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: Well, would you look at that? An update within a month. Go US! Well, here's Chapter 15! ENJOY!
Battygirl: Alright! We actually got it updated WITHIN a month! Yay! Not a lot else to say with this one. We hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 15: Actions Speak Louder Than Edd
Once the medicine was safely hidden away where he knew his parents wouldn't discover it, Edd had returned to his bedroom, prepared to settle down into a restless slumber. He pulls the covers up, making himself as comfortable as he can.
It takes him several minutes of tossing and turning before his eyes finally close slowly and his mind calms.
Edd gasps softly as he awakens in a panic. Sitting up, he looks around, eyes wide in horror as he takes in the detail of the room he was in. No…No, it can't be!
He brings his arms up to hug himself and gasps, realizing he's free of the restraints that Terry had originally kept him in. His attention is drawn to the door which is standing wide open. He strains his hearing, attempting to detect whether or not Terry might be lurking somewhere.
Hearing nothing, he slowly makes his way off the bed and pads his way to the door. He peers down the dimly lit hallway, finding it empty. Taking a shaky breath, he begins to walk toward the living area of the trailer. He places his hand against the wall to maintain his balance, keeping his pace slow and careful. Each step is careful and calculated in an effort to remain silent. He feels like a timid rabbit approaching the big bad wolf.
Passing the bathroom. Edd forces himself to avoid looking inside as he continues on his way, running his hand along the wall. His eyes drift to glance at the wall for a brief moment and he flinches as something there catches his gaze.
He yanks his hand away from the wall, startled. Panic grips him again as he realizes that the substance smeared there is now on his palm and fingers, which he rubs together in an effort to determine what it is. Turning himself toward the light, he recoils in horror as he recognizes the red liquid staining his hand.
Blood.
There's blood on his hand and he doesn't even realize he's begun to hyperventilate until he's pressed against the opposite wall, his soiled hand wiping furiously against the plaid shirt he's still barely clothed in.
It hits him in that moment that he can't stop here. Terry may return at any time and he would be in a world of trouble if he was found in the hallway and out of the man's bed.
Pulling himself together, he continues down the hallway. His eyes grow wide in fear as he gets a closer look at the walls. Bloody hand prints all over the hall. Edd brings his hands up to cover his mouth, stifling a cry as he enters the living room. The tears come fast as he perceives the gruesome sight before him. He screams in horror.
Ed's head is laying sideways on the floor near the kitchen, eyes rolled back into his skull and blood seeping from the open mouth. His body has been discarded near the coffee table, his limbs twisted at such an odd angle and Edd isn't sure if such damage had been done before the decapitation or if the poor boy had still been alive to ensure the torture.
"Edd…!"
He jumps, startled by the hoarse voice crying out for him. Looking around the room, he spots a hand reaching out from behind the couch. His chest is tight as he makes his way slowly towards it. He has no way of knowing what's waiting for him.
A choked sob is all he can manage when he discovers Eddy, bleeding from so many injuries all over his body. He's lying on his stomach and appears to have been trying to crawl toward the hallway. There's a fairly large pool of blood beneath the boy, which stains Edd's knees as he kneels down and grabs the boy's hand. Tears cascade from his eyes as he tried to warm Eddy's cold flesh. Eddy weakly raises his head up, relief flooding his face as his eyes meet Edd's.
"Edd…" He rasps, giving Edd's hand a weak squeeze, "you…you're okay…"
Edd winces, surveying the deep gash across Eddy's neck. He nods his head as tears fall relentlessly from his eyes. Eddy coughs, blood dribbling from his mouth.
"Oh, Eddy…!" Edd weeps softly, clutching his dear friend's hand, "I…I'm so sorry…This is all my fault…I'm sorry…s-so sorry…"
Edd feels his heart throb as he notices that Eddy's hand has gone limp. He can hardly contain the sobs that slip past his lips as he realizes that Eddy has passed away in front of him.
