Post by Echo on Aug 23, 2011 0:03:06 GMT -5
I can’t help but smile as Alex pulls up to Bliss’ driveway in a red car. I walk over to his side and he opens the window.
“Hey cutie-pie,” he winks at me, “Got your stuff?”
I nod and hold up my bag, blushing.
“Well get in the car!” he smiles brightly, “It’s starting to get dark!”
I scramble to the door on the other side and climb in, suddenly nervous. I’d met Alex only earlier this afternoon. I shake my head mentally; Alex understands what’s wrong and cares.
“So where do you want to go?” he asks.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heartbeat. Unfortunately, all that does is make it worse. The car, of course, smells just like Alex; a mixture of vanilla and something else. It makes me feel a little dizzy, but I push it away.
“Anywhere is fine.”
He smiles and says nothing more as he drives down the road. The silence is comfortable, and I lean back in my seat and close my eyes. We stay like this until I feel the car stop and I open my eyes.
“I hope you don’t mind, I couldn’t think of a place we could go where we could talk.” We’re at his house.
I turn to him and smile, “It’s fine, public places are…” I pause, “Too crowded.”
“You are just too cute!” he laughs and gets out of the car.
He comes around to my side of the car and opens the door before I get a chance. He reaches across my legs and picks up my bag.
“You coming, or do I need to carry you too?”
My face does the impossible and turns redder. I get out of the car quickly, making Alex laugh as I nearly trip. I follow him into the house.
“I’m back!” he calls.
Footsteps pound above us as two kids, a girl and a boy, run down the stairs. The boy sees me and stays back a little, thumb in his mouth, but the girl tackles Alex then looks at me with big eyes, the same color as Alex’s.
“Is that your boyfriend?”
Alex laughs and I stare at my shoe.
“Nope,” he smiles, “Not yet at least.”
She giggles and buries her face in his shoulder.
“Hey, what are you hiding for?” Alex looks at the little boy, “Come here buddy.”
The little boy glances at me then runs to Alex. He hugs his leg with one arm; the other is raised so he’s still sucking on his thumb.
“Guys, this is Nero,” he tells the little kids, “Nero, these are my little brother and sister, Honey and Sage, they’re four years old, and twins.”
I smile and wave at them. He sets Honey on the ground and pulls Sage off of his leg.
“You two go play, ok?” he crouches down and hugs them both. “Nero will help me make dinner.”
They nod and run back up the stairs, shouting who gets what toy.
“Where’re your parents?” I ask as we head to the kitchen.
“They don’t live here. They got divorced and my dad moved all the way to California. My mom lives a few hours away. She visits and sends money once a month. Court orders.” He opens the fridge as he talks and I feel bad about asking. As if reading my mind he adds, “Don’t worry. I’m not sorry they’re gone. Honey and Sage didn’t need them. They were never around much anyways.”
He hands me a carton of milk and some eggs.
“Ever had breakfast for dinner?”
I shake my head, “It sounds good though.”
I try to remember the last time I had food and realize it was yesterday at lunch. At the thought of food my stomach growls just loud enough for Alex to hear.
“Hungry?”
I nod and watch him get a bag of flour and a package of chocolate chips out. He sets them on the counter and takes the milk and eggs from me.
“Can you grab a pan from the cupboard under the microwave?”
As I do that he takes out two bowls.
“So why were you upset earlier when I called?” he looks up from the measuring cup he’s now holding.
“I…” I look away. “I was telling Bliss about my dad.”
Alex sighs and takes my hand, pulling me to stand in front of him.
“What about him?” his teasing, happy voice is gone, replaced by a serious, anxious tone.
I meet his eyes and then shake my head.
“He… He hates me.” I say, feeling the tears coming.
I hear him suck in his breath, “And?”
He already knows, but he wants me to say it. So I do.
“He hits me.”
His arms pull me closer for a hug, “Nero, you can’t let him hurt you.”
I flinch as his hand brushes one of the bruises. I hold my breath, praying he doesn’t notice. But, like earlier, he does. He turns me around and pulls my shirt up a little. It’s only a few inches, but it’s enough to see the worst of the marks.
“Nero…” his voice is full of pain and I pull away from him.
“I’ll be fine,” I manage a weak smile. “He hits me because I’m gay and when Bliss and I were getting my stuff before, at my house, he asked if we were dating.”
He nods, “Now he thinks you’re breaking, becoming straight like he wants.”
