Hope you enjoy the chapter! It's shorter than previous chapters but I tried to sprinkle in info and such. Also! It's so weird and refreshing writing the boy's being all cute with each other, and i intend to- true to slow burn- take it slow in their relationship. But everything is new and exciting and boy's being boy's are just happy to take every opportunity to be alone.
See you soon!
P.s. P.A.T.R.E.O.N members (starting with just $2 for all writings) get early access to all future AWA chapters by a whole month! Also also, I have AWA holiday specials as extra writing content and will in the future include more PAT. exclusive AWA related writings. You can find me as Arielagam, if your interested in all KEVEDD, AWA and other fandom content, including bi-monthly mail! Hope to see you there!
and we continue...
Sleep would not touch him that night. There were no nightmares or anxiety to keep him up. In fact, it had been the most peaceful Eddward Vincent had ever felt in the entirety of his short life. There were no thoughts, no worries, and no fears. The cigarettes had been long forgotten and the wine spilled and put aside. His addictive intoxication had been solely focused on the ginger haired boy sleeping just underneath him.
And the boy was drooling.
Edward carefully shifted his position on the couch in order to free one of his hands to wipe away the small amount of drool from Kevin's lips. The very same ones that he had finally kissed, for real and it was odd to recall the memory. Almost like a vivid dream, only god knew how much he daydreamed about kissing Kevin.
When they had made themselves comfortable on the couch, well into the night, Eddward had pretended to fall asleep knowing Kevin was tired and not ten minutes later the boy was fast asleep. Eddward had ten just stared at Kevin, terrified that when he woke up, Kevin wouldn't be there, and disappeared into a dream. So, just to make sure it had been real, Eddward stayed up. His hand occasionally comforting Kevin as the boy slept, roaming through warm cheeks and soft short hair.
And he enjoyed the way Kevin arms had stayed wrapped around him all night. His freckled hands pulled Eddward close when he felt Eddward move, and a leg tangled between Eddwards. There was no way of getting out of this trapped embrace without waking up the freckled boy. Not that Eddward had wanted to anyways, he was perfectly comfortable where he was.
Eddward smiled looking down at Kevin, a swarm of excitement in his stomach. He hadn't ever dared to believe that Kevin would want and accept him like this. But seeing a flushed Kevin brought out many thoughts and desires out of him. But truthfully, the entire week spent by himself had been tormenting, and yet had made him actually think about many things.
Firstly, he hadn't used the pills Sam had given him. He had kept them hidden in one of the kitchen counters but decided to go back to smoking instead. Afraid that he would overuse it again and leave him far too vulnerable.
Secondly…
Kevin shifted and groaned, then lifted his arms off of Eddward and stretched. Eddward just smiled unmoving, mesmerized by every expression and movement Kevin made. Then those beautiful bright green eyes were looking at him. Kevin grinned and returned to wrap his arms tightly around Eddward's torso, pressing his freckled face against Eddward's neck.
"Mornin'," came a groggy and muffled voice.
"Good Morning, Pumpkin," Eddward closed his eyes, enjoying the light kisses from Kevin.
Kevin looked up, face flushed again as he stared up at Eddward curiously.
"What?" Eddward asked.
"Can I ask if…" Kevin went quiet, his face redder but Eddward bumped Kevin's forehead light in encouragement to ask his question. "A-are we like, a thing now?"
"A thing?" Eddward smirked, teasing the other.
"You know, like together," Kevin said, flustered, "l-like…boyfriends?"
Eddward looked down at Kevin a bit wide eyed. He hadn't really thought about…well that kissing Kevin and wanting to have the teen for himself would mean just that. Boyfriends.
"Can I ask you something first?" Eddward said, quietly and starting to feel warm and flushed himself.
"...ok?" Kevin agreed, curiously.
Eddward stayed quiet a moment, watching his hand roam down Kevin's arm. Then he finally looked up at Kevin and frowned, "I have been under the assumption that…you are already taken."
Kevin stared up at him wide eyed and confused. "By who?" he asked.
"That green haired wolf,"
"Nat?" Kevin said in bewilderment then shook his head laughing a little. "Who told you I was in a relationship with Nat?"
Eddward felt his face flush, recalling every time Ed had reassured him it wasn't true. But he was relieved nevertheless. "My sharks that were looking after you, they uh, told me they saw you guys…kiss."
Kevin pressed his lips together, eyebrows furrowed trying to remember. Then with a loud gasp, he shook his head again. "One time! It was one time and it didn't mean anything. It was platonic if anything."
Eddward, raised an eyebrow, "It didn't?"
"No, it didn't, '' Kevin smiled then. His hand reached to cup Eddward's jaw and to comfort him. "It was during the holidays, I didn't know I was standing under a mistletoe. He was just messing around, Nat can be very touchy sometimes."
Eddward breathed a sigh of relief.
"Wait,"
Eddward opened his eyes again to stare at Kevin who was looking at him seriously. "What?"
"Did you think I was in a relationship with someone else last night?" Kevin asked, then quickly added before Eddward responded, "while we were making out on your back porch?"
Eddward felt the warmth of embarrassment hit him again as he looked away, and shrugged. "Yeah?"
Kevin had his mouth open, and then he sat up, lifting a leg over Eddward and leaning down pressing his nose to Eddward's. "Wow, you think I'm a cheater Eddward Vincent?" Kevin smirked.
Eddward placed his hands on Kevin's thighs enjoying how firm they were. "I think I'm a bad influence on you."
"I think otherwise," Kevin said, quietly his green eyes staring at Eddward's mouth.
"Oh?"
"You haven't answered my question," Kevin said, lips lightly teasing Eddward's. It was driving Eddward mad.
"Are you sure?" Eddward asked.
"About being together?" Kevin frowned, "I thought I made myself clear last night. Yes, a million times yes."
"I'm not your best option, pumpkin." Eddward said quietly. He knew he wasn't and that Kevin would be much happier with someone else. As well as safe and far away from Sam and Jimmy and any other threat. "I'm no good."
"You are," Kevin closed his eyes, giving Eddward a kiss to his cheek. "You're the only one who's perfect for me. I don't want anyone else."
"Kevin," Eddward pulled Kevin back just a breath away, "I need you to think about it seriously." Eddward knew how this would end, and he didn't want Kevin to get his hopes up for a future together. But if they could just savor this for now, casual or seriously, Eddward didn't care so long as he could have Kevin.
It wasn't that he didn't want Kevin as a partner, yes, he did, so very much. But he was scared of getting destroyed beyond repair when Sam would show up to collect him. Scared to see Kevin's brokenness at the sudden loss of him. But he supposed that they would break no matter what their relationship status was, in the end that is.
"I have," Kevin argued, "I've been thinking about it for months! Since I realized how I felt about you."
Eddward was starting to feel shitty. He didn't want to reject Kevin, not now that he had tasted Kevin's kisses, and been embraced by Kevin's affection.
