Ed Edd n' Eddy: Senior Year CH8

Pairing: Edd/Marie, and more as the story continues.

Rating: T

Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay in the update again, my loyal fans. Hope I didn't make you all think I was going in hiatus again, did I? Well, don't worry. I'm back. I was just busy getting a new job as a sub-custodian for my local schools. I know, not a glamorous job, I know. But hey, money is money, and I need me some green. And that's why I haven't updated as soon as I was hoping.... Anyways, let's get back to what y'all have been waiting for. Last chapter, I left you hanging with somewhat of a cliffhanger. It seems like Double D had finally came to a decision concerning our favorite Kanker. And I know I kinda made it obvious in the last chapter what it is, but, I digress. I'm sure this is gonna be the chapter you all have been waiting for. So, without further ado, I give you the next chapter! So grab your jawbreakers and take a load off.

Side Note: I made a reference in the last chapter, but not everyone got it. The reference was the restaurant. I called it “Antonucci's” after the show's creator, Danny Antonucci. I was kinda proud of myself when I came up with that. And also, for all you readers out there who enjoy longer chapter, hang on to your panties, because this one with outdo the rest..... I mean it.... IT IS FREAKIN' LONGER THAN HELL!!!! XD

Chapter 8: The Moment of Truth

'…. So this is really happening,' Marie thought, as she frantically rummaged through her's and her sisters' closet. She glanced up at the clock, with it reading 5:20pm. She had a good ten minutes before he showed up. 'I've gotta find something good,' she told herself, increasing her search. 'This is what I've been waiting for for so long.... I CAN'T mess this up!'

Marie was nervous, and for good reason.

Flashback

Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok. Tik-tok.

'I swear, if they don't get a freakin' digital clock in this room soon, I'm going to lose it,' Marie thought darkly as she sat in Detention, twirling a lock of her deep blue hair around her finger. Earlier that day, Marie was caught trying to cheat during a test. Naturally, she denied it. But unfortunately, this was a class where she got caught cheating more than once. So, convincing the teacher otherwise was simply pointless.

As the last minutes of lunch neared, she glared at the clock. 'Why is it that every other classroom in this dumb building has a digital clock but THIS one?' She let out a frustrated sigh as she rested her head on her desk. 'Guess it's their way of torturing us.... It's effective, I'll give them that much.' The temptation to grab the nearest object and chucking it at the instrument of torture was almost too much for the Kanker to handle. The only thing keeping her from doing exactly that was the knowledge that they'd just replace it with another one. Plus, that would just give them another reason to stick her in Detention.

But, no matter how annoying she found the clock to be, it could never completely rid her of her happy mood. As she remembered back to that morning, a blush and a long grin crept onto her face. She sighed happily, and propped her head on her hands. This morning was a personal victory for her. Up until recently, she was almost certain that her affection towards Double D would never be return.... Well, she hopefully believed that maybe one day he'd return her affection, but she was sure that it wouldn't happen anytime soon.

But this morning gave the Kanker girl hope. A cheerful giggle escaped Marie's lips as she remembered the kiss she gave Double D that morning. Even now, her lips were still tingling from the experience. It wasn't like the previous kiss from the night before. That was somewhat of a surprise kiss, one that he wasn't expecting. At first, she believed that Double D was finally falling for her, because of the lack of resistance he gave her during the kiss. But, later that night, she sighed and simply acknowledge it was just him being in shock.

But this morning was different. This time, as she pressed her lips firmly against his, she could almost swear she felt him kiss her back. It wasn't much, of course. But as the chair reclined back, even with her weight on him, she swore she felt Double D return the kiss, ever so slightly.

'It took about seven years,' Marie thought happily, reaching up and feeling her still tingling lips, 'but he's finally becoming mine.... I can't wait to get home and tell Lee and May. They'll be soooo jealous!' With a yawn, Marie glanced at the clock. Five more minutes until Detention was over. She then looked at the teacher's desk, only to discover that the teacher responsible of watching her was gone. Rolling her eyes, she stood up. 'Musta ditched me while I was daydreaming,' she thought. 'Well, I don't see why I should stick around if no one is going to bother to watch me.'  Marie reached for her backpack, when she heard the door open. She sat back down abruptly, thinking it was the teacher.

But, much to her surprise, it was none other that Double D. Immediately, a sly smirk appeared on Marie's face. “Why, if it isn't Double Dreamboat,” she chirped happily, standing up and placing her hands on her hips. She saw Double D stiffen up as she slowly approached him, and giggled. “You know,” she continued, placing her hands underneath Double D's chin, “ever since that kiss this morning, I couldn't get you out of my mind. What about you? Have you been thinking about me, too?”

Double D cleared his throat as he stepped out of Marie's reach. “Well,” he began, straightening his tie, “yes, as a matter of fact. After this morning's incident, I have been thinking about you a lot. We're the talk of the school, if you haven't noticed.” Even though Double D was blushing, shaking, and his voice was low and shaky, it seems he had finally mastered the art of talking to Marie without stuttering. Sure, he was nervous and still sounded terrified, but he was happy to be rid of his stutter. “I came here to ask you something. I was planning on waiting until after school to ask you, but I decided that it would be better to ask you now.”

Marie raised an eyebrow. “Oh really?” She asked, leaning against the teacher's desk. Her mischievous grin grew longer. “Did you come to ask for another kiss?” She asked, reaching into her open backpack and pulling out a thing of bright red lipstick. “Because all you have to do is give me the word.” A nervous bead of sweat ran down Double D's head as Marie began to apply the lipstick.

But, Double D simply shook it off and continued. “As tempting as the offer is, I'll have to kindly decline,” he answered calmly, scratching the back of his neck. “But as I was saying, I had something I need to ask you, Marie. And I think it is in our best interests if you let me ask it.” Rolling her eyes, Marie nodded. “Okay.... Before I ask you my real question, there is another one I've been wanting to ask you for a while now.” Marie raised an eyebrow, wanting him to elaborate. “What do you see in me?”

