To wake up with an unfamiliar body beside me was frightening, because in my mind I always jumped to the worst of conclusions. But waking up beside Alexander seemed clear in my head, and it took only seconds for the memories of yesterday to flood back. Instantly, I scrambled to push away from Alex, but Alex awoke to gently grasp my sides and pull me back down. I struggled for a moment, then relaxed completely into Alex's arms.

"John, it's okay,"

I took a deep breath and tried to steady myself. "Are-are you..."

Alex pulled me across his lap and held me against his chest. "Tell me why you were cutting yesterday,"

I laughed weakly. "It's a bit of a story,"

Alex nodded. "I've got plenty of time,"

"My father hates gays. I'm gay, so he beats me, thinking that it'll change me. He's done it since I was sixteen, I'm twenty-one now. My father is coming tomorrow for a visit, and I'll be housing him here,"

Alexander's eyes widened. "No, John, get a restraining order on the bastard and never see him again! You don't deserve this!"

I slipped my cool hand over his mouth. "Shh. I'll be fine. I have a friend who's pretending to be my girlfriend for the visit, and as long as everything looks orderly, he'll come and go peacefully. You can't be around here though,"

Alex pressed his face against my hand, enjoying the touch. When he pulled back slightly, he grasped my arm and placed a kiss over my knuckles. "I expect that you'll contact me every night. Please,"

"I will," I whispered, then laid back down.

Red for beginnings.
Ginger for memories.
Charcoal to light the fuse.
Ivory to seal the fate.
Violet for the fading light.
Cobalt for a quiet promise.

AN: these updates are gonna get super short, but they'll be much more frequent. Give suggestions and check out my other books ❤️❤️