Justice is ServED

DecidED

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.

Edd worked in relative peace for several hours after the small welcome party. A small smile still adorned his lips as he hummed quietly to himself as he shuffled busily around the lab. He was cleaning up a bit as he waited for a few tests to finish and Emily Owens, the swing shift tech for that day to arrive.

Smiling softly, he thought about when they first met yesterday. He'd been enveloped in a tight hug almost immediately and was deafened by her squeaks of how adorable he was. Emily was quite short, standing at only about five foot two but what she lacked in height she made up for in a confidence similar to Presley. Somehow, Emily managed to be more intimidating than the gun-loving Texan but Edd found her darling. He just knew better than to say that to her face.

Amused sapphires noticed the woman strutting through the crowds in the precinct toward the lab, people parting for her without prompting and a wide smile on her face. Her short, tight blonde curls bounced against her cheeks and she waved enthusiastically when she caught Double D's eye. The tall nerd smiled happily and waved back slowly. Once she made it into the room and threw her lab coat on, she gave Edd a tight hug and a bright greeting.

"Afternoon Edd! How has your day been? I heard Pres threw you a welcome party. I'm sorry I couldn't be there I had another engagement that quite honestly, I probably should've just conveniently forgotten about and dealt with the aftermath later. Oh well…anyway you're going to Martha's going away slash baby shower dinner tonight right? Oh, that should be fun! Again, I wish I could go!" Edd continued to smile as Emily spoke quickly, trying to fit as many words into one breath that she could.

Martha at one point said that the rest of the techs had a betting pool of how many words they counted in one breath. So far, the current winner is Axel with an astonishing forty-five words before she took a breath. He even got it on camera. Edd was certain that poor Emily didn't know about it but truly wondered if she'd actually be angry. It seemed that the others were unsure about her reaction despite knowing her longer and still didn't wish to tell her so that spoke volumes to Edd.

"Good afternoon Emily. Yes, the party was lovely and I appreciate the thought but you needn't worry about not going, I understand." Emily smiled and bounced on the balls of her feet lightly, her curls following suit before she moved to the back of the room.

"Well, then I'll take over here so you can head out. Enjoy the dinner!" Edd nodded before he followed after her to clock out. He was grateful that she didn't wish to speak to him longer. He still needed to go get a baby shower gift. Presley had mentioned the party in passing sometime after lunch and demanded that he needed to be there since Martha adored him and he'd readily agreed. It wasn't like he had anyone waiting for him at home anyway.

Shaking his head slightly to get rid of the depressing thoughts trying to break through to the front of his mind, he removed his coat reverently and placed it on its' hook before giving the short woman a slight wave and a smile and walking out of the lab. He checked his phone and saw that he still had an hour and a half to get a gift and get in a quick shower before needing to be at the restaurant. Making his way through the throng of people coming and going from the precinct, Edd smiled, for once truly happy about where he was in life.

His love life might be non-existent, but his work life was appearing to be the best thing that has ever happened to him and he couldn't wait to see what was in store for him in the future. His co-workers were friendly and genuine, but he supposed they were probably just as nerdy as he was. Giggling slightly to himself as he drove down the road to a baby store, Edd thought about how interesting his new colleagues really were.

The first he met of the other techs that worked in his lab was Rordan, a morning and swing shift tech. He was older than Edd by a few years and was a doting father. He met him the day after the incident and was greeted with a strong, pumping handshake and wide smile from the shorter man before immediately gushing over his twelve-year-old daughter Carina. Edd was shown picture after picture of the smiling little girl with her dad and with her soccer ball, her most prized possession. Edd had smiled sweetly as the man threw in a few Spanish pet names for his little girl throughout the showing of the photos.

Tyesha Johnson was the other swing and one of the night shift techs and she stood right at Edd's height. Her dark honey eyes dead even with his sparkling blues and he found it a bit intimidating. But Edd was a bit skittish with new people anyway so he wasn't completely surprised that he squeaked out a greeting when he first met her. Tye wasn't offended by his undignified reception one bit. All she did was laugh, shake his hand with several odd gestures that she demanded he remember before inviting him to her community volleyball leagues' game next week. He'd agreed immediately but sheepishly admitted to now really knowing anything about the game at all. She'd just laughed and swung a rich umber arm around his shoulders and reassured him it didn't matter.

