"Kevin…" Eddward was in shock, every part of him wanted to run and hug his old friend but at the same time he was unable to move from his current position. Kevin stepped forward, moving towards the smaller boy, "My god it's been years since I've heard from you how have you been?!" Kevin exclaimed. Edd stumbled over his own words, "I-I've, I've been quite nice Kevin, and yourself?" his statement turned question, "It seems you have advanced yourself quite nicely in the career of acting." Kevin slightly blushed, realizing that Eddward had kept up with him enough to know that he was doing well, and he had not even thought about the boy for almost 5 years. "It has been nice," Kevin started, "I guess this brings privileges to life that you don't normally get to have." A long bell tolled over the yard causing groups of students to begin to spread away from their groups and head in different directions like ants moving off to work in different areas of the giant hive we call college. "Kevin, I bid you well but I do not wish to be late for my very first class, so I must be going!" Eddward said with a smile, "but I would love to finish catching up, it has been years." Kevin was reluctant to let his Edd just walk away after all this time, he had so much he wanted to say. "Where are you going," Kevin said, a bit more abrupt than he meant to, "I mean like, what class." Eddward pulled a neatly folded piece of paper out of the pocket in his pants, unfolding it gently he scanned the page, "I am heading to Stage Presence I, building D room 144." The smaller boy replied. "Isn't that quite wonderful, I'm heading to Stage Presence 3 in room 146 so I can walk you there, it's not too far from here." Kevin replied happier than he should have.
The two walked in almost utter silence, there was an awkward air between them. Kevin had so much he wanted to say, but he was lost on how to bring up topics, in most ways this was the same awkward shy boy he met 10 years ago, and on the other hand he was completely different. His intelligence caused a gap between the two the Kevin knew no way to fill. As they walked Eddward took in the sights of the building and courtyards around them, trees were planted in rows leading pathways around with flowers sprouting around the grassy bases, swings, benches, bird baths, and everything beautiful you could imagine was speckled around the campus grounds and quite honestly it confused Edd, why go to such lengths to make the place look so amazing. As if reading his mind Kevin said softly, "It's to spark imagination, and allow people a place to just kinda lose themselves while still being right outside." That helped make sense of it for Eddward. Kevin began to turn to the right catching Eddward off guard, it happened fast but both of them were on the ground, Kevin clutching the smaller boy against him. "Are you alright.." Kevin said breathing heavily. It was then that Edd realized just how close to Kevin he was, the warmth was radiating heavily, and a quick yet soft thud of the redheads heart drummed against his ear. "Edd?" Kevin said softer, snapping the boy out of his small trance. "My apologies Kevin, I must have walked in your way!" Eddward said almost slightly panicked. Getting up Eddward looked at the building they were at and saw it was the right one. Quickly apologizing again he excused himself and rushed away his cheeks burning a bright red. "Scare another off did ya Kevin?" a harsh voice sounded off to the side. Kevin knew instantly who it was, "What would it matter to you Edwin?" The redhead started, "Why are you even here." "Well you see, I got moved into Stage Presence 1 so I can further my ability as a director and have a background of what it's like on stage." Edwin replied. Kevin's eyes narrowed, "Guess I'll have to get used to you being back around me again." He said with a sharp tongue. Flashing a half smile half smirk Edwin clicked his tongue and walked away. Edwin was an "alpha" of the school, he was someone everyone tended to avoid, captain of the swim team, and was known to solve things by hitting it enough. Kevin and he were famous for butting heads and always being at each other's throats. Kevin picked himself up off the walkway and proceeded to walk towards the door.
