(no subject)
OKAY, next chapterrrr WOO WOO. I'm really hyped up on Coke etc so i'm sorrryyyyyyyy i'm typing like this,
Title: Scene Change - Trypanophobia
Rating: FLUFFFY (PG)
Summary: Clean up that nasty infected cut, Benji.
Dislcaimer: THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN.
Note: FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES BEING SUGAR-HIGH!!!!
Prologue: Benji, Prologue: Joel, No Lies, Just Love , Failed Attempts, Joel is Gay & Benji Gets A Job, That Fucker Kissed Me - Part 1 , That Fucker Kissed Me - Part 2 , (Stab Wound Healer - Part 1) , Stab Wound Healer - Part 2
“Benji…”
Mmph. Leave me alone in this comfy bed.
“Ben-jiii.” I hear a familiar whisper, and then a tap on my shoulder.
I roll around in the sheets then open my eyes. As I see Joel’s smiling face looming over me, last night comes flooding back. I feel instantly happy: he’s mine now.
Last night wasn’t just some delirious situation where I wanted to feel something. I’ve had many drunken experiences with many girls, and even some guys at random dive bars and parties back in LA. But this: it’s different. Because I feel this strange intense attraction to him. Because I feel like he wants me too. I feel like he really cares, and I can’t help but feel that way about him.
The back of my mind is yelling that everything’s is rushing by too fast, after all I’ve only really known him about 3 days.
But frankly, I don’t give a fuck. I’m smitten, and not afraid to admit or show it.
I’m not even thinking about what’s going to happen between me and my dad or at school because all I care about right now is having a good time with Joel.
“Joel!” I jerk up on his bed so fast I startle him.
“Geez Benji!” he smiles. “Sorry to wake you up, but I - Umm, I made you breakfast.”
Starting to come around, I finally notice the tray he’s holding.
He made me breakfast? Fuck, I like this boy.
“You housewife, you,” I laugh and hungrily grab the tray from his grasp. He chuckles.
My laughter fades and my mouth twists into a frown as I see what’s on the plate: eggs & bacon. Oh no.
His face falls as he notes my face.
“What’s wrong? Does it look - do you not? What’s wrong?”
I feel awful. He got up early to cook me this, and I can’t eat it.
I’m the worst person in the world.
“Oh, Joel. It looks delicious, but I - I don’t - I’m a vegan.” His eyes widen and quickly he yanks the dish away.
“Omigod. I’m so sorry. I had no idea. This is probably revolting to you. Christ I always manage to do the worst things ever. Why didn’t I just wait till you-“
“Joel!” my stern tone makes him snap to attention.
“I told you. Don’t apologize for doing something nice. The fact that you even thought of cooking me a meal makes me feel so - appreciated. Taken care of. Who cares if it’s eggs & bacon? How were you supposed to be aware of my eating habits? Honestly, thank you.”
He shifts uneasily. “Yeah, but I just feel so stupid. I mean we went to a vegan coffee shop yesterday!”
Oh, Right.
“Okay true, but still. Not everyone who goes there is a vegan. They have awesome tea.”
He sighs. “Yeah I guess. I just wanted you to enjoy it that’s all. Eggs are my specialty.”
I grin at him. “I’m sure they’re absolutely spectacular. I just - I can’t eat them.”
I take the tray and place it on his night table. Then I grab his hands and pull him down onto my lap. I spread my legs out so he can lie back, and he swerves around hesitantly, resting his head on my chest.
“You’re so fucking unbelievable.” I whisper. “You’re more worried about pleasing me, than even receiving a thank you for your effort. Honestly.” I shake my head.
We’re silent for a moment.
“I’m not hurting you am I?” He asks quietly.
“Of course not.” I inhale his scent and press my cheek onto his soft hair. “Did you shower?”
“Yeah I did.”
“You smell good.” I kiss his head. “What time is it anyway?”
“Thanks. It’s uh-” he checks his watch, “It’s 12:03”
“Seriously?! I slept in that long? Damn. It’s late. I should probably go home...”
“What!? No, I’m driving you to the clinic to get you checked out.”
My insides squirm. I hate the doctor’s office. So many needles….*shudder*
“Please Joel. I’m fine, really.”
He stands up, getting off my lap and stares at me in disbelief. Then he puts his hand on his hips.
“Benji. You staggered into my house last night bleeding almost incessantly. You have a cut probably as long as my forearm on your stomach. We are going.”
I groan. There isn’t going to be any possibility of persuasion here.
“Alright.” I pout.
He smiles. “Oh come on. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Oh I don’t know, DEATH.
