Hereβs now the fourth batch of chapters for my DisplacEdd AU fic! If you missed out on the previous batches, here they are: 1 2 3
It seems like Edd wants to help acclimate his future self to his new timeline, starting off by doing a βsimpleβ errand.
That coatβ¦β¦..
Edd struggles to crack open his eyes, as he is gently stirred awake by the constant chirping of a robin thatβs conveniently perched outside his window.
He slightly groans out, as his body is still quite tired, even though he managed to go to sleep early last night. He passed on going out to get some dinner with his housemates, as he had already seemingly lost his appetite midway through the day, and just wanted to rest.
His clothes are still in the dryer, but what am I going to do about that coat?β¦..
Washing his future selfβs ragged t-shirt and well worn out khakis were easy, as Edd just threw them into his own pile of laundry that he was floundering around to do, but that black trench coat was a whole other matter.
There were cuts and gashes all over the exterior of the coat,and it was absolutely littered with various stains, all from unknown substances that Edd didnβt want to touch with his bare hands. The ends of the coat were partially frayed and pilling, so in all honesty, it would be better off being thrown into the trash, than to be painstakingly washed and repaired.
Then again, simply throwing it away does seem like a horrible idea.
He left it overnight to dry after he soaked it in a basin for a few hours, so he hoped that it would at least stink a bit less than it was initially. Seeing the water in the basin immediately turn into a sickening shade of reddish-brown upon contact of the coat, definitely mustβve contributed to his loss of appetite.
For how long he wore that filthy thing, and how many injuries he got while wearing it?
Edd glares his eyes at his bedside nightstand to check out his alarm clock, to only see that it was just a few minutes past ten in the morning. He lets out another strained groan of frustration, before finally managing to get the energy to haul himself out of bed. As he begins to yawn and stretch his joints, he couldnβt stop thinking about emotional his future self is like.
For someone who was initially so callous and spiteful towards him in their initial meeting, seeing such an absurdly violent man basically break down twice in a mere span of 24 hours does feel so surreal to see. Even more so since itβs technically himself, and Edd isnβt that much of an overly emotional individual.
As he makes his way to the shared bathroom, he passes by what was once Tordβs bedroom. The door to it was left slightly ajar, signifying that his future self also seems to have awoken early today as well.
Before Edd could splash some water into his face, he notices that there was already a fine mist left hanging in the bathroom, meaning that his future self had already bathed.
Looks like heβs already to take on the day I guess? Either that, or he still feels SO dirty, even after being in the shower for actual hours yesterday. Waitβ¦.. whoseβs soap is he using anyways?
Edd begins to reach out for his green colored tooth brush, he almost ends up grabbing the new dark green toothbrush that was left lying flat on the edge of the sink. He picks it up, before gently placing it into the toothbrush cup where all of their toothbrushes belong. If heβs going to be constantly cleaning up after his future self life this, it can definitely grow to become an issue.
After brushing and taking a quick piss, Edd finally makes his way into the kitchen, as the smell of freshly made toast once again lingers in the air.
βG-good morning, Edd.β
βThanks, good morning, um, Edward. Wait did you?β¦.β Edd begins to trail off, after noticing that his future self looks a bit different this morning.
How is that damn coat dry already?! It should still be sopping wet at this point!
Future Edd was seemingly back wearing all of his initial garb, including that beaten up black trench coat. He was currently positioned by the stove top, as something sizzled on the pan he was handling.
βHey uh, are you sure that your coat still isnβt wet? I left it to dry not even twelve hours ago, so it still should be pretty damp.β
βOh itβs still damp. But thatβs okay, Iβm already used to it being wet.β
βOoooookay?β¦. Still, I donβt want you to be tracking dripping water from your coat all over the floors alright? Plus you might get a cold from wearing that thing if itβs still too wet.β
βI donβt care. I want to have my coat.β
Edd stiffens up a little after being slightly caught off guard by his future selfβs response. He then takes a mental note that Future Edd seems to be a bit too attached to wearing that deeply deteriorated coat.
