You Don't Have to Say You Love Me

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ryder asked, pouting.

"You're still clueless novio," said Glori

"You know I don't know what that word means..." Ryder said, sulking. "...and I'm not clueless...am I?"

Glori kissed Ryder's cheek. "Only sometimes."

Ryder smiled slightly before pulling a face and shifting again, his legs hurting.

"You should sit down," said Glori.

"I'm fine, I don't need to sit down." Ryder said, slowly going over to sit on the bed anyway.

Glori moved to sit with him. "How're you feeling?"

Ryder made an irritated noise, folding his arms.

Glori ran a gentle hand up and down Ryder's arm.

Ryder smiled and relaxed a little, closing his eyes.

"I'm gonna get you through this Ry," said Glori.

"I...I know..." Ryder said, wrapping his arms around himself.

"You're scared aren't you?" Glori asked. "Is that why it's so hard, because you're afraid?"

"N-no...?" Ryder said, not wanting to admit it.

"Ry...." Glori sighed softly.

"What...?" Ryder mumbled, sulking. "I'm not..."

"If you say so novio," said Glori

Ryder pouted and made an irritated sound again. "I don't know what that means."

Glori chuckled softly. "It means sweetheart."

"Oh..." Ryder said, calming down and slowly smiling, unconciously rubbing at his arm where he'd usually inject himself.

Glori placed her hand over Ryder's. "Ry.....how long?"

"How long what...?" Ryder asked, irritated again.

"How long have you been poisoning yourself with that shit Ry?" Glori asked.

"I...I don't know." Ryder mumbled. "Lost count."