stay for a while. [ p ; 23 ]

[Ella Dan]

" I'm sorry that you're cold, I have some of my dad's clothes here by accident and you can take a shower, or, something like that.. ? "

She unlocked the door with one hand, her other hand shaky and the other holding his hand firmly.
" I'm a horrible host. "
She guided him inside and closed and locked the door, quickly fetching him a towel.

" You can sleep here tonight, " she said, brushing air from her face away.

She hurried into the kitchen, supervising him from over the bar.
" Ah.. anything to eat or drink ? "

[No.23]

23 walled into her aapartment, clutching to her hand right behind her like shy toddler in a room of strangers. But they were alone which made him feel safer. Being around a lot of peope made him scared and being alone he felt the same way. But he liked being around one person only. "Um, can I shower?" he asked softly waiting for her to get him a towel. He liked her apartment. It was very welcoming and it was heated. He stood by the door not knowing where to go.

[Ella Dan]

She nodded and pointed to the first door to the right.
" Right there, " she instructed, then shyly turning to him and asking.
" Yuhh.. Uhm.. You know how to take a shower.. right ? "

[ woah short ]

[No.23]

No23 blinked twice, briefly tracing his memory back to the last time hes taken a Shower, which sadly was years ago. "Um, I think so." he replied finally with a small nod and a tiny smile, walking into the bathroom. He turned on the light the light and discarded the track pants he had on and once he saw himself in a mirror. He backed up so much he hit a wall. 23 thought he looked like a drug addict! He reached into a pocket that was zipped up in his track pants and took out a picture. It was him when he was 13, a month before his father started to Hurt him. He was a little shorter with brown hair in a blue beanie which was in for guys three years or so ago. He was popular back than from what he remembered. In the picture he was taking a selfie which his dad got printed for him since it was his favorite one. Than he compared himself to now. Crazy skinny, pale skin and white hair with multiple bruises, cuts, piercings he didn't want, and his newly made black eye. It was terrifying. 23 slammed his photo on the counted in anger and took the shower to try to forget.

[Ella Dan]

Ella hesitated for a bit as he left, then heading into the small kitchen. She sliced an apple, made some sandwiches, made a glass of water, and set it on a plate enatly arranged on the counter for him.
She had assumed he'd be hungry.

I can take him to the doctor to get those removed.. those damn piercings.
She sighed and sat on the sofa as she heard the water turn on.
She had a blanket around her shoulders, knees tucked to her chest, and she'd changed into sweatpants a t-shirt and socks.
She was fighting to stay awake, but whenever she tried to move she wanted to snuggle into the comfort of the soft and couch and let the sound of the running water on the windows lull her to sleep.

" Must.. not.. sleeppp... " she moaned, looking over at the short hall.
" For.. Jason.. " she murmured, already feeling the usually light lids grow heavy.

[No.23]

'Jason' took a while to finish cleaning himself off because he had to try to ignore the stinging of the piercings and the burs and cuts when water touched his skin. He got out and found a towel in the cupboards and dried himself off with that. But than he realized he had no clean clothing to put on. He wouldnt dare touch his trackpants because they were disgusting. Maybe she would come upstairs for him to get him clothes? It was a little while later and she still didn't come. The house was silent. "Maybe she fell asleep..." he muttered, attempting to put a towel around his waist so he could find clothing.

[Ella Dan]

She cradled the spare pair of clothes for him in her arms when she woozily got up, stumbling up the stairs.
She walked over to the bathroom door, attempting to do everything but fall down in drowsiness.
She was just about to knock on the door when her forehead knocked into the white panel instead. She shrieked and stumbled back, widening her eyes.
" Ah-- Uhh.. I.. got 'yer clothes. " she gasped, trying to regain breath from the near fall to the carpeted ground.
She knocked on the door to make sure he was there.

[No.23]

23 gave up but luckily she came in time. He creeped open the door a little and took the clothing from her with a smile. He quickly but on the clothing and walked out of the bathroom. She looked a little tired. "Where you sleeping?" he asked a little concerned. "Did I wake you up? I-I'm sorry!"

[Ella Dan]

She rubbed her eyes with one fist and placed a slender hand over a throbbing spot on her head.
" No, no, I don't get much sleep anyway, don't you mind meee.. "
She yawned and took his hand, starting to walk back downstairs.
" I made you lunch, If you aren't hungry just put it n the fridge. "
She looked back at him.
The clothes fit. Well, they were slightly baggy, but that was the factor of him being skinny.
If she fed him well and took good care of him, he'd definitely grow into those clothes and be happy and healthy.
That was her goal, anyway.

[No.23]

He was Definitely hungry, but he tried to contain himself for the desire of food until he got it. The clothes to hit for conferable. He liked clothes that were big on him and he felt snug in them. It made him look twice as small as he really was since the clothing was a little big. They came downstairs and in front of his was a delicious looking lunch. 23 took an apple and tasted it, enjoying it and eating the whole thing. Thank he too a bite of of sandwich and drank a bit of water. As he chewed the visible dimples on his cheeks showed how happyhee was.

[Ella Dan]

She flashed a bright grin, bouncing up and down, clapping her hands.
" You're eating and smiling ! That's a good sign ! " she squeed, voice tinted with enjoyment.
" Oh my goodness, this is great ! If we can keep this up for a month, and I can get you to physical therapy, you can be happy again ! "
She jumped forward and wrapped her arms around him, nose pressed to his back.
" You can be happy again .. " she echoed, turning her head so her cheek pressed to his spine, and she looked up at his downy white hair.

" .. By the way, is your hair naturally like that ? "

[No.23]

No.23 swallowed his sandwich and sighed. "No. It was brown." he replied. No.23 walked to the bathroom when he realized he left his photo of himself there. When he came back he held out the photo in front of her. "I was thirteen back than." he replied. "I don't remember anyone bleaching my hair so I don't know-how it turned white."

[Ella Dan]

Her eyes gave away that she was nearly going to cry.
" I-- We, can fix that. We can go get you clothes, we can take off your.. piercings.. and you won't be some kind of a slave anymore.. "
She let her hug loosen so it was a little more gentle, but she wasn't going to let for for a few minutes.

[No.23]

23 hugged her back, his face buried in her neck. Her emotions were having an impact on his own and he got a little emotional too. "I don't want to live like this anymore." he whispered in a chocked up voice. 23 was clearly in a state of desperation, and his future still holds a mystery. If he could make the best of his remaining life, even if it may be just a little more, he could die happy. A kid only 16 just needs that smile that could bring him hope. 23 dropped the picture on the floor as he didn't want to lay eyes on it anymore. It scared him even today.

[Ella Dan]

Ella blushed to his face touching her neck.
She nodded, locking her arms tighter again.

" You won't have to live like that.. you won't have to live in fear anymore. " she murmured, moving her head so she could kiss his forehead.
She dropped her hug and brought her hands up to cradle his face.

" If you want to live here, just say so. "