I'M BACK
Holy Heck! I'm so so sorry for the extremely long break, but Uni work was killer this spring quarter. However, I am finally back and hopefully, I can keep a weekly update schedule this summer. Really looking forward to write everything that is to come for this story 3 ALSO if you follow my Tumblr I did promise 2 big chaps But alas I only have one finished at the moment, but I'll post the next tomorrow around the same time again haha oops.
ANYWAYS, here is chapter 44 and I hope you enjoy!
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The brittle cold weather was coming in close as most of the leaves had fully changed color leaving the streets of Peach Creek to be enveloped in a variety of warm colors. The air had gotten heavier along with the rainy season settling in. Almost daily the rain poured down on the quite town, though Eddward didn't mind all that much. He found that the coolness of the rain helped to settle down his burning hot skin after a fight. The bruises and wounds stung from the impact and over exerting his body during conflict. The rain provided a welcoming contrast to the physical pain he was feeling.
He laid on his couch in the living room transfixed with the rain drops sliding down the window at varying speeds. The house was only getting colder with the change in temperature which only made the enveloping silence of his home even more asphyxiating. The velvet blanket that covered his lower half of his body provided no comfort in calming the raven haired teen's thoughts. He had been thinking a lot lately, though only in times like these when he was alone and not occupied with everything that had been happening.
Fear crept into his thoughts sometimes when he thought too deeply about the consequences of his actions. He knew Kevin would be upset; the question however, was how upset would he be? He didn't like to think about the disappointed expression the little ginger would show at the discovery of what he was up to. Even though Eddward's intentions where good he knew that the way he was doing things may not be the most appealing. He didn't have any other choice, because if he didn't do anything he knew Kevin would be the one to act.
Perhaps a year ago the little ginger would have been too scared to try anything, but not this time. He knew something had changed the freckled teen over the summer, perhaps his betrayal or perhaps the teen's incident…perhaps it was all of it, but Kevin had built up strength and courage. He had seen it first hand over the many months they had been together. It made him proud, but truthfully Kevin's new found bravery terrified him as well.
It made him question what Kevin was capable of, and what were to happen if Kevin did decide to take things into his own hands. What would happen if Sam manipulated Kevin? Why else would the blond be hanging around the little teen? Eddward was certain Sam was up to no good, and whatever was happening was not out of simple playfulness but of some bigger plan.
It had become difficult to keep tract of Sam over the past couple of weeks as competitions were right around the corner. His swim team had been meeting frequently to practice and get back into the usual routine. After school time required most of his attention, between his captain duties and playing Sam's obedient dog right after. This meant for chances for Sam to snatch Kevin away without his knowledge.
There were many other question and worries running through his head as he fell asleep that night with the sting of wounds faint but present.
…
Kevin walked to school early in the morning looking up at the gray sky that threatened to collapse rain any second. He had brought an umbrella, and was wearing a black rain jacket so he wouldn't mind too much if the rain did decided to come down. The school months had passed rather quickly to him, maybe it was the fact that robotics had already started up again and he had preoccupied with their first competition in two months. They didn't meet much as his team was only starting with the basic planning stage, but nonetheless it was a welcomed distraction now that Eddward was busy as well.
He frowned at the thought of having spent so little time with the athlete. It was weird honestly; Kevin had been so used to lingering around the raven haired teen practically all day that now it felt awful lonesome without the company of the other. In recent weeks Eddward had slowly began to enclose himself in his busy life leaving Kevin behind. Of course he didn't mind all that much, for Kevin knew perfectly well that Eddward had many duties to attend to. Though he wished he would be able to spend just a little more time with him. Which was why the little ginger made most of their time together, cherishing the teen's relaxed expression during these moments and getting a laugh from him as well.
Sam had been in an inconsistent set of activities and behaviors that confused Kevin. He really tried to make sense of the guy and questioned why he continued to linger around him and Nazz. At some point Kevin began to suspect Sam's intentions with his best friend and he had caught the blond teen making flirty expressions, however it didn't alarm him too much since Sam acted in a similar manner towards him as well.
The tall blonde had not mentioned anything since the conversation about Sam wanting to show Kevin his side of things. The little ginger suspected that the other was waiting for Kevin to willingly give in, yet it only confused him further as to why Sam wanted him?
