Princess of the universe // Hardzzellee

Chapter 14

Later that day, Joe had retreated to their office. He still had a lot of work to do and wanted to get it over with. Ben had been sitting in the garden for quite a while before Gwil walked outside.
"Everything alright?" Gwil asked while taking a seat next to Ben. His husband sighed. 
"Not really. The pain is quite bad, to be honest. I can't believe Joe was able to hide this amount of pain for years," Ben said. 
"I guess you learn to deal with it when you don't want anyone finding out," Gwil said.

"I thought beating the living shit out of Nathan would give me great satisfaction, but it didn't. Whenever I caught a glimpse of Joe, he was shivering in fear. It broke my heart."
"I am glad you were with him though. I hate to think what would've happened if you didn't step in," Gwil said. He knew that Nathan was capable of much more than the fight he just started. 
"Yeah, I guess that is true."
"What hurts the most?" Gwil asked while looking to his side to meet Ben's eyes.
"My hands, whenever I move my fingers, it hurts," Ben said while stretching his fingers before balling his hands into fists. Gwil stayed silent for a minute.
"There is nothing I can think of that might help that." 
"It's alright, it was worth it."
"I am going to check on Joe," Ben said while standing up. 

"Hey," Ben said while he walked into their office. Joe didn't answer, he kept reading the stack of papers in front of him.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Ben asked. Joe looked down before turning around to meet Ben's eyes.
"Why did you do it?" Joe asked. Ben raised an eyebrow.
"Do what?" 
"Beat him up," Joe said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Because he punched you."
"Why didn't you let him beat me up until the police arrived?" Joe asked.
"Why would I let him do that? Joe, is this about me getting hurt?" Joe shrugged as an answer to the question.

"Joe, this is nothing. It'll heal in a few days. But that rage inside of me wouldn't have disappeared. The fact that he has the audacity to even talk to you makes me livid. And when I heard his voice, I immediately got reminded of all those phone calls he gave me. The fact that even after I punched him, he tried to bring our relationship down makes me furious," Ben can feel the anger boiling up once more.
"You know that I'll never hurt anyone. I wouldn't be able to live with it. But with Nathan, I just snap."

Later that day, Gwil took Ben apart. Just like Ben, Gwil had noticed the difference in Joe's behaviour. He seemed to be a little more hesitant whenever he was near Ben. He had flinched a few times whenever Ben would make a sudden movement, but he would try to cover it up by pretending to be stretching or yawning. 
"I have been thinking about Joe's behaviour a lot and I feel like I have a feeling what is going on," Gwil said. 
"What is it?" Ben asked. He was desperate to know what was going on. 
"I think Joe might be scared of your aggression and strength. Maybe he is afraid that you'll change into a second Nathan." Ben's eyebrows furrowed. He shook his head.

"But- how- I would never-," Ben stopped for a second, "Okay, let's say that is true, what do you think I should do?" 
"Remember that time you snapped at him? He needed time. Believe me, he knows that you'll never hurt him. But he just needs a little time. Just be yourself, but don't push talking about it. We know that he'll come to us if he wants to talk. Trust him on that."
"Okay," Ben mumbled.
"That is why he said I should've just let Nathan beat him up. I thought he was worried about being hurt, but it was the opposite. He was worried about getting hurt himself," Ben said before he shook his head.
"Ben, he was worried about you too. He told me that himself. But I think unconsciously he is also worried about everything happening all over again. This is a part of his PTSD that you can't control. I am almost certain that this will pass, just give him a little time," Gwil said. Ben nodded while taking a deep breath. Gwil grabbed Ben's hand in his own.
"He loves you, Ben. More than anything."

Ben followed Gwil's advice and gave Joe space. He didn't pressure talking to Joe about it. Although he tried his best to do what he normally would do. Joe took a little more distance now that he was granted to do so. Gwil cleared his throat while they were sitting at the dinner table.
"Maybe we should call the caseworker to ask if we can delay Addison's stay by one day. According to what the doctor said to Ben, his injuries should be healed by next Wednesday. If we pick up Addison on Thursday instead of Wednesday, we are sure that we don't accidentally trigger her in any way," Gwil said. Ben nodded slowly.
"That might be a smart move. It sucks though. I can't wait to have her here again," Ben said.
"She is the cutest, isn't she?" Joe asked. 
"She really is. Honestly, I think she will be a perfect fit. We have to work with her on opening up, though. She is extremely shy," Gwil said. Joe chuckled.
"Shy? Didn't notice that yet."

*********

Hey guys!

It's my birthday! And as a tradition, I published this chapter around midnight because I still don't have a life.

I posted a new artwork of Brian May on my Instagram; TJart.works. Make sure to check it out. And if it isn't too much trouble you could tag Brian. It would be the best birthday gift I could imagine if Brian gets to see the artwork!

Thank you for all your support and all the comments you guys leave. They honestly brighten my day whenever I read them! Thank you!

I hope y'all have a wonderful day today!

Take good care of yourself and others. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Goodbye,

Xx Itsametaphorjoe