Love is Always Write Anthology Bonus Volume

Sebastian gave up trying to get back to sleep himself. He sat up in bed and brushed his hand through Daren's hair, trying to soothe him while at the same time letting his mind wander. The truth was that he had not the slightest idea how to tackle the Delawares. It would be much easier just to take that money in Daren's jacket, buy a couple of bus tickets to the other side of the country, and start over. Save up, get Daren a fake social security number, a new ID. A little DIY witness protection.
    Sebastian thought he just might be able to pull it off. Between the foster system and the military, he'd gotten good at moving, picking up at a moment's notice. He'd also gotten good at keeping his head down, not making waves.
    He sighed into the dark as Daren began muttering to himself. Daren was determined to take his family down. Sebastian had seen that in his eyes, a desire for revenge as strong as any desire to right the wrongs of the past. Sebastian felt his eyes try to close even as Daren cursed in his sleep.
    "Wake up," Sebastian said giving him a little shake. "You're having another dream; you need to wake up."
    By morning, Sebastian felt as battered as Daren's body still looked in places. Most of Daren's bruising had faded to green and yellow, which meant they were healing, but that didn't make it any prettier.
    Daren had woken the final time with a thousand-yard stare in his eyes. When Sebastian had asked him about his dreams, he'd only shaken his head and remained silent. They were both going through their morning routine half asleep, Daren's head down, his hair covering his face. Sebastian drew the washcloth behind Daren's ears, over his back, and under his arms. He rubbed it across Daren's chest and down his torso, too tired to think about when to stop and simply chasing the suds down his body.
    Daren's hand was suddenly on his wrist as his hand held the washcloth across Daren's navel and just about at the morning erection he'd gotten good at ignoring. Sebastian went to pull his hand away, having drifted far too low, but Daren's grip on his wrist was not loosening or shifting.
    Then, very slowly, Daren placed the smallest downward pressure on Sebastian's wrist. It just took a couple of inches before the washcloth was draped over Daren's erection and Sebastian's hand was wrapped around it.
    Sebastian's heart was pounding. This was so far past any line that should not be crossed. This went past friend. It went way past medical professional. With what Daren had been through, it was so wrong. At the same time, without saying a word, Daren obviously wanted this. Probably full-out needed it. Sebastian gave a small squeeze. Daren whimpered and didn't raise his head but kept his hand firm on Sebastian's wrist. Sebastian gave another squeeze, and Daren's chest hitched.
    Sebastian quickly catalogued all the ways this was about to go horribly wrong, let out a long slow breath and braced himself. He gave a small, light stroke, more of a caress. Daren's body began to shake. Sebastian could see the muscles in his back tense and twitch. The washcloth fell to the floor of the tub. He spread his other hand across Daren's back before he took another small stroke. Daren twitched in his hand, hot and alive. The latex gloves he still wore gave it a strangely impersonal feeling. Sebastian had no idea if that was good or bad or if Daren was even thinking the same thing, but he wasn't about to break whatever was happening by stopping to take them off.
    He moved his hand at a slow and steady pace, the soap giving a little lubrication. Daren let out small whimpers and cries that sounded more of pain than pleasure, but he pushed his trembling body into Sebastian's hands.
    Sebastian ignored his own neglected body's reaction to the feel of another man swollen in his hand. He stroked a little faster. Daren's head jerked back, flinging his hair from his face and revealing eyes squeezed shut and a jaw locked tight. Sebastian put his free hand to Daren's head.
    "It's okay," Sebastian spoke just loud enough to be heard over the sound of the shower. Daren bit at his lip. Sebastian slowed down, and Daren let out a gasp just before his own teeth drew blood. Sebastian kept up the slow pace until Daren's body began to go limp between the twitches. His head fell forward again, and he gasped for air. Sebastian watched Daren's still-bruised tissue slide over what were the surely still-cracked ribs of his lungs.
    Sebastian sped up his ministrations