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It was perfect, all his ideas were, but this one was just right. The Eds were running low on cash, again, and just like a sign from above, a new scam idea came wafting into Eddy's presence. For some days now, Eddy would hear the girls at school complain about their lipsticks being cheap and smearing constantly. That, and paired with one of his most closest friends being the one and only brainiac Edward Marian, the pitch sold itself.
"I'm not sure how this is supposed to come into fruition Eddy." Edd knew that yet another scheme would be left up to him to figure out how to bring to life, but that didn't make him any less frustrated about it. "I wish to clarify, if not even the plenteous number of companies could accomplish such a feat, what hope do we have?"
"C'mon Double D, you've been acing those smart chemical lessons haven't you? Done and made, piece of cake!" Despite having grown to show mercy upon his peers over the years, Eddy's natural scammer instincts never went away, but they did at the very least evolve. What, with him being in Junior year and all, it was about time he seriously put some thought into his future. Not to mention, being regarded as an inventor promised more of a respectable reputation, and more suckers. "Don't think I forgot about that project you mentioned, tell your teacher this is what you chose as your chemmy research thing."
Though Edd wanted to argue back, he did need a research topic for his upcoming AP Chemistry project. Eddy wasn't too far off when hinting at his availability to accomplish such an endeavor. Though their neighborhood may not seem like much, their high school is surprisingly well funded overall, and more so in the science and home economic departments. Additionally, under the reasoning of it being for his finals research project, and not to mention Edd's glorious and impeccable reputation, Ms. Heirloom would have no objection in allowing him access to the labs and any materials he may require.
Even so, Edd could not contain his dejected sigh as the warning bell rang and the Eds' went to their own next classes. On brighter spirits, Edd at least had shop class next. Not so much the class itself being what he looked forward to, but rather who was there with him. Taking his seat, early as always, he tried to keep his fidgeting. Kevin rarely was early, almost always barely making it just as the bell rings, yet Edd's nerves stayed heightened.
"Gee, if you keep that up you might start an earthquake." Marie snickered, successfully drawing Edd's attention. Had you told him a mere year ago he'd be in civil contact with none other than Marie Kanker, he'd assume you a curse and damn you away. Now, he and Marie, though not exactly friends, have come to an interesting bond over the past months. Mostly due to Marie getting over her obsession of Edd, and to top it off to everyone's surprise, started dating none other than the Peach Creek High princess herself, Nazz Bartonschmeer. Though being a transfer student late into the year last year, coming from Germany and with the looks she has, Nazz was able to find herself at the pinnacle of their school’s social hierarchy.
"I can't help it Marie, it seems that despite these time consuming afflictions plaguing me since forever, I have yet to master the act of 'nonchalance'." Marie rolled her eyes at Edd's dramatics as he continued, both knowing what, well, who Edd refers to, "I suppose it is added on the fact that I may have my work cut out for me yet again with my AP Chemistry finals project needing some,,,minutiaes to be sorted out." Edd goes on to tell her Eddy's newest idea, ever the blind to one particular red head ever lingering by the door. Marie, as always, knew he was always well within earshot.
"Sounds like you need a lab rat Double D, or how else is this magical lipstick of yours gonna work? If you want, I'd be more than happy to volunteer, for old time sake." Marie couldn't contain her smirk at Edd’s facial response, but more importantly, at a certain glare she was receiving. Never the one to back down, she continued, "I mean I guess if you asked nicely just about anyone would do you, that favor I mean." Seeing Kevin finally cross the doorway, and loving to push things as far as she could, Marie decided one more jab should get the job done. "Hey, didn't you say Eddy's brother was in town? I bet he'd love to-"
Edd couldn't believe she'd hint at his past, err, infatuation, that he still didn't know why he shared with her, not to mention in class no less! After a quick glance around, he all but whined "Marie that is more than unnecessary!-"
"Hey Dork!" Edd couldn't stop his flinch from the sound Kevin made from slamming the table, but regained his posture from a mumbled apology. "Whatchall talking about?" It was so obvious to anyone with normal eyes how forceful Kevin was in acting like he didn't know already, but with Edd's current flustered state, he could only flush and stutter. As opposed to Marie, had anyone told his embarrassingly crushing little kid self he'd be actual friends with none other than Kevin, he’d probably crush harder.
