Hey, Agi here!
And with chapter 11 with me.
This ended up being a little longer then I wanted, but it's done and I like it. I hope you do too.

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Chapter 11: Love is like a game of Chess

The day went by in a haze for the red head, as school came to an end; the butterflies in his stomach finally began to calm down. The feeling of Double D's arms around his waist took quite the toll on his thought processing throughout the day. He tried to clear his head going into his last class and sat down. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he didn't take the time to notice the eager blonde next to him. "So you gonna spill?" She asked inches from his ear. The jock jumped slightly looking at the girl in shock. "Spill what," He asked glancing away. Nazz rolled her eyes, "Why you've been on cloud nine all day". Kevin sighed and told the girl of his breakfast with Edd, making the girl squeal and hug him. "OH My gosh dude! You gotta ask him on another date," She egged on. He shrugged at the words, "It wasn't a date Nazz… it was just… ya know an outing". The girl sighed deeply and rolled her eyes, "You paid for the meal, and you talked and laughed, and gave him a ride to school. It was a date," She concluded.

He gave a weak smirk and blush, "Yeah well… I don't know what to do about him paying me back," He said rubbing the back his neck. His best friend ruffled his hat, "Just ask him on another date… or to one of your games". The thought stuck with him for the rest of the day. When the last school bell rang Kevin found himself at his locker happy that he beat Edd getting there. However, just as he closed with weak huff the sound of Edd's voice surprised him a little too much for his liking. "Long day I presume," Double D asked with small smile. Kevin turned and leaned on his locker appearing as calm, cool and collected as possible. His chuckle came out as a huff, "I guess you could say that. I've just been thinking about a lot "stuff" lately".

Edd opened his locker and gathered his things, "Ah! Well I can see how that's possible being struck with so many responsibilities can leave anyone, even you stressed. If there's anything I can to relieve the stress caused by "stuff" please let me know". Edd smiled and nodded while Kevin chuckled, "Ya know there's a sex joke in there somewhere," He teased smirking at the now slightly blushing genius.

Eddward cleared his throat and frowned at Kevin's smug smirk. "Very mature Mr. Barr," He grumbled and Kevin held in the urge to laugh. He covered the urge and said, "What's this You've always gotta come back for Nat's sex jokes". Edd pulled on the collar of his buttoned up shirt and cleared his throat once again, "Yes. Well Mr. Goldberg's comment I'm prepared for, yours was a bit unexpected," he explained. "Ah! Well then would asking you to come to my first for the season be unexpected too," The red head asked with a smirk. Edd fought the heat of surprise creeping up on his pale cheeks. "I… I don't see why it would," He said quickly returning to his still open locker. "But I should have you know I'm not of your crowd and don't very much fancy the game," He attempted to recover his usual prestige persona.

Kevin smiled at rush in his voice, but shrugged it off, "It would be a sure fire way to pay me back for this morning," He sighed. Eddward was silent after the comment before closing his locker. He turned his up to the slightly taller teen, "I'm assuming this game is the one everyone has been going on about? It will take place this Friday correct". Kevin nodded, "The one and only". Edd was silent for a moment but smirked, "I wouldn't be making any of your adoring fans jealous now would I"? The jock shrugged, "Only if you try too dweeb". Edd smirked straightening his bag, "Well I'll try my best not too, I certainly wouldn't want a horde to attack me on your big night," He smiled softly passing the jock to head home. Kevin laughed, "Yeah let's safe that for Homecoming". Edd chuckled at the statement, "Do hurry home after practice Kevin, wouldn't want our star quarterback to jeopardize his title due to lack of rest," He stated walking away. "You sound like my mom," The ginger huffed keeping his smirk. Double D simple smiled, "Goodnight Kevin, I look forward to your big game". Kevin waved to the boy's back, " Check ya later Double dweeb". Even as he went through practice, cloud nine seemed to be Kevin Barr's favorite place and Friday couldn't get here fast enough for the jock.

