'Ello folks. Phew this was a doozy!
This time I decided not to break the chapters up. The flow just felt too good to section it off and frankly I think it's about time we got to what matters. I'm just as eager as you guys for the story's progression and I noticed I have a nasty habit of wanting to carry on for eons before the getting gets good. Annoying much? Yeah so hopefully this rectifies it a little.
In any case thank you guys for all the wonderful comments you've been leaving. And thank you to the anonymous people who don't have accounts or whatever but took the time to leave a few kind words anyways. They were all inspiring and I appreciate the time each and everyone of you take to leave me with a word of two.
And a HUGE thank you to you silent readers as well. The fact you've been around just to read my story is all the compliment I could ask for.
Alrighty then. I'm sure you're sick of me by now if you haven't already skipped my pre-write lol. On with the story~
Enjoy!
Impressions of the little cozy homes and white picket fences that made Peach Creek so nostalgically attractive reflected in the sleek ebony dome of Kevin's helmet as he glided through town on his two wheeled chariot. What little material was loosened around his body flapped back and forth with a vengeance by the forces that propelled him down a narrow two way street. Shopping centers and a mini mall giving way to quiet residential neighborhoods where dogs ran freely in their yards and children played hopscotch on the sidewalks.
In his youth Kevin never remembered having that large of a yard to play in. His parents often moved the family from town house to town house, every investment they made into the equity of their home after selling it having paid for the startup of his father's shop. It was more often than not that he and friends traveled out to play, seeing as most of their backyards barely had a square foot's worth of grass for a dog to piss on. It was a price they paid for living in the city but Kevin wouldn't have had it any other way.
Small towns were nice but he just wasn't built for them. The more he thought about it the more he felt suffocated by its overt domestication. He could clearly understand why Edd had needed to leave this place. He was sure once the novelty wore off that he too would grow bored of it and it was his hope that they… he… however things turned out, would leave this place before the town's inner zombie bit him and he too became a shambling simpleton.
The croissant he had back at the coffee shop wasn't enough to fully recharge his batteries but it was enough to help settle the nervous churn in his stomach; his gut twisting like a pretzel with every mile that passed under him. He was now only minutes away from seeing Edd again. This moment so profound in his mind that he could think of nothing else. Eyes bluer than the sky and ocean combined haunted his vision making it hard for him focus on the road. Eddward was just so damn fascinating, but, that wasn't all that kept the red-head infatuated. He knew now it was something deeper. Far more meaningful than his intention to help a guy down on his luck. So unfathomable it was to him that he was starting to believe no dictionary in the world could possibly aim to describe the reckless passion that would overtake him when it came to no one else but the gap toothed cutie.
No girlfriend, no Saturday night fuck, no friend had ever left the kind of impression on him. Without Edd around the world didn't seem as bright as it once was. The minor things he enjoyed before all this held little to no interest to him now that Edd wasn't involved in them. Partying and sleeping around was ok-fun but now he wanted to do those things with someone he cherished; someone he imagined waking up beside every morning and basking in the afterglow of the night they shared. His bachelor-vida-loca days felt long gone and he never once cared that it was.
He felt driven by a power greater than himself to be loyal, even as his approach to his final destination further imposed the threat of failure. He had to try. He had to know if Eddward felt the same. If all along they two had tried to avoid what in time became inevitable. Unwittingly dancing to the tune of Cupid's harp. He needed to know now more than ever if every kiss they shared, every night they spent in each other's arms had meant as much to Edd as it did to him.
Would he even be willing to give Kevin a fair shot at this point?
Was he ready to grant Eddward the same?
Kevin didn't have all the answers. Not yet in any case, and the closer he got the louder destiny's call became. In almost no time at all he rounded a quiet corner and came face to face with the end of a cul-de-sac. Immediately his mouth went dry. Eleven homes, each independent of one another greeted him in uniform fashion. Each was colored in a pale shade of pastel, some sporting the same white picket fencing he'd seen before and others left open for the birds and neighborhood to tromp on.
Each house had a garage with one or two cars parked in their dive ways and it looked almost homogenous had it not been for three of the homes being two story while the rest were only one story. In one drive way he spotted a pink Volkswagen Bug parked behind a broken down Chevy with duck-tape wrapped around its taillights. On a different property he saw a well-manicured jeep that glistened as though having come hot off the line and a wheel less Toyota perched on wooden square blocks in another. The poor Toyota looked as though it had been left to rot, its body painted blue with a single mustard yellow door. Well at least there was some diversity and not your basic cookie cutter vomit.
