Disclaimer- I do not own or profit from Ed, Edd N Eddy. The Eds belong to the amazing Danny Antonucci, not me. Rated Kplus for it's-slash-if-you-squintness.

Author's Note- I was just picturing the Eds in a candy shop, and this is what came of it. Enjoy. Peace, all.

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Jawbreakers

by Ghost Helwig

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"Jawbreakers!" Ed crowed.

Double D smiled at him, as he pawed happily through the candy bin, looking for the exact right piece of delicious heaven to purchase. It was a rare thing, purchasing their precious jawbreakers, and he was glad to allow Ed the opportunity to enjoy it. Ed's simple pleasure in mundane circumstances was often more pleasurable to him than his own enjoyment. Ed, after all, knew how to make the most of everything, and let go and relax.

It didn't take a genius to know Double D had some problems in that regard.

He glanced off to the side, at Eddy. For someone whose newest scam ("Ride the Ed-horse through an obstacle course! Only 25 cents!") had been an unexpected, unprecedented success, Eddy didn't look happy. He was frowning faintly, his pale eyebrows drawn together over his nose. Though he was staring at the bin of jawbreakers, Double D was certain Eddy didn't even see them.

"Eddy?" Double D flinched despite himself when Eddy's blue eyes landed on him, intense, thoughtful. "Are you alright?"

Eddy just kept looking at him, for the longest time. Double D fidgeted under his gaze, hands twisting together in front of him. Finally, Eddy shook his head almost imperceptibly.

"I was just thinking, Sockhead."

Double D tried on a smile, and when he found that it fit and even stayed on his face, it lent his voice more stability and confidence. "Thinking about what, Eddy?"

"You."

Double D blinked. Why in the world would Eddy be thinking about him...?

"Double D wears socks, Eddy."

Both Double D and Eddy looked over at Ed, but he'd turned back to the jawbreakers. "Ooh, a new flavor!"

Double D smiled fondly. Trust Ed to put things into perspective. Today was a good day - they had money for jawbreakers, and time enough to buy them and enjoy them before the store closed. It was a very rare treat-

"Ed and I will take care of you, Double D."

Double D's eyes widened, and he stared at Eddy. But Eddy had turned away from him, to abruptly slap Ed's arm. "Move over, Lumpy. You ain't the only one buyin' jawbreakers."

All Double D could see of Eddy was his profile, and his cheek looked a little pinker than normal. And the way he was shoving at Ed made Double D certain Eddy was nervous, and hiding it with his usual bluster...

He smiled.

"Allow Ed his personal space, Eddy," he said. Then he reached out, and twined his fingers through Eddy's. Eddy turned toward him, and though Double D expected a rebuke Eddy didn't say anything at all.

Though he did squeeze Double D's fingers, a small but unmistakably caring gesture.

Touched more than he could say, Double D found he couldn't speak, couldn't even thank Eddy for his utterly unexpected kindness. He was used to warmth from Ed, but he knew it was hard for Eddy.

He also knew they'd never talk about this again. That Eddy would drop his hand as soon as they were out of the concealing cover of the overflowing bin of jawbreakers. That this special moment might not ever be repeated. Probably wouldn't be.

But today was a good day, it would be a good memory, and that was all he needed.

Ed caught his attention, grinning down at him and holding out a jawbreaker. Double D took it with his free hand.

Staring down at the mouthwatering candy, he felt... lighter than he ever had before. Freer. More alive.

This wasn't just a good day. It was a perfect one.