"Edd here's got his big final project coming up and I'm just getting him someone to score with." Score? Whatever did that mean?, Edd was unsure. However, being the little shit she was, Kevin knew her angle.
"What does scoring have anything to do with chemistry?" How Kevin knew the project was for his Chem class without mentioning, Edd did not know, nor did it go over Marie's head.
"Ugh, this is why girls talk about boys never getting anything right. Scoring is all about chemistry and connection. Well, actually, I hear the older the boy, the more they know all about it. So how about it Edd, think Eddy's brother good enough for ya?"
Feeling like his whole head might pop, Kevin tried to remember his breathing exercises Edd taught him all those years ago and took his seat as calmly as he could as he spoke, "Even I'd be a better choice than that older rotten jerk face Eddy copy."
"How charitable, Edd looks like you have your rat and Kevin, you have your plans set out for you." Both boys could barely process what had just happened before the bell signifying the start of class rang, and Mrs. Doubtfire wasted no time in starting.
Despite Marie's kindly extended offer, Edd had yet to even make a prototype to try out in the first place. After a stuttering explanation and semi reluctant deal after class, Edd was to let Kevin know the moment Edd had a prototype to test, strangely forced to swear up and down that he'd ask no one else, certainly not some "balding wrinkling doofus", as Kevin put it.
And so, after some weeks of planning, preparation, research, trial and error to have more than one prototype, Edd found himself in Kevin's room. For the project of course.
"I ain't putting on no girl stuff, no way Jose!"
"If you would leave your macho stereotyping behind, this would proceed much quicker."
"I thought this was the other way around!" Kevin blushed heavily, he hated blushing but stood his ground. Sure, having the chance of being kissed by his crush was like a dream come true, but being the one to do the kissing?! A whole 'nother rodeo.
Exasperated, and albeit embarrassed as well, Edd's voice matched Kevin's tone, "And how, pray tell, would that go? As kind as Marie was, I don't have the slightest bit of intent of asking people for their consent to such a ludicrous subject. You, on the other hand, must know that there are plenty of people who would let you kiss them, though strange as the motive be, for your physique alone." Both boys felt themselves flush even more at Edd’s confession, though through it, Kevin came to a realization.
"You're such a dork for someone so smart, you know that dork?" Despite bettering his behavior towards the boy over the years, Kevin had yet to find any kinder nicknames that felt right. Focusing on the matter at hand however, he could only start to fidget himself. "Marie was referring to me being your 'rat' right? That means you'd put on that stuff and I'd be the one, well, y'know…" When did he get so lame?? "You're supposed to kiss me, you Double Dork-o! That was the point of her trying to 'score' you with someone, you doofus!" Now both boys felt as if they were lit on a fire. Avoiding all eye contact, the silence dragged on.
Double D tried to still, or at least, slow down the million thoughts running through his head. So he did what he knew best, investigated. "And you are in agreement with this predicament? Is that why you were so opposed to someone else being my, so to speak, 'lab rat'? You do realize we would be- um, well, I would be, t-touching you, correct? With,,,my lips. And considering what I have with me are just prototypes, there is the matter of this,,situation, to be prolonged for an uncalculated amount of time. It would be a repeating occurrence, Kevin."
God I hope so, Kevin could all but swoon right now, yet he stayed on topic. Counting on his fingers, he replied, "If I wasn't 'in agreement' I wouldn't have brought you here now would I? Don't matter. Y-yeah, I do, clearly you're the one who didn't know. Whatever, dork, let's just get this started."
Having the matter partially settled, Edd would get all of his answers soon enough, he started setting up. First things first, he sent Kevin to wash his face, resulting in a much needed thorough explanation on the importance of basic hygiene. For his part surprisingly, Kevin was all the more willing to let Double D give him a deep clean. It helped calm his nerves at least.
