Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Eddy was driving by, seeing the buildings from once he remembered from his youth going by as he was going slightly over the speed limit. He couldn’t believe he was back in Peach Creek after everything with his life. He thought he would have more in his life, and he would be finally out of the one place where he felt he was a nobody, but no, he had failed at all of his schemes from state to state that he passed, trying to get rich.

Financial scams never really worked, and with everything now, he never had anything left. So now here he was at 25 years old, moving back in with his parents with no job, nothing but his old rusty van that he had since high school, and having to go back to seeing the life he left behind, now that he is stuck with it.

The upside to Eddy’s return was that he was going to reunite with his best friends, Ed and Double D. He had only really spoke to them through text and email which he hadn’t been up to date with them being that he was busy trying to scam his way to be rich or scam is way out of going to jail. He heard from the grapevine that Double D received her master's and came back to Peach Creek, working downtown at the laboratory as an Epidemiologist. She apparently got herself an apartment in Peach Creek in the shopping district by the highway, as it was on the edge of Peach Creek.

He still couldn’t get over the fact that Dee actually returned, especially after the prom incident, but that was something Dee had to deal with, and it wasn’t his place to tell her what grudges to hold on to.

But that wasn’t all.

Ed had apparently gotten engaged to May, which Eddy still couldn’t get over them being together, that being she was a Kanker and the fact that they’ve been together since high school. Not only that, but the lumphead whom he used to see as the idiot of the trio now had a job owning a comic bookstore. From once being nothing but a boy who stocked shelves of comics and board games to now the proud owner and he was bringing in the bacon, something that Eddy wished he had accomplished.

He even owned his place. While it was nicer than the usual trailer, Eddy still felt envious that Ed accomplished more than he had.

He hadn’t heard much about the rest of his childhood peers, but from what he did hear from Ed was that Nazz was having an on-and-off relationship with Kevin. To say that was a perk for him was an understatement, as he saw that he could have a shot with the once-popular cheerleader captain from his high school years.

He would come back, get his life in order, and finally get the girl. He realized he probably needed to get a job and be somewhat successful, as someone as hot as Nazz wouldn’t wanna really settle for a guy with no job who's living with his parents.

*Ring*

“Hello.”

“Hey Eddy, it’s Ed! Wanted to let you know Dee and I are here at your parents we got the boxes of your stuff ready to unpack. Your mom seems really happy you're back, not as much as me and Double D!”

“Yeah, yeah, Lumpy. Make sure none of my stuff gets broken, okay! My stuff has value.”

“I know Eddy.”

“Thanks, Lumpy, I miss you and Dee. I can’t wait to see you both, honestly.”

“I know Eddy! I can’t wait for you to meet my chickens. May got them for me for our anniversary. Double D got to meet them and even told me that Helen laid an egg with a baby chick in it. I’m so happy!”

“Still can’t get over you are getting hitched before me. Are my parents there?”

“Oh yeah, they are home, they are talking on the phone, and they seem upset. I’m not sure what it is, but they said not to worry about it.”

“Huh, weird? What’s Double D doing?”

“Double D is organizing your clothes in your drawers, she said You didn’t fold your clothes or organize them, so now she has to unwrinkle them and put them away.”

“Damn it Dee, always had to be overly organized and going through my stuff.”

“She just cares, you know, I mean she has always cared, even back when we were the 3 Ed boys, Dee had always made sure we were clean and organized for school.”

“Yeah, yeah, and let me guess. We’re 2 Ed boys and an Ed girl now that we’re all going to be together again.”

“Yep!”

Eddy looked at his GPS, stating he was 12 minutes away. He figured he could hang up and have someone to reflect on his situation.

“Listen, Ed, I gotta go, I’m 12 minutes out. I’ll see you then.”

“Okay, bye, Eddy!”

Once he hung up, he continued to drive until he finally pulled up to his childhood home. It looked the same except for some planted plants and a fresh coat of paint. The garage was open, where Ed and May stood there waving at him.

“Hiya Eddy!”

Ed’s cheerfully loud welcome was said as he pulled Eddy out to give him a tight bear hug. Eddy couldn’t get over how big Ed got, let alone the fact that he didn’t smell like gravy anymore.

Ed was tall with shoulder-length ginger hair. He had some facial hair spread around his face and wore a vintage monster movie shirt with jeans and some sneakers. He had some tattoos are his arms that looked to be from horror movies, and some looked like chickens. There was one tattoo with a heart with May’s name that made Eddy cringe a bit.

“Come on Ed, don’t choke him out. he needs to finish packing. Plus, honeybun, I placed an order for pizza to come soon since Eddy decided to waste half our day.”

“Okay, love!”

Eddy looked at May, who had definitely looked different. She had long blonde hair put into a giant messy bun. She wore overall shorts with flowers on the bottoms with a pair of heeled sandals. She had a baby tee shirt on that had a Sun wearing sunglasses on it. Sunglasses were placed on her head as she kept fixing them from falling down.

“Thanks, May still surprised to see you around. How’s the other Kankers doing?”

“Well, Eddy seems they’re doing better than you.” Eddy huffed after seeing May’s cocky grin in. “Lee and Rolf are married with 2 kids.”

“WHAT!?!” Eddy screeched.

“You're telling me, Lee fucking Kanker and Rolf got married! Seriously is everyone getting married in this town out the ass or what!”

“For your information, they got together after they graduated and left us in high school. They got married a year into dating. Afterwards Lee opened her bar, and Rolf inherited his dad’s butcher shop.”

“Oh great! What’s next? Johnny married a model, and Jimmy settled for Sarah?”

“Ha, ha, no. Everyone else has grown up, unlike someone who decided not to drop scamming.”

“For your information, I was actually pretty good at scamming in Nevada.”

“Until you got caught and fired from the casino.”

“Okay, let’s drop what I’ve been doing, how about everyone else?”

“Marie is a tattoo artist who works by commission and lives with me and Ed. I know her Nazz and hang out a lot. Nazz works as a communications specialist at the town hall, and she-“

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. So is it true that her and Kevin aren’t seeing each other anymore?”

“Wow, not even trying to hide the fact you want to get with Nazz, it’s been like what, not even an hour since you came home, and your back to your old ways.”

“What? Come on, everyone loved what a hunk I am.”

“Uh huh, yeah, cause you're such a hunk, you got rejected by every girl to go to prom, plus Nazz and used Double D as your date, so you didn’t seem like a loser who went with no one.”

“First of all, Dee was totally all for it, plus she didn’t have a date anyway, so it was like a win-win.”

May looked at him disgustedly. “Wow and you still act like an ass guess not everyone changed after high school.” Before Eddy could argue, the garage door opened and Double D came out.

“Salutation,s Eddy! I haven’t seen you since we graduated. You seem to have grown quite a bit.” Double D stood tall in front of him, still taller than Eddy. She changed, as Eddy could tell. She had long dark hair hanging down, where her once iconic beanie used to be worn, was now replaced with a black and white striped bandana. She had a pair of plain black jeans on with an orange sleeveless turtleneck. She stood more confidently and even was wearing a light shade of makeup, which brought out her blue eyes and made her look put together.

“Wow, Dee, you look great! You look banging.” Double D blushed at that and playfully slapped Eddy on his shoulder.

“Oh, Eddy~ you're as charming as ever.”

“Of course I am, I’m a total hunk.” Eddy joked as he was flexing in front of her. Double D was blushing and giggling like a schoolgirl as May rolled her eyes.

Truth be told, May wasn’t the happiest to see Eddy as she felt Eddy was still as arrogant and selfish as he was when they were younger. She hated how sweet Ed and Dee were to him even after Eddy ditched them after high school, barely kept in contact, and how he would sometimes use Ed and Dee in high school. She knew they were close since they were all outcasts growing up, but at times, she felt that if the two had ditched Eddy, they probably had a better shot at a social life. Probably they would’ve had a bigger friend group and not be picked on as much since no one had an issue with Ed and Dee, but more so just hated Eddy and those who associated with him.

She didn’t get why they were so close, and it pissed her off.

She especially was pissed seeing Eddy flirt with Dee. Not because she hated the idea of Dee dating, but the fact that Eddy did not realize that Dee still had a crush on him, and yet his stupidity somehow allowed him to use it to his advantage. From convincing her into scams that Dee knew would fail, but not wanting to disappoint him, and from being his choice of “settling” when it came to school dances and prom. She wished she could slap some sense into Dee and remind her that Eddy is just a dick who wants Nazz and not someone worth her time.

But it wasn’t the only reason.

Eddy at one point through Ed under the bus when he tried to scam the football team. He apparently damaged their equipment with some popcorn maker Dee didn’t finish building and claimed that Ed put too much popcorn in when it was actually him who put the machine in maximum speed, leading it to explode. Ed not only got beat up by the jocks but also got suspended. Eddy never admitted it was he who did it ,and Ed refused to believe Eddy would do that to him.

