Chapter 16 – You Make Me So Happy

Edd arrived at almost the exact time he had estimated, only a few minutes after Kevin himself returned from Eddy's house. He didn't tell Edd where he had been, and after only a brief kiss, Edd started Kevin in on prepping for the meal that Edd had planned. Kevin found himself mixing cupcake batter within a few minutes of Edd's arrival. He thought he might have a little time to love on Edd once those were in the oven, but Edd had him cleaning and peeling potatoes as the cupcakes baked. The cupcakes finished almost at the same time that Kevin had finished the potatoes.

While Kevin had been preparing everything, Edd sat at the breakfast bar with his chemistry book open, taking notes and working on an assignment, even as he watched and instructed Kevin. Kevin was thoroughly amused at this, and cheerfully followed all of Edd's directions with a smile. This turned out to be fun and he was proud of himself, as everything seemed to be coming out all right.

As the cupcakes cooled, Edd had him mix up a frosting, which he put in the fridge for later, then he had to chop lettuce and veggies for the salad that Edd wanted him to make. When that was all done, Kevin hoped to steal a few moments alone to at least properly kiss his boyfriend, but Edd had him start on the main dish. For this, Edd left his homework and helped Kevin with the chicken as he had to physically show Kevin what he had to do.

Kevin grinned at Edd as he ran his arm across his forehead. "That was actually pretty easy. When you said Chicken Cordon Bleu, I pictured something near impossible to make. Sounded really fancy," he said, putting the cutting board, knives and tenderizer into the dishwasher.

"I mostly make simple things, Kevin," Edd told him, going once again around the breakfast bar to perch himself on one of the stools.

Kevin had to sigh as he watched Edd's attention become absorbed with his chemistry after reminding Kevin absently to take care of the side dish. Kevin put the peeled potatoes in a pot of water on the stove and turned it on to have them boil, adding salt as Edd suggested. He returned to the counter and frosted the two dozen cupcakes that had cooled. They were chocolate with chocolate chips and Kevin had made a simple buttercream frosting that he kept sampling when Edd wasn't looking. He just used a knife to spread the frosting on because he firmly told Edd he wasn't up to learning to use a pastry bag today.

Kevin put the last cupcake on the platter and turned to put the rest of the dirty bowls and utensils into the dishwasher. The potatoes were boiling away, but he knew that they weren't yet done. Edd's focus was on his book and Kevin realized that there wasn't anything to do at that minute. He took in a deep sniff and had to admit, the dinner smelled amazing and he couldn't believe he had done that. He turned his head and looked at Edd, bent over his book and biting his lower lip, his tongue poking through the gap in his teeth. 'Alright," he thought, "on to important things.'

Kevin came around the breakfast bar quietly and grabbed Edd's arm, startling the boy. The barstools were the spinnable kind and Kevin took advantage of that to spin Edd so that he faced him.

"Kevin!" Edd protested.

"Shh…" Kevin whispered, wedging himself between Edd's thighs and putting his hands on Edd's shoulders. He leaned down and kissed Edd. "I finally get to kiss you, properly this time. I've been working hard enough to get a break and enjoy my five minutes before my Mom gets home."

Edd laughed, putting his arms around Kevin's waist. "Alright, as your instructor, I grant you five minutes for your own amusement."

"That's more like it," Kevin murmured and took full advantage of his break time.

Kevin's mother came in the door to the garage that opened onto the kitchen and looked at the scene with some surprise. Her son was wearing an apron and was tossing a salad in the salad bowl. Her son's boyfriend sat at the breakfast bar reading, and there was a heavenly smell that equaled the delicious smell she and Kevin's father had come home to the day before.

"Hey Mom!" Kevin called over his shoulder.

Kevin had texted her that afternoon, telling her that takeout wasn't needed, so she wasn't surprised that dinner was being made again, but seeing her son actively cooking gave her a warm feeling of surprise that she fully embraced. After only a few days, she welcomed the obvious influence Edd had over Kevin.

Sylvie kicked off her shoes, hung up her coat, and tossed her workbag and purse on the counter. "It smells lovely, Kevin. What surprise do we have today?" she asked, kissing Kevin on the cheek.

"Chicken Cordon Bleu," he replied proudly. "With garlic mashed potatoes and salad."

"You did all this?"

"I did, Mom! Aren't you impressed?"

She looked over at Edd, who was watching them with a smile. "I am, my dear. Fancy French food?" she laughed. "I'm getting spoiled." She came around the breakfast bar and put her arm around Edd's shoulders, giving him a squeeze. He was so surprised he didn't even flinch, as he was wont to do with strangers. Sylvie kissed him on the cheek then and let him go, leaving him completely flustered. "And how are you, Edd?"

