I'm Back!
Haha sorry for really long wait for this chapter, but University has been taking all my time and creativity. I had a huge writer's block and lack of motivation for writing. ANYWAYS I think I figured out a good schedule to work on AWA though updating time might remain every two weeks. If you would like to be informed of any updates about AWA plz follow me on Tumblr or Instagram! (Arielagam)
Hope you enjoy this chapter though it's shorter than chap. 40 (Also plz excuse errors and such I've barely done any edit to this lol)
Early in the morning Eddward had decided to meet up with Ed at the natatorium an hour and a half before school officially started. As captain of the swim team, Eddward's coach had seen how much the teen enjoyed being in the water and allowed him to have a spare key throughout the school year even when swimming wasn't in season. They sat at the top of the bleachers in silence was they thought of what was to come in the following year.
"At least this is Sam's last year" Ed sighed looking up at the ceiling with hunched shoulders leaning back onto the wall. "I don't know what I'd do if I had to deal with him for two years"
Eddward turned to look at the other "When Sam leaves we have Jimmy to deal with and who knows how harsh his supremacy will be"
"Jimmy? You're not going to take over?" Ed asked with slight surprise
"No, I've never had any intention of taking after Sam, why do you ask?" The raven haired teen raised an eyebrow.
The tall brunette looked at Eddward for a moment before chuckling "Everyone in Lemon Brook thinks it's going to be you…Eddy's an idiot" he mumbled out.
"Sam probably doesn't want any shit about leaving the gang to a lower rank member…and correct, we've established that already" the swimmer continued to stare at the taller teen with a questioning look.
"The only reason Eddy is...so obedient I guess is that he wants to take over and defeat you in that sense" Ed frowned crossing his arms.
Shaking his head, Eddward rolled his eyes "He's playing Sam's bitch...does whatever he's ordered to"
The freckled brunette hummed in agreement "...so?"
Leaning forward Eddward rested his elbows in his knees carefully watching the clear water shimmer in the daylight "So, I continue to play Sam's faithful knight and you watch over Kevin and Nazz just as planned"
"Double D..." Ed stared harshly "This needs to stop one day..."
"Ed, you must understand that we are outnumbered. We cannot possibly go up against Sam and Jimmy. They have their fathers to cover their asses but I will be expelled if the department of education finds my association to the gang" Eddward lowly growled "Not only that but Jimmy and Sam will personally see to ruin us and our chances of living a quiet life...they have power we do not"
With a frown Ed gulped "We need something to help us"
"..." the raven haired teen knew he could leave the gang and upon leaving it he would be leaving behind the power he had over the school and trust and respect of the J's and Sam. If he left the gang he would be able to perhaps avoid expulsion from the school, but everything else that came? Ed hadn't had it easy...Leaving would also result in the lack of knowledge to protect Kevin and his annoying blond princess. Without knowledge from the inside it would be difficult to predict the member's plans.
"What if you took over?" Ed breathed
"I've just told you I have no-"
"I know I know! But listen to me Double D" he smiled turning to properly face the other "Take over after Sam, and once you do you can do anything so you disband the gang before we graduate" the teen said excitedly "Simple as that!"
Eddward thought over the plan nodding as he approved though he didn't like it "...that may work, however, Jimmy is Sam's right hand man and logically the title will belong to him"
"Then, take it away from him" Ed placed a hand on the others shoulder grinning "Make Sam whole heartily trust you, he may even spill something we can black mail Jimmy with"
"...you're a genius Ed" Eddward turned to smirk at the taller boy who seemed proud of himself.
"Well of course, I am Double D I'm valedictorian" he winked and elbowed the swimmer
Laughing Eddward shook his head "Simply because I choose not to beat your ass during exams"
"Nope don't care. Technically I'm the smartest kid in Peach Creek High and your second" Ed stood up making his way down the bleachers. He turned to stuck his tongue out playfully though the turn back around nearly made him slip.
Eddward grinned "whatever" he chuckled standing up and following the other Ed down.
"You want to know what I have planned for the graduation?" Ed stated more so than asked once he jumped off the bleachers and looked up at the other a few steps above.
