Charles Rowland (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} hereagain) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} junkedic,@ 2025-03-24 10:55:00 |
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| Entry tags: | ! log/thread/narrative, dc (film/tv): charles rowland, dc (film/tv): edwin payne, ⚲ backdated like the slackers we are, ✷ chapter 02 (all the pretty monsties) |
Charles & Edwin
• a body swap •
• their office •
• backdated •
• friday 21 march •
• ⚠ non-graphic talk of wants, mention of a private spicy notebook •
we could do a lot in
thirteen minutes
• their office •
• backdated •
• friday 21 march •
• ⚠ non-graphic talk of wants, mention of a private spicy notebook •
we could do a lot in
thirteen minutes
Charles was glad that they had two rooms. Sure, he and Edwin had dismantled most of the furniture in them to set up their blanket fort in one, and their desk in the other, but the space was theirs. The desk was mostly cleared off for now, a sheet laid out over the dark wood as potion supplies were lined up.
There was a hot plate as their source of heat, a small pot bubbling away. Charles watched as Edwin stirred it- three times clockwise, and then it was to simmer. Charles turned on the timer, then sank into his seat next to Edwin, reaching for his hand.
"I think we'll get it this time," he started, leaning over to steal a kiss. They had about fifteen minutes before the next step, so he gently tugged Edwin closer so he could settle in Charles' lap and Charles could wrap his arms around him. "How are you doing?"
“... Better now,” Edwin shifted on Charles' lap so they could both get more comfortable, turned so he could rest his head sideways against Charles' shoulder after the next kiss. If he would've known just how receptive Charles was to the idea of closer contact, he would have found the courage to say something long before that week. But they were there now, and it was enough to have something lighten in Edwin's chest.
“We've got it,” He was staying hopeful; Charles had triple-checked their ingredients before they started. His mind was finally where it was supposed to be- on his love, and what he wanted for him. And his wanting him: perhaps a bit heavy on the desire, but that was important, wasn't it? Intent. He understood that now. “It's just the waiting, now. Have you any idea how you'd like to pass the time?”
"Mm, good," Charles replied with a smile, relaxing as Edwin settled against him. He brought a hand up, fingers gently running through Edwin's hair, playing with it. "I'm better now, too."
Charles had always been a tactile creature, but he'd held back a little for what he'd assumed was Edwin's comfort. But knowing that Edwin was okay with this, wanted it even.. That seemed to have flipped a switch in his mind and settled something in his being.
"I'm sure I could think of a few things," Charles teased, pressing a kiss to Edwin's temple. "But I'm good with this. Just. Holding you. I keep thinking about that notebook you mentioned."
Edwin could only hum at the tease, his eyes narrowed with a gentle challenge. “We’ve only got– thirteen minutes left, Charles. Hardly the time. After, perhaps,” If, or rather when, everything worked, it would be better for them both, anyhow. They would be able to fully feel one another, the way they both seemed to want so dearly.
The mention of the notebook made Edwin turn to look down at their laps, a deep breath lodging in his chest. The questioning ‘oh’ was puffed out on the exhale; the point of the whole thing was to try and alleviate Edwin’s discomfort in talking about… intimacy, and his desires. So of course, he found the notion of talking about the notebook itself its own sort of difficult.
“I… may have started. To try and clear my mind for this. It’s… in the drawer, when you’d like,” That had been the agreement; the notebook was charmed so that only the pair of them would be able to read it; to anyone else, it would look like some manner of nonsense code. Edwin still wasn’t comfortable just leaving the book sitting around in the open, but he wasn’t going to hide it from Charles. It would defeat the point.
"We could do a lot in thirteen minutes," Charles laughed, pressing another kiss to his temple. He wasn't really pushing, though, and he gave him a small squeeze. But the thought of after- well. He liked that idea.
"Yeah? Maybe I'll read it after this. I'm just- curious. And I want us to be able to share what we like and what we want. That's important. But if you aren't ready for me to read it, that's- I can wait." He never wanted Edwin to feel pressured or rushed for anything. They'd had a pretty good conversation earlier in the week, and he had already noticed a little less tension between them.
Not that it had ever been bad tension, but it was easier now to not worry that he was doing too much when he wanted to hold hands or stand shoulder to shoulder or lean into Edwin on the sofa. "I think it was a good idea, though. Maybe one of our best yet."
“I'd like you to. I've been… meaning to ask. But I hadn't wanted to delay this, and. Perhaps, some ideas for… well, depending on how long we have?” It wasn't that Edwin expected them to spend their precious little time under the spell on his… imaginings. There was food to eat, and possibly friends of theirs to go see–
Who was he kidding, they likely weren't going to be leaving the office, at least not that time. But it was a good thought. And the potion itself wasn't too strenuous on their resources, for trying again. If they had it right, anyhow.
“I was due for a good idea, I think. After the last few,” He couldn't stop the pull of a smile; for all it was frustrating to be struggling with his magic, it had been keeping their days interesting.
“Other than a bit of… light reading, what are you most interested in doing?”
