Terror trio: back in action

Resilient Hearts

At approximately 3 AM, Danny awoke in significant pain, clutching his side before tossing aside the covers. Ryder, who was already awake studying for an upcoming exam, closed his book promptly to help Danny. Gently holding Danny's face in his hands, Ryder planted a tender kiss on his forehead in hopes of alleviating his discomfort before speaking.

"What's wrong?" Ryder asks

"It's going to sound silly." Danny sulked

"Try me." Ryder caressed his cheek

"Well, after my top surgery, I had scars from the aftermath of it all. From time to time, I get a sharp pain down there. The doctors said it would be normal, but it hurts. It feels like I can barely breathe." Danny sighed

"Alright, let's go to the bathroom. I'll see if I make you a little more comfortable." Ryder groans

"You don't have to." Danny softly whispered

"If my boyfriend is uncomfortable, then I'm going to be uncomfortable. I can't have that." Ryder held out his hand

Danny slowly stood up from the bed, groaning in pain and on the verge of collapsing, until Ryder supported him by hooking his arm around his waist. Together, they made their way to the bathroom. After checking to see if the halls were clear, Ryder opened the door and assisted Danny to the sink. Danny winced as he removed his shirt, his hand placed over the binder he was wearing. Holding the shirt tightly, Danny avoided making eye contact, fearing his boyfriend's criticism of his imperfect physique.

"Do you want me to take it off?" Ryder asks

"What?" Danny asks

"Danny, it's okay. You're not going to scare me away, I promise." Ryder reached out to hold his hand

"Can you help me, then? It's a little tight." Danny says

"I got you, ponyboy." Ryder cheesed, swiftly kissing his cheek before turning his attention towards his binder

Grabbing Danny by the waist, he pulls him closer, using his body as a shield while he unravels his binder. Danny tries to conceal his blush by burying his face in Ryder's chest, but Ryder can't help but chuckle at his shyness. Danny is star-struck by how gentle Ryder's touch is, giving him a sense of comfort knowing he truly loves him for who he is.  Once the binder is off, Danny breathes a sigh of relief. Looking in the mirror, he trails his fingers over the scars on his chest, recalling his first surgery and how supportive his aunt Cheryl was, who had paid for it. A smile spreads across his face, especially when Ryder embraces him from behind, resting his chin on Danny's shoulder as they sway lovingly.

"You're beautiful, Daniel McCarthy." Ryder whispered in his ear

"Thank you for letting me be me." Danny says

"Well, what can I say? It's refreshing to have a boyfriend who expresses himself." Ryder shrugged

"I'm hungry now." Danny pulled his shirt over his head

"You have a huge basket of sweets in your room, or have you already forgotten?" Ryder asks

"Oh, right! Jake brought it for me." Danny cheesed

"Come on, let's get out of here. Let's go stuff our faces with junk food and binge watch Avatar: the last Airbender." Ryder threw his arm around his shoulder

"We're starting with, 'the blind bandit' because it's one of my favorite episodes." Danny clapped

"I'm not even mad at you. Toph Beifong is my all time favorite earthbender." Ryder smiled