"Let me guess, confetti?" The swimmer asked seemingly uninterested.
"Nope" Ed chuckled in a dark tone "I'll call in sick and make them have you do it"
The raven haired teen stopped in his tracks and intensely stared at Ed "Do not" he stated threateningly.
This made the brunette roar with laughter "I will now!"
"No you will not!" Eddward continued walking down in a rush chasing after Ed who was quickly walking away. "Ed!" Eddward nearly slipped at the last step and flushed when he heard the other's roaring laugh. With a scowl, the raven haired teen steadied himself into his usual straight pose tugging at his leather jacket uncomfortably. He tried keeping the frown though he couldn't help the twitch of a faint smile on his lips from hearing the other's chuckling. It felt good talking to his old friend about simple high school matters, it made him feel grounded and childish.
Ed had practically been a family member to him and there was surely no one in Peach Creek who knew him better than the silly looking brunette. Certainly, it was going to take some time for Eddward to fully trust Ed with his own personal issues once again, but in that moment it felt great to let his guard down for a moment and laugh along with the other teen.
The tall short haired brunette seemed just as pleased with their friendly exchange and gave him a warm smile after calming down from his laughing fit. It was then that Eddward remembered something about the teen that he had almost forgotten. "Ed…" he began his smile dropping down to a sad frown.
"What's wrong Double D?" Ed questioned with a puzzled look dropping his smile as well at the concerned look the other gave him.
Eddward shifted placing his hands in his pockets and looking back at the locker rooms making sure there was still no one around. "How is Sarah?" he asked hesitantly knowing it was somewhat of a sensitive subject for the brunette.
At the mention of the girl, Ed smiled again happy to hear the other's concerns "She's doing a lot better these days, thanks for asking"
The swimmer gave his companion a firm nod "That's good to hear…she's always been strong willed"
"Yeah, she's a fighter alright" Ed chuckled then looked down at his phone to check the time "I'll go check the library and see if Kevin and Nazz are there I'll… see you later Double D"
Eddward nodded in agreement watching as the other opened the doors to the natatorium and quickly look both sides of the hall. Then Ed waved goodbye with a goofy grin and rushed out leaving the athlete alone.
Perhaps Kevin wasn't wrong about rebuilding his old friendship with Ed. The more time they sent together the more nostalgic it felt. A familiarity and comfort he once had with this person was beyond tempting to have once again in his grasp. Yet, hurt still lingered and with it came a flood of painful memories.
Having the big guy back in his life was definitely pleasant as he seemed to have changed for the better. If Eddward had to be honestly he enjoyed the company and simple talks though he would never admit it out loud. However, he couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal from the teen as well; he couldn't let his guard completely down around Ed, not like he did with Kevin.
For some peculiar reason, Kevin had managed to climb the walls he had built easily and gain his trust quickly. Eddward had been confused for a long time, however, something about the lively teen radiated pure trustworthiness. Kevin had been very persistent and strong to have stayed this long with the grumpy swimmer and that only made Eddward grateful.
He wasn't sure when it had happened but Kevin had managed to get Eddward to show his vulnerable side…a side he was absolutely terrified to show anyone. Of course, the raven haired teen still had secrets and dark thoughts he would prefer to keep to himself still afraid that one of those secrets would make the boy run away. Though with each intimate moment he shared with the freckled teen the more Eddward was willing to test the waters.
Ed, however, knew almost everything about him. The guy knew all his hopes and fears and though he may not know about his suicidal attempts he was here now ready to fully support Eddward. The raven haired teen just needed time…the wound Ed and Eddy had left was only starting to heal. Eddward headed into the locker rooms to gather his things feeling nauseated from the thought of the third Ed…
…
Nazz sat across the table vigorously looking down at her notebook as her small pale hand moved in a rush manner preparing for an upcoming essay soon to be due in their AP Lit class. The ginger teen sighed with annoyance falling back in his seat as he stared up through the window watching the puffy clouds sluggishly move through the sky. It had nearly been a week into the new school year and already they were bombarded with a million tedious tasks to do.
