Edward-Carlisle.

[ofthefamily]

Carlisle gives Esme a beatific smile. "We won't be out too long. I wanted to go and introduce Edward to some of the other doctors that have started in the rotation."

A night out. Please. Anywhere. Want to run to Canada? Pick somewhere.

Carlisle has his jacket on to leave no more than a minute later.

Comments

[ofthefamily]

I would have.

Carlisle joins Edward under the tree, head thunking against the bark lightly.

What if I made a mistake in this? Did she truly deserve any of this?

[themidnightson]

Edward didn't sigh. It takes a few second before he glances over, reluctance edging having left the leaves to look at him.




"She's happier now."

[ofthefamily]

"That's good to know."

It's sincere, as replies go. It's not that Carlisle doesn't want Esme to be happy.

Carlisle's head shifts from leaning against the bark to against Edward's shoulder with a short chuckle. She may want more from me than I know how to give her.

[themidnightson]

This time he did. Sigh. Quiet and low.

Not sure if it was the touch or the thoughts.

"I'm positive you felt the same of me, and the situations that arose from some of my choices, a few years ago."

[ofthefamily]

Carlisle smiles at the observation.

"You're right." Of course. "I just worry."

[themidnightson]

He doesn't want to be right. Because then it's best to assume with this much time all of that will change, and very likely all of this will rearrange, as well.

"It'll be fine," Edward said, lightly. "An adjustment, but fine."

[ofthefamily]

"An adjustment."

I won't apologize for turning her, even if I don't understand her.

I will apologize for any...discomfort she has caused you. It was not my intent.

[themidnightson]

"I know." It's quiet, and to all of them. He nudged Carlisle's shoulder with his own, only just jostling him without making it necessary for his head to move away.

"I'd demand written warning next time--" as much as he doesn't even want to consider the concept, but his tone is absently gentle. "--but I think you gave me all the warning you could."

Even if it didn't make it any better.

[ofthefamily]

Carlisle nods, moving his head against Edward's shoulder even as it moves to nudge him.



No one can replace you, my Edward.
"I'm trying to think of anything else I feel like doing before heading home."

[themidnightson]

"I could tell you that saying that probably indicates which way your thoughts are leaning," Edward supposed in a winding, almost too lyrical fashion.

"Or I could tempt you with the fact, if we ran, we could still catch two-thirds of Coppélia."

[ofthefamily]

"I think that sounds like a brilliant plan."

Carlisle sprints off again, not caring that Edward easily passes him after a few minutes and managing to feel light-hearted again in the quiet of the outing.