This is something new I'm trying. I want to finish it, but I'm still not sure. Let me know if I should, because I have some fun things in store.

-wiseyetharmless

Kevin adjusted his glasses, cursing. He looked in the mirror, turning his head this way and that. Unsightly bruises covered his cheeks and forehead, his nose was bleeding and he had scuff marks on his sweater.

First things first.

Kevin took a paper towel from the dispenser and held it to his nose,tilting his head back. While he waited for the bleeding to stop, he took off his red cap and dusted all the grass and dirt out of his hair. Satisfied with both his nose and his red locks, he put the hat back on and threw away the towel. He then took off his glasses, wetted a paper towel and cleaned his throbbing face, being especially gentle around his new bruises. His face was swollen and hurt like hell, but there was nothing he could do about that right now.

Once his face was clean, he tried to clean his sweater the best he could. It was an older sweater and he told himself that having it ruined was okay- he needed a new one anyway. Even so, this was his favorite one. It was a light green, his favorite color, which brought out his dark green eyes and bright red hair, giving him some much needed self-esteem. The sweater was soft and big enough the sleeves covered most of his hands, comforting him. He'd worn the sweater through thick and thin; when he got his first Quiz Bowl championship award, when he got his first motor bike, his first and many of his beating from the school bullies...

Kevin sighed. The gang of guys that always beat him up had been at Kevin for all of high school and most of junior high. They were determined to make him miserable. It started out with light teasing that really bothered Kevin. He would run to the restroom and cry, embarrassed and confused as to what he did to deserve the treatment.

Over time the tormenting got worse and Kevin grew almost used to it. He still cringed whenever one of the boys would walk by and he was never really relaxed anymore, but he didn't cry like he used to. He just waited until they were done and then would clean himself up. He'd have to make sure he didn't attract attention with his injuries. If anyone got suspicious that Kevin was being bullied and the gang got in trouble, they threatened Kevin they'd do horrible things to his best friend, Nazz. They were usually smart enough not to hit him so much in the face, but this time they went all out. Kevin winced as he imagined what terrible things would be inflicted upon poor Nazz if anyone found out.

Nazz didn't deserve that. She was a pretty, shy girl with thick blonde hair always neatly pulled back and long sleeve shirts or sweaters. She'd never really been bullied like Kevin had, but that was only because Kevin took most of it for her. The gang didn't care , as long as they got to beat someone. Lately, however, the beating got so bad Kevin could barely hide it.

Well, I guess I could always say I got into a fight with a brother or something. Or a cousin. They can't look up my extended family, can they? Yeah, a cousin sounds good. I got into a fight with my cousin because...uh...let's see. It has to be something bad enough that someone would like me would fight about it. Oh! He called my friend some nasty names! Yeah, that's believable.

Kevin smiled at his idea, only to wince in the pain smiling brought. He looked back at the mirror, seeing himself cradle his beaten face with cut up hands. His shoulders drooped and his hands fell to his sides as he stared at himself.

"Oh who am I kidding," he said in defeat, "no one will ever believe this. I look like I fell off a horse and landed on my face. Hey, that's a good story!" Kevin smiled again, groaning with the pain.

"Ugh! Is this what it has come to? This is what I've been reduced to?" he put his hands on the counter in front of him and leaned close to the mirror with a scowl.

"Kevin Thomas Barr, you are truly pathetic."

"I couldn't have said it better myself, pumpkin."

Kevin gasped, swirling around to see the leader of the bullies towering over him. Kevin hadn't even heard him walk in. Eddward Christian Vincent stood before him in all his menacing glory. He wore almost all black, save his bright red shirt and silver dog tags. His black striped beanie hung low on his forehead, shadowing his eyes as he smirked devilishly. The bully walked towards Kevin, backing him up agaisnt the bathroom wall. He put a finger under Kevin's chin, turning Kevin's face one way, then another. He laughed, flicking one of the biggest bruises on Kevin's face, making Kevin gasp in pain.

"That was my work, if I'm not mistaken."