//////////
I tug uncomfortably on the collar of the black v-neck I presently wear. Joel is leaner than I am, even is we are the same height. I already feel nervous about going to this clinic, the tightness of this shirt and of his shorts are just adding to my anxiousness.
I’m wearing Joel’s clothes, and although it was a really considerate thing to let me borrow them, they do not fit. Of course I won’t say anything. It’s not his fault I had to resort to the unbreathable borrowing of garments…
We’re presently sitting in his awesome car on the way to- the doctor’s…Gah.
“You alright?” he asks me.
“Fine,” I squeak quickly. I clear my throat. “Just fine.”
“Okay…”
He can totally see through me. I feel my palms shaking. Why am I such a baby when it comes to seeking medical attention? Oh yeah, it’s the goddamn injections.
I drum my fingers on the window pane: Traffic sucks at lunch time, and the long time it’s taking to arrive at the clinic makes my anxiousness mount.
“So…How long have you been a vegan?” He asks, distracting me.
“ Oh - um about 7 years now.”
“Really!? That’s a long time! I could never do that. Isn’t it difficult? Like, don’t you ever miss steak and stuff?”
He seems genuinely interested. So I digress.
“Actually, no. Meat disgusts me. It’s the slaughter of animals. People are eating their insides: Their muscles. Ever since I watched a video on meat packing in 7th grade, the cruelty I’ve seen, I just can’t bring myself to digest anything that moves. Since I’m lactose intolerant, I decided to give up animals and their by-products altogether. After about 2 years of ridding myself of meat, I learned more about everything that goes on. I went to Peta meetings and went to a couple rallies. The experience really opened my eyes. I just take it seriously and adopt it as part of my lifestyle now, I guess. I just don’t think eating meat is right.”
“Wow. Ded-I-Ca-Tion.” He laughs amazed. “That’s so awesome. But wait - you said in the 7th grade? Did you skip a grade or something?”
I look at him confused.
“No… I actually had to redo a year of freshman year?”
He takes his eyes off the road to stare at me in surprise.
“Huh? But how does that work? You were 10 or 11 weren’t you when you became a vegan?”
I pause.
“ Joel -I. I’m 19.”
He focuses his gaze out the window, eyes wide.
“How old are you?” I ask nervously.
“I’m - Seventeen…”
*******************
I squeeze the wheel while I wait for Benji to respond. But he’s not.
“Is that - a problem?” I ask.
“No. No - it…shouldn’t be.”
“ ‘It shouldn’t be’…?”
“It’s not. It’s fine. Are you turning 18 this year then…?”
“Ummm, well no. My birthday was a month ago” I hear him suck in his breath.
Scared, I start to ramble to stop him from saying anything bad. “I just got put into nursery school at a younger age. Then I took this weird test thing when I was 4, to prove I was smart and able enough to enter kindergarten a year earlier than everybody else. I got in, so that’s why am a year younger than everybody else. Wasn’t the best move on my parent’s part…” I run out of breath.
Why did they put me in early?!
“It - it’s not going to make you - feel awkward and not want to be with me is it?”
Benji puts his hand on my shoulder as I reach a red light, and squeezes it.
“No Joel, it’s not! Of course not. I won’t let it. I’m sorry, I just - I kind of feel like I’m robbing the cradle or something. I don’t know why - it’s only 2 years.”
Fuck my age. Now I feel like I’m 3.
The Forest Hills Treatment Centre finally comes into view. I pull up into an empty parking space, and turn off the car.
“Joellllll, no! Please, don’t put that look on your face. I hate seeing you upset. I’m sorry I reacted in that manner.” I realize I’m frowning.
“Fuck, I’m such a dumbass sometimes. Hell, you’re more mature than me. Age doesn’t matter. Just forget that this conversation ever happened. Please” Well, he did ask nicely.
I’m about to say it’s okay, but I want to mess with him for a second.
We sit there, and he’s waiting for an answer.
“Joel?” He says pleadingly.
I continue to scrunch my features as I stare at him,
Then I smile. “Forget what conversation?”
“You jerk!” He yells, playfully slapping my arm. His face begins to relax. “I thought you were going to tell me that you didn’t want to like, start a relationship anymore if age was going to be an issue. Say something along the lines of ‘Oh, let’s just forget this whole thing, all we’ve done is make out, and it could happen to anyone. It didn’t mean anything’…”
Aw. Now I feel awful.
“Benji! No. I mean yeah I’d be a little miffed if age got in the way of some things, but I’m not mental enough to just end it. I don’t give up that easy.” I unbuckle my seat belt, and lean over to him. Slowly, and shyly, I start kissing him lightly.
