88- Welcome Back

Michael couldn't help fidgeting with the zipper on the coat Edwardo had gotten him for Christmas. The bodyguard Mr. Sanchez had promised to assign him sat next to him in the waiting area of the airport terminal, and the Sanchez family jet was taking absolutely forever to arrive…

New Year's had been a somewhat private thing at Scott's parent's place, which had given him the perfect opportunity to fish for advice with the issue at hand. He'd even been able to ring in the new year with Edwardo through a video call. It was certainly better than last New Year when he was stuck with Ryan at work with a skeleton crew because everyone else had called out, and a nice little break from the drama. Getting to sign Ryan's casts was a nice touch too, since it completely slipped his mind until he saw all the cute little scribbles on them.

Speaking of Ryan's casts, they were supposed to be coming off today. Michael had wanted to be there, but literally everyone told him this was more important. Ryan especially told him this was more important. And so here he was, waiting at the airport for his maybe-boyfriend and his family. He wanted desperately to make a good impression. He was even wearing a little makeup, but nothing as bold as he wore for his photoshoots.

On the chair next to him, the one that didn't contain the bodyguard, sat an overnight bag. Edwardo had agreed to try one of the tips straight from Ryan and Scott's relationship playbook. That didn't mean Michael wasn't nervous about it, but at least Edwardo seemed genuine in his desire to try and patch things over. They'd talked at least once a day every day since Michael's heat ended. It had all been mostly mundane conversation, since talking about the important stuff was hard for both of them apparently, especially over the phone. Edwardo's Christmas present was in the bag too. Michael finally had the motivation to get it done, he just needed a good window to present it.

So much waiting… So boring…

Finally, after what felt like forever, he swore he could hear the sound of rolling luggage echoing from the hallway in front of him. He stood up like a shot and did his best to straighten his appearance before the first person came into view. Even his bodyguard stood up and straightened his jacket. Michael swallowed nervously.

Councilman Sanchez was the first to come around the corner after a person who by their attire was probably security personnel. He was talking with a lady who had to be his wife, going by how much she looked like Eddie. Councilman Sanchez acknowledged Michael with a smile before continuing his conversation and his leisurely pace. Enrique and his wife Angela were next, and Michael got a wave from them. There should be only one person left. Knowing that wasn't helping Michael's nerves at all.

The first thing Michael saw was some huge something that was nearly neon green, which looked like a stuffed crocodile. Then finally, the rest of Edwardo came into view. He was trudging along, looking at the ground, toy in one hand and luggage cart being dragged by the other. Michael felt his breath catch in his throat. Before he could even call out to get Edwardo's attention, Enrique made it a point to get his brother to look up.

Their eyes met. Edwardo dropped the toy. The luggage cart was forgotten. He ran practically dead-sprint for Michael, past his family. Michael barely had enough time to brace himself before he was lifted into the air, spun around, and pulled tightly to Edwardo's chest. His feet were left dangling off the ground.

"I was so worried you weren't going to come." It was easy enough to hear the relief and joy in Edwardo's voice.

"I said I was going to, didn't I?" came Michael's muffled reply.

Michael wasn't sure how to take a greeting like this. On one hand, it was a wonderful feeling. Edwardo was showing more enthusiasm and initiative than he'd ever shown before. And, getting one's face smushed against those practically legendary pectorals didn't hurt either. Edwardo was holding him just tight enough to support his weight, but not so tight that it was too hard to breathe. Mad or not, he didn't realize how much he needed a hug like this.

That being said, this didn't really feel like the right time or place, and certainly this was the most embarrassing of audiences.

"Hey, um, Eddie? I missed you too, but do you think you could put me down now?" Michael swung his feet a little to emphasize his point.

Edwardo complied with an apology just as the rest of his family got close enough to join the conversation. His brother Enrique must have retrieved the stuffed crocodile from where it had been unceremoniously dumped, and he forced it into Edwardo's hands with mock irritation.

"Don't make it a point to run all over the city searching every tourist trap of a gift shop for something this ridiculous if you're going to drop the poor thing on the floor," Enrique scolded, giving Michael a slight wink.

"It's not like I went to every gift shop," Edwardo told Michael as he presented the stuffed animal that was nearly as big as it's recipient. "But, it looked nice in the shop window and looked like something I thought you'd like so…"

Michael accepted it with a grateful smile. It was just as soft as it looked.

"Oh, but I'm forgetting something just as important!" Edwardo realized, beginning formal introductions. "Michael you've met my father, and this lovely lady here is my mother, and I believe you've been acquainted with my brother Enrique and my sister-in-law Angela? And everyone, this is Michael, my…"

Sensing Edwardo's hesitation, Michael tapped his foot to get his attention, mumbling, "you can use the 'B' word if you really mean it..."

