Chapter Text
Nick sat in solitude at the family home, his loneliness visible. Being the oldest of triplets, he had always been different. While Matt and Chris were outgoing and successful YouTubers, Nick lived a sheltered life, torturous by health problems, mental specifically.
His asthma often left him breathless, the inhaler in his pocket a constant companion. Nick also had depression and constantly anxious, he either over thinking or not thinking at all. Making it difficult for him to socialize.
Despite their differences, Nick had always hoped one day his relationship with his brothers will be better. He yearned for their acceptance and love. However, Matt and Chris had grown distant, their animosity towards Nick building over the years.
Little did they know, there was more to Nick's silence and fragility than they realized. Their mother, the only one aware of Nick's secret, carried the burden of knowing the true reason behind her eldest son's struggles.
Nick was left to ponder his uncertain future. With their mother gone, their father had announced plans to remarry. He had contacted Matt and Chris, requesting they take Nick in. But Nick had no idea what life would be like with his brothers, who had grown distant over the years.
As he waited in anticipation, fear clutched his heart. The thought of living with Matt and Chris, who seemed to harbor hatred towards him, made Nick uneasy. However, he was left with no choice but to heed his father's request.
Nick, his head bowed, sat in the living room with his father and brothers, his gaze fixed on the floor. Barely holding back tears, he slumped deeper into the couch, determined not to show weakness.
Chris and Matt listened attentively to their father's explanations, their eyes fixated on Nick's lowered head. They harbored resentment towards Nick for severing their bond as triplets, yet they couldn't bring themselves to let him be homeless, aware that their mother would be disappointed if they did.
Matt, the middle brother, broke the tense silence. "So, you're dumping Nick on us? Is that it?" he asked bluntly, his irritation evident. Chris, the youngest, nodded silently in agreement, his glare fixed on Nick.
Their father, oblivious to the tension, replied nonchalantly, "Well, I figured it'd be good for him to live with you guys for a change. You're family after all."
Matt clenched his fists, his expression hardening. "Family? Ha! You have a funny way of showing it," he retorted sarcastically.
Chris chimed in, his tone sharp. "Yeah, we're family, but we're not a charity case. You can't just ship Nick off to us and expect us to take care of him." The two brothers exchanged a knowing glance, their resentment towards Nick still burning strong.
Their father, clearly exasperated, let out an exasperated sigh. "Now, now, boys. Nick is your brother, your family. I'm not asking you to take care of him, you're just providing him a place to stay. Is that so hard?"
Matt silenced Chris with a gesture, then turned to Nick, his voice firm but not unkind. "Fine, we'll let you stay, but you have to carry your weight. No freeloading," Matt stated.
Their father, pleased with Matt's agreement, looked at Nick expectantly. "Nick, can you manage that?" he asked.
Nick, his head still lowered, responded with a small, shaky "Y-y-es." Matt and Chris were taken back by the sound of Nick's voice. It had been years since they heard him speak, and the vulnerability in his tone couldn't be ignored.
Chris, masking his surprise with a scoff, remarked, "He can barely string a sentence together and you expect him to work?" Matt shot Chris a warning glare, silently telling him to back off.
"He'll figure it out," Matt said, though there was a hint of concern in his voice. Their father, still oblivious to the siblings' tensions, simply nodded and left the room, leaving the three brothers in an awkward silence.
Chris loomed over Nick, sizing him up. His eyes lingered on Nick's slender frame, his half-long hair that nearly concealed his smooth neck. Chris couldn't help but notice Nick's small stature compared to both of them, looking as if he had been depriving himself of proper nourishment.
Chris leaned in, his tone sharp and authoritative. "You best follow our rules and play the role of a good little maid," he stated, expecting no protest. "Just because mom spoiled you doesn't mean we'll do the same."
