His Mom didn't ask what happened right away the next day. She wanted to give him a little space and time before then. When she did, he had told her what had happened. How Tommy had drugged the three of them so Andy's former best friend could see him. Joanna got livid at the report. Even more disturbed that the doll managed to arrange all of that. She hugged Kyle tight as she said,"I'm not going to let that little monster back in our house."

"That was the last time he ever gets to see you.",she added. Keeping a gentle grip on her son as she petted his hair. Kyle leaned into this attention, a slight smile on his face. It'd been a long while since she'd held him like this. And he wished it'd had been under better circumstances. While they sat in the kitchen, Kyle said,"I'm going to have to save up for a new phone, though. I was so mad at him that I forgot to ask for it back."

"That really sucks. At least the minutes are going to be up soon on that one.",Joanna stated. Which was true. His phone's minutes were up in at least three days or so. But he hated the idea of having to use his Mom's phone for the next few weeks. Or even more. Sadly, he had no real choice but to do that. When Joanna finally let him go, he got up to get ready for the day. Getting his crutches to hurry to his room as fast as they allowed him. He hurried over to his dresser, picked some clothes out of it. Then hurried over to the bathroom. Ignoring the fact his Mom's phone was buzzing slightly. And there were over at least twenty messages from his phone.

He didn't want to talk to Tommy right now. Or even acknowledge him in the slightest bit. Trying to keep his thoughts from the Buddi, he hurried to the bathroom. Setting the clothes he picked for the day on the toilet seat. Then leaning his crutches against them. Carefully, he started the water to warm it and undressed when it did. Sliding into the shower, he hurriedly got washed up, then got out of the shower. Dressed up, put on deodorant, then fixed up his hair. Soon as it was to his liking, he grabbed his crutches. Headed out of the bathroom to the living room. Where Joanna was getting Glenda ready for the day. Having put his little sister's hair into two big buns. She was wearing a gray sweatshirt with her favorite pair of jeans. Ones with tiny heart patches on the knees. Along with pink fuzzy socks on her feet. He guessed that his Mom was trying to distract Glenda from Tommy not being around anymore. It wasn't easy to lose a best friend like that at her age. Especially, when the friend had hurt you without really meaning to.

Putting those thoughts aside, he asked,"You gotta work tonight, Mom?"

"Nah, a friend of mine took a shift for me. I figured you'd two need me more.",Joanna answered. Giving him a small smile before heading to get Glenda's winter gear. Glenda stared up at her big brother for a moment. Then hurried over to him and hugged him as carefully as humanly possible. In a soft voice, she said,"I'm sorry that Tommy was a jerk, Kyle."

"It's okay, Sweets. At least we're not going to see him ever again.",he stated. Giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze of reassurance. When their Mom came back, Glenda hurried over to her. Letting Joanna slip her coat on her. The little girl sat to slip on her boots as quick as a six-year-old could manage. He went to the closet to get his hoodie. Slipping it on as quick as he could, then he pulled on the only boot that would fit. Then he hurried to his room to get his backpack. Briefly pausing to see if there were more messages on Joanna's phone. Sighing, when he saw there were over fifty messages and one voice mail. Opening up the phone, he checked the texts. They were just Tommy begging him to take him back. That he was sorry that he had done what he'd done. But he wanted to make it up to Kyle. Even saying that he wanted to give the phone back.

Ignoring them, he tried to not groan as he opened the voice mail. Grateful that his Mom told him the password a while ago. When he hit the play button, he felt slightly guilty as he heard the Buddi say,"Please, Kyle. I want to come home. I miss you so much and I'm so sorry for what I've done. It wasn't right, I know that. But I just...I thought it would make you happy. Getting your Dad out of the way, I mean. And that drugging you along with Andy was for the best. To help Chucky get back his best friend. It wasn't. I see that it wasn't the right thing."

"But I wanted to help him so much since he...he helped us. I'm sorry for breaking your trust and hurting your faith in me. Please, give me another chance. Let me prove that I can be good. That I can be trustworthy. I love you so much, please...call me when you get the chance. Even if it's to yell at me, I miss hearing your voice already.",the toy muttered. When the recording ended, he sighed as he shoved his Mom's phone into his hoodie pocket. Grabbing his backpack, he slung it over his own shoulders. Then hurried out of his room to the living room. Where his Mom had her winter gear on and held up her keys. With a small smile, she said,"Figured I'd take you guys to school today. Missed being around you guys so much."

