Welcome Home and Happy Birthday!
Edd vibrated with excitement next to Kevin in the second row of seats in the Barr's minivan. He hadn't slept at all the previous night. Edd wanted the house perfect for his parents, so, with Kevin's help, he cleaned the house from top to bottom instead of each hanging out with their friends as they normally did on Friday nights. As the house was normally perfectly neat and clean, it didn't take much time in the grand scheme of things, but one of the things they did do was remove traces of Kevin living there. They took toothbrush, clothes, and various other toiletry items back to Kevin's on Saturday morning. While Edd's parents knew Kevin had a key and spent many nights there, Edd felt a little strange leaving the evidence of it.
Sylvie had made a sign, with the words "WELCOME HOME!" and decorated with a bunch of cute drawings. It was tucked between Kevin and Edd. Kevin was grateful that the Chicago traffic going into O'Hare wasn't too bad this Saturday afternoon because he knew any delay would cause Edd to go into a panic. He wanted nothing to wipe the excited and happy expression off his boyfriends face.
Edd couldn't believe this day was here. He hadn't seen his parents in two years, other than on FaceTime and the two weeks he spent with them in France before his senior year started. He was so happy to have them home. He wanted them to get to know Kevin in person, as well as Pete and Sylvie. While their parents kept in contact through email and social media, Edd was hoping their initial online friendship would develop into a friendship here. Something it should have been from the beginning, if the Vincents hadn't been so busy at the hospital. They had told Edd one of the things they learned from their volunteer work was that they needed to slow down and make time for themselves, their family, and their friends, which included strengthening friendships among the neighborhood.
The traffic picked up a bit as they neared O'Hare, but it wasn't anything that would hinder them getting into the busy airport. They had left plenty of time - it was only three and the Vincent's plane was due at four-fifteen. Pete quickly found a parking place that was not too far from the international arrivals gate and they all piled out of the van, Sylvie lugging along her homemade sign.
Kevin held his hand and Sylvie put her free arm around Edd from the other side. "I'm so excited, Edd!" she sang to him, giving a little squeeze. He felt so loved, and he loved Pete and Sylvie as well. They treated him like another son, something for which he was grateful. It meant everything that his boyfriend's parents liked him.
They dodged other airport patrons, heading to their own destinations; some hurried, some in the midst of loved ones. In just an hour, Edd knew he'd be one of those happy people sandwiched between his own parents. Kevin gave his hand a squeeze and they soon found themselves at the doors from the customs area, where his parents would exit. It was busy, but they were able to stand in a place right outside the doors and be the first people his parents saw once they came through.
The wait now, however, was interminable. It was nearly an hour until his parents arrived. Edd kept pacing back and forth, glancing often at the arrivals board where the flight from Paris read "On Time". Kevin kept stopping him for a few minutes to nuzzle or kiss him - anything to calm his nerves, though Kevin knew there was nothing for it. Edd was too excited.
The little squeal Edd let out when the arrivals board changed the status to "At Gate" was beautiful, and Kevin and his parents laughed. Kevin did cling tightly to Edd's hands to keep the boy in place. He was almost afraid Edd would storm the gate and he thought it best Edd wasn't arrested on the day his parents arrived from overseas.
"I know it shall still be a long wait. Customs usually takes quite awhile," Edd said in a stressed voice, though his eyes shone. "Especially as my parents have been gone for so long. I am sure there are many questions for them. Still, is it not nice to know they are here?"
"It's awesome, Dee! I'm so excited for you!"
It was nearly another hour of waiting. According to the arrivals board, there were quite a few international flights arriving this afternoon and Pete surmised that the customs lines were probably long. Edd strained against Kevin's hand every time anyone came through the door from the customs area, sagging a little each time it wasn't his parents. "They'll be here, Dee," he whispered into Edd's ear.
"I know, Kevin. I am just..." and he stopped, his mouth dropping open.
Kevin looked toward the exit from customs and there they were, Edd's father wearily pushing a cart loaded with their bags. Sylvie hastily held up her sign and Edd yanked his hand from Kevin's and ran toward them. The Vincents spotted their son and Rachel braced herself for impact. Edd crashed into her. Oh, it was so nice to be in her arms again. She held him just as tightly as he held her.
"Oh, my sweet Eddward," she cooed to him in her lovely voice, which sounded so much better in person than on the computer. Edd, for his part, hid his face in her neck and sobbed.
Edd felt another pair of arms around him, the much-missed feel of his father's more reserved hugs. Rachel was, by now, crying as well. She would not let Edd go and held on to him, cradling the back of his head against her as he cried. "We are home, sweetheart. We are home."
Kevin watched the reunion with tears in his eyes. Happy ones for his Edd. He knew how much Edd wanted his parents home, and now that they were, Kevin was sure his own heart would burst for the happiness he had in him. A quick glance at his parents showed that they were also moved. His mom letting one side of the sign sag as she let go to wipe at her eyes. Pete's eyes were also suspiciously wet and he coughed a little uncomfortably as he caught Kevin's glance.
