Chapter Three! FINALLY! I know things are moving along super slow and my chapters are rather short, but my B-day is coming up so Imma be busy with that and promotion! ugh! Also, this chapter has strong language and references that might contradict what you normally read in a KEVEDD fanfic. Bear with me the chapter will get better, so, without further ado, Chapter Three: Couldn't Be More Awkward.
Edd looked away and walked swiftly over to the other side of the car. As if his truck could protect him. Ira, however, shouted back at them.
"Hey!" she carefully put down the items she was holding and cupped her hands over her mouth to yell some more. Edd willed himself not to pay attention. He could feel the eyes of several of the bullies watching him. It felt like dull daggers were being shoved into his back.
Edd took a deep breath to calm himself. "What are you doing Eddward?" Edd scolded himself. "Its not like they're going to make you and Ira camp with them, they don't have control over you, you haven't been full-out bullied since the beginning of this year. Just continue to set up camp at the nice place you found." Edd took another deep breath and continued to block out the shouted conversation. He hadn't packed much, so all he had to do now was bring it over to their nice little camping spot. But a tug and his arm stopped him and he looked over into Ira's pleading face. This was not a good sign.
"Double D, can I ask you a really huge favor? You don't have to agree, but it'd make you my best friend forever." it seemed impossible but her eyes got bigger.
Edd played dumb, though he already knew the dreaded question. "Oh, what would the favor be?"
"Well, a couple of my good friends are over there, an' wanted to know if we'd like to accompany them during our time here." "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!" in his mind Edd was screaming and yelling and flailing around. But the look on his face was calm and collective. Or as much as it could be when he'd rather do anything but what was being asked of him.
"Please?" as if to emphasize her want for joining her jock friends she leaned in closer.
Edd sighed in defeat and rubbed the back of his neck. "Ok, fine..."
Ira almost squealed with joy and threw her arms around the slightly taller lanky teen.
"Thanks D!" she gave him a quick peck on the cheek to prove how happy he'd just made her.
Ira could tell Edd was tense, those were the same guys that were always beating him up and putting him down. She knew that he wanted to say no, but he never said no to a friend. He was too nice, a lot nicer than the jerk-jocks she had become friends with. The only real reason she knew anything about Edd, was because several of the guys on the team were trying to hide the fact they were bi. They were the kind of douches who didn't know how to have a healthy relationship. They constantly were taking it out on Edd. They all secretly had a crush that they'd never tell each other about, and they all fancied Edd. It was funny, but they didn't know how to express themselves properly. It wasn't Ira's place, but no one else even tried to stop their bullshit. So she stood up for him. She thought he was cute too. His big cyan eyes, crooked slight gap-toothed smile, his stuttering when he was nervous. He was the kind of guy Ira liked. But she knew better, he was far too shy. She'd never admit it, but she swore Edd liked guys more than girls. Her gaydar went haywire when they would talk about love. But that was that, she couldn't get close. She didn't mind though, they'd always be friends. She also had the upper hand on everyone, they'd slept over at each others places multiple times since becoming friends. The best thing about it was that neither one cared if the other wanted to cuddle or snuggle. On cold days it just happened, no words needed. They often fell asleep watching the history channel like that.
"Ira" Edd practically whispered and Ira leaned in so she could hear him. "Promise you won't leave me alone?"
A sympathetic smile crossed Ira's face and she wrapped her arm around his. "As long as you want me and need me."
Edd seemed to relax a little. Ira felt guilty, she was asking a lot of him. Facing the guys who made his his life a living hell must be hard. But she also knew he couldn't hide from them forever, he needed a push to get going. The scenario in Ira's mind was of a small child on the swing. Alone as the snow falls. She needed to be the other kid who lent a warm hand. She needed to give him a push. Only then, would he be able to stand strong.
Ira twined her fingers with Edd's. Silently she told herself "As long as I can, I'll be your friend, even if you don't love me the way I love you."
