Justice is ServED

ConflictED

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.

**I am also not an expert on the criminal justice system! If I got anything wrong or there are discrepancies, PLEASE let me know! I'm trying to be as accurate as I can but I can't guarantee it'll be perfect.

"Kevin Barr you wait right there!" Both men froze in the middle of the lobby as the loud shout echoed throughout the room. A chorus of chuckles and giggles rang through the atrium as Martha waddled through the mass of people and came to stop in front of the two stunned detectives, her hands rested on her hips. Her short purple hair was pulled back from her face by a black band but her purple fringe fell lightly into her brown eyes which glared up half-heartedly at the two.

"Did you get Eddward home alright? Is he okay?" Kevin smiled at the concern from the woman. Honestly, he was a bit upset that Martha was leaving, he'd miss her. She cared about everyone that worked at the station – lab tech, CSI, or officer alike - and was constantly checking up on them if anything happened. It was easy to see that she would be a wonderful mom with how well she took care of everyone at the precinct. But Kevin had known her since he graduated from the academy and could recognize that sharp glint of protectiveness in her eyes.

"Yeah Martha, he'll be fine. Just can't talk until his throat heals." Eyeing him skeptically for a few more seconds before sighing, she smiled at him sweetly. It was hard to imagine that this woman was thirty years old with how young she looked but despite only being a few years older than Kevin and Nat, she'd always taken a shine to the two. If anyone bothered to ask any of the lab techs who their favorite detective duo was, the answer would be Nat and Kevin, hands down. The two relied heavily on the evidence brought in from their crime scenes and often came to them to bounce ideas off of if something proved to be difficult.

Some of the personnel believed this to be a rookie thing to do, some thought it was a weak or pathetic to get opinions from the "lowly" lab techs who never see the cruelty of humanity up close. Many thought that their "gut instinct" was what broke their cases. But Kevin and Nat respected the techs immensely. Their case success rate was one of the highest in the precinct, the highest in the Homicide Unit for sure, because of their collaboration with the lab rats and the CSIs.

"You'll take care of him for me when I leave, won't you? I'd hate to see anything else happen to that poor kid." Martha spoke softly, sadness evident in her tone, but whether it was because of what happened today or because of something else Kevin wasn't sure. He did know that he couldn't very well deny Martha's request, even if those big brown eyes weren't staring straight into his soul. Chuckling softly, he pulled the short woman to him in a one armed hug.

"Of course Martha, I won't let anything else happen to him." Nat glanced at his partner with a raised brow. They both knew that wasn't possible, anything can happen, but Nat also knew that Kevin was serious about what he said. His tone left no room for argument and he'd said it with such conviction that Nat felt it in his bones. Smiling slightly what Nat liked to call Kevin's "mama bear" attitude, Nat followed the two to the back of the lobby before they split up and headed back to the interrogation room. Moving toward the door they saw a tall man in a suit laughing good-naturedly with one of the officers.

"Hey Marshal, how's it going? How's Nazz doin?" Kevin said, extending his hand out to shake the blonde man's hand. A wide smile showing perfect white teeth spread on the man's face as he grabbed Kevin's hand firmly. The man's hair was short and slicked back in a professional look and his crisp and neatly pressed blue suit added to that image.

Marshal Frost was a lawyer with the District Attorney's office and was usually their go to prosecutor. He was an amazing lawyer and worked well with Nat and Kevin. The older man was a great guy and an even better friend. Kevin had introduced his childhood friend Nazz to him a few years ago and the two had hit it off quite well. Well enough to have gotten married last year and are expecting their first child in about six months. Kevin couldn't be happier that Nazz had finally found a soulmate but she now had this weird idea that she needed to help him find a spouse because he helped with her happily ever after. The redhead has been dodging crazy women for years because of his well-meaning friend.

"Kevin, Nat, good to see you! Nazz is great! She can't wait for next weekend," he said, leaning in and speaking the last part quietly before winking. The two detectives chuckled in response as an officer, Patty, came up to them and handed Marshal a folder. The men grew serious, it was time to work.

"Alright, so I went over your copy of the file while I waited for you. Attempted escape, kidnapping, and assault? Seriously?" Marshal's blue eyes narrowed incredulous as he waited for Kevin's nod of confirmation.