He places Eddy's hand down on the floor and glances at his face. Shaking fingers delicately close the lifeless, blue eyes. He rises onto quivering legs resolutely. I have to get out of here. I have to get out of here!
Stumbling towards the front door. His fingers curl around the door knob. The door opens. Hope fills his chest, mingling with the sorrow weighing him down. Hope that he'll finally be free from this agony, but sorrow knowing he's alone in his victory.
Before he can even take a step outside, the door slams shut suddenly, earning a scream from him. He felt the heavy presence behind him. Cold fear courses through his body, paralyzing him as warm breath tickles his ear. He can feel the larger body behind him. A knife, dripping with blood enters his line of sight, making him cringe. A hand gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind his ear, his body flinching against the blood smearing onto the side of his face.
"Oh, princess…" he hears Terry purr to him, "Look what you made me do…"
Edd jolts upright, his mouth opened in a silent scream and sweat covering his face. His eyes are wide in panic and he's shaking as his eyes dart back and forth around the room. Dark, but his surroundings are his own. His own bedroom. His own bed.
He slowly calms when he began to realize that he's safe. He's home and Terry can't get to him. Desperate to solace himself, he repeats the words over and over again in his head. I'm safe. He can't get me. I'm safe. He can't get me. I'm safe. He can't get me…
Sitting up, he pushes the covers back, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. He rises slowly onto his quaking legs before stumbling to the door and exiting the bedroom. Without hesitation, he heads straight for his parent's bedroom. He slows to a stop before he can arrive. Their bedroom door is open, confirming the lack of occupants therein. The loneliness washes over him like a cold shower.
Of course, they're not home yet…How silly of me…They won't be home for hours, most likely…He acknowledges almost bitterly to himself.
He hugs his arms to comfort himself. Resolutely, he trudges back to his bedroom. After entering the room, he switches on his beside lamp and scours the many books on the shelf. He has no interest in going back sleep just yet. Best to distract his thoughts with a pleasant read. With a small smile, he chooses a book on floriography and brings it back to his bed. Settling himself in, he opens the book to a random page.
For nearly half an hour, he reads about the so-called 'language of flowers'. He'd picked it up on a whim during that sale of recycled books from the library, but hadn't so much as glanced at it until now. It's somewhat interesting, he must admit, but perhaps not the most engaging for him personally.
Drowsiness finally begins to consume him. He yawns, closing the book. He tucks it away back into the shelf before turning the lamp off. Snuggling back down into his pillows and blanket, he tries to comfort himself with his mantra, letting the words echo in his mind as he drifts to sleep.
Terry isn't here…I'm safe…I'm home…
I'm safe…
I'm home…
Edd's disoriented as he wakes, whimpering softly. Blinking his eyes open, he's consumed with despair as he finds himself in the familiar room again. He hears footsteps and his breath hitches in his throat, a cold feeling in his chest as his eyes land on Terry, who is nearing the bed.
Panicking, Edd tries to move back away from the man, but finds he can't move far. Dread consumes him upon discovering the shackles back on his wrists. The chains have been shortened so that he can't move more than a few inches.
In a weak attempt to at least keep an eye on his captor, he returns his attention to Terry. The man smirks maliciously at him, knife at the ready. Edd can feel himself tremble as he watches the man twirl the blade in his hand and as he paces around the bed. The boy is reminded of a lion stalking a wounded gazelle. He swallows the lump in his throat as Terry chuckles. The man's hands are covered in dried blood, some of which is also spattered on his shirt and slightly on his face. The knife gleams red in the light and Edd flinches as a scream echoes in his head. He whimpers softly as he curls up, trying to make himself look as small as he can.
"If only you'd just been a good little boy…" Terry notes absentmindedly as he turns his head to look at the boy. He stabs the knife into the wood of the door, the thud making Edd cringe and close his eyes. "I wouldn't have had to hurt them."
Edd hears the sound of something flopping to the ground and feels the weight shift on the bed. His eyes snap open and he jerks his head up to see that Terry has begun to crawl towards him, that predatory grin alight on his lips. He can see that the man has removed his shirt. He comes to a stop, hovering over the boy.