Class was just about to begin as one last student walked through the door, Eddward noticed him instantly as most heads turned and even a small gasp was heard out of several people in the room. The person in the doorway was quite tall, he wore almost pure black, from skinny jeans to a sweatshirt to a beanie much like Edd's. He looked to be built quite solid as parts of the sweatshirt were pulled tight around his arms. His face held what seemed to be a sideways smirk, and his eyes, blue as they were, seemed to cut through anyone who dared look into them. Eddward nearly jumped out of his skin when he noticed the person was staring right back at him, and it was even worse when he began to make his way towards where Edd was sitting. The small boy began to shake as the person sat down and flashed a wicked smile. "Why hello there little one, I must say you took quite the fall outside." Though his words sounded like they were attempting to sound concerned, a dark mood hung heavy on them. "I would recommend you watch that you don't fall into trash like that again." Trash like that again? The words ran through Eddward's mind, was he referring to Kevin, and if he was why did he call him trash? "Either way, my name is Edwin, an absolute pleasure to meet you." Edwin said softly putting emphasis on the word pleasure. Eddward felt almost invaded, an emptiness was opening in his stomach and not one he enjoyed. "I-I'm Eddward, n-nice to meet you as well." Edd said his voice shaking. "Now now pumpkin, no need to be scared of me, I don't bite that hard, and only when you ask me to." Edwin's reply sent a shiver through Eddward, everything inside him wanted to be away from this moment, to get away from this new Edwin figure. 3 loud raps on the front podium pulled all attention to the front of the class. The professor began to speak explaining what the class was to be about. Long story short it was going to be a class designed to help the younger actors and actresses get used to being in a spotlight, and how to use their body language and facial features to convey a deeper meaning in the words they spoke rather than just using the lines and tones of voice to push a mood or point through to the audience. The class felt like it was taking years to end, and the entire time Eddward was aware of the almost burning feeling on him as Edwin watched his every move. A small pop of a book closing the professor announced that the class was over and they would meet again in 2 days. Eddward collected his things quickly and attempted to maneuver his way past Edwin and towards the door, only to be caught by his wrist and pushed against a wall. "Listen pumpkin, I think we got off on the wrong foot, maybe this will help." The larger boy moved forward, closing the space quickly between the two, what was going on, what was happening, Eddward was beginning to panic and just waited for what was to come, but suddenly a slight tug and a giant whoosh of air separated both Edwin and Edd. A heavy thump landed as Edwin landed on the ground Kevin now standing between the two. "I'm going to say this once." Kevin said venom in his words, "Stay away from him."
"Kevin where are we going!" Eddward said barely able to keep up with Kevin as he dragged him along. "KEVIN!" Edd screamed planting his feet. Kevin turned around his face almost sickly. "I'm sorry, I am so sorry, I just had to get you away from him, and and….." Kevin's voice sounded panicked, and his words were beyond rushed. "What is so bad about him?" Eddward asked, "Besides the obvious that is." "He and I do not get along at all" Kevin started "He saw where we fell and figured out we were friends so he went after you." Eddward thought back on what happened right before Kevin showed up and sunk down a little. "Kevin, he was going to kiss me.." Eddward said softly, "Why was he going to kiss me.." Kevin knew exactly why but he didn't want to explain anything further to Edd. Not at this point.
The rest of the day seemed like an awkward spiral to Eddward, he felt like he was always looking over his shoulder. He did his best to stay out of sight and keep himself practically invisible. His class list was smaller that day, he only had voice acting and then his basics of English Comp, Advanced Calculus, and Philosophy. Everything went easy, he darted from building to building got his work done, and made his way for his dorm. So this was college, a mix of confusing classes, confusing people, and confusing feelings. His building came into view as Eddward turned a corner, the beauty of the area seemed to die down as you made you way to the edges of campus, a few students passed on each side now and again, small conversations were held off to the sides, and it seemed the day would finally be over. That was until Kevin Barr was standing there at the front arch before entering the grounds to his dorm building. Eddward stopped nearly dead in his tracks. Why, why was he here? After a day like this Edd was already overwhelmed, he didn't need more piled on top, but before he was able to turn away Kevin caught sight of him and shouted out his name. "Eddward!" the redhead shouted. Slightly jogging he ran up to the smaller boy and stopped. "Can we talk, let's go out to eat, my treat." A small smile of hope spread Kevin's face as he spoke, and that was enough to melt Eddward. "I guess that would be alright." Eddward started. "May I go drop off my books?" Kevin simply nodded, though he had agreed it seemed this was more a courtesy then it was a willing ordeal.
