Thank you all for reading and your lovely feedback! It means more than you know! Sorry this next chapter took so long and for it's inhuman length. Forgive me... You can follow me at my tumblr, lavirarose, my all Kevedd blog, and feel free to message me!

Most of the French is self explanatory or explained within the text but just to clarify,
Ma citrouille
- My pumpkin
Ta citrouille - Your pumpkin
Mon coeur - My heart
More will be included at the end of the text, too!


As soon as Kevin is away from Edd, the space giving him a chance to properly clear his head, he begins regretting everything.

Pretending to date Edd - why had he thought that was a good idea? Probably because he was so overwhelmed by the entire situation.

First, Edd is gay. Okay, maybe not so surprising considering the fact that he's never dated anyone from their school (other than Marie) despite how girls flock to him. Hindsight is 20-20 and all. Now the way Edd avoids the affection of even the most beautiful and talented of Peach Creek's female populus makes a lot more sense and makes the truth seem pretty obvious.

Second, his parents are seriously never around. Kevin thinks back to all of the times he saw a car pull into Edd's driveway late at night just to find it gone the next day, he had always assumed it must have been Edd's mom or dad but apparently not. So, that raises the question, who stops by Edd's house in the middle of the night every once in awhile?

Now that Kevin thinks about it, he can't remember the last time he saw the car. Maybe he's made it into a bigger deal than it actually is. Maybe he just doesn't want to think about how truly alone Edd must be.

No parents for six months might be what every teenage boy says he wants but it makes Kevin's gut clench with fear. Who buys Edd groceries? Who pays the bills? Who takes care of him when he's sick? God, what a fucked up life that must be. Kevin would just die; the thought of going off to college next year is enough to make his knees shake but this - this is like a nightmare.

Third, Edd actually kissed him. Not on the lips but dangerously close which was surprisingly more intimate than if he had laid one on the poor boy. Plus he's acting dangerously (pleasantly) possessive of Kevin since the incident with the two football players.

"I hate that they touched you," he had said and his eyes were so dark and his whole demeanor so present, intimate, overwhelming that the words are still bouncing around in Kevin's head.

Was that a good thing or a bad thing? In ways it might save Kevin from the other bullies but what if Edd decides he doesn't want anyone touching Kevin? It's hard to tell how much of his possessive behavior is serious or not or how deep it may run within him.

That might be the scariest thing to Kevin, the thought that he's unwittingly given himself to someone who wants to possess him - to own him like a toy.

Last but certainly not least, Double fucking D confessed that he has a crush on Kevin and intends to "romance" him, whatever the fuck that means.

Romance. Eddward wants to romance Kevin Barr. Eddward fucking Vincent.

And he kissed Edd on the cheek but let's not get too into that. It was just a kiss. On the cheek. No big deal.

No big deal.

Kevin has no clue what is going on. It's like he's been thrown into an alternate universe and all hell is breaking loose.

This must be another game, another way to tease him. Eddward simply can't be interested in Kevin Barr, the scrawny, pale geek that serves as Peach Creek's resident punching bag. Edd is the beautiful intelligent and talented star, bully and bad boy. He's lusted after, loved and hated by everyone in equal measure. It just doesn't make sense for someone like Edd to like someone like Kevin.

It makes a lot more sense that someone like Edd would do this to hurt someone like Kevin.

Even if he's gay, Edd can still have literally anyone at school as his boyfriend. He's the heartthrob. Gorgeous, smart, talented and rich? Even if he's an abrasive ass, how could he not be considered the perfect man by the masses?

Plus he speaks French which, according to Nazz, is perhaps the sexiest thing about him (Kevin doesn't get it but maybe that's because he's tired of being called "citrouille" all the goddamn time).

What if this is just a plot to make his life hell? What if he sent Rebecca Bran to tell Kevin that he's gay just to make it all the more believable? What if this ends with Kevin's heart broken along with his will and body?

Edd is brilliant and vicious, Kevin wouldn't put it past him to use his genius to concoct some sort of revenge on Kevin for taking his hat.

If Kevin were in his place he would do just that. Those terrible scars, the fear in Edd's eyes - hell, Kevin sort of wants to punish himself for it. He can't get over the honest horror that Double D had so obviously felt not to mention Kevin's own disgust with himself upon seeing the marks marring Edd's delicate skin.

The image of Edd, so relaxed, pale and soft around the edges, terribly scarred and harmed, is seared into Kevin's memory. He feels sick to his stomach just thinking about it. Bastard or not, somehow seeing someone as beautiful as Edd be so wounded is just not right, and it's not the physical wounds, it's the obvious psychological ones that made Edd so desperately afraid in that moment, the ones that have led him to hiding himself for years.

This is probably all just another way to tear Kevin down, to make him hurt and embarrassed and Kevin can't even blame him. He can't feel any bitterness or resentment only resignation because despite the years of torment he's suffered at Edd's hands he has crossed such a terrible line that he can't forgive himself. Yet he's still horrified of what is to come.

Christ, how could he be so foolish as to trust the Shark of Peach Creek?

Beneath his good looks and aplomb, Eddward Vincent is a fucking beast who wants nothing more than to make others hurt and to lord his power over them.

That's what Marie had said, even, if not in so many words: Edd enjoys making others feel like lesser beings. Rebecca Bran, his teammate, had said it too: an "absolute beast", she had called him, an "absolute beast".

Yet the adoration in Edd's eyes is not something that can be faked, so warm that it wormed its way straight to Kevin's heart and lodged itself there in the form of a burr of hope that he can't quite shake. As sure as he is that this is all just some horrible trap, Kevin can't let go of the hope (the sick, twisted, stupid hope).

Even this has to be a little too far for Edd. Dating the dork of the school? The male mathlete? Making the entire school think he likes Kevin, that they're in a serious relationship? Surely his reputation is going to take a hit, not just because Kevin is a dork or because he's male but just because he's poor, at least compared to Double D with his brand new car and his friends the Kankers, the richest kids to walk the halls, and even Jimmy who wears fucking Prada.

Eddward is so, so out of his league in every way imaginable that it's not even funny.

But he confessed to Kevin. Not to Marie Kanker, his best friend and beautiful, brilliant ex. Not to Rachel Odette the gorgeous cheerleader who Kevin has seen trying to flirt with Edd. Not even to Jacob Messer, the only other gay student Kevin is aware of and second in his class, only behind Edd, who Double D talks to constantly. Jacob makes more sense than Kevin. Anyone makes more sense than Kevin.

Kevin can't help but remember how Edd had touched him, all piano fingers and soft skin. The way Edd had kissed him… it was so gentle and sincere that just thinking about it turns Kevin's stomach into a mess of butterflies and heat. He had never imagined Edd's touch could be so tender, even back when he had a crush on the boy. It was so, so sincere.

Then Kevin recalls that moment in the locker room when the swimming coach came in. One second Edd had been tearful and cold, the next he was practically jovial, expertly hiding his emotions. The memory makes Kevin's stomach sink and his pulse pound in his head. Edd has proven himself to be a good actor, it's only logical to think this is another of his parts.

Kevin must admit he's in a dangerous position. He wants more than anything for this to be honest, for Edd to actually like him and want him, making Kevin all the easier to fool.

He never expected it to be so easy for his old crush to rear its ugly head, especially after all the years of torment (no matter how innocent Edd's actual intentions may have been or any of the kind actions Kevin failed to notice), but here it is, threatening to consume him.

Now he remembers all of the good things about Edd, the things that made Kevin fall for him in the first place, and it's making this whole situation messy and confusing. The science fair, the late nights spent working together, the grade-saving homework corrections, the fact that Edd protected him from the football team captain, all of it.

Kevin has felt very lonely these past few years but only now is he realizes just how lonely he really is. He wants someone to be with and he wants them badly. He's never been in a proper relationship, never had someone to call his own and someone to call him theirs. It makes him feel a little shitty, to be honest. For all of his smarts and success, he doesn't have anyone other than Nazz and even she has many friends other than him.

It's not so much that he likes Edd, he realizes, it's that he likes the idea of this beautiful, talented man taking interest in him, protecting him, wanting him. That makes him feel sick with himself.

Is he really this shallow and desperate?

He is. He really is.

After years spent convinced he was going to be alone with no romantic life whatsoever, whether his partner was female or male, he feels hollow inside, like he needs something to fill the void. He wants someone. Anyone, apparently.

Also, surely someone is going to beat him up. This is such a fucking stupid idea. Now that everyone's suspicions are confirmed about Kevin's sexuality they're totally going to slaughter him.

Characteristic cynicism overtaking him, Kevin keeps his head down and gnaws on his lip until it bleeds. The pain is oddly soothing to his rattling mind. He may or may not clutch at Edd's hoodie which he just put on a few moments ago upon Edd's insistence.

