Wow... Yeah, that's probably a good word for it, wow. It's been a long time since I've updated this. I'm amazed people are still asking for updates. Know this, those of you who have been waiting, I haven't forgotten this story at all. I've been working on this chapter for some time now, having had to take many more breaks than I care to think about due to pure, unadulterated writers block and a whole bunch of large changes in my life. This chapter was still sitting in my documents folder, unfinished until I completely scrapped the original idea for the most part and completely rewrote the chapter. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it. It feels good to get back into what I enjoy. Know that the next chapter in around a quarter finished. I won't put a date on when it should be up, but hopefully it doesn't take a year or two this time.
That all being said, please, to those who have patiently (or not so patiently) waited for this story to update, enjoy! And as always, the show Ed, Edd, and Eddy doesn't belong to me, nor do the characters presented in this story. Cartoon Network and some people way smarter and probably more wealthy than me do.
Chapter 8: Work that Ed
The early morning sun still sat just above the horizon around Peach Creek, its warm orange light making everything glow as if aflame. Even the thin clouds, hanging like tufts of golden down glowed in the slowly easing blue of the warming sky. Heavy frost created a sea of stars amongst the dead winter grass on the finely manicured lawns of the cul-de-sac. Even the trees, long since stripped of their leaves by the ravages of the seasons, glistened with frozen dew.
Ever the naturalist, Edd looked around from his spot on his porch, taking the time to appreciate the beautiful morning while sipping a glass of orange juice as he waited for his trainer to arrive. His lightly glossed lips curved into a content smile before he took in a deep breath. The chilly air smelled wonderfully of soil and foliage, far offset from the harsh fumes of the city.
To keep the cold at bay, the black haired teen opted for a simple set of black sweats and a forest green zip up jacket. They weren't cute or feminine, but if Kevin expected him to run out in this weather, Edd wasn't going to sacrifice his health just to wear something cute; even his trademark hat was back to warm his head. In fact, he looked closer to the way he dressed before the bet wearing the slightly frumpy clothing and his contacts. He wondered…
"Hey Dork, glad to see I didn't have to wake you up." Kevin called as he strolled up to the smaller teen.
Setting the empty glass aside, Edd offered a smile. "I expect to see the same effort put towards your studies later that I am now." The easy-going smile turned a bit more sinister at the mention of the math tutoring Kevin was in for later.
"Don't remind me of that Double Dee…" Kevin almost whined as he thrust his hands into his grey hoodie's front pocket. Silence passed over them for a moment as the jock examined the bookish young man still sitting. For sure, he most certainly was back to his older style of dressing. While it did make him look more boyish, the redhead found himself not quite put off like he expected. Instead, the feminine face seemed to stand out all the more in the male clothing. Maybe it was coordinated, or maybe Edd just had that skill of something looking good without trying hard. "Rockin' the older stuff huh?"
"Yes, well, it is rather chilly." Confirmed Edd as he stood up. Smirking, he looked himself over. "Has the illusion of femininity fallen from me? Do I once more resemble the hat-wearing bookworm of yore?" Raising his hands, he did a small spin, offering an easy grin.
Raising a slim brow, Kevin smirked a bit. Expectant blue eyes watched from just behind a thin curtain of black bangs. Was he daring him to say something? I mean look at that smirk! Deciding to play along with this assumed game, the larger teen shrugged a bit. "Still cute I guess. I personally prefer the skirts."
Blood rushed into pale cheeks as Edd's smirk faltered under the sudden assault of a compliment. Looking down, his hands raised to tug down the black beanie a bit. "O-Oh… Th-Thanks…" He mumbled lightly before nibbling on his lower lip.
Once more, silence washed over them. The sounds of birds chirping and beginning to wake up prompted Kevin to glance at the watch on his wrist. "Well, enough stalling Double Dork, ready to do this?"
Looking up, Edd frowned a little and sighed. "Not quite… But I will."