He tried to ignore the thought… So long as Sam was happy he and Nazz were safe.
The school seemed awfully gloomy that day as Kevin entered the front doors. The rain had started to pour down minutes before he had arrived leaving him in a cool sensation. He took off his hood heading towards his locker watching as some students buzzed around the nearly empty hallways. His footsteps echoed throughout the halls as he walked almost blissfully, finally getting into the habit of having no danger disturb him.
Nazz wouldn't get to school until later in the day since he had a doctor's appointment, so for the moment Kevin had absolutely nothing to worry about that morning. The J's would get to school at the last possibly second before school began and Ed and Eddward were off doing who knows what.
Supposed that it upset him being unable to know what Ed and Eddward were up to. Kevin knew that they were planning something, but for some reason they wouldn't let him in on it. They had said it would be better for him and Nazz to be ignorant, that the less they knew the better… Well, Kevin wasn't having any of it and with a pouty face he crossed his arms. He didn't like being the damsel in distress, he wanted to apart of whatever the Ed's had been scheming. Yet, he did not back down and every once in a while tried to convince Eddward.
Nazz, on the other hand, was probably more annoyed than him about it, still completely untrusting of Eddward. The two would continue to glare at each other from across the room and refused to interact whenever they were in the same space. Both mumble insults towards the other when they thought the other wasn't paying attention. Their banter made Kevin laugh but he truly did wish for them to get along one day. Though that thought he knew would take a big miracle, so he let them be.
"Good Morning freckles"
Kevin jumped at the sudden voice behind him, gripping the open locker a little tightly as he felt the strap of his backpack slid off his shoulder. Kevin peeked over his shoulder to see the familiar tall blonde standing a little too close behind him. "H-Hey Sam, morning" he offered the other a tilted smile.
"What brings you here so early?" Sam asked not backing away as he watched Kevin close his locker and turn towards him very stiffly.
Shrugging Kevin looked around the lonesome hall letting out a small breathe "Nothing really, I'm just used to coming early"
At this response something seemed to shine in the teen's dark eyes "Perfect" Sam grabbed Kevin by the shoulder and pulled him close tucked under his shoulder "how about we take a detour?"
"Detour? To where?" Kevin yelped feeling his feet drag along the floor. He made a grab for Sam's jacket to steady himself as the taller teen pulled them around a corner and back to the main entrance of the school.
"You'll see" the blonde smiled winking at some girl who had just arrived.
Kevin tried to push himself away from the blonde or at least halt their walk out of the front doors but the other had a strong on him. He did, however, manage to slow down Sam's quick pace to which he turned with a raised brow. Kevin frowned "hold on a damn second! I'm not going anywhere with you if you don't tell me where you're taking me"
Releasing Kevin from his prison Sam chuckled "I like that you're so feisty" the blonde chuckled out continuing to walk down the entrance stairs and when he got to the bottom he paused then turned to look up at the other who was watching him cautiously. "The world's a wicked thing Freckles…" he gave him a wink before extending a hand out "I'm curious to see your strength to survive"
Kevin knew he wasn't meant to walk down those stairs, and he most certainly knew he should have turned around and walked away but something pulled him towards the tall blonde. Those dark eyes made him even more curious about the world that he didn't know existed until a couple of months prior.
Watching small drops of water fall from the sky he made a decision. He took a step down the stairs, and then another until he was face to face with a grinning Sam. Kevin didn't take a hold of the teen's hand but rather walked past him hearing the other let out a breathy laugh.
…
Ed had arrived early to Peach Creek high that day setting one of the classrooms ready for an early meeting between various leaders of clubs among the school. As he was cleaning one of the white boards he heard a faint sound of a familiar voice down the hallway. The brunette looked up at the clock and letting curiosity get the better of him he put down the easer and made his way out into the hallways searching for whoever was yelling.
As he made his way to the main entrance he caught a glimpse of a familiar red head making his way out to the front parking lot with Sam. "…Oh Kevin" Ed shook his head with a shake of his head.
"Ed!" a brunette much shorter than him called out from the bottom of the entrance stairs.
"Morning" Ed smiled down lightly patting his pockets to find his phone.
