Authors Note: It's been too long! I've been working on my original work and to be honest this story was hard to get back into since my ex boyfriend committed suicide :( but just bear with me! It will be finished!

Chapter Ten

Gold wasn't entirely sure why the thought of Red meeting Green was making his heart hurt so much. Perhaps it was the paranoia swimming through his usually calm mind that as soon as they would reunite he would be tossed to the sidelines, and forgotten about. He didn't want that. He had grown rather fond of the Kanto Champion and wanted time to prove to him that not everyone would treat him badly.

Red had filled an empty space in his life and in his heart in the short amount of time knowing him. His Mother adored the Champion, and often complimented his mannerisms and helpfulness, wishing that her own son would perhaps follow suit. Those comments were swiftly dealt with, usually adding in Gold's typical banter to dismiss the situation.

However, that agonising thought continued to ravage the younger boys brain. He wondered if the Kanto champion had even noticed his slight change in demeanour, but considering how joyful and blissfully oblivious Red appeared most of the time he concluded not.

Gold tried not to let the negative thoughts affect him too much, after all hadn't Red already told him his feelings? Was there any need to worry like this? The amber-eyed boy merely watched the Kanto Champion busily gather together a selection of his belongings. He had decided that seeing Green was the best course of action, however Gold felt as if it would set the Champion back to square one.

All the pain and torment that was hidden deep within would soon burst at the seams, and overflow; perhaps scarring Red in ways that Gold just couldn't fix. The thought terrified him to the core.

Red knew that seeing Green could possibly affect his psyche once more, but now he was aware of the fact his childhood companion was very unwell, and could possibly die, well he wanted to get closure on the matter. He needed to find out if it was the potential ticking time bomb that had caused the change in Green's persona so drastically. It was probable, but Red needed definite proof of this.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" The amber-eyed boy questioned, as he watched the taller figure of the Kanto champion zip up his backpack. Red blinked in response, then followed with a swift nod of his head.

"It's the only way I'll know for sure..."

"Even so...don't you think it's dangerous? Like what if Green ends up saying something, or worse DOING something to set you back to square one? I don't think I could handle that..." Red smiled genuinely, and gently ruffled the amber-eyed boys hair. It was sweet of him to be so concerned over his welfare.

"Gold I'll be fine. I'll have you by my side." Even so, Gold doubted his ability to be the support that the Kanto Champion actually required. It would be a difficult situation to deal with for himself, let alone another. Would he suddenly become enraged at Green and his actions towards Red? He wasn't sure, but he knew that he would find out sooner rather than later.

XxXx

Saffron City seemed as busy as usual, people bustling to and from work, making the streets almost impossible to navigate. Thankfully the Magnet Train still ran to its usual schedule, which made traversing both Kanto and Johto a breeze. The usual journey made by air was cut down in time by half by using this speedy service.

Red never really liked trains; it was far too cramped for his liking, but he decided against making a fuss. He had Gold by his side, and it was nice of the amber-eyed boy to want to come along all this way with him. He knew that the younger boy despised Green for this actions, yet he had put all those thoughts to one side for the benefit of the Kanto Champion. It made Red smile inside.

However, now the train journey had been vanquished, it was now the vexing task of manoeuvring through the sea of people that seemed rather daunting. Without thinking Red had his hand clasped tightly around Gold's as they bumped and barged into people throughout the city. He would never admit it but facing his demons once and for all was terrifying him to the very core.

To gaze upon Green's form in a state of disrepair, didn't he deserve this? But, he had Gold by his side, someone who would never hurt him, or manipulate him to his will.

Gold was good natured, and kind. An absolute joy to have in his life. Knowing he had his support and love Red knew that he could tackle whatever came his way. Even if he was scared, he wouldn't give up.

"I'm here." Gold assured him once again, flashing a bright smile to lift his spirits. The Kanto Champion wanted to thank all the stars in the skies for sending Gold to him, and proving that there was good in the world.

"Thank you." He squeezed his hand, as they walked towards the ominous hospital building. Both boys hated hospitals, but this needed to be done. Maybe Green would end up apologising for abusing Red all those years ago, or maybe he would try to antagonise Gold to get a rise out of him, but no matter what they wouldn't break. Gold used to have to deal with Silver on a daily basis so he doubted that meeting Green could be worse than the fiery red-heads outbursts.

Nurses rushed to and fro when both boys entered the large white building. The smell of disinfectant hung thick in the air like dry fog, causing Gold to cough into his hand. Red's eyes were looking everywhere, terrified of even speaking to one of the nurses as everyone looked so busy. There were people being rushed in on stretchers, oxygen masks covering their faces, cannula in their hands. He shuddered and paused, could he even do this?

What if Gold was right and seeing Green would just bring back all the pain?