"This is my boyfriend, Michael!" Edwardo said confidently, wrapping an arm around Michael's shoulders.

Enrique looked like he was about to say something snarky, but before he opened his mouth Councilman Sanchez switched up the mood.

"Now, I'm sure the two of you have a lot of talking to do. Michael, after you two get this all sorted out I've got a possible business opportunity I'd like to discuss with you."

Michael nodded sheepishly. There was some pressure at having all of Edwardo's family around him all at once, and knowing they knew he and Edwardo had just had a big fight. The atmosphere in the room was more awkward than he would like.

It was Edwardo's mom who put an end to it. She told Edwardo to go ahead and "take the poor boy home" and that "formal introductions could wait for later." Michael flashed her a look of absolute gratitude which she returned with a tender smile. It occurred to Michael then that she was probably an omega too. That was comforting. Half the people here, not including the security detail which were weirdly just standing by while all this was going on, were omega. Even in an intimidating group like this, Michael realized he wasn't exactly alone.

It was a nice thought.

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Edwardo and Michael ended up taking the car Michael had originally rode in on with the bodyguard home. It was about as awkward as you could expect, and Michael tried to alleviate some tension by asking Edwardo what his father had meant by a business opportunity. Edwardo unfortunately didn't know too much, only that the city was working on a new ad campaign to support the Justice for Omegas movement.

They settled on Chinese takeout for dinner, since it was quick and there was a pretty good place along the way. And even though Edwardo was tired from the flight, both of them wanted to devote as much of the afternoon to their planned activity as possible.

Michael's heart beat faster as Edwardo pulled into the driveway and further on into the garage of his house. Michael was put in charge of bringing in the food and his crocodile, while Edwardo managed all the suitcases, plus Michael's overnight bag. Princessa Bonita Esperanza was so excited for her daddy to be home, and for him to have brought Michael, that Edwardo inevitably had a little puddle to clean up before they could eat.

Dinner was as awkward as the car ride at first, until Michael started asking about the trip. Never mind that he'd gotten a summary of each day when they talked on the phone, he just needed something to break this weird atmosphere. That's when Edwardo confessed that the giant alligator wasn't the only souvenir, since he couldn't make up his mind, and that one of his suitcases was packed full of things he thought Michael would like. Curious or not, Michael wanted to get the next activity over with before accepting any more presents.

After eating, Edwardo and Michael got ready in separate bathrooms, both changing into nightclothes. Edwardo preferred boxers and a tank top, while Michael picked the most conservative pair of pajamas he had. He wanted to look as un-sexy as possible since he swore to himself he wasn't ever going to try and seduce Edwardo again. He was even wearing his most boring underwear, even though he preferred the lacy stuff.

When Michael left the bathroom, changed and teeth freshly brushed, Essie was waiting eagerly for him. She followed him all the way to the master bedroom, where Edwardo was already prepping the bed. Forget that he'd tried to have sex with Edwardo a little over a week ago, this felt like a super big step, but both Scott and Ryan insisted this was the best way to get the complicated stuff sorted out.

Really, what did they have to lose?

Edwardo had to do a double take at Michael in his objectively adorable pajamas, and Michael can't help but stare at Edwardo's exposed arms.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Michael asked." I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Edwardo walked over and puts his hands on Michael's shoulders "If this is what you want to do, then I'm willing to try."

"Alright, let's ah… get this started, I guess?"

Edwardo had already drawn all the curtains in the room, and had only a single bedside lamp on. His king sized bed was enormous, so Michael got in first where the covers had been pulled back, then shimmied over enough to give Edwardo room to get in. Essie jumped on the bed no problem, and was quick to lay down practically on top of Michael who "oofed" as dog shoulder hit his face.

There was lots of scooting and rearranging before they found a position comfortable for all three of them, and Edwardo reached over to turn off the bedside lamp, leaving them in relative darkness. He loved the feeling of having Michael curled into his chest, his chin resting on top of Michael's hair… If they could fix this, it definitely meant he could experience this more often, right?

Michael lay facing Edwardo, head pillowed on Edwardo's bicep. When the lights went out, Edwardo's other arm wrapped protectively around his shoulders after pulling up the blanket. Essie was laid snug against his back, her tail thumping loudly against the covers. It was a weirdly nice feeling. Cuddling like this wasn't bad at all. He couldn't see Edwardo's face, but he could feel his breaths rustling his hair. Edwardo's pulse sounded strong through his ear, and out of curiosity he pressed his hand against Edwardo's chest.

"Your heart's beating really fast…"

"Yours too." Edwardo pulled Michael a little closer and rubbed his back gently. "So, what's next? Are we just supposed to… talk?"

"Yeah, I think so…"