Chapter 14: Detox
This morning Marie woke up with a killer headache courtesy of a hangover. Luckily no one was next to her in bed. With the way how she felt at that time, Marie was sure she would've castrated him on the spot. She didn't even bother to come out of her room until she was sure the only one in the trailer was her and only when her headache dimmed. Today she had her usual options to choose from, alcohol, parties, illegal drugs etcetera, etcetera.
Instead she went to the creek, the freaking creak! Why you ask? Fuck if she knows but there she was, looking at her wavy reflection in the water. If one were to ask what she thought as she stood there, they would get no reply because she didn't think anything whilst taking in the visage of nature at its purest. Truth-be-told the reason for this was because it had a calming effect on her, so calming in fact that she took a seat under the shade of a tree and closed her eyes.
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Her eyes fluttered open and she sat up with a yawn, wiping the sleepiness from her eyes she looked around. Her eyes slowly widened at the unfamiliar room, it looked like a studio apartment. From the looks of things whoever it was just moved since there were unpacked boxes stacked around the place.
Marie got off the bed and stood then looked at the sun "damn how late is it?"
"About eleven I believe" he heard an eerily familiar voice.
'No way' she thought and slowly turned to face the person.
She couldn't believe it, her mouth was agape her eyes widened and she began sputtering.
"Are you alright Marie?" he asked approaching her.
She took in his form, he was smartly dressed as to be expected, his hair was different from the last time she saw him.
"I-I-I'm f-fine" she said looking him over once more.
He approached her and for the first time in a long time she felt intimidated, that is, until he suddenly kissed her. She slowly melted into it but gave a small whine when he witdrew
"I love you"
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Marie's eyes snapped open and she let out a yawn, feeling rejuvenated she glanced at her phone to see that she slept for over two hours. Getting up she rolled her shoulders and after a few audible pops, she set out again, not with a destination in mind. Her next destination made her even more confused as the smell assaulted her nose; she knew where her feet dragged her to this time.
'The junkyard?' Marie thought incredulously.
The smell made her scowl, out of all the places that her feet could take her, it decided to come to this smelly death trap? Years ago the junkyard wouldn't have bothered her and heck; she'd even rest comfortably on that dirty armchair sticking out of that pile of trash. But that was then and this is now and now she is repulsed by it. She may not be afraid to get dirty but she found out three years ago that trash isn't the only thing in this place.
With that in mind Marie got out of there pretty quickly, making sure that the scent didn't linger on her clothes. Her mood now ruined she decided to walk to her favorite liquor store, the guy working the counter didn't care if you were a minor, as long as you have the cash to buy he'll sell. Marie checked her pockets and cursed under her breath, not enough for a beer but could buy a pack of smokes
The bell chimed as she entered, she locked eyes with the guy behind the counter, he looked to be in his early twenties and looked positively bored. The nametag on his red vest said 'Rico' and the boy in question spared Marie a glance and nodded in acknowledgement
"What'll it be Marie?" he asked closing the magazine.
On the counter in question was an assortment of candy but she wasn't interested in that for what she wanted was behind Rico. Mounted on the wall was a rack of sorts, with different brands of cigarettes in packs. She ordered her favorite brand but while the store clerk turned to get it, something else caught her attention, where the assortment of candies were and for some reason she couldn't take her eyes off them.
The doorbell chimed as Marie exited while looking at her bought item, her expression was one of astonishment. In her hand was a pack of..Tick Tacks? She didn't know how but somewhere along the line Marie bought a pack of Tick Tacks instead of a pack of cigarettes and for the love of her she couldn't figure out why.
She blinked once, twice before eventually shoving the pack in her coat, the fall winds were coming sooner than expected. Now she needed to figure out what she was going to do now, she looked to the sky while pondering this. After several minutes of absentminded walking; her environment became eerily familiar and not even bothering to stop, kept wandering until something clicked.
"What the.." she trailed off.
Marie realized that she was walking in the lane, the lane which connected the Cul-De-Sac to the Park-N-Flush. Why she was there was anyone's guess but she sure as well wasn't going there again, where..he..lives.. Her thoughts trailed off and she finally made a decision as to where she wanted to go, the mall.
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She arrived at the mall close to half an hour later and spent the next few hours lounging around and aimlessly exploring. In the end she could not alleviate her boredom and honestly she didn't have anything to do. This has never happened before, usually she would be doing something but not anymore.
Marie has never been this bored in a long while and she's never had anything to do in years, five to be in fact. The realization led her thoughts to a certain hat wearing boy, she glanced at the clock.
'School's almost done' she mused 'I wonder what he's doing'
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'Curse you Eddy' Double D mentally hissed.
As if the implication wasn't bad enough Eddy just had to confirm how foolish he was for overlooking something so elementary.
To think he, Eddward Hawking would've gotten himself a date without even realizing it is…inconceivable. His eyes shifted to the shorter boy beside him who snickered at him.
Double D took a slow breath 'deep breaths, calm mind, silent, serene heart' within moments he had himself under control again.
