Archive of Our Own ^beta

While they did miss out on Forge’s exceptional cache of loot, Lord Neverember did see fit to compensate Ed and his companions for saving his life and not letting the entire city go to hell in an undead handbasket. It wasn’t ship-full-of-gold money, especially considering the man had recently had his vault emptied, but it was a hell of a lot more than they had to start with. 

They proceeded to get spectacularly hammered and tried to figure out what to do with it. Of course the drink led them to being a little maudlin (if Ed started crying first, that was his business) and getting hung up on how much they cared for each other. They realized that while each of their shares wasn’t enough to do much with on their own, if they pooled them together they could buy some property.

None of them planned to stop traveling and they all had their own goals separate from the group but it would be nice to have a home base. They could all use a guaranteed place to rest their heads and the stability would be good for Kira. They found a plot just outside the Neverwinter wood that held a small defunct inn that was suitable for all their needs. 

It was a two story combination of wood and stone with a thatched roof and a wide porch. The front door led straight into the massive kitchen with a sitting room at the opposite end of the place. All the other space, both upstairs and down, was occupied by bedrooms. They could easily repurpose a few to suit their needs while still giving everyone their own room.

So what if it was kind of a shithole?

It was nothing a little bit of elbow grease and wild magic couldn’t shape up. The foundation was good and while there was a tree growing through the south end of the building it turned out Doric was into that sort of thing. She used her druid mojo to get the tree and all the ivy creeping around the property to work with the house instead of against it. Simon had designs to add some of his own magical improvements to the house and Ed and Holga were decent enough with all the other repairs given how often things would fall apart back in Targos. All together, they could easily make it hospitable.

They tackled the kitchen and the bedrooms they’d be using first. The rest of the place had its issues, mostly roof leaks and broken windows but nothing to stop them from moving in. They managed to bring down everything salvageable from Targos and were collecting more furniture wherever they could. Lucky for them, the blue bloods of Neverwinter preferred to toss things out instead of repairing them so they’d gotten pretty handy at snapping up unwanted goods. They’d gotten more than enough beds, dressers, and tables just from scouring the city with a cart. Frankly, it was shaping up to be a very cozy shithole. 

Ed was currently whacking the dust out of a rug Holga had thrifted out of some noble’s garbage on the front porch when a flash of reflected sunlight hit him in the eyes. When he turned to look in the offending direction he tossed his head back and groaned.

“Well met, Edgin,” Xenk called. He was strutting up the front walk, his stupid armor gleaming where he carried it over his shoulder.

Ed pointed the wicker rug beater at him. “Uh-uh, poorly met, very fucking poorly. You know what happened to us after you wandered off? Holga got stabbed by a Red Wizard, we fought another dragon, I got tentacle slime in my mouth .”

“And yet you persevered.” He bowed his head. “I am truly gladdened you all survived.”

Ed rolled his eyes. “Yeah, Yeah. Why’d you come looking for us?”

“I must return the helm to safe keeping,” Xenk said.

“Oh yeah, I think it’s still in Simon’s bag. He’s at the market with Kira, he should be back soon.”

“Very well. Do you require assistance in the interim?”

“Not unless you like pulling weeds.” Ed nodded to the sorry excuse for a garden in front of the porch, it was the next chore on his list once he managed to air the trash smell out of the rug.

“I am indifferent,” Xenk said. He set his gear on the steps and slipped out of his fancy little jacket, pushing up his sleeves before getting to work.

“You know I was kidding right?”

“Sarcasm or no, the work need be done and I am happy to oblige.”

Ed shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

Xenk thankfully didn’t talk as they worked, but he did manage to clear the garden in about half the time it would’ve taken Ed. Even if he was annoying and deeply weird to be around, Ed figured that earned him a drink.

“Come on in, I’ll get Simon to magic the rest of the funk out of this thing later.” He led Xenk into the kitchen. “What do you drink?”

“Water. Tea on occasion,” Xenk said. He pulled out the chair closest to the door and took a seat at the table.

“Well let’s make it an occasion,” Ed said. He lit the stove and fished out the kettle. It was one of Simon’s more successful experiments, the thing could boil water in under a minute. He looked through the cupboard, rooting through Doric’s collection for tea a stuck up paladin might like. He settled on some fruity green blend and was even hospitable enough to give Xenk the good mug that didn’t have any chips in it.

He set the mug in front of Xenk and slid into the chair opposite him. “What the hell have you even been up to?” He assumed there was a good reason he fucking bailed on them.

Xenk turned from where he’d been staring out the window. “That is my other reason for this visit. I intended to wait until you were all assembled, but it’s no matter.” He gently cupped his mug and took a sip. He frowned before pulling over their jar of honey and adding a hefty dollop.

Ed blinked. “Sweet tooth, who knew?”

Xenk, like he often did, ignored the remark. “While tracking a person of interest for the Harpers, I discovered a second quarry.”

Ed snorted. “Overachiever.”

“I was deep in Neverwinter Wood when I happened upon a distressed man in finery crawling through the brush with a large golden chalice.”

Ed sat up in his chair. “No fucking way.”

“Forge Fitzwilliam is in custody, likely already incarcerated.”

Ed felt a laugh bubble up in his chest, before he knew it he was cackling. “Oh, man, I take it back Xenk, you’re great to talk to.”

“I thought the news would please you.”

Ed reached over and grabbed his hands. “You have no idea.”

“Are we interrupting something?”

Simon stood in the doorway with Kira who was craning her head around him to see.

Ed threw his hands up. “Great news, Xenk threw Forge in prison!”

Xenk’s correction on the manner in which he delivered Forge to justice was interrupted by Simon whooping, a burst of dancing lights shooting off of him. Kira rushed to Ed’s side and hugged him. He tucked her up tight against him, she hadn’t said anything but he knew Forge being somewhere out there had made her nervous. 

She pulled away from Ed to look Xenk up and down. “Did you really save my dad from a dragon?”

Xenk nodded. “Shortly before he saved me from drowning. I consider him an ally of the highest caliber.”

“Yeah, you’re all right too I guess,” Ed teased. He patted Kira’s back. “C’mon you can help me make dinner.”

“Dumplings?” Kira asked hopefully.

“You got it.” He turned to Xenk. “You staying?”

“I’m afraid I must away,” Xenk said. “I am occupied with other duties that require me to travel to the Underdark, so I saw fit to return the helm while I am there.”

“Oh, one sec.” Simon pulled his bag forward and rooted around. No matter how many times Ed watched him do it, it was still spooky to see his whole arm disappear inside the thing. After a moment he pulled the helmet out with a flourish. “Ta-da, one Helm of Disjunction.”

Xenk stood and took it. “I thank you for keeping it safe.” He turned to Ed. “Despite your protestations, you are quite reliable at keeping promises.”

Ed rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, get out of my house.”

Xenk just smiled his stupid I-know-more-than-you smile. He turned to Kira and bowed. “It was a pleasure to meet you, my Lady.”

Kira curtsied. “You as well, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Yeah, he can room with Chauncey,” Ed snorted.

“He’s a raccoon,” Simon clarified. “He’s taken up in one of the unfinished rooms, Doric won’t get him out and the rest of us are too scared to try… He bites.” Simon held up his bandaged fingers as proof.

Xenk blinked. “Until we meet again.”

He turned on his heel and walked oh-so straightly out the door, grabbing his armor on the way out.

“Weird guy,” Ed said, watching him retreat down the path.

Kira grinned. “I think he’s neat.”

–

The house was shaping up into something mostly liveable. They’d finished all their bedrooms and were making headway on the others. Kira was over the moon about decorating, it wasn’t Castle Never but it was twice the size of her room in Targos. Ed also wasn't about to complain. It was the first time in years he’d been able to sleep without hearing Holga snoring nearby.

The others seemed to be settling in pretty well too. Holga was happy if Kira was happy and Simon kept working on new magical projects to help out around the house. Doric focused on their vegetable garden and adopting every cat, dog, goat, and any other creature that looked at her too long.

Ed spent most of his time either working on repairs or doing odd jobs to afford the repairs. Tonight though, he was blissfully without obligation and home alone for the time being. He was sitting out on the porch with his pipe just listening to the cicadas and crickets when he spotted a shape coming down the path to the house.

The others weren’t due home so soon and they didn’t get many unexpected visitors as far out as they were, so Ed immediately perked up. He rolled his eyes once he recognized the rider and coal black horse. He hadn’t seen Xenk since he came back for the helm a few months ago and Ed could only imagine what the paladin needed now.

As Xenk approached, Ed got a better look at him. He had a drained expression and dark circles under his eyes. His hair was mussed and his normally sparkling armor was covered in a fine layer of dust.

“You look terrible.”

“I fear I feel worse.” He dismounted and waved his hand over his horse, whispering something under his breath. Ed tried not to freak out over the way the fucking horse just evaporated into smoke.

“What happened to you?”

“I have just concluded escorting a convoy of refugees to Neverwinter… The journey has taxed me greatly, however I was unable to find suitable shelter so I have come to ask for aid.”

Ed connected the dots between Xenk’s speech and raised an eyebrow. “You’re too broke to afford an inn in the city and need a place to crash.”

“Indeed,” Xenk said with a sigh. “Perhaps I can compensate you in some other way.”

Ed bit his tongue to avoid mentioning that he’d read a book like this once. “Don’t worry about it. You eat?”

Xenk shook his head, looking oddly lost.

“C’mon, I was just about to start dinner. Anything you don’t like?”

“I abstain from meat.” He frowned. “I would also prefer not to be served peas, if possible.”

“Eh, just as well,” Ed said, leading him into the house. “Simon and Kira are starting to pout about killing the chickens. I think we’re all gonna be vegetarian before long. You can wash up while I cook.”

