Episode 3 ^2/4: I don’t tell people things.

“Tell him what happened.” The voice was an echo within the darkness.

He sat on the ground, his legs folded under him. The rocking wasn’t something he could control at this stage. Tense fingers bit into the ground. They moved in a pattern that was hidden by the dark. Light wasn’t necessary, and it wasn’t wanted.

“I’m safer in the dark,” he murmured to himself. A murmur was all that was allowed.

Tears ran down his cheeks and he was grateful that they couldn’t be seen.

To his right, “I’m going to beat you when I find you.”

It was a different voice. A voice that couldn’t be forgotten. Sam’s fingers could no longer move. He crawled back. Blindly his hands searched for a wall. Was there too much light? Would he be found? Emptiness met his searching hands. Panic set in. Where was the wall? Where was his shelter?

Telltale was the rapid ticking that stopped everything in his world. A ring of blue fire began with a spark. And tear-filled eyes reflected the orange flames beginning to dance.

A shadow emerging from the darkness held a voice filled with cold hatred, “give me your hand.”

Tremors shook his body.

To his left, Kurt’s voice taunted, “tell him what happened.”

The pain of the memories overpowered the pain in his body giving him strength to sit upright. The bed wasn’t his. The scent all around him wasn’t his. And the darkness he clung to was taken when Ty turned on the light. Strong were the arms that moved around him, pulling his head to Ty’s chest. It wasn’t that he wanted to cling to someone. It’s that tears were meant to be hidden.

Always meant to be hidden, “I’m safer in the dark.”

Ty’s hand holding his head offered protection Sam almost found himself believing in. His eyes were closed to the light allowing Ty’s scent to completely envelop him. His left hand moved to hold Ty’s shirt.

Only, he couldn’t. Hand upon firm abs, Sam asked with a mutter, “are you naked again?”

“I can be,” the chuckle moved Ty’s chest. Gentle was the kiss upon Sam’s head. He opened his eyes when Ty moved. The light caught muscles until Ty turned off the bedside lamp.

Sam ran a hand through his hair. The curls tried to capture his fingers. Then Ty’s hands upon his shoulders helped him lie back down. It wasn’t without pain that he struggled against, “where’s my art bag?”

“Your wrist is in no condition for art, and your body is mine,” Ty’s will was stronger than his own.

Giving in came with a mutter, “how did I get up?”

Careful of causing more pain, Ty guided Sam’s head to his chest. The pillows acted as a brace to hold their shoulders. The angle they laid in eased some of the pressure on his ribs.

“I don’t…”

“No one cares what you’re gonna say,” Ty cut him off with a chuckle. A warm hand in his hair kept Sam’s head upon Ty’s chest. Was it only the pain that kept him from pulling away? Ty’s fingers played with Sam’s curls, “tell me what it was about.”

“I thought we didn’t care what I had to say?” The question came with a bite. It was meant to deter.

Ty teased, “say something worthwhile then.”

Why was Ty always stronger than anyone else?

Sam stared into the darkness that had always hid him. That sense of safety was false, but it was alluring.

‘Family is family. I know how to keep mine safe.’

On a pained whisper, “it was about what happened. Then and now.”

He couldn’t understand why he was telling Ty anything. Telling people didn’t make the bad things stop, it only made them worse. He tried not to cry. He tried not to show that he was vulnerable.

In silence, Ty held him. The way his arms held Sam pulled him towards something Sam had no right to. Something that both scared and broke him.

“I need you to let me run, because when he finds me, I’m going to have to run further.” His fingernails bit into his arm as he pulled in on himself, “this isn’t something you can stop. And it’s not something I’ll let you face. So, I’m going to go.”

Ty’s finger touched his lips, stopping the words, “that’s why having your picture posted bothers you so much.”

He pulled Ty’s hand away. It bothered him to hear his voice crack, “I just want to finish school before I have to run again.”

“I promise you’ll get to finish,” Ty held his head.

“You can’t promise that,” he softly argued, fear bringing back the tremors that had subsided. He hid behind a mockful breath, “not unless you can make sure no one ever takes my picture.”

Ty shook his head, “I’m definitely not promising that. I already took another picture of you while you were passed out.”

He took the bait, “delete it, because that’s my deal.”

“So, you’ll let me have you but not pictures of you?”

He griped into the bare chest his cheek rested on, “who the hell said that I would let you have me?”

“It’s already happening,” Ty’s light whisper in his hair made it seem like no big deal. “And I’m going to make sure you’re safe.”

He wanted that! So badly, he wanted to believe it could happen. But everything in his life was hard, and no one ever followed through. He closed his eyes to all the things he was feeling. But shutting his eyes hadn’t ever kept the emotions away, and it wasn’t working now either. He felt the tears that he so hated coming out on the concession he’d never thought he’d make, “so long as I stay hidden.”

Ty’s hand moved to his shoulder, “so long as you’re safe you are mine? That’s the deal we’re making?”

The feeling of being sheltered was almost thrilling. It was new. It was exciting. It had to be a lie. Still, he nodded agreement to the terms.

A mild inflection asked, “and my pictures?”

He tried very hard to regain footing that was lost the moment the words came out, “you can have them. But they can’t ever be online. They’re for you only. Do you get that?”

Ty was considering him with hunger, “what made you think I was ever willing to share you?”

Sam fought the relieved smile that came out because Ty made everything simple. He gave in, “do whatever you want then.”

