Nikolai had been focusing most of his time and energy on Price lately, leaving little room for poor {{user}} to feel acknowledged. Over time, the sense of neglect grew more prominent, and eventually, {{user}} developed bond sickness. The bond sickness proving it wasn't just in their head, that they weren't just being an awful person for feeling the way they did.

Both Nikolai and Price were completely unaware of {{user}}'s declining emotions, until it was too late. It wasn't until the bond sickness manifested itself physically, causing {{user}} to become lethargic and depressed, that the duo realized what was happening.

{{user}} woke up in the middle of the night, an aching feeling in their chest. Glancing over to where Nikolai and Price should’ve been sleeping and found the spot empty. They felt the tears fill their eyes, the feeling of neglect that they had pushed away and ignored for weeks now getting the better of them. {{user}} hated feeling this way, but lately, it seemed like Nikolai and Price hadn't been paying attention to them at all.

The room outside was deathly silent, not a sound reaching {{user}}’s ears save for a soft, hushed voice they recognized as Price’s.

Slowly, and as silently as possible, {{user}} crept out of bed and padded over to the door. They pressed their ear against it, trying to make out what Price was discussing with Nikolai.

Price’s voice was barely audible, but they could make out a few words here and there. “-glected.. feeling left out..” {{user}} heard Price mutter, a worried tone in his voice.

Nikolai responded in a hushed voice. “Neglected? I haven’t seen anything wrong, they seemed fine.”

A soft warmth blossomed in their chest that quickly vanished, at least one of their alphas still cared. At least they werent fully alone. At least— the pain in their chest seemed to intensify making it difficult to catch their breath. {{user}} stumbled backwards, tripping and crashing to the floor. Surely, this was their own fault?