V & V - Rageous Rageon Redemption.

Bite The Bullet

Kid Ritz POV:

My breath comes out in short, panicked puffs as I realize Johnny's body is gone.

Fred: "What do you mean Johnny isn't here?"

Kid Ritz: "I-I I don't know, dude, but I'm freaking the fuck out. He's gone... but I killed him right here."

I search the locker room, my shin running into the sharp metal door of the locker.

Kid Ritz: "Here! Here's the door I hit him with! You have to believe me, I bashed-"

Fred: "Dude, I don't want to keep hearing you repeat yourself that you killed a guy... I get it."

His words stop me in my tracks. I... guess I have gotten pretty comfortable with admitting I killed someone.

Kid Ritz: "Sorry... but I am still really freaked out. The door is here... but Johnny isn't."

Fred sighs, sounding upset.

Fred: "Well, there's no use with us staying in here. Let me see the door."

I hand it to him, curious as to why he wants it.

Fred: "I'm going to keep it on us. For self-defense."

Kid Ritz: "Maybe I should find something else as well."

Fred: "Maybe... just know the consequences of your actions before you try something."

That sends me boiling; he's treating me like a fucking criminal.

Kid Ritz: "Dude, I'm not a psycho."

Fred: "You killed someone!"

Kid Ritz: "Yeah? And? I had to do it. Clearly, it didn't even work if his body is gone, so let it go."

Fred: "Let it go? Do you know how batshit crazy it is to hear your best friend be okay with attempting to kill someone and bash their head in with a metal door? Where's your morality?"

Kid Ritz: "My morality? You can't even tell me you're drinking again! Do you know how badly that crushed Orchid's heart for her to learn you're hiding secrets from her? How bad I'm hurt that you can't trust me? We were there for you in the beginning; we love you!"

Fred's quiet, his chest rising and falling quickly with his anger. I stare up at him, able to make out his green eyes looking down at me with fury. He... doesn't look good. He really doesn't. He's lost weight... and looks... 

When was the last time I took a moment to check in with him?

How hadn't I noticed his freckles and face looking so pale? How come I didn't see his shaking or nervous hands? How come I didn't stop to question seriously why he's been so distant? Was it because I became so caught up with Veneer and our problems that I neglected his?

Fred sighs before speaking words that sends all of my remorse out the window, I'm so worked up and scared.

Fred: "I... am an adult; I don't have to tell you all of my personal problems."

Kid Ritz: "Oh, but you can tell Veneer? He has his secrets that I know he's told you. Don't think Orchid and I haven't noticed you two being secretive! Do you know how much it hurts me to try my fucking best to care for Veneer and realize he can't even be open with me? That you can't be open with me? It's broken my heart!"

Fred: "R-Ritz, that's not-"

I lose my shit before I can focus clearly on the words I spit out next.

Kid Ritz: "I didn't prod him, or you, because having trust in relationships is key! Now I wish I had! I may die here without ever knowing why the love of my life and best friend can't trust me enough to talk to me!"