A/N: We do not own EEnE.

EDDY'S POV

It's so freakin' crazy being back here.

I mean, for the most part, not a whole lot has changed. Peach Creek looks the same. I guess ya can't expect much change in small towns. Not much changed growing up, so it makes sense that not a whole lot is gonna change now.

I kinda feel some weird type of way as I get closer to the campus. It's a good time to come back to my hometown, with it being October and all. The leaves are different, bright colors are beginning to fall. Damn, did I have some crazy parties at this school. What I think I miss the most about the good ol' college days was getting to run into Sockhead on campus often. Something about seeing Double D always brought a smile to my face. He would ask how school was going and of course I bitched about it and of course he lectured me in his weird, encouraging kind-of-way. But he was working on his doctorate while I was finally finishing my bachelors at the age of 27. You could say that I took a lot of semesters off, changed my major a few times, ya know. But I did finally graduate. And then three years ago I moved out of state and got a decent job in a big city. I feel like I fit in better in a big city anyways.

I finally race by the official "Peach Creek University" sign. I freakin' love my car. It's a 2019 red Honda Civic. It's definitely gonna stand out like a sore thumb in this small town, but who cares?

I find the visitor's parking and pull up there. "Up to one hour, huh?" I read the sign aloud. I check my Apple Watch. 1:41, perfect timing. This shouldn't take that long anyways.

I walk to the Math and Science building and head upstairs. I turn to my left, looking for room 225. It's kinda difficult with all the college kids in the hallway, too eager to check their phones and get to their next class. Then finally, I see it. Room 225 at the end of the hall. As I step closer, I hear a very familiar voice.

"... Thus concludes our lecture today on logarithms, class. We shall reconvene and further explore this on Thursday,"

Immediately I hear the sound of backpacks zipping up and shuffling. I still wait outside of the class for the crazy large herd of students to rush out. This crowd is huge! It easily has to be a class of 80 students. I wait for the crowd to dwindle, 'cept for like one or two slow poke students.

"See you Thursday, Professor," a girl with dark hair says, followed by a blond guy right behind her, muttering 'bye' or something.

"Have a very pleasant afternoon, Samantha," The professor says, turning his head to his student. But then he looks back at the white board, erasing all the equations he had written in different colored markers.

The fall sunlight is shining through the windows in such a way that it hits the whiteboard and my childhood friend before my eyes in a really cool light. He's wearing a light blue button down shirt, black slacks and dress shoes. He traded the beanie-hat for a black, ascot hat.

Wow. So that's Sockhead.

I prop my right hand up high on the door frame and lean against it with my left hand in my pocket. He's so absorbed in his own world while erasing his notes that he has no idea that I am here.

"I have a question, Professor Sockhead," I break the silence in a teasing tone.

I watch my old friend jump in shock, and then he turns his head to face me finally.

Without looking he puts back the eraser as his eyes widen, locked on mine. He flashes his trademark grin, showing that gap that still looks exactly the same.

"Eddy!" He says my name happily.

We walk towards each other and hug tightly. Woah, I didn't notice it when I was looking at him, but he feels thin. Like rail thin. So thin that I can feel his rib cage.

"I trust that your voyage here agreed with you?" he asks me as he pulls away, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Ah ya know, same 'ol same 'ol." I say, scratching the back of my neck. "That was a freaking huge class, Double D! What are you teaching these kids?"

"Algebra 2, Eddy," he says as he starts packing up his rolling suitcase. "Perhaps one of my most gratifying courses to teach I might add."

"Algebra 2?!" I say, trying to wrap my brain around the idea of actually taking this class. "Damn, I struggled just to get a C in algebra. I hated that stupid class,"

"Now now, Eddy, algebra is the most useful arithmetic that one can use in all practicality," my friend responds, closing his suitcase.

I can't help but chuckle at that. He's still such an egghead.

"Sure, whatever you say, man," I respond, tossing an arm around him. "So, whaddaya say we grab a drink or a bite to eat?"

He checks the time on the watch around his wrist and then says, "Certainly! I made arrangements so that I can prepare for Thursday's lesson tomorrow,."

"Did you drive here?" I ask him as we walk out of the building.

"Oh, no," he says with earnest. "I prefer not to contribute to the current traffic epidemic here in Peach Creek. Besides, I find it much more environmentally responsible to take the bus or ride my bike. I do my absolute best to be judicious."

I snort at that. Of course he does.

"We'll take my car, then," I tell him.

I guess I care a lot less about the environment.

"Do you have any favorite spots around?" I ask as we get into my car.

"No," he says simply. "It's not often I go out to eat, with my teaching schedule and what have you."

"Well, it's my treat, so get whatever you want."

"Why Eddy, you have become quite generous! What a pleasant surprise."

I just chuckle at that remark.

I head to a familiar place that has been around since we were kids. I remember my parents taking me and my brother there a few times when we were young. It's a nice spot, not too casual but not overly fancy either.

We get a table for two in the corner of the restaurant and I pick up the drink menu first. "Pick your poison," I say.

"But Eddy, I don't drink."

"Not even the occasional libation?" I joke.

He smiles slightly at that. "Not even the occasional libation."

Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. Even when we were all dumbass teenagers drinking until we puked, he stayed away from that. He has nursed me through quite a few rough hangovers in the past.

I order a pint and Double D just gets a glass of water.

"At least get a mocktail if you aren't into drinking," I say. "Like I said, my treat."

He waves a dismissive hand. "No, thank you, Eddy. I much prefer water."

When it comes time to order, I get steak and Double D gets a garden salad with no croutons and dressing on the side.

I must be giving him a weird look because he explains, "I am a vegan. No meat, no poultry, no fish, no dairy..."

The list is long.