Double D woke up early Thursday morning to get his usual house work done. As he checked the surveillance cameras and calendar he felt some random spike of excitement he couldn't explain. Reading over his weekly plans, Friday made itself known very quickly to the teen and spike of excitement increased. The fact hit Double D with a sense of surprise to the fact that he'd never been to a football game, let alone invited to one by the teams captain, who he assumed saw him ad a friend. He looked at Friday once more and smiled, it was merely a day away, but to the young genius the hours weren't moving fast enough. He calmed himself down with his morning shower, and dressed for the day. However, before he took his leave another date caught his attention on his weekly calendar.

Sunday of next week he would begin his new job. He'd received the notice of his official employment a week ago. The first people he informed were Ed and Eddy. He assumed the two would be quiet disappointed at the news seeing as they usually spend their weekends together. However, he was very surprised to find out the Eddy and Ed had to work on Sunday's as well. Eddy had to watch his Dad's repair shop, while Ed promised he'd help his and Jimmy's mother move new inventory into their bakery. As surprised as the genius was he was very proud to see his dear friends growth in responsibility. A smile formed on his face as he locked up and took his leave to begin the day.

The evening air was crisp as the stands were filled up with the students and teachers of Peach Creek high. Kevin felt his adrenalin pumping as he sat in the locker room. A heavy hand on his shoulder snapped back to reality, and he turned looking up at Nat. "Hey man you ready," the teal haired teen asked. Kevin stood with helmet in hand, "Yeah". Rushing out of the locker room he met his couch and team just behind their entrance banner. The red head listened closely to his couch as he gave his run down of the first play and his inspiration speech. The team looked to Kevin once their coach took the field. "This is our game guys, so no mercy and fight till were the only ones standing on top! We gotta rep to keep and remind'em who we are tonight," he held out his hand, "Cobblers' on three"! The team piled their hands in and shouted, "1, 2, 3 COBBLERS'"! The horn for their entrance sounded and the team rushed out with their team captain in front. The crowd was going wild and sight made the red head feel great. But not as great Nat patting him on the shoulder and pointing to the stands to a certain beanie wearing nerd sitting with his Cal- de- sac friends.

As the two made eye contact he smiles sweetly at Kevin, and mouthed the words "Good Luck". The football captain felt his heart skip a beat, he chuckled and a smug grin in return. Edd watched him run over to his team and kept his smile, the sound of Eddy grumbling caught his ear. He turned to see the bundled up teen with a red nose frowning, with his left arm intertwined with Lee chatting May. Marie sat on Edd's right talking with Jimmy, Sarah and Johnny about how to set up an art gallery. While Ed and Rolf had a passionate conversation about what came first the chicken or the egg. Double D couldn't help but smile, being surrounded by all his friends. He missed so many chances to do this since he left and this very moment felt like a dream come true. As the game began he found himself cheering with claps and laughter unlike Marie and Lee who shouted insulting question and accusations at the referee.

Even though Eddy acted like he didn't want to be there Double D found him shouting at the Cobblers' to "get their shit together". As he enjoyed the game and all the support his friends were giving Kevin and Nat, a tap on his shoulder took his attention away. He turned to look behind him and see Johnny smiling. He wore a white hoodie and ripped jeans with sandals Edd gave as he asked "Enjoying the game Double D". Edd looked to see Johnny smiling at him. "Yes, although I don't quiet understand the game I must say the excitement is contagious," he smiled. " You can say that again. Hey, I can teach ya something's about football if ya wanna understand it and all," he offered. "Thank you Johnny, but wouldn't that take your attention away from the game? You seem to really be enjoying," Double D replied. Johnny waved off the comment, " Its cool man, I've seen the team play plenty of times. I'm usually taking photos right now. Their usually the head liners for the school news paper".

