PewDieCry : Experience - Book 03

Book 03

Copyrighted 2014 © Ricky Nathan XII

Co-Writer : ERW XII

Edited by Rick Anderson

Chapter 20

~Pewd’s P.O.V~

The door at the end of the corridor slammed open, making me jump and look over to find Paul rushing down the hallway.

“It’s over,” he called over to us. I glanced around at all my friends and we shared a worried look. No, it can’t be over. Cry’s not back yet. He promised me he’d be back. If the simulation is over and he hasn’t returned does that mean... does it mean he’s gone?

“Where’s Cry?” Paul asked with frown as he took us all in. “I just saw him... he should be here...” Before he could even finish his sentence I was pulling the door to the simulation room open and hurrying inside. My body seemed ready to burst with the anticipation of seeing him again but when my eyes fell onto him it wasn’t what I’d been expecting at all. He was sitting cross legged in the middle of the room just staring down at the floor. Something was wrong. The door flinging open seemed to get his attention though and he looked up at me.

“Cry?” I spoke cautiously and walked over to him. There were so many emotions going off inside of me that I didn’t know what I felt. One moment I was ecstatic from seeing him safe and still in the competition and the next minute I was drowned with worry. How long had he been sitting here?

I crouched down in front of him and stared into the big black eyes of his mask. If only I could see his face, maybe then I’d know what was going on with him.

“Hi,” he replied after a pause.

“Hey... Look,” I held out my arm towards him. “It’s all better see. It was just part of the game,” I smiled at him. He reached over, taking my hand in his and turning it around so he could inspect my arm properly. I could feel his thumb rubbing small circles against my wrist and making me shiver.  Once he was satisfied with what he saw he released my arm and looked up at my forehead.

“Is your head better too?” he asked me. I don’t know what it was but he suddenly sounded so young and childlike and not in the playful way he usual does...this was different.

“Yeah. I’m all fixed,” I smirked, hoping it would snap him out of whatever trance he was in but it didn’t seem to help at all. I was about to ask him what was wrong, although I think I had a pretty good idea, when Paul and the others came into the room, interrupting us.

Paul’s hand came down onto my shoulder and he squeezed it gently.

“You and the others go back to the house. It’s been a long day for you all. Anna and I just need to speak with Cry for a moment then he’ll be all yours,” he told me. His choice of words made me wonder whether he was aware of my feeling for Cry but I dismissed the thought, realizing it was stupid and practically impossible.

“Okay,” I replied and stood up. Red tugged on the sleeve of my shirt, guiding me out the room as I glanced back at the only person I wanted to be with right now. But Cry wasn’t looking at me anymore. He was staring down at the floor again, his fingers playing with the laces of his shoes.

I was so confused.

He seemed like a totally different person. This was a side of Cry I’d never seen before.

~Cry’s P.O.V~

“Hello Cry.”

Anna shot me a quick smile as she walked into the simulation room. I noticed her eyes flash down at Paul who was sitting on the floor beside me. I didn’t reply to her. I had nothing to say.

“Well then... We just want to speak to you for a moment,” she continued and crouched down slightly, careful not to actually sit on the floor.

“About what?” I asked and glanced between then. Quite frankly, all I wanted to do was get out of here and get some fresh air.

“We saw what happened in there with Scott. We were wondering if you were okay,” she told me.

“Huh? I’m fine. Can I leave now?” I asked and jumped to my feet.

“Wait. We need to let you know that if you need to talk about anything we have people here that you can speak with,” Paul explained, standing up too.

“Like...therapy?” I asked with a frown but they couldn’t see that.

“You could say that,” Anna nodded. I glanced between them quickly. If I’m honest I think I was in a state of disbelief over what was going on. They were offering me therapy... therapy for what? For being an asshole to Scott? That’s a slight overreaction. Plus, surely, out of everyone they should be offering this ‘therapy’ to Pewd. He was the one who was brutally attacked by a character they created. That’s bound to do something to a guy’s head, not having a fight with your friend over a stone.

“I’m leaving,” I told them and stalked straight out the door, making sure to shove it closed loudly behind me. I’m sure they got the message.

Things will be fine between Scott and I. I’d been replaying everything that had happened in the simulation whilst I’d been sitting alone. It wasn’t that bad, nothing a phone call can’t fix. So, I’ll call him tomorrow. I’ll tell him I’m sorry and everything will be fine...yeah...I’m sure. When this competition is over we’ll all get together, eat some cake, drink some juice... it’ll be fine.

Now all I need is to get out this building and take a nice long walk. Maybe find somewhere to sit, to relax and get away from the chaos going on inside my head.

~Pewd’s P.O.V~

It was getting dark now. The moon was out and the stars were scattered lazily across the clear sky like diamonds. I sat near the window in the living room just like I had been for the past couple of hours as I waited for Cry to come back. A small nagging voice inside my head was telling me to go and look for him but when I’d gone to put my shoes on and leave Stephano had appeared, speaking to me through my headphones and telling me not to, telling me that Cry probably needs a little time to himself.

I don’t know what went on inside that simulation and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. All I can guess is that it had something to do with Scott. Talking about Scott, some people who worked in the main building came over to the house a few hours ago to collect his things. They told us we weren’t allowed to see him, not even to say goodbye. I vaguely remember Cry saying something about that last week but through all the excitement for the simulation I think we’d all forgotten about it. Anyway, all his stuff is gone now. His guitar no longer sits in the living room, begging someone to play it and his room had been stripped from anything related to him. It was as if he was never even here. All we have is our memories. Who’s going to play the guitar while we sit outside in the evening? How’s going to play pineapple golf with Ken? Who’s going to stay up all night with Russ playing some video game? I guess Russ still has Cry but it won’t be the same for any of us now Scott’s gone.

“Want a drink Pewd?” Ken called as he made his way into the kitchen. He’d been sitting silently on the couch reading for a while. He’d been so quiet that I’d forgotten he was even there.

“No thanks,” I replied with a small smile.

“Sure I can’t convince you?” he asked and held up a bottle of Jack Daniels Whiskey. I glanced at the bottle, feeling too tempted to say no this time.

“Sure go on then,” I laughed but remained by the window. I had to stay close in case Cry came back. I wanted to be the first to see him.

 Ken brought the small glass of whiskey over to me.

“We’re drinking it straight tonight my friend,” he smirked and handed me the glass. As soon as I got it I took a large sip. I think it was pretty well deserved. Nothing like a glass of whiskey to take the edge off your day, especially a day like today.

Time seemed to quicken up then, before I knew it Ken was filling up my glass for the third time. Luckily I can hold my liquor so it was only giving me a warm buzz. I thought back to Cry and how drunk he’d been that night, the night he slept in my room. God, if I could turn back time I’d make sure I took advantage of that opportunity. A drunken Cry lying in my bed seemed more like a dream to me now.

“I’ll be right back,” Ken told me and rushed upstairs to get something. It was probably for the best that he’d left, I seemed to be getting a little too excited over the route my thoughts had taken. I stood up, leaving my now empty glass on the arm of the chair and trying to readjust my trousers which had suddenly become tight around my groin.

In the mist of all this I hardly noticed the man appearing from behind the trees, his white mask standing out against the night sky. But I saw him eventually and couldn’t stop myself from going to the front door and rushing outside, bare foot to meet him.

“Where the hell have you been?” I called as I stalked towards him. He froze and took a step back, clearly hearing the irritation in my voice.

“I went for a walk,” he answered simply and pointed behind him. Out walking past curfew? Hadn’t he been the one telling me not to do that last week? Hypocrite. 

“Fuck you Cry.”  I don’t know whether it was the fact that he’d left for hours to ‘go for a walk’ or the alcohol in my system which made me say it. I was going to go with the alcohol, especially after I realized what I was about to do.    