"Do you not want me?" Kevin said quietly, his eyes sad.
Eddward shook his head, bringing Kevin down and kissing the boy. There was a sigh of relief from Kevin as he let himself sink into Eddward's kiss. Slow and careful.
"I want you more than anything, pumpkin," Eddward said breathlessly.
"Then, that's that," Kevin smiled, kissing Eddward again, "There's nothing to think about. You're my boyfriend -nd am yours." The boy muttered between kisses.
"I'm whatever you want me to be, pumpkin," Eddward whispered, sitting up on his elbows and deepening the kiss with a tilt of his head. Loving the way Kevin's hand cupped his neck and were starting to make their way into Eddward's hair.
And it was then Eddward remembered something else that he needed to say.
"One more thing," Eddward smirked, pulling back and almost laughed out as Kevin huffed out annoyed at the interruption. "I kind of need to make a confession," he said.
"A confession?" Kevin was intrigued.
"Ed advised that I should have told you this sooner and maybe he was right but…" Eddward paused, his hands on Kevin's thighs again. "Last night wasn't our first kiss per day… remember the night you snuck into my hospital room?"
Kevin's face immediately flushed red and a weak voice came out, "d-don't t-tell me…".
"I kissed you that night…without your consent…" Eddward breathed out looking away knowing what he had done was bad. But he had just wanted to steal that small moment for himself. "I'm sorry."
Kevin kept silent then a light slam on Eddward's chest made Eddward look up scared. However, he found a very flushed Kevin staring with wide eyes.
"I thought I was dreaming!" Kevin shouted, "I woke up hoping that you hadn't noticed that…I might be…" he trailed off, then sat back up. "Never mind."
Eddward smirked at this, Kevin's face was bright red. "Do you dream about me often?" He teased the boy. But Eddward's stomach was swirling with glee.
The freckled boy pouted his lips, "Do you?" Kevin returned the question.
Eddward just gave him a sad smile before replying, "Not often enough, unfortunately." Eddward said, if only he was able to properly dream of Kevin then he would for sure seek out sleep as much as possible. Alas, those night terrors always ruined everything.
"Are your ok?" Kevin frowned, a hand soothing Eddward's chest. "With the nightmares?"
"…They don't ever really get better," Eddward said quietly, eyes gravitating to the empty wine glass on the coffee table, "Not unless I pass out." He mumbled.
A hand gripped his shirt, tight forcing him to look back up at a distraught Kevin.
"Not like that," Eddward quickly added. "I haven't, not since…" he trailed off.
"Really?" Asked Kevin.
Eddward just nodded, bringing a hand to comfort Kevin in return. The boy's arm was engulfed in Eddward's sweater, making him look small.
"Did you sleep last night?"
Eddward just smiled sheepishly, "No," he confessed. "I was scared…"
"Of what?"
Eddward hands were on Kevin's waist then needing to keep him where he was. "…That you wouldn't be here when I woke up. That last night wasn't real. That this wouldn't turn into a nightmare."
Kevin gave him a sad smile, eyes caring and then the boy leaned down and pressed his forehead to Eddwards. "I'll always be right here, from now on." Kevin shifted, moving off of Eddward and wrapping an arm under his head, the other held tightly onto Eddward's hand. Kevin pressed a kiss to his head and whispered. "Go to sleep, just for a bit. I'll be here when you wake up, promise."
"Ok," Eddward didn't argue. He was tired, and he was much too warm. Maybe he actually could sleep soundly for now.
He did fall asleep, thirty minutes into their embrace and a couple more gentle touches from a freckled hand playing with his hair. He fell asleep knowing the comfortable warmth of Kevin's arm and his steady breathing.
Eddward peacefully fell asleep.
…
There was a knock on Nazz's door early in the morning. Her mother called out from her welcoming the visitor inside. Nazz, in her cloud blue onesie stepped out of the kitchen to greet whomever it was.
A tall brunette stood awkwardly in the entrance with her bag and coat that she had left behind. "Ed, thank you. I was planning on heading over later today to pick them up."
"I'm glad you trust me to keep track of your things," Ed teased.
"Sorry," Nazz apologized, taking her belongings back. "I know I left in a hurry."
"Sam told me," Ed's eyes wandered down Nazz and then cracked a smile. "A onesie?"
"Ugh," Nazz shrugged and laughed, "Don't make fun of me. Kevin has a matching green one. He just doesn't like to wear it."
"You good?" Ed just laughed leaning against the doorway.
Nazz looked away, turning back to the noises coming from the kitchen. "Want some breakfast?"
"It's alright, just ate."
Nazz nodded, stepping out and closing the door behind her. "I… I want to go see Johnny."
Ed just gave her a confused look.
"Look I know he was terrible and disturbed but…" Nazz sighed, her eyes watery. "What happened to him was really fucked up. And… Well, we could have all done something more for him, you know? Like with Eddward."
"There isn't much to do when the person doesn't want out," Ed said with a frown, "There isn't much for us, kids, to do to solve this. He knew what he was getting into Nazz, every Shark in the gang knows what they're dealing with. Once you're in, you're in."
"You got out," she said quietly. "It's not impossible."
Ed smiled at that and gently nodded. "I guess you're right."
Nazz felt some sort of relief from that. "Wait for me?"
"Of course,"
Nazz opened the door and they both made their way into her living room. Her mom had come back out giving him a cup of coffee after insisting on eating something. Her cat had immediately warmed up to Ed and was lying on his lap, purring. Nazz gave Ed an apologetic look before disappearing upstairs into her room.
She threw her things on her bed, and decided on a black turtleneck and skirt. She put on her coat and was in the middle of shoving her phone in her coat when a ruffle sound came out of her pocket. She paused and stared at her pocket slowly pulling her phone out and with careful fingers a folded piece of paper. With a frown Nazz threw it on her desk, for later. She knew who it was from and did not care to hear him out at the moment. With that, she made her way downstairs.
They said they're goodbyes, and with a hand around Ed's elbow she leaned into him as they made their way down the street. It was quiet, and a little less cold than the day before. The sky was blue and the birds chirped, only two cars passed by them on their walk. Most of the town was still in bed, and the kids were recovering from the night before.
The small limp the boy held did not go unnoticed by Nazz, her hand gripped his arm. It had been left since the night he had gotten shot. Ed tried to hide it most days, but on occasion, forgot about it. It was faint, if someone wasn't paying attention the limp would go unnoticed, but Nazz and the other two knew.
"Did Kevin worry?" Nazz asked quietly.
Ed let out an amused breath of air that made Nazz look up at him curiously, "Actually, he left before Sam showed up."
"He went home?"
"No, well, I hope not," Ed leaned down to whisper, "I might have heavily meddled."
It took a moment before Nazz's wide eyes became excited and she stopped suddenly, "What did you say?"