I’m nervous that I might be taking things too fast with him. I mean, we had a great night last night, but it was like Benji needed to kiss someone, to release his emotions on somebody. I’ve just never been in any relationship; I have no idea what I’m doing. I know I want to kiss him, just…Maybe I’m turning him off.
But oh, what a great response I get.
After about 10 minutes, I finally snap back to reality, and realize where we are. Damn. I don’t wanna stop…!
“Benji, Benji, Benji” I say out of breath, trying to pull away from him. “We have to get you inside.”
“ No.” He says, then bites my lower lip. And sucks it. Noo. Why?
“Benji.” I push on his chest, smiling at him.
“O-kay,” he huffs.
We drag ourselves out of the car and up to the entrance. He squeezes my forearm. He’s so cute when he’s scared. For some reason I find it endearing he’s so frightened, it makes him seem more human and not so…I don’t know. So mega-hot and untouchable.
As we enter the building and reach the front desk, Benji’s freaking out silently. He keeps making these little squeaking noises. Adorable.
“Good afternoon. What can I help you with today?” A blonde nurse asks us politely.
Seeing as Benji has a sudden onset of acute laryngitis, I speak for him.
“Hi. My uh - my friend Benji got a very long cut last night, and we bandaged it, but we just want to know if it’s infected, or if there’s a possibility that it could be soon.”
“Alright. I’m going to need some information. If you would fill out this form, we’ll get you in as soon as we can.” She hands me the form.
“Thanks.”
I go sit down, grabbing a pen. Benji follows me like a puppy, sitting down as he glances around.
“Here, fill this out.” I put the paper on his lap.
Like a robot, he takes the pen and fills it out. God, he’s so paranoid and scared.
“Benji, man, it’s going to be alright. Doctors are here to make you better, not to hurt you.” I rub his back in reassurance. He simply nods.
I take the sheet once it’s filled properly and hand it back to the nurse.
I can sense Benji doesn’t want to chat, so we just rest in silence, waiting to be called.
Finally after what seems like an eternity, a man in scrubs comes out:
“Benjamin Combs?” Benji jerks his head up. “You’ll be seeing Dr. Mahmoud today.”
Nervously, he gets up and looks in anguish at me when I don’t stand up.
“Please. Come with me. Please. Please?” I can’t say no to that.
We follow scrub-guy to an office at the end of a small corridor. Inside sits an Indian doctor, and he beckons us inside. At first he looks questioningly at 2 people coming in, but quickly shrugs it off. He looks friendly enough, but poor Benji is still shaking.
“Now.” He says, looking at the paperwork. “Benjamin. Which one of you is he?”
Benji mumbles that it’s him.
“ Yes, okay.” He takes note of Benji’s beaten up appereance, and writes something down.
“So you have a cut you say? A long cut. Let’s take a look at it. Come, sit.”
Benji rises slowly and sits on that medical bench thing. He lifts up his shirt to reveal the gauze covering his wound. It doesn’t look that great, to be honest. I did a hack job, and blood stains can be seen on it.
Dr. Mahmoud slowly peels off the gauze, and upon revealing the gash he makes a ‘hmm’ sound.
“May I ask you how you acquired this? It looks like an abrasion from a knife of some variety.”
Benji goes pale, and I start to fidget.
I didn’t think about having to turn Silas in. I don’t even know what happened to be honest. I personally say, get that bastard the fuck into jail, but Benji doesn’t seem to be the type to tell the police about a crime. And also, he hit him back too, because of all the bruising on his knuckles. He might not want to get into shit…
Dr. Mahmoud is waiting for an answer and Benji just utters:
“Fist fight. In an alleyway. Dude surprised me and had a pocket-knife.”
The doc tuts. “Unclean and rusted one no doubt. See the flesh around here?” He points to where the initial, and deepest, part of the cut is.
“It appears that it is slightly infected. That is a short time period for this to have occurred. Have you ever gotten a tetanus vaccine?”
He slowly shakes his head, looking like he’s about to cry.
“N-no. I’m from the United States - they d-don’t offer coverage of that.”
“Well we do. There’s a possibility that you could attain tetanus from this wound. We can’t know if the implement was in fact rusted. A vaccine would be your best option - it is only needed once every 10 years.”
Benji’s eyes are like saucers. “T-there’s - do I have to?”
“No you don’t. But son, there are no blood tests or other tests to determine whether you have this infection or not. You could obtain a lockjaw if it continues untreated and undiagnosed, and eventually fatal.”
“Fatal? O-okay. Let’s just - get the n-n-n-needle.”
