Chapter 9: What your worth
Double D, Eddy and Ed made their way into the lunch room a few minutes after his goodbye with Nazz. Having his own lunch Eddward made his way to the table Eddy told him they usually sit at. Sitting down he opened his lunch box and set out the plastic containers filled with pasta, salad, and freshly cut fruit. As he hung his lunch bag on the side of his chair a piece of paper fell out of a side pocket on the bag. He picked it up a bit consciously and opened it, only to feel a smile form on his face.
Yo, Vincent
Nit and I thought you might be missing the crew by now. So before I left I thought I'd drop off this and few bags of star fruit. Hope you're having fun back home and your parents send their love. Keep in touch ok.
Love Scarlet.
He turned the note over to reveal a group of abnormal looking teens crowded together, either holding up peace signs, blowing kisses, laughing or smiling. His parents were on the right side of the group, standing with caring smiles. The picture warmed his heart to no end as he placed it inside his shirt, in an inline pocket. Just as he did, Eddy and Ed came to sit down. "What's got you grinning like Lumpy on Christmas?" Eddy asked arching an eyebrow. "You're excited for Christmas too huh Double D?" Ed smiled. Double D chuckled, shaking his head, "Yes, Ed I am. But that's not why I'm smiling." "Than what's with the smile?" Eddy asked biting into his poor excuse of the sandwich. "I'm simply happy to be home, Eddy." He nodded while opening up his cup of star fruit.
Eddy's interest was redirected at the sight of star shaped treat. "What's that Double D?" The shorter Ed asked eyes wide. "It's start fruit Eddy. A gift from my friends overseas." Edd explained. He easily noted the bit of saliva forming at both his friend's mouths and handed them both a star slice. Eddy looked at it skeptical, as juice dripped off the fork it was impaled on. He shrugged and ate the fruit off the fork Eddward held. His eyes sparkled at the sweet taste that danced on his tongue. Ed wasted no time eating the fruit that was held on the fork in front of him.
"It's really good Double D!" He said with his mouth full. "Thank Ed. Now chew your food. It's rude to talk with your mouth full," The genius noted and Ed complied swallowing the sweet substance. Eddy slowly enjoyed his slice and finished it seconds after Ed. "Do all stars taste like that?" Ed asked honestly with a curious eyes. Double D covered his mouth to laugh, "No Ed. These are merely fruits shaped as stars, actual stars are not fit for human consumption." He noted and Ed looked quite disappointed at the information. "But I have plenty of star fruit to share with you and Eddy. I can bring you your own bowl of it tomorrow if you wish." He smiled and Ed's face brightened up. "Thanks a lot Double D!" He smiled like a child. "Make me a big bowl," Eddy chimed and Double D chuckled again, "You got it." The three then began to talk about the few classes they had together. As they spoke a certain teeth grinding jock was glaring daggers at the two Eds, who were just hand fed fruit from the dweeb of his dreams.
However, his daggers were cut short when his red cap was pulled over his eyes suddenly. "Ah!" He jumped and quickly lifted his hat up glaring at Nat. "What the hell man? " He frowned straighten his hat and hair. "I'm sorry, I didn't know how else to stop the random flying daggers shooting from your eyes. You almost put somebodies eye out bro," Nat smirked nudging him. "Besides, your public awaits." He motioned to the group of loud and joking jock and cheerleaders. Kevin sighed, taking in the sight. "This is my crew… great," he though sarcastically to himself, while stealing a fry from Nazz. "Hey!" The blonde arched her eyebrows with a smile at the smirking red head. "You let your guard down, "He shrugged. "Oh like yours has been since lunch started," She replied getting a few laughs from the table. He shrugged it off coolly and put his attention back on the table before him. "So heads up you guys, we got practice after school." He informed causing majority of the males to go silent.
