The Amourtaline

It's easy to make people hurt 'round here, (you go and call it a good time)

Chris exited his room walking toward the kitchen when he saw Matt and Nick descending the stairs; the eyes of the younger glancing at them with an unspeakable emotion.

He saw Nick's eyes staring at him warily; while Matt grabbed the keys of the car, not bothering to bat an eye at Chris, fully knowing what the younger might be thinking.

Matt clearly didn't want to start a discussion with him at all, Chris could say something hurtful and the middle triplet didn't know what he would do if it was directed at Nick.

The boy of the TikTok was right: the Amourtaline was ruining their lives;

The two younger brother's relationship had changed ever since Matt found Chris and Nick in the living room:

Chris stared at Matt like an enemy; talking to him coldly or indifferent, but there was spite in his voice whenever Nick was around, leaving clear that the middle triplet was a traitor in the younger's eyes.

While Matt was on guard every time he saw Chris: fearing that the Amourtaline spiked the impulsivity of the younger, causing him any harm now that he thought that Nick and him were a thing.

But no, only hurtful words here and there and indirects during car videos that Nick would have to edit out.

Chris would still shoot his shot at Nick, and Matt could see that it would work occasionally: Nick would blush and glance away surprised, but then the uncomfortableness would set in.

Because that wouldn't be Chris: those flirtatious looks, catcalls and kisses thrown at Nick were the Amourtaline's work.

Nick would look at Matt each week, a look of hope in his eyes, just to be replaced by sadness when the younger shook his head sadly: the aroma of rose petal and vanilla still looming around, intently as the first day it appeared.

"Last week, babe"- Matt whispered- "Let's hope that this is the last week"

Nick then nodded, what else could he do?

So as Matt unlocked the car, and both Chris and Nick hopped inside, he decided to go to their usual parking spot to film the car video: the ride deathly silent.

Nick was on the back, hunching as not to catch the eyes of curious people peeking in and getting chased due to the potion; while Chris sat in the passenger seat: clearly not wanting to be by Matt's side at all.

They arrived to the small convenience store, and Matt turned to look at Nick:

"Coke and fries?"

He nodded, and added:

"And Nerd sticks too, please"

"I'll get those for you"- Chris said, locking eyes with Nick- "Can I, at least ?"

"Sure"- Nick said softly, then looked at Matt confused.

The younger exited the car, and Matt locked eyes with Nick:

"Stay here"- He said- "I'll be right back, don't get out please"

Nick nodded, and Matt got out, locking the car as the older watched his brother go inside the store, making his way toward the fries section.

He unconsciously moved forward, averting his eyes to Chris; who had picked up two pepsi cans and was making his way toward the candy aisle, excitement in his eyes and a small smile appearing in his face.

Nick sighed, a pang of sadness invading him, seeing the happy and adorable Chris, not Amourtaline-Chris, but his little brother: the Chris he missed dearly...

The memories that his little brother and him shared before the Amourtaline came to their lives crashing in his mind, how Chris clinged to Nick when the younger laughed, how both cried while they reminiscence of their childhood...