Eddward felt rays of sunshine pierce through the cracks in his blinds. A warm body beside him stirred slightly and snuggled closer into him. Eddward sighed as the events of the previous night flooded through his thoughts. He opened his eyes and stared down at the messy blue locks that were scattered over the pillow and his arm. Marie was curled up against his side and he used his free arm to brush the hair away from her face.

Her lip was swollen with traces of dried blood evident from the split in it. Eddward swallowed hard as the picture of Tom with a little heart after his name flashed in his mind. He was going to find Tom, and he would make sure Marie was never hurt by him ever again.

Marie stirred slightly and she moved her head to look up at him, Eddward gave her a small smile.

"How long have you been staring at me?" She asked.

Eddward shrugged, "not long," he answered.

Marie rolled her eyes, "creep," she said.

Eddward shoved her lightly and she laughed. She rolled over and looked towards the window at the sunlight that was steadily seeping into the room. Her body froze as she turned to look at Eddward.

"Edd, we slept in! You're late for school. And you have tests today." She exclaimed as she jumped up out of bed and walked around to the side he was on. "Come on get up!" She yelled at him as she shoved him roughly.

"Calm down, Marie." Eddward said as he rolled onto his back and rested his hands behind his head. "I'll make up the tests later. I wasn't planning on attending school today anyway."

Marie punched his arm. Eddward snarled at her.

"Get up. You're going to school. You're not gonna fall behind because of me." She said angrily as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Eddward raised an eyebrow at her and then shook his head, fighting with her was pointless. He slowly got up and stood before her. Her hard exterior slowly dropped as he approached. Her once strong and seamless façade began to crumble into gravel with his close proximity. She fell into his arms and started to cry. Not the same crying she did the previous night. This was relieved crying; the kind that happens when you know everything will be alright. Eddward wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close.

"He'll never touch you again;I can promise you that," Eddward said in a deadly low tone.

Marie sniffled into his chest and then looked up to meet his stare. Tears were streaming down her face. He kissed the top of her forehead lightly and ruffled her hair slightly as he pulled away. He grabbed her hand as he attempted to lead her downstairs.

"Come on, I'll make you breakfast." He said as he tugged her, but she remained in the same spot.

"Edd," she said in a small voice, "What are you gonna do to him?"

Eddward felt a sick, sadistic smile etch itself onto his face.

"Nothing he doesn't deserve." He said and then softened his features as he turned to look at her. "Now come." He said as he tugged her gently.

She complied and they made their way downstairs. Eddward sat her at the table and started rummaging through his cupboards for the ingredients to make pancakes.

"Edd, will you please go to school today?" Marie asked.

Eddward continued grabbing the items he required. "Is it really that important to you?" he asked as he found everything he needed.

"Yes." She answered simply.

Eddward sighed. "Fine, but if I'm going to school I'd like for you to stay here until I get out."

Kevin sighed as he stuffed some books into his locker. The day was halfway over and there was still no sign off Edd. He closed his locker and turned to lean against it. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was severely wrong and no matter what happened next; things weren't going to be okay. Why was Eddward ignoring him? Why was he with Marie? Were they planning this the whole time? Kevin had asked Edd if he could come over and Eddward outright told him no. Well, then why was Marie's car parked in the driveway, they could have at least parked the car in the garage if they were trying to hide it. But what if they weren't trying to hide it? Was this Edd's way of breaking things off? Kevin's head lolled back with a thud against the locker.

"Still no sign of him?" Nazz asked as she walked up to him.

"No, he wasn't in our history class. Something isn't right here, Nazz. When have you ever known him to skip school?" Kevin asked.

Nazz made a face and as she hugged him. Kevin reluctantly hugged her back, but it wasn't a real hug on his part.

"Nazz, I don't know what to do anymore," Kevin said dejectedly.

"Have you tried calling him?" She asked trying to remain hopeful for his benefit.

