Author's Note: SHE LIVES! Yes hello friends, I am back. This hiatus went on a little bit longer than expected but...in all honesty even though I was done with my finals I was just lacking the inspiration to really finish this chapter :/ even at this moment as I'm posting it I feel like maybe it wasn't totally worth such a long wait you know? So, I'm sorry if you were hoping for more! DD: Little inspiration and some down moments and horrible nerves over my final grades didn't help at all. Ch. 11 will have mostly KevEdd, since I ended this in more of a NatEdd mode. ANYWAY, I hope that while you waited you did enjoy the 2 little oneshots I posted? If you did read em xD just to ease the wait cuz I just know you guys missed me oh so much (loljkihopeyouareenjoyingthisfictho)
University's hard kids. Even if you find your niche, it's hard, and so, you gotta work hella hard. STAY IN SCHOOL YOU LITTLE SHITS, AND DON'T FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE OR YOU WILL HAVE LIKE 1 MENTAL BREAKDOWN PER SEMESTER ;_;
Wow Ch. 10 though, dangarang on a stick haha. I think I might make this fanfic around...20 chapters maximum hopefully, so...yeah...expect more and more
Nat belongs to: c2ndy2c1d !
My tumblr: little - laughssassin . tumblr . com
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Ch. 10: Royal Green
Since the Halloween party, Edd had been receiving texts from both Nat and Kevin more constantly, and even a few from Nazz. He tried with all his might to just put aside his thoughts and hectic feelings, even if just for a minute so that he could finally fully concentrate on his studies, especially with a lab coming up for chemistry AND biology in a few days.
Edd sat at his desk, going over his chemistry notes as best he could, but all he could hear was his phone vibrating every 3 minutes from being bombarded with text after text. He didn't like turning off his cellphone in case of an emergency, so that he could be easily contacted, but this was getting ridiculous.
He sighed, 'So this is what it feels like to be noticed…'
Finally he gave up, and went to his bed to pick up his phone and check what all the fuss was about; 4 texts from Nat, 4 from Kevin, 2 from Nazz, 5 from Eddy, and 3 from Ed.
Dear lord…whatever could they need from me so urgently…
None of the texts were exactly urgent; Nat was just asking when Double D would be free to hang next and how his day was going, Kevin asked relatively the same thing, Nazz was…the same… and Ed and Eddy simply wanted to know if Double D had made up his mind yet. He came to the conclusion that the only way he'd be able to finally get some work done, was if he simply answered the texts and asked them to please refrain from contacting him until HE contacted them first.
To Nathan; To Kevin; To Nazz: Greetings! At the moment I am rather busy with my studies since I have two labs coming up. However, I should be able to go out the week after, would that be okay?
To Eddy; To Ed: NO. I have NOT made up my mind yet, and I would appreciate it if the both of you please stopped pestering me about the matter! Once I make up my mind you will be the first to know, I promise.
He stood up and was about to sit back down on his desk chair when his phone vibrated a few more times.
"Oh for God's sake… I'm turning this contraption off once I'm done checking these texts!"
He unlocked his phone with one swift slide of his finger; only 1 text per person this time at least.
From Nathan: Oh snap! Sorry about that Double Dude, I'll quiet down! & Next next week sounds coo ;) wanna go to a movie Friday night?
From Kevin: Oh, sorry dude! Yeah that's fine with me. What do you wanna do? How about Friday night? Movie?
"…Are you kidding me?! Well…guess I'll have to ask Kevin if Saturday is possible."
From Nazz: SORRY! That's okay Double D, no worries! Any time is fine as long as it's after 2:30 and after 6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
From Eddy: FIIIINNNEEEEE! Well you better make up your mind soon! #Goteamgreenie.
Double D tch'd at his friend's text message, but the tiniest of smirks tugged at the corners of his lips.
From Ed: Awwww more waiting But I understand this is important, so I will wait! Listen to your heart Double D! Because the heart is where the home is!
The boy couldn't help but smile at Ed's text message; he really was quite the lovable oaf.
Double D sent his final text messages, accepting Nat's offer, asking Kevin about Saturday, telling Nazz they could walk together next Thursday after their classes, giving Eddy a sarcastic "ha-ha", and thanking Ed for the advise.
