Author's Note:GUESS WHO'S BACK, BACK AGAIN... Yeah, things have still been super hectic for me..but...2nd. midterm season is over, and I am now relatively free until Finals come. huehuehue... I might fail one of my classes unfortunately...or get a D if I pass the final...so...that has been killing my inspiration for both the fanfic and any art. And just some personal adfsdsdsdgsh to the side... && SEE? I TOLD YOU THINGS WERE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY SEEMED LAST CHAPTER
ALSO, CRYING-HIGH-FIVE IF YOU DIDN'T GO TO COMIC CON EITHER hnngghhh ;_;
Also, do you guys think this story is taking too long or am I doning ok? I didn't want it to be like...only 5 chapters but I also don't wanna get to like 40 you know? What do you think?
Nat belongs to C2ndy2c1d !11one!1!one
My Tumblr: little - laughssassin tumblr . com
Don't be afraid to talk to me about the fic or something :]
Ch. 9: Triangles Are The Worst Shape
What the FUCK?!
No…no way…
DAMNIT, THIS ISN'T DOUBLE D.
Nat nearly screamed when he saw the person dressed as a frog in front of him outside the doors, but he settled for a subtle groan. 'Well…I guess I can't bitch at the guy for this…I mean, this dude DOES have a frog mask…just not the frog I'm looking for.'
He sighed and went back inside, feeling somewhat defeated. This was not going the way he would've liked; one second he had Double D right beside him, then the next he was pouring his heart out to Eddy by mistake.
Through all the mayhem, Nat had barely gotten a chance to really enjoy the party, and this annoyed him a little. Three hours had already passed and only three were left until the celebration was over at 1 a.m.
Perhaps this was the party god's way of saying "not tonight child, tonight you party hardy. Tonight, you will shake tha booty, look at tha booty, want tha booty, Lord, what a booty."
Perhaps this just wasn't the right time to tell that adorkable, gap-toothed, smarty-pants how he really felt.
Kevin pulled away from the kiss, but kept his forehead pressed to Edd's as they both regained their breaths and attempted to settle their hearts. Edd swallowed hard and slightly shook as his breath hitched on the way out his parted lips; he didn't dare look up at Kevin. What was happening? Why was he suddenly getting such affectionate gestures from his childhood fellows? What was going through Kevin and Nathan's mind?
'Oh no! N-Nathan…oh, not good, not good, not good, what do I do?!'
Kevin didn't say a word; he just closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Never did he ever think he'd be kissing 'Double Dork' at a Halloween party in College. Wasn't it supposed to be some gorgeous babe who made him feel butterflies in his stomach with the simplest of glances? Or a girl who idolized his athletic status and would be his number 1 supporter? – Not to say Kevin didn't like the attention he got from any girl, but even though he did flirt around with some of the girls from his old high school at parties, Kevin would've much rather have a solid relationship with someone who really knew him…which is why he liked Nazz for so long…but clearly that didn't work out. As for the butterflies in his stomach…well…there might as well have been a fucking monarch butterfly migration in there.
In that moment the party had gone completely forgotten; the blasting music was nothing but a melodic hum in the background, the beating of the bass synchronizing with the pounding of their hearts, reverberating throughout their ears and brains. Finally the silence became too much for the redhead, who cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck, separating just enough to see Double D better.
"Y-you ok the dork?" He asked with a nervous giggle.
"I…y-yes I-I'm fine. Quite alright. Yes." 'Goodness Eddward! What a bumbling fool you become when flustered! Honestly, your vocabulary is better than this! SPEAK MAN!' "K-Kevin, if you don't mind me asking…why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you k-kiss me?"
"Uhm…I kinda already told you why didn't I?" He chuckled, "In fact, I gave you many reasons why…" His voice become lower and more serious as he said those last few words, and his eyes met with Edds. They seemed sincere; there was honesty there…but…It was KEVIN. Edd was extremely confused.
"Yes, you did Kevin, but I-I suppose what I'm trying to say is that…well…I mean I was never even aware that you were g-"
"I'm bi, I'm…yeah. No, but I understand…believe me, it kinda took me by surprise as well but…I guess that's just the effect you had on me. I don't care that you're a guy. You're Double Dork."
Everytime Double D heard Kevin's infamous insult towards him it would get better with time. As kids it was a legitimate insult – Kevin couldn't stand the trio, especially because of Eddy's scheming ways – as teenagers it took a bittersweet feel – Kevin could tolerate the nerd, and even be friendly towards him sometimes, but he was still Double Dork. He was still one out of his three childhood "losers" – but now, now Double D heard those 2 simple words with new ears.
