A/N: Bonjour tout le monde! What sweet reviews on the last chapter. I am sorry that these updates are coming so slow, but I really want this story to be good so I put a lot of thought and pre-planning before I actually start writing.
Now as you know, I promised some Edd/Eddy slash and finally (!), it is here! I appreciate your patience with me and I really hope you enjoy this chapter.
As always, please review if you would like me to continue! Your reviews mean the world to me.
I slammed the door behind me as soon as I got in my room. I locked the doorknob and threw my baseball cap on the floor. I took off my shirt, stalking over to the bathroom. I poured some hand soap on the stain and threw it in the sink, running cold water. This sucks! I really hope this comes out because this is my favorite shirt. I looked at my left arm and see that it's bleeding some, although not a lot. It looks like my shirt soaked up most of it. I grabbed some paper towels and swiped one of them under the faucet with the cold water running. I pressed down on my left arm as hard as I could to get it to stop bleeding. It's kinda funny, in a way. It seems like I spend a lot of time pressing hard on wounds to make them stop bleeding these days.
Knock, knock, knock.
I groaned. Oh great. Just what I need right now.
"I'm busy, mom!" I snapped, knowing that I wouldn't let her in anytime soon.
"Pardon me Eddy, but it's me, Double D speaking."
I froze. WHAT?
"Double D?" I asked staring at the door, still with my right hand pressed against my left forearm. "Who the hell let you in?!" I asked, maybe too crass.
"… It was your mother, Eddy," Double D weakly replied. He sounded a bit hurt. Shit.
"My mom?" I asked, still trying to take this all in.
"Yes Eddy," he continued. "But at any rate, I implore you to open this door. We need to promptly have a discussion."
My heart dropped. Shit, again.
"Yeah, okay," I said. "J-just gimme a minute,"
I ran into my bathroom, turned off the water in the sink, and grabbed the soaked yellow shirt that was in the sink. I wrung it out the best that I could, then I tossed it in the laundry basket. I'll get it later.
I ran to my closet and looked for another shirt to wear. I spotted a royal blue long sleeve shirt with a collar. I yanked that off the hanger and put both of my arms through the sleeves while I walked over to the bedroom door. Standing in front of it, I put my head through the collar and ran my hand through my hair. I took a deep breath and unlocked the door.
"Heya Sockhead," I said nonchalantly, smiling. "C'mon in."
"Thank you," Double D looked at me with a doubtful and scared expression but eventually followed my lead and walked in. I shut the door behind him and motioned him over to my bed. He slowly complied and gingerly sat down. I sat down next to him but not too close. Gotta keep my cool, in everyway possible.
"Sooo," I start. "You said you wanted to talk about something?" I tried to keep the smile on my face, to reassure Double D that there was really nothing to talk about. Or maybe it was to keep myself calm. I don't know.
"Indeed Eddy," he said. "I suppose to start off—perhaps I should just be frank with you—I find that you have been acting in a manner… Rather, well, erratic lately,"
I raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, kinda put-off.
"It means that you haven't quite been yourself as of late, Eddy. At least, not from my perspective." He fidgeted with his hands. I can tell that he wanted to confront me but doesn't want to offend me.
"That's weird," I said, making the idea seem crazy. "I feel just fine. I mean, I think I'm the same,"
I hold my breath, hoping Sockhead will buy it. While I was holding my breath and waiting for some relief from his face, He instead squinted his eyes, really staring at me. It made me uncomfortable but I knew that I gotta keep this façade up. The sooner he buys my BS, the sooner he'll leave me alone with the interrogation.
"Are you sure, Eddy?" He asked slowly.
"Well yeah! I'm sure. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because there are quite a few instances that I could use as examples of your erratic behavior," he countered. "Not that I'm complaining in the least, but during the last few months, you seem to want to spend more time with me and Ed," he noted. "In contrast, you used to tell us that you needed 'Eddy Time' whenever Ed or I would ask you if you wanted to pass time together on a more often basis,"
I cringed. I am a real asshole.
"Additionally, I can also note your bizarre behavior today. Perhaps Ed grabbed your arm harder than he did mine, but he didn't grab my arm that hard at all, and you know how I am when it comes to physical manhandling. The way you bemoaned your pain when he picked you up concerns me,"
I don't say anything. I can't think of any good excuse to use.
"Moreover," he continued, "the way you abruptly left both of us in a storm concerned me. It concerned our dear friend Ed, too. He felt just horrible for having inflicted pain on you. I reassured him that I was going to talk to you to make sure you were alright,"
"I was just tired and ready to go home," I said, although I know it's weak.
"And your eye!" He said.
"My eye?" I asked.
"Yes, your left eye. It looks a little swollen… What happened?"
Shit. I forgot about that.
"Nothing," I snapped and I turned my face away so he could only look at my profile.
Sockhead sighed, defeated. "This is what I am referring to. There's just so many things that don't seem to add up."
I sat there, looking at my hands placed in my lap.
