Welcome back for another chapter! I want to thank you guys for reading my story. I am proud to say that I have gotten over 1200 views. You guys are awesome and amazing people. Shout out to my readers in the Philippines, the second country with most viewers. Please leave reviews so I can get some input on my writing, good or bad!

Love, Eden

A month had passed since the movie night. There were a few more awkward moments between Edd and Nat but Nat was trying to be on his best behavior when the other boy was around. Every time there was an uncomfortable situation, Edd's reactions became less and less severe. Flirting slipped into conversation, mostly on Nat's part as if he was testing the waters slowly. Edd, who was not use to flirting, now expected it in casual conversations with the teal haired boy.

Edd awoke to the sound on heavy rain on his window. The unexpected rain caused his to have to modify his outfit for the day. Boots replaced Toms and a water-proof jacket was retrieved from the hallway closet. The rain seemed to pick up as Edd was in the shower, now accompanied but bouts of lightning and thunder. Looking out the window, the visibility only reached a few feet from the house. This was not a good way to start the morning.

"Oh, this is not good," Edd groaned. "By the time I am able to reach to bus stop, I will be soaked to the bone, even with the cover of an umbrella."

An idea popped into Edd's head and he went in search of his phone. It was still next to his bed, charging. Unplugging it, Edd went into his contacts looking for a specific phone numbers. He scrolled to the N section and tapped on Nat's contact info. Opening up his messenger, Edd sent a quick, polite text.

Good morning Nat, sorry if this message woke you up but I have a favor to ask. Due to the terrible weather conditions, taking to bus to school it not logical nor is it safe at this time. May I request a ride from you to class?


Across town, Nat's phone chirped as it received a new message. He set his cereal bowl in the sink and picked up his phone, wondering who was texting him this early. Most of his friends were still asleep, opting for night classes. No one ever contacted him this early. Nat unlocked his phone and opened the text.

"Of course Edd would be up this early," muttered Nat. "He is the opposite of any normal kids his age."

He sent a quick reply back- Sure I was about to head out soon anyways. I'll be there in about 15 or 20 minutes- before grabbing his bag and heading to his car. From inside his apartment, the rain did not sound as severe but he was wrong. There was a curtain on water spilling of the roof which he had to pass to get to the parking lot. The quick run to his car left his clothes damp, making him shiver. Turning on the heater, Nat held his hand in front of the vents to warm his hands. When sensation came back into his fingers, Nat headed for Edd's house. Luck enough, Edd's house was not too far out of the way of Nat's normal route to school.

Maybe I should ask if Edd wants to carpool from now on instead of taking the bus in the morning. It would save him a little money on bus fares. Nat thought as the turned into the cul-de-sac.

Edd's home was at the beginning of the neighborhood, the only white house among the brightly colored houses. The white exterior matched the residence though. Nat could not imagine Edd living in a green or pink house. White just fit the boy better, clean and pure.

The front door opened as Nat pulled into the driveway. Edd had been waiting by the front window for the blue car. Standing under the awning, Edd hesitated as he gauged the distance between the front door and the car. After popping open his umbrella, Edd made a mad dash for the car. Nat smiled at Edd's attempt at running, elbows out with quick, short strides that reminded Nat a flightless bird. The car door opened and slammed shut as Edd settled into the passenger seat properly.

"Salutations and good morning to you Nat. I thank you for coming out of your way to retrieve me in such terrible weather conditions."

Nat shrugged and headed back to the main road. "No problem, I was just about to head to school anyways. Your house is not that far outside my normal route really. I was actually thinking that maybe I would see if you wanted to ride with me in the mornings."

"I would not want to be a bother," Edd frowned.

Nat laughed. "If I was really a bother for me than I would not have asked in the first place. We are going to the same place anyways."

Taking a moment, Edd weighed the benefits of the arrangement. The pros included no more crowded morning bus rides next to strangers, saving on his monthly allowance by carpooling, friendly conversations, a heated car during the cold season to come, and more time alone with Nat. The last point made Edd blush at the thought of the private time they would have in the morning. Recently, Edd felt drawn more and more to his teal haired companion but their busy schedules left little time for socializing past text messaging back and forth.

