Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Altheras on 11-11-2010, 06:42:07</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 06:42:07</strong>
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				Altheras worked his way carefully through the crowd, clutching his cloak tightly around him, being careful that none of his skin was exposed to the public eye. He did not want them to see the insane things his father had done to him in his final months. He had been very ill, cancer perhaps. The illness had eaten at his brain, slowly driving him insane.<br><br>He had raised Altheras alone since his mother had died in child birth, and he had always been kind to the boy, even if he was depressed all the time. The boy loved his father, and hated seeing him sad and lonely. He had wanted to help him and be there for him. He had been his father's only caretaker as the illness slowly took his mind further and further away from reality. At the young age of fifteen the boy had taken a job down at the loading dock, spending all day doing backbreaking work just so he could keep a roof over his ailing father's head. He lived only to serve him, to repay him for the long hard life he'd had raising the boy without a wife. <br><br>By the time the boy had reached the age of sixteen, his father was no longer himself. The disease had eaten away at him until nothing was left but anger and confusion. Altheras had to confine him to his room to go to work during the day, because he was out of his mind. When the boy would come home at night his father would be raving, angry, and scared.<br><br>The abuse began around then. His father was no longer himself, a shell filled with insanity and regrets. He would often attack his son when the boy was only seeking to comfort or care for him. Though the boy was much stronger than the feeble, dying old man, he would not dare raise a hand to him, not even in self defense. So their relationship became abusive and traumatizing for the boy who so loved his father.<br><br>There had been even rape at times, when his insane father would scream at him for causing his mother's death. His mother had been the only person his father had ever truly loved, and he was lost without her. In his later days he had started torturing his own son with a hot poker from the fire place. He had burned his flesh on every possible surface over time. By the end, he was putting burns on top of burns. The boy had become feverish and ill by the time his father passed. <br><br>He had been the only one at the funeral, a solitary mourner for an insane man he had once called father. In the days following the burial the boy had become delirious and roamed the streets with his cloak tugged close against his infected skin. Some of the burns had started to heal, but some were infected and painful. He was too afraid to seek help. He did not want anyone to think any less of his father than they already did; his last service to his father's honor.<br><br>Altheras had still continued to work at the docks, his pain becoming more intense as the days passed. He was aware that some of the burns weren't healing right, and the constant fever that plagued him had him worried, but he pressed on, until his body could take it no more and he had collapsed on the job. His boss had fired him on the spot for dropping a crate into the sea. The man was only concerned with profit, and did not care that he was basically making a suffering boy homeless.<br>&nbsp;<br>Today, he had finally lost his home, and he wandered the streets, not knowing where to go. He did not want to go to a hospital. He knew it was irrational, that he should just move on with his life, but in a way the injuries had been a close, constant reminder that his father had been real. <br><br>He stumbled as he walked down the street, bumping into another and losing hold on his cloak. His burned and scarred face was exposed, and all of the people on the street stared at him in shock and horror. It was those looks that he had dreaded so much! Staring around at all of their faces made him cringe, realizing how disgusting he must appear to them, just as horrible as he had appeared to his father. <br><br>Quickly tugging his cloak around his face, he ran from the crowd, running until he collapsed in a dark alley where he curled up against the wall. He cried, covering his scarred face with his hands. Why had his father hated him so? He knew, deep down, that it was the illness, but the trauma would not let it go at that. He thought that in his final days, his father had finally managed to be truthful with him, and he wept with all that was left in his heart. He was nothing but a burden to his father, who was now cold and in the ground, and he found himself hoping that he would join him soon. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 16:24:06</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian was shaking his head good naturedly as the man before him haggled over the price of a few apples.&nbsp; Either way, the street vendor was going to make good money - Lucian had a large bag full of fruit and it was getting late.&nbsp; He was growing tired of their little game and was just about to pay he man what the was asking.&nbsp; <br>Before he could say as much, however, he heard the sound of a woman gasping behind him and turned just in time to see a cloaked figure cowering against the wall.&nbsp; The face beneath the cloak was scarred so badly, one couldn't even guess what the man - ?- had looked like before.<br><br>Even worse than the scars though, was the reaction of the people around the man.&nbsp; They were staring in horror, as if they were studying an animal in the zoo and not looking at a living, breathing person.&nbsp; It amazed him how rude the small crowd was being and he started to say as much, but the cloaked figure then pulled his hood back up and took off running.<br><br>It took Lucian only a moment to react.&nbsp; He dropped his bag of fruit back on the countertop of the vendor's stall and headed after the figure.&nbsp; He ran like a male, a fairly young one, but there was something odd about the way he moved.&nbsp; As if he hurt all over, or was sick, or.....something just wasn't right.<br><br>As he passed the gawkers, he glared over his shoulder.&nbsp; "You should all be ashamed of yourselves!" he hissed as he hurried in the direction the man had gone.&nbsp; He had no idea why he was chasing after him or what he planned on doing when and if he found him.&nbsp; He just knew that he had to try, had to at least apologize for the people behind them, had to tell the young man that not everyone was like that.<br><br>Lucian lost sight of the boy soon, but kept looking, glancing down each alley he passed along the way.&nbsp; He made a huge circle around the center of town, and finally, just as he was about to give up, he saw the cloak on the ground with a shaking, sobbing figure beneath it.<br><br>There was no doubt...this was the man he'd seen earlier.<br><br>It was dark and there were no street lights in the alley way, but he could just see the other man from the dim light shining through one of the windows on the building behind him.&nbsp; He crouched down next to the figure and glanced around them, knowing this wasn't exactly the safest part of town.&nbsp; When he spoke, he kept his voice soft and soothing.&nbsp; <br><br>"Those people back there...they were incredibly rude," he said softly.&nbsp; "You have just as much right to be in the square as they do."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 20:41:59</strong>