Okay so he had a date this Saturday, no he wouldn't constitute what he and Amber were doing as a date. No it was more like an outing, she did not specify it as a date and neither of them consented to a date. They were only going to browse an electronics store and there is nothing romantic about that.
'It is most certainly not a date' with those words and his previous rational analysis of the situation Double D had successfully managed to diffuse what could have been an awkward and frankly embarrassing day.
Eddy saw the calm on his friend's face and clicked his tongue, as always he worked fast. Eddy didn't doubt he would but it was too late, the damage was done and now sockhead was at his mercy…at least until the actual date Saturday.
'Oh I'm gonna get so much mileage out of this' he leaned back comfortably while listening to the teacher drone on about some stuff.
His eyes glanced at the clock 'five more minutes' he smirked
Five more minutes until he was free from this torture,
Five more minutes until he had to the club-his smirk fell,
Five more minutes until he had to confront Lee.
'Shit'
Eddy wasn't the only one glancing at the time. May was excited and was mentally willing the clock to go faster so she could get cheerleading practice. She cursed whoever set the schedule for Thursday, after she had finally, finally, finally gotten some leeway with her big Ed they had to be separated for two hours.
That is an outrage! And she would make a formal complaint to the administrator, if she cared enough to actually learn how or had a more valid reason….
*RIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG*
…or cared.
"And it seems we're out of time students, remember to read up on-" before the professor could finish there was large gust of wind and a yellow streak flashed across the room through the door leaving a smoke trail and several sheets of paper flying about.
The entire class was silent for a moment until Eddy broke it with a slow "what the fu-"
"EDDY!" Double D interrupted.
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Both Eds exited the room "-like I said sockhead I was gonna say 'fudge' not fuck"
"Eddy, language" his taller friend hissed looking around cautiously.
Eddy rolled his eyes "do you hear yourself right now? I mean we're 17 Double D since when does words like 'shit' or 'fuck' become taboo for us. Besides it's not like its hurting anybody fuck, fuck, fuckity, fuck-fuck-fuck."
Double D narrowed his eyes dangerously "Eddy"
The shorter boy held his hands up in mock surrender "alright I'll stop, geez"
Double D sighed "good."
"Wow you are really tense" he smirked "worried about your date this Saturday?"
Edd's eyes twitched "it is not a date Eddy. We are simply two friends going to an electronics store."
Eddy nodded "Riiight~ and I'm sure she thinks the same way too."
This actually made Double D pause for a moment "what do you mean?"
"Oh come on sockhead, how can you be so smart yet so dumb at the same time? It's obvious she's into you I mean why else would she approach you in the first place?"
Double D went to reply but Eddy beat him to the punch "and don't say it's because of her academic interest, trust me you're the only one who would buy that."
Eddy went on "first of all she's hot, probably one of the hottest girls in the whole school and second she's a cheerleader so there's no way she would be interested in studying."
"I find your lack of faith in the aspirations of the female population disturbing Eddy" Edd deadpanned.
"Okay, then answer this. Why on earth would a popular cheerleader invite a nerd anywhere? Cause the way I see it there's only two reasons why a girl like that would invite a guy she just met somewhere and I'm pretty sure she didn't mention Nazz or anyone else going with you two."
Double D stared disbelievingly at his friend, not because of his words though they made an impact on him, no it was mostly because their roles were reversed and he was the one receiving a logical lecture.
'So that's what that feels like'
"Double D!"
Both Eds turned to see the subject matter approaching with her same dazzling smile "speak of the devil" Eddy grinned before looking at his friend "well I think that's enough lessons for today my young pupil. I have places to be so I must leave you now" he said in a smug voice which Double D found irritating.
Gods did he sound like that every time he won an argument against him?
"See yah later sockhead" he began walking "and don't fuck it up"
Double D turned to glare at him but Eddy was already gone so he turned forward and was almost blinded by the light reflecting off of Amber's teeth.
"Hello Amber, how may I help you?"
Amber seemed to pause, her smile fell and she shifted uncomfortably with an uncertain look.
"Is everything alright?"
"Um, yeah its just that, about this Saturday.." she trailed off.
At the mention of their not-date Double D felt the anxiety build up until he quelled it immediately.
"Yes"
"So~ I was wondering if you wanted to, like go somewhere else afterwards?"
Edd blinked, twice. This…was definitely 'no let's not jump to conclusions Eddward. Act natural'
"Ahem well, where did you have in mind? I'm afraid that I haven't had the chance to explore since I've arrived."
Amber's mood brightened and he could see the confidence gained "so anywhere is fine?"
"Yes"
"Then don't worry just leave it all to me. You can dress casual" they began walking
Edd frowned slightly with a pensive expression "Amber"
"Hmm"
He exhaled "is this…a date?"
Amber's eyes widened "….maybe, do you want it to be?"
Double D glanced at her before looking forward to the open doors of the school "I…think that it would be an honor if you would accompany me this Saturday as my date"
Right then and there Amber fought the urge to squeal 'okay girl calm down'
She stopped at the doors "it's a date!" she said excitedly "so I'll see you tomorrow then Double D."
