Nathan observed the swimmer's actions for the coming weeks, and it pissed him off. The carefree attitude that Edd was giving off made is blood boil. He'd never been one to get very angry before, but this was different. It was as if Kevin's death meant nothing to him, or that Edd found it amusing somehow. What bothered him the most was that it didn't seem that Eddward even cared that he was partly the cause for Kevin's death. Nat knew Edd wasn't the sole contributor, but it had seemed that the jock had added fuel to the fire.

Once lunch time rolled around, he couldn't hold his tongue any longer and walked over to the laughing jock. Nat grabbed Edd by his shirt and gave him a swift punch to his face. The shock on Edd's face did not go unnoticed, but he motioned Johnny and Jim to sit down.

"What the hell is your problem, Goldberg?" Edd scowled as he rubbed his face.

He let go of the swimmer's shirt before stepping back, "Don't act so smug while there's blood on your hands." He walked off to leave Edd in shock, Nathan's words cutting through him like a knife. Edd tried to regain his composure before pushing his food away completely. If only the green haired boy knew how much it destroyed him inside to know such information.

He had made up his mind that he would get the swim captain alone and give him a piece of his mind. Nat knew, only because Kevin had mentioned it at some point, that on Fridays when there was no mandatory practice that Edd would still go to the pool and truly get to the bottom of why Kevin's love interest was acting like shuck a prick. He was really starting to wonder what his best friend had even saw in the guy aside from his looks.

Anger surged through Edd as he watched Nathan walk off, but he did nothing about if for fear of losing it in front of everyone. He preferred to morn in silence and would work off his frustrations in the pool. Though, he also knew that his foul mood was growing and he would not be held responsible for what happened to the next person who pissed him off.

The day went by painfully slow for the both of them, Nathan wanting to confront Edd again and Edd wanting to just be left alone and away from the wandering eyes of his classmates. He knew they were all judging him for the way he was acting. Some people cried, others remained silent. All except for him. It was fine, he did not care about what his small minded peers thought about him. Though, the stress of the day had caught up to him and he was gripping his pencil tightly, trying to stay composed through the last few minutes of school.

The bell for the last class finally rang, and Edd almost tore from his seat. He got to his locker and removed everything he would be needing for the following day. Edd wasn't really there as his legs lead him to the pool. He quickly changed into his tight practice trunks and removed his sock hat, knowing full well no one would be able to see him at this time. Since there was no actual practice, no one else used the pool. He still liked to work out and train himself with his moves to get better.

Today was not for extra training, though. He wasn't even sure what he was trying to accomplish, but he would do whatever it was. As Edd dove into the pool, he felt the high he always got from the water. There was something about it that always soothed him, and took away any troubles he was having, even if it was only temporary. Maybe it was because he felt like he had conquered the water some how and they were like equals.

Edd swam harder than he had ever done that day. Though, he had been practicing even harder since the boy's death and it was noticeable. As were his newly forming scars that he tried to keep concealed. No one dared talk about them, though. Everyone knew how Edd would react if someone mentioned it.

All he could think about was Kevin. There was nothing else flooding his mind, and he had not realized how much not having him around would effect him as much as it was. This particular memory that surged through his mind when he swam, was of the first time the two made love. Yes, that is what it was. For Edd at least, it was not just some casual hook up. It was something special the two of them had shared. He let his mind drift as he swam, reliving the moment in his mind.

The day itself had been nothing spectacular. It was an average weekend, and pretty warm outside. He had some how gotten the water fearing red head to go swimming with him at the lake. He had led Kevin to a spot far from the homes. The spot was beautiful and calm. The trees gave them incredible privacy and the lake it self was clear and crisp. He'd even been able to drag the boy into the water, even if Kevin was giving him a death grip as he brought them to the deeper end of the calm waters.

Edd couldn't remember what snarky remark had gotten Kevin to playfully splash Edd, but it did lead to a small battle of the waves they made. Edd obviously let the red head win, so he pulled him close and held his arms at the boy's side. The nerd continued to protest before the swimmer placed his lips softly on the others. When he connected, a spark of electricity shot through the swim captain's body and he was glad when Kevin returned the kiss.

He had released the boy's arms by this point and let Kevin wrap his arms around Eddwar's neck, and he pulled the nerd into a deeper kiss. One thing led to another and they had both found themselves back at Edd's, clothing removed and Edd exploring Kevin's body.

He loved the way the other reacted to his touches and he enjoyed finding all of Kevin's sensitve places. When they had finished, it was the most alive Edd had ever felt. Nothing could compare to that moment.

He was unsure how long he had made laps in the pool, but he knew even though his body burned, he couldn't stop. He pushed through the pain, just as he had one all through the last few painful weeks. The sadness he was feeling had not let up in that time. On the contrary, they had only escalated as reality repeatedly came crashing down on him.

Edd finally had to stop when he realized his body couldn't handle anymore. He came crashing to a stop as he held onto the side of the pool, breathing heavily. The swimmer wiped the water from his face with his hand. He hadn't even realized the tears had started to flow again and it pissed him off. He just wanted the agony to stop.

He got out of the pool and ran a hand through his hair, taking in deep breaths to try and calm himself to no avail. Edd stripped down and turned on the showers. He leaned against the wall, falling to the ground, legs giving out on him in a combination of exhaustion and just overwhelming sadness. He covered his face with one of his hands, Nathan's harsh words echoing in his mind over and over again. He had never felt so weak.

Nat entered the pool area and looked for the ravenette. To his surprise, and disappointment, he did not see the boy in the water. He started to walk farther into the room and could hear the faint sounds of the showers running. He ran to the locker rooms, not caring what state he would find Edd in. He just needed answers.

He burst through the shower doors, ready to speak his mind until he saw something he never imagined he would. Edd on the floor, knees to his chest crying into his hand. He could faintly see the scars on the swimmers bicep and his eyes softened.

"Edd?" Nat whispered, starting to walk forward to him.

Edd's eyes widened in fear, and anger. He shot a glare at Nat through damp, red eyes, covering the scar on his head, "Get out!" He shouted.

The green haired boy reached out a hand to Edd as he continued to walk closer, "Edd, look, I-"

The swimmer turned his head away, face red. He felt exposed, and had not anticipated anyone coming near the area, "I do not believe I stuttered, Goldberg!" He said coldly.

Nat did as he was told and left the room, but he couldn't leave Edd fully alone in the state he had just found him. Even if the boy had been an ass throughout these last few weeks. He pulled out a piece of notebook paper and wrote a note for Edd before leaving to head back home.

Once he heard Nat's foot steps leave the locker room, he got himself up and dried off. He put a towel around his waist, leaving to retrieve his clothing. He noticed on his book bag was a ripped piece of paper. He unfolded the note and his eyes widened at the name and number on it.

If you need someone to talk to, call me ~Nat