And we continue...
Summer had officially began and Kevin and Nazz had been somewhat enjoying themselves for the past week. They had been too distressed for the first couple of days and refused to separate from one another. Their concerned minds brought them back to the party that was to be happening and none of them knew when or where. Nazz had gotten a new phone and had been in frequent communication with the quiz bowl leader Ed. He had informed her that word got out to lemon brook and that they had heard nothing about the party being set. It seemed that this was going to be something secret among the bullies. This put the teens in a nervous wreck just thinking that someone was most likely planning on a surprise assault. It could happen when ever, and that was simply terrifying.
On occasion Kevin would take his motorcycle out for a spin in the evenings riding at high speeds through lonesome highways. It was the only way he could breathe and let out his rage that built up throughout the day. He just didn't know what to do, Kevin was angry and concerned at the same time. Well, more angry but knowing that Eddward was...capable of hurting himself purposefully made him go crazy. No amount of anger could drown out the raising worry as days went by.
Sometimes he'd catch himself riding toward the bully's home in outer frustration only to turn back around irritated. Why should he go back to him? Eddward never displayed any mercy for him, he just turned around and walked away leaving the J's to have their wicked ways with him. Though should something happen to the bully would Kevin be able to live with the guilt? He honestly didn't know. Kevin just wasn't Eddward. He couldn't shut off all his emotions and play a role.
Some days the little ginger would wake up thinking everything had been some psychological illusion. That maybe he had so desperately wanted to erase all the physical abuse with a friendlier side to Eddward that he forced himself to believe it to be true. The problem was that he'd remember everything so vividly. The blood that stained his ripped white shirt that was pressed to the boys wrists. The angered tears falling down the boy's cheeks as he launched at him mistaking Kevin for god knows who. The warmth of security from the embrace as Kevin sobbed into his chest, and those slender fingers tracing his wounds as the raven haired cared for him.
Those piercing blue eyes...
How could any of that have been fake?
The entire week the friends spend time at each other's houses, usually more so at Kevin's because unfortunately Nazz lived a little too close to Eddward's neighborhood. The girl was to spend summer at her grandparents' home with in the following week. Kevin felt both happy and upset at her departure. On one hand the ginger could guarantee her safety at least for the entire summer. One the other hand what was he to do alone all summer break, sit around and contemplate Eddward's horrible actions?
On a Saturday evening Kevin and Nazz sat in the gingers back yard listening to their favorite mixes. They sat quietly eating pizza and playing card games waiting for the day to finally pass, counting it as another safe day. They had spent the day at Kevin's home and now wished to step and take in the fresh air. To be honest the friends were a bit too afraid to go anywhere out in town, and most of the time they would spend it indoors, or in the neighborhood. They kept careful ear about anything that could be possibly happening in town.
They lay down on the grass recalling their favorite childhood memories and making fun of each other for their embarrassing moments. Mr. Barr was friends with Kevin's Mother and Father since childhood and every once in a while would bring the children together to play. Although Kevin and Nazz didn't get to hang out as often when they were younger due to living in opposite sides of town and going to different school they remained good friends those little times they hanged out. Whether it was a birthday or a holiday the children were always there for each other. Nazz had had the opportunity to be able to make friends easily, she was a social butterfly. Kevin however wasn't necessarily as social, and only had Rolf as a close friend. It wasn't until freshman year that Kevin and Nazz became best friends with the unfortunate departure of their third friend during the second semester.
They laid holding hands. If you'd asked a student at peach creek if Kevin and Nazz were dating, they would guarantee they were in fact dating. However the two friends never seemed to share a romantic inclination towards each other, their bond was more of a brother and sister. They both weren't very popular in the dating scene and were always caught together holding hands or hugging and every once in a while Nazz would kiss Kevin on the cheek. Everyone thought it was a romantic gesture but they simply shared adoration for each other. They were precious to each other and they weren't ashamed to show it. They had made a pack last summer that if they never found romantic love with another than they would make it work and marry.
