The Next Step Oneshots

Silence

I apologise in advance for how sad this is. The idea was in my mind and I had to write it. Even though it made me cry. Yeah, sorry.

James' looks drained. His knuckles are white, his expression sad and his back bent over. Finn's surprised when he lets himself collapse in the chair next to him.
"Fine." His voice is barely a whisper.
"What?" Finn crosses his fingers under the chair.
"You can go. But I'm telling you, she won't talk."
"Thank you!" He finds himself embracing the older boy. James shakes him off.

Hospitals have a distinct smell. It almost makes Finn sleepy. He approaches her and sits in the blue armchair beside her. She has no visible reaction to his presence, and he has to admit, that hurts. He doesn't open his mouth to speak. He just looks at her, kindness in his eyes. He puts his feet up on the hospital bed. She looks done. Done with her family. Done with him. Done with life. He closes his eyes and blinks as he opens them.She doesn't need to see another person cry. He remains silent.
"You're not saying anything?" Her voice is raw. His eyes light up at the sound of it anyway. She realises that he caught her out, turning her fragile body away from him.
"I hate you." God, that hurt. A lot. His stomach jolts at the pain. Then, she shifts her body back around again.

And she's smiling. She was being sarcastic.

He actually laughs.
"I had to get you back."
"Okay." He grins. "I miss you, Pipes."
"I'm here."
"This is the first time you've spoken in two months. I'm allowed to miss you."
"I miss me too." Her voice cracks and he clasps her hand.
"You're still in there."
"Am I?"
"You are." He reassures, "I promise."
"Do you hate me?"
"What?"
"Do you hate me?"
"No! Why, why would you think-"
"I'm in hospital, Finn. I had a massive panic attack and I nearly died. I have not spoken in two months. You're allowed to hate me."
"I love you." That's too much for her. She cries.
"Does he hate me?"
"No. He loves his little sister."
"Does she-"
"Riley loves you."
"And A-"
"You get her messages everyday. They're sincere. Amy loves you."
"I do love you all back. I know you think I don't."
"I contest. Of course you love me. Do you know how lovable I am? Very."
She smiles again. And it turns his world.

♥️♥️