Who: Finn and Riley What: Battered and Bruised When: 25th April, early evening Where: Finn’s apartment Rating: Low - mentions of violence Status: Complete
Riley winced.
He was perched upon a countertop where the edge met the fridge, a bag of frozen vegetables pressed tenderly against swollen skin. His eye was nearly sealed shut from where it had been hit, blood stained the front of his shirt from the place at his lip which had been split.
All for nothing. He’d forgotten to check his attitude and it had cost him. At one point in his life he was comfortable being sassy and speaking his mind, but his time in Washington on the island had curbed that behavior some. They had not taken his spirit, his playful and bright demeanor, but eventually everyone broke.
He was hoping to God that Finn wasn’t home. The house was silent and still - thankful for that he continued to nurse the ache. Everything hurt, even the places that hadn’t taken any beating. But he considered himself fortunate that the guard had finally lost interest and let him go.
A sock to the eye, one to the mouth, the butt of a rifle to the shoulder had sent the small man flying backward into a wall and then finally the ground.
Another moment and Riley would head for the bathroom to assess the damage, maybe get a shower before his boyfriend got back home. He would try to think of a good story to tell, a believable lie though he hated the thought of being untruthful to Finn. His pride hurt more than anything.
—
Finn had enjoyed a pretty good day at the library, chatting with other residents and helping them find what books they were looking for, watching as they left with a smile on their face and knowing they’d be back to return what they had borrowed.
He had grown up in a bookstore, selling books for people to keep and concerned about profits and turnovers but things had changed so much when he was shipped to Destruction Island, he might now just be lending them people instead of selling them but he was still surrounded by that smell of books that always made him feel at home.
With the messenger bag slung over his shoulder and the violin case in his other hand he made his way home, a slow stroll taking in the sounds around him. If he had to go to places further than the main part of the town he’d take his bike but he enjoyed walking more.
Unlocking the door of the small house that he and Riley shared he stepped in, toeing off his shoes and leaving them near the door before he put his bag and violin down on the couch. He could hear the shower going and gave a little smile as he walked towards the bathroom, the door was closed so he stopped just near it. “I’m home Ri. Want me to get started on dinner?”
—
The peas had gone back into the freezer. Food was tight and there was no reason to spoil good food on a bad situation. His face stung. Blood was still oozing down his lip but over the sound of the water hitting the floor of the shower he heard Finn’s voice. Riley had to force himself not to burst into tears, grip on the lip of the sink white knuckled.
Putting his emotions in check, still fully clothed, Riley turned to the door and opened it slowly.
Able to see fine out of his good eye, he looked up at the taller man and found the idea of eating food to be too much. “Welcome home,” he managed with his fat lip.
Behind him the shower was still running, the light to the bathroom on and casting shadows. The sink was decorated with small peppering of blood.
His head ached, hand whipped out to grasp hard at the jamb off he door to keep himself upright.
—
There was an audible gasp when the door was opened and Finn’s gaze came upon Riley’s bruised and battered face, his eyes softened and a sheen came over them. “Oh honey...” He wanted to reach out and touch his boyfriend but he didn’t, afraid that any touch would hurt him.
He lunged forward as Riley stumbled and grabbed at the door frame. Despite the fact he didn’t want to touch him in case there were further injuries hiding beneath those clothes he did it anyway. “C’mon, sit down.” Finn’s voice was soft and filled with concern as he looked at all those bruises, that black eye and split lip.
Stepping into the shower he turned off the water before looking back at Riley. Getting a washcloth from the pile that were kept with the towels, he then turned the taps until the water was warm and then he put the plug in to fill the sink.
He wasn’t going to ask questions, well not yet at least, he wanted to check Riley over for further injuries and clean those that he could already see. Over the past few years he had learned a lot about his boyfriend, he knew about the attitude that some people didn’t like but so far no one had physically assaulted him.
—
That gasp made him want to recoil, to run and hide and bury himself underneath the bathroom rug. There was little else he wanted more than to just curl up in his lovers arms and rest.
Hand went out to brace himself but Finn caught him. Silently he followed, sitting down carefully on the closed lid of the toilet. That wave of emotion came upon him again, he was nearly blubbering as he perched.