Kevin however knew for sure that Nazz would find someone who would love her in all aspects and certainly marry. He wasn't as certain about himself. Nazz was pretty and had the kindest heart in the world, he uh well…The ginger believed that his only attractive attribute were his eyes, well they were inherited from his mother after all. Besides that he was a failure to be what society called an eye-catching male. He was short, petite, annoying bright orange hair, awkward smile, heavily freckled, and no muscles what's so ever. Sure he had a pretty masculine attitude most of the time but that didn't outweigh his feminine body. It's was embarrassing quite honestly. One of the worst things about school, besides the bullies of course, had to be to change during P.E. in front of everyone. He hated it. His thoughts were disrupted from the front door unlocking as a rough voice called out to them.
"Kevin, Nazz! You've eaten dinner yet?" Kevin's father poked his head out the glass door.
"Yes Tom, we just ate pizza" Nazz rolled over onto her stomach and lifted up their paper plates.
"Great, hey guys I heard about the craziest thing today" the man motioned for them to come inside. Kevin and Nazz stood up picking up their plates and deck of cards as they followed inside.
"What is it dad?" Kevin asked throwing the plates away and grabbing some water.
"I've been working over by Lemon Brook since a couple of days and some guys from work drove last night by this insanely huge house and told us how there was a large amount of teenagers fighting amongst each other at a party and there were cops arresting some of them for underage drinking most likely and god knows what else." Mr. Barr explained as he took a seat at the kitchen table. "Kids these days are crazy, I mean I went to parties but they weren't as ridiculous as of now" the man chuckled "good thing you two aren't so rebellious or else what would I do with you both"
Nazz wide eyes were fixed on Kevin. Her fear building for the Lemon Brook kids. "I-I guess it would be hard on you Tom"
"Damn right it would be" Kevin's father mumbled as he scratched his beard.
Kevin felt his chest tight, something felt wrong in his gut. He felt so much fear and anxiety consuming him little by little. If he didn't do anything he wouldn't ever sleep soundly without knowing the answer to his questions. What if Eddward was arrested! What if something bad happened! Well of course it did, there was a fight! Over what? And had Eddward even attended this party?! Was he ok? God why did Kevin care for crying out loud, fuck! He cursed himself irritated knowing he was about to make the biggest mistake of his life...fuck fuck Fuck FUCK!
"Nazz it's about time to get you home, I'll drop you off" he motioned for the girl to follow along on his skit.
The girl looked at him horrified before nodding slowly "right"
Kevin's father looked at them both confused "it's kinda late wouldn't you rather just spend that night Nazz?"
"Oh no I can't tonight mom told me to be back tonight by 10" Nazz looked over to Kevin before gasping as an idea popped into her head "m-maybe Kevin can spend the night over at my place, so he doesn't have to drive back so late"
"Yeah! That sounds safe" the ginger chimed out in agreement.
Mr. Barr nodded his head thinking "I suppose that's fine, if your parents are alright with it"
"Of course!" Nazz tangled her hands together nervously.
"Alright let's get going before it gets too late" Kevin grabbed onto the girls shoulders and pushed her along. They grabbed their jackets and Kevin ran up his bedroom to grab a backpack packed with extra clothing that he'd usually bring over to Nazz's place to make it more believable.
"Alright be safe you too" Kevin's father waved at them "Kevin, drive safely your responsible for both your and her life."
"Yeah dad I know" Kevin waved grabbing the blonds hand and dragging her to the door that lead to the garage and closed the door behind them.
He grabbed the spare helmet and handed it to Nazz, she also grabbed the backpack and pulled it on. "K-Kevin…"
Kevin grabbed his helmet and before putting it on answered the terrified girl "it's going to be alright" he smiled at her and pulled on his helmet. The girl followed placing hers on her head and helping Kevin by opening the garage door. Kevin pushed his precious motorcycle outside and climbed on waiting for Nazz to close the doors and climb on as well. He felt her wrap her arms around his waist tightly. The ginger then made the motorcycle come to life and secretly apologized to the neighborhood for the loud noise. Then they took off.
