Justice is ServED

Title

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.

Humming quietly to himself, Edd pressed the button to close the garage door as he walked through the door into his kitchen. The smile on his lips from earlier had never left Eddward's face but he found the slight ache of his facial muscles to be well worth it. Placing his keys and wallet on the counter he made his way to his bedroom, pausing for only a moment to make sure all doors were locked and flicking off the kitchen light.

The night had turned out to be more fun than he had originally thought. Most definitely not as awkward as he believed it would have been being the new guy at work. He was surprised to see Kevin there but the warm fuzzy feelings that gathered in his gut were not unwelcome. Despite how odd Kevin had acted a few times that evening, Edd had enjoyed spending the time with him there. It was very different from when they were kids.

Years ago, Edd had always wanted to be better friends with the other children in the cul-de-sac, but the differences between the three Ed's and the others seemed to be too great to overcome. Chuckling lightly to himself, he made his way to his room. Eddy had always been a bit needy, though that may be a bit of an understatement. Generally though, Edd never minded that. He knew why Eddy was the way he was and that was usually enough for him. Though Eddy did have some moments when he would take things way too far, Edd always made sure to let the other know. Even if doing so never changed the outcome as Eddy did what he wanted anyway.

Edd went through his nightly routine to get ready for bed with an efficiency and speed that suggested years of doing the same thing over and over. Once settled in bed with the overhead light off, he switched on a small table light on the adjacent nightstand, projecting a soft pale light throughout the room, then pulled a thick book into his lap and propped it open on his knees. He managed to get a few pages turned before the house phone next to the lamp let off a whimsical tune and a small smile adorned his lips. Only one person would call him at this time of night.

"Hello Eddy, have you been well this past month?"

"Of course Sockhead, would I be anything else?"

A small snort escaped Edd's nose at the slight indignation in Eddy's voice. Eddy was doing quite well for himself as a prominent real estate agent in California, he never really spoke too much about himself but Edd had done his own research. Over the years, Eddy seemed to have changed a bit. The reasons why eluded Edd but he figured that the outcome was for the better. Eddy was more open with his feelings and concerns, especially when it came to his close friends. It warmed Edd's heart to know that the man was thinking of others more than himself these days.

"How's the new job Double D? Is it everything you hoped it would be?" Edd smiled softly up at his ceiling. Things were definitely not what he had thought they would be, especially his first day, but, Edd couldn't find it in him to regret his decision. His choice to move back had brought many new and amazing people into his life. It brought Kevin back into his life and despite their history, Edd was looking forward to seeing where their future would take them.

"It's…It's more than I hoped for Eddy. You'll never believe it," he laughed softly before immediately launching into the story of his first day.

"Holy shit Double D! You're okay though right?"

"I am, Kevin was nice enough to escort me to the hospital right away and I wasn't hurt too badly."

"Wow…still, it's kinda weird to think of Kevin as a detective…." Eddy grew quiet and Edd had a feeling he knew what the other was thinking.

"Has he…mentioned what happened? You know…back then?" Edd's eyes lowered sadly to his hand, watching as he picked at a loose thread in the comforter.

"No. I'm not sure he even remembers that Eddy." Silence followed. They both knew that didn't seem likely but at the same time, Kevin never mentioned remembering. So, either he forgot, or he's refusing to bring it up for any number of reasons.

"Honestly Eddy, I am glad he hasn't spoken to me about it. I…I don't really want to go back to that night." Edd whispered in the receiver then waited for Eddy's response. The scientist wasn't sure how he would react to this new information, the man had mellowed out quite a bit over the years.

"I understand but…you're still in love with him, aren't you." It was not a question. And even though Edd wished he could deny it, he knew he couldn't. The warmth he feels in his heart every time he sees the redheaded detective was proof enough. Even after all these years apart, he had not gotten over his love for the other man.

"Yes." Silence fell once more but it wasn't uncomfortable.

