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Blood in the Water	By : AeoAthura Category: +1 through F > Ed, Edd, and Eddy Views: 10402 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Ed, Edd and Eddy - I make no money from this work.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
Chapter Sixteen:
It was a few days before Christmas break when Edd got the first hint of trouble. Over the last few days the hairs on the back of his neck were raised whenever he was at school, and sometimes when he wasn’t. He always felt like he was being watched, though there was never much to see. He scanned the areas as he passed between classes, but there were so many people that it was hard to tell if anyone in particular was staring at him.
He slipped between the people of the crowded halls, frowning as he went. It wasn’t uncommon for him to frown, of course, but this time he had a reason. Perhaps he was just being paranoid.
But then it happened. At first he thought it was accidental, a stray collision in the hallway, shoulder-to-shoulder that drew Edd’s attention. He was tall and wide, an athlete. His eyes were piercing and he flashed Eddward a malicious smile, “Sorry.” He said and then he was gone.
That should have been the end of it but there was something unnerving about the fellow. Something about his eyes and his hair… Eddward would never admit that something was eating at him but this was different. Suddenly whenever he looked up as he felt that eerie sensation of being watched he would lock eyes with the strange young man.
He was always nearby.
He shared three of Edd’s classes. During one he leaned over to the girl who sat next to him, “Who is that man?” Edd asked while pointing.
The girl was more shocked that Eddward was speaking to her, but she stumbled over her words, “Oh, um. That’s Stephen.” She said, “Why?”
He shook his head and returned to his work without another word.
During lunch that day Edd grabbed at Eddy’s arm as they made their way towards their usual table. The shorter teen looked up with a disgruntled frown, “What’s up sockhead?”
“First off: Refrain from calling me that.” Edd stated firmly, “Second, I need you to do me a favor Eddy. I need you to pull someone’s records for me, and do so quietly if you will.” He pulled out a piece of paper which he had written the man’s name, the class they shared and the period number, “I beseech you, do not tell anyone about this.”
Eddy was obviously skeptical, “What’s with all the hush hush?” he asked.
“Just…if you value our friendship, if you truly want a way to apologize to me, do this.” It was a steep price for something so simple but if it would help assuage Edd’s newfound paranoia then so be it.
Eddy took the paper, put it in his pocket and walked off. Edd turned and made his way in a different direction, though not before he caught sight of a pair of amber eyes. He swiftly ducked into his physics classroom, and remained there.
The next morning Edd tracked Eddy down once more as lunch was starting. The whole school was buzzing as it was the Thursday before they would be released. He stopped his friend in the hallway, “Here…” he started reaching for his backpack.
“Wait,” Edd pulled him aside, then into his physics class. His teacher looked at them, but he never questioned Edd and so just let it be. “Alright, what did you find?”
Eddy rolled his eyes, “Sheesh, what has you in such a panic?” he asked, pulling a beaten up folder out of his bag, “Alright, I didn’t know exactly what you wanted so I just grabbed everything I could.” He pulled out a rather large stack of papers and handed them out, “If there’s something you want to know about the guy, it’s here. Can I go now?”
Edd nodded, taking the papers, “Yes, thank you Eddy.”
Edd took the papers and went to go sit at the back of the class before he began to go through them. Eddy had pulled a surprising amount of information including school records, health records, several psychology reports. He would have to ask his friend how he even had access to get all of it.
Stephen Glavan, a Junior who had skipped two grades… Currently was only fifteen, played for Varsity football… His GPA was almost as good as Edd’s! Mother, Peggie. Father, Joeseph. A younger brother named Matthew and…
Edd’s heart stopped for a moment and he physically felt the blood drain from his face.
An elder brother.
Vincent Glavan.
Eddward was being stalked by his assailant’s brother. But why now? Why after all of this time? He continued through the files as if a clue might be there. He found several psychological workups provided to the school due to problems with aggression, he had been put on suicide watch as well.
Perhaps he was planning on an attack? Revenge for his brother.
Perhaps Eddward really was being paranoid. He had no proof, nothing physical. He would have to wait and keep his guard up. He wanted to tell Kevin or Marie but he worried about sounding paranoid. More that he was worried they might get hurt if something came of the situation. Would Stephen go after his friends?
