Author's Notes: YAWN~ man I am feeling so lazy and depressed today, school starts tomorrow, I'm sure you all understand. Anyway I will be honest, I didn't take the time to read over this chapter so expect some grammar issues here and there.

I will also say that I have no idea how the updates will go from now on. I mean I will try to make it one chapter a week but when that chapter will be uploaded is an issue. Believe it or not I haven't written a full chapter in WEEKS because I finished a bunch a loooong time ago. This so happens to be last FINISHED one, the next is about halfway done and I don't even feel like looking at it, ugh, just saying that makes me feel disgusted.

I hope writing at school as a change of pace will help stoke some of the writers flame in me and I will try not to drop this fanfic because I like seeing things through to the end but this whole school preparation is messing with my mojo. Oh well, enjoy this one.


Chapter 12: Girl Problems

After class Double D was packing his messenger bag and was about to head for his next class when he was approached by someone. Upon standing up to leave he was greeted by a beautiful young woman wearing apple bottom jeans, a strapless pink shirt with matching pumps. She had black silky hair that came to a curl at her shoulder. She was smiling sweetly at him which somehow unnerved him.

"Hi there" she spoke cheerily "my name is Amber McCullen."

"Why hello Amber" he greeted cautiously "Eddward Hawking."

After the greeting there was an awkward silence and Double D was feeling more confused by the second.

"Can I help you with something?" He asked awkwardly while slowly moving away from his desk.

She giggled at his obvious lack of communication with women. "Well I was wondering" she started fiddling with her fingers behind her back "if you could help me study physics" her tone was confident and she gave him a sparkling smile that showed her perfect white teeth.

This was the first time in a long time since Amber has attempted to flirt with someone but by being friends with cheerleaders has given her an almost endless supply of flirtation methods, tips do's and don'ts brought to her by the Peachcreek High Cheerleading Squad. So she is confident that she knows what she is doing for when a cute girl asks a ner-a very smart boy to help her study something then chances are she is trying to flirt with you.

To her surprise though, he was looking at her quizzically with one arm folded and the other cupping his chin, his head was tilted slightly and he seemed to stare at her while in deep thought.

Seeing this she mentally panicked 'he's thinking!? What's there to think about, just say yes, please.

"I would certainly not mind helping you with your studies." He finally said with a smile.

She beamed at him "that's great so we could mee-"

Amber was cut off from her statement as he held up his palm "however I cannot."

Amber blinked "w-why not?" she asked curiously

"You see, I have recently returned to this country and as such my schedule currently does not permit any spare time" he said sincerely with an apologetic smile.

Amber was flabbergasted, this was the first time that someone has ever shot her down and the way he did it didn't make it seem hurtful.

"I know it must be disappointing to you Amber, however I do have a solution to your dilemma." Without taking his gaze from Amber he gestured to his side and she followed his hand pointing dead center at Nazz.

Nazz was watching the scene unfold but was caught off guard when he pointed directly at her. "I know for a fact that Nazz is brilliant and I recommend her to you wholeheartedly. Now if you'll excuse me I must be going as the bell for second period will be ringing soon."

He excused himself but she called out to him right before the door close whether he heard her or not was not known. Nazz approached with her arms folded, Amber saw the smirk she sported and scowled.

"Burn" Jessica teased.

"Shut up!" Amber muttered dejectedly with a frown.

"What happened" Nazz asked while placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"He rejected me" she said sadly with a sigh before going to her bags.

Nazz frowned and went to her side "that doesn't sound like Double D at all. How exactly did you approach him?"

Amber sighed "I asked him if he could help me study and he said he didn't have time to do it and recommended you" she gestured to the blonde girl beside her who looked at her with a blank expression.

"That's it?" Nazz asked with her still blank expression

"What do you mean 'that's it'? Obviously he isn't interested if he shot me down.

Nazz could only shake her head slowly; then again she's seen girls actually get shot down the same way. Nazz would believe it too except Double D wasn't anything like the guys in this school and knowing him he was probably telling the truth.

