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Eddy breathed out as he walked through the store, his eyes idly glancing over the various snacks that were being sold. The fluorescent lights of the convenience store buzzed softly as the soft music of some random pop radio station played over the speakers. Pumpkins and ghost decorations hang from the ceiling, adding a festive touch to the otherwise ordinary store. He found it a bit lame but then again, it was promotional so he can’t exactly disrespect the advertising. Plus it just reminded him that Halloween Candy would be cheaper after halloween. He gave a soft chuckle to himself after remembering one particular time after Halloween he bought a bunch of candy on sale, he and the other Eds ate so much they got sick. It was a good memory in all honesty. Of course they’re mostly teenagers now, in highschool. Something that’s been a bit rough since they are in Freshman year. Grabbing some chips alongside a bag of sour gummy worms, for Ed since he liked them for whatever reason, alongside a bag of beef jerky. They’re generally overpriced anyway but he didn’t care, plus he was gonna hang out with his friends for movie night. He deserved a little treat before coming over. After paying for everything, he walked out into the autumn air. Walking out into a parking lot with a few trees nearby. It took him a bit to get here by foot, hopefully it won’t be dark by the time he gets back. Grabbing out his phone, he began to text his friends.
CashMoneyEddy: Alrighty, I’m getting back with the snacks. What movie did you guys choose this time?
CashMoneyEddy: And I swear, Double D, if you’re wanting to watch ANOTHER nature documentary this time.
DoubleD: I figured I’d let Ed choose the movie this time provided it wasn’t a horror film or one of the B-movie films he likes to watch
BigBoyEd: I chose a Nightmare Before Christmas!
BigBoyEd: It’s a Halloween movie
CashMoneyEddy: Thought it was a Christmas Movie?
BigBoyEd: It can be both
DoubleD: I can’t disagree besides, you enjoy the stylings of Jack Skellington anyway
Eddy chuckled at that. Leave it up to his friends to make a good movie choice, not to mention Double D wasn’t wrong anyway. He did actually enjoy that character, guess it was how he moved or how he acted. Kinda resonated with him in a sense. It’s why he did actually own a Jack Skellington T-shirt he wore sometimes, like right now underneath the leather jacket he was wearing. As he began walking, bag in hand, he texted back with a small smirk.
CashMoneyEddy: Not wrong, of course I know you find Sally a little bit pretty Sockhead
DoubleD: Must you bring up my odd childhood crush?
CashMoneyEddy: Every single time
DoubleD: Respectfully Eddy… fuck you.
CashMoneyEddy: HAH! Love you too buddy
DoubleD: Get back here quick, Kevin is actually wanting to watch with us
CashMoneyEddy: Yeah yeah yeah. He better be bringing some damn good soda
DoubleD: Considering the Energy Drinks you consume, I doubt you have a refined taste
BigBoyEd: Ooooohhh, hope he’s bringing some Baja Blast!
Eddy snickered at that comment, he was about to text something but looked up… and saw a familiar figure standing there. Looking at him eerily, the lighting wasn’t exactly making it easy to recognize them but he knows he saw them somewhere. Humming, he decided to be on the safe side and text his friends. Just in case something were to happen and he’d need back-up.
CashMoneyEddy: Hold on, some weird guy is standing before me… feel like I’ve seen them before
CashMoneyEddy: Meet me up at the grocery store I told you about. Might need you guys just in case
DoubleD: Be careful Eddy
CashMoneyEddy: Putting away my phone now
Slowly, he put his phone away into his jean pocket. Every movement deliberate, making sure that he didn’t accidentally drop the damn thing and risk having to pick it up. His eyes didn’t leave them for a second. His gaze could not leave that person alone for a second. Something he’s learned that someone can approach pretty quickly when someone isn’t looking. Staring cautiously, he kept himself ready in case he either needed to run… or fight. Every hair on the back of Eddy’s neck was standing on edge, like a part of him doesn’t want to recognize who he’s looking at. Otherwise he might just run away and that could get him into more danger then it’d help. Slowly glancing over the figure, he cleared his throat. Suddenly feeling it get a bit dry.
