The morning was crisp with winter-tinged air, but snow was something of a rarity in Peach Creek. The sky was painted with light white brushstrokes and contrails, and the sun was blinding, but warm. I took in a deep breath, embracing the new day with the courage only morning can give.

I'd woken up early, and couldn't get back to sleep. I felt electric, and decided it meant I had to meet the day head-on. I mean, it probably didn't, but what else was I gonna do? Lay in bed and stare at the ceiling? Yeah, thanks but no thanks, I've got a little bit more of a life than that. So I got up, made some breakfast, packed my books, and took a long walk through the cool, end-of-winter weather.

February is always more spring-like here than most places. I kind-of missed winter, actually; the possibility of snow. I mean, snow days were impossible, but I could hope, right? So I enjoyed the cool air, the feel of my brown jacket on my arms, and walked to school. Early. Waaay early. I doubt Nazz was even up yet. Good 30 minutes at least.

So of course when I saw Eddward there, I freaked out. I mean...I'm not a stalker or anything, but he generally showed up with Marie. Later. But there we was, a single boot back against the wall, hands in his pockets. It was rather picturesque, in a 'scary hunter' kinda way. Looked like he was ready to kick off the wall at any moment, but he stayed unmoving. As I resumed walking, I kept an eye on him.

He looked up at me...and nodded to his left. His eyes didn't leave me. I blushed, a little shocked he was...wait, was he? No, he had to be, he was asking for me to come over there. Alright, big thoughts, deep breaths, hold your ground Kev...

"The little wolf wakes early, it seems," his voice was ice, warmed by the sun. His eyes were gleaming, and it made him seem less-threatening.

"Yeah...you too, right?" I walked up beside him, hopping up on a cement windowsill; the blinds on the classroom behind me were closed, seeing as no one was there yet. I held tight to it, the roughness of it reminding me just how real this whole situation was.

"Oui. I'tis a perilous kismet, our dance, is it not?"

I just stared at him, perplexed by his random statement, even if I understood the words. The meaning, however, was beyond me.

"...Huh?"

A soft, exhaled laugh, lips never parting til he spoke, "Mon ami, must I be overt? Can you not understand the little insinuations I make in English so plain? I speak it for your sake, you know."

I rolled my eyes, my mouth running away from me, "And your dad, obviously."

His eyes cut into me, and I slapped my hands over my mouth. I stared wide-eyed at him, dreading what sort of response I'd incited from him.

Instead, I watched as the corner of his lip nudged upwards, just a tad, his eyes looking down at the cold, dew-laden grass, "Père cruel...yes, you are quite astute in that, mon petit." His eyes fell upon me again, but this time, they lacked their edge. I was so close to him, and with the way the sun shone, I noticed the black lines outlining each eye. I was a bit surprised I'd never noticed it before, and it sent me into my own thoughts, whilst he held tight to himself, lost in memories I could never imagine.

After a long silence, he spoke, "Red, would you permit me the favor of," his words were calm and slow, and for the slightest moment, I flinched, "pre-reading my paper? I...fear Marie has declined, once more." His fingers held his brow, and a shadow cast over his face.

I shrugged, "Uhh, sure. I mean, if you want."

He nodded, "Merci."

I found, in my hands, a genuine Eddward essay. Fantastically neat writing, lacking even eraser marks. But, it was in pencil, so I assumed there was reason to that. I began to scour the page, taking in each sentence and any vague meanings they hid. There were none. It reminded me much of Eddward's "Respect" essay...I was a bit perterbed.

I noticed he was toying with fingers, almost boredly. Realizing I'd left him with nothing to do, I turned, "Did you...yaknow, wanna read mine?"

His eyes lingered on me as he seemingly weighed the options, "...I suppose that would be alright. It's only natural that I return the favor." At his response, I took off my backpack, carefully locating the paper and handing it to him. Gingerly, he took it. I had hoped I would be able to see any sort of reactions he had as he read it, but his expression was locked as it always was. I returned my eyes to his paper.

