The night had progressed rather slowly after the party's event for the four teens. After Nazz had calmed down from the traumatizing event Eddward and Kevin drove the girl back to her house thankfully before her parents had arrived. The raven haired teen had helped the girl up the stairs of her home as Kevin happily followed behind with the girls heels in hand. The blonde girl sat down at the edge of her bed and looked up to give the swimmer a small grateful smile, and with a nod Eddward excused himself heading back to wait for Kevin in the car.

The ginger teen had knelt down by her side and smiled up at her with a relieved expression. She gave his freckled hand a squeeze before leaning down and planting a chaste kiss on his forehead. "I'll be alright Kevin…" Cupping his face with her hands she pressed her forehead to his "…I love you" she whispered out softly.

Kevin took hold of her hands with a sad smile "I love you too…" he responded with a frown pulling back. "I'm sorry Nazz I didn't want this to happen I w-wish I could have been there for you" he quickly looked up with tearful eyes "If there's anything that I can do—"

Nazz pulled the teen into her embrace with a smile "I know…" she breathed in tightening in her hold "Just…promise me this will end soon"

With a nod Kevin whispered out "I promise"

The girl urged Kevin to stand up with a pat to his arm "Go on then, Vincent's waiting for you"

"You sure you don't want me to stay?" Kevin asked still with a guilty face.

Nazz shook her head and then Kevin leaned down hugging her once more before walking out. He had hesitated at her bedroom door but he had flicked her hand "Goodnight Nazz" he turned to leave. He knew the girl would not be getting any rest that night. He knew she would be paranoid and restless the entire time and it hurt to think that this would stick with her forever.

Kevin knew the feeling intense fear and being submerged in anxiety all the damn time. He hated it. It was like being crapped in a terrified state of mind, unknowing of what to do. He hated that fact that at least for some time, Nazz would suffer from it…perhaps have days she would not sleep and yet she had smiled up at him. How was she that strong? He knew she always had been, but it surprised him that she had not shed a tear. Perhaps now, in the privacy of her room she could break down. Perhaps that was why she had sent him away…and that stung a little. He wanted to be with her and comfort her.

Kevin closed the door of Nazz home and with a deeper frown crawled into Eddward's car. They both sat there in silence for a long moment before Eddward turned to him with a sad look "Is she fine?" he quietly asked.

The freckled teen looked down at his hands still feeling the slight shake of the girl's hands "She will be" he looked up then meeting eyes with the raven haired teen "Let's go"

"Do you want me to take you home?" Eddward quietly asked pulling out of the driveway.

Kevin was silent for a moment before lightly shaking his head "I don't want to… be alone tonight" he could feel his voice being to shake. He felt terrible, how could he have let that happen to his best friend? If Eddward hadn't found her in time…Kevin feared the thought.

Eddward reached over to take hold of Kevin's shaky hand. It was comforting, the warmth of the swimmer's hand was a familiar sensation that the smaller teen rather enjoyed and aided to keep him grounded. "Alright, just inform your father" Eddward murmured pulling his hand back to the steering wheel as they made their way back to Eddward's.

When they arrived the neighborhood was dark and quiet, but to Kevin it seemed more eerily than before. He stepped inside the house waiting for Eddward as he parked the car in the garage. Without turning on the lights the small teen slowly walked to the stairs and took a seat with crossed. The moonlight coming through the windows made it sufficient enough for him to see Eddward entering the room and making his way towards him. Kevin looked up noticing how tired the raven haired was and frowned.

Eddward reached his hand out for Kevin to take helping him to stand up "Let's head to bed"

Kevin had stepped out of Eddward's room to change and when he returned he saw a shirtless Eddward sitting on the edge of the bed. The lamp's light made every scar, bruise and scrape on the boy's body easily visible. The freckled teen felt nauseated…the thought that Eddward was suffering this physical pain made him feel sick. This was not ok…this was literally hurting the other. He looked away with a sad expression as Eddward turned to look at him.

It must have been around two in the morning by now, because Kevin was feeling profoundly tired as well but he knew it would be hard for him to actually fall asleep. He would keep his phone close in case Nazz needed him. Once again Kevin lied down in Eddward's bed wearing some of the other's comfortable clothes. Curling in on himself he faced away from the swimmer and let his thoughts float through his mind. Kevin was angry…angry that he didn't have the power to end the gang right then and now. He had made a promise to Nazz and he intended to keep it no matter what.

"Kevin?" Kevin heard Eddward's soft voice call out in concern.

He decided to let out a hum in response continuing to keep his eyes closed. There was silence for a long time making Kevin believe that maybe the other had fallen asleep but then he felt slender fingers slide up to his waist. "Look at me" Eddward commanded in a low voice.

