Noah and Edward

[the_first_disciple]

Normally, things like this don't bother Edward. Normally he doesn't question Noah or his place. Edward is the first. Not just first but The First. It's a title and a truth, something that is normally understood by all the others - now that there are Others. 

And yet. 

All it took was one stray comment he wasn't meant to overhear. It was quiet it was a throwaway murmur and yet - 

It's been bouncing around in his skull ever since, ringing in his ears until it's all he can think about. 

'Why is he First? What's so great about Edward?' 

That was what he heard from a couple followers who were talking. And the more it echoed-echoed-echoed in his skull the more he asked himself the same thing. He did his best not to let it effect his duties and yet.. no doubt Noah might notice something - a tension thrumming through Edward. 

Noah would have noticed while others weren't likely to.

They've been together for years, ever since that first night at the lake absolutely long enough for Noah to learn the ins and outs of Edward's mannerisms and habits. And ever since they got rid of Noah's old man - no one had been able to parse out the truth of it because according to many, many people Noah and Edward had been doing a gig when the old man shot himself; only Noah and Edward knew other wise - things had been amazing. They had kept traveling amassing a following - Together. Always together.

It's stupid. It's so stupid to let nonsense like this get to him but it does. It does. But he's summoning up a smile as he moves into Noah's room. The house had been generously offered to them for their stay in this city. Followers had heard of their intended arrival and made it ready for them. It was like this in every town now with their following growing day by day - from word of mouth, friends bringing friends who traveled and told stories of Noah.    

Unlike Noah's father they didn't take money. Not really. They took offerings. Food, lodging - things that were needed or things that people were desperate to be rid of. Which is why he's coming into Noah's room with that smile. "They've brought food. I put it on the table, you should come eat it while it's still hot." 

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[the_miracle_son]

Noah isn't doing this out of greed like his father. He liked seeing people healed, and liked more seeing people turn from the God that turned on him to embrace the True Saviour. They lived a decently lavish life with just non-monetary gifts. It wasn't the kind of glamour his father chased, but they wore good comfortable clothes and ate as much quality food as they wanted.

And they didn't ask for much. They paid their way by relieving the burdens of other's minds, the heavier burden than that of the body or the even lesser purse, and that meant they were always cared for. Noah frowned upon taking advantage of others, but praised being kind to oneself instead of the ascetics of Christianity. For that which cannot be measured you should assume it's least value in accepting payment, but the greatest when offering payment. If both parties are honest a fair price will be found. And of course, ones that deceive for their own benefit receive the worst of the Lord's punishments. He had given many other speeches on how to behave with material goods, and some say the fact that he has never contradicted himself in the complex modes of trade proof of a higher guidance.

Noah stands up from his laptop, smiling at Edward fondly when he walks in. He's in his Legend of Zelda hoodie, a pair of running pants, and red slippers with little red horns one of their followers had made for him with a heavy dose of tongue-in-cheek-humor. He walks over to Edward and slips an arm around his shoulder, "Thank you, Edward."

Edward would have a hard time arguing that he isn't special in Noah's eyes, at least. Noah was familiar with him, familial, even. He wasn't opposed to touching others, nor indulging in what Christians deem sins of the flesh, but only Edward was touched with the gentle thoughtless touches of a Father, Brother, or even Boyfriend. With anyone else they had purpose, but with Edward it is just because he enjoys being close to him.

Being so close with Edward he'd noticed the tension building. He also knows that it isn't good to just suddenly ask what was bothering him. He would give him a moment to relax so that he would open more easily.

[the_first_disciple]

Seeing Noah just relaxing like this made Edward happy. He seemed more at home and content out of the suits and fancy dress clothes they usually wore when they were speaking and it wasn't something a lot of people saw. Usually just Edward. He likes it like that and wants to keep it that way, thank you. Feeling that arm settle over his shoulder some small bit of that tension fades.

As it always does when Noah gives him some kind of special attention and affection. Maybe that last part is his imagination, wishful thinking but... He'll take it all the same. He'll happily take whatever Noah sees fit to give him and be grateful for it because that's an honor, a gift - a blessing of sorts that he treasures.

Edward slips an arm around Noah's waist leading him toward the kitchen. It isn't until they're both sitting at the table ready to eat after offering gratitude and praise to the Morningstar for their meal that the brunet speaks.

"The young women that brought this - They're the ones from the show a couple weeks ago. I overheard them talking and I -" He paused toying with his pasta with his fork. "I don't want you to think I'm doubting you or the truth we stand for. I don't. I would never but.. They said something and -" Edward is trying to be both careful with what he says finding the right words and making sure Noah knows it's not him doubting or some kind of betrayal.

