I am so sorry guys for the hiatus! Like I had said I lost everything I had on this story (Notes, Ideas, Story layout, etc.) and it was quite a toll just to realize where I wanted this to go. I hope you can forgive the mistakes in this chapter, and the fact that I've neglected this story for so long! Remember first fan fiction ever, so I'm allowed the noob mistakes right?... RIGHT? Right.

Review, tell me stuff, give me ideas, flame the hell out of what you deem unacceptable, just give me feedback (I'm a glutton for feedback.)

The streets were surprisingly calm for eleven o'clock at night, especially for a Saturday; but to Double D it was how perfect the night seemed to unfold that surprised him. He was not surprised however by the feelings of trepidation over this party they were heading to. He nervously tried to distract himself with how… different Kevin was treating him. The conversation was expected to be more friendly, but there was an unexpected shift in his entire demeanor. If asked a week before, Edd could hardly remark on the last time he and Kevin spoke to one another and now he and Kevin were on their way to, what Edd hoped to be, a small gathering. The problem with this choice of distraction, was that it caused him more questions and more anxiety. He watched from the corner of his eye at how calm and relaxed Kevin seemed to be. He searched desperately for some conversation to be had; knowing that if he spent more time analyzing it would only work against him. He spoke up as they were leaving the downtown area, grasping for any menial subject, stating "You may change the songs if you like."

"Nah, don't worry about it dork. I think I know this song from Nazz anyway." Kevin said with a smirk.

"Oh," Edd said softly, "well if it get's too boring for you please change the music. I would hate for you to feel… annoyed. Th-that is to say, anything-"

"Don't clam-up on me again Double D, you're nervous about this aren't you?" Kevin looked over as Edd sighed.

"I am that obvious?"

"For one thing you're biting your lip," in a very alluring manner he thought, "and two, you're going back to dork-speech."

"While that's an interesting port-manteau," He looked at Kevin's cocked eyebrow and smirk, "I-I… oh all right, it's a security blanket. Its just that I'm not comfortable being around all of Nathan's, well your, friends."

"Oh. Don't worry too much, you'll have people to talk to."

They sat in silence as the music played from Edd's phone, neither of them realizing the other was stealing glances the entire ride; When Kevin looked out the window it was to see Edd's reflection, and when Edd double checked his mirrors it was really to look at Kevin. Kevin was used to stealing glances in school, well trained in the art of gazing at Edd undetected. He drank in the boy's smooth pale skin, for the umpteenth time, noticing the contrast between his skin and the black beanie he wore. Edd had started wearing his beanie in a slightly different fashion in high school, letting his bangs show as they swooped up and back under the cap. Kevin remembered the first day he wore his hat in that style, and remembered hearing Ed exclaim "You look like Link Double D! Can I help you save Zelda?!" He unwittingly chuckled causing Edd to become suspicious, "What is it?" he questioned, "Is it the song? I can change it if you ar-"

"No, no it's fine I just thought of something." He looked over at Edd, capturing a glance from the other boy. In that split second he could see the shimmering color of Edd's eyes; it was the color when waves begin to crest, when that dark deep sea green becomes thinner and the sky behind blend themselves to make a vibrant green-blue. 'We should go to the ocean or something.' Kevin mused to himself. Edd felt his heart race just a little when their eyes connected, throwing himself into the throws of his nervousness and a blush to blossom on his face. 'Has he been regarding me often?' he questioned, 'Well… it's not as if you're so innocent Eddward.' The scenery was more dense now, only small clusters of houses in the more forested areas north of town. The north of town was all hills that surrounded the half way point between them and Lemonbrooke, and the direct opposite to the metropolitan city south of Peach Creek. During the housing market crash the town surprisingly got a major boost as rich families started looking to the suburbs in order to grab up land when the prices were low, and Nat's parents were no different. They had hoped the "fresh air" would do their family good, but a little after 3 months both were ready to pack up and move back into the city, Nat on the other hand wanted to stay. He had formed friendships in the small town that he would never have made if he didn't have the opportunity to meet kids outside of his suffocating private school life. His parents relented and allowed him to stay in the mini-mansion with a number of personal assistants, more or less body guards for the boy.

Edd turned his car into the entrance of Nathan's neighborhood and drove up to the security box. He rolled down his window and greeted the guard with familiarity, "Hello Roger, How are you this evening?"

"I'm doing fine Eddward, here to see Mr. Goldberg or Mr. Bry-?" The guard was cut off by Edd.

"Mr. Goldberg, this evening." he said with a polite smile.

"Sure thing, the gate is going to open. Have a good night." The guard stepped back into the booth with a smile and wave.

"Stay warm tonight!" Edd called before he rolled up his window. He turned to see a puzzled look on Kevin's face, "What is it?"

