After a weekend of moping, Double D had made up his mind. Come Monday morning, Marie Kanker would be no more of a concern to him than a speck of dust at Ed's house. Bothersome, but none of his concern. He wouldn't be rude; he wouldn't be hostile. Neither was in his nature anyway. But any attempt at reconciliation or flippant behavior on her part would be met with stony, dignified silence on his part. He had endured too much humiliation and betrayal at being used for him to see her as anything but a fellow student and sometime companion of Eddy and Ed. And hopefully, that would fall out of fashion soon now that he had returned.

Monday morning dawned bright and crisp, and Double D found himself at school early. As Eddy and Ed had yet to arrive, he elected to spend his morning studying in his favorite place; the library. The quiet, the thick smell of books and old carpet, the towering bookcases comforted him. Usually, he liked to spend the time with a good physics book, but today he had something else on his mind.

Kevin's flash drive was burning a metaphorical hole in his backpack. Technically speaking it wasn't his flash drive, but his sensitive, personal information was on the device. The right thing to do would probably be informing Kevin of his unsecured computer files and returning the flash drive for his disposal. But Double D wasn't sure if that was the best option for him. Rather than listen to apologies and reason, he feared that Kevin would thank him with violence.

Another viable option would be to access the flash drive and delete the contents without reading them. That way Kevin's secret thoughts aren't exposed, nor is he any the wiser to its theft in the first place. But unfortunately, the flaw in that plan was Double D's own weakness. As much as he hated to admit it, he too was curious to the contents of the flash drive. He had been gone for two whole years. What could possibly had happened that peaked Eddy's interest so much? Quite frankly, Double D was afraid that if he even so much as connected the flash drive into a computer, he wouldn't be able to resist taking a look inside himself. He was only human.

He agonized so long though, the bell rang before he could come to a decision. Not wanting to be late for the first period, Double D quickly gathered his things and headed for class. Advanced Placement Literature. In the hallways, he found himself sighing instead of smiling at thought of attending class. Normally the distraction of an Advance Placement class would be welcomed, but this was the class he shared with the very cause of his current woes.

"No, I won't let her ruin this class for me," Double D made an effort to shake himself and sat straight up in his seat. "Remember the plan Eddward; she means nothing to you now."

An inner voice spoke up just them, telling him that he was being too harsh. He knew what this was really about, but he could also be stubborn when he wanted to be and this was one of those times. He was early of course, as he always was, so he had some time to prepare. He set up his notebook, front and center of course, and his pens and waited. Double D's mind was made up. As soon as Marie walked in he wouldn't even make eye contact with her. No matter how hard she tried to catch his attention, he would maintain his composure.

A few minutes after the bell rang, students begin to filter into class. Double D spared them a few polite smiles but remained tense, waiting for that familiar head of blue hair to walk in too. The flow of students eventually slowed to a trickle, but still no Marie. The teacher walked in carrying a thermos of coffee, but still no blue-haired, demon woman.

Despite himself, a smug feeling started to well up within him. Marie must be feeling chastised indeed if she's willing to miss class just to avoid him. And yet...

And yet...

And yet, there was a part of him that cared that she was missing class. A class that she seemed to do quite well in. Double D struggled to regain his stubborn anger though. He shouldn't- didn't- care. He cannot- does not- have feelings for her, romantic or friendly. He did not-

But just as the final bell rang, Marie Kanker nonchalantly strolled through the door. Double D jolted, having been lost in his traitorous thoughts, but quickly resumed a stone face demeanor. Marie walked right by his desk... and kept on walking. No slowing in her steps. Not so much as a glance in his direction. Before he can stop himself, Double D turned and watched her sit at her usual seat. Was she trying the same method of stony silence on him? After she settled in, Marie faced forward and her eyes met Eddward's for a brief second. And passed on indifferently. No rage. No embarrassment. Not a single acknowledgement of their fight. Or of their stalled friendship.

Double D bristled in his seat. The nerve of her! To ignore him when he should be the one ignoring her! It wasn't like he betrayed her trust. It wasn't like he led her on that they could be friends (maybe good friends), only to deceive her. And he's just on the verge of getting up and telling her so when the tardy bell rang and the teacher began class.

