Did you all think I was dead? ho ho ho

Jk with the amount of work and sleep deprivation from Uni...I should be lolol

ANYWAYS I FINALLY have the next chapter finished. I'm soooooo sorry it has taken MONTHS to write but I'm super busy getting my senior Illustration show ready for May. Meaning that yes, the next chapter will most likely be out by late May or early June. Sorry :( BUT IT'LL BE GOOD

Enjoy this chapter and make it last for now, cause I put 2 chapters in one!


Kevin sat in his last class pretending to be invested in editing the photograph of the school building as he waited for the bell to ring. Once that bell rang it would indicate the beginning of their week long thanksgiving break well, at least for him, having one less class than most students had its perks. He smiled excited to meet up with Eddward after class as they were going to leave together and hang out around town for a bit. Ed would meet Nazz after their seventh class was over and hopefully meet up with them later. This was probably the first times the four of them would be able to actually hang out. Hang out as normal teenagers…no stress…no problems just them being kids. It was such a refreshing feeling to know that at least for today and hopefully during the break there would be no problems. Above all, he was excited for Eddward to interact with Ed and Nazz.

Ever since, Eddward had saved Nazz that Halloween night and had helped her the week she returned to classes they seemed to be able to tolerate one another. Kevin noticed neither would give eye rolls anymore unless it was playful and they were definitely more smiles between the two. He knew Nazz was still processing the idea that Eddward wasn't the horrible monster she had constructed in her head but he was grateful the girl now saw the athlete in a different light.

Speaking of which, Kevin had noticed a shift in the girl's behavior. It made him sad that she wouldn't say and rather kept to herself pretending to be alright. During their lunch time she would seem rather paranoid and either hyper focus and ramble on about the food or a random topic or she would constantly scan the cafeteria.

As a way to distract the girl and hopefully push further her potential companionship with Eddward. The two of them had attended one of Eddward's swim meet that took place at their school. Thankfully it had completely distracted the girl from the anxiety she had developed and watched the swimmer dash through the water like a shark in awe. No matter how many times Kevin watched the teen swim through the water he could never get used the gracious transformation that happened the moment Eddward touched the water. There was a passion derived from the teen's competitive spirit that definitely shifted this transformation. A confidant smirk and a sparkle in the teen's ocean eyes that made Kevin stop breathing every time. From the moment Eddward would step up he couldn't tear his eyes away…no one in the crowd could. All held their breath too afraid to blink and miss the king of sharks dominate the swim meet.

Only after Eddward touched the edge of the pool and lifted his head above water, only then, was there a roar of cheering from Peach Creek and utter awe by the rivaling team. Every time, Kevin would let out a loud laughter and was amused that he was joined in by Nazz and Ed as well. The three of them had met up with Eddward after to congratulate him. It was then that Kevin realized that he seemed to hold his breath every time he would watch the teen walk into the locker room after a meet. He couldn't help but remember that first time when Kevin had attended and found the teen in horrific condition. He still didn't know what had caused such a sudden change that day, and he hoped it wouldn't happen again. The moment he saw the teen walk back out dressed and with a soft smile on his face the freckled teen couldn't help but feel lighter and would return his smile.

Nazz had actually congratulated him to which Eddward flushed and tried to seem cool about it making Kevin and Ed laugh. Eddward's teammates had excitedly wanted to usher the raven haired teen and Ed out of the gym for a celebratory party. After a moment Kevin smiled and gave him an expression of its ok, go. He wasn't bummed out about being interrupted but rather glad the teen was being more open with other people and well, at least he had Ed with him.

Kevin had received a call later that night from the king of sharks himself who seemed a 'tad bit' tipsy and they had talked much later into the night until they had fallen asleep.

The freckled teen still wasn't glad about the deal Sam and Eddward had made but for the moment it allowed them the four of them to catch a break. Sam had given Eddward less jobs and now had practically resigned Jimmy's position to Eddward. This had made Jimmy beyond enraged and he now wondered around the school giving them angered glares whenever he saw Eddward. Another good side to this agreement was he was able to publicly be around Eddward without worrying because Sam didn't care so long as Eddward didn't lose focus. The J's couldn't do anything about it meaning Kevin could do as he pleased. There were rumors of course; once the entire school realized Kevin, Nazz, Ed and Eddward were hanging out as friends they began theorizing that the whole gang was a fraud. Sam took care of those rumors himself…

Everyone was still afraid of Eddward nonetheless, in their eyes he was still the tyrant. Kevin knew that it didn't bother Eddward and he tried not to let it bother him. He wanted to tell everyone the kind of selfless person Eddward Vincent had transformed to be but instead he kept quiet knowing someday they would all see what he saw. Nazz was beginning to, so why couldn't everyone else?

When the bell finally rang Kevin quickly turned off his computer and rushed out of the classroom ignoring the commentary from his teacher probably reminding them about their assignment over the break. He ran through the crowed halls relieved to finally be out of the boring classroom. He stopped by his locker placing some of his unnecessary textbooks inside grateful most of his teachers had assigned very few assignments to do. For the most part he had a photography assignment and History project with Eddward.

The soft thump of a body leaning against the metal of the lockers caught his attention. Kevin slightly closed his locker to peek over to find the sharp look of ocean eyes and the famous striped beanie. "Hey" Kevin pressed his lips trying to contain a smile upon seeing the other but failed.

"Hey yourself" Eddward played along with a tender smile "Ready?"

"Yeah, let me just put on my coat" Kevin dropped his bag on the floor to pull on his navy blue coat. He heard lazy footsteps behind him making him turn around at the familiar sound freezing in his spot seeing Johnny with hands in his pockets make his way towards them.

Eddward pushed off the lockers and stood in front of Kevin with a territorial presence that even made the freckled teen shrink a bit. Johnny stopped a few feet away giving Kevin a look that wasn't necessarily threatening but rather observatory. After shifting his glance at Eddward, he walked closer to the taller teen and whispered something as he handed him a piece of paper. The raven haired teen looked down at the paper and nodded putting it away in the back pocket of his jeans and with that Johnny glanced back at Kevin. His stare was cut off by Eddward who stepped closer making the bald teen step back and finally take his leave. It wasn't until the teen had turned the corner that Eddward finally turned around with a raised eyebrow.

Kevin quickly turned to close the locker and before he could grab his bag Eddward had already grasped it and slung it over his shoulder. It was then that they heard the bell ring indicating the last period was about to start. "I can carry it…" the freckled teen mumbled out.

"I don't mind" the raven haired teen smiled gesturing with a shake of his head to follow.

The smaller teen just looked onto the other with a smile feeling a familiar bubbly sensation in his chest "What was that all about?" Kevin finally breathed out as they made their exit out of the building.

"Nothing to worry about" Eddward glanced towards him "work" he mumbled out walking ahead.

"Well, you're kind of work is always something to worry about" Kevin pouted shoving his hands in his pockets.