Kevin said nothing, his face hurting so much he wanted to scream. He looked away from the tall bully in front of him, his knees shaking. He was really, really hoping the bully would let him be. He wasn't sure he could take any more beatings today.

"It's too bad," Eddward said with a fake, mournful tone in his voice. "I thought I'd done better than this. No matter, I shall make up for it shortly." Without warning, Kevin was raised off the ground and hurled into a bathroom stall, hitting his head with a smack agaisnt the stall wall. He coughed, struggling to get up. Eddward beat him to it, pulling him up by his shoulders. One Kevin was on his feet, Eddward delivered a swift punch to Kevin's stomach, making Kevin gag and crumple to the floor.

Kevin gasped, his breath knocked out of his body. He could see stars. Every part of him ached with so much ferocity he wished he were dead.

Eddward wasn't finished, however. He grabbed Kevin again, smashing Kevin agaisnt the wall. Kevin hit his head again, and even though it was softer this time, he could see his vision going blurry.

"Look at me, Pumpkin. Look at me!" Eddward demanded, shaking Kevin slightly.

Kevin used all of his strength to lift his heavy, throbbing head and look at Eddward's blurry form. The world was spinning and he thought he might throw up. Eddward was saying something to him, but Kevin couldn't hear him. Eddward must have asked him something, because he looked annoyed that Kevin hadn't replied. The bully, furious, slapped Kevin hard.

That was all it took. The pain became unbearable and Kevin went limp, crashing agaisnt the cold, hard tiled floor.

Kevin coughed, the act hurt his stomach enough that it awoke him. His head was lolled to the side, his body slumped awkwardly in a chair. His mouth was so dry. His head was throbbing horrifically. His face ached, though the swelling seemed to be down a bit on one side. The other side, however, still hurt. He wondered why.

Oh wait.

His heart beating quickly, Kevin forced his eyes open all the way. The room was dark, thank the heavens. He couldn't see much- his glasses were gone. He was able to make out that he was in a chair facing something large... a couch? There was a dark shadow on the couch and only when it moved did Kevin realize what it was. Or, more accurately, who it was.

Kevin let out a small whimper as he realized he was alone with his bully. He tried to moved, but he found his hands and feet were tied to the chair he was on. He started to breathe more quickly. Oh no. Oh no. I've been captured. He's going to kill me. I'm going to die. Oh crap oh crap please no no...!

Kevin tried to squirm out of his restraints, knowing he'd have horrible bruises by the time he escaped. If he escaped, that was. However, in the process, he managed to knock over the chair he was on and land on his side, yelping at the pain that scorched his cheek and arms. The bully lying on the couch groaned, waking up. Kevin started to hyperventilate, hoping the boy wouldn't kill him.

Eddward was almost silent as he got off the couch and moved towards the tiny ginger. He put his hands on either side of the fallen chair and righted it before sitting back down across from his victim.

"You are incredibly weak, you know. You passed out, just like that. It's amazing you continue to live with such a flimsy body."

Kevin started to shake. That's just it, isn't it? I haven't died yet, so he's going to finish me off.

"Don't look so melancholy, Pumpkin. It doesn't suit you."

"Wh-what happened? Where are we?"

"You, my little friend, are enjoying the pleasure of being welcomed into my humble abode. After your little fainting spell, I brought you here so you wouldn't be found lying on the bathroom floor."

"What? Why?"

Eddward seemed taken back that Kevin was talking to him. Kevin usually stayed silent to avoid further confrontation. But Kevin was in a state of panic, needing answers. He started to sweat and shake as he squinted at Eddward, trying to see any emotion in the bully's face.

"What are you doing?" Eddward asked, his voice riddled with annoyance. Kevin realized he was leaning forward to get a better look, squinting so hard it hurt his eyes.

"I-I can't see.." Kevin replied, leaning back and blushing. He looked at the blurry carpet, knowing he'd upset the bully. He jumped when warm hands touched his ears, his glasses sliding onto his nose. He looked up to see the bully, almost tenderly, put his glasses on him. Satisfied, the bully sat back down.

"Happy now?" he asked the ginger flatly. Kevin nodded, though in reality, he was freaking out.