Not to even mention how Eddy tried to get Ed to dump May simply because of some dumb rivalry they had as kids. Eddy would go on and on about how ‘horrible’ and ‘disgusting’ the Kankers were and even tried to give Ed an ultimatum: Him or May.

“So, I have finished tidying your bed and putting your articles of clothing away in the appropriate places. All your other personal belongings are organized by item name for you to organize to your desire.”

“Thanks, Dee, knew you’d be a helpful hand.” Dee blushed as she played with her hands. “Why of course, Eddy, anything for you.”

“Okay, so since Dee decided to do the hard stuff, how about we just chill out and wait for the pizza? It should be here in like 30 minutes.”

“Sounds delightful, May.”

“How about after we hit the bar and see what else has changed in this dump?”

“Eddy! Peach Creek isn’t a dump, it’s a very polished and reputable town with lots to offer and a wonderfully rounded community.”

“Whatever, Dee, I wanna see what everyone else is up to.”

“As much as I wanna disagree with Eddy, I think going out for some drinks would be nice, plus we can go to Lee’s bar and hopefully she’ll give us a discount,t maybe she’ll double the price for you, Eddy.” Eddy grunted as the other three laughed.

--------

Kevin was at the bar drinking, and boy was he pissed.

Not only was him and Nazz on a break but his bike got fucking ruined by that shithead Terry. Apparently, he had gotten out of jail early for “good behavior” which Kevin highly doubted was true. They had gotten into a confrontation due to Terry nearly running his shit car over his motorcycle. From what Kevin could assume, Terry busted his motorcycle when he was at the bar 2 days ago the same night him and Nazz decided to take a break after a fight they had.

Kevin had apparently forgotten that he and Nazz had a date which he completely missed. The main point of their argument was why Kevin was hesitant to take their relationship to the next step, which Kevin had been trying to avoid. It led to them deciding they needed time apart to figure out what they wanted.

“Long night, firecracker?” Lee asked as Kevin looked up from his drink. Lee grinned as she played with the toothpick between her lips.

“Yeah… something like that.”

“Well, tots your misery is my buck. This is about you and blondie?”

“Not really your business, Lee.”

“Well, Rolf told me, and honestly, you want my advice.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Well, too bad! You're in my bar, drinking my beer, so you’ll listen to whatever the hell I tell ya.” Kevin huffed as he rolled his eyes. Lee looked at him, arms crossed, standing on the other side of the bar where Kevin sat.

“If clearly you can’t commit or want to take your relationship to the next level, end it. Simple as that, don’t make yourself miserable and lie to the poor girl. I know your asshole but don’t try to be a bigger one.”

“You wouldn’t get it.”

“Yeah, cause I’m happily married to Rolf, a.k.a. your best friend, whom you were the best man for at our wedding. So clearly, when it comes to relationships, I know when one is working and when one isn’t.” Kevin hit his head on the bar table as he grunted. He hated how right she was, how easy it was for her to throw her and Rolf’s marriage in his face. It also didn’t help that Nazz even brought up Lee and Rolf’s marriage, stating how she wanted to get married soon, making him feel rushed.

Maybe Lee was right, but he was afraid of hurting Nazz and ending the only relationship that he felt was a golden reminder of his past when he was someone and not some guy who flunked out of college and failed at going pro.

“Whatever…”

“Dumbass… anyway you can keep moping so long as you're paying.” Lee looked at her phone as it buzzed. She smiled, seeing as it was her baby sister texting her. “Looks like Eddy made it back in one piece. I’m surprised. I honestly either expected him in a body bag or missing.”

“Oh, fucking great! No neck Eddy is back, great now I have two out of the three Eds back and that asshole psycho of his brother!”

“You mean three, dumbass.” Kevin looked up, confused. “What? Wait, Double D is back too?”

“Yeah, she’s been back for like 3 months. She already has an apartment and works downtown, didn’t Rolf tell you? I mean, seriously, my sisters and along with Ed and Rolf, helped her move in and have a housewarming party.”

“No, no, he didn’t tell me! Double D has been back, and no one told me she came back?” Lee rolled her eyes. “Probably because of how weird you are with her back in high school I mean you were a dick plus you used to beat the Eds up all the time.”

“Hey! I didn’t touch or hit Double D in high school! I don’t hit chicks!”

“Yeah, but you let your team pull that prank on Dee at prom whi-“

“I wasn’t a part of that! I told Dee not to go, plus the prank was targeted at Eddy! I didn’t think Dee was gonna get dumped with the bucket! Okay, she just so happened to stand in the spot where Eddy was supposed to be!”

“You could have just stopped it, or better yet, maybe snitch on them, but instead you let it happen, which ruined prom not just for Dee but for like everyone else. I mean seriously the poor thing ran out crying home while everyone had to wait to slow dance since all that fucking rotten garbage juice was everywhere and stuck up the gym. It ruined everyone’s night.”

“Whatever…” Kevin chucked his beer and slammed it down. He felt guilty about the incident but did try to warn her that going with Eddy would ruin her prom. He didn’t want to admit it, but he always had a soft spot for her, even when she was Edd. He wished that maybe he was nicer to her since she was always nice to him even when he was a dick. She’d help him study, give him notes, she’d even sometimes help him with college applications when he had no idea what to do.

He chuckled, thinking about how Dee lectured him about taking school seriously. How “just because everyone gives you a pass in high school doesn’t mean you’ll get them in college”. He laughed at her, telling her how he was gonna go pro and school was just a tool to get him there. But looking at his drink and the situation he was in, he had to admit she was right. In truth, he should have listened to her; if he did, he probably would have been doing something else instead of fixing up sports cars and motorcycles. He’d probably have a nicer salary, a degree, and probably would have never come back to Peach Creek to settle.

“So Double D is back, what has she been up to?” He asked curiously.

“Well, she is an epidemiologist in the city, has a nice little office and lab, which she loves going on about. Moved into the apartment by the little shopping district just at the edge of Peach Creek. Cute place, she lives there with her insects. From what I heard, she’s been single and trying to mingle; however, I think with Eddy back, she’s setting her eyes on him.”

“Oh wow, she seems like she’s done some cool stuff…” He said awkwardly as he sipped his beer.

“Oh god, Kevin, don’t tell me you still got this weird thing with Double Dee being trans again.”

“I don’t-“

“You act so weird around her it’s like I can’t tell if you want to screw her or like hit her.”

“First of all, I don’t hit chicks!?! Secondly, I never acted weird around her!”

“You straight up kept lurking around her like during prom season and kept trying to convince her not to go-“

“With Eddy cause he’s a dick and like she shouldn’t have to embarrass herself more by going with him!”

“Why would you care, though? You were dating Nazz plus it seems almost like you were more pissed at Eddy taking Dee than her actually going.”

“It’s not like that! Plus, I mean, Dee is a nice person, I was just looking out for her since she doesn’t get it easy. And like I’d save any chick from ruining their life by dating that dork! He and his brother do nothing but cause trouble! Ed, well, he’s an idiot, but he’s harmless, and Dee, she should’ve never surrounded herself with Eddy if she had avoided him, she could’ve been liked more! Hell, she could’ve even been the most popular chick next to Nazz, but Eddy likes to take people down with him!”

“Whatever they’re coming here so you can take up whatever drama you have with Eddy with him, so long as no fighting as much as I’d love to see you both make asses of yourselves, I’d rather not have the cops here, again!”

“Fine.” As Kevin sipped his beer he saw May and Ed enter at that point, he knew he just knew he was gonna see that shithead again. “Speaking of the devil, you guys came,” Lee said as she smiled at her sister, who sat by the bar with Ed next to her. Afterwards, Eddy and Dee followed behind. Kevin couldn’t help but look to see Eddy, who was still as short and chubby as he was in high school. His acne had gone away, and his hair was slicked back like a greaser. He was dressed way too well off like it was obvious he was trying too hard for a lifestyle he didn’t have. He was pissed seeing him especially after the shit his brother pulled but before he could get up to confront him, he saw Dee walking next to him.

‘Wow, she looks good, ’ Kevin thought as he checked her out.

She stood taller than Eddy and seemed to still have her slim figure, but her posture was more confident yet relaxed. Her hair was long, and her beanie had been replaced with a bandana, which shocked Kevin the most. He never thought he’d see her again after graduation, but here they were at the same bar 8 years later. She seemed like she had her life together,r even after everything, he couldn’t help but be envious of her.

He realized that none of them knew they were sitting next to him, that Dee sat right beside him at the bar already ordering a Sangria while the others ordered either a beer or a cocktail. To say that his realization that he wasn’t noticed made him a bit irritated, especially since Eddy was only a seat away from him, laughing loudly about his adventurous life of scamming his way through the US. About his time in Vegas, where he was supposedly a “lady’s man,” Kevin noticed the shift in Dee's going from smiling to becoming slightly jealous. It somewhat pissed him off that Eddy acted like nothing happened especially with the shit his brother pulled.