Then again, Edd canβt really judge, as he too has been wearing the same exact green hoodie from his teenage years that heβs also grown incredibly partial to. If it were to be somehow damaged or lost, heβd probably become distraught about it.
As his future self returns his attention to the stove top, Edd leisurely walks over to his side, gently craning his neck over to see what heβs making.
βOh, itβs a grilled cheese? So thatβs why I smelled toasted bread.β
βYeah, I wanted one today. Thereβs two slices of bread left in the bread box, so uh, would you like one as well?β Future Edd says, as his tone returns to a more placid yet gentler one.
βSure, if itβs not a bother to you.β
βItβs not. Just do me a favor and get a mug.β
βA mug? Sure, but for what for?β
βWhat do you think?β Future Edd says in a slightly mocking tone, as he points towards a moka pot thatβs been simmering alongside the pan on the stove top.
Edd nearly recoils in disgust, at the mere idea of his future self being a coffee drinker.
βBLEGH. Since when do βweβ drink coffee? Cola has all of the caffeine we need!β
βExactly. So when it was outlawed in the future, I had to resort to drinking this. Itβsβ¦.. I mean like, itβs not that bad. You should organize your cabinets better though, as finding this pot buried amongst the mess was challenge.β
βHEY! I donβt even know we even had that pot, plus I bet itβs Mattβs, as heβs the one that cooks for us usually!β
ββ¦β¦. You know what, that does make sense since heβs always been bit of a cluttered hoarder.β
As Edd huffs and turns away to go grab a spare mug from an overhead cabinet, he also goes to open up the fridge to see if thereβs any sort of juice for him to have.
To his surprise, they mustβve cleaned out most of their fridgeβs inventory this past week without fully realizing it.
βShit. We need to go get groceries.β
The sudden clatter of a plate hitting the kitchen table soon caught his attention, as his future self places it where Edd sat yesterday, during their disastrous lunch.
βBreakfastβs ready.β
βO-oh. I thought that was yours?β
βIt was, but I donβt mind giving it to you. Now, hand me that mug you got.β
As Edd wordlessly hands over the mug to Future Edd, he soon sits down to take a bite out of the grilled cheese. It was slightly burned, but the char on the bread did give it a bit of an interesting flavor.
As he continues on taking bites out of the grilled cheese, Edd patiently watches his future self continue to work at the stovetop. Some of his physical mannerisms seem to mirror his, in regard to how they both like to pour drinks, as Future Edd cleanly pours the coffee out of the moka pot, without spilling a single drop.
As he proceeds to assemble the next grilled cheese while drinking his black coffee, Future Edd quickly turns his head around to briefly make eye contact with his past self.
Hopefully today will be a better day. Iβm not sure what I can do to help get rid of the tension between us though, and alsoβ¦.. why is he staring at me like THAT. Stop that, I hate it. I hate it so much. I hate this. I hate being here. Why canβt I spontaneously die already. WHY.
It seems like Edd could feel Future Eddβs sudden discomfort, as he quickly looks downwards towards his plate, forcing himself to finish eating the grilled cheese as fast as he could.
βAfter this Iβm going back to bed. I didnβt sleep well at all last night, again.β
βI mean like Iβm not gonna stop you, but I think youβve been βsleepingβ a bit too much? I get that you might be struggling to fall asleep, given the circumstancesβ¦.. but still, come on. Help me do the groceries today before the guys wake up. Please, just to get out of the house for just a hour or so?β
ββ¦β¦β¦β¦β¦ugh. Fine. Itβs the least I could doβ¦..β
Future Edd grumbles to himself as he finally finishes grilling his own breakfast, before placing it onto his own plate. He then turns around from the stove top, nearly guzzling down the coffee cup in his hands, as he plops himself onto the chair he sat in the previous day.
He can feel Eddβs gaze slowly cutting through him, as he too begins to look downwards to his grilled cheese.