With that, Chris turned on his heel and left the room, leaving Matt to glance at Nick before following suit. Nick, finally alone, allowed his emotions to surface. His tears silently rolled down his cheeks. Nick hastily wiped away the tears from his cheeks, trying to compose himself before anyone returned. He refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing him weak. With trembling fingers, he pulled on his oversized sleeves, hiding his hands within the fabric, a childish habit born from years of insecurity.
~~
Nick quietly packed his belongings, placing his modest collection of possessions into a small suitcase. His only treasured item was his journal, filled with memories of his mother. While packing, he stumbled upon several coloring books that he had enjoyed with her, causing him to let out a small giggle.
Unaware of Matt's presence at his half-open door, Matt watched silently, his heart oddly fluttering at the innocent sound of Nick's giggling. Matt finally knocked on the door, his tone matter-of-fact. "We're leaving in an hour, make sure you're ready and packed. We won't turn back for you.
Nick jolted a little at the sudden intrusion, his head jerking up to catch a glimpse of Matt standing in the doorway. He quickly schooled his expression, shoving the coloring books deeper into his suitcase, hoping Matt hadn't seen them.
"I-I'm almost done," Nick mumbled, his voice quivering slightly.
He avoided looking at Matt directly, instead focusing on zipping up his suitcase. Matt leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Nick. He made no move to enter the room, simply observing him from a distance.
An uncomfortable silence settled between them as Matt continued watching Nick from the doorway. Nick could feel Matt's gaze on him like a physical weight, making his hands shake as he struggled with the suitcase zipper.
"Y-you can leave now," Nick muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Matt raised an eyebrow at Nick's audacity, but didn't move. Instead, he pushed himself off the doorframe and took a step into the room, closing the door behind him.
The room seemed to grow smaller as Matt's imposing presence filled the space. Nick's eyes darted nervously between Matt and the closed door, his heart racing with each passing second. He clutched tightly onto the handle of his suitcase, half expecting an attack from his middle brother.
Matt walked towards Nick slowly, his gaze never leaving Nick. Nick could hear the creaky floorboards under Matt's every step. He backed up against the bed foot, his trembling hands gripping the suitcase tighter, bracing for whatever might come next. Matt stopped a few inches away from him, towering over his frame.
Matt knelt in front of Nick, their gazes level, his words a warning in the tense atmosphere. "I gotta tell you something," Matt began. "Me and Chris have our own tempers, but Chris, he's got a shorter fuse and can get violent. So, just...try not to upset us, okay?"
Nick nodded vigorously, his words shaky and stammering, "U-u-nderstood."
Matt stood up and hoisted Nick's luggage, his eyes flicking over his thin frame. "Good," he said simply.
Matt's heart skipped a beat at the sweetness of the smell radiating from Nick, it was sweet like vanilla and baby powder. His eyes lingered a second too long on Nick's face, his chest tighten for no particular reason. He shook the feeling off and wordlessly left the room.
Nick let out a sigh of relief when he was finally alone again. He had been bracing for a potential physical attack, but Matt's warning, though delivered sternly, had been oddly considerate. Nick ran his trembling fingers through his unkempt hair, taking another moment to compose himself.
~~
Nick's anxiety spiked as he navigated the unfamiliar terrain of the airport and plane. The cramped quarters and unfamiliarity made him uncomfortable, and his urgent need to use the bathroom wasn't helping. He didn't know where his brothers were seated, so he hesitated to ask for help. Trying to conceal his embarrassment, he stood awkwardly pretending to do something, until a kind stranger noticed his distress.
The man approached Nick with a friendly smile and inquired, "Hey there, you seem a bit anxious. Is there anything I can assist you with?" Nick's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he stuttered through his response. "I... uhm I n-need the t-toilet."
When Nick stepped out of the restroom, the kind stranger was waiting for him, still sporting a smile. "All better now?" the man inquired. Nick swallowed hard, feeling the heat rising in his cheeks. He nodded meekly and managed a small "yes."