The hand on his head dropped to run down Sam’s neck to his shoulder. A delicate touch bringing up shivers.

“No!” Sam realized his mistake, “I didn’t mean…”

“Way too late,” laughter moved Ty’s breath over Sam’s hair. Sam’s arm rose as Ty picked it up. Slow was the touch of warm lips to the inside of his wrist.

Sam stared at the shadow that was Ty’s face, “I don’t know what you’re thinking you’re going to get out of this. Stop it.”

Ty shifted so that Sam was lying without his arm under his head. Strong were the muscles that protected his body from pain as he moved. Overpowering was the pull of the man whose body touched his.

“Ty,” he tried to insert as much authority as he could.

Tender was the touch of hot lips over his. Ty’s thumb pressed into the palm of his hand as he pushed Sam’s arm back to the bed.

“The only thing you’re going to accomplish is disappointment,” the words hadn’t come out as coherently as he’d intended. His eyes closed as he tried to come to his senses. The pillow cradled his head.

Ty’s questioning look was felt rather than seen when he paused.

Sam found himself rushing to clarify, “you’re going to be disappointed with what you get. So, just stop before you are.”

Slow kisses began moving down his neck. As lips claimed his collarbone, “it’s flattering that you think the bar is high.”

He pushed against Ty’s shoulders, trying to hide a smile that the darkness, but not his voice, was masking, “I’m not dealing with your disappointed face.”

Ty’s tongue moved over a sensitive nipple, “what if I’m not disappointed?”

He felt a tightening in his gut and his heart tripped. It was a struggle to clear his thoughts, “your arrogant face is worse.”

“Is it really?” The challenge came between kisses.

There were so many thoughts running through his mind. All of them jumbled.

“Ty,” hands meant to push Ty away, held his head. “I’m hurt.”

Ty reclaimed his wrists to push them down onto the bed, allowing him unfettered access, “then be still. I’ll do all the work.”

He let go of Sam’s wrists. Hot was the breath upon his chest. Lips on his collarbone created a shiver he couldn’t repress. Ty’s fingers traced smoothly down his body, over the bruises down to his waist. Steam-filled kisses moved lower.

“Ty,” trembling fingers reached out.

Hearing the panic Sam was trying not to feel changed Ty’s course. Those hot lips moved back up kiss by kiss. The feel of them on his neck released a rattling breath as he turned his head away.

A kiss claimed his ear, “I’ll be the darkness you’re safe in.”

Ty lifted his head. The streetlights outside caught his profile. Sam watched, his eyes dancing, his heart pounding. He probably knew better. And still, he reached out to hold the back of Ty’s neck. He brought Ty down so that they could kiss. He felt the sweet pressure. The taste of Ty was intoxicating. Their lips danced and played. His fingers curled into the hair at the nape of Ty’s neck. Eyes sparkling with enchantment made promises that stole Sam’s breath. Ty left his lips and continued the exploration of his body. His head fell weakly into the pillow.

“I hate how you cheat,” Sam’s fingers bit into the sheets.

