Hey guys. Its that time again. Hope you all are having a wonderful New Years :) If anyone is wondering I really had no intention of having my story follow actual time. Since it's New Years and Edd/Kevin are still stuck on thanksgiving I realize it might feel slightly out of season but bear with me, I promise you wont regret it.
I want to give a special thanks to you ALL for liking and following this story, especially the reviews from Guests and account users. They are insightful and so enjoyable to read. To a writer they are literary gold.
So without further ado,
Enjoy!
Kevin's arm fell around Edd's shoulders. The tiny figure now tucked into his side shivered, clapping his hands together in a bid to fight off the freeze of winter. Snow hadn't started to fell just yet but the motorcycle enthusiast was ready. He lived for the snow. His roommate on the other hand…
"J-jumping c-crocodiles!" Edd cried, hopping up and down.
Kevin chuckled, the tip of his nose turning red as he sipped from his thermal. "Cold?"
Edd flashed him a look and Kevin's chest bubbled with laughter. He tugged the boy even closer, pressing his chin atop of Edd's head. His five o'clock shadow did little to combat the chill but the heat radiating from the top of Edd's hat felt nice. The dork graciously stepped further into Kevin's comfort zone, hugging his skinny arms around Kevin's waist and reveling in what little heat the man could offer. To his left he heard snickering but he did well to ignore it, much too focused on staying warm.
"Chilly there are we?" Ron chuckled, coming up from behind to clap the shivering boy on the back.
Edd jumped from the contact and felt his teeth chatter as he turned to face Kevin's father. His face was so numb he couldn't feel the snot dripping down his nose.
Shaking his head Ron reached back for the hankie his wife held out and handed it to Edd. "Here kiddo." He smiled, shoving his gloved hands into sweater pocket. "Probably should have warned you how cold it can get around here."
Edd hesitantly moved from the heat at his front to face Ron, a crooked smile gracing his half frozen face.
"A bit of warning would have been much appreciated."
Hm. That's the most he's said to me all day. Ron shrugged his shoulders and grinned. "Eh you'll get used to it after a while. Just keep your hands and head covered, and you should be fine."
Kevin smiled down at Edd and tightened his grip. "You doing ok there squirt?"
Edd nodded, wiping his nose vigorously with the handkerchief. "As well as I can be I suppose."
"Kevin sweetie, give him this." Kevin's mother handed him a snowflake printed thermal. "It'll warm him up nice and quick."
Edd took the thermal from Kevin and quirked a brow. "Might I inquire its contents?"
"It's hot cocoa. I was my mother's special blend from when I was just a tot." Darlene beamed. "Call it tradition. The Barr family has always had hot cocoa just before the parade."
Edd nodded in complete understanding and sipped happily from his cup. He and Kevin exchanged smiles, leaning in suddenly as a particularly cold wind whipped by them, pushing them flat against each other. Chest to chest the two men regarded each other, their cheeks turning pink in response to their close quarters. Kevin smirked from behind his mirrored glasses and Edd cursed the Adonis before him for looking so darn irresistible.
"Oh looky here comes the first float!" Darlene clapped.
Sure enough the first float came, carting a cast of children wearing brown paper vests and colorful feathers in their hair. A second float followed closely behind, this one with children garbed in pilgrim attire. Edd smiled and waved as the children passed, elbowing Kevin and pointing to one of the kids who he caught picking his nose. Apparently the visual was blown up wide on a giant television screen on the other side of the street and everyone was in an uproar of laughter over it.
Kevin wrapped both his arms around Edd and the two rocked eagerly from side to side as the music began to play on the loud speaker above them. A troupe of musical performers suddenly pranced into view, taking center of the makeshift stage they carted in. Edd watched on in awe. Every line and step was perfectly in sync, smiles plastered on each and every face he saw. To his appreciation their costumes dazzled like gems under a jeweler's light. With every leap his heart soared high into his throat until every landing was made. He almost wished the routine didn't come to an end when it did. It had been so long since he last had a taste of the Broadway life and seeing it suddenly tap its way right into his line of vision was like a euphoric slap to the face. Oh how he missed to dance.
"Dude."
Kevin's voice rang in his ears as they watched a new troupe of dancers pivoted their way onto the make shift stage, the sparkle of costumes making way for the sway of outrageously large feathers.
