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It's Saturday, and Chris woke up sore in bed from yesterday.Yesterday morning, he woke up late from studying too late and ran to school. Unfortunately, he wasn't paying attention, ran into the empty hallway, and bumped into Mike and Josh, knocking them both down. Oh no...Josh looked at Mike, and Mike saw Josh's lip bleeding. "You fucking bitch" he slowly turned to Chris. Chris moved away backwards scared. "I... I didn't mean to. I was running to class. I'm sorry I am Im-." He stammered. Mike stood up over Chris till on the ground. Grabbed him by his sweater and dragged him to the gym locker room near by. Chris trying unsuccessfully to get out of his grip, stopped when he heard Mike. "Care to do the honors babe. Since he made you bleed," Josh smiled cruelly, lip still bleeding trailing down his chin. He opened the locker and forcefully shoved Chris in. His shoulders hit the wall, his head bounced off, his legs and stomach kicked in, and the locker closed. Leaving Chris stuffed in the locked, painfully snug. Fighting the shove in was pointless Mike and Josh are too strong together. He's learned not to fight back after a while of this. Fighting back makes it worse.Sniffling after tearing up from the pain of his knee and two hours of being here, Chris lost hope of being let out by someone. Guess this locker doesn't belong to anyone. Also, if people could stop being so loud for a second, they would freaking hear me. My knee hurts so much. Something is wrong. I'll just stay here till idk I can't even get my phone, but I can reach my pen. I'll talk to my soulmates. Chris thought to himself as he maneuvered to get his pen.People have soulmates here. Some have one or more. Their soulmate is truly soulmates determined by the heavens. Bound to be together and have a happy, exciting, lovely life. But now that's not it anymore. People lie, hurt their soulmates, cheat and some don't bother finding them anymore. They would rather find someone else since searching would take too long and money. But that isn't Chris. Chris wants to find his soulmates. He has two soulmates he calls Gold and Violet. Because that's the color that appears on his skin when they talk. He doesn't want to know their names not yet. Not until he's able to be good enough for them. Regardless of how much they pled and tried to convince him. He can't until he knows he can make them happy and provide a fulfilling relationship. Just because we're soulmates doesn't mean everything will be perfect. "I want to work hard and make us happy all together. I'm not ready. I'm not good enough yet." Chris told them. They always talked every day.He got his pen, rolled up his sleeve, and wrote on his arm. *Hey*. He writes and waits for a reply. A small, thin light appears on his arm with a tickle. A reply appeared from Gold. *Hey, goose, I missed you.* Then Voilet replied right above Gold. *I missed you more. I love waiting for you to write. The feeling of you on my arm and every word you say makes me thank the heavens for you.* Chris's heart swelled with comfort and love. By the only people who truly love him. They are my motivation my everything. Plus they are so sweet. He happily thought to himself. *what are you up too* Gold asked. He wrote *nothing just sitting tight.*I don't want to mention I'm here and make them worry. Like the last time I said, I was pushed down the stairs and broke my arm. I scared them so bad they wanted to talk nonstop and demanded who did it and where I was to help me. I never said who it was. Or who I am nor will I. I don't want anything to do with Josh and Mike. And I never will. I don't even want to think about them.*goose what's wrong* Gold asked. *and don't say nothing we know you better then that. Please don't insult us and be honest.* Violet said. Well, darn it, I hate lying, and they do know me better than I know myself It's weird but true. I'll say something else. I'm sorry, I really am. I don't want to worry you. Please forgive me. Chris thought to himself.*I ran into someone I didn't like, and they were jerks as usual. But I'm okay. * Chris said. I'm sure that'll work. He thought to himself.*you mean the assholes who torture you. Right.* Violet said. Chris sighed and wrote. *yes.* Chris took another deep breath. It was getting hard to breathe. But the soft lights from his soulmate's words on his arm were comforting.*If I was there I'd make sure they would never bother you again and disappear.* Gold said. Chris took another breath. * No, thank you, please. You know I really don't like violence. Even if it's for the jerks. I'm really tired.* Chris wrote.Violet wrote back.* Can you take a nap? Where are you right now?* Chris couldn't keep his eyes open as his breathing became labored and the walls were closing in. He saw a faint Gold light. Gold must have written something. *goose are you okay?* I'll take a nap Chris thought to himself. Just a small nap.Chris woke up later, being pulled out and shaken by his friends Hannah and Matt."Chris?! Chris! Come on wake up. You missed like three classes you don't wanna miss the whole day. It's lunch now they brought back curly fries." Hannah said. Chris groaned and uncurled his body as he sat up."Luckily, we saw your soulmate's light and knew it was you. Mike and Josh again right." Matt asked. Chris tried to stand up but fell with shakey legs. "Come on, Bambi, I got you," Matt said as he helped Chris up and they walked to the cafeteria.Hannah, Matt, and Chris walked into the cafeteria for lunch. Chris's body felt so numb from lack of circulation and hungry. They all grabbed the same lunch with curly fries. Chris's favorite.They sat and ate lunch Hannah's arm illuminated a soft green light. She happily wrote on her arm as she wrote. Chris smiled as he ate.Matt saw Chris's arm had a bruise and ran his fingers over it. "You have to fight back Chris. You can't let them keep hurting you please. They can't keep doing this you. What happened this time?" Matt asked.Chris sighed and stopped eating. "I was running late today. I slept through the alarm and I ran into them and I caused Josh's lip to bleed. Then they stuffed me into a locker." Chris said. Matt looked his brusied arm. "What else?" Matt asked. "They kicked me in because I wouldn't fit." Chris replied.Matt gripped Chris's hand upset. They've been best friends for years. They grew up in the same neighborhood and always stuck together. He used to be friends with Mike and Josh till they decided to hurt Chris. Then he stopped talking to them. "I'm sorry." Chris said."Why you literally did nothing wrong. It's those assholes who torture you." Matt said, as he puts his curly fries into Chris's. He was about to reject it but Matt said. "I had a big breakfast I'm not that hungry.""I know i should fight back but I can't. I don't want to raise my hand. I don't want to be like them or anyone else." Chris said as he ate. Matt hummed knowing Chris hates fighting and anything that has to do with it. He's a very peaceful guy and too kind for his own good. Despite his upbringing he's sweet and always thinking about his friends.Matt ate slowly not being so hungry, Chris ate almost finishing his lunch, and Hannah gave all her fries to Chris. "I got the curly fries for you. I just wanted pizza. I'm sorry Chris. I hate how Josh treats you." Hannah said. Chris looked at Hannah and how sad she looked. "Hannah it's okay Josh is trying remember. He's working on it." Chris said. Hannah nodded. " Yeah, right he is."They talked about what Chris missed and no homework luckily. They finished their food and left to get to next class. Chris's body still hurting he went to class. He made sure to avoid them and their sight. He payed close attention to class and hoped the end of the day came quickly.Later the end of the day did come quickly and Chris felt pleased with himself. He took down so many notes and stayed away from them. Also he got back his tests and he passed feeling proud of himself.His soulmates have written to him. *Are you okay did you that nap goose?* Gold asked. He replied *yeah im sorry I took a long one haha. Then I got distracted with classes.* I'm sorry for lying but I can't keep making you worry. Chris thought to himself.Violet wrote *it's all good silly you should take care of yourself don't push yourself and get plenty of rest okay. Also today we ran into a jerk. He hurt Gold but we made sure he wasn't going to hurt him again.*Poor Gold he's been getting hurt by the same guy often. They won't say too much to him about how and who. But Chris knows he's bad news and the source of their pain especially Golds.He went home getting a ride from Matt and he stayed with him playing video games and occasionally talking to Voilt and Gold. Untill night and he had to leave. Matt left and Chris went to bed for a much needed rest. He fell asleep quickly.