He suddenly wolfs the entire thing down in nearly one bite, almost as if he was timed.
Christ, nobodyβs gonna take it from you.
He promptly chases the barely chewed up sandwich by finishing off the coffee as well, before slamming the mug onto the table.
βSo. Are we going now or what?β
βJust let me get changed. Iβll write up a quick list, so just wait in the living room.β
Edd excuses himself from the table as he makes his way to his bedroom, while his future self stays behind, cleaning up the table.
Can he stop being so βintenseβ for once. Weβre not gonna die if we just go out to buy some fresh fruits and crisps! Oh wait, yeah people probably did die doing that in the future, if itβs anything like he claims. Still, he needs to take it easy.
As his future self throws the used dishes and mug into the sink, he leaves them there to be either Tom or Mattβs problem. At least he was a bit courteous enough to leave the used pan to soak in some soapy water.
Future Edd then shuffles his way to the living room, gently calling out for the one being that doesnβt seem to get on his nerves yet, Ringo.
As if on cue, Ringo mewls as she rapidly runs over to her βownerβ, as she was lying on her side, beside the recliner.
βWhoβs been a good girl? You are!~β Future Edd says, as he scoops her up off of the floor, as a genuine smile begins to grow across his face. He holds her up close to his chest, as she purrs and rubs against him.
It really does seem that Ringo is the one thing thatβs really helping him keep it together, for now at least.
It isnβt long until Edd finally comes out of his bedroom and meets up again with his future self, as he begins to smile as well, at seeing the sight of Future Edd cuddling with his beloved cat.
However when Future Edd notices he is being watched, his smile dissipates immediately, before he promptly places Ringo back down on the floor.
They swiftly exchange glances, before they walk towards the entrance door.
On the sidewalk, Future Edd seemingly winces at seeing the rising sun, using his coatβs sleeve to partially obscure his face. It seems like the shades he once had were accidentally left at the diner, after he was blasted by that entire keg of cola that Edd used as a distraction.
βYou alright?β
βYeah, yeah. Like Iβve said, the city isnβt like this anymore, itβs always so dingy and gloomy.β
βDonβt worry, youβll get used to it sometime soon, itβs only natural after all. Now, letβs make our way to the corner shop!β
ββββββββββββββββ
The walk itself to their local corner shop is usually quite simple and uneventful.
This was not one of those times.
It isnβt long until Edd notices that there is really was something so βoffβ about his future self, as he wasnβt quite able to pin it down ever since he began to stay over.
Heβs paranoid. Deathly paranoid.
His large shadow looms over his younger self, as they trod down the sidewalk. He trails right behind Edd, seemingly unwilling to walk beside him, even though the sidewalk has enough space for the two of them to be beside each other.
His loud, audible breathing seems to waiver and flux every time some random person would pass them on the sidewalk, or if a car on the street drove by a bit too quickly. It got to a point where Edd sincerely believed that his future self might flop over from being out of breath.
Most of the usual passersby seemed to nod towards or give Edd a faint smile while passing through, before their expressions quickly change when inadvertently exchanging looks with Future Edd. Eventually, most of them just looked towards their feet as they walked, seemingly trying to avoid even recognizing Future Eddβs presence.
Thankfully a crosswalk was coming up, as they made it out of their residential area, and were transitioning into where all of the local businesses were. Edd used this opportunity at the stop to shuffle to the side of his future self, as he was getting a bit perturbed of how he loomed over him.
He notices that his future selfβs eyes were constantly darting around, seemingly looking for something that will never come. His hands were placed by his sides, slightly twitching as well. His jaw slightly flexes, as if heβs grinding it yet again.
As the stoplight at the crosswalk finally allowed them to pass the street, Future Edd promptly got right back behind Edd, as they proceeded on. Edd scoffs gently to himself, as heβs already getting a bit annoyed by his future selfβs looming presence.
