Edd woke up to the sound of the door falling closed. He realized that he was still holding Kevin's hand, and his head laying softly on the mattress in front of him. Thinking that it was a nurse stopping in quickly to check on their patient, he kept his eyes closed. However, when the footsteps came nearer, he began to realize they sounded much thicker than those of the small nurse. His eyes popped open, and he brashly backed away from the sleeping patient. He looked on a tall with fiery red hair. The look in his eye shook Edd to his core.
"Who are you." The man commanded with ease.
"M-my name is Edward, sir." He stood up and straightened his back as much as his nervousness would allow.
The man nodded at him briskly. "Tell me what happened boy." His face showed a hardness that had to be made from many years of cold-hearted actions. Edd studied his military-like actions, and shook even harder.
"A car was speeding into the cul-de-sac and didn't see Kevin, for the driver did not crest the hill yet. When he saw Kevin it was too late to slow his speed, and it turned into a head on collision. Kevin is suffering from a concussion, and amnesia..." His words tapered off as he saw the man's face change into something compatible with anger.
"Amnesia, that means I have to stay here and take care of him. I can't do that, I have a damn job." He scowled and crossed his arms; staring angrily at the boy in the bed.
Then Edd got brave, very brave. "I could possible aid in this care sir."
The scowling stopped, and the man turned his dark hazel eyes on him. "What did you just say?" He more demanded than asked.
"I...I said I could help take care of your son. I do live across the street. However, if that is something you are not interested in, I can revoke my offer." He shivered under this man's stare. How did Kevin live with this man? He was so blunt and hard, so much so that it frightened Edd to be in the same room with him.
"No, actually I'll take you up on that offer. I just got a bunch of new recruits I got to take care of. In other words I don't have the time to deal with this. He should have known better than to stay out in the middle of the road like that."
"On the contrary sir, he did not know the car was coming!" Edd exuberantly explained.
"Doesn't matter kid. He got hit, he is to blame." He turned on heel towards the door. "I'm going to go sign the paperwork needed for his release, and get the hell out of here. I'll be back in two weeks take good care of him." Then he slammed the door behind him.
Edd released a breath that he had not realized he was holding until the door closed. That man was so full of bold energy, that it radiated off of him. His gaze landed on the boy in the bed, how could his father be so hard towards him. Is it not parental instinct to want to care for their child when they are sick or injured? He sat back down shakily and touched the bandages on the boy's head again. "I am sorry that you must deal with this kind of situation." The clock chimed on the wall beside them, and he turned to look at it. The time said 8am, and anguish flooded Edd's veins. He was currently late for class, and if he didn't call in it could count as a truancy. "Oh dear oh_" A hand wrapped around his wrist, and he stared down quickly to see Kevin grab at him weakly. Has he regained his memory?
"Hey kid..." His voice was groggy, and sounded very tired. "What is your name again?"
Edd's face fell; he didn't get his memory back yet, and the drugs haven't worn off. "Double D." He smiled faintly.
"That sounds like a really funny name." He chuckled lightly, staring right into Edd's eyes. "Is it a nickname or something?"
Edd's heart began palpitating against his ribs again. "The name I was born with is Edward, or Edd for short." He nodded, and lightly licked his lips. Why did he feel so self-conscious all of a sudden? Edd tried not to direct any thoughts toward the matter, but his brain had other thoughts.
"Oh, see now that is more natural. 'Edd'." He smiled. "I feel like you told me this before they drugged the shit out of me."
"Kevin, you should watch your language! It is indecence to speak foul language, especially in public places.
"Hey, Edd man, calm it." The boy chuckled, and tightened his grip on the smaller boy.
"Excuse me, but you are gripping my wrist a bit too harshly." Edd's face turned slightly pink.
"Oh! I'm sorry. Everything is so foggy right now, I guess I just need to feel something living." He laughed to himself again.
"It is much alright Kevin." Edd smiled, and looked sadly on the boy. He was acting to abnormal to his normal self. Sure he was using some of the same vernacular that he used, but his tone was completely different. He was speaking soft, and lightly; instead of bold and verbrotic. This new Kevin stirred things inside of Edd that he would rather not think about. Then again, he had always viewed the other male in a slight attractive light. However, Edd was constantly busy with scams or studying, that he didn't have time for anything such as romance. Much less a romance with the guy who constantly bullied him, it was just a physical attraction.
"So do I have parents, or what?" Kevin blinked at him.
Edd's stomach knotted. He didn't want to tell him about his father, but he couldn't lie to him. "Well you see Kevin_"
"And don't lie, I want to know everything." He boy squinted at him boldly.
"Oh...uh." For once Edd was at loss for words. He looked deep into Kevin's pleading eyes, and finally he sighed. "Okay. Your mother died about ten years ago, back when you were about seven_"
"Ok, so I am 17 years old." The emerald eyed boy stated stauntly.
