Justice is ServED

DivergED

Disclaimer: I don't own EEnE, or the characters, nor do I claim ownership of Nat as he belongs to c2ndy2c1d. All I own is the plot and my OCs.

Shutting the door lightly behind him and locking it, Edd took a deep breath and fell back against the door and slowly slid to the floor. Laying his forehead on raised knees, the scientist took in a shaky breath and let it out. He could feel tears filling his eyes as he finally allowed himself to relax. Today has been one of the most stressful days of his life. Right up there with being told his parents were dead, their funeral, and another incident before moving back home, but Edd preferred to not think about that. Pushing hurtful memories to the back of his mind he replayed the events of today.

The most surprising: seeing the redhead who used to bully him when they were little. He never thought he'd ever see Kevin again, let alone work with the man. He thought that Kevin had a full ride scholarship to a university several states over and that he would be well on his way to, or already, playing professional football. Hadn't that been his dream when they were younger? And if it was, what made him change his mind?

A light blush settled on Double D's cheeks when he remembered the concern that filled emerald eyes when they first saw each other before the redheads' eyes hardened and he tried to save him. The man has grown up, that much was certain and Edd couldn't help but remember how that muscular arm felt wrapped around his waist and the firm hand on his back trying to sooth his breathing and nerves. The beanie-clad man instinctively pulled his hat down over his eyes and pictured the detective in his mind as the red on his face turned brighter and moved quickly to his neck and the tips of his ears.

If Edd were to be truly honest with himself, he would have to acknowledge the fact that Kevin looked positively stunning and it did not make him feel any better. He wondered if Kevin remembered the day they graduated high school. Edd had never really forgotten it, had never really been able to push Kevin out of his mind over the last six years either. From the way the man acted, familiar and not at all angry with him, Edd was inclined to believe the man had forgotten what the scientist did all those years ago, and he wasn't sure how he felt about that.

The graduation ceremony had just ended and everyone had left the gymnasium to find their family and friends out in the football field for photos and heartfelt last goodbyes but Edd was doing none of those things. He stood off to the side with Ed and Eddy, all three in their graduation gowns with both Ed and Double D holding their graduation caps and Eddy's unsurprisingly missing having thrown his with a cackling laugh. The second Double D had the chance he'd replaced his cap with the much more comfortable beanie. The trio laughed together for a few minutes when someone ran passed them with a seething Sarah chasing them before the three Ed's heard a loud screeching.

"Sarah, wait you can't bite people! Gotta go guys!" Ed squeezed the two tightly before running off to find his family before Eddy turned to look at Edd, an odd look on his face.

"So, they didn't come huh?" Double D knew who he was talking about and a slow shake of his head made Eddy frown harshly and the smart teen could only sigh softly before attempting to placate the red-faced teen.

"I am fine Eddy. They had a last minute complication arise and could not be pulled away. They sent their congratulations and praise along with quite a substantial gift." The two had this exact conversation multiple times over the last couple days and the beanie-clad teen was growing weary of it. A low growl sounded from Eddy and Edd couldn't help but roll his eyes as the shorter teen opened his mouth.

"That shouldn't matter Double D! They're your parents! They shoulda been here! I mean…what are you gonna do tomorrow? You're leaving, are you really gonna go by yourself? Move yourself?" Edd was touched by the concern Eddy was showing about the situation, the shorter teen was not known for showing any sort of sensitivity for others. Blue eyes scanned the people that surrounded them, all with family, with friends, and felt a sharp tug on his heart as his stomach clenched tightly. Avoiding Eddy's eyes as he fingered his graduation cap nervously, Edd couldn't help but feel left out.

Yes, it hurt that his parents had chosen work over him, again, but it wasn't unexpected, he had known it was coming. He learned to never hold out hope for his parents coming home long enough to spend time with him or even to see him, let alone celebrate anything. He had come to terms with that his sophomore year when they forgot his birthday and he spent it alone. It was the first time they had and the other two Ed's had other engagements with their families as all three of them believed Edd would spend his sixteenth birthday with his parents. Unfortunately, it was not the last time they forgot a birthday or holiday.

After realizing that never expecting them meant he didn't hurt terribly from crushed hope, he forced himself to never think that they would be true to their word. It made things easier for him as he was able to let go and live his life without thinking of his parents or worrying about whether or not they would be there for him. He was perfectly content to be alone, that was partially why he was leaving Peach Creek. Ed and Eddy were leaving as well so there really hadn't been a reason to stay in a place that constantly reminded him of how lonely he really was.

