Page 106 of Dark Room Junkie

“Affection. Love. Security.”

The words seeped into him as he stared into space for a moment. Before his facade completely collapsed, he shook his head. “Just forget it.”

“No. I’m not leaving here without you.”

“I’d just be a parasite.”

“So am I,” I replied. “My mother’s family is swimming in money. And since my grandfather died, I’ve been getting money from a trust fund every month. I had to invest it somehow, so I bought the apartment. In that sense, I’m just as much of a parasite. But ultimately, it’s this apartment that keeps me going. It’s a kind of safe haven. And if I can share it with you, it makes me even happier because I’m sure it can be a place for you to finally find peace. So, move in with me. I can’t stand seeing you like this any longer.”

Noé remained silent, so I reached out my hand, touched his neck, and brushed his cheek with my thumb. Once he turned his gaze toward me, I leaned in and kissed him on the lips. Then I rested my forehead against his and slid my hand into his neck.

“I’m not the wrong choice,” I whispered and kissed him again. “And neither are you. Understand?”

He nodded against my forehead and stared into my eyes. The deep blue drew me in like a magnet. With tenderness, I stroked his temple and nudged my nose against his. When the hint of a smile crossed his face, I hugged him, kissing him passionately. I wanted him to know I was serious because I wanted to be there for him; after all, unknowingly, he had been there for me too.

As he wrapped his arms around me, it felt like I was lifted by a breeze. Feeling him hold onto me as if I were his last lifeline filled me with a happiness I had never experienced before.

“Don’t mess with me,” he whispered against my neck.

“Never. And now come on. Let’s get out of here.” I stood up and put on my coat again, but he just sat there. “What’s wrong?”

Noé glanced around somewhat embarrassed. “I can’t get up on my own.”

A weight lifted off my racing heart, knowing that was all it was. I was afraid he was going to back out again. Like a little boy, I helped him put on his jacket, put his arm over my shoulder, and helped him to his feet. “Is that all your stuff?” I asked, nodding toward his backpack.

He nodded, appearing a bit dazed. Standing upright again obviously affected his circulation. “Yeah, but there ... are a few things in the old apartment … my late mother’s apartment.”

“Then we’ll go get them.”

“No. I’ll do it myself. Someday. There are too many bad memories there.”

“Okay.” I didn’t like it, but somehow I also understood that this was a part of his life he might not be ready to share with me yet.

As we stepped into the hallway, Juri’s room door opened. He must have heard us. He leaned against the door frame with his shoulder and pushed his black hair back.

“You’re leaving?”

“Yes. Thanks, Juri-Rock.”

“It’s okay, Stoney. See you.”

They hugged warmly, giving me a moment to take another look at this Juri. He seemed distant and cold in the kitchen earlier, but now, as he hugged Noé, he radiated warmth. He reluctantly let go of Noé and kissed him on the cheek.

“See you later,” Noé said, affectionately tousling Juri’s disheveled hair. “Be careful out there. And call me if anything happens.”

Juri nodded curtly and escorted us to the door. Once we were in the stairwell, I couldn’t resist.

“Juri-Rock? Stoney?”

“Yeah, tough as nails, nothing can kill us,” he explained, while he descended the stairs next to me, panting. “We’ve known each other for a long time; we’ve been through hell together. He’s like my brother.”

“That’s nice,” I replied, unable to help but wonder what emotional baggage Juri was carrying around.

We left the house, and I helped Noé into the car. As I walked around my car, a ton of weight lifted off my shoulders. The tightness around my chest loosened, and I felt like I could breathe properly for the first time in a long time.

Noé was beyond exhausted. As I sat behind the wheel, he leaned his head against the window and closed his eyes. I couldn’t imagine how he was feeling right now. I wanted to ask him, but he needed to rest. The main thing was that he was with me now.

31

---