Deciding to park his bike and walk the rest of the way Kevin tucked his father's Harley near the corner, just below the street sign, and began his short jaunt down the middle of the cul-de-sac. He felt neither drawn nor compelled to step up onto the sidewalk. His eyes set curiously on the set of houses that seemed to loom over him like brick and mortar watch towers. All the blinds were drawn perhaps to keep in the heat but he felt just as exposed and watched as though he were strolling buck ass naked down a crowded highway. For all intents and purposes Kevin was a stranger in unfamiliar territory. If someone noticed his presence it was more than likely he would be watched and ignored rather than confronted.
Swallowing dryly Kevin took off his helmet and flipped open his phone. Cassandra's soft voice sang from just a little over twenty nine hundred miles to the east, a flurry of words and unladylike snorts reaching his ear before she collected herself enough to speak.
"Cass the bad ass answering, how can I help you?"
"Bad ass Cass," Kevin smirked. "I need some bad ass info."
"Oh shit. Nat!" Turning from her comfy spot on Nathan's couch Cassandra tossed the remote, successfully tagging the distracted model in the side with. "Nat it's Kevin." She hissed pointing at the phone. "Hey uh, I wasn't expecting you to call. What's up? You ok?"
Cassandra sounded incredibly concerned but it only brought a fond smile to the red-head's lips as he took to staring down the center of the cul-de-sac. He breathed in a sigh of confidence.
"Cass. I'm here."
A moment of silence passed between them before the blond answered, her finger twirling her golden curls as she nervously glanced from the ground to Nathan's apprehensive gaze. Kevin couldn't tell but Nathan was just as nervous as he was. If Kevin couldn't manage to bag him his cutie then Nathan would be forced to step in and ain't nobody got time for that.
"Wow Kev. That's… That's great." She said, licking her plump lips anxiously. "Have you spoken to him yet?"
Kevin shook his head. "No. I only just made it to the street."
"Oh. Hold on."
A bit of a scuffle was heard on Kevin's end as Cassandra pulled herself up from the couch and reached into her back pocket for a copy of Edd's resume. Kevin had taken the original but had thought it wise to leave her with a copy in case something had happened. Pressing the phone between her cheek and shoulder Cassandra unfolded the photocopied resume and scanned over it quickly. Plopping the phone back into her hand she pressed the speaker button and placed it on the coffee table between herself and Nat.
"Ok let's see. Um, you're on Orange Lane right?"
"Yup." Kevin swallowed again, this time feeling a lump form at the base of this throat. "Just… need the house number and… well, you know."
Both Cassandra and Nathan's heart went out to him. They couldn't imagine what their best friend might be feeling at that moment, about to face down perhaps the biggest obstacle he'd ever come across in his life. It could either spell out a happy future for him or not.
"Hang in there buddy." Nathan said. "You got this. All the way. Inside and out."
Cassandra quirked a brow, watching Nathan's gold eyes glimmer mischievously. "Really? Sex jokes at a time like this?"
"Hunny, it is the perfect time for inappropriate behavior. Just make sure Kevy that when you jump his bones it's done right in front of his ex. Ok? Remember. You've gotta make a good first impression."
Kevin threw his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud. "God Nat what is wrong with you? You're wasted huh?"
Nathan crossed one leg over the other, straightening his back as he peered up at the photographs of his friends lining the wall. A particular one stuck out to him and a drunken toothy smile formed on his face as he remembered just how much fun it had been to throw Eddward's birthday party. Those two went perfectly together; like coffee cake and vanilla ice cream. He couldn't wait until the knot was tied and his besty and boy toy could spend more days like that with him. Edd had become an important person to Kevin, which meant he was important to Cass and Nat as well. He was now a part of their social circle so all that was left to do was to bring Edd home. Oh and for Kevin give him a shagging he'll never forget. Then it was off to the mall. Mochas and pedicures all around!
"Just show the bitch up. Just like I taught you. Make sure he cringes nice and good."
Cassandra almost reached over and whacked him but deep down she wanted just the same. When she heard what that Edwin bastard had done she had wanted to go with Kevin just to give that jerk a taste of his own medicine. Just a single pop to the face would be satisfying but they knew that honor belonged to Kevin. Hopefully when he came home with Edd in tow he'd have some stories to tell. Gratifying ones of the 'I punched the fuck so hard it made babies cry' variety.
Shifting his weight Kevin began walking again. Taking it one step at a time. He felt his heart beat in time with his footsteps, the soft crunch of snow underfoot echoing in his ears.
"Hey I don't mean to rain on your parade or anything but hot rod needs that house number or he's gonna freeze his nuts off in this weather."