There was a moment of silence between the two after Double D asked his first question. He looked at Marie, and knew that she wasn't expecting a question like that. She rubbed the back of her neck and sighed. “I don't know,” she replied, sounding uncertain. “I guess I just like smart guys. And, seeing as every other guy in this school is a moron, I guess you were a shoe-win.”

Double D raised an eyebrow of his own. “Is that all you like about me? My intelligence?” While Double D felt flattered that she gave him a legitimate reason, he had a feeling she wasn't sure herself by the way she answered him. Something in her voice sounded off.

“.... Well,” she continued, a little more quiet then before, “you are the cutest one out of the Eds. You and that hair of yours.... Plus, you seemed like a nice guy.... Sooo....” There was yet another moment of awkward silence. Marie continued to rub her neck and look to the floor, while Double D studied her body language. It was weird at first, but Double D believed that she was getting embarrassed about his question. She was no longer making eye contact, she was rubbing her neck in an uncomfortable fashion, and a light blush was starting to form on her face.

Somewhat satisfied with the two answers, Double D cleared his throat once more. “I see,” he replied evenly, his voice back to its normal volume. He then took a deep breath. “Well, in that case, I guess now would be a good time to ask you this....” Marie looked up. “Will you go on a date with me tonight? A real date?”

“....” Marie stood there, eyes wide open and mouth agate, as if Double D had just said something to her in a different language. “Wh-what?” She asked, with a little bit of a hesitation.

“I asked if you wanted to go on a date with me tonight,” he repeated. Marie looked confused, excited, and skeptical all wrapped into one. Obviously she never imaged Double D asking her out, especially giving their history. So, he elaborated. “Well, since you seem sincere about your feelings towards me, I just figured it was only fair if I gave a possible relationship with you a chance.”

Marie stared at him, almost not believing her own ears. “.... Do you have feelings for me?” She asked, her voice a little quieter than normal.

Double D took a second before answering her, and sighed. “I honestly don't know, Marie.... I mean, despite all of the less than pleasant history between us and despite what my friends think, I think going out on a date with you wouldn't be such a terrible thing.... Will it work out? I don't know. But I think an actual date is an excellent way to find out.” So there it was. Double D did what he set out to do. He successfully asked out Marie Kanker. Albeit, he was terrified and nervous beyond belief, but he masked it rather well. Now all that was needed was for Marie to agree or disagree. But Double D knew better. He knew what her answer would be. “So what do you think?”

Marie didn't hesitate. “Sure, I'm game,” she answered nonchalantly, burying her hands deep into her pockets. “You can pick me up at 5:30. Where are you taking me?”

Double D let out a sigh of relief. While he knew he still had the actual date to worry about now, he was just glad that he managed to actually ask her out. “It's called Antonucci's. It's out near Lemon Brook. Supposed to be a upscale establishment, but you don't need a reservation to eat there. At least that's what-!”

RING!

And there was the bell signaling the end of lunch. Immediately after, the sound of students marching through the halls could be heard. Double D mumbled something beneath his breath, and started to make his way towards the door. Before leaving, he stopped at the doorway and turned back to Marie. “So.... Pick you up at 5:30, you said?”

“Ummm,” Marie hesitated, grabbing his backpack and throwing it around her shoulders, “yeah, I guess so....”

Double D nodded, gave her a small, almost uncertain grin, and left for his next class. But, after Double D left, Marie's cool demeanor completely vanished. 'Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God,' she thought frantically, pulling out her cellphone and calling Lee and May. Lee had her own car, and right now, Marie needed to get home ASAP. “Lee, I need you to come to school and pick me up. Now!”

End Flashback

Marie couldn't remember being as nervous as she was now. Double D had asked her out on an actual date. And, while she has been dreaming about him doing that for a while now, this was also proving to be a little more stressful than she anticipated. Ever since she got back home, she had been thinking about what to do, how to act, and what to say during the date. For Marie, this one date is the only date with Double D she sees herself getting. The last one was a practice date, at least for Double D. And from what he said earlier that day, it sounds as if this date will determine everything. Marie looked back at the clock again.

It was now 5:25pm.

'Oh shit,' Marie thought, scanning over all the clothes in her closet again. Time was running out. 'What to wear? What to wear?' But finally, after going over all the clothes again, Marie spotted something. After inspecting it, a satisfied grin appeared on Marie's face. 'Perfect.'

With Double D

'Well.... This is it,' Double D thought, as he pulled out of his driveway and headed towards the Park n' Flush. 'I'm actually going on an actual date with Marie Kanker.... By the end of tonight, I will have my answer.' Double D was dressed similarly to his usual attire. White loose fitting dress shirt, long black tie, black dress pants, and a pair of recently shined black dress shoes. He did, however, leave his green hat back home.

But, Double D was nervous beyond measure. This was going to be his first official date, and it was with none other than Marie Kanker, his childhood tormentor. Just then, he could feel his palms beginning to sweat a little. But, he took a deep breath, shook his head, and tried to calm himself down. 'You can do this, Eddward,' he reassured himself. 'This has to be done. There's no other way. This is the only way of finding out what is happening.'

Double D then let out a miserable groan. Things were happening far too fast for him. It wasn't even three days ago he was still terrified to even be in the same room as Marie. Up until a few days ago, he never imagined he'd be doing what he was doing now. Back then, the very idea of going out with Marie was simply unthinkable. But yet here he was, all dressed up and on his way to pick up the very same Marie Kanker for his first date. He looked down at his watch.

It was 5:28pm.

Double D let out a long sigh of anxiety. No matter how many deep breaths he took, or what he told himself, he still felt as if he was gonna hurl at any moment. As the sign of the Park n' Flush trailer park came into view, Double D took in a sharp gasp of air. 'Try to get it together,' he told himself sternly. 'You've had all day to prepare yourself for this.' Despite what he was telling himself, he couldn't seem to stop himself from trembling as he pulled up to the Kankers' trailer. As he put his car into park, he took a good minute taking deep breaths, just so he could get the sick feeling from his being and to settle down his ever pounding heartbeat. After that, he was relieved when he felt slightly better. 'Okay... Here I go,' he thought, as he turned off his car and stepped out. Despite the snow fall, he was glad to discover that a lot of the trailer park has been thoroughly shoveled and salted. So, after taking another deep breath, Double D made his way to the Kankers' trailer, and knocked on the door.

