Waiting For The Death Blow

9.

The damp air seemed to have a weighted effect on Robert's mood as he sat, side by side, with Simon in the park. They sat silently on a backless bench, looking upon the dead trees and lifeless greenery.

Robert eventually sighed. He was tired. Too tired to comprehend. "Si..." he said, quietly, as he rested his forehead on Simon's arm in a fatigued manner. "Whassit, Rob?" Simon asked with a hint of worry in his voice. Robert didn't say anything, just pulled at Simon's sleeve as if he was a small child, hoping for reassurance. Simon slid his arm behind Robert's back. He didn't think anyone was looking, all he wanted was for Robert to feel a sense of relief.

However, a sudden snigger caused both of their heads to snap up. All emotion drained from Simon's face and Robert's throat tightened. Steven Severin was stood infront of them with a lit cigarette in his mouth. Robert blinked in process.

"What you two doing then?" He asked, casually. Robert had frozen with inkling anxiety, and Simon just couldn't find the words to speak. I know what you did. He wanted to say. And you're gonna fucking pay for it, you sick bastard.

"Okay. Ignore me, then." Steve tutted, with a wave of his hand. He began to turn around when Simon shot up and, without a second thought, punched him square in the jaw. Robert gasped with a flinch. Steven was left speechless, clutching his jaw in unexpected agony.

Simon's teeth were clenched. He grabbed Robert's arm and attempted to pull him away, when, suddenly, his hair was yanked and his head tipped back. Steven swung a quick blow to his cheek. He hissed in sharp pain, staggering about, almost falling. Steven glared at him with hateful, cold eyes. "Fuck off, Severin!" Simon snarled, aggressively, ready to throw another hit.

Yet, Robert quickly grabbed his hand, avoiding any further damage, and pulled him in the opposite direction. Simon sneered back at Steven as they quickly walked.

He was seething with pure hatred.
-
"Thank you." Robert said, later on back at his house. Simon half-smiled with a sense of unease. "Yeah. Well the bastard gets what he's given." He sighed, frustratedly. "It's like...he didn't even remember the night of the party." Robert said, smalley.

Simon sighed, He was washing up dirty dishes from days ago, as Robert sat, coldly on the sofa. Robert's mind was in a state of torment after seeing him today. Even the mere mention of Steven was nothing short of torture now. Flashbacks and memories of empty promises filled his head, and he sniffled to catch Simon's attention.

Simon wiped his hands on a tea towel.  "I best be off then." He sighed, walking to Robert and kissing his cheek, tenderly. Yet, Robert grasped his wrists in needy panic. "No. Stay, please?" He was almost begging and tears began to well up in his eyes. "But what about Mary?" - "Mary will be back tomorrow...to collect her things." Robert said, stiffly. "She's moving out. We're not good for eachother...anymore." he mumbled quickly, in a flustered manner.

Simon sighed in sympathy and sat himself down. He knew he didn't need to say anything about Mary. "It'll be okay. You know that, right?" But Robert shrugged, his throat was beginning to swell up. "I don't know, Simon! Will it?" He cried out. "Because everything is going to shit lately!" He was distraught and simply broken.

"I'm just...so tired, Simon...so fucking tired..." he slunk back down, but Simon caught him. He kissed him on the head and cheeks. Robert rubbed his tear stained face with his sleeve and looked to his love with heavy, pained eyes. Simon leaned in and kissed his swollen lips, then smiled warmly. Robert nuzzled against him. He had started to crave the warmth that Simon emanated.

"Stay in my bed tonight...Even if it's the last night you ever do..." he murmured, languidly rubbing his hand down the side of Simon's neck. Simon traced the cleft in Robert's chin with his finger and nodded. "I'm not leaving until you ask." He assured. Robert pressed his forehead to Simon's. "I love you." He whispered. It was said with such meaning that he almost began to sob harder. "I love you too. I always have..."