A Good Edd Is Hard To Find
Summary:
The Ed's encounter with Bro takes a dark turn as the savage sibling concocts a dangerous game for Eddy and Double D. The race is on for Ed, Eddy and the kids of the cul-de-sac to save Edd from Eddy's brother. Friendships will be questioned. Sanity will be strained. Will the Eds be separated for good?
Triggers include Pedophilia, Child Grooming, Child Abuse, Sexual Assualt, Possible Dub-Con, Drunken Behavior, Alcohol Abuse, and Physical and Verbal Abuse. Other warnings include Violence and Language.
Pairings include BroEdd and EddyEdd. Subtle Hints at other pairings, but BroEdd and EddyEdd are the main two that will be focused on it.
This is being co-written by DuoXKouga and Battygirl.
Authors' Notes:
DuoXKouga: I only put some input into this. Battygirl did this entire chapter herself.
Battygirl: Kay so, this one's been mostly done for a few weeks, but I've had a helluva lot of school work to deal with so…Couldn't really finish right away. But I consider this a bit quicker than usual so…there's that?
Chapter 13: A Bro And His Edd Are Soon Parted
When Eddy finally returns to the room, Edd is sitting up uncomfortably. He's gripping the jacket tightly around himself; trying to remain covered, but loathing the manner of dress. Eddy rushes to his side, key in hand. Edd smiles gratefully as his wrist is freed from the binding. His arms are thrown around Eddy and he buries his face in his friend's shoulder. Eddy gives him a moment to relish his freedom before pushing him away again, holding him at bay.
"C'mon, Sockhead," he says with a grin, "Let's get you home."
Edd nods happily and lets Eddy take his hand. They walk down the hallway. As they near the bathroom, Edd slows in his movements. He stops in front of the door. Eddy turns to him to demand he keep moving, but stops before the words can form. Edd is gazing longingly at the shower. A sigh rips itself from Eddy's chest.
Of course. Edd would want to wash after everything he'd been through, not to mention his friend's obsession with cleanliness. With a shrug, Eddy admits to himself that he really should've seen this coming. He squeezes Edd's hand, drawing the boy to look at him.
"I'll stand watch over the door…" he suggests, tilting his head to the bathroom, "I know you probably wanna…"
He doesn't have to finish. Edd releases his hand and makes a mad dash into the bathroom, the door closing swiftly behind him. A nostalgic grin finds its way to Eddy's face. It's a glimpse of the Edd he'd grown to know so well over the years.
The water starts running shortly after and Eddy takes a seat against the door. It may not be the wisest move; they should really be leaving as soon as they can. However, Eddy believes that Edd shouldn't take too long. He has a feeling that Terry should be out for a while as well. The way he sees it, Edd deserves a moment of reprieve to do something that gives him peace. For a moment, he does consider making a quick trip outside; to inform the others that Edd will be finished soon and then they could leave.
He doesn't move from his post.
He'd assured Edd that he would stand watch and he will. No one will get past this door. He won't allow it.
For the first minute or so, he just listens to the water. It's relaxing. He assumes that being under the water must be nice too. He and the others hadn't stopped to bathe during this excursion – a fact he would be sure to keep from his hygienic companion. A bath would feel pretty good right now.
Soft sobbing broke his reverie. He winces as it occurs to him; Edd's crying again. Eddy grimaces. Yes, this mess is his fault, but he feels safe in blaming his brother for Edd's tears now. He's certain that Edd's crying is over his lost innocence, something so callously taken from him. Eddy leans his head against the door. He can't block out Edd's weeping. Wracking his brain, he tries to think of what he can say or do to make this right.
Nothing comes to mind.
There's nothing that can be said or done. But it's a good a time as any to talk to Edd privately; to apologize. The water stops running. It's now or never.
"Edd…" he says in a wavering tone.
Silence from the other side of the door. Eddy wonders for a moment if Edd heard him. He opens his mouth to speak.
"Yes, Eddy?" comes the weak reply; Edd's trying to compose himself to speak clearly.
Eddy cringes at the tears that were heavy in Edd's voice. He feels tears burning in his own eyes as well.
"I…" he hesitates, gulping down the lump in his throat, "I'm sorry…Edd."
Another silence. He lets it sink in for a moment, using the pause to think over his next words carefully. Edd speaks before he can.
"For what?"
He's startled by that. For what?!