Eddward was a bit surprised at the information, "I didn't take you for the photography type Johnny". The brunet gave a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of head, "Yeah a lot if people don't. My therapist says its a good mental release for someone who sees life in inanimate objects," He said the last words quickly with a hint of shame in his eyes. Double D took note of it, but said nothing instead he asked, " Were you self taught". Johnny chuckled and optimism returned to eyes, "Nah. Believe it or not Marie taught me".

As if on queue a leather jacket arm snaked around black teen's neck, pulling him closer. "Yep. Taught the little freak everything I know," She snickered ruffing his mini afro. "Well I'm glad to see some of my teaching enthusiasm rubbed off on you," Edd started smirking at Marie. The three laughed at the thought of a Marie as a teacher and the sound of the score board gathered their attention. Johnny began telling Double D how the score was just made, and went into who played what position and how the field was formed to keep track of each team. As Johnny talked Double D listened to every word and took mental notes. No one but Eddy seemed to notice the sparkle in Johnny's eyes and blush on his cheek as he inched just a bit closer to sock head.

The game to an exciting end with Kevin getting the winning touchdown. Everyone jumped to their feet at the close call and cheered for Peach Creek's first victory. As they all walked out the stands together Eddy continued to deny the fact that he jumped for the football teams win. The group found themselves at "Creeks" to celebrate and relax from all the excitement. However, the victory team had yet to join them and it gave the Cal- de- sac kid's time to enjoy each other's company more. It wasn't long for the football team and cheerleading squad to enter the diner and find most of the school students either inside or hanging out outside the building. Kevin scanned the diner as he walked in with Nat, Nazz and rest of his team.

When the others teenagers spotted him they cheered in surprise and congratulated the jocks. The red head zoned in on Edd who sat at a collection of tables with their neighborhood friends. He was covering his mouth as he laughed at the current story Eddy was telling about him and Marie getting arrested. Kevin was about to make his way over to the group when he was quickly snagged by his teammates for a victory chant. Nat followed his friend while Nazz just giggled at the sight and followed them as well. After a good Peach Creek chant and root beer floats on the house announced by Chief the three finally found time to slip away from the in- crowd and hang with their out- crowd. Walking up to the table they heard another story being told, this time by Ed and Rolf. Eddy was making side comments and nudging Double D into a fit of laughter. "Eddy, that's horrible. Don't say that about their adventures," He laughed. "Well I can see you guys started the party without us," Nazz chimed grabbing the group's attention. "Ya head to appease your cult of minions," Marie shrugged slouching her chair. "We didn't wanna disturb," May chimed. "Less the raphe of angry hormonal brainwashed Zombies attack our flesh!" Ed concluded.

Eddy laughed and pointed at his friend, "Nicely put lumpy". The group broke into laughter while the three sat down. "Very funny," Kevin smirked leaning back in his chair. "We're not all brainwashed," Nat defended. Nazz laughed, "And they're not all bad guys". "Yeah we know, we just like shit talking," Lee stated and Eddy grumbled, "I meant it". Double D agreed with Lee and looked at Eddy, "Some more then other's". "Good game today Kevin!" Johnny stated with a smile. "Yeah you really showed'em what for," May cheered. Marie slammed her fngerless gloved hand on the table and stood lifting her drink, "I demand a toast! To the Coolest kid in the Cul-de-sac for taking down a bunch 'a cherry's and claiming his first victim"! "I think you mean victory Marie," Double D corrected. "THAT TOO!" She shouted and everyone cheered raising their cups. Slumping back in her chair after the toast Edd just shook his head, "How many shots of vodka did you put in that float," he asked. "Two. And hold off there my little nerd, I'm not nearly as drunk as you think I am," Marie grinned hugged the ravenet. "Of course not," Double D rolled his eyes.

