A Good Edd Is Hard To Break
Summary:
After a few months recovering from his ordeal, Edd may be relapsing. With family and friends who don't listen or understand, temptation becomes all too easy to give in to. Will Edd submit or can his friends save him from making the biggest mistake of his life?
Triggers include: Pedophilia, Child Grooming, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Rape, Dub-Con, Mental Instability, and Psychological Abuse. Other warnings include Violence and Language.
Pairings include BroEdd and EddxEddy. Subtle hints at other pairings, but those are the main two that will be focused on.
Author's Notes:
DuoXKouga: Hey everyone! Well, we're back in action! Well, sorta. I'm not really all in action, but Battygirl has my back and so she's doing a lot of the work. I got a lot of shit going on and I'm still gonna be a big part of this, just not at the moment. Hope you all enjoy!
Battygirl: Yay! Finally able to post this! I don't have too much to say, I hope you guys like what we're doing with this one. Please leave a review if you can. We really love getting the feedback.
Um one more important thing we wanna bring up. This fic will regularly update every other Friday. So, two weeks from now, the next chapter will go up and follow that pattern until the end. Also, this IS a sequel to our previous fic, A Good Edd Is Hard To Find, so if you haven't read that, we'd definitely recommend it to fully comprehend just what's going on here. Thanks.
Without further ado, please enjoy chapter one.
Chapter 1: Speak of the Bro
He's at the window again. Eyes staring without focus past the grimy panes of glass as he stands before the window sill. Despite the sunlight hitting his face, he doesn't feel its warmth. His expression reflects the numbness he's feeling. It's a strange sensation; one which he can't describe or even comprehend. He glances down at his arms. There are a few bruises here and there along his skin, but the majority of the blotched stains of black and blue have faded, reflecting his 'good behavior' as of late.
With a sigh, he pulls the plaid sleeves down some to cover the bruises. His gaze drifts back out the window. Is he waiting for something? For someone? That doesn't sound right…What would he be waiting for? He has everything he needs here…doesn't he?
He's startled slightly as a pair of arms embrace him and a body presses against his own. A hand turns his head to face the man behind him. The grin sent his way sends a shiver through him as Edd leans into the arms around him.
"What're you doing out of bed, Princess…?"
Another shiver races down the boy's spine at the tone. He hunches his shoulders some, gazing up at the man shyly.
"M-My apologies…Terry…" Edd mumbles softly, averting his gaze and anxiously rubbing his arm near his wrist, "I just…it's such a lovely day. I merely wanted to…to admire the view for a while…" Biting his lip some, he glances back at him. "I…I was most definitely going to return. I just…needed a moment alone…I suppose…"
Terry grimaces some at that, making the boy flinch.
"And why would you want that?" he nearly growls, "Are you thinkin' about running away from me, sweetheart?"
Shivering, Edd turns himself to face the man fully.
"I-I didn't mean it like that…" he whimpers, "Please…I-I want to stay. Really, I do…" He grasps at Terry's robe, gazing up at him pitifully. "Forgive me…please!"
Terry groans some as the boy buries his face in his chest, nuzzling him. He observes him for a few moments before his sadistic grin returns. He moves Edd away to look down at him.
"Of course I forgive you, my little Princess…" he purrs, cupping Edd's chin, "After all…I'm pretty sure you can make it up to me…Can't you?"
Edd's face is a bright red at the insinuation. Terry's other hand goes to work on him; his fingers toying with the boy's sensitive nipples. Little moans slip past Edd's lips as he squirms in the man's grip. His eyes shut against the pleasure. Terry's lips against his own, just caressing the corner of his mouth and making a path along his jaw toward his neck.
With a shiver, he swallows the lump in his throat and opens his eyes to look at the man again, nodding shyly.
"Wh…Whatever you want, Terry…" he murmurs, "I…I'm yours…"
Terry urges him closer and Edd doesn't fight it. His eyes drift shut again as their lips meet and he shivers in anticipation for the kiss to deepen.
A gasp tears itself from Edd's chest as he bolts upright in his bed. He runs a hand over his face and through his hair, eyes darting around in confusion. As he looks around at the familiar surroundings of his own bedroom, he begins to calm. He covers his mouth, chastising himself for his own paranoia.