The blue eyed teen turned around and reached a hand to playfully ruffle the ginger hair. "Thanks for worrying about me but you really don't have to"

With a sigh Kevin glanced up to meet the other's eyes "Of course I have to…I care about you and if I don't who knows what reckless things you will get yourself into"

Eddward pulled his hand back with a flush on his cheeks and a nervous laugh "I could say the same" he laughed out.

This made Kevin laugh "At least the most trouble I can possibly cause is become a target…but" he stopped as they had reached Eddward's car "What you do…How do you expect me not to worry?"

The swimmer stared down at the freckled teen in awe then after a moment of staring he reached an arm to wrap around the teen's shoulders and hugged Kevin close "You are too kind Pumpkin" he whispered out "Thank you"

Suddenly Kevin was reminded of when they were just starting out in this odd journey where Eddward would push him away and be angry with him about the fact that Kevin worried. Yet, here they were embraced and Eddward accepting him. The freckled teen leaned more into the embrace not wanting to let go just yet.

Eddward pulled back just a bit to look down at the freckled teen as if contemplating something that made Kevin transfixed with the solemn expression the taller teen wore. After a moment Kevin flushed stepping out of the hug realizing their noses where barley touching "l-let's get going" he pulled the collar of his coat closer hoping the other wouldn't notice his extremely red face, though he could blame the cold air for that.

They walked into the antique store giving Ms. Adams a welcomed surprise. The woman was cleaning some of the furniture when he heard the bell ring from the entrance and gave them a wide smile. "My, what brings you boys here?" she put down the rag and walked over wiping her hands on an apron she wore.

"Just wanted to say hi" Kevin stepped into the woman's open arms.

"It's always such a pleasure seeing you my dear" Ms. Adams stepped back and gave a tender smile to Eddward. "Would you boys like something to drink or snacks?"

"No thank you Ann" Eddward politely shook his head then turned his attention behind Ms. Adams

Kevin shook his head too as he notice a pretty lady walking out from behind the back of the store. Beautiful caramel skin and dark brown curly hair, she wore long sleeved crop top and dark jeans. Kevin noticed she gave Eddward a look and a simple wave of her hand greeting them and Eddward just gave a nod. "Oh Kevin this is my other employee, Tatiana"

Kevin could clearly tell the lady was older than them, possibly in her mid-twenties, but she was absolutely stunning. He gave her a wave to which she smiled and waved back before returning to her work. "She's a bit quiet like this one" Ms. Adams laughed out giving Eddward a pat "But she is a very kind young woman"

"Vincent" Tatiana called quietly lifting a finger and wiggling it in a come here motion.

The raven haired teen walked over to the counter with hands in his pockets and a raised eyebrow in question. Ms. Adams began talking to Kevin about a kitten she had just found abandoned in an alley way but Kevin kept looking to where the swimmer stood talking to the girl. He felt a small sting in his stomach as he noticed the tips of Eddward's ears turn red. The girl was chuckling now as she ate a lollipop then lightly punched the swimmer's arm leaning back in the chair and finally showing him something on a laptop. Quickly Eddward seemed to give her a solution and with a roll of his eyes he turned back.

Kevin looked back at Ms. Adams who was still speaking but her eyes shined with a mischievous light in them that made the freckled teen anxious. "Do you know anyone who might like the poor thing?" she questioned.

"I might…" Kevin mumbled out feeling embarrassed as he wondered if she had noticed "I have a friend who might want the kitten" he tried not to further blush as the raven haired teen stood beside him checking his phone.

"We should get going" Eddward mumbled out

"Wonderful, please let me know if your friend wants the kitten." She gave Kevin a hug and then Eddward "Enjoy your date" she quickly said with a playful smile.

"W-w-we— " Kevin choked out feeling his face heat up as he looked at Ms. Adams who was laughing at their reaction. Kevin heard the girl softly laughing also behind the counter.

"Ann…" Eddward quietly groaned out with a flushed face as well

"I'm joking!" Ms. Adams laughed out pushing the boys out of the store "Now, enjoy the rest of your day" she giggled giving them a wink and returning back inside.

The boys stood awkwardly for a moment with still red cheeks until Kevin's phone broke the silence. "Uh y-yeah, we're on our way Nazz" he muttered out.

"Nazz, we haven't had a chance to talk so…now that we're waiting can I start it?" Ed slowly chained his bike to a pole by the movie theater.

"Talk about what exactly?" Nazz crossed her arms leaning against the brick wall.

The tall brunette let out a laugh placing his hands in his coat's pockets "You know exactly what this is about"

With a sigh Nazz slumped "Ed…we really don't need to talk about it"

"Sam? Of all people? Really Nazz?" Ed raised an eyebrow tilting his head a bit to catch the girl's eyes.

"N-Nothing is happening! I don't l-like him like that, he's…he's just playing around" Nazz frowned blushing a bit.

"Then what was that date about?"

"It was nothing, really. He forced me to go…I was j-just humoring him. You know the guy can't take a hint, so damn annoying." Nazz looked down thinking back on her talk with Sam in the park's garden.

"I'm just concerned. I know what type of guy he is and I'm honestly surprised he's decided to, uh, romance you and that can only mean bad things" Ed leaned against the metal pole shivering a bit at the coldness of it.

"Surprised?" Nazz frowned blushing now

Ed let out a soft chuckle with a shrug "I-I don't mean you're not attractive but…you're not the type he typically goes for"

"Then what do you think he's after?" Nazz asked in a low voice "I've been thinking about it but…I don't know, he has Eddward and Kevin hasn't been trouble to him"

With a shake of his head Ed frowned "I don't know…maybe if I talk to Double D?"

"NO!" Nazz pushed off the wall "Don't tell Vincent or Kevin, it's only going to make them worry and…they've…" Nazz sighed defeated "They seem to be in a good place right now, I don't want to trouble them"

"What if Sam's has something up his sleeve? I really don't feel good about this Nazz"

"I…I don't know but he hasn't really done anything but be flirty now and that much I can handle. I'll be fine, besides, I have you watching my back incase my stupid ass is wrong" The girl laughed out.

Ed laughed along "Ok, I trust you. At least I know he won't hurt you if he wants Eddward around. Just, call me if he…tries anything ok?"

"Definitely" Nazz gave the teen a playful smile "By the way… who was the red headed kid with you?"

"Oh uh, just a friend" Ed shrugged giving her a sheepish smile "He's my connection inside the gang."

"Ah, alright" the girl nodded looking onto the street "trustworthy?"

The taller teen gave a nod and a smile and turned to follow her gaze hoping to find Eddward's car. "They're taking a while"

"…"Nazz crossed her arms with a frown "There's something else I want to talk about…"

"Is it about them?" Ed looked down at the girl seeing her nod with a sigh "So, you see it too"

"I…I see something starting" the blonde girl walked closer to the brunette "And I'll be honest, I'm not particularly fond of the idea"

"I thought so" Ed breathed out a soft laugh "It's not something we can stop…the something has been developing for a while you know. I saw it way back in the summer"

"Really?" Nazz gave the other a glance "I thought he was just being nice or just stupid…" Nazz chuckled "Now there's no doubt in my mind…It kind of scares me Ed."

