It Was Only A Cut In Another Universe

Manon

TW: Implied abusive relationships, internalized homophobia, and obsession. 

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Several people were gathering around all in shock. Rody quickly pressed his fingers to Vincent's neck. Finding a gentle beat. Rody let out a sigh. "Everyone Back Up!" Rody shouted as people began backing away. "Do we need to call the hospital?" A guest asked. Rody shook his head. Even though it was probably for the best. Instead he picked Vincent up bridal style and brought him to his office. Laying him down on a couch he had shoved against a wall by a cabinet. Laying him down gently over the armrest before rushing over and grabbing a towel. Holding it down tightly for a few minutes. Before releasing, he needed a wet towel as well. Just as he was about to leave for the kitchen a chef walked in with a wet towel. 

"Oh, thank you Fernando." Rody said with a smile. "Not a problem boss. And Troy has got the floor for now." Rody nodded before shutting the door. Returning to clean some of the blood from Vincent's ear. Only for more to flow. Rody sighed before tearing the dry towel in half. Stuffing one into Vincent's right ear before turning his head to the side. His skin was smooth, and soft. Like surprisingly smooth. Rody looked down at Vincent's hands. He wondered if they were as smooth as Vincent's face. He couldn't focus on that right now. Vincent could have some kind of ear infection, or something worse. Maybe he should've called the hospital, but he didn't like the idea of anybody touching Vincent. Even if it was just to patch him up. Rody wanted to do it. 

He had always gotten attached far too easily. Even if he didn't interact with them much. It was something that happened far too often. Just one look, just one touch, and suddenly he was all over them. It was as if he had some sort of connection with them. Even if they didn't realize it. Vincent was just the newest person. He had driven away other people before because of his tendencies. His feelings for them would fade after a while of being apart. 

Now here Vincent was for Rody to tend to. He was half tempted to just tie Vincent to the bed, and keep him there, but not yet, not now. He needed Vincent to realize it, or at least for him to know him a bit longer. After all, it wasn't always easy for a man to realize he was gay. Eventually the bleeding subsided, and Rody found a small cut in his right ear. Probably something from the guy or a customer earlier. Though he had no clue what could've caused the left side to bleed. Rody sat for a few moments admiring Vincent's beauty. Soft locks of black hair that fell over his face as he slept. His chest rising and falling. His waiter's uniform made him look much more elegant looking. If only Rody could keep him to give him this kind of view all day. There was a temptation to just sit there with Vincent, yet it would be rather suspicious to his other employees. "I'll be back." Rody whispered as he gently moved some of his hair out of his face.

Vincent stirred and groaned as he began to open his eyes. He wasn't in his apartment. He wasn't in the hospital. Even though he should be. When sitting up he looked around and knew immediately where he was. "Rody's office?" He muttered to himself. Right as he did the door opened. "You too, see you tomorrow John." Rody said as he walked in before letting out a relieved sigh. As if he had just been through a long shift. It didn't take him long to notice Vincent's presence. "Oh you're up!" Rody exclaimed happily as he rushed over. "Are you okay? Do you need to see a doctor? Do you know why your ears were bleeding? Are you sick? Are you dying?" "Slow Down!" Vincent shouted as he gently pushed Rody's hands off him. 

"I'm fine. Look, I was in the hospital when I was younger, and sometimes I bleed from my ears, because according to the doctors I might be getting brain bleeds due to an accident." Rody let out a sigh of relief, and Vincent hoped he wouldn't ask any more questions. Though he had a question of his own. "Why did you not call the ambulance?" Rody began to look a little nervous. "I thought maybe the guy just hit you too hard by accident, or that you may have needed a nap. That was all." Vincent raised his brow. He didn't buy that explanation for a second, but to be honest he didn't want to know the real reason. "Okay, Is work over?" Rody nodded before having a moment of remembrance. "Oh I also made you some food in case you were hungry." Vincent looked down at the to go box. Hunger filled his stomach, and while Rody was probably right on passing out due to exhaustion. He didn't want him to be offended while he ate. 