He did manage to slide out of his shirt, showing more of the bruises. For no reason at all this has happened. In his opinion he’d done nothing, anyway.
“Thanks,” he managed.
—
Finn tried not to show his shock when his eyes took in the bruises that were hiding under the shirt, but what worried him was the damage to Riley’s face and he hoped, no prayed, that there was no kind of concussion caused by the punches to the head.
With the damp washcloth in his hand he started to clean that cut on Riley’s lip, the one that seemed to be the main source of the blood. His touch was gentle as little swipes removed some of the drying red from the bruised skin, the cloth moving to a clean section each time it started to get dirty.
No words were spoken as Finn attended to the injuries, he loved Riley and he didn’t care why, though there was an anger inside of him towards the person who had done this, who had hurt his boyfriend.
—
Nearly biting at his lip in response to the look on Finn’s face, Riley opted instead for a heavy exhale. He hated seeing anything but a smile on his boyfriend’s face especially when he knew he was the source of that discontent. It wasn’t his fault exactly but whatever little thing he had done to set off the guard ultimately was his to take the blame for.
The wound stung when Finn cleaned it, Riley winced visibly. His fingers curled tight against the fabric of his jeans in effort to combat the pain and swelling. But the pain was gone as quickly as it had come.
When it was done and he was cleaned up he finally smiled a little bit. Safe. He felt safe being there with Finn.
“Guess that makes for an interesting day, huh?” Always trying to pass through the moments with a joke or a quip was he.
—
Finn had lived on the island nearly from the beginning, when it was set up for those ‘suffering’ from radiation exposure, he knew some of the guards that patrolled to ‘protect the peace’ were just assholes and saw residents as less than human.
There had more than one run in with guards in Finn’s experience, one guard in particular liked to sneer at him and call him derogatory things because he was gay, as much as he wanted to punch the guy or use his ability to hurt he knew that it would just cause more problems and he liked his life as it was now.
He hated seeing those winces, those signs that he was hurting Riley, even if the pain was only for a moment. The bloody washcloth was thrown into the sink and gentle hands rested on Riley’s knees, a small smile on Finn’s lips. “I was just going to make us dinner and then play you some music while you marked papers or something. But this is… different.”
—
He craved that sense of normalcy and so when Finn confessed the plans for the remainder of the day Riley was already interested. “Nah, I wanna act like this never happened,” came soft words, “for a little while. Dinner sounds nice.” Music sounded even better. His head was hammering but it was nothing he felt a few Tylenol couldn’t patch up.
A hand shifted to rest over one of Finn’s. He would finish cleaning up, get a new shirt, and come find the other man for dinner. Forgetting everything sounded better than dessert.
—
Finn was still concerned about Riley, he was going to keep a good eye on his boyfriend for the rest of the night just to make sure that there was no lasting effects. Taking off his own shirt, jeans and underwear before stepping over and turning the water back on. “C’mon, let’s get you cleaned up and then we’ll talk about food.”
Gentle hands then started on Riley’s jeans but letting the other man take the steps to remove the rest of his clothing. When they were both naked Finn carefully lead Riley into the shower, letting the water wash over them both.
—
Riley moved to stand up slowly with help, doing his best to work himself out of his jeans with his one good eye for sight. He managed well enough. A slide out of jeans and his underpants and he was letting Finn help him into the shower. The water was refreshing, warm against the skin and his body responded to it.
An arm slung around Finn and he held on, making sure to keep his balance though the water was tempting.
He closed his good eye and leaned upon that sturdy frame, head rested upon Finn’s shoulder.
—
He held onto Riley as they showered, helping keep the other man upright as the water washed the rest of the dried blood down the drain. Finn loved showering with his boyfriend but he just wished that this time it was under better circumstances.
Reaching over with his free hand he got the bar of soap and started to gently wash Riley’s back, careful in case there were any bruises on the back that he hadn’t seen as yet. He’d check Riley over completely when they retired for the night, hopefully some Tylenol would help the other man sleep.
“How do sandwiches sound? Something light.” He didn’t want to spend a lot of time making something, he’d rather spend that time with Riley and sandwiches were quick, easy and light on the stomach.