"Yes, indeed we both are." Edd smiled again. "Your mother died of cystic fibrosis, and left your father to take care of you." he still remembered the day that the ambulance had to take that frail woman away. The lights woke him up from a dead slumber, and he watched as they put her into the vehicle. The nights he stood at his window, watching and waiting for it to return and bring her back. Even as a young kid, he knew what had transpired in the house. So when his mother came in and told him that they had a funeral to go to, it didn't catch him off guard. "Your father is a drill sergeant in a army base about an hour north of here. He was usually gone at a few weeks at a time, and your mother cared for you. So naturally he hired a nanny to take care of you until you were old enough to care for yourself." He stopped and looked at the boy in the bed. He was staring blankly at the wall; chewing on his lip.
"So I'm guessing my father isn't going to show up here. At least that is what I hear from your description of him."
"No No! Your father is a great man, he just has an important job." He spoke alarmingly.
"That answers my question." The boy answered bitterly. The old Kevin arising out of anger.
"He did stop by, he just couldn't stay." Edd tried to sell it as bright as possible. "He left you in my care instead, however." He smiled brightly as if conveying his point that his father didn't just abandon him.
"Uh huh." The emerald eyes scanned up and down Edd's body as if he was assessing him. "Well thank you nurse." He smirked and winked at the smaller boy.
"Oh I am hardly your nurse Kevin." Edd answered, without recognizing the wink that Kevin gave him. "Does your eye give you discomfort?"
Kevin stared back at him questioningly. "No...wait...I winked." He stared down questioning himself. "I think?"
Edd blinked in surprise. " A wink! Of course! I am apologetic for not understanding what you were doing."
Kevin assessed him again. "Why do you speak with such large words?" He slid his thumb lightly across Edd's jaw. "You must be a genius...a dork." He laughed innocently. However, hearing the word 'dork' made Edd grow cold, and back away from the emerald eyed boy. "What is the matter Edd?" His eyebrows peaked together in confusion.
"Oh nothing of sort." He laughed nervously. "I have been insulted with that word in times before."
"I didn't know that, I am sorry." those eyes looked on him in a true apology.
"It is much ok." Edd began to smile, but jumped when the door clicked open again.
"Excuse me, but your father has signed your release papers, and you are free to go home." The nurse smiled sweetly. "He is awaiting you in the car to take you home. Give me five minutes and I'll wheel you out into your car."
"Why do I have to ride in a wheelchair?" Kevin asked in disdain. "I'm certain I can walk."
"It is hospital regulations, I'm sorry." The nurse shrugged and closed the door.
"So my father is here." Kevin's eyes shown a certain color. " I don't know why I feel so unhappy to have to go into that car." He looked at Double D pointedly. "You will be going to my house too, right?"
"I shall accompany you." Edd nodded shakily. The thought of having to be in a car with that man terrified Edd. Those eyes, almost like a tigers, bore into him and shot arrows through him. Those eyes looked him up and down, and took in every bit of him. That man brought feelings of dread and horror into Edd's veins. He knew that he was an evil man, he could feel it from his stare.
As the nurse moved Kevin to the wheelchair, he tried to trick her into showing her that he could walk. All that earned him was a quick trip to the floor, and a hurt pride. Finally he agreed to be wheeled out, while he crossed his arms in disappointment.
"I'm telling you I could have easily walked out by myself." Kevin grunted as Edd finished wheeling him to a black Sedan. He remained silent the closer they got to the car. Kevin obviously didn't feel the doom emanating from the car. "Hey Edd, what's wrong wi_"
"Hurry up and get in the car now." A heavy voice growled from the car.
The color drained from Edd's face as he helped KEvin into the back seat, and went to climb in himself.
"Hey kid. Edward. Get in the front." The man didn't even turn around. He simply barked his command without making eye contact.
"Yes sir." He answered curtly, and climbed in the front. He stared straight ahead as the car pulled forward.
"You going to take good care of my son, Edward?" The commanding tone lingered, except when he spoke his name. Liquid nitrogen cooled his veins. "Answer me boy!" He roared.
"Yes sir!" Edd jumped, and looked into the rear view mirror and saw a wide-eyed Kevin.
"Good. good. Take good care of him and I'll see to it that you are...rewarded." Those tigerrisk eyes slid over him for the last word. Luckily they pulled up to the house so Edd didn't have to answer him. "Alright, I have to get back to the base."
Edd looked at him. Was he not even going to walk his son inside, or even talk to him? There had to be more to this than there seemed. Everything about him just seemed so wrong. Almost as if he viewed his son a burden instead of flesh and blood. "Yes sir." He quickly jumped out and opened Kevin's door. Silently helping the boy out of the car, and up to the house.
"Bye boys, be safe and such." The window rolled up quickly, and the sedan sped off.
"That is my father." Kevin spat disgustedly. "That cannot be my father."
"I'm sorry Kevin, but that is your biological father." He shook his head apologetically.
"I came from those balls..." Kevin wrinkled his nose-again out of disgust.
"Kevin! That is so foul." The slender boy wagged his finger at him.
