The Hero Killings

16

Asher was shaky, as they walked hand in hand back to the main house. Asher gulped as they entered through the door, bad memories flashing back to him. He closed his eyes tight trying to remember the good experiences, good memories. Carter quickly noted his movements and his panic. He quickly picked him up bridal style and carried him to his room. Asher laid his head on his shoulder and thought hard about his life, how he got there and how he could escape the darkness.

"Can we go after lunch?" He asked, he prayed Carter would agree, that he would let him get out as quickly as possible. Carter nodded with a smile, he loved seeing his hazel eyes and he sparkle of hope. He ruffled his colored hair and kissed him softly, kissed him carefully.

"Of course baby."

"Thank you." His voice cracked as he felt another sob escape his throat.

Carter nodded cuddling close to him. "You and I, its us, we will get through this all."

Asher smiled slightly thankful for the soft kisses and cuddles, Carter was changing but he knew everything about their relationship was toxic. If he had children he would never want them to be in a relationship with the kind of person Carter is or was, but yet he wouldn't remove himself from it. Part of it was a punishment for himself, the guilt he felt for hurting people even the evil ones, another was he was unsure if anyone else could love him with all the broken pieces. He was scarred with the names of others, he had been raped and had trauma around trusting people, he had seen death and eaten people. No one could want him. No one normal could want him.

He continued to lay his head on his chest, he needed to keep Carter on his good side, he knew even when it was accidental he could still snap fast. Carter continued to coo sweet nothings into his ear, he only hoped he could give him something to hold onto. The two sniffed the air, the usually woodsy sent of the space replaced with the smell of cooked meat. "Smells like lunch is being made, once its over we will go, and we do not ever have to return."

Asher took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief, he couldn't wait to go. The two headed to the kitchen slowly, he prayed that no one would hurt him, that he wouldn't be forced to eat the meat. Carter helped him into his chair, as the family came together Asher continued to shake, his foot tapping, Carter kissed his cheek trying to cheer him up. "Dont worry baby I love you, calm down."

Asher nodded and looked to his empty plate, Carter began to get him food he avoided any meat placing things like fruits and vegetables and a roll. Asher ate happily, he tried to ignore the plate of meat on the table, he could tell there was a mix of different kinds of meats on it. It was clear the largest bit was human meat, he shuttered trying to ignore the thought.

Carter kissed his cheek again, he planned to always love him and protect him. "Asher and I are going to go, thank you for letting us come by. We have things to do, I have somewhere I need to take him."

"But Carter you just came back to us," Anika begged.

"Momma I know," his southern drawl coming out, "but I have things I need to do, things that matter a lot."

"Carter."

"Mom, please, just let us go. If you dont be good about it I am willing to not come back." Asher looked to Carte with surprise, he wasn't expecting that. "I have to protect my family, he is mine, and he needs to go somewhere right now."

Anika thought for a moment before she nodded. "Always the man of the house."

"Yes," he replied with a smile taking Asher's hand in his. "I am always going to protect my family no matter what." The two nod to one another, he hugged his parents and spent time to say goodbye to his brother. "Lets go now love."

"Thank you." Asher managed out when they were finally in the car alone. "Really thank you."

"I will do anything I can for you." Carter replied as he started up the engine. "Lets go."