. The sort of things he'd wanted, that had sent his pulse surging while he'd just been thinking of them. He just had to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth so he could say something about anything.
"Yeah, I- yeah." Well...it was a start. It wasn't so much that he had trouble vocalizing his wants, but that he had trouble pinning those wants down and getting them into a shape he knew how to put into words. Decisions were sometimes one of those things he had trouble with, but that didn't mean he wanted any less, or was any less eager. "Got a lot of ideas about that, things we could do."
The bed might have been pretty bare, but it was better than where Andrew had been sleeping most of the time he'd been here, which had been the backseat of the Hellcat. He hadn't even had a pillow, just a wadded up shirt and all the kinks in his neck to go with the strange positions he'd fall asleep in. This was vastly more comfortable, already.
"Sounds like it," he agreed. He was glad the motorcycle was in better spirits. "I'm sure she'll forgive you. She likes you." He wasn't sure at what point he'd made that sort of distinction with the Hellcat, but he did know he was far from the first, especially when it came to guys who modded and raced.
While he'd managed to completely forget about asking about the teal color, he had not quite forgotten other things. But he'd never turn down a nice little reminder, like Edward's hand sliding under his shirt to tug him backwards. Andrew's attention promptly split, half of it lingering on Edward's hand and the other various points of contact between them, the other half very focused on the feeling of Edward's dick. His breath caught and he pressed back, one hand reaching for Edward's hip, to touch for the sake of it, to encourage.
Andrew's interest was immediate, quicker than he would have expected, and he was reminded of the at-least-half-a-dozen things that had gone through his head on his birthday. The sort of things he'd wanted, that had sent his pulse surging while he'd just been thinking of them. He just had to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth so he could say something about anything.
"Yeah, I- yeah." Well...it was a start. It wasn't so much that he had trouble vocalizing his wants, but that he had trouble pinning those wants down and getting them into a shape he knew how to put into words. Decisions were sometimes one of those things he had trouble with, but that didn't mean he wanted any less, or was any less eager. "Got a lot of ideas about that, things we could do."
The Hellcat is feminine now? That doesn't surprise Edward in the slightest. Ships are always named after women, so it makes sense that cars would be feminine as well. "I like her too. She's a fine car."
And if you'd told him six months ago that one of his friends would be a car, Edward wouldn't have believed you, but here they are.
He can feel the change in Andrew's posture, the sudden tension running through his muscles. When he presses back and touches Edward's hip, bright pink sparks start running through the teal glow. They flit and run like tiny fish in a stream, excited and inquisitive, eager for whatever comes next. He mouthes at the back of Andrew's neck, pulling him back harder, and that has Edward springing to full mast, pressing against the back of Andrew's denims.
Edward does stop when Andrew speaks, his grip loosening as he waits to see what he has to say. The vibration fish start swimming again, more eagerly than before, when Andrew says he has some ideas.
"Do you?" Edward shifts, propping himself on one elbow and gently tugging Andrew onto his back. From here, the hand in Andrew's shirt moves up, exploring the muscles of his chest, while the other hand on that side reaches towards his face, tracing its thumb over his lower lip. "I'd love to hear them, because I have to admit, I am shooting in the dark with this."
He will bow before Andrew's more modern, more experienced wisdom.
And if you'd told him six months ago that one of his friends would be a car, Edward wouldn't have believed you, but here they are.
He can feel the change in Andrew's posture, the sudden tension running through his muscles. When he presses back and touches Edward's hip, bright pink sparks start running through the teal glow. They flit and run like tiny fish in a stream, excited and inquisitive, eager for whatever comes next. He mouthes at the back of Andrew's neck, pulling him back harder, and that has Edward springing to full mast, pressing against the back of Andrew's denims.
Edward does stop when Andrew speaks, his grip loosening as he waits to see what he has to say. The vibration fish start swimming again, more eagerly than before, when Andrew says he has some ideas.
