All things considered, his Mom took it in stride. She hadn't screamed at him when they got home. But she definitely seemed disappointed in him. Which he couldn't blame her for being. After all, Kyle took Tommy home. Something that he had promised that he wouldn't do. If the date hadn't gone well that was. Kyle chewed his bottom lip as he headed to his room. Sitting down on his bed, he sighed as he saw Tommy in his doorway. The Buddi definitely seemed happy to be home but concerned at the same time. Raising an eyebrow, Kyle asked,"Something wrong, Sweets?"

"Yes. And I figured that I should tell you as soon as possible.",Tommy answered. Quickly getting on the bed, he set his hands on Kyle's thigh. Very gently squeezing, he stared up at the teen. With a frown, he continued,"I was going to mention this at the diner. But I umm...forgot when I saw you in this cute outfit. It's got to do with Chucky and your phone."

"I helped Chucky find Andy on Facebook and he knows where he goes to school.",he added. Giving Kyle a nervous grin as he stared into the teen's eyes. The knowledge that Chucky knew where Andy went to school made his stomach twist into knots. But the fact that the Buddi used his phone to do so was just as terrifying. He chewed his bottom lip for a moment before realizing that it was okay. Tommy had given him his phone back. So all he had to do was message him through the Facebook app. This was going to be fine. Andy wasn't going to get hurt or be blindsided by Chucky's presence. Getting the phone out, Kyle stated,"It's okay. I'll just tell Andy about what happened. He won't be happy that you've helped him with it, or that you tricked him, but he'll be safe."

"Do you really think that Chucky would hurt him?",Tommy questioned. Of course Kyle did. The other Buddi had managed to kill around five or so people. So, who's to say that he wouldn't harm Andy too? Kyle nodded his head as he opened up the messenger. Telling Andy that it had been Tommy and Chucky who friend requested him. And that Chucky knew where he went to school. Which made the younger teen freak out but thank Kyle for telling him. Also, asking him to tell Tommy he was an asshole. Smiling slightly, Kyle stated,"So, Andy says you're an asshole."

Looking down at the Buddi, who looked shocked for a moment. Then slowly nodded his head in agreement. As if he already knew that. In a soft voice, Tommy muttered,"Yeah, that's fair."

"Well, at least we warned him in time. And hopefully the little dude plays hookey.",Kyle stated. Turning off the app, then putting his phone on the dresser. Part of him really hoped that Andy wouldn't go to school the next day. As he doubted Chucky had anything good in mind for him. Since he didn't seem all that together the last time Kyle saw him. Then again, he didn't spend all that much time with him when he was conscious. So he wasn't entirely sure how he really was. While he sat with Tommy, he admired the way he put up his hair. The braid really seemed to suit him in Kyle's eyes. When he said so, the Buddi gave a shy grin. Toying with the braid for a little bit before accepting the compliment. Part of him guessed that if the doll could blush, he probably would have.

Sitting back on his bed, Kyle said,"Okay, it's time for me to get ready for bed. And you're gonna wanna go help out with Glenda."

"She really missed you, Tommy.",the teen explained. Tommy nodded his head at this information. Giving Kyle a quick hug around the waist before hurrying off. Heading to Glenda's room to help her get ready for bed and snuggle with her. Soon as the doll was out of the room, his Mom came in. Joanna looked absolutely concerned as she sat down on his bed. She stared him in the eye as she asked,"What the Hell, Kyle? I thought you said he wouldn't come back after the date?"

"I said if it went bad he wouldn't. The date went fine. He was pretty sweet to me during the whole thing, remember? Tommy even resisted screaming at that rude waitress.",Kyle pointed out. And he doubted that his Mom couldn't have missed that. Especially, seeing that waitress be so rude to them. Kyle couldn't fully understand why she had been such a jerk to them. They hadn't done anything that terrible to her or anything. Sure, he was dating a Buddi doll. But they'd been nothing but nice to her. Joanna frowned slightly as she nodded slightly. She sighed as she said,"I suppose that's somewhat good of him for not doing...I guess that I should speak to Alice about her behavior towards you."