"That's the spirit. First, let's get some stretching done. Don't wanna hurt you on the first go, right?" Moving towards the empty driveway, Kevin waved Edd along.
"But of course…" Groaned Double Dee.
After stretching, the two set off on a steady interval of running a walking for only a short mile. More than enough distance if Edd were to be asked. Kevin joked and chatted along the way, being sure to keep the little guy going. Though… He did have to mess with him a little, right?
"C'mon, pick up the pace Double Dee, we gotta get back soon if we want to make it to school on time!" Called Kevin as he purposefully sped up a bit. Behind him, he could hear the heavier breathing of the more out of shape young man. He had to admit, Edd was putting good effort into this. He was proud of the guy!
"Kevin, I hope… This doesn't… Put a damper on… Our friendship…" Gasped Edd as he did his best to keep pace with the football player. "But I think… I'm beginning… To hate you!" He coughed lightly.
Laughing good-naturedly, Kevin slowed his pace a bit, jogging alongside Edd easily. Even in the cool of the morning, the two young men had managed to begin a light sweat. Double Dee more so than his athletic tormentor. "Aw c'mon Dork, you're doin' great! Just a little further!" It was the truth. Like some kind of mirage of an oasis in the Sahara, Edd could see his house not much further off. Its promises of a hot shower and a chair of some sort sang to him like the Sirens to Odysseus.
As they finally arrived – frost be damned – Edd collapsed into the grass, panting heavily after his slight sprint towards the house. His temples and ears pounded with his heartbeat and he could feel beads of sweat running down his body. Despite all that though, the sheer physical exertion felt good somehow. Perhaps that was just his body shutting down. He wasn't sure anymore.
Coming up behind him, Kevin chuckled, panting a bit himself. "Great job man, great job." He stood next to the pale teen that lay in the yard, eyes closed as he tried to bring his breathing back to normal.
"Thanks… Kevin…" Mumbled Edd, opening a single, deep blue eye. "Still… I may hate you."
"As long as it's just a little." Grinning, the faintly winded young man squatted down. "C'mon though, lying down in the frost isn't good, and if you don't move soon, it'll be all the harder to get up. 'Sides, I'm sure you wanna get cleaned up before heading to school, right?"
Both eyes opened, turning to focus on Kevin's slightly stubbled face. "I'm taking the day off."
"Really now?" Reaching down, the redhead assisted in pulling up Edd who whined only slightly. "And what's with this sudden idea to play hooky, huh?"
"Physical exhaustion is a perfectly legitimate reason to not go into school. Falling asleep in class or burdening the nurse with having to take care of me can all be avoided just by resting at home." Explained the long haired boy with a huff.
Raising his hands in surrender, Kevin grinned. "Fine fine, I ain't gonna say anything."
Watching his friend for a moment, Edd nodded a bit. "Good… Now if you'll excuse me, I need to shower. I feel disgusting."
" 'Course," Kevin chuckled a bit. Watching the retreating back a moment, giving gave chase towards the house with an easy stride. "Actually, I got an idea Dork."
Opening the door to his home, Edd glanced over his shoulder before proceeding inside. Kevin took it as an invitation to follow. Once in the home, he shut the door behind him while kicking off his shoes. He looked to Double Dee who watched him from the stairs before proceeding upwards. "You were saying?"
"Oh, yeah," Once more following, Kevin rubbed the back of his neck a bit. "I was thinking we could go grab some food or something somewhere. Once we're done there, maybe start up on that math?"
Edd suddenly stopped before spinning on a heel to turn and face the jock. Pausing in mid step, Kevin raised an eyebrow down to the feminine face. "What?" Mumbled Kevin in confusion.
"And what is your reason for not going to school?" Stepping a bit closer, Edd prodded the muscular chest before him with a chilly finger.
Could this guy get any cuter? Kevin found himself thinking. It didn't even feel bad to think so! The guy was seriously freakin' adorable sometimes. Getting huffy and confrontational was definitely one of those times. A grin had worked its way along Kevin lips as he crossed his strong arms over his chest. "Oh, you know… exhaustion and whatever."
