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)

60. Chapter 60

We're finally back with another chapter!

Summer has come in strong here, and I hope you are all staying hydrated and cool. I also hope you have all been well in these bettering times.

Something new and exciting is that i have opened a P.a.t.r.e.o.n! I posted this chapter early on there and have shared my thoughts, art and process of making of the rewritten book version of AWA as well as other AWA related content. Come hang out with us! (you can find me with the username Arielagam on any socials!)

Enjoy the chapter!

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This was why Eddward hadn't ever liked drugs.

Withdrawal was a bitch and that wasn't even the epitome of his current situation. Waking up at two in the morning vomiting from the grotesque nightmares, his body would proceed to tremble with the rising panic until his stomach could no longer push anything else out.

He'd chug a couple glasses of water, throat desperate for hydration. Opening the back door, Eddward would sit out on the porch, restless, covered in a blanket with a cigarette in hand. The cold air aided in calming his shivering, sweaty body.

Going out for runs was out of the question. He didn't have the strength to exert his body like he used to. His appetite was small and his mind could not focus on anything. He would catch a nap in the library most days, far too exhausted to be troubled by nightmares.

Eddward knew Sam was enjoying watching him deteriorate, like a deserved punishment. Maybe Sam was right, maybe he did deserve this for becoming so dependent on the drug that he left Kevin alone. He knew Kevin wasn't ok from the fight.

Kevin would try to hide the pain in his shoulder, and his limp had become only more apparent. It drove Eddward up the wall watching how Kevin pretended he wasn't hurt. Eddward was only making one mistake after another, they were all right. Hunter, Sam and Victor all knew that his relationship with Kevin was only going to end in tragedy.

Sam wasn't going to let go of him so easily, Eddward knew this now. Sam had demanded Kevin get involved in the gang's affairs, and told him to join the Easterns. Sam wanted Kevin out of the way from the very beginning, and Eddward should have seen this from the very start. There was a reason why Sam had transferred to Peach Creek High after all.

Eddward Vincent belonged to Sam Dubois, that was the simple truth.

Sam controlled every bit of his life, even now, Sam controlled if he got sleep or not. Sam had given him the pills to sleep but now denied him any drug, and had told him to get over the withdrawal by himself. Said, it would harden him.

Eddward scoffed, bringing the cigarette to his lips and inhaling the bitterness. His lungs felt weak, his bones frail. It was hard presenting himself at school, his swimming was falling behind. His coach had asked him about it, but Eddward had waved it off lying that it had been the stress of it all, regionals coming up.

This would have been his first time competing against out of district swimmers. He had been excited when signing up but now knew there was no way in hell he would be able to perform. Sam had laughed at him, calling him cute.

Eddward didn't know how to convince Sam he needed the pills. He tried one way and another but was met with a blank stare and a devilish smirk.

So, he stayed awake wrapped in his blanket, letting the cigarette get smaller and smaller until Eddward heard the birds waking up, the sky still dark. He thought about calling Kevin every night, but he couldn't bring himself to rely on the boy like that. Dependency on a person was much scarier than dependency on a thing. He had drained Marie of all the love she could offer, until she had resented him for it.

By the time his alarm rang on his phone, there was a small pile of ash next to him, and Eddward finally pulled himself up, his skin prickly from the cold. Mind exhausted, and eyes void of any emotion, he mindlessly got ready for the day.

He was at the high school before anyone else. In habit he wandered into the natatorium, vast, empty and welcoming. There was still a little over an hour before school began, so he went into the locker room to change into his swim attire.

The water was cold. It sent shivers through his skin, but he let his body sink up til his shoulders knowing the cold would go away soon. His legs lightly kicked underneath and he wondered why he had stopped coming into the natatorium. He loved being in water and a part of him hoped he would be able to keep swimming when he was long gone from Peach Creek.

His eyes fell closed letting the sensation of the waves calm him. His body was so tired and weak, he had nothing in his stomach but the water calmed him in ways nothing ever could. He held his breath, letting his head fall below the water. There was no disturbance, but tranquility underneath.

Seconds passed, quietly and stretched. With a blank mind, his body gave in further into the sinking feeling of exhaustion. He let his body relax, let the water sooth him and he wondered if the nightmares could ever reach him this far down in the water?

Fingers interlocked with his hair, yanking him up, causing him to choke on the water. The hand dragged half his body above onto the tiled floor. Eddward coughed out the water as he scrambled to see who had pulled him out.

Unmerciful dark eyes stared back at him, Sam. "Planning on drowning?" the blonde asked.

"I wasn't," Eddward coughed out. His breathing was rapid and uncontrolled. "W...Why are you here?"

"I do still have to meet graduation requirements," Sam said, finally letting go of Eddward's hair.

"The son of the most infamous mob boss still needs to graduate…" Eddward heaved out, lying down on the ground letting his eyes fall shut once again.

"My brother wants me to go to university," Sam said quietly.

This caught Eddward's attention. "I thought you were going straight into working for your father?"

"I am, but I'm thinking it would be best to juggle both," Sam glanced down at Eddward with a pointed stare. "But you'll be with me, so it shouldn't be too hard."

Eddward looked up at Sam's dark eyes quietly, did this mean Sam would let him pursue a higher education? "Attending classes by day and money laundering by night?"

"Shooting a couple men here and then," Sam said with a smirk. "Exciting isn't it?"

"Are you prepared for that?" Eddward asked curiously, as much mutilation that Sam had done in the past, it hadn't been to the extent of what The King of Beast's was capable of. Sam Dubois, had yet to kill a man.

"When the time comes, I will be," A dark glint showed in Sam's eyes, almost aghast that Eddward would ask such a question. "And don't you forget, the same goes for you. You aren't even capable of hunting animals, much less shooting someone," Sam continued glaring down at him with a scowl. "I need to train you like my father did me."

"I don't ever want to," Eddward said, voice a little shaky at the thought of having to kill.

"You'll get used to it," Sam said with a sigh. "You won't be able to pass my father's initiation otherwise."

"A pet doesn't need to kill," Eddward said, anger in his tone now.

"But my partner does," Sam's dark eyes were steady and intense, they made Eddward's stomach swirl with panic. Smirking, Sam stood up straight shoving his hands in his jean pockets.

"I'm thinking of studying business," Said Sam, changing the subject. "Makes sense right?"

"Perfectly," Eddward whispered.

Taking a few steps back, eyes glued to the natatorium doors, Sam said, "You should pursue something in medicine, like your parents,"

Eddward turned his eyes to Sam's back. He stayed quiet.

"It would be beneficial to the both of us," Sam said, standing firm and confident, "I'm thinking of looking at France, they have good universities there."

"Looks like I have a year to relearn French," Eddward said, turning his head to look the other way towards a wall, with the Peach Creek maskot there. The shark was strong and proud. He didn't want to leave with Sam.

"You're really not going to tell them?" Sam's voice was teasing.

"No," he said. Eddward could sense the stretched smile on Sam's face, and it wasn't something he wanted to look at.

There was a laugh. "It's easier that way," Sam said, before leaving the natatorium.

Eddward's eyes were tired, his body limp on the tiled floor, and his mind trying so hard to rip away every emotion and thought bouncing inside. But there were pools of water on the floor beside him and he couldn't tell if he was crying or not.

All he knew was that pain punched his chest the moment Sam had closed those doors.

…

"You should head home, Vincent." Nazz leaned forward, her hand touching Eddward's cheek. "You don't look well at all."

When Ed told her that Eddward wanted to talk to her, she didn't expect to find a sick looking Eddward slumped in the library chair. The athlete's skin was pale and his eyes drooped with sleeplessness. They all knew he wasn't getting any sleep these days, as they often caught the boy fast asleep at the library.

"I'll be fine," Eddward said, with slumped shoulders. He had a notebook on the table with scribbled, messy notes, nothing like the usually neat and organized handwriting she was used to seeing from him.

"You look like you'll drop dead any second, Vincent."

"Nazz, what did Sam tell you?" Eddward asked, face serious.

"About?" she asked, confused.

"I talked to Jimmy," Eddward started, "He said that Sam told you some things while you were at his house. I just want to know if it aligns with what Jimmy told me."

She let out a breath leaning back in her seat. "Sam told me little but he said that Jimmy was working for him. He said that he had Jimmy's family hostage and that was the reason we could trust Jimmy." Nazz's eyes went to the window looking down at a couple of students walking past. "But Eddward, I have my suspicions."

"What are they?" Eddward's voice was as quiet as hers.

"I think," she paused, afraid of speaking the words out into the public as if Sam could hear them. "I think Jimmy is right when he says that I am a hostage."

"Has Sam done something to you?"

"No," Nazz shook her head. "But, I think there is some truth to Jimmy's accusations. I think Sam's keeping me around in order to control Kevin."

Eddward's face was pitiful, he gave her a nod before speaking, "I believe so to."

Nazz's blue eyes met Eddward's, her lips pressed together in a frown. "I'm sorry I have fallen in Sam's trap."

Eddward seemed to have a guilty look on his face. "You won't be held prisoner, not by Sam or Jimmy or anyone, I promise." He said.

"Sam wants to keep you to himself," she said, defeated. "I think he'll do anything to keep you. He can't keep Kevin controlled, so he got me instead."

"Sam has a way with words," Eddward mumbled, "trust me, I know."

"I feel stupid," Nazz whined looking back out the window with a bubbling fury in her stomach.

"Don't," Said Eddward, trying to reassure her, "I have a feeling that despite his cunning ways. Sam does share some of your feelings, though I don't mean to be encouraging."

Nazz scoffed, "You think he does? It's hard to believe."

"I think he wishes to keep you too," Eddward said, eyeing her carefully. "But you're not like me."

"How so?"

"I mean, you're not meant for that lifestyle."

Nazz glared at Eddward, "and you are?" she knew as well as Kevin that Eddward didn't want that, so why was it ok for Eddward to see himself in that life?