"You know her?",he questioned. Partly wondering just how well his Mom knew the other waitress. And whether or not this had been a normal behavior for her. Nodding her head, his Mom answered,"Yes, she's not usually like that towards people. I'm not sure why she acted so coldly to you, but I'll get to the bottom of it tomorrow. And I promise to give Tommy a chance."

"Now, I'm gonna get ready for bed. Goodnight, baby.",she stated. He thanked his Mom and told her goodnight as well. Giving her a small smile as she kissed his forehead, kissing her cheek in return. Then she quickly gave him a hug before leaving the room. Kyle was grateful that she was going to give Tommy a chance. Also grateful that she hadn't screamed at him either. Which, he'd been worried about since they came home and she'd been so quiet. He gave a soft sigh of relief as he checked his phone. Looking through his usual favorite web comics. It hadn't updated but he wanted to reread it for just the fun of it. Admire some of the stuff that made him fall in love with it in the first place. A little while later, he noticed it was around ten at night.

Realizing that he probably should go to bed already. Putting his phone on the dresser, he grabbed his dresser and headed to the bathroom. Quickly changing into his pajamas, brushing his teeth, and heading back to bed. Slipping under the covers, he yawned as he started to fall asleep. Debating whether or not to play hookey himself. To avoid most of his classmates picking on him about dating a Buddi.

That morning, he got up a bit early to get ready. Getting himself washed, dressed, and headed to the kitchen. Making a big pan of oatmeal for himself, Glenda, and his Mom. It wasn't easy with his crutches, but he managed it. Soon as he was done, he called for his Mom and little sister. All three of them came into the room. Glenda was thankfully dressed and had her hair up in pigtails with ribbons. He set her bowl down in front of her. Then poured milk and brown sugar into it. Setting his Mom's down, Kyle asked,"I take it you're going into work today?"

"Eyup. And I'm gonna have to work pretty late too. So don't wait up for me.",Joanna stated. Kyle nodded his head at this then sat down to enjoy his food. Flushing slightly when he noticed Tommy's hand on his thigh. Gently squeezing it as he flashed Kyle a sweet little grin. He reached down to the Buddi's hand but didn't move it away. Instead, he squeezed the Buddi's hand back. His face didn't grow any hotter as he finished his food. Only moving the Buddi's hand away to take his bowl and spoon to the sink. Quickly washing the items before putting it on the drying rack.

Soon as Glenda and Joanna were done, he quickly washed and set them in the drying rack too. Then they all started getting ready to leave for the day. Tommy helping Glenda into her jacket, as they talked about what she did yesterday. All the stuff she'd learned. And even showing him some of the work that she'd done the other day. Pulling on her boots, she said,"Ms. Kettlewell said that I'm a great drawer."

"She's right, you're a very talented artist.",Tommy agreed. Holding the drawing up with a look of pride as he admired it. Kyle also took a look at her work. The drawing was indeed quite lovely. He nodded his head as he said,"You did really well, Sweets. You're really becoming quite the awesome artist."

With that, she grinned at the both of them. Slipping on her last boot before putting on her hat and mittens. Getting up, she asked,"So, can we play 'go fish' after school?"

"Well, after my school lets out we can.",Kyle answered. Gently patting the Buddi's shoulders before getting his own jacket. Putting it on along with his boots. When he came back, Joanna was wearing her winter gear. She checked her phone and gave an annoyed sigh. Looking up at her oldest child, she asked,"You guys mind getting a Kaslan car? They need me to come in early."

"Yeah, that's fine. Have a good day at work, Mom.",he said. Giving her a quick hug and kissing her cheek. She quickly gave Glenda and Tommy the same. Telling them to have a good day before hurriedly leaving the apartment. Kyle opened the Kaslan Drive app on his phone. Ordering a car for them all. While they waited, Kyle said,"Okay, so that'll be about six minutes."

