(Mention of suicide)

-

"We're home!" Lucas yells to his mother. Lucas kicks off his sandals and leaves them by the door. Molly rushes past them with a heavy bag in her hand and up towards the stairs. Charlie follows Lucas's example and takes of his shoes, placing them neatly next to each other by the door.

"Just in time! Dinner just got done!" She yells back, walking out of the kitchen to greet them. She glances at Charlie who awkwardly smiles and waves, and she smiles back, "I didn't know you were having another friend over."

Lucas freezes, his heart dropping, "Another...?" He gulps.

A figure appears from behind her, blinding him with a smile. Miles. He waves, "Hey, Luke. Charlie," He nods towards the now nervous boy who hangs his head. "Hope you don't mind me stopping by."

"Of course not!" His mother answers, turning to pat him on the chest, "The more the merrier." Miles returns her smile.

"I hope you and Lucas made up, I heard you had a fight?"

Miles lip twitches, locking with eyes with a stunned Lucas. He grins, "Oh? I suppose we did."

Lucas' fists clench at his side. What was he doing here? What the hell was he doing here? He didn't want him here. Especially with Charlie right next to him. Damn it. It's not like he could openly ask Charlie or Miles to leave, Charlie for his own safety, and Miles because he was Miles. His mother would openly refuse. This should be fun...

"Miles? You're here?!" Molly ran down the stairs in a flash and wrapped her arms around Miles. Miles smiled and patted her head, "Hey, Molls."

Since when was Molly so nice to Miles? Tsk, traitor.

"Come on, guys, dinners getting cold," His mother ushes them towards the dining table. Lucas grabs Charlie and makes sure he sits next to him. Across from Lucas was Miles, and next to Miles was Molly who kept on blabbering to him. His mother served them all a plate of steaming hot lasagna, pouring them a glass of water. She sat herself down on the chair on the end of the table, wiping the sweat off her brow. Everybody said their thanks and digged in. Molly, aggressively as usual. Miles happily gobbled it down, unware that Lucas was staring daggers into his skull. Charlie was playing with his food, refusing to look up.

"It's been so long since Lucas has had friends over, I'm glad." His mother says, her chin supported by her hand. Her eyes were warm, "Lucas used to be so shy, you know?"

Lucas averted his eyes from Miles to fondly look at his mother, frowning when he saw the look of pure love she sent his way. Charlie finally lifted his head at the mention of Lucas.

Miles spoke up, "Lucas? Shy?"

"Yes, all throughout middle school he's always been so quiet. But now... here he is. Smiling, full of life. I'm just so proud of what he's accomplished. I'm proud of you, Luke." Lucas flinches. But... I'm not Lucas.

'Sai, what happened to Lucas before my soul took over his body?'

[Lucas is dead, Host. Lucas Cooperman took his own life the second before your soul infused with his body. Your soul is the only thing keeping Lucas's body alive.]

Lucas exhaled a shuttered sigh, "I-I'm going to the bathroom." He quickly rushed out of his seat.

Miles stood up to immediately go after him but his mother stopped him, "He'll be alright, just give him some space." Miles hesitantly sat down in his seat, tense as he stared at where he had last seen Lucas. Charlie looked in his direction as well, overwhelmed with worry. His mother sighed and took a long sip of her water, even Molly had slowed on her eating, now numbingly chewing her food.

Lucas opened the door, quickly shutting and locking it behind him. His hands gripped the marble sink counter, breathing heavily. His vision was blurry as his eyes wandered up to his reflection. This was so very wrong. He was a stranger in Lucas's body, he had no right to act and lie to his family like this. Everyone looks at him and they see Lucas. His mother looks at him with such love because she sees her son. His sister teases him because she sees her brother. But... Lucas, their beloved son and brother, he's dead.

Lucas raises a hand to caress the cold glass with delicate fingers, "Lucas..." His memories didn't tell him what Lucas had felt for so many years, what built up inside of him and what he kept to himself, hiding his pain with a smile. The tears that streamed down his face weren't his. These tears must of been shed so many times, with no one to see or to notice. Lucas hiccups, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..."

Ethan was destined to live the life of a dead man. And he, too, would walk the world alone.

A soft knock sounded on the other side of the door. He heard Charlie's kind voice, "Lucas? I'm heading home."

Charlie. Charlie knew what he was going through, right? Charlie had been alone for years too. Charlie... he understood what this feeling is like. Lucas slowly walked to the door, twisting it open. Charlie immediately gasped when he saw Lucas's face drenched in the shimmer of tears.

"Lucas? Lucas, what's wrong?" He asked, his voice dripped with worry.

