So, here we go! I've had this idea in my head for ages and I've finally gotten around to writing it-yay! I'm going to try and make updates frequent, especially since school is ending, but I am not making any promises.

Disclaimer: I do not own Homestuck. It belongs to Hussie!

"John?"

You burrow yourself deeper into the blanket that is tossed over your head. Tears are threatening to spill out of your eyes and-jeez, it hurts to even breath!

"John, please."

The door to your room rattles, signaling that your dad is attempting to come in. It's a good thing you locked your door, it wouldn't do for your dad to see you in this state, all weak and pathetic. You squeeze your eyes shut and pull the blanket tighter. Everything hurts; arms, legs, even your feet.

"John, unlock the door."

"I-I'm fine, dad. Honest.

God, that hurt more than you thought it would.

"John…fine, but I'm here if you need anything."

Footsteps sound outside your room and slowly reduce to nothing, leaving the upstairs empty and alone. Part of you wants to reach out and have Dad comfort you, and you almost do just that. The hollow feeling inside aches and just the thought of being alone makes it that much more unbearable.

But, you can't reach out.

Reaching out would require you to leave the small haven that you have surrounded around yourself. Reaching out would be admitting to yourself that you are lying when you tell yourself you are okay. Reaching out would mean confronting the ones who hurt you and, honestly, that would only lead to more pain.

"Who would help me anyway?"

No one. That's who.

Slowly, with tears flowing, you relax ever so slightly and allow yourself to drift into an uneasy state of sleep.