Kevin tapped at the screen of his phone quickly glancing at the time before the screen turned off once again. The screen displayed 7:20 for some short seconds before darkening and reflecting his image on the screen. He stared at the screen looking back his image questioning if he truly dared to step into enemy territory. There was nearly an hour before their day began, and this gave Kevin enough time to go searching for Sam.
He had stepped into enemy territory once before, though accidentally before it became something purposefully. The freckled teen was aware that this wasn't the same as when he had gone searching for Eddward. Kevin had no real reason to go searching for Sam, and if the guy deemed so Kevin could be easily handed to the lions to be torn apart. Eddward and Sam were different despite their similar appearances. Eddward, as Kevin had noticed long ago, stood in during the beatings as a way to control the J's from over doing it. Sam was unknown…
The unknown knowledge of who Sam had turned out to be scared the freckled teen. Though, it wasn't enough to shrivel up his determination to get the raven haired out of this chaos. Sam had something on Eddward and he needed to find out what that was. Though, it concerned him that Eddward had yet to trust him with that information, meaning it meant a whole lot to the swimmer.
So, two minutes of contemplating Kevin finally came to a conclusion "Hey, I'll be right back. Gotta go to the bathroom" he lied standing up from his seat.
Nazz hand stopped moving and looked up slowly "ok" she responded without suspicion quickly returning to look at the journal full of neat scribbles. "Ed should be here soon" she commented as her hand began moving once again regaining her lost focus.
Kevin nodded turning away "right" he said rethinking his choice of looking for Sam. If Ed noticed his disappearance then his plans would all tumble down. Better make it quick he thought quickly making his way out of the library and sneaking off into the East hall where he had bumped into the tall blond on the first day.
For the past couple of days, he had attempted to find Sam to no avail. It was as if the guy was in hiding or knew how to avoid the ginger teen. It was very suspicious and worrisome because it only made the small teen think about the blonde's gang activities. It didn't help Kevin that the senior students were so obnoxious and territorial. There were certain areas in the upper levels of the high school that 'belonged' to the upperclassmen. He gave a scowl in the direction of a group of upperclassmen huddled together as he passed by.
There were a lot of things wrong with Peach Creek High from corrupt principal to a chaotic student system. It was simply impossible for teachers and grown up to not be aware of things that happened at the school. He was sure this whole hierarchy was put in play many years ago when adults like Kevin's dad went here. Though, why did no one ever say anything? Were they all afraid of whoever was in charge, maybe they chose to believe it was all over or perhaps they really didn't care? It was weird... if he had a kid and knew that their school was messed up then Kevin would surely move away knowing well how it feels to be on the victim's side. Hopefully, Eddward and Ed figured out something to put a stop to this situation. It wasn't right at all…
Kevin came to figure out that Sam was quite the difficult one to find even though the entire school swooned and talked about him. It was as if he was hiding and knew Kevin was looking for him. No matter where the small teen wondered off to he just couldn't find the tall blond. So, in that particular morning when Kevin turned a corner of the math section he found Sam leaning against some lockers scrolling through his phone as if waiting for him.
The blond looked up from his bright screen to observe the small ginger that stood stunned a few feet away. "Hey there freckles"
…
Ed walked into the now busy library noticing more students roaming the halls the closer it got to the start of their school day. His long legs carried him through the library to the very back where he found Nazz anxiously looking at her phone. She gasped when she saw him and stood up rushing over to him. "What's wrong? Where is Kevin Nazz?" he rushed to meet her.
"I don't know he said he was going to the bathroom but that was like 25 minutes ago!" she gasped in horror "you don't think the J's have him?"
Ed frantically turned around to go out looking for the ginger when he suddenly stopped in his tracts seeing the familiar ginger teen enter the library. Both he and the girl released a breath of relief. Kevin gave them a small wave when he spotted them.
"Kevin where were you!" Nazz exclaimed as she rushed over to the freckled teen and inspected him for any injuries.
"Sorry, I remembered I had to grab my Lit text from my locker" he smiled sheepishly
Nazz sighed again shaking her head slowly "You had me worried dumb dumb… You could have at least waited for Ed to go with you"
"My bad, but I'm fine Nazz" Kevin reassured the girl with a soft smile. "Hey Ed" he turned his attention to the taller teen.
