A topic for debate is all it was- one Edd had decided not to immediately partake in because it wasn't something inherently academic- his teacher, Mr. Kopp, was one who often littered wisdom and philosophical ideas as they tackled certain subjects in his lessons. Not something Eddward always agreed with, but he listened attentively and politely as always.
"Are you living of free will, or are you living based on someone's expectations of you?" That's what Mr. Kopp asked in the front of the class, a book in his hand. He gave a broad smile, waited for his students to think, before beginning to probe for people to give their opinions.
At first, most said that they were living for themselves- of course that's what they decided. It was their life. They didn't want anyone else to make any decisions for them- the idea was infuriating to most. Edd at this point agreed with a soft hum, writing down a few more notes on the discussion- things he felt were important.
"I think I'm still living for my parents." A girl stated- and Edd does not know what pulled him in. What was it that caused his pencil to stop, his eyes to widen- his breath to catch in his throat, demanding to be let out as the seconds past and a burning began to build in his lungs. Perhaps it was her resigned tone- she wasn't fighting her parents, and she stated as much when questioned. She was too tired to bother with that kind of effort.
Never considering it, Edd began chewing his lower lip as he let himself ponder the possibility that maybe he shared a similar fate as her- he realized though, a little belatedly, this wasn't the first time such thoughts crossed his mind. With his parents having grown increasingly distant in the past years, a pit of resentment began to pool in his gut. It was not often it reared its ugly, bitter head- but when it did, Edd was bitter that they asked so much of him. They practically demanded he succeeded to their expectations-
But they failed all of his.
Briefly, he zoned back into the conversation. Later, he would think back on it with a wry little smile; how was it a trivial discussion like that caused the existential crisis that altered his life and- possibly- his very core?
"Well, I mean." One student- a boy this time- shifted as he now thought about the question more carefully. "Sometimes I don't think I really wanna be a mechanic." He frowned. "My dad wants me to work with him though, and… I don't know- it's just been something expected of me." He shrugged, feeling helpless and uncomfortable. He probably regretted admitting that under the limelight like that.
Mr. Kopp, sensing that, gave a pleased smile as he stepped back and dipped his head thoughtfully. "That's something a lot of older generations do- they try to get a younger generation to fulfill their fantasy. Either because they themselves failed, or they want to keep the line going." His eyes trailed over to the star pupil, who looked almost troubled.
"Eddward!" He called, wondering what kind of answer the genius would provide this time around. "Do you think you're living for yourself, or someone else?"
Edd actually seemed to have to think for a moment, brow furrowing. Everyone took a moment to soak the image in, as they'd never seen him look confused- only two childhood peers ever had, but that was in Junior High. Since then he handled most problems with ease and no worries- if anything a pleased, challenged look on his expression.
"I would like to say I live for myself, Mr. Kopp." Edd answered, sounding like he was choosing his words carefully. Before anyone could even whisper anything about him being an arrogant know it all, or the teacher could try and probe more, he added on. "However, I think it's safe to assume that as teenagers we are still being influenced by our parents, and thus may partially be "living for them"." A safe answer- one that made a few other students begin to relax.
Nodding contently, Mr. Kopp again addressed the class. "He's got a point with that; you are still kids. I know you think you're adults-" A few students scrunched up their noses; they were the ones who felt they were mature enough for their age. "-but you're not even twenty yet. You're bound to be influenced by the people who have been a huge role to your life. Of course, when you graduate and do what you do- moving out, getting a job, or going to secondary school- you'll be able to discover and learn for yourself." He began going on a tirade that would take up the rest of class- on how college was not all it was cracked up to be, and taking a gap year wasn't the end of the world.
Edd nodded, swallowing thickly as he drifted back to his own thoughts. He loved the academics and everything he did, but he was beginning to wonder…
How much of that was him, and how much of that was the influence and demands of his parents his whole life?
Oh dear, what a conundrum.
"C'mon Sockhead! What's one day of slacking off gonna do to ya?" Feeling his eye twitch, Kevin glared over to the trio a little ways away; Eddy and Ed waiting for Double D, and trying to convince him to join them on… something. Who knew what.
While Eddy had stopped actually scamming people, he didn't stop being a bossy, arrogant, annoyance- so he still clashed with most of the student body. Especially with Kevin. They never quite got over their childhood hatred, though it had mellowed out to some degree as they got older and the other understood a little more from Eddy's brother.
