AN: *Coughs up a lung and throws a hall in my mouth.* I apologize for the delay in updates but I have been sick for the past few weeks, I've been in the middle of a move, and I discovered the awesome television show Game of Thrones. I mean I should be ashamed that I've only been watching it for like a week and I'm already on season five. On to more important business, here is the next chapter for Cat & Mouse. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter because it was hard to write. I have a few announcements to make before I end this little author's note. I've created a wattpad account and have uploaded Cat & Mouse on there, so if you guys have a wattpad feel free to follow and read the fic on there. I will continue to upload and publish chapters of Cat & Mouse on this site as well as my tumblr but I just created a wattpad because I love the app and the fact that I'm able to read a vast amount of stories on there and on my phone. My wattpad username is anybodihearme (the same username as my username on here). I'll also put updates of the fic and my other fics on there! Other than that, thanks for reading! XOXO!
Cat & Mouse
Chapter 11: Big Brother
By: anybodihearme
Originally Uploaded: Wednesday, June 27, 2016
A drunk mind speaks a sober heart.
I don't know which individual in history said that, but whoever it may be, was absolutely right. It's simply amazing how much information a person is willing to share in the presence of someone who appears to lack any inhibitions. It could be the simple fact that the person they are indulging in probably won't remember anything said come morning or maybe that their accounts would lack everything but the truth. Whatever the reason may be, they all result in the same outcome: secrets are revealed and confessions are overlooked. The smallest amount of shared information, no matter how irrelevant or unconventional it may seem, provides an abundant amount of pertinent information for the taking. The only downfall of the situation is the amount of effort it actually takes to remember everything said come morning. Trying to recall everything that happened through drunk eyes and words spoken from slurred lips damn near impossible.
That's why I learned a long time ago that it's easier to fake being drunk than actually being intoxicated.
Walking down the darkened street I hear Edd shout after me about the dangers of me going home alone in my condition. "I'll be fine," I call back over my shoulder. Edd's forehead crinkles slightly in worry even though he tries his best not to show it. I already have him taking an interest in me. Even though he rarely shows emotions and acts cold towards people, he doesn't hesitate to show the slightest amount of concern for me. "Text me when you get home or something." I casually add as I fake stumble over my own two feet. Edd steps forward in an attempt to help me but by the time he moves I'm already halfway down the street, disappearing into the dark. Taking one more look back, Edd is gone and the street is empty. I smile to myself and turn the corner. Tonight was a mere success and everything is slowly falling into place.
Pulling my phone out of my jacket pocket I see I have one unread text message from Rolf. Unlocking my phone reveals a simple one worded text making me smile even harder.
Done.
I throw my phone back in my pocket and hurry down the street. Winter is right around the corner and I'm practically freezing to death. Standing outside and talking to Edd with my jacket unzipped was not smart but I had a part to play. I will never be able to understand how despite the freezing cold a drunk person will always complain about the heat or them being hot even though they shake violently from the cold. Thinking back to all the times I got shit-faced drunk and went outside in freezing weather in nothing but a t-shirt and jeans makes me shiver and pull my jacket closer to my body. It's a surprise I never caught pneumonia or died from hypothermia. Shaking my head, I jog down the street towards the train station, silently praying that I'm in time for the last train. I will be one lucky bastard if I catch the last train. Edd and I stayed in the restaurant talking for quite a while and plus it's a Sunday so my odds aren't looking too good. I would have ridden my bike but I didn't want to push it with Edd. It was damn near impossible to get him out of his apartment. Trying to get him on my bike would be like trying to count to infinity.
Damn near impossible.
Walking down into the subway, I hear the train attendant announce the arrival of the last train and I sprint down the stairs and through the lobby. I quickly throw some change for my fare and jump on the last car before the train departs. Looks like God was on my side tonight. Sending a quick thanks to the man above I sit in the back of the train and look around. The train is quiet and almost empty except for a few stragglers who look exhausted and ready to snap at anything. Chuckling, I look out the window and watch the tunnels pass by as my mind begins to wander.