"The hell – for everything, Sockhead!" Eddy tries not to let himself get worked up, but Edd's question lights a fire in him, "Jeez…How do you not know? Everything that's happened…It's my fault…"
"Eddy…" Edd attempts in a whimpering voice.
"Everything!" The tears have worked themselves loose and are falling freely down Eddy's cheeks. "It's all my fault! I'm the idiot who ruined the scam. I'm the one who came up with the stupid idea to go to my brother for help. I'm the crappy friend who wanted to scare you and prank you everywhere we went and made you cry. I'm the worthless nothing who couldn't be bothered to stop his sick, fucking brother from taking you away." He starts hitting himself in the head, repeating the words he'd cried in the swamp. "Foul-up. Wannabe. Loser." Eddy viciously rubs at his eyes, sobbing; "It's all my fault you're here. I'm sorry, Double D. If I wasn't such a fuck-up, I could've –"
With a cry, Eddy falls back as the door is pulled open, his back and head hitting the tiles of the bathroom. He looks up at Edd, wrapped up in a towel and hair still dripping wet. His hat is lying discarded somewhere on the floor. He's looking at Eddy with wide eyes. Sitting up, Eddy tries not to look at him out of respect. Edd throws himself at him, arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders and face buried in the back of his neck.
"Stop it…" Edd pleads.
Eddy glances down and sees the bruises on Edd's arms. He shuts his eyes, trying not to think of the multitude of markings covering his friend and just how they got there. Edd sobs against his back.
"Please, stop…" Edd begs, "I don't blame you."
"What the hell is wrong with you, Double D?!" Eddy demands, rubbing his eyes again as the tears continue their relentless onslaught, "It's my faul –"
"I don't care what you say!" Edd cries back, silencing him. The boy starts to crumble, his hold on Eddy weakening as he whimpers, "You never would have wanted this…You never would have allowed these atrocities. If you did…you wouldn't…" Eddy turns to Edd when the boy's grip releases altogether, finding Edd crying into his hands as he sits up on his knees. "Y-You wouldn't have come after me!"
Eddy sits in stunned silence as Edd tries desperately to compose himself.
"You wouldn't have come to save me," he blubbers, "You…You'd have left me to whatever…h-horrible fate Terry had in store for me." He forces himself to look at Eddy, "But you didn't. You came for me to save me from him."
Eddy looks over the marks on Edd's skin, mumbling under his breath; "Too late, though…"
"It doesn't matter!" Edd snaps back, "You still came for me. You wanted to save me. How can I blame you when you came after me?!"
Eddy raises his eyes to meet Edd's and sighs before turning away; "Cuz it's still my fault." He crosses his arms over his chest as he pouts. "If not for me, you wouldn't have needed saving."
As Eddy hunches his shoulders, moping, Edd begins to shake. From anger or sadness, he's not sure anymore. His eyes fall to the tiles. Breathing shakily, he speaks carefully.
"It…It helped…" he murmurs, fidgeting shyly with his hands, "Whenever Terry touched me…I…I would think of you." A fierce blush finds its way to Eddy's cheeks, but Edd doesn't notice, too lost in his own embarrassment. "Whenever he would v–…violate me…I thought of you. I thought of your voice and…and your face. I did all I could to think of our times together so…so I could mentally escape what he was doing to me."
He pauses, thinking hard about what to say next and biting his lip anxiously.
"You know…" he swallows the lump in his throat, "Back when we fought…before we stumbled upon your brother's dwelling, I…I regret to admit that I had believed that night that…that you had never truly liked me – that you only ever used me for your own…selfish needs. And that you only ever saw me as another helpless sap you could cheat, swindle, and lie to…to get what you want.
"But when you cried…" Edd begins to curl in on himself. "When you cried and admitted your fault, I…I saw a side of you that you had never shown…even to Ed or I. I'd never seen you more vulnerable. At least not before now…" He raises his eyes to Eddy again to find the other boy looking at him in surprise. "I blamed you then, because I was blinded by fury and…betrayal. But I can't blame you now. This isn't your fault, Eddy. This is no one's fault but…but Terry's."
Eddy takes a moment to absorb this, but isn't ready to believe any of it.
"I led us to him…" he argues.