"Now. Due to the...frailty of your condition, you'll be staying with me for a bit. I can't risk people seeing you like this." Eddward smiled evilly as his words sunk in. Kevin's mouth hung open a bit as terror filled his chest. I have to...what?

"N-no... I won't tell, p-promise! I can-can't stay-"

"Hush. You will stay here. You have no choice. Did I not just establish that?"

Kevin's face flushed. This was a horrible nightmare. There was no way he was being held captive by the same kid who made his life miserable. There was just no way. Kevin sighed, trying to calm his racing heart.

He can't keep me here for long, right? He wouldn't want that. Plus, he doesn't want people to see I'm hurt, so he won't make it worse, right? That would be pointless, right?

Kevin began to calm down a bit. That made more sense. Then again, the bully could hurt him somewhere people wouldn't see, which was everywhere but his face and hands. He could do so much worse and no one would have to know! Kevin broke out into a sweat.

"What is wrong with your face, Pumpkin? You seem to be quite distressed." Kevin looked up, expecting to see a menacing smirk on Eddward's face. Instead he saw that the bully was generally confused. Kevin realized he must look like a crazy person, what with the flailing and quickened breath.

"I-I just...why did you bring me here?"

"I already told you-"

"No," Kevin insisted, wincing at the way Eddward looked at being interrupted, "why di-did you bring me h-here?"

Eddward leaned back, putting his hands behind his head. His evil smile was back. "Simple. I like watching you squirm. And here, I can watch you all I want."

Kevin wished he hadn't asked.

"You don't squirm nearly as much as your little girlfriend, though. Perhaps I should've brought her too."

Kevin's blood boiled and he gritted his teeth. How dare he even suggest hurting Nazz? Kevin struggled against his restraints, his face set in a vicious snarl. He may have been small and, for the most part, a passive person, he was very protective of Nazz. "If you lay a finger on her, I swear-"

In the blink of an eye, Eddward was out of his chair and holding onto Kevin's face, his grip tight enough to make Kevin tense in pain.

"Do not threaten me, Pumpkin. You will not live to regret it. Perhaps I have not made myself clear. I am in charge here. Not you. You will do as I say or I will do whatever I please to your blonde friend. You cannot protect her. I am stronger, faster and smarter than you are. Are we understood?"

Kevin nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Eddward released him, the scowl still stuck on his face. He shook his head, letting out a sigh. He laid back on the couch, relaxing.

"It's no use, anyway."

"What?"

"Your friend. The boys have been planning to approach her for some time. I do not know when, exactly, but it will be soon."

"You have to do something! Stop them-or-I mean-"

Both boys looked stunned at Kevin's outburst. The ginger's face went as red as his hair, knowing he really shouldn't be telling the bully what to do.

"You're right," he said hastily, before the bully could get angry. "You're right. I can't defend her, not forever. But you can. I'd do anything, really. You just gotta convince them to lay off, or just have them talk to me instead of her. She really can't take that stuff. She can't. Please, Eddw-"

"Silence. I have had no intention of helping your friend, but you've peaked my interest. I will not be able to convince them to drop their intentions. However, I may be able to re-direct them. You will receive whatever punishments your little friend has put upon herself."

Kevin sighed in relief, his tense muscles relaxing. He almost wanted to thank Eddward, but he knew the bully didn't deserve it.

"I will warn you, however, that the boys are not nearly as merciful as I am," he said, smirking. "They have a few different...tactics in mind. In fact, that might become a problem. No matter, I have the solution. You will reside here when they act upon you, to avoid suspicion."

Kevin frowned. He didn't bargain for this. He didn't want to spend any time with this boy than he had to. But, for Nazz, he figured it was worth it. It sounded like the other bullies were into some really messed up stuff.

"Deal," Kevin spat, looking at the bully with as much confidence as he could muster.

"Not so fast, Pumpkin," the raven haired boy said, holding up a finger. "You will never speak of this to anyone. Not our deal and not my hospitality. Especially to my boys. They must remain ignorant. If you so much as hint to this encounter, your little friend will suffer the consequences, yes?"

