The two boys smiled shyly as they exited the library. They turned to go to their respective class's only to hear shouting from the corridor. They both knew the noises all too well, albeit from different sides. The jock had a temper that matched his flaming locks and was never one to shy away from a fight. The genius however was all too familiar with being a human punching bag. Blue eyes met green in understanding before they broke into a run to find the source of the commotion. The boys rounded the corner stopping in their tracks quickly. Half the student body was gathered around six or seven figures in varying degrees of physical torment. Kevin and Edd pushed their way through the dense crowd as a sickening crack was heard.

Marie Kanker could be seen looming over Eddy as he held his already purple jaw. Nat and Nazz struggled to separate May and Ed who were practically strangling each other. Rolf had managed to pin Lee Kanker's hands to her side. He tried to subdue her kicking and clawing as Johnny cowered on the ground.

"I don't know what the HELL is going on here," Kevin bellowed, " but I am going to END it!"

Marie brushed her bangs out of her eyes nonchalantly, placed a hand on her hip and said defiantly, " oh yeah, and what do you plan on doing about it, jackass."

Kevin took a step further saying, "I'm gonna beat the living shit out of you!" The redhead was furious, this was the witch who had harassed his dork for years. Her sisters were no better. I want to knock her fucking daylights out, he thought. The redhead's fist clenched, itching to hit the beast of a woman. His arm swung back, ready to collide with the Kanker's face.

Edd couldn't take it anymore. Tears filled his eyes. "Could you all just get along! We are no longer kids! Stop acting like juveniles!" He shouted.

A hush fell upon the crowd. Kevin dropped his fist. Eddy stood up still holding his jaw. Nazz released May as she let go of Ed's throat. Lee ceased her thrashing and the son of a Shepard dropped her next to a relived Johnny. The school began to murmur again but was short by a tear soaked glare that commanded, get to class. the crowd dissipated quickly.

Edd pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He knew he'd snapped but couldn't figure out why. He sighed again, now he was late.

"What the hell was that about Double D?" Eddy asked him. The genius hadn't realized that the cul-de-sac kids were still there.

"I can ask you all the same thing." Everyone started talking at once, but Edd held a hand up and said,

"Later, we are all tardy."

...

Several hours later, the raventte stared in his mirror. His face looked the same. His frame was still slender but he had bulked up slightly over the summer. is that why everyone skirted around me today, he thought? Edd didn't know. The teen sighed inwardly as he pulled a blue-grey tee shirt on over his black jeans. He grabbed his beanie from the counter and left the bathroom. He slumped on to his bed and wondered if he should call and cancel.

Edd pinched his nose and thought about the days events. He detested violence. The boy shuddered as he thought about Kevin's fist flying through the air. His handsome, yes handsome face had scrunched up in a grimace. He had looked terrifying. Except his eyes, they had care and concern. Kevin Barr was a puzzle Edd decided, that he had to solve. He smiled as the doorbell rang. He went ddownstairs and opened the door.

Kevin looked positively dashing in the black crew neck sweater he was wearing. Tan skin peaked through ripped jeans and his trademark red cap played backwards atop his auburn head.

"Hello Kevin. You, erm, look very handsome." Edd said shyly. The compliment caused his date to blush furiously.

Kevin rubbed the back of his neck and replied, "T-thank you. You, look, uh nice too." better than nice, the quarterback thought. Edd had changed over the summer. The pale face in front of him was no longer that of a shy bookworm. Kevin noticed slight ripples under the dork's shirt. The athlete look away briskly, smiling. Edd was different. Everyone could see it, especially Kevin.

...

Edd hugged his mother goodbye, gave his father a nod, and picked up his suitcase. The sixteen year-old was going to California to study at Cal-Tech. He may have only entering his junior year, but the child protege already had many schools after him. He was excited when his top pick offered him the summer program. He was elated when his strict parents agreed to let him attend. With one last look, Eddward Vincent boarded his first plane in the pursuit of knowledge.

...

