Xavier lay there, the heated concrete under his back a stark contrast to the crisp breeze that signified the oncoming rain. The position caused his back to throb, cuts stinging in protest that he'd become so skilled at ignoring. Often, he found himself up here reminiscing about what his life was, or honestly entertaining that dark part of his mind that provoked him to stroll off the edge.
The building was a part of a prestigious academy, however it had been condemned long ago. Musty dorm rooms and mouldy bath areas were all that remained of what was once the main accommodation for this place.
People rarely ever came here which made it the perfect place to retreat when everything became that little bit too much. With a sigh the raven pushes himself up and swings his legs over the ledge of the rooftop, the breeze ruffling his hair and revealing the stitches along his forehead. He'd been driven here once more after a fight the day before with his guardian, he'd come to school purely out of habit yet the drone of the teachers and chatter of his peers was too much.
Recalling his guardian, if there was a list of things in this world that Xavier feared that man would certainly be on the top. The simplest way to describe his so called Uncle Denver would be bizarre. His clothing style was always reminiscent of that of a hardened criminal, his hair was an unnatural green that was toned like a tree from a forest. He had once joked to Xavier that it was the colour of envy, which the raven found suited his Uncle almost impeccably. He seemed to admire everything to the point of sickening curiosity. Yet at the same time his admiration turned ugly when jealousy came to light. He truly detested the things he could not obtain.
Aside from his mood swings it was his eyes that frightened Xavier the most, the way those near ruby coloured orbs would reflect what would come next, the agony, the pure violence. Most frequently they would light up when his Uncle had found a new curiosity, whenever this involved Xavier it was honestly torture. In fact, it was truly past the point of torture as the ruby eyed male rejoiced in figuring out how much pain he could inflict on a person before they would vomit or pass out. How long he could starve a ten-year-old, twelve-year-old, and so on.
Xavier was naturally the person these things were tested on, it had gotten to the point where he found he couldn't actually remember his life prior to when he turned twelve. He figured that was for the best as this life would continue for god knows how much longer as he had no choice but to return to where his Uncle lived every day. Xavier had tried on several occasions to run away, however somehow, some twisted way, Denver would always find him. The resulting punishment was always enough to stifle any attempts for at least another year.
Moving down the list as a close second would be his supposed lover Travis. When Xavier had first met him at the academy he'd thought he'd finally found something to live for. Travis was the only one who would speak to Xavier back in their first year, the only one who cared about why he was constantly coming to classes with new and ever-changing injuries. The raven distinctly remembered one particular afternoon on this very rooftop when Travis had arrived just in time to pull him back from the ledge.
Xavier had fallen on to him and his eyes had been captivated. The way Travis's golden hair and pure green eyes had shone in the sun, the way his voice broke in fear. He'd felt his wounded soul reaching for that light.
Of course, after knowing each other for so long and being as close as they were he eventually had to take Travis to his house as his partner had insisted on walking him home. It had been just Xavier's luck that Denver was there for once and he'd been thrown into a room, the door locked as voices murmured and shouted on the other side. He'd understood nothing of the way his Uncles voice had deepened, the words he'd basically chanted over and over. He only understood the way Travis's breathing hitched, the way his shouts dulled and disappeared. Xavier hadn't seen him for days after that but when he found him again his entire personality had changed.
His once gorgeous face was matted from lack of sleep, expressions that used to give Xavier hope darkened permanently. It was with him that Xavier found what it was like to be forced in to sex for the first time, it seemed to be purely so Travis could torture him. Xavier had tried to break it off, used to violence and this sort of treatment he'd stood his ground nowhere near as scared of this blond creature as he was of his Uncle. However, it seemed some cloud had crossed his mind after he said the words, his body wouldn't move as he was beaten, his lungs wouldn't cooperate as he tried to scream.
He'd wound up recovering in hospital for weeks, and his relationship had apparently stayed very muchly intact even though he rarely saw the other inside school grounds after that.
These two fears are what drove Xavier to the rooftop almost every day, he wondered constantly about the story his Uncle rejoiced in telling him. About how he was found on a rainy day with his twin brother, abandoned in a church but his brother had already passed on, how Denver had graciously taken him home and raised him. He wondered why his parents abandoned him, what life would be like if they hadn't.
Shaking his head Xavier looks at the view, his eyes resting on the headmaster's office and the raven can vaguely make out his silhouette. The man was apparently Uncle Denver's brother, but personality wise they were vastly different. Gregor had similar fashion sense to his brother but other than that had never once raised a violent hand to Xavier. On a select few occasions, he had actually saved the raven however he made it very clear he wouldn't do it often.