"Just…take care of yourself, alright?" Edd smiled gently at the concern the other Ed was trying to conceal.

"I will Eddy, so how are you doing?" They spoke for a bit longer before Eddy had to hang up. Edd placed the phone back on the stand a gentle smile still gracing his lips before he eyed his cellphone next to the bedside lamp. Martha's worried expression from earlier that night flitted back in his memory when Nat had told her where his and Kevin's stakeout was to take place. He chewed on his bottom lip softly, debating on whether it would be weird to text Kevin and wish him luck. Slowly, his hand reached for the device and he pulled it into his lap, staring at the black screen for a bit longer before unlocking the phone and pulling up the messages from Kevin.

Good luck with your stakeout. Stay safe.

"Are you sure we have to do this?" Whined Nat in a high-pitched voice before a loud groan followed. A soft thunk sounded as Kevin's forehead fell to the steering wheel and he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. He wished Nat would stop complaining. The man hadn't stopped once since they left Martha's Baby Shower/Going Away Dinner to stake out the dilapidated building across the street from where they were parked, hidden in shadows.

Kevin didn't want to be doing this either, though. Moving his focused gaze over several people as they flocked to the door guarded by a rather large, menacing man who towered over everyone trying to gain entrance into the rundown club. A shorter man stood next to him, smirking as several female wannabe patrons lifted their shirts to flash the guy before he allowed them in through the door. Kevin rolled his eyes. That guy was a douchebag through and through but the women who thought that flashing him was worth it to get in and still pay the thirty dollar cover charge were just stupid.

The Warehouse wasn't an overly large building, but it was located on the outskirts of Peach Creek near several abandoned warehouses. Multi-colored lights filtered through dusty windows and obnoxiously loud techno music seeped through the cracks in the walls and windows, polluting the otherwise silent air as the deep, pounding bass rattled nearby cars.

There was no doubt in either of the two detectives minds that there was probably a shit ton of drugs in this area but as bad as it may sound, that wasn't their department.

"Maybe we won't have to go in, Nat, one of my CI's said he saw Colt in there, looked to be finishing up a transaction. He said he'd shoot me a text when he leaves the building and we'll follow him then." Kevin's personal phone vibrated and he glanced at it expecting it to be his mother but froze in surprise to see it was from Edd. Nat leaned in close to look at the phone before grinning conspiratorially at his partner. Clearing his throat, he ignored Nat's kissy faces as he tilted the phone up to keep the annoying man from seeing his response.

Thanks DD, we'll do our best 👌. Have a good night 🙂

"I spy with my little eye something that begins with…..T." Kevin glared hard at the building in front of him, eyes flicking from left to right and back as he rested his chin on the steering wheel. It was currently around one o'clock in the morning and still no word from his CI or any sighting of Colt. Five hours have ticked by so slowly and Kevin was beginning to lose his patience.

"T, I said T, Kevvy-Bear." A low growl slowly turned into a long groan.

"Tire!"

"Nope, already used that one. Try again!" Nat laughed flatly. He too, was feeling the effects of being in a cramped, stuffy car for too long.

"Nat, I don't wanna play this anymore."

"Yeah cause you know you're losing and that you suck at this game." A pout formed on the redhead's lips, his shoulders slouching just a tad bit more in defeat. Silence filled the car once more as a restless tension hummed underneath it, itching to break free.

"Tree?"

"Wrong!"

"Damn it Nat! What the fuck is it then?" Kevin yelled, glaring at Nat and rubbing his right ear which was ringing painfully from Nat yelling in it. Nat glared lightly then opened his mouth to reply, hand pointing out the windshield at whatever it was he'd "spied" before he froze. A cheeky grin spread on his face before Kevin turned to look and saw what they had both spent hours waiting for: Colt was walking away from the building with Cynthia Haggerty and they were heading in their direction.