Kevin watched as Edd and the girl walked down to hang with them. Nat, being the flirtatious bitch he was, invited them to join them on the camping grounds. Nat seemed unable to hold his tongue when he wanted to talk to some one.
"He had to invite the dork and his girlfriend." Kevin felt a pang of jealousy when the word "girlfriend" came to his mind. He felt his cheeks start to tingle at the hint of a blush. He couldn't help but toss a glare at the girl. His heart picked up pace the closer they got.
It didn't make sense. Why was he feeling like this? His heart felt like a hammer in his chest. Then he saw something that made him want to turn and run the other way. Edd and the bitch were whispering! "CUNT!" Kevin's mind was racing. He saw the little whore place her hand in Edd's. Kevin felt infuriated. He wanted nothing more than to run full speed over there and sock the stupid girl right in her fucking face!
Kevin was startled by his thoughts. Why was he thinking like this? Its not like he and Edd were friends. He'd bullied the kid ever since he and the other two dorks became friends. So why? Why was he getting all pissed at seeing him with some new chick?
"Hey, Nat!" the girls gray-blue eyes smiled along with her mouth. Kevin wanted to wipe the smile from her face.
"Hey, Ira!" Nat greeted her with his flirtatious smirk.
Ira. So that's the little shit's name. Kevin couldn't stop his eyes from narrowing at her. She needed to know that if Kevin had his way, she was not welcome.
Ira could see Kevin glaring at her. Shock overtook her mind and she wondered why exactly he would give her that look. She'd only ever said hi to him. It was only in passing and was immediately forgotten. So, why was he giving her the death glare?
Nat greeted Edd and her in his usual trying-too-hard-but-not-really way.
Ira could feel Kevin's intense glare. There it was. Something was tripping her gaydar. Was it Kevin?
"So, you guys need help with the tents?" Nat's eager eyes were on the truck parked a few yards away.
Edd spoke up for a moment "W-we've already unloaded everything from m-my truck."
Nat seemed shocked that Edd was the one who spoke up. The shock passed quickly though and Nat's regular expression returned.
"Sounds good, we'll just bring the stuff down here and set it up, we got plenty of room!" Nat winked and started over towards the organized piles of camping equipment.
Edd didn't like the fact that he would be camping out with the football team. He wanted to disappear, cover his face, run, anything, but accompany the jocks. But from what he'd heard, there was no way of being able to turn down Nathan Goldberg. Edd's insides hurt. He could feel everyone's eyes on him. He gripped Ira's hand tighter.
Nat started to head over to Edd's beloved truck. Edd, acting on instinct, walked swiftly after the slightly taller teen. In doing so, he let go of Ira's hand. It felt kinda empty, but he heard her walking after him, so he didn't feel quite as alone.
"Nathan, its very kind of you to help, but please, your assistance in unnecessary!"
"You're cute, but just call me Nat, k?" Nat laughed at Edd's persistence.
"Natha- I mean, Nat, please desist this at once!" Nat only laughed. Why hadn't he ever noticed this kid before? He was totally cute!
Ira giggled at Edd's annoyance.
"Sorry sweet cheeks, but you and your girlfriend can sit back and watch me take care of your work!" Nat had reached the piles and started picking up the heaviest items and started heading back to the camp where everyone was waiting and watching.
Edd could feel himself blush "We're not going out..."
Nat stopped mid-step and spun around. He dropped the heavy tent on the ground and rushed over to Edd wrapping him in tight hug. He then proceeded to give Edd a kiss on the cheek.
"So you're free game?" Nat practically shouted.
Everyone who was talking or working stopped and looked over at the two of them. Edd blushed deeply wriggling out of Nat's arms.
"So? Why'd you want to know if I was single?" Edd's blush was evidently reddening.
Nat's quirky smile engulfed his face. "Because you're fucking cute, and I'm bi, so, what the hell!"
Edd's look of embarrassment was replaced with one of shock, nervousness, and disgust. He simply said in a voice everyone strained to hear "No Thank You."
