New Beginnings (Zombie and Exellda) [18+]

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

For the next two months, Jonathan took it upon himself to check up on Daniel periodically, make sure he had what to eat and his apartment was clean. It helped him, too. Knowing that he had someone to take care of got him out of bed, got him moving around... Most importantly, it made him feel like he was good for something. Jonathan gladly walked Daniel to wherever he needed, or even just for a simple walk. He found himself spending more and more time with the man, he truly did enjoy his company. Hell, Jonathan even dared to take Daniel out for dinner a couple of times. He was entering the world again, and... He found himself enjoying it.

 

It was somewhere around three at night when his phone rung. Being roused from sleep so not gently, Jonathan was more than a little cranky. His voice hoarse, the man answered after finally managing to grab his phone. The tone of Daniel's voice he was greeted with quickly woke him up. The man was whispering desperately, clearly terrified. He claimed there was a thief in his apartment. Jonathan promised to call the police and come himself as quickly as possible. As he was saying this, the man was already getting dressed. He knew there wasn't anything he wouldn't do to make Daniel feel safe and protected. That was what he was there for. And Daniel... Daniel made him feel wanted. Made him feel like less of a failure. He found it to be a fair trade.

 

When he got to Daniel's house, the door was ajar. So it really was true. The police weren't here yet... Why was it taking them so long? Jonathan walked inside, as quietly as possible - even though that wasn't necessary. The yelling and crashing coming from Daniel's bedroom was enough to drown out his steps and breathing. "Wha'cha gonna do now? Huh? You can't do shit when there's a gun pointed at you!" The words Jonathan heard made his heart drop. Was he really being held at gun point? He couldn't just leave the poor man like that. "Tell me where you keep your money or I'll shoot you. I'm not kidding." The unfamiliar voice sounded, well, to say the least - terrifying.

 

Jonathan peeked into the room, feeling his muscles relax as there was no gun in sight. "Give me all of your money. Now." The thief's voice turned into a threatening growl, which made Jonathan's skin crawl. There was no way Daniel could deal with that. Jonathan's head was beginning to throb with anger. Really... Picking on a blind guy. He swung the door open, no longer bothered with staying silent. "Get away from him." Jonathan hissed out, genuinely glad to see the thief jump, clearly unable to think of what to do next. There was no escape from this room, the only exit was past Jonathan... And comparing their bodies, it would be impossible for the scrawny thief to get out. He was as good as dead.

 

Jonathan didn't hold back. He'd started going to the gym again, where he often vented his frustration, but this would do just as well. In a couple of wide steps, he got to the thief, gripped him by his collar before mercilessly hitting the side of his head with his fist, knocking the guy out cold. Inhaling deeply, Jonathan let his body fall down onto the floor before hurriedly turning around, getting to Daniel. "Hey, are you okay? Did he hurt you?" He asked in a voice so soft, it was barely believable he was the same person who just made a guy pass out with his bare hands. "Don't worry. The police will be here soon. Everything's fine." He muttered softly, pulling his friend into a warm hug, holding his body against his own. "I'm here. There's nothing to be scared of now."

[Exellda]

To think... That two months had passed so quickly. Over the course of two months, Daniel had been enjoying his time with Jonathan... more and more... They have been hanging out a lot, They've been spending more time together. Jonathan regularly checked up on him. His company alone made each day worth living. It really was comforting to have a friend... Jonathan had even taken him out to dinner... Which, he told himself he wouldn't get romantically involved... They agreed to be friends... but damn, the more Daniel was around Jonathan, he couldn't help but to feel something for him. However, Daniel tried to keep his growing feelings in check...

 

---

 

Crash.