Another arm came wrapping around his neck on top of Marie's. "So Double Delish you enjoy the game," Nat purred. "I must say for my first time at such an even I found it be very entertaining and educational," Edd responded with smile as Marie pinched Nat's arm off the nerd. "Oh wow. You;ve never been to football game Double D," Nazz asked surprised. "Not the American version. However, I have been to many European football games," He explained. "Then your defiantly gonna enjoy my games of shovel chin's here," Eddy bragged. "Yeah cause watching a bunch 'a dweebs run around kicking a ball is way for exciting then football," Kevin defended. Eddy snapped back, "What'd you call me shovel face"! "Boy's behave," Edd chimed. "Yeah or Mother Double D will put you in time out," Marie smirked earning a glared from a blushing Eddward. The table laughed at the sight and decided to order food. After about 3 hours of laughter, jokes, and catching up on each other's lives the group began to disperse.

Ed, Jimmy and Sarah were the first to go, due to a call from Ed's mom. Lee, Eddy, Marie and May left next because the youngest and Oldest Kanker had to work the next day and Marie was too tipsy to drive home. Johnny left after a getting a call from his mom, he said goodbye to Double D, Kevin, Nazz and Nat. After an enjoyable conversation with the three Double D decided to head home as well. Giving Chief and tip before he walked out only to be quickly followed by Kevin. "Hey Double D what up," Kevin called out the teen. "Oh did I forget something," Edd asked a bit surprised at Kevin's actions. "Heh, no I just thought I'd head home with you is all. I had a pretty long day and could use some extra rest," He shrugged. "What about Nazz and Nat and your friends," Double D asked. Kevin shrugged again and started walking, "Nat's bringing Nazz home with his car, and guys are about to go out drinking. That's usually something I save for Saturday night when we don't have practice on Sunday". Edd nodded walking beside him, "Smart man," He hummed.

A cool gust of wind blew causing Double D to zip up his jacket vest. He looked to walking companion and questioned, "Are you not cold"? Kevin walked with his hands in his pocket and shrugged, "Nah I've pretty natural body heat. It's hard for me to get cold even in the winter," he explained. "Hmm you have a similar ability to someone I know," Double D noted with a small smile. "Oh. One of your many friends from overseas," Kevin smirked and Double D nodded. "Though I believe his body temperature is a little higher then yours," He noted. "Well you win the first point in listening our group of friends challenge," Kevin stated a bit sarcastically. "It seems I'm in lead. Catch up Mr. Barr," Edd joked making both of them laugh. A peaceful silence joined them till Kevin spoke, "I wanted to say thanks for coming to the game tonight. It, uh… It meant a lot to me," He smiled. Edd returned that smile and nodded, "I thank you as well for inviting me. It was fun watching you play and cheering you on was just as enjoyable".

Kevin paused for moment, "You cheered me on," he asked. "Of course how else would you have won," Edd joked. "Oh ha, ha dweeb! I've been winning games long before you rolled back into town," Kevin smirked lightly shoving Edd. "Ah yes, but none as victorious as this one I presume. You are glowing even as we speak," he pointed out with a chuckled of his own. Kevin laughed, "Yeah I guess I am. I guess you did do some magic today. I can't remember the last time I saw the whole crew together and it wasn't one of Nazz's block parties," He stated in realization. Eddward chuckled, "Yes well the hardest party was getting Eddy to come, but Lee helped him see it my way". Kevin chuckled, "Sounds about right the little dork". They made it Double D's house first and stopped at his porch, "Thank you for tonight Kevin and for walking my home. I've very much enjoyed your company," Edd stated standing on his porch. "Yeah it was fun seeing at the diner and I'm glad you got see me play. We should… ya know walk again sometime," The red head shrugged glancing away for a second. "I look forward to the next game, and this time I'll be attending on my own accord. Not as a form of payment," He smirked.

