This is it ya'll. It's the last chapter of For a Friend. I know this took forever to put out, but I hope it was worth the wait. Enjoy!

Kevin stepped out onto his mother's porch, probably for the last time this summer. He'd been dreading this—leaving her. But with the new school year breathing down his neck and his father anxiously waiting for his return back home, he supposed it was a necessary evil. That didn't mean he wasn't saddened by it though. His shoes hit the welcome mat first, treads sinking into the wiry mesh. His eyes were drawn to the small table and chair set to his left. His mom brought him out here nearly every night to watch the setting sun and point out a few constellations. It was nice—the air smelled sweet and the slight breeze that danced through the trees gave him peace. Things were…good. They'd been good for a while. Kevin thought back to all the problems he'd had with coming to visit his mom. Edd almost breaking up with him, being away from his dad and Nazz, his new bed seemed too uncomfortable to sleep in. The list went on—but everything melted away after Edd came to visit. After they apologized to one another, there was nothing that didn't come together.

Kevin smiled and sat down at the table overcome with the memory of Nazz sitting next to him the day Edd brought her down for a much needed best friend meeting. He looked over at the empty chair, as if she was still there, smiling as she talked about what she and Marie had done while he was gone. They visited each other's favorite places—a little get-to-know-each other exercise—that's how Nazz explained it. Marie took her to the woods where she used to play as a kid; they hiked for an hour. Kevin was surprised she didn't die considering how against nature she was. After that it was a whole lot of different restaurants and movie theaters. Of course, Nazz made Kevin tell her everything about what it was like at his mom's house this time around. And he didn't disappoint—there were a lot of things that she needed an update on. Like their evening stargazing tradition, or their Saturday Morning Eggs, Pancakes and Bacon Breakfast Combo Spectacular. Or the S.M.E. P. B.B.C. S for short. And who could forget the bi-weekly Monday-Mayhem—the day they went grocery shopping. Edd's only comment was that she really liked over the top names for simple things. And that was very much true.

From the corner of his eye, Kevin watched the screen door open. His mother stepped down onto the porch, her flip flops making noise as she stepped away from the door.

"Hey you," she greeted him with a cherry lipped smile. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Hey, just sitting. Thinking."

"Are you all packed?"

"Yeah, but Edd's probably reorganizing everything."

"That's what you get for dating a neat-freak." There was a pause, like she wanted to say something. "You haven't told me much about him."

"Yeah, believe me; I am terrible at relaying information. Don't feel too left out, Dad didn't know until a few months ago. And he figured it out for himself."

She laughed, crossing her arms and shuffling her feet to a more comfortable position. "So this ex-bully, neat-freak, raven haired pretty boy—have you gone far?"

"Mom," Kevin said eyes wide, mouth open. "I would expect this line of questioning from Dad."

"As if, you're dad is too awkward to ask anything even vaguely personal. It took him three months to ask Eli if he had family in the area."

Kevin gasped. "Oh my God, Eli. Dad is so tight-lipped about him. He never brings him around the house."

"Just between you and me, your dad is crazy about him. I don't know if it's romantic or platonic but something is definitely happening there."

"You sound like Nazz. She's been shipping it since day one."

"Honestly, Eli has been a better wife to Luke than I have. He deserves everything." Elaine nodded her head, eyes finding a car and sticking to it until it was out of view. "Hey! You didn't answer my question!"

"Oh, you're right. Well there have been a few close calls but neither of us wants to rush things."

"It's good that you're pacing yourself. Take it from me; rushing into things doesn't do anyone any good." Her eyes flickered over to Kevin and he noticed a familiar mischievous glint in them. "Unless the product is a cutie patootie red haired beauty." She said the last part in a high pitched voice, which made every part of Kevin cringe. She pinched his cheek and chuckled.

"I can't believe you embarrassed me like this in front of God and his angels," Kevin said, rubbing his cheek.

She laughed. "Is he done yet, oh my, God."

Kevin sucked his teeth. "I guess I better check on him. Hopefully he didn't strangle himself trying to unknot my headphones and various chargers."