He brought him down the hall to the only finished guest room. “You can drop your stuff in here, bathroom’s right across the hall. The tub’s enchanted, it’ll fill and drain itself if you say ‘bathtime’ out loud. You just have to make sure you step in left foot first or the water’ll start boiling.”

Xenk cocked his head.

“Listen, Simon’s good but he’s not that good. Still beats cold baths.”

Ed busied himself with starting a pot of soup while Xenk washed the quest off. The rest of the house would be off on their various errands and walkabouts for at least another hour or two, but it’d keep nicely until they got back.

He had the stock simmering and was chopping vegetables by the time Xenk came back out. He looked cleaner though still clearly exhausted.

“Sit down.” Ed directed before Xenk could offer to help. “What happened to you out there?” Not that Ed knew him well, but Xenk looked uncharacteristically limp. It was unnatural to see him with anything but ramrod straight posture.

“While we did not meet it, the threat of danger on our way was high. My charges had been through a great deal already so I alone kept night’s watch on our journey.”

Ed winced. “When’s the last time you slept?”

“Three nights ago.”

“Nine hells. Yeah, you’re getting soup and then you’re going to bed.”

Xenk rested his head in his hand. “Your kindness is greatly appreciated.”

“To quote a wise and very annoying man, ‘you’d do the same for me’.”

“I would,” Xenk agreed.

“Seriously, though, you gotta take care of yourself man. You can’t help anyone if you’re half dead.”

“Being touched by the beckoning death has not hindered my work.”

“Shit,” Ed said, instantly regretting his word choice. “I didn’t mean… it’s a turn of phrase like– ow .” He was so focused on pulling his foot out of his mouth he wasn’t paying attention to the knife in his hand. He sucked on his bleeding finger, this was why Holga never trusted him with a blade.

“Are you all right?”

Ed nodded. “Yeah. Just shouldn’t be allowed around sharp objects.”

Xenk stood and gestured to Ed’s hand. “May I?”

Ed held it out. “It’s not too bad, I can probably…” He trailed off as Xenk took his hand. Suddenly he was filled with a warm, almost dreamy sensation as the pain faded. 

Xenk squeezed his hand. Ed figured he should pull away before things got weird, but things were always kind of weird with Xenk.

“I didn’t know you could heal.” Ed said.

“The Ancients blessed me with many gifts when I took their oath.”

Ed finally pulled his hand back. “Well, be sure to tell them thanks.”

Xenk smiled. “I will make a note when I commune this evening.”

“Well, barring any further injuries, dinner should be ready in half an hour.” Ed turned to add the last of the veggies to the soup and let it simmer. “So, what else have you been up to besides tirelessly watching over the innocent?”

Xenk dropped back into his chair and regaled Ed with his exploits involving a pack of mud mephits that had been contaminating a village’s well. They weren’t satisfied until Xenk personally waded through the slimy, waist-deep water of nearby swamp to find them a more appropriate home. Xenk really was some kind of celestial hero because he’d done it all in full plate. Ed fought a shiver at the thought of all the terrible places mud must have wound up.

Ed ladled out two bowls of soup and cut an especially hefty slice of bread for Xenk. Hopefully if he fed him sufficiently heavy food it’d knock him out long enough for him to actually get some real rest. He set it all out in front of Xenk along with a tankard of ice water.

“Thank you,” Xenk said. He tested the soup and immediately reached for the shaker of pepper on the table and added a frankly disturbing amount of it to his bowl.

Such a weird guy.

Ed sat opposite him and began to dig in. “It’s been pretty quiet around here thankfully. Doric’s gotten real involved in some animal protection stuff with the enclave and Holga’s just been taking security gigs.”

Xenk, who was somehow both devouring his food but also maintaining perfect table manners, dabbed at his mouth with a napkin before speaking. “And what have you been busying yourself with?”

“Fixing up the house mostly, getting Kira set up with an apprenticeship in the city.” He sipped his drink, loathe to admit this next part. “Did a freelance thing with the Harpers.”

Xenk was silent but the way he raised his eyebrows was entirely too smug.

“I’m not back on with them okay? It’s just a good way to earn some extra cash to keep up with repairs on this place.”

“Honest work suits you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ed waved him off. “There just hasn’t been anything worth stealing lately.”

“Perhaps you should take up a hobby to occupy your idle hands.”

Ed blinked. It was hard to tell what with the lack of inflection or facial expressions but he was pretty sure Xenk was teasing him.

“What about you?” Ed asked. “You don’t really seem like a hobbies kinda guy.”

Xenk nodded once. “I do find myself with very little leisure time. However, I am an avid reader.”

“What kinda books you like?”

“Historical records are always valuable to peruse, as well as tomes on the many great beasts of Faerun.” Xenk ducked his head. “I’m also quite fond of adventure novels.”

“Me too. You ever read The Seventh Sparrow?”

Xenk perked up. “I found it riveting.”

“S’my favorite.” Ed ran a hand through his hair. “Used to retell it to Holga to pass the time in prison. ‘Course I had to add more fights to keep her interested.”

“I’m sure your editorial was equally compelling.”

“You say that now, there was also a significant increase in sultry halflings.”

Xenk laughed. “I’ll be sure to never spoil her fun with the true plot.”

Ed quizzed him on other books he liked, the long life made him wildly more well read than Edgin, but he was still able to come up with a few that Xenk hadn’t checked out yet. Xenk’s taste skewed in favor of anything with a band of adventurers tackling the impossible, especially if there were horses involved.

By the time Xenk finished his second bowl of soup he was well and truly drooping.

“All right, tough guy, time for bed.”

“I will help you clean up.”

“You will carry your exhausted ass to bed.”

Xenk was apparently too tired to argue. “I am in your debt.”

Ed tidied up and decided to reread The Seventh Sparrow while he waited for the others to come back. He always had trouble sleeping if any of them were still on their way home so he usually stayed up until everyone was accounted for. Simon, Kira and Doric returned in time for a late dinner but Holga didn’t get back until well after midnight. She’d apparently gotten swept up in an arm wrestling tournament in the tavern and so Ed stayed up an extra hour listening to her tell him about her many victories.

When he woke up Xenk was nowhere in sight, none of the others having seen him at all. It took Ed half the day to realize the hinges on the back gate had been repaired.

–

“You want the bad news or the good news first?”

Xenk looked over his shoulder at Ed. “By order of import.”

“Well, it didn’t burn you.”

Ed adjusted his torch so he could scan the frankly flawless expanse of brown skin now on display thanks to the massive hole that had been burned into the back of Xenk’s jacket and tunic. He hadn’t worn his armor to their rendezvous because the Harpers had told them they’d just be gathering information. They were staking out an inn to spy on a suspected smuggler when it broke bad. Neither of them had expected the guy to summon an ankheg from who fucking knew where once he clocked them. They were lucky Xenk’s coat was the only victim of all the acid that got sprayed around the place.

“But you’re gonna need a new shirt.”

Xenk shrugged out of his jacket and examined it himself. He gently touched the frayed edges of the fabric and sighed. Ed was getting better at reading him the longer they knew each other and he couldn’t help but think he looked sad.

“I can patch it up for you,” he offered.

“A skill I was unaware you possessed,” Xenk said.

Ed shrugged. “Holga’s a brute with a needle so I usually take care of mending. I’m good with my hands.”

Xenk looked down at Ed’s hands. “I imagine you are.” He carefully folded his coat and put it in his bag.

“C’mon, you can borrow something to wear in the meantime.” Ed clapped him on the back out of habit and immediately regretted it when his hand met warm skin.

They rode into the wood with Xenk leading the way since he could actually see where he was going in the dark. It wasn’t long before the glowing lantern on the front porch came into view though, guiding them back home. It was late by the time they arrived so Ed did his best not to cause too much commotion as they entered. The kitchen lantern was still lit for him–likely Kira’s doing. He led Xenk up to his bedroom and opened his wardrobe to find something suitable.

“You got a favorite color?”

“Blue.” Xenk said, surprising Ed. He half expected the guy to say something like how it was trivial to have a preference of hues.

He rifled around for a minute and pulled out a soft dark blue top. He didn’t have any jackets as nice as Xenk’s but he found a brown leather duster in a similar silhouette.

“You have my gratitude,” Xenk said. Before Ed could say it was no problem Xenk was stripping off the remains of his shirt. He wasn’t as ridiculously toned as Ed imagined–not that he was imagining anything–but he was very clearly built from decades of fighting. His biceps in particular were doing a great job of giving Ed a complex.

“Oh, just, right here, okay.” He held out the shirt so Xenk could cover his stupid perfect torso.

Xenk put it on, not bothering to tie up the front, lest anyone forget what his chest looked like. He slipped the jacket over it and smoothed down the lapels. Ed had to admit Xenk wore it better than he ever could.

He had never shared clothes with anyone before, save putting his coat over Kira when she’d get cold so it was strange to see things he wore settled on another body. It was especially odd that it was Xenk’s body, Ed expected him to look out of place in the more well worn clothing but the way he carried himself just made Ed’s stuff look expensive.

“Do you ever not look perfect?”

Xenk cocked his head for a second then smiled. “Hyperbole. You flatter me.”

“Don’t let it go to your head.” Ed took Xenk’s ruined clothes and bundled them up. “Can probably reuse the shirt fabric if you’re not attached to it.”

“The shirt is of no consequence but if there is a way to salvage the coat I would appreciate it. It has been with me for many years.”

“I’ll do my best,” Ed said.

“Then I have no reason to worry.”

“Now who’s flattering?” Ed knocked their shoulders together. “Come on, that ankheg slimed my stew, I’m starving.”

They settled in at the kitchen table with a mishmash of things Ed cobbled together from the cupboard, too tired to put real effort into cooking.