Alas, his phone was turned off and Double D was able to return to his studies with more inner peace, and best of all, quiet.
Double D was finally done with his labs once Thursday afternoon came to be, and he was sure to have gotten a good grade for both classes. As promised, he was to meet up with Nazz and have a little catching-up chat. The revenet got out of his lecture hall and went off to find Nazz by the library.
She waited for him while trying to figure out what to say to him in her mind.
'Hey Double D! You look good today! What a nice day today huh? So do you like anyone right now?... UGH no that' so weird… 'Hey Double D, mind if we talk about feelings? Do you have any feelings?'… What the fuck am I saying…oh no! he's here, ok Nazz just act normal. You can do this; not your first time talking about this kind of stuff.'
"Greetings Nazz! I do hope I did not keep you waiting for too long."
"No, no, don't worry! I just got here a few minutes ago!"
"Ah, I'm glad…well then, shall we go? Are you hungry? We can stop for a snack if so." Double D smiled as he asked the blonde.
"Nah it's okay, unless you're hungry?" He shook his head, "Alrighty then! Let's go home." She smiled and grabbed onto his arm, dragging him from his spot after her.
Double D and Nazz had always been on friendly terms, but the action still took the boy a bit by surprise. "So, how has your day been?"
"Good, good… tried some new French recipes in class today, and that went pretty well!... Although my partner accidentally cut herself while chopping some carrots."
"Oh dear, I do hope she's alright!"
"Yeah she's fine. Got a little woozy since she hates blood but she's fine!"
"That's good…" Double D felt a little awkward, not because of Nazz, but because he felt like there was some ulterior motive to her suddenly asking him to go for a walk. "Nazz, forgive me if I'm wrong, but, is there a specific reason as to why you asked to see me? Not that I mind hanging out with you! Just…Well, some weird stuff has been happening to me lately and I just don't know what to think anymore…I've come to learn things really AREN'T always as they seem."
"Oh…" She took a deep breath in and sighed, "Actually Double D, you're right. I wanted to talk to you about some stuff…personal stuff."
"O-oh? Proceed?"
"Double D, how do you feel about Kevin?"
The boy's breath hitched when he heard the question. He had been thinking hard about his feelings since the kiss happened…for both of them… but this still caught him off guard. 'Of course Nazz would know something happened! She's Kevin's best friend!...Oh no, don't tell me…"
Nazz could see the panic and confusion on Double D's eyes, so when he didn't answer right away, she continued, "Listen dude, I know about the kiss, Kevin kinda accidentally told me and-"
"F-forgive me Nazz! The kiss took me by complete surprise a-and I didn't know what to do! Heck, I didn't even know what was happening! Perhaps Kevin was just sleepy and wasn't fully aware of what he was doing? Oh Nazz please forgive me, I know you and Kevin have been close since childhood and I understand your feelings towards him and I-"
"WOOAAAHHH THERE BUDDY." She halted to a stop and put a finger over Double D's mouth, "Feelings towards him?" she laughed, "Double D, I don't like Kevin! I mean…I might've at one point…but…maybe we were just meant to be friends you know? Platonic love or something!" The beanie-clad boy slightly smiled and calmed down, so she retrieved her finger. "Kevin told me about the kiss. After the party he was just, I don't know, like, dazed, completely at bliss, and from the looks of it totes googley-eyed for a certain someone." She then lightly poked at Double D's side, making him laugh.
"Really? He was that content after our k-kiss?" Double D couldn't help the happy feeling bubbling up in his stomach. Nazz's words only served to verify Kevin's confession and its sincerity, and it made Double D…happy. Very happy.
"Mhm! We talked on the phone later that night too, and let me tell ya dude, he reaaalllyy likes you!" Nazz couldn't contain her happiness for her two friends either as she saw Double D go from panicked to amorous. It was just too cute!
"I've been thinking about my own feelings for him as well. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine Kevin, my former childhood bully, current new friend, and baseball star…someone popular and like…like him to ever like me…but…" Double D bit his lower lip and looked down; his eyebrows furrowing in concern as he remembered a certain teal-haired boy also kissing him.
