Hangover Rage (Edward)

[Malcom Black]

This was not his day.

It wasn’t that he’d woken up with a hangover. He was used to that. The blinding white stars dancing under his eyelids, the throbbing of a brain grown dependent on alcohol, the dry mouth and the general aching of his body was something that Malcom had learned to deal with at a very young age. It wasn’t that he hadn’t gotten laid the night before—A, he hadn’t been hoping for that, and B, he wouldn’t know what to do with someone once he got them back to his room anyways—or that he’d in general just been miserable the day before.

It was that that stupid, self-centered brat who had “helped” him home had stolen his credit card.

Malcom did not consider himself the angry type. He definitely didn’t hold grudges and he could put up with almost anything. But calling the bar to find out that the kid had taken his credit card, had not returned it to him, and then had not even made any efforts to get it back to him was enough to make his already aching head pound, and this time, not from the effects of the alcohol. Calling his credit-card company had confirmed that there hadn’t been any outstanding or odd charges. But that just frustrated him more. Why take the freakin’ card if you weren’t going to do anything with it?

So, common sense impaired by the hangover and temper boiling, the sunglasses-clad Malcom proceeded to track down one Edward Scott. He’d said he was a med student, and clearly was nearby—that meant he was probably at the University of Vermont. He called them and, through a mixture of bribery, pleading, joking, flattery, and a hefty amount of pulling military rank, managed to get that he lived on campus and in one of the dorms. Then all that required was flashing a smile and his military ID (that could kind of pass for a badge if he needed it) and he was in and at Edward’s door, knocking on it more politely than he would have thought was possible.

He’d get his card, get in, and get out. And he wasn’t going to let the kid say anything at all. 

[Edward Scott]

Edward hadn't slept very much. When he'd reached home he'd been so lost in thought about Malcolm that he literally believed sleep was impossible so he'd gotten up and started writing about his wonderful new Meta friend, Lucy. God. He'd not even broken up with Drew yet or spoken to him or anything and he already had another guy on his mind. Edward shut his eyes and lay his head down on the desk when he was a paragraph in before he yerked awake hearing the knock on the front door. He was on his feel immediately. It didn't help that he was simply in a pair of black boxers which was about it.

He wasn't shy of his brothers, especially Braxton whom he picked on for being slightly more homophobic then he should have been considering that Ethan, his best friend, had literally jumped at the chance to have sex with Edward. Edward groaned and scratched at his head before heading to swing the door open.
"No, I will not help you with your homework, Eth-Whowell hello there. If it isn't mister I'm-too-good-for-general-human-interaction...."
Edward had changed his tune rather rapidly when he saw that it was not Ethan at the door.

Rather the guy who'd occupied his thoughts that very night. Edward folded his arms across his chest and leaned his shoulder against the banister. It had worked! He'd gotten Malcolm here and a satisfied smirk spread across his lips as he shifted aside and held hid hand out into the room for Malcolm to enter.
"I thought you didn't want to be here when morning comes and yet, here you are. Reconsidering my company Malcolm? Even though I'm far too young?"
Edward purred the words.

He knew why Malcolm was here but that didn't mean that he couldn't enjoy this moment as immensely as he was doing already.

[Malcom Black]

Malcom was not amused. Part of that was just the hangover. The cocktail of painkillers, caffeine, and stomach medication wasn’t helping either—he felt jittery and worn-out all at once. And not happy. He just wanted his card and to go home. It also didn’t help that he could hardly remember what had happened the night before. What had he said to this kid to tick him off so much? He hadn’t tried to upset him. He hadn’t even been implying anything. He just didn’t want to get into trouble for being found in the room of a kid who lived in a dorm. Especially while drunk. He would’ve thought the kid would’ve gotten that.

Besides, when had he given the impression that he was too good for human interaction? He’d always thought he was real friendly when he got drunk.

Eyeing the kid through the glasses, he decided to remain exactly where he was and folded his arm over his chest, mirroring his posture. “Edward, right?” he said flatly. He was trying to place the ki—man’s age. In cynicism and flirting, probably around fifty. In self-satisfaction and probable sex-drive? Fifteen. Averaged? Around 23. Hm.

“Gimme back my card,” he said flatly. “I don’t know where you’re from, k—sir, but where I’m from stealing is illegal.”

And then he paused, realizing that the boy didn’t seem surprised to see him there. He took off his glasses and stared at him incredulously, then strode in and shut the door behind him.

