Kieran's PoV

Not me posting twice in one week.

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I couldn't believe Simon just grabbed me like that. He looked pissed. I mean it's really no surprise. I know I look horrible. I still didn't know what Clark was so mad about. He mentioned something about me snarking off at him but honestly, I knew as much then as I do now, which is nothing, and that just made him angrier. I stripped and got in the steaming hot shower, wincing as the pounding water hit the overly sensitive bruises.

Why was Simon so angry though? I mean yeah, I looked horrible but I am an adult. I could defend myself. I just didn't want to make it worse. I've handled Clark's moods for years. I knew what works and fighting back was not one of those things. I doubted Simon would understand that. I sighed and started washing my hair, frowning at the slight brownish tint the water turned as it cleared my hair of dried blood. My hand brushed the bandage on my neck and started peeling it off. Ah fuck, that hurt. I got it entirely off and set it aside to trash later. I let the hot shower soothe my tense muscles. I scrubbed off gently and got out, wrapping one towel around my waist and using another to towel off my hair. I dried off and got dressed, leaving the smaller towel around my neck. I caught a glimpse in the mirror and winced at the sight of my battered body.

He hadn't broken any of my bones nor did I get a concussion so I counted this as a win. I got back to my room and tossed my hair towel into my laundry basket before laying down. "Hey, Kieran?" Simon asked from his bed. I had thought Simon was asleep but apparently not. I sat back up and looked over at him. He was staring at the ceiling but he must have known I was listening since he continued. "I'm sorry I grabbed you. I have no excuse for my behavior."

He's so formal, it's sweet. "It's okay, Si. You didn't even leave a mark. I'm tougher than you give me credit for."

"I'm glad it didn't leave a mark. You have enough without my foolish self adding to them out of anger for you having marks in the first place." He sounded so sad when he replied that it tugged at my heartstrings. I chuckled.

"Do you need a hug, Si?" I got up and walked over to his side of the room when he nodded. My eyes finished adjusting to the dark and I could see his outline so I bent over and hugged him gently. "I'm fine. I promise."

Simon paused before hugging back carefully, one hand slowly tracking through my hair. "Is this okay?" He asked. I nodded into his shoulder. His hand still moved hesitantly so I stayed put and let him stroke my hair. It was quite nice actually so I relaxed and tightened my hug a bit. "I don't like seeing you hurt."

"I don't imagine any friend does," I responded, trying not to take the words the wrong way but they still attempted to worm their way into my heart. I pulled away and went to go back to my side. Simon grabbed my arm before I made it far.

"Hey, um..." he said softly, audibly nervous, "Do you think.. Do you think you could, maybe, stay over here tonight? Please?" I froze. He wanted me to what? If I stayed on this side, that means I'd have to sleep in the same bed as him. I couldn't do that! But he sounded so sad... Oh fine!

"Sure, SI. I can do that. Budge over." There wasn't much space, definitely not enough for us not to touch. Stupid college beds. He moved over as much as he could and made room for me. I laid next to him and got under the covers. "Goodnight, Simon."

He curled his arm around my back and nuzzled into my shoulder, murmuring a responding goodnight. I am SO fucked.