After the big showdown with Eddy's older brothers, the cul-de-sac kids all became a lot closer. They allowed the Eds to hang out with them more often, and even Kevin and Eddy learned to put their differences aside. Well, most days. The animosity was still there under the surface, but they were not beating each other up as much as before.
It finally came time for the first of the cul-de-sac kids to graduate high school. A big party was thrown for Kevin, Nazz, Rolf, Edd and Eddy. They all lived it up the entire day, knowing that this might be the last time they all celebrated together like this. Promises were made to keep in touch and hang out more before they went their separate ways to college, trade school, or the work force. Most were kept, though some, like Rolf and Nazz, ended up leaving a bit earlier than planned.
The last two kids of the graduating group left in the cul-de-sac were Kevin and Edd. Kevin was scheduled to leave tomorrow since football camp started the following week. He agreed to hang out at the creek with Edd, "before you're left with only the high schoolers," Kevin mocked, as if he wasn't one just a month ago.
They waded in the creek, just talking about their hopes and fears of college. Edd was attending the university about an hour and a half away, near the coast. Kevin, on the other hand, was going to State, which was the furthest destination of all the graduated cul-de-sac kids. He would be over 3 hours from Edd, and over 4 hours from home. Kevin joked that he would visit in the spring, all because of Edd's proximity to the coast. Edd retorted that he might find time for Kevin while he's touring State's doctoral program in the future. Maybe. The continued on like this, but no solid plans were made.
As the sun was setting, Edd announced he should probably head back, since he had work in the morning. He started to get out of the creek while Kevin just looked down, seeing how the ripples in the water distorted his feet. He didn't say a word, since he wasn't quite ready to say goodbye.
Kevin suddenly realized that all those jokes about wanting to visit Edd next year were not just arbitrary musings. He really would miss the dork and would like to do more than occasionally text to keep in touch. He gathered his courage and decided to tell him this.
"Edd, how about I-" Kevin cut himself off, when he saw Edd step back into the creek.
They locked eyes and Edd froze. Kevin watched him take a few steadying breaths before clenching his fist. He gave Kevin a determined look as he waded back towards him. Edd didn't stop until he was right up against him, planting a kiss on his cheek.
Edd quickly turned around and tried to rush out of the creek, causing huge splashes with each step. Edd was about the start climbing up the bank of the creek when everything finally registered for Kevin, and he realized he needs to respond now before Edd leaves.
He rushed after Edd, managing to catch up while Edd stumbled trying to grab his socks and shoes. Kevin grabbed his arm and spun him around.
"The hell was that for, dork?" Kevin tried his best to ask softly, hoping it didn't come out accusatorily.
Edd was flushed and shaking. He swallowed and took a deep breath before answering. "I've always… always liked you, Kevin." Edd looked away before continuing. "Now that I'll be so far away, I finally worked up the nerve to admit it." He let out an uncomfortable laugh.
Edd felt Kevin's grip tighten slightly, before letting go of Edd's arm altogether. Edd decided to press on. It's now or never, and I've already started on the "now."
"Sorry if it bothers you. But, like I said, we'll be far away from one another, so if you'd want to, and I don't blame you if you do, you can… you can just forget about me…"
Edd took this moment to bolt from Kevin. Kevin doesn't chase after him this time and just watched as Edd runs off, shoes in one hand, the other hand gripping his hat, a nervous habit Edd never grew out of.
Though Edd said it was alright to, Kevin doesn't forget about Edd. He actually thinks about him much more than before. He didn't even have a chance to respond to Edd's confession, though he wouldn't know what to say.
It's been three weeks, and he still doesn't know what to say. But he does know he misses Edd.
Edd was in the middle of packing up for college and rearranging his room, when his phone started making an unusual sound. His immediate thought was Ed must have changed my ringtones on me again, but as he reached for his phone, he realized it was because he was receiving a video call.
From Kevin.
Edd was already starting to work up a sweat from moving furniture, but now he can feel himself sweating bullets. Edd starts to contemplate why Kevin is suddenly contacting him via video chat of all methods, good gracious, after not talking to him in any form since the day at the creek. But before he could even process any potential reasons for this call, his finger goes against logic and accepts the call.
Edd sees Kevin's face come into focus on his screen. Edd takes a while to regain his bearings before realizing he should move his phone so Kevin can see more than Edd's ceiling and wall.
As soon as Edd made sure Kevin could see him clearly, once again against his better judgement, Kevin breaks out into a wide grin.
"Hey dork. Long time no talk…" Kevin rasped out, voice tinted with exhaustion.
"Um, y-yes. Indeed." Edd said, nodding slowly.
They started at each other for a moment before Kevin cleared his throat.
"So… I wanna apologize for the silence. I'm really sorry for not contacting you sooner or even saying hello." Kevin looks away, and starts rubbing at the back of his neck, his own nervous habit that he never grew out of. "I know it's a lame excuse, but it was partly because of my crazy schedule not letting me call you unless it would have been an awful time for you to receive a call… Oh… wait… is now a good time?" Kevin quickly looked back at Edd, concern clear on his face.
Edd lied and said, "Now is fine, I was just about to take a break." Edd quickly pans the phone around his room, so Kevin could see the half-packed suitcases and the rearranged room. Though he just said he was taking a break, Edd continued to slowly pack with one hand as he talks with Kevin.
They talk about Edd's last few days in the cul-de-sac, Kevin's football practices, and any other mundane topic that crossed their minds. But neither boy mentions the kiss or the confession.
Maybe it's for the best.
When Edd goes to hang up so he can finish packing, Kevin suddenly interjects with, "Wait! Edd, I- Well, um… you, ah… you take care of yourself, okay?"
Edd's brow twitched as he wonders if he should question Kevin's ramblings, but he doesn't.
"I will. And you do the same. Good bye, now."
"Yeah, good- um, talk to you later, dork."
Edd hung up the phone and smiled to himself.
Talk to you later…