A few seconds passed before he heard footsteps on the other side of the door. His heart began to pick up pace again, but his steady breathing helped get it back to its preferred speed. But, Lee was the one who answered. “Our mom's not h-!” She began, until she saw it was Double D who knocked. When she saw this, she raised a curious eyebrow. “What do you want?” She asked, rather rudely.

At first, Double D hesitated to answer the oldest of the Kankers. While Lee wasn't his personal tormentor, she was able to scare him just as much as Marie could. Only difference is Lee was a bit more physical. “O-oh, hello L-Lee,” Double D stammered. “Ummm.... I-I'm sorry i-if I came at a bad time, b-but I'm here to p-pick up M-Marie for our d-date.... Is sh-she ready?” Darned stutter, Double D thought to himself, as he received an astonished looks from Lee and May, who was laying on the couch watching TV when she overheard Double D.

“....” At first, Lee just stared at him, her expression unreadable due to that red hair of hers. Then, she put her hands on her hips and gave him a suspicious look. May, on the other hand, had an expression that was a mix of jealousy and confusion. Lee was about to say something, when a familiar voice cut her off.

“I'm ready, Double D.” The voice belonged to Marie Kanker, who had just finished applying the last of her make-up. Double D, Lee and May all turned to Marie, who was walking down the stairs. But when Double D saw what she was wearing, he almost forgot to breathe. She was no longer wearing her jacket, tank-top, baggy pants, or her tennis shoes. Now, Marie wore a long blue, single shoulder-strap silk dress, that went down to just above her ankles with a pair of matching high-heels. Her hair, which was normally almost as bushy as his, was now brushed and straightened, going even further down her back. Her bangs still concealed one half of her face, but he could see she had on a light application of light blue eyeshadow. “What do you think, Double D?”

Double D wasn't going to lie to himself. Marie Kanker had certainly grown into an attractive young woman, and what she wore only made that fact more obvious. Without the baggy jacket and pants, Double D was awe-struck by Marie's slim figure.... Not that he didn't already know she was skinny. But with that dress on, he could clearly see how well-trimmed and almost perfect her body was.

But he was brought back into reality when he started to feel his face begin to warm up. He coughed nervously, and looked at Marie, who was now standing right in front of him. “Ummm.... Y-you look very nice, M-Marie,” he replied, hating that fact that he couldn't control his stutter. He thought he had finally overcame that annoying habit. “W-well,” he continued nervous, motioning towards the door, “I g-guess we should be on our-!”

“Hold it right there, bozo,” Lee interrupted, as she and May stepping in front of them. “What is going on here? Did she trick ya into another fake date again?”

Marie sent Lee and May a dark scowl. “None of your business,” she replied, putting her hands on her hips. Double D rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably, knowing all too well where this was heading.

“It is my business,” Lee countered, with May nodding her head. “I'm your sister. Your older sister, at that. Mom put me in charge of both you and May. If something happened to you, it's my ass on the line.” Double D raised an eyebrow when he heard this. That was a very uncharacteristic thing for Lee to say. “Why didn't you at least tell us?”

“Yeah,” May agreed. “We're sisters. And sisters are supposed to tell each other everything.”

Marie rolled her eyes. “Because I didn't want you two inviting yourselves along like last time and ruining it for us.” Lee and May gave Marie offended looks. “Look,” she sighed, “if you must know, Double D asked me out. I didn't “trick” him into doing shit, alright? Now, can you please get out of the way so we can-!”

“Not so fast,” Lee said, cutting her off. She then turned to Double D with a suspicious frown. “I still have some questions I want an-!”

“U-ummm.... Excuse me? L-Lee?” Double D interrupted. “I-I'm sorry.... B-but I really did ask Marie out. A-and while I would love to answer yours and May's questions....” He took a second to take a deep breath. “I-I'm afraid I made reservations. And if we don't get there soon, our table might be taken.” Marie looked at Double D, surprised. Double D, the most honest and trusting of the Eds, just LIED to Lee. “I-I'm sure you have some questions,” he continued, loosening his tie ever so slight, “but we really should be going.”

Lee didn't say anything at first. She just looked at May, and exchanged looks with one another. Then, she turned back to Double D with a stern look. “.... Fine....” With that, Lee and May stepped out of Double D's and Marie's way.

“Th-thank you,” Double D thanked awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. He then looked to Marie, and, with splash of new found courage, timidly offered her his arm. “Ummm,” he continued, voice as shaky as ever, “sh-shall we be going, M-Marie?” Marie looked at his gesture, smiled, and slowly hooked her arm with is.

“Such a gentleman,” she giggled, as she and Double D slowly made their way out the door. But before they left, Marie turned her head and stuck her tongue out at Lee and May. “Jealous?” She asked smugly, right before she and Double D walked out the trailer, closing the door behind them.

Now alone, May turned to Lee with a confused frown. “What just happened, Lee?” She asked dumbly, looking back at the door and scratching the top of her head. Lee didn't answer. She just huffed, folded her arms across her chest, and sat back down on the couch.

With Double D & Marie

As the two entered the car and buckled up, Double D glanced at Marie. She hadn't said anything since they left her trailer. Albeit, there was only a ten second span between leaving her trailer and getting into his car. But still, Double D found it odd. She just sat there, staring out the window, as if she was in deep thought. 'Hmm,' he thought, starting his car, 'I hope her sisters didn't ruin her mood.'

Nervously, as he pulled out of her driveway, Double D cleared his throat. “So, ummm....” He pause for a second, trying to think of something to say. “H-have you ever been to Antonucci's before?”