"Are you serious?!" A blonde haired teen groaned, slouching in his chair. "Doesn't coach believe in letting us get used to being back at school?" A brunet shrugged. A blonde haired girl beside him giggled, "Like you've got anything else to do Brick!" "Hey, I got plenty of work babe! Why I already got homework from my Algebra and Biology class. Can you freak believe that?" He exclaimed. "I know right. What kinda teachers give you homework on the first day back?" A cheerleader asked popping a pink bubble of gum. "The ass whole kind," joked another male making the table laugh. Nazz chimed in, "Oh please Mat. It's not like you guys actually do the work anyway. Besides they give us at least the first week to get it done." "Yeah, but whose really gonna do that shit?" Mat arched an eyebrow. "I can think of a few losers" Brick chuckled looking at the smartest of the Eds stand from his table and leave with his bag. This seemed to go unnoticed by everyone, but Nazz.
Double D left lunch a bit early to go to the library, although he'd seen many amazing holders of knowledge, the one at his school was still is favorite. Before going however he made his way past it to the hallway on the second to his locker. He dropped off majority of his books seeing as he wouldn't need them for last two classes. After he straightened up his tie and hat in the locker mirror, he closed and headed for the library. Now Eddward's attention was far more kin as it had been since he left the Cal-de-sac. He'd been trained in dodging just about anything from punches to bullets, that being said he had no idea how a sloppy attack was able to sneak up on him as this one.
His shoulder made harsh contact with the locker walls. Making the sound fibrate down the halls. He winced at the slight pain that ran through his shoulder, but still looked up at his attackers. Prepared to see the lackeys from one of the companies chasing his, he was no doubt surprised to meet eye to eye with three, tall, teens. The two on the side held smirks, while ringleader frowned at the beanie wearing lad. It took everything in Double D not to visibly roll his eyes. His life was in danger from men that wanted nothing more than to cut him open and see what was inside, or mind wash him into being their puppet, in yet at this moment a rag tag group of low self-confident boys were hounding him for either their own amusement or lack of common sense in their studies. He couldn't hide the lack of fear in expression as he spoke, "Hello gentlemen. Can I be of some assistance to you?" His words were polite, but his tone was full of attitude.
The ringleader growled shoving the teen, back into the lack making him bounce off it harshly. He pressed his shoulder harder into the metal and spoke, "I don't like your tone dork." His eyes burned in annoyance to see Eddward not quiver in fear like others like him. "I apologize, but I don't approve the way you introduced yourself. A simple hello would have sufficed. So I believe my "tone" is quite appropriate to response for such ruffian behavior," Eddward spoke very clearly for then larger man and looked him in the eye. He could see the precipitation of rage through the jocks eyes.
He gripped Eddward's shirt, by the collar and lifted him off the ground, "First we're wolf, now we're ruffians. I'm not a fan of name calling dork. It could really hurt someone's feelings ya know." He smirked and Edd scoffed, "I'm quite certain your feeling are the least damaged thing about you… Then again_." He was silenced, by the harsh impact between the back of his head and locker. The grip on his shirt was replaced, by a tight hold on his neck, "Listen here ya little smart ass, I don't know who you think you are. Or what think this is, but I'm already itching to wipe the floor with your scrawny ass. The only reason I'm letting you off easy is because it's the first fuckin day."
Edd winced at the hold on his neck, but still held his ground, "Oh by all means don't waste your generosity on me". With the little space between his back and the locker, his body was thrown into the wall again and as he bounced back his hair was yanked up in tight grip. "Shut it nerd! I'm not here to waste my time," He pushed a small stack of folded up sheets of paper into Edd's chest. "Have all our homework done, by the end of the week or ass is as good as dead." The jock threw him into the lockers once more before walking off with his friends and frown in tacked. The impact from the locker and when his feet suddenly touched the ground, made the boy drop like a rock.
