Chapter 3 - You Shall Be the Death of Me, Kevin

In spite of their extra work after school, Kevin and Edd still found time to spend together each night. Edd didn't volunteer all of the days that Kevin did, so on those occasions he would usually make dinner at his house for Kevin when he was done. They would have dinner together, do their homework, and spend time watching a movie or a favorite show, also known as making out with background noise. If Edd volunteered as well, they had takeout with Kevin's parents before doing the same.

Friday night was the night that Edd reserved for quality Eddy and Ed time. It was a concern he brought up to Kevin early on in their relationship. Every Friday night for years, the Eds would get together at one of their houses in order to watch their favorite TV shows they had recorded during the week. They ate a lot of junk food and binged their shows or played video games. Edd didn't want to end this, even though he wanted to spend time with Kevin. He had been nervous to broach the subject, but Kevin was completely sympathetic and insisted that Edd keep up his tradition.

"Dee, I want to be with you all the time, but I totally don't want to take you away from your friends. You've been friends with them for a long time and you guys are so close. I can handle one night away from you," Kevin said.

Edd smiled, squeezing Kevin's hand. They were at the breakfast bar at Kevin's house working on homework. Neither of them had volunteering duty, so they had come to Kevin's to make dinner for Pete and Sylvie, which was already in the oven. "Thank you for understanding my need to be with my friends."

"You don't have to thank me." Kevin shut his history book and shoved it out of the way. "Actually, I think I'll ask the guys if they want to hang out this Friday. Jake, Joel, and Ben. I can set up my own tradition, I guess. Nazz usually spends time with her cheerleader friends, and Rolf does some weird family thing. I don't even want to know what that involves."

Edd chuckled, covering his mouth with his hand. "No, I do not think either of us wants to know what Rolf and his family do."

Their relationship progressed at a speed that, at times, overwhelmed Edd, though it never felt rushed, inappropriate, or wrong. Kevin was true to his word when he said he would push Edd's boundaries. If he saw Edd get uncomfortable, he stopped. He tested Edd, however, usually in ways that made the smaller boy tremble, and usually involved kisses in new places on the body (Edd found he loved to have his inner elbow kissed, though he couldn't explain why) or hands wandering to places on Edd's body that elicited high-pitched noises from the boy. Kevin loved those noises, but pulled away when he heard them. He had learned that if he kept returning to those places at later times, eventually Edd would relax eagerly into the touches.

Kevin touches never seemed deliberate - it always seemed like an accidental touch to Edd, though he surmised that Kevin fully intended to caress him on the inner thigh those few times. Edd allowed Kevin his little deceptions, because to be quite honest with himself, he enjoyed it more than he ever thought he would. While something in his body yearned for more touches in more places, he was happy at the pace they were going and that Kevin was taking his time to get him to be ready for further intimacy.

He was gaining confidence in his own abilities as well. Kevin certainly responded positively to any form of affection that Edd initiated, whether it be physical or not. Edd enjoyed how he affected Kevin every time he got bolder and let his own hands or lips wander. It took him longer, but by the time they hit their month anniversary, Edd felt comfortable enough to touch Kevin under his shirt.

Edd was happy with the physical part of their relationship, but the emotional part was the most endearing to him. He found Kevin to be romantic, loving, and affectionate, much more than he expected him to be. Kevin constantly complimented him, constantly touched him when they were alone - even just a brush of fingers over Edd's as they studied. Edd, who was touch sensitive, found that he craved this form of intimacy. It showed to him how much Kevin cared for him and did many things for his self-confidence. It allowed him to be just as affectionate to Kevin, which pleased the redhead to no end.

The romantic gestures made Edd giddy as well. Edd was always finding little notes in his locker or bag. The notes were never signed, in case they fell into the wrong hands, and were written in a disguised blocky style. Most of them weren't even romantic - a good luck for your test, a wish for a good day, reminder that the weekend was almost here, a mention that Guardians of the Galaxy 2 was coming out in x amount of days - just little sweet things that meant more to Edd than mushy love messages would have.