“Huh?” he managed to say before I got to him. That’s where I froze, staring up at him and only just realizing how close we were. If I took a deep breath my chest would almost be touching his. I was suddenly very glad for the whiskey in my system. It gave me a little extra something I needed to even consider what I was planning. “Pewd...”

“I said...” I began and reached for him, wrapping one arm around his neck and the other at the bottom of his mask. “Fuck you Cry,” I whispered, finishing my sentence. Then, in one swift motion I’d pushed his mask up, uncovering his lips and crushed them against mine. As soon as our lips met my eyes snapped closed.

I was hit with an emotion I’d never truly felt before. I kissed him, kissed him with everything I had, kissed him with every fiber to my being in the hopes that maybe he’ll feel it too. My fingers knotted themselves into his hair and I pulled myself closer to him, afraid he may push me away at any moment...but he didn’t. Quite the opposite. The moment he started to move his lips with mine I found that I was totally lost in this kiss, totally unsalvageable. He grabbed onto me, holding me against him as he met my passion with his own. I opened my mouth slightly, granting access to his tongue which had been begging for entrance moments before.

A soft moan escaped him and it only drove me crazier, causing me to desperately wriggle closer to him, tightening my hold until I feared I was strangling him but not once did he push me away. In fact I was the one who had to pull away in the end as my head began to grow dizzy from the lack of oxygen. As I stood gasping in his arms he began trailing kisses across my jaw, leaving my skin burning in his wake.

“C-Cry...” I gasped weakly, running my fingers through his hair as his lips moved down. He quickly pulled the headphones from my neck and held them loosely in his hand as he began nipping and sucking at my flesh, leaving me a trembling mess in his arms. My heart was racing, unable to keep up with the rest of me.

“You’ve been drinking Pewd,” he murmured before pulling away slightly. He must smell it on my breath... or tasted it. The thought alone made me shudder with desire. 

“Only a little,” I answered and pulled his lips back to mine, getting lost all over again. He kissed me back before pulling away again.

“Keep your eyes shut,” he whispered and I was so dazed by what had just happened that I didn’t even think to disobey him. “You can open them now,” he chuckled and when I did I found his mask was back in place, covering up the little of his face that had been exposed but I hadn’t even had the chance to see that.

I wasn’t too bothered though. I was still on cloud nine from that kiss.

“How was that for ‘making a move,’” I teased breathlessly. All I got was a low chuckle in response. He squeezed my hips slightly and it took everything inside me not to pounce on him again.  

“You coming inside now?” I asked and kept my arms wrapped around him.

“Or are you going to disappear again?”

“No, I’m staying,” he told me whilst putting my headphones back around my neck gently. His words brought a wide smile to my lips although I’m pretty sure I’d been grinning at him like a love struck teenager for the past few minutes anyway.

“Come on then.” I unwrapped myself from his body, leaving our embrace and headed towards the house but before I got too far I felt Cry pulling me back.

“We should do this again sometime,” he teased and ran his hands along my sides.

“Maybe...” I smirked then ran from his grasp. “Just because you want this ass,” I called and pointed to my butt. As I walked off I began wiggling me hips and /shaking my booty/ at him. “Don’t tempt me Pewd,” he laughed and slapped it playfully when he caught up with me. I gave him a sly smile and wrapped my arm around his waist. His hung his around my shoulder, bringing my closer as we made our way towards the front door.

I could really get used to this.

Chapter 21

~Cry’s P.O.V ~

I looked down at Scott’s caller ID on my phone and decided to call him one last time. Maybe he’ll answer on a third attempt.

I sat silently as the ringing began but there was no answer, yet again. I was only met with his answering machine so I just hung up, not wanting to leave another message. I tossed my phone onto the counter and sighed heavily. He’s probably still mad at me for yesterday. I don’t blame him really.

“Cheer up. He’ll call you back when he’d ready,” Ken smiled over at me from across the bar. I just leaned forward on my stool and glanced down at the toast he’d made me. I wasn’t really feeling too hungry but I picked it up and began to nibble at it anyway.

“I know. It’s just... he made us all promise we’d stay in touch. I thought he’d answer,” I replied after a moment’s silence.

“Just give him some time,” he told me.

“It’s not just me though. Russ was telling me that he tried calling him last night but there was no answer then either.” Now I was eating something I realized how hungry I actually was. I guess I should be. I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday morning.

“Maybe he’s just settling back in at home,” Ken shrugged but then shot a wide smile at someone behind me. “Morning Pewd.”

Pewd...I turned around slightly so see him standing at the bottom of the stairs all fresh and ready for the day. His must have taken a shower because I notice how his dirty blonde hair was a little damp as it hung around his face, making it seem darker than it actually was. I smiled when he lifted up his hand to itch the back of his neck nervously when he saw me looking his way. Why was he so nervous all of a sudden? He hadn’t been last night...

“Hi,” I greeted, feeling my face grow warm from the memories.

“Hey.” He slid onto the stool next to me and gave me a small smile. I hope he hadn’t drunk too much last night. He told me it was only a little but I never know with him.

“Did you sleep okay?” he asked and Ken went off to make some toast for him too.

“Yeah,” I lied. I wonder what he’d say if he could see the bags under my eyes...

“Good...” he murmured, fiddling with his headphones nervously. I began laughing at him. Why was he acting so strange all of a sudden?

“That’s adorable,” I teased and nudged his arm when I realized what was happening. 

“What?”

“You. You’re all embarrassed,” I chuckled and pinched his ever reddening cheek.

“I am not!” he argued and slapped my hand away but it was evident that he was lying. Just that little bit of contact was enough to get my mind racing over last night’s kiss. Did he know what he did to me? Did he know how easily he makes me feel like this? He’d kissed me in a way that should be illegal but I didn’t care. I wanted it. I needed it.... I wanted it again. Right here. Right now but I knew I couldn’t. I had to behave myself...at least until I get him alone.

Ken came back over then, handing Pewd the newly made toast.

“Thanks,” Pewd said in eagerness as he began wolfing it down.

“I wonder who else was eliminated,” Ken said after yet another moment’s silence. I looked up at him, seeing the glum expression on his face. Everyone was missing Scott. It much was clear but they didn’t know it was my fault. They’d all hate me if they found out that I just left him there... They’d hate me for sure. I’m certain of it. I hate myself for it.

“I think I know,” I told them, remember how I’d run into Amz last night on my walk. She’d been so upset, verging on hysterical when I’d found her crying as she sat underneath one of the many trees. I’d have gone up to make sure she was okay, but Louise had  burst out into the clearing and grabbed her friend tightly, hugging her and stroking her hair until Amz calmed down. I think it was the first time I’d actually seen an ounce of compassion from the blonde. “I think it was Harry.”

“Really? Wow. He seemed alright,” Pewd said. “I was kind of hoping it was that Shaun guy.”

“Me too.” Ken nodded in agreement but suddenly began wiggling his eyebrows.

“Hey, you’ll never guess what I saw last night...” he began.

I truly believe my heart stopped. Fear striking through me at the possibility that he was talking about me and Pewd little scene. It wasn’t even because I didn’t want him to know. I just hate the thought of someone witnessing that moment. It’s for Pewd and me only. No one else.

“What?” Pewd finally asked and when I looked over at him I saw his eyes were about as wide as mine. Wait...did he not want people to know?

“I saw Russ sneaking into Reds room at one in the morning,” Ken sniggered and raised his brows suggestively. “I wonder what they were doing.”

 A bout of relieved giggles escaped my lips when I discovered no one had seen the kiss. Pewd began laughing too, following my suite.

Seriously though...did he want to keep me a secret?

“Good for him,” I laughed.

“I guess losing Scott is making us realize how important we all are to each other,” Ken mused and turned to head outside with his book.

“Yeah...you can say that,” I chuckled and looked over at Pewd.  He smiled shyly at me, sending unwanted thoughts into my head. I’m sure I could make that blush on his face a bit darker...all I’d have to do was reach over and touch him.