Edd glared at the three as they left him on the ground. "But apparently you have time to waste mine." He growled before standing and dusting himself off. He looked at the poorly kept papers, handed to him and frowned. "I did not come back to receive half backed threats for others lack of perception to knowledge." He stated to himself putting the paper in the front pocket of his bag. "However, I do have an image to keep…" He spoke the word regrettably and made his way to the library. Once lunch had passed, Double D found himself in P.E with Nat, Kevin, and Eddy, and in art class with Marie, Nazz and Ed. Other than a few empty hallway threats, his first day of school went by wonderfully. Eddward had to admit he was truly looking forward to weeks to come, problems and all.
By the end of the first week, it felt more like school to most of the teen in Peach creek. Edd walked into the halls Friday morning with his dear friends ready to start the day. Today he wore more casual clothes seeing as the weekend was just around the corner. Even so he still received complements from Nazz and even a few cheerleaders that were checking him out. As the new kid in school and one of the smartest, somehow the raven haired teen was becoming quite well known around the halls. Even a few guys had their eyes on the teen, not that they'd admit it. But Double D didn't mind the attention, as long as it stayed to a minimum. Kevin however was seething at the eyes that roamed around the dork. His anger didn't go unnoticed, by to many friends and teammates included. Even Edd took note of the red haired annoyed aura. He smiled seeing the jock at his locker filled with early morning frustration, struggling to open his locker.
"You know if you fight it, it won't open." Eddward chimed with a smirk. Kevin whipped around to see the genius wearing a purple and white striped shirt with black sleeves and faded blue skinny jeans, with black sneakers, a pair of glasses and his beanie. Kevin cleared his throat as a tint of red form on his cheeks, "The damn thing won't open." He grumble, this made Edd chuckled. "May I?" He asked, Kevin stepped aside and he opened the locker with ease. "There, the less you fight the easier it is," Edd smiled. "Thanks…" Kevin smiled weakly getting his books out of his locker. Double D did the same with a calm smile on his face. Kevin kept stealing glances at the teen beside him trying to find a way to say good morning without sounding stupid. "Did you sleep well?" Edd asked casually gathering his last few books. "I… uh… well yeah," Kevin chuckled. "With all the practice coach has been putting us through and the extra work he gives me as team captain, most nights I'm going to bed exhausted." He shrugged. "All that responsibility must take its toll on you every day. I assume you're overjoyed that it's Friday. You'll be able to rest for at least two days." Edd noted and Kevin nodded, "You have no idea". Silence consumed their conversation, when Kevin asked, "So how you been? Getting used to being back at Peach Creek and starting high school again and all." He clarified.
"It's been quite easy and very relaxing really. However, I'm not use to all the attention I'm receiving from my peer group. Seems I've grown accustom to being an outcast," He snickered at the jock. "Well, you have changed… in a good way I mean. But ya know it's not all that great, being a popular I mean. Sometimes, I'd give anything to be an outcast." Sighed Kevin as he leaned on the lockers. Edd laughed lightly, "Than who would the masses look to for guidance?" He joked making the red head chuckle himself.
"Here," Double D smiled holding a plastic bowl out to the other teen. "It's star fruit. A sweet treat that should give you some extra energy. Ed and Eddy seemed quite fond of it, I thought you might as well." Kevin took the bowl, opened it and popped a star in his mouth. His eyes got wide at the flavor, "Whoa!" He stated in shock. Edd couldn't hold his fit of laughter at the sight, "Oh dear that is by far the best reaction I've seen from tasting it". Kevin frowned a bit embarrassed, "Hey cut me some slack! I've never had this stuff before!" Eddward calmed himself and nodded agreeing with him. "I apologize for laughing, it was rude of me. But I found the reaction quite cute." He chuckled, while the pink on Kevin's cheeks went unnoticed. He continued, "I'm glad you like them, I'd hope they'd lift your sour mood. I'd prefer to see you smiling over frowning".