Kevin walked through the front door, eyes immediately trailing up the stairs to the hallway of his bedroom. He could hear some rummaging going on in his bedroom. He scaled them with no effort, taking two steps at a time because he was feeling brave. When he opened the door he found Edd typing away on his cell phone. He looked at the discarded, disheveled, utter mess of his suitcase.

"What are you doing?" Kevin asked.

Edd jumped a little. He shut off his phone and shoved it into his pocket. "Hey, sorry I got distracted. Eddy was saying something stupid in a group chat."

Kevin looked at him curiously but shrugged it off. "Alright, well I'm going to put everything back in my suitcase and then we can head out."

"No I'll do it. It will only take me a minute, I promise."

Kevin gave him a look and helped Edd repack his bag this time.

"Alright kiddo, say 'hi' to your dad for me. And don't forget to call me when you get settled in. I worry."

"Okay, I love you."

"I love you, too Kev," her smile faded a little. "You better visit again soon."

Kevin rested his elbows out the window. "Dad is thinking about having a get together with everyone that matters. You should make the drive down."

"Okay, text me when he picks a date," she crossed her arms and stepped closer to the window. "It was nice seeing you again Edd. Take care of him."

She and Edd shared a look of assurance and they were off. Kevin watched her walk back up the front steps of the porch as they drove off. He was…sad. But there was always his next visit. The next get together. The next impromptu family outing—there hadn't been one of those in years. A Mother's day brunch perhaps. She was due for one. Kevin looked over at Edd and smiled at how his face seemed to reflect how Kevin felt. His mouth didn't know if it should smile or stay solemn. And he was paying far too much attention to the road, not like he was normally distracted. Usually when he and Edd were in the car together there was playful banter. Neither of them knew what to say.

"I miss her already," Kevin said, smiling quietly.

"Actually, same," Edd added.

"Do you like her?"

"Yeah, she's so sweet. And holy crap, you look just like her." Edd looked over at Kevin. It looked like he wanted to say something. A lot of something's actually. There was an entire novel of words on his mind and Kevin could tell because he was strangely quiet. He was polishing some pretty piece of dialogue behind that pretty smile.

"So what do you want to do tonight?"

"Well, I hope you don't mind but I kind of planned something for us. But we can reschedule if you aren't feeling up to it. You can decompress if you want—it's been an exciting day."

Kevin felt like he needed to clutch his heart. What on Earth had he done to deserve Edd? Other than put up with his cringe-worthy way of picking on him when they met. And his lame jokes. And his obsession with watching movies that he's seen over and over again. And…the list went on, really. Right now wasn't the time to have a crisis over his perfect life.

"No, I'll be okay. Unless we're going hiking. My calves can't take it. Especially after taking that staircase two steps at a time—I played it off like I was fine but my heart wanted to give out."

Edd snorted then played it off like he hadn't. He smiled widely, and though he tried to hide it as well, his pink cheeks shone brightly in the evening sun. "It's not hiking. It's just sitting around, enjoying each other's company."

"Are we gonna watch the sunset? Did you pack a picnic while my mom and I were out on the porch?"

"I'm not answering any of your questions; just know that you'll love it. At least I hope you will. This thing wasn't easy to plan." There was a moment of silence. "I mean, it was, but I enjoy playing it off like I put in a lot of effort to please you."

"You do. I feel like a less adequate boyfriend."

Edd looked over so fast Kevin thought he got whiplash. "You take that back. You are the best boyfriend ever."

Kevin smiled. "I'll take it back if you tell me what you're planning."

"How about you stop trying to ruin your surprise," Edd laughed.

"Alright, fine. So what did you do all month without me?"

"Missed you," Edd looked over with a pout that quickly devolved into a toothy smile. "Nah, I just sat around the house. Eddy and I hung out a few times. He said that he without a doubt missed you more than any of our friends combined."

"At least Eddy knows how to treat me," Kevin laughed. "Is that it?"

"I ran into your dad at the gas station. He's been making use of the empty house. By that I mean that he's been sleeping naked since the day you left."