Both detectives did a quick fist bump before Nat quietly got out of the car, crouched low and then moved back behind the car parked behind them. Kevin slouched low in his seat, turned his baseball cap around and pulled it low on his head and waited for a text from Nat telling him to get out of the car.

Colt was a runner. The second he caught sight of any form of law enforcement he would bolt. And he was quick. There was a reason he was still out on the streets. The guy knew the streets of Peach Creek like the back of his hand. Having grown up on the streets, he was slippery, but Kevin was determined to catch him.

A short vibration from the phone in his hand got his attention. He checked it to make sure it was Nat before quietly opening the door and quickly getting out of the car and blocking Colt's rear escape route just as Nat sauntered out from behind the car to block the front.

"Howdy Colty-poo, how's it hanging?" Nat smirked as the other man stiffened visibly before taking a step back and turning only to see Kevin. Cynthia was hanging onto the shorter man's arm as her cries of "I didn't tell them anything, I swear!" went unnoticed by all three men. Colt's wide eyes glanced fearfully between the two detectives as he struggled to get his arm out of the clinging woman's grasp. Her high-pitched voice was grating on everyone's nerves, but it seemed to finally cause Colt to snap.

He harshly grasped her upper arm then threw her at Nat before bolting down a side alley, Kevin hot on his heels. Colt took a sharp turn around a corner, feet slipping slightly underneath him but unfortunately, he righted himself before Kevin could tackle him to the ground. Kevin followed close behind for several twists and turns before they finally came to a dead end. Colt faced the brick wall, chest heaving and sweat dripping profusely from his skin. Kevin slowed and smirked, finally, they've caught this bastard.

"Colt Gunner, I'm bringing you in. I've got some questions for you about Terry Humphreys," Kevin said, catching his breath as he cautiously stepped closer to the suspect. Colt was a bit shorter than Kevin but did not lack in bulk. The basketball jersey he wore showed he worked out quite frequently so Kevin kept his guard up.

""Oh? Well, I don't know the guy. And I ain't goin' no where!" He yelled as he spun around, fist shooting out at Kevin's face. The redhead dodged, ducking down before rushing forward and grabbing him around the waist. Colt grunted when his back hit the brick, but it didn't seem to faze him as he gripped Kevin's shoulders and brought his knee up harshly into Kevin's chest.

Clenching his teeth against the pain, Kevin tighten his hold on Colt and slammed him back harder against the wall again before letting go quickly and stepping back to get his footing. Colt was quick to recover though, lashing out with another fist but missing as Kevin ducked to the side and quickly grabbed his arm, spinning him around and pinning his arm behind his back. A swift kick to the back of Colt's knee brought him down to the ground but that seemed to be what he'd wanted. He fell forward quickly causing Kevin to lose his balance and fall on top of him.

Colt was quick to flip Kevin off his back and get up on all fours but Kevin grabbed his ankle in a strong grip. Kicking back, Colt missed the detective but was able to get to his feet and take off back down the alley. Kevin followed quickly, growling in anger. After a couple turns Kevin slowed to a stop, chest heaving and pissed off.

"Fuck." Green eyes scanned the alleyway. There were three different ways Colt could have gone but Kevin had no way of knowing which way he went. He couldn't hear any footsteps or any other sounds either. Fists clenched tightly at his sides, Kevin breathed out heavily through his nose before turning around and stalking back to his car where an annoyed Nat waited with a cuffed and screeching Cynthia Haggerty.

Interrogating Cynthia the next morning was not the best way to start their day. Both Nat and Kevin had gotten very little sleep after booking her and deciding to let her stew in lockup for the night. The second they walked into the interrogation room, their ears were assaulted by foul language and high-pitched shrieks as the busty woman yelled insult after insult at the two for nearly thirty minutes. Needless to say, by the time they had gotten some useful information out of her, both detectives had massive headaches. Upon exiting the room and leaving the bitter woman for some other officer to take care of, the two were stopped by the Chief.

