Lurking - Station 19 Fic

Shift

A/N: Okay, there's a major warning for adult content ahead so if you don't like it, do your best to skip over it.....otherwise, I'm telling you now....

"Okay. Tell me."

"I-I don't know where to start...." Travis said quietly with a frown, swallowing hard as he looked at Ryan with big eyes.

"Why don't you start by telling me this person's name?" Ryan just asked quietly, watching him calmly.

Travis hesitated, thinking hard, his emotions messing with him, trying not to cry anymore, embarrassed to be crying in front of Ryan.

"His name's Liam....Liam Andrews." He fibbed, avoiding Ryan's gaze.

"Alright. And where does Liam hurt you?"

"At-At the bar..." Travis rubbed at his fingers nervously.

"Is it always at the bar? The same bar every time?" Ryan questioned, watching Travis nod quietly.

"So why does Liam hurt you?"

Travis frowned, trying not to look vulnerable. "I-I dunno....he's got it out for me I guess...." He shifted uncomfortably.

"You can't think of a particular reason?" Ryan remained patient and calm, talking in his soft, caring voice.

"I-I dunno...." Was all Travis could say, it practically coming out as a whimper, frowning deeply.

"That's alright. Now, if you don't mind me asking, why not just stop going to this bar?"

Travis stared at the floor, not sure of what to say, frowning as he hoped Ryan couldn't tell he was lying. "I-I shouldn't have to stop goin' just cause of some guy...."

"I see." Ryan nodded slowly. "And how long has this been going on? Vic told me it's been quite a while now."

Travis scowled a little, frowning at the floor. "Vic doesn't know what she's talking about. She keeps bugging me...." He huffed.

"I'm pretty sure it's just because she cares, Travis." Ryan said calmly and Travis frowned at him with a narrowed look. "She doesn't have to care. I wish she'd jus' leave me alone."

"Since when? I thought you two were best friends...." Ryan watched him closely.

"We was...." Travis frowned. "Now we ain't."

"Why is that?"

Travis looked to him. "I told you, she keeps bugging me."

"And she's bugging you because....?"

"I-I-I dunno, she-she's asking me all these damn questions all the time....!" Travis frowned.

"Why is she asking you questions?"

"I dunno! She keeps thinking I'm hurt."

"But you are hurt." Ryan stated.

"So what if I'm hurt?! Don't mean it's everybody's business! Just cause some guy keeps hitting me and telling me awful stuff and threatening me, I—" Travis realized what he was saying, going a little wide-eyed, frowning.

"I-I-I mean....." His voice trailed off quietly, hanging his head, hoping Ryan couldn't tell.

"This man's been threatening you?" Ryan just asked calmly, Travis swallowing as he nodded slowly.

"Can you tell me what he's been saying to you?"

Travis shifted again. "I-I don't want to tell you...."

"Well you told me everything else now didn't you? You did tell me everything right?" Ryan asked with a knowing look, sensing Travis was obviously hiding something but not wanting to let him on that he knew just yet, watching Travis who just nodded again.