Eddward climbed the steps to his dorm hoping Nathan would not yet be home from his classes. Upon entering the room and seeing it was empty Edd dropped off his belongings that were not needed for a night out and sat on his bed for a moment to collect his thoughts. Where was he going with this, why was he feeling this way. He remembered the feelings even at a young age had sparked in him while working with Kevin, the way his smile burned into his mind. A warm butterfly began to flutter inside Eddward's stomach and a soft burn rose in his cheeks. He personally knew why Kevin made him feel so off, what he didn't understand was why Kevin in only a day seemed to be doting on him at every turn. This whole Edwin person also drove him for a small loop, why was he taking interest in Edd when he didn't even know him. Was it just way to get at Kevin and make him upset? Eddward noticed it had been a few minutes already and he didn't want to keep Kevin waiting so gathering himself up with the little bit of courage he had left for the day he made his way back outside after locking up the door to go and see where this night would take him. Exiting through the front door Kevin smiled seeing that Eddward had seemed to now be even slightly smiling and he had gained his small skip back in his step. "Alright, I believe I have everything I need and I am now ready to go." Eddward said shyly, his fingers tangled in themselves as he looked near the ground. "Good, also, you'll need this." Kevin said with a smirk, handing the smaller boy a helmet. "Excuse me what..."
Slowly the motorcycle came to a stop outside what looked like a nice restaurant. Eddward at this point had all but squeezed Kevin in half holding around his waist as they swerved between cars in traffic and made all the risky moves. When attempting to pry his arms away failed Kevin finally spoke up. "Eddward, you can let go now, we are here." He said softly. Reluctantly the vice grip Edd had around Kevin lessened slightly as he released a giant sigh. "I honestly wish you would have told me that we would have been traveling on a motorcycle." Eddward said. Kevin chuckled to himself "And why would that be?" Kevin started, "Would you have changed your mind and not come?" Edd stood shaking slightly, "I wouldn't say that, but…" Edd's voice trailed off. "But what?" Kevin asked, pushing for a full answer. "I would have prepared myself a bit more, you see, put on something more fitting to a ride on a motorcycle." Eddward said pulling at his sweater. Kevin chuckled to himself, so this was the problem, he was worried about how he looked. "You look fine dork." Kevin said smiling, "Now, let's go get something to eat." Kevin set his helmet on the handlebar of the bike and stepped up to Eddward. Pushing his head back slightly Kevin undid the belt which held the helmet to Eddward's head. Lifting it off, the beanie that always covered his hair was pulled off, letting Edd's long black hair fall over his face slightly covering the top of his eyes. "Well, this is a new look." Kevin said softly, as he brought the helmet to his side. Eddward's cheeks began to redden as he turned his face away, afraid of what Kevin might say if he saw. "Tho I believe this belongs to you." Kevin's voice traveled low, as he extended his arm offering Edd back his beanie. Eddward took the beanie out of Kevin's hands and put it back on, tucking a good portion of his hair underneath it hiding it away. Kevin placed the helmet on the back of the bike as the two began to make their way to the restaurant. "What selection of food do the server here?" Eddward asked as they moved between the parked cars in the small lot. "It is a buffet style of all selections, and it is pretty good as well, not the rip off junk you get at the usual buffet's." Kevin replied, a warm smile on his face.
