Chapter Ten (Devin's POV)

A/N: Hello, lovely readers :D Just here to give you a little heads up on the naughtiness contained within this chapter- Blame Rick. All his fault. Yup. I also want to apologize for the delay in updating. It's almost Christmas and a lot of hooey's been goin' on, but I'm back! So, hope it wasn't too painful to wait and happy reading!

I woke up feeling so warm and so comfortable. At first I had thought I'd fallen asleep curled up with tons of blankets, or maybe I was back in time when Danny and I used to fall asleep together in front of the TV.

But the warmth felt a little more... intimate. I opened my eyes drowsily, reaching up to press the heels of my hands against my eyes before I focused on Rick Patterson's face. I froze for a second, then relaxed as I watched him sleep.

Right. I'd have to get used to this. I was dating him... Right?

I thought about going to sleep again, but I was already awake and I'm pretty sure that it was around noon now judging by the sunlight that was trying to penetrate Rick's black curtains. Not to mention, I was sort of entranced by Rick. I don't mean to sound like a creeper or anything, but it was so amazing to see him look peaceful and quiet.

He reminded me of a little kid, lying there with his head craned toward me, an arm under his head and his other thrust around me and holding me against his chest. His mouth was open slightly and his features were softer. Not obscured by any frowns or scowls, or demented smirks. I couldn't stop myself from smiling as I listened to him breath softly, his breath warm on my face before I leaned up, brushing my lips by his.

He moaned very faintly in his sleep, like some part of him knew I was kissing him. It made my cheeks flush, but I didn't care. I buried my face against him, moving my hand under the blankets before I rested it over his guntshot wound. Feeling the gauze under my fingers made my smile melt as I brushed the swollen skin around it.

I couldn't stop that heavy nagging sensation of guilt that tore through me as I stroked the gauze before letting my hand slid up his bare torso. I shivered at the feel of his abs rolling under my fingertips, then spread my fingers across his chest. Even while he slept I could feel them ripple under my fingers and I sighed in bliss.

"If you're gonna do somethin', do it already because I'm just dying here." I let out a horribly girly squeak at the sound of Rick's voice and jerked my head up to see his lips curl into a smirk and his arm tighten on me. That's when I felt a familiar rock hard appendage poking my thigh and I glared at him.

"Oh, just when I thought I caught you not being a pervert. You suck. You suck big time."

"Aw, come on. It's not my fault. It happens, and you touching me like that wasn't helping one bit." Rick grunted and finally he opened his pale green-blue eyes to look at me. He leaned down and nuzzled my hair, bringing his hand around to rest over mine as it settled on his chest.

"Yea, well, I'm not in the mood for anything right now. Hand me my cell phone so I can tell my parents I'm on my way home in like a couple hours." I commanded. Rick grumbled and I ignored the profanity in it as I sat up slowly. He rolled over and tossed my cell phone at me before groping around for his water on the dresser.

"To the left, Rick," I smirked, watching him snort and snatch the bottle before I looked down and immediately frowned as I saw seventeen missed calls, "What the hell? I could've sworn I had the ringtone on. Did you hear anything?" Rick frowned, not looking at me as he drank his water before he shrugged.

"Dunno. We were both pretty fucking tired."

"I guess, but the ringtone is Buckcherry."

"Really fucking tired then." Rick drawled. I rolled my eyes and opened up the inbox, then froze as I saw that every single call was from Damien. I felt my blood turn to ice as I snuck a quick peek at Rick, who was yawning and stretching very lightly in case of reopening his wound. I quickly looked back, biting my lower lip before I slid out of bed.

"Hey, I'm gonna use the bathroom. Be right back."

"I'll be waiting." Rick hummed and relaxed back on the bed, as if he were about to head back to sleep. I nodded and got up, heading to the bathroom and locking it behind me before I clicked on the voicemail and held the phone to my ear. Damien's voice crackled into focus as I listened to the first couple messages.

"Devin? This is Damien. I wanted to apologize for the other night. It was out of line and I shouldn't have jumped you like that. I'm sorry I scared you... Please call me back. I want to talk. Please tell me you're not staying with Rick? Devin, you worry me like hell. I don't trust the guy-" A beep followed indicating the message was over before moving onto the next one.

"Devin, seriously, man, you gotta pick up. I'm worried. Sorta freaking out here. You weren't at your house. I didn't see you. You're not with Rick, are you? You better not. Devin, call me back. We need to talk about the other night... And the rest of our nights. I want to be-" Another beep.