As the shorter teen reached the top of the stairs he gave Ed a worried look "You alright man? You seem kinds anxious"
Ed pulled his attention away from the teen and saw Kevin hopping onto Sam's motorcycle. "M'alright…Just tired" he smiled again as he turned his head. He pulled out his phone from his pants back pocket "Go on ahead into the meeting room I'll be right there" he held up his phone.
The tall Ed waited to see the boy enter the school before spinning around to run down the stairs hoping to catch Kevin and Sam before they drove out of the school parking. "KEVIN!" he called out running at full speed and saw the ginger teen's head turn back a split second before they vanished out onto the town's streets.
Gasping for air Ed came to a stop "…damn it…" he wheezed out clutching at his shirt tightly. He looked around seeing if Eddward had arrived yet or if the J's were in on it, but he saw none. Quickly dialing Eddward's phone number he decided to return back inside.
"Morning E—"
"DOUBLE D!" Ed yelped out still out of breath "Double D Kevin just left with Sam!"
"…" there was silence for a moment that Ed thought he might have hanged up "What do you mean he left with Sam?"
"HE LEFT, he…he got on Sam's motorcycle and they took off I don't know where or why, but I was in the conference room setting up when I heard yelling and it was Kevin but he willingly got on so I don't know"
"Damn it" Ed heard Eddward grit out angrily and a jingle of keys as he imagined Eddward running around the house in an infuriated rush.
"That's what I said!" Ed yelled out exasperated swinging his arms up in the air as he made his way up the stairs once again. "Look…" Ed took a deep breath in "I don't think Sam's going to do anything to harm Kevin, but… I worried about the fact that Sam has been paying too much attention to him."
"It's obvious he's up to something…I'll try to find them" Eddward sighed out
"Yeah…" Ed paused when he reached the top and turned back to the face the parking lot "You don't think Sam knows you really care for Kevin…right?"
Ed heard a sigh along with a low rumble of a car engine "…I care about you both" Eddward finally mumbled out before hanging up. With a smirk Ed let his hand drop and started heading inside "That's not what I meant" he chuckled out.
…
The more times Eddward circled the town the more worried he was becoming. He had driven around the areas he thought Sam and Kevin would be but no luck. The more Eddward mistaken Kevin for another ginger teen or had any sense of false hoped the more infuriated he became. Why had Kevin thought leaving the campus with Sam to who knows where was a good idea? The fact that Kevin hadn't even contacted him or Ed was worrisome and irresponsible.
He decided to pull over and walk for some time even asking some of the gang members around town if they had seen Sam. None of them had or they were keeping it a secret.
Eventually he resorted to just roaming around the town hoping to spot them but once again had no chances of luck. Eddward had decided it would be best to just head to Peach Creek High, since the clouds were only getting darker and Sam would more than likely bring Kevin back to school before it began pouring again. Or at least he prayed he would.
He had arrived a class period late but that didn't matter to him. What mattered was Kevin. Eddward had sent countless messages to Kevin's phone but for some reason he would not get a reply. Ed wasn't able to get ahold of the ginger teen either and at that point he was ready to simply drop everything and grab the tall Ed and go on a hunting spree.
Nazz had even made eye contact with him across the hall as he made his way to his 3rd class with a confused expression and mouthed "Where is Kevin?" He had shrugged and shook his head with an exasperated sigh disappointed that even the girl had no idea where the ginger was. The look he got from her after only fueled his frustration further.
It wasn't until midway through fourth period when Eddward was glaring out the window that his frustrations had for a split moment cooled down from the sight of relief before igniting at full capacity. He had spotted Kevin running into the school building and Sam nowhere in sight…
Moments later, Kevin finally entered the classroom with a note in hand smiling sheepishly at the teacher before taking a seat next to Eddward. Kevin did not in fact however, make any sort of contact with him and that only brought back his anger. Eddward found it pointless to glare at the ginger when the other had the intention of ignoring him through the class, but oh he was not going to be ignored after that bell rang.
…
Kevin held on tightly to Sam throughout the ride as a part of him yelled what a bad idea this was and the other half tried to calm down his anxiety. If Ed told Eddward about this he could only imagine how enraged the swimmer would be…but this was an opportunity he chose to take for the sake of the greater good. Perhaps hearing and seeing what Sam had to offer could provide with enough knowledge to get an entire perspective on the threat at hand.