“Yeah.” I take his hand cautiously, “But I promised Bliss that if he hits me again I’ll tell someone.”
“Alright, but if you ever need a place to go just call me, ‘kay?” he hugs me again, and then sighs, “Now let’s make dinner.”
I end up just getting in the way. I’ve never been good at cooking and I’m too clumsy anyways. So I watch as he makes eggs, sausage, and chocolate chip pancakes. When he’s finished he clears the table in the next room and sets four places. He then piles everything into separate dishes and places them at the center of the table.
“Can you go get Honey and Sage?”
I nod and go up the stairs and look around for their room. I find it quickly and peek in.
“Nero!” Honey spots me immediately and jumps up to see me.
She reaches up and starts jumping so I pick her up the way Alex did and she wraps her arms around my neck.
“Is it time to eat?” Sage looks up from his toys.
I nod and he smiles. He runs past me and down the stairs, leaving me to carry Honey.
“Nero?” she leans back in my arms and looks at me with innocent eyes, “Do you love Alex?”
I blink, surprised. For a four year old she’s pretty smart. I hesitate before answering.
“Yes, I do. He’s an amazing person.”
She giggles and starts squirming around so I put her down. She stares at me.
“Alex really likes you.” She whispers, “But don’t tell him I told you!”
She dashes away before I can respond, but I just stand there, a smile on my face.
“Nero!” I hear Alex calling my name and follow Honey’s path. Alex is waiting for me at the foot of the stairs. “The food’s getting cold!” he laughs and grabs my hand when I reach the bottom step.
After we eat I help out with the dishes, glad there’s something I can do without messing up.
“Do you want to watch a movie?”
Alex is standing a little away, leaning against the counter and watching me. I finish drying out the last cup and put it in the cupboard with the others.
I turn to him smiling, “If you want to.”
He claps his hands together, delighted, “What movie?”
“I don’t mind.”
He gives me a look and then takes my hand and looks down at me.
“Why are you so selfless?” he pulls me closer and wraps his arms around me, being careful not to touch my bruises, “Nero, what movie?” he whispers into my ear.
I shiver and sigh, “I don’t know what movies you have.”
I lean my head on his chest, unable to resist how warm he is. His hand rises up to touch the back of my head and he starts stroking my hair.
“You’re tired.” It’s more of a statement than a question but I nod, “Do you want to skip the movie?”
I nod again, feeling exhaustion wash over me, but I still try to stay awake. It would be easier, too, but Alex is still playing with my hair.
“Ne-ro…” he pulls away a little and I whimper involuntarily. “Do you want to lie down?”
He tilts my chin up with his hand and rests his forehead on mine.
“Yeah…” I blush as I say it.
I gasp in surprise as he picks me up bridal-style and carries me up the stairs. He takes me to the end of the hall and pushes a door open with his foot.
“I’ve only got one bed.” He says as he sets me down in the middle of the floor.
I look around at the room, plain white walls and a bed, but a rainbow flag hanging from the wall above the bed brightens the room.
“I’ll sleep on the floor,” I say turning to him.
He shakes his head, “Nonsense, there’s plenty of room for both of us.” He grins, and then adds, “Unless you’re uncomfortable with that.”
I must have blushed a million times already, but still my face turns red. I shake my head though, and he pulls me forward until he falls to sit on the bed. I stand in front of him, a little nervous.
“Are you sure? I won’t do anything dirty,” he winks at me as he places one hand, along with one of my own, on his heart. “Scout’s honor.”
I feel his heart beating and mine starts to race. Everything right now is so… perfect. Peaceful.
“I know you won’t. I trust you.”
I smile and watch as he gets up, letting my hand go.
“Well go to the bathroom across the hall and change into your pajamas, I’ll change while you’re gone.”
I nod and take my bag into the bathroom. I change quickly but hesitate before knocking on his door. He opens it, dressed only in a pair of pajama pants, and laughs when I look away.
“You didn’t need to knock; I would’ve had it locked if I was still changing.”
He pulls me in and I sit on his bed, trying to calm my racing heart. He sits next to me and lies down. I do the same, flipping over so I’m facing him.
“Alex?” from the moonlight coming in through the window I can still see him.
“Hm?”
I move my hand to find his and when I do he pulls them up and puts mine to his lips. He kisses it and moves it to rest again on his heart and I close my eyes.
“Thank you.” I move closer to him and rest my head on his bare shoulder.
