Blood Commentaries

The Cracking

TW/ED

Drew sat on the sofa, smoking a bunt. The rain fell softly outside and made a pitter pattering on the roof.  Danny stood awkwardly in front of him, shifting from foot to foot. 

"Sit down," Drew muttered, "You're making weird tension."

"Sorry," Danny said hastily, plunking down beside Drew. He didn't know how to act when the two were alone. 

Drew exhaled a puff of smoke into a rather pungent sigh, then handed the bunt to Danny. Danny coughed on it and felt like a bit of a loser, but Drew didn't seem to notice. 

"So what's the problem?" Danny asked through chokes. 

Drew ran his hands up and down his pants like he was looking for something to say.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Sure I would."

"No, I don't think so." 

He took the bunt from between Danny's fingers. 

"You're doing it wrong, you know. You've got to let it sit in the back of you're mouth while you take in smoke and only breath it in with fresh air. Watch."

Danny watched as Drew demonstrated the smoking in slow motion. 

Danny tried again, this time only coughing a little. Drew rolled his bloodshot eyes. 

"Here, I'll just give you my exhale, mkay?"

"Oh- uh, yeah," Danny mumbled, trying to hide his flustering at that idea. 

Drew took a deep drag and leaned his face close to Danny's until their lips were barely touching and exhaled the skunky smoke into Danny's quivering mouth. 

"Oh," Danny said softly.

Drew leaned back, looking smug, but still distraught. He closed his eyes and said, "The only problem with spliff is that it makes you hungry."

"What's wrong with being hungry?" Danny asked, though a lurch in his stomach at the thought made him squeamish. He certainly found it annoying that he was more hungry than usual, but it was probably last minute puberty or something.

Drew looked pained. 

"I've been, like hungry. Like, too hungry," He said.

"Well you should probably eat," Said Danny.

"I can't," Drew said with a shake of his head, "Not much anyway."

"Why not?"

A tear fell from Drew's red eyes.

"It makes me feel... guilty, I guess."

"Drew," Danny said softly, "Are you... anorexic?"

Something shifted in Drew's expression. Like he was contemplating the idea. 

"Uhm, yeah I suppose that's it."

"Drew... That explains a lot. I mean it shows. I want to help you. Should I start eating meals with you and we work our way up? Send you motivational quotes? Or... should I get you real help?"

Drew shook his head quickly. 

"No, I... I do need you, Danny. But none of that is going to help."

"What can I do?"

Drew's face was awash with tears. Danny cautiously reached out and wiped them away. 

Suddenly Drew leaned in and pressed his chapped lips to Danny's. He tasted like licorice. 

Danny was completely taken aback, but kissed back. But Drew wasn't in his right mind, he remembered, and he pulled away. 

Drew leaned over Danny, breathing softly, but heavily as they stared into each others eyes. 

"It's going to kill me," He said. 

"You have me," Danny whispered, "It won't kill me."

But Drew's face paled, and his expression said it just might.