Lets Not And Say We Did

Forty Eight

Ryan cautiously approached Pete's open office door. It looked exactly as he expected it to inside.

All the pictures from the wall were thrown around the room. Everything made of glass was broken. Except the large window. Thank god he didn't break the window. There were scratches on the floor from Pete dragging the furniture. All the books and other objects from the bookshelf were around the floor as well. And Ryan was pretty sure that the bookshelf would be on the floor too if it weren't built into the wall.

Ryan walked fully into the office. He'd actually expected it to be more of a wreck. Pete went on a rampage after Patrick left. He destroyed his entire bedroom. And the next day he'd destroyed Patrick's bedroom.

After that, he'd spent all his time in his office. Ryan heard him throwing stuff around everyday. Breaking glass. Punching walls. But today when Ryan woke up, he didn't hear anything. That's why he decided to come check on his best friend.

Pete was sitting at his desk. Of course the desk was empty because everything on it, including the laptop, was on the floor. His arms were folded on top of the desk. His head was in his arms. He must have fallen asleep here last night.

Ryan walked over to wake him up. His foot kicked something and it rolled slightly. Ryan glanced down to see what it was. It was one of Pete's pill bottles.

Lifting it up, Ryan realized it was empty. He read the side of the bottle. Atavan. Why the hell was it empty? His eyes widened and snapped up to Pete sitting at the desk. Unmoving.

"Pete!" Ryan ran to the desk. Shaking Pete's shoulder roughly. "Pete, get up!"

He groaned. Raising his head up to stare at Ryan with bloodshot eyes. Ryan was so relieved, he could have cried.

"What?" Pete glared at him.

"Holy hell, you're alive!"

"What?" Pete looked genuinely confused. Ryan waved the empty pill bottle in front of him. "Oh, that."

"Yes that." He mocked Pete's bored tone. "Why is it empty?"

"Because I took them all." Ryan gasped. "Once a day." Pete continued on. "As I'm supposed to."

"You ran out?"

"Yeah."

Ryan sat on the edge of Pete's desk. Beside his chair. He placed the empty pill bottle on the desk. Pete pushed it off. Ryan sighed.

"When did you run out?"

"I don't know. A few days ago?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was preoccupied-"

"Yeah. Destroying our house."

"Sorry about that. My anger took over."

"I understand. I'd be angry too." Ryan was quiet for a few seconds before he finished. "But he insisted it wasn't what you think-"

"Ryan. Stop."

"Look, you obviously miss him. Brendon says he misses you too."

"He does?" Pete's was doubtful.

"Oh course he does. He still loves you Pete. He's just hurt."

"I should be hurt!" Pete snapped. Anyone else would have backed down. But Ryan was used to it.

"Which just means you two need to talk-"

"No." His tone was final.

"I'm just worried about you. You're spiraling man." His voice was softer as he continued. "Pete, you're like a brother to me. You are my brother. I just need you to be okay."