I twisted around on my stool so I was facing him and grabbed hold of his hand.

“Pewd...about last night...” I began but I was cut off when he squeezed my hand gently.

“Don’t worry about it Cry,” he interrupted and although there was a small smile dancing on his lips his eyes didn’t quite match. They seemed sad... He’s misunderstanding what I’m trying to say. 

“But I want to worry about it Pewd,” I told him, entwining our fingers slowly and hoping the gesture would clear things up for him. I didn’t want to forget about it. I just wanted to make sure he hadn’t been too drunk. I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t only me who felt something. 

“Oh,” he whispered as he stared down at our hands. “Oh I thought...”

“I know. You’re wrong,” I told him. “Close your eyes.”

He did as he was told straight way, closing those eyes of his and causing his blonde lashed to knit together. I glanced outside to see Ken reading his book on one of the deck chairs. He shouldn’t be able to see us from there. My eyes fell back onto Pewd who sat patiently; surely aware of what I was going to do. Gosh, how have I been able to resist him all this time? With that I uncovered my lips and pressed them to his quickly. The same electric feeling pulsed through me, igniting my very core.

He released my hand and clung onto my shirt, clearly wanting more than this precious moment could offer. A quite groan escaped him lips as he grabbed onto me and my fingers began knotting themselves into his damp hair. I felt myself relaxing as he clung to me and moved his lips in synch with mine, making my stomach knot with yearning. And although my body begged me to, I couldn’t get lost in the feeling. Anyone could walk in on us.

After a moment I pulled away, happy to see he kept his eyes shut but before I put my mask back into place I ducked back down, pecking his lips one last time, unable to resist.

“You can open them,” I told him, slightly breathless, once I’d fixed my mask. He opened his eyes cautiously and gave me a warm smile.

“I’ve got to go. I’m on laundry duty today,” he told me and rolled his eyes.

“I could come with you if you like,” I suggested. Maybe I sounded a bit too keen but I didn’t care. I wanted to be around him. If I’m on my own I’ll only fret over what happened with Scott yesterday.

“If you want to,” Pewd laughed and shook his head at me. Jumping from my seat, I told him that I just needed to get ready then I’ll go down with him.

 I rushed up the stairs and quickly got changed out of my sleepwear. As I pulled on a clean T-shirt I was so distracted by the thought of being alone with Pewd that I didn’t see the small DVD case at first. It lay on the floor, forgotten and unwanted but when I hopped around the room, pulling my socks on whilst searching for my comb it caught my attention. On my way into the bathroom I picked it up and examined it while I brushed my teeth. The simple note in white marker still remained on the front;

‘Dear Cry. Enjoy.’

I wonder what was on it.

I grabbed my laptop and switched it on as quickly as I could, opening the case and carefully popping the disk into the slot. I sat impatiently as curiosity began to drown me. How had I forgotten about this? I guess my mind had been pretty distracted when I came back last night. A goofy smile ran across my lips as I remembered how we’d walked arm in arm back to the house. Although I’d of rather stayed up all night with Pewd, he’d told me he was pretty tired and had gone straight to bed. I don’t blame him. Yesterday was tough for him, getting attacked and all.

The notice popped up on my screen, telling me the disks content was ready to view. The curser hovered over the play button for a few second. I was debating whether or not I should watch it but I knew I would. I clicked ‘play’ and put it into full screen then sat back and watched.

“Cry! You coming?” I heard Pewd shout up the stairs.

“Sorry. Go without me!” I called back, too distracted by this disk to want to leave it.

“Oh...okay. I’ll just take Ken,” he told me.

“Alright. See ya later friend,” I called to him a final time before giving the disk my full attention.

The black screen suddenly changed into what seemed like CCTV footage. I lent in closer and turned up the volume, hearing static pouring in through my headset. I frowned down at the screen as I began to recognize where it was.

It seemed to be showing the outside of Team Y’s house. It looked out at the vast forest which was cast into darkness by the night sky. The night vision on the camera turned everything a light green color. Everything was still, quiet and calm just like it should be at night but then I noticed movement in the background.

“Huh?” I lent even closer, seeing a figure hurrying through the trees with a large bag in their hands. They wore a dark hoodie and it covered their face but I could make out that it was defiantly a man. What was he doing? Then it clicked.

“No.” I watched in disbelief as the man stopped by one of the trees near the front of the house. He bent down, unzipping the bag and pulling out the familiar doll with a rope around its neck. The figure kept constantly looking around him, being careful not to get caught then he began tying the rope to one of the trees many branches.

So this was the culprit. Whoever this man was. He was the one who carried out the ‘prank’ on Team Y. But why was I given this? Why me? What was I supposed to do? I watched silently as the man jumped from the doll, inspecting his work for a moment the picking the bag up again. Just when I thought he was going to rush off, unknown, his jacket got caught on one of the branches, resulting in his hood getting tugged off. He span around quickly and looked straight at the camera for a split second.

What?.............

No................

I’m seeing it wrong..................

This isn’t real............

No..............

I paused the footage. His face took up the whole screen. That horribly familiar face stared back at me. It felt like he could see me, like he knew someone had been watching him. This couldn’t be true...but it was right in front of me. I couldn’t pretend I hadn’t see this, hadn’t seen him. Out of everyone in the house he was the one I least expected. Why? Why would he have gone out and done it? Why had he let me blame someone else, doubt someone I cared greatly for. Why hadn’t he just admitted it was him?  

Why had I blamed Pewd? I should have trusted him. 

.... It was Ken all along.

Chapter 22

~Pewd’s P.O.V~

I sat on the tumble dryer, waiting for the washing machine beside me to finish. Considering Ken was with me we’d decided to stay here and wait for the clothes. They should only take an hour or so.

“I’m missing Scott already,” Ken said with a pout. I could imagine. With Russ and Red spending most of their time together and Cry and I always hanging out, Ken and Scott had really become close in the house. Now he’s gone all Ken seems to do it read. If Scott was here they’d been planning something mischievous or getting the golf clubs out.

“I know bro,” I smiled over at him as he sat on the floor, leaning against the machine opposite ours.

“At least we still have Cry,” he chuckled and met my gaze. The mere mention of his name made my body light up. I wished he’d come with me instead of...what was he even doing?

“Yeah...erm  Ken?” I began. Ken was the first person I’d spoken to here and, aside from Cry, I trusted him the most. “Something happened last night.”

“Like what?” he asked, frowning slightly and cocking his head to the side. I could feel my cheeks begin to heat up. Was I seriously doing this? I’d met many people in my life who have been fine with my sexuality but some weren’t. Some thought I was scum for it. Would Ken see me like that if I told him? “Pewd?” he asked, getting my attention back.

“Me and Cry....we....” I completely lost the ability to string a sentence together. 

“You kissed,” he finished my sentence and gave me a cheeky grin.

“Huh? How did you know?”

“I didn’t only see Russ,” he chuckled and shook his head. My eyes fell to the floor, embarrassed that he’d witnesses such an intimate moment. It could be worse though.

“Oh,” I mumbled and crossed my legs on top of the dryer. I kind of wish I had Cry’s mask with me so I could hide my reddening face away. It seemed like all I did lately was blush.

“Haha don’t be embarrassed Pewd. It’s fine. I’m fine with all that stuff, “ he reassured me. “It’s okay that you’re gay...”

“I’m not gay... I’m bisexual,” I corrected him quickly.

“As if it matters,” he laughed. I grabbed  the empty washing basket and threw it at him.

“Shut up,” I wined but I found myself laughing too. I was just so thankful he didn’t hate me. It felt good to tell someone too, to get it off my chest. I’ve never been a very secretive person but  I was right to trust Ken. He’d never let me down.