"How do they do that?"
Edd followed his pointing finger to a couple on the stage. A man in pin stripe pants and a tilted fedora had lifted a woman high up into the air and sat her on his shoulders as they spun together in perfectly time choreography. It reminded him of a time he used to do such complex lifts. Edd smiled, craning his neck to answer him over the blaring music
"Hours and hours of practice."
Kevin shook his head as if he couldn't comprehend it. "Just… wow."
A buzz from Kevin's pocket drew his attention from the floats. He dug into his coat only seconds later to regret it. Cassandra was texting him again. She just wouldn't let up!
Biting back a sigh of frustration he flipped open his phone and started to text her back. He paused, his thumb posed over the send key. He wasn't sure if what he typed was even worth saying. It wasn't as if his friendship to Cassandra was life-long. Was it even worth preserving?
He closed his eyes. As his head buzzed with memories of their night at the club. He remembered Cassandra's face and the pain etched in her eyes. He couldn't figure out what her problem was. One moment she was as happy as a lark and the next she was throwing petty insults like a five year old.
"All ya' been doing is blowing me off tonight "
He didn't want to think about it but his conscience wasn't about to let his pride get in the way this time.
"I just wanted to dance with you but you blew me off hard core. I mean, did you even notice my dress or my hair?"
He really had been an ass that night. All she had wanted was his acknowledgement. It wouldn't have been very hard to say 'nice dress' or anything of that lousy caliber but his attention had been so focused on Edd that he had been outright neglectful of her. He had insulted her and to rub salt into the wound he had ignored her. Some friend he was.
He was allured back to the present by Edd's laughter. A sunshine grin had reached his eyes and they twinkled like star dust, summoning from within a tender light- the likes of which Kevin had never seen before. His chin fell on top of Edd's head and the motorcycle enthusiast let himself sink comfortably into the boy's back. This felt nice. Even if the little form against his chest was shivering like a cat in a puddle, he couldn't be any more at ease. He'd be content without the loud music but the enormous smile on Edd's face was something he knew he couldn't do without. For now he'd let himself enjoy his time with his family. He would deal with Cassandra in good time. Besides, after his ass-hat episode he was going to need time to think of an apology that wouldn't end in a well-deserved slap across the face.
Kevin felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned his head so quickly he nearly gave himself whiplash. His father cleared his throat, his eyes dancing over in his wife's direction. Kevin frowned, loosening his grip to turn fully towards his mother. The frown gracing her face put him in immediate distress.
"Mom?"
Darlene hummed softly, nervously stroking her fingers across the base of her neck.
"Hunny don't stand so close to Edd." She said to him in a hushed tone. "He might not feel comfortable like that." She said gesturing to their hug.
Kevin frowned just the same, his brows furrowing together as he worked to process her words. He didn't think he was doing anything to cause a rise of concern however his mother's bias thought otherwise. With a shake of his head he loosened his arms from around Edd's waist and felt a pang of regret run through him as his dark haired lover began to shake.
He never told his mother that was he into men as equally as he was into women. Kevin knew just how badly she would have reacted to it. As a child he knew saying such things would have gotten him into trouble. His mother never liked him spending too much time with boys and had always pushed him to date, introducing him to sweet well to do girls that came into the shop. To her chagrin they had never interested him. Not even in the slightest bit. Kevin was never the kind of guy to take a Mary Sue. He wanted a silly Sally or a wild Wendy. Heck, a naughty Nick would suffice but for the sake of not breaking his dear mother's heart he chose never to breathe a word of it. His father was much more understanding in that regard and for that he was grateful. Under his watchful gaze and out of his mother ill report he could date a man and still have his father's support.
He only wished he had his mother's support as well.
It wasn't as if he was some theatrical mega homo glamming on the Mary Kay get up. He was just a regular guy who was into other guys. Where was the harm in that? Women weren't off the table per say but if Kevin found love in a man then that's just how it was. To him love knew no bounds. Man or woman, he saw no difference. Love was love and it was as simple as that.
He hated the idea of stepping away from Edd for the sake of his mother's ridiculous prejudice. He felt so at home the way he was, snogging the crap out of his little dork, he could have stood like this for days; but having Darlene standing there with judgment flickering in her eyes was just asking for trouble. Opening that can of worms was just something wasn't ready to deal with. Not yet anyways. He will one day, just not now.
