Post by Echo on Aug 23, 2011 0:15:16 GMT -5
It’s been three weeks since the attack and I’m now living with Alex. My stuff is all in one of the extra rooms, and that’s where I do my homework, but the bed is untouched. I sleep in his room instead, partly because he’s my boyfriend, and partly because of the dreams I’ve been having. They began the night before I started living with him, and now I would wake up in the middle of the night crying. Alex would calm me down and I’d soon fall back asleep in his arms.
The dreams were always the same. Alex and I would be walking down an empty street and when we turned the corner the guys would be there. We would run, but it was no use. They’d hold us down and beat us, and then they’d stop. One of them would pull out a gun and… I’d wake up, never knowing what happens next.
“Nero,” Alex’s voice breaks me away from my thoughts, “What are you thinking about?”
I look in his eyes and smile sweetly. I don’t want him to worry any more than he already is.
“Just thinking about the dance.”
Like I’d told him in his car, I’d gone with him and we’d had so much fun. Seth and Bliss went as well, and the four of us had shared so many laughs. Alex and I had arrived early to help the GSA members finish the last touches, and I’ll admit it looked amazing. There were ribbons everywhere, and we had tied silver balloons to all the doors and had let a few float up to the ceiling. There was loads of glitter, courtesy of Alex, and the food was provided by Christy, all of it being perfect of course.
My favorite part though, was that I’d spent the day with Alex and we danced until our feet hurt. Afterwards we’d gone back to the house and fell asleep on the couch.
“I’m glad you had fun.” He says, again interrupting my thoughts.
I smile and scoot closer to him. We’re laying down in his bed right now, blankets over us, even though it’s still light outside.
“So what do you want to do?” he asks.
I shrug and rest my head on his chest. He laughs before propping himself up on his elbow.
“Do you want to go somewhere?” he sits up fully and pulls me into his arms. “We can go to Iridescent.”
I shake my head, “We just ate not long ago. How about we…” I try to think of a place we can go, but come up with nothing.
“Have you finished all of your homework?”
I nod and sigh in frustration. Exams are in about a month and all the teacher have been assigning extra homework.
“What do you want to do this weekend? Spring break is almost here, too, and Seth and Bliss are going camping.”
Today is Friday, and I know that after next week we’ll be given a week and a half off of school.
“We could go somewhere with them tomorrow.” I suggest.
A small beep cuts him off from replying and I glance over at my phone. I crawl off his lap and open it up to a text from Seth saying he and Bliss are going to the park if we want to join them.
“Seth and Bliss want to know if we want to go to the park with them.” I say, a little uneasy. What if we see those guys again?
Alex senses my reluctance and squeezes my hand, “If you want to. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” He presses his lips to my cheek and smiles.
“Should we bring Honey and Sage with us?”
“I’ll see if they want to, you tell Seth we’re coming.”
He leaves the room and I type a quick reply. A few minutes later I hear squeals of excitement. Alex enters the room and grabs my hand, pulling me to my feet. Honey and Sage run into the room laughing.
“Hurry up!” Honey is jumping around my feet and I nearly trip.
“Honey, remember what I told you.”
She nods and steps back a little. Alex ushers both children out of the room and I follow. Once we’re all in the car, Honey and Sage in booster seats, I close my eyes and attempt to convince myself nothing bad will happen. Not again.
“What’s bothering you sweetie?”
I open my eyes and see Alex staring at me, worried. He never ceases to amaze me. He always knows when something’s wrong, when I’m upset… That alone makes me want to smile.
“I was just thinking.”
“Do we get ice cream?” Honey’s question cuts into what Alex starts to say.
“It’s a little cold for that, but we can get hot chocolate later.”
Honey claps happily and I laugh. Alex says no more about our conversation, and I’m a little relieved. When we get to the park Honey and Sage take off running towards the playground, and I look around for Seth and Bliss. I’m about to pull my phone out and text him when I feel hands covering my eyes.
“Guess who.”
I panic and pull away in fear. I squeeze my eyes shut and flinch when a hand touches my wrist.