Two weeks after Thanksgiving, Kevin invited Edd up into his bedroom for the first time. They had avoided each other's rooms so far. Their bedrooms seemed too intimate to Edd. When they were at each other's houses, they stayed in the lower floor or, in Kevin's case, the basement media room. Kevin had a video game for his Xbox that he wanted Edd to play, and the Xbox was up in his bedroom. They had avoided playing it for the simple reason that it was in the BEDROOM. Both boys felt awkward about it, but Edd owned a PS4 and if they wanted to play this game, it had to be on Kevin's system. Hence, the BEDROOM.

When Kevin brought him up to his bedroom, Edd entered it nervously. This is where Kevin slept – where he changed clothes – where he, as Kevin had told him, touched himself to thoughts of Edd. That had been an embarrassing revelation for Edd. Surely Kevin caused the same effect in him, but when Kevin admitted to him that he did that, Edd didn't know what to think. It was…flattering?...in a way that he inspired that sort of act in someone else, but at the same time, Kevin telling him in such a shy but matter-of-fact way was enough to make his cheeks burn. Especially as they were wrapped up in each other making out at the time and Kevin's hands were caressing the bare skin of his back under his shirt.

Edd assumed when Kevin 'took care of himself', as he put it, it was here in this room. Probably on the bed. Edd avoided looking at the bed for the moment. It did pique his curiosity to see Kevin's inner sanctum, however. The room looked how Edd had imagined it, when he had allowed himself to picture Kevin in the intimate space of his own room. There were posters of his favorite baseball players, as well as a poster of Captain America. His clothes were in a pile on the floor next to the far wall that looked as if Kevin had hastily pushed them aside. The bed was made – just barely. Edd could tell that Kevin probably had just yanked his sheets and blankets up in an attempt to make it look neat. It certainly did not look like Edd's perfect hospital corners on his own bed.

At first glance at the clean but cluttered room, Edd thought he might be uncomfortable in the space, but something about it just exuded Kevin. He could smell Kevin's scent, which was a pleasant smell to him, to be honest. It seemed warm and homey. While the boy preferred to be in a clean and neat space, there was a calming feeling in the room that reminded Edd of the rest of the house. A clean, but lived in space.

Edd knew he shouldn't be nervous. Surely Kevin wouldn't do anything – he had left the door open in the first place, so they weren't exactly private. The basement was more private in a way. Kevin's parents rarely went into the basement when the boys were down there. Kevin's bedroom, however, was between the stairs and their bedroom, so the chance that they'd walk by was high.

Kevin had the Xbox hooked to the TV that was on a stand at the foot of his bed. He normally played it by sitting against his headboard. "Bed's big enough," he said. "We can sit there together."

Edd hid his own smile at the hint of nervousness in Kevin's voice. In spite of Kevin being the more aggressive when it came to displaying affection, it was endearing to see that he was still shy about certain things. Edd guessed inviting Edd to sit on his bed was a big step, even if all they were going to do was play video games. It was still an intimate place.

"Sure, Kevin," Edd said cheerfully. "It looks quite comfortable." With a burst of confidence (from where he couldn't identify the source), Edd jumped on the bed, turned and, moving the pillows there to the side, settled back against the headboard. He looked up at Kevin with a grin, mostly for the slight look of shock on his face. That cleared quickly, however, and Kevin joined him, snuggling against Edd's side.

"This is nice," Kevin commented as he reached over to his nightstand for the controllers and the remote.

"It is," Edd agreed shyly.

The awkwardness faded as both boys got into the game and they barely noticed the hours passing until Kevin's mother poked her head in the door. "It's a school night boys," she said. "And almost ten."

Kevin paused the game and looked at his mother blankly, which got a laugh from her. "Edd, I'm very disappointed that you're a gamer too. I was hoping you'd influence Kevin to give up playing this thing."

"I am sorry, Sylvie. I shall try harder in the future," he promised contritely, dropping his controller.

"Mom!"

"I'm just kidding. I guess it's better than you both running around the streets causing trouble," she said. "But it is late and we're heading for bed. Not that I want to kick you out of Kevin's bed, Edd, but I'm going to kick you out of his bed."

