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After nearly a decade of a long bloody and depressing war, the red leader has finally fallen. Now, the world can start again and heal like it's done before. There's only one thing other military leaders are having trouble with.
..where did the red leader go?
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Edd opened the door to his old house/hideout. He allowed Tom and Matt to walk inside, Tord was over his shoulder kicking his legs tied like a hog. “Come on in guys! Home sweet home.” He had a smile on his face, a genuine smile. Something he hasn't had in a long long time. Matt and Tom looked at the familiar place they used to call home, but also took note of all the changes. Such as the various trash on the floor, multiple pictures of them on the wall along with irrational writings and theories. Edd has no doubt spent a lot of time here.
Edd placed down an angry Tord on the couch. He hasn't stopped fighting the restraints since he's been beaten only a few hours ago. He petted Tord on the head. “Calm down ok? We don't have to fight anymore, here I'll make you something.”
Edd took out some handcuffs, he connected Tord to the chair so he wouldn't run away. Even if tied up Edd knew not to underestimate the tyrant. He walked into the kitchen, he looked in the mostly vacant fridge. He spots the bacon easily, with it being one of the three items in there. He turned to Tom and Matt showing them the package.
“Bacon?” Matt looked around uncomfortable, Tom turned to Edd nodding. “Sure.”
Edd beams. “Great, I'd make more but you know. Food shortages.” He laughs, turning to the cabinets to get a pan. “Hey how about you guys turn on a movie yea?”
Tom looked at Edd for a moment before getting up. “Sure, anything in particular?”
Edd shrugs. “Surprise me.”
Tom nods, going over to where the tv was, as he walked by Tord screamed for him. Though he couldn't hear what he was saying due to the tape over his mouth. He had a good idea, Tord yelled angrily as Tom ignored him to look through movies. Matt sat at the opposite end of the couch, he ignored as Tord turned his attention to him demanding he take off the restraints.
Edd started to cook the bacon, he didn't have butter to keep the bacon from sticking. But he can make it work. He kept glancing over at the three men, he needed to make sure that they were there and stayed there. Everytime he looked away, panic would fill his mind. Scared that his family would disappear again. Edd shook his head violently, he can't let those bad thoughts come to him again. He can't sour this happy reunion.
Tom looked at the limited selection of movies, movies he hasn't seen in forever. He even saw one of his favorites, though he decided to choose one of Edd's favorite movies. He thought it would be best if his old friend stayed in a happy mood. Though it probably didn't matter what he chose, long as the three men were close to Edd he'd be happy no matter what. Tom puts in the movie going over to the couch to sit by Matt. He glanced over at Tord to see he's stopped screaming but he was still clearly pissed.
Edd came over with plates of bacon, handing plates to Matt and Tom. He sat by Tord having a plate for them to share. Matt and Tom looked down at their ripped bacon.
“Sorry, no butter.” Edd gave an apologetic grin.
“That's alright Edd..” Tom took a bite out of the bacon.
“Yeah…thanks.” Matt finally spoke to Edd but still made no eye contact.
Edd grins again, turning to Tord. “Look Tord, our favorite. Remember?”
Tord only glared at him, his look alone filled with so much hate. Edd didn't mind, they were together again.
“Don't give me that look ok?” Edd removed the tape from his mouth. Tord breathed heavily.
“Edward…” He growls.
“Uh oh.. you only call me that when you're super mad at me..”
“Because you kidnapped me! And you two! Why are you just sitting here hanging out with this lunatic!? Help your leader now!”
Tom sighs rolling his digital eyes. “Dude.. you lost. It's over. Get over it already.”
Tord looked at Tom stunned, he hasn't talked back to him in forever. He had to train Tom for a long time to be obedient. “You do not talk back to me!”
Tom crossed his arms. “Oh yeah? Well I am now.” He smiles. “Feels good.”
“Ugh! Even when trained you've always been difficult. Matt! Attack! Now!”
Matt nervously played with his hands. “Uh..why? Even if you were to escape, where would you go? There's no doubt a huge bounty on you and everything is destroyed…and your army is gone.”
Tord’s face fell a little. He growls, turning his body away. It was quiet for a moment, Edd smiles at them. “Don't worry, you guys will be safe here. I promise.”
Tom gave a small smile. “Well, guess we have no choice but to stay here. Besides, I missed this place.”
Edd turned to him. “Really?”
“Yeah…and…I missed you Edd.” Tom looked down embarrassed.
“...me too.” Matt whispered.
Edd stared at the two, his eyes glossing over. Tord grunts. “I miss Paul and Patryk…they would've..” He felt something touch his lips, he looked down to see Edd was trying to feed him. Tord growled again violently, turning his head away. Edd sighs, it'll take time.
“I've missed you guys too, all of you.” He wrapped his arms around them pulling them to him. He's missed this, this is how it's supposed to be. The three men looked over when they heard sniffling. They see a few tears leave Edd's eyes.
“Don't leave me again? Ok?” His voice wavers a little. He hugged them tighter, like they would just disappear at any moment.
Tom's expression was filled with regret. He remembered when he first saw Edd after being gone for years. When Edd saw him, he was so happy and relieved to see him not dead. But when Tom fought him away his expression broke again, he didn't understand why his friend was treating him like this. Tom knew he had to make it up to him.
“Don't worry Edd, we're going nowhere.” Tom reassured him.
“Yeah, we'll be here with you always..” Matt adds.
Tord scoffs. “Fuck all of you, make sure you sleep with one eye open.”
Edd laughs, hugging even tighter.
“I love you guys.”