Oh my gosh! This chapter is full of fluffiness, and I absolutely adore this awkwardness between my two babies! 3 Anyway, hope you enjoy!
"Uh," Edd wasn't really sure how to respond to Kevin's request.
If he were being honest, all of these confusing signals from Kevin were starting to give him whiplash. The fickle jock was nice one minute and then turned around throwing ugly glares and rude comments. It had Edd battling his inner thoughts because even though he had every right to hate Kevin for what he has done, something within him also wanted Kevin to continue his bullying because it excited him. Another one of the disgusting sides of him. The inner turmoil burning and churning within him made his stomach flip and turn encouragingly.
Ripped from his thoughts, Kevin cleared his throat awkwardly, so he spoke before processing his thoughts too much, "Oh—Uh, yeah, sure…I guess."
He mentally slapped himself for accepting the offer but there was no way he was able to tell the athlete no. He couldn't really see his face very well because the sun was setting behind him and made him look almost like a shadow. Although Edd wasn't complaining though because the sight of him basking in front of the orange hue behind him made Edd's heart beat against his chest. Edd's cheeks started to burn red as he was thinking about his morning run earlier today, and his mind started scanning through the mental images of the orange-haired guy without a shirt on.
Physically shaking his head, he began speaking, "I just have to put my shoes and a jacket on, okay?"
"That's okay," Edd could make out a small smirk from Kevin as he turned around leaving the door open to quickly slip his sneakers and a jacket on.
With his cheeks burning, he glanced over at Kevin who was watching him from the doorway putting his shoes on. He quickly grabbed the jacket from the hanger and threw it over his body slipping it on. Not saying anything, he gestured towards the door signaling that he was ready to leave. Kevin moved out of the door way letting Edd have enough room to close and lock his door.
"So," Edd didn't look up, "What did you need help with today?"
He wasn't sure on how to get the conversation started, but he really didn't want the walk to the football field to be filled with silence, "I—" Kevin had stopped himself which made Edd peer up questioningly, but Kevin continued, "I just wanted some company tonight."
"Why didn't you ask Nazz," Edd's voice spoke without his permission, and he just wanted to stab himself for a quick death at this point.
Kevin had jolted his gaze down to Edd who continued to stare with fear evident in his eyes, "Well, uh, I'd rather have your company…"
Edd's heart skipped a beat mentally and physically, but Kevin continued, "…Because you really knew what you were talkin' about the other night. Maybe with your help, I can get physically stronger. Ya know, colleges are really lookin' out for new recruits at this time right now, and I need to show them what I got while I have the chance. Pops has high hopes...I don't want to disappoint him…"
This was the first conversation that Kevin and Edd had, had in a long time that wasn't the bully and the victim. Edd was feeling giddy for some reason while he walked down the street with Kevin. Both of their breaths were thick in the air as each exhale showed just how cold it really was. Edd smiled but didn't say anything while he looked down at his hands. He started rubbing them together for warmth while thinking about what colleges would want Kevin.
Pulled from his thoughts, Kevin spoke back up, "What happened to your hand?"
Kevin had pointed to the finger that was bandaged up from yesterday. Edd started laughing involuntarily, "I was dealing with electrical wiring on a Rocket Alarm Clock last night and ended up cutting myself when I was nearly finished."
He lifted it up peering at it amusedly, but then his thoughts fast forward to what he did right after that and his cheeks glistened red once more. How could he do such a despicable thing while thinking about his bully and the one who was walking right next to him? He stole a glance nearly gasping as he saw Kevin had an unreadable expression on his face while glaring down at Edd.
"A-Anyway, it's not a big deal," Edd let his hand fall back down to his sides, "It happens all the time. It's actually a pretty exhilerating hobby to build and experiment on equipment."
Kevin mumbled something but Edd heard it, "Just be careful."
It made his heart beat faster once again. This is what he meant by Kevin being nice one minute and then a total pilgarlic the next moment. Nonetheless, it made his stomach do unexplainable things. All he wanted to do was forget these ever-resting feelings, but he knew it was too much to ask for. He gazed down at his moving feet and then over to Kevin's. They were in sync so why couldn't their hearts beat together?
Looking up, he saw that the field was just up ahead. They both didn't share anymore words until they were inside the fence and walking on the pure green grass. Even then, they were listening to the crunching of the grass beneath their feet.
Finally, Kevin spoke up, "So, I was plannin' on startin' with squat jumps tonight and then ankle jumps. After them, I wanted you to show me something you do to help ya in soccer."
While Kevin said all this, he was stretching his muscles making it hard for Edd to concentrate. While his eyes scanned over every defined muscle and rippled movement, he also wanted to understand what that thick and musky voice had to say. Breathing out heavily, he watched as the air left his mouth and drifted out into the sky.
"Oh—Uh, okay," He spoke quickly, "I'll be thinking about a good workout while you get started."
