To bring you guys back up to speed, since it's been a while:
- Eddward took Jamison down a peg with a little reconnaissance
- Eddward's Mother...and his Father was so heartless when telling him about it her, too
- Marie sent Red to fix Eddward, who was so coldly broken, and Red helped him cry
- Red wants Eddward, but Eddward doesn't want him to 'suffer' him
- Red is forcing Eddward to dinner, in his regular clothes, to Eddward's chagrin

Alright...and go!

To be completely honest, I wasn't sure how my parents would react. I mean, I kinda could guess? Maybe? But this is Eddward we're talking about; pretty much everything relating to him is an enigma...well, until I figure it out, that is. Still, as I walked my wary Wolf up to the front door, I hesitated.

"Problem?" His charmingly dark tone inquired, and I could almost feel his tilt-headed glare on my neck.

"...No, I just," I thought for a moment about lying, or side-stepping it, but after all we'd been through...I acquiesced, "I'm just...not entirely sure how they'll react, is all. Well, my mom, at least, cuz dad's not home yet." I looked down the street for a moment, almost hoping I'd see his car, but it wasn't meant to be.

My dad, I could get. He made sense, didn't think too hard about anything, and all-in-all was a pretty clear-cut kinda guy. I mean, if he were a big pond, you could practically see all the way to the center. But mom? She...I dunno, dad always says it's because I'm a guy, that I can't get her. Or vice-versa, since she only ever had sisters. Either way, wasn't easy to read her.

But she was the one home, not dad, and...I turned the handle, letting myself and my silent shadow inside.

I peeked around the corner of the short entryway hall, and my mom's head turned in my direction from the couch.

"Hello honey, how was school? Weren't you going to bring your friend here afterwards?"

Not even 2 feet from the doorway and she's already asking that, of course, "It was pretty normal, and yeah, he's here."

There was a silence as my mom tried to peek around the doorway, ineffectively, mostly as a token effort. I looked over my shoulder, and caught the Wolf frozen in a state of...discomfort? I bit my lip.

"Uh, he's uh, kinda shy-"

"My apologies, Mrs. Barr, how terribly rude of me not to make myself known! Pleasure to see you again."

Oh, he was charging up his fake-o-meter. Got it.

I noticed my mom's eyes shift a bit, almost wincing for a moment as she looked at the figure that had come up behind me. I gulped. It was all so easy: bring Eddward home, get him used to the 'rents, get to spend more time with him. Simple, right? Sure.

"It's," she hesitated for a split-second, almost unnoticeably, "alright dear," she smiled, "no trouble at all."

There was a momentary silence, and I watched the questions dance her eyes around. Honestly, I just wanted her to ask and get it over with.

"Oh, but I truly should not have bedecked your home with my horrid affair of clothing! Whatever my tastes may be, they should not be present in such a fine home, and I am dreadfully sorry for that."

Wow, he's good.

My mom's strained smile loosened just a bit, and she shook her head, smiling a little more comfortably, "It's nothing, dear! You should have seen some of the things I wore when I was your age. Trust me, this is nothing!" She let out a soft, breathy laugh, "It's just a massive change from the outfits I've seen you wear prior, is all. It caught me a bit off-guard." Her eyes flicked towards me for a moment, and I felt the thanks for the warning barb that they held.

"I much appreciate your kindness, ma'am. But please, I do not wish to disturb your scheduled programming, as I believe the commercial break will be over soon, will it not?"

Her smile widened, "It's nothing, dear, but you're welcome to do whatever you'd like. Don't let me keep you; I'm sure you've better things to do."

I heard Eddward's heel click the floor as he stepped beside me, and I turned to him. His smile didn't reach his eyes, but I don't think anyone else would have noticed.

"Well, lead the way, Kevin. It's your house, after-all," for a moment, those wintry eyes warmed, and it helped me realize how tense I was about the whole situation.

"Uhh, right! Yeah, uh, bedroom's this way," I stumbled, wishing I had Eddward's skill at wordcraft, "follow me I guess." I oozed a lack of self-confidence.

