Sorry I don't have any spoilers up yet, I suspect ill have them ready next time I post. Please let me know if there is anything I can fix or do differently, thanks!

Chapter 23

Kevin POV

Double D looked back at Kevin, who stood there watching him silently. He still had the same smiling face, he didn't change it or anything once he looked at him. Kevin felt himself blush but tried to ignore it. Edd chuckled and moved closer to him, his smile now a grin. "Stay for dinner pumpkin~", Edd's tone had the same ridicule he usually had, however this time he sounded less harsh, and more comforting. Though Kevin still blushed at his words, his determination was still strong. He remembered not to move his hat to cover his face… unless he wanted Double D to kiss him. Kevin's blush just added more from his thought, and Double D chuckled, "your appearance is one of passion it would seem." Edd was just standing next to him then, he was much more taller than Kevin, he guessed by at least 5 or 6 inches.

"I-I'll stay," Kevin's voice shook for a moment before he steadied it. He was getting used to how flustered he felt around Edd. He wondered if he'd still be as relaxed if they were in a more...passionate setting. Edd's grin widen and he motion forward toward Kevin's face, who didn't move, only his heart started moving, faster with every moment Edd got closer. Double D only stopped when his lips were and Edd's only had a few centimeters between them. Kevin hadn't even closed his eyes, he actually kept looking from Edd's eyes to his lips and back and forth.

Edd's face fell just the faintest, his words were quiet and warm, "kiss me dork."

He hesitated, he should have done it the moment he heard Edd talk, but his nerves hindered him just the slightest. He let out the teeniest groan from frustration and looked back up at Edd, who seemed surprised by his noise. Kevin thought Edd would have taken action on his own, but now he just looked confused.

"Are you trying to persuade me into taking riskier actions with you?" Edd's voice was low and alert, his face now seemed more concentrated than before. Kevin didn't realize at first what Double D meant, when after a moment his brain realized Edd meant riskier actions as in passionate actions. Kevin's face lit like candle, "N-no! I'm not! I-I'm just trying to k-kiss you." Kevin held his gaze, though his fear of Edd actually making a move was real, he didn't want to retreat.

Double D's grin returned, "so do it-"

Kevin didn't hesitate this time, he motioned forward before thinking and met Edd's lips roughly. He felt Edd stumble back momentarily before finding his footing again. Edd wrapped his arms around Kevin and held him in place while their mouths did all the moving.

"Boy's! I can't make dinner if I don't know what you like!" Cassandra's voice rang through the room but neither of them made a sign of moving away. It was as if she didn't even talk to them, they were in their own worlds, doing exactly what they wanted.

Double D was the first to pull away, "hmm, pumpkin~ You're enticing me." Kevin motion his eyes from Edd's, embarrassed. Double D only chuckled, "we have the rest of the night". He turned from him and began walking towards his door, Kevin couldn't help his smile as he followed him. Kevin felt his body relax once again as he descended the stairs with Edd.

His mother was in the kitchen with several bowls, knives, and appliances crowded around on their island. Double D casually leaned against a counter top facing his mother. Kevin took a seat at the island, closer to Edd's mom, she was smiling at them both, Edd had his eyes focused elsewhere. Kevin wondered what it he must have been thinking.

"Now, I got a few things from the store, so I should be able to make something both you boy's will like". He smile curled wider at her words, for some reason, it made Kevin feel wary. Edd replied with something about how he wasn't picky with his food. She nodded and looked back at Kevin, "oh, umm...what did you get if I may ask?" He heard Edd giggle to himself quietly.

"I got regular and sweet potatoes, some shrimp, some pasta noodles, some sauce, a few other, smaller ingredients like spices and what not." Kevin sighed relieved, "I find all of those appealing, I have no problems". He smiled at her and she began rummaging through her fridge. She pulled out a few things then began moving around the kitchen hastily. Kevin looked over at Double D who was watching his mother with...hmm, it looked like curiosity, Kevin couldn't really tell. He looked back at Cassandra who moved around awkwardly, turning around and stopping in the middle of her steps. She would look for something before finding something different to use for her purposes. Kevin thought she looked lost, when he heard Edd laugh again.

