You All Over Me [BxB]

One

"Damn. You look like absolute hell."

Theodore hears the insult loud and clear, but the searing agony coursing through his ribs and joints, the warm trickle of blood clouding his left eye, and the raw ache in his muscles make him indifferent to the comment. He lies sprawled on the unforgiving pavement, his pristine, pricey attire now a tattered, dirt-ridden mess.

What a waste.

What was he thinking? Why did he ever entertain the idea that getting beaten into a pulp to prove loyalty made any sense?

Summoning every ounce of his remaining strength, Theodore forces his glassy eyes open and gazes upwards. The night sky, though blurry, is a mesmerizing canvas adorned with countless twinkling stars.

"What a shame for your pretty face, Theodore," a voice taunts.

Theodore can't even muster a wince, his lips stinging from the punishment they have endured.

"F-Fuck off, Jacob," he manages to croak.

Of all people to find him like this... Luck truly isn't on his side.

"I didn't think you had it in you to swear." Jacob's smirk widens. He crouches beside Theodore, a faint hint of concern flickering in his eyes. "Let's get you out of here."

With gentle care, Jacob slips Theodore's arm over his shoulder, attempting to help him up. Theodore's head throbs in protest at the sudden movement, disrupting his balance.

"Whoa, careful."

Jacob instantly grabs his waist to help steady him. He expels a low grunt.

"Sorry, did I hurt you?" Jacob asks.

Is that a touch of genuine concern creeping into Jacob's voice?

"No, it's okay. Everything already hurts..."

"Alright. Let's take one step at a time," Jacob says patiently.

With Jacob's support, Theodore struggles to stand, taking shaky steps as his lungs threaten to give out. Slowly, they head toward the lobby of the condominium building. The concierge peers over her computer screen, squinting at the injured, unfamiliar visitor. However, a single smile from Jacob makes her blush, and she quickly hides her face.

"I don't... I don't live here," Theodore utters, his words coming out in a hoarse whisper.

"I know. But I can't carry you all the way to where you live. You're surprisingly not that light for such a skinny body."

Theodore ignores the comment. "Where... are we going?" he asks, his mouth dry and aching for a cold glass of water.

The elevator begins its ascent.

"You were lying down in front of my building. Where do you think we're going?"

"What? No..."

"Would you rather I take you to the hospital?"

Theodore doesn't answer. His parents don't need to know what has happened to him—how badly he'd been beaten up.

Especially his Dad. He'd probably tell him to man up. Say everyone else had been through the same ordeal and had survived.

He doesn't need any of that right now.

"Didn't think so," Jacob says with finality.

The elevator dings, the doors screeching open, and they exit onto the designated floor. It takes them about ten gut-wrenching steps before Jacob searches for his key.