Tonight was as much of a success as I could make it. I was able to get Edd to leave his house and come out with me and if that's not a success then I don't know what it. I will admit that he was not much of a talker even though he did talk. It's hard to explain. There's two type of "talks" I believe. The first one, when someone just picks up on conversational queues and input when necessary but not being a full and honest participant of the conversation. Then the second type of "talk" is when they are completely ignoring the conversation at hand and not putting forth any effort to carry out the conversation. In the beginning, Edd relied on "talk" number one but as the night progressed he slowly transferred to "talk" number two. It was interesting enough. Even though I didn't get the information I wanted right off of the back, I did get information about some things. I learned that Edd and the detective, Marx I think is his name, were in fact in item; however, things are complicated now which does nothing but raise more questions. Marx has feelings for Edd but it's obvious Edd could care less about him. Interesting nonetheless. I also picked up on the fact that Edd is extremely closed off. He barely shared in any personal information. He did answer my questions about his life but they were extremely vague. His answers were answers I could have found on google if I really wanted to. I have this weird feeling that he hast trust issues but in this day and age who doesn't?
There is one issue I wish to know more about.
Halfway through dinner when Edd quickly excused himself to the bathroom. It wasn't the fact that he excused himself which raised my suspicions but the way he did so. It was so random that it was unnatural. One minute he was laughing and the next it was as if he saw a ghost. His face turned a sickly pale and a cold sweat broke out along his hairline. I never saw someone's demeanor change so quickly that I almost missed it. The whole thing made goosebumps rise on my arms and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I wanted to go after him and check on him but I didn't. I had more important things to do and that was my only opportunity to do them before the night was over. I will admit that I feel guilty for not going after him and slightly regret it. I just want to know what happened in the bathroom and what made him react like that. The most shocking thing about the whole situation was when he returned to the table. He pretended like the fiasco didn't happen and it was nothing serious. His lips may lie but his eyes told the truth. The more I think the more questions I have than answers.
Shaking my head, I look down at my hands and surprisingly they're shaking.
He looked terrified and I did nothing to soothe his fear.
My stomach turned violently and a sick feeling started to grow throughout my body. I shouldn't be feeling this way. Shaking the thoughts out of my head I look around the car to see that it's empty besides me and my thoughts. Edd is handsome. He still has that adorable gap between his teeth but he's different now. He's not some puny teen who can't do anything to defend himself. He's taller, leaner, stronger, and smarter. I remember when we were in high school people would pick on him for his sexuality but he never really let it get to him. If people would have just given him the benefit of the doubt and became friends with him they would have known, he was a great guy. Now, we weren't best friends in school but I respected him. I looked out for him even though he never know it.
I have always been fond of him.
It was shocking we he packed up and left. He didn't even tell anyone he was leaving. He just left and never looked back.
I missed seeing that face of his and that gap when he smiled. I was surprised when he showed up at the party. I was even more surprised when he punched Eddy. I would never have expected Edd of being a fighter. He was always so calm and collected. But as time passes people change and grow with it. Eddy is such a jackass. I can't believe he turned his back on his best friend just because he liked the same sex. It's disgusting and I'm happy someone, Edd, put him in his place. It was long past due. My hands begin to ache forcing me look down at my palms. My hands are curled up in fists with my nails digging into my palms. Relaxing my hands, I see my nails embedded themselves in my palm leavening little crescent moon shapes.
Why am I getting so worked up over nothing?
Shaking my head, I stand up as I hear the train announce the arrival of the last stop. I wait for the doors to open and quickly exit the train. I jog up the stairs and exit the subway. The weather is always colder in this part of the city. Probably because there are less buildings to block the cold air making it more open and the fact that the ocean isn't too far from here. The streets are dark and empty except for the few unfortunate. Drawing my jacket closer, I walk faster down the street until I see the warehouse come into my line of sight. Not wanting to be left out in the cold anymore, I sprint down the street until I'm barging through the front doors of the shop and calling the elevator down. The elevator pings and I step inside smiling brightly as it ascends. I can feel the heat radiating out of the apartment before the doors even open.
Home sweet home.