He removes his hand from mine, though I keep it on his chest, and wraps his arm around me, bringing his hand to rest on my back between my shoulder blades.
“For?”
I sigh, taking in his sweet scent, sleep coming closer and closer.
“Everything.” I mumble as my body gives in and I slip into a peaceful, happy sleep.
When my eyes flutter open in the morning I find we’re in the same position, but now both of Alex’s arms are wrapped tightly around me. I pull away as slowly as I can so I don’t wake him up. I freeze as he mumbles something and watch as his eyes squeeze together before opening.
“I’m sorry!” I exclaim, unsure of what his mood is in the mornings.
I look down, afraid that he’s mad, but surprised when he buries his face in my chest. He stays like that for a moment before sitting up. I start to do the same, but he lifts me up and places me on his lap facing him.
“It’s fine sweetheart, I’m not mad.” His voice is teasing now and I sigh sticking my tongue out.
He raises an eyebrow and smiles dubiously.
“Don’t stick your tongue out unless you plan on using it.”
I shake my head and give a small laugh, “And do you plan on enforcing that?”
He pushes me down suddenly and when I look up he’s hovering over me, his face close to mine.
“Not so brave now, are we?” he whispers into my ear, causing me to shudder.
With yet another devilish grin he places his lips to the spot on my neck below my ear and kisses it. I let out a tiny gasp and feel him smiling against my skin before continuing along my neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses until he reaches the base of my neck. By now my breathing is shallow and my eyes are shut tight. I feel something brush a piece of hair out of my face and open my eyes to see Alex’s, an apologetic look on his face.
“I’m sorry.” He says, shifting so he’s no longer on top of me, “I went too far, didn’t I?”
I open my mouth, sitting up while trying to catch my breath.
“N-No… that was,” I feel the heat in my cheeks increase and smile, “It felt… good.” I manage to say, now embarrassed at my choice of words.
He immediately perks up and gives me a quick hug. He looks into my eyes and smiles.
“I won’t do it again unless you want me to.” He touches a finger, his thumb, to my forehead and pushes another strand of hair out of my eyes. “No matter how cute you were.” He winks before standing up and crossing the room, “Come one, I should bring you back to Bliss’ house in case your dad decides to drop by.”
I nod, replaying the previous events in my head. I smile at the memory and then follow Alex downstairs.
“Hey cutie-pie,” he winks at me, “Got your stuff?”
I nod and hold up my bag, blushing.
“Well get in the car!” he smiles brightly, “It’s starting to get dark!”
I scramble to the door on the other side and climb in, suddenly nervous. I’d met Alex only earlier this afternoon. I shake my head mentally; Alex understands what’s wrong and cares.
“So where do you want to go?” he asks.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heartbeat. Unfortunately, all that does is make it worse. The car, of course, smells just like Alex; a mixture of vanilla and something else. It makes me feel a little dizzy, but I push it away.
“Anywhere is fine.”
He smiles and says nothing more as he drives down the road. The silence is comfortable, and I lean back in my seat and close my eyes. We stay like this until I feel the car stop and I open my eyes.
“I hope you don’t mind, I couldn’t think of a place we could go where we could talk.” We’re at his house.
I turn to him and smile, “It’s fine, public places are…” I pause, “Too crowded.”
“You are just too cute!” he laughs and gets out of the car.
He comes around to my side of the car and opens the door before I get a chance. He reaches across my legs and picks up my bag.
“You coming, or do I need to carry you too?”
My face does the impossible and turns redder. I get out of the car quickly, making Alex laugh as I nearly trip. I follow him into the house.
“I’m back!” he calls.
Footsteps pound above us as two kids, a girl and a boy, run down the stairs. The boy sees me and stays back a little, thumb in his mouth, but the girl tackles Alex then looks at me with big eyes, the same color as Alex’s.
“Is that your boyfriend?”
Alex laughs and I stare at my shoe.
“Nope,” he smiles, “Not yet at least.”
She giggles and buries her face in his shoulder.
“Hey, what are you hiding for?” Alex looks at the little boy, “Come here buddy.”
The little boy glances at me then runs to Alex. He hugs his leg with one arm; the other is raised so he’s still sucking on his thumb.
“Guys, this is Nero,” he tells the little kids, “Nero, these are my little brother and sister, Honey and Sage, they’re four years old, and twins.”
I smile and wave at them. He sets Honey on the ground and pulls Sage off of his leg.
