Excuse me, I seem to have just run you over...(Eros)

Eros didn't hesitate, he didn't have to be told twice. He stood up, searching for money to pay for his coffee. He left the silver and bronze coins on the table. He made sure he had everything, nothing missing from his bag, then followed Edouard. He stayed close to the other as his presence felt very comfortable to the Beast hunter. He kinda felt more relaxed, the closer he was to Edouard. On the other side, there was the attraction as well that made his mind and heart run wild.

Eros wondered a bit where this all would lead. He couldn't deny the want for something else than just a one time encounter. It was very strong on his part. The man was interesting, gorgeous and had a calming effect on his mind and soul which were three things the Order member really wanted to find. Especially the last one. He didn't have many hopes about this though, yet he couldn't stop himself. Even though he knew he should. That he should stop hooking up with every single attractive guy he stumbled upon who turned out to be into him. He knew this wasn't the way to go. It wasn't healthy for him.

He was too scared to make any hints though on thinking about the possibility of relationship. He didn't want to risk rejection. That hurt. And hurting was something he knew his heart wouldn't be able to take. He was broken to pieces. Who would want someone as crappy as him? Sure, he looked good on the outside, that had always been a plus but his heart, his real face, was what he was afraid to show. He remembered trying a bit, when he graduated. Not really trying to find someone to date but at least a friend. However, he was met with only more hurt instead of kindness, instead of other people caring. They were all fake.

So he asked himself. Did he choose wrong? Or was it his fault?

That time, he promised himself no more. He told himself it didn't matter, shut the feelings inside him and withdrew from the social world. He knew it was the wrong thing to do but he was too stubborn to see the truth at that time.

He sighed, sliding his arm around Ed's waist, forcing himself to stop mourning at his past. He grinned at the other, nothing from his dark thoughts visible on his outside, and spoke up. "I'm guessing you want me to apparate with you rather than separately."

Everything had happened so quickly. How was it possible that he could have gone from interviewing with a professional Quidditch club one minute to literally running into a very attractive, model who was interested in him? By now though, the events of the locker room seemed days previous. The moments stretched to days as Ed began the process of getting to know Eros. He was an incredibly interesting man who also had the looks to go with it. Now he needed to master his own impulses and prevent himself from doing something stupid.

As Ed made his way out of the shop, Eros followed him closely behind. It felt right to have him here, with Ed, so close their bodies were all but touching. Ed could feel the changes in his body, the thoughts in his mind. He didn’t know what he was getting himself into, but he had felt this way just once before and that was with his first, albeit, short boyfriend. The time they had spent together felt like it could last forever without bothering either of them. They had relished the time together and they had found ways to maximize the time. Unfortunately, things had ended as abruptly as they began when Ed was hesitant when it came to intimacy. He wouldn’t be making that mistake with someone that he felt this way around again.

While the two made their way from the small café, Ed allowed Eros to wrap his arm around the French man’s waist. The contact made Ed’s mind race with possibilities. There was so much to do and yet so much time. It didn’t feel like things were being rushed at all by heading back to his flat with Eros. For some reason, he felt like he could trust this man. It only took Eros a few seconds to break the silence.

Ed smiled at the other man. “I do not see how you would be able to accompany me any other way. My home is protected in many ways, the least of which being unauthorized apparition.” Ed’s side work over the past several years, when not working with the Quidditch clubs of France, had led him to take certain precautions rather than risk the alternative. Ed knew that it was slightly more than necessary, but his need of money had led him to work for some less than savory individuals. Should any of them ever decide to close the loop on an old business partner, Ed could be subject guests he would rather not entertain.

With Eros still clinging to his side, Ed turned on the spot and immediately felt the incredibly uncomfortable sensation of being squeezed through a garden hose. It was a familiar sensation, but one that Ed still didn’t enjoy. Moments later, Ed found himself standing just outside the door to his rented flat. Touching his wand to his hand and then his hand to the door, he stepped aside and motioned for Eros to make his way into the room. He could see from there that the perch where Pharos normally roosted was empty, meaning the pair of them would have the place to themselves. A wry smile came over Ed’s face as he waited in the place the door had been moments before, “Bienvenue chez-moi Mr. Maddox.”

Eros nodded in agreement and understanding. His own home was protected by charms, though by the way the other said it, probably not as much as Edouard's apartment. Eros wondered a bit if it was because of his job, or more of some shady business he had going on. But it wasn't his place to pry. He was just a stranger. A stranger who Edouard decided to invite to his home to have some fun.

The beast hunter ignored the weird feeling in the pit of his stomach at the thought.