Kevin rolled his eyes as he gave his response. "He won't answer."

"Come on," Nazz said as she pulled at Kevin's sleeve, "let's get lunch."

Kevin and Nazz sat in the cafeteria at one of the center tables where all the sports cliques mingled. They were currently sitting in the midst of students from the football and soccer teams and some of the cheerleaders. Lunch seemed no different than normal until there was a commotion coming from the other side of the cafeteria.

"Hey Kev, I think I found Dee." Nazz said as she pointed across the cafeteria.

Kevin stood up as he watched the madness unfold in front of everyone.

After making Marie breakfast and convincing her that he was not hungry and that he would eat at school, Eddward showered and dressed and Marie drove. Once at school Eddward entered and made his way to the main office to sign in. He'd never been this late to school before; it was almost pointless to show up this late. It was eleven o'clock and the first period lunch had already started. After signing in he made his way to history to talk to the teacher and arrange a makeup test. Once that matter was out of the way Eddward decided to head to the lunchroom where the rest of his peers were currently eating what the school deemed a nutritious meal. Upon entering he grabbed an apple and a yogurt.

Ed stood up from a table not too far away and began waving madly at him from the short distance. Eddward rolled his eyes playfully and smiled as he made his way over to his childhood friend. The table Ed occupied was a smaller one and he sat alone. Ever since his fight with Eddy, Ed seemed to keep his distance from Eddy to which Eddward was baffled. Their fight shouldn't have impended the friendship Ed and Eddy shared, but nonetheless it wasn't his place to inject his concerns.

"Hi Double Dee! I didn't see you walking to school today." Ed exclaimed boisterously as he dug into his lunch.

"I had a prior engagement to attend to Ed. I just arrived a few moments ago." Eddward answered as he took a bite out of his apple.

The cafeteria was noisy and obnoxious as usual, but a particular conversation caught his attention a few tables away. Eddy was seated at a table alone and standing directly behind him were a few of the students from the baseball team, but one stood out from the others and caught Eddward's eye.

Tom with a little heart after his name.

Eddward gripped his apple firmly in his hand as he looked on at the sight before him. Tom and his comrades seemed to be pestering Eddy about something, but he was too far away to make out the details.

Eddy was lowlife scum to Eddward at this point in their… could he even call it a friendship anymore? Well, whatever it was, Eddy was at the lowest level of comradery. Truly there was nothing Eddward wanted more than to let nature take its course in high school and let Eddy receive every beating he rightfully deserved. But something stirred inside Eddward as he saw Tom's hand clamp down on Eddy's shoulder. That was the same hand the hit, Marie. The same hand that had bruised her delicate face and caused her so much inner turmoil and pain. Eddward swallowed the lump that was building in his throat as he stood slowly.

"Double Dee?" Ed asked oblivious to the situation unfolding.

"Come, Ed, I think it's time I reconcile my friendship with Eddy," Eddward said as he heard Ed squeal with delight beside him.

They started to walk a few tables over and soon they were in earshot of the conversation that Eddward desperately wanted to intrude on.

"Listen punk, all I'm saying is my car was running fine the other day and then I see you beside it and now my brakes are acting funny. Something isn't adding up here." Tom said as he leaned over Eddy.

"And like I told you, I didn't touch your fucking car," Eddy said as he went to turn but a hand from another member of the baseball team held him securely in place.

"Whoa, I don't think you know who you're talking too, show some respect." The bulkier one said.

"All I'm sayin' is that if my car needs to be repaired, I'm comin' for you," Tom said as he knelt down closer to Eddy's face.

From the close proximity Eddward could see that Eddy was scared, he could hide it from the students pestering him, but not from Eddward. His brow was twitching and he was tapping his foot lightly. Eddy would normally hold his own against bullies, he was almost fearless with Ed and Eddward behind him, but alone, he was a wreck just barely holding it together.