—
Showers were a favorite of his too. Alone, together, water in this context was always relaxing and he welcomed it. He loved Finn and sharing small moments of any kind were pleasing enough to overcome trials. Leaning heavily against the other he was glad for the difference in height
The bar of soap against his back was soothing. Thankfully most of the damage was to the face, the chest, he didn’t feel pain where the soap and water lathered together.
Nodding, he didn’t protest at all. Sandwiches were fine. “Yeah..” he managed. Being close to Finn was alright with him, “I can help if you want.” He had some skill in the kitchen, after all, and staying busy was a good way to abate the pain.
—
Even before his abilities manifested Finn had always loved water. He’d go swimming and surfing when the weather allowed, he just loved hearing the sound of running water. Maybe it wasn’t much of a surprise when he started to gain control of it soon after arriving on the island.
Finn’s hands moved from back to sides, still soft as he started to wash over that bruised shoulder. “I’ll be okay, they’re just sandwiches. I’d prefer that you just rest and let me do the work.” And he’d make sure Riley had some painkillers with his food.
—
Usually one to insist on the doting upon his boyfriend Riley only nodded and stood there as the soaping continued. His arms would lift, body would twist to meet those gentle hands. In any other circumstance this probably would have lead to more, but right now he wanted to just lay in those arms and try to rest.
He didn’t care so much about the physical bruises, it was his pride, his ego that had suffered and that was something he knew would last a while longer.
“Okay,” he said over the water.
—
Showers together did sometimes eventuate in more, especially when they were both in the mood to start with but he wasn’t even thinking about sex right now, Finn was concerned about Riley and wanted to make sure that he had washed away all the blood before they would get out and continue with their evening.
Finn knew all about bruised egos, the physical injuries would heal a lot quicker than those mental ones. He had gotten into his fair share of fights and lost quite a few too where he walked away with bruises both inside and out.
“I’m going to turn the water off, okay? Will you be alright standing up while I get our towels?” He wanted to make sure Riley wasn’t going to fall over as soon as he let him go.
—
Nodding, Riley let go of Finn. A hand was placed against the wall to lend support and he waited patiently for his lover to turn the water off and get towels. He hated this, hated been seen like this but he went with it.
The offered towel was taken. Slowly he dried himself off making sure to be careful and then finally he got out. He still ached, exhaustion was beginning to settle into his bones.
Towel went around himself to stave off the chill. His hand went to Finn’s arm gently and he waited for the other man to lead him.
—
Finn lead Riley out of the bathroom and towards the bedroom, still holding onto the other man he grabbed the robe that was hanging up behind the door and wrapped it around Riley to try and keep him warm, he could tell by the goosebumps on the skin that his boyfriend was feeling cold. “Here… let’s go out to lounge room.”
Slowly he walked, an arm still around Riley until they were out in the lounge room where he sat the other man down on the couch and grabbed the blanket that was thrown over the back of an armchair. “Can I get you a warm cup of tea or something?”
While he hated to admit it Finn actually liked it when he was able to dote on his boyfriend like this, though the opportunities were few and far between - Riley rarely got sick. A hand gently moved some of those dark curls behind an ear as he smiled softly.
—
Warm, he sighed with contentment and padded slowly with his boyfriend. The couch was comfortable as always and he sank into its cushions. Resting felt good but it was even better when Finn was there with him.
Usually he wasn’t this quiet and still. He couldn’t help but smile at Finn in return.
—
With Riley comfortable on the couch Finn walked to the kitchen where he filled up the kettle and put it on to boil. While the kitchen was really Riley’s domain and where the man excelled, Finn could still cook the basics though sandwiches really were his specialty.
As the kettle heated up Finn got the necessary items from the cupboard and bread from where they stored it. Humming softly he started making the sandwiches, just simple PB&J, but Riley liked it and at the moment eating something too heavy probably wouldn’t be a good idea.
When the kettle boiled he poured the hot water into the mugs over the teabags (another downfall of life here) and brought the plates then the mugs to the coffee table. “Dinner is served.”
—
He rested there while Finn went off to prepare their supper. Breathing in and then out he made himself calm down, not wanting to go to sleep upset at the world. Part of him wanted to go to the kitchen with Finn and take over, to fuss over the man there, but he couldn’t find the strength.
Hearing the kettle he opened his eyes and waited for his lover to come back. Accepting the plate and the cup he ate and drank as best as he was able.
