The Greatest Showman #1212 - Misplaced Focus

"And what about Chris? Will Chris like the real you?" Matthew's question hung in the air, and then he grew cold again.

Edith cast a conflicted glance at Matthew, but found him unmovable, his face impassive. It seemed like he didn't realize how heavy the question was, but it was clear he simply didn't care. He continued as if nothing had changed.

"Matthew, has anyone ever told you that you come across as downright hateful when you talk?" Edith asked, her tone serious.

Matthew nodded solemnly in agreement. "Often. I'm a lawyer."

Edith immediately turned to Renly. "Is he your friend?" she asked, clearly questioning him.

"Matthew," Renly responded, turning to look at his friend.

Matthew picked up his whiskey glass, sipped it, and remained silent.

Renly gave Edith a long look but didn't speak. His eyes communicated his thoughts more directly than words ever could. Edith couldn't help but rub her temples in frustration. "What? Are you in agreement with him too?"

Renly had never asked Edith about her relationship with Chris, so he didn't know the full story. But it was clear that Chris didn't know about Edith's family background or identity. He certainly didn't know that her surname, Hall, tied her to Renly's family. For Edith, bearing the weight of her family's expectations in this relationship was no small thing. But for Chris, learning the truth would also require mental preparation. It wasn't just one-sided; it was a process that needed both of them to be ready. Relationships, especially those as complex as this one, were always a two-way street.

"Jesus Christ, I just think he has a nice face and a great body. I've been on a few dates, so why does everything need to be so serious?" Edith complained, exasperated. "Andre's been dating someone new every other week! He broke up with the girl from last Christmas and since then, he's had at least four different partners. Why can't I do the same? God, I just want to enjoy being surrounded by handsome guys! Is that too much to ask?"

There was silence, but Edith shot a glance between Renly and Matthew, waiting for a response. Her eyes seemed to ask, Say something. Do something. What's your opinion?

"If that's the case, you won't be bothered," Renly said calmly.

If it were just casual dating, then there would be no complications. Edith wouldn't care about Denise's opinion, and she certainly wouldn't be spending a month in London. But it wasn't just a fling. There were real feelings involved. That's why Edith was struggling.

She opened her mouth, wanting to argue, but no words came. Instead, she grumbled under her breath, "Damn it," before taking a deep gulp of whiskey. "But his chest muscles really do feel amazing." She glanced over at Renly and Matthew, sizing them up. "Yeah, definitely better than yours."

Renly nearly choked on his drink, clearly surprised. "Matthew's… have you felt it?"

Matthew's face darkened with frustration. "The implication here is that you've felt him up, Edith." It wasn't a question, but a declaration.

Edith threw her hands up in the air. "What's with these disgusted expressions from both of you? Shouldn't I be the one who's disgusted here?" she shot back, her tone mocking. She quickly put an end to the conversation before either could respond. "Enough! Today, I'm the one who's upset, so no more complaints. Otherwise… I'll cry for you to see!"

Wait… where did that line come from?

Matthew and Renly exchanged a glance, and Matthew asked with mock seriousness, "It wasn't an issue before, but now I'm curious to see. What should I do?"

"Go away," Edith snapped, mortified. She had clearly made a mistake.

The room fell quiet once more, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. It was calming, in fact. Unlike the emptiness of the London mansion, which felt suffocating, this space felt peaceful.

"So, I have to be honest with him, right?" Edith finally asked, breaking the stillness.

"Yeah." Renly's response was simple but reassuring.

"Damn it. What should I say? 'Hey Chris, I'm actually the third daughter of a hereditary baron, and I come from a family of cold-faced vampires who don't think much of you. So, how about you come back to London with me, take a tour, and see if their coffins explode when they meet you?'" Edith scoffed.

"Good idea," Renly replied with a smile.

"Renly-Hall!" Edith groaned.

The exchange had been lighthearted, but now Matthew spoke up, his tone breaking the tension. "You could always say, 'Hey, Chris, let me introduce you to my brother.'"

"Not bad!" Renly chimed in.

"Matthew Charles Dunlop!" Edith shouted, both annoyed and amused.

After some contemplation, Edith decided she would take Renly's advice. She would introduce Chris to her family in a formal setting, where everyone could meet. Chris's reaction would be telling, and Edith felt some comfort in that.

"By the way," Edith said with a playful glint in her eyes, "there's something I've been curious about. Chris has been busy filming Captain America 2 lately, and he's been getting closer to his co-stars, especially Sebastian Stan. They've been going out to parties a lot. Is that normal?"

Renly and Matthew exchanged puzzled glances, not sure what Edith was getting at.

"Oh, I should mention," Edith added casually, "I mean Sebastian Stan specifically."

At that, both men froze, their faces blank, then their brows furrowed. Edith looked between them, her expression serious. "Chris and Sebastian have been hanging out a lot. They even spent the night together once..."

She didn't finish, but her pointed gaze landed on them, her meaning clear.

Renly narrowed his eyes slightly. He wasn't angry or upset; rather, he responded with mock seriousness, "You think there's something going on between Chris and Sebastian?"

Matthew joined in with a smirk. "Do you think Chris is bisexual? Or pansexual? Or maybe he just has a feminine side and Sebastian brings it out?"

"Guys, I'm serious!" Edith protested, growing exasperated.

"I promise, we're serious too," Renly replied, his eyes wide.

In the end, Edith shrugged and sighed. "I mean, is it just me? Or could the strong friendship between guys actually be something more? Are there sparks, or is it really just friendship?"

Renly sighed dramatically. "You mean like the spark between me and you, or the one between me and Arthur?" He wasn't sure if he'd ever fully understand the way women's minds worked, but that was part of the mystery.

"When did I have a spark with you?" Edith retorted, rolling her eyes.

Renly shrugged. "Maybe Matthew thinks there's a spark between us?"

"Matthew, what's your opinion?" Edith asked, surprised.

Matthew shook his head, unfazed. "What are you talking about?"

Edith paused, trying to gather her thoughts, but with the alcohol clouding her judgment, she gave up. "Forget it, I'll just ask Chris directly next time."

Renly was tempted to ask if he could watch, but he held back.

"Can you call me a taxi?" Edith asked with a small groan. "I think I need to get some rest."

"I'll drive you back," Renly offered, setting his glass down.

"No thanks," Edith said bluntly. "I don't trust your driving."

Matthew, noticing her condition, stood up. "I'll handle the taxi for you."

"Fine, just don't worry about me," Edith mumbled. "I may have had a bit too much to drink tonight, but I'll be fine." She trailed off, her eyes closing as exhaustion overtook her.

After a long month of pressure, travel, and a night of emotional release, Edith finally relaxed. The weight of it all left her in a deep, unintentional sleep.

Renly gently took the glass from her hand, whispering, "She'll be fine for the night. Matthew, go open the door for me."

Matthew nodded, moving silently. Renly carefully lifted Edith in his arms, making sure she didn't stir. He headed downstairs to the guest apartment, knowing that Edith would rest well tonight.

Outside, the storm raged on, but inside, all was calm.