Kevin gave a cheap smile, hiding the thumping in his heart, "Choice. Sounds like a plan". Stood there wanting to say more to prevent this moment from ending, but just couldn't find the words. "Well I guess I'll see ya around Double Dweeb," He waved taking his leave. "Oh Kevin," Edd called out making him turn around. "I was hoping if possible, would like to have breakfast tomorrow morning? After your morning practice of course". Kevin stared at the other male slightly dumbfounded. It took Edd to call his name for the jock to snap out of the daze, "What? Huh?" H asked shaking his head. "I said is that problem," Double D repeated. "No way man. I'm totally free after practice. How's 10am sound I know a place that's not "Creeks" that makes killer waffles," he rambled. Eddward chuckled and nodded, "I look forward to it, just text me the address I shall meet you there". Kevin paused, "But I don't have you're number". Eddward paused at the statement and blushed lighting remembering how he got everyone number from their online records. He cleared his throat, "Oh yes, of course". He gave an embarrassed laugh and gave Kevin his number. The jock smiled saving it in his phone, "Sweet. Night Double D see ya tomorrow," He shouted walked to his house. "Goodnight Kevin," Edd sighed and entered his own home.

Eddward woke up at 5 in morning out of habit and forced his boy to go back to sleep. Today was big day for him and he felt he needed a few extra hours of rest. Although he only rested for one hour he still woke up before his alarm. Taking his time he took his shower got dressed and ate a full breakfast. As he ate he remembered his breakfast with Kevin and found a smile forming on his face. Their time together was quiet enjoyable and he felt his face grow warm at the thought of their next date.

He couldn't explain the feeling causing his body temperature to rise and his heart to slightly increase in rate when around the red head, but found the rush exhilarating. He finished his cup of coffee and placed all the dirty dishes in the sink to clean at the end of the day. Going back up to his room he grabbed his briefcase and checked the time. A pleased smile at the time as he put on his shoes and walked out the door. The house security system beeped on and he locked down the perimeter before heading to train station to take into the city. The mid-early morning rush was refreshing for Edd, seeing as he'd always been out the house before or with the sun, it was a nice change to have the blazing star beat him for once. The train ride was new to him in Peach Creek. He'd been on multiple trains, from the bullet trains of Japan to the substation in Britain, but Peach Creek seemed to fill the teen with a warm comfort that none of those trains could. He was a bit reluctant to get off when his stop came, but duty called in the laws of employment.

The walk to the large corporate building only lasted 5 minutes and allowed him to get to work 15 minutes early. Greeting the front desk attendant he took the elevator to the fifteenth floor. "Good morning Mr. Vincent," smiled a woman as he walked up to the desk she sat at. He smiled back at the woman, "Good morning Ms. Marten. I trust you're doing well this morning". Ms. Marten smiled, "I'm doing very well today, and you". He straightened his tie with a smile, "Happy to start my first day with you and Mr. Black". She pushed up her glasses, "I can understand that. I've seen your resume and must say we're lucky to have a new mind with the company". Edd gave a soft chuckle and nodded, "Thank you ma'am". The monitor on her desk went off and she silenced it. After a few exchange of words she lifted her head, "Mr. Black will see you know, dear". Eddward smiled, "Thank you ma'am," He smiled before entering the large office.

It felt strange to follow someone around for hours and be the one to deliver papers from cubical to cubical. Seeing as back at HQ, he gave the orders and signed paperwork, he had his own assistant, Scarlet. Which by the way he needed to contact for information she scanned for him recently. Although he was way the information passed through HQ still went to him, rather it be to an activity report or an assignment approval all important documents still went to his email. All message being undetected and untraceable by the government of Peach Creek, or any government for that matter. After being told to take his lunch break Edd made his way out of his boss's office and out the building. The air was refreshing and the sun felt good on his skin, he loosened his tie slightly and took a deep breath. Walking a few blocks from the building he found the café suggested to him by Ms. Marten. Before walking inside he stopped to see a familiar figure across the street. He arched an eyebrow at the male teen staring blankly at the tall wooden fence. "Johnny?"

Things are about to get kinda real next chapter so, here's your happy chapter.

Also what's Johnny doing? . .

Remember Review and please Read on.

Agi out!