“No,” Marie answered softly, looking from the window to Double D. “But I've heard it's a real nice place.... Have you?”

Double D could see that Marie was nervous herself, which wasn't something you see everyday. It kinda helped him with some of his anxiety, knowing he wasn't the only nervous one. But, he didn't bring it up. “No. I actually just learned about it today from Nazz.” When he mentioned Nazz, Marie gave him a confused look. “I needed some advice,” he clarified, “and she was around. She thought I should ask you out, and mentioned Antonucci's as a good place to go.” As he explained that to her, he was pleasantly surprised that his stutter was gone again.

“How do your friends feel about you asking me out?” Marie asked. Double D didn't answer her immediately, and she saw a less than pleasant expression on his face. “.... Do they know?”

Double D shook his head. “No, I didn't tell them,” he sighed. “They aren't as willing to forget and forgive you or your sisters for the past as I am.... Besides,” he sighed, making a turn, “I don't see why I should have to share everything with them, especially when I know they wouldn't want to hear it.”

“O-oh.... Okay,” Marie said, sounding a little sorry she asked. “.... So they don't approve?”

Again, Double D shook his head. “No, not in the slightest.”

“So why are you doing this?” She asked, sounding genuinely curious. “Why are you so willing to forgive me and my sisters? And why did you ask me out, when you know Ed and Eddy wouldn't like it?” Double D glanced at her when he heard the seriousness in her voice. “I mean.... You guys have been friends for, like, forever, right?” Double D nodded. “So why?”

Marie wasn't expecting what Double D was going to say next.

“Because it isn't their place to tell me what decisions to make,” he answered, sounding just as serious as Marie was. “They are my dearest friends, don't get me wrong,” he continued. “And I do value their opinions on most things.... But I want to know if there could be something between you and me, probably as much as you do.” Marie stared at him, surprised at both what he was saying, and how certain he sounded about it. “I'm not going to lie to you Marie. My feelings and opinion on you have changed over the past couple days, and I don't know what to make of it. Am I becoming infatuated with you? Is it just hormones? I don't know, but this date will help me answer that.”

Marie didn't know what to say. She had no idea Double D gave it that much thought. But what surprised her the most was how honest he was being with her. While it was discouraging to hear him say he wasn't sure if things would work out with them, it was also nice to hear him say he was willing to give the thought a chance. “.... Can I ask you something?” Double D nodded, making another turn. “Despite all the shit me and my sisters have done to you, do you really think you could be in love with me, and it not be because of hormones?”

Double D took a few seconds before he answered her. He could hear the tone in her voice, and could tell she was scared about what his answer was. “As in do I believe I would be happy with pursuing a relationship with you, if that ends up being a possible outcome?” Marie nodded. Double D took a deep breath before answering. “You are a very attractive woman, Marie,” he began, with a blush slowly creeping across his face. “And despite your loud, disruptive, and sometimes frightening nature, I believe it's worth the effort to get to know you on a personal level. I don't see you as the she-demon, sent from an unholy plain to torment me as I used to. I see you sincerely have feelings of affection for me, even though you chose a less than desirable form of expression it in the past. Denying the chance to explore those feelings, especially with my opinion of you not being what it used to be, would be idiotic. And if by the end of the night I find myself wanting to explore the possibilities of a relationship with you.... I'd be just fine with that.”

“.....”

Marie Kanker was utterly speechless after she heard what Double D said. She was expecting a simple “Yes or No” answer. But no.... That was, without the shadow of a doubt, the nicest, most meaningful thing anyone had ever said about her in entire life. Double D didn't just tell her he thought she was an attractive woman, but he followed it up by saying he believed it was worth getting to know her on an personal level, as well. In her whole 18 years of life, Marie had never dreamed she would hear anyone say anything as personal, as caring, and as meaningful as Double D just did. And this was Double D.... The boy who she and her sisters have been tormenting for almost seven long years. He wasn't promising her anything, and after what she and her sisters had put him through, she couldn't blame him. But the fact that he cared enough to say all of that, to give her a second chance, to even go as far as to say if he enjoyed the night, that he'd be perfectly happy calling her his girlfriend, was almost too much for the girl to take in at once.

“O-oh.... U-ummm, th-thank you D-Double D.” Now there was something you just didn't see or hear everyday. Marie Kanker was bright pink in the face, and had just stuttered, right in front of Double D. To witness that was like winning the lottery, and Double D literally had a front row seat to it.

“Are you alright, Marie?”

Embarrassed, Marie quickly looked back out the window. “I-I'm fine,” she told him, not sounding or looking convincing in the least bit. Her voice was much higher when she said it, her face was the same color as an eraser on a pencil, and from where Double D was sitting, he could've swore he saw her legs trembling a little bit. He smiled, trying not to snicker when he realized what had just happened. He had absolutely no idea his words were going to have such a strong effect on the girl sitting across from him. Though, he wasn't lying. Marie, despite her personality, was quite attractive. It's just that before all this madness with him and Marie started, he never really took that much time to rate her appearance.

'…. I can't believe he just said all that to me,' she thought, as she started taking quiet sharp intakes of air. '…. H-he really thinks I'm attractive?' She could feel her heart beat at a little faster pace, and she could feel her palms start to sweat. But then, she abruptly shook her head. 'Get a hold of yourself, Marie,' she told herself. 'He's just saying all that just to be nice.'

Now, as you all know, Marie was anything but like most girls. She was raised to be tough, and not be swayed by something insignificant as a few sweet words. Her mother could be thanked for that.... But when she actually had someone say something like THAT to her, it was as if she had temporarily been transformed into some sort of love-struck schoolgirl from some lame TV drama or something....

At that point, Marie realized that this date might be more difficult than she anticipated.

10 Minutes Later

For the rest of the way, Marie sat in completely silent and stared out the window, as snow slowly started to fall from the sky again. She was in deep thought again, still thinking about what Double D had said to her.