"Not so your brother would use me for his own sick, sexual desires!" Edd spits back. He stops himself and takes a few deep, calming breaths. "Your intentions, though misguided, were always good." He looks into Eddy's eyes. "I don't blame you. Please, cease blaming yourself and wallowing in your self-pity."
Eddy searches Edd's eyes for any sign of uncertainty, betrayal. He finds nothing but resolve. Breathing deeply, he shyly rubs the back of his head.
"Alright…" he breathes, relenting, "You win, Edd. I'll stop."
A smile lights Edd's face, warming Eddy some. He feels like he should question some of the things Edd told him, but decides that it's a conversation best left for another time. Right now, they need to return their focus to escape. He's sure the others are growing impatient and he doesn't want to push their luck much farther with how long Terry will remain unconscious.
"Are you about done in here?" he asks, hoping he doesn't sound too demanding, "Where are your clothes?"
The smile disappears and Edd holds the towel tightly around himself as he glances at the discarded plaid jacket.
"T-Terry…" he mumbles.
Eddy grimaces, realizing his brother must have taken them and thrown them away somehow. He doubts they would find them any time soon. He rises carefully to his feet.
"I'm gonna go get Ed," he informs his friend, "We'll figure out something for you to wear."
Edd keeps his eyes on the jacket fearfully, as though he believes Terry's arm would come through the sleeve and grab him. Eddy follows his gaze and touches his cheek, drawing Edd to look at him.
"If I can help it, you're not wearing that anymore," he grumbles, "Wait here."
He steps out of the bathroom and closes the door behind him. Quickly, he makes his way outside. The Kankers are huddled together. Marie is fuming and Lee and May are doing their best to calm her. It doesn't seem to be doing much good. Rolf is standing away from the scene with Kevin, trying to comfort him by the looks of it.
Kevin is shaking, the tire iron still in his hands as he stands, reflecting on what he's done in shock. He'd been the one to deliver the blow that had knocked Terry out – him! – and the evidence is on his face and in the bent tire iron. The boy is visibly shaken by his actions. Never before had he caused such damage to a person, let alone an adult. His own strength had frightened him; he'd hit the man hard enough to draw blood and render him unconscious. It's understandable that he's suffering from an inner crisis of sorts.
As Eddy looks to his brother, he still doesn't trust him, even with the man knocked out cold. He can see that Terry is still breathing, so he knows he's still alive. He's not so sure anymore if that's necessarily a good thing. Of course, he doesn't want his brother dead; they are family after all. However, it means that the man could recover any moment and ruin their escape.
Finally, his eyes settle on Ed. He's standing over Terry, hitting him in the back of the head with some board he'd come across and screaming angrily at him.
"And this is for taking my Double D away!" he cries, swinging the board with each 'this', "And this is for hurting him and Eddy! And this is –"
"Ed!" Eddy's voice startles the lot of them and their attention snaps to him as he stands in the doorway.
Marie glares at him and pushes past her sisters.
"Where's my boyfriend!" she shrieks, "What the heck is taking you so long?! Didn't you find him inside?! Why haven't you brought him out yet?!"
Eddy ignores her as Ed rushes over to him.
"Where's Double D?!" the tallest Ed asks, whimpering, "Why isn't he with you?! Is he hurt?!"
"Relax, Ed," Eddy speaks a bit more calmly, "Double D's fine. But I need you to follow me for a sec."
"Hey!" Marie cries in a demanding tone, "Are you deaf, shrimpy?! I said where's my –"
"Shut up, Marie!" Eddy snaps back, "We're taking care of it! You just wait out here, got it?!"
"No way!" Lee and May grab Marie's arms as she tries to approach Eddy threateningly, "I came here to save my Pumpkin! I wanna see him!"
"Then wait here while me and Ed go get him!" Eddy snarls back, "If you can't figure out by now why we can't rush him, that's your own damn problem! Now wait here and keep an eye on my brother!"
Without waiting for her rebuttal, he drags Ed inside the trailer. Ed follows apprehensively, scared of what he'll see when they come across Edd. They approach the bathroom and Eddy holds out an arm to stop Ed before knocking gently on the door.
"Dee?" Eddy calls softly, "It's Eddy. I got Ed here too. Can we come in?"
The taller boy wrings his shirt between his fingers in anticipation as they wait for a response.
"C-Come on in, Eddy…" came the unsteady reply.