He couldn't give himself any hope because it would only later turn into hurt, when he would find out that yes, this is no more than a normal hook up. A one time thing. Great few hours for more disappointment and regret on his part. For a second he had a quick thought of hesitation. Maybe he could just back away. Leave. Save himself, his heart from hurt. His head from overthinking and asking himself the same question again and again. But having the other this close, he didn't act on it. He felt too drawn to the other. Too strong attraction, too strong influence. He wanted him, he couldn't deny it. Badly.

So maybe just for the last time, he thought hesitantly. He promised himself no more of one night stands after this - inside his head as Ed apparated with him.

His world swayed a little for a short moment. He had to blink to make his vision clear out, stepping away from Ed slightly, trying to find his balance. He always got a bit disoriented after apparating. But that moment luckily left quickly. Soon, he was able to see and hear perfectly again. He silently took Ed's invitation and passed him, entering the French's men apartment. He looked around quickly. The place wasn't anything big, his house was at least four times this size, if not more, but it was nice and more importantly clean. Eros had feared a little bit he would get invited to a messy apartment. Not that Ed seemed as a messy man but there was no way he could know for sure until he saw it. Now, he felt relieved. Again, Edouard didn't disappoint.

The beast hunter felt it was a good sign.

Eros couldn't help but grin then. Now that he was here, when no one else was looking, where they were alone, he felt like he couldn't wait any longer, upon looking at the other. He felt his hunger increase, the desire to touch the other was growing impossibly stronger. He wanted to hold him. Have his body as close as possible. So he approached Edouard. Slowly, making an eye contact with him. "Je suis trés honoré Mr.Pontmerci," He chuckled, wrapping his arm around the man's waist again, led by his desire. He pulled him closer, against his body, and closed the door. He let his hands slide over Ed's back, up, then lower and lower, until he reached the man's backside. He kissed him then. Slowly and sensually, igniting the fire inside him.

Ed had only been in the small flat a few months, he had hardly had time to move his limited number of possessions from Paris here before he had gone to meet with Puddlemore Utd regarding the opening. In honesty, it was somewhat embarrassing to have anyone else in his apartment at this point. The entire place was quite plain and did not give any reflection that a pureblood lived here. His bed was a plain four poster bed with a rather boring set of hangings. The couch and other room furniture was anything but spectacular and his kitchen doubled as a dining room and entry way. Maybe it was a mistake coming here with the boy he wished to impress, to cause to want to stay with him forever; however, all those thoughts were pushed aside easily enough when he saw the way Eros was looking at him. He wanted to take him, to throw him down, and to love every inch of him.

Eros’ response was a good one. Honored to be here? He must be just saying that because he had to. Ed didn’t know many people that would be honored to be in a place that was hardly better than a cheap motel in the poor districts of Paris. Hoping that Eros wasn’t giving him a hard time, making fun of him for his base accoutrements and his simple living arrangements, Ed allowed himself to be flattered by the other man. He was obviously trying to be nice, but by doing so, he was making Ed more and more self-conscious. He needed to transition to an area where he was not lacking confidence and had nothing to be ashamed of.

Letting Eros take hold of him for the second time this evening, Ed felt the other man pull him onto Eros’ perfectly formed body. As the two of them stepped out of the door way, the wall swallowed back up, leaving nothing but a stretch of wall where they had been standing moments before. He was now being kissed, pulled into Eros against the wall of his plain apartment. He felt a wandering hand and, now that they were alone and no one could bother the pair of them, Ed felt much more comfortable and willing to reciprocate. Pushing Eros slightly to keep him against the wall, Ed let his hand caress Eros’ cheek, down his jaw, down his side until it came to rest on his leg, just below the boys buttocks. Eros’ kiss drove him wild. Ed wanted to take him to the bed now, but why ruin all the fun.

Still holding Eros gently against the wall, Ed worked his free hand up under the man’s robelike shirt. He began to feel, finally, what he had seen in the changing rooms. The ripples of the other man’s ab muscles, the definition of his pecs, the smoothness of his body. There was so little separating them, and yet it was still too much, Ed could hardly resist any longer. Working the robe off the shoulders to reveal his bare chest, Ed leaned in and kissed his neck before looking up into Eros’ eyes and smiling speaking in a breathless whisper, “Would you care for the grand tour?” He would offer to play the gracious host, as well as the eager lover, “Or perhaps I can interest you in a little more specific tour?”