Normally attentive to a fault, Double D kept finding his mind gravitating four rows back and to the left near the window. But it wasn't the lovely fall view his gaze was drawn to. Just like the first day they shared this class, Marie seemed to look anywhere and everywhere but in his direction. It didn't feel like she was purposely avoiding him either. Her visual omission seemed to require no thought whatsoever. Like she had long ago dismissed his presence. Eddward's gut wrenched at the thought as he tried to bring his attention back to his notes. But there was no focusing on the meaningless scribbles that vaguely resembled "m"s.

When the bell finally rang signaling the end of class, Double D took more time than usual packing his things. A couple of students immediately fled the room before the bell's echo had died down. The rest of the students left at a more reasonable pace. As he packed his belongings, Double D covertly maintained his attention on the students waiting for her to walk by.

Hip hugging, skin-tight, green jeans entered his line of vision and hesitated. Double D quickly looked up, expecting a contrite Marie but was momentarily disappointed. Her back was turned and she leaned against the teacher's desk, asking a question. Double D felt the heat rush to his face and quickly looked down again. Marie's... precarious position provided quite an inappropriate image for any young man to see. Especially to one who was supposed to be seething with hurt and betrayal. The rush of adolescent hormones was quite distracting from his anger, to say the least.

Unfortunately, by the time Double D regained his composure and glanced up again, Marie was gone. No doubt already disappeared into the crowd in the hallway. Double D sighed, not without some regret, finished packing his things and headed out too.

Thankfully, and mercifully, Double D was much more able to focus in his other classes. Eddy, Ed, nor Marie shared any of his other classes making it easy to concentrate. This was nearly therapy for his poor emotional brain. AP Biology and AP Algebra II provided ready distraction from his relational drama. In fact, his thoughts only strayed to Marie a few times. When lunch rolled around, Double D was looking forward to expanding his social interactions to his two best friends instead his... not... friend...girl.

After he paid for his food, he found Eddy already sitting at a table with no Ed in sight.

"Greetings Eddy," Double D grinned claiming the seat across from him, "Where's Ed?"

"How should I know?" Eddy mumbled cramming a greasy slice of pizza in his mouth, "Lumpy ditched me in the hall. I ain't missing my lunch just because he forgot where the cafeteria is."

Double D rolled his eyes and takes a bite of his baked chicken. He tried to politely listen to Eddy's usual complaints about school work and teachers, but his eyes kept flittering from his face to the faces around the cafeteria. Nazz, eating with Kevin. Or fighting with Kevin by the look of the frown on her face. Rolf, pulling an inordinately sized rack of lamb from his lunch box. Johnny, munching on a stalk of celery while texting on his phone. But no head of vivid blue hair, or even a mass of curly red hair for that matter. Not that he was looking for either Kanker sister. Of course.

Suddenly the cafeteria doors burst open and a force of nature swept through the cafeteria. Students barely flinched as their chairs were knocked into the air with them still sitting in them.

"Monster movie marathon! Monster movie marathon!" The hurricane chanted as it closed in.

Double D shrieked as he and Eddy's chairs were lifted above a grinning Ed's head.

"Monster movie marathon!" Ed cried in pure and utter excitement, "Alien Zombies III, Mutant Werecat Demons, Murderous Dinosaur Man, and Spawn of the Grotesque Rusty Fork Spirit, are all playing on tv tonight!"

"Put me down you lummox! I'm trying to eat here!" Eddy yelled.

Ed thankfully put both of them down but continued running in place in excitement. "Movie night at Ed's! Movie night at Ed's!"

"A night off from homework sounds like a good idea to me," Eddy started to grin as well. "Movie night at Lumpy's it is. I'll be in charge of snacks, of course."

Double D frowned though, "But gentlemen, a movie marathon on a school night? On a Monday no less? That'll hardly be conducive to a good night's sleep for school tomorrow."

"Come on, Sockhead, we're young aren't we?" Eddy grinned and leaned across the table towards him. "Besides, Ed and I are the grandmasters of movie marathons. We pull them off and still manage to drag ourselves to school the next day."

It wasn't the best argument. Double D would never "drag" himself to school under any circumstances. But an impromptu movie night with his two best friends sounded like the best remedy for his emotional ilks. And he supposed there weren't any pressing assignments that he couldn't put off for a few hours.