"If this doesn't work for whatever reason- I'm not mad, alright? I like the chance to be human with you, but it's not something I need." Charles ran his fingers through Edwin's hair again.
"You haven't had any bad ideas," he insisted with a small laugh. "Our magic has been strange here- but we're in a different place. And you know as well as I do that different realms tend to have different rules."
He fell quiet, humming softly as he considered. "Holding you. Maybe a good meal. I don't need much, Edwin, you know this. 'Specially if I have you."
Edwin turned his head into the touch with a content sigh. “I know, darling, but I want that for us. It's… not something we could have before, and it's a good… opportunity to focus on us. This isn't only for your sake. Perhaps I want a nice cup of tea, and the rest is just a pleasant side effect,”
He could understand Charles seeing it as some selfless gesture, because of course he would never assume Edwin being selfish. But he had found himself just as eager as Charles for the magic to take, perhaps moreso after all the changes they had been through. This was one he could control, and enjoy.
“I didn't ask what you need, love. But we can have a good meal. Perhaps we'll bother George to see about dinner, before the show. Assuming we make it out of the office for that long,” That smirk was back, pressed into Charles' jaw in a brief kiss.
"We can definitely do tea. I wonder if George can make chai." He had no idea what spices had been found, although he remembered mention of some being brought back from the diner. Charles smiled softly, nuzzling against Edwin's shoulder.
"All I want is you. I don't really care what we do, I just want to be with you. That's not really different from a regular day." Charles couldn't help his low chuckle. "If we miss out on a meal because we're busy doing other things together, I'm pretty sure I won't be complaining."
“You have me, Charles. However you'd like,” The thread of annoyance in Edwin's voice is fond; he knew Charles suffered from the same level of distraction he did when they were left alone, especially as close as they were now. He had simply wanted an idea on how to make the day(s?) special. But then maybe that was the point. It didn't have to be special; when everything worked out, they could have those moments as often as they liked.
Edwin did like the idea of that.
“Well, I doubt we would need to warn the others about our absence from the gathering, but… perhaps, if we can stand it, it would be nice to go. For a time, at least,” They hadn't had an occasion to enjoy being among their friends while the magic had worked, before. They could behave for the length of a film.
Probably.
"I know that, I just-all I mean is that I don't need anything special. Or fancy. I just want to experience being in a body with you. Feeling all of you. Just. Enjoying feeling again, not the muted touch that's our usual."
Charles laughed a little, pressing his face to Edwin's shoulder. "I don't know, love," he started, amusement clear in his voice. "Do you think we'll be able to? It might depend on what we decide to work on from your notebook."
The hand that had been drifting along Charles' arm around Edwin's waist swatted gently at his love's wrist, as Edwin snorted an indelicate sound. “You have no idea what I've written. And… I never said you would have to keep your hands entirely to yourself. We'll likely have all night, at a minimum, to… read. I'd like to think we can behave for the length of the show,”
If he was being honest with himself, Edwin knew it was just as likely as not that they would have to excuse themselves if they did choose to go. And that it would be more difficult to do so, without the ease of simply slipping away through the nearest wall. “I promise not to wind you up too terribly, how's that?” Edwin could not have sounded less sincere if he tried.
One hand came up to gently turn Charles' jaw so Edwin could steal a kiss. He was content to indulge himself until the twinkling sound from Charles' phone sounded to alert them the potion had finished brewing. He broke away with a sharp intake of breath, looking back at the small cauldron on the table.
“Well. I suppose it's time?”
"But what's the fun in behaving?" Charles laughed as Edwin swatted at him. "No, I suppose I don't know yet."
But he had a feeling based on their conversations and how well he knew his partner. Charles easily let himself be guided for another kiss, fingers curling in Edwin's hair, the arm around his waist tightening slightly.
And then the timer went off and he couldn't help a groan as Edwin pulled away.
"Mm, I suppose it is." He was smiling again, gently pulling his hand from Edwin's hair. He waited as Edwin stood and then joined him, reaching to turn off the burner as Edwin removed the cauldron from the heat. "Did it say to let it cool, or do we drink it warm?"
“It doesn't specify, although I don't believe it needs to cure. So I suppose we can… simply give it a try?” Now that it was the moment of truth, so to speak, Edwin was anxious to move forward with it. Waiting only felt like time for the magic to dissipate, or for him to lose his nerve.
He gently sat the pot down on the table, and moved to the nearby shelf to collect the cups. A careful portion was poured into each, the same familiar deep blue of the previous potion. Edwin was choosing to see that as a good sign. One glass was offered over to Charles, before Edwin wrapped both hands around his own.
“Any last words?” It was an old joke, but it allowed Edwin to breathe out his nervous laughter.
Charles was quiet as Edwin portioned it out, and he took the cup he was offered. He peered down into it- it was such a dark blue, and he almost wondered if they might be able to see something in its depths.
He gave it a small swirl, then leaned over to kiss Edwin softly. "It's gonna be alright."
"Cheers, love." Charles clinked his cup to Edwin's and then drank it down.
It was surprisingly cool as it went down, despite coming right off the heat. He closed his eyes, the taste sharp, almost too sweet.