"Do you?" Edward shifts, propping himself on one elbow and gently tugging Andrew onto his back. From here, the hand in Andrew's shirt moves up, exploring the muscles of his chest, while the other hand on that side reaches towards his face, tracing its thumb over his lower lip. "I'd love to hear them, because I have to admit, I am shooting in the dark with this."
He will bow before Andrew's more modern, more experienced wisdom.
"Yeah." And he was glad, charmed, even, that the Hellcat liked Edward, and vice versa.
If someone had told Andrew even last month he'd be glad about a motorcycle being in a better mood, he never would have believed it, either. But he couldn't say he minded, even with as silly as it was sometimes. He was pretty sure plenty of jokes had been made about how people would bond with anything. Like roombas.
The vibration fish snagged part of his attention for a moment, but not so much that he wasn't still acutely aware of everything else, a low groan rising in the back of his throat. It didn't take much to scatter his thoughts--and all the ideas--like papers in the wind. He had to chase them down and pull them all back, while he tried--and mostly failed--to resist the urge to tip his face into Edward's hand.
"I know the feeling." He was a little shy, was what he really meant. He might not have had much experience with men, but he still had experience, and he was figuring--hoping--some things weren't actually all that different. "There's a lot I haven't done, but I know what I want, and some things I like." He couldn't say he knew every thing he liked, because he didn't, but. "I thought we could go from there, figure out things we both like along the way." Mostly by doing things, he figured, and taking note of what felt good.
He paused for a moment, tipping his head to gently catch Edward's thumb between his teeth. It was the lightest of nips, and he held it for a second or two before letting go. "I've wanted to get my mouth on you for a while." Since his birthday, but it hadn't been an option then. So he'd waited. Quiet. Patient. While knowing he'd have no idea what he was doing, but remaining determined all the same.
"I want to suck you off. Or...we can do anything that sounds good to you." He had other ideas rattling around, though a few had some...logistical issues he hadn't worked out yet, such as his current lack of lube. But he had yet others where that wasn't a hurdle.
If someone had told Andrew even last month he'd be glad about a motorcycle being in a better mood, he never would have believed it, either. But he couldn't say he minded, even with as silly as it was sometimes. He was pretty sure plenty of jokes had been made about how people would bond with anything. Like roombas.
The vibration fish snagged part of his attention for a moment, but not so much that he wasn't still acutely aware of everything else, a low groan rising in the back of his throat. It didn't take much to scatter his thoughts--and all the ideas--like papers in the wind. He had to chase them down and pull them all back, while he tried--and mostly failed--to resist the urge to tip his face into Edward's hand.
"I know the feeling." He was a little shy, was what he really meant. He might not have had much experience with men, but he still had experience, and he was figuring--hoping--some things weren't actually all that different. "There's a lot I haven't done, but I know what I want, and some things I like." He couldn't say he knew every thing he liked, because he didn't, but. "I thought we could go from there, figure out things we both like along the way." Mostly by doing things, he figured, and taking note of what felt good.
He paused for a moment, tipping his head to gently catch Edward's thumb between his teeth. It was the lightest of nips, and he held it for a second or two before letting go. "I've wanted to get my mouth on you for a while." Since his birthday, but it hadn't been an option then. So he'd waited. Quiet. Patient. While knowing he'd have no idea what he was doing, but remaining determined all the same.
"I want to suck you off. Or...we can do anything that sounds good to you." He had other ideas rattling around, though a few had some...logistical issues he hadn't worked out yet, such as his current lack of lube. But he had yet others where that wasn't a hurdle.
Edward smiles when Andrew explains himself, and nods in agreement. He assumes his own experience is less than Andrew's--his views on what people are like in the future may be slightly askew, based on who he's met in the convoy--and he's happy to follow Andrew's guidance. He can't really imagine asking explicitly for what he wants, at least not yet, but perhaps, with guidance and encouragement, he'll learn how to do that. It was difficult enough asking Andrew if he wanted to spend the night.
The excitement fish brighten and sparkle when Andrew holds his thumb between his teeth. Edward doesn't mind the nip at all; he's tracing Andrew's lower lip with his fingertips and considering trying to dip his fingertips into Andrew's mouth when Andrew makes his announcement about wanting to get his mouth on him.
