Guess Who's Back? {Vinny}

[SAMUEL HURST]

Samuel couldn't help but smile as he walked up the familiar staircase towards his room. Nearly two months had gone by since he had walked these corridors, and yet, nothing had changed. It was comforting, in a strange sort of way, to think that no matter how much time would go by, things would still be the same way. Standing in front of the door, he ran his fingers over the sign that he and Vinny had made on their first day here. Although he wouldn't admit it to anyone, Samuel had missed Vinny. A lot. He had hated the thought of leaving the boy all alone in the dorm, but it was the only thing he could do. There was no way that he could let Vin know about what he had been up to, and there was no way that Jimmy would let him tell Vin. Samuel would just have to make up an excuse for his absence over the past months.

Samuel pushed open the door, his smile growing as he saw Vinny sitting on his bed. It was so strange to be in their room again. He chuckled, looking over to his bed. A strange thrill rushed through him and he ran into the room and leapt onto his bed, a childish giggle bursting out. Hi Vinny! he said, sitting up and turning towards the boy. He wasn't sure how well Vinny had taken his departure, and if he knew Vin at all, he could guess that it wasn't well. Look, I'm really sorry that i left you, but it had to be done. I couldn't do anything about it. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, his joy at being back slowly disappearing. I'm sorry, Vin. Please forgive me.

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[VINCENT GLOVER]

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Vinny had been spending the last few months in exile. Since Samuel had left he'd had no one to stand up for him, no one to look after him. He wasn't brave enough to do it on his own. So he had stopped going to the park, stopped going to the arcade and stopped spending any unnecessary time out after classes. He would do whatever work he had to do then rush back to his dorm, where he would wait on his bed in case Samuel returned. But he never did. But Vinny waited non-the-less, looking through Samuel's books as if trying to find some clue as to why the other had left.

Maybe Vinny had gotten too close, Simon had always said that Vinny needed to learn about personal space. Maybe that was why Samuel had left, but surly he would have said something? Asked Vinny to tone it down a little? The small blonde couldn't understand what he had done wrong.

Maybe the shadows had got to him? But they had covered everything in little stars, there was no way the shadows would have done something like that. Not when Vinny had asked them not to.

The blonde waited, everyday, in the hope that his friend would return. He found himself curling up on Samuel's bed some nights, trying to remember what it felt like to be held and protected.

That afternoon, Vinny had rushed back to his dorm and curled up on his bed. Some jock had been calling him names and had pushed him against the wall, making sure Vinny was in tears before leaving the blonde alone. Vinny had left the group shaken, a little bruised and with puffy red eyes. But he needed to get back to his dorm in case Samuel was there, the nurse could wait.

He had been curled up on his bed for only a few moment when he heard the door open. Sitting up immediately he couldn't believe his eyes, was it really Samuel? He didn't say anything, only watched the boy jump on his own bed and begin apologising.

But Vinny wasn't really listening. Instead he jumped off his bed and ran towards Samuel as fast as he could, jumping on the bed and burying his face against the other's chest, his arms clinging around Samuel's middle. I missed you, he mumbled into Samuel's shirt, not caring if it was difficult to understand. Why did you leave me? he asked, trying to hold back his tears, Didn't you want me anymore?

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[SAMUEL HURST]

Samuel sighed, locking his arms around the smaller boy. I'm so sorry, Vin, i really am. It wasn't anything to do with you, I promise. It's just... I just had some things to sort out. He stroked Vinny's hair, keeping his arms tight around him. He couldn't quite believe how much he had missed the blonde. He thought the touchy-feely-ness of the boy would have irritated, but he had missed their hugs, missed their snuggles on the bed. Pulling away slightly, he stroked Vinny's face, Please forgive me. I'm sorry i left you alone.

It was only when Samuel pulled away slightly that he saw the purplish bruise that was beginning to spread across Vinny's face. He frowned and placed a finger on it, gently stroking it, What happened, Vin? Who did this to you? I'll fucking kill them! He could feel his hands beginning to shake with anger as he thought of somebody laying a hand on the boy. Samuel had always been very protective over Vinny, even on the college's chat box. Despite the intense work that he had been doing for Jimmy over the months, Vinny had never been far from his mind. With his condition, Vin wasn't the best as looking after himself and was often a target for the bullies. Samuel had always stuck up for Vinny, but he had had to leave, and no matter how much he hated to think about it, those bruises on Vinny's face were his fault. I'm so so sorry, Vinny, he whispered, laying his head on top of the blonde's, his fingers still gently stroking the bruise.