Edd was none the wiser though, smiling and waving as groups of people and floats paraded by. The boy was as happy as could be and it was enough to make Kevin forget he was angry. To make up for the loss of heat Kevin draped an arm around Edd's shoulders and leaned his body out so they weren't completely touching. Edd looked up to him with eyes beaming and smile as wide as could be.
Kevin thought to himself, how could this be so wrong?
Ron approached Edd from the side and took to leaning against the lamp post they were camped beside. His hazel eyes danced in the small boy's direction and for a while he stood there, staring rather intently- almost disapprovingly. He couldn't get a read on this kid. As an entrepreneur and father Ron could spot bullshit from a mile away. He knew how to read people and find what he needed to determine someone's character. Shockingly this kid was so well reserved the older man was finding it hard to even strike up a simple conversation. It was as if Ron had done something to make the kid uncomfortable though he couldn't think of a single thing he could have done to offend the boy.
While Ron's thoughts ran with his conscience Edd had grown so excited over the parade he accidentally pumped into the person standing beside him. The dork turned right away with apologies running from his mouth like a water fall, stooping down to collect the random man's belongings.
Ron watched rather bemusedly as Edd suddenly paused, his hand stretched out for the diaper bag he had knocked off the man's shoulder. The boy visibly swallowed, gripping the bag so tightly his knuckles turned white beneath his gloves, and right away avoided making eye contact with the man. The man was polite and took the bag back; juggling it with the weight of the bundled toddler perched on his hip. Edd said nothing when the man thanked him and instead turned on his heels to look in the opposite direction. Ron stood there absolutely flabbergasted. What the hell was that?
He looked between Edd and the man, scratching his head in confusion. Did he miss something? Certainly the man hadn't insulted him to make Edd act so demure and scared. Maybe he was afraid of children. No, that couldn't be it. Edd hadn't looked away from the baby in the same manner he did the father so really he didn't-
Then it hit him.
Fathers.
Towards the end of the parade and nearly six mugs of piping hot cocoa later the crowd began to disperse, hungry New Yorkers taking off in a mad dash to get home and eat. Kevin, Edd, Ron and Darlene were practically starving by the time they were ready to go, their stomachs growling but none more so than Kevin who had proceeded to throw a fit when his mother stopped to talk in the parking lot.
Edd was in a bout of laughter as the red-head moaned and groaned. Kevin's smile was sweet but his pout was adorable. Edd felt like he could just pinch those sullen cheeks red. They walked side by side, their shoulders bumping softly together. Every brush of Edd's arm caused a spread of warmth starting from the top of his head which rolled down in waves to his toes. His stomach started to flutter but the longer he looked into Kevin's eyes the less convinced he became that it was simply out of hunger.
Once in a while, when Darlene wasn't looking, Kevin would reach over to slip his hand into Edd's. The poor thing was freezing and it was all Kevin could do to keep him warm without arousing his mother's suspicion. Edd didn't seem to mind though. His face was all aglow set with a smile and joyful laughter that filled the air around him. He was having the time of his life. When it began to snow Kevin had never seen a happier man in all his life.
Edd spun around with his palms out, ignoring the unforgiving breeze that swept past. From around the rim of his hat inky black hair danced like tendrils in water, teasing the nape of his neck and brushing soft kisses across his reddening cheeks. Though his fingers felt like ice he bravely plucked off his gloves and reached up as high as he could to touch the silver-grey of the sky. Snowflakes no bigger than a thumb nail floated down from above, twinkling like star light as they landed softly upon the earth. The ground was speckled in dark spots from the melted snow but he knew it wouldn't be long before they were hidden beneath a blanket of pure white.
He had always loved the winter season. When snow fell it was like a cleansing of the soul. It was the dawn of a new year where one could always make a fresh start. It never failed to make him feel immaculate and free.
A hand on his shoulder snapped Edd from his folly. He looked down at the calloused hand and followed the length of the arm to the owner of said hand who had taken to staring at him point blank. Immediately Edd felt his heart lodge into his throat. Ron's gaze never once faltered. Edd had to swallow hard to keep from squeaking when he spoke.
"Y-yes Mr. Barr?" His knees started to shake and it certainly had nothing to do with the cold.
Ron cocked his head in the direction of the van. "Come along boy." His arm slipped around Edd's shoulders and steered towards the car.
