The late lunch we shared was pleasant, all things considered. Mary really was a nice lady, and that's putting it lightly. Sure, memories of what Eddward had mentioned about her danced in the back of my head, but they never came to the forefront as she regaled tales of Eddward's childhood to us. Eddward wasn't particularly pleased.

After she'd finished her meal, she ran off to the bathroom for a few minutes, leaving me sitting awkwardly next to Eddward in the silent corner of the diner.

I decided to break the ice, "So, uh...she's a nice lady."

He breathed a little out his nose in a mocking reply.

"Oh, come on, man. I know you're happy about this, don't let it all get to you. Trust me, I'm kind-of the king of letting things get to you." Or fears, of which, well...this probably fell into that category anyways.

"You don't...understand," his voice quivered, turning to look out the window beside us.

I still felt a little of Mary's bubbly attitude in my breast, giving me a little bit of courage to do something about his mood. Cautiously, I moved my hand to just graze the side of his leg. I didn't want to make him upset, I just wanted him to, you know, realize I was there.

He jumped, "K-k-Kevin!" He said in a hushed, reprimanding tone, and I smirked despite myself. His hands had gone down to push himself up, but he'd stopped when he realized it was just me, apparently. I took advantage of that, moving my hand over his and giving it a quick squeeze before pulling it away.

The blush on his cheeks was unconcealed before me, and I felt a warmth flutter in my chest. I smiled widely.

"Just enjoy yourself, man. I know how much this means to you."

He was silent, not looking in my direction as he spoke, but I knew he heard me. Despite everything, he really couldn't hide his thoughts as well as I used to believe. Or maybe I was just so familiar with him that nothing could pass me by any more. Either way, I was looking at him long enough to meet his gaze when he looked up at me. I could swear there was a smile there, but on anyone else, it wouldn't have passed.

His voice creaked out, "Mon petit ange...trop beau pour être vrai."

Our eyes held, and a blush came unbidden to my cheeks, just from the intensity in his gaze. I didn't ask what he meant...I don't think he'd ever tell me. And honestly, I'm not certain if his mom's return was welcome, or...if I secretly regretted the end of the moment we'd had. But when she came back, and our eyes broke contact, I felt a sense of yearning in my chest that I couldn't push away.

We said our goodbyes, despite Eddward's hesitance. It wasn't as though he was trying to keep her longer, more like he didn't want to have to say it at all. When it came out, it was a squeak, and Mary smiled.

When she drove off, leaving us at Eddward's doorway, I could see him slump beside me. He turned to unlock the door, slipping inside, but leaving it opened a crack. I took that as an invitation and followed him in.

"Thank you, Kevin."

It was plainly said, his voice sincere, but his shoulders folded. Despite the kindness of his words, I only noticed the hollowness of the one speaking them.

I approached, "You okay?" It was all that came to mind to ask.

He looked off to the side, cold eyes glimmering in the evening glow from the windows, "I'm..." his trailed off, "I'm adequate."

"So...not okay then," I replied, taking a step closer. My hand gingerly reached out, finding its way to his shoulder in a comforting gesture. He jumped, and I nearly brought my hand away, before he settled, and leaned into it.

"No, my Little Red, je ne vais pas bien."

I narrowed my eyes, "Uhh...English?"

A soft breath escaped his nose, "I am not well, mon Petit Rouge."

"Oh, I...I knew that."

His eyes turned to me, "I am aware."

We looked at one another for a moment, and, yet again, I thought about pulling my hand away. Then he...he smiled. Slightly, again, in this way I don't think most people would notice, but I could tell. It made me grin, and I squeezed his shoulder, causing him to look away. I didn't stop staring as his cheeks reddened.

"You'll...be alright if I go, yeah?"

The smile dropped, and I immediately regretted asking.

"I am not your captor, Red," his glacial eyes met mine, "no matter how you wish I'd be."

I was a little surprised at his response, feeling the blood rise to my cheeks, "I uh, I just think my mom'll be waiting is all and..."

"Go, mon cher. You've done enough."

I could tell that he was only saying that for my benefit, and, despite the dark look he held in his eyes, I didn't want to run off just yet. I took a step closer, my hand daring to slide slightly off the edge of his shoulder, earning a startled response from those predatory eyes of his. It was minor, but enough. I let my hand glide down his shoulder blade, curling comfortingly over it. I could feel his breath hitch. And it didn't unhitch. I'm not sure he knew I could feel his reaction.

I dared speak, "If you want me here...just say so."

He stared at me with a paradoxical emotion flitting through his eyes, and the breath still didn't come for another several seconds. Until he had to draw breath to speak, that is.

"Je veux passer une...une éternité, avec toi..." He looked down, then up to me, and I found I couldn't meet his eyes. Not out of fear, just...just because they held something I couldn't understand. Instead, I took a final step closer, letting my cheek rest shyly against his shoulder. He breathed out deeply, his body relaxed and warm against my skin.

"I uh..."

I watched the smile return, lighter this time, almost passable as an actual thing rather than the broken facsimile I was used to, "Perhaps I'll see you tomorrow, but your mother, she desires your presence. Do not keep her waiting. Be glad she is there, my..." He sighed, and said no more.

I bit my lip, wanting to try to argue with him, but the look he held seemed...almost at peace. I didn't want to ruin it. Whatever he said in French, it must have meant a lot to him, and maybe it took some weight off of his chest. Either way, I finally nodded, pulling away from him. I immediately missed his warmth.

"I shall see you again soon, Little Red. Now go, before I change my mind and keep you here against your will."

There was a slight snark in his voice, which surprised me, so I replied, "Oh yeah?" My reply was pretty weak, and he could tell, I think. My heart wasn't in it, because...because it wasn't, I guess.

He smirked; it was sour and playful, but it was there and it was surprising.

"You would like me to do so...but alas, I was not expecting further company. Come another night and I might...arrange things for you."

There was a cocky sureness in his stance, but his eyes said otherwise. Impish as he was acting, it all seemed to be some sort of act. I realize it now, but right then, I was just embarrassed.

"I...I'll see you in class on Monday, Edd," I said warily, and was glad to see the name dropped his guard a little, the snarky look he held dropping in place of a truer expression.

"Of course."

I walked to the door, slowly turning the knob.

"Bonne soirée, Little Red."

I smiled.

"Later, Loup."

Saudade, a word without a match in the English language. A deep yearning, sadness, and longing for someone dearly cared for. A soft sadness. A velvet, sombre sheet over the heart.

A word that Kevin didn't know, but described what he felt perfectly. Hope you enjoyed. Sorry there wasn't as much about Eddward's Mother, but it was yet another obstacle that kept giving me a block, so I found my way past it.