ArcArc basked in the unprecedented bliss, his heart soaring. He had revealed hidden facets of himself to Chelsea, vulnerable in ways he never thought possible. And Chelsea accepted him without hesitation, without revulsion. Their boundary had been breached, leaving Arc questioning their relationship. Were they still pretend friends? Pretend friends didn't share passionate a passionate. Arc's inexperience with intimacy left him uncertain. Was Chelsea now his lover? The thought ignited a warm glow in his belly, but his mind recoiled at the implications. Could someone like Chelsea, beautiful and kind, truly want him? Arc's scars, emotional and physical, seemed insurmountable. Yet, Chelsea's acceptance and gentle touch whispered possibilities. Arc's heart wrestled with fear and hope. But his mind reeled at the impossibility. Arc's doubts resurfaced, tarnishing his bliss. What could he offer Chelsea? He wasn't wealthy, handsome, or successful. He hadn't even gone to college. But the
Chelsea"I can't do this anymore." Lily's voice was instantaneously warm and concerned on the other end of the line. "Chelsea, what's wrong?" But before Chelsea could respond, a crash echoed through the phone, followed by Lily's laughter. "What's going on?" Chelsea asked, frustration etched in his voice. "I'm trying to shave," Lily replied, "but apparently, multitasking is overrated." "Eew, Lily, TMI. I didn't need to know that," Chelsea said, his disgust evident. It wasn't a detail he wanted to be aware of. Lily chuckled. "Well, you already do. And besides, you asked." Chelsea hesitated. "You're really shaving...down there?" Lily's tone turned dry. "No, Chelsea. I was just testing your tolerance for awkward conversations. Chelsea paused, his mind still reeling. "Are you really shaving your—" "No, Chelsea, I am not," Lily interrupted, her tone teasing. "Why would I tell you if I was shaving my pubic hair?" Chelsea's frustration boiled over. "I don't know, everythi
Arc"Are you alright, Archer? You look pale." Angel asked.Arc's response was curt, his words clipped. "I'm fine."His leg felt numb, and things had taken a dramatic turn after Bill's drastic fall. The ambulance had come and carted Bill away. Now, two police officers stood before them, wanting their statements.Officer Garner's friendly smile seemed perfected to put people at ease, but his eyes were searching and analytic. His partner, Officer Rogers, a bright-eyed and eager apprentice, fumbled with his pen and pad, his scribbles bordering on illegible.They gathered around him as he stood authoritatively, scrutinizing each of their faces with that same reassuring smile."Can anyone tell me what happened leading up to Mr. Lank's fall?" Garner asked.Brandon dissolved into a blubbering, sweaty mess. "I swear, Officer, I didn't kill him! I only witnessed him die!"Kaitlyn slapped her forehead. "Oh mother of all.""The victim is not dead, boy." Garner corrected."I'm Brandon," the y
ChelseaA rush of adrenaline had coursed through Chelsea's veins as he stepped off the bus, his eyes locking onto Arc's familiar figure. Wrapping his arms around Arc was like coming home – a sense of comfort and security enveloped him, soothing his frazzled nerves. Arc's towering height and broad shoulders formed a sheltering cocoon, protecting Chelsea from the world.The firm beating of Arc's heart against his chest was a lullaby, calming Chelsea's deepest fears. He was alive. Unbroken. Unscathed. The relief was palpable, washing over Chelsea like a wave.As Arc's hand caressed his hair, Chelsea's entire being shivered with awareness. The gentle touch awakened memories of moments like this, their hearts beating in tandem.Chelsea tightened his hold on Arc, his arms constricting around him like a vice. Arc responded in kind, their bodies molding together as if forged from the same flesh."Are you okay?" Chelsea managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper.Arc's reply
ArcArc lingered, his mind consumed by simmering anger as Chelsea and Kai walked side by side toward Ethel's car.What was their relationship? Did Chelsea have feelings for Kai? The possibility gnawed at Arc.Kai's interest in Chelsea was palpable, and Arc knew Chelsea's flirtatious nature. Kai embodied Chelsea's type – big, hunky, good-looking, and normal.Annoyance swirled, mingling with hurt. Their passionate night seemed meaningless to Chelsea. Was it all in Arc's head that Chelsea cared?"Forget asking him out," Arc thought, dismissing the idea."You don't look too happy," Angel observed, breaking the tension.Arc turned, meeting Angel's inquiring gaze. "Why aren't you with them?" Arc asked.Angel shrugged. "Nah, I'm conjuring a plan. Can't think with all that chaos around me."Arc's gaze drifted back to Chelsea and Kai, his jaw clenched as Chelsea's laughter echoed through the air. Chelsea's eyes sparkled as Kai lifted Pete out of the car, their proximity igniting a fir
Chelsea Getting to Bill had proven to be the first major hurdle in their plan. As they entered his hospital room, they were greeted by Mia, a bright and cheery nurse who seemed out of place amidst the sterile hospital atmosphere.To their surprise, everyone except Chelsea and Arc knew Mia, exchanging warm smiles and familiar hellos.However, Mia's expression turned somber as she addressed the group. "I'm afraid only a few of you can see Mr. Lank at a time. He's still reeling from the news...about his upcoming surgery." Her voice dropped to a sympathetic whisper. "The doctor says one of his testicles needs to be removed, and he's taking it rather hard."Mia's eyes conveyed genuine concern. "We don't want to overwhelm him further. He's already under immense stress."The group's reactions were mixed: Agnes and Pete gasped in horror, Grey snickered before Lady Legasus's stern glance silenced him, Brandon's eyes fixated longingly on the receptionist's candy, and Kaitlyn shook her