βYβknow, you never really said how it felt to travel in time? Iβm legitimately curious about it.β Edd says, as he attempts to make small talk.
βImagine being set on fire, but itβs every atom of your being. Thatβs it.β
βJeez, everything you say is so blunt or grim. Have you considered not talking like that?β
βJust keep walking.β
Edd shakes his head in frustration, as he attempts to continue the already stale conversation. However, before he could do so, someone familiar seemingly pops out of an alleyway they were passing, clearly at the wrong time.
βHey Edd!β
Edd didnβt even have the time to respond, before heβs immediately pushed aside by his future self, as Future Edd lunges towards the mysterious person.
Itβs Hellucard.
Edd stumbles to the side as he was pushed, as he could only watch as his future self immediately begins to lay into his supposed βfanβ. The sound of each blow towards the Canadianβs head was sickening with how clear each one was.
Edd makes a new mental note yet again, to not purposely agitate his future self TOO much.
It was over in just a few seconds, as Future Edd effortlessly picks up the slumped over Hellucard by the collar of his shirt, as he is fully unconscious. He limply flops around in his grasp, his mouth bleeding profusely as a loose tooth falls out of it, before Future Edd effortlessly flings him away back into the alley he jumped out of, almost as if he weighed like a feather.
βGood fucking riddance.β
ββ¦β¦.. I mean. I also hate his guts too, but you didnβt have to yβknow. Brutalize him like that.β Was all Edd could say, as they both immediately ran away from that alley to avoid suspicion from any other passerby.
βItβs fine, heβll be fine. We both hate him and literally everyone else does. Even by my time. If heβs not already dead from when I launched him through that door at the diner, he can bounce back from a simple beating.β
βS-Simple?! I saw the back of his head SPLATTER multiple times across the ground as you pounded him into it!?β, Edd sputters out.
βHeβll be back to bother us again some other time. Are we ANYWHERE close to that corner store already?β Future Edd says, as he balls his bloodied hands into fists, seemingly still ready to pummel anyone else who gets in his way.
βYES ITβS RIGHT THERE. Now put your hands into your pockets so nobody can guess what you just did. Fucking maniac.β, as Edd mutters that last part to himself.
I just washed that coat as well too, how annoyingβ¦..
The two of them begin to scowl at each other, as they slam open the corner storeβs glass door, barely shattering it in the process.
As Edd reaches into his front pocket to pull out his grocery list, his future self seemingly storms off to the storeβs cigarette display.
βHey, HEY, do you really think Iβm going to let you keep smoking? It took me MONTHS to get rid of that tobacco smell out of the sofa and carpet once Tord left, and Iβm not letting you bring that disgusting smell back.β Edd says, while trailing behind him.
βCome on, just a pack or two, after that Iβll quit, I promise!β
βYeah, like your promise totally wonβt go up in smoke.β Edd says, before cracking a small sly smile.
It seems like his efforts in deescalating the mood with such an awful pun clearly didnβt work, as his future self seems to become more agitated.
βFINE. Iβll quit cold turkey, fucking prick.β
It was safe to say that their loud and dour moods have quickly caused fellow shoppers in the store to immediately move away from them, lest they get caught up in their gradually simmering wrath.
As Edd grabs his future self by his coatβs sleeve, they make their way to the produce department. Edd makes use of Future Edd, as he forces him to carry all of the items he grabbed. Some bananas for Matt, some green apples for himself, so on and so forth.
Future Edd can only mutter nonsense to himself, as his younger self keeps on piling more and more items into his hands. Eventually he did cave in and got a cart, without of course barking at Edd for not grabbing one in the first place.
Going through the meat and dairy aisles was thankfully uneventful, as the mundane nature of grocery shopping seemed to finally sink in for the two of them. Still, Edd notices that Future Edd seems to be slightly enthused by being surrounded by a plethora of fresh foods, as his eyes seemingly widen and contract at everything.