So far though his most interesting introduction was when he met Dakota Reed, the main night shift tech. It was Friday morning and his last day training with Martha. Edd had arrived earlier than the pregnant woman and decided to introduce himself. Laughing quietly, Edd pulled into a spot in the parking lot and turned off the car. The man was a whirlwind and Edd had never met anyone like him, although he had a feeling that Nat was probably similar in craziness.

The second Edd walked through the door he heard Dakota singing at the top of his lungs along with a pop song Edd wasn't too familiar with. Now, Edd would never judge anyone for their interests but he won't deny that it caught him off guard enough for him to freeze in place, letting the door swing shut behind him. The shorter man was dancing around the back of the room, going from machine to computer to machine and back, not even noticing the stunned Edd.

His rainbow-colored hair was styled in a faded undercut with his hair brushed straight to one side. He had an industrial piercing with multiple rainbow-colored balls on his exposed left ear and had dark eyeliner surrounding his amused grey eyes that had locked with Edd's. The man was still frozen in place when Dakota turned off the music and made his way over to him and stuck his hand out.

"Hey, I'm Dakota, and yes I'm fabulously gay." Edd blinked before a bright red blush covered his face completely. The heat from it making him feel more embarrassed. The shorter man wore a large smirk but Edd noticed the note of apprehension in the others' eyes. Smiling reassuringly, he gripped the man's hand firmly.

"G-Good morning, I'm Eddward, um, and m-me too." Dakota grinned widely at Edd's introduction before pulling him into a one-armed hug.

"Awesome! So, like out-out?" he asked as he walked Edd to the computer to clock in. The slight hesitation from Edd must have been answer enough for Dakota because he turned to Edd and nodded, a soft, 'I understand' leaving his lips before he began firing impersonal question after question at the nervous man.

Edd was overjoyed to work with someone like Dakota. He wasn't an overly flamboyant gay man like Dakota seemed to be so it was hard to make friends like that for Edd. He didn't have any at all honestly. Edd wasn't exactly hiding his sexuality either though. If someone asked he wouldn't deny it but he'd never really been all that interested in dating generally. He had a few but they never lasted long as Edd wanted to focus on his classes, on his internship. That and Edd wasn't really a party guy either, though that is no surprise.

Getting out of the car, Edd made his way into the large baby department store. Immediately he was hit with the smell of baby powder and wipes and a high-pitched squeal of someone's baby somewhere at the back of the store assaulted his ears. It amazed him that such a small human being could have that kind of lung capacity and range. Looking around him, Edd felt a wave of confusion sweep through him. What, exactly, did one buy for an expectant mother anyway? Nervously wringing his hands in front of him, Edd chose to wander around for a bit to see if maybe something stood out. But after about fifteen minutes of pacing up and down aisles filled with baby things, Edd stopped and sighed.

"Double D? Is that you?" Bewildered, Edd turned around only to lock eyes with an openly surprised and obviously pregnant Nazz. Edd's eyes widened and his mouth fell open slightly but before he could say anything the woman squealed happily and pulled him into a very tight hug.

"Dude! I had no idea you were back in town! Oh, it's so good to see you Double D!" she squeaked, still squeezing the life out of the man. Edd awkwardly raised a hand to gently tap her back, hoping it would make her release his arms and body but all it did was make her hug him tighter.

"G-Greetings Nazz, h-how have you been?" He aimed an awkward smile down at her when she pulled back slightly with a large smile.

"Oh, Double D, still so polite." she giggled and finally released the man. Edd took in a deep breath as Nazz ran a gentle hand seemingly unconsciously over her enlarged belly. "I've been great! Just counting down the days before this little one is born. Honestly, I've been a bit bored lately since my doctor told me to take it easy." Edd nodded politely.

"So, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you have a kid?" She said a teasing grin adorning her lips.

"Oh, um no, I'm looking for a gift for a coworker. She's expecting." Nazz nodded in understanding. Silence followed for a moment before an idea came to Edd. He would ask Nazz!