Chelsea Bill's gaze darted around the room, ensuring they were alone."How did you...?" Bill's voice trailed off, his eyes locked on Ethel.Ethel's gaze snapped to his, her eyes glinting with triumph.Her voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "What I mean is, I have a video of you fucking yourself with a 10-inch dildo, wearing a pig costume and rubbing yourself on a desk."Chelsea's jaw dropped, shocked."I thought he'd just hit his ass with a paddle in a pig costume while oinking," Chelsea whispered.Ethel's gaze flicked to Chelsea. "He did that too. Don't mention it to the others." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Don't want to ruin their PG-13 rated baby ears."Chelsea turned to Bill, whose face burned crimson."And what's with you and desks?" Chelsea asked.Bill's glare was venomous. "Mind your fucking business." His voice snarled. "And I don't care about what you know. You don't have proof."Ethel's smile was radiant. "Oh, dearie dear, you should know better. I'm always 5
Arc Arc's agitation grew with each passing moment. His heart pulsed rapidly, a testament to his frazzled nerves. Where were Chelsea and Ethel? Their delayed arrival only fueled his anxiety. "What's taking them so long?" Arc muttered, pacing back and forth. Sarah placed a calming hand on his arm. "Hold your horses, they'll probably be here any minute." Kaitlyn's brow furrowed. "If Ethel doesn't kill him first. She doesn't exactly seem to have a liking for Chelsea." Doris snorted, rolling her eyes. "Ethel doesn't have a liking for anyone." Arc's concern, however, wasn't about Ethel's animosity toward Chelsea. It was Bill. The memory of Bill's lustful gaze on Chelsea still seared his mind. Arc's hands clenched into fists as he recalled the overwhelming urge to grip Bill's throat, to pluck out those lecherous eyes. He didn't want Bill's tainted hands anywhere near Chelsea, didn't want him to breathe the same air as him, let alone cause harm. The mere thought sent a shiver down Arc's
ChelseaChelsea hadn't even had a full day to settle into his expansive mansion before the chaos began. An interview with Horbes, the notorious critic, had been scheduled for that very afternoon, and Chelsea's assigned team had been buzzing around him, prepping him for the grueling questioning that was sure to come.His phone had been blowing up with notifications from old acquaintances, all of whom seemed to have miraculously remembered his existence now that he was back in the spotlight. They were all clamoring for his attention, asking about endorsement deals and collaborations, and Chelsea hadn't had the time or energy to respond to any of them. It was ironic, really - these were the same people who had ignored him when his fans had turned on him, and now they were crawling out of the woodwork to ride his coattails.Despite the whirlwind of activity surrounding him, Chelsea couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had been growing inside him. He missed Tho
ArcA sharp knock at the door jolted Arc awake. His instincts kicked in, and he felt a twinge in his neck as he rose from the couch. Grogginess clouded his senses, a lingering reminder of the restless night he'd spent. The knock sounded again, louder and more insistent than before. Arc rubbed his forehead, trying to shake off the haze. His heart skipped a beat as he approached the door, a spark of expectation flickering to life. Could it be...? He slowly turned the handle and opened the door, but his hopes were quickly dashed. Instead of the familiar blonde hair and brown eyes he'd been longing to see, he was faced with a completely unexpected visitor.She stood short, her dark skin a striking contrast to her crisp, white blouse. Her expression was stern, her eyes narrowed slightly behind a pair of sleek, black glasses.Arc's eyes widened as he struggled to recall her name, but her face was unmistakable - she was the woman who had witnessed him and Chelsea sign
Arc The words echoed in his mind like a haunting mantra: "We don't match at all, in any way. He was never important." The phrases cut deep, stirring up emotions he thought he'd long buried. Arc was never important, he reminded himself, the pain of that realization stinging like an open wound. Just as the turmoil within him reached a boiling point, the sky unleashed its fury. A gust of wind swept in, followed by a scattering of raindrops that quickly intensified into a relentless downpour. The rain lashed down, merciless and unforgiving, mirroring the anguish that ravaged Arc's heart. In no time, he was soaked to the bone, the deluge a fitting accompaniment to his turmoil. Memories came flooding back, transporting Arc to the night Chelsea had appeared on his doorstep, drenched and distraught. The rain had pounded against the roof, a cacophony of sound that had mirrored the turmoil within Arc. They had surrendered to their desires, their bodies merging as the storm raged on