"Just the truth," Ed smiled, "Sort of. Anyways, I hope something came of it. But, I think it might have, haven't had a single angry call or text from either of them so… either nothing happened or something happened."
"Should we stop by?" Nazz's voice was giddy.
"No," Ed said with a sudden flush on his face, "Let's give them privacy, for whatever may have happened."
Nazz couldn't believe it, her hand was tight on Ed's arm, "You don't think!" she gasped.
Ed squinted his eyes at her, "...".
"They wouldn't, would they?" Nazz questioned, before continuing to walk, "they wouldn't."
Ed let out a loud snort, covering it with his free hand and turning away and shrugging.
"Ed!" Nazz exclaimed, "oh my god they would wouldn't they?"
"I don't know and I don't want to find out,"
Nazz let out a squeak, as she pulled Ed forward with a flush on her face, "Kevin Thomas Barr, I swear to god!"
Ed just laughed behind her, and despite their curious questioning, Nazz couldn't help but let out a laugh of her own. She wouldn't be able to wait for any news of them.
They made it across town onto the north side where the graveyard was. There was no one in sight, but the keeper let them in. They slowly made their way down the lines reading off names, until at the far end on the third to last row…was Johnny's name.
"It doesn't feel real," Nazz spoke quietly, her arms crossed. She felt an overwhelming amount of discomfort just standing there. The name of her bully, terrible and vicious. But it was also the name of a kid who was a victim to Sam's cult. There was but a single bouquet of flowers, most likely from his family. She wondered if Jimmy had come to see Johnny. Had he even cared about his friend? They had been together from the very beginning.
"Sorry, I didn't bring flowers," She said, "Nothing is open just yet. and there's no flowers on the ground to pick. It's still too cold… I hope it's not too cold where you are, honest."
There was silence for a long moment before Ed bent down and touched his hand to the grave stone. "I don't know if us being here is any good, but I know you did what you were told to. I also know that some of the things you did were not forced. You were not a…good person, entirely, but you did not deserve this either."
"It was Sam," Nazz said, her eyes closed, "I know it was, Johnny. And we meddled too far, so for that I am so sorry. I didn't want this for anyone no matter how bad you were to us. Honestly, I just wished we could have stopped this before anyone got hurt before you ended up here."
"Nazz," Ed stood then and wrapped her up in a hug, "This isn't our fault. This just…sucks and shouldn't have happened."
Nazz wrapped her arms around Ed, pressing her face into his chest, "Who's next Ed?" she mumbled into his coat. "It could be anyone."
"We're not letting this happen again," Ed said, his voice stern. "It's not going to be anyone else."
"We need to tell somebody," She said with a frown, "Someone who can do something."
"Getting our parents involved isn't a good idea," Ed said, pushing Nazz back a moment to look at her, "We'll be placing them in danger, Sam, won't have it. Our parents are going to dig far too deep into this whole thing. They'll…know about Eddward."
"If it came down to it," Nazz said, "If they knew everything, would Eddward leave Sam? Confess and betray him? Maybe he could plead that he was being forced, you were in the gang and can testify for him."
Ed made a pained face, "One of the reasons I vilified Double D after we broke it off as friends, was because Double D was glued to Sam. They have something that no one else does, and I've never known why they have that…relationship. Double D fears Sam, but Sam loves Double D. And despite this, Double D hasn't ever disobeyed Sam, nor has he ever betrayed him. And I thought that Kevin would be the cure."
"The cure?" she asked.
"To help Double D realize what it truly means for someone to love him, but…" Ed shrugged, "I don't know, if he'll have the courage to leave Sam."
"You don't think he'll leave the gang?" Nazz said, now worried.
"Sam promised, but we can't ever trust him, you know that," Ed said with a sad smile, "and I don't think Sam can function without Double D. I don't think Sam would willingly let him go without some sort of compensation or punishment at the very least."
"The only one who has managed to even threaten to steal Eddward way is Kevin," Nazz said with a choked voice, staring hard at Johnny's engraved name with a chill down her spine. "Sam will get his way one way or another."
"He always does," agreed Ed, "In the end."
…
It had been a couple hours now, the Vincent home was filled with bright golden light. The kitchen now bounced with a serene noisiness, a kettle whistling, a pitter patter of impatience, and a buzz from a pan.
"I'm starving," Kevin whined, head against the table with stretched out arms.
A youthful laugh filled Eddward that forced Kevin to glance up to stare at the teen. He'd been doing alot of that this morning, staring. As if he would miss something important, something special, something magical. By the way Eddward's smiled, stretched and open, it truly was something magical to look at. And now, he could, unashamedly.
So Kevin did.
"I bet you are," Eddward asked, now turned back to the stove, "Did you have anything at the dance?"
"A little bit," Kevin mumbled, cheek squished by the table. "Wasn't anything special, just regular old pasta."
"That was it?"
"There were shitty snacks and a disgusting punch too," Kevin sat up then, a chuckle at the memory of the foul taste of the drink. "I'm pretty sure no one drank it, it tasted like ass."
"Promising," Eddward said, shoulder relaxed, and grabbing plates.
"Thank god I have your cooking to get rid of that nasty taste," Kevin said happily as Eddward placed down a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon and a perfectly smelling coffee. He took the mug first, gratefully and sipped at it.
"I thought I would have gotten rid of it last night," Eddward said with a raised eyebrow, a small smirk pulling at the corner of his lip.
Kevin felt his cheeks and throat burn from the implication of the statement. "You definitely did," He said, shyly. And the thought of last night brought on another… curiosity.
He waited a moment as they started to eat before asking, but as the moment stretched it began to feel almost anxiously uncomfortable and Eddward noticed when he sat back and stared at him with the same observant eyes.
"What's on your mind, pumpkin?"
Kevin took a breath in and sat back as well, lifting a leg onto the chair instinctually. He took another sip of the coffee before speaking, "I mean…what happened last night was unexpected, from you, that is." he spoke carefully, watching Eddward's reaction. The boy had his blue eyes down onto the half eaten plate and did not speak up, so Kevin continued, "I guess, what I'm trying to get at is, why now?"
Eddward looked up, placing his fork down and crossing his arms. His head was in a pensive tilt, eyes focused on Kevin and Kevin knew there was an ocean full of answers Eddward was wanting to give, but he was thinking on how to condense it.
"I had a long, quiet, and reflective week," Eddward started, eyes looking out the kitchen window. "I hadn't been alone for that long in a while, and…in short I missed you. But it wasn't just that…that could just be platonic, because I felt the same longing feeling for Ed and Nazz. I missed them too."
Kevin stayed quiet, feeling bad for not just ignoring the rules and coming over to check up on Eddward, knowing exactly where solitude and loneliness could drive Eddward.
"No," Eddward spoke up again, "It was when you called– after the hospital– after you told me about Johnny." Eddward paused, then lips tight, "You were right there with him, and I realized, well, that could have been you, easily. It could have been the night Johnny tried to kidnap you, or it could be the next time someone else comes after you. It could have and could be…you."
