Strawberry Panic {TomTord}

h-

Wrenching himself out of the comforting, anchoring warmth of the embrace was difficult- especially since Edd seemed just as reluctant to let go as he was.

Shuddering breath vibrated wetly against his ear, the odd hiccup escaping his trembling lips as he held on for dear life, throat working dryly as he attempted to muffle anymore cries. His fingers had dug deep into the soft, baggy fabric, an iron grip unwilling to let go. Bones stiff in tension, they stood out starkly, popping out of the flesh in neat lines at the desperate claws his hands made. Spots of liquid circled his face, sweat mixing indistinguishably with the fresh tears that trailed down his flushed cheeks. Moisture clung to his eyelashes, clumping them together awkwardly, and he struggled to recall back to the time where he had last cried.

Sniffling, he attempted some sort of emotional response, mouth refusing to cooperate fully, "Edd- I-"

He swallowed, jaw working fruitlessly to utter the words of gratitude and familial affection that had built up throughout the years. They churned restlessly in his stomach, each clambering for first place, swirling together into one stuttering mass of directionless babble. His lips moved soundlessly against the crook of Edd's neck, forming words and the start of sentences that he really didn't know the end too.

Why was it so hard?  

An arm tightened around the small his of back, squeezing him in understanding. A gentle rubbing motion circled rhythmically across his spine, the silent bid of comfort being enough to clamp his eyes shut as another wave of tears threatened their descent.  

Murmured phrases of praise and compassion tumbled out of Edd's mouth, washing over him in as he attempted to regain some composure- the words not registering with his frantic, jumbled mind, but greatly appreciated nonetheless.  

"I know- I know, okay? Just remember that I'm here for the long haul and that you mean a lot to me. Please, always remember that. Always."  All Tom could do was nod, hiding his face like an embarrassed, overwhelmed child."

"Yeah, always- I'll-" 

An uncomfortable cough interrupted his effort, cutting through the thick, heavy atmosphere. Tom froze instinctively, heartbeat spiking, the words lost on his tongue. He breathed shakily and slowly lifted his head from its hiding spot, turning slightly as he made eye contact with Tord.  

He stood, one bag strap swung carelessly over his shoulder, gripping it loosely in one hand, whilst the other twisted leisurely in his front hoody pocket. An eyebrow was quirked in a bizarre mixture of confusion and surprise, mouth pressed together in a neutral line.

Shame immediately filled his senses; self-conscious of the red rims of his eye sockets, and the ugly, scarlet tint that blemished his wet cheeks. Floundering, he pushed back against the steady pressure enclosed around his sides, silently begging for his release.  

Feeling Edd pull back, Tom took it upon himself to stumble backwards, slamming his spine clumsily into the door. He gritted his teeth at the motion, a small ebb of pain pounded at his temples, and quickly looked away, wiping his sleeve haphazardly across his face. The material was rough against his tender flesh, the salt scraping harshly against the heated flush.

"Have you ladies finished?" Tord drawled, eyes flickering between the two men, "You're blocking the way."

"Tooord." Edd groaned in reply, wiping his own eyes with a quick swipe of a finger, an easy smile falling into place, "You ruined a moment." 

"I noticed," Tord stated flatly, raking his gaze up and down Tom's hunched form, "It was like the Notebook in here." 

"You've watched the Notebook?"  Tom squinted in disbelief, huffing out slowly as his pulse gradually returned to normal, "Who's the lady again?"

"Still you," Tord smirked,  advancing towards his position by the door. He pulled it open, the side hitting Tom in the arm as he tugged. Going through it, he called out a quick, "Bye, Edd!" behind his back as he left. 

The two remaining roommates were left in a stilted, heavy silence, looking at each other from opposite sides of the hallway. Air thick, and tight- dense with the weight of the words left unsaid, possibilities endless.

"Edd-" Tom smacked his lips and looked away sharply. It wasn't fair, in consideration- the other man had time to actually plan the words that had floored him so hard; in comparison, everything that came to mind sounded rushed, and emotionally inarticulate. "I'm going to be so late."

Edd grinned happily, completely unphased, "Have a good day, Tom."

Tom nodded back, a smaller grin gracing his features, "Seeya, Edd." 

--

A light, crisp breeze greeted him upon stepping outside, and he closed his eyes, breathing in deeply. Enjoying the way it soothed his red, blotched skin, the coolness curling pleasantly against the burning heat. He hummed appreciatively. 

"You good?" Tord questioned suddenly. 

Tom startled slightly, jerking backwards and opened his eyes. Tord was standing a few feet in front of him, casually leaning against one leg, expression concerned.

Sniffling, Tom headed down the path, shoes crunching against the stone. Once levelling with the other man's position, he bumped his elbow into Tord's arm gently, walking together at an even pace.

"Why wouldn't I be?" He tactfully dodged, vision downturned towards the stretch of pavement before them.

"You were crying pretty hard back there, Princess. God forbid you ruin your mascara." Tord snarked lightly, digging his own elbow into the curve of Tom's waist. 

Despite the words, Tom shot him a sideways smirk, the corners of his mouth curling easily. An almost giddy feeling welled up in his chest -whether it was due to his recent emotional outburst, the much-needed confession from Edd or the decent amount of sleep and caffeine he was undeniably running on; he didn't know. Either way, he felt refreshed, almost cleansed in a way. A newfound acceptance for his place in the world took hold, grounding him, giving him a confirmed place of belonging in the horrifically, large world that he lived in. 

Happiness bloomed in his chest, rushing through his veins. Clearing away the dark, hazy fog that had hovered over his mind, blinding his perception of reality behind a thick layer of misguided misery. All of a sudden, his once seemingly large and daunting doubts had shrunk down to a more manageable size. 

"You're just mad that I look better than most of your fictional girlfriends." Tom countered, "Have you seen my smokey eye fade?"

Tord choked, "I think that's the gayest thing I've ever heard you say."

"Nah, I think that would be the threesome comment from a few days ago." Biting his lips, his face pinked slightly at the suggestion. Had he gotten gayer? Probably. "Besides, I don't wear that shit outside of the cafe- I don't even own any, they all belong to Ms Sinclair."  

Tord paused, his pace halting, "They all- so they don't get you to buy your own products?"

"Not really," Tom shrugged, "Apparently they get the stuff cheap anyway."

"What like?" 

Tom stopped, considering. His tone was off, accusing almost, deep in contemplation. 

" Mascara, eyeliner-I don't know, why do you care?" 

Tord huffed, and looked around the street stiffly, "I don't. Just curious."

"Tord-"

"Tom." Tord stepped forward, a strange look in his eye. A strong hand encircled his wrist and tugged gently. Before he knew it, a pair of familiar soft lips were brushing against his flushed cheek, pressing lightly; hesitant. "Look after yourself, okay?"

All Tom could do was stare. 

—
A/N: Sitting at my park bench again- this time not writing porn. Instead, I'm fucking wheezing because these two guys just drove past, yelled, "GAY BOY!!" and left.

It's so fucking funny I just can't