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				Altheras stopped crying almost immediately. He hadn't expected anyone to find him here, and even if someone had, he did not expect these words. He would have expected to be called a freak and further abused by someone who saw him the way his father had in his final days. Instead, the man that spoke to him sounded kind and concerned. Maybe he was delirious again and hallucinating.<br><br>He pushed himself up into a sitting position, with obvious effort, wincing and groaning as he did. Tugging the cloak self consciously around himself, he looked up to the other man, glad for the darkness. It would hide the horror of his scarred face. He leaned back against the wall, his breathing uneven and ragged. <br><br>"They are not to blame. I am a freak. My father saw that too; that's why he made me this way, to show the world what I really am. I deserve their fear and hatred. I took my mother's life when I was born, and in doing so, stole my father's life from him too. No life is worth the cost of two lives." His speech sounded like someone who was stoned or drunk, though that wasn't the case. He was fevered and honestly believed he was talking to a hallucination.<br><br>"Go on then, go back to your warm home and your family. People like me deserve only hatred and death. I am sick, it won't be long now until the world no longer has to suffer my presence..."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 23:38:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian shook his head and settled more comfortably on the ground, determined not to leave the young man alone in such a dangerous place.&nbsp; A part of his mind was reeling from the knowledge that his father did this to him...while another part told him to just stay calm and talk to the boy.&nbsp; Showing any emotion that could be taken for disgust or horror would only make him run again.&nbsp; It simply wasn't in him to hurt the boy further, or leave him hurt and alone where he would likely as not only suffer even more.<br><br>"You are not a freak.&nbsp; From what I can tell you are just a shy young man who has been badly mistreated and sadly, women die in childbirth every day.&nbsp; It isn't the child's fault, ever.&nbsp; It's not as if you asked to be born."<br><br>Slowly, he moved closer though he didn't try to touch the other man.&nbsp; "I don't know if you can still go home or not, but even if you can...I'd like for you to come with me.&nbsp; You'll find no hatred or death in my home, and I would be glad for someone to talk to."&nbsp; <br><br>Lucian held out one hand between them, giving the other a chance to take it or not.&nbsp; "My name is Lucian, by the way, and I truly would enjoy your company."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 00:45:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras tried to back away from the offered hand, finding the wall behind him stopping him from moving. He trembled, but felt like he was cornered, so he did not try to escape. He was too weak and in too much pain now to run anymore.&nbsp; What was the worst that could happen anyway? This man seemed kind enough, and he offered to help the boy.<br><br>Altheras shook his head violently, too afraid to want to get close to anyone again. "You don't understand... he made me look this way because I am a freak! You can't just tell me that I'm not. He would not have done this to me if I didn't deserve it."<br><br>He began to cry again, tugging his knees up against his chest and burying his face against them. Everything hurt, but far more than his body, his heart did. Every moment he had spent with his father in the past year had been torture. Emotionally, physically, and mentally he had been torn apart, piece by piece.<br><br>"I don't know why you would want to help me... I can't understand it. If you see me in the light... you'll see what he saw. You'll be horrified like they were... no one could accept me... not now."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 00:59:15</strong>
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				Lucian fought the urge to just reach out again to reach out and comfort the boy, wondering when the last time he'd felt a gentle touch had been.<br><br>"Your father..."&nbsp; He closed his eyes and bit his bottom lip to keep the words inside.&nbsp; "We will discuss your father later, where it is warmer, and safer, and....I'm sorry, but I do want to help you, and I will <em>never</em> agree that you are a freak.&nbsp; I don't even like the word.&nbsp; I..."<br><br>He felt like he was about to admit to something wrong, to something that would make the man before him feel like he, too, had been gawking, but it hadn't been like that.<br><br>"I saw you.&nbsp; Back there, in town.&nbsp; Your cloak was snagged on something and....I saw you just fine, and I'm not horrified.&nbsp; I wouldn't have followed you and looked for you for so long if I had been."<br><br>He looked over his shoulder, worried a little that someone might come down the alley and cause trouble.&nbsp; "Please.&nbsp; You have nothing to fear from me, and I promise, I will accept you just the way you are.&nbsp; Friends don't judge one another, and I would very much like for us to be friends."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 01:17:00</strong>
