Under Edd's Hat

Chapter 2

The Truck was Silent as Eddy and Double D made their commute back to the dorms. Edd's eyes were struggling to stay open as he stared out the frost covered window. Eddy reached over and squeezed Edd's hand.
"You need to stay awake sockhead. I'm not dragging you up to the dorm again. Do you feel alright? Maybe we can go to that diner you like and grab some hot chocolate. Make yall toasty and warm. Ohh maybe some grilled cheese and some tomato bisque? Then we can go to the comi-"
"Eddy, I can't. Just take me home."
Edd looks dowm at his dirty Doc Martins. He has to shine them and put a waterproof layer on them when he gets home. They're his favorite boots. They can be casual, dressy. And they are always dry and warm. Maybe he can have Eddy do him this favor just one time. He's so tired.
"Eddy, mah boots" He slurs. He's losing control of his vision. "We're almost there.", he thought. "I can make it."
"I'll take care of them Sockhead. Don't you worry about a thing. Hey! Stay with me. We're here."
Eddy pulls into the parking lot and shuts off his Truck. Edd has already lost the battle with sleep and has his cheek leaned against the window.
"Damnit sockhead." Eddy reaches into his pocket and texts the last person he would want to.
Eddy:
Hey, I need you again. We're out in the parking lot.
ShovelChin:
Choice. I'll be right there.

Lumpy was his first choice, but on the weekends he headed down to Rolf's farm to help him out with chores. He loved the animals and needed a little extra cash. Kevin never asked why Edd was always passed out on Fridays. Every time he tried Eddy would freak out and give him Empty threats.
Kevin jogged on the sidewalk, sliding and almost falling in his wet converse sneakers.
"If you drop him ShovelChin, I will push you down and Curb stomp your balls so hard they'll be shootin' out your ass! Get more sensible shoes!"
"I'll be careful. Jesus, are you sure he's ok? What did you do to him?"
Eddy murmered more obscenities under his breath as he reached for the door handle. He eased it open and Kevin reached under Edd's hood on his neck and unclipped his seatbelt. With Edd safely in his arms, Eddy pulled down Double D's beanie and put up his hood and drew the drawstrings tight so his hat wouldn't fall off. He wasn't goong to let people find out the truth without Edd being ready.
"This happens every week. Why doesn't he just tell me already? Just take me with you guys so we don't have to sneak around anymore."
"Are you kidding me ShovelChin?! Edd would have a coronary if he found out you were the one carrying him up. He still thinks I do it. He's smart enough to know better, but hey. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
They get on the elevator and Eddy impatiently taps his foot, all focus on the door. Waiting for it to open it on the 3rd floor. Kevin steals a glance at Eddy to make sure he wasn't paying attention and gently brushes his fingers on Double D's cheek. His skin was almost transparent it was so pale. Almost like the snow on the ground. His thumb just brushed Edd's lips when the elevator doors opened up and Eddy starts pushing him down the hall. The Hall was long, and painted a dark blue with a black tiled floor. Kevin chuckled as the arrived at The two dorks door, which was covered in shiny wrapping paper and ornaments.
"Nice touch."
"Shut it ShovelChin. You know it's his favorite holiday. Lay him on his bed and leave. Thanks."
"Do you need help with anything else? You should have Edd text me. Maybe we can all grab dinner."
Eddy nodded as Kevin left.
He gently took off Edd's boots, cleaned and waterproofed them like he did every week. He then unzipped Edd's jacket, and took off his beanie. He didn't want his skin getting irritated. It was almost odd to Eddy that he could care about someone so much. But he felt it was the least he could do after sockhead stuck by him throughout all the years and his stupid schemes. He wasn't just his friend. He was like a brother.
Edd's chest rose as he took in some air and started to Gag. Eddy rushed over to get a trash can and put Edd on his side.
"It's ok sockead. I'm here. Let it all out. No more Milky Ways? Heheh."
Edd's icey glare from under hooded eyes could stop anyones heart. Eddy just cooed and patted his back until it was all over.
"Goodmorning Starshine. Let's go get something to eat. Some crackers and maybe some soda water to soothe that belly of yours. Hey, how bouts we go and take up ShovelChin's offer and get something to eat with him. Maybe you can make your move."
Eddy wiggled his eyebrows tauntingly and Edd playfully punched him in the arm.
"What's the point, Eddy? It's too late."
"It's never too late to start living, Edd."