He took the papers and stuffed them away just before the bell rang. His paranoia had cost him the entire lunch period and his stomach reminded him of this. He gathered his bag and made his way to class.
#
Christmas Break had been a much needed break from school. The time with his parents, though stressful in itself, was an amazing miracle. He made them breakfast every morning and was happy to see something akin to a smile on his mother’s face as she looked through his accumulated notes and papers. Twice he left them to their date nights and was delighted to stay with Kevin, even if that damned mongrel also demanded his attention.
For the first time ever he was not happy to have to return to school. The morning before had been so incredibly pleasant, waking in Kevin’s bed with the other, warm and cozy beneath the blankets with frost on the window. He slipped away before the other awoke to brew a cup of coffee (Kevin tended to be cranky and rash in the mornings without his caffeine). When he returned, Kevin was awake but his eyes brightened when he spotted the swimmer holding a mug out for him. They spent the whole morning in bed, watched a movie on Kevin’s laptop and simply enjoyed every aspect of each other’s company.
When school started again all was quiet. Edd still caught Stephen watching him in the halls but he was able to remain relaxed. Perhaps the stress of school had simply been mounting until the swimmer was jumping at his own shadows. This was what he told himself at least.
That was until the third week back, on an unassuming Tuesday. He settled down in his Physics class and opened his notebook. A stray paper stuck out of the edge and he pulled it out to keep the neat and tidy appearance he so needed to keep his sanity.
Edd almost threw it away when he noticed the page was rife with scrawled words. He frowned and realized that it was only one word written hundreds of times on the paper front and back.
Revenge.
In an act of slight panic Edd ripped up the paper and discarded it swiftly before returning to his seat. It could not have been Stephen, he told himself, for the man had been absent that day. Not in class, not in the hallways. He was even so bold as to go spend lunch a few periods later with his friends. It would help him remain calm.
Kevin perked up, “Look who decided to join us!” He scoffed and leaned back against Edd as he took his once-usual space.
“Yes well, as much as I dislike the cold I figured today was nice enough.” In that he was not being stalked.
“You know, for someone who practically lives in the water, it’s hilarious that you’re scared of ice.” Marie teased.
“I am not afraid of it! I just do not like it. It’s slippery and cunning…” He glared down at the walkway which had patches of ice formed.
“Like your anus?” Marie chimed swiftly.
There was a long moment when Edd sputtered to find words while the rest of the table was engaged in fits of uncontrollable laughter. The swimmer’s cheeks turned three shades of red, “MARIE! Highly inappropriate!”
She snorted through her laughter, “Highly funny!”
Kevin was also doubled over in laughter, struggling to breathe.
“I hardly find that funny!” Edd went on.
Kevin leaned against him lightly and smirked, “Relax man.” He was smiling at Edd in that way that made his body feel warm and pleasant. He sighed and just leaned back into his boyfriend.
#
It was a week later that Edd received a second scare. A note slipped into his locker. As he opened the door it fluttered out onto the floor and for a moment he simply stared at it before he reached down to pick it up. His blood turned cold.
Knives.
All across the page were knives drawn, some detailed and others crude, some with blood drawn in red pen.
He swallowed hard. That was it, he was ending this here.
It was unheard of that Edd would skip class but he took the note and made his way towards the office. He entered with a scowl, stopping at the desk, “I need to speak with Miss Simmons.” He announced to the secretary likely playing solitaire on her computer. She looked up at Edd.
“She’s busy.”
“In a meeting or with a student?”
“She’s busy.”
Edd growled, “This is a matter that really needs to be brought to her attention…now.” He stated firmly, “I am a top student, I am certain she can make time for me. Eddward Vincent.”
The secretary regarded Edd with scrutiny before she stood up and walked to one of the doors behind the desk. She poked her head inside, then returned after a moment, “She’s with a student right now but she says she’ll see you next. Is that alright with you?” She asked in a tone dripping with sarcasm.
He scoffed, “Only just.” He then went to find a spot on the wall to lean against, making himself comfortable.
He was there a full half hour before the door opened. He had been asked twice to return to class, though he refused with cold glares, insisting that he would not be ignored. Not on this matter. This was not paranoia anymore, this was something to be legitimately concerned over.
