childhood memories

Chapter 10

My teeth chatted together frantically, goosebumps bubbling beneath the thin hairs resting on my arms while the tears had now frosted around my eyes.
I'd be lieing if I said I couldn't see the hung up carcasses of meat ahead of me, lined up across both sides of the walkway.
The stench of blood was all around me, though I feel I must admit the cold had clogged up my nose to block out the sent.
Still...it didn't help my trembling, nor my heavy breathing.
All courage had drained, that alongside my pride.
My throat ached and burnt with each inhalation, the dire need for warmth driving me desperate.
I'm so stupid....God knows, what Laurence is thinking of me!... probably laughing...so he should.
I jolted as the door began opening, pushing further against the wall.
The wave of heated air piled in, causing the misty floor to curdle and fly upward gradually.
A ray of yellow shot in, imprinting a dark shadow on the floor.
"...well? You coming or not?!"
I flinched at the voice, gripping my frostbitten hair before hiding my face between my legs.
Mumbling, begging, pleading to myself, all i wanted was to get out of this damn place...but I couldn't bring myself to willingly go towards my father.
He gripped my arm tightly, my torso locking to follow close to when he hoisted me up by it.
Due to his height he had lifted my trembling arm to my head, dragging my body while my tired feet struggled to gain footing.
When we came up the stairs he instantaneously released me, causing my body to collapse to the ground in a curled up, shaking cry.
He glared at me shivering and whimpering, merely giving it a second glance before deserting me regardless of my hands reaching for his feet.
"H-Hm"
As expected it was Vylad who came to my aid first, cupping my freezing cheeks to gaze into my frosted eyes.
I shivered, coughing ever so slightly.
He looked up at Zane who was stood in the doorway, eyes brimming with tears and shock.
I must have been gone longer...I don't usually feel my legs go numb such as this.
Vylad took off his cardigan and layed it over me, giving Zane a glare.
Zane did nothing but watch.
Vylad rolled his eyes and took me by the arm, trying his best to help me up to my shivering feet.
When he did he layed all my weight on his shoulder, my last remaining energy letting me clutch onto him.
Zane groaned at Vylad's struggle before taking my other arm.
"Go get the kettle started Vylad...I'll go get this dork to bed"
He grumbled
My brother was reluctant but did as he was told.
"Your a fucking moron y'know that"
Zane snapped at me, helping me up the stairs.
"H-Heh, I didn't see you stopping them all"
I coughed, giving him a glance as his hoodie sleeves rolled upward with the pressure I layed upon him with my grip.
Cuts scattered his wrist, some small, some long...some looked to have dug too deep...
I knew that his cut if you're asking, he has been for almost a year now...from my knowledge that is.
However that wasn't what stuck out time most...it was bruising venturing up his arm.
My eyes narrowed, clocking two and two together before looking into his eyes.
They seemed darker...
"...H-He hit you, didn't he"
I mumbled, gaining his attention almost instantly.
"No...just grabbed my arm"
He stated as he glared forward
"Then why are your eyes b-black?"
He growled loudly at my questioning.
"I'm tired! Jeez!"
He yelled, my tender ears stinging.
No more was said as he carted me off to my room or warmth, lifting my t-shirt up over my head.
I merely let him complain of my laziness while unchanging me regardless of the many times I offered to do it myself.
When done, left on my boxers Vylad came up, a hot water bottle and drink in hand.
"Vylad, I'm too old for that now..."
I mumbled as his eyes narrowed.
Just as I was about to protest he shoved it against my belly, keeping the cup steady in his grasp.
I sighed and layed down on my bed, watching as he placed the cup on the side and lifted the sheets to cover me to the neck.
He patted it slightly.
"That ain't gonna warm him up fast enough y'know"
Zane growled, crossing his arms.
I merely turned away, cuddling the hot water bottle as Vylad wacked Zane's shoulder.
As I trembled Vylad came round in front of me and removed his clothes, lifting the blanket before cuddling his warm body into my freezing one.
It felt so wrong, so forbidden, but I had to wrap my arms around him, he was far too warm to neglect.
He kept the hot water bottle in place with his thigh pressed against mine, our boxers rubbing together ever so softly.
I huffed before feeling the covers lift from behind me, Zane oh of all the people doing the same from behind.
"H-Hm?"
I shuddered.
He hugged me warmly from behind, my breathes becoming shaky.
"Y-You don't have t-to do this-"
I uttered, before he snarled
"Oh shut up..."
I went quiet and closed my eyes, adapting to the condition.
"This doesn't mean I love you"