“Pewd...” he began. His laughter suddenly cut off and he met my gaze. I looked down at him, my smile dropping from my face when I saw the look in his eyes.

“Huh? Ken? Is everything alright?” I asked him. He stood up slowly, hesitating before he looked up at me again. All evidence of humor was gone, as if it had just been sucked out the room, sucked out of his system. His eyes were so dark all of a sudden, so dull. What was wrong with him? Have I missed something? One minute we’re joking around and the next he looks as if...as if he’d seen a ghost. For the first time ever I actually felt scared of the man.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” he whispered. I could barely hear him. He spoke so quite. I wasn’t sure whether he looked ashamed or afraid. But why would he be either? 

“It’s not my fault Pewd,” he spoke, his voice cracking a little. I stared up at him, my eyes wide.

“Ken? Whoa....What are you doing? Ken? Ken! Stop!”

~Cry’s P.O.V~

No matter how many times I raked my hands through my hair it didn’t seem to stop my mind from racing, from trying to make sense of what I’d just seen. The laptop remained beside me although I paid no attention to it anymore. The screen was still frozen on Ken’s face but I couldn’t bring myself to look over at it again. Should I even be mad about this?

It’s not that he did it. You’re mad because he lied, because he sat and watched while everyone blamed Pewd. My head was right. The act itself was childish and unnecessary but it wasn’t a big deal. The big deal was what he’d done after it. How had he been able to sit there in silence when I pointed the finger at Pewd? Pewd, the one who’d saved his life back in the desert. I don’t understand.

Why had he even done it when we’d all agreed we would forget the stupid prank?

I turned back to my laptop, wanting to get rid of the image it displayed but when I looked down at it I saw there was more left for me to watch. How much more could there be? Once I had my headset on once again I pressed play.

At first the same footage played, showing Ken pulling his hood back on and leaving the scene of the crime but once it was done the screen turned blank again and bright white letter flashed across it;

‘Did you expect him?’

A shudder ran down my spine at the message. This was all so creepy but although I was officially on edge I still continued to watch the blank screen until another roll of CCTV footage began. This one was different though.

I blinked a few times, trying to place where it was and it took me awhile before I noticed it was the room I’d woken up in back at the castle. Yeah, it was defiantly that room. I saw the cupboard by the door and the small window on the wall. But I wasn’t in it, not until a few seconds later when I came rushing through the door, closely followed by a hooded figure.

I watched in almost a daze like fashion as I saw myself searching frantically for a place to hide. I didn’t really have much chance though because the figure behind me suddenly caught up.

“Jesus,” I hissed, feeling only shock when I watched the man whack me across the head with a metal pipe. The same pipe I’d found lying around...Oh God. Had I picked that up after this happened?

 My body fell to the ground limply and remained still. It was clear I was unconscious. How come I didn’t remember any of this? Was it because of the hit I’d taken? I guess that would explain it... I watched the man stuff the disk into the cabinet and he was just as he left me lying on the floor, the screaming started.

I ripped my headset off, throwing it across the room and slamming my laptop shut.

I didn’t need to hear that again...not now, with the knowledge that it had been Pewd making that awful sound. That’s what I’d heard as I slipped into sleep...my Pewd. My poor, injured friend as he got brutally attacked by the savage bandits. No, I couldn’t hear that again.

My breath had turned frantic and I was suddenly gasping for air. In the end I had no choice but to pull my mask off and gaze down at the floor, trying to calm myself down.

“Shhh,” I kept repeating, hoping my mind would hear me and spare me the endless string of questions it was throwing at me.

Who had hurt me? Why had they hurt me? Why did I have this disk? Why me? Why now? What was I supposed to do? About this? About Ken? How was I supposed to react? Was there any chance that Ken had been the one who attacked me? No....No.... it wasn’t him. But I wasn’t sure. It could have been. Why did I still have faith in him when he’d lied to us all? Was Ken capable of doing that? Was he capable of knocking me unconscious with a metal pipe? Why would he need to?

My head was still trying to get over this new discovery. I’d entered the simulation perfectly fine. I’d wondered around and searched for a gem before all that happened and I don’t even remember doing it. All I remember is waking up with a banging headache and the memory of that noise...Pewd.

“Shhh,” I said again and ran my fingers through my hair over and over. I was so tired...and so confused and I didn’t know what to do. This would have hit me hard enough if I’d had a good night’s sleep but now, through my virtually exhausted state it was making me feel physically sick.

I should have ignored this damn disk and gone with Pewd. What good had it done? Sure, I know who’d played that prank but now I wish I didn’t. I wish I knew none of it. I just want to forget about that horrible simulation. The next one is in three days...

I groaned loudly and flopped back onto my bed. Now my breathing had calmed down I pulled my mask back on. I’d grown to hate being without it. I even slept with it on now. I told myself it was just because I didn’t want someone to walk in on me sleeping and see my face but I knew the real reason. I just liked it. I just liked being hidden from the world. It was nice. I’d always been a private person and even though I thought this mask was strange to start I’d grown to love it.

I fastened the string tightly, feeling my overly troubled mind easing a little with the comfort my mask bought to me then rolled over, feeling tiredness taking over me slowly. 

This isn’t so bad Cry. You’re over reacting. You’re just paranoid. Just like Pewds said. Ken’s not dangerous. He’s your friend...he’s not going to hurt anyone.

~Pewd’s P.O.V ~

“Arrrgh,” I groaned and curled up slightly. Pain shot through my left side as I was thrown onto the cold, tiled floor of the laundry room. I grabbed onto my hip, holding the sore spot and squeezing my eyes closed tightly. “W-What are you doing?” I cried and grabbed onto the washing machine with my free hand, trying to pull myself up.

“I’m sorry...I’m sorry,” Ken kept repeating as he shoved me into the wall. My hand slipped from its grasp on the machine and I found myself falling backwards.

“Ahh!” A small whimper escaped my lips has my back smacked against the wall, knocking the air out of me. Before I had time to catch my breath I was being pushed somewhere else.

“Stop it!” I yelled at him as he threw me over the washing machine. A loud crash filled the room as I smashed into the wall behind it, causing things to tumble down from the small shelf above me. I lay on top of the machine for a moment, confused and dazed. I was left slightly disorientated from the shock but I managed to kick him away when he lunged for me again. Adrenaline was beginning to shoot through my body, ordering me to stop being such an ass and fight back. “Ken!” He recovered from my kick and reached over, grabbing my shoulder and yanking me to my feet. “Fuck you man!” I yelled and began shoving him away as violently as I could. He was my friend and I didn’t want to hurt him but I wasn’t going to let him do this to me.

“I said I was sorry!” he screamed and began shaking me as if I were a rag doll.

“Get off me!”

“I’m sorry!”

“Ken! Fucking stop it!”

“I’m sorry!”

“Ken!” Something snapped inside of me then. It was as if I had no control for a moment, as if my balled fist had a mind of its own. All I could feel was cold blooded anger raging through my body.  

A pained cry filled the room. Ken stumbled back clumsily, holding his jaw and grabbing onto whatever he could. I, on the other hand was frozen in place, my hand throbbing slightly after the punch.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I yelled at him as he rested his head back against the wall he’d been throwing me into a moment before. In the background I heard the washing machine beep softly, telling us that the clothes were done but they weren’t important anymore. I was so flustered with anger that I didn’t even know where my head was. I’d trusted him! I tried to collect my thoughts, to make sense of Ken’s snap change in personality but I couldn’t.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, still holding his jaw which seemed to be swelling already. Jesus...maybe I should be the one who’s sorry.

“You just...You...What the hell?!” I managed to splutter through my confusion. “What the hell was that?”

“That was me trying to save you.”

“What? Save me? Don’t give me that crap,” I told him. My eyes followed his every move carefully, afraid that he might try and attack me again.

“You can’t stay here...” he whispered and looked at me. “You don’t know...”