Terry tilts his head down towards the boy's neck. Edd whimpers, shivering at the feeling of the man's tongue against his skin. Soon, those sinful lips follow and he can feel the man begin to add another hickey to the many on his neck.
"If you'd just been good for me…" the man purrs as he moves across the boy's throat to nip at his flesh, "I wouldn't have had to hurt your little friends…" The boy shivers as a jolt of pleasure shoots up his spine. "Face it, sweetheart…Your parents don't care about you…" Another nip. "And all your friends are dead…" A long lick. "All because…" He whimpers at the harsh sucking, "…you were…" Edd cries out in pain at the sharper bite, "…a bad little boy…"
The boy releases whimpering little gasps and moans as Terry drags his lips down his neck to his collar bone. He gives a soft whine of pain as the man bites down hard. The man smirks against his skin as he gives a harsh suck.
Terry pulls away from the boy, leaning back and sitting with his legs spread. Edd can't help the blush that colors his cheeks a faint pink upon seeing the man shirtless. The man grabs the boy's wrists, taking the chains from where they'd been latched to the bed and tugging the boy forward into his lap.
The preteen is startled by the sudden movement, but has no time to recover before his lips are captured in a rough kiss. He lets out a gasp, giving Terry the chance to let his tongue snake into his mouth. He places his hands on the man's chest to support himself.
Terry's hand slithers up one leg and Edd trembles as he feels the man caress his thigh. The other tangles itself into the boy's hair, jerking his head back so the man can have access to his neck once again. Edd bites his lip in pain as the grip on his hair tightens, giving a soft cry.
Terry grins wickedly down at him as he probes the boy's hole. Edd's eyes are wide in shock and he attempts to writhe away as the man slides his finger in deeper. Another finger joins the first, making the boy wriggle his hips against the discomfort.
Stars dance across his vision as Terry's fingers rub against that most delightful spot inside of him and Edd can't help but surrender to the pleasure he's being given. Terry chuckles softly as he continues to thrust his fingers into the pliant body beneath him.
"Easy, Princess…" Terry hums, casting Edd a chilling smile as he lays the boy on his back. Edd watches, trembling, as the man rids himself of his pants. The boy's legs are spread wide as he's pulled into the man's lap and as Terry positions himself at the tight hole. "This is where the real fun starts…"
His eyes snap open, desperate to escape the horror of his mind. He's drenched in sweat as he jolts upright. Green eyes dart around the room again in search of his assailant.
Darkness. Silence.
He heaves a sigh of relief. Alone. He's alone. Safe in his room. Breathing still shaky, he glances back at his pillow and spots his hat. Turning himself, he reaches to grab it.
He's startled, however, as a jolt shoots up his spine. His eyes are redirected down his own body, lower and lower before reaching his groin. With a blush and a startled whimper, he spots the cause of his discomfort. In his panic as he awoke, he hadn't noticed his own arousal. Shame bubbles within him as he raises his knees in a feeble attempt to shield nonexistent eyes from his erection. Another jolt of what he now identifies as pleasure surges through him. He shivers.
He tries to ignore it, tries to lie back down and curl up on his side. Perhaps if he sleeps it will just go away? Maybe if he pretends the problem isn't there, it will stop?
No good. He can't get comfortable and every movement he makes elicits a whimper from him as a painful pleasure consistently disturbs his efforts. He feels sick with the realization that he must tend to his urges.
With a weary sigh, he drags himself from the bed. His fingers wrap around his hat, snagging it before rising to his feet. Not here…He can't do it here…Pulling the hat over his head, he fumbles around in the dark before finally finding his robe, which he pulls on with shaking hands.
Opening the door as silently as possible, he peeks out of the room. The hallway is dark and the house is silent. Biting his lip, he deems it safe and slips from his bedroom, padding his way to the bathroom. Upon reaching his destination, the door is shut fast, but quietly behind him and immediately locked.
