○Tyler's POV○

I sat up, gasping for air and coughing like a mad man. A thin layer of sweat covered me from head to toe. The coughs kept getting worse, as if my body was rejecting something horribly. The tightness of my throat turned into a hellish burning as I gripped the sheets, trying to calm down. Tears slowly spilled from my eyes at the pain. All I could hear were echos of the words he didn't deserve to hear; the words I clearly was not allowed to say,

I love you, Troye.

--

I awoke in the same layer of sweat, but a different setting. His room had the velvet curtains flowing in the wind; the window was open, but it wasn't supposed to be. I didn't have the energy to walk over and close it though. I at least could tell that it was morning time, seeing as the usually dark room illuminated every once in a while as the curtains danced, then went back to being dark as they settled in again. The lamp wasn't on either which meant that it was still early, or he'd allowed me to sleep in.

I couldn't remember anything. I couldn't remember how or why I was in here. I couldn't remember what was driving me to tears at that moment, but that didn't stop it from doing so. My lip quivered and my vision flooded with rains of sadness. I brought my knees up to my chest and hugged myself, feeling lonely and scared as I sobbed. My body shook violently with sadness and confusion. Why am I crying? I thought, but I couldn't stop. Sadness murdered my feelings, running over them like a train that wouldn't stop, and it kept speeding up the more I questioned it. Where was he? Why wasn't he saving me?

"He doesn't want to save me." I cried out loud, squeezing my eyes as my heart ached some more.

"Tyler?" I heard a voice ask with concern. My head immeadiately snapped up to meet Zoe's worried eyes. "What's wrong?" she rushed over to me and embraced me in a loving hug, to which I sobbed harder to. I cried in her shoulder like a baby as she rocked me back and forth, calming me down from lord-knows-what. After I'd stopped crying, she silently handed me some tissues from the bedside table and sat me down at the edge of the bed, rubbing my back comfortingly.

"Thanks," I croaked out, sniffling and drying my tears with the soft paper.

"What happened?"

"I don't know." I shrugged "I'm so confused..."

"Tyler..." she said with a questioning tone, causing me to look up at her. She looked deeply in my eyes, trying to read what I was feeling at that moment. "Are you in any pain at all?"

I stilled my body for a second, paying attention to the slight discomfort coming from my chest. "A bit of heartburn, I guess." I replied finally.

"Heart-burn?" Zoe asked confusedly.

"Yeah. It's this weird sensation on your chest that happens when acid from your stomach comes back up... or something like that."

Zoe seemed to think for a little bit, allowing me to reflect on my own. I knew that heartburn wasn't painful per say. But right now, it felt as if a tiny needle was poking through my heart. It was a sharp discomfort, but I couldn't name what it was, nor did I want to worry Zo furthermore. I decided to keep my mouth shut, I'd alert her if it got worse. "Maybe... some chamomile tea ought to make you feel better" she spoke up brightly, but I couldn't help noticing how stiff her smile looked. Maybe i was making her worry too much.

"I'll be okay Zoe" I reassured, standing up with her as she made her way out.

"I know you will." She smiled, genuinely this time, and led me all the way to the living room downstairs.

▪Zoe's POV▪ (ooo what?)

After laying Tyler on the couch with his tea, I quickly made my way back to the kitchen, rushing over to Dan when I saw him looking through the fridge.

"Daniel!" I whisper-yelled, frantically motioning him over.

"Whats the matter with you" He chuckled.

"Tyler knows what happened last night." I replied hastily. Dan furrowed his brows and closed the fridge, leaning against it and crossing his arms as he replied,

"What?"

"I found him sobbing his eyes out earlier and he says he doesn't remember why! Then he told me he had something called 'heartburn' or whatever!"

"Heartburn?!" he asked, scared. "You reckon Michael is melting his heart?!"

"No! It's an expression!... I hope" I replied unsurely.

"But how can we be sure?"

"I don't know... but I do know that all I see in those kid's eyes is heartbreak."

"But he doesn't know that he's heartbroken?"

"Exactly." I frowned. Both of us leaned slowly toward the open kitchen door and saw Tyler absentmindedly watching cartoons with puffy eyes and sipping away at his tea. "Any suggestions on cheering him up? Troye's not coming back 'til later on." I whispered.

"I don't, but I think I know someone who does..." he trailed off, nodding, as if expecting me to follow along.

"Okay, well who?!" I asked after an awkward amount of his nods.

"Ohh Phillip!" he called loudly. We both stood around, waiting for him to appear out of thin air, awkwardly. After a few minutes of unexpected silence, Dan rolled his eyes and sighed. "I just realized he probably didn't hear me."

"Oh really? What gave you that idea?" I asked sarcastically.

"I'll go get him" He ducked his head, walking out of the kitchen and leaving me behind.

