All We Are

by Ariela246

Eddward frankly was a very mysterious guy. There were people in school who respected him, most, however, feared his intimidating presence. Little Kevin had no idea how Eddward had gotten so much power in his possession, but he hoped someone would step up and give him a piece of his own medicine. [REV!KEVEDD] SLOW BURN(Warning: Graphic Violence & Self Harm! Please read with caution)

57. Chapter 57

Update: So I am in fact slowly rewriting All We Are in my own time. I'm formatting it into a manuscript actually! I'm excited to make so many edits haha and have been wanting to publish it one day. I see this fanfic as a first draft in a way. I am also writing the next chapter so do not worry. It's just hard to balance a day job, art projects, writing the manuscript and the fanfic chapters.

Anyways, I'm still in the early stages of starting this possible self pub journey. Also, another thing that has been on my mind, if i ever want to publish this i would have to change all characters that are not OC's. That obviously means, character design, names and so on (It's sad, but also exciting to create a diverse main cast, let me know what you think). So I hope this doesn't bum anyone out but it is something I have to do. Just know this original Rev!kevedd fanfic will always be Rev!kevedd and will always be EENE. I love them always.

And I hope that you can fall in love with the new evolved characters in whatever the final version of All We Are turns out to be.

Let me know your thoughts on the possible future of All We Are :3

I hope to find a better way to communicate with you all, cause after all I wouldn't want to take this step without your constant support and love for this story. (Thinking about maybe doing weekly or monthly updates through youtube, or maybe blogs through tumblr or something else. Not sure so let me know!).

And enjoy the current chapter!

---

"You have until this Saturday to prepare yourself. I want you to go do the initiation for the Eastern's that night. I don't care what you have to do to convince Papa Aloe but you have to convince him" Sam had cornered Kevin Barr in between classes and now here he was walking in the evening trying to find the address for the Easterns. It would have been much easier if he had went straight there but he needed to see Eddward first. He knew the raven haired teen will murder him when they arrive back to the Vincent residence to find Kevin in whatever condition he would be after this initiation. If he made it back before them.

He wasn't confident at all. He didn't feel prepared but he knew he couldn't fail whatever task they made him do. He had to come back successful or else everything would be ruined. His nerves were choking him, it was a sensation that made him revert in on himself. His stomach flipping, Kevin wasn't one to go out and pick fights like this but it seemed like life kept wanting him to fight. So he would.

A part of him wished Nazz was with him, holding his hand and comforting him with a kiss to his temple like she would always do. He missed her already...but she was too blinded by Sam to see what he was and that made him angry. She could be with someone much more worthy of her and yet she let herself be seduced by the devil.

But it was different, the same and yet different. At the end of the day Kevin knew Eddward was someone worth saving because the raven haired teen wanted and needed to be saved. While Sam was at that fine line, the guy didn't want change he wanted something dark and if Nazz was serious about him then he would lead her down a dangerous path. She was better than that, Kevin knew that and Kevin wanted something or someone better for her. He didn't trust Sam.

Kevin knew now that Sam was manipulative and deceitful. And no way in hell was he falling for his tricks again, and this made him wonder if Eddward was fully aware of Sam's manipulation? Because no matter how many times Kevin begs the raven haired teen to leave the Great White Sharks, Eddward doesn't. And truth be told, it broke his heart every time he heard that rejection. It was as if Sam wins every time, and a part of him wonders if Eddward actually wants to leave the gang?

But that thought of doubt is a part of Sam manipulation talking, right? Because how many times has Sam told Kevin that Eddward won't leave his side? That Eddward is toying with Kevin? The seed has been planted and it has managed to grow in the circulation of his anxious thoughts. Sometimes it feels as though he was barely holding onto the raven haired teen nowadays, as if his influence doesn't reach Eddward the way it used to months ago. It felt as if the hold they once had at the beginning of their Junior year had slowly begun to slip from the moment that Sam had shown his face at Peach Creek High.

Kevin stopped reaching to hold his dog tag tightly in his hand and squeezed his eyes shut. What happened the night that he found Eddward passed out on the staircase? It had been a terrifying feeling to see the boy's body all lifeless like that. Eddward didn't seem to confide in him the way he used to, and that hurt. Kevin's palms became sweaty and his stomach was nauseous and his legs were shaky.

He stopped to bottle up the doubtful thoughts sneaking into his head, and he stopped to think about the way Eddwrad's hand felt on his freckled cheek and how he desperately wanted to just be enveloped in the athlete's strong embrace again. Because Sam is deceitful, and doesn't know Eddward the way Kevin does. Kevin knows there's more to Eddward than what Sam wants to believe. Sam is implementing a fantasy onto Eddward, he wants Eddward to be the tough, scary bad guy. He wants something horribly monstrous out of Eddward, but Kevin knows that isn't what the raven haired boy wants.

And it occurred to Kevin in that dreadful moment that Sam...cunning, egotistical, and despicable Sam Dubois is just another version of Dr. Vincent. That maybe the reason Eddward stays by Sam's side is because Sam is a close resemblance to Dr. Vincent in the way he tortures and keeps Eddward around. Eddward is getting more out of Sam than his own father and that thought hurts…

… Dr. Vincent, for one reason or another, had never truly abandoned his son. As messed up as it was, the man had always let Eddward to stay in that house. He visits and begs Eddward to change into what the man wants out of him. He spits out vicious words and beats his son, but never truly forces Eddward...Dr. Vincent, an outrageous, despicable and absolutely unforgivable evil man. Has never forced his son out of the house or disowned him...or dragged him out to those horrifying conversion institutions. All this to say...but as fucked up as it is, Dr. Vincent like Sam Dubois has kept some kind of hold on Eddward throughout all these years. And Kevin wondered why?

A consistent influence, one that had never allowed Eddward to move forward and Kevin maybe understands Eddward a little better now. Understands that these despicable people have always had a stronger hold on the teen, and might always will. Because to these people, Eddward means something to them and as long as they don't let go, then Eddward might never truly change.

Kevin wants to see Eddward so desperately right then and there, and hug him tightly and tell him he deserves better too. But he can't… not right now at least. So he takes a deep breath and makes his way to the neighborhood he is looking for with clenched fists.

…

It takes Kevin half an hour to find the house that is written on the scrap of paper. The neighborhood was similar to his, though a bit more rustic and open. Less houses with wide spaces of yards fenced with wire. There were few streetlamps between the streets making the scene eerie and he quickly realized most houses had their lights turned off which was odd for a weekend.

Kevin took one more look at the note before shoving it into his pocket, and a part of him had been wondering why exactly Sam had wanted his initiation to be on the night of his birthday. Part of the reason, he was sure, was to get Eddward out of the way. The other, seemed to be that somehow Sam possibly knew that the Eastern Sharks were going to have a gathering. The entrance of the house was vacant but inside the house was illuminated and as he looked at the backyard he found that that was the source of all the commotion.

He clenched his hands into fists crumbling the piece of paper in his hand. His heart was pounding all over again, but if they were allied with The Northern Fangs then they couldn't be all that bad, right? With a deep breath in Kevin made his way towards the back of the house where he saw a small group of people huddled together. They chatted and drank the same brand of beer his dad did, and that made him wonder what his dad would think or say if he knew that Kevin was in gang territory by himself. Well, not as if that was a first, he knew his dad would be sure to murder him if he knew half the shit Kevin got up to. The guilt of lying hurt him...his dad was too trusting of him.

One of the members, a man of around his late twenties caught sight of him and only stared as if he knew exactly who Kevin was and that only fueled his anxiety. The man stood up whispered something to another man close in age and when that man looked back Kevin saw the majority of the crowd turn to stare at him. They all had the same look in their eyes, as if knowing and curious. A woman who looked in her thirties stood up and walked towards him. "Don't be scared, Papa Aloe has been wanting to speak to you for some time now. Come in"

Kevin stands there for a few more seconds, not knowing what the hell was going on and if Sam had something to do with all this. Finally he walked through the gate the woman had opened for him. He noticed that one of the men that had initially spotted him had left the group, Kevin assumed it was to inform the gang leader. He turned to look up at the woman "You knew I was coming?"

The woman gave him a soft smile "We knew you'd have to eventually show up. We've seen you wearing our jacket kid"

"Where's the boy?" an old raspy voice spoke out from the entrance into the house and everything in Kevin's bones telling him to make a run for it now. But he needed to do this and needed to know why they hadn't seeked him out if they knew.

The ginger boy walked into sight and saw the same man that he had seen in the photograph at the pub. He was much older now, around his mid 60's perhaps, but regardless of his age he was still a huge bulky man. Compared to him, Kevin was nothing more but a hobbit. The man also reminded him of another mystery he had stumbled across in the wolf bar. He knew that Papa Aloe had known Eddward's mother twenty years back, and it was something he wanted to ask about, but maybe not tonight. "What's your name boy?" his deep raspy voice broke Kevin of his curious thoughts.

"Kevin Barr sir" he says trying to keep a poker face, but his head is filing through a million questions and his anxiety is all but just extenuating them in order to distract from his fear.

Papa Aloe stared down at him with calm and thoughtful eyes. The man is already testing him, Kevin realized. Then the man laughed as if he knew well what was going through Kevin's head. "You're an interesting kid, Kevin Barr. Does your father know you're here?"

"No...he doesn't know" Kevin frowns at the man, questioning why he had said just father instead of parents as if knowing exactly who his dad is.

"Tom, wouldn't be happy" Papa Aloe states, confirming Kevin suspicions. The man could read his thoughts and that scared Kevin.

"How do you know my dad?" Everything in the ginger teen's mind was now on full blast. This wasn't just a simple task Sam had sent him on, this was now something else entirely. And Kevin had to investigate every nook and cranny. Just what the hell was going on?

Papa Aloe chuckled again, leaning down as if tired, and someone pulled a chair for the man to sit down. Once he settled down he smiled down at Kevin with an observing look. "I know your father as well as your mother...I watched them fall in love and I witnessed their fallout. They were introduced to me by one of my members a very long time ago. I've met you once before boy." Kevin stared up with wide eyes, his hands and legs now still. No longer scared but rather intrigued. He stayed quiet and waited for the man who continued to stare down at him with observant calm eyes. "I met you when you were just a babe. Less than a year old. Your mother brought you with her once when she sought out my advice. I'm sorry to say my advice lead to her leaving you"

Kevin's mouth would have been wide open in shock if he wasn't focusing on keeping his composure. This was why his father wouldn't be happy to know Kevin was here? "My dad was angry with you, wasn't he?"

"Yes. He resented me for it" The huge man smiled down at him sadly. "Now...It is my turn to ask you some questions" Kevin gulped, fearful of the situation that was now unraveling itself. This was not how the night was supposed to go. "Tell me, why is the son of Tom Barr running around with The Great White Sharks? Why are you pretending to be one of us?"

Of course they had known. Kevin wasn't being entirely subtle about it but he didn't think they would ever actually spot him. This just reminded him how small the town was. "I'm not one of them, The Great Whites Sharks I mean...if that's what your asking"

"I hoped not" the man frowned leaning back on his chair "But you get on with that other boy...the King of Sharks. We've seen you two on various occasions. You sneak around together almost as if you two were glued by your hips...that boy, Kevin..." Papa Aloe's voice and stare now deepened in a dark manner that sent chills down his spine. "...is rotten. He's a loyal hound of that Dubois kid. Son of the King of Beasts"

With a firm shake of his head Kevin mirrored the man's darkened expression "Eddward's isn't like that. He's good"

"Is he now?" The man breathed in heavily and cleared his throat "You call a man who goes around tainting his hands with blood good?" the man watched as Kevin's eyes widened once again "No, he doesn't kill, child. Not yet at least. It won't be long, I presume that the Dubois family will initiate him within the following year. Guess what it will entail?"

"He'll be out before then, Sam promised. He promised to free Eddward by the end of the school year" Kevin pushed, defending Eddward. This man didn't know anything about Eddward.

"You truly believe that?" Papa Aloe grinned amused by Kevin words "You're naive and foolish if you do"

"I do believe it" Kevin glared up at the man wondering if his views on Eddward's mother had changed as she had. Maybe the man might understand? Maybe Papa Aloe had seen the change in Isabella "you said that you met my parents through one of your members. That member didn't happen to be Isabella Garcia, right?"

The man pressed his lips together and nodded "Isabella...Yes, she was one of my sharks. Friend of your mother and father"

"Eddward is Isabella's son…" Kevin paused waiting for the information to sink in, but the man kept a firm and collected expression. "I don't know who Isabella used to be, but she abandoned and rejected her son. He's known nothing but rejection from everyone around him. So no way in hell am I giving up on him. One way or another I'm going to get him out of this fucked up mess. He won't go another year in the hands of Sam Dubois" Kevin spoke through gritted teeth. Yeah, maybe he was foolish, but he was a Barr man and that meant he would stay true to his word, despite it all.

"This is why you're working with them? To save that Vincent boy?"

In a sure yet breathless voice Kevin responded "yes" and he noticed something in Papa Aloe's expression change, almost as if the man was looking at a familiar face. And Kevin wondered if the man was staring at the expression of his father or his mother on his face? Who did he resemble right now?

With a sigh the man asked "Why have you come tonight, Kevin Barr?"

"I've come to seek out your help sir...I need your help" Kevin frowned his nerves coming back to him but he found a new strength in the thought he was here for Eddward. "Raine believes me to be part of your gang… and that's the issue. I'm not"

"You want my family to protect your lies?" the man scowled "Why do you need Raine to believe you? We could easily spoil your plans and let Raine unleash their wrath on you."

"Please" Kevin started feeling tense and still somewhat angry at the man before him "I'm sure you've heard of the masked man running around Lemon Brooke?"

"I've been told of their havoc" the man gestured for Kevin to continue.