"Goddamn it, Devin, pick up the fucking phone! I swear to God, I'll hurt you for this. Pick up the phone! I'm not playing around! I love you! Call me back, damn it!"

Panic flooded through me as I quickly deleted every single message, then set the phone down and backed up from it like it was a bomb. Was this guy serious? Was he psychotic? One minute he's all weepy and sorry and the next he's threatening me? What the hell is this?

I was actually... scared. I didn't want to run into Damien again. What if next time a kick to the jewels didn't stop him? What if he caught me when I wasn't looking? Oh god, what if he broke into my house and tried to hurt my parents? What if he tried to hurt Rick? Danny? Blake? Vic?

What do I do?

I ran my hand through my hair nervously, nibbling on my lower lip as I paced around the bathroom in thought. I felt trapped, cornered. If I went home, Damien would be after me. And if he couldn't get in, he'd go after Rick and I'm pretty damn sure of it. If I stayed with Rick, Damien would hurt my parents. What'd I do? Should I call the cops?

Of course, no shit. Right. Call the cops. That's it. Call the cops and they'd arrest him for stalking, right? But wait... Proof. They'd want proof first. Oh shit, and I just deleted my proof. I groaned and smacked my head into the wall, then jumped back, clamping my hands over my forehead in pain.

"Jesus, Dev, what the hell are you doing in there?" Rick's voice asked from the bedroom. I stiffened for a moment, then laughed nervously.

"Nothing, just hit my elbow on the counter!" I called back, then glanced in the mirror to make sure there wasn't blood gushing from my stitches. Nope. Still intact. I sighed deeply. No, I'd just have to wait until Damien made another move and then call the cops, without hesitation.

Only somewhat comforted by this, I flushed the toilet and came out to find Rick lounging on the bed with a knee drawn up and his head resting on a pillow. His eyes were half-closed and he seemed to be thinking about something until he saw me and smiled faintly.

"Come here." He said quietly. I moved to the bed and crawled in beside him, not even bothering to resist the urge to snuggle against him. He sighed contentedly and held me in his arms, breathing softly against my cheek before he kissed me.

"I don't think I can handle a month of no sex." He murmured in my ear, sending chills through me before his tongue dipped against the shell. His hot breath made me moan and sink against the bed, my fist clenching the sheets.

"Rick, you can't..." I murmured, although, I was too far gone. Goddamn it. Why my ear? Why'd he have to get near it like that? It was that one damn spot that made me melt.

"I can't, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer." Rick sucked on my earlobe before traveling wet hot kisses down my throat. I moaned and arched my back, then gasped as his hand came to rest between my legs, groping at my hard-on. Oh, screw it. There was no way I could fight this off any longer.

I closed my eyes in bliss as Rick's hand dipped past the waistband of my boxers, sinking low until he was touching me skin-to-skin. I panted and I felt my toes curl as his hand moved around me, engulfing me in heat.

"Uhh... Rick..."

"It's all right... You can come whenever you want, Dev. I want to see the look on your face when you moan my name," Oh god, I hated it when he started to talk like that, it wasn't helping any control that I had left, "I want you to buck your hips and beg for more. I want you to writhe and gasp. I want to hear every little mewl you can muster."

"Rick, stop!" I gasped, pausing to wince when he tightened his grip around me before he continued, but it didn't take much longer, especially with him spewing his stupid shitty ass dirty talk. I moaned and arched my back as the ultimate wave of pleasure hit me like a blast.

Yea, it didn't help that the door burst open at that moment and Danny decided to stick his fucking nose in the room.

"Yikes! Ew! Next time lock the door!" Danny gasped, squeezing his eyes shut, but not actually leaving the room as the haze of sexual need faded and I was sane again. I gasped and sat upright, slapping Rick's hand so he winced and I bunched up the sheets around me.

"Next time knock, you nosy freak! God! What the hell is wrong with you?! This is his room, not yours! Knock, knock, knock!" I yelled angrily, feeling a heat wave of embarrassment flee up to my face. Yea, nothing could be worse than your brother walking in on you at the peak of an orgasm. And what a way to ruin the mood. Seriously?

"Well," Danny sniffed indigenously, "If you're gonna be a prick about it. Look, I only came to get you because Vic said you guys have been sleeping too long and it's time to get up. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be needing some serious mind soap for this whole thing." He shut the door rudely and I finally let out of a breath before falling back on the bed in exhaustion.

"Hmmm... Devin, you're delicious.

"Huh? What," I paused, glancing at him and making a disgusted face as I watched him lick the tip of his finger, "Ew! You're disgusting!" I grabbed a pillow and smacked him in the face, only to have him wrench it away and toss it to the floor before he wrapped his arms around me. Any other time I would've struggled like hell, but I didn't want to hurt him more than he already was, so I just groaned and grumbled as he cuddled against me.