“Don’t know what?” I pressed and frowned at him. Was I even willing to listen? Just moments before I’d been happy, glad that I had someone like him I could trust here. I don’t think I’ve ever been more wrong about anything in my life.

“I never wanted to hurt you...or Cry,” he mumbled softly, ignoring my question completely. 

“Cry?” I stared at him, feeling fury build up inside of me once again. “What the fuck did you do?” I yelled and stalked over to him, balling my fists again. If he did anything to Cry...I swear...I’ll kill him. Ken’s eyes widened slightly when his noticed me coming closer.

“I...I was trying to save him,” he rushed, holding his hands up as if her were trying to tame a wild animal. Save him? Not this again.

“Don’t bullshit me,” I warned. He shook his head violently and I noticed the darkness in his eyes slowly slipping away. “What did you do to him?”

“I...I’m sorry. I didn’t want to do it...I promise...”

“What did you do?!” I yelled now, shoving him up against the wall and staring at him.

“I hit him...with a pipe...back in the castle...”

He didn’t even have time to finish his sentence. As soon as I’d heard that confession my fist had collided with his face again. 

Chapter 23

~Pewd’s P.O.V~

“I deserved that...” Ken mumbled, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. I sat on the floor with my head in my hands and only glanced up at him when he spoke. He sat in front of me, prodding his face slowly.

“Yeah you did,” I replied then looked back down at the floor. A few minutes had passed since the punch and the act seemed to snap me back into reality. The fury bubbling inside of me had subsided and I was no longer blinded with anger.

How had all this happened? This was such a mess, such a big fucked up mess.

“Why?” I asked, filling the unbearable silence. Why had he done that to Cry? 

“I had my reasons,” he answered simply.

“Then tell me them,” I snapped and shot my head up to stare at him. What possible reason could he have for hurting Cry? For trying to attack me? He held my gaze for a moment before shaking his head and dropping it.

“Did he find a gem and you wanted it?” I accused. “Is that how you got out the simulation so quickly?”  

“No!” he said a little too hastily but the look in his eyes seemed sincere.

“Then what?”

“I just...I told you before. You won’t believe me,” he mumbled and closed his eyes.

“What? That you’re doing this to ‘save us’? No. I don’t believe you,” I told him. “I think you need to rethink where your loyalties are Ken,” I added and pulled myself up to my feet. Going over to the washing machine I began taking out the clean clothes and putting them into the tumble dryer. I just wanted to get this over and done with so I could leave and go back to the house.

“Does Cry know?” I asked.

“No...I don’t think so anyway,” he replied and frowned. I turned the dryer on then folded my arms and looked down at him.

“What?” I asked when I saw his expression. He seemed lost in thought.

“...I...after...you know. After that happened I was told to deliver a disk to him,” he told me.

“Wait. Who told you to do that?” I asked. His eyes shot up to me.

“No one,” he answered but I could see he was lying.

“Ken...”

“Fine! Paula and Anna told me. They said they had something he needed to know,” he confessed, holding his hands up again. At least he was being honest with me now. Now my anger was gone all I felt was guilt. Guilt for hurting Ken like I did. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see his slowly swelling cheek.

Cry is going to be so mad at me... He can fight his own battles. He got mad enough when he found out about that prank. He doesn’t need me going round punching people, especially his friends. But what Ken did... If Cry knew... What would he do? I can’t let him find out. This would seriously mess with his head, knowing that even those on his team are working against him. He’s paranoid enough without this. 

“You can’t tell Cry,” I whispered then opened my eyes. Ken looked up at me.

“Huh?”

“I’ll keep your secret Ken. Just promise me you won’t tell him,” I asked and held out my hand to help him up. He hesitated slightly before grasping it and climbing to his feet.

“Okay. I promise.” He nodded his head. Do I believe him? Can I trust him?

“I...I’m sorry for punching you,” I mumbled, slightly embarrassed.

“You’re sorry? Pewd, I was...I was the one trying to hurt you,” he admitted then put his hand on my shoulder. Perhaps this wasn’t so bad. Looking into his eyes, he seemed honest. He seemed sincere and genuine.

“How about we just forget about this all?” I suggested.

“Sounds good to me.” He gave me a small smile which I returned. Ken’s a good guy. He’s just made some bad choices. I let out a sigh, knowing what I had to do. I have to find that disk. Whatever is on there...? I just need to find it.

~Cry’s P.O.V~

Someone was here. Someone was in my room. I could hear them moving around as I lay in bed, still half asleep. Although I should have been worried, all I could think was ‘Thank God I have my mask on.’ I rolled over, my mind still foggy with tiredness. How long had I been out? A few hours maybe?

As I rolled over the movements stopped and I opened my eyes slightly to see a figure frozen in my room, one hand closing my draws slowly.

“Shhh,” the figure hushed. “It’s only me.”

“Pewd?” I groaned and blinked a couple of times until he came into view. I cussed myself inwardly when I realised I’d fallen asleep with my contacts in. My eyes were a little sore but I was too tired to care. What was he doing? I’m not even sure if I care about that either.

I stretched my hand out, beckoning him closer with my fingers.

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” he whispered as he came towards me. I shuffled to the other side of my bed and patted the free space beside me, still resting my head on the pillow as I watched him sink down beside me. He rolled over, lying next to me as his blue eyes stared into the black eyes of my mask. Only a dim light filtered in through the curtains, leaving my room dull and calming.

“S’okay friend,” I mumbled with clumsy lips due to drowsiness.

“Cry you’re drunk,” he chuckled.

“I’m not.” Although I wish I was. After everything that disk has shown me, getting drunk and forgetting about it seemed like a good idea. But I won’t do that. A soft laugh left my lips when I realized I’d almost forgotten about the disk myself. I didn’t need alcohol to forget.

“What were you looking for?” I asked as I closed my eyes and shifted, getting comfortable so I could fall back to sleep.

“Oh...nothing,” I heard him reply. I just chuckled at his reply. He’s such a terrible liar. I guess that was a good thing, for me anyway.

“You told me you’d slept well last night,” Pewd said, changing the subject.

“I lied,” I whispered and nestled into the pillow further. I was so much more relaxed with him here beside me. I don’t know whether it was because I was so tired or because of something else but I really didn’t want him to leave...ever. I got this overwhelming urge to tell him how important he is to me.

“Naughty,” he scolded gently. A smile formed on my lips and I suddenly got the urge to apologize for something. 

“I’m sorry I used to tease you,” I found myself saying. I don’t know why but that seemed really important to me right now. Jeez, I really shouldn’t let him near me when I’m tired.

“Don’t worry about it Cry,” he laughed and I felt him take a hold of my hand.

“I won’t do it anymore,” I promised, opening my eyes so I could see his face. He just lay there, smiling and shaking his head at me.

“Want to know a secret?” he asked and shifted closer to me. A secret? I nodded me head. “...I kind of liked it,” he whispered. I lay silent for a second before bursting out laughing. How was it so easy for him? To make me laugh when my thoughts are as messed up as they are now.

“Then maybe I’ll carry on,” I teased and pulled my hand away from his.

“Don’t be an asshole,” he laughed, grabbing my hand back and pulling me even closer to him. I was going to resist, I was going to roll away and not let him touch me but the sudden warmth of his body next to mine made me stop. My head may want to tease him but the rest of me just wants to be closer to him. Since when had I become to cheesy?

“Fine,” I muttered, forging frustration when in truth I was the happiest I ever remember being. All my worries, all the things I should be fretting over, they were all gone. They didn’t matter. I allowed my arms to wrap themselves around him lazily and I got a warm smile in response.

We lay in silence for a while and I watched as his eyes drooped closed and his grasp on me began to loosen. I guess I wasn’t the only one who found this comforting.

“Pewd?” I murmured through closed eyes. My words had grown sloppy again as sleep threatened to take me away.