Eros let himself be pushed against wall not breaking their kiss. He couldn't help but relax upon Edouard's touch as his hand stroked his cheek, sliding lower after a while. The beast hunter just seemed to melt under the French man's touch, feeling his knees go weak and his stomach flipping over. He was becoming a puddle of emotions that the other's touch seemed to slowly and subconsciously bring out. He couldn't have any mask plastered on his face. It didn't stay, it seemed to slip off. He really wanted to gather himself up, however, it seemed useless in this case. Waste of energy, since he was pretty sure the further the other's touches will go, the more he would fall apart. Or maybe not fall apart but strip off his fake layers. Truth was he didn't want for this to happen. He didn't like to be laid bare, heart on his sleeve but he wasn't able to stop this. Stop that hand, those lips, that presence that was causing all of this. His want, the lust, was stronger.

At the same time, Eros couldn't quite put a finger on this all. Why Edouard had such an impact on him? Why? Why the things he did to him made him feel vulnerable? What was so different? And especially why he couldn't stop it? Stop himself? 

They just met for god's sake, like maybe hour ago, probably less. So what the hell was this?

Still, Eros tilted his head to the side as he felt Ed's lips on his neck, exhaling slowly. He felt sensitive. He grinned weakly, obviously immensely affected by Ed's presence, his eyes a bit glazed. "I would like a private service Mr. Pontmerci," He was able to choke out, cheeks covered in a light shade of red, those two-colored eyes flaring with strong hunger. "Very, very specific private service from you, Ed." He leaned closer to the other's ear and breathed out.

"Immediately." Before I come apart.

Gather me up, please.

The moments between his question and the other man’s response seemed an eternity. He had been waiting, albeit subconsciously, for this moment since the pair of them first ran into each other in the changing room. His first glimpse of the toned body, of the handsome face, the apologetic smile; this moment had been a long time coming. The question hung in the air and raised the level of anticipation between the two men. The next words spoken would determine what happened over the next few hours. Either the pair of them would control their urges and progress through the night getting to know each other, or the two would retire to the bedroom rather early, and more than likely not wake until the follow morning from exhaustion. Ed hated himself for it, but he knew which one he preferred at the moment and he was fairly certain that he knew what Eros’s response would be before he ever mustered an answer.

Eros’s answer was more a breathless whisper than anything else, barely audible. Ed leaned in and caught the words private service. It was just as he had expected, he wanted to begin straight away rather than wait. Allowing Eros to get up from against the wall, Ed took his hand leading the shirtless man down the single hallway in the flat towards one of two doors on the other end of the room. His bedroom lay just beyond that closed door. The place where the two would become one for a few hours. He had no idea what it would be like with Eros. He seemed to be a perfectly normal guy, but Ed was about to find out when all inhibition was lost. Waving his wand lazily, the door sprung open and let them pass before smoothly closing itself. The bed was made, having been seen to by the elf after he had left for the day. Everything was in order, and now he was about to muck it all up.

Pulling Eros into a brief kiss once more, he threw him down onto the bed before tossing his own robes aside. What happened next was going to be something he would remember for quite some time. Crawling over to Eros, he began to enjoy every inch of the man’s body.

After what felt like days, but couldn’t have been more than a few hours, Ed rolled over and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearly 5 in the morning. In checking the clock, he noticed the body of a very attractive man lying next to him. He smiled. It had not all been a pleasant dream. He had really spent the day, evening, and night with Eros. It was then that he realized, he hadn’t eaten since the previous morning’s breakfast. Sliding out of bed as quietly as he could as to not interrupt the sleep of his bedmate, Ed slipped a pair of pajama pants on and moved into the kitchen area. A tray of food lay out, still hot, presumably for Ed and his guest to enjoy when they woke.

Taking a bite of one of the sausages from the tray, an idea came over the young man. Breakfast in bed. What could be better than surprising the other man with a tray of warm, delicious food that he had done nothing to prepare? Waiting a few minutes to ensure that it was a good time to wake his companion, Ed grabbed the tray and made his way back towards the door, hoping his surprise would be just as well received as his advances had been the night before.

Eros stared at their joined hands as he followed Ed to his bedroom, where the other man led the way. He seemed to be unable to look away, his two-colored orbs glued to their clasped hands. It was something fascinating that had his heart racing hundred miles in second. The warmth of Ed's palm was nice. The strong but not too hard grip made Eros feel secure, like he could trust the other with himself. He had a sudden urge then. He wanted to entwine their fingers. He wanted to make the gesture, the moment even more intimate and simple than it was. He wished to have enough courage to do it, just slip his own fingers between Ed's, show him he wouldn't mind more. He knew it was such a simple step, and easy to do but to him it was more like crossing an abyss over rope.

Damn it.