"I could so get used to this."

"Used to what?" I grunted as I finally shoved him away so I could stumble off the bed to get dressed. I glanced at him as he watched me dress, which wasn't as creepy as it sounded, actually.

"This," Rick gestured to me and I glared, then he laughed before sobering again, "Not just the whole nudity thing. I'm talking about this in general. Going to bed with you, waking up to you, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With you." I stared at him for a while, then smirked.

"Well, no duh. The only thing I won't do is dress you, now get up and get something decent on."

"Ugh, I rather lie in bed all day. With-"

"Yea, yea. With you, I get it. Well, I'm just leaving for a bit and I'll be back again later tonight." I answered, though, part of me was questioning that. I watched Rick's expression melt into a concerned frown, which confused me.

"You're going back home?" He asked. I rolled my eyes as I pulled on a pair of jeans and a torn tank top over my head.

"Well, yea. I have parents I have to pester, chores to do, but hey. It won't take that long if I hurry up and get going. I can be there and back before you miss me."

"You're only half way across the room and I already miss you." Holy crap, Lord, do my eyes deceive me? Rick Patterson was pouting. Like, seriously, pouting at me as he sat there, watching me with an almost puppy dog expression.

A sudden warmth filled my chest and I couldn't resist smiling at that look. Rick was a wonder at pulling off smirks that were more effective than Cupid's bow, scowls and glares that could scare the Devil, and frowns to unnerve even a cop. But he could pull off one hell of a pout, ladies and gentlemen.

"It won't take that long. I promise. If I leave now, I can be back by nine, all right? And then we can do something stupid. Like, watch Paranormal Activity or-"

"Oh god, please don't," Rick groaned in mock agony, clasping his hands to his head, "If I have to hear one more bitch wail about a ghost in her house, I'm gonna blow a gasket." I laughed and threw the pillow on the floor at him, which he caught. He smirked at me as I shook my head.

"You're such a jerk... But yea, I agree. That movie is so freaking lame... Buuut I have other movies at my house that I can bring over when I come back. It won't be long, I promise." I said again, then started for the door before I heard Rick getting out of the bed. I glanced up to make sure he was getting dressed, but he strode over to me and almost scooped me off my feet, into his arms. He planted a very hungry, very deep kiss on my lips with his tongue invading every inch of my mouth so that I was out of breath seconds later as he placed me back on my feet.

"Hurry." He said quietly. I smiled and nodded before walking out the door, tromping downstairs before flying out the door to my mom's car. Yea, she was bound to miss this piece of crap. I could just have someone take me over there so I wouldn't waste her gas.

I drove back home steadily, all thoughts of Damien were gone by now as I focused on just hurrying up and getting back. Rick did have a point. I was already missing him and it'd only been half an hour by the time I got home.

I sighed blissfully as I got out of the car and slammed the door shut.

"Where the hell were you?" I gasped and whipped around to see Damien standing a few feet in front of me on the walkway, his arms folded over his chest and his dark eyes glaring at me like black voids.

"Jesus Christ, Damien! Stop doing that! You scared the fucking hell out of me! What are you even doing here?" I snarled angrily. I hated, hated, hated it when people snuck up on me. And it was even worse when it was Damien doing it. The rage overcame any fear that I had, at least for now. Damien scowled at me, dropping his hands to make fists.

"I should be asking the fucking questions. I called you almost a hundred times last night and you never picked up!" He snapped, almost as angry as I was. Maybe worse. I stiffened, scowling at him hatefully.

"What am I? Your girlfriend? Screw you, man. I was hanging out at Rick's all night and I was so fucking tired that I didn't hear your calls." I retorted. Damien's face mottled red at the mention of Rick and he took a threatening step toward me that made me step back against the car.

Whoa, way too familiar of a scene.

Instead, I started forward and shoved Damien aside, only to have him whip around and grab me by the shoulders.

"Ow!" I protested, then froze at Damien's killer expression. I had ever only seen that expression on Alexander Tate's face and now felt that same icy shiver of fear return as Damien's lip curled in a sneer.

"Don't you dare walk away from me, Devin Carter. The fuck do you think you are?! And visiting Rick?! I told you I didn't want you to see him again! He's a freak, Dev!"

"Y-You're the freak! You're stalking me! If you don't stop, I'll call the cops!" I grabbed my cell phone, but Damien smacked my hand away, causing my cell phone to hit the pavement of the walkway and shatter to pieces. Damien's hand held my throat now, cutting off my air and sending more shockwaves of fear through me.