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At least it's Saturday I get to sleep the day away. Plus, they are home today, so it's not like leaving my room is an option. I could, but no. Chris went on his phone and saw a message from Matt.Matt: Hey, Emily is being mean. Can I come over? T_TChris: What happened lolMatt: She said putting milk first then cereal is better.Chris: oH My GOD come and I'll save you from her.Matt: already on the way :)Chris: windowMatt: obviEmily: Did Matt text youChris: No whyEmily: he made a big deal about milk going first. It makes sense that boy, I swear.Chris: okay, but what about putting milk in the cereal box and eating it from there?Emily: I'm gonna do that in front of Matt. Come by at the mall with him after you two hang out in your roomChris: whaaatEmily: I know he's on the way lolChris: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ i gotta protect my bro from his milk first girl.Emily: I will fight you.Matt: I'm here open the window.Chris got up and went to the window and opened it. Letting Matt in, he saw Chris's pajama pants. "Nice arcane pants," he said. Chris did an over-dramatic model pose. "Thank you it's all the rage now," Chris said. "Oh yeah of course. Tell me, will you remember me?" Matt said with a smirk. Chris fell back onto his bed. "Gasp how dare you?!" Matt laughed so did Chris. Chris got up and looked through his closet to change. He picked out a pair of jeans, a shirt, and a sweater. Meanwhile, Matt sat on Chris's bed and opened his TV, relaxing with a smile.Chris went into his bathroom and changed. As he got undressed he saw a good morning message from both Gold and Violet. *Good morning goose♡*. It said. Chris smiled and wrote back with his pen. He has pens everywhere to message them. He wrote back *Good morning, loveys* and then he continued to change. Once he finished, he got out of the bathroom and lay with Matt watching TV.Chris wrote on his arm *whatcha doing today* Violet replied *heading to the movies today with Gold. What are you doing today?* Chris replied *heading to the mall with some friends.*Gold wrote. *have fun and let us know what you got ♡*"Oh yeah Matt Em wants us at the mall later," Chris said. Matt looked at Chris with a smile. "You know why right? To make us carry everything haha." Matt said. Chris laughed and said. " Haha, yeah, but I don't mind. I get to hang out with my friends. How could I say no."Matt pushed Chris's face. As he got up to get his game controllers. "Gross, man, save that cheesy shit for your soulmates. Let's play a few then leave." Chris laughed. "Are you sure, last time you were pouting for a few days that I kept beating you?" He said. Matt huffed. "Well, some of us don't have alien technology inside our body. That makes us better at games."Chris smiled "Aww, you're pouting again, pouty tsk tsk, don't worry. I'll go easy on you." He said he put the game on. Chris did not did not go easy on Matt. Making him groan in defeat after losing for the fourth time. "Okay let's go loser" Matt said with a pout. But Chris pulled Matt back as he got up. "Hold on hold on. I got a new game you might like let's try it. One round." Chris said putting in his new game.This time, Chris made small mistakes, leading Matt to win with a shocked expression. Matt was so happy he finally won and Chris was happy his friend was happy. "Fuck yeah!" Matt exclaimed."Okay okay let's go now Emily is there by now. Waiting for us, plus I could get a new sweater." Chris said. Matt and Chris got up there was a knock on his door. "Christopher, could you please come out? We would like to talk to you." His father asked. Matt had a guilty expression " I'm sorry." He whispered. Chris patted him and left. "It's okay," he said before he left the room.Chris left his room and was dragged off by his mother into their room. "What the hell are you doing? We could have had guests over, and you're here acting like a wild animal. With a friend where did he even come from..Christopher is he..." His mother asked, her eyes darkening. He didn't see his mother anymore. He didn't see anyone. He spoke through her. "No, he's not gay. He's straight he has a girlfriend." His mother breathed a sigh of relief. "We wouldn't want him to influence you as Josh did. Understand." Her hands gently held his face. It burned with how cold it was but he did not flinch.His father spoke. "We wouldn't to punish you again. Or are you going to run away again and disappear? You can't run from us. We know what's best for you we love you so much." His father spoke but he didn't see him.Chris hasn't been able to see his parents for years ever since that happened. He just saw passed them and felt his skin burn when they touch him.He shook his head yes. "Of course, father, mother," Chris spoke calmly. Both parents relaxed. "Okay go with your friend and spend the day out. We're having people over to discuss a ball we are having having next Saturday. You should buy a suit and a mask since it's a masquerade ball." His mother spoke. "Yes Mother," Chris replied.They hugged him gently and patted his head ruffling his hair. Then walked away. Chris went into his room and sat on the bed. Matt was writing on his arm talking to Emily. He immediately went to Chris and sat next to him. Chris didn't respond he just sat there looking at the TV. Matt took his hand and watched TV with Chris.After a few minutes, Chris spoke. "We should go. I have to buy a suit and mask for a masquerade ball my parents are throwing. You and Emily should come. If you want." Chris said quietly. Matt hugged Chris from the side. "We wouldn't love to be there. Plus Emily is going to go crazy today shopping for a dress." Matt said.They both got up and left through the front door unnoticed by his parents. They took Matt's car. Chris touched his hair often where his parents touched it. Matt noticed this, and at a red light, he took his hand into his and put it down. "What did they do Chris," Matt asked. Chris sighed heavily and spoke. "They asked if you were gay and didn't want a repeat of what happened with Josh and when I ran away. They also touched my hair. I want a haircut. I kinda liked it but I feel like I need a haircut."Matt spoke." I'm sorry, Chris, that's so fucked up...you wanna look up hairstyles. How about green." Chris smiled. "That's terrible. I'm not the Grinch, man," Matt and Chris laughed.They arrived at the packed mall and Matt wrote on his arm to ask Emily where she was. "I'm right here Matt." She said, appearing behind him, scaring him, going behind Chris, and pushing him to Emily. "Wow, Matt, really. Okay, Chris, you're mine now. Let's go." She grabbed his arm and walked away from Matt, who was apologizing and grabbed her arm to hold like she was with Chris. Who was laughing about this whole thing.Chris explained what happened and invited her and Matt to the ball. Emily and Matt are close friends with Chris. They've stuck together for a long time. "I'm sorry, Chris, I really am. You don't deserve that." Emily said. Chris shook his head. "It's okay. I'm over it now. Let's shop for dresses and stuff." Chris said. "Fuck yeah, we are!" Emily exclaimed and pulled them into a store with dresses.After a few minutes, both Chris and Matt had their arms filled with dresses and suits Emily picked out. "Okay, everyone, dressing room, come out after each outfit." Emily said as she took her dresses out of Chris's and Matt's arms. Then they went into the dressing rooms. Chris put on a navy blue suit that had a gold pocket chain, with a coblat shirt and a sky blue tie.
Then he felt his arm tingle with excitement he saw a message from Gold. *Hey, goose, how's it going? I just got to the movies with Violet.* Chris smiled feeling warm inside.Should i tell him about what happened and the ball? Chris thought. He wrote back. *I'm trying on suits for a ball thing coming up.* Why not Chris thought it's not like they'll know who it am. Thankfully. Voilet replied. *What kind of suit ooo a ball fancy is goose gonna look fancy and handsome.* Chris smiled and wrote back. *super fancy haha I'm only going cause my parents told me too. I can't not listen to them. I'd rather be anywhere else.* Shit wait no why did I mention my parents. Scared Chris waited for a reply and didn't get one right away he tapped on the wall next to him since Matt is next to him."Did you put a suit on?" Chris asked. Matt replied. "Yeah I'm just about to come out now." Both came out at the same time Matt came out wearing a deep forest green suit worn off his shoulders down to his elbows, he also had a dark green shirt with black suspenders and a green bow tie with an outline of red. Finally a gold mask covering just his eyes. Fitting his face perfectly. Then Emily came out wearing a dark red Off-the-Shoulder Cape-Sleeve Gown. A grey mask with with dark green jewels spotted along it, a few feathers on the upper right side. "Chris put on your mask dumbass." Emily said.
Oh right Chris went back and put on his mask. It was a black mask with gold flakes and dark purple cracks. That covered most of his face except his lower face leaving his chin and mouth exposed. He came out wearing the mask. "Damn Chris you're looking hot." Emily said. Matt looked at Emily. "Hey what about me." Matt asked."Babe you're always hot. But Chris actually looks hot this time." Emily said. "Well i can't deny that." Matt said.Chris is blushing hard his entire face red. "Oh well uh thank you. I'll get this then." He stammered. "You two look great handsome and beautiful." Chris said.Emily and Matt smiled. "Thank you." They both said at the same time. They all went in to change. Then bought the outfit and masks.They headed to get lunch and rest. They bought their favorites and sat to eat. Chris realized he forgot a drink and went to get a drink. "I forgot my drink don't let Emily touch my fries." Chris said. If there's any human being who can top Chris's love for fries it's Emily. "I promise I will fight her for you." Chris left to get his drink and Emily looked at Matt and he looked away while she took some.Chris went to get a drink but was suddenly pulled backwards by someone and pulled into the hallway leading to the bathroom. "Give me your money" a masked man said holding a knife. Chris froze in fear couldn't move. The man angrily stabbed Chris in the stomach multiple times. Chris screamed in shock and pain went down and curled up bleeding out on the ground. The masked man went through his pockets and took his money. Leaving Chris to bleed out.Chris moved to get up but his hand slipped in his blood and he fell with a hard thud. His vision spotty he saw someone yelling for help and putting pressure on his stomach. He weakly tried to tell them it felt too much he coughed up blood with a sickening metallic taste they told him to shut up. He heard Emily on the phone calling for help away from him. But he couldn't make out anything else before he succumbed to sleep he saw beautiful colors of Gold and Violet dancing filling his vision. Some people say you'll see your soulmates colors when dying. I don't wanna die..not this time..I have to see them.. he thought to himself.Then closed his eyes despite multiple people yelling at him.