 

Daniel had no idea what time it was. The blind male awoke, startled by the sudden noise. For a moment, it was completely quiet and Daniel thought he dreamed the sound. Then he heard another sound, which startled him again, a frightened yelp escaped him. In the moment, he didn't really know what to do. It sounded like someone was in his home! In a panic, he reached over to his dresser, feeling around desperately for his phone. As soon as he had the phone within his grasps, he fumbled with it for a moment and on instinct he called Jonathan. As soon as he thought he heard the other male pick up, Daniel let out a shaky breath. "Jonathan..! H-Hey... I think- I think someone is in my home. A thief maybe? Someone's here!" Daniel's voice was somewhat hushed, shaking and uncertain. As soon as he heard Jonathan's reassurance that he would arrive soon, Daniel reluctantly hung up.

 

What should I do? Daniel clutched his blankets, momentarily pulling them to his chest. He flinched as he heard another noise... It sounded like someone was breaking his stuff out there! Daniel felt the need to get out of bed, maybe if he could lock the door, it would slow the intruder... So that's what Daniel did. As quietly as he could, Daniel slipped out of bed. The blind male was quick to head for his bedroom door, quickly closing it and locking it. Unfortunately that attracted the intruder. "Who's there!?" A male's voice called out, getting closer now. Daniel found himself nearly falling over as he quickly backed away from the door just after he heard the other male violently slam against it. This almost felt like he was having a memory... Horrible memories of his father... Chasing him... Locking the door... His father threatening to beat him, possibly kill him.

 

There was nowhere Daniel could hide... Even if he wanted to. He was scared, so very scared right now... Fearing that the intruder would knock his door open, Daniel did the best he could, crouching down as small as he could, arms covering his face as he brought his knees to his chest. No, no, no... No... This was not happening... Please no... Let this be a nightmare, please let it be a dream! A soft scared whine escaped Daniel as he heard another loud thump against his door. "I know you're in there! I'm coming for you... And if I don't get what I came here for... I'll kill you for sure!" Slam! Daniel stopped breathing... It sounded like his door broke! If he wasn't already shaking, he really was now! "You might as well come out with your hands up-" The man growled, throwing something. Daniel was frozen in place. He was too scared to move, even when he heard the footsteps coming right at him-

 

Suddenly Daniel found himself kicked in the side, the air in his lungs being forced out as he fell over. In a coughing fit there was no way that Daniel would have been able to stop- a blunt object made contact with his forehead. "P-Please- Leave... Leave me a-alone..!" He managed to rasp out, clearly still out of breath. He could feel tears burning the corners of his eyes. He was beyond freaked out, a strange man, a thief trying to steal whatever he could get.

 

"Wha'cha gonna do now? Huh? You can't do shit when there's a gun pointed at you!" The words had Daniel tearing up, "Tell me where you keep your money or I'll shoot you. I'm not kidding." Daniel cowered in fear, a silent sob escaping him as he silently wished that someone would save him. "Give me all of your money. Now." The thief's voice turned into a threatening growl. So this was it, huh..? He was going to die before help arrived...

 

The glorious sound of Jonathan's voice filled his ears and gave him hope. His heart literally skipped a beat. Was that really Jonathan? Oh thank goodness... He could only hope that Jonathan could handle the intruder... With a gun! "J-Jonathan..." Daniel said rather weakly, trying to warn his friend and keep him out of harms way. There was a struggle, between Jonathan and the thief- Daniel managed to lug himself up, standing up but still very much shook. He could only hope that Jonathan would be able to save him. And by the sound of it, the struggle was short. Oh... Who won..? Daniel was speechless, too afraid to call out to Jonathan, that is, if it was him.

 

As he heard the steps approach him quickly, on instinct, Daniel covered his face with his arms... But upon hearing Jonathan's warm voice... Finally, the other male's warmth surrounded him like a much needed security blanket. Daniel was still shaking and sniffling, it still kind of hurt to breathe... But he was sure it would pass. The blind male carefully pulled down his arms revealing his face which had a bump on the right corner of his forehead that was bleeding a little, nothing too serious it seemed. Although Daniel didn't seem to know that he was even bleeding. Everything that just happened reminded him of the years he lived with his father... Constant torture, really... Only thing different was that someone was there to save him...

