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Double D breathed out as he sat down onto the couch in his living room, the evening had settled into that gray hush particular to a British winter, the windows haloed with drizzle, the radiator ticking faintly. He had spent a good few hours at the school he worked at making sure to check over homework. It was a bit of an exhausting process but he’s gotten used to doing such a thing in his time teaching. He always was the type to pick things up quickly. In all honesty, some people were surprised that he became a teacher. Faintly he can recall how his mother was so confused that he chose to go from being a scientist to being a teacher, an English Teacher at that. But ultimately, his parents supported his decision and he went to the U.K after graduating. Got a pretty good offer at a college there to be a professor. Though if he were to be honest… he did feel a little lonely. He lost contact with Eddy and Ed about two years back, life got busy for the three of them he supposed. Honestly they never really talked much about their careers, just what was going on in their day-to-day lives. Eddy still lived in Peach Creek, he never really wanted to leave. Ed, meanwhile, actually went to the United States during his college days. Figured it would be a nice change of pace as he pursued his chosen career of being an artist. Part of Double D was amazed he even managed to get to college considering not only was he sometimes struggling on his subjects but his parents seemingly held him back a bit. It was a bit of an odd time for them all… especially considering the fact that Eddy didn’t exactly want them to go to separate colleges like that. But near the end of high school, he understood and figured they’d be able to keep in contact. Something that gave the nerdy Ed a bit of sadness. Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose as he leaned a bit forward on his couch.
“Eddward, what are you doing getting lost in memory like this?” He muttered to himself
A part of him could only guess that he felt nostalgic and perhaps… a bit lost in his life. While he was happy with his job, that loneliness was starting to get to him. Not to mention the fact that for all the time he’s spent in the U.K? He can’t exactly say he calls it home now. London was vibrant, yes, but not home to him. Some nights he toyed with the idea of returning to Peach Creek. It was honestly a very tempting thought but… that makes him ask the question of if he should just drop everything here so suddenly to go back home for no real reason aside from some feelings he had? He’s getting to be nearly thirty years old. He can’t just drop a stable career like this. He’ll admit to himself that sentiment is important but not important to give up a well-paying job like this one. It wasn’t like back when he was a kid where he could just do things for the sake of doing them. He then gave a soft chuckle as he remembered some of the Scams he and the other Eds would pull off, only really stopping doing them after one particular incident. Suddenly Double D’s phone rang and he grabbed it out of his pocket, the caller ID was Eddy. He hadn’t heard from him in years. After a moment of hesitation… he answered it and put the phone up to his ear.
“Hello?” Double D said
“Hey Double D… I need your help with something.” Eddy’s familiar gruff voice was on the other side, filled with a sense of urgency and need
Eddy stood nervously at the Airport Lobby, waiting for Double D to arrive. His stomach wouldn’t stop twisting as people walked all over the airport. In all honesty? He didn’t expect the Nerdy Ed to drop everything to come back to Peach Creek so easily after explaining the situation a little bit. Edd wasn’t the type to drop a steady job and hop across the Atlantic without a hundred careful questions, but here they were. Guess he could call it proof that maybe even the most careful people could still surprise you. Honestly Eddy was lucky enough that he managed to convince Nazz to help out while he picked up Double D from the airport, the two got along well enough but he knew the blonde was busy enough with her own life. Not to mention the fact that she’s pregnant with Kevin’s kid. The thought of it made him smirk faintly to himself. Honestly Eddy wasn’t surprised they got together fairly quickly, the two of them had some pretty good chemistry even if it didn’t seem like it. Not to mention the fact that Kevin matured more towards the end of high school. Adjusting his jacket, he took a calming breath as some new people entered into the lobby. Holding up a sign, he saw someone walk over. A familiar raven-haired man wearing an orange dress-shirt underneath an open black coat. Eddy wasn’t surprised that he was still a bit lanky in appearance, even as he exercised more. Smiling at his old friend, he nodded.
“See you’re still as neat and tidy as ever Double D.” Eddy said politely
“Some things never change Eddy… though I must say, I didn’t expect for you to call me like that…” Double D said, trailing off
“I’m smart enough to know when I need help. I managed to contact Ed, it turns out he was living in another town here in Canada. Wasn’t Lemon Brook in case you’re curious.” Eddy explained with a slight eyeroll
Double D just gave a light chuckle, idly glancing over his friends current appearance. A band t-shirt underneath a brown jacket with a pair of jeans and boots. It was the sort of outfit he expected his friend to wear. Soon after, the two headed out of the airport after the nerdy Ed grabbed his bags from the baggage claim exit. The two got into Eddy’s car after loading the backseat up with Double D’s luggage. Best area to put it in all honesty aside from the trunk. They drove off soon afterward. Streetlights and the low winter sky blurred past, and before long the shapes of a certain cul-de-sac came into view. In all honesty, Double D wasn’t too surprised that he stayed in their childhood neighborhood. It was somewhere he did get pretty attached to after all.