“Yeah,” he replied, his voice seeming just as tired as mine.

“It was Ken,” I whispered.  I had to do it. I had to tell him. We all needed to know. I’d even tell Russ and Red. “It was Ken.”

“What did he do?” he asked but I felt his body grow ridged against mine.

“He was the one who played the prank.”

“Oh...Ken?” he asked again.

“Yeah.  I saw it,” I told him and opened my eyes again to find him looking up at me, his eyes wide. I brought one of my hands up and cupped his face gently, running my thumb along his cheek.

“On a disk?” he asked me slowly.

“How did you know?” Instead of answering my question he asked me if I saw anything else. Frowning slightly I began to tell him about the man with the pipe and he cringed in my arms.

“What’s wrong?” I asked and he rolled onto his back and looked up at my ceiling, letting out a breath. I watched as he brought his hand up to cover his face.

“Pewd?” I was suddenly hit with worry. He turned to me, his eyes searching over my mask and I knew what he was thinking. It wasn’t a secret that he hated the thing...but it was my refuge.

“That man with the pipe...that was Ken too.” I stared at him, stunned by his sudden confession but it wasn’t the fact that it was Ken that shocked me, I’d had my suspicions, but the fact that Pewd was the one telling me. “I wasn’t going to tell you,” he added and turned back onto his side.

All I managed to ask was, “Why?”

“I thought...I didn’t know how you’d take it,” he confessed. I found myself chuckling at him as I pulled him back to me. “What’s so funny?” he asked, frowning up at me but not pulling away.

“You tried to protect me. That’s so damn cute,” I told him but got only a glare in response.

“Stop it. I told you not to be an asshole,” he reminded me but he still refused to pull away. Instead I found him nestling his head back on the pillow beside mine, a slight blush covering his cheeks. I smiled to myself. I would have brought him even closer to him but I was afraid it would make me crave him in different ways.

“I’ll try,” I chuckled and watched him close his eyes again. “I’m glad you told me.”

“Yeah?” he mumbled.

“Yeah.”

You’re not alone Cry. Not anymore.

Chapter 24

~Pewd’s P.O.V~

I sighed heavily and looked back at my reflection in the mirror. I’d left Cry soundly sleeping in his bed as I went to inspect my hip which was becoming increasingly sore as I lay on it. Now, looking at my reflection I saw how dark purple marks had spread across the left side of my body. It must have been from back in the laundry room. I can’t complain though. I just bruise easily....I did greater damage to Ken’s face. I should probably go check on him...

As soon as we came back to the house he’d disappeared upstairs to his room and I’d come in search for that disk Cry had. I smiled to myself as I remembered him clinging onto me as he fell asleep. Cry has such a soft side. He calls me cute when he’d the one who’s fucking adorable...when he wants to be.

Focusing back down at my bruised side I began thinking of a way I would get rid of the marks. Would ice help? ...No I’m sure that’s for swelling. Maybe I should get Ken some ice...

“Ice can actually help bruises.” I quickly looked around Cry’s bathroom for the source of the voice before my eyes fell onto the reflection of me headphones.

“Stephano?”

“Ellos Pewd,” he chuckled at me.

“I haven’t heard from you in ages,” I muttered and went back to inspecting my injury.

“Missed me?” he asked jokingly. Even though I feel like I’m nuts every time I spoke to him I had missed him a little. 

“How did you even know I was thinking about ice?” I questioned. 

“Maybe I just know you well,” he laughed.  I rolled my eyes at him. “So, what do you think about Ken?” he asked me. I reached over and put my headphones over my ears so I could hear him better.

“Did you know?”

“Stephano knows everything,” he chuckle. “Including the little scene you and Cry made last night.”

“Shut up,” I told him. Why did everyone seem to know about that? Well, I had chosen to kiss him outside in the open... Dammit Pewd.

“Haha don’t be shy Pewd.”

“I’m not.”

“Whatever you say. Well...I have some information for you,” he began but I cut him off straight away.

“I don’t want to know. The last time you told me to do something it ended really badly,” I reminded him, remembering how he’d convinced me the doll prank was a good idea.

I shouldn’t have been surprised when Cry told me it was Ken who’d gone against us all but I was. I guess it wasn’t that big of a deal anymore...Cry didn’t seem to think so anyway. He didn’t even think it was a big deal that Ken had hit him with a pipe...or maybe he did. I’m not too sure. He was pretty tired when I told him.

“You sure you don’t want to know?” Stephano asked me. I hesitated and thought about this. It could be something important...something I’d need to know... “It’s about Scott...”

“I don’t want to know,” I repeated sternly. If it’s something important then I’ll take my chances and hope I can make it without the knowledge. I’ve come to learn a lot of things today and I wish I hadn’t heard any of it. I don’t know how much more my brain can handle. If it was about Scott then it didn’t matter anymore. He’s gone now and I don’t want to discover anything that will taint our memories of him.

“Okay then. If that’s what you want but if you change your mind I’ll tell you,” he explained before the static cut off completely. He was gone.

I pulled my headphones off with another sigh and lifted my shirt up again to see the bruises darkening. Stephano said I can use ice on this. I think there’s some in the freezer...

“How’d that happen?” I spun around to see Cry leaning against the doorframe of his bathroom. His arms were folded across his chest and his normally groomed brown curls were messy and bedridden. I dropped my top down quickly, covering up the marks and wishing I’d closed the bathroom door. He’s the last person I wanted to have seen them. 

“I thought you were sleeping,” I told him.

“I heard you talking to yourself,” he admitted them came towards me. Before I could stop him he had a grasp on the corner of my T-shirt and pulled it up swiftly, uncovering the bruises once again.

“Cry...don’t,” I pleaded with him and tried to pull my shirt down again.

“I just walked into a wall.”

“I know you’re lying to me,” he told me and stared at the purple marks, making my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“I fell over,” I lied again.

“Pewd...”

“I was sitting on the tumble dryer and I fell off.”

“Pewd...”

“I was riding cthulhu and he dropped me,” I blurted, trying to hold back my smile. Cry just stared down at me but let out a small chuckle when he saw me struggling to hold back laughter.

“I’m serious,” he complained, finally dropping my T-shirt and whacking my arm gently.

“Me too! It was one hell of a ride,” I smirked. He just shook his head at me and I liked to think he was giving me a smile underneath that mask.

“How did you do it?” he asked me again and leaned against the sink. I honestly didn’t know if I should tell him or not. I had no idea how he’d react and I didn’t want to get Ken into more trouble. He seemed to be fine with everything else but I knew I’d have to tell him I’d punched Ken too. I couldn’t just throw Ken under the bus.

“It’s nothing really,” I told him and stepped closer.

“If it’s nothing them tell me,” he said softly. He reached over and wrapped his arms around my waist, gently pulling me closer to him. I couldn’t help but smile. It was as if he couldn’t keep his hands off me. Shivers ran down my spine at the thought. “Please,” he begged, sounding just as sweet as he had before he fell asleep. I knew exactly what he was doing but it didn’t stop it from working. Taking in a shaky breath I began to run him through what happened in the laundry room. Starting from when Ken had begun to shove me about and ending where I punched him for the second time. Once I’d finished I waited patiently for him to reply.

“Hmmm,” was the only sound he made after the long silence but then he chuckled and looked down at me.

“You punched him?”

“Why’s that so funny?” I asked, pulling away slightly to stare into the eyes of his mask. “Believe it or not Cry but I’m not always your damsel in distress,” I told him. He just laughed harder and pulled me back to him.

“I know friend,” he chuckled. “It’s just... I said before....You’re trying to protect me and it’s cute,” he teased and pinched my nose playfully. I just shot him a glare and wriggled out of his grasp.

“You’re such a dick,” I called back to him as I stormed out of his room and down the stairs leading into the living room.