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Chris woke up to the sound of beeping and a smell. It smells so clean and familiar. Oh wait I'm at the hospital. He opened his eyes and blinked several times. His vision blurry he slowly groggy moved his hand to rub his eye. He felt something plastic or rubber something on his face. On his nose to be exact ah it's oxygen. But what am I doing here, he thought. The sweet relief of sleep still beckons him. But he can't sleep. Finally, his vision is back to normal. He looked around an empty hospital room, several flowers on a table. He saw he was wearing a hospital gown and looked at his arm. It that had several messages. All asking and begging where he is, *what happened, are you upset, are you okay.* Just then a nurse came in and ran to Chris."How are you feeling? What do you remember?" He spoke slowly.Chris thought about that. What did happen? Oh shit. He scrambled to lift the gown to see his stomach. He felt immediate pain. The nurse, frustrated, called for the doctor while he grabbed Chris's hand and held it down harshly. Chris hissed in pain."You people are all the same. Be greatfull you're here." He said"What ?!" Chris cried out. Startled and confused.The doctor came in and scolded the nurse and kicked him out."I am so sorry. He was not supposed to do that. Please let me see your hand. " The doctor asked. She held an examined it. Your hand is fine. You might have a bruise. Are you in pain?"Chris replied. "Just my stomach."The doctor shook her head. "Okay, thats normal. I'll give you something for that. Today is Wednesday, and on Saturday, you were stabbed multiple times by a mugger. Then a passerby helped put pressure on the wound and saved you. As your friend called the ambulance. You lost a lot of blood. You were asleep for a few days." The doctor gave Chris some pills he took for the pain.Chris remembered everything that happened. That mugger stole his wallet and everything in it and stabbed him. Fuck it hurts. "Did someone catch him?" He asked.The doctor sadly shook her head. "No, unfortunately. But your friends have been here often every day. They rarely left your side. They even brought you flowers. Such sweet friends you have. Now I need to take your vitals then we can see if you leave today. Your stitches healed perfectly. You can even go back to class tomorrow if your results are good and are up for it." She began to take his vitals and handed him a pen. "Once I'm done you can talk to them. Your arm has been lighting up the room often. It's beautiful but tragic with no response."Chris stayed still. Thinking about that day. He just wanted to get a drink. But he was caught off guard and mugged. Fuck well, at least he's at the best hospital money can buy. Well, his parent's money. Shit my parents."Did my parents come by ?" Chris asked.Do they know about it? They wouldn't care but with the ball coming up. They need him for pictures and to protect their image. If they knew he's in deeper shit then this incident.The doctor shook her head no. "No, I did talk to your friends about it, but they told me they told your parents. Since we can't talk to your parents directly. We couldn't find their numbers. Your parents are busy overseas, but they are so worried about you. They love you.""Thank you," Chris said. They don't know. His friends lied for him. They knew what would happen if they found out what happened. He felt his arm tingle a new message. It was from Violet. *we miss you. Have you been eating?*The doctor finished up. "I need to get a few things to run a blood test. I'll be right back." He left.Chris wrote immediately. Once he left with a shakey hand, the writing was messy. He wrote. *I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry. I got hurt and ended up in the hospital. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.*His arm lit up with many messages from both at the same time, asking *what happened? What hospital*.He wrote.* I can't say where. I just woke up. I got in an accident. I was out of it for a few days. But I'm okay. I might be able to leave today.*Gold replied. *What the fuck. Shit, goose, I'm sorry, that's horrible. Can we do anything for you? Please tell us where you are. We'll be there no matter where. We have to see you. Help you you. You got hurt without us. I want to be there for you Please.*Chris felt a lump in his throat. *I'm sorry. I can't. I'm not ready. I'm not enough for you yet. I have to be better.* he wrote.Gold replied. *This shit again. I'm sorry but this again. You can't be better you're perfect as you are. We are soulmates, please.*Chris replied. *I can’t. I'm not good enough. Not yet, but soon, I promise."
When I can escape my parents. Once I earn my own money and leave. We can meet. Chris thought to himself.Gold replied.*Okay. If you say so. I just want to meet you. But I'll wait.*Chris wrote back. *I'll make it worth it. I swear.*Voilet wrote. * I want to meet you. But I can wait. But if you make us wait too long. I will track you down.*The doctor came back. Chris wrote. *the doctor is back. I'll talk to you more later.*Gold and Violet replied. * I love you.**I love you too ♡ * Chris replied with a heart.The doctors came back and drew his blood quickly. " How have you been feeling lately." Oh this thing now."I've been feeling great lately. Everythings good." Chris said with a smile."That's good. I'm glad. How are your parents doing." The doctor asked."Good they have been doing good. They are planning a ball actually. And I'm looking forward to it." Chris replied."That sounds like so much fun. I always wanted to go to one. Your father always planned the best ones." She said.Gross can this be over already Chris thought to himself."Your father is so kind and caring. I remember that time you were here. You're parents..well your dad mostly was so devastated I never left his side. We talked for hours and really connected. I always made sure to talk to him daily till you left. Has he said anything. I know it's been a couple of years but has he?"She asked.Chris is annoyed but he's used to this. He's used to people going after his parents. And using him to get to them especially after what happened years ago. They were leaches constantly on him and manipulating him. Just for his parents and their money and power. That made it harder to get better and leave. But he got out."No he got a new phone after dropping it in the ocean. We've been on vacations often making memories and enjoying eachother. I'm sorry but I'll tell him to call you. If you'd like." Chris said with a fake smile."Oh no no. Please. Its fine. I'll take this for testing. So far everything looks great. If this is good you can leave."Once the doctor left his friends. Matt and Emily came. Rushing to him happy to see him awake. Matt and Emily hugged him from both sides of the bed gently."How do you feel ?!" They both said at the same time."Well, I feel good aside from stomach pain. I got some stitches but the doctor said I'm fine and I could leave today. And get back into class tomorrow." Chris said.Emily pulled on his ear. "You and those classes. You have to get stabbed to take a break. Your fine, teachers haven't been giving a lot of homework. I took notes for you. You're resting tomorrow. You can go to class on Friday. Understand." Emily spoke sternly.Chris wide-eyed nodded. "Yes sir I mean Emily." He said. Emily can be intimidating but she means well.Matt laughed. "Good cause if you didn't. I'd tackle you and tie you to the bed." He said."Okay, yeah, sure. That's kinda kinky of you Matt. Do you like that stuff?" Chris asked with a laugh.Matt, flustered, backed away. " What, no, what's kink I don't. Shut up. " He said looking at them laughing.They both laughed at Matt's reaction and Matt just pouted but was hiding a smile. "Fuck off," he said.Emily's face turned as the laughing died down seriously. "Chris that was so scary. We saw you walk away, then we heard a scream we knew it was you and ran. Then we saw Mike pressing onto your stomach and there was so much blood. I felt sick I couldn't move. Till Mike yelled to call for help. I scrambled for my phone and called the ambulance. But then... " Emily's voice shook."But then you started to cough blood trying to fucking talk...then you closed your eyes. Me, Matt, Mike. We yelled at you to wake up, and he shook you, but you didn't move. We thought you died. You looked so stiff and pale...please don't go anywhere without us again Chris. I'm not strong enough to lose you. I don't want to lose you. Matt was a mess. He went to your side as you passed out. He tried to wake you up. The paramedics had to physically remove him because he didn't want to leave you. Chris, the doctors said you're lucky to be alive. You should have died." Emily looked at Matt, who was filled with tears looking down.Chris pulled Emily and Matt close to him and hugged. They wrapped their arms around him loosely as did Chris. To not rip the stitching."I'm sorry you had to see that. I'm so sorry. That must have been terrifying for you. I'm okay now and I'm not going anywhere. Okay." Chris said feeling guilty that his friends had to go through that.Just then the doctor came in. "Well, good news, everything looks great. You get to leave today whenever you're ready. But here take these okay. It will help with the pain and prevent infections. If you have any questions or anything call me.""Thank you. I'll leave now. I've been here a few days; I don't wanna stay any longer, haha." Chris said.The doctor left with a smile and Chris slowly changed and packed up to leave as his friends helped. He saw he had two stitches across his stomach. "Fuck" he said to himself out loud. Chris looked away and covered it up with his sweater."Oh wait, what did my parents say? Did they say anything? Did they know anything?" Chris asked.Matt looked at Emily he said. "Well, they haven't been home to notice."Emily spoke. "They went away for a bit with my parents to do business together. They left Saturday evening. They didn't know anything. Are you going to be at the ball? You don't look that great. I mean, it's great you're healing quickly and walking, but I don't think you should be walking around so much.""I'll be fine. I'll take it easy, but if I don't go, my parents will be suspicious and pissed. I have to stay on their good side. I'll stay in bed don't want Matt getting kinky with me and tying me to the bed. " He laughed.Matt flustered then smirked. "Well if you want too your gonna have to beg. You sound like you want me to tie you down and keep you there." He said looking at Chris. Then Emily who was trying not to die of laughter.Chris took this as a challenge then said. "Oh really do you want me to beg. Do you want me too get on my knees and cling and beg for you to ruin me."Matt walked close to Chris backed him up the wall then caged him in with both arms Chris's face quickly turned red.He spoke quietly "If anything you'd be begging for me to stop and I won't until your squirming and writhing underneath me. Crying on the brink of passing out after coming again and again. As I fill you up and you get sucked off at the same time.""Oh fuck." Emily said.Chris was completely red and flustered. Matt pushed himself