The kiss allowed Edwin another moment of calm, ending with a small pleased sound. He wanted so badly to believe Charles. It was too late to do anything else.
“Cheers,” He gave the concoction one last considerate glance before he drank, following Charles' lead in emptying his glass. The taste was a surprise, lips puckered against the bite of it.
Suddenly, Edwin felt a pull of magic similar to stepping through a mirror. Muscles tensed until he remembered not to fight it; whatever it was, it was doing something. That was what they wanted, wasn't it? He sighed heavily as the disorientation faded, blinking his eyes open to find himself looking at
Himself. Wait, what?
Edwin brought his free hand up in front of his face, only for his stomach to sink at the sight of familiar tanned skin instead of his own lighter palm.
“Well, fuck,” And no, it shouldn't have surprised him that the voice was not his own either, but he couldn't help but balk at the sound.
Charles felt the change of his own-suddenly his clothes were a little more snug on his frame, the length on his trousers just a little different. He set the glass down and then opened his eyes, brows raising up when he realized what had happened.
"Whoa." And.. That wasn't his voice. "Wait-"
He reached for Edwin’s-his? - hand and gave it a squeeze. "Almost there again."
He couldn't help his laugh. "My god, I didn't think it would be this reactive to our thoughts."
Charles was laughing. Edwin wasn't particularly fond of the sound of his own laugh, and– it didn't exactly feel like a laughing matter! Edwin frowned, and started cataloging the differences in sensation. His chest ached in a vague way– anxiety, if he had to guess. He was breathing, so. Yes, they were alive. As illustrated by the feeling of the squeeze to his hand.
He wasn't quite petulant enough to withdraw his hand, but it was a near thing. He set the cup down to forestall the desire to toss it at the wall in frustration.
“When I said I wanted to be inside you this is not what I had meant!”
Alright. Edwin absolutely could have phrased that better. He scoffed a laugh, letting it grow into a full, if slightly manic, chuckle.
"I've never heard you say that you wanted to be inside me, Edwin," Charles reminded him, reaching to tug him closer, sliding an arm around his middle. He was still smiling, amused by the situation.
"At least we're not both dogs?" he asked, just hugging Edwin. Charles. No, it was still Edwin even if it looked like his body.
"Does it hurt? I mean. I know this isn't what we expected, but we're.. Closer?"
“I wrote it,” He answered as an afterthought; his attention was fully on the way Charles pulled him closer, the surreal vision of leaning into his own shoulder not enough to outweigh the comfort in the contact.
Edwin huffed a grumbled sound into Charles' hair. He was right, of course: they were both human. Perhaps the wrong human body, but it was objectively a step in the right direction. That was good … until Charles made the comment about pain.
“Not … nothing painful. Is it– are you?” Edwin's relationship to pain was so wildly out of sync he hadn't noticed any aches or discomfort when he was last corporeal. Had he been wrong? If Charles was going to be stuck in his body for as long as this lasted, he didn't deserve to have to deal with Edwin's… potential shortcomings.
"No, no, sweetheart, I'm not in pain. I just wanted to make sure you're alright." Charles smoothed a hand gently up and down Edwin's back. Turning his head, he pressed a kiss to Edwin's temple. This was strange, yes, but they were together, and they would figure it out.
He pulled back a little. "Is it really so terrible?"
He didn't think that anyone here would give Edwin trouble for appearing like Charles. That was a small blessing in his mind, at least-he'd hate for Edwin to run into any prejudice or awful behavior from others because of his skin.
And then his words sank in. Charles' smile was slow, but wide. "Wait-you wrote it in the notebook? Then I'll definitely need to read that later."
It was fascinating, in a way, hearing the lilt of Charles’ speech in his own voice. They had grown so used to their disguises that it wasn’t as if Edwin hadn’t seen Charles looking different before. And– at the end of it all, it was still Charles. He trusted his fiancé more than he did himself on most occasions. Why should this be any different?
Edwin was silent just long enough after Charles’ question that he allowed himself to be caught out on his admission. Well, ‘caught out’ may have been an exaggeration. He had said he wanted Charles to read through his ideas, and he meant it. “... It was the general theme behind. A number of ideas, yes. I may have gotten slightly carried away earlier,”
"We're not calling it carried away," Charles insisted, pressing another kiss to Edwin's temple. "Not if you're expressing what you want, alright? And I- I want that, too. Both ways- me in you, too."
He brought his hand up to the back of his head, fingers curling in Edwin's hair. "I want to know the things you want, alright? I know this might not be what we had in mind, at least we know that it's temporary, and neither of us are hurt. It's just a bit of magic, and we might look a little different, but we're still us. And- I mean, technically, we're both living, too?"
