By the second week into summer Kevin's bruises had all but gone leaving a happy ginger looking at himself in the full body mirror. He no longer needed to wear his jackets and oversized sweaters and shirts to hide. The boy was free to wear short sleeved T-shirts and shorts, because the dreadful summer in peach creek were always so freaking hot that literally someone was able to cook an egg on the pavement outside. Kevin was more than glad that his wounds were finally gone, because it was nearing July and he was beginning to suffocate in the intense heat form this year.

The boy was over at Nazz's place helping her pack because she was to depart the next day to her grandparents. The friend's chit chatted about absolutely anything and everything they would do this summer, and well avoiding the topic of anything related to the raven haired. Nazz didn't want to talk about it, she was mad and upset, and she believed that her best friend was simply looking for a one way ticket to heaven. As good hearted as Kevin was, the bully had gone far beyond betraying his trust and in no universe did he deserve it again. However Kevin was Kevin after all and it boggled the blond girl endlessly pondering why Kevin had chosen to go back, it was like he was searching for a needle in a haystack. The small teen wouldn't get into detail about what had happened the night he had gone over, and only told her ambiguous things.

The girl understood and gave her friend his space, but never again would she trust that betraying bastard. She knew Eddward for far too long to know he would never change for absolutely anything in the world. That just the way it was, and Kevin needed to understand that. She remembered the rumors that spread the summer after middle school about how the Kanker sisters had moved away to protect Marie from Eddward. If the bully's ex couldn't stand the teen's abusive character how was Kevin expected to? Nazz sighed sadly looking over at Kevin across the room as she folded a dress.

"Kevin" she announced suddenly catching the other's attention "I-If anything at all happens I want you to run away as far as you can...I want to see my best friends alive, healthy and happy when I get back."

Kevin chuckled at the statement but then coughed awkwardly seeing she was being dead serious "uh...you really don't have to worry so much about me Nazz, I'll be fine"

The girl sighed rubbing at her arms "that's what you said the first time and look where it got you"

The boy took a seat on the bed and looked up at his best friends somberly "I know... But don't think I'm going back like a blind idiot" he took the girls hand in his a squeezed them a bit "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me...right?"

She made a small whimper in the back of her throat "Just be careful, I know I keep telling you the same thing over and over but I don't know what else to do to get you out of this..." The Nazz sat down next to Kevin.

"You don't have to save me from anything" the ginger smiled up at her "If I were to be the most honest I've ever been with you it would be right now, and I can promise you that I'm doing this willingly for some circumstances you might not understand now. But I know you would do the same if you knew..."

"...I'm not so sure about that Kev" she ripped her eyes away from the book and stared at their intertwined hands.

"I think I've known you long enough to be certain you would" the boy gave her a soft smile.

Nazz returned his smile, but instead she was feeling disgusted with herself because she knew she wouldn't do the same. No matter what Eddward was going through, none of it justified his horrendous actions. "I suppose"

With that Kevin leaned in to envelope her in a tight hug to comfort the girl. She wrapped her arms around him slightly shakily as a feeling of guilt and regret began to sink to her stomach, she could sense something bad was going to happen and there was nothing in the world that she could do to stop it. After a short moment the ginger pulled the girl away at arm's length "Let's go downstairs to grab something to eat" he smiled brightly.

"Yeah let's" she agreed

Kevin stayed over with Nazz that night; they slept in the same bed holding hands just like they had done the night of the incident with the bullies. Nazz was terrified for Kevin, how was she supposed to trust Kevin and his instinct once again, honestly she would be stupid to leave this town without making sure the ginger was taken care of in some way. So she quietly slipped her hands away from the freckled one and sat up reaching over to her nightstand where her phone was placed. She scrolled through her phone reading each name in here mind as they passed. Once she finally reached down to the one she was looking for she quickly typed up a message.

[Hey Ed, sorry I know it's late. I don't expect you to read this until morning but I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor?...] the blond girl looked back at the peacefully sleeping ginger then turned back around and sent the message before typing the rest. [Look long story short I'll be going away for the summer and I need someone to keep an eye out for Kevin. I'm scared he is going to do something terrible to him...please?] She looked it over nervously and sent it.

