Heyyy I know it’s been a while since I posted writing but I’m back at it!
Little recap: Henry is recovering from the attack where he got hot tar on his hands.
I slowly looked up from my book. Henry sat there, watching me quietly. We were in my old room, which was now Daltry and Henry’s room. It had been two weeks since his injury, and he was healing well. Or at least as well as you could from hot tar.
I continued to work at the docks, but during the day I’d help care for him. Daltry said he can return to work once fully healed.
Evening light poured through the window, casting shadows across the blankets covering Henry’s lap.
“Why?” I closed the book I had been reading.
“Because he was important to you. Also I am incredibly bored because you all aren’t allowing me to do anything.”
“You need to heal.” I motioned to the bandages on his hands.
He nodded, which caused a few pieces of his dark hair to fall onto his forehead. I pushed away the thought of brushing the hair from his face.
Damn it, I shouldn’t be spending this much time with him.
“I’m sorry if I overstepped.” He spoke as I reached for the door.
“It was fine.” My hand hovered over the handle.
“Please, Andrew,” his voice was small, “don’t leave.”
“I have to go to the docks.” I lied. Every time he asked about something close to me, or I felt myself lowering my guard, I forced myself to distance myself. I was simply here to help him get better, nothing more.
“I heard you tell Victoria that you’re not working tonight.”
“Damn it, Henry, I just can’t be by your side all the time.” I faced him.
“I never asked you to do that.” He folded his arms.
“Everyone except for me.” His face fell.
I sighed, disappointed at my outburst. My emotions felt like a raging fire inside of me; a fire I could not let escape.
“I enjoy when you’re here but you seem like you don’t.”
I frowned, looking at Henry as he spoke. His eyes were trained on his lap.
“What do you mean?” I came and sat on the edge of the bed, by his legs.
“You take every opportunity to vocalize how unhappy you are about us being here. I understand a while ago we… had a situation, but I don’t understand you.”
I didn’t know what to say. My feelings and my mind were at war with each other.
“But i want to understand you.”
“Henry…” my voice caught. “I care for you. But what we have is not natural, and never will be accepted.”
“I’m trying to keep us safe.” I stood.
“Get good rest, Mr. Dean.”
“Thank you, Mr. Vallens.”
I closed the door behind me. I stood quietly in the dark hall for a moment, blinking back sudden tears. Then I set my jaw and walked away from the one person who made me happy.