Hey, everyone! This is Flower1815 here, bringing you a completely new story that's not part of the MLTS series. This is just a bit of something I started to work on during the summer just for the fun of it, only got two and a half chapters in so far - I don't know if i will or should continue this so i figured I would post it and see your guys' thoughts on it while we wait on the next chapter of Always Gold. I always wanted to write yandere Red Leader Tord. MLTS was originally going to be it, but then plans changed and it became much more.

So yeah, if you like what you read don't forget to leave a review telling me your thoughts! Thank you guys so much for your support, I hope you guys enjoy this story, and I'll see ya'll later! ;)

Time to execute operation: get the hell out of this apartment building. A task that had become practically impossible ever since they moved in. Tom was always home these days, and usually he wouldn't mind so much if the choice to come and go freely was even a thing! But Edd was anxious and restless, always inviting him and Matt over to his place so they could spend every breathing second together, never out of his sight in fear that something may happen to them. They hardly ever go outside on adventures anymore – even grocery shopping apparently became too risky for Edd and nowadays he orders all their groceries online.

Edd has always been the mother friend of their group, but now this was borderline mother hen behavior! As if Tom couldn't take care of himself! Um, hello? Who single handedly took down the Commie when the bastard blew up their home two years ago? That's right, him! Evidently he can handle anything by himself.

So what's wrong with an evening out in a pub?

Quietly shutting the door to his apartment, Tom stealthily tiptoed through the corridor toward the stairs. The wooden floor creaked under his foot and he paused, holding his breath as he looked around warily hoping Edd didn't hear that. He hated that he had to resort to this. Sneaking out in the safety of his own home out of fear of his friend's reaction! He shouldn't have to do this – he should be free to leave if he wants to!

Tom will confront Edd on the matter eventually, but right now he really needed a drink.

When nothing stirred during the suspenseful pause, Tom figured the coast was clear and continued to make his great escape.

"Hey, Tom!"

The eyeless Brit whirled around, finger to his lips as he hurriedly shushed Matt to keep quiet. His friend was smiling at him none the wiser.

"What are you up to? Edd and I are watching the entire Insane zombies pirates from hell franchise but it hasn't been the same without you. You should join us!"

Tom pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Could this get any worse?

"Tom!" Edd poked his head out of his apartment with an alarmed squeak.

So much for sneaking out. Thanks a lot, Matt! Tom lifted his head with his arms crossed over his chest and watched Edd step closer, hands in his hips and shooting him a death glare that under normal circumstances would've made Tom unnerved and back down. But not this time.

"Where do you think you're going?" Edd demanded.

Before dignifying Edd with a proper answer, Tom glared briefly at Matt, placing the blame entirely on him for the verbal battle that's about to ensue. "Out." He grounded out.

"Don't you care about anything other than yourself?" Edd raised his voice with a choke that threatened to turn into sobs. Matt jumped back, visibly startled by his friend's reaction and it finally dawned on him that something unpleasant was about to take place.

Eyeing both of his friends with an awkward glance, Matt shuffled away into the secure privacy of his own apartment and let them be.

Tom clenched his fists on either side of him, trying his best to control the anger that came to a boiling point within. He couldn't understand Edd's motives, especially today of all days. His behavior was only getting worse! His voice was always etched with fury and suspicion, his questions more demanding each day, and now it finally reached the stage of screaming and crying that Tom didn't know how to handle.

But he's had enough.

Wordlessly Tom merely turned around and headed downstairs for the building's main lobby by the entrance. Edd couldn't keep him locked up inside at all times like an animal!

He stomped downstairs and made his way to the front door. Nothing but silence greeted Tom as he ignored his friend's outburst. Good, so maybe he knows when to shut up after all!

"Tom, wait!"

Tom sighed in exasperation. He really didn't want to get into an argument out here for all their neighbors to come out and spectate. He reached for the doorknob when he was grabbed by the elbow and pulled back harshly. Tom turned around for a stinging remark against Edd's angry outburst, but his friend was up in his face before he could get a word out.

"Can you please just listen to me for once in your life?" Edd begged, red in the face, and half hysterical, with tears threatening to burst from the corners of his eyes.

"Fine! What do you want?" Tom grit his teeth. "What could you possibly say that can justify this fear mongering behavior of yours that is completely out of hand?"