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				"Friends?"<br><br>Altheras lifted his gaze hopefully to the man for a moment, then quickly buried his face back in his knees. It was foolish to trust the words the man said, but he was cold, in pain, and getting desperate for human contact. <br><br>He slowly reached out to touch the still offered hand, the very tips of his fingers brushing the other man's palm. Even his hands were gnarled with scars and open burns. He kept his touch light and gentle, his fear showing in his body language and tentative motions.<br><br>"You promise.... I don't think you can accept me... all you saw was my face. My whole body is like that... I am... less than human now." He drew his hand away, closing his eyes again. "I will not fight you if you choose to take me to your home, but I am scared... and I think you will throw me out again once you see me properly."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>13-11-2010, 04:33:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Slowly, Lucian closed his fingers, letting his thumb brush very lightly over the other man's knuckles.&nbsp; <br><br>He couldn't believe anyone could do this to another human being.&nbsp; He'd never seen so many scars - scars on top of each other, and God, he just couldn't imagine what kind of pain had been inflicted.<br><br>"I promise not to throw you out," he said softly.&nbsp; "I get the idea you've not had reason to trust many people before, but, I swear to you, I'm not like whoever did hurt you.&nbsp; I want to help.&nbsp; No matter what's under that cloak, I'm still going to want to help you.&nbsp; I just can't leave you out here like this."<br><br>He got to his feet, still holding the other man's hand very lightly.&nbsp; "Trust me?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>13-11-2010, 04:46:42</strong>
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				Altheras looked up at Lucian for a moment, his gaze was steady and truthful. "No. I don't trust anyone."<br><br>He was a little bit surprised to find his hand tenderly grasped by the other man, but he did not pull away. Even if he didn't trust him, he still found himself kind of wanting to. What was the worst that could happen if he went with him? Sure he could end up back on the street, or even dead, but in his current state, neither of those would be much of a let down.<br><br>"I'm sorry... I can't trust you... but I will let you take me with you. If you just don't want to leave me here, then take me. I can't stop you from taking me. I'm too weak. If you help me, I will be grateful, if you hurt me... I will not hold it against you. I deserve whatever you choose."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>13-11-2010, 15:30:08</strong>
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				"What?...I...."&nbsp; Lucian shook his head.&nbsp; "I think you deserve a little kindness.&nbsp; And it's fair enough that you don't trust me.&nbsp; You have no reason to yet.&nbsp; But I give you my word I won't hurt you."<br><br>Still holding Altheras's hand, he gave it a very light squeeze.&nbsp; "Can you walk?&nbsp; My carriage isn't far from here at all."<br><br>Honestly, he was scared to leave the other man alone in the alley.&nbsp; There was no telling what the someone might do if they found him, and the poor man had already (obviously) been through far more than he should have.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>14-11-2010, 07:32:42</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras nodded at the question, slowly getting to his feet, though his body shook from the pain he was in. The exhaustion of running so far hadn't really helped him much either. He was able to stand, but only just barely.<br><br>He stared at the hand holding his, the light squeeze startling him a little. His hand was very sore, but the feeling was one of comfort more than pain. Little by little he was finding himself more willing to trust Liam.<br><br>"I can walk... I am in a lot of pain... but I will walk as far as you ask me to." His eyes looked tired, defeated, and sad, but there was a faint glimmer of hope behind them. "Thank you... for offering to help me. I hope that you are as kind as you seem to be."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>15-11-2010, 21:11:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian carefully wrapped one arm around Altheras's shoulders, trying not to touch him much not because of the scars but because he didn't want to cause him more pain.&nbsp; His arm was there though, in case the other man tired or stumbled.<br><br>He tried to see inside the hood of the cloak, wanting to gauge how much pain Altheras was in, but the hood was too large and hid the other's face far too well.<br><br>"No thanks necessary, I promise.&nbsp; I just wish there was more I could do.&nbsp; For now though...take your time and lean on me as much as you can.&nbsp; We're in no hurry, though I do want to get you some place safe and warm.&nbsp; You can wrap your arm around me if you like, and let me take some of your weight or, if it won't hurt you, I can wrap mine around you?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>16-11-2010, 03:11:58</strong>
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				Altheras seemed a little confused by the offer. He hadn't really expected this level of kindness. He was barely capable of walking, and leaning on the other man did sound very appealing, but his mistrust ran too deep for him to truly consider doing so. "I... I'll be fine. Don't worry."<br><br>He kept their positions as they were, being careful not to stumble for most of their walk to the carriage. He did not want to seem as weak as he really was. He was oddly frightened of the stranger, despite his kindness. The poor boy was very insecure, and nearly incapable of seeing anything but disgust from others.<br><br>When they reached the carriage, he insisted on climbing inside of his own will, though he did wince and moan when he finally made it inside. He was visibly panting with exhaustion from just the walk here. He was in a lot of pain, and did not speak to Lucian on his own. Altheras had been quiet even before his abuse, so now it was unlikely that he would say much unless spoken to.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>16-11-2010, 05:28:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian watched the other man, seeing that for whatever reason - pain or shyness - he didn't really want to accept any help.<br><br>As soon as they were in the carriage, however, he knew Altheras was hurting.&nbsp; He'd heard the moan and saw, even with the cloak wrapped tightly around him, that the young man was exhausted.&nbsp; Before he sat down, he lifted the seat opposite his new friend and pulled out two soft, warm blankets.&nbsp; Very carefully, he draped one over the obviously fearful form, then sat down on the other seat.&nbsp; <br><br>With one knock on the roof of the carriage, his driver tapped the horse's backsides and they were on their way.<br><br>"I could sit with you if you're still cold," he offered, shivering a bit himself.&nbsp; "Or if you want to lie down and rest, there's a pillow behind you.&nbsp; We have about a half hour's ride to my house."&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>16-11-2010, 07:11:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras watched the other man carefully for any sign of aggression, pleased that none had come so far. He tugged the blanket gently around himself. Truthfully, he was still a little bit cold, but he just didn't trust Lucian enough to get closer to him. He also wasn't sure he was willing to lay down in front of him either.