He just couldn't. He was too scared to follow his longing for anything else that didn't show only a physical, purely sexual bond. He was afraid to be rejected. Sure, Ed grabbed his hand but it could have been only a subconscious gesture. He feared knowing the truth. So no movement from his side, he just silently followed, biting on his lower lip. Lost in his own mind.

He was pulled back to reality only when he felt Ed's lips against his again. Then it took only few seconds for his brain to finally shut off as he leaned in, kissing the man back. Shortly, he was pushed on the mattress and he stared up at the other as he took off his robe, eyes hungrily wandering over his bared skin. As Ed lowered himself, crawling over to him, too close, Eros melted.

Of course, when he later opened his eyes, only to find the space next to him empty, he felt the disappointment. He felt the bitterness. Did the man already left completely? Or not?

He rolled over, sighing. His lower back felt sore and he was too lazy to get up yet, moreover, he didn't really want to. He was afraid to face the other just yet. To face the truth. But as he heard door opening he couldn't stop himself from looking over. What he saw almost made his jaw drop. Almost. He controlled himself, making sure not to make a complete fool of himself by his reaction. Still, the surprise and maybe a bit of confusion was visible on his face.

He ran his hand through his hair, looking away for a quick moment. "Uh, morning." He smiled slightly. "Is that a breakfast?" He tried to act casually. He tried hard to look so.

Ed pushed back through the door with the tray. Having forgotten his wand, the man was forced to carry the tray without magic, something he hardly ever did. Why did this man have such an effect on Ed? What was it about him that made it so easy to forget things, made him want to do his own work rather than snap a finger and have the elf do it for him instead? He stopped in the door and smiled. He wasn’t any closer to finding out what it was about Eros that made him act so out of character, but he was enjoying the view. Eros’s bare chest, exposed arms and groggy look was everything to Ed in this moment. He could feel himself wanting more, but now wasn’t the time. Now he was hungry and needed to eat, but before that, he would take care of Eros and make sure he was good as well.

Heading towards the bed with the tray laden with an assortment of his favorite breakfast foods, Ed nodded in response to the other’s question. “Why yes, this is breakfast. I thought you might be hungry after last nights…activities.” Ed had loved the night before. He had enjoyed it more than any other man that he had been with, but he felt that drawing so much attention to it would dampen the mood for the men now that what had happened was done. Even now, after a night of seeing Eros in his most primal state, the other man was still trying to put on a good appearance for him, trying to fix his hair. Smiling again, Ed hadn’t even consider how his hair, his body, or anything on him looked. All that mattered now was sharing breakfast with Eros and then having the talk that he had been putting off ever since the two had started moving into the realm of sexuality.

Setting the tray at the end of the bed, Ed crawled back into the bed and gave Eros a peck on the cheek. “I hope there is something that you can find on the spread you can enjoy. I am quite particular to the sausages and pain au chocolat myself.” Ed gestured to the croissants on the tray near the two men’s legs. “I hope you have enjoyed your time here so far. I know this place is not much, it is all I can afford being between jobs right now.” Ed was sharing more than he normally would. He hated admitting his current status, or lack thereof and would sooner lie in most circumstances; but he knew that he could trust Eros for some reason. There was just something about him that made it alright.

Leaning in and kissing Eros bare shoulder, Ed wrapped an arm around the other man’s body, holding him tight to his chest. He did not want the closeness to end. Letting his hands rub over the skin of the other man, Ed began a light, playful massage. It was amazing how tense Eros’s shoulders and back were. In just the few minutes Ed dedicated to working on the sore muscles, Ed could feel the difference.

After a few minutes of silence Ed reached over to the bed stand next to him with his free hand; he gripped his wand and waved it casually. The tray moved from the edge of the bed to Ed’s lap. Not sure what was coming over him, Ed suddenly felt the urge to do something else for Eros. Grabbing one of the croissants filled with chocolate, he broke it in half and put part of it up to Eros’s lips. He hoped that Eros wasn’t one of those fitness types who couldn’t stand sweets and such for fear that it would ruin his physique.

Eros couldn't stop the redness as it creeped up onto his cheeks, when Ed mentioned their night together. He wasn't embarrassed or anything, no, that certainly wasn't the reason. Well, he might have been a bit loud but...moving on...he wasn't gonna get flustered over that. Especially, if the other liked it. He hoped the man didn't regret it now. He himself couldn't really force himself to, he knew he should feel  but...this moment felt too perfect for that. However, he still wasn't having any more hopes. He just couldn't hold onto the 'what if he wanted more from him than just a one night of fun'. How could someone so good looking, nice, stable and collected want him? Yeah, he had nice body and face, he knew that - but nothing more. There wasn't really anything interesting on him despite his eyes and nice a bit boyish look. He wasn't simple and definitely wasn't collected. He was the opposite of it. Troublesome, needy, complex and a total mess. Shattered into thousand small pieces, broken and trashed. Scarred and lonely. He was a chaos. He was -

