synopsis: You just arrived in a new town. You're an awkward gal who disassociate sometimes. Though on your first day there, you manage to make some friends.
feat. Edd, Tom, Matt || wc: 2.3k
contains: edd x reader, fem!reader, she/her pronouns—but mostly uses "you", modern au, the end never happened au, highschool-but-already-graduated-au-aka-theyre-18, slow burn
The bumpy road jolted you awake, the bright sun hitting your face through the window, blinding you. You sat up, blinking. Right. Car seat.
The trees you saw on the side of the road were an indication that you were pretty close to your destination.
You grabbed your phone and looked at the time, it was now 11:14 AM. You had been on the road for about 5 hours. 'God, my back hurts...'
You guessed you had about 15 minutes left. More or less.
Having nothing to do, you looked at your earbuds that had died a while ago. Of course, you couldn't use that, so you chose your backup earphones instead. The old earphones crackled when you plugged them in, sounding like they had been dunked underwater.
Not even two minutes later, the car came to a stop. You thought you were there already. But, looking outside, it was the garage. Big BP just past the town sign.
"Quick toilet break." Your mum unlocked the car door and unbuckled her seatbelt. "We'll just grab a couple of things for lunch."
Stepping out of the car with your hands in your coat pockets as you glanced around the area, you could see the neighborhood just down the street. Your gaze moved to the shop, and in front was a boy around your age, maybe older—wearing a dark green hoodie, brown hair, though you hadn't seen his face—carrying what seemed to be a pack of cola and a few bottles of beer.
He fumbled with his car door while balancing the things in his hand. Unable to do so, he gave up and decided to just put down the beers on the roof of his red car and open the door with his now free hand.
He shoved the pack of cola onto the passenger seat.
You walked past the brunette as he closed the car door. You didn't stare, but his fingers were red from the cold bottles.
As soon as you walked into the shop, the AC hit you in the face. The smell of hot dogs and burnt coffee filled your senses.
Browsing for something to eat, you walked down each aisle. Nothing really seemed to catch your eye, so you just chose your regular things. Pot noodle, and two energy drinks. Though they had sausage rolls under the heat lamp, you decided to get one to add to the noodle.
Meeting your mum at the register, you glanced at her basket. Pot noodle and a cup of coffee.
'Huh? Great minds think alike.'
"More caffeine?" Your mum raised an eyebrow. "Thought you would've wanted a nap when we get home." She said while going through her purse.
Glancing around, you saw a pack of cigarettes. Your fingers grabbed a pack and tossed it onto the counter.
"You can't get that. I'm not paying for it." Your mum turned to look at you, snatching the cigarettes to put them back.
"Don't." You blocked her hand. "I'll pay for it."
"That's not the point."
"Then why'd you say it like that? I'm getting it. I'm paying for it anyway." You grabbed the cigarettes and placed them back onto the counter.
"Fine. Then you can just pay for all of your items, right?"
'Oh, come on.'
"Seriously? Can you not?"
She rolled her eyes. The cashier cleared his throat. Boy your age, name tag that said, Dean. "Nice day out, ain't it? You ready to check out?"
"Ah yes. Just these, thank you." Your mum
"I haven't seen you around town before."
"We're new to town. It's a pleasure to meet you—" Your mum glanced at his name tag. "Dean."
Not wanting to be a part of the conversation, you turned up your phone's volume. Music blasting in your ears. You simply looked outside the shop window. The red car was already gone. You barely got a look at him.
" So... Long drive?"
Your mum nudged you, snapping you out of your trance. Not hearing a word he said, you nodded anyway. Offering the same polite smile you used for everything.
"Yeah, I bet. You look tired." He let out a chuckle. Though you didn't say a word back. Just smiling. He took a glance at your earphones. You didn't seem like you were focused on the conversation.
"…Right. Cool. We’re just having a conversation now, I guess..."
His awkward smile made you feel a tiny bit guilty.
