Work Text:
Frank Frankly's P.O.V.
I briskly walked to my house, despite the fact that Eddie was still talking. I firmly closed my door, more than ready to shut out the shenanigans that Julie had started.
She was once again insisting that Eddie could lift every neighbor in the neighborhood. It was simply preposterous! Although Eddie was clearly very strong, carrying around heavy packages all day, the idea that he could lift an entire house like Home was ridiculous!
I began to walk across the room, ready to decompress by re-reorganizing my bookshelf. On my way I caught a glimpse out of the window.
Eddie was laying flat on his back and panting, chest heaving. He slowly started to sit up, but quickly layed back down.
To be frank, he looked pathetic.
I sighed, watching him start to sit up once again. I can't just leave him there, I begrudgingly decided, opening my front door again.
I quietly walked up next to Eddie, who didn't seem to notice. "You look pathetic," I stated what was on my mind, too tired to come up with something more polite to say.
Eddie just chuckled. "I'm sure I do. Would ya mind helping me up?"
He gave me a hopeful smile, and I felt my grumpiness start to slip away. "Why else would I have come back here?" I pointed out, offering a hand.
Eddie took it, and I helped him up, trying not to blush at the contact. There was no reason to blush. After all, he was just a neighbor, maybe a friend, just like anyone else in the neighborhood.
"Your hands are pretty cold, huh Mr. Frankly?" Eddie asked. He didn't seem judgemental though. In fact, he almost seemed concerned, a soft smile on his face.
"O-oh! I guess they are. A-apologies," I said. His smile really was cute...
But no cuter than anyone else's!
"No need to apologize. Although, maybe you could ask Poppy for some gloves!" He suggested. That actually wasn't the worst idea.
"Maybe I could. Well, you should probably catch up with the rest of them." I frowned. Well, more than usual. He was already so tired from lifting Barnaby. Would he really be okay lifting Home?
"I guess I should. Thank you for your help, Mr. Frankly." He smiled warmly, and if my chest was filled with a warm feeling and it felt like my stomach would be a great destination for butterfly hunting, that was my business.
"Just... be careful, alright? You always overwork yourself. I would hate for you to end up hurt," I said, having to remind myself not to stare at Eddie's face. Julie told me it was unnerving when I made 'too much' eye contact.
He squeezed my hand, which I only now realized he never let go of. His hands were soft and warm. "I'll be just fine, no need to worry. Although I've gotta admit, I am a bit disappointed you aren't coming too. It would be mighty motivating to try and impress a smart guy like you."
My breath caught in my throat, and I had to focus on not letting my head spin in circles the way it did when I was flustered. I scanned his face for any hint that he was joking, but I was only met with a sincere smile.
"I'm... well... Oh, if you insist! Besides, I suppose someone should be there to keep the rest of you in check," I said, trying to sound grumpy. It was difficult when Eddie was still holding my hand, warming both it and my heart.
"That's great to hear! Let's get a move on, Mr. Frankly. There’s still a lot more work to do today!" Eddie grinned, and I couldn't help but smile back.