Aris Jones X Reader One Shots

A Stone and Bruises

This has direct descriptions of self harm so please don't read it if you aren't in the right headspace for that. Take care of yourself and stay safe <3

It wasn't exactly the most healthy thing to do. I'm more than aware that bruises on your legs aren't good for you, but at least I'm not cutting myself. Besides, it was only when I had a really bad day.

Well, guess what? Today was terrible. I had been screamed at by Beth, ended up spilling my dinner, and fell face first on ice which cut my cheek. Now I need relief.

I zipped up my tent and changed into shorts so it was easier. With that I started punching my thighs, and when that wasn't enough I picked up my rock and banged it against my legs. Angry tears fell almost as fast as the blood from the sharp edges. Why did I feel the need to do this? Why couldn't I hold it together?

Realizing it still wasn't enough I moved down to my knees. I started beating there too until I heard my tent unzip. In a panic I tried to grab my blanket to cover them, but it was too late. Standing in front of me was Aris.

Time seemed to freeze as we stared at each other until I put down the rock. I realized all of it was painted bright crimson. I didn't dare look at the damage. I never do until the next morning.

"Give me the rock,"He said simply. I couldn't help but shake my head and clutch it in my hands. This rock has gotten through dark times, even if it took me to more dark ones. It was a distraction. I couldn't just give it up.

"Can I sit?"He asked softly. I nodded but protectively held my rock. He didn't try and take it from me.

"How bad do they hurt?"He asked. I still couldn't say anything. I physically couldn't. I had reached my breaking point.

"Okay. Can you wait here for a second?"

I shrugged and kept the rock in my hands. As he left I glanced at the stone. Old blood along with the fresh metallic liquid covered its surface. Some spots were completely dried. All of them filled me with dread to look at. The relief I got had worn off.

Aris slipped back in with a first aid kit. All I could do was stare ahead. I was numb to everything around me now.

"I need to see,"He said gently. I slowly put my legs out. Even the small action made me wince. If he noticed he didn't say anything.

"It's going to sting,"He warned. He poured some alcohol on a rag and started wiping the spots covered in blood. I was more than used to this feeling.

"You clean them each time, right?"He asked.

"When I can,"I muttered, finding my voice for a second.

"That's good. You don't want them to get infected."

"I'm sorry,"I uttered, feeling a lump in my throat.

"I know,"He whispered.

He bandaged my ruined knees before checking the rest of my legs. All the while I sat there holding the thing that caused this.

"That should be good Y/N. As long as you change the bandage there shouldn't be a problem."

"I'm sorry,"I repeated.

"It's going to be okay, alright? We'll figure this out together,"He promised.

I put my head on his shoulder and flipped the cold stone over in my hand. Through the corner of my eye I saw him glancing at it, almost as if he was scared I was about to do it again.

"Why don't you at least let me put it out of sight for now?"He suggested. I stared at it one more time before finally handing over what was supposed to help me. I watched as he put it under a towel in the corner.

"Do you think it would help to get some sleep?"

Nodding I laid down. Before he could leave I shook my head no. He understood exactly what that meant as he crawled next to me. He protectively wrapped his arms around me as I curled up against him. Knowing that whatever happened when I woke up wouldn't be easy I tried to get at least a little bit of sleep.