The Vincents stood for a long time in a three-way hug. It looked like all of them were reluctant to let go. Edd was primarily in his mother's arms, but Stephen had his around the both of them. The couple murmured to Edd their happiness that they were home with him. Kevin watched other travelers come through the gates, dodging around the trio with amused and sympathetic looks.
They finally parted a little. Rachel pulled back enough to cradle Edd's face in her hands, looking at him hungrily and wiping her thumbs against his cheeks. "Oh, my sweetheart. You have grown since we saw you. You look so much more mature."
"I miss our little boy," Stephen said with a soft smile, "but adulthood looks good on you."
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother. I must say, you both look good in spite of having worked hard for so long."
His mother laughed, her eyes still fixed on Edd's face. "I think we look tired and worn down from traveling. It has been a long week and even a brief stop in Paris did little to recharge us."
"You look as beautiful as ever, Mother," Edd contradicted her.
"I cannot believe you are taller than me, now, Eddward," she said. "You are as tall as your father now."
Edd laughed, fresh tears starting in his eyes. "It does not feel as if I have grown any, Mother, but I am glad you think so. Maybe I shall catch up to Kevin some day. He is much taller than me."
As if Kevin's name reminded her, Rachel looked over at the Barrs. Sylvie held her sign up higher and Kevin and Pete waved. "They came to greet us?" she asked, smiling. She let go of Edd's face, and he turned to face them as well. With Edd between them and each with an arm around the boy, they smiled as the Barrs approached.
"This is such a pleasant surprise," Stephen said in his polite way. Edd, of course, knew his father well enough to know the older man was touched at this show of friendship.
"We're all family now," Sylvie said, trying to give Rachel a hug, hampered by Rachel's hold on Edd and on Sylvie's sign still in one hand.
Rachel, however, was laughing. "A lovely sign, too! I was not expecting to be welcomed so warmly home!"
"It's so good to finally have you here," Sylvie said.
Pete had asked Stephen about the flight and Sylvie chatted to Rachel, whose arm was still around Edd's shoulders, about their brief time in Paris as they all started to move towards the exit to the parking lot. Kevin pushed the trolley of luggage – less luggage than he expected from a trip lasting two years.
Kevin and Pete loaded the six bags in the back of the van; Stephen sat in the front with Pete and Rachel sat in the second row with Sylvie, though Edd had scooched forward in the third row seat to hold Rachel's hand as Pete navigated their way home. Rachel talked about the customs nightmare – the agents were kind, but had so many questions for the exhausted couple.
Kevin listened to the lovely voice. It was so much more vibrant in person, even with the thread of exhaustion. The way her eyes lit up and sparkled every time she glanced at Edd was heart-warming to see – and she glanced often at Edd, who couldn't take his eyes off his mother. It melted Kevin in the best way to see how happy his Edd was. He settled back in his seat to enjoy the long ride home, his eyes on the beautiful sight of his boyfriend.
"You have kept the house beautifully, Eddward," Rachel remarked as she dropped her bag on the floor next to the front door. "However," she added, her arm snaking around Edd's shoulders once again, "it was not unexpected."
"I tried my best, Mother," Edd said.
Kevin and his father edged into the door after Rachel and Edd moved further into the room. They insisted on bringing in the luggage for the Vincents, assuring them it was alright and that the pair should rest as much as possible. "Where can I drop these?" Pete asked.
"Oh, the master bedroom is fine," Stephen answered. "Please, let me help."
"Nope!" Pete said, cheerfully. "Won't take us more than a few minutes to haul it all in. Will it, Kev?"
Kevin shook his head. "I know where their room is," he said, then cleared his throat as Edd's eyes found his. They hadn't exactly yet alluded to the fact that Kevin practically had lived there the past handful of weeks.
"We cannot thank you enough," Rachel said as Edd led her to the sofa. She sank wearily onto the cushions with a sigh. "I fear it will take me a lifetime to unpack everything, though we did not bring home much luggage."
"I will help you, Mother. Do not worry," Edd assured her. "May I get you and Father something to drink?" he asked.
Kevin and his dad shuffled past, each carrying a suitcase and a bag. As there were so few bags, it only took them two trips to get it all up to their bedroom. Sylvie chatted with Rachel, while Edd listened avidly to his father while they did. Soon they were all gathered in the living room.
Sylvie had made dinner and brought it over earlier, so she mentioned it again, then said that her, Pete, and Kevin would leave them alone to rest and spend time with Edd.
Of course, the Vincents politely objected, but Sylvie insisted and Edd could see his mother was relieved. While she was happy to solidify the friendship with her neighbor, Edd knew she was exhausted and that both of his parents needed a good shower, a good meal, and an even better sleep.
However, Rachel did look at Edd with a confused expression. "Surely, Kevin shall stay, will he not?" She turned her gaze to Kevin, who suddenly looked self-conscious. "I thought he spent most of his nights here."
Kevin coughed, a choked sort of sound. "Well, yes, Mother," Edd answered slowly. "We just thought perhaps you would not approve of his staying here once you were home."
"That is a silly thing to think, Eddward," she said, her tired smile brightening her eyes.
