--An explosion of hate and anger can lead to a quicker path of forgiveness. -- me lol

"What the FUCK is he doing here?"

Silence, as both men whip their heads around to see Edd, in the doorway. Silence, except for heavy breathing, from both parties.

"Maybe you didn't hear me, what IS HE DOING HERE?!" Edd's eyes were squeezed shut in anger, his fists whitening at his sides.

"Edd..." Tom started.

But Edd couldn't even hear Tom.

"Get out." Edd yelled, "GET OUT!" Tom quickly got up and rushed to Edd, holding him in a firm hug.

"Lets go talk." Edd hit Tom's back, "I know, but you have to listen to my side of the story first."

++++××++××++++

Tord was left to his own devices. Pacing and grabbing at his hair. His head hurt.

This was all too much.

Of course Edd was angry, how would he ever learn not to be angry? Tord found himself backing farther into the house enclosing himself into Tom's bathroom; where he had had many tears since he had been brought here by Tom. He felt as if the bathroom was the only place that could protect him from the realities that came with his prior actions. He was alone and closed off from the outside world.

He thought he could get better, be with Tom. Help each other through this.

He dreamed of making up for his terrible deed he had committed.

But it was just that, a dream.

+-+--+++------

"I was the one who found him. In the rubble."

Tom stared at Edd who was looking away from him. Leaning against the wall of his residence. He looked impatient. Uncomfortable. This made Tom uncomfortable with his words, not sure where to take this: how to bring it to a better resolution.

"But," he continued, "I don't know why." Tom looked down.

"Bull. Shit." Edd murmured.

"It's true. I hadn't gone outside in weeks at the time. I walked outside and followed my footsteps to the grave of our happiness." Tom looked away as well deciding that Edd's demeanor made him nervous. " It was too pitiful to bear. What I saw was painful to see, even after the things he had done Edd."

A pause.

"So what made you keep him?" Edd finally spoke, this time looking directly at Tom, who noticed immediately and returned the gaze.

"The smell of rotting flesh. Vomit. It seemed two divots in the ground nearby signified his team members had came, with well enough means to take him home. Bandage him up. But even with the sight of him on the ground, broken. His team members left him there to die." Tom breathed. Shuddering at the memorable smell. "I couldn't leave him. I'd be a criminal."

Silence.

Tom folded his arms squeezing himself to gather his words. "When I brought him," Tom leaned into the wall. "Home, here. I was filled with pity. Rage. The insatiable urge to send him back to his deathbed, as well as beg for answers."

Edd looked at Tom. "Why even bother. He isn't worth the time or energy. Especially what little energy you have anyway." Edd got closer, he looked less pissed, and more concerned. "Tom, if this is your way of trying to right some kind of wrong in your head. I assure you you've done nothing wr-"

"Edd." Tom placed his hand on Edd's arm, patting it. "My reasons are unknown to even me. I have helped Tord. I have come to know him and his troubles. Somehow, someway all of this madness led to me and Tord becoming friends again. However messed up we both still are."

Toms hand lingered.

"I have learned things...felt things I don't want to talk about. Not until I'm certain." Tom ripped his hand away. Suddenly flustered;

"You can hate him, but I don't seem to have that capability."