"But there's something…someone else isn't there?"
"Actually, yes, there is…Nathan."
'So he DOES know…oh man.' "Yeah, I also talked to him about it, but I wasn't sure if you knew or not. Did he confess to you too?"
"Actually…he hasn't really confessed, well, he tried but…got Eddy instead thinking that it was me…lord, that party was a complete mess…anyway, Nathan kissed me."
"HE WHAT?! HE DIDN'T TELL ME THAT PART. SO BOTH NAT AND KEVIN KISSED YOU?"
"Y-yes."
"W-What are you going to do?!"
"I DON'T KNOW!"
"Hooooly shit!... wow… Double D, in all honesty… who do you think you want to be with?"
"Pardon?"
"Who do you want to be with? You can trust me Edd, I won't tell a soul. I'm guessing this is something that's hard to keep in, and I'm also guessing you've told Ed and Eddy, but whether you have or haven't, just know that you have me too! You, Nat, and Kevin are my friends, and I've known you and Kev since forever…so...yeah!"
Double D smiled, showing the gap between his teeth, "Thank you Nazz, I honestly appreciate it! As to who I wish to be with…in all honesty I do not know yet…Kevin is familiar to me, even if he doesn't come with the fondest of memories at first. He's an admirable individual at sports; people look up to him and want to talk to him. Now I know that besides the athletic, macho, hard exterior, there's also a very sweet side to him. He has changed, grown up I'd say, and now instead of feeling afraid of him I almost feel…safe around him?…and the kiss…oh Nazz, that kiss felt wonderful…" He brought his hands up to his beanie and slid it down closer to his eyes as he felt his cheeks starting to burn.
Nazz simply smiled, "Yeah, he's not the little shit he used to be when we were 10…well…not AS much." She giggled then turned back at the blushing boy, "What about Nat?"
"Nat is quite the presence! So forward and outgoing; a total people-person. He's also very sweet and bright… it's hard to be in a bad mood around him for long…he can be a little over-the-top though, and I do have my limitations." He smirked, "He makes me laugh and makes me feel at ease. The kiss came to be through a childish game of truth or dare and I got dared to close my eyes." Double D laughed and shook his head, "At first I was a statue, but then I started to melt…"
"Oh gosh…Well, either one you choose, you'll have a great guy with you. Just know that…well…Kevin doesn't know Nat likes you too, and, Nat doesn't know about Kevin either."
Edd gasped, "Oh my, really? Oh that's not good…or maybe it is…I'm not sure how they would react if they were to find out…"
"I don't know either…it could go so many ways…" She sighed, "What are you gonna do? Are you seeing either one any time soon?"
"Actually, I'm going out with Nathan on Friday and Kevin on Saturday."
"I see, well, you HAVE to tell me how that goes! You gonna treat it as a date?"
"I-I suppose."
"Good! Pay attention to your feelings while you're with them; trust your heart!"
Edd giggled and nodded, "That's actually what Ed advised me to do as well."
They continued walking in the cold November day back to their dormitories, and although part of him was terribly nervous, he also could not wait any longer to see Nat and Kevin the coming week.
Finally the day Nat had been waiting for arrived, and tonight he would be hanging out with Double D. He intended this to be a date; a nice, classic, movie date with the little genius.
He posed in front of his mirror as he tried deciding on what to wear. "Ah who am I kidding, anything will look good on me! Hmm…but what would Double Cutie like?...Ah! Maybe this!" He picked a nice pair of jeans, a blue sweater over a white button-up shirt, and a nice jacket for the cold weather. "Perfection!"
He checked his phone for the time and saw that it was almost time go get his date for the night just across the hall. He quickly styled his hair, picked up his jacket, put on his boots, grabbed his stuff, and locked the door behind him.
Three swift knocks signaled Nat's arrival, and Double D jumped in his chair, reading a book as he waited for his friend, "Coming!"
Double D grabbed his wallet and stuffed it into his back pocket. He opened the door and smiled brightly at the teal-haired boy, "Greetings Nathan! I'm all ready to go."