With a sigh, Edd turned back towards his room once more, Kevin close behind. Stopping in the doorway, he glanced back. "Well, if your intention really is to take us somewhere to eat, following me into my room won't help."
"Huh?" Kevin raised a brow a bit.
Edd's cheeks grew dark as he looked towards the side. "I have to get cleaned up and changed Kevin. Not something I'm quite comfortable doing amongst company…" He mumbled while tugging off his hat shyly.
"Oh? I figured I could watch just for a minute or two." He chuckled, leaning on the door frame. It was meant to just tease, but Kevin found his own cheeks a bit warmer than he preferred.
Blue eyes flicked up to Kevin, mouth slightly open in surprise. Gulping a bit, Edd bit his lip before brushing a bit of hair over a delicate ear. "Kevin I…" Looking up to the green eyes, the prodigy found himself unable to hold their gaze very long. "Just because I dress… differently… I'm not… I don't know…" Coughing a bit, he seemed to cut his own sentence off before crossing his arms. "Joking or not, I smell bad, you smell bad, and I'm rather hungry." Decisively, he turned and moved further into the room, beginning to close the door. Pausing, he turned a looked at the also blushing teen between the crack still left to close. "Perhaps some other time…" He mumbled with a joking smile. This whole little charade was beginning to wander into uncharted waters…
"Ah, r-right dork! Yeah!" Laughing possibly a bit too much, Kevin stepped back. "Some other time! I'll uh… I'll be back in an hour or so! Be sure you're ready." Looking a bit awkward, the redhead turned and left the house, thrusting his hands into his pockets.
On the other side of the door, Edd released a breath heavily as the front door closed downstairs. Deep inside his core, he felt a strange tingle of… fear? Anticipation? Definitely confusion. Shaking his head a bit, he rubbed his face. All this was just from that run. It made him feel a little lightheaded is all.
Though… Still… What if?... Strange thoughts began to surface and bubble in the mathematical mind as he headed towards the shower. By the time he was undressed and in the shower, he had deduced he had some studying to do.
Meanwhile, Kevin sat in his room for a moment, his mind running over Edd's words again and again. The little guy was joking, that was totally obvious… But the fact that he said that! What did that mean? He doesn't know what? Thought the jock as he began to undress and prepare for a shower. The conversation replayed several times before a light bulb lit up in the redhead's mind. "Ah… I get it." He mumbled out loud, waiting for the water of his shower to warm up. About to step into the shower, Kevin paused. He doesn't know? Well… That was a little surprising… Though… Maybe not?
Shaking his head, the muscled teen stepped under the hot water, sighing at it soothed his agitated nerves. "Whatever Double Dork, let's just get some breakfast." Mumbled Kevin to no one in particular.
A gentle chime from the doorbell made Kevin start a bit. Snagging a button-up flannel shirt, he made his way to the front door, opening it while managing to get at least one button done up. Edd offered a smile before quickly stepping in, pushing the jock back a step. Closing the door, the shorter of the two shivered a bit. "It's going to be a rather chilly day today." Turning about, he flushed faintly as Kevin did his best to close up the flannel. He had to admit that the small glance of his physique was rather impressive. Abs were not an easy thing to obtain or keep, that much he knew.
"Yeah, well wearing a skirt probably isn't the best idea." Chuckled the broad teen while looking Edd over easily. A pair of long stockings covered his pale legs, they were a natural fiber or some sort, though Kevin couldn't quite put a finger on it.
"Alpaca," Edd laughed uneasily, pressing his legs together.
"Oh, I was just wondering actually…" Kevin chuckled, finishing his shirt. The stockings stopped mid-thigh, showing off just enough flesh to be teasing before the dark grey skirt began. It was almost daring to wear something that short.