The man patted Nick's head lightly, a gesture that was both uncomforting and humiliating to Nick's introverted nature. "No problem, kiddo," the man repeated, his voice carrying a gentle reassurance. Nick muttered a soft "thanks" again, but the man just chuckled gently. "No need for thanks, just be careful okay?"
As Nick was about to return to his seat, the helpful stranger grasped his elbow, catching Nick by surprise. "Wait a moment," the man said with a concerned look, "Are you here with someone? Can you tell me your name?"
Before Nick could respond, the announcement boomed over the speakers, instructing passengers to return to their seats as the plane prepared to land. The man hesitated for a moment before reluctantly letting go of Nick's elbow, the worried look remaining on his face. "It's alright," the man reassured, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Next time."
Nick hurriedly made his way back to his seat, dazed and confused by the interaction. He wondered about the man's concern and the strange exchange. As the plane descended towards the airport, Nick's mind raced with unanswered questions and an unfamiliar feeling of unease.
~~
Nick stood rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the sheer size of the airport and the hustle and bustle around him. He had no idea where his luggage was nor how to find his brothers. A barrage of negative thoughts ran through his mind: "Did they abandon me? Will they leave me here?" His heart pounded mercilessly against his chest, and breathing became a struggle.
Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice calling his name. Chris's booming tone pierced through the commotion, and a rough hand grabbed his arm, causing him to wince in pain.
"Nick! Nick! Are you deaf or something? We've been calling you, dumbass!" Chris exclaimed, his words sharp and impatient.
Nick tried to respond, his words stuck in his throat, "I-I'm-" But before he could finish, Matt intervened, stepping between them and forcefully releasing Chris's grip on his arm. He said, "Enough, let's just go."
Nick's arm throbbed from Chris's rough handling, adding to his already heightened sense of panic and anxious. He followed his brothers, their brisk pace leaving him struggling to keep up, constantly falling behind. He glanced over his shoulder, the airport shrinking in the distance, his doubts and insecurities growing with every step.
Chris stormed into the house first, disappearing into his room and slamming the door shut. Matt sighed deeply at his brother's childish behavior and turned his attention to Nick. "Wait here," he told him. "I'll show you your room."
Nick nodded, unsure if he was allowed to make himself comfortable on the couch. So, he opted to remain standing, his gaze wandering to the walls. Pictures of their brothers' accomplishments adorned them - photos from their travels, modelling shoots, and tours. Nick felt a mix of pride and sorrow. He didn't feel envious of them, but rather a sense of eased knowing that they had achieved so much without him in their way. He realized that he was just a burden to them, and that they were probably better off without him. The thought stung, but Nick silently kept it to himself.
"Come on", Matt led Nick up the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. Nick's gaze lingered on the pictures lining the walls—a visual record of his brothers' successes. Matt took Nick to a huge room but full of stuff and said, "Here's your room. Our studios for podcast are here, so some props kept here, also others stuffs."
He opened a closet, revealing a cramped space. Matt turned on a dim light, and gestured inside. "You can stay in here," he said. "It's a bit dusty, but it'll do for now until we figure out something else."
He took a large bag from the corner and pushed it towards Nick, adding, "Here are extra pillows and blankets. We don't have an extra mattress, so you might have to use the blankets as a makeshift one. Tomorrow, we'll look for a proper bed or whatever."
Matt then showed Nick the bathroom and said, "Use whatever equipment you find in there to clean up this closet. If you can't find anything, just let me know." Nick nodded weakly and mumbled a quiet "Yes," his eyes glued to the ground.
Matt left almost immediately after showing Nick the room, his attention divided by a phone call. Alone in the bathroom, Nick realized there were no washcloths to clean the room with. Dejectedly, he returned to his luggage and pulled out an old, sleep shirt. With that, he set to work cleaning the small, cramped closet. Despite the small space, Nick was relieved to discover that he could lay down there comfortably. After meticulously wiping down every corner, he wiped his sweaty forehead, feeling satisfied with his cleaning job.