“So… you explained something happened with your family and didn’t get too into it. If you don’t mind my asking, what exactly is going on?” Double D asked
“...You know my brother right? Real piece of shit?” Eddy said with a grimace
“Yes, I know. I still recall how you two got into a big scuffle once near the end of high school.” Double D said softly
“Well he had a kid. Big surprise I know. And he wanted nothing to do with the kid… neither did the mother of the kid. So he just… dropped her off in front of my door one night and that was that.” Eddy said, gripping the steering wheel tight as he pulled into a driveway
Double D wasn’t surprised that Terry, Eddy’s older brother, would do something like that. Even to someone that would be his own child. The man always had that general air of being a massive dirtbag. He never quite liked him. Still, to abandon a child like that was a scummy thing to do. In his eyes, that was a new low to reach. A small weight settled onto his chest upon hearing that.
“That’s… appalling.” He said
“Tell me about it.” Eddy muttered before cutting the engine
The two then got out of the car and walked into the house where, immediately, his leg was tackled by a four-year-old girl. Eddy softly smiled down at her as she looked up at him happily. Honestly if it weren’t for the fact that Edd knew his friend so well, it’d be a bit of a surprise to see him smile at someone like that so fondly considering how tightknit he could be about his emotions.
“Uncle Eddy! You’re finally home!” She said happily
“Heh, wasn’t gone for that long, kid. This is my… friend. Eddward. Most people call him Double D.” Eddy said, his tone tired but warm
Double D thought she would be younger… young enough that she couldn’t remember being abandoned. Young enough that maybe, chances are she wouldn’t even remember what her real father was even like. It just made him hope all the more that Terry would live a horrible painful life. Pushing that thought aside, Edd got to a knee down to the girl with a friendly smile. It wasn’t too hard to force but it wasn’t something he easily slid into considering what he had heard just a few moments ago from Eddy.
“A pleasure to meet you young lady. Might I get your name?” He asked
“Jamie!” The young girl said cheerfully
“Jamie is a nice name. It is quite nice to meet you. Me and your uncle need to have a bit of a talk.” Double D said, his smile still soft
“Yeah uh… go… play with Mrs. Barr please.” Eddy said, somewhat awkwardly
“Okay!” Jamie said in response
She then ran off towards the living room. After her footsteps faded away. Edd straightened and looked at his old friend with a more stern expression. Something that made Eddy flinch a bit. He can’t exactly blame him for giving him that look.
“So… I have a few questions.” The nerdy Ed said in a measured tone
“I’ll answer them the best I can.” Eddy replied simply
“...Eddy, how are you able to afford a house in this day and age? Last I checked, you were living in an apartment.” Double D deadpanned
“...Moved back in with my parents, they’re out currently. Look, I know it's a bit of an ask but… I can’t raise a kid in a cramped apartment. Not like that.” Eddy said with an almost exhausted sigh
“So you want me as a roommate? Am I getting that correct?” Double D asked with his tone neutral
“I know it’s a big ask. I mean you’re living it up in England and it’s selfish of me to drag you away from that-” “I’ll do it.”
Eddy blinked surprised after Double cut him off like that. He was doubly surprised when he processed what he said. He stared in silence for a few moments. “...You will?” He asked with an owlish gaze
“Yes. I will… truthfully, I missed Peach Creek. I suppose this was a sign that coming back was for the best.” Double D said with a small smile
“Heh, yeah… well it won’t be just the two of us. Asked Ed to move in also. I know it’s a bit strange but… I don’t think I can do this entirely on my own and you two are the best guys I know to help with this.” Eddy said simply
“...I can somewhat understand me but Ed?” Double D questioned
“He’s good with kids. Plus you know that he’d be the most compassionate out of the two of us considering what his home was like.” Eddy said with crossed arms
Double D couldn’t even deny that point. It was still disturbing to know that Ed’s parents would just sometimes remove the stairs in the basement to punish him. Alongside a few of the other things they had done. It was a miracle that neither of them were jailed sooner. Of course that was something to think about another time.
It didn’t take Ed very long to arrive at the house, what did surprise Edd was that the tallest out of the three of them was a lot more well-groomed. Double D looked at him with quite a bit of surprise after opening the door when he knocked. He was wearing a fairly nice green coat with a dark red long sleeve shirt underneath. He had a nice pair of comfortable jeans alongside a pair of sneakers on. His orange hair is a bit messy but not greasy like it was in highschool at some points. It was more of a casual mess. Generally the sort of outfit that Edd would expect to see his old friend wear, especially considering he was an artist apparently.