"You can do this." Gold encouraged softly, smiling to offer some form of comfort to the older boy. He exhaled shakily. He was a Champion, he had faced harder battles than this, he could definitely do this. As they both walked up to the front desk it was Gold who spoke and did all the talking, thankfully. Red didn't even know if he was capable of speech right now. His mind too focused on the other people in the lobby.

Suffering and despair lurked in every corner, and the champion's mind was already quite fragile without adding insult to injury.

"Green has just gone for a MRI scan, but they said we can see him when he returns." Gold smiled warmly, and held Red's hand once more. He squeezed it gently as crimson eyes met the floor. It really was serious, his old childhood companion was suffering, and yet even though he should hate his guts for the wretched things he did, a part of him felt sympathy.

Both boys sat down in the lobby, waiting for a nurse to come to tell them that they could visit Green. They were unsure how long they would have to wait, but Red didn't care. His eyes were drawn to the clock that hung on the wall. A memory came flooding back to him. A memory of when he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and Green waited here for him because he was worried. Now the tables had turned and Red was waiting for news.

"Do you know what you wanna say to him?" Gold asked as he gently rested his head against the older boys shoulder. Red shook his head.

"I have no idea...I haven't seen him for so long..." Then in a quieter voice he muttered. "...I'm scared."

"I'm here, I always will be." Gold assured him, wrapping his arms around the champion's waist and embracing him as if he were made of porcelain, delicate and fragile.

"I just...I still feel sorry for him." Red admitted, sighing to himself.

"It's normal. If this were me and Silver I'd probably feel the same way. Silver was an absolute ass-hole to me growing up, and treated me like dirt, but as we grew up he seemed to mellow a little and now I'd say we have a friendship of sorts. But, if he had been in hospital back when he was mean to me, I would still feel sorry for him. It's a normal human thing." Even though Gold desperately tried to make him feel better Red still couldn't understand why after everything he still couldn't hate Green. Was it because somewhere in the crevices of his mind lay precious and beautiful memories of the green-eyed boy? Memories of a Christmas spent together, bittersweet yet cherished.

"You're so important to me…"

"Red…I'm not saying this to hurt you, but, it's wrong that people lie to you. They know you can't handle big reveals, or even smaller things that don't matter, yet they continue to hurt you. I won't lie to you, Red. I never have."

"Red...I promise to you that no matter what, we won't ever be apart again, okay? I swear!"

Tears welled up in crimson eyes, as his heart pulsated a pain stronger than anything he had ever felt. Green hadn't always been warped. There were good memories, memories of love that still lived proudly in his mind. Surely he wasn't a bad person. Gold noticed the tears, and gently wiped them away.

"It's okay to be sad..."

"I'm more than sad." Red answered simply, clenching his hands into fists in his lap. "I just...need to see him." The amber-eyed boy nodded and even though Gold was still feeling anxious about them meeting again, he needed to remain calm.

"Do you want me to come into the room with you?" He asked, wondering if Red was mentally strong enough to handle all of this without having him by his side. If the Champion decided that he was able to see Green alone then the younger boy would let him, even if deep inside he didn't want Green to sink his claws into Red any more.

"Could you wait outside the room? If I need you I'll call you. I just...I have so many things I need to ask him. I need to find out the answers..." Red mused knew that Gold was always going to support him, and he was grateful for that. However, the demons that lurked within the confines of his mind reminded him of the past. Of Greens spiteful words, and vile behaviour. He needed to get closure, to see Green and discover the true reasons behind his actions.

"Yeah...sure." He muttered, feeling his gut wrench in pain. Gold just had to trust Red, it wasn't as if Green was in any position to steal him away, he knew that. The last thing the amber-eyed boy wanted was for this whole scenario to set Red back to square one, and he would have to be the one to pick up the pieces. Even though, no matter what he would always be there to rebuild his love, regardless of the outcome.

XxX

Crimson eyes glistened with tears as he beheld the image of his childhood best friend, lying deathly still in the hospital bed, wires protruding from his flesh, oxygen mask concealing his face. This shell appeared to look like Green but Red knew deep down that the Green he knew was long gone. Why had he even come here? His hands clenched into fists at his sides, feeing his body tremble slightly.

Green's eyes were closed, the only noise being that of the heart monitor, beeping softly and rhythmically. How had it come to this? Deep within Red's heart pulsated a pain like no other. He remembered happier times, times when Green was nothing more than perfect. A time when he loved him unconditionally.

Weakly the frail eyes of Green flickered open, his breaths languorous and heavy, and as he stared at the image of Red standing before him he wondered why would he even choose to be in the same room as him? Even after everything he had done and said, Red was still here, even if he did look completely broken.