He feels the wall blindly for the light, but pauses as his fingers meet a slip of paper. One of the many many sticky notes decorating the walls. A single note flashes in his mind, making the nausea intensify.
Don't touch yourself.
Bowing his head in shame, he lowers his hand again. He doubts he can stand to do this in proper light. For that matter, he doubts he can do this at all. His parent's disgusted faces replace the mental image of the sticky notes, compounding his anxiety. It's not enough to alleviate his current predicament, however, as his member gives an impatient throb, reminding him of his persistent need.
Swallowing his unease, he pushes himself from the door and walks further into the bathroom. He reluctantly pulls the zipper down his one-size-fits-all pajamas and steps out of them. Before doing anything else, he folds them up and sets them on the counter, followed shortly by his underwear. Now bare, he begins to fidget. Uncertainty halts his movements as he fights to understand what to do. He's never done anything like this before for fear of the consequences should his parents catch him. The only experience he's had was with…
He grimaces as the memories accost him. Terry's lips latched onto his skin. His fingers working their sinful magic on his hips and thighs. The lustful words hissed into his ear as those hands moved to wrap around his cock; urging him closer and closer to release. A shiver slithers down his spine. The memory of the man's touch alone is enough to make the pleasure pulse through him.
Biting his lip, he carefully lowers himself to his knees. As much as it sickens him, he needs to do something to relieve his need and he's got little experience to draw from to stimulate him. He considers briefly imagining Eddy instead, but cannot bring himself to do so. His shame is already too great knowing he will be envisioning his best friend's cruel, abusive sibling doing these unspeakable things to him. To imagine Eddy in his stead is too much. His hands are shaking and hesitant. Shamefully, he closes his eyes to indulge in his memories.
On the man's bed amidst the dingy sheets in the dimly lit bedroom of the trailer. Writhing in want before his tormentor. Terry's grin as the man bears down on him, observing him carefully without touching him. He pictures Terry's large hand tracing up his side. He mirrors the act, his too small fingers ghosting over his quivering flesh. He imagines the man's lips against his neck and he gently presses his fingers over each area of skin. His thumb moves slowly, languidly over his neck and he fantasizes Terry's tongue doing the same. With his other hand, he trails down to his inner thigh, imagining the man doing the same. The fingers over his neck drift upward to his lips, to mimic the long, sinful kiss the man would surely pull him into.
His fingers graze his throbbing need and he shudders. The visions in his head are proving effective. Breathing heavily, he wraps his hand around his erection, whimpering softly. As he begins to move his hand in shaking strokes, he pictures Terry leaning in to whisper filthy things into his ear.
How does it feel, my little princess…?
Edd bites his lip harder – almost enough to break the skin again – to prevent the sounds desperately trying to escape him. He wants to deny the pleasure. To deny that his memories of that horrible man are what are providing such pleasure. In his mind, and as he so often would, Terry isn't willing to accept his silence.
C'mon, sweetheart…Tell me how good it feels…
The hand on his neck moves a bit lower over his chest. He remembers when Terry would touch him there too. Tender, yet abrasive, as though to ensure Edd would feel the utmost ecstasy. The hand around his cock begins to move faster as his need grows stronger. His whimpers are slipping past his lips, despite his efforts to stifle them.
Louder…I want to hear you, my little princess. Let me hear you wanting me.
He curls over some as he begins to notice a distinct ache in his knees, and uses his free hand to support himself in hopes of the new position offering some semblance of comfort. As he grows closer and closer to that sweet release, his arm begins to grow weaker and weaker. He lowers himself further until he's leaning on his elbow while still somehow remaining on his knees. Desperately, he bites into his wrist to silence his moans.
Terry's laughing rings in his ears. His cruel fantasy is clearly entertained by Edd crumbling before him. How pretty you look like that, Girlfriend.