"Um, to be honest, I am not entirely sure what would be an appropriate gift," he started but didn't need to finish. Nazz smiled widely at him then took his hand, exclaiming happily that she would love to help him. They wandered a few aisles as Nazz looked around.

"So where do you work? Have you moved back?" Edd nodded but since the blonde woman was in front of him and couldn't see his gesture he coughed lightly before speaking.

"Um, y-yes. I did move back. I work at the Peach Creek Police Department as a Forensic -,"

"You do!? Really? You know, Kevin is a Detective there!" she spun around, excitement clear on her face. There was a sparkle in her teal eyes that Edd wasn't sure he knew what it meant but he nodded.

"Y-Yes, we have spoken -,"

"Kevin knew you were back and didn't tell me?" She pouted as her lips protruded slightly and she crossed her arms over her chest. "So mean! How long has he known? He's going to pay for not telling me immediately!" Edd chuckled quietly at how upset Nazz seemed.

"Only about five days Nazz."

"That's too long!" Nazz squeaked as she stopped to look at some onesies, Double D following a slight smile adorning his lips as the woman continued to talk. They continued to walk the store looking around at things as Nazz pulled a few items for herself.

"I'm assuming this is for Martha then right?" She asked looking at a couple different boxes of diapers. Edd nodded in response when she glanced at him before continuing to peruse the multitude of diaper brands.

"Okay, do you know if she's having a boy or girl?" She asked off-handed as she pulled a box of diapers off the shelf and turned it around inspecting it.

"I, actually do not know." Edd frowned slightly, he should've asked but he doesn't have any of his coworkers' numbers…except Kevin but would Kevin know?

"Okay, that's no problem! Here," she said handing a box of diapers and a package of wipes to him, "You can never go wrong with this for sure but there are a few gender-neutral things you can get her too so let's go look!" The befuddled scientist followed slowly behind the woman. Nazz hasn't changed all that much over the years. Still sweet and cool and Edd found that refreshing. He'd always thought Nazz was a nice person.

They stopped by some burp cloths and bibs and Nazz grabbed a few before showing Edd to pick from. He ended up taking about two packs of burp cloths and one bib to add to the diapers and wipes already in his hands. Passing a rack of clearance items Edd spotted a onesie with a picture of an atom with the caption 'Never trust an atom, they make up everything'. He couldn't help but chuckle at the small article of clothing, so he grabbed it as well, hoping Martha would appreciate the joke. Nazz continued to gush over how much she adored one of the bibs and ended up buying one for herself once they made it up to the registers. After they checked out, Edd walked Nazz to her car and helped her load her purchases into the backseat

"So, since you're back we have to get together at some point! I'll talk to Kevin but I'm sure you have to go now right?" Edd smiled politely and nodded.

"Unfortunately, yes. It was wonderful seeing you again Nazz and thank you for the help. I really appreciate it." A gentle smile fell on Nazz's lips before she pulled Double D into a sweet hug.

"It's was awesome to see you too Double D. Have fun!" she said softly before turning to get into her car. Double D gently helped her in then softly shut the door for her before waving slightly and walking to his own car. He placed his purchases in the front passenger seat and started the car. After returning home, he left the car in the driveway and quickly made his way into his home. He had about forty-five minutes to wrap the gifts and take a quick shower and change to arrive on time at the restaurant.

So, he quickly went to what was once his old room and found wrapping paper and a gift bag and set about wrapping the diapers as perfectly as he could before arranging the other items in the bag and placing tissue paper over it. Once he was satisfied with it he rushed to his bathroom and turned the water in the shower to warm. Grabbing a change of clothes from his closet and putting his hair up into a ponytail after removing his beanie, he jumped in the shower to quickly wash his body.

His phone began beeping softly once Edd had stepped out of the shower with a towel wrapped tightly around his body signaling he had twenty minutes left. He dried off quickly and changed into a pair of nice black jeans that fit a little loose so Edd roped a belt through the loops and pulled them snug. He pulled on a red button-up which he left loose around his waist, it was a semi-casual dinner after all. Edd smiled slightly as he loosened the ponytail a little so it sat at the base of his neck and replaced the beanie before leaving the room and grabbing the presents on the way out. He made it back into the car leaving him with plenty of time to get to the restaurant and not be considered late.

