Bringing Home Danny by M.A. Blisher Page B

Fearing what laid ahead, he truthfully did not want to leave the safety of the bathroom. He was also overwhelmed with the knowledge that there were people outside that door, many of whom by now were probably aware of what happened to him. TJ caught the anxiety on his face and helped him to his feet.
    “ Come on, let's get you a good night's sleep first. Then we'll figure things out in the morning.”  
    Danny didn't argue; he had little choice. TJ put a protective arm around Danny's shoulder and guided him out the door. He shielded him from curious onlookers and dodged intrusive questions. Danny tried to block out the numerous is that him and what happened questions that followed behind them. TJ brought him upstairs to the guestroom he was staying in. Danny relaxed slightly once the door was shut behind them. But when TJ handed him an extra toothbrush, the simple gift put a tear to his eye.
    TJ inspected him thoughtfully, causing Danny to avert his eyes and ask, “Where should I sleep?”
    “ Why don't you take the bed? I'll sleep on the couch downstairs once everybody leaves.”  
    Danny tried to say thank you, but couldn't find the right words to express his gratitude. So, he nodded, took off his shoes, and climbed on top of the bed covers. He closed his eyes with the unease of knowing he was being watched. Danny wished he could fall asleep and put the day behind him. Despite his fatigue, he could not settle his mind enough to succumb to unconsciousness. His over-sensitized body and mind fought the rest it sorely needed. Lying there he was acutely aware of his surroundings. He listened to the sounds of the party, of people coming and going. He was aware that TJ came into the room two times throughout the night to check on him. The third time TJ entered the room, Danny could feel him hesitate by the bed. Eventually, Danny turned over and opened his eyes.
    “ Someone else is sleeping on the couch,” TJ explained.  
    Understanding his request, Danny nodded and rolled over to the other side of the bed. Without another word, TJ stripped down to his boxers, and crawled under the covers, requiring Danny to slip under the covers with him. Not wanting Danny to feel uncomfortable, TJ turned his back to him, and scooted as far as he could to the opposite side of the bed. To his surprise, having TJ in bed with him made Danny feel safer. He was finally able to calm his mind and fall asleep.  
     
    *****
    Danny woke several hours later to the view of TJ's back.  For a brief moment, he lost track of time and space thinking he was ten years old, and staying at his best friend Brian's house. When Danny was a child he had spent many days and nights at his neighbor's house. During that time he got an up close glimpse of what a normal family was like. He having spent so much time there, he was no longer considered a guest, and was treated as one of the kids. It was then that Danny felt most at peace. He was devastated when his mother sold their small condo to move them in with her boyfriend. Young Danny had secretly hoped that the Davis family would want to keep him. With those old memories turning in his head, Danny fell back to sleep.
    By late morning, TJ peered over at the young man curled up beside him in bed, and wondered what he was supposed to do with him now. Guessing he had to be exhausted, and assuming correctly that he had gotten little sleep during night, he decided to let him sleep. He checked to make sure he was still breathing before dressing quietly and heading downstairs to see about breakfast. TJ wanted to get an early start so he could make, or rather change, his plans for the day.
    Feeling TJ’s absence in bed, Danny awoke. Queasy and restless, he wondered what he was going to do for a place stay, and a means of making a living. Plagued with those all too familiar questions, Danny made his awkward journey downstairs. After getting intoxicated, assaulted, and sick in a stranger’s house, he wasn't sure if he