"Barr, Goldberg, my office, now." The two detectives look at each other confused, each silently asking if the other did something stupid before following the Police Chief to his office. Walking in, they both saw two officers with VICE and slight anger gripped at him.

"You're to hand over your current case to Detectives Hall and Treager, I have another case for you."

"What? But Sir, we're so close to -,"

"Goldberg, I don't give two shits how close you are. This case isn't just about a murder anymore. Anything gang-related goes to VICE, you know this. Here's your new case, get to the scene." The Chief gave the two a hard look before going back to the papers on his desk. Both detectives left the room without another word. Detective Hall stood opposite them with a sympathetic face.

"Sorry about this guys," he said taking the folder from Nat. The teal-haired detective acknowledged the man, both knowing that Hall was actually sincere in his apology about having to take over their case, before he moved to meet up with his own partner.

"Man, this is bullshit. Not only does Dunhill's murderer get away with it, we don't even get to catch the dick that off-ed his killer!" Nat growled out stuffing his hands angrily into his front suit pockets. This wasn't the first time they've had to hand over a case and it wouldn't be the last, but that didn't mean it didn't piss the two off.

"Yeah, I know, oh, wait, hold up. It's Nazz." Kevin said pausing before he answered his phone. The slight smile he wore slowly dropped into a frown as he listened to the woman before he sighed heavily. "Nah, it's alright. It couldn't be helped Nazz. I'll just have to figure something out. I'll be there soon." Cursing as he ended the call, Kevin whipped his cap off and ran a hand through his hair before placing it back.

"Nazz has a family emergency and my parents are outta town." he grumbled softly to Nat a stricken look on his face. The teal-haired man nodded in understanding as the redhead glared at his phone. The two stood still, this certainly was a conundrum neither knew how to fix. Kevin dropped heavily into his chair and Nat's gold eyes caught sight of a softly smiling Edd through the window next to them, contentedly going about his business and a slight smirk donned his face.

"Why don't you ask Double Delish over there?" Wide emerald eyes shot up to gold before he swiveled around to look at Edd organizing some beakers. The man stood suddenly and took a step toward the man but hesitated. He wasn't sure about telling Double D. What would he think? What would he say? Kevin knew the man loved helping people in need, but could he really ask the scientist to do what he needed? "Dude, you've known the guy as long as you've known Nazz, I don't see the problem. And he's a nice kid, I think it's worth a shot. What's the worst thing he can do really?"

The redhead glanced back at Nat then nodded slightly, clearly still debating mentally. Clenching his fists tightly and rising to his full height suddenly he made his way to over and into the lab. Shiny blue eyes smiled happily when Kevin walked in. A polite greeting reached his ears and the man forgot why he'd even entered the room. Not many people were ever that happy to see him so it threw him for a loop to think that Edd might actually agree to the favor.

"Uh…h-hey um…" Kevin stuttered nervously, shoving his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, and glancing out the window at Nat who was smiling a bit conspiratorially. "Uh well…D-Double D I uh…was hoping you could do me a favor?" The scientist moved closer to the struggling man with his hands placed in his lab pockets. Kevin noted that he seemed to have a habit of doing that, was it a nervous habit or did it comfort him or what? Shaking his head lightly he looked up into a curious face.

"Of course Kevin, is there something you need processed? If it's easy enough I can have it done before Rordan arrives." Kevin fidgeted despite the nice and easy answer Edd supplied for him. God, could this get any more difficult? The only people who knew about this at work were Nat and the Chief and for Kevin to even consider telling someone else was a huge step. His heart was racing and his palms were beginning to sweat but he had no other choice. He trusted Edd, knew Edd, so he couldn't really figure out what was preventing him from just explaining the situation and asking the man for a bloody favor.

"Uh, no dude, not um…not with anything for work. It's personal." The short man's head tilted slightly, and Kevin could literally see the curiosity increase in his eyes as he stood a bit straighter and his smile fell into a slight frown. But the man nodded and waited for more information.

