Disappointment. Everywhere.

You could practically feel it, like an intoxicating gas that lingered in the air for too long.

It was suffocating, almost.

After Tyler had visited Craig's dorm and experienced weird problems with his laptop (remember the dirt?), he gave up and went back home, where he knew he would practically retch at the sight of the same old room. He started seriously considering buying a new laptop; he had the money, sure, but only just enough. Buying one would mean he wouldn't be able to spend even a single penny on anything that isn't necessary, not even on food.

Upon arriving back at his dorm, Tyler quietly laughed to himself, at himself, for living up to the unspoken stereotype that writers and artists alike are stubborn enough to get their shit done, even if it meant completely ignoring their health and money for work. Had he really gone that far down the hole of desperation? Or would he climb out of it, alive but unproductive?

So he decided to abandon his blog and story-writing, at least for the time being, until he could find an alternative route to connect to the anonymous society that is the internet. Not only that, but no laptop meant no college papers could be done. At least the library at his college allowed students to use their computers. It was almost heartbreaking to give up his personal work, but it had to be done. No other option was available.

After about a week of rushed assignments and reports, Tyler received a call.

"Hello?" he greeted.

"Yo! What up, man?"

"Ah, Desmond. Good evening."

"Dude, did you see the news?"

"News?" Now he was growing worried.

"Yeah, man. Some sort of bombing or terrorist attack destroyed a place somewhere, I dunno."

Tyler couldn't hide his sympathy and worry. "That's awful..." Then, he added, "Did anybody... die?"

"Just one casualty. It was the dude who ran the shop there."

"Oh, God... What caused the explosion?"

"Police think it was 'cause of some screw-up with batteries the dude sold there or something." Desmond paused. "Of all people, Ty, I thought you'd know. Seems like you're invisible these days. Where have you been?"

Of course, Tyler thought. His laptop had been his primary source of information, including the news. No wonder he hadn't heard anything lately.

"My apologies," he said with a hint of sadness. "I just couldn't get a hold of current events at the moment."

The male on the other end laughed. "Nah, no worries, man. I just called to see how you were doing."

"...Really?"

"Yeah, man. I thought you happened to be at the shop that got destroyed, since, y'know, you were having trouble with your laptop. Craig told me."

Tyler couldn't believe what his friend was telling him. Desmond, the seemingly insensitive hyperactive sports junkie who made rude jokes all the time, was actually worried. "You were... concerned for me?"

"Of course I was, dude! Jesus, if you'd seen my face when I saw the news, you'd believe me." The drummer hesitated before quietly saying, "I thought you were gone, dude. I fuckin' missed you."

All feelings of sadness and disappointment were replaced by joy. Not the explosive kind of joy that makes you want to hug everybody, but instead the kind of joy that tugs at the corner of your lips to make you smile. It was a quiet joy, meant only to be celebrated within the invisible boundaries of every human being's ability to feel satisfaction. "That's... actually really nice to know. I'm touched by your concern."

"Why, that sounded almost flattering, Tyler Vex!" Desmond guffawed his howl of a laughter. "I'm just glad you're safe. It'd be a shame for you to be gone. I mean, who else would I talk to? Who else would make a blog worthy of an award?" The bassist said nothing, so Desmond continued. "See, man, that's how fucking great you are. Enough to make you speechless."

Tyler was on the verge of crying. He had never thought anybody treasured him that much. As somebody who was always picked on as a kid because of his low self-esteem, it was almost unreal to hear such sincere words of praise. He gripped his phone tighter and managed to speak. "I'm touched, Desmond. I really am. Life isn't really great for me right now, and I thought... I truly thought... that without my one connection to the outside world, everybody would start to abandon me. Why didn't you?"

"What are you even saying, dude? What kind of douchebag ditches their friend just because they don't talk to each other? I ain't that kind of guy, and you know that. I'm sure the fans of your blog miss you just as much as I do." The last bit sounded too sentimental for Desmond's nature, but he just let it slide.

"Thank you, sincerely. I appreciate the effort you put into reconnecting with me."

"The connection was never lost, man."

Tyler couldn't help but smile. "That makes me very happy. And I would love to talk to you again some time."

"Of course! I'll call you again, alright?"

"Alright. Goodbye, and thanks again."

The grin could be heard in the drummers voice. "No worries, man. See ya."

And they hung up.

A/N: Well, that's the end of this feel-filled chapter! Is it bad that I actually ship my own OCs...? ;u;

I'd like to ask you guys a question: Should I make the chapters longer or keep it around this length? My usual goal for ever chapter is usually around 1,000 words (which I kind of struggle with already), and in my opinion, I feel like I should make it longer. But what do you guys think? Whatever choice you choose, I will keep to it no matter how difficult because I love you all :] Note that longer chapters may take a longer while to upload.

Also tell me if you secretly ship DesTy (because I totally do!). If you do, I may add more fanservice moments for you lovelies. But it's alright if you don't.

Reviews of all sorts are always appreciated!