Glancing at his nightstand and to his alarm clock, he groans a bit. He'd done it again; waking about ten minutes before his alarm had been set to go off. He grimaces. This is getting quite troublesome…
It's certainly not his main problem, however. As he shuts off the alarm, he regretfully notices his own arousal and the noticeable stain on the crotch of his pajama pants. So is that…With a whimper, he rises from the bed, slipping out of his pants and underwear.
Shortly after the dreams had begun after his return home, he'd abandoned his one-size-fits-all pajamas. As efficient as they used to be, he now found it far more uncomfortable and tedious to strip down just to clean himself up. The ease of only having to change his pants has become much more freeing (and significantly easier for his laundry duties).
He approaches his closet and strips out of his clothes completely before slipping on his bathrobe, doing his best to ignore his arousal as he does so. After hiding his soiled pajama pants and underwear and making a mental note to wash them later, he dons a shower cap and grabs a fresh hat before making his way swiftly to the bathroom.
Stepping into the shower, he turns the water on. He keeps the temperature of the water pretty cold; a good shock to the system to clear his head of his dream and wake him up properly should be just what he needs. He fights the urge to squeal as the icy water hits his bare skin. It does the trick, though. The fog clouding his mind disperses and he can think much more clearly. He lowers his gaze to the persistent predicament between his legs. With a sigh, he tries to focus his thoughts on other things, such as the day he's about to enjoy.
School is finally back in session! He grins a bit at that. As this day grew nearer and nearer, he became more and more excited. He'd nearly dragged his mother to the store about a week ago - at the very height of the back-to-school sales - to load up on supplies. He'd also been sure to put said supplies on a more secure lockdown. He grimaces a bit as memories of the previous year come to him. He's not about to let that happen again.
Aside from the supplies, of course, his mother had treated him to new clothes to welcome the new year. He couldn't have been happier, he imagines. To finally fall back into his favorite routine. A far more welcome venture than his current habits, of course.
With the promise of school on his mind, he removes the shower cap to wash his hair. Once clean, he steps out of the shower. He vaguely notices that distracting his mind had indeed solved the problem of his arousal - something he's quite relieved to discover. Before doing much else, he brushes his teeth thoroughly and dries his hair. Placing his beloved black cap on his head, he wraps his towel around his middle and exits the bathroom, depositing his robe into his laundry shoot.
He returns to his bedroom, a bright smile on his face as he closes the door. Back to the closet. He searches for the perfect outfit. He'll be starting advanced classes today. Though he's upset that he can't share these classes with Ed and Eddy, he can't deny his excitement to be excelling academically. And he's determined to make a good impression.
He settles on a nice, collared shirt and a pair of comfortable, but practical shorts. The weather has still been quite warm lately, which he considers odd for this time of year. Of course, he's not complaining. It's certainly better than the intense cold that will come with winter.
As he sits on the bed, pulling on his socks and new shoes, he happens a glance at his nightstand. He catches a glimpse of a tiny piece of metal. He feels cold as his gaze lingers on it. A tiny key.
A weight settles in his stomach. He'd yet to tell his parents about that…
He groaned some as he slowly woke. The distinct scent of bleach burned his nostrils, reminding him he was in the sterile hospital room, though he remembered little else about the night before. A lot of screaming and crying. He couldn't recall much at all. Aside from Terry…He clearly remembered dreaming of him at some point. His voice had sounded so clear in his mind. Words that sent shivers down his spine as he recalled them…
…belong to me…
…I'll be back soon enough…
…bring you home…
…Wait for me…
With a shudder, he rose to sit up.
He felt something shift in his hand. Glancing down, he spotted a key.
What on earth…?
He turned the key over in his hand, studying it carefully. Where had it come from? Why did he have it? The morning light from the window reflected off the key and over his face as he poked and prodded at the trinket, fighting to understand its meaning.
Finally, it clicked. He'd sworn his heart stopped when he finally realized it. Memories flashing in his head of the handcuffs around his wrists. Shackled to the bedpost unless Terry wanted to free him to move him into a more 'pleasurable' position. He felt sick as he remembered the small key that the man had used to unlock him. The key he now held in his hand.