"Roger that hot rod." Waving his fingers Nathan reached for the photocopy in Cassandra's hand and began reading off the numbers. "7172."
"7172." Kevin repeated like a mantra in his head. "Orange Lane. Right?"
"Correct. 7172 Orange Lane." Nathan sang. "Do you want the number to call just in case-"
"No." Kevin said firmly. "I want to see his face. If I heard his voice alone I don't know what I would say."
"Gotcha." Nathan grinned and he and Cass shared in a smile, both holding up their wine glasses in preparation for a sendoff. "Well buddy this is it. Any last words before entering the lion's den?"
Kevin smirked. "As a matter of fact. Yes. The sky is blue, but I don't give a fuck; I'm on my way there, wish me some luck."
Nathan's grin widened. "You heard the man. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Cass and Nat's glasses clinked and the tiny resounding sound echoed back through the receiver, filling Kevin's ears and strengthening his hope. A bode of confidence washed over him and immediately he dropped the call. Passing by the houses he counted their numbers, ignoring the way his fists grew tight or how the soft rush of blood flowing in his ears hand turned into a mighty roar.
7180... 7178... 7176….
Kevin struggled to keep his composure and not run the closer he drew, house after house leaving him behind as he came to the center and circled around.
7174…. He looked across the street. The house that stared back at him was the same house with the car with the yellow door. Beside its entry way were cast iron numbers that seemed to have rusted over time, half black and orange numbers glaring back at him like fiery demons. 7173. Which could only mean- Kevin stopped walking, his feet coming to the very edge of a pristine cement drive way. In it was that brand new looking jeep he surveyed just minutes ago. The house beyond was a small and welcoming abode perched on the corner with a little bird feeder hanging from the outer trimming. And it sat just across the way from his bike.
Well. That was both dramatic and anticlimactic.
Sighing, Kevin adjusted himself and gave one final glance to his dad's bike before setting off. His father's advice rang clear and true his head, further solidifying his resolve. No matter what the outcome may be Kevin still had people back home who loved him. Edd was the conquest of the century but it wouldn't be the end of him. Or at least that's what he told himself.
He paused for only the briefest moment, staring down at his warped reflection in the worn brass handle. Raising a fist he hesitated before rapping on the door. Every thump of his knuckles hitting against the wood sending a jolt of electricity throughout his entire body until the door opened and Kevin felt his breath freeze in his lungs. There was no turning back now.
Much to his surprise Kevin was greeted not with Eddward's inquisitive expression but with a rather souring looking woman. Her hair was a mess, a matted mop on top of her head with large red rimmed eyes. Her clothes were baggy around her slim form but she stood in the door way like a VIP bouncer, arms cross over her chest and brows drawn together at the center of her face as her eyes raked over him in such a scrutinizing manner. If he didn't know any better he would have guessed this woman looked about ready to hose him right off the lawn like some mangy cat.
"Can I help you?"
The woman's voice grated like straining cogs in his ears but Kevin forced a smile. There was no telling who this woman was or if she was related to Edd so he had to be on his best behavior.
"Hello ma'am. My name is Kevin." He held out his hand to her but the woman merely stared at it. Retracting his arm Kevin cleared his throat and shoved it idly into his pocket. "Would Edd happen to be home?"
The woman's eyes widened. "W-what did you say?"
This made him frown. "Edd. Er, Eddward. Is Eddward Vincent in? Do you know him?"
The woman looked away and placed a hand on her chest. She looked about ready to burst into tears and Kevin nearly panicked. He wasn't quite sure what to do if she did.
"Please ma'am. If he's home I need to see him. I need to talk to him."
The woman however shook her head, leaning back into the door way. "He's… he's not here. He's not…" The ragged woman sudden collapsed into herself and fell to the ground, her hands pressed to her face as she wept into her palms. Kevin staggered back but in no time at all a pair of long and slender arms wrapped around the woman and dragged her back inside, kicking and screaming that her baby boy was gone. Kevin just watched in abject horror. It was undeniable. The woman had smelt strongly of Vodka. My god. Is this was Edd had to live with?
"Stupid woman." An accented male voice bit off in the distance of the house. "I told you to go to bed. I swear you are just as stubborn as he is."
The woman's wretched groans reached Kevin's ears. It sounded pitiful, like a wounded animal waiting for death.
"He's gone. He's gone… Just like his dad. He left me! He doesn't love me."
The male voice sighed, the tension in it easing. "Shh. Calm yourself already. You'll only work yourself up again."
