Tainted Love

"You're safe now," said Monte softly. "I've got you."

"Mmm..." Was all Lennon said in response before falling asleep.

Monte sighed softly

Adam nervously ran a hand through his hair as he watched, looking as if he were worried Monte would snap again.

Monte just held Lennon while he slept.

Lennon sighed sadly as he helped Monte out of the car, practically carrying him back to the house. They had just returned from Bradley's funeral, the shy blond having been the victim of one of his dad's beatings again, only this time he hadn't been so lucky to only escape with a few minor injuries.
He led Monte to his room, sitting with Monte on his bed, watching him with a worried look.

Monte just curled up on the bed, still sobbing. He kept trying to convince himself this was just one of his horrible nightmares. He was going to wake up, and Bradley would be fine. Everything would be just as it should be.

Unsure of what to do to help, Lennon just pulled Monte close and hugged him tight, leaning his head on Monte's.

"He c-can't be g-gone Len, he...c-can't be," Monte cried.

"I...I'm sorry Monte..." Lennon said quietly. "I wish I could say he wasn't..."

Monte started crying harder, clinging to Lennon while he cried.

Lennon swore quietly and bit his lip, gently rubbing Monte's back.

Monte bit his lip. "I shouldn't have let him go," he said. "I...I knew something bad was gonna happen..."

"Don't think like that Monte... It's not your fault..." Lennon said.

"He's gone Lennon," sniffled Monte. "He's gone because I didn't do more to protect him..."

"It's not your fault..." Lennon said again, quietly this time.

Monte took a deep breath, trying to calm down, a slight wheeze in his breathing.

Lennon sighed, slowly letting go of Monte to get up to find Monte's inhaler.

Monte curled up when Lennon let him go.

Lennon sighed and quickly moved to get Monte's inhaler, holding it out to him once he'd sat back down.

Monte didn't move.

"Monte...you need it." Lennon sighed, wrapping his other arm back around his brother.

Monte still didn't move, wheezing more.

"Monte, please..." Lennon said, sounding upset.

Monte sighed, taking the inhaler