GUILTY (Mxm)

12

Jerome paced around the room, his mind consumed by the thought of Declan leaving for work. The familiar pang of anxiety twisted his stomach into knots. He couldn't bear the idea of Declan interacting with others, especially women, without him by his side.

But Jerome knew his possessiveness was suffocating. He couldn't continue to imprison Declan in their home, shielding him from the world. That's why he finally agreed to see a therapist, Dr. Rachel Kim, after weeks of Declan's gentle persuasion.

At first, Jerome had refused, convinced that no one could understand his fears. But Declan's patient explanation – "I want you to be happy, and I want to be happy with you, without the weight of your anxiety" – had worn him down.

Jerome's primary motivation for seeking therapy was to overcome his crippling fear of interacting with others. He wanted to be able to accompany Declan wherever he went, without succumbing to debilitating anxiety.

Three months into therapy, Jerome showed significant progress. He learned coping mechanisms and strategies to manage his anxiety. The breakthrough came when he mustered the courage to apologize to Michael and La-la, Declan's closest friends, for his past behavior.

La-la forgave him instantly, while Michael remained hesitant. But Jerome didn't let that discourage him. He was determined to continue growing.

Today, Declan decided it was time to take Jerome out into the world. They stepped into a quiet café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping them. Jerome's heart racing, he scanned the unfamiliar surroundings.

Declan's reassuring hand wrapped around his, offering comfort. Jerome took a deep breath, letting his partner's presence calm his frayed nerves.

As they sipped their coffee, Jerome's thoughts wandered. What if he panicked? What if he embarrassed Declan? But with each passing moment, his anxiety receded, replaced by a sense of accomplishment.

Jerome's grip on Declan's hand tightened as they navigated the bustling café. His eyes scanned the room, monitoring every glance directed at Declan.

"You're doing great," Declan whispered, his voice soothing.

Jerome's response was a possessive tug on Declan's hand. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction knowing Declan was his.

The therapist's words echoed in his mind: "You're making progress, Jerome. Learning to manage your anxiety."

But Jerome knew the truth. He wasn't doing this for Declan's sake; he was doing it for himself. To ensure Declan remained within his grasp.

As they ordered their coffee, Jerome's gaze lingered on the barista, a young woman with a friendly smile. He noted the way she looked at Declan, the fleeting spark of interest.

Jerome's jaw clenched. He couldn't let his guard down, not even for a moment.

"Let's sit in the corner," Jerome suggested, his voice low and controlled.

Declan nodded, oblivious to the underlying tension.

As they sipped their coffee, Jerome's thoughts consumed him. Who else would try to take Declan away? Who else would dare?

The therapist's next appointment loomed in his mind. Jerome would have to pretend to be making progress, all while secretly reinforcing his grip on Declan.

"Hey, love?" Jerome said, his voice laced with a hint of possessiveness. "Who's that woman you talked to yesterday?"

Declan's brow furrowed. "Which woman?"

Jerome's eyes narrowed. "Don't play dumb, Declan. I saw you laughing with her."

Declan's expression softened. "Jerome, it was just Sarah from HR. We were discussing a project."

Jerome's smile masked his growing unease. "Oh, okay. Just making sure."

The conversation seemed innocent enough, but Jerome's mind was already spinning scenarios.

Declan's eyes locked onto Jerome's, sensing the underlying tension. "Everything okay, Jerome? You seem a bit...off."

Jerome's mask slipped for a moment, revealing a glimmer of possessiveness. "I just want to make sure you're mine, always."

Declan's smile faltered. "Jerome, I am yours. You know that."

But Jerome's grip on his hand tightened. "I need to know who's around you, who's trying to take you away."

Declan's unease grew. "Jerome, no one's trying to take me away. You're being paranoid."

Jerome's laughter sent a shiver down Declan's spine. "Paranoid? You think I'm paranoid?"

The café's noise faded into the background as Declan realized Jerome's behavior was escalating.

"Jerome, maybe we should head back home," Declan suggested, trying to defuse the situation.

Jerome's eyes flashed with anger. "No, we're staying. I want to know more about Sarah from HR."

Declan's heart sank.

As they sat in uncomfortable silence, Jerome's mind whirled with scenarios. He needed to keep Declan close, under his control.

The therapist's words echoed in Jerome's mind: "You're making progress, Jerome."

But progress was just a facade. Jerome's true intentions lurked beneath the surface, waiting to consume Declan.

Note: Toxic relationships can be triggering. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help from resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).