For a moment, he debated on whether or not to text Maggie. But decided not to. Since he felt like he was constantly bugging her to help him. And he didn't want to be a burden on her. So when the car came, he put his phone in his hoodie pocket. All three of them headed to the elevator and got in. Down to the lobby and hurried over to the car. Tommy seemed worried about the fact that he didn't call for Maggie. So he took it upon himself to buckle in Glenda and himself. Putting her backpack on the floor as he said,"I've got this, Kyle. Go get in your seat."

It was nice having him help out again. So he did as the doll told him and got into the passenger side seat. Putting the crutches in the driver's side along with his backpack. Once they were all buckled in, the car pulled away. And they were on their way to Glenda's school. While they drove, Kyle checked his phone. Noticing that he had a few messages on Facebook and raised an eyebrow. Who had tried to reach him so early in the morning? Opening up the app and messenger, he gave a low groan. Apparently Andy hadn't decided to take the day off from school. Instead, he decided to go to school. Where the other Buddi had been patiently waiting for him. Chucky even had a stolen bouquet of flowers with him. At least, Andy seemed to think they were stolen. He had embarrassed the crap out of the young teen. Begging him to take him back as he held them up to Andy. Pleading with him to give the other Buddi another chance. Instead of engaging him or acknowledging him, he hurried into the school. Then hid in the bathroom. Where he was now, messaging him right now. Kyle leaned back in the passenger-side seat before turning to Tommy. With a frown, Kyle said,"Well, Andy got a nasty surprise at school. Chucky apparently brought him flowers and everything."

"...that reeks. Is he okay, Kyle?",Tommy asked. Hoping that the other Buddi hadn't harmed the poor kid. Shaking his head, Kyle was grateful for that. Chucky hadn't hurt the younger teen in any way. Aside from embarrassing the utter Hell out of him. Putting that to the side, Kyle said,"Andy hasn't mentioned himself being hurt. Well, physically hurt at least."

That sounded good to Tommy. Well, not good but not horribly worrying at least. He hoped that the other Buddi would have been more careful with the younger teen. Part of him feeling utterly stupid for not realizing this had been Chucky's plan. A huge dramatic statement in public. Tommy wondered if it was too late to contact the other Buddi. Tell him that it wasn't a wise decision and to go back to the apartments. Little while later, Andy sent Kyle another message. When he read it, his stomach twisted in knots. Apparently the other Buddi went to look for him. Banging on the bathroom stall doors to see if he was in them. And the doll was fast approaching. When they pulled up to Glenda's school, Kyle said,"Now, he's stalking Andy in the bathroom stalls...great..."

"I'm sure he'll be fine, Kyle. Andy's a resourceful boy.",Tommy assured. Though he didn't sound the least bit confident about it himself. The Buddi hurriedly unbuckled himself then Glenda. Picked her bag up off the floor as they got out. Being mindful of traffic as he slipped the backpack on her. Glenda called over her shoulder,"Love you, Kyle! See you after school!"

"Keep messaging Andy and we'll see you later! I love you!",Tommy said. Barely waiting long enough for Kyle to say his goodbyes. Then shutting the door after themselves. Tommy quickly walked Glenda up to the school. Both of them pausing to wave goodbye to the older teen. Who waved back with a small hesitant smile. Kyle went back to the messenger as the car pulled away from the curb. While he checked the phone, he muttered,"Please be fine, Andy. Please..."

There weren't any messages for at least five minutes or so. During that time, Kyle was debating whether or not to call the police or not. When he finally got a message from Andy, he held his breath. When he opened it, he felt his stomach twist in nervous knots. It was a picture of Chucky's head peeking out from under the door. Eyes glowing bright red as he stared at Andy. A huge creepy smile on his face as the other Buddi looked into the camera. Quickly followed by a picture of Andy kicking the doll in the face. Which made him nervously laugh as he stared at the picture. Kyle muttered,"Take that, bitch."

