Neighbour

38.

"W…what?" Brett squeaked, eyes widening with fear. "Nonono, please, he's gonna… he'll come back, I just know it…"

"I know, I know, Brett," Eddy said softly, giving the man’s hand a squeeze. He knew so damn well that the asshole would come back, and that no matter the assurances from Officer Hahn and Officer Chen, Brett wouldn't feel safe. Of course he wouldn't, with the man who tried to murder him for trying to break off their relationship was still out there.

"I assure we wouldn't allow you home if we didn't think we could keep you safe, Mr Yang," Officer Chen tried to explain softly, but was interrupted by Brett before he could continue.

"You don't know him at all! He won't care at all about the restraining order, and what use is it to call the police if I'm already dead?" Brett cried, his voice breaking multiple times as he spoke. "Oh god, what am I gonna do? He's gonna… I'll… Oh my god…"

He hid his face in his hands, and Eddy took the opportunity to look up at Officer Hahn with a look that said 'I told you so' before he carefully reached out to stroke Brett's back in an attempt to comfort him.

"Do you think you'd feel safer staying with me? Cause you're always welcome, you know," he suggested softly, wanting the poor guy to be okay so badly. "You've tried it a few times before, so maybe it would help? Only if you feel okay with that, of course."

"I can?" Brett asked with big, teary eyes, looking up at him. His lower lip quivered, and his hesitation told Eddy that he definitely expected him to retract his offer. "You'd really be okay with that? You know you don’t have to, right? I'm a piece of work right now, you really don't need to…"

"I wouldn't have offered if you couldn't," Eddy interrupted him gently with a small smile. "We'll just grab your duvet and pillow, maybe, so you don't have to use my tiny blanket."

"Thank you so much," Brett squeaked, hugging him so tightly. The smaller man shook slightly, holding onto Eddy like he was the only thing keeping him on this earth. It took a moment before Eddy carefully hugged him back, surprised by the reaction. The hug felt nice, though he tried his best to bury all the sparks he felt any time the smaller man touched him. Eddy was above taking advantage of someone who was clearly very emotional and distraught.

"That's what good neighbours are for, yeah?" he said softly, closing his eyes for a moment. "Of course you can stay with me."

"And of course we'll do everything we can to find him, Brett," Officer Ray added gently, getting a confirming nod from Officer Hilary. "That's a promise."

"Thank you so much, Eddy," Brett sniffled quietly, burying his face in Eddy's shoulder for a moment. Eddy wanted to be a safe harbour for him, and judging from the little gesture, he was at the very least beginning to be. "You're the best."