After cleaning and showering, he changed into his sleep shirt and settled on the floor with a pillow and makeshift blankets. Despite the dust and musty smell, Nick felt oddly at peace. He sighed deeply, exhaustion finally catching up to him. He closed his eyes, surrendering to sleep. Nick was too tired so he quickly doze off.
~
Morning came and Nick woke up instinctively, checking the time: 8 a.m. Normally, he'd be up even earlier, tending to his father's breakfast and packing his lunch. But now, he felt off-schedule. With a sense of panic, Nick rushed to brush his teeth and freshen up, determined to look his best for his first day. For going a proper change of clothes, he simply threw a sweater over his sleep shirt and cautiously descended the stairs. To his surprise, the house was eerily silent. No hustle and bustle of morning activities. Nick checked the wall clock: 15 minutes had passed since he sat here.
He approached Matt's bedroom door, knocking cautiously at first, then more insistently, but there was no response. Feeling down, Nick turned and retreated to the kitchen, opening the fridge and pantry in search of ingredients for breakfast. To his disappointment, the fridge and pantry cabinets was empty of food. Defeated, Nick slumped into a chair at the kitchen table, resigning to his fate of waiting.
Time ticked by slowly as Nick nervously fidgeted at the kitchen table, waiting for Matt and Chris to show up. His stomach growled softly, reminding him to eat something. He picked at his nails, torn between his hunger and his fear of disturbing his brothers' morning sleep.
After hours, Nick must have fallen asleep at some point, he was startled awake by the sound of Chris and Matt chatting. "That was such a blast," Chris exclaimed cheerfully. "Glad we could join the music video shoot last minute." Matt chuckled in agreement, but their expressions soured as they noticed Nick seated at the table. Chris's expression in particular, was hardened.
Nick stood up, avoiding their gazes. The long hours of sleep had made him feel dizzy, and as he focused on the clock, he realized it was nearly 5 pm. He had slept through most of the day, probably due to restlessness from the day before and the previous night.
Matt noted Nick's instability on his feet, his hand twitching at his side. "We should've mentioned this earlier that we have a last minute job." Matt began, his words met with a dismissive eye roll from Chris. "It's not like telling him would've changed anything," Chris scoffed, his frustration seething beneath the surface.
Nick remained mute, his body still, waiting for instructions. Chris, unable to bear the sight of Nick's timid demeanor, missed the fierce and resolute little Nick he used to know.
Chris inched closer to the table, he growled at Nick, his words sharp and biting. "You pathetic little thing. Get out of my sight. Go back to your room," he barked, his irritation barely contained. Nick's heart quickened at the harsh tone, and he hurriedly made his way upstairs, his movements shaky. He stumbled a couple of times, but managed to the room, reach his small closet room.
Once inside, he sank down to the floor, tears welling up in his eyes, only to be harshly wiped away. Nick sat against the wall of the closet, his heart still pounding from the encounter with Chris. His hand instinctively reached up to pressed his belly, the pain of hunger deepened.
He knew he needed to eat, Nick rifled through his sling bag, retrieving a few leftover snack items he had saved from the plane ride. He nibbled on them cautiously, trying to quell the pangs of hunger that consume him. As he sat there, his thoughts raced. He couldn't stay here forever, living in fear of his brothers.
Matt cast a disapproving glance at Chris, sighing deeply. "Was it really necessary for you to say that?" Chris shot back, his voice dripping with barely suppressed anger.
"You know damn well he did this to himself. He chose to leave us behind, and now he's just a coward little bitch."
Matt cut him off, his tone stern. "That's enough, Chris." Chris let out a frustrated huff, his pent-up emotions bubbling to the surface. "What? We all know it's true!" he snapped.
Matt took a deep breath and replied, "We definitely need to sort things out if he's going to live with us. We can't keep living like this. Chris, you need to find a way to tolerate him at least until we figure this out."
Chris, still seething with anger, retorted, "I couldn't even stand the sight of him in Boston. How do you expect me to tolerate this?"