Edward freezes; if he weren't sharing the vibrations, and if that warm teal glow hadn't suddenly exploded into bright pink excitement, it would almost seem like he's frightened. Then he full-body shudders, instinctively thrusting his hips forward and pressing what is now a fully excited and erect dick against Andrew's hip. "God, yes."
Very enthusiastic consent granted!
Edward ducks his head then to kiss Andrew, wet and hungry, half-rolling on top of him and pressing him into the mattress. His fingertips linger near the corner of Andrew's mouth, brushing against the crease of his lips.
The excitement fish brighten and sparkle when Andrew holds his thumb between his teeth. Edward doesn't mind the nip at all; he's tracing Andrew's lower lip with his fingertips and considering trying to dip his fingertips into Andrew's mouth when Andrew makes his announcement about wanting to get his mouth on him.
Edward freezes; if he weren't sharing the vibrations, and if that warm teal glow hadn't suddenly exploded into bright pink excitement, it would almost seem like he's frightened. Then he full-body shudders, instinctively thrusting his hips forward and pressing what is now a fully excited and erect dick against Andrew's hip. "God, yes."
Very enthusiastic consent granted!
Edward ducks his head then to kiss Andrew, wet and hungry, half-rolling on top of him and pressing him into the mattress. His fingertips linger near the corner of Andrew's mouth, brushing against the crease of his lips.
Similarly, Andrew was a bit shy about things like asking for what he wanted. It was an awful lot of direct words for someone who frequently found words to be difficult. He wouldn't press Edward about things that were difficult for him to talk about or ask for, but guidance and encouragement and gentle positive reinforcement were all things Andrew thought genuinely helpful. And things that were helpful for him, too. A little encouragement and positive reinforcement went a long way with his confidence and comfort.
He was two seconds away from saying something about Edward's fingers when Edward froze. For the briefest half a second, Andrew felt a small spike of uncertainty--which evaporated in the next breath as the vibrations exploded into bright pink, clearly a positive reaction. For a moment, he melted with his relief, but then he couldn't help but chuckle, fond and pleased and charmed all by Edward's enthusiastic response. It felt a little like winning the lotto, suggesting something he'd had on his mind for weeks and having it met with such eagerness. With the added bonus of feeling Edward's erection against his hip.
He only managed to stop smiling when it was so he could kiss Edward back, curling an arm around his shoulders. He'd save his warning for how he might not be particularly good at things, seeing as how it would be his first time, for a little closer to that. For now, he focused on kissing--and a little something else.
"You can put your fingers in my mouth," he murmured in between kisses, "I'd like that." And Edward seemed to be pondering if Andrew would be alright with that, himself, so he figured it was the best move to make his thoughts on the matter clear.
He was two seconds away from saying something about Edward's fingers when Edward froze. For the briefest half a second, Andrew felt a small spike of uncertainty--which evaporated in the next breath as the vibrations exploded into bright pink, clearly a positive reaction. For a moment, he melted with his relief, but then he couldn't help but chuckle, fond and pleased and charmed all by Edward's enthusiastic response. It felt a little like winning the lotto, suggesting something he'd had on his mind for weeks and having it met with such eagerness. With the added bonus of feeling Edward's erection against his hip.
He only managed to stop smiling when it was so he could kiss Edward back, curling an arm around his shoulders. He'd save his warning for how he might not be particularly good at things, seeing as how it would be his first time, for a little closer to that. For now, he focused on kissing--and a little something else.
"You can put your fingers in my mouth," he murmured in between kisses, "I'd like that." And Edward seemed to be pondering if Andrew would be alright with that, himself, so he figured it was the best move to make his thoughts on the matter clear.
Edward has certainly noticed how Andrew responds to positive reinforcement. It's why he's still sharing the vibrations right now; with anyone else, that bright pink explosion would have embarrassed him half to death and he'd have shut them down. But he knows Andrew likes seeing them, and that he probably likes knowing exactly how he's affecting Edward.