"I didn't want him involved either, but you know how he is…Kevin was already latched on when I went to intervene" The brunette slumped his shoulders with a smile looking at the streets "I knew what could happen if he didn't stay away because I didn't trust Double D at the time. I even warned Double D but…" he shrugged with a shake of his head "Kevin's really made an impact on him."

"I don't think it was just Kevin" Nazz lightly punched the other on the arm "I'm sure it helped him a lot to have you back in his life. You, Vincent and Eddy were so close back then…it was kind of sad how you three fell apart. Especially since it lead to him becoming the horrible monster he was the first two years of high school. So, I think you really matter a lot to him and it's honestly pretty nice seeing the two of you together again."

With a nostalgic look Ed gave her a genuine smile "Thanks Nazz…I guess, all we can really do now is be there for them huh?"

With a frown Nazz nodded "Is this really a good thing?"

"You don't think so?" Ed chuckled out giving Nazz a glance

With a pout Nazz looked down "As much I don't like admitting it…they've both have changed for the better, so there's no real reason for me to be against it."

"Yup" the taller teen gave nodded "But they're so caught up with problems it's hard for them to realize it." Ed frowned now "Guess it's good that we have at least today to relax"

"How long do you think before they realize it?" Nazz asked quietly

"…" He knew Eddward was still struggling with a lot, and who knows if he was ready for anything of that nature yet "I honestly don't know…hopefully before we graduate, but maybe never"

"Really? Never?" Nazz looked up with a surprise look

"You?"

"I think Eddward already knows and Kevin's getting there. I've…meddled so I know Kevin should be at least thinking about it." Nazz smiled with a shrug

"You're so confident about it" Ed chuckled "What makes you think Eddward already knows?"

"Easy, just observe him today" Nazz lifted her chin "Call it woman's intuition but something tells me he's masking it but he's aware of it. I can't be certain, naturally, but I give it another 6 months before one of them says something"

"Are we placing bets now?" The brunette laughed out.

"You want to?" Nazz giggled "Then who do you think will make the first move?"

"Kevin of course" Ed laughed out

Nazz shook her head "My dear Kevin is too dense some times. I think it'll be Vincent"

"Alright then, what do we win?" Ed asked with a raised eyebrow entertained by the bet

"Hm…the satisfaction of watching two total pinning dorks be happy?" Nazz smiled catching the others gaze.

"That sounds great" Ed nodded "Can we meddle?"

"I think we have to" Nazz laughed out "But let's not be too forceful. They need to get through this on their own"

"Perfect" Ed smiled turning as he heard a familiar engine of a black car turn into the almost empty parking lot "Speak of the devil"

They walked to the front of the Movie Theater and watched Kevin and Eddward get out with slightly flushed cheeks and an awkward silence between the two. Ed and Nazz gave each other a curious glance at this. Then, Nazz ran up to the freckled teen to embrace him and hopefully rid of their awkwardness.

They ended up picking a thriller about a secret agent who had been fraud with killing the president. Nazz sat next to Kevin, Kevin next to Eddward and Eddward next to Ed. It wasn't until mid-movie when Nazz and Ed noticed the other two finally relax and settle back into their normal selves.

After the movie, Ed and Kevin were enthusiastically sharing possible theories since the movie had ended with a small cliff-hanger. Nazz and Eddward quietly walked behind the other two deciding to keep to themselves and let the other two ramble on with their excitement. It wasn't a bad silence but rather they both simply couldn't care less about a sequel. It seemed they shared a similar opinion on how bad it was when Nazz mumbled a comment to which Eddward nodded. Then Kevin and Ed turned around and a debate started as they walked to a nearby grill.

As much as Nazz and Ed wanted to give the other two a chance to sit next to each other, Kevin had pulled Nazz on one side of the table. The freckled teen had sat at the window while Ed sat across from him and Eddward at the edge of the table facing Nazz. The blonde girl noticed a pretty green eyed waitress walking towards their table and clearly eyeing the raven haired teen which made her roll her eyes. She was perky with curly reddish brown hair and stood a little too close to Eddward. Nazz could clearly tell she was being beyond flirty with the swimmer, who was either ignoring her flirty attempts or was completely oblivious to it. Serves her right Nazz thought content. She took a peek over to Kevin to see his reaction to this situation and couldn't help but let out a giggle when she noticed Kevin's stare completely locked onto the menu the entire time the waitress was there.

Ed and Eddward mainly bickered about small stuff the entire time that made the freckled teen laugh, which in turn made Nazz smile. She definitely thought it odd having a group lunch with Eddward Vincent of all people. Never before had she thought this a possibility, in past it would have been a nightmare. Yet here she was. Nazz was aware of his perseverance to be a better person. She wouldn't deny the guy a chance to change. It was clear as day to her as she witnessed that the angry, depressive scowl he would always carry back then was completely gone. The teen's expression even a year ago was a dangerous one, one that everyone was terrified of. Now, he carried a rather happier expression, well at least the one he carried today was a happy one. So for the time being…this was ok.

She placed her cheek on her hand moving her gaze to Kevin's slightly tinted cheeks. She let a breath out noticing the brightness in the freckled teen eyes…it had been something she had come to rarely see throughout the last 5 years. She had been terribly fearful the life in those bright green eyes would have diminished before they even graduated. She had noticed small signs over the course of the last year and a half, signs that indicated something was wrong with Kevin. He had started to look so tired…as if he was giving up.

In theory, she had Eddward to thank for this change, even if he was the reason Kevin had looked so lifeless before. But the freckled teen was strong, she knew that. Nazz imagined Kevin had had just enough will power to deal with the bullshit Eddward had put him through the first couple of months that whatever they had going on started.

Somehow, they both had changed for the better. She thought it odd and ridiculous at times, but Kevin was genuinely happy again, and as long as she saw that precious smile on him she would be supportive because that's what friends did. So, for now she was happy they could get a moment like this…where they could all be just normal teenagers. Including Vincent.

A voice spoke out in the midst of a vast hallway. He recognized the area he was currently walking through, it was the east hallway in Peach Creek high. His sluggish footsteps wondered through the hall in agonizing pain. It would seem as if he was carrying the weight of a bus on his back, because every step that he took forward was increasingly exhausting. But he had heard a voice at the end of the hallway, in the direction of the natatorium; it had called out his name. Curious, he was determined to keep going.

As he finally drew close to the big double doors that lead into the natatorium, he could sense a vast darkness begin to expand behind him. Something in his gut told him not to look back, but he was curious.

With a hand on the handle of the door he decided to be brave and take a peek behind him. His eyes met with a stark bloody shirt a mere handful of inches away from him. His heart stopped terrified to look up at the owner of the shirt, but he was curious. His olive green eyes followed the trail upward to catch sight of caramel skin and then dark blue eyes. They held no emotion and no sense of light. The boy's entire persona was much darker as the darkness behind them engulfed the hallway. His freckled hand held tighter onto the handle wanting to pull the door open but he found he hadn't had any strength left. The boy's dark eyes would not rip away from his and he found that he couldn't either.