Ed feels himself bouncing in place as Eddy opens the door. Edd is sitting on the closed lid of the toilet seat, wrapped in a towel. He'd dried himself off while waiting for Eddy, but his hair is still slightly damp under his hat. When Ed appears behind Eddy, the bruised and battered boy casts them a sweet smile.
"Ed…" he breathes gratefully.
Ed can't wait any longer.
"Double D!" he cries, pushing past Eddy as he barges into the bathroom, big tears in his eyes.
He grabs Edd and pulls him up into a crushing hug, sobbing. At the sound of Edd's whimpers of pain and the feeling of his weary friend in his arms, Ed's grip eases. He holds him for a few moments, crying happily.
"D-Double D!" he blubbers, "I was so scared you were lost for good! I missed you so much, mister! I'm so glad you're okay!"
Eddy rolls his eyes at Ed's clinging. The taller boy had always been overly affectionate with them both.
"Hey, Lumpy," Eddy breaks through Ed's sobs, "In case you didn't notice, we got a bit of a problem here."
Ed glances to him; "What's that, Eddy?"
"Gee, I dunno Ed," Eddy grumbles as he glances around the bathroom, spotting the medicine cabinet, "Maybe the fact that Double D is naked?"
Ed looks to his shivering companion, startled. He'd been so preoccupied just seeing his beloved friend in one piece that he'd overlooked the lack of clothing on the boy.
"Where's your clothes, Double D?" Ed asks obliviously.
"Don't worry about it, Ed," Eddy replies quickly, rummaging through the cabinet above the sink, "We gotta find something else for him to wear."
Without pause, Ed removes his jacket, throwing it over Edd's shoulders.
"There ya go, Double D!" he cries happily.
Edd shudders, feeling the need to wash once more as he stands under Ed's filthy jacket. He forces a smile, though.
"Um…th-thank you, Ed," he stutters, "That's very sweet of you, but I'm not sure if I'll be properly…'covered' like this…"
"Don't worry Double D!" Ed cries, turning around and kneeling on one knee, "I'll carry you on my back!"
Edd's face flushes a deep crimson and he holds the jacket over himself more tightly. Ed had carried him like that once or twice before, but he'd always worn underwear and pants in those times. Now there would be little barrier between his naked body and Ed. It occurs to him that there is something he could wear back in the bedroom, but he doesn't dare mention it to Ed or Eddy. He can't bear to let them discover those garments…However, it seems he's quickly running out of options…
Eddy grabs a bottle of medicine from one of the shelves and glances at Edd carefully.
"Ed," he says sternly, "Hold on a minute, will ya?" He steps over to Edd, the pills in hand, "You think you can take these, Double D?"
Glad for the distraction, Edd looks over the label on the side of the bottle. It's a prescription for Vicodin. Edd had read about the drug in pamphlets while assisting the school nurse. It's used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain, though Edd doubts Terry has it for anything less than a cheap high. The prescription isn't even under the man's name. The recommended dosage on the bottle suggests one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed. Edd feels apprehensive, assuming that the recommended dose is most likely for adults.
"I'm not sure about this, Eddy…" he mumbles, rubbing his aching throat.
He's still terribly sore from everything Terry had made him do and from screaming as much as he had. Even if he can feel secure with taking this medicine, he questions whether he would be capable of swallowing it or not. Eddy reads the label over his shoulder, spotting what he assumes is giving Edd the uncertainty.
"'Keep out of reach of children'?" he grumbles, "C'mon…Don't most medicines say 'adults and children ages twelve and over'? Doesn't that mean you could still take this stuff?"
Edd considers that, but he's still apprehensive.
"I'm not sure how this would actually affect me, Eddy," he states uneasily, "Aside from the warning on the label, I've read that this hasn't been tested thoroughly for pediatric patients. I don't think this is such a good idea…"
Eddy shrugs uncomfortably; "Terry only has strong stuff like that in the medicine cabinet. Right now, it's all we've got. And…I dunno…I figure you need…something to feel better…"
Edd looks down at the bottle, brow furrowed.