Edd grabbed Tom by the shoulders and gripped him tightly, so much so that it got to a point that it actually hurt. His brown eyes were wide, fearful, and now welling up with tears. "Tom… he has been spotted!"

Tom tensed up and froze. He didn't need a clarification on who he is, because the answer was straight up obvious.

Despite the years that passed since their home was blown up, that damned Commie, Tord Larsin, also notoriously known throughout the continent as Red Leader, still haunted their lives. They never got a straight confirmation on what happened to him that day either. Tom shot him down with a harpoon gun. The giant robot blew up. No normal person could survive a blast like that! But they were never quite sure – often entertaining the thought that if he was alive he must be hiding somewhere to lick his wounds.

After the events of that day, there was a massive manhunt throughout England for the wanted vigilante leader when Tom reported the giant robot incident and Tord's most recent whereabouts to the authorities. Nothing but the robot wreckage was ever found and eventually after a few months of investigation the search was closed off.

But Tom knew better. The damned Commie was as stubborn as a goddamn cockroach! He wouldn't die that easily, and he certainly wouldn't give up his goals for world domination after spending a decade building an army from the ground up. The three of them all knew it, and clearly he's the one who worried Edd the most… and maybe Tom sometimes, though he'd never admit out loud.

Tord was out there somewhere, still at large, plotting… something. Maybe he was building a whole new giant robot and will come back to finish them off, Tom wasn't certain. That pesky rat was clearly not right in the head. Tom could still remember the ringing of his insane voice of madness after he revealed his true colors, sending shivers down his spine. "What do I need friends for when I've got this? I am UNSTOPPABLE! HA HA HA!"

Like Tom had correctly assumed all these years, clearly not right in the head.

Still, Tom couldn't ignore the fear that blossomed in the pit of his stomach when Edd indirectly mentioned Tord after all this time. His madness knows no bounds. There was no telling what the Commie was capable of, or what he intended to do. Tom defied him – foiled his plans and made the entire world question whether the Red Leader posed a real threat enough to be taken seriously. Tom feels a shiver go down his spine every time he recalled the ringing of his voice laced with the foreign accent, the excitement that entwined it, and his crazed hungry eyes that pierced Tom's soul just before he boarded his robot.

That one memory almost made Tom forget about his plans for tonight, obey Edd and stay put at home to never leave again… almost.

Two years have passed since that fateful day and nothing happened, and Tom was convinced that nothing ever will. Tord might be dead for all they know! There's no reason for them to cower away and keep from living their lives to the fullest. If Commie were to strike back at them, wouldn't he have tried something by now? Two years is a pretty long time to gather your bearings and get revenge. So by that logic, Tord was most likely dead!

Now if only Tom could convince Edd of the same.

Snapping back to reality, Tom shook his head and gently shoved Edd away, his hands slipping easily from his shoulders. "Where?" Tom prompted in a mocking tone, daring Edd to prove himself and calling his bluff.

To Tom's horror, Edd hurriedly pulled his phone out from his pocket, fiddled with the device for a few heartbeats, before shoving the screen in front of Tom's eyes. There it was, plain as day all over the media: Alleged vigilante Red Leader spotted in the outskirts of Edinburgh.

He froze, reading the headline over and over, a dozen times before he could wrack his brain to think straight again. Once it sank in that Tord was alive, Tom's heartbeat spiked up and his palms turned sweaty.

Seeing the look of blanched panic in his friend's usually stoic face, Edd lurched forward, sobbing, to wrap his arms around Tom.

Trying to wrap his head around the situation whilst also attempting to comfort his distressed friend, Tom's anxiety skyrocketed. Edinburgh? That's close… but not that close. Surely he wouldn't come all the way over here after his whereabouts were reported online for the whole world to see? Does he even know where we live now? There's no harm leaving home for one evening just for a drink or two.

It took a few minutes of logical thinking but Tom gradually managed to stir himself back to his primary goal to leave home. He wasn't scared. Tord did not frighten him. If he dares show his face around here again Tom will just kick his ass like last time. He refused to be made a hostage in his own home!

"Tom?" Edd's choking sob broke through Tom's anxious thoughts.

"Yes?"