Edd felt tense as he lay stiff in Kevin's arms. It was strange with the knowledge that his parents were down the hall in their room, getting much-needed sleep. While Edd knew they did not object to Kevin living there – they had approved Edd's request to give Kevin a house key – it was still a bit of a surprise they allowed it once they were home. It wasn't exactly awkward after Pete and Sylvie left – Kevin shared dinner with Edd and his parents and it was fine. Rachel and Stephen were more than welcoming and friendly to Kevin, though Edd wasn't surprised. His parents, though necessarily distant when he was growing up, were always kind to his friends.
Considering Kevin was his boyfriend, that they treated him as family wasn't out of the ordinary. However, Edd watched his parents with a curious expression. They were…different. He couldn't quite decide if it was because they were two tired-out people or if they had changed. It wasn't anything he noticed on their weekly calls, but here in their own home, they almost seemed like different people.
He couldn't bring himself to respond to Kevin's earlier attempts at starting something. Edd was grateful Kevin respected him as much as he did, because he was a good sport about it, murmuring reassurances to Edd that he wasn't upset if Edd didn't want to have sex.
How could he? He couldn't do it at Kevin's when they slept over there. The most they'd done there was oral in the basement media room. They once had sex on Kevin's bed when Pete and Sylvie were out for the night. But knowing Pete and Sylvie might hear them put a damper on Edd's libido that nothing could overcome.
Now it was his parents within earshot, and neither he nor Kevin were quiet.
He wanted to get over it. It would be a long summer if he and Kevin never had the opportunity to make love to each other. Surely, Edd's parents were realistic people who had no objections to their son's sex life, would talk candidly to Edd about it during FaceTime calls, and never indicated they thought poorly of Edd or Kevin because they were sexually active teens. Though Rachel and Stephen were private people, Edd knew they had an active sex life as well. It wasn't as if Edd never heard them during the night.
It was with a sharp flash of realization that Edd thought about living in the dorms. Not only would they have possible roommates, but weren't dorm halls notoriously thin-walled? Everyone would hear them at school. Oh, dear. He couldn't wait a whole year to be with Kevin in that most intimate way, so he needed to get over his anxiety about anyone overhearing him.
Kevin nuzzled his face against the back of his neck, planting a little kiss on his nape. Edd smiled, squeezing the hand he held in front of him. "Are you happy, sweetheart?" Kevin asked, his voice muffled.
"Very. I am so happy to have my mother and father home."
"I'm so happy for you."
"You are sweet, my love."
"Because I love you. It's good to see you so happy."
"I am sorry, again, Kevin. I wish I felt more comfortable."
Kevin chuckled. "It's okay, baby. I'm not with you only for the sex. I'm just as happy laying here with you in my arms."
"I know. I love this, too."
"We knew they'd be home, so it's not like it's a surprise or anything. We'll just have to plan now instead of just doing it whenever."
"I shall miss the spontaneity."
"We can still be a little spontaneous."
They lay quiet for awhile, listening to the calming music Edd liked to play as he fell asleep. "It is strange," Edd said, his voice breaking into the quiet and stirring Kevin from his fall into sleep.
"What do you mean, baby?"
"My parents."
"What's strange? Having them home?"
"A little of that. It is an adjustment. It was as if I have just gotten used to them not being here, and now I have to get used to them here once again. However, it is not exactly what I mean."
"Oh?"
"They are different."
"How so?"
Edd wriggled a little, so Kevin loosened his koala hold to allow Edd to turn onto his back. He could see Edd's eyes shining in the light from his nightlight. "It is hard to pinpoint. Mother, certainly, is much different. She is more affectionate." He frowned and continued, "I do not mean to insinuate Mother was never affectionate with me. Or father. She is. It is simply in a different way. More showy."
Kevin nodded, propping himself up on his elbow and resting his hand on Edd's stomach. "I honestly don't remember much about your parents," he admitted. "I don't remember ever seeing them a lot."
"You would not have," Edd said. "They worked many hours as I was growing up. All hours of the day, as well. Sometimes I never saw them for days at a time. I guess that is why I felt I would be okay if they went away for two years. I had already learned to take care of myself."
"You always seemed pretty close when we talked on FaceTime," Kevin said.
"Oh, we have been. I love Mother and Father and I know they love me. That was never a doubt. I also understood they were important doctors and that meant they would be called to save a life at any time. I do not think I was ever upset about it. Lonely, sometimes, I will admit. I missed them. And," he took a deep breath as if he was admitting to something heavy, "sometimes I wished they had careers that allowed them more time with me."
Edd rested his hand atop Kevin's. "Yeah. Mom said she didn't really know your mom, because they rarely did anything with the neighbors."
"That is true. It is not because they did not want to," Edd said, glancing anxiously at Kevin, who smiled at him. "It was hard on them to commit to attend an event, then get called in for emergency surgery or something."
"Yeah, Mom said she understood."
"Mother said to me after dinner that she and Father planned to scale back their work. They regret having missed out on so much of my childhood, as well as forging friendships with their neighbors. She is happy to start with your mother."
"I'm happy about that. I know my mom likes yours. Our dad's should get along pretty good, too."