"That's cool, Mom. Kind of missed being in the green dinosaur.",he said. Sort of joking and sort of serious. It'd been a while since his Mom had gotten to drive them to school. But he hadn't entirely missed the green dinosaur. Which was Kyle's loving nickname for his Mom's very old van. One that he felt had been alive since Elvis. Grinning slightly when his Mom playfully rolled her eyes at her son. The three of them hurried out of their apartment to the elevators. Headed down to the lobby and straight to where Joanna parked the van. Joanna helped Glenda in first. Buckling her into her car seat before hurrying to help Kyle in. Taking his crutches and setting them on the seats behind his little sister. Once both of her children were buckled in, she got into the driver's seat. Pulling out a moment later and heading to her daughter's school first. While they drove, Joanna asked what they wanted for dinner. Glenda suggested that they get chicken nuggets and fries. Which strangely sounded pretty good to Kyle and he even agreed.

They weren't his Mom's favorite, but she decided to go with it. Joanna stated,"Alright. But we need an actual vegetable to go with that, guys. Fries aren't enough."

"How about we get some broccoli?",Kyle suggested. They were his little sister's favorite vegetable and his. Glenda enthusiastically nodded her head at this. Even verbally agreeing with her big brother. A wide smile on her face that mirrored his own. Man, when was the last time they had a normal family discussion? One where Phil hadn't yelled at them to shut the fuck up? Or punched the wall to get them for the same effect? Too long. Kyle found himself relaxing into the passenger seat. It was nice. Felt great having a calm moment for once. Sadly, that moment was short lived when the phone rang. Immediately he recognized it as his Mom's ring tone for him. Pulling the phone out of his hoodie pocket, he answered the call. Putting it on speaker as he did so. In a calm voice, he asked,"What do you want, Tommy?"

"I just want to talk to you, Kyle. To apologize properly for what I've done.",Tommy answered. There was desperation in his tone. One that somewhat tugged at his heartstrings as he stared at the screen. Glancing at his Mom, he gave a slight frown. Joanna was keeping her eyes on the road. Her expression was stern as she listened to Tommy. Looking like she was fighting to not scream at the doll. The Buddi begged,"Please. I just need to see you, Kyle. I'm sorry for everything that I've done. How I've hurt you."

"...no, you don't get a chance after what you've done to me. How you've hurt me like that.",he answered. For a moment, he'd been tempted to tell him to come to his school. Tell the doll to go into the boy's room and wait in the last stall. But he couldn't let the Buddi manipulate him like this. Not, now or ever. Before he could hang up, Tommy pleaded,"Are you sure there's no way I can make it up to you, Kyle? None in the slightest?"

"No, now stop calling me or I'm blocking this damn number.",Kyle threatened. Hanging up the phone for added emphasis. At least what he hoped would be emphasis. Soon as he did though, he received at least ten texts from Tommy. Each of them just as pleading as the last. Ignoring this, he turned off his Mom's phone. Looking at her, he said,"You were right about him, Mom. I shouldn't have ever bought him for Glenda in the first place."

"I'm sorry, for everything.",he added. Looking out his window as they neared Glenda's school. Feeling like a total idiot for making their lives worse. He raised an eyebrow when his Mom said,"Give yourself a fucking break, Kyle."

Turning to look at her, he felt his mouth drop slightly open. Joanna glanced over at him, then at the rear view mirror. With a small smile, she said,"You were hopeful that he'd be better than that killer one. And he was for a little while."

"You're not at fault for trying to see the best in others.",she added. It was strange how forgiving she was about this. Since she lost her husband to the doll's terrible actions. Kyle toyed with his hoodie strings as he stared at her. Glancing back to look at Glenda, who merely shrugged her tiny shoulders. Soon as Joanna pulled up to the school, she got out of the car. Then hurried to Glenda's side of the van and unbuckled her as quick as possible. Telling her to not repeat the bad word that Mommy said. His little sister nodded her head at this. Giving Kyle a small wave before going with their Mom to the school. When she was safely inside, Joanna came back to the van. Getting in and pulling away from the curb. Heading towards Kyle's school. While they drove, Joanna said,"...I had been planning on divorcing your Dad before he died."

