GUILTY (Mxm)

8

Declan's words dripped like honey, soothing Jerome's ravaged soul.

"I forgave you, Jerome, when I decided to bring you here," Declan whispered, his voice gentle.

Jerome's body shuddered, relief washing over him like a tidal wave. He threw himself deeper into Declan's embrace, seeking solace.

Declan's arms enveloped him, holding him close. His fingers threaded through Jerome's hair, softly massaging his scalp. The tender touch calmed Jerome's frayed nerves.

"You've spent one year in that cell," Declan continued, his voice laced with a mix of sadness and understanding. "All I ever wanted was for you to say sorry to me, to my friends. I tortured you, thinking you'd realize your mistakes, but it took you a whole year..."

Jerome's tears renewed, streaming down his face as he buried himself in Declan's chest.

Declan's touch gentled, his hands cradling Jerome's face. He lifted Jerome's chin, their eyes meeting.

"You've lost too much weight," Declan said, concern etched on his face. "I need to feed you more. And find a cure for these scars...they won't look beautiful anymore."

Jerome's gaze drifted to Declan's, his eyes shining with adoration.

"It doesn't matter, Declan," Jerome whispered, his voice barely audible. "As long as it's you, everything is right and good for me."

Declan's expression softened, his eyes warming.

Jerome settled into Declan's lap, straddling him. Declan's arms wrapped around him, holding him secure.

In this warm, safe space, Jerome's tension melted away. He rested his head on Declan's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

The world outside receded, leaving only the two of them, lost in this moment of redemption.

Jerome's breath synchronized with Declan's, their hearts beating as one.

For the first time in a year, Jerome felt peace.

:

Declan's fingers traced Jerome's cheekbones, his touch gentle.

"You're so thin," Declan whispered, concern etched on his face. "I'll make sure you're fed, taken care of."

Jerome's eyes fluttered closed, his body relaxing into Declan's care.

Declan lifted Jerome, cradling him in his arms.

"Let's get you bathed and fed," Declan said, his voice soothing.

Jerome nodded, his head nestled in the crook of Declan's neck.

As Declan carried him to the bathroom, Jerome felt cherished.

The warm water enveloped him, soothing his battered body.

Declan washed him gently, his touch healing.

Jerome's eyes met Declan's, gratitude shining.

"You're taking care of me," Jerome whispered.

Declan smiled, his eyes warm.

"Always," Declan replied.

Declan's gentle hands washed Jerome's body, soap suds sliding down his skin. Jerome's eyes closed, relaxing into the warmth.

"Lean on me," Declan whispered, supporting Jerome's weight.

As Declan rinsed the soap off, Jerome's tension melted away. He felt cherished.

Next, Declan towel-dried Jerome, his touch soft. Jerome's skin prickled with goosebumps.

In the bedroom, Declan helped Jerome into comfortable clothes. Jerome's eyes met Declan's, gratitude shining.

"You're taking care of me," Jerome whispered.

Declan smiled. "Mmm."

In the kitchen, Declan prepared Jerome's favorite meal. Jerome's stomach growled in anticipation.

As they ate, Declan fed Jerome bites, their fingers touching.

"Chew slowly," Declan said, his eyes crinkling.

After lunch, Declan applied ointment to Jerome's wounds. Jerome winced, but Declan's gentle touch soothed the pain.

"You're healing," Declan reassured.

Jerome's lips curled into a smile.

As the day passed, Declan's care never wavered. He massaged Jerome's scalp, played soothing music, and read to him.

Jerome's heart swelled. He felt loved.

"Thank you, Declan," Jerome whispered.

Declan's eyes locked onto Jerome's. "Forever, my love."

Jerome's smile deepened.

As Jerome settled into the comfort of Declan's presence, a wave of relief washed over him. The weight of his guilt, the anguish of his solitude, and the fear of rejection slowly lifted.

He thought back to the darkness of his cell, the despair that had consumed him. But now, bathed in Declan's love and care, Jerome felt reborn.

"Declan forgave me," Jerome whispered to himself, incredulous. "He took me back, despite everything."

Tears pricked at the corners of Jerome's eyes as he recalled the tenderness in Declan's touch, the warmth in his voice.

"I don't deserve this," Jerome thought, his heart swelling with gratitude. "But I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to him."

Jerome's gaze drifted to Declan, who sat beside him, watching him with gentle eyes.

"I'm home," Jerome realized, a sense of peace settling within him. "I'm where I belong."

For the first time in a year, Jerome felt free from the shackles of his past. Free to love, to be loved, and to rediscover himself.

A sigh escaped Jerome's lips, a sigh of relief, of release.

He leaned into Declan, his head on his shoulder.

"Thank you," Jerome whispered, his voice barely audible.

Declan's arm wrapped around him, holding him close.

"I love you, Jerome," Declan whispered back.

Jerome's heart soared.