Kevin had to turn his face away from the door. He never felt more uncomfortable in his life. If this was a part of Edd's life just at the door he loathed to think of what else lay beyond the threshold. Quietly he waited until someone else made their approach, a dark figure inside coming into the light and showing his face just as Kevin turned to greet whom he thought once more was his dork. Of course with his terrible luck it wasn't; but he recognized the sharp and naturally stern features that suddenly turned red when his emerald hues met with startling arctic blues. Like lightening, recognition sparked in both their eyes and Kevin's heart gave s rather sudden and unwarranted shudder as he and Edwin stared one another directly in the face.
Shit.
"YOU!"
Less than a mile away the sockhead had made steady pace through town, his heart happy and conscience quelled from his visit with Eddy. It had taken some convincing to get Eddy off of his case but he knew the scammer was only concerned for his friend's wellbeing. He had spoken his peace and much to his relief they had gone their separate ways wishing one another safe travels. Ed had arrived at the coffee shop a little earlier than expected and to avoid the awkwardness of being seen so soon had decided to sneak out the back way. He didn't mind that this way led him to a completely different direction. The neighborhoods in this area were nice, quiet and hidden. Here he wouldn't be spotted as easily. Taking the main road might have been faster but he didn't mind taking his time. He rather enjoyed the outside and the fresh air tasted so well on the tongue it almost made him forget that he was hungry.
Eddy had offered to buy him some food for the road but he had declined. If he was hungry enough he would procure his own meal. He wouldn't become dependent on the giving's of others nor abuse their kindness in such a way just so he could get things the easy way.
Going back to the streets hadn't been an easy decision. He was essentially giving up a warm house, clean clothes, and a fridge full of food for such an overwhelming enterprise. Edd knew as soon as he made it to New York that it all would be worth it. However long it took, however many meals he had to miss to make it happen. In fact he looked forward to those long sleepless nights. Every ach and pain would remind him of his humanity and just how strong his fortitude was. He had a lot to make up for and the countless hours that he was ready to face making his way across the country would give him time to recollect on all of he had and had not done.
The alley was empty but had not been shoveled so his feet sank into the snow like quick sand. His ankles felt numb from marching down the back way but he rather face this than hovel his way through the trailer park. The Kankers would probably blow a fuse on him and quite frankly he didn't have time for their shenanigans. Night time was steadily approaching and he needed to find a place to rest before night hit and the temperature dropped even lower.
He knew this alley well. He and the other Eds used to play back there all the time, tossing water balloons in the summer and trying to scam a buck when they could. Such fond memories made him chuckle from beneath his purple scarf but his recollecting didn't last long when two bright lights suddenly lit up from behind. Glancing over his shoulder Edd watched as a truck trotted down the center of the alley way, wheels chained and the shadow of the driver inside leaning forward over his steering wheel. Curious, Edd stepped up against the tall wooden fence so the truck could pass but rather than pass the truck came up alongside him, the passenger window having already been rolled down.
"Excuse me." A feather light but definitely male voice called out. "Do you know where the main road is?"
Eddward nodded and pointed ahead of him. "Just down the alley good sir. You're actually not far from it."
The man sighed. "Oh thank god. I thought I was lost for sure."
Eddward chuckled. While he was never one to ogle he did peek a little into the cab of the truck. Just to satiate his curiosity. The inside looked nice and warm but the man was covered head to toe, much like himself. A red hat with a black bill sat on his head while a green handkerchief was wrapped around the lower half of his face. Just below soft eyes of wood, he could see a small scatter of freckles dancing over his nose. The man looked young but looks could always be deceiving so Edd simply smiled with his eyes and waved. Before he could get far though the man called out to him.
"Hold on! You know this area pretty well don't you?"
Edd paused mid step and turned back to the freckle faced man, nodding. "Of course. I've lived here almost all my life."
The young man nodded. "Hey, how about I give you a lift somewhere? As thanks for helping me out."
Edd shook his head. "That isn't necessary."
"You sure?" The man asked. "I can take you somewhere warm. I know there's a shelter on the main road. They should be open this time of year."
Edd held up his hand. "I wouldn't want to be a bother."
The young man chuckled and reached over, unlocking the passenger side door. "You don't seem like a creeper so it wouldn't be a bother. Really."
Eddward wanted to laugh and turn his offer down again but it didn't seem the young man was taking no for an answer. Taking rides from strangers was your typical no-no but this man seemed harmless. Friendly in fact. Not many homeless were granted that kind of curtesy. It was rare to come across such genuine kindness on the streets and just knowing that made him want to take full advantage of the offer. He had promised himself no easy outs but this didn't have to count right? Just one ride across town would be enough. He wouldn't even make the man take him far. Just to… to…
"The park."