"...what have you become...?" The Champion muttered sadly, as tears formed in crimson irises. Green used to be so full of life, and boisterous. Seeing him lying here, a shadow of his former self was tearing the other boy apart. Their eyes melted into each other, and for a split second it was as if they were children once more. Their innocence and happiness enveloping like a veil.

"...I want you to get better..." Red uttered quietly, as he sat down at the side of Green's bed, his eyes never leaving his countenance. The other boys complexion was pale, his skin appeared paper thin as if his own cheekbones would tear it painfully. Dark circles encased enchanting emerald eyes, making them appear hollow and soul-less.

"R-Red..." He choked out, weakly removing the oxygen mask from his face. "...you're here..."

"Don't talk." The Champion spoke confidently, pressing a hand on his childhood companions arm, and feeling a terrible sorrow consume his after everything, when his eyes met pure emerald his heart betrayed him terribly. It thundered powerfully, beating a familiar tune.

From the window, a golden eyed boy gazed upon the scene, feeling his own heart pulsate a pain like no other throughout his body. Just watching the Kanto Champion's mannerisms he knew deep down that no matter what he did he just would never match up to Green. Even though he had been the cause of Red's eternal suffering, somewhere deep inside remained that love that sparked from childhood innocence. How could Gold compete with something like that?

Glancing at the floor, sorrow consumed him, and on auto-pilot he walked away from the room, allowing Red and Green this time alone.

"Gold..." The sound of his name echoing down the empty hallway caused the young boy to freeze in place, golden eyes flickering in sadness. The voice he recognised, a voice he hadn't heard in so long. Turning on his heels, he stood face to face with stern silver irises, that delved into his already fragile soul. Usually seeing Silver in anyway wasn't favourable, but considering his inner turmoil he hoped the red-head had developed some tact.

"What are you doing here?" Gold questioned curiously. It seemed odd to find his old childhood companion in the same wretched building as himself. As the red-head took a step forwards his countenance relaxed, and his body language signalled he wasn't here for a fight.

"Green was taken sick, obviously my dad used to own the Viridian City Gym so I wanted to find out exactly what happened. Why are you here?"

"I brought Red here." Gold answered simply, eyes trailing to the floor which Silver noticed. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he was hurting in some way. Gold's demeanour was usually very loud and boisterous, something that grated on his nerves to no end. But right now he seemed nothing more than a shadow of his former self.

"You don't look so hot." Silver pointed out, as he walked up to the amber-eyed boy, watching as his face continued to contort to expressions that were alien to him. They almost made him feel sorry for Gold.

"I'm just worried..." Without even thinking, the red-head enveloped Gold in a hug, holding the boy close, feeling how tense his body actually was. The thought of Red being alone with Green, and forgiving him for his sins crucified the younger boy's heart. He had tried so hard to fix things, to prove his worth, and now it felt like everything was back to square one.

"I know we are hardly the best of friends but if you need to talk I guess I wouldn't mind, just this once." Silver offered, and Gold was grateful for his friend's tactile approach to the situation. He had half expected the hot head to burst into the room and drag Red out kicking and screaming.

"I worked so hard to help Red...and now I feel like all of this is going to set him back."

"Did something happen?" Gold sighed heavily, closing his eyes weakly as he desperately tried to enjoy the support of arms around his frame.

"Long story. Basically sometime ago Green hurt Red in a real bad way, and left him broken completely. I found him hidden away on Mt Silver. Arceus knows how long he had been there for, but he was terrified of human interaction. It took time for him to trust me...and then little by little I helped rebuild his confidence.

"I assured him that not everyone is the same, and I thought that things were getting better...until this. As soon as he knew Green was sick we came straight here and when I looked into the room and saw them..."

"Say no more." Silver interjected suddenly. "You are worried that Red will forgive Green for what he has done, right?" Gold nodded weakly, trying to steady his breathing. It was rare for the red-head to actually show any kind of human emotion at all, so knowing he was here for him right now meant more than words could express. Fingers gripped at Silver's black jacket, trembling in sadness.

"Hey...it'll be okay. Look, you're Gold. Champion of Johto for crying out loud! The world is your oyster. You shouldn't be pining over someone like this." The tone of Silver's voice was bitter, and he couldn't understand why seeing Gold like this was actually affecting him in some way.

"I can't help it...I care about him." A sigh escaped into the atmosphere, and the red head's brow furrowed in annoyance. Why had this guy crawled so deep underneath his skin, and affected him in this way? Did Gold like him more than a friend? The thought caused his jaw to tense upon reflex.

"Then why are you out here? Go in that room and tell him how you feel." As Gold weakly pulled away, and melted into silver irises he could clearly see torment and sorrow. Even though Silver didn't actually want to lose Gold to someone like Red, if it would bring back that stupid smile and laughter that he despised then he could live with that.