The girl stayed sitting up looking at the device in ever trembling hands, she knew he wasn't going to respond until the morning but she couldn't sleep. Nazz had informed Ed about Kevin doings with the bully after she had gotten her new phone, since Ed had wanted to not how she had known about the party. Ed was the only one who knew the situation well, and knew how serious this was. Ed was a former "bully" himself in middle school and was friends with Eddward, but to some circumstances unknown to her they fell apart. Before she knew it her phone vibrated in her hands causing her to jump taking her out of her thoughts. Nazz looked at the notification that Ed had replied, quickly she opened the message and read it. It was a simple [Alright, I'll keep him out of trouble]

Nazz sighed in relief knowing Kevin would be in good hands now. She quickly sent another text thanking the boy [Thank you so much, I know you don't want anything to do with him, and that I'm asking a lot but Kevin really needs someone to keep him grounded and I couldn't think of anyone else...also sorry if I woke you up]

It took the other a moment to reply and Nazz thought that maybe he had fallen asleep but before she knew it he had sent her a message. [Its fine I couldn't sleep anyways. And I knew I couldn't avoid them for long. Besides Kevin doesn't know what he's getting into...]

Nazz turned to look at Kevin once again feeling him shift and looked at him sadly [ That's what I'm scared of...You of all people know this situation is bound to get out of hand, and I don't want Kevin involved, I don't want him to try and clean this mess]

[I know... But this situation is more complicated than that. There's so much you don't know Nazz]

[Well I know enough to know that Kevin doesn't deserve to be the one taking the beating for you and Eddy] she answered frustrated. She had known what used to be the Ed's from childhood, she knew something had happened because Eddy and Ed had left for Lemon Brook leaving Eddward in Peach Creek. The day she returned to Quiz Bowl the beginning of sophomore year she had freaked seeing the familiar face of Ed. He had explained to her enough to get her to calm down.

[...and that's why I'll help you keep an eye out for him. I didn't even know Kevin was in contact with him in that manner until you told me about the party and stuff. Had I known you and Kevin wouldn't have gotten hurt]

She internally sighed heavily praying he would keep his promise [Ed can you be entirely honest with me?]

[Of course, shoot]

[Can I trust you?]

[That's why you didn't let me know about Kevin's actions until now am I right? I hope that the year we've spent together in quiz bowl hasn't been in vein. I've changed Nazz, really. You can trust me]

Nazz closed her eyes a moment before looking at the message hesitating but she had no other choice at this point [then I trust you to do everything in your power to keep my Kevin safe]

[Cross my heart and hope to die, I promise]

With that she felt her tension in her body lessen [Thanks Ed]

She turned over looking at Kevin and placing her slender hand on to his chest feeling him breathe. She was well aware that this small freckled boy would do absolutely anything for her and that broke her heart. That's why she was doing what was right; she was going to keep Kevin safe. The only way she could guarantee that was keeping him away from Eddward, and she prayed that Ed would do his duty at best without disappointing her. She was going to do the best of her ability to keep him safe. "Hey Kev?" She quietly mumbled out observing his freckled flushed skin "I love you" she whispered out. She then closed her eyes and feel asleep listening to the silent breathing of her best friend.

...

When morning came it had been a hard good bye for the two friends, Nazz had shed some tears hugging him tightly close to her and almost dragging him into the car with her. Kevin had a difficult time convincing her that he was going to be fine, and although she knew the ginger had the protection of Ed, she couldn't be so sure of what might happen during these 2 months. So much had happened already, though she feared of what was to come the most. After what seemed like hours she finally let go, and was taken away seeing her Kevin fade in the mirror as he waved goodbye with a soft smile.

She could only pray now.

Kevin had arrived home later in the afternoon, deciding to take his motorcycle for a spin before heading back. When he entered his home he found his father sprawled out on the old couch watching the sports channel with a bag of chips by his hips. His T-shirt clung to him as a second skin and wore a pair of old teal shorts with pineapples on them (Kevin loved those short honestly, reminded him of his childhood when his father would take him to the beach wearing those same pair). He gave the old man a soft smile and closed the door behind him before walking into the living room. "Hey dad" he spoke out tiredly.