There was no animosity, nor dismissal, nor did it felt like just a force of habit… suddenly his childhood nickname from the redhead felt almost…endearing?
Double D could feel the heat rising up and burning his face and ears. But… "Kevin, I'm afraid I'm unable to provide you with a proper answer regarding my own feelings towards you…"
Edd's stomach churned as he could see Kevin's forest-green eyes lose some of the vibrancy they had just a few seconds ago; but he couldn't lie to Kevin, he didn't want to lie to Kevin, and right now he just had too much to think about. In front of him the redhead nodded, he understood and even expected to hear something of the sort coming from Edd, and he didn't blame him.
"I understand dork, don't worry about it. Like I said, I'll work hard for it." He gave Edd a reassuring smile that nearly melted the beanie-clad teen.
"Thank you Kevin." Edd smiled back as best he could. Just then his phone rang, completely snapping the boys from their slight daze. "Hello? Eddward spea…Ed?...ED I CAN'T HEAR YOU?...I DON'T KNOW WHERE EDDY IS…WHY?...WAIT WH…ED SLOW DOWN…ED I CAN'T…ED….ED…EDWARD PLEASE YOU'RE NOT MAKING ANY SENSE…LISTEN TO ME, JUST GO FIND EDDY AND I WILL MEET THE TWO OF YOU BY THE MAIN ENTRANCE….VERY WELL, GOODBYE."
"What was THAT all about?"
"To be honest, I haven't a clue…between the loud music and Ed speaking too quickly, I wasn't able to comprehend what he was trying to tell me…although I think he might've mentioned Nazz at one point?" Edd sighed and shoved his phone back into his pocket, "Forgive me Kevin, but I must return and look for them."
"Alright." Double D reached up for his mask to pull it back down, but before he could, some instinct within Kevin reacted, making the jock grab onto Edd's wrist to stop him, while he swooped in and pecked him on the nose. Edd let out a squeak that made Kevin laugh as he backed off again, "S-sorry, I just really wanted to do that." Said Kevin, giving Edd an apologetic, nervous crooked grin.
Edd didn't think he could possibly go any more crimson than he already was. He quickly finished pulling down his mask and stepped back into the crowded gym with Kevin following behind.
Eddy refused to stay a moment longer at the party, complaining about how he got slapped by some chick dressed up like Marceline the Vampire Queen, choked while drinking punch, couldn't find Nazz anywhere, the music was "getting lame", and Nat gave him one heck of a conversation.
"Nathan is harmless Eddy…well…in the sense that he won't hurt you." Edd reassured his shorter friend, "As for the slap, that's what you get for attempting to indiscreetly and shameless pursue females with tacky pickup lines or weird dance moves."
"Guess her date didn't appreciate it much either." He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"EDDY!"
"OH SHUSH SOCKHEAD! Besides…there are WAY more important things to talk about from tonight." The shorter male wiggled his eyebrows at Edd.
Ed kept quiet at the back of the pack, nervously biting his lower lip and thinking about how or when or even IF he should tell Double D what he learned from Nazz.
"And what, may I ask, are you meaning to talk about Eddy?"
"Nat."
"Nat?"
"Yes, Greenie! Man do I have some juicy gossip for YOU!" He exclaimed with a devilish smile.
'What could Eddy possibly want to talk to me about concerning Nathan? Just what happened while those two were together…' "Proceed." Edd replied cautiously.
"It would seem greenie DOES have the hots for ya!" Eddy patted Edd on the back and continued, "What do you have to say to THAT huh?"
"W-what? T-that's…H-how would you know?!" 'Oh dear.' Upon hearing Eddy's words, the memory from that day at the park came rushing back to Edd.
"He told me himself you idiot!...Well…actually he told me THINKING that I was you." Eddy could see the confusion in his friend's eyes, so he elaborated, "After our crash in the gym and the accidental switcheroo with our masks, I was quickly walking away to the snacks when Nat caught me and took me aside. I was gonna tell him to fuck off but the guy started to confess to me/you and I just couldn't resist myself! So I listened to him and then told him he got the wrong Ed. Man was he flared up." Eddy laughed.
"Eddy that's rude! Those were private matters of the heart!"
"Dou you like him back?"
"Well, I…can we at least get to my dorm first?!" The trio was nearing the dormitories as they talked, and in a few minutes made it up to Double D's room. They made their way over to Double D's bed and sat down. The revenet sat against the wall, hugging a pillow, while Ed and Eddy sat at the end of his bed.
"Okay sockhead, we're here, now, DO YOU LIKE HIM OR NOT? He did kiss you before right?"
