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Edwin was looking for Charles. And he found him. But unfortunately Charles was preoccupied. Very specifically, Charles' mouth was preoccupied and Edwin did not want to think about it any more than that.
Charles was a good and loyal friend, and he had been for over 30 years. It didn't seem fair that he was in love with a person who wasn't Edwin, someone who had been with Charles through all of death and even a bit of life.
Edwin always thought Charles was it for him. Charles was the first person to accept him. He was the first person to even slightly understand Edwin and then stay. Not that there was a high bar- Edwin was sent by his parents to boarding school as soon as possible and the one boy there, who was the only person that could have been even remotely similar to Edwin, had sacrificed him to Hell. Long story short, Charles seemed the only person Edwin was even remotely allowed to have.
Edwin clearly missed his chance though. Edwin could no longer have Charles, he was taken for. As crude as it may sound, it was how it felt. Edwin had clearly lost Charles and it hurt.
Edwin drummed his fingers along their office desk. He couldn't sit still in his state and he needed to not interrupt Charles and Crystal just to scream at them about how they weren't meant to be kissing and instead, meant to be doing anything else. Well maybe not anything else. Edwin had recently learned what a handjob was but was still unsure what that would be like between a ghost and a living human. Whose names were Charles and Crystal respectively. Edwin had thought about those logistics, albeit with disgust, rage and sadness combined into a single ball of shame that rested heavy in his stomach.
A cat knocked on the window. Edwin was unsure as to how that had com to be because the office was several stories from the ground. Unfortunately, being several stories from ground meant that Edwin would have to let the poor cat in or he would have a dead kitten on his hands. The decision- to encourage harassment via London's cat population versus a clear conscience and no blood- was easily made. Edwin walked over to the window and raised the sliding pane carefully, to avoid shocking the cat.
The cat pounced on Edwin, dug its claws into his shoulder and then jumped down to the ground, landing softly.
Edwin hissed and rubbed his shoulder. Edwin would love to have a long chat with whoever made ghosts vulnerable to cat claws.
The cat blinked at Edwin, as if it hadn't just laid assault to Edwin's shoulder. Then, in a purple puff of smoke, it was gone. Laying where the cat stood was a bouquet of yellow lilies. At least someone was thinking of Edwin.
The lilies were clearly from the Cat King, given his previous gift to Edwin (also lilies), the signature purple smoke and the fact that a cat delivered them. It was elementary. And yet Edwin was still shocked. Not because he didn't expect to see the Cat King again. For some reason he was sure they would encounter one another at some point. It seemed inevitable. Edwin also wasn't surprised that the Cat King would be so ostentatious with gifts, the whole thing was theatrical and yet completely characteristic of the Cat King. What was shocking was that Edwin felt his heart hammering in his chest despite all of that, despite completely expecting something like this, the actual gesture was still appreciated significantly. It was not only flattering but desperately welcome.
The Cat King wasn't Charles, Edwin knew that. The Cat King was closer to a fantasy, Charles was what was real. Edwin once thought Charles was a good bet but he had seemed to fumble that particular gamble.
Sometimes Edwin wondered what his afterlife would be without Charles. Certainly less codependent, considering co-dependency requires two people. Edwin couldn’t really imagine how he would have proceeded if he hadn't met Charles after escaping from Hell. He would probably have found his way back to Hell a lot sooner and wasn't that a grim thought.
The fact that there were still beings that were similarly brilliant and also willing to care for Edwin, without Charles being in the picture, was comforting.
Let me brighten your day.
Edwin was sitting behind in one of their sofas in the office. It was more comfortable than the one behind the desk and suitable for lounging casually, when there were no clients of course.
Charles burst into the office, as Charles was often wont to do. The man would not know subtlety if it hit him round the face with a cricket bat.
"Hey, Edwin, mate, can we talk?" Charles asked hurriedly.
"Of course, Charles. I'm always here for you," Edwin said, sitting up on the soft and crossing his legs. He wanted to be sure his posture could indicate he was ready to listen.