"Why would he tell you that? I am going to kill him."

"Oh no, he didn't tell me, Eli did. You're dad was right on the money when he was saying how pretty Eli is by the way."

"Wait, why does Eli know that my dad has been sleeping naked? And why is everyone so obsessed with Eli? I seriously don't remember seeing him ever."

Edd took his right hand off the steering wheel and rested it on Kevin's thigh. "The sexual tension is palpable, Pumpkin. It wafts off them."

"Why am I the only one that hasn't seen them in action? Even Nazz has seen them together during one of her mom's poker nights. I feel so left out."

Edd smiled again. He'd been doing a lot of that.

"Why are you so happy today? You can't stop smiling."

"Because my adorable boyfriend is sitting next to me and we're on our way to a fabulous date night that I know you'll love. And I can't stop picturing you're ecstatic smile once you finally figure out where we're going."

Kevin looked around; so far the only landmarks he recognized were a few restaurants his dad pointed out on their way up to his mom's house. They had been occupied within their conversation for so long an hour had passed. What could be all the way out here? How could Edd think he'd be able to guess where they were going anyway? He had zero sense of direction. Every time he went into the Sears at the nearest mall he got lost. He'd been in there with his father more times than he could count but he still didn't know where the exit was. It didn't help that there were like, three. And they all spit you out at different locations in the mall. He stayed quiet, taking in the view for a little bit. The sunshine had gradually reduced until the sun was peeking out behind clouds and distant mountains. Was it a late night dinner date at some fancy restaurant? Nah, that seemed a little too…regular. Ordinary. But there was a first time for everything. Honestly, Kevin wouldn't even be against something as normal as dinner. Normal…traditional? Typical? It didn't matter. He'd recently watched Lady and the Tramp and he was determined to push a meatball over to Edd with his nose.

He laughed to himself about that and ignored Edd when he asked why he was chuckling.

It was quiet in the car for a little bit and dusk finally started to cradle the landscape in a crisp misty blanket. Kevin began to recognize a few landmarks—they were getting closer to their hometown. That didn't limit the possibilities one bit. But, with the next few turns, Kevin started to slowly piece together the location of this life changing, romantic outing. He kept quiet, but the smile on his face couldn't hide his enjoyment.

"Okay, so I know you probably know where we're going already, but could you put on the sleeping mask in the glove box anyway?"

"What are you talking about? I don't know where we're going at all," Kevin lied.

Edd threw him an eye roll but was happy that Kevin complied. He opened up the glove box and found a sleeping mask that read "The bitch is sleeping".

"Where did you get this?"

"Eddy borrowed it from Lee. He thought you'd get a kick out of it."

"So she's the only one in your friend group that has a sleeping mask?"

"Yeah, pretty much," Edd admitted.

Kevin slid on the sleeping mask, discarding his Quiz Bowl hat in the backseat. He felt the car continue down the street they were on until a few turns moved his body. After four different turns, the car slowed to a stop. It inched forward for a bit until Edd was talking with someone—the admission price for two. Edd pulled out his wallet judging by the sound of change jingling around. Then the car started moving again…only to finally settle into park. Edd moved the emergency brake and got out of the car, leaving Kevin to sit alone. Kevin was tempted to take a peek at where Edd went but refrained when he heard the passenger side door open up. He moved his head towards the noise and smiled up at a probably beaming Edd. Kevin held out his hand and Edd pulled him out of the car. They walked hand in hand until Edd stopped in front of him.

"Okay, here it goes," Edd said before he pulled off the sleeping mask.

"Welcome back!" An array of voices welcomed Kevin. When his eyes adjusted he picked out the faces of his friends. All of them were huddled on the bed of Ed's truck. Nazz, Marie, Eddy, Ed, May, Lee, Johnny, Jimmy, Sarah too. Oh, and Plank and Jim—they were leaning up against the side of the truck, more interested in each other than Kevin. Heck, Kevin could even see the silhouette of his father's truck parked a few cars over. His dad was walking over with some guy—holy crap. Was that..?