That was something he hadn't expected from her. Kyle stared at her as she continued,"I just couldn't let you guys keep growing up with him. You've had to deal with his bullshit for so long and I shouldn't have put up with it. I should've broken things off when Glenda was born."

"But he guilt tripped me into staying. Telling me that I wouldn't be able to properly provide for you or Glenda. Even telling me that if I tried, he'd take you away from me...",she trailed off. That definitely sounded like Phil. Guilt tripping and passive-aggressive bullshit first. Then, outright aggression and maybe violence second. Putting those memories to the side, he asked,"So, Tommy having him killed was a blessing in disguise then?"

"I suppose it was one. Doesn't excuse what he's done or make it okay. But it did help me in the long run in some horrible way.",Joanna answered. Something that he could entirely understand. It had somewhat been a blessing in disguise. Though he wished that Tommy hadn't done it. That way Joanna could have divorced him legally. Possibly been far less traumatizing for him and Glenda. Well, him at the very least. He wasn't sure how Glenda would've reacted. But he bet it'd be easier than having to had explained that Dad was never coming home. And that he was in heaven now. Though, if he had to tell the truth, he was sure that his Dad was in Hell. For most of the terrible shit he'd pulled. Kyle stopped toying with his hoodie strings as he gave a soft sigh. This whole situation was just utterly fucked up in the worst way possible. Part of him was still grateful for his Dad's death. Even if it was completely messed up and wrong for him to be.

Briefly, he wondered if that made him a bad person or not. Being grateful that his Dad was dead. But he didn't want to ask his Mom. She had enough on her plate. Mostly because of him. He just couldn't add to them like that. So he did his best to make himself seem alright as they pulled up to his school. Picking his backpack up off the floor, his Mom hurried out of the van. Helping him get his crutches and handed them to him carefully. Kissing Kyle's cheek before telling him to have a lovely day at school. He kissed her cheek back before heading to the school. Genuinely was going to go to his first class. When he spotted him. The little Buddi was standing in the middle of the hallway. Some students staring at him as they walked past him. A few were taking pictures of the doll. While only a few tried to talk to Tommy as he stood there. Asking him who he belonged to and if he was lost or not. Tommy didn't seem to be talking to any of them. His eyes darting around the group of people as he looked to be waiting for someone. When his eyes met Kyle's, he grinned in a very creepy manner. Instantly he started running toward the teen, who wished the floor could swallow him up.

Right that second.

Giving a soft sigh, he tried to walk past the Buddi. Only to be stopped by the doll's arms around his calves. Making Kyle roll his eyes as he squirmed in Tommy's tight grip. Which tightened slightly when the teen tried to pull away. Looking up at Kyle, Tommy asked,"Can we have that talk now, Kyle?"

"How did you find out where I go to school?",Kyle questioned. After all, he'd never told the Buddi where he went to school. Nor did he let Tommy see where he went to school. So how in the Hell did this stupid doll find out? That made Tommy frown slightly as he let go of Kyle's calves. Toying with his overalls, he answered,"One of your selfies had the school in the background. Took me all night to find it with Chucky, but we managed."

Of course he did. Why wouldn't the doll look through his phone for clues? That felt creepier than most of the shit the Buddi ever pulled. So he pushed the doll away with his crutch as he started walking forward. Fully intending to just ignore him and going on with his day. But of course, Tommy easily kept up with him. Frowning as he said,"C'mon, Kyle. You can't just pretend that I'm not here. We need to talk sooner or later."

"Isn't that what most boyfriends do?",Tommy questioned. Kyle felt his face burn red at that word. Knowing full well that everyone heard that. Hell, he thought he heard a few people laughing. Some of them looked to be filming with their cellphones. Something that made his stomach twist as he glared down at the Buddi. Giving a glare as Kyle said,"Shut up, we're not boyfriends. You're just a toy that I gave my little sister."