I finished just as the first few students started arriving, but immediately felt a little uncomfortable with the fact I was so close to Eddward. I mean...he DID call me over...and there's no way he didn't see the students...

"Fret not, little pup. All is well." His gaze never left the paper, but I knew he was talking to me. I bit my lip. He looked up, his head slightly tilted, "You have finished, then?"

I nodded.

"May I...perhaps know what you found at fault in my writings?"

His expression didn't change, but I felt a little shocked he'd admit anything could be wrong with what he wrote. Still...being honest to Eddward hadn't gotten me bit so far. I figured, since he was asking, I might as well try.

"Well..." as I started, I felt his form grow closer to me, eyes looking upon his paper. His dark jean jacket brushed against my sleeve, and I stuttered, "ya-you see this sentence? It's forced. I mean...I pretty much get that you didn't wanna write any of this, right? But there's forcing and then there's just bull-shitting," he shifted, and I blinked, shaking my head, "I mean...yeah. You pretty much know how to fake it pretty well, but you can't just write something happy like that out of nowhere. Might as well plant a fucking daisy in an urn."

The stifled chuckle threw me for a loop, my head whipping towards him. There was this smile on his face, like...a real one. Not just some line I thought mighta sorta been one, but something he musta not been able to control. If I hadn't been so freaked out by it, I might have commented, but instead I just stared. When his overcast eyes met mine once more, I could see the storm whipping around in them. He blinked it away, and the ice held him again. He stared at me.

"And you, mon cher...you still have your bike?" His voice was soft; not teasing, not taunting, simply curious. I looked down, squinting at the sunlight shining off a remaining droplet of dew. He was referring to my essay, its topic, and...I felt a little bit ashamed for what I had to answer. I handed his paper back as he handed over mine.

"Yes, I do. It's safe in my garage."

He scoffed, "Might as well be trash if it's left to rot. What use is such a thing when its purpose is left unfulfilled?"

I shot him a scathing glare, "Hey, it's not my fault I don't want it ruined..."

Eddward dropped his shoulders a little, speaking lightly, "Mon ami, one must bare themselves to the elements to feel the sun. Why hide? I can assure you, nothing is gained from the shadows."

"Pfft," I rolled my eyes at him, slipping my hands into my pockets, "says the guy who never leaves them."

"Ha, you're gonna let him talk to you like that babe?" I jumped at the sound of Marie's voice, as she slid her way around the evergreen. Her smirk was devilish, her arms crossed. Eddward regarded her nonchalantly.

"He knows little, and speaks what he knows as the truth. Besides..." I hung onto that last word, waiting to know what else he had to say about me. Instead, he remained silent. Marie seemed to figure out what he meant, though, because her grin softened to one of sympathy.

"So what was that about a bike?"

I looked at her crossly, but Eddward responded, "Little Red's happiness comes in the form of a treasured cycle he refuses to ride. Why that is, however, I could not say."

The third wheel now, I just watched them banter, "Prob'ly cuz of Tweedles Jami and Jonny, if I had to guess." She smirked in my direction, and I lowered the bill of my cap to hide my face.

"Ahh...the Fearful Pup. My Little Red, what shall we do with you?"

I turned to him, shocked at hearing something so casual slip from his lips. And yes, there it was, that faint hint of a smile that lined his lips. It was as though Marie's presence relaxed him, and, for once, he was letting down his defenses. I should have felt honored, but...I still didn't like him. I mean...he's a condescending asshat who forces me to do whatever he wants. Right?

"I dunno, but it'll have to wait 'til later. His little girly-girl is coming our way. Think fast, cutie!"

Marie smirked and shoved me from where I was, and I stumbled into view of her from behind the tree. She turned her head my way and waved. I nervously waved back, head turning to see Eddward and Marie from the corner of my eye.

They weren't there anymore.

My heart dropped...wait...why? I mean...

I shook my head, turning back to Nazz and putting on a welcoming grin. Whatever, who needs them anyways? They're jerks. And whatever Eddward was doing to me? That was the totally the jerkiest of it all.

And yet...I found myself looking back one more time, at the empty space, and...feeling a little bit upset.

But at what?