(REWRITE) Lost & Found: Eddsworld x Child!Reader

part X

You were in your room, contemplating your life choices and brushing Puppy's fur. You really, really, didn't want to go face Tom. You were more scared of him now than you'd been in a long time. You were also getting quite hungry, and wondered when lunch would be.

"(Y/N)! Pizza!" Edd called across the house, as if on cue.

You beamed, it'd been a while since you'd had pizza. You hopped off of your bed and carefully opened the door, making sure that Tom wasn't near. Puppy followed close behind you. The path was clear, so you snuck on over to the kitchen, only slightly resembling a some forest critter.

To your dismay, there was no pizza in the kitchen. There wasn't anyone, in fact. You noticed that almost all of the lights were turned off and you felt a little scared. Puppy whined.

"Guys?" You asked the darkness, "Guys, where are you?"

Complete silence answered you. You felt the hairs on the back of your neck raise up, as if someone had their eyes on you. You shivered and turned around, only to be met with more darkness and an absence of people. You were starting to get pretty freaked out by now, understandably so.

Something creaked in the hallway outside the room and you froze dead in your tracks. What the fuck. Puppy's ears tilted upwards and he followed your motions. It had to have been one of the boys, or maybe it was Ringo. You weren't sure if you would be able to move to check it out.

Eventually, you gathered your courage and slowly stepped out of the kitchen. You didn't see anything in the hallway. You weren't sure if that were a good or bad thing.

"SURPRISE!" The boys yelled in unison behind you and you screamed, heart racing.

All of the lights turned back on and you swung around to face the others. Edd was holding out your favorite flavored cake with ten lit candles, Matt held up a wrapped present, Tom kinda just stood there, and Tord was giving you a double thumbs up, grinning his stupid grin. Puppy was slowly circling the others' legs, happy to just be near people. He sneezed. You noticed that the place had been decorated with party supplies.

You didn't really say anything, still trying to catch your breath.

"You alright?" Edd asked, smiling lightly.

"Scared," You replied breathily, "You scared me really bad..."

"Sorry, (Y/N)," Matt said, "If it makes you feel better it was Tom's idea."

That did not make you feel better.

"Only to get back at you for messing with Susan." Tom chuckled.

"Are you... are you mad at me?" Your voice was small, barely audible. You were almost certain of his answer.

"Nah. A little irritated that you messed with my stuff, but I'm not mad."

Oh. That was not what you were expecting.

"Really?" You asked, slightly dumbfounded.

"Yes, really."

"So you're not going to kick me out?"

"What? Of course not, that's just silly," Edd said.

"Yeah! You're family now, we take care of each other." Matt butted in with the oddly heartwarming remark.

"We're not gonna leave you, kid." Tom added, Edd and Matt agreed. Tord... didn't say anything. He shuffled his feet and avoided eye contact, expression unreadable.

Oh. Oh. You stood there, processing the conversation. Tears welled up in your eyes from the unexpected kindness. The others rushed to comfort you, Edd imploring that you try the cake. You agreed, runny-nosed and teary-eyed.

You blew out your candles and made your wish. The cake was possibly the best you'd ever had (you didn't remember ever having cake before anyway). After cake, you opened your presents, your first phone! You thanked the boys gleefully, excited that you would be able to have a more stable way to talk to your school friends. You also got some CD albums of your favorite bands.

Later that night you went to bed mostly happy, but with a lingering sense of dread set in the pit of your stomach. Puppy was still sick, and getting worse. He was a lot slower than normal and didn't look the best, either. You hoped that he would get better soon.

----

"Something bothering you, Tord?" Edd asked.

"Yeah, something seemed off with you today," Matt remarked.

Tord stayed silent for a moment, then decided it was time to break the news.

"I'm leaving tomorrow." He said, not looking anyone in the eye.

A series of "what!?" s and "you're joking" s spread throughout the room.

"Why?" Edd was incredulous and confused.

"I just am. This is something I have to do." Tord sighed, "I'm going for a walk."

He set out for the front door. No one stopped him. The air outside greeted him with open arms. He could smell the rain on its way. When he was some distance away, he heard footsteps running after him.

It was Tom. Why the hell was it Tom?

"It's because of those letters you've been getting, isn't it?" Tom's voice was sharp and accusatory. He stood maybe a yard away from him, trying to catch his breath.

"What– what letters?" Tord tried to lie, laughing nervously.

"Don't fucking play dumb, Tord. I've been getting letters too, and if yours are anything like mine, you should be able to see what bullshit it is!"

The two stood there, staring at each other. They both knew what this had to mean. They both remembered. Knew all of it. They remembered how they used to be best friends, how it all went down. They remembered the beginning of the war and Tord's mother. They remembered the safe room and the time travel machine.

"There shouldn't be a Red or Blue Army anymore, alright? That's all history. It's over."

"You don't understand, Tom," Tord spat, then scoffed and laughed, "The Red Army is the future. If you want to be left in the dust, that's fine with me! But I'm going to do something great, become something great! Besides, why do you care if I leave?"

"I don't. But (Y/N) will. They actually give a shit about you, they're going to be distraught and I don't want to have to see them like that."

"They'll be fine."

"That's your family, Tord! Are you really gonna be that much of an asshole and leave them? Right after their birthday, as well?"

"Just– just shut up already!" Tord felt a twinge of guilt in his chest, "This is bigger than them, bigger than me."

Tom shook his head in disgust and scoffed. "Fine."

Lightning struck in the distance, followed by thunder. It started to rain. Tom left Tord there on the sidewalk and marched back to the house. Tord headed the other way. He'd forgotten an umbrella.

He was back again late into the night, dripping wet and numb. He started to pack his things, including his letters. His room would be depleted of any evidence of his time there by morning. He considered leaving a note for (Y/N), but decided against it. That might make it easier on them, easier to just forget him and move on.

Tord dreaded tomorrow.

----

not too happy with this one but it'll do I guess. hope those who celebrate had a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! love yall, have a good time zone <3

1137 words

written 11/22/2022

published 12/26/2022