Disclaimer: This is a complete work of fiction, there's no resemblance to actual persons or events or places. If so, it is utterly not intended. I do NOT own Monster High, or anything to do with it. Thank you.

A / n: Wow you guys, seriously? 101 reviews, 15 follows and 16 favorites? I just… wow. I love you guys so much! Hope you enjoy the chapter very much! It's all for you.

P.s. The last part of the previous chapter was just some sexual innuendo. A play on words in reference to an assumed sexual occurrence, not always truthful, usually of derogatory nature. Often a playful sexual insult. Now, on with the chapter!

Cast In Stone

Chapter Twenty One

"I feel like I have been trapped in there FOREVER!" Holt Hyde exclaimed whilst Heath shushed him discreetly. It was late and they weren't entirely supposed to be awake still. "What's going on?" He asked, his voice still not having lowered a volume notch.

Heath gently waved him off with a chuckle. "Hey, Jackson felt bad you hadn't been out in awhile – just calm down for a few, will you? Damn."

Holt let a sigh out as he crossed his arms over his chest, "Alright. I'm cool, I'm cool – what's shakin' bacon?"

Heath lightly groaned and almost drooled, "Oh I wish." He soon reminded himself of the reason he was bugging Holt and not Jackson. "Anyway, I was just wondering if you had anything to really talk about, or discuss concerning Jackson at all?" He didn't want to seem as if he was drilling Holt in an investigation, he was just curious to know what Jackson's legit other half thought about what was going on. Or if he was even aware what was going on? They were the same person no matter how you sliced and diced it, so did he feel what Jackson felt or was that just popular belief?

Tapping his foot rapidly to a kick ass beat he remembered in his mind, he stopped to think for a moment. "Well, maybe a couple things."

Heath nodded enthusiastically, "Alright. We have time before bed to chit chat, somewhat. If mom catches us, we're screwed though." Before his cousin could interrupt, he continued. "Deuce left awhile ago. He wanted to stay the night but he didn't think his mom would be too keen on that and surprisingly Jackson wasn't ready to kick kittens over it."

Holt gave an acknowledging nod. "Well… I bet you're kinda thinkin'… where does bat shit crazy ol' Holt go when Jackson's out. Right?"

Heath had never thought about it before in all honesty. "Huh… that's actually a really good question. Have at 'er."

Holt picked up a small tennis ball, bouncing it up and down, catching it efficiently. He was always restless and could hardly sit still at all. "Truth is, I got no damn clue. It's just kinda this… void. A black nothingness. It's like, I'm inside Jackson's mind, body and soul, but he's obviously the one on the outer layer. It's just black nothingness to... observe. Not my thing, man."

Heath stretched out on the blanket that was still upon the floor in Jackson's room and he reached for a pillow to gain some comfort. "So… it's probably the same thing for Jackson then. He kinda describes it as nausea, pain… irritability and then black out."

Holt nodded, "Pretty much. Two - way street there."

"So, have you tried talking to Jackson… through your mind? I'm sure it's accessible." He'd shrug, "It's worth a shot if you ever think about it."

Leaning up against the wall, knees up to his chest, flame pajamas and all – Holt shrugged his shoulders, unsure of what to say. "I tried it a couple times… but he just thinks he's going bat shit and there's no conversation at all. But I do think he hears me. He hears something anyway." Rarely, in a soft voice Holt mumbled to himself. "He could've been ignoring me."

Heath chuckled and nodded, "I can't say as I blame him there - thinking he's going nuts. Think I'd come to the same conclusion actually."

Holt fiddled with a loose thread that was hanging off the pillow case of the pillow he was hugging close. "So, you asked me if I had any thoughts or concerns… about Jackson… right?"

Heath nodded quickly, "Yes, of course. Anything. Ask away, please."