<br><br>"I... I'll be fine. Half an hour isn't a very long ride. I will be ok... I might be a little bit chilled, but I'm sure it will be warm in your house?" He tried to smile slightly, though it probably wasn't visible beneath his robe anyway. "I'm sorry to keep refusing your kindness sir..."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>17-11-2010, 06:06:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian had rested the other blanket over his knees, but as soon as Altheras said he was still chilled, he stood and added it to the first, draping it over the other man snugly.&nbsp; <br><br>"Call me Lucian, please...I'm not that cold anyway," he said, shaking his head before the other man could protest.&nbsp; "And yes...my house is quite warm.&nbsp; I think you'll be comfortable there.&nbsp; As for the rest.....well, I haven't given you a reason to trust me yet, so I don't hold that against you.&nbsp; I do hope your opinion changes soon though and you see that I only want to help."<br><br>He paused for a moment, then moved cautiously head with his questions.&nbsp; "How long has it been since you slept in your own bed?" he asked softly.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>17-11-2010, 08:26:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras sighed at the gesture of kindness. He did not want the other man to be cold on his account, but he was not feeling strong enough to get up and hand the blanket back to him.<br><br>He felt tired, and the two blankets together were making him oddly warm and sleepy. He didn't at all mind answering Lucian's questions. In fact he was starting to enjoy the attention of someone who seemed truly interested in him and how he felt.<br><br>"I have not slept in my bed for a few days now... I lost my house. I fell at work and dropped a box of the cargo into the ocean. My boss fired me... I haven't been well enough to find a job since. No money means no house... I could not afford to keep paying the rent."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>17-11-2010, 16:16:54</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I...I'm so sorry about your house and your job," Lucian said softly, wishing Altheras would trust him enough to sit closer and relax.&nbsp; "You'll have a nice warm bed tonight though, and for as long as you need it."<br><br>He looked down at his hands for a moment, wondering just how much the other man would be willing to share with him. He had a million questions about how Altheras had ended up in this state, why his father would have done this to him, and how much he was going to allow Lucian to help him.&nbsp; <br><br>He started slowly though. "Will you tell me a bit about yourself?&nbsp; Just whatever you feel comfortable talking about?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>18-11-2010, 06:05:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras raised a brow beneath his hood at the words. It was odd for another person to care about him, and to truly want to know more about him. He worried that the other's attitude would change when he could see him properly though. This was not an experience he had expected today. He had been fully prepared to die alone and cold in that alley way.<br><br>He lifted his head a little, drawing blankets closer around his frail form. What would it hurt to tell the other how he had ended up in this state? His life story was rather a sad one, and perhaps before he died, he wanted to share it with at least one person. So he decided to share a little.<br><br>"As I told you earlier, my mother died giving birth to me. My father was devastated by losing her, but he chose to raise me on his own. He worked so hard, for so long, to try to give me the best that he could. It was very hard on him without a mother there to help. He always seemed so sad, but he was a kind and loving father. I could not have asked for more.<br><br>A few years ago he became ill. The doctors said it was cancer... after a while the disease made him... mentally unstable. I went to work then, to try to keep a roof over our heads. I wanted to take care of him you know? I wanted to take care of him like he had me..." He trailed off, a few salty tears slipping down his cheeks and stinging his wounds. "I miss him so much..."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>18-11-2010, 15:14:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian had to bite his tongue to keep from protesting.&nbsp; No matter what had happened to Altheras's father mentally, there was no excuse for what he'd done to his son.&nbsp; If the scars on his face and hands were any indication - and he had said his whole body was equally as scarred - then Lucian truly didn't see how he could miss the man.<br><br>He'd actually stayed and cared for him, went to work to give him a place to say.&nbsp; <br><br>Lucian, having never been close to his family by any stretch of the imagination, simply didn't understand.&nbsp; He would have walked out after the first signs of abuse, or put his father into a home of some kind.<br><br>"I understand his devastation at loosing your mother," he said softly, "which was *not* your fault.&nbsp; And I understand that he wasn't himself after he got sick, but....aren't you at least glad to be away from the abuse?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>19-11-2010, 06:08:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras tugged at the blankets as if he was suddenly cold. "No... I'm not happy that he's dead. I can't be... I loved him. No matter how badly he treated me, he was still my father, and I loved him til the very end. I cried when he finally died... I still cry now when I think about how I will never see him again. He was a good man before the sickness took his mind."<br><br>He hung his head, feeling miserable and tired. "I do miss him. The abuse was something I had learned to live with. It's not easy to let go of someone you truly love, no matter how abusive they might be. It wasn't his fault you know? He was truly insane by the end... he did not even know his own name anymore."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 05:17:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian resisted the urge to reach out and touch Altheras's arm.&nbsp; He didn't understand how he could still defend his father, but then again, Lucian had never been close to his family, so he didn't expect to understand it any way.&nbsp; <br><br>"You shouldn't have had to learn to live with the abuse," he said softly.&nbsp; "I wish someone had helped you.&nbsp; Had helped him.&nbsp; What he did to you, what he told you.....none of that was right.<br><br>He saw that his new friend still looked cold, though he wasn't sure if it was from the weather or talking about his abusive past.