Hollow | BxBxBxB

-20- Unexpected Comfort

Connor sped into his room shutting the door then immediately collapsing in the corner tears streaming down his face, he pulled his legs up to his chest wrapping his arms around his knees and placing his head gently onto his lap as he rocked back and forth.

To Connor, It felt like he'd fucked everything up. He'd found people who actually cared for him. Then ruined it by catching feelings, he was such an idiot.

He rocked back and forth unable to contain the soft sobs that were escaping from him as the tears fell. There was nothing he wanted to do more than curl up into a ball and disappear, fade into darkness and never have to meet the eyes of his peers again.

His conversation with Riccardo in the courtyard kept replaying over and over again in his head like a stuck record. How nice it had been, how peaceful it was. That was the safest Connor had ever felt, sat there in the breeze under the big maple tree. Pouring his heart to Riccardo and discussing their demons, but now it was all for nothing. They'd opened up to each other and bonded so well, but now it was fucked up.

As another wave of emotions swept over him he heard hurried footsteps coming down the hall, thinking nothing of it Connor continued to cry his tears wetting the jeans he was wearing.

Suddenly his door opened then shut again almost as quickly, footsteps glided over to him and the sound of someone crashing to the floor next to him was audible. Shooting his head up Connor came face to face with the person he least expected, Liam?

Staring into Connors eyes Liam spoke his voice gruff but unthreatening. "Connor. You're okay. Come on buddy" He said soothingly.

"W-why are you here?" Connor whispered back tears still free falling from his sapphire blue eyes. Liam was the last person he'd expect to run after him, let alone try and comfort him. The boy gave off such a ruthless persona that Connor never for a moment believed he could be this caring. It was a pleasant surprise.

"Because here, we stick together. Let's be honest, we're all here because no one looked out for us properly, so here we look out for each other, yeah?" Liam explained seriously.

"I'm sorry" Connor choked out resting his chin back on his knees sadly.

"You've got nothing to be sorry for. You're human, you had emotions. Riccardo's a sweet boy. No one can blame you. It's only natural" Liam told him sternly.

"H-he told you guys then?" Connor whispered out his fear coming true.

"You could say that. It's more we figured something was wrong and he couldn't hold it in. A bit like you right now" Liam explained, that reassured Connor a bit. It was nice to know that Riccardo hadn't gone around gossiping about him and that Liam at least understood what was happening. Connor also felt a pit growing in his stomach at Liam's words, he'd caused Riccardo to have this same kind of reaction he was having right now?

"T-thank you, I'm really sorry" Connor answered timidly trying to keep his head up and catch his breath, but with minor success as he counted backwards from 25.

"Like I said, don't be sorry. You have anxiety?" Liam questioned, it felt like more of a confirmation question than him actually wondering though.

Connor nodded wiping his eyes roughly. "Thought so, you're a lot like Chloe" Liam answered nodding his head a sad smile forming on his face.

"Who's Chloe?" Connor asked quietly. His eyes were still brimming with tears but he'd managed to stop rocking now.

"My sister" Liam stated gruffly, this made Connor's heart drop. He couldn't imagine what it felt like for Liam seeing him like this, a person with anorexia and anxiety, just like his sister he'd lost had. It must be bringing up so many memories for him.