I sat quietly on the unfamiliar couch and watched as Royce slept peacefully. He was shirtless so I could see his fading bruises and many scars.

It was only 10:30 p.m. but it felt like it was three in the morning. I wasn't comfortable sleeping in a stranger's house.

After the argument with Pablo, Royce brought us here to stay with his 'uncle' Mario. It seems Royce really trusts him and that kind of scares me since Mark never mentioned Royce's mother having any siblings.

Mario was more than nice enough to let us stay with him for awhile, which was why Royce and I were sharing this couch.

It was a pretty big one so we both fit fine if we slept close together.

I really wanted to sleep in my own bed but I guess this was alright.

Pablo right now needed to calm down. The way he attacked Royce in such a harsh way was uncalled for.

He just needed to relax so this will help him out a bit.

"What are you doing?"

I stared down at Royce and smiled when I heard his groggy voice. He rubbed his eyes and sat up on the couch causing the blanket to go further down on his naked body.

"You're going to get sick if you don't put some clothes on." I warned and placed the blanket on his body again.

Royce yawned in response and quickly grabbed me before laying me down with him. I placed my head on his chest and placed my hand on his stomach.

"Stop worrying so much and sleep." he quietly replied.

I deeply inhaled and snuggled closer to Royce's warm body. His chest rose slowly up and down in a nice rythm causing me to get sleepy.

"Royce, what would you of done if I had stayed?.." I couldn't help but ask as I traced random things on his toned stomach.

I thought Royce didn't understand what I was talking about so I was about to explain until I heard his mumbled reply.

"I would of kidnapped you." he teased then kissed my forehead.

I smiled at his answer and felt my cheeks start to blush. I looked up at Royce and was happy the house wasn't completely dark so I was able to see his face perfectly.

His eyes were closed but he could sense my staring so he stuck out his tongue at me like a toddler.

I chuckled and kissed his jaw causing him to tackle me with kisses. I laughed as I felt his wet lips leaving sloppy kisses all over my face.

"Royce, stop before we wake up your uncle!" I breathed out, trying to catch my breath.

Royce ignored what I said and started to tickle my sides. My stomach started to hurt from how hard I was laughing.

"I can listen to your laugh all day." I heard Royce quietly mumble on my neck as he laid on top of me.

I wrapped my arms around him once he was comfortable and released a heavy sigh.

We ended up falling asleep in that position and didn't wake up until ten in the morning the next day. Mario was cooking breakfast as I opened my eyes.

Royce was still in deep sleep but was half on top of me and half on the couch so it wasn't that difficult escaping his grip.

The first thing I did was cover his naked body with the blanket then ran to the bathroom. I felt so much better when I peed and brushed my teeth with the new toothbrush Mario bought me.

He bought Royce and I so many things when we got here it kind of felt like he was planning on letting us live with him.

And that wasn't a good thing..

I didn't want Royce to get comfortable here. Mario was a nice guy but we didn't really know him.

Plus, Mario seems to always be watching me like I was the enemy. He stares at Royce with admiration while he gives me an annoyed look.

Which is another reason we need to get out of this house as soon as possible.

"Chris, hurry up before I shit my underwear!" Royce banged at the door.

I glanced at my reflection one more time before opening the door. Royce shoved passed me and quickly closed the bathroom door behind him.

I went to the kitchen and was greeted by Mario. "There's some new clothes for you and Royce on the couch. Breakfast is almost ready." he told me as he put some scrambled eggs on a plate and not once glanced my way.

"Goodmorning and okay..thanks." I replied and left the kitchen.

I approached the couch and inspected the clothes laying on top of the blanket Royce and I shared last night.

I couldn't help but notice the difference between our clothing. Royce was given a nice designed shirt while mine was a simple white. His jeans also looked brand new while mine were probably bought at a thrift store..

I decided to stay in my clothes and might go back home to get changed. I texted my mom last night and told her we were staying at a friend's house for a bit until Pablo cooled down.

She didn't like the idea but she understood. Especially now that she was pregnant, I didn't want her to stress more than she needed to.

"Are these my clothes?" Royce suddenly questioned beside me, with damp hair and a clean face.

He must of taken a quick shower.