“Very good. Now normally,” he says rolling up Benji’s sleeves. “Normally an adult would get an injection in their shoulder area. But you have bruising on both sides of the insertion point, and therefore I don’t want to risk breaking or ruining the skin. So we’ll have to do it on the deltoid. So if you could remove your shorts. I’ll go get a syringe for you.”
He turns scarlet, clearly humiliated. Slowly, he unzips the shorts and sits shaking on the bench.
“Joel?” I look at him, and try to give him a reassuring face. But he looks so frightened.
“Benji…?”
“Come - come hold my hand?”
“Of course!” I stand beside him, and he intertwines his fingers through my own.
“This is so embarrassing.” He whispers.
“Aw, Benji. Everyone is terrified of something. Yours is common. Needles. Don’t be so mortified. I’m sure he sees this all the time.”
“Yeah. From 5 year olds and girls.” I laugh. He glares at me.
“Oh, don’t be like that. It’s completely adorable. Besides, I enjoy seeing you with your pants off - again.” I smile at him.
He gives a little grin, but it vanishes as Dr. Mahmoud returns.
Benji goes stiff as a board, as the doc very movie-like tests out the plunger. Then he raises Benji’s boxers very high up on his thigh. I can’t help but stare at his muscly leg.
But then I notice Benji staring at it too, and look like he’s going to faint.
“Hey. Benji?” He looks at me.
“Don’t look at it. Just -think about something totally random and squeeze my hand if you need to okay?” He nods.
“That’s an excellent suggestion.” Doc says. “Now are you ready? It will only sting for a moment.”
Benji scrunches his eyes shut in expectancy and practically breaks my hand.
I watch as the needle invades his thigh, Benji grasping my hand harder, if that’s even possible. Then after about a millisecond it’s all over.
“Alright. Finished. Now that wasn’t so bad was it?”
“No.” Benji replies, releasing tension but not letting go of my hand. “Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.” He says while scrounging in a cupboard.
Benji frees my hand and puts his pants on.
“Now, I’d advise you to clean that out with anti-septic as often as possible. That’s about it.” He hands Benji a bottle. “Have a nice day.”
“Bye, Thanks.” I say.
“Good bye.” Benji says.
I wave to him, and then the receptionist on the way out the door. Benji’s been silent, but as we get seated in the car he says:
“THAT DIDN’T EVEN HURT! I’M SUCH A BABY!”
I start to laugh, and he looks at me annoyed.
“I’m sorry. It’s just - your face was so friggin’ scared & so cute in there. It was just funny how you with your big tough outer appearance were so like - hysterical.”
He cracks a smile.
“Okay, okay. Are you going to make fun of me for the rest of my life?”
“Yes,” I smirk at him and he shoves me.
“Dick.” He grins. Then he sighs. “I’d better get home. My dad probably is probably curious as to why I didn’t get home last night.”
My heart sinks. “Okay.” I don’t want him to leave.
I rev up the engine and pull out while he gives me some directions.
We arrive at a dingy looking apartment building.
“Yep. This is where I live. Not much eh?”
“It looks - relaxed.” I say trying to be diplomatic.
He gets out, slams the door than walks to my window, and I roll it down to him.
“Ha ha. Ye-ah. We’ll go with that. I’d invite you inside, but then I’d have to explain this whole debacle with you there. I’d rather reserve the gay explanation for tomorrow; he’s already going to be pissed that I got into a fight.”
My eyes light up.
“You’re going to tell him!?” He smiles confusedly at my expression.
“Yes, obviously. I’m going to come out tomorrow at school, then at home after-school…What you thought I wasn’t?”
“Well - yeah, kinda.” I admit.
“Hmm. Well I am. It’s time I do it anyways. Time to be mature, after all I am 2 years older than you.” He teases.
“Yeah, yeah.”
He leans in and kisses my cheek, then taps my nose.
“Well Joel, until tomorrow. It should be an equally wonderful day like today.” He says sarcastically and cheerfully.
I laugh. “It’ll be fine. I’ll back you up, and I’ll make sure Andre and everyone does too. Oh! You have to meet them first heh heh. I haven’t explained this to anybody yet. I wanted to wait to see if - umm, if you actually liked me.”
“Well I’m glad you did. And I like you, very much. I really appreciate you taking care of me Joel. Really. I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else holding my hand in that stupid office. And - ” he hesitates.
“I’m glad that I kissed you. Otherwise I wouldn’t be doing this right now - finally facing reality and getting a fantastic start to a relationship.”
I beam at him. “Me too. I’m glad you kissed me too”
He chuckles. “Okay, I really do have to go. Until my execution,” he walks off saluting me.
I laugh and drive away, happy as a clam.
