Author's Note: *Emerges from the depths of my room* YES HELLO. I AM ALIVE AND HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THIS FIC. oh man, university has been killer this month... October is SO hectic...and I've been very up and down with my grades. I've had some really bad mood crashes here and there, but i'm still going! SO...
Hope you guys are still enjoying my fanfic and thank you so so much for all your positive reviews and likes / follows - I love reading the reviews haha~

I'm still rather busy with school, so I'm sorry to my next update will likely take a while as well, but I am going to finish!
Also, I've recently been having huge NatxRave feels, so look forward to a short multichapter fanfic for these 2 cuties as well!

ANYWAYYY...Here's chapter 13 :) 2 more chapters till the grand finale!

Nat is c2ndy2c1d's OC!

Ch. 13: The Storm Before The Calm

Nat waited for Edd at the park they had gone through the day they first got frozen yogurt together; the teal-haired boy found it endearing how the little nerd had chosen this spot to meet up with him for this "important talk".

Originally, they had planned to go for lunch, but plans had been changed when Edd said he'd prefer a quick meeting; 'I guess he got really busy with classes'. Nat hummed to himself and thought about what Edd might say to him, how he should react, what he should say, but then his thoughts wondered to Kevin's odd text from last night.

"All he said was 'Don't do something you might regret.'" He said to himself, imitating his friend's voice. "Why would I do something I regret? Did he mean crossing a line? I know Edd is on the more reserved and proper side but…hmm…now what did he mean?..." Nat closed his eyes for a moment and rested his head back, but his eyes shot open when he heard the crunching of fallen leave and footsteps getting closer. He made eye contact with the beanie-clad boy and an automatic smile painted his face.

"Good afternoon Nathan." Edd said with a small voice.

"Hey there Double Cutie; how are ya?"

"Oh, I've been better…and yourself?"

"I've been good, but school is getting way too chaotic since the semester is nearing its end…can you believe we're almost done our first semester?!...wait, but, why have you been better? Something wrong?"

"Haha, yes, it's quite the realization; it's still sinking in for me." Edd smiled.

"Edd, you ok? You sound drained."

"I'm fine Nathan." Nat scooted over a bit on the bench and patted the spot next to him.

"Sit!"

Double D sluggishly complied and took the spot next to his friend; he couldn't dare look him in the eye, and just feeling the vibrant teen next to him made him queasy.

Nat could feel it, something was wrong, but he didn't want to forcefully pry the information from the beanie clad teen. Still, he wanted to know what was affecting the poor guy, especially if he was able to help.

"Wanna get some froyo for old time sakes? My treat again!"

"No thank you Nathan, I'm alright as far as my dairy income goes."

"Alrighty…uhm…wanna go for a walk then?" No reply, "A walk can help your brain juices get going, and make you feel better, especially in a day like today; it's so nice!"

Double D's lip couldn't help but twitch up into a grin at Nat's enthusiastic advice. He means well I know…Darn it man! Just rip the bandaid off!...a little ironic how I'm to peal a bandaid before I cause the wound….

"Or we can lay in the grass and look at shapes in the cloud, or jump into piles of fallen leaves, or we can-"

"Nathan I need to tell you something very important and I do not know how you will take it, and it makes me nervous because I do not want you to think for a moment that I am telling you this to put you in an uncomfortable situation nor out of any kind of malice and that I would not trade the friendship I have managed to accomplished with you for anything because you truly are a great friend, and spending all this time hanging out with you and Kevin in this big, unknown, environment has been so nice and comforting to me and I just-" The slurr of words were put to a halt by a gentle hand covering Edd's mouth.

"Woah there buddy, you might need to slow down. What was that all about? And please explain in short, concise sentences, I know length can be important but it's not everything especially if you don't know how to get to the point." He finished with a sly grin.

"Pardon me Nathan. Uhm…" He sighed.

Nathan put a reassuring hand on Edd's shoulder and smiled gently, "Just say it."

Edd could see Nat's golden brown eyes looking at him intently, yet soothingly; the color like warm honey, sweet but bright.