"It's not stalking," Damien snarled, "I love you, Devin, and if you even think about another guy, it pisses me off. If you're going to love anyone, it's me."

"F-Fuck you." I managed, reaching up to try and pry his fingers away from my neck, but he just squeezed tighter and my vision darkened. Oh god, don't pass down, Dev! Stay awake, stay awake!

"Dev, honey, is that you?" I heard my mom's voice from the garage and Damien immediately backed away from me, flashing me a sharp glare before he took off and I was left coughing and gasping for air for a moment.

Oh my god, he could've fucking killed me!

I stood there for a while, trying to compose myself as I sucked in deep breathes of air. I stooped down and picked up the busted cell phone, grimacing a little.

"Dev? Oh my goodness, what happened to your cell phone?" I looked up to see my mom walking around the house, her jeans stained with motor oil and her hair held back with a flowery blue headband. Her eyes were wide and gaping at my hundred dollar cell phone in horror.

Well, shit.

"It fell." I managed. My mom huffed, taking the broken cell gingerly in her hands. She studied it with a frown, then sighed.

"Oh, honey. Be more careful next time." She scolded, shaking her head and taking the piece of crap to the garbage can. I watched her with a frown. She seriously didn't hear a thing that went on with Damien? Part of me relieved, but then again...

I turned away and headed inside, closing the door behind me and sighing deeply with relief as I was blasted with cool air from the air conditioning. I kicked my shoes off and went into the kitchen to see the list of chores sitting on the countertop. I scanned them, reaching into the jar of cookies that my mom kept near the sink and nibbled, but my mind wasn't on the list or the cookie- even if it did taste like a piece of freaking heaven.

I was still uneasy about Damien.

He was a total psychopath. I know I should be calling the cops, but was it that serious yet? Wouldn't I need proof that he attacked me twice now? Another part of me, a scarier part, hissed:

Tell Rick! Rick'll beat the living daylights out of him for you and you know it. You saw the way he held onto Alexander even after he'd been shot. Rick is just oozing power.

Oh, bullshit. I might as well make a deal with the devil or hire an assassin. I didn't want Damien dead, I just wanted him gone. To leave me alone. Not to mention, Rick was in no shape to be fighting.

Definitely not.

"I have to deal with it alone." I muttered under my breath as I sighed, tipping my head back and taking another bite of the cookie.

"Deal with what alone?" My dad's voice asked from behind me. The rest of my ego shattered as I shrieked and whipped around, throwing the cookie on the countertop and throwing my hands up in surrender. He stood in the doorway to the kitchen, cocking a brow at me with his arms folded over his chest and his head tilted.

He could be pretty intimidating when he wanted to be, so I did have a reason to freak out when he showed up! Especially after our argument and the trip to the hospital for Rick... And the fact that he hated homos with a burning passion that by far beat those of the Westboro Baptist Church.

Let's not forget that he was at least a foot and a half taller than me at a whopping six foot one, and probably still growing. His hair was dark like chocolate and right now it was damp from a shower, his icy blue eyes surprisingly relaxed at the moment. He was wearing his plaid pajama pants and the ridiculous skull bunny slippers my mom bought him for Christmas the first year they got together. Other than that, he was like the Hulk on steroids.

"Heyy," I drawled out awkwardly, drumming my fingertips on the countertop, "Dad... Uh, I thought you'd be at work already?" He shrugged nonchalantly and pushed off the doorframe, walking into the kitchen to the fridge to pull out what looked like lemon meringue pie and it was enough to make my mouth water.

"Took the day off today to help your mom fix up the truck. Transmission is screwed."

"That sucks."

"Yup." He didn't look at me as he cut himself a slice, putting it on a plate and setting it between us as he got out a fork and dug it into the whip cream topping. I took a small step back. If there's one thing I've learned from watching television, it's that if a guy who hates gays gets near you with a fork, you make sure you have enough seconds between you so you have time to bolt for the nearest exit.

"Well," I said after another awkward pause, inching toward the glass door that led to the porch, "I'm gonna get started on those chores now, so see ya! Later! Bye!" I whipped around to run for it.

"Take one step out that door and I'll ground you." My dad stated firmly. I froze, then groaned and turned to face him, stomping my foot impatiently.

"What? What'd I do? I mean, other than shame the Carter name, turn gay on you, stay the night at my boyfriend's house, and end up in the hospital with stitches?" I asked. My dad scowled at me and set the fork down, making me relax only slightly. He was giving me that stern, no-bullshit father look as he leaned on the counter.

