Greeting and salutations! Welcome back to another chapter of Finding a Life. I hope you all enjoyed Daniel's punishment. I thought long and hard about what to do with him and it seemed appropriate.

Love Eden

Kevin was sitting on Edd's front steps when he got home. His red hair was slightly tussled, meaning he had run his hands through it many times. Edd noticed Kevin doing that a lot, messing with his hair absentmindedly. It was cute.

"How was coffee with Nat?" Kevin asked as he casually strolled over to Edd.

Edd wrapped his arms around Kevin's waist, a familiar touch started not too long ago. Ever since they walked home from the junk yard, the two boys had been a lot more physically affectionate with one another, holding hands and cuddling often. They had not gone past innocent affection yet and Edd was thankful for that. He still had nightmares about Daniel near sexual assault. There were a few times that Kevin had to wake him up because it got so bad at times. Having Kevin sleep in the same bed as him helped keep the nightmares at bay for the most part.

"It was fine. We just talked a little, catching up on events mostly. He's doing well and he said my psychology class sends their regards. I wish we could have talked longer but he had work. How was assisting your father?"

Kevin wrapped Edd in a hug and set his chin on top of his head. "It was okay, I guess. The yard needed work and mom's car needed an oil change. And don't worry I showered before I came over so I'm not all gross and sweaty."

"That was thoughtful of you." Edd said, his voice muffled since his face was buried in Kevin's chest.

Kevin pulled back a little from Edd. "Wanna watch a really bad sci-fi move and you can explain how wrong the science is?"

Edd laughed. That has also become one of their normal activities. After Edd had turned in Daniel and he didn't feel like going out, Kevin brought over a B-rated space movie to pass the time. He didn't realize that those kinds of movies sent Edd into full rant mode. Over the course of the movie, Kevin learned about the long distance science of space travel and how it was close to being a real thing.

While Kevin went to set up the movie, Edd went to the kitchen for snacks. He grabbed apples and cheese for him, cookies for Kevin's sweet tooth, and popcorn for the both of them. He put them on his serving tray and grabbed two waters out of the fridge since Kevin needed to stay hydrated for all the sports related things he did. Edd had talked Kevin into giving up carbonated beverages as it only hindered his performance on the field.

"It's ready so get your cute butt in here!" Kevin called from the living room, causing Edd to blush.

The tray was put on the coffee table and the food was distributed between them. Kevin shoved two cookies in his mouth then drank half of his water. Edd laughed and nibbled delicately on his cheese slice. They both shuffled on the couch a little until they were sitting hip to hip and Kevin's arm was around Edd's shoulders. Edd rested his head on Kevin's shoulder as the movie intro started in an almost star war's like style with the floating paragraphs. It started off as most science fiction movies do. Edd couldn't help but point out all the flaws in the science and math that was brought up.

"If they did their research properly, they could do it right. If I can read and understand physics so can anyone." Edd huffed.

Kevin laughed. "Not everyone is as smart as you are, dork. The only reason I would be able to pass physics class is if you were my tutor."

"I am a pretty good tutor." Edd said smiling.

Nuzzling his neck, Kevin chuckled. "Oh, I believe you, dork. You will be the first person I call if I ever need tutoring."

Kevin hadn't shaved for the past few days so his stubble tickled Edd's neck. He squealed and tried to get away but Kevin had a tight grip around his waist. The jock knew what he was doing but ignored Edd giggling pleas to stop his tickling. Edd thrashed about, giggling and squirming. Taking advantage of Edd's erratic movements, Kevin pulled Edd into his lap.

"Got you," Kevin whispered breathily in Edd's ear.

A shiver ran through Edd. Heat bounced between them as they both stilled for a moment, breathing in their closeness. Hands brushed bare skin and their breath intermingled as they were almost nose to nose. Edd could smell Kevin's cologne, deep and earthy. He always liked the way the ginger smelled, like dirt after summer rain. If he could wrap himself in that sent for the rest of eternity, Edd would do it without hesitation.

Ever since Nat asked him if he loved Kevin, Edd could not get the question out of his head. In this moment, he could feel that warm spot in him swelling so much that he felt like he was going to burst. It was like having a sun living inside him that flashed a solar flare when Kevin was near him, touching him. The warmth kept him going when the darkness of the nightmares threatened to overwhelm him.

"Kevin, what does love feel like?" Edd whispered so quietly that Kevin almost didn't hear him.

Kevin leaned his head back and his brow furrowed in concentration. "Love… it is hard to explain. It's slightly different from person to person. But what I do know, when you meet a person you love it's like coming home."

"Is it a warm feeling that comes from here?" Edd rested his hand over Kevin's heart. "Is it a warmth that wants to consume every inch of your body and mind when a specific person is around?"

Kevin put his hand over Edd's hand. "It's the best warmth a person can feel."

Edd took a deep breath and let it out slowly, knowing what he wanted to say. "I feel that warmth whenever you are around me, Kevin."

A small gasp passed Kevin's lips. He opened his mouth and closed it. There was a disconnect between his thoughts and him tongue. In that moment, Edd leaned in and kissed Kevin so gently that Kevin swore he could feel Edd's love coming from the soft brush of his lips. Kevin met his gentleness with intensity. He drew Edd tight against his chest and deepened the kiss. Edd arms draped over Kevin's shoulders, his fingers tracing the definition of the muscles under his shirt. Shifting slightly but not breaking lip contact, Edd straddled Kevin's lap.

"Be mine," Kevin said between kisses. "Say you will be mine."

Edd kissed Kevin's nose and smiled. "I thought you would never ask."

Thanks for reading! This was a little fluff chapter but I really enjoyed writing it. There possibly are a few more chapters left or I might start a second series at the start of their college careers. I haven't decided yet but I would love some input. Have a lovely day/night!