Edd sputtered for a moment, then tried to answer in an even voice that came out as a squeak, "I…I am fine, thank you, Mrs. Barr."

"Edd, I told you to call me Sylvie," she reminded him in an amused tone. "I won't have Kevin's boyfriend call me 'Mrs". We're family now."

Edd was momentarily stunned. Kevin had called him the night before to tell him that his parents knew. Kevin had even cried on the phone with him as Edd tried to soothe him, wishing he could just rush back over to Kevin's house. They hadn't been able to discuss it that day, but having it openly acknowledged like that took Edd's breath away. Somehow he managed to say faintly, "Of course, Sylvie."

"Did you boys have a good day at school?" she asked. They both told her about their day as she leaned against the counter next to Edd. Kevin took the chicken dish out of the oven, put more cheese on it, then put it back. Sylvie listened to Edd describe the test he had taken, even as she watched Kevin, still marveling inside that Kevin was actually cooking.

"Can I help with anything?" she asked once Edd had finished talking. "Set the table…or…?"

"We've got it Mom," Kevin assured her. "Just relax! Edd, I think these potatoes are done."

Sylvie watched as Kevin prepared the mashed potatoes under Edd's direction, a large smile on her face. Kevin had started putting everything in bowls when Pete came into the kitchen from the garage. He took one look at the scene – everyone had paused to look at him – and burst out laughing. "I was only half-kidding about cooking dinner every night for us, Kev," he said, putting his gloves on the counter next to Sylvie's purse.

Kevin laughed, "I know Dad. I still wanted to make something tonight. I actually enjoy learning this stuff."

Pete came over, kissed Sylvie, and looked at Edd. Edd looked back a little warily. It was the first time he had come face to face with Kevin's father after he had found out about Kevin. While Kevin had said his dad was cool with it and very accepting, Edd was still a little nervous. He knew it was stupid to think it, but he didn't want Kevin's father to think Edd had turned his son gay. "Hello, Edd," Pete said in a friendly tone that did much to relieve Edd's anxiety. "What did you have Kevin whip up for us today?"

Edd said, in a rush from his relief, "Chicken Cordon Bleu and mashed potatoes. It is an easy dish that I like to make. It only takes approximately forty-five minutes, so it is ideal to make after school."

Pete laughed, "Sounds fancy. A guy could get used to this."

"You and Mom can go sit at the table, Dad," Kevin told him. "Everything should be ready."

They were finishing up the successful meal. Kevin had created a delicious dinner and he felt so pleased and proud that he couldn't stop smiling. Their talk was mostly about school and about the upcoming baseball season. Kevin was itching to play sports again since basketball had finished.

"Kevin said you were helping him to read some Shakespeare, Edd," Pete said. "Which play?"

"Much Ado About Nothing," Edd answered. "Kevin saw me reading it the other day and questioned me." He turned to grin at Kevin. "He did not understand why I was reading such material when it was not assigned for a class." That got both Sylvie and Pete to laugh, while Kevin just shrugged. "I told Kevin that I liked to read that particular play when I needed to laugh, though Kevin did not find much humor in the plot when I outlined it."

"Huh, I guess the bald plot isn't too funny, but it's all in the writing. Some of Shakespeare's best comedy is in that."

Kevin stared at his father, while Edd looked at him eagerly. "You are familiar with the play?"

Pete chuckled, "Sure. I've read a lot of those plays. Bet you didn't know that about your old man, eh, Kev?" Kevin shook his head. "Minored in English Lit in college, just because I enjoyed it."

"I didn't know that Dad," Kevin said, looking at his mother, who smiled at him. "I thought you just got your MBA."

"Nah, I almost majored in Literature, but my own Dad advised against it. So I settled with it as a minor."

"Huh. I guess you do learn something every day," Kevin muttered.

"You kids should watch the movie. The one Branagh did," Pete suggested.

Edd nodded eagerly, "Oh I agree. I will have to show it to you, Kevin." He sounded excited, which Kevin found amusing. Edd was so cute when he got excited about things. "The Branagh production is, I think, the best adaptation of the play. Kenneth Branagh has adapted many of Shakespeare's plays for the big screen, and I think he usually does them the best. I believe because Branagh himself was a Shakespearean actor on the stage and he understands the material. He made such an excellent Benedick. He was married to Emma Thompson at the time, who played Beatrice, and their chemistry with each other is perfect."

Sylvie and Pete listened to Edd with amusement.