Lucas stepped aside to allow room to pass, and Charlie rushed inside, Lucas slowly closing the door shut beside him. He leaned his back against the door, and Charlie walked up to him, his bottom lip trembling, "Please. Please tell me what's wrong, so I can try to help."

"Where... where do you find the strength?" Lucas asks, his voice barely audible. Charlie hears him anyway. He reaches his small, trembling hands to wipe away his tears. He cups his face warmly, flashing him a broken smile, "Who says I'm strong?"

Lucas sighs, "Nevermind... it was a stupid question."

"No!" Charlie interrupts, then he speaks softly, "It wasn't stupid. And... I guess you could say that you are the one who gives me strength."

"Me?" Lucas's brows furrow.

Charlie smiles, "Yes, you. I want to get up in the morning because of you. I want to focus on school and try my hardest because of you. I'm strong, because of you."

"What did I do?"

"What didn't you do? You may not be aware of it, but you're so kind. You recognize when others are in pain and try your absolute best to get rid of it. And that... that's such a beautiful thing, Lucas. I want to become like you. I want to help people because of you. I don't know what you're going through, or what kind of pain you have, but it's okay. It's okay because sometimes the strongest people suffer the most. And the strongest people, they need help too."

Lucas takes in his words, infusing them with his heart. He dosen't realize he's crying again until Charlie points it out, "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry! Uh, uhm..." Suddenly, Charlie wraps his arms around Lucas and pulls him down into his arms, hugging him. Lucas doesn't say anything as Charlie holds him, comforts him, "It'll be okay, everything will be okay..." He reassures him, rubbing his back soothingly. Lucas wraps his arms around Charlie, returning the hug. Just like the time Lucas had reassured Charlie that first time. Lucas smiled fondly at the memory, and simply said, "Thank you."

Charlie continued to hold him until he calmed down, and Lucas pulled away. Lucas rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "And... sorry about Miles. I didn't know he was going to be here. If I did, I would of never have brought you here, I swear."

Charlie waves it off, "It's fine, really. He dosen't bother me as much anymore. And stop apologizing! Remember what you told me?"

Lucas chuckled, "Right. Then... I'm not sorry."

Charlie nodded approvingly and Lucas smiled even wider. "We should probably go back out, everyone's probably worried." Lucas said, rubbing his eyes to get rid of any remaining remnants of his tears, "I'll walk you home, okay?"

Charlie smiled and nodded, and the pair exited the bathroom.

"Lucas!" His mother rushed to his side, worried. Miles lingered not far behind, with a similar face of worry. His mother spoke up, "Are you okay?"

Lucas feigned a smile, "Yeah, I'm okay. Just felt a bit sick, sorry to make you worry. I'm going to go walk Charlie home."

"Oh... alright," His mother visually calmed at the sight of his smile, "Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?"

"No, he doesn't live far." Lucas assured, and his mother nodded. The two walked towards the entrance, where they slipped on their shoes.

"I'm coming, too." Miles said from behind, and Lucas sighed. Miles quickly added, "I'm heading the same way."

"Whatever." Lucas muttered and opened the door for the three of them to leave.

Lucas was in the center of the two, and he could barely keep his eyes open, yawning every few minutes. He didn't notice the way Miles was analyzing him, his every movement and detail of his face. He didn't notice the piercing glares Miles was sending Charlie at how close he stood to Lucas. What the hell happened in that bathroom? Miles thought to himself, desperate for an answer. He found himself gradually moving closer to Lucas, until they were shoudler to shoulder. He settled for the simple touch, even when he craved so much more.

Lucas's eyes kept closing every so often, and he didn't notice the rock that was in his path before he tripped over it, falling forward. A pair of muscular arms secured his weight, and Lucas looked up to see Miles frowning down at him. Lucas internally groaned and muttered a thanks before trying to pull away, but Miles didn't let go.

"I'm carrying you," Miles simply said, and turned around to bend down, "Hop on." He gestured with his arms.

Lucas scoffed, "I'm fine walking."

"Oh, so you'd rather trip and break a tooth? I'm not going to do anything to you, what's the problem?"

"I really don't think-"

"I wasn't asking." Miles warned.

Lucas sighed. He was really tired. He felt as if he were about to pass out. He could barely stand on his legs anymore. And Charlie was still here, it's not like Miles would do anything to him with someone else there. Oh, fuck it. He glanced over at Charlie who was standing awkwardly off to the side, sending him an apologetic look. Charlie shrugged and nervously smiled. Lucas took a step forward and wrapped his arms around Miles neck, hoisting himself on his back. Miles stood straighter, securing his hold on Lucas as he wrapped his legs around his waist. Miles smirked to himself, just like I thought. So warm.

