Author's Note: Holy hell! Your reviews sustain me! And I'm open to plot ideas. So, yes, Guest reviewer, Kevin may be introduced to Double D's geeky, nerdy obessesions. Every couple has a "thing," right? Now, on with the show!

After lunch, Princess cornered Nat at his car.

"Listen, I know we're happy for them and all, but I'm still a bit worried. I mean, JJ's parents moved him to freaking Applebury! I know D's parents. They wouldn't send him away, but I doubt they'll be supportive. What do you think about giving them some security?"

Nat considered it a moment.

"How about we have our security teams keep an eye on them, too? It wouldn't be as noticeable as hiring them their own team. And no one's parents would have to know," he said.

Princess hated the idea of keeping their parents in the dark. She had learned a long time ago that keeping parents in the loop meant that disasters could be avoided. As long as the parents were willing to be parents and guide their kids. Edd had practically raised himself. Whether or not his parents knew seemed to be a moot point.

"Ok, fine, but I'm telling my dads. We need to have adult back up just in case shit hits the fan," she said.

Nat nodded. "Sounds good. Your dads would be more capable to help anyways."

Double D spent the rest of the afternoon in the coach's office, much to Kevin's chagrin. Not that he wanted Edd to see him on the field, but he did want to see him. But work had to be done. Edd made some phone calls to previous sponsors. As soon as Coach Williams hired the rest of his coaching staff, there'd be a meeting with the staff and sponsors. The end result would be a new booster team. Hopefully.

Next, he researched tshirt and sweatshirt designs. This was a new team, with a new coaching staff.

"Out with the old and in with the new," he thought.

Seeing nothing that appealed to him, he made a mental note to ask Ed and Marie if they could design something. Both were very capable artists. A student design would be cooler anyways.

Around 445, he got a text from his mom. PostIt notes gave way to texts a couple years ago. But it still seemed so impersonal. He didn't know when he went from beloved child to dutiful son, but what he wouldn't give to be that beloved child again. His Aunt Vanessa, his mother's older sister and his maternal grandmother were about the only adults in his life who treated him as a beloved child. His dad came a close second. But father and son saw so little of each other, that their interactions were awkward. He knew his father meant well, he just wished that he'd put as much effort into their relationship as he did his job. As for his mom, he'd remain the dutiful son. It was just easier that way. The text he received said that his parents wouldn't be able to come home this weekend, but they would be at the Barr's tonight for dinner. Kathleen had invited them.

Oh, dear.

He didn't know what to think. Had Mrs Barr done it to force the needed conversation of his sexuality? Or was she feeling pity on him for once again being put in second place to his parents work? He sighed. He'd find out soon enough.

After practice, he told Kevin about the slight change in dinner plans.

"Mom likes to meet the parents right away," he said. "With her work schedule, she figures that if she knows I'm with my girlfriend or boyfriend, at least she can trust there's another adult keeping an eye on me."

"But, she sees my parents more than I do!," Edd replied

"Weird, huh? Well, since no one is getting pregnant in this relationship," he teased, "I guess she just wants to be sure that I'm as welcomed in your family as you are in mine."

Edd's parents had been coridal to his friends, but this was new. He had never dated before.

Kevin, seeing his worried expression, stopped to hug him.

"Look, babe, even if they do hate me, I'm not giving you up without a fight."

At this point, they had made it to Kevin's Harley, Kevin gave Double D a full kiss before putting his helmet on his head. A group of teenagers walked by and one of them yelled out, "FAGGOTS!"

Edd, flipped the visor up on the helmet. "Yeah, so?," he said, "My boyfriend's a fag, because like English cigarettes, he's smoking hot."

The hateful teen turned bright red in embarassment as his friends laughed at Double D sassing him as they walked away. Kevin lost it.

"Holy hell, babe! That was awesome!," he said after pulling himself together from his laughing fit.

"Well, you are," Edd shrugged. But the light in his baby blue eyes was dancing.

"Let me get you home so I can show you my appreciation," Kevin said and then he kissed him again.

Home. Being appreciated. Double D could get used to this.