Edd went ahead and seated himself on the bleachers feeling the cold metal underneath his butt even when he had jeans on. He automatically curled his hands in between his legs making sure they remained as warm as physically possible. That's when he finally noticed that Kevin was wearing three-quarter pants. Yes, he had long socks on but even then, he had some of his bare legs exposed. Edd immediately wondered how Kevin wasn't shivering, but he brushed it off knowing that Kevin probably produced way more heat than Edd ever could. Then, it made Edd start to think about how warm it would be to have Kevin engulfing him into a tight hug? How secure and safe it would feel to be held by those arms?
He let out a soft sigh but immediately covered his mouth. He glanced up seeing that Kevin was in a repeating motion of squat jumps. He had his feet spread out pretty far with his hands behind his head. He was squatting slightly but still taller than Edd in that position. He jumped up and then hit the ground while squatting and then he restarted the whole process. This position really helped with the knees, hips, and ankles. It's definitely something to do especially in football.
Edd let his eyes soak in every detail of Kevin's body. He watched from every moving muscle to the way Kevin panted slightly from the exertion. It was something he may never see again, so he wanted to make sure he was able to fully appreciate this time. Yet again, he was burst out of his thoughts when Kevin had stopped what he was doing taking a small break.
"Ya look like you're really in deep thought over there," Kevin panted gently rolling his neck around.
Quickly yet subtly, a shiver ran down his entire spine making him shake uncontrollably. Kevin straightened up and jogged over, "Ya alright, dork?"
"E-Eh, yeah—yes, of course," Edd gulped when Kevin stripped himself of his school jacket for the football team.
It was lined with his number and the school colors and name on the back. Edd questioned it, but he was almost about to let it go but Kevin swiftly placed the jacket around Edd's frame which covered most of his body, "If you were cold, ya should've said somethin'."
Kevin had a stern expression, but a light-hearted attitude about it, but Edd wasn't really paying too much attention. The musky and wood-like smell of Kevin filled his nostrils when the jacket swung around him. He immediately clenched ahold of the item so it didn't fall off of him, but it draped down his small frame. He was peering up with a confused and almost fearful expression. Kevin was being too nice. It was starting to get borderline scary how nice Kevin seemed to be tonight.
"By the way," Kevin closed their distance letting his hand skim downwards into his jacket pocket that was now snuggly fit around Edd. Soon, his rummaging came to an end, and he pulled out a small hat that made Edd's heart skip a beat. It was his hat, and he gulped when Kevin put it on his head for him getting closer to Edd in the process.
That was when Edd noticed the small bruise that plastered right below Kevin's right eye, and he almost asked him about it but bit his tongue knowing that it would ruin whatever moment was happening, and he already knew the answer to the question he was going to ask. It was the fight that ensued the other day on this very field with Ed and Kevin. There were still several unanswered questions about it, but Edd just laid them to rest while he enjoyed this moment.
Kevin smiled brightly, but he realized just how awkwardly close they were together immediately clearing his throat and backing up, ""Lright, let's see about doin' some Ankle jumps," Kevin muttered after watching Edd carefully.
On Edd's side, he couldn't stop staring much less blinking. He was almost frozen in place besides his breathing habits. Finally, he mustered up and moved his eyes down to the jacket around him and then he latched onto his missing hat pulling it down further on his head, "Oh—Um, thanks Kevin," He spoke up, "But, are you sure you won't be too cold?"
Kevin just smirked, "I'm hot blooded," He spouted confidently while walking backwards back on to the field.
His expression turned surprised as he started flailing his arms wildly trying not to tip over. He tripped on the grass. It made Edd almost giggle, but he suppressed it and just smiled, "Mm, well, you must be careful out there. I suppose that is why you are doing the Ankle jumps? I have researched that they help to empower your lower legs and help with your ankle flexibility which also decreases the rate of injuries."
Kevin had just regained his composure, but he then appeared to be bewildered by Edd's vast knowledge on Football Exercises, "Uh, yeah, I like to be ready for anything. I can't afford to have an injury."
Instead of speaking any more, Kevin got into position and started doing them. He just appeared to be jumping, but Edd knew it was more than just jumping. Although he wanted to watch Kevin continue to exercise, the smell of the jocks musky scent filled his nose making him warm and fuzzy. Not to mention, Kevin gave him his hat back. This night felt more like a dream than reality. He had hoped it was reality because spending time with Kevin like this really made his heart leap for joy, but he also hoped it was a dream because he knew that he was only filling optimism towards a friendship knowing that it would never happen.
Yet again, another sigh escaped his lips, but this time, it caught Kevin's attention, "You alright, pipsqueak?"
Edd nearly jumped out of his shoes at the thought of telling Kevin the truth, so he quickly shook his head no, "No, just a bit tired. It's been an exhausting day."
