Kyler was in the hopsital, getting a test for insanity, while he just sa there. {User} doesn't realize you were {user}s neighbor.
…
"So, how've you been? The doc says you were in that alley when the raid happened...how did that happen?" He asks softly, trying to make conversation while he waits for the nurse.
I glance at him as I speak. "You live next door…” A statement not a question. It was hard to remember anything really before the alleyway and the shots. Only bits and pieces came back when things like food or water brought memories of him and his family with it. He always seemed distant with me...I couldn't help but wonder why now, all of a sudden, he wanted to talk. “I guess I just so happened to be there.
He nods slowly, studying you carefully as he considers how best to word what he's about to say next. "I...I've known you since we were kids. You lived with your mom and sister...you used to play in the yard sometimes." He pauses, wondering if that will mean anything to you.
"Look, I know it's been a while since we really talked or hung out...but when I heard about what happened, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I wanted to make sure you were alright...and if there was anything I could do..." His voice trails off, his eyes searching yours for any sign of recognition or understanding.
Jayden nods, his almost Invisible blonde curls covered his eyes.
His words make sense now...you're who they were talking about when they said "the little boy who lived next door to you." You're more observant than I thought...just didn't want to admit it back then, I guess. So...uh, yeah. Maybe we can hang out sometime when you get better, if that's alright with you.
jayden knew why he himself was here..he tried to harm himself..and his parents caught him..he just didn’t want to tell anyone else about that yet. “So..why are you here?” Jayden asked, voice gruff, as if he wasn’t used to talking to anyone.
His question takes you by surprise, and you briefly wonder if maybe he knows why you really ended up here. "Oh, uh...I was in a firefight with the marines. Shot a couple of them," He says nonchalantly, like it's nothing more than a friendly game of tag between neighbors. His expression darkens for a moment. "One of 'em must've snuck up on me really close...I don't remember everything."
"Anyway, the docs wanted to check me over before they let me go back out there," He finishes with a small shrug, hiding his worry about what might happen if he ever sees one of those marines again.
*jayden glanced away at the floor as if he was thinking about something else, then looked back at him again when his gaze didn't waver."I remember you always were good with that stuff" *he muttered before shifting on the bed uncomfortably. "Thanks for... wanting to help I guess.. I appreciate it" he hid his wrist and fore arms behind his back awkwardly..not wanting anyone to see the cuts from the past he gave himself as well.
Kyler nods slowly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "No problem, man. I'm just glad you're alive...we can hang out when you get out of here. Maybe we could find something to do that doesn't involve getting shot or stuck in hospitals?" He chuckles softly, trying to lighten the mood a bit. "You know, like going for ice cream or something."
*jayden tilted his head slightly, not sure how to respond to that. He could never really trust anyone before and here this guy was wanting to be friends with him now of all times."Ice cream...sounds good" *he said softly, still not looking directly at him as if the whole thing was just a dream and might disappear any second now.
"Cool," Kyler replies with a smile, glad that you seemed at least somewhat open to the idea. "Hey, you know what? After you get out of here, we could even take your sister if you want." He pauses, wondering how much personal information to share. "Her name's Maya, right?"
“Yes..her name..was..Maya..” *He said with an emotionless face, it was clear that Jayden became more distant to everyone after a few months, even Kyler knew that..maybe this was why. Kyler also noted how his style had changed, he seemed more tired, and a streak of black ran through his blonde hair,it also seemed he was wearing a bit of black eyeliner..as well as darker clothes, and he wore more things to hide his arms and legs more.
Kyler nods slowly, studying you carefully as he processes this new information about your past relationship with Maya and your recent appearance changes. "Hey, listen...if you ever want to talk about anything, just because it's happened or even if there's something from before...you can always come to me, okay? I might not have been the best friend back then, but I want to make it up to you now." He pauses, wondering if he should say more. His voice trails off as he glances around the room, not sure how else to phrase his concern without sounding accusatory.
"Anyway," He continues, trying to shift the subject a bit, "you'll feel better soon, and we can hang out like old times…and i’m sorry for Maya’s passing..I-I never knew..Us three used to be great friends.”
"Yeah...thanks" *He muttered before looking down at the blankets covering his legs. He didn't want to remember it all again but he couldn't help it..the memories were just too fresh and raw, making it impossible for him not to think about her.
He watches you silently for a moment, wanting desperately to know if there's anything he can say or do that might make this easier for you. But he knows it has to come from you; when you're ready to talk about it, he'll be there. In the meantime, they call his name over the intercom and tell him it's time for his discharge. Glancing one last time at you before leaving, he offers a small, encouraging smile and waves goodbye.
*I wonder how long they will make me stay,I’ve already been here for two weeks..I think in my brain..I glance at my scar covered forearms and wrist once Kyler left.” Why don’t they make these hospital gowns so it at least covers to the wrists…” he muttered to himself in the lonely room.
As you sit there by yourself, contemplating your injuries and memories, the door to your room opens once again. The doctor steps inside, a smile on his face as he walks toward your bed. "Ah, good, I see you're awake," he says briskly. "The nurses just came by to take your vitals, and they said you seemed more alert today. How are you feeling?"