"Eddward–" Kevin began reaching over to place an arm on the boy's arm.
"I realized how terribly…dreadful it would have been to not have the chance to tell you," Eddward placed a hand on top of Kevin's eyes, gleaming as he looked up to meet Kevin. "I've known there was something between us, for a little bit at least. I'm not that stupid. I just didn't want to ruin you, like I did Marie. I didn't…want you to have the same difficulties I did."
Kevin kept his hand on Eddward's arm, firmly. He wanted to interrupt and assure Eddward, but Eddward was open and Kevin didn't want to stop that. So he listened, carefully.
"I suppose, I decided to be selfish again," Eddward said with a sigh. "I mean, I couldn't be sure of how you would respond. But I needed to tell you, before anything else at the very least because…I was drowning too."
Eddward was staring at him then, intensely and gripping as he had done last night. Kevin's face was warm again with this second confession. He stood and wrapped his arms around Eddward's shoulders, resting his head on Eddward's and he let out a sniffle as Eddward snaked his arms around Kevin's waist bringing him closer.
"You have me now, Eddward," Kevin said, "Through thick and thin, I'm not going anywhere."
Eddward nuzzled into Kevin's embrace, his slender large hands gentle around Kevin's back. "It still feels like a dream," Eddward muttered out, voice muffled by Kevin's hoodie.
"Then it's the best dream I've ever had," Kevin said, a smile on his lips.
"I don't want to ever wake up from it,"
Kevin just chuckled, kissing the top of Eddward's head.
…
They made their way through the cold cobblestone path. Reading off names, it was a quiet morning, few were around and Eddward assumed it had been due to the spring dance. Many were surely still in bed.
But Eddward didn't care, what he did care about was the fact that it was quiet and lonesome enough that he was comfortable holding onto Kevin's hand. He kept the freckled hand tucked into the pocket of his coat. It was warm, comforting and dreamly still.
Nothing new, but something changed. The simple act of holding hands meant more to Eddward than what it had just two days ago. He gave the boy a squeeze as he read out another name, uncomfortable at the idea that he had someone to visit, lying here…forever.
Death wasn't a nuance thought, especially for Eddward Vincent. The thing was– despite knowing the dangers of association with Sam Dubois– he never truly grasped the idea that eventually down the line, someone was bound to end up here. The thing also was, Eddward always believed that that someone would be him. It was naive, though, to think that he wasn't ever going to witness anyone around him fall.
And it wasn't until Johnny's attack on Kevin that something started to click in his mind. The clear grasp that Eddward had no control over who death would pursue. It was the most sure and real thing that any one in the world could come to understand.
No one was safe.
That was the second thing Eddward had come to terms with throughout his week-long solitude. It was what brought forth his ultimate confession, because Ed had been right all along and there was no more time to waste. Eddward would disappear in a year and he would be the most selfish he had ever dared to be, because that was what would be engraved in his memories. The only thing he would have of Peach Creek, the only thing he would have of Kevin Barr.
Eddward wanted Kevin, more than anything else in this world. So for the next year, he would have the freckled boy, exactly the way Eddward intended. No more guilt, no more rejection and denial. Eddward was sick of it, he would have the rest of his life to feel bad about it. But for the next year, all of that would be thrown out the window.
"There he is," Kevin stopped, his freckled hand tight in Eddward's hold.
Eddward pressed his lips tight, unable to understand what had happened, unable to understand that Johnny was actually buried underground. That he was with closed eyes, lying as if asleep just mere feet away from them, and would stay there for eternity until nature would break through and reclaim him.
This could have been any one of them, but death had chosen Johnny.
"Do you think it was Sam?" Eddward asked quietly, tracing the inscription on the stone.
"I do," Kevin replied, "It was his guard, it had to have been. They were just waiting for me to go in and see how much Johnny spilled."
Eddward understood, it was the most logical way of seeing the situation. But he knew Sam and Eddward knew that Sam Dubois was waiting for his first kill to be the day he would be initiated into his father's gang. Until then, Sam would not kill especially one of his henchmen, no matter how big the betrayal.
"And if I told you it wasn't him?" Eddward asked, cautiously.
"How could you know?" Kevin said, "We can't trust anyone."
"I know, because it's Sam," Eddward said, looking away from the grave. As if waiting for Johnny to pop out from behind a tree or the entrance gate.
It was the same thought he had had at Blaine's funeral. It was a sense of dissociation, as if this was all a mean joke, as if he would see them just walking around town. Eddward, hadn't been able to see Blaine's face either, his funeral being a closed casket. So, Eddward had stared at a box the whole time, unable to understand that his childhood friend was inside.
Eddward hadn't even cried at the funeral, but many tears had been shed when he got the news about the accident. It was easier to think that Blaine was still out of state, far away somewhere living the best that he could. And it was easier to think the same with Johnny.
The irony of it all. That Eddward had wanted to be the one in the coffin for years and now this was the second grave he stared at that wasn't his own. But someone else's, caught in the mess he was involved in, it almost made him feel guilty. Would Blaine and Johnny still be alive had he listened to his father years back, played the good son and did as he was told? Would Sam have found him? Would he have joined the Great White Sharks?
If only he had just listened.
"It's exactly because it's Sam," Kevin said, bringing Eddward back to the grim graveyard.
"He wouldn't do this," Eddward said, quietly. "Not to Johnny, not even Jimmy."
"How would the masked leader know I was there to talk to him?" Kevin asked. "I talked to Sam personally."
"I don't know, Kevin," Eddward breathed out, closing his eyes at a sudden sting of cold air. "But I know he wouldn't."
"Are you sure?'
"Entirely,"
Kevin was stiff, but Eddward could tell Kevin didn't want to fight about it. Instead, Kevin bit his lip and nodded before speaking again. "Ok," Kevin said, "We'll figure it out then."
Eddward didn't say anything more, instead he turned pulling Kevin along and making their way back out. "We need to get you home," he said.
Eddward wanted nothing more than to steal Kevin for himself for the rest of the weekend, but duties called. For Kevin's safety, the teen needed to head back home and stay there. For business reasons, Eddward had been called into the factory for later that night. He was still being watched by the cops, but with the suspension from school there wasn't much for Eddward to do. He had practically been on house arrest.
The drive into Kevin's neighborhood was short, far too short for the likes of them both. So when they arrived just a block away, Kevin spoke up and told Eddward to stop the car. They stay inside the parked car on the side of the empty road for a long moment. Kevin just staring out of the window, before slender fingers intertwined with his forcing Kevin to focus on Eddward.
His face was warm again noticing Eddward's lidded eyes were on him. And then Eddward spoke, quietly and cautiously, "May I kiss you?" he asked the question but a whisper. A thumb stroking Kevin's hand.
Kevin nodded, face completely flushed red. And Eddward leaned in, gently and carefully as he had done the previous night, waiting to see if Kevin would push him away. But Kevin leaned in, closing his eyes as they met halfway.