As he sped along the streets he could feel his anxiety overpowering his irritation at the bully. What exactly had happened at the party? He wished that the raven haired hadn't partaken in that horrendous scandal at the very least. Most of all, what had happened a week ago…? But nonetheless he needed to know if…if… god he desperately wished Eddward hadn't done anything harmful to his wellbeing. Kevin was such a fool for these situations; he couldn't blame Nazz for being mad at him after this. Tonight however Eddward Vincent was going to answer him once and for all.
Thankfully the streets had been completely deserted and they arrived at Nazz's home in the span of 20 mins. The girl leaned back but kept her hold on the ginger for a long moment before getting off the vehicle and taking her helmet off. She looked with tears building up in her eyes pleading Kevin not to go and head on inside with her. "Don't go" she stepped closer and held his hand "He's not worth it Kev… he's never going to change"
Kevin looked at her frowning "Maybe your right…I just…really need to go"
"N-no you don't, just turn your motorcycle off and come inside with me. You have every right to pay no attention to him, he's never done anything for you, and he certainly didn't seem to give a care last week." The girl held his hand tighter "Please just come inside with me"
The ginger sighed "that's just it…he has done something for me…I wanna know what happened Nazz. It all seemed to be going just fine and then, that happened. What changed his mind, what has he been thinking this whole time…I-you don't understand the severity of the situation. H-he could be far w-worse than I am at the moment." He voice began to crack as he thought back to Eddward's suicidal attempts.
"And if he's not?" Nazz spoke out softly pitying the ginger's kind soul.
"…then I'll come back to you" Kevin smiled at her
Nazz gave the ginger one last tight squeeze before letting go and handing the backpack over to the boy. She took a step back holding onto the helmet in her arms. "Please contact me if anything happens"
"I will" the boy sadly tried to smile at the girl who only expressed a pained look in her eyes. "I'll be alright Nazz, don't worry"
"Pinky promise?" she held out her pinky for him to take.
Kevin chuckled at the childish gesture "Pinky promise" he shook the finger with his own before pulling on the backpack and riding off leaving a distressed Nazz behind.
Without the girl with him Kevin had no care about his limits and quickly went far past the speed limit speeding through streets and avoiding as many stop lights as possible. Within 6 minutes he was entering the quiet neighborhood where he saw the big home that was Eddward's.
The neighborhood was encompassed by complete silence only the night's sounds rose in harmony, the crickets, wind and distant vibrations from passing cars. The neighborhood street's lamps were the only source of light, no home had any lights on inside. It was like everyone was on a strict schedule, kinda weird. Kevin pulled onto the driveway of the eerie home that he was so familiar with. He took off his helmet wondering if the raven haired had heard him arrive.
The ginger nervously looked for any signs that the boy was inside, but saw nothing. Little Kevin stepped off and hanged his helmet and backpack on the vehicle. Taking slow steps towards the door the boy was beginning to regret his decision of coming. He wondered how Eddward was going to treat him when he saw him at his front door. Was he going to beat Kevin like he used to? Was he even home? God remind me why I'm here again the boy thought to himself. No! This needed to happen now damn it. The ginger knocked confidently and waited… Nothing. He waited a couple more seconds before knocking again louder. This time Kevin heard quiet and slow stomping approaching the door.
The ginger could feel his heart beat get louder and it became harder to breathe every step he heard closer. Eventually Kevin heard the rustling of the door knob and before he knew it he was staring at blue eyes. Immediate relief washed through him before anger commenced to replace it followed by confusion as he then observed the other. The taller teen was covered in sweat, eyes were bloodshot, his olive skin appeared yellowish and covered in bruises and what made Kevin's mouth drop was that those raven locks that were usually protected by a certain black striped beanie were uncovered. They beautifully yet messily curled shaping his face perfectly and appeared longer in length than the ginger had seen with the hat on. Kevin noticed something small on his forehead, something that had divided his hairline; he couldn't tell very clearly in the darkness, it appeared to be… Eddward was about to slam the door close and in a panic Kevin pushed himself inside trapped between the door and door frame. "Wait!" the ginger gasped out.
