The Sound of Madness

The Meeting

Sound of Madness

Chapter 2: The Meeting

3rd Person POV

Ryan finished his work about an hour before the end of the day. He had been quiet all through the Lets Plays and Go. The guys tried not to upset him any further and just went along with it. 45 minutes before lock up the guys called him into the Achievement Hunter office. He knew what was going to happen and he didn't know if he was going to share with them the situation. He came in and sat down on his couch. They swiveled their chairs around to face him.

"So er...Ryan. We wanted to talk to you." Geoff started uneasily.  Ryan stared at them blankly.

"'Bout what?" Jack gave Geoff a soft look and Geoff sat back.

"We want to make sure you're OK." Jack voice was gentle.

"I'm fine."

Michael spoke, "No point in bullshitting us Ry. Not after...umm this morning," Ryan's look burned slightly.

"Rye please we aren't treating you like an animal we are just worried." Ray's voice was genuinely laced with concern. Ryan took a breath, he had to tell them.

"Four months ago I was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder. My vacation that was when I checked myself into a psychiatric hospital and stayed there. They dismissed me though. H-He only comes out when I'm emotional. If I'm upset or angry he fuels himself on it and overpowers me. He nearly got to me when you guys asked me the first time...I was mad and he liked it." The degree of shock registered on each of the other mens' faces.

"Ryan....I'm sorry." Michael squeaked out. "It's fine... Really... There's no way you could have known." 

A Scene In Geoff's Mind:

We all sat at our desks except for Gavin. Gavin snuck up behind Ryan and whispered Boo! Ryan jumped and knocked Gavin off his feet. All the others were laughing. I noticed something. Ryan had a pained look. I didn't ask. I should have. 

Another Scene:

Ryan got a call during a GTA  V Let's Play and left the room. He came back in the room silent. We paused the recording. "What's up Rye Bread?" Ray asked.

"My dog that I...uhh had since I was a kid. She passed away this morning."  We all gave our apologies and Ray and I tried to crack a few jokes. He smiled painfully. I though he was just sad. It was a weakness. 

"If I'm upset or angry he fuels himself and overpowers me." 

Geoff took a breath. "I-I noticed." The others turned to him.

"What?" Ryan was puzzled. "The day Gavin scared you. You looked like you were in pain. Then the day you got the call about your dog passing. I thought you were just shocked and sad but my little voice kept telling me that there was more to the situation." The others stared and Ryan nodded.

"Ryan...We are here for you." Jack smiled.

"You guys are amazing." Ryan was tearing up.

"Shit." Those were the last words from Ryan out came The Mad King laughing manically.