"Hi Hi" Ed greeted him with a relieved smile "Double D would have had my head if something happened" Ed laughed nervously.
"Double D…" Nazz turned to look at Ed with a puzzled look and raised eyebrow "I haven't heard that nickname since the three of you broke it off" she frowned in thought "Good thing Eddy isn't here or else this school would be a complete disaster…I'm getting a headache just remembering middle school" she muttered.
Kevin simply gave her an apologetic look and chuckled trying to imagine who this Eddy guy was. Clearly, it was a touchy subject to the two Ed's, both usually turning somber and angry at the name.
They heard the bell ring loudly indicating the start of their school day. While the entire student body rapidly rushed out of the library, Kevin and Nazz quickly headed back to their table to quickly gather their things with Ed following cheerily behind.
…
Their days quickly fell into a routine and although the J's were still up to their usual deeds they seemed to leave Kevin and Nazz alone. This puzzled the ginger teen completely. There had been many instances that Kevin had bumped ran into the J's and many times they simply glared at him or scared him off. Never, however, did they catch him. Perhaps they had gotten bored with him or maybe this was Eddward's doing. Either way, Kevin couldn't be more thankful than he had been these couple of weeks.
The situation with Sam was quite weird for Kevin and it only got weirder the more he spent time talking to him. During their quick talks (which usually took place in the morning or during lunch), Kevin would notice simple traits of the blonde's character. Sam, as Kevin came to noticed was a lot like Eddward when he was still bullying. They both possessed this particular trait, besides their piercing blue eyes. Neither boy let themselves be found or heard unless they wanted one to.
There were times when Sam was clearly irritated and Kevin knew to keep at a distance. While Eddward let his frustration show, Sam did not let it show directly. Sam would smile though Kevin would notice his lip twitch and eyes would be cold.
Throughout their simple conversations Kevin and Sam typically talked about their two years after middle school usually leaving out anything related to the bullying and it was as if Sam knew nothing the gang that he ran. That is until this particular day when Sam and Kevin sat on the stair case that went from the back part of the school to the second floor.
The two boys had gone silent for a long moment observing the tiles on the stairs. "How are Eddward, Jimmy and Johnny treating you?" he asked casually leaning back.
"W-what do you mean?" Kevin asked perplexed by the sudden question.
Sam gave him a look with a raised eyebrow "Don't think I don't know you are their desired target to play with" he smirked.
"I…What?" Kevin tried to play oblivious looking to the side.
The tall blond simply chuckled and reached over to lightly pull at Kevin's collar "I see they've been good" he smiled seeing nothing but pale freckled skin.
"What are you talking about?" the ginger teen frowned pushing away the hand.
"Don't play ignorant freckles" Sam leaned forward.
Kevin frowned deeper leaning away "What's it to you?" he asked meeting the other's terribly dark eyes.
"Nothing" Sam hummed looking up to the ceiling "Just be pleased you are on good terms with me"
"Are you their leader?" Kevin asked now finding some courage to step further in the water.
"Something like that" he hummed continuing his intense stare on the ceiling.
"Why?" Kevin turned to look at the blond now.
Sam lowered his eyes to meet Kevin's "Why what?"
"Why are you doing this?"
The blonde pouted in thought and sighed after a moment "boredom?" he smirked "and this is very entertaining"
"What?" Kevin gasped out astonished at the simple answer he received "Are you serious?"
"Oh very serious love" Sam grin's grew seeing the flush on the other.
Kevin wasn't sure if he was flushing from fury or the stupid little nickname but he was most definitely angry. "What the fuck man!" Kevin stood up looking down "What the actual FUCK. Do you know many people are suffering because of your fucking boredom?"
Sam stood up as well now towering over Kevin much the same way Eddward had done. Eyes dark and penetrating, frown prominent and intimidating. "Don't raise your voice" his voice was harsh. "…and don't get on my bad side, freckles" Sam stated.