He stood up and walked over to the island, and opened a drawer, pulling out a weird looking knife. He handed it to his mother, "utilize this". She looked at Edd and then what he held in his hand. He expression of frustration turned to joy. "Thank you Eddward! You wouldn't happen to know where the salt is? I assumed we had some but I should have double checked before I left".

Calmly, Edd moved to his left about a foot and opened a cabinet door. It was stacked with several spices and condiments. He pulled out a small white cylinder container and handed it to her before moving back to his original spot. He still kept her eyes on her before sighing and walking back over. He took the bowl of shrimp she had used and put it in the sink, "You need to wash them before anything else".

Both Kevin and his mother looked at him with bewilderment. Cassandra seemed to understand before Kevin because she smiled at him.

"Hmm, it seems my son will have to cook for me." She giggled to herself before handing him soap, "You'll need to wash your hands before anything else".

Edd's smile was gone as he watched her, yet he closed his eyes and calmly, his smile returned, he held out a hand. She gingerly poured some soap on it before he ran them under the water. Kevin watched them for a while, mesmerized. His own mother was an amazing cook, and he used to watch her make dinner so long, now watching anyone else was humorous to him.

She kept asking Edd questions and moving around lazily, while Edd looked like he was in a natural state. He spoke rarely and moved swiftly, Kevin was enthralled by Double D's state. After a minute he realized Cassandra had backed off and was watching him move with Kevin. She looked proud, yet after a beat her face fell for the slightest moment before moving back in rhythm with her son. The room began to fill with several different scents Kevin could feel himself getting hungrier and hungrier. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he quickly turned away. There was a message from his mom, you staying at the library after school? He replied saying he was having dinner with Edd and his mom. He went to look back at Double D cooking with his mom when his phone buzzed again. His mother didn't usually text him so fast. Kevin blushed at his mom's message, she had sent him a short text saying to have fun with a bunch of hearts and exclamation marks.

There was a sharp noise on the table and he quickly looked up from his phone. A bowl of noodles and shrimp sat in front of him, steam rising from the center. He looked up to see Edd hovering over him, grinning widely. "Should eat pumpkin~" Edd's voice was quiet, but full of life. Kevin moved his phone to his pocket without breaking eye contact with Edd.

He looked down at Kevin's lap, "who contacted you?"

He looked back up as Kevin spoke, "my mom."

"Oh that's right!" Cassandra's voice came from behind Edd and they both stiffened. It seemed they forgot that they weren't alone. Edd turned as his mother sat down next to him, a fork already in her mouth full of food. Kevin laughed at her, she seemed much more careless than Double D, more childlike. She didn't hear him laugh and took the fork out of her mouth and looked over at him.

"I should have told you to tell them! I'm such a bad host." She smiled to herself and took another forkful of her food. Edd had leaned against the count adjacent to them, with a bowl in his hand. Edd looked over to his mom, his expression told him he seemed thoughtful, he was watching his mother. Kevin noticed Double D watched his mother a lot, I suppose that made sense, seeing as she's never home.

Oh! That reminded him, "Cassandra, may I ask why you're here when you are usually at work?" Kevin was still uncomfortable calling her by her first name, but he didn't mean to sound over formal because of it. She stopped chewing for a second before swallowing and turning to him. Only then did he think his question was personal, he squirmed in his seat.

"I was fired," she spoke nonchalantly. Kevin was taken back by her words, he looked at Edd swiftly, who wore the same expression as him. They both weren't expecting that answer, did Edd not know that? He apparently talked to her last night. He looked back at her anxiously, he didn't want to ask her why she was fired though his curiosity burned. If Double D did talk to her last night he would know, then his expression was also shock of her honesty.

She giggled at the boys expressions, "It seems Edd didn't explain everything," she gave him a hard look which he returned easily. She continued, "to be honest...i was fired for not being where i was assigned, though being one of the best in your field apparently doesn't allow that…" Her voice trailed off with criticism. Kevin wondered about that before speaking, "did that have anything to do with me?"

Now both of them looked at Kevin surprised, his face reddened a the attention, "I-I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked.