"How does the guard know you?"

"Oh I used to tutor Nathan all the time last year. Besides he has all of his friends on the list permanently you know that." He smiled hoping the next question wouldn't come, but alas he was not so lucky.

"And the other name?" Kevin asked pointedly.

"Ah-well it seems Roger remembered when I had dinner with… Joshua." He grimaced slightly as he saw Kevin shake his head from his peripherals. Kevin looked over to him and said, "I'm sorry, if I had known-"

"Known what? That he lives here? I'm not going to let him control me anymore Kevin," he forced another smile, "but thank you."

They drove past the monstrous homes and their manicured lawns and polished drives. The neighborhood was built with a well executed nod to modernist homes, juxtaposed within towering trees and stylized remnants of the former forests. It was always a curiosity for Edd how these houses could be erected, and yet the construction near the cul-de-sac could flop. Edd turned down the long drive towards Nat's house. As the trees thinned out the house came into view; A massive mid-century modern house of wood and glass. Edd had met Nat's parents, a rare achievement indeed, on one studying session and captured the affection of Nat's mother with his complements on how stunning her home was. Since then Nat was forced to report to her how Edd was doing with every telephone call. Kevin looked at the line of cars surrounding the house and worried that he underestimated Nat's party, 'He was more hung over than I was this morning, theres no way he wants another rager…' Kevin thought, pensively looking at how visibly worried Edd was. "Remember, we leave as soon as you want to." Edd nodded and forced on another smile, giving Kevin a glimpse at the gap between his teeth. After Edd parked the car and took a deep breath they made their way towards the house.

"Hello Shelby, how are you this evening?" Edd asked the massive body guard who answered the door.

"Good evening, Eddward… Kevin" The giant replied gruffly, stepping away so Edd and Kevin could enter. Kevin clapped his hand onto Shelby's shoulder and grinned, "Sup Lurch?" The man gave an audible growl in response.

"You know Kevin," Edd whispered walking to the coat closet, "he might be more friendly to you if you didn't refer to him as an Adam's family character!"

"Nah, he doesn't like me after I broke a lamp,Tiffany's or Topanga's, I don't know."

"I'd be upset if you broke a rare lamp of my employer as well." Edd said rolling his eyes. Kevin just shrugged it off and made his way into the large living room. The entire front wall was plate smart glass, blurring the line between the outdoor/indoor space. Edd had marveled at the windows ability to become opaque at the flip of a switch when he first visited Nat's home. The floor was recessed by four feet in the center of the room, leading down to massive built in couches and end tables, surrounding a circular fireplace. He looked down at all the faces of the others, sitting and talking around the roaring fire. Kevin had immediately been greeted with cheers and praise, while Edd seemed to only receive looks of curiosity and, with a handful, possible glares. That is until he was spotted by Nat. "Hey Kev-Double D!" He sprung himself up onto the floor leveled with the new arrivals and raced towards Edd. Years of being tackled by Ed had worked in his favor as he braced for the impact of Nat swooping him up into his arms.

"Yes-yes hello Nathan," he said in a huff, "please, it's getting hard to breathe…" A swift hand caught the back of Nat's head, and Kevin said in a gruff, in no way jealous, voice "Drop him Nat."

"Watch the hair man!" Nat said as he released his hold and smoothed the back of his hair. "Can I getcha' guys anything to drink?"

"Beer."

"Would you happen to have that sparkling water as last-"

"Pfft! My mom had them stock up on that the second she found out you liked her 'Parisian delicacy,'" Nat said with a snooty raise of his nose, "come on!" He bounded away, dragging Edd with him, leaving a disgruntled Kevin. 'Focus,' he thought, 'I can't be so obvious-not around the team.' He made his way down, flinging himself onto the seat Nat formerly occupied, and jumped into the conversation his teammates were having.

Nat and Edd talked in the kitchen about the night before. Edd skillfully dodged questions about his apparent dance skills, and received further information about Eddy's actions the night before. Nat came to the conversation he had been meaning to bring up all along, he was just unsure how to go about bringing it up (a first for the fearless teen).

"So… um-Edd, I know… about Kevin…" he said pouring Edd's glass. Visibly Edd stiffened, unaware that Kevin had told anyone about the kiss.

"You do?"

"Yeah, and well, I want you to know he really is a great guy!" He held up his pointer and thump in the shape of an L, "Rangers honor!"

"I-I'm starting to see that from him," he said softly, "but I'm still unsure of how to go about this… situation. I don't know what we both want, or even need." He raised the glass to his lips.

"He's still conflicted over it, that's for damn sure, but I think with you he could break free from his closet." Nat said with a nudge and smirk.