He had had enough getting babied by both Ed's in all honesty, treating him like some fragile object. He understood Sam was dangerous, but so was Johnny and Jimmy and he had to deal with them and their beatings the previous year. He doubted Sam would do anything today, though he couldn't help but worry as they seemed to get into a sketchy part of town on the east side.
"Ever heard of the east end?" Sam called out over his shoulder.
"Yeah" Kevin yelled back "It's where everyone considers the east side of town to end, even though there's still a neighborhood there."
"Know why?" Sam picked up speed through an abandoned street as he passed a sign that said EAST END: No Trespassing.
"Not really, I always thought it was just an empty neighborhood. Some kids like to say that the area's haunted by old ghosts from the Great Depression"
"Well, you're about to find out love" Sam called back with a chuckle as continued to speed through without a care in the world. Had this been a normal outing with just about anyone else Kevin would have been having the time of his life and encouraging to increase speed. However, that was not the case and for all Kevin knew he might as well be quickly speeding into a wolf's den.
About two miles passing the empty neighborhood Kevin could see there was a vast field and a crumbling building far off in the middle surrounded by a forest. As they approached the building Kevin recognized it as the old forestry factory that closed down years before he was born. Sam decreased his speed until he arrived at the entrance. At this Kevin was feeling very nervous but he got off the bike once Sam had come to a stop. "Why are we here?" he questioned taking off the helmet Sam had given him.
"You'll see" Sam simply smiled as he took the helmet from Kevin's hand and hanged it on the motorcycles handle.
Kevin gave Sam a look as felt his phone vibrate in his jacket. He knew it was either Ed or Eddward trying to contact him so he ignored it. Sam had looked down at Kevin's jacket and smirked turning to face the building.
The tall blonde gestured with a nod towards the direction of the building to follow him. The entrance to the building was sealed shut with pieces of wood. The walls were covered in graffiti of sharks and bubbly letters. As far Kevin could see and hear there was nothing inside the building. "How are we getting inside?"
With a touch to his freckled arm Sam lead Kevin around the building until he saw a door shut tight with a lock. The blonde pulled out a key jingling it in the smaller teen's direction "This, my dear freckles is the key to a whole wide world you've never seen before" Sam inserted the key into the lock and turned to Kevin eyeing him for a moment. Before opening the door he stepped back and ruffled the ginger's hair playfully. "I love the look of innocent curiosity" he said before taking the lock off and shoving the door open. "After you" he gestured inside with a hand.
Kevin frowned giving the other a glare before stepping inside followed by the blonde. Inside the building there was as Kevin expected nothing special. Any big machinery used had been cleared save for some boxes and shelves around the place. The lamps that hung were covered in dust and were rusting as well as all the tubes that ran through the ceilings. Everything was rusting from age and only a small amount of sunlight was able to get in from the handful of cracked windows in the place. The emptiness of the place seemed to make the inside colder than outside seeing as some of the rain drops from outside were dripping inside. Kevin breathed in and looked back toward Sam who was eyeing him curiously "What's so special about this place?"
At this Sam took a couple of steps towards Kevin "Why do you think I brought you here?" he smiled continuing to walk past Kevin.
Rolling his eye Kevin followed the other a couple of feet behind "To show me your side of things" he answered nonchalantly looking behind Sam and seeing a staircase that lead down. "I'm going to guess and say this is where you have your meetings?"
"Precisely love" he turned walking backwards "Look at how wide this room is"
Kevin stopped and looked back "…" the room really was huge, enough to fit a thousand people probably.
"My goal is to fill this room with as many members as I can" Sam came up behind Kevin "I'm already about half way there but Peach Creek is too small and it's hard to find members who are loyal, smart and headstrong."
"Why do you want so many members? You're only fucking with their lives Sam" Kevin shook his head confused.
"I'm not doing anything wrong Kevin. Yes, I have people who recruit but we give them the freedom of choice. It them who choose to join us" Sam placed an arm around his shoulders and tucked Kevin tightly to his side "I provide what they desire"
"Many of my members join for various reasons Kevin. Some join because it's a means of profit, some for protection, a sense of identity or belonging, or simply for personal status…you know because it's cool" he chuckled.