He took a deep breath and gulped, well…here it goes.

Here it comes! Thought Nat.

"Nathan…Your friendship to me has been something very valuable, and the last thing I would ever want to do is ruin it somehow."

"Double D that's a normal feeling to have when people are changing statuses in a friendship, but really don't worry about it because I li-"

"Nathan please do not interrupt me, this is serious."

"O-Oh, alright, I'm sorry." Something…I don't…oh…shit…SHIT…WAIT…

"As I said before, the last thing I want to do is ruin our friendship, or for you to hate me, but I'll understand if you do, because I already kind of hate myself for this too…"

crap…no…don't…. The teal-haired boy held his breath waiting for the other to continue.

"But I can no longer stand this constant emotional torment in my mind, and the guilt along with it. I'm sorry Nathan but I can longer keep doing this. I don't…I do not…"

But before Edd could continue Nat placed his hand over his mouth once more. Edd was startled, and for a second he felt irritated with Nat for not letting him say what he wanted to, after the same man had told him to do it just moments ago…but then he saw his eyes, the golden-brown once bright and sweet was now dull and distant. He knew. Nat understood where this was going. He was already hurt.

Once he felt that Double D got the message, Nat removed his hand from Edd's and spoke softly, "Don't, don't say it. I really don't want to hear you say what I already know you will."

"But, wh-"

"Why? Heh, because…it hurts to know it in silence, but it would hurt even more to hear it out loud; sometimes the silence is less painful. I can't help but feel like I should've seen this coming though."

"Why do you say that?"

"I don't know, just a feeling I had. I had fun with you every time we hung out, and I was happy every time we spoke, even if it was just for a minute. And our date made me very happy too, and I hope you had a nice time too…"

"I did!"

Nathan smiled, but it was a sad smile, "Thanks Double Dude…Is there something else you need to tell me?"

Double D's eyes immediately widened and he lowered his head in shame, "Y-yes, there is actually. There is someone that I like…or at least I think I do…things are complicated with him too...extremely complicated."

Nat nodded in silence; he didn't know what to say to that, he felt heartbroken, but also angry that after all this time, after all these opportunities, NOW Double D tells him he likes someone else. He was about to open his mouth when he remembered a certain confusing text from a certain somebody. Now he also felt stupid.

"You already like someone huh? Would this someone happen to be around 5'8", redhead with green eyes…perhaps an athlete with a love for baseball?" He asked somewhat bitterly.

Double D could feel Nathan's gaze burning a hole through his beanie, and he clutched the fabric of this sweater for dear life as if soon enough he would just magically turn invisible.

Nat didn't even need an answer now, he knew he had hit bullseye. How could he not have connected the dots sooner? The whole Halloween party fiasco, there was no way in hell finding Edd could've been THAT difficult, and Kevin, he just bolted at the mention of Edd's name trying to find him too. Their friendship had been changing, and Nat knew it, he just didn't realize to what extent.

Kevin, his best friend; how dare he keep such a secret from him?! And Edd too; he knew how Nat felt, he even agreed to a damn date with the guy, how dare he?!

Double D finally looked at Nathan, and he could feel the anger building inside him, not that he wasn't expecting it; he was more than expecting Nat to blow up at him at any moment like Kevin did. After moments of dense silence and a raging Nat, Edd decided that maybe the best thing to do was to just get up, walk away, and disappear from Nat's life until he told Edd it was ok to come back…if ever. He sighed, and slowly started to stand up, the sudden movement snapped Nat out of his angry trance and his eyes flickered to the now standing ravenet. "What? All out of news for today?"

That stung Double D hard, but part of him couldn't help but talk back at Nat like he did with Kevin, "Yes, I'm afraid I'm all out of news for today; it seems that what I had to say only caused trouble, so I needn't say more. Kevin didn't enjoy my words either, in fact, I'm rather sure he despises, like I'm sure you do now as well. I can tell when my presence is no longer wanted."

"Despise you? Hah, you like him; he won, he got you. Shouldn't he be off celebrating buying you all the science kits your little heart desires and making out with you in his bed or something?"