"Raine believes it to be someone from the Great Whites Sharks… but he or should I say they aren't, as far as I know. The thing is, the masked man is targeting Sam's gang, and not only that they might be after my friends too. Eddward being one of them." Kevin clarified.

With a breath in the man looked around his gang members before looking back at Kevin "You want Raine to team up with Dubois? Fight against a common rival and for that you need us to give Raine confirmation of your affiliation in order to get their wholehearted trust. Or else risk the consequence of starting a war between the two gangs."

"Yes...sir" Kevin tightly held his fists at his side.

There was a long and tensed silence that ran through the gang. Kevin's hands were beginning to get moist from sweat as he focused in on the flickering of the fire embers behind him and the occasional sniff. "We've been an inactive gang for years now. We haven't involved ourselves in gang drama and fights. And you come along asking us to risk our friendship with the Northern Fangs in order to save your friends?"

"This won't only save my friends sir…" Kevin breathed out "this will save yours too. How will you stand there and watch the Fangs get targeted by an unknown enemy? Either way, sir, I believe you will be risking your friendship with the Fangs"

Papa Aloe stared at him in that same observing way the man had been watching him from the moment he laid eyes on Kevin. "Kevin…" he finally spoke out "In order for this to happen, you are aware that we need confirmation of your affiliation right? Who and what are you truly loyal to? Is it wise of us to trust you? You will be representing my family, our beliefs and our strength."

"I'll do anything to give you confirmation...the only ones I'm loyal to are my friends and family, sir. Sam Dubois can rot in a cell for all I care."

This made Papa Aloe burst out into a heartfelt laugh before clearing his throat once again almost saying 'you are your father's son alright' "Fine, boy. Prove yourself right here and now. Show us your willpower" Kevin watched the man raise a hand and give a gesture behind him "As you can see, all my members are much older than you, child. We haven't had an initiation in almost a decade!"

A small figure started coming out of the shadows of the apparent vacant house behind Papa Aloe. "It wouldn't be fair for you to fight any of my members. So happens, there's someone from the Northern Fangs here tonight." Familiar dark brown shaggy hair and light eyes came into view and it made Kevin's heart stop as he stared at all the piercings, and ripped black jeans. "Hunter, what do you say? Up for a fight?" the man spoke to the tiny teen standing beside him now.

Hunter stared down at Kevin with an expression that Kevin could only read as pure anger and distrust. Fuck Kevin thought all his nervousness spilling out of him. He thought back to Eddward's fight against Hunter and he knew if Raine hadn't stopped it, Hunter would have won that fight. So how the hell was HE going to win? Kevin knew he was entirely screwed because not only was he up against Hunter, but now there was someone from the Northern Fangs that knew he had lied to Raine and the gang.

"Do not fret about your secret being revealed, Hunter is my grandson." Papa Aloe had read Kevin's anxious stare "Though you should know my grandson is quite the rough fighter, Kevin. You're up against one of the greatest members of the Northern Fangs. But if you are as strong as your loyalty, I've no doubt you can win." With that the East Sharks members started moving around creating a circle away from the fire. Hunter didn't say anything and instead just intensely glared at Kevin as he walked down the porch steps and towards Kevin.

The ginger boy held his breath realizing it was all starting and he was scared shitless. But he held his composure as he glared back at Hunter. If he won this fight by some miracle, would he be able to trust Hunter to keep his secret and support him? "Don't rough him up too much Hunter" someone in the crowd said with a chuckle as if they knew as well as Kevin that it was nearly impossible for him to win this.

"No way in fucking hell am I going easy" Hunter finally spoke out in a growl.

The woman who had let Kevin in, stepped into the circle and held a hand out to Hunter "Give…" she said "This is going to be a fair fight...no weapons" with a scowl and an annoyed groan, Hunter started pulling out knives from the sleeves of his hoodie and under his belt. He handed over three knives, and the woman gave him a raised eyebrow "All of them"

"Fucking witch" Hunter frowned lifting his boot and pulled out a small knife under his pant leg. "Ok I swear those are the only ones I have one me tonight"

With a smile the woman then handed the knives to another in the crowd. And moved to stand in the middle and watch as a man came behind Kevin and whispered something to him. Then the freckled boy handed over his phone "Alright we're all clear"

"What about him!" Hunter yelps in annoyance pointing a stretched hand in Kevin's direction.

"He's not armed, kid." She said with a roll of her eyes.

"Jesus fucking christ, you don't even pat him down" Hunter growled out kicking at grass.

"You're the only menace here as far as we know Hunter" Papa Aloe calls out with a laugh. "Besides, we know you can handle yourself if he does pull out a weapon. And we will know his true affiliation"

"Fuck it then. Come on!" Hunter looked at Kevin with a hungry expression and it scared the shit out of the freckled boy.

"Alright boys, no weapons...obviously. Anything else goes, we stop the fight if it gets too out of hand. First one to pin the other down for 3 full seconds wins" she then backed up.

"Don't get comfortable, I'll be quick," Hunter smirked, launching forward and throwing the first punch. Kevin managed to step out of range and took a fighting stand of bending his knees like Eddward instructed him to do.

Keep your guard up, knees bend to keep your stance firm and arms up blocking your head and face. Always keep them up. Chin down.

Hunter stepped forward punching with his other arm and Kevin blocks it successfully but the punch hurts. Kevin at this point realizes how strong Hunter is and he wonders if he'll be able to pin the shaggy haired teen down.

Be prepared to attack, as soon as you block, kick as hard as you can. They'll be open for a split second, so don't hesitate.

Kevin kicked as hard as he could and it somehow trips Hunter. The smaller teen wasn't expecting for Kevin to actually fight, Kevin realizes. But now Hunter stared at him with wide eyes as if enraged and guarded.

Clench your fist tightly and work fast. Sometimes, you won't have time to think. Let adrenaline kick in and move you forward.

Kevin threw the punch this time but Hunter quickly blocked it by lifting his arms up and Kevin's punch hit Hunter's forearm.

When you attack, make sure not to lower your defence, be ready to defend at any moment if they block your attack. Return their hit.

Kevin wasn't fast enough and Hunter being smaller than Kevin was able to dodge underneath Kevin, pushed Kevin's arm down and with his elbow hit Kevin in his face. Kevin barely managed to lift a hand to stop Hunter's hit, but failed and he winced at the sharp pain of the contact.

If you're in the position where they land a hit on you, prepare to come back by defending your weak spot. Lift your arms and lunch forward. Cover yourself and remember your entire body is a weapon. Use it all to take advantage again. Attack low.

Kevin felt Hunter land many punches but the ginger boy had lifted his arms up covering his face and waited to attack. In a split second, keeping his chin down, Kevin reached for Hunter's arm pushing it down and forcing an opening. And with his other hand punched at Hunter's face as many times as he could.

With a yell of anger, Hunter grabbed the freckled arm that had a hold of him and moved back yanking Kevin forward harshly and hit him with his knee to the stomach and took this opportunity to land punches and shoved Kevin down.

Kevin rolled over knowing he was doomed if he kept his back to Hunter. Hunter however had straddled him and tried to punch but Kevin blocked them with his arms. Hunter was fast but obviously more skilled with his knives than with his fists, Kevin observed and took this to his advantage.

The freckled boy lifted his hips up trying to shove the shaggy haired boy on top of him off, but failed. Hunter tightened his thighs on him and moved to grab his arms trying to pin Kevin down. As soon as the crowd surrounding them starts counting, Kevin decides to play dirty and spits at Hunter's face.

With a grossed out groan Hunter lets him go and Kevin hears some laugh in the crowd. He takes this opportunity to hit as hard as he can, sending Hunter back as he hit the teen's nose straight on. "FUCK" Hunter yelps out "Fuck!"

Kevin moves forward now getting on top of Hunter and trying to force him to turn around. But Hunter isn't having any of it and bites Kevin's arm. With a yelp Kevin pulls his arm back but keeps his other arm up protecting his face. Hunter sits up and Kevin tightens his straddle on the teen.

They're wrestling now, trying to pin down the other by any means they can. Hunter's nose was bleeding, and Kevin knew his arm was bleeding from the bite. Kevin let the adrenaline fully kick in, hoping it would provide strength because he was quickly getting tired. Hunter however, was managing to land many hits on him. Kevin's chest hurt. He knew he needed to create distance now, to catch his breath and take a different approach.

Kevin elbowed Hunter hard and jumped up and off of him taking a few steps back. Hunter immediately stood up and launched forward. Hunter's arms were wide and ready to pick Kevin up and shoved him down. Kevin redirected one of Hunter's arms, and grabbed onto Kevin's leg instead. Like this Kevin is then able to wrap his arms Hunter's neck and shove him down too.

Except Kevin doesn't get to shove Hunter down because the bastard bites him again. And real fucking hard, Kevin yells out but pushes forward anyways. Hunter then punched Kevin again right in his eye and Kevin knows he'll have a black eye from this. The shaggy haired teen smirked and shoved Kevin down again and started punching hard and fast, Kevin only blocks some but Hunter is a maniac and hits him everywhere he can.

Kevin had managed to sneak a leg out of Hunter's straddle and he tried to kick his groin but Hunter grabbed his leg and pinned it to his waist in a tight hold. His other arm grabbed hold of Kevin's arm and pinned that down on the ground. Kevin had one free arm and he punched heavily at Hunter's face and chest.

To avoid Kevin's punches, Hunter lowered himself pressing his face to Kevin's chest and trapping Kevin's arm between them. The crowd started counting "...1!…" Kevin yelled out trying his hardest to push off Hunter, but Hunter had something Kevin didn't. Experience "...2!…" Kevin almost pulled his trapped arm free but Hunter once again pinned it down by biting hard. "...3!"

With a huff Hunter took his mouth off of Kevin's arm and waited a second longer before sitting up letting both of Kevin's arm and leg free "I win" he rasped out with an intense look.

Kevin stared at him for a second wide eyed then lifted an arm over his face. He had lost...he knew he would as soon as he saw the person he was fighting. But he had to have come out of here successful at any means possible...and he had just lost.

What were they supposed to do now? Hunter would tell Raine he was pretending to be an Eastern and now it would all go to shit. Raine would declare war and the masked man would get his way. More problems on top of problems. "Fuck…" Kevin growled out.

"Come on kid, stand up" the woman held out her hand with a sad smile on her face. With a sigh, Kevin took her hand and let her help him up. He looked up at Hunter who had his back turned to him putting his knives back in his clothing.

Kevin lowered his gaze down and clenched his fists tightly, angry at himself. Maybe if he had had more time to prepare...but Eddward barely won against Hunter...it was set in stone wasn't it.

"Kevin, come" Papa Aloe frowned and gestured with a hand.

With a breath in and pressed lips, Kevin stepped forward. Hunter wouldn't look at him, keeping a stare down with his arms crossed. Kevin didn't know what else to do now "Sir...please...my friends are in mortal danger…please" the freckled boy pleaded, his hands shaky from the panic and pain of Hunter's bites and closed his eyes tightly.

"Kevin…" The freckled boy heard the man chuckle out his name and he looked up to see a familiar look on the man's eye. The one Hunter had when he had realized something, an almost crazed look. "My boy...you are a fighter and your heart is strong. You will stop at no means if it to save those you love" Placing a thick rough hand on Kevin's shoulder the man smiled "The initiation was not of physical strength my boy, but to test the strength of your heart and your loyalty to your friends and family." Kevin looked at the man with wide eyes and shaky legs in disbelief "I'm proud to say you truly are a Barr man. Your have your mother's fighting spirit and your father's heart"

"We will help you, my boy" Papa Aloe grinned with a heartfelt laugh at Kevin who now had tears in his eyes "We will help you, because starting this night you are one of us."

…

Kevin walked slowly back to Eddward's house. He couldn't believe what had happened, so many things all at the same time. He realized he had some things to talk with his parents once this was all over. About their involvement with Papa Aloe and the Easterns. And that he was now one of them.

"Does it hurt?" Kevin stopped and looked back with a raised eyebrow. Hunter had followed him out of the house and Kevin assumed it was to make sure he wasn't about to go run off and report to Sam.

It takes a moment for Kevin to realize Hunter is referring to the bites and Kevin looks down at his rolled up sleeves exposing the bite marks. "Like hell" he says then turns back and starts walking again. He doesn't expect the shaggy haired teen to apologize and he doesn't. Instead the teen follows close by, only a few steps behind Kevin. "So Papa Aloe's your grandfather?" Kevin asks.

"And my pops used to be the previous leader of the Northern Fangs, before Raine..." Hunter mumbled out "Gang affiliation runs in the family"

"Ah…" Kevin nodded and looked up at the night sky. He wondered how Hunter's family dynamic was, remembering Eddward has said that the previous leader of the Fangs had been cruel. Maybe having a dad like that made you wild like that. Though Eddward wasn't as intense as Hunter...

It must be around one in the morning and he wondered if Eddward has arrived home yet. He hadn't received any texts or calls just yet so he assumed not. "You're a good fighter" Kevin commented before stopping again and turning to look at Hunter who was staring at him carefully. "...so…" he doesn't know how to ask if Hunter will tell Raine everything that happened tonight or not.

"So I still distrust you" Hunter muttered out with a frown. "So, I think my granddad is naive himself and stupid to trust you, despite knowing you are associated with Sam Dubois" Kevin opens his mouth to argue but Hunter speaks again before he can get a word in "So I won't speak a word to Raine"

Kevin closes his mouth and stares "you won't?" he asks dumbly.

"I won't" Hunter repeats "I trust my granddad...and he chose to trust you...so I won't"

With a breath of relief, Kevin hesitantly smiles at the shaggy haired boy "...thanks" with that Kevin watches as Hunter turns back without another word and walks away. It's then Kevin realized he's more than halfway back to Eddward's neighborhood. Had Hunter just been accompanying him back? Anyway, it was a relief that everything turned out for the better. He had done it.

...