“You two go play, ok?” he crouches down and hugs them both. “Nero will help me make dinner.”
They nod and run back up the stairs, shouting who gets what toy.
“Where’re your parents?” I ask as we head to the kitchen.
“They don’t live here. They got divorced and my dad moved all the way to California. My mom lives a few hours away. She visits and sends money once a month. Court orders.” He opens the fridge as he talks and I feel bad about asking. As if reading my mind he adds, “Don’t worry. I’m not sorry they’re gone. Honey and Sage didn’t need them. They were never around much anyways.”
He hands me a carton of milk and some eggs.
“Ever had breakfast for dinner?”
I shake my head, “It sounds good though.”
I try to remember the last time I had food and realize it was yesterday at lunch. At the thought of food my stomach growls just loud enough for Alex to hear.
“Hungry?”
I nod and watch him get a bag of flour and a package of chocolate chips out. He sets them on the counter and takes the milk and eggs from me.
“Can you grab a pan from the cupboard under the microwave?”
As I do that he takes out two bowls.
“So why were you upset earlier when I called?” he looks up from the measuring cup he’s now holding.
“I…” I look away. “I was telling Bliss about my dad.”
Alex sighs and takes my hand, pulling me to stand in front of him.
“What about him?” his teasing, happy voice is gone, replaced by a serious, anxious tone.
I meet his eyes and then shake my head.
“He… He hates me.” I say, feeling the tears coming.
I hear him suck in his breath, “And?”
He already knows, but he wants me to say it. So I do.
“He hits me.”
His arms pull me closer for a hug, “Nero, you can’t let him hurt you.”
I flinch as his hand brushes one of the bruises. I hold my breath, praying he doesn’t notice. But, like earlier, he does. He turns me around and pulls my shirt up a little. It’s only a few inches, but it’s enough to see the worst of the marks.
“Nero…” his voice is full of pain and I pull away from him.
“I’ll be fine,” I manage a weak smile. “He hits me because I’m gay and when Bliss and I were getting my stuff before, at my house, he asked if we were dating.”
He nods, “Now he thinks you’re breaking, becoming straight like he wants.”
“Yeah.” I take his hand cautiously, “But I promised Bliss that if he hits me again I’ll tell someone.”
“Alright, but if you ever need a place to go just call me, ‘kay?” he hugs me again, and then sighs, “Now let’s make dinner.”
I end up just getting in the way. I’ve never been good at cooking and I’m too clumsy anyways. So I watch as he makes eggs, sausage, and chocolate chip pancakes. When he’s finished he clears the table in the next room and sets four places. He then piles everything into separate dishes and places them at the center of the table.
“Can you go get Honey and Sage?”
I nod and go up the stairs and look around for their room. I find it quickly and peek in.
“Nero!” Honey spots me immediately and jumps up to see me.
She reaches up and starts jumping so I pick her up the way Alex did and she wraps her arms around my neck.
“Is it time to eat?” Sage looks up from his toys.
I nod and he smiles. He runs past me and down the stairs, leaving me to carry Honey.
“Nero?” she leans back in my arms and looks at me with innocent eyes, “Do you love Alex?”
I blink, surprised. For a four year old she’s pretty smart. I hesitate before answering.
“Yes, I do. He’s an amazing person.”
She giggles and starts squirming around so I put her down. She stares at me.
“Alex really likes you.” She whispers, “But don’t tell him I told you!”
She dashes away before I can respond, but I just stand there, a smile on my face.
“Nero!” I hear Alex calling my name and follow Honey’s path. Alex is waiting for me at the foot of the stairs. “The food’s getting cold!” he laughs and grabs my hand when I reach the bottom step.
After we eat I help out with the dishes, glad there’s something I can do without messing up.
“Do you want to watch a movie?”
Alex is standing a little away, leaning against the counter and watching me. I finish drying out the last cup and put it in the cupboard with the others.
I turn to him smiling, “If you want to.”
He claps his hands together, delighted, “What movie?”
“I don’t mind.”
He gives me a look and then takes my hand and looks down at me.
“Why are you so selfless?” he pulls me closer and wraps his arms around me, being careful not to touch my bruises, “Nero, what movie?” he whispers into my ear.
I shiver and sigh, “I don’t know what movies you have.”
I lean my head on his chest, unable to resist how warm he is. His hand rises up to touch the back of my head and he starts stroking my hair.
“You’re tired.” It’s more of a statement than a question but I nod, “Do you want to skip the movie?”