"Just because I don't want that," He said, looking down at his notebook in thought, "Doesn't mean I am not meant for it. I've spent a handful of years under Liam and Sam, they've pushed me hard and have taken me to their gatherings. I know how to maneuver and survive in their world."

"Don't tell me your considering this,"

"No, no I'm not," Eddward said, with a small laugh looking away, "I'm just saying that Sam sees you as something shiny and untouched. He knows keeping you will stain you, and he wants to keep you as you are. I don't think he will ever harm you, but just be careful."

"I'm not pure," Nazz said, her guilt crawling through her ribs and squeezing her anxious heart. "You know that."

"That wasn't your fault," Eddward insisted.

"If I had gotten her out of the car, forced her out, she would be fine," Nazz said.

"She is fine,"

"She isn't," Nazz yelped, "She's in a wheelchair for life and it's my fault."

"Talk to her," The raven haired teen tried, "She's been wanting to see you again. She doesn't even remember arguing with you before the accident, you can start all over. I'll keep your secret."

She stared at Eddward with wide eyes, "You shouldn't," she said. He was Ed's best friend, what if keeping this secret of hers would end up destroying the friendship the Ed's had managed to restore? It would be her fault once again.

"One more sin to the pile I already have," he said with a sad smile and a shrug to his shoulder.

"I'm a coward," She said, looking away.

"He'll forgive you," Eddward said, tilting his head down, meeting her eye. "And so will she."

Nazz glanced up with a smile, "You really should go home and sleep, Vincent."

"Ed's been nagging me about it too," Eddward laughed, leaning back in his chair and stretching his arms high above him. Nazz shook her head, the raven haired boy could be just as stubborn as her Kevin. She could only imagine them as two peas in a pod.

…

Kevin stared at the white board with a frown, cheek pressed to the palm of his hand. It was boring in class without any of his friends around, Eddward was still hiding in the library most days with Ed as company here and then. The only times he was able to see the raven haired boy was during lunch break but even that had stopped because by the time Kevin and Nazz arrived at the library, Eddward was fast asleep.

They left the boy alone, to sleep.

It hurt Kevin to know that Eddward was suffering alone despite his insistence of trying to help any way he could. Eddward rejected him, again and again. It brought him back to the time they were just figuring out their initial situation.

Yet, the rejection was reasonable to their current situation. Kevin knew they should all stay apart in their respective homes for their own safety. Ed was the only one who wasn't a target and could come and go into the Vincent residence, but it did not mean he wasn't on guard as well. Evidence of Sam's birthday disaster still lingered in the way Ed walked, with a slight limp.

Kevin hadn't even been allowed to go see Eddward's last swim meet over in Lemon Brooke. The Eastern Sharks advised against it, saying it was safer to stay home.

He hated having to hide like a little kid behind closed doors. He hated that out there still in the hospital was Johnny with answers to some things. If only he could get close enough to talk to the demented teen. Sam? Would Sam help him once more and at what cost?

He had tried calling the blonde teen earlier in the week, desperate but was met with silence. How else was he able to get answers? There were keys all around town and Kevin just needed to confront the people who held them. Test out which keys opened which locks.

The Eastern's roamed the town, watching out for suspicious activity. He had seen them talking to the police officer stationed around his neighborhood. They waited for him to get out of school before taking him and Nazz home in separate cars.

The students of Peach Creek High had given them looks when the local gang had picked them up for the first time. No one asked, they whispered among themselves instead. Sam's name popped up among the conversations.

Today was no different.

Except when he entered his house, Kevin noticed something off about the atmosphere as he took off his shoes. He let go of the grip to his backpack and let it hit the floor. His father wasn't home, he had left early that morning and the old truck wasn't parked in front.

Kevin glanced quietly into the small hallway leading to the dining and kitchen with a sunken stomach. The feeling was far too familiar to the one he had the night Johnny attacked. Skin chilling and dreadful.

A light chuckle echoed through.

"Who's there?" Kevin called out, his eyes roaming around to find something for a weapon.

He made his way down the hall and upon peeking into the dining space, there was someone sitting across the table. Kevin stopped cold, anger rising in his chest.

"The fuck is wrong with you!" Kevin barked, glaring down at Sam who had a devilish smile on his thin lips.

"A great many things, freckles." Sam said, calmly.

"H-how did you even get inside?" Kevin questioned, looking back at the front door knowing the door had been locked.

"I picked the lock on your front door," Sam said, with an obvious tone.

"The police!" screeched Kevin, a hand gesturing outside.

"I'm a cousin of Kevin Barr, and they're expecting me," replied Sam, showing him a key that wasn't to the house. But the police had clearly bought it. Sam's dark eyes glanced up at Kevin with wickedness. "Now, will you stop yapping and sit down."

Kevin stayed still for another moment at the archway, his eyes looked around once more for something to defend himself in case of anything.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Kevin," Sam's voice was almost impatient. "Sit."

Kevin sat down carefully, eyeing Sam suspiciously. "This isn't funny," he said. "You could have caught me at school or called me to the factory."

"Too many eyes," Sam said, legs crossed with a hand lightly tapping on the wooden table. "And I don't want to go back to the factory just yet."

"So," said Kevin, slouching in his seat. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, you tell me freckles," Sam said, pulling out his phone with a lit up screen to show a missed call. "What did you wish to discuss with me?"

"Oh," Kevin relaxed in his seat. "You know, you have a horrible way of answering a call."

"I prefer face to face conversations, freckles." Said Sam, amused. "Go on."

The ginger boy looked down at his hands, thoughts bouncing around. "How the hell is it that you didn't know Johnny was a traitor?"

"Are you asking me if I was involved with the attack?"

"Yes," he said.

Sam's thin lip pressed together in frustration but his face was controlled. "Now why would that be? Do you really think I would put Eddward in danger like that? If you should be asking anybody, it should be Jimmy."

"I wouldn't put it past you," Kevin said, accusatory. "You gave Eddward the pills, and Johnny knew Eddward had taken them. As far as I know you're the only one who knows about those pills."

"Ah," Said Sam, eyes trained on Kevin with observation. "I advise you to point that finger somewhere else."

"Make it make sense then," Kevin said, determined. "Why is Johnny on their side? As far as I know he has nothing against anyone. He follows orders, that's it, and if it wasn't from you then it was from Jimmy."

"Now, didn't Eddward tell you it was Jimmy who gave him the pills?" Said Sam, carefully. "I provided the drug and sent Jimmy to give them to Eddward. So, Jimmy was aware of the drug as well."

"Then get me into that hospital room. Let me talk to him," Kevin sat up in his chair, trying to get this conversation to go anywhere. "If it wasn't you, then it was Jimmy, meaning he's betraying you."

Sam glanced curiously, "Let you?"

"You're the one who runs everything here," Kevin said. "I know you know how to get me into Johnny's hospital room."

"What do you think you'll get out of Johnny?" Sam tapped a finger on the table. "If he works for Jimmy, he won't rat out anyone. He's a dog."

"Then get him to talk," Kevin stood up slamming a hand to the table. "We need answers, and if you are innocent in all this, then you'll get me in that room."

"I was the one who told Victor Vincent there was going to be an attack," Sam admitted.

Kevin glanced at Sam with a curious look, "How did you know?"

"I did not instigate it, freckles." Sam said, voice dry. "Jimmy has been my snake for a while now. He was aware that the masked people were planning on taking you by force one way or another. I told Victor to keep an eye out for Eddward just in case, as we are all aware of how often you like to spend nights warming Eddward's bed."

Kevin kept his face like a rock, he wouldn't give Sam the satisfaction of an expression to his teasing. "And you trust Jimmy, after everything he has done?"

"It's not that I trust him," Said Sam with a joking tone, "rather I trust that he values his life."

"What does that mean?"

"It means we can trust him," Sam said, standing up and walking over to Kevin placing a hand on his shoulder. "It means we can win in due time."

Kevin glared at Sam who was mere inches away from him. "Why tell Victor? That man wants Eddward dead."

"You buy that?" Sam's devilish curved lips revolted Kevin's stomach. "You truly believe a father would wish for his only son to die?"

"He said so himself,"

"But he doesn't really want that," Sam's voice was controlled and mischievous. "Can you imagine what it would be like for a father, if his only son killed himself? Victor would go mad."

"I hardly think that man deserves any better than to drown in guilt," Kevin said flatly. "And I wasn't aware you were so frequently acquainted with Victor Vincent?"

"Not frequently," Sam said, then pressed his lips together, biting his lip. "Just enough."

Interesting, Kevin thought. "Just what does a gangster want with a simple small town doctor?"

"That's insulting," Sam chuckled, "Victor is far from a simple doctor."

"Well?" He pushed.

"It's convenient having a well known doctor around, for a gangster, that is."

Sam's expression was playful and to Kevin it seemed like this was yet another mystery in the Vincent family he wanted to dig through. Then a thought flashed through Kevin's head, the hospital, the one where Sam and Ed were admitted. "Was Victor the one who helped with your wounds?"

"Insightful," Sam's smirked grew devilishly. "We had Ed put under, he didn't see the man."

Was Eddward aware of any of this? Maybe this was where his father went frequently during his business trips.

"If Jimmy is your informant, then do you know what the masked gang wants with me?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Sam said leaning back, his hand pushing Kevin back down onto his seat. The blonde teen leaned his hip to the table, eyes intense and consuming. "They want Eddward out of the way, the fastest way to distract him is with you."

"But they're adamant about capturing me," Kevin said, "I've had my suspicions about them being after Eddward but after Trevor… I think it's ideal to think they want me for more."

"It's the only explanation that makes sense," Sam said.

"They're not out to hurt him?" Kevin asked, relieved.

"According to Jimmy no," Sam's head tilted to the side, eyes hooked on nothing in particular. "I'm their true target and everything is just a means to get to me."