Eddward glared at him, his face darkening by the second. "You fucking idiot…" he slurred out.
In a rage Kevin pushed the door off of him and stepped inside quickly "Well I'm sorry for giving a fuck about you, asshole!"
"What are you doing here Minnow" Eddward spit the last word venomously causing Kevin to shrink just a tad bit from all the bad memories tied to that nickname.
It had been a long while since the raven haired had called him that, but the little ginger persevered to take his stance "Unlike YOU I haven't been able to enjoy my day peacefully for the past week because I keep fucking thinking about if you're ok! Why?! I'm the victim yet here I am!" Kevin breathed quickly from his anger.
"NO ONE ASKED YOU TO COME!" Eddward slammed the door shut and grabbed Kevin by his shirts collar smashing the ginger against the door. "I don't want to hear you, I don't want to talk to you, I don't even want to look at you, and I don't want to be your fucking friend, LEAVE"
Kevin growled back grabbing the raven haired wife beater and tugged hard on it pulling the other closer to him. "Well you fucking better, because I'm not going anywhere until you answer me! You owe me that much"
Eddward snarled irritated raising his fist and in a blink of an eye punched the door close to Kevin face making the ginger flinch and close his eyes on instinct "I don't have to answer to anyone" he growled out.
Opening his eyes once again Kevin's face contorted in- his nostrils flaring, his eyes flashing, his mouth formed into a deep frown quivering and spewed onto the bully like a volcano releasing its pent up emotions into the darkness. His fists had closed into fist and with a right uppercut landed his punch to Eddward's chin making him stumble back a bit. "YES YOU DO YOU OWE ME A HELL OF A LOT ACTUALLY!"
The raven haired teen looked back at the ginger chuckling "I bet you were just fucking dying to do that huh?" His face darkened completely angered grabbing the ginger and lifting him easily by his shirt he once again slammed him on the wall much harder this time banging the ginger's head against it "Don't you EVER do it again" he let the ginger drop harshly onto the floor and took a step back "I won't say it again, leave"
"No" Kevin stood up, his head hurt like hell but he wasn't about to let the other know. It was then that he noticed something. There was red dripping from the bully's arms; loose bandages clung to his arms and the red slowing staining through them. "Oh my god…" the ginger breathed out his eyes going wide in terror.
Eddward had done it again.
The teen rushed to the bully's side trying to look at the wounds closer but the hand was ripped away from the other who only glared at him. "It's none of your concern"
Kevin simply puffed out annoyed and reached to grab the hand again this time holding tightly so when the other tried to pull away and instead pulled the ginger along. "Let me see" he glared up at the teen.
The other highly annoyed gave another shove sending the smaller teen stumbling forward "Stop it" he demanded.
Kevin trembling fingers tried to undo the bandages slowly "stop being so stubborn and let me help"
Eddward waited a moment waiting for the boy to lower his guard and when he felt the boys grip become loose he pulled away hard making the other jump in surprise. "Just go and let me be"
Kevin could hear the Eddward's voice strained in pain. The ginger knew this boy needed help and he couldn't deny it, it simply was in his nature. It was the right thing to do, though he knew he was entirely in his right to step away from him. Kevin was allowed to turn his back on the boy, why should he help? "Unlike you, I'm not the type of person to leave someone in need"
"I'm not in need…"
"Yes you are"
"No I'm not"
"You are"
"I'm not"
"Yes you are Eddward, why the hell do you think I'm here. Why the hell did this whole thing even start" Kevin spat out irritated at the taller teens childlike attitude.
"Nothing started Barr" Eddward pulled at the bandages trying to retie them.