“Nero, what is it?”
I open my eyes slowly to see Alex crouched down in front of me. His face is close to mine and he has a worried look in his eyes. Behind him is Seth, and when I look around I realize he must have been the one that scared me.
“What’s going on?”
Bliss appears beside Seth and I feel myself being pulled into strong arms.
“Seth, you can’t do that.” Alex’s voice is thick, “You scared Nero half to death!”
Bliss glances between the two and then steps forward, “Is Nero ok?”
I look up at her, but make no move to pull away from Alex’s warm arms. I smile a little shakily at her.
“I’m f-fine, I was just surprised, that’s all…”
Alex pulls me to my feet and wraps his arms around me. I feel the heat returning to my cheeks as I blush and look over at Seth. There’s something in his eyes that reminds me of the day that my dad told me I was moving in with Alex. Something I still can’t seem to place.
“I’m sorry, Nero.” He gives me an apologetic look.
“Are you ok, sweetheart?” Alex’s mouth is close to my ear as he whispers this.
I smile first at Seth, “It’s fine. I was just a little… tense.” When he nods I turn in Alex’s arms so I’m facing him.
“You thought it was them, didn’t you?” he whispers.
Before I can answer, Bliss speaks up.
“Nero, I honestly don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be out like this. You don’t look too good.”
Alex lets me go and says to Bliss, “You’re right. I’ll take him home, but can you do me a favor?”
She nods and I watch, curious, as he calls for Honey and Sage.
“Bliss, these are my little brother and sister. Do you think you could-”
“Babysit them? Of course.” She smiles, delighted. “I’ll stay here with them until they get tired, and then do you want me to bring them back to my house? Christy will love that.”
He laughs, “Would you mind?” when she shakes her head he crouches down and says to the two twins, “You guys are going to stay here with Bliss and Seth, ok? I need to take Nero home, I’ll pick you up later.”
They both nod and Honey looks up at Bliss, “Do we still get hot chocolate?”
Bliss laughs and smiles at the smaller girl, “As much as you’d like.”
As soon as he’s parked the car, Alex jumps out and crosses to my side quickly. He opens the door and smiles evilly before scooping me into his arms. He uses his foot to kick the door shut and I bury my face in his shoulder to hide the red creeping into my cheeks.
Once inside the house he carries me upstairs and drops me onto his bed carefully. He leans on the bed and brings his face closer to mine, and then kisses me. The kiss is gentle and sweet, and when he pulls away I sigh. He smiles before standing back up and turning to leave. He’s only taken one step when my hand darts out and grabs his coat sleeve.
“W-Where are you going?”
He turns his head and then moves back so he’s standing at the edge of the bed.
“I was just going to go make you some soup.”
I shake my head furiously, “Don’t leave, please.”
He sighs, but takes his coat off and drops it on the floor. He removes mine as well, and then crawls into the bed next to me. I scoot towards him and reach up to place a soft kiss on his lips. He wraps his arms around me and presses his lips against mine more firmly. As usual, when I feel his tongue slide across my lip, I hesitate, but allow it entrance. He smiles against me and I gasp as his teeth nip my bottom lip. He pulls back a little.
“I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
I shake my head and he pauses, and then smiles. He sits up and straddles my waist, tugging at the hem of my shirt. I give the slightest nod and he pulls it up over my head, tossing it to the floor with our coats. He leans in and kisses my neck, making me gasp again.
“You’re adorable, you know that?”
He doesn’t give me any time to respond as he bites down on the base of my neck playfully. I let out a small whimper and feel his tongue dart out over the spot he bit. When he bites it again I give a pained yelp. He immediately stops and brings his head up to meet my eyes.
“Too hard?” I nod silently. “We’ll stop then. I don’t want to do anything to hurt you.”
“I’m not as fragile as everyone seems to think.”
He smirks and sits up, “Is that your way of telling me to kiss you?”
I blush and push him away blithely. He takes one of the hands pushing him away and in turn uses it to pull me closer. He brings it to his lips and kisses it, and then wraps his arms around me.
