Trigger Warning: Talk about self-harm, yelling, etc.
Max had fallen asleep after the maid's kind assistance, but his rest was short-lived. He awoke an hour later to the sound of Valentino shaking him awake. Disoriented, Max jumped up, still too shaken to speak. Valentino's face was a mask of concern, but Max wasn't ready to talk—it was too soon, too raw.
Valentino's voice cut through the silence, firm and laden with worry. "I was very worried about you, you know that? One of my maids told me she helped you calm down from something huge. So, I'm asking you now—what happened?"
Max, feeling overwhelmed, just stared at the ground. He couldn't face Valentino, nor could he summon the words to explain. His gaze fixed intently on the floor, trying to avoid the confrontation.
"Tell me what's going on, Max," Valentino's voice grew more insistent, his patience wearing thin. "It shouldn't be this hard to answer."
Max finally met Valentino's eyes but didn't respond. Instead, he adjusted his hoodie and attempted to move toward the door. Valentino's frustration boiled over, and he reached out to grab Max's arms. That was the moment Valentino made a grave mistake.
Max cried out in pain as Valentino's grip, though not overly harsh, pressed against his wounds. The sharp cry of agony only fueled Valentino's anger. "What the fuck, Max? I didn't even grab you that hard!"
Max stumbled back, clutching his arms, avoiding Valentino's gaze. Valentino, now deeply troubled, stood up and followed Max. He cornered him, his presence intimidating and unyielding. Max whimpered, and Valentino's gaze softened as he gently touched Max's arm. The realization hit Valentino hard—Max had been self-harming.
Without a word, Valentino yanked the hoodie off Max, his eyes scanning for the damage. Max's tears flowed freely, his body trembling. When Valentino ordered him to turn around and strip to his boxers, Max complied, revealing a canvas of scars—his thighs, upper arms, forearms, wrists, and chest marred by countless cuts. Valentino's heart sank seeing the full extent of Max's pain.
Valentino's expression shifted from anger to profound sympathy. His frustration dissolved into sorrow. Gently, he helped Max get dressed and guided him back to the bed. They sat in silence, the room heavy with unspoken words. Max's quiet sobs broke the silence, and Valentino wiped his tears with the sleeve of his own hoodie.
After several minutes, Valentino broke the silence, his voice barely a whisper. "Did I make you do this? Was I too hard on you?"
Max shook his head, his voice choked with guilt and sadness. "No, Val. No, you didn't. I'll explain later. I'm sorry I made you worry. I didn't think you'd find out. I'm so sorry."
Valentino's own tears fell as he heard Max's broken apology. He moved closer, enveloping Max in a tender embrace. He whispered comforting words, running his fingers through Max's hair, hoping to offer some semblance of solace. "It's okay, baby. We'll get through this. I'm here for you."
Max clung to Valentino, his cries unabated. Valentino continued to murmur reassurances, holding Max close. They lay down together, Valentino's presence a small beacon of comfort in the storm of Max's despair. Valentino's gentle touch and soft whispers were meant to calm Max, to let him feel loved and secure.
As the minutes passed, Valentino's soothing words and the rhythmic motion of his hand through Max's hair seemed to help. Max's sobs gradually lessened, his breathing evening out. Valentino's arms, strong and supportive, cradled him, providing the emotional anchor Max so desperately needed. Valentino knew that healing would be a long journey, but in this moment, he was committed to helping Max take the first steps toward recovery.
In the quiet of their shared space, Valentino held Max close, whispering promises of a better tomorrow and assuring him of his unwavering love. As Max's breathing steadied, he finally succumbed to the embrace of sleep, feeling safe for the first time in a long while. Valentino remained by his side, determined to support Max through the darkness and into the light of a new day.
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The Change|| BxB
Mystère / ThrillerREWRITTEN - 2024. Meet Max Grover, an 18-year-old who decides to step into his family's business, thinking it's the right move for his life. Little does he know, his decision thrusts him into the world of Valentino Rose, the Mafia boss who now cont...