"Get the Hell away from me.",he added. Trying to move quicker as he headed to his first class. Not acknowledging that Tommy was still following him. Still keeping pace with him as he tried to talk to Kyle. Who just kept ignoring him as they reached the door of his first class. Feeling his face burning bright red as he tried to maintain the distance between them. Soon as he neared the door, Tommy said,"I'll keep following you all day if we don't get to talk."

That made him freeze as he reached for the doorknob. Looking over his shoulder to stare at the Buddi with a horrified look. Tommy's face was blank as he stared right into Kyle's eyes. Taking a step forward, he continued,"I'll sing the Buddi song all day too. So either come talk to me somewhere private, or I'll embarrass the Hell outta you."

Chewing the inside of his cheek, he stared at the classroom door. Then, back at the Buddi as he tried to decide what to do. Feeling his stomach twist in anxiety at the idea of Tommy following him around. Embarrassing him like no belief. He was already utterly humiliated by the doll calling himself Kyle's boyfriend. What would him deliberately trying to embarrass him be like? Kyle chewed his bottom lip as he gave a sigh of defeat. Gesturing to the library, Kyle said,"Fine. Let's go to the library. There's not a lot of people there in the morning."

Tommy agreed to Kyle's terms and gestured him to go first. Which Kyle complied with, heading toward the library with the Buddi at his heels. Soon as they got to the library, they headed to the back of it. To make utter sure that no one would hear them speak. Sitting down at a chair at the farthest table Kyle could get to. Putting his crutches to the side, Kyle asked,"What do you want to talk about, Tommy? I thought I made myself clear this morning."

"You did. But I just couldn't leave it like that, Kyle. Please, let me prove that to you.",Tommy pleaded with tears in his eyes. Something that he hadn't anticipated that the doll could do. Making Kyle feel slightly guilty as he stared down at the Buddi. Tommy hugged his calves as he stared up at the teen with puppy-dog eyes. The look would've worked if he wasn't pissed at Tommy. Kyle sighed as he leaned over to push him off. Finding it harder than he thought it was going to be. Groaning slightly, he asked,"Just how do you plan to do that? You weren't exactly proving that when you embarrassed me earlier now were you?"

"...I suppose not. But it was the only way to get you to come with me.",Tommy answered. That wasn't the only way and Kyle definitely knew that. Not pointing that out, he gave a soft sigh as he rested his arm on the table. Glaring at the Buddi, Kyle said,"You're such an asshole, Tommy. And you're utterly embarrassing too."

"I'm sorry for that, Kyle. I just didn't know what else to do.",Tommy explained. Nuzzling Kyle's legs before staring up at the teen. Frown on his face as a few tears rolled down his cheeks. Part of him wanted to wipe them away. But he kept one of his arms on the table, the other resting on top of the chair. His teeth digging into his bottom lip. Tommy wiped the tears away himself, he then squeezed Kyle's calves again. With a sigh, he said,"I won't ever do that again, Kyle. But please, give me another chance to prove myself to you."

"That I can be a good boyfriend if you let me.",Tommy begged. Again he used that word. 'Boyfriend'. But was he ever really Kyle's boyfriend? Could he really call himself that when they hadn't even had a proper date? He put those thoughts to the side as Tommy continued,"I just want to prove that I'm worthy of you. Worthy of being Glenda's friend too...just please."

The bell rang and that caused Kyle to groan. He was late for class now. All thanks to his former overly clingy boytoy. His face flushing again when he caught what he just thought. With a sigh, he said,"Let me think this over, Tommy. Meet me here after school and we'll see. Okay?"

"...okay, Kyle. Have a wonderful day, I love you.",Tommy stated. Giving Kyle's calves another hug before letting the teen up. Who hurriedly pulled his backpack onto his back. Grabbing his crutches and moving as quickly as possible to his first class. Grateful that the teacher was very laid back. And that he didn't mind if students came in late. Explanation or not. What he felt embarrassed by was the other students giggling at him as he made his way to his chair. Other people smirking at him as he tried to pretend he didn't exist. This was going to be one Hell of a day.

He just knew it.