 

"Jonathan..! You saved me." Daniel said, tears still effortlessly falling from his eyes as he wrapped his arms around the bigger male. He was so thankful that he had someone like Jonathan in his life...

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan slowly began rocking Daniel's body in his arms, shushing him softly. "You're fine. Everything's alright. You don't have to be scared." He whispered soothingly, glaring down with disgust at the unmoving figure laying on the ground. His eyes slowly moved back to Daniel, focusing on the bleeding bump on his forehead. "...He hurt you?" He asked, trying to mask his anger. As gently as he could, Jonathan brought one hand to the other's forehead, lightly brushing away the blood before pressing the cut here and there, waiting to see the younger's reactions. It didn't seem too serious, but it could still get infected. "Come with me. I'll take care of this." He muttered, pressing a light kiss to the side of his head. Even if he didn't consider them a couple, Jonathan didn't shy away from forehead kisses at the very least. They could be found as platonic, after all.

 

Jonathan led them both into the bathroom, seating Daniel down on the edge of the tub. He found some disinfectant and a big plaster. "This may sting a bit." He warned the other in a soft, hushed voice as he began tapping a cotton pad soaked in the disinfectant against his wound. Once that was done, he put the band-aid over it, letting out a soft sigh. The man leaned in closer, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. "Did he hurt you somewhere else?" He asked in the same soft voice, using his thumb to wipe away any tears that were still on Daniel's face. "I'll make sure he goes to jail, alright? I'm really glad you called me." He added quietly, gently running his fingers through the other's hair.

 

In a bit, police sirens could be heard outside. Jonathan brought out the thief, throwing him down on the ground in front of a policeman. After questioning Jonathan, the officer went on to ask Daniel some questions as well, while Jonathan stood by his side both as en emotional support and to make sure the officer didn't try anything. Everything was taken care of fairly quickly and the policemen left along with the thief. "You have to go back to sleep." Jonathan muttered out, pulling Daniel against himself lightly. "I can stay if you want." He suggested, slowly patting his hair. He wanted to take care of Daniel... But he was blind to the blind man's feelings towards him. Wasn't it ironic? Jonathan didn't even think that there could still be any romantic feelings between them. It just didn't seem possible.

[Exellda]

He felt so scared... Daniel could feel himself shaking despite Jonathan trying to comfort him. It made him feel better, to hear his voice, to be held, everything. The blind male felt happy that he had someone to look after him in his time of need. How would he ever be able to thank him? Daniel's brows furrowed when Jonathan touched his forehead. "Ow." He said softly, sniffling because he still hadn't fully calmed down. He almost forgot that something hit his head, it all happened so fast, his adrenaline was still going high. There was something in Jonathan's voice, just a hint of it, that sounded angry or possibly upset. Daniel had learned to listen very closely to everyone's tone of voice, especially when they were talking about him or to him.

 

After a soft kiss was pressed to his forehead, Daniel let Jonathan lead him somewhere- Which turned out to be his bathroom. Their 'platonic' relationship made Daniel feel both happy to have Jonathan around and somewhat... What was the correct wording? To put it simple terms, Daniel was feeling sad for himself, feeling a little guilty and feeling that he was the one being selfish... but his feelings just wouldn't go away. His feelings wanted something more between them, but he knew better than that. Daniel knew that Jonathan was more comfortable around him if, and only if, they were being platonic. The blind male swore to himself that he wouldn't press for more, he wouldn't ask for anything else and he certainly wouldn't guilt trip Jonathan into staying with him. It would happen one day, Daniel was sure, Jonathan would leave him...

 

The smaller male let a out a hiss of pain when Jonathan disinfected his wound. He was use to small cuts by now, however they were not usually on his forehead. That was another thing, ever since Jonathan started to hang out with him, Daniel hadn't cut once. That was something to be happy about. After Jonathan placed a band aid over his wound, Jonathan had given his another kiss, this time on the top of his head. Daniel almost felt like a child... Oh... There would never be a chance if that's truly how Jonathan saw him. Good thing the adrenaline made him feel numb. It felt like Jonathan was trying to make him feel better. Honestly, Daniel wasn't sure what to feel anymore, especially in this situation. He wanted to say that he appreciated Jonathan and everything that he's done for him but he just found it incredibly hard to speak right now.