“What the hell are you playing at? Did you do this on purpose? Why?”

[Edward Scott]

Wow, he remembered his name. That was a shocker. Edward could hardly believe that the man had remembered that much. Then again, Edward had practically spilled his name and how to find him to the guy. Of course he could tell that Malcolm was not currently in the best of moods. The fact that he didn’t even wanna step into his dorm room was enough to make Edward sigh out in disappointment.

What did he have? Cooties or something? Edward rolled his eyes and then Malcolm practically claimed he was a thief, demanding his card back and what was worse, he’d nearly let it slip that he was a kid rather than a good solid man, which Edward whole heartedly believed her was, for God’s sakes. Edward’s eyes narrowed instantly, glaring at the other male before him.

”I didn’t steal anything. ”
Edward claimed before the other guy slipped into the room passed him and shut the door behind him. Edward turned smoothly and leaned his back against the wall watching Malcolm with that smirk that would tell Malcolm that HE was the one in control here.

”Why? You’re asking me why I did what I did?”
Edward repeated with a sour, sarcastic tone to his voice before giving a brief bit of laughter.
”I didn’t do anything. Go look in the trash can in front on fifth. You might be lucky and catch it in time before the trash men come to do a pick up. I don’t know what you guys do around here…”
Edward open the door again and left it ajar lowering his head and waiting for Malcolm to leave.

”Maybe when you start treating people like they’re not beneath you, you might get what you want….”
Yes, Edward still had the card and would Malcolm realize what he’d just said? Would he take the time and listen to the ‘kid’?

[Malcom Black]

Malcom would have been indignant, in turn, to know that Edward thought he’d been so drunk that he couldn’t even remember his name. He had been. He’d gotten the name from the bartender. But the point would have been that the kid had a low enough opinion of him to think that he couldn’t handle his liquor. And not even anyone in his regiment had questioned his drinking abilities.

“Didn’t steal it, huh?” He rolled his eyes, and managed to conceal the wince. “What, so is it borrowing now?” But getting the kid angry wasn’t going to help anything, and it definitely wasn’t helping his head. So he pressed his hand to his forehead, and, completely missing Edward’s smirk, tried to just listen.

“Why the hell would you have thrown it out?” he muttered. “After all the effort to get me to come here? Well, I guess it’s not really effort. All you had to do was just take the card and not give it back. Still.” He glanced at the door, and it swung back shut. Malcom had never been shy about who knew what he was. He grew up in a family of metas—what was the point? Then he turned his attention back to the med student, trying to study him, figure out what his game was, and what the hell had gotten that bee stuck up his freakin’ bonnet.

“Maybe if you stopped acting like you’re five, people would stop acting like you were beneath them,” he said after a moment. “Playin’ mind games isn’t helping your cause. But fine. If you’re upset because I…” He sighed. “Called you a kid, fine. I’m sorry. You’re a man, even if you don't act like one, and whatever else you wanna hear I don’t care. What do you want? And where’s that card really?”

[Edward Scott]

Edward felt an air of annoyance filter around him when Malcolm mentioned borrowing instead of stealing and his teeth ground together in annoyance as he watched the elder man place a hand over his head. It did make everything feel better to know that Malcolm had a bad headache to go with his hand over. Edward would have totally looked after Malcolm if he’d come home with him the evening before.

There would have been no headache. Just sleep. Cosy and snug and the morning would have been filled with starbucks take away and talking about lives. If Malcolm hadn’t pulled out the ‘Kid’ bullsh*t on him. Still there was a chance of saving it all. He didn’t want to let Malcolm go. He wanted Malcolm. Malcolm had puppy dog eyes. Malcolm could make him feel that he still had his Drew around. Malcolm was just perfect.

After the thrown out comment Edward was surprised to hear Malcolm almost deny that he would do that. Edward’s eyes flicked up to the other male and a smirk grew on his face again.
”Wow, you’re kinda smart old man. ”
This was purely by accident. Their meeting had been purely by accident, just like his and Drew’s.

When the door swung shut Edward pushed from the wall and stared between Malcolm and the door. Oh God…. Malcolm was Meta! Malcolm was a Meta. Edward slowly let a grin curl onto his face once the surprised look faded. Edward didn’t care about the insults anymore or about insulting Malcolm now. There was a sort of excitement in his eyes.

