Chapter 2
Kevin walked Edd to his next class, keeping him in close proximity. Students jeered, calling them faggots, and Edd just rolled his eyes. They stopped in front of Kevin's class.

"You dug your own grave, kid," Edd said. "Now everyone's gonna think you're gay for hanging around me."

"That doesn't matter," Kevin said.

"Why not?"

Kevin looked at the ground. "Well... Because I am gay."

"You are?"

"Yeah. I just didn't pronounce it to the whole school," Kevin said light-heartedly.

Edd smirked. "Watch it, nerd. You're in my care. You better not mouth off."

"You won't harm me," Kevin said matter-of-factly.

"What makes you think that?" Edd asked.

"Because by the end of the week, I'll be the only one making you feel like you're less alone."

Edd didn't know what to say to that. It was kind of already true. He was enjoying the boy's company, even though they'd only been talking for less than ten minutes.

Kevin fidgeted. "Sorry...That was weird..."

"No, it's fine," Edd assured him. "You're probably gonna end up being right. I have no friends and my parents are never around."

Kevin looked at his watch. "You better get to class, Edd. How bout we talk after school? I'll come over? I have Quiz Bowl, but after that-"

Edd interrupted his babbling. "Yeah I have swim practice. They end at bout the same time. I'll meet you by the Quiz Bowl room and we'll walk back to my house."

The redhead grinned. "Yeah, I'd like that. It's a date... I mean! Not a-what I meant-" He just groaned and rushed into the math room.

The swimmer smirked. That kid was too cute when he was flustered. Edd went to his class, counting down the minutes until he got to see his Pumpkin. Pumpkin… He liked the sound of that. He'd have to use that nickname on him and get him all nervous.

Edd got out of the pool and headed toward the locker room. He'd decided to take a couple more laps after everyone got out to have some time alone. He was walking down the corridor toward the changing area, when he heard his name. He stopped at the bend, listening in.

"Looks like we got another fag to beat up," one said.

"A nerd and a faggot?" another agreed. "Too easy."

"Not with Edd around," one he recognized as Dalton said. "He's pretty tough and you know he'll be protecting the kid."

"Not if we get to him first," the first one said. "When he comes in here, he'll be ours."

Edd paled. Sure, he could take on a few guys, but the whole swim team? Not a chance. He needed his clothes.

Suddenly, someone came around the corner and he jumped back. He braced himself for an attack, but nothing happened. He opened his eyes, and saw his bag. Plank, the newest member of the swim team, was holding it out for him. Plank was his nickname because he never talked and barely moved at all like a plank. He was also very tall and lean, but muscular. His brown hair was shaved into a mohawk and he had two eyebrow piercings.

"I got your things," he mumbled. "Get out of here before they find you."

Edd, not having time to be awestruck as that was the most he'd ever heard Plank say, ran from the locker room and locked the bathroom behind him. He looked at his phone; it was five minutes until swim practice and Quiz Bowl ended. He needed to change quick and get Kevin out before the swim team could pick up their scent.

He threw his clothes on, running to the Quiz Bowl room and knocking. The coach, who was the math teacher, answered.

"Yes?" Mrs. Brinigan asked sweetly.

"I need you to let Kevin Barr out early," Edd explained. "I'm concerned for his well-being."

"Why's that?"

"I overheard a threat on his person. I need to get him out of here. Immediately."

Mrs. Brinigan knew that Kevin was bullied regularly, and for the sake of his health, she dismissed Kevin.

"What's going on?" Kevin asked as Edd pulled him by the arm.

"No time," Edd said, digging in his pocket for his car keys. "I'll explain in the car."

Kevin nodded, walking faster to keep up with Edd's long strides. They burst threw the door, and ran to Edd's car. Edd was relieved when his key was in the ignition and the car was started. Kevin was also, but he still watched the school doors nervously. The swimmer pulled out of the school parking lot, laying a comforting hand on the nerd's leg. Kevin relaxed sweetly, then asked what was going on.

"The swim team…" Edd began. "I overheard them talking about us. They are planning to attack us both. They want to get me out of the way and then inflict pain on you for being around me. I had to get you out before they could get to either of us. I promised to keep you safe, and I'm gonna keep that promise, even if I get hurt too. But I can't keep you safe if I'm injured to within an inch of my life. Things are about to get really hard for both of us."

"I have faith in you," Kevin said, laying his hand atop the ravenette's. "And protect you too if I have to. I'm not very strong, but for you I'll try to be."

"No," Edd said. "Just stay by my side. I'll protect you, even if I get hurt. Don't put yourself in harm's way. I don't think I'd be able to live with it if you were letting yourself get hurt because of me."

Kevin's fingers curled around Edd's and squeezed. The latter smiled softly. The redhead was too cute, he could hardly take it. He wanted him, needed him, but the time wasn't right. They'd only just met. He had to be patient for his prize. Trust needed to be built, secrets shared. Until then, Edd would keep him safe. No matter the dangers awaiting them.