He's heading to class, looking for signs of bullies around every corner, but no one stops him. No one trips him or shoulders him or knocks his books from his hands.

A hand comes down on his back and he nearly has a heart attack (this is it, afterall), whipping his head around to take in the bigger boy with comically wide eyes.

It's one of the swim team members, Jason Shore, a tall boy with even more freckles than Kevin decorating his dark skin and the loudest laugh he's ever heard. "Hey man! About time!" he says happily and grins.

He's patting Kevin's back.

Holy shit, has he gone down the rabbit hole?

He holds up his fist (gonna punch-) and it takes Kevin a moment to respond in turn, bumping his knuckles against Jason's. Jason smiles good naturedly and is on his way with a "So happy for you guys! Bye, Pumpkin!"

Kevin takes a shaky breath and moves to step back. He bumps into someone and yelps; delicate hands grasp his elbow, steadying him. It's a girl he's seen around but doesn't know by name. Another swimmer with pretty brown eyes and thick blond hair. Behind her stands another three girls, one a swimmer and the other two cheerleaders. She smiles at him sweetly and his heart skips.

"You look super cute in his jacket, Pumpkin!" she singsongs and before he has the chance to collect himself she presses a quick kiss to his cheek which makes him freeze. "See you at the meet, sweetie!" she says warmly.

"Bye, sweetie!" one of the cheerleaders croons with a sugary, sincere grin and flutters her fingers at him

Then the girls are gone and so is Jason leaving Kevin blushing in the middle of the hall and horribly confused.

No one touches him other than that but everyone is looking at him. A few hoot and holler at him but it's all things like "Way to go!" or "Get some, nerd!" which make Kevin blush so hard he thinks he might faint. Even the crassest comments are not hurtful or mean, only painfully suggestive. It leaves his head swimming.

In the end he is slightly late to class. When he enters the room everyone starts oohing and ahing and a few people clap obnoxiously, catcalling and whistling.

Poor Ms. James looks horribly confused. He offers her the late slip, face aflame, too embarrassed to really meet her eyes.

"Is… everything okay, Kevin?"

"Yeah, Pumpkin!" a kid from the back of the class calls. Oh, it's Rebecca.

"He's more than okay!" another cries.

Suddenly the class erupts into laughter but it's not… at his expense, he realizes. They're excited about it, they've been gossipping about it, but they aren't disapproving in the slightest. It's like his chest opens up and all of the fears and anxieties hounding him seep out with his breath. They are just amused, and not at his expense, not at all.

He smiles shyly, his chest suddenly warm and his stomach fluttery.

Ms. James raises an eyebrow, amused smirk on her face. "Go ahead and take a seat."

"Back here!" Rebecca calls. He hesitantly listens against his better judgement and the voice in the back of his mind reminding him that Edd is not to be trusted, heading to the back of the class to join her.

He yelps when a hand comes down on his back again, but it doesn't hurt. "Good for you, man," one of his classmates says and is so serious and emphatic about it, eyes wide and head bobbing in approval, Kevin can't help the nervous bubble of laughter that escapes his throat.

"Thanks…"

He sits in front of Rebecca and next to one of the male swimmers, he thinks his name is Roberto but everyone calls him Ro, and he grins so broadly that Kevin thinks it must hurt.

"We've been trying to get Double D to ask you out for years now!" Ro laughs. "It's about time you guys got together!"

Kevin can't help but gulp and look away; he's still grinning like a fool. "Yeah…"

"Hey," Rebecca says excitedly and leans in, dropping her voice. "Was it because of what I told you earlier?"

"Ah, well," he laughs and twists his fingers together, "I might have mentioned it to him."

Rebecca squeals in delight.

"We should get you a proper jacket since you're officially one of us now," one suggests excitedly.

"He might as well have been already," another girl pipes up and smiles gently. It's Mary from his AP Biology class last semester. "We always notice you at the meets, Kevin."

He smiles despite himself.

"So, can we keep calling you Pumpkin or do you prefer Kevin?"

Kevin shakes his head smile only growing. He's not sure what comes over him but he finds himself saying, "Pumpkin is fine if you guys are used to it."

Kevin isn't bothered at all, not once. No one even looks at him funny.

It is the most freeing feeling in the world.

It makes him feel high, especially with swimmers all smiling at him and acting like he's one of the team himself. Every single one of them know him as Pumpkin and they apparently have been told about how he won the science fair with Edd and someone even mentions that Edd said he's into robots. Edd apparently talks about him a lot, actually.

Kevin tries and fails not to be flattered. But it's also confusing. Was he really the only one who didn't realize Edd's feelings?

Rebecca gave him her phone number, one of them (Danny Lawrence) asked him to help him with his math homework ("Edd says you're a genius at this stuff, man, please oh please save my ass - oh shit, don't tell him I cursed, please"), and a couple even told him he should come swimming with them (and promptly gasped when he informed them he can't swim for the life of him).

Edd's teammates are all too genuinely excited about their relationship for the whole thing to be some grand scheme.

For the first time in a very, very long time he doesn't feel like an outcast.

This whole pretending to date thing is working out better than Kevin ever expected. Only now he feels guilty for lying to all of these nice swimmers who want to be his friend and are giving him such honest smiles. Surprisingly, his guilt doesn't dampen his pure relief and joy though it rests heavily at the back of his mind.

By the time he reaches his locker he can't stop smiling and his grin only grows when he sees Nazz.

"This was the best choice I ever made," he tells her immediately and her eyebrows shoot up. "Everyone is being so nice to me."

"So it's really working?" she asks and doesn't even try to hide her shock.

"Yeah! No one has touched me. Not at all. No shoving in the halls, no stealing my homework, no noogies or slurs. Apparently the whole swim team likes me, too! Like, sincerely likes me. I'm not even exaggerating."

Nazz surprises him by enveloping him in a hug which he quickly returns. "I haven't seen you this happy in… well, forever!" she cries and holds him out at arm's length. "I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm glad you're dating the school bully."

They both burst into nervous laughter.

Kevin thinks back to yesterday and how all of this began because he was feeling protective of Nazz, not to mention crushing on her ever so slightly, and now he's here. Falling for Eddward. What the hell happened?

His loneliness suddenly rises like bile in his throat. Yesterday, he was alone except for this wonderful, caring girl, the only person to even spare him a passing glance and not intentionally hurt him, and now he's surrounded by people who like him, even if it's solely because they think he's dating their friend it feels like the edges of the hole within him are being mended.

He realizes he may be crushed if Edd were to withdraw this offer, if they were to drop this act. It's only been a few hours and he feels completely dependent upon this terrible, cruel boy.

"Listen, later I'd like to talk, if that's okay," he says lowly. "I really need to talk to you. So much is happening, I just need to run some stuff past you."

His chest feels painfully tight as he says it, feeling the fear rise from the pit of his stomach and threatening to suffocate him. He's not sure why, Nazz is his best and only friend after all, but maybe that's just it. Maybe if he tells her about all of these horrible thoughts and feelings she'll be disgusted. He would be.

Nazz nods quickly, her eyes flicking away from his face and her lips curling ever so slightly.

"Choice," he says, still buzzing with excitement and nerves and terror.

An arm curls around Kevin's shoulders and he's pulled against Edd's side somewhat forcefully yet not harshly. He can't help but jolt.

He huffs, craning his neck to look up at the taller boy. "Hello to you, too."

Edd smirks down at him, eyes warm with mirth. "Good afternoon, Pumpkin. I trust I'm not interrupting anything."

"Would you actually care if you were?"

Edd smirks darkly and lowers his mouth to Kevin's ear. "Why should I? You're mine…"

It takes a moment for the words to register but when they do it's like a shock sent straight to the poor boy's heart. Possessive, domineering, demanding, cruel - he has made a deal with the closest thing to a devil he's ever known and-

Edd draws away and brushes his thumb over the smaller boy's cheek. "As much joy as I get from making you squirm, citrouille, I feel I must tell you I'm just joking."

Kevin blushes fiercely and punches Edd's ribs gently. "Shut up."

Edd only grins (damn that cute gap for making Kevin's chest all warm and fluttery) and draws Kevin closer in order to press a kiss to his head.

Why is that so gentle and sincere and so, so painfully confusing?

Kevin wants to crawl in a hole and just die.

Nazz raises an eyebrow. "Well… I'll talk to you two 'lovebirds' later…" she says turning but stops, giving Edd a dark look. "And I asked Marie."

"Finally."

"Did she say yes?" Kevin asks eagerly, honestly thankful for a change in topic.

Nazz blushes softly and smiles.

Edd scoffs. "Of course she did, Pumpkin. Marie is as into Nazz as your little girlfriend is into her."

Nazz's lovestruck expression drops and she rolls her eyes. "Bye guys."

"Don't be a jerk," Kevin orders but he finds he can't truly be irritated.