“I rather assumed that, given the–” Edwin leaned back enough to look Charles up and down in explanation. He wasn’t vain enough to think he was the only inciting factor for their current predicament. And while yes, some part(s) of him were very interested in the follow-through of that idea, he was more preoccupied with their immediate situation first. Because Charles couldn’t be saying–
Edwin briefly lost track of anything Charles was saying, when he felt the gentle pull of fingers tangling in his hair. He blinked rapidly to try and drag his thoughts back to cogency. “You haven’t even read it yet, Charles,” He couldn’t help but shake his head in fond annoyance. “I may have expounded on the idea for a page, or two,” He allowed himself a small, sly smile. “I want to know your desires as well, love. Even if… this ends up not being a good time. For it,”
Charles couldn't help but laugh again as Edwin looked him over. "Right, well. That's what makes you the better detective, innit?"
Oh. He liked that look on Edwin's face and he curled his fingers again, running the pads of his fingers over his scalp. "I haven't, no. But I can't imagine there's much- if anything- in there that I wouldn't do for you. And I'm not saying we have to- now, in these bodies- if you want to wait, then that's alright."
He smiled. "I think we can work on that. Me telling you what I want."
Edwin groaned softly when Charles repeated the motion. And oh, he did like that sound from Charles. That was… a thought he would mark down for later. Based entirely on the outcome of the conversation he was supposed to be paying more attention to. Right.
“That feels… quite nice,” Fine, he told Charles what he liked. That was also in service of the conversation at hand! But to their actual point:
“... I may. Need time to get used to…?” Edwin made a vague gesture to his neck; hearing his words in Charles’ voice was not something he’d ever thought to experience. “But. Well,” He sucked in a breath, the usual sign of Edwin bracing himself for an admission.
“I… obviously am more. Familiar with how to. Please… myself?” It was quite the leap of logic, that Edwin’s own sensitivities and preferences would translate over even if the form was temporarily Charles’. The idea of finding out the answer to that question… intrigued Edwin.
It was a little weird hearing his own body making those sounds, but Charles wasn't really paying attention to who, so much as thinking about Edwin. He smiled at the admission, repeating the action and dropping another kiss to his temple.
"We can take whatever time we need, I think. If we don't do anything but have some tea and eat a meal in these bodies, I'll be alright." He fell quiet, almost surprised, as Edwin continued. "Yes, I imagine you are. Are you thinking that you might know what this body will like?"
It was an interesting theory, definitely. "Did you- where do you want to begin? I mean- reading or finding some tea or..?"
“Tea first, I believe. And perhaps a small bite. I recall the hunger surprising us, last time,” He was able to push his smile slightly wider, when he followed the thought. “And perhaps, back here to .. read a bit, once we've the energy for it?”
Because Charles was right. Edwin hoped he might know what to do, with the thought of just following what he may like. With a thoughtful glance down, Edwin pressed his lips to a spot in his neck Charles always seemed to focus on that he found especially sensitive. As a test.
"Why don't we bring that tea and bite back here?" Charles asked, unable to help his smile in return. "I'm looking forward to reading what you've written."
He closed his eyes, making a soft sound as Edwin kissed him on the neck. "Edwin," he breathed, fingers curling in his hair again.
Edwin hummed a contemplative sound into Charles' neck at the idea, only to follow it with a careful hint of teeth. He recalled just how easily he had gotten small pink marks over his neck from Charles' attentions. He was struck with the urge to return the favor. But that could wait until after their visit to the kitchen. He did want to make it there, after all.
And not scandalize their friend in the process.
“You know, we'll have time while the kettle's on. If you would like to bring it with you,”
His breath hitched at the feel of teeth, and Charles smiled slowly. Well. He hadn't quite expected that, but he certainly wasn't complaining. He likely wouldn't have minded the marks, but he also wasn't entirely certain of who they might run into.
"You always have the best ideas," he laughed, turning to catch Edwin's lips with his own in a slow, easy kiss. "I think I might just do that. It's in the drawer here, you said?"
“I like to think at least some of them are in there. Yes,” Edwin reached around Charles to retrieve the notebook to pass to his partner. That accomplished, he considered the remaining potion supplies on the desk. Wordlessly, he started tidying as much as he could, sweeping the remains of the ingredients into the cauldron.
“May as well take this for a wash as well, presuming George doesn't run us out of the room at the idea,” Running water was good for dispelling residual magic, but the pot was just a hair too large to fit in the sink in their room.
"More than one notebook?" Charles asked, blinking for a moment before he realized that Edwin must have meant ideas. He smiled, looking down at the notebook in his hands, then hugged it to himself. He kept it tucked under one arm as he helped to straighten things up, moving ingredients back into drawers and other storage while Edwin handled the cauldron and hot plate.
Once that was done, he turned back to Edwin, tugging him close for one more kiss. "Thank you, sweetheart. For trusting me with this. The notebook, the potion- all of it."
Edwin's only response was to smile fondly as he kept cleaning, waiting for Charles to rework the sentence. It didn't happen often, after so long together, but neither of them were fully focused at the moment. He could hardly blame his love for the confusion.
As always, they moved in sync to make quick work of the cleaning. So little of their routine even needed sight to work, anymore, that it wasn't until they were done and once again in each other's arms that Edwin was brought back to the reality of their… predicament.
