Edward was pretty sure the question was rhetorical. He would be perfectly happy not to discuss anything further, to be quite honest, and so he remained resolutely silent, watching the progress of dust spackles as they danced in front of the window. The quiet went on, and the younger vampire grew uneasy and dragged his gaze back to his creator, realising as Carlisle looked on impassively, that he was expected to begin this conversation.

"I'm sorry I broke my restrictions" he offered as an opening gambit, his expression guarded. Carlisle seemed to have calmed down a little during the impromptu couple's counselling session, but Edward knew that appearances could be deceiving. He tried to get a read on his father's thoughts, but years of practice had left the Cullen patriarch adept at throwing up blocks to his younger son's rather intrusive talent, and Edward was left flying blind.

Carlisle nodded, looking at his son thoughtfully and making the teen squirm uncomfortably for a few infinitely long seconds before he began to speak.

"I'm proud of what happened in here today Edward" he said. "I know it's hard for you to be vulnerable in front of Bella, and you did that, and your apology to her was respectful and honest. You also managed to calm yourself when she entered the room. You redeemed yourself quite nicely."

Edward looked up at the unexpected compliment and felt a sudden surge of love for his father. True, their relationship had been strained the past few weeks, but only Carlisle would find a way to pay homage to him after the events of the day. An unexpected lump formed in his throat, and he suddenly found the surface of Carlisle's desk intensely fascinating.

"Having said that, storming out of school and then essentially vandalising Bella's property is not something I can overlook son." Carlisle continued.

Edward's warm and fuzzies were rapidly dissipating, and he chewed on the inside of his cheek as he waited for his father to get into the real meat of the conversation. It would have been perhaps a little too hopeful to expect Carlisle to forgive and forget. He wondered what fate awaited him now, and didn't have to wait long to find out.

" I had been intending to relax some of your punishments as you had been conducting yourself quite well, but I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do now. It seems like we might be making some progress and I don't want to lose that momentum by restoring all of you privileges"

Carlisle raised his brows at Edward, who felt obliged to nod, feeling idiotic as he did so. Of course, his life should go on being a misery, why would he want anything different? As fast as it appeared, he was quick to stamp out that bit of temper because although not looking like a free pass, he had a feeling that if he played his cards right, he might walk away relatively unscathed. Tread carefully young padawan, he thought, maintaining a suitably abashed expression. His father narrowed his eyes, and Edward thought maybe he'd gone too far with the innocent look.

"So I suppose the long and short of it is this. Don't be expecting to see the outside of this house for some time, with the exception of school of course. You have a week's worth of detentions by the way, for walking out. I'll return your cell phone to you, but I'm keeping the car keys."

Edward looked up hopefully "You're keeping both sets of keys?"

His father gave a sharp nod. "Yes Edward, you have won a reprieve as far as the Vanquish goes. Know this though, one more iota of trouble out of you and I will send it to the scrap yard myself, do you understand?"

"I do sir, thank you" Edward could barely keep the relief out of his voice. His beloved baby was staying! He might not to be able to drive her for a while, but he could still appreciate her beauty, and rest safe in the knowledge that someday, she would be his again. His reverie was interrupted when he heard the front door slamming and the rest of the family departing, and his heart sank as he looked up at Carlisle, who confirmed his fears.

"I don't believe the next part of your punishment will come as a shock to you son."

And so with all the enthusiasm of a prisoner walking the steps to the gallows, Edward got to his feet and shuffled to his father's desk. It was becoming a habit it seemed, to be spanked like a child. Never the less, he let Carlisle's hand guide him forwards until he was leaning on the desk, his rear vulnerable to his father's strong hand, who wasted no time in making his presence felt.

Edward rolled onto his toes with each slap, grateful for the protection offered by the seat of his jeans, as he could still feel the bite of each blow keenly. Carlisle was matter of fact about this punishment, and even as he began lecturing, did not break pace.

"You know why you are receiving this spanking Edward." He began, peppering his son's posterior with ringing blows. "Once again, you let your emotions rule you, flouted your curfew and school rules, and then imposed your will upon Bella by vandalising her property. I don't need to tell you why this was wrong do I?"

"No sir" Edward ground out from his awkward position on the desk top. He could feel the burn thoroughly ignited now, and wondered at his father's strength and stamina to keep up the relentless pace.

"There will be no more reminders. You know the behaviour expected of you, and if you fall short again you will not get off so lightly"

Edward felt his father loosening his belt and grit his teeth as his creator proceeded to mete out a further volley to his pant clad rear. The pain was much sharper, and he gave up trying to remain silent, a small sob escaping as Carlisle administered to the vulnerable curve where buttock meets thigh. Lord, why did he have to know all the spots that hurt the most? And then, sooner than he expected, he found himself righted and looking into the compassionate face of his disciplinarian.

Carlisle took his handkerchief, an unused prop Alice insisted upon, and wiped away the venom tears that had leaked from Edward's eyes, before pulling his teenage son into a quick embrace.

"…sorry Dad..." Edward mumbled from where his face was hidden in his father's shoulder, and he meant it. Even with an inferno raging on his backside, he knew Carlisle had gone lightly on him. That small mercy, combined with the hesitant improvements between Bella and himself, led Edward to give thanks, and he suddenly returned Carlisle's hug, gripping onto his father tightly. He needed this comfort now, and it was freely given. Eventually, as his sniffles subsided, Edward drew back.

"I truly am sorry" he repeated, "I'll do better"

Carlisle nodded and sent his fiery headed son off with a gentle pat and his cell phone, which Edward took gleefully, already dialling Bella as he opened the door. His father waited until he heard him begin to speak before sitting down and running a hand through his hair, Edward's heartfelt assurance to curb his behaviours hanging in the air along with his unique earthy scent. The blonde vampire shook his head and smiled wryly, all too aware of the importance of deeds over empty promises.

We shall Edward, we shall see.