"Yeah, and that's not even what we brought him in for." Nat spoke running a hand through his hair before squeaking and rushing to the nearest reflective surface he could find to fix his hair. Kevin rolled his eyes at Nat's behavior. The man was obsessed with his hair, that probably would never change, but the two men were used to Nat's behavior and Marshal didn't even bat an eye.

"I heard, how's the new kid? He alright?" Kevin told him what he'd told everyone else before he explained his theory on the murder case they were currently investigating once Nat returned with a relieved sigh, hair perfectly in place.

"Jordan MacConnell, is suspected of being an accessory to the murder of Sam Dunhill. We have a witness that has ID'ed him and another unknown male being present at the scene with the victim before the man was found dead. No murder weapon was found but we've got Mel and Pres looking into what it could be. We don't think this guy actually killed him though." Marshal nodded as he listened intently.

"Witness claims that a shorter man she couldn't see too well was accosting the vic and demanding his money. Said the big guy seemed to only be there for muscle. We weren't able to get any info out of MacConnell though, he clammed up and asked for a lawyer." Nat added pulling his black suit jacket sleeves straight before eyeing a small stain on the inside of his elbow with a small frown.

"Alright then, I think it would be best to file the accessory charge separate from the other three, this way he'll get the full sentence for hurting one of our own at the very least." The redhead nodded as he shoved his hands into his jacket. Kevin knew Marshal would do what he thought was best for the victims and the redhead trusted his judgement without question. They'd been through a lot of cases together, not always seeing eye to eye but the three of them had a knack for getting murderers off the streets. "Then let's see if we can't get you guys a lead or two." The three grinned at each other before heading into the interrogation room.

Upon entering the room MacConnell stopped talking and glared harshly at the detectives before a sneer graced his lips and he sat back, fully relaxed in his chair next to a tired looking man in a rumpled suit. His brown hair was a slight mess and he had large black bags under his black eyes as he looked up and winced at seeing Marshal who merely smiled cheerfully.

"Phil, nice to see you again," the man said as he took the only chair left in the room and laid out his file and a legal pad. He took a pen from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and situated himself before pretending to go over the files in front of him. Several moments passed, silence filling the room before the exhausted Defense lawyer sighed heavily.

"Marshal, my client has agreed to give your detectives a statement and information about the crime in exchange for just a fine." Kevin frowned. Seriously? The guy was trying to get off with just paying money? Hell no! Marshal laughed hollowly before looking up at the two with hard eyes.

"I'm afraid that's not good enough Phil," he ignored the heavy sigh of frustration from the other attorney before continuing, "The prosecution is filing two different cases, one for accessory to murder, and another for assault, attempted kidnapping, and resisting arrest. He has no chance of getting off easy with the latter as there is video evidence and an entire police station filled with witnesses. The accessory charge however, we're willing to give reduced sentencing but your client will not get off with just a fine."

MacConnell was seething as he clenched his fists on the table. The haggard looking lawyer rolled his eyes then looked to his client. He knew Marshal was one of the best prosecutors in Peach Creek, he knew that it would literally take a miracle for him to even get a reduced sentence. Advising his client to take the deal was going to be the toughest part of all this. And all Phil really wanted to do was go home. Looking to the tall blonde he jerked his head to the door and Marshal smiled and stood.

"We'll give you a few minutes with your client to discuss our terms. He gives up his friend and we push for a reduced sentence on the accessory charge, and only the accessory charge." At Phil's nod the three men walked from the room, Marshal leaving his notepad and a pen in the room for MacConnell to use, as Phil didn't seem to have been prepared. Once the door shut behind them Nat couldn't hold in the laughter that had built in his chest. Shouting could be heard through the door and all three men waiting outside couldn't fight the grins on their faces.

While they waited, Kevin pulled his jacket sleeve up and checked his watch. It read twenty to six and Kevin groaned inwardly. He hoped they could finish this up soon. The detectives had places to be and they were already working on overtime today. A fluttering in his stomach made him pause when he thought about what he had to do once he got off work. He was going to see Double D again. He wasn't sure if he was feeling nervous or excited about it and whether it was good or bad but he was determined to find out. He was tired of being alone and it wouldn't hurt to have another person he trusted in his life, right?