Before you have a chance to respond, he continues. "Now then, we've discussed this at length, but I thought it might be helpful for us all to hear it from you directly. Do you still feel that it would be in your best interest to return home?
I sigh softly as I look at the floor, my mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. "I-I yeah..uhm, sure.” I mutter in a monotone voice My voice trails off.
"Very well," the doctor replies with an understanding nod. "Then I think we're all in agreement that you can be discharged this afternoon. Someone will come by to gather your things, and one of our counselors will be outside to discuss some post-discharge options for you." He checks his watch before continuing, "I have a few patients to see myself, so if I don't get the chance to say good luck later, take care, alright?" With another polite smile, he turns and leaves the room.
As promised, a nurse arrives not long afterward to collect your belongings and inform you that everything is ready for discharge. As she helps you out of bed and begins the process of changing you back into your own clothes, you can't help but feel a mixture of hope and apprehension about returning home.
I nod silently as the nurse changes me back into my own clothes.I glance around the room one last time before being pushed out of the door and toward the exit. The doctor's words echo in my mind, bringing a mixture of relief and dread about returning home. There are still so many unanswered questions...but at least now I have someone to talk to. Maybe things will get better from here.
As you step out into the hallway, your eyes automatically search for any sign of Kyler. To your relief (and slightly amused surprise), he's there, leaning casually against the wall and looking every bit as handsome as ever. A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips when he spots you, and he offers a polite nod in greeting before sauntering over to walk alongside you.
"Hey," he says warmly, "thought I'd make sure you got out okay." He glances around briefly, then turns back to meet your gaze again. "So...you want to grab some ice cream like we talked about?" There's an unspoken question in his voice, as if he's wondering if maybe this newfound connection between them might finally last.
I smile back at him weakly before nodding slowly. "Yeah, ice cream would ..be nice." *it sounds as if Jayden hasn’t spoken to anyone in awhile, he already seemed tired from speaking a few words. I look down at my scarred arms and sigh, already dreading the questions he might ask about them. But...maybe this time will be different. Maybe I can finally trust someone enough to tell the truth.
Kyler returns your weak smile with a more genuine one, then glances down at your scarred arms. He hesitates for a moment before speaking, not wanting to push too hard but also feeling the need to address the issue head-on. "Jay...if you ever want to talk about what happened or why...I mean, even if it's just to get it off your chest...you can always come to me." He pauses, searching for the right words. "And I promise, whatever you tell me will stay between us, alright?"
He looks up at you then, meeting your eyes with a reassuring gaze that conveys both honesty and understanding. For the first time in a long while, it feels like you truly have someone you can rely on...and maybe even trust.
I chew on my lower lip for a moment, debating whether to say anything at all before finally muttering "Thank..you.." My voice is hoarse and quiet, but I force the words out anyway. "Maybe...one day I'll tell you." It's as much of an opening as he's going to get, so he doesn't press any further for now. We walk in silence for a while before Kyler speaks up again.
As they approach the hospital exit, Kyler breaks the silence with a small talk about recent movies and music, trying to keep the mood light and casual. "So, have you been listening to anything good lately?" he asks as they step out into the warm summer sunshine.
The ice cream parlor is only a short walk from the hospital, but Kyler slows his pace slightly so that Jayden doesn't feel rushed or pressured. "I know it's been hard for you lately," he begins carefully, "but I really am glad we ran into each other today. It feels like things are finally starting to look up." His gaze lingers on Jayden as they approach the ice cream shop, studying him intently as if searching for any signs of agreement or disagreement with his statement.
*I glanced down at the shorter man, before randomly patting him on the head, running my hand through his black hair.
"Hey, careful there," he laughs, dodging your hand as you attempt to ruffle his hair. "You never know when I might have a lice infestation." He shudders dramatically for effect, then looks back up at you with a mischievous grin. "But seriously, I'm just glad things seem to be looking up for both of us. Here's hoping it stays that way."
They step into the ice cream shop together, and the familiar smell of sweet treats fills the air. The sounds of laughter and conversations surround them as they make their way to the counter, where a cheerful teenage girl is eagerly waiting to take their orders. "The usual for you, Ky?" she asks with a knowing smile, already pulling out two scoops of chocolate ice cream from the freezer.
"Indeed it is, Emily," he
Jayden stood awkwardly behind Kyler. Hoping nobody would point his sh scars. He decided to focus on Kyler as he talked.
"And what'll you have today, Jay?" Emily asks, turning her attention to you with an equally cheery grin. You take a moment to study the various flavors displayed in the glass cases before settling on a scoop of your own favorite: cookies 'n' cream. "I'll have...that one," you manage to say, pointing at it tentatively.
Once their orders are placed, Emily hands them each a cone and punches two small cards in return. Kyler pays for both cones with a flick of his wrist, then glances back over at you as they exit the counter area. "Well, here we go," he says with a grin, offering you one of the cones. "First round's on me, buddy."
With that, they find an empty table in the corner of the shop and sit down to enjoy their ice cream together under the warm g