They’re a few hours into a party at the clubhouse. Things aren’t starting to wind down yet, but they could be soon. Ed is a little bit stoned and about half a case of sparkling water deep. Sometimes he wishes he still drank. If he were buzzed he probably wouldn’t be standing here secretly fretting.
Everyone’s inside or around front, leaving Ed and Izzy as the only two still out back talking. He’s starting to catch the vibe Izzy might be heading out soon, but Ed made up his mind hours ago he’s not letting that happen without doing what he’s endlessly thought of doing for weeks now.
“Iz.” Ed rests his palm flat against Izzy’s chest, tries not to let his nerves show through as he leans in close enough to murmur into his ear, “Am I gonna have to wait the rest of my life for you to kiss me, or what?”
Izzy's not usually one for parties. He doesn't know how the fuck to relax, he doesn't like to drink and be off his guard, he doesn't like to be social with any more than a select few. But Edward is good at tempting him, because somehow, he always ends up at his parties anyway.
It's been a fair night anyway. He'd been able to hide away in the corner for a good while before Ed had dragged him into the action, and it's getting late enough now that it's just the two of them. Izzy's sat up on a table, idly kicking his feet, mostly letting Ed lead the conversation with the occasional comment to encourage him onward.
And then, because Ed's a fucking prick, he decides to abruptly change topics to the worst fucking one, talking like . . . like he cares. Like he wants like Izzy does, but Izzy knows that's not true. He knows he has a thing for Ed and after so many years, he knows it's unrequited. Sometimes, though . . . sometimes Ed seems almost willing, but Izzy's not sure he could handle no strings with him. If it's anything at all, Ed probably just wants to fuck him, and he doubts it's even that.
Still, Izzy's heart starts beating faster and he hopes Ed can't feel it through his shirt, with his hand . . . fuck, he shouldn't be so fucking done over a hand on his chest, but he feels almost dizzy with every touch Ed ever offers him, and this one, in this moment, isn't an exception. Izzy snorts softly, tilting his chin away, hoping the shadowed night will hide the intricacies of his expression.
" Real funny, Edward, " Izzy mutters, nudging him away with the bottle in his hand - also sparkling water, half-empty. His chest feels half-empty too, hollow. It's not funny at all. " Just 'cause it looks like a rom-com doesn't mean you have to make it one. "