He followed diligently, with mildly silent steps, and I could feel his gaze upon me. For some reason, it was making me nervous. When we finally got to my room, I actually felt a little anxious closing the door. Turning around, I was reminded of why.

There stood the Wolf, observing his surroundings, eyes aware of me but nothing more. His figure, as he looked around, stood out to me. His poise, the way he stood, his delicate motions were all practiced, but seemed to suit him somehow, and he pulled them off as though he had done it his whole life. If I hadn't known him so well, I'd have thought he was born with that refinement. But no, diamonds don't start off as diamonds, so…

"Are you simply going to stand there, Little Red?" He didn't turn to look at me, but his quiet, dark voice carried throughout the room, "It is impolite to stare, mon chéri, especially at someone you invited into your own abode. It makes one wonder of your intentions."

I blinked away his prying comment, "Just can't get over how you look is all."

His head turned back towards me, eyes flicking over to catch mine, "Oh?"

I took a deep breath, immediately regretting speaking, not that that was anything new, "I just...was kinda admiring how you look - ...like, posture-wise! I mean, it's like, natural!"

The barest of smiles touched the corner of his lips, "Oh, Être blanc comme neige…"

"Meaning?"

A soft breath from his nose, and he turned to me, taking the two steps it took to reach me in order to lock his gaze with mine. His eyes fell, lids falling as his mood seemed to slip down suddenly, "I cannot…"

I wrapped my arms around his waist, under his jacket, pulling myself against him firmly. I spoke in a hushed tone against his shoulder, "Shut up, Edd…"

He tensed for a few moments in my grip, and I almost regretted what I'd done.

A hushed breath fell over my ear, rich yet soft, "Oui…"

I shuddered for a moment as my heart trembled in my chest, the sound of his voice both soothing and eery to me. It was...not often he spoke this way to me.

Arms enfolded me, and I could feel him breathe in deeply. My lids lowered, my breath slipping away as yet again I felt the butterflies against my heart. I'd almost forgotten how gentle he was, this predator I feared. Did I even fear him anymore, I wondered as I breathed out deeply over the jean of his jacket. It smelled of him, and for a moment I wondered if I could borrow something of his, just for that purpose…

A light touch against my ear made my eyes blink back open, only to close once more as I felt his lips tease my ear. His breathing was calm as he teased it, the barest of kisses teasing the edge of my ear, and I tried to keep myself from reacting, in fear he might stop. I didn't want him to stop again…

I heard the car door slam, and internally groaned. Eddward must have noticed, because I felt his arms loosen their grip around me, lips leaving my ear.

"No...not yet," I mumbled against the chest of his jacket, trying to pull him close again, but he was stronger than me. My shoulders fell as I realized I was losing this battle, and let him pull away, looking down at the floor unhappily.

Fingertips lifted my chin, and I found my gaze meeting his, their ice lacking a chill, "I am afraid...we must cut this short, mon chéri. Your father wouldn't be particularly pleased at catching the neighbor boy courting his son, now would he?"

Heat rushed upward, "I um…"

"J'ai envie de t'embrasser," his words spilled gingerly, eyes enthralling me as his fingers daintily left my chin.

"I don't…"

His eyes closed, "Je ne te mérite pas…"

I heard the sound of my dad coming in, and knew he'd be passing by my door any moment. I looked at Eddward, and for a moment, and only for that moment, I hated my family.

"Hey kiddo!" His voice was tired and gritty through the door.

"Hey dad!" I echoed back, enthusiasm in my voice, but not in my face.

There wasn't a response.

He'd gone to his room; he just wanted to say hi…

"Edd, I-"

"Unlocked doors have a tenuous hold on secrets; locked doors are even worse," I wasn't sure if he was speaking to me or himself, but there was sadness in his features, "no matter where you bring me, we'll never be safe, mon Rouge…"

I stared at him quietly, slipping my hands into my pockets, trying to find a reply.

Nothing came.

I coaxed him to tell me more about his small family. We had far too much time to kill until dinnertime would come.