“Hey come on!” he called after me, still laughing as he hurried to catch me. I smiled to myself when I felt his arm wrap around me from behind, turning me around to face him. He stood on a higher step than me, making him even taller. “I’m sorry.”

“You better be,” I told him with a smirk then grabbed his hand and pulled him down the stairs.

~Cry’s P.O.V~

“Found any?” I asked as Pewd searched for some ice. I actually had a pretty good view from here and I tilted my head to the side, grinning to myself as he stood in front of me, bent over as he rummaged through the bottom draws of the freezer.

“Here!” he called and held up a bag of frozen peas triumphantly.

“Can I have those?” Red asked as she came in through the patio doors. She and Russ had been sitting outside by the pool and when I looked out the window I noticed Ken sitting with them. My eyes widened slightly when I saw how his face was red and swollen, breaking out into a slight bruising that was bound to get much worse. I had no idea Pewd had such a good punch. I better remember not to get on his bad side.

“I think Ken needs some,” she added. Pewd looked out the glass doors, following my gaze and his face fell when he saw Ken.

“Sure. He can have them. I’ll take it,” he rushed and hurried past her, completely forgetting about his own injuries. Red frowned slightly and looked over at me. I just shrugged and followed Pewd outside. His guilty conscience was obviously beginning to mess with his head because by the time I got to them he was sitting next to Ken, holding the peas against his face. I could tell he didn’t know where to look. His eyes were wide with some unknown emotion. I’d never seen that look on his face before.

“Does it hurt?” he asked Ken.

“Only a little,” Ken lied and gave him a warm smile. “I’ll feel better in the morning.”

He’ll probably feel even worse. At least I know Pewd can look after himself now but I’d actually liked how he’d depended on me so much before. I guess he wasn’t as helpless as I thought he was. Then again, he had gotten hurt himself. That was enough to get me worried.

“I’ll make you breakfast in the morning,” Pewd told him and nudged him gently.

“Haha I look forward to it,” Ken replied.

“Do you know how he did it?” Russ asked me quietly as we stood off to the side, letting Pewd and Ken talk. I hope they fix things soon. Not for Ken’s sake though. I could see how much this was hurting Pewd. From what he said, Ken deserved that punch. I don’t blame him for it but it seems like Pewd keeps forgetting the fact that Ken tried to hurt him first.

“Yeah...Pewd punched him,” I replied honestly. I think it was about time our group was honest with each other. No more lies.

“What? Pewd did that?” he asked, his eyes wide with surprise. Red came up from behind me and she looked just as shocked.

“Yep and guys...” I stepped forward, turning to everyone. “I think it’s time we all sat down. All these secrets are pointless. No more bullshit.  Let’s talk.”

The five of us sat outside until the sun went down and the stars came up. Even though not all of our secrets were shared a lot were, enough to give me a little faith in my friends again. Ken told everyone about how he’d been the one to play the prank, how he’d hit me with the pipe, how Anna and Paul had told him to give me the disk and how he tried to hurt Pewd. I didn’t even care that he’d hurt me...I just didn’t want Pewd in danger again. I was hoping us being honest with each other would prevent that.  

Pewd told everyone about how he’d punched Ken. Once everyone had heard the full story they understood why. Even Ken vouched for him, telling Russ, Red and I that he’d deserved a lot more than I punch. I was hard to be mad at him though, when he looked at us with such regret. 

I told everyone what was on the disk I was given and I finally built up the courage to tell them what had happened between me and Scott back in the simulation.

None of them blamed me. Surprisingly. 

“It’s not your fault Cry,” Pewd had whispered and taken my hand in his.

“I know that now,” I’d replied and given his hand a squeeze. Russ and Red seemed to be the only ones here with a clean slate.

We’d had a small discussion about the conditions three of us had but it only got as far as us all agreeing that they can remain secret. It was the rules of the game after all.

I couldn’t help but feel like things would get better from here. Now we were all open with each other. Now Pewd and I are...together? I don’t really know what we are but I like it. Also, knowing that Paul and Anna had given me the disk settled my suspicions too. I guess they really were looking out for me.

The next simulation is in three days... so hopefully we’ll get three days of peace before havoc and chaos begins again. 

Chapter 25

~Pewd’s P.O.V~

“Rise and shine!” I called as I pulled the curtains open, letting in the bright morning sun. I chuckled as the sleepy brunette groaned and pulled the covers over his head, rolling over onto his stomach. He was so grumpy in the morning.

“Come on sleepy head,” I sang and pulled the covers from him. He groaned again and curled up, covering his masked face with his arms. He even slept in that mask. “Everyone’s waiting for you. I made breakfast again!”

“Breakfast?” he mumbled deeply and peered through a gap between his arms. I remember how much he’d enjoyed it yesterday when I’d made some for everyone.

“Oh so now I have your attention,” I teased and folded my arms, raising my brows at him. I watched as he stretched out, yawning loudly and chuckling at me.

 “Let me brush my teeth and then I’ll be right down,” he told me and sat up. I was left marveling over how much deeper his voice was in the morning. That’s just not fair. 

“Okay but don’t be too long or there’ll be none left,” I called back to him as I made my way downstairs. I needed to get away from him before that damned voice made me do something stupid.

Everyone was gathered around the table, sitting on the stools and digging into the pancakes I’d made once again upon everyone’s request. I’d made some for Ken yesterday and they seemed to go down a storm with everyone.

“Pewd, these are great,” Russ said around a mouthful of food. I just laughed at him and went to put some onto a plate for Cry.

“I second that!” Ken called, pouring lashes of syrup onto his and gazing longingly at the pancakes through a partially swollen eye. His face still looked as sore as it had the day I punched him and almost two days had passed. Hopefully it’ll start looking better tomorrow... tomorrow... we have the third simulation tomorrow.

Honestly, I’m terrified.

I don’t even want to go back into another one of those ‘games’. Not after what happened last time...

“Morning friends,” I heard Cry call merrily as he came down the stairs.

“Hey,” everyone called except me. I just looked over at him and grinned. Why did he have to look so good in the morning? He remained in his sleepwear, a plain t-shirt and loose pant which hung precariously at his hips. I couldn’t help but stare.

He came straight over to me whilst rubbing his hands together. He’d certainly perked up.

“Give me,” he chuckled and reached towards the plate. I held it back till it was just out of his grasp and smiled when his shoulder slouched in disappointment.

“Not until...I get a thank you kiss,” I smirked and pointed at me cheek.

“Seriously?” he asked. “You’re such a girl.” I just ignored the comment and stood grinning as he lifted his mask a little. He made sure his back was to our friends but I don’t know whether that was because he was hiding the little of his face that was uncovered or because he wanted to hide what he was about to do.

His hand curled around my neck gently, pushing my headphones aside and tilting my face up as he kissed me. Not my cheek but my lips instead. It was only soft, only a slight brush of our mouths but it was enough to send my heart soaring. It only lasted for a second, only a moment but that was all I needed.

“Hmmm thanks,” Cry whispered as he drew away, pulling his mask down and taking the plate off me while I stood dazed. By the time I’d collected my scattered thought he was sitting at the table, ignoring our friend’s stunned yet happy expressions.

“You guys,” Red cooed after a moment’s silence. I felt my face begin to heat up. If Cry had wanted to hide the act then he’d failed miserably. I grabbed some pancakes for myself and took the stool next to Red and opposite Cry. I looked around at each of my friends. If it wasn’t for these people then I think I’d just quit this competition. After what happened in the last simulation.. I’d be too scared to go on without them.

“Anyone heard from Scott?” Cry asked us all.

“No. I’ve tried but there’s no answer,” Russ replied.

“Same for me,” Ken added. I looked down at my breakfast, taking a mouthful and thinking about this. I have to admit, it is a little strange. It’s like he’s just disappeared off the face of the earth. He’d made us all promise we’d keep in touch and he’s ignoring our efforts. I just don’t understand.