His attention whipped all around him, searching frantically around the room with his eyes. Half expecting to find Terry in the room, ready to steal him away.
Wide eyes settled upon his father in the chair by the door. He opened his mouth to speak to him, to beg for his help. He stopped. His father wasn't just sitting in the chair. He was slumped over, using his coat as a blanket. Lost in an uncomfortable sleep, with heavy bags under his eyes. His glasses were resting on the small table beside him, set there haphazardly when he had just begun to drift off.
Guilt had taken the boy then. It was obvious to him that his father had been deeply upset. So worried about him. Glancing back at the key, Edd realized how much more the man would worry about him if he knew. How much more stressed he'd become at the very notion that the man who had abused his child could have been there. His mother too. She'd been so upset, so scared and hurt.
Resolutely, he hid the key beneath his hat, deciding then and there not to reveal a thing…
His hands shake some as he fits a tie around his neck. Those words had haunted him since his return home.
…I'll be back soon enough…
He realizes how foolish it had been to hide something so important from his parents. Logically, he knows that he should make them aware of it. If he did, they could implement steps to ensure his safety.
However, he cannot bring himself to do it. The pain on their faces whenever they so much as glanced in his direction was difficult enough to bear. He didn't want to burden them more with panic and worry that his captor may have tried to contact him in some way while he had been incapacitated in the hospital.
The fact of the matter is that he's home and he's safe. It's been a few months since the incident and he's neither seen nor heard any sign of Terry since waking up in the hospital. Why upset them over what could easily be nothing at all?
Shrugging, he turns away from his nightstand and approaches his door, where his school bag is resting. The night before, he'd packed up everything he believed he would need for the first day (and perhaps just as much that he didn't). Slinging it over his shoulder, he opens his door and exits the room.
He walks downstairs and is greeted by the sounds of his parents bustling about. They'll be heading into work shortly after he leaves for school. His father has a cup of coffee in his hand as he gathers up several papers into his briefcase and his mother is hunched over a pad of sticky notes. Edd pouts a bit at the sight, but says nothing against it as he steps into the kitchen.
"Good morning…" he murmurs softly.
They glance at him, slowly halting their movements. His mother forces a smile as she stands straight.
"Oh…good morning, Eddward," she greets shakily.
Samuel looks away uncomfortably, bringing his coffee to his lips.
"Good morning…" he nods before taking a sip.
Edd's discouraged by the looks on their faces. Lately, his father has been more and more uncomfortable around him. It's as though he doesn't know how to approach his son at all. A vastly different response than what he'd received at the hospital, Edd is regretful to note. And his mother is no better. Whenever she looks at Edd, it's only ever with an expression of sorrow, pity…grief. Valerie approaches her son, brow furrowed.
"I have prepared your lunch for today," she informs him, "Would you like me to cook you something for breakfast?"
With a sigh, he smiles at her.
"No, thank you," he says as he sets his bag on the table, "I'm not terribly hungry this morning. Something light will suffice. Do we have any cereal?"
"Oh yes!" comes the over-enthusiastic response.
Valerie rushes over to the cabinet and retrieves a box of Chunky Puffs. A bowl and spoon follow suite. Before she can open the refrigerator, however, Edd steps in front of her, hands up in defense.
"Thank you, mother," he stutters, "But please, I insist. I can handle this. No need to fret over me."
She pouts some, but drops the matter, returning to the counter where she'd been writing. Edd pours himself a full bowl of cereal and milk, glancing at the time. He still has at least fifteen minutes to spare before Ed and Eddy would arrive to walk to school with him. Plenty of time to enjoy his breakfast. Still, after taking a seat at the table, he eats quickly, eager for the day ahead.
His father leaves the room a few minutes later to collect something, leaving the boy alone with his mother. She glances at him uneasily.
"You know…Eddward…" she begins slowly, "If you are not ready to go back to school, you could always wait a year…" She shifts uncomfortably when Edd stops eating. "I do not want you to…well, 'overstimulate' yourself with your classes."
The boy sighs softly, head bowed and gaze locked on the bowl. There are only a few bites left. Before answering, he finishes his meal and rises to his feet. When he looks up at his mother, he gives her a big smile.
