~MASKS OFF~

~just a headache~

The morning light reflected on the laptop's screen as Clay finished reading what the brunnet had written.

He was shocked.

Did George really go through that much trauma without anyone knowing?

Why didn't he tell him?

Did his best friend not trust him?

So many questions yet not a single answer.

The blonde man, not knowing what else to do stood up bringing the laptop with him as he paced up the stairs and slowly made his way into the brunnet's room to place the electronic device on the desk.

Once his hands got rid of the laptop he heard a beeping sound that was caused by the brunnet's clock meaning that the shorter male was about to wake up.

"Good morning. What are you doing?"

"I was just returning your laptop. I forgot to give it to you last night."

"Oh okay thank you."

"No problem. How did you sleep?"

"The bed is so comfortable. I had the best sleep ever. Did you help me get to bed?"

" I wouldn't say 'helped'"

" What do you mean?

" You didn't even try to get to bed. I just carried you as you cursed at me for not letting you sleep on the couch. "

" The sofa must have been really comfortable then. Thank you though. "

" No problem"

As the brown eyed man got up from the queen-sized bed he walked towards the bathroom getting in as the blonde man followed closely behind.

" Got any plans for today?"

"There is a beach nearby. Want to go? "

" You want to go swimming? "

" Yeah. Why not? "

" I didn't even bring a swimming suit with me "

" You can borrow one of mine"

George looked up from the sink as he eyed Clay through the mirror getting his toothbrush ready to clean his teeth and get rid of his morning breath before responding.

" I guess we can do that " said the brunnet as he placed the toothbrush in his mouth while moving it up and down.

"Really ?"

" Mhm"

" That's great! I'm gonna go get you a swimming suit from my closet. I'll be right back. "

George didn't respond.

He was kind of scared to go swimming.

He didn't want his arms showing since some of his old scars were still a bit visible.

Old scars from old actions.

The male walked out the door and closed it as well as locking it.

Stepping backboards he sat down on the floor, his back against the shower's glass door and his head resting on his two hands.

It has been a long time since he last had a panic attack and he was sure he would have one if he didn't calm down soon enough.

Deep breaths were taken as he stumbled to get up and wash his face.

"George? Are you okay in there?"

George focused on his breathing as his heart rate slowed down.

"I'm fine. It was just a headache"

"Can you please open the door?"

The brunnet didn't respond he just unlocked the door and the blonde man rushed inside the bathroom holding the older male by his shoulders.

He looked at his brown eyes as concern took over his freckle infested face.

"Are you okay? Do you need to lay down?"

"Clay, I'm okay"

"Come, lay down"

With an arm around his waist, the brunnet made his way to his bed and layed down.

"You don't have to worry. I'm okay, really"

" Stay here while I get you some water"

" You really don't have to-"

" Just let me take care of you. For once"

The younger man looked sad and somewhat disappointed.

George didn't have time to argue.

Clay was already out the door and down the stairs.

All the brunnet thought about was his friend's disappointment. She didn't know why he looked that disappointed.

She didn't want to ask though.

He knew that questioning him would bring him to a situation too hard to get out of.

He found it easier to keep everything to himself.

Both men knew that about George.

Clay knew from reading the file in the brunnet's laptop and George new from experience.

" Here. Drink this " said the tall man as he sat down beside George, handing him a glass of water.

George took the glass of water, drinking it while looking at the masked man's concerned face.

"You need to stop worrying. I don't get why you're that upset."

"You don't understand, do you?"

" Clay, it wasn't a big deal. I could even handle it myself"

Frustration took over the blonde man's mind as he jolted up from the bed.

"That's the point! I don't want you to handle it yourself! I want to help you!"

"Clay, what are you on about?"

" Just-"

The green eyed man stopped himself before calming down and continued speaking.

"Just let me help you and please-"

He sat down on the bed once again and looked at the brunnet's eyes.

"Please, don't hide important stuff from me. "

George was confused.

What 'important stuff' was she talking about?

Why was he so worried?

"Are you okay now?"

"Yeah I'm fine"

"That's great. You should get ready now."

"We are still going?"

"We have to get out of the house at some point and you have to relax. The beach is our best bet. It'll be fun. "

The brunnet was skeptical but not wanting to rise any suspicion he agreed on going and got out of his bed.

"The swimming suit is on your bed. Once you're done go downstairs and wait for me."

"Sure.."

With that, the blonde man went in his room to get ready while closing the door behind him.

Step by step, the brown eyed man made his way towards the bathroom with the swimming suit given to him by Clay.

As peaces of clothing came off and the brunnet's boxers got replaced with a dark blue pare of trunks, his eyes trailed up as he looked at himself through the mirror.

He was disgusted.

He felt dirty.

Not as much as five months ago but still enough to leave him thinking.

Still enough...