He felt Ty’s breath move over his stomach as he laughed with charming arrogance.

~~~

Sam woke warm, cozy, with pain bubbling just under the surface. That pain amplified the moment he tried to move. A slow glance revealed that he was alone in Ty’s bed.

With effort, he pushed to sit up. The comforter fell, revealing the black sweats he was now wearing. Clothing he didn’t own. A peak down them revealed that he also wasn’t wearing his underwear. An exasperated sigh emerged, “are you claiming ownership?”

Dropping the waistline, his hand moved to his ribs where the pain was the greatest. From what he’d glimpsed it was probably best not to look too closely at the bruise. Where was his shirt? Lifting his hand showed him that the covering he protected himself with was also missing. The truth he now stared at stood out sharply. And it was too much to wonder why the wrapping was gone. So, he dropped his hand back to the bed. Sitting up was painful, but he wasn’t going to cry about it. The sweats bunched upon his calf until his legs dangled down over the edge of the bed. The pain of the light material hitting his ankle felt like it had been slammed down. He leaned forward, giving in to the pain with only a grimace.

“I enjoy putting you to bed,” Ty’s voice brought up Sam’s head. “But don’t make me start so early.”

Sam ran a hand back through his hair, “what time is it?”

“Ten.” Ty made his way over. Dark jeans and a fitted black long-sleeved shirt wore well on that fit form. A familiar bag came to rest on the floor by Sam’s feet.

“How is that early?” Sam questioned dryly. “I’ve already missed first class.”

His gaze moved discretely over Ty’s body when he claimed a seat.

“No classes today,” there was an infectious grin making those dark eyes sparkle.

His head fell minutely to the side, away from Ty. It was habit to hide the things he didn’t want to talk about. A hard gaze stared at the bag on the floor, “was Pey around to let you in?”

“No,” he shook his head. “I took your keys.”

“Did anyone see you?”

“Embarrassed?” The question was asked with a grin.

“No.” He wanted to be very clear, “I just don’t want you fueling the rumors.”

“Can’t have anyone moving in on my territory,” was accompanied with a careless shrug.

Tented fingers pressed against the bridge of his nose to hide what he didn’t want Ty to see, “I am not anyone’s territory.”

Whispered words caressed his ear, “but I’m yours.”

Those words shouldn’t trip up his heart the way they did! It was that which bothered Sam, “how’d you know which dorm and room?”

Ty’s smile said a lot.

Sam surmised with bored resignation, “you used your scary face, didn’t you?”

Innocence.

Which amused him, “you know exactly the look I mean.”

Ty’s pleased smile shouldn’t be so amusing to him.

He nodded at the bag, “doesn’t look like you brought my jacket. It’s getting colder out.”

“You’re not going anywhere, and you can keep wearing my hoodie,” there was a note of tightness within those words.

“Got something against my jacket?”

Not one to turn away from a challenge, Ty pointed out, “you’re awfully attached to that thing.”

Sam glanced at Ty, “you’re awfully attached to me and you’ve had me a lot less time.”

Ty was staring back letting Sam think about his choice of words. Their fingers laced through each other.

Moving his gaze to their hands, Sam struggled. Slowly, his lips parted, “I had a boyfriend once. In high school. He was older than me. He took care of me. Until one day…”

It was clearly written on Ty’s face. He wasn’t happy hearing Sam talk about another guy that was important to him.

Sam ran his free hand over his mouth, closing his eyes.

“What happened?” Ty’s voice was soft.

As their hands moved to Ty’s lap, Sam revealed, “he didn’t come to pick me up.”

“Why not?”

“He slept in.” Sam couldn’t contain a slow grin. “I thought it meant we were done so I completely overreacted.”

“You fucking shit,” Ty took his hand back when Sam tried to move away. There was a promise, “you’re gonna pay for that.”

“You made it so easy,” Sam was chuckling. If not for the pain in his side, he’d be laughing. “Ow!”

“Serves you right. I thought you were going to tell me it was his jacket.”

“Worth the pain,” his pained smile hit the floor.

“Want to try the truth?” The challenge was lighthearted.

He glanced at Ty but didn’t make eye contact. The truth, hey?

“Look, I don’t tell people things.” It wasn’t any of their business.

Ty lightly kissed his shoulder getting him to face him in surprise. A playful grin shone at him, “that was a thing you just told me.”

He laughed despite wanting to be annoyed. Maybe, Ty had earned this much, “a clothing donation bin. Jealous idiot.”

“Donation bin?” Ty’s look was intense. “Explain that.”

He gave a muted shrug, “you make do when you’ve got nothing. It’s no big deal.”

“If it’s about you, it matters to me.”

He didn’t want to look at Ty as those words bounced about within his mind. But he was acutely aware of what it felt like having Ty’s fingers entwined with his. Ty’s thumb warmed his skin while still sending shivers coursing through him.

Ty tried again, “why is the jacket important?”

It was stupid to let him in even further… “It’s the first thing I did in my new life.”

“It’s sentimental,” Ty noted softly. “And not attached to some other guy.”

He shrugged, smiling off at nothing while justifying, “I’m an artist. That’s just how we are.”

Ty didn’t challenge him. But he kept looking at Sam which was freaking him out!

“I should get going,” he spoke, but didn’t move.

Ty leaned lightly into his shoulder, “the hell you’re going anywhere.”

Such a light, playful tone, but he knew Ty meant it. He tried to stifle a smile, “I’m leaving.”

“You are staying right here where I can keep an eye on you,” there was something almost seductive in that. “You need to rest.”

“Didn’t seem you were concerned about my sleep last night. Could have been on time for class if someone hadn’t kept me awake for so long,” he’d said it to scold, but it wasn’t that he was disappointed at Ty’s arrogant grin.

“I wasn’t sure how you’d approach that,” lightly his shoulder bumped into Sam’s.

“I take responsibility for my choices. I’m not going to hide from it.” Then he cringed “you’re not either, are you?”