"Yeah, well," Charles rubbed behind his ear with his hand anxiously, "I wanted to talk about Crystal."
Ah, no wonder Charles was nervous.
"You see, mate. You know you are it for me, my best friend and everything else," Charles continued.
Edwin nodded, encouragingly.
"I wanted to let you know that no matter what, I'll be there for you and that I really care about you," Charles finished.
Edwin could see Charles was finding this difficult. Expressing emotions was neither of their fortes.
"I know what you are about to say, Charles," said Edwin, saving Charles from his own nerves. "I know you like Crystal, and that's okay. I'm okay with that."
"But, what about what you said? In Hell? It seemed pretty big."
"Well, I have thought about it more. I love you and in the same way you love me. What we have is special and I'm afraid I will never let that go." Edwin took a breath, "But ultimately I want you to be happy, and you to spend your time after death doing anything you want to do and if that thing is falling in love with Crystal, you will have nothing but support from me. I love you immensely, but you have not forced me into a position where I cannot care for others in the same way. I originally thought that was the case, I'm new at these kinds of feelings after all, but I do not need to possess you to love you Charles and I'm glad." Edwin smiled. "I'm glad for you and Crystal also."
Charles was stunned for a moment, maybe two, then pulled Edwin up from the sofa and hugged him tight.
"I love you too, Edwin."
Edwin relaxed into the hug.
"But damn, how on earth did you get so good at this feelings stuff? I'm going to have to get some tips."
Edwin, out of the corner of his eye, saw purple lilies resting on the sofa, next to where he was previously sitting.
"I definitely had some help."
Well done, I'm proud.
Edwin figured he would pay the Cat King a visit. Gifts were often meant to be repaid in kind but Edwin wasn't sure where he would even start with acquiring a gift for the Cat King. For now, Edwin's company would have to do.
He strolled into the Cat King's 'throne room' carrying the purple lilies in a vase that Edwin would deem tasteful yet suitable for the Cat King. A combination of both of their aesthetics. Not that it mattered.
"You know those were a gift," calls out the Cat King from his throne.
"I thought I could brighten the place up a bit," replied Edwin. "There were dead bodies lying on the floor not even a month ago. Even if the flowers don't match the aesthetic, it would do to cover up the odour."
"Well then, Edwin, what ever can I do to repay you for your magnanimous efforts to de-odour a place you don't even visit?"
Edwin decided to ignore that question, he wasn't ready to answer that question yet.
"I am visiting now," Edwin deflected.
"Sure, but you won't be for much longer and I doubt you plan on visiting again any time soon."
That rubbed Edwin the wrong way. He wasn't planning on visiting again but the accusation was disconcerting. He wanted to prove the Cat King wrong. And he would.
"Am I no longer invited to pay visit?" Edwin asked coyly.
That threw the Cat King.
"No, uh-, no not at all. My kingdom will always welcome you, Edwin."
"Good," Edwin smirked.
Edwin then placed the vase down next to the decaying bones of the body the clearly belonged to the same body that was being consumed by cats the last time Edwin was here. With that, he turned to leave.
"Ta, ta for now," he chimed whilst walking out of the den, his hand giving a small wave as he stepped.
"Wait!"
Edwin stopped in his tracks.
"You forgot something."
"As I said before, those lilies are to help with the smell. I will not be taking them back."
"Then take these."
More lilies materialised into the Cat King's hands, this time they were orange.
"Take these," he repeated, throwing the lilies to land directly in front of Edwin's feet.
"Their colour is similar to the shade you were when we first met. Like a tabby cat," Edwin said airily.
The Cat King sniffed, "I am certainly not a tabby."
"What are you then?" Edwin asked, genuinely interested.
"More of a Thomas."
"Thomas is not any species of cat I have ever heard of."
"And yet it's this cat's name," the Cat King pointed to himself with two thumbs.
"Oh," said Edwin, caught off guard.
"Well now you know, Edwin. Careful though, names have power."
"And you decided to give some of your power to me?"
Thomas winked.
Edwin swallowed.
"I believe you were just going," Thomas smirked.