He slips from Edd's grasp and opens his locker. He carefully pulls out the books he needs and turns to find Edd fiddling with his label maker.

"Oh no, don't you dare-"

"Relax, dork," he smirks and before Kevin can stop him a label is being placed upon his locker that reads "Property of DD" just like the one on Edd's.

"Jesus."

"Just another protective measure, ma citrouille."

"Uh-huh, sure. I think you just have a possessive streak."

"Oh, most definitely. But can you blame me?" he chuckles as he runs his thumb across the label to ensure it stays. His face suddenly falls, blue eyes pinning Kevin. "Speaking of, I heard about what happened in the hall."

Kevin's brow furrows. "What?"

Edd gives him a bored look.

"I seriously don't know what you're talking about. No one has hurt me or anything and all of your teammates are being super nice."

"Maybe a little too nice…"

Kevin scoffs. "What are you talking about?"

"Melanie McKinsey," he says rolling his eyes.

"I don't even know who that is."

"Oh really?" he says mockingly. "So Jason Shore was just lying when he said she dared to kiss you?"

Kevin's face flushes and he grimaces. "Holy shit, it was just a kiss on the cheek. I don't even know her."

Edd grabs the back of the boy's neck and leans in until their noses are about to brush. Kevin gulps half afraid he's about to be beat up, half afraid he's about to be kissed and unsure which would be worse.

Edd's blue eyes study Kevin's green for a brief moment and Kevin feels as if he must be able to see every single thought flitting through Kevin's head while those blue eyes reveal nothing.

"But," he says finally, voice chillingly low, "you're mine and, what's worse, she knows it."

"Edd," Kevin says weakly and looks away, surprised when Edd's grip leaves him. "Don't make me regret this deal."

Edd's blue eyes narrow and he sucks a breath in through his teeth. "I'm just protecting you," he bites.

"You don't need to 'protect me' from a sweet girl giving me a little kiss. The only reason they're paying attention to me at all is to get to you, anyway…" Kevin mumbles and squirms.

Edd sighs softly and draws Kevin into a hug, resting his chin on his head. "Shut up…"

Kevin rolls his eyes but says no more, carefully resting his head on Edd's chest. His heartbeat is there, warm and almost shocking; Kevin almost didn't expect him to have a heart, he realizes, as ridiculous as that sounds.

Edd draws away and scoops the textbooks from Kevin's grasp. "Come on, Pumpkin, let's get you home."

Kevin follows him out to his Prius, doing his best to ignore all of the guys praising Edd as they go, catcalling and smacking Edd's back fondly. He especially ignores the grin that's threatening to split Edd's face in two but he can't do the same to the hand sliding ever closer to Kevin's ass.

"If you grab my ass," Kevin says through clenched teeth, "I will punch you in front of all of your jock friends."

The asshole only laughs and teases his fingertips across the edge of Kevin's pants. Kevin doubts he's going to survive this.


Edd waits on him patiently when he goes to get his bike. He's not sure why that surprises him but it does. With that finally tucked away in the back of the car and his bag and books in the backseat, Kevin climbs hesitantly into the front so he's sitting with Edd.

"So, no one else touched you, right?" Edd asks, trying (and failing) to sound casual as he starts the car. Kevin gulps, unsure about how to interpret that let alone how to feel about it.

"Women flocked to me. Panties dropped. It was an orgy worthy of the Romans," Kevin snarks, practically defensive, and Edd chokes on air before turning his wide eyes to the smaller boy. Kevin can't help but smirk. "Geez, I'm just kidding. Keep your eyes on the road."

"I would appreciate it if you didn't joke like that," Edd grits out, face rosy. "It's lewd."

Kevin giggles and presses a hand over his eyes. "Come on, don't tell me the big, bad shark is a virgin…"

Edd sniffs. "I told you I have only had two relationships, one of which was with Marie."

"So? There's a difference between sex and a relationship," Kevin persists and at this point it's just to see Edd's reactions. It's practically empowering to get a rise out of the cool and calm shark.

Edd looks so mortified that Kevin can't help the peal of laughter which escapes him.

"Don't be obscene!"

"How is that obscene?" he gasps out between giggles.

Edd scoffs. "Well, you tell me, Mr. Barr, have you lost your virginity?"

"Nah," Kevin replies easily. It's one of the few things he doesn't let himself get hung up on. "I'm just a dork, remember?"

"I hardly see what that has to do with it."

"I mean girls don't run to me the way they do to you."

Edd looks at him furtively out of the corner of his eyes. "Is that a hint of jealousy I hear?"

Kevin shrugs and sighs. "I'm just lonely, I guess…" he admits. "A senior and I haven't even been kissed…"

As soon as he's said it, Kevin wishes he could take it back, his face flushed and throat tight with his embarrassment. Sure he sort of mentioned it during the whole kissing incident in the nurse's office but Edd had been pretty distracted at the time, not to mention he and Edd seem to be sharing secrets like it's going out of style, but he definitely shouldn't have said this. This is almost worse than anything else, even admitting his sexuality.

Edd makes this soft noise, almost pleased Kevin thinks. "I envy you that."

"What?" his voice rings with shock. "Envy the fact that I've never kissed anyone?"

Edd hums. "My first kiss was horrible and I've never had a good one, really. Not…" his Adam's apple bobs, "not one that I haven't regretted."

"What about today?" Kevin asks before he can stop himself and his stomach flips at his own brashness and stupidity.

"'Today'?"

"You… kissed me, sort of."

Edd smirks but doesn't face him. "Of course I don't regret that but it wasn't a real kiss. I mean, it wasn't the type of kiss lover's share."

"So you're only counting French kissing or what?"

"I just… I felt the need to comfort you. I didn't mean it to be sexual in nature, that's what I'm trying to say. I didn't even consider it in that light or I wouldn't have done it."

Kevin's cheeks burn with his embarrassment and self-loathing. He can't believe he just said that. Of course Edd doesn't actually-

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable, Kevin."

The boy jerks his head up to find Edd's face stoic once more, his eyes focused on the road.

Did he really just use Kevin's actual name? Wow, that's almost… uncomfortable in and of itself.

They're barely five minutes from their homes now, though, which is a relief because Kevin can't stand this emotional rollercoaster.

"In all seriousness, I would like to kiss you but I know you are not attracted to me in the way I am attracted to you. So please don't worry about me… doing something unwanted. I won't touch you outside of the school, either, if you so desire."

Kevin's mouth is so dry it feels as if it is sealed shut.

"I realize that my previous behavior is-is what led to your…" his throat is too tight to continue.

The silence that follows is stifling. Kevin looks at Edd cautiously, his chest tight in an unpleasant way. "Edd… I," he gulps thickly (no, he should not be saying this, no, no, no), "I have to thank you."

"What? What for?"

"I- Christ, no one even looked at me in a mean way. Your teammates are all treating me like I'm one of them and everyone is just… I've never been treated like this. And I know it must be, uh, less than ideal for you. This situation. And… just, thanks. Thanks for protecting me and stuff and… yeah."

"It's the least I can do," Edd says hollowly, voice strained.

"You don't… need to feel sorry or something."

"Yet I do," he says dryly. "And I guess this whole thing probably just feels worse for you - as if I am only extending my tyranny," he adds, voice wry and cold.

He's angry, but not at Kevin. Kevin's chest feels both tight and flooded with a sinking feeling and he doesn't know to do.

"I…" (no, fuck no Kevin, no), "have a confession to make."

Edd takes a stuttering breath.

"I sort of…" (this is a horrible, horrible idea, stop, stop, stop - why is my mouth still moving fuck), "like it."

Edd suddenly breaks, so calmly pulling onto the side of the road that Kevin is afraid he's about to be murdered or something, before viciously putting the car in park. Kevin's heart is in his throat, his stomach is a mess, and when he turns to Edd his breath leaves him in a rush.

"Kevin," he says deeply, voice rough and warm yet demanding; it makes Kevin's knees shake. Blue eyes rove across his face taking in each and every flicker of emotion. "Kevin, I need you to tell me what that means before I do something rash."

"It-it means that your whole 'romancing' is working too well," Kevin stutters, stomach lurching.

Kevin shuts his eyes tightly, not sure what to expect. He hears the snap of Edd's seatbelt unlocking and then the whisk as it automatically jerks away. And suddenly Edd is - oh God, Edd is climbing into Kevin's lap, kneeling with his knees on either side of Kevin's waist and bowing over him so his head doesn't hit the roof of the car.

"What are-are you- what? Edd?" Kevin cries out in a terribly high voice that doesn't sound like his own.

Burning up, Kevin's wide eyes meet Edd's and he shudders at the fierceness of his gaze. He lets out an embarrassing noise that's disturbingly close to a whine as the taller boy's hands come to his shoulders, grasping them and then sliding up his neck to knock off his hat and comb through his short hair.

