Shattered

Accosted

The wind felt good in his hair and he closed his eyes simply enjoying the sensations of the air whipping his hair in every direction. The sun was warm against his face and he thought it'd been too long a time that he had made the sun's acquaintanceship. They still had a few hours' drive before arriving at their destination, and Jonathan hoped that this impromptu vacation away would be just what they both needed.

He'd made a promise to himself that he'd keep his feelings away from the situation. He would be Mayson's rock, his pillar of strength. He would hold him when he needed it, ground him when his mind began to take over logic. He swore he'd keep himself in check in case Mayson fell apart.

Jonathan glanced over to his right and smiled. Mayson was sound asleep, his face turned toward him, mouth slightly open as he breathed. A wave of melancholy washed through him, however, when they came to a stoplight in a pass-through town on their way to their destination. Not even in sleep can you fully relax. He resisted the urge to reach out and trace his fingers softly down his face. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, opened them, and left the town behind.

Some hours later Jonathan pulled into a Wendy's off the freeway, his hunger no longer affording him the ability to ignore it. Mayson still slept next to him, having moved very little. He hated to wake him up.

"Mayson, love," he whispered gently so as to not scare him. "Mayson, wake up, love."

"Huh?" Mayson startled awake and quickly looked around. He smiled when his gaze landed on Jonathan. The first real smile Jonathan can remember in too long.

"Hi."

Jonathan smiled back, his heart melting at that smile. One day you won't wake up scared, baby, he thought before saying aloud,

"I'm starving. Want something?"

"Can I come in with you?" He asked, not being able to keep the panic from his voice at the thought of being alone.

"It would be my pleasure, Mayson, to always have you at my side," he answered quietly before exiting the car.

Mayson blushed as he watched Jonathan come around to his side and open the door for him. Mayson smiled again as he reached for Jonathan's outstretched hand.

They talked quietly while they ate, Jonathan making it his personal goal to make that smile appear as often as possible. Jonathan checked his watch as they exited the fast-food franchise.

"It's almost three. We're making-"

"Hey!"

Jonathan turned around at the front of his 2000 Trans Am, making sure Mayson was behind him. He felt the tingling of threat in that voice.

Mayson jumped at the tone in the stranger's voice, instantly taking refuge behind Jonathan. Oh, god, he's found me. He found me and he came after me like he always said.

"Can I help you?" Jonathan asked as his whole body tightened.

"Yeah, who the fuck do you think you are?"

Jonathan frowned in confusion. He had no idea to whom this man was.

"I think you must be mistaking me for someone else."

"I don't give a fuck who you are if you're doing that to him, we have a problem," the man spat his words angrily. Jonathan slightly turned his head, his ears perking at Mayson's whimper.

"You don't know what you're talking about. I suggest you turn around and go back inside."

"Or what," the stranger challenged. "You gonna beat me like you've beaten him?"