Edward slowly, careful approached his wardrobe and opened it, pulling from it a first aid box which he went to set on his desk. Then he moved to the tiny fridge they had and from there he pulled out a bottle of water.
”Sit down Malcolm.”
Edward used his foot to pushed away the chair at his desk then placed the bottle of water and the paracetamol on the table for Malcolm to sit and take.

”I never took your card. I was gonna hold on to it and give it to you in the morning or slip it in your pocket when you were asleep or lain down but you never came home with me. When I got halfway down the road I realized I still had your card in my hands. The reason I didn’t throw it away was because I wanted a chance to talk to you. I didn’t want your anger. I want to simply get to know you. Come out to dinner with me. You agree and I’ll have the card there for you by the end of the night… tonight… ”

Edward watched Malcolm’s face intently. Oh God. Meta. Hot Meta guy right in my room! There is a God. Now, Edward was more determined than ever to get Malcolm and stick… like glue.

[Malcom Black]

So the kid wasn’t willing to be called a kid, but he was more than happy to call Malcom—who was thirty-three, damn it, and even though he’d used his body hard he didn’t think he looked that bad—an old man? The world, he reflected, was horribly unfair. Especially when you were dealing with the young. Some things just never got better. He would have snapped, except he was reminded that the kid still had his credit card, and that losing your temper with an arrogant sod of a twenty-year-old had never done him any good. Or his parents, and they should know—they’d gone through it nine times over. He sighed, reined in his temper, and resisted the urge to hit his head against the wall. The telekinesis use and the hangover combined made his head hurt enough. He didn’t need to make it worse. So all he said, sourly, was, “Thanks, I think.”

He didn’t notice the excited look. Or didn’t get what it meant. What, the k—guy had lived near Pilot Ridge, and at a school which hosted a lot of metas, and didn’t know to expect it with most of the inhabitants? God, maybe he was a metaphobe. He’d come across a few in the army, but proving you were a good shot and that being able to roll makeshift shields into position while shooting tended to shut them up.

He eyed the man as he fetched the drugs, then the water, and considered if it was wise to take pills from a college student. But it couldn’t be any worse than any of the prescriptions he’d been given, some of which had sent him screaming and others giggling inanely at the flashing pretty lights. So he shrugged, nodded his thanks, and sank into the chair, opening the bottle and taking a gulp of the water to wash down the pill.

He only half paid attention to Edward’s words.

“Wow, you were pretty sure about coming home with me, weren’t you?” he chuckled sourly. “Could’ve just slipped it into my pocket anyways. And look, if you were that desperate for a good meal, you could have just—”

And then he stopped, took in the intent look on Edward’s face, and mentally rewound to review the words. Then his eyes widened.

“Are you saying you’re asking me on a date? Or blackmailing me on a date?” Judging by his tone, he was having difficulties processing this. “Or please tell me that pretty little pill made me hear things. You cannot be serious. Me. And you. On a date.” He took another swig of the water, then shook his head. “You’re nuts.”

[Edward Scott]

Malcolm was in pain. That much was clear to see and Edward loathed the thought of the raven head in pain. Maybe that was why he was already playing nurse to the poor hung over individual he'd lured and trapped in his dorm room. Edward couldn't help but stare. He could avoid the attraction he felt for Malcolm. If Malcolm had been his Drew would Malcolm how allowed him to do the whole integration book on Metas? Maybe that was it. It was a case of Vegatarian and Meat eater being together. He didn't want to be normal. He didn't want to be around normal people.

He didn't want the all American life style. He wanted to be diffrent. He wanted to be around Metas. Amazing and unique Metas like Malcolm. Edward watched with a softened expression, leaning against the desk, as Malcolm swallowed the pill with the water then frowned at the next wave of words that would need him to think on his feed and defend himself come hell or high water. This was a challenge he WOULD win. He would go to great lengths to get what he wanted and what he wanted was Malcolm. There was just no way he was backing down.

God only knew he'd have to go crying to Ethan if he didn't get Malcolm by the end of his long fight and that would not be a pretty sight at all. Edward allowed for his words to settle in. Allowed for the new wave to wash over him. Allowed himself time to analyse the situation. He leaned against the desk and watched as Malcolm stoppped speaking for a moment or two coming to realize what Edward had just said. It couldn't have been the hang over that was making Malcolm not understand him. Was he really denying it?

Denying that another man would find him attractive like this? Edward frowned as Malcolm found it hard to comprehend the two of them together on a date.
"You don't have to see it that way. Not if it bothers you that much. Can't just keep an open mind for once? You might find that you actually like... my attention and I think this is considered as blackmailing you. Please Malcolm. Give me a chance and you won't regret it."
Edward was begging?

