Chapter Text
It was a rainy night.
Cold, harsh and damp.
Even under the lid of a garbage dump in some dingy alleyway, Edd’s clothes were wet and worn against his skin.
He was cold, his hands always seemed to be a reddish-pink hue and the air never felt as clean as it used to be. Edd chuckles dryly, Trying to remember the last time he was clean. He probably stunk horribly, not that he could smell it. It's been ages since he last had the opportunity to shower.
The chuckle morphs into a sad kind of sigh, his eyes sinking into the trash that he had to live with.
He’s lived here for a while, dirty, in the dumpster with rats. After the entire..incident with their house, it was only a few years before the Red Army took complete control of England. Sending soldiers after him and his friends and sending him to live in …unorthodox areas.
Edd rested his head on the trash bag next to his head, stuffing his hands in his pockets and balling them up into tight fists. He also pulled his knees to his chest, huddling underneath the coat, curling up like Ringo used to do with a blanket. All this effort to stay warm and he still shivers.
He tries to close his eyes, but the occasional shiver keeps him from fully sleeping, He only really slept when he was deprived enough to pass out. But since he did that a few nights ago, all Edd could do was stare numbly at the ripped-up trash next to him, hoping the cold could knock him out instead.
Soon after taking total control of England, the Red Army had made its way across Europe. Sparing very few in its wake. And eventually, the future caught up with them, Edd started looking like his future self, there were gadgets and impressive robots everywhere, most of them probably designed by Tord’s own hands. All after Edd with intent to kill.
Most of them made by Tord's traitorous hands.
Edd furrows his brow, and holds the coat closer to himself with his hands in the pockets. A feeling sunk into his chest, it was tight and heavy. The rain hits the dumpster roof, and cars honk on the nearby highway. Edd sighs again, shuffling around and instead staring up at the Dumpster ceiling sulkingly.
This... wasn't what he thought the future would be like. Even after witnessing his future self try to kill him, he never thought it might actually happen like this.
That Tord would take control over everything with this red army nonsense, that he would betray him so easily, that he’d throw away their entire friendship over a stupid fucking robot.
The memory replays vividly, as much as he’d rather forget, it’s ingrained in his mind like is was yesterday. The flashes of red, the explosion, metal that hit the ground after the robot had exploded.
But most memorable was Tord's uncanny laughter, manic and crazy, quickly denouncing their friendship.
Edd sucks in a tight breath through his teeth. Hands clenthing the hems of his pockets.
“What would I need friends for?”
The voice rang out in his mind, it was like Tord's voice, but different.
Apparently, he had a Russian accent now.
Did he always have one? Or was it something he developed when he was gone? Edd bit his tongue, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably.
Edd briefly considers hugging the black latex trash bag next to him for comfort, but common sense overrules and he decides that what he needs is fresh air.
Fresh future smog-filled gas air, what more could a stereotypical dystopian future ask for?
Edd abruptly sits up, head stirring as he lifts the dumpster lid open, but only a little bit. He speaks through the crack
The alley was empty, dark, and wet. Posters and newspapers littered the ground in shreds, one of them was a wanted poster of himself, now soaked and shredded across the ground.
It was really dark, Edd briefly wondered what time it was, the only clue he had was that it was night.
He watched for a few more moments, waiting as rain hit the tips of his hair.
It's safe.
Worn shoes collide with the wet pavement after Edd hauls himself over the edge of the dumpster. He holds his breath and crouches near the brick wall. When all he can hear is the average traffic and the distant sounds of holographic advertisements, Edd allows himself to leave the dark alley, and under the brilliant city lights, outshining trash like himself.
London has turned into a city, with skyscrapers, pigeons, and a surplus of people. Edd steps forward, footing the exit of the ally and scanning for danger.
People walked on the huge sidewalks. The cars drone on through the streets, and huge red banners with Tord’s scarred face are hung high up on the skyscrapers, flapping proudly with the rain.
He slips into the crowd easily, most of them have their heads down, or their view obstructed by slick wet black umbrellas. A sea of umbrellas invading any space that wasn’t occupied by cars.
Must be early into the night for this many people to be around.
Turning the corner he tugged the collar of the black jacket upwards and kept his head down, blending in amongst the city’s nightly crowd. Nobody was really looking at him, but better safe than sorry.
The cold smoggy city air is enough to pull him away from his thoughts, as he peers alongside the shop windows, looking in on each luxury he will never be able to buy.
“BREAKING NEWS.”
A loud voice rings throughout the street.
Suddenly one of the holographic screens light up, the rain running through it as it pours. Being one of the biggest holographic screens in the dark night, it catches Edd's eye. And he stopped in his place, letting the rain hit his forehead as he looked up at the hologram that played overhead.