"The rest of the cast is delightful as well," Edd continued, then frowned. "Well, I do believe they could have found a better Claudio than Keanu Reeves. For some reason, I can never picture him as anything other than his Bill and Ted character. But the rest of the movie is so well done."

"Is it on Netflix?" Kevin asked. "If it is, I'd be more than happy to watch it with you Edd."

Risking to be thought rude, Edd took out his phone and looked up the movie on the Netflix app. "It is Kevin. You said your homework is done. Mine is as well. Perhaps we could watch it after dinner?"

Kevin laughed, "Yes, yes, Edd. If it will make you happy." Kevin could see how happy it made Edd to know he was going to share something he loved with Kevin.

"Maybe I'll come down and watch it with you too," Pete said before shoving the last forkful of his dinner into his mouth. "You boys clean up and I'll go get it set up in the movie room."

"Pete," Sylvie said, giving him a look which he couldn't interpret.

"What?"

She rolled her eyes as she stood and started to collect the plates over the boys' protests. "I can clean up kids."

"No Mom. We've got it," Kevin insisted, standing up and putting his hands on his mother's shoulders and gently pressing her back down in her seat.

"Yes, it shall only take us a few moments to clean up," Edd added.

He and Kevin took most of the plates and bowls into the kitchen and Sylvie looked at Pete and shook her head.

"What?" he repeated.

Sylvie mock-repeated what he had said, "'Maybe I'll come down and watch it with you too'? Pete! Don't you think maybe the boys want to be alone?"

Understanding flashed into his features. "Oh," he said, frowning. "I didn't even think of that." He sighed. "I'm sorry, Sylvie. I'm still kind of wrapping my head around this. I just got excited that Kev's got a friend who likes Shakespeare. That he's got a smart friend. Someone I can actually talk to."

"Edd's not just a friend, you know, and I'm sure there are times they'll want to be alone together. Did you ever like my parents sitting there when we wanted to be alone?"

Pete chuckled, holding up his hands, "You're right. I wasn't thinking. Got carried away." Kevin came back in to get the rest of the platters. "Kev, I'll leave you and Edd alone. You don't need me down there while you try and watch your movie."

Kevin looked at his father a little surprised, then understood. He smiled, "It's ok, Dad, really. It'll be nice to watch it with you. We really don't mind. You too, Mom," he added, looking at Sylvie.

"Only if you're sure, Kevin," Sylvie said. "We don't want to be wet blankets for you two."

Kevin laughed outright. "No really, it's ok," he assured them both, taking the dishes out to the kitchen, still laughing.

"I hope you don't mind, Edd. My Mom was trying to get my Dad to give us some privacy, but I told them it was ok if they watched the movie with us," Kevin said as he put the dishes in the sink.

"I do not mind at all, Kevin. I like your parents, and I want to make a good impression on them and get to know them better. I am excited that your father is interested in Shakespeare and other literature. It makes me feel that there is something I can talk to him about."

"You don't have to worry, Edd," Kevin said, opening the dishwasher so that Edd could hand him the plates he rinsed. "My parents think you're awesome."

Edd looked pleased. "I am very glad of that Kevin. Like I said, it is important to me to develop a good relationship with your parents."

Kevin leaned over and kissed Edd on the cheek. "Too bad I can't kiss on you very much with Mom and Dad sitting there with us."

"That is an unfortunate result of the situation, Kevin, but I think we can both survive."

Kevin laughed, kissing Edd's cheek again before returning to the clean up.

"I still can't believe our son made that dinner," Sylvie said to Pete as she snuggled into the corner of the sectional sofa in the movie room, stretching her legs over the top of Pete's thighs, as he was sitting next to her. He laid his hands on his wife's legs.

"That was really good, Sylvie," he agreed.

"It was. Did you ever think you'd come home to Kevin telling us he'd made Chicken Cordon Bleu?"

"Not in a million years," Pete said, stretching his arms over his head before returning his hands to Sylvie's legs. He looked at his wife, his smile somewhat sad. "I know we'd talked for years about how we thought Kevin was gay, but it's still hard to realize that he is. I have to admit, though, I couldn't have asked for anyone better for him to get involved with."

"Edd is pretty amazing," Sylvie said, reaching to take Pete's hand.

They were interrupted as Kevin and Edd came into the room, carrying the platter on which Kevin had put the cupcakes he had made. "Dessert," he announced, putting the plate on the low coffee table and then he handed one to each of parents. Edd settled on the far end of the couch from Pete and Sylvie and Kevin sat down next to him, but not really touching him. He gave Edd a cupcake, took one for himself and sat back as his father started the movie.