------------------------------------------
Okay, so just some fluff, but it had to be done. I am no medical expert either, so if you’re sitting there saying - yeah that sounds like total bullshit - then it probably is. J
Title: Scene Change - Trypanophobia
Rating: FLUFFFY (PG)
Summary: Clean up that nasty infected cut, Benji.
Dislcaimer: THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN.
Note: FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES BEING SUGAR-HIGH!!!!
Prologue: Benji, Prologue: Joel, No Lies, Just Love , Failed Attempts, Joel is Gay & Benji Gets A Job, That Fucker Kissed Me - Part 1 , That Fucker Kissed Me - Part 2 , (Stab Wound Healer - Part 1) , Stab Wound Healer - Part 2
“Benji…”
Mmph. Leave me alone in this comfy bed.
“Ben-jiii.” I hear a familiar whisper, and then a tap on my shoulder.
I roll around in the sheets then open my eyes. As I see Joel’s smiling face looming over me, last night comes flooding back. I feel instantly happy: he’s mine now.
Last night wasn’t just some delirious situation where I wanted to feel something. I’ve had many drunken experiences with many girls, and even some guys at random dive bars and parties back in LA. But this: it’s different. Because I feel this strange intense attraction to him. Because I feel like he wants me too. I feel like he really cares, and I can’t help but feel that way about him.
The back of my mind is yelling that everything’s is rushing by too fast, after all I’ve only really known him about 3 days.
But frankly, I don’t give a fuck. I’m smitten, and not afraid to admit or show it.
I’m not even thinking about what’s going to happen between me and my dad or at school because all I care about right now is having a good time with Joel.
“Joel!” I jerk up on his bed so fast I startle him.
“Geez Benji!” he smiles. “Sorry to wake you up, but I - Umm, I made you breakfast.”
Starting to come around, I finally notice the tray he’s holding.
He made me breakfast? Fuck, I like this boy.
“You housewife, you,” I laugh and hungrily grab the tray from his grasp. He chuckles.
My laughter fades and my mouth twists into a frown as I see what’s on the plate: eggs & bacon. Oh no.
His face falls as he notes my face.
“What’s wrong? Does it look - do you not? What’s wrong?”
I feel awful. He got up early to cook me this, and I can’t eat it.
I’m the worst person in the world.
“Oh, Joel. It looks delicious, but I - I don’t - I’m a vegan.” His eyes widen and quickly he yanks the dish away.
“Omigod. I’m so sorry. I had no idea. This is probably revolting to you. Christ I always manage to do the worst things ever. Why didn’t I just wait till you-“
“Joel!” my stern tone makes him snap to attention.
“I told you. Don’t apologize for doing something nice. The fact that you even thought of cooking me a meal makes me feel so - appreciated. Taken care of. Who cares if it’s eggs & bacon? How were you supposed to be aware of my eating habits? Honestly, thank you.”
He shifts uneasily. “Yeah, but I just feel so stupid. I mean we went to a vegan coffee shop yesterday!”
Oh, Right.
“Okay true, but still. Not everyone who goes there is a vegan. They have awesome tea.”
He sighs. “Yeah I guess. I just wanted you to enjoy it that’s all. Eggs are my specialty.”
I grin at him. “I’m sure they’re absolutely spectacular. I just - I can’t eat them.”
I take the tray and place it on his night table. Then I grab his hands and pull him down onto my lap. I spread my legs out so he can lie back, and he swerves around hesitantly, resting his head on my chest.
“You’re so fucking unbelievable.” I whisper. “You’re more worried about pleasing me, than even receiving a thank you for your effort. Honestly.” I shake my head.
We’re silent for a moment.
“I’m not hurting you am I?” He asks quietly.
“Of course not.” I inhale his scent and press my cheek onto his soft hair. “Did you shower?”
“Yeah I did.”
“You smell good.” I kiss his head. “What time is it anyway?”
“Thanks. It’s uh-” he checks his watch, “It’s 12:03”
“Seriously?! I slept in that long? Damn. It’s late. I should probably go home...”
“What!? No, I’m driving you to the clinic to get you checked out.”
My insides squirm. I hate the doctor’s office. So many needles….*shudder*
“Please Joel. I’m fine, really.”
He stands up, getting off my lap and stares at me in disbelief. Then he puts his hand on his hips.
“Benji. You staggered into my house last night bleeding almost incessantly. You have a cut probably as long as my forearm on your stomach. We are going.”
I groan. There isn’t going to be any possibility of persuasion here.
“Alright.” I pout.
He smiles. “Oh come on. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Oh I don’t know, DEATH.
//////////
I tug uncomfortably on the collar of the black v-neck I presently wear. Joel is leaner than I am, even is we are the same height. I already feel nervous about going to this clinic, the tightness of this shirt and of his shorts are just adding to my anxiousness.