"Is that what he wants though? I… could never be in a relationship that was hidden. It makes it seem like what you're doing is wrong-shameful." He brought the glass to his lips, "I also could never force a person to admit their sexuality prematurely. I'm not even sure if this is what I want…"

"All I know is you and him could really have something here, something worth the fight. I am the love expert here!" he wagged his eyebrows for comedic emphasis and the laugh he received proved success. "Who knows! You might be right for once Nat!" Edd said.

"And what might be he right about?" Nazz asked walking into the kitchen laying down a half empty bottle of vodka from the night before. Both boys greeted her warmly as she kissed their cheeks and leaned against the counter. She told Edd how impressed she was to see him being so sociable the past two nights, earning a shy blush in return. Before Edd realized it, he explained to her he was with Kevin earlier when Nat had called inviting Kevin.

"Oh? What were you two up to?" Nazz asked coyly as she made herself a drink.

"We," he paused to take a sip of his drink, "we were… working on a tutoring schedule for him." He smiled to himself at his little lie.

"He totally needs it dude!" she cast a sideways 'I-told-you-Kevin-likes-him' glance to Nat.

"Yeah, he does need some help, Edd." Nat said playfully, resulting in a vibrant blush from Edd.

"Come on boys," she said hooking her arm onto Edd's, "we need to get in there!"

"Took you long enough Goldberg." Kevin grumbled as he took his beer from Nat. He eyed as Nazz and Edd sat across from him. The conversation was too low to be heard over the others surrounding him, but he still tried in vain to make out what they were talking about. He was interrupted when he felt a soft nudge on his shoulder, "Hmm?" He asked automatically. It was a girl from the cheerleading team, a bubbly junior, and someone Kevin had seen around at more than a few of the parties he had attended. She smiled expectantly, obvious that he had been asked a question before the nudge, "Sorry, what did you say?" Giggling she repeated herself "I asked, what your plans are for the break?"

"Um, I really don't have any, what are you up to?"

"Well,-" she excitedly divulged to him about her up coming trip to Aspen with her aunt, or was it sister? Kevin droned her out completely, making nods and smiles at random intervals, but he was still concentrated on the couple across the fireplace. He used his peripherals to look at how Nazz seemed to be comforting Edd; soft rubs here, a nudge there, all accumulating to jealousy. 'I want to be there for him. I want to know what happens to him,' he thought, 'I want to be involved.' Kevin was snapped from his thoughts by a cheer from his team mate, Kyle. "Damn bro you pounded that thing back!" Confused Kevin looked down to see the empty beer bottle in his hand. He played along to save face, not missing the curious look he got from Edd.

The seating arrangement was really annoying for Kevin, but certainly more so for Nat. He had taken it upon himself to be the uninvited wing-man for his best friend, and as such he needed to make sure that Kevin and Edd had as much time together as possible. He looked around at the group, 'Damn, too many of the guys here for Kev to be comfortable,' he thought, 'what if it was just them…' His devious brain started to work out his plan of attack, something he knew he couldn't do alone. Looking at Kevin and then Edd, he saw his missing partner in crime. 'Look's like I have to tell Nazz, and maybe… I can use the dork's uptight nature to make this work.' He looked down to his half empty bottle, and it all clicked into place.

"Hey Nazzie-poo," he sang, "come help me for a sec!" He said in front of the two, earning a puzzled look from Nazz and a startled look from Edd.

"Uh sure…" she furrowed her brow. He swiftly reached for the half empty glass in Edd's hand and said, "Oh, i'll get you a refill double dude!" leaving Edd to watch as they made their way towards the kitchen.

"That asshole!" Nazz whispered. "He could have told me at least!"

"Woah, woah there tiger, I had to weasel it out of him!" Nat said in Kevin's defense.

"He still should have told me!" she said in a huff, "Alright what's the plan?"

"They're sleeping here."

"Nat I don't think a three-way is what they are looking for…"

"Every couple is looking for a three way with me! But no, we're getting the Double D drunk." He grinned deviously.

"We are doing what now?!" Nazz's voice rising towards the end.

"Well, we only have to make him think he is drunk!" Nat then began to explain to her his plan.

Walking into the living room Nazz couldn't help but scowl at Kevin. She quickly collected herself and made her way to Double D with the glasses. "Oh thank you Nazz," Edd smiled after taking a sip, "the lemon is a lovely addition."

"No problem dude!" she smiled as she sipped her drink. After a short pause Edd heard a voice say his name, a football player to his left said gruffly, "Hey thanks for the help Edd… I passed my midterms because of you."

"It was no trouble at all Jason," he smiled broadly, "I'm always happy to help!"