off the wall Chris immediately went to pick up the flowers on the table. Emily was cracking up."Let's never speak of this again." Matt said."No wait that was so hot. Do it again." Emily said practically wheezing enjoying them being embarrassed and flustered.To make things worse Chris spoke his voice cracked. "I got the flowers let's go." Chris quickly left the room.Emily pointed at Chris "Chris is going through puberty again! This is the best day of my life."Matt grabbed Chris's bag he forgot and walked out with Emily begging him to do that again. They left together in Emily's car she drove them to Chris's home. They got inside and relaxed on the couch."Let's order something I'm hungry and don't feel like cooking" Chris asked. They agreed and ordered and watched TV.Chris spoke up after a while of silence. "So Mike.."Emily looked at Chris sadly. "Oh yeah he was nearby when it happened he was pressing on you and yelling at you to stay awake. The only reason he helped you is because he was there. He.." Emily's voice trailed off.Matt finished for her. "That's dick said you should have died. He never wanted to help you. He was just there and some kind of instinct happened if he could have resisted he would. Chris stay the fuck away from him please. I get you still feel horrible about what happened and still cling on the idea you could be friends again. But they won't and don't care about you. You could explain what happened but that won't change they are terrible people who hate you. It won't erase everything like it never happened. Just please give them up and stick with us. "Chris's face crumbled. He wrapped his arms round himself instinctively. "He wanted me dead..i know he hates me. I know they hate me. But I'm. I was going to tell them what happened once I'm out of here. I'm trying I am." Chris said."We know Chris. We see you working hard and studying alot. But I don't think it would make a difference. Too much time has passed. So much has happened. You could tell them but don't expect a change." Emily said"I can't give them up. I understand and I know it would be best but I can't. I don't know how to explain but I can't stop. I can't give them up." Chris said softly.Emily and Matt looked at each other with knowing eyes. They knew he'd say this. Chris wouldn't detach himself from them. No matter what. He's too stupidly sweet. Mostly stupid. But if they can't stop him they'll stick with him, and tell Mike and Josh to fuck off.The food came just in that moment. They grabbed it and ate while watching TV and changed the subject to it.The mood shifted and everyone's enjoying themselves making jokes about what happened in the hospital, talking about the ball coming up."Do we have everything for it?" Chris asked."Yeah I've been holding on to it it's at my place. I'll bring it over tomorrow. " Matt said."Can I have the notes and stuff I'll write it down tomorrow so I won't get behind. " Chris asked Emily."Yeah I'll email it to you. Everything is on my laptop." Emily said."Thanks, " Chris said"Did he take your wallet what else ?" Matt asked"Well he took my wallet that's it. I just had cash in it and a gift card. So it's okay. " Chris said shrugging."What about your id dude. Was your id in it. " Matt asked panicked."I think so. I could just get a new one. It's okay. " Chris said."Chris no. That had your address on it. What if he comes here robs you and kills you. He already stabbed you there's no telling what else he'll do. Oh shit what if he comes back for you. " Matt said panicking."Matt i highly doubt that would happen. The police are after him and he knows the police are after him. Everything is okay. He won't come here he'd have to be an idiot." Chris said reassuringly."I don't think so. But okay. Just make sure everything is locked at all times. And have your phone always on you. Just until they catch him." Matt said."Okay I will. Are you gonna be my knight in shining armor?" Chris asked with a wink."I'd pay anything to see that." Emily happily said."Why do you make me suffer ?" Matt asked."Cause it's fun" Both Emily and Chris said.They spent the rest of the day together at Chris's home till evening they left to head home for classes tomorrow. Emily told Chris to stay home tomorrow and rest. Chris complied because he's kinda scared of her.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It's evening Chris was at his front door saying goodbye. Emily reminded him to take his meds. He nodded, waving her off; she put up her favorite finger. As did Chris in response. Matt reminded him to lock everything. Then he decided he should do it himself. Matt went into every room and door and made sure everything was locked. Chris pushed the overprotective Matt outside but thanked him once he left.He went inside after their car left the driveway and locked the door. Chris went to clean up the mess they made. As he cleaned up he put on some music. Usually, he'd put it on his Arcane Playlist. But after everything he could use some soft music. Relax as he cleans then talk to his soulmates then sleep. He put on his Life is Strange Playlist. As it played on the speaker he cleaned and hummed along.Let's say sunshine for everyoneBut as far as I can rememberWe've been migratory animalsLiving under changing weatherDespite being bullied, getting stabbed, and having that horrible problem. Chris is glad to have such amazing friends who make him happy regardless of what happened. They go through life together.Chris sang along softly and hummed. He picked up plates and empty containers. He walked into the kitchen, throwing the containers out first, then the plates in the sink.Someday, we will foresee obstaclesThrough the blizzard, through the blizzardToday, we will sell our uniformLive together, live togetherI know Mike and Josh hate me. But once I escape. I'll tell them the truth. I'll tell them everything that happened. I never meant it. I tried to escape to help. But I will truly escape my family. I'll be able to be myself and love my soulmates. My family can't get to me once I do.Chris washed the plates. Still singing along.We played hide and seek in waterfallsWe were younger, we were youngerWe played hide and seek in waterfallsWe were younger, we were younger.Chris remembered when they were young and ruled his backyard. Filled with trees they made themselves king of the forest. They made a crown with markers, sticks, and yarn. Then made a fort that blew away with the slightest wind. It was never meant to stay up with no support.Chris's eyes teared up humming. Rinsing off the plates he took a shaky deep breath. Blinking away the tears.We played hide and seek in waterfallsWe were younger, we were youngerWe played hide and seek in waterfallsWe were younger, we were younger.Chris used to love to swim and climb high. He wanted to climb as high as he could and jump off. Like a bird free without a care in the world. Mike loved to swim with Chris while Josh relaxed.Someday, we will foresee obstaclesThrough the blizzard, through the blizzard.One day. He will say everything to Mike and Josh. Also, his soulmates he'll open up. Then he'll give Emily and Matt a break from his crazy life.Chris stopped rinsing the dishes. He put them to dry. Then walked away to the music shutting it off. Wipping his tears away he took a step forward and took his meds. He saw that the bottle may cause drowsiness. Well, at least it's evening. I'll just head to my room and write to them as I doze off.He went upstairs and wrote. *Hi I took my meds. I'm heading to bed it's supposed to make me drowsy. I'll just harass you two till I sleep ♡*Gold wrote back. *Bold of you to assume you could do such a thing. I do believe that is a challenge.*Violet replied. * I'll take that challenge. Let's harass Goose till he says mercy.*Chris replied. *well shit.**language* both wrote.Chris laughed and changed. As he changed he saw his stitches. More to add on me I guess. Would they like my body once they see it all? Chris thought to himself.He got into bed and wrote. *Son of a cake. Ha you thought I was gonna curse right.*Gold replied. *Not really goose.*Violet replied *When the moonlight hits your eye. Like a big pizza pie. That's Macular degeneration.*Chris laughed out loud.Gold replied *Lmao*Chris replied *I laughed so much*Chris started to feel tired.Chris wrote *The meds kicking in. I'm so tired*Violet replied *what exactly happened. Before you sleep, can you tell us everything?*Chris thought about it. I don't want to scare them or worry about them. But I don't want to lie. I don't want our relationship to be filled with lies and build our foundation with it. Maybe I should open up to them. I think it would be best. Yeah, I'll open up and tell them, and they'll help me. Fuck I'm scared.Chris wrote *Okay. What happened was I was out with friends at a mall. We decided to eat and I forgot to get a drink. I left to get a drink when I was grabbed and pulled into a hallway leading to the bathroom. There was a masked man who pulled out a knife and wanted everything I had. I stupidly froze. He got mad and stabbed me so many times and grabbed everything in my pockets. It was just my wallet. That's all I had in there. He ran, and I couldn't get up. I ended up needing stitches and didn't wake up till today.*Chris had tears streaming down his face as he wrote with shakey hands.*I was so scared. I saw your colors. I saw beautiful Gold and Violet dancing across my vision. I was dying. All I could think about was you two. How I needed and wanted you. I couldn't die without meeting you. I couldn't leave you two. I love you. ♡*Chris anxiously waited for a reply. A minute passed. No reply. Two minutes passed no reply. One more minute three minutes passed. A reply came.Gold replied *Fuck oh god. That's fucking. You almost died. You could have died Goose. You saw...I can't lose you, please. I can't believe that happened. Oh, my Goose. That's terrible. Please we have to at least see each other. You're enough I swear I love you. I love you so fucking much. Please accept my love please come to me. Come to us, please. I can't lose you without holding you. I can't lose you without loving you in person. Please, can we at least hear each other voices? I can give you my number, please. I need to hear you. Please.*Chris crying heavily wanting to hear his voice wanting him. Wrote back. *Yes we can talk till we sleep*Violet wrote. *I'll join the call to goose. I need to hear your. Hear your voice.