"I accept your generous offer," Edd finally replied. "But I request that we depart from my house no later than 7. This will give us an adequate amount of time to get coffee if needed and prepare for Dr. Harper's lecture."

The parking lot was not very full so Nat was able to get a parking space close to the science building. Edd stood at the ready to get out of the car, umbrella poised for the coming rain. Nat fished around in his back seat for his own umbrella but to not avail. Edd say him come up empty and decided to take the initiative. Stepping out of the car, Edd jogged over to Nat's door, waiting patiently for Nat. Nat stepped out of the car and plucked the umbrella from Edd's delicate hands. Since he was taller, Nat thought that it would better if he held the umbrella. Their bags stayed between them so they would not get wet. Their pace was slower, not wanting to leave the other behind. Edd had to try to match Nat's long strides. The overhang outside the building sheltered them from the downpour. Nat shook of the umbrella and handed it back to Edd.

"That would have been a most unpleasant walk from the bus stop if you had not come to my rescue." Edd looked at the bus stop off in the distance.

"Well, I wouldn't want my bunny to get wet." Before Nat could stop himself, he placed his hand on top of Edd's head.

Stepping out of reach, Edd pulled away from Nat instinctively. The warmth of Nat's hand ghosted across his scalp through his hat. His first instinct was to think that Nat was trying to remove his hat like so many people have tried to do many times throughout his life. Fear crept into his eyes as Nat took a step towards him, hands out apologetically. He must have looked like a scared animal for Nat to approach his like that.

"Excuse me, I-I need to go to the restroom. I'll meet you in the classroom."

And so, Edd fled from Nat.


It was not until Dr. Harper started taking attendance that Edd finally took his seat next to Nat. The boy in the black hat did not acknowledge him, just took out his notes and focused on the beginning of the lecture. Words burned in Nat's throat and on his tongue, unspoken and guilty. Nat had seen the bruises that Edd occasionally sported under badly applied make up and it hurt his heart to see Edd react in such a way to a simple, casual touch from a friend.

What happened to Edd when I'm not around? Nat wondered as he watched Edd settled into his seat.

"Okay, so now we are onto the next chapter. I know a few of you are excited for this thought provoking topic: sexuality." Dr. Harper sat on his desk as he looked at his student. "If you've read the chapter like I hope you all did, there are many different theories about sexuality but for today I will be focusing on Sigmund Freud's theories."

Edd's pen glided over the top line of a blank page, marking it the start of a new chapter. 'Sexuality' was written in large letters with 'Freud' on the line right below it. He had already read the chapter as his professor required but Edd was having a hard time comprehending what it all meant. Psychology was a different breed of science compared to physics or chemistry, both of which Edd was knowledgeable in. Those could be explained with equation but psychology did not follow what Edd knew. This chapter also seemed ironic with what was happening with Edd and Nat recently.

"I always thought that Freud to be insightful, even when his theories were refuted by the psychology community. One of my favorite theories is that everyone starts out bisexual."

A mummer ran through the lecture hall, fueled by shock or anger from those who did not read the chapter like they were supposed to prior to class. Such an idea to a new mind clashed with religious teachings and what was expectable in society. Nat shook his head at the comments around him. There were many closed minds in this class, Nat realized. Looking over at Edd, Nat did not see any reaction to the lecture or the comments from his classmates.

Dr. Harper raised his hand for silence before continuing. "I understand that the theory is not agreeable but in this class we will be learning about and discussing theories that you may not agree with. I am not here to sway you one way or the other. I am just a vessel for learning and you must decide what you wish to take away from the lectures."

Everyone seemed to calm down, comprehending that their reactions were childish and that they signed up for this class. All eyes were on Dr. Harper as started a slide show for all to see, taking a moment to collect himself before turning back to the class.

"Now, let's get back to the lesson. So, Freud was not saying that people stay bisexual their whole lives. Childhood experiences with friends and family shaped a child's sexual preference, whether it is homo or heterosexual. In are rare cases in which people choice neither side completely, opting for bisexuality."