"C'mon, Andy. Get the little shit and run.",he added. Hoping that the poor boy could get away from the doll. Still not sure if he should call for the police or not. As Andy seemed to be fully capable of defending himself from the other Buddi. While he watched the messages, he checked to see how far he was from school. Whether or not the car was getting close to it. It'd be at least ten more minutes before it'd arrive to his high school. Plenty of time to keep his attention on Andy and possibly call the police if necessary. A moment later, Andy showed him a picture of the doll on his leg. With a needle full of something the older teen couldn't recognize. Kyle raised an eyebrow as he realized it probably was another thing he'd stolen. Of what, he wasn't entirely sure of. Then the messages stopped for at least six or seven minutes. Andy was so quiet that the older teen had started dialing the police. Only to stop when he got a message from Andy.

Except it wasn't from Andy. It was from Chucky. Telling him that Andy was going to be fine and he wasn't going to hurt him. That Kyle didn't need to be afraid for him. Turning off the messenger, he called Andy's number and put it on speaker. Glaring at his phone when the doll answered. Chucky said,"Hello, Kyle. How long has it been since we've talked?"

"Two days, asswipe. What in the fuck have you done to Andy?!",Kyle asked. Practically shouting into the phone as he glared at the screen. A moment later, he heard the doll give a soft sigh. Almost as if he angered him. Something that annoyed the older teen as he waited or the other Buddi to answer. Rolling his eyes when Chucky said,"You don't need to curse at me, Kyle. That's so very rude of you."

"I don't give a fuckif it is rude! What the shit did you give Andy?!",Kyle hissed at his phone. Afraid that Chucky had given him a tranq or something. Manners had to take a fucking back seat for this. Chucky gave an annoyed sigh before he answered,"Just something to keep him compliant while I get him ready for our talk."

"Don't bother calling the police, Kyle. They won't get here in time.",Chucky said. Then the doll hung up on him. Making him snarl as he tried to call Andy's phone over and over again. Each time he got sent to voicemail, making him more and more worried about the younger teen. Then he dialed the police and before he hit the green button, he froze. What if Chucky did something to Andy? Like what if he killed the poor boy then himself? It'd be all Kyle's fault if he did. Another death on his hands and having to explain to Karen why her son was dead. That was something that he wanted to avoid as best as he could. So he hit cancel instead and shoved his phone into his hoodie pocket. Chewing his bottom lip as he wondered if it was the wisest decision he'd made or not.

Praying that Andy was going to be okay as the car pulled up to the high school. Kyle grabbed his crutches and backpack. Slinging the backpack on before heading into the school with his crutches. Ignoring the chuckles, insults, and jokes thrown his way as he headed to his first class. Not caring what the others were saying about him.

At the middle school boy's bathroom, Chucky was ecstatic. He'd finally got to be alone with Andy once again. Grateful that the syringe of muscle relaxants were doing their stuff. Keeping his former best friend out of it. Not something that he'd wanted to do. After all, he'd gone through all that trouble to get Andy flowers. Find out where he went to school too. The least his best friend could do was listen to him. But no, he just walked past him like he wasn't even there. That would've hurt worse than when Andy slammed his head against Zedmart's floor. Hurt worse than having his core tore out of him. And all the terrible things their janitor had done to him.

Putting those thoughts aside, he checked Andy over. Making sure that he was somewhat okay, before getting the duct tape out of his overalls. Taping his ankles, upper arms, wrists, and mouth again. Like he had at Kyle's apartment. Then dragging him into the last stall of the restroom. Which, despite how light Andy was, took considerable effort. He also took care to make sure no one was coming into the restroom just yet. As he knew how this would look to someone else. That Andy was being tormented by a Buddi. Or they could possibly think it was a prank...he highly doubted that someone would be that stupid, though. No matter how much he wished someone would be. Chucky sighed as finally got the young teen into the stall, he carefully got him on the toilet. Then shut the door behind him, carefully locking it as he turned back to his captive. With a small smile, he muttered,"I'm sorry, Andy. But I honestly couldn't think of any other way to do this."

"You gotta understand how much I need you...how much I just want to be your friend.",he added. Getting on Andy's lap, he petted the young teen's cheek. Not enough to wake him, but to admire the softness of his skin. Smiling slightly, Chucky said,"I just want a second chance, Andy. I know that I'm not the best person and I've hurt you. But I want to do right by you. Prove that I can be someone you can rely on."