"It was a shock to me to see my mother so relaxed and…loose," Edd said, his brow furrowing. "She normally wears her hair in a bun and dresses professionally. When she came down for dinner after freshening up in leggings and a t-shirt with her hair down, I almost thought it was someone else. She looked youthful, in spite of being tired from the flights."
Kevin chuckled. "And your dad in shorts and a polo."
"Definitely a change." Edd turned fully, facing Kevin and snuggled up to him. Kevin tightened his hold. "Mother said their priorities changed at their assignment. They realized how important living life is. While they still want to help and are proud their knowledge saves lives, they do not want to miss out on their own. They shall approach their former place of employment about returning in a more consultant role."
"I'm glad, Dee."
"Whether that happens or not, Mother said they will not return to work until we leave for Maryland. They want to spend as much time as possible with me. With us."
"As long as I get a few hours here and there to love on you, that sounds pretty perfect."
Edd laughed. "I shall insist on it, Kevin. Do not you worry."
When Kevin awoke the next morning, it was to an empty bed. He wasn't exactly surprised. He knew Edd had hardly slept all night. Every time Kevin woke, Edd was wide awake, a bundle of nervous energy in Kevin's arms. Kevin would smile sleepily, kiss the nearest patch of skin to his lips, then snuggle closer as he fell back to sleep.
Kevin sat up, stretching his arms over his head in a deep pull that woke up his muscles. He gave in to a yawn as he scratched a hand across his abdomen, wondering if he should take a shower before heading downstairs. He reached over to the nightstand to unplug his phone from the charger. It was just past eight and he noticed Edd's music was turned off and the house was silent. Edd's parents must still be asleep.
The bathroom was empty when he stepped into it, smiling when he saw that Edd had hung a neatly folded, clean towel on the towel rack for him. Kevin decided to take a quick shower so the Vincents wouldn't think he was lazy or a slob. He knew they liked him, but he didn't want anything to spoil their impression of him.
The shower felt good and he quickly changed into a t-shirt and shorts before he headed down to find Edd. The room behind the closed door at the end of the hall was quiet, and Kevin assumed as he tiptoed down the stairs that Rachel and Stephen were likely exhausted from their trip. They had looked worn out the day before.
When he entered the kitchen, he found Edd stirring something in the big, ceramic mixing bowl in which he usually made pancakes. Pans sat waiting on the stove, though nothing was cooking yet. The kitchen shone in the morning light, the rising sun glinting off metal surfaces. A smell of cinnamon hung in the air and Kevin noticed a batch of muffins cooling on the breakfast counter.
"Morning, Dee."
"Oh! Kevin!" Edd exclaimed, turning around with the bowl still in his arms. "You startled me! Good morning!"
The excited shine from yesterday still sparkled in Edd's eyes. Kevin kissed him, smiling at the hum from his boyfriend. "Did you sleep at all, sweetheart?"
"A few minutes!" Edd's voice sounded cheerful as he turned back to his task. "Here and there. I was too happy."
"But you didn't sleep the night before."
"I cannot sleep when I am excited," Edd said, setting the bowl on the counter. "I certainly did not sleep the night after you confessed to me."
"Me either," Kevin admitted, snaking his arms around Edd's waist and tucking himself against Edd's back. Mmm, this felt good. "What are you making? Pancakes?"
"Mhm. Blueberry ones, unless you want plain?"
"Blueberry sounds perfect. Can I help with anything?"
"No. I have everything ready to go. I shall start cooking when I hear mother and father are awake." Kevin heard a little sniff after a moment. "It feels so good to say that."
Kevin gave him a little squeeze. "It feels good to hear it."
Edd wriggled his body and turned, draping his arms over Kevin's shoulders, smiling up at him. Unable to resist the smile, Kevin bent down for a kiss, parting Edd's lips with his tongue. Edd was more compliant and willing this morning than he had been the night before and Kevin wasn't about to let this opportunity pass by them. He deepened the kiss, surprised that Edd was allowing it in the kitchen and, in a small part of his brain, he wondered just how far Edd would let him go. Edd had been tense and hadn't wanted to mess around last night within his parents' hearing, but downstairs with the parents still asleep?
To test, Kevin dropped his hands to the counter to prop himself so he could press up against Edd, who in turn tightened his grip around Kevin's neck, pulling Kevin closer. Kevin pressed kisses along Edd's jaw and lingered a few minutes on his neck, breathing in the spicy and fresh-washed odor that was Edd's post-shower scent.
With another little hum, Edd slid his hands back and along Kevin's arms. "Not here," he whispered.
Kevin pulled back so he could look at Edd. Did he hear Edd right? "Not here?" he repeated dumbly.
Edd nodded, pursing his lips and looking to the side. "Not here. And not penetration." Kevin gulped at the blunt statement. "I would, however, like to orally pleasure you." He turned his gaze back to Kevin, who blinked a few times at the shade of lust in Edd's eyes. "The laundry room."
Without another word, Edd slipped from the cage of Kevin's arms, grabbed his wrist, and proceeded to drag him across the kitchen. Kevin followed, his brain stuttering at this unexpected morning surprise.