"Yes. We are all adults now Eddy, I believe it is time that I act like one." He ignored the skeptical look in Eddy's eyes before a voice called out to the short Ed and he glanced around before spotting the teen's mother waving him over. A small smile appeared on Double D's face and he waved slightly as Eddy moved to leave. A quick sad glance back at the smart Ed was all the warning the beanie-clad teen got before Eddy gave him a quick hug turned and left. Edd knew the two boys would be over later tonight and that was enough for him. Slowly he removed and draped his graduation gown over his arm, leaving him in his clean cut black suit with a deep red shirt underneath the jacket and a neatly pressed black tie.

Turning around toward the parking lot with the intention of going home, Edd froze when he spotted Kevin Barr being hugged tightly by his mother and his father clapping him firmly on the back. That fluttery feeling in his chest returned, as it always did when he saw the jock. Edd swallowed through the lump in his throat, blinking away tears at the sight of Kevin and his family. The love Double D saw that was obviously aimed at the athlete was like a sharp stab to his heart. He was most certainly envious of the others but he knew better. He knew better than to hope, to dream, to wish that he could have the same thing, but he supposed that there was still a small part of him that wished his parents were here for him.

A wide smile suddenly turned to him before it fell slightly and emerald eyes locked with watery blue. The two were too far apart for them to exchange words and Edd wasn't all that confident he could say anything without sobbing anyway so he settled for a slight wave earning a confused look as the redhead tilted his head slightly, a silent question in his eyes. Not knowing what Kevin could possibly be wondering about Edd ignored it, merely responding with a sad smile and walking to his car, not once looking back.

He'd spent the next few hours home alone, re-checking his lists, his labeled boxes and making sure everything was where it was supposed to be. The house was as silent then as it had been for the last seven or so years but this didn't bother Edd, at least not anymore. Passing the living room window he paused and stared out at the multitude of cars that lined the dark cul-de-sac. His neighbors and their families gathered for post-graduation festivities it would seem. Edd's heart ached painfully and he swallowed the lump quickly forming in his throat and a heavy sigh escaped his lips as he rubbed his left upper arm lightly before lifting a neatly packed duffle bag.

A cool breeze wafted around him when he opened the front door and headed to his car, placing the duffle bag in the front passenger seat before going back into the house and slowly bringing out boxes and bags to fill the car. A soft grunt escaped his lips as he adjusted his hold on the last box, a heavy one full of books. Unable to see where he was going around the rather large box his foot slipped slightly and he yelped feeling gravity exert its' force on him. But his butt never hit the ground and a light chuckle filled the silence when he noticed a large hand on the bottom of the box and another grasping his upper right arm.

"Careful dork." Blue eyes widened when the weight of the box left his arms and he was able to look into the amused and inquisitive emerald eyes of Kevin. His mouth hung open slightly in surprise before he was able to shake himself back to reality and follow the, now, ex-football captain to the car. Kevin placed the box where Edd requested and shut the door then turned and leaned against the cool metal, shoving his hands in his black jean pockets and looking up at the stars.

"So, what are you doin' anyway?" The nerd wrung his hands nervously in front of his chest and avoided looking at the muscular teen next to him. Right now was not the time to blush and stammer like a child. He'd been able to keep his crush on the teen a secret from everyone, aside from Ed and Eddy who found out, for the last three years. He had no intention of letting it slip now…right? Biting his lip, he wondered what it would really hurt. He was leaving, had no intentions of coming back and could care less about what anyone might say, he wouldn't ever see any of them again so, what was holding him back?

"I'm leaving tomorrow, for university. I was granted a summer start." He mumbled staring hard at the ground. Ed and Eddy were the only people his age who knew of his plans. The sooner he left, the better he'd feel, is what he hoped. But, now he was curious about why Kevin had come over. Why was he still here and why did he even bother to help him? What could he possibly want from the nerd he practically ignored all through high school, except that one time…but Edd preferred not to dwell on that too much. That incident was the whole reason Edd was essentially a stuttering and blushing school girl when it came to Kevin anyway.

"Oh. Okay, cool, I guess." The silence that followed was awkward for the two of them but Kevin remained still as Edd began fidgeting in his spot, still not facing the teen next to him. This was already hard enough and Kevin's presence, as much as he liked it, was not very soothing, especially after the redhead voiced his next question.

"Are your parents gonna go with you?" Thin arms crossed slowly across his chest and Edd's head dropped lower before shaking it in a silent no. There was a rustle of cloth and Edd felt a pressure settle on his beanie. Instinctively his fingers flew to grip the hat and he looked up with slight fear that Kevin was trying to see under it. It wouldn't be the first time someone had tried to throw him off guard and attempt to yank the hat off his head.