Kevin puckered his lips but then continued his exercises. The small action was adorable to Edd. He hoped that Kevin would show more of this side to him than just out on this field in the dead of the night, but he almost chuckled at the impossible thought. Kevin, being cute? The thought simply glided to the back of Edd's mind as he continued to stare in amazement and unconsciously snuggled closer inside the jacket.
"Alright, ya got an exercise in mind," Kevin questioned but panted vigorously as cold sweat dripped down his face and onto his neck.
Edd gulped audibly at the small notion, but he nodded, "I do, but shouldn't you take a break?"
Kevin smiled while breathing heavily, "Yeah, I ought to, but I wanna get you home as fast as possible since you're tired."
Edd almost choked on his own saliva, but he quickly inhaled, "Oh—Oh, don't try to fasten your exercise routine on my account. H-Here, shall I go get you some water?"
The smaller boy stood, wobbling a bit, and started walking to get some water from the machine.
Kevin chuckled behind him, and then he heard steps before being whipped around to face Kevin who immediately dipped down to lower his face to Edd's on equal standing. Edd stopped breathing. What was Kevin trying to do? More thoughts swirled in his mind the closer Kevin's face got. Edd almost closed his eyes, but then a swift movement happened, and Kevin had retrieved a bottle of water from inside the jacket pocket.
Edd was mentally screaming at this point. How could he have thought Kevin was going to kiss him? They weren't even close enough for that. No, scratch that last thought. They weren't even opposite genders. For some reason, Edd always seemed to forget that homosexuality was shunned upon in this world. Promptly, Edd slimmed his lips and stepped back away from Kevin.
"You should have just stated that you had a bottle in your pocket," Edd sniffled and put his hand over his mouth, "I don't really let people in my personal bubble often. It makes me uncomfortable when people overstep their boundaries."
Kevin blinked and flashed a look of concern and then to something almost unreadable, but Edd caught hurt in those eyes. It was brief, but he quickly cascaded away those feelings when he started drinking the water letting it slide down that perfect chin onto the defined lines of his neck and over his bobbing adam's apple. Gosh, what is it with people drinking water that makes it so sexy?
Edd shook his head when Kevin finished drinking the bottle and threw it to the side, "Anyway, I believe you should do fast-feet switch. It gives you an edge when you're in tight situations and people want to, in your case, want to tackle you. So, what you need to practice is how your foot movement works. Stand here," Edd pressed on Kevin's muscled abdomen trying to push him back, but the man wouldn't move. Plus, the feeling of Kevin's muscles sent shivers down Edd's spine, "O-Okay, step back for me please."
Kevin just smirked and stepped back realizing that Edd was trying to move him, "Uh-Huh, and now what, teacher?"
Edd instantly blushed but it dissolved quickly, "W-Well, you need to constantly push yourself in a V-shape motion. Start here, and then work yourself over there, but you need to be fast and efficient. I will get you started with the general motion tonight, and then next time, I will pitch in and try to tackle you."
"Oh, so there'll be a next time," Kevin stated not letting the smirk leave his lips.
Edd couldn't stop the blush from littering his skin, "S-Sure, as long as you are okay with there being a next time."
Kevin only smiled wider, "'Course, dork."
"A-Anyway, back to what I was instructing," Edd began again.
By the end of the night, they were both utterly exhausted. Kevin was physically drained while Edd was mentally weakened. Both of them were walking back to their homes when Edd spoke up, "I want to thank you again for letting me have my hat back."
Kevin had tensed up beside him, "W-Well, yeah, I was only borrowin' it."
Edd's brows furrowed, "For what?"
The jock just continued on wordlessly for a couple minutes not letting up the tense atmosphere, "I—" Just like earlier, Kevin had stopped himself before continue, "I just wanna let you know I hope we can do this 'gain."
And just like earlier, Edd's heart pounded against his chest, "Mmn," Was all he could muster while he fiddled with his hands watching as his breath filtered in the air.
"W-Well, we are back at home," The two of them shared glances awkwardly before putting their eyes back down, "I-I will see you at school tomorrow," Edd quickly stated turning around swiftly before any more of this uncomfortableness continued, but he was stopped midway down his pathway.
"D-Dork," Kevin yelled, "Uh, have a good night."
Edd had turned to see the moon high in the sky and Kevin's uncharacteristic expression basking his feature, "O-Oh—You too, Kevin."
He had mumbled it, but he saw Kevin smiling genuinely his way. He must have heard him, but as quick as the moment started, it was over and they both stumbled into their houses that were opposite each other. It was an eventful day for sure, but Edd was thoroughly beat, so he immediately went to bed.
But not before setting his Alarm Clock. That would be awful.
My main boii Edd didn't forget to set his alarm clock, but he did forget a certain something ;) ;) If ya know what I mean. AnYwAy, please favorite and comment (pls comment. i'm just a comment whore who would love nothing except your feedback and stuff, so pls. i beggg) and don't forget to continue onward with me on this fine journey! :D