"Well, I've got a daughter and I need someone to watch her while Nat and I have to head out to a scene. Usually my parents watch her, that's why we live with them, but they're outta town right now and Nazz had a family emergency and has to go so I have to go pick her up and…"

Edd was curious about what had Kevin so flustered, he's told the man before that if there was anything he required that Edd would be happy to help but this, this was unexpected. He wasn't prepared to know this kind of information and he felt his heart drop into his stomach and a coldness spread throughout his body. Kevin had a daughter…meaning he probably has a wife? Swallowing thickly and glancing discreetly to the man left hand that was barely sticking out of the blue jean pockets, he couldn't see a ring. And if he were honest, that was something he probably would've noticed a long time ago.

"You don't have a wife?" he without thinking and blushed darkly at the words. He hadn't intended on asking him but it had just come out and now he kind of wish he hadn't when he saw the sad look cross over the detectives face before he coughed to cover his discomfort.

"It's um...Her mother died six months after she was born…before we could get married." Oh. Slumping a little, Edd gazed sadly at the man across from him.

"I apologize Kevin, I shouldn't have brought it up, I'm sorry. How old is your daughter?" A small smile was aimed at Kevin and he knew the man was trying to lighten up the atmosphere and he wasn't going to stop him from doing so, this was a topic he tried to avoid whenever possible. A loving smile spreading across his face as he spoke.

"She'll be seven in March. Her name is Gwen and she's amazing and beautiful." Edd's smile widened at the love in Kevin's voice as he spoke fondly of Gwen. Edd felt a bit guilty at the small twinge of happiness that hit his heart when he found out Kevin was single but Edd knew that the man being single didn't mean he was into men.

"That's wonderful Kevin," he breathed out. Kevin could hear that the man meant what he said, and a light blush developed on his face and he couldn't remember why he thought Edd wouldn't take the news well.

"So, uh, yeah. The reason I came in here is, I don't trust very many people with my girl and well…I trust you so I was wondering if you would be able to take care of her tonight?" Rubbing the back of his neck nervously and not looking at Edd, Kevin waited for an answer with bated breath. Was Edd even comfortable with kids? He didn't think about that, but he couldn't see why not, oh man.

Edd however felt happiness swell in his chest at Kevin's words. He trusted him. Him! Kevin trusted him! He couldn't keep his smile small if he had even bothered to try!

"I would be happy to watch her for you Kevin." Those words struck Kevin hard and his head snapped up so he could make sure Edd was telling the truth. The happiness and acceptance in Edd's deep blue eyes shined brightly and Kevin couldn't stop the big smile that grew on his face.

"Really? Dude! You have no idea how awesome that is! Thank you! So, I'll uh, Nat and I'll go get her from Nazz's and meet you at my place, that alright?" After the nod of affirmation from the beanie-clad man Kevin raced out of the room and dragged Nat out of the station just as Edd saw Rordan make it through the security at the front. Chuckling lightly and still feeling the joy from knowing Kevin trusted him, Edd gathered his things after removing his lab coat and hanging it by the door. He gave a polite smile to Rordan before quickly catching him up on the day and making his way home.

It wasn't until Edd made it home that he began to feel anxious about the situation. It wasn't that he was bad with children, in fact he'd done quite a bit of tutoring during his university days, it was more of…would Gwen even like him? Sitting quietly in his car after shutting off the engine, Edd stared at the steering wheel with a frown. What did it really matter? It wasn't like he was trying to date Kevin…the man was straight, that much was painfully obvious. Sighing sadly Edd exited the car and walked through the garage door that led to his kitchen and pushed a button to close the garage door before the door quietly snapped shut behind him.