It's weird that whoever is after Sam, doesn't want to kill Eddward but rather push him aside, Kevin thought as he leaned back in his chair. "They're making a huge ruckus for just wanting to kill you?" he said. "What the hell did you do?"

"I'm the son of a mob boss. That's how my life is,"

"No," Kevin said, crossing his arms, "Anyone out to get you in a normal gang or mafia would do this quickly and silently. They wouldn't broadcast themselves like this, it's messy and inexperienced. They're getting the attention of your family which is risky."

Something in Sam's eyes glinted with joy, a pale finger reached to cup Kevin's chin. "My, look at you thinking like a true criminal," he said in a quiet voice. "You could have joined us. I was willing to let you follow him around."

"Back when you took me to the factory?" Kevin asked, confused.

"Yeah," Sam's eyes were dark again, he looked like he wanted to say something more but didn't. "It's annoying how focused Eddward is on you."

Kevin couldn't hide his reaction this time, his face paled. But he wanted to keep on pestering, "Are you jealous?"

At this, the blonde teen let out a heartfelt laugh. "No, never," Said Sam, a hand to his lips hiding his smile. "No offence, but you won't ever beat me, freckles. I have been injected into his veins in ways you won't ever be able to drain my influence on him. The day he leaves my side, I will still be present for a lifetime."

Sam's words were disturbing to Kevin, it made his chest burn with fury and his stomach swirl with nausea. "Why are you so obsessed with him?"

With a quirk of his brow, Sam replied, "Why are you?"

"Because I actually care about him," Kevin said with no hesitation, "I want him to live the life he wants, free and away from all of this."

"Don't lie," Sam leaned down his forehead bumping to Kevin's, his eyes flared with anger. "You're selfish, Kevin Barr. You are just playing the hero, you see something broken and you want to be the one to fix it. You're blind to his faults and to his pain. You're blind to the fire you started."

"You're the one who put him through hell!" Kevin barked out. "If he's hurting it's because of you!"

"I've made him stronger!" Sam shouted at him, "Can't you see that! It's his damned family who is to blame. What have you done to help him?"

Kevin stayed silent, in the grand scheme of things, what had he done except provide company? "Giving him drugs is not helping," he said with a dry voice.

"I've helped him through every bit of his depression," Sam said, voice controlled once again. He leaned away now, leaving Kevin room to finally breathe. "He's tried to kill himself twice, and in those times who do you think was there to pick him back up? I've kept him alive."

"But he's never been happy, Sam," Shouted Kevin, voice grim. "He's destroying himself despite your help."

"I'm medicating him," Sam said, expression plain as a stone. "I'm watching out for him, he'll get used to it. He needs to control those nightmares of his. Only once he has done that will he be able to let go of the drug as well."

Something about those last words confused Kevin, "Has he confided in you about his nightmares?"

"He has," Sam looked down watching him.

Kevin's lips frowned, his eyes went down to the table, his stomach a vacuum of emptiness. Did Eddward really trust Sam more than him? Enough to confide his nightmares to Sam? Just how deep was Sam's grip on the raven haired boy?

"He hasn't told you?" Sam questioned, catching on to Kevin's distraught.

"He doesn't have to,"

"This only proves my previous statement, doesn't it?" Sam's hands were shoved into his pant pockets. His eyes trained to the small Barr kitchen.

Kevin stared to the window beside the table, the police car still stationed just a few houses down. His stomach hurt, his chest hurt, his hand squeezed into fists. "I care about him," Kevin admitted quietly, a sense of emotion flooded his anger. "More than I ever imagined."

Sam didn't laugh, his stare was hard and set ahead. Unmoving and rigid, he said, "I know."

The freckled boy looked up at Sam now, with a curious brow. Sam glanced down at him too, though he showed no emotion.

"You'd have to be blind to not see it," Sam replied, "But Eddward has a destiny set in stone and it's with me. We're born from the same rage."

"He's not after revenge," Kevin muttered out annoyed once again, "He doesn't have to prove himself to anyone."

"He is," Sam smiled now, "Don't you know? Eddward is far more vile than you portray him, freckles. Trust me, I've trained him."

"You force him to be vile," Kevin barked out. He wasn't about to let Sam illustrate Eddward in the same light as a disturbing murder.

"I never forced him to join me,"

"You forced him to stay by blackmailing him,"

"Truth, but Eddward knows too much about me and my family." Sam said, "Do you think it wise to let that kind of hound out of your sight?"

Everything about what Sam had just spilled out of his mouth didn't sit right with Kevin, it never did. He frowned gravely before replying, "He isn't a dog, but you know Eddward wouldn't sell you out."

"I know that now, I didn't back then. I just needed reassurance." said Sam, casually.

"Which is why you are finally letting him go?" Kevin eyed Sam suspiciously.

Sam gave Kevin a long look before his thin lips gave another smirk, "Of course, freckles."

"Good," Kevin replied, though he was not the least bit relieved just yet. Sam was conniving, and heartless. No man who cut the tongue off another human being was capable of trust and empathy. "I'm going to assume that the masked people are after Nazz for being involved with you, am I right?"

"Yes,"

"Then I advise you to keep away from her," he said, voice firm. "I won't let you put her in danger over your flirtatious whims."

The blonde teen didn't seem to take to Kevin's words kindly, because once again Sam let his emotions slip. Sam's eyebrows furrowed down as a click from his mouth could be heard, annoyed. "That you are right, freckles." Sam said the nickname acidicly.

Sam lifted away from the table and pulled a small card from the inside of his jacket. He stretched out a hand and asked, "Pen."

Kevin stood and retrieved a pen he had in one of the kitchen counters handing it to Sam. The ginger teen stood close watching Sam write on the card, S. Dubois consenting Kevin Barr. A date and a signature followed.

Finishing his signing with a flick of the pen, Sam handed it to Kevin. "Show this to the guard and he will let you talk with Johnny," He muttered out, "I do hope you let me in on what you find out from Johnny."

Kevin looked down at the card carefully, "If I can actually get him to talk."

"One more thing,"

Sam snatched Kevin's cheeks with a hand shoving him back against the table. A pain shot through Kevin's leg making him wince. Sam's dark eyes stared at him for a long silent moment, face entertained.

"Do be careful," a voice like a crackling fire. Sam was intense and burning into Kevin's eyes. "We wouldn't want you hurt."

"I'll be on guard," Kevin groaned.

…

As the end of the day passed them, the nights got colder, though not as it had only three weeks before. Spring nights were calm on the west side of Peach Creek, the Vincent residence as icy as a glacier letting the raven haired teen know that winter wasn't quite over.

Ed had joined Eddward after school, determined to find something that connected to the handwriting in the photograph. Eddward knew he had seen the handwriting before, just where? They spent a good three hours searching through Victor's office, Eddward on the computer through scanned documents and Ed through files he's father kept in the office.

They had only found the same documents and notes and research papers that Eddward had scanned through over and over and over again. He knew every paper in the office like the distance of the school pool.

There was a way his father spoke in these papers that had brought comfort to Eddward once upon a time, a professional enthusiastic voice, never dull nor overly juicy. They were words that reminded him of the way he viewed Victor once before, as his father. The one who read to him and held his hand in security.

With a puff of frustration, Eddward stood walking out of the office, Ed had called out to him but he didn't look back. He kept his eyes trained to the floor as he made his way down the stairs, bottling up the thoughts of guilt knowing that was where he had passed out and left Kevin to defend them both.

He needed a break.

Ed joined him in the garage not 5 minutes after, and sat beside the steps watching Eddward attack the punching bag. It was the only way to go an extensive amount of time without thinking, now that he couldn't just use the pills.

"We should give it another go, before giving up," Ed said, flipping through a school text. His voice was calm and careful.

"We've searched everywhere in that office," Eddward said, breathy as his body relaxed from the exertion. "I swear I've seen that handwriting before."

"I believe you," Ed encouraged, closing the text in his lap. "It's somewhere in there, maybe even in your parents room?"

"It might just be," the raven haired teen mumbled out. "But I highly doubt it."

"Are you sure?" Ed said with a look, "you don't remember seeing anything in that box you found?"

"No," Eddward replied, shoulders droopy. "There wasn't anything that would help."

"There has to be," Ed said, putting away the book in his lap, "There's nothing in the office. Let's just have a look ok?"

He didn't want to go back into the room, it unsettled him. But he agreed.

They went back upstairs finding the door unlocked. Ed made a face but Eddward pulled out a paper clip and this time he was able to open it faster than before. The room was the same as always, spacious and bright.

"Where did you find the diary?"

Eddward turned his attention away from the bench his mother would sit in and headed straight for the closet. He removed everything on the floor to open up the loose tile and pull out the metal box.

He opened it with the key and handed it to Ed, not wanting to look at anything again. Instead Eddward stood up and made his way to the wardrobe staring at the light wood. There wasn't anything in here that was going to help them.

"Are these your grandparents?" asked Ed, curiously.

"Yeah,"

"Then," Ed began, shifting could be heard behind Eddward. "If it's similar to your mothers…"

Eddward looked back watching Ed stare at the article, his hand extended out wanting something from him. Eddward handed Ed his phone and Ed searched for the photo. The brunette paused, a smirk on his lips and he looked up at him and said "Really?" he turned the screen upwards.

A shirtless freckled ginger was looking out, arms raised shouting something from amongst the water in the lake. Eddward had almost forgotten, until a surge of warmth hit his face and he kicked Ed, making him tumble down with giggles. "Ok sorry. It's just funny," Ed said, hiding from Eddward as he quickly searched for the photo. "You should tell him what happened at the hospital,"

Eddward lifted a hand to the back of his neck feeling the heat in his embarrassment. He'd gone and confessed his guilt to Ed the afternoon they were waiting on Kevin and Nazz to come back with the decorations. "Hey," he said quietly, sitting down next to the brunette and picking up the grey teddy bear with his name on it. "Is it...weird that I've accepted the fact that he's...taken?"