“I trust you with my very soul, Charles. This is all… ridiculous, at worst. And besides,” Edwin reached up to straighten the bowtie around Charles' neck, “I dare say we got closer with you involved. So– perhaps we leave you to it, next time,” Not that Edwin was giving up; only that if this was the outcome of them distracting one another, maybe having one of them work on it would be more stable.
Charles relaxed a little at Edwin's words, his smile fond as Edwin straightened the bowtie he was now wearing. "It isn't as ridiculous as it could be. Of course, now that I say that, something will happen, won't it?"
He sighed. "Oh well. Shall we go find that tea?"
There was a hot plate as their source of heat, a small pot bubbling away. Charles watched as Edwin stirred it- three times clockwise, and then it was to simmer. Charles turned on the timer, then sank into his seat next to Edwin, reaching for his hand.
"I think we'll get it this time," he started, leaning over to steal a kiss. They had about fifteen minutes before the next step, so he gently tugged Edwin closer so he could settle in Charles' lap and Charles could wrap his arms around him. "How are you doing?"
“... Better now,” Edwin shifted on Charles' lap so they could both get more comfortable, turned so he could rest his head sideways against Charles' shoulder after the next kiss. If he would've known just how receptive Charles was to the idea of closer contact, he would have found the courage to say something long before that week. But they were there now, and it was enough to have something lighten in Edwin's chest.
“We've got it,” He was staying hopeful; Charles had triple-checked their ingredients before they started. His mind was finally where it was supposed to be- on his love, and what he wanted for him. And his wanting him: perhaps a bit heavy on the desire, but that was important, wasn't it? Intent. He understood that now. “It's just the waiting, now. Have you any idea how you'd like to pass the time?”
"Mm, good," Charles replied with a smile, relaxing as Edwin settled against him. He brought a hand up, fingers gently running through Edwin's hair, playing with it. "I'm better now, too."
Charles had always been a tactile creature, but he'd held back a little for what he'd assumed was Edwin's comfort. But knowing that Edwin was okay with this, wanted it even.. That seemed to have flipped a switch in his mind and settled something in his being.
"I'm sure I could think of a few things," Charles teased, pressing a kiss to Edwin's temple. "But I'm good with this. Just. Holding you. I keep thinking about that notebook you mentioned."
Edwin could only hum at the tease, his eyes narrowed with a gentle challenge. “We’ve only got– thirteen minutes left, Charles. Hardly the time. After, perhaps,” If, or rather when, everything worked, it would be better for them both, anyhow. They would be able to fully feel one another, the way they both seemed to want so dearly.
The mention of the notebook made Edwin turn to look down at their laps, a deep breath lodging in his chest. The questioning ‘oh’ was puffed out on the exhale; the point of the whole thing was to try and alleviate Edwin’s discomfort in talking about… intimacy, and his desires. So of course, he found the notion of talking about the notebook itself its own sort of difficult.
“I… may have started. To try and clear my mind for this. It’s… in the drawer, when you’d like,” That had been the agreement; the notebook was charmed so that only the pair of them would be able to read it; to anyone else, it would look like some manner of nonsense code. Edwin still wasn’t comfortable just leaving the book sitting around in the open, but he wasn’t going to hide it from Charles. It would defeat the point.
"We could do a lot in thirteen minutes," Charles laughed, pressing another kiss to his temple. He wasn't really pushing, though, and he gave him a small squeeze. But the thought of after- well. He liked that idea.
"Yeah? Maybe I'll read it after this. I'm just- curious. And I want us to be able to share what we like and what we want. That's important. But if you aren't ready for me to read it, that's- I can wait." He never wanted Edwin to feel pressured or rushed for anything. They'd had a pretty good conversation earlier in the week, and he had already noticed a little less tension between them.
Not that it had ever been bad tension, but it was easier now to not worry that he was doing too much when he wanted to hold hands or stand shoulder to shoulder or lean into Edwin on the sofa. "I think it was a good idea, though. Maybe one of our best yet."
“I'd like you to. I've been… meaning to ask. But I hadn't wanted to delay this, and. Perhaps, some ideas for… well, depending on how long we have?” It wasn't that Edwin expected them to spend their precious little time under the spell on his… imaginings. There was food to eat, and possibly friends of theirs to go see–
Who was he kidding, they likely weren't going to be leaving the office, at least not that time. But it was a good thought. And the potion itself wasn't too strenuous on their resources, for trying again. If they had it right, anyhow.
“I was due for a good idea, I think. After the last few,” He couldn't stop the pull of a smile; for all it was frustrating to be struggling with his magic, it had been keeping their days interesting.
“Other than a bit of… light reading, what are you most interested in doing?”
"If this doesn't work for whatever reason- I'm not mad, alright? I like the chance to be human with you, but it's not something I need." Charles ran his fingers through Edwin's hair again.
"You haven't had any bad ideas," he insisted with a small laugh. "Our magic has been strange here- but we're in a different place. And you know as well as I do that different realms tend to have different rules."
He fell quiet, humming softly as he considered. "Holding you. Maybe a good meal. I don't need much, Edwin, you know this. 'Specially if I have you."