This took Kevin by surprised, to know that Double D noticed his bad attitude and was trying to cheer him up. He smiled at the nerd and closed the container, putting it in his bag. "Thanks man. I really appreciate it". Edd nodded with a smile of his own, "It's what friends do." The two shared another moment of silence, to find themselves in peace of each other's company. Unfortunately, that moment was interrupted by the school bell. "Well Kevin I bid you ado. I shall see you in gym," He smiled leaving to his class. "Yeah, see ya than." The red head waved. He smiled at the star fruit in his bag, as the fuzzy feeling in his stomach he knew all too well, began to form. The day went by pretty slowly for the red head from then on. It took everything in him not to eat the remaining star fruit, until lunch. Once he sat down he wasted no time pulling out the container. His friends began to join the table, Nat and Nazz each took their seats next to him. Nat immediately eyed the half empty bowl. "Oh what's this? I didn't know you ate exotic fruit," Nat smirked leaning over Kevin's food. "I don't…" Kevin replied bluntly. Nazz giggled, "Kevin, you're eating starfruit that stuffs only grown in the Asia".
Kevin swallowed another slice and asked, "How do you know that?" he and Nat arched an eyebrow at the blonde. "I took summer classes on Asian culture," She shrugged. "So that's why you skipped out on me on spa day!" Nat exclaimed pointing a finger at her. She laughed, "It was one week, and you still went anyway." "One week of total boredom. All Kev did was work out and he had the nerve to say spas were gay! Like he's one to talk," Nat stated dramatically. Kevin leaned back in his chair frowning slightly, "Hey I may like dudes, but I'm not into that kinda shit. Spear me your drama fit, and let me enjoy my food." Nat scoffed and Nazz covered he mouth laughing. "Still doesn't change the fact that you're eating exotic ass fruit that neither of us saw this morning. Which means someone gave it to you… a certain beanie wearing cutie pie," Nat smirked wickedly in Kevin's face. He pushed the teal haired teen out of his face. "Oh wait Double D gave you those?!" Nazz asked her face brightened up. Kevin avoided their eager stares and frowned, "… Yeah, so what. He was just giving me something to make me feel better…" He mumbled under his breath enough for them to hear. "I see… so he noticed you were in bad mood, hmmm," Nazz smiled leaning her hand on his shoulder. "But does he know why?" Nat smirked leaning his head on Kevin's other shoulder. He shrugged both teens off in a hidden fluster. "No, look he was just trying to cheer me up, nothing more nothing less." He clarified. "Well it looks like it worked. Seeing that smile on your face when I walked in," Nazz smiled. "Oh wait Nazz, it could've been the exotic fruit," Nat teased trying to take a slice. A constricting grip was placed to his wrist to stop him, "Don't even think about it," growled the red head. Nat pulled his arm back snickering with Nazz. "Yeah defiantly the fruit," He winced rubbing his wrist, while the blonde just laughed at the scene. Kevin finished the rest of his fruit giving a slice to Nazz and half a slice to Nat. The jock spent the rest of the school day, daydreaming star fruits and Double D.
However, when the school day came to an end and football practice began, the evening was thrown off when Kevin saw a raging Brick walking onto the field. The red head wasn't one to stick his head into other people's business, but being the team captain called for action, much to his dismay. "Hey, what's up with you man?" He asked casually. Brick turned around ready to punch whoever had the never to mess with him right now, he paused after seeing the team captain. "Oh… uh hey… It's nothing… just, a nerd who forgot his place." He snickered turning away. Kevin gripped his shoulder frowning, "Dude you know coach ain't havin the bullying bullshit again. You can't do shit like that, it's only been a week since school started." Brick shrugged him off, his face displaying annoyance. "Dude, it's cool. It's not like I got caught, that freak wouldn't tell anybody. Kids probably crying too much to speak".