Hesitant to turn around Kevin waited a moment before complying. With a slight redness to his face he turned around though he eyes looked down at the other's bruised chest. Tentatively he looked up to meet exhausted yet serious crystal eyes and kept silent. Eddward raised his hand to caress Kevin's cheek in silence as he looked him over then he finally spoke. "What happened tonight wasn't your fault"

Kevin knew he would say something like that…he lowered his gaze to the sheets with a frown. "Yes it was, I shouldn't have let her go out tonight"

"That was her decision, and she was fully aware of the risks. Don't beat yourself up about it" the teen leaned closer "the important part was that nothing…horrific happened"

"What happened was bad enough…" he muttered out continuing to avoid eye contact "I never wanted her to go through something like that"

Eddward laced his fingers through the ginger hair "No one should…but somethings are unavoidable. As much as you want to protect her, she is still free to do whatever she wants and with that freedom comes consequences. You can't take responsibility for every bad thing that happens to her"

"…then are you so overprotective of me?" Kevin questioned eyeing a semi-healed scrape on the teen's shoulder "Why do you take responsibility for my bad decisions?" he frowned knowing Eddward always seemed to be able to fix Kevin's fuck ups, just like tonight.

"Because I am responsible, I put you in this dangerous situation" Eddward pulled back his hand.

The smaller teen pouted finally looking up to meet Eddward's stare "You didn't put me here, I'm here because I wanted to be here"

Eddward let out a soft chuckle "I know…but I let you in knowing what you would face."

"Why did you then?" Kevin kept his stare.

"…I don't really know" Now Eddward lowered his gaze to the teen's freckled hand. "I..." he took small breaths "I believe I need you more than I thought I did"

Kevin melted at that statement. He reached out to hold the swimmer's hand close to his chest and scooted over placing his head underneath the other's chin "Well, I'm here now whether you want me here or not" he closed his eyes feeling slightly better now being this close to the other and attempted to sleep. It wasn't until some moments later that Kevin spoke again. "I know I say this a lot but…thank you Eddward" Kevin wasn't sure if the other had fallen asleep already but Kevin really didn't know what he would do without the raven haired teen.

Nazz had lied in her bed for a good hour trying not to think about the intense fear as she ran through that dark forest like a terrified dear awaiting death. The games and silliness of Ed and Kevin had helped to distract her but now that she was alone in her home there was no escaping. She stood and with shaky legs limped her way to the bathroom to take a bath. She warmed up the bath and she slipped out the mermaid costume. Then she gently slipped in the warm water lifting her bandage foot to the edge of the tub feeling a sense of relief.

She really owed one to Eddward this time and would have to properly thank him for saving her. How dumb it had been of her to go out when she knew the dangers of doing so. Sam had been the one to give her the outfit and the thought that she had put it on was repulsive to her, however, that only meant that it had been him who had left the rain jacket as well. She was profoundly convinced that the blonde planted that outfit for Jimmy to easily recognize and kidnap her. But what of the jacket? He had left it for her to protect herself from the rain…

Then he had released her from the cage and told her he had meant to shield her from Jimmy kidnapping her. What she to believe when the guy had even listened to her demand and released the others too…she a groan she slumped down lower into the water.

She had heard her parents enter the house and slump down on the couch falling asleep. She gave them a small smile from the top of the stairs as she had exited the bathroom and re-entered her room. With dirty clothes in hand, she limped her way back to the bed and pulled out some painkillers from her drawer. As she took a seat at the edge of her bed something white caught her eye. She looked up and froze in her spot feeling a sense of horrible fear consume her completely.

It was a small white envelope with a rose tapped onto the corner of her window. The same shakiness returned to her as she stood up. Slowly she opened the window and looked around for any sign of anyone around but just silent darkness. She closed the window this time putting the lock on too and limped back to her bed. The girl was certain this envelope had not been there before, if it had been she would have noticed earlier or Kevin or Eddward would have certainly taken notice.

She settled back on her bed and stared down at the envelope with fear but slowly began opening it to reveal small handwriting.

Apologies for tonight's mishap love. Though, I am relieved to know you are home.

Rest

Do try to be more compliant next time.

There was no signature but she knew exactly who it was. The damn bastard knew where she lived…she crumpled the note in her hand throwing it away across the room as well as the rose and pressed a hand to her lips feeling bile coming up.

She sank in her bed letting some tears freely fall from anger. How in the world was she to believe this bullshit? That this monster actually liked her? How dare he leave her this note after tonight. It was despicable, and absolutely disgusting. She wouldn't fall for his sick games.

