The last bell rang. Finally, Edd thought. He needed to get out. He put a smile on as he and Kevin walked out to the football field. Tryouts were set to start and the redhead was required to attend. In truth Edd didn't care for all the hype, but he was happy to support his boyfriend. Plus, it gave him time to relax and avoid his thoughts. Even if for but a moment.

Edd took a seat on the bleachers. The genius took note of how many people also stayed to watch. Even th r Kanker sisters were seated a few rows raventte shrugged. I guess it really is a big deal, he thought as he took his A.P. calculus textbook out. He began to study, forgetting his real problems for word problems.

Marie Kanker looked longingly at Eddward Vincent. She had fallen for the genius blue eyes as kids. The tomboy never knew how to express her emotions well, however and she beat herself up every day.

Marie sighed as she looked back at the field. She couldn't care less about football, being there was just a cover. The girl wanted to make sure everything was ok with Kevin and Edd. The entire school was buzzing about their relationship and Edd's new attitude. The scrawny teen had never been one to loose his cool, at least not to the extent he had. People were curious, and wary. Marie was just worried.

"Look Marie!" May poked her sister in the ribs, "Ed is trying out too!"

Marie glanced up, "oh yeah, cool." Her thoughts fell back to Edd. Sighing heavily, the Kanker stood up.

"Where are you going?" Lee asked looking up from her phone.

"I need a cigarette, is that ok with you?" Marie said ferociously.

Her sister cocked an eyebrow and said, "I don't care what you do, just don't get caught." Lee returned to her phone.

Rolling her eyes, Marie exited the stands. Making her way to the storage shed, she lit up a cigarette and took a long drag. She could still see the action on the field. A certain redheaded quarterback was currently showing newcomers drills. The Kanker's chest tightened as she watched the guy who stole Double D's heart. he better make him fucking happy she thought bitterly. Finishing her cigarette, Marie popped a piece of gum in her mouth and headed back.

The bleachers had become even more crowded. geez she thought, it's not even a game. The teen found her sisters and sat back down with a huff.

"What's wrong now?" Lee asked exasperated.

"Nothing, drop it."

"Whatever."

The motion on the field stopped for a break. Marie watched as Kevin strolled up to Edd. Wrapping his fingers in his, Marie could hear them talk.

"Tryouts are going well I presume, then?" Edd asked as he closed his textbook.

"I guess, it's mostly a bunch of freshman who have no idea how to even play." Kevin said as he shook his head.

"That's disappointing."

"Tell me about it!" Kevin laughed. "Ed's not bad though."

"That's reassuring. I'm sure he will be happy." Marie could see Edd's small smile from where she sat. It drove her crazy. Agony enveloped her however, when the jock pulled Edd close and kissed him. She wanted to scream. Her frustrations were halted before she could though.

"Would you lookey there boys?" A voice came from behind the sisters. "Peach Creeks star quarterback has a new beau. And wouldn't ya know, he's a goddam fairy." Laughter sprung up. Marie froze, she knew Lemon Brooke lunkheads when she heard them.

They weren't drawing attention to themselves, yet. It was only a matter of time. Her sisters had heard the exchange but just stared as Marie's fist clenched, waiting.

"Good God, would you look at who he's with?" A second voice chimed in, "what a fucking dork! I mean look at that beanie-" that was all it took. Marie spun around and socked the rival in the jaw.

"What the fucking hell, bitch!" Was heard loud throughout the bleachers. The Kanker was pissed. Heads turned, whispers were heard. Marie didn't care.

"You're one to talk," she spat, "what are you even doing here, Mike?"

Recognition filled the boys face. He sputtered as he stared at his cousin. It had been years since they'd seen each other. Brushing the past off the boy said, "I'm just scoping out my competition, and by the looks of it, the great Kevin Barr has gone soft."

At the last remark, Kevin pushed his way up the bleachers. "The hell did you say?"

"You heard me, Barr."

"You don't belong here Garrett," he growled, fist clenching.

A panicked looked flooded Edd's face. Not now he thought. Thankfully, coach Kar had noticed trouble brewing. Speaking into his megaphone, "all of you, downhere now!" When no one complied, the ex-marine turned football coach plowed his way up the bleachers and grabbed the boys by the shirt collar.

"My office, all of you, now."

...

Randall Kar rubbed his tapped his fingers on the desk as he stared at the five teens in front of him. Sighing, he spoke calmly and commanding. "I cannot believe you all. Actually, I can. You three," he pointed at the Lemon Brooke boys, "shouldn't be here. And you know it. I don't think Louis is going too be happy." The boys flinched at the sound of their own coaches name. "Sneaking? Spieing? Fighting? You should be ashamed of yourselves."

"But we didn't-" Mike was silenced as Mr. Kar held up a hand.

"Enough excuses. I wouldn't be surprised if you got benched for the season. But that's not my call." Turning to Marie and Kevin, he said "and you two, Ms Kanker, I understand your frustration with Mr. Garrett, but violence is never the answer." Kevin snickered. "What's seems to be so funny, Barr?"

Kevin's face paled, "n-nothing sir."

The coach looked at him. "You four may leave. I'll be calling Lemon Brooke high to let them know of this incident. Marie you have two weeks detention."

The tomboy was furious. "Two weeks!" She exclaimed.

"Wanna try for three?"

"N-no." She answered feebly as she followed the rest out.

Kevin looked at his feet as he waited for his coach to speak. When he did, the redhead couldn't believe the words that came out. "Look, Kevin, I can't technically punish you. You didn't violate any rules." Kevin breathed a sigh of relief, "however, I feel need to ask you what pissed you off so much."

Kevin looked his coach in the eye. "Mike and his cronies just piss me off."

Mr. Kar stared his down hard. Kevin felt uneasy under his stare. So he told him the whole truth. "They made derogatory remarks about me," he paused.

"And Edd, am I right?"

"Yes."

The coach sighed. He had always thought of the redhead like a son. "Look I'm going to talk to the principle and coach over at Lemon Brooke. We'll get this sorted out. Until then, promise me something."

"What"

"If anyone gives you trouble, including Mike, take care of it off school grounds. Understood?"

"Y-yes."

"Good, You may leave now.

...

Edd waited for Kevin in the parking lot. It was nearly four when he saw the redhead emerge from the building. Everyone else had already left. Sighing in relief as Kevin approached him, Edd said, "what happened?"

"Actually, nothing really."

Edd raised his eyebrow skeptically, "really?"

"Yes, apparently I didn't break any rules."

"Oh thank goodness." The raventte exclaimed hugging him. Leaning back against his car he said, "what about Marie, and the guys from Lemon Brooke High?"

"Marie got two weeks of detention. I don't know about them. Coach said he was gonna call their school."

Edd nodded satisfied. "Good. Did he say if tryouts would resume?" He knew Kevin would be broken hearted if they didn't.

"No he didn't."

"Well, another time perhaps?"

"Yeah."

Edd put on a smile. "For now how about we go home and watch that horrid zombie movie you like so much?"

Kevin's face brightened at the idea. "Sounds like a plan dork."

"Good," the redhead blushed when Edd placed a kiss on his nose, before getting in his car. "I'll see you in a bit." The raventte waved at his boyfriend, who waved back. Turning out of the parking lot, his smile dropped as his thoughts returned.

END OF CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Are you still enjoying your time on my little fanfic? :-P