Matt took a moment to collect his thoughts, suggesting, "Let's focus on our work. We can do our content at the warehouse and keep busy with merchandise samples. Maybe a little time apart will help ease the tension."
Chris sighed deeply, reluctantly agreeing, "Yeah, that might be the best option for us right now. I can't stand being around him." Matt gave a small nod, acknowledging the strain. "Let's try to keep some distance for a while. Hopefully, it'll help ease the tension and give us some space to breathe."
~
Night after night, Nick found himself wide awake, tormenting hunger keeping sleep at bay. Three days had passed since Chris had sent him to his room, and his spare supply of food had long gone. All he had left to sustain himself was the occasional glass of water.
Nick resigned himself to doing all the household chores in the hopes of getting some attention from his brothers, but they remained mostly absent, leaving only a note from Matt on the fridge: "We'll be staying at the warehouse for a while. Please let us know if you need anything."
Nick, driven by boredom, decided to clean out the large room out of his closet. He diligently organized boxes, wiped away dust, and stumbled upon a box of cookies. Knowing he shouldn't take things without asking, he glanced around to ensure he was alone before secretly taking a few.
He muttered to himself, "I'll return them when I have money," and took a couple of cookies, quickly ran to his room and carefully stashing them under his pillow before heading downstairs to get a glass of water. Back in his room, he settled into a corner, holding the cookies tightly. As he ate the stolen sweets, a sense of guilt mingled with his relief.
He quietly whispered, "Thank you, God, for this food." He chewed the cookies slowly, savoring each bite, and a small smile graced his lips.
~
Chris and Matt were at the top golf, joined by a group of friends. Chris wasted no time unleashing a tirade of insults about Nick, and Matt didn't step in to stop him.
Sam, a friend, asked, "So he's actually staying at your place?"
Chris nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, and we've left him there for a week now. I don't give a damn."
Drew chimed in, "You think he's just staying indoors all week?"
Chris's scoffed, "Who knows? It's LA, he might wander around a bit."
Sam interjected, "You guys should consider sitting down and discussing the issue together."
Chris scoffed again, at the suggestion, "We've tried that a million times. It never worked, five years ago."
Matt nodded in agreement, adding, "We did everything we could, but he still chose to leave us behind."
Drew, concerned, mentioned, "Nick's never worked before, right? And your mom spoiled him. Does he even have money for food?"
Matt's frowned, eyes widened as he realized their house was devoid of food due to their recent tours. He quickly took out his phone to contact Nick, but realized he didn't have his number.
"Chris," Matt asked, "What's Nick's phone number?"
Chris replied, "How am I supposed to know? I thought you were the one who had been staying in contact with him this whole time."
"We need to go," said Matt, quickly grabbing his jacket and walking at a quick pace.
Chris sighed, annoyed, and said, "He definitely has money. It's not like he's going to starve himself for a week."
Sam and Drew simply shrugged their shoulders, while Chris fumed, irritated that his mood had been ruined by the mention of their older brother again. He reluctantly followed Matt back home.
~
Chris grumbled the whole way home, his mood souring further with each passing moment. He couldn't understand why Matt suddenly seemed so worried about Nick's well-being. It's not like he hadn't left them behind before, and Matt himself barely even talked to him in the past years.
As they arrived, they found the house in perfect order, with every corner tidy and spotless. Chris raised his eyebrow and turned to Matt. "The house is cleaner than I remembered, did he clean it?"
Matt nodded, still concerned about the absence of food in the house. "It appears so," he said.
Chris scoffed, "Seems like he's actually capable of doing something useful."
Matt ignored Chris' comment and entered the kitchen, checking the fridge and pantry. His expression turned concerned as he realized the lack of food. "This is bad, there isn't a single thing in here," said Matt, his concern growing.
Matt sprinted upstairs, concern etching his features. He entered the main room and attempted to switch on the lights, but they didn't respond. He approached the closet room cautiously and slowly opened the door. There, he spotted Nick's sleeping form, and a sigh of relief escaped him as he realized he was still there.