"Why am I first? Was it because I'm the first one that saw and knew? Why did you pick me, Noah?" Because he doesn't understand and he want to needs to. He needs to better understand his place. "Who... What am I to you?"

[the_miracle_son]

Noah sits beside Edward at the table, speaking out loud his Grace. He has a bite of pasta as Edward starts to speak, but as he continues he puts his utensils down and puts a understanding hand on Edward's. He listens to him carefully, and with the final question he brushes the younger man's cheek. "I know you would never. And you are the only one who would never."

He shifts his whole body to take Edward's hand in both of his. "Edward," he says, shaking his head, "I didn't pick you. You are the one who picked me. You are the first because without you there would be no Church of the Dawn without you. If you didn't come to me, ask me about what you saw, allow me to baptize you, we wouldn't have any of this." He gestures to the rest of the room, the world, the lives he'd saved, the hearts he turned.

"But that has nothing to do with what you are to me. It set the frame, but you, because you are you, you are my best friend, and maybe my only friend." He smiles warmly, "You're the only one that can see me both as Noah, and as The Miracle Son, or Lucifer's Prophet, and I don't doubt any other role I took on. You aren't blinded by the light of the Morningstar inside me." He smirks, "And besides, you know to much." He laughs, because it's not untrue, but he knows too much because of their friendship, not the other way around.

"You are the first because you chose to come to me as my first true disciple, but you are special because you are my friend."

[the_first_disciple]

Edward is leaning into that touch on his cheek - it was an urge he couldn't resist if he tried. Noah's touch was something he wanted, maybe even craved. At least Noah understands - knows that Edward is loyal and dedicated.

"I... picked you?" He doesn't understand this. Well, he does and he doesn't. Yes, Noah had told him other people saw the truth but ignored it. That they latched onto whatever fit their comfort zone and didn't question anything about what they saw. There's a warm blush on his face now. "I'm - I'm sure you could have done this without me, Noah."

Warmth settled in his chest and the tension that was there eased out. Noah says his he's friend. His best friend. That's good. That's better than he might have expected or could hope for really. Granted his own feelings for Noah were different and more intense than friends but he hadn't expected even that from Noah so it's enough.

That cloud that had been looming over Edward was gone. He shifted and moved to hug Noah gently. "I will always be those things. I'll be anything you need or want me to be, Noah." Because this is his new life. His purpose - being at Noah's side and helping him however he possibly can. That is what he is living for.

[the_miracle_son]

Noah would be glad for it to be more, to become more, but he's also acutely aware of his position as prophet. Pushing that himself he feared would be too close to manipulating Edward, knowing the respect he holds for him. But he takes that hug and returns it more firmly, wrapping his arms around Edward. "I want you to be yourself. Don't forget there is no truth outside your own heart," he says, pulling away to put a hand on Edward's chest.

He smiles warmly, and slowly it twists wider, "I was terrified when I Baptized you. If it was anyone else, do you think they would have entered that lake with me? I don't. Not with your ease and confidence, and that set me at ease." He rests his forehead on Edwards', "It is because of your friendship that we are here, even if you hadn't become my disciple but remained close." Just, don't focus on the desire to kiss him.

[the_first_disciple]

Edward's fingers curl into the fabric of Noah's clothes and he rests against his chest. That tighter hug and the way that Noah holds him makes him happy. Very happy. Be himself. He can do that. There's warmth settling in his chest and creeping up his cheeks. His heart...

When Noah draws back he's reaching and holding Noah's hand to his chest, pressing it close and not letting him take that hand away. What he wants, the truth in his heart - it's different than this. Not by much mind you but enough. Enough that he should tell Noah. Confess and let him decide what to do about this.

Edward shakes his head at that question. "No. I don't think that they would. Most people would have ranaway or not even have gone out to the lake with you in the first place. They would say that I was crazy for it after what I had seen, knew, and especially after you told me about your father drowning you." He's answering honestly. Not dad - dad is a loving name for a father and from what Edward understood Noah's Earthly father was a greedy piece of shit.

Feeling Noah's forehead against his own he closes his eyes taking a soft, deep breath. "I was never going anywhere. Not after I met you. I belong with you, Noah. However you let me be." Then he's shifting and leaning in to kiss Noah softly, gently.