“Um… hey, can I help you?” Eddy asked carefully
“I’m a bit hurt, don’t you recognize me little bro? Or… did you not wanna remember all of the good times with bro?” His brother’s voice cuts through the air, sharp as a knife yet slimy as an eel
Eddy suddenly felt himself be put on edge, of course this was happening. Of course, after all the good that’s happening, his brother would just so happen to show up again. After all this time of not seeing him. Especially considering that his parents, from what he was told, sent a warning to his brother that if he came near Eddy again or did anything to him. The cops would be involved this time… and they’d make sure he wouldn’t get out of jail for a long time. Standing there in silence for a few moments, his lips moved before his mind could.
“Why the fuck would I wanna remember you?”
That, obviously, was the wrong response. Eddy suddenly found himself pushed against a nearby car, his brother close to his face. His teeth yellowed with one missing, his eyes almost bloodshot, his skin somewhat gaunt with deep bags under his eyes. His breath smelled of tobacco and alcohol. It was pretty clear that he wasn’t looking as good as the last time he met, guess whatever he was doing was causing more health issues. Yet it was obvious, by the grip of the hand on his shirt, that Terry didn’t lose his strength. Not one bit.
“Wrong response. Though you’ve got some serious balls talking to me that way. I’m pretty damn impressed that you grew a spine.” He said, fury and anger laced in his voice as he gave a vicious smirk
“I’m not gonna let you beat me up anymore, I’m not gonna let you abuse me like you did you fucking psychopath!” Eddy yelled
That was met with a punch to the face as a response, it hurt. It hurt a lot. But he’s roughhoused before and he’s gotten into a few fights in school, none of which he had started which would surprise a few people. After all, Double D has told him not to cause fights. For the sake of him being able to have a future. Someone believing in him like that… well, it does make him taunt a bit less. He looked back at his brother with a fierce gaze, not backing down. Eddy meant it when he wasn’t gonna let himself be pushed around like this… the moment he does, he might not walk out of here alive.
“That look… that look pisses me off.” Terry growled
Eddy grips the car for support, his heart racing. He then, with a surprising amount of strength, pushed the older man off with a kick. Making him stumble back. It was pretty obvious it was a little drunk and possibly high. Not letting him give a moment to breath, the teen charged forward. Pushing the man who stumbled back, after he caught his balance. Terry chuckled, smirking widely. He knew that smirk, that was the smirk that said ‘You’re going to go to the hospital for that’.
“You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. You really did grow a spine while I was gone huh?” He asked
“Yeah and a brain too. Shame you didn’t.” Eddy said with a shit-eating grin
Terry immediately got enraged, charging forward and tackling him to the ground. The teen tried to defend against the harsh punches that rained down on him, feeling like he was being hit by a rock then a person. Right now he just needed to hold out, hold out long enough until his friends got here. Suddenly, he was lifted up and his face was smashed into the ground. It disoriented him, it hurt a lot. His head throbbed slightly as Terry made Eddy look at him.
“You are such a little shit… thinking you could walk around, doing whatever the fuck you want… come on, say uncle.” He said
Eddy was then punched in the face again, he could feel his nose bleeding. His vision grew a bit blurry as he felt Terry kick him multiple times in the side. Even if he got the shit beaten out of him… he can at least say that he managed to get a good hit in. Suddenly he heard… screaming. No, yelling. Angry yelling. As he passed out, Ed threw a punch at Terry’s face. Knocking the older man back with a surprising amount of force. Double D arrived also alongside Kevin, making sure he was okay. With a bruise appearing on his face, the older man look at the group with a sneer.
“Oh, he called his friends huh? Fucking wimp.” Terry said
“...Stay the hell away from my friend.” Ed growled
Normally, he wouldn’t speak like this. Normally, he wouldn’t be so angry. But the tall Ed, upon seeing his friend being beaten by his abusive older brother, snapped. He wasn’t gonna let this piece of shit hurt Eddy, not anymore. Moving quickly, he threw another punch. Terry’s head practically snapped to the left after he got hit. Then it was met with a punch to the abdomen, making the man stumble back. Ed then put both hands together into a single fist before slamming them both down onto the man. Making him fall down to the ground, clearly knocked out. Sirens sounded in the distance as Double D checked over Eddy.