In a gentle tone, Matt called out, "Nick, Nick, wake up," while switching on the light in the closet. The sight of Nick's thin body clutched at Matt's heart, evoking a deep sense of worry.
Matt knelt down and gently shook Nick's shoulders, noticing the heat radiating from his body. As Nick slowly opened his eyes, he immediately flinched upon seeing Matt's face. Startled, he fell to the side, face-first.
The sight of Nick's violent flinching from Matt's presence sent a pang through Chris's heart, and an urge to rush to Nick's side and embrace him overwhelmed him. His hands clenched into fists, his emotions bubbling just below the surface.
Matt felt a pang of guilt and concern seeing how frightened Nick was, while Chris had to physically restrain himself. Chris stepped into the room, the intensity in his eyes betraying the range of emotions surging within him.
"Nick," Matt spoke softly.
Nick, struggling to sit up, averted his gaze, his body trembling. "Y-yes?", he whispered.
Matt's concern deepened as he watched Nick struggling to sit up, his body trembling with each movement, and his gaze avoiding direct eye contact.
"Nick," he repeated, his voice gentle.
Nick, his voice barely above a whisper, answered, "Yes?" His eyes remained lowered, avoiding direct eye contact as if he feared what he might see in Matt's eyes.
Chris stood silently in the background, his frustration and guilt nearly overwhelming him, yet he remained still, watching closely.
Matt gently inquired, "Have you eaten anything?"
Nick's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard, his fear rising as he realized he might have been caught taking their expensive cookies without permission. He cast a furtive glance at the plastic wrapping of the cookies concealed beneath his pillow. Matt caught his gaze, swiftly tossing away the pillow, causing Nick to cower against the wall, shielding himself with his arms and legs.
"I-I'm sorry," Nick whimpered, his voice quivering. "I didn't mean to steal them."
Matt's voice softened, the guilt evident on his face. "Nick, it's alright, really," he assured him again.
Nick cautiously lifted his eyes, his gaze shifting between Matt and Chris. He caught a glimpse of Chris standing at the doorframe, his expression seething with anger. The sight of Chris's anger made Nick's stomach churn with anguish.
Matt asked again, his concern growing, "Haven't you eaten anything in the last couple of days?"
In a small voice, Nick replied, "I've only been drinking water."
Hearing this, Matt and Chris's faces drained of color, their guilt intensifying. Chris couldn't hold back any longer, his frustration exploding.
"Are you seriously stupid!? Why didn't you bother to order any food or at the least tell us you were hungry?", Chris snapped, his tone harsh as he grabbed Nick's arms. Nick's body trembled in response to Chris's tight grip.
Nick was overwhelmed, struggling to handle the situation. The combination of the brothers' shouted words and harsh grip felt even worse than being hit by his father. His chest contracted, making it difficult to breathe. Nick's panicked hyperventilation signaled an asthma attack in progress.
Matt and Chris stood frozen, their anger giving way to shock as they watched Nick's breath grow ragged and labored.
"Inhaler, where's isn't, Nick," Matt said urgently, he saw Nick's bag and rummaging through his bag. He emptied all the contents in his panic, eventually finding the inhaler. Matt quickly placed it on Nick's lips, letting him inhale deeply and slowly. Chris stepped in as well, placing his palm on Nick's chest. He tried to soothe him by rubbing his chest gently.
Yet as Chris made contact, he couldn't help but recoil in shock. He could feel the prominent outline of Nick's bones through his thin chest.
Chris's eyes widen in horror, he could literally feel Nick's ribcage through his chest as he rubbed his back. He quickly removed his hand, "Oh god."
Nick finally regain a normal breathing but he keep sobbing, tears staining his pale face, "I-I'm sorry, I-I'm so sorry."
Matt gently shushed Nick, trying to calm him down. "Shhh, it's okay," he reassured him. "Just focus on breathing. You're doing well."