He blinked as he felt Ed kissing his cheek. Warm lips pressing softly against the side of his face. It made any thoughts he just had vanish in a second. It shocked him to be honest. It was just a stupid simple, sweet and cheesy gesture. Very intimate gesture that surely didn't belong into a one time encounter. It didn't feel wrong though. It didn't belong into their situation but it didn't feel out of place. It felt perfectly right. An for a short moment Eros felt a spark of hope. Would it be possible that Ed wanted more from him? Wanted to stay around? Could it really happen?

He stayed silent, keeping a straight face.

A yawn then forced its way out, it made his lips part. Just then he almost looked like a lazy lion. Big mouth, golden hair still a bit messy, bare tanned skin. On the outside he didn't look fragile. He looked elegant, strong, confident and calm - almost noble with a hint of cuteness maybe. His heart though was a tiny unsure bird with big eyes and wings that were broken too many times. Sensitive, cautious, shy and hesitating yet rough and sturdy.

Eros bit on his lower lip. "Don't worry, I don't really care about that, how big or fancy is your home.....as long as it's not messy." He assured, looking at the dark beauty next to him. "I hate mess," he warned, chuckling, bumping his shoulder against Ed's playfully. "Plus I know how it feels," he paused, frowning slightly as he tried to find the right words. He was still a bit slow and sleepy, "- to don't have a home, a place to stay, or just to be dissatisfied with your living arrangements. In a bit different way than yours I guess but...yeah, I understand or...whatever." He sighed, running his hand through his hair again. "Sorry, I'm not really good at heart to heart talks." He smiled sheepishly.

He exhaled slowly as he felt Ed pressing another kiss, this time onto his shoulder. His arm wrapped around the beast hunter's waist, pressing him against his chest. Eros couldn't fight off the smile that appeared on his lips, at the same time he couldn't help but want to hide it though. Smiling for him, not faking anything, felt foreign to Eros. Like it didn't belong there. He should do it more often, he thought as he leaned into the other, relaxing. He pressed his face against Ed's neck, snuggling into him. He was warm and smelt really good. He wanted to freeze the time and just enjoy this moment as much as he could. He stiffened slightly as he felt Ed's hands move later. A silent hiss left his mouth when his fingers started pushing against his tensed muscles, all the time sore since he didn't really give them enough relaxation.

The massage felt really good. Thinking, Eros realized this was probably his first massage ever. No one really did these kind of things for him. Treated him the same way Ed was doing right now, giving him so much attention. Usually he was just a quick distraction, nice face and body to become close to for a short moment. So much of a simple yet much more intimate affection was unexpected, alien to him as many other things. Not unwelcomed though. Only Tristan had come close to this, treating him this way. Maybe Alex in a way too but still...they couldn't compare to this. To Edouard. 

His...special way of treating Eros let's say, didn't end here though. He felt Ed move, watched as he reached for the croissant, breaking it in half and placing right to his lips. Feeding time. Eros honestly wasn't even that surprised this time, he welcomed the gesture gladly, loosing himself in the thousands of 'what ifs' he couldn't stop anymore. "Sweet," he murmured, licking his lips quickly before taking another bite. The corners of his mouth twitched as he looked at Ed.

Ed wished he could leave his body and just watch the two men sitting on the bed, lost in the moment, not a care in the world. Unfortunately he did not have any such abilities so all the young man could do was hope to make this moment last as long as he could hold on to it. The closeness of the two men after the events of the previous night was exactly what Edouard loved most about his encounters with his previous boyfriends. He had been accustomed to staying in bed hours after waking with his las boyfriend, something he was sure he could get used to with Eros too; should things continue going as well as they were. His body was warm and the smooth skin felt good against Ed’s body, it was the greatest feeling the young man knew, and the reason he had known his first time that this was all he wanted when it came to physical interactions with others; the female form, while beautiful itself, felt cold and weak when compared to a body like Eros’s. This night couldn’t have gone any better if Ed had tried.

Eros’s comment on messes gave Ed a good insight to one of the other man’s peeves. It was apparent from his tone that Eros was quite averse to messes. Ed liked a little chaos from time to time, a little dirt here and there, but it would be too easy to keep things straightened up for Eros, the pros far outweighed the small task of making his elf clean a little more often. At least he wasn’t put off by the state of the flat. Ed had been worried that in the light, Eros might have been disappointed with the place now that he had a chance to see it without fighting back a sexually aroused, very aggressive Edouard. “This place is nothing compared to where I used to call home. I wish that I could take you there, it was a beautiful home in a wizard village. I am sure you would love the place.” Ed did wish that he could take Eros home, but that would only be possible if his family was all gone. They had made it quite clear after his graduation that he was no longer welcome.