He did a slight bow "zhídào míngtiān" (until tomorrow)
Amber had no idea what he just said but thought the gesture was cute nonetheless and sought to reward it.
When Edd came up from his bow his vision was partially obscured by black before he felt something pressed upon his cheek. Amber withdrew with a flush before making a hasty retreat.
"I'll see you tomorrow Double D!" she waved slightly before disappearing around the corner leaving Double D (and everyone in the hallway) to gape in disbelief.
A smile slowly crept on his face as he ignored the flabbergasted, surprised, jealous stares/glares and headed out. His smile immediately fell once he spied a very familiar face leaning across the street and judging from the expression on her face, she definitely saw Amber's show of affection.
Well that can't be good.
She leaned against the stop sign with arms folded and a scowl adorned. Her eyes narrowed at the boy calmly walking in her direction as if she had not just caught him kissing some tramp.
"What the hell am I doing?" a frustrated Marie mumbled to herself.
She was half angry at what she saw and half angry because she was at school which is funny because she swore to herself that she would not come within a hundred meters of this place not so long ago.
So why in the hell was she standing across from the bane of her existence?
"Hello Marie" he greeted amicably.
'Oh right, that's why.'
And suddenly the urge to punch him just became more "look at you Mr. popular" she said derisively "not even a full week and you already got women all over you."
Double D's eyes narrowed minutely "if you are referring to that kiss then I will have you know that it was strictly platonic" he lied; the last thing he needed was for Amber to be antagonized by Marie Kanker.
"Bullshit" the blunette hissed.
Double D closed his eyes and sighed "regardless of what the kiss signified it is none of your concern Marie" he said with finality and refusing to humor her anymore walked away.
And that was the last straw 'that little sock wearing piece of shit!'
Double D saw the punch coming a mile away despite having his back turned and giving a mental groaned he dodged it with practiced ease. He turned to glare at her but ended up dodging another hit. On the third try he calmly smacked her hand down and raised his wrist to just below her chin in one fluid motion.
Marie was rendered speechless and his glare only made her freeze "Marie you're being childish" he slowly lowered his hand.
She looked down "childish huh?"
'Shit what the hell was I thinking' her fists shook with rage and..something else.
"Marie" he said slowly inching closer "are you alright?"
"Heh, am I alright he asks" she chuckled still looking down.
Edd not for the first time was at a loss as what to do in this situation "Mari-MMPH!?"
He never did finish his sentence as the blue haired girl grabbed him by the collar and mashed their lips together. It was rough at first but then it slowly became pleasurable for the both of them. Marie leaned into it and double D didn't resist for some odd reason.
She wanted to go further, she did, but honestly she was lucky she got so far and it wasn't like she planned it. That and another more devious plan formed and she smiled into the kiss before slowly pulling away.
A moment later and he regained his bearings and looked Marie right in the eye "I-"
She pressed a finger to his lips "just to let you know" she whispered seductively "that was a real kiss. So if you ever get tired of Barbie look me up" she whispered directly into his ear "you know where to find me" she kissed him again and reveled in how he shuddered.
It was then Marie Kanker left with a chesire grin on her face and pep in her step that hasn't been seen for 5 years.
"I'll see you around Dreamboat" She called out before adding in a hushed tone "sooner than you think" she snickered to herself.
Double D was left in open mouth surprise with blue lipstick on his lips, a hickie on his neck, an odd minty flavor on his breath and the lingering sight of Marie's hips swaying as she left to him to ponder her words but honestly Double D could only say one thing in response to all that had happened.
"Ō qīn'ài de" (Oh dear)
To Be Continued
Author's Notes: Guess who's back bitches!? And oh my is that the long awaited development between everyone's favorite Kanker/Ed pairing. Yes, yes it is, I did promise one of my reviewers that I had something in store for Marie and guess what? I did!
In a way this chapter is a response to some who don't like how I've portrayed Marie in this story. Believe me I don't like it sometimes but that's just how life works but as you can see she's getting to a place we're going to be comfortable with her being.
Now I had to really think about how Marie would react to Amber and while the consensus would be a physical, violent retaliation I thought hey, she may be a bad girl but she's also mature. Plus Edd could handle her in a fight now as you have seen so if violence won't work then she did the next best thing
Temptation.
Yes like what most women do to men she riled him up then left him hanging with an offer no man could refuse while setting a trap to lure him in. personally I think its genius, childish, yet mature and very, very Marie Kanker. I mean you didn't think I was going to break Marie's character and have her get emotional were you?
I scoff at anyone who thought that.
Now to address the elephant in the room. You guys are all pretty pissed I took so long to update right? Well I'm gonna be honest back then my laptop was having problems so I couldn't really finish, then I got into other fandoms and have been writing stories for them…yeah.
Anyway I won't make any promises about updates but know that I am currently on holiday so I will at least have time to update.
If you guys are still out their then please review and tell me if I still maintain the quality of previous chapters because it has been a really long time.
