Crip walks slowly back towards the house. He left a little annoyed this morning but now...he just wanted to see Victors face.

Donny probably only told him, because Victor himself would never talk about it..he was just like that.

He finally reaches the door, and heads inside, finding Victor at the table, his head in his hands. He probably didn't sleep much...Crip didn't either.

Crip: "Good morning.." he says softly, making Victor look up. His eyes looked tired, but he didn't look like he did last night.

Victor: "Hey Crip..listen, I wanna apologize for yesterday. I had no right to act like I did. I'm sorry."

Crip can't help but smile a bit.
Crip: "I understand why you did..you just wanted to protect me."

Victor looks away a bit guilty, then stands from his chair and walks over to Crip, looking down at him.

Victor: "That, and...I was letting my jealousy get the better of me."

Crip: "Jealousy?"

Victor: "The truth is, I just want you all for myself..I've never felt so protective and attached to someone before..I really do love you, and not just because of the sex..I love you, because you're you. You're special.."

Crips eyes widen a bit. That's probably the nicest thing anyone's ever said to him.

Victor: "-but I know, you sleep with other men..I know, you'll always go back to the gangs..I know..I thought hard about it last night, and...I don't care, what I have to do to stay by your side..I'll do anything..so, you can use me, if you want."

Crip: "Use you? Victor..I don't want that at all.."

Victor: "It's fine, really..I'll be your toy..your weapon..anything, if it means I can stay by your side."

How beautiful..this man, torn apart, broken down, with this illness that makes him bald all over...he's something entirely new. Something different. Something...wonderful.

Crip: "Victor..."

Victor doesn't speak another word, doesn't even try to touch him.

Crip: "I feel like you're the only one who could ever understand me..."

Victors eyes widen a bit. Did he catch that?

His blue eyes then narrow back softly.

Crip: "I've never felt comfort with anyone before...even my cousin Edgar, can't know the real me, but you do know me and you still love me...I want to be with you."

Victors eyes widen again, and his jaw drops slightly before asking: "Really?"

Crip: "I don't want to be a toy for everyone anymore..so...would you protect me at all times? Come with me everywhere? Take me with you?"

Victor: "Of course-"
He says a little too hasty. Crip could tell he was excited, and honestly...Crip was too. To stop letting everyone take his body, and only belong to Victor made him feel so..clean, and satisfied..knowing how Victor felt about him, knowing how much Victor is willing to do to just be with him...Crip wanted to become only his.

Victor: "Everett.."

The soft voice breaks Crip out of his thoughts.

Victor: "You just made me the happiest I've ever been, little birdy."

Crip smiles, and Victor pulls him in for a hug.

Victor: "I'll protect you with all I have..I promise..and I swear I'll love you all my life."

Crips eyes tear up a bit..this feeling was almost overwhelming. He wanted to stay right here, forever, in Victors arms.