He moved to scan the items. As you turned away, you didn’t notice the brief look he gave you. Somewhere between confused and amused.
"That'll be £11.50. Will that be cash or card?"
"Card, please." Your mum paid for the items while Dean packed them into a plastic bag. Holding them up, waiting for someone to take them. Your mum still seemed busy, so you took the initiative to take the bag.
The warm air hit you as you stepped outside.
Your mum unlocked the car door. You slid into the back seat, dropping the bag onto the seat next to you.
The town passed by in a blur. The houses were nearly identical. It was just a regular suburban neighborhood after all.
Not long after, you pulled up to the driveway. Your fingers were on the car door as you opened it. Grabbing the bag of food on the way out.
The front door clicked shut behind you. You slipped off your shoes without thinking, leaving them by the door.
You took off your coat jacket, dropping it on the sofa.
Boxes were already stacked along the hallway. You grabbed one on your way upstairs, arms straining slightly as you carried it into your room. You dropped it on the floor, letting it sit there for a second.
'…Yeah, no.' You stepped back. Unpacking could wait.
Closing the door to your room, you headed back downstairs. Phone in hand, stuffing a bit of money into your pocket on the way out. You stuffed one hand inside your pocket as the other held onto the railing.
You passed by your mum in the living room, boxes half-open around her. You quickly took your coat that was on the sofa. She glanced up as you dropped to the floor, slipping your shoes back on.
"Where are you going?"
"Out. Just gonna have a look around." You tugged your laces tighter.
She paused, something still in her hand. "And who’s going with you?"
"No one." You stood, brushing your hands on your jeans.
She frowned. "No. You’re not going out on your own."
"Yes, I am." You exhaled through your nose. Reaching for your phone and checking the time. "Get off my back, mum."
"I’m just looking out for you." She set the box aside, giving you a proper look now. "We’ve just got here. You don’t know anyone yet."
"I’ll be fine. I’ll call if something happens, alright?"
She hesitated, then sighed. "…Just be careful."
"Sure." Already halfway out the door. It clicked shut behind you.
You pulled up Google Maps just in case you got lost, realizing you didn’t actually know where you were going. You just decided to follow the straight path. The houses lined up neatly beside you, the architecture nearly identical, if it wasn't for the color.
Your gaze left the path, now just wandering around. Observing. Your eye caught something orange moving, jumping from tree to tree. Upon closer inspection, it was a squirrel. Was it following you?
'My first friend is a squirrel. Funny—' Something interrupted your thoughts. Walking straight into something tall.
Looking up, you saw a pale-faced boy—Ginger hair. And it seemed like he had a friend with him.
"Oh— Sorry about that." The boy was the first to apologize.
"Uh... No worries." You paused. Wait, shouldn't you be the one apologizing for not watching where you were going?
"Wait, no. I should be the one apologizing. I wasn't looking where I was going."
"It's all good." He waved it off. With that, you continued your walk.
Wait. That was your chance to make new friends, and you blew it.
You slowed down. You weren’t even sure you wanted to turn back, already trying to come up with an excuse. Still debating if you actually would.
You clenched your fists inside your coat pockets. Nerves taking over. Then you turned around, walking back to the ginger boy.
"Sorry, do you know the way to a bookshop?"
"Mm? Oh, of course! Want us to show you?" He stepped aside slightly, gesturing to his friend.
"Yeah, that'd be nice." You smiled politely. So far, so good.
"Say, I haven't seen you around before."
"I just moved into town today." You rubbed the back of your neck.
"Ah, well then. The name's Matt."
"Pleasure meeting you, Matt."
"Oh, and that's Tom." He pointed to the brunette in the blue hoodie.
The door behind them opened. A familiar brunette in a green hoodie. Wait, is he the same guy from BP?
"Oh. Hi, Edd. This is… uh—" He glanced at you.
'That's his name? Edd?'
"Took you long enough." Tom took a swig from a flask.