"I supposed a movie marathon wouldn't be the worst thing idea in the world right now," He reasoned out loud before nodding, "Alright, fellows, Monster Movie Night at Ed's it is."

The marathon started at seven so the plan was to meet at Ed's house around six-thirty so they can set up for a long night in. After school, Double D headed home to grab a quick shower, and change into the appropriate after school clothes. And also do a few pages of homework. He couldn't. One thing he didn't have to worry about was getting permission from his parents. And that was because, well, quite frankly, they weren't around to give or deny their permission for him to be out on a school night. As soon as he walked through the door, a sticky noted waited for him in the front hall on the decorative vase.

"Dear Eddward," the note read, "Upon your arrival home, please water the plants and sweep the kitchen floors. I'll be working late tonight so I'll most likely get home after you've gone to bed. I've left you a treat in the kitchen though so please enjoy (after dinner of course). Love and kisses, Mother.

Ps. Please see your father's note on the fridge."

Double D carefully removed the note for filing later. He only felt a little twinge of disappointment. Coming home to absent parents wasn't anything new to him. Ever since he was old enough to look after himself, his parents felt comfortable working late knowing that he'd be okay. And to be honest, sometimes Double D prided himself on being so trustworthy.

But still, it would have been nice to see them after such a trying day at school.

Regardless, Double D made his way upstairs for a quick shower and changed his clothes. In less than two hours his homework was done and he went back downstairs to complete the chores given to him by his mother. The plants she was referring to were three, small potted flowers in the front hall. His mother was a biologist who specialized in flora. He carefully watered her prized perennials before moving into the kitchen. Just like mother wrote, another sticky note awaited on the refrigerator.

"Dear Son," the note read, "I'll be working late so I may not make it home for dinner. Please make sure to eat a healthy meal and once your homework is complete you may have free time until bed. Father.

P.s- I believe your mother left you something in the refrigerator."

The note was concise and to the point without the cushioning of a loving closure. Just like his father. Double D folded this note too for filing and opened the fridge to see what his mother left him.

"Organic red pepper, black bean hummus," Double D smiled taking out the large container, "How thoughtful of mother."

Despite her busy schedule, his mother somehow still found time to procure all things organic and plant-based in terms of the food the family consumed. During their absence from Peach Creek, well... it was a lot more difficult. But Double D preferred not to think of those times. Instead, he found a decorative serving plate, spooned most of the hummus onto the center, and then arranged a variety of baby carrots, sliced celery, and pita chips around it. In the end, it made a very attractive vegetable tray.

"Here we go," He said proudly, wrapping it up with plastic wrap, "Perfectly suitable for any friendly gathering."

He doubted that Ed and Eddy would touch the carrots without some coaxing, but perhaps if he didn't reveal that the hummus was healthy and vegetarian, they might just see it as another dip.

After putting on a sensible coat to shield him from the cold, he set out to Ed's house on foot. He supposed he could have taken his car, but he had walked there since he was a child so he saw no reason to change that now. Normally Double D would go straight to Ed's basement window and knock, but he was carrying a tray of snacks he didn't want to risk dropping maneuvering through such a small space. So he went to the front door and rang the doorbell. He didn't have long to wait before Ed swung the door open with a large, wide grin on his face.

"Double D!" He cried out, wrapping him in a bear hug, "My buddy has arrived!"

"Salutations again, Ed," Double D grunted trying to breathe, "Had Eddy arrived yet?"

"The chef is in the kitchen, Double D," Still bear-hugging him, Ed carried him into the kitchen and finally set him down.

The living room and kitchen were one big open space with the dining room off to one side. To his surprise, it looked like living room had been set up for their impromptu movie night. Aside from the couch, Ed's easy chair had been moved upstairs from his basement, and there were also bean bag chairs, pillows, and blankets strewn about. In all the time he'd been over Ed's house, the living room had been off-limits both because of Ed's parents and Sarah usually having dominance over the house. He wondered what changed.

"Double D is here Eddy!" Ed shouted, happily bouncing between the living room and kitchen.

"'Bout time, Sockhead," Eddy barely turned as he seemed to be busy in the kitchen chopping onions and peppers. True to Ed's word, he indeed had a chef's hat on. "Got any cheese on ya? 'cause I'm making nachos. And you haven't lived until you've tasted my nachos."