Kevin was the first to wake in the morning, rolling over to look at Eddward who was facing away. Now with the bright day light he could easily make out all of the injuries on the teen's back. The ginger teen frowned hoping this wasn't the after math after every Friday night. Kevin knew now Eddward did cage fighting once a week and it pained to think of what the long term consequences were going to be on the physical strain of the swimmer's body. Kevin had had a small lower back ache for months now that he had not mentioned to anyone. The teen just knew it had been from the beatings, and he hoped with the exercise the ache would lessen over time.

But Eddward had gotten into fights many, many times, and now he was forced to probably fight guys bigger than him. Gently not to wake the other he raised a hand to trace one dark bruise on the teen's left shoulder and felt his finger shake upon touching the injury. He didn't want to see the raven haired teen like this. He didn't want him to get hurt worse…the teen knew cage fighting was illegal and could get terribly dangerous. In some parts of the world the fights would get so intense they lost limbs, and the thought of Eddward losing something terrified him.

Perhaps if it ever came to that then Eddward might not ever swim again. The idea was utterly miserable to think about. The king of sharks forced to not ever rule over the water again, forced to give up his one true element and passion. What a sad image that was. The teen hoped that would never happen and this would all end before it got any worse.

If only the teen could surpass that fear of his worst demons. As long as Eddward didn't overpower them, Sam would continue to be his puppeteer. Just what had him terrified of the world knowing? What was it that Eddward would not even tell him after everything they've gone through? It seemed to him that everyone around them knew the Eddward's secret, then why was he scared of people knowing? Or rather who was Sam going to tell?

He wished Eddward would tell him, just wished he would trust him enough with the secret. Eddward had already trusted him enough to tell him the terrible stuff he had done in the gang and some of his own issues.

The teen let out a breath and closed his eyes coming back to a relaxed mind. He had to let Eddward open up to him at his own pace and be respectful of the teen's decisions, even if the other decided to not ever tell him.

With a groan he felt Eddward slowly turn around to face him "What's wrong Pumpkin?" he asked in a husky voice still filled with sleep.

It was then that Kevin realized his trembling hand had been completely pressed to Eddward's back. "Sorry did I wake you?" he murmured out apologetically.

Eddward let out another pained groan as he turned to his side completely. Kevin could tell he was beyond sore from all the physical strain of the last two nights. "It's fine…what has you troubled?" he questioned once more.

Kevin had pulled his freckled hand away from the other and pressed it to his chest as he looked down to the sheets. "It's nothing really"

"…Kevin" Eddward called out knowing that was bull and clearly something was bothering the other causing him to shake. "Is it about last night?"

The ginger teen shook his head "No, it's… it's about these" Kevin reached out again pressing a finger to the bruise that peeked out from the other's shoulder.

Eddward chuckled "Don't worry about it, I've had worse fights"

Kevin didn't like that answer… he stayed silent frowning as he glared at the bruise. "How worse?" he finally broke the silence.

"…It's better if you didn't know" Eddward avoided the question, instead offering a comforting rub to his freckled arm.

"I want to know" Kevin gave him a stern look.

With a sigh the other answered "Fine…" Eddward sat up and raised his left arm "I broke this arm once when I was fighting a rivaling gang leader in town. He pointed to a scar on his lower right side "That…that was a deep cut wound from some drug addict who hated me" he took notice as Kevin sat up as well with wide eyes and lips pressed together. He reached out for Kevin's hand and pulled it to a section on the right side of his head where Kevin felt the smallest bump from a scar "That was when Ed pushed me and I hit a rock" he chuckled grimly "It was a small wound but…I was bleeding all over the place" he then let go of the freckled hand seemingly finished but Kevin eyes landed on Eddward's scar and he felt his hand roam through the other's raven locks until his finger reached it.

At the touch, Kevin noticed that for the first time… Eddward had flinched. He pressed his lips together hesitant to ask…"What about this one?" he spoke in a whisper.

He could see Eddward's entire complexion turn dark. Kevin pulled away afraid he had touched on something the teen didn't want to talk about. "That…" Eddward finally spoke out with a scowl "That one hurt the most" he paused "made with the sharpest edge of a broken wine bottle…a symbol that they wanted me dead but couldn't go through with it"

Kevin felt his hand shake once more "…who?"

Eddward looked to Kevin's eyes and stared in silence for some time before lightly shaking his head "Some bastard" he answered.

Again…Kevin let out a breath. Perhaps the secret had to do with the scar?

"Let's get ready for a run then we can make that breakfast I promised" Eddward stood then heading out the door of his bedroom without another word.

The ginger teen pulled his knees to his chest tightly silently listening to Eddward footsteps. He wondered who that 'some bastard' was…who was it that wanted Eddward dead and couldn't go through with it? It was disheartening to know that every time the swimmer would look in the mirror he would look up to see the elegant little scar…a symbol of pure hatred towards him. No wonder he kept it hidden under his hat. No wonder it pained him to look at it and know it was there.

