Okay, so this might get a little confusing, (I've never actually written in first person, before) but I hope you will be able to make some sense out of it. This was inspired by my childhood, and how I can so easily relate with Chase. So, yeah, this is from Chase's P.O.V. because I was feeling poetic and stuff, and basically I was just putting my childhood down into words, and realized; 'huh, this is just like Chase!'. So, that's basically it. :)

Disclaimer: Umm, yeah, no, I don't own this. Obviously. ;P

I was there. Growing up, I was watching. Whether they realized I was or not.

I watched them play, have fun, build, do everything any normal kid would do. I was always there. Sitting quietly, thinking deeply, pondering over the fact of why I was sitting here, watching from afar, rather than being there with them.

I was mature as a kid.

Always ready to defend them, even though all they ever did was tear me down. They will never realize just how many hits I took for them. How many times I sacrificed something for them; be it a punishment, a word-lashing, my own feelings and desires.

It never mattered.

All I ever was, was just the young kid, sitting off in the dark, hoping and praying that someday I'd be noticed and appreciated for my unique talents and skills.

That day never came.

I was left behind to discover myself in the cold, merciless grip of what is known as growing up. The harsh reality of knowing I didn't belong was always there. Always nagging in the back of my thought-riddled mind.

Why couldn't I play?

Why wasn't I accepted?

Was it because I was unique?

Because I was different?

Or was it because I was too mature?

I was only mature because of them. Perhaps, if I had grown up with the love of a friend, and the calm, comfort of having someone caring nearby, I would be normal. Like everybody else.

But deep down in my heart, where nobody, nobody, is allowed, I'm young. I'm a carefree spirit watching the empty beaches of life. "I was too late," they all claimed. Too young to understand. Then why am I more mature?

Why do I understand things better, and am more wise?

I've experienced all the harsh weathers of life. Protected them from it. Made myself a barrier in between them and the storm. But I realize now my efforts were wasted. Fruitless. All those years I tried, I struggled, I fought to prove myself.

And now they laugh at me.

They claim I know nothing and render me useless. Little do they know I was there. I was there through it all. I protected them, I comforted them, and I got ridiculed. But I always come back. It's sick and twisted really, they're the main source of my hurt.

Of my pain.

But I always come back. And for what? To protect them and prove myself, but to only be thrown away like a dirty rag. They'll never know what I do. They'll never remember those two lonely eyes, watching them from a distance, wondering, "why me?". They'll never know that I was always there.

Always ready to protect them. And now only do I understand, that no matter what, for some twisted reason, I'll always be there to protect them. No matter how bad they treat me, I'll be there. Because that's one thing I've learned.

Always. I'm always there. Because I know what it's like for someone not to be there. And I don't ever want to do that to someone. So, no matter what, no matter how much they deserve it; I'll be there.

Always.

Please let me know what you thought! Was it good? Was it bad? Let me know! :D