A student stepped out of the Vice Principals office and Eddward looked up to lock eyes with Stephen. The man looked smug and even flashed Edd a smile, but passed by and left without so much as a word. Edd was silent as well, frozen to the spot as he tried to maintain a look of indifference.
Miss Simmons stood in her doorway, “Eddward? You needed to see me?”
Edd straightened and made his way over. Miss Simmons was a stern woman, she strove for a completely professional appearance, dressed in a gray pants suit with her brown hair pulled back so tight that Edd wondered how her skin didn’t rip. She was over-botoxed to the point of obsession and could no more muster a smile than a frown.
Her office was drab, all browns and grays with no pictures on her desk or anything personal. She sat down and Edd did the same, “I apologize for barging in, Miss Simmons but this matter simply cannot go ignored.” She was silent as she waited for him to continue. He pulled out the offending paper and slid it over to her, “This was found in my locker earlier, just before I came in here.”
She took up the paper and looked it over front and back but her face was literally unreadable. Edd thought that he would hate to play Poker against this woman.
“Do you have any idea who this might have come from? I know you are not the most…popular student, Eddward.” She set the paper down and held his gaze.
“As a matter of fact, I do.” He took a deep breath, “This is not the first of this type of note I have gotten. There was another, similar in style except it had the word ‘Revenge’ written on it over and over.”
Her lips pursed (or at least he thought they did), “And do you have this note as well?”
“Unfortunately I discarded the paper, I had believed it a morbid joke. As you said, I am not the most popular of people. However lately I have been sensing a great deal of hostility from one Stephen Glavan. I often catch him watching me in the halls and with my friends, and I also happen to know he is the brother of Vincent Glavan, a man who attacked me many years ago.”
There was a long moment of silence before she went to her computer and began typing, “When did you receive this note?” She asked, tapping the paper on her desk.
“Less than an hour ago, it was put into my locker.”
“And when did you last use your locker?”
Edd straightened, “I use it before every class.”
“And did you see Mr. Glavan put the note into your locker?” She asked, her voice showing as little emotion as her face. She stopped typing to study whatever was on her screen.
Edd frowned this time, not liking where the conversation was heading, “No Ma’am, I did not.”
She sniffed out a laugh, “No I imagine you did not, considering Mr. Glavan has been in my office for the last two and a half hours. There was no possible way he was responsible for this note.”
“He could have easily had someone else deliver it.”
She looked at Edd suddenly, her gaze haughty, “Do you hear yourself, Mr. Vincent?” She asked as she went to lean her elbows on the desk and pulled off her little half-moon glasses slowly, “Mr. Glavan is a top student much like yourself. He has a strict schedule. You have given me no proof to your allegations save that you have been ‘sensing hostility’ from this man. Now I do strongly believe that you jumped to conclusions given his relation to someone you’ve had a bad past with. As for your concern about him watching you in the halls, I have both of your schedules pulled up and many of your classes, being advanced placement in nature, are close to one another. Do you see where I am going with this?”
Edd cinched his jaw and his hands tightened around the arms of his chair, “You’re calling me paranoid.” He hissed, “But paranoid or not it does not change the fact that this is the second note of disturbing and even violent nature that I have received and I will not have you simply pass that up!”
“I am not passing it up, Eddward, and you will be wise not to raise your voice at me.” Her eyes narrowed, “I do not deny that this note is of disturbance but I cannot persecute a student without proof.”
“And what will be your proof then, Miss Simmons?” He reached up and pulled off his hat, “Must I receive another scar? Must I be sent to the hospital once more? Will that be proof enough for you?”
She frowned but was not deterred, “You are letting the actions from your past dictate your life. Now I will look into this matter but you need to calm down. Mr. Glavan harbors no ill will towards you.”
“And how can you say that? I know for a fact that he has had multiple psychoanalytical workups regarding aggression and depression. It would not be a stretch to say that he would want revenge for his brother being put in jail.”
“And it would not be a stretch to say that you are jumping at shadows, Eddward. I will look into this and if you come into any more evidence I ask that you bring it to me immediately. But right now there is simply nothing I can do.”