Nat's smiled formed automatically the moment he caught his first glimpse of Edd opening the door. He was wearing jeans, rainboots, his signature black ski hat, and a warm, puffy orange jacket. 'He's just too cute, I swear to God!'
"Heyah cutiepie! Let's bounce!"
They made their way downstairs to Nat's car and Edd got into the passenger seat. After Edd made sure that Nat followed all safety precautions before starting to drive, they finally left the parking lot. The closest movie theater was about 20 minutes away; 10 of which were spent in awkward, self-aware conversation between the two boys, but they survived the car ride.
"Nathan, pardon my intrusion and curiosity, but how is it you manage to maintain such a nice car with university, and dorm rent, and only a part-time job? It is a latest model correct?" Double D asked as he slid his fingers across the dashboard in front of him.
"Yeup! 2013 Audi A4; gorgeous huh? It matches my everything!" Double D laughed and rolled his eyes at the beaming teal-haired boy, "And to answer your question, my folks are rich. So it's all taken care of as long as I don't get too wild. Or at least without them finding out if I do." He added with a wink.
"Rich? Really? Then why live in our little cul-de-sac?"
"Oh, that's our second house…or was at least. Now it's more like our first and what used to be our first is now more like a vacation home. We don't like being too flashy about money, or at least try not to be too often; it can be very annoying to have people smooch off of you pretending they know you and care. Green can be an ugly color my friend."
"Oh…that's very understandable actually. I'd probably be very bothered by people pretending to like me for my money. Although…I guess it has happened before, but with my brain."
"People pretending their being all friendly and stuff just to get to your noggin?"
"Yes, sadly. But at least I've learned my lesson, I know who my real friends are."
"What about Eddy? Didn't he use you for scams all the time?"
"Yes but… that's different! Oh… I don't know how to explain it…but…Eddy really is my friend, best friend in fact, along with Ed. Yes he would constantly torment me with scam after scam on a daily basis, but Eddy meant no real harm to me, or anyone. Yes he's a little…a lot rough around the edges, but once you get to really know him, he's not that bad."
"Heh, that's pretty nice of you to say Double Dude."
They arrived at the movie theater's parking lot and Nat parked the car; they went up the stairs that led up to the big entrance, and Nat held the door open for Double D before going in himself.
"Which movie are we watching?" Asked Edd.
"It was between Rise of the Guardians and The Perks of Being a Wallflower right? Hmm…one's at 7 and the other is 7:30. Which do you prefer? Perks? Since you did suggest it."
"Well it was a wonderful book, and Emma Watson plays the role of Sam so I'm sure it'd be a good movie, however, I've also heard some very good feedback on the guardians. I would be content with either one!" He said, showing his gap-toothed smile.
'Too much!' Nat smiled, and leaned his head down to sneak a quick peck to Edd's cheek, startling the boy.
"N-Nathan?!"
"What? That gap-toothed smile of yours is just too adorable!"
"I don't think it's that flattering…I anything I should've gotten fixed with braces years ago. It looks weird."
"Hey, no, don't do that!"
"Huh?"
"Don't talk down on yourself Double Dude. I love your gap-toothed smile, it's cute, and it suits you, because you're cute too! I won't let you not do yourself any justice!"
Edd stared at Nat in silence for a moment, then laughed, "W-why thank you, Nathan."
"Any time doll. Now, back to the movie choice…"
"Hmm…Rise of the guardians."
"Really? Are you sure? Seemed like you really wanted to watch the other one."
"Yes Nathan I'm sure! C'mon, let's go get the ti-"
"AH AH AH," Nat grabbed Edd by the wrist to stop him and wagged his finger at him, "I'll take care of the tickets for us, but you can go get some snacks if you want."
"A-are you sure? I am able to purchase my own, really."
"Yep! It is a date afterall, and I'M the one who asked you." He winked at Edd, who simply blushed and nodded. "Good, move along now cutie with a booty"
"Wha-AH!" As Edd was starting to walk towards the concession stand, Nat lightly patted his butt, making Edd jump and cover his behind with his hands, "NATHAN PLEASE THIS IS A PUBLIC ENVIRONMENT. DESIST FROM SUCH ACTIONS!"