Kevin frowned remembering Eddward confessing that his reason for joining was for that sense of belonging. "I'm helping these kids, they all have story and I care about all of them because once they join my gang they are family." The smaller teen turned to look up at Sam who wore a serious face "Only when my trust has been betrayed am I not kind"
"I get the whole thing about helping them out but this isn't the way. I don't really know what your gang gets up to but I know it's bad and that isn't right" Kevin stepped away from Sam hold "Your manipulating some of these kids who don't want to be part of your gang. If you want to help them then you would have thought of something that's healthy for them instead of turning them into criminals"
"Kevin, do you honestly think all human kind is good? These kids knew what they were getting into and they wanted it. These kids are criminals at heart, they won't ever change"
"But what if they do want to change? What if they want something more in their lives? How do you think you're helping them to be normal civilians?"
"These kids are scarred; they won't function as normal civilians to begin with. I'm providing them a place to belong in a society that frowns upon them." Sam lifted up his arms gesturing at the area. "These kids come from unstable families, guardians with violent attitudes, poverty, low self-esteem, identity issues, lack of role models and the list goes on" the tall blonde shook his head "They are only good for the bad life, besides as far as I know none are complaining"
Eddward! Kevin yelled in his head with an angered expression "What are you gaining from this?"
"That's the fun part, you see freckles. I gain a lot from this" Sam laughed shrugging as he seemed to make a list in his head "Money, power, respect, I get to leave behind a legacy" he smiled raising his eyebrows in emphasis "You know, I don't think I formally introduced my family to you yet. Come with me" he lifted a finger to direct Kevin to follow as he made his way down the stairs.
Kevin stood a moment afraid to head down stairs with him and terrified of what he was going to show him but with a hold of his breath Kevin made his way down the metal stairs as well. For a moment what he walked into was total darkness until he felt a hand wrap around his waist and pull him around a corner. Kevin could see a railing that looked over what seemed to be a lower level of the factory. There were various lightbulbs hanging but only four were on at the moment with what seemed to be a boxing rink in the middle. A handful of teens were hanging around at the lower level making Kevin tense up.
Sam felt this and gave Kevin a squeeze "Don't mind them love, they won't bite so long as I'm with you"
He brought them into a small office where he once again pulled out a key to open the door. Upon opening it he guided Kevin through and turned to close it and switching a light on. "Now, have you heard of The Great Whites?" Sam asked a walking behind a desk and opening a cabinet with various papers inside.
"I-Isn't that the nickname for the Peach Creak high community? Because our mascot is a great white shark…"
"Indeed" Sam took out a clipping of newspaper ad handed it to Kevin. There were three gang members all with leather jackets and a blue bandana covering their nose and mouth. The title read The Great Whites Turf War Rages On with the date of 1992. "See, our gang has been passed down from leader to leader for a couple of generations. It started in Peach Creek High. However, there was a civil war in that time that split The Great Whites. The gang leader had just been murdered by the committee leader, though the position was going to be handed down to the leaders most trusted member, my uncle. This tension from both sides separated The Great Whites and a war was erupted between the two and they then began to fight for turf after turf. Eventually both sides diminished…My uncle and the committee leader ended up dead during their last battle." Sam paused, giving Kevin some time to breath as he could see the freckled teen taking all the strong information in as he intensely stared down at the picture.
"My brother was the one to restart the gang. There were a small number of members but it was enough. Then he passed it down to me when I was a freshman in Lemon Brook, which is why most members are over there." Sam took a breath taking a seat in the leather chair "I've been trying to expand ever since here in Peach Creek"
Kevin put down the newspaper clipping on the desk and looked up at those dark eyes. With a shake of his head he spoke in a quiet voice "Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because freckles, you keep telling me to stop what I am doing but this isn't so simple. I have a structure in the making in this town and an underground society running. And you seem to be in possession of something that is mine" Sam smiled "I need it to move forward"
"I don't know what you're talking about" Kevin continued to frown.
