Edd walked into the living room, shirtless with a towel sling over his shoulders and wet hair.

Kevin couldn't help but admire him like he did every time he was in any state of undress. His newest tattoo was still healing, a colorful tarantula sitting among leaves although it was a flower, the spider was some sort of climbing species Kevin remembered. During the appointment to keep his mind off the sting Edd told facts about the creature. His ex-husband-for-totally-not-weird-citizenship-reasons apparently bred them and kept several dozen. He'd been looking for a seller here, having collected a few of the terrifying arachnids of various sizes and colors and had them decorating his home office but he hadn't found that specific type here yet. Most had to be picked up out of town but one local reptile store got some different spiders occasionally.

"I checked the mail while I was running." Kevin said, he motioned to the table. When Edd stepped forward Kevin got an eyeful of bare thighs and the tattoo that rested there. The colors were healing nicely. The bright red of the abdomen and the almost metallic green of the carapace looked vibrant and lifelike.

"Thank you." Edd replied and shuffled through the envelopes. They mostly seemed to be bills and junk mail but he plucked one from the pile that looked official.

Kevin really wondered what this was, relationship wise. He knew he was serious but Edd seemed so… easygoing. He didn't want to ask and risk him saying that they were just having fun. But he was over here nearly every day, they went out weekly, the sex was phenomenal, but they also never really talked about their relationship. After four months Kevin felt like it was getting serious. Four months was probably the longest he'd ever been in a relationship for and it was making him kind of antsy. He'd never been good at dating but with Edd it was all so natural and it was almost terrifying realizing how quickly he'd shaped his life around someone who had up and vanished 8 years ago. The fear he could do it again made Kevin nervous to really express his feelings to him.

Edd tore open the envelope and scanned the letter. "Oh yeah. I forgot my department signed me up for this." He said while reading the paper.

"What's that?"

"I'm nominated for a few awards by the Entomological Society." Edd didn't seem surprised so he wondered if getting awards was something he was used to. He already knew he was dating a genus but he wasn't really sure how over his head he really was.

"Congratulations. What for?"

"It looks like the Early career innovation award, ECP Extension award, and… the ECP outreach and public engagement award."

"Wow that's a lot."

"It's just nominations. But it is my first year getting career awards. Also my first year getting any outside of the UK."

"That's amazing." Kevin said, really meaning it.

"Would you be interested in coming with me to the ceremony?" Edd asked scanning the paper.

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's being held in Las Vegas this year. They have a block of rooms at the Venitian hotel. It would be a nice little vacation."

"Yeah! When?"

Edd glanced at the paper again. "Next month. The 17th to the 19th. Though we only need to be there on the 18th for the early professional awards."

"Hell yeah. I'll let the guys at the shop know I'll be taking those days off."

"This will be fun. Our first couple's vacation." Edd said, dropping into the cushion next to him.

Kevin grinned ear to ear. "Yeah? I've never gone out of town with someone I'm dating. I'm kind of stoked."

"I don't think I have either actually. I mean I was kind of seeing someone when we were working together on a research trip but I don't think that counts. Especially since it didn't last when we got back to the UK."

"I'd say sorry but that worked out for me." Kevin said.

Edd chuckled and stretched out and laid in Kevin's lap. "He wasn't nearly as comfortable as you." He joked.

"What's the dress code like?"

"There really isn't one. Some people go in full suit and tie and others jeans and t-shirts. Really just wear something you like."

"What're you doing to wear?" Kevin asked, running his hands through Edd's still damp hair. The ends curled and the side was getting fuzzy again, the mantis piece was completely covered but the surgery scar stood out where hair couldn't grow.

"Probably a casual suit. Maybe in a bright color. I have this floral tie I've been wanting to wear."

"Help me pick something out. Maybe we can go shopping this weekend."

"Mmm. I get to put you in whatever I want?" Edd said with a flirty grin. He ran his hands up to his face and ran them across his jaw.

"You're already getting ideas."

"Mmm. I'm thinking a vest. Show off those arms you worked so hard on."

Kevin snickered. "Another fetish I didn't know about yet?"

"You definitely knew about it." Edd said. "I didn't hide it one bit."

"So, a couple's vacation, huh?"

"Is that too presumptuous? The fact you agreed makes me think not."

"Nah, I'm really excited actually."

"It is Vegas."

"I don't care where we go. I'm just happy to go with you."

"Yeah?" Edd asked with sparkling eyes.

"Yeah." Kevin cupped Edd's face and leaned down to kiss him.

"Really? Grey?"

"It looks good on you." Edd said, adjusting the black tie. "Hm… but maybe no tie."

He undid the knot and opened the top two buttons and looked again thoughtfully.

"You're going in purple. Shouldn't I match you?"