Ah, the news, or rather The Red Leaders version of it.
There were two people on screen, one with a nervous grin and the other, a blonde lady with an even scarier smile that crudely revealed her gums. They both wear some form of bright red article, the man wearing a necktie, and the lady wearing a red dress. Both with badges adorning their clothing.
“Hello, London!”
The lady says chirpily, the fake smile barely shifting as she speaks. also, She had a Norwegian accent.
“We're happy to announce that America has happily joined the Red army!”
Edd looks up at the fancy lady wearily.
The camera pans over to the newsman, who seems much more nervous than the lady did. He kept nervously glancing over to the side and readjusting his mug. Every movement was accompanied by him inching his cup, closer and closer towards him.
“W-we, uhm, we’ve acquired a much larger army! Today is a today to enjoy and remember, that Red Leader rules all!”
The man has a quivering english voice.
“-Now back to the news, the red army has conq-“
Edd walks away, a bile taste on his tongue. Of course the red leader would succeed, he was a damn robotic engineer.. . Edd angrily clenches the things in his pocket, still glaring downwards.
Edd grumbles under his breath, eyes locked with his shoes.
“Edd-?”
Edd looked up, jolting backwards for a moment. Suddenly he sees the man, and everything freezes.
In front of him is a light browned haired norski, wearing a red hoodie with a dark jacket over it, and black jeans. His hair sat atop his head in two soft tuffs. Dry and safe under an umbrella.
For a moment, the wind is knocked out of him.
Edd takes a step back, his hand reaching for his back pocket. Where his gun is.
His mind is racing as his fingers itch for the weapon, but Tords looking at him like a ghost and it’s all so confusing.
“Edd- is that you??”
The man says, his eyes tracing over Edds features like he was an artifact. And Edd looks back, confusion and fear settling into his stomach. Maybe he’s crafted it in his head, and this is all some sick daydream of his. His brain finally punishing him for the hours of lost sleep.
Then, Edd peers around. And people are staring at the two of them, but mainly this.. guy. Some gasp, but most are just waiting around them cautiously watching and waiting for this tord do do something.
This- this wasn’t an illusion, this was real, Tord was in front of him.
A clean, unscarred version of tord right in front of him.
What the fuck?
Edd whips around, quickly running through the crowd of people as discreetly as he could. The only thought on his mind was that he needed to reach his dumpster.
His safe, smelly, horrible dumpster.
“WAIT- EDD COME BACK!”
A voice calls out a few feet behind him, Edds mind races rushedly, as the splash of puddles sink into his pant legs, the huff of his own breathing is loud in his ears. Tord calls out for him a few meters behind.
His hearing feels fuzzy, the adrenaline pumping through his low energy blood. The noises of the city blend together but tords voice is crystal clear amongst them.
Edd zips across the street, Car headlights shine in his eyes. The red-hooded man follows suit, along with loud and frantic honking.
“EDD- SLOW THE FUCK DOWN-“
Edd runs into the alley, it was his alley. It has his dumpster and safety from security cameras, but it was also a dead end.
clenching his fist tightly he looks at the dead end. The rain still poured, his hair was somewhat soaked. His chest heaved heavily, heart beating rapidly.. Edd felt a little dizzy, even swaying side to side for a moment.
He briefly considers hiding in the dumpster, but it’s too late.
The Red leader entered the Alley, blocking the exit, looking at Edd with wide surprised eyes. The man has his arms spread outwards, like he was a wall, caging a stray dog.
“Edd- listen to me- it’s-it's me, Tord!” He huffed out, his chest rising a falling quickly as he recovers his breath, he still clutched onto the umbrella but it now fell to his side, allowing rain to soak his hair.
Studying him, Edd didnt say anything, he certainly looked like Tord. But he lacked the intimidating armor and the robotic arm. He seemed rather clean, too.
And also much less insane and murder-y.
How can that be? What about the explosion? His arm can’t just be magically repaired, can it?
“..Stay back Tord, I- I’ve got weapons.”
He snaps, it’s still possible this is tord, that he’s invented some sort of magic cloaking device or something.. the man is waiting for him to let his guard down, so he can trap and enslave him like he did Matt and Tom.
The man in front of him groans. The red leader steps forward, holding hand up like Edd was some sort of injured stray.
“Edd, I swear, it’s me.. I can explain everything.”
Can he really trust this man? What happened to Tord? Edd lowers the hand that reached for the gun with his eyes fixed on Tord, eyebrows scrunched together with his usual tired eyes.
Even if it was the man who tried to kill him, what was the point of gaining his trust? Edd had no rebellion, no army nor weapons. Nothing of any use to anyone, so there’s really no real reason the red leader set this up.
Besides, what did Edd have to lose?
“..Tord?”
Edd quietly says, his voice was dry, not totally convinced.