I can only assume getting fresh meat is pretty hard in the future, if he was always on the run. I hope I just didnβt eat any human flesh as a last resort, as that would be disgustingβ¦β¦ Matt would probably do it in a heart beat though.
Occasionally when standing near a ceiling security camera, his future self will seemingly instinctively pull up the collar of his coat, to obscure his face. He seems slightly miffed as he does this every time.
It isnβt until they finally made it to the soda aisle is when Future Eddβs overall tense demeanor seems to slowly fade away. The shelf is lined up with varieties like lemon, lime, cherry, vanilla, bacon, and good olβ classic. Future Edd is seemingly salivating at it all, as Edd stands beside him, slightly amused at seeing his future self now suddenly beaming at seeing a wall of cola cans.
βUm, h-how much can we get?β
βWell if I budgeted the expenses correctly, we should have uhhhhh yeah. A LOT to work with. Just take as much as you want, as you basically drank all of the reserves I had, so I do I need to replenish them all.
It doesnβt take long for Future Edd to flood the entire cart with nearly an entire display of cans, six packs, and bottles, seemingly giddy as he does.
βI totally forgot bacon cola was still in production during this time!β
βI know itβs limited, so Iβve definitely been drinking it a lot more often than classic, so go double up on the cans of those please!β
βLetβs see, Iβve got all of these so farβ¦.. hmm not that much lemon left but thatβll doβ¦β¦ I donβt even like cherry, but I still miss the taste of it regardless!β
βI donβt like it either, but Iβm willing to help you finish drinking those bottles if you do tap out.β
βSure, like youβd be able to drink as much as I can. Iβve had to deal with not drinking cola for separate spans of months, so Iβve been craving all of it, way more than youβll ever will.β
βOkay show offβ¦.. but do slow down there, as the last time I cleared out the shelf here, they nearly banned me.β
βBah, youβre a paying customer, who cares if they loose all of their inventory in one fell swoop.β
Edd shrugs at this comment, as a part of him hopes that the staff wonβt have an issue this time. The thought of his future self raging at the poor staff and promptly shoving them all into a meat grinder does unfortunately pass his mind, as he quickly shakes his head to get rid of it.
As this point, the cart is nearly bursting at the seams with just cola, but Edd is totally okay with this, as heβs basically the breadwinner of the house anyways.
Itβs his career as a independent cartoonist and animator that helps bring in the funds for the groceries and utilities, so if his housemates want to complain about how most of their groceries this week is mostly cola, well they need to stop leeching off of him.
As the duo makes their way to the checkout, Edd double checks the list as Future Edd begins to methodically place each item on the conveyor belt. It isnβt long until the cashier begins to complain about how much cans of cola they need to scan, before being promptly shut up by being glared at by both Edd and Future Edd.
There was no way that ALL of the cola they bought could be carried in their grasps, so Edd bemoaningly had to cough up some extra pounds to have it shipped to their house for later.
Well, at least we didnβt make THAT much of a scene here. We just need to make it back home before Hellucard wakes upβ¦.. if he does.
It isnβt long until they both leave the corner shop, as Future Edd giddily shoves his hand into one of the paper bags he was carrying, to crack open a can of bacon cola that he was nearly frothing at the mouth to drink.
As they march on back home, Edd takes yet another mental note.
So far heβs pretty much paranoid about everything outside, and will immediately resort to violence if caught off guard or agitated? I guess? I can see we still both love cola, but other than that, what else do we still have in common?β¦..
It seems that drinking some cola definitely did at least loosen up Future Eddβs constant anxiety, as he finally began to take a better appreciation of his surroundings. The old record shop, bowling alley, movie theater, and photography store were still intact and not a smoldering pile of ash, or replaced by a Red Army branded skyscraper. The streets were still busy with people, most of them with smiles on their faces, obvious to whatβs to come on the horizon.
At least the sunβs rays doesnβt seem to hurt his eyes that much for now.