A nervous smile tugged at his lips. This would be the first time he's ever gone out with coworkers and he was excited. It would be nice to see how everyone was outside of work. Were they more wild or did they act the same? Edd sighed happily, either way, he was happy that they had included him in their plans and he wanted nothing more than to have that continue.

"Oh Edd! You came!" Martha exclaimed as she tried hard to squeeze Edd to her once he arrived at the restaurant. Edd smiled politely, patting her on the back gently with one hand. When she pulled back she beamed up at him, her purple hair arranged neatly out of her face. He glanced behind her into the small banquet room to see who all had arrived to find that he was only second to Lillian who was arranging a few gifts on a table off to the side of the room.

"Of course Martha, I wouldn't miss this." He smiled happily as the short woman eagerly pulled him further into the room. There was a long table surrounded by about twelve chairs in the middle of the room. Lillian had put up a couple of banners, one saying 'Congratulations!' and the other had 'We'll Miss You!'. Edd felt a mild rush of guilt go through him for taking her position but Martha had assured him earlier in the week that she wants to stay at home. He offered the gifts he'd carefully wrapped to the woman with a shy smile.

"Oh, Edd, you didn't have to get me anything!"

"I wanted to. It's also a thank you. For everything." Martha sniffled a little before gently taking the gift. The two smiled at each other before she led him to the chair on the end of the right side of the table. After insisting that he sit, Lillian came over and took the present from the emotional woman just as a few others arrived. Martha wobbled over to great them all, leaving Edd alone.

It wasn't long before most of the people arrived apart from two people, but Edd wasn't sure who all was invited anyway. Presley sat heavily down in the chair to Edd's right just as Dakota came up behind him giving the startled newbie a hug before taking a seat next to Presley. Edd couldn't keep the smile off his face as he was greeted happily by Rordan and Tyesha as they came through the double doors together and chatted with him for a moment before taking their own seats at the other end of the table. When Martha stood to greet everyone is when the last arrived, and Edd wasn't sure why he didn't expect them. Nat stumbled through the door laughing at something that must have happened.

"Hey! You two are late!" yelled Presley as everyone laughed good-naturedly at the two acting like kids as they stuck their tongues out at a grinning Presley. Martha smiled at them as they sat in the only two empty seats, with Kevin on Edd's left and Nat between Axel and Kevin before speaking.

"I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for pitching in to throw me this lovely dinner. You guys have always been like family to me and I'll miss you every single day, but I'm ready to be a mom." She said tearfully, "It's been a long and hard journey and I really appreciate all of the last-minute schedule changes you all did for me while I was struggling with growing this stubborn child!" A low gurgle of chuckles went around the room.

"I hope that now, you all will show Edd the same respect and love you all have shown me," she gave a smirk to everyone, "cause all that kid has to do is call me if you're acting juvenile!" She laughed sending her smirk toward Nat and Kevin, then Presley and Dakota. A deep red settled on Edd's cheeks and flowed down his neck from the acknowledgement. "All right! Let's party!" Cheers erupted in the room, Nat, Dakota, and Presley being the loudest, before a couple of waiters came into the room to begin getting drink orders.

One of the waiters walked up to Edd with a flirting smile adorning his lips. He towered over the scientist but didn't look at all imposing. His light blonde hair fell lightly into his steely eyes as he looked down the slight curve of his nose at a lightly blushing Edd. It was obvious the man was muscular, Edd could see his sleeve struggling to contain the massive biceps of his arms and his broad shoulders stretched the clean white button-up shirt taut in the front.

"Hey there, my name is Daniel, what can I get you?" he asked, voice low and charming. Double D noticed the flirtatious note in his voice but didn't really think much of it. The man was surely like this with all his customers so Edd smiled back shyly in response.

"Um, just a water for me please," he said softly making the man lean closer to hear him properly. The waiter didn't seem bothered to be a bit closer to him based on the softening of his smile.

"You sure that's all you want?" Daniel asked coyly before a loud thump startled them both. Two pairs of surprised eyes met the harsh glare of emerald eyes and a pair of amused gold ones.

"Sorry," Kevin said flatly. Edd's eyes narrowed slightly, knowing full well that Kevin was not at all apologetic.