Frowning slightly Ed pushed the memory of pain from that day aside. He had made his choice and now he was all the happier for it. He had Eros in bed with him and no amount of money, or work, or a nicer flat could outweigh the feelings he had even after just one day of knowing the man next to him. Eros kept talking, somewhat incoherently about how he wasn’t good at sharing in these small talk situations, but Ed thought it was cure. Eros was being open with him, something that he valued in a relationship. There was no need for secrets between the two, especially if there were going to start dating and moving on with their lives.

As Ed pulled him in closer, he noticed the smile that crept across the other man’s face. It was a genuine happiness that Ed didn’t see often when he was working with others. Most of his interactions with others were business like, often transactional, but love and relationships were meant to be enjoyed and Eros was showing this is how it is meant to be. As Ed released him from the massage and fed him a little of the chocolate bread, Eros’s response made him laugh. Moving his head quickly, Ed planted a quick kiss on his plump lips, trying to steal some of the bread crumbs from the corners of his handsome smile.

As he pulled away from the kiss, he heard a familiar tapping sound on the glass window next to his bed. Noticing the sun creeping across the room for the first time, Ed got out of bed for the second time this morning and crossed the room to the small window near the bathroom door. He opened it for the bird that had been announcing his presence. Swooping in and lighting on the perch normally held by Pharos, Ed grabbed the small letter from the bird’s beak, allowing it to drink from the water dish on the perch. Tapping the envelope with his wand, a slit appeared and Ed pulled out a short note from the Puddlemore United management. Scanning the letter, his eyes began to light up. They wanted to talk to him more about the possibility of joining the club, and they wanted to do it during a professional charity match that was to be held in just a few weeks’ time. This was too good not to share.

Crossing back to the bed, Ed sat down next to Eros on the very edge of the bed and offered him the letter. As he held it out for the other man, Ed noticed something else in the envelope. As Eros took the note, Ed reached into the envelope once more and retrieved two embossed tickets to the charity match. It seemed that Puddlemore United was quite serious about the opportunity, enough so to offer him prime seats where he would undoubtedly be able to speak with management about the opportunity. Hopefully Eros didn’t think it was too soon for a proper first date.

If only he ever had a place called home, Eros thought. He wondered what he would tell Edouard once the other told him he wanted to meet his family. If that ever happened and they were going to be together, Eros added bitterly in his thoughts. However, something about the way Edouard spoke about his home wasn't quite right. Eros frowned, his forehead wrinkling, and he stared at Ed. "What do you mean was?" He blurted out before he could stop himself. He wasn't usually a one to pry since he himself knew how it felt to be asked such questions...but it seemed he just couldn't control himself, when it came to Edouard. The curiosity got him better.

Eros stared at Edouard's face as the other laughed at his comment in surprise and wonder. He was wondering how did he even got so lucky too meet someone as gorgeous and nice as this man. His laugh was music for Eros' ears and he knew he was falling just a little deeper in love. It was probably too soon to call his feelings that but he knew no other word to describe this. He didn't know how else to describe his fast heartbeat. The longing, want to be as close to the other as he could be. The fear of the other not liking his broken face. The heat that crawled onto his cheeks as the other kissed him softly, making his heart throb. He was hating and loving how vulnerable and lost he felt in his feelings. How he couldn't control what his body did. He knew he was moving on a thin ice, one wrong step and he would be all alone again. He knew he didn't want to let go of...whatever this was.

He was so caught up in his feelings and the man himself that he didn't hear the tapping on window. He only saw Edouard look somewhere and then pulling away from him which almost made him reach out for the other. The beast hunter watched the French man head for window, where he finally noticed a waiting owl. So that's why, he thought, feeling a bit relieved. He waited for Edouard to take his letter and read it. His face seemed to light up, while reading it and that had Eros wonder who sent it and what was written there. Surely it wasn't something he could do though. Reading someone else's private matters was indecent. He took another bite from the chocolate croissant, waiting.

He was surprised, when Edouard handed the letter to him himself in the end. He took it and peeked at what was written there. His lips stretched into a small honest smile as his eyes skimmed over the text. He leaned forward to kiss Edouard and congratulated him.