ββββββββββββββ-
As they make their way nearly out of the shopping district, their mutual silence is ended when Future Edd now tries his hand at some small talk.
βYβknow, before everything went to hell, they did come out with some new cola flavors that didnβt exist before.β
βReally? Like what?β
βMango, raspberry, cookies and cream, yβknow, the usual stuff that hasnβt been adapted into the drink yet.β
βWow. Well, hopefully weβre both still here then to see those flavors?β
Nearly simultaneously, Edd and Future Edd shared a shaky laugh, seemingly knowing that the chances of the either of them making it to that point in the future, may have become slightly more slim.
If Iβm not dead from yet another zombie attack, I might die from his hands instead if he rages out at me one dayβ¦.. or from whatever upcoming supernatural bullshit that will occur to me and the guys.
Iβll be dead for sure by then. Whatβs the point of living if the Red Army is already building up their forces at this time. They probably already know of my existence. Itβs not like I can just barge in and kill their leade-
Future Edd suddenly stops in place, nearly letting the bags and can he was holding to hit the sidewalk. His already incredibly pale face seems to become nearly solid white, as what little color is left is drained out of it.
Edd stiffens, fearful that his future self might be gearing up to spontaneously attack some other βenemyβ of his that may be in the vicinity.
Just as quick as it happened, Future Eddβs sudden full-body paralysis goes away immediately, as he begins to almost maniacally laugh to himself, as he takes a hearty sip of the nearly emptied can of bacon cola. As he continues on walking, Edd now trails behind him, seemingly confused but still partially perturbed in his future selfβs shift in demeanor.
As the two of them quickly pick up the pace against the alley in which Hellucardβs limp body is still lying deep within it, they finally manage to make it back home, just past noon.
Future Edd hasnβt stopped laughing to himself this entire time, so when Tom and Matt spot him from the living room sofa, theyβre also immediately caught off guard.
Tom leans into Matt who was sitting beside him, as they just finished having a late breakfast.
βIs it me, or is he becoming more and more insane as the hours pass?β
βYou tell me, Iβm afraid that whatever Edd is doing is just making him worse.β
βYou guys do know Iβm right here, right? Also Matt we need to teach you how to whisper better.β, Edd says, as he stand right in front of the two of them, still with groceries in-hand.
βHey! Also, um, did you get some milk? We ran out for the cereal.β
βYes Matt, I did get some milk and even some BBQ sauce for your disgusting breakfast ribs, and yes youβre welcome.β
βYay!β, Matt says, until he is swiftly swatted on the back of the head by Tom, who grows more and more annoyed by his friendβs constant daftness.
βLook Edd, if youβre gonna let your future self stay here, at least make sure he isnβt attacking or killing anyone, as I donβt think I want to deal with living with someone who is more insane than Tord, okay?β
βHahhh hah funny that you say thatβ¦β¦β
ββ¦β¦ he killed someone already on the way to the corner shop, didnβt he?β
βIt was that wannabe stalker of mine, honestly Iβm glad he did the dirty work for me. Plus I doubt there were any witnesses.β
βDamn Edd, are you just going to sic him on people who you hate?β¦β¦ you know what, can I use him too?β
βOh come on I didnβt even ASK him to do that, he just did it before I could even tell who it was. Honestly Iβm pretty sure he was just looking for an excuse to maim someone, as I wouldnβt be surprised if heβs still so tense from being a former bounty. Hopefully heβll work this out soonβ¦.. I really donβt want him to beat someone else to a bloody pulp just because he feels βscaredβ.β
βYeah until he beats Eduardo up, I bet you would be soooo happy if he did that!β
ββ¦β¦β¦ oh, fuck you Tom.β Edd replies, as a sneaky smile grows across his face.
He finally walks away from the duo to place the new groceries into their respective storages, as Future Edd is already leaning back in a kitchen chair, now gulping down an entire litre of lemon cola. Ringo is one again beside him, now napping underneath the table itself.
