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“Max, it’s only Sunday.” Damon said as if he could hear my internal monologue.

“S-so, it’s only b-been one day?” I asked relief flooding me. He nodded and smiled as he handed me my mug of tea.

As I sipped my tea memories from last night floated around. I can’t believe they would go that far. I probably won’t ever go back to the dorms ever again.

“Thanks Damon.” I said looking at my tea. What would have happened to me if Damon hadn’t found me? Would I still be there? Would someone have called 911?

“Why…why d-did you h-help me?” I asked looking at him. His face showed a confused look at my question and I let out a sigh.

“H-how did you f-find me?” I asked instead.

“I…um…I was heading towards the dorms.” He said scratching his neck.

“Why? You don’t go to college, right?” I asked confused as to why he needed to go to the dorms.

“I was going there to see you.” He said looking into my eyes.

“Why?” I asked

“I wanted to see if you wanted to hangout or something” He mumbled looking at his hands. “And when I got to your dorm and knocked some other dude opened the door looking like he just woke up. When I asked if you were there he just said something like ‘he went out with a few of my friends’ and by the look in his eyes I could tell that his friends were not good people because he didn’t seem like a good person either. He’s actually a dick. When I told him thanks and when I went to leave he shouted after me saying ‘that faggot better be back here before the dorms close!” And that’s when I decided I was not letting you go into the care of that homophobe.” Damon said ranting and then stopping to catch his breath.

“Thanks for taking care of me.” I said looking down once again.

Why was I so pathetic? I was 19 years old! I should be able to take care of myself even if I am smaller than everyone else.

“Hey, Max if you want you can stay here. I have two extra bedrooms and there’s plenty of space for the both of us.” He said fidgeting with his fingers.

“I d-don’t want to b-be an inconvenience,” I said looking up at him.

“I’d rather you live here and ‘inconvenience’ me than go back to the dorms and go through that again.” He said using air quotes when he hit the word I used to describe myself.

“A-are you sure y-you won’t regret it l-later?” I asked. What if he got tired of me living here and kicked me out?

“I’m 100% sure.” He said smiling.

“I g-guess it would be b-better if I st-stayed here. When I go g-get my stuff w-will you c-come with me?” I asked as a sudden fear filled me. What if Dirk and his buddies were at the dorm room when I went. What if they did…that to me again?

“Hey, hey calm down. Of course I’ll go with you.” Damon said holding my hand. I looked down at his hand that all but engulfed my smaller hand. He let go of my hand and stood up. “When do you want to go?” He asked looking down at me.

“I’d l-like to go n-now but I don’t th-think I can actually m-move on my own.” I said an embarrassed blush coating my face.

“I can help you if you want and I have pain meds, too.” He said still standing there.

I nodded at his suggestion and tried to move my legs. They surprisingly moved to the edge of the bed. Everything was a little stiff but they moved nonetheless.

I tried to stand up but started to lose my balance. Damon was right beside me in an instant holding me by the waist. And embarrassed blush spread over my entire face even my ears were cherry red.

“Are you okay now?” Damon asked tightening his grip on me. I nodded and lightly pushed his hands away.

“Are y-you ready to g-go?” I asked as I walked to the door. Only minimal pain around my backside and chest, I noted to myself. I could tolerate it. I was a little wobbly walking though. My legs were weak, and I hadn’t had very much nutrients within the last 24 hours.

“Okay, lets go, but if you feel lightheaded or like you’re about to fall over tell me.” He said sternly and with that we walked out of the apartment.