Chapter 13: The Eds' New 'Girlfriends'

"By the way Double D, it was totally awesome what you did to Kevin in dodgeball!" Johnny said with a grin.

Eddy stopped midway in his eating and looked at Johnny "what're you talking about melon-head?"

He ignored the nickname and continued "what, you guys haven't heard? Double D completely owned Kevin in dodgeball!" He said excitedly.

"Personally I think it was about time someone put that jerk in his place." Johnny continued begrudgingly but it turned to happiness as he looked to the hat wearing boy currently looking back "so kudos to you Double D."

At the end of Johnny's sentence Double D could actually feel Eddy grinning, he turned to him and lo and behold Eddy held his signature sly grin.

It took a few seconds of silence for Double D to break it "well, out with already Eddy."

His grin turned to mock offense "whoa, whoa, whoa Double D. Who am I to criticize someone for doing their civic duty of putting a jackass in his place?" Eddy spoke in a fake civilized manner akin to Double D himself.

Said boy narrowed his eyes "are you mocking me?" he asked flatly.

Eddy seemed generally surprised by his reaction and frowned "no you idiot!" He snapped causing his friends jump a bit "I'm giving you a pat on the back, geez!" he then started eating his food albeit grumpily.

Double D sighed before apologizing and resumed his meal.

Johnny hadn't stop eating and was on his last bite, he swallowed before turning his attention to Ed. "By the way, congrats on making the football team Ed." His tone was cheery.

Ed snapped up "Oh uh, thanks." He replied.

Eddy and Double D now noticed that Ed hasn't said a single word since they sat down, he finished his food what looked like a long time ago and is currently just staring down at the empty plate.

"Is there something on your mind Ed?" Double D asked with worry in his tone.

Ed shook his head before looking at the clock just above the cafeteria entrance, he visibly gulped before standing up

"Sorry guys but I have to go" he said quickly before making his way to the door.

"Hey wait a minute lumpy" Eddy yelled to which Ed stopped and glanced at him, "where ya going!?"

"I'm going to uh, meet someone, um, somewhere?" He frantically mustered, which made it sound more like a question than an answer. Before his friends could get another word in, he bolted through the door and made a mad dash for the football field.

Meanwhile May was nervous, she would usually be with Lee on the bleachers as it was quiet, there were no prying eyes and no one would try to hit on her. This time she managed to convince her sister to relocate to one of the marble seats and tables located on the side of the school.


May was acting antsy but she couldn't help but notice how her sister's mood seemed lighter as opposed to her grumpy or neutral exterior that were common.

"What's gotten you so happy?" She asked intently.

Lee glanced at her with a smug smirk "None a ya business May, besides I ain't bothering ya about how ya look like someone's tryin to kill ya!" she exclaimed hasher than she expected.

Suddenly the anxiety built up in May again and she actually started to pant a little. Lee raised her eyebrow in response

"I gotta go!" May exclaimed before immediately running off.

Lee only snorted in response before finishing her lunch and stood up. Eddy's compliment began playing out in her head and Lee couldn't help but grin slyly then she pinched her cheek

"What the hell's wrong with me?" She asked no one in particular.

Lee's never actually been properly complimented before, well she has by the few brave men who would dare try. It would usually come from 'tough guys' who didn't fear her or 'playboys' who've never heard of her. Their 'compliments' would just come off as suggestive lewd or just plain perverted and she would often beat the living shit out of them.

But Eddy wasn't necessarily hitting on her and he didn't use the words they'd usually use either and that is 'beautiful'. She couldn't remember the last time someone, aside from her family, to sincerely call her beautiful. Coming from a guy like Eddy was an accomplishment in and of itself and Lee could feel the added boost of confidence. Thinking about it he'd also made mention of how he respected her attitude.

She let out a loud but very short laugh before walking inside the school; she just can't wait to tease him about it in club today.


Elsewhere May had finally arrived at the bleachers, she stopped in her tracks as the wind picked up, and she found herself staring at him. Ed had arrived before her and was currently meditating on the top of the bleachers, his hair along with his jacket were whipping in the wind but he did not flinch. May couldn't help but be calmed by how peaceful he seemed and whether she intended or not all her anxiety vanished and a pleasant smile crept on her face.

As May approached, Ed slowly opened his eyes to meet her incoming gaze, he didn't uncross his legs as she sat beside him. After meditating, Ed has calmed down and he couldn't help but notice how she was almost as calm as he is. 'Almost' being the key word as he noticed a skirt of red peeking at her cheeks and her eyes seemed to shift away from his gaze every now and then.

