Crying Out

Part Four: Submission

Corbyn jumped when the door rattled in its frame, struggling to protect them from monster behind it. He whimpered, nuzzling closer. His head tucked into Daniel's neck.

" Imma open the door. Stay here okay?" Soft lips brushed his forehead, before Daniel stood. Making his way to shaking door, just as terrified as the blonde it tried so desperately to shield.

" Corbyn! Open this damn door! I know you're in there!" A deep voice boomed, rough with anger. Daniel pulled the door open, ending its abuse. If only it were Corbyn.

" Where the hell is he?" Jeremiah growled, stepping closer to Daniel, who met his dark gaze, unflinching.

" Give me one damn reason you should know?" He spat back, the creaking of the larger's clenching teeth sounding through his cheeks. The siren of a nearing storm.

" You little-"

" I'm right here!" Corbyn spoke up quickly, getting an arm between the snarling wolves. Boiling chocolate pots flicked to him, only growing darker.

" Why the hell haven't you answered any of my texts?" Jeremiah gripped Corbyn wrist, the smallest whimpering.

" I'm sorry, Miah. It was an accident, honest," Corbyn didn't meet his gaze, becoming noticeably smaller. Only then did his partner see the bandages wrapping his head.

" I told you I would take of that," he sighed, releasing his wrist to ghost his fingers over the hidden wound," you know I didn't mean to hit you so hard. I just... you shouldn't have broken the cup. You should've been more careful. I don't like hitting," Jeremiah cupped his cheek, Corbyn melting into his palm.

" I know. I'm not mad," the blonde smiled gently. Submitting to his boyfriend." I'll pay more attention next time. I promise."

It was my fault.

Daniel's palms burned, crescent moons branding the red skin. His oceans boiled, body almost shaking. Corbyn's song was softening, a gentle snap accompanying the soft piano. Jeremiah didn't deserve it.

" I thought I told you to re-dye your hair?" Corbyn moved closer, leaning slightly into his chest.

" My appointment's tomorrow. I'm sorry I didn't ask you, Miah. But that was all they had," his quiet voice barely audiable.

" Can you take me?" Big frozen lakes looked up timidly.

" Yeah, baby."

" Its at four. It's over at five. Will you be there on time?"

" It happened once Corbyn!" He snapped, his switch flicking. Daniel tensed as Jeremiah stepped forward, the large man's fist clenched. Ready to pounce on his prey.

" I know, I'm sorry. I just wanted to know," Corbyn explained quickly, letting himself be pushed back. He didn't mention that it had happened almost every time. Swallowed words were a common theme among them.

It almost made Daniel wonder if Corbyn felt as bloated as he did? Or just how much weight would be lost if they just spoke the truth? How much lighter would his heart be if he were truly doing everything to save his best friend? Would the guilt finally cease? Would he no longer feel like he was hitting Corbyn every night?

" Come on, let's go home."

That prison wasn't a home.

" Okay. Can I get my phone?" When had simple actions become questions?

" Why don't you have it?" The siren was sounding, begging you to get somewhere safe.

" It's in the bathroom."

" Why? What was your slutty ass doing that you couldn't have your phone," Corbyn flinched, the words leaving the same bruise as any hit. Daniel often wondered which was worse.

" Nothing. I just forgot it when Dani was cleaning my wound," Jeremiah grabbed his wrist, yanking him forward.

Daniel stood taller, only to shrink at the pleading look he received. It wasn't a cry help. It never was.

" You don't need your damn phone. We're leaving."

Daniel watched them go. Storm clouds blocking his skies, rains threatening to fall.

Why can't I save you?

♤
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