I do not claim this photo as my own.

Tom's Perspective

My tired and aching body laid in the familiar fabrics of my leathery couch. I felt so drunk and broken that I could throw up. I had already puked twice against my will, what's to stop a third time from happening? My body was limp in the imprint of faux leather I had laid on, and my mind was lazily popping out random thoughts. I felt so dizzy and my head hurt like hell. I need some form of release from this sorry state, but all I could do was sit in silence as my mind drifted more and more. My eyelids slid closed on their own and my mind eased as the pain faded away, along with the feelings of my body. Is this what dying is like?

My body returned to me slowly and pain seared in my mind, as if someone had violently slammed my brain against a wall and then put it back into my skull. I felt sore, tired, in pain, and on the verge of passing out again. And don't forget the sickness whirling around in my stomach. I felt disgusting, not to mention miserable. I hate this habit of mine, but I am so addicted to it. The only thing I hated more at that moment was Edd opening my door with his spare key. "Tom! Good morning! Me and Matt are thinking about going out for breakfast, want to come with?" He asked rather loudly, which was amplified with my terrible headache. I groaned in response and covered my face, trying to block the annoyance out of my life. "Oh right, you got drunk last night... I'll get you some advil and water." He whispered and I listened with a screaming headache to his footsteps. Once he approached me with the pill and a glass of water, i removed my shielding hands, downing the pill eagerly.

I chugged the flavorless, cold liquid in the glass before carelessly setting it anywhere on my coffee table. Edd was still standing over me, either about to lecture me or make me lay down so I could rest. I'm leaning towards lecturing though. I squinted and forced myself to look at his oak brown eyes, riddled with concern and sympathy. He had been giving me this look so much lately. What was he worried about, that I had been affected by the house incident a year ago? No way, that's history. I'm just stressed, that's it. Just stressed. Edd gently guided my weak body into a laying down position and I winced when a ray of light from the door hit my eyes. I quickly squeezed both of my eyes shut and relaxed as a warm blanket was laid out on me. "Go on and sleep Tom, but I'm talking to you once you feel better." He warned and I slowly nodded, then feeling my head get gently lifted by a smooth hand. A fluffed up pillow was placed under my head and I was then returned to my comfortable position. My aching body yearned for rest once again, so that I could sleep off my pain. I felt a wave of misery and rest wash over me as I fell asleep slowly.

I awoke feeling better partially, but my body still felt sore and uncomfortable. I was never comfortable in this short, chubby human body. I look so repulsive, and feel even more so. I wanted to leave this body. Leave this world. Leave all of my responsibilities and pain behind me. I'm not a dreamer, oh no, I'm the opposite. I want to die. I half wished that damn Commie had really killed me. It'd be better than moping around and having my friends check on me to make sure that I wasn't dead. I felt useless. Alone. Depressed. I considered the idea of getting a pet as I slinked into my kitchen area. Maybe a little furry pet would make me happier? Something to always accompany me? But pets are stupid and require responsibility. If anything, I'm a dumb responsibility enough. Too much of a responsibility. Having a job was even more tiring. At least I work at night, so I get to lay around and nap all day. I prefer it that way, if I'm honest. Most people are appalled by the thought of stooping so low as to be a bartender, but I feel at home there. Just me, booze, and my fellow scum of the Earth. Sometimes people will ask me out, but they're all drop-dead drunk. And definitely not the type of people who can pick a decent person to date. I may get drunk, yes, but not like that. I get drunk in private, or when my friends are around to keep me stable. I'm still not any better than those slums.

I continued my depressive thoughts as I made myself some shitty coffee. It might not be that bad, but my mouth tastes terrible. It cancels out any good bean that I could be drinking right now. I jumped instinctively at the sound of my door flinging open. I looked over at the energized Edd. He's probably had his morning Colas, judging by how sugar buzzed he seemed. "Morning." I grunted at the happy brunette. "Good morning Tom! It's a great day to be alive!" He practically yelled and I tiredly blinked in response. "I see nothing great about it, we're living in fear every day as Tord's plans for the future crawl closer." I muttered darkly and emptied my mug. My head still hurt enough to make me more grumpy than usual. Edd simply shook his head at my pessimistic response and held out a plate which had warm delicious soup and a cinnamon sugar donut. I drooled at the sight of the delectable dish and reluctantly followed him into hid apartment where Matt had been cooking. The smells from the soup were still drifting through the air and filling my senses. I sat down next to the ginger and eagerly ate my freely given food.