"Since you're so eager… uh, do you know how much Jackson… hates me?" He asked solemnly. On one hand, Holt didn't overly care what anyone thought about him. But on the other hand, he was curious as to what they thought as well, especially when the 'they' was really 'him' but not 'all' of him and just 'part' - something like that.

"Hate you? Why would Jackson hate you Holt?" He shifted, rearranging the pillow once more. "Do you hate him? What brought you to that kinda conclusion?"

Holt shifted uncomfortably, as if he felt embarrassed. "Well, Jackson… his attempt to get rid of himself… scared me. I mean if he didn't like me that much, he could've somehow told me. If he had went through with it… would I be the only one?"

Those were very good points to bring up. Very good thoughts to ponder for an inquisitive mind.

Heath lightly shrugged his shoulders, unsure of what else he could really do or say to give Holt the answers he was looking for. "Holt… Jackson only had intent to hurt himself. I'm sure if he knew for sure he'd take you with him – he'd hold off for you. Jackson is not selfish. He's selfless, there's a difference. But… I can't honestly say you would be the only one if Jackson's attempt had gone according to plan. I don't know that."

"He's really unhappy y'know. Or at least he was the last time I was able to absorb his thoughts. But however… this one monster, this Gorgon guy? I can feel, that Jackson feels a special kinda feelin' about him."

Heath gave a slight nod, "Mhm, that he does. How do you… feel about that Holt? I mean, Jackson… having feelings for Deuce Gorgon? Another guy?"

Holt sincerely smiled, "It'd be cool I guess. I mean, on a couple conditions though. I mean, first off – as long as I can harmlessly flirt with Frankie fine… it's cool."

Heath couldn't help but to inquire further, not many guys would be alright with this. Since he almost lost Jackson recently, he didn't want to chance it again. "Holt, are you sure you're alright with the possibility that Deuce and Jackson could… be together? I mean like, boyfriends and... hugging, kissing, caressing, naughty... gay fluff stuff."

Holt almost bursted out in laughter. "Are we talking about the same Jackson? Who can barely understand the meaning of the word, seduce? AHAHAHA, DEUCE, SEDUCE. I'M BRILLIANT YEAAH."

Heath narrowed his eyes, "Shhh, shut it!" Exclaiming in a whisper, but speaking with an indoor voice. "Holt, you're a jerk. Anyway, I'm just saying do you realize that they could legit be together?"

Holt was fiddling with his fingers, trying to keep himself distracted just enough and also focused upon the topic they were discussing. "Chicks bang chicks, some dudes do dudes and marry the dudes – people need to get over it. Y'know what I'm sayin'? So what if it's a pole or a hole that tickles your tummy from the inside – whatever you dig. It's a customized dance without the pants. It's whatever you want it to be, not how someone else thinks it should be. Y'feel me?"

"Yes of course, I agree." Heath scrunched the pillow he had yet again, still not feeling comfortable. "So if they started seeing each other, you would be 100% supportive, Holt?"

Holt gave a nod, sighing as he stretched out upon the bed. "Heck yeah, I mean… at first the idea was kinda, 'Aw hell naw I ain't participating in this' but then I realized that, Jackson most importantly – he deserves to be happy for once. So if this makes him happy, and as long as I can still flirt with Fine Stein, I'll be good. It's all I ask and I just want him to feel better. I remember his thought… 'I'm sick and tired of feeling so sick and tired'. I just, want him to be happy again. I haven't seen it in so long Heath, I'm willing to pretty much do anything."

Heath lightly sighed, "That makes both of us and a few others. But thanks Holt, for being honest with me. I know your feelings on it, so Jackson can progress if he so wishes to?"

Holt agreed with a knowing smirk, "If he wants to that is. Access granted."

Heath approvingly nodded, "Scorchin'. Well, see you later. I'm going to bed. I'm going to crash and burn and Holt, don't hide my pancakes or toss them out the back door like flying discs, again at breakfast."

Holt laughed energetically, "Whoops, my bad."

An update for you finally!

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