Hollow | BxBxBxB

-18- Happy Tears

The next morning went about the same as it usually went. Connor was woken up by Doctor Mercury, headed downstairs, sat in the dining room, and had a stare off with his bowl of cereal. That had become his routine at Golden Eagle.

This morning however he wanted to really challenge himself. Usually he'd leave some cereal on the edge of the bowl and some straggling pieces floating around in the creamy milk, but after his deep chat with Riccardo last night he really wanted to forge that future, he wanted to get better so he could live the rest of his life. That talk had helped them both in so many ways. Even now it was providing motivation for Connor during the hardest part of his day.

Slowly he picked up his spoon, taking it one spoonful at a time. Throughout breakfast he concentrated heavily on finishing his portion, the usual chatter and banter filled the table with Alex cracking jokes, Liam staying mostly quiet, the doctor making polite remarks, and Riccardo saying whatever he was thinking about in that moment. Connor however remained silent focusing solely on himself, something he wasn't used to doing.

Usually he'd be high on alert for danger, or making sure others were content rather than himself. This time he was focusing on getting his breakfast down. By the time the meal was over he'd completed fully. Not a single piece of soggy cereal was left in the bowl.

"I still can't believe you do milk first Alex, you're a psycho" Riccardo commented wiping his mouth with a napkin to get rid of the jam that was stuck to his lips.

"Don't knock it till you try it" Alex countered with a grin clearly amused at the tables horror.

"Not a chance" Riccardo replied exchanging an amused glance with Liam who just shook his head in half disappointment half fondness.

Standing up Connor was the first out of the dining room, instead of going into communal spaces like he was supposed to he bounded up the stairs. He'd tunnel visioned so hard and now he was crashing. He needed some time to calm down. Rushing into his room he collapsed onto the bed glaring up at the ceiling emotionlessly.

It would get easier, that's what he had to keep telling himself, it would get easier. It'd get harder before it got easier, but it'd get easier.

Before he could mull on the thoughts any longer a quiet knock sounded at his door. A second later it swung open revealing Riccardo stood in the doorway. He shyly let himself in sitting beside Connor on his bed.

"Saw you dashed off, everything okay?" He whispered kindly. Connor shuffled on the soft mattress uncomfortably unsure what to say.

"I... I d-don't know" he replied shaking his head.

"That's okay" Riccardo answered calmly. "You did a big thing, a massive change too. That's bound to stir some emotions right?" He added logically. This was what Connor loved about Riccardo, he was so versatile. He could give comfort but also wasn't afraid or overly embarrassed to receive it either. His words always felt reassuring to Connor.

"I guess" Connor replied quietly.

"I'm proud of you for finishing, like I said last night, it's difficult. Sometimes you want to give up, but you finished today. Don't take that away from yourself" Riccardo urged softly his chocolate brown eyes focusing on Connor with an air of tranquility.

Connor sighed gratefully nodding his head. "Yeah, thank you" He whispered back.

After a moment of comfortable silence where the only sound in the room was their breathing Riccardo spoke again. "I still can't believe Alex puts milk in first" he muttered shaking his head with a small smile.

Connor laughed nodding in agreement. "I wouldn't expect anything less from a guy whose surname is Apricot" Connor quipped back making Riccardo burst out laughing, the two sat there doubling over with laughter. For once the tears that descended their cheeks weren't negative, they were happy tears.