"But out of all of the instances I speak of—and perhaps the most important one—is the fact that you're not you anymore. Sometimes you mentally space out and you don't hear anything me or Ed are saying to you. Your zest and love of life is gone, for the most part. Do you even remember the last time we ever did a scam?" He said the word lightly, as if it were a sacred relic of the past.
"Well, uh…" I fumbled. "We uh, haven't done a scam lately because I'm all out of ideas," I explained. But that was a lie. Over the last few months I have had a few good ideas come to mind. Tattoo salon. Reiki cleansing. Tax service. Tanning salon. Funeral home. Cleaning service. But I guess I just haven't felt like doing any of them.
"Fresh out of ideas or not Eddy," he said. "I want the old Eddy back. I want to know what has happened to my dear friend,"
His eyes looked sad and empathetic. Truth is, Sockhead was making me sad. But I know that I can't show it at all. But Christ, what I would do to tell him everything right now. I would tell him about Big Bro and all his issues, and how his issues are now my issues. I would tell him about all the beatings. I would tell him about the time my brother woke me up in the middle of the night by throwing a vase against the wall because he took too many pills. I would tell him how I woke the rents up and an ambulance came to our place at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. I would tell him about how my parents excuse all his asshole behavior, as long as Bro is "alive". Most of all I would tell him about how I can't stop cutting myself. Of course, I wouldn't really have an explanation and I wouldn't expect him to understand. Fuck, I hardly understand it myself. But I know that Double D would listen. And I know that he would at least try to understand.
But instead, I mustered up a weak smile and said, "I am the same Eddy, Sockhead!" I said. "I promise."
Double D's eyes still looked concerned. "If you say so, Eddy."
"Of course I say so, I KNOW so!" I grinned widely, faking more confidence.
Okay, so maybe I need to prove to him just how well I'm doing.
"Tomorrow's Friday, right?"
Double D raised a brow, as if unsure by the intentions of my question.
"Indeed Eddy, it is." He answered. "If I may ask, why d—"
"So let's do something!" I suggested. "After school. Just me and you."
I have to admit I felt kinda weird saying the last few words. Sockhead on the other hand didn't seemed phased by it at all. He still looked confused.
"Very well Eddy," he slowly agreed. "What is it that you intend to have us do tomorrow afternoon?"
"The movies," I said. "They got that new Transformers movie that just came out. I know it looks kinda lame but it'll be fun. My treat!"
I knew Double D would agree to it. He had to because I was excited. And I really was. To be honest I've had the idea of me and Sockhead going to the movies cross my mind before, but I've never had the balls to actually ask him. Well, now I do. Not only will it be fun, but I'll get to check another thing off of my bucket list.
Sockhead's eyebrow lowered into a relaxed expression as he smiled. "Well, I suppose I consent Eddy. After all, tomorrow night is not a school night," he said, smiling and showing his trademark gap. "Shall we reunite after school?"
"Definitely," I said.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
I splashed water on my face and then grabbed a towel from my backpack to dry my face. I put on more deodorant and then some of my favorite cologne, Sauvage by Dior. My parents got it for me for Christmas last year. It definitely has a masculine and sexy smell, which is perfect for me.
I sprayed some mouth mint in my mouth to make sure my breath smelled good, too. Finally, I got my comb and gel and tried to quickly style my hair. I like my hair messy but spikey, I think it looks good with my dark brown hair. When I was done with that, I took a quick overall look in the mirror. Damn I look good! I glanced at my watch which read 4:40. I've got 5 minutes to meet Sockhead outside in front of the school. With that I took one more look at the mirror and zipped up my backpack and left the bathroom. I threw my backpack in my locker. I don't need it this weekend; I ain't got plans to study.
"Greetings Eddy!"
"Hey Double D," I said in a chill voice.
"Eddy, are you forgetting your backpack?"
"Nah," I answered. "I'm leaving it here. Don't need it."
"But Eddy! What about your Algebra class? And what about the Si-clause in French? How do you intend to—"
"We should get going," I said, putting an arm around his shoulder and leading him in the right direction, away from school. "Don't wanna be late for the movie, ya know."
"….Very well then," my taller friend relented, walking alongside with me.
The nice fall breeze seemed to set everything off right, especially with the sun setting. Double D was tinted in a cool shade of orange from the sunset. Then I realized my hand was on his right shoulder and we were walking together.
"Hey Dorkk and Dorky," I heard from the left. I shot my head over and saw Kevin on his bike, with one foot on the petal and one foot on the ground.
"You dorks going on a DATE?! Ha ha!"
I felt my face flush and then I turned and saw Double D's face turn beet-red too. I quickly shoved my hands in my pocket.
"Mind your own damn business, Shovel-Chin!" I snapped.
The douchebag laughed as he turned around on his bike and pedaled away.
"What a lousy, no-good, chinless, piece of—"
"Now Eddy, you shouldn't let others get the best of you," Sockhead cut me off.
"I'm just sick of his shit, Double D!" I said. "I mean, why do some people have to be such jerks? Why can't I ever get a break?" I vented.
Sockhead looked thoughtful. "Perhaps you should give yourself a break, Eddy."
I contorted my face. Huh?
"You looked perplexed. Allow me to explain,"
"I'm listening," I said, walking and looking back at Sockhead.