"Sorry, Eddy, I didn't bring any dairy with me," Double D smiled though and brandished his hummus tray, "but I did bring something else that you fellows might find appetizing."

Eddy scowled "It better not be anything healthy. You're always trying to shove that gross healthy crap down me and Ed's throats."

Double D sighed tolerably and set his tray down to unwrap it, "Eddy, I assure you taste and health are not mutually exclusive."

"Says you and those tofu quacks."

The doorbell rang again but Double D paid it no mind until Eddy scoffed and muttered under his breath, "About time those chicks got here."

"Chicks?" Double D felt a nervous sweat break out on his forehead, "I-I assumed it'd just be us three, Eddy."

"Oh, yeah, um," Eddy cleared his throat and looked away with an uncharacteristically guilty expression, "I may have forgotten to tell you..."

"Big Ed!"

"May!"

The happy shouts echoed through the front hall reaching the kitchen. The nervous sweat now trickled down Double D's back. Eddy had said "chicks" plural. Not "chick" singular. Which meant that May wasn't the only one at the door. It was a known fact in Peach Creek that where there was one Kanker...

"Hiya, boys."

The familiar drawl twisted Double D's stomach in knots, but not out of fear. He willed himself not to turn around, but his body had a mind of its own. Lee and Marie were both leaning against the wall smirking, but his eyes only took in Marie. Who just looked past him and approached Eddy.

"Brought home the bacon, babe," She held up two bulging grocery bags he had somehow missed. "Now be a good little house hubby and make us some dinner."

"Yeah, we're starving Eddy," Lee added with a chuckle.

"Can it, blue-hair," Eddy roughly brushed her aside and approached Lee with a partly sleazy, but mostly nervous grin, "Hey good-looking, um... grub will be r-ready in j-just a m-m-minute. Go ahead and relax and I-I'll bring it out to you."

Lee smiled and pinched Eddy's cheek before going back into the living room. As soon as she was gone Eddy relaxed into an arrogant pose. He winked at Double D.

"She totally wants me."

"I can see," Double D mumbled, not paying that much attention.

Despite her order that Eddy make dinner, Marie was the one currently pulling the foodstuffs out of her grocery bags. And she had called him house-hubby. Her pet name or Lee's? It was clear that Lee had some sort of flirtation going on with Eddy, but Marie had called him house-hubby, not Lee. All three of them had been referred to as the Kankers' husbands a countless number of times. But why did this seem to bother him so much?

"Hey, hey, hey!" Eddy's impatient, angry voice broke through his thoughts. Double D jumped and realized he was again addressing Marie.

"Did you bring my cheese?" Eddy demanded, "'Cause you promised me my cheese!"

"Yeah, yeah, I got your cheese, shorty," Marie said casually, pulling out a comically large wedge of cheese.

"Good. Now start grating!"

"Hey! You don't get to order me around, Short-stop!"

"I got the chef hat, so I call the orders!"

"That hat is bigger than you, twerp!"

"Not as big as your attitude, blue."

"Your big mouth!"

Double D watched the exchange feeling queasy. The words were argumentative, the tones were aggressive. But even as they hurled the words back and forth, they worked side by side amicably. Double D was completely ignored. Almost as if he never came back at all.

"May I lend my assistance?" He offered, "I'm quite handy in the kitchen as well."

The question was general enough but it was Marie he couldn't take his eyes off of. It was Eddy though who answered.

"Naw, Sockhead, me and Kanker got this. Why don't you go into the living room and take a load off?"

Marie doesn't even turn around. Double D swallowed and obediently left. In the living room, the others seemed to have already found their designated seats. Lee was lounging in Ed's armchair, one leg thrown over the armrest, texting on her phone. Ed and May were sharing the couch, talking animatedly and excitedly about the movies that were about to play. By the sound of things, the four movies on queue for tonight were all spin-offs and sequels in a larger cinematic universe. Double D knew that he'd be out of his depth in their conversation, so he chose to instead sit in one of the beanbag chairs. As he sat, waiting for the movie marathon to begin, he found himself turning towards the kitchen again and again.