Kevin placed a bowl of scrambled eggs on the kitchen table in front of Rachel, who gave him a bright smile, murmuring a 'thank you' in her lovely voice. Knowing what he'd been doing to her son an hour before caused a blush to crawl up his cheeks.
"My pleasure," he responded.
The look in her eyes shifted to something Kevin would almost call naughty. "I am sure it was."
Both of the Vincent parents looked more rested this morning. Kevin slid into his seat opposite Edd, who was placing a napkin on his lap, but switching his gaze between his parents. He couldn't take his eyes off them as if he couldn't believe they were there.
"This is such a nice treat, Eddward," Rachel said, looking over the spread Edd and Kevin had prepared. "And, Kevin," she added. "I feel a little like a pampered queen this morning."
"You deserve it, Mother," Edd chirped. "You, too, Father. You have both worked so hard the past couple of years." Edd passed the plate of sausage to his father. "All of your life, really. I am so happy you are here to treat like a queen."
Rachel beamed at him, reaching over to squeeze Edd's hand. Kevin smiled himself, happy to be included in Edd's family reunion. To be fair, he was still glowing from the hot blowjob in the laundry room – giving and receiving – but it was nice to be with Edd when he was so happy.
They chatted about light subjects while they ate, mostly about school and the plans for the end of their high school life. Edd rattled off the plans for Kevin's birthday the next weekend and for prom in a few weeks. Rachel mentioned she must talk with Sylvie about the plans for the graduation party, and Kevin answered Stephen's questions about the baseball finals coming up in two weeks. Edd modestly blushed over his mother's mention of the Valedictorian speech, which Kevin said was brilliant, but Edd wanted his parents to hear it the first time at graduation. He'd only handed it in that week.
"It shall be a busy few months," Rachel said, placing her mug of coffee back on the table. "And it shall be so lonely when you leave for Maryland."
Edd looked down, then at Kevin. "Perhaps I should have chosen someplace closer."
"Oh, sweetheart, no," Rachel said, patting his hand. "I am excited that you get to have such a wonderful opportunity. You have spoken many times about how much you liked the school. It will be a good experience for you. You as well, Kevin," she added, turning her gaze on him.
"Maryland is a beautiful state," Stephen stated. "Have you been there, Kevin?"
"I haven't. Edd's told me about it, though. I know their baseball team is considered really good," he said. "The coach is supposed to be nice, too, so I'm looking forward to playing for him."
"We hope to have time with reducing our work schedules for visits," Stephen said, smiling at Kevin. "Make sure you let us know your game schedule. I know we shall see you play at the finals soon, but it shall be equally pleasing to watch you at a college game."
Kevin was surprised, in a good way, that Edd's parents seemed to accept him as part of their family. Should it be a surprise? He knew his parents thought of Edd as their son, almost from the start of their relationship. But to think the Vincents did after meeting him the day before? Except, he supposed the Vincents 'met' him on Christmas Day, when Edd came out to them over the video call. So, they must have been thinking of him that way all this time. Though, to be fair, they'd known him almost his entire life.
"Of course!"
"So, Eddward, your father and I had a discussion on the plane about this summer," Rachel was saying.
"Oh, Mother?"
"Yes. We thought a family vacation might be a nice reward for excelling at school," she replied, daintily wiping at her mouth with her napkin. "We thought somewhere in Europe would do. Your father," and here she smiled at Stephen, "suggested Japan as well, since we know you are a fan of anime. The choice is up to you." Noticing Edd's glance at Kevin, she added, "Kevin shall be our guest, of course. We would not think to separate you two."
"Mother," Edd said, objection in his tone, "you only just got home."
"And we shall be here for a good while, Eddward, after you leave for college."
"Still," Edd said, hesitant. "I want you and Father to rest. We will be just as happy to be here with you. Perhaps we can explore this area? The lake is so nice and there are lovely places in Wisconsin. Chicago is nearby. Let us vacation here, and enjoy each other's company in our beautiful area. There is time to explore other countries later."
"Are you sure, my love?"
Edd nodded, the movement copied by Kevin. He couldn't imagine the Vincents paying to bring him along to Europe or Japan. Besides, he thought he felt the same as Edd – that this summer could possibly be the last summer their entire friend group would be together. Everyone was scattering to different colleges in August and who knew if they could all get together in one spot again? Life always had unexpected changes in store. He knew both he and Edd wanted to spend a lot of time with their friends, as much as Edd wanted to spend time with his parents.
"Yes, Mother. I prefer to stay at home this summer." He looked at Kevin, who murmured agreement.
Rachel's warm smile brightened the already shiny kitchen. "I think that is an excellent idea, Eddward." She looked at Stephen. "Perhaps next summer we can plan something."
The remainder of the day was quiet. Rachel and Stephen rested, with a quick nap for the afternoon. Edd, with a surplus of energy, started sorting through his parents clothing for the laundry. Kevin helped him since they had done the normal Sunday chores on Friday and he had little else to do. It was a cloudy day, but there was no rain predicted, so Kevin took advantage of the Vincent's naptime by washing his bike.