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[VINCENT GLOVER]

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Vinny kept close to the other boy, afraid that if he let go Samuel would slip between his fingertips and vanish again. He couldn't have that. What would he do without Samuel? The small boy couldn't even bare thinking about it. Biting his tongue he kept quiet for a moment, just remembering the smells and movements of Samuel's body. He blushed when the other boy said it hadn't been his fault - well that was a relief. At least Vinny knew the shadows hadn't been involved; if they had been the Samuel would have blamed Vinny for everything.

Of course I forgive you, you're my best friend! Vinny said quickly, letting Samuel pull away to examine his face. The blonde blushed and shook his head trying not to wince at the pressure Samuel's fingers had made on his face. Nono, I walked into a door. There...there were the fish and I got distracted and tripped over a cat and into a door. It wasn't anyone's fault, he admitted quickly, burying his face once more so Samuel wouldn't look at it.

He didn't like to place blame on anyone, and he knew Samuel would mean business. He took the boy's hands in his own and held them close, making sure Samuel calmed down enough to realise it had been Vinny's clumsy self that had caused the injury. Shh, stop apologising, you're back now and that's all that matters, right? You won't leave again will you? he asked looking up at the other boy and nuzzling his nose into Samuel's neck, Will you?

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[SAMUEL HURST]

Samuel sighed, not sure he quite believed Vinny's story of him tripping over an invisible cat. However, he dropped the subject, not wanting to upset the boy anymore than he already had. He forced a smile onto his face and chuckled, You clumsy boy! Well try not to trip over anymore cats, ok? You need to take care of yourself. But i'm back now so i'll be here to look after you. He smiled and ruffled the boy's hair, lying back on his bed and pulling Vinny with him.

Vinny, i can't promise that i won't leave you again. But i can promise that it won't be for as long as it was this time. And i'll always let you know if i'm going to be gone for a few days, ok? I just didn't have time to make those arrangements, i had to leave as soon as possible. But i won't be leaving anytime soon, I can promise that. He put his arm behind Vinny so the boy could rest his head on his chest. Once in this position, Samuel started to stroke Vinny's hair, making himself relax. He was almost certain that it had been bullies that had caused Vinny's bruise, but he would try to put this information out of his mind. For now, he just wanted to enjoy his time with his best friend.

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[VINCENT GLOVER]

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Vinny grinned, fully convinced he had fooled Samuel into believing his story. It seemed plausible, right? Tripping over a cat and hitting a door. Of course it did. The blonde looked up and smiled, cuddling Samuel once more, And you'll look after me forever, right? he said with a childish giggle, letting Samuel play with his hair.

The blonde listened to Samuel talking, trying to hide his disappointment in the fact that the other boy might leave him again. But if it was only for a short time, then maybe Vinny wouldn't have any problems with bullies? He could just stay in their dorm, so no one could get him. He closed his eyes and tried not to think about it. Instead he rested on Samuel's chest, tracing circles on the boy's shirt. So, where have you been? he asked after a moments silence, hoping Samuel had been on an adventure and he could tell Vinny the whole tale. The blonde was sure pirates had been involved.

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[SAMUEL HURST]

Samuel smiled, shutting his eyes and relaxing into his bed. This was what he had missed, just being close to Vinny. Vinny was the only one who Samuel let get this close, was the only one who was allowed to touch Samuel in such an intimate way. And it was nice, just to relax and not have to worry about anything. But then, of course, Vinny asked the one question that he had been dreading - Where have you been? Samuel sighed, not sure where to start. He didn't know what was save to tell Vinny and what wasn't. Obviously he would have to try and keep as much of his 'mission' a secret as possible.