&nbsp; Reaching into the pocket beside him, he found a thermous of hot coffee and poured half a cup full, afraid any more would spill and burn Altheras even more.&nbsp; "Here.&nbsp; Drink this.&nbsp; It will help warm you.&nbsp; And when we get home, with your permission, I"ll find you something to ease the pain of those burns on your hands....and wherever else you might need it.&nbsp; It will both soothe the pain and help you heal."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 10:16:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras gratefully took the coffee, sipping gently at it and letting his eyes slip closed. The flavor was so rich, and it felt warm and soothing on this cold night. Perhaps the other man could be trusted. He had done nothing but be kind and deeply helpful so far. <br><br>No matter how scared Altheras had been of him when they had first met, that fear was slowly starting to fade. Though he was still terrified that Lucian would change his mind when he saw the entirety of his body and how bad the burns really were. <br><br>"I would like that. They hurt so... I've been in so much pain, for so long. I've forgotten what it's like not to hurt. If you could help me heal... if I can heal... if I could somehow just feel good again... I would be eternally grateful." He offered a gentle smile, before he sipped more of the warm coffee. It felt so good going down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>28-11-2010, 04:55:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian couldn't imagine how much pain Altheras had to be in.&nbsp; If his entire body was as scarred as his hands and face...Gods, it made his stomach hurt just to hink about it.&nbsp; Sick or not, his father had nearly killed the poor young man.<br><br>"I'll do everything I can to make the pain go away," he promised.&nbsp; "And, as you'll not be getting any new injuries under my roof, you'll soon remember what it's like to be pain-free.&nbsp; Perhaps you can even be...happy as well."<br><br>Happiness was, Lucian decided, something Altheras probably had not had a lot of, at least recently.&nbsp; He had no idea why it was so important to him to re-introduce that to the other man, but, after he put a stop to the pain, he was on the very top of his to-do list.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>02-12-2010, 21:44:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras looked shocked for a moment, then stared down at his hands. How could a total stranger be so kind to him when his own father had done all these terrible things? It just didn't make sense. Maybe his father really had been completely insane, perhaps there was nothing really wrong with him, other than his injuries? He shook his head at this thought. No. That couldn't be it. His father had just seen something in him that a stranger couldn't see. Lucian would come to see it in time too, and when the time came, he too would hurt the boy.<br><br>A few tears slipped down his cheeks, and he turned his head to stare out the carriage window. "Thank you. I do not think you understand though... perhaps in time you may change your opinion of me. I hope that you don't... I do not wish to suffer, but I fear that I am meant to."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>09-12-2010, 02:12:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian reached out before he thought about it.&nbsp; His hand was gentle as he searched the darkness of the cloak that covered Altheras's face, then softly stroked beneath his skin until the other turned to look at him.&nbsp; He wanted so badly to pull that cloak back and really see who he was talking to, but he knew that would only frighten the boy.<br><br>"You will not suffer under my roof, and I know, without the slightest doubt, that you were not meant to suffer.&nbsp; No one is meant to, not unless they have purposefully hurt others."&nbsp; He moved just a bit closer, then let his hand drop wanting to take Altheras's, but afraid of hurting him.<br><br>"Your father was ill," he continued softly.&nbsp; "And he was wrong.&nbsp; Nothing and no one will change my opinion of you, and nothing and no one will ever make me want to see you in pain.&nbsp; Though I can barely see you, I know you've suffered far, far too much, especially for one so young.&nbsp; And that, my friend, is about to change, I promise."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>13-12-2010, 09:43:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras still seemed uncertain of Lucian's intentions, and he shied away from him slightly without even thinking about it, as if he had been expecting to be hit. He was starting to get nervous about being confined in such a small space close to another person. He sincerely hoped they would arrive at Lucian's home soon. He wasn't truly scared of the other man, but he wanted to be out of this carriage.<br><br>He hung his head at the kind words given despite his inching away. "You really are too kind to me, sir. I don't believe that I deserve such nice words. I... I think I'm glad that you're so nice to me... I just... I don't understand why you are." He sighed, feeling frustrated and disoriented. "Are we going to be at your house soon?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>28-12-2010, 01:01:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian backed away, seeing that Altheras was getting anxious.<br><br>"We'll be there in just a few minutes," he nodded, then, softer, added, "You deserve kindness.&nbsp; I'm sorry you haven't know it until now, but you'll need to get used to it."<br><br>He looked out the carriage window and saw that they were indeed pulling up the long driveway to his house.&nbsp; "Look, there," he said, pulling the curtain back, trying to give Altheras something to concentrate on.&nbsp; "That's my house, and you will have a place to stay there for as long as you like - and all the food and warmth and care you'll ever need."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>28-12-2010, 10:56:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras pressed his face against the glass, gazing in wonder at the house before him. It was quite a bit bigger than the one he had grown up in. In fact he had never been in such a nice place, and he wasn't sure if he was worthy of being inside.<br><br>He nibbled nervously at his bottom lip, looking back to Lucian. "Are you still sure about this? I mean... I am a stranger to you... are you sure you want a stranger in your house? I'm filthy... and I stink... and I haven't got any proper clothes... I feel ashamed sir... I really do..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>04-01-2011, 21:33:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian nodded and gave Altheras his warmest smile.