Healing isn't always easy | Eden

Tedious was putting it lightly. His patience had grown with age, and he supposed it would continue to do so, but it wasn't really in a lycan's nature. It was more about acting now and based on emotions. He appreciated that Eden moved away as he took another cigarette. The smell alone made his fingers itch, wanting one as well, but it was best to avoid it, even if he had eaten breakfast.
The suggestion was nice, and he chuckled softly at the lightheartedness that the vampyre brought. It helped him just to stay in the moment and not worry about the past or the future. "I think I would love to just sit and watch you do all the work," he admitted, playing on his bratty side now that the vampyre had brought it up himself.
However today was not meant for him to just slack off and do nothing in the garden. His exam was next week, and he needed to go over some of his notes and perhaps re-read a few chapters. "Well it's mostly the boring stuff; Market trends and prognosis," he shrugged. He wasn't too worried about it, feeling like he had a pretty good grasp of things. He was being forced to attend all the exams as he hadn't completed the intern period, but he had no trouble doing that. This was merely the last one, and it felt a little scary. Not because he didn't know the stuff, but rather the fact that he would finally be done. It was just as surreal as standing here with Eden in their own apartment.
"I guess this will be a time of new beginnings," he admitted with a soft scoff, taking another sip of his coffee. "I do however want to ask your opinion about the firm that I've basically inherited," he spoke more seriously, because frankly this was a serious matter. "I've considered terminating the firm .. Use the assets to start up my own," he just put it out there. It would be a brand new start, but he also felt like those employed at the firm currently wouldn't respect him as they should.

"They do shift, that is true, but much like gardening, I find it tedious work," he admitted with a soft chuckle. It wasn't too bad, he knew what he needed to read up on, and it probably wouldn't take long for him to do so. Frankly he would much rather just spend time with the vampyre, but this was his final exam. He just had to get it right. Turning the conversation over to the inherited firm was another headache for him.
"I honestly just don't know what I would want to do with a firm that bears a name I don't want to associate with .. And selling it seems redundant because it'll continue to exist," was it really so bad that he wanted to be rid of that part of his life? He had always wanted to be in charge of that firm, but now he actually just wanted to see it crumble to dust. It didn't deserve a legacy. It deserved to be forgotten and erased. "I guess I'll have to look over the documents after my exam," he sighed, shaking his head a little as he finished up his coffee.
He moved closer to Eden once he was finished smoking, wrapping his arms around him, holding him close for a little while. He could really get used to this. A slow start to the morning, taking time to be around each other before work called. It was almost bliss if it weren't for the fact Eden still needed to heal. "What are you going to spend your day on now that I'll be busy with my nose in a book?"

Sit and heal sounded a bit boring, but perhaps that was because Romeo didn't like to sit still. He was always doing something, wasn't he? Listening to him as he felt how the vampyre touched his hair was nice. "Maybe .." Romeo said, hesitating because it was quite a thing to ask of him right now, "maybe we could start a firm .. together?" It wasn't just something you did on a whim, that was for sure, but creating something together would ensure their future and lifestyle. It would also give them a goal to work towards. "You don't have to say anything yet .. I just wanted to throw it out there as a possibility," he admitted, leaning in to kiss his chin.
Breathing in his scent he sighed softly. "I really need to go work on this exam stuff," he said, reluctantly pulling himself away from Eden. His eyes lingered on him for a while, sending him a smile as he went back into the apartment. He found his books and his computer and notepaper, sitting down by a small table in the kitchen as he got to work. He was working fast, but he wouldn't say he was slacking.

