Is This True Love? (DNF)

Chapter 68: Freedom

Sorry for late upload everyone. Had some technical issues to deal with and stuff
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George POV.

Clay was holding my arms pulling me through the corridor which was illuminated by a fluorescent light. It felt so word, so artificial, yet it wasn’t any more artificial than the world that I had been growing up in within the dome on the other side of the world. Only this world was more clear as to what it truly was.

The corridor we were running through was narrow enough that the two of us could not be side by side, instead I relied on him to lead me. It was good too, there were many adjoining hallways and I would probably end up running down the wrong one and ending up lost in what was more than likely a labyrinth.

I was also terrified that I’d end up cornered in here, trapped by other people on my own and easily get overpowered as though I was nothing. The blond however protected me, covering me in a protective aura that made me feel as though the pains and miseries of the world couldn’t touch me.

“How do you know where we are going?” I asked him, pulling him to slow down after he had been dragging me in an awkward run for a few minutes.
“I’ve been here before. I know where the exits and the entrances were.”

Him saying that concerned me. How much did he know about this place? Truly I didn’t mind that he was helping me, but now that I had the chance to get out of here it made me question him internally. I still had too much respect and gratitude to talk out loud to question him. “Trust me, it is just a few short turns until-”

A figure appeared from around the corner, standing in our path causing the blond and I to freeze in place. “You two truly have run far.” The man chuckled, and another figure appeared behind him as he spoke. “But I believe it’s about time we got George back home, everyone is worried about you.”

“Piss off Jimmy.” Clay gritted, and I moved to grab the blond’s shoulder.
“I can’t do that.” He sighed. “Legally, George belongs to us and this show. If you do not hand him over to us Clay then we’ll have you arrested.”
“Clay… this is your cousin?” I asked, confused as to what was going on.

Clay didn’t answer me, just continuing to glare at the man standing opposite him. “I refuse to give you George. He deserves to be with someone who loves him.”
“I love him.” Jimmy reassured. “The whole cast loves him and the whole world loves him!”

“No you don’t. Karl and Sapnap hated him enough to shit talk him behind his back! Fundy hated him enough to cheat on him while they were dating! In what world is that love?” I was shocked and upset at everything he said, despite knowing that it was likely true. The idea that everyone in my life didn’t like me was heartbreaking, but I knew it must be true.

“Clay, stop trying to infect him with your nonsensical ideas.” The man, Jimmy, chuckled. “I want you to help George walk over to us, and we can get him back home. Otherwise I will have you arrested for trespassing and kidnapping. Plus all of the emotional damage that you have caused with your actions.”

“You’re the one who kidnapped me!” I defended. “I didn’t want to be in this damn show and you’ve held me here against my will my whole life!”
“George, you don’t understand.” The man began, speaking in the same way a parent would when talking to their child.

My fingers dug into Clay’s shirt, craving the same protection and safety he had made me feel only moments ago, well now I felt so naked and vulnerable. “I won’t go back. I won’t do it.” I stated, refusing to look towards the group at the end of the hallway. “You can try and make me- but I won’t.”

He didn’t say anything, watching me with sympathy lacing his gaze. “I refuse to be on a show which just wants me around as a cheap laugh.”
“A cheap laugh?” There was a scoff, not from the man who had done all the speaking but another member of the group. “”Is that what Clay told you this show was about?”

Now it was my turn to stay silent, slowly daring to glance up at him and see what he was doing. “Your show inspires people, George, it comforts people. You are a close friend, an idol to millions of people around the world.” He spoke softly, however noting my scepticism.

“When you started spending all your time at school doing volunteer work, the number of teenagers volunteering for charities went up by fourteen percent. After you started dating Fundy, gay hate crimes decreased by thirty five percent. When you started working in coding you caused all universities who offered the program to be waitlisted with thousands of applicants.”

“Really?” My voice was soft, breathy, and unbelieving. I had caused all of that? I have been responsible for changing millions of lives.
“Don’t listen George.” Clay instructed. “You and I can leave. You can change lives without being in the show, trust me.”

“Yes…” I don’t even know why I considered it, why I paused to think that maybe it was good that I was helping out so many people. The blond grabbed my hand, pulling me close to him.
“I refuse to let you take him from me. He is coming with me regardless of what you all say. If you have a problem with that then just call the cops and say you want to re-kidnap my boyfriend.”

Jimmy’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t say anything. Without a word he allowed us to walk into the other direction. Without looking or caring he turned down the first adjoining hallway. Part of me wanted to say something to him but he just muttered to himself. “Surely there is an exit around here somewhere.”

I didn’t say anything, watching as he pushed his weight against each door that was there. Half of them didn’t open, but eventually he reached one and we were thrown out into the warm evening air. The moment he pulled me out onto some soft grass I found myself gasping, as if breathing for the first time.

Then I chuckled, gripping at the fabric of Clay’s shirt as we both stood up. Ahead of us, miles away yet feeling closer than ever was a brushstroke of browns and greys mixed with specks of lights. It was beautiful. “I’m free-” I spoke desperately, under my breath.
“Yes you are.” He reassured me, before beginning to pull me again.

“My car is this way.” He smiled, pulling me with him. “I’ll take you to my house, okay?” I nodded with a gaze full of hopefulness and desperateness.
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1208 words

Surprisingly enough there is still at least 10 more chapters taking place for this story outside of 'the show'. So you don't have to worry about it wrapping up just yet.