I’m wearing Joel’s clothes, and although it was a really considerate thing to let me borrow them, they do not fit. Of course I won’t say anything. It’s not his fault I had to resort to the unbreathable borrowing of garments…
We’re presently sitting in his awesome car on the way to- the doctor’s…Gah.
“You alright?” he asks me.
“Fine,” I squeak quickly. I clear my throat. “Just fine.”
“Okay…”
He can totally see through me. I feel my palms shaking. Why am I such a baby when it comes to seeking medical attention? Oh yeah, it’s the goddamn injections.
I drum my fingers on the window pane: Traffic sucks at lunch time, and the long time it’s taking to arrive at the clinic makes my anxiousness mount.
“So…How long have you been a vegan?” He asks, distracting me.
“ Oh - um about 7 years now.”
“Really!? That’s a long time! I could never do that. Isn’t it difficult? Like, don’t you ever miss steak and stuff?”
He seems genuinely interested. So I digress.
“Actually, no. Meat disgusts me. It’s the slaughter of animals. People are eating their insides: Their muscles. Ever since I watched a video on meat packing in 7th grade, the cruelty I’ve seen, I just can’t bring myself to digest anything that moves. Since I’m lactose intolerant, I decided to give up animals and their by-products altogether. After about 2 years of ridding myself of meat, I learned more about everything that goes on. I went to Peta meetings and went to a couple rallies. The experience really opened my eyes. I just take it seriously and adopt it as part of my lifestyle now, I guess. I just don’t think eating meat is right.”
“Wow. Ded-I-Ca-Tion.” He laughs amazed. “That’s so awesome. But wait - you said in the 7th grade? Did you skip a grade or something?”
I look at him confused.
“No… I actually had to redo a year of freshman year?”
He takes his eyes off the road to stare at me in surprise.
“Huh? But how does that work? You were 10 or 11 weren’t you when you became a vegan?”
I pause.
“ Joel -I. I’m 19.”
He focuses his gaze out the window, eyes wide.
“How old are you?” I ask nervously.
“I’m - Seventeen…”
*******************
I squeeze the wheel while I wait for Benji to respond. But he’s not.
“Is that - a problem?” I ask.
“No. No - it…shouldn’t be.”
“ ‘It shouldn’t be’…?”
“It’s not. It’s fine. Are you turning 18 this year then…?”
“Ummm, well no. My birthday was a month ago” I hear him suck in his breath.
Scared, I start to ramble to stop him from saying anything bad. “I just got put into nursery school at a younger age. Then I took this weird test thing when I was 4, to prove I was smart and able enough to enter kindergarten a year earlier than everybody else. I got in, so that’s why am a year younger than everybody else. Wasn’t the best move on my parent’s part…” I run out of breath.
Why did they put me in early?!
“It - it’s not going to make you - feel awkward and not want to be with me is it?”
Benji puts his hand on my shoulder as I reach a red light, and squeezes it.
“No Joel, it’s not! Of course not. I won’t let it. I’m sorry, I just - I kind of feel like I’m robbing the cradle or something. I don’t know why - it’s only 2 years.”
Fuck my age. Now I feel like I’m 3.
The Forest Hills Treatment Centre finally comes into view. I pull up into an empty parking space, and turn off the car.
“Joellllll, no! Please, don’t put that look on your face. I hate seeing you upset. I’m sorry I reacted in that manner.” I realize I’m frowning.
“Fuck, I’m such a dumbass sometimes. Hell, you’re more mature than me. Age doesn’t matter. Just forget that this conversation ever happened. Please” Well, he did ask nicely.
I’m about to say it’s okay, but I want to mess with him for a second.
We sit there, and he’s waiting for an answer.
“Joel?” He says pleadingly.
I continue to scrunch my features as I stare at him,
Then I smile. “Forget what conversation?”
“You jerk!” He yells, playfully slapping my arm. His face begins to relax. “I thought you were going to tell me that you didn’t want to like, start a relationship anymore if age was going to be an issue. Say something along the lines of ‘Oh, let’s just forget this whole thing, all we’ve done is make out, and it could happen to anyone. It didn’t mean anything’…”
Aw. Now I feel awful.
“Benji! No. I mean yeah I’d be a little miffed if age got in the way of some things, but I’m not mental enough to just end it. I don’t give up that easy.” I unbuckle my seat belt, and lean over to him. Slowly, and shyly, I start kissing him lightly.
I’m nervous that I might be taking things too fast with him. I mean, we had a great night last night, but it was like Benji needed to kiss someone, to release his emotions on somebody. I’ve just never been in any relationship; I have no idea what I’m doing. I know I want to kiss him, just…Maybe I’m turning him off.