"I just…I don't think I feel safe taking this, Eddy," Edd whimpers, "Wh-What if even one of these makes me overdose?! And I've no idea if there's a hospital nearby you could take me to in the event of poisoning from this medication. I…I don't think I can risk that…"
Eddy sighs, running his hands through his hair. He doesn't want to make Edd uncomfortable. His words run through his mind over and over. I don't think I feel safe…I don't think I feel safe…I don't feel safe…I don't feel safe…
"Alright, Double D…" he takes the bottle out of Edd's hands and sets it on the counter, "I'm not gonna force you to take it or anything. Let's just worry about getting you…covered. Then we can get you home so you can take something else for the pain…"
Edd breathes a sigh of relief as Eddy looks around. The shortest boy's eyes fall on his brother's jacket, but he dismisses it with a grimace. There's no way he's making Edd wear that any more than he already has. He considers searching the rest of the trailer for any spare clothes, but knows he'd only find what belonged to his brother. There are few options. He notes the towel around Edd's middle, an idea sparking.
"Double D, gimme your towel," he commands suddenly.
"I beg your pardon?!" Edd gawks, holding the towel tighter over himself.
"C'mon, Double D, I got an idea," Eddy shrugs, "Now, gimme your towel."
Reluctantly, Edd unwraps the towel from around himself, but holds it over his crotch self-consciously, wary of handing it over to Eddy. He doesn't seem to need to as his friend approaches him and grabs the ends of the towel. Instead of taking it from Edd, he carefully wraps it around his waist and between his friend's legs. Edd watches him carefully as Eddy creates a covering for him that will conceal his genitals and backside while also offering something of a cushion between himself and Ed while the taller boy carries him on his back.
"There!" Eddy stands back to view his handiwork.
It's a bit bulky over his scrawny friend, but it would surely do for now. Edd looks over himself, blushing a bit at how ridiculous he must look, but decides that it would suffice. He nods to Eddy with a small smile.
"Thank you, Eddy," he says sincerely.
With help from his shorter friend, he's mounted onto Ed's back. Edd's arms wrap securely around Ed's neck, being careful not to strangle his companion. The sleeves of the jacket are occupied by Ed's arms, creating a snug, but comfortable covering for the frail boy. The bottom of the jacket is then tied around Ed's waist, with Edd's legs on either side and poking out just above where the edges are tied together. When it's all said and done, Ed's jacket resembles some kind of weird backpack, with Edd as its cargo.
"Alright, Monobrow," Eddy takes a few steps back, "Stand up and see if that'll hold."
Keeping his hands back to brace Edd, the taller boy carefully stands. Edd whimpers a little from discomfort.
"Are you okay, Double D?" Ed asks, worried.
Edd takes a few deep breaths before nodding against Ed's neck.
"I'm alright, Ed," he pants, "Just…m-move slowly, please."
Ed nods and starts to walk slowly from the bathroom. Eddy watches them leave, wincing with each whimper Edd makes. Resolutely, he snatches the bottle of Vicodin from the counter.
Edd may change his mind if this keeps up…
He follows after them, walking swiftly past. Given Marie's attitude when he'd walked out before, he knows she'll make a scene. They near the door, dented slightly from when Terry kicked it earlier. Edd glances up. His eyes go wide. Terry's angry voice is already ringing in his ears. Flashes of just what the man would do to him should he catch them leaving. He sees the man in the doorway, eyes full of rage and focused on him. Panic takes him.
"S-Stop!" he gasps, wriggling on Ed's back, "Stop – Now! Put me down, Ed!"
Ed's startled by the urgency in Edd's voice. Hastily, he lowers himself to let Edd down. Had he hurt him? Eddy has stopped short of the door and looks as concerned as Ed. He tenses when Edd frees himself from the jacket and starts to back away from them both. He's nearing the living room and mumbling to himself.
"Double D – What are you doing?!" Eddy demands, "We're wasting valuable time! We gotta go!"
"N-No…!" Edd stutters, shaking his head desperately, "N-No-No! No! I-I can't!"
"The hell do you mean 'you can't'?!" Eddy gawks.
Ed and Eddy watch, helpless, as Edd starts to crumble.
"T-Terry…" he mumbles, pulling his hat down tightly over his head, "He-He'll hurt me again…I-If he catches us…No…No when he catches us, he…he'll hurt me! So…s-so much worse than before! I…" He looks down at himself, eyes wide. "I-I don't know what I'm doing! I-I have to stay here." He turns to run into the living room. "I have to stay!"
Eddy breaks out of his disbelieving reverie and grabs Edd's arm.
"Double D!" he cries, "Stop it! We're trying to get you away from him so he can't hurt you again, remember?!"
Edd's having none of it.