Mr. Barr looked up from the channel to see his son walking in "Hey kid, Nazz left already?"

The ginger boy slumped down on the couch next to his father and stole a couple of chips from the bag stuffing them into his mouth and stared uninterested onto the television. "mmhm" he mumbled out as best as he could with his mouth full. He swallowed before continuing "she left early this morning"

The older man reached out to grab a handful of chips "When she coming back?"

"August" Kevin said sinking further down the couch praying his father would change the channel soon to something more fun.

The man looked down at his upset son giving him a pat on the leg in comfort "Don't worry Kev, she'll be back before you know it. AH and with her a brand new school year" the man chuckled "Damn am I getting old, you'll be 17 soon huh"

Kevin sat up straight with wide eyes looking at his father "Holy shit, you're right… I totally forgot about my birthday"

Mr. Barr laughed out loud "How could you forget your birthday, you're always planning it by these days"

Once again he slouched down grabbing another handful of chips "well yeah but Nazz is always there to help me, and besides it's always just the three of us"

At this Tom elbowed Kevin "why don't you invite that new friend of yours, what's his name, Edwin?"

"Eddward…uh, he's not really the party type of person" the ginger answered awkwardly.

"Well why don't you both hang out on that day, I'm sure it'll be very fun since you're over there a lot of the time anyways?"

Kevin scratched his scalp a bit feeling uncomfortable and anxious with not being able to fully explain to his father Eddward's personality without making him sound, uh anti-social and pessimistic… "Well you don't know that, maybe I might prefer hanging out with my old man on my birthday."

"Then let me know what you decide, you know I'll be home that day no matter what. Wouldn't miss a chance to wish my kid a happy birthday" the old man smiled at Kevin as he turned his attention back to the television "Now let's put on a movie because I know you're dying for me to change it huh?"

"Please and thank you" the ginger boy sat back on the couch and looked up thanking the lord.

The Barr men spend the rest of that day on that used up old couch watching thriller films, something both could compromise. They made popcorn and drank lemonade watching classics like Jaws, X-men, and Lord of the Rings. Into the third movie Kevin's father had fallen fast asleep and little Kevin now hogged all the popcorn to himself. A buzz came from his jeans pocket and took it out to check what the notification was. Nazz had sent him a picture of her grandparents' home and a little text letting him home she had finally arrived.

Kevin rubbed his eyes tiredly as he sent a quick reply to her. His light olive eyes made their way back to the screen to see a fight scene taking place, though he himself wasn't watching. He was unfocused. He was thinking about what Eddward had told him about the party. Nazz had never mentioned anything about Ed, though in fact she seemed to have been completely clueless to the boys wear bouts that night. It was obvious to him that maybe Ed was keeping secrets and had lied about not knowing where or when the event was to take place. He found it odd quite frankly because the excessively tall boy was never one to be mixed up in these kinds of things. From what Kevin knew the teen was rather quiet yet extremely cheerful, one to be always helping a friend out.

He looked back down at his phone and saw the time it was nearing 10pm. It was late, but his mind was still on the lingering question. What was Ed doing there? It had been something that had been drifting in his head and confused him since he had left Eddward's house. What little details the raven haired teen had given him made the ginger fairly curious. He decided to quickly send a message to the other [Hey Ed, was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime this week?]One way or another he was going to get his questions answered. Eddward always seemed to give him very vague answers which highly frustrated the ginger, but if he wasn't going to get clear answers from the swimmer than he was going to get them from someone else.

Kevin drifted his attention back to the screen as he listened to his father's tired snores. He wondered if should get a blanket for him but the summer night air was still fairly hot. Most nights Kevin slept on top of his covers, mainly because he found it stupid to have to unmake the bed and not even cover oneself with the covers but also because he simply didn't want to make it again. Waste of time if you asked him.