"My sincerest apologies Kevin. It seems this formula is nothing but another disappointing failure. We will have to try again another time, when I have acquired more samples."
"Yeah sure, whatever. Be right back, gonna wash this all off. After you clean up your stuff you can sit anywhere, I won't take long."
“The lipsticks as promised”
“Took you long enough! No matter, keeping the ladies in waiting fans the flames of anticipation y’know.”
“Well excuse me for taking not only this scheme of yours seriously, but need I remind you this was in accordance with my finals project. That you so kindly were the one who suggested in the first place.”
“Gee, alright, alright. I’m forever in your debt.”
“And Kevin’s.” What possessed him to say that, who could ever know.
“...Excuse me?”
“W-well, if not for his charitable nature, there’d be no ‘lab rat’ to,, test these on.” Edd may be the brains of the trio, and Eddy may be dumbfounded for the rest of his life, but without elaboration even he knew the implications of such a statement. Not to mention, Edd’s furious blushing and denial to meet Eddy’s eyes were a dead give away.
"Uhh, Double D? Why didn't you just like, I don't know, use your arm or something? Like you said you were planning in the first place?" Edd both loved Eddy for his unshaken spirit to speak his mind, but also damned him for it. “Like seriously dude, skin is skin.”
“I-, well, you see-”
“Eddy Skipper! It’s been damn well over a month since you got your advance. Now where's the product!?” Sarah, along with other girls from their school, stomped their way over surrounding the self proclaimed inventor.
“Ladies! Calm down, calm down, ladies! Such a precious thing takes time, time well deserved.”
Edd rolled his eyes, leaving Eddy to do his business. Thankfully being a glorious Friday, he would be able to put these troubles at rest.
“So, what’s your reason?” Edd nearly jumped out of his skin, spinning so hard nearly falling, only to be caught by none other than Kevin himself. “Easy dweeb, I know these past weeks I’ve been nothing but charming, but don’t go losing your legs over me.”
Edd could only blush and roll his eyes as he rightened himself, both boys seemingly on autonomous routine walking together over to Kevin’s bike. “I’ll have you know, flatter yourself as you may, I was simply shocked by your unplanned arrival.”
As Kevin kept him talking, Edd barely noticed he had deviated from his original home plans up until the bike was parked in Kevin’s driveway.
“Um, Kevin? I may have not been clear enough yesterday, but there is no longer any need for you to host me. The project is finished.”
“Yeah well, it’s not like you only came over for the project right? C’mon I’ll order pizza, game’s all set up too.” Well, Edd couldn't outright be rude and say no now could he?
After a while of playing, Kevin had to know. “Why did you keep me? As your lab rat I mean.” Edd only looked at him confused, “I,,,heard what short stack said. You were planning to just test the formulas on yourself, so why have me?”
“Well, why did you make me swear it’d be you?” They avoided each others eyes
Silence
“Edd-” “Kevi-”
They could but only stare at each other. Every moment from the past weeks boiled up in their minds, plaguing their memory though neither seemed to mind.
“I believe you were to say something"
“yeah”
“what was it”
“you first double dork”
“thats not very tempting”
“ill show you tempting”
“wha-”
As demanding as his body was to close the gap, Kevin stayed, if only a centimeter away. He’d never let himself live it down if he somehow misread everything and ruined the friendship he had with Edd. So he stayed, still and patient, doubting.
Edd on the other hand, felt like he could see clearly for the first time in his life. Here was Kevin, the school jock and football team captain. Yet it was also Kevin, the boy he’d spent so much time with recently he really couldn’t think of doing anything else. The same one who allowed Edd to take charge with anything pertaining to his being. Even now, with all his bravado gone, Edd could see just how sincere and vulnerable Kevin was being.
While staring back into the eyes he’d drowned in a million times before and would a million times again, Edd, unlike his teeth, closed the gap.
When the day came in which the girls came to him demanding a refund for false advertising, because of course Eddy denied all responsibility, Edd assured them a better lipstick than before. And with his lab partner nothing but eager to help, Edd may need to admit how much he is in Eddy’s debt, if only this once.