Thread: Goldilocks And The Three 'Bears' - (Quix and Cyanide)

If looks could kill, Edmund would have dropped dead on the spot. He'd never seen such a glare, and for a moment he regretted the wink he'd shot his sibling as he returned Goldie's hug, and allowed his hand to glide down her body until his palm rested on the small of her back. Only for a moment however, and the wink soon turned into a wide grin, then a laugh, as the embrace ended, and she offered to carry the case herself. He needs to build up his strength. Edmund poked his tongue out at Walt over Goldie's head, then his stomach suddenly dropped as she thanked them all, and released his hand. Was she going to give Walt a hug as well? Edmund exhaled the breath he didn't know he'd been holding when she instead scooted past his sibling to collect one last item. Walt, with Goldie's trunk balanced over one shoulder, gave her a forced smile, then pulled his eyes back to Edmund, and shook his head. The boys were having a conversation, without words one Edmund thought he was in control of. With the weight of Goldie's trunk slowing his brother down, he could monopolise the young woman's attention without interference. It's okay, it's not heavy. Walt spoke through gritted teeth. Rupert's expression, as Edmund turned to face him was one of half amusement, and half warning. The Patriarch's attention then shifted to Goldie. I'm glad we could help. I'm sure you're going to bring much joy and pleasure to our household. Edmund's eyes lit up, and he nodded in enthusiastic agreement, though Papa hadn't intended the words in the manner in which his eldest son had taken them. His fingers gently touched Goldie's hand, and he looked down at the picture. Is that your Momma? The young man's jade green eyes rose to meet her bright blue orbs. His expression was one of gentleness, and the words barely above a whisper. She's so pretty. Just like you. Then he laced his fingers in Goldie's again, and followed Papa out the door. Nary a glance was thrown over his shoulder to see if his brother had moved. Jacob stood where Papa had left him, and his face turned pale when they exited the residence. His gaze slid to Goldie, and he opened his mouth to speak, however was stopped in his tracks as Rupert approached. The weasel's lower lip drooped, and quivered, then he turned his back, and found another outlet for his anger. What the hell are you looking at. I told you to get back to work. Now, or I'll bring out the damn horse whip, and flay you alive. Slint stalked towards the farm-hands, who all remained with grins on their faces. None appeared too concerned about his threat. It was likely his cowardly lack of resistance to Papa earlier had lessened any fear they had of the man, and the Patriarch felt content to leave them to fend for themselves. Edmund held Goldie's hand as they walked, with Papa in front, and Walt lagging behind. The journey this time was a much happier one, and Papa, as content as he'd been in a long while, whistled a tune, whilst Edmund chatted happily to Goldie. How Walt felt was difficult to ascertain, as he trailed a fair distance back. Edmund ensured he did his best not to give his new friend any time to worry about that. After a good distance, they'd entered the forest, and approached a clearing. Papa. Edmund called out, and Rupert stopped in his tracks and swivelled to face them. Through the canopy of trees came the shimmer of moonlight reflecting off water. Goldie and I are going to stop so that she can bathe. Papa's eyebrow raised as Edmund squeezed Goldie's hand, and shot her the most innocent smile he could muster. Don't worry about the water, the sun has been beating down on it all day, it will be just fine. Even if he was wrong, that didn't matter. Edmund didn't plan to allow Goldie to remain cold for long. His attention shifted back to his Papa. You and Walt should go on ahead. You know to, um, um - he floundered for a few moments, before the rest of the words tumbled out in a rush - get a fire started, and ready Goldie's bed. Father and son looked at each other without speaking for what felt an eternity to the elder boy, but was in reality mere seconds. Papa Bear knew precisely what was on his son's mind. Just as Rupert finally appeared about to respond, there came the sound of huffing and panting, then the loud thump of Goldie's chest hitting the earth. What's going on? Walt stood there, wide-eyed, out-of-breath, hair matted with sweat, face red from exertion, and stared at the three of them. He must have sprinted to catch up.