Work Text:
Edwin couldn’t stop thinking about what Larry had said.
After Danny had dropped them off and Edwin saw that their previous case was missing…
”You said he’d still be here.” Edwin spat, turning around from looking at where their case had been.
“I did, didn’t I.” Charles said, looking from the same spot to Edwin and smiling. “That’s my bad.”
“I’m glad one of you is keeping up to date with pop culture. Kind of.” Crystal muttered.
Edwin rolled his eyes and huffed.
They went back to the abandoned house they had taken up residency in.
“It’s not that bad, once you get used to it.” Charles told Dorothy as they walked through the front door (the boys literally), arms wide, as he turned around.
“You’ll be fine. You don’t have an allergies to dust or anything, right?” Crystal asked, standing beside Dorothy on her left.
“Oh. No.” Dorothy said, glancing up at Crystal.
“Great!” Charles exclaimed.
Edwin had gone to stand off to the side.
“Come on! We’ll show you around!” Charles said, excitedly and motioned for Dorothy to follow him.
She did and left Crystal and Edwin alone in the foyer.
“You okay?” Crystal asked, glancing at Edwin.
“I’m fine.” Edwin said, a bit forced. A bit of annoyance and pain.
“Okay.” Crystal said, pausing before following Charles and Dorothy.
Charles was still showing Dorothy things he liked about the house when Crystal found Edwin in the living room staring out a window.
Edwin turned around when Crystal came in.
“Can I help you?” Edwin asked, a tone of annoyance.
“Just… Came to see if you were really okay.” Crystal said, concern in her voice.
“I told you I was fine.” Edwin said.
“And I heard you.” Crystal said, walking up to Edwin. “You just seem a bit… Off. Since the Underworld.”
“It’s nothing.” Edwin said.
“Well I’m here if you want to talk.” Crystal said, empathy in her voice. Edwin nodded curtly. She turned around to leave when Edwin spoke.
“I… had a conversation. With Larry.” Edwin said.
Crystal turned back around.
“Oh. Okay.” Crystal said, slowly. Going to sit on the couch close to Edwin.
Edwin sighed.
“Larry said… That things were different.” Edwin bit out. “That… I seemed to have…” He started but stopped himself.
“If you don’t… Want to tell me, it’s fine. I get it.” Crystal said, sincerely.
“No. I’ll say it. It is the twenty first century after all.” Edwin drawled, rolling his eyes up to the ceiling and the down at Crystal.
Crystal waited for him to speak. If he decided to.
“Larry said… That I seemed to have feelings… For Charles.” Edwin said, a tone of fear in his voice.
“That’s it?” Crystal asked, expecting more.
“Yes. That is ‘it’.” Edwin mildly exclaimed, bunny earing the word ‘it’.
“Do you… ?” Crystal started. “Have feelings?” She broached.
“I don’t… I can’t just… It’s not… “ Edwin started. “I know it’s a new century. And things are different now. But I can’t just… I’m not ready…” Edwin looked down at the floor.
Crystal leaned forward and put her hand in Edwin’s and squeezed reassuringly.
Edwin abruptly looked up at Crystal who smiled empathetically at him.
Edwin squeezed her hand back.
They let go.
“Thank you, Crystal.” Edwin said, and meant it.
“I’m always here for you, not matter what. And Charles.” Crystal said. “And now Dorothy I guess, too.” Crystal added.
“And we’re here for you, as well.” Edwin said.
“Thanks.” Crystal said. “And I’m pretty sure, when or if, you’re ready, that Charles probably -“ The word ‘probably’ was higher pitched “- Feels the same way back.”
Edwin’s eyes widened a fraction. “Really?” He asked, his voice a ghost of a whisper.
“Trust me.” Crystal said, asssuringly.
Charles chose to come bursting into the room with Dorothy following behind him.
“I’m gonna go show Dorothy some places to get food around here. Since, y’know, she needs to eat. Want to come?” Charles asked, grinning.
Crystal and Edwin looked from Charles and Dorothy to one another.
Edwin then looked at Charles and said “I’d love to.”
“Wicked!” Charles exclaimed.
“I’ll come too.” Crystal said, standing up.
Charles grinned.
Crystal and Edwin followed Charles and Dorothy out of the room.