Kevin Barr was pleasantly surprised. A deep blush crept across his face as the dork kissed him, in front of everyone. The class was murmuring. Nat let out a squeal.

"Oh my god! Kevin and double D sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i",

"Shut up Nat," Edd said as the raventte released the jock and took his hand. Kevin was still flabbergasted, but the smile on his face couldn't be wiped off for anything.

The two left hand in hand.

...

The Harley barreled down the street. Edd held on to Kevin tight, but not because he was afraid.

Kevin brought the bike to a stop in front of the repair shop. He cut the engine and took his helmet off.

"We're here." He said.

"I see that." Said smiling, as he took his own helmet. The redhead stared at him. His inky hair was messed up, just so. Kevin smiled sheepishly.

"D, I gotta ask ya something."

"Hmm? What's that Kevin?"

"Why did you, um, why," he couldn't find the right words. Luckily the genius knew what he was trying to say.

"You want to know why I kissed you at school with everyone around?"

"Y-yes."

Edd let out a small chuckle and said, "I kissed you because I like you Kevin. After all that's happened since summer, I've been afraid. Afraid of being myself. You know that." Kevin nodded, he knew. "But seeing you everyday, and not being next to you, Kevin it makes me feel so alone. I don't like that feeling." A tear crept out if Edd's good eye. "It's true, I have become accustomed to taking care of myself in my parents absence over the years. But it hurts."

Kevin felt his heart tug painfully he reached out to take his dorks face in his hands, "Oh, Edd,"

"Let me finish."

Kevin dropped his hands and nodded. Edd continued, "I have never been one to put my own desires above anyone's. I guess I got a tad selfish. When I heard you performing in class, I no longer cared what people could think. I just wanted to be yours, Kevin. that's why I kissed you."

The redhead's insides turned to mush as he pulled the raventte closer. "I'm glad you did, double dweeb," Kevin said as he kissed his boyfriend. "Now, let's go see what's wrong with your car. , shall we?"

Edd giggled and said, "ok."

...

The couple walked into the garage. Kevin went to talk to the mechanic, while Edd got himself a cup of coffee. Sitting he thought about lie ahead for them. Edd knew it was going to be tough. He was willing to go to hell and back, if it ment spending time with the captivating green eyed teen. Heat filled his cheeks as Edd sipped his coffee. The raventte watched as Kevin's brow furrowed at what the mechanic had just said. Nodding, he walked to where Edd was seated.

"What did he say is wrong?"

Kevin shook his head in disbelief, "he told me your twenty volt fuse is missing."

Confused Edd asked, "what does that mean?"

"It means your car was sabotaged, Edd."

...

School the next couple days went better than either boy could dream of. There was a lot of talk going around, sure, but it was nothing they couldn't handle. Their friends were supportive. Nat especially was. The blue haired boy was positively giddy.

It was Friday aafternoon. The first week of school was over, much to everyone's delight. The gang had made plans to hang out. Because it was over 80° they decided on the beach. Everyone went home to change, promising to meet up no later than four thirty.

"See ya soon," Nat said wagging his fingers at Kevin as he and Edd left. Edd laughed, "bye Nat."

"That guy, I swear." Kevin said starting up his bike. Edd just held onto Kevin as the redhead pulled out of the parking lot.

...

Kevin dropped Edd of as he went home to change. The redhead stayed outside until he saw lights come on upstairs. Edd always told Kevin he was fine, but Kevin wasn't taking anymore chances. Satisfied, Kevin went in his house.

His father was sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for him. Kevin stopped in the doorway and gaped at him. His dad worked as a public defender in Lemon Brooke and was hardly home these days.

"H-hello dad. What are you doing home?"

"Have a seat, Kev. We need to talk."

Doing as he was told, Kevin sat across his father and said, "what's up."

Matthew Barr looked at his son. He couldn't believe how much the boy had changed. How, grown-up he looked. Slowly, Mr. Barr began to speak. "A case has come across my desk, and while I cannot talk about details as you know, it has brought to light some things." Kevin looked at his father. "We need to talk about what happened the night Nikolas Rainer was incarcerated."

His son face paled as Edd walked in.

"Kevin, are you ready ye- oh good afternoon Mr. Barr, how are you?"

END OF CHAPTER NINE.

yes, this just happened...

Thanks as always for reading! Love you all ;-)