"First of all he's not taken," Ed muttered while putting down the phone, "I've met the guy once and they did not give me the vibe of being in a relationship. And second of all, is it weird to accept someone else's sexuality over your own? No, it's not weird but don't assume-"

"The guys following him told me-"

"That they kissed I know, you called me immediately after, remember," Ed chuckled, lifting a hand to punch Eddward on the shoulder. "Like I said, they could have been lying. Or it didn't mean anything, how many people have you kissed beside him?"

Eddward looked away not wanting to reply.

"It wasn't just Marie, I know that!" Ed said, picking up the phone, "They're not together, trust me, Kevin only has eyes for you." he muttered the last bit but it did not go unnoticed by Eddward.

Though it did not calm the thought that Kevin could and would find someone better, someone more deserving. "So you were saying?" He tried to change the subject back to their main quest.

"I was thinking," Ed started with a sigh, picking up the article and putting it beside the phone. "That the handwriting might belong to one of your grandparents. It looks similar to your mother's meaning it has to be on her side of the family right?"

"It could be…" Eddward said, taking the article in hand and staring at the couple beside his mother.

"Now we just need to know who they sent it to, and how Sam got a hold of it," Ed said standing up to begin moving things around. "Have you ever seen any signed papers by your grandparents?"

"No, I didn't even know their names until I found this article," Eddward said, eyeing Ed searching through the items on the floor.

"Who was this going to belong to?" The brunette boy held up the grey teddy bear with the unfinished letter embroidered on it.

"How should I know?" Eddward said standing up as well, "A friend's baby?"

"But…" Ed lips pressed together pointing at the other one, "My mom...Liked to give me and Sarah the same toys, shirts...stuff. We're only a year apart. She thought it was sweet."

Eddward shook his head, "My mother...wasn't, expecting,"

"Are you sure?"

"I don't have a sibling, Ed" Eddward stared at the teddy bear in his friend's hand. "I would know… My father wouldn't have bothered with keeping me around if he had another to mold into perfection."

Ed put down the bear nodding, "Yeah...maybe not,"

And a thought came into Eddward's mind, a recollection of the night he had found his mother in Victor's office sobbing. Maybe she had lost it? Yet another question to add into the many list of questions for his father to answer one day. His attention was grabbed once more when Ed was searching in the cabinets and then came to a halt.

"You know where we should look," Ed said slowly, turning with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Where?"

"Our best chance of finding anything," said Ed with a pointed finger in the air. "Your father's office at the hospital."

"You're insane," Eddward shook his head, "How do you expect us to get in there first of all?"

"You're you dummy," Ed gestured towards Eddward dramatically, "You're his son, just tell someone that you forgot something in his office. We just need to know when he's not in."

Eddward felt the tug of his lips into a smile, "Honestly, haven't ever tried."

"That's why you got me buddy!" Ed proudly pointed at his own chest.

The relief Eddward felt at Ed's words, it left him speechless. He was grateful for Ed.

…

Kevin stood in front of Papa Aloe's home waiting for Eddward to show up. They had agreed to meet up there since the raven haired boy was at the factory already taking care of some business. The grass around the homes were getting greener by the day and the street was filled with kids taking advantage of the more welcoming weather.

"Hey, Barr boy," a woman's raspy voice called out to him.

Kevin looked up to the porch where Hunter's mother stood eyeing him. "My name's Kevin, ma'am."

"You're a Barr and you're a boy," She said, hip leaning on the railing. "I gotta ask you something."

"What is it?" Kevin turned filled now, his shoulder leaning on the wooden post.

"I was present the night you initiated into the Easterns," she started, her tired eyes looking out to the kids. "I was inside listening to your little speech, about the Vincent boy."

Kevin stayed silent looking at her in curiosity, wondering where this statement would lead them.

"You're a part of the Easterns now," she continued, her eyes staring hard at him, "You know what that means right?"

"Yeah," Kevin nodded.

"It means family," She said anyways, "It means your loyalty is to your family, to the Easterns. It means their loyalty is to you." she paused her stern face. "You shouldn't hide anything from your family, it will only be detrimental to you and them."

Kevin pressed his lips together, he knew Hunter's mother was not gang affiliated but he was much as part of the Easterns. She was suspicious and watchful, careful of his intentions. He didn't expect anything but suspicion from the Easterns, but they had welcomed him instead and agreed to help.

"So don't hide, and show them your respect by trusting them," she said, her eyes shifting to see Eddward's black car stop on the side of the street. "That's how you survive this mess. It's the only way of surviving."

"Ma'am," Kevin called out, catching her attention. "I...I don't know your name."

"Verena, Barr, it's Verena," She smirked, leaning off the railing and heading inside, "Oh, another thing. You might want to start thinking about where you want your tattoo."

Kevin felt his face warm up, Papa Aloe had given him the choice of getting one now or waiting until he was older. He knew the tattoo was a symbol of that respect Verena had said, of trust and family. His dad would be furious if he knew, but he knew he wanted it. He wanted to trust the Easterns whole hearted, and maybe he would know what it was about them that made Isabella join.

"You alright?" Eddward's voice made him turn and Kevin frowned seeing Eddward's terrible state.

The teen, was pale and thinner. His eyes dark with exhaustion and blue eyes almost grey as if the essence of life was missing. "I'm fine, but how are you doing? You look like shit Eddward."

"Same as always," Eddward said, letting his shoulders drop, "I feel like shit." He tried to laugh it off but Kevin wasn't laughing and instead Eddward reached out to pat Kevin's cheek. It was a quick little gesture but Eddward's pinky caressed just under his left ear that sent a shiver through Kevin's spine and his face warmed up instantly.

"Papa Aloe's waiting inside," Kevin glumped, grabbing Eddward's hand and dragging him inside.

He led them inside and he was stopped by Eddward pausing to stare at the pictures on the wall. "That's Sam's uncle," Eddward said, pointing at the blonde man in one of the photos, "He almost looks just like Sam's father, a bit taller maybe, lighter hair."

"You've met Sam's dad?" Kevin asked curiously.

"Once," Eddward said, looking at Kevin again, "Back when I first was initiated, Sam took me to meet him."

"Why?" Kevin asked. Why the need to take a random new member to meet the infamous King? It was curious.

"Don't know,"

Hunter's mother appeared at the entrance, eyeing Eddward, "Shark," she motioned with a gesture of her head to the back yard. "Head to the back."

"Thank you," Kevin replied when Eddward didn't say anything and dragged him through the house into the outside.

The yard was vast compared to how he had seen it the night of his initiation. The fire pit charcoaled as if it had been used the night before. Trees surrounded the area giving the home privacy from its neighbors.

"Come, come boys," Papa Aloe was sitting in his chair in the corner of the back porch. His eyes immediately shifted to Eddward when the teen came into view, but kept his face neutral. "Step closer, Shark, let me get a good look at you."

Eddward glanced at Kevin with a twitch of his eyebrow, nervous. But the raven haired teen moved closer and Kevin watched silently as Papa Aloe leaned up, eyes glaring. It made him nervous for Eddward but then the man shook his head and relaxed.

"You're a spitting copy of your mother alright," Papa Aloe said, a sad smile on his face. His hand moved to gesture at some chairs behind them. "Sit, we have much to discuss."

Eddward had given Papa Aloe a look that Kevin read as cautious. They pulled the plastic white chairs closer and settled in.

The man's face was grim, his eyes set on them both watching them carefully. "It's like looking at the gang again." He laughed. "Your parents were the troublemakers Kevin. I shouldn't be so surprised to find out their son's have found each other and formed a close friendship. Oftentimes the past repeats itself."

"So you knew my mother," Eddward's voice was quiet.

"Yes," the man answered. "Though, I am rather curious that you have found yourself in the hands of the Dubois, in their gang and in their family. Tell me, how?"

"Sam Dubois found me," Eddward replied. "We had common interests and he asked me to join him."

"It sounds to me like he scouted you" Papa Aloe lips were frowning, "That's not the norm in this life. Tell me, have you ever seen Sam Dubois of all people personally ask someone else to join?"

"No," Answered Eddward. "I haven't."

"That tells me the family or at least Sam had his eyes on you before," The man shook his head slowly.

"Sam wasn't involved with the Great Whites until Liam left," Eddward said, "We met only months before. But what does this all have to do with my mother? I am here because I've been told you can help me find her."

"I'm trying to figure out why the son of Isabella Garcia ended up in the hands of Dubois, my enemy as well as your mothers."

"I never had any clue my mother was a part of a gang and much less yours," Eddward said, "I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I accepted Sam's offer. Like many kids in this town, I didn't know anything."

"You might have not known, but the Dubois had to." Papa Aloe said, "Sam sought you out for whatever reason knowing who your parents were. They had to have checked if they personally made an offer."

"He didn't know," Eddward insisted. "He couldn't have known."

"Tell me was your father ever affiliated?" The man asked.

"No, not that I know of," Eddward said, "but I didn't know my mother was either so…"

"Victor Vincent was it?" Papa Aloe asked, when Eddward nodded. "He's not a name I've heard around the streets."

"My father is Canadian," Eddward answered, "He moved here after marrying my mother."

"Interesting," Papa Aloe said, "I never thought Isabella would ever marry anyone else. That is to say she was completely enamored with her boyfriend from highschool, Malcolm Jones."

"Was Malcolm ever affiliated?" Kevin spoke out now.

"No," Papa Aloe said, "He wanted to join my gang after Isabella was made but Isabella didn't want that and he respected her for that."

"She was made?" Eddward said, his eyes wide in shock.

"Of course, she carried our tattoo on her left side." Papa Aloe patted a hand on the side of his torso. "You never saw it?"

"No," Eddward face was frustrated, and Kevin felt like he wanted to reach over and hold the teen's hand. "I didn't know anything about her."