While it wasn't much help it was still something, and it had only started after Xavier had joined the Academy. He had been here for a few years now, more than needed since he was now repeating his final year. He often fantasized about running away to another country after he graduated, because surely that would be too far for Uncle Denver to chase him.
Attention caught by the sounds of footsteps ascending the stairwell Xavier feels a soft smile forming, the person coming was the reason he was still alive at this current moment. He was a close friend of a person Xavier was drawn to, Kyle.
When Xavier had returned from the hospital after his attempted break up with Travis he'd been paired with a blond haired guy who was in charge of catching him up on his studies. Xavier had been resistant at first, and their personalities had clashed, often resulting in fights. But at some point, he found himself falling for the blond.
He knew nothing would ever come of it with how twisted his life was and took care to hide it well, especially from Travis on the rare occasions when he'd show up to pull Xavier from the classroom. Kyle however, had noticed the way Xavier's eyes would follow his friend and apparently that made him realise that Xavier wasn't some stupid rebel as he was capable of such emotion. The red headed fool had attached himself to Xavier after that, and somehow his presence made Travis stop bothering Xavier in school altogether which Xavier was both amazed and grateful for. While Kyle pestered him on a constant basis Xavier soon found himself able to laugh again, and they became close friends.
Due to the amount of time they had spent together Kyle was vaguely aware of what happened to Xavier outside of school, but he seemed to understand his own limits with how he could help Xavier. The raven had learnt to brush off every offer or plead for Xavier to hide at his place, knowing that Uncle Denver would hurt his friend if he ever relied on him like that.
Looking down Xavier catches the eyes of his infatuation, even though he was floors below he still seems to realise Xavier has spotted him and offers a small wave before walking off.
Xavier feels his smile widen, this was enough for him. The other, Vincent or Vince for short, hadn't really spoken to him since his forced tutoring ended but he seemed to tolerate the raven as he was friends with Kyle and truly that alone was good enough.
Finally, Kyle arrives at the rooftop, bursting out with a loud greeting as he comes over and casually pulls Xavier away from the ledge. He does it jokingly however Xavier is aware of the significance of the move. Accepting the offered plastic bag from the red haired teen Xavier takes out ingredients for sandwiches and begins making them. Kyle had found out Xavier liked cooking and occasionally would bring things like this so they could eat together. As Xavier makes the food Kyle launches straight into what's been going on in the classes the raven missed today, missing a beat as the breeze shows Xavier's latest wound once more, his eyes darker for a moment as he takes it in.
"What are your plans for this weekend? My Uncle is out of town and I can come to your place if you want." Xavier says to distract the teen, grateful for his friend's company and the excuse to not have to return to that place even when Uncle Denver isn't there. Kyle nods instantly, his eyes lighting up with ideas that he forgets to mention when Xavier finishes making the sandwiches. The food is in his mouth a split second later and the raven picks up his own, nibbling on it as he waits for the other to speak. However, Kyle isn't one to rush with food most of the time, he's demolished half the sandwich already but now he's savouring it. Picking out flavours he likes and thinking about what to buy next time. Swallowing he leans back and lowers the hand with the snack in it.
"Sure, Vince is going to his friend Mason's place. I was able to properly talk to him again today! You know the infamous one-hundred-percent guy? Well anyway he's even more cute up close then I thought he'd be, just totally cute all over. Got an aura like a nerd and even wears glasses but when he's around Vince he can be super feisty." He rants and Xavier laughs, Kyle had fancied this guy for a while now but had never had a proper chance to talk to him until Vincent had befriended him over a class project.
From what Xavier knew Mason was the top of almost every class in their grade, the exceptions being PE and hospitalities which Xavier was proud to say he held the records for. They were the only classes he could consistently do well in, whereas with others he was always taking make-up tests, hence his repeating the year.
Looking at Kyle, Xavier smiles hoping that this relationship works out for him if he manages to get that far. Kyle's the type who falls fast and hard, or so Xavier has observed. It seemed whenever he approached his crush he would often overlook the minor things. Xavier remembered stories of his last girlfriend who had thought the pink haired teen was wealthy and had only dated him for the purpose of using him.
"Anyway, you on to play tonight? Your drum kit is still safe-and-sound and my guitar is perfectly tuned." Kyle says, seemingly over with his rant that Xavier had honestly tuned out.
Laughing at the sudden change of topic Xavier nods, he'd brought a drum kit not long ago when he'd received some money from Denver for some random reason. He hadn't questioned his good fortune at the time and had been quick to spend it. In any case, he kept it at Kyle's so it wouldn't be trashed, the other was actually quite skilled at playing the guitar so they often played together as something to do.