Cassandra immediately started laughing, "oh Kevin, Edd didn't tell me how perceptive you are." Edd only glared at her and took another bite from his bowl. Kevin momentarily relaxed before realizing what she had said.
Kevin paused, thinking, "so, It was because of me?" Edd reacted first, "of course not Kevin,"

Cassandra spoke above him, "it was my decision completely Kevin. I saw Edd in the waiting room and asked one of the nurses who he was waiting for. She said she wasn't sure, but assumed it was you since you both were from Peach Creek, so i went to ask you before talking to Edd."

Edd seemed bemused by her words, "Why not inquire myself before the nurse? Why the nurse anyhow?" Then bemused at his own, Kevin never really heard Double D ask questions before, especially like that to his mom. Even though Kevin knew he had never seen Edd talking to his mom, it was still surprising to him. He glanced over to his mother, how seemed more shocked than them. She had barely gotten a bite in her mouth when Edd spoke, and now their eyes were locked.

She bit off the rest of the noodles and swallowed while reaching for her napkin to wipe her mouth. "I was trying for your attention…" She placed her napkin down when Kevin noticed a difference with her. She seemed playful and carefree since this morning, but she seemed serious, almost fearful. Funny, Kevin thought, now they look more like they're related than before.

She had paused, "I was worried if I came up just to ask you about your day you would've ignored me, I thought… if I had leverage, you would be more open to my conversation…" Her volume decreased, and she let her eyes wander back to her bowl.

Edd waited, Kevin could feel the emotions coming from each of them. He took note in his head who he thought was feeling what emotion. "So, Kevin didn't necessarily matter then," his voice sounded strained, Kevin felt his emotions tingle, he scooted his chair back and placed one foot on the floor.

She waved her hands in the air and looked back at Kevin, "No! My God no, my first thought was asking if you were here with someone and if I could help them. Then I figured you wouldn't tell me, and that I could have just gone up there myself and found out, per training."

Edd didn't relax his emotions, yet his eyes seemed softer now, yet Kevin didn't move, he was afraid Edd would let his anger drive and Kevin hated seeing that.

"Eddward," Cassandra's voice was soft, Kevin felt awkward watching them, but he couldn't leave without Double D. "I am truly sorry, I hope my actions explain themselves to you…"

Edd relaxed then, Kevin stood dumbfounded. Kevin expected Edd to at least leave or ask another question. His head was down, sock hat covering his eyes, hands in his pocked, bowl on the counter. He didn't say anything for a while, Kevin couldn't take it, he stood and walked over, embracing him. Kevin barely came to Edd's chin. He had wrapped his arms around Edd's so that they were tucked it, Edd would have to move if he wanted Kevin to stop. Kevin felt a weight on his head then, Double D slipped his arms out easily and held him back. He could feel Edd's tension, it was mostly in his hands as he gripped Kevin's closer, his arms holding him in tighter. His chest was warm and he could feel his heart beating, Kevin let his eyes close, the moment reminded him of when they were laying down on his bed.

Edd's head readjusted and he spoke, "thank you pumpkin~". Kevin pulled back to look at Double D, he had the faintest smile on his face, it made Kevin's heart warm as he smiled back. Edd's face tensed again as he looked back to his mother, still holding Kevin. "Our issues have passed…" he paused before looking away.

Kevin watched Edd's expression intently, making sure he wasn't angry. He looked a little flustered, maybe frustrated, he couldn't really tell. He tightened his grip around Edd, when he felt a shift next to him. They both turned to see Cassandra standing right next to them. Kevin felt Edd stumble while she spoke, "Edd you know the fault isn't yours, please forgive me for my own childish behavior...I was never a mother to you…" tears welling in her eyes. She practically started sobbing, Kevin tried not to feel awkward, it just seemed like they were having a personal moment that he didn't need to witness. Double D motioned clumsily off the counter and turned to his mother, Kevin felt like he should sit but his mind felt like scrambled eggs the more they talked.

"Mother," She wiped her tears with her arm and looked to meet her son's eyes. She was very childish with her emotions, Kevin thought. Edd sighed and moved towards the counter, picking up a napkin and handing it to her. She took it gracefully as he pulled his arm back to rub his neck, a move Kevin believed was a nervous habit of double d's. "your tribulation is unnecessary".

"She wiped her tears again, "you have forgiven me for years of neglect in just a moment".

He almost stopped her short, "you have given me sufficient time of thoughtful thinking." He paused and looked back at Kevin, smiling wider every moment, "In my life, there is an insufficient number of people that understand, or want to understand our situation", his smiled fell the slightest before looking back at his mother, "it is valuable to hear otherwise".