--

We all layed around the floor by the fireplace, working on this massive puzzle we had found in the library room. The small, hundreds of pieces were slowly forming into Van Gogh's 'Starry Night'. Tyler, being the massive art enthusiast he is, was really excited to get started on it. Phil had the great idea of going around the house and finding little activities we could all do together. Not only did we make brownies, hot chocolate, played dress-up and did eachother's hair, we also had a karaoke night where we discovered Tyler could play the piano. And let's just say he had some hidden vocals in there too.

After singing our hearts out for about an hour or two, we found the puzzle and settled down. Currently, Phil was on Dan's back as Dan layed on his stomach, saying how he was so tired when, in reality, he only put together about six pieces. Tyler was quietly sitting with his legs crossed, piecing together the moon bit of the artwork, across from me, where I sat on my hands and knees, looking around the mess of  bits and bobs for the piece I needed.

A ding and a light from Tyler's cell phone caught our attention. Tyler picked up the device gingerly and looked at it for a while, then turned it off and began to stand up. He stretched and yawned and rubbed at his eyes. "I think I'm gonna take a nap." he said.

"Tyler, it's six in the evening. Don't you think that's a little late?" I chuckled lightly.

He pouted. "Please? Just an hour."

"Alright then." I rolled my eyes, beginning to stand as well. "I'll start on dinner, I guess. Guys," I motioned to Dan and Phil "Clean up, please."

"What?!" Phil exclaimed "After all the hard work I've done?!"

"Excuse you! You haven't done anything but distracted me from my masterpiece!" Dan laughed.

"Just the unfinished bits you babies!" I giggled, hearing Tyler's door click quietly. "You reckon Tyler's alright now?" I asked a few seconds later.

"He looked pretty happy to me" Dan nodded as he rolled over, making Phil slide off his back.

"Good job team!" I clapped my hands "In celebration, I shall make pizza!". Both boys threw their hands up and cheered with me, causing all of us to laugh.

●Troye's POV●

I walked through the portal as I stretched, glad to be back in to cozy comfort of my home. I had a meeting with the council very early in the morning and dropped by my parents' for a visit (obviously a mistake). All I heard today was disapproval and nagging. I swore them I knew what I was doing, but who the fuck was I kidding? Everything was slowly getting screwed up.

A small smile found my face as I saw 'Zalfie' and 'Phan' (as we decided to call them) cuddled up on the couch, watching something that didn't interest me in the slightest; Colorful cartoons with unrealistic ice powers or some shit. It was something Tyler had bought a few days ago on his way home from school, saying that the obsession humans had with the film was unfathomable.

"I don't recall having an Alfie in here before I left" I said with fake confusion. Everyone chuckled as I properly greeted Zoe's boyfriend.

"There's pizza in the oven if you'd like some." Zoe smiled

"Thanks." I smiled back. My smiled dropped slightly, however, as I noticed Tyler wasn't on the couch.  "Where's Ty?"

Zoe looked at Dan for a second, then back at me saying, "He's taking a nap.."

"Ugh, Zoe, you know he's not supposed to take naps so late." I reclaimed as I walked into the kitchen.

"You're sound like a straight up dad" Alfie laughed

"I am not a dad... Or straight" I smirked as I chewed on a cold slice of pizza. Everyone giggled as I flipped my imaginary long hair and winked, a chunk of pizza hanging out of my mouth. I chuckled and chewed the piece, walking upstairs and saying "I'm gonna go wake the little munchkin up."

No one really paid attention as I went upstairs towards Tylers room. I knocked on his door, patiently waiting for him to answer. I slowly turned the handle and peeled my head in the room, expecting it to be dark and with a sleeping Tyler. However, to my surprise, the room qhad the light on. Different shirts littered the floor. My eyebrows furrowed as I stepped in, looking around and going into the open bathroom. My jaw clenched in anger as I stated at the bathroom counter; messy with hair products and more clothing items.

"Zoeeee!" I yelled, rushing out of the room and to the balcony, over looking the living room. "Where is he?!"

"What do you mean?" She asked with concern, standing from the couch.

"He snuck out! How did you not notice?!"

"I thought he was sleeping!" She argued.

"Ugh!" I whined, resting my head on the railing.

"Troye, we're sorry we didnt notice, but it's not exactly our fault" Phil added calmly.

"I know! I just- AGH! The little bitch!"

"That's no way to talk about your boyfriend, Troye" Alfie chuckled

"Fuck you." I growled before hearing a sharp ring through my head. "He said my name.." I murmured.

"Do you think he's in trouble?!" Zoe cried in worry

"God, let's hope not" I replied before closing my eyes and focusing on Tyler. After a few seconds, I could see a clear location. I reopened my eyes and waved my across the air once, opening a portal to the location in mind and rushing into it.