Edwin turned his head into the touch with a content sigh. “I know, darling, but I want that for us. It's… not something we could have before, and it's a good… opportunity to focus on us. This isn't only for your sake. Perhaps I want a nice cup of tea, and the rest is just a pleasant side effect,”
He could understand Charles seeing it as some selfless gesture, because of course he would never assume Edwin being selfish. But he had found himself just as eager as Charles for the magic to take, perhaps moreso after all the changes they had been through. This was one he could control, and enjoy.
“I didn't ask what you need, love. But we can have a good meal. Perhaps we'll bother George to see about dinner, before the show. Assuming we make it out of the office for that long,” That smirk was back, pressed into Charles' jaw in a brief kiss.
"We can definitely do tea. I wonder if George can make chai." He had no idea what spices had been found, although he remembered mention of some being brought back from the diner. Charles smiled softly, nuzzling against Edwin's shoulder.
"All I want is you. I don't really care what we do, I just want to be with you. That's not really different from a regular day." Charles couldn't help his low chuckle. "If we miss out on a meal because we're busy doing other things together, I'm pretty sure I won't be complaining."
“You have me, Charles. However you'd like,” The thread of annoyance in Edwin's voice is fond; he knew Charles suffered from the same level of distraction he did when they were left alone, especially as close as they were now. He had simply wanted an idea on how to make the day(s?) special. But then maybe that was the point. It didn't have to be special; when everything worked out, they could have those moments as often as they liked.
Edwin did like the idea of that.
“Well, I doubt we would need to warn the others about our absence from the gathering, but… perhaps, if we can stand it, it would be nice to go. For a time, at least,” They hadn't had an occasion to enjoy being among their friends while the magic had worked, before. They could behave for the length of a film.
Probably.
"I know that, I just-all I mean is that I don't need anything special. Or fancy. I just want to experience being in a body with you. Feeling all of you. Just. Enjoying feeling again, not the muted touch that's our usual."
Charles laughed a little, pressing his face to Edwin's shoulder. "I don't know, love," he started, amusement clear in his voice. "Do you think we'll be able to? It might depend on what we decide to work on from your notebook."
The hand that had been drifting along Charles' arm around Edwin's waist swatted gently at his love's wrist, as Edwin snorted an indelicate sound. “You have no idea what I've written. And… I never said you would have to keep your hands entirely to yourself. We'll likely have all night, at a minimum, to… read. I'd like to think we can behave for the length of the show,”
If he was being honest with himself, Edwin knew it was just as likely as not that they would have to excuse themselves if they did choose to go. And that it would be more difficult to do so, without the ease of simply slipping away through the nearest wall. “I promise not to wind you up too terribly, how's that?” Edwin could not have sounded less sincere if he tried.
One hand came up to gently turn Charles' jaw so Edwin could steal a kiss. He was content to indulge himself until the twinkling sound from Charles' phone sounded to alert them the potion had finished brewing. He broke away with a sharp intake of breath, looking back at the small cauldron on the table.
“Well. I suppose it's time?”
"But what's the fun in behaving?" Charles laughed as Edwin swatted at him. "No, I suppose I don't know yet."
But he had a feeling based on their conversations and how well he knew his partner. Charles easily let himself be guided for another kiss, fingers curling in Edwin's hair, the arm around his waist tightening slightly.
And then the timer went off and he couldn't help a groan as Edwin pulled away.
"Mm, I suppose it is." He was smiling again, gently pulling his hand from Edwin's hair. He waited as Edwin stood and then joined him, reaching to turn off the burner as Edwin removed the cauldron from the heat. "Did it say to let it cool, or do we drink it warm?"
“It doesn't specify, although I don't believe it needs to cure. So I suppose we can… simply give it a try?” Now that it was the moment of truth, so to speak, Edwin was anxious to move forward with it. Waiting only felt like time for the magic to dissipate, or for him to lose his nerve.
He gently sat the pot down on the table, and moved to the nearby shelf to collect the cups. A careful portion was poured into each, the same familiar deep blue of the previous potion. Edwin was choosing to see that as a good sign. One glass was offered over to Charles, before Edwin wrapped both hands around his own.
“Any last words?” It was an old joke, but it allowed Edwin to breathe out his nervous laughter.
Charles was quiet as Edwin portioned it out, and he took the cup he was offered. He peered down into it- it was such a dark blue, and he almost wondered if they might be able to see something in its depths.
He gave it a small swirl, then leaned over to kiss Edwin softly. "It's gonna be alright."
"Cheers, love." Charles clinked his cup to Edwin's and then drank it down.
It was surprisingly cool as it went down, despite coming right off the heat. He closed his eyes, the taste sharp, almost too sweet.
The kiss allowed Edwin another moment of calm, ending with a small pleased sound. He wanted so badly to believe Charles. It was too late to do anything else.
“Cheers,” He gave the concoction one last considerate glance before he drank, following Charles' lead in emptying his glass. The taste was a surprise, lips puckered against the bite of it.
Suddenly, Edwin felt a pull of magic similar to stepping through a mirror. Muscles tensed until he remembered not to fight it; whatever it was, it was doing something. That was what they wanted, wasn't it? He sighed heavily as the disorientation faded, blinking his eyes open to find himself looking at
Himself. Wait, what?
