Author's Note: I'm so happy that I'm already getting reviews, especially from AngelZ Of DarKness, my favorite KevEdd author. Go check her out, she rocks! Anyways, I didn't reverse Ed for the sake of the plotline, in case you were wondering. Warning:Violence, major homophobia, and mentions of suicide in this a sensitive issue for some. You've been warned.

Chapter 3
The pair arrived at Edd's house. Edd instructed Kevin to take his shoes off ("Mother's orders") and went to the kitchen to grab a couple sodas. They sat on the couch, skimming through movies on TV. Kevin felt so at ease sitting on Edd's couch, the latter's arm around his shoulders protectively. He'd never felt so safe and comfortable around anyone. However, the peaceful mist lifted when they heard banging on the window.

The word "FAG" had been spray-painted across the window behind them, and the swim team were laughing and jeering at them.

Edd got his phone out, texting Ed and Plank, waiting tursely for a reply.

[dubble d?]

Edd chuckled, Ed still couldn't spell.

[Ed, I need your help.]

[anything fr u frend]

[The swim team is outside and they're threatening the welfare of myself and Kevin. I need you to help me fight them off. Come in through the back.]

[k b rite ovr]

As he finished reading that text, another came in.

[Sup]

[Plank I need you to get to my house. The swim team are outside. Come in through the back]

[No prob]

A few minutes later, Kevin and Edd heard Ed and Plank come in the back door. Edd got up, and Kevin moved to follow, only to be stopped by the swimmer's outstretched hand.

"Stay in here," Edd ordered him. "No matter what, don't go outside. We'll handle it."

He caressed Kevin's face for a moment, then faced the other two. "Let's go."

The three brawny teens went outside, and Kevin got on his knees and looked out the window. It was three against eight, which wasn't too bad. Two of them grabbed Ed, only to discover that he was a living brick wall. Plank jumped another three, and Edd sent a punch straight into the face of the nerd's worst tormentor. Kevin grinned, and then gaped when another two grabbed him.

Edd grimaced up at the guy he'd punched, Aaron, as the brawny swimmer kicked him in the stomach.

"You dirty faggot!" Aaron screamed, kicking Edd repeatedly. "Being gay is wrong, asshole! You deserve to fucking die; I'll kill you myself! I won't just stand around and let you make our town filthy. Gay piece of shit!"

Edd glanced up toward the window at the fearful face of his adorable nerd, and that was all he needed to fight back. He jerked his arm, sending one of the swimmers into the other, then punched Aaron in the nose. He fell back, and Edd kicked him as hard as he could in the ribs, hearing a crack. Aaron groaned, and Edd fell on him, punching him repeatedly in the face.

One of the other two regained composure, picking Edd up and throwing him into the tree. Kevin screamed, seeing the ravenette crumble on the ground. Plank finished his guys, and jumped on the one who threw Ed.

Aaron ran up to Edd, kicking him in the ribs. The raven-haired swimmer was too caught up in fury and adrenaline to feel much pain. He kicked Aaron's legs, then grabbed his throat as he hit the ground, choking him. He gasped for air, clawing at Edd's arms, but his grip was steel as he squeezed tighter and tighter.

Edd felt a hand on his shoulder, and glanced up. Kevin was standing above him, tears in his eyes. He looked around. Everyone had stopped what they were doing, gaping at Edd. He regained himself, and let go of Aaron. He jumped to his feet, running as fast as he could, followed by the flabbergasted swimmers.

Plank and Ed stood there, not sure if it was okay to move or say anything. Kevin mouthed a "thank you", then waved them off. They left without a word, knowing that the two needed to be alone.

Kevin sat on his knees next to Edd, who had fallen on his rear end and was hugging himself. The swimmer couldn't comprehend what he'd done. He'd lost control, nearly killed someone. He was a monster.

Kevin wrapped his arms around Edd, feeling shudders as the latter began to cry.

"Don't touch me," Edd whispered. "I'll hurt you. Get away."

The redhead just held on tighter, ignoring him. The ravenette pulled his arms off and ran into his house.

"Wait!" Kevin called. "Edd please talk to me!"

Kevin ran after Edd, following him up to what he assumed to be his room. He tried the doorknob, only to find it locked. He knocked timidly.

"Edd?" Kevin said shakily. "Are you okay? Please say something."

"Please leave," came a sniffled response.

The nerd leaned his forehead on the door. "Edd...I know you may feel like a horrible person for what you did. You could've killed him, but you didn't. You stopped. It took strength to stop, and you're the strongest person I've ever met. I know you won't hurt me. You couldn't if you tried. I won't leave you, Edd. You don't need to be alone anymore. You just need to let me in. Please. I know I've only known you for about six hours, but I feel like I've known you my whole life. You make me feel safe and happy; no one's ever been that for me. My mother walked out and my dad is drunk all the time. I need you as much as you need me. We need to stay together or I just might... I was considering suicide, Edd..."

The door unlocked and opened. Edd stood there, tears in his eyes as just looked at Kevin. The nerd noticed for the first time that he had cuts and bruises all over him from the fight; blood had leaked down from his mouth and was drying at his chin. Edd pulled Kevin to him, hugging him tightly as if he were worried he'd disappear.

Kevin put Edd at arm's length. "Go sit on your bed. I'll get a first-aid kit and patch you up."

Edd nodded, telling him where to find it, and went to sit down. The redhead fetched the first-aid kit from the bathroom, also grabbing a washcloth and wetting it. He returned to the swimmer, who was drying his tears.

Kevin sat down and started cleaning Edd off, starting with the line of blood that, upon closer inspection, had trickled all the way down his neck to his collar. He leaned further in, gently wiping the drying blood away. Blushing, Kevin noticed he was really close to Edd's face, the taller of the two watching him contently. He blushed fiercely, causing Edd to chuckle as he cleaned the cuts on his face.

"Kevin," Edd said softly.

Kevin shivered at the sound of his name on the ravenette's lips. "Yes, Edd?"

"How the hell are you so adorable?" Edd asked, grinning as the nerd's face got redder.

"I-I, um, w-well-"

Kevin was interrupted by soft lips pressing against his. Grabbing his chin to tilt his head, Edd placed a firmer kiss on Kevin's lips. Both boys blushed.

"S-sorry," Edd stuttered. "You were, uh, babbling."

The redhead smiled warmly. "It's fine."