OffGun September Collection of Drabbles 2023

Frayed (Pat/Non) - Behind the Wall

Author's note: Part 12/??

Nonsee observed his bandaged palms. The white material almost merged with the colour of his skin. The typical fabric was a little rough but protected his scratched hands. The sky was getting darker, reminding Non he had to return home. He couldn't be late, or he would get punished. He shivered at the thought of the beating. 

"I have to go," Nonsee whispered, taking courage and glancing through the gap at the handsome doctor. 

"It's late, isn't it?" Pat smiled at him, yet Non could see the sadness in his eyes. 

"I will come tomorrow." Non bit his lower lip. 

"Same time? Sooner?" Pat asked. Nonsee blinked at him, thinking. There was so much to do in the garden before the flower festival. And honestly, he wasn't sure if he could make it to their secret spot sooner. And he was scared his mother would find out he was disappearing for hours. What if she follows him? What if she makes Pat leave? He didn't want that. 

"Same time. There's too much work to do because of the flower festival." Nonsee answered at the end. 

"Oh, you are participating in the festival? Will you be at the fair, too?" Pat's eyes lit up with excitement. 

Non's breath hitched. The festival was one of the little occasions when his mother and grandmother allowed him to leave the property. It didn't occur to him that he could see Pat there.

"I will." He nodded. 

"It's in three days, right?"

Nonsee nodded hesitatingly again. 

"Can I accompany you around the festival then?" Pat pleaded, sending him the most adorable puppy eyes, and Nonsee found himself agreeing.

"We can talk about details tomorrow." Pat grinned happily. A smile adorned Non's face, too. 

"It's time to go. I will put the brick back. Can you do it from your side?" 

"Yes." Non confirmed. Picking the brick into his bandaged hands, he carefully put it in the hole, waiting for Pat to do the same. 

"See you tomorrow." The doctor winked before filling the gap with the brick. The sound of receding steps echoed through the air, bringing Non back to reality. What did he agree to? There was no way for him to get away from his mother and grandmother, not to mention the bodyguards keeping an eye on him. He gave Pat a false hope. 

Nonsee bit his nails as he walked back to the house. What should he do? Tell the handsome doctor he can't be with him? Try to run away from his family? 

The whole situation left him with frayed nerves.