Kevin nearly dropped Edd's phone as he read the text. "Shit, Edd."

Edd stared ahead blankly, "I haven't seen mother and father since they dropped me off at the airport in June. They don't even know what happened when I was gone. Not that they would care." Edd trailed off.

Kevin pulled Edd close. Tipping his face towards his, he said, "you'll get through this. I'm right here if you need me to be. Understand?"

The raventte nodded and hugged him tight. Shuddering said, "thank you, Kevin." Kevin held the boy until he pulled away.

"I'm alright now, let's go, I'm positively starving" Edd said, trying to change the subject from himself. The redhead knew he was lying but let it drop. for now.

...

Edd pulled up to the pizza parlor. He needed some mindless conversation to distract his memories. Kevin was quiet as he drove. Edd knew he was worried. The jocks greens eyes were sullen. because of me, Edd thought, it's all my fault. Edd sighed as he got out of the car. Kevin got out as well, but still said nothing. The redhead was thinking about something, Edd saw.

"What is it, Kevin?" Kevin looked at him as he said,

"I'm worried about you. D, I-I don't want you to get hurt again." Kevin's gaze wandered to the teens beanie. Edd caught his gaze.

"I'll be fine. I promise. There hasn't been any incidents in quite some time. I've learned to ignore my father's remarks."

"What about your mom then?"

"My mother doesn't say anything. She i-ignores the situation when it rises." Edd's blue eyes faded over at the thought.

"You mean she just let's him hit you?" Kevin couldn't believe his ears. "That's low, Edd"

"N-no she just doesn't want to escalate his anger."

"That's bullshit!" Kevin was furious. "She's your mother for crying out loud!"

"Kevin please, I don't want to talk about this anymore. Ok?" Tears filled Edd's eyes as he pleaded with his boyfriend.

Kevin's voice wavered when he saw how distraught Edd had become. "I'm sorry babe, I didn't mean to yell. I just can't believe how much you deal with everyday, alone. It b-breaks my heart to know the hell you're facing. And not being able to do a dam thing, it kills me. Why do you insist on going at it by yourself?"

"Its just what I'm used to Kevin. And besides," Edd grabbed Kevin's hand, and smiled, "You do plenty, just by being here."

Kevin laughed, "you're so sappy, dork."

Edd laughed, "I know, now let's eat."

...

After eating, the friends departed. Edd drove back to the cul-de-sac. It was almost ten thirty.

Turning off the car, Edd turned to Kevin, "thank you."

Kevin chuckled slightly, "for what"

"For being there for me. I usually don't involve anyone in my problems, but I'm glad you are persistent." Blue eyes twinkled.

"Dam right I'm persistent," Kevin said, "You better get used to it too, cause I'm not going anywhere."

Edd blushed at the redhead's words. He couldn't believe someone cared. It would take sometime getting use to it, but the raventte was willing to try with all his might, if it ment spending more time with fiery Kevin Barr.

"It's still early, would you like to hang out for a bit?" Edd asked blushing.

Kevin's face also flushed. "with you, anytime."

...

Kevin opened his eyes. They had fallen asleep while watching some horror flick. He looked down and smiled. Edd was fast asleep. His head rested on Kevin's stomach. Nudging him awake, Kevin said quietly. "Edd, wake up."

The ebony haired boy stirred. Eyelids fluttering open he yawned and said, "huh w-what." Green eyes stared down at him. "Oh hey,"

Kevin smirked, "hey yourself."

"What time is it?"

"Just after two."

Sitting up, Edd blinked, "ok." The raventte blinked again. "I'm sorry I fell asleep."

Kevin laughed and said, "it's ok, you've had a rough day. And besides I fell asleep too."

"Oh, ok."

"Yup, now let's get you in bed."

"Only if you come with me."

Kevin turned pink, but he said, "ok."

Yawning again Edd said, "ok good." He pulled Kevin forward and kissed him, forgetting his problems for the moment. The two melted into each other as the kiss deepened.

END OF CHAPTER ELEVEN

Thanks for reading my little fanfic. I can't believe y'all still like it. :-)