"We're showing her where the bookshop is. Wanna come?"
"Wait— 'we'?? I didn't say I was coming." Tom clearly wasn't.
"Sure, why not. I do need to get more sketchbooks." Edd locks the door, and walks over. "And you're coming, Tom."
Edd and Matt lead the way. You were now walking besides Tom. You thought about saying something.
'Should I say something...?' Nothing came out. He didn’t seem like he was going to start anything either.
…Right.
"So..."
He didn't really look at you. “Yeah?"
You paused, already regretting it. "...Nothing."
Now looking away from him. God, that was awkward.
You fumbled with your coat sleeves, fingers picking on the fabric. The wind blew from the north, bringing the cold air with them.
The walk to the library was rather quiet, if it wasn't for the two boys in front of you chatting. And the occasional jab towards Tom. It seriously felt like you were an intruder in the group—well, you were. You just met them today after all.
But it didn't stop you from laughing at some of their jokes.
You almost bumped into Edd as he stopped in his tracks. He stood in front of a shop. Waterstones.
He took a step forward before turning around to face you.
"And here we are. The bookshop." He opened the door to the building, walking in first. Holding the door for you. Letting it go when Matt was about to enter, making him run into the glass door.
The cold air from the room spills from the open door. 'Does every building in this town have AC?'
You drifted to the novel section, scanning the shelves, but nothing caught your eye. You glanced at the classics section, but went the opposite way.
You moved on to the music section. The vinyls and CDs decorated the shelves. You passed all the other genres before finding one you liked.
Someone standing beside you made you jump. It was Tom. How long has he been there?
He was looking at the Pierce the Veil vinyls. Putting them down to pick up a Panic! At The Disco one.
"You getting one?" You spoke up without any thoughts.
"Mm? Nah, just looking. Probably just gonna download em from YouTube." Ah, alright.
You probably weren't going to get one either. This trip was just an excuse after all, and you hadn't brought enough money.
"Are you guys done looking?" Edd appeared behind you. Carrying a book in his hand, a sketchbook to be more specific.
"Yeah, we're done here." Tom spoke for the both of you.
Edd walks over to the register, hands digging in his pockets.
You pulled out your phone, ready to message your mum. You glanced at the time, it's 01:03 PM.
"Ready to go?" Seems like Edd finished checking out.
"Actually… I was thinking my mum could pick me up? You guys okay getting back?"
"Yeah, that’s fine." Tom finally replies, voice level.
Edd nods, already adjusting his grip on the sketchbook like it’s just another part of the plan. "Alrighty then."
You hesitate for half a second. Just long enough to feel the shift, but there’s nothing else to say. You nodded back. "Okay."
The moment passes like it was never anything big.
Edd turns first, starting down the path. Tom follows after him without rushing. You fall into step beside them a second later. Stopping at the door.
"You guys go ahead. Thanks for showing me the way." And with that they continued walking.
You texted your mum to come pick you up.
You: Mum, can you come pick me up.
Mum: Sure, sweetheart.
Mum: Where are you?
You: At Waterstones.
Mum: Alrighty, I'm on my way!
You leaned against the wall. The cold air combed through your hair. You shoved the phone back in your coat pocket.
Your stomach growled, it was loud enough for you to hear. You hadn't eaten your lunch yet.
Not long after, a familiar car driving towards you. It's your mum. She rolled down the window. "Well? Get in."
You opened the door to the passenger seat, sliding into the vehicle. Closing the door. You sat there for a second before putting on the seatbelt that your mum insisted you put on.
The drive back was peaceful.
You passed by the same group that you walked with. Though not saying anything.
"You made any friends today?" Your mum broke the silence.
"Yeah. They walked me to the bookshop." You're not looking at her, rather at your phone.
"That’s nice, sweetheart.” A small pause. “What are they like? Are they nice?"
“Yeah… they’re nice, I guess.”
