Edd's P.O.V

Before I left the room, I turned the small gas powered heater in the room on. Opening the door, I spared Tom one final glance before heading down.

Stumbling down the dark stairway and into the living room, my hand searched the walls for the light switch. After turning on the lights, I made my way to the to fire place and started a calming fire. Feeding wood to it, I watched the flames grow more intense.

Feeling content with the fire's intensity I made my way to the kitchen. Seeing my phone on the counter next to grocery bags, I picked it up. Remembering it had died earlier when I called Tom I fished a charger ,that I had grabbed shortly after the call cut out, out of one of the bags. Plugging my phone in I looked out the window. It has gotten much darker from when I first came back from the store. From the looks of it, I would say it was...oh i dunno... 9...maybe 10 in the evening.

The rain was still pretty heavy. We'll probably have to stay the night if it doesn't ease up soon. On that note, Matt might be worried sick about us being gone for so long. Knowing Matt he probably called a thousand times already. And if there is one thing Matt does when he is nervous is talking up a storm. Unfortunately, Tord is on that end of Matt's anxiety. In all honestly I feel bad for leaving Tord with Matt. Don't get me wrong. Matt is surprisingly a very intelligent person...he just...has a very diverse personality. And to have his Anxiety mixed with that...When I call, I will tell Tord were the Ibuprofen is.

Waiting for my phone to charge to a acceptable percentage, I decided to pass the time by getting everything to cook a nice beef stew. The house had all the proper utensils thanks to Toms doing. This is practically his second house. Or as he calls it his Safe Haven. A place for him to escape. A sacred secret. Then why do I know of the place? Because every time Tom has a mental breakdown, gets worked up over something, or his emotions act up in any way he comes here. Which used to be pretty often. One day I got annoyed and wanted to find out where he goes after one of his many emotional fits. 

To say Tom was pissed at me for following him is an understatement. I sported a nice bruise on my face for a good while. But knowing Tom was safe was enough to make me happy. After a while he also grew to be thankful for my curiosity. Now I come by weekly to make sure he doesn't stash any alcohol here anymore. Neither Tom or I want me to rush him to the hospital for alcohol poisoning again. It was a horrible experience for both of us. With Tom on deaths door and me having to watch the doctors pump his stomach and revive him.

Sighing, I put that memory behind me. Turning my attention back to the meal I was trying to prepare, I searched the shelves for spices and the drawers for a knife. Finding them I got to works cutting beef into little chunks and seasoned them with salt and pepper. Dumping them into the boiling pot on the stoves, I set the lid on it. 

Leaning against the counter, I picked up my phone. As I suspected there was 37 missed calls from Matt. To my surprise my phone started to vibrate, Matt's contact was vibrant against the screen. Using one hand, I grabbed the knife to chop up the vegetables. With my free hand I swiped the screen to answer the call. I tucked my phone between my shoulder and ear.

Before I could say hi, Matt was already screeching, "Bloody hell Edd It's about time you answered!!! I was going to call the Authorities if you didn't pick up!!! Honestly Edd, How can you just ignore my calls?! I was worried sick?! What where you doing?! Is Tom okay?! The storm got so bad I was afraid you didn't make it to him! I tried to stay calm as long as I cou-"

"MATT!!!" I yelled to cut him off. His end went quiet so I continued. "I'm fine. Tom's fine. You need to calm down."

A sharp Laugh came from his end, "I need to calm down? I need to calm down?! Edd, you didn't answer any of my calls! The storm was horrible! I'm sorry neither of you would answer your phones! I'm sorry i'm worried for my friends safety!!!"

I stabbed the knife into the cutting board, "My phone was dead!!! And i'm fairly positive Tom's phone is also dead!!!" Afraid I might wake Tom, I lowered my voice, "So don't you dare accuse us of anything Matt. I had my phone when I went to the store to buy food for Tom and myself. At that time the thunder started again and I called Tom. My phone cut off on him. So I'M sorry if I was more concerned for Tom's mental health than putting my phone on the bloody charger!"

"Oh...." Was all he responded with. Quietly he added, "I didn't know...i'm sorry..."

Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself, "It's okay Matt. You were worried I get that. I shouldn't have snapped at you."

"It's all okay. As long as you two are safe."

I smiled and pulled the knife from the cutting board, "Yeah we're fine. How's our unexpected guest there?"