Double D furrowed his eyebrows, annoyed with Nathan, but he didn't want to repeat the episode with Kevin, not to that level, "For your information he doesn't know. He didn't want to hear any more of my news either remember? Besides…I'm sure Kevin could care less as to my feelings for him."

Nat didn't say anything, he didn't know what to say. Kevin doesn't know?...wait…what do I care? I got played by both of them!

"He cares about you Nathan, and the friendship between the two of you is far greater than anything I accomplished with either of you." Edd said matter-of-factly, "Because I hurt him, and because he knew I would hurt you, and because he knew both of us had already hurt you…he didn't care about what else I had to say. Not that it matters now anyway." Nat still couldn't say a word.

He was furious, he was sad, and he felt backstabbed, but a little voice at the back of his brain told him to put himself in Double D's shoes in this situation and not be brash. And he also remembered Kevin's words again, 'Don't do something you might regret.'

"I am angry, Edd…and sad, and I feel backstabbed for sure… but for some stupid reason I can't come to hate you…but that doesn't mean I'm not angry with you!"

"I know it doesn't."

"Yeah…but…you really couldn't even tell Kevin your damn feelings?"

"Hah…practically every word I said, every explanation I tried giving… anything just ended up adding fuel to the fire. Kevin didn't care about what I had to say nor how I felt at any point; and of course he couldn't help but finish the conversation with his trademark insult."

"Called you a dork, huh?"

"Of course."

"Well I can't blame him for being so angry…I gotta have a very fucking serious talk with him when I get home…wait…what about Nazz?!"

"Nazz?" curses! I forgot she was to be heavily involved in this mess too! "She uhh…she knew…But in her defense she was a neutral party so don't you even think about going after her like I'm sure Kevin already has!"

"You can't tell me what to do! Plus Nazz is my "friend" too!"

"This is between you, me, and Kevin!"

"Tch!." Nat huffed through his nose and tried regaining his composure. "Fucking hell…whatever…I wasn't going to attack her or anything! But I am gonna ask her for an explanation too!"

"…Very well."

"God damn, Double D, didn't think you'd ever cause me this many problems, expecially at once…" Nathan murmured.

Oh, that hurt. Double D's eyes lost all color and his spirits lacked the flame it had just a few moments ago, "Yes, well, neither did I… It would seem…that for the sake of yours and Kevin's friendship it'd be best if I stay away…goodbye Nathan."

Nat's eyes shot to Double D who had now started walking away; he opened his mouth and tried to make a sound but nothing would come out. He just wanted to yell, wait! Don't go!, but his voice just didn't comply; and he couldn't help but wonder why he didn't even want the ravenet to leave, he shouldn't even care right now right? The why did he? Oh right, because besides this boy being the object to his affections, he was also Duble Dude, one of his best friends, and he was important to Nat.

He tried yelling after the fading image of the ravenet, but still no voice would come out of his mouth. Perhaps this was a sign that Edd was right; perhaps right now what he needed was some time away from him and maybe even from Kevin.

"Kevin…" He reached into his pocket and took out his cellphone; he stared at it quietly for a moment, then unlocked the screen and searched for the redhead's number.

"Hello?" Came a meek voice from the other end. Meek? Kevin wasn't meek…but considering who was calling him, and considering Kevin knew what the day meant for Nat, he was likely even expecting the call.

"So, just finished my little talk with Double D, and got some very interesting information." Nat spoke with a sour sing-song voice.

"Yeah? Did Double D try to play the victim with you too?"

Nat's eyebrows furrowed and he sat back down on the bench, "play the victim? Kevin we're all victims of the same bullshit. And what about you? My so called best friend, going behind my back with a guy you KNEW I had liked for this damn long! Kevin how could you?!"

"It's not like I was never gonna tell you!"

"Oh really? When were you gonna tell me Kevin? After you 2 confessed your undying love to each other? After a month of dating? 3 months? Right after you fucked?!"