"They keep a bit of the chill at bay." Double Dee followed up before brushing some of his hair from his face. He looked up to Kevin who nodded before kneeling to snag a pair of boots from the doorway. "You know, I didn't realize how hungry I actually was until I got to your door."
Chuckling, Kevin nodded. "Running'll do that." Slipping on the rugged winter boots, Kevin stood, now even a little taller than his black haired friend than before. "Ready, Dork?"
"Yes, Coach." Double Dee nodded, giggling a bit.
The ride was quiet, broken only by the early morning radio; neither seemed to mind as they relaxed for the ride further out, away from the city. Blue eyes looked amongst the dwindling houses and shops that passed before they got to the sprawling farms. Edd wasn't sure where they were going, but it didn't really matter to him. They had a whole day to themselves. It felt rather nice to think about actually. No worries about class or homework for a day. A bit of a reprieve for the day to day things they endured.
Seeing a small herd of cows standing about in the pastures, the studious teen turned to look at Kevin. His attention was on the road, eyes half-lidded in relaxation in his slightly reclined position. He looked quite at ease.
"Kevin?" Edd's voice seemed much louder than he intended it to be. Seemingly not bothered by the sudden voice, the driver smirked a bit.
"Yeah?"
"You're from the city… Do you miss it?"
Glancing over to Edd a moment, Kevin looked back to the road, thinking a bit. It was still only about six in the morning. Very few cars were out, most people being at work or school. He offered a small shrug, one hand on the steering wheel while the other drummed on the knob of the stick shift. "Mm… Never really thought about it… Guess not." Smiling, he looked to the inky black haired teen who smiled back. "I've learned to appreciate how quiet the suburbs are, y'know? Back in the city, there was always noise, light, and people. After living out here for so long though… I can really appreciate how calm it is."
"Careful now, you're beginning to sound like my grandfather." Giggled the slim teen before sighing easily.
A few minutes of silence washed over them once more before Kevin looked to Edd once more. "Why?"
"Hm?"
"Why did you ask?"
"Oh, no reason really." Double Dee assured. "You've just changed a bit over the past couple of years." The two looked to each other a moment. "For the better of course." He added with a smirk. "Though… I probably would have changed a few things."
Raising a brow, the jock smirked. "Oh, would you now? Like what?"
"A proper shave would be one." Humor wound around the snip as the two looked to each other challengingly.
"Just because I can grow a beard and you can't isn't any reason to be jealous. 'Sides, makes me look rugged."
"Is that so?" Asked Edd with a laugh. "Is that what women look for now? Ruggedity?"
"Straight A's in English and that's the word you use?"
"Shall we really bring grades into this too, Kevin?" Huffed the feminine boy softly.
"I dunno, Dork. Are you ready to explain your choice of lip gloss?" Grinning, Kevin flicked his gaze to the stunned face of the younger teen.
"What about it?" The sheer shock in the question caused Kevin to snort in barely contained humor.
They finally arrived at a small roadside café nearly half an hour from their homes. Not a place Edd had ever been to or would have considered. It didn't look to be in the best upkeep, but it did promise the best biscuits and gravy around on a large, sun-bleached sign out front.
"This seems… charming…" The slim boy mumbled aloud as they climbed out of the car.
"It's got some of the best breakfast that I know of." Kevin claimed as they made their way inside. Within, it was a simple, older style diner with aging vinyl-covered booths and a partially functioning jukebox. Several older men, possibly truckers of some sort sat at the bar enjoying a subdued chat over empty plates and steaming mugs of coffee.
"How did you find this place?" Edd asked curiously as the slid into their booth. The chill of its surface against his partially exposed thighs sent a shiver along his spine. He bit his lip a little until he settled, looking to his friend curiously. "So?"
"Sorry, I was busy trying not to laugh." Kevin teased before leaning back casually. "Nazz and I stopped here some time ago when we decided to take a long drive."
"Where to?"
"Nowhere in particular really. We just wanted to leave for a little and enjoy wandering around. It's a pretty good feeling actually, just driving." He seemed to relax just thinking about being out on the road, going wherever it led.