It was gentle, and slow.
It was sweet and shy.
And then Kevin let out a breath, as Eddward undo Kevin's seat belt. Then his hand on Kevin's neck and it seemed to make Kevin lean into the touch. It was the reaction Eddward had wanted. He pressed his kiss just a touch harder, more affectionate… relieved.
And then Kevin's fingers were in Eddward's hair.
…
The weekend came and went as any other, far too quick and in a blink of an eye. Eddward had visited the factory Saturday night, but unlike any other wild night at the factory, this week it was empty. With cops eyes on them, they had to pretend like nothing happened, but keeping everything still would be just as suspicious so Eddward found himself at the factory that weekend night.
He had taken a seat in Sam's chair–as the teen refused to show his face in front of the police– cigarette in hand. It was ridiculous, it all was. If only he could piece together Eddy's story about the Dubois secret.
Sam had involved himself with covering up, let's say, a criminal act Liam and his group had committed. Now, let's say that one of these members had something against Liam and threatened Liam with revealing said secret…well, that was motivation enough for Sam to take action. Was it not?
Eddward knew Sam was capable of anything for his brother. But what had Sam done? What had backfired so hard that Sam was now suffering the consequences of his actions? And who was this potential ex-member? It had to be someone Eddward knew or at least seen before.
Someone who was involved with a serpent. Relationship or acquaintance. It shouldn't be hard to find this person, the serpents had always set themselves aside, and to think a Great White had been in close relation to one, well, that was rare. Easy enough to direct attention.
He tried hard to recall names and faces of who was there during his first year in the gang. But Eddward had been stuck to Sam, being trained by Sam, Eddward hadn't truly ever been under Liam's order.
But like Sam, Liam also had his group of closest most trusted members. Had one of them been in a relationship with a serpent?
He couldn't remember, it would have been scandalous.
The following evening, Eddward had returned to the factory, already missing Kevin desperately. They had talked over the phone both nights, including the boy in his thought process and investigation.
Eddward had decided to look through every book in Sam's bookshelf, hoping to find something somewhere again. Sam was leaving clues for him, but Eddward knew Sam wouldn't be stupid enough to leave clues behind when it concerned his brother.
What had Liam done?
Eddward wondered if it had been Liam's initiation into his father's gang. Had Liam killed someone? That was the most dramatic thing Eddward could think of for Sam to have then gotten himself involved with covering for his brother.
Why hadn't Sam trusted him with this information?
Why hadn't Sam told him about the picture he had left in the book?
Why had Sam hidden the fact that he had known Victor?
Maybe Eddward didn't know Sam as well as he believed. Maybe Sam was capable of more than he led on, and maybe he was capable of lying to Eddward's face. Capable of lying about how much he cared about Eddward.
It stung.
For some reason, the thought that Sam was willingly capable of lying about caring about him…stung him like a needle, swift and deep.
…
Kevin was glad to see the swimmer back at school. Glad to see Eddward looking more lively than ever. His skin almost glowing and eye bags faint, and there was a stretch to his lips most of the day. A stretch Kevin noticed Eddward allowed to fully extend during the swim team practice as the teen raced with his teammates.
Ed had given him expectant looks the entire time, as if desperately waiting for Kevin to announce his thing with Eddward. And maybe Ed had said something to Nazz because the girl's gaze was much more intense than Ed's.
They may not have talked about it, but Kevin knew Eddward didn't want to say anything. Least for now.
It had been Monday morning, Eddward had arrived early to catch a few laps in the pool and Kevin had been sitting beside the pool watching.
Then Eddward had swam to him and they had been holding hands and it had been the loveliest thing Kevin knew but as soon as the doors opened, Eddward had pulled away.
Nazz and Ed filled in, happily chatting between themselves and Kevin had smiled, not taking the distant action to heart.
Eddward just wasn't ready and that was ok.
So Kevin didn't say anything and when Ed had caught him alone in passing between classes, Kevin lied.
It had been five full, horrendously slow days since their last kiss, hidden in Eddward's car. The raven haired boy was still hesitant about having Kevin over at the Vincent house and while at school, they almost never had a truly private moment to sneak away.
That was until Thursday after school, when Kevin and Eddward had gotten out before their friends and Eddward had him lead him out into the wooded area the teen liked to smoke in.
Eddward had sat down in his usual spot and Kevin beside him lightly chatting about school and the beginning of March around the corner. Of the fact that there were just three months left of school and summer would soon start.
Of a potential trip back to the cabin.
Then Eddward had pulled out his cigarette and Kevin watched him. His skilled fingers lighting the lighter and igniting the small cigarette. It's smell filled Kevin's nostrils with the memories of sitting on the back porch of Eddward's house, of kissing him and tasting the bitterness of the cigarette.
Before Eddward could even take one inhale from it, Kevin reached out and lowered the teens hand leaning in just enough for the other to pick up the hint. And Eddward took it.
Meeting Kevin halfway and kissing him.
Carefully, like Eddward always did, knowing that the swimmer was waiting for Kevin to pull away. But Kevin never did. Instead leaning into the hand that cupped his neck with fingers that burned into his skin.
There was a relief in their breath between kisses, as if they were on the same page. Both were still so thrilled about the fact that they weren't a dream. That five days later, they could pick up where they left off. That this could be them whenever they wanted.
The cigarette had been forgotten, crushed under the heel of Eddward's leather boot.
And Kevin felt giddy. In fact, all the way back to the Barr home did he feel giddy. They had stayed in the spot under the last bell had rang, until voices and laughter and footsteps could be heard.
Then they finally parted, Kevin home and Eddward back inside for the swim practice. And it was with a skip in his step that Kevin made his way back towards the East side.
When he turned the corner he saw Lizzy's car parked on the street and Kevin's smile thinned down. He was nervous now with his mother pressuring him to tell Tom about his affiliation.
But Kevin was scared that Tom would get too involved and he knew his dad too well to know that Tom, upon knowing about him joining the gang, would march right up to Papa Aloe and make raged up demands.
Tom was a protector, Kevin knew there was no means his father wouldn't take to keep him from harm. But that was just it, Tom didn't know the full truth and Kevin couldn't imagine what would happen if they all knew the full truth.
Kevin entered his home, quietly. He peeked into the hallway and instantly heard hushed voices from the kitchen, the kettle was brewing and there was typing heard.
"—nowhere, Tom, absolutely nowhere," Lizzy said.
"That's impossible," Tom said, voice confused. "People don't just drop off the face of the earth."
"And yet she did," Lizzy insisted, "I've made so many calls, Tom. It's like she never existed. I can't get close to their house, the old bitch won't let me."
"And what about him?" Tom asked, almost hesitantly.
There was a long silence as if Lizzy was struggling to get the words out, then she spoke, quietly and broken "He's been dead."