Kevin didn't remove his gaze from the annoyed waiter's, silently challenging him to do or say anything Kevin didn't like. It wasn't until the waiter had excused himself and left the room that Kevin realized what he'd just done. Despite the conversation in the room continuing through the standoff between him and the waiter, he saw that everyone else sent him questioning glances, and a few smirks.

He didn't care though. Sure, he was a little embarrassed. He'd acting without thinking. But that guy was obviously flirting with Edd! Kevin didn't like the vibe he got from the guy so he felt he was justified. Right? Rubbing the back of his neck slightly he cleared his throat and glanced at Double D's inquisitive stare.

"S-So, uh," Kevin started, ignoring the jab to his ribs from Nat as he tried to think of something to say to Edd to break the tension he'd created. He glared half-heartedly at Presley from across the table as she smirked at him, though not once stopping her conversation with Dakota. He wasn't sure what to say if he was honest. The two didn't really have anything in common except maybe the similarities in their jobs so what could he possibly talk about with Edd?

"Kevin, are you okay?" Flicking his gaze up, his eyes stared at the slight frown pulling at Edd's lips before he dragged them further to take in Edd's eyes scrunched up in concern. Sighing slightly Kevin nodded, not wanting speak in case he said something stupid or hurtful. Kevin may be older but that didn't mean he wasn't still a bit impulsive. He didn't always think before reacting to a situation. Obviously, because when he saw the waiter flirting shamelessly with Double D, Kevin got pissed.

It was stupid to react the way he did. The two didn't have a relationship other than coworkers, maybe tentative friends. But Kevin had most definitely noticed how gorgeous Double D looked the second he walked into the room. He'd paused for only a mere moment before Nat teased Kevin about blushing and the annoyed redhead pushed him through the doors.

Kevin couldn't remember ever seeing Double D with his hair up off his shoulders and it was, unfortunately, a problem for Kevin when he noticed the pale expanse of skin underneath the soft raven hair when the dork finally looked away. Another jab to his ribs made him turn a soft glare to Nat, who wasn't even paying attention to him, so Kevin slumped a bit in his chair and mildly watched Double D conversing with Presley and Dakota.

He watched his eyes sparkle with happiness, true happiness, and this made Kevin smile softly. The last time he'd seen Double D this happy was when he found out he was valedictorian of their graduating class, though, that wasn't much of a surprise. Either way, Kevin was glad to see that the sadness he usually saw wasn't present at the current moment. Although, he wasn't sure why it made him feel all hot and fuzzy inside, but he also was choosing to ignore the feelings in his gut. No reason to freak out the kid now with his weird impulsiveness, right?

Why was it so hard to ignore the nerd though? Kevin had never once thought of Edd in a romantic sense so why now? He could continue believing it was his mind playing tricks on him because it's been so long since he's been with anyone, but he felt in his gut that this wasn't the truth.

A cute huffy, giggle escaped Double D's lips at something Dakota had said, and Kevin then made up his mind. He wasn't going to deny what his body was telling him. It was obvious that two out of three things agreed: his heart and body against his head. He would start slow then, become friends with the adorable dork and see if maybe something develops between them. Might as well right?

Kevin smiled then punched Nat in the shoulder before jumping into his conversation with Axel. His mind was made up and it felt like a significant weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Maybe he was stressing a bit too much over this but he wasn't overly fond of change, so it was to be expected he supposed.

The evening progressed smoothly. The stupid waiter that was flirting with Double D refused to go near him again after Kevin gave him another stare down. Martha looked to be overjoyed at the gifts everyone got her including Edd's adorable onesie and Nat's ridiculously inappropriate baby doll nightie for "sexy times" as he yelled obnoxiously when she'd pulled the baby blue fabric from the bag. The cake that Lillian had made was absolutely delicious.

And Edd. Kevin smiled wide at the delighted look on the man's face. He looked so happy which made Kevin's heart flutter obnoxiously, but he didn't mind it, instead he welcomed it. It felt great. And when those sparkly blues smiled sweetly at Kevin in return, he knew he was a goner and he loved every second of that realization.