The Barrs returned in the late afternoon, carrying dinner with them. Sylvie, smiling warmly at her friend, said that she figured none of them wanted to cook. Sylvie and Pete didn't stay long – long enough to share dinner out on the back deck as the early evening was so pleasant. The Vincents retired soon after the Barrs left, leaving Kevin and Edd to clean up, finish homework, and get themselves to bed.
Edd took Monday off from school. With his parents home, Edd wanted to spend time with them, as well as bring them up to date on the financial things he'd been taking care of while they were gone. Kevin suggested taking the day off as well, but Edd assured him that he and his parents would be engaging in details which would probably bore Kevin to tears.
"I am basically going over expenses and budget with them," Edd explained that morning. "Not that I did not keep them informed, or that my parents did not keep up with things while serving in Europe, but I would like them to check everything."
Kevin understood, of course. The finances of the Vincents wasn't his concern, but it was odd to be at school that day without Edd. As far as Kevin knew, Edd never missed school. Now that they were out and Edd was more comfortable with PDA at school, Kevin had gotten used to 'recharging' his mood with a little kiss or handhold during the day. To not have those shifted his mood to surly, which he was able to work off at practice.
The rest of the week was low key. Kevin and Edd settled easily into life with Rachel and Stephen now in the house. It wasn't too major a difference. The biggest difference was intimacy with Edd was severely curtailed. Edd was hesitant to do anything in the bedroom at night, and his parents didn't leave the house much during the week. It wasn't until Wednesday that Edd was able to have sex, though he looked nervous the whole time and blushed brightly every time he made a noise loud enough for his parents to hear.
It didn't help when Rachel gave both of them knowing looks the following morning at breakfast, which she made for them before they went to school.
Kevin had games on Tuesday and Thursday, both of which Edd's parents attended, rooting for Peach Creek alongside his parents. It was an embarrassingly pleasant feeling to note how his personal cheering section had grown, especially the way Edd yelled and jumped in excitement whenever Kevin scored or got another player out.
The team was in the first round of playoffs and neither game that week put too much stress on the young men. Not that the teams they played weren't good, but Peach Creek was that much better.
Kevin's birthday was on Friday and, since the second Guardians of the Galaxy came out that day, Kevin and Edd, along with their entire friend group, went to see it together after school. Though their friends pressed them to head to the diner to celebrate Kevin's day and to discuss how much they loved the movie, both boys had to decine. They would see them the next day at the party Edd planned anyway, and they promised a thorough debate. Instead, they dined out with both of their parents at their local Mexican restaurant, Monterrey, where Sylvie embarrassed Kevin by informing the server it was his birthday. The entire staff came to the table with a piece of Tres Leches Cake and sang happy birthday to him in Spanish.
It had been a long day, and by the time they arrived home, they had enough energy to clean themselves up, change, and crawl into bed for a few snuggles and birthday kisses before drifting off to sleep, Edd murmuring "I love yous" and "Happy birthday, my sweet Kevin" into his ear.
"You do not think this is too ridiculous, do you?" Edd asked, turning his head to look anxiously at his two closest friends.
"Of course not," Eddy said with a shrug.
"Is it too childish?"
The trio looked over the back deck of Edd's house, each rotating their heads back and forth taking in the decorations. Edd stood nervously clutching his hands as he took it in. To be honest, it looked perfect. He just worried it would appear too juvenile.
"Nah. Kev'll love it," Eddy decided.
"It's his favorite character, Double D," Ed chimed in.
"Truly. However, Kevin is eighteen as of yesterday. Decorating for his party with this," he said, gesturing in a vague way at the entire space, "may upset him."
"Captain America never upsets him."
It was true. Kevin was a huge fan of the super-hero. He was Team Cap all the way, down to the poster in his room and the Captain America-style motorcycle helmet he wore on his bike. He even talked about getting a tattoo of Cap's shield on his bicep. A desire told to Edd recently, leaving Edd wondering what he thought of that. A boyfriend with a tattoo? It made Kevin seem like a bad boy, until he realized a nerd tattoo wasn't exactly a red flag of danger.
Still, Kevin had turned eighteen the day before, and, being eighteen, he was old enough to get a tattoo without his parent's permission. Edd was sure Kevin could have gotten it years ago, because Sylvie and Pete were not averse to tattoos – they both had them. Edd believed Kevin's hesitation came from his fear of needles. Kevin wanted a tattoo badly, but was too afraid to get one. Edd supposed he could offer to hold his hand for it, but he also didn't know if he actually wanted Kevin to get one.
Looking around at their decorating efforts, Edd was afraid the choice was the wrong one. Kevin was eighteen now, and they had decorated for his party as if he were turning ten. The party supply store had a Captain America theme section and he, Eddy, and Ed had bought it out. Eddy and Ed convinced him it would be cool, and it did seem like it would be.
Until he was faced with all of it in the finished setup. Edd wouldn't have worried if the party was just going to be them, the other Eds, and Rolf and Nazz. However, Kevin's other friends had been invited and Edd wasn't sure what they would think. Or, worse, what Kevin would think.
Would the decorations embarrass Kevin? Oh, he should have asked Nazz for her opinion. Why did he listen to Eddy and Ed? He should have just left the back deck the way it normally looked. However, even without the decorations, there still was a Captain America cake from Kevin's favorite bakery. Either way, he was afraid Kevin would be angry.
