Wren

Part 16

Matteo skidded to a halt in front of the infirmary doors, panting hard and bent over with his hands on his knees. This was it. He had only one chance to get through to Wren. 

He slowly straightened, hesitating for a moment before reaching out a shaky hand and turning the knob. As he entered, he saw Wren sitting on the edge of the bed, his bandaged legs dangling down. One chair had been pulled to face him, the other two scooted back out of the way. Leo and Dace stood near the door, ready to step out. 

"We'll give you a minute," Leo said as he sidled past him.

"You bastard," Matteo hissed as he passed, Dace following closely.

Leo grinned and Dace closed the door behind them. They'd decided to take the time to go back to their room and recuperate. 

Matteo shuffled awkwardly to the chair, sitting down slowly. He peeked up at Wren, who wouldn't meet his eyes. "What did you want?" He whispered, his shifty eyes never meeting the other's.

Matteo cleared his throat. "I just want to apologize," he said quietly. "I truly am sorry. I treated you like shit, hurt you--" his voice broke, so he cleared his throat again. "I owe you an explanation, if you'll let me."

Wren contemplated. This man had beat him, burned him, locked him outside in a huge storm, treated him like dirt, put him in the danger of a burning room. . . was he really considering giving him a second chance?

Wren angrily swiped away the tears that had started to form, then nodded slowly. He hated himself for it, but he was curious. Why had Matteo felt the need to hurt him so bad?

"About two years ago, I met this woman. She was beautiful, fun, kind. . . but I soon realized it was all fake. She started to act different. She constantly pestered me for money, and only wanted to be with me for the image. My family's reputation, you know? When I started to catch on, she began to treat me like shit. She would start these huge arguments, and she'd get physical. She'd hit me, throw things at me, and tell me all sorts of nasty things. That I was worthless, and a monster, and I'd never be a good husband to anyone." 

Wren found himself already engrossed in the story. Something about the woman reminded him of his father. . . the physical abuse and the screaming. . . Wren knew exactly how Matteo felt.

"And one night," he continued, "She was so done with me that she left. Packed all her things and stormed out, telling everyone on her way out that I was a cruel, heartless monster. Somewhere along the way-- I guess I started to believe her. I figured, if I wasn't good enough to be a husband, what was I good for? I started to believe that I was only a cruel monster like she said. So I closed off my heart because I didn't want to fall in love again and have the same thing happen. I hated myself for the lies I believed, and took it out on everyone else. Including you." 

Wren turned his face away when Matteo looked up at him. There were tears in both of their eyes. Matteo slowly moved out of his chair, getting on his knees in front of Wren. 

"And I'm so, so sorry for that. I made those lies come true by acting like that. But. . . If you could ever forgive me. . ." his voice cracked again. "I want a second chance to show you that I can be a good husband. I will be." He gently reached up and took Wren's small foot in his large hand, stroking his fingers over the bandages.

Wren flinched at being touched, but was too preoccupied to pull away. "Husband?" He whispered in disbelief. 

"Yes. Husband. I want to marry you, Wren. I can treat you so well, if you just give me the chance." He only realized that he liked Wren that much as he was saying the words. He would do anything for him, and wanted to be with him always.

Wren seemed stunned. "But you hurt me. . . you hate me. . ."

Matteo rested his forehead on the top of Wren's foot. "No, Wren. I don't hate you! I love you, I was just taking out my anger on you. . . I never meant to. . . I didn't realize how horrible I was being to you." 

Wren seemed to be at war with himself, but Matteo didn't say anything. He wanted Wren to figure out for himself how he felt about him.

"Like Dad," Wren whispered after a few moments, thinking of how his dad had completely changed after Mom had left. "You're really telling the truth? You won't hurt me anymore?" 

Matteo shook his head vigorously. "Never again."

Wren fidgeted, picking the skin around his fingers. "Okay. But I don't want to marry you. Not right now."

Matteo felt hope stab his chest. "I understand. You don't trust me. But thank you for hearing me out. I'll prove to you that I really do love you. And when you're ready, if you want, we can get married, okay?"

Wren nodded. "Not like I have anywhere else to go," He smiled weakly.

Matteo nodded against Wren's foot, a small giggle working its way out through the thick emotion in his chest. Jesus, this kid.

He stood, giving Wren some space. "Do you want to stay here for the night? The room's ready to move back into, but I understand if that's too much right now. . ." He trailed off when Wren nodded.

"I'm too tired to try to move today. And I can't walk."

"Well that's no problem," Matteo laughed. "I can carry you." 

The door creaked open, and Leo and Dace walked in. They smiled. 

"Everything good?" Dace asked, and Leo punched him in the arm

"Yeah," Wren whispered, glancing up at Matteo. "Everything's good."

                     Part Seventeen Coming Soon