Together in Darkness- Moved to AO3

Chapter 18

Dove POV

Sofia came and sat with us all in the lounge, taking a seat next to me on the sofa. I knew she had been to see Y/N and truthfully I was thankful that she had. I couldn't face him as I knew that I'd just get angry at how careless he had been, but I also knew he didn't mean in. I looked over at his mum and dad who were sat across from us on the other sofa. I had lost count of the amount of times I had stayed in this house. It was like a second home to me and to Thomas, with us both growing up with Y/N. Suddenly I realised just how big the house was, and my heart sunk in my chest to know that is exactly how Y/N must feel when he is alone. He would always end up here alone every day as his parents were either at work or with Jacob. They were wonderful people and I often envied how perfect they seemed as parents. Y/N and Jacob were always so happy growing up and they truly were the picture perfect family from the outside. But it angered me that they had almost forgotten Y/N throughout this whole situation. He had been left to support himself and clearly he isn't doing a very good job. I sighed and sat back into Thomas' arms.

"Thanks for helping Y/N Sofia, how is his face looking?" I heard Elle asked as Sofia sat down.

"It's not a problem at all Mrs Y/LN. We used antiseptic wipes to clean the cuts, I think he will probably be a bit sore and he had to put a small dressing on his eyebrows but I'm sure he will be alright" she said politely smiling at Y/Ns mum. I can't imagine how nervous she must be feeling. Sofia has been crushing of Y/N for the longest time, and I can't imagine that she wanted this to be the first time she met his parents under these circumstances. Still, Sofia was polite and respectful and I could already tell by Elle's posture that she was relaxed with Sofia. She liked her already.

"We have a future doctor in the house it seems" said Y/N as he joined us in the room, startling us all. He took a seat on the arm of the sofa next to Sofia and winked at her, making her blush and look away. God they're both so bad at flirting it hurts my eyes but they're so cute.

Y/N looked at me and walked over, pulling me up to give me a hug. "Hey Dove I'm sorry I worried you, I didn't mean to" He said as he let go. I just looked up at him and smiled sadly. I knew he didn't mean it which is why I couldn't be angry at him. But I still hurt for him. To see the pain in his eyes, knowing that he was just as scared as his parents were.

"And mum, I'm sorry to you too. I honestly just forgot my phone I just went for a run that's all. I promise to be more careful next time" he said looking down at his feet, clearly ashamed of himself. Elle wouldn't be mad at him, she would just be relieved he was okay and home in one piece. He clearly felt bad enough for all of us, he didn't need a lecture, he needed reassurance.

"Oh hunny it's ok but please just be more careful. What happened to you? Because I know this is not from a fall. What happened Y/N? You can tell us, we won't be mad. I'm just glad you're home in one piece" she said with a concern lacing her voice as she stood to give him another hug. Told you.

But rather than pulling away he actually hugged her back. He really was hurting. This whole scenario was unfair. Y/N didn't deserve this, Jacob didn't deserve this, none of them did. And I didn't need Y/N to say what happened because I already knew.

I sighed and shook my head, already knowing the answer to the question I was about to ask.

"It was Ryan wasn't it?" I said. I could feel Sofia's stare on me, shocked that I had revealed what Y/N was trying to hide. He knew his mum would probably get upset because Ryan always seemed to be causing trouble for her son. But she had the right to know, as it could have been a lot worse and I know Y/N better than Sofia. He would have told her eventually.

"Nothing happened, I'm fine honestly. He just said a few things and wanted to get back at me for last night" Y/N replied, the frustration on his face clear that he didn't want me to say anything. "It's finished with now mum okay? He didn't like that I wouldn't fight him and told him to leave the party after he tried to cause trouble with Thomas so he thought he would try and get back at me. Plus if his nose wasn't broken last night then I'm certain it is now" he continued, trying to make light of the situation. That's one thing you can always count on Y/N for. He hates awkwardness which is so funny to see him try and get out of, so he will always try and make a joke out of everything.

"What do you mean you are certain his nose is broken?" Elle said, looking at her son questioningly, knowing full well what he was about to say.

"Thatta boy" Y/Ns dad said, as he came over to and wrapped his arm round his son, ruffling his hair. "What do you think he means sweetheart? Our champion boxer here showed that little shit that he's not to be messed with" he continued now smiling proudly at Y/N. We couldn't help but laugh at how proud he was, whilst Mrs Y/LN threw her hands in the air in defeat. Boys will be boys I guess. We all knew Y/N was not a fighter, he never had been one to go out of his way to hurt anyone. But he was fiercely protective of the people he cared about and he would do anything to make sure no one ever hurt his brother. That's why he and Ryan had always ended up having a physical fight. Because Ryan knew how to press his buttons and he would never back away from defending his family. I couldn't help but smile at him though; visibly seeing him relax from his parents reaction to the news.

"I think after tonight, we all deserve a nice cuppa don't you?" Mr Y/LN said making his way to the kitchen. "You guys chill you've had a long weekend, me and Elle will bring the drinks in".

Y/N sat back down opposite us all. Looking at him you could see the exhaustion on his face. He hid it so well. I made a mental note to make sure I checked in with him every day from now on. Just to ask if he's alright.

"Ok, boxer boy" Thomas called from next to me, throwing the television control at Y/N. "Find something good to watch then. See if Match of the Day is on".

Me and Sofia groaned in unison, ugh anything but that. Y/N laughed and shook his head. It was a rare sight but to see him laugh made me smile. I could tell Sofia liked it too as I could see out the corner of my eye how she sat there smiling back at him. I'm literally their biggest fan girl it's unreal.

"I think it's probably over now mate. Let's see what else there is. Anything you guys want to watch?" Y/N asked, pointing his question at Sofia. She blushed, looking over at me for help in responding. Of god, she is such a useless flirt!

"Anything not sports related" I said trying to save the day.

"I second that" Elle said as she appeared with some hot drinks, her husband next to her with more drinks and biscuits.

"Dig in kids. I've spoken to your mum Dove, and she said it's fine for you all to stay here in the guest rooms this evening. Thomas you as well. Sofia we have more than enough room for you too as we did not want you all driving back this late. I know you came with Dove. Would you like us to call your parents or will they be okay?" Y/Ns dad asked. It was sweet how despite their current heart ache, they're still such kind and caring people. It's easy to see where Y/N gets it from.

"Thank you very much Mr and Mrs Y/LN, but they know I'm with Dove this evening so it should be fine. Dove I'll help you get our bags from the car" Sofia said, politely as ever.

No one else noticed the grin that spread across Y/Ns face from ear to ear at the sound of that.