Love is a Broken Window | Cricky [C]

81 | Somber

| Ricky's POV |

I cleaned myself up the best I could and existed the bathroom. Chris came back on the bus, looking at me with concern.

"Hey." He spoke softly. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine." I faked a smile.

Chris sighed. "If you say so. We're ready to leave. I'll be driving. You have a good sleep, okay?"

"Wait." I grabbed his wrist as he began to walk away. "Can I stay up with you?"

"If you want to, you know I love your company." He responded.

I grinned and followed him to the front of the bus. Chris sat down on the driver's side, and I in the passenger side. We pulled out of the rest stop, thankfully getting away from this biker haven. The blank road next felt better. I was putting Jani behind me once again. It wouldn't last.

"Is everything okay?" Chris asked. "Really okay?"

I stared out the window. "No." I pouted.

"Did something scare you at the gas station or what? I thought your fear of the dark was better?"

I used to have a real problem with the dark and being alone, but I kind of got over it, kind of didn't. It's whatever.

"I didn't fully get over it. Just... spooked myself, that's all." I lied straight through my teeth. I didn't want to lie to Chris but I had no choice.

"When was the last time you ate?"

"Babe-"

"Answer the question." Chris stated. He was sexy when he was assertive, which made this worse.

I shrugged. "I don't remember."

He sighed. "You should go grab a snack at least. Eat something. This isn't good for you."

"I don't feel hungry. Plus I need to lose weight." I responded.

"Lose weight? Baby, you're beautiful as is. In fact, you're getting too thin. You weigh less than Shiloh now, and you're taller than him."

"Shiloh is gorgeous. I'm not. Don't compare me to him, it's not fair." I protested.

Chris sighed again. He grabbed my hand and held it tightly as we came to a red light. "In my eyes, you are the most gorgeous creature on this planet. Fuck anyone who thinks otherwise. I love you, Ricky, and I only tell you these things because I worry about you. You need to eat, Baby."

"I love you too but... I just... I don't want to. I don't want to do anything really. All my motivation is gone."

His hand tightened on the steering wheel. "I wish I could... help." He muttered.

"What? What is it?"

"You'll get mad at me if I tell you that you need to be on your medication. But, Beautiful, that is the only thing that'll help you get your appetite and motivation back. I want you happy."

"And I don't want my happiness to be artificial!" I whispered.

"Well I don't want you dead!" Chris responded firmly. I stared at him a moment. I don't think he meant to snap like that, but he did. "I'm sorry. I just... I don't want you dead."

| Devin's POV |

I woke up as I felt someone pulling on my hair. I realized it was Shiloh, but he was asleep. The poor thing was having a Hell of a nightmare. I kissed his forehead and pulled him closer.

His eyes shot open and he took a moment to take in his surroundings. Shiloh's eyes welled up and he just started crying in an instant.

"Shhhh." I soothed. "I'm here. I'm here. Tell me, what's wrong?"

"N-nothing, it was just a bad dream." He whispered.

"Are you sure?"

"Y-yeah. Devin... thank you for all you've done for me." He said, just out of the blue.

"You're welcome." I replied but didn't question it.

"I had a dream of where I was before I met you. Just thank you." Shiloh hugged me. "I'd probably be dead without you. I love you."

"I love you too, Baby. And, ditto."