Kevin felt Edd's hands move onto his shoulders and he twisted him around to see the giant screen of the drive-in they hadn't been at since…their first "date".

"I figured this would be as good a place as any to throw you a welcome-home party. Everyone wanted a scene change and who doesn't like movies."

Kevin turned around and hugged Edd so hard he thought they would lose their balance and topple over. The only thing that saved them was that Edd was prepared for such a thing to happen and was already bracing himself. Kevin looked up at Edd and was honestly speechless. What could he say to being brought back to the place that really got them started? This drive-in was where things took a turn for both of them. Being reminded of that…really made him…

"This is actually the best thing ever. I've missed everyone."

"By all means, ignore me. Go catch up. The movie comes on in a half hour. I'm gonna go get snacks."

"Don't forget the gummy bears," Kevin gave him a knowing smile.

"Like I'd forget," and with that, Edd left.

Kevin turned his attention back to the group. Nazz rushed up to him first, arms already spread wide and sweeping him into a tight hug. "You have no idea how hard it was this month without you around. I died."

"Believe me, I know. How are you?"

"So happy. This movie date idea is literally the greatest. By the way, you may want to talk to Eddy; he's been so excited I'm pretty sure he's cried three times."

"You better be lying," Kevin said.

"Kevin!" Eddy came running up from where he was standing beside Lee and May. He tackled Kevin in a powerful hug. "How could you possibly have gotten cuter? What the fuck?"

"You're sweet, Eddy. Have you been good?"

"'Have I been good', who are you, Double D?" He pulled him into another tight hug, one that would have left bruises if he pulled him in just a little more.

Marie walked up next, "Alright Eddy, stop hogging him. So how was it at your mom's?"

"It was actually great. She and I did a whole bunch of stuff together. I'm going to miss her breakfast. She does it better than anyone I know."

"What about my French toast? She can't beat my French toast!"

Kevin looked over to where his dad had walked up. After him came a slightly shorter, thinner and…visually stunning man. His skin was a light brown with beauty marks sprinkled all over his face, neck and arms.

"Okay, since you apparently have never seen him around, this is Elias. My drinking buddy, best friend and probably the reason I'll live past fifty."

Eli gave Luke a stern look but once he glanced at Kevin, his brown eyes became softer. He smiled before he said a brief "Hello." His voice was deep with the slightest hint of an accent. The legendary Eli. In the flesh. Kevin couldn't say that he wasn't star struck because he was. Here was the literal proof of God's existence…standing in front of him. He felt like his dad all those years ago, the day that he and Eli first met.

"Meeting…it's meet you, nice. It's you, nice to meet. I…oh my, God." Kevin said, flustered as hell.

Eli laughed loudly and Luke joined him. "We're gonna grab some drinks. Ya'll want anything?"

"No, everyone is covered here," Marie spoke up. Everyone else was practically mesmerized by Eli and yes…the sexual tension. But was it actually sexual tension? Or was it like…a deep emotional connection supported by years of friendship and wholesome interaction? Why wasn't it something deeper? Suddenly, Kevin could no longer make fun of Nazz or literally anyone that met Eli, because he was now wishing, hoping and praying for their relationship to develop into a romantic one.

Kevin turned to Nazz first, "I would like to formerly apologize for all the times I made fun of you for shipping my father and Eli. I didn't know that he was blindly in love with my dad and that my dad was blindly in love with him, too."

"I don't accept your apology. I've been suffering for years. Edd and I have bonded over it. You are dead to me."

"No, Nazz!" He shouted but she was too far gone laughing.

Kevin watched as other cars started to file into the drive-in. With the moving headlights he could make out Edd finally walking back towards the group.

"What did I miss?"

"Kevin met Eli," Marie said without missing a beat.

Edd practically dropped all the gummy bears in his arms. "You're telling me I missed the only reason I told his dad to bring Eli?"

Nazz shook her head. "If it's any consolation, I saw the whole thing. I was reminded of myself when I first met Eli. All of that innocence—gone."