'…. He sounded so casual when he said it,' she thought. 'In one foul swoop, he tells me he thinks I'm attractive, thought it was worth getting to know me on a personal level, and even said the idea of me being his girlfriend was just fine with him.... It's like he doesn't even remember all the shit me, Lee and May did to him over the years.' She watched snowflakes lazily fall past her passenger window, trying to figure out what was happening. 'And what do I do?' She asked herself, angrily. 'I blush and stutter like a-!'

“Marie.” Double D's voice brought her back into reality. She violently shook her head and looked at him. “.... We're here,” he told her, as the pulled into the parking lot. Marie was surprised they were already there. Though, most people don't have a good concept of time when in deep thought. It could've taken an hour to get there, and Marie would've noticed unless Double D said something. Not replying, Marie simple gave him a small smile, nodded, unbuckled herself and stepped out. And when Double D followed, they both took a second to inspect the place.

Antonucci's was an Italian restaurant, just on the outskirts of Lemon Brook. It wasn't the biggest restaurant they've ever seen, but it definitely wasn't a simple dinner. It was similar to a Red Lobster restaurant, but with valet parking, a more enforced dress code, and had a little more artistic flare to its building design, with the design being Italian Renaissance. Vines were hanging off the top of the building and there were duplicates of famous statues, like Michelangelo's David, and others placed out front. Above the entrance the restaurant's name, Antonucci's, was written in cursive.

'…. Well, I can honestly say this is the fanciest place I've ever been taken to,' Marie thought to herself, glancing at Double D as he straightened his tie. Seeing him do that made her want to look over herself as well. She took a few seconds to straighten her dress out and, just to be on the safe side, applied some lipstick. She puckered her lips in the rear view mirror on Double D's side of the car. 'Niiiiiiice.' As Marie straightened out her hair, she looked at Double D. He was rummaging through his wallet. She was surprised that, along with a few twenties and fifties, she saw he still had the slip of paper with her number on it from the other night.

Double D, after counting his money, put his wallet back in his back pocket and turned to Marie. “So.... You ready?” Judging by the sound in his voice, Marie could tell he was a little nervous. But.... She could understand why. She was too. This was her first real date, as well. And, with the boy she'd been chasing for years, nevertheless. So, this was a big deal, once she really thought about it.... But, it was too late for either of them to chicken out now. So, Marie nodded. “Alright,” Double D said, trying to sound casual about it, “lets get going, then....” He was about to lead the way, when he stopped himself. Marie watched him as he turned back to her and, like at her house, offered her his arm.

After seeing the gesture for the second time that night, Marie couldn't help but snicker. “Oh my. And here I was, thinking you only did that once to impress my sisters. You really are a gentleman.” The teasing tone in her voice wasn't lost on Double D, but she smiled and accepted it, just like the first time. As the two walked across the parking lot, Marie couldn't help but roll her eyes at how Double D was acting. She knew him well enough to know he wasn't doing what he was doing for comedic sake. She knew he was dead serious with this whole “Polite Gentleman” thing of his. He has been like that for years.... But, when it gets applied in an actual date in modern times, it seems almost off, or something.... Not that she was going to complain about it or anything. And when they reached the front door, as predicted, Double D stepped forward and opened the door for her. And they say chivalry is dead, Marie thought.

Meanwhile, with Ed & Eddy

“Jack, I'll never let you g-!”

“Change it.”

“Wheel.... Of.... Fort-!”

“Change it.”

“Make me a vampire, Edwa-!”

“Oh dear God, change it!” As Ed continued to change the channel on Eddy's TV, it was becoming clear that, like more often than not, there wasn't anything good on. Lame sitcoms, old game shows, and sappy romantic vampire movies. “Man,” Eddy groaned, stretching his whole body out, “what happened to all the good stuff? 150 channels and NOTHING good is on? What's the deal with that?”

“We can go to my house n' watched monster movies,” Ed suggested, with a big, goofy, hopeful grin on his face. “We can watch Attack of the Mutant Clam, or maybe-!”

“Nah, those are getting old too Lumpy,” Eddy cut him off, standing up from his recliner. He then reached out, grabbed the remote from Ed, and turned off the TV. “We might as well get our stupid homework done, since nothing good is on. I'm sure Sockhead already has his done.” As Ed sighed and opened his backpack, Eddy reached into his pocket and pulled out his cellphone. But, after dialing his number, it went straight to his voice-mail.

“Hello, this is Eddward Double D speaking,” it said. “I can't make it to the phone right now. But if you leave your name and phone number after the beep, I was make sure to contact you as soon as I get the chance. Thank you. BEEP!” Eddy frowned. Double D had his phone turned off. Curious, Eddy walked to his window and looked outside, only to discover Double D's car was gone.

“Where's Double D, Eddy?” Ed asked, as he spread his work across Eddy's coffee table.

“.... Guess he got called into work,” he shrugged, sitting back down in his recliner. He glanced at all the homework they've been given, then looked back at the TV. And, with a tired groan, he grabbed the remote and turned it back on.

Back with Double D and Marie

By now, Double D and Marie have already been seated at a table, and were going done the menu. The inside of Antonucci's was similar to its outside décor. There were paintings on the walls made to look like Venice's streets and canals. All the waiters and waitresses were wearing formal attire. There was live music up front, the kind you would expect to hear while on a gondola ride or in a French movie. Marie looked around, noticing how much business the place got. It was a decent amount. Enough for a good majority of the tables to be occupied, but not enough to where it was completely packed.

But as Marie looked around, she quickly discovered something. She and Double D were the youngest people in there. Everyone else were in there 30s and 40s, with many of them being married. '…. So this is my first date, huh?' She thought, glancing back down at her menu. Everything on there sounded so exotic. Carbonara, Rigatoni con la Pajata, Cappon Magro, Carne Pizzaiola, the list went on. She never even heard of some of these dishes.