There was a loud clatter, as if Tom had dropped something, "What? Since when?"
"He died seven years ago," Lizzy said in a dry voice, "I can't…begin to imagine what she must have gone through."
"Do you think she knows?" Tom said, "she was long married and with a kid by then."
"I was hoping to ask him what happened," Lizzy said, "I don't understand how Izzy married…that man."
"Why is it so hard to believe? We all change and meet people."
"No, it's not that," Lizzy paused as if in thought and it was at this point Kevin knew they were talking about Eddward's mother and his blood froze. "He's so much like her father…so much of what she hated."
"He can't be exactly the same," Tom said, tiredly, "look at their son. Eddward's turned out fine, a bit shy but that's normal."
"I don't know Tom,"
"Liz, the Garcia's were terrible people," Tom barked, "Izzy wouldn't have married another of their kind. I think this man is just strict but by no means resembles the monster that was her father."
"But that's my point," A chair squeaked across the wooden floor, like Lizzy had stood up. "For years she didn't tell us. Don't you remember the night she ran away? She was fourteen, Tom, she was a brat and she showed up at my door with bloodied cuts all over her back from where her father had hit her!"
Tom was silent then and Kevin could almost see his father, face twisted, nostrils flared and eyebrows scrunched down in anger.
"What are we supposed to do Lizzy? Strip down the boy and check him?"
"What if Kevin knows?"
"If Kevin knew he would have told me a long time ago,"
"Did you tell your parents when Isabella showed you her scars?"
"Isabella demanded us not to say anything,"
There was no reply as if Lizzy had won the conversation. But Kevin was feeling suffocated, and guilty and wide eyed with a little bit of information he had just overheard. He wanted to run away and grab Eddward and hug him and tell him everything, he wanted to tell him…that maybe Eddward might not be so different from Isabella.
"I'll find her…" Lizzy finally spoke, her chair moving again.
It was then Kevin heard footsteps moving into the hallway and Kevin turned back out and pretended to just be coming into the house.
"I'm home!" He quickly yelled out, kicking off his shoes and looking to meet his father.
"Hey kiddo!" Tom's smile was strained. "How was school?"
"Just as boring as yesterday," Kevin said, throwing his jacket on the couch, "Mom's here?"
"Right here, sweetheart," Lizzy stood just behind Tom with hands on her hips and her eyes on Tom.
Tom shook his head before moving back into the kitchen. Kevin bit his lips and held his breath watching his mother's gaze follow Tom and before she could focus back on him Kevin began to make his way up that stairs.
"Kevin," Lizzy's voice was following him.
Kevin turned around mid staircase and Lizzy motioned to his bedroom and Kevin's shoulders slumped knowing she was gonna nag him again. So, he continued up the stairs and let his backpack drop to the floor beside his bed and Kevin fell onto his bed, eyes focused on the white wall.
His mother closed the door and stayed silent for a long moment before standing in front of Kevin. "How long are you going to drag this out?" she asked, seriously.
"Honestly?" Kevin asked, leaning on his elbows, "As long as I can."
Lizzy cracked a smile and shook her head, "You're my son alright," she said quietly.
"Kevin, I'm only saying this once," Lizzy said, taking a seat beside Kevin, "The longer you wait, the harder it'll get. Trust me when I tell you that by not telling your father, it'll only hurt his trust in you. And losing someone's trust is the worst feeling you'll experience, and it'll be harder to get that trust back."
"I'm not trying to make him angry," Kevin said, sitting up properly. "I just…I really need this, ma."
Lizzy wrapped a hand around Kevin's shoulder and rubbed it comfortingly, "That's what you should tell him. Make him understand, he'll come around and we both will help with whatever we can."
Kevin felt his heart drop to his stomach, that's exactly what he did not want.
"Ok," Kevin said, "I'll tell him soon, just not tonight, please?"
Lizzy gave him a disappointed look, before nodding, "I'll be here when you do. I'll help calm him down, ok?"
"Thanks," Kevin smiled a thin smile, letting himself be pulled closer under her embrace.
"One more thing," Lizzy began, her eyes in a pensive look, "Um, did you ever meet Eddward's mother?"
Kevin paled, his throat dry.
"No, never."
"Never?" she looked at him curiously.
"I, uh, we didn't become friends until last year so… no."
"Ah," Lizzy nodded, "she's been gone that long?"
"I guess yeah,"
"Do you know–" she started when Tom opened the door looking at Lizzy with hard eyes.
"Mind helping me out downstairs, Liz?" Tom said, quietly.
Lizzy's hand held Kevin tightly, before she rubbed his shoulder and finally let him go and stood up.
"We're having breakfast for dinner," Tom told Kevin cheerfully.
And Kevin smiled, feeling uncomfortable and awkward. "Choice," he said.
…
There was a loud and controlled knock at his door snapping Eddward out of his textbook reading. He stood from the kitchen island where he had situated himself, with scattered papers and his laptop. Upon peeking through the window, he saw it was none other than the Sheriff herself. Eddward breathed in deeply and exhaled before opening the door.
"Evening," he greeted.
"Evening, kid," The Sheriff stood authoritatively, "Look, I'm gonna make this quick but it's not going to be good news."
Eddward stiffened, his hand on the door tight.
"The kids we caught are confessing some rather dangerous things," The Sheriff said, thin lips hard. "You're a good kid, I know, but I also know that in the time I have been sheriff, I have had you in my office, oh, what maybe four times now?"
Eddward looked away now, unable to bear what she was going to continue with.
"All for suspicious activities, fights, so on and so forth. Nothing big," The Sheriff said, "But here is the problem, as I told you before. This time you're little group, fucked up big time and I'm setting my foot down. So here are my regulations that you, and Sam, and everyone of your little members will follow as of tonight."
Eddward looked up at her, curious.
"I'll send the police outside your house home, you are relieved of any participation in what happened at the bar. But me or one of my trusted men will randomly come by and check up on you and your little hang out spot." She paused for a moment, her hard eyes on him waiting for Eddward to understand. "I don't want out of town gangs coming in here. It will look bad for you guys because the question is, what are high schoolers doing hanging around known criminal adults?"
She quickly spoke again before Eddward could respond. Her hand showed Eddward a piece of paper he knew was a warrant, "Since some of your kids are apparently in possession of guns, we are doing a sweep, tonight, of the factory and all your homes and you will willingly hand them all in. Whoever has them, will be brought in for further questioning."
"And last thing," she said, turning around and motioning for the cop across the street to come. "You and your boys are to stay out of Eastern territory and you are all to stay away from all Eastern members. Since I know one of them goes to school with you, then that can't be helped but under no circumstance will you even dare to speak to the kid."
Eddward felt it then, the twist in his stomach.
"Step aside, kid," The Sheriff now pushed through the Vincent home followed by the cop.
Eddward stood at the entrance just looking at them as they went into the living room and the cop headed upstairs. It was then he remembered the pills he still had hidden in his kitchen cabinets.
