Crossed (BxB)

Chapter 21

Theo froze at the sight.

Val's back was covered, top to bottom, with scars.

They were deep and textured, making his back bumpy and discolored. Some were long, reaching from his pant line up to his shoulder, while others only stretched a few inches.

The more recent scratches on top of them looked like nothing in comparison.

The realization as to why Val didn't want his help hit Theo like a brick. He didn't want Theo to see his scars.

Val was clearly tense and shifted uncomfortably. He must've noticed Theo's hesitance as he stared at his scars.

"Pretty ugly, right?" Val stated, letting out a breathy chuckle.

Theo stuttered, struggling to form a response.

"No, no" he spoke hurriedly. "They just surprised me, that's all"

He couldn't help but feel bad about his staring. He knew what it was like to have ugly scars, though his weren't near as bad.

He made his way to the demons arm and cleaned it as best he could, trying his best to keep his eyes off the demons back.

"It's alright, I know they're kind of an eyesore" Val spoke carelessly.

Theo failed to form a response. It was obvious Val wasn't a fan of the scars, and it was even more clear that he didn't want Theo to see them. Theo knew this, and yet couldn't find any words of comfort no matter how hard he tried.

So instead, he opted for changing the topic.

"What happened with the demon?"

Val glanced over at him, a blank expression on his face.

"Isn't it obvious? He broke into that guest bedroom of yours and kicked my ass" he scoffed.

Theo did what he could to stay calm, though he was a tad frustrated by Val's response.

"I mean specifically. What were they trying to do? Plus, it must've been an awful bad fight considering the state of that room" he rephrased his question, hoping for a better explanation.

Val sighed, then winced as Theo poured disinfectant on his wound.

"Sorry" the priest whispered.

"It's fine" Val sighed once again and pinched the bridge of his nose. "They broke into the room with a knife and practically pinned me down on the bed. That's when they cut my face, and when the bed became such a mess" he began his explanation begrudgingly.

He took a few breaths before continuing, his tone still annoyed as before.

"They just kept throwing shit and swinging that damn knife at me. I only got the upper hand once and that was when they scratched the shit out of my back with their nails" he groaned. "They had me cornered, they were definitely going to kill me"

Theo paused while wrapping Val's arm. He said it so calmly, but to know someone was trying to take his life.. how was he so calm about it?

He continued wrapping the gauze around his wound, though his mind was elsewhere, until Val spoke again.

"As soon as they heard you coming they bolted for the window. I guess I owe you one" he finished his explanation, cracking a small smile right at the end.

Theo released Val's arm as he finished with the bandages.

"That's awful" he mumbled.

The demon looked up at him, seeming much less phased by it all.