"Mm." She glances at you. "You could invite them over sometime."
synopsis: You just arrived in a new town. You're an awkward gal who disassociate sometimes. Though on your first day there, you manage to make some friends.
feat. Edd, Tom, Matt || wc: 2.3k
contains: edd x reader, fem!reader, she/her pronouns—but mostly uses "you", modern au, the end never happened au, highschool-but-already-graduated-au-aka-theyre-18, slow burn
The bumpy road jolted you awake, the bright sun hitting your face through the window, blinding you. You sat up, blinking. Right. Car seat.
The trees you saw on the side of the road were an indication that you were pretty close to your destination.
You grabbed your phone and looked at the time, it was now 11:14 AM. You had been on the road for about 5 hours. 'God, my back hurts...'
You guessed you had about 15 minutes left. More or less.
Having nothing to do, you looked at your earbuds that had died a while ago. Of course, you couldn't use that, so you chose your backup earphones instead. The old earphones crackled when you plugged them in, sounding like they had been dunked underwater.
Not even two minutes later, the car came to a stop. You thought you were there already. But, looking outside, it was the garage. Big BP just past the town sign.
"Quick toilet break." Your mum unlocked the car door and unbuckled her seatbelt. "We'll just grab a couple of things for lunch."
Stepping out of the car with your hands in your coat pockets as you glanced around the area, you could see the neighborhood just down the street. Your gaze moved to the shop, and in front was a boy around your age, maybe older—wearing a dark green hoodie, brown hair, though you hadn't seen his face—carrying what seemed to be a pack of cola and a few bottles of beer.
He fumbled with his car door while balancing the things in his hand. Unable to do so, he gave up and decided to just put down the beers on the roof of his red car and open the door with his now free hand.
He shoved the pack of cola onto the passenger seat.
You walked past the brunette as he closed the car door. You didn't stare, but his fingers were red from the cold bottles.
As soon as you walked into the shop, the AC hit you in the face. The smell of hot dogs and burnt coffee filled your senses.
Browsing for something to eat, you walked down each aisle. Nothing really seemed to catch your eye, so you just chose your regular things. Pot noodle, and two energy drinks. Though they had sausage rolls under the heat lamp, you decided to get one to add to the noodle.
Meeting your mum at the register, you glanced at her basket. Pot noodle and a cup of coffee.
'Huh? Great minds think alike.'
"More caffeine?" Your mum raised an eyebrow. "Thought you would've wanted a nap when we get home." She said while going through her purse.
Glancing around, you saw a pack of cigarettes. Your fingers grabbed a pack and tossed it onto the counter.
"You can't get that. I'm not paying for it." Your mum turned to look at you, snatching the cigarettes to put them back.
"Don't." You blocked her hand. "I'll pay for it."
"That's not the point."
"Then why'd you say it like that? I'm getting it. I'm paying for it anyway." You grabbed the cigarettes and placed them back onto the counter.
"Fine. Then you can just pay for all of your items, right?"
'Oh, come on.'
"Seriously? Can you not?"
She rolled her eyes. The cashier cleared his throat. Boy your age, name tag that said, Dean. "Nice day out, ain't it? You ready to check out?"
"Ah yes. Just these, thank you." Your mum
"I haven't seen you around town before."
"We're new to town. It's a pleasure to meet you—" Your mum glanced at his name tag. "Dean."
Not wanting to be a part of the conversation, you turned up your phone's volume. Music blasting in your ears. You simply looked outside the shop window. The red car was already gone. You barely got a look at him.
" So... Long drive?"
Your mum nudged you, snapping you out of your trance. Not hearing a word he said, you nodded anyway. Offering the same polite smile you used for everything.
"Yeah, I bet. You look tired." He let out a chuckle. Though you didn't say a word back. Just smiling. He took a glance at your earphones. You didn't seem like you were focused on the conversation.
"…Right. Cool. We’re just having a conversation now, I guess..."
His awkward smile made you feel a tiny bit guilty.