"Please don't leave." He whined. "Just stay home for a while, okay? It's dangerous outside right now and you tend to stay out so late… Tord is out there, and he is coming for you, Tom. You foiled his plans. He is angry with you, I assure you. Why can't you see that?"

Steadying his breath, Tom pulled away and stepped back, trying his best to remain calm. I should wait this out just to be safe. One part of him argued only for his stubborn side to rebuke. No! I need to get out now and get some fresh air, clear my head. I won't be gone long.

"I will be back before nine." Tom murmured casually, as if this entire conversation did not take place. Keeping control over his steady, nervous trembling, he turned on his heel to leave. Tom didn't care whether Tord was sighted in China or down the street from him; he was determined to show Edd there was nothing to fear, and he had no right confining him inside.

"Tom, no! You should stay home!" Edd cried out.

Tom brushed him off with a casual hand gesture and opened the door. A hand gripped him tightly by the wrist and tugged. "Knock it off!" Tom growled. How long does he intend to drag this out for?

"We shouldn't risk our luck." Edd whispered. "He's too close for comfort and it's nearly dark out."

"I won't be gone long. Will you just relax already and let me live my own damn life?" This was getting ridiculous. Edd trying to force him to stay put by physical restraint was the last straw. He shouldn't have to justify himself to anyone.

"Please…"

"Look, Edd, be real; if Tord was going to do anything to us he would already have it done so by now! Besides, do you really think staying home is going to change anything? You think he can't get through this door, or send men to invade our homes whenever he wants and kidnap us?"

Tom lost his patience and raised his voice, smacking Edd's hand away from him in the process.

Edd flinched, hurt, and faltered a few steps back. His face was damp with tears and red with fury, he stared at Tom in bewildered silence, internally debating his options. At last, his shoulders drooped with defeat and he opened his trembling mouth to speak. "I just wanted to protect you… but if that's not what you want, then I am not going to stop you. You can do whatever you want. Just please… stay safe and return soon."

Tom narrowed his eyes at his friend's pitiful attempt at guilt tripping. However, he's had enough of arguing for one night and he wasn't about to give Edd the satisfaction of responding, so instead he promptly left without another word, leaving Edd behind to crumple into his own emotional demise.

I will make it up to him when I come back. Tom thought as he walked down the street with both hands stuffed into the pockets of his hoodie.

To distract himself from the unpleasant skirmish, Tom focused his attention on the evening city scenery surrounding him. The cold late twilight air breezed through his spiky locks and chilled him to the bone. He should have gotten a jacket before leaving. Oh well, too little too late now. The streets were damp with puddles thanks to the heavy downpours over the last couple of days. Dry, dead orange and red leaves scattered all over the roots of trees and swirled in the wind as they fell fresh from their branches. Best of all, the final sunset colors painted the clouds a tinge of orange, a faint pink, and a lovely shade of lavender that darkened into a deep blue as the sun disappeared over the horizon, bathing the city in a comfortable cool gradient.

Tom took a deep breath. He took his freedom for granted; who knew that casually strolling about this dank lousy town could be so peaceful?

He quickened his pace and headed straight for his favorite pub in town, The Deus Ex Machina. It was a bit far off from his current home, but the journey would certainly be worth it when he gets his hands on a nice glass of Smirnoff.

As he walked though, Tom couldn't help but notice how unusually empty the streets were. Not even a lot of cars roaring up and down the roads. Weird. By the time he reached the familiar cream corner pub, the sun had already set. Light poles were illuminating the streets and the moon now shone its pearly glow amidst the dark sky.

What a beautiful night. Tom mused. He'd always been more of a night person, often staying up late playing video games and drinking rather than waking up bright and early in the morning. He was more productive at night and it's when he always gets a burst of inspiration to compose new songs to play with his bass. Edd scolded him for trading his waking hours, claiming it would be bad for his health in the long run but Tom ignored him.

Pushing open the door Tom entered the cozy establishment, taking a respite from the cold. Again, surprisingly not a lot of people inside. But Tom didn't mind as he made a beeline for the counter and ordered a glass of Smirnoff. He sat down in one of the stools, enjoying the smooth jazz that played from the jukebox, idly thrumming his fingers along the table. Nothing beats the stress and anxiety of friends like a good drink.