Shifting from one foot to the other, he nearly cheered when the door opened and Phil walked out of the room looking like he'd run a marathon with his legs tied. Practically throwing the legal pad at Marshal he huffed rudely.

"He'll take the damn deal. We'll see you in court Frost."

Kevin grinned, taking the pad from Marshal and read through the paragraph written on the yellow paper, Nat peering over his shoulder. MacConnell gave them a name, what the weapon was, and a location along with his rendition of what took place leading up to and after the murder.

"Awesome! I'll go make a copy of this and then we can get the hell outta here!" Nat proclaimed as he swiped the pad from Kevin's fingers and raced to the nearest copy machine. The two men he left behind chuckled at his antics before Kevin turned to Marshal.

"Are you guys sure you can do next weekend? I'll understand if you can't," the redhead inquired worriedly. Marshal just gave him a big smile and nodded just as Nat made his way back to over to them and gave the notepad back to the prosecutor.

"It's no problem Kevin, Nazz is really looking forward to it. Well, I've got to run, Nazz told me to pick up dinner. Keep me posted on the investigation, have a good night guys." Two firm handshakes later and the lawyer was making his way through the busy lobby to the front of the building. Kevin sighed in relief then fist bumped Nat as he said he'd see him tomorrow morning before jogging out of the station and to the Charger.

His pulse quickened as he slid into the drivers' seat and started the car. Since he'd resolved to not deny himself in regards to Edd, Kevin had to admit that he was a bit excited to see the dork once more, even if it was just for a little bit. The corner of his mouth lifted up a little as he pulled from the parking lot and made his way to the scientist's house.

Talking with Nat earlier had definitely helped him sort some of his feelings about the nerd and he was feeling more relaxed now than he did when he was eighteen, but he supposed that was understandable. He had grown up a lot over the years, he was probably better equipped to handle such weird feelings now, right? Shaking his head slightly as he slowed the car to a stop at a red light, he pulled his phone from his jacket pocket and texted Double D that he was on his way over and would be there soon. Hopefully by that time the butterflies in Kevin's stomach will have settled down.

Edd smiled softly at his phone as he read a recent text message from Kevin, the detective was on his way to pick him up. Placing his phone into his front jean pocket, he moved to the small kitchen table in the center of the kitchen and picked up the now empty bowl. After washing it and placing it on the drying rack next to the sink he hurried up the stairs to his room. Running long fingers through his silky black hair he pulled a clean black beanie from the top drawer of his dresser and looked into the mirror attached to the piece of furniture.

Blue eyes roamed over the stark white bandage that covered the small cuts on his neck. Small patches of blue and red bruises peeked out from above and below the dressings. He was aware of the pain from the cuts and bruising and had a hard enough time swallowing even the cool broth he had for dinner. Edd has always been proud of his high tolerance for pain, but whether it was genetic or from years of being picked on and beaten, he wasn't sure. But that didn't diminish how pleased he was that he had it. Many people have called him weak but despite everything he's been through in his life, he was proud of himself.

Pulling the beanie on as he walked out of his bedroom he heard the rev of an engine pass by his house and his gut twisted in excitement. Was Kevin here already? Taking a deep breath to calm his nervously beating heart and the giddiness that made him wring his hands gently in front of him. It's not like this was a date or anything so why was he feeling so nervous! Heading to the kitchen he grabbed his house keys, wallet, and the prescription just in case it really was Kevin that he'd heard. The silence of the house filled his ears. Maybe that was the real cause for his odd emotions.

Edd was lonely. That was a given. He'd always been a lonely child without his parents but having Ed and Eddy obviously staved off a good portion of the depressing hollowness that he felt now that he was truly alone. Was he getting too excited over the fact that Kevin has shown that he didn't hate Edd? Did he really believe that the detective would want to be friends with him now that he was back and they worked in the same place? According to Kevin, they also lived in their childhood homes across the street from each other once more so was this really his crush coming back or hopeful wanting of a friend?

Sighing the beanie-clad man slowly moved to the living room and settled slowly in one of the lounge chairs. He was overthinking things, as he always did. Kevin most likely was just being nice to a colleague, he probably wanted no more to do with Edd than he did when they were younger. There was no point in getting his hopes up only to have them shot down as he knew they would be.