[the_miracle_son]

Noah closes his eyes as he listens to Edward, and then Edward's lips meet his own. He freezes for a moment, surprised that he could be so lucky before relaxing into the kiss, slipping his arms back around Edward. He'd slept with some of the church, but he was selective, picking only those who viewed it as a new kind of experience that they'd move on from and hold as an interesting story. Even though he never made a fuss of it, he had never kissed another person. Not like this.

A kiss is a sign you are looking to make this person your lifelong partner, it wasn't just part of good overall health the way sex could be. If anything, it risked it with little physical benefit compared to the risk. Also mouth condoms are awkward.

Edward wasn't someone he worried about any of that with. He knows Edward too well. He'd wanted this for too long but had been too concerned about putting pressure on him. After a long sweet kiss he pulls away, smiling, "I know you'll stay by my side."

[the_first_disciple]

Edward knew about Noah's - lovers and partners were too strong a word for any of them; too serious - flings? Flings worked. They didn't last long and were just a physical release of stress and tension. He couldn't be too mad or hold it against Noah. That would be stupid and judgemental - but he was a little jealous. Now? Now he doesn't have to be.

At least he doesn't think he needs to be. Noah is holding on to him, relaxing into him - kissing him back. It's everything Edward ever wanted from his first real kiss. The heat of his face doesn't go away not even when Noah draws back. He just did that! He did that. Just... kissed Noah.

"Yes." He's reaching up to run his fingers through Noah's hair. Edward knows he should have asked before making an advance on Noah but he couldn't help himself and Noah doesn't seem angry about it. "You'll let me be with you, won't you Noah?"

[the_miracle_son]

Noah keeps his hands on Edward, beaming at him. He can feel his chest swell with happiness, but isn't even sure of how to show it besides saying, "Yes, of course," and kissing him again.

When he pulls away this time he grins, "I've wanted to do that for some time, but I never want you to feel that you need to listen to me. Even with my gift, my connection, I'm still fallible like everyone else." And with the gift he has there were few believers who would be likely to try to counter him. Admitting this blatantly and openly could cause fear among their followers, but neither does he claim perfection. "Neither of us has to be alone now."

[the_first_disciple]

Feeling Noah's hands lingering and the way that he says that makes everything negative he'd been carrying completely dissipate. "Good." Eagerly he's returning that kiss, reaching to touch his cheek gently.

"Noah.." Edward laughed. "I know you're not perfect and I know you don't know everything. But-" He paused. "I know something else, too. I know that I love you not just as the prophet or as my friend." He's resting his forehead against Noah's again.

"I love you like a person loves the one person they're meant to be with - the one they're meant to spend their lives together." His eyes are closed and he breathes out a laugh.

"Never ever."

[the_miracle_son]

Noah laughs with him, his happiness pushing tears into his eyes with that small bit of laughter. "I knew I just had to wait for you to be ready."

He brushes Edward's cheek with his forehead still against his, and leans in to kiss him again briefly, "I have a lot of those saved for you."

[the_first_disciple]

"You could have told me, you know." He's shaking his head a little. "You could have told me you were interested in me." Even if Edward had seen Noah with other men he hadn't been sure where he fit when it came to that kind of thing. Maybe they could have started off as a fling like the others then moved forward.

Edward laughs and kisses him back. "Well, you're welcome to give them all to me over the next years we're together. We have penty of time for that." He's drawing back, resting his hands on his lap.

[the_miracle_son]

"I could have, but if I was wrong, I wouldn't want to put anyone in that position." Some of his followers would fall over themselves trying to please him. It's not the kind of behavior he encourages because it strips their individuality. He didn't think Noah was blindly follow him, but he's not a mind reader. "I just had to be sure."

He leans back as well, "Let's eat before it gets too cold." He wouldn't want to waste good food, or an offering, so he digs in so that most of it is finished while it's still warm. He does keep his hand on Edward's whenever it isn't awkward, however.

[the_first_disciple]

"I would have told you you were wrong, Noah. I would have told you the truth. That I was flattered but I wasn't romantically interested. I mean sure I had thought about sex with you so I'd have likely leapt at that regardless..." He laughs softly. "But lucky for both of us we were both right so we both win and both get what we want."

Nodding, he's tucking into their meal which thankfully can mostly be ate with one hand and a fork since it's veggies and some pasta dish with cubed bits of chicken so they don't need to cut up anything. So he's happy to let Noah keep his free hand in his. He loves this.

Once they're finished he's leaning into Noah's side. "What's tonight's agenda?" Sometimes it's cheesy movies, others games, sometimes it's planning for their next appearance or travel day - but tonight.. tonight might be different.