Xenk’s head perked up a moment before Ed managed to hear footsteps coming down the stairs. 

“You’re having midnight snacks withou–Xenk!”

Kira rushed forward and hugged him.

Ed raised his arms. “What am I? Chopped liver?”

Kira rolled her eyes as she pulled away from Xenk. “You live here. Xenk’s always away doing hero stuff.”

“It is good to see you, Kira. I hope you are well.” Xenk beamed one of his savior of the masses smiles at her.

Kira pulled her stool next to his and grabbed a slice of apple off of Ed’s plate. “Ahuh, I’ve been studying in the city and Holga’s been teaching me how to box.”

“Worthy pursuits. Perhaps we can spar to hone your skills.”

Kira lit up. “Promise?”

“My word is my bond, my lady.” Xenk put a hand over his heart. “I swear it, though I will need to take my rest first.”

“You gonna stay in your room?” She asked.

“It’s not his room, it’s the guest room.” Ed said even though on the rare occasion they did have anyone over besides Xenk, they put them up in one of the other rooms. He was mainly concerned with how friendly Kira was being, she was at the age for crushes but he’d rather she not pick Xenk. That kinda thing would screw up her standards… Then again maybe it wasn’t a bad idea if she turned down every punk kid who couldn’t flatten an army without breaking a sweat.

Kira gave him a flat look. “Sure, Dad.” She turned back to Xenk. “Can we spar in the morning?”

Xenk looked to Ed before replying. “I believe breakfast would be in order first. It does a warrior no good to train on an empty stomach. Or without a proper night’s rest.”

Ed gave him a thumbs up behind Kira’s back.

She batted her eyes. “Five more minutes?”

“That seems agreeable.”

Ed took a drink from his tankard to hide his smile. The man could face a dragon, but two seconds of puppy dog eyes and Xenk folded like a cheap suit.

“Why are you wearing Dad’s clothes?”

“A giant bug spit acid all over him,” Ed said.

“Gross.”

“Your father was kind enough to let me borrow something so I could maintain my modesty.”

“If you’re modest why’s your shirt always open?”

Ed choked on his drink. The problem with being raised by him and Holga was that the kid had no concept of a filter.

“Don’t bully him, Kir, he’s too nice to fight back.”

“Then why do you do it?”

“Because I have poor morals, I’m raising you to be better.”

He was pleased to find that he could make her snort laugh even when she was busy having stars in her eyes over Xenk.

–

It took a while but Ed managed to repair Xenk’s coat.

He’d had to cut out most of the back panel and replace it with a new piece of fabric in order for it to be serviceable again. To make it look intentional instead of patchwork, he found a darker teal fabric of equally fine quality (even if it did cut into his savings quite a bit) and embroidered a simple but elegant swirling abstract design on it in gold thread. No one else in the house had any interest in needle crafts so the amount of sewing he’d done for the rest of them had turned him into a practiced hand by the time he tackled Xenk’s coat.

“Whoa,” Kira said, appearing suddenly over his shoulder. “You did such a good job.”

Ed, used to her popping in and out of rooms without a sound, only started a little. “You think so?”

“Yup. Xenk’s gonna love it.”

Ed pulled her into his lap. “Hope so. He said he’s had it for a while… it’d probably suck to lose it.”

She nodded. “He doesn’t have a lot of stuff, does he?”

“Don’t think so, but I guess that makes sense. He doesn’t really have anywhere to keep it.”

“He could keep it here.”

“Here?”

“Yeah, we’ve got room,” Kira insisted. “He could live with us.”

Ed blinked. “Well, I mean, we’re friends but I don’t know that Xenk is looking to hitch his wagon to a whole… family-whatever. He’s kind of a solitary guy”

“Maybe he’s only solitary ‘cause nobody’s ever asked,” she countered. “We already don’t let anyone stay in his room and he comes here when he doesn’t have anywhere else to go. We might as well make it official.”

She had some points. The guy was always running around doing any and everything for other people, probably to his own detriment. And while his heroics often resulted in crowds singing his praises, he couldn’t imagine there was a long line of people looking to just hang out with Xenk. Ed figured they could be the first. Kira watched him go through his mental gymnastics with a self satisfied grin.

“You’ve been planning this,” Ed said.

“I’ve been planning this,” Kira confirmed. “I just think it’d be a nice gesture.”

“Well, we gotta ask everyone else first. Plus, we should probably zhuzh the place up a bit before we offer it to him.”

They brought it up the next time they were all in the same place for dinner and given everyone else was still convinced the sun shined out of Xenk’s ass, it wasn’t a hard sell. Once they had the go ahead they set to work.

Kira, like him, could focus on a new task like nobody’s business. She got Holga to ‘thrift’ some fairly cohesive furniture and managed to score a massive bookcase that one of her teachers was getting rid of. On Ed’s end, he made sure the last small repairs the room needed were done and spent most of his spare time knitting a sapphire blue blanket for the bed.

Xenk didn’t have many things he’d left behind but they put his stack of books on the shelf along with a few others Ed grabbed for him and hung his clothes and repaired jacket in the wardrobe.

He was oddly nervous about Xenk’s next visit, worried they’d find out they were overstepping. He knew it’d devastate Kira but he couldn’t pretend it wouldn’t hurt him a bit too. He considered Xenk a friend by now and he wouldn’t mind having him around more. He’d certainly feel better knowing the paladin had a safe place to rest when he needed to.

Luckily for his and Kira’s anxious pacing alike, they only had to wait a week after finishing his room for Xenk to show back up again.

Ed and Holga were sitting at the kitchen table going over their schedule for the month when Kira flew down the stairs and rocketed past them out the door. They followed her out to see what the fuss was and saw her dive on Xenk for a hug. He scooped her up easily and carried her back toward the house, his horse trotting along behind him.

“Edgin,” Xenk called, holding Kira up higher. “I believe a treasure has been removed from your coffers.”

Ed set his hands on his hips. “I was wondering where I put that.”

Kira beamed, puffed up under the attention. “C’mon, there’s a surprise for you inside.”

“Then I shall make haste.” He threw her over his shoulder and sprinted the rest of the way to the porch, Kira cackling all the way.

“Welcome back,” Ed said once Xenk set Kira down.

“It is good to see you.” Xenk took Ed’s hand and embraced him. “I trust all is well?”

“Yep. Same old, same old. You?” He looked Xenk over. His hair had grown out more since the last time Ed saw him, long enough to be tied back (but of course with a few locs free to artfully frame his ridiculous face). Unfortunately, he was also wearing the hell out of Ed’s jacket. It’s like he wanted to make Ed look bad. “Don’t see any acid burns at least.”

“Thankfully my journeys have been less perilous than usual. Though I am pleased to no longer be riding. Would it be an imposition for me to spend the night here?”

“Of course not.” He looked over to where Kira was damn near ready to vibrate out of her skin. “Should get to the surprise before she explodes.”

Holga grabbed Xenk’s gear off his ghost horse and they led him through the kitchen and down the hall to his usual room. Ed stopped outside the door and clapped his hands together.

“So, I know you’ve got your own holy quest stuff you’re always dealing with but uh, we all thought it might be nice if whenever you weren’t doing that… you could live here?”

Kira swung the door open. “Your room’s all ready for you.”

Xenk blinked and stepped inside, the rest of them following. He was normally quick to take in new information but he looked around the room like someone had cast Slow on him. He had that wrinkle between his brows like when he was trying to figure out what a turn of phrase meant but couldn’t parse it. 

Finally, he turned back to them. “You truly wish for me to be a part of your home?”

Holga shrugged. “Practically family as is.”

Kira nodded. “You’re our people.”

“I would be honored,” Xenk said softly. His voice had an uncharacteristic tremor to it and he wouldn’t meet any of their eyes.

Holga set Xenk’s things down. “C’mon Bug, let’s get lunch together while Xenk settles in.” 

She gave Ed the same look he often gave her when they were surrounded by people who wanted to kick their asses. The ‘your wheelhouse not mine’ look. It’s why they worked so well together–Holga was good with her fists, Ed was good with his words.

He stepped closer to Xenk once Holga closed the door. “You okay?”

Xenk swallowed, eyes wet. “I apologize. It has been some time since I had a home, even longer since I had others who wanted to keep it with me.”

Ed was struck by just how old Xenk actually was. He’d known a handful of people who were of the longer-lived races, but they usually had people like them to keep them company. He couldn’t imagine doing it in exile.

“Well, we do.”

He went to just clap a hand on Xenk’s back but as soon as he made contact Xenk pulled him into a crushing hug. Xenk buried his nose in the fabric of Ed’s collar and clung to him. Ed just stroked his hair and held him close. It wasn’t the first time he’d comforted one of his friends through a sudden emotional breakdown and it wouldn’t be the last. If he could feel wetness soaking into his shirt, that was none of his business. He figured Xenk not having people in his life also meant not having much opportunity to let himself be vulnerable.

After a while, Xenk pulled away and cleared his throat. “I would apologize, but I sense you would chide me for it.”

“You sense right,” Ed said. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to him.

Xenk dabbed at his eyes. “Then I will simply say thank you.” He went to hand it back but Ed waved him off.

“Can keep it, it’s technically yours.”

Xenk gently stroked the soft fabric. Ed had cut his ruined shirt into half a dozen squares and used them for embroidery practice; he now had a set of handkerchiefs with various little creatures on them. “Ah, a masterful repurposing.”

“Oh, that reminds me.” Ed went over to the wardrobe and pulled out Xenk’s coat. “I finally finished it.”

Xenk’s eyes went wide and he quickly tucked the handkerchief in his pocket. He handled the coat reverently, tracing the new seams with his fingers. He looked up at Ed, eyes wet again.