He moved to scan the items. As you turned away, you didn’t notice the brief look he gave you. Somewhere between confused and amused.
"That'll be £11.50. Will that be cash or card?"
"Card, please." Your mum paid for the items while Dean packed them into a plastic bag. Holding them up, waiting for someone to take them. Your mum still seemed busy, so you took the initiative to take the bag.
The warm air hit you as you stepped outside.
Your mum unlocked the car door. You slid into the back seat, dropping the bag onto the seat next to you.
The town passed by in a blur. The houses were nearly identical. It was just a regular suburban neighborhood after all.
Not long after, you pulled up to the driveway. Your fingers were on the car door as you opened it. Grabbing the bag of food on the way out.
The front door clicked shut behind you. You slipped off your shoes without thinking, leaving them by the door.
You took off your coat jacket, dropping it on the sofa.
Boxes were already stacked along the hallway. You grabbed one on your way upstairs, arms straining slightly as you carried it into your room. You dropped it on the floor, letting it sit there for a second.
'…Yeah, no.' You stepped back. Unpacking could wait.
Closing the door to your room, you headed back downstairs. Phone in hand, stuffing a bit of money into your pocket on the way out. You stuffed one hand inside your pocket as the other held onto the railing.
You passed by your mum in the living room, boxes half-open around her. You quickly took your coat that was on the sofa. She glanced up as you dropped to the floor, slipping your shoes back on.
"Where are you going?"
"Out. Just gonna have a look around." You tugged your laces tighter.
She paused, something still in her hand. "And who’s going with you?"
"No one." You stood, brushing your hands on your jeans.
She frowned. "No. You’re not going out on your own."
"Yes, I am." You exhaled through your nose. Reaching for your phone and checking the time. "Get off my back, mum."
"I’m just looking out for you." She set the box aside, giving you a proper look now. "We’ve just got here. You don’t know anyone yet."
"I’ll be fine. I’ll call if something happens, alright?"
She hesitated, then sighed. "…Just be careful."
"Sure." Already halfway out the door. It clicked shut behind you.
You pulled up Google Maps just in case you got lost, realizing you didn’t actually know where you were going. You just decided to follow the straight path. The houses lined up neatly beside you, the architecture nearly identical, if it wasn't for the color.
Your gaze left the path, now just wandering around. Observing. Your eye caught something orange moving, jumping from tree to tree. Upon closer inspection, it was a squirrel. Was it following you?
'My first friend is a squirrel. Funny—' Something interrupted your thoughts. Walking straight into something tall.
Looking up, you saw a pale-faced boy—Ginger hair. And it seemed like he had a friend with him.
"Oh— Sorry about that." The boy was the first to apologize.
"Uh... No worries." You paused. Wait, shouldn't you be the one apologizing for not watching where you were going?
"Wait, no. I should be the one apologizing. I wasn't looking where I was going."
"It's all good." He waved it off. With that, you continued your walk.
Wait. That was your chance to make new friends, and you blew it.
You slowed down. You weren’t even sure you wanted to turn back, already trying to come up with an excuse. Still debating if you actually would.
You clenched your fists inside your coat pockets. Nerves taking over. Then you turned around, walking back to the ginger boy.
"Sorry, do you know the way to a bookshop?"
"Mm? Oh, of course! Want us to show you?" He stepped aside slightly, gesturing to his friend.
"Yeah, that'd be nice." You smiled politely. So far, so good.
"Say, I haven't seen you around before."
"I just moved into town today." You rubbed the back of your neck.
"Ah, well then. The name's Matt."
"Pleasure meeting you, Matt."
"Oh, and that's Tom." He pointed to the brunette in the blue hoodie.
The door behind them opened. A familiar brunette in a green hoodie. Wait, is he the same guy from BP?
"Oh. Hi, Edd. This is… uh—" He glanced at you.
'That's his name? Edd?'
"Took you long enough." Tom took a swig from a flask.