“It's me Edd.”
Still huffing to catch his breath, Tord tries smiles softly, but in his eyes there's an unreadable tense vibe.
“Your..your tord?”
Edd asks, taking a step forward cautiously. Tord pulls his umbrella back up, regaining his strength and looking him in the eye.
That was another thing, his eyes.. weren’t cruel and manic like the other one was. (Granted there was still lingering violenc Maybe it was him, Thought Edd, eyes scanning tord.
“Yes Edd, it's me Tord…not that fucked up freak on the TVs.”
Edd has never felt his eyes well up quicker, he sucks in a breath through his teeth and looks down at Tord.
It was really him, his friend.
Maybe it was just some tord look alike, but hearing that voice say the exact opposite of the cause of his nightmares was something that could bring him to tears.
Feeling warm in his chest, he bites back a sob. Tord looks at him with a concerned smile before Edd engulfed him in a tight hug.
They stood there for atleast minute, in the dark dingy alleyway. Tord held up his umbrella over their heads.
It's been awhile since Edds got to hug someone but he's too damn happy to hold himself back as he tightens his grip. Holding Tord close to himself as tears pour from his eyes. This was probably the warmest he felt in years.
“There there, it’ alright.” Was the only sound aside from Edds quiet sobs into his shoulder.
Edd responds to the gesture with a disturbingly emotional noise. Clutching onto Tord's dry and clean clothes like it were a slipping dream.
Tord awkwardly pat his back, three light taps against his own jacket on Edd's back, before pulling away. The red-hooded man still stood close by, just escaping Edds bear-like hug.
Edd was still for a second, watching tord inch away from him a bit. Tord faced away from him, eyes on the asfalt below their feet.
The rain resumed soaking his hair, and after wiping away the last of his tears, edd subtly put his hands back in his pockets.
It’s been over a decade, maybe awkwardness should’ve been expected. Not that Edd would have ever expected this in a million years.
He takes a small breath, and speaks.
“It’s been awhile,”
Tord turns to him, nervously scratching his neck. Edd could only see the parts of him that faced the alley ways opening. The warm color of street lights shone on half his face, mainly the back of his hair.
“Definitely, how long has it been again? Five years?”
Edd sucked his breath in through his teeth, holding back a wince.
“15.”
Tords eyes widened, looking to the side with guilt, his fluffy light brown hair following suit.
“Oh.”
It got quiet again, Tords grip tightened on the umbrella handle, looking around. Was he nervous?
They had so much they needed to talk about, so many things, things that churned in his mind at night. Things he should probably tell Tord.
Like space cats, or what happened to Zanta, and.. definitely about the Tord that visited them.
Manic eyes flash in him mind, along with the smoke that flooded his senses.
“Tord- we definitely need to talk,”
Blue eyes look up at him, and suddenly Edd realizes that they weren’t exactly safe, still out in the open to the people that passed the alley.
“..we should talk somewhere more discreet.”
“I mean, we’re already in an alleyway, but sure.”
Tord perks up, looking like he just remembered something.
“Oh, where do you live now? I uhm, went to the house but-“
But it was blown up? Gone? replaced by some sky high motel?
Edd turns towards tord, pointing at his dumpster.
“In there, it’s kinda comfy, once you get used to it.”
Silence followed, Tord speechlessly looking at the dumpster, his jaw clenched a little before blinking at him.
“You.. live in there?”
Tord asked, Edd put a hand to his own neck, face hot with embarrassment.
“Yeah, uhm, it’s not like I can get a job.”
Tord looks him over, widened eyes looking him over. He groans, rubbing his nose between his thumb and forefinger.
“..right that’s probably another thing we should talk about, isn’t it?”
Edd slowly nods, and the droplets that fling out of his hair remind him that he was still in the rain, and that Tord, who was distanced away from him, was safe under his umbrella.
Tord trugdes toward him, grabbing his wrist. (Edd tries not to notice how careful he was to not touch his hand.)
“Let’s get to my hotel then and figure this whole mess out.”
He nods, trying not to smile at the thought of being inside an actual building.
“Right.”
As Tord leads him out, Edd swiftly puts up his hood and pushes himself into Tords space under the umbrella. Almost hunching over, because frankly Tord isn’t so tall and Edds effortlessly head pokes into black fabric, even when hunched over.
The other man doesn’t bother hiding himself, Edd almost envies him, but he’s too busy keeping his head down away from any cameras to truly give it a thought.
The neon lights illuminated their figures as they snuck through the crowd. Hiding from the army in plain sight, hidden with the sea of umbrellas.
“..Have you really been living in a dumpster this whole time?”
They walk in sync, Edd still uncomfortably hunching.
“Yeah, what am I supposed to do?”