“Are you shy?” Ty liked the idea.

“No. Sorta. It’s just,” the words were hard to articulate, “I’ve never done anything like that before.”

The silence that followed that confession had Sam glancing with worry at Ty. Though he tried, he knew he wasn’t hiding his fear behind a snarl.

“Please don’t be,” he made a desperate plea that fell off at Ty’s clearly displayed mixture of emotions.

There was pleasure, surprise, delight, confidence all oozing out of him, “that was a first for you! Mm, you performed so well.”

Did it have to feel this good hearing Ty say those words?

He wasn’t going to avoid the topic. Not with Ty. And it wasn’t like he didn’t have doubts about last night’s performance. Dealing directly with emotions was the easiest way to get past them. So, “I couldn’t do anything for you, and…”

“Stop,” Ty was kissing his neck. It immediately stopped Sam from rambling. Pleasure dripped from Ty’s voice, “your pleasure, brought me pleasure.”

“Oh my god,” he moaned. Looking away was to hide his blushing smile.

“So, this means you’re mine now.” Ty was drinking him in, “just so you know, I’m incredibly possessive of what’s mine.”

Sam cast him a pointed look, “it’s not like I’m going to let someone else do that.”

Ty heard unspoken words. He was pleased by them, “I’ll do much more of that anytime you need it.”

Ty lifted their hands to bestow a delicate kiss to the back of Sam’s hand.

“The hell I need that,” he breathed a laugh.

“Needed and wanted it,” was Ty’s mischievous reply that got a grudging smile out of Sam. “Also, your hand brought me a lot of pleasure last night.”

“Damn it, Ty,” pain alone kept him from laughing. He pulled his hand away, “speaking of my hand, where’s my wrap?”

“We should get you up,” Ty’s tone shifted to neutral.

“Ty,” his tone was gentle but firm.

Ty shook his head, “in this house, you don’t have to hide.”

“I just don’t like the questions,” he looked off to the side. Ty was reaching down to collect the wrap from the floor.

“Did I ask any?” Ty handed him the material.

The question struck Sam. Slowly, he looked at Ty. Not knowing how to feel probably didn’t stop his face from showing much more than he wanted to. Sam took the wrapping and replaced it. Even if no one was asking, it was his choice to have it on. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

Ty’s playful grin showed arrogance at winning.

It hurt to put any pressure on his ankle. Seeing this, it was Ty’s strength that got him standing. He brought with them Sam’s bag. His bag which held his toothbrush and clothes. A piece of Sam now in Ty’s room. Any further and that thought was going to scare him.

“Why’d you bring so much? I already told you I’m not staying. You were lucky you got one night.”

They walked into the bathroom. Ty leaned against the wall. The smile playing at his lips said everything. With a roll of his eyes, Sam rummaged through his bag. He sought his toothbrush, ignoring all the thoughtful, little things Ty had found at his dorm.

Around the toothbrush in his mouth, Sam muttered, “keep looking at me like that and I’ll put a shirt on.”

Moving to stand behind him, Ty’s hands ran over slowly down his shoulders, “if you move any slower, my breakfast may consist of eating you.”

Sam’s head snapped up. Seeing the sparkle in dark eyes brought up a reluctant grin. He leaned forward on his arms, letting his head drop down as a chuckle emerged.

“Hurry up. I’ve got our breakfast waiting downstairs.”

Sam washed out his mouth. Standing back up, he let Ty know, “I’m not taking more charity from you.”

“So,” Ty wasn’t moving away, “does that mean you’re not planning on paying me back for yesterday? I was looking forward to extorting you for it.”

“Damn rights I’m not,” he looked sidelong at him. “You chose to help. I wouldn’t want to tarnish that act of kindness by placing a price on it.”

Ty’s laughing smile came out, “then don’t consider this charity, consider it an act of kindness by joining me for breakfast. I hate eating alone. And I mean, it is your fault if I have to eat alone.”

“Emotional blackmail?”

“Does it work?”

Sam looked away. The right answer was to deny, but the truth was something different. And for reasons he didn’t want to think about, lying always felt wrong.

“Come on,” gentle hands landed upon his shoulder, “let’s get you dressed.”

A forest green, long-sleeved shirt was the first to come out of the bag. It was fine with him especially because it buttoned up so wouldn’t require him lifting his arms. Ty stood before him, holding out the shirt. He would dress Sam. And of course, refusing came naturally. But then Ty’s enticing and direct gaze caught his breath. The soft shirt moved up his arms as Ty won yet again.

Fingers slid up his arms causing shivers he tried to subdue. There was warmth as the palm of Ty’s hand rested against his bare shoulder. The thumb was moving slowly, which drew Sam’s attention. With the way Ty’s touch lingered, he expected to find a bruise there. Instead, he found a hickey.

“Really?” There was a pointed look behind that question.

Ty’s brows moved once in a taunt, the tip of his tongue touching an eyetooth, “you’re standing in front of a mirror. You didn’t notice it?”

Sam dropped his head but didn’t hide despite the grin that surfaced, “I don’t look at myself in the mirror.”

The way Ty held his face penetrated defenses. Ty wouldn’t ask, and he wouldn’t order, but Sam heard it all clearly. He found himself nodding, though he didn’t want to think about what he was conceding to.

“Let’s go,” Ty did up the buttons on Sam’s shirt.

“You’re not even sorry, are you?”

“I told you last night,” Ty remarked as though he expected Sam to recall, “I’m not above taking advantage of you when you’re like that.”

So many things about this moment that he liked despite what he should be feeling. He held Ty’s hand, pausing before removing it from his body when something became clear in his mind, “you did that when I was drunk?”

“You were warned about letting your guard down,” Ty quipped. He supported Sam so that he wasn’t putting weight on his foot.

“I thought permission mattered to you,” Sam wasn’t mad about this either.