All four of them enjoyed the movie. Kevin was surprised how much he understood and how much he liked it. He had been a little skeptical, but it was good. Out of his parents' view, he held Edd's hand between them, but kept thinking how much he just wanted to kiss the cute boy next to him. He also realized Edd was enraptured with the movie, so even without Sylvie and Pete's presence, Kevin probably wouldn't have been able to distract Edd and that thought amused him.

When the movie finished, Sylvie was the first to slide off the couch and stand up. "Come on, Pete, I need your help upstairs," she said pointedly, bending over to pick up the platter of cupcakes. "I'll pack these away, boys, don't worry." She shot her husband another sharp glance before heading out of the room.

Pete chuckled, "Looks like I'm being summoned." He handed the remote to Kevin. "Don't stay up too late," he said. "It is a school night, kids." He followed Sylvie and left the pair alone.

Kevin picked a random channel and turned the volume down low. He waited until he heard his parent's footsteps moving around upstairs before he turned to Edd, who was watching him with a sly, amused expression.

"Finally," Kevin breathed out. Edd had turned himself on the couch so his back rested against the armrest. Kevin got onto his knees, hovering over Edd and putting his hands on the armrest on each side of Edd to brace himself. Edd covered his mouth to hide his smile. "Oh no. Move that hand, Double D. I don't know what I'm going to do if I can't kiss you soon."

"Kevin!" Edd said, dropping his hand as his cheeks turned pink. He had no time to say anything else as Kevin's lips were on his in a demanding kiss. This was only their third makeout session, but Edd felt himself letting go. On Saturday, the newness of it all had held him back. On Sunday, it was much the same. Oh, he enjoyed it - every moment of it, but there was a holding back that Edd knew was due to his personal space issues and his unfamiliarity with intimacy. Edd had no idea what was different today. It may have been he was becoming used to the idea of being part of a couple. It may have been their talk the day before, the acceptance of Kevin's parents, and their success at keeping their relationship a secret at school, and the happiness of his friends for him. Whatever it was, Edd felt more confident and responded to Kevin in a way that made the redhead lightheaded.

Kevin was so happy that Edd seemed more willing to give himself up to him today and he wasn't about to question it. He was ready to test Edd's boundaries and see what he'd be able to get away with. Kevin was definitely taking Eddy's advice to heart. He was not going to push Edd too fast, but he needed to know where those boundaries lay.

Kevin pulled away, feeling pleased when he caught the slight frown on Edd's lips. He settled back into a seated position on the couch, pulling Edd with him, using his strength to maneuver the smaller boy up onto his lap. He could tell that Edd was thrown off and a little embarrassed to be straddling Kevin's lap – the position was quite intimate and Kevin encircled Edd's waist and hips, one hand resting on his lower back and the other on one of his butt cheeks.

To keep his balance, Edd clutched Kevin's shoulders. Finding himself on Kevin's lap, facing his boyfriend, feeling Kevin's hands where they were, made Edd blush. It took Edd a moment to let himself relax and once he did, Kevin made his mind go blank by kissing him again. Something about this position made Edd let go even more. He felt himself clutching at Kevin's shoulders, gathering the fabric of his shirt into his hands.

Kevin concentrated on kissing Edd, knowing that it was that action that got Edd to relax. Kissing Edd was intoxicating to Kevin too. There was just something about it – the softness of Edd's lips, the eagerness that Edd returned his kisses, the shyness evident, the small and barely audible high-pitched noises Edd made at the back of his throat – that drove Kevin crazy. He could feel himself getting excited with Edd practically sitting on that sensitive area.

He pulled Edd even closer, tightening his hold on the smaller boy. Edd's eyes opened, even as he kept tangling his tongue with Kevin's, as he felt Kevin's hardness for the first time under him. The hardness pressing up against his own groin made him excited as well and he was embarrassed by that, hoping that Kevin wouldn't notice.

Kevin did, of course, and he was so turned on by it. He pulled away from Edd's lips and moved to his neck, kissing and licking the skin while Edd tilted his head back allowing Kevin full access. Kevin then slid both his hands up the back of Edd's t-shirt, stroking the bare skin and hugging Edd tightly.

Edd enjoyed all the sensations Kevin was giving him and he closed his eyes so he could focus on each area of his body that felt on fire, but he could only take it for so long. As much as he wanted to fully let go for Kevin, he just couldn't yet and he finally gasped, "Kevin stop!"

Kevin did stop and relaxed his hold on Edd, allowing the boy to scoot back a little on Kevin's lap. Kevin loosely held onto Edd's hips and Edd's hands stayed on Kevin's shoulders, though Edd looked down as if ashamed. "I am sorry, Kevin."

"For what, Edd?"