“Please?”

Ed nodded and helped him out of his duster and into his old jacket. Xenk smoothed the fabric down his front and smiled. He looked good in Ed’s coat but in this one he looked like himself.

He was still staring at Ed with his big stupid brown eyes.

Ed sighed and opened his arms. “You need another hug?”

Xenk embraced him. “I fear I will never be able to repay the kindness you’ve shown me.”

“You don’t have to.” He squeezed Xenk tighter. “Like the kid said, you’re my people.”

–

“Hey Xenk? You might wanna take the armor off.” Holga frowned as she shut the curtains back.

“Bad out there?” Ed asked.

“Absolute dogshit.”

Ed held up a hand when Xenk looked ready to comment. “It’s snowing, a lot .”

Xenk went to look for himself and sighed. “Travel would be imprudent. Thankfully, I believe the High Harpers will be able to persevere without my aid.”

Kira looked up from her oatmeal. “Does that mean you’re gonna be here for the Solstice? We can show you all our traditions.”

Xenk nodded. “I look forward to celebrating with you.”

“Famous last words,” Holga said, clapping him on the back.

While he was away from home far more than the rest of them, Xenk had been folded into their various domestic routines in the past few months. It’d be nice to involve him in another part of their lives. They did some of the usual things like lighting extra candles and hanging stockings but there were various other things that they each brought from their own respective families. Simon made an (ear-piercing) attempt at playing a set of bells before Ed took over for him. Doric, never to be outdone, insisted on bringing an entire fucking pine tree in the house. 

Holga managed to convince Xenk that engaging in brutal snowball warfare was a deeply held cultural practice, getting him to join her in absolutely flattening Simon and Ed in the yard. Doric offered them no help, opting instead to carry Kira around on her back as a massive white elk.

Afterward, Kira dragged them all inside to decorate, Doric using her magic to keep all the holly and pine full of life.

“This is the most important part,” Kira said. She pulled out a sprig of mistletoe and a bit of twine from her pocket. “We gotta hang it above the door.”

Xenk scooped her up and boosted her until she was able to tie the mistletoe to the nail above the door frame separating the sitting room from the hall.

“What is the significance?” Xenk asked once it was secure.

“If you’re under it with somebody else, you gotta kiss ‘em.” Holga said.

“Very well,” Xenk said. He kissed Kira’s cheek before setting her back down.

“Kira thinks it’s funny to get me and Holga under there because it makes us both nauseous,” Ed added.

“It is funny.” Kira smoothed her dress. “That’s everything but the hot chocolate.”

“Hot chocolate? Does it not melt?” Xenk asked.

Kira’s eyes went wide. “You’ve never had hot chocolate? Dad, we gotta make some right now.”

“Breathe, Kir.” Ed said, holding up a hand. “If you hyperventilate and pass out you won’t get to see Xenk ascend to the astral plane when he drinks it.”

“A drink?” Xenk perked up. “Perhaps we could have an exchange of traditions, then. My family would prepare a celebratory drink for the solstice as well.”

“S’it got booze in it?” Holga asked.

Xenk nodded. “It can.”

“Well get in the kitchen, pretty boy.”

Ed and Xenk worked around each other easily, Xenk having an oddly good intuition for where Ed would move next. Ed was mostly going off muscle memory and instinct, more interested in watching what Xenk was up to.

Xenk had stayed with them long enough to be comfortable in the kitchen. He rooted through Doric’s tea and herbs with purpose, coming back with cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and a jar of dried flower petals. He added them to a pot of boiling water with heaps of brown sugar and let the strange tea concoction brew. 

Ed busied himself with slowly adding in the cocoa powder to the milk on the stove. The combination of scents now filling the kitchen made something warm settle comfortably in Ed’s chest. It helped that there was a mess of overlapping conversation while the rest of the house sat at the table waiting eagerly for the fruit of Ed and Xenk’s labors. Ed figured he’d make it worth their while and started to plate up a tray of fruit and sweetbread for them all.

“Yours done?” Ed asked when Xenk pulled his pot from the stove.

Xenk nodded. “It must simply cool.”

“Oh, no problem.” Ed raised a hand over the pot and cast prestidigitation until the steam disappeared and there was a palpable chill coming off the liquid.

Xenk raised an eyebrow. “Magic?”

Ed shrugged. “I’m no sorcerer but that one was easy enough to pick up.”

Xenk ladled it out into glasses and offered one to them all. It was sweet and spicy and definitely the kind of thing he could see masking the strength of rum a little too well.

Kira sipped hers and cocked her head. “S’good. Why’s it cold?”

“Much of Thay is a desert,” Xenk said. “Cold drinks were always welcome.”

Kira sidled up next to him. “Do you miss it?”

“Parts of it.” Xenk tapped her glass. “Which is why I try to keep them in my memory.”

“Well, we’ll help.” She held his hand. “That’s the whole point of all this.”

“I thank you. This is the first pleasant solstice I have had in… quite some time.”

Ed wasn’t sure if there were any right words to console someone who’d been forced to spend over a century alone. He figured the best they could do was remind him he wasn’t anymore. He poured some hot chocolate into the good mug and offered it to Xenk.

“Well, knowing your sweet tooth, it’s about to get even better.”

The entire room stilled to watch Xenk take his first sip.

“Oh.” was all he said before taking another massive gulp. After a beat they were all cackling.

They took their drinks of varying alcohol content into the sitting room. They all piled on the couches and chairs–Doric claiming the rug by the fireplace to sprawl out with the cats–and settled in to trade stories of other storms and holidays and anything else that came to mind.

When there was a decent lull in the conversation Xenk pulled a bag of holding into his lap. “There is another tradition I would like to share. In my family, the Solstice was a time for giving tokens of appreciation. I was going to leave these for all of you while I was away, but you may have them now.”

He passed out parcels to all of them. They were neatly wrapped in brown butcher paper and twine with pressed flowers tucked under the knot. Ed watched fondly as the others tore in. Holga got a whetstone and leathers for honing her axe. Simon got several small satchels filled with rare spell components that Xenk had collected on his travels and Doric got a book of seeds from all over the continent.

Horrifyingly, the gift he’d picked for Kira was a pair of boots that allowed her to step completely silently.

Ed leveled Xenk with a look. “You want me to have a heart attack?”

“I thought it kind to support her passions.” Xenk grinned. “Any other side effects are out of my control.”

“Dick.”

“Hooligan,” Xenk tossed back easily. “You have yet to open yours.”

“Oh, yeah.” Ed pulled the wrapping off his gift, revealing a small box inside of which was a silver signet ring. “Wow, Xenk. You trying to make an honest man out of me?”

Xenk cocked his head. “I fear that would take more than jewelry. The ring is charmed, it will protect you on your adventures.”

“Shit, Xenk… feel like I need to knit you another blanket now.”

“Another?”

Ed nodded to where Xenk was bundled up in the blue blanket from his bed with one of Doric’s cats. “I made that one before you moved in… I’ve been sticking to blankets and scarves, less fiddly bits to mess up.”

Xenk pet the soft blue material covering him. “Well it seems you are a man of many talents.”

Ed wiggled his fingers. “Idle hands.”

“Hey, quit flirting,” Holga said. “Simon and Doric are gonna do magic stories.”

Ed flipped her off but shut his mouth, Holga took her stories very seriously.

Simon cast a series of hazy illusions to match up with the events of the story Doric was recounting. It was some old druid myth about why rabbits had such short tails. Ed watched as the rabbit hopped through a slightly transparent forest, outsmarting all the predators attempting to capture it.

He always appreciated a good trickster fable and apparently Doric did too because as soon as the rabbit’s story was done she launched into another one about a raven, then a fox and so on. Ed listened along contentedly until Xenk’s Thayan punch saw him needing to hit the bathroom. When he returned he was stopped in his tracks by Kira. 

“Freeze!”

Ed went still reflexively. “What’d I do?”

Kira pointed at the mistletoe above his head.

Ed sighed and turned around, expecting Holga behind him but found Xenk holding a fresh mug of cocoa.

Before he could crack a joke to ease the tension, Xenk was gently touching his jaw to hold him in place while he planted a kiss on the corner of Ed’s mouth.

“Wow, no hesitation.”

Xenk smiled. “I would hate to disrespect your traditions.”

Ed rolled his eyes and went to sit back down to watch the rest of Simon’s story, ignoring the lingering warmth on his lips.

–

Ed realized somewhere around Kira’s fifth ‘and Xenk says’ of the night that she was, horrifically, in Forge’s care right around the time someone should’ve given her the talk. She had already picked up a few of his roguish tendencies, who knew what else had rubbed off on her. He couldn’t imagine what kind of relationship advice you got from a guy who thought kidnapping a child and hanging around with Red Wizards were fun weekend plans.

Definitely a bad combo with her fixation on Xenk. She tended to hover whenever he was home and asked to tag along with him whenever he had a non-deadly errand to run. Xenk of course, treated her like a kid sister like Simon and Doric did. Though, he tended to have considerably more patience for listening to the latest drama sweeping through her tween friend group. But he was still being handsome and annoyingly perfect right in front of her poor hormone-addled eyes.

So Ed did like his father before him and took her for a hike so neither of them could escape the terrible awkwardness of the situation.

She spent their trek up the hill telling him about getting a good deal from the blacksmith’s new apprentice when she went to pick up a set of daggers. He really needed to talk to Holga about how many weapons they allowed her.

He waited for a pause in her story to cut in. “Hey, Kir, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

Kira stopped to sit on a fallen log. “What’s up?”

Ed sat beside her so they didn’t have to look at each other. “Well, you’re getting pretty big and there’s some things I’ve noticed.”

“Like what?”