"…Eddward" his voice croaked out with hurt

It was then that the others expression showed some sign of recognition. Yet his eyes were still refusing to express emotion, instead the boy's hand lifted to gently caress his freckled neck as he had done many times before. "Kevin" he whispered out.

It was painful to smile but Kevin did so grateful the other had called out his name. As the taller teen leaned closer and pull Kevin forward, Kevin let himself relax letting go of the handle to the natatorium. He wrapped his slender arms around the others waist trying to ignore the darkness that only kept expanding and now had consumed the schools hallway and the natatorium doors.

"Are you scared of me?" Eddward's voice was calm and collected

Kevin closed his eyes and pressed himself closer to the others cold body "No" he could feel Eddward wrap his arms tightly around him securely while his other hand traveled up to cradle his head. Eddward's long fingers massaged the left side of his skull and ease through his ginger hair.

"…you should be" Kevin felt Eddward tightly grab a handful of his hair and quickly pulled his head back twisting it hard enough he could hear that the action had cause his neck to make a crack.

Then everything went black

.

.

.

With a jolt Kevin gasped out seeing his moonlit ceiling. With a cry he rolled over onto his side slowly recognizing his surroundings. He rubbed his freckled hand on his neck where he had felt the snap in the dream. His breath came out gasping as if hyperventilating. The hand he was leaning on was tightly holding onto his bed sheets. His eyes traveled down to notice he was covered in a light shimmer of sweat.

After what seemed like half an hour, Kevin finally calmed down. He lay back down on the bed on his side and stared out the window with wide eyes. It was dreams like this that troubled him; they were dreams that consisted of his former weaker self and Eddward still the blood thirsty tyrant.

These dreams weren't consistent, not like Eddward's nightmares. They resurfaced every once in a while, but when they did, they would leave him in deep thought. Sometimes, he wouldn't go back to sleep afraid he would be placed back into the nightmares.

He hadn't told anyone, not Nazz, not Ed, and especially not Eddward. He didn't think it necessary; he could deal with them on his own. Besides, it would only cause trouble and worry for everyone and he didn't want to think about the distraught expression of Eddward's face if he were to find out about them. He didn't want him to think he was still fearful, because dream Eddward was wrong, Kevin wasn't scared anymore. He trusted the athlete enough to know he wouldn't back-stab him ever again. Eddward wasn't the bad guy anymore.

Kevin closed his eyes in an attempt to fall back asleep wishing that the raven haired teen was sleeping next to him holding his hand as they had done many times before. The simple memory of those nights brought peace to his mind.

Ed sat at the corner of the hospital room looking out through the window. The sun was finally dimming down below the horizon bring in beautiful pastels of pinks and orangs onto the white canvas of the room. He turned his gaze to his younger sister who was looking through a photo album. He knew she was still freaked out about the idea of having been in a coma for years, leaving the thoughts about having missed a lot on life depressing her. Sarah was still scared, she was still confused, and she was still closed off to most everyone. She talked the most minimal amount through days, and mostly just stared at the pictures trying to piece together her past life before the accident happened.

Her gorgeous long ginger hair fell elegantly over her shoulders and reached her waist. Ed had made sure to brush her hair everyday while she was in a coma. He remembered how his sister would make a huge fit about anything happening to her hair. He didn't want her to be upset. Yet now she wouldn't allow him anywhere near her, so he kept his distance as he did now.

It was heartbreaking to feel closed off like this, but at least she allowed him this much for the time being. He watched her placed the album down onto her lap before her eyes were filled with tears as they often were since she had woken up. Her slender fingers desperately grabbed at the sheets covering her unresponsive legs. "…W-Why…Why did this happen to me" she sobbed with anger at her current condition. "why…" she continued to cry out ignoring Ed.

There wasn't anything he could do on days like these. She would have a panic attack if he stepped closer or touched her. He didn't understand why he triggered the panic; he was her brother after all. But he had learned from two previous incidents not to touch her. So, he sadly looked at his crying sister praying to God that she would find the strength to regain her life, even if that meant being in a wheelchair forever.

Kevin took his motorcycle one afternoon and drove off into the highway not necessarily thinking about the location. He felt the need to get away for a moment, felt the need to change his scenery, and felt the need to just…breathe.

Although it was break, the J's were not. Sure, they were chained down by Sam and Eddward but that did not mean their consistent glaring presence around town did not overwhelm him and Nazz. He could tell his best friend was definitely still affected after her kidnaping Halloween night, even though she masked it with an uncaring expression. He noticed the slight tremble to her hands whenever the J's where a little too close and it angered him.

They were suffocating, truly.

Kevin had heard from Ed about the threats they were making against other students, and it angered him that he couldn't help them out. At this point all he could really do is hope the rest of the school year would be over. He wanted to trust that everything would be over the moment Sam left, but he feared it wouldn't. Sam's gang presence was heavy in Lemon Brook and Kevin was suspicious of Jimmy in all honesty.

He pulled out of the highway and made a turn to a nearby beach. Of course, the beach was deserted, as it was practically the winter season this late in November. He removed the helmet hanging it on the bike's handles then securely chained the vehicle. Turning around he took a deep breath in as he looked onto the rough waves of the water. Eddward would love to come here he thought with a smile.

He slothfully walked down the stairs to the sandy beach keeping his eyes locked on the waves. The water was loud from the hard wind, but he didn't mind. The coolness of it all was actually calming him down. It reminded him kind of the inside of Eddward's home, it was weird thought, but he supposed he correlated the cold to Eddward and that was peaceful thought.

He slowly walked with his hands in his black coat through the beach now looking ahead to the long distance. It used to be the beach that his dad would take him to every summer when he was younger and he now recognized the beach in some of his mother's photographs.

After about ten minutes of walking he stopped and glanced back at the waves crashing into shore. He stepped closer to the water and stood still when the water hit his boot. The cold air was stronger now but he didn't mind. Deciding to take his glasses off, he placed them in his coats pocket and took a deep breath in.

He wasn't worried about his best friend, Ed or Eddward at this moment. He knew for certain they were all safe, so he truly enjoyed this moment of peace of being alone. He looked on to the horizon line and relaxed his shoulders.

Kevin hadn't done this in a long time, the running away, he thought hearing seagulls flying by. It used to be a constant thing, although he wouldn't go far from town afraid something would happen to Nazz. He would come here often on Fridays especially after dropping off Nazz at her home. He would come here and throw rocks, hyperventilate, or consider ending it. It seemed to be the perfect place to be vulnerable.

So he walked away from the water and took a seat on a rock looking at the birds flying above. It was hard to keep his mind on blank but his thoughts kept pushing forward for attention. Finally he let them swarm his mind.

Something didn't seem right. Well, from the beginning the situation was all wrong. However, now everything seemed…stagnant, there seemed to be something manifesting with in Jimmy and it really creeped him out.

He noticed the way the platinum blonde would glare at him and Nazz. It wasn't like it used to be before when he would belittle them. He looked at them with such fury as if he truly wanted them dead and that thought gave him chills.