Kevin turns his face upwards, eyes fluttering shut, awaiting the kiss that is sure to come but instead he's pulled into a bruising hug and Edd presses his face into Kevin's hair.

"Jesus," Kevin mumbles and shivers when his lips brush against Edd's neck. His skin is so soft - Kevin never expected that. Once again his senses are assaulted by the smell of chlorine and baby shampoo and he lets out a high pitched laugh at how innocent the scent is.

Edd shifts and there is another soft click and the whir of Kevin's seatbelt drawing away, forcing him to pull his arm from within it. Kevin maneuvers himself to the side so Edd can half sit in the seat, half in his lap, his legs somewhat draped over Kevin's own, arms never leaving the smaller boy.

He presses a kiss to Kevin's cheek that makes the boy still, holding his breath. His heart is beating so fast and hard Kevin feels dizzy.

"I won't kiss you," Edd rumbles and the sound of his rough voice does something insane and beautiful to Kevin's stomach. "Not on the lips. If that's not what you want."

Kevin makes a strained noise that Edd seems to take as consent (and it is, that's the worst part) and trails delicate kisses all over Kevin's closest cheek that actually tickle and make him giggle somewhat hysterically.

And who can blame him? The Shark is practically in his lap, clinging to him for dear life. Some hysterics are to be expected.

"Oh," Kevin gasps in shock as his skin is peppered with careful, chaste kisses. "Ah- Edd?"

Kevin's hands accidentally brush across Edd's abdomen and fuck does he have some abs, Kevin can feel them even through his shirt and it makes his stomach clench. The boy's body should not feel so good, so perfect, against his own. Like a fool, he finds himself simply staring at his hand pressed against the flat of Edd's abdomen, a stark white against the black of the other boy's tight shirt which clings to the edges of his muscles and rides up ever so slightly so Kevin can see the barest hints of his hipbones.

Finally Edd releases him long enough to shift his legs off and draw Kevin into his own lap, eliciting a shrill shriek from the red head. Edd laughs, laughs brightly and warmly and oh lord does it do things to Kevin's stomach, and draws Kevin to his chest, cradling him close, hands clutching at him possessively.

Edd has beautiful hands, warm and soft with elegant fingers, and they feel unnaturally good as they press and push and pull Kevin, keeping him at Edd's chest as if the boy is afraid he'll disappear.

And Kevin lets them.

He lets Edd's hands guide him close, so close it's as if Edd wants to just trap him there forever, and it feels good to let go, to stop thinking, to just feel. It's so warm, so right yet wrong that it sends tingles down his spine and makes him only press himself closer.

Oh shit, those are certainly some muscles Kevin's head is resting against (Kevin actually feels a little shitty because he's like a wet noodle in comparison).

Edd kisses his forehead.

"I'm really not sure what I'm doing," he says gently, breath stirring Kevin's bangs. "I'm basically just acting on instinct, doing what feels right. Tell me if you… if it's not. I've never been with anyone. I can't recall the last time I was… hugged or… something like that."

Kevin nuzzles against the other boy's neck on instinct only to freeze upon realizing what he's doing (holy shit, holy shit, holy shit he just did that - this is happening and, what's worse, Kevin is reciprocating). But he can't deny the thrill it sends up his spine, the pleasant heat and shivers. He shouldn't want this but it feels nice and surreal, so surreal he can almost pretend it's not real at all.

"It's… this is okay," he says weakly. "Don't you dare grope me. Or-or pull this shit at school. I real-ly," his voice breaks and he coughs lightly to cover it up. "I… You really do like me?"

"Pumpkin," Edd tuts softly, "I already told you. Of course I do… Tu es à moi."

Kevin huffs softly. "I don't know French…" he mutters and fingers Edd's dogtags.

"It's a French saying. Something you say to your lover…"

"And what does it mean?"

Edd kisses his forehead once more and allows his lips to linger. "You are mine."

Kevin shudders and heat pools in his stomach as he presses his face almost violently into Edd's chest.

This shouldn't feel good, this shouldn't feel good at all. This is wrong and yet it makes Kevin's heart beat fast and everything feels so warm. It's like Kevin is alive for the first time, his senses flooded by Edd, by another human being, by his pulse, his breath, his touch. Kevin, after so long wanting just this, is going to become addicted if he's not careful.

"Possessive," he mutters but he doesn't sound angry or disgruntled the way he should, he sounds gentle, at most resigned.

"I am, I won't deny it."

Hesitantly, Kevin sits back and peers up at Edd's face. "When did this… happen?"

"Hm?"

"When did you - I don't know, start to like me, I guess?"

"Immediately," Edd answers almost as soon as the words leave Kevin's lips.

Kevin releases a surprised laugh. "What do you mean?"

"I mean it was practically love at first sight. I fell instantly."

Kevin gulps and bites his lip.

"Instantly."

Surely he can't mean it, surely this is just another way to tease him. This can't be happening. Edd Vincent cannot possibly have harbored a crush on Kevin for the past four years.

He feels lightheaded. His chest is warm and lovely and terrible.

"I remember I noticed you because you stood out despite all of your attempts not to. You were quiet and you never spoke unless you had something important to say. I find that trait attractive."

"You would…" Kevin laughs breathlessly and smiles up at him. Edd's smirk falls for a moment and Kevin's follows. "What's wrong?"

"I don't want to pretend to date you."

Kevin blushes and worries his lips until he tastes blood once more. He knows exactly what Double D means but does his best to pretend he doesn't because it would hurt him so badly if he's wrong. "You don't have to. We can just say it didn't work out, if you really don't want to," he gulps, keeping his eyes focused downwards.

Edd makes a soft noise, lips parting, and Kevin can't tell if it is a simple, nonsensical hum or an actual word in French (his understanding of the language is honestly nonexistent). "I want to date you. Actually date you. To be your boyfriend, Pumpkin, that's what I want." He reaches up to gently cradle Kevin's cheek and swipes his thumb over the blood on Kevin's lips. The action shakes Kevin to the core though he has no clue why.

"I, uh, I just feel like I don't really… I don't even know you, you know?"

Edd hums, his other hand coming to cup Kevin's face, guiding him to tilt his head up slightly. Edd's eyes flitter across Kevin's face then pause, brows furrowing. "It is bruised…" he murmurs as his fingers prod the spot those football players marked with their own digits.

Kevin's stomach clenches. "Are you… threatening me?"

Edd releases him so fast Kevin almost falls into the floor, even in the tight space. "No!" Edd cries and scrambles to hold Kevin close once more. "My lord, Pumpkin! Of course not! I was just- no! I just noticed."

Kevin looks at him closely but his nerves are legitimate, that much is very clear, as is his concern.

"Pumpkin," he murmurs, "I'm sorry. That's not what I meant at all."

Kevin gulps and nods slowly. "Okay."

"Listen," Edd sighs. "I will not ask you out or make any advances whatsoever. Only you can do that and I will respond in turn. Is that alright with you?"

Kevin nods slowly, the new rules sinking in. "So… if I just… climb out of your lap right now and say 'no'-"

"I will stop immediately. Do you want me to stop?"

"No…" Kevin says softly and shyly meets Edd's eyes. "This is… okay."

"Okay. Whatever makes you comfortable, mon coeur," he croons and presses another kiss to Kevin's forehead before freezing. "Is that-"

"I-I'm okay with it… Just maybe… not in front of my parents - oh fuck, my parents!"

"You really expect to kiss me with that mouth?" Edd tuts teasingly. "Your parents like me, right?"

"Yeah but… I can't lie to them and say we're dating yet I also can't lie to them and say we're not dating."

Edd nuzzles against Kevin's cheek gently, his breath hot and teasing against the pale skin. "I mean… we're basically dating…"

Kevin blushes and looks at Edd cautiously. "I never expected you to be so… cuddly…"

Edd shrugs turning his head away, cheeks pink. "I miss being… touched."

Kevin's chest tightens painfully. "I'm sorry…"

"It's nothing for you to apologize for."

"Still…"

"How about I get you home, Pumpkin, sound good?" Edd murmurs and Kevin nods. "As hard as it is for me to let you go and all…"

Kevin snorts and pushes at him gently before pausing.

"What's wrong, mon nounours?" he chuckles softly.

"Why do I get the feeling you're teasing me in French?" Kevin sighs rolling his eyes.

"I'll teach you French, how about that?"

"Okay," Kevin murmurs. His cheeks are a lovely pink which inspires Edd to kiss him once more. "I just thought that I'm up for teaming up in the science fair with you, if you still want to."

Edd grins like a cheshire cat. "Fantastique!"

"Okay, cool it with the French or tell me what the hell you're saying."

Eddward rolls his eyes at Kevin's crass language before leaning closer to press a soft kiss to his cheek. "Ma citrouille," he says softly, his lips brushing against Kevin's skin, and the boy shudders in his arms, "means 'my pumpkin'. Mon nounours means 'my teddybear'."

