Impenetrable Heart | The Oneshot Collection

Not Our Wounds

     John huffed, stretching himself out on the couch as he actively fought against the urge to outwardly scream at the top of his lungs. Childish? Likely, but he was willing to try anything to relieve the dull pain spread across his body. It was everywhere; his legs, his hands, his arms, and most notably on his back. He closed his eyes, listening to the soft patter of the rain. He was torn from his moment of tranquility by the opening of the front door.

     "Raining cats and dogs," Alex grunted, bitterly nudging the door closed. "It was supposed to be over with by now."

     "Mhm," Was all John could muster as he covered his face with a nearby throw pillow.

     "Scars bothering you again?"

     "A little."

     John felt as Alex sat down next to him

     "Where does it hurt?"

     John laughed humorlessly, which then turned to a mild grimace as a rather large wound on his back flared up.

     "Everywhere."

     For the past few years, John had suffered from typically mild reactions to adverse weather, brought on by the multitudes of wounds on his body. They ranged from small nail scratches to knife gashes up to six inches in length. All were healed to varying degrees, of course, but still seemed to resuscitate to bad weather.

     "Is there anything I can do for it?" Alex offered hopefully. John shrugged.

     "You can break both my legs, then maybe that'll take my mind off it-"

     "-Jesus!"

     John laughed as Alex gasped, swatting his leg.

     "Would cream help it at all? Or maybe a heating pad?"

     "Maybe? I usually just..."

     "Leave it?" Alex finished, cocking an eyebrow. John frowned, slowly sitting up.

     "It's fine. Really."

     "No, it isn't," Alex stood up, resting his hand on his hip. "And don't you dare be difficult about this."

      John put his hand on his hip, sticking his lips out in a pout as he repeated Alex in a mocking voice.

     "And don't you dare be difficult about this-"

     Alex scoffed, walking away as John chuckled lightly, quickly turning into a grimace as a series of needle-like pain shot across his skin. He rolled his eyes, sinking back into the couch. When Alex returned, he carried with him a small tube of ointment and a large heated blanket, which considering John hadn't even been aware there was one in the house, was almost impressive. He glanced from the cream to Alex, frowning.

     "Maybe we should go to the bedroom? It might get on the- stop laughing!"

     John held back his laughter as Alex keeled over, a deep laugh (or what was a wheeze) escaping him. Just as John went to laugh, however, yet another wave of pain crept across his shoulders, causing an inadvertent wince. Alex's laughter died down quickly.

     "Right, right. Here, let me."

John laughed as Alex offered his hand. Though they had been dating for nearly a year, he found the small, awkward gestures endearing. Especially in moments like this, as Alex held out his hand, eyes cast bashfully to the ground. John smiled, accepting the offer.

     "So I was thinking," Alex said as they made their way to the room. "What about a movie later?"

     "That's your answer to everything," John laughed. "A movie."