Speak Loudly.

Chapter 20

{A/N: For future notice- I'm sorry. xx}
Date: July 18, 2003
Shane: Age 20
Joey: Age 19
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{Authors Pov}

Shane: Joey please open the door, it's okay!

Shane pounded on the bathroom door. They lived in their own apartment in California now, because they grew so attached to the state ever since Joey's 18th birthday. Their apartment was cozy and nice, and they shared a bedroom and all was well for the two boyfriends.

Except, well, Joey.

Joey was sick. All the time. There was not a day Joey didn't wake up wanting to puke and he considered himself lucky on days he didn't wake up in his own vomit, or even his own feces.

One reason they didn't share a bed.

But Shane kept good care of Joey. He washed Joey and fed Joey when Joey wasn't strong enough and cleaned up Joey's messes and worked and got Joey some pills for headaches and vomiting a lot.

But it seemed like their young years all over again- Joey refused to go to a hospital.

Shane thought it was because he had some type of weird fear against them, and barely went to his "Chemo Therapy". Atleast he thought.

{Joeys Pov}

I leaned over the toilet, out of breath from puking up everything I ate. Which wasn't that much. I knew I was growing much skinnier and I was afraid.

Because I knew.

My hair was fully grown back now, although. Which gave me weird thoughts that Shane didn't suspect what was happening.

I slowly stood up and with all his willpower unlocked the door.

Shane had a final look of relief on his face and he kissed my forehead, holding my face in his hands.

Shane: Joey. I know something's wrong.

I sighed and nodded. Something had been wrong for a year now.

Shane: What's wrong?

Joey: We... We need to talk, Shane. Let's sit.

We walked to our living room, Shane holding my hands in his one and using the other to hold me close to him as we walked. My breathing was heavy by the time we made it to the couch.

Joey: Shane, I'm getting really sick, you know?

Shane nodded, still holding my hands in his.

Shane: I know. But that's normal for you, isn't it?

I shook my head and wiped my eyes, taking my hands back from his. Shane's look turned to sadness.

Joey: Shane...

My voice cracked as I weeped.

Joey: You remember our first time, right?

I asked him, panting. Crying was even hard work.

Shane blushed, though still sad.

Shane: I wouldn't forget.

Joey: Last year, the morning after, I got a call.

I whispered to Shane. He looked up at me, his blue eyes now tear filled.

He looked so sad, so disappointed. This is not how things are suppose to work.

Shane: What call?

I took a deep breath and tried to hold my voice solid, to be strong for Shane.