Sam cracked a smirk so wide Kevin was able to see his teeth clearly reminding him of a dangerous shark "Don't play dumb love, I have eyes all over this town I know you've been running around with my most precious price."
"What?" Kevin raised his voice slightly at this
"Look, in all honesty, I don't give a damn about your relationship with Eddward, what I care about is that you've been stuffing nonsense in his head. He isn't in his right mind; I need him back to the way he used to be. So, either you stay away from him or just shut it and let him do what he does best."
"Eddward isn't something you can manipulate to fit your needs, he isn't some price, he's a human being for fucks sake!" Kevin yelled out angered at the way the tall teen was describing him. "I'm trying to help him!"
"NO you aren't!" Sam stood from the chair "You don't know Eddward Vincent! You don't know his story, you don't know the reason he joined me! You don't know anything about him!"
Kevin folded his freckled hands into fists "I know enough to know he's been hurting! I know enough to know that he wants to change and that he isn't happy being in this gang"
Sam laughed out "Do you even know what he does for me? What he has done to get the car he has? To get the money to pay all big expenses? Sure, his bastard father grants him a yearly allowance but that's barely enough to actually live off from." The blonde walked around the desk to where a wide window was and looked out to the rink on the lower level. "He has been my most loyal member thus far, dear Kevin. In all honesty, I don't think he really wants out."
"Then why are you black mailing him! What's the reason he's so afraid!" Kevin shouted out completely enraged.
With a raised eyebrow Sam turned around "That's something I cannot say." Sam leaned off the window and headed back around the desk to pull out a sheet of paper. "Now, I suggest you start heading back to school unfortunately I have some business to attend to here" he began writing a note "Hand this in the office and you should be all cleared" he stretched his hand out for Kevin to take the note but as Kevin was about to grab it he pulled back "I highly suggest you step away from this Kevin. Things could get awfully messy"
With glare Kevin reached again to grab the note and take it from the other's hand "I don't think I can" he turned to walk out the door.
"One more thing" the other called out "Tomorrow after school head on over to the west park. Maybe you're the type that needs to see it to believe it" Sam smiled
With that Kevin was out of the small office and quickly made his way up the stairs only turning to quickly glance down at the rink. The scene gave him bad vibes, he knew the gang must get up to some terrible things down there, but he could only imagine.
The rest of the way he walked in anger as he felt the cool water pour over his skin. He didn't pull his hood over feeling the need to have the water sooth the anger. Kevin couldn't stop thinking about everything Sam had told him. The way he talked about Eddward enraged him the most, like he was some toy or obedient dog. All Kevin had gotten out of this was that Sam was absolutely insane.
Heading over to his house, Kevin couldn't help but feel unease as Sam voice kept yelling about how Kevin didn't know Eddward at all. That small part of the conversation kept replaying in his head making him feel uneasy. Kevin had liked to think that he knew Eddward at this point, he knew enough about his past to know it why he had become the bad guy. However, there were gaps in his story that Kevin didn't know yet knew they were topics that brought painful memories for the other.
Once he had reached home, Kevin had taken out his motorcycle and mounted it deciding not to walk the rest of the way to school. It hurt to know Eddward had done things while in the gang and probably continued to do, though Kevin had thought he had stopped. His only question now was to figure out what Sam was blackmailing Eddward with. It seemed to be everyone around him knew except him and that only frustrated him further. Why would Sam blackmail Eddward with something that people already knew… in fact just how many knew? He wondered if all those in the gang had an idea of what it was or if it was only those closest to Eddward. If Ed knew then why hadn't he done anything until now to help?
Through his ride to school Kevin kept thinking about a lot of things. It was weird to think that throughout this quiet town there were so many things happening in the shadows. As he passed by through the rainy streets of Peach Creek he noticed small things like the graffiti shark painted throughout some areas and how some teen he had never noticed before hanged around wearing leather jackets, clearly the uniform of the gang members. He had been so naïve to think this whole gang thing was something so small. This was dangerous and he feared to know what Eddward had done as a loyal member. He feared to know what he was currently doing, though most of all he feared to know what he was going to witness tomorrow in the park.