But that was besides the point, and the redhead was pretty annoyed with listening to them hassle Double D- he wished that nerd would just go along or put his foot down- anything to shut the shorty up.
"Eddy, I told you." He stated calmly enough, but Kevin could tell from years of knowing him that his patience was being tested. His body was more tense, his movements slightly more jerky. One could hear the control in his voice.
It didn't take long for Kevin decide to take his time eavesdropping on them; it was always funny to watch something happen to those dorks.
"But Double DeeEEeee!" Ed whined, lumping against the lockers, but staying out of Double D's way. "It's the Classic Alien Monster Day of the Monster Rerun week!" Ah- of course it was something stupid. Ed never did quite grow out of those things.
"Sorry, gentleman. But I have chores that need to be done, and I must do my homework and study."
"You ditched us all last week and the weekend for that crap, Double D!" Eddy threw his hands up, huffing angrily.
"Well, I'm sorry Eddy but my parents-"
"What about your parents, Sockhead? They're-" The shortest of the Eds closed his mouth, and Kevin was utterly floored by that. He peeked over his locker door to look over again, and was greeted by a sight of Double D glaring at Eddy.
"They're what, Eddy?" His voice was tight. Kevin belatedly realized he was the only one left in the hallway. He wondered if he should go now, but he also wanted to see Eddy put his foot in his mouth as he always did.
But strangely enough, the anger seemed to deflate from him. "Nothin'."
And just like that, Double D's gaze softed, and another sigh escaped him. This much quieter. "I'm sorry, Eddy, Ed. This weekend we can do something together, but I really can't slack off on my work right now."
"Yeah yeah." The anger and attitude seemed to come back to Eddy as he scoffed, kicking the ground. "Well whatever- get your stuff and let's get out of here. I'm sick of this joint."
Giving a smile, Double D did just that.
The Eds didn't seem to notice him eavesdropping, but Kevin had to admit his curiosity was piqued. He had never seen Double D or Eddy act like that before. Double D was calm and polite, unless frazzled by some unsanitary disaster or when people poked and prodded about what was under his hat. Eddy was a short fuse who blew up at anyone, regardless of their status, age, or position. He never apologized, and he never backed down.
Shrugging, Kevin shrugged on his bag and finally began leaving as well.
It was something interesting to see, but nothing so firm that he felt it would really stay in his mind. The Eds were still largely outcasts, and Kevin still didn't care. He was hoping to witness them fight- that would have been some spectacle alright.
While riding his motorcycle home, he passed by the trio. He would consider it amazing how they went from such a tense moment to laughing amicably and talking animatedly, but it actually wasn't too different than how he was with his own friends on the football team. They could argue and fight one moment, and be good the next.
Scoffing, he rolled his eyes- snickering when he heard Eddy yell something angrily at him.
Ever since Double D moved in as a toddler, they always lived across the street from each other. And ever since he moved in, his parents were an absolute enigma.
The whole Cul-de-sac wondered about it, but they never talked about it. It seemed to be some unspoken rule, even after the incident with Eddy's brother. Double D talked about them often enough that no one really questioned it, anyways. They just never saw them, themselves. Eddy and Ed made commentary too- albeit much less often and even more vague.
As they drifted apart into their select social circles- especially upon entering high school- it definitely became some useless curiosity that no one cared to pursue anymore.
But, watching the nerd finally go to bed at eleven in the night, rubbing his face tired, he couldn't help but eye the ever empty parking spot in the his driveway. He couldn't help think about how tense and cold he got, ready to burst into anger, when Eddy dared to say something about his parents.
Kevin couldn't help but wonder if that house was empty, and he actually shuddered at the thought. Both he and Double D were only children, but at least he had two warm, energetic parents that filled their home with life.
He didn't want to imagine what a house like that would feel like if it was empty, so he didn't.
I've been on a KevEdd binge again lately and I haven't found a fic that really delves into Edd in a way that's killing this craving I've got; so I figured I'd write it myself. I'm also kinda tired of all the KevEdd fics I've read so far that are also complete going DistantsortafriendsDating in like the span of a week (not all ofc but a good chunk.)
I don't think canonically Edd's parents are really this bad or anything, but I want to explore this nevertheless. It's also 3am and I've been having a rough time sleeping lately, so might as well just write fanfics amirite?