"It doesn't make sense, I mean…Nathan honestly feels that way? Why? What he possibly see in me? W-we're so different! I'm just his nerdy friend and he's so str-"
"KEVIN LIKES YOU TOO!" Ed shouted and clasped his hands over his mouth after.
Both friends were looking at the tall boy with wide eyes.
"Y-YOU SAW?" Double D asked nervously, bringing his skihat over his eyes.
"SAW? SAW WHAT?! DOUBLE D WHAT DID SHOVEL CHIN DO?!"
"Ed didn't see anything. Nazz was talking to me and she-"
"NAZZ WAS TALKING TO YOU? WHERE THE FUCK WAS I? WHY WAS SHE TALKING TO YOU?"
"Eddy, please lower your voice! It is late and may I remind you we're in a student residence! Continue Ed, I want to hear what Nazz said…"
"Well, she thought I was Kevin, and she started telling me about how Nat liked you and and she was all flustered like one of Rolf's chickens and she was worried cuz Kevin likes you too but Kevin and Nat are best friends so that's really really really not good Double D!"
"What the fuck Double D? both Nat AND Kevin are after your ass? What'd you do? Show up to class naked?"
"OF COURSE NOT!"
"What did Kevin do Double D?"
Edd hugged the pillow tighter and sighed, "I know Kevin likes me; he informed me tonight. He also kissed me."
Ed's eyes widened and a small grin formed on his face, next to him, Eddy was staring in shock, as if Double D just told him that Kevin kicked a puppy in front of him.
"EEW!"
"Excuse you, Eddy?! You were just fine when I told you Nathan kissed me, but now that I tell you Kevin did and feels the same you suddenly disapprove?"
"SUDDENLY? Dude, I've been disapproving that bastard since day one! Boxhead has bullied us for years! He has beaten us up more than once! He's just-HMPH"
Ed covered the angry boy's mouth with his hand and looked at a red Double D, "Does Kevin hurt Double D?"
"N-no, in fact, he hasn't physically hurt me in a really long time…it's mainly just name calling…but that changed too I think."
"Does Kevin make Double D nervous if he gets in his personal space?"
"Of course."
"Was Double D happy when Kevin kissed him?"
Edd closed his eyes for a moment, trying to dig deep inside of him to remember his feelings from just an hour or so ago. "I…Yes, I think that made me happy."
Ed smiled wider and nodded. Eddy shoved Ed's hand away from his mouth and huffed, a sign that he was thinking it over – but he wasn't ready to give up yet. "Are you sure Double D? Kevin? After all he's done to us? What about Nat? He's your friend too right? Plus he kissed you first!"
Eddy was right, so he took another moment to think, "I guess kissing Nat wasn't bad either. However it WAS shocking…for both of them."
"So…who's it gonna be sockhead? Shovelchin or the Ass Lord?
"I don't know."
"Double D, you need to be like a space explorer! Visit both alien planets so that you can tell which one will be worth an entry on your space journal! You must communicate with the aliens and integrate into their lives!"
"The fuck…"
"He means I need to "explore" my options…get closer to both Nathan and Kevin so I can decide who I wish to be with."
"Ah…monobrow's right I guess."
"Oh dear; this is not what I was expecting of college for myself."
"If it's any consolation sockhead…neither did I." A crooked smile grazed Eddy's lips, and Double D couldn't help but giggle and smack him with his pillow. This was a little unnerving for Double D though; this was the first time someone acted so straightforward with him because they liked him, the first time a boy…TWO boys liked him (and he possibly liked back), and the rotten cherry on top of this whole mess was that both boys were dear friends. How could he possibly make a decision?
Kevin was completely euphoric after the kiss with Double D; Nazz managed to find him again and eventually they also reunited with Nat. Nazz was fidgety and anxious, speaking cautiously to both boys, Nathan was out of it, and Kevin had a lighter step to him. They stayed at the party a while longer and then left once they realized none of them was really into it anymore.
"Jeez Kev, was the punch spiked or something?" Asked Nat as he walked besides a dazed Kevin.
"Hmm? Nah man."
"You look all…donut-eyed and shit."
"Donut-eyed?"
"Yeah, you know, glazed eyes?...wait…YO, WERE THERE POT BROWNIES? AW KEV, SERIOUSLY? WHY?"
"I DID NOT CONSUME ANY DRUGS OR BOOZE YOU JACKASS… I'm just, I don't know, happy?"
Nazz's eyes shot towards the redhead; had he gotten to Double D after all?