“Feeling better yet?”
I nod and smile at him, “I love you.”
That night when I shut my eyes, I can see Alex. I call his name, but he doesn’t seem to hear me. When I approach him and reach out to touch his shoulder he vanishes, and suddenly it’s so dark and can barely even see my own hands when I put them in front of my face. I start to shake, wanting nothing more than to wake up.
“Nero.”
I whip around and take a step back when I see Seth. He holds up his hand and touches my cheek. The movement causes me to flinch and I jerk away from him.
“Nero…” this time the voice isn’t his, it belongs to Alex.
I glance about me and frown when I realize he isn’t here. I look back to where Seth is and tense. He’s gone now, too.
“Wake up, Nero.” Alex’s voice calls from the darkness, “Wake up!”
I jolt upwards as I feel hands grip me and my eyes fly open. Alex is sitting beside me, alarmed. There’s a small pause before he pulls me into a tight hug.
“Was it that dream again?” he asks as he brushes my bangs out of my eyes.
I shake my head, unwilling to talk until my heart rate has returned to its normal state. When it does I take a deep breath.
“N-No. Seth was acting weird, and he was scaring me. He looked really mad.” Even though my heart has stopped racing the words still come out shaky.
Alex sighs and slides off of the bed. In the weak, early morning light I see him reach for the lamp right before its brightness illuminates the room. He sits back down and I curl up next to him, gripping a part of his shirt sleeve tightly in my fist.
“Nero… do you think Seth is gay?” he looks at me, eyes filled with curiosity.
The question surprises me. Maybe that’s why he’s been acting weird? Because he likes Alex maybe?
“Could he have been acting strange lately because he likes you?” I suggest, awaiting his response.
I get one quickly. As soon as the question is out of my mouth he bursts out laughing. I shoot him a half-confused, half-hurt look. He immediately leans over and kisses my forehead reassuringly.
“Sorry, sweetheart, I was laughing because you’re just so damn cute!”
My face reddens and I fix my eyes on the door, embarrassed.
“I think he likes you, Nero.”
My head snaps up and I feel all the color in my cheeks drain away.
“You think he…” I blink, “What?”
He smiles and I sit up slowly, cautiously. I wonder if he really means that though because, from what I’ve seen, most people would be mad that someone was hitting on their partner. Although Alex isn’t like most people.
“You haven’t seen the looks he’s given you?” he laughs, “Not to mention the ones he’s been giving me. Honestly, Nero, you’re so clueless it’s adorable!”
I roll my eyes, “I doubt he likes me, I don’t even know what you see in me.” I say, knowing it’s the truth. I’ve done nothing but bring trouble into his life, burdening him with all of my problems, the fight… Every time things get peaceful something comes along and screws it up.
“Don’t you ever think that, Nero.” Without warning he grabs my chin roughly, forcing me to look at him. “You are amazing. How many times do I have to remind you of that?” his voice is low and a little sad, “I love you more than anything in the world, I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it until you know it’s the truth.”
I press my lips against his to prevent him from continuing. He freezes at first in shock but then brings his hands to the back of my neck to pull me closer. Everything leaves me as he pushes me down, and for once I allow him to take over. He sees this and smirks. I hold my breath as he kisses me once more before biting my lip. I stifle a small gasp and open my mouth, feeling his tongue slide in.
I’m reminded of the last time this happened and of how I’d stopped when he went a little too far. Would I do the same now? Fortunately he stops kissing me and moves his mouth to my ear. He kisses the spot connecting it to my neck and then flicks his tongue out to touch my earlobe. This time I can’t repress my whimper and I feel him smiling against my skin as he kisses it once more. He then draws the sensitive lobe into his mouth and bites down slightly. As gentle as the bite is I still gasp and lace my fingers into his soft hair.
He keeps going, tongue darting across the small area of skin accompanied by more gentle nips. After a few moments of abusing my ear he kisses my neck and travels downward until he’s at the base of my neck. A mixture of pleasure and pain hits me as he sucks on the same spot before he pulls back, a devious grin planted on his lips. He touches a finger to the spot and I turn redder than ever when I realize what it must be. He laughs and kisses me softly on the lips.