Papa Aloe kept empathetic eyes on Eddward, "Kevin tells me you haven't seen her in years."

"I have not," Eddward said, face in his hands.

"Your mother wanted nothing more than to get out of town, away from her family and away from that house." Papa Aloe said, "I can't imagine what forced her to come back and live in that very same house she tried to run away from."

"Why did she hate it so much," Eddward asked, face still in his hands.

"It caged her in," the man said, "Well, her parents did. She revealed only some personal information, but she trusted me enough to seek my help."

Eddward looked up now.

"Her father, your grandfather, Felix Garcia, moved into that house with your grandmother, Valeria, while she was pregnant with Isabella. They were city folk and it appeared peculiar to most because Felix was a neurologist. What money could he hope to make in a small town compared to the big cities." Papa Aloe said. "In image, they were the perfect family, a doctor, a beautiful housewife and the perfect daughter."

Kevin looked over to Eddward who stared at the man with wide eyes knowing it must mean a lot to learn so much of Isabella. "She was perfect to everyone's eyes. But Isabella hated to hold that image."

"She told me that her father was very strict and harsh with her. She joined my gang out of rebellion and wanting to make something else of herself. But it was also because of the Great Whites, they were causing chaos in town and she couldn't sit back and watch. She wanted to fight." Papa Aloe smiled then, "She had such a strong anger against the Great White Sharks, I never knew why."

"In her last year of high school, her father would take her on business trips. She never spoke about them, but she always came back more infuriated than ever. When she graduated, she planned on running away with Malcolm and studying together. That was the plan and I believed she had achieved it. She got out of town on the last night of July. It wasn't until three years later that she came back alone, saying that she was out. She handed me her jacket and pleaded that I give it to your mother, Kevin, and to look after her and Tom."

"Why would she ask that?" Kevin spoke once again.

"I don't know," the man said, quietly, "She told me she couldn't say at the moment, and just took off after that."

"Do you know where Malcolm Jones is?" asked Eddward, voice raspy.

"I don't. I haven't seen him since the night he made off with your mother,"

"Why are you telling me all this?" Eddward then asked, "I'm a Great White, and you're telling me all this..."

"You may be my enemy but you're Isabella's son first and foremost," the man said. "Wherever she is, she wants to see you too. Do not ever doubt that boy."

Eddward stayed quiet at first, Kevin could see he was hesitant. His blue eyes met him in guidance and Kevin gave him a nod, hoping he could open up just enough. "She was different after she moved back with my father," Eddward said, eyes down, "She wasn't the same person."

"What do you remember of her," Papa Aloe asked curiously.

"I have faint memories now," Eddward said with a frown, not wanting to share. Kevin kept his eyes on Eddward until the teen looked over again and sighed out. "She was a good mother…" the teen began, "She taught me piano, and played with me...she was good."

"What changed?"

"I don't know," Eddward looked away, his face sunken in. "She would look at me angrily, she hated… I don't know. She went on business trips with my father all the time, left me with a nanny at first but then…"

"When was the last time you saw her?"

"I don't remember exactly, it was in November I believe. I woke up one night when I heard the front door close and my father's car start up. I looked out of the window to try and see what was happening. I didn't see anything, the car windows were tinted and in the night, everything was pitch black. They just left… The next day most of their things were gone."

"Your father?"

"Came back two weeks later…" Eddward looked off, a finger reaching for his beanie. It was then that Kevin straightened, it wasn't the beanie his hand was touching, it was the little scar underneath. Kevin felt a surge of nausea at the realization that the bastard Eddward had spoken of, the bastard that had given him that scar was his father. Victor Vincent.

As if he couldn't hate the man any more.

"Only to leave hours later, I didn't see him for a couple of months after that,"

"He left you alone?" Papa Aloe's eyes widened at that. "Just how old were you, boy?"

Eddward leaned back in his chair, looking down at his hands. It took him a moment to answer the question. "Almost eleven at that point."

The man made a noise like the sound of someone choking. "H...how in the fucking hell- That man has kept your mother away!"

"I've asked him to allow me to see her many times," Eddward sighed out, "but she doesn't want to see me."

"If Isabella had a change for the worse it was due to her dreadful family. But she wanted nothing more than to raise you away from that house, away from her family. Something happened after she ran away with Malcolm, something that forced her back. Isabella would have done anything to never come back. Lizzy would have perhaps more information," Papa Aloe said, turning to Kevin with a look. "She knew much more about Isabella than I ever did, maybe she knows about Malcolm."

"She doesn't sir," Kevin shook his head, "She believed Isabella had been with Malcolm until she came back into town."

"If Isabella came back married and into that house," Papa Aloe's thick finger pointed in the air at nothing in particular, "It's because Victor was someone Felix Garcia approved of. Where or how they met, I don't know, but it sounds to me that Victor is just the same as Felix, worse perhaps."

"To be honest sir," Eddward said looking away, "I don't know if she even wants to be found."

"Of course she does!" roared the man, "Now you hear me out boy, your mother for one reason or another is being kept away from you. I have no doubt about that."

Eddward eyes were trained to the ground.

"But you need to make me a promise,"

Eddward's eyes looked up, expectantly.

"You resign your life in the Great White Sharks, leave Sam and his family. They are no good, boy. You'll wind up dead in the long run, maybe before you find your mother."

Eddward sighed out, his face complicated. Kevin observed with wide eyes, it shouldn't be such a difficult promise to keep. He almost wanted to answer for the raven haired boy but then Eddward spoke up.

"No," Eddward had said.

"What?" Kevin gasped. "But-"

"I can't do that right now," Eddward looked away, "not right now."

"Is this about the masked gang?" Papa Aloe asked.

"Yes," Eddward said, "I'm sorry but frankly I can't let someone else take over hunting down this person."

"You won't catch them alone, boy," the man breathed out, "You need allies, and you need to trust. We've got experience you don't, we can handle this situation. Kevin is one of us, he and his friends have our protection."

"But you don't kill," Eddward frowned, eyes set on Papa Aloe's, "This masked man is ready for that, he shot my friend and injured Kevin."

"Are you, boy?" Papa Aloe laughed, deeply, "I've killed before, my boy, served my time for it. And let me tell you that won't make you a hero. Killing is barbaric. If we catch this gang we hand them over to the police, that is how it should be done."

"The police are corrupt," Eddward said.

"Corrupted in the Dubois favor," Papa Aloe stated, "Meaning it benefits him for us to catch rather than kill."

Eddward looked out into the yard, and Kevin reached a hand now. His fingers gripping to Eddward's long sleeve. Eddward turned to look at Kevin, and his blue eyes softened.

"I just need to be sure, my friends will be ok," Eddward said, "I promised them I would be out by the end of the school year. Until then, I have to stay with Sam."

"You trust Sam that much?"

"I trust he values winning this fight," Eddward said.

Papa Aloe laughed at that, and nodded. "Alright, have it your way. But you get out as soon as you can, we'll protect you if need be."

"I will," Eddward mumbled the last part, his eyes turned away from Kevin's. He couldn't read the boy's expression, but his posture was uncomfortable. Shouldn't Eddward be more excited to find his mother? Of leaving the Great Whites in just a few months now?

Kevin pulled back his hand and smiled at the man in front of them, "Thank you so much for speaking with us, sir."

"Thank you, both of you, for coming," Papa Aloe stood then, a hand towards Eddward, "We may be from rivaling gangs but I'm happy to have finally met Isabella's son."

"Thank you," Eddwrad stood, voice steady. "For telling me more about her."

"You're welcome back," The man smiled, "Just keep your sharks at bay."

"I will,"

They headed back into the house and out into the front yard where the neighborhood was filled with distant laughter.

"There's one more thing I need to say before you go," Kevin said, looking down the street for anyone suspicious.

"What is it?" The raven haired teen gave him a curious look.

Kevin gestured with a tilt of his head, "In your car."

Eddward nodded and opened the side door for Kevin before getting on the other side. "So," he asked again once they were settled.

Kevin turned to face the raven haired teen seriously, pitying the terrible face the teen carried. "Sam came to see me," he said.

"What for?" Eddward eyebrows lowered.

"I've been trying to get a hold of him," Kevin said, "I want to get into Johnny's hospital room."

Eddward was silent for a moment, his eyes trained on Kevin, "I've been wanting to do that too, but no one's going to let us in."

Kevin reached into his pocket and pulled out the card Sam had given him. "Sam's helped me with that issue."

"...He has one of his own on guard," Eddward muttered looking at the card, "Why is he helping you?" at that Eddward eyes shot up at Kevin, "What favor did he ask of you?"

"I don't know," Kevin shrugged, "He hasn't said anything yet."

"I'll talk to him," Eddward said, leaning back in his chair.

Kevin knew that tone of voice, he knew exactly what was going through Eddward's mind. "You're not paying the favor for me."

"Whatever Sam has in mind, is not good," Eddward argued, "It's better if it's me."

"You do enough," Kevin said, snatching the card back. "I asked for this favor, I should be the one to pay it back."

"Sam's going to meddle," Eddward frowned, "It's not going to be playing spy again."

"I'm ready for whatever," Kevin held up his chin, he wasn't going to worsen Eddward's situation with Sam. He needed to face his own consequences.

"When are you planning to see Johnny?" Eddward asked.

"I don't know, soon,"

"I have some business to do at the hospital as well," Eddward said, "Me and Ed are looking in to the photograph."

"Have you found anything?" he asked.

"Not yet," Eddward said, eyes looking out the window. "Ed think's it must be from one of my grandparents from my mother's side. We think we might find something in my father's office at the hospital."

Of course, he had more chances there. Like hell, Victor would leave anything important at the house, easy for Eddward to find. "Then we'll go together. You search the office and I'll talk to Johnny."

"Sounds like a plan," Eddward smiled, turning his calm eyes back towards him.