"Yes, yes I was. Thank you. For the name," stumbled Edwin.
"Don't forget the lilies," sang Thomas.
Thomas was right, Edwin had almost forgotten the lilies.
"I would never," Edwin replied.
Edwin walked out of the den, lilies grasped in both hands, trying to not look back or find an excuse to stay. He could come back if he wanted.
You are making life exciting.
Edwin came back. He didn't need to, but he wanted to. The Cat King, Thomas, was intriguing, like a mystery that needed solving.
There was a cat outside the den, greeting him. Edwin had developed a fondness for them during his time in Port Townsend. He beckoned the cat to come towards him with a sardine. The cat made short work of its treat, and then circled Edwin, brushing against his legs and purring. Edwin crouched down and scratched the cat's head before the cat began to lead him to the Cat King's throne.
Edwin placed the orange lilies next to the purple ones, surprisingly they were still alive. Perhaps they were kept in stasis by magic or maybe someone was tending to them. Either way, the thought was enough to make Edwin smile.
His smile then froze, as did his whole body, when the cat he just petted sat on the Cat King's throne.
"I'm not sure you belong there," chastised Edwin, who was hoping that the cat he expressed affection freely for wasn't the same as the one he couldn't even admit he liked.
The cat then shifted and grew into what was certainly Thomas.
"Sure I do, silly. After all, I am a Cat King."
Edwin didn't understand how Thomas could even speak given the shit-eating grin plastered onto his face.
"Your form is... different?" Edwin was attempting to deflect from the heat rising into his cheeks.
"Awwww," cooed Thomas, "I didn't know ghosts could blush. Red is a good shade on you, Edwin."
Edwin ignored Thomas, rising to the Cat King's bait never ends well.
"Can you change into any cat?"
"Nope," Thomas emphasised the 'p', which in turn emphasised his lips. Edwin was momentarily distracted.
"Just the one," Thomas continued.
"But I saw you, before. I may not know much about cats but I do know most of them don't just change colour."
"Oh, that was my previous life, I'm a new kitty now."
Thomas normally adopted a casual demeanour but he was being suspiciously casual right now. It made Edwin want to shift into his inner detective.
"Clearly," hummed Edwin. He paused, an interview tactic- the suspect always wants to fill silence, and sometimes they fill that silence with pertinent information.
"You know how it is, like the wrong guy, get on the wrong side of a witch, get beaten to death. Business as usual in my books."
"Esther?" Questioned Edwin.
"Bitch," confirmed Thomas.
"I think I would agree with that sentiment," said Edwin, trying to sound sympathetic as opposed to intrigued. Who would Thomas die for? The thought didn't sit well with Edwin at all. It seemed silly to think that the Cat King wouldn't have other people, men, that he was interested in, but Thomas had made Edwin feel special and the fact that he may not be a unique case was disheartening to say the least.
"I assume you are no longer associated with that 'wrong man' anymore," asked Edwin, trying use laissez-faire wording to disguise the spite in his tone.
"You tell me."
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
"Who else was Esther trying to banish? I can guarantee I didn't die for Charlie boy."
"Me?" Asked Edwin, stunned.
"God, how much do I have to flirt for you to get it. I like you, Edwin. It's really not that hard to understand. Well, maybe it's hard to understand why I like you, my type of man normally doesn't wear a bowtie but damn do you make it work. I mean, you still wear sock garters for fuck's sake. Who even does that?"
"That is quite enough," Edwin interrupted.
If Edwin thought he was blushing before, it was nothing compared to now. In his embarrassment he had almost forgotten Thomas's initial declaration. Thomas liked him. Even though Thomas may not know why, it was still flattering and for some reason, soothing. There were no other men, not currently at least. That felt right.
"Thank you," said Edwin earnestly.
"No biggie," Thomas responded.
Thomas seemed to have rebuilt his guarded persona. That would not do.
"No, it was something. It matters. You care about me."
"You don't have to rub it in."
Thomas was lounging on a throne, smiling without a care in the world, but his eyes shone with hurt.
