Hi. I'm alive. Shockingly.
This chapter is a bit shorter than the first one, but hopefully the rest of the chapters will get longer as I go.
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Trigger warning: Abuse

James cried out in pain as a fist collided with his already bruises mid section. Everything hurt. He hated punishments. But it was his fault anyway. He shouldn't have talk to Thomas. He should have remained faithful to Jay and Jamie.

"This is what happens when you decide to cheat on us," Jamie growled as he left James lying on the ground in the bedroom. James took a deep breath trying to steady his breathing. He needed to calm down, and quickly, because Jay and Jamie wanted dinner, and they wanted it now.

James picked himself up off the floor, grunting in pain as he did so. It was going to be a long night.

-Timeskip sponsored by Bob the Titan-

Hours and hours later, Jamie and Jay had passed out and James was left to clean up after them. James dares to sneak a glance at the number on his wrist, then quickly looked away. Thomas could never be his. No, someone like Thomas could never love a piece of trash like him. He was lucky Jamie and jay loved him so. There was no reason to betray them, thinking of someone else.

But James couldn't help but remember Thomas' kind, comfortable smile, making him feel like he was worth something. Thomas' bright magenta coat, distinguishing him from the rest. Couldn't help but think of Thomas' charming demeanor, ensnaring him in Thomas' web.

James grabbed his phone, one of his few luxuries and ignored the voice in his head telling him he was going to regret this. He needed to do this, if only to feel a little alive.

He dialed Thomas' number. Thomas picked up after the first ring.

"James, what's up?" His low baritone voice nearly made James swoon. It was so amazing to hear Thomas' calming voice, he felt as though he could listen to it forever, no matter what Thomas was talking about.

"James? You still there?" Thomas' voice, which had sent him dreaming, also brought him back to reality.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm still there. Just got distracted," James responded. The two talked for a bit before Thomas announced he had something important to ask him.

"Hey James, are you free this weekend? Cause I was wondering if you wanna...y'know...go somewhere together- not like a date! Just as friends...damn it, sir-" Thomas started, but I cut him off.

"Of course! I'd love to!" James couldn't help but grin. His smile widened when he heard a sigh of relief on the other end of the phone.

"So...maybe dinner?" James asked.

"Dinner! Yeah dinner sounds great...um, I could pick you up at 5 this Saturday if you're free..." Thomas exclaimed.

"Yeah, that works for me," James nearly squealed with delight.

"Cool! Well, got to go, see you Saturday!" Thomas called.

"Bye," James chirped as he ended the call. He stood there, smiling for a second, phone in hand. He then let out a squeal of delight. He was going out on a not-date with Thomas.

And there was nothing anyone could do to stop him.