"No!" he whimpers, struggling to pull himself away. "No – I can't!" He stops for a moment, holding his head in a desperate attempt to keep from falling apart. "I don't know what possessed me to try to leave just now. How stupid can I be?!"
As Edd start to hyperventilate, Eddy tries to get through to him.
"Calm down, Double D!" he attempts weakly.
"No–No!" Edd starts crying, "I allowed myself to be swept up by your promises, but I know you can't keep them! E-Even if we do escape, he-he'll come after me! B-Beat me. Vi…Violate me. Over and…and over and over! N-No…! I can't go! I can't! I can't!"
He's silenced by a sharp slap. Startled, he looks to Eddy, whose hand is still poised from the strike. The shorter boy's eyes are focused on Edd's own, looking pained. They're both oblivious to Ed, who's watching the scene fearfully. He wants so badly to help, but Edd's breakdown has the tallest Ed too afraid to go near him. Eddy grabs Edd's shoulders and shakes him a bit.
"Edd," he speaks calmly, but firmly, "Get a grip on yourself!" He cups Edd's cheeks to steady him, keeping Edd's gaze locked with his own. "He's not gonna hurt you again. Okay? We're gonna take you home where you'll be safe. He won't hurt you again."
Edd searches Eddy's face for signs of uncertainty – how can he be so sure? As he calms, the tears he's crying fall more swiftly. He grabs Eddy's hands, holding them in place.
"You…" he hiccups, "Y-You're certain?"
"I swear, Edd," Eddy replies sternly, "I told you; I won't let him hurt you ever again and I meant it."
Taking a few more deep, calming breaths, Edd nods. Eddy glances at Ed.
"C'mon, Ed," he motions the taller boy over, "Let's go."
Ed doesn't hesitate. Bundling the shaking boy back onto Ed's back, they once again approach the door. Edd shuts his eyes tight, ignoring as best he can Terry's voice echoing in his own, tortured mind and demanding him to return.
Eddy opens the door, shooting a glare in the direction of the Kanker sisters. He glances for a moment at Edd to find him hiding his face in Ed's neck. That may be for the best. He's not sure he wants any of them looking at Edd either. He glances at Terry, relieved that the man is still unconscious, though he's not sure how much longer that can last. Nevertheless, he definitely doesn't want Edd seeing him right now.
"Double D!" he cringes at the sound of Marie's wail.
Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Edd do the same and cling tighter to Ed. She's running towards them, arms outstretched to grab at him. Eddy grits his teeth and steps between them.
"BACK OFF, MARIE!" he roars as loudly as he's able.
The Kanker comes to a grinding halt, fear at the edges of her eyes. She hasn't seen Eddy this angry since Edd's short stint as the mistaken school bully. It had been shortly after that little kid, Jimmy, had gone off on Eddy and the others, when she and her sisters had approached Edd to offer him his 'consolation prize'. Eddy had screamed at them louder and more fiercely than ever before.
This is worse than that.
Eddy quickly turns to Edd and touches the shivering boy's arm, hoping to calm him. Marie shakily makes another move towards Edd.
"Don't touch him, Marie," Eddy snarls, "Stay the fuck away from him."
Lee and May come forward, grabbing Marie's shoulders. The tallest sister shakes her head when Marie gives her a yearning look. Even May is hesitant. They know now isn't the time.
The silence is broken by Kevin, who still looks uneasy.
"So…What now?" he asks, "Shouldn't…Sh-Shouldn't we get out of here?"
Eddy doesn't answer. Instead, he grabs the front of Ed's shirt, tugging him forward. Ed follows without question. They put a great distance between themselves and Terry as they walk around him. Edd doesn't raise his head once as Eddy leads them back the way they came. The others share a look before silently following. Kevin lowers the tire iron, letting it fall to the ground as they walk from the scene, leaving the unconscious adult alone.
They walk quickly, retracing the path that had led them to the trailer before. Eddy remains at Ed's side exclusively. The others lag behind. They're close enough they won't get lost, but far enough away to give the Eds the space they need. Every now and then, they see Edd's hand reach for Eddy. Without hesitation, Eddy takes it. He rubs the back of Edd's hand with his thumb to comfort him. Marie bristles whenever she sees this. The act is innocent enough; a comforting gesture between best friends – one of whom is suffering both physically and mentally – but her petty jealousy rears its ugly head regardless.