Kevin felt a giddy bubbling in his stomach, he was excited.

…

The weather was nice enough. Crisp, breezy and tepid. Ed liked to take advantage of these moments to take Sarah out on a walk, away from the stuffy house.

She liked to hide away in her room most of the time, refusing to let the world see her. She argued that she hated seeing her old friends pity her, she didn't want it. But Ed could tell that his little sister was lonely sitting in their home all day. She had, after all, decided to go home school.

Ed had tried his goddamn best to reassure Sarah it would be in everyone's best interest if she decided to go back to school, in person where she could be social and surrounded by people. She had cried, and that was that.

She was seeing the town's psychologist, Dr. Gonzales, a nice man he found out. Sarah seemed to like the man enough but would not talk much about her counseling, understandably so. Ed just hoped his sister was getting settled to get back into the world sooner rather than later.

They had wandered around the park in the town's plaza, gone into the gardens that were just starting to show signs of life. Greener leaves, thickening stems, and small buds beginning to form. Ed was pleased to see Sarah actually smile, wide and genuinely happy.

"I want to come back in the spring," Sarah said, staring up at the trees. "I bet it's gorgeous in full bloom."

"If you got out more," Ed began with a wide smirk, "maybe you can find some nice guy to take here on a date, Nazz seemed to really enjoy it."

Sarah turned her eyes slowly down at him, almost too entranced with the view. "Nazz has been here with someone?"

"Mhm," He hummed.

"With who?" she asked, curiously. Her eyes were bright, and smile stretched.

"Some boy from our school," Ed said, with a shrug, "No one interesting."

"Huh," Sarah nodded, turning back to the scenery, "Maybe Eddward can bring me here next time."

Ed chuckled, mumbled under his breath, "More likely with Kevin."

"What?"

"Oh nothing," Ed said with another laugh, "I'm sure he'd be happy to bring you. But he's been very busy lately so don't get your hopes up, sis."

"Have you brought someone in here?" she asked, eyebrow arched.

"You," he replied.

"Besides me dummy," Sarah argued, grabbing her wheels and moving closer to the bench. She placed a hand on his knee, "Tell me have you met anyone interesting?"

Ed let out a breath, knowing where this was going. He shook his head, "I'm more interested in my friend's love life than my own, which I will have you know, is non-existent."

"Seriously?" Sarah whined, "Are you seriously telling me in the years I have been in a coma you haven't had a girlfriend?"

Ed felt the warmth of his face now, "No," he said lamely. And truth be told he hadn't even had his first kiss yet, but he wasn't telling his little sister that.

"Damn, Ed," Sarah leaned back in her chair, "We got to work on that bro."

Ed shook his head, "It's fine, I'm fine."

"Yeah yeah," Sarah waved him off, "Let's go do some shopping. I bet it's your dull sense of style that is keeping babes from launching themselves at you."

He really didn't want to go, but upon seeing his sister's determined face, he could not say no. So, they left the gardens and headed towards the shops. They ignored all the noisy glances and whispered chattering around them, he knew Sarah didn't want any of it. If anyone stopped to wish her well, she would cuss them off for sure.

Sarah insisted on two new outfits for him, and he made her a deal, she'd get two new outfits as well. It wasn't debated, she agreed immediately getting two dresses without trying them on. The amount of clothes he was forced to try on was ridiculous but it was well worth the laughs and teasing he got out of Sarah. Finally she settled for two button up shirts and dark jeans for him.

By the time they left the store, it was late enough that their stomachs were cranky. But they were close to a particular antiques shop just across the street. They stopped by Ms. Adams to say hello, the kind woman welcomed them with open arms, and was astounded with Sarah's pretty long hair.

"Please, come in," Ms. Adams gestured. "Your friend is here as well."

"Oh?" Ed glanced down at Sarah who was staring into through the window of the antiques. "We were heading back home actually…" he's voice trailed off as he saw a blonde head of hair staring right at them, a small kitten in her arms.

"Nazz came to visit," Ms. Adams gestured inside. Her gaze was kind and patient.

"One second," Ed moved from around Sarah, making his way inside. "Hey, there." he called out, slowing his pace. He knew something was up with Nazz, every time he brought Sarah up, she'd tense up and literally run away from the conversation. Why, though? And now they were face to face, he knew whatever was happening with his friend was not good.

Nazz looked at him with wide, scared eyes. "Hey," she breathed out. "Didn't know you'd be out here."

"There's not much to explore," Ed smirked, he turned to glance at Sarah who was eyeing them with thoughtful eyes. "Do you want to say hi?" He turned back to Nazz, he could tell she was nervous.

Nazz didn't look up, but down at her new kitten. Then nodded slowly, "I should."

"Why are you nervous?" Ed chuckled out, "I mean, I've noticed how hesitant you are about talking to her." there was no bad blood with Sarah, he knew that much. His sister missed Nazz dearly, constantly asking about her, but why was Nazz always running away. It was kind of rude, but he didn't want to push it.

"I'm not nervous," Nazz said, her eyes avoiding his, "I'm just...It's fine, sorry. I'll go say hi."

He watched her put the kitten in it's crate and shyly walked out into the street. Ed could tell her tone was hesitant and forced. Ed couldn't help but wonder now, what had happened. Maybe Sarah had said or done something to Nazz, his sister was, after all, quite terrible before the accident.

Ms. Adams excused herself, making her way past Ed and offering him cookies. With a shake of his head he followed the blond girl out as well. Quietly he listened to them, too curious not to witness the exchange.

"Hi Sarah," Nazz said, kneeling down in front of Sarah. "Do you remember me?"

Something in his sister's eyes shifted, she disliked something about the look on Nazz's face. Though he couldn't see his friend. "Of course I do, silly," Sarah smiled, "You're Nazz."

"Yeah," Nazz trailed off a second and his sister took the chance to speak up again.

"Why haven't you visited me?" Sarah asked, "I've missed you, you know."

Nazz stayed quiet, face tilted up at Sarah, "Sorry, I'm a bad friend aren't I?"

"The worst," Sarah replied, her lips a straight line as if heavily disappointed. "But I'll forgive you if you'll come see me more."

Nazz's voice was strained, dry and rocky. "Of course, whenever you want me to. I'll stop by to see you."

"Good," Sarah smiled once again, satisfied. "Good, I can finally have some girl time."

"I'm sure your brother isn't the best for that huh," Nazz said quietly, though there was no chuckle to the tease.

"Hey," Ed spoke up now, hoping whatever was happening was ok now, or at least would be ok. "I'm great at girl time, we just went shopping!"

"You're absolute shit at painting my nails and you radiate too much boy energy," Sarah said, "It's gross."

"What, you don't want to make fart jokes with me?"

"Gross, Ed" Nazz finally turned around to see him, she had a smile on her lips. Whatever was up with her, would be alright. He knew it.

They left after that, Nazz going back inside with Ms. Adam's. They had only made it two blocks away when Sarah's shoulders started shaking, she bent over her hand to her mouth.

"Sarah!" Ed cried out, rushing to kneel beside her. "Sis, hey, what's wrong."

Sarah's face was dark, her eyes glazed over with tears and cheeks reddened. She was gasping for air, as if she couldn't breathe.

Ed cupped her face and tried his best to get her eyes to focus on him. "Breathe slowly Sarah, count with me, one, two, three…"

Ed had made it to twenty before Sarah had made any notion of understanding him. Her breathing had calmed down, but her eyes were still wide and teary. Then there was a giggle.

"This isn't funny, Sarah," Ed said with concern.

Another giggle, "It's hilarious Ed,"

With a sigh, Ed gave his sister a hug, "you're fine now, yeah?"

"I will be," She replied.

"Good,"

…

Kevin sat in his usual spot at the wolf bar in town. It was more than lively, then again he knew it was a Friday night chaos would be ensured. As loud as it was inside, Peach Creek was noticeably quieter than Lemon Brooke. It was strange to him, having become used to the loudness of Fangs.

The easterns had met up at Papa Aloe house that afternoon, their weekly meetup. This time discussing Their tense relation to the Great Whites, Kevin had stood up to defend this temporary cooperation. They did, at the end of the day, have one common enemy.

Then they headed to the wolf bar, the adults dissolving into the small building and smoking outside in the alleyway. Kevin had invited his green haired friend to join them there and of course the boy being who he was, Nathan Goldberg, was already on the way to Peach Creek hitchhiking from some stranger with no fear whatsoever.

Nat returned with two lemonades in hand. "I can't convince Llan for the life of me to give us a sip of vodka in these."

Kevin leaned back in his chair, looking over an intense game of pool among the Easterns. "She wants to keep her job," Kevin mumbled with a smirk. "I could have gone to pick you up, you know."

With a raised eyebrow, Nat smiled, "It's fine, I'm used to it. Just takes a bit of charm."

"It's dangerous," Kevin said, finding himself sounding almost like Eddward. "Even if we weren't in the midst of fighting the masked gang, it still isn't a good idea to hitchhike."

"Fine mom," Nat teased, "I'll call my number one ride then"

"Alright alright," Kevin smiled, remembering what he had messaged Nat before, "So are you down?"

Nat took his seat and gave him a curious look before shooting his eyes open, "oh the dance! Of course I'm down. Anywhere, anytime, baby I'll be shaking this ass."

"God," Kevin whined cartoonishly. He had decided to ask Nat to join the group knowing fully well they were not going to, by any means, be able to drag Eddward out with them. It was as simple as that.

The group secretly decided they were going to raid the Vincent home after a good while of fooling around and stuffing themselves with free snacks.

Kevin hoped that Nat would enjoy getting to know his little gang of friends. And hopefully it would allow for Eddward and Nat to warm up to each other, just a bit.

"I'll text you the details once we're settled," Kevin said, taking a sip of the bitter drink. Llan had added way too much sugar in this. Unless it was Nat's idea of getting sugar high.