As he laid next to Eros, the boy asked the uncomfortable question Ed had been hoping to avoid. ‘What do you mean was?’ It was the conversation that Ed hated having, drudging up the old memories of that day, the day he walked out on his family, his future, and the only life he had ever known. He had taken everything he owned and packed it up, moving away for the last time. While most adult wizards left home at some point, it was normally on better terms than being written out of the family inheritance straight away. Trying to think of a good way to broach the subject, Ed was glad to see the owl arrive and give him a few extra minutes to think through his response.

The elation of the letter was something that he had to share with Eros. While his partner’s eyes scanned the document, Ed turned the tickets over in his hand. They were beautiful. The detail of the printing, the lettering, the ink, all of it screamed high class. It was a chance for Ed to get back into some of his previously lost status among the upper crust, the purebloods of England. He would feel right at home among those more used to the finer things in life. He was glad to finally have a chance to wear some of the beautiful robes that Jacques had crafted for him before he moved from their Paris flat. He would not just have to decide how best to dress for such an event. What was the proper level of formal for it?

As he put the tickets off to the side on the bed table, he turned back to Eros just in time to see the beautiful smile of the other man. Even more importantly, he turned just in time to receive a nice, what he could only assume was congratulatory, kiss from Eros. Ed savored the kiss, pulling Eros in deep and making the kiss as passionate as he could. He didn’t normally take charge quite as much as he was now, but he had noticed how Eros had liked it the night before, and something about the intimacy between the two men made him feel like they had been together for a lot longer than one night. There was a chemistry that he didn’t have right away with any of his other boyfriends. Maybe he was the one. Who knows, only time would tell.

Releasing Eros from the deep and passionate kiss, Ed stood back up once more and flicked his wand again. Instantly, a sheaf of parchment flew into his hand and he wrote a measured response to the invitation from the club management. He would certainly be taking them up on the offer and let them know that he would be utilizing both tickets, being as professionally courteous as he could be. When he had finished the note, he reread it twice and folded it back into the original envelope. With a wave of his wand the slit along the top resealed itself and the address on the envelope vanished. Replacing it with the name of the manager, Ed crossed the room, gave the note back to the waiting owl and reopened the window allowing it to depart.

Watching the bird’s flight for the first moments, Ed returned to the bed and took his place with Eros again, this time looking into the other man’s eyes and drinking him in. He was in love. It was normal for Ed to overreact, especially with affection following sexual encounters, but this was different. Seeing Eros, looking at his body, his smile and his personality, Ed knew that he was in love with everything the man brought to their new relationship. Stretching an arm back around Eros and pulling his head to Ed’s chest, Ed spoke softly to the man. “So not only do they want to talk to me about work, they also want to do it at the Hogwarts benefit Quidditch match later this month. They sent two tickets to the top box. So how about it? You think you can put together something nice to wear for the occasion?” Ed was sure the other man had party attire available seeing as he worked for the Ministry and did his fair share of modeling. Waiting for his response, Ed let Eros head rest on his bare chest, enjoying what was left of the morning before Eros decided it was time for him to leave and get started with whatever he might have to do today.

Eros had noticed that Ed hadn’t answered his question about his family back in France. He also though there might have been a little bit of discomfort on the other’s face as he asked about the issue. Something wasn’t right here, he thought but didn’t push the man next to him. He didn’t want to end up being thrown out of Ed’s home for being nosy, when he was just a stranger. Partner into bed and for the night. Ed was acting suspiciously sweet and domestic since Eros woke up but they were far from exclusive, the Beast hunter was sure. Maybe Edouard just wasn’t used to having one night stand like Eros had so far, that’s why he made the breakfast and showed him the letter and all. He was acting friendly, like a good host, probably not wanting to seem rude. Eros once again felt like an intruder. He didn’t belong here, this wasn’t his home so he shouldn’t be parasitizing here. The urge to get up and apologize for being a nuisance and having Ed bring him food to bed, give him a nice massage, kiss him and feed for Merlin’s sake, was really strong. Ed was so nice and Eros definitely didn’t deserve such approach. He didn’t deserve that smile and sparkly dark eyes looking at him with such warmness that made his chest feel tight.

It got even tighter, his heart jumping harder as Ed deepened the kiss he placed onto the French man’s lips. He gasped softly as their lips melted together and shifted closer to the other, his head dizzy. There were tingles running all over his body and Eros followed, once Ed broke the kiss to stand up. He waited patiently as the other wrote the answer, looking the man over as he was focused on something else for a little while. He had the urge to run his hand through Edouard’s hair. He knew they were soft as he tucked on them just few hours ago. He wanted to do it again. He wanted to distract him from the writing. He wanted to do so many things but lacked the courage for it. He was a true Slytherin, huh? Just a coward. Selfish, afraid of getting hurt, thinking first about himself all the damn time. Yeah, he was far from perfect...unlike the other man in the room. He stayed quiet with plastered positive expression on his pretty face as Ed came back to him and sat down. He shifted under his gaze, feeling vulnerable and bare, as if the man could see right into his soul. He bit his lower lip as Ed started talking, then his lips parted into small “O”. “What?” He breathed out as his eyes widened, big like two plates. He stared at the man in shock and surprise, unable to believe his ears. He looked at the tickets, they looked bloody fancy, and back at Ed. “Are you inviting me to the…” He trailed off, looking speechless.