*Gold gave his number, as did Goose. Chris put them in his phone with shaking hands and then smiled. "I hope you'll like my voice." He said out loud to himself.Then he created a group audio call. It rang rang rang. Click. They answered."Hello?" Chris whispered."Hey, goose." Gold said."Oh shit," Violet said."Ha ha yeah. Hi." Chris said"Hi," Gold said."I love your voice. " Gold said."I love yours. It's soothing." Chris said."Thanks, I had it since I was born." Gold jokingly said."Hi, Violet," Chris saidNo reply came through."Violet?" Chris asked."I'm here. I'm sorry I was just overwhelmed. Hearing you and what happened. It's just." Violet stopped talking."I know. I feel the same way." Gold said"Yeah," Violet replied."I can't stay up anymore. It's too hard. I have to sleep. But I can stay on the call. Listen to you we can sleep together...if you want." Chris asked."I would love nothing more than that Goose. I saw a new show Arcane. I'll talk about that till we sleep. I have a lot to say." Gold said."I love that show. I'll be here." Chris said."I'll be here to listen," Violet said.Chris fell asleep hearing Gold and Violet talk about the show.It was 11am when he woke up. He woke up to his doorbell being rung repeatedly. With a sigh and a groan, he got up. He saw the phone call closed at 6am. They must have woken up for classes Chris thought to himself. Chris knew they had classes. I hope it's a good day for them. I loved hearing them. I'll never get their sweet voices out of my head now. Chris thought with a smile.He walked downstairs his hand on his stomach slightly hurting. He opened the door and saw Mike.Startled, he moved to shut the door, but Mike put his foot in the door. As it closed but was stopped by it. Then he pushed the door open and pushed Chris inside his living room."You fucking asshole. You are my soulmate ?!" Mike shouted.Chris's stomach dropped his eyes grew and widened. He stepped back as Mike marched closer to him. Visibly fuming his hand clenched to a fist."Wait, wait for n n no, no. Mike." Chris's voice cracked as he stammered. His back is fully against the wall.Mike grabbed his shirt with one hand and pulled him close to him."Yes, Chris. Or should I say Goose? Once I saw you at the mall bleeding out. I felt something pulling me to you. To save you I didn't want to. But something in me would regret it if I didn't. I suspected something then. But after you said what happened. I knew. It's you." Mike said with fury, anger, and something broken."Mike, I-" Chris said before he was shut up by Mike pushing him hard at the wall."No. No talking." Mike sternly spoke looking at Chris in his eyes. No one spoke.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
What, no, no, no. Please not him. Not him. Not Mike anyone but Mike. He hates me, he despises me. I fucked up, I fucked him up he wanted me dead. Oh, shit, is he gonna kill me."Wait what?!" Chris asked.Mike angrily punched Chris in the jaw."I can't fucking believe it. You of all people. After everything you put me through, the shit you did, the shit you told your parents and told our parents, what they fuck. Oh, I'll kill you. I swear I will. Shit, I can't this fucked up cosmic mistake won't let me." Mike saidMaybe he's wrong. Yeah, this is all a misunderstanding."Mm Mike, this is all a misunderstanding. Yeah right. " Chris said.Mike took out a pen and wrote. *hey Goose, are you resting? How are you?*Chris's arm tingled, his eyes welled up, and his heart broke as he looked down. In Violet, the message was there. Mike saw."Chris you are a bastard. I never have and never will forgive you for what you did. You are fucked up and that shit fucked with Josh for years. And it fucked me up but I got over it for Josh."Fuck no. I swear that wasn't me. It wasn't. I never meant to. I tried to get away from it. No, Mike, it wasn't me, I swear. Once I found out I tried to get you. I tried to run but I never could escape it. I'm..fuck no. Please not you. I didn't just hurt Mike. I hurt my soulmate. Fuck. All I do is hurt and fuck people up.Mike grabbed Chris's throat and pushed him up the wall. Squeezing slowly tighter. He stared at Chris. Who did nothing but stare in fear and guilt."This is a mistake. You are a mistake. No soulmates can do that to their other person. No person could do that to their best friends. Seriously, Chris, that was fucked. Just because.. no, why should I talk about that with you? Haha, you'd probably just talk to our parents again to try and get us..." Mike's eyes began to shine with tears welled up"Stay the fuck away from me, and Josh, don't break his heart again. He can't know. Not right now. "Mike said his hands still pinning Chris's throat to the wall.Chris nodded and was released. He fell onto the ground. Coughing, he asked. "Josh?" Why is Mike talking about Josh?"Oh, you are dumb. Josh is my soulmate. Yours, but he will never be yours. You stay away, or I'll make sure you regret even thinking about talking to Josh." Mike said sternly to Chris.Chris teared up but hid it from Mike. "Okay," he said, looking down his hands clenched into fists."Good. Also, we were invited to your parent's ball. We would ignore it but our parents are making us go. Again. Talk to him. You will regret it. You know your worth. Don't you." Mike said as he crouched to Chris's level."Yes," Chris answered."Say it," Mike said his eyes narrowed."I'm worthless," Chris said."Say I am a worthless soulmate. I will never be good enough." Mike said.But you said I was good enough...you said you loved me, you taught me how to love myself."I...I am a worthless soulmate. I.." Chris stopped, and a lump in his throat stopped him from talking."Say it!" Mike shouted."I am a worthless soulmate...I will never..be..good enough." Chris said in a broken whisper.Believing every word. As he was told growing up, as he told himself, as they told him, as Mike told him, as his soulmates told him. I am worthless. I am not good enough and never will be."I will never allow you in our lives again. I will never let you hurt Josh again. However. He doesn't know about this. Now yet. If I tell him...I know he'll want you in our lives again. He'll be upset at first but then he'll start to love you. You don't deserve him. Not after what you did. I'll tell him I found out after the ball. For now, just pretend none of this happened. Play pretend and write happy ok. If you feel anything is that sadistic heart of yours you'll do as I say. Ok." Mike said.Chris couldn't say anything. His ears are ringing, but his head is filled with cotton sounds muffled, but he understands. With a heavy head, he nodded slowly.Mike went to the front door before he left he said. "Try not to get stabbed again ok." Then he left slamming the door.Chris got up slowly, locked the door, and made his way upstairs, put music on, and lay down. Music helps. Right. He felt pain in his stomach. He saw the pills right by him. He took some and went to sleep. Good thing it's drowsy...I think I'll just sleep for a while.Chris woke up shaken. With a headache, he groaned out. Then he was being hugged. Wait what."What?" Chris said as he woke up."Oh thank God. Em, he's okay!" Matt shoutedI'm not in the mood for this. I just found two people I hurt the most, my soulmates, and they hate me. Everything led to nothing because of me."Matt what the fuck." Chris asked."Don't you what the fuck me. You didn't reply to anything we sent. It's 4, and we came over to see you with a giant bruise on your jaw, then you wouldn't wake when I kept shaking you. I saw the pills...I thought you'd." Matt stopped talking.Oh. "No, Matt, I'm sorry. It's just. I was in pain and I wanted to sleep the day away." Chris said. As he sat up."What happened?" Matt asked as Emily moved and sat on the bed near Matt.Should I tell him? What if I ruin him, too? What if he hates me? What if I make him pity me more? What if he leaves me? What if he has enough of this of me and leaves?"And don't fuck with us. Please not us. We're not going anywhere " Matt said.As Chris opened his mouth he felt his arm tingle. A message from Gold or Josh he should say now. *Hey Goose, ugh, I just had a long day of tests. Also, Violet wasn't in today. He was sick at home. Are you okay? How are you feeling? Have you been taking your meds? I love you my Goose. I thought about you all day. I'm sorry for not messaging I had to work on my tests and focus.*Chris looked at his arm unknowingly crying tears fell onto his arm. His heart broke at the message. If only Josh knew. He would never say that. He would treat and talk to me like I deserved it. Not with all that love. He should hate me. He shouldn't be my soulmate. I don't deserve him."Chris..what happened," Matt asked again."Mike came over," Chris said."The fuck doesn't he have a life. You just got stabbed and he still wants to wail on you. What kind of anger issues is he? That fucking-" Emily said but was interrupted."He found out I'm his soulmate...I didn't know but he found out first.." Chris said quickly.They looked at Chris silently as the music played softly."You're joking," Emily said, breaking the silence.Chris shook his head, pulling his knees to his chest, then put his head down."What did he say, how did he know ?" Matt asked.Chris stood still shaking his head."Did he punch you because of that?" Emily asked.Chris nodded his head still down."You have two soulmates right. Does he know the other one?" Emily asked.Chris didn't move. Yes he knows it's Josh. I broke him, I destroyed him, I failed him. I failed my soulmates. I let my parents destroy them.His stomach growled Chris twitched embarrassed and regrets talking about it."I'll make something." Matt said as he got up. Matt went to the door and called for Emily to come."Emily." He said.Emily looked at Chris still hugging his knees staying still. Her heart broke at the sight. Once he was happy, joking around making plans to leave. Now gone. Knowing Mike is his soulmate is crushing. Especially after everything what happened years ago. It was never his fault, but he wouldn't listen.She left patting Chris and went to Matt. They made their way downstairs and into the kitchen. They stood still infront of eachother."What do we do Matt?" Emily asked."I don't know Em. I think we should stay with Chris for a while. We don't know the whole story how he found out. But he shouldn't be left alone. No matter what." Matt said."It wasn't even him. It wasn't his fault it was his parents. He didn't do anything but try to warn them, he tried to leave that camp, he... what if we told him?" Emily asked."Tell who what?" Matt said. He went to grab a pot to start boiling water."What if we tell Mike the truth about that day. About everything." Emily said. She went into the freezer and grabbed meatballs, then the pantry to grab marinara sauce."We can't Em. Its not our place to say. He's Chris's soulmate we can't interfere with him knowing. No matter how bad we want to. We also promised Chris we'd wouldn't tell him." Matt said."So what. We just stay here making spaghetti and meatballs. While he breaks because of that soulmate asshole. Yeah great plan. Matt good plan." Emily sarcasticly said clapping her hands.Matt sighed putting the pasta in boiling water not breaking it."Em come on. We promised him. Remember we swore on that day. We will never say anything to anyone no matter what." Matt said quietly.Matt and Emily stayed quiet. Matt grabbed the meatballs and sauce then put in the pot to cook."I hated that day. I never want to think about that again. Seeing Chris like that..." Emily said watching the pots she sat on the counter top."So small, sick, scared, fragile. I just wanted to hold and hide him." Matt said"I wanted to fight his parents." Emily said."Yeah." Matt said."Okay. We'll stay here for a few days. Then the ball is in a few days so his parents won't be here till Saturday. I'll grab our stuff and come back." Emily said. She got up to leave."Emily wait i-" Matt said but was interrupted by Emily."Matt I think I know what your going to say. But not now. We'll talk later. Okay. I love you. Emily said."I love you too Em." Matt said as she left.Matt finished up cooking and made a plate for Chris. He grabbed a soda and went upstairs. He went into Chris room somethings changed.Chris still hugged his knees to his chest staring at the wall with empty eyes. His arm lighting up with Gold messages he slowly brought his arm close.