Paint the World Red with Me (Tord x Reader) (REWRITE)

Chapter 5: Giant Fucking Gundam

Something was wrong with Tord. He had been acting weird. Happier, more carefree. He was laughing with the group more than he had in months. He was actually decent to me, not threatening my life every time we were alone. I had a suspicion that he was acting clingier as well. Before, it was common for me to go hours without seeing him. Now I bumped into him multiple times. Though, it seemed like I was the only one who noticed.

The warmth of my sheets soaked into my bare legs, filling me with content. Although the sun was bright, I couldn't bring myself to leave my cozy cocoon. My mind swirled with thoughts of being on the couch with my three roommates that doubled as my best friends. Usually we'd be starting some adventure by now.

That's why I was determined to sleep in and enjoy the peace for as long as possible. Although it seemed the boys had other plans.

A loud crash sounded downstairs, causing me to shoot to my feet. The inner soldier within me- learned instincts that I had buried- kicked into action. Was somebody breaking in? Is anybody hurt?

Skidding to a stop at the living room doorway, I managed to just barely miss the front door slamming shut. Left in the room were Edd, Matt, Tord, and a couch shaped hole in the wall. Oh, and a lack of a couch where one should have been.

"What the hell happened?"

They turned to me. The red devil shrugged and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"Thomas and I got into a little spat. He had a tantrum, threw a sofa, and left."

I doubted that was the truth. Tord had a habit of antagonizing Tom for no good reason. Edd had drifted over to the window.

"Maybe I should go after him..."

"He'll be fine. Come on, we need to go grocery shopping. I'll get us some ice cream."

Matt cheered and Tord chuckled, wrapping him in a side hug. Still glancing to the window, Edd hesitantly mumbled an agreement. I went to comfort him, but the click of Tord's tongue stopped me.

"Don't tell me you're going to the store in your pjs? You're smarter than that."

Grumbling, I went off to get dressed. Guess we're going to get ice cream.

—

Not too many people were at the store. I walked beside Matt as Edd helped a little old woman get something from the top shelf. The itching sensation of Tord's eyes burned into me, making me squirm. He had been staring at me ever since we got here. At that moment, he was at the banana stand. Suddenly he picked up a banana, putting it to his ear and talking into it like a phone. He looked ridiculous.

"Ah, I'm very sorry you guys. I need to go do something."

Matt looked skeptical.

"That's a banana."

"...It's for you."

He handed the banana to Matt, then grabbed me by the hood and dragged me away.

"What- hey-"

The fabric of the hood pressed against my throat as he ran. When we finally reached the house, he dropped me, allowing me to cough and hack.

Tord rolled his eyes and pulled me up by the arm, leading me to his room. Moving two paintings, he yanked a hidden lever in the wall. The entire wall of his room slid up to reveal a lab.

It was very him, with lewd anime references and poorly concealed weapon collections.

"What is this-"

I was cut off by the door flying open. A very angry Tom ran in. Tord turned in surprise.

"Tom! Why are you here?"

Tom held up a poster. It displayed Tord's picture, revealing his identity as Red Leader. The Norwegian raised his hands in surrender. But I knew better. It was all an act. Trying to make him seem innocent. He never gave up that easily.

"You caught me Tom. I only came back to get something."

"And what would that be?"

Tord pressed a large button beside him. A vintage helmet dropped from a chute above. That...couldn't be it. Was it some sort of diversion?

"My hat! Did you think I was going to do something?"

Tom was about to reply, but had nothing to say. Then I was yanked to Tord's side, his arm tightly around me.

"Plus, it's perfect for my giant robot!"

I screamed slightly as we fell through a trapdoor. I heard Tom call my name, but Tord held me firmly to keep me against him. In a hidden basement under the house, there was a giant fucking robot. We landed in a cushy seat. It was only built for one person, so Tord maneuvered me to rest in his lap. His embrace was too warm, too inviting. I didn't like that I wasn't bothered by it. I wiggled, attempting to get away as he hooked safety straps around us. I continued as he began shooting at the house. He reduced it to rubble. A hand tightened on my hip.

"Stop."

"Tord? What is going on?!"

Through the window, I saw Edd and Matt holding grocery bags. But what caught my attention wasn't them. It was the car parked in the distance behind them. I recognized it, and the purple eyes shining behind the steering wheel. Gray Leader? Was he watching? Did he know I was in here?

I lunged forward, beginning to slam my fists against the glass. Tord hissed, attempting to pull me back. My thrashing drew the boys' attention.

"Why do you have her in there? Tord, let her go!"

He laughed. Once he managed to reel me in, he pulled me against his chest. His arms locked around me more securely. There was a shout from below. In the blink of an eye, a blue spear pierced the metal shell of the robot. It scraped Tord's arm and barely missed my head.

"Oh no."

I was suddenly overwhelmed by the feeling of falling. Then everything went black.