His line of visibility was partially obstructed by a wall, but occasionally Marie's elbow or Eddy's head would come into view. A cacophony of clangs, crashes, and clattering bombarded his ears, but no one seemed concerned. Just like no one else seemed to be concerned when an argument or two broke out. Or, when in the lull, laughter. Double D stole a glance at Lee, curious to how she was taking the sound of "her man" laughing with her sister. He remembered a time, not that long ago when the sight of any girl getting along with Eddy would send her into a jealous rage. But when his eyes met hers (or where her eyes were hidden behind her hair), he found her smirking at him instead. As if for a moment she had seen in his head, into his own conflicted thoughts, and was amused by what she saw there.

Double D quickly turned around, his face flushed and sweaty. Well there was nothing to see Miss Lee Kanker. It was none of his business or concern if his best friend and her sister (his ex-girlfriend) were friends. It didn't bother him one bit.

"Grub's ready!" Eddy called from the kitchen eventually. "Prepare to have your measly taste buds blown away."

He proudly strode into the living room carrying a baking try almost completely obscured by a mountain of still steaming nachos, dripping with cheese and meat. Lee, Ed, and May jumped on them before he could quite set them down on the coffee table. The ravenous noises they made were not unlike hyaenas feasting on a fresh carcass in the savanna. Double D cringed at the carnage but an idea came to mind.

"I'll go fetch some napkins!" He volunteered quickly and eagerly.

He jumped up and fairly ran into the kitchen. Once there he slowed his steps. In the short span of arriving at Ed's he had come to the mature and rational decision to no longer harbor ill will towards Marie Kanker. Perhaps he reacted too hastily in his hurt and anger. He paused over the threshold of the kitchen, wondering what should he say. 'Congratulations, Marie, I've decided I'm no longer upset with you. Just promise to never wound my ego again'?

No, he couldn't bring himself to make such a statement. She didn't even seem to know he was standing there. She stood at the stove stirring something sizzling in a pan. He cleared this throat, but she took no notice. Double D felt his resolve stiffen.

"Excuse me, Marie," He resisted the childish urge to call her Miss Kanker, "But would you happen to know where the napkins are?"

"Does it look like I live here? Find them yourself." Came the emotionless reply said without her even sparing him a glance.

Edd frowned and looked for the napkins in sulky silence. He located them in a cabinet and tossed them down unnoticed on the living room's coffee table. Nobody noticed and continued smearing cheesy nachos all over their faces. Just as he bent down to resume sitting in his seat though, Eddy looked up from the cheese monstrosity.

"Hey Sockhead," He said with his mouth full, "Be a buddy and go grab those sodas from the fridge will ya?"

Edd sighed and straightened up again so he could head back to the kitchen. He passed Marie over the threshold carrying a plate loaded with her and her sisters' specialty Kanker Burgers.

"Alright, the real grub is here!"

There was another clamor as everyone no doubt jumped on the new sustenance placed in front of them. Double D located the pack of sodas in the fridge just as Ed called out that the movie was starting and the living room light shut off. Double D turned out the light in the kitchen as well and made sure to grab his tray of hummus on his way back out. Using the light from the tv, he carefully maneuvered back into the living room. He set the hummus tray down carefully with one hand and the soda pack with the other. Eddy had claimed the other seat on the couch putting him close to Lee and Marie claimed the beanbag in front of her. Which left Edd to reclaim the beanbag chair he had been previously occupying. He paused though before he sat down. In his seat, helpfully wrapped in a napkin, was a Kanker Burger.

The first movie on deck was Alien Zombies III, a film with the distinction of using mostly practical effects for even the goriest of scenes. Double D only knew this from Ed and May's running commentary though.

He himself could scarcely pay attention to anything on the screen. Every time someone was horrifically dismembered, Marie and Eddy would snicker and make jokes to each other. At every erotic scene (which were disturbingly quite a few considering the genre) Eddy would make a crude and clumsy attempt to flirt with Lee which Marie was quick to call out and tease him about. This always escalated into more than one lengthy banter between the two. No one else seemed to think this was strange though. In fact, their companionship seemed expected. Normal.

Double D swallowed thickly. He knew he was being a hypocrite. He wanted to be upset with Marie and yet couldn't stand being so estranged from. Eddy was his best friend, but it hurt to see their friendship. He should be glad that his friends have matured enough to become friends with their childhood tormentors. But he wasn't included.