“Hey, no neck!” Kevin shouted, causing the group to be startled at his outburst. “You got a lot of nerve coming back after what your asshole brother did!”

“Listen, shovel chin! I don’t know what your problem is about but my bro’s in jail dumb shit!”

“No, he ain’t, he got out like 3 weeks ago!” The group looked shocked and scared at the realization.

“Wait, he’s out, but he had like a whole 7 years left?!”

“Yeah, no shit!”

“Terry is out of incarceration? Oh, dear, that’s horrible. How does he even accomplish an early release with the monstrosity of convictions he has?” Dee looked terrified, even shocked at this revelation.

“Yeah, he’s out and he wrecked by bike!? He damaged it almost beyond repair and someone has to fucking pay for it! Fucking McGee’s! Alway’s causing trouble and not doing shit to fix it!”

“Oh yeah! Good to to see a fucking Barr drinking their problems away like daddy like fucking son!”

“Your family’s the reason this shit town has gone downhill! Everyone was relieved when Terry was arrested and happier when you were off the map!”

“Oh yeah-” Both were practically at each other’s throats, waiting for the other to throw the first punch. But before Eddy and Kevin could get into it, Dee interrupted. “I can help you with your bike, I’m actually quite adept with automotive equipment. It’s a bit of a hobby of mine.” Both Eddy and Kevin looked at her.

Kevin let out a sigh in defeat.

As much as he wanted to beat the hell out of Eddy, he knew if he did he’d get arrested and that was not something he wanted to add to list of “times I’ve fucked up my life”. Plus, he’d get an extra hand who actually knows what they're doing and some company. He thought that maybe this could be a way to make up for what happened in high school and try to make amends.

“Fine, I know how to fix my own bike, but a second hand would make the process faster, plus from what I’ve been overhearing, Eddy here doesn’t have the cash to even fix a tire.” Eddy looked red in the face and stormed off to the restroom.

“Great going asshole! You turned a good night into a shit one!” May said as she hit her hands down in defeat. Ed rubbed May’s back as they decided to converse about their wedding in a few months to cheer the mood.

Dee was sipping her drink, waiting on Eddy, as there was a silent awkwardness with her and Kevin both trying to avoid eye contact. It was Dee who decided to break the ice.

“So, Kevin, it’s been quite a while…”

“Yeah, same to you. You look good, Double D.”

“Thank you, you look quite comely yourself. What has been up with you?”

“Been working at Luxuries Speed, head repairman for luxury vehicles and motorcycles.” Kevin bragged to Dee as she nodded in acknowledgement. “Most be quite the career. You have always been quite talented in your handiness, it’s quite admirable.”

“Thanks, I’ve heard you landed a job in a lab makes sense with you being a genius and all.” Dee smiled as she took another sip, as did Kevin. “So, you’ve been back for a while, I feel kinda shitty making that first impression, but you know with Terry back destroying shit it reminds me of Eddy with the shit he used to pull.”

“I understand. I just wish you and Eddy wouldn’t get as heated as you do. Just like our youth, you both have been at each other's throats. It’d be nice if we could have at least one time where you both put your differences aside.”

“Sorry about that…”

“It’s fine, plus it’s kind of nice to see you again. I mean, we weren’t exactly friends, but we were never enemies. I guess we just hung around different groups and had different interests.”

“Yeah, but at least, we can try to be friends now, I mean if you want.”

“Why, I’d be delighted. If it is fine for you, when is the soonest you would like to work on your bike?”

“You free this weekend?” Dee nodded, and Kevin smiled. “Works best for me. I'll give you my address and number!” Kevin took Dee’s phone and put his phone number and address into her contacts. “There now, you have my intel, come whenever and we can have some takeout while we get some work done.”

“Splendid!”

Dee continued to drink with Kevin as May and Ed soon joined in. They were discussing the upcoming wedding as Lee made comments as she stocked her bar shelves. Eddy, however, was on the other side of the bar, flirting with some of the ladies at the end of the bar, making Dee roll her eyes and face away from him. May was going over the destination being the Cree,k as they planned to have the wedding there and the reception at Lee’s bar. Rolf was supposedly making the feast and had Kevin as a plus one since he wasn’t sure if Kevin and Nazz were going together. May had decided on spring colors as she stated it was going to be a spring wedding.

“So, we decided on a confetti wedding cake with vanilla frosting and strawberry filling!” May gleefully explained. Ed giggled as they were acting like lovebirds. “I’m so thrilled that you two are getting married. It’s wonderful to know you both have such a loving relationship and wish to spend your lifetime together.”

“I know! I’m so excited, I’m especially excited to pick out my dress, such reminds me of Dee. Are you coming to the bridal shop with us girls? It's in November.”

“Of course I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” They were all chatting about the wedding as Eddy looked annoyed, coming back and sitting between Dee and Ed. Seems as though Eddy’s attempts at wooing the ladies only led him to embarrass himself.

“Trouble in paradise, Eddy?” Lee asked as Eddy grumbled something under his breath. “Apparently, they remember me from high school and wanted to get a laugh in. Just my luck...” Eddy tried to hide his hurt, expressing as he looked down at his cocktail.

“It is quite alright, Eddy, it’s their loss anyway. I’m sure someone will find your advances pleasant, possibly even someone you know...” Dee rubbed Eddy’s shoulder as she tried to cheer him up. “Yeah, you're right.” Dee and Ed smiled at him as the others shook their heads.

It was going to be one hell of a reunion, that’s for sure.

Chapter Text

“HUH! I can’t believe this!? He forgot our anniversary and decided we need a break! Why?!” Nazz frustratedly yelled into her couch cushion as Marie sat on the floor rolling her eyes. Marie had been hanging out with Nazz for years and usually hung out more when Nazz and Kevin were going through something. It annoyed Marie, but she couldn’t just leave Nazz in her mess after all, she was her best friend.

“Well, Malibu, that’s just how the cookie crumbles. I mean, seriously, why don’t you just dumb him already?” Marie looked at Nazz, who turned over and pouted at her. She didn’t understand why someone like Nazz wasted her time with Kevin, he was just some douche who peaked in high school who never wanted a serious relationship with her.

Nazz was honestly pretty, hell gorgeous in Marie’s eyes. Nazz had shoulder-length Barbie blonde hair and greyish blue eyes. She had the figure of a model and the athletic build of an NFL cheerleader. It also added that Nazz usually kept up with fashion trends and wore the nicest name brand clothes money could buy. Besides her looks, Nazz was pretty smart, funny, and sweet, to the fact that she practically was the dream girl of every man and what every girl envied to be.

She didn’t get how someone like Kevin, who was still physically fit yet looked bummy. He had messy ginger hair and a goat tee, which Marie gagged just thinking about. Kevin dressed like a 30-year-old divorced alcoholic man obsessed with sports and motorcycles. He was the epiphany of someone who peaked in high school.

“You wouldn’t get it, okay! I love Kevin, I just wish he would take our relationship seriously and not avoid conversation about our future.”

“Again, I think you should dump him, I mean, come on, Nazz, he’s a total idiot, and like you're an 11 out of 10, you don’t need that jockstrap to like you.”

“Marie, I think we should drop this topic because I don’t want to argue about this with you again. I love Kevin and I want to work on us, so I’m not going to dump him!” Marie just shrugged and rolled her eyes as she drank her twisted ale. She knew this conversation would go like last time, where they argued, then Nazz told her to leave, and then they texted how sorry they were about their fight and hang out again.

A never-ending process that the two had when Kevin and Nazz weren’t working out.

Nazz sat down next to Marie on the floor with her back pressed against the couch. Her makeup was smeared, and her eyes were red from crying. Marie always felt like shit when Nazz cried, and it made her feel even more hatred for Kevin as in her eyes Kevin couldn’t give a damn.

Before Marie could say anything, her phone buzzed as she looked at the text message she received from her sister May. The message said that Eddy arrived in Peach Creek and that they were at Lee’s bar with a couple of friends. A photo was sent with it showing May and Ed closely hugging each other, with Lee standing on the other side of the bar. Eddy was in the center, clearly covering himself from getting his photo taken. Double D was behind him, smiling as she faced the camera. Marie smiled at the photo until she noticed who was next to Dee.

It was Kevin.

He was smiling with a beer in his hand, seeming like he didn’t have a care in the world. It honestly just soured her mood since he seemed to be doing great while her best friend, Nazz, was a wreck.

“What is it?” Nazz asked curiously.

“May just sent me a text saying Eddy’s back and they are all at the bar drinking.”

“Let me see the picture.” Before Marie could say anything, Nazz snatched the phone from her hand and looked irritated.

“Wow! Just wow! Kevin’s at the bar having a blast with them while I’m going through a train wreck of emotions!” Nazz threw the phone down on the other side of her apartment living room.