Edd felt his cheeks burn in embarrassment. He couldn't easily get out of the bed without practically climbing over Kevin, and he couldn't do that with Sylvie watching. Nor did it look like Kevin wanted to move. He just grinned at Edd, who gave him a frustrated frown. "If you would, Kevin, can you please move to let me out?"

"But Dee, I'm comfortable right here."

Sylvie laughed. "Don't be mean, Kevin. Let the poor boy out," she said, turning to head to her room. "Night boys. See you tomorrow, Edd."

Kevin didn't move. Instead, he stretched his legs down the length of the bed, sliding down into a more inclined position.

"Kevin…"

"Dee…"

Edd sighed, then moved to climb over Kevin, but his boyfriend caught hold of him and pulled him close and into a position where Edd was lying on top of him.

"This is hardly appropriate, Kevin," he chided.

"It feels quite appropriate to me," Kevin murmured, giving Edd a little kiss.

"Your door is open and your father could walk by at any moment," Edd pointed out.

"I'll hear him," Kevin whispered, giving Edd a longer kiss.

This did feel nice, Edd had to admit to himself. While it wasn't the first time they had kissed lying down, it was the first time that Edd was draped over Kevin – as well as the first time in a bed. That was what was making Edd squirm a little. That and the open door. But Kevin's kisses were quite distracting and in spite of everything, Edd enthusiastically returned them.

"Night boys!"

Edd started, lost his balance, and tumbled onto the floor. He hit the carpet with a soft thump.

"Are you ok, Dee?" Kevin asked, scrambling up and looking down at him with concern.

"I am fine," he gasped out. He wasn't hurt, only embarrassed. Not because he fell in front of Kevin, but because of the amused expression on Pete's face as he looked in the door. Edd felt like his face was on fire to be caught in such a compromising position and he felt almost like he wanted to cry.

"You sure, Edd?" Pete asked and Edd squirmed even more at the humorous tone of his voice.

"Yes, yes, I am fine," he answered, trying to ignore Kevin's laugh. His boyfriend slid off the bed and helped him up.

"C'mon Dee, I'll walk you home," Kevin offered.

They scooted past Pete, who stepped aside to let them through. Edd mumbled a good night, unable to meet Pete's eyes. Kevin just shook his head at his father, giving him a playful glare. Pete just returned the look with a cheeky grin, a wink, and a thumbs up.

"You shall be the death of me, Kevin," Edd said once they were outside crossing the street.

"You have to admit that was funny," Kevin countered.

"I cannot imagine what your father thinks of me now," Edd said.

"Only the best, Dee. My parents both like you. He even gave me a thumbs up when we went past him."

"Oh dear."

"Seriously, Dee. I know my dad doesn't care. They're both pretty cool about it. Mom even asked the other day if we'd…you know…yet."

"What did you tell her!?" Edd cried.

"That we hadn't!"

Edd covered his face with his hands as they stopped at the bottom of his porch steps. "How embarrassing!"

Kevin laughed, then planted a kiss on Edd's forehead. "Don't be embarrassed sweetheart," he said soothingly. "My parents are happy we're together."

Kevin's assurances and kisses did much to calm Edd's mind, though it still took a few days before he could properly speak to Pete again – or allow Kevin to kiss him when he was at Kevin's house.

That following Monday was their one month anniversary and they celebrated by spending time alone together at Edd's house when Edd got home from his yearbook meeting. They made dinner together – by now Kevin felt comfortable in the kitchen and was able to help Edd in the preparation of their food. It was a simple and domestic thing, but it made Edd's heart feel full to see Kevin working on vegetables at the counter or stirring something in a pot on the stove.

"Can you believe one month already, Dee?" Kevin asked, tapping the large wooden spoon against the rim of the pot before he set it down on the spoon rest.

"It doesn't seem like a month, Kevin, to be sure. It is strange, however. In some ways it feels like a short amount of time, but other times it feels like we have been together for much longer."

"I know what you mean," Kevin agreed. "We fell into this pretty easy, didn't we? For neither of us ever being with anyone, I think we do this couple thing pretty good."

