Silent Pain

Part 8

The thought of going to BAFTA's surprised Chris. Being in a place with other people a lot better known than him made him excited. The worries about Craig had gone somewhat as he knew Dan would help. Aleks knew how he felt about the whole Craig thing, so, she was considerate of how he was feeling. She had spoken to Dan in the morning of the BAFTA's so she knew he knew what happened.

Chris waited for Dan outside the BAFTA building, hoping he wouldn't be too long. He wiggled a little to make sure his TD wasn't too bad tonight. He was in a place with professionals, he couldn't show he was feeling nervous or in pain. His operation didn't hurt much, but still felt a numb feeling in his side. Dan walked to the front of the building. For once, he came in his car rather than on bike.

"You alright?" Dan asked, walking to Chris, hugging him,
"Better now you're here." Chris said, still hugging. He had gone into the building to see Robert and Craig, but Craig had told him to piss off.
"Said anything?"
"Besides 'piss off', nothing" he sighed, looking at his hands.
"He's really annoying me you know. How he's being with you is not right. I spoke to him last night."
"What did you say? Nothing about me right?!" Chris exclaimed, not wanting Dan to become involved with his problems.
"All I asked him was how this week has gone for him."
"And?"
"He says it's gone the best it could. Recording the documentary, going to live and being with Robert..."
" He said Robert exclusively?"
"Yes. When I asked him about you he didn't say anything. He ignored it."
Chris excitement crumpled and faded into darkness as he turned away from Dan and looked at his hands. Why hadn't he cut them? He didn't exist anymore.
"He should be fine though. He can't be horrible to you whilst there's media there. People would notice too much."
"I guess" Chris said, not wanting to be here anymore.

They both walked into the BAFTAs. After clarifying who they were, they were allowed into the hall. Robert and Craig already had their seats and were on their phones. Robert was tweeting and Craig texting someone. Dan and Chris sat in their seats, Dan taking the one next to Craig. A steward came over to Dan and Chris and offered them a drink. Chris and Dan both opted for water, wanting to drive themselves back afterward. Robert spoke to Dan after finishing a Tweet.
"Hey Dan, Chris, how are you?" Robert asked, smiling,
"im alright." Dan replied, looking at Chris.
He didn't reply, he looked at his water, almost as if he wanted to drown in it,
Craig had simply looked at him and then returned to his phone.
Rob and Dan looked at each other, knowing there was some awkwardness between the group.
Then, Craig decided to speak, "So Dan, why you back?"
"Oh, I just felt like it. Like I was going to come back next week but, missed home too much."
"Sure that's all you missed?" Craig asked, seeming to be implying something else,
"Yeah I missed the bike too!" Dan joked, they all laughed, even Chris did too.
Waiting a few minutes, Robert decided to take a selfie with all of them. Even though he knew that Chris and Craig were somewhat awkward, they would all be fine with this. As he took it and posted it, Chris did feel happier, but not that much He knew what he was doing was just so people didn't ask questions.

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As they interviewed, Chris felt as though he was still being left out. He still felt ill and tried not to show it. He sat in the middle of Dan and Craig; Dan suggested sitting next to him to see whether it would break the tension between them. Again, they laughed to be friendly. He knew Craig hated him for some reason right now, but still didn't know. Chris needed someone to listen, anyone. He glanced over at Dan, hoping he'd notice. He had done, but there was nothing he could do. He decided to mention the operation because, well, he didn't want people to know, but he needed attention. Someone, anyone to care ...

After their interview, they were lead into a hallway with a large BAFTA statue. Chris walked into the corner of the room behind Robert and Craig. Bob, Dan and Craig all had a laugh together as Dan took a photo sitting by the BAFTA statue. Then, Dan had an idea of taking a group photo. The press walked in on them taking it. Afterwards, they asked the four of them to stand in various positions. Each time they stood, Chris and Craig didn't stand together. He preferred everyone else except Chris.
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