The Gross Outdoors ✖ A TomTord Story ✖

"I'm going to do something about this!"

   Tom woke up to his pillow stuck to his cheek and a pair of friendly eyes grinning at him from above.

   He was at first surprised, having not recognized the person. He was groggy, since he hadn't really slept well after that crazy dream. But the eyes instantly took on a worried look as he scooted away, a glare painted on Tom's face.

   "Tom! Good morning!" Edd said cheerfully. Tom noticed that the windows in the room were open, letting in golden light. "Sleepy head, we're all downstairs. We had breakfast and I have an announcement."

   "Hm?" Tom rubbed his "eyes" and blinked blandly at Edd. 

   "C'mon," Edd grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the room. He pointed to the bathroom. "Get ready and stuff. We're waiting in the living room," Edd waved again before closing the bathroom door.

   Tom sighed, turning on the faucet. The little bliss of being half awake had been robbed by Edd's excited actions. Now he was grumpy and tired, and he splashed cold water on his face.

   The memories of his dream were starting to come back to him, and Tom felt his face heat up. He splashed more cold water, hoping the heat would go away. His face was red tinted when he looked in the mirror. Maybe that was just the cold water.

   After he freshened up, he checked in the mirror again. Dammit, his ears were still red. He gave up and slipped on his hoodie. Maybe no one would notice. After all, Edd had that big news of his. Tom started to wonder what it was. Maybe he finally decided to kick Tord out. Served that commie right. 

   Tom headed to the living room, only then to stop only a couple mere steps away. He hadn't thought of how he'd be able to look any of them in the face. Sure, he had been half asleep when Edd had burst in, but now he was fully conscious. He considered downing a few to get rid of the stress - being drunk could possibly help. But it was way too early in the morning for Smirnoff.

   Deciding against the inevitable hangover, Tom shuffled into the room. He swept his eyeless gaze around the room, barely grazing anyone before sitting down.

   "Tom!" Edd said happily, setting down his soda. Tom raised a brow at that. Soda, this early in the morning? Clearly he was the only one with good judgement.

   "C'mon Edd!" Matt whined slightly. "I have to do things! You know my things are important!"

   "Spit it out, Edd," Tord casually leaned on the couch. He was watching the TV, and Tom noticed the zombie movie that played on it. He scowled slightly. He never was a fan of zombies.

   "Well, I've noticed some things," Edd started, his voice bright and friendly. "We don't hang out together as much as usual."

   "What do you mean?" Matt frowned slightly. "I hang out with myself all the time."

   "I mean...like us. When was the last time we did a movie night?" 

   "Two, three days ago? Maybe a week?" Tord answered listlessly. His attention was on the screen. 

   "No," Edd huffed slightly. "It's been a month. A MONTH. How do you guys not remember?" Crap. Now he was looking at Tom. Tom quickly shrugged, trying to look bored. Hopefully Edd would look away.

   But no, Edd kept staring. "Every time we get together something happens. Either Matt gets bored and wanders off, Tord makes up some excuse, or you and Tord have a fight."

   "That's not true." Matt said indignantly. "I just needed to use the bathroom that one time."

   "My point still stands. There's too many excuses. Too much friction between a couple of us," It was obvious he meant Tom and Tord. But the red hooded Norwegian was too busy watching to TV to notice.