"Amber" Nazz began as they walked out the class "I should probably tell you some things about him for when you try to approach him again"

Amber raised her eyebrow and with that they both walked to their next shared class Amber listening to Nazz while trying to forget her lackluster first attempt at getting with the hat wearing Ed.

Double D on the other hand couldn't stop thinking about his encounter with Amber, you see he hasn't had much interaction with the opposite sex, who didn't live in his neighborhood except for maybe the Kanker sisters.

'Speaking of, I don't think I've seen Marie around the school premises.' He quickly shrugged the thought off, as the school was fairly large to say the least.

Now back to the topic at hand namely Amber, he couldn't help but notice the insincerity of her words and the hidden agenda although clearly non-threatening was still there. As a scientist at heart he needed to figure out just what exactly did she actually want from him? It should be said that Double D has never actually been flirted with, well yes, Marie flirted with him but that was akin to bullying.

Amber's approach was more subtle as if she wanted him to go to her on his own. Now he couldn't help but compare them since they are the only two girls he's ever had approach him (Nazz does not count).

While Marie trapped him, Amber was baiting him. Not that he had any interest in her that way, he was always open to making new friends and he wasn't lying when he said he didn't have the time but something was off about her.

While Marie's approach was forceful often times terrifying she had a hint of sincerity with her actions like it was more than just fooling around. He started reviewing his past with Marie ever since they reunited two days ago and he saw a crack in her hardened exterior of a personality and her words 'what about…me?' ran through his mind. She seemed so sad at that moment and again when he voiced his truthful thoughts about how he viewed her smoking habit, she seemed regretful.

Amber's approach on the other hand, although subtle and less frightening didn't seem to hold about the same feelings. It's as if she was secretly trying to tell him something but he missed it but what? What did he miss exactly? He rubbed his temples

"This conundrum is going to give me a headache" he groaned


Class was now over for Ed but his mind was still wrestling with thoughts of May, he needed to do something about it and so he set about doing just that. May was haphazardly packing her bag, she was caught staring at him, and her mind was running a marathon. The last thing she needed was for him to think that she was that same weird girl who'd assault him any chance she got and smother him with kisses.

…*Smack*

May smack her forehead in realization she did assault him and she did kiss him out of nowhere (A/N: do I have to mention she can be dense sometimes). She made her way to the door only to be stopped by a hand on her shoulder, she turned around and her eyes widened.

It was Ed and he had a determined expression with his eyes seeming to peer into her soul, May regained what little of her composure she could muster at that moment and stuttered

"H-h-hi Ed." She mentally smacked herself.

Ed was silent at first but gulped before saying "May, we need to talk."

His words were serious and she recovered from her shock, Ed noticed and looked around before continuing "Not here," he noticed the attention they were getting "can you meet me at the bleachers at lunch?" He asked sincerely.

"Sure Ed" she replied straight.

Ed gave a wide smile before placing his fist in his palm and gave a slight bow "[thank you May]". May raised her eyebrow in confusion and Ed realized that he thanked her in Mandarin. "I mean, thank you May." He kept his bowing position but then left afterwards, missing the grin May sported as she watched him disappear in the sea of students.


Meanwhile Kevin wasn't happy at all no he was pissed, before Monday he was on top of the world. A hot girlfriend, straight A's and B's in school, rich parents, a spot on the football team, his place in the popularity polls would make him be the undisputed king of the school when he became a senior.

That is until they came back from the dead or China or wherever the hell they were. Why couldn't they just stay dead? It's not even been a full week yet and they manage to embarrass him in front of most of the school, make his girlfriend dump him, even his reign on the football field is on the line and now two fucking detentions in one day.

Kevin didn't even bother to harass Eddy when class was over, the little slime ball would just find a way to pin it on him and he'd be even more screwed. Right now he had gym which was good, he needed to work some of the pent up stress and at least he wouldn't see…..fuck!

Double D walked into the gymnasium ahead of him, he had a sordid look on his face. Kevin entered and found that he was the only one of them here. A grin formed on his face as he realized he'd get pay back after all, even if it's not Eddy he got the next best thing. He couldn't be happier than he was as he remembered what the gym teacher's favorite activity was

"DODGEBALL!" coach Johnson yelled much to the groan of the students. "Oh don't be such pansies, now captains Kevin and Ronson, pick your teams.