Eddward and Nazz were forced to leave Ed overnight and although they wanted to stay beside Ed they weren't allowed. Liam had promised to guard him, and that was enough to relax Eddward's mind, but he was restless the entire drive back. Jimmy had stayed back at the hospital, and that unnerved them both. They were yet to be informed of Sam's condition and Eddward was just numb about the whole night. They both were. He was desperate to lay eyes on Kevin and just know he was sleeping blissfully.

Nazz sat beside him with trembling hands, and was so quiet that Eddward had to look over every so often to make sure she hadn't fainted. But every time he looked over, her eyes were tearless and focused out the window. Eddward, despite all his emotional exhaustion, was still restless because he needed to see the freckled boy. He, unlike Nazz, was feeling the incoming spiral of a breakdown, it was suffocating.

The raven haired teen knew he was speeding through the highway and roads but if Nazz noticed she didn't say anything. He couldn't blame her, she was most likely just as anxious to see the ginger boy as he was. To confirm that he was alright and pray that Ed would be alright and that this night would finally end.

When he finally arrived he found the house completely dark, it wasn't alarming assuming the boy had fallen asleep. It was afterall one in the morning, so Eddward helped Nazz out of the car and into the house. He quietly opened and closed the door and Nazz made her way through the house into the family room where she finally sinked down on the couch and stared at a box of a board game. It was a monopoly game, and it belonged to Ed. With tearfilled eyes she looked away and saw Eddward sit next to her.

The raven haired boy's own eyes were threatening to water, but he needed to comfort the girl. Crying wouldn't help anyone "Do you need anything?" he asked quietly.

Nazz shook her head "no, no...go check on Kevin first" she sniffed pulling off her gloves.

Hesitantly, Eddward stood and made his way up the stairs. His own hands were trembling, he wanted to just hold onto Kevin as tightly as he could and selfishly find comfort in him. Taking a deep breath in he quietly opened the door to his bedroom and walked inside.

Everything in Eddward stopped right in that moment, because he was expecting to see Kevin laying in his bed fast asleep. But he wasn't in bed… Eddward looked over to the bathroom door and he opened the door finding it empty and dark as well. It was then that adrenaline kicked in "Kevin!" he called out wondering where in the house Kevin was, maybe he had fallen asleep somewhere else waiting for them?

Eddward quickly walked across the hall looking into the guest room, then the study… "Kevin!" he called out again running down stairs and running into the garage and finding nothing. Had Kevin gone home? Eddward picked up his phone and called his heart a beating mess and his hands trembling at the fear that something bad might have happened to Kevin while they were away. That maybe someone had gotten Kevin like they had gotten Ed and it was all too much.

"Eddward!" Nazz called out and Eddward hung up and rushed to the front of the house where Nazz was looking out the window. She turned to him, pointing "He's out there"

With urgency, Eddward swung the door open, spotting Kevin running up the street. Kevin was safe, was all his mind screamed and he ran across his yard desperate to get a hold of Kevin in arms reach. He didn't even stop to look over Kevin and smashed right into the boy picking him up in a hold, he didn't notice the boy wince.

Eddward buried his face into Kevin's shoulder "You're ok…" he murmured his voice shaky.

"What's wrong" He heard Kevin's alarmed voice. The freckled boy placed his hands around Eddward's lower back and shoulder blade and Eddward knew Kevin could feel him trembling "What happened! Why are you...what happened?" Kevin tried to pull back but couldn't move from the raven haired teen's strong hold.

"You're ok" Eddward said again, finally after a long moment Eddward pulled back "What were you doing outside?" Eddward looked at the freckled teen in his arms and his eyes went wide noticing everything wrong with Kevin's appearance "What happened to you!" he questioned his fear picking back up as he saw the dried blood on the boy's nose, and a black eye forming. "Did they come after you too!"

"Who?" Kevin looked so confused "I-I was...I went to do the initiation" he mumbled out carefully seeing Eddward's eyes go even wider and before he could argue with Kevin, the smaller teen blurted out "Sam! Sam told me to...he told me to do it tonight"

With a sad look Eddward gripped Kevin's arms tightly "Of course he did...fucking...Sam"

"I did it" Kevin smiled, his hands finding Eddward's arms "I did it Eddward!"

With a sigh, Eddwrad pulled Kevin into a tight hug again "I'm just glad you're here"

"What happened? Where's Ed?" Kevin asked peeking over Eddward's shoulder. It was then he caught sight of something smudging Eddward's suit in small splatters and… on his hands was...was that blood? Something in Kevin had spiked because he harshly shoved Eddward off and stared at all the blood on Eddward. He immediately grabbed a hold of the raven haired teen's arms and pulled back the sleeves ripping off the cuffs, but found nothing but those faint scars. With a shaky breath Kevin looked up at Eddward "wh...who's blood is t-this?"

Eddward didn't know how to tell him, didn't know what to say...didn't know how to say that one of their best friends was hospitalized right this moment, and alone. "W-where's Ed?" Kevin asked, pushing past Eddward and rushing into the house. As he ran inside he spotted Nazz in the entrance living room staring up at him with dark eyes, a tear stained face and a blooded dress. "What...what?"

Eddward slowly stepped behind Kevin, his arms crossed across his chest. He didn't want to tell him, a part of him wanted to keep the boy blissfully ignorant, but Kevin wasn't dumb.

"Nazz, what the hell!" Kevin bent down on his knees in front of Nazz who closed her eyes in heartache at seeing Kevin's face piecing things together. Kevin turned to look at Eddward and he asked again "Where is Ed?"

Eddward closed his eyes and frowned "He's been hospitalized" the broken look on Kevin's face asked a million questions "Alive...he's alive…" he whispered out feeling his hands tremble. "He's alive" he repeated more so to conform it in his head that Ed was in fact alive.

"What the hell happened tonight? Why are the both of you covered in blood!" Kevin turned to look at the girl with wide eyes "What were you doing there!"

"S-sam...Sam invited me to go. He had me go" Nazz spoke out softly placing her hands in Kevin's freckled ones "...Ed...Ed" she sniffed out "Oh my god"

"There were people plotting against Sam among the crowd tonight, I don't know if it was part of the masked group… but they were there. They shot Sam… and they were trying to shoot Nazz too but Ed...protected her" Eddward breathed in slow and evenly trying to compose himself.

"Where is Ed hospitalized?" Kevin asked looking up at Nazz trying to calm her down.

"He's in a discrete hospital about two hours away from here…Liam, Sam's older brother is keeping watch" Eddward murmurs "...and I left Jimmy to stay by Ed's"

"You did what!" Kevin stood then speechless "H-How could you, what were you thinking leaving Ed there alone with those criminals!"

"I had no other choice" Eddward frowned, pressing his arms tighter against his chest "We needed to come check on you. There could have been people who knew you would be left alone and Nazz couldn't stay at the hospital by herself. And no way in hell was I letting Jimmy drive Nazz back."

"Oh my...How's Ed?" Kevin asked, now feeling all the exhaustion hit him.

"He should be able to recover, they missed any thing vital and we will be able to pick him up tomorrow night. He's being hospitalized more for the amount of blood he has lost, than the actual bullet. He won't be healed, of course, but they're only letting him stay there for 24 hours." Eddward breathed out "We need to come up with something, something to distract his parents."

"I'll do it…" Nazz spoke out then. "I'll go talk to them"

"No, it's fine Nazz, I can do it" Kevin said "I can say we're having a study sleepover or something else"

"You can't do it, look at you" Nazz stared up at Kevin with tired eyes "You're a mess Kevin"

"She's right…" Eddward commented staring at Kevin's wounds and wondering who the savage was that hit Kevin like that "...we need to all...clean up. We'll come up with something in the morning"

"I'll go upstairs first…" Nazz mumbled out staring at her stained dress "I can't look at it any more"

"Do you need help?" Kevin whispered, he didn't care if it was improper for a boy to help a girl because Nazz was his best friend and she obviously needed some kind of support. Or else, she might break down but the girl shook her head and smiled at him.

"I need a moment to be alone" she breathed out before letting go of Kevin and making her way out of the room placing a comforting hand to Eddward's arm as she passed by.

They stayed quiet and unmoving as they listened to Nazz make her way up the stairs and into a bathroom. Then Kevin turned to Eddwrad and stared at his stained suit "Are you ok?"

Eddward looked down at the freckled boy "Are you?"

With a sad sigh, Kevin shook his head unbelieving everything that had happened that night. "No...Hunter really hit me hard"

At that Eddward seemed to perk up and he took a step closer "That murderous shaggy haired preschooler?"

Kevin laughed at that and nodded "Yeah...turns out he's Papa Aloe's grandkid"

Eddward reached out and grabbed a hold of Kevin's cheeks with his hands. "He did this?"

"...and these…" Kevin awkwardly lifted his arms and it took a moment for Eddward to reach over and pull back the sleeves of the boy's hoodie.

Were those bite marks? Everything in his blood started boiling but then Kevin spoke again "It was fair game" the freckled boy shrugged.

"Hardly" Eddward frowned, running a thumb over Kevin's wounds. He secretly promised to avenge the ginger boy the next time he spotted the little gremlin "so...you won?"

"No, I didn't win" Kevin smiled looking up at Eddward "He owned me completely, but I did get some hits in"

"You did?" Eddward smiled feeling proud at that. "We should clean these, come" Eddward dragged Kevin out of the room and up the stairs. They heard water running across the hall upstairs and soft sniffling. Kevin frowned but let it go and followed Eddward into his room and then his bathroom.

It was a simple task taking his hoodie off, but it was a much more complicated and painful task trying to take his shirt off. Eddward noticed as he was taking out the first aid, placing it on the counter he turned to strip Kevin's shirt off and he noticed Kevin's arm...the one he had badly injured in the motorcycle accident wasn't fully being raised like the other one. "Does your arm hurt?" Eddward questioned staring down at Kevin's bruised freckled torso.

"Everything hurts" Kevin chuckled out.

Eddward eyed Kevin, stopping to stare a moment at the dog tag that hung on his bare chest. Finally he looked down and noticed the teen's pants had been ripped and there was a scrape there "pants off" he instructed and turned to walk out of the room and grab a shirt and sweats. He placed the pieces of clothing by the bathroom door where Nazz was hiding in and turned back to return to Kevin.

With a faint tint to his cheeks, Kevin took off his pants and was down to his boxers. He prayed to all deities to spare him of any mortifying accident that might happen. Eddward helped him sit on the counter and as Eddward started cleaning the bite marks he noticed a bruise on the boy's thigh close to his hip, an odd bruise, almost in the shape of a hand.

Something in him went territorial. What the fuck had that murderous gremlin done to Kevin that he had left him with marks all over? With a deepened frown Eddward focused on cleaning the wounds on Kevin's arms. "I'll kill him" the raven haired teen finally spoke out bandaging the bites.

"No, you won't" Kevin breathed out slowly staring at Eddward's roaming fingers.

Eddward trailed his fingers up to Kevin's bruised eye, it wasn't the worst black eye he's seen but it wasn't anything pretty either. "If what happened tonight didn't happen… I would be arguing with you again right about now" Eddward whispered out "I'd be frustrated at you failing to confide in me again…"

The raven haired teen could tell Kevin was pensive, and he imagined a million thoughts bouncing around in his worried head. He wondered if this was ok? Staying like this a while longer, his long hand firmly planted on Kevin's thigh where the bruise was now covered. Wanting to replace that bruise with his own, but he wouldn't hurt Kevin like that...not like that.

This was carnal desire wasn't it? Wanting to touch every inch of the freckled body in front of him. Wanting to press the boy to his own body and feel his overwhelming warmth. And it's almost as if Kevin is able to read him because hesitant hands reach for his shoulders. So Eddward thinks to hell with it and leans down and wraps his arms around the boy's back and hides his face in the boy's neck and he just breathes him in.

"I do trust you" he hears Kevin mumble out quietly "This time...it was Sam's fault. So yell at him next time you see him...Yell at him for dragging you, Nazz and Ed to that stupid party. Yell at him for not placing better security. Yell at him for everything"

Eddward smiled at this "I will" he whispered back and closed his eyes feeling Kevin's warm skin and a part of him wants to strip too just enough to feel his cold skin against Kevin's warm one. He wants so much more than he's willing to admit, the feeling of want is at the pit of his stomach.

But he won't succumb to it. He won't taint Kevin like that. Like Blaine did to him. So with a heavy heart Eddward pulls back and sighs out "you should shower" then leaves and closes the door behind him. He takes off his suit jacket and undoes the tie and frustratingly heads out of his room.

The raven haired teen makes his way downstairs and into the kitchen where he stops to unbutton his shirt midway down unable to stand the suffocating feeling. Then takes a moment to wonder what would help...the small pill bottle in his pants pocket pressed against him in temptation? But he can't take it. He knows he can't, because Kevin and Nazz were there.

So he grabs a glass and an opened red wine bottle and sits on the counter. He fills the cup entirely and drinks it in one go. Why does he even bother grabbing a glass at this point? He wonders but fills the glass mid way this time.

Then swirls the drink in its cup and stares at it. It looks like blood...like the blood staining Nazz's dress and his suit. It looks far too eerily similar. He closes his eyes and prays Ed will be alright...prays Ed will be back home soon and will be back to normal.

"Vincent?" A quiet voice pulls him back and he looks out to Nazz who's wearing the very loose fitting clothes he had set out for her. She walks up to him and stares at the wine in his hand. With a frown she takes it from his hand and drinks it down. "Mind sharing?"

"Didn't know you drank?" Eddward poured a bit more into the glass for her.

She shrugged " I don't...my parents let me have some on holidays, white wine though"

"White wine is vile" Eddward makes a face and reaches behind him to grab another glass and pours another glass for himself.

