I take off Dario's hoodie before setting another cardboard box on the bed as he sets another pile next to me. I put each item into the bag as neatly as possible.

"Thanks for helping me."

I nod, glancing out the window.

Bars cross over the glass.

I remember the day that was installed.

It was the last time that Dario snuck out. Morris was furious when the cops brought a drunk Dario home at two in the morning when he was supposed to be asleep in his room. The bars were installed bright and early the next morning.

Something falls out onto the bed. I pick up the scrap of paper, unfolding it. I read the words scribbled on the page, slowly turning to Dario.

He gives me a confused look before recognizing the slip of paper.

"I can explain."

"Please do, because these words are contradicting everything you've said to me about wanting to be 'friends'."

He takes my hands in his.

"Cataclysm, I really don't know how to say this to you."

My voice is barely above a whisper, nervous as to what he is going to say to me.

"Just say it."

He sighs, obviously just as anxious.

"I've been mulling this over for years, trying to find the right way to say this without hurting myself in the process."

My heart squeezes.

Please don't say you hate me.

That's contradicting everything.

The note.

His words.

Everything.

"Just say it!"

"Fine!"

He lets go of my hands, running his through his hair, frustrated.

With himself?

With me?

With his thoughts?

Dario looks at me intensely, his eyes smoldering.

"I love you, Cataclysm. I've loved you for as long as I can remember."

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!!!!!

Thoughts?!?!

Dario loves Cataclysm!

Wow!