Romeo was in the middle of writing down notes as Eden entered, hearing his footsteps over the nice and smooth floor of their kitchen. The acceptance of his offer made him stop in his tracks, turning his head rather surprised that he had agreed so soon. He had to scoff, getting up from his seat and moving closer to him, cupping his face he pulled him down in a tender kiss, sighing softly against his lips. "Am I being too selfish wanting you to be my partner in every way?" he joked softly, though he was serious. He admired Eden's work ethic, and he had great respect for all the experience the vampyre brought to the table. "I suppose .. We should look for investors; Unless we figure out what to do with the Trevino-Altera firm?" he muttered softly against his lips. He could really eat him up right now, but he also had to be mindful of Eden's condition.
"Cazzo Eden," he swore softly, feeling excited and so very happy that they could do this. Now what they really needed to figure out was a name and they could start figuring out a business model that fit them. Nuzzling their noses together he smiled, "I could just eat you up right now," he admitted, though it also ached a bit to say. It would have to wait. They needed to have patience, even if Romeo hated waiting. It was better than risking the vampyre hurting after doing something too rash.

Romeo closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. It was hard holding back. He was so used to just act on his emotions around Eden. And he didn't feel like it was fair. Greeting the small kiss he sighed, swallowing hard before opening his eyes to look at the man of his life. "Alright, I'll get back to work .. But no more distraction or I might lose it," he admitted. He couldn't have him barge in here while he was revising, that would be too much for him to ever stay focused. Letting the vampyre leave for now, he returned to his seat, sitting down briefly but shook his head as he got up to fill up his cup with a new round of coffee. The sooner he got through this revision, the sooner he could get to spend some well deserved time with Eden.

If there was one thing the lycan was, then it was committed. He managed to stay focused, running through the last few chapters that felt rather easy as most was still fresh in his memory. He had gotten a bit to eat, having placed some cucumber slices and carrot stick for himself to reach for once in a while. Progress on all fronts today it seemed. It felt good just to have one day where things didn't turn horribly wrong.
Finishing up, he packed his things up, being rather neatly as he fixed his notes, before heading into the living room. The place looked a little empty for now, but he was sure they could fill it out in no time if they put their minds together. "All done," he smiled a little proudly at the vampyre.

The news about the fact that they could basically start whenever was quite a relief, smiling as he went to Eden on the couch, sitting next to him. He eyed the book, but otherwise listened to what he said. The question made him hum softly, "I need to get some groceries, but I'll just order it online," he pondered, reaching over to touch Eden's shoulder, just to have some sort of contact with him. It just felt really good to be together. Even if all they did right now was rather mundane, not all of their life had to be travels and experiencing new things.
His eyes returned to the book, what are you reading?" He asked rather curiously, reaching down to read the cover. It looked old, but it wasn't really a book he thought he recognized. "Was it boring waiting for me to finish up?" he then asked, leaning in to kiss his cheek, nuzzling his nose into the vampyre's hair line, breathing him in. He felt like he had to make up for lost time as he was so eager to be close to him.

If Eden wanted to go, then he couldn't really object. It would be nice with some fresh air to say the least, though he didn't really mind staying inside if it was with the vampyre by his side. He smiled slightly at the fact he was reading poems, "perhaps we could go grocery shopping and when we get back you could read me a couple?" Oh he would love that. Hearing the vampyre's voice reciting poetry had to be something else indeed.
Then the vampyre spoke about fairness and Romeo frowned a little as he looked down. This sort of waiting was very different from the waiting he had been doing. But he wasn't going to argue that and ruin the mood. Instead he focused on how good it felt to have Eden take his hand and lift it to his lips. The cold lips against his warm hand made it feel almost like burning, but in the best way possible. "Well then .. Let's go get ready," he smiled. All he really needed was his wallet and shoes, seeing as he didn't mind his more relaxed fit. At least the pants could be tied tighter so they wouldn't just ride down.
Once both of them were ready, he would grab the keys to their apartment, heading out the door and closing it after them. He placed it in his pocket, opting to take the elevator down because he didn't want to risk tiring the vampyre out before they even hit the streets. They had been in an elevator before, one where all they had really been doing was making out. This felt different but not in a bad way. In a normal sort of way. Reaching down he took his hand, entangling their fingers and giving his hand a soft squeeze.

