As far as Kevin was concerned, next to his late mother, Nazz had the sweetest voice in Peach Creek. Even if she was being annoying as hell.

"I just don't understand why you don't go back and ask this "Josh" person where he lives."

"Because I'm not a crazy stalker?!"

"Kevin, you like this guy. And apparently he has some type of feelings for you. So go find him!"

"No, Nazz. Just...no!"

"San Fran is big my fran. You need to get on your shit if you want to find your man."

Kevin sighed. On the one hand, she was right. It would be nice to see if anything could happen with this Edd guy. But on the other hand, any ideas he had to make that happen, just made him feel like a creepy stalker.

"You know I'm right, Kev. When's the last time you had a date?"

"Not cool, Nazz."

"Not trying to be 'cool', Kev."

Kevin sighed again and she mocked it as best she could.

"Stop it, woman." His tone was cold.

"I'll stop when you tell me you have a new boyfriend."

Distantly, he heard her doorbell ring.

"Look, my date is here. Next time I hear from you, you better have his digits."

"Yes, Mother."

"Goodbye, Kevin." Her tone was laced with her trademark icy sarcasm.

"Later, Nazz."

Across town, Chicago called San Francisco.

"Hello, Eddward. How are things?"

"Hello, Mother. They are going as well as can be expected."

"How is my future daughter in law?"

"Really, Mother? Angela is well."

"It's been 10 years, Son. Why not make it official?"

"Because we are just friends, Mother."

"Who have been living together for the better part of their young adult lives. You should have children together by now."

Edd sighed. His mother had been on a tear for the past two years or so to make he and Angela make things "official." It was amusing for the woman who had merely a "working relationship" with his father and himself to be pushing him towards marriage and children. From the time he was 9, he was almost always on his own. He did his own cooking, cleaning and laundry. His parents would leave him money for food and other necessities and occasionally for Rainy Day fun. He learned to budget his time and money well and was self sufficient by the time he was 13. His parents still paid the household bills, but he was very much in tune into what made a household run before he left middle school. That didn't mean that he wanted one of his own. The idea of raising a child scared him. He didn't want to repeat his parents mistakes.

"And why would I want to bring a child into this world?"

When he heard her guilty sigh, he knew that he had effectively closed this part of the conversation. For now.

Kevin decided that he needed another jog to clear his head after his conversation with Nazz. He didn't want to admit that she was right on the point that a date would be a good idea. He dated as best he could in high school and college. Being the head quarterback made it hard. Peach Creek wasn't all that small. The university brought in its fair share of dateable people. Didn't mean that he could date them. His parents would have had a fit if they found out he was gay. But they were gone now and most of his extended family were stretched across the country and Ireland. Their opinion didn't matter to him. He couldn't take the opinions of those who knew what kind of hell he and his mother were living with his father and did nothing about it seriously.

He came out to Nazz in ninth grade and she became his ready wingwoman and fake girlfriend when the situation warranted. After his parents died the first weekend of December last year, he moved in with her. He couldn't stand to be alone in his childhood home with it's Christmas decorations up and hidden in plain sight presents from his mom. She helped him execute their estate and was at his graduation for him. And while he bounced around the country looking for work, she was his ready support. But the rumors of them dating only increased. So the move to San Francisco, while a bit crazy, was welcome. They could both start dating like normal young adults.

But what he wouldn't give to have her here now to not only see the holes in her "just go ask the crabby bodega cashier where he lives" plan, but to see that all her silly ideas about him being gay should be left on Sex and the City where they belonged. And he wouldn't mind a piece of her peach cobbler, because he needed to eat some feelings right about now. Feeling free to be himself was thrilling and frighting. He missed his mom like hell and was still pissed at his dad for taking her down with him.

So he jogs. And thinks. And spots tall, pale and handsome walking down the street all by his lonesome.

Score!

"Hey, there," he said as he came within speaking distance of the ravenette.

Wide eyed blue met playful green.

"H-Hello, Kevin. Another run, I see?"

"Yeah, had to clear my head."

"Oh?" The concern in Edd's eyes was adorable.

"My own bestie is driving me nuts."

"I'm so sorry," Edd said with a knowing grin.

"Don't be, it's my own fault. Can't tell her a thing."

Edd laughed at this and it took Kevin's breath away.

"I live with my bestie. You can imagine my pain, so I understand where you're coming from. Does she live here? Maybe we can get them together," he said with a smirk.

"No, she's still in Peach Creek. I think it's just safer that way."

Edd gave a nod and a knowing smile.

"If she ever comes to town, give her Angie's number. They can commiserate over us together, while we go to the movies or something."

Kevin cocked a brow.

"Movies, huh? You free next weekend?"

The next weekend was Labor Day weekend.

"I can be," Edd said with a shy smile.

They exchanged numbers and made plans to text each other soon.

Later that night, Kevin sent Nazz a text.

Kev: I got the digits. We good?

Nazz: We're excellent!