Once things wound down, Kevin, Axel, and Rordan all helped Martha get all her gifts and the leftover cake into her car while the others all said well wishes. Lillian and Mel then left toward a car at the other side of the parking lot, Axel following soon after giving Martha a big hug. Rordan and Tyesha were the next to leave followed closely by Lillian and Sheridan.

"Okay miss lady I'mma head out too, gotta go relieve Em," Dakota smiled as the slightly shorter woman pulled him into a tight hug.

"Thank you for coming sweetheart. Take care of Edd alright?" she whispered as she pulled back. Grey eyes searched hers inquisitively, unsure of why she would request that, but he nodded anyway then turned to leave as Martha turned to the last three.

"So, what are you two children up to?" she demanded, hands on her hips, mom stare already locked on Kevin and Nat.

"We've gotta head to a stakeout now," Kevin replied as Nat groaned loudly.

"Yeah, at The Warehouse of all places!" Martha's forehead creased in concern and disapproval, but she didn't voice whatever was going through her mind. Even so, the two Detectives knew her enough to know what she wanted to say.

"We'll be careful, Martha, promise," Kevin smiled reassuringly, a smile Nat mirrored. She gave a small smile then turned her attention to Double D.

"Now, Edd, if you need anything at all, just call me okay? I'd be happy to help. And don't let these two bully you! They can act like children sometimes, so you may need to be the adult," she smirked and ignored the cries of outrage from the two. Edd smiled knowingly.

"I understand what you're saying. Not to worry Martha, I'll do my best to keep them in line," he smiled sweetly but Kevin saw the little twitch in the corner of his mouth. It was small and very subtle, but Kevin knew that Double D was trying hard not to smirk back at his little joke. Kevin chuckled lightly and pulled Martha into a hug.

"You take care Martha, call if you need anything alright?" Kevin said. Martha nodded against his chest and sniffled a little.

"I will," she breathed deeply trying to keep her emotions at bay, "and you take care of each other. Don't do stupid crap alright? I already worry about you two enough as it is." Kevin laughed and nodded. He didn't promise her anything and she didn't want him too. She hugged Nat and Edd next and waved as the scientist headed off to his car and Nat headed in the opposite direction. Kevin helped Martha into her car and went to shut the door when she stopped him.

"Kevin," she asked apprehension in her voice, "I don't know how you know Edd but please keep an eye on him for me? I don't mean to be rude but - ," Kevin nodded knowingly.

"I know Martha, that kid's gotta permanent 'kick me' sign attached to his back," he gave a slight smile to reassure her. She smiled sadly but chuckled a little as she nodded.

"Yeah, something like that. He's a sweet kid, perhaps a bit too sweet but he's amazing at what he does." Kevin nodded in agreement.

"That is very true. Now you head on home Martha, get some rest, I'm sure you're exhausted." The woman laughed and shut the car door. Kevin watched her leave the parking lot, made sure that Edd wasn't still there, then headed to the car and got in.

"I saw everything!" Nat yelled the second Kevin shut the door. Kevin rolled his eyes as he started the engine.

"Yeah I know, and I don't care." Nat stared at him in mild shock before a smile twisted his lips.

"You've decided to give it a go?"

"Yep."

"You thought he was hot?"

"Oh yeah."

"Wanna practice with m - ow!"

"Not on your life asshole." Laughter filled the car as they drove off toward the east side of town.

Okay, so I know it has been over a year since the last update. I sincerely apologize for that. Literally 2 days after I posted the last chapter I found out I was pregnant with my beautiful rainbow baby. It was a very difficult pregnancy. I had to quit work, had lots of issues, and was told to try and take it easy. I wasn't really able to nor had the motivation to write during that time as I was also busy trying to get the nursery in order. I did have this chapter nearly done but I didn't like it and every time I re-read it, it just never seemed right.

And now that my son is almost 8 months, he's FINALLY sleeping through the night and taking regular naps! Yay! So, I now have the time and have a renewed motivation to continue with this story! I hope I didn't lose too many of you because of my impromptu hiatus but I swear I'm back! Updates with not be as frequent as it was before but I'll do my best to fix that over time!

Thank you and I really appreciate all of you who have stuck with this story! I'm also sorry this chapter isn't as long, I will make it up to you with the next one, I promise!