"First of all its magenta. Second of all it would not match your hair at all." Edd clucked his tongue and did up one of the buttons again but shook his head and unbuttoned it again.

"Isn't grey kind of bland though?" Kevin wanted everyone to know he was there for Edd. He didn't necessarily want to match, but their outfits couldn't have been much more different. Edd's a modern suit jacket with a cut that flattered his thin frame and a tie covered in pink and purple flowers, Kevin's a vest with matching pants. It had a subtle plaid pattern but otherwise was just plain.

"It's stylish, timeless." Edd said, messing with his collar again.

"Then why are you wearing 'magenta'?"

"Because I can't pull off timeless with this whole thing." He said motioning to all of himself, especially his newly shaved side of his head. "Threw that out the window with all the tattoos." He stepped back and eyed him. "We can try green if you're not into it. But this looks very good on you." Edd added, rolling up Kevin's sleeves, showing off his strong forearms.

"Very good." He said leering at Kevin's muscled arms.

Kevin raised an eyebrow. "You really like it that much, huh?" He asked with a wicked grin. Well if it made Edd react like that it must be pretty okay.

"I do indeed." Edd confirmed. "Besides, it's something that you could wear to other events if you wanted." He stepped back into Kevin's space, standing in the doorway of the changing room, pulling on the lapels of the charcoal vest. "And, if you get it, I'll pay for the dry cleaning."

"Dry cleaning? Is it gonna get dirty?"

"Oh, yes. But don't worry, well get it back before we leave for Vegas."

Kevin blinked before realizing the implication of Edd's words. "How does it still surprise me when you flirt."

Edd laughed and backed away, much to Kevin's disappointment.

"Let's get it and go home, I don't think the employees would be too keen to ring up that suit with stains."

The day before they were set to leave they'd packed their bags and checked over everything to make sure they didn't forget anything important. Edd wasn't nervous about traveling, after all he'd been all over. Kevin was the one who was nervously checking to make sure everything was on track.

"Calm down." Edd said, messaging his boyfriend's tense shoulders. "If we forget anything we can buy it there."

Kevin sighed in relief. "I guess. I'm just sort of worried. I've never been on a plane before."

"It's not so bad. Usually the check in is the worst part."

"I'm afraid I'm going to forget my ID. Or my ticket."

"I can put them with mine if you'd like." Edd offered, done working his neck muscles he draped himself over Kevin's back. It was more calming than his words to just to be pressed so close together and Kevin hummed in contentment, the stress for packing melting away.

"Yeah, I trust you're more organized about all this."

"Well I've certainly never forgotten to turn off my car." Edd smiled in a teasing quirk of his lips.

"Okay that was one time and you were very distracting in those shorts."

Edd laughed and kissed Kevin's cheek. "I'm certain I was."

It had been a good night, even if the next morning he had to get his car jumped by a neighbor.

"So what are your awards for anyway?" Kevin asked. They had only really talked about the planning of the trip so far.

Edd shrugged. "I've done a lot of outreach and conservation work. It's all pretty boring to be honest."

"Oh come on. Stop being modest. I want to know what you do."

"Fine, fine."

Kevin learned one of his awards was for a project in Japan where Edd and a small group had studied the environment and insect population around Mt. Fuji and cleaned up the trash on the trails left by tourists. Another was for a system he created in Venezuela for the conservation of an endangered dragonfly. He also helped write up several American and British legislation for conservation efforts, all while he was studying cockroaches in China.

Kevin knew Edd was smart back in school and would do great things but all of that was all just in the year before he moved back to Peach Creek. It really made it sink in how much Edd moved around. Being back here after traveling the world- All Kevin had ever known was Peach Creek but the world was big and Edd had seen so much more of it.

"Why did you decide to return? It sounds like you liked what you were doing. Not that I'm complaining."

"Well… I guess part of it was I never felt like I had roots. Moving around all the time was an amazing experience, don't get me wrong, but It felt like I'd always left part of me back here. Running away like I did… it was necessary but I think I always knew I'd come back. Even if at the beginning I hoped I wouldn't. I never got closure."

"Do you have closure now?"

"I don't need it anymore." Edd rested his head on Kevin's shoulder.

Kevin wanted to accept that, to leave it there and be content but he felt himself asking about it before he could stop himself. "I remember once before you said it just felt like the right time. What did you mean?" Kevin couldn't fully understand coming back. If the world called him again would he pack up and leave them all behind like he did before? Peach Creek seemed like too small a place for such a big mind.

"My therapist recommended it. He told me that no matter what we were talking about it was like my mind always came back here. Wondering what the Eds were up to, if the house was still standing, if anyone remembered me. As always he was right, I think this is just where I belong."

