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

It was Walt's turn to smirk, and Edmund's to glare, when Goldie left his side, and moved to his brother. As he listened to the concern in her voice, and watched the way in which her hand moved up to gently brush back his sibling's matted hair, Edmund mentally scolded himself. How could he have been so stupid. Now Walt was all hot and sweaty, and he was going to have an excuse to bathe. He should have carried Goldie's trunk himself, and shown how strong he was. But then, he probably wouldn't have gotten the chance to talk and laugh with her as he had, or to hear her stories. Why did Walt have to come along at all? Edmund's pupils darkened, and he shook a fist at his younger brother. However, Walt didn't see it. He was too busy blushing, and speaking to Goldie. It's okay, I'm not hurt. Just a little hot, but the water should cool me off. Then I can carry it the rest of the way. His expression, as he finally met Edmund's eyes, was one of pure satisfaction. He would have poked his tongue out if Goldie hadn't been able to see him. Edmund turned to Papa, with a look of silent pleading. Rupert caught the movement, and raised an eyebrow, then his forehead creased in thought. At that moment, Edmund realised that Goldie had a asked a question of him, and he swivelled on his toes so fast that he almost fell over. He stilled swayed from side to side, as he forced a smile in her direction. Of course. Then I can carry your trunk the rest of the way. Edmund's attention shifted to his brother. We wouldn't want Walt to do an injury. The implied threat contained in those words, which were accompanied with a fierce scowl, was caught by the younger boy immediately, and he glanced at his Father for protection. Papa either hadn't noticed, or pretended not to have, and instead answered the young woman as he moved between she and Walt. That's fine with me. You've been waiting so long, and it's safe enough out here, Edmund will look after you. Then he looked to his youngest. Walt and I will return home. The Patriarch had made up his mind. As much as he loved his sons equally, Papa knew both their foibles. In a matter such as this, Edmund could be trusted to ensure Goldie remained safe, and to stop if she became uncomfortable. Whilst he trusted Walt too, the boy could sometimes be impulsive, and not show the same maturity as his elder sibling. And to leave the two of them alone with her? Out of the question. Walt turned pale, and his lower lip quivered as his head jerked up, and his eyes widened in disbelief at the unfairness of it all. But, Papa, I......I....I He shot daggers at Edmund, whose grin had returned, and stomped his foot in anger. Shush, son, Don't make a fuss Rupert's voice raised, and Walt's mouth immediately clamped shut, though his lip still trembled, and he suddenly found something of great interest in the forest floor at his feet. Aware of how disappointed his son must be, Papa lifted a large, calloused hand, and affectionately ruffled his hair. You'll have your chance to bathe later, and if Goldie's going to cook dinner, I'll need help to collect fire-wood for the stove, then we have to make her up a bed. You do want the young lady to feel comfortable in her new home, don't you son? What Rupert failed to mention, was that Goldie was to have her own room, and the boys would be required to bunk together. That news would be sure to go down a treat. Walt slowly lifted his gaze, attempted a smile for Goldie, then nodded, and reluctantly acquiesced. Okay, Papa. Disappointment was etched in his voice, but he offered no further resistance. It would only create an argument that he couldn't win, and embarrass him in front of his new friend. Rupert draped an arm over Walt's shoulder, gave him a Fatherly squeeze, and turned to Goldie. Enjoy your bath, and we'll see you when you arrive home. We'll fix the makings for supper. He then locked eyes with Edmund, and the two stared at each other for a few moments before Papa broke the silence Don't take too long, and you make sure to keep Goldie safe. Do you hear me? Edmund's expression turned momentarily sombre, and he inclined his head. Yes, Papa. I promise. Bye Goldie. Walt spoke softly as Papa, satisfied that Goldie would be safe, bid both her and Edmund farewell, then walked into the forest with one arm still draped over Walt's shoulder. As soon as they'd disappeared behind some trees, Edmund approached Goldie. The elder boy beamed, almost as bright as the moon. Come on, let's bathe. As he spoke, his fingers hooked into his vest, and he slipped it up over his head. A broad, massive chest with a light trail of dark hair which led to his navel and accentuated a slim, toned stomach - kept that way by arduous work performed in the fields - was revealed when he reached her, and Edmund dropped the garment to the ground. Small beads of sweat glimmered on his sun-bronzed skin. Don't be shy. Edmund spoke in a whisper as he moved even closer, so that their bodies almost touched, and he met her eyes with his. It's just us. One hand reached for Goldie's, and gently, he began to lead her towards the water.