"Sounds good," Nat turned back to a commotion happening at the pool table. "They're rowdy today."

"They're just frustrated," Kevin said, "I'm frustrated."

"We're all frustrated," Nat sunk in his chair. "Raine keeps having to fight off the Serpents. It's all so weird."

"What is?" He asked but a loud crash outside caught their attention.

"Hey hey hey!"

They heard someone yelling from outside the bar, the door was yanked open catching everyone's attention. Kevin instinctively grabbed a hold of Nat, ready to protect him.

Kevin watched as everyone at the pool table stopped their game, fully alert as they saw one of their members stumble in clutching at his waist. He was bleeding, Kevin could see the blood gush out.

He yanked Nat out of his seat and behind him. Various Easterns rushed over then, two to grab their fallen member and another ran outside.

They hadn't heard it before due to the music, but they heard it then. There were several gunshots outside, nearby.

Kevin felt Nat hold onto his jacket, scared. What was going on?

Then, Llan was by their side grabbing them both and ushering them towards the bar. "We need to get you both out of here!" She said.

"Who's outside!" Kevin asked, his hold on Nat unwavering.

"I don't know," she answered.

Then a bottle of alcohol shattered, Llan threw herself over him and Nat, pushing them down to the floor. Kevin managed to look behind and see a short figure at the entrance.

He was wearing a mask, his hands around the gun were shaky, his posture forced. But there he stood, Eddy, in his Great White Shark leather jacket. Kevin knew it had to be Eddy.

Anger surged over him instantly, he ripped out of Llan's hold ignoring her demands. Kevin watched as Easterns stood in between him and Eddy. Kevin knew the Easterns didn't carry guns, they were vulnerable to the attack from the masked gang.

"What the hell are you doing!" Kevin screamed at Eddy. "This is how you repay him?"

Eddy's hand was shaky, but the gun turned towards his direction. "You don't know shit, shovel-chin. You don't know shit."

Two other members stepped behind Eddy, one male and the other a serpent female. The serpent spoke "I'm sure you are all aware why we're here." Her long nailed finger pointed at Kevin.

"Someone wants you now," the male masked member said.

"You'll have to shoot us all down first," one of the Easterns spoke up. "We're not handing over our kid no matter what."

"Well, fine by me," the Serpent said with a chuckle.

"Eddy!" Kevin yelled again, "Are you seriously doing this? Are you betraying him again?"

There was a loud sniff under the mask, Kevin knew Eddy was crying under the mask. What had the masked gang done to him? He had to be forced into this.

"Don't be a coward!" He tried again, but Llan shoved him back then. Yelling something about taking the back door.

The serpent took the first shot. He heard himself scream seeing one of the Easterns fall. He wanted to run to them, but Llan had a strong hold around his chest. She was dragging him away from the scene. He couldn't let the Easterns fall like this, they weren't going to be able to come out of this alive.

"Kevin! Calm down!" Llan yelled at him, "I know you want to help them, but the Easterns are not helpless! Trust them."

Kevin watched as they had hidden behind turned tables, some had managed to grab bats to attack their perpetrators. The serpent shoved Eddy forward, and Eddy ran at full speed now towards them. His small figure easily avoiding attempts to catch him.

Llan shoved him back again, around the corner behind the counter, where there were two doors. Nat opened the one straight ahead and it led them into the alleyway. A gun shot bounced from the brick wall as they ran out. There was only one way out now, into the Main Street, where they could be endangering civilians.

But Llan didn't hesitate; she shoved Kevin and Nat behind a dumpster and pulled a small pistol from her boot. "I'm no Eastern," she said pointing her gun at Eddy who was standing at the doorway. "I will shoot you dead if I have to."

"Just hand him over," Eddy gritted out, his body shaking, "I don't want to shoot anyone, just hand him over."

Kevin stood pushing away Nat's hold on him, "Eddy, don't do this." He tried once again, "You can leave with us, right now, help us escape. He'll forgive you."

"Double D might," Eddy sniffed, ``But Sam won't. I'll be slaughtered, he'll cut my throat in front of them all."

"Is that why you're with them now?"

"No, they have her," Eddy said with a sob, "They have my m-mom."

"Who does?" He tried to question.

"I don't know," Eddy said, "who ever the fuck runs the masked gang. And they told me to bring you in, or else they'll kill her."

"We'll help you," Kevin said trying to reassure the teen, "we will help get her back."

"No!" Eddy yelled, "you don't understand! It's either you or me, I can't fail!"

Kevin knew he was being stupid, but he wasn't about to be the reason why people would die tonight. He stepped closer with hand up. "Ok, I'll go with you." He said.

Llan turned her glare towards him, "Stop!" She demanded, "Don't be stupid, he could be tricking you!"

"He's not lying," Kevin said, eyeing Eddy.

"Stand down shark!" Llan shoved Kevin down. "Better you than some woman."

"I won't let them kill his mother!" Kevin yelled but was held down by Nat now who was also yelling at him to stay put.

They heard a loud yelp then, and all eyes turned back to Eddy. There was a tanned hand stabbing a knife into Eddy's leg. The next thing Kevin noticed was familiar shaggy brown hair. "Sorry, but you aren't getting your hands on our shark." Hunter said.

Eddy turned his gun on Hunter and fired but the shaggy haired teen easily avoided it and stabbed another knife into Eddy's arm forcing him to drop his weapon with another cry. Hunter ripped off Eddy's mask revealing a disheveled boy.

They heard police sirens in Main Street, their blue and red lights flashing into the alleyway. Hunter stood then trusting that his knives would keep Eddy down.

The brown haired teen then looked over to Kevin with a grim look. "There were Great Whites on the other side. Some had masks, others didn't."

Something in Kevin's chest dropped then. He knew what this meant, that whoever was in charge of the masked gang wanted to broadcast their manipulation and conquest of the Great Whites. It was either that or they wanted to stir chaos between the gangs.

"Eddy," Kevin ran towards the shaking teen, "tells us everything you know, right here and now."

"Why should I?" Eddy said in a pained moan. "I'm dead either way."

Kevin felt rage seeing the teen below him, he lowered down and grabbed hold of Eddy by his jacket. Leaning in to whisper in rage, "Eddward risked his trust with Sam to get you out of town and hidden away. Not only that but he attempted to hide your mother as well."

"Sam isn't stupid, shovel-chin," Eddy whined attempting to take the knife out of his arm. "He knows what Eddward is thinking."

"But Sam wasn't the one who found you or you mother,"

"No," Eddy said grunting, his eyes moving behind them. "Ah, shit."

Kevin turned and saw the Peach Creek Sheriff making her way towards them. Hunter grabbed Kevin and shielded him.

"Just what the actual fuck happened tonight?" She said taking in the scene.

He noticed Llan had hidden away her pistol at some point, and Nat was beside her, his arm intertwined with hers. "Ask him," Llan spoke up, gesturing to Eddy. ``We were minding our own business when he and a couple others raided our establishment."

"Now you've done it, Eddy," the Sheriff shook her head. "I know this is not my business to intervene, but thank you for not killing him." She addressed Hunter as she pulled out the knife from Eddy's leg. "I'll do my best to help you guys out."

She lifted Eddy up and pulled out her hand cuffs. Her eyes then spotted Kevin behind Hunter, her gaze followed Kevin's jacket. "What's a Barr doing among the Easterns?"

"Least it's not with the Great Whites," Llan interrupted.

"Sure, good thing," the Sheriff said, a pointed finger towards Kevin as if about to scold him. "Though I hope you are well aware now of the dangers that come along boy. Your father will not be happy."

"Funny enough, you're not the first to tell me that, ma'am," Kevin replied quietly.

"And I won't be the last," she said over her shoulder, dragging a crying Eddy with her.

Kevin bit his lip, he needed to talk with Johnny. He knew the boy would know more than Eddy, but thankfully now he knew just one more thing. Whoever the masked man was, was tracking Eddward, either using someone from the Great Whites or maybe even personally. Either way, they had known where Eddy and his mother were hidden. They had known before Sam did, that was the scary part of this.

Loud shuffling from inside caught his attention and Kevin remembered about the Easterns. A much louder siren was heard on the other side, an ambulance. Kevin ran back inside witnessing the mess the inside of the bar was.

Both Eastern and Great White layed on the floor injured. Kevin kneeled down next to one of the injured Easterns, and the woman smiled at him clutching her waist "Thank god," she had said.

"What are you talking about," Kevin could feel tears swelling up in his eyes. "Damn it all, I'm so sorry."

Another Eastern approached Kevin, a rough hand on his head, "No one died tonight," the man said, "They weren't trying to kill us, that was their mistake."

"Seriously?" Kevin said with relief, it was as if he had just gotten the best news ever.

"What's important is that you're still with us, kid," the man said. "Don't you dare think we can't handle ourselves. You're safe with us."

There was a squeeze to his hand and he looked down at the woman in his arms. Kevin understood it then, their concept of family, he was one of them now. For better or for worse, they would stick by his side and defend him. He was unmeasurably grateful.

Maybe there was a time in Isabella's life that he sought out for this familiar bond. Maybe, this was why she had chosen the Easterns rathan the Great Whites. Either way, Kevin didn't regret his accidental choice of the Easterns.

…

Eddward slammed the door of his car, his chest filled with panic. He hadn't seen Kevin in a couple of days, since they had gone to Papa Aloe's house. Hunter had called him, yelling at him to rush over and grab his sharks.

The police were already there, some of his sharks detained and laying on the concrete floor. He saw wounded, there were three ambulances and paramedics checking out the wounded. A cold nauseating shiver struck him, praying Kevin hadn't been hurt. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the Sheriff talking to one of the Easterns. Then paused, as she stared at him.

"Vincent!" The Sheriff called out, arms crossed.

Eddward wanted to ignore her, and dash straight inside to look for Kevin. But he stopped, his eyes glaring at the front door, his hands hardened into fists, lips crushed together. "I've no involvement in this Sheriff," he said, hearing her footsteps stop close.