"Hm?"
Making up his mind Eddward hopped into the cab of the truck, much to the stranger's excitement and settled himself in quickly.
"I'm headed towards the park. It's near the main road. Would you mind dropping me off on Clancy? It's just a few miles east."
The young man smiled through his eyes and kicked the truck into gear. "Easy-peasy. I was headed east anyways."
The truck's engine roared like a mighty lion as it pulled out from the alley. He needn't look out the window to gaze down at the street they immediately drove into view of. He knew well that his mother's house was sitting on the corner and rather than having to face it he kept his eyes focused on the road ahead, falling into comfortable conversation with the kind man who didn't seem able to keep his mouth shut. Edd didn't mind this at all. The man seemed excited as he spoke, reciting his time away at university before returning to California to reconnect with his family and friends.
Edd enjoyed listening to him talk. It helped to keep his mind occupied but eventually the fun came to an end. Edd directed the young man over to Clancy Street where he would walk to the park from there and thanked the man profusely for his kindness.
"It was no trouble at all." The driver said. "I was happy to help."
"You have a good night sir. I hope you reach your destination well and safe."
"You too buddy." The man saluted him with two fingers. "Have a good night. And Merry Christmas!"
Inclining his head one last time Edd took his leave, never once turning back even when his scarf suddenly fell from around his face. His nose, cheek and lips felt so frozen that he didn't notice the slide of the material as it flickered back behind him and into a stray gust of wind. The man in his truck watched as the scarf blew past his line of vision and he waited to see if Edd would turn back to retrieve it. When he didn't however the man tossed himself out of the truck and chased after it.
"Wait! Sir, your scarf!"
After a couple of feet the man collected the fallen scarf from a pile of snow and looked up only to find the homeless Edd out of sight and, for all he knew, long gone. Yet not far from them-
Shit.
"YOU!"
Immediately Kevin was tackled to the ground, spider like hands reaching for him like a pair of long armed claws as he and Edwin tumbled back onto the freezing pavement. Kevin had tripped from the door step in a bid to avoid getting grabbed but his ankle had caught on a sheet of ice, causing his foot to kick out from underneath him. His boot collided with Edwin's side but it wasn't enough to stop the force of the fall and Kevin landed flat on his back with Edwin's narrow form landing on top of him. The force of the fall nearly knocked the wind out of him but he was quick to recover, thanks to his years of football practice, and threw Edwin off of him. The dark haired man landed beside him with a grunt. Gathering his wits Kevin sat up to glare at the man now climbing to his feet, the woman he encountered before now nowhere to be seen.
"What the fuck-"
Edwin was on him again, cutting Kevin off by throwing himself onto the red-head's chest and aiming his fist directly for his face. A split second later Edwin's fist came flying at him. Kevin threw up his arms in defense, every punch landing solidly on his forearms but never breaking past his muscled barrier. Using his weight to his advantage Kevin rolled his hips and knocked Edwin off balance giving himself a chance to roll over onto his feet. Edwin did the same, arms braced out in front of him and eyes blazing so fiercely Kevin could feel the hate pouring forth from them from where he crouched.
"Dude!" Kevin sucked in a quick breath of air, his veins now singing with anger. "What is your damage?!"
"You." Edwin snarled, eyes wild and mad. "You aren't worthy of him!"
Kevin's brows knitted together. Surely he was talking about Edd. Setting down on his knees Kevin slowly raised up his hands, a show of cease-fire.
"Look man, I know you hate my guts but I'm not here fight."
"I don't give a damn why you're here!" Edwin shouted, muscles tensed to spring forward.
Kevin's teeth ground together. It was easy to remember how pompous this arrogant ass was.
"You have caused nothing but trouble for me." Edwin's jaw clenched as his hat fell away from his face, black hair spilling like an ebony curtain over his eyes. His arms began to shake. "Eddward deserves so much better than you. So much better." His eyes lifted from the ground to latch onto Kevin. "Yet here you are, sniffing the dirt like some pathetic dog."
Kevin's splayed hands collapsed into fists. "Oh big words coming from the shit bag that got dumped in the first place."
Edwin growled. "Leave you disgusting cretin!"
"Fuck you, you arrogant prick! I'll leave when I'm damn well ready!"
Like raging bulls the two men flew at each other, Kevin acting on instinct when Edwin sprang towards him with surprising speed. Luckily Kevin caught his fist and was only dealt a lesser blow by Edwin's left hook. The left hook clipped him in the jaw but not enough to truly throw him back. Quick on the rebound Kevin grabbed Edwin's arm and pulled as hard as he could. Edwin toppled over his own feet and tumbled over his shoulder with ease, landing perfectly on his feet before twisting around and jabbing his foot directly into the back of Kevin's knee. Kevin gave a yelp and crumbled like a house of cards.