 

On one hand, Daniel wanted to mention that his side was still hurting. It didn't feel like anything was broken and surely he wasn't bleeding or Jonathan would have noticed by now. On the other hand, Daniel was overly conscious about the scars running across his stomach. There was that one time Jonathan had seen them. Still, Daniel really didn't want to lift up his shirt to show Jonathan the possible dark bruise that was now there. His gut told him that Jonathan hated to look at his scars... Everyone did, even if the ones across the front of him was not by his own hands.

 

The police didn't arrive soon enough, honestly. If the other male hadn't shown up, Daniel might have been dead by now. His mind wasn't sure if that would have been a blessing or not. The questioning seemed to blur for Daniel. After everything was said an done, Daniel just felt completely drained. The other man was right, he should go back to sleep... Guess it wasn't the morning? Well that's nice and dandy but the blind male wasn't sure he could fall asleep. Then he stiffened when Jonathan pulled him closer. It wasn't that he disliked being held by Jonathan- it just hurt right now. His side was still tender from being hit. Funny thing was that just like his side, Daniel was hurt emotionally, and just like his injury, he didn't want Jonathan to see it. It was kind of obvious that Daniel was hurting as a pained expression flashed across his face briefly. Not only that, the blind male held a hand to his side briefly, rubbing it softly before slowly pushing Jonathan away. Who would have thought that Daniel would feel hurt being near Jonathan?

 

While Daniel did know that Jonathan wanted to help him, this was beginning to be a problem for him. The man was awfully sweet, caring and just... a wonderful man... Daniel really didn't deserve him. A frown settled onto blind male's face. "You don't have to stay." Why would he even want to stay? His home was probably, literally, a mess now... thanks to the thief. His house and well, himself, they were both a mess right now. Emotionally, Daniel had conflicted interests... He wanted to push Jonathan away, both physically and emotionally so that he wouldn't get hurt... And yet, Daniel just wanted to be held and comforted... Then again if Jonathan left, he could fall apart in peace- at the same time he wanted Jonathan there just so he could keep himself together. Being with Jonathan would slowly tear him apart if something didn't change. Daniel both wanted it to tear him apart but at the same time wanted to back away and protect himself.

 

On top of it all, these last couple of days Daniel had felt more depressed than usual. When he was with Jonathan, he tried to keep himself together the best he could. When he was alone, Daniel felt like doing nothing. He felt no ambition. He felt the need to cut but he refrained, knowing that Jonathan would be upset with him. There was this voice that sometimes would echo in the back of his mind, 'Who cares? Who cares what Jonathan thinks?' He would then sit down and for about an hour, he'd rub his arms unconsciously out of habit while he sat in thought.

 

Right now, as Daniel is reflecting and lost in his thoughts, the blind male was rubbing his arms in a repetitive motion. Daniel did this whenever he was lost in thought or had something on his mind. He didn't know what he should say to Jonathan right now. The conflict going on inside his mind just couldn't come up with a solution.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan didn't even realize that Daniel wanted to get away from him for a couple of moments. He stared down at the other with a greatly confused gaze, his hand slowly dropping to his side. What?.. Why did he pull away? This didn't make sense. Did he do something wrong? No, he didn't. This was how he always acted. If it had been wrong, Daniel would have told him before. It... It just confused Jonathan to no ends.

 

"What?.. No, I'm staying. I want to. I won't leave you alone after tonight." He insisted, although his heart ached the longer he looked at the younger man. Jonathan's lips parted only to close again a couple of times before he finally dared to ask, "Did I... Do something wrong?" His voice was quiet, he seemed a little bit hurt. "Daniel, you're acting weird. You know you can talk to me. I'm here for you. Please..." Jonathan muttered out, lightly taking the other's hand, moving it away from his arm after watching him rub it for a little while. "What's wrong? We can... Sit down, and talk about whatever's bothering you. I'm sorry if I hurt you somehow, I don't even... I don't know how, please tell me." He pleaded softly, desperation beginning to show itself in his voice as he spoke.

