A/N

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update, been dealing with a lot of personal stuff lately. I haven't had much motivation to write, hopefully that dissipates completely soon.

I am going to apologize in advance, our boys are not out of the dark just yet. Remember it's only October though! There's still so much story to go! Anyways enough chitchat...

...

Randall Kar waited until the police car had left, the crashers handcuffed securely in the back seat. The coach couldn't shake the sick feeling in his stomach when he saw several teens rush into the limo. Walking over to the vehicle, he tapped on the window.

Eight teens simultaneously jumped at the noise. Nat held his breath as he rolled the window down. He let it out in relief at the sight of coach Kar.

Randall took in the scene. Something about the kids faces didn't set well. Leaning in, he said, "uh, just wanted to let you know Mike and Nikolas have been hauled away." He eyed Edd warily. Something definitely wasn't right. "Everything ok here?"

Eddy was about to speak but was cut off as Edd put on his best fake smile and said, "yes of course, coach Kar. We are just enjoying some peace and quiet."

The coach stared at the boy, you could practically hear the eyerolls of his friends. Shrugging off the feeling for their benefit, he said, "ok, just checking in. I think they're going to crown king and queen soon, you guys should get back soon..." He trailed off. His marine training never prepared him for this.

Edd tried to smile brightly as he spoke, "Oh yes, thank you for reminding us."

Randall Kar muttered a "yeah no problem" as he walked away.

"Dude, what the hell was that about?" Eddy asked, voice full of concern. He hated seeing his best friend like this.

Edd's face dropped again as he barely registered his friends words. why can't I just admit it?

"-khead, dude look at me!" Edd snapped back to attention at Eddy's words. Feeling numb, he tried to focus but failed.

Tears were streaming down Nazz's cheeks as she said, "please talk to us double D."

"Yes double Edd boy, what demons make you say such cruel things about yourself?"

Claustrophobia crept into Edd's mind again. there's too many people he thought I have to get out of here Edd could barely breath as flight took over and he grasped for the door handle.

The raventte winced as his best friend grabbed his wrist. "Don't pretend you didn't just say that." The shortest Ed said. Blue eyes shone with fear as his sleeve rode up, revealing the cuts deeply embedded in his flesh.

There was a collective intake of breath as Edd tried to break away.

"Dammit Edd," Eddy said, dropping his hand. Edd's blue eyes pleaded with his best friend. Eddy only called him by his name a few times. please don't say it It was pointless, the words were already being spoken.

"Not again." Eddy felt his heart break.

Green eyes sparked with knowing as Kevin said slowly, "what are you talking about, 'not again'."

Edd's mouth felt dry as he pleaded, barely audible, "Eddy, please. Don't."

"No, I want to know." Marie said, voice full of worry.

"So do I." Nat said from the corner.

"Yea." Nazz said tears still falling.

The raventte buried his face in his hands. He knew Eddy was going to tell them anyway, he couldn't bring himself to say the words looming in the air however. He let his friend speak for him.

Sighing out of desperation, Eddy said, "three summers ago Charles almost killed him. It was then me and Ed realized what an asshole the jackass really was. After sockhead got out of the hospital I caught him cutting his wrists. He almost ended up in the hospital again! All because of the man who dare call himself his father!"

Anger filled the teens. Kevin was the first to speak. Trying to keep his voice in check the redhead said, "how the fuck did he almost kill you?"

Never lifting his head, Edd said, "he-he knocked me onto t-the floor and proceeded to kick me d-down the staircase. I f-fractured my skull." The words tumbled out faster than Edd had realized. I just want this night to be over he sighed as he thought about how once again it was all his fault

"The hell!" Marie practically screamed.

"Oh my god." Nazz said tears finally stopped, for now.

"Why would your dad do that dude?" Nat asked.

"He's not double D's real dad. He's a monster." Ed said.

Everyone looked at Ed, eyes wide with realization.

"What do you mean, Ed boy?" Rolf asked.

"My f-father died when I was three, in a car accident." Edd felt completely numb as his secrets spilled out. The switch had finally been flipped. Edd felt utterly alone, despite being surrounded by the love of his friends. I need to get out of here

Looking up finally, Edd took in the mournful faces of his friends. all my fault all my fault

"c-can we please just go inside?" He whispered, starring blankly out the window. No one wanted to leave, not with Edd spiraling as hard as he was. "Please?"

Kevin was still reeling from the new information. Pulling his boyfriend into a half hug, he said as gently as he could, "yea D, whatever you want."

Edd sighed in relief as the group exited the limo. They entered the gym just as Kevin and Nazz are named homecoming king and queen. The two share the respective dance, while the cul-de-sac kids never leave Edd's side.

...

After dance ended and the kids finally separate themselves from Kevin and Edd, the couple let themselves into Edd's house. Sitting on the raventte's bed Kevin tries his best to comfort the boy he loves.

"Edd," Kevin said faltering, "I-I I wish I knew what to say. I-" he trailed off as he felt tears sting his eyes. Dammit he thought I need to help him somehow

Edd lifted his head to meet Kevin's concerned face. The black eye already promised to be a nasty one. Looking away he thought once again, all my fault

"Edd, don't hide from me, not now. please. Just talk to me, babe." Taking Edd's hand softly in his own, Kevin continues, " I don't want loose you either. I love you."

"I love you too, Kevin." Edd managed to say weakly, as he stared at his hands.

"Why can't you talk to me then?" Kevin felt defeated.

Closing his eyes, Edd whispered, "I-I don't know. I, I just feel so," he searched for the right word. Failing he said simply, "alone."

Kevin scooted closer to him. Pulling him into the safety of his arms, the redhead said, "you're not alone anymore, babe. Not while I'm here. I am gonna do my dammedest to keep you safe. Understand?"

Thoughts wracked the genius's head as he numbly nodded.

...

*Buzz Buzz*

The two woke up to Edd's phone going off. Looking at the clock, Kevin saw it was just after nine a.m.

Edd sat up in bed as he stared blankly at his phone. Seeing the look on his dorks face, Kevin yawned and sat up himself. Stretching he said, "who is it D?"

What little color left in his face drained away as Edd read the second message. He was ghostly white when the third one came in.

Kevin placed a comforting hand on his boyfriend's shoulder. "What is it? Come on you can tell me anything remember?"

Edd felt nothing as he handed Kevin his phone. The jock saw red as he read the texts.

Stop fucking blocking my number fairy! Now you get Mike arrested to!

He makes a better son than you! About time you learn to take responsibility for your actions!

Tell your whore of a mother I signed the dam papers.

The hot headed jock wanted to scream. Willing his temper to stay in check, he asked, "Edd, how long has he been texting you?"

"About a week." Edd said, his blue eyes sullen and downcast.

"Shit, why didn't you tell me? I could've told dad!" Kevin didn't know what his father could do, but he was a lawyer.

The redhead was about to continue when a knock was heard on the door. Barbara Vincent poked her head in slowly.

"Good morning boys. I'm going to the store. Do you need anything?"

Kevin's voice didn't falter and his eyes never left Edd's as he said, "yea, Mrs V. If you could get your asshole of an ex husband to stop harassing Edd, that be great.

END OF CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

don't worry, we still have nearly a year to go!

Enjoying yourselves still? I sure hope so! As always I highly appreciate the support!