It's a little over an hour before they finally arrive at their destination; the trailer park. Edd raises his head, looking perplexed. Why come here? Biting his lip, he looks around uneasily. It feels like they've been walking for ages. He wonders if Terry is giving chase after them. How long would it be until he found them? He hunches his shoulders, brow furrowed. The more he thinks on it, the more he begins to worry.
Eddy, meanwhile, is looking determined as they walk among the trailers. The sun is starting to set, bathing the sky and the land around them in an orange glow. They have to find shelter immediately. If they remain out in the open when night falls, his brother would surely find them and they would be helpless against him. His eyes search frantically for the familiar face. Finally, he spots her. Hair looking rather unkempt in its ponytail. Sweat pants and an over-sized t-shirt for comfort. Cigarette between her lips. She's carrying a heavy-looking trash bag outside to a pair of garbage cans set against the side of her trailer.
"Hey!" Eddy cries, running toward her.
Ed follows, picking up his pace. She turns to the oncoming group, startled, and removes the cigarette.
"Oh, it's you," she notes as she exhales the smoke, brow furrowed, "Did you find your brother?"
"Yeah – look, can we come in for a bit?" Eddy asks.
She's surprised by the urgency in his voice; "What? Why?"
Eddy glances around uneasily.
"Please!" he begs, "Just for a little while. We need to call our parents!"
"I thought you said your parents were here?" she asks, looking suspicious.
"Yes!" Eddy groans, "We lied. But I swear! We had a good reason! If you let us inside to call home, I'll explain everything! Please!"
The woman regards him warily before looking over the group. Upon closer inspection, she sees that most of them are laden with bruises and cuts. They look to be in bad shape. Her maternal instincts and her conscience are telling her to let them in. Her eyes fall on Edd. She almost didn't notice the boy. He looks to be in worse shape than the others and in terrible pain. This boy hadn't been with them before. Reluctantly, she finally nods at them.
"Alright," she relents, "Come on inside. You all look like you've been through hell."
The group heaves a collective sigh of relief as she leads them into the trailer. Rolf, however, stops at the door with Wilfred. Kevin glances at him.
"Dude, aren't you gonna come in?" he asks as the others step inside.
Rolf shakes his head; "Rolf shall stand guard should Eddy's brother come lurking."
Kevin's startled by that. Of course, he'd considered that possibility, but a part of him had been unwilling to believe it. Rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably, he stands beside Rolf.
"I'll stay too," he states in a shaky tone.
Rolf casts him a broad smile and claps him on the shoulder.
"Rolf is most proud of your bravery, Kevin-boy," he informs the redhead.
Kevin scoffs; "Well, gotta make up for before. Standing around all useless…"
"Hmm…yes, your performance in our battle was most feeble," Rolf agrees, making Kevin roll his eyes, "However! You overcame your crippling cowardice to give us a great advantage in the end. You should take pride in that."
A small smile finds its way to the redhead's face at that. It felt good to receive validation for his previous fears after overcoming them. He holds his head up a bit higher as he stands beside Rolf, eyes scanning the area around them carefully.
Inside, the resident is handing Eddy the phone as he and the others gather in the small living space.
"Thanks lady…" Eddy grumbles, taking the phone in hand.
"Yeah, yeah, call me Grace, by the way," she retorts, turning away to walk to the kitchen, "You kids want some drinks? I've got a few sodas in here and some water."
"Sure," Eddy mumbles distractedly before his eyes drift to Edd. A thought occurs to him, "Oh, hey! Uh…Grace, was it? Um…you have an spare clothes?"
"Spare clothes?" she echoes, "Why?"
"It's a long story," Eddy hunches his shoulders uneasily, "but my friend here could really use them…"
She looks at Edd, eyes wide with surprise as he buries his face in Ed's neck shyly. Biting her lip, she glances down the hallway.
"There might be something my son left behind back in his room," she relents, "It's down the hall, on the right."
"Thanks," Eddy breathes sincerely before turning his attention to Ed, "Okay, you heard her, Lumpy. Take Double D to the bedroom so he can get some clothes to change into."
Without wasting another second, Ed marches to the bedroom and walks in, shutting the door behind him. Eddy turns his focus to the phone to dial his home number. He gulps nervously, worried about his parent's reaction. Taking a deep breath, he punches in the numbers and raises the phone to his ear anxiously. He hears the ringing on the other end of the line. Each ring frays his nerves further and further. Finally, there's an answer.