He shifted to move, intent on tearing off the plastic Captain America tablecloth draped over the table, but Kevin's voice greeting his parents made him realize it was too late. He and the Eds had banished Kevin to his house, telling him he could come back at quarter to three before the party started. Curses! It was that time now and in a minute, Kevin would see what he had done.
"What is this?"
Edd froze, tensing up his shoulders. He was a master now at reading Kevin's tone but he had no idea what Kevin thought about it. He turned slowly, wringing his hands.
However, Kevin was smiling, turning his head this way and that to take in all the Captain stuff. "I-Is this okay, Kevin?" Edd asked hesitantly.
"Of course it is!" Kevin said, sounding happy. He came over and pulled Edd's hands apart to hold one of them. "Why wouldn't it be?"
"You do not think it too childish?"
"It's Captain America, Dee. You know I love him."
"Yes, I do. However, I was afraid you would be upset by the decorations."
"I'm not at all."
"Even with your friends here?"
Kevin shrugged, looking down at him with a smile. "Nah. They know I'm a Marvel nerd."
Edd felt relief, especially so when Kevin kissed him.
"Told you, Sockhead," Eddy grumped.
"Were you really that worried, my little dork?" Kevin asked.
"I was," Edd admitted.
"Well, I love it," Kevin said. He pulled Edd into his arms and lifted him up to kiss on him, getting the expected snort from Eddy.
"As our parents are here, I unfortunately could not obtain any alcoholic beverages for your friends," Edd said when his feet were back on the deck.
Kevin shrugged. "I don't really drink, and they all should know my parents are around. It's okay."
"Nazz said we could carry the party on at her house later. Her parents are out of town and she's got the party room," Eddy offered.
"We'll see. If everyone else wants to," Kevin said, his eyes sweeping the back yard.
"We do have activities," Edd spoke up. He'd placed games throughout his backyard – cool ones, according to Eddy. "I have a ladder ball set, and if your friends like to play cornhole, that is available, too!"
Eddy outright laughed, Kevin tried to hold back his own bark of laughter, and even Ed sniggered.
"I think you and Kev are the only ones that like to play cornhole," Eddy quipped.
Edd looked at Kevin with a confused expression. "I do not understand."
Kevin blushed, closing his eyes at the naiveté of his adorable, little dork. "It's another word for anal sex, Dee."
"Cornhole?" Edd gasped.
"Yeah!" Eddy howled.
"Oh dear! I had no idea!" His cheeks turned scarlet as he covered his face with his hands. "Why would they call a game that!? Goodness, it is a family game!"
"Have you seen cornhole games on TV?" Eddy asked, his grin vicious. "Their sponsor is a sausage company. And the commentary is the best!"
Kevin had and Eddy wasn't lying, but he could see Edd was embarrassed. He wrapped his arms around the blushing boy and squeezed tight. "It's okay, Dee." Then, with a whisper for Edd alone, "I like to play cornhole with you."
"Kevin!" It worked. At least, it got Edd to lower his hands, even if it was to push Kevin away. "I must see to the food!" Flustered, Edd turned and stomped back into the house.
"Ass," Kevin called Eddy, but his tone was mild and his smile belied any bite to the name.
"Yeah, but it was pretty funny."
"True."
For the first real party he'd ever thrown, Edd thought it was successful. It appeared that everyone had fun. It was not a large party – certainly not as large as his and Kevin's graduation party would be – but the people Kevin liked most had all come. Edd often paused, looking over the small crowd in the backyard, boggling that he, Eddward Vincent, was throwing a party and people actually attended. It was for Kevin, of course, but they still came. Moreover, no one seemed to think that neither Kevin nor Edd were lame for throwing it.
Kevin was teased about the decorations, but teased in the way Edd had come to know was their way of showing affection for each other. It wasn't much different, he realized, from the way he and the other Eds showed affection. Though the Eds were more prone to hugging and touching, Kevin's friends expressed it with teasing. Edd never detected meanness from anyone.
Jake, of course, was there with Carla, as was Ben and Joel with their girlfriends. Edd loved this group of friends. While they hadn't been 'out' for long, Edd did like to listen to the banter between the group. All of them got along with Nazz and Rolf, and, by extension, the Eds when they had joined the table. Lunchtime was often akin to a comedy hour to Edd, who enjoyed the madcap conversations always present.
Since they'd come out, Edd felt more comfortable being himself with this hodgepodge group. If you had told Edd a year ago that he would become part of this popular group of high school teens – not just sitting with them, but also engaging with them and be welcomed as Kevin's boyfriend, he would have thought you were insane. Yet here he was, teased about his relationship with Kevin as if he were an old friend of theirs. He felt included and felt as if he could call Jake, Joel, and Ben friends. It was such a great feeling for a boy who spent most of his life feeling like an outsider and never expecting to have friends outside of the Eds.