"You know," Edwin began, "I visited for a reason."
"Yes, yes, I know. You and the little reasons you hide behind. It gets old quickly, by the way. What do you want?"
"No need to be cruel. I visit because I like you."
Thomas blinked.
"I hope you enjoy the flowers then."
"I do," smiled Edwin.
They stood in silence. It was more comfortable than any of their previous silences, some would even call it soft. It was restful and gave Edwin a moment to catch his breath. Edwin's pocket watch felt heavy against his chest. Shit.
"Unfortunately, I did not plan on staying here much longer. I am mid-case and was really just planning on dropping off the lilies," apologised Edwin.
Thomas' bravado reassembled itself.
"I will return though," Edwin added hastily.
Thomas gave him a wry smile, "Thank you for coming."
Edwin walked out of the den. When he looked back, Thomas was staring right at him. He looked lost. Edwin wanted to go back. Edwin kept walking.
When he arrived back at the office, there were black lilies laying on the desk.
You are a mystery to me.
Edwin didn't return immediately. He knew he would spend too much time in Port Townsend if he returned, so he had to finish the case first. Edwin believed the prospect of going back could be a reward for a job well done but ultimately it was an excuse to rush and cut corners. His risks mostly paid off but that was because Charles was particularly adept with his bat this case. Edwin's actions were clearly not sustainable in the long run, but he simply did not care.
As soon as the ghost of their case ascended to the afterlife, Edwin mirrored back to the office, grabbed the black lilies and then transported himself directly to Port Townsend.
As soon at Edwin stepped into the Cat King's domain, he felt himself enveloped in purple and suddenly he was in the Cat King's hidden room, the one with the bed where he was first taken when they met. However, the room looked different now, it looked… homey.
It was smaller and had deep red curtains adorning the walls, warming the place up. Against one wall, there was a wooden desk with patterns carved into its legs in front of what must be a sinfully comfy chair with matching engraving. Opposite the desk was the bed, the same as last time. Clearly Thomas was happy to change some things but ultimately was a creature of habit. There were bookshelves lining the other two walls. Not all the shelves had books though. Some shelves had tomes of magic and the supernatural. Separately were novels, classics as far as Edwin could tell. He had not read them all, but he did recognise a few editions of the Strand Magazine in their mix. Finally, between the books were trinkets, most likely magical artifacts but one seemed to be simply a Drinking Bird and another a very beautiful Newton's Cradle. Most notably, facing the bed, next to the desk, was a mirror. It was framed elaborately and was perfectly suited to the rest of the room.
The new furnishings were overwhelming, they were too perfect. This surely wasn't the Cat King's bedroom, it was Edwin's. Or maybe, it was simply made for Edwin.
"They can go in the corner," Thomas interrupted Edwin's train of thought, gesturing to the lilies.
As directed, Edwin placed the lilies on the ground next to the desk.
"You redecorated," stated Edwin.
"It was time for a change," Thomas said, blasé and twirling the tassel of a pillow between his fingers.
Edwin would once have thought Thomas was bored, now he knew he was nervous.
"Let me rephase. You redecorated for me."
"Someone thinks they're special," Thomas teased.
"I don't think I'm anything," Edwin replied indignantly.
"And yet you think, me, a Cat King let me remind you, redecorated his den for you?"
"Yes."
Thomas stared.
Edwin stared back, in challenge.
Everything was changing between them but for a few moments they were frozen in time and space.
"Thank you," Edwin said finally, "May I sit?"
"Do as you please."
"I will," Edwin hummed.
Edwin pointedly did not turn around to sit at the chair, instead he slowly approached the bed.
Thomas' eyes widened but he did not move and, most importantly, he did not dismiss Edwin. That was consent enough.
Edwin sat primly on the edge of the Cat King's bed and crossed his legs but before he could turn to Thomas, he felt a weight in his lap.
Thomas, in cat form, was in Edwin's lap. Edwin could only focus on the science of spontaneous combustion and the potential of it happening to him right then, that very second.