"Then what the hell are your people doing here?" She demanded, standing between Eddward and the entrance of the bar.

"I don't know," Eddward growled out, eyes staring past her. "They acted on their own."

"Look kid," She said, with shrugged shoulders, "I'm going to need to keep an eye on you and your crew. I don't like it but this is serious, your people just shot up a bar. This is far beyond what I know from your crew. Something tells me this incident and the one at your house are related. It's a bit too coincidental is it not?"

Eddward didn't reply, instead she exhaled a long sigh of annoyance. Now he had to deal with the town's police on his ass. And his fucking crew were not making it any easier on him, If they could be considered members still, at this point they were traitors.

"People could have died tonight," She gestured towards the injured Easterns. "Thankfully, it was only three of them with guns, and the rest were just fighting with bats and knives according to the statements. The Easterns are experienced enough to handle themselves, but what about the next time? Next time, it might be an all out gun fight and you and your friends will end up killed. Is that what you want?"

"No," Eddward replied, "The last thing I want is for any of this to escalate further, trust me."

"Good," She said sternly. "Nonetheless, I'll be talking with your father, we're going to be watching your neighborhood. And if we find any involvement in this mess Kid, I'm sorry to say there will be no more warning from me, you're done."

"Understood," Eddward said, finally meeting her tired eyes, "But it's not me you should be watching."

"Then who?"

Eddward shook his head, "I wish I knew."

The Sheriff nodded, her lips tight, "Then do inform me as soon as you know."

"May I leave now?" Eddward asked, anxious to see Kevin.

The Sheriff nodded again and stood aside, allowing Eddward to rush past her. Leaving behind the mess of people into a messier setting. The bar was dimly lit, some light bulbs destroyed, tables turned with holes in them, broken glass, splatters of blood throughout the floors, and more Easterns huddled together looking after one another.

They stared at him with distrust, but no one said anything. Eddward ignored them all, his eyes scanning for familiar ginger hair or a red baseball hat. He spotted the former in the far back corner of the bar leading to a back door.

As he got closer, he spotted Hunter first, Raine's second in command, and...the green haired brat glued to Kevin's side as they leaned against a wall. Hunter noticed him first, his eyes fueled with fire upon seeing him. Before he could call out to Kevin, Hunter launched forward, snatching Eddward's jacket and shoving against the counter.

"How many times will I have to fucking repeat myself Shark?" Hunter growled out.

"I can't control those who choose to betray us!" Eddward argued, his hand gripping Hunter's jacket in return.

"Show them who's in fucking control!" Hunter yelled, "How are they supposed to respect a leader who isn't even leading?"

"Let him go, Hunter," Kevin said, grabbing hold of Hunter and attempting to shoving him off but the teen was latched onto Eddward.

"Last fucking warning," Hunter growled out, "This, went way pasted the line. Raine will demand justice for this."

"The Eastern's belong to Papa Aloe," Eddward said, "Justice will be for him, and I will fucking grant it."

"You fucking better," Hunter gave him another shove and let him go. He backed off, arms crossed once again and glaring at nothing in particular.

"Eddy was one of them," Kevin said, quietly.

This caught his attention, "What?" he breathed out.

"They sent him to collect me," Kevin shook his head, "They...they threatened him with his mother."

"Impossible, I…" Eddward began but stopped himself. No one knew he had Eddy hidden away except for Kevin. Kevin gave him a look understanding the situation and it was as if the boy's thoughts had jumped onto him, because he knew they were thinking the same thing. He was being trailed by someone from the masked gang.

It was going to get harder for them with the Police on his ass, and that thought eased him a little. Now he just needed to start thinking of how to do things behind this person's back. Find a way to catch him.

"They're going to kill her," Kevin breathed out, concerned.

"They sent him here as punishment," Eddward said, grimly "She's probably already dead."

Kevin stared at him with wide eyes, his shoulders dropped. "No way," he said.

"It's good he's in custody," Eddward eyed the front door of the bar, "Means he's safely out of their hands for now. Did they capture the other two?"

"No, they ran off before the police could get here." Raine's second in command said, Llan he believed her name was. "I think they were expecting that Eddy guy to fail."

"They were expecting us to kill him," Hunter said, lowly. "They wanted us to bloody our hands and spark a fight among us all."

"The rest of the Sharks might still be nearby," Llan said, "I suggest you hunt them down, before they get away."

"On it," Eddward pushed off the counter and headed out. He had seen Kevin, there were no injuries as far as he knew and he was in good company. Kevin would be fine, he would be escorted home either by police, Easterns, or Hunter. He could trust that now. But a hand on his jacket stopped him and he turned back to meet anxious green eyes. Eddward had to hold in his breath to focus.

"Let me go with you," Kevin said. "It's dangerous to go by yourself."

Eddward wanted nothing more than to pull the freckled boy along with him. But he was safer there, among his gang. "No," he said flatly.

"But-" the boy began.

Eddward held his hand and squeezed it for reassurance. "I can handle myself, don't worry."

"Eddward," Kevin pleaded following Eddward.

Eddward's gaze met with Hunter's and the shaggy haired teen understood. He walked up behind Kevin and wrapped an arm around Kevin's waist as Eddward pulled away. "You're better off here," he said as a goodbye. He didn't turn to look back at his pleading face. Kevin was better off here. His sharks were of no concern to Kevin and the boy didn't need to know what he was about to do.

He would catch them and make them an example.

…

The night was breezy, but Eddward had the window of his car open. He needed to cool off. There was loud mumbling and whining in the back seat but he ignored it, frustratingly exhausted to care at all.

The factory was just in view, and the whining only got louder, it was screams at this point. Eddward sped up, seeing the lights turned on, there were Sharks roaming about this evening.

Hastily parking his car, Eddward jumped out and opened the back seat of his car. There were two treacherous Great Whites, tied up and staring at him with wide eyes. One angry, the other scared.

He'd found them easily enough, not five blocks away from the crime scene. The sheriff had told him to hand in anyone else involved but oh no, he had other plans. Eddward would hand them over as soon as he was done with them first.

Hunter wanted him to show his sharks who was boss, then so be it. This was the only way they would see, the only way they would listen. He dragged them out of the car and into the factory, there he saw a handful of reddened faces and confused ones as well. He knew some of them had been at the bar tonight, and had participated. They were stupid enough to come back to the Factory to hide.

"Do you think it's fun to go around shooting up rivaling gangs?" Eddward growled out. The veins on his arms popping out of his arms from how tight he was holding the traitors. They could have ended many lives tonight, including Kevin's. The thought sent him into a swirl of anger. "You think it's a fucking game?"

"For those of you even considering betraying Sam," Eddward shouted, dragging the traitors down the stairs, one slipped and fell a few steps. Eddward kicked the teen further down. "These two will be your example of what is going to happen to you."

The raven haired teen picked up the fallen traitor at the bottom of the stairs and shoved them into the cage, "Because this isn't a fucking game. Disobedience will be your ruin and betrayal will get you killed."

He grabbed a hold of one of the red faced sharks and pushed him into the cage as well. "You don't stab a Dubois in the back," he continued. "This will be your only warning."

Spotting a pair of bats on the floor he snatched one and handed it over to the red faced shark he had grabbed. "Do you want forgiveness, or are you willing to take your chances with the Masked gang?" The sharks were all staring at him with wide eyes, afraid.

"Then you better start praying," Eddward finished, giving a demand to the sharks, as his eyes stared at the two inside the cage. They picked up their bats, awkwardly running inside the cage. He didn't look at them now, he kept his eyes up to the top of the stairs.

Screams and whines could be heard behind him, pleads of forgiveness. A ruckus of the sharks beating up the traitors. He wasn't the one they should be kneeling and begging for, but for the devil at the top of the stairs eyeing them with his observant and satisfied ink eyes.

Eddward left them now, numbly making his way up the stairs. An incoming headache, an aching chest and shaky fingers. But he had to follow through, this was what Sam wanted from him, this was how he was going to control the sharks. Becoming the monster they once thought him to be.

He stopped just two steps below Sam, his eyes staring at the cross necklace the teen wore. He saw Sam come down at step as pale hands wrapped around his neck, thumbs pressing in as if wanting to choke him. Then there was a bump on his forehead, Sam's breathing was hot on his skin.

"Once a gangster, always a gangster," Sam said with a sing-song voice. "My, Vincent, where have you been?"

He stayed quiet, wanting nothing more than to be back home with Kevin cuddled in his arms. But he couldn't have that. Instead he had ice cold hands stabbing him with his reality, reminding him of who he was and always would be.

"This is why I can't let you go, Vincent," Sam's acidic voice breathed out quietly, "You're the only one most loyal to me. I reward that with my trust and loyalty to you. You are the only one who deserves it."

Sam forced Eddward to look up at his black eyes. They were a wildfire, his smile seducing, and his touch a burning sensation that wanted to make him pull away. Sam's hold was strong on him, unwavering and latched on.

"Do you see yourselves as you are?" Sam questioned, "Do you see your potential?"

There was only silence from him, he could not find his voice, somewhere hidden in his regret and nausea. This would not be how Kevin, Ed or Nazz wanted to see him, they all deserved better than this. But he belonged to Sam, and pleasing Sam was all that mattered after he was a made gangster.

There would be no turning back.

He would have blood on his hands sooner or later.

"Good," Sam pulled away just a couple of inches, his hand reaching for something in his pocket. His pale fist was pressed up to Eddward's chest. "My trust in you, Vincent. Use them wisely."

Eddward reached to take whatever was in Sam's hand. A small thing, with a ring when moved harshly.

Tombstone pills.

...

---

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

and when i tell you i am excited to write next chapter... I am excited.

Leave a review if you enjoyed and let me know if you have any predictions and thoughts!

Stay safe! I hope to post again soon.