"Hey fuck you, for thinking I'm THAT much of an asshole! Yeah I knew you liked him, but hey guess what, I admit it, I started to like him too, and last I checked you guys were never dating."

"You ARE an asshole for not telling me sooner! You both are! At least give me a fair fight for the man!"

"A fair fight?"

"Yeah, a fair fight. At least knowing we both liked him I would've had a better chance!"

"What the fuck are you talking about?! He's all yours buddy, take him, I'll even put a fucking bow on him."

"DO NOT TALK ABOUT HIM THAT WAY YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW H-"

"I THINK I KNOW ENOUGH. THE DUDE PLAYED US NAT."

"Oh please Kevin, don't play the saint all of a sudden, as if you haven't juggled girls before!"

"Well you've been from ass to ass too!"

"Then why are we suddenly better than him?!" Nat stopped and let out a big sigh, hanging his head low and bringing his palm to his forehead, "Why are we so angry, if we have done the same in the past?"

Kevin didn't answer at first, but finally Nat heard his voice, "Probably because this time we were the ones getting juggled…and by Double Dweeb of all people!...But it's more than that Nathan…Double D knew both of us liked him and still he didn't say a word up until now!"

"But Kevin isn't this our fault too?"

"What?"

"Well…I mean sure Double D fucked up bad, but…we're no better…You knew I liked him for a long time, and still you didn't tell me a single word when you started liking him, and I'm sure you had more than enough opportunities to do so... And me, well… I should've noticed the changes more, not only in Edd but you too and I should've told you from the start that I liked him!… I should've back off and save myself from this humiliation."

"No! Don't blame yourself for not noticing the changes nor not telling me sooner! I'm the biggest fuck up here for even letting myself have feelings for Edd."

"Kevin you didn't even know about mine."

"But still-"

"But nothing…All 3 of us messed up so who are we to act so insulted? Shit… I can't imagine how Edd must be feeling."

In his room Kevin sat in bed, biting his lip and thinking about all the mess that was happening, and thinking about Edd, "Yeah…oh man, I was super hostile to the guy yesterday when we spoke…"

"Yeah he told me things got ugly between you two…and that you didn't even let him finish."

" There was more? What, turns out he was also dating Ed and Eddy one the side?"

"No. His feelings."

"I don't really care about that at the moment." Kevin knew he was just lying to himself by saying that, but he was still somewhat angry.

"Yes you do, or at least you will once I tell you."

"Oh really?"

"He chose you Kevin, not me. You're the one he likes. All this time, it was you."

Nat waited silently for a response from Kevin, who could only stare at nothingness in complete shock. Had he heard right? Did Nat just say Edd had fallen for him? "W-what?"

"He. Likes. You."

"O-oh…"

"Oh? Oh?! That's all you have to say? I thought this was what you wanted." It sure as hell is what I wanted.

"I…I don't know…I think…I think I need some time to think." FUCK. I BLEW IT. I KNEW IT.

"Kevin-"

"Don't worry about it Nat, I have to go now okay? I'll talk to you later I hope."

"S-sure? Alright…bye." *beep* "Fucking Christ Kevin…not even your own mother would understand you…

Edd worked diligently on his homework in an attempt to get his mind off of his 2 current issues and his own guilt. He knew he had done wrong, but he was also so angry that neither boy seemed to have put much care or thought as to how he felt and his point of view.

"This is not what I signed up for when I applied for university…maybe I should've just gone to college with Ed and Eddy…things would likely be much simpler with them…" He looked at his phone, which rested next to him on his desk over his English text book, and picked it up. He wanted to call Ed and Eddy for some help and even comfort, but both of them were unable to talk at that moment. Ed had a History assignment while Eddy was flipping his shit trying to study for an Economics exam. He was completely taken by surprise when he phone began to vibrate furiously on the textbook, creating a loud, harsh noise as it rapidly bounced over the hard cover.

He picked it up and saw that the call was from Nazz, oh dear…

"Hello?"

