Ed’s screams at being branded, forever marked as personal property by the initials burned into his skin, contained as much exaltation as agony. The fact that the primary instigator of this disfiguring was his beloved JM, and that her kiss of congratulations afterward stirred him so extremely seemed only fitting. Despite the difficulties presented by their unique cohabitation situation, their attachment continued to only strengthen.
Though he had no say whatsoever in their relationship, being a permanently subordinate possession, Ed still felt blessed beyond any other person.
Julie needed him, required his life in ways they both understood but couldn’t easily articulate. Ed had never felt anything like it: it was the antithesis of his heartless philandering. His adoring and utterly uncon