He selfishly wanted Marie back.

It was late by the time the movie ended. Really late. Ed fell asleep, snoring loudly on the couch, so the rest of them quietly took their leave. Eddy tried (sheepishly with a lot of sweating) to offer walking Lee home, but she turned him down claiming he wanted to do more than just walk her home. The suggestive tone left them all to fill in the blank. Eddy practically ran away leaving Double D alone with the Kanker sisters who didn't seem to notice his presence and started to turn in the direction of their trailer park. That was until Double D cleared his throat.

"Um, Marie?" He called out hesitantly, "Would you mind- may I speak with you a moment? Please?"

The three Kanker sisters shared a look- a knowing, amused look that he didn't necessarily like. A sudden chill went through him. Did the sisters discuss him and his, er, situation with Marie when they were alone? Being an only child, Double D didn't have any first-hand experience with siblings, but supposed they had intimate discussions about their relationships?

"Alright," Marie shrugged after a tense second, "Whatever."

It wasn't the enthusiastic response Double D had hoped for, but it was better than a refusal. She waved goodbye to her sisters and they walked off together in the direction of Edd's house. They walked in silence for a moment, the only sound between them the tapping of Marie obtaining a cigarette from its package.

"So," He started, "It's, um, a lovely night, if not a bit cold."

"Cut the bull, Eddward," Marie took a drag from her cigarette and blew out the smoke, "What do you want?"

Double D swallowed. Curt and brutal. He couldn't expect anything less from Marie Kanker. He realized his mistake in trying to give her the cold shoulder. Being direct would have been more useful in getting through to Marie, even if it wasn't his natural way of doing things.

"Right," Double D cleared his throat with some effort and tried to gather his courage. "I suppose you would respect my honesty rather than my aloofness."

"In English."

"I was angry," Double D blurted out, still hurt over what happened and hurt by her cold gaze. "I-I quite enjoyed the time we spent together this past weekend. I enjoyed spending time with you."

He paused wanting to see her reaction, but not a single emotion showed on her face. She only continued puffing on her cigarette, blowing smoke out of the side of her mouth. The blue-white smoke drifted through the air before dissipating into the night. He continued.

"So when that flash drive fell out of your pocket, I assumed you had been using me all along to obtain it. I was hurt, but that's no excuse for me speaking so harshly to you."

"Damn right it's not," Marie mumbled sounding angry. Smoke streamed out of her nostrils, reminding Edd of an engine about to combust.

"I was wrong for what I said. And I sincerely apologize for it."

More smoke. But Marie eventually did take her cigarette out of her mouth and stomped it out. "Say I don't forgive you. What then?"

Her eyes were still regarding him coldly. Double D was admittedly taken aback. If there was one thing Marie Kanker wasn't, it was cold. She was fire. Sometimes smoldering, sometimes ablaze, but always, always burning. Double D cleared his throat and pulled the flash drive out of his pocket.

"Perhaps I can offer this as a peace offering," He said, "We can view it together. In my room. Alone, that is."

Marie's eyes widened ever so slightly. They both knew what he was offering. It was more than just a matter of him giving on his moral principles and looking at someone else's property. He was offering her an olive branch of trust. Allowing her, willingly, to come into his room, his most private sanctuary. They stared at each other for a long moment before Marie snatched the flash drive from his hand. And continued walking in the direction of his house. Double D let out a quiet, anxious breath. She hadn't accepted his apology, but at least they were getting somewhere.

Edd could tell that his parents still weren't home by the time they reached his residence. He was still in a cold sweat though as he unlocked the front door and ushered Marie inside. Did it still count as sneaking a girl upstairs if there were no parents to sneak around? He and Marie didn't bother discussing this as they headed upstairs to his room. Double D could feel his heart thudding with every step up the stairs to his room. But it wasn't with dread. It was a weird, foreign mixture of excitement and nervousness. It would be disastrous for both of them if they got caught. But the potential reward outweighed the risk and his mind was made up. There was no turning back now.

Marie waited by his closed door until he opened it for her and followed her inside. Then it clicked shut behind Double D with a sound of finality. Another bead of sweat rolled down his back. He was officially alone in his room with a girl. A girl that he may or not be attracted to. Not that it mattered because he was a gentleman and they were just friends.