ChelseaChelsea's resentment towards his parents began when he was just six years old. Their presence in his life was always a source of discomfort. Despite their wealth, they barely had time for him, yet they would splurge thousands of dollars on extravagant parties and events.One particular memory stood out in Chelsea's mind. His mother had organized a fundraiser for an orphanage, but only after being dared by a friend. The event had been more of a lavish spectacle, where the wealthy elite could flaunt their assets in a bidding war. Nevertheless, the fundraiser had raised nearly half a million dollars, and the children had left with beaming smiles after their singing performance, likely dreaming of new clothes, shoes, and warm meals. Chelsea had yearned to join them, captivated by the joy radiating from their faces. It was probably the only genuinely good thing his mother had ever done, however unintentionally.At 12 years old, Chelsea's anger and resentment had boile
ArcAs the group left, Arc moved to sit on the blanket, his eyes scanning the beautifully arranged picnic scene. The attention to detail was impressive, with delicate sandwiches, colorful fruit, and an assortment of sweet treats laid out on a vibrant blanket. The whole setup was a testament to the group's thoughtfulness and effort.As the minutes ticked by, anticipation and nervousness swirled inside Arc like a restless storm. He waited patiently, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Chelsea's arrival. The warm sun beat down on him, casting a golden glow over the deserted beach. The sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore created a soothing melody that seemed to stretch out the minutes into an eternity.Arc checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, the slow movement of the hands a stark reminder that time was passing, yet Chelsea was nowhere to be seen. He fidgeted with the hem of his pants, his fingers drumming out a staccato beat on the fabric.As the h
ArcArc raised an eyebrow, skeptical about his supposed transformation, but he couldn't ignore the look of wonder in Penelope's eyes. Her gaze sparkled with excitement, and her smile was infectious.Penelope checked her phone, her eyes scanning the screen before she looked up at Arc. "Sarah's already here. Let's go," she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.They stepped outside into the bright sunlight, and Arc's eyes landed on Sarah's beaten, red car parked by the curb. The vibrant color seemed to match Sarah's lively personality, and Arc couldn't help but smile.As they slid into the car, Penelope claiming the passenger seat, Arc's mind began to wander. Sarah and Penelope chatted back and forth, their conversation flowing easily, but Arc was barely paying attention. His thoughts had already drifted to Chelsea, and he found himself wondering what she would say when he saw him. Would he be surprised? Would he be impressed?As the car glided through the streets, Arc's
Arc"The wheel of time is really running," Sarah said, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "It hasn't even been two months since Arc fell head over heels in love."Penelope chuckled, and Arc shot her an accusing glance. "You told them?" he asked, his voice laced with indignation.Gertrude, her silver hair styled in a neat bun, smiled knowingly. "No, dear, she did not. It was quite obvious to our aging eyes, however."Arc looked away, his face warming with embarrassment. "It really is obvious?" he muttered.Doris, her eyes twinkling with kindness, patted his hand. "Yes, dear. But don't worry, we've got you covered."Ethel, her voice gruff, complained, "I don't even know why y'all called me here."Doris shot her a stern glance. "Shut it, Ethel. You said you wanted coffee."Ethel scowled. "With a shot of alcohol, but you brought me to a sissy place."Just then, a thin, teenage boy with wild pink hair appeared at their side, a notepad and pen at the ready. "Hi, w
ArcArc felt a sense of déjà vu as he basked in the warm sunlight streaming through the window. Familiar arms seemed to wrap around him, and gentle fingers caressed his skin, tracing the contours of his scars without hesitation. A smile threatened to break free as he turned to face the owner of those arms.Chelsea's sweet smile greeted him, radiating an otherworldly glow. Arc's heart skipped a beat as he gazed at Chelsea's luminous face. His heart pounded furiously in his chest, and he reached out to touch Chelsea's face, his fingers yearning for contact.But reality came crashing down as Arc's eyes snapped open, and he found himself staring at his empty ceiling. The familiar arms were gone, and his own arms felt eerily empty. Panic set in as he scrambled to sit up, his gaze frantically scanning the room.The bed beside him was vacant, and a wave of desperation washed over him. Grogginess clouded his mind, but as he sat up and took stock of his surroundings, his
Chelsea Chelsea's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.Arc turned to Chelsea, unsureness clouding his eyes. "Do you want to be with Kai?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of vulnerability.Chelsea's brow furrowed. "Why would you ask that?" he asked, his voice cautious.He wondered what could've possibly given Arc that assumption.Arc's eyes flashed with a mix of emotions. "Cause you're attracted to him, and he couldn't take his damn eyes off you," he said, annoyance lacing his voice.Chelsea's voice was soft and gentle as he moved closer to Arc. "No, no, why would I want to be with Kai?" he asked, his eyes filled with sincerity.He took Arc's hands in his, his touch warm and comforting. "I have you," Chelsea whispered, his voice filled with emotion.It was true Kai was exactly his type but that was before...Arc's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Well, he's attractive, and I'm not."Chelsea's grip on Arc'