Snow sprinkled atop the roof, caved into the cracks that once held warmth. It wasn't too cold, not when the boy shuddering against it was already freezing.
His skin had started to pale, bruised in places that he'd bump against walls. He was wrapped in a blanket, one that was torn and stained in more places than one. His hair was matted against his head, his curls sprawled against his tiredly drooping eyes.
"When, when get better?" His speech was slurred, broken more than anything. Hands wrapped around him, a glimmer of warmth in the cold. "Soon. I promise."
He'd heard these words before. He heard them when he'd go to bed, his eyes only catching a glance of the older boy rocking in the corner of the room.
"I'm sorry 'nney. Don't want to see you cry." The older boy dipped his head down, averting his tears from the gaze of the younger. "Not your fault." The younger boy pushed himself against the older boy's chest, sniffling as he let his eyes close.
"Not your fault."
Finney opened his eyes, letting sunlight burst into his pupils as he yawned. He hadn't felt this warm in awhile, comforted. His body felt less sore now, lighter.
"Vance?" He could talk better now too, the cold doing nothing to make him stutter. He could feel hands still wrapped around him, hugging him as if he'd disappear when the touch ceased.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. It wasn't, we weren't, my job was to take care of you. I'm sorry."
He was confused, letting his eyes wander until they found the figure next to him.
Vance looked clean, his hair falling freely on his shoulders. He had no bruises, no cuts dragged across his skin indented by the man he once called his dad.
Finney let himself smile.
"What happened?"
Everything was poured in a glowing light. It was warm, like an everlasting hug. Vance kept his arms around Finney, protecting him from what he didn't want to believe.
"It's warm now, isn't it?" Vance was smiling too, Finney could feel it against his shoulder. He nodded his head, yawning again.
"It's warm now."
YOU ARE READING
BRANCE + RINNEY
Fanfiction𝐎𝐍𝐄-𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒 of my favorite ships from 'The Black Phone'. 🧠🥊