After finishing the food Xavier lays back on the roof and stares aimlessly at the clouds, bidding Kyle good-bye as he claims he has to get to some math class so he can let Vincent know he's having a friend over. The sky is a dark grey by now, the wind whipping around the rooftop as if showing off that the rain it had promised had finally come.
Sighing Xavier lets his weary eyes slide closed, letting the biting wind wash over him and time pass by.
…
As he hears Kyle cease the strumming of his guitar the raven claps his drumsticks together into one hand and turns around curiously, wondering what had stopped his friend as he'd thought they'd been doing quite well. Raising his brow in a curious arch Xavier turns his head to listen for sound when he notices Kyle doing the same. Soon hearing a high-pitched ring Xavier hardly notices the way the colour immediately drains from his face. Pale as fresh snow and probably just as cold the raven launches himself to his bag that had been carelessly dropped at the door.
He fumbles near desperately to open the damn zipper but it just won't budge and he feels as though that ringing is getting louder, deafening him like the sound of his own heartbeat in his ears. Finally, he manages to open it and pulls his phone out just as it stops ringing, he feels like he can't breathe, eyes tearing up as he sees what's on the screen.
Five Missed calls from Denver
Kyle is reaching out to him, a worried look on his face but Xavier slaps that hand away as he clutches his phone, memories assaulting him of the times he'd ignored his Uncle's calls. He was screwed, no, he was beyond screwed. Quickly stuffing his things in to his bag Xavier can only think about quickly getting back and begging Denver to forgive him, and maybe taking a bunch of pain killers to prepare himself.
Just as Kyle finally manages to grab him to try to stop him the phone rings again. The shrill tone he'd set for Denver instantly catching his attention once more. Sliding the answer button with shaking fingers Xavier tries to level his breathing, if he spoke even one wrong word, with the slightest change in tone it would only exacerbate his punishment further.
Hearing a satisfied huff from the other end of the line as he answers Xavier's stomach twists in on itself, he felt like vomiting. Rubbing his eyes with his free hand he feels the dampness of tears but desperately pushes them back.
"Xavier? Answering at last. Are you going through a rebellious phase? I've read about those" That voice is like venom as it seeps into his ears, infecting his brain as his legs tremble.
"NO!..Ah- I-I mean no Uncle, I was just listening to music so I couldn't hear my phone, please forgive me." He says, almost letting his anxieties get the better of him he practically chokes on his own words. Was the room spinning or was it just him? "Did you need me for something Uncle?" he quickly ads, hoping to distract from his outburst.
"…Ah yes. You should come home immediately brother has won the bet but I won't give you up so easily." He says, the second half of his sentence meaning nothing to the raven, but he nods quickly anyway.
"Of course Uncle I'll be there as soon as I can, I'm not far" Xavier responds, taking deep breaths he slowly feels himself dissociate as a false calm settles on him.
"Yes." Is all the raven hears before the call is cut off, Denver never was one for normal conversation. Shoving his phone into his pocket Xavier crouches for a moment to just breathe, it was sick how used to this turmoil of emotions he was. It was the shock of missing all those calls that had thrown him in to this state, but Denver's voice wasn't agitated. He could relax somewhat, surely if Denver's tone was this calm it wouldn't be too bad.
Maybe he'd get off with a beating this time? God he didn't want to have his bones broken again. Silencing the worries clouding his mind Xavier wonders why Denver had come back so soon, he figured it had something to do with Gregor as Denver had mentioned him earlier.
It only takes him a few moments to suppress everything in to a small space at the back of his mind. Standing quickly, he offers a small smile at Kyle who is looking quite stern.
"Don't you dare go." He says, tone close to begging. Xavier knows the other heard what was being said, the rosettes keen ears were the only reason he'd found out about Xavier's home life in the first place. He has planted himself in front of the door arms spread like that would really stop Xavier.
"We've had this talk Kyle" Xavier says with a heavy tone, his throat clenching up, Kyle is gritting his teeth at the response probably replaying in his mind how panicked Xavier was only moments ago.
"No! I don't agree! Just stay here Xavier! I'll protect you, hell I'm sure Vince will too! Look he's not right that Uncle of yours, the things he's doing they aren't human! Xavier I know shit okay! I swear he's probably possessed or something!" Kyle shouts in desperation, Xavier had heard this before and sighs. There was no such things as demons, he knew Kyle's family owned some religious temple but those sorts of things just weren't real.
What was real was his Uncle, who was just one very twisted human.