"You're a good guy, Edd." He held up his fist towards Edd, confusing the nerd for a moment before he realized he was meant to "fist-bump" him. The delayed response caused a round of laughs from those around them. "You can take the nerd out of the class, but…" Nat teased playfully, earning more laughs including a chuckle from Edd. He hadn't noticed the slight blush he developed, but he was feeling far more relaxed than when he arrived, even slightly light headed. He smiled goofily at Kevin, who smirked back at him with affection. The exchange was picked up by one of the more homophobic team members, Matt. In his slightly inebriated state he had the courage to say something to the nerd. "So Edd," he drawled, "what were you and Kev doing earlier?" his cocky tone and obvious insinuation caused Double D to stiffen slightly.

"How do you mean Matthew?" his throat dry.

"You came here with Kev, so what would you two have in common?"

"Matt…" Kevin said annoyed.

"Let the nerd speak for himself."

"Well, I'm afraid I've promised Kevin I wouldn't disclose his predicament with his scholarly needs." He said firmly, taking a gulp of his drink, "But I assure you Jason is proof enough of my talents."

"Huh?" Matt asked dumbfounded, questioning if the dork had meant the innuendo.

"It means he's tutoring me you dick." Kevin said in a huff. The jock clenched his jaw as the group laughed at his moment of stupidity. For most of the group Matt's insinuation was lost, so the 'dick' comment was just a playful jab. Kevin looked over at the nerd as Edd looked down at his half empty glass. He hoped that Double D wouldn't become closed off for the rest of the night, but to his relief Edd laughed along to one of Nat's jokes. It was when Double D let out his laugh that Nazz got the distinct smell from his breath. 'Oh shit,' she realized, 'we really did give him the spiked drink!' She shot Nat a worried glance, "Hey Edd," she whispered, "I think you have my drink…" He looked at her and smiled, "I'm terribly sorry Nazz, it seems I've drunken most of it! Would you like me to make you another?"

"No, Edd you don't understand… there's vodka in that drink…" His eyes widened as the realization hit him, "Oh… oh dear." he gulped.

"It's ok Double D!" She said quickly, "Nat can let you stay here!"

"I'm afraid he would have to… I cannot operate a vehicle at this time, but what about Kevin?" he glanced towards the jock.

"He could stay here or come with me, don't worry."

"But Nazz! You have to stay as well, I know I cannot persuade the others, but you have been drinking as well have you not?" Nazz nodded her head and thought, 'Damn, this plan really is working out… even if I did screw up the drinks-for real!'

"Well yeah, but-"

"Nazz I could never forgive myself if you were to be in an accident!" he protested vehemently.

"Okay, okay I will talk to Nat." she raised her hands in surrender. Kevin saw the action and was now dangerously interested at the exchange they just had. His curiosity finally won, he stood up and looked at Nazz with unwavering attention, "Hey Nazz want to get another drink with me?" His stare gave no option for her to refuse. "Yeah…" she looked to Nat, trying to convey the situation with her eyes. They made their way into the kitchen, barely a foot in and he jumped on her.

"Okay what is going on?"

"What do you mean, Kev?" She smiled playing innocent.

"Why did he make that face," he squinted, "and why did you look like you were apologizing?"

"You see…" she was interrupted with the entrance of one of the football players. They waited for him to grab his beer and leave, not before shooting a congratulatory wink at Kevin. "Spill. Now." Kevin crossed his arms across his chest.

"Edd… got my drink on accident."

"So what?"

"Kev, he drank my drink!" she waited as the realization settled in.

"Oh fuck." he rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"Nat already said you guys could stay the night here…" she said in an attempt to smooth the issue over.

"I bet he did… wait. Why would Nat say that if this just happened?" narrowing his eyes, "Was this a planned 'accident?'" she looked away slightly.

"You got to be fucking kidding me, why?"

"We thought it would mean you got more time together." She admitted. Kevin stiffened at the admission.

"He told you?"

"Yeah because apparently I'm a horrible bitch who couldn't be trusted you asshole!"

"It wasn't like that and you know it, I just…"

"Look, I get it. It's a tough thing to admit, but trust me more next time you jerk." She playfully nudged him.

"Deal. I'm still pissed at your little cupid idea though."

"And I'm pissed you didn't tell me, but for now we have to tell Nat that we really did get him drunk." She said with a sigh. "But, at least you get extra time with him!" she smiled, and there was no denying, although he tried to hide it, the smirk beginning to show on the jocks elated face.

SO, I may have gone crazy with the line breaks and everything, but I hope it was enjoyable and in keeping with the stories beginning (If I've veered too far off please just write to me and I will amend this in the future chapters.) Also this is probably going to be the last party for a long while, well until the party i have for winter break/new years... Any ways next chapter is going to be slightly more on the deeper personal questions one should ask when getting romantically involved with another person. I'm also feeling inclined to mention that the further this story goes on, the more likely there will be smut... UNTIL NEXT TIME~ (Twerks away)