Dog Fight

Happy?

I smile as I watch Stephen at his punching bag, cooking some breakfast for us as we wouldn't be doing much today.

I don't think I could ever get tired of that sight.

I hear a knock at the door and I turn the fire on the stove down before walking to the front door.

I open the door, seeing Tom with a backpack.

"Hi hon! Come in!"I smile, stepping aside.

"Where's dog?"he asks as we walk into the house.

"His name is Stephen sweetie, and he's outside training."I smile.

"Oh right, thanks."he says before darting to the patio door and opening it to the back yard.

I chuckle as I walk back to the stove.

....

Stephen looks up as the patio door slides open, seeing Tom coming out.

"Oh, hey!"he smiles.

"Hi, good morning."Tom says as Stephen pulls the Velcro strap around his wrists to remove his gloves.

"So what do you want to do today? I say we make up for lost time."Stephen smiles.

"You look so different."

Stephen's smile fades a bit.

"The last time I saw you you looked... different.."Tom says.

"W-well, um the last time was yesterday."Stephen says turning away, not wanting to bring up the past.

"I wasn't talking about yesterday."

"I don't want to talk about that."Stephen snaps, making Tom jump.

"I'm sorry I just..I don't want to talk about that."

Tom huffs.

"That's all we have. We can't just pretend like none of it happened."Tom shrugs.

"I know that i-i just...I don't like thinking about it."Stephen says.

Tom shakes his head.

"Do you know how master died?"

Stephen keeps his eyes down, and immediately shakes his head no.

Tom knew he was lying.

"Let's go get some ice cream, Stephen."Tom says, causing Stephen to look up.

"Okay."

.....

The boys come back into the house and I instantly notice Stephen was upset.

"Hey guys, what's up?"I ask, drying my hands.

"Just talking."Stephen chuckles softly.

"Really? About what?"I ask with a smile.

Stephen was about to speak, but Tom cuts in front of him.

"Nothing. Going to get ice cream."Tom says.

"Oh okay.. I'll drive you guys."I say.

"Can't he drive?"Tom asks, pointing to Stephen.

"Well, he has an anxiety disorder so I'd rather him not have to drive."I say.

A look of confusion washes over Tom and he looks at Stephen.

"Anxiety?"

Stephen's face flushes red and he only nods.

"Stephen, can I talk to you for a minute?"I ask, putting my hands on my hips.

I walk towards the bedroom and he follows behind.

"Are you alright?"I ask as we enter the room.

He shrugs slightly.

"H-he um, he just brought up the past and I got a little uncomfortable. Nothing serious."he says softly.

I cup his cheek and look into his eyes.

"Are you sure?"I ask, concerned.

He only nods, and I sigh before pecking his lips.

"I love you."I smile, making him smile as well.

"I love you too."he smiles.

"Okay, let's go get some ice cream."