A Second Chance

[ Chapter 5 ]

Ritz sat on the bed, laughing as Ven danced about in his new pajamas.

They were a set of lime green shorts and a shirt with little white hearts decorating them.

["I take it you love them?"] Ritz smiled, Veneer hopping onto the bed next to him with a wide smile.

{"I LOVE THEM! They are just my size too! I'm surprised you remembered!-..."} Ven cheered, tackling Ritz.

They both flew into the colorful, blob-shaped pillows at the head of Ritz's bed. Veneer held Ritz's head into his chest as he laughed. The purple Rageon couldn't help but laugh and hug him back. Being careful not to apply to much pressure, in case he hit a bruise.

["Ok ok! Easy Ven, you're gonna get hurt again"] Ritz smiled, his laughter subsiding as Ven playfully rolled his eyes.

{"Yeah yeah Kid WorryWart. I'm not gonna get hurt!} Ven teased, turning to lay on his back, Ritz still underneath him.

Ritz scooted up slightly, reaching down to rub Veneer's shoulders. The other male sighing as he melted into the affection. Ritz's heart fluttered at the relaxed smile on Veneer's face. Both of them enjoying the silence and each other's company.

After a few moments, Veneer began to speak.
{"Thank you, Ritz...really...I...I'm surprised you...forgave me?"}

Ritz sighed, shaking his head. He brushed Veneer's hair out of his eyes. Those stunning blue's watching him.

["I haven't exactly forgiven you Ven...You lied to a LOT of people. You also participated in physically harming a defenseless troll."] Ritz said, holding Veneer's face. Looking down into his eyes as he spoke.

["And with Crimp? She was, in her own way, defenseless. She was the assistant of two very powerful popstars who she really just wanted to impress and make happy..."]

Veneer sighed, rolling over and pulling himself up. He sat beside Ritz, looking down at his hands. Regret clear in his eyes.

{"I know!...and I don't want my 'fear' of Velvet to be an excuse. Like I said...I had a lot of time to think..."} Ven uttered, unable to look up at Ritz. His heart pounded, and he felt the burning of tears beginning to form. He didn't want to cry in front of Ritz anymore today...

Ritz took Veneer's face in his hands, wiping away the tears that did fall.
["I believe you about that...in fact, the reason I bailed you out was because I wanted to see you get the second chance you deserve,Ven. You've followed Velvet your whole life. You've put her happiness and dreams first for years..."]

{"But being a popstar was also MY dream Ritz! I've always wanted to be famous and important! I was...I wanted to...it's not an excuse Ritz. I wanted to be a famous popstar just as badly as Vel did..."} Veneer said, finally locking eyes with the other man.
{"I should have said something sooner. Stopped what was happening!...I need to make it all right..."}

Ritz sighed, holding Veneer as he began to cry. He traced the little hearts on Veneer's pjs in attempt to soothe his sobs.

["I understand that Ven...but, you do understand that YOU were also used?"]
Ritz hummed softly, pulling Veneer closer to him.

{I...I know...I realized it...a while ago..."} Ven sniffled, resting into Ritz's chest.

{"She...changed Ritz. A lot...I mean, sure she was always sassy and DEFINITELY bossy! But...she cared about how I felt...she listened..."} Veneer garbled, beginning to sob again.

Ven understood everything. He was just as hurt by Velvet's selfishness as Floyd and Crimp. It wasn't the same kinda of hurt however...it felt more like a horrible betrayal. His heart ached when he thought of his sister. But, he also hurt them as well as himself because of HIS selfishness...

["...It'll be ok Ven...we'll find a way to make this work."] Ritz said, lifting Veneer off his chest to look at him.

{"We?...but Ritz- you're already doing so much for me...you don't-"}

["No, I know I don't. But I want to Ven...I want to help you. You deserve a second chance and I planned to help you in anyway I could."] Ritz stated firmly, leaving no room for objections as he pulled Veneer close, pulling the blankets over them.

["Let's get some rest Ven, you need it. I promise things will work out...and I'll be there to help you every step of the way."] He promised.

Ritz saw Veneer smile slightly as he rolled over. He felt Veneer reach for his hand, twining their fingers together. Falling asleep only a minute after.

Ritz watched the other's side rise and fall with each breath. Feeling Ven's slowly calming pulse under his fingers caused him to smile and his cheeks to grow warm.

He slid further under the covers, giving Veneer's hand a gentle squeeze as he rolled over. Back to back, hand in hand, then fell asleep.

>Word Count: 832<