It feels like his entire body is quaking. His legs want to give out from beneath him. His arms are tired from the exertion. So close. He's so close! Squeezing his eyes shut tighter, he focuses his efforts on reaching his climax. The laughter in his ears has dwindled to chuckles. He can hardly take much more of it. He just wants this to end…
"T…Terry…" he whimpers breathlessly.
He imagines Terry's lips along the shell of his ear, the man grinning deviously. Cum for me, my little princess…
Edd whimpers, sinking his teeth into his wrist again to silence his cry. His body is tense as he's overcome by his orgasm.
He pants as the unyielding pleasure begins to wane. His limbs feel like gelatin as he slumps onto his side on the floor. It's silent save for his heavy breathing. Lying limply, he nearly drifts off to sleep, so relaxed is his body.
A chill up his spine keeps him from slipping away. He opens his eyes, though it does little to aid him. The darkness surrounding him has ebbed only slightly upon growing accustomed to it. The moonlight peeking through the curtains provides some light as he sits up wearily. He glances shamefully at his hand, soiled with his own release.
Terry's voice continues to echo in his mind, taunting him. You seemed to enjoy that, Princess…
He gulps down his nausea. He looks around desperately in an effort to ignore the sinister words before scrambling to the sink. Standing on weary legs, he uses his clean hand to turn on the water. Grabbing the bar of soap, he begins scrubbing frantically at his hands. The longer he does so, the hotter the water becomes until it is scalding.
He pays it no mind. Tears sting his eyes.
Because you know you're mine…
The boy whimpers, bringing his hands up to cover his ears, ignoring the suds and water that are then mashed into his hair.
"M…Make it stop…" the boy begs as softly as he can.
Can't fight it, Princess…He falls to his knees again, tears trickling down his cheeks. You may think you're home…safe and sound…
"Stop it!" he whimpers.
But you'll always belong to me…
Curling in on himself, Edd sobs, trying to be quiet. He has no way of knowing if his parents are home, but he doesn't want to risk them hearing him if they happen to be. They can't know what he's done. He spends several moments, trying to calm himself.
When his sobbing finally dies down to silent weeping, he lifts himself up again onto his knees. He has to clean himself up. A shower is, unfortunately, out of the question. Instead, he wets a washcloth under the running water. It would have to do. After ridding his body of any remaining residue, he turns off the tap and retrieves the cleaning supplies beneath the sink. He turns his attention to the ejaculate that had fallen to the floor beneath him.
Focusing on cleaning is enough to ease his frazzled nerves for the moment and, when the task is done, his hands are no longer shaking as badly as they had been. He pulls his clothes back on after putting the supplies in their proper place.
Exiting the bathroom, he makes the weary trek back towards his bedroom, trying not to reflect on the shameful act he'd just performed. Down the hall, a light beneath one of the doors catches his eyes, startling him. In the silence, he hears the voices of his mother and father. They are home! Tearfully, he changes route, making a beeline for their door. Can it be? Are they home for the night? Can he finally receive the comfort he's in desperate need of?
Upon reaching their door, he raises his hand to knock.
"I know you're upset…"
He pauses at the sound of his father's voice.
"Of course I am upset!" his mother snaps back, "After all the time we wasted today!"
"Is that really what's bothering you?"
His brow furrows as a silence follows. He leans in a bit closer to hear what she intends to say next. Instead, his father speaks again.
The man sighs audibly; "The fact of the matter is, he's home and he's safe."
"That does not mean this is over," his mother counters.
Edd feels his chest tighten in fear.
"What are you talking about?" his father asks.
"We must determine his punishment," his mother clarifies.
"Punishment…?" Edd breathes, eyes wide.
He tries so hard to ignore the memories of his last 'punishment', desperate to hear more of the conversation between his parents.
"Are you certain that's necessary?" his father gawks, "Surely the incident itself will deter him from running from home again?"
Edd nods, as though the action would affect his mother's opinion in any way despite that she cannot see it.
"With that horrible Eddy boy acting as influence, how can you be sure?" she counters.
The boy pouts a bit. For her to blame Eddy is so terribly painful.