"You just need to find the right one for you" Nazz tries to smile but it comes out forced. They're silent once more before she leans against the counter and looks up at him "he's going to be ok"

"..." Eddward frowns down at her, it's not a question so he simply confirms the statement to himself "he will"

They're about almost done with the bottle by the time Kevin wanders down to the kitchen to join them. Eddward doesn't meet his worried olive eyes, but the raven haired teen can't help but think about the feel of the teen's freckled skin on his bare hands. "Can we all sleep together tonight?" Nazz speaks out looking at nothing in particular. " I really don't want to be alone tonight. I won't sleep"

Eddward reached out and pats her blonde head "I'll go grab some blankets and we can sleep in the living room alright?" He definitely feels the tipsiness of the alcohol in his system as he gets down. But he's been worse before, so this isn't so terribly bad for him. He walks past Kevin as if they didn't hug in his bathroom moments earlier. A part of him wonders what the ginger boy thinks about moments like that...does Kevin just feel pity for him? Does he let him do those things because he's just being nice? And what would Kevin think if he ever found out of how desperate Eddward was to just hold and touch him forever?

Stupid thoughts...Eddward huffed out annoyed at himself. He would never be cured of this insufferable illness.

…

Kevin stays still, his eyes focused on the girl sipping at her wine glass. "Nazz…" he finally calls out with a frown. He sees the girl look up at him and with a sigh she puts the glass down and opens her arms out. Kevin rushes over and wraps his arms around her tightly and she does the same. "...I'm sorry" he croaks out.

"You've been an ass Kevin Barr" she says quietly pressing her cheek to his.

"Yeah, I have been...to everyone" The freckled boy smiled knowing very well that he had been with all the sneaking around and avoiding them and now yelling at them. "I haven't been fair"

"I understand though" Nazz pulled back enough to catch his eye "I understand your worries and frustration...I know now. But what you've been up to still isn't ok. It's not fair to us and especially to Eddward who has to time and time again save you." Nazz frowned wondering if she should push them. "You need to see that hiding how you feel is only hurting you both"

"...This isn't that time for that Nazz. Besides, we're better now. We talked" Kevin pressed his lips together.

"You haven't talked until you confess" Nazz shook her head "Until then...you guys are just miscommunicating"

"..."Kevin looked down, not knowing what to say. At moments, like the one they just shared in the bathroom a part of him wondered if it would be ok to just confess right then and there and then there was the part of him that knew that Eddward wasn't ready for anything like that because he hadn't said he was gay out loud yet. How was it ok for Kevin to confess when Eddward couldn't even accept the word and instead beat around the bush. Eddward was denying it all and what would he think to know how Kevin felt. Kevin didn't even know how he identified… Surely Eddward would just think he had passed on the homosexual illness onto him.

But that was dumb and Kevin was just Kevin and he didn't have the time to worry about stuff like if he himself was gay or bi or whatever. All he knew was he had feelings for Eddward Vincent, Peach Creek's prodigy and local grump. He would keep it to himself...Kevin would keep these feelings to himself because he didn't want to hurt Eddward with more trauma and confusion. "There won't be any more miscommunication, I promise"

With a deep breath in, Nazz gave Kevin a squeeze before accepting that her two idiots would eventually just crash into each other. She wondered when she and Ed would find their better halves? The thought of poor Ed brought a frown on her face again . Sam...she had so many complicated emotions towards the teen, a part of her was desperate to change him, but a part of her knew very well there was nothing to change there. Sam wasn't her better half, not like Eddward was to Kevin. They weren't the same...she knew that now and that tore her apart "This is dangerous Kevin...you know as well as I do this started with Sam." Nazz paused thinking back the group of Ed's and how they had changed as they went their separate ways among the gang "The moment he took Eddward in, he screwed him over and he's screwing us all too" No way in hell was she letting Sam get anywhere near her boy's ever again. She's been blinded, she knew that. She was desperate and scared and he was a sweet talker. If the guy felt anything for her, he would have to change.

Kevin looked at her with wide eyes "Then what the hell are you doing Nazz?"

"I was trying to be you…" She pressed her lips together and stared at her best friend with an intense look in her eye. It reminded Kevin of the same look she would give him when she would rebel against the J's the previous year, when she was fearless. The look was fearless.

"I'm no hero" Kevin smiled at her and giving her a kiss to her cheek then laughed out "You've always been the better person"

With a shake of her head she gave him a tilted smile "You know that's not true. I was wrong about Eddward" then with a frown and a sharp inhale she breathed out "I might be wrong about Sam too"

"I trust you Nazz" Kevin frowned knowing a part of him wanted to just let Sam burn in hell, but weren't their situation reversed just months ago? He used to be in Nazz's shoes and demanded that Eddward was capable of change. Maybe she saw something in Sam, like he saw something in Eddward. And if she had...then it's worth the shot of letting her try.

They turned when Eddward joined them again and Kevin could feel his cheeks flush again seeing the mess of a person that Eddward was. Bloodied shirt halfway undone, with rolled up sleeves and his hair a wavy mess. It all just reminded him of those slender hands on his thigh and back and it was like he had been in one of those dreams, it had been surreal.

And a part of him wondered...had Eddward felt the same way?

"The blankets are all set up...I'll go shower" Eddward mumbled out and then they were left alone again.

Kevin and Nazz had made their way into the family room, the fireplace lit and blankets set up on the couches. Kevin and Nazz settled into the large one, huddled together in silence as they thought about the one friend who was alone somewhere far off.

…

By the time Eddward had slowly made his way back downstairs and entered the living room, he saw Kevin fast asleep on the couch and Nazz laying down but her eyes stared down at the monopoly game in front of her. She was obviously thinking about Ed and when he sat down on the smaller couch her eyes had moved to focus on him.

"Try and sleep" he said quietly as not to wake the sleeping freckled boy.

"I can't possibly" she murmured "Not when Ed is out there all by himself"

Eddward gave her a sad smile and nodded leaning back on his seat "I know how you feel..."

She sat up then carefully "He saved me...and I gave up on saving his sister" her voice was quiet and breathless. "I'm a monster" she looked up at him with such remorseful eyes it hurt Eddward to just look at her.

He shook his head "You did nothing wrong...she was uncontrollable you know that"

"I gave up, Vincent...I said 'fine, do whatever the hell you want' knowing exactly what could have happened if she got into that car" Nazz whispered out leaning on the side of the couch "and he saved me...he would have rather put himself in front of a bullet than let it hit me"

"Nazz...there isn't anything you can do to change what has already happened." he looked at her trembling hands carefully "All you can do now is make it up to him. Show him that he wasn't wrong in protecting you."

"I don't know how" she breathed out looking at the board game again "How?"

With a shake of his head Eddward looked at Kevin "I don't really know either"

Nazz closed her eyes and exhaled then tapped the side of the couch that was open "Come here?"

He didn't hesitate and sat beside the girl as she cuddled into his side, he looped an arm around her and looked down at the sleeping ginger boy next to him. This was how he expected to find Kevin when they arrived, minus the injuries he had of course. He hoped to just sit beside him and watch him blissfully sleep, because he knew he wouldn't be sleeping that night.

He looked back at Nazz who had wrapped her arms around his waist and he found it funny how they found a trust in one another. He thought about her murderous glares and vicious words before they had started connecting. He thought about the times he had laid fists on her...injuries he won't ever forgive himself for. There was no point in apologizing to her now, because he didn't want her forgiveness. Rather, he didn't deserve it...So, how did he try to make up for it? Maybe it was in moments like these, where she sought out comfort and advice from him. Moments when he could just be there for her and hope to relieve some of her hurt. Though he knew that anything he did really wouldn't ever make up for the hurt he had caused her. So, he didn't know the answer to her question.

…

His vision was blurred and the light on his dimly lit ceiling felt like he was underwater looking up at the surface. Wavy, blurred, surreal, maybe this was why Eddward liked staying underwater for long periods of time. It was calming, even if his olive green eyes were looking up just at the moving shadows on the moonlit ceiling.

The touch of a hesitant finger on his freckled hand caught his attention and it occurred to him that he wasn't alone. Shifting his hazed gaze to the side he found beautiful ocean eyes looking right back at him. The raven haired boy wasn't smiling, he had his lips slightly open as if wanting to speak out but pressed them close with a pained expression. The boy's gaze was pleading.

The freckled boy leaned over placing a hand to the boy's face and ran a thumb right along under his sonder eyes. They were reflective, like the surface of the water when you were underneath it. He didn't know how to comfort the boy next to him. The boy's face was sad and guarded… but the lingering finger on his hand said many things.

The raven haired teen then leaned over, wrapping an arm around his waist and pulled him literally on top. The ginger teen moved his right leg over to straddle the teen underneath him and leaned up on his elbows looking down surprised. The raven haired teen, only stared up at him with the same pained expression, it was intense and suffocating. Why did he have that expression? It was almost like he couldn't have what he wanted...

The ginger boy felt the tanned boy's rough hands hesitantly pressing at his waist underneath his shirt. Holding his breath, he stayed still wondering how far the teen underneath him was willing to explore. Ever so slowly, the hands moved up his freckled back almost as if the raven haired teen was memorizing the touch of his pale body. The thought made the ginger boy arch his back and this led to the other running a hand along the dip in his back. The slender hands were gentle, caring and hesitant. But they were also cold, it was almost inhuman and it made him reach down to the raven haired teen's bare chest. He spread his freckled hand on the teen's tanned torso doing the same and just felt him. The teen's body was cold, as if there was no blooding running through his veins.

It scared the ginger teen. With a frown he looked back up at the teen's face, and took it all in. The raven haired teen's eyes were curious and conflicted and his thin lips, in a slight tremble. It made the freckled boy frown and he leaned down pressing his body close to the other's in an attempt to warm him up. The other raised his hands higher on his back and grasped his shoulder blades, his lips now pressing against the lower part of his ear that made the freckled boy tense up.

Instead of pulling away, he tangled his small hands in the long black wavy strands of hair. The hesitant slender hands continued to explore, and the boy's cold breath on his neck made him shiver. It was all so pleasantly drowning. When one of the tanned hands made their way to his pale freckled chest, the ginger leaned back up and let the boy underneath him remove his shirt, tossing it somewhere in the abyss of the scene.

The ginger boy sat up now, marveling at the body underneath him and it was now that he realized that the teen was in his swim attire, aka just skin tight leggings. The raven haired teen let him explore now, so the ginger teen settled his bottom on the boy's groin and he let his hands touch the defined biceps underneath him. There were faint scars on his chest, ones that he wouldn't have noticed if he wasn't this close. He figured they were from his many gang and cage fights.

Another result from all of this?

Lean and defined muscles. His small fingers pressed at the muscles, and stared down at every detail. He knew this body well enough by now, he'd seen it so many times on so many occasions. But never like this. Never like the way he desired to see it. His attention was pulled when he felt those rough hands on his thighs and he moved his gaze to them seeing the many many scars running up his arms. It made him frown knowing those scars had been made from the boy's internal fights.

Reaching to take a hold of one of the raven haired's teen's hands, he pressed the wrist close to his lips and kissed one of the scars. Then looking down at the boy underneath, he saw the teen was looking up at him with those same ocean reflective eyes. Observing him...so he let the boy watch him and he kissed another scar. And then another, and another until he felt that the body underneath him was finally warming up.

The raven haired teen sat up, a tanned hand intertwined in his ginger hair while the other reached to press his thumb at his pale lips. "Pumpkin" the raven haired boy finally spoke out, pressing a kiss to his round jaw and it suffocated the freckled boy. "Pumpkin" he said again, making the smaller boy let out a breathless sigh.

The ginger boy breathed in sharply loving the sound of the pet-name. He leaned down needingly desperate to taste the voice that spoke. The boy's body was warm and he was warm, and the boy's voice was shimmering and he was suffocating. The body underneath was enveloping him, in every touch, in every kiss, in every word they spoke.

Eddward was drowning him.

Kevin opened his eyes slowly feeling his cheeks flushed. Upon realizing he was in Eddward's living room he shot up and saw that he was alone and thanked whatever gods were up there. With a sigh, he layed back down looking up at the ceiling. This was dangerous, he thought blinking and realizing that here he was, in the house of the guy he was heavily crushing on, on the couch of the guy he was heavily crushing on while sporting an unwelcome morning wood.

Kevin Barr thanked every god and goddess that he was currently alone once again, because how would he explain and hide his problem if the raven haired teen had been next to him? And Nazz? She would have been rolling on the floor laughing at him.

Obviously the dream had been induced by their little moment last night and now he realized that it was starting to drive him mad. If he had been alone in bed with Eddward instead of here out in the open Kevin might have woken up only to throw himself onto Eddward and finally kiss those tempting lips. Their friendship be damned.

But he was alone, and he was quickly coming to his senses. A cold shower would fix his problem, he knew it would. However, it wouldn't unfortunately fix his needy heart. With a groan he lifted himself out off the couch pulling one of the blankets around him to cover his current situation. He spotted that the kitchen and the halls were rather empty and he wondered if he was truly alone.

He made his way up the stairs to Eddward's bathroom hoping to wash away his dream and worries. However when he opened the door to Eddward's room, he laid eyes on Eddward sitting in his bed with a hand underneath one of his pillows and it made Kevin raise an eyebrow.

"Morning" Eddward said, pulling his hand away from the pillow casually and eyed him "Are you cold?" he questioned.

This made Kevin blush as he gripped the blanket tighter around him "Yeah" he said avoiding the other's stare. "...I was going to shower…"

"You showered last night?" Eddward stood up then walking over to Kevin "Do your wounds hurt?"

Kevin's head was in a panic the closer the raven haired teen got, his breath hitched and he looked away. "N-not really...just sore. Um...where's Nazz?" He tried changing the subject.

"She went to talk with Ed's parents. She's going to tell them me and Ed camped outside town impromptu and won't be back until tonight and she's going to pick things up for him" the raven haired boy shoves his hands into his black jeans and it was then that Kevin realized how good the rolled up sleeves looked on him...rarely did he ever show his forearms publicly. Kevin knew it was to hide his scars obviously, but he should feel more comfortable being able to show skin outside of swimming.

