Disclaimer – Do I really need to type this? Is it not obvious that I don't own any of the characters? I might wish I did, but sadly I never shall... unless I kidnap them... Hmmmm... -plots-

A/N – Chapter 14, a lot later than previously expected, but hey... This is a very mini chapter because it needed to be here, but I still wanted to keep it separated. Enjoy!


Closeted Secrets

Kevin watched Double D flee with a smile. This morning had gone better than even he had expected. In a way it was a pity that the fragile boy had managed to escape so soon, but since he had suddenly realised that his parents had been due to arrive home earlier than morning Kevin knew that there was no use in resisting his efforts to leave. Just from the panicked expression that had been frozen upon the boy's already pale features as he realised how late it was, Kevin knew that no matter what he tried to do, how many threats he imposed upon the boy, he would not have his full attention. No. He would wait to strike again, give Double D a chance to reflect, time for the suspense to build. Anything to make his next move, the reward for all his recent hard work, all the more intense.

He let himself drop to the sheets of his bed and stared intently at the ceiling, mentally replaying the events of that morning. He scoffed to himself as he recalled that moment, that one brief shining moment, where he had almost felt pity for the wailing boy before him, and suddenly his eyes widened, cold at the realisation that somewhere, deep down, that feeling of sympathy was still active, alive in his thoughts, no matter how badly he wanted it gone. No. He could not feel pity for either Eddy or Double D. He would not. They had caused too much damage to him in the past, not to mention the damage they had caused to the others in the cul-de-sac. Kevin tried, frantically strained to remember all of the lies, all of the tricks that the two con artists had ever played at his expense, but suddenly found himself unable to think of anything other than the mystery emotion that had ignited, that had begun to burn inside of him.

He squeezed his eyes shut, as if to close out the oncoming and unwelcome feelings and his vision plunged into darkness, an oblivion that circled him, taunted him, ebbed at his conscience and mounted fear deep into his soul. Fear that he was falling for Double D? No. He knew that no matter how much sympathy he felt of the boy, no matter how great amount of pathos, he would never feel for the taller boy in that way. Of course, he didn't mind having a bit of fun with him; after all, that's exactly what this game was all about. So why?

Eddy? No, he didn't have feelings for Eddy... They had hated each other ever since they had known each other. Their rivalry was renowned throughout the neighbourhood, even though many had noticed that the fights had cooled recently. The games he played with Eddy were purely physical, purely a test of his own strength and an extension of their rivalry, from which Kevin had clearly risen victorious. Nothing could ever make him feel love for Eddy.

Kevin's eyes suddenly flew open as he realised just what this new emotion was. Regret. Regret and jealousy. Kevin regretted not accepting the Eds when they were younger, he regretted that he had never made, experienced the bond that held the Eds together, he regretted that, despite his popularity, he let power and the opinions of others stand in the way of true friendship, and he was jealous that the Eds had that bond, that friendship, that love. Why them? They were outcasts, why did they deserve to be so happy when all they ever did was to cheat their way though life?

The answer was clear to him – they didn't deserve happiness... and so he would make sure that they never had it.

The darkness that had surrounded him taunted him no longer. Now he was the darkness. He was that oblivion that threatened to tear the three boys apart. And he would not stop until all that was left of their friendship was fear, betrayal and loathing.

He was shaken from his thoughts by the sound of the doorbell echoing though the house. Kevin hopped off the bed and made his way to the door, pulling it open to reveal Nazz leaning against the wooden frame, smiling brightly.

"Hey Kev, you ready to go?" Kevin mentally scolded himself. How could he have forgotten his date with Nazz this morning? That would mean having to leave his post at his bedroom window – such a perfect standpoint from which to watch the Ed's exact moves, just in case Eddy were to try anything clever – he knew Eddy, and if Eddy could find an easy way out of any situation then he would not hesitate in taking it. But on this occasion, it seemed to Kevin that he had everything in control. Eddy would be too shaken up to explain anything to his best friend, and Double D would hardly be in the mood to listen even if he did.

"Sure" he smiled, and leaned forward to plant a rough kiss on Nazz's lips, pulling away to lead her down the driveway, a protective arm wrapped around her waist. She was his, and he would let no one else forget it.

He so loved being in control of people.


Yes – I know – ridiculously short huh? But I just had to put this somewhere, so here it be! I'll post a more appropriate length chapter within the next two days to make up for it though – stay tuned! Oh! and as always thank you for all of the reviews I've recieved so far, I love to hear what you think.