"Don't get smart with me, Dev. We need to talk about... this whole... Boyfriend thing." He said after a while and for once, he looked awkward about it. Huge tough guy tyrant was having difficulties talking to his own son about relationships...

Then again, it wasn't your average relationship.

"If you're planning on asking me what kind of wood I'd like to be used when you burn me at the stake with the rest of the intolerant bastards, you can just bite me, dad. And I mean that as politely as possible." I added when I saw his eyes sharpen a tad before they softened. In fact, his whole expression softened and for a second, I swore he looked guilty as he ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Dev, I just want you to explain to me one more time... I mean, I've seen you bring girls home and you had a great time. What happened? Why are you into... that sort of stuff? Was it something I did? Something your mother did? Or that Rick guy?" He asked and he spat Rick's name like a curse and I scowled at him, folding my arms over my chest tightly now.

"Look, hell if I know. Just... I mean, I've always sorta liked guys, all right? I just had the same things going on in my head as any other kid. How do I tell my parents? What if they hate me? I was gonna tell you guys at some point, but when you threw Danny out... Fuck no, I couldn't tell you guys. And it's not like you did anything. I just started looking around one day and it happened. And for your information, the only guy I'm into right now is Rick and only Rick. What, Dad? You think I'mma jump you some day?" I sneered. My dad flinched. He actually flinched, like I had slapped him or something.

"It just doesn't make any sense. I don't understand... You don't act like it. I didn't guess."

"What'd you expect? A frou-frou dog and a pink purse? Maybe the horrible attempt at sounding like a girl? Dad, you stereotype more than a middle schooler. If anyone's a freak, it's you."

"At least I love a woman." He returned and I knew he regretted it, but he said it. I felt a pang go through me as I looked back at him, my lips pursed before I 'tsk'ed at him.

"Of course. Are you trying to tell me that I don't really love Rick?"

"Dev-"

"Now, don't," I snapped, "Don't 'Dev' me. Of course true love is only between a man and a woman because the Bible told you that bullshit. The Bible tells you a lot of stuff, dad, but you people only pick out what you want to hear. What you want to believe. Everyone keeps twisting up God's words, well, you know what? If I were God, I'd pretty much be smiting you all! He must be a really loving guy, or just freaking sadistic, to watch you guys keep living with those stupid thoughts in your head! So what if I like a guy? That makes it fake? That makes it sinful? Guess, what, dad? You love a woman! Maybe that's fake too. Maybe that's sinful too."

"It's not," My dad protested heatedly, "Your mother and I have nothing fake. What's the point of two men being together if you can't have children? You can't get married."

"Screw you," I cried, "There is a point because I actually like Rick! So what if we can't pop out a couple of brats? Adoption, if Rick really wants to have a kid, because I know I don't! And so what if we can't get married? I don't need the state or government or whatever to tell me who I can and can't love! Seriously! You guys hate on everything that isn't like you! NEWS FLASH, DAD. Everyone's different and some of us are just a little more different than everyone else, but if there's one thing I know for sure that we have in common, it's a little organ in your chest called a heart!"

By now, I could feel said vital organ pounding in my chest, my breathing coming out in sharp, angry pants as I clenched my fists so tightly at my sides that my nails dug into my palms. I watched my dad's expression twist in a bit of confusion and he opened his mouth to respond, but he closed it as if he didn't know if that was the right thing to say. I gritted my teeth and waved him off.

"Forget it. I won't waste my time trying to convince you and your bullcrap beliefs. Just know that, just because you found one of my secrets, doesn't mean that's gonna change me. I'm still me. I'm still a basketball player, I'm still a gamer, I'm still the kid who'll pick off your plate when you're not looking and I'm still a boy with a whole lot of sass comin' your way. Hate me all you want, but I'm still me. Hate me all you want, but you're still my dad... And I won't ever hate you for hating me, even if I want to so badly that it hurts. I'm just ticked that my own dad can't even accept me the way I am. But, fine, whatever. When you see God at the pearly gates, let him tell you how stupid you were for judging me."

I turned on my heel and threw open the glass door, slamming it shut so harshly behind me that the glass rattled. I stormed over to the garage to see my mom wheeling out from under the truck, sitting up on one of Danny's old skateboards, giving me a perplexed look.

"What the heck was that about? I could hear you yelling from out here." She mused, wiping her hands on her jeans. I scowled.