"Yeah.." I replied and handed him his new clothes.

He eyed my actions then looked at my pair of clothes. "Aren't you going to change?" he questioned.

"No, I'll just get something from home later." I said with a fake smile.

Royce nodded then handed me his shirt. "Change into this one." he instructed before putting on the white shirt meant for me.

He changed into his jeans once he saw me keeping mine. We walked back to the kitchen and I almost laughed when Mario's smile turned into a frown when he same me wearing the shirt he got for Royce on me.

"Here's some scrambled eggs and bacon." Mario quickly changed his frown back to a smile as he handed us our plate of food.

We thanked him then started to eat. There was an awkward silence as we quietly ate.

I picked around my food and really was missing my mom's chocolate chip pancakes.

"So I was able to get contact with the woman I told you about, Royce. She said she'll be willing to meet with you." Mario spoke up proudly.

"Really? That's awesome. I can't wait to meet her. Finally, someone like me.." Royce replied in excitment and whispered the last part of his sentence with a smile.

What woman?

"I know right! Her name is Annette and she doesn't live that far from here. She sounded really excited to see you so this is going to be perfect opportunity to get all your questions answered." Mario stated and finished eating his scrambled eggs.

They were both smiling and happy while I felt confused and left out.

I picked up my plate of food and threw the leftovers in the trashcan then washed my plate and fork before leaving the kitchen.

I walked over to the couch and folded the blanket before heading outside. I needed some fresh air.

I sat on the green grass and watched as the variety of cars passed by. It was a cloudy day which made my bad mood a bit better.

Hopefully it rained soon.

"Hey brat, we're going to the mall." Royce announced as he walked out of the house with Mario close behind.

"For what?" I questioned and got up on my feet. I brushed off the grass that stuck to my jeans and approached Royce.

"We want to buy some things." he simply replied and walked to Mario's car.

I reluctantly followed along and was not too excited to go shopping with these two..

Once we arrived at the mall, I was happy it wasn't very crowded which meant shorter lines in the stores.

Mario and Royce were in deep conversation walking side by side while I moved further away from them. The urge to just go home was slowly but painfully entering my mind.

"Lets get that new fighting game and buy a couple of beers. It's Saturday so I don't work today." Mario suggested.

Royce laughed and shoved Mario, "And you said I was the drunk." he teased.

It was funny how even though Mario was Royce's 'uncle', he didn't act his age at all. It was like they were a couple of teenagers hanging out and it just didn't seem right to me.

"Royce, I don't think it's a wise choice to drink right now." I finally spoke up.

Mario rolled his eyes at my comment and started to laugh. "Listen to your mom, Royce." he mocked and nudged him with his elbow.

"It's not a big deal, Chris. One night of drinking won't hurt anybody." Royce told me in a monotone voice before walking ahead of me.

Mario scoffed and smirked before following him.

I groaned in irritation and just couldn't take it anymore. I walked the opposite direction and instead went to the top part of the mall to look look around on my own.

I entered a nice looking shoe store and started to wander around. The cashier greeted everybody that stepped into the store and have them a kind smile.

Now that is somebody who loves his job.

I inspected a pair of black shoes and was stunned at how much they were. Were they made out of gold??

I immediately put them back and kept moving to find something less expensive.

After having no luck at the shoe store, I went to a candy shop and literally drooled at seeing caramel covered apples.

I quickly bought myself one and almost moaned in pleasure when the sweet caramel and sour apple taste filled my mouth.

I chewed slowly on each piece I bit off and continued to walk through the mall starting to wonder where Royce and Mario went.

My question was then answered when I saw a pissed off Royce approaching me along with Mario.

"Where the hell did you run off to? You just can't leave without telling me anything!" Royce immediately scolded me once he stood by my side.

"I'm not a child, Royce." I defended and took another bite of my apple.

Royce was about to reply until Mario beat him to it, "When your with us, you are. We don't have time to babysit you kid." he said with a hateful glare.

"Lets go home." was all Royce said as he walked away.

Mario looked me up and down with disgust for making Royce upset then followed him.

We went home soon after and nobody spoke as we entered the house. I sat on the small couch and wished I had another caramel apple. My stomach was starting to growl but I didn't want anything from Mario.