I rolled my eyes as I appeared in front of a gay-ass club. I thought for a second on how to get passed security, but I apparently didn't need to get in. All I heard was "TROYEEEEE!"

I turned to see Tyler being practically carried by who I recognized to be Connor and another boy with dark hair. "Ty! Hey!" I greeted causally.

"Oh. You're that guy from last time... Um, Troye! Right?" Connor said

"Yeah." I replied simply.

"Uh... I'm sorry about that. It was just a bad time and I'm very protective of him."

"Oh Connor you don't need go apologize! He understands completelyyy" Tyler slurred.

"Yeah. It's fine." I shrugged.

"TimTam are you gonna take me home?" Ty asked.

"If you're sure..." The dark-haired boy said unsurely, looking back at Connor for approval.

"Yes puh-lease!" Connor exclaimed, passing Tyler over to me.

"Oh YEAHH! Korey, Troye. Troye, Korey." Ty introduced.

"Hi." Korey laughed "Sorry Tyler got a bit shitfaced."

I shrugged, hugging the drunk little blondie by the waist as he began sliding down. "I'm taking him home then. Seeing as he can barely stand." I rolled my eyes. They chuckled and said goodbye to the little drunk , to which he replied with a loud "DUBAI!" (Whatever that means)

"Are you gonna carry me home?" Tyler asks after a while.

"It looks like I'll have to."

"I like this hug" he smiled as he patted my arms around him.

"It isn't a hug I'm picking your ass up" I replied

"You're not picking my ass up! You're picking my waist up you dummy!"

"What way is home Tilly?" I asked. After waiting for a few seconds without response, Tyler slowly began sliding down. I tried picking him up but gravity took the best of him, causing him to fall on his ass.

"Ow!" He screeched "Why did you drop me?!"

"I didn't!"

"Yes you did! I am on the ground it means you dropped me!" Tyler pouted from the ground. He literally looked like he was four again. I bent down to pick him up, having to grab his waist again so that he wouldn't fall. Once he was back on his feet, and slowly swaying in place, I asked him again,

"What way is home ty?"

"I don't know!" He frowned "don't you have a magical portal or something we can jump in?"

"Uh yes, but I can't exactly do it with this many people around." I answered, looking around the loads of people that appeared out of nowhere.

"I wanna go home!" He whined

"So do I" I fake-cried, taking his hand and walking ahead, having no idea where I was headed to.

After a little while of walking and reading signs, Tyler spoke up,

"Are you mad at me?"

"Why are there so many people on the street? It's nighttime, go home." I thought out loud.

"Are you mad at me?" Tyler asked again, pulling on my hand like a needy child.

"I'm gonna get mad if you keep whining." I answered grumpily.

"You're whining! I'm just asking."

"Be quiet." I ordered. He walked beside me in silence after that, slowly leaning his head on my shoulder as if he thought he was sneaky. I snickered at this and let go of his hand, wrapping my arm around his shoulder to keep him close.

"You're warm" he smiled just as we came to the front gate of the house. I gently pushed Tyler off me, looking around to see if there was anyone looking. When I saw that the coast was clear, I opened the gate, pulling Tyler as i entered. Once in the house, I noticed that the guys weren't in the living room anymore. There was a giant blanket thrown on the couch and the tv was off. No one was to be seen.

"You guys had movie night without me?!" Tyler asked loudly

"Shh! They could be sleeping" I whispered, taking his hand again and leading him upstairs. Going up was surprisingly easy. Tyler cooperated until we got to his room, where he ran toward the bed and starting jumping on it. "Tylah!" I whisper yelled

"Come on its fun!" He giggled

"Get down." I mumbled, pulling him down by his arm. He sat down on the bed with a bounce, crossing his legs and looking up at me adorably.  "It's time to go to bed"

"What?! But it's barely nine!" He complained as I looked through his drawer and grabbed some pjs

"But you've been naughty so it's time for bed" I replied, turning around to see a pout on his lips. "Catch" I said simply, throwing him a long baggy shirt and some fluffy pants. He caught them, surprisingly, but stayed in place. "Go change."

"I don't wanna" he argued. I picked him up a bit harshly, practically dragging him to the bathroom. He didn't seem to mind though, he just kept yammering about some irrelevant stuff until I sat him on the closed toilet.

"Change." I demanded. Before he had time to protest, I rushed out of the bathroom and closed the door, leaning against it as I waited for him to change. I took a deep breath and crossed my arms, listening to the rustling in the bathroom before I heard a little

"Troyeeee!" From Tyler.

"What's wrong?" I called back.

"I need help". I could practically hear his pout from here. I turned around and opened the door, bursting out in laughter as I found Tyler where I left him; his shirt half on, but stuck on his glasses. "Help me!" He begged, practically drowning on his pjs.

