Innocence

Apologies

     "Simon, please, talk to me," Ralph requested.

     "Actions speak louder than words," Simon denied. He held in a sob.

     "I can't handle watching you cry. Jack kissed me. I didn't kiss him. I told him that I love you," explained Ralph.

     "Takes more than one person to kiss," whimpered Simon.

    "Look, I can't like Jack. He hurt you. He hurt you and that killed part of me. I don' know how to explain. Seeing you hurt, hurt my chest. Simon, please, come here," Ralph started as he sat on the ground.

     Simon cautiously crawled to the other boy. His body was still marked from his beating. Ralph didn't want to look but couldn't tear his eyes away from the bruises. He patted his lap.

     Simon sat on his friend. Ralph hugged him. He pointed to a bruise.

     "Who gave you these?" he wondered aloud. They both knew the answer.

     "Jack," mumbled Simon.

     "Right. Who has the cute, black hair?" Ralph questioned.

     "M-Me?" asked Simon.

     "Yes. Now, who's the shy, sweet, helpful one?" interrogated Ralph.

     Simon hid his face as it turned red. He wished that Ralph's eyes would leave him for a minute. He needed to calm down, but his boyfriend's gaze made his heart hammer.

     "Ralph, I'm nervous," he muttered.

     "I know," conceded Ralph.

     He ruffled Simon's messy hair as he tugged at his chin. Simon was being forced to look at Ralph.

     "I love you, Simon," said Ralph.

     He kissed the younger boy's tender lips.

     "What about Ja-?" began Simon.

     "Don't say that name. He isn't important. I couldn't possibly love him. Not when I know you," claimed Ralph.

     "I don't want to be hurt," Simon cried.

     "I won't let you be. I'm sorry. I know I let you down. I'll be better. You aren't getting hurt anymore," declared Ralph.

     "Sometimes pain is life. Ralph, I love you. Will you kiss me again?" replied Simon.

     Ralph obliged. He sat and kissed the black haired boy's bruises until the fireflies danced around them.