"Sounds good...are we going to pick up Ed when she gets back?" Kevin asked, ripping his eyes from Eddward's exposed arms and looked away.

"Yeah, I'll go make breakfast...do you need help with your injuries?" he asked cautiously.

With a firm shake of his head Kevin blurted out "N-No, I'll be fine. Don't worry...I just need to shower...again…"

"Ok then…" Eddward motioned to his bathroom "All yours"

He then walked out of the room and Kevin breathed in sharply rushing into the bathroom and locking the door. Finally letting the blanket fall...he had a high possibility of going bat shit insane. Just how long was he going to go on like this before he finally exploded? What would happen then? Would he dare risk ruining everything they had as best friends or would he just die from human combustion ignited from the intensity of his crush?

With a sigh he frowned and stayed there in silence for a long minute before starting to strip.

…

The ride out of town was quiet among the three. The three focused on the road ahead and desperate to see their friend. Nazz, Kevin worried, seemed to be the one taking the situation the hardest. She wasn't crying, rather it was the dark look in her usual bright blue eyes that concerned him. He didn't blame her though, anyone who had witnessed one of their friends getting shot would have the same look.

The hospital was just as gloomy, the weather bleak and rainy. Almost as if the universe knew that today was not a day for sunshine and bouncy bumblebees. It was a rather small building, smaller than the Peach Creek Hospital. The town's hospital was massive compared to it, and Kevin wondered if they only ever attended people who belonged to the mafia.

A middle aged woman directed them to Ed's room with a glare. Eddward led the way through the silent halls. They came around a long hallway where there were three bodyguards standing by all stiff and focused. Eddward looked back at Kevin and Nazz with a look as if saying wait a second.

Kevin assumed this must be the room where Sam must be in. A tall long haired blonde opened the door and murmured something to Eddward that Kevin didn't catch. It was then the guy looked over at them and spotted Nazz looking at her with observant eyes. "He's been asking for you little flower"

"Is he awake?" Nazz quietly asked her hands at her sides.

"Not at the moment, but he'll be delighted to see your face when he wakes."

"Let me know...please" Nazz gave the man a strained smile and it made Kevin's stomach turn in worry.

"I'll come fetch you" the blonde guy gave her a sad smile and then turned ro Eddward ignoring Kevin and his look completely changed to a scary one. "He wants to have a word with you first"

"I'll be back as soon as I see my friend" Eddward looked down as if showing respect and that action made Kevin all the more curious to find out who this man was.

"He'll be waiting" the man then shook his head in the direction down the hall before closing the door.

Eddward then continued walking and Kevin and Nazz followed right behind. He stopped three doors down around the corner on the number 56. Again, the raven haired teen knocked, but instead of waiting for a response he swung the door open.

Inside, Kevin spotted Ed sitting up on the bed looking out the window with dark eye bags and a sickly tone to his body. Jimmy was sitting on the small couch typing away on his phone, he gave them one look of nonchalance before typing away again. Kevin noticed Nazz freeze upon looking at him and he reached for her hand.

"Guys!" Ed immediately bubbled up seeing them. This made Kevin smile and pull Nazz along as they approached the brunette.

"How are you doing?" Kevin asked quietly, placing a hand on Ed's shoulder.

"Could be better" the tall boy shrugged. Looking over Nazz for a silent moment and it was as if they had a moment of telepathic communication because Ed just smiled wide and Nazz looked away wiping a tear. Ed's gaze then moved to Eddward who stayed at the door and motioned for Jimmy to get up.

Kevin followed his gaze and watched as Eddward and Jimmy walked out of the room. "What the hell, I didn't think he was being literal" the freckled boy mumbled out.

"It's fine, Sam's been throwing a fit cause Eddward wasn't here" Ed laughed out.

"Why?"

"Well, Sam got shot twice..it's going to take a hot minute for him to recover." Ed sighed out a hand placed his wound "He needs someone to run things while he's out."

With wide eyes Kevin asked "He's going to put Eddward in charge?"

"Yeah probably, but Jimmy has more experience actually handling the gang. Jimmy used to be Sam's right hand man until for whatever reason Sam kicked him off. So who knows" Ed leaned down against his pillow "Liam, Sam's brother and Jimmy have been doing damage control all night. Something about making amends with the gangsters who were there. Sam relies heavily on these connections can't afford to lose them all"

"Why the hell didn't he put up security?" Kevin asked exasperated.

"He did" Ed looked up at him with a tired look "they were hidden among the crowd. They can't afford the gangsters thinking Sam doesn't trust them. Of course almost everyone there was all armed, they're freaking gangsters. The security was to keep everyone in check, make sure no one actually used their weapons."

"Then what the hell happened? How did they manage to get the two of you?"

"How else do you think?" Ed frowned looking over at Nazz who looked at him with such a sad look. "They were after Sam and Nazz. The only people we know who might be after them is the masked man. First Trevor, now this... After your little adventure in Lemon Brooke we're more than certain a good amount of Great White members are a part of the masked gang"

"Then disband the damned gang already! How else is Sam supposed to find out who is who?" Kevin yelped knowing that now that Eddward would be taking over that maybe this would be a good time to put an end to the gang. They could deal with the other problems another day.

"Sam can't do that. Not unless he accepts failure, and if he does he's basically an outcast from his family" Ed frowned out "This is his trail. If he can't handle small gang matters then in the eyes of his father he won't last in the real thing"

With a shake of his head Kevin gestures at Ed's wound "What do you mean this isn't real! Look at you Ed, you were shot last night!"

"What the hell are we supposed to do about it" Nazz finally spoke out walking to the other side of Ed's bed and sitting down beside him. She laid a hand on his covered wound and pressed her lips together "There isn't anything we can do. There's psychotic people running around trying to kill all of us, we might as well just call the police already. I'm sick and tired of seeing you all get hurt...I don't want to wait until it's too late" she breathed out the last bit almost too scared to say the words.

Kevin frowned watching her obviously so hurt by the situation "We can't...They'll get Eddward too if we told the police everything"

Nazz looked up at him then "Ed was shot last night...who will it be next? You, Eddward or me?"

"Nazz" Ed called out but Nazz shook her head and she turned away upset "Police know not to get involved with Sam...they're just as manipulated as the teachers in school…"

"Who isn't?" Nazz turned glaring at him "Everyone who can help is controlled by him! Does he truly have that much power over this town?"

"It's his father" Ed said with a shrug "His father keeps an eye on him through everyone in town"

"So what do we do?" Kevin now asked, looking between Nazz and Ed.

"I don't know...we wait on Eddward" Ed gave him a smile reaching to take a hold of Nazz's hand and giving it a squeeze "He'll figure something out, we need to trust him"

…

"They've brought guns into the game" a raspy voice spoke breathlessly yet they sounded amused. His smirk saying that they were now having fun at the idea of leveling up the game to a chase.

"Sam, we can't trust anyone in the gang anymore" Eddwrad spoke out quietly looking out the hospital window with a thoughtful expression.

"How the hell are we supposed to manage a broken gang?" Jimmy spoke out beside Sam glaring at the raven haired teen. "This is chaos"

"We can't have those who are a part of the masked group know that we are onto them. So for now we keep everything as it is" Eddward breathed out turning around to glare at Jimmy. Nazz had confirmed that Jimmy was the man who had attacked her, but why was he now trying to save her? There was a lot about Jimmy that Eddward needed to figure out, just where did his loyalty side with? "If we can get Raine and the East sharks to team up with us, we can keep a better eye on the masked people hiding among our gang."

"What happens if they're all against us?" Jimmy asked leaning back in his chair, lit cigarette in hand.

"Then we do everything to protect Sam. They're after him for some reason and we know it's not his father" Eddward looked at Sam who's eyes opened and closed but he smirked nonetheless.

"That man would have made sure the job was done clean. No fucking way was this his doing" Sam laughed out groaning at the pain. "Jimmy you'll assist Eddward with this fucking mess. I want you guys to fucking capture whoever is behind this, let me have at them. I'll fucking rip their limbs one by one"

"I know where to start hunting." Eddward said out loud shoving his hands into his jacket's pockets.

"Where?" Jimmy spoke out carefully eyeing Eddward with interest.

"The silver haired woman that shot Ed." Eddward began, his hidden fists only tightening at his every word "I saw the woman with Eddy that night. We start there, we figure who she is and how she managed to get Eddy"

"If that stupid ass twerp is one of them I swear to fucking god!" Sam groaned out.

"She had a tattoo on her temple" Jimmy spoke out "But it was too dark to see, I don't know what it was"

"The cunt that was dancing with my brother, the second one that shot me...she had a tattoo on her thigh" Sam closed his eyes remembering the image "It looked like a serpent…"

Jimmy and Eddward looked at one another then both knowing fully well what this meant. "Serpents are involved?" Eddward questioned now running more questions through his head.

"They've teamed up with the masked men. They're trying to get rid of me" The wounded blonde breathed out heavily.

"Why go after Kevin and Nazz then?" Eddward quirked an eyebrow then, turning around again and observing Jimmy's expression through the reflection. He would talk with him when they were out of Sam's ear shot.

"Maybe they're just having fun like we used to" Jimmy smirked finally taking in the cigarette in his lips and breathing in deeply.

"This is not about having fun" Eddward growled out, shoulders hunched. What they did wasn't fun, it never was. "The sharks that 'protect' Nazz...they know she hangs around you." Eddward turned to look at Sam "Is it possible that whatever you feel for her has been apparent enough that an enemy has decided it sufficiently effective to harm her in order to get to you?"

The blonde glared at Eddward intensely for a long silent moment "Then wouldn't the same reason be applied to our dear little Freckles. Is whatever you feel for him apparent enough for someone to go after him?"

This made Eddward completely tense up. He could feel Jimmy's eyes on him like a wildfire, engraved onto him and every one of his movements and expressions "Are you suggesting they are after you and I?"

"I think Freckles was right. However, it upsets me entirely that they did only just lock you away while they went after me" Sam frowned reaching a hand to his wound as if in pain. "Makes me think otherwise"

"If they had been after you too, don't you think they would have shot you too. They had the opportunity to." Jimmy stared at the raven haired teen with unblinking eyes almost documenting every expression on the boy's face. "If they're after Kevin...it's because of something else."

Eddward finally made eye contact with the platinum blonde "Something else?"

"Something else...possibly" Jimmy repeated letting out a cloud of smoke from his lips.

They only looked back at Sam when he let out a loud groan of pain "...Get outta here and find that silvered haired bitch."

Without hesitation Eddward turned around and walked out of the room, Jimmy following close behind. As soon as they walked out of sight from the bodyguards that were standing at the door Eddward grabbed Jimmy by his suit jacket and shoved him harshly against the wall. Jimmy seemed to have known this violent action to be taken because his own hands clutched onto Eddward's collar.

"What the fuck do you know!" Eddward barked out.

"I know a hell of a lot" Jimmy smirked devilishly "And now I know that this entire time the fucking brat has been sucking your dick. That's how he's managed to tame the King of Sharks huh? He turned you into a fucking fa-OF"

Eddward harshly shoved Jimmy against the wall again having no sympathy for how the blonde's head bounced against the brick. "Shut the FUCK up! Tell me if your one of them"

With an insane look Jimmy chuckled out "Nazz is going to tell you eventually...so yeah I fucking am"

"You're the one that attacked her?"

"Yeah, that was me" Jimmy laughed out "And I saw Kevin the night he and the fucking wolves tried to stake us out"

"Why the hell are you pretending?" Eddward asked confused "Why the hell are you after Nazz and Kevin?"

"My business is my business." Jimmy smirked "I'm after someone else...someone i've been trying to escape from. Someone who has a fucking collar round the both of us" the teen whispered out.

"Sam…" Eddward breathed out with curious eyebrows "Why?"

Jimmy chuckled shaking his head "What do you mean why? Captain! Sam wants us to follow him to the pits of hell if possible. He's not letting you go after the end of this school year, he wants you to be on trial next year! He needs us, idiot!" Jimmy shoved Eddward off of him "Sam is the root of all this chaos. We need to get rid of him before he gets rid of us permanently."

"I don't understand Jimmy. You attacked Nazz! How does she relate to Sam!" Eddward shook his head trying to wrap everything in his brain "She told me about Sarah, you're bullshitting me"

"Am I?" Jimmy laughed out "Think about it Captain. I know your brain has been recently fucked up by tombstone and alcohol but you're perceptive. You think a shit ton, I fucking know."

The raven haired teen could feel the muscles in his arms tense up, his thoughts bouncing all over the place. This boy knew him more than Eddward was comfortable with. He supposed it was from years of dealing with Sam's shit and learning from the dirty haired blonde as he had."Sam has done so much for your family, why risk everything?"

"Sam hasn't done shit! The Dubois family has my family hostage. No way in hell am I going to live the rest of my life as a fucking bitch to the Dubois family! If I can't get out of debt to them then I need to find another way. So should you! You and I have both been fucking sold off to him. Do you think Sam is honestly willing to let you go? You're the best thing that's happened to him, you're brilliant Captain. Brilliantly easy to manipulate and control."

"Remember who you were before Kevin came about? Remember how stupid you were? If Sam told you to jump off a bridge you totally would have and that's the state of mind he wants from you again. What makes you think Sam isn't the one after Kevin huh? Using the masked gang as an easy way to pin the blame on." Jimmy paused a long moment observing the thoughts running through Eddward's eyes "Dumb ass fuck Trevor? He was the one who went after Kevin twice. What makes you think Sam wasn't the one who sent him after the little runt? Sam wants you...how could he not care about Kevin being involved in everything you do? Of course he fucking cares. Especially if it means that Kevin wants to take you away."

