Ashton took his first few steps forwards, away from the manor, his feet thudding gently on the grass as he jogged across the garden.

He wanted to be alone, and feared for a brief moment that a figure might see him passing by, perhaps one of the gardeners, or someone from within the manor glancing through one of the windows at that time.

Reaching one of the winding paths at last, Ashton was hidden from view by the tall hedges either side of him.

As he continued forwards, he was completely oblivious that he was not only being watched, but followed.

The ascending steps were steep, and Ashton moved carefully as he went, feeling dull aches across his body.

He had just reached the gate, pausing then to open it, before suddenly hearing a faint sound behind him.

Ashton wheeled around, wincing suddenly at the sharp pain in his side then.

‘Ow’ he gasped, hand going to his side then, shoulders hunched.

‘I’m sorry’ the figure grinned widely and confidently back at him, eyes teasing. ‘I didn’t mean to startle you.’

Ashton relaxed a little as the pain subsided, letting out a slow breath before lifting his head, gazing back at the man that stood before him.

‘Edmund? W-what are you doing here?’

Edmund put his arms behind his back, holding his hands behind him then as he leant forwards towards Ashton, grinning widely, showing his perfect teeth. He tilted his head to the side, considering Ashton then with a playful expression, before straightening up again and letting his arms fall to his side.

‘I wanted to see where you were going’ Edmund said. ‘Why are you leaving?’

‘Me?’

‘Well who else could I be talking to?’ Edmund replied in a sudden condescending tone.

He turned around then, facing the small tree beside him.

‘Hello tree. How are you today?’

Ashton blinked in confusion at this, not knowing what to make of it.

‘Are you making fun of me?’ he asked.

‘I wouldn’t dream of it!’ Edmund replied hastily in a sing-song voice. ‘So’ he said, twitching his head towards Ashton. ‘Where are we going?’

‘What?’

‘I’m your fiancé’ Edmund said teasingly, closing the gap between them in a heartbeat and putting his arm around Ashton. ‘We should spend what time we can together. I want to get to know you.’

He spoke this last part in a seductive purr.

‘Ah’ Ashton said. ‘Oh.’

‘Are you shy?’ Edmund asked him then, still leaning into him with his arm around his shoulders.

‘I um…guess you could say that’ Ashton replied, giving Edmund an uncertain smile that only flickered on his lips briefly before vanishing.

‘I’ll go easy on you then’ he said, at last straightening up and removing his arm from around Ashton.

Ashton tired to supress a sigh of relief, his heart hammering painfully in his chest.

He tried to stand a little taller, tried to make himself appear a little more relaxed, a little more comfortable.

‘You look nervous’ Edmund said.

He failed.

‘Oh..d-do I?’

‘Do you always stutter?’ Edmund asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ashton began to feel suddenly very uncomfortable and self-conscious, pursing his lips as his cheeks flushed red.

‘Oh you really are’ Edmund went on, putting his hands on his hips and turning fully towards him now, facing him head on. ‘I didn’t know. I don’t mean to tease.’

‘Oh….ok.’

Edmund frowned at him then, tilting his head towards Ashton.

‘I want to get to know you’ he said again, this time speaking with sincerity. ‘I want to know the man I am about marry, and I’m sure you want the same. Even though you’re probably too scared to admit it.’

Edmund stared at Ashton who was too nervous to speak, and for a few moments neither spoke.

And then Edmund sighed, dipping his head slightly, relaxing his arms.

‘Alright’ he relented. ‘I really shouldn’t tease you like this, it isn’t fair on you I guess.’

‘Ah…ok.’

Edmund raised his head again, his gaze towards Ashton was seductive, his eyes piercing into him.

‘Show me around your city. I want to see your home.’

‘Sure’ Ashton forced himself to speak, trying to sound in control. ‘Where would you like to go?’

‘Well where were you going before?’

Ashton thought suddenly of the dancing studio, the place he had been planning on going to. It would have been perfect, just want he needed now to clear his mind. He wanted to dance, to feel the music around his body, to truly lose himself. But now…

‘I was just….’ Ashton thought furiously. ‘Nowhere in particular’ he decided. ‘I guess I was just nervous about you know…getting married.’ He finished. ‘It’s just so unexpected and sudden.’

‘Yeah it is’ Edmund said stepping back and folding his arms. ‘I’m excited though. I can’t wait to get to know you.’

Ashton turned away sharply, trying to hide his expression. He was terrified.

‘So I guess you don’t mind if I follow you around’ Edmund continued gleaming at him merrily. ‘Just pretend I’m not here.’

‘I couldn’t possibly do that’ Ashton told him.

‘Anyway. Talking is boring’ Edmund said then taking a step back. ‘Lead the way. Go on.’

Ashton felt his heart skip a beat, staring back at Edmund.

He turned away then, walking with his shoulders hunched towards the little garden gate. He did not look to Edmund again, afraid to meet his eyes.

Ashton left the grounds of his home, heading out into the streets, all the while he could hear Edmund’s footsteps behind him.