So Baby Steps (UNDER RECONSTRUCTION)

Chapter 2: Second Step; Name!

Steven woke up to his hand being squeezed and pulled. And whimpering? Crying? What was that? He bolts up when he hears, "sniff...no,don't....I'm sorry...ngh....it hurts....sto-....." Leo was having a nightmare. He looks at Leo and the sight breaks his heart. Leo was crying with his head moving side to side, and he was clawing at the bed. He had a death grip on Stevens hand. Steven didn't mind that. He squeezed back. Steven sat on the bed and lifted Leo up. Putting his head on Stevens chest, so that Leo could hear his heartbeat. He puts his hand on Leo's back, rubbing circles.

"Shhh. It's alright, Leo. I'm here. You're safe. I won't let anyone hurt you." Steven whispered. Leo lets go of his hand and puts his arms around Stevens neck. Steven reddens. Leo was still in his nightmare but his body reacted on instinct, grabbing hold of something warm. He puts his left hand on Leo's back and continues to rub it. While he brings up his right hand and gently combs through his thick brown hair.

Leo squeezes his neck and cries,"I'm sor...ry....don't..hate me...it hurts...sniff........dad..."

Stevens blood drained. His eyes widened. Dad? Had Leo suffered from child---mistreatment? He didn't want to think about the "a" word. It made his blood boil. Just the thought of someone hurting Leo put Steven in a frenzy. Let alone his own father. Pushing aside the thought, Steven decides to calm Leo, and get rid of the nightmare so he could sleep, peacefully for once. Being careful not to pull out the tubes in his arms, or take off the mask on his face. Steven continues to rub his back and comb through his hair. Gently so that he doesn't harm him. After doing this for a good 10 minutes, Leo stopped sobbing. He was just sniffling now, starting to calm down. Steven sighed, relieved he was able to soothe him. Even after he stopped his sniffles, they hadn't moved from their position. They were both comfortable; sitting there and holding each other. Even though Leo had not woken up yet. There was silence. Until Steven heard Leo mumble something. He looked down at the younger man and waited to see if he would say it again. And sure enough, he did, "Steven." Leo mumbled.

Stevens heart fluttered, his face with a faint blush on his cheeks. He grinned to himself,'Maybe I have a chance, after all.' Leo finally went back into a deep sleep, loosening his arms around Stevens neck in the process. Steven let go of slowly and laid him back down on the bed. He silently crossed his long legs and sat back, falling asleep once again.

When Leo opened his eyes he immediately shut them. The bright sun shining through the curtains in the room. Wait. This is the hospital. Why am I in the hospital? Through closed eyes, he decided to take a look around. He looks over to his left first and saw the door. He then looks over to his right and was shocked to see his second boss fast asleep next to him. In a plastic hospital chair. Leo giggled at the sight. He looks so content, asleep like that. But that must be very uncomfortable for the rather tall man. Leo looks over to the clock on the wall and sees that its 8:27 a.m. "Eh?!" He shouted, confused. Steven jerked awake at his sudden yell so much that he fell backwards onto his back on the ground. He grunts. "Ah! I'm so sorry, Steven! Are you alright?!" Leo asks. While still on the ground he waves to Leo. Then gets up and sets his chair back upright. Before he sits he stretches, though. He sits and crosses his legs while he folds his hands in front of him. Leo looks up at him,"I'm sorry, Steven."

Steven looks down at Leo and smiles," It's fine, Leo. But that was quite the wake up call. What's wrong?" Steven watched as Leo went bright red as this is the first time Steven called him Leo instead of young man. He rather likes the sight, but decides to hide that. So he just smiles some more. He waited patiently while Leo got his thoughts together.

After about a minute Leo looks up at him clearly confused,"Um. Well, it's just I'm in the hospital again for some reason. And also, what day is it today? Because I'm pretty sure I fell asleep this morning at 9:00 am. But that clock up there says it's 8:28 am. Did someone turn back time or something?" In this city that's actually a possibility, he mentally adds.