Kevin barks out a laugh. "You're such a shit."

Despite himself, Edd snorts. "Language, Pumpkin."

Kevin rolls his eyes. "So what should I call you, you sap?"

Edd blinks at him and his face flushes. "Well… whatever you want…"

Gulping, Kevin looks down. "How do you say… 'shark'?"

Edd laughs and tips his head back. When he raises up again there's a fondness in his eyes that makes Kevin look away. "Oh, Pumpkin… It's 'requin'."

"Jesus," Kevin mutters. "That's fucking weird…"

"Language!" Edd huffs and swats at Kevin's thigh; the boy only smirks. "Just repeat after me: requin."

Kevin tries but absolutely butchers it (it's worth the embarrassment because Edd's laugh rings out beautifully but he'll never admit it). "Okay, mon mignon coeur," Edd titters, "I really should take you home."

Kevin narrows his eyes. "Isn't mignon a food or something? Like filet mignon? What the hell?"

Edd tries to suppress his laughter unsuccessfully. "It means 'cute', for lack of a better word. It also means 'tender' which is what filet mignon derives from."

Kevin huffs softly at the amusement in Edd's voice and carefully shifts out of Edd's lap so he can climb back into the driver's seat. "Why do you speak French?"

"Because I am French," Edd laughs. "Do you think I just run around blabbering in some random language?"

Kevin twists his lips.

"You did! Why?"

"I don't know! You just… you don't have an accent or anything."

"I never actually lived in France and my parents weren't around enough for me to pick up the accent, at least not permanently, only the words."

Kevin pulls his seatbelt back into place, throat suddenly tight. "Shit… I'm so sorry, dude…"

"Don't be, it's fine. Better that way…" Edd murmurs, his hand shifting to his hat on impulse. Kevin catches the movement and frowns. "Your mom won't mind me coming over, right? Or your dad?" he asks, voice soft and tense.

"She adores you," Kevin reiterates. "It would make her day to see you. My dad thinks of you as another son, basically, ever since that science fair."

Edd looks at him gratefully. Licking his lips, he hesitantly slides his hand across the console, palm open to Kevin. Kevin's green eyes flicker to meet his blue and his breath stutters at the hope he finds there.

Edd isn't faking a single thing and that knowledge feels simultaneously as if a weight has been lifted from his shoulders and another has been added.

He slips his pale hand into Edd's, admiring the other boy's slender digits as they curl around his palm, his olive contrasting against Kevin's practically peachy skin in an odd way.

"Thank you for giving me a chance."

Kevin squeezes his hand.


Kevin's mom just about drops the plate she's holding when Kevin walks in with Edd on his heels. She smiles so wide he thinks it must hurt.

"Eddward! I'm so glad you came!"

Kevin glances over his shoulder to find Edd smiling so hopefully, so sincerely that it hurts. "Good afternoon, Ms. Barr. It's good to see you."

She takes a deep breath and just admires him for a minute before drawing him into a tight hug. "Such a polite young man! How was your day, boys?" she asks as she releases Edd.

"Fantastic," Edd supplies immediately and winks at Kevin who rolls his eyes (he tries to hide his smile by turning it into a grimace but both spot it).

"Oh really?" his mother murmurs and raises her eyebrows at Kevin, small smirk working it's way across her face. "What happened?"

Kevin shoots Edd a glare and the taller boy merely grins cheekily. "Eh… we just got to sit together during math and lunch is all."

"Together?" she coos not even trying to hide her pleasure.

"Together," Edd chuckles.

"Anything else…?"

Edd looks to Kevin in askance and Kevin sighs shrugging, cheeks flushed.

Kevin's mother gasps, practically slamming the plate on the table. "You two are dating!"

Kevin chokes on air and stumbles back. Edd grins and winks at her.

"Mom!"

"Why didn't you tell me last night?" she whines.

"It only happened today," Edd chuckles. "And we aren't really dating - not yet. We're going to the Valentine's Dance together is all."

She pouts and gives Kevin a meaningful look. "Hm… not yet, huh?"

"No," Kevin huffs.

"Well, why not?"

"Mom!"


After a while, Kevin can't take anymore of his mother and Edd's teasing and drags the taller boy to his room, telling his mom to get them later when dinner is ready.

As soon as he has his door open, Edd digs his heels in and makes a distressed noise, refusing to go further. Kevin looks back at him to find his face frozen in horror. "Uh…"

"Your room… is atrocious."

Before Kevin knows what's happening Edd is shoving past him and setting his bag on the bed. Kevin rolls his eyes and simply watches as Edd pulls a pair of rubber gloves (what the actual fuck, Double D?) from his bag and begins picking up his dirty laundry.

"Double D."

"Kevin," he sniffs.

"You're crazy."

"Not as crazy as you for living in this cesspool."

Kevin can't help but chuckle. "Fine, I'll help if you really want to do this now."

"There's no way I'm staying in this room otherwise. Now go get a vacuum for Christ's sake."

By the time Edd is satisfied, Kevin feels as if his room is completely different. The weird thing is how fast Edd did it, too. It hardly took an hour.

All of his papers are organized, his books in alphabetical order, and he can actually see the floor. It's almost unnatural. He tells Edd as much and earns such a disgusted look in response that makes him nearly die laughing.

With all of that done, Edd sits on the edge of the bed and looks at him expectantly. Kevin raises an eyebrow, somewhat confused.

"Do recall I won't be making anymore advances."

Kevin's face flushes. "Just what are you expecting to do tonight?"

It's Edd's turn to blush. "So lewd. Why is that your first response? I just… I would like to spend time with you - doing something other than cleaning, that is."

Kevin smirks slightly and falls back onto the bed by Edd's side. "What do you want to do? Plot your final takeover of the science fair?"

Edd chuckles softly. "All we have ever spoken of is school and work. Tell me what you like to do besides math and robotics."

"Uh… more math and robotics?"

Edd gazes back at the smaller boy fondly before laying on his stomach by his side. His blue eyes stay trained on Kevin's green once more. "Nothing else?"

"Not really. I play some videogames but… nothing major… I like…" he coughs and turns his head to the side. "Don't make fun of me."

"Wouldn't dream of it, Pumpkin."

"Yeah right," Kevin sighs and closes his eyes. "Okay, when I was little I really wanted to be a football player…"

Edd titters softly and crawls closer on his elbows. "Really? Such a barbaric sport as that?"

Kevin shrugs helplessly and presses his hands to his face. "I just… I like it, I guess. I don't know. I just like watching it and stuff. It sort of kills me that the football team harrasses me so much or I would watch all of their games…"

"I can remedy that, citrouille," he says gently.

Kevin can't help the hopeful look that crosses his face as he turns his face to Edd. "You… you really don't have to…"

"We could go to the next game… as a date…" he chuckles and smirks suggestively.

Kevin barks out a laugh and shoves at the other boy's shoulder. "You're incorrigible."

"Yes, yes I am."

"Also, football season is over."

"I'll make them play," he grumbles.

Kevin laughs breathlessly and runs a hand through his hair so his hat falls off and to the ground. That shocks him for a moment for no real reason and he turns to Edd.

"What's wrong, ma citrouille?"

"I… please don't take this the wrong way but do you… Can I ask you something? About your… hat…"

Edd's face is perfectly blank. He blinks once, jaw twitching. "I have been expecting you to."

Kevin's brow furrows slightly before he realizes. His chest seizes and he makes a low, harsh noise. "No. No, not-not that. I know it's not my place to ask you something like… that."

Edd's face suddenly softens and his eyes flit across Kevin's own, taking it in again. "Oh…"

"I was going to ask how you manage to keep that damn thing on all of the time. I wear my hat a lot but it seems like it would get uncomfortable, especially with those bobby pins and crap. Sort of a stupid question but…" Kevin shrugs.

Edd looks away, fingers once again drifting to the edge of his hat. "It's not for my comfort, citrouille."

"What?" he murmurs, stomach sinking.

"I mean… it's… You've seen it. It's unpleasant. It makes people uncomfortable."

Kevin suddenly feels a terrible rage building in his chest and sits straight up. "What about you?" he demands and Edd looks at him, eyebrows raised.

"It's… What…? What about me?"

"What about your comfort? Are you more comfortable with it on or off?"

Edd just stares at him for a moment. "It… it doesn't matter, I-"

Kevin bristles. "What the hell, Double D? You do what you want and don't give two fucks about anyone else let alone their opinion of you or your appearance or whatever other bullshit. Are you seriously going to tell me you've worn that hat religiously just to please some dicks who can't handle a little scar?"

When he looks back to Edd he finds that the boy is still just… staring. It makes Kevin's chest tight and his face hot. He's either about to get chewed out for cursing or punched for challenging Edd at all, he's sure of it.