Right now wasn't the best example of that. But still. He sighed as he heard the bell ring, Andy was going to be late. Which was another thing he had wanted to avoid. As Chucky hadn't wanted to ruin Andy's attendance in the slightest.

Looking at Andy's unconscious face, he gave a soft sigh of sadness. If only Andy had paid him the slightest bit attention earlier. Said something. Or gave him the time of day. All of this could have been avoided. But no, Andy had to be so stubborn about this. Just walked past him as if he hadn't heard Chucky speak at all. Which briefly made the Buddi wonder if he turned off his hearing aid or not. Shoving that aside, he muttered,"You've always been so stubborn. I honestly love that about you. No one can easily walk over you or tell you what to do."

"Most of the time, it's damn annoying.",Chucky added. Sighing as he let go of the sides of Andy's face. Resting his face in the teen's shoulder as he gave another soft sigh. Enjoying how soft the hoodie that Andy was wearing is. Not remembering how lovely it was to begin with A small frown came to his lips as he heard his former owner start to groan. Pulling his face out of Andy's shoulder, he glanced up at the teen's face. Who was shaking slightly as he fully came to consciousness. Moments later, his eyelids started fluttering open. Andy's eyes started focusing on the Buddi in front of him. Then they went wide as he struggled against the duct tape around his arms and wrists. The sight of Andy being so scared broke his heart. It made him want to untie him from the bonds and give him a hug.

But that would have to come later. Right now, he needed Andy to hear him out again. This time, he was going to get Andy to listen to him. While he gently grabbed the sides of his best friend's face, he softly sang the Buddi song. Giving him a serene smile as he tried his best to soothe him. Which might've worked as Andy slowly stopped struggling in the tape. Looking Chucky in the eye as he gave muffled whimpers of what he guessed were pleas. Pleas of what, he wasn't entirely sure of. As they locked eyes, Chucky said,"It's okay, Andy. I'm not going to hurt you. I know that what this seems like, but I promise you that I won't harm you."

"All I want is to prove myself, Andy. I know this wasn't the wisest way to go about it, but I couldn't think of any other way.",he added. Making Andy frown under the tape. He couldn't believe that Chucky had done this again. Held him against his will and kept him so taped up that he could barely move. His eyes narrowed slightly at the Buddi's expression. Tilting his head to the side, Chucky muttered,"This conversation won't go far if you can't talk. But I don't know if I should take the tape off. You might scream for someone to 'help'..."

"...if I remove the tape, do you promise to not scream?",Chucky asked. Letting go of Andy's face to let him move his head. When Andy nodded his head in agreement, he quickly peeled the tape off of Andy's lips. Wincing at the pained grunt that the teen gave. But other than that, he made no moves to scream for someone to save him. Or even start cursing at him. Instead Andy just thanked him for removing the tape as he stared down at him. Something that Chucky hadn't anticipated but still told him that he was welcome. Then things fell into silence before Andy said,"I get that you want a chance, Chucky. I really do. But you're not proving you deserve one by doing this to me."

"Untie me, let me go to class, and maybewe can talk at lunch.",Andy suggested. Adding emphasis to the word 'maybe'. Making it sound like he was definitely going to speak with him at lunch. Not just say that he was going to. It made him grin widely as he stared up at his best friend. So Chucky nodded his head in agreement. Then he started hurriedly undoing the duct tape. Throwing the pieces on the floor of the restroom as he did so. Soon as Andy was free, he quickly got up. Looking for his backpack, which Chucky brought over to him. Having hid the thing behind the trashcan that was in the boys restroom. Andy glanced at his watch. It was only five minutes past the bell, shit. If he could make up some excuse his teacher, Mr. Ray, would probably go easy on him. Like saying his hearing aid was having some technical issues and he had to fix it. Frowning slightly, Andy said,"Wait in here. I'll be back around eleven-thirty."