“Well, you’re at an age where you’re going to start going through a lot of… changes.”

“Oh Gods.”

Ed pressed on. “These changes are going to make you have a lot of new urges and it’s important you know which feelings you should act on and which ones you really, really shouldn’t. Now I know you and Xenk have gotten really close since he moved in. And don’t get me wrong, Xenk’s a really… cool guy. He’s got the hair and the smile and the muscles… but it’s important for you to try and focus on people your own age. It’s okay to have a crush but it really can’t–”

“I have a girlfriend!”

Ed froze with his mouth open.

Kira looked thoroughly disgusted. “I don’t have a crush on Xenk, ew. I’ve been hanging out with him because he’s been giving me advice… on personal stuff.”

“You’re getting dating advice from Xenk?”

She shrugged. “We were walking in the city and this boy from my classes saw us and tried to give me flowers but I turned him down. Xenk asked about it and I told him I don’t really like guys and then he told me he doesn’t like girls and then I just blabbed everything about Lenna without even really meaning to.”

“Lenna?” Ed asked, putting aside the fact that Xenk having preferences of any kind was news to him.

“The blacksmith’s apprentice, she moved to Neverwinter a few months ago. Xenk told me I should ask to court her and she said yes. It’s what I was trying to work up the guts to tell you on the way here.”

“Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean to step on your moment.”

Kira knocked their shoulders together. “It’s okay, I don’t think half of what I was saying made sense anyway.”

“You know you can always talk to me about this stuff right? It doesn’t make a difference to me who you like. I like a bit of everything if I’m being honest.”

“I know I just… it’s easier with Xenk, he didn’t watch me grow up like you and Holga so he doesn’t get all mopey about it. Plus, he’s already so awkward that it’s kind of impossible to have an awkward conversation with him.”

“You got me there.”

“Also Holga already gave me the talk so please never mention any changes or urges ever again.”

“Don’t have to ask me twice, let’s get the hell out of here.” Ed stood and offered Kira a hand. “We can get dessert and you can tell me all about this Lenna.”

As they made their way back down the hill Kira held his hand and regaled him how Lenna was tall and smart and funny and apparently very good at swinging a hammer.

–

“Ah, shit.” Ed said as Xenk walked through the front door.

Xenk just frowned. He was still in his armor and while he looked near perfect, Ed could see a bit of scuffing that implied Xenk may have finally met something mildly challenging on his travels.

“Sorry, very happy you’re back,” Ed said, holding up a placating hand. He gestured to where the rest of the house was seated around the kitchen table. “We were just figuring out what to do because we’re a little short on beds at the moment.”

Xenk leveled a look at Simon.

“It was an accident!” Simon insisted. “I haven’t had a wild magic surge in months so I think it was just building up.”

Doric crossed her arms. “Nothing’s ruined but we can’t go into half the rooms in the house or we get teleported into the yard.”

“At least he didn’t hit the bathroom,” Kira muttered.

“It’ll wear off by tomorrow… probably,” Simon said.

“It’s fine, Bug can bunk with me,” Holga said. “Doric you can go with Simon.”

“Absolutely not,” Doric said. “I’ll just spend the night wildshaped.”

Ed raised an eyebrow. “Trouble in paradise?”

“No,” Doric sneered at him. “I just can't sleep next to Simon, he moves too much.”

Simon nodded. “I tend to thrash.”

“Okay,” Ed said. “That just leaves Xenk. You want me or thrasher?” He had a hunch which one Xenk would go for.

Xenk, who’d been staring Simon down this entire conversation turned to Ed. “If you would share your space with me, I would be in your debt.”

“Just don’t hog the blankets.”

After getting cleaned up and eating his weight in leftovers, Xenk headed up to Ed’s room for bed. It was still kind of early so Ed figured he’d give him a moment to himself before they had their little sleepover. He entertained himself by watching Simon attempt to test the limits of the wild magic boundary and getting chucked out into the yard every time. He and Holga ended up taking bets on how far he’d get tossed. Entering the sitting room sent him all the way to the front gate and while he was out five silver, it was fun to watch.

After that, he decided to call it a night. When he went to his room he found Xenk sitting cross legged on the bed with his back against the headboard.

Ed busied himself with undressing, only slightly self conscious about being shirtless next to Xenk’s perfectly sculpted everything. He was debating whether or not sitting on the bed would interrupt Xenk’s meditation when Xenk snapped out of it and looked at him.

“Holy shit,” Ed said. The sudden movement definitely gave him a start, but beyond that Xenk’s eyes were glowing gold. While it was admittedly spooky to have it sprung on him, it wasn’t a bad look. Definitely sold the whole holy avenger thing.

Xenk blinked and the glow faded. “I apologize if I startled you, I often lose myself in communion.”

Ed waved him off. “The room’s half yours for the night, you can do whatever you want.” He went around and snuffed all the lights except the two candles on either side of his bed.

“I am still a guest. I do not wish to disturb you.”

“It’s cute you think you’re not already disturbing.”

Xenk tilted his head in the way Ed always mentally translated as ‘really asshole?’ and scooted over to the right side of the bed. Ed never had much of a preference but slept on the left out of habit since Zia always liked the right. Probably best not to mention any similarities Xenk shared with his late wife before climbing into bed with the guy.

Ed crawled under his blankets and looked over at Xenk. “So how was your latest quest?”

Xenk adjusted until he was laying shoulder to shoulder with Ed and sighed. “Arduous but successful.”

“Do I detect a hint of boredom?”

“I find incredible fulfillment in my work… however discussing it has never held much interest to me.”

“You talk about work all the time.”

Xenk rolled over to face him. “Because you ask. I know you are a lover of tales so I do not mind telling them.”

“Well then, what do you wanna talk about?”

Xenk nestled into his pillow. “Tell me what has happened here in my absence.”

Ed proceeded to update Xenk on the day to day things he missed out on at home, Simon’s more successful spell work and Doric finding even more animals for them to keep. Holga had been on a tear for rehabbing the chicken coop and Kira was over the moon about going to a social in the city with Lenna.

“And what of you?” Xenk asked.

“Me? Eh, nothing interesting. Harpers are hounding me about a job again, but I think I might just stay home for a bit. Not like we’re hurting for money anymore.” They weren’t well off by any means but with all of them working together they had enough to eat and could afford to keep the house in one piece so Ed wasn’t complaining.

“Unfortunately I will not be able to join you in idleness for long. I’ve received word from some knights of Tyr that there is a necromancer plaguing the Sword Mountains. We will ride out within the week.”

“I’ll figure out how to make you take a real break one day.” Ed blew out his candle and settled into bed.

“Perhaps your most ambitious goal yet,” Xenk said. Ed caught the faintest glint of gold in Xenk’s eyes before he snuffed out his own candle. He felt Xenk shift beside him. “I look forward to it.”

“Night, Xenk.”

“Goodnight, Edgin.”

Ed had always been able to fall asleep anywhere, it served him well when he was on missions for the Harpers and even better when he was locked up. However, he would always prefer his own bed. Anytime he was home he ended up sleeping like a sack of bricks and it seemed the addition of a warm body to his bed didn’t help.

The sun was high when he finally blinked his eyes open, pouring in through his curtains and casting the whole room in a soft yellow glow. He would normally feel awkward about the way he’d wrapped himself around Xenk in his sleep, but given the vice grip Xenk currently had on his waist he figured they were even.

It had been a long time since he slept with anyone like this. He’d shared beds with Holga plenty but she wasn’t exactly the touchy-feely type. He’d forgotten how nice it was to just be held. He was surprised he didn’t feel uncomfortable but, Kira did have a point, it was next to impossible to feel any more awkward around Xenk than you did just talking to him.

Considering there was no way in hell he was strong enough to pry Xenk’s dense ass off of him Ed figured he may as well soak up the contact while he could get it. Whatever Xenk had been up to must have been tough because Ed lay there with him for at least an hour before he finally stirred.

He squeezed Ed tighter for a moment before tensing up. It was hard to tell with his complexion but Ed was pretty sure Xenk was blushing.

“Relax,” Ed said. “I snuggled right back, you’re fine.” He patted Xenk’s chest to reassure him.

“Still, it was not my intention. I am unused to sharing a bed with someone I am not…”

“Courting?”

Xenk nodded. “Among other things.”

Ed’s jaw dropped. “Xenk Yendar, you dog .”

“Are you insulting me?”

“Guess it depends on how much you relate to chasing tail.”

“I sense a double meaning there so I will abstain from answering.”

Ed rolled off of him. “Smart man, c’mon let’s see if Simon fixed his surge or at least had the decency to start breakfast if he didn’t.

Xenk smiled. “A sound plan.”

–

Ed never put much stock in the gods, they were a bit too fickle for his taste. However, he was going to have to reconsider that stance because he couldn’t imagine anything other than divine intervention causing him to step outside after midnight that night.

He just felt too restless to sleep. He went outside with the intention of getting some fresh air and maybe smoking his pipe, but when he opened the door he saw the large dark shape of a horse and rider coming down the walk.

Ed stepped off the porch to get a better look and just as he recognized Xenk’s silhouette, he slumped over and his horse began to dissipate underneath him.

Ed sprinted out to try and catch him before he hit the ground and just made it. When he got his arms around Xenk’s middle he could feel something hot and sticky surrounding a jagged gash in the front of his armor.

He was too heavy for Ed to get inside with his armor on so Ed did his best to remember all the fucking buckles he’d watch Xenk fasten every time he put it on. He got the leg pieces and mail off before gently prying away the ruined chest plate, leaving it all in a heap.

“Okay, Xenk, up we go.”