Thinking he had the upper hand Edwin hopped to his feet and raised his leg back to deliver a bone crushing kick to the front of Kevin's face. He didn't care if the damage would leave Kevin writhing on the ground at his feet. His blood was on fire, rage coursing through him like a drug. Eddward was gone. He'd left Edwin for the second time in his life and all for this no good rat. Eddward might think Kevin never tried to hurt him but Edwin knew what he saw and could never be swayed to think otherwise. This bastard belonged on the ground. He was less than the scum that collected on the bottom of his shoes. Likewise, Kevin thought around the same lines as he watched Edwin's foot rush at him.
This prick just didn't know when to quit. Grabbing a hold of Edwin's foot Kevin prayed to whatever god was out there for watching his back. That foot came to within inches of nose. So close in fact he could smell its well-worn rubber. Yanking forward Edwin fell back and landed on his backside just as Kevin threw himself on top of Edwin, but Edwin's skinny frame wasn't to be underestimated. A gold mine of strength that couldn't be so easily spotted made its furious appearance as the two rolled around in the drive way, Edwin's head narrowly missing the parked tire of his jeep. Kevin's fists came down upon him like the plague, each one hitting and just barely missing its mark before Edwin gained the upper hand and shoved Kevin back to the ground. Edwin sat atop of him, legs straddled over his hips as he lifted Kevin up towards him by front of his jacket.
"You are vile." He spat in Kevin's unflinching face. "Unworthy."
Kevin sneered, his back and leg now throbbing from their scuffle.
"Care to explain how he ended up in my bed then?"
Edwin punched Kevin so hard in the face he saw stars, nicking the red-head's lip on his own teeth. This however only made Kevin snicker.
"What, you mad bro? Mad that your boyfriend found better pleasure in a guy like me? Or did you even ever make it that far with him?"
Edwin punched him again, this time aiming for Kevin's chest. This time Kevin choked back a groan. Edwin's hair fell from his eyes as he glared down at the man beneath him, his hands shaking in utter furry. Words had left him. All that was left was the burn to deliver pain. To see this through to the end, even if that meant leaving this joker in the snow to bleed. He might not have Edd but at least this part of him could be satisfied.
"Man that's gotta suck." Kevin chuckled past a throbbing lip. "Smart boy can't even figure that out. Wonder what else you're lacking in that made him so overwhelmingly happy to bend over and take it by me."
"SHUT UP!" Edwin snarled, gripping the front of Kevin's jacket so tightly his knuckles began to hurt. "Don't you dare talk him that way, you undeserving wretch!"
"He might not have called me that but I know exactly how he sounded when he cried out my name in bed."
Edwin was about to throw another punch and Kevin readied himself for the blow. The pain would be so worth the look he was receiving right now, however, it never came. Instead Edwin's weight was suddenly thrown off of him, arms and legs tangling together to keep the struggling dark haired man on the ground. Kevin quickly scrambled back and climbed to his feet, ignoring how his knee nearly bucked out from under him as he swiped a gloved hand over his face.
Edwin was on the ground with Kevin's mysterious savior, jacketed arms wrapping and hands grabbing for whatever purchase they could make. A red hat with a black bill lay on the ground not far from where he stood as he watched a brilliant top of orange cut through the basic white of their surroundings. Behind him a truck was parked next to the curb with the driver's door wide open, as though the driver had jumped immediately into fray to stop the fighting with little regard to his vehicle and himself. The green handkerchief that was wrapped around the young man's face revealed a sky's worth of freckles and a pair of large brown eyes that reminded him of something soft, like corduroy or teddy bears.
Gathering what was left of his already over exerted energy Kevin tried to collect his thoughts but tensed when Edwin threw the intruder between them. The boy rolled rather expertly onto his side and hopped up as if he hadn't just been thrown to the ground like a rag doll. Had it not been for the furiousness in him Kevin would have been impressed. The boy was much smaller than the two of them combined. At least a whole head shorter with nothing but his layers to protect him from the elements and Edwin's fury.
"Stop it!" The young man shouted, his voice cutting through the air like an air horn as he glared at Edwin and then over at Kevin. "The both of you. Knock it off!"
Edwin snorted and scowled at Kevin, ignoring the smaller red-head completely.
"T'es un salaud. (You're a bastard.)"