Eden grabbed the lycan's neck, making him grit his teeth as where he had been bitten was still a bit tender. However the vampyre soon soothed his pain, a kiss that he longed so deeply for. It felt too brief as the apology was spoken, but at least he got a few more kisses in. Eden moved away and Romeo was left standing there, looking at the vampyre quite spellbound. His eyes vulnerable, his lip quivering a bit, but he was very happy. He felt like himself, even if he didn't have the strength, it was surely Eden that once more was in control of his body.
He took a few deep breaths, looking down as he realized he was probably all red in the face. "You talking about restraint makes it sound like it's so easy for you," he muttered, feeling a little lightheaded. It was just the effect Eden always had on him. As the elevator reached the ground floor, he stepped out, still holding on to the vampyre's hand. There was no way he was letting go of him now. His heart beat was still a bit faster from the encounter, but he thought it was best to go out in the fresh air to calm down.
Out on the streets people were busy, and he actually liked having a lot of people on the streets. Up in Northern you rarely saw many people walking places; They either drove or stayed in their neighborhood. But in Central you sorta had to walk to get around. Looking down at his phone he had put in the address for a nice supermarket that wasn't too far from their apartment. Another plus was the fact that as they walked they were in the shadow, so Eden didn't even have to worry about getting nauseous by the sun.
The supermarket they reached was pretty big, and had quite many aisles, so Romeo opted to grab a trolley, pushing it around. It also gave Eden something to rest against if he needed it. "Broccoli, kale, oranges," he muttered to himself as they perused the fruit and vegetable section. They had fresh berries and Romeo stood for a while considering buying them. Mostly because he hadn't delved into that yet. Blinking a few times he shook his head, deciding it was too much with all the changes that had been happening in his life so far. Another time, he told himself.
Heading down the different aisles, there were a clear pattern in what Romeo bought. It was protein rich foods and something that didn't take too long to cook. Reaching the personal hygiene section, he looked for a new toothbrush for himself and Eden if he wanted it. He also grabbed some toothpaste, just because he wasn't sure the small travel sized one he had at home would be enough for more than a few days. Then he stopped at the more private part of the aisle. Looking up at the selection of condoms before he reached out and grabbed a bottle of lube, a brand they at least knew were good. He couldn't help but blush a little. Perhaps because this was such a clear indication of what the two of them did together. He also grabbed some massage oil, biting his lower lip a little as he read the bottle. It was edible. Weird, but it sounded fun too. Plus it was also a lube. What couldn't this product be used as? "Have I forgotten anything?" he pondered out loud, hoping the vampyre could be of help as he scanned their cart, going through his list in his head.

Romeo had been spoiled most of his life, but he had also been taught humility in that way. He did notice Eden picking up a few apples which made him smile, especially because he remembered the story of young Eden trying to eat the fruit to no success. Once everything was packed and the vampyre took all of the bags, he chuckled softly. He was really keen on being a gentleman, wasn't he? He felt his hand getting grabbed by the man he loved, following him outside the supermarket. The question made him shake his head no, "I don't think it would be wise to go any place but home seein as I don't want the frozen goods to thaw," he said quite reasonably. Not only that, but being daced with so much food had tuckered him out a bit. It wasn't so easy, but he had done it with Eden's help.
Moving down the streets, he felt rather proud being out like this. Hell, he even managed to steal a few kisses before they reached their apartment. He could get used to this. No more hiding. Just the two of them living their lives together. Unlocking the door he went to press the button for the elevator and while they waited he turned to Eden. "Come on, spill your thoughts on that supermarket already," he said, rolling his eyes as he hadn't been blind to the vampyre's reaction. He wasn't sure it was because he was being a snob or simply didn't understand the whole ordeal as he ate blood. Regardless Romeo wanted answers.
The elevator made a small ringing noise as it arrived on the bottom floor, getting in he pressed the button to their floor. He wasn't letting go of his hand. There was so much comfort to be found in this. "Did .. Didn't this feel liberating to you as well?" He chuckled, feeling his heart beat in his throat. They had gotten so used to hiding, that now it felt like the lycan could finally breathe.

