A New Beginning

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Overwhelmed

GEORGE POV

TIME CHECK: 12:01 PM

The play area is dark, with only led lights spread throughout to at least identify and see people while they play. The floor also consists of lights as well, but it's very dim.

At first, George did not notice that Clay has disappeared from his sight as he was busy finding enemies to shoot. The moment he notices Clay going missing from beside him, his surroundings start to overwhelm him. He is confused about where he is. He tried to backtrack but is only greeted with a dead-end. He is completely lost in this maze. He keeps running around, trying to find Clay. Tears start to cloud his blurry eyes. He keeps wiping them off to see the way he's going. He can hear people laughing and screaming, which calms him down a little. He tried to follow where the voice is coming from to get some help.

He follows the voice.

"George!?" He heard someone calling out his name, seemingly sounds like Clay's voice.

"George, where are you!?" the voice starts becoming clearer each time George steps forward.

"George?!" It becomes evident now. He just has to turn this corner. The moment he turns, he suddenly collapses into a man running. Still, before George could fall, the man immediately grabs George's, which sends shivers down his small body, the familiar warmth spread throughout his cold body.

"Clay?" The small boy asks with a soft voice.

"George!" Clay screams, bring the boy to his chest, hugging him tightly.

"Clay, you left me. I was so scared." George snuggles closer to Clay and starts tearing up. Clay then snuggles his face on George's hair which George loves that action a lot.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Georgie. I didn't mean it, the moment I turned behind, you disappeared, and I immediately went to search for you. It's my fault for leaving you. I'm sorry." Clay said in a very soft voice while his right hand circle around George's back.

"Do you still want to play the game, or do you want to leave? I'll leave with you."

"N-no, let's play. We came here to have fun. I don't want to ruin it. I'm sorry too for leaving your side."

"It's okay, Georgie but are you really sure you want to play?" Clay said and put his hand around George's face to pull it up so he can see clearly. George looks back up at Clay and nods, giving him a small smile. 

"I won't let you go this time, don't worry, I have learned." Clay grasps George's hand tight but enough to not cause pain. George is flustered by it. He loves the warmth that Clay is emitting from his hand. He holds back tightly as well, not showing any signs of letting go.

CLAY POV

TIME CHECK: 12:10 PM

Clay's heart starts calming down after finding George. He was so afraid something has happened to George. Clay's heart sank when he heard George's word.

"Clay, you left me..." and he just started crying. That part makes me want to beat myself up so hard. Why did I not check behind? I thought he would be following me. Luckily, I found him. If anything were to happen to him, I don't know what I will do. I don't even think I can forgive myself for it. Good thing he's not rejecting my hand. He's holding me back as well. His hands are small. It's so cute.

After another 45 minutes of running and shoot, not letting go of George's hand, though, the game finally ended. They both had a lot of fun. Clay was laughing at George the whole time as when people get near them, George will immediately scream for Clay to assist him. Clay, of course, did go to his rescue. George could tell that Clay used to play this a lot. He's very skilled and almost scary when Clay chases other people around while pulling George around. George gets tired easily, and Clay knew that. Whenever George starts to soften his grip, Clay would stop and rest for him.

"Players, please stop and go to the exit. We are currently finalizing the results." The employee announces through the speakers. Everyone began to take off the vest and put down the guns. George and Clay separated a while as the vest needs to put in different places due to sizes. They all also said good games to everyone, especially going towards George and saying they had fun together.

What do they think they are doing, talking to Georgie as if they are close. Wait, is that guy making a move? Why is he taking out his phone to take to George? That's it. Why is everybody hitting on him?

Clay walks towards George, seeing that George is also uncomfortable with the situation that is going on. 

"Sorry, I already have a boyfriend," George said, which makes my heart sinks.

Boyfriend? Why is this the first time I hear it? 

The shocked Clay sees that George turns to him and wanted to turn his back on him, trying not to look upset at all. However, he did not expect what George said next.

"Babe, you're here. Why did you take so long to come and pick me up," George says and runs towards Clay, giving Clay a very affectionate embrace that makes Clay immediately crimson.

What is this? What? 

"Babe, are you okay?" George asks again, looking up at Clay and mouths, "Help me, please!." Clay finally gets it

"Sorry, Nick was not letting me go. Anyway, who is this guy over here." Clay glares at the man. 

"O-oh, I didn't know he was taken." The boy said with a very embarrassed look and walked away straightaway.

George let out a breath.

"Thank you, babe. Let's go find Nick now, babe." George giggles and pulls Clay's hand, tightening his hand; who doesn't know that Clay is malfunctioning right now.

Clay couldn't process anything that is going on right now. His face is burning like crazy. He is just following wherever George is taking him, staring at the back of his head.

He's going to be the death of me one day if he keeps doing this.