He hoisted him in a bridal carry and took him inside. Normally he did triage on the kitchen table but Kira was sleeping and the last thing he needed was for her to come downstairs and see Xenk like this. Especially when they were the only ones home so he’d have no way to console her while also making sure Xenk didn’t fucking die. He made his way through the dark house until he was at Xenk’s door, he muscled it open and set him on the bed. He rushed to the kitchen to grab what he needed and went back to Xenk.

Ed lit the lamps and got started. He had decent field medic training from the Harpers so he was at least familiar with the work even if he wasn’t particularly comfortable doing it on Xenk. Whatever pierced Xenk’s armor went clean through him, leaving a palm length gash in its wake. Luckily, it didn’t seem to have hit anything too vital so Ed was able to sew up and dress the wound. He forced a small bit of tonic down Xenk’s throat to numb some of the pain, hoping it’d be enough to keep him from screaming once he came to. Afterward, he did his best to prestidigitate away the blood that had soaked through Xenk’s bedding.

Once he was sure Xenk was stable enough to be left alone he quickly headed back outside to collect the pile of bloody armor lest any of the others get a nasty surprise when they returned home. He cleaned up the trail of blood in the kitchen and set everything back to rights as best he could before returning to Xenk’s room.

He was mostly sure Xenk would be fine but he couldn’t heal himself while unconscious and Doric wouldn’t be home until morning. And of course she didn’t currently have her sending stone on her because she was just in the city with her enclave friends, not expecting Xenk to come home and bleed out on the steps.

He pulled a stool to sit beside the bed, actually looking at Xenk’s face for the first time that night. His skin had gone a sallow color from the blood loss and he was covered in sweat. Ed had no illusions about Xenk’s mortality but he actually looked as human as the rest of them for once. Ed pulled Xenk’s blue blanket over him both to keep him warm and so Ed didn’t have to look at the pink tinged bandages around his waist.

He tried to distract himself by looking around Xenk’s room. He hadn’t actually been in here since setting the place up but he was struck by the personal touches he could see in the dim glow of the bedside lantern. He’d filled half his bookcase already and the window sills were covered in arrowheads and smooth river stones. There were also several small tapestries hanging up depicting various beasts and animals.

Ed wasn’t sure how long he sat there but it was still dark out when Xenk finally showed more signs of life than the labored rise and fall of his chest Ed had been tracking desperately.

“...Edgin.”

Ed’s head shot up. “Xenk? You okay?”

Xenk swallowed. “No. I was gored by a broadsword.”

“Never been more happy to hear you be pedantic.” He squeezed Xenk’s hand. “I stitched you up as best I could but you’re gonna have to do the rest.”

Xenk shook his head lightly. “I cannot.”

“You all tapped out?”

“My gifts can only aid the living.”

“What? You’re alive.”

“Not entirely…”

“Remind me to share a few choice words with your Ancients. Doric’ll be back soon, I’ll wait with you till she gets here.”

“Rest, I will be fine.”

“Yeah, cause I’m gonna sit right here and make sure of it.”

“Stubborn.”

“You can fight me about it when you’re not bleeding to death.”

Xenk looked ready to argue for a moment but just sighed and closed his eyes. 

Ed rubbed his thumb along Xenk’s wrist, ignoring how faint his pulse was. “You wanna hear about home?”

“Please?”

“Well, the tomatoes are coming in… deer keep eating them though. Once Dor fixes you up we should sit out there, you’d like watching them I think. Cute little fuckers.”

The corner of Xenk’s mouth curved up in a weak attempt at a smile so Ed kept going.

“Kira’s getting scary good with her throwing knives, though I’m pretty sure Lenna has something to do with that. I think honing your skills to impress a crush is genetic.”

“Oh?”

“It’s why I learned to play the lute. There was this guy in my village growing up, a year or two older than me, way out of my league, but that’s always been my type. Anyway, he saw me messing around with my dad’s lute and asked if I was any good.” Ed laughed. “By the end of the summer I sure fucking was.”

“You work best with an audience.”

“There’s a dirty joke in there somewhere but I’m too tired to find it.”

“You must be exhausted.”

“Asshole.”

Xenk squeezed his hand. “Brigand.”

“Yeah, I think you’re gonna be fine.”

Ed told him another story and then another and another until the sun began to rise and his voice was hoarse. It didn’t make any sense but he felt like as long as he kept talking Xenk would be all right.

He was in the middle of telling Xenk about when Holga first got Kira her pendant and scared the shit out of him when Xenk spoke up for the first time in over an hour.

“Doric is here.”

Ed shot up. “I’ll be right back.”

He sprinted out of Xenk’s room just in time to nearly slam into Doric as she started to make her way down the hall.

“Xenk’s back?”

Ed didn’t have time to think about why she was so unphased about him coming out of Xenk’s room first thing in the morning, he just grabbed her arm and pulled her along.

“He got hurt, bad. You need to heal him.”

Doric nodded and dashed into the room, pulling back Xenk’s blanket without so much as a hello. No one was on her level when it came to putting a game face on. She pulled herbs out of her hip bag and started chanting in druidic. Ed watched as the color came back to Xenk’s face and his breaths stopped being so wracked and shallow.

Doric stood up and shook out her hands. “Did my best, he should be all right if he gets some sleep.”

“I thank you both,” Xenk said, his voice regaining its usual strength.

Doric looked between them. “I’ll leave you to it, I’m gonna grab a bath.”

Ed felt as though his strings had been cut, the exhaustion of the night finally catching up with him now that he was sure Xenk would be okay.

Xenk shifted until he was on the right side of his bed. “Come.”

Ed kicked off his boots and laid down on top of the covers. “You want me to stay with you? Make sure you’re okay?”

“I want to make sure you’ll actually take your rest. I fear you will be unable to relax if I am not within your sightline.”

“Excuse me for worrying when one of my best friends falls off his ghost horse and nearly bleeds to death in the front yard.”

Xenk grinned his full stupid crooked grin. “Best friend?”

“Shut up.”

“Additionally my horse isn’t a specter.”

“Leave me alone, I’m going to sleep.”

Xenk took his hand and squeezed. “Please.”

Ed was both too tired and too relieved to continue arguing.

–

In Ed’s defense, he was minding his own business. He was out behind the house gathering logs for Holga to split, having a very normal day by all accounts.

Then when he rounded the bend to head back inside, there was Xenk’s dick.

It was attached to the rest of his very naked, very wet body, just standing out back of the house. Ed’s brain wasn’t exactly firing at full capacity (he was only human) so it took him a moment of staring to realize Xenk was using the water spigot to bathe. 

“You know, there’s a tub inside.” Ed said as he approached, not bothering to avert his eyes. He wasn’t about to pretend there wasn’t anything to look at with that much body on display. He had eyes, of course so it’s not like he didn’t know Xenk was gorgeous. Frankly, it’s part of what made him so infuriating, if he was going to be righteous and competent he shouldn’t also be ridiculously hot while he did it. It was rude.

Xenk turned and gave him a flat look. “I am aware, however my most recent journey ended with me covered in a particularly noxious ichor. I thought it best not to track it through the house.” He gestured at where his armor was laying in a pile covered in some sort of orange goop.

Ed walked over and made short work of prestidigitating everything clean. True to Xenk’s word, it stunk to high heaven.

“I’d ask what fucked up creature this came out of but I actually don’t ever wanna know.”

“I pray you never have cause to.”

Xenk scrubbed at his stomach, drawing Ed’s eye to the jagged scar that was now there. It had healed over but retained a stark pinkness that stood out against the rest of Xenk’s skin. If Ed blinked too long he could still see it open and oozing blood.

“It causes no pain,” Xenk said quietly.

Ed met his eyes. “Speak for yourself. I still have nightmares about it.”

“I apologize for the distress I’ve caused.”

Ed swallowed past the lump in his throat and waved him off. “It’s all part of the weird family gig. How long you sticking around?”

“I have a week before I must see to other matters.”

“Good, Kira missed you.” Ed said. He left out the fact that he’d also missed the big idiot.

Xenk nodded. “It is good to be home.”

“Well, I’ll go grab you a towel so the rest of the house doesn’t have to see exactly how much the Ancients blessed you.” He spared one last glance at Xenk’s crotch. He figured if you saved a guy’s life you were entitled to some mild ogling when he showed up naked in the yard.

Xenk raised his eyebrows. “I would hate to dishearten anyone.”

Ed hurried himself inside so he didn’t have to think about how that was almost definitely flirting.

–

Ed stumbled through the door and immediately dropped into a kitchen chair. He’d been off on a Harper job–first mistake–and it ended up taking almost twice as long as they’d told him it’d be. All in all he was fucking exhausted and glad to be home.

“Geez, we were wondering when you’d get back.” Simon said as he came downstairs.

Ed slumped against the table. “So was I. What I miss?”

Simon started counting off on his fingers. “Holga’s back, Doric’s left, and you missed Xenk completely. Also Kira got a note home from her instructor, she got in trouble for fighting but Holga sorted it all out. Also the goat’s pregnant.”

“How?”

“Doric brought home another goat.”

“Incredible. I’m gonna go sleep for a week.”

Simon gave him a thumbs up. “I’m doing curry for dinner.”

After taking a long hot bath, Ed headed up to his room. He figured he could get a solid nap in before dinner. He was all set to collapse on his bed when he noticed some folded papers on his nightstand. Ed opened them and found a note.

Though I know you are pursuing noble endeavors for the greater good and I admire your dedication, I must confess I have come to expect to see you when I return home. My own travels are calling me away now so I am unable to deliver this in person, but I hope you enjoy it. In guarding a temple of Selune, I happened upon several pages of sheet music for some rather tawdry ballads. Of course the crass nature reminded me of both you and your music. Given that the pages were hidden in a secret compartment of an unused organ I did not think they would be missed. I hope you are able to come home to rest soon, I look forward to hearing of your journey. Your ability to so intricately weave the threads of a tale into a masterful tapestry is unmatched.