She needed to talk to them, both of them, but individually obviously. As they approached the forked road where Nazz would be separating to go to her own dorm building, she discretely tugged at Nat's wrist.
"Hey Nat, is it o.k. if we take for a quick sec before you go up?"
"Uh, sure, anything wrong doll?"
"I'll explain soon enough dude."
Nat looked at her skeptically, but simply nodded at her. When the time came to separate, Kevin turned to Nazz to say his goodbyes.
"I'll text ya later kay? Sorry things got a little crazy in there…what with me and Nat disappearing all of a sudden…Sorry Nazz." He smiled apologetically at his friend.
"Yeah same here." Added Nat.
"It's fine," she shrugged her shoulders and smiled, "I still had a pretty fun time."
Kevin smiled and nodded, "Rad. Aight Nat, let's go."
"Actually, I'll be staying behind for a little while, so you can go on ahead."
"Why? What's up?"
"Nothing, just got some stuff to do with Nazz."
The redhead squinted his eyes at his 2 best friends, "What stuff?"
"Well first we were gonna go skinny dipping in Mexico, maybe go over to England for a scone or two, and while we're at it might as well go visit our neighbors up North for some maple syrup eh?"
Coming from someone else, Kevin would've gotten a little irritated with the answer, but being Nat, the words weren't poisonous, just light sarcasm, so Kevin just chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.
"Alright, alright. While you're in Mexico though, get some good quality tequila for later."
Nat grinned and slightly punched Kevin's shoulder "Talk to you later Pebbles."
"See y – NAT DO NOT."
Both the blonde, and the teal-haired boy laughed at the reaction and waved their friend goodbye.
Once Kevin was far away enough, Nat turned back to Nazz.
"Alright girl, whatchu got on that pretty little brain of yours?"
"I-it's about Double D."
"Double D?" Nazz could see his attention zoom in and center at the mention of the boy's name.
"Nat, you like Double D don't you?"
"What? Double Dude? Me? Whaaaaatttttttt? Where'd you get THAT craycray idea? Guuurrrlll you so funnay!"
Nazz simply crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at her flustered friend.
"Okay fine, yes I like him, a lot actually." He said with a light chuckle but then stopped and looked at her with concern, "Why? Did something happen?"
"No! No, nothing happened don't worry I ju-"
"Oh jeez dude, don't worry me like that! How'd you guess it was him though? Am I that obvious about it? Don't tell me, I get all donut-eyed like Kev?" He laughed, "Well I guess it can't be helped. He's adorable! With his little ski hat and that gap-toothed smile! Plus he's hella smart right? And I guess you could say I'm smart too when I feel like it. Don't you think we'd just be the cutest couple? We'd both have the looks AND brains! It'd be hard to resist all this goodness, even for Double Cutie" He said brightly, as he showed himself off.
Nazz couldn't help but giggle at her friend, but there was a hidden sadness to it. She knew she had to say something; she had to. Nat had the right to know Kevin liked Double D too, especially when they were best friends…but what if Kevin was going to tell him later? No, that'd be even worse than me telling him now!
"Oh Nat! No but really, you see…Kevin…he's uhm…well, with Double D he's kinda..."
The teal-haired boys eyes widened and he held onto Nazz's shoulders, making her gasp and stop talking. Oh no, oh no, oh no…
But the sight in front of her wasn't the one she was expecting. Nat didn't look troubled; not a single sign of sadness or confusion in his gaze. Instead he was…happy? Why is he smiling?
"Oh my god don't tell me! Kevin knows I like Double Cutie and he wants to help me! Of course Kevin would be too shy to tell me something like that; too macho to admit something so tender like helping a bro get his man. You know, I really didn't think he'd get the clues so soon…even though I've given him like 10 by now, but that's Kevin for ya! What a great friend." His smile grew warmer, and after another second he let go of Nazz, who looked completely lost in the conversation – which was more like an interrupted monologue for Nat.
He looks so happy…even touched… damn it!... I can't do it! Not tonight! I'm sorry Kevin.
All she could do, was smile and nod awkwardly.
"Well, I think I should be going now doll, and you too. It's getting pretty late! I'll talk to you later kay Nazz? Oh and don't worry, I won't embarrass Kevin by letting him know I know that he knows!" He waved goodbye with a charming wink and walked away.
Nazz waved, and sighed once the boy was out of view and continued on to her own room. Once inside she knew she still had to talk to Kevin; maybe Nat hadn't gone too well, but she knew Kevin was less talkative – until his temper flares up – and she'd have a better chance of him listening to her. She'd try dealing with Nat again another day soon.
