Not so long ago, a day without seeing Eddward would have been a blessing. Yeah, that was kinda before I got into things with him.

I mean, he's still not my favorite guy by a long shot. There are still some moments where I shrivel under his gaze, even. But today, when he didn't show up to school, I found myself...oddly upset.

I asked Marie where he was; her answer? "Don't worry about it, kid. He's going through a lot of stuff."

Thanks, Marie.

The day was, otherwise, of no note. We got our essay topic in English, which was, "How does nature make you feel?" I know, it's pretty corny, right? Guess we're supposed to relate it to ourselves with some natural event that makes us feel good or some shit. Honestly, I didn't give a fuck, and I was pretty antsy to get out of that class and back home. Why? I...had reasons. I scribbled down the topic anyways, figuring Eddward would need it later. He'd appreciate it, I know he would. Even if he didn't say anything.

Time passed slowly, and the day dragged on. It's like it knows you want it to go by faster, and all the teachers get this urge to be boring and monotone.

I practically jogged home.

I'd been sitting there for like, an hour. For how much I wanted to call Eddward, I found myself...slightly terrified of it. Why? Well, first of all, I was grabbing his number out of the phone book. Might not even be his anymore, who knows? Second, he wasn't exactly the sort for casual talk.

Third, he probably wouldn't like why I was calling. I mean, it's not normal...I can't even understand it.

The door was locked, the phone in my hand. Dinner would be fairly soon, so I could use that as an excuse to end the call.

My body tingled as I dialled, and my heart sped up.

The ringing set me on edge.

And, finally...he picked up.

My eyes flicked over to the phone as it began ringing. I tried to calm the flow of anticipation rushing through me, the possibility that it was Mother calling me about tomorrow. Or her Sponsor. I almost didn't want to pick it up.

I moved anyway, lifting it to my ear. I spoke formally, as Father would have expected, in the case it was him. Lord knows I'd prefer it be anyone but.

"Vincent Residence, Eddward speaking."

"Hey..Eddward."

The blush came unheeded to my cheeks; whether from relief, from embarrassment at my unneeded worries, I did not care, for no one could see it.

"Greetings, Kevin." I was caught too off-guard to recall his nickname as I stumbled out the response.

There was a tense silence, before Kevin continued, "How's it going? You okay?"

Ah. Of course that would be it. "I am quite fine, thank you for your concern, Little Red. Is that all?"

"No no, I uhh," he stumbled over his words, "I was wondering how you're doi-I-I mean, how your poem's doing! Yeah, you know, for English!"

"Neither are worthy of any mention."

"Huh?"

I let myself smile at his confusion, as no one could see me presently, "I haven't been doing well, or badly, so it is without mention. As is my progress on the poem."

"Oh...OH, that's cool, I guess. I mean, yeah! So, uhh, didja wanna hear about today's assignment?"

I looked off to the side, enjoying the comfort of the smile, the lack of judgement for it, "Do regale me with it."

"Okay, so, it's about nature, right? And how it affects us. Like, you know, how a sunny day can brighten your mood, a storm can be peaceful, that kinda sh-I mean, stuff."

I felt my shoulders relax, smiling a little more at his nervousness, "I understand, little wolf."

Silence.

"Is there anything more you wish from me this evening?" I asked out of a feeling of necessity. I...can't really explain it further. I was in a miniature war within my head.

"Not really..." a pause, and then, "oh yeah, tomorrow! Two o'clock, right?"

"Affirmative." I nodded to no one, feeling my cheeks redden further as I noticed my idiocy.

"Great, I'll just...I'll be there, yeah. So, I guess that's it then..."

"So it shall be."

"Heh, I missed..." The line grew silent for a moment, "Uhh, yeah, well, I guess I better get going. Dinner soon and all."

"Understood." My smile faded.

"I'll...I'll see you tomorrow then, right Edd?"

I didn't respond, my chest tightening. I found my voice locked, as I stared, unfocused, at the wall before me.

"Oh shit, sorry, I didn't mean...Eddward, fuck, I didn't mean to call you..."

I breathed out audibly, closing my eyes, and swallowing.

"It's alright, little wolf. I cannot fault you."

"...I'll see you tomorrow then, Eddward."

I already missed the name. It was...I forced myself to speak.

"Call me what you may, mon petit."

Another silence.

"...Good night, Edd."

My voice was weak as I nodded to nothing in particular, responding in kind, "Bonne soirée, Rouge."

I ended the call, and closed my eyes.

Not every day is gonna be one where they'll see each other, but it's come far enough that each day of theirs will be affected by one another in some subtle way. As such, it's worth writing these small interactions. You can see the changes in character somewhat, I hope, even if little happened in this chapter.

I just want Eddward to be happy. But there was be a clean break before his shattered heart can be healed, and luck cannot always be on our side. Little rises in hope fulfilled mean little when the patterns repeat. And as for Kevin...we'll have to find out where fear and pain are one and the same, and the ways to escape it, to avoid it, or, perhaps, to simply react.

Thank you for staying with me so long. Things have been set into motion, and soon, you'll see the results. Until then...

I hope you enjoy.