She smiled widely at his words and swung her arms around him, embracing him. Kevin didn't have to touch him to know how uncomfortable he felt. He shifted awkwardly in her arms until she let go, smile still stuck on her face.

"Thank you Eddward… I'll let the subject pass." She sighed happily to herself before she let her full smile return to her face. She looked to Kevin then back at Edd before confusion spread, then transformed into embarrassment. "Oh Kevin! I'm so sorry you had to see me like that, I hope I didn't make either of you uncomfortable." They both glanced at each other sheepishly, neither wanting to tell her the truth.

"It's ok Cassandra," Kevin's voice was a bite higher than he wanted. She relaxed and turned around back to her seat, when Kevin felt a whap on his behind. He had barely let out a squeak of excitement and turned around to Edd who was grinning and eyeing him longingly. He squeezed a bit harsher and Kevin felt his face abruptly turn red. He pulled away and stared at Eddward, he had his hands held and his eyes closed, as if to say "I didn't do anything." Kevin watched him a moment before he opened one eye to look at Kevin. Kevin couldn't help his lips twitch into a smirk, they grew closer everyday, he thought.

"Eddward, how did you meet Kevin?" Cassandra's voice had turned conversational and polite. Edd let out the slightest chuckle before leaning back against the counter.

"He lived in the cul-de-sac," Edd's voice was much more calm now. Kevin noted Cassandra's question, Kevin had been around Edd since he was a kid, if she was around she would have recognized him. However, since she was always working, she must not recognize anyone from the cul-de-sac. Damn, was Edd alone that much? Kevin took the last few bites before bringing his bowl to the counter where Edd took it from him. They both exchanged glances mawkishly, he turned and sat back down. They stayed there for a while, exchanging memories, and a few laughs. Kevin felt himself relax into his chair, absorbing the moment. The first time he met Edd's mom, was not as scary as he thought it would be, he should tell that.

Edd's POV

Double D turned back at Kevin, he barely moved in his spot. His smile still glossed over his face, a blush rising in his cheeks. Kevin's focus was cut by it, and for a moment he had looked away. Edd grinned and gracefully walked over to him, and lowered his head to met Kevin's eyes. "Stay for dinner pumpkin~", Edd couldn't help let his tone of fervor slip. Edd's eyes were burning into Kevin's, his lips pursed as his face got redder, it seemed he knew he was blushing, but he wasn't turning away, Edd could feel his throat vibrate with eagerness. He chuckled, "your appearance is one of passion it would seem." Edd straighten his back and looked down at Kevin. He immediately regretted the decision at the sight of Kevin, having to look up at him...

"I-i'll stay," Kevin's voice was shaky, but his eyes never left Edd's. Flustered Kevin made Double D's heart squeal. Edd's grin widen, how far could he go with this? What could Edd do to make Kevin groan like in the kitchen? He lazily motioned closer to Kevin's face, he didn't retreat, but he didn't meet him halfway either. Kevin then looked at his lips and Double D hesitated, just at the moment where Kevin could easily lean forward and kiss him. Kevin looked back at his eyes, then his lips as Edd kept moving, impatient. He only stopped when he could feel Kevin's breath on his own; It made his own heart leap.

Edd could feel his desire begging, and his eyebrows furrowed, glancing at Kevin's lips, "kiss me dork."

He hesitated, Edd's mind told him to make the move, but he held himself back. He wanted Kevin to want him. Then, he let out the softest groan of disgruntlement then let his eyes find Edd's. His face fell, am i blushing? He thought, I can't tell…

"Are you trying to persuade me into taking riskier actions with you?" Edd tried to keep his tone the same, not giving away his real thoughts, however it came out sounding angry. He took a deep breathe, he could restrain himself. He didn't want to make Kevin uncomfortable, but his desire was pleading for release. Kevin's face suddenly lit rouge, "N-no! I'm not! I-I'm just trying to k-kiss you." Kevin held his gaze, he wasn't backing away, but again he didn't move. Edd didn't feel as frustrated anymore, Kevin's face was perfectly adorable, and he couldn't help smile at the sight of him. It was almost like he was relaxing into his desire.