"Why'd you marry that hotheaded, jerkfaced son of a-"

"Watch it, Dev." My mother warned sharply, rising to her feet now. I gritted my teeth, then sighed in frustration and leaned on the hood of the truck, running my hands through my hair and wincing when my finger brushed my stitches. My mother relaxed and walked over, gently stroking my hair and giving me a kiss on the forehead.

"I know your father can be a bit of... Well, yea, I know he can be an asshole sometimes, but even though he says all that garbage, I doubt he believes it. It was just something that his parents drilled into his head, honey. A lot of people are like that. They grow up thinking that we all have to be mindless drones that do exactly what a book says. It's like reading Harry Potter and thinking you're a wizard."

"If dad heard you say that, he'd stone you to death, ma. I'd watch it. Ol' commander of the Crusades in there might hear you."

"Psh. I'll take him on, just watch me. I'm the one with the crowbar," She said, patting the crowbar that sat on a nearby counter, making me grin, "Honey, I know it's probably hard. I can't say I know how you feel because I don't, but I can tell you this... Your father loves you, you and your brother, so much and he's just confused right now. Everything he had planned for you guys has changed and I think that upsets him the most. Your father knows that God would never condemn you for something that makes you, you. God loves you the way you are, Dev. He won't throw you into Hell just because you fell in love with someone."

"Not someone," I grunted, "Another guy... A freakish bully of a guy."

"So? Love is love. You can't help who you love. It just happens... And Ricky's a good boy, maybe a little rough on the edges, but I know he has a good heart. Enough to protect my baby boy and risk his own life. I couldn't have picked a better man to love my baby doll."

"I'm not a baby doll, ma."

"You are my baby doll. My handsome, cutie pumpkin pie of a baby doll," She reached up and gave my cheeks a pinch, pulling on them and making me groan and push her away playfully, watching as she laughed at me, "Your daddy loves you too, Devin. I know he does because he's told me. You know, the night he kicked Danny out, he was so upset he didn't sleep?"

"Then why'd he do it?" I demanded, rubbing my cheek. My mother smiled at me, reaching up and brushing my hair away from my stitches.

"He was mad and he was confused. You should know how that is. You men are just so finicky and when something gets out of your control, you all go King Kong on everyone around you. How do you think us ladies feel? It's hell tryin' to calm you all down, but what hurts us most is when you do something so stupid that it hurts you... Your daddy regrets what he did, Dev. I know he does."

"So why won't he let Danny come home?"

"He thinks Danny hates him."

"But he doesn't, which he should."

"Do you hate your daddy, Dev?" My mom asked, her expression serious. I blinked and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that no matter how hard I tried, I really couldn't hate my dad and I was starting to understand Danny. All those times we spoke and he said he didn't hate dad, he was just mad at him and I couldn't believe him because I mistook all my anger for hate.

"No." I said at last. My mom smiled.

"See? Honey pie, your brother will be home soon... He can come back whenever he wants. I just think they need some time to accept all this."

"Should I leave too?"

"Only if you really want to." But I could see it written all over her face that if I left, I'd be crushing her to pieces and I just couldn't do that. It wasn't fair to hurt my mother because of a fight between my dad and me. I sighed and reached out, hugging her and burying my face against her soft hair. Her arms went around me in return and she kissed my head, brushing my hair.

"Now," She said, pulling away to hold me back by my shoulders, "You better go get them chores done. You goin' to Rick's tonight?" I shifted uncomfortably. This was it. Now or never. Time to come clean about Damien and tell her all the pervy things he wasn't...

But she had so much shit on her plate right now, what with my dad going emo on her and Danny being gone. The truck was messed up. I was messed up. Maybe it could wait?

Though, part of me couldn't leave my parents alone tonight. I had this itching feeling that I should stay home...

"Nah." I sighed, making my mom look up in confusion.

"Y'all had a fight?" She asked, cocking a brow. I shook my head, glancing out at the road from inside the garage.

"Nah, I just think I should stay home tonight. Gut instinct."

"All righty. Maybe you wanna invite Ricky over then?" She asked and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. I felt my face catch on fire.

"Ma!" I cried in horror. She laughed almost hysterically, wiping the tears from her eyes as she leaned against the hood of the truck.

"Oh my goodness, the look on your face! Dev, baby, you got the prettiest face when you're embarrassed and surprised! No wonder Ricky pounces on you! Boy, you outta watch them looks."

"Ma, you're horrible."

"I'm your mother. What else am I supposed to do?" She snorted, flashing me a charming smile before she ducked back onto the skateboard and disappaeared under the truck as I swatted at her playfully. I rolled my eyes, smirking before I left the garage and headed back inside. Much to my disappointment, there was crap tons of chores to do and I was reluctant.