With another sigh he finally stood up to get ready for the day as well.

Kevin stood frozen as he watched a frantic Eddward search throughout every inch of his home mumbling angrily under his breath. He had just gotten dressed and walked down the stairs when he had heard loud swearing and a bang as the raven haired teen had moved some boxes around in the basement. Kevin approached cautiously "E-Eddward?" he called out a bit nervously lifting a hand to adjust his glasses "What are you looking for?"

Upon hearing the ginger teen's voice Eddward turned around to face Kevin with a panicked expression "I…I can't find my hat" the swimmer pressed his lips together looking down.

Kevin noticed the flushed ears the other displayed meaning he was embarrassed. With a soft smile Kevin began to help move things around the basement hoping to spot the hat. It was endearing how attached the taller teen was to it. "You had it with you last night didn't you?" he asked.

Eddward raised a hand to massage the back part of his neck as he scanned the room "I did. I took it with me to Sam's party but I left it in the car…"

"And your certain it's not in the car somewhere?" Kevin walked over to the car "Maybe it fell under the seat?" he bent down moving the seat back at far as it could go and searching.

"I've already searched the car three times" the swimmer answered exasperated "I thought perhaps I had brought it inside but…" he let out a sigh frowning.

It was then that Kevin peeked up in alarm "…Eddward…" he called out again fearfully "Maybe it was left behind in the woods"

Eddward crossed his arms tensely as he thought about it "Impossible…" he mumbled out "I never took it out, I had it stored in that compartment" he walked to the smaller teen and motioned towards the compartment on the passenger side.

"But it's not there…" Kevin crossed his arms now staring confused at the compartment "Wait, didn't you say Eddy was the one who poked holes in your car?"

"Yes?" Eddward raised an eyebrow.

"Well, did you possibly leave the car unlocked?" Kevin questioned sitting down looking up at the other.

"Of course not" Eddward let out a frustrated sigh before his eyes went wide in realization "But that bastard knows how to pick locks!" he yelled out angrily "Fuck!"

Suddenly Eddward began searching his car again for anything else that may have been stolen, but found everything was where it had been oddly enough. With another sigh he slouched down in the driver's seat "That fucking bastard…" he groaned out highly annoyed.

At that Kevin could help but notice that Eddward referred to the guy as a bastard and couldn't help but wonder if perhaps…Eddy had been the one to make the scar? "Now what?" he questioned softly looking over to the angered teen next to him.

"I'm going to get my fucking hat back" Eddward angrily tightened his hold on the steering wheel.

In that moment Kevin knew Eddy was utterly, in every sense of the word, fucked. "Hey, I don't mean to sound insensitive but…don't you have like other hats?" he pressed his lips together. If Eddward was only trying to hide the scar then who cared about the beanie right?

Eddward frowned lessening his grip on the steering wheel "Certainly, but that beanie is irreplaceable…" he slouched down further irritated "Eddy knows it"

Yet another part of Eddward's story that Kevin was completely oblivious about. He frowned slumping more as well as he looked up to see the punching bag. The smaller teen felt selfish and greedy wanting to know everything about the other. The guy had every right to keep secrets for crying out loud, but Kevin knew all these little details like the scar and the hat only added to something bigger. He just had to be patient and respectful.

They stayed in silence for moment before Kevin felt Eddward's slender hand push back some his short hair behind his freckled ear. The smaller teen eyed the swimmer with a flush on his cheeks confused about the sudden gesture. "Sorry about that" Eddward spoke out softly. "I promised you breakfast didn't I?"

"OH, d-don't worry about it! Getting your hat back is m-more important" the ginger teen flushed completely wildly waving his hands. It amazed him how the guy could go from complete irritation to flat out soft and endearing.

"Nonsense" Eddward breathed in then got out of the car walking to the other side reaching a hand out for Kevin to take "I'll go retrieve it another time…It would pain me to ruin the day with Eddy's shenanigans"

With a frown Kevin looked up sympathetically "Are you sure? I really don't mind. I know it's important to you"

"Yes Kevin, I'm positively certain" Eddward wiggled his fingers waiting for Kevin to take his hand.

With a small smile Kevin took the teen's hand letting the other pull him up. He closed the door with a small push and followed Eddward out of the basement hand in hand.

Kevin took a seat at the table as instructed by Eddward. He still felt unsure about letting Eddy get away with stealing the hat for the time being. Kevin was aware that the hat meant a lot for him because the swimmer's body was tensed. However, he appreciated that Eddward was prioritize spending time with him rather than getting his treasured beanie back.