Slow he walked towards the kitchen, when the Sheriff spoke up.
"Where's your father?"
"No idea," Eddward said, anxious.
"Why's this door locked!" The cop upstairs yelled.
"My father locks it!" Eddward called out, "One second." He took this opportunity to pretend to look into the cabinets for the keys and quickly snatched the pills and shoved them into his pants. Then turned around with a paperclip.
"A paper clip?" The Sheriff said with a raised eyebrow coming into the kitchen.
"It's my father's bedroom, he has the key," Eddward shrugged, "I can try to open it."
"I'll call up your father later," The Sheriff said, looking into all the cabinets, his belongings and then moving into the garage.
Eddward sighed, feeling the press of the bottle on his hip and trying his damn best not to move. He heard the cop upstairs moving things around and pacing as he walked. Eddward slowly moved to stay beside the island hoping that they would leave soon knowing there wasn't anything else they would find, not here at least.
There was a message on his phone, from Sam.
It felt like hours, but finally they had gone through almost everything, when the Sheriff finally called it good and she gave him a pat on the shoulder.
"Go back to your studies, boy," she said, quietly but sternly. "We'll talk soon."
Just like that, Eddward closed the door and slid down to the cold wooden floor. The pills rattle beside him. He knew they were going to the factory now, but Eddward wasn't worried, that was why he had been called in over the weekend, to make sure it had all been cleared away.
Sam had started hiding as soon as the night of the shootout suspecting that within a week the police would have a warrant to search them all. Sam had been right, only they had been a week ahead of the police.
Eddward stood then, deciding it best to hide the pills somewhere else. In his car perhaps?
Nevertheless, there was another issue to grim over. It almost felt like the universe was constantly just looking to torment him, it was laughable sometimes.
…
There was a meeting at Papa Aloe's home that weekend. Kevin sat by the fence beside Hunter– who was skillfully flipping a pocket knife between his fingers, obviously bored. Hunter's mother, Valere, was passing around crates of beer and upon getting to the boy's she snatched away the crate from Hunter's reach and pulled out two soda pops, giving them a sneer.
Hunter had just rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair, tipping it back and throwing it up in the air making Kevin nervous from it landing right to the boy's face. Yet–Kevin shouldn't have doubted it really– Hunter placed the soda can in front of the knife, puncturing it as it caught in the aluminum.
"Can't you drink it normally?" Kevin said, in awe of the act.
Hunter pressed his mouth to the hole and chugged it down. "No fun that way," he said calmly, voice a bit horse.
"Are you always in a constant state of boredom?"
"Unfortunately," Hunter replied, pressing his lips tight and giving Kevin the same sneer, Valere gave them.
Kevin just laughed behind his drink when they heard Papa Aloe's heavy voice over the chatter and flickers of the fire.
"It's been a grim couple of weeks," the man started, his eyes sad as he looked around the smaller crowd.
Frowning, Kevin put down his drink and looked around too. There were about ten missing people among the group, still recovering from injuries they had sustained, older folks who couldn't heal as quickly as the rest of them.
"The Sheriff is on our side," Papa Aloe said, "We will persevere in the midst of this chaos. We will put a stop to this madness."
The man's eyes moved to Hunter then, and Hunter seemed to get the message because he stood moving toward the fire, hands in his pocket.
"We've caught one," Hunter said, eyes on his grandpa. "A Serpent."
Kevin was on high alert now, he sat up straighter.
"Raine, has them locked up at Fangs," Hunter said, mouth in a pout, "But Raine does things differently, so we've managed to get no answers. All the bitch says is that something big is coming."
"Something big?" someone in the crowd asked.
"We haven't gotten her to say anything more," Hunter said, with a shrug. "It could mean anything."
"The Serpent's will come for you," Another said, "It's going to be an attack on The Northern Fangs."
"If it's big, it's going to come for us all," An Eastern woman said, "We need to be careful."
"All we know," Hunter cut in slowly turning in a circle, "Is that we have one of their targets." a finger pointed directly behind him, at Kevin. "And by circumstances, the girl too."
"The Sheriff doesn't trust the Great White Sharks," Hunter continued, "And neither do we. Last night's sweep, they caught two more masked Sharks. Sam knows shit that we don't and continues to hide it despite everything that blows up. He's just trying to cover something up."
"Well, that's obvious by the way he doesn't even dare to cooperate with Raine or our own leader, who resides in the same fucking town," An easter said, angrily. "The kid is a menace to us all. All he's going to do is bring domane over The King of Beasts, the man's been trying to conquer the town for years."
"The Beast has had years to make his move on us," another said, "If he actually cared about conquering the town, he wouldn't send his youngest lion to do the dirty work for him. Not now, not all of a sudden."
"The man doesn't have time or care to go after fucking kids,"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm fucking sure!"
"Then why the hell is the kid not fucking talking?"
"Why the fuck would the kid tell us anything,!"
"Shut it!" Valere yelled, "What y'all are going to do, is protect the Barr boy and his friend." She pointed to Kevin, and then "Y'all are going to be on high alert," her fingers pointed to Hunter.
"Always are, m'am," Hunter said, looking away towards Kevin now. "Something's going on within the Great White sharks. We can't rely on them, ok?"
Hunter gave Kevin a look that he knew meant was in reference to Eddward.
"And you are going to stay out of fucking trouble," Hunter spoke up again, "Last time you tried to do something on your own, shit hit the fan. This time, it was at the cost of someone who could have given us valuable information."
"I got it," Kevin said, grimly.
"We have no fucking leads on what is going to go down," Hunter said, "But we need to be prepared for anything. The Sheriff is doing her part but the police are also unreliable, we all know that. We need to keep our eyes open and Fangs will find out where the hell the Masked gang are meeting. We have Gray and his pack keeping tabs on the Serpents. It's more likely we'll be hit soon in an attempt to rescue their member."
"So we just keep our guard up then?" an Eastern said, almost frustrated.
"Not much else to do," Hunter said, not looking at them but up at his grandad. "You keep looking out, we interrogate the snake. Maybe hope to capture a Masked one, they might be more willing to let the cat out of the bag. Since we know it's most of the sharks, maybe even just snatching one will be sufficient. The Sheriff has two…but this is your territory, you make the call."
"We don't run things like your father did, my boy," The man gave Hunter a grim look, "But we will try our best to negotiate with the Sheriff to let us speak to the sharks."
Kevin kept his eyes on Hunter as the boy nodded and with a shrug took his seat next to Kevin once more. Hunter shoved his hands in his pocket and leaned all the way back, as he had done. There was loud chattering among the Easterns once more, about the captured Serpent, and the masked gang, and about how they would keep patrolling the town, at least on their side.
"Are you really going to listen this time?" Hunter's voice cut through the crowd just loud enough that Kevin could hear.
"I don't want any more trouble for us," Kevin said, taking another sip of his drink. Not after what happened at the bar, "I can't… trust them." he couldn't trust Sam.