But oh, what a great response I get.
After about 10 minutes, I finally snap back to reality, and realize where we are. Damn. I don’t wanna stop…!
“Benji, Benji, Benji” I say out of breath, trying to pull away from him. “We have to get you inside.”
“ No.” He says, then bites my lower lip. And sucks it. Noo. Why?
“Benji.” I push on his chest, smiling at him.
“O-kay,” he huffs.
We drag ourselves out of the car and up to the entrance. He squeezes my forearm. He’s so cute when he’s scared. For some reason I find it endearing he’s so frightened, it makes him seem more human and not so…I don’t know. So mega-hot and untouchable.
As we enter the building and reach the front desk, Benji’s freaking out silently. He keeps making these little squeaking noises. Adorable.
“Good afternoon. What can I help you with today?” A blonde nurse asks us politely.
Seeing as Benji has a sudden onset of acute laryngitis, I speak for him.
“Hi. My uh - my friend Benji got a very long cut last night, and we bandaged it, but we just want to know if it’s infected, or if there’s a possibility that it could be soon.”
“Alright. I’m going to need some information. If you would fill out this form, we’ll get you in as soon as we can.” She hands me the form.
“Thanks.”
I go sit down, grabbing a pen. Benji follows me like a puppy, sitting down as he glances around.
“Here, fill this out.” I put the paper on his lap.
Like a robot, he takes the pen and fills it out. God, he’s so paranoid and scared.
“Benji, man, it’s going to be alright. Doctors are here to make you better, not to hurt you.” I rub his back in reassurance. He simply nods.
I take the sheet once it’s filled properly and hand it back to the nurse.
I can sense Benji doesn’t want to chat, so we just rest in silence, waiting to be called.
Finally after what seems like an eternity, a man in scrubs comes out:
“Benjamin Combs?” Benji jerks his head up. “You’ll be seeing Dr. Mahmoud today.”
Nervously, he gets up and looks in anguish at me when I don’t stand up.
“Please. Come with me. Please. Please?” I can’t say no to that.
We follow scrub-guy to an office at the end of a small corridor. Inside sits an Indian doctor, and he beckons us inside. At first he looks questioningly at 2 people coming in, but quickly shrugs it off. He looks friendly enough, but poor Benji is still shaking.
“Now.” He says, looking at the paperwork. “Benjamin. Which one of you is he?”
Benji mumbles that it’s him.
“ Yes, okay.” He takes note of Benji’s beaten up appereance, and writes something down.
“So you have a cut you say? A long cut. Let’s take a look at it. Come, sit.”
Benji rises slowly and sits on that medical bench thing. He lifts up his shirt to reveal the gauze covering his wound. It doesn’t look that great, to be honest. I did a hack job, and blood stains can be seen on it.
Dr. Mahmoud slowly peels off the gauze, and upon revealing the gash he makes a ‘hmm’ sound.
“May I ask you how you acquired this? It looks like an abrasion from a knife of some variety.”
Benji goes pale, and I start to fidget.
I didn’t think about having to turn Silas in. I don’t even know what happened to be honest. I personally say, get that bastard the fuck into jail, but Benji doesn’t seem to be the type to tell the police about a crime. And also, he hit him back too, because of all the bruising on his knuckles. He might not want to get into shit…
Dr. Mahmoud is waiting for an answer and Benji just utters:
“Fist fight. In an alleyway. Dude surprised me and had a pocket-knife.”
The doc tuts. “Unclean and rusted one no doubt. See the flesh around here?” He points to where the initial, and deepest, part of the cut is.
“It appears that it is slightly infected. That is a short time period for this to have occurred. Have you ever gotten a tetanus vaccine?”
He slowly shakes his head, looking like he’s about to cry.
“N-no. I’m from the United States - they d-don’t offer coverage of that.”
“Well we do. There’s a possibility that you could attain tetanus from this wound. We can’t know if the implement was in fact rusted. A vaccine would be your best option - it is only needed once every 10 years.”
Benji’s eyes are like saucers. “T-there’s - do I have to?”
“No you don’t. But son, there are no blood tests or other tests to determine whether you have this infection or not. You could obtain a lockjaw if it continues untreated and undiagnosed, and eventually fatal.”
“Fatal? O-okay. Let’s just - get the n-n-n-needle.”
“Very good. Now normally,” he says rolling up Benji’s sleeves. “Normally an adult would get an injection in their shoulder area. But you have bruising on both sides of the insertion point, and therefore I don’t want to risk breaking or ruining the skin. So we’ll have to do it on the deltoid. So if you could remove your shorts. I’ll go get a syringe for you.”