Crumbs fell into his lap and got caught up in his beard but he brushed them carefully away.
—
Sitting in quiet wasn’t really anything new for them, sometimes they would chat while they ate, talk about their day or what they wanted to do but other times - like this evening - food was eaten in silence. Finn knew that talking was the last thing that Riley wanted, especially with that fat lip and swollen and blackening eye.
When the sandwiches were finished Finn got up, took the plates back to the kitchen and then came back and sat next to Riley on the couch. “I love you baby. You mean the world to me.” He said softly, putting an arm lightly around the other man’s shoulders and placing a kiss on top of those dark locks. Content to just sit there for the moment cuddling his boyfriend
—
Plates were offered. A sigh escaped him and as Finn came back he moved to lean in toward the other man, head resting upon the inside of a shoulder. “I love you too,” he managed, meaning it with all of his heart.
An arm would wind around Finn and Riley would shift the tiny bit more of distance between him. Closing his good eye he rested there captivated and basking in the moment in spite of what had happened.
—
He could have put the TV or the music player on for some background noise but Finn didn’t really feel like they need it at the moment, they didn’t need anything but each other. The only sound that was audible was the soft ticking of the clock on the wall, Finn had seen it in the Marketplace shortly after they had moved in together and it reminded him of the one that probably still hung up in his grandparents’ bookshop, just something to make this place feel more like home.
Finn’s head tilted to the side and rested lightly on top of Riley’s, he always enjoyed these moments but he wished that his boyfriend hadn’t gotten battered and bruised from some asshole. “Let me know when you’re ready for bed, okay?” He knew as much as Riley hated the babying, Finn wasn’t about to let him fall over trying to get someone by himself in such a state.
—
Those silent moments were cherished. He basked in the companionship and knew he was blessed even in the trying times they were living in presently. Finn was his rock, his light, and his love. Eyes closed he rested his head against Finn’s shoulder and was delighted to have Finn’s head upon his own. A hand sought a hand, his fingers fell between his boyfriends.
“Bed sounds good.” He kept the words soft and simple. The ache was still there but for the moment it was dulled.
—
When he first came to the island the only thing he really had was his duties at the library but they only filled so many hours of the day and his nights were always lonely, until he had met Riley. Things progressed from friendship to a relationship and now many years later Finn couldn’t imagine his life without the brunette in it.
He gave their joined hands a gentle squeeze and smiled. “In a couple of minutes.” They could sit here for that bit longer. “Would you like me to play you something tonight?” Playing his violin usually calmed him down and he knew Riley enjoyed it too.
—
Nodding, Riley emitted a breath and managed a smile. Few things took precedence as his absolute favorite about Finn considering he loved all of them equally, but there was something haunting and beautiful about the way his lover played the instrument and any time he could hear the music he dropped everything to play a role in the performance as the audience. Even when Finn practiced in another room Riley would stop and listen for a while with glee and satisfaction.
—
After a minute of sitting there in the quiet Finn moved and helped Riley up, it didn’t take him long to get his boyfriend to the bedroom and left him on the bed while he went back out to the living room and got his violin case and one of the boys he kept scattered around the house. Opening the case he took the violin out and walked to the bedroom, tucking it under his chin he started to play a soft and sweet tune, hopefully it would lull Riley to sleep
—
Moving with Finn he stood up, leaning into that touch for support. Each step taken was slow but able and finally he found himself in the bedroom. Crawling into bed he claimed his place on his side and pulled the blankets over the expanse of himself, leaning backward into soft, giving pillows.
Watching with his good eye as Finn left, he was greeted by music. Unable to help himself he was smiling. It hurt but it was worth it. Eye closing he relaxed, lulled to sleep by the sound of violin music, his favorite in the world.
—
Finn’s eyes were closed as he played, getting lost in the soft tune. When he did open his eyes he looked over at Riley, seeing that his good eye had slipped shut signaled that the other man was falling asleep, he played for a few more minutes before he stopped.
Going around their apartment he made sure the door was locked and the lights were off before he went back to the bedroom, stripped his gown off and climbed into bed beside Riley, he put an arm lightly around his boyfriend, kissed the back of his head and closed his eyes. “Good night Ri.”