"Are you okay?" He asked with concern.

She perked up like a frightened animal before replying "I uh y-yeah Ed, I'm…fine." She replied but looked down soon after.

He raised his eyebrow as an uncomfortable silence enveloped them, Ed cleared his throat and uncrossed his legs

"May" he said in a serious tone which earned her attention, she looked into his eyes that were as serious as his tone and gulped. The next action surprised her as he turned completely around placed his fist in his palm in front of his face and bowed his head in one swift movement

"I'm sorry for the way I acted towards you two days ago!" he declared with his voice booming.

May was taken aback by his apology but quickly stood up "No! I should be the one apologizing Ed! I tackled you out of nowhere and kissed you like that!" May yelled but luckily no one was present.

Ed shook his head and stood up to look down at her his solemn expression made her determine expression waver somewhat but she stood her ground.

"Even so, I lost control and I won't make any excuses for it. My master thought me how to control myself and if something went wrong then I should always take responsibility for my actions afterwards."

May's expression softened as she looked into determined unwavering eyes, her own eyelids were half closed and before she realized it her face was getting closer to his and a kiss was planted on his lips. She had to tip on her toes to deliver it and after 5 seconds she stopped, Ed's expression was unreadable as if he was contemplating what just happened.

"I forgive you Ed" she said softly, and then she gave him a small smile.

Ed's expression remained unchanged and he seemed to just stare with a far off expression but he replied "I forgive you too May" he said softly but in a higher tone, his eyes now focused on hers.

They stared at each other for a full minute, his unreadable expression to her happy yet sad one.

"I-uh I should probably get going now" with that she began to descend the bleachers.

As if realizing something his head snapped in her direction

"May!" he called out. She stopped to turn around and meet his anxious gaze. "Um I was wondering if uh..you wanted to hang out sometime….with me a-as friends" his eyes shifted from hers every once in a while, he scratched the back of his head.

He was nervous for sure, that much she could tell, not that she'd even notice, she is currently trying to absorb the fact that he'd basically asked her out on a date. Well not a date-datesince he said 'as friends' but it was as good a start as any for a relationship, especially for them. Her silence made Ed doubt himself as he continued

"I-I mean if you don't want to then that's fine too" He said rather sadly

May snapped out of her thoughts immediately "No!" she frantically replied "no I-" she took a moment to compose herself "I would love to hang out with you, Ed" She had a wide smile.

Ed gave her one in reply "okay then, see you round May" he said with happily.

Ed waited for May to come out of view before he let the anxiety finally show on his face, Ed collapsed on the bleachers with a grin. Meanwhile May had to lean against a wall because her heart was pounding so hard but that didn't stop her from grinning.


Meanwhile

Eddy, Double D and Johnny finished their lunches, had already left the cafeteria and were walking down the hallway when someone called out to them or more specifically

"Double D!" Amber called out to which all three boys turned around to see her making her way towards them.

Double D smiled while Eddy was curious and Johnny grinned coyly. She approached Edd with a smile many other boys would melt under

"Hello Amber" he greeted with a friendly smile.

He glanced to Eddy and Johnny to which the smart Ed manage to pick up her curiosity

"These are my friends, Eddy and Johnny" He spoke while gesturing to each boy

"Yo" Johnny greeted enthusiastically

"What's up" Eddy said

Amber quickly assessed the two boys, she had already known about Johnny or what most of her friends would call him, 'the weirdo.' All because Kevin let slip that he used to carry around and talk to a block of wood for all of his childhood and most of his years in junior high. She'd actually spoken to him a few times and he was actually a nice guy and if she'd learn anything from having May as a friend is that people can change and shouldn't be judged by what they used to do.

Eddy on the other hand is another story, she's never talked to the guy before and the only thing she knows about him are from what mostly Kevin says. Furthermore most of those stories were backed up by Nazz and May for the most part. They all include his famous failed scams and how he basically ropes Double D into doing them or his attempts at flirting and his belief of himself being a 'ladies' man' like when he thought he and Nazz were on a date when she was actually babysitting him.

The rest of the stories ended with Eddy in embarrassingly laughable situations. From what Kevin said about him she pictured Eddy as a short, arrogant, loud mouthed and self proclaimed ladies man. The relationship between him and Edd from what Kevin and even Nazz would say was that he'd drag him around with his scams.

"Take a picture lady, it'll last longer" Eddy said with a cocky smirk.

It was then that Amber realized through her monologue she has been staring at him for two minutes now.

"Eddy!" Double D scolded with a glare.