"Finally acting like an Eastern then," Hunter smirked, light eyes on Kevin.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean," Hunter gave a gesture towards the crowd, "You're speaking about the Easterns as an us rather than them."
Kevin stayed silent scanning the crowd, "They've never treated me as separate, why should I?"
Hunter nodded, "You're getting your tattoo when you turn eighteen then?"
"Sure am," Kevin smiled.
"Good," Hunter elbowed him playfully, which brought out a laugh from Kevin.
…
The weekend passed as quietly as the week had been. March had officially arrived and the mornings were brighter. It didn't, however, stop the cold from continuing. It seemed to have come back like a slap in the face, with frosty grounds and strong winds. But the grass was greener and there were signs of life among the trees and grounds. Eddward knew this sudden cold wouldn't last too long and the warmer season was going to come sooner rather than later.
Eddward felt much better this week than the one before. The cop across the street wasn't there anymore and it was one of the most relieving things Eddward had experienced, welp nothing would beat the night of the spring dance.
The factory had searched that weekend and nothing had been found but a handful of kids just hanging out, playing cards and so on. The Sharks who had been caught in their homes were taken in and Eddward and Sam would not help them. They had chosen their side, and the only remaining Great White Shark members had witnessed how that disloyalty would treat them. They would not be helped by any side, if they chose to betray Sam, well, that was a big risk that even some were unwilling to take.
School was quieter than ever, gossip was at its highest, and nothing was happening.
It was odd really, Eddward found it both nerve wracking and a nice calm as there seemed to be no movement and every day that passed seemed more normal than ever. It was peaceful enough that they all had settled into a routine.
Eddward noticed that even Jimmy–for the first time in forever– was also acting quiet. In the sense that the boy showed no emotions and would spend the school day with his head down. Eddward supposed that he was still mourning the loss of Johnny. It was a weird thing to see Jimmy without Johnny during school hours, they had been attached together since he would remember.
The students seemed almost happy… one less J to worry about, he heard among the gossip. It almost made him feel nauseous at the idea of someone being happy about the situation, not even Kevin was happy about it. Who could be? But they didn't know anything besides the bullying.
It was another thing though, to feel happiness amidst the grim, quiet days.
Happiness, when Kevin would glance his way and give him a flushed smile. Happiness when Kevin would sit close to him, when he heard the bubbly laugh so loud and heartfelt that Eddward could feel it's vibrations forcing a smile out of him. Happiness, that it was easier to sleep at night, something he hadn't been able to do since the pills. That he's been able to function normally in a classroom, that Sam had not been in touch, that swim practice had become fun again.
Happiness that he didn't feel bad about it all.
That after Eddward's last class he was able to steal Kevin away and hide in the locker room of the natatorium and kiss him. As much as Kevin would allow him to, and it didn't seem like either would ever get tired of it.
In the room, where he had first felt his clear attraction to the ginger boy, he could now show that attraction without fear of the torment and guilt and regret. It was a feeling he had only felt once before, whenever he had his moments with Blaine.
But there was a clear difference now, well, a more evolved sensation to it. The feeling that this was something more…passionate.
With freckled fingers intertwined in Eddward's long hair, and lips pushing back against his and knees burning into Eddward's. There was a clear distinction that Kevin craved just as strongly for him as Eddward did for Kevin. The idea that Kevin could possibly feel something for him had been rooted in his head for a long time now, but he never dared to let it grow, and to manifest afraid he would do to Kevin what Blaine did to him.
But Eddward was exhausted, and the seed of the sensation, the concept and the emotion had manifested against his will. Growing despite Eddward's hesitance. He couldn't control someone's emotions, and not even his own. Kevin never listened to him anyways.
The problem Eddward had now, was that almost two weeks of this and he could still count the amount of times he had kissed Kevin Barr. He was being selfish, he knew that, but something had ignited in him and it was almost as if he wanted to kiss him for every time Eddward had hurt Kevin. For every time he had punched, kicked, spat vicious words and shoved the boy down. For every time he had even turned his back and glared and… for the worst two years he had made Kevin suffer quietly.
Kevin had forgiven him, but that didn't stop Eddward from occasionally feeling sorry about it. And he did now more than ever, when he was pressed up to Kevin with hands at the boy's waist. Knowing he had made those same lips bleed and bruised his waist before. And it made him afraid now…
Afraid that if he touched Kevin's skin that it would bruise and bleed again.
So Eddward never allowed his hand to wander under the teen's hoodie, no matter how much he wanted to touch. He didn't want to scare Kevin away. Just Kevin's neck, that only place Eddward had to touch every time, just to make sure… to make sure the boy wouldn't flinch away, and destroy Eddward's fantastical illusion.
It brought him happiness that Kevin never did. The boy would lean into the touch and it made Eddward smile every time. Eddward's kisses would wander to the sensitive spot under Kevin's ear, and he would be rewarded with a tight pull to his hair and an arm around his back.
And that was enough.
Enough to leave Eddward smiling the rest of the day. He'd watch Kevin leave accompanied by an Eastern and then Eddward would leave. That was how the first week of March came and went. Quiet.
He was reading by the fireplace that rainy Friday night, when there was a hurried knock at his door and it brought him back to a week before with the Sheriff at his door. Eddward hesitantly stood up, placing his book down and went to peek out. Eddward's blood went cold when he saw who it was, soaked in wet clothing.
"Where have you been?" Eddward asked, swinging the door open. He stood wide eyed watching Sam hunched over, with crossed arms and a dark look in his eyes. They were red, puffy and his face was pale. His white sweater was dirty covered in… "Is that blood?"
Sam pressed his lips tightly shut, eyes staring at Eddward with an intense look that he so rarely gave him. It was demanding, nor angry, but it was something that always made Eddward obey.
"He took her away," Sam muttered, hand trembling.
"what?"
"I begged him," he said that last word so viciously and full of disgust. "I told him to let me keep her. That I would do everything he said."
It was then Eddward knew this was about Sam's mother. The King of Beast had taken her away, in order to keep Sam in line. A threat.
"Told me it was my graduation gift," Sam scoffed, "That I was to be a man now."
"I'm so sorry," Eddward said quietly.
Sam stood there, helpless and trembling. There had only been one other time, when he had witnessed this from Sam. One time he had allowed Eddward to see him cry, it had been Sam's fourteenth's birthday, The Beast had marked his son that year with more than just a tattoo.
"Eddward," Sam called out to him, voice tight eyes just as intense, it was pitiful.
Eddward felt his skin turn cold, his heart stop and his own hand tremble. Slowly, as if by muscle memory, he grabbed Sam pulling him inside and closed the door.
…
Thank you for your constant support and for coming back to this story. I'm so excited and I hope I see you along for the rest of the ride.
Leave a review if you enjoyed and let me know if you have any predictions and thoughts!
Sending much love.