Of course Kevin thought, perhaps the teen was frustrated about not being able to pick on them, but something just really didn't feel right at all. He feared for all of his friends most the time whenever he met the blonde's eye around town. He hoped it was just petty anger and that Sam and Eddward could keep him at bay, but he knew the teen was smart.

Kevin closed his eyes letting the cold wind hit his face freely and tried not to let those thoughts consume him entirely. He wished he could keep driving, far away from the small town, from the people, from everything thing bad. He wished but he knew it would be cowardly of him to do so. Nazz needed him, Ed would be disappointed, and he couldn't bear the thought of never seeing Eddward again.

This thought only brought him to the thought of the future. What would happen when their graduation came around? Would they all simply go their separate ways? Kevin knew for certain Nazz dreamed of going to the best university for literature and art, which was across the country. He wasn't aware of what Ed wanted to do; the boy seemed to avoid all topics that concerned the future. Eddward? Kevin was sure the boy would leave far away as possible from town. After all, why stay in the place where he suffered most?

As for himself, well, he always thought he'd worked towards an engineering degree at the nearest university that was 6 hours out of town, Maple University. He knew his father couldn't afford much, even if he did insist on letting him pick which ever university he wanted. Kevin was realistic and in all honesty did not mind. However, he really didn't want to see anyone, apart from his friends, after graduation. He knew that most would likely end up going to the nearest university or start working right after. If he were to go to Maple he would have to deal with the entire experience entirely alone. That thought was very lonely.

After getting so close to his friends he couldn't think about them separating in a rather short amount of time. He felt his heart sink at the thought. Would he see them again or would they fall apart much like his mother and Eddward's had? Would Eddward ever come back to town?

Kevin rubbed at his face with irritation and hurt. He was over thinking everything, just like he normally did when he let his mind be encompassed in anxiety. He took a breath in and looked at the waves starting to calm down a bit.

He would sit there until the late afternoon filled with various unresolved thoughts floating about in his head.

Something felt awfully wrong.

He couldn't be sure as everyone was acting perfectly normal, but in this meeting there seemed to be a handful of eyes on him that send alarms flaring about in his mind.

Eddward quietly sat beside Sam at a table they had placed in the lower floor of the abandoned factory. Across from them sat Walnut Creek's gang leader with a handful of their goons, though they weren't the reason Eddward felt uncomfortable. The leader was a woman well into her twenties and often times liked to belittle them, but the woman was well aware who Sam's father was and it was the only thing keeping them controlled. Sam and the other leader would often times exchange information about potential big client who would buy goods. Sam had convinced Walnut's leader that he would get her in contact with his father's mob directly if they were to cooperate. What she desired from that connection was none of their business.

Yet, Eddward did not pay attention to the conversion happening in front of him. From the side of his vision he knew a certain platinum blonde was watching them. Well, it was his current occupation but Eddward could feel the teen's intense stare piercing through him.

He was well aware that he had most certainly pissed him off for taking his spot as Sam's most trusted member. But Eddward wasn't aware at the extent of that anger, if anything Eddy was the only who should be annoyingly raging at this very moment. Instead the short teen sat unusually quiet by the exit smoking a cigarette with two beefy goons by his side.

Eddward ripped his mind off the others, and back into the conversation noticing it coming to an end as the woman and Sam stood up. He followed placing his hands in his pockets as he did so, looking to see one of the woman's members glare at him in suspicion. Eddward wasn't too worried, they weren't armed, no one in these meetings ever was. That didn't mean that hell couldn't break loose. He had rarely been involved in gang violence, but it did happen once in a while…it wasn't a pretty picture. He was most certainly not in the mood to get into a fight at the moment so he turned his gaze to the woman who was now leaning towards him. She gave him a peck on the cheek as a farewell "Won't you gift me this one?" the woman smiled looking at him up and down.

Sam gave out a laugh with a shake of his head "This one won't do you any good, if you know what I mean" he winked at her ignoring Eddward's deadly glare.

There was a laugh heard from where Eddy sat. The woman formed a silent oh with disappointment written on her face as she pouted looking back at Eddward. "What a pity" she shrugged and picked up her phone from the table finally making to leave the room with her goons following right behind.

With that it was finally over.

Eddward sighed out mentally exhausted and growled out to Sam "If you didn't flirt so much these meeting would end an hour sooner you know"

Sam turned back with a smile "Well, I've kept her quite happy and entertained didn't I?"

"Waste of time I say" Eddward pulled his stripped beanie a little lower on his head

"She gave us a good contact, so it's totally worth it" Sam slung an arm over Eddward's shoulder "Stop being such a grump" he shook Eddward a bit "How about I let you leave for today so you can go be Romeo to your freckled Juliet…er would it be Julian?"

Eddward shoved Sam off red faced "You're fucking annoying" he grumbled out

Sam smiled grabbing Eddward by the arm leading him upstairs to his office. "How long you going to deny it" he quietly spoke out closing the door behind them.

"I'm not denying anything" Eddward leaned back against the desk.

"Oh yes you are" Sam crossed his arms "When are you going to get it through your head, your daddy's a bastard who is never going to love you. Your denial is senseless"

"I'm not denying anything." Eddward spoke darkly and met the others eyes "Besides, it not like you are in any right to say that huh? If mine is senseless, then your attempt is utterly useless"

Sam breathed out "You know I have a chance Eddward" he walked forward taking a seat in front of Eddward "Don't you dare try to lie to my face, don't you dare deny everything Blaine confessed to me. That afternoon in the park by the little river you both used to skip rocks by? Don't you remember?"

"Stop" Eddward stared daggers down at the floor unable to look up "That was a long time ago"

"Perhaps, but you still feel the same" Sam stood up now forcing Eddward to meet his eye "Don't you remember why the great Doctor Vincent gave you that scar?"

"STOP!" Eddward yelled out with wide eyes "I said it was a long time ago! It'll be different now" he gasped out.

Sam shook his head "You know as well as I do your father's a bastard, you've said so yourself. You guys can't stand in the same room without erupting into a fight"

"I'll do it for her" Eddward glared at Sam "You know I will. I want to see her again" Eddward tried his best not to let his voice crack, but he knew Sam saw the vulnerability behind those words.

Sam let out a sigh looking out the window noticing Eddy and a handful of members pryingly looking at them, thankfully they couldn't hear anything. Sam reached out a hand to Eddward's shoulder "It's your funeral"

Nazz threw on her coat and scarf as the days only grew colder and harsher as December neared. She walked out of her home ready to walk over to the library trying to get out of the house in hopes to find a quiet place to focus on her writing. She was working on a novel in hopes to enter it into a competition as becoming a writer was her dream. She was highly inspired by the exceptional worlds writers created that seemed to fully encompass the audience to journey along with the protagonist. She believed writing a super power and strived to write at least one classic novel.

Holding tight to her messenger bag Nazz made her way through the streets of Peach Creek. She hadn't seen Sam since they're…outing. It had been over a week now with no direct interaction with the guy, though she had spotted him in the school's hallways and the boy would send her a wink for a smile her way to which she would ignore or frown. She hoped he would move on to his next victim.

