“I have been a major ass to you,” Edward said. They were sitting across from each other on the Ferris wheel.

Rose had been shocked by Edward’s display on the Viking ride. He looked as if he was lost in thought for most of the ride, but towards the end of the ride he had put his arms up and let loose. She had been happy that he was enjoying himself, even for a moment. After the ride was over, though, he got very quiet. He kept his head down and started shaking. Rose thought maybe he needed a moment alone and away from the crowd, so she brought him onto the Ferris wheel. She had just begun thinking about how that was probably a terrible idea because maybe he was quiet because he was feeling sick from the ride. Before she got the chance to start tugging at any loose threads, he began speaking. Hearing him admit fault shocked her deep to her core. She wasn’t even sure she heard him right.

Edward looked up at her through his windblown hair. He looked like a puppy that had been kicked. “I’m sorry,” he said, quietly.

Rose stared at him without a word. She was sure she was hearing things now. There was no universe where Edward even knew what an apology was, let alone how to form the words. Slowly, she brought a hand to her cheek and pinched it hard.

“What are you doing!?” Edward shouted, nearly jumping to his feet. The cart rocked, forcing Edward back down. He grabbed Rose’s hand and pulled it away from her face.

“I’m sorry,” Rose said, dazed, “I thought I might be dreaming.”

“What are you even talking about?” He raked a hand through his tousled hair and sighed. “Listen, I know that this marriage was something that neither of us wanted. If I think rationally, it is clear that we were both doing what our fathers wanted us to do.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I treated you unfairly. You were trying your best, and I- I was scared.”

“Scared,” Rose repeated slowly.

“Yes,” Edward replied. He squeezed her hand. “I feared that you were only using me. That is the only kind of marriage I have seen. My stepmother married my father for money alone. She has never loved him, but I truly believe that he loves her. I was afraid that I would be stuck in a miserable, loveless marriage with someone who only wants me for my money for the rest of my life.”

Rose squeezed his hand back and leaned towards him. “Edward, I didn’t know about any of that.”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” he laughed humorlessly. “How could you? I never mentioned it. Which, I guess is where our problems come from. Rose, you looked so free and I realized how suppressed you have been with me. I hope we can start over, but I understand if you want to just ignore me for the rest of our lives.” 

“Edward,” Rose breathed, “You have been so honest with me, so I want to be honest with you. I’m not using you for your money-”

“I know that now,” Edward interrupted. 

“But it’s not entirely a pure marriage. Your father is bailing my father out of a lot of debt by me marrying you. My choice was either to marry you or be homeless. I am using you. Not for money, but because I am so scared of being cut off. I feel so powerless without my family. I don’t know how to do anything for myself. I feel so useless.” Tears formed in her eyes and threatened to fall. “But most of all, I am terrified of disappointing my dad. I don’t want him to hate me.”

Edward sucked in a deep breath, feeling compassion for the first time in his life. He understood not wanting to disappoint your father. He knew he was not how his father wanted him to be. He knew that he would never be smart enough, handsome enough, charming enough, or powerful enough to please his own father. As he slowly exhaled, he pulled Rose into a shaky hug. “I know,” he whispered into her hair, “I truly do know.” He held her awkwardly in his arms for the remainder of the ride. 

When Owen returned home, he was not expecting to see Rose and Edward together on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn between them. Owen looked at the screen to see that they were watching The Princess Bride. Edward looked so engrossed in the movie, leaning over slightly. Rose, however, was sitting cross-legged on the sofa and painted her nails while they watched. Owen felt like he had walked into an alternate timeline. He stood in the doorway and watched them. Edward said something that Owen couldn’t quite make out, but he saw Rose give him an incredulous look. 

“Are you kidding me? You’re on team Prince Humperdink?” She laughed. 

Edward raised his voice in a joking manner back at her. “He’s just a prince who wants to marry this beautiful woman. She agrees to marry him! Then suddenly, this pirate comes to take her away? He doesn’t know they used to be in love! For all he knows, Wesley is kidnapping Buttercup!” 