I nod again, feeling exhaustion wash over me, but I still try to stay awake. It would be easier, too, but Alex is still playing with my hair.
“Ne-ro…” he pulls away a little and I whimper involuntarily. “Do you want to lie down?”
He tilts my chin up with his hand and rests his forehead on mine.
“Yeah…” I blush as I say it.
I gasp in surprise as he picks me up bridal-style and carries me up the stairs. He takes me to the end of the hall and pushes a door open with his foot.
“I’ve only got one bed.” He says as he sets me down in the middle of the floor.
I look around at the room, plain white walls and a bed, but a rainbow flag hanging from the wall above the bed brightens the room.
“I’ll sleep on the floor,” I say turning to him.
He shakes his head, “Nonsense, there’s plenty of room for both of us.” He grins, and then adds, “Unless you’re uncomfortable with that.”
I must have blushed a million times already, but still my face turns red. I shake my head though, and he pulls me forward until he falls to sit on the bed. I stand in front of him, a little nervous.
“Are you sure? I won’t do anything dirty,” he winks at me as he places one hand, along with one of my own, on his heart. “Scout’s honor.”
I feel his heart beating and mine starts to race. Everything right now is so… perfect. Peaceful.
“I know you won’t. I trust you.”
I smile and watch as he gets up, letting my hand go.
“Well go to the bathroom across the hall and change into your pajamas, I’ll change while you’re gone.”
I nod and take my bag into the bathroom. I change quickly but hesitate before knocking on his door. He opens it, dressed only in a pair of pajama pants, and laughs when I look away.
“You didn’t need to knock; I would’ve had it locked if I was still changing.”
He pulls me in and I sit on his bed, trying to calm my racing heart. He sits next to me and lies down. I do the same, flipping over so I’m facing him.
“Alex?” from the moonlight coming in through the window I can still see him.
“Hm?”
I move my hand to find his and when I do he pulls them up and puts mine to his lips. He kisses it and moves it to rest again on his heart and I close my eyes.
“Thank you.” I move closer to him and rest my head on his bare shoulder.
He removes his hand from mine, though I keep it on his chest, and wraps his arm around me, bringing his hand to rest on my back between my shoulder blades.
“For?”
I sigh, taking in his sweet scent, sleep coming closer and closer.
“Everything.” I mumble as my body gives in and I slip into a peaceful, happy sleep.
When my eyes flutter open in the morning I find we’re in the same position, but now both of Alex’s arms are wrapped tightly around me. I pull away as slowly as I can so I don’t wake him up. I freeze as he mumbles something and watch as his eyes squeeze together before opening.
“I’m sorry!” I exclaim, unsure of what his mood is in the mornings.
I look down, afraid that he’s mad, but surprised when he buries his face in my chest. He stays like that for a moment before sitting up. I start to do the same, but he lifts me up and places me on his lap facing him.
“It’s fine sweetheart, I’m not mad.” His voice is teasing now and I sigh sticking my tongue out.
He raises an eyebrow and smiles dubiously.
“Don’t stick your tongue out unless you plan on using it.”
I shake my head and give a small laugh, “And do you plan on enforcing that?”
He pushes me down suddenly and when I look up he’s hovering over me, his face close to mine.
“Not so brave now, are we?” he whispers into my ear, causing me to shudder.
With yet another devilish grin he places his lips to the spot on my neck below my ear and kisses it. I let out a tiny gasp and feel him smiling against my skin before continuing along my neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses until he reaches the base of my neck. By now my breathing is shallow and my eyes are shut tight. I feel something brush a piece of hair out of my face and open my eyes to see Alex’s, an apologetic look on his face.
“I’m sorry.” He says, shifting so he’s no longer on top of me, “I went too far, didn’t I?”
I open my mouth, sitting up while trying to catch my breath.
“N-No… that was,” I feel the heat in my cheeks increase and smile, “It felt… good.” I manage to say, now embarrassed at my choice of words.
He immediately perks up and gives me a quick hug. He looks into my eyes and smiles.
“I won’t do it again unless you want me to.” He touches a finger, his thumb, to my forehead and pushes another strand of hair out of my eyes. “No matter how cute you were.” He winks before standing up and crossing the room, “Come one, I should bring you back to Bliss’ house in case your dad decides to drop by.”
I nod, replaying the previous events in my head. I smile at the memory and then follow Alex downstairs.