"Sorry… I just… you shouldn't have to- I mean, I guess I'm not one to talk-"

Kevin's not sure what he's said or done or if it's even good or bad (probably bad, definitely bad) but he's suddenly gathered up roughly, Edd practically tackling him for all intents and purposes so that they're both stretched out across the bed properly, Kevin laying on his back with Edd half on top of him, half curled around him.

This is it. Kevin is going to die and it's because he opened his fat mouth. Goodbye, world.

But instead of being punched, he's kissed and cuddled.

One of Edd's hands cradles the back of Kevin's head, keeping his forehead resting in the crook of the small boy's neck so his breath creeps across pale skin and his lips brush Kevin's pulse. He never imagined that something so simple could feel so personal, so intimate and (shit) sexual. It's warm and only grows warmer when Edd hooks a leg over and between Kevin's own, using it as leverage to draw him closer.

"Edd?" he cries shrilly and tries to push him away by pressing his hands to the boy's chest but it does nothing. Edd's holding him so tightly that Kevin's side actually hurts. "Edd, are you okay?" he asks more softly and hesitantly presses a hand to the boy's shoulder where his fingers can brush against the soft skin of Edd's neck.

"You remember that you're-you're the fifth-"

"Yes," Kevin says quickly, voice hoarse. "Of course I do."

The fifth person to ever see Edd's scars. Only the fifth and he did it without Edd's permission. Guilt burns in his throat.

"Well…"

"They don't… what? Don't let you go without it?"

Edd nuzzles into the crook of his neck. "Their reactions are always… disapproving. Or shocked. Or… just… general disgust."

Kevin scoffs. "You want to know the first thing I thought when I saw it?"

Edd's breaths become slow and careful.

"That it looks elegant."

"No you didn't," he says firmly and slowly draws away so he can sit on his knees by Kevin's side. The way he's watching Kevin shows how much he wants to believe and it makes Kevin feel warm and strangely powerful.

"I did. The one on your forehead looks elegant, like it hurt terribly but it's still… you know, beautiful in a weird way. The one on your temple is smooth and it's weird but it's elegant too. And," he gulps, averting his gaze, "the one - uh, the one on your hip and the-the-"

Edd turns a brilliant red and leans back, eyes impossibly wide. "You saw…?" he croaks, his hands fisting on his thighs.

"On accident," Kevin squeaks. "I-I'm sorry. So, so sorry."

Edd gulps and licks his lips. "Don't be. I just - I didn't realize."

Kevin hides his face in his hands. Could he be any more idiotic? He has officially become the lowest of the low.

Edd's hand brushes Kevin's thigh and he clears his throat. Kevin peeks through his fingers to find Edd averting his gaze, cheeks still rosy. "And… what did you… think?" he rasps, face only growing darker.

Kevin quickly hides his eyes once more. "They look pretty badass, dude…"

Edd's face glows with childlike pride, obviously preening. "Well then…"

Kevin laughs and rolls onto his side so he's slightly curled around Edd's spot. "Try not to let it go to your head…"

Edd bites his lips, expression turning stoic once more but then softens, smile gracing his lips. "You still haven't asked," he says gently. It almost feels like an invitation.

Kevin blinks at him. "Do you want to talk about it? I don't want you to feel like you have to or something just because I saw it or… something."

"Trust me, I don't."

Kevin laughs and rolls his eyes. "So you want to?"

Edd shrugs slightly and reaches up to begin removing his bobby pins. "You make me want to."

"What? Why?"

"You're actually… relaxed about it, I guess. And while you did discover my secret under unfortunate circumstances you didn't… do anything, really. You didn't threaten me with it or treat me… Oh, don't make that face, Pumpkin, I know you thought about it but you didn't do it, that's what matters. You were just really different…"

Kevin looks away feeling torn and embarrassed. Edd leans over him, reaching out to the table, and when he returns to his original position the bobby pins are no longer in his hand. His blue eyes seek out Kevin's, his face carefully set, and he reaches up to his hat once more but his hands are shaking. It sends a shock of pity and affection straight to Kevin's chest.

The smaller boy carefully sits up so he's face to face with Edd; he feels like he could scare Double D off with a movement too sudden. "Don't do something that makes you uncomfortable," he says softly, peering up at Edd through his eyelashes.

Edd suddenly freezes. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Kevin gives him a dark look. "You won't. Not at all. I'm not and I won't be."

Edd yanks the hat off like a child with a bandage before squeezing his eyes shut.

Kevin almost forgot how terrible the one is, elegant or not, the smattering of jagged lines across the right of his forehead that creep into his hair. Kevin studies it for a moment before meeting Edd's eyes again. He scoots closer, looking for any sign in Edd's face that shows discomfort, and slowly reaches up to cup his cheek, very gently guiding Edd to turn his head so the silvery circle becomes visible.

"Don't touch it," Edd says harshly and Kevin's hand jerks back. "No, I'm sorry. It's just… delicate."

"What?" Kevin croaks and clears his throat. "What is?"

"The scar on my temple, don't apply any pressure to it."

"Shit, how the fuck did you get something like that?" Kevin mutters without thinking.

"When I was a baby. Intravenous catheter."

"Huh?"

"I was born sickly and thus it was necessary for medication to be administered intravenously but the only vein large enough was there."

"And… it still hurts?" he asks, unable to keep the horror from his voice.

"When pressure is administered, yes."

"Cut the clinical bullshit, Double D. Just tell me."

Edd finally turns his face back to Kevin but captures Kevin's hand and keeps it pressed to his jaw. "Yeah, it hurts like a," he chokes on the word, "bitch," he snaps and rolls his eyes.

"Fuck…" Kevin murmurs. "And your forehead?"

"Oh, not at all. None of the others do. They're just scar tissue. No feeling at all."

"Do you… Is it okay to ask about the others?"

Edd smirks lightly. "Please, go ahead."

"So… your forehead."

Edd's eyes shift away. "Just- I don't mind telling you, in fact I'd like to, but you mustn't go around sharing the information with others."

"Of course not," Kevin says gently and gives his jaw a careful squeeze. "Fuck, I know I was an ass, but I wouldn't dare. I promised you that. I've kept that promise and I won't break it anytime soon."

"Not even your parents, Kevin. I'm serious."

Jaw tight, Kevin nods stiffly. A great sense of dread overcomes him.

Edd smiles and leans into his hand, his own hand fiddles with his dog tags. "Okay. Ah… well… The first year my parents really weren't around was when I was seven."

"Fuck, D…"

Edd pauses. "Did you just call me 'D'?"

"Is that a problem?" Kevin challenges but there's a hint of nerves in his voice. He did not just give Eddward Vincent a nickname. No he did not.

"No," Edd smirks, "just unexpected. Anyway, it was when I was seven and despite being a tall child I was still too small to reach certain things and very clumsy. There was an incident in which I dropped a glass from a tall shelf, it shattered, I fell along with it and… not only broke my head open but also got a faceful of glass for my trouble. Not 'badass' at all, I'm afraid."

Kevin lifts himself to his knees and shuffles until his knees hit the other's and he tips into Edd's chest, winding his arms around Edd's shoulders. The taller boy chuckles softly, enwraps Kevin in a tight hug and noses Kevin's pulsepoint.

"Stay here."

"What?" he murmurs, shock very present in his voice but not enough to hide his pleasure.

"Stay here. Just pretend you live here from now on. This is your house when your parents are gone," Kevin insists and presses his face into Edd's hair. "That's… how… how were you not- I don't know, the police or something-"

"Stop. Don't."

Kevin makes a soft noise and squeezes Edd tighter. "Sorry."

"It's fine."

"Is this weird?" he mutters, solely to change the subject. "This is pretty weird."

"I like it. You smell so nice…"

Kevin releases an alarmed noise and draws away. His face is hot and he does his best to keep his eyes away from Edd's but the taller boy takes his face in his hands to force him to meet those blue eyes.

"Tu es à moi, es beau, es précieux," Edd murmurs and presses lingering kisses along Kevin's cheekbones that make him shiver. "Je veux t'aimer."

"Are you teasing me again…?" Kevin asks suspiciously and Edd laughs.

"Non, it's just a way for me to say everything I want to you without making you uncomfortable."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means I am quite literally whispering sweet nothings to you, my dear."

Kevin huffs. "You really are such a sap it's not even funny. Are you trying to be romantic and shit or are you actually this way?"

"You inspire my romantic side, what can I say?" Edd laughs. "I really am hopelessly in love with you."

Kevin shifts back to stare up at him with eyes like saucers. His heart just aches.

Edd meets his eyes without hesitation. "I thought I was in love with you before but I was wrong. Now… now I'm so in love with you I don't know what to do with myself."

The smaller boy's stomach clenches and his head swims. Love? In love? Eddward did not just say that, surely not.