"Gentlemen, I suggest you release my friend. If he says he didn't touch your car then leave him be." Eddward said as he sat his food down and Ed did the same.

Tom glared at him and Eddward returned the unsettling stare, but his was for an entirely different reason. Eddy looked up, a mixture of relief and confusion resting in his eyes from hearing the voice he had betrayed.

"And who are you exactly?" Tom asked sarcastically as he eyed Eddward viciously. "Ahh, I remember you, Double Dee right? Last I remember my boy Jensen did a real number on you. Should probably thank him, looks like you're not so pathetic anymore."

A burning rage whirled inside of Eddward like a tornado ready to break free from its tight confides and tear across the cafeteria. Eddward slammed his fists on the table as he stood up. "My name is Eddward. And as I previously stated, get your hand off of my friend before you and I have another problem entirely."

Eddward was unaware of the hushed silence that fell upon the cafeteria. Their words had seemingly attracted the attention of the nearby tables. Everyone was looking at them, but Eddward didn't notice nor did he care. His eyes were locked on Tom.

Tom released his hold on Eddy as he started walking up to Eddward. Eddward stood up straight as Tom made his way closer. He was inches from Eddward's face.

"You have somethin' you wanna say tough guy?" Tom seethed his fists curling by his sides.

A million different scenarios played out in Eddward's head. He wanted to lunge at Tom and start beating him into broken pieces so he could feel what Marie was feeling. He could say something cleverly crafted and keep up this witty banter until Tom fumed for a more permanent release and raised his hands to Eddward. But Eddward had a point to make and a score to settle; unfortunately, this was neither the time or place. There were too many eyes on them. Too many unknown obstacles laid in his way.

"Yeah, nothin' else to say. That's what I thought." Tom said as he went to leave.

Eddward's hand snaked out so fast Tom didn't have a chance to blink before Eddward's fingers curled into the neck of his shirt. Eddward tightened his grip on the collar as he pulled Tom closer to his face. Eddward opened his mouth to speak when a teacher approached.

"Is there a problem here guys?" the older voice asked.

Tom turned his head to meet the eyes of one of the coaches, but Eddward kept his eyes locked firmly into the side of Tom's skull. Reluctantly, Eddward released Tom's shirt.

"Nah coach, we were just messin' around." Tom said as he straightened out his shirt and turned his eyes back to Eddward. There was a flicker of hesitation on Tom's behalf, a quick slip in his tough guy exterior, but Eddward caught it. He let his lips caress into a small side smirk.

"Tom was just about to leave and take his friends with him." Eddward said in a snarky tone.

Tom gave him one last menacing stare and then motioned for his friends to follow. The coach nodded at the retreating boys and then once at Eddward before he walked away. Eddy glanced between Eddward and Ed as they sat back down. Ed continued eating his lunch as if nothing had happened while Eddward opened his yogurt and took a bite. Eddy looked incredulous as he stared toward Edd. As if sensing Eddy's eyes on him, Eddward looked up to meet his gaze.

"Is there something you wish to say Eddy?" Eddward asked.

"Yeah, for starters what the fuck was that all about? Since when do you go picking fights with people?" he asked flabbergasted.

Eddward raised a delicate eyebrow as he pondered over his response.

"A simple thank you would suffice on your behalf. Or better yet an apology followed by some gratitude." Eddward said as he ate his makeshift lunch.

Eddy grumbled and then stood. "Dee, take a walk with me would ya?"

Eddward finished his yogurt and placed the empty container on Ed's tray. "And what of Ed? It's rather rude to leave him here."

Without hesitation Ed stood with his empty tray in hand. "I have to go see my wrestling coach before my next class so you guys can go talk. Can we all hang out later?" Ed asked as he looked toward Eddward.

