TROYE'S POV

As Tyler stepped off of the hospital bed, my heart dropped. If all of this shit is meant for Tyler, why is it necessary to have Zoe, Alfie, and I here? I ran my right hand through my hair and took a deep breathe right as Tyler sat down, looking dazed. I'd be dazed too, though.

I smiled at him. I didn't have to fake a smile, though, because just the sight of Tyler Oakley gave me the most beautiful feeling.

We walked back to our rooms and I paced about the room I share with Tyler.
Why do Zalfie and I need to be here?!?! WHY?!

This question was eating me alive! I needed an answer. I was over thinking all the possibilities.

"Would you chill out?"

"Sorry" I mumbled.

Awkward silence until...

"How do I make this simulation shit stop?"

I thought about it for a few minutes.

"Give him what he wants"

He gets up and he looks me in the eyes with a smirk like he was trying not to smile. I can see hope of every aspect in those beautiful blue eyes.

"Troye, you're brilliant! He'll stop if I give him what he wants. But.. what exactly does he want?"

"He wants to make you straight..."

This killed his vibe just a little.

"So.. I have to pretend I'm not gay?"

"Yes" I shut my eyes tightly and when I opened them, I see that Tyler has chosen to step a bit closer.

"I can't. I can't pretend to be straight when I'm in love with you" Tyler said, suddenly really serious.

"Tyler I-" he cut me off by kissing me. His kiss felt like magic itself and for just a second, I forget that I'm actually not safe. But then reality kicks in.

Tyler and I stayed awake late that night talking until we eventually fell asleep. Scientists #1 and #2 shook us awake. My heart started racing as scientist #2 dragged me across the hall where the hospital bed and the picnic table is. The lighting through this hallway is very bright and white. I glance behind me and see that scientist #1 has Tyler and two other scientists have Zoe and Alfie.

We get to a room with cages in it. Four cages. The scientists put all of us in individual cages and walk in them with us. With the push of a button, my cage is surrounded with metal plates, blocking the whole world out. I try to scream but it doesn't work, instead a choking sound comes out.

Scientist #2 says, "my name is David and I'm supposed to put you in here and beat you or something. But I'm not going to."

I was too scared and anxious to even accept this small defiance as good news.

"I think I'll just leave you here for now.." David pushed that button on his remote and the metal walls return to my cage. I can see the others' cages even though they can't see me and I see that Zoe is being kicked, Alfie is being crawled over by tarantulas, and Tyler is getting punched in the face repeatedly.

What made me so special that David granted me safety for one day?

I see that Tyler's nose and mouth are covered in blood. Tears stream down my face. The only one I have ever truly loved with all of my existence is being tortured along with my best friends. The tears turn to sobs until I'm screaming. I scream forever until my voice can't take it. I slunk to the floor and continue to cry as I curl up in a ball and try to ignore what's happening around me. Eventually I pass out because I wake up and see David standing by the door of my cage.

He pushes that button and the cage turns to metal walls again.

"How are you?" He asks like I'm some wild animal he's studying.

"Broken."

David takes in everything I am. Then he says:

"I have to stay here with you forever now... Don't ask questions because that's all I will tell you. So we better get used to each other!"
Get used to each other? How do I "get used to" someone working for the one person who is destroying my life?!

I nod solemnly.

"Troye," he says more softly, "I'm so sorry you had to go through.. that.. yesterday. I can't even imagine...."

I nod once again. He can't expect me to speak right now, can he?

A tear rolls down my cheek and David wipes it away with his thumb. I don't like physical contact of any kind right now so i scoot away from him and curl up again with my arms wrapped around my knees, my forehead resting on my knee caps.

"I'm on your side. Just so you know that.." David says. I don't reply and instead I just cry.

When I'm done crying, I stand up and pace around the room nervously.

"Stop that please!!" David says, obviously annoyed.

I sit down and try to take deep breathes but that doesn't work long before I start worrying again.

"Are.. you.. okay?"

I shake my head to tell him, "no, I'm not okay".

"Calm down. It's going to be okay"

He came over and sat next to me. He gently lay his arm around me, his fingertips gentle on my shoulder.

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A/N

Hi people thank u so much for reading this book and this author's note I love you all so much! No matter what you're going through, you have my full support and endless love. Byee