Now Kevin was no stranger to bullying, hell he was one himself in the past. But that was the past, he grew out of it his sophomore year. Believing that his past abuse on Double D and his friends, may have caused him to leave, made the red head stop bullying others and somewhat cleaning up his act. Not to say that he was saint, but at least he wasn't beating up other kids because they were "dorks". Also, being team captain for two years straight made the teen form an image, he was rather found of. He tried to keep his team straight, but some of them won't change. Jerks by nature as Nat would put it, never the less Kevin attempted to keep them in line. "Bro, you already got busted last year for this shit and missed out on homecoming, it practically messed up your whole year. You wanna go through that again," Kevin scolded. Brick growled at turned back to the red head, "Look Cap, its cool! I didn't get caught and it was just one dork! No fuckin biggie. God, if I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to defend the freaks of this school." Brick snickered and Kevin clenched his fist, holding back his urge to punch the bastard. He sighed through his teeth, "Look man. Just watch yourself. I don't want the team messed up for the year cause of your screw ups." He stated leaving the other male to pout.
As warm ups began Coach pulled Kevin aside to talk. "What's up coach," The red head asked. "I heard what you were telling Brick son, and first I wanna say thank you. Second, I want ya to know that taking care of whole team ain't your job. You're not gonna be able to watch everybody, or change'em".
Kevin nodded at his coach's words, but responded, "I know coach, but what they do messes up the team, and other kids". Nazz's father nodded with a small smile on his face, "My daughter says you're a good friend, and you help a lot of students out when ya can. I'm glad she's gotta friend like you, you look out for her. Along with almost anyone else that practices on this field, but I'm gonna need you to focus on you." He point his burly finger into Kevin's shoulder. "Focus on playing hard, keepin up you're grades, applying for scholarships, figuring out what you wanna do with your live; cause this place is only useful for one more year. You got a place in the world Kev, don't get dragged down by saving who ya can't save."
Kevin let his words sink in and nodded at his coach. A strong hand came down on the red head shoulder, as a reassuring pat. Practice went on with Kevin and Coach fired up, the older man barking orders, while the young teen motivated his teammates to push through the pain. After practice majority of the football team, and cheerleading squad hung out the Peach Creek Diner. Friday was teen night, so a live band usually played, and most of the high school clientele spent their afternoons and evenings there. Unfortunately, even with the weekend around the corner, a bar full of his teammates, two favorite friends and great music the red head still couldn't brighten up his indifferent mood.
"Here," He looked up seeing a root beer float placing in front of him. The blonde that sat next to him smiled, "You look like you need some sugar in your system". He gave Nazz and weak smile and took the drink. "Thanks," He sighed after drinking a small sum of the float. "I know your worried about Double D, but there I mean…" She sighed. "You don't even know if he was the one Brick beat up," Nat finished her sentence sitting on the opposite side of his friends. "Right…." She said softly looking away. The two males took notice of her awkward behavior and both gave her strange looks. "Nazzie? What do you know that we don't know?" Nat asked with his best motherly tone.
"Yeah Nazz what's up," Kevin frowned. She dropped her head failing to hold the information in, "I didn't see Double D in our last class. Marie was just as confused as me, at first, then she got a text from him in the middle of class and she left the school. She told me not to tell, but wouldn't tell me what happened to Double D, only that he needed her help." She spoke fast with a reluctant expression. Nat wore a confused expression, "I don't see what the problem is." "Double Dork never skips a class," Kevin growled under his words. "Let alone encourage someone to do the same," Nazz informed and Nat put the pieces together, while the other two sat in eerie silence. "So you think_"
Their conversation was interrupted by an uproar of the crowd beside them. Each of the three teens turned their heads to see a crowd of rowdy teen chanting "Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight"! They rushed over wide eyed to see Eddy somewhat holding his with Brick. The short Ed was able to get the first punch in, inevitably starting the fight and giving Brick a bloody nose. However, the well-known bully currently had the upper hand, by throwing the little guy into a table. Eddy recovered stumbling over chairs, before running at the taller teen and jumping on him. Somehow he was able to get the blonde on his back, which gave him the opportunity to attack his face. But the action was short lived when a pair of arms pulled the blue haired Ed into the air. As he was yanked away he shouted, "You keep your fuckin hands off my friends asshole!" Brick shot up, only to be held back by Kevin and Nat. "Why don't ya stop fighting that faggot's battles, you little shit! Unless he's already suckin your dick for protection," The jock spat. Eddy nearly broke free from his capture, replying with an inhuman growl. He clawed at air to get the jock, but Ed's arms were firm. "No, Eddy. Double D will be more hurt, if you get hurt," Ed said hugging his friend. He wasn't happy about Double D getting hurt either, but he the genius didn't like violence.