"I'm going you moron" I giggled, walking toward him and unsticking the garment off the leg of his glasses. "There... You're such a baby"

Tyler pouted at my comment, but I didn't miss the little blush on his cheeks as I pulled down his shirt. My face heated up a little as well, as I only then noticed that he had yet to put his bottoms on. He bit his lips and looked down, avoiding my eyes. I'd obviously flustered him, but I couldn't help but stare. "Can I help you?" He giggled shyly, trying to make a sassy joke.

"Yes, you can go to bed. C'mon" I said, standing up and waiting for him to follow when I realized, "aren't you going to put your bottoms on?"

He shrugged simply and stood up, his shirt falling all the way to his mid thigh. "I'm too sleepy."

"And you were complaining before" I shook my head, causing him to giggle. We walked outside, and as I closed the bathroom door behind me, he stared at me with hopeful eyes. "What?" I asked

"Do you think I'm pretty?" Tyler asked quietly.

"What?" I repeated

"I don't know... Korey was dancing and talking with a lot of boys... Connor was with his boyfriend.." He trailed off

"A-are you jealous?" I asked

"No!" He responded quickly "Of course not. I'm really happy for him. I just feel... Lonely."

"Oh."

"Do you think it's because I'm not pretty?" He frowned.

"What?! Of course not!" I exclaimed, walking him to sit down on the bed with me "Tyler, you're absolutely beautiful. If any guy can't see that then they're screwed... You're perfect."

"You really think so?"

"I know so."

"Because... I've had feelings for this guy.." He started "But I don't think he likes me back. I think he likes someone else."

"Why do you say that?"

"...because he kissed his ex" Tylers expression saddened even more as he spoke.

"God.... Ty." I sighed, looking at the ground.

"I couldn't remember this morning." He sniffed "It all came back when I was sitting alone on the bar."

"Don't cry, Tilly." I begged, watching tears fill his eyes. "Please don't cry, you've been crying an awful lot lately."

"I don't blame you" he sobbed. I bit my lip and didn't stop myself from hugging him gently.

"Tilly, I-it's not that I don't want you. It's just... Everything is so complicated."

"I'm sorry I make everything complicated" he cried as tears ran down his cheeks.

"Comere" I mumbled, facing him to hug him from the waist. He buried his head on my shoulder, sniffling at the pain id caused him. "It's over with him."

"Is it my fault?"

"No! It was over a long time ago and him hurting you just proved my point." I hugged him tighter.

"Then why'd you kiss him?" He whispered

"I don't know..." I answered truthfully "I regret hurting you though"

"I shouldn't be hurt, I'm sorry"

"You won't remember any of this in tomorrow anyway." I shrugged, pulling away from him gently. "I guess that's a good excuse to tell you that I don't want anyone else but you...". Tyler blinked a few times and smiled softly, not meeting my eyes as he played with my hands. "I swear to everything, kid, if you remember this tomorrow I will jump back to the pits of hell and not come back"

I was glad to hear him laugh. A big smile painted his lips and beautiful cackles escaped them. "And if I don't remember?" He asked innocently

"Then I'll get to surprise you" I smiled at his blush. "Also, if you remember I'm going to have to probably drug you or hit your head until you don't" I joked

"Rude!" He giggled. My heart pumped quickly as my hand involuntarily moved to grab his chin, gently. His smile dropped slowly as I pulled him toward me. Both of our eyes fluttered shut as my lips leaned in to kiss his left cheek, letting them linger there for a few seconds. When I pulled away, Tyler's cheeks were bright red, causing me to smile in pride and admiration. He grinned shyly before biting his lip and standing up. "I don't feel like sleeping alone tonight..."

"Who said I was leaving you behind?" I responded half-cheekily. His cheeks brightened up one more time as I got up to grab his hand "C'mon, kiddo. Time to get some sleep" I chuckled, leading him to my room. Little did I know I wasn't getting much sleep. Instead I stayed up, thinking about about the most beautiful boy...

... who I had to hurt to keep safe.

--

3639 words..... I MAY HAVE TAKEN LONG BUT THAT'S HOW MUCH I WROTE! 😂😭

I started to write chapter 11 on HALLOWEEN  (ik, crazy huh?) And it was supposed to be a Halloween party where Tyler and Troye got a bit tipsy and danced mildly... um, closely... BUT I decided to ditch the idea and write this instead and it actually came out much better so yeah!

Sooo I'm dedicating this to OakleyxFranta because I mildly triggered when I accidentally posted an unfinished chapter but I hope this made up for it baby! I love youu! Lol I'm really sorry (all of you)

Okay! I do have winter break in a week so let's pray that I remember to write. I love you all! (Thank you for 2k+ views btw!)

♡Chibii