Edd bit softly into his lip, unable to tear his gaze from the arm around his shoulders. He felt small beside the older man. He would have been lying if he said he was comfortable with their close proximity. It was a totall of five and half steps before he couldn't take it anymore. Swiftly he slipped out from under Ron's arm, smiling nervously when the man raised a brow in question, his arm falling back to his side.
"O-of course. Please forgive my dawdling." His eyes frantically looked about for Kevin and a way out of this awkward situation. "E-excuse me."
Ron watched astutely as the boy ran off. It looked contradictory to his personality but Ron couldn't blame the kid if his suspicions were true. If the kid had daddy issues then speaking to him one on one was going to be a bit of a challenge.
Edd snuck behind Kevin and tapped him on the back, stepping to the side and giggling when the red-head fell for his trick, only to gasp aloud when Kevin swept him up in a hug.
"Ha! Nice try squirt." Kevin rounded on him and caught Edd under his arm, posing his fist over the dork's head. "Say it."
Edd struggled only to erupt in laughter. "Never!"
Smirking Kevin rubbed his knuckles into Edd's hat and watched at the smaller boy squealed.
"Uncle! Uncle!"
"Nope. Sorry, can't hear you." Kevin chuckled gleefully.
Edd struggled a little harder, pounding his fists against the stronger boy's arm. "Kevin!"
"Oh alright fine." Kevin let him go, his signature smirk painted on his face as Edd fought to catch his breath. "You're such a dork."
Edd huffed, righting his hat. "The nerve." He couldn't help but smile.
Kevin threw his hands up in defense, his smile never fading. He swung his arm around Edd's neck and drew the boy closer into a pseudo manly hug. The scent of his musk mingling with Edd's made his mouth water. Admittedly he loved the smell of himself on the sockhead. It did wonders in stroking his ego. To him it was the equivalent of marking a mate. His honey scented body wash clinging to Edd's skin kicked his physical need into over drive. Before releasing him Kevin leaned in, his hot breath washing gently over the dork's ear and sending a wave of hot prickles dancing down the side of Edd's face.
"You look delicious in my letterman. I could just eat you up right now."
Edd's cheeks flared and his eyes widened. "K-Kevin!" His eyes danced over in Darlene's direction. "You mustn't say such things. Your parents are present."
Kevin snorted cynically. "Whatever to them. I'll say what I want when I want." A half-truth, but a truth none the less, he thought. "Not my fault if they end up hearing what I have to say."
Edd crossed his arms disapprovingly, keeping his voice low. "We both know that is not true. You warned me before coming here what your situation is in relation to… well, you know. And if your mother were to discover you are gay-"
"Bi."
Edd blinked. "Bi?"
Kevin nodded, smiling as if he were proud of it. "Yup. I go both ways dude."
Edd was shocked, both his eye brows touching the rim of his hat in surprise. I thought Kevin was… oh my. He had never bothered asking. How silly of him to assume. Kevin had never discussed his preference at length with him before. Not that it was any of his business to know. Still, he was rather shocked. Maybe even a little hurt by the discovery.
Don't be ridiculous. There is nothing to be hurt about by this, he scolded himself. He was still being silly and he didn't understand why. Kevin's preference shouldn't make him feel as off as he felt at that moment, thinking of the types of girls he might be into and causing his blood to boil. Blonde, Chinese, green eyed; just thinking about it made his stomach turn.
Am I jealous? My, how embarrassing!
"Come on boys. If you want to eat get in." Darlene shouted from the passenger seat of the van.
Edd blushed harder, avoiding both Ron and Kevin's piercing gaze. While Kevin stared longingly at the feminine structure of the sockhead's face, his father took to observing Edd at a distance. Two completely different set of ideas fluttered between the thoughts of both father and son. It wasn't until Kevin's gaze happens to glance up that he noticed the impression written across his father's face. His forest green eyes danced between the two curiously, almost suspiciously. When their gazes met he raised a brow in question but Ron merely shrugged, heading for the driver's seat of the van without saying a word.
"Come on." Kevin said rather stiffly. "Let's get going."
Looks like Edd's in for something and what of Cassandra and Kevin? And Kevin's parents? See ya'll next chapter!
So what do you think? I'd like to know. Reviews are awesome :)
