Love is Always Write Anthology Bonus Volume

system."
    Daren managed to sleep quietly the better part of the day. Something about sleeping when the sun was still up kept the worst of the nightmares from forming. Daren took it as a sign to grab a few naps himself since the odds were that he was going to be up the better part of the night. He'd had late nights in the Navy, plenty of them. Overnights and double shifts until he thought his legs would just go out from under him. But something about sitting in that chair, waiting for Daren to have some violent nightmare, was draining him faster than he ever thought possible.
    He heated some chicken broth for Daren's dinner, realizing he was probably running short on protein. As he watched the cup slowly turn in the microwave he realized how absolutely absurd the whole situation was. He hadn't gotten two words of real information out of Daren, but he also hadn't asked. He hadn't asked for a last name, his place of birth, or even who "they" were. If Daren up and died on him, it would look bad to say to the cops " Yeah I was taking care of him for a week. Last name? Sorry, no clue."
    The microwave dinged.
    Daren chugged the broth as fast as he could, draining out the mug in less than a minute before closing his eyes with an almost peaceful look on his face.
    Sebastian set the cup aside. "I'm guessing that was a good thing?"
    Daren nodded. "Why are you doing this?" he asked.
    "Because I'm the kid who brought home the stray, half-dead dog then took a beating when it puked blood and died on the carpet."
    Daren frowned a little, pulling the still swollen parts of his face into odd shapes. "Your parents beat you."
    "Foster parents."
    "I'm sorry."
    "It's okay. I had pretty good homes for the most part. Don't have half the war stories of some." He helped Daren lay back down and fluffed up the pillows under his head. His eyes were already beginning to drift shut.
    "Sorry," he mumbled.
    Sebastian set his hand on Daren's head for just a moment. "Don't worry about it. Get some sleep."
    Daren managed to get through the night with only two nightmares and a bit of thrashing about. It still meant Sebastian spent a night in the stiff leather chair. He was considering prying himself to his feet and making breakfast when there was a banging at his door.
    Sebastian jumped to his feet as Daren sat straight up in bed.
    There was more banging. "Oi! Tosser! I know you're in there."
    "Fuck!" Sebastian hissed out. It could only be one person out there. He ran for the door, flinging it open before Jimmy could make a scene. "What the fuck do you want?"
    "Good morning to you too, mate."
    Sebastian considered just slamming the door on Jimmy's skinny, pasty face. "What do you want?"
    Jimmy tried to push his way into the house, but Sebastian planted himself firmly in the doorway. "I have come to rescue you from this monotonous little life you are living. Seeing as how you are in the socially enviable, if financially difficult, position of having one job end early and another start late, and I am simply unemployed, I have come to the conclusion that we shall be taking a road trip."
    "You never heard of calling in advance?"
    "Not my style, mate. Now come on, I'll help you pack."
    Jimmy tried to push into the house again. "Thanks for the offer but not now. In fact I would really appreciate it if you'd go away."
    "What for? What else have you got going on?"
    Sebastian could feel his own blood pressure start to spike. "Jimmy, seriously, fuck off."
    "And why should I? What are you hiding?"
    "Just. Go. Away."
    Jimmy grinned. "You got a bloke in there? Serious?" Sebastian pulled the door half closed behind him. "Oi!" Jimmy called out. "Boy-toy, come out and introduce yourself." Sebastian gave Jimmy a shove, sending him back a few paces. Jimmy brushed his hands across his already stained shirt. "Fuck off, mate. What the fuck's your problem? You're finally getting some, and it's got you all pissy."
    "Jimmy, this is the last time I'm asking you; I need you to go away."
    "All right. Forgive a fellow for caring."
    Sebastian took a deep breath that he hoped was calming. "Have fun on your road trip. I'll talk to you later." He went back into the house and locked the doors as loudly as possible. In the bedroom, Daren had managed to swing his legs off the bed and was braced as if he were going to make a run for it.
    "It's okay. It was just my friend Jimmy. Well, I say ‘friend’. Guy I know, Jimmy. I'm sorry about that. I told him to fuck off."
    "Won't he come