"Wow Edd...your so..." he stopped, and thought about what word to use. "Oh nevermind. Let's just get inside of the house." He rolled his eyes, putting off the slight humiliation he felt.
Edd smiled, and shooed the other boy off the door mat. "The key should be under here." He reached under the mat, and pulled out a bronze toned key. "Filthy, filthy!" He exaggerated, when he pulled his hand back and had dirt clinging to it.
"Filthy? It is only a lead." Kevin questioned before shaking his head in disdain. "So how did you know my key was under there?
Edd shrugged as he unlocked the door. "It is among one of the most common places a homeowner hides their key."
"Oh..." The other boy said halfly; more engrossed to the sight around him. "I feel like I'm living one big Deja-Vu. Here I am in my own house, and I don't even know where my own bedroom is. Everything feels so familiar...but I'm lost."
Edd looked on him sadly. "If it makes you feel good, I do not know where anything is located either."
"Wait, how are we best friends, and you never stepped foot in my house?"
Panic rose to Edd's mind, but he kept his voice cool. "We always decided to company at my household instead."
The other boy simply nodded. "So nurse, do you know how to cook? I'm starving!"
"Kevin, I'll have you know I am not a nurse." He answered heartily, and crossed his arms.
"Well, with you wearing that dress, how can I not taunt you." Kevin murmured hungirly.
Steam rose to Edd's brain at the tone of the emerald eyed boy's voice. "I...I..." He blinked a few times and looked at Kevin. "Surly."
"I was just kidding." The ginger rubbed the back of his neck. "Would you like to borrow some of my clothes? I am certain I have something that might fit you." he turned around hastily. "I'll find my room, you find the kitchen."
"Kitchen..." He whispered; his greenish grey eyes lingered on the ginger's_ No! That is certainly unacceptable. He turned around quickly and found the kitchen down the hallway. The cabinets shown with a shiny rose wood, and the floor gleaned a soft orange tile. 'This is a rather remarkable kitchen.' he thought to himself. Looking into the refrigerator helped him figure out that he was going to make. Breakfast.
He was frying bacon and eggs when Kevin came bounding down the stairs. "It took me five doors, but I'm pretty sure I found my room. Here are some sweatpants, and a tank top."
Edd looked uneasily at the clothing. The clothing smelt clean, but the thought of wearing someone else's clothing unsettled him. "Thank you Kevin, but_"
"Oh quiet." Kevin pulled the tank top over Edd's head, and it caught over his head. "If I have to I will put these clothes on you myself." He yanked down the shirt, and noticed how the boy's hat had fallen down over his face.
"Thank you Kevin." Edd stared annoyed through the mesh of the hat. "I need to take off the dress before the tank top can be put on."
"Duh." Kevin went to pull down the zipper of the dress, but Edd stopped him.
"Excuse me Kevin, but I do believe I can dress myself." He pulled his hat back to where it belonged, and turned the stove down. "I shall be back in a second." He walked around the corner to put on the clothing in privacy. On the wall beside him there were many pictures of a pretty woman smiling back at him. There were many pictures of this woman and a little Kevin, and even a handsome smiling man. He was a bit taken back by how genuine the man's smile seemed to be. However, he decided to not think about it, and quickly pulled off the tank top and dress.
"Hey Edd can I turn the stove back o...uh..." Kevin peered down the hallway, seeing Edd standing in just his light blue boxers. "Nevermind..." He turned around abruptly before Edd had the chance to squeal.
"Oh dear!" Edd looked around the corner, and back down at himself. His face blazed bright red. "Kevin just saw me indecent." He shivered in humiliation, and quickly clothed himself. The sweatpants hugged his waist in many of the right spots, but the tank top was rather large for him. Then he slowly picked his way back to the corner; however, he was too scared to actually move around it. When he hear a 'pop' and an audible 'ow', he decided to come out of hiding and finish cooking.
" So I don't know what that is, but it hurts like hell if you let it touch you." Kevin glanced at him sideways. "Would you please finish cooking..." He took a step back, and gave Edd room at the stove.
"It is hot grease, and it will hurt you if you allow it to touch your bare skin." He shook his head disapprovingly at the other boy. "Go find the living room, or somewhere to eat while I finish cooking this meal." He didn't wait for the boy's reply before he turned to the stove and grabbed the statula. It took only a few seconds before he was smiling, and softly humming to himself. It felt good to be cooking for someone else. Normally he was just cooking for himself, or eating the leftovers his dear mother had left him. Much like Kevin's father, his parents were gone all the time. However, they loved Edd very much, and constantly left him little notes about the house to communicate with him. The notes gave him a sense of security, but he was still lonely being in his house alone all the time. Now he was caring for another person, and it awakened another part of him that he didn't know existed. The eggs and bacon finished cooking as his thoughts whirled, and he shoveled them on two plates. The thought of thought of caring for Kevin scared him, but seeing his smile at the plate of food, it also made him rather happy.