"Double D? Are you ok? How did Nat react? I haven' t gotten a call from him yet…but I'm pretty sure I will considering Kevin already confronted me…"

"Nazz I'm so sorry that you had to get involved in all this mess! Forgive me!"

"It's fine, not like you dragged me into this; I dragged myself! So please don't blame yourself for it! Now, tell me what happened."

Double D proceeded to tell Nazz about how the day had gone with Nathan and how even thouh Nathan didn't yell at him like Kevin did, it was just as bad of a result. Nazz listened quietly, thinking about what to do or say in an attempt to help he friend.

"So…that's the end of that. I do believe that my friendship with both Nathan and Kevin has come to a expectacular end." He said bitterly.

"Double D don't think that. I know this looks pretty bad but I really don't think this is the end! Kevin and Nat would never ditch just like that; sure they might need some time alone, like I'm sure you do too, but I really do think the 3 of you had grown close enough that neither one would like to see the other just go forever."

"Thank you Nazz, I honestly hope so."

"What about your feelings?"

"For Kevin you mean?"

"Mhm."

"That's a good question…there's no denying that I still have strong feelings for him…but I no longer even know if this is a good idea for either of us. Besides, clearly he doesn't care."

"Of course he does! He's just being Kevin!"

"Yes well…perhaps that's just it…perhaps I was fooled by the mirage of a maturing, university young man…when really…he's still just Kevin…same as he always has been…same as he always will be."

"Edd…"

"It's alright Nazz, maybe it's for the best if I just give up now."

"NO! DOUBLE D DON'T YOU DARE GIVE UP JUST LIKE THAT. Just…just give it some time? I'm sure everyone will come to their senses and the 3 of you will be friends again!"

"Perhaps…anyway Nazz, I do have homework to finish, including an assignment, so I'm afraid I can't continue our conversation for much longer…" of course, this was a lie, Edd didn't have too much homework to do, nor an assignment, he just didn't want to think about this anymore.

"Oh, of course, Sorry! Good luck with homework! Talk to you soon ok?"

"Alright, have a good day Nazz."

"You too Double D, don't worry."

Days passed, then weeks, and soon enough Edd and the others were done their first semester of university; December 15 had arrived and the suffering was officially over. Finals were completed, grades were being nervously awaited and students were busy packing away in their dorm rooms with the goal of a warm homecoming. Red colored leafs were replaced by white fluffy snow as autumn began transcending into winter.

Double D had a small luggage opened on top of his bed as he neatly folded the clothing he wanted to take with him back home for the winter break. Ever since his "confession" to both Kevin and Nat, Edd had now spent about a month with not a single word from either male, although he did see Kevin from time to time along the hallways, and Nat during class (but they weren't sitting together anymore). He was beginning to simply give up on the idea that the 3 of them would reconcile, or for all he knew, Nat and Kevin were already best friends again, and he had been taken out of the picture. A smudged being wiped off their friendship.

After a while he finished packing, and after double-checking he had everything he needed and wanted, he went out the door and locked it behind him. He stood motionless in the hallway for a moment, longingly staring at the door in front of him; Nat's room. Oh how he wanted to be able to speak to them again; he missed his friends, he missed how things used to be…before he messed up.

He sighed sadly and continued his way down to the building's parking lot, which was filled with merry students waving goodbye or hugging each other, wishing everyone a happy holiday and a good break. Double D found his parent's car and quickly walked over, being greeted by his parents. His dad hugged him and grabbed the luggage to put it inside of the trunk, and his mother hugged him as well once he walked over to the other side of the car to where she was.

"Oh my, I do believe you've grown!" she said cheerfully, "How was your first semester dear?"

"Oh, it was just fine mother, I think I did well in all my classes." He answered, trying to fake his best smile.

All 3 of them got in the car and the engine came to life when his father began to drive away. Edd turned back to look at the dorm building, still feeling sandness over the 2 boys left behind, but glad that even if just for a little bit, he could get a change of scenery at home with his family, and Ed and Eddy would be coming home too. He was really looking forward to spending time with them again.