&nbsp; "We are no longer strangers," he said.&nbsp; "I chose now to call you a friend, and friends are always welcome in my home, Altheras.&nbsp; You have no need to be ashamed."<br><br>They pulled up in front of his house and Lucian had opened the door and stepped out before the driver could even offer to help.&nbsp; Holding out one hand to the obviously weakened cloaked figure before him, he continued.&nbsp; "You need food and a comfortable place to rest, and you're more than welcome to the bath if it would make you feel better.&nbsp; I'm sure I can find some clothes for you as well, so please, don't worry.&nbsp; I will take care of everything.&nbsp; You just focus on getting well and getting your strength back, my friend."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>05-01-2011, 23:17:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras poked his head out of the carriage, looking around and feeling oddly small when presented with the nice house before him. He placed his hand in Lucian's and used it for support as he gingerly climbed down onto the ground, wincing slightly when his feet touched. He covered it well with a small cough and drew himself up again, working to maintain his balance. He did not want to stagger or tremble, even though his strength was waning and he felt oddly dizzy.<br><br>"Thank you... it will be nice to have a friend again. It has been a long while since I could call anyone friend. I suppose the last time would be when I was still in school..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 19:43:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian moved slowly, catching the slight wince that Altheras tried so hard to hide.&nbsp; It was difficult not to wince with each step the other took, as he could only imagine, from the look of his hands, how the rest of his body must look and feel.&nbsp; It had to be utter agony.<br><br>"Well, you have a friend now," he said softly, holding on to Altheras with one hand and opening the door with the other.&nbsp; "A life long friend, I hope."&nbsp; <br><br>He helped the other man inside, then closed the door behind him.&nbsp; It was all he could do not to just scoop Altheras up and carry him to the couch simply so he wouldn't have to walk.&nbsp; "How old are you, if I might ask?" he said as they made their way into the living room.&nbsp; "And, forgive me for asking, but how long has your father been hurting you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 20:06:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras trembled slightly as he walked inside, spotting a couch not too far from the door. It looked so soft and inviting. Lucian had been kind to him so far, so he did not think the older man would object to him resting on his furniture. He made his way to it and sat down gingerly, a soft sigh of relief passing between his lips.<br><br>He looked up at the questions, feeling a slight sense of dread just at merely thinking back about the abuse and when it had started. "I'm... seventeen. The abuse started just over a year ago... maybe two. I'm not sure... things are kind of blurred in my mind. I think some part of me just wants to forget it all happened, but I can't... because I can't let him go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>08-01-2011, 03:46:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian frowned at Altheras's last words, then nodded.&nbsp; "Maybe I can help you with that," he said softly, knowing that first he was going to have to make Altheras see that the things his father had said and done were the actions and words of a sick man....and had no bearing on Altheras's real worth.&nbsp; At seventeen, he was still so impressionable that he obviously believed everything his father had said.<br><br>He turned and poked at the fire for a moment to warm the room and then turned back to Altheras.&nbsp; "You need something for those burns and some food and drink," he said, sitting on the side of the couch, careful not to touch the other man since he didn't seem to want that.&nbsp; "Which do you want first?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>09-01-2011, 19:21:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras had cowered down on the couch when Lucian went to the fire place, just the sight of a hot poker in the other man's hand was terrifying. A fireplace poker had been the very device his father had used to deliver all of his burns, and just seeing one seemed to make his burns throb in response as if his body remembered the feeling of them when they were fresh. A few tears slipped down his cheeks at the memory, and he watched Lucian very carefully, relaxing a little bit when the man turned away from the fire, leaving the poker in its place. <br><br>His heart was pounding in his chest, and he jumped when the other man sat down beside him on the couch. He drew his knees up against his chest, wrapping his arms around them and cowering where he was. He felt an unnatural fear now that he was alone with the other man inside of his house, instead of just in the carriage. Though he suspected it had been the sight of the poker and the memories that flooded over him that had brought it on. He was having a panic attack, and barely recognized Lucian's words. "Please don't hurt me... please. I'm sorry! I should not have come here..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>22-01-2011, 17:01:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It never occurred to Lucian that Altheras might be afraid of the poker he used in the fire.&nbsp; He simply wasn't thinking, though it was obvious the other man had been burned by a similar instrument.&nbsp; Had he knows of the other's terror, he would have hidden the poker away, out of sight and apologized profusely for his mistake.<br><br>As it was, when he turned, he was more than a little shocked at the state Altheras was in.&nbsp; The poor man looked absolutely terrified and had simply curled in on himself.&nbsp; It dawned on Lucian a moment later what had happened.&nbsp; He felt like an idiot, and had to fight the urge to just wrap his arms around Altheras and tell him how sorry he was for being an idiot.<br><br>Knowing his touch wouldn't be welcome, however, he shook his head helplessly, and keep his voice low and as soothing as possible.&nbsp; "Altheras, please....I would never hurt you.&nbsp; You're safe here.&nbsp; I just wasn't thinking.&nbsp; Please don't leave, I beg of you.&nbsp; Let me help you.&nbsp; If nothing else, just....just let me hold your hand?&nbsp; Please?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>23-01-2011, 16:58:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He rocked back and forth, his arms still clasped around his knees. He was shaking all over, his whole body quivering as he struggled with the effort just to stay put. He was terrified, and yet, somehow, he didn't feel like it was really Lucian that had scared him. It was more the poker itself than the man that had been holding it. So far, he had done nothing but try to be nice to Altheras, and even now he seemed to speak words of comfort.