While Edd hoped no one would think badly of Kevin (or him) for the decorations, everyone thought they were cool and, more importantly, totally representative of Kevin. The good-natured teasing aside, everyone had a good time. His and Kevin's parents were there, but stayed away and allowed the teens to have a good time without appearing overbearing. They only joined the party when Edd brought the food out and when Edd carried Kevin's birthday cake outside and placed it in front of Kevin to lead the singing of 'Happy Birthday' to the blushing young man.
Kevin kissed Edd after blowing out the candles, whispering that he hoped he could get 'his wish' later, which, of course, made Edd so flustered Nazz had to be the one to cut the cake.
It surprised Edd that everyone stayed late, too. They had kept Nazz's offer in the back of their minds – if it seemed everyone wanted to, for lack of a better term, let off more steam. Meaning drink. No parents, plus whatever it was Nazz could do to get alcohol, led Edd to think the partygoers might prefer that to the more laid-back, parent-watched party. However, Sylvie had brought over Cards Against Humanity – and all of their expansion packs (a case of cards, actually) and they played for hours.
Edd's parents – his proper, quiet, and reserved parents –played and he couldn't decide if he should be mortified or pleased. He decided on mortified as his mother read the word 'jizz' in her beautiful voice, looking younger than she'd ever had with shining eyes and red cheeks. And why, oh why, did his father have to read out 'cum-guzzling Pac-Man'?
Pete and Sylvie went home sometime after ten, and the Vincents left the teens to their own devices, reminding Edd not to stay up too late. Kevin started a fire in the fire pit at the back of the property and everyone dragged lawn chairs over for seating. The night ended with laughing banter and s'mores around the fire, Edd snuggled up close to Kevin as he sat listening to the others.
"I do not think we should, Kevin," Edd said, sitting on the edge of his bed. Kevin was behind him, caressing his back and trying to reach under his t-shirt. It was late, but that had never stopped them. The last of the partygoers – Nazz, Rolf, and the Eds (who had stayed to help clean up) – had left around two am.
"I thought you got over having your parents hear us? They've been asleep for hours anyway."
"I have not exactly gotten over that," Edd said, looking over his shoulder at his grinning boyfriend. "It still gives me a small amount of discomfort."
"You didn't have a problem the other night," Kevin said.
"No, I did not."
"Then what's the problem tonight? It's been a few days since we've been busy."
"I am afraid it is illegal now."
Kevin's mind screeched to a halt as he stared at Edd, his hand stilled on Edd's hip. What? "I don't understand."
"As of yesterday, you are eighteen, Kevin. I am still seventeen. I am underage, therefore any sexual relations with me are forbidden."
Kevin sat up, frowning. "Are you serious?"
"Quite," Edd said. "As I do not turn eighteen until the end of next month, I must put a stop to your libido."
Kevin studied Edd, his eyes narrowed. He couldn't tell if Edd was joking or not. Usually he could. Edd had a wonderful sense of humor and often was mischievous. Kevin loved it, of course, and he could usually tell by the twinkle deep in Edd's beautiful eyes if he were kidding. He couldn't right now. The only light in Edd's room was his nightlight and Edd's face was in shadows as he looked over his shoulder at Kevin.
"You don't want to have sex with me?"
"It is not that I do not want to, Kevin," Edd said, affecting a sigh and turning his head away from him, seeming to slump in on himself. "I simply do not want you to get in trouble. I certainly do not want you to end up in jail."
"Jail?"
"That could be the consequence."
Kevin stared at the back of Edd's head. What the fuck? Not that Kevin didn't respect the law, but Edd was almost eighteen and they'd been having sex for months.
Then he noticed it. The slight trembling in Edd's shoulders. "Are you fucking with me?" he asked, unable to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
"I am not. That is the point."
Kevin wanted to laugh. That was funny, but he stayed silent. Until the trembling in Edd's shoulders increased and the boy finally burst out laughing, doubling over with his hands pressed to his stomach.
Did Edd just prank him? Kevin smiled, enjoying Edd enjoying his deception. He grabbed his boyfriend and pulled him close, getting a gasping squeak from Edd. "You little shit!" he said, trying to sound angry, which was negated by the smile on his face.
"The look on your face, Kevin!" Edd crowed, poking his finger at Kevin's cheek. "I cannot believe I did not laugh earlier!"
"Oh, you think you're so funny, don't you?" Kevin growled in a playful way.
"I do!"
Edd was lying on his back in Kevin's lap, laughing, and looked so adorable Kevin couldn't keep up the angry façade. He bent over awkwardly to kiss Edd through his giggles. "Yes, yes, you are. You're also insanely cute."
"Kevin!"
Kevin maneuvered Edd off his lap onto the bed, crawling atop him to pin him down. "I'm sorry, Dee. You're just too cute. I can't help myself," he said, lowering himself enough to nibble at Edd's neck. The boy squirmed a little under him from the ticklish sensation.
"Kevin." Only now it was breathed in an amused sigh.
"Guess I'm just gonna have to risk arrest."
"I admit that I misrepresented the law," Edd said. "Age of consent here is seventeen, not eighteen. You are safe."
Kevin propped himself on one hand, letting his other wander down Edd's body. When the boy let out a pleased hum, Kevin smiled. "Good to know," he murmured before ducking down to take Edd apart.
A/N:
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