"Honey! I'm home!" I scream as I walk into the living room. All the lights are off except the small light above the stove in the kitchen and a dull light shining out from underneath Jonny's bedroom door. Glancing towards Rolf's door I can tell the lights are off so he's probably not here. Weird. I don't remember him telling me he was going out tonight. Not that it's any of my business but he usually tells us if he's going out or something. He's probably running the streets like the man whore he is. Whatever. Humping my shoulders, I cross the living towards Jonny's door. When was the last time Jonny went out? A devilish smile spreads across my face as I grab the doorknob to Jonny's door. Without a second thought, I push the door open with enough force to make it slam against the wall and rattle the bookshelves that adorn the walls. "Honey!" I yell making Jonny turn around in his chair and give me an unimpressed look. He didn't even jump.
"You're back early." He simply states before turning back to his desk and fiddling with some device in his hands. His desk is filled to the brim with tools and technological devices that I'm pretty sure could bring down any high-tech firewall if he tried. "Hand me that," Jonny says pointing to a box that lies on his dresser. The box is small but has a bunch of different colored wires coming out of it and little LED lights everywhere. Picking it up, the box is actually kind of heavy for its small size. Tossing the box to Jonny, he quickly catches it before glaring at me and turning back to his desk.
"We only had dinner." I remind him.
"Dinners usually last longer." He hums. "I thought you would be back later." He says glancing at the clock.
"I've been gone all day." I cock my eyebrow at him. "Where's Rolf?"
"I'm right here." Rolf's deep voice booms in my ears making me jump halfway out my skin and further into Jonny's room. Jonny snickers to himself and Rolf glares at me with mischief in his eyes. Rolf leans against Jonny's doorframe with a towel wrapped around his waist and water dripping on his shoulders and down his back from his wet hair.
"Don't do that!" I yell holding my chest as if that will stop my heart from jumping out of my ribcage. Jonny laughs again making me smack him on the back of the head. Before I could even see it, he jabs me with a screwdriver making me groan. "That's not nice." I sneer at him.
"Keep your hands to yourself." Jonny mumbles. Rolf rolls his eyes at the both of us before turning his attention to Jonny.
"Are you almost done?" He asks in a flat tone.
"Just about," Jonny says slowly as he attaches the wires to the device he was fiddling with when I first came into the room.
"How did today go?" Rolf directs towards me.
"It went okay," I admit humping my shoulders.
"Just okay?" He mocks.
"Nothing too exciting," I say scratching my chin. "Edd and I spent the day together like I planned. We went to a few shops and dinner. We talked a lot about random things here and there but I got a feel for some of the more important topics at hand."
"That's to be expected," Rolf cuts in, "you and him are practically strangers so it's only natural for him to be reserved," Rolf explains. "The closer you and him grow the more he'll open up and talk. That's what we need him to do. We need him to open up and trust you." Rolf added looking at me. Nodding my head in agreement, I cast my gaze down at my feet. I don't know why this whole situation makes me feel slightly uncomfortable. Rolf, Jonny, and I spent all day yesterday and a good part of the night strategizing and coming up with a plan to gain information on Edd and that detective. When everything was all said and done we agreed upon a plan that I was completely okay with it. Now that the plan is in motion and pieces are falling into place I feel sick to my stomach like I'm on a boat lost at sea.
Must be the nerves.
"How did everything go?" I ask, changing the subject.
"Everything went according to plan," Rolf answered honestly while throwing Jonny an amused look. Jonny groaned and rolled his eyes. "We were in and out in an hour. It would have been quicker if someone had upper body strength." Rolling his eyes, Jonny turned around in his chair and gave Rolf a death glare that made me shudder before returning to his work. "I will admit he does have a nice place. I was not expecting the layout to be as grand." Rolf added as an afterthought.