She heard soft footsteps following slowly behind her. Nazz turned around and met eyes with brown ones across the street dressed rather similarly to Eddward and Sam. She glared at the teen and turned back around continuing to walk with a sigh. Eddward had informed her Sam had assigned a member to follow her around as a bodyguard for security reasons. She called bullshit, since the only real danger in this town was Sam himself. She believed the blonde just wanted to know everything she did and everywhere she went. It was rather annoying in all honestly and she knew it must be exasperating for the teen to babysit her when they could be doing better things with their time.

Nonetheless, she stayed quiet since there was no real harm in the situation, even Eddward hadn't objected knowing Nazz seemed to be a favorite target of the J's as of late. In theory they couldn't do anything because she, as well as Kevin and Ed, were under Sam's protection. Yet, Eddward was still unsettled and that made her uncomfortable, so she agreed to that bodyguard thing.

This entire thing was insane. Never had she imagined the intensity of the gang's presence…of Sam's really. The son of one of the most wanted criminals in the country and here he was in this quiet forgotten town trying to woo her. She felt like inside a novel herself sometimes. The difference between fiction and reality was well, there was most certainly a happily ever after at the end of the story. Reality was reality, Sam was a criminal in the making, and she was journey to fulfil a righteous humane path. The only happily ever after will hopefully come with the demolition of the gang. Besides that, everyone would remain traumatized. She hoped the Sam would leave the town and never come back. Only then, hopefully this quiet town could prosper.

Nazz walked into the small library that was filled with only a handful of people. She thought it was such a shame to not take advantage of this extension of knowledge and entertainment of books and information. The public library was one of her favorite places, and she knew Kevin liked it here as well. She would have invited him to come along, but she really did need to focus. They would have ended up just talking and making fun of the librarian.

She spent a good two hours on the second floor by the corner table of the library typing away. Occasionally when she was stuck on a section she would look down through the window and watch a couple of elderly folks enjoying themselves inside a café across the street. She would smile and look up to see the teen following her sitting across the room with a book in hand and a glint of interest in their eyes. If there was any good in this situation, it was that she was able to introduce a new educational curiosity to someone. There really should be more after school programs where kids could go, maybe then they wouldn't have the need to join something so barbaric.

Finally after another hour when the sun was just starting to go down, Nazz closed her laptop and packed up. She decided to stop by the café where the elderly had been to grab a warm cup of coffee and a blueberry scone. She had order two cups of mocha and on her way out she handed one of them to the teen giving them a half smile and made her way back home. She had to make the best of the situation.

Midway back she had finished her scone, when she felt something odd. She took off her headphones and turned around. This time she was not met with brown eyes. The teen who was to accompany her was nowhere to be seen and that troubled her. Perhaps they had gone home, trusting Nazz would get back alright? "Hey, you still there?" she called out just in case.

When she got no reply Nazz put away her headphones and continued to walked, quickly this time. She wasn't far from home thankfully and she decided it was best to cut through the park to get there faster. There was some forestry she had to pass through where a small river cut through the park. She clung to her bag tightly and walked quickly noticing the sky get considerably darker with every minute that passed.

She was almost at the path that went over the river when she heard a voice behind her calling her name. With wide eyes she turned around searching for the voice and saw a tall figure emerge with an oversized black hoodie and a vintage hokey mask on. She did not hesitate and instantly threw her coffee at the person and made a run for the path. Why did these things happen to her?

"Help!" She screamed out as she ran listening to the footsteps getting closer to her. Had the person ambushed the teen that had been following her? Or were they on this too? Either way she had to get out into the open once more and hopefully someone would hear her cries for help. She was almost across the path when the masked person grabbed her hair yanking her back harshly onto the ground. They quickly straddled her and she fought trying to elbow the person on the chest but failing. Their grip on her hair was too strong. "Get off! HELP!"

She was pushed over the path's edge and the person's raspy voice was muffled by the mask "Fucking bitch, you deserve this!" the person finally spoke out in a low voice.

"Who are you! What do you want with me!" Nazz tried to kick and shove the person, but they had grabbed one her arms pinning her down.

"How can you roam about all happy when she's tied down to a hospital bed BECAUSE OF YOU!" the person roared out now with a rather familiar voice.

This made her stop her screaming and stare up at the person hoping to catch a glimpse of their facial features "…Who…are you" she whimpered.

"That doesn't matter, you fucking slut" they growled out in their deep voice once again "You let her go that night. You LET HER GO. I would have forgiven you if she had recovered but she's going to be stuck to a wheelchair her entire LIFE"

"WHO ARE YOU!" Nazz screamed out terrified

"You haven't even ever gone in to see her. What kind of friend are you?"

With fear fueling her, Nazz pushed off the ground with all her might and bite the arm that was holding her hair deep enough to draw some blood. Her attacker screamed letting her go and falling back. She quickly stood up pulling back the hoodie to uncover curly platinum blonde hair. "Jimmy?" she gasped out

The teen stood up pulling the hood back over their head "YOU DESERVE THE WORST NAZZ VAN BARTONSCHMEER! You deserve to be in that wheelchair! NOT HER!"

"Jimmy! I couldn't do anything! I tried to stop her!" Nazz called out with tears now falling down her cheeks. "I tried my best! You can't blame me for her actions!"

"YOU DIDN'T TRY HARD ENOUGH!" they cried out with rage "You were the only person she listened to! She admired and loved you!"

"Stop! Please!" Nazz cried out stepping back when she saw that they were walking forward.

"I won't! Not until you pay for your sin" they spoke low with a bloodthirst. She left her bag on the ground and sprinted back into the trees knowing she wasn't far from public view. Her eyes scanned the ground for anything she could use as a weapon. "Nazz!" they called out not to far behind her.

The area was awfully dark now making it hard to see and she grabbed a thick branch and stopped suddenly swinging it and hitting them on their waist causing them to fall back. She then continued to run but was quickly captured once more when the person had launched themselves onto her. Nazz felt the air leave her lungs the moment her chest made contact with the ground. It was painful and dizzying. She couldn't breathe and her ears where ringing. She was turned around by harsh hands and she could tell the person was yelling something but she couldn't hear anything. She was struggling to breathe and to gain control over her own body. She was hopeless the only words that repeated in her mind was their voice accusing her.

She saw her attacker suddenly turn around and harshly shoved her against the ground once more before standing up and running away. She was still struggling to breathe when a second figure appeared kneeling down beside her. Worried dark eyes looked down at her as they gingerly picked her up from the ground and into their arms.

"...e, breathe, I'm here" a familiar voice finally broke through her silence. Nazz opened her eyes and recognized Sam holding tightly onto her.

Nazz felt her tears flood her face and when she became fully conscious of what just had happen she began hyperventilating. Jimmy was after her… this wasn't a bully anymore… this was a blood thirty psychopath.

"Love, listen to me it's over I've got you, you're safe now" Sam's low voice seemed to be in pain as he watched her freak out.

Nazz aggressively shook her head and tried to get out of the boys hold. She couldn't form any words, but she wanted out.