No matter how tired or hungover I am, I will down any food Matt makes. Even if he's dumb, he can at least cook. That's how he earns brownie points from me. I also spotted that there was a small box of donuts on the table. So that's where they got it from. I was already stuffed though, and I didn't bother taking another. I feel spoiled by them sometimes, but then again, I do pay for most of Matt's bills. He's way too dumb to keep a job, but he's been doing well cooking. Enough to keep me satisfied. Matt and Edd had been chatting while I ate, but I didn't pay attention at all. I just licked my lips and pushed the dish forward a bit, relaxing against the chair supporting me. I then felt a tap on my cheek and looked over at the annoyance bothering my happiness. "Tom, do you want to maybe move in with me or Edd? We've noticed how depressed you've been lately. We just want to keep you company more and help you out." I was surprised that Matt was as caring as Edd when it came to anything aside from himself. Much less me, a nobody. I stared at him for a moment to think. I didn't think about that, I guess I didn't want to burden them.

I formed a definite answer and spoke up. "No way." I said quickly and got up, setting my dishes down in the somewhat empty sink. I was insulted that they thought I couldn't take care of myself. I'm fine on my own. I felt a gentle hand on my tense shoulder and quickly batted it off of me. "Tom.. We really just want to see you happier." Edd said with a worried tone evident in his voice. "I don't need help." I stated coldly and began to do the dishes. It was my turn anyways, we even had a little chart over the sink so that we could remember. Edd's silence gave of a terribly stressed feeling. "Tom..." He whimpered a bit and I stayed silent. I didn't want to continue the conversation, but it seemed Edd had other plans. Well, not for the conversation. I flinched as Edd tightly hugged me from behind. Physical contact is definitely my enemy, but I knew Edd was desperately trying to connect to me. He wanted to help me. I shifted a bit in a last attempt to be stubborn, though his grip on me got tighter. I sighed and gently rubbed his hand which was desperately clinging to my shirt. "Fine, but you better let me be alone for most of the time." I gave in finally and smiled slightly when he buried his head in my neck.

He was really cherishing the only physical contact he's gonna get for the next month. It was really, really uncomfortable every second for me though, so I uncomfortably shifted and stared at Edd. He was my best friend, but not even best friends are allowed to get this close to me. I felt like a cat trapped in a corner. "Edd- off-." I hissed and Edd immediately released me. "Sorry- Sorry-." He apologized quickly and backed off. I brushed off my sweatshirt and shot a glare at him. "That's gay man- gay-." I said, a bit annoyed. I then returned to my chore as Edd walked away guiltily. I felt haunted by the sensations of having physical contact. Reminded me of the dipshits who would drunkenly touch me while half conscious. It made me angry. Physical contact is stupid, it makes my skin crawl. I did allow occasional hugs from my close friends, but I hated anything else. I finished my simple task and wandered back to the table, seeing Edd awkwardly sitting there. He seemed embarrassed that he had hugged me like that. I stared down at the young brunette and sat down next to him. "Sorry..." He mumbled quietly and I shook my head. "... Don't worry about it Edd." I dismissed much to his surprise. I was a bit surprised too, but I did feel bad for him. I was also curious as to why he had gotten so physical.

"Edd.. Why did you do that?" I asked and stared at the nervous man. He stared back at me and swallowed nervously. ".. I don't know." He told me and rested his face in his hands. It was strange, but obviously he was just as confused as I was. I sighed and reached over. Since my sensitivity to contact had already been very destroyed for the day, I screwed myself more and gently rubbed his back. "Feelings are confusing." I muttered, which seemed to make him smile. He was confused, but happy. "Actually Tom, I-." Edd was cut off by Matt bursting in, in a state of panic. "Guys-!! Look at the news!!!" He said and quickly turned on the TV, flipping through channels until he found the right one. I sighed and sat down on Edd's comfortable couch, Edd sitting on the opposite side. He was definitely still bothered, as was I. I searched the screen for anything panic-worthy, my eyes immediately locking onto a familiar red color in the photo displayed. Red eyes. Evil, red devil eyes that burned through the skull of anybody watching. I stared intensely at the screen, focusing on every word and detail.

