To say he confuses me would be putting it way too lightly; he freaking confounds me! I've been avoiding him outside of our few shared classes, but I could still feel his eyes on me constantly, even when they weren't. I started to pick up on the soft sound his shoes still made despite him silencing them, and I actually noticed him following me a few times in the hallways. Maybe it was an accident. Yeah, probably.

Or not. But I wasn't about to tell Nazz, no way! This was...this was all too much. What was I supposed to tell her, to tell anyone?!

"Oh hey, so you know that guy who I've been scared of since elementary school? Yeah, he wants to kiss me."

Yep, people would totally buy that. Without a doubt. Even I'm not buying it, and I'm the one involved!

So I kept my distance, or tried to, anyways, until Friday came around. Our English teacher gave out one of her 'essay' topics, and we all went to work. It was about 'what makes us happy' or something equally ridiculous. It was pretty simple, so I just kinda brainstormed to figure out which thing would be easiest to write about. I...kinda mighta looked in Eddward's direction, just cuz he was in my view! No other reason! He was...staring at his paper. I even caught him talking to Marie at one point; he looked kinda pissed. I gulped. An angry Eddward wasn't good for anyone...I hoped I could sneak out of class without being noticed.

When the bell rang, I was slow to pick up my books, hoping Eddward would...nope. He was staying right there, in his seat. Darn. I figured maybe I could beat him out. Nope, caught again, he started to stand up. His eyes were on me. I didn't have a chance...so I sighed and walked up to him, instead. At least that seemed to catch him off-guard. He looked into my eyes, and I froze.

"Kevin," he nodded his head minutely, "I'll be requiring your assistance this evening. It should not be more than half an hour, but do ensure you arrive. You're aware of the procedure."

"Wait, wa-"

"Au revoir." He walked past me, and I heard the soft fall of his boots as he disappeared out the door. I looked blankly at the back wall, before turning heel and closing my eyes, marching out the door.

I growled in my throat, because there was nothing I could do, but go.

I rang the doorbell, and waited. Despite the constant inkling in the back of my head that all of this was a big practical joke to him, he didn't seem one to keep me waiting, so I didn't press a second time when he didn't answer right away. I fiddled with the fabric of my pockets while I stared at the door. A jolt ran through me as I suddenly heard the door unlock, and open.

I should have been used to it at that point. That uncaring stare, his threatening stance, it was all a part of who he was...so why did it still freak me out? I had to make a mental push to get myself inside his house. Always. Huh, never thought there'd be a first time, let alone that this would be a recurring thing. I thought on that as I walked past him. I held my breath subconsciously as I walked to the couch, looking back at him quick to ensure I was allowed to sit. He nodded. I let the breath out.

"I'm surprised you've come in without inquiring as to your purpose here, Red. It is most peculiar of you." His head was cocked, obviously examining me for any little thing he could exploit. I tensed, and bit back a snarky response.

"I kinda figured you'd tell me eventually anyways..." I mean, were you not frightening as fuck. But you are. It kinda kept me from asking for fear of my own damn tongue.

"Ah, but would that not be an assumption?" I watched the elegant way he walked, the poise and practiced steps, it all added to his threatening appearance. Prey has little time for things like walking fancy, I guess. Either way, he continued to speak as he turned to sit, "My dear, there is no harm in curiosity. So long as it is only heard by the curious and the respondent; I do not humor hangers-on."

There he goes being cryptic again. What's that mean? I was tempted to ask, but I couldn't think of how to word it, and he grew impatient. He sat beside me; still fairly close. I squeezed the tops of my legs tightly with my hands as I waited for him to say something. He didn't...but his eyes were burning holes in me. I started to fidget, but eventually I thought up something to say.

"So why did you want me over here?" He seemed satisfied by this, but his mouth was still a thin line; did he ever smile?

"Astute question, mon ami," there he goes with the French again, fucking hell. Did I mention I can't stand it? He's literally speaking to me in another language and I have no clue what any of it means, and I don't fucking like it. "You see, I require aid with our teacher's 'lovely' essay topic. I would appreciate the input of...someone such as yourself."

...Huh? I thought, but kept my mouth shut until I could think of something less idiotic to say. What I came up with was, well...

"How am I supposed to help?" Yeah. I know, I'm a genius. He looked at me weirdly, obviously knowing I was slapping myself in the face mentally for asking something so predictable.

"I'm in need of topics, Little Red. Surely you're aware of that word? You do pay attention in class, don't you?"

Smarmy asshat. "Obviously." ...fuck.

If he noticed my rude answer, he didn't respond. Or, well...I kinda didn't look. I hid behind my hat and cringed. There was a silence, though...it hung in the air for a bit before he finally disturbed it.

"Will you assist me, then?" There was no malice in his tone, it was merely a question. I dared look up at him...and found him looking at me again. Not through. Big difference. I gulped, looking away, nervous because the last time he did that...I shook my head. Then realized he'd just asked something, and that I'd just...

"Sure! Sure, yeah, uh..." I scratched my head, suddenly grasping the task ahead of me. I had to think of a topic for Eddward to write about, something that makes him happy...what the hell could that be? I looked around the room, eyes desperate as they fell upon the few things that held any meaning in the room. An antique clock; a shelf of neatly-ordered books; a lack of any dust, anywhere...alright, that's not helping. But...books. "Books?"

