GUILTY (Mxm)

10

Declan walked through the front door, expecting the usual warmth of their home. Instead, he found Jerome curled into a ball on the floor, his eyes sunken, and his face pale.

"Jerome?" Declan's voice softened, concern etched on his face.

Jerome's head jerked up, his eyes wide with fear. He scanned Declan's face, searching for reassurance.

"Y-you're back," Jerome stammered, his voice barely audible.

Declan rushed to his side, kneeling beside him. "Of course, I'm back. I told you I'd never leave you."

Jerome's gaze darted to Declan's hands, checking for any signs of departure – keys, wallet, or bag.

"Where were you?" Jerome's voice trembled.

"Work, baby. I had to go to the office."

Jerome's eyes welled up with tears. "Don't leave me again. Please."

Declan's arms enveloped Jerome, holding him close.

"I promise, Jerome. I'll never leave you. You're safe with me."

Jerome's body shook, his breath catching in ragged gasps. He clung to Declan, his fingers digging into his shirt.

"Can't breathe...can't think...when you're gone," Jerome whispered.

Declan's hold tightened.

"I'm here, Jerome. Always."

Jerome's sobs slowly subsided, replaced by hiccuping breaths.

Declan lifted Jerome into his arms, cradling him like a child.

"I'm sorry, baby. I didn't realize..."

Jerome's eyes locked onto Declan's.

"Don't leave me," Jerome pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper.

Declan's lips brushed against Jerome's forehead.

"I won't. Ever."

Declan's eyes filled with concern as he took in Jerome's fragile state. He had never seen Jerome like this before – shattered, broken.

"Jerome, baby, what's happening?" Declan's voice trembled, his brow furrowed with worry.

As he held Jerome close, Declan's mind raced. What had triggered this breakdown? Was it the separation, the fear of abandonment?

Declan's heart ached, seeing Jerome's vulnerability.

"Jerome, I'm here. I'll never leave you," Declan whispered, his lips brushing against Jerome's temple.

But Jerome's desperate pleas and ragged breaths only intensified Declan's worry.

He gently lifted Jerome onto the couch, cradling him in his arms.

"Baby, talk to me. What's going on inside that head of yours?" Declan coaxed, his voice soft.

Jerome's haunted eyes met Declan's, and Declan's gut twisted.

He realized that Jerome's fears ran deeper than just abandonment.

"Jerome, I had no idea...I didn't understand," Declan whispered, his voice laced with regret.

Was Jerome's anxiety triggered by their relationship?

Could he handle the depth of Jerome's emotional pain?

Declan's resolve strengthened.

He would do everything to support Jerome, to help him heal.

"I'm here, Jerome. We'll face this together," Declan vowed.

Declan gently lifted Jerome from the couch, intending to prepare a nourishing meal. But Jerome's grip tightened.

"Stay," Jerome whispered.

Declan's heart swelled. He couldn't bear to leave Jerome's side.

"Okay, baby. Come with me," Declan said.

He carried Jerome to the kitchen, convincing him to sit on the counter.

"Let me make you something to eat," Declan coaxed.

Jerome nodded, his eyes still haunted.

Declan prepared a hearty meal, feeding Jerome bite by bite.

With each morsel, Jerome's tension eased.

As they ate, Jerome's gaze locked onto Declan's.

"Better?" Declan asked.

Jerome nodded, a faint smile emerging.

The transformation was remarkable.

Jerome's anxiety melted away, replaced by serenity.

After eating, Jerome slipped off the counter.

"I'll shower," he said.

Declan's eyes widened. Jerome was willing to separate?

But Jerome simply smiled.

"I'll be fine," he reassured.

Declan watched, amazed, as Jerome walked to the shower.

The water ran, and Jerome emerged, refreshed.

He padded to Declan's study.

"Hey," Jerome said.

Declan looked up from his work.

Jerome straddled him, waiting patiently.

"Almost done," Declan whispered.

Jerome nodded.

Once Declan finished, they curled up together.

Jerome snuggled close.

"Love you," Jerome whispered.

"Love you too," Declan replied.

Their lips met in a gentle kiss.