“Hey! That’s my phone! You better hope that it didn’t crack or I swear-”

“Why does he do this to me?” Nazz asked as she held her couch pillow in her arms. “Why does he say he loves me but then act like I’m not there?”

Marie felt bad, and as much as she wanted to just go off on her about her acting crazy, she understood her frustration. She couldn’t lie, she was also a lunatic when it came to love, after all, she was obsessed with Double D growing up and would literally throw tantrums about it. It wasn’t until she got older that she realized she was being unreasonable about her feelings for Double D back in junior high. She realized you couldn’t make someone love you, and you shouldn’t expect them to love you back just based on your feelings. It was later that she realized she didn’t like Double D because he was some cute boy, but rather cause Double D was the most feminine at that time. It soon made her realize she wasn’t into boys but rather girls.

Funny enough, Dee came out as trans around the same time Marie came out as lesbian, almost kind of ironic in Marie’s eyes. They talked, and well, Marie apologized about her past behavior, and the two, while civil, kept a distance. They were more like distant friends, and Marie was just lucky that Dee forgave her and didn’t get her expelled for harassment in middle school.

Marie could in ways relate to Nazz in this situation and wished she could just get in Nazz’s mind and make her realize the truth of things. But that’s not how life works, and she knew it had to be Nazz to end it and not her.

“He’s too stupid to realize how great you are plus he’s a dude so like he doesn’t know shit.”

“You think?”

“Nazz honey, I know, Plus all men suck that’s why I switched teams.” Marie joked as she got Nazz up from the floor and hugged her. Nazz seemed a bit cheered up from it and started giggling.

“You know, we should have like a girls’ day or something,” Nazz suggested. It made Marie happy that Nazz’s spirits had lifted. It was one of the things Marie loved about Nazz, being how she would perk up quickly once things seemed to lighten up.

“Yeah, I’m down, plus it ain’t like I got anything to do.”

“Awesome! Anything you got in mind?”

“How about we hang at the junkyard and break some shit. I always find that letting out some steam helps me out when I’m bummed.”

“Yeah, yeah, I think I really need that right now.”

----------

“Ma! I need to talk to ya.”

“What is it, sweetie pie?” Eddy’s mother asked as she turned around to face him as she was putting away the dishes.

“When did Terry get out?” The sound of glass breaking could be heard as she stood there looking bewildered. She seemed hesitant to answer, only furthering Eddy’s curiosity about how long his mother knew of his brother’s return.

“Um-uh, Eddy dear, I think-”

“Kevin told me he wrecked his bike and has been out for like 3 weeks, so can you please tell me what you know?”

She sighed as she seemed to dread answering her son, but knew that he was going to try and get the answer regardless.

“He has been back, but your dad and I told him he wasn’t welcome back. From what little we know, he’s been associated with some bad people, and we think it’s best to avoid him at all costs.” She seemed to be holding something else back, but Eddy couldn’t put his finger on it. “We think it’s best that you don’t associate with Terry anymore. You have been through enough, and the last thing me and your dad want is for you to fall into a deeper hole.”

“So, where has he been staying?”

“We don’t know, and it’s best not to think about it.”

“Alright...” Eddy had mixed feelings about his brother being back, as he had a strained relationship with both due to his brother not being around but also due to his past physical abuse that he claimed was just “kidding around”.

He wanted to have a close relationship with his brother, especially when he was younger. Eddy remembers watching shows where the older brother played the wingman and helped his younger sibling with whatever they needed, even when they were upset at each other. It was childish, Eddy knew that, but he still wanted to have a good relationship with his brother. Maybe in Eddy’s eyes, his brother was misunderstood and just frustrated with his position in life, just like him.

“Oh, I forgot to mention I’m going out. I’m having dinner with Mrs. Vincent; she’s been so happy that Dee has been back home. I can’t say that I blame her as I’m just as over thrilled with you back home!” She said as she hugged him tightly, she kissed his cheek repeatedly.

“Come on, Mom, I’m 25, not a kid anymore!” He tried pulling away, only causing his mother to tighten her hold on him. “I know, but you’ll always be my baby.”

Eddy waited until his mother was done and watched her rush out, realizing she was late for her dinner with Mrs. Vincent. He watched her rush out and thought realized he hadn’t really observed his home since he had been back. While he literally just came back from the bar, as everyone went home to call it a night. Personally, Eddy felt it was too early to call it a night, that being they left around 8 pm; however, everyone stated they had work in the morning, something Eddy couldn’t relate to.

He realized most likely he wouldn’t have anything to do during the majority of the week, and he would most likely have to wait for the others to get out of work. He thought about looking for a job, but felt he needed a break since he had to deal with the stress and depression of losing every opportunity for success.

“I really need something to do!” Eddy started out loud alone as he walked into the living room and put on the TV. He was channel flipping through, realizing his parents didn’t have any streaming services but instead had cable, which made him realize he wasn’t gonna find anything that piqued his interest. He thought about how everyone had their life put together, and here he was sitting on his parents' old couch, flipping through channels and not having any idea what he was gonna do for the week.

He hated how it seemed like everybody had more of a life than him. How the loveable goofball Ed now owns a business, has his own property, pet chickens, and literally was about to get married. It still surprised him how Ed managed to pull all that in 8 years. Even Double D had her life figured out and even had her own social life, the once socially awkward to now someone who has friends all over and has more confidence than in her youth.

Eddy couldn’t help but feel envious of this two friends, after all when he left Peach Creek the night of their after grad party he thought he was going to be the successful one, the one who “made it out” and the one who shows up at their high school reunion being the once short chubby dork to the rich, successful lady’s man that every movie he watched made him anticipate. But none of that happened; instead, he was jobless, had limited funds from whatever he could scrape, and was stuck back at Peach Creek just like everyone else said he would.

He just wanted more in life than what he had. While he loved these two childhood best friends, he always wanted to have more than just them. Popularity, having people envy you, and having people want to befriend you, is what he wanted. To be someone, not just some short loser who got stuck hanging out with his childhood friends because no one wanted him. No offense to Dee or Ed, but he wanted more than just them.

While Ed and Dee were his rock, he felt that they just didn’t get him fully. He knew Ed was just a lovable oaf who looked out for him and wanted nothing more than to please him. Which, in truth, Eddy would admit he did take advantage of Ed’s gullible and good-hearted nature to get him involved in some scams, especially when he needed Ed’s strength and “can-do” attitude. He felt it was easier to blame Eddy for some of his misdoings, especially when he knew a beating was coming. Ed was built strong and could handle it, Eddy would tell himself. It didn’t help when he found out Ed and May were seeing each other, which Eddy didn’t approve of. He was afraid that Ed would leave, that he’d be the man with a girlfriend before him and more likely be the “man” of the group, which Eddy wanted to claim for himself, being that he felt that was all he had to offer. He gave Ed an ultimatum, which caused a bit of a drift. Dee thought it was harsh, but Eddy felt that if Ed dated May, he would eventually leave him behind for “Kanker love” instead of his trio.

Dee, on the other hand, was the brains and the shy one of the three. She tended not to stand up for herself often and tried to take pacifist routes when she could. Eddy felt bad that he tended to undermine her, especially when it came to having a love and social life. He thought that since his social life in high school was bleak, so was Dee’s; however, he was wrong. He found out a few people actually had a crush on her, and from overhearing Nazz talking to her friends, one of the linebackers was thinking about asking her out. First, Eddy thought this was some prank on her until he realized Dee had a better shot at dating than him. He hated how he figured out Dee was way more liked than him and how he overheard the popular kids he idolized state that Dee should ditch the other Eds and hang out with them instead. He never told Dee this and never wanted to; he wanted to keep Dee close, being that she was the other of the two people he needed in his life. He asked her to the prom in the hopes that he wouldn’t be the loser who went to the prom without a date. Eddy felt bad using Dee to seem like a stud, to use Dee to make Nazz “jealous”. It was wrong, but he knew if he didn’t, it wouldn’t be long before he’d be stuck alone as some loser dork.

He sat there thinking about his youth and what he’d done, but he felt it was necessary, as in his eyes it was a harsh world, and he wanted the luxury of popularity. Even now, he envies the idea of what the popular kids did with their lives. He knew everyone else had gone to school or picked up a career. Hell, he even heard Johnny was doing good for himself as he got himself a small place to live, but liked crashing at other people's houses.

Knock

Knock

Speaking of Johnny, it appears he came over to Eddy’s childhood home to see how he’s doing.

“Heya Eddy! Long time no see.” Johnny greeted as he welcomed himself into his place, as Eddy rolled his eyes. Johnny grew and was taller than him; he had locks and a beanie on, which looked like Dee’s old beanie except with pins and patches on it. He wore a band shirt with cargo shorts and slides. He had a backpack on with Plank poking out of it with a branch growing on him. He seemed happy to see him which Eddy felt kind of content that someone besides his two friends was happy to see him.