All he wanted to do was go home and never come back. This whole day had been a giant horrible fucking nightmare thanks to Tommy. So many people were making fun of him for Tommy calling him the teen's boyfriend. Few were asking if his ex was a Ken doll. And if he thought G.I Joe was sexy or not. Kyle tried to pretend he didn't hear them as he hurried to the library. Finding the doll right where he had left him. Only he was sitting at the table with a few books. Ones that were more advanced than the ones he read Glenda. Ignoring that, he headed over to the table. Plopping down next to the doll, he said,"You owe me a huge apology, asshole."

That seemed to shock the doll enough to drop the book. Looking over at Kyle, Tommy asked,"Why? What happened, Kyle?"

"Everyone is making fun of me cuz you called yourself 'my boyfriend'.",he hissed. Glaring at the Buddi as he held his hands up in exasperation. What else did the damn toy expect? Teens could be ruthless when they wanted to be. And now he probably wasn't going to hear the end of this until graduation. Maybe even longer. His mouth turned down in a frown as Tommy gave him a sympathetic look. Quickly taking Kyle's hand, he squeezed it. In a soft voice, he said,"I'm sorry, Kyle. I didn't think it'd be that embarrassing for you. I was just desperate to speak to you is all."

For a moment, he felt like yelling at the doll. Telling him off for making his life utterly miserable as he glared at the doll. Kyle chewed his bottom lip as he thought of what to say next. Tommy squeezed his hand gently, then he asked,"But was I wrong for calling myself your boyfriend? I mean isn't that what we are? Boyfriends?"

"We haven't dated, Tommy. I don't think you can call yourself that if we haven't dated.",Kyle answered. Also it just felt really weird to call the Buddi his boyfriend. Having people know that he was dating a doll was embarrassing too. His mouth turned into a frown as he stared over at the Buddi. Pulling his hand back, he added,"I don't think we can call each other that if we've never dated."

"We've kissed before, Kyle. Doesn't that count for anything?",Tommy asked. Giving him a hopeful look at the teen. Kyle shook his head at this question. That didn't make him think they were boyfriends in the slightest bit. All it meant is that they shared a few kisses together. Even if it was nice, he couldn't count it. He didn't want to. With a frown, he said,"No. Not really."

"Well, I think we've dated. Before I broke your ankle, we were spending time together.",Tommy stated. Kyle winced at the memory of his ankle breaking. Looking at his hand, Tommy continued,"I'd like to think of it as a date."

"That was hanging out. Not a date.",Kyle said. For a moment, Tommy didn't say anything about that. He sighed as he stared at the teen. His hand reached for the teen's hand again. Frowning deeper when the hand was pulled away. Then a strange look came over the Buddi's face as he stared at Kyle. Giving a little grin, Tommy asked,"How about this then? We go out on a date together, I prove myself to be trustworthy, would we be boyfriends then?"

Part of him wanted to shout that it wouldn't. But the rest of him wanted to know how this would go. If Tommy proved himself, Kyle could consider calling the Buddi that. Then he wondered if Chucky was going to be included in this. Whether or not the other Buddi would beg them for help. Looking Tommy in the eye, he asked,"Are you still going to be friend's with Chucky?"

"I was never his friend, Kyle. But I still owe him for everything...still need to help him with Andy.",Tommy muttered. Of course he did. Tommy didn't seem to get that was why Kyle was mad at him. That he was buddies with his Father's killer. The Buddi continued,"I won't help him kidnap him. Just find a way for him to earn Andy's trust. Soon as I give him an idea, I'll never speak to him again. I promise."

"...you seriously promise that? No more spending time with the little asshole? Never?",Kyle asked. Staring Tommy in the eye. Who started looking hopeful as he nodded his head violently. Grinning widely as Tommy said,"I promise. No more. Just me spending time with you, Glenda, and maybe your Mom. You have my word, Sweets."

For a moment, Kyle didn't say a word. His mind processed what Tommy said to him. Chewing his bottom lip, he thought it over. Sure, Joanna wouldn't be happy. But if he made sure it was at her diner, she'd only be slightly frustrated with him. Possibly not kill him when it was over.

With a sigh, Kyle reached over and pulled Tommy into a kiss. Gently gripping the back of his head as they kissed. Tommy gripped his collar gently, eyes wide in surprise. When they pulled away, Tommy asked,"Was that a-""Yes. That was a yes."

"I'll go on a date with you."