“I love you, Nero, don’t ever forget that.”
The dreams were always the same. Alex and I would be walking down an empty street and when we turned the corner the guys would be there. We would run, but it was no use. They’d hold us down and beat us, and then they’d stop. One of them would pull out a gun and… I’d wake up, never knowing what happens next.
“Nero,” Alex’s voice breaks me away from my thoughts, “What are you thinking about?”
I look in his eyes and smile sweetly. I don’t want him to worry any more than he already is.
“Just thinking about the dance.”
Like I’d told him in his car, I’d gone with him and we’d had so much fun. Seth and Bliss went as well, and the four of us had shared so many laughs. Alex and I had arrived early to help the GSA members finish the last touches, and I’ll admit it looked amazing. There were ribbons everywhere, and we had tied silver balloons to all the doors and had let a few float up to the ceiling. There was loads of glitter, courtesy of Alex, and the food was provided by Christy, all of it being perfect of course.
My favorite part though, was that I’d spent the day with Alex and we danced until our feet hurt. Afterwards we’d gone back to the house and fell asleep on the couch.
“I’m glad you had fun.” He says, again interrupting my thoughts.
I smile and scoot closer to him. We’re laying down in his bed right now, blankets over us, even though it’s still light outside.
“So what do you want to do?” he asks.
I shrug and rest my head on his chest. He laughs before propping himself up on his elbow.
“Do you want to go somewhere?” he sits up fully and pulls me into his arms. “We can go to Iridescent.”
I shake my head, “We just ate not long ago. How about we…” I try to think of a place we can go, but come up with nothing.
“Have you finished all of your homework?”
I nod and sigh in frustration. Exams are in about a month and all the teacher have been assigning extra homework.
“What do you want to do this weekend? Spring break is almost here, too, and Seth and Bliss are going camping.”
Today is Friday, and I know that after next week we’ll be given a week and a half off of school.
“We could go somewhere with them tomorrow.” I suggest.
A small beep cuts him off from replying and I glance over at my phone. I crawl off his lap and open it up to a text from Seth saying he and Bliss are going to the park if we want to join them.
“Seth and Bliss want to know if we want to go to the park with them.” I say, a little uneasy. What if we see those guys again?
Alex senses my reluctance and squeezes my hand, “If you want to. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” He presses his lips to my cheek and smiles.
“Should we bring Honey and Sage with us?”
“I’ll see if they want to, you tell Seth we’re coming.”
He leaves the room and I type a quick reply. A few minutes later I hear squeals of excitement. Alex enters the room and grabs my hand, pulling me to my feet. Honey and Sage run into the room laughing.
“Hurry up!” Honey is jumping around my feet and I nearly trip.
“Honey, remember what I told you.”
She nods and steps back a little. Alex ushers both children out of the room and I follow. Once we’re all in the car, Honey and Sage in booster seats, I close my eyes and attempt to convince myself nothing bad will happen. Not again.
“What’s bothering you sweetie?”
I open my eyes and see Alex staring at me, worried. He never ceases to amaze me. He always knows when something’s wrong, when I’m upset… That alone makes me want to smile.
“I was just thinking.”
“Do we get ice cream?” Honey’s question cuts into what Alex starts to say.
“It’s a little cold for that, but we can get hot chocolate later.”
Honey claps happily and I laugh. Alex says no more about our conversation, and I’m a little relieved. When we get to the park Honey and Sage take off running towards the playground, and I look around for Seth and Bliss. I’m about to pull my phone out and text him when I feel hands covering my eyes.
“Guess who.”
I panic and pull away in fear. I squeeze my eyes shut and flinch when a hand touches my wrist.
“Nero, what is it?”
I open my eyes slowly to see Alex crouched down in front of me. His face is close to mine and he has a worried look in his eyes. Behind him is Seth, and when I look around I realize he must have been the one that scared me.