The taller teen looked amused for a moment, making no move to remove the article of clothing, merely leaving his large, warm hand resting on the nerd's head almost, affectionately? Edd's breath caught in his throat, his pulse quickened, and he could feel his palms begin to sweat with how nervous he was getting standing so close to his crush. Blue met green and Edd could see an emotion in Kevin's eyes that he couldn't identify but he didn't bother analyzing what it could possibly be.

"Your parents…they weren't there today, were they?" The question was spoken so quietly that Edd wouldn't have known Kevin was even talking if he hadn't been looking directly at his pink lips. Hmm, so that emotion, was it pity? It didn't really look like it, at least not the pity Edd was used to seeing on people's faces. Thin fingers gripped his hat tighter as his eyes darted away from beautiful pools of green.

It wasn't like him to be rude and ignore someone but this was a topic he didn't even like discussing with Ed and Eddy, what made Kevin think he would ever talk to him about it? Despite refusing to answer, Edd, in the back of his mind, knew that his silence was answer enough for Kevin and he felt conflicted. Oh how he hated the way Kevin made him feel, but he supposed it was his own fault for not bothering to try and squash his amorous feelings for the red-haired jock.

"I'm sorry," Edd raised his head slowly to gaze at Kevin in shock and wonder as the teen spoke, "It's stupid that your folks didn't come. Especially to something so important. I mean…look Double Dork, I know we aren't friends or anything but…" Taking a step back, making Kevin's hand fall back to his side Edd let go of his hat and schooled his face to one of practiced indifference.

"Kevin, I do not desire pity from you or anyone in regards to this matter. I do not wish to be impolite however, my familial situation is not any of your business." Out of the corner of his eyes, because he refused to look directly at the tall teen, Edd saw those broad shoulders slump slightly but the jock didn't react in the manner Edd thought he might. Instead of anger or violence, Kevin looked upset at what Double D said but it only lasted for a moment.

"Ya know what, you're right. It's not my business. Sorry." Biting his lip once more as he turned his whole body to finally face the jock, Edd stood up to his full height which was still a few inches shorter than Kevin. The athlete hung his head a bit, looking at Edd from under long eyelashes and the nerd felt a rush of courage go through him. It was obvious in the way Kevin held himself and how he spoke that he was at the very least a little bit concerned about Edd. So, making up his mind and gathering all the bravery he could muster he spoke.

"Kevin, I have something I wish to reveal to you. I will not have another chance to do so as I have no intention of coming back to Peach Creek in the foreseeable future so may I please voice what is on my mind?" A tilt of the head and a slow nod were Edd's answer and the teen gulped softly before moving faster than he knew he was capable of. Thin fingers fisted in the letterman jacket and he pulled himself forward and up on his tiptoes to brush his lips gently but firmly on the taller teens, muffling the soft yelp that escaped Kevin's lips.

Edd was squeezing his eyes shut tight, not wishing to see the disgust or hatred that was surely in the jock's eyes and he waited for pain in the form of a fist or kick, but none came, even after several moments of locking lips with the athlete. The jock's lips were surprisingly soft and felt so much better than Edd could have ever imagined. His stomach fluttered in excitement at catching the redhead off guard enough to finally relieve his curiosity over the ex-football captain's lips and how it was feel to kiss them.

He never wanted it to end…He didn't want to leave…But Edd knew he had to, he had to get away from here and focus on himself for once. Not his parents who haven't really spoken to him in months, only sending a text this morning congratulating him. Not the people at school who had picked on him for being intelligent or weak. Not the people who constantly requested his assistance – this he didn't mind as much but some people were merely trying to waste his time, and he knew it but was too nice to tell them no.

Breaking the kiss and pulling back slightly as he opened his eyes slowly. Fear bubbled through his body and his fingers, still fisted in the front of Kevin's jacket, began to tremble. Stunning green eyes were wide with shock and the teen had stopped breathing it seemed as Edd slowly lowered himself from the jock. Silence enveloped them both, neither wishing to speaking or even move for fear of what, they didn't know.

Sharp pricks stabbed at Edd's blue eyes and he felt them quickly well with tears. Hastily stepping back from the jock he wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his sweater, trying to stop the flow but it didn't help. A soft sob escaped him and he cringed at how pathetic, how disgusting Kevin must think he is right now. The silence stretched and Edd had finally decided that he'd had enough. Gazing with watery, slightly blurry eyes at the unmoving jock, Edd sniffed then swallowed.