Then he started crying. He, a grown ass man, started sniffing as his eyes filled with that goddamn water that eventually trailed down his cheeks. Was this a dream? A joke? A hallucination? Was it really, really real?

He was unable to act rationally, overwhelmed with emotions and scary feelings. He leaned in kissing the man so he wouldn’t offend him by not answering him. He shifted so he was basically on his lap, mumbling against his lips fragile, “yeah, yeah I’ll find something,” while still sniffing along with those words. He hid his expression and tears, looking down as he really didn’t want the other to see his face and the way it looked right now. Now he wasn’t even pretty. And he wasn’t acting like a man but more like four year old boy that just got a puppy to his birthday. Beyond weird.

“No one ever invited me to date,” he mumbled softly, bumping his head against Ed’s chest, listening to the man’s heart. He was embarrassed for having such a hysteric reaction now that he calmed down tiny bit. Was he for real? Ugh. “If it’s a date and I’m not simply misunderstanding this whole thing.” He added in whisper, his hand fisting the sheets. “And sorry for the the scene,” he didn’t forget to apologize, though his shoulders were still shaking with tiny sobs.


//hopefully not crappy...also, he's such a baby x.x

Ed noticed the gasp, the involuntary intake of breath from Eros as he pulled him in for the kiss. He was having quite the effect on the other young man. He loved that Eros was having a good time. It helped him to know there was something more than just base attraction. It wasn’t lust that got them together the previous night, there was a chemistry, a connection; even if the two didn’t know exactly what it was there was definitely something there. The one night was the greatest night he had experienced since he left his family home in France. He had enjoyed his time living with Jacques, his time with his other boyfriends, but Eros was different, he was special; even after just one night, a few hours of pleasure.

As Eros eyed the tickets and asked the question Ed had alluded to moments before, Ed smiled at his bedmate and nodded. “Yes Eros, I would be honored if you would come to the match with me, as my plus one.” He hoped that he was being clear enough. He wanted this to be their second date. At this point, Ed was expecting Eros to wrap him in a hug, to pull him in to another kiss, not to start crying and sobbing. Ed was taken off guard. The other man, who had shown so many emotions over the last 12 hours; joy, pain, passion, love, Ed didn’t expect to see sorrow. Almost as soon as he started sobbing, Eros pulled Ed into the expected kiss. This one however was not the passionate kiss of a love, it was a ‘don’t be mad at me, I just don’t know what to say’ kind of kiss. Eros was obviously at a loss for words, and Ed was pleased with that. He was glad that he could do something to take his breath away; something that could surprise him.

As the beast hunter answered him, Ed reached over with one powerful hand and wiped away the tear trailing down his face. He didn’t want Eros to think he was being insensitive. He didn’t know exactly what it was that had him feeling this way, but he was here for him, he wanted to take care of him. Waving his wand, Ed grabbed a handkerchief and passed it to Eros. He felt the other man’s tears trailing down his chest, but he didn’t care. Eros was going to get dressed up, get fancy with him, and the two would spend another magical night together. The next revelation from Eros was one that caught Ed quite off guard. He had never been on a date? So he must have realized that was what Ed wanted when he offered. But why had Eros never been on a date? Had he just been the man’s first? There was no way. Confusion and compassion flooded over Ed as he wondered so many things he would never bring himself to ask of the other.

Reaching down with a tender hand, Ed picked Eros chin up off his chest and brought him up to his eye level, “Oui, mon chou, it is without doubt a date. I expect to see your best robes; even if for only the match.” Ed added the last little bit as a tease. He knew that Eros had enjoyed their previous night, and he couldn’t wait to recreate it, perhaps at the other man’s home the next time. Pecking him quickly on the lips, Ed shook his head, “Eros, mon amour, you never need to apologize to me for anything again. You make a scene when you want, you can cry when you want, and you can kiss me when you want. I do not believe that yesterday was any kind of accident.” Holding him tight, Ed felt the slight shudders of a sob from Eros as he composed himself. Today was going as well as the Frenchman could have dreamed.