“Sup 2 by 4, what got you to drop by?”

“Plank and I wanted to see what you were up to with you being back and everything. Figured you came back to rub in everyone’s face about how rich you got.” Eddy looked nervous as he realized Johnny seemed to be the few people who didn’t know his situation.

“Actually, I’m back to try to market my services for this town, they seemed like they needed me back.” He said cockily knowing it was a lie but not wanting to come off as a jobless loser.

“Neato! Heard you traveled around a lot, must be nice getting to travel around the country.”

“Yeah, its fucking awesome.” The truth was Eddy ran from state to state to make the meets end. It was either that he felt because he was run out by the townspeople or if his funds were insufficient. He also owed some money to what he presumed were loan sharks, but he’s managed to get out of that pickle for now.

“Wow! Must be nice! Me and Plank have been thinking about a road trip to do next year, and if you have any recommendations.”

“Well, California is great with its fame and babes, especially all the celebrities.” If you don’t include the fact that Eddy had gone bankrupt from his celebrity tour scam, where he was trespassing on private properties and studios to make his buck. “New York is top notch, especially Wall Street.” Eddy fled after he lost a company millions of dollars by pretending to be a stockbroker, he thought it would be easy since he watched the first half of The Wolf of Wall Street. “Miami is great! Great beaches, laid back nature, and the locals love ya!” Eddy took money out from some loan sharks t do horse racing and lost it all, he was lucky to have gotten out of there before shit hit the fan. “But honestly, Las Vegas was my personal favorite! Slots, money, and riches all around, it’s a paradise for a hunk like me.” Eddy actually had a decent job at the casino and brought good money in; however, his greed got the best of his head when he tried to sneak his way into taking ownership, which got him kicked.

“Damn Eddy seems like you had an adventurous life! I’m jelly! Thanks for the recommendations, pal.”

“Oh, course, Johnny o’pal.”

“Was gonna ask if you wanted to hang out with us at the junkyard tonight? Me, Plank, and Rolf are having a late-night fire roast if you wanna come.”

“Well, let me see if I can fit it into my schedule?” Eddy pretended to think about it as he didn’t want to come off as desperate. He really wanted to go so he could get out of the house, but wanted to seem like he had things going on in his life. “Yea,h I can make time.”

“Great! I’ll see you around 10 buddy!”

Chapter Text

Knock

Knock

Kevin heard his door getting knocked on and realized it was finally Saturday. The week had gone by so fast, and it had finally become the weekend. He knew Dee was coming over and had his tools prepared in the garage. He hoped his place wasn’t too dirty, as he was still fixing up his place. About 2 years ago, Kevin saved up enough to put a down payment on a house where he could work on his bike and upgrades. It was a dump when he bought it, but at least he was still in Peach Creek with a bit of distance from the busy part of town. It was a 2-bedroom, one bathroom place with a big garage enough to hold two cars. The garage was the main reason he bought it. He did some repainting and floor fixing, along with some upgrades in kitchen equipment. It still needed more work done on it and possibly more furniture, as the place seemed emptier. That and he was also using lawn chairs as dining room chairs. His home was pretty bare and had minimal furniture, his shelves held old sport trophies and photos of his past athletic achievements.

He opened the door, seeing Dee standing there with her toolbox in hand. “Salutations, Kevin.” She greeted him as she smiled. Kevin looked at her and thought her appearance seemed different than the last time he saw her. From her face, delicately covered in makeup, now bare and natural. Her hair hung in a ponytail behind her bandana. A blank tank top with bagging short orange cargo pants that were stained from what he could tell was oil. It was completely in contrast to her neat and professional attire that he saw her in last week. Kevin couldn’t deny that Dee looked good, especially after all these years.

“So, you want to come in and head to the garage? Sorry if the place is a bit of a mess, it's been a tough few weeks.”

“It’s quite alright. You have a lovely home.” Dee followed Kevin through the small home into the garage. “My, you have a spectacular setup. I must say I’m quite envious of your workshop.”

“Thanks, honestly, I’ve been working on some upgrades for my bike before Terry wrecked my bike. He went to his bike and pulled the sheet covering it off. Dee gasped seeing how damaged his bike was, as there were dents, scratches, and graffiti scattered around the bike. The seat was completely torn up, and the handlebars were bent. “Good lord!? Terry really did a number on your motorcycle!”

“Yeah, no shit.”

“What even led to him doing this?”

“We got into an argument when he almost hit my bike with his shit car. It got heated and I drove off to Lee’s bar since I was having a shitty day. Next thing I know, I heard honking, and a car sped off with Terry giving me the finger. I look at the bike and BOOM it’s this fucking mess.”

“Oh, dear pardon my language but Terry is quite an unpleasant dick.” Kevin tried holding in his laughter until he couldn’t. He couldn’t help but laugh at Dee’s over polite tone with her swearing. Dee rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms. “Didn’t expect you to actually cuss lil miss goodie two shoes.”

Dee looked at him and huffed. “You know I’m a grown woman now, right? I’m not 11 years old anymore.”

“I know it’s just, even in high school, you’d say anything but a ‘bad word’. You just never seem like the kind of person to call someone a dick like I feel like you’d call them a ‘jerk’ or at most a ‘bum’.”

“Do I truly come off as ‘goodie two shoes’?”

“Yeah, but that’s okay, cause like that’s what people like about you, at least from when we were in high school, some people thought you were cool.” Dee looked spectacle at his comment as she got down and started to take of the bike’s seats screws with a screwdriver.

“I highly doubt that people thought of me as ‘cool’.”

“Well, I mean people used to say that you were pretty neat and like want to hang out with you. Hell, I wanted to hang out with you more than half of the other kids at school.”

“So, if I was so ‘neat’, why didn’t people engage much with me. Better yet, why was I verbally harassed and cast out often?”

“It’s because you hung out with Eddy, so people kind of hated that you associated with him. If you had dropped him at the end of Junior high, you might’ve actually gotten to hang out with me, Nazz, and the team.” Kevin searched in his toolbox for his level 3 socket for his box end. Dee passed it to him as she continued taking off the damaged parts and placing them to the other side of the garage.

“You know Eddy’s one of my closest friends and we have a long-standing relationship that has been through a lot, but we still manage to make things work.” She stated as she continued working on the bike with him.

“Yeah sure... more one-sided when you look at it,” Kevin mumbled under his breath. “What did you say?” Dee stopped and stood in front of him with a vexed look. “Nothing...” He looked down, continuing to unscrew the last parts. “That’s what I thought.”

The two continued working on the bike and replacing whatever parts they had on standby. It seemed that his bike was going to need a new seat and a paint job, which Kevin knew was going to be a bit of a dip in his savings. As much as he wished he could say he was angry about his bike being busted and having to waste a weekend fixing it rather than relaxing, he couldn’t deny that he felt enjoyment in a job well down. That and also having Double D over to help him, which he couldn’t deny, it was nice having company over, and having someone who was familiar with vehicle maintenance and modifications.

“We did a killer job today, Dee. How about we go inside and get something to drink to cool us off?”

“That would be splendid, I am also quite famished. I was contemplating on if I should order us takeout.”

“That’d be nice, heard there’s a new Thai place that opened. They deliver. I got the menu on my fridge.” Dee headed in and saw the pamphlet menu on the fridge. As she grabbed it, she looked through it. They had a lot of selections, and that seemed really good, but she was thinking of getting the pineapple fried rice with some spring rolls. Kevin came in as he wiped the sweat off his brow, and he came up towards Dee as she handed him the menu. “Let me know what you want, and I’ll order it.” He skimmed through and figured he’d just try whatever.

“I’ll just get the drunken noodles and some krab rangoons.” Dee nodded as she called and placed the order. “45 minutes, alright, thank you.”

“So Double D... You wanna watch I don’t know mythbusters or something?”

“You watch Mythbusters?” Dee questioned as she was trying to hold back her giggling. “Yeah, I do! Why are you laughing?”

“Just never took you for someone invested in Mythbusters.” Dee snickered as Kevin rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I am. What you don't like Mythbusters?”

“Actually, I love Mythbusters, especially when I was younger. I remember when Ed, Eddy, and I would watch them, and Eddy would try to come up with a scam based on whatever episode we were on.” She smiled as Kevin took a seat next to her on his couch. Both were watching Myth Busters, talking and joking around until their food arrived. Dee paid the delivery boy and brought the food over to the coffee table. There was a short period of silence due to them both eating, both were trying to avoid awkward eye contact as the show was going on in front of them.

“ I have to thank you, Kevin, for introducing me to this place. I most certainly need to order from them again. It’s delectable!”

“No problem, this is actually my first time trying them.”

“Really? So how’d you hear about them?” Dee looked at him curiously as she picked at the food in her food container. “Yeah, so like Nazz found them and wanted to go there for our anniversary, but like I forgot we were supposed to go so...”

