I got to Eddward's place with a few minutes to spare. I didn't want to be too early, what with his dad possibly still being around. Yeah, I remembered. I rang the doorbell, hesitantly, hoping to whatever God is out there that his dad wasn't home. When the door opened silently, I took a moment before walking in.

I found Eddward pacing behind the door as I closed it, and I froze. His hands were over his chest, eyes closed, as he took deep, measured breaths. The button-up dress shirt he wore had been undone, and his hands rested on bare skin. I found myself taking a step back, bumping into the door, and stirring him from his trance.

His arms folded protectively around himself, "My apologies, Kevin. I shall go make myself more appropriate, I simply..." He trailed off, and left the room, taking long strides up the stairs. I lifted my hand to my cheeks, fingers running over the heat. If he wasn't embarrassed, I sure was. I'd have to ask what that was about when he came back.

My gaze turned to the articles of clothing on the floor. Nothing much; the watch, the band, and a tie all sat in a half-done heap. I tried to wrap my head around Eddward wearing a tie. I picked it up. Red silk. Soft, pressed, and barely-worn. I figured it was just part of the charade he put on for his dad.

I had a thought. A stupid, childish thought, but...as the minutes passed, I decided, fuck it. I went with it.

When he came down the stairs, his hands preoccupied with clipping his choker around his neck, his eyes widened when he looked at me.

I had been hyping myself up for this for the past minute, I could do this.

"Think I look responsible enough for your dad?"

He stared at me aghast for a moment, before his expression curled. A dark chuckle slowly escaped his throat, barely heard despite the silence of the house. Eddward stalked towards me, boots silent against the carpet. As he neared, I found my confidence wavering, and took a step back, a hand reaching up to the tie around my neck, readying to undo it.

His stare kept me in place as he daintily reached for it. My hand fell away as he lifted the smooth fabric, tilting his head, and the faintest touch of a smile curved the corner of his mouth.

Velvet words came forth, "The tie itself is delinquent enough. You'd command far more than his ire."

I didn't quite get what he meant. So I said as much, "I'd...what?"

He dropped it, lips returning to his near-constant frown, "Would that Father knew how often I removed this petty thing, he'd be at my throat with needle and thread. Mon beau Rouge, the implications of une cravate, or, mine, around your neck...I shudder to think what he would do."

"I...didn't really get what you said that time either."

A subtle chuckle, "And you're all the better for it. But mon cher, it would be best I retrieve and hide my shame. If you would?"

I gave him a blank look, as lost as I was. He rolled his eyes, fingers coming forth to catch the tie between them, tugging at it.

"Oh, that, yeah, right! I'll get that..." I reached up automatically to undo the tie, and in doing so, my hand bumped against his. I immediately looked up, but he didn't seem to mind; he actually seemed to be trying to gauge my own reaction. I bit my lip, carefully undoing the knot as his hand fell away. I knew my cheeks were red, but knew there was no hiding it. I timidly handed the tie over, and yet again, our hands met. It wasn't my fault this time, either.

"How I'd..." He closed his eyes, opening them again, ice covering them, "I'll return my things to their proper home in my room. I will not be long this time. Do behave, Little Red."

He barely took a minute that time, coming down silently and stopping midway through the room. His hand gestured to the couch, and I obeyed.

There was silence as he stood there, wringing his hands slowly, but not taking a step to join me.

"Hey...Eddward...did you want to sit by me?"

There was something strange in his eyes when he looked my way again. My heart fell.

"...Sorry Edd, I just wondered..."

I watched his breath escape, his eyes flitting from the door, back to me. He appeared to debate it, but after a moment, he took slow strides towards me. When he sat down, it was further than was normal for him. Something felt wrong about all this.

"So what's all this about?" The question had been dancing around the room, and I knew he didn't want to tell me. But I had a right to know, what with being here at his request, ignoring any other plans I could have had. I mean, I had none...but still!

He looked away, fingers running over the leather of his pants, before he spoke, "You're...aware of my situation with my parents, correct?"

I cocked my head, "Uhh...not...really. I mean, I kinda figure your dad's an asshole," he perked up at that, and I smirked, "probably an even bigger one than you. But I have no clue about your mom or anything, or if you have any brothers or sisters..."

"I am an only child, Kevin."

"Alright, noted. But yeah, that's about all I know."

He shrunk for a moment, and I watched him cling tight to his hand. Fingernails clawed deep, and I felt like I had to do something.

I inched towards him, reaching a hand out to rest on his hand. It relaxed immediately, and his head turned away.

"Ah-I, well," I was glad he didn't see how wide my eyes went at the stutter, that freakish break in his normal demeanour, "Mother is...she's..."

His hand tensed, and I squeezed. I felt him start to turn his hand, but he stopped. He tensed up, eyes closed.

"Little Red, isn't it fascinating how the few we need around happen to be the most broken?" I didn't respond, and he continued, "I will...I'll not be surprised if I've no visitors today...besides yourself. And if that is what happens, I may need your companionship. I am loathe to admit it, but..."

His eyes were resting to his side, but I could see where he looked. Fingers curled around one another as the band danced over the unseen scars. My grip tightened.

"What did she do?"

He seemed baffled by my question, "Very little, Red. I could count our recent interactions on a single hand. It is what she doesn't do that concerns me. For her, doing it is akin to breathing, and I'd give the very last of my joy to take her breath away, and leave her happy..." I could see a shine in his eyes, "She deserves it..."

I pulled. He wasn't expecting it, so his entire arm came to my side, and I gripped his hand as well as I could. My arm locked with his.

I heard the barest sniffle, and felt his head come to rest on my shoulder. He was still as death.

There was nothing I wanted more than for him to let it out. This sadistic, sharp-tongued wolf, my former predator, was now holding in tears just to appear strong. When I realized this, I think something in my brain clicked. It wasn't just his personality. He wasn't an asshat by accident, he didn't use his words to be cruel. He...he was just acting.

And I was behind the curtain.

"It's okay, Edd," I said in a hushed voice, whispering against his hat. I breathed in his scent, and simply sat there, my thumb running over his hand. I didn't want to question him anymore, I just wanted him to...to feel safe. Because I knew first-hand what it was like to be afraid. The pain, well, all I could do was be there for him until he told me about it.

His words made me jump, "Mother should be here at the half hour mark, she swore it. After that, you are free to go, but..."

I could feel him hold his breath, and a soft smile crossed my lips.

"I'll stick around."