"If your part of the masked people...wouldn't you know if Trevor was actually a part of your group?" Eddward asked slowly knowing that the blonde could easily be manipulating and twisting information too. But if Jimmy was after Sam in the end...was it ok to let him go?

Eddward stayed silent thinking everything over. Why was he so loyal to Sam, it wasn't just the fucking edvidence against his tormenting secret. It was the constant abuse Sam loved to discipline him with, the cage fighting, the constant slap on the face with black mail and venomous words spat at him. It was the guy's intense stare and seducing tongue. Sam had power over him, the power of fear. Eddward was terrified of what Sam could do and hopeful of everything the guy could give him.

He knew that the moment he went against Sam. The blonde would take it out of the only people Eddward had left. On Kevin, Ed and Nazz. That was why he was terrified of Sam and stayed loyal to him. Sam Dubois had power and strength that Eddward Vincent did not. And unlike Jimmy...Eddward was a coward.

He couldn't take that risk. He wasn't brave enough.

"I'll see you at the factory" Jimmy spoke out quietly, a small smirk on his face as he turned around. Eddward watched Jimmy walk down the hallway, his lit cigarette awfully tempting the dry mouth of the raven haired teen. Now the only question running through his mind was...who should he trust?

…

Ed and the gang had a troubled and long drive back to Peach Creek. The tall brunette boy had gone terribly pale and started developing a fever on the way. Eddward as much as he wanted to speed straight to the hospital in town. Had to drive slow so he wouldn't move Ed harshly and open up the wound. Ed however kept a smile and his humor throughout the entire time, talking about how it would be cool to all of a sudden turn into a vampire or if his wound got infected it would lead into his zombie transformation. It was dark and no one really laughed but they gave him a strained smile.

Never did any one of them ever think this could ever happen to anyone of them. Especially Ed. But here they were trying everything they could to keep the boy ok and on the road of recovery. Thankfully the hospital had given them pain killers that Nazz had held on to. After Ed had fallen asleep in the guest room upstairs with Kevin keeping watch as he sat beside him doodling in a sketchbook, Nazz left the room.

She wondered downstairs quietly, a lot on her mind. She spotted Eddward in the kitchen with a glass of wine in hand. She gave him a look and Eddward just shrugged at her "You've been drinking a lot recently"

Eddward took a sip leaning against the counter "There has been a lot of reasons to drink recently"

Nazz stopped at the island table and put her elbows and stared down at her hands "We need to find a better coping mechanism"

"We can figure that out after this is all over" Eddward mumbled out finishing his glass.

"Hey...There's somewhere I want to go right now" she slowly looked up to meet his blue eyes "I...don't want to go alone. Can you come with me?"

"Where do you want to go?" the raven haired boy asked looking outside seeing the rain lightly hitting the window.

"I'll show you" she smiled and stood up. "Just get ready ok, we'll walk there" she made her way upstairs and popped her head into the bedroom where Kevin and Ed were in "...Kevin" she whispered out catching the boy's attention "We'll be right back, Vincent and I are talking a quick walk"

"Alright? Be safe" the freckled boy smiled at her, his pen lightly tapping on his sketchbook and Nazz knew he was probably writing some of his thoughts down.

With a last look at the brunette boy she sighed out "Call if anything happens"

"Will do"

With that she went downstairs again and grabbed a raincoat, Eddward had lent her when it had started raining in the morning while she went to pick up clothes for Ed and herself. The raven haired boy was waiting with his black striped beanie on his head, and it was a funny thing. Nazz thought about how often she saw Eddward without the hat in recent days, well outside school time. The boy was comfortable without the hat on while they were all present, and based on what Kevin had told her… maybe that meant a lot. There was trust in that action, trust in showing them his scar. And because of that, she had trust in showing him her scars too. But she wasn't brave enough to confess, or tell the whole world and in that regard Eddward and her were the same.

They locked the door behind them and made their way out of the neighborhood. The rain lightly drizzled down and the streets mostly quiet. No one ever really liked to go out on rainy days like these. Most families were inside their own homes, catching up on a television show or finishing a novel. But as she led the way there was something almost purifying about the rain, it was calming. "I haven't been here for a while…" she confessed quietly "I haven't had the courage to"

Something in Eddward started to tense as they turned down streets, his heart rate picking up the closer they approached an area of the neighborhood. "I can tell you're scared too" Nazz spoke again glancing up at him. "We both don't deserve to be here… but this is my outlet"

They stopped at the side walk with a tall brick building, and he knew where they were. Eddward had known where they were heading towards the moment they had turned down this familiar street. He hadn't been here since childhood, since his parents left. The stained glass windows haunted him for years, and the arches leading to the big double doors reminded him of the many times he walked through here with his hand held tightly by the woman with long raven hair. "I can't go with you" Eddward whispered out, more scared than he had ever felt. His hands were shaking as he stared up at the cross at the very top of the building "I can't be here"

He felt Nazz hold his hand and he felt how weak and terrified she was too "Please…" she pleaded looking up at him "...Please come in with me"

"I c-can't" Eddward looked down at her with scared eyes, shaking his head.

"It's just the two of us...and well him"

"Nazz…" Eddward took a step back, everything in him telling him to run back home.

"Look at me" she walked in front of him, her hands holding on tightly "Be brave Vincent...I can't do this without you"

Eddward stared at her with wide fearful eyes, every bone in him shaking with intensity, his legs numb. But he let her drag him up the stairs. Eddward then looked down at their feet, watching the ground change from concrete to a wooden flooring and he held his breath. He couldn't look up, he wouldn't dare to. Every step further he took inside the building felt like he was walking on nails. It was painful, and tormenting. He shouldn't be here, he couldn't be here.

Nazz held the raven haired boy's hand tightly and led them into the wooden benches. She placed a hand on his arm, gesturing him to sit down, and hesitantly he did so but he never looked up. All guilt and regret and hurt poking at his stomach and he felt like throwing up. "He's not mad" Nazz spoke up sitting beside Eddward, her hand on his knee. "If you looked up, you'd see that"

He knew the face of the figure at the front of the building. He knew what it looked like, he'd seen it many times growing up. He knew he wasn't mad...he was sad and in pain. With a deep breath he moved his gaze up a little and saw the small book in the pouch in front of him. It's golden letters engraving into his mind, The Bible it read. He hadn't been this close to it in years...since he sold and locked everything up at the cabin. A blood red leather cover, it had...one that looked so close to liquid he drank every other night.

His eyes then moved further up and he saw the empty benches leading up to the front. A set of three steps at the front and a beautiful wooden carved pedestal in the middle, flowers on both sides. They reminded him of the wedding photographs he had seen of his parents. They had been taken somewhere else he knew that but it reminded him nonetheless. The face of the woman he missed, serious and stern, nothing like the girl he had seen in Liz's photos. What had happened? He wondered.

"I know we might not deserve his forgiveness" Nazz spoke out "But how are we to live the rest of our lives without it?"

With great hesitance and with the feeling that if he looked any higher, a lighting bolt might strike him he raised his sight again. He saw the golden illuminance of the stained windows and it reminded him of the morning light up at the mountains. The colors a rainbow glitter around the dim room, there was a large window behind them and sun rays glowed onto the front of the building, where the figure hanged. The figures face sad and in pain just as Eddward remembered it. A blood stained tear running down it's face, and it made something in Eddward choke. He couldn't breath, and he couldn't rip his eyes from the figure. Every emotion in him exploded, like a bottle of champagne popping open and spilling over.

Eddwrad felt Nazz's hand on his knee tighten, and he could feel tears spilling down his face. He was speechless and breathless. "God forgives...and he loves" Nazz whispered out with a strained voice "Even if we don't forgive and love ourselves"

With a shake of his head Eddward ripped his eyes away "Not me, not after what I've done...not after...H-how I…" Eddward choked then his hand raised to cover his mouth, his eyes crimson. "I don't want it...I don't...I just w-want to be normal...I wish I'd grown up normal, Nazz." he looked down at her with an apologetic look. "None of this would be happening. You, Kevin, and Ed would have never had to get involved with my shit. Ed fucking warned me, I still had the chance to push you all away and be better off"

"Do you think we'd be better off ignorant, naive, and in fear of you still?" Nazz puffed out her chest angered by his statement. "Do you think everything would be better if we continued to hate you? Vincent…" the girl choked out as her gaze flicked down to his forearms "You might not have been here with us if Kevin hadn't gotten involved. The thought of you being on the edge back then scares me so much. The thought of you continuing to destroy yourself over being gay still fucking scares me!"

"Don't…" Eddward looked down at her with a tensed posture, his eyes stern and terrified. He'd hadn't even thought of the word, and here Nazz was straight out identifying him as the one thing in this god damned earth that he never wanted to be.

"I'll say it again, Vincent!" Nazz stood up then fists at her side. "I'll say it again, because under his house it will never be a fault! You are gay and you deserve to be happy for once in your life!"

Eddward looked up at her with wide tearful eyes unbelieving what was spilling out her mouth. His sexuality wasn't the only problem. Everything about him was a problem, Eddward knew there was no chance that in this life he would ever be forgiven and loved by God "I'm almost just as terrible as Sam. I've done a lot and I regret little. I don't deserve anything...He's been punishing me for years now"

The blonde girl stood, her hands on his shoulders now and she gave him a smile "I have faith for you. You're a good guy, Vincent. Believe it or not. He's not punishing you...you father is." she breathed out exasperated "You're father is the one ruining you and Sam is too. There's nothing wrong with feeling what you feel and I think that as long as you don't give up on yourself and allow us to love you… well, that is enough to save you and redeem everything else you have done. We all know you want to change and live, and that is enough Vincent"

"...I'm selfish and a coward" Eddward frowned his hands weak again as he thought the time he confessed to Kevin the day the boy was being chased by Jimmy. "I've done bad things"

"Do you think God hasn't seen everything you've experienced? All the torture and desperation?" Nazz sat next to him again, but faced the raven haired teen. "Listen...You have done what you have to do to survive and live… I know that now. You've battled long and hard with the turmoil inside you, and I see that you still are. That makes me hopeful. Someone who gives up so easily is selfish and a coward, but not you. You're still here, fighting and protecting all of us" She looped her arm around his and her forehead onto his shoulder "I have faith for you, Vincent. You are not a bad person. You're just human."

Those last words made a weak smile tug at Eddward's lips "You know...Ed said the same thing to me. About being human"

"Well you are. We all are"She looked up at him then "We're the same you and I" she smiled "We think and feel the same. I trust God will judge our hearts and forgive us. I have faith we'll be able to move forward, I strongly believe that."

"What if... he doesn't?" Eddward placed his head to her head looking up at the figure at the front.

"If that's the case…" she smiled "We'll be in it together my friend"

Eddward smiled closing his eyes as he placed a hand on her hand "..." the girl was a calming presence, one he cherished a lot. He wondered if this was the reason why he had always seen Kevin holding Nazz's hand. He used to think it was because they were a couple or overly protective, but he now assumed the girl was a source of strength and calm for the freckled boy. As she was for him now.

He opened his eyes again feeling movement beside him and he saw Nazz bend down to her knees, her hands placed together. She was praying and he wondered if he had the strength to do so under God's home.

He didn't kneel down, but with a deep breath in he closed his eyes again...and prayed. Eddward only hoped his prayers would be heard. Maybe, just maybe Nazz was right.

….

The evening had arrived quickly and now it was time for Ed to go home. But the teen wasn't anywhere near what they hoped he would be. The plan was for Kevin to take Eddward's car to drop the brunette off and Kevin would spend the night at Ed's to watch over him."Where are you going?" Kevin, who had been sitting at the island reading, looked up noticing Eddward walking into the kitchen who was wearing his shark leather jacket.

"I have a gang to lead…" Eddward spoke out quietly "There's a lot I need to resolve tonight, I might have to skip school tomorrow...I've already skipped out on Ms. Adams for days. I…" the raven haired teen looked almost pained.

"You...what?" Kevin watched the raven haired boy resume his expressionless face, as if wanting to not trouble Kevin with what he was feeling.

Eddward spoke again straightening his posture "I'm planning on quitting the shop"

Kevin lowered his hand "why?" he knew the teen wasn't going to work there for forever but he also didn't think that Eddward would flat out quick all of a sudden. Eddward cared about Ms. Adams enough that Kevin knew this decision wasn't an easy one to make. So why the hell had he even thought about quitting now?

"Running the gang is only temporary but with everything that is happening…" Eddward crossed his arms looking away. "I don't have the time to work in the shop, and she's forgiven my excuses too many times. I need to focus on the gang and the task at hand...it's more important right now."

"oh…" Kevin frowned pausing a moment before continuing "What's going to happen now that you're the leader?"

"It's only temporary…" Eddward clarified again "But, hopefully nothing. I know you want me to take this opportunity to disband the gang, but Sam would murder me if I did. And disbanding means we can't see our members' faces. If I keep it going like normal we're bound to catch more traitors"

"Are you going to do something about Jimmy?" Kevin observantly looked up at Eddward. He was upset about not taking this chance to end everything, but he knew Eddward was right. Now was not the time to end it, not when there was a killer on the loose.

"Nazz is going to talk to him today...whatever she decides I'll trust" Eddward for one reason or another wouldn't look at Kevin and this made him feel uncomfortable. "She's the one who wants to talk to him, and I want to know why he has decided to take the action of protecting her when he had the opportunity to end what he had started"

"Yeah, I want to know too. Wish I could be there tonight" Kevin pressed his lips together worried about Nazz confronting the platinum blonde "Just...don't leave them alone ok?"