"Oh Todd? He's fine. He did tell me to shut up though....talk about rude. Anyways I let him take the room next to Tom's." He chirped.

"Alright. Can I talk to him?"

"Yeah!" He squeaked and I heard his feet hit the floor. Most likely being on his bed. A few seconds later I heard a knock, "Todd, Edd wants to talk to you!!!"

I rolled my eyes but made no attempt to correct him, as usual. But Tord's growl was very audible. Even through the shut door, "For the last time, Matt my name is Tord!!!" 

His voice was clear so I assumed he opened the door, "Wow okay don't get all worked up about it. Here. Talk to Edd." Matt grumbled.

I heard Matt walk off, "It's about fucking time you answer your god damn phone!"  The anger in Tord's voice made his accent thicker.

"My phone was dead. Has anyone ever thought of that? Phones die sometimes! Mine just happened to cut out at a bad time!" I growled. 

The line was quiet for a bit, "Well damn....okay sorry. How were we supposed to know that?" Tord mumbled the last part but I still heard him.

Deciding not to make a comment on it I changed the subject, "Tom and I will be back tomorrow. That is if the storm clears up by then. Sorry for leaving an anxious Matt with you for so long." 

"It's quite alright, old friend." 

I dumped finely chopped vegetables into the pot and leaned on the counter, "Simmer down with the sarcasm, will ya? I never gave a say that you could live in my house, which is why I believe you showed up in the first place, so I can toss you to the streets easily." When I didn't get a response I continued, "In the kitchen there is a drawer of medication to the left of the fridge. There should be some kind of pain killers in there."

I heard a faint thank you and some rumbling. Hearing the faucet turn on, I waited. Knowing Tord was going to try to make a conversation.

"So is Tom okay? He seemed very anxious to get away. Almost afraid."

I kept my answer short, "He's fine."

"Are yous sure? If he's okay and you knew were he was going, you guys would've been back a long time ago..."

My eyebrows knitted together, "Since when have you ever cared for Tom's well being?"

Tord sighed, "I'm trying to be a better person here."

I hummed and caved in, "The reason why we're not back yet is because of the thunder."

"The thunder...?"

"Yes the thunder. Tom is deathly afraid of it. When I got here he was having a panic attack."

Amusement was present in the Norwegian's voice, "Wait....Tom is scared of thunder? Thats hilarious! How come I never noticed it before?"

A wave of anger rolled over me, "Because he always made sure he was away from you during storms! He didn't need another thing for you to abuse him with! Not that you would notice anyways! You were either gone all the time or had your hand down your pants over some anime girl!"

The hesitation in his voice was strong, "Abused him....."

"Yes! You have always been twice his size! We all are! Sure Tom threw punches and insults, but you threw mental abuse at him! And to lace that with your strength! You thought Tom's hits hurt? Try being his size and getting hit by someone your size! Yes you abused him!" I heard feet hit the floor above me. "I have to go."

"Don't you fucking dare hang up!!! We're not done talking!!! Edd.....ED-" I cut the call off, silencing the air of Tord's rage.

I watched as Tom walked into the kitchen. My hoodie still on him, falling off his left shoulder and going down to nearly his knees. "Sit down." Anger and annoyance still laced through my voice anyone could've thought my anger was directed at Tom.

He flinched at my tone of voice and shakily sat down at the small round dinning room table. Sighing, I sat across from him. He kept his head down as he sat, "Look at me." It was more of a demand than a request. He lifted his head and he was clearly overwhelmed. Watching him shake made my posture to fail a bit. He thinks i'm mad at him...great...

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Tom's P.O.V

I woke to Edd's muffled shouts. Rubbing my eyes with the hoodie sleeves, that was clearly very over-sized on me, I sat up. Feeling the fabric fall of my shoulder I fiddled with the green hoodie strings. Edd probably put it on me...Oh Jehovah he's probably pissed at me. Oh well...lets go face my doom...

I slid off the bed and Edd's voice went quiet. Great now he knows i'm up. Not bothering with putting on boxers under the large hoodie, I walked down the stairs slowly. The smell of food hit me hard. But I, oddly enough, aren't hungry. In normal circumstances I would be starving, as I usually am after having sex. It's the fact that Edd may hate me now. He knows i'm gay now. All the scenarios running through my head isn't setting well with my stomach. 