He tentatively watches Edd place all of the meat, bread, and other miscellaneous foodstuffs away, while seemingly still being so giddy with himself for no discernible reason.
As he begins to rub his belly, seemingly full for once, he starts to speak to his younger self.
βSo uh, anymore plans for today? Itβs not even one yet.β
βWell Iβm actually kinda booked for today, as I have some commissions I need to finish up on. I shouldβve finished them sooner, but I didnβt have the chance since, yβknowβ¦β¦β
βI get it, I get it. Donβt use me as an excuse for your procrastination, okay? Iβll just stay in the living room and watch I dunno, Professor Why?β
βDonβt we hate that show?β
βYeah but, nowβs the time when itβs actually good, by my time the writing is absolutely atrocious.β
βWhatever, just donβt let Tom get into your head, and donβt try to strangle the life out of Matt again, will ya?β
Future Edd seemingly looks down on his hands, as heβs twiddling his thumbs.
βSure. If they start to get under my skin, which they probably will, Iβll just go to my room and sleep for the rest of the day. I still feel so exhaustedβ¦β¦β, he says while beginning to rub his deep-set eyes.
βGood. And uh, thanks for helping me with the groceries.β
As he says this, Edd goes behind his future self, and gives him a gentle pat on his left shoulder, as he takes a can of classic cola for himself, before retreating to his quarters.
For a moment, Future Edd can feel the blood rushing to his cheeks, as he buries his head into the collar of his worn-out coat.
Looks like heβs not THAT mad at me, for the meantime at least. Still, I keep having misstepsβ¦.. I need to take it easy, but acclimating to this time is so hard already. I still feel like thereβs eyes everywhere. Even though I now know the solution, I never saw Tord again until THAT day. Hopefully Iβm still amongst the living by then.
As Future Edd finally makes his way into the living room, Tom and Matt are seemingly immediately repelled by him, gladly forking over the sofa and tv remote to him.
βWeβre uh, weβre gonna go to uh see a movie since itβs still matinee prices!β Matt bluntly says, in a totally organic and not stilted manner.
βOkay? Donβt let the door hit you on the way out.β
Tom rolls his nonexistent eyes at the final remark from Future Edd, as they slam the entrance door on the way out.
Itβs clear that theyβre still afraid of him.
Once again, Future Edd is left somewhat alone. At least it isnβt as soul crushing as before, as he takes some solace in the fact that his past self is sketching and drawing away in his bedroom.
Still, there is now something new thatβs nagging the back of his mind.
On the way over here, there were some signs for a weekend neighbor yard saleβ¦.. surely, this is not when Matt comes home with that so-called βantiqueβ, right?
βββββββββββββββ
As the night arrives, Tom and Matt finally arrive back from watching a double-movie matinee showing together, and they even brought some Chinese takeaway as well, much to the surprise of Edd and his future self.
However, it seemed like Future Edd is still somewhat weary of actual dining with all three of them together, no doubt thanks to the awkward tension due to that lunch from the previous day.
He takes the Chinese takeaway to his room, gladly shoveling down the egg roll and noodles that were put aside for him while sitting at the once used drafting table
Due to the location of Tordβs room, and also just the poorer quality of their homeβs building materials, he can still fairly hear the conversations happening in the kitchen.
He manages to hear bits and pieces of their varied conversations, mostly about him of course, but their various upcoming plans. Tom wants to go check out a local dive bar thatβs going to have some live ska concert. Mattβs going to be visiting his gram soon, alongside a βspecial friendβ as well, that none of them seem to be sure of who heβs talking about. Edd meanwhile is just busy at work on his newest animation, and is really jazzed about how itβs progressing.
Hearing them laugh beside him through the wall does fill Future Edd up with his own memories of hanging out with his timelineβs versions of Tom, Matt, and Tord. He really does long for those days again, dearly even.
He doesnβt finish his meal, and he retires to βhisβ bed. The bed that still smells like that man he loathes the most. His former best friend.
The pain never really does subside.