"Ah no thanks you already were too kind letting me sleep in your office, I couldn't possibly." Vincent said as he stood up. Rody looked at him with a pouty expression, yet he also looked concerned. He let out a disappointed sigh before standing up. Placing the to go box on the couch. "At least let me give you a ride home. I know you travel by bike, and you just passed out." Vincent looked away. He really didn't want to. Rody was already far too generous this evening, but something told him he wasn't getting out of this one. "Alright then. Do you at least have a bike rack?" Rody nodded proudly as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a key ring. "Welp let's get going." Rody said as the two men walked out of the restaurant. France's sky was clear, and starry. It would be the type of night two lovers would wander the city in awe. Rody locked up the restaurant while Vincent unlocked his bike before being led to the parking lot. 

The only car in it was a slightly dirty but still rather well conditioned one. It looked rather expensive, and was one Vincent could only dream of affording. True to his word Rody's car did have a bike rack. Vincent put it on before getting in on the right side of the car. Before they knew it they were off. With Vincent giving Rody directions. "Oh, and sorry about my friend Claude." Vincent looked over at him confused. "Pardon?" "The guy with the sunglasses. He's a friend of mine. Sometimes he shows up, and likes to claim all the attention. This by far is the craziest thing he has done so far." Vincent gave a small smile. "Maybe you should tell him he has to make reservations ahead of time." Vincent joked, causing Rody to snort a little. Before a serious look came across his face. "Actually I may do that." Vincent was surprised. "It was just a joke you don't..." "I know it was a joke, but it's a good idea. How come you aren't farther in life with business?" Vincent just shrugged. Though he knew the actual reason why. When Rody dropped him off Vincent was hoping to relax as soon as he got home. Only when he opened the door was he greeted to a not entirely welcomed surprise. 

"Manon?!" Vincent exclaimed as she took another huff of smoke from her cigarette. Her light brown eyes met his twin voids. She looked a little annoyed but he was used to it by now. The further they got in their relationship the more annoyed she had seemed to get with him. Vincent was surprised she hadn't broken up with him yet. Though he wasn't complaining all that much. Anything to push back the thoughts he hated. "What are you doing here?" Vincent asked as he shut his door. "Can I not visit my boyfriend who seemed to be ignoring me?" Manon replied rather angrily before slamming the cigarette in the ashtray. Vincent crossed his arms. "I called you five days in a row, and I went to your house for another three. You never answered me. It was until I called your parents did I know you were okay." Manon rolled her eyes. 

"And you didn't think to check on me for more than eight days?" Vincent rolled his eyes as he walked over before sitting on the couch a good few spaces away from her. It felt similar to when they first met except they were closer. They had hit off, and now it was sour. Yet Vincent didn't want to end it. If he could keep Manon in his life he would be okay. "I'm sorry, okay. Do you want me to make it up to you?" "How much do you have?" Manon asked as she looked over at him. That face says it all. Vincent internally groaned. "I'll take you out when I get my check okay. Can't I do anything else?" Manon scoffed as she rolled her eyes. "As if. I'm not fucking you after last time." Vincent wanted to let out a sigh of relief because he hated having sex with her. She wasn't his first time, but he never really got the big deal out of it. It never felt good, compared to the way his previous partners did seem to enjoy it. Manon was different. Vincent would do anything, and everything to please in her bed, and she would bitch about it. Even when he knew he was doing something right. 

Vincent reached into his pocket. His well-earned tips especially from Rody's rich friend. He had made nearly two hundred euros. He did his best to keep fifty euros, but handed the rest to Manon. She seemed content with the amount. Giving him a sweet smile. "Thank you dear." She said before giving him a sweet peck on the lips. It felt kind of comforting right now and Vincent couldn't help but give a happy smile. "I love you." She said, as she got up. "Love you too." Vincent replied before she left, and Vincent slouched. 

The once warm moment vanished quickly as all he felt was disgust. Most of it to himself. He should've told her no, but he didn't want to be late to work again. And with how concerned Rody was about him a bruise, or scratch would be no good. He wondered how Rody kissed his partners. Was his kisses as sweet as his personality. Or did they have as much passion as he did in his cooking and restaurant. As much as Vincent wanted to fight these thoughts. To ignore them deep down he would any other similar thought. They were the only thing giving him comfort as he snuggled under his blanket, and fell asleep.