"I do concur that Kevin is not perhaps the most pleasant individual to be around, especially to you, as he does seem to enjoy belittling you, which is why I certainly do not have much respect for him,"
I stared at him, still walking. "What's your point, Sockehead?"
"My point Eddy," he emphasized my name in a sarcastic tone. "Is that if you truly were confident in yourself and loved yourself, it wouldn't matter what Kevin says or does. At least, it wouldn't bother you to the extent that it does."
I growled. Along with Lumpy, Sockhead is my best friend, but I really don't like it when he psycho- analyzes me.
"I DO love myself, Double D!" I snapped. Yeah, that's another lie I just told my best friend. But for Pete's sake, he doesn't know my situation. If he did, then he would know that it's not really Kevin that gets under my skin, but actually someone of my own blood.
"I understand Eddy, perhaps I am mistaken," he quickly said. "After all, it was just an observation. Sometimes my calculations are not always correct,"
"Got that right," I growled. I could see the theatre in sight. Dammit, I don't wanna argue with him. I just want to enjoy myself with Sockhead tonight.
"S'no biggie Double D," I said in a lighter tone. "I know ya mean well. Let's just watch the movie and have a good time tonight. Whaddya say?"
He smiled softly. "Very well, Eddy."
The movie was lame, just like I thought it would be. We were the only ones in the theatre. I mean, Megan Fox was hot, so that was worth it, I guess. And there were some cool affects, but overall it was pretty damn cheesy. I don't know why I chose this movie. I think I was just trying to think of a movie off the top of my head and that just came out when I brought up the idea last night. Honestly, I could be watching Driving Miss Daisy with Sockhead and be happy. Anytime I get to spend with him is good because I'm happy. God, this sounds so gay, but it's true. During the movie I wanted to grab his hand. But I just couldn't. That would be way too gay. But damn, I wanted to.
After the movie ended and the credits rolled on the screen, I turned to face my friend.
"So, whatcha think?" I asked.
"It had some…. Intriguing, parts I suppose,"
"Yeah it was alright," I yawned and stretched my arms out, putting one behind the top of Double D's seat, close to him.
He didn't say anything but he was really still. I couldn't help but smile when his face turned red again.
"Thanks for coming out with me tonight Sockhead," I said.
"T-thank you for the invitation, Eddy." He nervously responded.
Dammit, now I'm getting nervous!
"So, uhh…" I was grasping for something to say. "You really shouldn't worry about me Double D. I'm fine. I mean, I guess…" I trailed off. Do I want to be honest?
"You guess what, Eddy?"
I paused for a second, but continued. "I guess ONE thing has changed."
Oh shit. Where am I going with this?!
"Oh?" My taller friend perked up. "And what may that be?"
I looked at his big brown eyes and his messy dirty blonde hair. At least, what I could see that wasn't covered by his hat. He looked so damn cute. I never would've thought that I would ever have feelings for a guy, especially my best friend, but fuck it. He's the only person that I think actually gives a damn about me, besides Monobrow. But Double D gets me. He doesn't always agree with me on everything but he knows me well, sometimes better than I think I know myself. I don't want to screw up our friendship, and maybe he'll forgive me if I freak him out, and maybe he won't, but I just can't stop thinking about it.
"I really want to kiss you right now,"
The words escaped faster than I had anticipated. As soon as they left my mouth, I wanted to take them back. My heart was beating a million miles per hour in anticipation as to how he would react.
"Kiss me?" He said in a high-pitched tone, shocked. He turned redder, but then he did something I wasn't expecting.
He smiled.
"I'm sorry, my bad," I said. I started to lift my arm away from his shoulder.
"No need to apologize," he said quickly. "In fact, if you would like," he paused for a sec, during a deeper shade of red, and he buried his chin in his chest. "… You may do that which you wish to do…. Eddy."
Woah. Did I hear that right?
"Soooooo….. Is that a 'yes'?"
His smiled widened to where I saw that adorable gap and he giggled and nodded his head slightly.
I felt like my heart was going to explode, but this was it. No going back now.
I learned forward, closed my eyes and softly touched my lips to his. It felt like time stopped. We both sat there awkwardly, not moving. Then I moved my right hand to his face and kissed again, a bit deeper this time. He reciprocated and put his arms behind my neck. I wrapped my arms around his waist and gently parted his lips with my tongue. I gingerly caressed his tongue with mine and sure enough, Double D's tongue reciprocated. The hottest part was when I heard a soft moan from the back of his throat. Damn, too bad we're in a movie theatre!
"Yes, well…." Double D said while he pulled away and cleared his throat. He quickly withdrew his arms and sat up straight in his seat. He was the redder than red!I could tell that he was all hot and bothered and was trying to regain his composure. "It is getting rather late. Shall we retire for the night, Eddy?" He seemed to have his huge grin glued on his face.
I smiled in return, looking at those beautiful brown eyes. I felt like none of this was real, but it was. I felt like I was on Cloud Nine. There's no way in hell that I was going to be able to get any sleep tonight.
"Sure, Sockhead."