Ed wasn't as naïve or as stupid as most people made him out to be. Under his dopey exterior was a mastermind at work who waited patiently until the time was right. Of course he directed his question at Eddward, and he did just tell Ed he was ready to be friends with Eddy again. Ed knew what he was doing. Eddward sighed in defeat, maybe this futile dispute truly had gone on long enough.

"Fine, we'll work out the details later." Eddward said as he stood and looked toward Eddy. "After you."

Eddy led the way from the cafeteria and into the slightly crowded hallway. Lunch wouldn't be over for another ten minutes so they still had time before the hallways were overcrowded with rowdy teenagers. Eddward showed his hands down into the depths of his pockets as he walked silently beside Eddy.

"Look Dee, I'm sorry, okay? I regretted everything I said the second after you hit me. And if I-" Eddy fell silent as they continued to walk toward a dead end hall.

Eddward looked about, there was no one around.

"And what if I hadn't hit you when I did? The whole cul-de-sac would've known what I entrusted you with. You were ruthless Eddy and honestly I thought better of you. I thought we were friends." Eddward admitted.

"We still are friends Dee. I was drunk and angry and Kevin-"

"What does Kevin have to do with any of this?" Eddward interjected.

"He was at Nazz's house actin' all mopey and shit. I think he'd already had a few beers by the time I got there. He told me he saw your wrist and I just snapped. All I could think about was how you promised me you wouldn't anymore and then you just turned around and did it anyway. I felt like my feelings didn't matter. Like you trusted Shovelchin more than you trusted me and I'm your best friend… or I was." Eddy said as he rubbed his foot in a circle on the floor.

Eddward felt a wave of understanding wash over him and it completely stifled the oxygen out of his lungs. It all made sense now. Eddy didn't randomly decide to out him in front of their childhood friends. There truly was a reason behind it. Eddy had felt betrayed in the same way Eddward had. It didn't make it okay, but at least now he knew why.

"Look Dee, you're like the brother I always wanted, but I ended up with my asshole brother instead. Yeah sometimes we may fight and say dumb shit, but at the end of the day you gotta know that I would never try to hurt you like that."

Eddward's heart twisted at the words spewing from his mouth. Eddy was contradicting his previous actions.

"But you did Eddy, the fact of the matter is that you did try to hurt me like that. That's not something I can so easily forgive." Eddward admitted feeling his stomach wind into knots.

"I know that and I'm sorry, Dee." Eddy started as he looked up. "You gotta believe me."

Eddward turned his head so Eddy's gaze couldn't penetrate the wall he was trying to keep up. They'd reached a stalemate and he couldn't justify what was the right move to make.

"I get it. If you honestly can't forgive me I'll leave you alone. I just needed to tell you how I felt." Eddy said as he slumped and began to walk back down the corridor from where they had come.

Eddwards hands trembled in the confines of his pockets. He didn't want to forgive Eddy so easily. He told himself that Eddy wasn't worthy of his forgiveness or his friendship, but yet… Eddy was his best friend. Eddy had been his best friend for as long as he could remember. And if he were being honest with himself… if he truly was done with Eddy's friendship then he wouldn't have confronted Tom in the lunchroom to help Eddy out. He would have let nature take it's course and sought out his next available meeting with the juvenile creature.

"Eddy." Eddward called out and watched as Eddy nearly tripped as he turned to look at him. "I promised Ed we'd hang out. Tomorrow's a half day. We should meet up after the last bell rings."

The relieved look in Eddy's eyes almost melted Eddward's nearly stone cold heart. Eddy recovered quickly, not letting his emotions get the best of him in public and especially at school. "See ya then Sockhead," he called and raised two fingers to him as a mock salute goodbye as he turned on his heel and retreated.

Eddward felt a burden removed from his shoulders as his friend departed down the hall. Eddward had a newfound vigor as he trudged to his next class. The day had just started for him and yet only a few classes remained before track practice and coincidentally baseball practice.