"So?" Marie's impatient voice broke into his thoughts. She was sitting in his computer chair swiveling back and forth in the seat, "Aren't you going to turn this thing on?"

"Y-yes, right."

Double D licked his dry lips and moved towards her in the dark. The only light came from the nearby streetlamp outside. The cold light illuminated the room just enough for him to see her form and her blue hair. He paused, waiting for her to vacate the chair, but she only stared him down with one raised eyebrow.

She's testing me. Pushing my boundaries. The thought came to Double D in sharp relief. Well, maybe I should push back.

Stealing his nerves, he pressed the button on the monitor to wake it up and leaned over Maire to type his password in on the keyboard. His arms were practically around her and he could smell her perfume. She had turned back to the computer and made no move if she noticed their closeness. He resisted the urge to close his eyes and inhale deeply. Even when he finished typing, he made no move away from her. He glanced down though and noticed a small smile on her face, almost a smirk. He also noticed something else. Particularly how low cut and baggy her t-shirt was. Double D immediately snapped his attention back to the screen. Somehow without him noticing, Marie had already plugged in the flash drive and opened it on the desktop.

"Okay," she murmured, "Let's see what Eddy has been twisting in his underwear and texting me all day for."

Double D tensed, but didn't comment as Marie located a folder named "journal entries". The folder contained over fifty documents of various dates. Marie glanced at them indifferently, randomly clicking on and glancing at entries at random. There was another chair at his desk. There was no real reason for him to continue hovering over her like this, but he couldn't bring himself to move. And if Marie minded or noticed she made to sign.

"Well this is interesting," she mumbled after a minute, "Listen to this; 'I can't stop looking at her. I want to but I can't. Man, it's like, every time she walks into the room, I can't stop staring at her. It's weird, man, real weird.' What does that sound like to you?"

She turned her head up to look at him and he jumped a little, realizing how close their faces were.

"I, um," Double D cleared his throat and tore his gaze away from her eyes, "Perhaps he's talking about Nazz. I've heard they've been on and off in their relationship. Maybe this instance happened during their off time."

Marie shook her head, "Nah, if it was Nazz he was talking about, he wouldn't say staring at her was weird. It's no secret that all the guys think she's the hottest babe in school."

"Not every guy."

His voice is low, so he can't tell if Marie heard him or not. She only bit the corner of her lip and clicked on another entry.

"Man, I really suck at keeping secrets, but I gotta," Marie read on, "If anyone found out I had feelings for her, my life would be over. Not that she even looks twice at me. Or at any guy. Ever since she became a total babe she just likes teasing guys. No one's been able to lock that hot piece down."

"Oh gross," Marie suddenly made a face, "I think I know who he's talking about. That pig."

"You do?" Double D glanced at her nervously. What if Kevin was talking about her? She would most certainly fit the description as a "babe". Her previous coarseness of childhood had matured into an edgy allure that made her quite attractive to any male. If Kevin did have secret feelings for her, who's to say that he would never act on them? And who's to say that Marie wouldn't fall for him? They were both similar in some ways, especially in terms of their physical strengths.

"Eddy is going to freak," Marie chuckled.

The chuckle died on her lips though as she clicked on a new entry and read silently. She gasped and her hands flew to her mouth. Double D belatedly noticed her change in expression and silently read the entry too.

"Gracious!" He gasped as well.

"I can't believe Lee never told me," Marie giggled, still wide-eyed, "I knew she secretly hooked up with a couple of guys but-"

Embarrassed and flustered at what he just read, he quickly closed the document window, "I think we've read quite enough. This had gotten far too personal."

"What? No way!" Marie exclaimed as he pulled the flash drive out of the computer, "Double D!"

She jumped out of the chair and leaped at him to snatch the flash drive back. Double D found himself frozen to the spot, not used to rough play or reacting quickly. She slammed into him like a train and they both fell to the ground. Double D lay stunned for a moment before groaning and opening his eyes.

"Oww, geez," Marie groaned as she sat up, rubbing her head, "Why didn't you move, you dork?"