Kevin thumped his chest with his fist. "Come at me again motherfucker and I'll plant you firmly ground. I swear to god-"
Edwin snarled. "Dégage! (Piss off!)"
"Oh yeah. Sure thing." Kevin glared, adjusting his jacket and pretending he even understood what the jerk had said. "I'll tell him you said that while he's sucking my dick!"
"Did you not hear me?" The freckled man shouted, glaring over his shoulder at Edwin with the meanest glare he could muster. "I said to stop it. Right. Now!"
Edwin's eyes finally flickered away from Kevin's and to the young man standing in his way. Something akin to recognition danced in Edwin's eyes and the agonizing desire to cause Kevin harm suddenly depleted. Edwin's fist fell to his side uselessly, his teeth grounding together as he forced himself to stare at the ground. A heavy weight of shame bore over him as those soft brown eyes he knew a time ago stared at him in anger, shock, and worst of all, disappointment.
"You." The smaller red-head pointed towards Kevin, his words firm but hardly threatening. "Go on. Get out of here."
Kevin snorted. "Not until he tells me where Edd is."
Edwin's glare couldn't have intensified anymore. If looks could kill the snow would have bled red long ago. The smaller red-head turned to Edwin, his browns drawn together as concern flashed in his depths. That name was all too familiar to him.
"What do you care? He's gone." Edwin hissed. "He… he left."
Kevin's widened, the air in his lungs leaving him in an instant. Left? Eddward was… was gone? But where? And why?!
"Where." Kevin demanded, taking a threatening step forward. "Tell me where damnit!"
The nameless red-head stepped in front of Kevin and held out his arms, shaking his head; as though he was ready and willing to knock Kevin back to keep them from fighting again. Truly it was astounding. This spit fire was ready to throw down with the big boys but Kevin didn't have time for this. His dork was out there somewhere, alone. Night was quickly approaching and if the weather reports were accurate a snow storm was headed their way.
Kevin's heart jack hammered in his chest, making it hard to breathe as he staggered back.
"When? Where did he go?"
He was desperate. He didn't care if his voice sounded strained or that the male pride that shone in his eyes had flickered out of existence. When at first Edwin didn't say anything Kevin felt the urge to strangle the answers out of him. He didn't have time for this. Thankfully it didn't come to that.
"Two hours ago." The dancer said. "Eddward left without as much as a warning."
Kevin's hands clenched into fists at his side. "Please I'm begging you. If you know where he is tell me. He shouldn't be out there."
"I know that!" Edwin glowered. "But I don't know where he is. He didn't say where he was going." Edwin clenched his eyes shut. "I couldn't have stop him. Even if I wanted to."
Kevin shook his head. He wasn't even going to try to understand what the bastard was saying. He had to find Edd before the winds decided to change. That was his top priority. Spinning on his heels Kevin made a mad dash for his bike, leaving Edwin and the stranger who had stepped in and saved him, behind. He had, maybe, a matter of hours to find him and there was a chance he could be anywhere at this point.
Time was now of the essence.
Yet in another part of town, time was not quite the concern.
The sockhead gave a shudder under the gentle caress of the eastern winds that swept through the city. To his left a wind chime rattled on some house's front porch, a soft melody playing on the back of the draft reminding him of the strum of a violin's bow. Hands in his pockets, Edd crowded his shoulders closer to his face. He silently cursed his luck. He was remiss that his scarf had disappeared on him. Of course he couldn't feel his face at the moment so he supposed it wouldn't have made much of a difference if he had it now or not. Still, he didn't have much on him other than his wallet and the clothes on his back. What little he could carry was precious and until winter left he would be stuck in Peach Creek for a few more weeks. He was resolved not to go to anyone for help so he decided on a whim the best place to go for shelter. At least for the tonight.
Peach Creek Park was a large public area that didn't see much human action in the early evening on. Especially in the winter when it just grew too cold to be outside. The trees on the premise were old and tapered off about a mile or so into the neighboring woods. He used to wander near there as a child when he collected bugs and remembered very well how tall and fearsome the woods could be. With a creek that ran just a few yards past the park limits it was easy to think gargling monsters and boogiemen laid in wait just beyond the tree line.
Of course he knew that was all utter nonsense. There were no such things, but what did exist was a large play area set up with swings, slides and three brick walls that guarded it off from the rest of the park. In retrospect it made for a perfect place for a person like Eddward to seek refuge. With nightfall just around the corner he knew no one would be there to harass him. No one would bother to hike the half mile trek through to the kid's play area just to inconvenience him. There he would be able to get some rest and hopefully by morning he would be well rested enough to seek out some food. Right now all he could think about was sleep. His feet admittedly hurt but he was above grumping about it. He'd done this before. He could very well do it again.