Edd opened his mouth, but couldn't think of how to explain himself.

"My Edd is speechless?" Kevin lightly teased him. He reached up and caressed Edd's cheek. "Edd, don't ever apologize if you want me to stop."

"Kevin, I do not want you to think that I do not like what you do. Or that I do not want to be intimate with you," Edd said in a small voice.

Using his finger under Edd's chin, Kevin made him look up. "Edd," he said with a smile, "When you respond the way you do when I kiss you, I know that you like it." Kevin deliberately looked down, then back up. "I can tell you like it," he said, his expression turning sly which he could tell mortified Edd.

"Kevin…"

"Look, don't be embarrassed if you get turned on, alright? I like that I can do that to you. It makes me feel good."

"Yes, Kevin, but…"

"But nothing Edd. I told you this weekend, we'll only go as fast as you're comfortable with, ok? I won't push you into anything you're not ready for. But," he added his own 'but', "I will occasionally see how far I can go. If it's too much, tell me and I'll stop. You have to know you drive me crazy," he said, running his fingers across Edd's cheek. "But I won't do anything you don't want me to do."

Edd gave him a small smile, "Thank you for understanding, Kevin. All of this is new to me. I have often wondered how I would handle an intimate relationship," he admitted. "I am trying, but I just think it will take time. It is not that I do not want to…"

"Take all the time you need, my Edd. I'm not going anywhere."

Edd's smile widened. "I shall not go anywhere, either, Kevin. You make me so happy."

"That's really all I want to do. I want to make you happy. I want to spend time with you. You make me happy too, and I like how I feel when I'm with you," Kevin said. "Look, I can tell you're worried about this and how fast everything is going. I'm telling you, don't worry. I'll never get mad if you're not ready. I'm not gonna break up with you if you're not ready. I could never do that to you. I like you too much for that."

Edd didn't know what to say once again. He moved his hands from Kevin's shoulders to his cheeks and cradled Kevin's face. He leaned forward and kissed Kevin, a sweet and simple kiss, but Kevin felt it all the way to his toes. Kevin knew waiting for Edd wouldn't be easy, but as he told Eddy, he knew Edd would be worth it.

"Kevin," Edd said softly, as he pulled back, "I do not know what I did to deserve this, but I am so happy I did it. You do not know how much it means to me that you understand. And," he said, blushing a little as he looked down, "I do not want you to stop testing my boundaries. I do like it when you touch me and kiss me."

Kevin threw his head back and laughed. He couldn't get over just how adorable his boyfriend was. Edd's eyes turned up to look at him, then he started laughing as well, even as his cheeks darkened more. He scooted up Kevin's lap and pressed his face against Kevin's chest, trying to muffle his laughter. Kevin wrapped his arms around Edd and held him close. "Then don't worry, my Edd. I will touch you and kiss you all the time."

As Edd turned his head to rest his cheek against Kevin's chest, Kevin pressed a kiss against his boyfriend's temple before settling back into a comfortable position on the couch. Edd still straddled his hips, but was now snuggled up against him with his head tucked under Kevin's chin. "While kissing you is very nice, Kevin, I do like this," Edd said in a soft voice.

"I could stay like this forever, Edd," Kevin agreed.

And Kevin could. He knew that they would face challenges with their relationship. There was hiding it, for now, at school, though Kevin hoped Edd would someday be all right with being open about it. Kevin was proud of what they had, and while he knew Edd was proud too, there was something worrying his little boyfriend and Kevin could play along with it for now.

Edd also had to face telling his parents, which Kevin was unsure about. Edd thought that they would be happy for their son, but Kevin didn't know them, so he couldn't be sure. Parents weren't the only family that would have to know – grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins – and Kevin was also unsure how they would react, but they did need to know. He didn't care what his family's reaction would be though. His Edd was worth everything. This right here, holding his boyfriend and loving on him, that's what it was all about and he'd be damned if anyone tried to spoil that for him.

It was getting late and Kevin knew Edd would have to go home soon, but he just wanted to stay like this. He heard a contented sigh from Edd and he lightly squeezed him, getting Edd to snuggle even more against him.

Yes, this was what it was all about.

Author's Note: I want to thank everyone for your support, love, comments, and feedback about this story! I am so happy it was enjoyed, because I loved writing it! While this part of the story is complete, there is much more that I have to share. I have one-shots and stories written through their college years, and plan on posting them in the future. To follow my updates, you can follow me as an author here, or follow me on Tumblr devooshawrites. I update on Tumblr all of my writing.

All the love has meant the world to me, and has been so inspiring! I am always looking for prompts and ideas, so send me a message on Tumblr if you have one! 3