It was then that their waiter approached there table. He was a older man, looking to be in his mid 50s with short dark brown hair, which was combed back. He had on what every other employee wore. Dress shirt, dress pants, tie, dress shoes, and an apron. “Welcome to Antonucci's. My name is Danny, and I will be be your server for this evening,” he began politely, as he grabbed a couple of glasses of ice water from his cart and placed them in front of them. “Would you two like anything to drink?” *Sorry... Couldn't Resist.*

Double D smiled and nodded. “Yes. I would like an ice tea if you serve it.”

Danny nodded, then turned to the Marie. “And would the young lady like anything?”

“I guess an ice tea sounds good, too,” she replied, not really caring what she had to drink.

“Alright, two ice teas,” Danny read back to them. After writing it down in his notepad, he looked back up. “And would you two like a little more time to go over our menu?” Double D and Marie looked at each other, and nodded both their heads. “Okay,” he replied happily. “Your drinks will be ready in a few minutes.” With that, Danny left towards the kitchen.

After going over the menu for a second time, Double D spoke. “I was thinking of getting the Carne Pizzaiola on rice,” he said, putting his menu on the table. “Never tried it before, but from its description, it sounds quite appetizing.”

“.... I've never even heard of most of these dishes,” Marie sighed, as she rubbed his neck. But, after returning to a dish that sounded good, she made her decision. “I guess I'll have the....” She took a second to read it a couple times, as to pronounce it properly. “Pastitsio with lamb.”

After going back and reading about it, Double D nodded. “That does sound good.” And as if on cue, in walked Danny with his and Marie's ice teas.

“Here you two go,” he said, placing their ice teas in front of them. Pulling out his notepad again, he looked at Double D. “So, do you two need more time to order?”

Double D shook his head. “No. I'd like the Carne Pizzaiola on rice, and she would like the Pastitsio with lamb.”

Danny jotted down the two orders, and smiled. “Excellent choices. Your orders will be ready n 15-20 minutes. Is that alright with you?” Double D and Marie looked at one another again, and when he saw Marie nod her head, Double D did as well. “Alright. So you'll have the Carne Pizzaiola on rice and she'll have the Pastitsio with lamb, correct?” Again, Double D nodded. “Excellent, excellent. I'll pass this on, and bring it to you when it's done.” And with that, Danny went back into the kitchen.

Now that they had some time to kill, Double D thought this would be the perfect time to actually talk with Marie. He cleared his throat, and began. “May I ask you something Marie?” She nodded. “Is something the matter? You've been surprisingly quiet ever since we got here.... If there is, you can tell me.”

Marie looked down to one side and sighed. “.... Well.... I guess I'm just feeling a little uneasy, is all.” Double D raised a curious eyebrow. “I mean.... I'm just not used to being taken to places like this. So formal and classy, serving exotic foods that I never even heard of. Plus....” Marie looked around. “The fact that we're the youngest ones here makes me feel.... I don't know....”

“Singled out?” Double D finished, with it sounding more like an answer than a question.

“Yeah, exactly,” she agreed. “I mean, don't get me wrong. Given the choice between coming here as opposed to some ordinary dinner, I'd choose this place every time.... But, I've never really been anywhere this fancy before. And while I am enjoying it so far, I can't help but feel.... I don't know.... Out of placed, or something.” After she said that, she took a drink of her ice tea. A few seconds after that, she looked back at Double D. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Why are you so polite?” The question earned a confused look from the boy, so Marie explained further. “I mean, I've never met a boy as polite as you before. Opening car doors, offering your arm to walk me places.... People don't really do that stuff anymore.”

“Does it bother you?” Double D asked.

“Well.... Not really,” she mumbled, looking down to one side again. “I just find it a little.... Odd, is all.”

Marie looked back up when she heard Double D chuckle. “Well, you could thank my mother for that. Ever since I could remember, she has been drilling me for when I got out into the real world. And one of her most important rules were: Always be courteous, well-mannered, and a gentleman, no matter the situation. Before her job got so demanding that she was ever rarely home, she would train me day in and day out. Taught me how to speak properly and clearly, even at an early age. How to walk properly, how to be diligent about my studies.... And how to treat the opposite sex.”

Marie raised an eyebrow, and tried to suppress a giggle. “So do you run away from all the girls, or just me?”

“Well, to be honest,” he answered, a small grin plastered to his face, “Mother never covered how to handle a situation like you or your sisters with me.... So I winged it, so to speak.” Double D took a sip from his ice tea, and took a deep breath. “Can I ask you something personal?” She hesitated at first because of how serious, yet soft his voice sounded. Slowly, she nodded. “Why did you kiss me that night?” Marie could see a very faint hue a pink form on Double D's cheeks after he asked that. “In all these years, never once have you kissed me in the fashion you did that night. Usually your kisses are scattered and misplaced. But that night.... That night your kiss was as a kiss should be.... Why?”

“....” Marie wasn't expecting him to ask her THAT question. Because she knew a simple “I don't know” answer wasn't going to satisfy him, nor would it sound convincing coming from her. “Well.... I guess I just really wanted to know what a real kiss felt like.” She rubbed the back of her neck, thinking on how to follow that up. “I mean.... I've always liked kissing you and all. But after a while, I really wanted to experience an actual kiss.” She could feel her face warming up again. “.... Was it your first?” She asked, sounding a little nervous.

Double D nodded. “Indeed, it was,” he answered, sounding surprisingly casual as he did so. Marie looked at him, surprised by the tone in his voice.

“.... Are you okay with me stealing your first real kiss?”

Double D took a second to think about it before answering. “Well, to be honest, I was pretty shook up after it happened. And quite frankly, the fact that it actually happened kept me up most of the night....” He took another drink from his ice tea. “But I ended up coming to peace with it. And while if I had proper control over my body at the time, I would've done something to prevent it, I also came to peace with the fact that I found the kiss rather enjoyable.” Marie looked at him with round eyes, shocked that she heard what she did. “That is part of the reason I've asked you out tonight. When you kissed me, I was surprised to find I actually enjoyed it. Even finding myself welcoming it,” he continued, with his light blush darkening ever so slightly. “After that, and the kiss you gave me at school.... And after I spent a good amount of time thinking about it, and decided the best way to know for certain was to ask you out.”