Kevin slammed his gym locker shut as he sat down on one of the benches and began lacing up his shoes. Most of the after school sports had long since ended. He'd just left the weight room after a long and overdue workout after his football practice to rid himself of some pent up stress, tension, aggression, and so many other mixed feelings. He looked at his phone which was poking out of his duffel bag. No new messages. He hung his head in defeat. He'd texted Eddward and asked him to come meet him in the weight room, but of course he received no response. Kevin squeezed his phone as he lowered his head in defeat.

He was tipping towards his breaking point and he didn't know how much more he could handle. Eddward's dangerous downward spiral had sucked Kevin in and completely consumed him and now. Now he was afraid he was going to lose everything including his relationship with Eddward. Everything that had happened was leading up to their inevitable break up. Nazz's words from the previous night seemed to echo their truth in his ear.

"Kev, please don't take this the wrong way, but sometimes love isn't enough to save someone."

"Relationships shouldn't be this hard Kevin."

Nazz was right and deep down Kevin had known the truth the whole time, he just didn't want to admit it. Eddward didn't want his help and looking back on it Kevin felt stupid for feeling like he was making a difference when in actuality he was making everything worse. Back before summer had ended Eddward and he were fine as friends and Eddward was okay and now… Eddward seemed worse than when he first made the drastic change to his outward appearance. Kevin swallowed hard. He had to talk to Edd. Even if killed him to end things like this.

"Who the fuck did that kid think he was trying to start shit with me during lunch. Guess his faggot ass didn't learn his lesson the first time around." Tom shouted as he threw his bat into the locker room.

Kevin heard the commotion and got up to peer along the other side of the gym lockers to where some of the baseball members were.

"I'm telling ya, these last two days have been complete shit. First my girl up and disappears and now this little fucker thinks he wants to start shit with me. Then coach is all see me after practice let's talk about your attitude." Tom raged as he threw some more of his shit into his locker before slamming it shut.

"Your girl will come crawling back to you, her whole world revolves around you." Derek said. He was a slim boy with blond hair and Kevin knew him from his math class.

"And as for the tough little queer boy, he'll get what's coming to him." The bulky teen quipped and Kevin identified him as Austin from his science class.

Out of nowhere another voice joined the group and Kevin felt his heart fall into the pit of his stomach.

"As I previously stated my name is Eddward, but I completely understand if you lack the intellect to retain that information." Eddward said as he strolled in and made his way to Tom. "You and I have an underlying issue that requires immediate attention Tom."

The bulkier teen tried to shove Eddward, but he caught his hand at the last minute. Eddward looked up at him with an icy cold stare. "Desist from touching me with your grotesque appendages. This matter needn't concern you or your comrade." Eddward stated as his deadly stare fell back on Tom. "This is between us."

Tom scoffed. "What are you mad or something cuz I wasn't involved in your beating a few years ago."

Eddward's hand shot out so fast that Tom's jaw fell ajar when the locker beside his face rattled from the impounded fist in it.

"You can attempt to mock and belittle me all you like. Your foul words are empty threats compared to the torture I've endured, but let me make one thing transparently clear to you, if you ever try to contact Marie again I shall be the one residing in jail for whatever happens to your sorry excuse for a person." Eddward said.

"You. You're the reason Marie never came back last night." Tom said angrily, fists curling by his sides.

"Yes, she spent the night with me. Does that bother you?" Eddward asked trying to get a rise out of him.

Tom snarled and went to throw a punch, But Eddward saw red. Deep, dark, crimson red. The red which haunted his dreams and fueled his nightmares. The color red that poured from his flesh.

He moved swiftly as he grabbed Tom's incoming fist with one hand and quickly maneuvered his fist straight into the center of Tom's face. A sickening crunch echoed throughout the locker room as Tom fell back and stumbled over one of the benches. He quickly brought his hands up to cradle his broken nose.

"You little shit!" Tom cried out.

Austin went to charge at Edd and that's what stirred Kevin from his frozen stance as he rushed toward Eddward.