[the_miracle_son]

It was certainly helpful that Noah is left handed, which while it proved annoying at times, he was very grateful for right now. He keeps holding onto Noah's hand as they lean in against each other. He rests his head on Edward's, "Well, since I didn't ask about having sex before I thought you might want to spend a few hours getting to know each other better."

[the_first_disciple]

Gently, he squeezes Noah's hand. "I would like that." As long as he gets to enjoy time with Noah he's happy. Oh sure he has his own interests and things that he enjoys but he's perfectly content to do them with Noah in the same room doing his own thing. "I want to do that with you."

[the_miracle_son]

Well, he did enjoy sharing his hobbies with Edward, and enjoyed playing games while Edward did his own thing. But tonight, "want to watch the Princess Bride?"

He's not slyly asking to Netflix and chill, that would be absurd.

But that smile suggests otherwise.

[the_first_disciple]

Edward smiled at him and nodded. "I would love that. Something completely effortless." He's shifting, hands resting on the table so he can push away from it. "A movie sounds wonderful."

Oh, Edward is certain he's not. Why would he ever need to?

But there's a sly little grin tugging at Edward's lips because he absolutely suspects that is, in fact, the case.

Coming to his feet he's gently taking hold of Noah's hands to tug him to his feet. "Can't do that here at the table. I'll clear it in the morning.."

[the_miracle_son]

"Well," Noah says, with an impish smile, "we probably could, but that seems rude." He laughs, already following Edward, and then moving past him to lead him into the room.

The people currently paying for their place had wanted to get them so much more, so they settled on allowing them to let them borrow their brand new big screen, which they just so happened to buy for themselves at the same time as giving rent and furniture. Noah did keep a game console, games, a small selection of their favorite movies and books, and a computer for gaming because he chose to not take money to avoid the pitfalls of greed. He kept a bank account that would be enough to live comfortably until he was 100, with some wiggle room for health problems in case for some reason his whole following decided to turn their backs on him. Expect the best and prepare for the worst.

His mind is far away from the worst right now, he's on cloud nine, grinning at Edward as he backs into their room. He goes to the cabinet of movies and games, plucking the classic comedy from the shelf. "Have I watched this with you before?" He didn't rewatch movies that often, so even his favorites he might watch only every other year or so, and often just as background noise while working on something else like folding laundry.

[the_first_disciple]

He laughs with a shake of his head. "Not in the dining room, Noah." Especially if this is going the way Edward thinks it will end up going. He isn't keen on doing that on a dinner table - even if he's certainly heard stories of people doing such things.

Happily, he's following after Noah, clinging to his hand; holding it tight. Edward crosses that threshold and smiles at him. He's letting go of Noah's hand and kicking off his shoes, neatly tucking them by the foot of the bed and out of the way.

"I have seen it before but I don't remember if we ever watched it together." Don't misunderstand he remembers everything Noah says and does purely because it's Noah. But if they had been watching a movie? He likely spent it watching Noah. He's unzipping his hoodie then shrugged out of it.

[the_miracle_son]

Noah removes his own hoodie and slippers to more comfortably pull his feet onto the couch as he lounges. He grabs the DVD case and slips it into the side of the TV on the way to the bed pushes the pillows against the headboard so they could sit up more comfortably. As the DVD player boots he grins to Edward and puts out his arm, "I would have had trouble focusing on the movie. At least we didn't talk about it much after if we did."

[the_first_disciple]

"Why would you have trouble?" Yep. He's that kind of oblivious. He's smiling as Noah settles and extends his arm like that. Happily, Edward takes it as a signal to tuck himself tightly against Noah's side; crawling into the bed and settling close. "We likely didn't watch it together then." Because if they had and Noah'd even said a word about it he'd remember that. No matter how silly or small - he remembers everything about Noah that he's learned over the years.

[the_miracle_son]

Noah could only admire Edward in that. Edward will always be special to him, but he just can't hang off of every word like that for anyone, Morningstar Himself not included. The movie starts up and Noah leans into Edward, closing his eyes through the familiar fanfare welcomes the Fox movie logo.

"I'm glad we get to watch it now," he says, pulling Edward closer. His Edward.

[the_first_disciple]

Edward smiles as Noah leans into him like that. He's wrapping his arms gently around Noah and nuzzles against his shoulder. "I'm glad we do, too." Even if he's not likely to really pay that much attention to the movie. He has Noah here...

He's always wanted to be like this with Noah. Leaning up he presses a soft kiss to his jaw. "I like it."