"Another thing...I'm going to need other people to look after the three of you" Eddward paused looking almost furious. "I need you...to talk to Raine. We can't trust our own, who knows how many traitors we have"

Kevin eyes lit up and he gave Eddward a toothy smile "No problem Eddward, I know Llan lives here meaning there have to be other wolfs roaming about who can help"

Eddward gave him a look before nodding then tapped the island counter with his knuckle and started heading out "I'm heading out now, be careful driving and call me if anything happens"

"I will, and good luck tonight" Kevin called out with a smile, he really did mean it. Maybe having the gang under Eddward's control was exactly what they all needed. Maybe those who hadn't switched over to the Masked gang would stick to Eddward. Kevin knew that Eddward didn't know or see it but he did always have a leadership to him that brought respect even during his terrible tyrant days. The freckled boy especially saw it during Swim meets or practice, his team admired the raven haired teen alot even the seniors. So, maybe this switch was a good thing. At least that was what he kept telling himself to ease his worry.

...

Every person in the building was whispering he could hear them from where he stood against the railing mid staircase, the very spot where Sam would give out various announcements and speeches. Eddward would always be a few steps below but not today, below him stood a platinum blonde looking at him with observant malevolent eyes.

The difference between him and Sam in this moment was that Eddward had no one who he could trust. Sam always had someone, always had him. Eddward was terrified, more terrified than the evening he had stepped over the railing on the bridge many months back. He wished Kevin would run up behind him and wrap his arms around his waist like he had done back then.

He looked up to the opened office door and spotted the blonde girl standing there and giving him a smile. He breathed in, feeling just a bit calmer remembering he did have someone, many some ones. He had his own little gang he could trust like no other.

"Attention!" Eddward finally called out as Sam had done so many times before. He watched the whispering stop and then every eye in the room was staring at him. He could only wonder how many of them were plotting against him right about now, how many were laughing that he couldn't see through their disguise. "...I know you are all aware of the current situation with our leader. Sam is alive, and he is recovering. This is a part of his trial conducted by his father. It is what sets them apart from us. So, to help our leader in his recovery and success in his trail into his father's Mafia, we need to regroup and continue as we are." Eddward paused taking a breath before continuing "In the meantime, Sam has left me in charge and I am counting on you all to report back to me or Jimmy as you have done with Sam. We continue as we have been...that is all"

With that he turned away and started making his way up hearing as the crowd below him brushed out into questions. Jimmy ran up beside him and grabbed his arm tightly, he leaned in closely "Why did you tell them that lie?"

Eddward shoved his arm away, and whispered back "we can't have them all know we're investigating, it'll be chaos. We pretend like everything is fine, and we hope the traitors won't run away"

"What happens if they find out you lied? Do you know how many of those who aren't traitors will lose trust in you? They might think you had something to do with it"

"Why should they ever think that?" Eddward scowled "they might think you had something to do with it as well"

Jimmy grinned "But I'm not the one leading. I'm not the king of sharks, captain. They might think you wanted the crown early, maybe it's a gateway into a rivaling mafia."

Eddward stayed silent glaring at the blonde "Well, let's hope this all gets resolved before further accusations arise" he grabbed Jimmy by the jacket and shoved him forward as they continued up the stairs "which reminds me, Nazz is in the office waiting for you. She wishes to speak to you"

"I figured that was the case when I saw her up there earlier. Didn't think she was here for the fun night." Jimmy sighed out looking behind him seeing a ruckus of a crowd continuing their night. "Ya, should have let me smoke a cigarette beforehand"

"Unfortunately we need you completely sober at the moment" Eddward frowned annoyed

Jimmy raised an eyebrow at him then "Say, are you sober Captain?" He snickered seeing Eddward eyes go narrower before shoving Jimmy inside the room.

Eddward walked inside and closed the door, Nazz was sitting in the chair behind the desk. The raven haired teen crossed his arms and stayed at the door and gestured with a look for Jimmy to sit down too.

With a huff of air an annoyed Jimmy glared at Eddward and forcibly took a seat crossing his arms. "You ain't getting out sensitive information outta me. If it's anything else, well nothing really fucking matters."

"Jimmy, what you did for me the other night. Matters enough to me to want to know why" Nazz looked conflicted, not meeting Jimmy's eyes but rather looking down at her hands in her lap. "So why did you do it."

"It doesn't matter cunt" Jimmy spat out to only have Eddward angrily step in and whack him in the head. "FUCK" the blonde held his head in pain.

"Just tell us, even if it doesn't matter. Whatever it is...we might be able to help" Nazz finally looked up.

"What makes you think I need help? If anything it's you guys that need MY help" the blonde laughed out leaning back in his chair and staring down at Nazz. "You guys don't know shit, it's better you don't stick your nose in where it doesn't belong"

Eddward stood beside Jimmy and glared down at him observingly "Whatever it is that you're doing, is forcing us to stick into your business. You attack Nazz and threaten to fucking kill her and now your shelding her from getting attacked by someone else. I don't know what it is that you're thinking but isn't having someone else do all the dirty work for you, better?"

Jimmy gave Eddward a smirk "you'd know about doing dirty work huh Captain?"

"Answer the goddamn question, Jimmy" Eddward just glared down unbothered by Jimmy's antics.

"Look" Jimmy moved his gaze to Nazz and sighed out "I told you that night that I'm no killer and that's the fucking truth." He paused leaning forward now "whatever I do and everything I have done after the night I attacked you has all been to protect myself and the people I care about. I won't let them ruin me entirely, I'll live my life free and the way I so desire."

"...you said you're not a killer and yet you did in fact try to kill me" Nazz let out a laugh unbelieving Jimmy's words.

"I was angry, I told you already." Jimmy said as if it was the most obviously natural thing in the world but when Nazz didn't change her look he rolled his eyes "I was angry...you gave up on someone I cared about and when you are in a state of pure red, that's the only thing you see and think. But I had time to cool off after that day… And I came to many realizations. I thought long and hard. Sarah doesn't see me the same anymore, I'm not her best friend anymore, and maybe I never was. I realize that now, I'm still angry that you let her go...but maybe this was...good for her in a fucked up way"

The platinum blonde sighed out a hand on his cheek, his eyes looking distant "To be honest I thought you were actually going to out me to Sam when you saw the bite marks on my hand. But you didn't, so I ask you why?"

Nazz leaned back feeling uncomfortable "I never confirmed it because I wanted to know why. I noticed you back away since that attack and I questioned everything. I looked at Eddward and Sam and realized I had given them second chances and well...as you said, no one in this life is a saint but we are all deserving of a second chance. So...this is me giving you that second chance"

Jimmy looked at her with wide eyes silently before his shoulder started shaking. He bursted out into laughter and lifted his hands to his face "AH! Stupid bitch! I don't fucking need a second chance from you. I know my wrongs and I don't regret any of them, I'm not Eddward and Sam? Oh sweet Jesus AHA you think Sam deserves a second chance? That guy is in too deep, your delusional if you think you can pull him out. He's the LAST one of us deserving a second chance"

He turned to Eddward and his laughter subsided but he kept a smile on his face "you out of all of us knows that, Captain. Why are you leading her on to believe she can turn him good" Jimmy turned to Nazz and pointed a finger at her "Turn your back on him now. He's no good, rotten, a fucking turd shitted out straight from the devils ass. Have you ever questioned why this guy won't leave Sam's side?"

"I trust Eddward and I see that to some extent he trusts Sam… So no, I don't question it" Nazz said carefully. Her uncomfort coming back as memories of hearing Trevor's screams played back.

"Well you both are stupider than I thought" Jimmy laughed out. " Sam's got the TWO of you brainwashed. Look, look, look…" Jimmy lifted his hands towards Nazz and glared at her "Sam abuses and uses people, when he's done using them...he disregards them, like fucking trash. This guy knows it, this guy knows that he HAS to be useful to Sam otherwise he's going to blame it on you and Kevin and that stupidly giant friend of yours. Princess, Sam's has you as a fucking hostage and don't you ever think otherwise!"

"Jimmy, that's enough" Eddward grabbed the blonde's shoulder and shoved him back harshly. "You're the one after Kevin, you said so yourself, you were there the night Kevin was with the Northern Fangs."

"Don't be soooo stupid Captain" Jimmy lifted his head up "I was there and I did ask for Kevin...and what did I just fucking say! Sam's got you all hostage, and what's going to piss him off the most? Losing you and how the fuck is going to lose you if he has his hands around your fucking boyfriend's neck? HUH?"

Eddward stayed silent knowing now what Jimmy was planning "I kidnap the fucking nerd and Princess bitch here and you're fucking free. Now that we run things here, it'll be easy to fuck Sam over"

"What about after the fact of fucking him over? Liam will come after us idiot!" Eddward barked out.

"Liam won't do shit, wanna know why? Because we will be smarter, we won't leave a trace we pin it on the masked gang, and who the fuck is the masked gang and who is their leader? No one will fucking know because they'll disappear forever when we finish our plan"

"And who is the masked gang?" Nazz spoke up again disturbed to see the crazed look in the blonde's eyes.

"Who fucking knows, that's the point" Jimmy laughed out "...I just do as am told, they seek to get rid of Sam and I'm on fucking board with that plan. Whatever that means"

"Are you on the same page with the leader of the masked gang?" Eddward was reminded of the night at the party according to Nazz recalling. "Because they wanted to kill Nazz, Ed took a bullet for her"

"It was a mistake…" Jimmy shrugged "stupid cunt threw the plan overboard"

"A mistake!" Nazz screamed out standing up now "How dare you! Ed could have easily died by her mistake"

"And she will be punished, she knows she's fucked. Leader won't be happy with her" Jimmy smiled.

"Jimmy, tell us who it is. Let me talk to them" Eddward said, gripping the edge of Jimmy's chair.

"Captain, you really don't want to know" Jimmy gave Eddward a dark look.

Eddward got many things from this disturbing look and the most important and significant detail he got was that Jimmy had told him he wouldn't want to know. Why? Because the leader of the masked group, the one apparently after Sam Dubois had to be someone they all knew. But who was it? That he still needed to figure out. Sam had many enemies but what enemy of Sam did all three of them know? And was it someone truly on their side?

"Alright then, keep your secrets...the truth will come out eventually" Eddward spoke quietly.

…

Ed sat in his bed with an oversized sweater trying to hide much of his body. He and Ed managed to enter the house with minimal suspicion from his parents. He explained his paleness on feeling sick and possibly having food poisoning. His limpness was explained as a sprained ankle. His parents weren't happy about his sudden disappearance, but dismissed it as teens being teens and made him promise not to do it again.

Kevin stayed with him for most of the day and just before leaving to talk with the wolves helped change his bandage. He was weak and he still felt like absolute shit from the blood loss of when they took the bullet out. Ed knew he wasn't going to be about to make it to school for a few days at least, thankfully the bullet hadn't hit him anywhere vital.

Ed was laying in his bed staring up at his ceiling worrying that he had to leave looking over Nazz and Kevin to Eddward alone. He hoped nothing would happen while he was out, and a part of him knew Kevin would be able to protect Nazz in case anything did happen. The door opened then, and Sarah came in and her face was sad. "Hey little sister" Ed sat up hiding every painful emotion behind a strained smile.

She rolled her chair towards his bedside and placed a hand on his thigh, close to where the injury was. Ed sucked in a breath scared she would find out if she felt his bandage. "You're not sick" Sarah frowned.

Ed laughed awkwardly and tried slowly shifting away but Sarah kept her hand at his leg and stared at him with intense eyes. "You've never been a good lier big bro. There's something you're hiding, don't think i'm stupid enough to not realize when you're bullshitting. And right now, you're bullshitting"

"I'm n-not BSing Sarah...really" Ed smiled, placing his hand on her hand as a way to not let it wander any lower. It would be too easy to feel the bandage.

"You tensed up the moment I put a hand on you" Her gaze turned into a glare and it reminded him of how she used to give that same glare before one of her rageful tantrums. "You're hiding something"

"Sarah, I swear i'm not" Ed lifted her hand off of him "I'm perfectly fine, just a little sick"

"I may be stuck in this fucking chair but don't think I'm not aware of some shit that goes around town" Sarah pressed her lips togather. "Like how you used to be in the gang my ex was in."

Ed stared at her and tensed him even further "...How did…? Mom and Dad don't know?"

"I have a fucking phone Ed" Sarah rolled her eyes "I've been catching up with a few friends, some of them went to Lemon Brooke. They told me you got tortured hardcore for leaving the gang."

"...Sarah I" Ed frowned not knowing what to say.

"I never thought you to be the gang type. You can't even fucking kill a spider so I know it had to have been Eddy who dragged you two along." Sarah breathed in calming her rage and staring off into nothing "If I was around then...No way in hell would I have allowed that little shit to do with you the way he did. He was your friend. The least he could have done was defend you."

"It's better this way...I learned my lesson and chose the right friend" Ed sighed out shrugging.

Sarah stayed quiet staring at Ed for a moment before smiling "Eddward seems better"

Ed smiled and chuckled a bit "Yeah...mostly thanks to Kevin"

"What's so special about Kevin anyways?" Sarah quirked an eyebrow leaning back in her chair.

"Ah...um" Ed grinned "Kevin actually managed to be the friend that Eddward needed, and it's thanks to him that I stopped being dumb and made up with Eddward."

"So...he's just a really good friend?"she asked quietly.

Ed nodded "yeah, he is"

Sarah laughed out then shaking her head "Hm...He's not so special then."

"Maybe, but he's special enough to Eddward" Ed wanted to tease how Eddward was head over heels for this apparent 'not special ginger boy' but Sarah didn't know and it wasn't in his place to say anything so he stayed quiet and smiled instead. "Anyways… have you thought about going back to school instead of being locked up in the house?"

Sarah sighed out looking away annoyed "I don't want to go back"

"Why? You'll have so much fun going back and actually socializing with people" the brunette boy pushed.

"Our school isn't exactly accessible to me" She frowned gesturing to her chair "And i don't want people's pity eyes fucking staring at me and whispering behind my back 'Oh poor sarah'. People can fuck off"

"I'll be there to help you out every day" Ed bummed a fist to her arm lightly.