It goes without saying that Kevin was great at dodgeball; he takes pleasure in inflicting pain, not like a sadist but more as a means of relieving stress, that's why he doesn't pick the stronger looking kids for his team. No he needed someone who could give him a challenge and make the game more exciting, so he'd mix his team up and find a balance.

Kevin may not show it but he has talent as a strategist although he would rather use brute force than thinking of ways to outsmart his opponents. As he planned Double D was on the opposing team, now as he remembered, this would be the part where he'd be shitting his pants. He wasn't though, in fact he looked like he didn't even care, there was no nervousness at all in him and he seemed to ignore the fact that Kevin was glaring at him.

The whistle was blown and Kevin threw the ball directly at Double D's head, he simply side stepped the toss and it hit the guy behind him. Double D glanced at Kevin before dodging another ball. It went like this for the entire game, whether he saw the ball coming or not he'd dodge it.

As it stood after nearly an hour of intense play Double D was the only one left on his team while Kevin had three guys himself inclusive. The strange thing about it was that while they were panting and sweating from exhaustion, Double D was perfectly fine, in fact he looked the same has he started, not even so much as breaking a sweat.

"Hey Eddward!" The coach called out, he gave him a glance "I know it's called dodgeball but you gotta pick up the ball and actually hit them if you want the game to stop!" He added. There was a murmur of agreement from the students.

Kevin scoffed "Oh please, I remember this guy couldn't even throw a baseball 5 feet." The two guys snickered behind him so did the students. Double D reacted by glaring at Kevin who noticed. "What's wrong Double dork? You gonna pick up a ball and throw it?" Kevin mocked but Double D kept his glare and shook his head slowly.

Kevin grinned "thought so. Not so tough without your little boyfriend to back you up huh?" He declared as the three of them threw their red rubber balls at him.

In one fluid motion Double D used the back of his right wrist to smack the ball sent by the guy on Kevin's left right back at him, grabbed Kevin's ball in mid air, use it to smack the ball thrown by the guy on Kevin's right then send the ball thrown by Kevin directly at him.

The result was the two guys getting hit in the face and Kevin himself getting hit in the stomach each of them by the same ball that they threw. And even though Kevin was still standing he held his stomach in pain while coughing repeatedly as he dropped to his knees. Double D had returned the balls harder than how they had thrown them.

The gymnasium was silent as Double D made his way to a wheezing Kevin, he glared at him and spoke "I don't know what you have against us and quite frankly I do not care. If you wish to continue your one sided grudge then so be it but don't you dare blame your shortcomings on us!" he loudly declared before leaving for the locker rooms.

'What the fuck just happened?!' was the only thought Kevin had as he staggered to his feet. With Double D's action all three of them had humiliated him in school and there was no way he would ever make that slide.


Double D was angry, he'd always hated P.E and not for the reason people think. Aside from his previous frailty he hated it because everyone would find some way to use violence to justify their actions in it. He'd been observing Kevin's action during the entire game and was disgusted how he seemed to be having fun causing other people's suffering. He was also disappointed with Kevin because Eddy was correct in assuming that he had not changed in their 5 year absence. In fact it would seem that he has gotten worse with age.

Most importantly he was disappointed in himself as he actually let Kevin goad him into retaliating. Double D sighed but then he felt the presence of someone familiar turned around curiously

"Hi Double D!" Amber greeted cheerily.

The last person he wanted to talk to was Amber, at least not right now anyway. Not that he had a problem with her, it's just that he needs more time to think.

"Why good day to you Amber" he greeted with a tired smile. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Amber raised her hands in mock surrender "oh no, I don't need help with anything right now."

"Oh, then may I ask why you have approached me?" He was actually curious.

"Well, word is going around about what you did during dodgeball in the gym."

Double D's mouth dropped in surprise but he instantly shut it back. "My" he began" word does travel fast, might I ask how you came across this news?" It couldn't have been more than 10 minutes since that game happened and rumors don't just travel by themselves.

Amber giggled before reaching into her purse to pull out iPhone "twitter." She simply stated.

