Sturniolo Triplets One Shots

Make It Stop (Nick)

Nick Sturniolo sat in his room, the soft glow of his computer screen illuminating his face. He stared at the open document, fingers hovering over the keyboard but unable to type a single word. The lyrics of "Make It Stop" by Rise Against played softly in the background, the words hitting too close to home.
"Bang bang go the coffin nails,
Like a breath exhaled, then gone forever..."
Nick closed his eyes, the weight of the past few weeks pressing down on him. His YouTube channel was thriving, and the Sturniolo Triplets were more popular than ever, but Nick felt like he was drowning. The pressure to keep up the façade, to always be the happy, carefree Nick his fans adored, was becoming unbearable.
He had always been open about his struggles with mental health, but lately, it felt like no one was really listening. The endless comments and messages telling him to stay strong, to keep smiling, only made him feel more isolated. He wanted to scream, to tell everyone that he wasn't okay, that he needed help.
His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. It was a text from his brother, Matt.
"Hey, you okay? Haven't seen you all day."
Nick took a deep breath and typed a quick reply.
"Just needed some time alone. I'm fine."
He knew it was a lie, but he didn't want to worry his brothers. They had their own lives, their own struggles, and he didn't want to be a burden.
The song continued to play, the lyrics piercing through the silence.
"All these things I hate revolve around me,
Just back off, get away from me..."
Nick felt tears sting his eyes. He didn't know how much longer he could keep pretending. He needed to talk to someone, anyone, but the thought of opening up made his chest tighten with fear.
A knock on his door startled him, and he quickly wiped his eyes. "Come in."
The door opened, and Matt stepped inside, followed closely by Chris. Their concerned expressions made Nick's heart ache.
"Hey," Matt said softly, sitting on the edge of Nick's bed. "We wanted to check on you. You've been really quiet lately."
Chris nodded, his eyes filled with worry. "Yeah, we're here for you, Nick. Whatever it is, you don't have to go through it alone."
Nick's resolve crumbled, and he broke down in tears. Matt and Chris immediately moved to his side, enveloping him in a tight hug. For the first time in weeks, Nick allowed himself to be vulnerable, to let his brothers see the pain he had been hiding.
"I can't keep doing this," Nick sobbed. "I feel like I'm falling apart. The pressure, the expectations...it's too much."
Matt held him tighter, his voice gentle but firm. "You don't have to carry this alone, Nick. We're your brothers. We love you, and we're here to support you, no matter what."
Chris nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. "Yeah, Nick. You're not alone. We can get through this together."
As the song played on, Nick felt a small glimmer of hope. His brothers' presence, their unwavering support, gave him the strength to keep going. He didn't have to face his demons alone. They would make it stop, together.
"Make it stop, let this end,
Eighteen years pushed to the ledge..."
Nick took a deep breath, the weight on his chest easing slightly. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but with Matt and Chris by his side, he believed they could face anything.
And maybe, just maybe, he could learn to love himself again.