“I’m sorry you and Nazz seem to be having... troubles. If you need to speak about the subject, I’m here.” She put her hand on Kevin’s shoulder, giving a kind, sincere smile. “Thanks, Dee, honestly, it would be nice to talk to someone about it.” Kevin gave a short smile back as he looked at Dee. He couldn’t help but notice how pretty she looked, even with the oil and dust stains on her clothes.

“So, like me and Nazz have been on and off for a while. She wants to, I think, take our relationship to another level and like possibly move in together. I’ve been trying to avoid that discussion with her because I don’t know if I want to get serious with Nazz. I mean, I like her and all, and we were great as friends, but I don’t think I see a future with her.” Dee nodded listening as Kevin just let out his feelings about his situation. “Have you told her this?” Kevin shook his head no as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“I’m afraid of hurting her cause like I grew up with her and always liked her rather as a friend or girlfriend, but I don’t know...”

“Well, I know it’s not my place to say what you should do, but I think whatever you plan to do, you should use your best judgment. From what I know, you’ll figure it out, just take some time to think about how you feel.”

“Thanks, Dee, I honestly needed to hear that.” Kevin looked at Dee and watched her smile at him in reassurance. He took in her features as he couldn’t help but admire her gap-toothed smile and bright blue eyes. He didn’t know why, but he felt his face warm up as Dee turned back, facing the TV. She fixed her hair off her face, and Kevin felt weird for staring at her. His heart started hitting his chest as he took in her body and features.

It wasn’t until he felt buzzing from his pocket that he saw that Nazz was calling him. He thought about taking the call and listening to what Nazz wanted to discuss. He knew if he answered, he could convince Nazz to get back together or even figure out where they stood. He didn’t know why, but he was hesitating.

“Who’s calling you?” Kevin looked at Dee as he held his phone close. He could say it was Nazz, and Dee would leave so he could talk to her, but he didn’t want her to. Kevin knew he had a chance to talk with Nazz and figure out and fix things, so why was he hesitating? He debated on telling her or not. But he soon decided what to say.

“It’s nothing, just some spam calls.” He stated as he tucked his phone away between the couch. He knew ignoring Nazz was shitty but he didn’t want to ruin this time with Dee. It was shitty he knew, and he should at least text her but seeing Dee next to him, laughing and joking with him made him feel a way he hadn’t in a while.

He just hoped it wasn’t important.

-------

“Why isn’t he picking up any of my calls or answering any of my texts?” Nazz asked in a state of both annoyance and anxiety.

“He’s probably busy doing something stupid. Just forgot about him and drink your goddamn cocktail already!” Marie went off as she chugged her drink down in frustration. “You both wanted a break! A break means you both take distance and this is not fucking distancing yourself!”

“I’m sorry, Marie, I’m just frustrated that he hasn’t kept me updated on him. Like he could be hurt or dead or something!”

“We wouldn’t be that lucky enough for him to be dead.”

“Marie!?”

“What! I’m just saying he isn’t worth the time, plus this is supposed to be our weekend! We were supposed to get wasted on cocktails and not give a fuck about anything.” Marie stated as she gave a dirty look to Jimmy, who was snickering with Sarah and Lee.

“Relationship troubles?” Jimmy asked as he turned around to face them. “We’ve heard.” Sarah chimed in as Nazz looked between the two of them. “Yeah, something like that. Kevin won’t answer any of her calls and texts.”

“Oh damn sorry to hear that. Maybe he’s busy with like work-”

“Jimmy! Kevin doesn’t work on weekends.” Sarah replied as she playfully slapped Jimmy’s shoulder. “Seriously, though, just forgot about him and enjoy your weekend.”

Nazz sighed, looking at her phone, waiting for a response or reply. She looked at her text messages that she sent to Kevin, seeing as he didn’t reply to her. She wanted to see if Kevin wanted to finally discuss where their relationship was going. As much as she felt like the relationship they had was rocky, she still wanted to work on their relationship and build it into something more. Marie told her she should drop him, especially since he’s been so distant with her. She loved Kevin but hated the back and forth they had when it came to their relationship. It wasn’t easy, especially seeing everyone else around her have happy, fulfilling relationships while her’s was a mess. Seeing her old cheer squad from high school showing off their boyfriends, fiancés, and husbands made her a bit jealous, seeing as all of them had either moved in with their partners or had a ring on their finger.

She wanted a relationship where she felt cherished and loved. Someone who loved her for more than her looks and wanted to lift her spirits. Someone who would always be there for her in her best and worst moments in life. A person who could be both her best and worst self. Someone who took her seriously but could make her laugh when she cried.

Those were the things she wanted in a relationship. The love and happily ever after that rom coms sold her on, and fantasy novels gushed about.

Instead, she was at a bar drinking with Marie while Sarah, Jimmy, and Lee made comments about her relationship choices. She hated how this became her life. Drinking at a bar, crying about a guy who won’t answer her calls or texts. Her younger self would have told her to put on a smile, put her big girl pants on, and dump him, but for some reason, she didn’t understand why she couldn’t just listen to that voice inside her.

“Earth to Nazz. You wanna go out and get some air? You look a bit pale.” Marie stood up, offering her hand as Nazz took it. They headed towards the back of the bar, where Marie took out a cigarette to smoke. She took long, slow hits from her cigarette as Nazz sat at the picnic table facing the woods. She debated on rather she should ask for a smoke or not, even though she was never a smoker herself, but felt the need to want to.

“So, Nazz, any plans for this week?” Marie asked, sitting next to Nazz. “No, just work and like going to the gym.”

“Well, since you've got nothing, I’m hanging out with you every day this week. I’d hate leaving you to mope and get all emo over some prick, so yeah.”

“You know you don’t have to.” Marie looked at her, and Nazz looked back at her. Nazz started to notice that the intimidating Marie seemed calmer and more sincere than her typical appearance.

“I know. I just want to.” Nazz smiled at her, feeling acknowledged. It was nice knowing someone was willing to spend time with her, even though she felt she was being a pain. She knew Marie could have just ignored her and told her to deal with but she actually cared about her and was willing to deal with someone else’s drama just for her sake. Nazz couldn’t help but admire how strong-willed and free-spirited Marie was and how she just did whatever she wanted. The fact that Nazz knew Marie chose to come here and hang out with her out of her own free will made her wish that she could feel as appreciated and supported in her relationship the way Marie cared.

“Thanks, Marie, you're the best.” Nazz smiled as Marie smiled back at her. “Anytime, you know I’ll never ditch ya.”

“Honestly, Marie, you have been a saint with everything. I’m glad we get to hang out and be besties.”

“Definitely plus you’re like the coolest, most real chick I know. You’ll get through anything cause your like fucking superhuman.”

“Awww, do you really mean that?”

“Um, duh! You like are smart as shit and deal with assholes all the time in town hall. You literally stay fit like an athlete and could cheer for like nationals or something. You’re so sweet, you practically give type 2 diabetes to everyone around you! You are better than like 99% of the assholes in this shit town, don’t let one asshole make you think you are any less.” Nazz smiled as she felt the genuine sincerity of Marie’s words. They were much more emotional than Nazz had ever heard anyone say about her, and she couldn’t help but blush. Marie was the raging badass who had no fucks to give that Nazz which she could be. The carefree nature of her appearance contrasted with her own. While Nazz had shoulder-length, well-groomed hair, Marie’s hair was blue, messy, short, and had split ends. She wore the newest and fashionable light colorful clothes while Marie wore dark scratched up, holed clothes that were either second-hand or modified. Nazz only had her eyes pierced and not a tattoo in sight on her frame, while Marie was littered with tats and had her belly, ears, nose, and tongue pierced. Their appearances contrasted with one another as did their personalities, yet both somehow had a close bond.

Nazz didn’t know why, but she was drawn to Marie. It was something she wished she understood and wanted to know why she felt the way she felt. She thought that if Kevin acted and was like Marie, their relationship would be perfect; however, Kevin and Marie were not the same.

“You know, Marie, if you were a guy, you’d totally be the love of my life.” Nazz joked as she playfully bumped Marie’s arm, as Marie gave a smile and playfully hit her back. “Yeah...” Marie looked away, feeling a tad of pain in her chest,t but quickly shoved it away as she went back to talking to Nazz about the night sky. Nazz told her to make a wish since she saw a shooting star, but not to tell her, or it wouldn’t come true.

The night was bright and filled with stars more than usual. Marie felt even with all the stars that scattered the sky, there was still not enough for her to wish for Nazz to love her.

Chapter Text

“Eddy, would you please stop putting your feet on my coffee table! I just cleaned it and would like to not have toe prints on it.” Dee scolded Eddy as she hit him over the head with a rolled-up magazine. Ed was sitting on the other side of her couch as he was playing a video game on her television. Ed had brought his PlayStation over so they could talk about and play the new remastered ‘Slayers of Hellscape’, which they hadn’t played since high school. Eddy and Ed were playing as Dee organized her stuff and inspected her pet insects.