"I-I don't get it." The amber-eyed boy stammered.

"It's quite obvious how you feel. You wouldn't be so upset if it was me behaving in that way." At that moment Gold couldn't tear his eyes away from his childhood companion. They had been through so much, similar to Red and Green. Silver had a fiery temper, and many a time Gold had been on the receiving end of his fist, but as time went on they had developed a friendship. It had taken a long time to gain the red-heads trust due to his terrible childhood, but with perseverance Gold had managed to break down his walls.

"Silver..."

"Don't-" Moving slightly the red-head glanced away. "Just...go and tell Red. Otherwise you'll regret it." The hurt in his eyes was too blatant to ignore, and instead of feeling upset, Gold felt so incredibly torn. His friend had never behaved in this way before. Silver was usually cold, distant and kept people at arms length but here he was vulnerable.

"I-I...no." Without thinking Gold reached for Silver's hands, holding them gently, which caused the other boy to jolt suddenly, but he didn't pull away.

"Gold, what are you doing?"

"It's not fair to hurt you like this. I know we haven't always got along but yet here you are giving me a pep talk. This is so unlike you Silver."And the red-head knew he was right. Just why was he so bothered about Gold's feelings?

XxXx

Back in the hospital room, Green's breathing had now become steady, and less raspy. Emerald eyes refused to look away from the now more confident figure of the Kanto Champion, who sat at his bedside. Red had grown up, and it showed. He was no longer that frightened young boy who hung on Green's every word. He was a man.

"Why...why did you even come here?" He managed to utter weakly, watching the champion's expressions diligently. After what he had done to the crimson-eyed boy he had half expected him to be glad of his predicament. That he deserved all the punishment that karma wished to bestow, but that wasn't the case. Red showed sorrow and empathy behind those irises. Despite it all, he still cared.

"...I still care about you Green. I wanted to see if the brain tumour was the reason you...did the things you did. Was it because of that disease that you defiled me...?" It was at that moment the penny dropped. All those years ago, he had tried so hard to bury that memory of hurting the one person who made life bearable, now it was uncovered for all to see.

"R-Red..."

"Just tell me." He needed to know, whether it was to make himself feel better or to get closure, that was something the crimson-eyed boy was unsure of. For so many years he had beat himself up over the incident, thinking that it was all his fault. In actual fact, it wasn't. Green was finding it difficult to even maintain eye contact.

"I...don't even know if it was because of the tumour..." Just like that Red's heart pulsated a pain like no other through his system. The words that escaped his childhood companions lips failed to mirror the expression on his countenance. He appeared sorrowful for his actions, but the choice of vocabulary made it appear as if he didn't even care. Red frowned.

"Oh..."

"I deserve this." Green finalised, his voice trembling slightly. Karma had royally screwed him over this time.

"No..." Red muttered quietly, crimson eyes staring at the image of the now wretched apparition that used to be his childhood best friend. "You don't, don't say that."

"How can you still be so forgiving after what I did?!" Green rasped, and then started coughing violently afterwards, which alerted the Champion. He gently pressed his hand to his arm.

"I don't know." The answer was simple. Red didn't have that answer. He didn't forgive Green for ruining his life in such a manner, but dormant deep within was that naïve love he possessed as a child.

"Please Red..." Green pleaded. "Just go, leave me be and move on with your life." The words cut like a knife, and tears started to form in crimson irises, as eyes closed painfully, head shaking.

"N-no..."

"Red...listen to me."

"I said NO!" Instantly he was on his feet, hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I lost you once! I can't lose you again!" That was it, the dam broke and the Champion's countenance crumpled. Painful tears flooded down his cheeks as memories came flooding back into his brain.

"Red..." Green's voice was soft, and it was at that point he realised that even though the trauma he caused Red was unforgivable he was being given a second chance to actually put things right.

Suddenly the door swung open and both Gold and Silver stood in the doorway. Upon seeing the Champion so visibly upset Gold rushed to his side to make sure he was okay. Amber eyes glared hatefully at the sickening image of Green, whilst Silver strode casually over to the scene.

"What the hell did you do?!" Gold almost screamed angrily at Green, to which the broken Champion shook his head, and gently pressed a hand to the younger boy's chest.

"He didn't do anything..."

"So why are you crying?" Silver's countenance was hard in disdain. Something was a miss, the atmosphere in the room was charged and he could feel it. It wasn't fair on Gold to be in the middle of this war, and all he longed to do was remove the goggle-head from it for good.

"I-I..." The words died in his throat, but deep down Gold had a feeling that his fears were proving true. Just the way both Red and Green appeared it just didn't feel right, and even though it was killing him inside he didn't want to admit it.

Not ever.