Though, Kevin had a feeling it was because Eddward didn't want to bring him along. To which, he understood why. He wondered how Eddy looked like, if he was just a big as the other two Ed's. If he was then things would easily get messy. The smell of warm tea interrupted his thoughts as the raven haired teen placed an orange round mug in front of him. With a smile Kevin wrapped his hands around the mug bringing it closer and feeling the calming warmth radiating from it. "This is new" he mumbled out take a sip of the drink.

"What is?" Eddward questioned

"This mug" he chuckled taking another sip of the warm drink. It was chilly that morning even for the usual cold temperature of the home.

"Oh" Eddward didn't turn around as he was distracted with the cooking "It reminded me of you I suppose"

Kevin raised an eyebrow as he stared down at the mug, was it the orange color? It wasn't until he raised it up that he realized the mug took the shape of a pumpkin. This made him laughed out "Well, I guess I should find a shark mug now"

The swimmer chuckled as he grabbed some plates. When he placed Kevin's plate in front of him he saw the ginger's eyes sparkle with delight. The raven haired teen had learned what some of the boy's favorite dishes had been throughout their time together and he noticed with joy how Kevin seemed to absolutely love Eddward's cheesy bacon and egg hash. Though, the dish could never top pancakes that much Eddward was well aware. It was adorable watching the other eat in all honesty.

"Goddess, Eddward, what did I do to deserve you?" Kevin hummed as he took another bite.

This made the taller teen blush completely as he nearly choked on his drink. Why was Kevin so unaware of some of things he says sometimes? He looked up to smile at the freckled teen as he began eating as well. It was still weird sometimes for him to have someone else with him in this huge house. Especially now a days, that they would share a bed instead of sleeping in separate rooms. Since the boys had had their talk a few days ago the raven haired teen found that he would now wake up with Kevin nuzzle up close to him and it only had him thinking how utterly damned he was.

His thoughts were interrupted as they heard a knock at the door. The two teens exchanged a quick glance before Eddward stood to answer the door. Thankfully, it was Ed who was fidgeting and looking around the neighborhood in a panic. "What's wrong Ed?" Ed hastily stepped inside as Eddward closed the door. He looked around to see Kevin sitting at the dining table with a confused expression. He gave him a wary smile before turning back to the raven haired teen and pushing him into the living room. "Ed?" he questioned again.

Ed leaned in a bit close and in a low voice he whispered out "I heard the police have Eddy and some other kids under custody Double D"

"What!" Eddward whispered back "Who else?"

"I don't know some members who were at the party last night" Ed shook his head "They're being questioned. I don't know how much the police know, but I believe they are only concerned over the underage drinking."

"Who did you hear this from?" Eddward tensed remembering Eddy had his hat and could easily tattle tell.

"Um…he's a gang member actually, b-but he on our side I promise" Ed quickly added.

With a sigh, the raven haired teen crossed his arms looking concerned "You're sure he's trustworthy?"

"Yes" Ed looked serious now "Anyways I just came to let you know, I don't think the police will come even if Eddy tells. They need proof and the other members won't say anything in fear of you or Sam"

"That's the thing, Ed, Eddy has my hat" Eddward whispered out tensely "He's an idiot but not that much of an idiot. He must have stolen it on purpose. He could have taken pictures of my car for crying out loud"

"Shit Double D" Ed's shoulders fell "What now?"

"There's not much I can do, but wait and hope the bastard doesn't rat me out" Eddward sighed out in irritation.

"If he does? What happens then DD? The worst that can happen is suspension or expulsion from school but your parents are the only ones who can go and take you out from their custody and we don't even know where in the world they are!" Ed slightly raised his voice in a panic.

"Ed, calm yourself down" Eddward gave the brunette a pat on the shoulder "If it comes down to it…" the hand on the other's shoulder formed into a tight grip. He didn't like the idea but… "Get a hold of Sam, he will know what to do"

"Sam!" Ed screamed out in a loud whisper "Are you crazy, the last thing we need is to be in his debt!"

"Look, I don't like it either but…Sam's gotten me out of these situations before" Eddward mumbled out "Do you understand Ed?"

The brunette breathed in "…fine" he breathed out and noticed a ginger head poke his head into the room.

Kevin stood by the bookshelves of the living room with a worried expression on his face "Is everything alright?"

The swimmer gave the taller teen a stern look before looking past to meet Kevin's olive eyes "Everything is fine" he gave the freckled teen a reassuring smile before looking back to Ed "Would you like to stay?" he questioned.