"Hey guys, you better start tuning your radios," May reminded everyone from a few feet away.

"Alright Pumpkin, shall we?" Edd asked as he put his arm out, ready to walk Kevin back to his car.

Kevin smiled and waved at everyone as they all made their way back to their designated vehicle. Edd opened the passenger side door for Kevin and then ran over to the driver side. He climbed in, turned his key and started messing with the radio. Kevin watched Edd quietly until he landed on the right station. When Kevin looked up at the large white screen, it was playing the beginning of The Iron Giant.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course! The day you come back, they just happen to be playing my favorite movie of all time? It was a sign, Pumpkin."

Kevin couldn't stop smiling as he sat there in the front seat of Edd's car. He found Edd's right hand with his left and held it on the center console. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

"You have, but I could hear it again…and maybe a thousand more times."

"Well, I love you."

"I love you, too. And that's why…until you graduate, I'm not going anywhere."

Kevin stopped dead and his heart started beating fast, mostly out of fear.

"What?"

"My parents gave me all summer to figure out what I'm going to do with my life, and I've pretty much decided. I applied at a few places in the area and I got a call back. You're looking at the new payment checker of Copsie Cola. It's close, pays decent and I'll be super close to what matters most."

"Edd," Kevin began, but was interrupted.

"Ah ah, not yet. I've been thinking about this for a very long time. Not just over the month you've been gone. I'm talking since we started out. I love you and I want to…I don't know; I want to be right next to you when you figure things out. I want to see your mom again and talk shop with your dad. I want you to be around when I'm thinking about which local college to go to. I want to blow out every candle on my Imani-cake right next to you. Because that's where I belong. Hell, Pumpkin, I'm actually looking forward to your dad's next wedding—if he and Eli ever get their shit together."

"Are you sure? Edd, it's an entire year. What about doing something sciency? You are so smart and you have so much potential. I don't want you to waste your life waiting on me to get mine in order."

"I am sure, Kevin. My parents don't mind me taking a year for myself. Since I am so smart, you should trust in my decision. This is what I want."

"But are you sure you'll still want it?"

The two of them made eye contact for the first time since they got into the car. Kevin's eyes were filled with worry and Edd's were full of reassurance. They were polar opposites in this situation but it was oddly comforting, even if just a little.

"I've been sure since you brought me those 'Good Morning Apples' when I was too dead in the morning to eat breakfast."

Kevin was reminded of when Edd was super stressed over finals a few months ago. He swallowed.

"I've been sure since you called me when I was in a panic over meeting your dad."

"You can stop now; I really don't want to cry during The Iron Giant. Not again."

"Good, because I was running out of ways to say how sure I am," Edd squeezed his hand. "So now that that's out of the way, do you want to split a bag of gummy bears with me?"

Kevin lifted his unoccupied right hand to wipe at his eyes. "I do," he said sniffling slightly.

"Good, now wipe your nose. This is my favorite part of the movie."

"The whole movie is your favorite part of the movie," Kevin said, wiping at his eyes with a laugh.

Kevin wanted to watch the movie, he really did, but he was too distracted by Edd. His face was lit up by the screen and his lips were slightly parted. How did he do that? Just come up with a plan for his life on the fly? Kevin understood that Edd had been thinking about this for months, but how did he decide that Kevin was important enough to him to put his life on hold? Except maybe that was the point of it…Edd wasn't putting his life on hold because he didn't think of Kevin as a road block. Instead, he thought of him as someone to enhance his life's journey. And Kevin was happy for the honor.

This has been a freaking journey for me. For a Friend started out during my hormonal teenage shipping craze (I'm still suffering with it tbh), but I really think this story went the extra mile in the later chapters to teach a few lessons about being in a relationship and being honest with friends and family. And hopefully it gave you a few laughs, which was probably most important to me. Everyone needs some fluff in their life. And without further ado, this concludes my most popular fanfiction, For a Friend. It shall be missed.

I love you all and thank you for the reviews over the years. I'll read them whenever I need some inspiration as I've done for years. Continue being beautiful people.