<br><br>Altheras took a deep breath, casting another worried glance towards the poker. He then swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, and peered carefully at his host. "I... I'll stay... can... can we go somewhere.... to another room? I... I need to go where I can't see it... just... the thought.... I can't..." He trailed off, a small sob escaping him. "Please take me somewhere else!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 01:08:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian nodded.&nbsp; "Of course," he said at once.&nbsp; "You'll never have to see that poker again, I swear.&nbsp; I'll throw it out the window and bury it deep in the ground when we get you settled and taken care of.&nbsp; Please forgive my thoughlessness."<br><br>He offered his hand, not expecting Altheras to take it, and stood between him and the poker so he couldn't see it.&nbsp; "I can throw it out right now if you wish, or we can just go.&nbsp; Are you...forgive me, but are you able to walk?&nbsp; You look so....tired and as if you're in so much pain.&nbsp; If you'll just trust me for a moment, I can have you out of here and into another room in only a few seconds."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>07-02-2011, 05:41:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For the first time, Altheras seemed to acknowledge that his fear was of the poker, and not at all of Lucian. He looked up at him with big eyes and slowly leaned forward to take his hand in both of his own. He clung to the other man's fingers, his body trembling slightly as he pulled himself to his feet. A strange impulse overtook him, and rather than staying back and shying away like he had, he leaned forward, resting against the older man's chest, letting him support his weight.<br><br>The feeling of warmth and strength against him was comforting, even as much as he distrusted strangers, the kindness that Lucian had shown him so far could not be discounted. As terrified as he was that the other might hurt him, there was a small glimmer of hope somewhere within him that made him desperately wish for tenderness and companionship.<br><br>He tilted his head back to gaze at the friendly face, a small smile playing across his scarred lips for perhaps the first time in years. "Don't throw it out... I will have to learn. As long as you don't use it on me... I will have to come to terms... I've just been through so much." He paused for a moment, his breathing ragged from his sickness and pain. "Please... take me to where I can lie down... help me with... with my burns."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>15-02-2011, 02:58:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian looked down at Altheras, surprised when he suddenly leaned into him.&nbsp; More than anything, he wanted to wrap his arms around the other man and comfort him, but was so afraid he'd hurt him and undo everything good he'd managed to accomplish so far.<br><br>He could just see the small smile that was offered and, at that moment, the simple gesture filled his heart with more warmth than anything else he could have imagined.&nbsp; Still holding one of Altheras's hands in his own, he very carefully ran his thumb over the back of it.&nbsp; <br><br>"I would sooner cut off my arms than hurt one hair on your head," he said quite honestly.&nbsp; "I know you have no reason to believe me yet, but I swear, I will never hurt you.&nbsp; Treating your burns and helping you heal might not be pleasant, but I will never cause you harm, Altheras, I give you my word."&nbsp; <br><br>He very slowly brought the hand in his own up to his lips and kissed one of the few unscarred areas on his index finger.&nbsp; "Let me carry you?&nbsp; The only bedrooms are upstairs.&nbsp; I'll get you settled in with something for the pain and food and something to drink."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 07:47:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras blinked up at him, still leaning against the taller man. It was a nice feeling to be so close to another person's body again. Even though he had no wish to be hurt by Lucian, he could already tell that he would like to be with him in an intimate way, but he was far too shy to ever suggest or act on such an idea.<br><br>He nodded, his eyes slipping closed for a moment as he thought about how it might hurt to treat his burns. It was a necessary pain though, he did need to get better. "Alright... carry me. It may hurt when you pick me up though, I will try not to cry out too loudly if it does. Are there other people in the house I might need to worry about startling?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 22:43:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian shook his head.&nbsp; "No, it's only you and me," he said softly.&nbsp; "I have one servant, but he's off for the day.&nbsp; Now....God, I really don't want to hurt you.&nbsp; I'll be as careful as I can but if you need to cry out, you don't have to hold back on my account.&nbsp; Just know that in a few minutes, you'll be feeling better.&nbsp; I have some cream that will take away the pain from the burns and some medications that will take away whatever pain you have left."<br><br>He very carefully slipped one arm behind thin shoulders and the other behind Altheras's knees and gently scooped him up.&nbsp; He wanted to pull the other man close against him, but was afraid of causing more pain.&nbsp; He made his way up the stairs to one of the bedrooms where he lay Altheras down as carefully as if he were made of glass.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>28-02-2011, 04:41:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When he was so gently scooped into Lucian's arms, he gasped softly, feeling only a small amount of pain, but the sensation of being lifted up so easily was startling. He supposed he had lost rather a lot of weight in the past few months, and he was now rather light, either that or the man that held him was very strong. Both thoughts made him slightly fearful, but rather than struggling he buried his face against the larger man's neck as he was carried up the stairs.<br><br>When he was sat on the bed, he took a deep steadying breath and looked around the simple room, his gaze coming back to the master of the house again. "You... have a servant? What does he do for you? Just cook and answer the door and stuff?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>02-03-2011, 19:10:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian couldn't help but smile as warm breath ghosted over his neck when Altheras burrowed against him.