"Of course I'm ready to go back," he assures her cheerfully, "I've been looking forward to my return to school." He sets his bowl in the sink and turns on the water to wash it. "I'm quite sure I'll be alright."
Once through with the dishes, he sets them in the rack to dry. His mother is silent for a few minutes, absorbing what he'd said. There's a knock at at the door. Ed and Eddy must have arrived. His father returns as Edd retrieves his bag.
"Eddward," the man addresses him, his tone soft, but stern enough to garner the boy's attention, "Don't forget your appointment this afternoon with Dr. Underwood."
Edd hesitates, flinching as though he were physically struck by the statement. He glances at him wearily.
"I'm aware, father," he responds with a nod, "Not to worry; I'll be there."
Samuel nods back in understanding; "Good."
Bowing his head to avoid looking at either of them any longer, Edd walks to the door.
"Eddward," his mother says suddenly.
He stops and turns to her. She hesitates, thinking carefully about what to say.
"If you…" she begins uneasily, "If you are feeling…'overwhelmed'…at all today…" She bites her lip some. "Do not hesitate to call us. Your father or I will come right away to get you if you need to come home."
Edd gives her a pained look.
"I'm quite certain I'll be alright," he responds sorrowfully, "But very well…"
She nods before forcing another smile; "Have a good day, sweetheart. We love you."
He hunches his shoulders some and nods back; "I love you too. Farewell…"
With that, he approaches the front door before stepping outside. As expected, Ed and Eddy are standing in front of the door.
"Good morning, gentlemen," he greets with a warm smile.
"Mornin' Double D!" Ed cries, throwing his arms around Edd in a tight hug.
Edd giggles a bit, pleased by his dear friend's enthusiasm.
"C'mon, you two," Eddy groans, "Keep up that mushy crap and we'll be late."
Ed releases Edd from the embrace, but Eddy's tone doesn't put a damper on his mood. He continues bouncing from one foot to another, giggling excitedly in anticipation of the day ahead.
Edd, however, is much more surprised to notice how chipper (albeit slightly irritated about waiting) Eddy is looking as well – how eager he seems to be to get to school. As long as Edd could remember, Eddy had never particularly 'liked' school in the slightest and only ever seemed to be in a bad mood when the subject came up. Lately, however, he's been almost as excited as his fellow Eds for class to begin.
As they start walking, Edd decides to bring this up.
"My, Eddy…" he keeps his tone pleasant, "You're in a surprisingly 'eager' mood this morning. Could it be you're finally embracing a love for academia?"
"In yer dreams, Sockhead!" Eddy scoffs. "I'm just stoked to meet up with everybody! It's like the only thing that'll make that place bearable!"
"Ah yes…" Edd rolls his eyes, "How silly of me to forget…" He puts a smile back on to appease him. "Well, perhaps you have plans after school? Have you any new scam ideas you'd like to implement?"
"Nah," Eddy shrugs, "Kevin invited us to hang out later. You know what that means, right?"
"Free jawbreakers!" Ed cheers.
"Bingo, Burrhead!" Eddy jovially punches Ed's arm for emphasis, which gets Ed laughing harder.
Edd bows his head some, trying not to look too disappointed as they continue to walk, with Ed and Eddy happily consuming the bulk of the conversation.
Not again…
It's been like this for months. After all of the groundings had ended and the children of the cul-de-sac could play together freely, Edd had sought to return to their scams. Granted, he'd grown tired of the actual swindling of the other's money as time passed, but creating things with his dearest friends had been his most beloved past time.
Eddy, unfortunately, didn't seem to share this desire. He'd argued that, now that the others viewed them as friends, he didn't want to scam them…at least not now. Eddy had assured him they could start the scams up again later — he's not that willing to give up trying to earn easy money — but only after they've improved their social status among the others as much as they can so they're not ostracized like before.
But that isn't what upset Edd about the situation…
It had become apparent from the word 'go' that Eddy had been overeager to expand their little social circle. Every day had been spent with Kevin, Nazz and Johnny. Rolf would often join them as well, but would just as often have many chores to complete and no chance to play. Sarah and Jimmy preferred to keep to themselves, but would sometimes fall in with them if they had little else to do to occupy their time. Regardless of the roster, they had begun spending their days surrounded by friends.
