I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do with the chapter. But here it is.

(Video and music not mine- YouTube. Girl in red- Summer depression)

[***Will start off nice and sweet but will have some triggering things later***]

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Original story, created by- Dakotahstacy3. ONLY on Wattpad.
Anywhere else, it has been stolen, without permission. Support real artists and writers!
(Written back in March 2024)

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Cole's pov-

"I'm gonna go take a shower." Peter said, waking towards the bathroom.

"Alright." I said, laying on my bed. I didn't feel like getting up right now, probably because I forgot how nice my bed was. Being away was terrible.

Toby was cuddled up next to me, he fell asleep as I pet him and played games on my phone.
While I listened to the water running.

Once Peter got out of shower he opened the door some, sticking his head out. "That was amazing. It reminds me of how nice it was to take a shower after the island." He smiled and stretched out his arms.

"I bet. I'm enjoying this bed a lot." I said, wiggling down onto the bed, then looking towards Peter.
"Maybe you should join me. It's really comfy. And Toby is here." I said, pouting while making a grabbing motion with my hands, towards Peter.

"I will in a minute, just be patient." He said.

"It's been so long though." I whined. "I've missed you. I've missed cuddling. Baby..." Pouting while I looked at him.

He sighed, shaking his head. Then he closed the bathroom door.

—

Yawning while he walked over to me, or maybe just for the bed.

"That took longer than a minute." I said.

"Ugh, just scoot over." He said.

"Alright, come here, cutie pie." I said, moving over and putting my arm around him.
Kissing his forehead as he snuggled up against me. We laid together quietly, our breathing slow and calm. My hand rubbing his back, making him sleepy.

His arm was laid across my chest, so I grabbed his hand, rubbing my thumb. Kissing his forehead again, then rubbing his arm gently. Bringing his hand up to kiss, glancing at his sleepy self. Eyes closed, face smooshed and his damp ginger hair.

At one point when I touched his arm, he winced, pulling his arm away.

"Hmm?" What's wrong?" I asked quietly.

"Hm? Nothing. I just what to go to sleep." He mumbled, shaking his head and pulling his arm close to his body.

——

"Aren't you excited for spring and summer?" I asked.

"I guess it will be nice. We can spend time together without any school or stress." Peter said.

"I'm so ready to go do something. Get away for awhile. Putting on summer clothes, going swimming, playing games, all that kind of stuff." I said.

"Yeah, that will be nice." He said.

"Maybe we could find a private island, just for us." I said.

"Uh, I don't know about that. The island was okay for while, but I don't want to spend an entire year on one again." He said.

"It wasn't that bad. We were alone, together." I smiled.

"Can we get some food?" He asked.

"Yeah, baby." I said, kissing him then getting up.

"I love the warm days, but then it gets cold and rainy again. We definitely should vacation somewhere else." I said, making some food for us.

"Yeah." He said quietly.
Peter kept wearing his favorite sweater, he didn't want to take it off. Even if it was stained and had cat hair all over it. At least he was comfortable. I guess it made himself feel safe.

—

"Oo, I won again! Why don't you congratulate me?" I said, after winning another round in the video game. Playing on the tv in my room.

"Ugh. Good job." He said, rolling his eyes.

I gently nudged him, "Why don't we play another game then. Something you can win?" I said.

"Your not going to make out with me again." He said.

"I wasn't thinking that... but it does sound nice." I said, tilting my head as I thought about it.

He looked over at me, "I get to chose the next game."

"Alright." I said. He chose one of his favorite games and smirked, knowing he would probably win.

-

"Mess up, mess up, mess up!" I said, nudging him as he was about to win.

"Stop that!" He said laughing, not taking his eyes off the screen.

"Never!" I said, bugging him more. Except, he still won.
"Ugh, good job." I sighed and pouted.

"Your such a sore loser." He said, looking at me.

While I looked at him with big puppy dog eyes and a pout. "But I like winning..." I whined.

"Stop it." He said playfully, slightly laughing.

"Whyyy? Don't you like cute little puppies?" I said.

"Your not a puppy, your a grown m- well, guy." He said.

"Ah, hey! I survived on a island for almost 2 years!" I said, offended.

"Okay, you did. But there's a reason you were there." He said in a serious tone.

A twinge of pain and regret hit me. Looking down I'm shame. "Peter..." I whispered.

"It's okay. You may be a big idiot, but I love you." He said jokingly to lightening the mood. Grabbing my hand.

"I love you too." I said back. Holding his hand and kissing him. Feeling his soft lips against mine yet again.
Playfully kissing his jaw, down to his neck and shoulder. He couldn't help but giggle and smile as my lips tickled his skin.

Grabbing his hand to place a kiss, but he pulled away.

***

"Peter?" I asked confused.

"I-I uh- just." He quivered as he spoke.

"Peter." I said firmly.
"What's wrong!?" Asking worriedly.

"N-nothing. Why don't we play a another game?" He said, turning away quickly.

"No, Peter. What's wrong!?" I asked firmly.
"Please, tell me."

He stared down at the floor, arms pulled across his body.

I reached out, placing my hand on his shoulder.
Eyes wide, worrying out of my mind.

He sniffled, "I-I'm so-sorry." Tears running down his face.

"Peter..." I said quietly. Kneeling down in front of him, my hands on his face.

"I- I Uh..." He gulped, "I messed up. I'm sorry." His voice cracking as tears flowed down.

"What? W-what is it!?" I asked concernedly.

"I-" He tried to say but couldn't hold himself together anymore. Falling apart, sobbing and leaning towards me.

Wrapping my arms around him, "It okay, baby. Your home now, your safe."

"No, you don't understand. It's not that... Cole..." He said quietly. Then he pulled back, wiping away his tears.
Patiently waiting for him, as he gathered himself up to tell me.

His fingers played with the ends of his sweater. "I'm sorry." He looked at me then slowly pulled up his sleeves. Under the sleeves of the big sweater, were his scarred up arms.

"I messed up. I'm so, so sorry, Cole. I tried- I tried so hard. I'm sorry." He said, trying to fight back tears.

My heart sank as I looked at him. Shocked, not knowing what to say or do. Just staring at him. Why?...

He looked at me, scared about what I thought. "Cole? Please say something... please!... don't..."

"P- w- what happened? Why d- why did yo-..." I couldn't imagine what he felt to do that. To hurt himself... again.

"I broke the promise..." His voice hitched.

"W-" I shook my head. "Why would you do that? Why would you hurt yourself!?" I asked.

"I really tried... I did. I tried so hard, but the thoughts wouldn't go away. I hate myself for doing it!" He said, rocking back and forth.
"I hate-"

"Peter."
He looked at me.

Staring into his eyes, with clouded vision. Grabbing his hands and pressing my forehead against them.

"It's going to be okay. We're going to be okay." I said.

"I hope so." He said quietly. Leaning up to hug him tightly. Staying like that until we both collected ourselves.

We stood together, swaying side to side.
"I'm sorry I broke the promise." He said, leaning his head against my chest.

I sighed, "It's not your fault, Peter. What happened- what happened wasn't your fault. Your dad is horrible, but he's not going to be around you anymore. I'll keep you safe, baby." I said.

"I don't really like promises. They're always hard to keep." He said.

"We're gonna be okay. I will keep you safe, no matter what." I said, looking into his eyes.

—

Why would he do that to himself!? Why would he break his promise!? Our promise!... why wasn't I there for him!? How could anyone do something like that!? To themself!?