Ty’s nose touched his ear as he held their bodies close, “you said I had censcent.”

“I don’t think drunken rambles count,” he stated with an arched brow.

A question was quick to light Ty’s eyes, “you remember?”

He turned his head away to hide the pleasure, “don’t believe that’s what I admitted.”

Ty’s arms moved so that he was holding Sam in a personal way that was reminiscent of last night. “Then say it properly now.”

Slowly, his hands slid down Ty’s arms. Fingers toyed with his sleeves. This was his chance to call it all off.

He nodded, “do whatever you want.”

“Does that include you?”

He shrugged as though it didn’t matter to him.

“Not even a little blush?” Ty sounded disappointed.

“I don’t embarrass easily. But feel free to try,” he gave a look that might have been coy, “if it makes you happy.”

Ty looked pleased with the challenge.

Sam grinned, “you’ve been going on about breakfast.”

As they walked down the stairs, Sam relying more heavily upon Ty than he wanted to, a confession emerged. But it wasn’t Sam’s. Ty did his best to prepare him, “it’ll just be the two of us eating, but we’re not alone right now.”

Silent question turned Sam’s head.

“You won’t go see a doctor, so I brought one to you,” Ty’s confession was light.

And maybe because Sam felt like Ty was downplaying the betrayal, he didn’t have a good reaction. His hand gripped Ty’s arm tighter. With a struggle he stopped them from moving further down the stairs. “I don’t need help.”

“Then walk out the door on your own,” was the softly spoken challenge.

He was accustomed to anger, to control, or even resentment. Something he could close off from. Something familiar that he could hate.

Ty softly kissed his cheek just under the eye. His whisper brushed across skin, “I didn’t force the hospital last night. Today, I could have let him into our bedroom.”

Our! That simple phrasing had him breathless.

Ty was still talking, “but I know either is asking too much. So, I’m compromising. I need you to meet me here. I need to know you’ll be okay, because you’re not right now. Please do this for me!”

His voice sounded rough, “if I can’t?”

“Then we’ll stand here together till you can,” was Ty’s promise.

The grip on Ty’s shirt was for emotional support. Feeling lips still next to his cheek seemed to soften his resolve. A small nod was him giving in to Ty.

Ty’s lips moved to his. The kiss was one of thanks. Sam glared at the wall, but his lips were returning the embrace. With Ty’s arm back around to support him, they went the rest of the way down the stairs.

In the living room, upon the loveseat that Court had claimed last night, a stranger sat waiting for them. Young. Clean-cut. Boring. So unassuming that he was safe. Cold was the look Sam turned towards Ty.

Then he looked back at the guy, “unless you’re a lot older than you look, you’re not a doctor.”

The guy stood up. Pointing to himself, “med student. Guy.”

Sam relented, “works for me if it shuts you up.”

“Guy, Sam. Sam, Guy.” Ty introduced as he led Sam to the couch.

Guy was walking over with a med bag in hand, “it’s usually Court I’m patching up.”

“You that good of a fighter?” Sam questioned hard as he adjusted his position to take away some of the pain shooting up his side.

“He’s that stubborn,” Guy revealed. He sat down upon the coffee table before Sam.

Pointed was the look now cast up at Ty. Predictably there was a smug grin, “I also take responsibility for my actions.”

“Hypocrite,” he accused sullenly.

The meaning behind the exchange wasn’t discussed further. After a pause, where Guy was waiting for something further, he moved on to his task.

“I’ll need you to take your shirt off. Do you want Ty to step out?” Guy asked before he began helping.

There was a smile that Ty held which Sam was ignoring. He shook his head, “just get this over with.”

Sam was undoing his shirt when he’d spoken. With Guy’s help, and under Ty’s far too watchful gaze, Sam removed the shirt. Guy began with pulling out needed items from his bag. Gloves, gauze, bandages, sterilizing wipes. This was going to be a new experience. One Sam was damned sure he wasn’t going to like.

Guy began with his face. The cut on his cheek was seeping puss and blood this morning. Washing it had been too much. In the past, he’d always ignored these wounds. It would be painful and would result in a scar, but he didn’t know what else to do about them.

Around the wound was gently cleaned. Guy was sitting a little too close, “could probably use a stitch or two, but if you’re not up for it I can just pull it closed with bandages.”

He would have asked about stitches but was too afraid it would be misconstrued as consent to use them. “Bandages are quicker, right?”

Guy made glancing eye-contact, “yah.”

“Then do that,” he looked away. “And don’t bother with the lip. It’s fine.”

“I can vouch for that. He was using them lots last night,” Ty’s eyes sparkled.

“Ty,” he gave a stern warning.

“What?” He taunted, “you gonna get up and walk away?”

“It is a miracle you ever got close enough at the theatre to kiss him,” Guy was laughing at Ty.

Sam finally made proper eye-contact.

“Oh, come on,” Guy laughed lightly, “I’m friends with these guys. And everyone’s seen that video now.”

Sam utilized his best glare, “can we focus on getting this done?”

The bandages went over the cut. It hurt like a damn, but Sam just gritted his teeth not making a sound. The hit he hadn’t realized he’d taken to the head was inspected next. The curls were brushed away. A soft touch had him flinching. Uncomfortable with having someone this close, he stared off to the side and caught Ty’s jealous pout. A spot of retribution he’d let himself enjoy. Guy moved on to the obvious injury on his ribs. He knew how bad it looked. He was trying to keep to himself just how badly it hurt.

“That’s a nasty hit you took,” Guy was inspecting them carefully. “I’d say blunt force with something like a bat.”

Sam’s eyes flickered nervously to Ty. The expression hitting him back was hard. He moistened his lips out of nervousness as he looked away. He muttered, “you can do this without the commentary.”

“You really should go to a hospital,” Guy’s fingers moved lightly over the dark bruising. “These ribs could be broken. They’re definitely bruised. Maybe cracked. A licensed doctor should…”

