Edd lie awak, sleep eluding him once again. Sighing he looked at the clock, 2:01 am. The raventte got up and made his way quietly to the kitchen, careful not to wake his mother. tea, he thought, tea will help.

Placing the kettle on the stove, Edd glanced out the window across the street. He sighed as he thought about the redhead asleep in his bed, alone. Kevin had to be up early. Football tryouts were to begin tomorrow afternoon, and the quarterback was helping his coach set up. Edd knew Kevin needed his sleep which is why he suggested they stay home. The raventte didn't want to wake him again.

Edd jumped slightly as the tea kettle whistled. Readying his cup, Edd headed back upstairs, cursing himself as hot water spilled over the rim. He set the cup on his night stand. His phone blinked next to it. Edd opened the text curiously. It was Kevin.

y are u still up

A small smile crept onto his face as he replied.

I can't sleep. Why are you awake?

Not a minute later Kevin's reply came through.

same was thinkin bout u.

Edd shook his head at the horrible grammar, but smiled none the less.

:-) you should get some rest, You have a long day tomorrow.

u need to sleep to

I'll try my best. Good night Kevin.

good nite dork

Edd sighed as he set his phone down a sipped his tea. why can't things be normal? The genius thought as his mind flooded with angst. Finishing his tea, Edd lay back fighting himself for sleep.

...

Kevin groaned as his alarm went off. 5:30 am. The jock hadn't gotten much sleep. He was beginning to worry more and more about his dork. He could tell Edd was losing control. Kevin understood why, but felt helpless. I wish I knew how to help him. Kevin groaned again as he got up and began to get ready. It was going to be a long day.

Heading out the door, Kevin looked across the street at his dorks house. His heart sank at the thought of him alone. He sent him a quick good morning text and headed off to school.

Edd opened his eyes as his phone went off. Kevin, he smiled, of course. Sitting up, the raventte figured he may as well get ready for the day. Sleep hadn't come, and it probably wouldn't. Edd got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to shower.

Exiting the bathroom, Edd heard his mother moving downstairs. It was still awkward to have her home. It would be for awhile for normalcy to return. The two needed to work on alot to repair their relationship. Edd was still hesitant to do so, there was too much bad blood between them to make it easy. Edd pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind as he got dressed for school. later, he thought.

...

Eddy strolled over to his best friend's car as it came to a stop. He hadn't seen much of Edd since the run in with Nikolas, and he was worried about the raventte.

"Salutations, Eddy," Edd said as he turned his car off and got out. "How are you today?" Edd faked a smile for his friends benefit.

"I'm fine, but dude," Eddy stared at him with concern, "You look like hell."

"I'm quite fine, I assure. Don't worry about me, Eddy." Edd said as he began walking up the steps.

"Dammit sockhead," the shorter boy said, "how can I not worry about you with all that's happened in the last week?"

The genius shrugged as he entered the building, "there's no need to worry, I'm fine." Edd said the last word with finality. Eddy backed off, but he knew something was up.

"Hey guys wait up!" Ed ran to catch up with his friends. The tallest of the three knew something was wrong as soon as he saw the look on their faces. He wasn't as dumb as people thought. Ed looked between the two boys and asked, "what's wrong double D?"

Edd smiled weakly and patted his shoulder, "nothing Ed, I'm fine. right Eddy?"

"Yeah, yeah." He mumbled. Eddy knew it was pointless to argue with his friend at this point. "Everything's good Ed, don't worry about it.

"Ok Eddy." Ed said as the three headed to class.

...

Lunch rolled around. Edd decided to spend it outside. Kevin would be on the football field, and Edd wanted to see him if only for a few minutes. He smiled a small smile as he saw the redhead wave at him from across the field. The raventte took a seat on the bleachers and pulled out a book.

Kevin saw his dork come out of the building and smiled. He had a minute to spare so he joined his boyfriend on the bleachers. Plopping down next to the genius, he said, "hey dork."

Edd marked his place and closed the book. "Hello Kevin, how are tryouts going?"

"Eh, they don't start until 2:30. Coach is just drilling the team right now."

"I see, and how is that going?" A small smirk emerged on Edd's lips.

Kevin laughed as he playfully shoved Edd, "You know how that's going." Edd laughed as well. Coach Karr was legendary for his brutal practice regimes.

"Yes I do know." He replied.

Kevin looked at Edd with full concern, "how are you feeling D?" He asked. Edd looked exhausted and more frail than usual. Kevin noted the raventte's lack of food.

"I'm fine Kevin, really. Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Edd was beginning to get frustrated. Not because his friends kept checking up on him, but because he was worrying them. The genius usually kept a handle on his personal problems. No one had ever been the wiser. Lately however, Edd felt himself losing control.

"We're just worried about ya is all Edd." Kevin said, lacing his fingers through the ebony haired boys.

"Don't be," Edd said putting on his best smile, "I promise I'll be ok."

Kevin sighed. Kissing Edd's forehead he said, "I hope so."

Edd was about to reply when coach Karr blew his whistle and yelled, "Barr! Get over here! Slack time is over! Do you want to run laps?"

Kevin groaned as he released Edd's hand and stood up. "I'll talk to you later, ok D?"

Edd chucked. Nodding he said, "I can't wait." Edd got up and headed inside. Kevin watched his boyfriend leave and felt a twinge in his chest. why can't I help him he thought bitterly.

"Barr! Five laps!" Kevin groaned as he began to run.

END OF CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Hello everyone, are you still enjoying my little fanfic? I hope so. Thanks as always for reading!