“What’s going on?”
Bliss appears beside Seth and I feel myself being pulled into strong arms.
“Seth, you can’t do that.” Alex’s voice is thick, “You scared Nero half to death!”
Bliss glances between the two and then steps forward, “Is Nero ok?”
I look up at her, but make no move to pull away from Alex’s warm arms. I smile a little shakily at her.
“I’m f-fine, I was just surprised, that’s all…”
Alex pulls me to my feet and wraps his arms around me. I feel the heat returning to my cheeks as I blush and look over at Seth. There’s something in his eyes that reminds me of the day that my dad told me I was moving in with Alex. Something I still can’t seem to place.
“I’m sorry, Nero.” He gives me an apologetic look.
“Are you ok, sweetheart?” Alex’s mouth is close to my ear as he whispers this.
I smile first at Seth, “It’s fine. I was just a little… tense.” When he nods I turn in Alex’s arms so I’m facing him.
“You thought it was them, didn’t you?” he whispers.
Before I can answer, Bliss speaks up.
“Nero, I honestly don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be out like this. You don’t look too good.”
Alex lets me go and says to Bliss, “You’re right. I’ll take him home, but can you do me a favor?”
She nods and I watch, curious, as he calls for Honey and Sage.
“Bliss, these are my little brother and sister. Do you think you could-”
“Babysit them? Of course.” She smiles, delighted. “I’ll stay here with them until they get tired, and then do you want me to bring them back to my house? Christy will love that.”
He laughs, “Would you mind?” when she shakes her head he crouches down and says to the two twins, “You guys are going to stay here with Bliss and Seth, ok? I need to take Nero home, I’ll pick you up later.”
They both nod and Honey looks up at Bliss, “Do we still get hot chocolate?”
Bliss laughs and smiles at the smaller girl, “As much as you’d like.”
As soon as he’s parked the car, Alex jumps out and crosses to my side quickly. He opens the door and smiles evilly before scooping me into his arms. He uses his foot to kick the door shut and I bury my face in his shoulder to hide the red creeping into my cheeks.
Once inside the house he carries me upstairs and drops me onto his bed carefully. He leans on the bed and brings his face closer to mine, and then kisses me. The kiss is gentle and sweet, and when he pulls away I sigh. He smiles before standing back up and turning to leave. He’s only taken one step when my hand darts out and grabs his coat sleeve.
“W-Where are you going?”
He turns his head and then moves back so he’s standing at the edge of the bed.
“I was just going to go make you some soup.”
I shake my head furiously, “Don’t leave, please.”
He sighs, but takes his coat off and drops it on the floor. He removes mine as well, and then crawls into the bed next to me. I scoot towards him and reach up to place a soft kiss on his lips. He wraps his arms around me and presses his lips against mine more firmly. As usual, when I feel his tongue slide across my lip, I hesitate, but allow it entrance. He smiles against me and I gasp as his teeth nip my bottom lip. He pulls back a little.
“I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
I shake my head and he pauses, and then smiles. He sits up and straddles my waist, tugging at the hem of my shirt. I give the slightest nod and he pulls it up over my head, tossing it to the floor with our coats. He leans in and kisses my neck, making me gasp again.
“You’re adorable, you know that?”
He doesn’t give me any time to respond as he bites down on the base of my neck playfully. I let out a small whimper and feel his tongue dart out over the spot he bit. When he bites it again I give a pained yelp. He immediately stops and brings his head up to meet my eyes.
“Too hard?” I nod silently. “We’ll stop then. I don’t want to do anything to hurt you.”
“I’m not as fragile as everyone seems to think.”
He smirks and sits up, “Is that your way of telling me to kiss you?”
I blush and push him away blithely. He takes one of the hands pushing him away and in turn uses it to pull me closer. He brings it to his lips and kisses it, and then wraps his arms around me.
“Feeling better yet?”
I nod and smile at him, “I love you.”