&nbsp; "Yes, mostly," he nodded in answer to the other man's question.&nbsp; "His name is Felix.&nbsp; He's been with my family for years.&nbsp; He lives upstairs, on the next floor up, and keeps things running around here.&nbsp; I don't know what I'd do without him."<br><br>He stood up from his seat on the bed beside Altheras and gathered some water in a basin, a syringe and bottle of morphine, some gauze, tape and various creams from a small cabinet in the corner of the room.&nbsp; "I was a medic in the last war a few years ago," he explained as he carefully sat back down.&nbsp; "I'm going to numb the worst areas with a lidocaine cream, then clean and dress them with a salve that will help them heal.&nbsp; I can also give you a shot of morphine if you'd like to make it all hurt even less?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>14-03-2011, 09:58:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras eyed the supplies he'd gathered curiously, taking a moment to take it all in. He was really going to get the help he'd needed for so long! It was really quite overwhelming.<br><br>He offered a small smile, tilting his head to one side. "I know it will hurt... but... I guess I need to thank you. I've been afraid of you this whole time... but really I should at least tell you how grateful I am..."<br><br>He trailed off as a thought occurred to him, and he drew his hood protectively around him. "I... but... you have to see me naked now... don't you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>15-03-2011, 23:26:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian smiled and shook his head, starting to say there was no need to thank him.&nbsp; As Altheras continued, however, he felt his face turn a little red.<br><br>"Well, I'll need to see where all you're hurt," he agreed.&nbsp; "And if you're hurt all over, I....don't really see a way around your taking the robe off."<br><br>He very carefully rested his fingertips against Altheras's, afraid to even hold his hands thanks to the burns.&nbsp; "Please don't be afraid of me, Altheras.&nbsp; The medicine will only hurt for a moment, and I would never do anything else to cause you pain.&nbsp; I'll work quickly and try not to look at your....private areas....unless..."&nbsp; He paled at his next thought and felt his stomach tie up in a knot.&nbsp; "I...are you hurt there too?&nbsp; Did he burn you there as well?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 00:18:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras blushed deeply, though it would have been impossible to tell through the burns on his face. He didn't want to admit to it, but he needed to get it out in the open, so he felt that there was no way around it. "I... he did... he raped me too... I..." He trailed off, sighing and staring down at the bed. "I don't know what to say... I guess.... I guess you'll just have to see."<br><br>After a moment of hesitation, he let the robe slip from his body and fall to the floor. The body that was revealed looked like something out of a horror movie. There was not even an inch of flesh that was not burned or scarred in some way. Many of the burns were clearly infected and the scabs were broken and bleeding. <br><br>He hung his head in shame, wrapping his arms protectively around himself. It was terrifying to be seen like this, and tears slipped down his cheeks stinging on his burned skin. "Please... don't... don't hate me.... I know I'm hideous."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 23:33:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian felt his head spin at what he was seeing.&nbsp; He wasn't disgusted by Altheras in the least...but at his father, who had done such terrible things to him.&nbsp; How could anyone hurt another person like this, he wondered.&nbsp; Sick or demented or whatever else he was, Lucian would always think of him as a monster for hurting his own son so terribly.<br><br>He looked for a place on Altheras's body that didn't look raw or infected, a place he could touch that wouldn't cause pain, and finally settled for reaching up and very gently touching his jawline, where an old scar could be seen.&nbsp; <br><br>"I don't hate you, Altheras," he said softly, moving his hand away only to get the ointment.&nbsp; "I never could hate you.&nbsp; And you're not hideous.&nbsp; What was done to you....was obviously terribly painful and awful, but, look at you.&nbsp; You came through it all with a kind and generous soul that most people never even believe exists.&nbsp; I think you're extraordinary and I am so honored that you're letting me help you.&nbsp; I would be more honored still if we could be friends."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Altheras</strong> on <strong>18-04-2011, 15:43:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Altheras stared at him blankly for a moment, finding nothing but kind eyes and soft words where he had expected anger and disgust. Tears came to his eyes, but did not make it down his cheeks, his eyes welling up as he realized that there was another human being in the world who could accept him, even as damaged as he was. <br><br>He sank to his knees before Lucian, overwhelmed with emotion, the tears coming again, though his sobs were more out of happiness than fear or sadness now. He moved closer to the larger man, wrapping his arms around the nearest thigh and pressing his cheek against the warmth of skin beneath pants. "Thank you... just... thank you so much." He trembled as he clung to the leg, ignoring the pain of his injuries from the contact. "I would be so happy... just to have a friend!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unloveable {Roninc30 and Altheras}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>roninc30</strong> on <strong>18-04-2011, 17:48:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian carefully rested his hand on the back of Altheras' head, still afraid of hurting him.&nbsp; With his other hand, he gently untangled the other man from his thigh and knelt down beside him so they were face to face.&nbsp; The scars were everywhere.&nbsp; They made his heart ache, but he felt no disgust for the man before him.&nbsp; In fact, he felt nothing but compassion and warmth, and could see how someone with such a kind heart would be so very easy to care for.&nbsp; How on earth could his father have hurt him so badly?<br><br>"It is I who should be thanking you," he said softly, letting their eyes meet before he lightly wrapped his arms around Altheras, trying to avoid the worse burns and welts, wanting to give him a proper hug.&nbsp; "Thank you for trusting me, Altheras.&nbsp; I promise I'll never give you reason to regret it."
			</dd>
		</dl>
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