Also, as Doric has said she will soon be away, would you please see to the care of the aloe plant in my room? Do not allow Simon to touch it.

I hope you are well.

He didn’t sign it, but of course there was no one else in all of Faerun who talked like that. Ed looked at the sheet music, it was an absolutely filthy song about the exploits of a very excitable milkmaid making her way down the Sword Coast.

He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. Not only did Xenk technically steal something for him, he stole weird musical porn. Clearly he was rubbing off on the other man. Though, considering half the reason Ed was waylaid was that he ran into a family who needed help finding their lost child on his way home, Xenk was probably rubbing off on him too.

He pulled out his lute and started to play, the nap could wait a bit.

–

The thing was, Ed didn’t set out to fuck Xenk.

Like so many things in Ed’s ridiculous life, it just kind of happened. The Harpers cottoned on to the fact that Ed was much more likely to work for them if he was teamed up with Xenk or there was a chance at a reward. The rescue and safe return of Kalgren Frostbuckle ticked both boxes so Ed signed on. With Xenk’s help, it was a breeze. They got in, they got out, they headed back to their inn to celebrate.

Ed couldn’t even blame it on getting drunk. He got tipsy at best, took a bath, and went to bed early. The reward money hadn’t come in yet so they were in a single together but Ed was out as soon as his head hit the pillow. Granted, he did wake up pancaked on top of Xenk but he couldn’t be blamed for a little sleep cuddling.

Xenk’s very obvious hard on was his own fault.

Ed woke up first and had just enough time to acknowledge the dick pressing against his stomach before Xenk’s eyes snapped open. They stared at each other in silence until Ed’s stupid brain felt the need to break it with a joke.

“You’re up early.”

Xenk leveled him with an unimpressed look. However his expression quickly changed when Ed attempted to slide off of him. His eyes fluttered shut and his lips parted as he let out the most incredible gasp Ed had ever heard.

Now, perhaps Ed could be blamed for shifting his weight to see if Xenk would do it again but he hadn’t so much as winked at anyone since before he got locked up. He had needs and he’d bet there wasn’t a red blooded creature with eyes and a taste for men that wouldn’t take the shot if they had Xenk Yendar all worked up underneath them.

Xenk grabbed Ed’s hip to still him. “It would be unwise to…” He swallowed. “We shouldn’t.”

Ed licked his lips and delighted in how Xenk couldn’t help but stare at his mouth. He heaved himself up so his face was closer to Xenk’s which had the added benefit of getting his thigh right between Xenk’s legs.

Ed batted his eyes. “Shouldn’t what?”

Xenk huffed. “Your penchant for folly is contagious.” He palmed the back of Ed’s head and pulled him down into a bruising kiss.

A little insulting, but Ed could work with it. He was admittedly a little rusty but Xenk seemed to know exactly what to do. In one swift motion he flipped them so he was pinning Ed down. He kissed with a fervor that made Ed dizzy, only stopping to pull off their night shirts, leaving them both completely exposed.

Ed watched Xenk’s dark eyes dart around as he gazed hungrily at Ed’s body.

“See something you like?”

“You are infuriating,” Xenk said.

Ed looked down at Xenk’s already leaking cock. “Is that what they’re calling it now?”

A thrill went up Ed’s spine as Xenk released a soft noise somewhere between a growl and a moan before pressing their bodies back together. Xenk abandoned kissing him in favor of biting a trail of bruises along the soft skin at Ed’s chest and throat. Ed let out a horribly pathetic noise when he suddenly stopped but it died in his throat when he saw Xenk reach over the side of the bed for his bag of holding and pull out a large flask of oil. He haphazardly doused his fingers before slicking up his cock.

To Ed’s delight, Xenk went right back to marking up his neck except now as he did, he was rocking up against the line of Ed’s groin. The hand that wasn’t holding his shoulder down to the mattress was palming his ass pulling him closer. He’d never say as much aloud but there was something about the ego boost of Xenk desperately rutting up against him like an overeager teenager that really did it for him.

Fascinatingly, despite said desperation, Xenk was nearly quiet. He just kept panting and gasping in Ed’s ear. Even when he came, he just let out a shuddering breath before spilling hotly all over Ed’s stomach.

Xenk, diligent to a fault, took only a moment to shake off his own orgasm before plunging his head between Ed’s legs. Ed’s back arched up off the mattress as the wet heat of Xenk’s mouth enveloped his cock all the way down to the hilt. In an attempt to kill him, Xenk pressed one of his still slick fingers against his asshole and started stroking circles along the rim.

Xenk diligently sucked Ed to full hardness, his head bobbing so steadily it was almost hypnotic. When he finally pulled off he lazily licked a trail down Ed’s shaft, lavishing attention on every bit of Ed’s skin and he traveled lower until the finger that had been idly teasing his ass was replaced by a tongue.

“Oh, fuck me.” Ed groaned and he could swear he felt Xenk laughing against him.

Ed was apparently as sensitive as Xenk was thorough. He seemed able to target every one of Ed’s nerves, all the while stroking Ed with his oiled hand. Ed felt like he was going insane, just when he thought he was close Xenk would back off or change tactics, teasing him for what felt like several eternities. The really tragic thing, Ed thought as his toes curled and his vision blurred, was that he was learning first hand that Xenk Yendar ate ass like it was his last meal and there was no one he could ever tell about it.

Just when he thought he might really die, Xenk sped up the hand on his cock just as he thrust his tongue inside him and that was all it took for Ed to come with a shout that was definitely heard by the adjacent rooms in the inn. Not that he particularly cared, he’d like to see how they fared getting the most intensive rimming of their life first thing in the goddamn morning.

Xenk simply stoked him through it and had the nerve to lick his lips once he sat up.

Ed was too blissed out to even complain about it. He just rolled his eyes and let his head fall back against the pillow. He waved a hand and the mess the two of them had left all over his torso vanished.

“Seriously, why doesn’t everyone know this spell?”

“It is quite useful.” Xenk said quietly.

Ed frowned. “Oh no, is this weird? Are you having regrets?”

“I am not. Though, I would ask your motivation for bedding me.”

“I dunno,” Ed said honestly. “I mean, you’re gorgeous and I figured we could have fun.”

Xenk nodded. “I enjoyed myself greatly.”

“Same.” Ed stared up at the ceiling. “We could always have fun again… y’know if we’re both out on a job together or something? Should probably avoid screwing around at home.”

“An enticing proposal. I’m amenable.”

“Would you also be amenable to a second round after breakfast? We’ve got time to kill before the Frostbuckles send over the reward.”

Xenk grinned. “Very much so.”

–

Frankly, Ed was exhausted. They’d just crawled through the most trap laden dungeon he’d ever seen. Like a stupid amount of traps, Ed couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen so many fucking trip wires. They’d gotten the holy relic of who-gives-a-shit for the Redcreek clan though so they were off to collect their reward.

They were met outside the clan’s compound by a massive half-orc man with almost as many piercings as he had battlescars. Behind him was an entourage of equally terrifying looking members of his clan.

“Well met, Harpers!” He bearhugged them both at once. “I am Hendri. On behalf of all of Redcreek, I thank you.”

Ed wormed his way out of the embrace. “Not a Harper, but you’re welcome.”

Xenk handed over the idol. “I am happy to see it once more in the hands of your people.”

Ed clasped his hands behind his back, rocking on the balls of his feet. “So about that reward....”

“Ah, of course.” Hendri clapped Xenk on the back. “You will be wed to my daughter, Zava, at once.”

Ed froze. “Come again?”

“The reward, whoever saw to the safe return of our idol would win my daughter’s hand.”

“I do not want your daughter’s hand,” Xenk said–far too bluntly given how many very burly barbarians were currently surrounding them.

Ed bit his lip. He needed to think of a smooth way out of this before Xenk started a brawl and got Ed’s ass kicked, his ring of protection could only do so much. Well. Now there was an idea. He deftly switched the ring from his right ring finger to his left while his hands were still behind his back and put on his best placating smile.

“What my husband means,” Ed said, putting a hand on Xenk's shoulder to conveniently flash the ring, “is that he’s already spoken for.”

Xenk looked ready to comment but a sharp look from Ed shut his mouth.

Hendri snorted. “Yeah right, you’re just jealous he gets to marry Zava.”

“While I’m sure Zava is an absolute catch, I’m serious.”

“Prove it.”

“Uh, he has a scar,” Ed said quickly. He patted the spot on Xenk’s stomach where the offending mark was. “From a broadsword, I stitched it up myself.”

“Sounds like something any brother in arms would know.”

Ed rolled his eyes. “What else do you wanna know? His favorite color’s blue even though he looks better in green, he takes his tea with too much honey and his food with too much spice. He hates peas. Uh, he can’t sing for shit, doesn’t drink, he hates when I smoke–”

“The smell is terrible and leeches into your clothes,” Xenk said. His perpetual need to scold Ed was actually helping them for once.

“–He’s ticklish but only behind his knees,” Ed added. He’d learned that one the hard way when Xenk nearly bruised his rib in the middle of Ed blowing him. “He collects rocks and can finish a novel in a day. He loves kids… treats my daughter like she’s his own and helps her with anything she needs before she even asks. My whole family’s almost as crazy about him as I am. So, again, sorry to Zava, but I’ve got dibs.”

Hendri cocked his head, regarding them both. “My apologies.”

Ed shrugged. “I get it, he’s way out of my league.”

Xenk glared at him. “We are of equal standing.”

“Whatever you say, dear.”

“Come, there was a feast prepared in anticipation of Zava’s betrothal but there’s no sense in letting it go to waste.” He sighed and looked at Xenk. “I hope someday she finds someone to love her like your husband does you.”

