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Chapter Text

It had been years since Don Price and Edward Bloom had crossed paths. Don, who had once been a bright and promising young man, had fallen on hard times. He had lost his job, his wife had left him, and he was struggling to get by. Meanwhile, Edward had become a successful businessman, known for his charm and larger-than-life personality.
When Don heard that Edward was back in town, he was filled with resentment. He had always viewed Edward as a braggart, a liar, and a cheat. And yet, despite his feelings, he couldn't help but be drawn to Edward's magnetic energy.
As fate would have it, Don and Edward ended up at the same bar one night. Don was nursing a drink and brooding over his misfortunes, while Edward was regaling a group of strangers with stories of his adventures.
When Edward caught sight of Don, he sauntered over with a grin. "Well, well, well. Don Price. I haven't seen you in years. How are you?"
Don scowled. "I'm fine."
Edward chuckled. "I doubt that. You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders. Come on, let's have a drink and catch up."
Don was hesitant, but he found himself being drawn in by Edward's easy charm. They ended up talking for hours, trading stories and reminiscing about old times.
As the night wore on, Don found himself seeing Edward in a new light. He still found him arrogant and obnoxious, but there was something else there too. Something that made his heart skip a beat.
Over the coming weeks, Don and Edward kept running into each other. They would chat, share a drink, and go their separate ways. Don found himself thinking about Edward all the time, wondering what it would be like to be with him.
But he couldn't bring himself to admit his feelings. He was too proud, too stubborn. And he was convinced that Edward was just playing games with him.
It wasn't until Edward invited Don to his house for a dinner party that things began to shift. Don arrived feeling nervous and out of place, but as the night wore on, he found himself relaxing. He laughed at Edward's jokes, enjoyed the company of the other guests, and savored the delicious food.
And then, as the evening was winding down, Edward took Don aside. "I know we've had our differences," he said quietly. "But I've always respected you, Don. And I have to admit, there's something between us. Something that's been simmering for a long time."
Don's heart raced. He could feel the tension building between them, the heat of desire.
And then, suddenly, Edward leaned in and kissed him.
It was electric. Don's entire body was on fire, and he responded eagerly, wrapping his arms around Edward's neck.
In that moment, all their past animosity melted away, and they were left with nothing but the raw intensity of their attraction.
It was the beginning of something new and exciting. A slow burn that had been years in the making. As Don and Edward broke apart, they gazed at each other, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. Don's mind was racing, trying to process what had just happened. He had never felt so alive, so desired.
Edward smiled at him, his eyes shining. "I've wanted to do that for years," he admitted.
Don felt a thrill run through him at the admission. "Why didn't you?"
Edward shrugged. "I didn't think you were interested. And I didn't want to push you."
Don shook his head, feeling a sense of disbelief. "I can't believe this is happening. I never would have thought we could end up here."
Edward's expression grew serious. "I know. But sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions. And sometimes, the people we least expect end up being the ones who matter most."
Don felt a warmth spread through him at the words. He knew that Edward was right. He had spent so long holding onto his grudges and resentments, that he had forgotten how to let go and take a chance.
But now, with Edward, he was willing to try. He leaned in and kissed him again, feeling a sense of rightness in the way their bodies fit together.
From that night on, Don and Edward were inseparable. They explored each other's bodies, taking their time to savor every touch and caress. They also explored each other's minds, learning about each other's hopes, dreams, and fears.
It wasn't always easy. There were moments of doubt, of jealousy, and of anger. But through it all, they knew that they had something special. Something that had started as a slow burn, but had grown into a bright and beautiful flame.
As they lay in bed together, wrapped in each other's arms, Don felt a sense of peace settle over him. He knew that he had finally found what he had been searching for. And he was grateful for every moment he got to spend with Edward, his once-enemy-turned-lover.

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Over the weeks that followed, Don and Edward's relationship deepened. They spent every moment they could together, exploring new places and trying new things. They went on long walks, holding hands and talking about everything under the sun. They cooked together, creating elaborate meals and sharing intimate moments in the kitchen.