This boy has harassed Kevin and treated him like shit and teased him relentlessly yet…

"Sorry. Perhaps I have said too much."

Kevin gulps and takes a deep breath, he feels so dizzy. "I just… Why do you love me? You…"

"You're brilliant, funny, and witty. Your," Edd chuckles, "your sarcasm really gets me sometimes. I remember when we were in civics and that one kid, David Lexington, started talking about the typical racist drivel, I can't even remember what it was really about, and you just tore into him so viciously yet sarcastically that he didn't realize you were even disagreeing with him. Even Ms. Morgan was laughing."

A bubble of nervous laughter escapes his chest. "You remember that?"

"Hard to forget, Pumpkin. I still laugh about it. It was the first time I ever heard you speak up in class, too. That was also the first time I really fell for you. Just a little, you know. And over time I came to love you more and more until I hated myself for how much of myself I gave you without even being with you."

Kevin feels like he might faint or puke or something equally terrible. "When did you… know?"

"I knew it was all over when we won the science fair. I had thought spending all of that time with you would make me realize that I was merely romanticizing you but no, I just fell more in love.

"I would watch you work, how your eyes move, how you bite your lips and once I even counted all of your freckles because I'm a lovestruck fool. And I hated myself more for ever pushing you around and being cruel yet I just kept going. I felt like it was too late to turn back and you never seemed… angry. I didn't realize until I found you in the locker room…" he shakes his head.

"I couldn't blame you, which was the worst part. It made me realize I had been worse to you than even I had realized."

Kevin considers telling Edd of his own crush but fears it may make him feel more guilt rather than hope. He gulps and gnaws on his lip, eyes focused beyond Edd's shoulder.

"What's wrong? Have I said too much?" Edd murmurs. His hands are still cradling Kevin's face, he gently presses his fingertips to Kevin's jaw before slipping them down the curve of his pale neck. "I feel like it's high time I be honest with you, particularly in this situation. I want you to know what you're getting into with this deal."

Kevin shivers, only distantly listening at this point, and his eyes focus on Edd's face once more. The words come spilling from his lips before he can stop himself, "I had… I'm not sure if I should tell you this, but I had a really big crush on you freshman year."

"What?" Edd demands, voice so loud that it makes Kevin fall back and look at him with wide eyes. "You did? When?"

"Fr-freshman year, I don't know. It was around then, before Nazz started following you around."

"You're serious?" Edd persists, leaning in and holding onto Kevin's shoulders for dear life. "You were attracted to me?"

"I-," Kevin looks away, his face flushed. "You're- you're, you know, attractive and all."

Edd preens once more and draws back to smile softly. "Oh really…?"

"Shut up, you know you're attractive. I mean, you have abs and blue eyes and nice skin and wow, what a jawline," Kevin mutters, half snarkily.

"I'm swooning, Mr. Barr."

"I can see that," he snorts and grins widely. "You say it jokingly but you're blushing, you dork."

"So are you," Edd says quickly, almost snappily, but there is a lopsided smile stretched across his face. "So… how likely is it that I could, oh, say… resurrect that crush?"

Kevin gulps. His lips hurt from all of his biting and his jaw from all of his tension. "To be honest, it's been much easier than I hoped…"

Edd's eyes widen along with his smile.

"Oh, ma citrouille, may I?" he purrs, cupping Kevin's face and drawing him closer even as he leans in. His blue eyes are lidded and within them Kevin can see something warm and unrecognizable yet familiar, like the heat that burns in the pit of his stomach. He carefully braces his arms on Edd's shoulders as Edd's arms slide around his back and down to his waist. "May I embrace you? Just for a moment?"

"'Embrace'?" Kevin whispers.

"I want to hold you."

"Oh…"

"Is this too much? Too fast?"

"I guess it is a little fast. We're not even really dating," he adds which earns a small smirk at his expense; it's obvious that Edd takes his little confession as a "yes" to his unspoken question. "But… you seem like you need it, or… you know what I mean."

Edd's brows furrow and his head cocks. How can he look so innocent?

"You seem sort of - starved of affection," Kevin murmurs feeling numb.

Edd looks away, obviously embarrassed and Kevin's chest squirms with his guilt.

"Sorry," he mutters, voice rough and worn. "I suppose I went overboard as per usual."

"I wasn't saying it was a bad thing. I just meant that… maybe it's a good thing for us to be doing this so quickly because you need it. I wasn't- I didn't mean to make you-"

"Thank you, Pumpkin," he says gently and presses another soft kiss to Kevin's forehead, allowing his lips brush against his skin. "Remember that I'm not the only one whose needs should be met in our relationship - or whatever you want to call it. So, if you need me to back off I will. Without hesitation or resentment. Okay?"

"Jeez," Kevin murmurs, head spinning. "What happened to the guy that gropes me in the halls and leers at me?"

Edd grows quiet and curls in on himself slightly.

"Shit, I didn't mean it like-"

"No, it's okay," Edd says firmly. "I deserve it."

Kevin makes another distressed noise and shifts so he's on his knees before Edd. "You've been nothing but thoughtful since-since I did that… that thing to you, even though I don't deserve it." He carefully strokes his fingers across the warm and soft skin of Edd's throat, for a moment completely entranced by the shifting tendons and fluttering pulse of his heart and blood. He's a fool for this but lord is Eddward Vincent not the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, gazing at him through his thick lashes and rolling his tongue across his full lips. "Will you-" the words stick in his throat and he feels feverish. "Do you want to hold me or for me to hold you?"

"Whatever you want," Edd breathes, voice soft and so painfully hopeful.

"I wouldn't mind trying either…"

Edd makes this soft, whimpering noise and Kevin's chest flutters. Edd keeps his eyes locked with Kevin's as he gently presses the boy back until he's lying beneath him. Edd straddles his hips once more, staring down at Kevin with such wonder in his eyes that it hurts, hurts, hurts because it's just so innocent and needy and someone like Eddward Vincent should never make a face like that.

Edd's the jerk who pushes people around and takes what he wants. Yet here they are. It's… surreal.

Cautiously Kevin reaches up, heart in his throat, and runs his hand through Edd's hair right above the scar on his forehead. He avoids the other side for fear of accidentally touching the pearly skin left by the IV.

Edd's reaction is instantaneous: he sighs quietly and shudders, his own hands grabbing Kevin's arm. "That feels too good. If you keep that up I'll just fall asleep on you."

"I imagine it does after keeping it under a hat all of the time."

Edd hums and finally lays by Kevin's side, worming his way closer to him. "You can keep doing that, you know…"

"I just don't want to touch that one on accident."

"Just… if you brush across it, it should be okay. Just don't put pressure near it."

"What if I accidently pull your hair near it? Like, because of a tangle or something. I really don't want to hurt you. What even happens?"

"Well, the temple is already a delicate point on the body but for whatever reason this has made mine more so. When pressure is applied it may hurt immediately but more often than not it begins to ache dully over time, like a migraine.

"I actually started wearing the hat due to this scar alone. Children would poke and prod at it so I kept it hidden."

"Jeez…"

Edd shrugs and takes Kevin's hand in his own. Kevin gulps, gut twisting with heat and nerves, and allows his fingers to be guided to Edd's skin, nearly shaking when his eyes lock with Edd's own. He's gazing up at him with such intensity that Kevin fears he may faint.

The skin of the scar is slightly raised at the edges and then strangely soft at the center. Edd releases Kevin's hand in favor of resting his own on the curve of the smaller boy's hip, sneaking his thumb beneath the edge of his shirt, the rough pad of his thumb rubbing at Kevin's pale skin. Kevin shudders and releases a shaking breath that makes Edd's eyes flit to his lips. So intimate, more intimate than what Kevin could ever imagine - more than a kiss, more than sex, he doesn't even know how to classify this experience but it makes his stomach tight and hot with lust and want and affection. It's so warm and tender, safe in a way Kevin never expected. He thought is would feel uncomfortable and tense but while his stomach and chest buzz with energy he feels fine. It feels natural.

He circles the scar once, fingertips just barely brushing the skin, then allows his fingers to card through Edd's soft hair. Edd's hand creeps slightly higher on his hip and gives it a measured squeeze that makes Kevin's stomach flutter.

"I'm afraid there's not much there…" Kevin mutters.

Edd snorts. "What?"

"I'm… just scrawny. Not anything to feel like abs or something."

"Plenty to feel," Edd croons and noses Kevin's cheek. "Soft skin, your pulse, how you shiver and shake beneath my touch…"

Kevin's abdomen tightens and he lets out a pathetic sigh even as Edd says it. His blue eyes grow sharp and… Kevin's not sure how to describe what he sees within them as anything other than hunger.

Biting his lips, Kevin raises his other hand to run them both through Edd's hair which makes the taller boy sigh and press into Kevin's touch like a pleased cat. His leg hooks over Kevin's once more.