He parked in the front of the school and quickly headed inside. He stopped by his locker to pull off his soaked jacket and headed to the office to give the note Sam had given him. Once he had been given the okay he looked at the time and realized he had arrived in the middle of his fourth period class. The class he had with Eddward who was surely angry beyond belief at the fact he wouldn't answer the many texts and calls.
With a sigh he made his way to their history class praying that Eddward wasn't as angry as he imagined him to be. However, upon opening the door Kevin knew he was in trouble. He didn't really need to look at the other to know he was glaring at him. So he stayed quiet and didn't dare to look at him as he quickly took his usual seat next to the raven haired teen.
…
Once the bell had rung Kevin stayed silent in his seat waiting for everyone in the room to leave. He felt the impatience radiate off the other as he sighed heavily waiting as well. When the teacher finally stepped out Kevin yelp out feeling a hand turn him to face the swimmer. "What the hell where you thinking leaving school with SAM!" Eddward barked out.
For a moment Kevin was left speechless as he stared at the other's angered blue eyes. He would be lying if he said it didn't make him a bit afraid feeling the strong grip on his arm and staring at Eddward's intense gaze. "H-He pulled me out of school!"
With huff Eddward stood up "Ed said he saw you willingly jump on Sam's bike! Why!"
Kevin breathed in "Eddward, nothing happened ok? I went because I'm tired of not knowing anything, I went because I had to ok"
"No you didn't have to Kevin! You should have walked away, you shouldn't have listened to him." Eddward began pacing "Where did he even take you? I was out looking for you all over town!"
At this Kevin felt his chest ache in guilt "The abandoned factory on the east side"
The swimmer paused with a confused expression turned to stare down at Kevin "Why? Why did he take you there, what did he say" he leaned in.
"I-I don't really know Eddward…" Kevin sighed looking away unsure to bring up the last conversation.
"Yes you do, I can tell when you're lying" Eddward had finally seemed to calm down some and kneeled down to Kevin level "What did he say to you"
With a frown Kevin leaned in closer to the other "He knows I've been hanging out with you. He thinks I'm, in short, a 'bad' influence on you but…" he looked to the door for a moment "I don't think he knows about what you and Ed are doing so we're ok" he whispered.
"He knows…" Eddward repeated with wide eyes "But we've been careful not to associate with one another"
"Its fine, he said he doesn't care so long as you get back to the way you used to be…" Kevin pouted.
"It's not fine Kevin" Eddward stated with seriousness in his eyes "If I don't play his game he could very well threaten you"
"Let him, I'm not scared" Kevin frowned keeping his eyes steady
"Kevin, you need to understand this is a dangerous field, you can't waltz in and go up against Sam like that!" Eddward stood up again "You can just go running off on your own and not even answer your phone, or ignore me completely simply because you want to play hero!"
"I'm NOT playing anything! I want to help you in some way! I can't just stay quiet and watch you struggle!" Kevin stood up.
"This isn't your problem to fix Kevin! You can't save everyone around you! We've been through this!" Eddward yelled out tiredly "This is mine to mend"
Kevin slouched "I can't see you go through this alone"
With a sigh Eddward placed a hand on Kevin's cheek "I'm not, I have Ed helping me." Eddward leaned closer cupping Kevin's face "And you'll help me a lot more by staying back where I know you're safe. I've told you time and time again"
"I think it's too late for that Eddward" Kevin bit his lip unable to tear away from those ocean eyes. "At this point I think I can help get information out of Sam somehow, just tell me what you need and I'll do it"
"Kevin"
"Listen he wants me against you, so you simply pretend to be your old self again and while you and Ed do what you're planning to do and I'll be Sam's distraction." Kevin pulled away Eddward's hands and held them tightly "I can do it, just believe in me"
With a sigh Eddward dropped his hands "Even if I neglect your offer I know you'll just go and do your own thing so…fine" he muttered out.
With a smile Kevin pulled Eddward close to him and wrapped him in a tight hug and hid his face in the teen's leather jacket. The symbolism of it gave him chills but he ignored it nonetheless "I know you're worried but don't be ok? I know what I'm getting into"
He felt the athlete rap his arms around him too and smiled at the warmth of it. He didn't think he would ever get tired of hugging this grumpy shark. "I hope so Kevin…"
"We're ending this this year no matter what it takes" Kevin squeezed tighter turning his face to the side and closing his eyes as he felt the other hum in approval. "…Also…I'm sorry about today…" he mumbled.