Kevin leaned into Edd. That had to be enough, didn't it. Edd liked it here. He chose it over Thailand and Vietnam and the UK. That had to mean something.

"I'm glad you came back."

The smile he received was blinding.

Vegas was… well it was bright. Everything had a line and traffic around where they were staying was horrible. People dressed in huge feathered showgirl costumes handed out fliers and let people take pictures with them and more than once business cards for sketchy sex hotlines were forced onto them- even when they were holding hands. But that was just outside the hotel. Inside was awash with the loud noises of poker machines and tables where people placed bets. People were drunk and loud. Everything was overpriced- but the food was to die for.

Somehow though both of them were managing to have a great time. They ate gelato with gold flakes and walked a small art gallery that had a smattering of one of Edd's favorite artists. They ate at a Korean BBQ restaurant that was highly reviewed and the bed in their room was big and soft and the room had a view of the pool. A view they looked out on as they fucked against the window. And that was all just the day they got there. The first night of the award ceremony wasn't even until the following night.

"You know Grant is going to be here."

"Grant?" Kevin asked.

"My ex-husband."

"Oh. Is that going to be weird?" He asked.

Edd shook his head in the negative. "No, we still text and email. He was a huge help with my school and mental health at a time I really needed someone. At one point I had thought I was interested in him but it was just because I was so grateful for everything he had done for me. I just wanted to let you know that there was never anything between us like that- even during the really awkward year I thought I was in love with him."

"Oh. I mean even if anything had happened between you I wouldn't be worried. I trust you."

Edd turned and burrowed into Kevin's chest.

"I'm glad. I've had a couple relationships break off because they were too intimidated by Grant and his place in my life."

"Okay but is he hotter than me?" He asked jokingly while adjusting to hold Edd better.

"Hmm… depends on your type. He's got the whole gruff dilf thing going on." They both chuckled at that but Edd carried on, voice a little softer, "But honestly I couldn't see myself seriously dating someone 20 years older than me. We may have a lot in common but we're just at very different life stages. What I need out of a relationship is an equal- not a mentor. Because of that it wouldn't have ever worked for us even if he did feel that way about me. Even back when I wanted it."

"Well I promise I won't get jealous. I know you had that whole thing with your parents. You haven't talked much about your history with Grant but I get the feeling he took on that kind of role in your life."

Edd made a face that was hard to read. "Yes and no. He definitely did do a lot of things for me my parents never did that they should have but it never felt like he was a replacement for them. He was a mentor in a lot of ways but we were friends first and foremost."

"What's important is that he's important to you. I'm not going to get in the way of that. I want to keep you, and that means he's important to me too."

Edd's cheeks dusted pink and his eyes lidded in arousal and he propped his head on his hand. "Keep me, huh? You said that the first time we had sex too."

Kevin went red and rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous gesture. "I, well, I just mean- it's just a phrase-"

"How do you want to keep me, hm?" Edd slid to straddle Kevin. His thin frame wasn't heavy but he held down Kevin, effectively shutting him up.

"Wh- I- I mean-"

Edd leaned down and took a pink earlobe between his teeth. "Tell me, Kevin. How. Do. You. Want. Me?" He punctuated each world with a small nibble.

"F-fuck. Dee. I… I just want to know you're mine. I want to be yours too. I just- fuck!" He flipped their positions and kissed Edd deep and unrelenting. When he pulled back Edd was panting and breathless and his eyes were wide with surprise. "I want to know this is as real to you as it is for me." He finished, trying to not be embarrassed by his own words and how vulnerable it left him to rejection.

Edd snaked his arms around Kevin's neck and pulled him down, his face was heated and he buried it between Kevin's shoulder and neck. "Yes." He mumbled. "You're…" Edd squeezed a bit harder. He didn't finish that thought though, "I wasn't expecting- I've never been with someone like this- seriously- like… like I was moving towards something."

"I'm…?" Kevin asked, wanting to know what he was going to say.

Edd laid back and took Kevin's face in his hands. "Perfect." He said and kissed him softly. Kevin wanted to tell him that no, Edd was the perfect one, but he understood the sentiment. It wasn't that Kevin himself was perfect- they were perfect, together. For each other.

Edd's lips were plump and still sweet from the dessert they'd had before getting back to the room and Kevin licked his way into his mouth much like he did the ice cream. Edd moaned into the mouth tasting him, low and sensual.

When Kevin pulled back to look into his eyes they were all pupils. He knew exactly what Edd wanted.

"So fucking gorgeous." He whispered. "I love your body. These legs-" he palmed down his thighs, over the newest tattoo, healed now but still bright and fresh, "fuck they make me crazy."

"Ah." Edd moaned softly. Shuddering at the praise.

"You're perfect too. So perfect for me, Dee." He continued.

Edd gasped and his hips twitched up. "Kevin, please ."