Eddward stood up suddenly and turned to leave the office without another word. Nothing she could do save for confronting the man threatening him to begin with.
#
Edd decided that while he was at school he should stay away from his friends to deter them as targets. After the second week of complete solitude he was approached by Marie who came bursting into his physics classroom, “Edd! The fuck, why have you been avoiding us?”
He looked up from the book he had been studying, “I simply prefer solitude while at school.” He answered. He had a list of excuses prepared and memorized for these situations and had expected either Marie or Kevin to come find him.
“Bullshit.” She spat.
He sighed, “Marie you know I have certain social anxieties. It’s the core reason that I do not want to come out at school.”
She snorted loudly, “You know I don’t believe you right? You’ve been avoiding us and I want to know why.”
Edd shook his head, “Whether or not you believe me is not of my concern Marie. Now please, I have studying to attend to.” He looked down at his book and felt a painful pang in his chest. He hated brushing Marie off like this, she was his best friend and he loved her so much but he worried over what might become of her. Perhaps he was being paranoid but he wasn’t ready to risk his friends over it.
Not since he had received another disturbing note earlier that day.
She huffed and went to go drop down into the seat beside Edd and kicked up her feet, “Fine then I’ll just chill here!” She said stubbornly.
Edd frowned and looked at her then stood, gathered his books and walked for the door. It hurt and he knew Marie was deeply offended, but he would rather she was angry with him and out of harm’s way.
#
Kevin had sensed his sudden alienation as well but the boys spent every day together. He was thankful that Kevin didn’t seem to notice how Edd made sure their displays of affection were always within the comforts of their homes, behind closed curtains. He respected Edd’s desires to keep hidden as he received more notes.
The school wouldn’t do a damn thing about these threats.
And then the day came that Kevin blew everything. Asking him to the prom in front of the entire school and Edd had been too caught up in the romantic act that he felt no desire to do anything but say yes but…
Kevin tracked him down afterward, found the swimmer tucked away in his physics class trying to stave off a panic attack. But Kevin came bursting in with a stupid grin, the bell was going to ring soon. “Why are you hiding still?”
“Kevin! You know I had no desire to come out.” He said sharply and Kevin stopped, keeping a safe distance from his boyfriend. “To have you do that I…”
“I’m not gonna apologize! Damnit Edd, we’ve been going out for months. Who’s gonna give us shit huh? Both of us can kick their asses into the ground a dozen times over.” He chanced walking closer and gently took the swimmer into his arms, pulling him in close, “Babe, what are you scared of?”
Edd swallowed. He wanted to tell Kevin, he felt the need to, but he still lacked any evidence. “I just… Kevin, please be careful alright?”
The man frowned, “That’s not an answer.”
“Just promise me you’ll be careful!” He grabbed the man’s shoulders and frowned. The bell rang and the two shared a swift kiss. Edd had to admit that it felt incredible to be able to show his affection whenever he pleased, to be able to hold his boyfriend and ward off the women who would otherwise seek to lay claim.
Kevin was the first to move and break their kiss before heading off to class.
What was Edd scared of?
The unfortunate answer was…everything.
#
Kevin had been right. Nobody was going to challenge he and Edd’s relationship when both men could handle themselves in a fight. After their confession he had found that Edd stuck to him like glue, no longer hiding out in the classroom but instead clinging close. Kevin didn’t mind of course because any time someone made it an issue he could turn to his boyfriend and simply kiss him silly.
The freshman, Dylan, also stuck close to them. He had turned Kevin into some sort of hero to be looked up to. Of course, Kevin adored this. He had a fan! How cool was that?
They were also joined by Dylan’s friends and soon their little table had turned into a conglomeration. Life was good. No. Life was great.
With Naz’s help he found a great tuxedo for the prom, then got to sit for four and a half hours and help her and Marie find belly dancer gowns. It was worth it, the girls looked absolutely gorgeous. Naz was dressed in gold while Marie sported a sexy silver sheen, then they gushed over accessories.
He rented a limo that they could all share, even Marty was going to join them.
Before he knew it the day had arrived. Edd had gone to Marie’s to change into his tux which meant that he would be picked up last. But that didn’t change the fact that Kevin’s heart was pounding in his chest and his hands were trembling.
