From Bully to Boyfriend •|Lams|•

Chapter 13

Alexander took John home that night. He carried him all the way back, even if he was soaked to the skin in fruit punch in the freezing weather.

He didn't know how Francis could be so cruel to John. John was too innocent, and so selfless. If you were on John's good side, he'd probably move mountains for you in a heartbeat.

Alexander sat John on the couch once they got to their room, and he just hugged the other tightly. It was silent, except for the beating of both of their hearts, and John's occasional sniffle. The quiet inhale and exhale of their chests.

He knew they both needed to take account to the situation, rather than cut to the chase and talk. He was going to give John all the time in the world to only speak when he was ready.

After about six minutes, John took a shuddering breath. "That was my ex," he whispered. "His name is Francis. He made me do s-so many things I didn't want to do, but.. he was my boyfriend. I thought it was normal to live up to his expectations? But it really did drain me.."

John thought of all of his nights, where he felt physically too weak and ill to even hold a pencil properly. Just because Francis had convinced John that his appearance was not enough. He tried not to let it get to his head, but once words jam your skull for so many times, they'll eventually break into your mind and destroy you.

"Jacky. I don't want you to do anything you aren't comfortable with. If you think pleasing me is the best way to go, we really need to have a talk right now." Alexander cupped John's freckled cheek, feeling all of his tears dribble past his thumb. "I want you to feel as happy as possible. Even if it's not me who can provide you with that in the end.." He softly connected their lips. "I also want you to feel safe. I don't want you to be scared. I think you're perfect.. I know you might hate your 'flaws'. But they're what I love most about you. You're everything to me no matter what."

John was crying even more now. He certainly wasn't used to this much affection.

Alexander frowned even more upon seeing his tears. "Baby, don't cry.."

"I'm not sad.. I just.. need to let it out right now." John was still damaged by the whole scene with Francis, but Alexander's words had really touched him.

So Alexander held and rocked him, murmuring little words to John every now and then, like 'I love you', and 'Everything is going to be okay'.

John, soon enough, grew sleepy. He was worn out from all the crying, and Alexander's warmth. He was only emitting little sniffles every couple of minutes.

"I'm gonna run the shower for you. We're both really sticky," Alexander pointed out, giving John a little smile. John was then reminded of the fruit punch. "Yeah. That's a good idea."

Alexander kissed his forehead. "Alright. I'll be back." He got up, and entered the bathroom.

Soon, John and Alex were both clean and in new clothes. John fell asleep in Alexander's arms as soon as they went to bed. Alexander wasn't tired yet, so he was just scrolling through his phone, seeing if there was any way to get dirt on Francis. He was still furiously salty about how he treated John.

He scrunched his nose as soon as he saw the pictures of the whole scene on Thomas's Instagram. He felt like throwing up, right in his sorry excuse for a face.

He knew he could expose them. He could absolutely do it. For now, he'd have to sleep on his ideas. He threw his phone to the bedside, and curled up into John, soon falling asleep.