Knowing the Lumpy's words were true, Eddy released ragged breaths of air and counted to ten. His fists unclenched and he sighed going limp. He frowned, "Ed, put me down… I'm cool," he grumped. Ed did as told and unlocked his arms letting his friend drop to his feet. Eddy brushed himself off and started for the exit. While he continued to hold his teammate back Kevin barked at the two. "What hell is wrong with you dorks!?" Eddy snapped back and glared at the red. "You keep your muts under control shovel chin! We finally got Sock head back and don't want jackasses like you guys running him off again! You've got your so called friends, how bout letting us keep our only one!" He hissed and slammed the diner door behind him. Ed glanced back at the group with an expression of disappointment and apology, before following his friend outside.
Brick yanked his arms out of Kevin and Nat's loosened grip. "Let me got dammit!" He growled stumbling forward. He turned back to his Captain, "What hell Cap!? Why'd ya let that little prick go?" He sniffled wincing at the pain coming from his nose and lip. "The little punk got me right in jaw too," He grumbled. "Cause we don't need you fighting before the first fuckin game! Coach is gonna kick your ass off the team if you keep this shit up!" Kevin his shoving the other to his stumble back into a table. "Who the hell are you to order me the fuck around?! Just cause you've been sleepin with the coach's daughter since you were in diapers, dosen't mean I gotta kiss your ass t_"
The jock was silenced when a fist collided with his jaw. The impact was so hard it sent him falling over the table and chairs, sliding across the marble floor. Kevin hovered over Brick shortly, lifted him up by his shirt a few inches of the ground. The bully now sat in a similar position he once had Edd in. The red head was inches from his teammates beat face as he spoke. Kevin's voice low so only Brick could hear him, "I don't give two shits what happens to your sorry ass. All I care about is what happens to the team. You think you're so important that you can talk shit and get away with it. But remember you can easily be replaced man, and I'm the one that can do it." He shoved him one more time letting him and walking away.
The diner settled down after that, a few of clam atmosphere made most of the teens leave in pockets. When closing time came around Kevin and Nat decided to head home. It being Friday the teal haired teen would crash at Kevin's. Rolling into his driveway he looked at the house across the street from his. Double D's house was black, so he figured the teen was asleep. But something in him, call it anxiety or an excuse to see the damage done to the teen made Kevin walk over to the house. Nat silently smirked seeing his friend jog cross the street. He stopped at the doorstep second guessing his actions. If the dork was asleep he didn't wanna wake him. But if he was hurt he wanted to make sure he was alright. He lifted his hand to knock on the door, but stopped turned around and headed back to his house. Nat leaned on the front door of Kevin's house pouting. "Lame," he whined as Kevin walked past him and opened his house. "Shut up," the red head didn't look at him as got comfortable in his house. Nat did the same and their night began with video games, junk food and poorly attempted homework.
Yet, as the night turned late the sound of a car driving up near his house caught the two teenager's attention. Both looked out the window see a royal blue truck running in front of Double D's house. "Thanks for the ride Maria, and the lovely time out," Edd smiled tiredly at the girl. She grinned and nodded in return, "No problem D. We still on for studying Sunday?" She asked wondering if he was still up for it. "Of course," He nodded with a slightly confused expression. Maria chuckled at it and shook his head at how the nerd hadn't change," See ya then." Edd watched her drive off and took to his house.