Determination filled him and he nodded his head to himself resolutely. Edd wouldn't think too much into anything Kevin did, he would just acknowledge the man and if anything came to fruition then so be it. A short series of knocks on his front door interrupted the man, shaking him from his own thoughts. Swallowing nervously, he stood and slowly opened the front door, coming face to chest with Kevin Barr, object of his teenaged fantasies and current thoughts.

"Hey, you, uh, ready to go?" Blue eyes travelled slowly up Kevin's well-built chest – even through the shirt and jacket Edd could tell – and flickered over the curve of his strong jaw and further up over lightly blushed cheeks to gaze into endless pools of green.

Oh dear, I believe this may very well be a terrible decision. Edd thought as his gut twisted and he instantly felt the urge to grab the taller man and crush their lips together. The only time in Edd's life that he ever let such an urge overtake him was that night six years ago. Since then Edd has kept a firm grip on his urges, but none of them had ever been as strong as they felt when around the redhead and Edd knew it.

Nodding silently as he slipped on a pair of black loafers, Edd was happy for the first time today that he shouldn't talk. He probably couldn't anyway, at least not without squeaking oddly. Stepping through the doorway then locking the door after shutting it, he followed Kevin over to the black Charger and eased himself into the passenger seat. He smiled weakly at the redhead as he buckled his seatbelt. Silence had fallen over the two but Edd didn't think it felt awkward. As odd as that should have made him feel, it was actually comforting to know that Kevin wasn't, at least visibly, uncomfortable being near Edd.

"So…How's your throat feeling?" The tentative inquiry surprised the scientist as the silence was broken when Kevin stopped at a red light and slightly turned to him. "Is it worse? Does it hurt?" Edd smiled softly at the concern tinting Kevin's tone. Not wanting to lie but also not wanting the man to feel bad; Edd settled for shrugging slightly and tilting his hand up and down slowly, hoping to show Kevin that he was not good but not bad, just okay. He was apparently successful in that endeavor as Kevin nodded curtly, focusing once more on the road ahead of them.

The scientist couldn't help the fuzzy tingly feelings that started in his toes and worked its way up his body at the worry the other man was showing for him. Although he had promised himself not to get his hopes up, he couldn't help but feel some sense of satisfaction from the man's show of emotion for his injuries. He knew then that he wouldn't be able to keep that promise to himself but well, after coming face to face once more with the gorgeous man, he wasn't sure he wanted to stop before he'd even started. Maybe there was still some hope?

"Well, just don't talk and hopefully it'll heal quickly. Martha made me promise to keep an eye on you, make sure nothing else happens to you while she's gone." Kevin smirked at the shorter man next to him and Edd's genuine smile fell into a fake one. And there was the crushing of the small spark of hope that maybe Kevin liked even just a teensy bit as a friend. He was an adult for goodness sake, he didn't need a babysitter! He wanted a friend… Sighing once more Edd nodded, looking out the window as they pulled into the pharmacy parking lot. Kevin said he wait in the car and Edd just nodded before leaving to go get his prescription filled and maybe some soothing teas.

Tapping the steering wheel lightly with his fingers, Kevin stared at the brick wall of the pharmacy as he waited for Edd to return. Even though he hadn't been watching Double D closely, he'd still seen the way his smile fell after mentioning the promise and that had him wondering what he'd said that was so wrong. Kevin Barr was not the most sensitive of men, or people really, and he knew this. Frowning he thought about what he could have possibly done to upset the man.

Groaning loudly, he slumped back in his seat. After removing his cap and running his hand through his slightly sweaty hair before replacing it, Kevin decided to not think about it anymore. Chances were he wouldn't figure it out anyway, at least not without Edd telling him and he knew that wouldn't happen, so why waste the energy. What he'd rather think about was why his stomach did several flips and why certain parts of his body reacted interestingly to seeing the beanie-clad man all freshly showered and smelling absolutely wonderful.

He wouldn't deny it, the second Edd opened his front door and Kevin caught a whiff of minty lavender and the way those big blue gems stared cutely up at him, Kevin actually had to force himself to not move from his spot, to not move even one muscle. If he had, he knew that he would have thrown the thin man against the front door and ravaged his soft, plump pink lips like they'd been lovers for years.