The tip of Edd's pen came to a halt as he scribbled notes. Ink pooled around the point, soaking into the paper but Edd did not notice that as he was lost in thought. His parents had not been around most of his life so, by using Freud's theory, the confusion over his sexual orientation could be looked at from his limited interaction with his mother and father. Unable to make the attachments like normal children, Edd was not able to develop his own sexuality. There were only a few girls in the neighborhood and none of his experiences with them were very pleasant. Sarah was mean, Nazz was ditzy, and the Kanker sisters were just terrors. The revelation shook Edd to the core. The things left out of his childhood left him socially and sexually stunted. Anger filled his chest, at his parents and at himself for not reaching out. The outcome of the neglect left him questioning what he wanted in a partner. He had thought he was just uninterested in the opposite sex but it seemed more complicated than that.

The lecture ended and Edd was still sitting in silence. Mentions of more reading and upcoming due dates floated up to Edd before they were dismissed. Students stood to leave but a teaching assistant rushed in and said something hurriedly to Dr. Harper, who then turned to the class. He gained their attention once again, directing them back to their seats.

"A tornado was spotted close by so I was instructed to keep you all here for the time being. This building is safe but I would ask you all to stay away from the doors and window. Classes have been cancelled until further notice."

Nat walked with Edd out into the hallway. The smaller boy was on his phone, calling his high school to inform them of the situation and the reason for his absence until the storm had passed. A woman on the other end confirmed that she got it into the computers and that all of his teachers had been sent an email so he was not counted as absent. A weight seemed to lift off Edd as he hung up the phone. Tardiness was a trigger for his anxiety. Nat relaxed as Edd calmed down.

Nat spoke first. "So what do you want to do? I mean, there isn't much we can do about the weather so we are stuck here for now."

Nat stuck his hands in his pockets and walked towards a cluster of comfy chairs that was tucked into a corner. The area was meant to be a study area but there was not enough light to read properly or take good notes. Nat had found this hidden alcove by accident his first semester. Many naps had been taken on the long red sofa that sat against the wall. Edd followed him, sitting on the couch.

"The lecture was interesting, wasn't it?" Nat prodded as he sat next to Edd. "Freud was kinda weird at times but the whole bisexual thing made sense in a way. It tied in well with the concept of the Oedipus and Electra complexes that Dr. Harper was talking about."

Edd shrugged. "I cannot say that I can agree with the theory since I lacked the attention of my parents when I was a child. They are doctors and venture out into the world, trying to do what they can in third world countries. There was nothing to condition my sexuality really."

Nat was floored at Edd's honesty. The small boy had never mentioned his parents and Nat could see why. A mere reference to his parents seemed to bring up a lot of past pain and possible trauma that Nat could not even start to comprehend. His family was warm and welcoming, even if they did annoy him from time to time. But they were there for him no matter what.

"That's not your fault Edd. You did not choose to be left alone so your parents are the only ones at fault in this situation. But, just because you were not shaped by your parents does not mean that you won't find out what you like or want in life. Have you ever liked or been attracted to a girl?"

Edd only shook his head.

"Okay," Nat continued methodically, almost scientifically. "Does the sight of a naked female body turn you on?"

"No, never," Edd muttered blushing, thankful that there was no one around to hear his answers. "My friend Eddy had a wide assortment of vulgar magazines and I felt nothing towards the pictures. He thought I was weird but they just did not… do it for me."

"What does do it for you than?" Nat asked curiously.

The boy's mouth opened than closed. Words, embarrassing words, sat on the tip of his tongue bitterly. He remembered the time when he found one of Eddy's sports magazines and how he marveled at the musculature of the male players in various stages of game play or practice. A strange feeling clouded Edd's mind and he had to excuse himself to get some fresh air. The players were clothed yet Edd felt more towards them than the women posing nude.

"There was this one time- with a magazine… it was not a dirty magazine… it was a sports issue…" Edd trailed off, humiliated at his inability to speak properly.

The harsh words that Edd expected his not come. Nat sat calmly as Edd tried to explain himself. Something about his reaction made Edd feel safe enough to even talk about his. Maybe it was because Nat had gone through the same struggle. He was living proof that being gay was not a death sentence. Relief blossomed in Edd's chest. The questions that had been plaguing him for months were so easily answered. He just needed to a test to see if everything was simple as he thought.

In the dim corner, Edd leaned forward, closing the gap between them, and kissed Nat.


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