“....” Again, for the second time that night, Marie found herself unable to talk after hearing Double D's answer. It was a simple “Yes or No” question, just like before. But again, Double D wouldn't be happy giving her such a simple answer. Instead, he went and explained far more than what she was expecting. “.... Oh.” That was all Marie could bring herself to say. She knew she was blushing like crazy, because she could swear her face was burning up. But, thanks to her long hair, a large portion of her face was concealed from Double D's view. “Double D..... I-!”

“Sorry if your orders took a little longer than expected...” Double D and Marie turned when they heard Danny. He was walking towards them from out of the kitchen, pushing a cart with two covered dished. “Orders got backed up. I apologize if we made you wait too long.”

“No, not at all.” Double D was surprised it had already been 20 minutes already. “I didn't even realize it has been more than 20 minutes.”

“Well, I apologize for the delay, nevertheless.” With that said, Danny grabbed the two plates, and placed them in front of Double D and Marie. “For the gentleman, we have  the Carne Pizzaiola on rice.” He pulled off the lid, which was immediately followed by a big puff of steam. When the steam cleared, however, what was revealed was a plate of a mixture of beef, peppers, tomato, onions, sauteed in olive oil, served over rice. “And for the beautiful lady,” he continued, turning to Marie, “we have the Pastitsio with lamb.” He took off the lid to her plate, and revealed a wonderful smelling concoction of bucatini pasta, grated cheese, diced lamp and tomato sauce. “Is there anything else I can get you?” Double D shook his head. Danny looked to Marie, and she shook her head as well. He smiled. “Well, if you need anything else, just let me know.” When he got an approving nod from both the teens, he nodded, grabbed his cart, and went to another nearby table, leaving Double D and Marie to enjoy their meal.

10 Minutes Later

Marie had to admit. Even though she wasn't used to this kind of surrounding, she could definitely get use to the food. Everything was all so well done. It seemed like such a simple dish, but turned out to be much better than she anticipated. The lamb was really tender, the pasta was fully cooked, and the cheese and tomato sauce covering it was noticeably fresher than anything you can buy in a store.

As the meal continued, the two continued to talk. “Hey Marie...” Marie's deep thought's were interrupted again when she heard Double D's voice. She was finishing up the last of her Pastitsio when she looked up to him. He himself was finishing up the last of his meal, as well. “There's something I want to know.”

“What?”

“What were you going to say before our meals arrived?” Remembering what he was referring to, Marie hesitated to answer, and simply looked down. “You looked as if you had something important to say,” he added, finishing the last of his ice tea.

“.....” Marie kept quite at first. What she was going to say before Danny interrupted was something rather personal, and she, at the time, thought it was a little embarrassing for a Kanker to say. So, seeing as how she wasn't feeling up to saying it right then, she lied. “I was just going to say I was really enjoying the date,” she answered with a small smile. It sounded legit enough for Marie. “That was it.”

Double D wasn't buying it. He was pretty good at reading peoples' body language. When she said that, she refused to make direct eye contact with him. He also noticed that before answering, she took too long of pause before telling him, indicating she had to think about it. But, nevertheless, Double D smiled and nod. “Well, I'm glad to hear that.” Marie was nervous, and Double D knew it. Ever since he picked her up at her trailer, she wasn't acting like her normal self. She hadn't pushing herself on him, hadn't flirting with him in any fashion, and hadn't called him by any of the hundreds of nicknames she have given him over the years. It was as if the Marie he knew growing up was replaced with a much milder look-a-like. But, putting that aside, Double D and Marie finished the rest of their meals in silent.

After they both finished their plates, Double D wiped his mouth off with his napkin. “Well, that was quite delicious,” he began awkwardly, as he stood up from the table. “Would you like some dessert?”

Marie smiled and shook her head. “No thanks,” she replied softly, getting up herself. “Is it okay if I go ahead and start the car?”

“Why, of course.” Double D reached into his pocket, pulled out his keys, and handed them to Marie. “I might be a while. I also have to use the bathroom.” Marie nodded, before turning and exiting the restaurant.

5 Minutes Later

As Double D left Antonucci's and headed across the parking lot, he was pleasantly surprised by how well his date with Marie actually went. It wasn't like he was expecting it to be bad or anything, mind you. But all in all, Double D could honestly say he enjoyed himself far more than he thought he would. But, as his car came into view, he was curious when he saw Marie standing outside it, even though his car was running. “Is something wrong, Marie?” He asked.

But when he got close enough, Double D was caught off guard by what happened next. Before he knew it, Marie had closed the gap between them and caught him in a tight embrace, burying her face in his chest. “M-Marie?” Double D wasn't expecting this. When Marie showed no signs of letting go, his heart-rate started to pick up in speed. “M-Marie,” he tried again, sounding a little panicked. “Wh-what are you-!”

“Thank you.” Those words stopped Double D in mid-sentence. Her voice was very quiet, almost as if she whispered it, but he heard it as clear as day. As the embrace continued, he looked down and came face to face with Marie. It was there that Double D saw Marie looking back at him, with a gentle smile on her face. “Thank you.... For this, I mean. This was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me,” she continued, tightening her hold on his waist. “And... I'm sorry... For everything I've done to you....”

“....” Double D couldn't believe what he had just heard. Marie Kanker had just apologized to him. “I-it's qu-quite alright, M-Marie-!” All of a sudden, Double D witnessed yet another first.

Marie Kanker started to cry.

Double D stared awe-struck as he watched tears slowly begin to seep from Marie's deep blue eyes. “No it isn't,” Marie cried, sounding angry. “I can never be good enough for you, Double D! I'm a horrible person! I've bullied you! Harassed you! Took pleasure in scaring you! You should HATE me for what I've done to you!” Double D couldn't believing what he was hearing or seeing. Never in a million years did he imagine seeing Marie in such a state. But here she was, holding onto him as if her life depended on it, crying into his chest. “But no,” she continued, as even more tears began to fall from her closed eyes, “you go and say all those stupid things about me! About how you think I'm beautiful! About how you think I'm worth getting to know! How could you say that to the one person who took so much pleasure in making your life miserable?! How?! How could you forgive someone like that so easily?! I-! I-!” Marie was reaching her limit. So many emotions were winding and churning inside her, it was almost too much for her to bare. “How could you NOT hate me for any of that?!”