Chris, however, couldn't shake off his guilt and growing worry. He blurted out, "You're so thin. How long have you not been eating?"
Nick struggled to find words, too afraid that whatever he said might be wrong. In response to Chris's question, he merely shook his head, still struggling to suppress his sobs.
Chris couldn't believe how skeletal Nick had become and said, "There's no way you could've become this thin in just a week."
Matt couldn't believe it either, and his own realization startled him. He wrapped his hand around Nick's wrist, horrified to find that he could easily encircles his entire wrist with just the palm of his hand. If he applied just a bit of pressure, he could easily break the fragile bones beneath.
Nick was drowning in a wave of emotions. He wanted nothing more than to be left alone, he snatched his hand off Matt's and he rocked back and forth, his head dropping further between his knees. He muttered "I'm sorry" repeatedly, his mind overwhelmed.
Matt and Chris exchanged a worried glance, their shock evident on their faces. Chris grabbed him firmly, "Stop doing that! Stop it now!" Nick's behavior was concerning, and Chris could feel the heat radiating from him, signaling a high fever.
Matt firmly pushed Chris away, also feeling the heat radiating from Nick. "He has a fever," they both acknowledged. Matt swiftly picked Nick up in his arms, declaring, "We need to get him downstairs."
Nick's surprise turned to alarm as he found himself in Matt's embrace. Struggling and trembling, he pleaded desperately, "Please leave me alone! I'll be quiet. I'll do anything you need, I promise. I won't cause any trouble."
Chris stood there, his heart weighed down by guilt as he watched Nick struggle and plead. The sight of Nick's trembling form clinging onto Matt's shirt tugged at his heart. Matt held Nick tightly, his expression filled with concern.
"Nick, we're not going to let you be alone in this condition. We will take care of you."
Nick's eyes widened in fear, his voice quivering. "Please, I can take care of myself. I don't need anything. Just let me be alone, please."
Matt listened to Nick's desperate pleas as he carried him in a bridal style. However, his determination remained firm, knowing that the boy needed his attention.
Nick's head hung limply, his vision clouded by tears, and he could barely keep his eyes open. He felt both hot and cold, his body growing weaker by the moment. Matt did his best to adjust his hold to avoid Nick's head banging against the wall, while Chris tried to steady the boy's head from behind.
Nick felt his consciousness slipping away, the world around him becoming increasingly indistinct and dim. Sounds faded into the background, and all he could focus on was the warmth of Matt's chest against his face, his familiar scent like a comforting presence.
Matt's concern deepened as he felt Nick's growing listlessness in his arms. "We need to go to the hospital," Matt said urgently. Chris, equally alarmed by Nick's state, quickly agreed.
They rushed to the nearest hospital, with Matt taking a seat in the backseat, holding Nick on his lap. He still couldn't believe how alarmingly thin Nick's body was, his weight far below normal. As Chris drove, he couldn't help but furtively glance back through the rearview mirror, worry eating away at him.
Nick's breath was shallow, his chest rising and falling weakly. Matt tried to keep him steady but he still worried the slightest movement could hurt him, as they arrived at the hospital, Matt carrying Nick into the ER. Matt shouted "Someone help us.".
The doctor and nurses came running. They quickly put Nick on a trolleys bed and took him away. Leaving Matt and Chris shocked and numb in the ER waiting room.
After sometime, Matt and Chris couldn't help but feel relieved as the doctor explained that Nick was stable. Gratitude washed over them, and they thanked the doctor sincerely for his assistance.
"Thank you. Thank you so much," Matt said, gratitude evident in his voice. "He is going to be okay now right," said Chris, the worry still etched on his face.
The doctor reassured them, saying, "Your brother is in stable condition now, but I won't be able to give you any more information until I check the report first."
Matt nodded understandingly, and the brothers thanked the doctor once again before making their way toward Nick's room. Chris turned to Matt and said, "He's going to be alright, right?"
Matt tried to remain hopeful, replying, "The doctor said he's stable. We just need to wait and see what the report says."