The drive home was actually somewhat enjoyable to Edd. He was able to talk to his parents face to face, as opposed to on the phone or sticky notes; stories were told, congratulations were exchanged and all was well…until…

"So, Eddward, meet anyone special your first semester?"

"M-mother!"

"Oh c'mon son, nothing to be embarrassed about. It's a good university, so I'm sure there are plenty of bright girls around you."

"Father please! I-I have not met anyone special…I…I made friends…those were special enough for my first semester."

His mother smiled sweetly, "That's very nice of you to say Eddward; I'm sure that with that brilliant mind and charm you'll meet a wonderful somebody soon enough!"

"Just don't forget to always have a balance between personal life and your education! We wouldn't want your grades slipping now would we?"

"Of course not! Father I assure you I'll be fine."

"That's my boy."

A while later, Edd received a text from Nazz.

To Double D: Hey dude! Your going back home for Christmas right? We sooo hanve to hang at the cul-de-sac for the good ol' days! I'm thinking about having a small Christmas party for all of us too; parents already gave the ok. How does Dec. 23 sound for ya?

To Nazz: Hello Nazz, yes I am coming back home for the holidays, in fact, I'm on my way now. As for the party, that sounds like a fun idea, and I do believe the date will work for me; I'll ask mother and father soon just to make sure nothing had been planned for the date. I'll let you know for sure ASAP.

To Double D: Awesome! Hope to see you soon! I'm still packing, so I'll text you when I get back home kay? Bye!

Nazz had a mountain of clothes on top of her bed as she decided what to bring with her, she knew she definitely needed to bring back something nice and festive for her party-to-be. "Oh! I need to text the guys…"

At first it was a little rocky, but Nazz and the boys had been able to reconcile soon enough; she had obviously tried getting them to talk to Double D again, and while Nat was willing Kevin was proving to be a little more difficult, which both intrigued and irritated Nazz because she knew how the redhead felt for the ravenet.

To Nat: Hey Nat, how are you? You're coming home for break right? I'm planning a small little Christmas party at my place. Double D will be there, think you'll be ok?

To blondie: Hey Nazz, I'm alright I guess, just finishing packing. Party sounds cool! And yeah, I'll be ok seeing Double Dude…I just hope I don't chicken out and talk to him…truth be told Nazz…I miss the little dude and his brainy sass…

To Nat: Believe me, I'm pretty sure he misses you guys too. He'll be so happy if you start talking to him again!

To blondie: yeah, I hope so plus it's Christmas! I don't wanna be all grinchy during Christmas!

To Nat: That's the spirit! I'll see you soon!

"Ok…now for the hard part."

To Kev: Hey dude, how've you been? You're coming home right? I'm having a little Christmas party on Dec. 23 so you better come! I invited Double D of course, so he will likely be there.

To Nazz: Hey Nazz, I've been ok, as usual, and yeah of course I'm coming home. No way am I staying here for Christmas! Hah.

Party? Choice! I'll be there…and Edd..whatever.

To Kev: so you'll talk to him? :D

To Nazz: I don't know.

To Kev: Kevin seriously…Even Nat admitted to me recently that he misses him, just having him as a friend and he is more than willing to try talking to him when we get home! What's up with you? I know how you feel about him.

To Nazz: Maybe I just don't feel that way anymore.

To Kev: That is bullshit and you know it.

To Nazz: Nazz I blew it that day. I completely massacred any chance I had at being with him and made him feel like shit. Then I feeled like shit cuz I couldn't even bring my ass to apologize to the damn kid. And that doesn't take away the fact he juggled me and my BEST FRIEND.

To Kev: Kevin please…at least consider it. And FYI…You didn't blow your chance, but if you continue acting like this you will! Come to the party, talk to him, and don't do anything stupid again!

To Nazz: I'll see you soon Nazz. I'll be at the party don't worry.

To Kev: You have just proven to me you still have feelings for him, so please… talk.

To Nazz: I'm still….aaagghh….but…I do miss him Nazz. Constantly.

To Kev: Then don't fuck up again. I'll see you at home

To Nazz: See you soon.