At three pm Naz came bounding over in her gold dress. Kevin greeter her at the door with a tight hug, “You look…wow.” He grinned brightly, “You look incredible Naz. Eddy’s a ridiculously lucky bastard.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Damn right I am!” Their moment was broken when Eddy was seen walking up the pathway. In fairness he looked rather nice, for a dork.
Naz giggled and blushed brightly, “You look great too Kevin. Edd’s gonna be pretty impressed.”
It was Kevin’s turn to blush, “You think so?” He was nervous and he didn’t know why. “Have you seen his outfit?”
Naz giggled, “No, but Marie has. She said that he’s incredibly handsome. Someone’s definitely getting laid tonight.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“Yeah, me!” Eddy piped up, “Come on, I really don’t want to think about my friend getting reamed.” He had a pale face at the thought, “That’s still my sockhead you know?”
Kevin snorted but looked up. The limo was rolling into the cul-de-sac, “Shall we?” Kevin asked.
“Wait, Kevin!” His father called out. Kevin and Naz turned around just in time to be met with a flash of light. They blinked the spots from their eyes and looked up at a grinning man holding a camera, “I wanted at least one.” He said.
“You have several dozen.” Kevin scoffed, “All of me getting dressed. Make sure to let Molly out.” He called and led the others out to the limo.
Once they all piled inside they went to pick up Marty who came dashing out in his tux.
Then it was finally on to Marie’s. Kevin’s heart was once more pounding, he felt as if he couldn’t breathe easily. Naz nudged him with her elbow, “Relax man,” she smiled, “You look great, he’s gonna be happy to see you.”
When they pulled up to the tiny little house that the Kankers had bought several years before Kevin was sent out alone to go retrieve the two. He walked up to the door, made sure that everything was perfectly in place, then knocked.
The house was oddly quiet, apparently the other girls had gone out for the day to give Marie and Edd privacy. The door finally opened and Marie stood in her silver dress, a smile on her face, “It’s about time you got here. Your boyfriend is still getting ready though, he’s being obsessive, you wanna go calm him down?” She jabbed her thumb at the hallway.
Kevin smirked and chuckled, “Sure.” He stepped inside and Marie stepped onto the porch, he turned and raised a brow.
“I figured you two might want some privacy? But make it fast and no funny business on my bed!” She closed the door and scurried to the limo (as fast as any woman could in those annoying heels).
Kevin took a breath and went to the hallway, “Edd?” he called, not sure which door led where.
“You’re early, Kevin.” He heard his boyfriend from behind one of the doors, “I’m still getting ready.”
Kevin chuckled and went to open the door, looking up at a stunned Edd. But for a moment Kevin’s world had stopped. Edd was dressed in a fine tuxedo with silver buttons and freshly polished shoes. He wore white leather gloves on his trembling hands and Kevin had to reach out and take them to stop the shaking. He smiled up at Edd, “Relax man.” He said repeating Naz’s words to him a few minutes ago.
The only out of place aspect about his lover was the beanie on his head. Slowly Kevin reached up to push it off, “Kevin?”
“Tonight you and I are showing everyone who we are right?” his thumb gently swiped over the edge of the scar, “You don’t need to hide any part of yourself, you’re beautiful.” He pulled the man down for a gentle kiss before moving up to feather kisses across the scar as well.
“But my hair…”
“Looks incredible.” Kevin interjected, keeping them close. Eventually Edd’s arms looped around the other man and held him intimately, “You look amazing babe. There’s something I gotta tell you though.” He smiled.
Edd quirked a brow, “You have an erection?” This had become a running joke since the night they had first slept together. Kevin laughed it off and shook his head.
“No babe… Well yes, actually, but not the point. I love you.”
Edd’s eyes went wide for a moment and his lips parted as he took in those words.
“I don’t know why I’ve been so nervous to say it. I’ve known for quite a while now. You’re perfect, absolutely perfect. I love you.”
Edd swallowed and his eyes actually watered some before he smiled and kissed his man fiercely, “Kevin I…”
“Hey!” Marie’s voice came from the front room, “Guys, we got a reservation to keep!” She barked, “Can we pick it up?”