Thomas nudged Edwin's hand with his face, a request if Edwin had ever seen one. He capitulated immediately, scratching Thomas's head, resulting in him purring.
Warmth filled Edwin's chest. If he, himself, could purr then he would be by now. Petting Thomas was as lovey as it was easy. They stayed in that same position for a while.
Edwin eventually felt Thomas' breathing slow until it was clear the cat was sleeping. He spent a moment wistfully staring into Thomas' soft cat face, wishing ghosts could sleep. Edwin could stay, he could let Thomas wake up in due course and be witness to sleepy murmurs and the soft energy that can only surround a person when they have had a good night's rest. But it was too much and far too soon.
Instead, Edwin carefully dislodged the sleeping cat and padded across the wooden floorboards as softly as possible. Before reaching the mirror, Edwin paused, returned to the bed and placed a previously discarded blanked over Thomas. Now he could leave.
Edwin did not return to lilies in the office this time. He was disappointed but surely he couldn't expect flowers every time he saw Thomas.
Edwin, instead of dwelling, perused his own copies of the Strand Magazine and settled into the office sofa to read his favourite. The sofa could not compare to the bed he had just left but it was what he had.
When Edwin finished his reading, he went to return the magazine to its rightful place in his meticulously organised library. Where the magazine was supposed to be, he found pink lilies.
I'm infatuated with you.
Edwin had a plan. It was risky but the thought of it paying off was enough to make him feel light-headed. The plan required help though.
"Charles," called Edwin, "Charles, I need your help."
Charles came running into the office, "Edwin! What is it? Are you okay?"
"Oh, um, it is nothing urgent. I just require assistance."
Charles looked taken aback. "Okay, are you okay though? You never really ask for help. Not this casually anyway."
"Yes, I am quite well, thank you. I just am," Edwin smiled, "Nervous."
"Okayyyy," said Charles uneasily, "What do you need then?"
"Just to borrow your bag for an hour or so. Oh, and I'm moving out."
"Sure. Hang on, wait, what?"
"Well, you are not around in the office very often anymore and I seem to be wanted," Edwin paused, "Elsewhere."
"Elsewhere!? Where is elsewhere?"
"Well, you see, Charles, you and Crystal have been gone a lot lately, between cases that is."
"You're avoiding the question, Edwin."
Edwin ignored Charles' comment, he was getting there.
"I was planning on staying in Port Townsend, only a mirror away."
"Why on Earth do you want to be in Port Townsend? You hated it more than anyone and only stayed because of that damn Cat King."
Edwin coughed.
"About that," said Edwin uneasily.
"Wait, no way, has he got you trapped again?"
"No, not quite."
"Go on then," encouraged Charles.
"Well, the Cat King has- I mean, the Cat King and I have come to an arrangement."
Anger flared into Charles' eyes, "Whatever that fucker has on you, Edwin, we'll fix it. Mark my words he won't even know what's coming."
"Wait, wait!" Exclaimed Edwin, "No, that will not be necessary. We are simply friends."
"Friends don't really move in with each other, mate."
Edwin raised an eyebrow.
"You and I are different!" Charles said indignantly.
Edwin placed a hand onto Charles' own, Charles was tense and hopefully Edwin could provide a calming presence.
Edwin looked into Charles' eyes and said, "We are different. Nothing trumps what I have with you Charles." Edwin then had to look away, "The Cat King is also different, I feel. He is intriguing and insufferable and complicated but he cares and he's kind and I want to see where this goes."
Edwin could feel Charles relax.
"He's not just a friend, is he."
"I don't know, not yet anyway."
"Wait, hasn't he invited you to stay with him?"
"Not exactly, I haven't received verbal confirmation at least," Edwin said, fidgeting.
Charles laughed. "Oh mate, I should have known you were the kind to do grand gestures, the whole confession in Hell should have tipped me off."
Edwin tried to look put-upon but his face couldn't contort to any expression other than fond. Charles was happy for him.
"I don't consider it much of a grand gesture. He did redecorate for me so it's the least I can do."