"You guys done fuckin' around in here?" Kevin asked as he jogged over and precariously placed himself between Eddward and the underlying threat.

If these guys wanted a fight, he wouldn't back down. But he wanted to end this before it got any worse.

"Back outta this Kev. This ain't got nothin' to do with you." Derek said as he stood from his position near Tom.

Kevin had to act fast if he wanted to get Eddward out of this situation before it got out of hand.

"You guys really wanna get into some dumb shit right before winter break? He's not worth it so just drop it." Kevin said.

Austin and Derek looked between each other and then to Tom who was still cradling his broken nose.

"This ain't over faggot." He called out as he got to his feet and staggered out of the locker room with his goons in tow.

Once the doors to the locker room closed behind them Kevin and Eddward were completely alone. Kevin felt a burning rage rippling deep within his veins.

"Dee, what the fuck was that all about?" Kevin asked through gritted teeth.

Eddward crossed his hands over his chest as he leveled a look at Kevin.

"I was dealing with a matter which is none of your concern. You shouldn't have interfered." Eddward said flatly.

"Interfered?" Kevin asked, "You were planning on takin' on three guys alone. I call that saving your ass." Kevin answered bitterly.

"I don't require saving, I had the matter under control."

"Well how about a little warning next time before you pull a stunt like that and fly off the deep end." Kevin bit out angrily trying not to yell, but truthfully that's all he wanted to do.

"I wasn't aware you were even here, but you're right. I'm sorry Kevin; please allow me to apologize for the momentary lapse in my better judgment. Next time I'll seek your permission before I seek justice for someone." Eddward said as he turned to leave.

"Don't walk away when I'm talkin' to you," Kevin called out.

Eddward's step hitched momentarily, "what more do you wish to say? I thought we were done here."

Kevin was fuming. All he wanted was some answers. He'd been worked up all night and now he finally had the chance to talk to Edd and he wanted nothing to do with him. It seemed to be happening a lot lately.

Eddward was losing his patience.

"Kevin, I have somewhere to be." Eddward said as he continued walking to the door.

Kevin sprinted after him and slammed him into a nearby locker. Kevin held him there forcefully and stared Eddward dead in the eye.

"No, no more avoiding me. I can't do this anymore Eddward. I'm sick of you acting like I don't exist. Like I'm not trying to help you." Kevin said as he hung his head.

"I don't require your help as you call it." Eddward said flatly and Kevin leveled a look at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kevin asked angrily.

Eddward sighed, "must I elaborate?" He asked as he gestured with his chin to the predicament Kevin had placed them in, "look at us Kevin. This isn't 'help' as you call it."

Kevin had Eddward pinned forcefully against the locker. His fingers were clenched around Eddward's biceps. Kevin relaxed slightly as Eddward slowly reached up and pushed the other off of him. Kevin stared at his shoes for a moment while he attempted to compose himself.

"Do you even see what this is doing to me? To us?" Kevin asked.

Eddward sighed heavily.

"Kevin, when we entered this relationship I told you I wasn't meant for one. I specifically informed you that I didn't know how to do this."

Maybe Eddward was right. It was now or never.

"I was never like this before. I've never acted like this, Dee. I… we- we need to talk."

Eddward's chest tightened.

No.

Not this… Not right now.

This isn't what he wanted. Nothing good ever followed after that phrase.

"Can this wait?" Eddward asked nervously.

Kevin rubbed the back of his neck and swallowed hard, "it already has. You've barely talked to me lately. You never want anything to do with me. You always have some excuse of why I can't see you," he took a deep breath before continuing, "listen… I-I've been thinking long and hard about this. But since we… that is… I don't know how to put this." Kevin stammered and he felt like a complete tool.

Eddward couldn't handle the rambling, "you're leaving me, aren't you?" He blatantly asked.