Edd looked at Kevin helplessly, the man just grinned, “Don’t worry, we have all night.” He took Edd’s hand and pulled him out of the room, “Jeeze Marie, impatient much?”
She snorted and the three of them went out to the limo. Everyone complimented Edd on his attire to the point that the man blushed a bright and adorable shade of red. Kevin kept his hand on his lover’s knee, squeezing it gently whenever he saw the man grow nervous.
They ate at a wonderful Chinese restaurant, they ate until they were all full and then they ate dessert. Everyone was smiling and happy, relaxed and the night felt perfect.
When they finally arrived at the school (apparently they were too cheap to get another venue) everyone was relaxed. The space was broken up between the quad and the gym, both of which had been impressively transformed. The night sky was beautiful above them. Archways had been created out of styrofoam, there were hanging lanterns casting cool colors over the space. The speakers played a variety of Arabian themed music and the DJ had a good feel for the crowd.
The group decided to stay out in the quad for now, smiling and dancing. Eventually Kevin and Edd wrapped themselves up in their own little world as a slow song came on. Foreheads pressed together and smiles were shared. There had been a little bit of struggle over who would be leading but Kevin expected no less, he was in love with a man after all. Not someone who wanted to be a woman, not someone who acted submissive. Edd was a man by every right, strong and powerful.
“So, where were we then?” Kevin asked as he grinned, looking up into the most amazing blue eyes.
Edd chuckled softly, “Hmm, were we somewhere?”
“You were going to tell me something earlier. Something…” he frowned as he felt a buzz in his pocket. Not the good kind of buzz, the annoying kind from his phone. He grumbled and reached for it. “Eddy? What does he want?”
Kevin debated ignoring it but opened the text anyway. ‘Hey, come to the pool. i got something for you to give to Edd. Trust me, the sockhead is gonna love this.’
He frowned and looked around for Eddy or Naz and saw neither of them in the crowd. Another text came through, ‘itll only take a second I promise’
He groaned and looked up at Edd, “Apparently Eddy has a surprise or something. I’m gonna go pound his face in and be right back.” He didn’t want to leave, he really didn’t want to, so whatever Eddy had needed to be damn good.
He made his way through the crowd and grumbled to himself. Once he reached the gym he moved around until he found the pool, let himself inside and looked around. The area was dark, the moon was bright overhead and the water was nearly black. It chilled him, reminding him so much of the nightmares he had shaken off months ago. “Yo Eddy!” he called.
After a moment he still had no response, he rolled his eyes and turned to leave.
There was a sudden blinding pain against the back of his neck before the world went dark…
#
It had finally happened. Edd’s heart was thundering in his ears and his hands still trembled. Kevin had said ‘I love you’ and Edd had felt its sincerity. It was so wonderful, so beautiful. He ached to say it back, to scream it to everyone because he admitted silently to himself that he was giddy.
But as Kevin walked off from their dance he had to repress a pout, reaching up to run his fingers through his hair. He went to go find a place to settle before Kevin returned, gathering his nerve. He would surprise the man with it by simply grabbing him and saying it. Or perhaps he would wait until later that night? He had created a surprise for Kevin in the bedroom, rose petals and candles, mood lighting and even set his iPod to the stereo to play some sexy music.
The thought was divine. Perhaps the two had sex often but it was always wonderful. It was always incredible.
Ten minutes passed and Edd was getting annoyed. After fifteen minutes he straightened up and made his way over to the gym. Eddy and Naz weren’t in the quad, one of them was likely to be there. Sure enough as he opened the door he spotted Naz and Eddy dancing beneath a lantern.
He approached them and Naz noticed him first, “What’s up Edd?”
He looked between Naz and Eddy, “Where is Kevin? Eddy texted him a few minutes ago to go meet him…”
Eddy looked up and appeared baffled, “I did?” he reached down to his pocket and frowned, then reached for the other one, “The fuck…where’s my phone?” He checked his coat pockets.
Edd’s blood suddenly turned cold. He swallowed, “You’re sure you haven’t seen Kevin?”
Eddy shook his head and Edd turned and nearly ran into Marie who looked concerned, “Whoa Edd, you’re pale. What’s wrong.”