“H-He’s still breathing… oh my, he might be concussed! Those hits looked like they hurt.” He said
“Considering Terry is a grown-ass man and probably is still hitting the gym? Yeah pretty fucking likely, Double Dork.” Kevin snarled a little
“Kevin. Not the time.” Double D said with a hint of anger
“...Right… right sorry just… fuck man.” Kevin said
Nobody could blame him for getting angry. Considering their friend was just attacked by an abusive family member while he was out getting snacks for movie night… there would be very few people who wouldn’t feel any sort of anger at that sort of thing. The sirens continued to get louder and louder as they got closer with Ed staring down at Terry with nothing but hate in his eyes.
Eddy's eyes flutter open to the sterile brightness of a hospital room. The beeping of machines and the faint murmur of voices float in the background, blending into a haze of confusion. His head feels heavy, as if stuffed with cotton, and a dull ache throbs through his body. He blinks a few times, trying to take in his surroundings. White walls, a window partially covered by drawn blinds, and the unmistakable scent of antiseptic fill the air. Panic briefly grips him as fragmented memories of the fight rush back. Then he realized… his friends must have come in time, he did text them. Slowly breathing out, he knows his parents probably have been called. Shifting in slightly bed slightly, the movement sent a wave of discomfort through his side, Eddy wondered if his friends were okay. After all, they had to face Terry alone. A nurse entered the room during his thoughts, her expression warm but professional.
“Ah, you’re awake. As you may know. You were in a fight, and you took quite a hit. Your friends brought you in to make sure you’re okay. The right choice really. You’ve got some bruising and a minor concussion, but you’re going to be just fine.” The nurse explained
“That’s a relief… were… my friends hurt?” Eddy asked
“Aside from your big friend having bleeding knuckles that needed to be wrapped up? He was just fine, if anything he was a little out of it after the police got involved but… well other than that. He’s only a little shaken up from what happened to you alongside your friends.” The nurse stated
Eddy sighed. At least they were fine. He’d feel like shit if they got hurt. Humming, a part of him did have to ask something. Something that he shouldn’t even be concerned about. Why would he, considering how all of this started? Why would he even want to think about it since that situation could have turned out badly thanks to that very same person who started it.
“My brother… look, I know I shouldn’t really give two shits about the guy considering what just happened… but is he fine?” He asked
The nurse’s smile falters slightly, and she exchanges a glance with a doctor who enters the room behind her. The doctor approaches, a clipboard in hand. It was quite clear that this discussion would now involve his brother. Chances are the police are going to be involved here.
“Your brother is stable. Your friend gave him a few hard hits but that was just enough to make sure he didn’t keep fighting. He was drunk, so that combined with seeing you probably triggered an aggressive response.” The Doctor explained
“Yeah. Had a feeling he’d been drinking… fuck I wish this didn’t happen.” Eddy said, his voice breaking slightly
“Understandable considering you were just walking home from the store before he decided to assault you. The police found weapons in his car. He clearly intended something else before he got aggressive. But that’s merely my theory.” The Doctor said
“Jesus… well, what now?” Eddy asked
“Now? You can press charges. I’d recommend doing so because if you let him off… chances are he might just see it as you giving him an out. I shouldn’t say that, as a Doctor it’s not my business… but as a father, I can’t let this stand.” The Doctor said
“...Chances are I will press charges but… mind if I discuss it with my parents? I’m not sure if they’d wanna get involved with a legal battle.” Eddy said
“A fair choice. Not everyone is ready for such a thing… I’ll go ahead and call them. We’ll do a few more things and then let you out… you have a good day, Mr. McGee.” The Doctor said with a firm nod
And soon after, he was left alone. Eddy turns his gaze and stares out the window, the sunlight streaming in but feeling distant. He knows he has a lot to think about. The fight, his brother, how his friends are gonna react, and whatever legal battle might come from this. With a deep breath, he closes his eyes, letting the sounds of the hospital fade into the background. He knows he needs to face what’s next, not just for himself, but for his brother too. Because he knows that by the end of this legal battle… his brother won’t be going out of jail.