"I never imagined I would be here, cuddling Peach Creek's resident Shark…"

"I never thought you would let me touch you again, let alone like this," Edd sighs and shocks Kevin by turning his face so he can kiss Kevin's palms. "I can't keep my hands off you…"

"I don't understand why…" Kevin gulps. He's far more pleased by Edd's words and actions than he should be, though he feels as if the other boy must be playing him somehow. "I'm not like you."

"What do you mean, mon chéri?"

"I'm not handsome or cute or-"

"Pumpkin," he scoffs, "you're absolutely precious. Green eyes, such lovely skin, not to mention…" his hand slides downwards once more and Kevin squeaks, quickly grabbing his wrist before he can grope Kevin's ass.

"Don't do that!" he hisses. "What happened to not making me uncomfortable?"

Edd pouts. "But it's so… perfect…"

Kevin yelps in sheer embarrassment and withdraws as far as Edd allows, his grip on Kevin's hipbone keeping him close. The asshole is snickering now but the warmth in Edd's eyes does horrible (wonderful) things to his stomach. "You dick! I will knee you!" he snaps and tries rolling away from the other boy in an attempt to force Edd to release him but Edd only winds his arm around Kevin's slender waist and drags him back into his chest before curling around him.

Edd giggles like a little boy and nuzzles the back of Kevin's neck. "Sorry, Pumpkin, I promise I won't touch you there or anywhere else inappropriate."

"You're a fucking prick," Kevin huffs but his words hold so little venom they scare even him.


Kevin isn't sure what to expect at dinner but between Edd and his mother he knows it's not going to be good.

His mother has gone all out: homemade everything, all of Kevin's favorites like macaroni and cheese and what he vaguely remembers Edd liking (steamed asparagus and healthy stuff because he's a freak), and then muffins because Kevin may or may not have a weakness for blueberries.

When Edd sees all of this he looks like he's about to faint, jaw slack and eyes wide. Kevin nudges him gently and he just nods quickly. No one says anything when he piles his plate disturbingly high and eats like he's starved.

It does make Kevin's chest hurt and when he sees the look on his mother's face he's sure she feels the same.

"Edd, sweetie," she says smiling brightly, hiding her concern and pity as best she can, "you're more than welcome to come back tomorrow night, too."

Edd pauses and glances at his plate and back to Kevin's mother, face slowly turning red. Kevin sighs softly and leans a little closer to him, carefully slipping his hand to rest on Edd's side. He looks a little alarmed by the sudden action but quickly calms.

Kevin's parents quite obviously see the display but say nothing.

"I would like that very much but I would hate to be a burden."

"Oh, sweetie," Kevin's mother croons. "You're a joy to have around!"

"Don't worry, son," Kevin's father adds between bites of mac and cheese. "It's a pleasure having such a good friend of Kevin's over-"

"Boyfriend," his mother corrects and bats her lashes.

Kevin promptly chokes on his food and Edd pats his back laughing shamelessly. "Mom! We're not dating!" he hisses, trying very hard to ignore Edd's snickers and his father's raised eyebrow.

She rolls her eyes. "Kevin, I already told you that your father and I know-"

"Mom."

Edd has to cover his mouth.

"I'm glad someone is enjoying this," Kevin snarks at him and Edd only laughs harder. "You're insufferable…"

"Come on, honey, you two are going to the dance together right?"

Kevin groans and hides his face in his hands.

"Yeah, we are," Edd says mirthfully.

"But we aren't dating," Kevin insists. "So calm down."

"Well you should be."

Kevin looks to his dad hopefully but even he is smirking. "Dad," he whines.

"Oh no, I'm not getting drawn into this. Although I must say I thought you two were dating already."

"Jeez! Why?"

"I'm not blind, son."

"What does that even mean?"

"Also," his mother says, setting her fork down, "apparently your classmates think so too…" she gives them a meaningful look, "Pumpkin…"

Edd nearly dies laughing.

"What? How do you even know that?"

"One of your classmates, Rebecca I believe, works at the grocery store."

Edd has to cover his face he's laughing so hard. Kevin has to cover his face he's blushing so fiercely.


"You are welcome to spend the night, too, Eddward," Kevin's mother adds after the millionth time she reminds Edd to come over for dinner tomorrow.

Kevin looks at her horrified. "Mom!"

"What? Don't be such a stick in the mud!"

"Oh my god! What are you suggesting?"

Even Double D is a little pink. "Thanks, Ms. Barr. Tonight I need to go home though."

She pouts. "Kevin could go with you…"

"Oh my god!"

"What? You never do anything fun!" she sighs. "Go spend the night with your boyfriend!"

"He's not my boyfriend!" Kevin groans.

"Then there's no reason for you two to not have a sleepover!"

"Mom!"

Edd chuckles softly. "Tomorrow night we'll have a sleepover. Either house, it doesn't matter. But tonight I have some things I need to get done." He turns to Kevin and smiles, "Do you want me to drive you to school tomorrow? I can't drive you home because I have practice but I can take you whenever and just keep your bike in the back."

Kevin blushes slightly. "Okay but how will you know when to get me?"

He holds out his hand and smirks. Kevin reaches into his pocket and retrieves his phone.

Kevin's mother laughs softly before leaving them alone in the front hall.

"Here. It's all there, don't be shy," he adds with a wink.

Kevin rolls his eyes. "Okay, okay… you can go now."

Edd gives him an expectant look and Kevin frowns, stomach fluttering. "No goodnight kiss?" he murmurs.

"Jeez," Kevin breathes and rubs the back of his neck. Glancing around for his parents he carefully stands on tiptoe and allows his lips to brush across Edd's cheek, shivering when Edd's hands come to grip his elbows and draw him closer until they are hugging once more.

"I won't ask you out," Edd says and it feels like he's reminding himself.

"I-I'll- okay…"

"Whenever you're ready…" Edd adds hopefully and Kevin grunts, punching his back gently.

"Just go home, you re-requin," he stutters out.

Edd nearly howls out a laugh and lifts Kevin straight off the floor with his hug. The redhead gasps and clutches at his back but he's laughing too.

"Ah, mon précieux citrouille, je veux t'embrasser," Edd titters, speaking so quickly that Kevin has no hope of ever understanding what the hell he's saying. Kevin finds himself back on his feet and kisses are once again being placed all along his cheekbones and even his nose. "Tu es à moi, tout à moi."

Kevin bites his lip as he recognizes at least that last part - "You are mine."

"Et… tu es à moi, requin?" he tries and flinches at his own pronunciation, gut twisting when Edd's lips still against his left cheek. "Uh… that was stu- woah!"

Edd pins him to the door before Kevin knows what's happening and he gazes up at the taller boy with wide eyes. His hands are suddenly heavy on Kevin's ribs, not hurting at all but somehow painfully present. Edd just stares at him for a long moment, face cold and closed. Kevin gulps and licks his lips shakily.

"Double D?" he whispers thickly.

Edd's lips press into a hard line and his hands draw away reluctantly. "I'm going to leave before I do something rash," he says stiffly. "I am. Leaving, I mean."

"You're leaving," Kevin repeats numbly, somewhat lost. "You are."

"I am," Edd repeats distantly. His eyes never once leave Kevin's. "Going…"

"Uh-huh," Kevin murmurs and allows his lips to curl upwards.

"Right… now…"

"I see that."

"I am. I swear… right now," Edd insists, fighting to suppress his laughter. "If you'd just stop being so cute."

Kevin shoves at his chest. "Shut up."

"That's it," Edd sighs, "I really do have to go or I'll just have to spend the night. You're too tempting."

Kevin rolls his eyes. "I'm just a scrawny dork, shut up."

"Maybe I like scrawny dorks," Edd chuckles in his ear as he pulls him into another gentle hug. "I'm leaving. Right after this."

"Just shut up and stay," Kevin mutters. His face burns and his heart is hammering in his chest.

He really just invited Edd to spend the night. Wow, classy, Kevin, real classy. Officially off the deepend.

Edd laughs but pulls away. "I really do have to go but… a kiss would be nice."

"I literally just kissed you."

"I want another," he pouts. "It feels good to kiss you but… wow… it's a thrill for you to willingly-"

"Shut up," Kevin rolls his eyes and stands on tiptoe and kisses Edd's cheek before quickly stepping away. Edd grins at him.

"So, romancing still working?"

Kevin smiles shyly.

"I'll take that as a yes! Can I text you later?"

"Later?"

"Yeah, when I get home."

Kevin scoffs and rolls his eyes (he's totally not grinning). "You're a dork."


Tu es à moi, es beau, es précieux - You are mine, you're beautiful, precious
Je veux t'aimer - I will love you
Mon chéri - My darling
Mon précieux citrouille, je veux t'embrasser - My precious pumpkin, I want to embrace you.
Tout a moi - All mine