Silence consumed the Cul-de-sac once again and the night went on. As hours past Kevin found himself glancing at the black house across the street from his own. After the billionth time of seeing his friend space out while looking at Double D's place he moaned loudly and stood up. He threw on a jacket, walking out the house and across the street. Kevin came out of daydream land too late to stop his pal from ringing his neighbor's doorbell. The jock was on the doorstep in lightning speed ready to cruse Nat out, who was hasty to fall in the bushes at the sound on the Edd's footsteps.
The day had worn Eddward Vincent out, but he still had work to do once he got home. After finally finishing this work he took his time in the hot shower and was now brushing his teeth preparing for bed. That being the said the sound of his doorbell both alarmed and irritated him. He knew quite well it was late in the night, very close to 2 in the morning and knew no one should be out at this time ringing his doorbell.
He quietly turned off the water and dried off, and walked out the bathroom. The house security camera were all in the lab and his laptop was currently still packed away in his bags. Preventing him from checking out who the person was at his door. But the heat sincere displayed on his phone confirmed that it was human. As he walked to the door he grabbed a glove from a draw in a dresser that sat in the entrance hall, inches from the front door. He put the fingerless glove on his hand and clenched his hand into a fist making sparks of electricity spark from the material on his knuckles. "Unlock," He spoke standing to side in the shadows of his kitchen. The door unlocked on command and opened.
The figure took a step back while Eddward took a swift lunge forward fist cocked back and prepared. The motion was quick, but stopped abruptly. Kevin stood wide eyed, face inches from Double D's, whose fist was 1 inch exactly away from Kevin's abdominal. Kevin could feel the air that was about to come with Double D's strike, it made his breath stop in shock and unconscious fear. The look in Edd's eyes was something Kevin had never seen before. Those cyan eyes were ferice and filled with the red with a heat the he couldn't explain.
Edd's eyes widened at the sight of the jock he was quickly pulled back and placed the glove hand in pocket removing it. "Kevin," He arched an eyebrow at the star struck teen. Who at the sound of his name recovered from his shock and found himself glaring at the shorter male.
He pushed the door closed behind him as he spoke, voice clear and filled with shock and a hint of anger. "What the hell was that"? Eddward confused expression remained the same, "I'm sorry I don't understand your question…" He spoke wearily hoping the teen did not see him remove his glove. "Just now. You could've taking me out, without a problem," He explained what they both knew. Eddward began to show an expression of relief, "… Well that may be true, but I would never_" "But you could have!" Kevin cut him off. Edd was taken aback by the outburst. "You could've easily knocked me out just now and you know it. So why did you let Brick do that to you!?" He questioned pointing the bandages on the right side of Edd's face, and the brim of his nose.
Double D chuckled weakly being caught once again of his skills and replied, "I see word still get around fast in Peach Creek," He joked. Kevin kept his frown," Yeah, especially to me." Eddward shrugged, "The circumstances were quite different. It's the middle of the night and you're at my doorstep. Your colleague was an unexpected, but you were a prepared for case." "I could've been an attacker, but you were ready for me regardless." Kevin retorted. Eddward kept his light tone, "This was a merely self_" Kevin cut him off, "Defense. Yeah you told me that the last time, you kick my ass. Now tell my why you couldn't kick Brick's? Or at least defend yourself, cause clearly you know how!"
Double D was beginning to find this random scolding annoying and barked back at the red head. "I don't believe that is any of your concern Mr. Barr! You never seemed concerned of my current bullying condition when we were younger. Why do you care now?" He frowned at the now silenced teen. Kevin looked away at the true words and guilt hit him ever so bluntly. He sighed, "Look, I know that… and I'm sorry. It's just…. Look I just… I care now ok! You're my friend, right?! So, this should be normal. To care about what happens to me friend." He sighed ruffling his hair.