His smile curled, "so do it-"

His sentence was stopped by Kevin quickly, and he couldn't help feel his ankle give. He clumsily caught himself without breaking their kiss by grabbing onto Kevin's shoulder; he was trying to grab anything due to his fall. He pulled Kevin closer once he balanced himself, and pressed his lips into his, Double D kept wishing his mother still had her job so that they had more alone time.

"Boy's! I can't make dinner if I don't know what you like!" Cassandra's voice rang through the room but neither of them made a sign of moving away. If anything Edd barely heard what she said, he was way too focused on Kevin edging him for a kiss. He could feel his throat growl. I'm gonna go far with you Kevin...

He pulled away longingly, "hmm, pumpkin~ You're enticing me." Kevin looked away, red still resting on his cheeks. Double D couldn't help laugh, "we have the rest of the night". He turned and walked out the door, bitter. He was dying for Kevin's touch, yet he knew now was not the place, he was determined to help Kevin feel comfortable enough. He wasn't about to push Kevin's boundary, he wanted Kevin to trust him, and his touch. His spine shivered and he let a grin glaze his face.

His mother was in the kitchen with several appliances scattered on the island. He leaned against the counter that faced the island, and watched Kevin take a seat across from him. His mother was smiling at them both, Edd looked away, he was paying attention t o the conversation while trying to not be part of it as best he could.

"Now, I got a few things from the store, so I should be able to make something both you boy's will like". Edd couldn't help laugh, he was 90% sure his mother had never cooked a hearty meal in her life. He replied about how he wasn't picky. He heard Kevin speak up, "oh, umm...what did you get if I may ask?" He sounded so polite and sweet, Edd giggled quietly to himself.

"I got regular and sweet potatoes, some shrimp, some pasta noodles, some sauce, a few other, smaller ingredients like spices and what not." He heard Kevin sigh, "I find all of those appealing, I have no problems". Edd glanced over to his mother, watching her picking things up and placing them on the counter. She looked back to the island once she had everything, like everything. She had all the food out, a few cutting boards, several pots and pans and a few utensils. She then began picking things up then placing them back, then move to a drawer, stopping midway then moving back. She looked like she had lost her own mom at the store. Edd couldn't help laugh, picturing his mom 'lost' was not hard, though he never saw it in person.

He stood and slid closer to her, he pulled on a drawer from the island, and picked up a potato peeler. He handed it to his mother, "utilize this". She looked at Edd and then what he held in his hand her face molding into joy. "Thank you Eddward! You wouldn't happen to know where the salt is? I assumed we had some but I should have double checked before I left". She was so animated, the more time Edd spent with his mom, the more he thought of how different they were.

Edd shifted to his left and opened a cabinet door behind him. He had a wonderful collection of spices, he tried to cook as often as possible, and over time it began to build heavily. Right in front was a container of salt, he pulled it out and set it on the counter top. He took his spot back on the counter and watched her again, she wasn't even using the potato peeler, she was now about to put the shrimp on the frying pan. He sighed, not only was that one of the last things she should do, she didn't even rinse them. Though Edd was a bit paranoid about germs, he still liked cleaning certain foods before cooking them. He pushed off the counter and took the bowl of shrimp from the counter and placed it in the sink. Her eyes followed his movements, "You need to wash them before anything else".

Edd could just see his mom from his shoulder while Kevin was out of sight. She looked confused at first before smirking wickedly, he raised an eyebrow at her. "Hmm, it seems my son will have to cook for me." She giggled before handing him soap, "You'll need to wash your hands before anything else".

Edd watched her for a moment before closing his eyes and smiling, holding out a hand. He wasn't about to let her jokes get to him, besides she wasn't trying to hurt his feelings he thought. Plus if he let her cook he didn't know how it would turn out. She poured a sizable amount on his hands before he lathered underwater. He rinsed and began washing the shrimp he had put in the sink. He glanced back to his mother who was now peeling potatoes. He let out a silent sigh of hope, before her words peaked back into the silence every now and then with a question.