"We're showing her where the bookshop is. Wanna come?"
"Wait— 'we'?? I didn't say I was coming." Tom clearly wasn't.
"Sure, why not. I do need to get more sketchbooks." Edd locks the door, and walks over. "And you're coming, Tom."
Edd and Matt lead the way. You were now walking besides Tom. You thought about saying something.
'Should I say something...?' Nothing came out. He didn’t seem like he was going to start anything either.
…Right.
"So..."
He didn't really look at you. “Yeah?"
You paused, already regretting it. "...Nothing."
Now looking away from him. God, that was awkward.
You fumbled with your coat sleeves, fingers picking on the fabric. The wind blew from the north, bringing the cold air with them.
The walk to the library was rather quiet, if it wasn't for the two boys in front of you chatting. And the occasional jab towards Tom. It seriously felt like you were an intruder in the group—well, you were. You just met them today after all.
But it didn't stop you from laughing at some of their jokes.
You almost bumped into Edd as he stopped in his tracks. He stood in front of a shop. Waterstones.
He took a step forward before turning around to face you.
"And here we are. The bookshop." He opened the door to the building, walking in first. Holding the door for you. Letting it go when Matt was about to enter, making him run into the glass door.
The cold air from the room spills from the open door. 'Does every building in this town have AC?'
You drifted to the novel section, scanning the shelves, but nothing caught your eye. You glanced at the classics section, but went the opposite way.
You moved on to the music section. The vinyls and CDs decorated the shelves. You passed all the other genres before finding one you liked.
Someone standing beside you made you jump. It was Tom. How long has he been there?
He was looking at the Pierce the Veil vinyls. Putting them down to pick up a Panic! At The Disco one.
"You getting one?" You spoke up without any thoughts.
"Mm? Nah, just looking. Probably just gonna download em from YouTube." Ah, alright.
You probably weren't going to get one either. This trip was just an excuse after all, and you hadn't brought enough money.
"Are you guys done looking?" Edd appeared behind you. Carrying a book in his hand, a sketchbook to be more specific.
"Yeah, we're done here." Tom spoke for the both of you.
Edd walks over to the register, hands digging in his pockets.
You pulled out your phone, ready to message your mum. You glanced at the time, it's 01:03 PM.
"Ready to go?" Seems like Edd finished checking out.
"Actually… I was thinking my mum could pick me up? You guys okay getting back?"
"Yeah, that’s fine." Tom finally replies, voice level.
Edd nods, already adjusting his grip on the sketchbook like it’s just another part of the plan. "Alrighty then."
You hesitate for half a second. Just long enough to feel the shift, but there’s nothing else to say. You nodded back. "Okay."
The moment passes like it was never anything big.
Edd turns first, starting down the path. Tom follows after him without rushing. You fall into step beside them a second later. Stopping at the door.
"You guys go ahead. Thanks for showing me the way." And with that they continued walking.
You texted your mum to come pick you up.
You: Mum, can you come pick me up.
Mum: Sure, sweetheart.
Mum: Where are you?
You: At Waterstones.
Mum: Alrighty, I'm on my way!
You leaned against the wall. The cold air combed through your hair. You shoved the phone back in your coat pocket.
Your stomach growled, it was loud enough for you to hear. You hadn't eaten your lunch yet.
Not long after, a familiar car driving towards you. It's your mum. She rolled down the window. "Well? Get in."
You opened the door to the passenger seat, sliding into the vehicle. Closing the door. You sat there for a second before putting on the seatbelt that your mum insisted you put on.
The drive back was peaceful.
You passed by the same group that you walked with. Though not saying anything.
"You made any friends today?" Your mum broke the silence.
"Yeah. They walked me to the bookshop." You're not looking at her, rather at your phone.
"That’s nice, sweetheart.” A small pause. “What are they like? Are they nice?"
“Yeah… they’re nice, I guess.”
"Mm." She glances at you. "You could invite them over sometime."
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