"Nazz, please calm down, what can I do?" Sam tried to keep her in his arms rubbing her back.

There was only person in mind at the moment "...Edd…ward" she voice out in gasps "Eddward" she sobbed out.

Sam looked at her for a moment before he pulled out his phone. He kept a hand on her back and thankfully she was able to stop herself hyperventilating. She wiped her tears away and sat up feeling awfully nauseous. You let her go! Nazz hadn't meant to…it had been a long time ago; they were only in middle school. Sarah had always been a rebellious spirit, and there was only so much Nazz could have done at the age of 14.

Sam had tried to wrap his arms around her making her jump "DON'T TOUCH ME" she screamed out looked down at the ground.

This had made the boy freeze for a moment before he stepped back quietly "Love…Do you know who it was?"

"Jim…Jimmy" she whimpered out fearfully looking around the trees to see if the masked figure was hiding.

"Jimmy?" Sam shook his head "That's impossible love, I sent him to Walnut Creek this afternoon, I spoke to him not an hour ago. He was still there"

Nazz turned her head with wide eyes "It was him! I know it was him!"

Sam just stared at her for the longest time "Perhaps it was someone else love…I find it hard to believe someone would travel between towns so fast."

Nazz let out a loud sob with a shake of her head turned around "It was him" she growled out feeling her body begin to shake.

She heard a pair of footsteps quickly coming towards them she leaned closer to Sam and ready to go into a sprint again. Even in the darkness she recognized the stripped beanie and she let out a sob of relief letting herself cry freely.

"What have you done to her!" Eddward spat out angrily, kneeling beside Nazz, and taking her in his arms.

"ME?!" Sam yelped out "I didn't do anything!"

"Then enlighten me, you perverted bastard" Eddward growled out "If I find out you did anything-"

"I didn't! Damn it!" Sam shook his head lifting his arms up "Andrea was attacked in the middle of their duty and they quickly informed me Nazz was in danger. I drove here as fast I could, but I found her alone on the ground semi-conscious."

Eddward looked back down at Nazz who was desperately clinging to him. "Nazz… who attack you?" he quietly asked.

"She said it was Jimmy… but it's impossible because he's three hours away at this very moment. I called the person who was with him and they confirmed he were still there. Jimmy shouldn't be back in town until tomorrow."

"Then who else could it have been? Jimmy might have sent someone in his place" Eddward held the girl tightly.

"Get me out of here…" Nazz whimpered out "I don't want to be here"

The athlete sympathetically nodded lifting her in his arms as she buried her face in his chest unable to look at the darkness of the forest or Sam. "Do you want to go home?" he patiently asked her walking forward. She desperately wanted to nod but her parents were home, and she was a complete mess. She shook her head "with Kevin?" oh god no, she didn't want to worry Kevin even though she wanted him with her right now. She shook her head once more. "Then, I'll take you to my home and you can spend the night there if you don't mind?" he suggested to which she nodded.

"I'm staying too" Sam announced right behind them flashing the light of his phone ahead of them to see.

"No you're not. She clearly doesn't want you around." Eddward frowned noticing Nazz's bag on the path ahead of them. He motioned for Sam to grab it.

"I said I was going to stay" Sam restated glaring at Eddward as he returned with the bag in hand.

Nazz lifted her head and without looking over spat out "I don't want you anywhere near me! Just go away!"

Eddward put Nazz down and grabbed the bag and swung it over his shoulder staring at Sam. "She'll be fine with me"

"Love" Sam tried once more but the girl would not look up at him. With an irritated sigh he shook his head "Fine…but you tell me if she needs anything alright?"

Eddward nodded looking back down at Nazz who had taken ahold of his hand and was clearly frantic to leave. He pulled out his phone for lighting and began walking again with Sam pouting right behind them.

When they got back to the street Nazz noticed the teen that had been following her around sitting on Sam's motorcycle with another member next to them. They'd had been beaten up pretty bad but there was guilt written all over their face when they saw her. She couldn't seem to bring herself to smile to reassure them, so she quickly got inside Eddward's car hugging her bag tightly to her chest.

Though the car ride was silent, her mind was racing with the words her attacker had accused her of. Yeah, she felt guilty of what she had done…of letting Sarah go that night… of turning her back on her friend. And it was true, that she couldn't bring herself to visit Sarah, she didn't have the courage to do so. If Ed knew she was sure Ed would be after her as well. She had made a huge mistake, but she had to live with it now. Maybe she did deserve whatever punishment her attacker was going to give her.

She let out a small whimper that caught Eddward's attention. He looked over at her with a frown when they had reached a stop light. "Let your parents know you're ok…" he murmured quietly placing a lock of her golden hair behind her ear "you wouldn't want them to worry" Nazz nodded and pulled out her phone with shaky fingers.

When they arrived at Eddward's house, he helped her out of the car and led her inside. She took a seat at the dining table shivering a bit from the coldness of the home. How odd that she found safety and refuge in Vincent's home out of all places. Eddward brought over a blanket for her and turned on the stove to boil water. She was lost to the darkness that was outside and something in her just knew Jimmy was out there waiting for her to take a step outside again.

"Karma's a bitch isn't it" she murmured out when Eddward placed a cup of tea in front of her.

"Why do you say that?" he took a seat next to her taking off his hat.

She looked up at him and stared at the scar for a moment "…How…how is it that you are able to sleep at night?" she met his eyes "Aren't you scared of what's going to come after you because of everything bad that you've done?"

Eddward raised an eyebrow caught a bit off guard "Well…I've haven't been scared in a long time. Rather…I've accepted my consequences, and I try to be better. That doesn't mean I don't regret everything I've done"

Nazz held her breath staring at him "…How did you find the strength for it? To face your mistakes I mean?"

Eddward gave her a small smirk and a chuckle "We both know the answer to that"

Looking down she nodded laughing a bit "right…"

"So…What mistake haunts you Nazz?" Eddward lowered his head a bit to meet her eyes.

Nazz felt her fingers tremble as she held tightly to the warm cup staring right into the boy's curious blue eyes.

Kevin sat at the dining table that was flooded with various dishes. Half had been made by his father the other half by his mother, and they had worked on the turkey together. While his mother's partner had sat down to talk with him about his school life and the sketches he had in his sketchbook. Kevin had enjoyed explaining the mechanical aspect of his robotic designs, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness in the pit of his stomach despite his lively home.

At this very moment Eddward was surely home alone, reading perhaps. Sure he had invited the teen over but typical Eddward Vincent declined with some lame excuse. The raven haired teen had told him Sam was going to send him out of town for the weekend and needed the day to prepare to leave. He wanted the boy there with him. Kevin didn't want Eddward to spend anymore holidays alone, but there wasn't much he could do when the other refused.

He had tried not to let his disappointment show on his face, but he would catch his father staring at him throughout the entire night. His mother had repeatedly asked about Eddward as well and Kevin of course had to lie.

That night when he was sitting on his bed he sent a good night message to the boy and it made him smile when he got a quick response. Of course Eddward wouldn't be asleep at one in the morning.