Edd moved gracefully around the kitchen, knowing where everything was also helpful. He would answer her questions shortly, and moved promptly. For a moment he didn't hear his mother talk, he was stirring noodles, sauce, and seasoning the shrimp before he felt her move behind him, handing him bowls. He let his mind relax into the motions, until his mind felt like a buzz. He added everything together in the saucepan and began to mix when his mother appeared next to him, rinsing dishes they had just using. He gave her a ginger smirk and scooped a heap of pasta into a bowl. He set it next to him then made another and turned around to see Kevin looking at his phone, blushing.

Jealous, Edd let the bowl hit the tabletop roughly, startling Kevin. Tsk , he shouldn't have startled him. He jumped in his chair and looked up at Edd, then to his bowl and back. He looked so delicate, it made Edd grin as he leaned forward on the island. "Should eat pumpkin~" Edd's voice was soft, he honestly didn't want his mother knowing he called Kevin pumpkin. Edd noticed Kevin move his hand to his back, then saw him holding his phone.

He glanced back down at Kevin's lap, "who contacted you?"

Kevin met his gaze, "my mom."

"Oh that's right!" Her voice felt like a howl then for some reason. She usually sounded pleasant, but Double D had completely forgotten she was there, so he was mostly just startled. Edd saw Kevin jump with him before they stopped in their motions. As his mother sat next to Kevin, Edd turned away, making another bowl for himself.

"I should have told you to tell them! I'm such a bad host." Edd had just gotten into position as his mother took a bite from her bowl. Edd couldn't help the thought about them being so different, her NOW being so different than the mother he remembered before. Business casual to wear under her white coat, and a small scowl on her face which was full of makeup. Now not only did she look older, but she seemed completely carefree, Double D couldn't remember if he ever saw his parents this carefree before.

Kevin's voice broke the silence, "Cassandra, may I ask why you're here when you are usually at work?" Edd stopped his bite as he looked at his mom. She seemed like a deer in the head lights. Edd snickered, he assumed she thought Edd had told Kevin what had happened. She stopped chewing for a second before swallowing and turning to him. Edd didn't think she'd be comfortable telling Kevin something like that, considering Kevin was part of the reason.

"I was fired." Edd almost choked on his food. He looked at her slowly, and listened to her. She looked at them both and giggled, "It seems Edd didn't explain everything," she gave him a hard look which he returned. Like it was his fault Kevin wasn't in the loop? He didn't think his mother would be so honest about a personal experience, "to be honest...i was fired for not being where I was assigned, though being one of the best in your field apparently doesn't allow that…" Her tone was sour. Edd watched Kevin as he spoke, "did that have anything to do with me?"

Edd looked at him, first with bewilderment, then with anxiety. It wasn't Kevin's fault, did he really think that? "I-I'm sorry i shouldn't have asked."

His mom beat Edd to the punch, laughing, "oh Kevin, Edd didn't tell me how perceptive you are." Edd glared at her, he told her he was intelligent, and it was 3 a.m. He grabbed another bite from his bowl when Kevin spoke softly "So, It was because of me?" Edd reacted first, almost off instinct, "of course not Kevin,"

His mom cut in, "it was my decision completely Kevin. I saw Edd in the waiting room and asked one of the nurses who he was waiting for. She said she wasn't sure, but assumed it was you since you both were from Peach Creek, so i went to ask you before talking to Edd."

Edd turned to her, mind crooked, "Why not inquire myself before the nurse? Why the nurse anyhow?" He could feel his anger growing. If she saw him standing there, why didn't she just come up to him and ask him why he was here? He was watching her closely, her expression looked like she was guilty of stealing cookies out of the jar and she had gotten caught. Double D couldn't help his eyebrows knit as he kept his eyes on her. She had noodles hanging out of her mouth before biting the rest of them off. Edd couldn't help think she looked silly.

She glanced down at a napkin and wiped her mouth, taking her time. "I was trying for your attention…" She let the napkin fall on the table next her, Edd waited, knowing she wasn't finished. Her words had more seriousness behind them, Edd wasn't entirely surprised by that.

She paused, thinking, "I was worried if I came up just to ask you about your day you would've ignored me, I thought… if I had leverage, you would be more open to my conversation…" She let her volume lower with her eyes, looking away from him now. Edd could feel his fist clench, she was only interested in me, she probably didn't even care he was there for someone else. His forehead wrinkled, she's at a hospital AND she's a doctor, what if that was her first thought? Even still she could have come up to asked him if she could help or something.