As the two walked through the door, a younger looking blonde stood ready at the seating line a bright smile, and a almost perky hop to his appearance. Approaching him he finally spoke up, "Welcome to Govinda's my name is Allex and I'll be your waiter this evening." the boy started, "Will this be a table for 2 or are we expecting more?" Eddward surprisingly stepped in at this point, "Salutations Allex, this will only be for the 2 of us, and thank you for such a warm greeting." he said, stepping slightly in front of Kevin. Being closer there was one astonishing feature of this waiter boy, and that was his eyes, which were a deep amethyst purple. Allex simply smiled, nodded his head, and grabbed two menus and the coordinating silverware, then began to lead them to their table. Once sat down Allex pulled out a small pad and a pen, "What would you 2 like to drink?" he asked casually, "We have pepsi products if that helps." Kevin and Eddward looked towards each other, "I'll have whatever you do." Eddward said shyly. "Then it seems we are having two Mnt. Dews, no ice in either please." Kevin replied to both. Allex's pen flicked and in moments he smiled, and excused himself to go retrieve their drinks. "Shall we?" Kevin asked, standing.
Both boys went through the lines of the buffet, Kevin focused on the Italian side of things while Eddward was off in an oriental section. Kevin picked heavy pastas, and rich red meats and hefty starches. Edd, focused on lean foods, strips of smoked salmon, sushi, and greens of all sorts. The 2 reconvened at their table and sat, each taking a small note of what the other had gotten. Their drinks were there waiting for them and glancing around they saw the flash of blonde as Allex bounced from table to table waiting on the other customers. For as full as the building was, it was seemingly quiet. The first few minutes went by in silence as Kevin and Eddward ate their meals. The more their plates began to empty the more conversation began to spur. "Edd, I'm sorry for earlier." Kevin started, spinning his fork around on his plate, now more just picking at his food, "Edwin has a history of ruining things for me, and quite honestly I didn't want you getting mixed up in the middle of our feuds." "I'm not sure how much you remember about us back when we actually got to be around each other, " he continued, "but day after day I remember all of it, tho sometimes I go a long time without thinking about it the memories never leave my head." "I made friends that day where we all came together and though you two seemed to not want to continue with the style of the spotlight I did, and in that I lost the connection to the world that was more just on a human level." "When I saw you I was happier than I have been in a long time, you brought back memories of when I still felt like I belonged to just myself, but as a kid even that wasn't much." Eddward sat and listened, he carefully analyzed each word, wanting to do his best to understand how Kevin felt, wanting to do his best to find a way to hear all this and try to make a part of it better. Kevin continued "You were and are still a very shy person, yet you have the ability to make such a change of mood in a person." Edd sat quiet for a moment, thinking of what he could possibly say next that would help this moment. "I remember your smile the most." Eddward began, "You were like a torch in the dark for me, though I at times was ready to quit and just return to studies and hide away from where I was at that time, to leave the spotlight and never come back, you told me your dreams and ambitions, you held my hand pulling me to my feet and helped me get through what had to be done." At this point Edd's voice was beginning to shake. "You are very correct in saying we gained friends there, but I gained something more and that was an emotion a very young me could not understand at all yet." Kevin's heart was in his throat, was Eddward saying what he thought? "When I'm around you Kevin..," Eddward's voice caught in his throat and the boy stopped, he sat there shaking looking at the ground, afraid to move. "What am I doing.." Edd thought to himself, "Why am I telling him this.." Without lifting his head he heard Kevin's chair slide back, Eddward figured he was about to leave, what he had said was too much. What happened next was definitely not that. A warm hand slid behind his head and another under his chin, his head was tilted ever so slightly and then gently, lips, pressed against his own. It lasted only a moment, but in that time the silence was deafening. No words were needed for the second their lips were together, every word, every emotion, and every feeling was conveyed right then and there. That moment was over as quick as it started, Kevin moved away and sat back down at his seat grabbing his fork and beginning to eat again like nothing had happened. Eddward was no longer shaking but his cheeks burned a bright red, and little did either of them know, so did one other in the restaurant. Allex was making his way over to them from one side of the room when he saw Kevin get up and simply walk over and kiss Eddward. The moment seemed a first, yet so sincere, Allex wondered the story behind it. Kevin stood, his plate empty and moved to next to Eddward, "Want to go?" He started, "I feel like we would have a better time talking about the rest of this in private. Edd simply shook his head yes, standing with Kevin as the two exited the building.