Edd retorts, suddenly they’re uncomfortably pressed together by the crowd Mass of people halting to a stop at the mercy of a red light. Tord turns to him with an agitated face.
“Ask me for help? You have my email.”
Edd shrugs, tiredly looking to the side.
“Red leader has trackers in phones- and my computer had exploded with the house.”
Maybe it was wrong to say anything too early, before they had the opportunity to discuss this in a civilized manner, but it’s too late and Tord’s looking at him like he was slapped. Thankfully he speaks quietly, (but no less sharply) still looking at Edd with his usual intensity.
“The house exploded??” He hissed before the crowd began pushing again, they resumed walking.
Tord was wordlessly (yet somehow loudly) thinking next to him. Edd imagines the constant thinking, sorting through the paths and possibilities that could somehow lead to the house exploding. Because Tord always needed to know, figuring something out like the engineer he was.
Tord was looking firmly ahead, still gripping onto his wrist with determination. Edd sighs, feeling quite the opposite of Tord and wanting nothing more than to collapse.
Soon enough they arrived to the front of a skyscraper, Tord pulled him out of the river of moving people and they stood silently under the canopy, connected to the towering building. Tord shook the rain out of his black umbrella as Edd stretched his back out.
The rain hitting everywhere but the canopy, but still soaking his shoes. Edd turns toward the glass doors of the hotel as Tord connects the umbrella's Velcro.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to sneak in.”
Tord raises an eyebrow at him, holding the umbrella facing down as he pulls the door open. Warm air flooding from inside and softly brushing Edds nose, like a sweet scent trying to pull him in.
He frantically grabs onto the sleeve of Tords jacket.
“I can’t just strut into a building- haven’t you seen the wanted posters?”
Tord rolls his eyes and grabs his wrist again, not listening to a word. And suddenly Edd is walking through a hotel lobby, wet shoes soaking the carpet and the young looking counter man looking boredly into a magazine with little interest, (likely even littler interest for them because he spares them no glance.)
The Hall itself is small and beige, with warm casual lighting from a plethora of lamps, next to the dust-collecting couches and ancient magazines.
Edd releases his breath, eyes still wide as he’s dragged to an elevator door. His hair still soaked, slickly sticking to his forehead . Tord presses a button, it lights up in a sickly yellow and dingy some cheap tune. Stepping back with a bored sigh, Tord glanced at him, eyes drawing at his chin.
“..what?”
“You’ve got stubble.”
He says, still looking at it.
“You only now noticed it?”
“Cant exactly see in the dark, Edd.”
Interrupted by a dingy sounding beep, the elevator doors open and they step through. Tord is bored, staring at the door silently. Edd feels the objects in his jacket pocket again, the switchblade, the quarters, his fingers going along the memorized grooves in each object.
The whole situation weighed heavily on his mind, because suddenly there’s this new tord, an almost replica of the past right beside him, Edd can’t help but stare at him, he was pale, and definitely older, and had no traces of Russian influence in his voice.
There were faint lines under his eyes Too.
Edd feels like he’s dreaming.
They reach the room soon enough, after reaching the 6th floor and passing through the mellow halls.
The room is the ordinary, mundane kind of hotel room that any non-rich person could anticipate.
But for Edd it was heaven.
A warm secluded space, it was comfy and soft. With a tv and everything!
Edd was sleepily gleaming, looking around with a smile. Tord looked at him confusedly, before rubbing his eyes and yawning.
“..you really have been living in a dumpster.”
Edd chuckles, Tord doesn’t.
Edd walks over to the , noticing Tords singular suitcase by the dresser. There’s also a red laptop sitting on top the table.
There was no other bed, there was a stiff little chair though, tucked into the corner. He looks into the bed wordlessly, hand balled up in his pockets as he stares at the comforters.
“Edd you can sleep in it, I’ll use the chair.”
They both moved in sluggish, half dead movements, Tord stealing a pillow and setting up a makeshift area on the chair before clicking the lamp off, letting the blue tv light dimly illuminate the room. Tord sits up, watching the tv play.
Edd climbed into the bed, hesitantly. The mattress was plush under his body, and he sank into it like a rock in the ocean. Resting his awkwardly dampish dry hair against the pillows and closing his eyes, laying on his side.
There’s lots to think about, but sleep pulls him. And he lets it, this could be the first time in a decade that he’s touched a bed, and Edd be damned if he doesn’t enjoy it.
He hears Tord chuckle softly to himself, but Edd doesn’t bother checking. He wants nothing more than to sleep.
It’s a rainy night, there's soft taps from outisde, Tords blankets rustle occasionally and the heater quietly hums.
Pulling the comforter over his shoulders and closing his eyes, he lets the reality of it all sink in.
It’s a rainy night and Edd is warm and dry.