*I missed you Goose. Have you been, are you resting? What did you do today?* Gold said.Chris replied right away. *slept mostly and studied ♡* he put his arm down. And saw Matt."Hey. You have to eat.." Matt saidChris didn't answer. He looked at Matt.How can I eat. When the prople I love the most are the lives I almost destroyed. How can I eat when the two people I love, hate me. How can I do anything when my soulmates who taught me how to love myself. When all I've known is conditional love. They taught me everything I know about love and care. What I've never received what I never knew. It was changed by them.I thought of myself less as worthless and more of worthy of being happy and able to do things...but now how can I. Mike and Josh. Mike took everything back what he said. He made me say that...wait. Chris realized something.They know, don’t they? Mike and Josh know. They’re aware of the camp—where I went. I told them about it after I left. That’s when my soulmates appeared. I opened up to them a week later.Gold and Violet showed up right after I was able to leave camp. I remembered they said hi, and then we talked almost nonstop. I never knew it was them at first. I pretended that nothing had happened and that I was normal, but I couldn't hide it well from them. I told them about the camp—some of what happened—but I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to talk about everything. They weren’t upset; they listened, comforted me, and genuinely cared for me.He knows, and still... Mike knows and he hates me. I don’t want pity because of the camp and everything he knows. He can hate me, and honestly, he’s right to feel that way, Chris thought to himself."Chris" Matt said pulling Chris from his thoughts."Eat please. You haven't eaten since yesterday dinner." Matt said pointing to the plate.Chris moved his legs down and grabbed it. He saw it was his favorite. Spaghetti and meatballs. Thank you Matt. He thought to himself, but couldn't say it outloud.Matt opened the TV and sat with Chris eating together.Chris finished his plate and Matt did shortly after.His arm tingled again. In gold and Violet.Gold said. *Help me with dinner. Pizza or ramen.*Violet replied. *Ramen sounds good.**Goose what do you think?* Gold asked.*I think pizza sounds good. I know you love pizza more than ramen.♡* Chris replied.*you know alot Goose.* Violet wrote. Chris felt so empty with that."Chris you don't have too talk to him." Matt said.Chris shook his head and wrote.*haha yeah. I know everything I'm an all knowing boss**lmao Goose that made me literally laugh outloud.* Gold wrote.*I'll order pizza. Too bad you aren't here to enjoy it with me. But Violet is coming so I'll annoy him. Give me ideas* Gold wrote.*please don't * Violet wrote.*poke him constantly non stop.* Chris wrote.*Perfect.* Gold replied.*I'm here* Violet wrote.*I'll open the door. I love you Goose* Gold wrote.* I love you too Gold.* Chris wroteChris looked at Matt who was watching him. He pointed to the TV. "You kinda missed a plot twist. I'll put it back." Matt said and rewinded the TV.Emily came back hands filled with bags and saw Matt and Chris huddled together. She put down everything and went to them.Chris saw Emily's bags and knew they'd be staying over for a while. I don't deserve them. He thought to himself.Emily was next to Chris and Matt was on the other side with Chris in the middle."Let's go for a walk later okay." Emily said."That sounds good. What do you think Chris?" Matt askedChris nodded. Not looking at them.After a bit Emily patted Chris "Hey let's for a walk." Emily said.Chris nodded and moved as Emily got up with Matt."How about we walk to the creek down the road. We haven't been there a while." Matt said."Good thing it's brought my shoes first that. If I see mud on my favorite babies then I'll die. But this pair is fine to have it." Emily said putting on shoes"I thought I was your baby." Matt joked."You're something alright." Emily said."Aww..wait. Hey!" Matt said.Chris put his shoes and coat then waited by the doorThey walked out Chris behind them. They walked slower but Chris still stayed behind. He felt uncomfortable being so close with them. He didn't say anything but they understood and kept walking.He felt his arm tingle it was gold. *Hey Goose. How are you, are you okay?*Chris replied. * I'm okay ♡♡ just thinking about you.* it's so easy to lie and pretend.Gold wrote back. *Whatcha doing. Did you eat. Are you in pain.*Chris replied. *I'm with friends chilling. I had spaghetti and meatballs, my favorite. I'm not in pain i took my meds before. What are you doing♡* Everything hurts, but I don't feel anything.Gold replied. *Hanging with Violet. He's being strange. Has he said anything to you?*Chris replied. *No? Hug him for me he probably needs a hug. He hasn't said anything but I'll talk to him. I love you♡* That's all I can do to you now. Just love.Gold replied. *Okay Goose. I love you oo. Have fun with your friends♡*Chris couldn't reply his chest and body itching for some kind of release. He looked at Matt and Emily a couple feet away not too far but far enough.Chris reached into his pocket and took out a cigarette. A bad habit he has been trying to break for Gold and Violet. But he doesn't have too anymore. I can just keep doing it. I dont care. As he lit it he felt his arm tingle. It's more of a burn now. But does it really matter now?He lit the cigarette and took a deep breath with it. The burning in his lungs with the cold reminded him another reason why he stopped. He held it, slowly tilted his head back then slowly breathed out with a smile. He did it one more time and felt like he could breathe.He kept walking watching his friends talk. Probably about him. They should just fuck off leave me alone. Chris thought.Chris kept smoking kicking rocks when he heard the familiar sound of the stream. Then they arrived at the spot.Matt pointed to the rocks going across the steam."Dude remember when we went across them but they were so slippery someone always fell and ended up soaking wet." Matt laughed and turned around to look at Chris. He stopped laughing."Are you smoking? I thought you were working on that. When did you start again?" Matt asked concerned.Chris silently shrugged his shoulders, smokes and blows it away from Matt looking at the ground so the smoke doesn't go near him.Matt sighed. Then walked over to a large rock and sat on it."Remember when we tried to climb this. We thought it was everest. But now it's just a big rock, but it's the same even though it's different." Matt said looking at Chris."I remember I tried once to impress you then stopped when I broke a nail." Emily laughed."Haha I remember. You were upset for a week after that." Matt smiled.Chris watched with a sinking heart. Thinking about how he will never be able to have that interaction or anything similar. He accidentally burned his fingers with the cigarette finishing, with a silent hiss he dropped it, stepped on it and picked it up to throw away at home. He took out another one and lit it with his lighter.He looked at his lighter it seemed old and worn out. The art and design was faded, worn out and mostly gone. There was a speck of purple but Chris doesn't remember what it was. It's just a lighter now. Its only purpose is to help Chris breathe again.He took a deep breath with it and sat a rock near Matt. There wasn't any large enough rocks too on around here. He released his breath away from Matt and Emily who made a face."Dude. That stuff-" Matt said but stopped when Chris turned and looked at him with tired, red, eyes with bags underneath them."Matt let's talk about the ball. I bought everything but I decide which perfume to wear. Cause I don't know what colone your wearing. We have to match you know." Emily said changing the subject looking at Chris and Matt."I am not wearing something that smells like roses Em." Matt said getting the point."Obviously dumbass. You're wearing something else. You know what I'll choose for you. You'd probably chose nothing like a heathen." Emily said making a face."I look so fucking perfect like model. In that dress and mask. Ugh I should be on every magazine. But they always edit it and this body and face is perfect as is." Emily said."You got that right." Matt said with a smileChris looked away and watched the stream go over and around the small across the stream. Seeing a ghost of him as a child running and jumping across with Matt...and Josh and Mike as kids. How can something so happy look so terrifying. Must be the ghosts right.Chris kept smoking his cigarette missing the taste and smell. Occasionally he tuned in Matt's and Emily's conversation. But he'd prefer to watch the ghosts no matter how tragic it looks.Chris didn't realize how much time has passed till his his fingers burned again. His second cigarette finishing burning him again. This time he didn't flinch or hiss. It felt real. He just dropped it and stepped on it. Then picked it up to throw away at home."Alright let's go it's getting dark. Don't want the wendigos coming out." Matt joked around and laughed."Haha okay. Let's go Matt." Emily said.They walked in front of Chris and Chris stayed behind them. Hands in pockets looking down.I wish I brought my headphones. Chris thought stuck with his thoughts he just looked at the ground till he arrived home. Luckily it was close by.I wounder what he's thinking about. Should I even try to escape my parents now. What's the point. Gold and Violet were my reasons.Chris arrived home with everyone and took off his shoes and threw those two cigarettes away. He heard Matt say I wish he didn't smoke. But he doesn't care. It helps him. Why should he stop. It's not bad.Chris sat down and Matt grabbed the controllers. Then placed one on Chris's hands."Dude we are playing among us. I'm feeling sussy" Matt said."Ew" Emily said."I'm just joking I'm funny."Matt said."Yeah okay. I'm gonna shower." Emily said heading upstairs.Chris stayed quiet and played. Matt was loud and laughed alot. Chris didn't care but wished it would stop.They played till Matt put on a different game and another one and more till it was late. Emily stayed upstairs doing her beauty routine and talking to friends. She needed a break.They headed upstairs Emily and Matt stayed in a guest room made theirs. Since they've been here often it became theirs. Chris went to his room and layed down.He stared at the pills took it and felt his arm burn.It was gold. *Hey Goose. I'm going to a ball soon. I wish I could take you. Id love too see what you'd wear. No matter what it would be sexy.*Chris replied. *lmao thank you. I'm gonna sleep but please tell me more tomorrow.♡*Gold replied. *Okay good night Goose. I love you.**i love you too * Chris wrote back.I don't have soulmates anymore. I don't have anyone.Chris fell asleep waiting for tomorrow.
