Part 1: Denial - Episode 14

The classroom was dark and tense… William stood his ground, although subtly nearing the exit to the hallway. The boy opposite him, Cameron, brown hair, maliciously nagging eyes, snickered quietly. He threw a friendly punch at the ginger boy beside him. William stood with his perfect posture, his glossy black hair had a dull shine in the low light. He seemed unfazed, and yet, he flinched as the other boy turned back to him, spitting yet another cocky insult. William’s eyes immediately snapped to that boy, his harrowing hazel eyes felt like they shot a burning hole through the boy’s head. Aggressively kicking at a chair, William turned on his heel, a lump forming in his throat. But, as he reached quickly for the door, a hasty, cold hand took hold of his arm. Whipping around without hesitation, William’s eyes met Abel’s. Abel’s eyes glistened passionately, deep concern lingered caringly on his face. After a long moment or two, Abel gently wrapped his arms round William’s waist in a hug, briefly whispering something into his ear, “Calm down. Let’s go outside.”

At the sound of an echoing coo of a bird, William snapped back to reality, staring down into Elias’ concerned eyes. The precarious splotches of warm sunlight prickling through the canopy illuminated Elias’ eyes with passion. “You can’t just storm out like that!” Elias choked, gripping William’s arm tighter. “Come on–” Elias tore his eyes from William’s “–We should head home.” Elias let go of William’s sleeve, the sensation of his touch leaving made William’s arm feel empty and cold. Following Elias, William kept his eyes scanning the dark ground, occasionally shifting his stance to dodge muddy puddles. Elias moved cautiously, turning back to glance at him every so often, snapping round at any small sound. William coughed awkwardly, the lump in his throat felt more prominent as the pair walked. Guilt… is what he felt. He felt guilty. Why… Did he say those things?

Slowly, but surely, Elias allowed William to catch up as the cabin came into view. Lloyd’s cabin was somewhat camouflaged in the dense, purple-ish tint of the woods. Opening the door to the cabin, a loud creak slurred through the almost empty house. After a second, Lloyd walked past the entryway, rudely side-eying Elias and William, but still coming to a stop. “Want food?” He begrudgingly murmured. “No, thanks,” Elias smiled carefully as he spoke, but Lloyd turned his back to him. Gently pushing past, William slumped onto his bed. Subconsciously, Elias reached to trace the new bandage of his wound. “Don’t touch it,” William said flatly. “Right, sorry,” Elias replied sheepishly.

Making his way to the bathroom, Elias flicked on the shower. Cold water clattered against the worn tiles. He washed himself the best he could with one arm; his wound throbbed dully. Slowly, turning the shower knob, the chilly water came to a stop. Precariously, Elias took a cloth and wiped down the mirror. It wasn’t fogged up, because the water was cold, but little droplets of water the accidental flick of water when showering cast them onto the glass. As the mirror came clean, Elias’ eyes met his reflection’s, scanning his own face in dismay, Elias brought a hand to his cheek, gently tracing it. Elias sighed, slowly turning away from the mirror. 

Elias’ black jeans were worn, but he loved them dearly. He adjusted them around his waist–sitting them comfortably. Taking his bandage, he touched it to his wound, it stung. He struggled, unable to get the bandage on, succumbing to his only choice, shouldered the door open after begrudgingly twisting the handle. Approaching William cautiously, he handed him the bandages. “Please,” he whispered. “Help me with these, please.” Sitting up, William turned to Elias, taking the bandages, reluctantly, but very gently, wrapping them around Elias’ shoulder. Each touch sent a passionate fire of tingles down Elias’ spine, he winced in pain as William nudged the wound. Shooting a steady hand to Elias’ other shoulder William supported him as he finished the job. “Sorry,” William murmured flatly. “Thank you,” Elias shrugged William’s hand off his shoulder, backing away to the bathroom, weaselling into a t-shirt, a corrosive feeling of embarrassment shifted in his stomach.

. . .

Abel opened the door to his bedroom, allowing William to step in quietly, shutting the door after him gently. William sat on the bed, a small smile cracked through his apathetic facade as he watched Abel approach him. Sitting next to William, Abel leant over, planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. William sat stunned as Abel pulled away. “I like you, Will,” Abel smiled softly, taking William’s hand in his, intertwining their fingers. “Do you like me too?” Abel queried, a steady smile remained on his face. William turned to him cautiously, caressing Abel’s hand with his thumb. “Yes,” William croaked. “Date me, Will,” Abel cooed, shifting closer to William. William shook his head, smiling, a breathy laugh escaped his lips. “Of course. I love you.”