Miles ignored Charlie as they continued their walk. Charlie said nothing, only sent worried glances over at Lucas, who Miles kept as close as he possibly could. They reached Charlie's house in a few minutes, and Lucas suppressed a yawn as he said goodbye, "See you tommorow, Charlie." He smiled from behind Miles's head.

Charlie returned the smile, "Yeah, see you." He gulped when he saw the glare Miles was piercing into his very soul, and quickly shut the door, breathing heavily.

Miles smugly smirked before turning and walking back the way they came. The moon was high in the sky, the air cool and sweet against Lucas's skin. Lucas wanted to close his eyes and drift to sleep, but he wasn't that stupid to let his guard down around Miles. They were alone, there was no telling what he would do.

"Why were you crying?" Miles asked, and Lucas blinked at the question. His eyes must of still been red.

"Why do you care?" Lucas said, focusing on the car that drove past them and down the street.

Miles paused for a second, "Did Charlie do something to you?"

"Charlie didn't do anything. He's my friend."

"Are you sure you're just friends?" There was an edge to Miles's voice, and Lucas scoffed,

"Why? You afraid he's stalking me now? That's he's going to kiss me too?"

Miles didn't answer, instead he slowed to a stop. Lucas rolled his eyes, "Yeah, that's right, asshole. I know you were lying. Charlie told me everything."

"Charlie... did?"

Lucas couldn't be bothered to think of the consequences anymore, probably due to the lack of energy he required to use his brain. He found himself rambling on and on, adding fuel to the fire, "Charlie didn't do anything. I mean, how much of an asshole can you be? Do you know what you did to him? Do you know how much you fucked up his life? You were his friend, Miles. How could you do something like that? You know what? Put me down." Lucas squirmed his way out of Miles arms, landing on the ground with a thud. He pushed past Miles who seemed frozen in place, "You're a terrible human being, I hope you know that."

[Sub mission available, Host.]

'What? Now? I'm too tired for this, Sai. Can we talk about it tommorow?' He stiffled a yawn.

[Sub mission: Get away from Miles Sawyer.]

Lucas paused, 'What?' He looked back at Miles, who was in the same place as he was before. He hadn't moved. Lucas carefully took a few steps back, keeping his cautious eyes on Miles. 'Why do I need to get away from him? What is he going to do?'

[It appears the effects of the Truth Pill have not been reversed entirely. Part of his brain is still rewired; particularly the frontal lobe, that controls speech and action.]

Miles holds a hand to his head, features twisting in pain. Suddenly, his mouth curves into a familiar devious smile, his dark eyes sparkling with excitement. Lucas flinches as Miles walks towards him. Lucas stumbles back in shock. It's the Miles from yesterday. He had to run, get away from Miles. But before he could motivate himself to quickly step back Miles had grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into a dark alley. Lucas held his breath as pinned him against the cold brick wall. Shit, not again.

"Ah..." Miles starts, and Lucas dosen't do anything as Miles lifts his hand and places it on his cheek. He leans into his touch, "It's gotten stronger, haha. You can't believe how much of a pain it was being trapped in this body. Being able to look at you, touch you... but not being able to act on it."

'Trapped? Sai, what does that mean? Is this really Miles?'

[It is still Miles Sawyer, but it seems Miles has developed an alternate personality from having his brain rewired.]

'Alternate personality? You've got to be fucking kidding me.'

"You..." Lucas starts and the new Miles in front of him hums, nuzzling deeper into his touch, ravishing the sound of his voice. Lucas swallows, "What's your name?"

"Name?" Miles smirks, "Well, you can can me babe, darling, hotstuff-"

Lucas grits his teeth, "I'm being serious."

Miles smiles even wider, his eyes dancing with amusement, "You're cute when you're angry. Alright, you can call me... Adonis. Rather fitting, don't you think?" Lucas rolls his eyes as Adonis sends him a wink.

Lucas had to be careful with how he proceeded, he didn't know what exactly would piss Adonis off. And Lucas didn't want to be sexually assaulted... again. Even if he was technically the one who created this monster of a man in the first place.

"You know," Adonis starts, "You're the first person Miles has told he's gay. Miles was so scared if the truth got out that everyone would be disgusted with him. But you..." Adonis moves Lucas's hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on the back of his hand, relishing at the warmth, "You aren't like that, Luke. Even after that little shrimp told you he was gay, you weren't scared off, were you? You're different. The question is... what does that make you?"

Adonis extends Lucas's pointer finger and swallows it whole. His tongue wraps around his finger, warm and uninvited. Adonis keeps his intense gaze locked onto Lucas, who stares on in shock. Adonis releases his finger, licking his lips hungrily, "Tell me, Luke," He inches closer, pressing his hard body up against Luke. He moves his head so his lips were right at his ears,

"You like dick, don't you?"