"Look, it's not like this is what I want. I mean I want you Dee. I really do and I want to be with you it's just… I don't think we're good for each other at this point. I'm making things worse for you and I'm not acting like myself. Even you can see that. You lived through something traumatic, Dee. Something that no one should ever have to go through and I'll never understand. And yeah you're still here, but if this is what you call living then you really didn't survive. And… I'm not the help you need. You need real help." Kevin tried to explain.

Eddward's broken world shattered before his eyes. This… this is exactly what he wanted all along and yet now he regretted it. Kevin understood how he felt. Kevin knew he couldn't help. For the first time he wished Kevin would try instead of saying he couldn't. Hearing him made it all too real to handle.

"K-Kevin…" Edd stammered.

"Dee, I love you. I do. And I want to be with you but I… I don't think I can do this anymore."

At the mention of the word love something seemed to change in Eddward's demeanor, like he had been through a similar situation in the past. When you love someone you don't give up on them. You don't abandon them and disappear with only a sticky note left to tell the words you're too afraid to speak. Kevin was no better than his parents.

"Just say it then Kevin and save me from this deluded false pretense that we've grown overly accustomed to." Eddward yelled as he felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes.

"Please don't act like this. I just need you to understand." Kevin pleaded as he went to step closer, but Eddward backed away a few paces.

"Oh, I understand perfectly, Kevin. So please, don't insult my intelligence by belittling me with your excuses. It's fine. Don't worry. I'll be fine. That's what you need to hear right?" Eddward asked as he lashed out.

"This isn't how I wanted this conversation to go. Please just hear me out," he begged.

"I don't want to listen further to any sort of explanation you can fathom. Do you really think so little of me?" Eddward said in a hoarse voice. "You knew about what I do to myself before we entered this relationship. You knew and you persisted and I... I stupidly let you in thinking maybe somehow this was okay. But the signs were all there. I told you I wasn't meant for a relationship and you didn't want to come clean about us at school-"

"I didn't wanna make things harder on you!" Kevin yelled out, "but you wouldn't let me explain. I didn't want anyone messin' with you or targeting you. You said you were attacked for being gay. I was lookin' out for you."

Eddward let the words wash over him. He couldn't contain his emotions anymore. The pressure had been building up for a long time. This was pent up rage and anger dating back years before he even knew Kevin. This was the pain of being forgotten about. Being given up on. Being 'loved' as he was used to.

"I predicted this outcome from the very early stages of our relationship or whatever you labeled this as." Eddward said bitterly.

Kevin was taken aback by the brash statement.

"Wait what? Are you sayin' that you doomed us from the start?" Kevin asked angrily with hurt seeping into his tone.

"Precisely. You can't be with me. Clearly, no one can. I've been alone all this time for a reason. I'm better off this way." Eddward said trying to compose himself. "It's over Kevin, its been over for a long time." Eddward finished as he made his way out of the locker room.

Kevin wanted to call after him. His mind was already foggy as he tried to piece together what had just happened. Fear and irrationality swept in and consumed him like a hungry feral ghost.

'Did I ever mean anything to you?' Kevin thought as he collapsed on the bench.

Tears pricked at his eyes as he was overcome with emotions he'd never felt before. Kevin had always been the one to end his relationships. He was always the heart breaker until now. How was it that he went into this conversation wanting to end things and yet Eddward had already decided it was over from the very beginning. Kevin sat there lost in a daze until his phone started ringing.

"Nazz?" he answered reluctantly trying to hide the pain in his voice.

"Kev, did you get a chance to talk to Dee? I just saw him leave the building really fast."

Kevin sniffled as he wiped at his eyes.

"Kev? Hey what's wrong? Are you okay?" Nazz asked with genuine concern.

"It's over Nazz. It's really over."

"Kev…" she said as her voice trailed off.

Kevin had broken up with Eddward, but ultimately, Eddward was the one who'd left Kevin.

"He never really wanted me."

-LunaMaye