He placed his keys and wallet on the counter and plugged his cell in to charge before turning up the volume and walking through the house to the master bedroom. He changed into some loose-fitting jeans and a soft, cotton dark blue button up shirt. He then headed back to the living room and tidied up a bit. Right after making sure things looked neat enough for him, Edd heard his phone sing a short melodic tune come from his room, just as he saw Kevin's car turn into the cul-de-sac. Walking quickly to grab his phone, he went to the door and paused.

Was this really okay? Hesitating for several moments from nerves, Edd tried to talk himself out of feeling the anxiety about meeting Kevin's daughter. It was still odd to even think of the man having kids! Edd took a deep breath, squeezed his eyes shut then slowly released the breath and opened sparkling blues. This would be okay. He would be fine, Gwen would be fine, everything would be fine. Nodding to himself resolutely Edd pulled the door open and took a step forward only to run straight into a very solid body.

"Woah! Careful Dork!" Kevin exclaimed, his hands automatically settling onto Edd's thin waist to keep him upright. Oh dear, not good. Edd thought, a deep red blush quickly taking over his face, ears, and upper neck.

"Oh dear, I'm terribly sorry Kevin!" Edd gasped out. He tried to take a step back, to get out of Kevin's very muscular personal space, only to trip on the door frame. A large, strong hand shot out and gripped his upper arm tightly not a moment later.

"You alright Double D?" Kevin chuckled lightly, looking down into the bright red face of the nerd as he held him close. Their lower bodies were flush against each other and Kevin was leaning over Edd slightly. Edd's hands were fisted tightly in Kevin's shirt and he was fully aware of the hard muscle underneath them. He was also hyper aware of the way Kevin's arm tightened slightly around his waist and his hand squeezed his arm gently. It almost seemed like the man was pulling him closer into Kevin's own body but as soon as Edd noticed, Kevin seemed to as well and he stepped back. Then after making sure Edd could stand on his own without his help, he let go of the nerd slowly.

"I'm fine, thank you Kevin." Edd smiled nervously. He stepped a bit closer to Kevin and shut his front door and locked it then Kevin chuckled again and turned to lead the way to his house.

"Alright then. So, Gwen will need to eat dinner and her bed time is eight o'clock, don't let her tell you otherwise. She can be quite crafty so be careful." Kevin warned lightly as he pulled out his wallet and grabbed a twenty dollar bill then handed it to him as they crossed the street. Edd tentatively took it, being careful to not touch the detective least he start to blush again.

"You can order pizza if you want or whatever else is fine. Or if you find something to cook feel free. You're welcome to use whatever is in the kitchen. Except the booze," Kevin laughed. Edd looked at him startled.

"Kevin! I would never give a minor alcohol! Do you have any idea what that does to an undeveloped brain? Let alone a fully developed adult brain?" Kevin laughed at Edd's indignation.

"I know dude, it was a joke." Edd blushed again then laughed nervously in response just as they came up to the door. Edd stopped a few feet from the door, a mild look of panic on his face and he tightly clasped his hands in front of him. The closer he seemed to get to Kevin's house, the more nervous he seemed to get. The faster his heart raced, the miles his mind ran. Kevin stopped and looked back at him curiously.

"Double D? What's up?" Edd swallowed lightly then in spite of himself voiced his concern timidly.

"W-what if she doesn't like me?" Emerald eyes widen in shock to hear Double D's fear. He was worried about Gwen not liking him? Rubbing the back of his neck lightly he breathed out heavily then turned a smile to the nerd.

"Hey, she'll like you. She's only six years old man. She likes cars, Disney princesses, and tornadoes. Her favorite food is s'mores without the graham crackers, and her favorite color is anything from pink to pitch black." Kevin said softly, placing both hands on Edd's shoulders and leaning in toward him slightly. He squeezed the nerd's shoulders slightly in reassurance then smiled softly.

"And if any of those topics fail, show her one of your science experiments or something. She loves that kind of shit." Edd gazed up still nervous at Kevin and let out a small puff of breath through his nose as a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"Language Kevin," he mumbled making the detective chuckle before he let go and turned around to walk into the house. Edd entered behind him, closing the door gently before following him to the living room where a little girl sat on the couch, her legs swinging back and forth as she frowned lightly at the movie on the TV.