"...Books?" I turned to greet his eyes, and was semi-amused to find him as confused as I was. Except I was the one who said something, so I shouldn't have been so confused. Whatever. Still, it was funny. Especially the cute way he bit h...oh, fuck me, nope, I'm done. I stared at my lap and tried not to blush, wrinkling my nose in disgust at myself. I hoped he didn't notice. I prayed to GOD he didn't. I sure as hell wished I didn't.

"I...perhaps. It could take some work, and would obviously not be one of my best works, but...it is plausible," his voice faded into thought, and he looked away. I stole another look at him; he was looking at the bookshelf. There was no happiness in his expression, though, believe you me. Suddenly, a curt nod, and he looked straight into my eyes, "It'll work..." His eyes wandered off, his voice losing confidence, "...merci."

Alright. I knew that one, at least. "You're welcome."

I got caught in thought. There, a reaction! I know I just saw it! His shoulders folded in just the slightest bit...no no no it's not just me, I know it's not just me, he reacted to something! Come on, think, say something, Kevin!

"I...thought you hated me." My voice came out as a measly whimper, and were it not for the quiet of the room, it would have remained unheard. However, as it was, I was heard loudly and clearly, and the answer to my statement was a somewhat...softer look than I was used to.

"Petit Rouge...I've few I truly loathe, and you are not among them," and despite the cold sting of his voice, I could also hear the sincerity in his words. It stirred me to speak again; to give voice to my foolish, rebellious mind.

"Then what," I almost chickened out, but he looked...less scary than usual, so I decided I'd ask anyways, "well, what do you think of me then?"

He seemed to think on it for a moment, before responding, "Truthfully? I think you're wasting your potential. You've the aptitude for great things, and yet you sink to dreams of lowly professions that many fade away in. Such a pity," his eyes looked me over, and I wondered for a moment if he was wondering where else he could hurt my pride, when abruptly, he asked, "So have you thought about it, mon chéri?"

I was too focused on the veiled insults to know what he was talking about, and replied thusly, "About what? The fact you're an asshat?"

Before I could realize what I'd said, and promptly berate myself both mentally and physically...he rolled his eyes at me, letting out what seemed to be an amused huff.

"You have spunk, I must admit, mon petit. However, I was inquiring about the kiss...have you thought more on it?"

Alright, at this point I was a freaking mess. My heart had stopped, my fingers were digging into my thighs as my eyes tried to rip holes in the carpet. And his eyes, they were all over me. I had to blink myself back to reality. Then cringe for extra measure. And by the time I'd finally gotten a grasp on myself again, on the sanity I apparently had so little of, I remembered the question.

And my cheeks betrayed the answer.

"Oh?...You have thought about it, then?" His voice ran smooth, and it did nothing to calm me. My hand reflexively went up to tug down at the bill of my hat, only to feel resistance. I opened my eyes and noticed his hand had grabbed it as well, pulling it up. He looked into my eyes, and I was met with the grey stormfront that was his gaze. I was paralyzed.

Without another word, his free hand went to my shoulder, and I was surprised how strong his grip was. I may have felt it with my own wrist a few days prior, but he really didn't look that strong! My body slid along the back of the couch as I fell back, one hand reaching back to grab the arm of the couch, as the other reached helplessly at the couch cushion. Our legs tangled, one of his hanging off the side of the couch while the other was between mine. My right leg was completely pinned, while the other was awkwardly resting between him and the back of the couch. And despite my surprise at the situation, I didn't say anything in protest. I didn't know what to say!

I felt the bottom of Eddward's jacket come to rest on my stomach, and I bit my lip. His eyes had softened, and despite all the fear I felt for him on a daily basis, I almost felt...bad for him. He looked worried, and...and confused.

"S'il vous plaît...puis-je vous...embrasser?" he asked, so close to my face, with a gentle voice I did not know he had. I didn't know what he'd said, but I knew it was a question from the inflection at the end. And it was obviously important to him. I wanted to say something, anything in response...like, to tell him to get off of me! Or...or...just to ask...what he meant...?

The moment was over nigh instantaneously. As though a switch was flicked in Eddward's mind, the dark clouds and frost touched his eyes once more, and he sat up. He stood up from the couch and walked to the door, his steps poignant and graceful.

"Depart." His voice cut into any traces of the remaining moment, and I sat up, albeit slowly.

So I got up.

And looked at him.

"Wh-"

"Depart. Now."

So...I did. And I kept my stupid mouth shut this time.

It's not like the asshat cares what I have to say, anyways...

You were so close, I thought to myself as the door clicked shut. I fell to one knee, and rested, kneeling as I was. I let my chin nestle in the crook between my knee and my hand, and sighed a warm breath.

I could have leaned in, and kissed the innocent boy, and he would have done nothing to stop me.

But I am a coward.

I stood up, brushing my knee off before making my way upstairs to my room. I sat down at my desk, turning on my writing lamp, taking in hand a pen. For one's mistakes will always be permanent, so one must practice in not making them.

"Books are an escape to a happier place, where we can live the lives we dream of without the fears of the waking world."

Or...something like that.