Collateral Damage (bxb)

9. Divided

A.N. This chapter begins from the perspective of Aidan.

Aidan, you are dragging this out more than it has to be. Why did you even think it was a good idea to bring him here, where you live? Do you not understand the danger it may cause!?

I think Ian will feel safe here and that I can best protect him in the case when they come for him. I am surprised that a mental holder has managed to get in the eye of the SBC so easily.

Isn't that the fucking point? You should have avoided him at all costs and just watched from afar.

Bringing him here can give us space and time needed to see what has happened and how we can help out. Ian has been through a lot, and I intend to help him.

Are you saying that you have forgotten?

The main goal is still in mind, but helping him out is the best course of action.

This isn't about our revenge, is it?

We have to get Ethan and resolve our little dichotomy, yes. But we don't have to use and throw Ian aside to do so.

This is about -

No matter how much Ian reminds me of him it does not change the fact that I have YOUR revenge and our little problem as a priority.

Aidan, don't underplay it. I know what's going on. You better watch yourself, or I'll whisk you away so there is no other option but that.

Focus, Aidan, focus. You've got this. You are here, in your apartment. Your computer sits in the corner, the bean bags are there next to the ugly little coffee table. Ground yourself and relax, you are in the real world, where gravity points downwards, where air resistance is a thing, and no spatial paradoxes exist. Time to grab the frozen vegetables and give them to him.

Do you think that it will stop me?

If I get pulled away, then I'll have to deal with the SBC spotting. Remember, they might be watching us now.

You don't need to be all safe and cozy in this apartment to do what I tell you to do.

I feel a little shudder run down my spine at what I can feel him say. There have been times where I was afraid of what he can do to me, but he wouldn't jeopardize my life, would he? The absence of his presence at what I am thinking is even more frightening. I guess I have no other option but to comply, be straightforward and get to the point.

I approach Ian and hand him the makeshift ice pack. "Here, sit down over there and put this to your face." I'll be honest that he does remind me of Sebastian.

I know that I haven't thought about him for a long time, but this moment brings back memories. Peter would not agree with me, but I miss him. Stop it, Aidan, forget about it. Remember why you are doing this!

I grabbed the can of caffeinated goodness from Ian and cracked it open to enjoy the taste before sitting down right across from him. After finishing a swig of liquid energy, I had to ask him. "So, what happened?" Nothing else, I'll ask him about it, and then he can go.

I could see Ian shift uncomfortably as he pressed the makeshift ice pack more to his painful cheek. At least the awful sight of the handprint there will go away. This must have been the first time that has happened.

Ian doesn't want to meet my eyes as he speaks. "J-jack hit me..."

I haven't officially met Jack or even know about him, but I have a clue about who he is. Ian doesn't need to know that, but I might move the conversation a little bit.