Sam’s look was enough to stall Guy.

“Save your breath,” Ty told him. “He’s not going.”

A look over his should was Guy questioning Ty.

Raised hands defended as much as the words did, “don’t look at me like that. I want him to go.”

“I’m not going, so everyone’s just going to have to deal with that,” the words and his expression were pinched with pain.

“Alright,” Guy caved. He was looking through his bag again giving Sam a moment to breathe through the worst of the pain. From the bag he pulled out several thick, beige bandages. “Ice when you can’t stand the pain, but not for extended periods of time. I’m not a doctor so I can’t prescribe medication. When the pain gets too much, go see a doctor. They’ll help you sleep through the night. And an X-ray wouldn’t kill you.”

“Moving on,” Sam bit out.

“I’m going to recommend baths over showers. A slip or a fall would force you to the hospital. And…uh,” Guy had caught Ty’s pleased and dopey grin.

Sam cautioned, “don’t acknowledge, you’ll only encourage him.”

“I uhh…I’ll also bandage up your wrist and your ankle. Both look like bad sprains. Same principle, ice when you need it, pain killers even if it’s just over the counter, keep your weight off the ankle and no exercising. Of any kind Ty,” Guy looked over with that last comment.

Sam let out a breath of a laugh. Ty simply shrugged as though he weren’t aware of the meaning behind the words.

“Don’t wash the wound on your face with anything but antiseptic, and then new and clean bandages every time. If the infection gets worse you will need antibiotics, which will mean a doctor,” he was stern in his warnings. “When you bathe, take off all the bandages. It’s important to keep them dry. Don’t over-tighten when you put them back on. Watch what I’m doing, Ty.”

“Why me?” Ty folded his arms over his chest.

“Because,” Guy glanced up, “he’ll need help, and you’re invasive enough not to let him try on his own.”

Sam grinned.

Guy continued, his attention on the wrist he was wrapping, “I see you’ve already got experience with wraps. Want me to take a look?”

Sam moving his left hand away was the answer.

Guy nodded, “keep your foot elevated as much as you can, and go easy on your wrist. I know you’ll want to draw…”

“Mind your own business,” Sam cautioned with a harsh tone.

“Relax,” Guy caught on quick. He nodded behind him, “I saw your art bag. I didn’t snoop.”

Feeling somewhat relieved, Sam backed off with a tense nod.

“You hear any cracking or feel short of breath for more than a moment, call me immediately. Though it would be smarter just to go to the hospital…”

“You’ve already been told,” Sam reminded him. “Are you done now?”

There was a sigh as Guy packed up his bag, “you two aught to be a good pair.”

“Thanks for coming by,” Ty walked him to the door.

“Call me when you need me again.” He called out over his shoulder, “it was nice to meet you Sam.”

After the door was shut, Ty sat down next to Sam on the couch. Lips touched Sam’s shoulder before his chin came to rest there, “thank you.”

“You owe me a hell of a lot more than that,” he was probably whining some. Probably would bother him more if his ears would hear that whine. So, he pretended not to notice it.

There was a smile on Ty’s face, “I can do a hell of a lot more than.”

“Fat chance,” he glanced down at the playful eyes. “You killed the mood by letting him in.”

“I knew there was a mood,” Ty sounded pleased!

Sam ran his hands over his face, “oh my god, you are so arrogant.”

Ty’s kiss lingered upon his bare shoulder.

In response, Sam pushed his face away, “you promised me food.”

“I promised to eat something,” Ty watched as Sam reclaimed his shirt. It felt real good having someone look at him like that instead of…

“Real food,” Sam tried not to think or laugh.

Ty helped him put on the shirt, “I’ll get the food. You a coffee drinker?”

He nodded watching Ty’s fingers do up the buttons on his shirt.

“Geo loves coffee. There’s a machine in the dining room. Let me know what you want, I’ll make you some after I grab our breakfast.”

A quick kiss was stolen as Ty moved to stand. He disappeared to the kitchen with Sam’s eyes watching him. There was a lot to think about that he didn’t want to think about. Was it too early to ask for something alcoholic to drink? Hands running over his tense legs, he knew it was just talk within his mind. He wasn’t them.

He took the effort to stand up. The dining room wasn’t a part of the kitchen, and it wasn’t that far from him. Taking careful steps, he made his way over to it. Enough charity had been taken, but he’d take a coffee without feeling too bad about it.

Sunlight poured in through large windows. It was the only illumination needed right now for the small dining room. As he slowly walked by, he looked over at the table and chairs. Were they used much? The layer of dust revealed by the sunlight told him that maybe they weren’t. He tried not to make connections to his past. The warmth of the dark woods was not something familiar, so he clung to that.

The coffee machine was an individual cup brewer. He turned it on and looked over the selection of pods. Idle left hand grabbed a mug, while the right chose the coffee. He set both to the machine and pressed the button to begin brewing.

He watched, wondering if he wasn’t making a mistake. This was the first time he’d let anyone even resembling a doctor look at him. It was the only time he’d let anyone do what Ty had done last night! But it wasn’t the first time he’d been beaten up like he’d been yesterday. It was at least one familiar thing to cling to, he supposed. What was he doing?

Steam shot out next to him. Sam pulled the mug from the brewer. The lid flipped open on the machine so that he could remove the pod. A careless toss landed it in the garbage can. He was moving towards the table, his hand reaching for the creamer. A thoughtless gesture that overreached the limits of his body causing a fierce shooting pain up his side. The bad foot was the one that caught his stumble, which spilt hot coffee onto his hand. The surprise of the scalding liquid upon his skin caused him to drop the mug. The crash that resulted stopped the world.