As he walked the wind had steadily begun to pick up, but when he made it to the playground the brick walls provided him protection against the worst of it. Here the tree tops barely moved and offered a small sense of relief. His feet lightly bounced as he stepped on the rubber play mat, a smile spilling over his face. The play place looked rather new from what he remembered it looking like. Much of the wooden structure had been replaced with bright painted plastics, ropes replaced with stronger synthetic fibers and tops now covering portions of the little gym, canopying over the small metal steps it took to reach the twisty slides at the top.
With ease he climbed up the steps, holding onto the bars on his sides and wistfully jogged across the swinging bridge. It had been so long since he last played on this contraption. Everything looked so shiny and new he almost couldn't recognize that this was the same exact structure he used to play on when Edwin brought him here on the weekends. Those were happy times, when childhood wonders were just too big to comprehend the world of adults. Back then all that mattered was rescuing the princess at the top of the jungle gym and fighting the evil witch underneath the slide before regrouping at the bench for a peanut butter sandwich.
Nostalgia filled his mind and Eddward's heart hummed contently. These were the kind of memories he intended to keep with him. For all he cared the bad could be swept away by the tide of his new beginnings, water logged and drowned until new and happier memories could take their place. He was happy to remember Edwin by the kind and brotherly things he did. Even as a couple he could be gracious, a bit bossy and controlling, but never deceitful. He gave all his time and effort when he could, showering Edd in all the affection he could want and never once stepping past his boundaries when it came to intimacy.
It was unfortunate that they didn't last. Edwin was a good guy once one saw through his hardened exterior. Even if it seemed unfathomable to outsiders looking in, it wasn't impossible. When the walls came down he could be quite the company to keep. He was a good person at heart so he hoped that maybe one day his heart would mend enough to seek comfort and maybe even happiness in another. He could make an excellent boyfriend when he tried and Edd hoped with all his heart that he someday met someone as smart and as passionate as himself.
Leaning onto a painted metal pole Eddward's eyes scanned the immediate area below. From what he could see a series of large open tubes were scattered about on the rubber matting, a good three inches thick but not quite leading into any sensible direction. Next to them was a turn style swing with three built in seats and faded chalk lines around it that outlined a swerving pathway. From his position on top Eddward felt exposed. Sure higher ground would be ideal for not being seen but up here he still had to content with the treat of snow. There were enough gaps in the plastic overhead to let snow free fall if the clouds had a mind to open up. Down below he wouldn't have that problem. The tubes in fact could offer him plenty of cover so with that in mind he climbed up the rest of the gym steps and slid down the slide to the bottom, landing rather clumsily on his bottom instead of on his feet.
Brushing the snow from his back Eddward marched his way up to one of the tubes and inspected them closely. Each had been painted in a different color, some thinner and larger than others. The bright red tube that first caught his attention seemed to be the thickest if not the largest. When he climbed inside he found there was plenty of space for him to crouch. It was long also enough for him to lay sideways if he so chose to stretch out his legs. Considering how much the temperature had dropped he had reservations of doing just that but the option was nice to have.
Crawling inside Edd settled himself towards the middle of the tube and dragged the ends of his jacket further around him. His knees were tucked up close to his chest entrapping what little heat his slim body could provide, his hands tucked right up against his tummy in the process. It wasn't the most comfortable of positions but it would conserve his body heat well enough. Thankfully Ed's jacket didn't have too many holes in it. If he could get some sleep now while the weather was still bearable then he could wake up bright and early before any of the park goers knew he was even there. It was a bit of a long shot but Edd was willing to give it a try.
Yawning, Eddward finally let his eyes fall shut. The sweet call of slumber eased him slowly into the hands of the sandman, the world slinking away as the sun sunk low beyond the horizon. In time grey skies gave way to a beautiful star filled sky, every blinking sliver of twilight watching over the form of a hungry young man who slept alone in the park. Unknowingly loved and sought after by a single figure who raced through town like a mad man in search of him in a race against time.
Do you know who mystery boy is?
If you do send me a private message and let me know who you think it is. Actually, lets make a game of this!
The 1st, 7th, and 13th person (I know random right?) to send me a private message with the correct answer will be given a preview of the next chapter. And what's so special about the next chapter? Well... ;) That's my little secret.
Anyways let me know what you guys thought of this chapter. Its long, I realize that, but I didn't think you guys would mind too much. And good luck to whoever wants to participate in the little guessing game. It's nothing big but I figured you'd have fun with it.
Until next time, stay cool my friends.
Ciao!