"Yes? Hello?!" a frantic voice gasps. His mother. He cringes at the tears in her voice.
"Mom?" he asks hesitantly.
"Eddy?!" He hears a kind of feedback on the other end of the line, as though someone were rubbing something against the receiver. Her voice is muffled as she sobs, "My baby! My baby!"
He rolls his eyes. From the sound of it, he has a feeling she's clutching the phone dramatically to her chest. Down the hall, he notices Ed walking out of the bedroom and closing the door behind him again. He doesn't leave the door, though, and stands in place. Eddy realizes that Edd had finally found some spare clothes and is changing.
"Eddy?! Eddy?!" His mother's voice calling to him on the other end of the line draws his attention back to the phone.
"Mom?" he asks again, "Y-Yeah. It's Eddy…Listen, I –"
"Where are you?!" she demands, "Your father and I have been worried sick! Four days! How can you just run off like that?! Where have you been?! Where are you now?!"
Eddy sighs a bit; "Mom – Mom!" He groans a bit as she continues her rant, "Mom, please! You gotta listen to me!"
"Where are you?!" she asks again.
Before he can answer, he can here a faint voice on the other end of the line.
"Mrs. Sampson!"
His eyes go wide.
"Is that Nazz?" he asks.
His mother sounds annoyed as she speaks to the girl who'd just arrived instead.
"Nazz, honey, not now," she sighs.
"Mom! Let me talk to her!" Eddy demands.
"Absolutely not!" his mother snaps back, "Now you tell me where you are!"
"Mom!" Eddy groans, "This is really important! Put Nazz on the phone!"
"Eddy, don't you take that tone of voice with me!" his mother yells.
"Mom please!" Eddy begs, "This can't wait! I need to talk to Nazz. I'll explain everything when you get here and Nazz can tell you where we are, but I've gotta talk to her first! I can't risk you hanging up on me the second I tell you where we are!"
There's a hesitation on the other end of the line. He understands. It's natural that his mother would be reluctant to hand the phone over after his disappearance. Finally, she relents.
"Fine," she sighs.
He hears the phone exchanging hands.
"Hello?" he's relieved to hear Nazz's voice again, "Eddy? Is that you, dude?"
"Nazz, thank god," Eddy sighs, "Am I glad to hear your voice!"
"Aw dude," Nazz sounds surprised, "You sound thrashed. Are you okay? Did you find him?"
He hears his mother ask who she's talking about, but he gives her no opportunity to answer.
"I'm fine," he replies, "And yeah, we found 'im. Look, Nazz, you gotta get our parents to come get us as soon as possible!"
"Why?" she asks, "What's going on?"
"It's complicated…" he sighs, "We were able to find Terry, and –"
"Terry?" Nazz asked, confused.
"My brother!" Eddy groans, "Seriously! How is that hard to figure out at this point?!"
He hears his mother's voice in the background again, this time she sounds angry.
"He went looking for Terry?!" she cries.
Eddy can feel himself growing irritated with the run-around.
"Urgh! Listen!" he snaps, "We found Bro and got Double D away from him, but we think he might come find us," Eddy explains, "We're hiding out at Pine Fresh Motor Homes – my folks will know where that is. Get the other parents and fill them all in on everything that's going on, but tell them to hurry, okay?"
"Okay, I got it," Nazz assures him, "We'll be there as soon as we can. Where are you again?"
"Pine Fresh Motor Homes," Eddy repeats, "Thanks Nazz. I owe ya one for this."
With that, he hangs up and Grace approaches him.
"Alright, kid," she sounds serious and is giving him a hard look, "I think you owe me an explanation. I've let you all into my home, let you use my phone and let your little friend borrow my son's clothes. Now I heard you talking about some really messed up shit on the phone. What the hell is going on?"
Eddy sighs, combing his fingers through his hair. He glances down the hall. Edd still hasn't come out. He wonders if he'd even want to right now. Perhaps he'd rather be alone until their parents arrived? Returning his attention to Grace, he realizes she's right; they owe her an explanation for why they're there.
"Alright," he looks around at the furniture and then back to her; "Can we sit down?"
Author's Note:
DuoXKouga: Rate and Review and we'll see you all in the next chapter! Bye-Bye! :)