Edd could see the fire had died in his voice, along with the distort face Kevin wore. He face and voice softened as he spoke to the other male. "You are correct Kevin… this is normal… but I don't appreciate you barging into my house like this." He smiled light and Kevin glanced away with a weak smirk. "Yeah… sorry about that… I guess. I came over…cause I wanted to make sure you were alright. I know Brick is a jerk and can really put a number on someone. But when I heard it was you I_" He got quiet knowing his words were about to betray him. Edd tilted his head slight wondering why the male stopped his statement. Kev cleared his throat, "If, you're ok than… I'll get outta your hair."
Edd nodded at the notion and leaned back on the hall dresser only to have a spark of pain shot through his side. He winced quickly catching Kevin's attention, "You ok man?" Edd held his side and nodded, "Yes all is well. Just hit a small injury". "Well let me see… maybe I can help." Kevin asked concerned for the other. "Oh trust your concern is not needed. It is merely a fresh wound and will heal within a few days." He explained with a weak smile.
Kevin's face hardened at the words, "Brick did this didn't he"? Eddward was silent and before he could reply Kevin spoke, "Let me see it." Kevin ordered. Edd frowned, "It is not of your concern". Kevin now towered over the teen, "Yes, it is. Punching someone in the face is one thing, but that bastard is leaving body bruises and possible bone injuries then as his team captain I need to know!" As much as the raven hair wanted to protest and avoid another possible argument with him, he removed his shirt. The purple bruise the painted the side of Double D's waste sent a storm of rage brewing in the red head. He clenched his fist tightly at he was informed it wouldn't take long to heal. Edd placed a gentle hand on Kevin's clenched hand, easily bringing the boy back to a semi calm state.
"Kevin. I appreciate your worrying and urge to protect your title and team, but please do not make rash actions to something as trivial as this incident. I did not fight back because I know quite well he was not worth the skills I have." Kevin chuckled hoarsely, "Oh so I am?" This made both the teen laugh light while Edd shock his head, "No. Besides I've dealt with injuries much worse than this." The words slipped out and were quickly caught by both males. Kevin now took the seconds giving to look at Edd's bare body and see the scars that littered some of his chest and most of his back. The genius was quick to put his shirt back on, but not before Kevin caught sight of the large scar that started at the back Edd's shoulders and made its way across his upper back. He couldn't see where it ended in time, but still wore a face of shock. He looked at the slightly blushing dork, who avoided eye contact. "As I said he wasn't worth the talent." Kevin was silent still staring in shock at the shorter teen. After a few second Eddward frowned snapping his fingers in the red heads face, "Kevin… it's terribly rude to stare." Kevin shook his head coming back to reality, "Sorry… How_" "I'd appreciate it if you reframe from asking. I'd rather not tell…" Double D explained and for once Kevin fought his stubbornness and complied with the boy's wishes. "Sorry… I, uh understand. And again I'm sorry for this whole moment… I shouldn't have come barging in here." He stumbled over his words now that all the arguing had come to an end, the red head noticed at that Double D was in nothing but a t-shirt and boxer breves. He was currently hiding the blush that covered his face and the fact that his eyes continued to wander towards the boy's body. Eddward smiled at his apology and nodded, "I should have been more understanding of your concern. Forgive me for calling you out on your past actions, please know that I don't hold a grudge from our childhood." Kevin nodded in understanding as well, he was really about to lose it if he didn't get out of there. "So I'm gonna_ ya know_" He said pointing at the door. Edd gave him a quick expression of confusion, but quickly realized what he meant. "Oh of course," he hurried over and opened the door for the other male and smiled. "Goodnight Kevin… well I should say good morning. Thank you for you for the surprise visit." Kevin walked out and nodded, "See ya later dork." Was he managed to get out before heading home.
He quickly closed the door behind him once at his house and slouched on the door sighing in relief. "Sooooo… How'd it go?" Nat asked sitting on the couch with a soda. Kevin looked wide eyed at the teen before, than shouted, "Dammit Goldberg," quickly running at his friend, who tried to flee.