Edd let thoughts run through his head before the tension hit, his emotions were rising because of it. He tried to take a deep breath, think rationally. "So, Kevin didn't necessarily matter then," he meant to ask the question in a more calm voice, he could tell it failed. Edd heard Kevin move off his chair, as he saw his mom wave her hands irregularly.

She looked back at Kevin, "No! My God no, my first thought was asking if you were here with someone and if I could help them. Then I figured you wouldn't tell me, and that I could have just gone up there myself and found out, per training." Edd had to let his fists relax at her words, she says she first thought to ask him, but she still didn't. She was afraid he would push her away, and he probably would have, he thought. After several years on no face to face contact, if she just came up to him and started talking, he probably would have ignored her. Then she was just a stranger, someone he barely knew.

"Eddward, I am truly sorry, I hope my actions explain themselves to you…" He hesitated before letting out a silent sigh and relaxed his muscles. Now he had to determine if he believed her or not. He listened to her last night and she listened to him, not only that but she gave him advice that helped him with Kevin. She also helped them both out when he brought Kevin to the hospital, he clenched his jaw. She was there for Kevin, but not when Edd needed her.

Double D began filing through his memories of a large house with no one to talked to. He remembered listening to his parents wake up early in the morning and leave just before his alarm would go off. He recalled several memories, ones with his parents and ones without. Most of his memories was him alone, at home or school. Then Edd felt hands slip around his waist, and his eyes opened. Kevin had pulled his arms around Double D and squished him as hard as he could, which wasn't that hard. Edd could feel Kevin rest his head against his chest, the top of his hat barely reached his chin. He allowed a soft smile run across his lips, and rested his cheek on Kevin's hat, wishing he could touch his hair. He slyly pulled his arms out from Kevin's grip, and pulled him closer. Edd gripped his clothes in his fist, and relaxed his arms. He didn't want to grip Kevin too much, he could feel Kevin's hands relax on his back, and his breath slow down. Double D couldn't help close his eyes, remembering the feeling of Kevin's body.

Edd let his fall closer to Kevin's face, "thank you pumpkin~". He tugged his vest as Kevin pulled back to look up at him, Edd thought how Kevin was the one who made him smile, not his own will. Kevin smiled back at him, then Edd tensed, though his mother may not have fixed Kevin's wounds, she would have done her best. He brought his eyes to hers, "our issues have passed…" however I have many more questions for you, Edd let his words die, and look away.

Kevin brought his arms around him tightly, and Double D turned in his spot for a more comfortable position with Kevin while watching him. Kevin went to loosen his grip when Edd looked up to see his mother standing uncomfortably close, it made Edd jumped. He frowned sorely, Double D wasn't usually startled that easily, he thought it made him looked easily scared. "Edd you know the fault isn't yours, please forgive me for my own childish behavior...I was never a mother to you…" he heard her take a sharp intake of air then hold her breath. Edd watched her intently, her eyes began to fill with tears; she wiped her eyes and looked back at Edd, eyelashes wet, eyes red, tears beginning to flow.

Double D had to rest his mind, it was as if he was seeing something unimaginable happening in front of him. He had never seen his mother anything other than angry, busy, asleep, and on rare occasions, content. Never did she look troubled, often frustrated but sad? It wasn't just her, his father was just the same, it felt like Edd had to come full circle before he realized what was happening. He believed his mother more than before, she hadn't fully earned his trust, but Edd couldn't help the feeling of her own emotions. Edd's thoughts turned in his mind before he felt like he couldn't question anymore.

All he could really say was true, was that his mother was asking for Edd's attention, and she was not against him with Kevin. Though finding people who were comfortable with the situation was rare, he wasn't expecting his mom to be one. And now, not only was she telling him this, she wanted to talk to Edd. He clenched Kevin to him closer gently, before pressing him back. He leaned forward slightly, eyebrows still knit together, wary.

"Mother," She pulled her arm up to wipe her tears before meeting Edd's eyes. Edd couldn't help feel funny, she was so different, it felt like he wasn't even talking to his mother, more like a middle schooler. She had a small spot of snot running down her nose, but ignored it, he sighed and reached for the closest napkin. He handed it to her, and she took it gingerly before blowing her nose. Double D couldn't help feel embarrassed, he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, "your tribulation is unnecessary".

