Chapter 3

Everybody's Fool

Two weeks had past since Tyson's friends had gone to the movies. They never did know what he went through that day, and he promised himself they never would. There would be times when he was alone he would suffer from the sudden attacks of emotion, but sometimes they would begin when his friends were still around him and he would have to lie to them saying he needed to go to the bathroom in order to get away from them. The only thing that seemed to make Tyson happy on those days was when he would accidentally catch Ray flirting with Max, but he would also feel a little jealous too. He wished he had someone who loved him as much as Ray loved Max.

Using what little strength he had Tyson managed to push himself out of bed that morning. The light coming from his window made him wince as he let his eyes adjust to the new light. He hadn't gotten much sleep last night; at least it didn't feel like he did. His dreams had become plagued with his insecurities, giving him a restless sleep.

Hissing as his feet touched the cold hard wood floor Tyson whipped away the sleep from his eyes and made his way to the kitchen. He was starving since he had gone to bed without eating his dinner. Skipping meals and having irregular sleep patterns had become part of his daily life. He would be up in the middle of the night and be craving something to eat, or he might fall asleep around noon only to wake up seven hours later. Sometimes he wouldn't even sleep for a day, but having grown used to it Tyson didn't notice, and his grandpa thought it was just normal teenage adolescence.

The smell of breakfast wafted through the dojo and drool began to form in his mouth, but he swallowed it down, so no one would know how hungry he truly was. Tyson's grandpa stood at the stove cooking pancakes humming a little tune, but when he saw Tyson walk in he gave his grandson a smile. "Hey little dude."

The cheerful sound in Grandpa's voice made Tyson scowl mentally at the old man. How dare he act like he's happy to see me when he isn't. Wait, what am I thinking? I have no proof that he isn't happy to see me. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts Tyson gave his grandpa the biggest smile he could muster. "Morning Grandpa. I'm hungry, can I have some breakfast?"

"Sure thing Little Dude, but I got to finish with this batch of pancakes first, okay." Receiving a nod from Tyson Grandpa went back to work.

Taking a seat at the table Tyson saw the newspaper sitting there, and with nothing else to do picked it up and began to read it. At first it seemed to be kind of dull, but just as he was about to put it down he saw something that caught his attention. Pasted on the page was a picture, but not just any picture, a picture of Ray and Mariah kissing!

Reading the article next to the picture Tyson scowled. It said Ray and Mariah had been seen at the park with the rest of the White Tigers and that they were teaching little kids to beyblade, but halfway through it Ray and Mariah had kissed. The rest of the article was about their so-called secret relationship.

Rage, anger, and resentment burned through Tyson's body. He couldn't stand it! Normally he would let something like this slide since it was common for the press to write lies in the newspaper, but with the picture supporting it he couldn't let it slide. Sure he was doubting his friendship with his friends, but there was no way in hell he was going to let Ray break Max's heart.

As if on cue Ray walked into the room. He sniffed the air and then smiled in delight at the sweet scent. "Hey that smells good Grandpa, save some for me."

Giving Ray a thumbs up sign Grandpa was about to reply when the phone rang. Excusing himself he left the room to answer the phone.

Silence filled the room as Tyson glared at the raven-haired boy who stood before him. It didn't seem to faze Ray though as he took a seat across from Tyson. Still glaring at Ray, Tyson waited for the older boy to react, or at least get the message he was pissed. Finally sensing Tyson's eyes on him Ray focused on the younger boy, only to be taken aback by the fierce glare aimed at him. "Is there something bothering you Tyson?"

Slamming his fist on the table Tyson stood up so he could tower over Ray. "Is something wrong," Tyson hissed, his voice filled with venom as he stared daggers into Ray. "How about the fact you kissed Mariah when you have been flirting with Max! What is wrong with you! How can you do that to Max! Maybe you were just playing around at first, but what if Max took your flirting seriously! He'll be heart broken!"

Something unrecognizable flashed through Ray's eyes as he did his best to remain calm. "Tyson I don't know how you figured out about Mariah and me kissing, but I can assure you that I haven't been flirting with Max." Humor flickered in Ray's eyes as he went on, which only infuriated Tyson more. "Besides Max is a guy, Tyson, and in case you forgot so am I. It would be wrong for the two of us to be more then just friends. If anything it would be sick and disgusting."

Scorching fire burned in Tyson's veins causing him pain, but at the same time giving him the will to say what was on his mind. "How can you say that! If two people love each other then why should gender matter! Also you have been flirting with Max so don't deny it, and if Max gets hurt because of this then I'll hurt you!"

Ray had had enough. Without thinking he slammed his fists on the table and stood up, scowling at Tyson as he spoke words of hate and contempt. "Max is my friend too Tyson, and I wouldn't ever hurt him intentionally, but why is it you are defending being gay! Could it possibly be because you are gay yourself. It would make sense since you and Kai are so obsessed with each other!"