The short Ed simply raised his hands in mock surrender "hey, it ain't my fault she keeps staring at me" he used his hands to brush his hair back suavely "after all, the chicks love all this" he popped his collar.

Johnny was snickering in his fist while Double D was shaking his head slowly in disapproval but nonetheless smiled. Amber was perplexed by his behavior, she really didn't know if he was joking and before she could ask Double D spoke up

"Hardly Eddy" he began and crossed his arms "may I remind you of your previous attempts at wooing the opposite sex and how they ended?" he asked with raised eyebrow.

Double D smirked at Eddy's expression which was to recoil with slight disgust at his previous attempts at flirting or looking 'cool' for the 'babes' which was when he was twelve. You know, back when he worshipped his big brother and tried to follow in his footsteps, using the macho bravado and 70's style romance books as references to try and 'score' with the girls.

Truly it was a dark chapter in the romantic life of Eddy McGee. With that memory he dropped all pretenses, looked away with a scowl directed at no one in particular, shoved his hands in his pockets and grumbled something under his breath. Johnny stopped snickering and gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder while still smiling, sad indeed.

With a small victory over his friend Double D turned to Amber who found the exchange amusing to say the least.

"What is it you wanted to talk about Amber?" He questioned

This snapped her out of her trance "well," she started, feeling self conscious all of a sudden, chose her words carefully "since you're oblivious to all forms of the latest technologies. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to the mall and browse the electronics store" she said smartly.

If her goal was to impress Double D with her vocabulary then she succeeded as Double D's eyebrows perked up. Also Eddy and Johnny were now staring at them their expressions mirroring Double D's for completely different reasons.

Double D was surprised pleasantly by her since a few hours ago he was mentally musing about the exact same thing. Johnny was surprised as well, he didn't think she would be so fast, cheerleader or not. He had the image of her being more reserved or as reserved as a girl who dresses in a revealing uniform and does high flying gymnastics could be anyway.

Eddy was utterly caught off guard and could only stare at her in disbelief and looked to Johnny who, judging from his grin, knew exactly what was going on from the start. And he was suppose to be the one trained in analyzing his opponents to know what they were thinking, if only his sensei could see him now (Melon Head- 1, Student of Legendary Grandmaster-0).

Eddy was shaken from his thoughts when Double D replied "why I would love to join you Amber" he answered smoothly yet obliviously.

A mile wide grin was threatening to show on her smooth face however by sheer will she managed to lessen it to a bright smile. 'Nazz's advice worked!' she mentally cheered.

"Great" she said cheerily "so I'll see you" she left the question hanging for him to answer.

"I believe I am free Saturday, around twelve o' clock in the afternoon" he answered.

Eddy leaned in to Johnny "did he just do what I think he did?"

"Oh~ yeah" Johnny said with a surprised expression.

She nodded just in time for the bell to ring "until then I'll see you around Double D" she then turned on the balls of her feet and walked off. None of them saw the small fist pump of victory she did while mouthing the word 'yes!'

Double D himself calmly turned to his friends who were giving him knowing smirks, he would've enquired as to why but the bell had already gone off and being the studious person he is decided to leave it for another time

"Now if you gentlemen will excuse me" with that he left for his class in a hurry.

Eddy and Johnny in the meantime decided to casually stroll to their class, since it was in the same general direction

"You think he knows what he just agreed to?" Johnny asked offhandedly

"Hmm, good question" he replied

And it really was a good question on Johnny's part, now don't get him wrong he knows, heck the entire Cul-De-Sac knows that Double D is a genius, the smartest kid in the neighborhood, it wouldn't be surprising if he was the smartest in school right now. However, there are certain things, topics that you could bring up with the guy and completely run circles around him in a conversation.

That topic being women or more specifically, intimate relationships or hell even dating, granted Eddy has never actually been on a date but he can guarantee that he knows more than sockhead. Now his friend has matured to a point where he can talk to a girl, a very pretty girl without turning into a stuttering idiot (much like himself) but he'd have to admit that he doesn't even think Double D knows that he just basically agreed to go on a date.

Now Double D learned to have a clear mind at all times, right now you'd find it very difficult for him to lose his cool in a life and death situation let alone with something like this. The question still remains, if he's calm enough to go over his talk with Amber how long will it be until he figures it out, if he hadn't realized it already and he's just acting the fool. Also what his reaction will be once he does.

Eddy did his signature sly grin, oh this will be so priceless and at this point Johnny turns off at the next intersection with a wave and goodbye before disappearing. Luckily he and Double D shared the next class together, ugh Psychology. Eddy walked inside the classroom and to his surprise May Kanker was seated by the window.