"Such a snob," he chuckled at the confession about the shopping, but it was clear he wasn't really judging. It was all in good fun. Romeo had just been raised more down to earth because of where he lived. Going to the market down in the middle of his hometown, bargaining for the freshest vegetables, begging his mother for the in season fruits. It was fond memories he had from back then. It was a simpler life. Though he wouldn't say that life with Eden wasn't the best thing he had ever had; Funny how he had never even considered that life could be like this with another person. However that was perhaps easy to say when he had been more in the closet. "Well from now on I'm dragging you to the supermarket; It's not like you're going to eat the food anyways," he teased, smiling at him as he actually felt better now. It was like letting off steam of being in a place where he was surrounded by what scared him. Eden had made him feel at ease, that was for sure.
The comment about them being friends made him chuckle, shaking his head as it was a bit silly how the world was still so heteronormative in that sense. "Well, I certainly don't do what we do with my friends," he said, looking up at him, his hazel eyes genuine. He had never had anything like this. Perhaps that was why he was so scared of losing it. Even if Eden would remind him every time, it wouldn't be strange for him to still worry. "I bought a bottle of sparkling wine," he said, rolling his eyes if Eden would make a snobby face, "I know, I know, it's not champagne, but it was pretty decent in the reviews I've read." If it tasted bad they could always pour it out and order some better bottles online.
They reached their floor, and Romeo got off, walking ahead to unlock and hold the door for the vampyre who was still carrying the bags. Getting out of his shoes he grabbed a bag from Eden, heading to the kitchen where he started unpacking. He still had to figure out what he wanted where in the kitchen, so he pretty much just stuffed the things that needed a cold temperature in the fridge. The rest he packed away in cabinets, just to not make the space look a mess. The sparkling wine he placed in the freezer, just to be sure it would be nice and cold for their evening. He then took a look at the fruits they had bought, chuckling a bit as he lifted the apple that Eden had picked out. "What exactly was your plan with this?" he asked curiously.

He wanted to taste it? It made Romeo chuckle a bit, but he wasn't going to tell the vampyre what he could or couldn't do. He loved to see this less serious side of him. The one that didn't worry too much and wasn't in pain. The question made him scoff, shrugging a big as he turned the apple in his hand, "as odd as it can be; just don't try to bite it and leave it somewhere," he teased, placing the apple down with the other fruits in a bowl he had found. He reached for Eden instead, moving closer and wrapping his arms loosely around his waist, looking up at him. It was so clear from the lycan's eyes just how content he was right now.
"Are you sure that was the only reason?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked at him with curious eyes, "I mean you rarely spend your money on things you have no need for," he argued. Humming softly he leaned up on his toes as he pressed his lips to Eden's. He smiled against his lips, kissing him again as he moved backwards until they reached their kitchen island. Romeo got up on the nice marble surface, spreading his legs so Eden could stand between them. He just had to kiss him for a while. Did that count as not showing restraint? He wasn't sure, but after all those teasing kisses, he felt like he just needed a little bit more.
Breaking their kiss, he panted softly, chuckling to himself, "I still can't wrap my head around us making out in our kitchen."

It would be sorta cute for Eden to do that, though he wasn't looking to be the one cleaning up after him. But maybe the vampyre was too used to be waited on to even realized that you couldn't just do that. The fact that Eden was testing his patience didn't bother him much at this point, because he had something else in mind that might tease both of them just right.
As he felt the hands squeezing his thighs he couldn't stop himself from moaning into the vampyre's mouth. He needed a breather, and the confession had been more to excuse that fact. Though it seemed the vampyre wasn't ready for a break yet, making him chuckle, running his hands up into his short hair, pulling lightly at it as his lips were licked. "Now who's impatient?" he muttered, though only in teasing as he leaned in to reconnect their lips, however only briefly before he broke the kiss again. "Maybe we should test your patience for once," he smiled, a little cunning if he had to say so, because this was rather fun. "I suppose I should be mean and rile you up?" he asked, kissing his cheek, moving his lips down to the vampyre's neck, licking and kissing his skin while his hands pulled his head back to give him easier access.