Standing up, Jonny reached behind the stack of monitors on his desk and pulled out a long black cord that he quickly connected to the devices on his desk. Flipping a few switches and pressing a few buttons the LEDs quickly lit up followed by a beeping noise emitting from the devices. A smile grew across Jonny's face as the computer monitors slowly came to life. The beeping and flashing of the LED lights synced with one another and kept at a steady pace like a heart monitor. Rolf stepped further into the room and we both took a cautious step towards the mountain of monitors. The images on the monitors are too pixelated for me to make anything out of it. As if Jonny heard my silent thoughts, he flipped a few more switches and adjusted the cable. The images quickly de-pixelated and became as clear as the night sky. Almost every monitor displayed a room in Edd's apartment. Even though the house is dark and it's apparent that no lights are on in the apartment, the pictures were clear enough to see every detail of the room. Every room from the bedroom to the bathroom was on display for any of us to watch at our leisure.
Purely amazing.
"There's a camera in each room in the apartment. I made sure to leave no blind spots and to place the cameras in the most conspicuous places. People tend to overlook things in their own home and the saying goes that things are best hidden in the most obvious places. I made sure we got in and out quickly and that we were seen by no one. Jonny was able to set up all the technical stuff so I just did the heavy lifting. I also placed cameras in the lobby of the building and in the stairwell. I figured it would be beneficial to know who comes in and out of the building." Rolf spoke pointing towards the monitors.
"What's that?" I asked pointing towards the bottom of one of the screens. That's when I realized that a small bar graph image sat at the bottom right-hand side of every monitor.
"That's a motion detector," Jonny spoke up. "The graph moves whenever there's movement, sound, or temperature fluctuation in the room. Each bar represents a change. It helps records everything so it's easier to go over." Jonny humped his shoulders.
"You guys did all this..." I said before trailing off in thought.
"It was nothing really," Jonny said shrugging.
"That's because you didn't lift anything," Rolf said throwing him an annoyed look. "I practically had to carry you up the building on my back."
"Drama queen," Jonny mumbled under his breath before he flipped a switch and the monitors turned off.
"What are you doing?" I ask pointing at the monitors, slightly panicking. "Why did you turn them off? What was the point of setting up the cameras if we're just going to turn them off?"
"Goodnight," Rolf called over his shoulders as he left the room. Jonny rolled his eyes either at me or Rolf as he opened a drawer in his desk. Reaching inside, he pulled out a tablet and handed it to me. Raising my eyebrows at him, I decided to play along and unlock the device. The small screen was divided up into different boxes that displayed the images that were on the monitors before Jonny turned them off. Tapping on one of the images, the image grew larger and took up the entire screen. It was the image of Edd's room. I could see every detail of the room. Even the small ruffle of the curtain by his window. The bar graph on the bottom of the screen fluctuated telling me that there's movement in the room and that the temperature slightly fell or rose.
"I didn't want to sleep with all the monitors on. That would just be inconvenient for me." Jonny admitted, making me look up at him. "I'm able to link the feed from Edd's apartment to the monitors and onto this tablet. It's easier for me and everyone else to watch the feed. Anytime you want, you can log onto the tablet and watch to your hearts content. It's set it up so you'll get notifications on the home screen when something's happening so you won't miss anything even if you're not on it. Everything's recorded and saved into an external hard drive so nothing's really missed." Jonny said humping his shoulders. "I don't have a lot of time to watch the feed and Rolf said fuck no so that leaves you. That doesn't mean I won't be looking at the stats here and there but you are the one in charge of this minor detail."
"I didn't think you'd be able to do this," I admitted.
"I can do anything," Jonny smiled cheekily. "That reminds me," Jonny said holding his hand out, "give me your phone." Reaching into my pocket, I pull my phone out and hand it to him. Within the matter of a few seconds, I watch Jonny dismantle my phone and place a chip in my phone next to the spot where my SIM card lies. Putting my phone back together, he taps away on my phone and hands it back to me.
"What did you do?" I ask looking my phone over. I don't see anything different... what's this? A new app appears on my phone that I'm pretty sure wasn't there this morning.
