Chapter Text
broken, nailed to the floor
tormented by the decay
right before your eyes
decomposing in real time
suppress the screaming
you've never seen this side of me
you'll never see this side of me
Joey glares at his phone screen. It glows dully next to him on the floor of his apartment. Eric's contact page stares back at him.
His joints feel like they got put through a meat grinder. Joey had barely walked into his apartment before collapsing. It's happened before, but it never gets any easier. The chill seeps into his muscles, causing him to shiver violently.
He had been on his way home from practice when the pain really settled in. The forecast had said that the temperature would be stuck below freezing for the next few days.
“Fuck,” Joey groans. His teeth chatter. He can't do this. Calling for help is always the last thing he wants to do. Does he really have any other option? Probably not.
It's either that, or spending another night alone. Shivering, crying, hyperventilating, glued to the floor. Unable to move. Too cowardly to call for help. Too ashamed to admit he needs help.
Inhale. “Man the fuck up, Joey.”
He presses the Call button. There's only a few seconds of waiting before the call gets picked up.
“Yo, what's up?” Eric answers.
“I,” Joey starts. He regrets calling already. This is stupid. He should be able to take care of himself. Isn't he an adult? His voice cracks as he forces out the rest of the sentence. “I need help.”
A moment passes in silence. Joey's heart is in his throat and he can't breathe and he's going to start crying again this is so stupid-
“What?” Eric mutters. “Why?” He doesn't sound angry. Just confused, maybe a bit concerned.
“I just- I need you.” His voice trembles. “Please.”
“Are you okay, man?”
The dam breaks. Joey can hardly utter a pathetic “no” before devolving into sobs. His teeth clack with every heave of his lungs. He's so cold.