A/N: I cannot believe that I got such amazing reviews after I finished the first chapter, I'm gald you are all enjoying it. I hope you continue to enjoy the story as I am continually trying to think up new ideas to continue the progression of the story. Aside from that, enjoy the next chapter~

Chapter 2: A Faultered Dream

Darkness, that was as much as my eyes would let me see. Pain was shooting through my body, a white hot sensation was passing through all my veins. Strangely, I didn't mind. I mean, I was used to it by now. Though my heart pains me as I lay numbly.

I awoke to find myself in a room of white. Sitting up on the bed, I caught glimpse of the silver medicine shelves; I was in the nurse's office. I looked to the side of me to see Cuddles sitting next to my bed as he looked worriedly. I smiled sadly, only to reassure him I was going to be okay, he had nothing to worry about. Yet, I could see the pain in his eyes; telling me that he was a lot more worried than he should be about me.

"Mime, I hope you're okay." He said, his golden eyes looking like he was going to cry. "It pained me to see you in such a condition, it pained me more when the nurse had to grab the oxygen mask and put it on you."

'What? The nurse had to get the oxygen mask?' I questioned to myself; was it really that serious? Why would it be that serious? Did he close off my lungs to the point...that I couldn't breathe?

"I wish I could give Splendont a one f-"

I cut him off putting up my hands. I made actions that I hoped he could make out as "You don't need to protect me, I'm used to it by now, being bullied by Splendont and all". Cuddles seemed to catch on, as his eyes only got wider and more terrified with each action that I brought up to the plate. I also waved my hands up and down saying: "Don't get worried that much about me, calm down". To no avail was my plan working, it was making him gradually feel more worried than he should be; I really wish that didn't happen though.

"MIME!" Cuddles yelled, causing the nurse to come in. "YOU SHOULDN'T BE USED TO BEING PICKED ON LIKE THIS! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME HE WAS DOING SUCH THINGS!?" I just shook my head.

"Tell me Mime." He pressed, a sense of guilt washing over me as he spoke. "Why is it you don't come to me anymore with your problems?"

I only shook my head again, feeling his eyes laying upon me. I can't tell Cuddles about this. If I do, it will only make my beatings more harsh and more severe. I could only imagine what Splendont, Lifty, Shifty and Disco Bear would do to me if I told Cuddles. Being stuffed in a locker and beaten was bad enough, but if Cuddles were to get them in trouble...swirlies, every bone in my body broken, my skin being torn off. My life would be ruined. I was afraid, and I didn't want Cuddles to get hurt. He was far too innoccent. I had to protect him, and since I was a mute, it gave me a chance to. But it would only cause more pain for me, what should I do?

I took a deep inhale and made hand gestures saying: "I can't tell you, if I did, you'll only get hurt". Obviously getting through to him again. He looked around the room nervously. Was it because I wouldn't tell him? What did I do to make him worry? I just want him to be safe, that's all.

"Mime," Cuddles started, "I want you to tell me what's happening, I don't mind getting hurt. I'm your best friend, Mime. I don't want to see you getting hurt as much as you don't want to see me getting hurt."

He hugged me, I clenched in pain. But I didn't mind. It was nice to know he was there for me. But, did I just feel my face getting warmer when he hugged me? What's this feeling I have washing over me? Lingering as my best friend and I hugged. I wanted to alert him, but I guess, no use at this point.

Just going to have to live in and with the moment.