They were warning the country as a whole of impending invasion by the Red Army. But they cautioned to stay calm and prepare yourselves, as if the Red Army didn't have weapons of mass destruction. Tord, for one. The crazy bastard probably had made weapons that could annihilate this entire planet. It made me want to piss my pants just thinking about it. Tord didn't follow the rules of convention. He didn't follow the rules of the world. If he wanted to slaughter, he would. If he wanted to create some form of world peace, he'd do that to. But something else caught my attention on the screen. "There was also a statement recently released by "Red Leader" Tord Larsson. It reads; "Don't expect your weapons to work on me. I have moved past them, and I will not be accepting anything less than total surrender." This statement is being heavily interrogated, since it seems like an empty threat to most." I scoffed at the confidence of the reporter. Even I knew that Tord would publicly execute her for that. She had no idea what crazy machines Tord could and would build. What advanced alien technology he creates in his own time. Even though I hated to admit it, I was afraid. Of course I wanted to kill Tord, but now he has an entire army of lunatics on his side. Lunatics with advanced weaponry and crazy tactics.

I felt like I was going to have a panic attack. I very much was going to have a panic attack. My heart rate sped up and I looked away from the screen. I didn't want this bastard ruling my life. Killing me for his own sick pleasure. My breath quickened and I gripped the soft fabric of the couch. There's no way I can handle this, when I was so happy a moment before. My body was tense and my muscles screamed with the urge to run. To flee from this inevitable situation. A pair of arms gently wrapped around me and rocked me. I quickly clung to the comforting person, already knowing who it was by their smell. Edd was gently holding me in his lap. "Hey.. Hey Tom it's okay. We're going to be okay.." He whispered and rested his head on top of mine. I relaxed slightly and loosened my grip on his green sweatshirt. I rested my head on his shoulder and tried to steady my breathing. No offense to Matt, but he's really not very caring. It's just his nature I guess. I smiled slightly as I felt a warm hand rub my back. It was comforting for now, but I knew I would feel salty about it later.

I took my mind off of the stressful situation and closed my eyes. I focused on Edd's breathing, which was a bit shaky and nervous as well. "We're okay Edd." I reassured him and peered over his shoulder. Matt seemed antsy and tense. He didn't have any good memories left of Tord in the first place, due to him being stupid and erasing his memories. He was only scared of Tord, purely terrified. I hesitantly held out my hand to him and he glanced at my hand. He kept eye contact with me and held my hand. He was shaking a bit, though it was obvious once I felt his hand quivering. He joined our hug and I embraced both of them. Not to much success though, they're both taller than me and therefore have longer arms for hugging. I cursed my shortness but accepted the hugs regardless. It was nice, though I won't admit it to anybody. Holding my two friends and listening to their quickened hearts. Feeling their comforting warmth around me. I felt safe here, even if I was in danger. It could wait, because for now I was being given affection I didn't deserve or earn.

My content mood was ended abruptly by Edd pulling away and sighing. Matt was still attached to me, his face buried in my hair like I was a plushie. I stared at the Cola loving man and tilted my head slightly. "Edd, what's up?" I asked and laughed when Matt smelled my hair. He then sneezed and rubbed his face. Ew, narcissist snot. Edd kept his upset expression and looked away. "I don't want anything to happen to you guys..." He said distressed. I gently pried myself from Matt's arms and hugged Edd tightly. "Listen, that's never going to happen. I will protect you guys from anything, and I'm never letting go." I told him sternly, though he smiled as if I had just married him. Ew, such a corny, cute smile. I pretend-gagged and roused a laugh from both of my close friends. I looked up at Edd curiously as he pulled me onto the couch, holding me as he laid down. Okay now I definitely feel like a stuffed animal. It isn't fair, why does everyone have to be taller than me?

I felt my normal sleepiness calm my thoughts and I laid on the taller young man. I felt content, and much happier than this morning. Living with Edd would definitely be a change, but a good one. I burrowed my face into his soft neck and closed my eyes. Everything was so hectic right now, none of my normal crabbiness was sticking to me. I just wanted to sleep and feel safe with my friends. I felt Edd's body shift slightly as he changed the channel to something else on the television set. I looked over at the screen and watched the show sleepily. It was the same type that people always watch in hotels. Well, at least I do. I find it satisfying to watch House Flipper shows, even though it's pretty fake sounding to me. I still enjoyed watching while in my friend's arms.