Nat simply laughed and went to get the tickets. Edd got them a large popcorn, a root beer for Nat, and a bottle of water for himself; then Nat joined him with the tickets and they went into the theater. After a quick discussion over where to sit, they settled for the 4th row before the top, smack-dab in the middle. Edd became completely enthralled in the movie, not once regretting his decision; it was beautiful!
The animation, the concept, the art, the story, the characters; they loved them all. About 15 minutes into the movie (after about 10 hours of previews…) Nat did ye olde yawn trick, and placed his arm "innocently" around Edd's seat – and the boy barely even noticed. Barely.
Every now and then Nat would glimpse over at his shorter companion; his eyes would blend in color with those reflected from the screen. Greens dancing with blues, hues of oranges and reds making a splash here and there, or icy blues and white and black contrasting beautifully with his own bright emeralds.
He'd notice Edd sniffling too, and how hard he would be concentrating on keeping his tears in whenever an emotional part came – which, let's face it, was almost the whole movie – but his eyes would still get glassy; yet he looked completely content, and it made Nat glad that he was enjoying their time together.
Unlike Edd however, Nat didn't mind letting his emotions show throughout the movie, and he would let out a quiet sob or two into the dark, chilly room. At the end of the movie, Edd smiled and wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, and then looked to his companion to see how he was doing, and what he saw only made him smile more; Nat was a silent mess. He had tear streaks down both his cheeks, eyebrows furrowed, and he was biting down on his lower lip, but his own smile was noticeable.
After a few moments of the end credits rolling, the lights began to turn back on, and both boys got up to leave the room. Once out the doors, Nat stretched and let out a content sigh, using his sleeve to finish drying his eyes.
"That was an amazing movie! The artwork and animation were incredible! Did you see all the detail on the tooth fairy?" Double D gushed.
Nat giggled and nodded enthusiastically, "I know! It was ridiculous! More emotional than I thought it'd be too, hah. And, let's face it, Jack's HOT."
Edd laughed, "I suppose you could say he is quite attractive…for an animated character that is."
"Man, if believing in all those people mean I could get to see Jack Frost in my room at night, I'll believe in the freaking Loch Ness monster "
"What?"
Nat's simply laughed and patted Double D's shoulder "Calm down Double Dreamboat, you know I'd rather have in my room." He added a wink in the end, making Double D's skin turn red all over.
"Nathan, please! L-let's just head back to your car now, shall we?"
"Alright, alright. Whatever my queen desires."
"Your queen?! I am male, Nathan, and why am I your queen?"
"Well seeing as I am royalty, and the King of Butts, I figured you'd be the queen! Buuuuuuut I guess I could make you my…prince!"
"A prince you say?" Double D thought about it, then giggled. "Well, if you must, I suppose I do prefer it over "queen""
Nat's insides perked up just from knowing Double D accepted the nickname, his nickname, the one he gave to the cute little smartypants.
They reached Nat's car and the teal-haired boy went over to the passenger's side and opened the door for Edd. "My prince." He said, doing a small bow.
"Nathan, if you are King and I am a prince, why would you be opening the door for me? Kings and Queens are highest in the monarchy, so, wouldn't I be opening it for you?"
"Dude, I'm the King of BUTTS, my monarchy is based on the booty, and since I like your booty, I was going to open this door for the booty…but if you insist upon following the rules then I guess my booty rules all booties." He sauntered over back to the driver's side and stood there, then turned to Edd and smiled, "So…you must now open the door for MY booty."
Edd scoffed a laugh and rolled his eyes, but obeyed his "king" anyway. He walked over to the other side of the car and opened the door with a dramatic bow. "Your throne, my king."
'My king.' Just hearing Edd say that made Nat actually blush and his heart beated twice as fast in that little moment. 'has a nice ring to it coming from him…hehe.'
"Nathan?"
"Hmm?...O-Oh! Right, the door, yes, my door, thank you kind prince."
Edd chuckled and got into the car from the other side. The two boys drove back to the dormitories, and although it was just for a movie, Nat felt the "date" had gone fairly well. Edd laughed a lot, and he seemed to have really enjoyed the movie, and new nicknames had even been established. He wished it could've lasted longer, but he was also starting to get better acquainted with his companions habits, like getting a good night sleep, and possibly doing most of his homework – being a Friday night. So instead he settled for making the most out of the car ride.