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Chris woke up with a notification on his phone. It was 8am and he received a message from his mother.Mother: Decorators and caterers are coming today to prepare for tomorrow as well as the designer for your mask and suit, if you have one and we disapprove you'll have a back up. Isn't that lovely also you will stay away from undesirables tomorrow. There will be photographers tomorow also, now make sure everythings ready for tomorrow. I'm counting on you. I love you so much my dear. Well be home soon tomorrow just in time for it. I'll bring you a present you father and I have been preparing. Have a good day son.Chris: Yes Mother, thank you.Chris put the phone down and looked around his room. He could go downstairs and eat breakfast or he could just reach for the drawer with the extra pack of cigarettes.Good thing I forgot about throwing you out. I love the taste and smell. So relaxing...I wounder if I should smoke weed, do I have any? I remember I got it once from someone a while ago after a bad memory trip. Violet- I mean Mike told me to stay away from it. Just because I remember something it doesn't mean I have to get into something else to run away. It's best to face it together than alone....Haha fuck that shit. Where is it?Chris got up looked for it he went around his room and drawers.Why do I have all these dressers again? Oh ots cause my parents by me clothes everytime, they think i suck at looking nice..Which is all the time.Oh wait it's in my closet I hid it there. Incase my parents go through my drawers again. Fucking tossing all my shit out on the floor just because of one crumb or a bad grade. Or my voice is too loud and I'm screaming on the top of my lungs when I'm basically speaking so quietly I'm asked to repeat. I hate them.Chris went into his closet and reached for the floorboard. One was loose and he lifted it up to show a small box when opened a small baggie with the perfect rolls for Chris. He sighed heavily and grabbed one. He debated it.Should I go for it. It's relaxing and would be really helpful. But cigarettes do the same thing. Shit wait no fuck. The smell stays longer on me. Plus people are coming today. I'll just stick with cigarettes. I'll leave later outside to smoke the weed.Chris put it back, shut the closet than he looked for his pack, which he found quickly. He grabbed one went to his bed then, just before he reached for lighter on his bedside table, he saw a picture frame with him, Matt, and Emily. Doing a Charlie's angel pose. They did alot for him. He put it back in the pack and put it the drawer. He then went downstairs to make them breakfast.He went into the kitchen and got to work making pancakes and eggs and sausages. He did make a batch of blueberry pancakes for Emily her favorite with scrambled eggs, Then chocolate chip pancakes with bananas on top for Matt with sunny side up eggs and two sausages, and for Chris chocolate chip pancakes with over easy eggs and one sausage.But he couldn't thinking about eating it. He just stared at it. Ignoring his thoughts and his arm burning, he set the table.He put everything on the table and pourd their favorite juice, by their plates. Emily loves the classic orange juice, Matt loves strawberry kiwi, and Chris loved the same as Matt. He gave himself less he's not hungry.He heard footsteps coming down and smiled at the two half asleep walking to the table. They sat down at their plates and Emily looked at Chris with sleepy eyes and a small smile, as did Matt. They ate. Chris walked to his plate and took small bites.I'll just eat to have energy for the day. I can't do everything weak and be embarrassed. Only so I can function properly without embarrassing myself and my parents. Ugh all those people coming today."Chris what's on your mind? Your barley eating." Emily asked.Chris shook his head, then took a bite of his pancake. "Nothing, just got stuff for tomorrow to deal with...people coming to get everything ready." He said."Oh right the ball is tomorrow...can you skip it?" Matt asked.Chris looked at Matt and stared at him confused."No? Dude my parents will never leave me alone if I do." Chris said annoyed."Right sorry.." Matt said looking down feeling guilty.Chris sighed quietly. "I'm sorry. I'm just tired.""Its ok, you didn't sleep good?" Matt asked looking at Chris.Chris shrugged and ate. "Not perfect but still tired.""Can't you take a nap or something. It's still early." Emily asked."No I have to clean from top to bottom where the ball will be held. My parents said so. Do you have class today?" Chris asked taking more bites and sips."Yeah but we're not going- ack" " Matt said before he yelped then looked at Emily. Who stepped on his foot.Chris unknowingly to this asked. "What why?""Because there us no class right Matt. Its not Wednesday stupid. Class is canceled on Friday." Emily said pissed.Matt widened his eyes in realization. "Oh yeah! Right no class today."Emily huffed and mumbled it's too early for this shit Matt.Matt rolled his eyes and looked at his plate."You guys are being weird. If your staying because of me don't. Honestly I have a busy day of cleaning and dealing with people for tomorrow. It'll be boring." Chris said looked at Emily and Mike.Plus I really wanna be alone. Chris thought to himself as he finished his plate and cup."No classes today man. But we'll stay out of your way. Emily planned a whole girly spa day for tomorrow. I think I'm gonna cry." Matt said finishing his plate."Aww baby" Emily said.I don't think he meant it like that Em. Chris thought to himself with a smile. "But it's not the whole day Chris. Just a couple of hours. You should join us really, It'd be fun plus you really need it." Emily said waving her fork up and down at Chris.Chris shook his head. "No i can't but thanks, I got my day planned already sorry." Chris said thinking about his day.I'll do dishes, then vacuum when they leave and clean the windows and mop the floors in the ball room. I gotta make sure nothing is out also. Make the place look like it hasn't been lived in...my arm keeps burning. I need a smoke, I'm tired.Emily and Matt talked while Chris looked at his arm.Gold said. *Hey Goose. Good morning my sunshine. I got a busy day getting ready for tomorrow. It's a masquerade ball I gotta wear a suit and a mask also Violet's coming too. But it's at his place the monsters place, the dick for brains, the piece of shit place, the pathetic dumbass waste of oxygen place, he offers nothing to the world. I fucking hate him so much if he died no one would care or notice. He doesn't even leave a mark on anyone. He doesn't care about anyone but himself. I wish I could just fuck him up myself tomorrow, but my parents want me there because there's people they want to work with invited. But at least it's not his parents. I would have thrown myself out the window lol. Oh my Goose what i wouldn't give just to see you i love you so much.*Chris's arm trembled with his stomach he slowly reached for a pen. Looking up ge saw Emily and Matt engrossed in their conversation. He wrote to gold as his eyes blur from self hatred and disappointment in himself. He wrote.*Oh no I'm so sorry gold. If I was with you. I'd never let anything bad happen. I never wanted or want anything bad happen to you. I love you so much. I'm so sorry your going through this with him. I'm so so sorry. I love you so much I'm sorry. I wish I could do more than say sorry. It's just words it doesn't mean much. But I am sorry I'd make sure he'd never bother you again if I could. Im sure you would look so beautiful and handsome tomorrow. I'd worship the heck out off you. I just know you'd look like a king with Violet.*Violet replied. * You're being very werid Goose. Did something happen?*Gold wrote. * I wouldn't say weird but Goose are you ok?**I'm okay just being weird and emotional lol.* Chris wrote.His arm burned again when he looked away.Violet wrote. *We're gonna be busy today Goose. But you can handle being without us for a bit right♡*Chris replied. *Yes*Gold wrote. *I love you Goose.♡**I love you too* Chris repliedChris stopped writting and quickly put his plate and cup away. His arm burned but he ignored it."Chris...were you talking to them?" Matt asked behind him.Chris walked around him and grabbed his plate and cup. Along with Emily's they both finished it. He put it in the sink."Just a little" Chris said.Matt's shoulders tensed and Emily huffed."Dude you know it's Mike why do you want to talk to him? Don't tell me you still like him. He's been hating you for years?! You can't talk to him-" Matt said but was interrupted by Chris."I have to keep it going until he tell him. Then Mike said to stay away from them." Chris rapidly said. Instantly regreting it once he finished it.Why did i even say that. Why did I get pissed off so quickly, I just want to yell at them to go away. This is fucking stupid."What did he say. What are you talking about." Emily said getting up walking to Chris.Chris looked at the dishes and began to wash them by hand. Hearing the wind blowing suddenly harsh outside. Was it outside? Or is Chris imagining it.He has a dishwasher but, if he looked and was busy. They would stop everything would stop. Just focus on this. Focus on the dishes. Focus on nothing. "Nothing." He said."Do you think we're stupid you dumbass. What the fuck did he say?!" Emily said angrily.Chris washed the cup harder. He spoke but his throat felt like he was shouting. He really can't hide anything from them can he."He said Josh was my other soulmate because Josh is his soulmate. Then he said to pretend