"Remember that chip you placed in Edd's phone today?" He asked. When Edd excused himself from dinner and left for the bathroom he left his phone on the table. I took the opportunity to place a chip inside his phone that Jonny gave me before I left. I don't know what it does. I just follow directions. Nodding my head "yes," Jonny continued. "That chip links your and Edd's phone. Every text, email, phone call, voicemail, etc. he receives, appears on your phone in this app." He says opening the app that replicates the way Edd's phone looks. "You'll be able to see and hear everything that he's doing. When his phone rings so will yours. When his phone vibrates so will yours. Don't worry, you'll only see what he's doing and not the other way around. The chip is completely undetectable unless you know it's there, which he doesn't, so nothing to worry about. Besides, if he does find it and takes it out, the chip will simply corrupt itself." He winks at me.
"I don't want to know what you do in your free time if you do shit like this." I mock him. Rolling his eyes, Jonny sits on his bed. It never ceases to amaze me how much a person can do with technology. I barely could get the computer downstairs to work right for me let alone bug someone's phone.
"Everything is set so get out. I'm tired." He simply states. Flipping him off, I turn on my heels and head to my room. Walking across the living room, Rolf's door is closed and I hear Jonny softly close his door. Today has been a long day. It may seem like a simple relaxing outing with shopping and dinner but it was more tiring than not. Walking into my room, I toss my phone and tablet on my bed and quickly remove my clothes. Stalking towards the bathroom, I quickly jump in the shower and wash away the day. Showers are the best thing ever invented. The warm water does everything to calm the body and wash away things one wants to forget. It is simply amazing. Turning off the shower, I step out and dry myself off. Walking back to my room, I slip on a pair of sweats and toss my dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
Glancing at the clock, it's still fairly early and I'm not tired. I could go for some grapes though. Heading into the kitchen, I grab a bowl of grapes from the fridge and decide to just watch TV and relax for the rest of the night. Closing my bedroom door behind me, I crawl into my bed and turn on the TV. Nothing's really on so I settle for Netflix. So many options to choose from but most of them are stupid or I have already watched the season. Rolling my eyes, I choose a random movie and lean against my headboard. It feels like hours crept by when I know it's only been a few minutes when the tablet pings.
I don't know why but this feels wrong. I shouldn't be spying on someone like this. I know it must be done but it just doesn't feel right. Everyone is entitled to their privacy so I have no right to invade his. Edd has trust issues and I need him to trust me but how can I do that when I'm invading his privacy? I know he would never find out but it feels wrong. I know it's wrong.
But what if he does find out?
What if he figures out the truth?
Too many "what ifs."
Groaning, I pick up the tablet and open the app to the feed. I see Edd unlocking his front door and walking, almost running, inside. He tosses his coat and scarf off before unleashing Duke. Duke barks at him as he stalks into the kitchen with a brown bag in his hand. Duke whimpers before following him and sitting at the entrance to the kitchen. He begins to whimper before placing his head between his paws. Opening the bag, Edd pulls out a bottle of what looks like alcohol before placing it in the cabinet and quickly backing away. I thought he didn't drink. Edd walks back until his back is flush against the wall and he sinks to his knees. Looking closer, it looks like he's hyperventilating or slightly having a panic attack. What's going on? Reaching into his pocket, Edd pulls out a coin and begins flipping it in his hands without looking away from the bottle.
Duke whines and just sits in his place watching Edd.
All the color has drained from Edd's face as he sits and twirls the coin in his hands. His eyes are focused but has no life to them. It's as if the only thing that matters in this world, in his eyes, is the bottle. His hair is disarrayed and he looks scared. Fear is etched across his face and over his body. He's drawn into himself with his knees held to his chest and his arms wrapped around his legs. Everything in me wants to hug him and protect him from the things that he fears. But I know I can't do that. I don't understand what scares him. I don't understand anything that is going on. I don't know what to do.
The tablet pings showing me the detective climbing the stairs to Edd's apartment. He stops outside the door and knocks. Duke's ears stand up and he looks towards the door. Duke runs towards the front door before coming to a stop. Duke opens his mouth to bark but quickly closes it quickly and walks back towards Edd. Duke climbs on his lap and begins to lick his face and bury his face in Edd's neck. The detective continues to knock on the door but Edd doesn't move. He pretends as if he doesn't even hear him knocking. The detective pulls out his phone and puts it to his ear. My phone begins to vibrate as I'm guessing so does Edd's. Picking up my phone and opening the app, I see the detective is calling Edd. After a few rings, the detective hangs up and begins typing on his phone.