Unfortunately the peaceful atmosphere wasn't enough to help him relax like it usually did. Tom was tense, thinking back on his argument with Edd. Tord is coming for you, Tom. He shook his head in defiance. If the Commie was sighted in Edinburgh there's no way he could've made it all the way out here in broad daylight. It was dark out now. What if he's already on the move? No, c'mon, not even Tord would be stupid enough to move this early, and how fast could he get here anyway?

Just one more drink and I'll leave. Tom tipped his head back and downed an entire glass of his favorite beverage, motioning the bartender for another one.

Any other night Tom wouldn't mind spending hours on end just chilling in this bar until he was comfortable enough to go home, but unfortunately his mood had been soured by the fear Edd instilled upon him as well as the resurgence of disturbing memories; Tord's power-hungry stare and loud, boastful jeering voice.

The establishment's entrance bell rang out, bringing Tom out from his thoughts. His eyeless sockets scanned the pub and noticed the few patrons that were present were standing up one by one and quietly skulking away, shooting Tom weary glances as they passed. His heart started pounding. Tom pulled out his phone, wondering if he zoned out for too long. Shit, Edd is going to kill me! To his relief, no, it wasn't late at all. It wasn't even 8PM yet.

Still, he should get going now.

"C-check, please!" Tom called for the bartender, his voice trembling despite his efforts to stay calm.

Several heartbeats passed and no one came out to attend him. The bartender went in the back a while ago and it seemed strange that he had yet to return. Tom started to get legitimately nervous. He kept shooting glances over his shoulder, observing the empty establishment, his mind playing tricks on him. Panic crept up his spine. "Hello?"

No answer.

Tom stared down at his empty glass, debating his options. Maybe he should just go and come back to pay his tab another time. Something wasn't right here.

Just when he had his mind made up and he was about to stand, the establishment's entrance bell rang out again. Tom froze as several heavy footsteps flooded through the doorway, marching all over the place. He didn't need to look up to know he was being surrounded. Panic closed its grip around his throat, making it hard to swallow.

Through the corner of his eye, Tom could see these people were dressed in a cobalt blue uniform, complete with a red turtleneck. The Red Army…

All the color drained from Tom's face and he broke into cold sweat. All train of thought left him as more Red Army soldiers encircled him and guarded the perimeter, closing in on him, frightfully reminding Tom who was coming to seal his doom.

His breathing quickened and his chest tightened with pain. Is this what claustrophobia feels like?

Tom had absolutely nothing on him. He's weak and helpless and currently surrounded by a lot of Red Army soldiers. Still, Tom did not turn around in his stool. He kept his eyes strained down on his empty glass, breathing so fast he couldn't control it, and panic encasing every muscle in his body.

There was no hope. No way out of this.

Judging by the number of steps and the few soldiers he caught in his peripheral vision, Tom could guess there might be thirty soldiers or more in here with him. Who knows how many of them are just standing outside, lying in wait to capture him should he miraculously escape? Tom's future flashed before his eyes. Were they here to murder him? Kidnap? Torture? Drop his lifeless, battered body on Edd and Matt's doorstep as a warning they are next? Make him an example of what happens to those who defy their leader?

The entrance bell forebodingly rang out once again, and everything went silent.

Tom stopped breathing.

Slow and meticulous footsteps drew gradually closer to him. Tom's heartbeat thumped loudly in his own ears, drowning out Red Leader's careful footfalls as he crept closer. He stiffened, dreading the Norwegian's presence, the look on his face, what he would say and what he would do once they were face to face. Tom did not turn around and look; he wanted to keep his gaze averted. He wanted to leave and hide. All he could do was stay in his seat and face the music. Tom had to look at him… eventually.

This was it. The end of either his life or his freedom.

He did not dare move as the vacant seat to his left was suddenly occupied. Boldly, he carefully angled his head sideways for a better look at the man beside him. A tall figure wearing a long blue coat with an eye-catching red hoodie poking out from the collar had joined him. His caramel-brown horned hair made him regal and taller than he actually was. Tom's gaze slowly climbed farther up along the man's features, studying him, but his blood froze in his veins when he caught his silver-gray eye staring back at him. A triumphant, sick and evil grin was spread across his face.

"Hello, old friend."

I should have stayed at home…