“Sam?” Ty rushed into the room.

His head rose but his eyes couldn’t. Ghostly pale, he began to tremble. There was no out. No place to hide. No place to run. He stopped being able to see as Ty approached. Fear of something dark made it almost impossible to breathe. It was a murmur that shouldn’t have been heard, “I’m s-sorry! I’m sorry!”

Memories obscured his vision.

“Hey, hey,” Ty had him in his arms, a hand upon Sam’s head. “It’s just a mug. No one’s upset.”

“I,” he tried to move towards the broken mug.

“Don’t touch it,” Ty wasn’t letting him go. “Close your eyes. You’re in the dark with me. You’re safe.”

He heard the words, and he held to them. Shutting his eyes shut out the light and the truth. Leaving only him and now Ty. He tried to slow his breathing. The darkness kept him safe. This chest kept him safe. These arms kept him safe. He wasn’t making a mistake.

Reassuring hands moved down Sam’s arms. Ty held his wrists, and he watched the tenderness of the thumbs as they moved over two very different wraps. Until finally he could make eye contact. He now apologized for something different that couldn’t be vocalized, “I’m sorry.”

The spark of mischief was back as Ty whispered into Sam’s ear, “we can go upstairs so you can apologize properly, if that would make you feel better.”

“Dammit Ty,” Sam slapped Ty’s shoulder.

“I’m a pretty awesome guy that way. I’m just worried about you,” Ty’s fingers toyed with Sam’s clothing.

Sam shifted, “is that all you think about?”

“With you, yah,” he laughed. Then he gently coaxed Sam back into his arms, “come on, breakfast is ready.”

“Can we,” he hesitated, but knew this was something important, “eat in the living room?”

Ty’s fingers brushed the hair over his ear, “wherever you’re comfortable.”

Back upon the couch with a new mug of coffee, Sam watched Ty disappear into the kitchen once more. He leaned back, wishing that he could pull his legs up into his chest. Annoyance landed upon his art bag. There was a twitch in his fingers. He was losing to the urge. But then, he always did with art. Just like with Ty, it seemed. Did that make Ty his art? The mug settled onto the coffee table, and he was reaching for the bag. At least art didn’t have a cocky grin.

“Just try it and see how that turns out for you,” Ty’s voice was flat.

But it lacked a familiar edge from Sam’s past. He stared with his hand floating frozen in the air. The glimmer in Ty’s gaze spoke of hunger that wasn’t related to the plates in hand. Sam dropped his hand. A sour expression surfaced.

Smug as anything, Ty walked over, “that’s right I win.”

“Insufferable,” he muttered.

“But hot and I have food,” Ty claimed the seat next to Sam.

He took the plate.

Ty was looking at him, “you’re not denying my hotness.”

Without looking up from the plate, “I’m highly food motivated.”

Ty snickered, and Sam hid a grin within his food.

When Ty’s phone began to ring, he set his plate on his knee so that he could answer. His free hand found the back of Sam’s head to play with his hair. Sam batted the hand away.

“Hey Jaz,” Ty’s voice was warm and happy, bringing Sam’s gaze to him. Damn him for noticing Sam’s annoyance at that. Ty silently taunted. Then, his expression shifted to mildly confused, “yah, he’s here.”

The phone was brought down, and Ty’s finger hit the speaker button. At Ty’s insistent look, he was indicating that Sam was supposed to talk. He did, “yah?”

“Hey, my guy,” her sweet voice carried over.

His face fell flat, “I’m not anyone’s…”

“You are,” she assured him.

“Mine, remember?” Ty spoke.

“Sam,” she said his name with emphasis, “I’m just checking up on my guy to make sure he’s behaving. And to see how you’re feeling?”

“So, am I your guy or is he?” Sam glared at the phone.

Ty mouthed the word, jealous.

He gave Ty the finger, which Ty then kissed. Snatching his hand away, all he could do was ineffectually stare dumbfounded! Which of course amused Ty more.

“You both are,” she let them know with amusement. “Sam?”

Sam was staring at Ty, fighting to be expressionless and emotionless. Ty nodded, a prompt for him to answer. Piqued, he did, “he’s taking advantage of me, Jaz.”

“Ty!”

“What the hell?” Ty laughed.

Petulant was his tone, “forced me to do things I don’t want to do.”

“You are dead meat, Ty,” Jaz was warning him.

Ty lifted the phone to speak clearly to the both of them, “he saw a doctor.”

“I didn’t see a medical license,” he pointed out with a shrug.

“That’s Guy,” Geo’s voice came over the phone. “If he’s good enough for my brother, he’s too good for you.”

“I actually agree with that,” Sam looked pointedly at Ty.

“I don’t,” Ty argued back.

Jaz agreed, “me neither. Ty, you’d better behave yourself.”

“Why am I in the doghouse still?”

“Because Sam is mine, and you’re making him uncomfortable. I’ll come as soon as I can to save you Sam.”

“He deserves what he gets,” Geo remarked.

Ty disconnected the call. His gaze was intense, “he sure does.”

Sam popped a bite of hashbrown into Ty’s mouth to stop him right there.

“You’ve been gone for days. I was starting to think I lived alone,” Pey looked up from his phone. He was stretched out on his bed wasting time watching videos. “Can’t believe you came back.”

Sam had a rebuttal, “can’t believe you’re alone in your bed.”

Pey gave mock laughter as he sat up, “why you here?”

“Complaining already?”

“Aww, who can complain with that charm?”

He claimed his bed. Back propped against the wall, he avoided the question at hand, “I’m headed to the theatre before morning class. You wanna come?”

Pey shook his head, “can’t. I’m meeting Court at the track. He wants to get some action shots.”

“You playing tonight?”

“Yep, wanna grab supper? Or you got a hot date tonight?”

Sam gave a fleeting glare. He evaded again, “I’ve got some big assignments coming due. I’ll hit the library after classes. Don’t bring a hookup back, cuz I’m coming back here later.”

“Should you be at the library alone?” There’d been a hint of a serious tone. It was gone with the next line, “will your boyfriend let you be alone?”

“Will you stop talking about him!”