Nodding, Double Dee smiled, looking out the large, open windows. "Sounds quite liberating…" Looking to Kevin, a green eye shot him a wink, causing him to laugh happily.
After their orders were taken – a stack of pancakes, a few strips of bacon, and a couple scrambled eggs for Kevin and a bowl of fruit with a few wholegrain pancakes for Edd – the two simply looked out the windows, admiring the open, seemingly empty countryside.
"Hey, Double Dee…" Began Kevin, leaning onto the table a bit. Seeing the blue eyes focus on him, Kevin put on an apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to bother you back at your place… I was just messin'…"
Edd's chin resting atop his folded hands, leveling a curious gaze at Kevin. "Don't worry, I know." He mumbled in a soft coo. "It brings up an interesting subject though…" He watched Kevin's interest rise and decided to continue. "I'm know I'm naïve in some aspects of things… But I'm not completely stupid. I know what people assume about those… like myself…" Moist azure orbs flicked to the men at the bar a moment. "It's something I haven't really considered much. I never really have participated much in relationships. I'd say the vast majority of my experience would be from the Kankers." They both visibly winced at the very name. "I can't say I'm certain about much. There are things I can appreciate in anyone, but where, if anywhere, my tastes particularly lie… I can't say for certain, since I have never experienced either first hand."
The redhead watched evenly for a few moments after the small speech, nodded a bit. "I understand… What about… Y'know, just looking at people? Can you say one thing seems better than the other?"
"… I can't…" Blushing a bit, the blue eyes look to the table. "A properly in-shape body on anyone is attractive. Being able to see the way the body flexes and moves is very interesting… Nazz was… Once a crush of mine you might say too." Looking up, Kevin smirked a bit, silently giving a 'no duh' look. "So, you might say physical appearance is a bit of a draw."
"But…?" Kevin prodded.
Blood rushed into the pale teen's cheeks, causing him to look down at the table once more. "Ah… Th-The actual… M-Mechanics…" His fingertips pressed together purposefully, "of it… I-Is much d-different." Biting his lip, he glanced up meekly. "I'm at a total loss a-as what to think on that subject."
"Mechanics…" Snorting lightly, the stronger teen grinned lopsidedly. "That's one way to put it." About to retort, Edd was interrupted by their meals being served. They thanked the waitress before digging in.
"I suppose some research would be in order if I were to want to make an educated guess." Edd mumbled after a few bites of his pancake.
Research huh? Sipping a bit of his soda, Kevin watched Edd for a moment, seeing if there was going to be any elaboration on his words. Seeing none, he shrugged a little. "Just be careful man."
"Thanks, Kevin…" Mumbled Edd into his glass of orange juice, his smile just barely reaching over its rim.
The ride back was rather quiet, dotted with a bit of conversation here and there about the possible happenings going on back in school. Edd seemed a little bogged down with his own thoughts that Kevin had seemed to have stirred up. He felt a little bad about it, but it did seem to be a sort of elephant in the room at times.
He glanced over to the slightly brooding teen a few times. He felt the need to lighten the mood a bit.
"So… Were you going to change when we get back?" Seeing the curious look, he did his best to hold back a smirk. It didn't work so well. "Since that skirt's pretty distracting and all."
"Wh-What?" Edd jumped, turning to Kevin with a flush.
"Hey, no problem if you don't, just don't blame me when I can't focus." His laughter at the incredulous, wide-eyed stare earned him a swat to the arm, though Edd himself couldn't keep the small smile from finding its way to his soft lips.
"Flattery won't make me go any easier on you, you know."
"Damn… And here I was hopin'." Kevin sighed overly dramatically, drawing a stifled giggle from his passenger as they continued on down the road towards the morning sun.
Hope that was worth the painfully long wait. Still haven't dig into the rich soil of what could be possibly a relationship between these two, but it's coming along, I promise. Tell me what you all think!