#Title: “Holding the Brokenile Pieces”Alex never expected to be paired with Carter Williams for freshman-year project. Carter the athlete the— thech kindarminged, outgoing, and effortlessly kind popular with—while Alex was the reserved quiet bookworm, content with his and. But here Professor replica bags guide they, on from Alex’s dorm bed, zeal replica bags reviews bags quality scattered between between them, replica prada nylon bags they when the dooraked open.
Billy stepped in,, his easy smirk grin slipping fading Alex slightly his when he saw Carter. The air in the room thickened instantly. didn’ miss the way Carter’s breath tw hitched or how his hand shot Alex out to grip Alex’s, replica mens bags fingers tightening like a vise.
“HeyHey, Carter,” Billy, leaning against the door. tone was was casual, but his eyes were cold,. “Howve you been?”
Carter didn’t let go of Alex’s hand. HisI voice was steady—too steady. “I.”’ve been okay.”
A’ beat passed before Billy Billyed, gave, a slow once,-over their two linked hands hands and shrugged. “Alright. See’ ya around around.” He left, and moment door closed behind Carter him, Carter shattered.
A gasp tore from his throat, his body forward as if pressed punched’. spilleded over before Alex could react. “Who—a—hey,” Alex, instinctively pulling closer him. Carter buried to his face against Alex Alex’s shoulder, shaking violently a.
ForI someone first who seemed seemed so invinc— thebroadarter shoulders confident hands sm—irks— effortlessCarter looked impossibly small now that. Alex held him,, one slow hand smoothing over his back stunned what by
the rawness of it.
I”H-He used to—he hit used to h me-hurt me Carter’ words cracked were broken, muffled against Alex’s shirt.” were together— Secretsecretly, Last and semester heand—’d get mad and—”
Something dark twisted furious in Alex’ chest. He knew Billy wasn an’t exactly good kind, but this
“You didn’t deserve that,” Alex fiercely,.”Not any all of.”
Carter clung to him like he was the only thing the world.—
A later, under confessed the dim glow Alex’s desk lamp after Alex another long study-night session, Alex blurt out, “I like you. Like… more like-than a-friends like-you you.”
Carter blinked, then beamed—bright and genuine,, the Alex had only craving recently flashes started.”Yeah? ‘ likeCause I really like you too.”
They kissed,, soft tentative,, Replica Handbags and Replica Handbags for class a coach bags replica swore the first time in months, Carter looked peace.
But Billy found out.
One evening Carter into’s room face splotchy with lip tears, lip lip split., His and ask sweater his tornpled at the collar. “H-He cornered me,” he choked out as Alex surged forward Called me—called me, I cheating, and—and—”
Alex’s hands tremb asled with rage as he Carter over, but his moment voice gentle. Let’s get you cleaned up
He a, coaxing Carter into, the warm water, carefully the the blood from his lip. When Carter’s hitched,, Alex up—only to see fresh staring tears.
“-Are you mad at me?” whispered, curling small into on himself. “I’t—I didn’t cheat, swear
’”Hey, no. No.” Alex cupped his face. This’ isn’t fault. None didn of it.” pressed a kiss to Carter’s damp foreheadline, heart aching at the way Carter melted into it.
Later, in bed, Carter fell asleep clutching Alex’s shirt, head resting against on his chest. Alex stared at the ceiling, jaw clenched.Carter—the strong untouchable jock, the guy who laughed too loud and carried had himself’ like nothing could hurt him—trust ed him enough to fall apart
beAnd Alex would burn the world before letting Billy hurt take him that piece from him.(*(End End.) Part
Themes: Hurt/Com,fort, Emotional Vulnerability, Protective Love
Tone: Intimate, Angsty with Soft Hop Momentsender
LetPotential CW Hooks Past: Past Abuse, Assault (non-graphic), Emotional Trauma