She sat down on her bed and tapped Kevin's number on her phone; after a few rings, he picked up.
"Nazz? Sup?"
"Hi Kev. Listen, we gotta talk about something."
"Okay, shoot."
"Something kinda serious."
"Oh?...alright, I'm listening."
Thank GOD… "Alright…so…It's about Double D…you see, I kinda –"
"SHIT."
"Kev?!"
"You saw didn't you? I was gonna tell you! I just…I reaaallly had to Nazz, the moment was perfect and he just looked…cute…with that stupid blank face…"
"I…w-what did I see?!"
"… so… you didn't see me kiss Double Dork?"
"YOU WHAT?! KEVIN WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?"
"I JUST SAID I WAS GOING TO!"
Nazz wanted to just freak out and ask a thousand questions and smile and giggle and hug her friend, but then she remembered the purpose of this phone call to begin with. She shook her head as if to rearrange her thoughts and continued, "Okay okay! Well I better get details l-"
"Well in the beginning it was complete bullshit…" Oh my GOD Kevin, I didn't mean NOW… " I thought I had grabbed Double D once I got near the DJ where he said they would be, but turns out I got fucking Dorky instead…I almost confessed to that annoying shrimp thinking he was Edd…"
"Kevin-"
"Yeah I know, GROSS… anyway…I finally caught Double Dork and I took him outside and…I confessed. I actually told him how I felt and how much I had grown to like him…took him by surprise and it made me laugh because it took me by surprise too y'know?" Then he sighed contentedly.
"The kiss felt amazing Nazz. I mean we didn't just make out or anything, I don't think Edd's ready for that just yet hah! But… it felt right? Does that make sense Nazz?"
She sighed as well, but nearing defeat with Kevin too, "Yes, it does Kevin."
"Rad…so yeah…I kissed him and he was completely dazed. It was funny to see him just stumble in his words for once! Oh man…what's becoming of me Nazz…if I become a sensitive little mush of feelings, slap some since back into me ok?" He asked with a chuckle, "I wanna be a good boyfriend but I don't want to become of those couples that have 100 pet names for each other and talk like they're talking to a baby or Chihuahua or some shit."
She giggled and nodded, "Alright Kev, you asked for it."
"Thanks! So…if you didn't see me kissing Double Dork…what DID you wanna talk about?"
"Oh..that..uhh…well…" She breathed in…the out, "Actually I was gonna tell you that Nat-"
"Nat?...wait…NAT KNOWS? HOW? DID YOU TELL HIM?"
"What? No, I didn't. Kevin listen! He- "
"Aw man…I was gonna tell him soon…but…likely once I'm closer to getting an answer from Double Dweeb. It'd be a little embarrassing to tell him when it's still too early and then tell him I got rejected like 2 days later, but, between you and me Nazz, I have a pretty good feeling about the dork and me."
"That's great Kevin but-"
"Wait hold on one sec, washroom."
"Oh…sure…" This has been more irritating than I thought it would be…
After a few minutes, the redhead came back to his phone, "Okay back. Hey now that Nat knows I could talk to him about it! He's pan, and this is the first time I've ever liked a boy…so…he should have some reassuring words for me right?"
"Yeah that'd make sense, BUT KEVIN I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD TALK TO HIM ABOUT DOUBLE D!"
"What? Why not?"
"Well… what I mean is…you should be more discreet about it…like…don't name names you know? It's less awkward that way. Besides, you know how Nat is! The moment you open your mouth and he finds out it's Double D he won't stop gushing about you two and trying to set you up any way possible!"
"Huh…yeah that does sound like something Nat would do…I mean setting up would be fine if it wasn't something crazy or sexual or overly obvious and romantic…and knowing Nat, that could likely happen… hmm…alright Nazz, thanks!"
"Yeah, don't mention it…" She smacked her hand against her forehead. Usually she was good at this kind of stuff and getting people to listen to what she had to say about a serious topic, but tonight she was totally off her game, and it was costing her some serious points. She HAD to talk to them about the sudden love triangle with Double D, and next time, she'd duct tape her mouths if she had to!
"Well, Imma try sleeping now. Later Nazz!"
"Okay, bye Kev."
Click!
"Great…now Nat thinks Kevin knows he likes Double D and will even go out of his way to help them get together…meanwhile Kevin thinks Nat knows HE likes Double D and he can give him some friendly boy advice…God damn, how did this become such a mess?...I wonder if Double D knows…well I know he knows about Kevin for sure…but I wonder if he knows about Nat…Guess I'll have to talk to him too…"
She groaned and fell back in bed
"This is not going to end up well."