"Shall we go then," the ebony haired boy asked, fidgeting. Green eyes blinked. Dammit, he thought, he's cute when he's flustered.

"Ok, yeah." Kevin could've smacked himself for getting distracted. but it's a good distraction, he thought as the pair began walking. The bowling alley was only a few blocks away from the cul-de-sac and both boys decided that it was too much of a beautiful night to waste driving.

No one spoke for a few minutes. Kevin was the first to break the silence. "I want to apologize for school today double dweeb. I know I lost control of my temper. I don't know why but I did. Yes you do. "I guess I just felt the need to do something ya know?" she wants you "I'm sorry."

Edd chucked as he reached out and grabbed his hand. "It's ok, Kevin. Things happen. I want to apologize for my own, distasteful, behavior. It was completely deplorable. And I will try my best to not let it happen again." Kevin couldn't hear anything but the blood in his ears. oh my God, he thought, he's holding my hand!

"Its o-okay," Kevin mmanaged as they reached their destination.

...

*beep beep*

Kevin's phone alerted him of a text. He glanced at it briefly. It was Nazz. Kevin shrugged, he'd answer her later. Right now he had more pressing matters to attend to. Like trying to figure out how his gape-toothed date kept winning. The jock shook his head when the nerd jumped up after getting yet another spare.

"How the hell do you have major skills dude?" The redhead asked.

"I do not have skills Kevin." Edd laughed as he sat down across from him.

"Explain how you've been kicking my ass then?"

Edd cocked an eyebrow, "Simple, I calculated the speed and trajectory of the ball then I add the resistance of the oil patterns."

Pointing an accusing french fry at him, Kevin said teasing, "Aha! So you've been cheating then, haven't you?"

Edd's face reddened, "I do not cheat," the raventte sputtered. "It's simple science!"

"Yeah, whatever." Kevin tried to suppress his laugh, he's getting flustered again, dam. It was enough to make the football player go weak in the knees. Good thing he was seated.

Edd looked like he was going to burst from frustration so Kevin reached out grabbed his hand and said, "relax double dork, I'm only kidding."

Edd looked up from underneath his feathery eyelashes and squeaked, "oh I see." He started giggling.

The alley was almost empty except for them and and older couple in their forties. They paid the teens no mind however, which Kevin was grateful for. He didn't know what he would do if they commented on their obvious date. Kevin knew he would be fine, but he wasn't sure about his dork. Kevin kept an warry eye on the adults as Edd played his tenth frame. no one is going to hurt him again.

...

"I had a wonderful time tonight," the genius said softly. "I haven't laughed this much all summer." Edd cursed himself, why did he choose to say that? He stole a peak at the boy. Thankfully, he didn't seem to register the comment as odd. Kevin however replied,

"I had a lot of fun too. I'm glad you said yes." The redheaded teen was rubbing his neck. Blush crept on both of their faces.

"I am glad you asked me."

The jock's blush deepened as he saw Edd fidget with his keys again. why is that so cute, ugh

"So I guess I'll, uh, see you tomorrow at school?" Kevin could barely contain himself.

Edd frowned slightly, but said brightly, "of course! Goodnight Kevin."

"Goodnight dork." Kevin replied as he turned to leave. Before he could even take a step however Edd grabbed his hand. The jock turned back to see Edd's blue eyes sparkle as he bit his bottom lip. Kevin's insides fluttered as he whispered,

"Do you even know how fucking adorkable you are right now?"

"Kevin...language." Edd teased, and the redheaded jock lost it. Kevin pulled Edd into his arms and kissed him, hard. Kevin's heart melted when he realized that the raventte was kissing him back with equal bravado. finally!

Edd relished the kiss, but couldn't help but remember...

END OF CHAPTER FOUR

Hello there, I hope you are enjoying yourselves. I'd really like to hear from you if you have any thoughts. And as always thank you so much for reading my little fanfic I appreciate it :-)

...

Oh dear what happened over the summer! *evil llaugh*