"I'm certain the boys won't do this again," he hears his father sigh again, perhaps irritated, "You saw the condition he was in when we arrived…"
He's startled by that. They had noticed…?
"Regardless…" his mother retorts, "I believe it is best if we do not allow Eddward to spend any more time with that Eddy…or that other filthy friend of his."
His father doesn't answer immediately, which Edd hardly notices in his hurt. Forbidden to see Ed or Eddy…?
"We will also double his chores," she adds, startling him again.
"I don't know about that, dear…" he's grateful to hear his father's uncertain reply.
"We must!" and disappointed by his mothers assertion, "If we keep him busy, he will not be able to think about leaving again. He will not spend any more time with those horrible influences. He will stay home and…" there's a bit of a change in her tone which Edd cannot describe, "and stay safe where we can monitor him."
"Monitor?"
"Yes," his mother explains, "One of us shall remain here at home at all times to be sure Eddward does not leave this house without our permission again."
Edd's hands ball into shaking fists. To be trapped in his own home. He acknowledges that most punishments have something to do with such confinement, but ultimately cannot accept further imprisonment. And for his parents to be the ones to lock him away…
He lifts his head a bit, hoping to hear his father defend him. To argue for a less severe discipline to be administered.
"I suppose we can also work from home…" It would seem he's inclined to agree with her instead, "But do you really believe this is how we should approach this?"
For a moment, Edd holds his breath for her answer.
"Yes…"
Another silence follows.
"If we are going this far," father continues, sounding irritated, "perhaps we should also change the locks and install cameras at the door?"
"That may be best…" she agrees, "Eddward must understand that what he did was wrong and that he must use better judgement. And I do not want that Eddy boy to come near him again."
Edd can't hold the tears back. He holds out a weak hope that his father would put an end to this. That the man wouldn't allow this.
"Perhaps you're right…"
If there's anything else they discuss, Edd doesn't hear it. He's not sure what's worse; to be locked up in his own home or to be separated from his dearest friends. Either way, it's a deep, searing hurt.
Retreating back to his bedroom, he crawls listlessly beneath the covers, nuzzling the pillow in sorrow. Helplessness fills him, making the tears shed faster. They continue to fall until he finally drifts off to sleep.
Over the next few days, Edd is thrust into a slightly different routine than he's accustomed. His mother has indeed followed through with the threat of more chores, as his list has gotten considerably longer and more tedious. From dusting every visible surface in the abode to scrubbing every tile in each of the bathrooms twice; no duty is too extraneous.
Despite having one of his parents – his father, more often than not – home at all times, he still has yet to reveal the extent of Terry's cruelty towards him. Though his father has proven himself slightly more lenient, both he and the boy's mother will not speak to him much more past relaying that day's chore list to him. It certainly isn't a rarity for him, but it does hurt some to feel himself incapable of confiding in them.
When home, either adult would often sequester themselves in their study while he completed his chores. He has no knowledge as the days pass if they had indeed installed the cameras by the doors as they had discussed, but it rarely mattered. The only times he would leave the house were to take any trash to the cans outside.
In those instances, he'd noticed that the cul-de-sac was virtually empty. A result of the mass grounding, if he had to guess. Once or twice, he had heard the children who had been punished less severely – namely Sarah, Jimmy, or Johnny – calling to him if they were to spot him. They'd usually say the same things every time.
How are you holding up, Double D? Plank says you Eds are in more trouble than ever!
Are you okay now that you're home?
My brother won't stop blubbering about not seeing you and Eddy. Can he come by when he's not grounded anymore?
He never answers any of their questions. Only nods to show he acknowledges their presence and apologizes before retreating inside. A quick glance back outside reveals that the children are miffed by the dismissal, but ultimately let it go for favor of whatever childish game they had in mind to play. It's for the best. Even the little he did say to them could have easily landed him in more trouble.