Clean the dishes, mop the floor, wipe the counters and dining table, vacuum the living room , flip the sofa cushions, dust the television.

What the crap is all this? This was child labor and I demanded a strike!

By the time I was finished with everything, it was about eight. I was ready to head up to bed when the phone rang. I groaned and dragged my ass into the kitchen, taking the phone off the hook and twirling around to lean against the fridge for support.

"Carter residence, Devin speaking."

"Where the hell are you?"

"Rick?"

"No, George Clooney and I want my Academy Award back."

"Oh, you ass." I snorted. I heard Rick laugh quietly in the background before there was shifting that sounded like he was in bed and pretty restless. It made me frown. He seriously shouldn't be moving around so carelessly, he was gonna rip open his wound again. The thought made me antsy so I was now pacing around in the kitchen.

"Where are you? I tried to call you at least seven times before I finally got Danny to tell me your home phone number."

"Sorry. My cellphone sort of decided to jump out of my hands and smash on the pavement outside."

"Butterfingers."

"That's not what you said last night."

"Aww, Devin pulled out a Wild Card."

"Shut up, you jerk," I laughed, then walked over to the counter to fiddle with the paper towels, "Look, uhm, I was thinking I might stay home tonight. I had to do tons of work today and I'm really tried, so I might just crash here and head over there in the morning?" Just as I figured, ol' penis-head didn't take that too well.

"What? Why? Did somethign happen? Why'd you have to stay there? Come on, Dev, you said you'd come back."

"It's just one night."

"One night is a million years. Come back."

"Rick, I really can't. I'm too tired."

"I'll drive you."

"You're recovering from a gunshot wound and it's late. I don't want you to waste your time. I'll already be asleep."

"Then I'm on my way, make room on your bed."

"What?! Rick, no-" Dial tone. Ohhh, that freaking prick! The jerk! I scowled and slammed the phone onto the receiver, whipping around and storming up to my room. He couldn't leave me alone for one freaking night and now he was on his way over here. Was he serious?

Of course. He was Rick Patterson. He was so crazy, he made Jefferey Dahmer toss in his grave.

I groaned and trudged into my room, mindless throwing off my clothes and showering quickly before I tugged on a pair of pajama pants, ignoring the underwear, and moving onto a baggy t-shirt. Then I heard the squeal of tires and my stomach shrank.

I bolted into the hallway, pausing to check on my parents who'd gone to bed shortly after a quiet and awkward dinner, before rushing down the stairs and opening the front door to see Rick pulling up in that damn car of his. I didn't waste a second and ran out to him as he opened the car door and got out.

Damn, he looked like hell.

His black t-shirt, though tight and nicely defining those abs of his, was on backwards under his crookedly placed leather jacket and his matching pants that had to be illegal. I swear.

"Rick!" I gasped, running around to the driver's side as Rick stumbled before closing the car door. He turned to face me and caught me off guard, grabbing me in his arms and holding me like he hadn't seen me in weeks.

"God," Rick groaned, burying his nose against me as I felt one of his hands trail down to grab my ass firmly, "You're not wearing any underwear either? Thank God I came when I did. I'm horny as hell."

"Rick! What're you doing here?! What is the matter with you?! You-"

"Like I said, I could't stand being away from you."

"Ugh, you are so freaking crazy." I grunted, pulling away from him to study his attire before our eyes locked. Although I knew he shouldn't be here, it was a bad idea... Then again, now I could keep an eye on my parents and Rick at the same time. So maybe it wasn't entirely terrible. I just had to make sure my dad didn't see him or I'd be dead. I could almost hear him now.

"You brought that boy home?! What is wrong with you, you homo?! How dare you do your gay sex in my house! Get out, you fugly thing you!" And for some reason, my dad looked more like a vicious man-eating alligator than my dad. Man, too many cartoons...

"Come on," I sighed, shaking my head, "We'll go upstairs, but you have to quiet or my dad will have us both for breakfast."

"Oh please. Your dad is a wet kitten compared to the pricks I've met."

"You won't be saying that when he ties you to his truck by your tongue."

"You been watching cartoons lately? That was awfully creative."

"Shut up," I snorted, holding a finger to my lips as I led him into the house, closing the door and locking it behind me, "They can't know you're here."

"I'm invisible." Rick said with a smile, then let his eyes sweep across my house in the dark before I felt around for his hand, leading him up the stairs. By the time we reached the top, I knew it was a bad idea for him to come because he made a very faint growl in the back of his throat like he was in pain.