Or at least what Eddy called 'friends'.
It's not that Edd disliked any of the other children - for the most part, he might enjoy their company once in a while. What irked him most anymore was the way the others looked at him. Despite his best efforts to gain a repertoire with them, they rarely seemed interested in reciprocating this intent. Whenever he would engage them in conversation, there would never be a desire to speak as equals, but to talk down to. Whenever he would look into their eyes, he would only find pity, worry, sorrow. Instead of a group of friends rallying around them, he was presented with a group of children who have no idea how to treat someone who's experienced what he has and therefore resort to labeling him in their minds as much more fragile than before. A group that thinks forced sympathy is the best approach.
In Edd's experience, he finds that it never is.
Eddy, of course, never seems to notice this. No longer an outcast, the boy is basking in the wake of finally having so many friends for the first time in his life. And how could Edd blame him? It hadn't been terribly long that they had all been excluded from the larger group, but it had hurt the shorter boy deeply regardless.
Because of this, Edd doesn't complain. While Ed and Eddy eagerly join in activities with the others, Edd remains at the sidelines, watching and waiting for the two to return to him so they can enjoy their time as a trio once more. Unfortunately, given the many parties and get-togethers either Nazz or Kevin would enjoy throwing, that personal time he was craving had become a rarity, making him feel more and more isolated. Forced to sit back and wait. To ignore the way the others would patronize him, treating him as something delicate. Treating him as someone far too delicate to speak plainly towards. As someone too delicate to want to join in. Biting his tongue. Trying to be patient and failing as the time drags on and the parties last way too long.
And it's beginning to wear on him significantly.
The walk to school isn't terribly long, as usual, and they make way quickly to their homeroom, stopping for just a moment at their lockers that they kept from the year before to deposit a few of their belongings. This year, they'd been placed in the same room from the start, something which Edd's greatly relieved to find. To 'negotiate' with the Kankers again to swap homerooms would be completely out of the question.
They settle into their seats and Edd finally feels himself relaxing again. The distinct smell of books and chalk and the like soothes him as Eddy chats up the students around him. Ed's being his normal, silly self in an effort to make the others laugh. Kevin and Nazz arrive shortly after, speaking amongst themselves. Since coming home, they'd been on shaky terms — something about Kevin caring more about his bike than her? — but have recently returned to their previous relationship.
They take a seat near the three Eds, greeting them casually. Nazz sits next to Edd and gives him a warm smile. Eddy tenses in response, anticipating what's to come.
"Hey, Double D…" she says in a soft, delicate tone, "How're you holding up, dude?"
Edd grimaces some. He hunches his shoulders a bit as he leans forward against his desk, head bowed.
"I'm fine," he bites back tersely.
Nazz seems startled by this; "Y-You sure?"
"I told you, I'm fine," he snaps back, glaring at her.
Hoping to calm himself, he returns his attention back to the front of the room, rubbing his forehead in irritation. Were this an isolated incident, he may have been more tactful. However, this had been Nazz's approach with him since coming home. Gentle, far too delicate, and undeniably patronizing. He'd tried and failed on numerous occasions to make her understand why this upset him, but it never seemed to take. Now, after months of dealing with this, he can only respond with hostility in a desperate bid to make her stop.
With his back turned, he doesn't see the shocked look Eddy's giving him. Nor does he notice the murmurs around him from the other students, startled by Edd's behavior. The boy who was normally such a pacifist, had just spoken so coldly to Nazz, who they believe had done nothing to warrant such treatment. The shorter boy leans forward.
He whispers to him; "Hey, Sockhead—"
Before he can continue, the teacher walks in to begin class.
The time passes without much incident. Edd keeps his eyes and mind focused on the lesson itself. Before he knows it, the bell rings, signaling the end of class. Edd gathers his things quickly before bidding a short 'see you soon' to Ed and Eddy and slipping out of the room. He has an advanced class immediately after this and he intends to make it on time.
Up a flight of stairs to the second floor. He double-checks the classroom number before stepping inside. He takes a seat in the very front, eager to begin. The bell rings again a few moments later and class begins.