"Hey, prince cutiepie, wanna play a game?"
'Now I'm prince cutiepie? Oh Nathan…' Edd internally smiled, then turned to Nat with a curious gaze, "What kind of game?"
"I spy!"
"Alright! Who starts?"
"You can go first."
"Very well then….I spy with my little eyeess…something…blue."
"Blue huh?...that guy's jacket!" Edd shook his head, "Hmm…my sweater!" He shook it again, "Huh… Oh! The phone booth we just passed!"
"Correct! Your turn."
"I spy with my little, sexy eyes… something…something...green."
"Trees!" Nat shook his head, "Uhm…a street sign!"
"Nope, it's quite the beautiful shade of green. Think beautiful!"
"Uhh…huh…uhm… well they do say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" so I don-"
"You got it."
"Pardon?" 'I didn't even guess anything.'
"Eyes; your eyes."
"M-my eyes?"
"Yeah. They are a beautiful shade of bright green." Nat quickly turned to face the Edd as he stopped the car for a red light. The ravenet looked at him with wide eyes, and wasn't sure how much of the reddish-pink hue painting his face was his own blush or the stop light reflected on him; either way, he was somewhat thankful that the traffic light was camouflaging him.
"I really do like your eyes Double D."
"W-why do you say such things to me Nathan?" Edd already knew Nat's answer, but he thought that maybe if he finally heard a real confession, his own answer would become cleared. 'Listen to your heart, Edd; just as advised.'
Nat's gaze became serious, yet soft from affection towards the smaller boy. "Because I like you" 'Yes! I said it to the right guy this time!', "In fact, I like you a lot."
Double D's whole being stopped functioning properly; his brain stopped, his stomach flipped, his heart was everywhere, and his temperature rose once again.
The red light turned to green, changing the color reflected on Edd's face and further intensifying his eye color, but Nat reluctantly had to focus once again on the road instead of Edd.
"So, your turn." Nat said with a smug smile.
"I-I… r-right…I spy with my little eyes…something red."
"You just a few moments ago."
"No!"
Nat bursted out laughing, and they continued their little game for the rest of the car ride. Once they finally got back to the dorms, and up to their floor, both boys awkwardly stood in front of each other in the hall between their doors.
Double D cleared his throat, "Well, I had a wonderful evening Nathan, thank you. I really did love Rise of the Guardians."
"I had fun too." Nat smiled brightly, "And…about liking you… I mean it, you know that right?" Edd nodded shyly, "Good. I tried telling you back at the Halloween party, but it turned into complete bullshit and I ended up becoming a sap in front of freaking Eddy. Talk about a complete fail on my part!" Nat laughed softly and continued, looking straight into Edd's eyes, "I like you Double Cutie; I have since like high school actually…Heh."
'Oh my…that long?'
"I don't really know why it took me so long to tell you…I guess maybe it's just because I didn't see you very often? And now I do, or, at least have more chances to see you. Hey, at least I said it right? That's the important thing! And I just really gotta tell ya dude, you're like, amazing! You're super smart, and super nice, thoughtful, sweet, and you're…you're such a great student too. Always studying and doing your work and striving to get the best grades. You have your shit together!"
"I don't know what to say…you flatter me Nathan, really."
"And it's all true! Anyway, I guess this is it for tonight huh?"
"Yes I suppose so; I must get back to homework and my class readings."
"Yeah same. I'll text you later kay?"
"Very well, goodnight Nathan." But before Double D could turn around to unlock his door, Nat swooped in and kissed him. A light, sweet peck to the lips, but full of affection nonetheless. Nat pulled back and laughed at his friend's expression, then turned on his heel to open his door. "Goodnight Prince Cutiepie."
Double D unlocked his own door and stepped in, "G-goodnight Nathan." He closed the door behind him and let his head fall backwards, lightly smacking against the wall, "My decision… will be a lot harder than I thought."
On the other side of the hall, Nat walked over to his bed and plopped down on it on his back, letting out a big, content sigh of oxygen.
"Green is quite the lovely color, isn't it?"