He'd felt the desire course through him and although it terrified him immensely, he wasn't put off by it he found. He wasn't disgusted with the fact that he'd just had a fantasy of shoving Double Dorko into a wall and plunging his tongue down his throat. He wasn't repulsed by the fact that he, vaguely, thought about what Edd's dick might looked like. He wasn't even remotely grossed out by wondering what the man would taste like as he ran his tongue up and down his neck and chest and…other things.

Fuck… Work was going to be hard now. He did find it a bit odd that he found Double D so attractive when he'd never thought of another man like that in his life. Hell, Nat had come on to him when they had first met and he'd responded by punching him in the gut. Maybe it was just the nerd…ah fuck who cares. Maybe he was just horny as fuck because he hasn't gotten laid in a while. But life and work always got in the way and those two things made it quite difficult to find someone to spend time with.

Kevin wasn't really into one night stands anymore anyway, he has responsibilities now. He wanted something more stable, something more long-term. An actual relationship, with depth and love and damn when did he get so sentimental? Chuckling lightly to himself he shrugged off his sappy feelings. Who the fuck cares if he was being girly about it? Kevin knew what he wanted and he didn't give two shits about what other people said about it.

He kind of wanted to see how things between Edd and him would go. But should he say something to Edd? Should he ask him if he remembers that night all those years ago? Should he bring it up at all? He knew that even if Edd wasn't gay, he'd definitely felt something for Kevin back then and the way he'd looked at Kevin earlier when he picked him up…well, let's just say Kevin will probably be using that image later tonight. Much, much later…and possibly in the shower. But again, was he feeling feelings or was it just lust?

He's known Edd practically his whole life, but people change and Kevin knows this all too well. What if Double D has changed, what if he's changed a lot? Kevin didn't think he could handle the betrayal, especially if it came from Edd. But Edd's always been a sweet kid. Despite the influence of Eddy, the nerdy boy had never really tried to hurt anyone, he merely wanted friendship. He was helpful and kind and caring. Granted he had a bit of a weird alter ego when he really got excited and let loose but he was still…Edd. And he still was just Edd.

At this point, Kevin saw the thin man exit the building with a plastic bag and head toward the car. He'll think about the rest of this at another time. Maybe they could try being friends first? He groaned softly as he looked down and he tried to adjust his jeans discreetly. Thinking of Nat in a bikini (not an imaginary image…Kevin knows not to go with Nat to the beach ever again) after noticing the slight tightness of his jeans from thinking of the scientist he was able to calm his body down before Edd opened the door.

Kevin gave the scientist a nervous smile as he entered the car and neither said a word the rest of the short drive back to the cul-de-sac. Parking in front of his parents' house on the street, the two men exited the car and Kevin offered to walk Edd back to his home. Upon reaching the front door, Edd turned slightly and gazed up at Kevin through his eyelashes shyly as he fiddled with his keys. He gave a nervous half-smile and Kevin remained standing about two feet away from him with his hands in his jacket pockets.

"I'll see you in the morning Double D, just meet me by the car at seven thirty alright?" he spoke slowly and softly, trying to maintain an even tone and not let Edd know just how nervous he was standing there. A silent nod was his answer and the cutest smile he'd ever seen graced Edd's lips before he coughed lightly to cover up his blush, which didn't really work. "Well, uh, have a good night Double Dork." And with that he turned on his heel quickly and made his way across the street, looking back once to see Edd disappearing into his home after a quick wave in Kevin's direction.

Ah fuck…I'm gonna need a cold shower I think…

So I have Chapter 7 done…but not 6…hahaha…ha…yeah…I'm one of those people who writes sections of stories and then puts them in order and attempts to connect those sections… It's a struggle for me lol. I'm glad I could get chapters 4 and 5 to you as quickly as I did though.

Either way though, this coming week is a busy week for me but I'm hoping to have time this weekend to write chapter 6 and hopefully (fingers crossed) post it before I get too busy. I'm having to change some things plot wise so we'll see.

Anyway, I love getting reviews! Is it weird that I read them every day before I start writing? Lol I honestly get most of my inspiration from people who review and I always take to heart what people say so Please Review! Let me know how it's going for you!

Oh and don't expect any actual loving between the two anytime soon…

ReinaKage