She had an Orchid flower mantis, a rhinoceros beetle, and her ant farm she had had since she was a child.

“Hey Double D, how about you stop playing with your insects and help me take down this boss! We could use a third player right about now!”

“In a moment, I just need to see how my favorite beetle, Carl,” She held him in her hand as she watched him crawl around her arm. She noticed her phone buzzing in her pocket and saw it was Kevin texting her. He sent a photo of himself with his bike’s new paint job, as he chose a gorgeous maroon red for the color. He was smiling and showing off his helmet in the frame, Dee couldn’t help but smile at her friend finally having his prized possession back in working condition. Kevin asked what she was up to, and she replied by sending a photo of her holding her prized beetle in her hand with Ed and Eddy sitting on her couch playing video games while Ed was laughing and Eddy looking like he was going to throw the controller at her TV.

“Who you texting Sockhead?”

“Just Kevin, we’ve been mingling around for a while since I helped mend his bike. He’s been quite transparent with me.” She said, putting Carl back in his enclosure as she sat in the middle between Ed and Eddy, grabbing the third controller. Eddy seemed irritated. “Why are you talking to shovel chin?”

“His name is Kevin, not ‘shovel chin’, Eddy! That’s very insulting. He’s actually quite delightful once you get to know him.” Eddy rolled his eyes as he was button-mashing, seemingly hitting his fingers harder than usual.

“Whatever!” Eddy was frustratingly playing the game as Dee and Ed were playing too. Eddy tried to hold in his frustration, but hearing the constant buzzing of the phone and Dee putting the controller down to text him back while giggling just irritated him. She was acting strangely nice to him and even sending photos of her playing the game. He could help but look over her shoulder and see Kevin sending pictures of him at Rolf’s home, which he presumed, seeing Rolf working on a fence and a little girl playing with Wilfred, who, to Eddy’s surprise, was still alive.

He wanted to see what they were talking about since she kept going back and forth with playing the game and texting. He had to wait for her to put her phone down so he could sneak a peek.

“Geez, Double D, you’re acting like you’re his girlfriend! What are you two getting frisky behind Nazz’s back?” Dee paused the game and swiftly shifted her body to face Eddy as she crossed her arms, both in embarrassment and anger.

“How dare you, Eddy, suggest just a rudimentary idea?! We are just friends! Nothing more! Besides, he is still dating Nazz, and as much as he can be nasty to others, I highly doubt he is that immoral to cheat in his relationship!” Dee loudly explained as Eddy seemed annoyed. Ed was still playing but listening to their conversation.

Eddy seemed annoyed and felt like Dee hanging with Kevin was a slap to his face, especially since Dee knew how Kevin treated the trio growing up. In Eddy’s eyes Kevin was an asshole; all his life an asshole. He was born an asshole and will die an asshole as Eddy saw it. It made no sense why Dee would ever want to willingly hang out with him, and what confused him more was how she was defending him.

“Eddy, leave Dee alone! She can be friends with anyone, just like you and me, Eddy.”

“Shut up, Ed! This is between me and Dee, so buzz out!”

“Don’t talk to Ed like that, Eddy! You’re just starting a fight to get a rise out of us.”

Eddy rolled his eyes as he continued playing. He soon got too frustrated and suggested they do something else. Ed suggested getting food, but Eddy argued that he had already eaten. Dee, however, offered to make him something to eat since Ed’s stomach was growling loudly.

“Thanks, Dee, you’re the best!” Ed stated that he decided to help her with cooking. Ed and she were working on making gravy, and Eddy could hear them laughing it up as they tried to figure out the correct way to make gravy and toast. They were busy talking about the wedding coming up in 10 months. Ed was both excited and nervous as he wanted everything to be perfect for his special day.

“Rolf said he’ll have a feast made for us to feed at least a village!”

“Wow, Ed, I didn’t realize you were having that many people attend?”

“Nope! Just May’s sisters and mom, my parents, Sarah, Jimmy, Nazz, Rolf and his daughters, Kevin, Johnny, Plank, Eddy, and you!”

“That’s a lot of food for a short number of people! But knowing you and Rolf, you both will at least eat half of that.”

“Yeah, plus May wants you in the wedding! She wants Marie, Nazz, and Sarah as her bridesmaids. I told her I want you to be my lady’s groomsman! You, Eddy, and Johnny!”

“Aww, Ed! That’s so sweet, I’m honored!” Dee smiled as she continued stirring the gravy. Ed couldn’t help but have the biggest smile on his face knowing Dee and Eddy were going to his wedding. They were about of his life since they were tots. They went through the strongest, toughest battles together.

He smiled, thinking about their life growing up.

Back when they made scams to get money for jawbreakers, both their massive failures and rare successes. He smiled, thinking of how Dee helped him in school so he wouldn’t be held back a year, and how Eddy would sneak him toast and gravy when he was grounded. How, when Dee came out, and he supported her, and when Eddy opened up about his brother. They made it through school, and now they were adults fighting through the harshness of growing up.

Ed and Dee were having a blast while Eddy was in the living room going through Dee’s phone. He knew it was a serious breach of Dee’s privacy, but he wanted to know the situation with Dee and Kevin. He looked through, seeing mostly text about their interest and hanging out. He saw photos of the two, which looked friendly, but he could see Kevin looking at her with admiration. Looking more, he saw Kevin opening up about his relationship with Nazz.

“Jackpot!” Eddy excitedly whispered to himself.

He saw Kevin stating he doesn’t feel “in love” with Nazz but hates to end their relationship on bad terms, about how Kevin wished he could tell her how he feels but he’s scared of how she’ll react and Dee comforting him and telling him it’s okay and to take his time. He also picked up quickly from the texts that the time stamps show that the majority of the time, Kevin was texting her first. The texts seemed innocent on Dee’s end, but Kevin’s seemed off. To him, they were way too open and seemed to want to keep talking. Kevin kept asking her to hang out and about her interests, which was bizarre to him.

“What are you doing, Eddy!?” Eddy nearly dropped her phone on the hardwood floor. “I-um well uh-“

“You’re going through my cellular device and looking at my personal messages with-“ She snatched the phone, seeing whose text messages he was snooping through. “Kevin’s!? What he and I have discussed in those texts is private, and he told me in confidence! How could you just go through my possessions?”

“I got bored, alright! Besides, why are you two even talking? He’s like our enemy!”

“First of all, I am a grown woman who’s allowed to have conversations with anyone I want to, which includes Kevin. Secondly, we haven’t had issues with him since high school. And thirdly, we’re just conversing and growing familiar with one another as we become more friendly with each other.”

“Seems like he wants more than just a friendship with you.”

“What did you say? For one, we are friends, nothing more! And also, Kevin isn’t interested in me, he’s still with Nazz, which you keep reminding us about how you plan to woo her, yet have made no attempt at seeing her.”

“I need to strike when the time is right. Besides, even if you were seeing Kevin, I could use that so Nazz could dump him for cheating. She’d be so heartbroken she’d fall into my arms.”

“That’s horrible, Eddy! How could you even say that?! Meddling in other people's relationships is low even for you! Do you really believe Kevin would cheat on Nazz with me?!”

“Yeah, you're right. I’m not lucky enough for that to happen. Besides he’d be stupid to dump a smoking babe like Nazz for your scrawny ass.” Eddy laughed jokingly, but Dee looked upset.

‘Did Eddy really think I’m unattractive?’ Dee thought to herself. She knew she wasn’t a beauty pageant Queen, but she didn’t think she was ugly. But apparently, Eddy made it sound like dating her was a curse rather than something to be proud of. She felt insecure, like she wasn’t good enough, just like when she was younger. She wanted Eddy to find her attractive as she found him attractive, as himself. Dee didn’t realize that Eddy thought so little of her appearance to make a jab about it and rub in that he thought Nazz was prettier.

It deeply resonated with her.

------

Rolf was finishing up yard work in the back of his yard, fixing his fence that Wilfred had kicked down. He knew it wouldn’t be long before Wilfred and his daughter Willa would break it again. Willa was riding on Wilfred, thinking she could herd the other animals around the yard. She was strong-willed and tough, Rolf couldn’t help but smile at his daughter’s antics. It made him proud that he had a strong working daughter; his shepherd father would be proud.

He was watching her carry a barrel larger than her to the other side of the yard. From what he could tell, she was trying to use the barrel as a step stool for grabbing something from the shed. “Young shepherd, what are you doing?”

“I’m going to grab my tools and make the fence stronger with you. We need to protect the animals from wolves!”

“Ah yes, very good! You are much smarter than I and make a good shepherd! You’ll be better than I, son of a shepherd!” She smiled as Lee watched, bringing sodas to them as she wore her baby girl Alma on her chest. “How’s my two muscle heads doing?” Rolf was in a cheerful mood today; he had the day off, chores were getting done, his two daughters were happy, and his loving wife was enjoying herself.

