#edphrey

This merely had the unintended result of giving Edward a more keen eye towards the men in his vicinity. Of course, he had control over these desires, especially since many of his guests were hardly appealing in either appearance, nor manners.

But it was upon age 30 that it seemed everything crumbled. He was no longer burdened by the weight of his parents watchful eyes boring into him, judging his every move as he had now inherited the estate, sealed with a ring and a vow. Yet, as the wedding party was near half concluded, his eyes made contact with the most hypnotic hazel gaze just a few feet next to him. The ballroom, packed with inebriated guests suddenly felt empty as though it was just him and this young man who occupied the massive hall.

Beautiful brown eyes, short dark brown curls that fell just at his ears, soft cheeks, caramel complexion, a perfectly tailored emerald green frock coat that complimented his figure perfectly. He smiled warmly with half-lidded eyes and Edward swore he could feel his heart flutter. The nameless man looked down at Edward’s hand and calmly grasped it. He had no idea where this was going but he was blushing all the same.

“Wh-what’re you-?” He started, then noticed the curly haired man seemingly inspecting something.

“Hm. Yes, your ring does look quite nice…-”. Edward didn’t even realize that hand had his ring on it until it was too late and he just stood there, eyes wide, frozen in horror as the beautiful man snatched it right off him and casually placed it onto his own then looked back at him with a playful smirk. “-It looks better on me though!” He snickered. The groom was completely dumbfounded, jaw agape as his blush of attraction quickly turned to that of embarrassment and fury. “You charlatan! Return my ring!” He demanded. For some…bizarre reason Edward couldn’t fathom at the time, the young man seemed to take this as a command to start running because he glanced back at him one last time with a dumb grin then sprinted into the crowd, Edward immediately following suit. “What’re you, 12??!” The groom hissed angrily while they ducked and dodged and narrowly avoided various guests.

Eventually the curly haired man, ran out onto the balcony, cornering himself as he peered over the ledge to see the courtyard and lavish garden below. He briefly contemplated whether the rose bushes would break his fall should he attempt to jump but his train of thought was interrupted by an out of breath yet still very smug, Edward Hayes.

“AHA! Finally! I’ve caught you! Nowhere left to run!” He confidently declared. The ring thief looked at him blankly for a second then decided to start laying on the theatrics, leaning back against the railing with one arm draped dramatically over his eyes and his free hand clutching his chest as though his heart were “breaking”.

“Oh NO! I’ve been caught! And as you have said, I have nowhere to flee! Oh woe is me!”

“You’re mocking me.” Edward said bluntly, his former triumphant smirk now a deadpan glare of annoyance.

“I would never! It is the truth as you say; I’m caught, and I’m all yours~.” His expression shifted from faux shock and offense to a half-lidded gaze that pierced his with an undeniably seductive smirk. Edward’s eyes widened for a moment as his blush returned and his mind raced. He quickly collected himself, turned around, confusing the other man initially, until he noticed him closing the doors, effectively shutting them outside from the dining hall and providing some privacy on the balcony where at least nobody would hear them.

“I don’t believe I caught your name.” The groom said, turning away from the now closed doors and approaching the short haired man still leaning nonchalantly against the railing. He was provided with a fond smile as the moon above seemed to illuminate him in a way that washed away any former ill will he previously harbored towards him prior.

“It’s Humphrey. Humphrey Pendleton.”

“Humphrey.” Edward repeated and it sounded angelic. He then opted to stand at the railing beside the man, having calmed down from his petty grudge.

“Hey.” Humphrey lightly nudged Edward’s elbow with his own to get his attention.

“Hm?”

“Take off your glasses.” He told him.

“What? Why?” Humphrey, for the first time since they met, was now the one blushing but didn’t let it get in the way of his obvious flirtations.

“I’ll give you your ring back.” He told him, holding up the hand that was still wearing the stolen ring and suddenly the annoyance Edward thought he had let go came back and he scowled and grumbled but reluctantly complied with the demands. He didn’t trust him so he wasn’t about to let Humphrey hold his glasses and risk having those stolen too. Humphrey sighed at the suspicious glare and graciously handed the ring over with no fuss. Once Edward had his ring back on, he rolled his eyes, not understanding why the other man seemed eager for him to remove his glasses but he did so, tucking them carefully in his breast pocket. It’s not like he was totally blind without them, just a bit near-sighted.

“What? What is it?” Edward asked when he looked up and noticed the stupid smile on Humphrey’s face while he rested his cheek on his hand.

“Just admiring the view.” He said while looking straight at him.

Once again Edward was trying to resist getting flustered as his cheeks reddened once more.

“Hmph. I could have you hanged for these comments.” He stiffened.

“Quite rude of a host. I’m a guest and you threaten to lead me out by shackles?” There’s no seriousness in his voice though, merely testing the waters.

“You’re a sodomite. Besides, I’m wedded.” Edward grumbled. Humphrey for some odd reason made no effort to dispute or deny Edward’s claim, remaining completely calm in fact.

“True. But where is the bride anyway?” Edward legitimately was awestruck at Humphrey confirming his statement as fact, he almost forgot to respond.

“She’s rather ill, the pregnancy is taking a bit of a toll on her.” He explained. Now it was Humphrey’s turn to be surprised.

“I didn’t think you’d be expecting so soon.”

“Well, we had a shotgun wedding.”

“Oooooohh.”

“Yes.” The two men looked away from each other now feeling a bit awkward.

“I’m sure you’ll be an amazing father.” Humphrey told him with a sweet genuine smile, placing a hand on Edward’s shoulder as some added comfort and encouragement. Edward looked down at the courtyard below warily with an anxious expression then back up at Humphrey, placing a hand over the one on his shoulder as a silent ‘thank you’ gesture and returning the smile in earnest.

“I hope so.” He said quietly. Humphrey got closer to Edward until their arms were touching and he was able to rest his head on the groom’s shoulder, almost nuzzling up to him. They turned to look into each other’s eyes and Humphrey’s shimmering hazel eyes felt so honest and genuine, to Edward, he desperately wanted to believe anything that this man said as it just had to be true.

“You’ll do great, I’m certain.” He assured in such a soft, sweet honey voice.

Edward honestly couldn’t explain what compelled him to do this but he clearly was “caught up in the moment” as he just found himself bringing a hand up to cup Humphrey’s soft cheek, leaning forward and, without thought, connected their lips. Initially Humphrey was a little surprised but didn’t waste the opportunity to kiss a pretty man when he had one. It felt so comforting and warm as he ran his fingers through Edward’s long hair, unintentionally un-doing the bow tying it back. After having been in control the whole time, Humphrey now let himself just melt under Edward’s gentle touch.