Poisoned Blood ↠ Edward Cullen ✓

09 ; take care of you

[ WARNING: TALK OF INTERNALIZED HOMOPHOBIA AND DEMISEXUALITY ]

Caden wasn't a very fancy person by design.

He wasn't anything like the Cullens, in regards to fashion. In fact, he preferred sweatpants over slacks, boots over dress shoes, and a good hoodie over any type of Polo shirt. However, he had a hunch that meeting Edward's parents in a pair of sweatpants and an old hoodie wouldn't make the best first impression.

While Caden hadn't been raised very well, he at least had the common knowledge to dress according to the occasion. Or "dress to impress"  as his cousin, Cecelia, often said.

Thursday seemed to get to Caden in the slowest fashion imaginable. With his brain being occupied with the sudden and all-encompassing disappearance of his co-worker Hannah. She had yet to return to work, or contact anyone, and Caden was beginning to worry. Caden wasn't alone in his worry, given that half the town was now racked with fear over their children disappearing much like Hannah had.

The police in Forks had a few different theories, but Caden was sure that they were all wrong. Edward had told Caden to keep himself out of the way during the investigation, and to give as much information as he could to the police's questions. Caden wasn't used to people telling him what to do, but the fearful look in Edward's golden onyx eyes as he had relayed the advice had tampered down his flaring independence.

School was uneventful. With Caden taking his place beside Edward at the Cullen's table. The time passed with Jasper and Emmett goading each other in different ways during lunch, and with Rosalie shooting him distasteful glances over her manicured hand. Alice was a saving grace, though a bit talkative at times, when it came to peeling Caden's attention away from Edward at lunch.

It was a feat Caden was constantly teased about by the pixie haired vampire - his captivated expression whenever it came to Edward. He was normally soothed quickly of embarrassment though, since Alice regularly informed Caden that Edward's every thought centered around him just as much.

A knock came from downstairs, mid-way through Caden finally taming his hair with some gel. His heart thumped erratically in his chest when he heard his aunt open the door, her voice somewhat confused as Edward introduced himself to her.

Choosing to take the bull by the horns, Caden grabbed his bomber jacket from the knob of his bedroom door and headed down the stairs. His black chinos were a bit stiff from the lack of wear, but Caden managed to make it halfway down the stairs before he spotted Edward.

An exhale caught in Caden's throat as Edward's appearance. A soft blue dress shirt, dark pants, alongside some classic dress shoes. His bronze hair, which was normally disheveled, was artistically slicked back to give him a more approachable look. Edward looked so ineffable that in his dark pants and forest green shirt, Caden felt completely underwhelming.

The next person he caught eyes with was Aunt Helena. Who was watching Caden's reaction to Edward with narrowed eyes. Helena didn't look upset or angry, she just looked perplexed. Caden could sway perplexed into his favor.

"Hey." Caden breathed, watching as Edward's golden eyes skimmed over his outfit.

Something in Edward's expression turned fiery as he went over Caden's entire appearance. Caden felt a blush rise to his cheeks at the clear want in Edward's gaze, feeling his heart beginning to brim with a cocky type of joy. However, something changed in Edward's expression as they caught eyes, the vibrant golden softening.

"I would like an explanation," Aunt Helena cut into their world. Her voice still undefined by any emotion. Caden shared a brief look with Edward, before turning fully towards his Aunt.