The Selection (1x1 with AnnaCat17)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Abril stuck her tongue out at Matteo childishly, holding on to Pavel. "He's handsome. Any word otherwise is a lie."

"It's late," one of Karter's sisters said as she opened the door, frowning. "What do you want?"

[AnnaCat17]

Matteo grinned happily. "Abril, with foolish commemts like that im beginning to worry. Blink twice if he is holding you hostage."

Pavel rolled his eyes but changed the subject. "So i noticed a ring on Jakob's finger. Care to explain that?"

Matteo shrugged and glanced away. "Must be from someone else."

Gabel swallowed, his anger washed away by embarrasement. "Im sorry miss. I know its late but i need to speak to karter about his plan to kill himself."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Abril smiled, hugging Pavel as she listened. "Come on, Matteo. Who else would it be from? He adores only you."

"What?" Karter's sister stared at him, horrified. She stepped back to let him in.

[AnnaCat17]

"You dont know what he does when im not around." He said quietly as he looked sadly at where Jakob sat. "Besides, even if it was from me it would just be until he gets better. Im just a safety net."

Pavel looked at Matteo sadly but knew it was best not to interfere. "Its going to work out Matty. Take it from someone who thought they wouldnt ever get married."

Gabel thanked her quietly before going quickly to where Karter was and, without thinking, slapped him hard across the face. "Now you listen to me." He snapped, pointing a finger in karter's face and trying his best to be intimidating. "You cant do this. What was the point of telling me you want to be friends again if you were just planning on throwing me away again? I dont know if youve noticed but i dont have anyone and i dont appreciate you yet again getting my hopes up just to remind me that i dont matter to you. But fine, i get my opinion doesnt matter but your family's does. I want you to go up to each and every one of them, look them in the eyes, and tell them what you are planning to do. If all of them tell you that they dont need you like you are assuming then ill leave you alone to do the stupidest thing in the world. If they dont, though, which i know they wont, then you have to do what i say. We are going to find you a job, get you a hobby, and you are going to go on a date with this guy because he was really nice but found me dreadfully boring so you stand a better chance with him. Understood?"

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Abril watched him sadly, but didn't respond. She rested her head against Pavel's enjoying being held by him.

"No," Karter snapped. "And you're okay with letting Jakob die? Isn't he supposed to be our friend?" He shoved Gabel angrily away from him. "Leave me alone. Get out of here. It's my decision, and i--" His anger died quickly, his hands braced against Pavel's chest. "If you tell me you love me I'll stay," he whispered, his hands gripping Gabel's shirt. "I need you."

[AnnaCat17]

"We cant control whats happening to Jakob. We have to trust the system and believe that the doctors are doing all they can. Sacrificing ourselves wont save him." He pulled away from him and shook his head. "No. You dont need me, you just want someone. You dont care about me and you've proven it time and time again so i wont hurt myself just to make you feel better." He pointed out of the room to where he knew his sister was listening. "But she does love you. Each and every one of your siblings loves you and needs you far more than you know so dont be an idiot and abandon them like this. Havent you punished them enough with all of the drinking and everythibg else?"

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Karter shook his head, backing away from him and running a hand through his hair. "Just stop," he whispered, his voice tight. "Stop. They don't need me. They're better without me. I'm worthless. Just go."

[AnnaCat17]

Gabel roughly shoved his chest. "Stop lieing! You know that isnt true!" He yelled at him, not caring if he woke up the entire house. "You know this is insane. You know the doctors would never even agree to do this so just stop it. All you are doing is hurting those of us who care about you." He huffed angrily but a few tears leaked down his face as his anger started to die. "What is so terrible that you cant keep living or accept love anymore? Your family loves you. Dont give up on them and make them go through another funeral. You arent worthless. The prince wanted to be with you until i stupidly bated you away from him. Anyone would be lucky to be with you and there is so much in your life to enjoy if you would just let yourself move on."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Karter flinched, but took the blow. "Lysander already agreed to it," he snapped. "You can't do anything to change it. Just get out of my house!"

[AnnaCat17]

"Oh you just watch me." He snapped back as he crossed his arms. "This will not happen. You are not allowed to die so you better get used to that fact right now. Im not leaving because we both know i have no where else to go. Im not as lucky as you, i dont have a family that loves me or frankly anyone that cares if im still alive or not but i keep fighting. You need to as well because you actually have something to fight for." He sniffed sadly and wiped off his tears as he went to the hall. "Can you get some tea or whiskey or something for him? I promise we will be quiet after so you can get some sleep." He said softly to her.