He led them into a vast dining hall, filled with the rest of his tribe, all well into their cups already. Zava was, to her credit, absolutely gorgeous. Though she probably wouldn’t have too much trouble finding a partner if the way she was eyeing the barmaid refilling her ale was anything to go off of.

“So this job was a bust.” Ed took a long swig of his drink. “You got any ideas for how to make some cash, honey?”

“On our journey here, I noticed a posting looking for additional farmhands to collect a harvest.”

Ed groaned. “ Manual labor? ”

“It was very near a tavern, I thought you could play for coin while I saw to the farm.”

“You’re too good to me.”

“I am exactly as good as you deserve.”

Ed grinned. “You know I think you’re my favorite husband I’ve ever had.”

Xenk gave him a flat look.

Ed leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Come on, Hendri’s putting us up for the night, how about we go back to our room and consummate our marriage?”

Xenk shrugged. “I suppose that is the only physical labor you enjoy.”

—

There were no horses in the stable when Ed got home, which wasn’t unexpected. He knew Holga and Kira were doing a job together in Yartar to quench Kira’s thirst for adventuring and Xenk was off following some lead on a cult last he heard. Simon and Doric hadn’t mentioned any plants before he left but they regularly disappeared together for days or weeks at a time. He wouldn’t mind having the house to himself for a bit. As much as he liked excitement, there was something to be said about getting a little peace and quiet in between.

He immediately headed upstairs to drop his gear and gather fresh clothes for a bath. While there hadn’t been anything especially difficult about the escort gig he’d finished, it did lead him through the goddamn dustiest sections of the continent. He was about to open the bathroom door when he caught a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye.

“Welcome home.”

Ed nearly jumped out of his skin. He wheeled around and glared at Xenk. “I’m gonna put a fucking bell on you.”

Xenk tilted his head. “Would you be able to hear it?”

“Prick.”

“Have I called you a knave yet?”

“Maybe?”

“Scoundrel then.”

“What are you doing home?” Ed asked, looking him over. Xenk was fully dressed down in a soft tunic and the loose pants he preferred to sleep in. His locs were wrapped up in a bun to keep them out of his face without their usual gold clips in, it was downright cozy.

Xenk sighed. “On my most recent journey I was struck with a powerful enchantment. In order to keep me from foiling their nefarious efforts, a wizard of the Cult of Dhernanu placed a geas upon me that I must not draw a weapon nor don my armor. I have informed the Knights of Tyr of their whereabouts so they should be dealt with easily. However, I will not be free from the spell for nearly a month.”

“Well I guess we figured out how to make you take time off.”

“I am pleased that you’ve returned. It has been very quiet here alone.”

“Aw, you miss me?” Ed teased.

“Yes.”

Ed huffed. “...Missed you too.”

Xenk smiled. “I was about to prepare lunch, it will be ready by the time you are finished bathing.”

Ed gave him a thumbs up and headed off. He soaked in the tub until the water went cool and his muscles lost the stiffness that always came with traveling. Once he was dried and dressed he headed to the kitchen where he found Xenk waiting at the table for him with a plate covered in several absolutely beautiful sandwiches.

Ed took back what he said about peace and quiet, clearly it was always good to have Xenk in the house. It was nice of him to plate things like they were going to take an equal share of food like Ed wouldn’t get full after one sandwich and Xenk wouldn’t inhale three in the same amount of time.

“So what have you been up to?” Ed asked once they were seated.

“Reading mostly. I have also been attempting to train Doric’s animals. However, only Muffin shows any promise.”

That explained why the round tabby was curled up in the seat next to Xenk purring her head off.

“Where’d Doric and Simon go anyway?”

“Away to the city. Simon’s family is visiting and they agreed to show them around. They are to return in a week’s time.”

“Guess it’s just us till then. We can really tear it up.”

They of course ended up sitting on opposite ends of the couch reading novels quietly like a couple of grandpas. Not that Ed minded, again, he liked a little calm now and then and Xenk was good company for it. Normally when Xenk tried to relax there was still a thread of tension running through him like he was ready to run off to save the day at a moment’s notice. Now that he literally couldn’t, he actually seemed at ease for once.

They passed a couple days in such peaceful domesticity Ed would be embarrassed if there had been anyone around to witness it. They did what little chores there were around the house and tended to the animals and then spent the rest of their time reading or swapping stories while they cooked. The weird part was that it wasn’t weird at all, somehow it felt perfectly natural to be in each other’s pockets.

Unfortunately, Ed’s subconscious didn’t get the relaxation memo. His third night home woke up in a cold sweat. It had been a while since he’d had a nightmare, usually they involved reliving some of his worse memories or something terrible happening to one of his loved ones. Tonight was no different. His mind decided to replay the night he found Xenk bleeding in front of the house with the fun twist of him never waking up.

He laid awake for an indeterminable amount of time, unable to shake the feeling that something might actually be wrong. After a few more minutes of confirming he wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep anyway, he bundled himself up in his blanket and padded downstairs. He didn’t know what enlightenment he thought he’d get standing outside Xenk’s door like a lunatic but it was making him feel a little better.

He was about to turn around and head back upstairs when Xenk opened the door, eyes glowing in the darkness.

“Edgin?”

Ed stared for a moment, startled into silence. “Sorry.” He cleared his throat. “I was just being stupid. I had a weird dream.”

Xenk frowned. “Would it ease your mind to discuss it?”

“No, no, I just… wanted to see you were okay.”

Xenk took Ed’s arm and pulled him into the room.

It was pitch black inside but Xenk moved around the space with ease. He tugged Ed over to the bed and climbed in. Instead of settling on the right side like he usually did, Xenk stayed in the middle and pulled Ed to lay on his chest, wrapping a strong arm around his waist.

Ed touched the spot on Xenk’s stomach where the scar was, it was faded by now, but he could find it with his eyes closed.

Xenk put a hand over his. “While I am grateful you saved me that night, I wish it had not come at such a cost.”

“Do it again in a heartbeat… I think it just rattled me to realize you weren’t invulnerable.”

“To borrow a phrase from your book, welcome to the club .” He held Ed a little tighter. “You make a habit of rushing headlong into danger with nary a thought for self preservation.”

“Don’t mean to make you worry.”

“Nor do I, but I fear it cannot be helped given our line of work.”

“Well, I promise to come back in one piece if you do.”

“Certainly a fair trade.” Xenk rubbed his back. “You should rest.”

Ed found it was much easier to fall back asleep after a nightmare when he had tangible proof Xenk was safe right underneath him. The warm hand tracing patterns along his back wasn’t hurting either.

When Ed woke up he was alone. In Xenk’s absence he had starfished out and gotten thoroughly tangled in the bedding. He sighed and took in the warm smoky sweet scent that Xenk left behind on the pillows. It wasn’t too bad sharing rooms in inns but there was something much more appealing about sharing Xenk’s actual bed. It was a shame something usually had to go wrong for him to end up in it.

Then again, everything was fine right now. Well, aside from the fact that there wasn’t currently a paladin on top of him. Technically, their agreement was that they didn’t fuck in the house because it would make it weird for everyone else but everyone else was currently miles away. They could definitely bend the rules a little, Xenk was practically on vacation.

He rolled out of bed and headed out, eager to see if Xenk was interested. He found him in the kitchen valiantly trying to decide between two of Doric’s teas. Xenk seemed to finally make his choice and spooned one of the teas into a sachet and set it in his mug. He already had Ed’s preferred black tea prepared with a hefty pour of cream in it.

Ed stopped short when he realized Xenk had put it in the good mug.

All at once all the pieces of his life seemed to slot in place before him. He was desperately trying to figure out how given living together, sharing meals and fucking each other stupid every chance they got, why he wasn’t just with Xenk.

Obviously Xenk was perfect on paper but the reality of living with him was completely different. He stuck his cold feet under Ed when they shared a bed at inns but he always made sure Ed got the extra pillow. Most jokes went clean over his head but he was the funniest person Ed had ever met. They spent way too much time together but Ed was always excited to see him coming down the front walk.

He couldn’t imagine what would even change. They were practically married as is, hell, they’d spent last night folding laundry together. Yeah, he’d have to break the news to the others but it’s not like they’d be shocked given how often they teased them. He knew it literally wouldn’t hurt to ask. Xenk couldn’t treat anyone unkindly if he tried and Ed was pretty sure that went double when it was him.

He walked over and hugged Xenk from behind. Xenk, of course, didn't even flinch. He just patted Ed’s arm and dolloped honey into his mug.

“I’m going to make waffles,” Xenk said after a moment.

“I think I’m in love with you.”

Xenk didn’t turn around. “Because of the waffles?”

“Little bit but, no, just ‘cause of you.”

Xenk leaned his weight against him. “You’ve had my heart for quite some time.”

Ed felt his stomach flip. “Yeah?”

“I’ve had an interest in you since we met… but there was a moment when we were celebrating the Solstice where I realized nothing would please me more than to care for you and be cared for in return.”

Ed squeezed Xenk’s middle. “Sorry it took me so long.”

“Good things are always well worth the wait.”

Ed kissed Xenk’s neck. “Then I’ll try to be good.”

Xenk turned so he could kiss him properly. “You already are.”

Despite how often they slept together, there usually wasn’t a ton of kissing involved. Definitely not like this. Xenk was soft and gentle, almost sleepy as he slipped his tongue past the seam of Ed’s lips. Normally they were adrenaline high or in a rush to be together but Xenk moved like he had all the time in the world and Ed supposed they did. Sure he’d have to explain everything once the others got back, and Xenk’s geas would wear off eventually, but for now? Neither of them were going anywhere.