"I knew sheep were evil." she mumbled, clutching a dragon stuffed animal in her small arms.

"Gwen," Kevin called out as he paused the movie. The little girl's head swiveled around, a cute pout on her face.

"Daddy! You said I could finish the movie," she whined as she hopped from the couch and ran to Kevin. Edd watched, a small smile on his face as the little girl came to a stop the moment she spotted him. Double D had expected her to act shy, but this little girl was anything but that. It reminded him of a young Kevin in all honesty.

"Gwen, this is Double D, uh, I mean Edd, Eddward? Dude what do most people call you anyway?" Kevin turned curious eyes to the amused scientist but before he could answer Gwen spoke up.

"Why's Double D your name? That's weird." Edd chuckled.

"Gwen, it's a nickname."

"Oh, like names friends have for you when they don't wanna call you by your real name?" Kevin nodded. "I see then. Is it alright if I call you Double D too then? I would like to be your friend." Gwen spoke so confidently that Edd couldn't help but smile wide and nod.

"Of course, Gwen, I'd like that very much." She gave a sharp nod then turned pleading eyes to her father.

"Can I finish my movie now? The animals do what daddy does for work and I wanna know how it ends." She asked sweetly. Kevin chuckled.

"Yeah but first you gotta give me a hug and kiss before I go," he said softly as he knelt down to her level. Edd smiled softly at the loving display, happy to get to see a different side of Kevin. The detective squeezed the little girl tightly as she giggled. She gave him a loud kiss on the cheek before hugging him fiercely once more.

"I love you daddy. Be safe, be careful, and catch the bad guys!" She said lovingly. Kevin gazed down at her with a loving smile.

"Always. I love you too baby." he replied softly before rubbing noses with her causing her to giggle in response then let her go finish her movie. Kevin watched her leave the room and stood, a gentle smile on his face. He let out a soft chuckle and turned to face Double D. The man had the most gorgeous smile on his face as he looked at Kevin. Red tinged his ears and neck and he looked down slightly embarrassed but didn't apologize.

"Um, so my parents should be back in the morning, you're welcome to use my bed when you go to sleep." Kevin mumbled, vaguely aware of the suggestion but thinking it would be rude to not let Double D have the option other than the couch. He caught the light pink dusting Edd's cheeks before the nerd ducked his head shyly at the suggestion. He nodded then they both jumped at the loud shriek of the car horn outside.

"Oh, right, um…if you need anything just shoot me a text but Gwen should be fairly easy to handle. She's a good kid. I uh, gotta go," he said quickly maneuvering his way around Double D and striding to the door. He glanced back after opening the door slightly.

"Thank you, for doing this," he said genuinely, a soft expression of gratitude on his face. Edd smiled cutely.

"It's no problem at all Kevin. Good luck with your case," Edd wanted to add something similar to what Gwen had told Kevin but felt that maybe it wouldn't be received as well. Kevin responded with a smirk and a nod before leaving and pulling the door shut behind him.

"Be safe," Edd whispered to himself. An upbeat song drifted to his ears from the living room. He turned toward the living room and took a deep breath.

I'm soooooooooooooooooooo sorry! I cannot believe it's been two years since the last update! Time has really flown by, I seriously lost track of time. I had another baby back in January so things have just been crazy. But, I'm picking this back up! I have loads of ideas for it and the rough timeline is complete. It's really just a matter of sitting down to write it all out. Again, I'm terribly sorry for making everyone wait so long.

In regards to the story, I realize that some people may not like the direction I have taken with it but I assure you it is necessary my plot. The story will still focus on Edd and Kevin's relationship.

For those that have stuck with this story, I truly appreciate you and I definitely won't make you wait another 2 years for an update!

~ Reina