A New Leaf (Eddsworld Tom x Reader)

Chapter 7: A New Experience

     My shoes angrily smacked against the concrete as I exited the house. I knew I was really just upset over nothing, but I didn't care. I can't deal with those... kids for another day. I was mildly surprised at the chilled air around me, as it had been warm yesterday.

I chuckled out of pure irony, my breath heating up the chilly air that surrounded me. I'm pretty sure I was younger than them, yet our roles were completely switched. I'm in college, for Christ's sake. I'm supposed to be out having fun! Taking risks! Hooking up! Not having my house flooded and being forced to take care of four man-children.

I sighed, taking in deep breaths to calm myself down. I looked around, not recognizing my surroundings.

Cerulean skies dotted with wispy clouds served as a beautiful backdrop to the green leaves that dusted the tops of the chestnut branches. The grassy hills that were home to colorful clusters of wildflowers were equally as well-kept as the trees that surrounded them. A large lake was in the very middle of this breathtaking scene, deservingly so, as it's sparkling azure waters reflected the beauty of everything around it, while also adding its own beautiful lily pads and wide array of coy fish that circulated the water. I had gotten so lost in thought I didn't even realize I had wandered into some random park.

I sighed, walking down the grey concrete until I reached a park bench. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding as I sat down onto the cold, wooden bench.

I looked around, taking in my surroundings. It was beautiful, peaceful, and quiet. I took this as a fortunate stroke of serendipity. I smiled, completely relaxing as I lazily watched a graceful swan float peacefully across the lake. I stretched out, straightening my legs and leaning back onto the bench, slowly allowing my eyelids to close in complete harmony.

---

I'm not quite sure how long I remained on that bench, but my the peaceful atmosphere around me was unexpectedly shattered by a voice in front of me.

"Uh...... Y/n?"

My eyes cracked open, looking for whoever was responsible for the abrupt end of my much-needed relaxation. My gaze settled on a tall man in front of me wearing a red jacket that was all too familiar.

I groaned in annoyance, irritated at being interrupted, especially by Tord himself. I glared at him, sitting up straight.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded.

"I needed to get away from everybody. Just for a second," he replied calmly , sitting down next to me. 

"Did you follow me?" I asked, still suspicious. 

"Hell no. I'm not the one that cares where you go," he retorted.

I looked at him, confused with his answer, "...What do you mean by that?"

He rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Tom was really concerned when you left. Haha, what a fucking idiot."

His answer made my heart flutter. Tom was concerned about me?

Tord continued, "He doesn't even think that you can take care of yourself. Like, who gets concerned over someone going for a walk. A walk! Creepy if you ask me."

Ignoring his ramblings, I sat there in silence. I can't believe Tom actually cared about me, my safety. It made my stomach twist in a weird mixture of happiness and excitement. But I still couldn't purge my mind of his sudden coldness from earlier today.

After a while, Tord glanced at me, "Hey, uh, listen," he scratched his neck in awkwardness. "I just wanted to uh-...apologize for what you saw yesterday."

I looked at him, confused. What did he mean?

Oh.

He's talking about his... Collection...

"Oh-uh.. It's fine. I don't really care," I mumbled, not meeting his eyes. I just wanted to forget any of that ever happened.

"No seriously, Y/n. You seem pretty cool and I don't want you to think I'm weird," Tord said in a firm voice. I looked up, surprised. He actually cared about what I thought of him?

"Wait, are you being serious?" I asked out of pure disbelief.

"Yes, Y/n, I'm completely serious. I want to be friends, okay? Is that so hard to comprehend?" Tord said, a tinge of annoyance highlighting his voice.

"Okay, okay, I believe you. I want to be friends too," I said, more confident than before. 

"Alright. Then good." he replied.

We spent the next couple of hours talking and laughing on that park bench. He was actually really funny when he wasn't being a jerk to people. It was already late afternoon when we decided to go back to the house. 

I smiled at Tord as I stood up. Who knew that Tord, out of everyone, Tord, would be the one that made me feel most at home in this unfamiliar place.

As we began walking back, I suddenly felt a warm hand intertwine with mine. I looked down, surprised, and realized that it was Tord's. A comfortable silence settled upon us, and even though he wasn't looking at me at first, I smiled up at him, feeling my cheeks turn a soft pink as I gripped his hand tightly.

I felt my heart flutter once again, but this time it was a completely different feeling. It was... calmer. I wasn't uncomfortable, and my stomach didn't twist in nervousness as it did when I was around Tom.

It felt...nice.

Note (Please Read!!): So as you probably noticed, Tord was added into the equation. Don't freak out, this is still a Tom x reader fanfic, so don't worry. 

I was sort of disappointed with the last few chapters of mine because I thought they were too generic and cliché. I made the decision to add Tord because I thought it would add more tension and substance into the story. I want this fic to actually be engaging, instead of just mindless fluff, if that makes sense. I still like writing that sort of thing, I just don't want it to dominate the story. Over the next few chapters the mc is probably going to feel very conflicted about their feelings towards both Tom and Tord, and it will be a struggle to make sense of them. Please don't take this as being a Tord fanfic or vice versa. 

I encourage you to stick around, especially if you hate Tord! :)