"Pretty well," Edd corrected, which just got an eye roll from Kevin. "You are right, though. I thought if I ever were to be in a relationship, it would be much more difficult for me to adjust to it, but it has not been the case with you. You do not know how happy that makes me."

"I do, cause it makes me just as happy."

Edd took another pot off the stove in order to drain the pasta that had finished cooking. "It also makes me happy that your parents accept our relationship."

"Mom and Dad adore you, Dee."

Edd smiled to himself, a pleased flush dusting his cheeks. It gave him a good feeling to be considered part of Kevin's family, especially after such a short time. He missed his parents a great deal, and while his friendship with the Eds helped, it made him happy that Kevin's parents both welcomed him so warmly. Edd considered himself and Kevin lucky as he knew from reading stories online and talking to Nazz that many teens had problems with their parents accepting their gender and sexual orientation.

Edd hoped his parents would. He had no reason to think they would not accept it, but the worry was at the back of his mind. His parents loved him and he knew they accepted alternative lifestyles. They believed people had a choice to live their lives in a way that made that person happy. Yet the nagging little voice that liked to feed Edd's insecurities liked to remind him that it was a different case when it involved your own child.

There was a slight feeling of guilt that Kevin's parents knew and Edd's didn't. Each day that guilty feeling would invade his brain and gnaw at it a little bit. The guilt increased every time he Facetimed with his mother or father. He rarely talked to them together. While his parents served in countries that were in the same time zone, it wasn't often that their free hours coincided both with each other and with Edd's. Still, he was usually able to talk to each of them once a week.

Edd knew his parents were not dumb by any stretch of the imagination. His mother, in particular, was quite empathetic and tuned in to her son. He could feel the weight of her steady look as they talked and he updated her on his week. Kevin now featured prominently, of course, though Edd didn't tell his mother everything. As far as she currently knew, he was tutoring Kevin and the two had become friends. Yet Edd couldn't help but feel that his mother might know. That slight smile as she listened to him spoke louder than any words she could have said, but every time he opened his mouth to say it, he chickened out.

She never asked, however. Not about their relationship. She asked about other things, but not much about Kevin. She and his father always asked about the other Eds, about his schoolwork, and about his work on the yearbook. While he enjoyed his talks with both of his parents, now they left him feeling bad that he wasn't being completely honest with them. Edd had always told them everything before this.

After dinner they curled up together on the couch, giving each other soft caresses and little kisses, murmuring sweet nothings that brought the color out onto each of their cheeks. However, as they were looking into each other's eyes, Kevin noticed that Edd's thoughts were also occupied by something else.

"What'cha thinking about Dee?" Kevin asked.

Edd started a little as Kevin broke into his thoughts. "I am thinking that I shall inform my parents, Kevin. About us."

"You are?"

"Yes. I do not think it fair that your parents know while my parents do not."

"That's true, Dee," Kevin agreed. "How do you think they'll take it?"

"I hope they will take it well," Edd answered, then sighed. "I am not sure, but I know their opinions on sexuality and gender identity are generally positive. I am worried, of course, but I expect they will be fine. We plan to video chat on Christmas Day. Mother and Father shall be together, then, and it will be nice to talk to both of them at the same time. I think it will be an ideal moment to tell them, as they are not often together when they talk to me. It will be easier to tell them both."

"I can see that. I think that'd be good for you to tell them."

"Ideally I would like to tell them when we are face to face in person, but unfortunately that shall not be until May. I do not want to keep this from them for that long. I do not think I could even should I want to anyway. They are already suspicious that something is going on with me," he said with a smile. "Apparently I cannot hide my happiness when I do talk to them."

Kevin felt a wave of warmth wash over him when Edd said that. "You'll be at my house that day, Dee. And I'll be there for you when you talk to them."

"I appreciate it, Kevin. I shall be happy to have you there." After a moment, he sighed, snuggling further into Kevin's arms, a feeling of safety and contentment settling over him like a warm blanket. With his face pressed into the side of Kevin's neck, ghosting little kisses onto his boyfriend's skin, Edd whispered, "Happy one month anniversary, my Kevin."

He felt the rumble of Kevin's slight chuckle. "Happy anniversary, my Dee."