“Double D! It’s been years since I’ve seen you man.” He said cheerfully
“Yes, it’s been quite a bit. I must admit, I didn't expect for you to be… well…” Double D trailed off
“Not absolutely disgusting like when I was a kid?” Ed supplied with a chuckle
“...Not quite how I’d put it but yes.” Double D muttered a bit
“Heh, it’s all good. Had to learn how to actually clean up myself a bit during college. Turns out I had a… few issues. Won’t get into it. Regardless, good to see you man! How was the U.K?” Ed said, still smiling
Double D was honestly quite happy to see that his friend was the same despite some changes he went through. Though part of him was tempted to ask about what Ed meant by ‘having a few issues’ when it came to being good at hygiene. That seemed like quite the story in all honesty. He decided to not push him on it since that was clearly something he’d rather save for a different conversation.
“It was… quite nice there frankly. But part of me realized my heart wasn’t exactly there. I suppose the old saying ‘home is where the heart is’ was true.” Edd said with an awkward chuckle
“Heh, I understand that… Sarah’s doing well by the way. Been getting through college well.” Ed stated a bit softly
“Lovely to hear that Ed.” Double D said as the two headed inside
After walking through the hall for a brief moment in silence, the two arrived at the dining room. Eddy was sitting at the table with his hands steepled. His expression filled with thought, the two then sat across from him getting his attention. He silently and quietly shook his head before focusing back up, looking at his two old friends with a more serious expression as opposed to his general laid-back style. It was something that reminded Edd that his friend had grown up quite a bit also, more-so in the time he was away in the United Kingdom.
“So… Ed, you already know what I told you over the phone right?” Eddy asked
“Yeah. Honestly, I was a bit surprised but… also not surprised at the same time.” Ed said, his tone getting a bit sour
“Good. Wanted to go over that… so… I did find us a house we could live in. Fairly nice, fairly good location. Rent isn’t all that bad and we can easily split it between the three of us. I know it’s gonna be asking a lot but… I might need some time getting a new job here soon. My old place is laying me off.” Eddy said, somewhat ashamed
“...I suppose that’s another part of why you moved back into your parents, hm?” Double D asked concerned
“Yeah… ugh, it’s just one thing after another sometimes.” Eddy said annoyed
“I’m fine with paying a good amount of rent. I get a good amount of money from the Manga I’ve already got selling anyway.” Ed said with a shrug
Suddenly Edd and Eddy looked at him with a good amount of surprise. He stared back confused before blinking in realization, chuckling sheepishly soon after.
“Forgot to mention… I’m… E Graves. That’s the pseudonym I go under. Fans and all that.” Ed said, his tone apologetic
“E Graves- wait I’ve heard a few of the college kids mention that name when talking about a particular Manga series that’s gotten popular.” Double D said in realization
“Haha, yep! I’ve gotten pretty big onto the scene.” Ed said, rubbing the back of his head
“...Geez Ed, you got real busy with work huh? You told me you were just a remote artist.” Eddy said a bit amused
“Oh I am. But I never get into details. Even Sarah doesn’t know I’m E Graves. I’m a real good secretkeeper sometimes.” Ed said with a dopey smile
Double D just chuckled to himself. Strangely, he wasn’t too surprised that Ed managed to get a good audience. After all, if he has learned anything over the years? It’s that people will always like the strangest things. He remembers one series that one particularly nerdy student at the college he knew loved talking about. One involving people being able to summon manifestations of fighting spirit and vampires that can stop time. It’s gotten quite mainstream in that regard considering some rumors he’s heard.
“I do have a good nest egg of money set-up, not to mention it shouldn’t be hard for me to be a teacher around here. Even then, I can figure out other things.” Edd said
“...Thanks. The both of you are lifesavers here. I’m gonna make sure Jamie gets a good childhood. Better than we did at least.” Eddy said with a stiff laugh
“For all the bad moments… there were plenty of good moments Eddy… and I’d never trade them for the world.” Edd said with a smile
“The Eds are back together again!” Ed said cheerfully
Eddy stared for a few moments before giving a smile in return. In all honesty? He knew things were gonna be rough for a bit. He’s gonna have to put a lot of effort into finding a job again and not to mention the fact that he knew that there was probably gonna be some growing pains when it comes to living together. But it’ll be worth it in his eyes. Because not only will he be doing some good… but he’ll be back with his friends again. And that is something he’ll always cherish.