Double D raised his eyebrow, curiously staring at the phone "twitter?" he spoke as if it were a foreign word. He gently took the phone from her and spoke "I do not believe I am familiar with that term."

He was fiddling with phone with utter intrigue, he knew the basis on how to use it but he was so fascinated by the new apps and features that 3 minutes went by before he realized what he was doing. He looked up at Amber who looked at him with utter shock and confusion, she pointed her trembling fingers at him.

"Y-you mean, you don't know what twitter is?" He nodded in agreement. "What about facebook?" He shook his head, now she was worried. "The internet!?" she said frantically.

Double D tilted his head in confusion "what is this 'internet'?" he asked curiously. Amber was at a loss for words, she tried to say something but it eventually sounded like awkward stammering. That's when a smile crept on his face "I was only joking Amber, I know what the internet is" he reassured her.

Amber made a sigh of relief "don't ever scare me like that." She punched him affectionately.

Double D eyed the phone in his hand "technology has certainly come a long way. So much has changed since the last time I was here."

Amber eyed him curiously "what do you mean?"

"I meant that I hadn't come into contact with any form of technology for a long while." He handed her the phone

"How long is a long while?" She asked him.

"5 years." He replied and she was again in shock.

'5 years without any form of technology, Jesus, where's he been all this time?' She thought and was about to ask said question when the bell rang signaling third period.

"I'm sorry Amber but I must be going to class." He said with a smile.

"Oh sure, see you later Double D." Amber called out.

Double D couldn't help but smile, 'that conversation actually went well if I do say so myself.' He quipped in his thoughts.

Although the news of technology being so advance had peaked his interest, Double D is a scientist and tech savvy person at heart. He made a note to gather information on the latest technology in his spare time; his hands couldn't help but shake in anticipation of future new discoveries.


Eddy went in class for third period biology, he went in and to his surprise found Lee sitting in the corner. The locked eyes for a moment before she broke out a coy grin

"Well if it ain't the dead man walking." She spoke bravely.

Eddy glared at her then groaned while he face palmed, he looked at her through his fingers with a tired expression and noticed that she still held her grin. He looked at her for a full minute before he smirked and strode over confidently to the empty seat next he

"I guess you had a lot to think about from our talk yesterday if that's the first thing you say to me huh?" Eddy mused.

Lee's grin wavered as her thoughts took over, truthfully he was right she did think about what he said to her. She's never actually thought about death, didn't need to, after all she's just 18 and figured that she'd naturally grow old and then deal with something like dying when the time came. Speaking of which

"Why'd you bother telling me that in first place for anyway?" she asked in her usual gruff manner.

The question caught him off guard but he shrugged "I dunno." He replied.

Lee crossed her arms and looked at him apprehensively with a glare. Eddy knew that he would have to come up with a pretty good answer so he sighed

"Fine, look you impressed me alright."

Her glare softened "What'd yah mean impressed?" She asked, curious to know.

"Like I said yesterday, you look like the only one I know who actually seems to want to make something of herself in the future. Plus you actually grew up since the last time I saw yah." Eddy looked to see her holding back a laugh until finally she couldn't anymore.

Eddy winced as she laughed away, the same one he came to know and fear as a kid. She finally stopped and looked to him "and what about you squirt, you don't look like you 'grew' up much. I'm surprised the teachers even let you in a sophomore class."

Eddy gritted his teeth but chuckled, he still had insecurity issues with his height but delivered a swift rebuttal "really, you think so? Cause I remember you couldn't keep your eyes off of me when I was working out."

Lee's laugh stopped immediately, she looked at Eddy with shock, and Eddy's grin only grew. Lee tried to deliver a counter but was promptly cut off by Eddy who leaned in closer "aw come on Lee, you didn't think I never noticed you watching me for the past 20 minutes?"

20 minutes!? Lee never even realized how long she was watching him, but he knew she was there. Lee couldn't say anything to deny it, well she could but the way Eddy sounded, and neither of them would be convinced by her ploy. Lee's visible eye came out of view as she turned to face forward without a word.