Their return to classes seemed as normal as ever. There were sleepy kids sluggishly wandering around the hallways and into classrooms. The teachers minding their own business with a mug of coffee in hand, some smoking outside the school, and others prepared their classrooms. Their break didn't seem like it had been a break. It seemed to them that there really was no break ever so long as there were horrible people doing horrible things.

Kevin would notice Nazz flinch and stare directly down at the ground once again whenever Jimmy was nearby. She would move closer to the three of them, and anger filled her trembling fist. Eddward had briefly told him what had happened that morning and was furious once more. Why anyone would be after Nazz of all people was beyond him, but he wouldn't let it happen a third time. Not ever again.

He noticed Eddward being much more observant of their surroundings and was surprised to see his best friend take a hold of the swimmer's sleeve every once in a while. He smiled seeing the bond of friendship ever so slowly developing between the two even though the situation was an undesirable one.

Ed walked with him and gave him a soft push with a smile noticing the same thing. Kevin shrugged looking behind them knowing Jimmy was watching them from the corner of his eye. The stare was far too intense to ignore.

During their lunch break Ed had gone with Nazz to the library and Kevin stayed back in his class waiting for Eddward. The teen had given him a curious look "You know I'll be going out?"

"I know…" Kevin breathed in feeling warmth creeping up his neck. In truth he just wanted a small moment to be alone with the other and felt they hadn't spent time together in a while. Now days, they were always accompanied by someone…not that he minded. "Just…" he pressed his lips together looking up at Eddward who grabbed Kevin's back pack handing it to him.

"Just?" Eddward tilted his head patiently waiting for the freckled teen to continue.

Kevin grabbed his back pack from the other but before Eddward could lower his hand Kevin reached out for it. He stared down at their hands in a trance and thanked all the deities the classroom was empty. However, he didn't get much of a moment when Eddward pulled back his hand and Kevin looked up at him in disbelief. "…N-Never mind it's nothing important" he mumbled out holding tight to the strap of his bag and shoving his hand into his pocket. "I'll see you later then?"

Eddward nodded not looking at him and then Kevin was gone.

He felt something in his chest hurt.

Nazz sat with Ed in the library waiting for Kevin. The library was utterly empty except for a student at the front desk looking after the library. Thankfully none of the boys had forced her to talk about the evening she had been attacked, all waiting for her to talk on her own. Of course, Eddward had kept close tabs on her since the night and she had his number on her emergency contact list.

Despite all the care they all seemed to give, she was still haunted by the person's accusations. She couldn't truly prove it had been him to begin with, the only similar trait she had found was the curly blonde hair, but the person had been far too covered up. Everything was a blur now, and the person's raging voice was the only thing screaming in the back on her mind at all times.

"Nazz?" Ed called out attentively.

She ripped her eyes from the laptop that survived with minimal damage. "Yes?" she breathed out.

She felt the boy's hand take hold of hers and with a sad look he spoke out "Your hands are trembling…"

Nazz looked down at their hands and saw that in fact her hands were shaking. So she took a deep breath in and held on tightly to Ed's warm hand. Ed enveloped both of her hands in his as she closed her eyes trying to hold on to what was left of her sanity.

Hearing a loud scoff, she opened her eyes to meet familiar dark eyes looking down at her. "Hello" Sam glared at her and Ed's intertwined hands before looking up at Ed with a threatening scowl.

Ed rolled his eyes and looked over at Nazz who had calmed down and gently let go of her hands sitting back in his chair "What do you want?"

"I came to talk to Nazz alone for a moment" Sam looked at Nazz who wouldn't meet his eyes.

Ed looked over at Nazz noticing her closed off nature at the others presence "She doesn't want to talk to you."

"I think Nazz can answer for herself" Sam turned his back to Ed.

"She doesn't want you here" Ed stood up towering over Sam.

"Nazz?" Sam continued to ignore the boy

"Sam!" Ed hissed out

"…Ed" Nazz spoke out finally looking up to meet Ed's eyes "It's ok…it'll just be a moment" she glared up at Sam who only gave her a smile.

With a sigh Ed nodded "Don't be stupid" he threatened Sam who rolled his eyes. With that he left standing at the entrance of the library.

Sam took a seat on the table moving Nazz's laptop side. "So? What do you want."

The boy leaned forward a bit and breathed in taking ahold of her hand and giving it kiss "How have you been love?"

This caught her off guard and she looking up at him in surprise "…fine" she answered.

Sam chuckled "You're a bad liar dear."

"Is this all?" she shook her head irritated "Because how do you expect me to be after one of your stupid goons attacks me huh?"

"Nazz…" Sam caught her eye "I need you to be one hundred percent sure that it was Jimmy who did this to you."

She tilted her head biting her lip "…They said something to me…something I didn't know anyone knew about…" she shook her head "I just saw their curly blonde hair…they were about the same height but besides that…I don't know."

"You didn't recognize the voice?" Sam caressed her cheek

"Their voice as muffled by the mask and they were purposefully speaking deeper" she moved away from the boy's touch.

Sam leaned back looking out the window for a moment "Alright…" he looked back down at her "I'm sorry this happened to you" he frowned cradling her hand in his.

Nazz looked up at him in silent curiosity. She could see he was genuine about everything had said… "Why do you even care about me?"

Sam quickly looked up at her with a raised eyebrow then smiled "I don't know…" he shrugged with a laugh "I was just being my flirty self at first but…truth is, I can't stop thinking about you Nazz" She just looked up at him with wide eyes uncertain to trust him or not "You're extraordinary really, despite everything you're still you"

"Am I?" Nazz asked

"You are, you'll pull through just like before" he leaned in to give her a lingering kiss on her forehead. "Rest assured, you're stronger than you believe sweetheart" Sam stood then and slowly walked away turning back once to look at a silent Nazz staring back.

Sam walked past Ed who had been accompanied by Kevin now. He glared at the brunette before lowering his gaze at Kevin with a slight greeting then exiting.

Eddward had driven Nazz home while Ed and Kevin had left together. The swimmer was mentally exhausted after the first day of being back to class. He sat in his car for a moment recalling Kevin's saddened look after he had ripped his hand away. He couldn't let it happen, he had to be careful and detach himself. Whatever he thought could happen was a lie, it was his sickened illusions.

He grabbed his bag and keys and walked inside his house. Eddward turned to turn on the lights when he saw something amiss. There was an empty glass of wine on his coffee table…Eddward felt his heart stop as he let his gaze wander up the stairs seeing the door to the office room open and a dimmed light coming from it.

Then there were heavy footsteps.


So at the end of the last chapter, I said Iwas excited to finally write this one particular scene? well, that scene has been pushed to the next chapter...I bet you all can guess which I'm talking about :P

Excuse errors once again as I've been frantically writing the past 3 days

Please leave a review, I enjoy reading them very much and helps me stay motivated!

Let me know if you have any thoughts, predictions, and any feels! (Cause I sure did have feels while writing this. Fun Fact I intended this chapter to be angst free at the start...the story had other plans)

Look forward to the next time I update! and let's see what happens next.

I hope you have a lovely Day/Night XOXO