Page 116 of Dream a Little Dream

The SUV rolled to a stop, engine purring before it died. But before the headlights flicked off, the driver’s side door flew open. Kenny stumbled out, shoulders hunched, frantic and uncoordinated. So unlike how he usually was that Aaron chuckled. But his breath caught when Kenny fumbled, face flashing with exasperation as he ducked back into the car to yank the handbrake. The abrupt mechanical groan sliced through the night, jarring and raw.

Then he was out again. Racing toward the porch like he was crossing a battlefield, not a quiet yard. His hair was a mess, face etched with panic, like a man chasing something already slipping through his fingers. Aaron watched, frozen in place, as Kenny reached the steps, the tension radiating off him in waves.

He then dropped down beside Aaron, collapsing more than sitting, breath ragged, as he braced himself on his knees. There was no careful composure, no collected exterior. Just raw emotion cracking through every controlled layer Kenny usually wore.

Aaron turned his head, taking him in. The worry in Kenny’s eyes was unbearable. As if he’d been carrying the weight of the world just to get here. Aaron went to speak, but no words came out. He didn’t know what he wanted more. The comfort of Kenny’s touch or the sharp pain of rejection to make the numbness go away.

“I looked for you,” Kenny said as he settled onto the cold step. “At the hospital. I thought you’d…disappeared.” He gulped, as if the thought pained him.

Did it?

Or would he be relieved not to have to deal with him?

Aaron couldn’t muster a smile. “Thought I’d get out of there before your girlfriend saw me.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Her daughter almost being slaughtered because of you put a dampener on things, eh?”

“You could say that.” Kenny studied his face in the dim porch light, eyes searching. “How are you?”

Aaron tried for a grin but failed. “Got a couple stitches out of it. That’ll earn me bragging rights with the lads.” He forced a wink, but even he could feel the weight in it. “Bit pissed off my favourite hoodie got ruined, though. I’m a broke student. Can’t exactly afford a new one.”

“I’ll buy you one.” Kenny’s offer was ardent.

Aaron shook his head, then met Kenny’s gaze. For a second, he held it, warmth spreading through him, but it wasn’t enough to smother the raw ache inside. His throat tightened. “I’m not okay,” he choked, the words spilling out of their own accord.

“I know.” Kenny dragged him into his arms, holding him close, cradling Aaron’s head as he pressed a kiss to his temple.

Aaron allowed himself to sink into it, into him,Kenny, let himself be cared for, even if only for little while.

“I should’ve realised sooner.” Aaron sniffled against Kenny’s shoulder. “I should’veknown.”

Kenny stroked along Aaron’s neck. “You couldn’t have known. Don’t torture yourself with it.”

“You could’ve delved inside my head. It’s all there.” He prodded his temple. “Like it’s been unlocked and now tumbling out like a house of cards. I can’t stop it. Don’t know how to. I’m drowning in it.”

Kenny tightened his hold, grounding him. “We’ll sort through it together.”

Aaron pulled back, studying him with uncertainty. “Will we?”

“Of course. If you stay here. If they don’t take you away—”

“They can’t. Adult now, remember?”

Kenny looked at him as if he knew full well he was an adult. But he kept whatever he was thinking to himself. “It’ll take a lot of therapy.”

“Therapy?” Aaron snorted, shuffling back, wiping his nose with his sleeve. “Would rather have a lobotomy.”

Kenny’s mouth quirked in a small smile. “I could perform that for you, if you’d like.”

Aaron’s head snapped up, startled, then let out a soft laugh, the tension breaking. Slowly. Cautiously. “How’s the girl?”

“She’s alive, thanks to you. She’ll need a lot of support, but she’s safe.” Kenny nudged Aaron’s shoulder with his own. “Because of you.”

Aaron swallowed hard, looking away. “She looked so scared. How can people look at that and… not care? Get off on it?Wantto see it?”

“There are some disturbed people in the world.” Kenny reached out, cupping Aaron’s chin. “You’renotone of them.Youcared. And you surprised me.”

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