Kevin lowered his head into the thin neck under him. "Sh shh shh. I'll get you baby. Just wait." He murmured. His lips brushed the pulse point and felt it jump with his words. He pressed to it and appreciated the steady thump-thump-thump.

Edd whimpered and Kevin shushed him again softly. Holding him down and just running his hands over the planes of his legs, his pelvis, his torso. Up and down until Edd was shaking. Anticipation and desire pulling him apart.

"So good. Dee, baby. You're mine aren't you. Have been since the first time we kissed."

Edd could only nod, trying to keep quiet, to be good for Kevin.

"I can't believe you let me have you, that I can call you mine."

Edd nodded again. More desperate. "Yes." He answered almost as though it was ripped from his throat.

Kevin nipped at the line of Edd's neck. Teeth barely grazing the skin. "What do you want?"

"I-" he started but wasn't unable to hold back a sharp inhale when Kevin's hand slid between his legs, probing at his still loose hole from their earlier round. Not entering, just touching, petting.

"Yes?" Kevin asked again.

Edd spread his legs. "I want-" he said, ragged and needy, "I want you to have me however you want. Show me how you want me, please."

Kevin sunk his fingers into him, slowly. "I want you like this. Slow. Have we ever really gone slow?"

Edd shook his head. "I don't-" he flinched when his prostate was pressed into, "think so." He finished in a strangled voice.

"Then that's what we'll do." Kevin removed his fingers, Edd's body responded but he kept himself quiet.

Kevin slid their hips together. "Are you okay with that?" He asked. Using his clean hand he stroked Edd's cheek.

"Yes. Anything." He whispered back.

Instead of answering Kevin kissed him. Soft but sure. Nothing more than the press of lips but it felt intimate in a way that was hard to place. Kevin settled into the V of Edd's thighs and nudged himself in place. Edd let his head drop back against the pillow with a soft "Ah."

He rocked slowly, slowly into him and Edd trembled. Sex as he'd known it was good, of course. But it was usually fast. Momentary passion made real through action. Not necessarily rough as a rule but never this. Never so gentle or measured. It was maddening and Edd wasn't sure he could handle the slow rock of their bodies, the deep grind, being held in place as his sweet spot was not hit or battered but pressed into with a steady unrelenting pressure. Within minutes Edd was a quivering mess.

He gasped and writhed, his arms came up to wrap around the broad shoulders over him. He dug his nails in just to hold onto his sanity as he was tested by excruciating pleasure. It hurt in its intensity but he couldn't have asked him to stop if he wanted, and he very much didn't.

Kevin stared down at Edd's face. The open wet mouth and glazed eyes. Edd was lost, he couldn't stop the way he moved his hips, thrust for thrust. He had tried to speed up at one point and Kevin bore down on him, stopping movement altogether until he sobbed, begging for him to move at all.

Kevin tried to kiss him again but he was too out of it to even try and so he slipped his lips from the corner of his mouth to his jaw to his ear and whispered words of encouragement. Things like so good and you feel amazing. Each one served to wind Edd up all the more until he was dragging in ragged breaths, deep and shaking.

For so long the only noise was their breaths, some small breathless moans, and the bed creaking under them before Edd started keening.

"I'm- so close. Please, please , I can't-"

"You can, baby." Kevin responded, not letting up on his smooth pace. He watched Edd fall apart completely under him. They were pretty adventurous sexually but Edd had never been brought to this point of tears, begging and needy. He'd have done this sooner if he knew how much it would affect him.

Finally he cried out and Kevin held him through it, even after Edd came he hadn't stopped. Just kept up his slow methodical rhythm. Kevin wrung out every last bit of Edd's orgasm before he found his own, his pace only picking up slightly before stuttering and halting.

When he'd finally fallen, boneless, next to him Edd's arm was flung over his eyes and he was still breathing a bit too hard.

After a moment Edd curled into Kevin's side and didn't talk for a while. Kevin didn't either. Whatever had just happened needed some time to aerate.

Kevin rubbed Edd's back, feeling the bumps along his spine. "I feel the same."

"Hm?" Edd mumbled into his shoulder.

"I feel like we're moving towards something too."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." Kevin said. His hands continued gliding across the tattooed skin of his back. Edd wasn't going to leave- he'd just have to choose to believe that. Choose to believe what they had would be more important than anything else the world had to offer. "I love you."

Edd's breath hitched. He raised his eyes to look into Kevin's green ones. "I love you too."

A/N: People wanted it and I did like this world enough to decide that when inspiration strikes I'll make some snapshot like chapters to add. Don't expect too many but if you have suggestions for possible scenarios I might end up writing them if they strike my fancy. You can send me ideas if you want at my tumblr, also Titsonagoose