Edwin brought his free hand up in front of his face, only for his stomach to sink at the sight of familiar tanned skin instead of his own lighter palm.
“Well, fuck,” And no, it shouldn't have surprised him that the voice was not his own either, but he couldn't help but balk at the sound.
Charles felt the change of his own-suddenly his clothes were a little more snug on his frame, the length on his trousers just a little different. He set the glass down and then opened his eyes, brows raising up when he realized what had happened.
"Whoa." And.. That wasn't his voice. "Wait-"
He reached for Edwin’s-his? - hand and gave it a squeeze. "Almost there again."
He couldn't help his laugh. "My god, I didn't think it would be this reactive to our thoughts."
Charles was laughing. Edwin wasn't particularly fond of the sound of his own laugh, and– it didn't exactly feel like a laughing matter! Edwin frowned, and started cataloging the differences in sensation. His chest ached in a vague way– anxiety, if he had to guess. He was breathing, so. Yes, they were alive. As illustrated by the feeling of the squeeze to his hand.
He wasn't quite petulant enough to withdraw his hand, but it was a near thing. He set the cup down to forestall the desire to toss it at the wall in frustration.
“When I said I wanted to be inside you this is not what I had meant!”
Alright. Edwin absolutely could have phrased that better. He scoffed a laugh, letting it grow into a full, if slightly manic, chuckle.
"I've never heard you say that you wanted to be inside me, Edwin," Charles reminded him, reaching to tug him closer, sliding an arm around his middle. He was still smiling, amused by the situation.
"At least we're not both dogs?" he asked, just hugging Edwin. Charles. No, it was still Edwin even if it looked like his body.
"Does it hurt? I mean. I know this isn't what we expected, but we're.. Closer?"
“I wrote it,” He answered as an afterthought; his attention was fully on the way Charles pulled him closer, the surreal vision of leaning into his own shoulder not enough to outweigh the comfort in the contact.
Edwin huffed a grumbled sound into Charles' hair. He was right, of course: they were both human. Perhaps the wrong human body, but it was objectively a step in the right direction. That was good … until Charles made the comment about pain.
“Not … nothing painful. Is it– are you?” Edwin's relationship to pain was so wildly out of sync he hadn't noticed any aches or discomfort when he was last corporeal. Had he been wrong? If Charles was going to be stuck in his body for as long as this lasted, he didn't deserve to have to deal with Edwin's… potential shortcomings.
"No, no, sweetheart, I'm not in pain. I just wanted to make sure you're alright." Charles smoothed a hand gently up and down Edwin's back. Turning his head, he pressed a kiss to Edwin's temple. This was strange, yes, but they were together, and they would figure it out.
He pulled back a little. "Is it really so terrible?"
He didn't think that anyone here would give Edwin trouble for appearing like Charles. That was a small blessing in his mind, at least-he'd hate for Edwin to run into any prejudice or awful behavior from others because of his skin.
And then his words sank in. Charles' smile was slow, but wide. "Wait-you wrote it in the notebook? Then I'll definitely need to read that later."
It was fascinating, in a way, hearing the lilt of Charles’ speech in his own voice. They had grown so used to their disguises that it wasn’t as if Edwin hadn’t seen Charles looking different before. And– at the end of it all, it was still Charles. He trusted his fiancé more than he did himself on most occasions. Why should this be any different?
Edwin was silent just long enough after Charles’ question that he allowed himself to be caught out on his admission. Well, ‘caught out’ may have been an exaggeration. He had said he wanted Charles to read through his ideas, and he meant it. “... It was the general theme behind. A number of ideas, yes. I may have gotten slightly carried away earlier,”
"We're not calling it carried away," Charles insisted, pressing another kiss to Edwin's temple. "Not if you're expressing what you want, alright? And I- I want that, too. Both ways- me in you, too."
He brought his hand up to the back of his head, fingers curling in Edwin's hair. "I want to know the things you want, alright? I know this might not be what we had in mind, at least we know that it's temporary, and neither of us are hurt. It's just a bit of magic, and we might look a little different, but we're still us. And- I mean, technically, we're both living, too?"
“I rather assumed that, given the–” Edwin leaned back enough to look Charles up and down in explanation. He wasn’t vain enough to think he was the only inciting factor for their current predicament. And while yes, some part(s) of him were very interested in the follow-through of that idea, he was more preoccupied with their immediate situation first. Because Charles couldn’t be saying–
Edwin briefly lost track of anything Charles was saying, when he felt the gentle pull of fingers tangling in his hair. He blinked rapidly to try and drag his thoughts back to cogency. “You haven’t even read it yet, Charles,” He couldn’t help but shake his head in fond annoyance. “I may have expounded on the idea for a page, or two,” He allowed himself a small, sly smile. “I want to know your desires as well, love. Even if… this ends up not being a good time. For it,”
Charles couldn't help but laugh again as Edwin looked him over. "Right, well. That's what makes you the better detective, innit?"