He makes a soft, affirming hum against Andrew's lips, letting a kiss linger before pulling back. He traces Andrew's lower lip with his fingers again, then Edward shyly slides two of them over Andrew's lip and into his mouth. As much as the idea turns him on, Edward has no idea how this is going to work in practice, and he'll be very much following Andrew's lead.
"Like this?"
He makes a soft, affirming hum against Andrew's lips, letting a kiss linger before pulling back. He traces Andrew's lower lip with his fingers again, then Edward shyly slides two of them over Andrew's lip and into his mouth. As much as the idea turns him on, Edward has no idea how this is going to work in practice, and he'll be very much following Andrew's lead.
"Like this?"
Andrew appreciated the shared vibrations, genuinely; they helped soothe his nerves. He also would deeply understand being embarrassed by the bright explosion, while at the same time, he wouldn't even be able to fathom the idea of doing something like teasing Edward about them. Sharing the vibrations with him felt like something special, something he was always delighted by. And yeah, he did like knowing exactly how he was affecting Edward, too.
His heart skipped, pulse surging for a moment, when Edward slid his fingers into his mouth. Andrew couldn't exactly verbally respond, but he thought he could get his answer across in other ways. He pressed his tongue to the pads of Edward's fingers, before sucking on them, slow but with intent. It was something like a preview of what he wanted to do when he was able to get his mouth on other parts of Edward, and maybe a little something like practice.
But he also just really enjoyed this, his eyes closing for a moment, lashes fluttering against his cheeks. He groaned, low in the back of his throat, one hand pressed between Edward's shoulders, his other coming up to snag the side of his shirt.
His heart skipped, pulse surging for a moment, when Edward slid his fingers into his mouth. Andrew couldn't exactly verbally respond, but he thought he could get his answer across in other ways. He pressed his tongue to the pads of Edward's fingers, before sucking on them, slow but with intent. It was something like a preview of what he wanted to do when he was able to get his mouth on other parts of Edward, and maybe a little something like practice.
But he also just really enjoyed this, his eyes closing for a moment, lashes fluttering against his cheeks. He groaned, low in the back of his throat, one hand pressed between Edward's shoulders, his other coming up to snag the side of his shirt.
So far, Edward has only shown the vibrations to a few people, and Andrew is the only one to see them more than once. His delight and enjoyment of them encourage Edward to keep sharing; it's also helpful sometimes to just let the vibrations do the talking, so Edward doesn't have to try and explain or verbalise what's going on with him.
When Edward first pressed his fingers into Andrew's mouth, a few of those yellow anxiety spikes sprung back into the pink glow, but they dissolve into nothingness when Andrew starts sucking on him. No one has ever done this before, to either his finger or anything else, and Edward's mind starts whirling with ideas about all the other places Andrew could put his mouth. He sucks in a soft, pleased breath, and a deep red starts blooming in the vibrations, spreading out from Edward's hips.
Well. It's not as if he was fooling anyone anyway.
Edward twines one of his other hands through Andrew's hair, getting a good fistful before giving it a long, slow tug. As he does, he dips his head downward to trace kisses along Andrew's collarbone and neck. The hand under Andrew's shirt finds one of his nipples and gives it an experimental tweak.
When Edward first pressed his fingers into Andrew's mouth, a few of those yellow anxiety spikes sprung back into the pink glow, but they dissolve into nothingness when Andrew starts sucking on him. No one has ever done this before, to either his finger or anything else, and Edward's mind starts whirling with ideas about all the other places Andrew could put his mouth. He sucks in a soft, pleased breath, and a deep red starts blooming in the vibrations, spreading out from Edward's hips.
Well. It's not as if he was fooling anyone anyway.
Edward twines one of his other hands through Andrew's hair, getting a good fistful before giving it a long, slow tug. As he does, he dips his head downward to trace kisses along Andrew's collarbone and neck. The hand under Andrew's shirt finds one of his nipples and gives it an experimental tweak.
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