He turns scarlet, clearly humiliated. Slowly, he unzips the shorts and sits shaking on the bench.
“Joel?” I look at him, and try to give him a reassuring face. But he looks so frightened.
“Benji…?”
“Come - come hold my hand?”
“Of course!” I stand beside him, and he intertwines his fingers through my own.
“This is so embarrassing.” He whispers.
“Aw, Benji. Everyone is terrified of something. Yours is common. Needles. Don’t be so mortified. I’m sure he sees this all the time.”
“Yeah. From 5 year olds and girls.” I laugh. He glares at me.
“Oh, don’t be like that. It’s completely adorable. Besides, I enjoy seeing you with your pants off - again.” I smile at him.
He gives a little grin, but it vanishes as Dr. Mahmoud returns.
Benji goes stiff as a board, as the doc very movie-like tests out the plunger. Then he raises Benji’s boxers very high up on his thigh. I can’t help but stare at his muscly leg.
But then I notice Benji staring at it too, and look like he’s going to faint.
“Hey. Benji?” He looks at me.
“Don’t look at it. Just -think about something totally random and squeeze my hand if you need to okay?” He nods.
“That’s an excellent suggestion.” Doc says. “Now are you ready? It will only sting for a moment.”
Benji scrunches his eyes shut in expectancy and practically breaks my hand.
I watch as the needle invades his thigh, Benji grasping my hand harder, if that’s even possible. Then after about a millisecond it’s all over.
“Alright. Finished. Now that wasn’t so bad was it?”
“No.” Benji replies, releasing tension but not letting go of my hand. “Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.” He says while scrounging in a cupboard.
Benji frees my hand and puts his pants on.
“Now, I’d advise you to clean that out with anti-septic as often as possible. That’s about it.” He hands Benji a bottle. “Have a nice day.”
“Bye, Thanks.” I say.
“Good bye.” Benji says.
I wave to him, and then the receptionist on the way out the door. Benji’s been silent, but as we get seated in the car he says:
“THAT DIDN’T EVEN HURT! I’M SUCH A BABY!”
I start to laugh, and he looks at me annoyed.
“I’m sorry. It’s just - your face was so friggin’ scared & so cute in there. It was just funny how you with your big tough outer appearance were so like - hysterical.”
He cracks a smile.
“Okay, okay. Are you going to make fun of me for the rest of my life?”
“Yes,” I smirk at him and he shoves me.
“Dick.” He grins. Then he sighs. “I’d better get home. My dad probably is probably curious as to why I didn’t get home last night.”
My heart sinks. “Okay.” I don’t want him to leave.
I rev up the engine and pull out while he gives me some directions.
We arrive at a dingy looking apartment building.
“Yep. This is where I live. Not much eh?”
“It looks - relaxed.” I say trying to be diplomatic.
He gets out, slams the door than walks to my window, and I roll it down to him.
“Ha ha. Ye-ah. We’ll go with that. I’d invite you inside, but then I’d have to explain this whole debacle with you there. I’d rather reserve the gay explanation for tomorrow; he’s already going to be pissed that I got into a fight.”
My eyes light up.
“You’re going to tell him!?” He smiles confusedly at my expression.
“Yes, obviously. I’m going to come out tomorrow at school, then at home after-school…What you thought I wasn’t?”
“Well - yeah, kinda.” I admit.
“Hmm. Well I am. It’s time I do it anyways. Time to be mature, after all I am 2 years older than you.” He teases.
“Yeah, yeah.”
He leans in and kisses my cheek, then taps my nose.
“Well Joel, until tomorrow. It should be an equally wonderful day like today.” He says sarcastically and cheerfully.
I laugh. “It’ll be fine. I’ll back you up, and I’ll make sure Andre and everyone does too. Oh! You have to meet them first heh heh. I haven’t explained this to anybody yet. I wanted to wait to see if - umm, if you actually liked me.”
“Well I’m glad you did. And I like you, very much. I really appreciate you taking care of me Joel. Really. I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else holding my hand in that stupid office. And - ” he hesitates.
“I’m glad that I kissed you. Otherwise I wouldn’t be doing this right now - finally facing reality and getting a fantastic start to a relationship.”
I beam at him. “Me too. I’m glad you kissed me too”
He chuckles. “Okay, I really do have to go. Until my execution,” he walks off saluting me.
I laugh and drive away, happy as a clam.
------------------------------------------
Okay, so just some fluff, but it had to be done. I am no medical expert either, so if you’re sitting there saying - yeah that sounds like total bullshit - then it probably is. J