The blonde's fingers wrapped gently around Kevin bringing him close "Eddward is very good at disciplining people like you…" Kevin eyes went wide at the statement and held his breath terrified Sam would toss him down the stairs right then and now. "I will be very distraught if I have to call him…Do I have to call him?" he asked.
Kevin shook his head slowly his body going tense and frozen at the other's words. "I am pleased you understand freckles" Sam let go ruffling the ginger hair under the cap. "I'll see you around then" the blonde lazily stepped down the stairs and left leaving behind a very stunned ginger.
He felt his entire body begin to tremble leaving his lungs a suffocating mess. He slowly sank back down on the stairs realization that Sam was the one controlling this game. If he fucked up the tall blonde would snap his fingers and there he would instantly be again to the same spot getting beat up by the J's. Where would Eddward stand in this? Would he leave him again? Would he defend him this time? What did Sam even mean by Eddward was good as disciplining people like him? It was harder to breathe with every popping question that soared through his mind.
What did Eddward even do?
…
Eddward easily noted the ghostly expression that the ginger boy held as he entered their precalc classroom and gave him a very concerned look. He waited until Kevin sat down next to him and noticed the boy made no effort in making eye contact with him. "Kevin?" Eddward whispered lowly enough for the other to hear.
"Hm?" Kevin hummed still avoiding making eye contact but moving to take out a notebook and pencil.
"Kevin look at me" Eddward raised his voice a just a bit to sound firm. However, Kevin would not turn instead he saw the teen squeeze at his pencil tightly. It frustrated Eddward that he couldn't do a thing about it as their class was just seconds from starting, so he resolved in leaving the teen alone for now.
The rest of their class went by excruciatingly slow. The raven haired teen would glance to the other and became more concerned every time he did. He noticed after two glances that Kevin was not paying attention to their lecture at all. The ginger's freckled hands would not move to take notes, nor did his olive eyes see reality. It was as if Kevin was deeply thinking or conceivably remembering something.
Eddward wanted nothing more than to pull the small teen out of the classroom and rip him away from whatever was causing him distress. So, as the clocked finally ticked to the last minute ending their 5th period, Eddward quickly shoved his belongings in his backpack and did the same thing with Kevin's. It was then that the freckled teen finally looked at him with surprise and confusion and the athlete only frowned at him.
The swimmer grabbed Kevin by the arm and led him out of the classroom. "What are you doing?" Kevin yelped as he was dragged along a hall.
"We're leaving" Eddward frowned
"What why?" the ginger tried to catch up to the other's long steps.
Eddward simply turned and frowned at him and made Kevin shut up. The freckled teen went limp and let the other pull him along. A few moments of silence and Eddward abruptly came to a stop making Kevin look up. They were hiding behind a corner as Eddward silently looked around looking for another direction. Suddenly Kevin's hearing seemed to came to its senses as he heard Jimmy laughing on the other side. He lifted his hand to hold onto Eddward's jacket for comfort.
In a quick second, Eddward turned them around and quickly headed down a different hall. This particular hall he knew led them down to the natatorium. As soon as Kevin, saw the door to the room he felt calmed. Eddward pulled out a set of keys and opened the door ushering Kevin inside first. Then locked the door again once inside.
Kevin stepped onto the bleachers and dropped his backpack on the floor taking a seat and staring at the shimmering water. His view was interrupted as a dark figured stepped in front of him with crossed arms and a frown (though Eddward looked worried than upset). "Tell me what happened" the other demanded.
The smaller teen looked up in a trance taking a moment to process the question "…nothing" he croaked out.
"Kevin I'm serious" The swimmer's frown deepened.
Kevin's mouth opened to say something but he seemed to lose his voice. What should he do? He wasn't sure if he should tell the other of his meetings with Sam. Obviously, he would be angry, but if Kevin were to upset Sam…Kevin didn't want Eddward to find out in that way. "It's Sam…" he finally spoke in a whisper looking down at his feet.
"Did he do anything to you?" Eddward lowered himself in front of Kevin's knees meeting the teen's olive eyes.
Kevin shook his head "No, that's not it" he muttered forming his small hands into fists. "Can you answer me something?" he questioned thinking back to what Sam said.
