KevEdd: Spider Bites

Chapter Two

The first few days are pathetically hard on Edd. He doesn't hear from Kevin or see him out and about at all. Not even at the sandwich shop where he always seems to have lunch (two messy Phillies a day without fail, until now). It's a shock to his system, having Kevin simply disappear, a brutal way to realize just how important the man is to him.

He respects that Kevin needs space so doesn't seek him out or attempt to call him, though it's terribly hard not to. He did spend the night patrolling around Kevin's borough, sometimes daring to wander within a one-block radius of his apartment but never closer.

He feels like a fool, a creep, a lowlife, but he tells himself he's simply hoping to keep Kevin safe.

It's difficult fighting alone after so long with Kevin always there, just behind him, ready to save him. It's too quiet. Lonely. Edd just wants Kevin to pop up and begin bickering with him over the newest story on the front page of the Daily Bugle or bantering while they fight Mysterio.

The third day, Edd texts Nazz and asks if everything is alright with Kevin. She assures him it is, asks if there's anything she can do but doesn't pry. That's what's so lovely about her, she's always so relaxed and understanding about these things. She says she hopes everything works out.

The fourth day, Edd texts Kevin. He receives no response.

The fifth day, Edd is hit hard by the Sandman, a few of his ribs cracking. It wouldn't have happened if Venom had been there, helping him. For a while Edd allows himself to feel bitter about this, laying on the roof where they are always supposed to meet as his ribs slowly heal, little by little. By the time he's good as new, he's crying.

All this time Double D was thinking Kevin was just embarrassed by Venom's actions but that must not be the case. Kevin must have seen into Edd's head through Venom, seen how Edd looks at him, wants him. Edd feels like such a fucking pervert.

Should have told Kevin he's gay. Should have never looked at Kevin's bare skin. God, he's such a terrible friend.

The sixth day, he asks Marie if she's seen Venom on any of her rounds as Spider-Woman. She says she has, that he's acting like "a little bitch" and demands to know what started Edd and Kevin's "lover's spat". The joke, the mere insinuation they have a relationship, makes Edd feels so guilty he can't bring himself to respond to her text.

The seventh day and Sandman is at it again. He's making a literal mess of Queens and the police, as usual, aren't much help. Despite the way New York hates Spider-Man and "vigilantes" and resents all they do, Edd once again is their only hope.

Sandman is always a bitch to fight because he's not only bigger than Edd but every time someone lands a blow his body gives way, turning soft, flesh replaced with sand. Venom is better at this, with its brute strength and alien speed, but when Edd arrives Kevin is nowhere in sight and even Marie is hanging back. He can't help but feel a surge of annoyance.

Sure, maybe it was wrong of him to check Kevin out every once in awhile and getting into situations in which Kevin was undressing without telling his friend and ally he's gay was shitty of him but he would never abandon him like this. It's not right, Kevin has a duty not only to Edd but Marie, their fellow heroes and the people of New York.

Edd swings low, stomach lurching, and draws his knees to his chest before kicking out just as Sandman turns to face him. His feet hit him square in the cheek, sending sand flying. All of his pain and frustration suddenly bursts and he slams his fist into his head again and again, clinging as the villain tries to swerve and throw him off so he can continue to tear into him. Finally he rears back and Edd uses the movement to launch himself out of his reach. Sandman roars as Edd soars away, a quickly growing fist following him as he does.