I am not daft; I could have kissed him easily, without fear for being caught, but...it was an excuse. An excuse that a part of me hastily snatched, because it would be easier to end things if I did not taste the bittersweet poison of his lips upon mine.

He truly and utterly deserved better than I could hope to provide.

The boy, this scared little pup, prattled on about his family, and I listened for hidden stories, watched for signs that he did not speak of something. There was nothing. He was not as I, not in any way; he was beautifully innocent, and gifted, and I continued to hang upon his words despite my lack of deserving being there.

I was tempted more than once to simply excuse myself and leave...and the thought of how it would pain him held me back.

But I had to speak.

"Little Red," I softly spoke, my fingertips curling over my leg as I fought a silent battle within my heart and mind.

"Yeah, Loup?"

I intook a breath sharply, wincing, "You c-," I cleared my throat, "You cannot continue to...to do this." A soothing sadness filled me at those words. I embraced it.

"To...what? Talk?" Our eyes met, and I knew he was trying to change the subject, but I couldn't move on from the thought any longer.

"Cease this...this foolis-"

"Don't fuckin' start with this shit again, Eddward. We're over and done with it. You can't get rid of me by acting all depressed."

I growled in my throat, "This song and dance has only one ending, Kevin, you know that. Look at us," I gestured weakly with my hand, "we hide, and we play the game. That is all there is, and every game must come to an end. Certainly my judgement was clouded the night prior, but I can see now with clear eyes how much of a fool I have been to lead you down this overgrown dirt path…"

"I came on my own accord, Ass-hat. Seriously, we're not starting this again," conviction laced his voice, but I was unmoved.

"If we end it here and now, it will be the best for the both of u-"

"Bullshit."

I let out an exasperated huff, fingers clawing against my leg, "You're so-" I shook my head, fingertips against my forehead, squeezing my eyes shut as I mumbled, "Je t'aime, my dear, but you exhaust me to no end. Can you not simply-"

"I c-can't, no, Edd," his voice timidly piped up, and I looked his way again. His brows were furrowed in thought, and a dash of red peppered his cheeks.

"Mmm? Speak; your timidity only draws this out, mon petit," I inquired, wondering what could possibly have stolen his over-confidence away.

"Because I...don't think you want that." Any confidence in Kevin's voice was gone, but he still sounded adamant about his stance.

I sighed subtly, "Do tell me, then, about my own thoughts; I would greatly like to hea-"

His hand reached to grab mine, fingers lacing overtop as my hand was soothed by the warm skin against it. My gaze dipped for a moment, then returned to him. His eyes were questioning and sweet, and I couldn't help but let my cold demeanor slip because of it.

There was hesitation before he spoke, "'Cuz you don't want to be alone any more than I do, and I like you enough not to care what others think. Pretty sure you should know that by now…"

I observed him for a little, watching him fidget as he thought to himself, and in that time, I tried not to think of a rebuttal. Stubborn as he was, anything I would have to say would likely be meaningless to him, and the dance of words was growing quite tiresome.

"Edd...what even are we?"

I didn't even have to think, I just spoke, "The broken fairytale of the Wolf and his Little Red, I suppose."

There was a glimmer of a smile, and I found his cheek against my shoulder. My mind stayed silent, which was kind of it, and it allowed me to relax for a moment. I'd lost for the moment; I was in his home, his room, and in truth? I was enthralled by this boy...

...so what could one more day do?

After all, every fairytale has an end...

My dearies, I now have a ! Because it's a way to push me to actually write. I have one devoted follower, reviewer, and friend, who has pledged thus-far, and it means the world to me. It reminds me that people really do appreciate my writing...

Anzelwolveine is my name, and the $1 a month pledge allows you to see the outline and mind-spew for coming stories, chapters, etc.. $5 lets you see and comment on the chapters as I write them, and there's other rewards, but really, even a dollar means a lot.

I already have the next chapter in the works. I was going to include it here, but it ended up being long in-and-of itself, so I felt it better to have a chapter of its own. I'm sorry it's been so long, but I'm back, so long as this mood phase holds out (they tend to last a few months).

Hope you enjoyed :)