Tyson tried to speak but Ray interrupted him with another onslaught of insults. "You think you're so great and that you know everything, well you don't! Kai was right about you and your arrogance!" The fire of rage that had been burning in Tyson's heart died with those words. This was it, the truth. He could finally hear what Ray thought of him. "You say I flirt with Max, well I could say the same about you and Max, or would you prefer Kai, because I can tell you right here and now about all the flirting you've done with both of them."

The silence that filled the room was deafening. Only their breathing could be heard as the two boys stood at opposite parts of the room. Each was buried deep in their thoughts. Tyson trying to be happy that he heard the truth, but at the same time fighting off the depression that was sinking into his heart, and Ray was busy regretting saying all those things when he saw the hurt and betrayal flash through Tyson's eyes.

Taking a step towards the younger teen Ray tried to place a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder, but Tyson flinched and took a step back. Neither moved for a few seconds but at the sound of Grandpa entering the room Tyson ran out of the kitchen and back to his room. Ignoring the questioning stare of his grandfather.

On the way to his room however Tyson crashed into Max who looked at him with a worried expression on his face. "Tyson what's the matter?"

Taking a deep breath Tyson prepared himself. "Max I don't know how to tell you this, but Ray kissed Mariah!"

It was only a second, but Max's face filled with disappointment, but before anyone could see it he smiled at Tyson. "That's great Tyson. I'm so happy for Ray."

"But Max what about you?"

Max double blinked at Tyson's comment, but he continued to smile nonetheless. "Ty, I don't see what Ray being in love with Mariah has to do with me. I mean it's not like either one of us is gay or bi, that would be gross."

Tyson's heart fell. Had he been wrong? Did he just anger Ray because he had been stupid and assumed something that was incorrect? Giving Max a fake smile he said, "You're right, now excuse me but I'm still tired and would like to go back to sleep." Without hesitation Max let Tyson pass.

Once in his room Tyson threw himself onto his bed, and clenched the bedspread in an attempt to control his thoughts. He had been so stupid. How could he have thought something like that? The anger that had once been aimed at Ray was now directed at himself.

His head pounded, and he wanted to destroy something, anything. The need to taste blood and see someone suffer was growing in him, but there was no one there except himself. Himself. Without thinking Tyson went to his dresser and pulled out a pocketknife.

Rolling up his sleeve Tyson braced himself for the pain to come. He wasn't even fully aware of what he was doing, but he knew he wanted it. Slashing the silver blade across his wrist he bit back a hiss of pain. The blade cutting against his skin had felt like fire, but at the same time it felt as cold as ice. It hurt like hell but he could feel the anger leaving his body. It was the beginning of the end for Tyson.

X.X.X.X.X.X.

Queen of Anime: Wow! Thank you. I'm so glad that I was able to move you to tears, because it means I got Tyson's emotional pain across really well. Personally I feel like I could have gotten Tyson's anger across better in this chapter, but I couldn't do it. I bet it's because my friend gave me a cup of nothing but pure chocolate.

Trickyrabbit: Thank you for the compliment. I was a little unsure about starting this story at first, but hearing you say that makes me feel that this might turn out to be a good story.

Neko Tenshi Miyoko: Yes poor Tyson! I like him a lot but I have to make him suffer. I feel so horrible, but I must continue! Besides Tyson is still getting something out of this. He gets gifts from people like you, and I'm sure he's going to love your cupcakes.

Animegirl171: I glad that you enjoyed the last chapter, and I hope this one was okay. Next is going to be My Immortal.

KaiJr91: Well I hope you liked this chapter, but I personally felt I could have done better. Damn it why'd I have to be on sugar high as I was writing this. Next is My Immortal and I hope I will be able to write it as best as I can.

xXxAngel VxXx: Oh you don't have to thank me for reading your fic. I enjoyed it and that's enough for me.

Fireie Gurl: Kai is still on his journey, but he will be back soon. Who doesn't want to hug Tyson? He is just so huggable.

Elemental-Zero: Hello again Mimi. It's been nice chatting with you. I'm glad I made the depression realistic in chapter 2, but I don't think I did real great with chapter. I think I could have done better.

Serena429: Thank you. I'm glad you like my story.

Hiyami: Oh I hope you passed your test. As for why I make Tyson suffer, it's because then Kai can make him feel better. Of course I'm also doing this to the Evanescence CD Fallen and the songs on that CD aren't very happy.

Poison Maker: You read Haunted! O.O Wow! You took me by surprise. Sometimes going insane can be fun, but in Tyson's case it is painful. (sigh) I remember when I went through the same thing, but now I'm over it………for now. LOL.

PunkerPrincess: Here's the next part and I hoped you enjoyed it. Next up is My Immortal!

Noom-Moonlight Wolf: Yes Tyson's friends ditched him, but in their point of view they thought he didn't want to go, or didn't care. It is a sad thing when your friends can't see you're dying inside.