"I-I'm sorry. I-I just…" Edd looked away pulling nervously at the cuffs of his sleeves as more silent tears fell down his cheeks, "I-I couldn't leave without…without expressing how I feel. I did not want to leave feeling regretful. I'm sorry. Goodbye Kevin." His voice was soft with a slight tremble to it but Edd felt like a small weight had been lifted despite the painful ache in his heart. He was finally able to tell the teen about his crush, his desire, now he could leave and forget about this place and everyone in it, except Ed and Eddy of course. Bringing a sleeve covered hand up to his bowed head he choked back a sob as he walked away from the still frozen jock, leaving him standing in his driveway, not daring to look back at him once again.

Locking the front door behind him, Edd leaned his back on the door and slowly slid down the wood to the floor. Sobs wracked his body and he was having to gulp in air and his body was shaking, trembling so much that he didn't think he could even try to stand to get off the dirty floor without collapsing. Edd cried, really cried, for the first time since his lonely sixteenth birthday. Eyes puffy and red, choking sobs and a thirst for air, a truly heart-wrenching cry. But no one was here to comfort him, he was alone. His energy left him and he slumped over onto his side on the floor and curled in on himself.

He didn't know how long he laid on the floor but he was still there when Ed and Eddy let themselves in through the back door. They found him on the floor, still sniffling but the sobs had subsided somewhat. Neither teen said anything as Ed came over and picked the weak Ed off the floor and took him to his room, Eddy following at a slower speed and a downcast expression.

The boys were sleeping over that night so they could see Edd off in the morning. They talked for a couple hours all speaking softly about random things until Edd was able to tell them what happened with his redheaded crush. There were no yells of outrage, no threats of violence against Kevin, no raised voices, the two boys understood the situation and Edd couldn't not be happier that his two best friends were like the family he never had.

When morning came there were tears, laughs, hugs, and many promises to keep in touch. Ed made sure to tell Double D to not let anyone experiment on his brain and Eddy kicked the teen before yelling for the sock-head to become a rich billionaire like Eddy had plans to be. After laughing at their antics, Edd glanced over at Kevin's house with a sad, wistful gaze for only a moment before hugging his two friends and getting in the car. Edd drove away, not looking back.

Fingering the business card with Kevin's cell number on it, he couldn't help the sad smile that appeared on his face. His crush was obviously just resting, dormant in his heart, waiting to meet the redhead once more it seemed. Now that he thought about it, anyone he dated, he compared to the jock. None of his relationships ever truly lasted or get very far. No one was Kevin Barr, and that irritated Edd a little bit. He knew Kevin was straight, how couldn't he be? He went out with girls all the time in high school and the rumors that circulated about the man's sex life were often back by the sexy man himself.

Picking himself up off the floor, Edd sighed. His heart seemed content to allow him to die alone it seemed. Moving further into the house, he checked the time, it was a quarter to three in the afternoon. Too early for dinner, too late for lunch. Sighing again, he placed the card and the prescription on the counter. Hmm…He'd forgotten about the medicine. He would need that tonight for his throat, but his car was at the station and the pharmacy was a long walk.

Absentmindedly, his hand pulled his phone from his pocket and he stared at it. Should he text Kevin about it? He seemed sincere when he said to text for anything, maybe he could take him to the pharmacy to get his meds. He pulled his lip between his teeth, chewing thoughtfully for a moment before gently poking buttons on the screen.

[Salutations Kevin. I apologize for bothering you, however it seems I have forgotten about my prescription. Would it be possible to inquire about a ride to the pharmacy after work?]

Re-reading the text a few times before actually sending it, Edd placed the phone on the kitchen counter before turning and leaving the room. He really needed a bath and a change of clothes. Twenty minutes later, the scientist moved slowly into the kitchen. Dressed in loose blues jeans and a black button-up shirt, beanie missing from his wet hair as it pooled lightly around his shoulders. A little green blinking light flashed from his phone, signaling the receipt of a new message. Reading it, Edd smiled as a fluttering in his stomach made him squirm slightly before he moved further into the kitchen to make something light for dinner. He had a few hours before Kevin would come for him but he couldn't fight the excitement that was building in him at the chance to see Kevin again.

[No prob. 6:30.]

Yay for chapter 3! I apologize if this story seems a bit slow and for this chapter being a bit shorter than the other two. I have a feeling this will be longer than I originally thought.

Special thanks for Ash the orange and Azully for their lovely reviews, you have no idea how much they mean to me! I'm always very critical of my works so I'm happy you're enjoying this as much as I am!

I'm hoping to have chapter 4 up next week. My goal is to try and update weekly if I'm able to, I really don't have a lot going on in my life right now so, fingers crossed I can do this! If I can't, I'll do my best to update everyone on the status of the story on my profile here and on tumblr.

Thanks again!

Reina