But despite all the joy they shared, Don couldn't help feeling a sense of unease. He had never been in a relationship like this before, and he wasn't sure how to navigate the rough patches. He worried that he was going to mess things up, that he would ruin the happiness they had found.
One night, as they lay in bed together, Don finally worked up the courage to voice his fears.
"Edward, I'm scared," he admitted. "I've never been in a relationship like this before. I don't know how to do it right."
Edward turned to face him, his expression gentle. "Don, there's no such thing as doing it right. We're both learning as we go. We'll make mistakes, we'll hurt each other, but as long as we keep communicating and working through it, we'll be okay."
Don felt a sense of relief wash over him at Edward's words. He knew that Edward was right. He didn't have to have all the answers. He just had to be willing to try.
As the weeks turned into months, Don and Edward's love deepened. They shared their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows. They supported each other through difficult times, and celebrated each other's victories.
And then, one day, Edward surprised Don with a trip to the circus. Don had always loved the circus as a child, and the memories flooded back as he watched the acrobats and clowns perform.
As the show drew to a close, Edward took Don's hand and led him outside. There, under the twinkling lights of the circus tents, he got down on one knee and pulled out a ring.
"Don, I love you more than anything in this world," he said. "Will you marry me?"
Don felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes as he nodded. "Yes, Edward. I will."
They sealed their engagement with a kiss, surrounded by the sounds of the circus and the love they shared.
As they walked away, hand in hand, Don knew that he had found his true home. And he was grateful for every moment he got to spend with Edward, his once-enemy-turned-lover-turned-fiance.

Don and Edward's engagement was a joyful time, filled with excitement and anticipation. They spent hours planning their wedding, debating everything from the venue to the guest list to the color scheme.
But amidst all the planning, there were also moments of doubt and uncertainty. Don couldn't help wondering if he was really ready for this kind of commitment, if he could really make a life with Edward.
Edward sensed his hesitation and sat him down one night to talk.
"Don, I know this is a big step," he said, taking Don's hand in his. "But we've been through so much together already. We know each other better than anyone else. And I know, deep down, that we're meant to be together."
Don felt a sense of warmth spread through him at Edward's words. He knew that Edward was right. They had been through so much together already, and he couldn't imagine his life without him.
As the wedding drew closer, Don felt a sense of nervous excitement building inside him. He couldn't wait to marry Edward, to promise to love him and cherish him for the rest of their lives.
On the day of the wedding, Don stood nervously at the altar, waiting for Edward to appear. He felt a lump form in his throat as he watched Edward make his way down the aisle, looking more handsome than ever.
As they exchanged their vows, Don felt a sense of peace settle over him. He knew that this was where he was meant to be, with the man he loved more than anything in the world.
After the ceremony, they danced together under the stars, surrounded by their friends and family. They laughed and cried and held each other close, knowing that they had found something truly special.
As the night drew to a close, they snuck away from the party for a moment alone together. They stood together, hand in hand, looking up at the stars above.
"I love you, Don," Edward said softly.
"I love you too, Edward," Don replied, feeling a sense of completeness wash over him.
And as they stood together under the starry sky, Don knew that he had finally found his happily ever after. With Edward by his side, he was ready to face whatever the future held.

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Don and Edward settled into married life with ease. They had already been through so much together that being married felt like the natural next step. They continued to explore the world together, traveling to new places and experiencing new cultures.
One summer, they decided to take a road trip across the country. They packed their bags and set off in their car, eager to see what lay ahead.
As they drove, they talked about everything under the sun. They reminisced about their past adventures and dreamt of future ones. They shared their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows.
One evening, they found themselves in a small town in the middle of nowhere. They checked into a cozy bed and breakfast and decided to take a walk around the town.
As they strolled, hand in hand, they came across a small theater. A sign outside announced that there was a local production of Romeo and Juliet that evening.
Without hesitation, Don and Edward bought tickets and took their seats in the front row. As the play began, they were swept away by the passion and romance of the story.