With his verbal victory over his former tormentor Eddy did the same and faced forward, and without even thinking he uttered his 'finisher'

"Besides if I didn't change I'd be drooling over how beautiful you've become now." As the last word left his mouth both of their eyes widened upon realization of what he just said. *SCREECH* *CRASH*

Lee faced him with an expression of disbelief, Eddy turned to her with an angry expression.

"WHAT!?" he said loudly. Too loudly and she didn't even flinched and continued to gaze at him. The bell to commence class rang and Eddy scoffed before turning to face the front as the teacher walked in.

Lee made a sly grin in triumph before turning to face the teacher; Eddy saw her grin from the corner of his eye and could only think 'shit.'

The moment the bell rang Eddy bolted out the door, yes he was still thinking about what he told Lee. It wasn't so much as how he said so much as the wording used, Eddy as never refer to a girl as beautiful before. Pretty yeah, hot maybe but beautiful!? Hell no that was something Double D would say hell he's never even called Nazz beautiful and sure enough she is.

What bugged him though was how much it was actually bothering him; he just couldn't let it go for some reason. He needed to talk to Lee and straightened this out but not now, he was already nearing the cafeteria when he spotted Ed.

"Hey lumpy over here!" he exclaimed across the hall.

Ed spotted him immediately and did his signature dopey smile before greeting him with a bear hug but Eddy wasn't in the mood for it. 'Wait for it, wait for it aaannd now!' In the blink of an eye Eddy ducked and spun around to Ed's blind spot.

Ed found himself hugging air and he turned around to find Eddy already walking to the cafeteria"C'mon Ed I ain't got all day!" he gestured for Ed to follow him.


Meanwhile Double D was already in the cafeteria sitting by himself while waiting for his friends to arrive. "Hey Double D." He heard someone say behind him. He turned to see Johnny taking a seat adjacent to his own.

"Good Day Johnny." He replied courteously.

"You waiting on Ed and Eddy huh?" Johnny questioned

"Yes, they are currently running late" was his reply.

Johnny nodded before taking a bite of his sandwich, seeing Johnny sparked a realization and he asked the question that has been plaguing his mind for a while now.

"Pardon me but Johnny may I ask you a question?"

Johnny nodded "shoot."

"Do you know a girl by the name of Amber McCullen?" He asked to which Johnny almost choked on his food.

Johnny looked at him in shock and nodded "yeah I know about her heck anyone who isn't a freshman knows about her!" He exclaimed before leaning closer "Why'd you ask?" he asked suspiciously.
She being a part of the cheerleading team which is filled with nothing but beautiful women (with various degrees of personality) any second year would know them each by name. What surprised Johnny was how he would know any of them by name. Of course it was a small, very, very small possibility that Double D would actually be checking her out so that would mean..

He cleared his throat "well you see I was approached by her earlier today twice in fact and I am still unclear as to what her motives are. Aside from the fact that we have a mutual acquaintance Nazz, I don't believe we have ever met before."

He knew it! Johnny couldn't help but smile at his friend for Double D got approached by one of the hottest girls in school, and she's one of nice ones, he playfully mused. But enough about that he needed information

"Yeah she's part of the cheerleading team" Johnny waved his concern "and don't worry about her D, she's one of the few members who aren't shallow snobs" Johnny adopted a coy expression "I think she just wants to be 'friends' with you." *hint* *hint*

Double D smiled "you really think so?" He sounded hopeful

Johnny nodded in affirmation "oh absolutely."

"What're you two talking about?" Johnny and Double D turned around to see Eddy standing there with Ed.

Double D was about to respond but Johnny beat him to it "girl problems." He said neutrally and Double D raised an eyebrow at him to which Johnny gave him the 'I got your back' wink. Immediately they noticed Ed's and Eddy's expression change to one of uncertainty. Eddy scratched his head and sat down

"Tell me about it" Eddy stated with a frown as he and Ed took out their packed lunches.

To Be Continued…..


Author's Notes: Alright just wanted to point out that I know there was no mention of Marie and that was kinda intentional because she's still a delinquent. That part with Kevin though was just me going with the flow, I want to at least make sure everyone's perspective is explored and tell me if I managed to capture the characters right cause I don't want them to seem too out of character. I want to maintain their original character spirit with a few added changes so please review.