"I don't want you to. I want to figure this out on my own." Sarah looked up at her brother then "I know you've been in and out of the hospital most days. Mom told me, you'd sit next to me and talk to me and do your homework or study there. And, I don't want to take anymore of your time. You're only just now allowing yourself to hang out with your friends."

"But your not taking my time, your my little sister"

"I'll figure this out Ed. You worry about yourself...I can take care of myself, promise" Sarah gave him a smile "But don't think i won't fuck up whoever did this to you!" she pointed at him.

"Who did what now?" Ed laughed awkwardly tensing up again.

"It was someone in the great white sharks wasn't it? They're still bullying you, and you can't convince me otherwise"

"OH!" Ed laughed out lifting his hand up guilty "You caught me...please don't tell mom and dad"

"I won't but i'll scold Eddward for not keeping a better eye on you" she made a face then patting Ed's leg harshly. "Ok I'll leave you now"

Ed held in a scream and only just nodded and gripped his bed sheet intensely that his veins popped out. He finally let out a whimper when she closed the door behind her. "Ow" Ed soothed his leg.

...

A cautious Kevin stood in the middle of Fangs with Nat at his side with an arm wrapped around Kevin's shoulders. Hunter was sitting by the stairs across the room ignoring him as if they hadn't beat each other up just the other night. The boy was still wearing a bandage over his nose and although Kevin was nervous and cautious about Hunter's intentions, the injury made him smirk. Although he trusted that the teen would keep his promise, it was still nerve racking to think that the brunette held all the power to turn this and every meeting with the Fangs into a possible catastrophe.

He was here to talk with Raine, but they were out at the moment, so as Kevin waited around he tried to smile and pay attention to Nat's rambling about his new leather pants he had bought the other day. "They're tight, but comfortable and compliments my ass perfectly! Look!" the green haired boy did a quick graceful turn and stuck his butt out turning his head to wink at Kevin "Am I right or am I right?"

Kevin flushed looking away and giving Nat a light shove "I'm sure every Fang is staring at your ass Nat, no need to be so promiscuous"

"I'll have you know this thirsty bitch is still a virgin" Nat laughed out wrapping an arm around Kevin's waist again leaning against the bar counter. "I talk big game but I'm just looking for the one person who's gonna be worth it you know?"

"Yeah…" Kevin smiled looking up at the neon lights on the ceiling wondering if Eddward had done anything with anyone. A part of him feels like he has but with who? It couldn't have been with Mary and Eddward has always repressed his homosexuality Kevin highly doubts anything has every happen with a guy? Would it be weird to ask? Did he want to know?

"Looks, like Raine is back" Nat stood up straightening pointing at the front window. The wolves cleared a path for Raine and their pack to follow. Raine spotted Kevin rather quickly and motioned for him to them into the office room. Kevin noticed Hunter standing up from the stairs and followed a few steps behind him.

Hunter closed the door behind them and Kevin watched as Raine leaned against the counter looking rather exasperated. "I heard what happened with the Dubois brat"

"I told you they are after him. They're after his gang and they're looking for trouble. They want to start something with your gang, pin the two against each other." Kevin breathed out nervously, it was never a good idea to stare directly into Raine's golden eyes. They were one moment away from becoming feral.

"How do we stop it for good?" Raine asked firmly, a fingernail tapping the wooden desk.

Kevin gave Hunter a glance who had moved to the side of the room and was staring intently at him "We have to confront the Serpents. The women who shot my friend and Sam were seen wearing serpent tattoos."

"So those bitches actually are involved in this masked gang shit" Hunter's angered voice interrupted their conversation. Kevin just gave him a nodd.

Raine gave them a glance before wondering out loud "Are they just an ally to them or are they behind all this?"

"I don't know" Kevin answered even though he knew the question wasn't directed at him. "...Also, um" he started his nerves coming up all over again, wondering how Raine would react to actually teaming up with Eddward. "Eddwrad's taking over the Great White Sharks for the time being. It would be a good idea to meet up before anything else happens, we need to come up with a plan of action. We need to start making moves"

"Do you know if Liam Dubois is getting involved?"

Something in Raine changed rather quickly and it occurred to Kevin that Raine wasn't that much older than Liam, and that they probably had history…"No, I don't he is allowed to help Sam"

Untension their posture Raine sighed out "Good, then I'll talk to Eddward. Call him over we need to figure this out tonight"

"Right" Kevin pressed his lips and stepped out of the room giving Nat a smile when he passed the boy. He walked out of Fangs where it was less noisy and dialed Eddward's number. It didn't take long before Eddward picked up "H-hey"

"Hey, are you with Ed still?

"n-no, I'm at Fangs right now. Can you come over? Raine wants to talk with you, figure everything out" The freckled teen asked with a sigh then remembered "Oh, I uh left your car at my place so it wouldn't be a far distance from the factory"

"You took your bike?"

"Yeah"

"Alright, I'll be over there in a few" Edd hung up almost too quickly that it worried Kevin. Was he mad again? The teen hadn't sounded angry rather calm actually. Too calm Kevin frowned, stealing his phone in his pocket and heading back inside, where the music was blasting and the room crowded.

Kevin noticed Raine taking a shot at the bar with Nat at their side. He maneuvered towards the counter and sat beside Raine. "He's on his way," Kevin stated.

"..." Raine gave Kevin a look before taking another shot and nodding in approval. "Do you really think we can trust them...him?"

Kevin looked at Rain then with a stern look "Yeah, we can trust him...them, I don't know" he knew he could trust Eddward, that wasn't the problem. The problem was trusting Sam and Jimmy and every member in the gang, that was the unnerving part, because he knew he couldn't, and he wasn't going to lie to Raine about that. "Sam's gang...it's all over the place"

"Then why trust the Vincent boy? He's Sam's right hand man?" Raine lifted an eyebrow at Kevin observing the boy's expressions.

"I've spent enough time around Eddward to know he's not the monster everyone claims him to be" Kevin gave Raine a shrug "He may be a Great White and Sam's right hand man but...He's better than them, trust me he's changed a lot in almost a year"

"Oh really?" Raine nodded looking at the bottles on the shelf behind the counter. "I didn't think I would ever see the day that rivaling sharks would get along, much less trust one another…"They eyed Kevin again "...It's a peculiar thing"

Kevin just chuckled out yeah.

With a smile Raine handed Kevin a shot glass "Here, drink it. You're gonna need it."

Kevin didn't really drink, only ever tasting the shitty cans of beer his father would bring home. He hadn't ever had whatever this was but shrugged, it was just one. The burning sensation that went down his throat immediately told him what was in his glass "Tequila?" he asked.

Raine let out a roar of laughter seeing Kevin cough and gave the boy a few pats on the back "Tequila" they confirmed with a grin.

About an hour later, Kevin finally heard the familiar engine outside on the streets of Lemon Brooke. Raine had let everyone know ahead of time that Eddward would be arriving so they wouldn't pick a fight. A part of Kevin was feeling a bit too happy to see Eddward, or maybe it was the second shot of tequila he had taken that was making him feel happy.

Llan walked inside with Eddward following right behind. The room had quieted except the music of course, it was tense and awkward. Kevin met Eddward eyes as he walked closer to the two who were making their way into the office. Hunter was right behind him again and once again closed the door.

Raine was sitting in their chair this time with arms crossed. Their eyes were fierce and cautious. As Kevin stood beside Eddward, he noticed the raven haired teen giving him a glare and he wondered if Eddward was playing up their supposed rivalry, so he glared back.

Then, Eddward's glare turned vicious and moved to stare past Kevin. It was then he saw Hunter ignoring Eddward's stare and Kevin hoped these two wouldn't mess everything up. The last thing they needed was these two battling it out again and making the Northern Fangs hostile towards them again.

"He's told you about the Serpents?" Eddward focused on Raine with hands shoved into the pockets of his leather jacket. The one that said The Great White Sharks on it and it made Kevin frown.

"Yeah, but we can't just stroll right into their territory and accuse them out right. That'll start problems between The Northern Fangs and The Serpents. I can't have that." Raine leaned back in their chair glaring at Eddward "It was Sam's party, you're people were there, so it's you who has to go investigate."

"I need backup" Eddward started with pressed lips, he didn't know how much was a good idea to reveal. "We've discovered two of our members have betrayed us. That's how they managed to get to Sam that night."

Raine shook their head and grinned "Sounds to me like the Dubois kid isn't all that scary or likable. If your members betrayed you it's because they fear or love someone else more. Whoever is behind the masked gang, managed to get their trust."

"Sam Dubois is nothing like his brother" Raine ended looking off at Kevin.

Eddward bit his lip then "Liam doesn't have the same goals and motivations that Sam has. Sam has to fight for what he gains, it's not easy"

Kevin looked up at Eddward and questioned why he would defend Sam? Then again, it would be too wishy washy if Eddward didn't defend Sam would it? It would seem like Sam's gang was holding up by just a thread and that would make Eddward and Sam look weak. Then Raine wouldn't want to help them, why help a rival when they could easily just sit back and watch everything unravel.

"Sam Dubois is still just a stupid brat. That's why he was shot, twice no less" Raine chuckled out standing up and knocked on the wooden desk. "Serpents… We haven't caught any of their members causing trouble in our side of town. So how about this, I ask nicely to try and see if they reveal anything to me. That doesn't work, you can barge in with a hand select few that you trust and I'll have some of my wolves close by in case something happens."

"Good cop, bad cop" Kevin smiled turning to Eddward "Wasn't Eddy the one with the silvered haired girl that shot Nazz? Bring him along, you'll be threatening them. You know it was them, there were witnesses." There was glee in his olive green eyes "After that you threaten their suppliers, no product, no cash. Cut them off and make a deal with them, Sam supplies in exchange for information."

"I like the way you think little shark" Raine grinned at him and it made Kevin smile go wider. "He's right, if we can't get anything out of them, there's only one other way. You hit them where it hurts the most, their income. Everything gets real when money's involved."

Kevin turned to Eddward again and was pleased to see a subtle smile on his lips. Kevin knew the boy was keeping his composure but the look in his blue eyes gave Kevin all the approval he needed. Eddward nodded then, "Alright, and in return we will continue to seek out any more traitors who might be behind the vandalism on your territory. Fortunately, we have one captured and it's only a matter of time before he gives us names."

"Oh?" Raine raised an eyebrow "Let's hope your monsters don't kill him before he says anything. They will be valuable into blackmailing the serpents if they actually know who is behind all this"

"No worries, physical torture wasn't giving us any results" Eddward breathed in "I have placed him in isolation"

"Cruel Vincent" Raine shook their head slowly thinking it over.

With that their meeting was over, and as soon as Kevin stepped out into the lounge Nat smashed himself against Kevin's side. "How was the meeting, you guys figured it out?"

"Sort of" Kevin smiled giving the boy a shrug "It's worth a try"

"Good, now let's paaaaarty" he dragged Kevin out into the crowd but Kevin turned to look behind him to find Eddward. He watched the raven haired teen make his way out of Fangs, not even looking back.

Pulling away from Nat's hold, Kevin pushed through the crowd following Eddward. Stepping out into the cold breeze of the night, he saw Eddward crossing the street pulling something out of his pocket. Kevin ran up to the taller boy and reached a hand out tugging at his leather sleeve. "You're leaving already?"

Eddward stopped and looking behind him with an amused look "I'm not exactly welcomed here"

Kevin was going to reply but ended up speechless and shrugged "I mean...yeah I know"

"Do you need a ride home?" Eddward asked quietly

"N-no, why?"

"Well, your face was flushed when I arrived. Looking at all the commotion inside I assumed you've consumed alcohol." Eddward turned then and Kevin could see it was a pack of cigarettes that he had taken out. "Unwise to drive your death contraption"

Kevin laughed out watching Eddward pull out a cigarette and light it. "I had two shots and I won't have anymore. It's only water the rest of the night for me, promise"

"You'll be alright?" Eddward asked with a look of hesitance in his eyes.

"I'll be fine, if not. I'll ask Nat if i can crash at his place, no problem"

Eddward tensed up immediately as he took a drag. He looked away from Kevin then with a dark pensive look. "I have been meaning to ask you something…" he finally started coming to a resolution.

"What is it?"Kevin asked, shoving his hands in his pockets feeling getting cold.

"..."Eddward let out a long and slow exhale of smoke "...Just…" it took another long moment of silence before Eddwrad looked back at Kevin "Are you happy?"

Kevin gave the teen a crooked smile and sighed out "As happy as I can be...yeah I am" he answered wondering what had brought up the question.

"Good...that's all that matters" Eddward reached a hand out almost to caress Kevin's cheek but paused and lifted his hand to the cigarette on his lips. "Goodnight then Kevin...someone's waiting for you"

Kevin turned to see Nat standing at the door looking at them. The ginger boy waved a hand in reassurance and when he turned back Eddward had gotten inside the car "Have a safe drive back...I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Until tomorrow" Eddward smiled, closing the car door and turning on the engine.

Kevin stayed where he was standing and watched Eddward drive off into the neon light of Lemon Brooke. He hoped he was going to be alright...a part of him was restless and anxious about the possibility of finding another unconscious Eddward the next time he went over to the Vincent residence. But he had to trust that Eddward was alright, and nothing had triggered him to spiral into whatever darkness haunted him. He let Nat gently pull him back into Fangs. Kevin wanted to enjoy the rest of the night, he really did but all he really needed right then was to know if Eddward was doing alright.

Was Eddward happy?

...

---

Stay safe everyone, it's been so bad here in Seattle with all the smoke traveling in the air. I can't imagine Cali and Oregon...

Please leave a review on your thoughts/ feelings/ predictions, I enjoy reading them very much & look forward to the next update! Let's hope it won't be in another year...

If you can't get enough of All We Are or maybe it's be a hell of a long time since i last updated and you need more content NOW head on over to my instagram (Arielagam)! I post a lot of sketches and what not of our favorite pumpkin and grumpy shark 3

Hope you have a lovely Day/Night xoxo