The boy wasn't expecting a reply so soon and jumped when he felt his phone buzz in his hands. He quickly looked down and read the message [Hey, sure thing Kevin! I was actually going to ask you the same thing lol] well that seemed perfectly timed.

With a smile at the others cheery reply he sent back a simple [Cool, is tomorrow good with you?]

[Definitely, see you tomorrow then]

[Awesome]

With that last reply Kevin stood up and turned off the television and began to clean up as quietly as possible as not to disturb his father's rest. He went over to the kitchen to wash the dirty dishes they had used. As he watched them silently he started to remember his conversation with Eddward in the swimmer's room. He had to admit, Kevin left the teen's home feeling unpleased with the answers that the taller boy had given him. Of course this was Eddward for fucking sake and he knew a miracle was to take place for Eddward Vincent to make a promise to Kevin. Especially the one he had suggested. Nonetheless he had warned the raven haired that he wasn't some doll to be tossed out when done with, he was human, he had feelings, he had his limits. One more screw up from Eddward and Kevin would unfortunately have to walk away, he had his dignity and though the swimmer may not care him the ginger had to take it upon himself to do so and place boundaries.

The evening that day he had stayed with the raven haired teen had been a rather awkward one for both boys. There had been little to no communication between them. Kevin knew that Eddward was not going to say anything in regard to his…breakdown, and he didn't want to make the teen more uncomfortable than he already was. So he had waited for the swimmer to fall asleep once again before making his exit, and riding off back home.

As he finished washing the dishes, Kevin headed back out to the living room. He struggled to lift his father's legs onto the couch but once he did he headed up stairs. From his room he quickly took out a pair of boxers and an oversized T-shirt, no way in hell was he going to sleep fully clothed tonight. It was way too hot for that.

The bathroom in his home was small, well sufficient for the two of them he thought. He began to strip quickly and glanced up at the mirror seeing his scrawny figure. He scrunched his nose in annoyance as he remembered a very shirtless Eddward. Again he critiqued his own physique, a habit he unconsciously did every time he saw his body. The ginger thought it very "feminine" of him to do so, but when compared to a well sculpted fit body like the swimmers well of course he would feel worse about his own. His freckled fingers ran through his freckled chest as he caught sight of small scars, though he didn't want to admit it he knew every beating behind each one. One was from a cut wire from the school fence, another from Johnny's wood board named plank, another from a sharp rock he had been pushed down against by Johnny. The list continued though he'd rather forget. Awkwardly he ripped away from the sight and turned on the shower and got in feeling the cool water relax his tension his mind going blank as he closed his eyes.

Not 15 minutes later the teen was heading back to his bedroom and crawling onto his bed feeling refreshed and relaxed. His olive orbs roamed the semi messy dark room, there were clothes scattered around the floor, bed, and computer chair. Posters hanged on walls some about to drop. An old skateboard that had belonged to his father, one he had never rode and now lay useless next to his bookshelf. Shoes tossed under his bed, tools and screws on his desk along with his laptop, blueprints and his sketchbook. It was unorganized, full of useless things, and well, it represented a typical "boys" room.

The ginger closed his eyes feeling exhausted and inhaled softly letting a shaky breath out. In some way he could easily visualize the swimmer's bedroom perfectly, as if he was lying on Eddward's bed. The white, cold room was completely opposite from his. It was highly organized with labels, and proper, smelled of chlorine and simply cleanliness, but it also held another strong scent. It stood out more so on the sheets of the bed, Kevin had thought it was the teen's cologne, but the fragrance smelled somehow natural.

Somehow highly peaceful

…

Thank you for reading this chapter and being patient. I just have weeks were i'm overloaded with college work, and lose the motivation to write. BUT fear not for i will always write through until i finally get to the end.

This chapter was going to be longer however i decided to break it up cause the second part felt like a seperate chapter. So if i finished it i'll most likely upload on Monday.

So please leave a review, i enjoy reading them very much and helps me stay motivated!

Let me know if you have any thoughts, predictions, and any feels (Nazz seems to know more than we had thought...?)

Look forward to the next time i update! and let's see what happends next!

I hope you have a lovely Day/N