Oh. He liked that look on Edwin's face and he curled his fingers again, running the pads of his fingers over his scalp. "I haven't, no. But I can't imagine there's much- if anything- in there that I wouldn't do for you. And I'm not saying we have to- now, in these bodies- if you want to wait, then that's alright."
He smiled. "I think we can work on that. Me telling you what I want."
Edwin groaned softly when Charles repeated the motion. And oh, he did like that sound from Charles. That was… a thought he would mark down for later. Based entirely on the outcome of the conversation he was supposed to be paying more attention to. Right.
“That feels… quite nice,” Fine, he told Charles what he liked. That was also in service of the conversation at hand! But to their actual point:
“... I may. Need time to get used to…?” Edwin made a vague gesture to his neck; hearing his words in Charles’ voice was not something he’d ever thought to experience. “But. Well,” He sucked in a breath, the usual sign of Edwin bracing himself for an admission.
“I… obviously am more. Familiar with how to. Please… myself?” It was quite the leap of logic, that Edwin’s own sensitivities and preferences would translate over even if the form was temporarily Charles’. The idea of finding out the answer to that question… intrigued Edwin.
It was a little weird hearing his own body making those sounds, but Charles wasn't really paying attention to who, so much as thinking about Edwin. He smiled at the admission, repeating the action and dropping another kiss to his temple.
"We can take whatever time we need, I think. If we don't do anything but have some tea and eat a meal in these bodies, I'll be alright." He fell quiet, almost surprised, as Edwin continued. "Yes, I imagine you are. Are you thinking that you might know what this body will like?"
It was an interesting theory, definitely. "Did you- where do you want to begin? I mean- reading or finding some tea or..?"
“Tea first, I believe. And perhaps a small bite. I recall the hunger surprising us, last time,” He was able to push his smile slightly wider, when he followed the thought. “And perhaps, back here to .. read a bit, once we've the energy for it?”
Because Charles was right. Edwin hoped he might know what to do, with the thought of just following what he may like. With a thoughtful glance down, Edwin pressed his lips to a spot in his neck Charles always seemed to focus on that he found especially sensitive. As a test.
"Why don't we bring that tea and bite back here?" Charles asked, unable to help his smile in return. "I'm looking forward to reading what you've written."
He closed his eyes, making a soft sound as Edwin kissed him on the neck. "Edwin," he breathed, fingers curling in his hair again.
Edwin hummed a contemplative sound into Charles' neck at the idea, only to follow it with a careful hint of teeth. He recalled just how easily he had gotten small pink marks over his neck from Charles' attentions. He was struck with the urge to return the favor. But that could wait until after their visit to the kitchen. He did want to make it there, after all.
And not scandalize their friend in the process.
“You know, we'll have time while the kettle's on. If you would like to bring it with you,”
His breath hitched at the feel of teeth, and Charles smiled slowly. Well. He hadn't quite expected that, but he certainly wasn't complaining. He likely wouldn't have minded the marks, but he also wasn't entirely certain of who they might run into.
"You always have the best ideas," he laughed, turning to catch Edwin's lips with his own in a slow, easy kiss. "I think I might just do that. It's in the drawer here, you said?"
“I like to think at least some of them are in there. Yes,” Edwin reached around Charles to retrieve the notebook to pass to his partner. That accomplished, he considered the remaining potion supplies on the desk. Wordlessly, he started tidying as much as he could, sweeping the remains of the ingredients into the cauldron.
“May as well take this for a wash as well, presuming George doesn't run us out of the room at the idea,” Running water was good for dispelling residual magic, but the pot was just a hair too large to fit in the sink in their room.
"More than one notebook?" Charles asked, blinking for a moment before he realized that Edwin must have meant ideas. He smiled, looking down at the notebook in his hands, then hugged it to himself. He kept it tucked under one arm as he helped to straighten things up, moving ingredients back into drawers and other storage while Edwin handled the cauldron and hot plate.
Once that was done, he turned back to Edwin, tugging him close for one more kiss. "Thank you, sweetheart. For trusting me with this. The notebook, the potion- all of it."
Edwin's only response was to smile fondly as he kept cleaning, waiting for Charles to rework the sentence. It didn't happen often, after so long together, but neither of them were fully focused at the moment. He could hardly blame his love for the confusion.
As always, they moved in sync to make quick work of the cleaning. So little of their routine even needed sight to work, anymore, that it wasn't until they were done and once again in each other's arms that Edwin was brought back to the reality of their… predicament.
“I trust you with my very soul, Charles. This is all… ridiculous, at worst. And besides,” Edwin reached up to straighten the bowtie around Charles' neck, “I dare say we got closer with you involved. So– perhaps we leave you to it, next time,” Not that Edwin was giving up; only that if this was the outcome of them distracting one another, maybe having one of them work on it would be more stable.
Charles relaxed a little at Edwin's words, his smile fond as Edwin straightened the bowtie he was now wearing. "It isn't as ridiculous as it could be. Of course, now that I say that, something will happen, won't it?"
He sighed. "Oh well. Shall we go find that tea?"