He grabbed her wrist without a word and rushed her out of the gym. He had a horrible feeling, a terrible lump in his stomach. Something was wrong. Very, very wrong. Once they were outside Edd darted to start looking, “Marie, I’m worried. I… Do you remember the man I told you about? The one who gave me the scar?”
Marie was frowning, “Yes?”
“Do you remember I said that his brother was now attending the High School?”
“Yeah…”
Edd took a breath and called out, “Kevin!” in the hopes of a response, but got none, “That man, Stephen, has been sending me threatening notes for months now. I tried to go to the office about it but I had no proof it was him. He has been admittedly very intelligent about how he threatens me but I fear he might try to harm Kevin.”
Marie paled, “Edd! Why didn’t you tell us about this sooner?”
“I told you! I had no proof, Marie. Until now it could have easily been considered paranoia… KEVIN!” He yelled out again only to be met with silence and the distant music.
“But Edd! If you had told us we could have…”
“Could have what!”
“Edd, Vincent got out of prison a few months ago, right around the time you and Kevin got together…”
“HE WHAT! Why didn’t you tell me!” Edd had officially reached full blown panic.
“Why didn’t you tell me Edd? We didn’t want to worry you…”
Edd was running by that point. He had an idea, it was perhaps the only thing. He ran to the pool, saw the gates in sight. They were opened, they shouldn’t have been opened… He burst inside and looked around.
“Edd!” Marie was pointing and he could see three figures making their way over the fence on the opposite side of the area. He started running after them when he noticed something in the darkness of the water.
He kicked his shoes off as he ran for the pool.
The water had never before felt so cold to Edd than it did in that moment; as he penetrated the surface in a clean dive it enveloped and chilled him down to the marrow and was almost too freezing to handle. Without his goggles, Kevin was a blur to him and the chlorine burned his eyes painfully. But even so, that blur wasn’t moving.
Was he too late?
Edd swam close and grabbed Kevin’s head in his hands, angling him up so that he could press their lips together. He desperately tried to give the other the air from his lungs, it was a very temporary fix but maybe it would buy him the precious time he needed. Panic rose when the air did not keep.
He dove down further and tested the rope around Kevin’s feet and found that it was solid, would not break without a knife which Edd certainly didn’t have. He fumbled for the knot and ripped at it, trying with increasing frustration to undo it. His lungs were screaming for air, but he couldn’t waste even a second, else he would be too late.
Suddenly there was a crash above him and he saw another figure swimming down. It grabbed onto Kevin’s feet and the other hand had something in it, working against the rope. Edd recognized it as a knife sawing at the fibers.
Finally after what seemed like far too long the rope broke and Edd surged upwards, grabbing Kevin and pulling them both to the surface. He was more than aware of how heavy and unmoving the other was, slumped against him.
They broke the surface and Edd took a deep lungful of air. Kevin didn’t.
Marie surfaced beside him and they scrambled for the edge of the pool. She got up while Edd tried to pull both himself and Kevin up at the same time, but Marie, ever helpful, grabbed the back of Kevin’s jacket and helped pull him up onto the concrete.
Edd was over him in an instant, his hands pushing at the man’s chest to try and evacuate the water from his lungs. He wasn’t breathing, his lips were blue and his entire body was limp. Panic grew to be overwhelming in the swimmer as he continued to push against the other’s chest. He then grabbed Kevin’s nose, held it closed and leaned in to press their lips together and force air into his lungs.
He tried this several more times, alternating between actions, but even after he worked much of the water from Kevin’s lungs the man still didn’t move. He still wasn’t breathing on his own.
Edd was thankful for the fact that he was soaking wet because tears were running thick down his face and his own breathing was becoming labored. He kept trying though, kept forcing, “Kevin,” he pleaded, “You swore you wouldn’t abandon me. You are not allowed to give up!”
Marie watched with a horrified look on her face, just giving the two space.
“Kevin Barr you listen to me Mister!” Edd was getting hysterical, “Breathe damn you, don’t let them take you away from me!” He kept pushing, he cinched his jaw and let out a strangled shriek of pain, frustration and failure, “BREATHE!”
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Blood in the Water