Ed shook his head as he placed his nervous hands in his green jacket's pockets "No, I was actually heading to see Sarah"

With the mention of the girls name Eddward's features soften "Is she better? I'm sorry I haven't stopped by"

"It's fine you don't have to" Ed shrugged looking down at his right hand he had pulled out of his pocket "She…she gave my hand a squeeze the other day" he looked up with excitement, "I think she might be conscious"

Eddward gave the other a grand smile with a soft chuckle "That's great news, Ed! Just you wait, she'll wake up before you know it"

"I think so too" Ed smiled with bright eyes "Alright then, I should get going" he turned around and gave Kevin a hug "Call me if you need anything" he ruffled Kevin's short hair and turned back to give the raven haired teen a nod before letting himself out.

Kevin pressed his lips together as he stared at the door that the teen had just left through. He had hidden at the entrance hall when he heard the two whispering and since they were so focused on whatever their conversation was about they hadn't noticed Kevin move closer. He heard enough to know that the police might come to Eddward's place at any moment and that highly alarmed him.

He lifted from the hallway wall he had leaned against and entered the living room to find Eddward looking out the window. "Who's Sarah?" Kevin questioned.

This caught the teen's attention "Sarah is Ed's younger sister"

"Oh, I had no idea he had a sibling" Kevin mumbled out crossing his hand together "Is she in a coma or something?"

Eddward nodded as he walked over to the couch to take a seat "Yes, she has been for three years now"

"Oh my god, three years!" Kevin took a seat next to Eddward "What happened to her?"

"Tragic story" Eddward gave a sad smile towards the smaller teen "I don't know all the details, but we know she was at a party with her apparent boyfriend at the time and both were highly intoxicated. They got into his car and unfortunately drove off a cliff on the highway that should have killed them both." Eddward paused intertwining his hands "He died, but she miraculously survived" he looked to the side to find Kevin's paled face. "She's been in a coma ever since"

"I remember hearing about the accident… it was all over town" Kevin shook his head thinking what heartbreak poor Ed was living through, having to nearly loose the only sibling he had and now with the small hope that one day she would awaken. Not to mention the medical bills Ed's parents had to pay in order to keep the girl alive must have been exhausting their financial situation. "Poor Ed" he whispered out.

"Indeed, she was only 13 at the time" Eddward furrowed eyebrows "The bastard who was her boyfriend was 16. He should have known better than to involve a young girl in such troublesome affairs. He only ruined her"

"Oh man, what" Kevin sighed out "Will she alright if she wakes up?"

"I've read that being in a coma for so long has major consequences, especially after the horrific accident she was in." Eddward noticed Kevin freckled hands slide their way into his hands to hold tightly "I fear her brain might be too damaged and may have to be bedridden the rest of her life." He felt Kevin hands slightly being to tremble and he gave them a firm squeeze "Best case scenario is she has the strength and determination to get better. She might be in a wheel chair for her entire life but that shouldn't stop anyone from living" he gave the teen a small smile. "She's been fighting for 3 years now, I'm sure she'll keep on fighting"

Kevin smiled at that "We'll be by her and Ed's side if they need us. If she's Ed's sister I'm sure she'll be strong enough to get through this"

"I believe so as well" Eddward couldn't help but melt into the tender way Kevin was always so supportive of everyone around him. The boy didn't know the girl and he was already so determined to help out in any way he could. "We should visit her one of these days"

"Yeah we should go someday, I'd love to meet her" the smaller teen looked down at their hands and felt a sudden rush of bashfulness overwhelm him so he hesitantly let go. Now if the police were to potentially show up here wouldn't it be best if they left the house? "Eddward, let's go out for today" he spoke out softly looking up.

"And where would you like to go?" Eddward raised an eyebrow.

Kevin stayed silent for a moment thinking about where it might be safe to go "Um, I haven't seen Ms. Adams in a while so how about we visit her? You didn't go into work yesterday right?"

"Right, well then shall we head out?" Eddward questioned standing up and walking back into the kitchen.

Kevin smiled and stood up following right behind then rushing ahead to quickly grab their dirty dishes "I'll wash them" he announced chuckling once again at the pumpkin mug. Eddward then nodded heading upstairs to grab one of the many black beanie's he had.

They made it to the antique shop which had closed for the day, but Ms. Adams was outside caring for the winter season plants she had placed in front of her store. The woman brown eyes lit up at the sight of the boy's together "My, My how good to see you Kevin!" the woman called out happily as she straighted up.

"Afternoon Ms. Adams, sorry I haven't visited. School has me distracted" he melted into the woman's warm embrace. Her mustard colored sweater really complimented her tan skin tone and light brown eyes.

"Don't you worry dear, Eddward lets me know you're alright" The woman smiled looking up to see Eddward "I hope you're doing better?"

Eddward blushed remembering his lie about being ill "I am… I took some medication"

"Good" she playfully eyed him "Then, how about we head inside? It's awfully chilly out here"

Eddward and Kevin nodded following the woman inside the store. Eddward had grabbed the woman's watering can and placed it in the back of the store as the other two headed upstairs. When he entered the Ms. Adams living space he found Kevin observing the studio apartment.

