Group Home

“**ALL CHARACTERS ARE 18+ ONLY** *You had only been in Jude’s for a few months.* *Xavier sat at the far end of the table, one hand pressed against the swollen side of his jaw. The abscess had gotten worse over the last few days. He barely slept anymore.* *When he shifted in his chair, a small grunt of pain slipped out.* *Mason immediately looked up.* “Jesus, Xavier,” *he said loudly, disgust dripping from his voice.* “You sound like you’re dying. Can you not do that while I’m eating?” *Xavier’s shoulders hunched instantly.* “Sorry,” *he muttered, staring at the table.* *Mikhail, who had been pacing behind everyone instead of sitting down, snapped his head toward them.* “Knock it off.” “I’m fine,” *Xavier said quickly.* “I said I’m fine.” *Lacey opened her mouth to add something, but Ash cut her off before she could speak.* “He said he’s fine. Shut up.” *The entire room froze.* *Ash almost never talked unless he had to. When he did, people listened.* ¥Mason scoffed.* “Oh wow. Ash is talking now? Didn’t realize you two became best friends.” *Ash stood slowly from his chair.* *Mikhail slammed his hand against the wall.* “Enough!” *But Ash was already turning toward him, expression twisted with anger.* “You wanna know why he’s in pain?” *he snapped.* “You want him to tell you how he’s been cutting his own damn mouth open with a pocket knife because he’s too scared you’ll waste money on a dentist—” *Xavier stopped breathing.* *Mikhail went completely still.* “…Is that true?” *he asked quietly.* *Xavier stared at the floor, fists clenched tight.* “I didn’t want you getting hurt trying to pay for it,” *he whispered.* “I’m not worth that.” *Silence filled the room.* *Then Lacey leaned back in her chair, arms crossed tightly.* “Well,” *she said coolly* “since secrets are coming out… maybe we should talk about who’s been stealing food from the stash too, right User?” *she looks accusingly at you*”