The swimmer hesitantly nodded surprised by the question "What is it?"
Kevin straightened up looking away from the other's stare "um…What do you do?"
Eddward raised an eyebrow "What do you mean?"
"I mean in the g-gang…" He looked down at the blue eyed teen looking at him curiously "…What do you do?"
The raven haired gulped looking down at Kevin freckled hand "I'd rather you not know" he mumbled sadly.
"I want to know…" Kevin frowned
With a sigh, Eddward turned to look at Kevin again "You're avoiding my question"
"And you're avoiding mine" Kevin breathed out a frustrated sigh. "Sam said you disciplined people like me, what does that mean?"
At that Eddward seemed to pause, his eyebrows lowering and face darkening "Have you been talking to him?"
Kevin held his breath knowing there was no going back on his words "…yeah" he mumbled in a low whisper lowering his gaze.
Eddward face went emotionless as he stood up rubbing at his neck "What did I tell you" he spoke huskily.
Kevin followed the other with his eyes in apology "I'm sorry…I know you told me to stay away but I just thought—"
"That Sam would listen or that he would regret his actions?" Eddward turned looking at Kevin with irritation.
"Maybe…?" Kevin said stupidly "I mean I don't know I was able to talk to you…"
Eddward stared down at the teen stunned "What am I?"
The ginger teen looked up unable to answer the other's question "Your Eddward…"
"What am I to you?" The athlete questioned again in frustration "It sounds like you tamed the lion and are looking to go conquer the next monster"
"What! No! Eddward no! You're my friend!" Kevin stood up shocked.
"He and I are not the same" Eddward's body tensed "He isn't what you think Kevin. There is a reason why I specifically instructed you to stay away. This is a problem Ed and I will resolve. You just need to stay away"
"I can't let you deal with this alone!" Kevin grabbed at the other's jacket "I'm trying to help you!"
"You can't do anything about it! This is my mess to deal with and I'm just trying to protect you!" Eddward grabbed Kevin arm tensely.
"Tell me!" Kevin yelled out "Tell me what Sam is black mailing you with and I'll find a way out for you"
"I can't do that" Eddward turned away "It'll ruin everything…" he tightly held onto Kevin's arm. "I…" He paused closing his eyes "Please…Please just listen to me"
Kevin sighed sadly placing his hand on the other's strong grip. "Promise me you'll find a way out" the ginger teen whimpered out.
"I will" Eddward loosened his hold.
The smaller teen then wrapped his arms around the other's torso and squeezed tightly "I don't want this to get out of hand Eddward…"
"It won't" Eddward mumbled wrapping an arm around the smaller teen "Now…What did Sam say to you?"
Kevin tightened his hold hiding his face in the other's chest. "He didn't say much…Just told me that if I didn't behave he would call you to discipline me"
"What did you say?" Eddward pulled Kevin away staring at him almost scared.
Kevin looked up with wide confused eyes "nothing…well, I kind of got mad and yelled at him"
"Damn it Kevin" Eddward whispered holding tightly onto Kevin shoulders.
"Are you going to follow through if he does call you?" Kevin questioned his hands still holding tightly onto the other's jacket.
"Of course not…but's it's too early for him to figure that out" Eddward sighed out lowering his head.
"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to complicate things for you" Kevin mumbled
Those beautiful cyan eyes glanced up meeting his olive orbs "I understand but leave this in my hands ok?"
"Yeah…ok" Kevin bit his lip realizing how safe he felt in the other's arms. It felt warm and comforting though the action only reminded him of Sam's terrifying embrace making him leaning closer to Eddward.
The swimmer on the other hand, felt nothing but restless after the discovery of Kevin's meetings with Sam. This was definitely not going to end well because the tall blond had no reason what's so ever to interact with Kevin. Meaning Sam was aware of something…or else he would have threatened Kevin with calling Jimmy to do the evil deed. Eddward needed to make sure no one was aware that the freckled teen wrapped up in his embrace was utterly his mortal flaw.
…
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Let me know what you thought!
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Look forward to the next time I update! and let's see what happens next.
I hope you have a lovely Day/Night XOXO