 

Jonathan was getting so much better these past few days. He actually found a new apartment, he was in the middle of moving into it. He had a job interview in a couple of days, he was trying so hard to return to normal life - and he wouldn't have done anything without Daniel. The man was his support these past couple of months. He appreciated their friendship so much... And, quite frankly, he didn't even consider doing anything more. He didn't feel ready, not yet. Perhaps his thoughts about his ex-wife became less frequent, less depressing, but he was far away from being able to get into a proper relationship. Even if he tried to, it most likely wouldn't work out well. He would get stressed, his depression would get to him again, and worst of all, he could begin drinking again just to try and deal with the pressure. He wouldn't be able to do this, but perhaps Daniel didn't understand it, just as Jonathan didn't even think of the possibility of there being more than platonic feelings.

[Exellda]

This really was difficult for him. Having someone who actually reached out to him in his time of need. Strange, that's what Daniel wanted to call it, and yet, it was nice. The blind male found himself grateful to have someone like Jonathan in his life. And yes, it did hurt that the possibility of them two being any closer was probably zero... However... Jonathan was much more than a possible relationship. Daniel didn't have very many of them, but Jonathan was also becoming a very reliable friend. Most people take people like Jonathan for granted.

 

It was just hard for Daniel to accept that someone as nice as Jonathan would want to be around him. And... hearing him so distraught... hearing Jonathan say that he wanted to be there, to support him and comfort him. Feelings aside. Daniel felt like shit for making Jonathan worry so much and for making him sound so hurt. The blind male couldn't bare to think what Jonathan looked like right now- and for what? For Daniel being bullheaded and difficult. The easiest course of action would be to open up, which Daniel always struggled with, and communicate with Jonathan what was going on, running through his mind.

 

Sure, there was the option of getting Jonathan to leave and falling apart once he was gone... But... Daniel was getting really tired of feeling so weak all of the time. He wanted to be able to tell Jonathan that he was improving- that their platonic relationship really was helping him. It was, its just that Daniel still struggled with his depression. There were plenty of happy days, just as there were sad days. Now that he thought about it, he had promised to be Jonathan's support... So How was he even helping the other man when he couldn't even help himself? Jonathan really was too good for him.

 

With a shaky breath, Daniel squeezed Jonathan's hand lightly. He couldn't keep the man waiting forever. "I'm... Sorry I am so difficult to work with." He said at first. Nothing would change if he didn't try to make things better. It would be difficult, but Daniel would try to open up more to his friend. The blind male nods, tugging on the warm hand that held his. "You didn't do anything wrong..." Jonathan was there for him, he had to reassure himself... Jonathan said so himself, he was going to be there... And Daniel really hoped Jonathan would always be there. "Can we sit down, then?" He knew that Jonathan wouldn't say no. Soon he found himself sitting on his couch and still holding onto Jonathan's hand.

 

"Sorry I pushed you away a bit ago, I know you didn't mean to but my side hurts like hell from being kicked from earlier." As he said this, his free hand went to his side, rubbing it lightly. He felt like he was swelling up a little. "I neglected to mention it because... I am afraid to let you see it. It would require me to lift my shirt and I know people don't like to see any of my scars... I'm just so conscious about them that's why I only wear long-sleeved shirts..."

 

Before he could allow Jonathan to say anything, he continued, "I'm also conflicted because... Well, Jonathan, I like you a lot because you're so supportive. You're such a good friend, probably the best I've ever had... You haven't left me yet, so I'll take that as a good sign, I think... I just feel like I don't deserve something so nice... You know? I have these thoughts every once in a while. And I can't believe you would want to hang out with me... You're so kind and thoughtful... I want to be there for you too..." Daniel laughed weakly, "But how can I when I can barely help myself?"