I know you're home.
I open the text message feed between him and the detective. Giving it a quick look over, I see most of the texts between the two are from the detective with a little too no responses from Edd.
I hear your phone ringing.
Edd continues to ignore his phone and the knocking at the door.
I just want to talk.
I'm sorry I wasn't there when you woke up.
When he woke up?
Are you okay?
Edd continues to sit on the floor and flip the coin in between his fingers.
I love you.
"Eddward." The detective calls out. Edd's head tilts to the side but other than that slight movement, he doesn't move. "Eddward," he calls out again. Edd does nothing to let the detective know he hears him or that he's listening to him. "I just want to talk," he pleads. "I don't know what's wrong or if I did anythig to upset you but I want you to know that I'm here for you and that I love you. Please, open the door." The detective stands on the outside of the door with his hand flat against the door. Neither one of them move. "Please Eddward, know that I am here for you." Time ticks by in an uncomfortable silence as no one moves. "I'm one phone call away," the detective calls out, dropping his hand down from the door.
The detective slips his phone back in his pocket and walks away from the door. I watch him walk down the stairs, across the foyer, and out the building. Edd ignored everything and just continues to sit in the floor. I don't know how long I sit there watching him sit on the floor and watching the bottle. My eyes begin to grow heavy but I don't dare avert them from the screen. A tear escapes Edd's eyes and makes it way down his cheeks. Not bothering to wipe his tears away, Duke stretches up and licks them away. My heart begins to break as I watch him come apart with no one to comfort him. Duke whines in his arms and nuzzles himself further into Edd's neck. Edd drops the coin as he wraps his hands around Duke and lets out a wail that sounds animalistic. The amount of pain and sorrow that escapes his lips is heartbreaking and unbearable.
Tears fall from his eyes as his heart breaks and he crumbles. Sobs escape his lips as he doubles over on himself and falls apart. I've never seen anything so heart wrenching before. It takes everything in me not to get up and go comfort him. The pain he's dealing with is inhuman and unjust. I don't know the reason behind the pain but I want to soothe it all away. Edd holds his chest in an attempt to stop his heart from breaking and hold himself together. Duke whines louder and just continues to lick Edd as if he can lick the pain away. Edd looks up at the bottle before rage takes over his face. Standing up, he picks the coin up and throws it across the room before a pain filled scream fills my ears. The coin falls to the floor and Duke yelps. With one last glance at the bottle, Edd turns and walks away. Entering his room, Edd stalks towards the ensuite bathroom, taking his clothes off in the process. Not wanting to see anything he wouldn't want another, I close the app and lean back against my headboard.
My head is filled with questions that I don't even know how to approach to answer. The pain that Edd is suffering from is unnatural. A pain so crippling that it makes a man's heart break and withdraw from the world. This is no simple pain. This is a pain that has accumulated over the years. Pain that has built on top of each for years and years. A pain that knows no mercy and no forgiveness. A pain that does not discriminate. A pain that is poisonous. A pain that kills slowly. I need to know everything about Edd. I need to know his past, present, and future self. I need to know what makes him tick and what makes him smile. I need to know his secrets and aspirations. I need to know everything down to his favorite color and how many hairs sit on his head. I need to know him like the back of my hand. I need to know him like no one else.
The tablet pings and I open the app. Edd walks, out of the bathroom in a pair of pajama pants. His face his flushed and his skin has a soft glow to it. The pain is still apparent on his face. His cheeks are tear-stained and his eyes are dull. Duke walks around his legs and whimper. Leaning down, Edd pats him on the head before picking him up and placing him on the bed. After flipping off the lights, Edd crawls into the bed with Duke and wraps himself in the blankets. Duke nuzzles himself in between Edd and the blankets and hums. Closing his eyes, a small tear escapes his eyes again before he falls into a restless slumber.
It's not that I need to know everything about him but more that I want to know everything about him.