"That's bullshit" the ginger stepped closer tugging at the arm again "Don't you remember what you said to me?" Kevin looked up frowning staring at the bloodshot eyes "When I asked you why you helped me, you returned the question back to me" the ginger sighed finally taking off the bandages from the right arm seeing the freshly reopened wound bleeding slightly still. His fingers traced the other newly formed scars all over the arm. There were so many compared to what he used to have Kevin's heart tightened at the sight, but he wasn't going to cry even though he really wanted to. He felt partially responsible for the sight. "I-I started thinking why on earth I stayed… I just couldn't ever erase the image of you about to jump and just sitting on the wet floor bleeding out. How…Just what happened to make you believe your life is so worthless?" he looked up staring at Eddward whose eyes now seemed to be glazed with a tear wanting to escape. "Why are you so afraid Eddward?"
"I-I'M NOT AFRAID" Eddward ripped his hand once again turning away and covering his ears.
Kevin just frowned at the boy and stepped closer placing a hand on the others shoulder in comfort. Eddward then shoved it off and walked away in a rush. "Wait!" the tiny teen rushed after the raven teen opened a door and disappeared behind it. Kevin opened it and realized it was the door leading to the garage. Inside was extremely dark, only whatever light made it way in from the moon illuminated the room. He stepped inside a strong scent of cigarettes invading his nose as he did so. Kevin left the door open for better lighting, he tried to find the switch but found none so be stepped down a small set of stairs and faintly saw the figure of Eddward's car. Squinting he could tell the garage could hold two cars inside.
"Eddward?" he made his way through the darkness as he tripped through what seem to be cans and bottles. Which was very odd to the boy, the raven haired was typically a very neat person at least from what he had observed. But based from the state he found Eddward in it made sense. As he maneuvered around he could heard heavy breathing "Hey talk to me" the ginger tried again looking around squinting to find a figure. Kevin bumped into something leathery and smooth, the sounds of chains ringed through the room as the objected moved. He placed a freckled hand to the object and immediately identified it as a punching bag, So that's why he was covered in sweat the ginger thought to himself. He looked around his eyes finally adjusting to the darkness and saw a body standing at the corner of the room. Kevin stepped closer "…you need to talk to me"
The ginger tried to reach out and offer his comfort but the raven haired pushed him away. "Go away" the other slurred out.
"No I won't" Kevin persisted trying to draw the other in to look at him but Eddward was being stubborn and fought back.
"GO AWAY!" the raven haired boy yelled out shoving the ginger harder this time "I DON'T WANT YOU HERE, GO AWAY"
Kevin's heart was breaking in all honesty the sight before him it was absolutely hard to watch, and he didn't know what to do. All he knew was that he couldn't leave "I won't…" he softly responded.
"WHY!" Eddward grabbed Kevin by his shoulders pushing back until he bumped into the punching bag "AFTER EVERYTHING I FUCKING DID TO YOU! I THREATENED YOU, I PHYSICALLY BEAT YOU, AND I BETRAYED YOUR TRUST! WHY WON'T YOU LEAVE?!"
"I've told you already I'm not going to leave. I'm not like everyone else in your life! Why did you have to go and leave me behind like that!" Kevin shouted out.
Eddward just breathed heavily hesitating on his answer; he didn't know how to respond. He knew the ginger was right he was afraid but he wasn't about to admit that. Oh no, Eddward Vincent wasn't afraid of anything or anyone. The only problem was that it was a lie.
"Why do you do these harmful things to yourself? Why do you act this way? Why do you insist on pushing me away?" "Why did you tell me about Blaine?" Kevin pleaded to have his questions answered. "Just answer me…"
The other boy lowered his head down, his grip on the gingers shoulders tightening. Silent tears were now dripping onto the floor. Kevin saw the small figure on his head so clearly… he reached up to touch making the raven haired boy flinch but stayed still. It was a scar. It ran partially from the upper half of his forehead to the scalp where no hair grew, it was tender and its form quite elegant… when had this happened? Did he wear the beanie around to cover it? Why? It wasn't anything big to be embarrassed about. "What are you afraid of?" Kevin gulped hoping the teen wouldn't lash out.