What was even more surprising was that Double D was sitting beside her and engaging in conversation with her

"What in the…" *RIIIING* he was cut off from his musings by the second bell signifying the start of class.

Eddy immediately darted for the seat beside his friend, luckily most of the students are lazy enough to be late for class after lunch and that does include the teacher as well. Eddy was just in time to hear the last of their conversation

"…well I for one am happy that he has gotten over his initial fear of you May."

"Psst, sockhead" Eddy whispered.

Double D turned around "what is it Eddy?" he said silently.

Eddy responded with an 'are you for real' expression and pointed to May who blinked at him.

Double D sighed, was it really so odd that he (an Ed) would have a casual conversation with May (a Kanker)… that is beside the point.

"Well if you must know May and I were discussing some rather exiting news"

Eddy raised his eyebrow "what about?" he asked suspiciously.

"It would seem that Ed has apologized for his" he paused when remembering and cringed "accident a few days ago"

This caught Eddy off guard "he did?"

Double D nodded with a smile "oh yes and not only did he apologize but he offered to make it up to her by being her friend."

By this time most of the other students were filing inside the room and there was a general hubbub as they all conversed moderately with each other.

"He what!?" he said a little louder than expected.

There was a brief silence at that and some of the other students stared at him before returning to their own conversations.

May was looking at both boys incredulously as Double D had his face snugly planted in his palm partly out of embarrassment and mild annoyance/frustration while Eddy was looking at both of them like they were insane.

Seriously is it that unbelievable for an Ed and a Kanker to come out of the proverbial 'closet' as friends, was what Double D was currently thinking. While Eddy found it unbelievable to say the least he quickly calmed down once he realized he was doing 'it' again.

'It' being that he was letting the Kankers get to him, seriously it was like if any of them come in a conversation it was like they twelve years old again. That was truly the reason for Eddy's outburst, thinking of Ed as the same bumbling idiot, so of course he would freak out.

Eddy sighed and mentally slapped himself for losing judgment like that, it was a stupid mistake, he went to say something but their teacher entered the room so he would have to say it after class. Eddy turned around with notebook open but wrote nothing, yet. He needed time to ponder.

To the normal person it would seem like his reaction wasn't a 'big deal' or it's just 'classic Eddy' however something so trivial really shouldn't have made him react like that and frankly it was off setting. In times like this his sensei would tell him to collect himself mentally and run through what troubles him to find a solution.

If there is one thing he has learned is that even the smallest problems could have the largest effect on a person i.e. the ripple effect, one small drop makes several larger ripples. Now he mostly figured that the cankers are the concern but why did he seriously freak out like that?

Honestly it was a no brainer that Ed would want to friends with her since he sure as hell wasn't afraid of her anymore. After all these years it obvious she still likes him and being the guy that he is of course he would pull the let's be friends card.

….he could be overthinking it but could it be that Ed's found a solution to be squared with her then. No it couldn't be, but now that he thought about it they're all basically friends with everyone currently living in the Cul-de-Sac so why not be friends with them too.

He turned to Double D who was writing something the teacher was saying and wondered if he came to the same conclusions, not that he needed his advice since he probably agreed with Ed's decision anyway. It was then that Eddy realized something that has been gnawing at him throughout most of the day and it all started after he complemented Lee.

He sighed in annoyance, of course, why he didn't see it before is a mystery, no he just didn't think it was that big of a deal, now he feels even dumber. Oh well, he was going to eventually face her in the clubroom anyway, at least now he'll have something to say. Looks like Eddy Mcgee and Lee Kanker are gonna be friends, oh the irony…!

Just then Eddy heard the sound of a pencil drop, he turned to see Double D with eyes slightly widened, his hand was in a writing position but it was empty and he was frozen in place. It was only for about a five seconds but it was plenty of time for Eddy to see it and he had to stifle himself from laughing.

Instead he wrote something in his book ripped out the page, crushed into a ball and casually tossed over to his desk. Double D now fully recovered from, whatever shock he was in, took up the paper and unfolded it. Inside Eddy wrote the following:

分享快乐,呈琥珀色亮起

It was subtle but Double D gulped and Eddy saw it and flashed him a cheeky smile at his expense.

Double D could only mutter "oh dear" as he read his friends message again

'Have Fun with Amber'

To Be Continued


Author's Notes: Boom! I literally just finished this at school and now I've used up my lunch break and published it as soon as the last bell rang *sigh* will it always be like this *peers off in the distance* *shrugs shoulder* oh well until next time.

About the title: "Are You Mad?"