Later
Eddy steps out of the hospital, the bright sunlight hitting his face and momentarily blinding him. He squints, adjusting to the light as he takes a deep breath of fresh air. Like the Doctor said, they only had to do a few more things before he could leave. Simple as that, wonders of healthcare really. As he walks toward the parking lot with his hands in his jacket pockets, he spots Double D and Ed waiting nearby, their expressions a mix of concern and relief. Kevin leans against his bike, arms crossed, looking more serious than usual. He decided to try and, maybe, ease the tension with his usual sort of attitude.
“Well, look who decided to come and see me. Miss me?” Eddy said with a forced grin
“How are you feeling? From what we saw, Terry gave you quite a few good hits.” Double D said with a concerned bluntness
Eddy still felt pretty sore from everything that happened. Not to mention he was still pretty bruised up from what had just happened last night, thinking about it saying that it was last night felt strangely odd considering how much happened, so there was that whole situation to deal with. Still, he shrugged and tried to play it cool despite the twinge of pain in his side
“I’m fine. Just a few bruises and a concussion. No big deal, right?” He said with a small nervous chuckle
“...I thought he was going to kill you, Eddy.” Ed said with an uncharacteristic softness
A part of Eddy winced at that, that… knowing how badly it's affecting his friend like that was understandable. Yet a part of him appreciated the genuine concern. Double D? Always the type to get concerned. Ed, meanwhile, was pretty carefree about things. Even when he got himself hurt from a few antics, he’d get back up and walk it off more or less.
“Yeah… okay it’s a bit of a big deal.” He said
“Dude, you should have stepped back towards the store the moment you realized it was him with some sort of excuse instead of fighting him like that. The hell were you thinking? You know he isn’t the type to be merciful, especially while drunk.” Kevin said in a cold tone
“My mouth moved before my head could… but yeah, yeah, I get it. I messed up.” Eddy said, his voice having a brief flicker of annoyance
“No. You didn’t mess up. I mean… yes, you said something that started a fight but he came there clearly looking for one from what we could tell.” Double D said softly
“Plus… I know that he wouldn’t have let you run even if you were able to make an excuse, so fighting was probably gonna happen either way when I think about it more.” Kevin said sighing
Eddy slowly nodded in agreement. One thing was clear, while they agree this fight shouldn’t have happened… Terry had no intention of walking away without throwing at least one punch. A mix of frustration and understanding washed over him. His brother is a grown man, he should be more responsible. It wasn’t fair at all for him to take out his anger on Eddy whenever he did something that fucked up his own life. Yet at the same time… a part of him wonders if this might have been because his parents had a small tendency to be a bit rough with tough love at times?
“Sometimes I wonder what the hell I’ve done recently to have this sort of thing happen. I didn’t frigging ask for this.” He grumbled
“Yeah. I agree. But at the end of the day, there’s not much we can do. If he does try this sort of shit again, call the police. Stand your ground. And don’t let him dictate your reactions with how he acts.” Kevin said, a part of thinking he’s speaking like how his father would
“I’d rather not get a concussion again, so I’ll keep that in mind.” Eddy said chuckling
Looking up at the sky, he smiled slightly. Even with the possibility of a legal battle ahead, he feels a bit more at peace knowing that when push comes to shove. He won’t be facing his brother alone. He has friends. People backing him up against this sort of thing. Not to mention he’ll probably have to get therapy which won’t be fun… but Double D would have urged him anyway and he’ll probably end up ignoring it for a bit before finally going after being nagged a whole bunch.
“Well let’s get going guys. I’d honestly… like to return to some normalcy after all this. So let’s just hang out.” Eddy said simply
“Fine by me man, movie night was interrupted anyway… oh and I ate your beef jerky Eddy.” Ed said
“Uggghhh, you owe me a bag… you dick.” Eddy said, punching his friends shoulder in a playful manner
“I’m as ravenous as a woodpecker Eddy.” Ed said in his usual way
After that, they headed off. Somewhat stronger than before after all that had occurred last night. The future might be a bit shaky at times but one thing is clear. They’ll have each other's backs. Even if it might seem like they’ll drift apart, they’ll come back together. Like they always do.