Vinny, there are some things that i can't tell you, and you mustn't ever ask me about them, ok? Because you don't want the nasty people to come and find you, do you? He continued to stroke Vinny's hair, not wanting to alarm the boy too much. Some people needed my help in a mission, of sorts. You see there are these bad people who keep trying to steal things from us, and it's my job to stop them from doing that. But i had to move away so that you weren't in any danger. They can't know where i live or who i'm friends with otherwise it wouldn't be good for you. That's why i didn't tell you that i was leaving. But it's safe now, which is why i'm back. He sighed, resting his head on top of Vinny's. The idea of somebody hurting Vinny to get to him was almost unbearable. I missed you, Vin, he whispered, kissing the top of the blonde's head.

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[VINCENT GLOVER]

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Vinny listened intently to Samuel's story, gasping at the thought of someone wanting to hurt him. Was Samuel part of some secret organisation trying to fight crime? Was he like, the justice league? I missed you more, Vinny giggled, cuddling up to Samuel and curling up in the small space between Samuel's body and the edge of the bed. and I'm glad you're back, and safe. But I want to help you next time! I bet I can be really useful for something, like being on lookout or distracting people. I'm good at those things! Vinny said, suddenly very excited about the prospect of helping Samuel on a mission. They could be like Batman and Robin. Fighting crime as a team.

Vinny sat up and rubbed his swollen cheek slightly, looking at Samuel with a grin on his face. We could have code names and everything, and it would be awesome because then you wouldn't have to leave me and we could stay together like best friends should do.

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[SAMUEL HURST]

Samuel smiled at Vinny's enthusiasm to help out, it was rather endearing. But there was no way that Jimmy would let Vinny 'tag along'. This wasn't a game and if Vinny were to find out what Samuel was really doing, he wouldn't be so enthused to join in. Look Vin, I would love for you to help me out, and we would make an awesome crime-fighting team. But... It's just.. My boss wouldn't allow it. This is really serious stuff and as much as i want you to be there with me, you can't, he sighed, looking at Vinny. He knew that this was going to upset the boy, but what else was he supposed to do?

An idea popped into his head and he smiled, Hang on, you could help me behind the scenes. You could help me from here, like before i go out on a 'mission', gathering intel and what not. How about that? That way you'd be safe and you'll be helping me! He wasn't sure whether Vin would take to the idea, but it was the only thing he could think of that would keep Vinny safe and out of the larger picture. He could easily make up some sort of story and get Vinny to start researching it....Couldn't he?

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[VINCENT GLOVER]

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Vinny looked somewhat dejectedly at the floor when he realised he wasn't going to be able to tag along, sure working behind the scenes was good - he could still feel like part of the team, but it wasn't the same. Untangling himself from Samuel he slid to the edge of the bed and stood up, trying to move some of his hair back into place. Why wouldn't your boss allow it? he asked, turning to face the other boy, a slight pout on his face.

He couldn't understand why people thought he couldn't do things, just because of his condition. There was nothing wrong with him, if anything it was a good thing he was a little different because he could see things other people couldn't. Crossing his arms over his small frame he sighed and sat down on his own bed, curling up into a ball and hiding his face behind his knees. I can be serious, he huffed, wrapping his arms around his legs, trying to become the smallest shape he could.

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[SAMUEL HURST]

Samuel frowned, he hadn't been expecting that reaction from Vinny. I know you can be serious Vin, but my boss is very...strict... And some of things that i have to do, you wouldn't enjoy. It would just be easier for you to help from behind the scenes. He sighed and stood up, running a hand through his hair. He opened his window and pulled out a cigarette, sparking up and taking a deep drag. I'm sorry, Vinny, but sometimes you have to do things that you don't want to in this job, and i don't want to put you in that position. Taking another drag on his cigarette, he moved over to Vinny's bed and sat down, placing his free hand on the boy's thigh.

Please try and understand that i'm trying to protect you, not exclude you. This is a dangerous job and even though me and you would make an awesome team, i just can't risk putting you in that situation. I lo-...I like you too much to do that, Samuel frowned, not sure why he had almost said 'love'. There was no room in Samuel's life for love, no room for that sort of attachment or commitment. And yet, he couldn't deny that he had missed Vinny a lot more than he thought he would whilst he had been away. But they just had a strong friendship, that was all. It wasn't love, of course it wasn't...

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[VINCENT GLOVER]

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Vinny frowned and wafted away the cigarette smoke, pinching his nose in a vain attempt to hide the smell. He didn't mind it really, he just liked to make a point that it was a bad habit. If you have to do things you don't want to do, then why be part of it? he asked, crossing his legs and slipping a pillow between them, keeping his small body warm.