And, of course, there's Ed and Eddy. He hadn't heard from either of them, save for Sarah's claims that Ed missed him and Eddy, since the day of his rescue. Concerning his shorter companion, he'd not heard any word on him. He imagines that the boy is serving some serious time for daring to track down his horrid brother.
The bottle Eddy had given to Edd the night they returned home has remained hidden away in his bedroom. During his more arduous days, he finds himself tempted by them. The pain from his ordeal has not faded in the slightest and the exertion he places upon himself to complete his chores is no doubt only hindering the healing process further.
The dreams haven't stopped either. The more gore-prone nightmares are far more rare and have only resurfaced once, much to his relief.
The sexual dreams, however, have become much more frequent.
Waking in the middle of the night, either aroused or filthy from his own release during the fantasies plaguing his fragile mind. Always feeling sick at himself, but still submitting to the pleasure. He could at least be thankful that his parents had ultimately left all of the laundry up to him, thereby keeping his secret safe.
After each dream, he begins to question more and more about himself. He remembers so clearly enjoying some of the things Terry had done to him. The memories of the way the man touched him were enough to send shivers through his being.
He isn't sure how to handle this revelation.
He would swear up and down that he had strong feelings for Nazz. He's just like nearly every other boy in the cul-de-sac; pining after the pretty girl who made his palms sweat and his heart race. But Terry had made him feel those things so much more intensely. Had given him pleasure he hadn't even dreamed possible. He tries so hard to comprehend what it might mean, but always comes up short.
Then there's Eddy. His heart hurts terribly at their separation but flutters at the very thought of him. Yes, he'd been severed from his dear friend – from both of his dear friends, for that matter – but it felt so much more painful than the disconnection with Ed. He wanted Eddy with him, to hold his hand and allow him to cry. To tell him he's normal and that it will all be okay.
Of course, this cannot be. At least until his punishment has ended and his mother's fury has ebbed.
Though, his shame does not end with his dreams. In his loneliness, in his isolation, he even begins missing Terry.
When he'd first come to this realization, he'd attempted to beat the very idea from his head. Sobbing, screaming at nothing and hitting his temples over and over until his father had raced to the bathroom where Edd had been cleaning to see what was wrong. A forced excuse of a spider startling him is just enough to sufficiently assuage the man, though his father gives him a suspicious look before returning to his work.
Lying alone at night, he attempts to rationalize such a ludicrous notion of missing his tormentor. He attributes it to Terry's constant presence. As cruel as the man had been, he had always been around to give Edd his full attention. Unwanted attention, of course, but attention regardless. Though the boy's parents are now a constant presence as well, their lack of attention makes it far less noticeable compared to Terry's diligent watch over him; which Edd had grown accustomed to. With the absence of that company, despite how unpleasant it had truly been, he finds himself wishing to have it back.
He questions whether or not leaving the trailer had truly been the correct choice. Yes, he would have faced more abuse, but there would have at least have been some semblance of affection. Perhaps even something he could have grown to desire?
The very idea is enough to make the dreams all the worse. Terry's voice taunting him in his dreams that he loves the man. He denies it in his own mind and out. No, he hates him. Hates him more than he'd ever hated another person.
But that doesn't stop him from missing him. From craving the attention. From yearning to be held and coddled, even if it would lead to painful intercourse. From regretting his decision to allow his friends to bring him home.
By the third day home, the boy is already reaching his limits. The pain and loneliness are truly becoming too much to bear. The bottle of pills Eddy gave him have begun to look more and more friendly. During his bath that night, he sits in the water in stoic contemplation, staring down at the bottle.
He wonders, vaguely, what it's like to die.
A jolt of fear grips his chest and sends an uncomfortable feeling through his extremities. It's a morbid thought. One he doesn't truly wish to entertain.
And yet, he thinks on it more. No more pain, both physical and emotional. No more longing feelings. No more loneliness. Just darkness.
He shakes his head at his own selfish thoughts. No. How cruel could he be? How deeply he would hurt his friends, his parents?
No. That's not the answer.
But he's quickly running out of viable options…
"Eddward!"