Kevin felt Eddward give him a squeeze "…I was really worried" he heard Eddward whisper lowly.
"Sorry" Kevin muttered again feeling extra bad at the thought of Eddward driving around town trying to look for him. For this he hugged tighter and was grateful.
"KEVIN!" they both heard Nazz's voice boom through the classroom and immediately pushed away from each other both having a blush on their faces.
"Nazz!" Kevin called out seeing the look the girl gave them before finally running towards him.
"Where in the world were you!" she asked with worry in her expression as well.
"Sorry Nazz, wasn't feeling too great this morning" he gave her a small smile.
She gave him a confused look "How bad was it that you didn't contact any of us to let us know. You should be in bed right now" she grabbed the freckled teen "What you need is food, come on let's go eat something" she ushered him out turning to glare at the swimmer who was returning her glare right back. "hmph" she huffed out as she and Kevin made their way out of the classroom.
…
Kevin didn't know if he should have listened to Sam that day. If he should indeed follow through with going to the park, at least everything around him seemed to tell him not to. The weather had worsened the next day. The clouds had gotten darker and there were a huge down pour of rain throughout the day. That day had been a day where he barely saw Eddward, and when Kevin asked if he was free after he had looked down at Kevin with a sad smile and shook his head then told him to go home right after and that he would call later.
He hadn't meant to actually go to the park but something about his conversation with Sam the previous day had put him in a trance. And as he said his goodbye to Ed and Nazz for the day he walked to the west park.
The rain was heavy and cold as Kevin approached the park. There were a numerous of teen playing in the field through the rain some waiting for something. Kevin was far away enough not to get noticed by any of them but the rain blurred his glasses making their faces unreadable to him. He stood behind a tree waiting for whatever it was Sam had wanted him to see just watching the teens mess around.
It wasn't until about twenty minutes later when he saw three figures walking in the direction of the field. As they approached he cleaned his glasses and squinted to get a better view and froze as he saw the three familiar silhouettes. Johnny, Jimmy and Eddward.
Kevin knew what he was about to witness, he knew he shouldn't be watching and he knew that the Eddward that stood on the field was not actually Eddward. But he was compelled by some force to stay behind the tree and watched as both groups erupted into a fist fight.
Eddward was a monster on the field… he had seen some fights but hardly ever as intense as this one. The Swimmer could take on two or three of the teens at the same time and as Eddward made his way through the group he reached a teen who seemed to be the leader of them and launched himself forward grabbing the dark skinned teen and harshly shoving him on the ground lifting a fist and landing it on the teen's face. One time, then two, three, four…seven…ten…
Every punch landed was seen in slow motion. Kevin could see the rain dripping down Eddward's face, the bloodied nose and stands of hair falling out of his beanie. By the time Eddward had finally saw fit to leave the teen alone it seemed as if he had killed the other, but Kevin just knew he hadn't. He wouldn't have.
Some of the other members came to their leaders rescue as Eddward stood up and pulled something out of the boy's hoodie then left the field with the J's who were yelling something to the others.
Kevin stayed hunched behind the tree in a daze. The intense face of the raven haired teen reminded him of the various times he had seen that expression at school… the cold blooded tormenter he had come to know. In that scene, Eddward had shown no hesitation in attacking the other, but Kevin knew that couldn't be his Eddward. He wasn't like that…he wasn't that monster. Kevin had seen Eddward suppress it and this was just pretend…
But if it was pretend why had it looked so real…feel so real.
There had been blood on his knuckles…
Kevin stood up and ran. Ran as fast as he could trying to quiet his doubtful thoughts, the thoughts that were afraid. He needed to tune them out, he needed to be unafraid. So he ran.
...
I just finished writing this today cause i've barely had time to write this weekend haha (Excuse the terrible errors on this)
Chapter 45 will be out tomorrow night most likely! Sorry about the lateness :(
Please leave a review, I enjoy reading them very much and helps me stay motivated! :3
Let me know if you have any thoughts, predictions, and any feels!
Look forward to the next time I update! and let's see what happens next.
I hope you have a lovely Day/Night XOXO