Beakers and Beanies

Chapter 2

Nazz clearly has a different definition of "kind of important" than Edd because when he arrived at 6, the bleachers were filled to the brim.

AH! Well this IS our homecoming game, of course! He had completely forgotten that Eddy was bragging about not going for his lack of interest. Actually, everyone had been talking about it, specifically the homecoming dance. Edd wasn't planning on attending but he did need to set up the lights and music for it and perhaps help out afterwards. Eddy had made it clear that they would be attending the afterparty. He needed someone to drag his drunk derriere out of the house, after all. However, Edd was looking for an excuse not to go and instead leave that job to Ed.

After finding a seat on the corner bottom of the bleachers, he puts his camera and laced fingers on his lap and waits for Nazz to appear. He didn't quite know what casual attire meant but he pulled through with black jeans, a long white sleeved button down shirt and a grey buttoned up cardigan. Edd takes a look around. Everyone was in short sleeves and shorts. He found himself unbuttoning one of the buttons around his collar.

"So he's asking someone else right? Damn, probably Nazz." 

He hears a high pitched voice from behind him speak up and a couple more follow. 

"Yeah, fuck. Then I gotta look twice as bomb at the dance." The girls giggle and Edd furrows his eyebrows. Why would she want to look like a bomb? He asked himself. 

"Hey Liz, wear that dress that makes it look like you actually have an ass. ANYWAYS, girls, can I let you in on a little secret," the voice whispers. 

Oh I shouldn't be listening but these girls are truly a bit too loud for me to ignore them. Double D reasons with himself.

"My boyfriend said that Kevin IS asking Nazz. He's going to ask her before the varsity game. But don't tell anyone!" The main voice, though meant to be a whisper, is loud enough for Edd to hear. Two gasps follow. 

"I knew it!" One yells while the other two groan and mumble that she should just keep her mouth shut. Edd couldn't find himself to be surprised either. Nazz and Kevin had always been close, it's been a long time coming, he as well as everyone in school are surprised they aren't dating already. 

Just then Nazz runs up to him and the girls tense up. "Double D! Hey! Thank you so much for coming! Grab your camera and follow me!" Nazz says as she motions for him and begins to walk to the boys locker room. Edd jumps up and turns to look at three girls with open eyes, one obviously a little dimmer as she's yet to understand exactly what's happening.

Edd walks into the locker room after Nazz, keeping his head down as to not look at all the half naked boys, some only wearing a towel around their hips. Edd's cheeks turn slightly pink and Nazz looks at him just as they do. She giggles, clearly not bothered by the bare skin, while most of the guys unravel at her presence. They walk through the cologne and sweat until they stop right in front of a fully uniformed red head. Edd takes one look at Kevin and suddenly remembers this morning.

Kevin meet Edd's eyes and turns away quickly. Well, as it's always better to be ignored than pumbled to death. He has bigger things to worry about than this morning anyway. Once Edd comes to his conclusion, he begins to set up his camera.

"Hi Kevin! Ready for your close up?" Nazz asks, her light voice making the room noticeably brighter. 

Kevin shoots her a charming smile and nodds, "You know I am."
Beakers and beanies if looks could bring you back to life...Edd stops his thoughts, of course Kevin was a charming young man, he had the capacity to do that to anyone but he was also rude and harsh- Edd knew this first hand.

Nazz giggles after the response and motions for Edd to start recording.

She asked simple questions about how he feels about their junior varsity just having lost their game and how they plan to play in less than half an hour.

"Ya' know, we won't let it get to us.  We're going to win, we have the school behind us and we trust each other. J.V. tried their best, this just motivates us to try harder. It's our homecoming game ya'know, we gotta win this one. If not for us, just for everyone that believes in us. I know I've only been captain for a couple months but these guys are the most dedicated people I know. We got this, all we ask if that everyone cheers us on." He speaks with such enthusiasm and faith even the corner of Edd's lips had lifted a little by the time he finished.

"And now I have a question for you Nazz-" Kevin clears his throat as a crowd gathers and the back door of the locker room opens.

"Homecoming is tomorrow soooo...."

Five football players bring in a flashy sign and place it behind Kevin.

"I was wondering if- I mean, would you go to homecoming with me?" 

Edds fingers twitch and turn off the camera.

He turns to look at a genuinely shocked Nazz.

"Erm, Kevin can I speak to you outside really quickly?" She asks, plastering on a smile.
Kevin nodds, turning as he goes out the back with her to put up his thumbs. His bulky buddies do the same, and, as soon as the door shuts, begin to murmur and hoot. 

"They're probably making out already!" One guy says, "Hey, he's probably deep in her panties by now!" Another shouts. They all laugh as Edd awkwardly stands behind his camera looking down at his hands.

.

"Damn it Kevin!" Nazz mutters in frustration as soon as the locker door closes. "You said you weren't going to do this! I don't mind but I care about you, I want you to be comfortable! You don't like me like this, we both know it." 

Kevin leans against the wall, eyes fixed on the concrete floor before sighing and reponding.

"I know, I know. Just do this for me Nazz, I'm not sure of anything... c'mon... I, uh, ran into double dork this morning and we sorta fucking kissed or some shit. It was really weird and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. What if people noticed and start talking?! Nazz. Please!" He looks tired and restless- even a little bit angry. It pains Nazz.

"Look, you're lucky that I'm not trying to date anyone else... Fine. But you can't do this forever." She warns. But Kevin doesn't care. He grins with relief and joy then kisses her cheek.

"Thanks Nazz babe!" He practically jumps back into the locker room and Nazz hears him shout 'she said yes!'

She touches the cheek where he kissed her and sighs heavily.

'Damn it.'