I could feel his hand tensing, his fingers threading through mine tightly. We crept quietly to my room where I quickly shut and locked the door behind us before I let Rick lie down on the bed. I could tell he was breathing hard, but he was hiding it behind a smirk.

"So, you gonna lie down with me?"

"Oh, you're terrible," I snapped, wanting to hit him, but I restrained myself and scowled, "Do you need anything? Pain killers? Ice? A brain?"

"Nah, but I'd like some Devin right now." He answered. I rolled my eyes and turned the lights off, listening to Rick scoot to one side of the bed to make room for me. I slid under the blankets with him and I could definitely tell he was still in pain. His muscles were taut and I could just see the sweat on his forehead as he sighed, as if trying to control himself.

I bit my lower lip, then sat up.

"Here, let me take your jacket. It'll get hot."

"Yea." No sarcastic remark, no witty sex joke. I was uneasy. I took his jacket and tossed it on the floor, then hesitated before I leaned up against him, reaching out to wipe the sweat off his forehead, making him hiss past clenched teeth.

"Are you sure you're okay? We have some Vicidon left over from Danny's hospital run."

"I'm fine." Rick breathed.

"Rick..."

"Just, let me hold you for a bit, all right?"

"Are you sure-"

"I'm freaking positive, now lie down and let me hold you." Rick snapped. I scowled, but melted back onto the bed as he rolled onto his side and put his arms around me. Now I was damn sure he was in pain because of the way he was squeezing me at first, then his grip eventually relaxed as he nuzzled me, his lips brushing my ear.

"Rick, don't." I managed, reaching up to put my hand between his lips and my sensitive spot. He chuckled low and dangerously, sending chills through me as he kissed my hand, before his tongue slid out and tested my fingers. My breathing hitched as he dipped his tongue between my fingers, his saliva cooling my skin.

I felt his other hand go past the waistband of my pajama pants, causing me a little moan to escape past my lips. I finally moved my hand and he kissed my ear. Goose bumps rose on my skin, along with another very important organ that was feeling pretty restrained by my pants.

"Rick," I murmured, still dazed by the fog of lust that was consuming me, "I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't," He whispered hotly against my ear, his tongue tracing the outline of it and making me arch my back against him, "You could never hurt me." He kissed my ear again, then nibbled his way down my throat. I moaned and writhed on the bed, gasping as he cupped me in his hand.

"I love you so much, Dev." Rick murmured in my ear before giving me a lick and massaging me with his bare hand. Skin to skin, his hot breath mingled with mine, his eyes always watching me to see my next reaction. I kept waiting for him to wince or gasp in pain, but he kept that dark and seductive look on his face the whole night he played with me.

My body ached, but not just from all the activity, but it ached for more. I couldn't lie to myself.

I loved Rick, so much that it almost hurt. The more he touched me, the more he kissed me, and- God, the more he whispered those three words, the more I realized that I couldn't live a day without him either. What was I thinking? Leaving him alone, even if just for a night?

"Rick, please," I panted against his lips as he held me against him, "Please don't leave me- Uh! Haaah, I love you!"

"I wouldn't dream of it, baby." He whispered, his lips crushing against mine and sucking away any breath that I had left. I couldn't imagine a better night and my heart was racing the entire time with only one thought in mind.

I love you, Rick. I love you, I love you...

It was about three in the morning when I heard it. It sounded like a loud pop sound. I blinked slowly, reaching up to rub the sleep from my eyes as I found myself lying next to Rick, who was already deep asleep all sprawled out, save for an arm that went around my shoulders. The moonlight from outside cast a glow over him as he slept, his muscles rippling and the covers just barely covering up anything below the waist.

I relaxed at the sight of him and was about to head back to sleep when I heard the loud popping again and it made me frown. I shifted a bit and finally gathered up the strength to get up out of the bed, my hips aching the entire time. I mentally cursed Rick, but it faded when I glanced back to see him sigh in his sleep. He rolled over and curled up a bit before going still in slumber.

I turned back again, pretty much sleep walking into the hallway and closing the door behind me as I wandered toward the stairs. I heard the pop sound again and stopped the last step of the stairs as I cocked my head to listen.

I know you're not supposed go after the scary sounds and whatnot, just run away, but come on. I was half-asleep and my assumption was that it was a lightbulb flickering or maybe the power went out and it was trying to turn back on.

I turned and headed into the kitchen, humming sleepily as I rubbed my eye again. The microwave clock was glaring at me brightly and so were the buttons on the fridge. I frowned and started to turn around to leave when I caught the creepiest sight in the whole world.

Someone was standing right behind me.