They entered the room where Nick lay unconscious, his face now no longer deathly pale but still worryingly weak. Matt couldn't believe the sight before him, a wave of remorse washing over him. "Oh my god, he looks so small," Matt muttered softly.
In stark contrast to his usual anger, Chris held Nick's frail hand. The roughness of his palm, and the prominence of his bones beneath the skin were a stark reminder of how severely he had shrink. Chris felt a surge of guilt and sadness, his previous anger toward Nick giving way to a deep sense of remorse.
Matt's anger flared as he exclaimed, "It's impossible for this to happen in a week! Something's not right."
Chris nodded in agreement, his own skepticism evident. As he gently touched Nick's neck and collarbone, he pondered the question, "Do you think there's something we don't know about? Why did he suddenly distance himself from us at 14, and then say he didn't want to be triplets anymore? I can't help but wonder if there's more to this story than we're aware of."
Matt clenched his fist at the thought, his emotions stirring. "Is there someone hurting him?"
Chris looked conflicted, his grip on Nick's hand tightening. "I don't know, but there's definitely something we're missing. We need to find out."
The doctor approached Matt and Chris with the medical report, his expression somber as he began to explain Nick's condition.
"Nicolas is suffering from severe malnourishment," the doctor said, his tone grave. "From my understanding, this is the result of him not receiving proper nutrition over the course of several months, or potentially even a year."
The room fell silent as Matt and Chris absorbed the news. They looked at the scrawny figure of their older brother lying in the hospital bed, the severity of his condition finally sinking in.
The doctor continued, his voice hushed, "As a result of this malnourishment, Nick is suffering from significant weight loss."
Matt's mind raced, trying to make sense of how their energetic and healthy brother could have been reduced to such a state. Chris clenched his jaw, anger and guilt churning inside him.
"He's extremely underweight for his age and height," the doctor added, further detailing the extent of the situation.
The doctor's voice was gentle yet firm as he continued, "Nick is severely underweight, and his vital signs are unstable."
Matt and Chris exchanged a look of worry, feeling deeply ashamed for not having noticed the issue sooner.
"He may have a weakened immune system because of long-term malnourishment. This could make him more susceptible to various health issues."
Matt's voice was firm as he posed a question to the doctor, "You mentioned that he's been starving for a couple of months, but how can you be so sure it's been that long?"
The doctor responded, his voice carrying a hint of concern. "Based on the condition of his lungs, I believe it's been almost a year since he last experienced proper nourishment.
Chris's anger surged upon connecting the dots. "It's been exactly the time mom died," he said, rage boiling within him.
Matt, restraining himself from speaking out loud, thought to himself, "Is it possible that Nick has been intentionally harming himself?"
The doctor's face turned serious, his voice stern. "Malnourishment of this severity does not develop within a few week. It's indicative of a long-term issue."
Matt closed his eyes, the weight of the realization settling heavily upon him. "So it's been going on for at least a year," he said softly.
Chris's anger boiled over, and he stood up abruptly, his frustration threatening to consume him. He clenched his fists tightly, desperate to release his pent-up emotions. His eyes darted around the room, as though searching for something to lash out at. But there was nothing to hit, and no one to blame but himself. He couldn't shake the feeling that he and Matt had failed Nick in a way that can't be undone.
The doctor, sensing the heavy tension in the room, hesitated before replying, "It's difficult to determine the exact cause of his malnourishment without further examination. However, it's important to note that intentional self-harm may be one possible factor to consider."
~
Matt and Chris sat silently in the room, their eyes fixated on the unconscious form of Nick, his fragile frame a stark reminder of their own shortcomings. They both felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and remorse, their previous anger replaced now by a deep sense of regret.
They began to wonder if things could have been different had they tried harder, had they given Nick another chance when he tried to make amends. But instead, they had chosen to hold onto their resentment, rejecting his attempts at reconciliation and essentially cutting him out of their lives.
Part 1