“I find it interesting that you’re not denying the relationship status,” Peyton claimed a spot on Sam’s bed next to him. Leaning back against the wall, he cautioned, “I want you to see something, but don’t get mad. Just look.”

Feeling apprehensive, he stared mutely. Pey took it as a good sign. He went immediately into the photos on his phone. Sam’s countenance was growing darker. An image of him on the very bed they sat upon filled the screen.

“Pey,” he ground the warning out.

Pey raised a hand in defense, “just wait. This is you when we started school. Here you are avoiding the Freshie BS you hate. Here you are working on your art.”

“Peyton,” he reiterated the caution with a firm tone.

But his friend was swiping to bring up the next image, “and this is the picture of you with Ty on the bleachers.”

He had to stretch the image to get a good view of his face.

“Look,” Pey was looking at him. “This is the only one where you’re smiling. It’s the first time in all the years I’ve known you that I’ve seen you genuinely smile. And I’m not even exaggerating.”

Sam stared at the image. It wasn’t that he didn’t see Pey’s point. It was just that something else had his attention, “did you take that picture?”

“Yah,” the sarcasm was thick, “cell phones come with telephoto lenses now, so I didn’t have to leave the bar.”

Despite the annoying sarcasm, it was a good point.

“I took this one down right away,” was the needed assurance.

He took the phone to move the picture back to its original state. His darkened eyes continued to stare, “why do you have pictures of me?”

He sent the picture over a text, which confused his friend.

“I knew it was a risk showing you. Delete them if you want,” Pey was resting back heavily into the wall. “I haven’t shared them with anyone.”

He dropped the phone down to look sidelong in pointed question.

Pey chuckled, “it’s normal to have pictures of our friends. People that mean something to us. We won’t be this age forever, and it’ll be nice to be able to look back. Photos are a way to recall those memories we’d otherwise lose. I can’t believe you need this explained to you.”

Sam toyed with the phone in his hand. It had gone dark. The hesitation was heavy. Heavier was the sigh as he turned it back over, “don’t let anyone see those.”

“I can really keep them?” Ridiculous hope rang in that voice.

Sam grimaced with a sidelong look, “I ever see them again, you’ll be begging to forget me.”

“Understood,” he raised his hands to ward him off. Then, Pey moved back to his own bed. Leaning back against the wall, he raised a question, “you know what would have been good?”

Sam looked over, expressing quiet interest.

Pey continued, “if we’d taken a photo of the two of us on the bed and sent it where you sent the other one.”

Sam grinned, “would serve him right.”

Pey only looked at him with amusement, choosing not to comment upon the fact that Sam wasn’t taking him up on the offer and wasn’t denying he’d sent Ty the other photo.

“So, why’d you come back?” Pey was back to scrolling on his phone.

He kept a sigh internal, “I needed some books for class.”

Pey got up. Without asking, he began gathering the books Sam would need. Annoyed by the treatment, Sam got up. He’d rather stay in bed until the throbbing in his ankle subsided. But he would push through because he wasn’t about to say anything out loud. He pulled the bag from the foot of his bed to begin stuffing it with some of the books Pey was tossing his way. From the flimsy table next to his bed, he pulled more wraps for his hand. They went into his bag as well. When he could find a moment alone, he would replace the one he was wearing.

It was only with Pey’s help that he was able to get back on his feet. It bothered him just how much pain was radiating from his ankle. But like all pain, he would keep this inside. The pressure of him leaning into Pey was the only indication that he was hurting.

They headed for the stairs. It would be a slow process to get down. But determination and a strong railing helped. Pey’s banter about the stunts was also helpful. He was secretly glad for his friend.

“You really coming back here tonight?” Pey wasn’t teasing this time.

He’d caught the meaning, and for some reason responded, albeit sullenly, “it’ll be late. I’m not asking him to pick me up.”

“Yah,” Pey was laughing softly, “I don’t think Ty’s the type to care about the time.”

“I do,” he glared. “And the dorm is closer.”

“You’re already leaning heavily on me bro. Your foot is going to be a football by the time class is over. How are you going to make it till tonight?”

“Not your problem,” he bit out.

The bottom of the stairs was a glorious sight! Until he looked up and the magic was gone. Close to the doors, Ty was standing with a group of girls. They were laughing and playing with their hair. One of them lightly tapped his arm playfully.

Pey leaned closer to whisper, “you mad that he’s here, or that he’s flirting?”

“That’s not how he flirts,” was the grumbled reply.

“Jealous,” Pey mocked.

“I am not…”

“Ty!”

“Son of a…” He glared at his so-called friend, “you did this to yourself.”

Ty spotted Pey with his arm around Sam, which is when Pey finally got it. Quickly, he pushed Sam’s body a step away. It made Sam smile. As Ty walked up, Pey was already defending, “friend only! Like a little brother, there’s nothing more going on.”

The smile was gone, and the look in Sam’s eye was distant. The bag on his shoulder was taken, bringing him back to the present. There was no point grabbing his bag back. He shifted his hold to Ty’s shoulder.

“You know,” his voice was dry, “Pey’s got some good muscles. He’s more than capable of helping me walk.”

Ty’s head turned slowly to him. A thumb and bent finger touched his chin to ensure eye contact was held.

Cruel was the edge within his grin, “I told you I didn’t need to be picked up.”

“I will physically pick you up to prove a point,” Ty cautioned him.

Because it wasn’t a bluff, he gave in. Hand now holding Ty’s so that his chin was released, Sam still held eye contact, “just walk.”

Chuckling to himself, Pey was already moving off. Talking more loudly than he needed to, “I’ll leave you to your boyfriend then.”

“I can make this a lot worse for you,” Sam warned his friend!