"Huh… so you eat rabbit food," I say, making light.

"Well, not quite -"

"I'm kidding," I cut him off. "As long as you're getting all your nutrients."

At that Sockhead makes a funny face. I guess the kinda face he makes when he's uncomfortable. I take a drink of my beer, enjoying the taste of the dark stout.

Geez, did I say something wrong?

Double D breaks the silence. "Well now that you see what I do for my livelihood, perhaps you could share some more insight on what you do, Eddy."

"Oh yeah," I say. "I'm an insurance broker. For cars," I add, taking another swig of my beer.

"I see," Sockhead responds. "And thus your company requires you to travel quite often, I suppose?"

"Yeah, pretty much." I take another drink. "Sometimes I get to stay home for a month or so, but usually they send me to different parts of the country. They still haven't sent me to Hawaii yet, though. Bastards." I smile at my snide remark. My friend cracks a sheepish grin, catching on to my joke.

The waiter comes and brings our food. My steak looks pretty awesome but Sockhead's salad looks really bland.

While I'm cutting into my steak, I watch him pick at the salad, like he's inspecting it first before taking a bite.

"Geez, Sockhead," I say, "Is that all yer gonna eat?"

Double D looks at me with a funny expression on his face. "To be perfectly honest Eddy, I'm really not that famished after I teach. I suppose it's the adrenaline rush,"

I shrug. Whatever.

"So Lumpy moved out of state, right?" I decide to change the subject while I bite into my steak.

"Correct," Sockhead affirms. "Sarah acquired a job with a prestigious fashion company in New York, so Ed decided to keep an eye on her and followed suit. Geographically, I mean. Of course, our friend is not in the fashion industry." Sockhead giggles at the thought.

"But Monobrow somehow got a decent job in the Big Apple, right?" I ask, washing the steak down with more beer.

"Absolutely Eddy," Sockhead says. "He's working at a logistics company. I must say that I have become quite proud of our lovable loaf!" He smiles with affection. It's kinda cute.

"Damn, Peach Creek is gonna be weird without Lumpy around," I say, feeling a bit down about it. "Well shit Double D, who is still here?"

"Nazz is indeed still here," he says, as he finally takes a bite of his salad. "In fact, we communicate everyday."

I feel a mischievous grin creep up on my face. "Oh yeah?" I say, beaming now. "I knew ya always had it in you, Sockhead! You finally got the girl everyone always wanted, huh?!" Now I couldn't help but feel proud.

Double D's face drops as his eyes widen like a deer in headlights. "No, Eddy! I am afraid you are mistaken!" He drops his fork and puts up both of his hands to emphasize. "Nazz and I do not have any romantic implications whatsoever. I assure you, our friendship is strictly platonic."

My face drops. Go figure.

"How do you know for sure she doesn't like you like that, Sockhead?" I ask, taking another swig.

"Because she has a boyfriend, Eddy,"

"Oh yeah? And who's her boyfriend?"

"I regret to inform you that it is Kevin," he says, slowly taking another small bite of his bland-ass salad.

I slump in my chair. "So Shovelchin is still here," I say disappointedly.

"I apologize that you still have resentment towards him," he says before drinking his water.

I shrug. "Nahh. I mean we're cool now I guess." I sit up straighter in my chair. "And Kev doesn't worry about you talking to his woman?" I raise a brow.

"Not in the slightest. While it is usually Nazz and I that will converse over coffee, on occasion the three of us will fellowship together,"

I chuckle. "I'm happy that you're one of the 'cool kids' now Sockhead," I say, not being sarcastic at all. I really am proud of my pal.

Double D giggles. "Well I am not quite sure what constitutes as being a 'cool kid' Eddy," he says with air quotes. "I suppose I just became closer to Nazz and Kevin after you and Ed moved away."

With that I feel a bit of a sting in my heart. I can't help but feel guilty.

"Yeah well, all the good jobs for what I do were out-of-state, Double D," I retort, still feeling kinda bad.

"Oh no, Eddy," my friend replies with empathy. "I did not mean that in a crude way in the slightest. I understood that you and Ed had to pursue your own journeys individually. I also understand that one must make changes and sometimes said changes include growing distant with childhood friends."

I look at my friend and while I see that he is empathizing, I also see the sadness in his big green eyes. Why am I feeling bad about it, though?

I'm not usually such a sympathetic guy, but I guess it's hard not to have a soft spot for Sockhead.

"Guess that's life, then," I say. "I 'ppreciate you letting me crash with you. There's no way I'd want to stay with my parents."

"Of course, Eddy. Hotels are expensive and I'm more than happy to accommodate you."

I bet his house is pristine. I'm a bit of a slob, so I hope it doesn't drive him too nuts.

When I heard that I'd be heading back to Peach Creek, I messaged Double D to see if he wanted to get together. He was full of questions and when I mentioned I was staying in a hotel, he extended the invitation by telling me he has a guest room.

"Hope yah won't get sick of this mug!" I joke.

"Never, Eddy," he says and I half wonder if he understands that I'm kidding.

.

.

When we're finished eating, I pay the bill and Double D gives me directions to his place. It's a modest townhouse with a garden out front. Picture perfect, obviously. When we're inside, it's equally neat and tidy.

He gives me a tour and then shows me the guest room.

"I hope this will be to your satisfaction," he says.

I set my bags down and then flop backwards onto the bed.

"Ahhhhh… that's comfy. Yeah, this will be great. Way better than a crummy hotel."

"I thought as much," he says, hovering by the door. "I will leave you to get settled in."

"Cool. Thanks again, Sockhead."

"Of course, Eddy."

I watch him leave, closing the door behind himself. I stretch out on the bed lazily. I have a feeling I'm gonna sleep well tonight.