As the final act began, Don took Edward's hand in his. He knew that this was the moment he had been waiting for.
"Edward," he whispered, "I love you more than anything in this world. You are my Romeo, my one true love. Will you dance with me?"
Edward's eyes widened with surprise and joy. He stood up and took Don's hand, leading him onto the stage.
Together, they danced under the spotlight, lost in each other's embrace. The audience applauded and cheered, but Don and Edward were lost in their own world, their hearts beating as one.
As the dance came to an end, Don and Edward shared a tender kiss, surrounded by the beauty and magic of the theater.
As they made their way back to the bed and breakfast that night, Don felt a sense of contentment settle over him. He knew that he had found his true home in Edward's arms, and that their love would carry them through any challenge that lay ahead.
And so, hand in hand, they walked into their future together, ready to face whatever lay ahead with love and grace. Don and Edward's road trip continued as they crossed state lines and explored new territories. Along the way, they met a host of interesting characters, each with their own unique story to tell.
One day, they found themselves in a small town in Alabama, where they stumbled upon a charming diner. As they sat down to order, they were surprised to see the owner of the diner - Jenny, a childhood friend of Edward's father, who had featured prominently in his stories.
Jenny welcomed them with open arms, regaling them with stories of Edward's father and the adventures they had shared together. Don listened with rapt attention, fascinated by this new side of Edward's past.
As they finished their meal, Jenny slipped them a piece of paper with an address on it. "You should visit this place," she said mysteriously. "It might hold some answers for you."
Don and Edward looked at each other, intrigued. They thanked Jenny and set off towards the address.
As they arrived at the location, they found themselves standing in front of a grand, imposing house. They hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether they should enter.
But something drew them forward, and they found themselves standing in a grand, ornate hallway. At the end of the hallway stood a figure, shrouded in shadow.
"Hello?" Don called out tentatively.
The figure stepped forward, revealing itself to be an old man with a kind face. "Welcome," he said. "My name is Amos Calloway. I knew your father, Edward."
Don and Edward looked at each other in shock. They had heard so many stories about Amos from Edward's father, but they had never expected to meet him in person.
Amos took them on a tour of the house, showing them artifacts and mementos from Edward's father's life. Don and Edward listened with rapt attention, soaking up every detail.
As they left the house, Don and Edward felt a sense of closure settling over them. They had uncovered a piece of Edward's past that they had never known existed.
They returned to their car, ready to continue their journey. As they drove away, they talked about everything they had seen and learned, each lost in their own thoughts.
And as they traveled down the open road, they knew that their love would continue to carry them forward, through all of life's twists and turns. As Don and Edward drove further, they entered the state of Texas, where they stumbled upon a small town fair. They stopped to explore the fair, taking in the sights and sounds of the carnival rides and games.
As they wandered through the fair, they heard a familiar voice. It was Karl, one of Edward's father's old friends, who had been a giant in his stories.
Karl was standing by a tent, calling out to passersby to come and see the amazing sights inside. Don and Edward approached him, and Karl's eyes widened in recognition.
"Edward, it's you!" he exclaimed, embracing Edward in a bear hug. "And who's this handsome man you've got with you?"
Don smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and affection towards this gentle giant. Karl led them towards the tent, where they saw an array of strange and wondrous objects.
As they explored the tent, Karl told them stories of his own life and the adventures he had shared with Edward's father. Don and Edward listened with rapt attention, feeling as though they had stepped into one of Edward's father's tall tales.
As they said goodbye to Karl, Don and Edward felt a sense of gratitude for the chance to meet yet another person from Edward's father's past.
Their journey continued through the open road, with each mile revealing new and unexpected surprises. They visited quaint towns, majestic mountains, and sprawling cities, all the while deepening their love for each other.
As they reached the end of their trip, Don and Edward knew that they had shared a journey that would stay with them for the rest of their lives. They had found new friends, uncovered hidden secrets, and most importantly, deepened their love for each other.
And so, as they settled back into their daily routine, they knew that their journey was not over. They had a lifetime of adventures ahead of them, with each step taken together, hand in hand.