The next couple of weeks went pretty well given how on edge we all were. I did daily training with Edward and Claire for close combat. Claire, was almost a lost cause, but Edward was coming along very well. He’s even bulked up since my punch, I’m glad he learned something.

Thu’ane on the other hand always showed up late and would always be hitting on a student or even a teacher. They all rejected him of course, but that didn’t stop him. Every night, he’d also drink and show up at my dorm to talk to me. It was never about anything serious, mostly about how Catgirls were the best girls and how I should become public with Claire.

WIth all that in mind, I was freaking out. I may have kept my calm appearance, but on the inside I was trying not to die of anxiety. I jumped at every quick motion and anybody who got too close to Claire. I was completely on edge with no one else seeming to notice or be on edge like me. So when Claire said she wanted to go to the city to pick out a dress, I was sure I was packing some heat.

“Come on, you know you’ll enjoy yourself.” She says. Like I’d enjoy a massive crowd or even shopping for a suit.” It’ll get your mind off of stuff too.”

I sigh,” You say that, but I can’t help but think a crowded place is a horrible place for you.”

“Why do you think I’m bringing you?” She asks with a bright smile.” You are my protector.”

I take a deep breath and then extend my arm,” If you’re going to be in a public place, you better stay within arm’s reach.”

“I can’t do that, Edward and I are still being watched.” She whispers.” So Edward is coming too.”

As if on cue he rounds the corner and waves,” I’m sorry I’m late, I couldn’t find my tie.”

He really has some weird timing, shows up when spoken about or when it’s the most inopportune time. I was glad he was coming, another fighter ready to protect Claire. It put me more at ease having him around, even if I had to bear the two of them acting like a couple in front of me.

Once we arrived in town, a really bizarre occurrence happened. The local kids came racing towards Edward like a flock of geese, and he opened his arms to greet them all.” Hey everybody, how’s the house coming along?”

One little boy says,” Even better since you started helping.”

I am in complete shock and amazement and Claire seemed to have the same reaction.” Did my punch really set him straight or something?” I whisper to her

He looks up at us and sees our shocked expressions.” Oh right, I should explain what this is. I started helping these kids and their orphanage when I was passing through here a month and a half ago. I just thought that it’d help with my humility.”

“Um, okay, sorry this is a huge shock.” I say and Claire nods in agreement.

“Yeah, I honestly did this to make myself better. I realized that I was an asshole after our fight and I apologized to many of those I bullied. Then I started helping them with stuff around the school and that made me feel better. Then one day I saw this building and decided to personally fund the repair.” He says pointing at the halfway finished building.

“That explains why you’ve bulked up so much, but manual labor was the last thing I thought you were doing.” I say

“No big deal” He says with a smile.” Shall we go to the shop?”

“He shrugs it off, but I can’t help but think about Edward doing manual labor. Especially since it’s the complete opposite of how he used to act.” Claire whispers.

I think about the punch and what I said to him. Neither of those factors would lead a man to these lengths, but then why is Edward doing this? Did he think this will make him look better? Was this for Claire or something? Or maybe he realized how he was acting and decided to change?

Before I knew it we were at the dress shop and I had already lost those two in the store. They both do like their fancy clothes. I sit down and wait for them, but get lost in thought again. Should I be worried that Edward really does have a thing for Claire? Or am I just overreacting and jealous? I hope it’s that last one, should I ask him?

Edward is the first one to appear and it shocks me since he taps me on my shoulder.” How do I look?” He asks with a smile.

I study his suit and think to myself.” If I was a girl, I’d definitely choose him over me. Then why does Claire choose me?” I then shake my head at that question and say,” That suit definitely suits you.”

“Was that a pun?” He asks with a laugh.

“I guess it was.” I say and then the moment I had waited for arrived. Claire walked out of her changing room in a red dress. Edward could tell this is what I was waiting for and smiled at me.

“Go compliment her.” He whispers.” The real reason you came with was for your approval of the dress.”

I scratch my head and say,” It’s stunning and very distracting”

She pouts and says,” I’ll forgive that last part, but I also picked out your suit too.”

I give a disgusted look and then say,” Fine, but I’m only trying on the one.” I then grab it and take it into the dressing room. I think about what’s happened and decode I’m overreacting, if Edward was really after Claire, she’d probably be charmed by him.

I walk out and immediately get a quick laugh from both of them.”Obviously this is the first suit you’ve worn.” Claire says.” But even when put on wrong, it goes amazingly well with that black hair of yours.”

I look down, it was, I never really was a fancy person, but that compliment by Claire made my heart race. Edward gave his nod of approval and so we purchased them. I thought I was overreacting about this whole day, with Edward’s motives and Claire’s endangerment. Well, I was only half right, since there was a Hydra loose in the middle of the town when we exited.