“.....” Double D just stood there as Marie hugged him and continued to cry into his shirt. He had no idea that this date had such a strong effect on Marie. But as he watched her cry and cling onto him, he slowly started to see just how much Marie cared for him. Marie was a tough girl. One of the toughest Double D has ever met, as a matter of fact. To see her in such an emotional state was something Double D never thought was even possible. But as he started to feel Marie's tears begin to soak through his shirt, it only reminded him that this was all too real.

“M-Marie,” he began, slowly bringing his arms to Marie's shoulders. “It's okay.... I don't hate-!”

“Why not?” Marie's voice was a little quieter now, but that didn't mean she was any less distraught about this. “J-just tell me.... Why not? Wh-what have I done to deserve th-this treatment? I-I shouldn't deserve to g-get treated as nice as y-you treat me.... C-can you really forgive me for all that?”

Double D could hear how hurt Marie actually was, how much she hated herself for what she did back in the day. He could tell that she had been thinking about this the whole date, which was probably why she wasn't acting like her usual self. It was then that Double D discovered why Marie was so torn up.... She was a bully, who over time, fell in love with the her prey. But even though Double D told her he forgave her for all those years of torment, he soon realized it was much more than that. Marie couldn't forgive herself. No matter how many times he told her all was forgiven, it still wouldn't change how she felt about herself. For Marie, this date was her only shot at being with him, and the stress of  the thought of screwing it up must have been plaguing her mind since he asked her out.

It was there and then Double D knew what he had to do.... He thought this date would determine how he felt about Marie. But, as he watched the girl before him hold him and cry for him, he realized that now there was only one true way to know for certain.

It was the moment of truth.

“Marie....” Double D spoke softly. Marie heard him, and hesitantly looked up from his now tear soaked shirt. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her once brushed hair was back to its normal volume; messy as hell. She was biting down on her bottom lip, in an attempt to keep herself crying. “You aren't a horrible person.... A horrible person wouldn't be crying, begging for forgiveness for something that has already been forgiven. I forgave you the moment I asked you out.” Slowly, Marie's tears started to flow again... But not from pain or sorrow. “I didn't ask you out because I had doubts about your feelings for me, because the first time you kissed me on the lips told me how sincere you were about them. I asked you out because I wanted to know how I truly felt about you....” Marie looked up at his with round, tear-filled hopeful eyes. “And from what I've just saw, I think there's only one way to know for certain...”

Slowly, Double D started to embrace Marie, almost as tightly as she was embracing him. He threw his head back, to rid himself of the few strands of hair that were dangling in front of his face. Then, much to Marie's shock, she started to notice Double D slowly closing the distance between their faces. Inch by inch, his face neared towards hers, without a shred of doubt in his eyes. Marie's heart began to race out of control and her knees felt as if they were about to give out any second.

Slowly, Double D's and Marie's eyes drifted shut as their lips met one another in a firm, yet gentle kiss.

As if someone had flipped a switch inside Marie, the girl, upon feeling the warmth of Double D's lips press against hers, refused to shed another sad tear. Because as she felt the boy's lips slowly, but steadily increase the pressure on her mouth, she realized that he wasn't planning on letting up anytime soon. And, while she knew this wasn't going to last forever, she knew she had to enjoy it for however long it was going to. So, deciding not to hold back, Marie wrapped her arms around Double D's neck, pulling him even further into the kiss.

Double D finally had his answer.

The kiss continued on for a good 30 seconds before they broke for air. But the break didn't last long, for as Marie was about to say something, Double D once again closed the gap between them and connected for a second kiss. The girl was plunged into a world of warm bliss, as she felt the force behind the second kiss quickly equaling the force of the first. Their bodies pressed together. Their grips on the other refusing to falter. Nothing else in the whole world mattered but what was happening right there and then. This was what Marie has been waiting for for so long.... And this was the answer to his question that Double D wanted answered. Slowly, the two parted for the second time. Their breathing was heavy, almost as if they had just ran a marathon. Snow was gathering atop their heads and clothes, but went completely unacknowledged.

Marie, upon seeing Double D's bright, inviting smile and rosy red cheeks, gentle placed her head on his shoulder, so her mouth was right next to his ear. “.... Wh-what about th-the others..?” She whispered, with a hint of concern in her voice.

“I'll break it to them tomorrow....” His voice was rugged, a result from him trying to catch his breath. “I have my answer now, and that's all that really matters.”

“.... Am I your girlfriend now?” She asked.

“Only if you promise to stop feeling bad about yourself, and start acting like the Marie I grew up running from.”

Marie tilted her head, planting a kiss right alongside Double D's collarbone. “Deal.... And by the way....” She the moved her head, so her mouth weren't even a centimeter from his ear. “If you tell ANYONE I cried like that, you're getting a black eye. Understood?” That only aroused a chuckle from the boy, who answered my merely rubbing her back and nodding his head.

'Whatever you say, Marie....'

To Be Continued.....

Okay, let me just start off by telling you that writing this masterpiece of a chapter was one of the most challenging things I have ever wrote in all my years of writing fan fiction. No bull! I had to write, re-write, and re-write my re-writes to get this piece of fan fiction gold where I wanted it. There was a point where I thought I wasn't even going to include the whole emotional breakdown scene. I was planning on having this end with Double D taking Marie home, and kissing her before he left, signifying he wanted to be with her..... But NOOOOOOOO!! I love you guys too damn much to end a chapter of like with a simple peck on the lips and split scene. No. I wanted the scene where Double D and Marie kiss to be emotionally epic... Thus, this chapter. YOU MAY ALL PRAISE ME, NOW!!!!!