To his dismay, his new teacher has a seating chart, which she implements before anything else. Instead of the middle of the front row, where he'd chosen to sit, she places Edd near the window in the back, citing that she's sorted them alphabetically. Edd curses his own name for banishing so far from the front. He only hopes he'll still engage in the same level of involvement as the others.
To make matters worse, of course, this woman has no interest in actually beginning any classwork for the first day. Instead, she had decided that they will begin with the syllabus, which would most likely take up the entire class period. Edd releases a soft groan. He's not sure if it's merely irony or poor luck to be placed in an advanced class, only to have his new teacher hold him back.
About midway through the class, he lets his thoughts wander, fantasizing about the work they'll be doing. His attention drifts from the dreary desk and walls to the window in a weary hope to alleviate his boredom by admiring the lovely day outside.
Instead, he feels his blood run cold.
Leaning casually against one of the trees in the yard behind the school. Red plaid standing out brightly in the sun. A twisted grin creeping onto his face. Those cold blue eyes locked on his own, sending chills down his spine. Edd feels sick as Terry brings a hand up and silently beckons him.
Memories flash in his mind. That cruel grin bearing down on him as the man beats him. Those wicked lips upon his skin. That scratchy, taunting voice, whispering his sinister lies and promises of pain into his ears. Those cruel, calloused hands holding his hips down as he thrusts into the writhing body beneath.
Tears are burning his eyes. His breathing becomes labored as he begins to pull his hat down over his face. He can't contain the screams any longer. Sobs wracking his body as he begs for mercy.
"N-No!" he shrieks, finally articulating some though, "Not again! Leave me alone! P-Please!"
"Eddward!"
Edd gasps, his eyes shooting open. He lifts his hat to look around. He's still in the classroom. His teacher is staring at him in disbelief, shocked that he would interrupt class like that.
"Eddward, sweetheart, are you alright?" she asks in an incredulous tone.
Edd shakes his head.
"N-No!" he sobs, "No, I'm not! O-Outside! I-I-I saw–"
He points outside, desperate for them to see. When he turns to look, though, there's nothing. He jumps to his feet and darts to the window, searching for any sign of the man.
Nothing.
The hushed whispers around him draw him from his panic.
"What a weirdo…"
"Ugh, sit down, you little spaz…"
"The hell is wrong with him?!"
"Freak…"
He glances around, looking desperate.
"Didn't…" he mutters breathlessly, "D-Didn't someone — a-anyone…! Didn't someone else see him?!"
"See who, Eddward?" his teacher asks, brow furrowed.
There's a silence as Edd looks around the room full of students, looking for someone to reassure him of what he'd seen.
"There's nothing out there you little weirdo…" a girl notes with a snarky tone.
"Rachel!" the woman hisses back, chiding her student.
Edd deflates some. A closer look at the others around him confirms that they had seen nothing. With a shiver, he shrinks in on himself.
"Oh…Oh dear…" he stutters, bowing his head contritely.
His body is quaking in embarrassment. How horrible this must look. For him to break down, crying, in the middle of class like that. And over what?
Nothing.
He swallows the lump in his throat, glancing back at the stunned woman who's still waiting for an explanation. He sheepishly returns to his seat, his face beet red.
"M-My sincerest apologies…Ms. Howard…" he mumbles, covering his mouth, "I…I must have…imagined it…"
"Are you alright?" he glances at her, finding her looking at him in deep concern, "Perhaps you should see the guidance counselor?"
"N…No…" Edd shakes his head, folding his hands together, "I'll be okay. Please…pardon my interruption and continue with your class. It…It won't happen again."
For a moment, she merely regards him with uncertainty. She wants to help, but doesn't even know what's upset him. Reluctantly, she returns to the front of the class to continue.
Edd completely tunes her out, staring at his hands. He had seen that…hadn't he? It…was real…wasn't it? Then why hadn't the others seen him? He wants to tell her – to reveal his distress to a rational adult who will calm his fears and keep him safe. But what could she really do? No one else had seen Terry but him. With this knowledge, he relents that he has little option but to ignore it. If anything, he can address it later. Best not to interrupt class again.
So much for a good first impression…
DuoXKouga: Hope to see you all in the next chapter!