Charles looked momentarily confused but clearly discarded that thought because he simply smiled and said, "I'm happy for you."
And with those words, Edwin's nervous energy dissipated into something ligher. He needed this as much as he needed to live in Port Townsend, probably more. He couldn't help but wrap his arms around Charles and hug him for at least 10 seconds longer than appropriate.
"So what do you need, again?" Asked Charles. "Oh, and you know that if that cat steps one paw out of line, he's dead right? He's shifty and I don't trust him, but you are the smart one out of us and I want you to be happy," Charles added
"If it helps, he definitely has a soft spot for me,"
"One: he definitely has a soft spot for you; and two: you are not making me trust him more, Edwin, so quit while you're ahead," Charles grinned.
And with that, within an hour Edwin was ready with a duffel bag full of clothes in one arm (Charles' bag with infinite space was overkill apparently) and a hat stand in the other.
He took a breath and teleported, for the first time, to the mirror residing in Thomas' bedroom.
When he walked through he saw Thomas, in human form, curled up his bed, breathing softly. It was endearing that he slept in the same position, no matter which form he took.
Edwin placed the hatstand and duffel next to the desk, presumably his desk, and cleared his throat.
Thomas stretched out his back before deigning to open his eyes.
"Oh, it's you," he said, voice rough with sleep.
It wasn't exactly a warm welcome and Edwin immediately began to think this was a was a bad idea.
"That's new," said Thomas pointing to the hat stand.
"I thought I'd brighten the place up."
"Don't you normally do that with my lilies?"
"I believe, as those lilies were gifts, they are rightfully my lilies but don't worry, I brought them as well as the furnishings."
From the side of his duffle bag, Edwin produced the pink lilies in question.
"I'll need a vase and some water, please."
Thomas waved his hand and the lilies disappeared from Edwin's hands and into the furthest corner of the room, next to the black lilies, in a mason jar of water.
"Done," said Thomas, looking offended.
Edwin looked at the jar which was browning with age and perhaps algae, "That is not a vase."
"God, giving you lilies was so short sighted of me. Unfortunately, those white ones really suited your whole colour palette as well as had the right meaning. What was I going to do, not give you them?"
There it was, the proof Thomas was playing with his heart from the beginning. This was never going to work. God, he'd been a fool to even mention this to Charles. He was a fool to think he was ever wanted. He couldn't say all though aloud though.
"You don't like giving me lilies?" Edwin's voice cracked.
"Well, I like giving them to you, I hate you returning them."
Perhaps he had overreacted.
"So it is a matter of faux pas, not of feelings?" Edwin asked carefully.
"I would say a bit more than a faux pas, Edwin, I am deathly allergic after all."
"I beg your pardon. Am I right in inferring lilies may kill you?"
"Well done detective, it's not like I didn't just say that."
"Why would you risk yourself for so little?"
"Love makes a cat do funny things."
Edwin choked.
"You-, you love me?"
"I thought that would be obvious by now, I don't just redecorate for anyone," said Thomas, clearly trying to play off the sincerity of what he has just said. Edwin wouldn't let him though.
"That's so fucking stupid," said Edwin, still rather shocked.
Thomas shrugged, "It is what it is."
"And you thought that you could buy my love with flowers?"
"Nothing else had worked. For reference, the first ones really were for condolences."
"But, why?"
"Edwin, I had resigned myself to loving you from afar, until the feelings finally fade after a century or so. The fact that you kept visiting made me want to love you more, to have more from you. I knew you would need things to be kept slow but I needed to know that you wanted something too from me too. So I sent you messages and lilies were just the vessel to do that. Oh, and I had already started with the lilies so I thought I'd keep the theme."
"You sent me messages?"
Thomas's face fell.
"I thought you were the kind of guy who would know flower meanings," Thomas groaned into his hand.
"Wait, I'll be back."
Edwin hung his coat on the hat stand and ran through the mirror.
Appearing at the office, Edwin started going through his books. He knew what he needed but was not entirely sure where to find it. He looked book by book, skimming the titles of most and flicking through the contents of some. None had what he was looking for.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, Edwin saw red lilies poking out of the shelf on the other side of the office. There.