I quietly watched T.V as I heard Mario and Royce talking in the kitchen. I ignored them and decided to take a nap instead.

"Lunch is ready." Royce said when he entered the livingroom.

"I'm not hungry." I replied while I got myself comfortable.

I didn't hear Royce reply so I closed my eyes and imagined myself back in my own room.

I ended up sleeping for a couple of hours until I felt Royce get beside me. He was shirtless and in his boxers. The room was now dark so I got up.

"There's a sandwich in the fridge for you." Royce said as he fluffed his pillow.

"Okay." I replied and rubbed my tired eyes.

I headed to the kitchen and turned on the light. It was 11:30 p.m. now which made me think twice about eating.

Instead I drank a glass of milk with some cookies. I headed back to the living room and took off my shirt.

Royce was already on his side of the couch sleeping. I ran my fingers through my messy hair and sat at the corner of the small couch.

I felt as though I was being betrayed by Royce..

He didn't see that his 'uncle' hated me and it just upset me to know he would probably choose him over me.

If I left would Royce stay here?..or would he follow me like I did to him?

At this point I wasn't sure about anything.

I looked down at my hands and didn't realize I was crying until I felt the warm teardrops falling down my cheeks.

They blurred my vision so I quickly wiped them away.

I heard Royce moving then suddenly felt his lips gently press a kiss on my cheek causing me to cry harder. He wrapped his arms around my trembling body and wiped away all the tears that fell from my eyes.

We laid back down on the couch then I placed my head on his chest where I could clearly hear the rythm of his heart beat.

My eyes soon started to close causing me to fall asleep to Royce's beating heart...

^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*

The next day I woke up with a massive headache and heavy eyelids. All I wanted to do was stay on the couch which was a clear sign of depression.

The longer I stayed here the worst I felt.

I ddn't want to eat.

I didn't want to take a shower.

and most of all I didn't want to talk to anybody.

"Chris, you have to eat something or you'll get sick." Royce kept saying in a warning tone while he held a plate of food.

I shook my head no and closed my eyes to ignore him.

"Leave the kid alone, Royce. Don't fall into his tantrum." I heard Mario say from the kitchen.

Royce stayed quiet and left soon after..

I opened my eyes again and got up to go to the bathroom. I bumped into Mario on my way there and mentally groaned.

"Will you take a shower already? I have no idea how Royce can sleep next to you when you smell like complete shit." he annoyingly said and walked by me.

I stayed in my spot and was no longer going to let him get the best of me.

I was leaving.

I returned back to the couch and sat down to put on my shoes. Royce walked in with a bag of chips and eyes my actions with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you going for a run or something?" he asked.

"No. I'm going home." I seriously told him and didn't miss the way his face fell.

He knew I was serious.

I headed to the door and was about to open it but Royce stopped me. "Just a couple more days and we'll leave." he tried to bribe.

"I can't anymore, Royce.." I started to confess as my eyes filled once more with fresh tears.

"Royce, just let the kid leave. He'll come running back like a lost puppy." Mario's mocking voice interrupted us.

"Will you shut the fuck up already?" Royce's angry voice suddenly yelled causing me to flinch in surprise.

"I have tried to keep my patience with you but this is it man. After I woke up to him crying was enough for me to know this shit isn't going to work out. And the boy your calling 'kid' and a 'child' is my boyfriend so I'll be damned if I stay here where he is clearly not wanted." Royce continued his rampage and for a moment I thought he was going to punch Mario.

Mario rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, "Royce, I'm only trying to look out for you as your uncle! This kid is only ruining our plans and he seriously acts like a baby wanting to be pampered by you. Just fuck him and move on already." he replied.

Royce stepped in front of him and looked Mario right in the eyes. "I wasn't afraid to punch my brother's face without feeling any guilt so I fucking guarantee you I'm not afraid to knock the shit out of my uncle." he threatened causing Mario to gulp nervously.

I stood by the door and waited for Royce's next move. He stepped away from Mario and grabbed my hand before we left out the door.

We walked hand in hand on the sidewalk with no directions as to where we were heading.

"Where are you going?" I asked Royce once he leaned down to passionately kiss my mouth.

"Wherever you're going, brat." was all he said with a smile...