Taking a deep breath I walked into the kitchen. Edd, leaning against the counter, watched me closely with narrowed eyes. I could feel the hatred radiating off him. And the stare didn't help much. I met his gaze, and I instantly regretted it, "Sit down." He ordered me.

Flinching at the venom in his voice, I shakily sat at the small table. Edd sat across from me with a stiff posture. Refusing to meet his eyes again, I busied myself with a loose thread. "Look at me." Edd's rough voice demanded. I slowly looked at him and I felt myself tremble under his gaze. Edd's face softened and his posture failed a bit. His shoulders slumped forward and he shook his head, "I'm not mad at you Tom." His voice was soft and caring as it usually is. But I couldn't help the fact that I am scared of him. I sniffled, feeling the tears at the corners of my eyes, "Oh don't cry, Tom. I don't have the patients for that right now." Feeling the tears slip down my face I cried silently. Edd groaned with annoyance, "Jesus fucking christ... Stop crying! You're acting like a female! Hell, I'm more than positive you were supposed to born a girl!" My breathing hitched, "You don't know how to handle your emotions! You jump to conclusions! You don't EVER think your actions have consequences! If I didn't know you since we were kids I probably would think you were Trans!"

I stared at him in disbelief. Tears were still running down my face. I didn't dare open my mouth, knowing if I did I would start bawling. So instead, I sat there. Body trembling and crying silently. Edd seemed calmed down instantly and looked at me. He rubbed his face, "Fuck i'm so sorry Tom...." His voice was heavy with regret and sincerity, "I'm just really annoyed right now. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. I really am sorry..."

Gathering up my voice I croaked out shakily, "J-Just get it over with....."

"What?" He asked.

I lifted my head high and steadied my voice, "Scream at me. Tell me i'm disgusting. That I'm a disgrace to the world. That I should kill myself. Or just kick me out for being gay. For forcing myself onto you. Have me arrested for rape."

Edd eyes widened at my words, "What the fuck are you talking about Tom?! I got into an argument with Tord! I don't care that you're gay! I had always had the hunch that you were! And you didn't rape me! Sure i'm not gay, but you're really a cute guy! It didn't take much for you to persuade me to fuck you! Hell all you did was kiss me! You're just fucking irresistible! I couldn't stop myself! Not that I wanted too! I wasn't expecting that to happen but I oddly don't regret doing it. Damn it Tom you make straight men go gay for you. And please, for the love of god, stop jumping to conclusions. I can't exaggerate how aggravating it is when you jump to conclusions."

"Oh..." Was the only thing I could muster up.

Edd sighed and got up. He walked around the table and pulled me up, engulfing me in his arms. "Just stop worrying Tom. I don't mind that you're gay. Just do me a favor and stop hoeing around."

I tensed, "O-Okay....."

Hearing the smirk in his voice I rolled my eyes, "Good. And another favor?"

"Lets hear it."

He pulled away from me and held me at arms length, "Be civil with Tord. I know you like him. I know you're an ass to him to hide your true feelings for him."

My cheeks burned red and I knocked his hands off me, "I guess..."

Patting my head he gave me a smile, "Good boy. Now are you hungry? I made a beef stew."

"You cooked and didn't burn down the house?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

Crossing his arms he pouted, "Hey I can cook. Trust me, you wont die."

I narrowed my eyes at him, "You can cook?! And you made me cook for all these years?!"

He smiled shyly, "Call me lazy."

Hitting his arm repeatedly I growled, "You are a lazy sack of shit!"

Chuckling he set me back into the chair and got a bowl and filled it with the stew. placing it in front of me, he ruffled my hair, "Eat." He moved back to get himself a bowl.

Staring at the bowl with uncertainty, I picked up the spoon. Hesitantly, I took a sip. My head snapped towards Edd, "You will be cooking more often Mr. Gold."

Edd groaned, "Fine."  

I smiled, "Happen to be very skilled at cleaning too?"

He snorted, "Now cleaning is one thing I can't do. But Matt can clean. He is also a very skilled baker."

I slumped down in my chair, "You guys are such assholes, making me do all the work."

Edd gave me a shit eating grin, "Like I said. Call us lazy."

"Fucking bastards..." I mumbled and continued eating.