What... the...? Edward was begging. Edward shook his head and hardened his features again.
"Why am I asking you? I have the card. You want it back? You'll go on a date with me. I'll see you around seven at the park. Go lay down. Those are stonger then the rubbish you have down here. They should work quickly."
Edward liked being a nurse. The perks were that you could easily get the best sort of pain killers for free if you know where to look and what to take.

Not the over the counter stuff but real stuff. He just wish he could find a pill that naturally gave others an adventurous side. Malcolm could really do with one of those right then.

[Malcom Black]

In spite of the boy’s words, in spite of the fact that they were supposed to be soothing and calming, he couldn’t process them like that. There were several reasons for this.

One. His head still hurt like no other, which hadn’t been helped by his use of his ability. This made him have a slight delay for how he took the other man’s words.

Second. Malcom was older, yes, but his amount of experience was very limited. And limited purely to women. Malcom was aware—and at times extremely so—that he was attracted to men. But he’d never acted on it, had anyone else approach him, or had broached the topic in any way, shape or form. He didn’t even know what to do with the idea of it.

And third: the reason Malcom didn’t have a lot of dates was because he was oblivious to when someone was interested. So yes, all in all, he was very surprised that Edward wanted a date—even with blackmail.

Or begging. He stared at the boy, water bottle halfway to his lips, as Edward spoke. Please? He didn’t think that blackmailers were supposed to act. And he would have said so, or have tried to think of some way to deflect him, except that Edward had spoken again. His mouth tightened, and any sympathy and nervousness that he felt for Edward drained abruptly.

“So you’re calling all the shots, is that it?” he demanded. “For a damn credit card? And where am I supposed to go now that you’ve given me hell-knows-what?” He had no desire to drive while incoherent, but the thought that Edward might offer his bed was enough to make the man climb to his feet. His head still hurt and his anger was still “You know what, whatever. I’ll go on your damned date if you want at seven, I’ll buy you dinner and I’ll be a perfect gentleman, but if that card isn’t there by the end of the night, you’re…” He hesitated. The problem with going into the army was that the idle threats that he’d made when he was a teenager were now his to fulfill as he wanted. He could now beat someone black and blue if he wanted. He now had a gun to threaten people with. And had done both in his time—so perhaps it was no surprise that the idea of both had lost all taste for him. So his mouth tightened, and he shook his head. “Hell, I’ll just report you to the Dean. Got it?”

[Edward Scott]

Yup, Malcolm might have had those beautiful soft sparkly puppy eyes but this was no puppy. This was more of a viper then a puppy, Edward realized. Edward bit into his bottom lip and made his face show fear, panic, sadness to sooth the angry viper's growing temper then Malcolm half scolded him for his behaviour but Edward was inwardly cheering at the fact that, come night fall, Edward would have Malcolm to talk to. A calmer, more soothed Malcolm then before and Edward could hardly contain himself when the joy bubbled inside of him.

It sure as hell had been easier convincing Basil to take a simple tea with him then it was to get Malcolm to have dinner in a civil manner with him. It only made Edward more curious about Malcolm. Was it the powers that were making Malcolm all snappy? Was it something else? Something in his part maybe? Edward knew why he craved the attention of a male. Edward had daddy issues so the older the better... of course he'd deny that completely. Edward bit into his bottom lip, watching Malcolm get to his feet before he released his bottom lip again.

"Tonight at seven then and you don't have to pay. I asked you out so technically I'll be the one paying, Malcolm. "
Edward couldn't help but smirk at the threat that he knew would not get done. Malcolm had felt a twinge of sympathy for him. Just a twinge was enough and he'd work on that and make it grow. Edward also noticed that he'd softened the blow and Edward could simply nod and smile when Malcolm hissed at him in that threatening manner.

"Oh wait..."
Edward twisted to the medical box and pulled out a strip of the tablets he'd given Malcolm then held it out to the dark head.
"Lay down when you get home. If it's not gone in another two hours, take another. Just one though. The pain will definitely pass these are basically give to post ops so they work. You'll feel better by the time we meet again Mister Grinch and it was a pleasure doing business with you."
Edward tilted his head in an almost kindly way as he waited for Malcolm to take the headache tablets.

"One more thing... the park at seven on the dot okay? Then we'll move on."
Edward added.

{continued in See? This isn't so bad }