"Got it."

Eddward closed his eyes, satisfied. "Perfect," he said quietly. He lay there for a moment, breathing in deeply. When he sat up, he looked at Kevin's bound wrists and ankles.

"Let's get you looking normal again, shall we?" He left the room, returning with a first aid kit and a couple ice packs. He pulled Kevin's chair near the couch, sitting down and starting attend to his wounds. He unbound the ginger, waiting a split second to see if Kevin would make a break for it. He didn't, but Kevin wanted to. Instead, he took a deep breath and stayed as still as he could.

Eddward then took Kevin's hand and tended to the cuts scattered across his small hands. Kevin realized just how cool the raven haired boy's hands were compared to him. It felt like they were holding hands. Kevin blushed at the thought, looking away uncomfortably. Eddward didn't seem to notice.

But he was very aware. He was shocked at how soft the small boy's hands were. They were very pale, slender and small, like a child's. Once he finished bandaging the nerd, he lingered, running his fingers along the boy's soft palms. It tickled Kevin, causing him to shiver a bit. Eddward laughed, dropping the nerd's hands and moving on.

He worked on the boy's face next, startng with the largest of the cuts that ran above his left eyebrow. He super glued it shut, wiping the small trail of blood that ran down Kevin's cheek. Kevin wasn't sure where to look, avoiding the pale blue eyes of the bully in front of him. His face burned with embarrassment as Eddward attended to him patiently, almost like he was trying not to hurt him. He knew hw was only helping him so he wouldn't get in trouble, but still...

"Breathe, Pumpkin. If you hold your breath any longer you will pass out again," the tall boy whispered. Kevin let out his breath, doing as he was told. Eddward finished, leaning back a bit and giving Kevin room to breathe normally. Finally that's over.

Just when Kevin began to relax, Eddward leaned forward again and lifted Kevin's sweater, exposing Kevin's stomach and most of his chest. He let out a frightened yelp, grabbing Eddward's wrists in an attempt to cover himself back up.

"Calm yourself. I'm just checking you for injuries," the raven haired boy said nonchalantly. Kevin, however, was about to have a panic attack. He didn't like anyone seeing his scrawny midriff, especially not his bully!

"Edd-Edd stop! I'm fine!" he protested, shutting his eyes in humiliation. His face burned furiously, his whole body going hot. Eddward, however, ignored him, inspecting the boy for what seemed much longer than necessary. He pulled back for a moment, grabbing an injury ointment. He dabbed it onto his finger, rubbing it agaisnt Kevin's stomach, getting a surprised gasp from the nerd. Crap that's cold, Kevin thought. When he was satisfied, the bully released Kevin's clothing and moved back, smirking.

"I would check the rest of you but I fear you will go into cardiac arrest," he said, looking at Kevin like he was tempted to test his theory. Kevin blushed harder, crossing his arms across himself protectively. Eddward laughed, amused at the nerd's reaction.

"You will stay the night here. The swelling will be down considerably by then, I assume," Eddward said matter-of-factly. Kevin's shoulders drooped. Crap.

"Kay," was all he could manage. Eddward left, climbing to what Kevin assumed was his bedroom. He grabbed his book bag and let his dad know he was staying at a friend's house. It was only a half lie.

Upstairs, the bully changed into his pajama pants, taking his hat off a brief moment to run a hand through his hair. His thick, black hair tickled his shoulders. He's always enjoyed the way it looked, slightly curly and jet black. Unfortunately, it was entirely illogical to have said in his face all the time. So he covered it, using a beanie he'd had since childhood. With the rest of his get up, it was quite the look. He knew he looked intimidating, and he liked it that way.

Finished, he headed back downstairs to find the nerd putting on his own hat, which had been knocked off when he fell. Eddward pointed to the couch when Kevin finally looked at him.

"You'll sleep there," he instructed. With that, Eddward turned and went back upstairs to get some sleep.

Kevin rubbed between his eyes, shaking his head. This is insane. Not seeing a reason to do much else, Kevin curled up on the couch and hugged his knees, letting a couple fat tears slide down his face as he fell asleep.