That night when I shut my eyes, I can see Alex. I call his name, but he doesn’t seem to hear me. When I approach him and reach out to touch his shoulder he vanishes, and suddenly it’s so dark and can barely even see my own hands when I put them in front of my face. I start to shake, wanting nothing more than to wake up.
“Nero.”
I whip around and take a step back when I see Seth. He holds up his hand and touches my cheek. The movement causes me to flinch and I jerk away from him.
“Nero…” this time the voice isn’t his, it belongs to Alex.
I glance about me and frown when I realize he isn’t here. I look back to where Seth is and tense. He’s gone now, too.
“Wake up, Nero.” Alex’s voice calls from the darkness, “Wake up!”
I jolt upwards as I feel hands grip me and my eyes fly open. Alex is sitting beside me, alarmed. There’s a small pause before he pulls me into a tight hug.
“Was it that dream again?” he asks as he brushes my bangs out of my eyes.
I shake my head, unwilling to talk until my heart rate has returned to its normal state. When it does I take a deep breath.
“N-No. Seth was acting weird, and he was scaring me. He looked really mad.” Even though my heart has stopped racing the words still come out shaky.
Alex sighs and slides off of the bed. In the weak, early morning light I see him reach for the lamp right before its brightness illuminates the room. He sits back down and I curl up next to him, gripping a part of his shirt sleeve tightly in my fist.
“Nero… do you think Seth is gay?” he looks at me, eyes filled with curiosity.
The question surprises me. Maybe that’s why he’s been acting weird? Because he likes Alex maybe?
“Could he have been acting strange lately because he likes you?” I suggest, awaiting his response.
I get one quickly. As soon as the question is out of my mouth he bursts out laughing. I shoot him a half-confused, half-hurt look. He immediately leans over and kisses my forehead reassuringly.
“Sorry, sweetheart, I was laughing because you’re just so damn cute!”
My face reddens and I fix my eyes on the door, embarrassed.
“I think he likes you, Nero.”
My head snaps up and I feel all the color in my cheeks drain away.
“You think he…” I blink, “What?”
He smiles and I sit up slowly, cautiously. I wonder if he really means that though because, from what I’ve seen, most people would be mad that someone was hitting on their partner. Although Alex isn’t like most people.
“You haven’t seen the looks he’s given you?” he laughs, “Not to mention the ones he’s been giving me. Honestly, Nero, you’re so clueless it’s adorable!”
I roll my eyes, “I doubt he likes me, I don’t even know what you see in me.” I say, knowing it’s the truth. I’ve done nothing but bring trouble into his life, burdening him with all of my problems, the fight… Every time things get peaceful something comes along and screws it up.
“Don’t you ever think that, Nero.” Without warning he grabs my chin roughly, forcing me to look at him. “You are amazing. How many times do I have to remind you of that?” his voice is low and a little sad, “I love you more than anything in the world, I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it until you know it’s the truth.”
I press my lips against his to prevent him from continuing. He freezes at first in shock but then brings his hands to the back of my neck to pull me closer. Everything leaves me as he pushes me down, and for once I allow him to take over. He sees this and smirks. I hold my breath as he kisses me once more before biting my lip. I stifle a small gasp and open my mouth, feeling his tongue slide in.
I’m reminded of the last time this happened and of how I’d stopped when he went a little too far. Would I do the same now? Fortunately he stops kissing me and moves his mouth to my ear. He kisses the spot connecting it to my neck and then flicks his tongue out to touch my earlobe. This time I can’t repress my whimper and I feel him smiling against my skin as he kisses it once more. He then draws the sensitive lobe into his mouth and bites down slightly. As gentle as the bite is I still gasp and lace my fingers into his soft hair.
He keeps going, tongue darting across the small area of skin accompanied by more gentle nips. After a few moments of abusing my ear he kisses my neck and travels downward until he’s at the base of my neck. A mixture of pleasure and pain hits me as he sucks on the same spot before he pulls back, a devious grin planted on his lips. He touches a finger to the spot and I turn redder than ever when I realize what it must be. He laughs and kisses me softly on the lips.
“I love you, Nero, don’t ever forget that.”