GUILTY (Mxm)

7

Three days passed since Jerome's collapse. Declan had ensured his physical wounds were tended to, courtesy of Michael's medical expertise. But Jerome's emotional scars ran deeper.

As Jerome's eyelids fluttered open, he found himself on a soft, plush bed – a far cry from the cold, hard floor of his prison cell. Disoriented, he wondered if he had finally succumbed to his despair.

Tears streamed down his face as memories of his transgressions flooded his mind. He envisioned Declan's hurt, Lala's battered face, and Michael's wounded shoulder. The weight of his guilt crushed him.

"Did I die without his forgiveness?" Jerome thought, his heart shattering.

His gaze drifted to Declan, sitting beside him, expressionless. Jerome's tears intensified, but he didn't care. With a burst of desperation, he threw off the covers and rushed to Declan.

He wrapped his arms around Declan, clinging tightly, as if letting go would condemn him to eternal damnation. Jerome's body shook with sobs, his pain and regret pouring out.

"Please forgive me, Declan," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Declan's initial stillness gave way to a gentle embrace. He squeezed Jerome tightly, holding him as he cried.

As Declan's arms enveloped him, Jerome's anguish slowly subsided. His tears didn't cease, but his breathing steadied.

Jerome's pained expression reflected his inner turmoil. His eyes, red-rimmed and swollen, pleaded for forgiveness. His face, pale and gaunt, bore witness to his suffering.

Declan's expression, though still guarded, betrayed a hint of compassion. His eyes, once cold, now held a glimmer of warmth.

Jerome's desperation was palpable. He clung to Declan as a lifeline, his only hope for redemption.

"Did Declan remove me from that cell because he's willing to forgive me?" Jerome wondered, his heart racing.

As Declan continued to hold him, Jerome's thoughts swirled:

"I'll do anything, Declan. Just forgive me. Give me another chance."

The silence between them was heavy with emotion. Jerome's cries had subsided, replaced by sniffles and ragged breathing.

Declan's grip on Jerome tightened, a silent reassurance.

In that moment, Jerome knew he'd do anything to regain Declan's trust.

Jerome's grip on Declan tightened, his body shaking with aftershocks of his emotional storm. Declan's arms cradled him, a sanctuary from the turmoil.

"I'm so sorry, Declan," Jerome whispered, his voice cracking. "I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'll do anything to make it right."

Declan's expression remained guarded, but his eyes betrayed a glimmer of compassion. He stroked Jerome's hair, his touch gentle.

Jerome's tears renewed, streaming down his face as he buried himself in Declan's chest. The warmth of Declan's body enveloped him, a balm to his battered soul.

"I was lost without you, Declan," Jerome sobbed. "I realized too late that you're the only one who truly matters."

Declan's grip on Jerome intensified, his fingers digging into his skin. For a moment, Jerome worried he'd push him away.

Instead, Declan's lips brushed against Jerome's forehead, a soft, gentle kiss. The touch sent shivers down Jerome's spine.

"Look at me, Jerome," Declan whispered, his voice low and husky.

Jerome's eyes met Declan's, the connection sparking a jolt of electricity. The air thickened with tension, emotions hanging precariously.

"Tell me," Declan's voice dropped to a whisper, "what do you plan to do to regain my trust?"

Jerome's heart skipped a beat. Was this a chance at redemption?

Jerome's eyes locked onto Declan's, his gaze burning with desperation.

"Declan, please say something," Jerome begged, his voice trembling. "I'll do anything to make it right. I'll spend the rest of my life proving my love for you."

Jerome's hands roamed Declan's face, tracing every feature as if memorizing him.

"I was lost without you," Jerome whispered. "Every moment away from you was agony. I realize now that I took our love for granted. I promise to cherish and honor you from now on."

Jerome's lips brushed against Declan's, seeking any sign of forgiveness.

"I know I don't deserve it, but I'm begging you, Declan. Forgive me. Give me another chance."

Jerome's body shook with sobs, his emotions raw and exposed.

"Please, Declan. I'll do anything. Just don't leave me again. I can't survive without you."

Jerome's words poured out like a prayer, his heart laid bare.

Declan's silence was a heavy blanket, wrapping around Jerome's fragile soul.

Jerome's desperation intensified, his words spilling out in a frantic bid for redemption.

"Declan, my love, my ........... Please..."

Jerome's voice cracked, his body collapsing against Declan's.

The only sound was Jerome's ragged breathing and the silence that stretched between them like an endless chasm.