Laying in the dim morning light, my body sore and aching, I glance over at the boy next to me.

His eyes are shut, bruises and still-healing gashes covering his body and leading beneath his clothing.

Attempting to sit up, I wince and groan; my noise accidentally wakes him.

"J.. Julian?" he croaks weakly, and I move to help him sit up as well.

"Yes, Cas. I'm here."

This makes him relax just a little bit, though I can see how much he's in pain.

"It hurts.." he whimpers, and I grimace, the memories of yesterday still fresh in my mind.

"We're safe now. I'm not letting anything happen to you ever again, I promise."

No matter what, I intend to keep that promise. I never want to see him suffering ever again; Especially not like last night.

I hesitate before reaching over and grabbing his hand gently.

He still tenses up, and I frown.

"Casper, look at me." I wait until he meets my gaze.

"I know I'll regret it if I don't say it right now so... I want you to be with me. To be..." my words fall short, but the implication finishes my sentence for me.

I hope it's not too much, or too scary. Judging by his expression, my stomach drops.

Shit. I'm probably scaring him.

"Y..You can say no-" I stammer quickly.

"I think I'd like that."

I stop.

"Really..?" I breathe, and his pained expression morphs into some semblance of a smile as he squeezes my hand.

"Yeah."