“He’ll call eventually,” Red told us all. “But come one guys. We have the simulation tomorrow so let’s just enjoy today. We don’t know who’s going to be next.”           

“Isn’t there only three people in Team Y left?” I asked them all. Three of them and five of us.

“Yeah,” Cry answered. I sat back in my stool. I wonder what would happen if everyone in Team Y got eliminated and we all remained. Would they make us work against each other? It’s not like they haven’t done it before.

“See, we have the upper hand already,” Red pointed out whilst spreading more nutella on her pancakes. “So let’s not spend today worrying.”

“You’re right,” Russ smiled down at her, pinching the nutella jar off her.

“I was using that!” she laughed but when he kissed her cheek gently she let it go and handed him the spoon. They were so cute... Damn, Cry was right. I really was getting soft.

I lay in the water, floating on my back and closing my eyes to protect them from the glare of the afternoon sun. It was boiling today, a lot warmer than it had been all week so I was more thankful for the pool than I’d ever been. I could hear Red swimming around near me and humming to herself. Apart from that all was quiet. It was so calm and it really helped settle my nerves.

I let my mind wonder, thinking about my parents and my younger sister back in Sweden. I wonder how she did in her exam the other day. I was beginning to miss them quite a lot and, unlike Cry who could call his family whenever he wanted, the time difference made it almost impossible for me to catch them. In fact, he was on the phone to his family right now. He doesn’t talk about them much but from what I’ve heard there’s his sister, his brother and his mum. I’ve never heard him talk about a father figure. Should I be worried by how little I know about him? The thought had never occurred to me before.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I knocked into the side of the pool. My side was still pretty bruised but the only other person out here was Red so I didn’t mind taking off my shirt to go for a swim.

Ignoring the slight soreness I had from bumping into the pool wall, I pushed myself away from it and began the slow glide back into the middle.

I remained out here for so long that I lost track of time and when I finally opened my eyes I found that Red had left but another figure was sitting at the edge of the pool. The setting sun behind him made him look almost like a silhouette. I pulled myself upright and swam over to him as he dangled his legs in the water lazily.

“Have you been watching me?” I teased when I got to him, propping my arm on the poolside and looking up.

“No,” he chuckled and rested his hands behind him, leaning back. I looked up at his mask but my eyes didn’t seem to want to stay there. Instead they travelled down his body, taking in his partly unbuttoned shirt and blue shorts which came to his knee until I got to the very tips of his toes which were submerged in the clear water.

“Hmm whatever,” I mumbled, resting my head on my arms. “How’s your family?” I found myself asking, my worries from before coming back to me.

“They’re fine,” he answered simply.

“Tell me about them,” I said and looked up at him. He stared at me for a second but it felt like much longer. Had I crossed a line?

“Who? My family?” he finally asked and looked away from me. I just nodded, not wanting to say anything in fear of my voice letting me down. His odd reaction was making me nervous.

“Why?”

“Come on Cry. You won’t show me your face so at least tell me something about you,” I pleaded. He sighed a little but I got the feeling that I wasn’t meant to hear it.

“Erm...okay. I have a little brother and an older sister. My mom’s been a single parent most my life after my dad walked out on us when I was young. That’s all there is to it really,” he rushed, making things as simple as possible. It was still something though, a little more than I had before.

I shifted closer to him, sad that my suspicions about his dad were true.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I mumbled, not really knowing what to say.

“It’s okay,” he chuckled and brushed my hair from my eyes.

“Do you miss him?”

“Pewds.” He laughed and shook his head. “You can’t miss someone you never knew.”

~Cry’s P.O.V~

“Hey, what’s up with you? Why are you so curious about my family all of a sudden?” I asked as he lounged in the pool beside me, his head resting on his arms and I played with his hair. It was more out of boredom than anything but he seemed to like it so I carried on.

“I dunno,” he mumbled, avoiding looking at my mask. Something was wrong...

“You’re not worried about tomorrow are you?” I guessed. At my question he turned his head away from me and shrugged. “Ah Pewds, don’t be like that. Nothing like that’s going to happen this time...”

“You don’t know that,” he blurted. I closed my eyes, suddenly being showered with guilt. How had I not seen this? He should have spoken to me about it. Why’s be been keeping this fear of the simulations all bottled up? That’s only going to make things worse.

“The simulations are supposed to be fun,” I told him as I knotted my fingers in his hair and turned his head to face me again. I hated the thought of him fretting over things, things he didn’t need to worry about. None of us were going to let those bandits near him again.

“They were fun but...I don’t even know what I’m trying to say,” he said and gave me a small smile.

“It’s okay to be scared...”

“I’m not scared!” he laughed but I could tell he was lying. “Why are you always trying to emasculate me?” he asked teasingly. His question only made me shake my head. He was trying to change the subject.

“Fine. If you don’t want to talk about it then we won’t,” I sighed and pulled my hand away from him. I wasn’t going to force him to open up to me when I wasn’t prepared to even show him my face.

“Thank you,” he smiled then lowered his hand into the water. I frowned slightly before I felt his hand grip my ankle. Whoa...what was he...ah shit! I tried to grab onto the edge of the pool but he was too quick. Next thing I knew I was submerged in water, flailing around like a child. When my feet hit the bottom of the pool I pushed myself up, breaking out and grasping for breath.

“What was that for?!” I yelled and emptied the water from my mask. He was too busy doubled over laughing to answer me.

“That...that was for...for hugging me when...when you were soaking wet,” he managed to say between hysterics.

“You’re a little shit, did you know that?” I exclaimed and blinked rapidly to get the water from my eyes. He just continued laughing even harder. Whilst he was distracted I launched myself over to him, knotting my fingers into his hair again and shoving his head under the water. Now I was the one laughing as he splashed around. I only kept him under for a few second before pulling him up and laughing as he caught his breath.

“Cry!” he yelled, wiping his eyes and opening them wide to search for me.

“Come here Pewd,” I sniggered and grabbed onto him, pulling him to me and hugging him tightly. He tried to push me away at first, yelping and giggling as I clung into him.

“You’re such an idiot,” he laughed, finally giving up and hugging me back. I smiled as he relaxed against me, breathing in deeply as he played with the collar of my shirt. I laughed again when I realized this was the second time I’d found myself in this pool fully clothed. 

“Hey...about tomorrow....Don’t worry about it Pewd,” I told him, stealing his line and hearing him chuckle in response.

~Pewd’s P.O.V~

The simulation room faded into blackness once again and I would have been freaking out if Cry didn’t have his arm around me casually and he spoke to Russ about what he thought the simulation would be. Although his touch calmed me a little, I still had to stain to hear them over my pounding heart. My eyes were fixed on the countdown clock. At least we weren’t made to work against each other this time. All Paul had told us what that we were meant to follow the story and get to the bunker on high ground. It was more like a riddle than an instruction. I don’t even know what story we’re supposed to follow!

The clock was down to ten now.

“You can leave if you want to Pewd. You could just forget this whole thing and go home,” Stephano said softly from my headphones. I jumped, startled by his voice.

“Hey...” I looked up at Cry who was staring down at me now. He squeezed my shoulder, trying to calm me down.

“I’m fine,” I told him then glanced back at the clock... 5 seconds to go. My hand grasped the back of Cry’s shirt. Somewhere in my mind I believed that we wouldn’t get separated if I clung onto him... 4 seconds. I watched around me as Russ took a hold of Red, maybe he was thinking the same thing... 3 seconds. My eyes fell on Ken who stood alone. I reached my hand out, urging him to take it. I wasn’t the only one who was scared here... 2 seconds. He slipped his hand into mine, giving me a thankful smile... 1 second. I shut my eyes tightly, feeling the floor lift from my feet as the room began to spin.

There was no turning back now.

End of Book 03

Copyrighted 2014 © Ricky Nathan XII

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