After Christmas Dinner

[Edmund Westwick]

((Cont. from here))

Waiting on the doorstep, Edmund glanced around as he thought he heard a rustle, perhaps a cat in a bush or something. He didn't really think very much of it until the cat started swearing, looking over in concern. Oh. This must be the Arvel boy Analei wanted him to meet. Of course it was, and he was sprawled out on the ground for some reason. Edmund opened and closed his mouth, biting back the snarky remark he wanted to make. This wasn't the time for that, the entire point was to make friends with Analei's best friend. This was important to his girlfriend, and that meant best behaviour. "Are you alright?" He asked, instead of the comment he made a mental note to relay to Theodore later on, once there was no risk of it getting back to Arvel and making Analei upset. The awkwardness was blessedly interrupted by the door opening, and Edmund's forced half smile turned to something somewhat more sincere at the sight of her, kissing his girlfriend back in greeting quickly. "These are for you." He said quickly, handing her the flowers. "We were just... getting acquainted." Edmund added, glancing at Arvel again and addressing the younger boy. "I'm Edmund. Westwick, of course, and you must be Arvel." Edmund certainly wasn't used to talking this much or for this long to anyone other than his girlfriend or his brother, and it felt pained and forced, but another glance at Analei's face reminded him exactly why he was doing this. It was important to Analei, and he was going to do this. And not make an arse of himself. He hoped.

 

[Arvel Ayers]

Arvel didn't answer. He shot Edmund a glare, still brushing the grass off his sleeve. No. He wasn't all right. He'd actually had a nightmare about this dinner party last night. Half way through the meal he'd tipped up his bowl of soup and ruined Analei's carpet. She'd been understanding, but Edmund was furious on her behalf and had physically thrown Arvel out of the house, slamming the door behind him. It was only a dream, but still, Arvel couldn't help feeling a little bit resentful.

Suddenly the door opened. Arvel blushed as Analei gave him a kiss on the cheek. It did nothing to better his mood, however, and when Edmund introduced himself he couldn't hold his tongue. "Obviously," he said. Then he remembered he was supposed to be making an effort for Analei and forced the world's least believable smile. Not wanting to witness what he felt might be a long, gushy speech about the flowers, Arvel went straight through into the house to look for somewhere to sit.

 

[Analei Westwick]

Analei smiled at Edmund's politeness, thanking him and rubbing his arm when he gave her the flowers. It was so sweet of him! Her eyes snapped to Arvel, though, when he replied sarcastically, and she rolled her eyes when he walked straight through. Ignoring him for a minute, Analei turned to face Edmund. "He's obviously got his grumpy pants on. I did ask him to be nice, but I think he's as awkward at making friends as you." Analei teased gently, giving Edmund another peck, before grabbing his hand and guiding him through, the flowers still in her other hand. In the dining room, Analei made room for the flowers to be the centerpiece. "I hope you guys don't mind lasagna." She called out, so Arvel could hear her too.

 

[Edmund Westwick]

Best Behaviour had been Edmund's mantra for this dinner ever since Analei had proposed it. Best behaviour. Edmund knew he rubbed people the wrong way at the best of times, and this was much too important for him to ruin things by being himself. Analei's best friend had to be... fantastic somehow, and Edmund was going to earn his respect. His friendship. So after spending so many hours convincing himself of the charming, friendly person he needed to be, it was a shock to Edmund when Arvel's demeanour was... far closer to what Edmund had feared of himself than what he had expected from the other boy. He didn't know quite what to say, processing the information as to his relief Analei took charge and led them out of the awkward situation. "Lasagne sounds wonderful." Edmund commented, glancing back to Arvel again, wondering how the other boy would react. Perhaps if Arvel was this grumpy after all, he didn't need to worry quite so much. The moodiness was strangely relieving.