 

Daniel leaned back into the couch. "Lately... I've also been struggling with my depression. I'm trying to keep going, I really am. You keep me going, Jonathan, you really do... I... have wanted to cut." He admitted, "But I didn't. I think of you... I also think of how disappointed you would be in me... and I want to try to be better, I want to break the habit, I really do. I'm getting better, I feel. But... But..." Daniel's brows furrow as he let out another heavy sigh. It was difficult for him to open up, but when he did, he felt a little better.

 

"I sometimes feel like life is telling me to give up..." He also admitted. "I don't know why, but things haven't been going so well for me. There's something else that I haven't mentioned at all to you. It's one of the reasons I don't have much food, other than when we eat together. I haven't been able to pay my rent- the last two or three times? I've been short each time. The only reason I haven't been kicked out yet is because the landowner's wife keeps giving me a break. Sadly, something like this has happened before and I think I have a hunch as to where my money is going. Whenever I get paid after a gig, the guys I work with split the money. Bet that bastard has been stealing hundreds from me, without me realizing it. The money I get from there, usually goes into paying for rent and food. However, the next morning after I got paid I went right to the landlord to go pay... And he told me I was short again and that 'you can't keep doing this Daniel, you either pay up or get kicked out. Sorry, but it's business'. I have to make rent this month..."

 

"On top of that, just when it couldn't get any worse, a thief decided that he wanted to ransack my home." Daniel scoffed, "As if I have anything really worth stealing anyway... Don't have money. Don't have a fancy T.V. Barely have food... What is there to steal? Honestly..." Daniel exhaled slowly and then inhaled. He was silent for a moment before saying, "That's kinda what I am dealing with... Sorry for rambling... Thanks for listening..." He mumbled quietly.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan's lips pursed into a tight frown. "Don't apologize." He muttered out quietly before leading him over to sit down on the couch. He kept his distance, just in case the other didn't want to be touched again. He left his hand close to Daniel's however, just because he was so used to having some sort of body contact at all times when they were together. A few times while the man was talking, he opened his mouth to reply, but Daniel didn't stop for long enough to allow him any kind of response. At last, when he was certain that Daniel was done, Jonathan let out a quiet sigh, lightly rubbing his thigh as an attempt to comfort him.

 

"First of all, I wouldn't be disappointed if you cut yourself. I'd be upset, of course, but... I know you're trying. And as long as you keep trying, that's enough." He spoke softly, moving his hand to lightly stroke over Daniel's hair. "Secondly... From now on I'm going to act as your manager until you have enough money to hire one yourself. I'll make sure you get your share of the money." He muttered out reassuringly, letting out another quiet, quivering sigh. "And don't refuse this. You've helped me just as much as I've helped you. Okay? We... We deserve one another. You are giving me a new life. I'm finally moving on. I would probably still be an alcoholic if I hadn't met you. You've changed my life, Daniel."

 

Jonathan sniffled quietly, raising his hand up to rub at his eye slightly. "Show me where you're hurting. I... Do admit that I hate seeing your scars. It's incredibly upsetting to see them, especially when I know where they came from... But I want to help you more than I am afraid. I... I'll help you in any way you need. I'm here for you. Always." Jonathan spoke quietly, soothingly, resting his hand on Daniel's cheek. "I have a job interview on Friday. If I get the position, I'll be able to help you more financially... You can even move in with me. I... I want you to move in with me. Whenever you're ready."

 

Jonathan hoped he wasn't being too pushy. He hoped he wasn't coming off too strong. He appreciated their friendship more than anything else he had. He didn't want to lose it over some stupid actions or words. He wanted to keep Daniel close, by his side, for as long as possible. He wanted them to be together. He just... Wasn't sure he wanted to go anywhere else from their friendship. He didn't feel ready for anything romantic, not yet. It still ached a little bit when he thought about his ex-wife. He wasn't healed yet. He loved that woman way too much to forget her so easily.