“Great! I have two sturdy daughters and a fierce, beautiful wife; what more could I want? Also, Kev boy is on his way back to give the wrench he borrowed. He has been acting more like a worm left in the mud than the Casanova he usually is.”

“Might be cause of the mess hun and Nazz are in.”

“Ah, yes, Nazz girl and Kev boy pulled the knot that needs to be cut.” He said as his daughter passed him the hammer. She smiled as she ran off after seeing Wilfred and deciding to go hang out with him rather than fix the fence.

“Yeah, as much as I love making a buck off their problems, it’s starting to annoy the hell out of me! Someone needs to just put an end to it!?”

“Agreed! I hate hearing about the damp rag of a relationship they have. They need to figure out what they want.”

In the distance, he could hear the sound of a motorcycle coming by. He knew it was his good o’pal Kevin coming to stop by for a visit.

The two have been friends since they were children, and Rolf viewed Kevin as the closest thing to a brother he had, even if he didn’t carry his family’s strength through blood. Rolf remembered moving to the cul-de-sac as a young boy and not being able to make friends, it wasn’t until he met Kevin that he had any friends. In fact, Kevin helped him feel welcomed and even stood by him when others looked at him funny. Even over the years Kevin still stood by him, rather as his companion in drinking, being the best man at his wedding or being the godfather to his daughter who call him Uncle Kevin; he always knew Kevin was a good man even in some of his worst moments Rolf knew he wasn’t bad just a bit messy.

He saw Kevin pull up on his dirt pathway and snap a photo, he was smiling and texting on his phone, which Rolf couldn’t help but think that he and Nazz had put their complications aside and come back to the knot of ties which was their relationship.

“Uncle Kevin!” His daughter Willa ran up and jumped on him throwing Kevin harshly on the ground. Even at her young age and short stature, she had her father’s strength.

Rolf couldn’t be any prouder.

Kevin had the wind blown out of him for a sec before he sat up and smiled at her. “Sup Willa, I got you something.”

“Yay! What is it Uncle Kev?” She asked as she stood up and watched her uncle get up and pull something out of his jacket pocket. “Here you go.” He handed her a jawbreaker one that was smaller than what Rolf remembered from their youth.

“Oh boy, thank you Uncle Kevin!” She thanked as she ran inside with the jawbreaker. Lee watched as her daughter headed inside as she rolled her eyes knowing she was going to have to deal with a sugar rushed Willa later.

“So jockstrap finally showing up after what-” Lee looked at her nonexistent watch. “two months! Same time you and Barbie pulled your love line.”

“Yeah, sorry about that I’ve just been busy with... life.”

“Life? What could Kev boy be doing?”

“Well man, I finally got my bike fixed which by the way thanks for letting me use your acrylic pain still don’t know how the hell you have so much of it in red.”

“Cause carrot top it’s my favorite nail polish.” Lee stated as Rolf let out a loud deep laugh. “Her nails are like claws of wolves and need more than just weakly nail polish. It’s only the best for my strong wife.” Lee smiled gingerly as she playfully rubbed Rolf’s chin between his chin. “Such a hunk winning my heart even with a ring on my finger.”

Kevin watched as they continued to flirt in front of him as he felt his phone buzz again. He looked seeing a photo of Dee with her favorite beetle and Ed and Eddy in the background. Kevin couldn’t help but smile at the photo. She looked so cute and pretty which made his cheeks flush a tint of pink.

“Looks like lover boy here fell back in the love nest huh buddy.”

“Um well- I-um-” Before Kevin could respond Lee looked over to see what he was smiling at and her grinning smirk turned to a flat frown. “You’re talking to Dee?”

“Yeah, we’re just friends.”

“You’re flustered.” Lee stated not even asking but knowing. “No I’m not! It’s not like that!”

“I never mentioned it being ‘like that’ or if you were ‘just friends’. You usually just say ‘a friend’ not ‘just a friend’ unless something more than friendship is happening buster!” Lee stated as Rolf too looked over and soon caught on to what his wife was stating. “So you and Nazz girl are not together anymore? The rope has been cut correct?”

“Well, you see I haven’t spoken to Nazz since we declared to go on a break.” Rolf and Lee frowned at him and had a look of disapproval almost like they were his parents finding out he hid his report card.

“You haven’t talked to Nazz?! Since over 2 months! She’s been at my bar with my sister Marie going on and on about why you won’t answer her calls or texts and instead of just letting her know you’re alive you’re seeing another girl!”

“We’re just friends! It’s not like that, okay! Dee is just cool to hang around and she gets me.”

“She ‘gets you’? Kevin do you know what this sounds like? Cheating.”

“Oh my fucking god! We’re not seeing each other like that! She’s hung up on Eddy and I wouldn’t cheat on Nazz alright. As much of an asshole you and everyone thinks I am I like hanging with someone who has the same interests and gets me alright. Besides Dee is too good of a person to be a homewrecker unless you’re doubting her character!”

“Oh I know Dee, and I know she would never bless that sweet girl but YOU would! You might not be physically together or have a title but seeing those texts, the fact you ignore you’re own girlfriend for the company of another woman and the quick way you defend her it sounds like you’re having an emotional affair rather you see it or not.”

“Emotional affair? That’s bullshit, an affair is an affair there’s no other form of affair.”

“You’re a dumbass!”

“Lee love, I think Kevin needs to figure things out I don’t want you to break your beautiful nails putting casanova Kevin in the hospital.” Lee shook her head as she headed inside but looked back at Kevin. “You better be honest with Nazz and yourself or your gonna lose everyone.”

She slammed the door and Kevin looked back at Rolf who shooked his head tiredly. “Sorry about that man, didn’t want your misses to get angered.”

“She is not wrong Kevin.”

“What?”

“I’ve seen your face of admiration for her like you used to for Nazz girl. I understand the heart pumps for someone and we tend to fall onto the cliff of admiration quickly but you must have a safer landing than what you have.”

“What?” Kevin looked confused.

“Jimmy has told me about Nazz’s broken heart that you refuse to just end it’s suffering and May has told me about you and Dee spending time together. You must chose what your heart wants not what everyone says as a chest can’t hold two hearts that don’t know each other.”

“Yeah, I know...”

“If you know then why not just do it! You waste times of everyone of stab the chest of those harsher and harsher!”

“Cause I don’t want to hurt Nazz!”

“Life is full of hurt! Yu can hurt her by ending it or hurt her worse by keeping this up! You decided which is worse, cutting the knot so Nazz can move on or pulling the knot farther and farther away until the knot is useless.”

“I will I just need some time to think about how I’m gonna do it. Truth be told I wish she would just dump me and call it a day but she wants to work on it. I care for her but I don’t love her the way she loves me.” Rolf rubbed Kevin’s back in support and smiled softly at him. “It’s a tough battle but you will survive don’t be a weakling.”

“Yeah, your right. I’ll do it.”

“Good! So just to ask what is it with the Ed girl? You two roasting kabobs together, hammering the wood? Stuffing the sausgaes?” Kevin deeply blushed at Rolf’s question and comments as he has thought about Dee in a ‘Non appropriate friend way’ but never made a move.

“No! We never done that besides she doesn’t know that I like her like that.”

“Oh~ so you are in a battle to end a relationship just so you can fight to get in one. You really are a casanova Kevin.”

“It’s not like that! I really like Dee like I feel a way I haven’t with Nazz. Like with Dee, we have the same interests, and even her odd hobbies make me invested. She’s really smart, and handy like I can talk about my bike and my job and she can actually give me input and know what I’m talking about. And she looks so pretty like she reminds me of statue of a goddess in an art museum. She just makes me feel like I’m something, not who I was or who I could be just who I am. With her she just makes me feel good. Like she could walk into a room and make it feel good like all my problems go away, you know.” As Kevin went on his rant Rolf smiled knowing the feeling he was describing it wasn’t like how he felt word for word about Lee but the emotion put into his speech told him everything.

“I support you and Ed girl. Besides she would put you in shape! Just know she still has eyes for Eddy and you might have a heart pulled to shreds.”

“I know, I wish she would drop that asshole! He’s a loser, a bum and she’s wasting her time and energy on a guy who never grew up and still tries to get with Nazz. She’s too good for him and she should know that! He uses her and Ed and anyone he can to get what he wants! Like his brother and like him they ain’t too different. Two losers who hurt people to get what they want.”

“Such strong emotions, you should put that energy into helping me with my fence since you just wanted to drop by with out word!” Kevin rolled his eyes as he followed Rolf. “Yeah whatever man just hand me a hammer.”

“You are a good man Kevin but I hope my daughters never date a man like you. No offense.”

Kevin sighed as he held the board. “Nah, it’s all good I get it.”

“Good cause you’re a good friend but make terrible life choices.”