Rose laughed hard, and Owen knew that it wasn’t the fake laugh she usually used around Edward. This was her real laugh. He felt his heart sink. He was only gone for one day, and all of a sudden Rose and Edward were getting along like they had been friends for years. He felt bad that he didn’t like their new friendship. This is how it should be. After all, they are married. Lately, his mind had been consumed with Rose. Her laugh rang in his ears, and he looked forward to seeing her every day. Their intimate movie nights were the highlight of his days. Now, he felt that Edward was robbing him of that. 

Rose saw Owen leaning against the wall and her whole face lit up. “Owen, you’re back! Come watch the movie with us.” She scooted over on the couch to make room for him, but Owen only saw her scooting closer to Edward.

Upon seeing how Rose glowed in Owen’s presence, Edward looked Owen up and down. Amazingly, he caught on. “Come on, old friend. Join us,” he said. 

Owen could only look between them for a moment while he buried his feelings. He should be happy for them. Maybe their marriage would work out after all. Who was he to get in between them? Owen shrugged off his coat and hung it up. He took his time before he joined them on the sofa. It was a tight squeeze with the three of them. He felt Rose’s arm pressed against his, and he pressed himself further into the arm of the sofa, trying to limit contact. Rose noticed and gave him a concerned look, but he only gave her a reassuring smile back.

Shortly after Owen joined them for the movie, Edward stood, stretching his arms high above his head as he yawned. “Well, lovelies. I think it’s time I turn it.” He gave Rose a wink before leaving Owen and her behind.

Rose smiled after him and scooted over on the sofa to give Owen more space. “Did you have a good day off?” She asked.

Owen cleared his throat. “Yeah, it was good. I visited my mom and it’s always a pleasure to see her.” He grew quiet, but it looked as though he had more to say so Rose waited. “So,” he said finally, “You and Edward?”

Rose shrugged. “Apparently all I had to do to soften him up was take him to the carnival.”

Owen’s jaw dropped, and then he busted out laughing. All of the awkwardness and tension left his body at the image of Edward at a carnival. “No way.” He said between breaths.

Rose smiled softly to herself, feeling pleased that she could make him laugh. He hadn’t been acting like his usual self since he arrived home. She wondered if everything was okay with his mom or if it was just such a weird sight to see her and Edward together. “Way,” she laughed with him. “After I took him on that swinging Viking ride, he turned into a new person. We actually talked, if you can believe it.”

“I almost can’t believe it, but the evidence is there,” Owen relaxed into the sofa and took a handful of popcorn. This was beginning to feel like their regular movie nights. 

“And did you know that he is a Prince Humperdink fan?” Rose asked and gestured to the movie. 

“I heard that when I came in! I couldn’t believe my ears!” Owen glanced to the stairs where Edward had disappeared. “To be fair, Edward made some good points,” he joked.

Rose threw a handful of popcorn at him. “Stop,” she complained, dragging out the O sound. “No one in their right mind would think Edward made any good points.” 

Owen smiled at her, but it came out sadder than he meant it. “I’m glad that you were able to talk.” 

“Hey,” Rose said, turning towards him. “Are you okay?”

“Hm?” Owen said, avoiding her gaze. “Of course I am. I’m probably just tired.” 

Rose moved the popcorn bowl out of the way and leaned toward him. She gently placed a hand under his chin and lifted his head up. Owen hadn’t slicked his hair back today, and soft curls fell into his face. “Are you sure?” She said in a near whisper. 

Owen locked eyes with her and swallowed hard. In moments like these, he could just about convince himself that Rose had feelings for him. He pushed that thought down. She probably saw him as only a friend and a safe space, and he didn’t want to ruin that. Besides, she wanted her marriage to Edward to work, and Owen told her that he would support her in whatever decision she made. Edward was the choice she made, apparently.

“I’m sure,” Owen choked out. “I should get to bed. It’s been a long day.” He forced himself to pull away from Rose’s warm touch and stand. He turned to leave, but Rose grabbed his hand before he could.

“Owen,” she said gently. 

Owen took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. He placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand. “Goodnight, princess.” He dropped her hand and robotically walked away, leaving her warmth behind.