"Please don't do anything scary or weird while I'm gone, okay?",he asked. Hoping that the Buddi would obey his words. Chucky nodded his head at Andy's question, not wanting to anger him. Or rather, anger him more than he already had. With this, Andy headed off to his first class. Sprinting his way to his first class. with a worried look on his face. Which he didn't replace as he got into the classroom. Ignoring the snickering and 'oohs' that the other students were giving. Instead, he was more focused on the slightly disappointed look on his teacher's face. Who raised an eyebrow at Andy's tardiness as he asked,"Mr. Barclay. Is there a specific reason why you're five minutes late?"

"My hearing aid battery was acting weird. I had to fix it in the bathroom and didn't hear the bell.",Andy answered. Hoping that Mr. Ray wouldn't know much about hearing aids to believe it. The look on his teacher's face suggested he somewhat did. Nodding his head slightly, he said,"Alright, Mr. Barclay. Now please go take your seat."

"Yes, Mr. Ray.",Andy muttered. Hurrying over to his desk, he set his bag down by his seat. Ignoring the looks the other students were giving him as he got out his books. Trying hard to pay attention to what Mr. Ray was talking about. Even though his thoughts were drifting back to Chucky and what he was up to. Wondering if the Buddi was really doing as he requested of him. He remembered how much the doll used to not really listen. Did whatever he felt was necessary to make Andy 'happy'. Without really understanding why it never did. Why it hurt him instead. Then he reminded himself that he hadn't taught the Buddi any better. Not showing him why hurting others is wrong or about consequences. Which Andy wish he'd thought about sooner. Making the teen frown slightly at this.

Hindsight is twenty-twenty. Whatever.

All he knew was that most of the bad things that happened were his fault. That thanks to him, innocent people were hurt. And he couldn't fix it. Despite how much he had wanted to so desperately. While he sat thinking about what had happened, he noticed people were staring at him. Making him glance around for a minute before Mr. Ray repeated,"Mr. Barclay? Did you hear me?"

"N-no, Mr. Ray, I'm sorry.",Andy apologized. Feeling his face grow hot as he stared at his teacher. Who frowned slightly at Andy's inattentiveness. Crossing his arms, Mr. Ray said,"I asked if you could read the next section aloud for us. Please, try to pay attention."

"Yes, Mr. Ray. Sorry, Mr. Ray.",Andy muttered. Then opened the book to the page everyone else was on. Ignoring more snickers from his classmates as he began to read aloud. Stopping when his part was over and someone else started reading. It was embarrassing that he had let his mind wander like that. And to be caught by one of the strictest teachers he knew as well. Could this day get any worse? He sighed slightly as he continued to work on his assignments. Once the class was over, he hurried to his next one. At least he was going to, until Mr. Ray stopped him. Having the teen come over to his desk. Soon as Andy got close, Mr. Ray asked,"Mr. Barclay, is everything alright at home?"

"Yes, Mr. Ray, everything is fine at home. I've just been helping a friend of mine with the loss of his Dad is all.",Andy answered. Which was sort of true. Andy was thinking of sending a few messages to Kyle to be sure he was okay. See how things were with him. But what Mr. Ray didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Or Andy. Mr. Ray nodded at this information with a grim look on his face. Then he said,"That's very nice of you, Mr. Barclay. But you need to keep track of yourself and your health first. Not just your friend's."

"I know, I'm sorry. I gotta get going, Mr. Ray.",Andy muttered. Hurrying out of the room to his next class. Getting there a bit earlier than he intended to. That class went by so fast that he barely took notice of what happened. He just hurriedly got his things together then went to get Chucky. Sprinting over to the boys restroom without being seen. Heading over to the last stall, he took a deep breath. Then opened the door to reveal Chucky sitting against the wall. Looking utterly bored until he spotted Andy, a huge grin came to his face. Getting up, he ran over to the young teen to hug him around the legs. In a soft voice, he said,"You came back. I was worried that you'd forgotten me."

"I wouldn't, Chucky. A promise is a promise.",Andy stated. Even if he somewhat wished that he hadn't promised the Buddi anything. Feeling uncomfortable as the doll wrapped his arms around his calves. Hoping that they could talk peacefully. Like the friends they used to be.