Edwin plucked the book of floriography from the shelf and began to read.
It became apparent that flowers had been used to convey messages through time and culture. Unfortunately, sending messages through flowers was popular in England around when Edwin was still alive so it was yet another human custom that had passed him by. Edwin felt foolish for not knowing, secret messages was definitely part of his bread and butter when it came to detective work and he had missed an entire dialect.
It would turn out lilies had different meanings to other flowers and their colouration also contributed to the meaning.
White: My condolences.
Yellow: Let me brighten your day.
Purple: Well done, I'm proud.
Orange: You are making life exciting.
Black: You are a mystery to me.
Pink: I'm infatuated with you.
Red: I love you.
Nothing said by the flowers was exceedingly unexpected to him but Edwin was shocked that Thomas was willing to say these sort of things to him without jest. It was humbling.
Love was something steadfast to Edwin. It was consistency of feelings and loyalty to fault. He had only really understood that when he finally confessed his feelings for Charles. He didn't think he could really feel those feelings for another person. And yet, his feelings were becoming more consistent when it came to Thomas, feelings of fondness. Loyalty could be interpreted as the warm feeling that Edwin experienced when it was clear he was cared for. There was more to the Cat King though. Edwin was excited around him, Thomas was interesting and kept him on his toes. There was also a feeling of want- the desire to be coveted and uniquely cared for. And finally, there was also a comfort in all those feelings and a hope that they would continue. Ultimately, Edwin had hope for Thomas and everything that came with him.
Edwin softly gasped, it was an understatement to say his current thoughts were disorientating. They felt right though, so Edwin would allow them to stay.
He had to get back to Thomas soon though as he feared he wouldn't be allowed back if he let the Cat King wallow in doubt for too long. He had one errand to run first.
Edwin returned.
"I wasn't sure you were coming back."
"Don't be silly, I left my coat here."
"Thanks, that really makes me feel better about all this," Thomas said sarcastically.
"I have a present for you," Edwin said, bringing his hands from behind his back to reveal a bouquet of red and yellow orchids.
"They shouldn't be poisonous to you, but they still have meaning," Edwin informed.
"Huh, someone did their reading. Yellow orchids mean new beginnings and," Thomas swallowed, "friendship."
Edwin blushed, "Well yes, but I was mostly meaning new beginnings. Friendship is okay if you want but I did get the red ones as well. I'm new at this. If you want, we can ignore the red ones."
"Red orchids symbolise determination, which checks out, and also desire," Thomas smirked, "Do you desire me, Edwin?"
"I think that was obvious the first time we met," sniffed Edwin, "But it has one more meaning that you have purposely missed out."
"And you definitely meant to convey it?"
"Yes."
"Red orchids can be used to tell the recipient you love them. I'm not sure that's what you mean."
"It is, and I do."
Thomas was stunned silent.
"I want to stay here," said Edwin, "With you."
"Thus, the duffle bag."
"Thus, the duffle bad," Edwin repeated in confirmation.
"I think moving in with a person you only just confessed your love to is a little soon."
"Do you want me here?"
"With my whole heart."
"Then I don't see a problem."
"What about Charles?"
"We still have out Dead Boy Detective Agency, I will see him often enough."
"And what if I want more from you?"
"I will give it, within reason."
"Within reason," laughed Thomas, "Typical."
Thomas' laugh was overwhelming, it wasn't loud or obnoxious, it just made Edwin's heart yearn.
Edwin walked over to Thomas and cupped his check with his hand.
Thomas stopped breathing.
"Can I kiss you?" Edwin whispered.
Thomas lunged forward and captured Edwin's mouth with his own.
"Yes," he breathed into Edwin's mouth between peppering kisses on Edwin's face, "Yes, yes."
Joy was the only thing Edwin could concentrate on, kissing was secondary to smiling, which was ridiculous but no less true.
"Finally," said Thomas, smiling back.
"Finally," Edwin agreed.