He's startled by his father's voice beyond the door.
"Y-Yes?" he stutters, hoping he doesn't sound too haggard.
"You've been in there for nearly an hour," his father explains, "And I haven't heard the water drain away. Are you alright?"
"Y-Yes, father…" Edd replies, his voice shaking and laced with tears, "I…I'll be out in a moment."
He gasps softly as the handle jiggles. Curse his distracted mind! He'd forgotten to lock the door! He attempts to hide the bottle as his father enters the room, looking suspicious.
"Eddward, are you—"
Too late does Edd realize that he hadn't hid the bottle well enough. His father's eyes are locked on them. The man storms over to the tub and snatches the pills, reading over the label.
"Vicodin…?" he looks between the bottle and Edd, "Where on earth did you get this, Eddward?! Who gave this to you?!"
Edd shivers.
"F-From Terry's trailer…" he answers shakily, "B-But I wasn't going to do anything! I swear!"
His father's eyes shift from the bottle to settle on Edd. For the first time since the boy's return, the man is able to see the whole of Edd's injuries. Purples and yellows in ugly splotches on the pale flesh. However, the bruises themselves aren't what lights a fire within the man. Bruises on the boy's neck created, not with fists or fingers, but with lips and teeth. Contusions on the boy's hips and thighs, suggesting restraint.
Realizing that his father has seen the marks, Edd attempts in vain to hide them.
"P-Please!" he begs, unable to hold the tears back, "I-I'll be through in a moment!"
"Eddward, where did you get those bruises?" his father demands, his voice shaking.
The child curls further in on himself, too frightened to speak.
"Answer me, Eddward!"
He cringes as his father's voice gets louder.
"I…It's nothing," he whimpers, "P-Please…I'm alright…A-Allow me to finish my bath…please!"
The man doesn't respond. It looks as though he hadn't heard a word the boy said. His focus is instead directed to a most sickening consideration. The bruises on his son's arms and face look to be from physical abuse. That alone had been enough to incense him; that this horrid individual had been cruel enough to not only abduct his child, but then beat him. Now to see these injuries lower on the child's body. He feels sick at the very notion.
He takes a breath to calm himself. Getting angry will do nothing. He must take care of his son.
"Eddward, get out of the bath and get dressed, now," he commands, turning away towards the door.
"What?" Edd pouts, "B-But why?"
The man whips around; "Do as I say!"
The boy shrinks back a bit, startled by his father's outburst. The man's look softens, drawing him to sigh.
"Just…do as I ask, Eddward," he requests wearily, "I'll be waiting downstairs. Be ready to leave immediately. Do not dawdle."
Edd's eyes are wide and full of terror as he watches his father exit the room. Leave? Where does the man intend to take him?
Ignoring his confusion for the moment, Edd drains the water and steps from the bath, drying himself off as quickly as possible. He wastes no time in pulling his clothes back on and securing his hat in place.
When he walks downstairs, he finds his father waiting for him and looking impatient. Spotting the boy, the man ushers him outside to the car sitting in the garage. It was a vehicle that was utilized by either of his parents when both needed transportation and could not share the main car.
After settling Edd into the passenger's seat, his father opens the garage door and revs the engine. With little hesitation, they pull out of the driveway. Edd barely notices the garage door lowering again before his father takes off. It's unlike his father to ever exceed speed limits, but it would seem that the man is most agitated and willing to ignore his personal reservations. It makes Edd quite wary of asking about their destination.
Fifteen minutes is all it takes to reach the desired location. Edd's heart sinks as they pull up to the building.
"Father…" he whimpers as they park, "P…Please…I assure you, it's nothing. Don't…Don't make me…"
"Come along, Eddward," his father interjects, unbuckling his seat belt before exiting the car.
Edd quakes as he follows suit, stepping from the car as well. His chest tightens again as he gazes up at the main building of the local hospital.
DuoXKouga: Well, leave a review and we hope to have the last chapter up before the end of July! Thank you, guys!