I need to sit down.
My legs feel like they're going to give out.
I drop onto the edge of the bed, elbows on my knees, head buried in my hands, digging my fingers into my head through the thick hood of my sweatshirt and letting out a guttural groaning growl. The mask feels thicker, choking, like it's going to kill me, but taking it off isnotan option.
Ivy settles beside me.
Feel her on the bed.
Feel her warm thigh pressed against mine.
Feel her palm rubbing my back through my shirt in big, firm circles.
"What happened?" she asks again, softly.
I release my grip on my head to sign, movements sharp.N-E-W… D-O-C-T-O-R.
"They didn't warn you in advance?" Thane says, and there's an edge to his voice that means he's pissed on my behalf.
NO.I shake my head and sign it so forcefully my hand cuts through the air.
"Were you getting anything done?" Thane asks. "Or was it just a checkup?"
I would have gotten injections. Fucking hate needles, but the scars are too tight along the left side of my neck. The scars ache on the right side of where my cheek used to be before my fucking stepfather dumped acid on my face.
I ignore him.
None of his fucking business.
"Did youneedto go?" Thane presses.
Always pressing.
Always pushing.
Never knows when to stop.
"If you were getting injections, you have to go back," Thane insists, and now he's using his captain voice.
FUCK the injections.My signs are getting bigger, angrier.Don't need them.
"Bullshit," Thane snaps back.
I'm FINE.
"You are not fine! You're my brother, I can tell you're in fucking pain. Your scars?—"
A gentle hand touches my arm in mid-sign, cutting through our escalating argument, and arms wrap around my neck and shoulders.
Ivy.
"Would it help if I came with you?" she asks softly, her breath whispering against my ear as she holds me from behind.
Can't process the question.
Can't think past the way her arms feel around me, warm and safe and everything I don't deserve. The honeysuckle scent of her wraps around me like she's trying to shield me from my own demons.
Come with me?