Kevin hadn't been upstairs before and was surprised by how wide and tall the apartment was. The walls were rustic which matched the store downstairs very well. There were various plants around the apartment which truly brought the place to life. Everything was cozy and warm colored which made him felt comfortable stepping into the living space. The kitchen and dining table were to their left from the living room they were small but plenty for the woman living alone. There were three tall rounded windows throughout the space bringing a lot of natural sunlight when not covered but the curtains. The love seat and couch were covered by warm blankets and the small coffee table with candles and knitting supplies. To their right, Kevin saw two doors, to which he assumed, led to a room and a restroom. Though, his eyes followed a flight of metal stairs that curled up into what seemed like a larger room. The apartment wonderfully established the essence of Ms. Adams very well. He smiled as he turned back to meet Eddward who returned his smile.

"Come and sit down boys" The woman called out with a soft smile as she placed some water to boil.

Once more Kevin looked around the apartment admiring every different plant the woman had "Your home is really lovely Ms. Adams"

The woman smiled "Thank you dear" she called out over her shoulder and began humming to herself and she prepared some blueberry muffins on a plate as well as some cookies. She placed the plate at the center of the table "Help yourselves, I made them this morning"

Kevin took a cookie while Eddward took a muffin. They patiently waited for Ms. Adams to join them with the warm tea, this time it was a peachy flavored one. They quietly talked about with the woman about some school activities they have been going through. Such as a group assignment that Eddward and Kevin were supposed to start soon, as well as Eddward's upcoming meets. Kevin was excited to see the king of sharks back in action. Ms. Adams spoke about some décor ideas she wished to do with the store as well as around her apartment. She also mentioned about a long lost friend who had recently gotten in contact with her and the woman pulled out an old photo album that showcased her younger years in 80's fashion. Ms. Adams has truly been a very beautiful girl, her bright brown eyes shining ever so bright in the photographs as her hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail she was standing next to a tall dark skinned girl with a radiant smile and beautiful curly hair. The boys smiled at the fond way the woman would speak about her past and her friend.

Eventually Kevin noticed the warm colors in the sky that would indicate that the sun was going to set and he remembered that he had wanted to go up to the cliff. When the woman noticed the freckled teen watch the sky she smiled and put down her album "I have a lovely view if you boys would like to go up to the balcony upstairs?"

Kevin blushed at the offer and nodded. The woman pointed upstairs "It's just straight up those stairs, here's take some blankets" she stood to hand them each a warm blanket.

"Aren't you coming too?" Kevin asked sheepishly taking the blanket in hand.

Ms. Adams shook her head with a soft smile "No dear, I don't go up too often, the stairs take a toll on my hips. The one's going down to the store are much easier for me to handle" she chuckled out then shoed them off as she made herself comfortable once more on the couch.

Kevin followed Eddward up the metal stairs that swirled up to the upper floor. There was a glass door that led into the small balcony. The balcony had a stone floor and was wide enough for two metal chairs and two tall plants on each side. Kevin chuckled at the insane amount of plants Ms. Adams had around her home but he figured they kept her preoccupied.

They took a seat on the metal chairs and wrapped themselves with the blankets. Kevin looked over at Eddward who looked clearly exhausted and ready to sleep. He felt bad about having left the teen's home but Kevin would rather be on the safe side. Besides, they hadn't heard anything more from Ed and the town seemed to be just a normal as Peach Creek could be. "Have you been up here before?" he quietly asked out slouching in the chair.

"Once…Ann brought me out here after she decided to close early" Eddward mumbled out tilting his head to rest it on his hand "It was sometime after your incident actually"

"Hm" Kevin hummed out observing the blue eyes dim for a moment before he looked away and up to the sky. They couldn't see the horizon where the sun would disappear but the scenery was still just as magical as they slowly noticed the town's lights begin to light as the evening got darker. The stars followed along as well as if in a routine with the town. "It's really pretty out here" he breathed out noticing a bit of condensation from his breath.

"And quiet" the teen smiled looking over to the freckled teen "Does this make it into your top five?"

"mm, definitely!" Kevin chuckled out "But not number one…I still really like the sky from back at the cabin. Now that was gorgeous"

"We could go back for a weekend during winter break" Eddward suggested observing the people down below.

"Really?" Kevin leaned forward excitedly.

"If you really want to go and if your father allows it of course" Eddward nodded "Though, it will be much colder up there"

"I don't mind, we can build a blanket fort" Kevin laughed out "And I'm sure my dad will let me"

"Alright then" Eddward slouched down bringing the blankets closer to himself. He really did feel like he was getting sick and that made him frown. All the exertion his body had made this weekend was really prominent and he believed his sickness may have been because of the cold weather from the night before.