"Let's have this talk another time okay?" Xavier says, hesitating for a moment before rushing forward at Kyle's glare and quickly locking the rosette in a choke hold. Kyle struggles, naturally, but Xavier is far more skilled at fighting than the other and he didn't want to hurt his friend any more than this. Counting in his head Xavier feels the others struggles weaken and eventually stop. He hated that the constant fights he'd been in had made him so predisposed to such violence.
Letting go Xavier sighs and drags Kyle over to his bedroom and onto the bed. He hated having to do this but every time they'd had this argument Kyle had gotten more and more stubborn about not letting Xavier go and he just didn't have the time. Letting himself out Xavier hopes Vince doesn't get back too soon and find the other, the minute Kyle was woken up he'd surely try to chase Xavier.
Pulling out some tacky old earphones Xavier plugs them in to his phone and plays the music, he'd take some time even though he shouldn't as he needed to mentally prepare for what was coming. The rough wind that battered him was nothing compared to the true storm that he was making his way toward now. Looking up as he walks Xavier wonder's when the rain will finally fall, he thinks of anything other than Denver despite knowing he should be. Because shit, used to it though he may be he was still scared shitless.
Walking through an old alley as a familiar shortcut the raven is pulled to a stop by a hand on his shoulder. Thinking for a moment that Kyle had somehow woken up sooner than expected he sighs and pulls his earphones out. Turning around he's about to tell the other to go home but freezes at the sight that meets him, it re-kindles the fear that he'd only just managed to ignore.
Travis was drunk, luscious blond locks matted down with something foul that smelled suspiciously like vomit, eyes so baggy that they are rimmed with black, and clothes in a total disarray.
Xavier cringes at the sight alone but a single puff of putrid air from the other has his head swimming with disgust. Travis smiles at the raven's reactions, hand pushing forward to wrap around Xavier's throat as he pushes him against the wall. He leans in with a snicker, his amusement lost on Xavier who's trying to weigh the pros and cons of fighting back. The wet sensation of lips against his neck makes him gag but that only provokes the blond to laugh more.
"Fancy seeing you here Xavier, I was just heading to your place. Thought we could hang out for a bit, have some fun" The tone is jovial, but it sends shivers of disgust down Xavier's spine. The following bite on his neck so sudden he lets out a gasp of pain. Feeling anger surge the raven growls, if the other was like this then maybe he stood a chance, Xavier was not a weak fighter by any means due to his years of experience. But every time he thought of fighting the other he lost control of his body, maybe it was some psychological thing but he didn't understand it.
The raven bites his lip, still tormented by the memory of being in hospital until little over two months ago from his last fight with the blond. Feeling the others free hand roam Xavier's teeth clamp down so hard he tastes the copper of his own blood. God no, not hear at least, not in some old alley, outside. It's not really the location, being somewhere else wouldn't make it any easier, but at least he'd be spared the shame of being seen. Plenty of people took this shortcut to get to and fro.
At the thought Xavier looks at either end of the alley, eyes getting stuck on a figure at one end that had seemed to freeze. Feeling his heart stop Xavier curses internally, why must he be seen in this state?
Would the stranger join in? Would he try to help? Watching the person's bag drop Xavier feels tears sting his eyes as Travis grabs his crotch.
"Should I play with him first, Xavier?" He whispers darkly in to the raven's ear, causing Xavier's eyes to go wide as he turns back to face the blond.
"Don't!" he gasps out, Travis would certainly beat this poor stranger senseless.
Feeling a punch to his gut Xavier's breath is forced out of him followed by a howl of pain as another hit lands on his cheek, forcing one side of his face in to the brick wall behind him. Stars dance in his eyes and he vaguely hears the stranger rushing towards them but it's too late, Travis had caught Xavier off guard. Collapsing to his knees Xavier shouts in pain as the blond kicks at his body, arms going numb only after a few shots the ravens stomach is soon defenceless and he feels the next kick in his ribs.
The stranger reaches them at last and tries to pull Travis away but the other is focused, Xavier could see it in his eyes, he knew that look. Travis wanted Xavier black and blue and nothing would stop him. Xavier tries to focus, to even move but his body is too crippled from pain. He feels his eyes fuzz over, unable to watch on for much longer he pushes the last of the air out of his winded lungs.
"Just r...run"
As his consciousness leaves him the skies crack with thunder, the bright flash of lighting illuminates the strangers face as he lands a hit solid enough to knock the drunk out. The rain is finally released from the clouds, pummelling down on the earth with vengeance, but before a single drop can even touch Xavier's bleeding cheeks he's already too far gone to notice.