Double D could only swallow. Marie didn't seem to notice their precarious position. Namely, where she was sitting. Heat broke out all over Double D's body as Marie straddled his waist. Why did she have to settle just there? Already his body was reacting to hers. He should just politely ask her to move before something terrible happened.

But his throat was dry and all he could do was stare at her, the lines of her waist and hips as she sat silhouetted by the light behind her. Still oblivious, she rolled her head on her neck, seemingly to work out whatever soreness she was experiencing, but the even that small movement seemed to radiate down to him. He gave a small, barely audible groan, and finally, Marie froze and seemed to realize their perilous position. A slow sensuous smirk spread across her lips.

"Well, well, well," She giggled, "Isn't this a familiar predicament we find ourselves in?"

"M-Marie," Double D started, not quite knowing what he was going to say.

But Marie shushed him and laid a finger across his lips, "Naughty boy, is this why you brought me up here? To have your wicked way with me?"

Double D wanted to shake his head vehemently. Of course, he would never do something so salacious as to trick any young lady into unwanted sexual advances. But Marie wasn't just any young lady. Hadn't she spent an entire childhood chasing him down and putting him in this exact position? Even during their brief friendship post their failed relationship, she had often spent afternoons chasing, tackling, and pinning him down in this same position. However, this felt like none of those times. Marie had grown into an undeniably attractive and, dare he even think, sexy young woman. And he wasn't stiff with fear, longing for an escape or rescue. Perhaps he changed more than he realized. The thought made him smile.

Marie, though, must have taken his smile as a smile of affirmation because her smirk dropped and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Holy crap, really?"

"Of course not, Marie," Double D shook his head, "I hold far too much respect for you."

"Hmph, figures," Marie pouted and something almost like disappointment flashed through her eyes. "I see you haven't changed much."

"Au contraire, I believe I've changed more than you think," Double D smiled fondly at her.

"Sure, you have," Marie smirk returned as she began to lean forward, "But I bet I can still make you squirm."

Double D felt sweat break out over his body as Marie leaned forward even more until her body was pressed almost flush against his, and her hands were braced on her shoulders, completely pinning him down. His throat felt thick but he didn't struggle. His hands, almost of their own accord, came up and braced her hips. Her shirt had ridden up and his thumbs touched bare skin. Instead of snatching his hands away though, he began to caress the cool skin gently.

A small shudder went through Marie and her smirk fell just a fraction. Double D felt the shudder and his body responded again. His chest was tight and his heart pounded but not in fear. This was a game between them, one that he lost a countless number of times, but this time he refused to cower away. Marie's hands crept up from his shoulders to his neck just as his hands crept up from her hips to her waist, slipping under the fabric of her shirt. Marie was no longer smirking as they stared at each other. An expression of hunger and want was barely visible in her one exposed eye. He was well aware of his staggered breathing as his hands continued their journey up her smooth, toned sides. Her thumbs caressed the underside of his jaw and her nails gently scratched his skin. His tongue darted out to wet his dry lips and Marie's gaze darted down to track the movement. Double D's fingers went across each rib and his thumbs gave one small caress to the underside of Marie's bra clad breasts. A tiny moan, almost a whimper escaped from her lips, and Double D almost immediately echoed it. He was hit with a sudden, almost overwhelming desire to know what she tasted like without the obtrusion of lip gloss or his own fear.

Edd groaned as her fingers slipped under his hat and played with the hair at the nape of his neck. All at once, this game was too slow for his sanity. He lifted his head, angling his lips towards hers, desperate for her kiss. Needing, and wanting, and burning, silently begging for her to release him from her games and consume him.

"Marie." The whispered word was a wish and a prayer in one.

"Eddward," Her breath puffed against his lips and his eyes slid shut, a silent prayer of gratitude going up that his wish will soon be granted.

"I think... I'm done with this game."

In one instant, the warmth was removed from his body. Double D's eyes shot open to see Marie standing over him with a devilish smirk on her face. Heat flooded to his face and his chest constricted. He had been had. Tricked. Made a fool of yet again. But it wasn't anger he was feeling. Even in his humiliation, his desire was still there.

Marie chuckled at his stunned and no doubt yearning expression and moved towards the window. "Consider that payback for trying to give me the cold shoulder."

And then Double D watched helplessly as she opened the window and disappeared into the night.

"Touché, Marie Kanker. Touché."