She took another napkin and wiped her tears, hesitating before looking back at Double D. He couldn't help feel irritated and embarrassed, though he would rather not let his anger get to him as much as it had. "You have forgiven me for years of neglect in just a moment," she sounded stupefied almost.

He he had virtually cut her off, "you have given me sufficient time of thoughtful thinking." He was sort of lying about that; granted he had time last night while they talked, and while he was cooking, he felt like he didn't have enough time since last night to really consider her. The thing is, he wanted to know as many people as possible that were ok with him and Kevin. Not necessarily friends with them, more that the fact comforted him. However this felt different, how could he forgive her after years of no contact? He sighed, true all those things happened, but Edd was basically done trying to feel angry all the time. He didn't have to forgive his mother right now, he would 100% take her words seriously and give it a deal of consideration. His eyes wandered back to Kevin, something about Kevin just made him smile more, "In my life, there is an insufficient number of people that understand, or want to understand our situation", his smile weakened a moment, "it is valuable to hear otherwise". Not being angry felt weird on Edd, he almost second guessed himself about whether or not being angry was all that bad.

Then he felt a large wind hit his side, and wrap around him. His mother had embraced him sharply and Double D cemented, he had this thing about people touching him. With a parent it would probably be the exception, but Edd couldn't remember the last time she had hugged him. Double D rearranged his extremities ever so slightly, and shuffled his feet awkwardly as she let go, she was smiling.

"Thank you Eddward… I'll let the subject pass." She sighed and the smile she had worn since this morning returned. Edd couldn't help confusion cross his face, this was a new person, he didn't know anything about her except she was his mother. She looked to Kevin then back at Edd before her face mixed with emotions. "Oh Kevin! I'm so sorry you had to see me like that, I hope I didn't make either of you uncomfortable." Double D had just glimpsed at Kevin the same time he looked at Edd, they had both felt awkward.

"It's ok Cassandra," Edd held a grin at Kevin voice breaking. As soon as she had turned away, Edd brought his hand around Kevin, slapping his bottom, he could feel Kevin stumble forward a step. He had stopped a squeak in in tracks, and whipped around to look at Edd, who couldn't help his lust show. He let his hand tighten around his cheek while his face burned florid. He swung his body so that he was looking straight at Edd, his hands were already up,, and he had closed his eyes. Teasing Kevin by saying "I'm not at fault". Edd waiting a moment before he squeezed one eye open to, Kevin was watching him roughly, however Edd caught the slight twitch Kevin tried to hid at the corner of his mouth. Edd opened both eyes and watched him, Kevin was captivating.

"Eddward, how did you meet Kevin?" His mother's voice returned to a natural state. Later pumpkin, Edd thought as he chuckled to himself, thinking about 'later' with Kevin. He turned from Kevin and and leaned back against the counter, his bowl was still a bit full and warm as he took it back in his hands.

"He lived in the cul-de-sac," Edd's voice had also returned to a normal status, he laughed again in his mind. He never tried to stop his anger by first calming down, he would always get frustrated, especially with his boxing bag. She continued asking questions, mostly about Edd and his experiences, and Kevin coming into his life. There were a handful of questions that she could have easily known if she had spent more time at home. But paid no mind, easier than he thought it would be, he would really have to have a conversation with her about her decisions. Kevin stood at one point and brought his bowl to the sink. Edd had caught it before Kevin could place it inside, they both took a moment to see each other, Edd could see the slightest blush touch Kevin's cheek, he could feel his heart taking pictures of him. They began to share memories and thoughts a while, Edd mostly standing there listening.

Watching his mom and Kevin chat as if they were old time friends was a funny feeling too. Not only could he not imagine looking at Kevin sitting in his kitchen, to have him converse with his mother was magic. He couldn't help feel the slightest bit wary of his mother, he assumed because he was angry at her and his father for basically forgetting him. However, Double D felt like his heart had softened, he was apologizing to his friends, and talking to his mother. Shoot he was beginning to realize he was falling in love, Edd chuckled to himself nervously. He wasn't going to change who he was, that wasn't what he wanted, his goal was to be open with Kevin, making him happy, and in return making himself happy. He just wasn't sure he knew what 'happy' was...