The carnival had been enjoyable enough, but it left Edric feeling sure, now more than ever, that pursuing a public relationship with February Lynch - at least while they were pretending to hardly know each other - was going to be a nearly-impossible feat. They weren't like most couples; they'd jumped forward to the later stages of a relationship early on, and now reverting back to the traditional model of courtship just felt weird.

He was much happier to have her back where they were most comfortable: in his home, in his bed, partially undressed, and completely alone. There were no prying eyes, no expectations, and no potential gossip that would put a damper on their efforts to be together. He'd already put a ring on her finger - though even that was carefully hidden, strung on the same chain her pendant and locket hung from. What more could he do?

"You're the one who suggested we give it time," he chuckled, scooting close to her so he could wrap an arm around her waist. "But I agree: pretending not to know each other is far from easy." It was, perhaps, not the most difficult thing he'd ever done, but it was difficult to do without coming off as a distant, cold ass - and that was an image of himself that he didn't want to give Febby.

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