The boys stayed silent as they watched the sky turn from its various warm colors into a sweet ocean of velvet and navy blue. They watched the night life begin underneath them as some groups of adults and teenagers wandered around the street entering bars and heading out to the playground a couple of streets down. Once it got too cold for them they stood and headed back inside where Ms. Adams was knitting a dark blue scarf. She smiled at them and chuckled seeing the boy's rosy noses and cheeks. They handed the blankets back and helped her clean up the dishes they had used earlier before saying their goodbyes.

Eddward then drove Kevin home where they sat inside the car for a moment neither wanting to separate. Kevin. Kevin stared at his dad's old truck that was parked in their small driveway, the lights of the kitchen and living room were turned on. Eddward noticed the quiet behavior from the boy as he stared out thoughtfully. "Tomorrow will be just as it usually is, promise"

"Will it?" Kevin turned back with a worried expression. "Nazz won't be at school because she sprained her ankle, and I hate that she has to lie about it. How many kids have to suffer?" he met the swimmer's eyes then "I'm worried this is getting out of hand…I'm worried that you'll suffer bigger consequences the longer your with them"

The taller teen breathed steadily as he listened to the freckled teen's concerns "…We won't let it get out of hand, you shouldn't have to worry about that"

"I should. I should be worried because these people are treating us like we're animals. Is a student going to have to die before the adults finally find out?" Kevin formed his hands into fists. "I heard you and Ed talk this morning and the last thing I want is Sam letting you take the fall for something much worse. If he helps you now then he may use it as a way to keep you around. What if the day comes when everything just explodes, and then he doesn't help you. What then?"

"Kevin!" Eddward called down leaning towards the boy and tightly holding onto the boy's trembling fists. "Please calm down, that won't happen. No one is going to die, I promise" he tried to reassure as he tried to regain eye contact with Kevin. "Hey, look at me" he waited for Kevin to finally look up fearfully "There won't be police at my place tonight ok? There won't be a necessity to call Sam for help tonight or any other night, and I'll make sure no other students suffer something as traumatic as Nazz did…Ok?" he whispered out the last word reaching to caress the other's cheek.

"You can't just stay over tonight?" Kevin whimpered out looking at the other with puppy eyes.

Eddward chuckled out "No, pumpkin. I have to go back home eventually" he pressed his forehead to the others who pressed back lightly. "I'll see you at school tomorrow alright?"

Kevin hesitantly pulled back with a frown "…ok" he softly spoke out. He rubbed at his face a bit before taking a breath and stepping out of the car. Before he closed the door he saw the swimmer give him a reassuring smile and be tried his best to return it.

Once he stepped inside he let himself lean against the door. He had a huge regretful feeling at the pit of his stomach. The teen almost wished he would have tried harder to persuade the other to stay. It never hurts to be on the safe side… "I'm home" he lightly called out walking forward.

"Hey kiddo!" Tom Barr peaked his head out from the kitchen "Did your friend drop you off?"

"Yeah" Kevin took off his jacket and placed it on the couch grabbing his favorite fuzzy blanket and wrapping around in it.

"You should have told him to stay for dinner" the man called out.

"…He had an assignment to finish for tomorrow" Kevin frowned slouching on the couch.

"Ah, well. Next time I guess" Kevin's father walking into the living room "You hungry?" he question taking a seat next to his son and looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

Kevin tried his best to keep a neutral expression on his face. The last thing he wanted was to worry his father. "Kinda"

"Great, I tried one of your mother's recipes" the man laughed slinging an arm and pulling Kevin in into a very much needed huge.

Kevin melted into his father's embrace closing his eyes for a second before laughing along "Maybe it was better Eddward didn't stay"

"You doubt your father's mighty cooking skills?" The Barr man roared out in laughter, before standing up "Come on" With a small smile Kevin followed along, still wrapped in the blanket.

Eddward had been sitting in his living room about an hour after he had dropped off Kevin and although he the silence really helped his throbbing head ache he couldn't help but feel lonesome without the company of the freckled teen. He had taken some medication for his oncoming illness, and decided to read for the remainder of the evening.

It was quiet…until he heard them. Familiar faint sirens in the distance of the neighborhood could he heard and he paused listening as he placed down the book and reached for his phone. Then they turned into his neighborhood and that's when he knew…

Quickly he sent a text to Ed. Then got up to grab his black beanie and prepared for the arrival. He watched their bright red and blue lights flash through the windows.

"Fucking Eddy"

...


No editing... Sorry once again sigh... But I can't wait to write the next chapter hehe

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