[Exellda]

Well it looks like Jonathan beat him to it. Daniel didn't know what to think. The other male already knew him well enough to know that he would have declined his offer. The blind male felt kind of guilty... As if he dragged Jonathan into his situation. He had to be thankful though, Jonathan was really sticking his neck out for him right now... He was so caring. And Daniel had been so good about not harming himself, he was thankful that Jonathan could tell that he was trying and working really hard to get better. It was a relief to hear that coming from the other male. "Alright... I won't refuse..." Daniel said with a soft sigh, honestly he felt relieved. It wasn't everyday that he was offered this kind of support.

 

'We deserve one another.' That sentence in particular stuck out in Daniel's mind. He knew what Jonathan meant by saying that, and Daniel wasn't sure how he felt about it either. And yet he was really happy that he was able to help Jonathan, even a little bit. It was nice to hear that his efforts were working... Many times Daniel wasn't sure if he wasn't actually helping the other male, but hearing him admit that he was helping him made the blind male feel content.

 

Of course Daniel knew Jonathan was going to say something like that about his scars. Those who he willingly showed his scars, most could agree that his scars were scary. So while it did hurt his feelings that Jonathan was afraid of him, his scars... He understood that he wasn't exactly the prettiest thing to look at. Then Daniel found himself holding his breath when Jonathan mentioned getting a new job and that... he was offering to share a home with him? Daniel nearly thought he was hallucinating. Had he heard that right? What? He was actually nearly speechless."You... want me to move in with you..?" Daniel asked slowly, unsure of himself and what he heard. He was going to politely turn down Jonathan financially helping him out but... To live with him also? Oh wow..."I think living with me will be a hassle, won't it..? I'm sure I'd be a burden, more than I already am."

 

The blind male actually could feel himself tear up, again after he had just calmed down from earlier. "You're... too kind. Are you sure you even want to offer me that?" Daniel asked, wiping away a tear. He had been emotional all night, so it really wasn't hard to make him cry right now. Daniel felt weak for doing so, but he couldn't handle it anymore. His nerves were shot from the thief and now there was Jonathan who was making him feel all different kinds of emotions all at once. He just... Daniel was so unsure of everything. Daniel didn't feel human, he felt like he was some kind of neglected and abused object... "A-Are you sure you want to live with something you're afraid of..?"

 

Daniel placed a hand over his side, thinking about the scars that were there and how he wished that they would disappear- and how he still hurt from earlier. "You said it yourself that you're afraid of them, of me... And if you really want me to live with you, I have to know... You have got to be able to fight those fears, because living with me means that you'll probably see them, more of them and more often. He was referring to the ones that he always hid from everyone, including Jonathan... He was sure the other male would be very unhappy to see them. As for the ones on his abdominal area, he couldn't help that even if he wanted to. Those scars were created by his father, not him.

 

Now he felt more conscious of the scars that marked his skin. Daniel was unsure if he really wanted Jonathan to look now. However, he had the feeling that Jonathan wouldn't let him hide forever. So he asked one more time for good measure, "Are you sure you want to look at it? I'm sure it'll be fine, it's probably just bruised." Daniel felt like he was just making excuses. Yes, he really wanted to accept Jonathan's help, but his irrational fears and insecurities held him back. "...I'm sorry I'm being difficult, Jonathan... I guess I just don't know how to handle when someone is reaching out to me, trying to help me and actually sticking around. It's hard for me to trust, you know..?" He talked softly.

 

Daniel touched Jonathan's hand, softly rubbing his calloused fingers over the top of his hand. "...If I let let you look, will you promise not to run away?" His insecurities kept telling him that Jonathan would run away just like everyone else. The blind male was trying so hard to ignore these thoughts. He truly wanted to believe that Jonathan was better than that. No, Jonathan was here for him... Like he was now... Wasn't that enough? Daniel just feared that this was a dream, that Jonathan was a figment of his imagination.