"…solitude…"
Kevin heard the whisper so low "What-"
"…abandonment…rejection…vulnerability…you" the raven haired murmured as he leaned his head against the ginger's shoulder and wrapped his arms around the other waist. His weight brought them down to the floor.
Me? Kevin questioned in his mind must be his intoxicated high talking, big bad Eddward can't be afraid of me…Kevin slid his hands slowly making their way up the other's shoulders encompassing him in a tight embrace. He wasn't sure of what to do, or how to respond. The ginger thoughts lingered on the others response, solitude, abandonment, rejection and vulnerability… he thought he must be something much deeper to these words something he may never get out of the teen, but for the mean time they just stayed hugged in the darkness.
Eddward held the ginger tightly in his arms as if his life depended on it. His face completely submerged into the boy's shoulder silently sobbing. "I'm sorry…I'm sorry…sorry…sorry…"
Kevin just let the boy continue to mumble his apologies until he calmed down. "You can't keep doing this Eddward…" the ginger softly spoke out "…you can't keep lashing out, hurting yourself and getting wasted…if you want me to stay you're going to have to give me your word"
"I can't…" Eddward quietly mumbled out.
"And why can't you?" the ginger could feel Eddward's hand tremble in their grasp.
"I'll probably do it again…"
"Do what?"
"…Disappoint you…"
"Do you want me to stay?" Kevin asked holding onto the boy firmer.
Eddward didn't answer verbally but simply held on tighter as well, sinking his body closer to the gingers. It was true what people said the drunk were honest. He felt some relief at the response from the teen. "Then can you answer some of my questions?"
"…morrow…" the other mumbled out tiredly.
"You better" both boys stayed embraced for a long period of time thinking to themselves. Kevin wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing, but at the moment it seemed right. He just hoped Eddward wouldn't wake up tomorrow in a bad mood from a hangover or backed out. "Come on let's get you to bed" he tried to lift the other's body up.
Kevin took a hold of the raven boy's hand and led him up to the bedroom. The teen was extremely silent all the way up, his gaze never meeting Kevin's. Eddward sat down in his bed and noticed Kevin rush out of the room. He began to slightly hyperventilate fearing the ginger had run away but not a minute later the tiny teen reentered the room with a first aid kit. Kevin lowered onto his knees and pulled on the unbandage arm and began to clean the open wound, memories of the last time he had done this returning back to him. When finished he wrapped new bandaged around and moved onto the other arm to do the same.
Eddward never said anything but simply observed the ginger. He came to note that although the teen had relatively a composed facial expression his trembling freckled hands said otherwise.
Kevin stood up closing the kit "well, goodnight I suppose" he awkwardly looked down at the arms he had just treated. Before Kevin could take a step towards the door he felt a firm hand grip his and turned surprised.
"Stay…please" Eddward pleaded down staring at their hands.
Kevin stared back for a moment before setting the kit down on the floor and sitting next the other. With their intertwined hands they simply sat in silence looking on to nothing but both thinking deeply about what was to be expected or what had happened between them.
Before Kevin knew it the other had had fallen asleep his body slouching onto the ginger. "…you drunk idiot…" Kevin said observing all the bruises on the teen's body; it had looked like the boy had indeed attended the party for which Kevin frowned at. But he would find out the answer tomorrow for sure. The ginger laid down the limp body on the bed and tried to get out of the grasp but found that Eddward had a tightly hold on him even sound asleep. It reminded him of the night he had stayed up here for the first time in a similar situation. He moved back up against the headboard pulling his knees in to his chest quietly observing the sleeping Eddward, as the fingers from his free hand moved along the scar once again. "Just what happened to you?" the boy whispered out.
…
Thank you for reading this chapter am sorry it took me a bit to finish writting. Hope you enjoyed it!
Please leave a review, i enjoy reading them very much! Let me know if you have any thoughts, predictions, and any feels
Look forward to the next time i update! and let's get some answers for crying out loud!
With that i hope you have a lovely Day/Night xoxo