everything is the same until he tells Josh himself after the ball. Then I stay away from them forever and never write to them again." Chris said.The room was tense. Matt and Emily looked at each other unsure and angry. Unsure if they should stay for Chris and talk about this, or leave and give him space. And angry that Mike would say that and force Chris to make that deal."Chris i-" Matt said but was interrupted by the sound of glass breaking.Chris flinched and hissed loudly "Ahh shit!"The cup Chris was washing broke and punctured his skin. Glass was stuck in his palm the water ran on it washing the blood down the drain on top of other dishes. His hand shook from pain."I'll get the first aid kit!" Matt said looking at his hand, wincing from the sight then he ran off to get it.He took pieces of the glass off his hand quickly and put it under water again. Still bleeding Chris cursed repeatedly fuck."Oh god Chris. Matt hurry the fuck up. What are you doing?!" Emily worriedly shouted and went to Chris's side and held his arm to comfort him.Matt ran back with the aid Emily pulled Chris to the table and Chris sat down. Matt pulled out a spray and a wrap. Chris did not like the spray."Hey I held it underwater so I don't think ack!" Chris cried out. As Matt grabbed his hand tighly and sprayed it throughly."You're not getting an infection. Just deal with it. Luckily the cuts aren't deep no stiches, but band aids won't help. It needs to wrapped." Matt said as he focused on Chris's hand and worked.Emily was putting on gloves and throwing away the glass and blood stained plates. Making a grossed out face she looked at Chris."You'll buy new ones and use the dishwasher next time okay." Emily said.Chris shook his head in agreement. He watched Matt clean and wrap his hand with a serious focused expression on his face. He looked at his hand, it had multiple cuts but the bleeding slowed down. He wrapped his hand tightly but not too tight and held his hand gently.Chris looked at Emily who sighed in annoyance, Chris felt immediate guilt and looked away tears pricked at eyes but it wasn't falling. He stared at his hand Matt is still working on.All I do is fuck things up haha. Maybe I should just stay and be my parent's puppet, work whatever and wherever they want. I mean really my only motivation to leave was my soulmates. I don't care about me, i don't care about myself, I don't care what happens to me. I'm used to them, I've lived normally here. I wanted to leave for them, start a life with them make them happy and grow experience everything with them. But things change because I had too fuck things up. I couldn't stop my parents when I was a kid fucking up Josh's and Mike's life back then, made my parents hate their parents, I couldn't escape the camp and made things so much fucking worse, I couldn't tell Mike and Josh everything right away and wanted to wait till I leave to explain everything. That's another fuck up. Things would have been different probably if I told them regardless of me still being here. But no I had to be selfish and scared of my parents finding out.Then I fucked up at the mall and got stabbed. How the hell do I let myself get stabbed what even is that?! And now this. Matt and Emily must hate me by now and don't want anything to do with me. I wouldn't blame them or stop them. I'm not their responsibility I'm not their concern. I'm nothing. I'm just a pathetic self hating guy with a pathetic life with pathetic problems who whines. And now this. I broke a cup, cut my hand, annoyed Emily, and upset Matt.Maybe everyone would be better off if I just stayed out of everyone's life for good. I'm just a burden the only impact I have on people's lives is a negative impact. If I leave it would be better and at the same time, it wouldn't really have an impact on anyone.Chris felt somthing touch his face and he visibly flinched, blinking quickly he didn't expect it.It was Matt wiping Chris's face from tears he didn't know was falling.Chris was suddenly aware his face felt wet. He looked at Matt who was wiping the still falling tears off his face. Chris saw his hand was finished and felt embarrassed. He felt his face heating up and looked at the ground holding his other hand into a fist and tried to stop the tears but it wouldn't stop.He hiccuped and cried and wanted to disappear even more. Matt pulled him close and held him tightly. Matt put his hand on Chris's head and held him to his chest and the other was around his back he held tightly and snug. Matt's body enveloped Chris's and Emily held Chris from behind her eyes glossy not allowing her self to cry. She ran her fingers through Chris's hair gently massaging him as he cried to comfort him.Chris cried with hiccups and couldn't stop no matter how hard he tried to. He held his breath but it made it worse. He gave up and let himself cry onto their embrace. Wanting to curl up in himself. Filled with guilt, embarrassment, and heartbroken.After a while Chris stopped crying. Matt looked at him his eyes were red and looked exhausted."Let's go get changed, okay for the day. I could pick out an outfit for you?" Emily said nervously.Chris nodded. They got up and went in to his room. Emily looked around his dressers and closet. Looking around outfits for Chris. She chose a regular sweater and pants."I think just comfortable clothes are good for today. I know you have a busy day with people and stuff. So stay comfortable with this and look good?" Emily said.Chris saw them and agreed. "Yeah that's a good idea. You guys should go and change too, you got a busy day too for tomorrow right." Chris said his voice sounding strained.Matt nodded. "Yeah let's meet up for dinner okay. My treat let's go to the Italian place near by. You like that one right?" Matt said."Yeah i do. Okay I'll see you then." Chris said tiredly but smiled.They left his room to change. From there it was a blur for Chris. They came buy again in his room to say goodbye. They hugged him, it felt weird. Then they left and Chris changed and got to work.It took hours of cleaning but Chris did it. Every room was spotless and the door knocked. He opened it and saw several people. They were here to get the room ready for tomorrow. He let him in and they immediately got to work with Chris supervising and making choices where things and decor should go.It strangly went by quick. Talking to everyone and catering came by. There was an issue with the order not having a vegan and vegetarian option but they'll come by tomorrow before the ball fixing the problem. Chris spoke to them smoothly and was charismatic. He wanted things to go well and not cause any waves. His arm burned every once a while but Chris ignored it. I canr focus on them now. This is my priority for now.After a few hours the room was finished. It looked perfect. It was elegant, majestic and fitted the masquerade ball theme perfectly. He sighed exhausted but smiled. Everyone left and his phone went off. It was a message from Matt. They were heading to the restaurant now. Chris replied I'm heading out now. I'm starving lol.He left and went to the restaurant getting there was a blur too. He blinked and was there Matt and Emily in the lounge waiting for him. They were seated right by a window and ate as they talked.Emily talked about their spa day and and they did all day. Matt talked about the horror of getting waxed but kinda liked getting his nails done. He had to get matching ones Emily made him. But he never regretted it."Maybe i can take you tomorrow we can all match Chris?" Emily asked."Yeah. I'd really like that but I am not getting waxed pffff hahaha" Chris said laughing.Chris felt weirdly happy and stayed in the moment with them. He watched them, listened to them, talked to them. He told them about everything he did for tomorrow.Matt and Emily looked happy and smiled at eachother. Everyone looked happy and ate happily. They left after dessert headed to Chris's place."That was so good. I love that place." Chris said."Yeah it was really good. You seem to feeling good. That restaurant sure made you happy haha." Matt said."You got that right. The way to my heart is good food man." Chris said with a smile. His arm burned and he smiled bigger."Alright good to know, and well I'm exhausted so let's watch TV then head to bed." Matt said."You choose whever you want I'll head to the bathroom and come back." Chris said.Matt and Emily went into the living room and Chris went upstairs.He pulled his sleeve and saw several messages mostly from Gold saying how much he loves him and wants him, and what he bought. It was weirdly alot. Chris felt confused. Gold well Josh whatever has said those things before but this felt different. He shook his head and wrote on his arm.*Hey gold. I really am sorry for not talking alot today. I was really busy. I love you too. I love you so much. I love you more than anything more than life. I love you. The suits and masks sounds so hot I'm not gonna lie. I'm imagining you in it and it is perfect and sexy.* Chris wrote.Gold wrote back *hey Goose I'm heading to bed with violet. I bet you'd look even more sexy in a suit for the ball.*Violet wrote. *He would sexy in everything and nothing♡*Chris smiled sadly. Then wrote *Lol Thank you. Good night you two. Sweet dreams I love you.*Gold and Violet wrote back. *Love you too*Chris went downstairs and stayed Matt and Emily and laughed with them. He smiled and talked like nothing happened.Till it was time to sleep he went to his room .And sat on his bed. He grabbed a cigarette but quickly fell asleep with the unlit cigarette in his hand. As he lied down.