He looked up when Samuel said he liked him. No one had ever said the before, well, Simon had - but Simon hadn't talked to Vinny in weeks. The small blonde didn't believe that real friends should do that. But Samuel had done that. Gone away without a word. Was Vinny going to let it slide and forget about it? Yes. Because Samuel was the only friend he had. Biting his lip he cuddled against the other's free arm and closed his eyes, humming a tune he had heard on the radio.

I guess I don't have to help, maybe I can do something else, he said softly, letting go of Samuel so he could snuggle under the duvet like a cocoon. Did you miss me what you were gone? I drew you a picture, he said very quickly, reaching down under the bed and pulling out a drawing of himself and Samuel with a gold star between the two of them. He handed it over and snuggled back down into the covers, keeping warm.

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[SAMUEL HURST]

Samuel sighed as he stubbed out his cigarette. He stood up and went over to Vinny's bed, snuggling around Vinny and propping himself up on his elbow so he could still see the boy. Sometimes you just have to do something, even if you don't want to. Like i had to leave but i didn't want to. It's just the way of the working world, i'm afraid, Vin. With his free hand, Samuel began to stroke Vinny's hair again, closing his eyes and enjoying the sensation.

Samuel relaxed further as Vinny spoke, glad that the boy wasn't going to try and join in with his work. Of course i missed you, Vin! There wasn't a day that went by that i didn't think of you, he said, smiling. It wasn't a lie - Vinny had always been at the back of his mind, especially during the times when Samuel thought he wasn't going to survive. A shiver ran down his spine and he curled closer into Vinny, resting his head on top of Vinny's.

Samuel closed his eyes, just enjoying the moment. There was something about this boy that got to him, through all the walls he had learnt to built to protect himself. Maybe it wasn't love, but it was definitely something more that pure friendship. Leaning over, he lightly pressed his lips to Vinny's forehead. Placing two fingers under his chin, Samuel moved Vinny's head so that he was looking at him before leaning down and pressing his lips to the other boy's.

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[VINCENT GLOVER]

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Vinny smiled to himself, curling up in the small space Samuel had left him. It was wonderfully comforting to be so close to the only person who had taken the time to get to know him. He closed his eyes and gently slipped his hand over Samuel's chest, clutching the material as if the boy was his own personal teddy bear. Smiling to himself he nuzzled the other's chest with his head, still not really understanding the concept of not enjoying work. Couldn't you just find another job? he asked, wondering if it was that easy. Vinny had been trying to find himself a job for a long time, but no one really wanted someone like him, he was still waiting for a reply from the pet shop - which he was really hoping to get, he'd always loved animals.

Puffing his mouth full of air, Vinny started prodding his cheeks making sounds and giggling before he felt Samuel's lips on his forehead. He frowned slightly as the other's fingers slipped under his chin. He blushed when Samuel kissed him, confused more than anything, though the experience hadn't be unpleasant. He pulled away from Samuel and shuffled to the end of the bed, pulling his knees up to his chest and resting his chin on them. W-what was that for? he whispered softly, playing with his toes. Was...was that kiss? he asked looking to Samuel, not angry, just lost.

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[SAMUEL HURST]

Samuel sat up, his face falling. He hadn't thought that Vinny would have had that reaction to his kiss. He frowned, Didn't you like that, Vin?, his voice beginning to shake as his anger at being rejected started to rise. A small, logical part of his mind was telling him that of course Vinny wouldn't understand what a kiss was, not with his condition. But it had been a long time since Samuel had taken his medication and so, the logical part of his mind was soon squashed by an almost overpowering anger.

He couldn't believe that the first time had kissed the boy that he possibly loved, said boy and pushed him away. This was the reason why Samuel never opened his heart to anyone, when feelings were involved, people got hurt. And what was the point of letting yourself get hurt for no reason? Look i'm sorry, Vinny. Just forget it. He stood up, his hands clenched into fists so tightly that the whites of his knuckles could be seen.

You know, i shouldn't have even come back. What was the point?! You're just a stupid child who doesn't understand anything about the real world. Why do i even bother trying with you? He glared at Vinny, his fist beginning to rise as he let the anger wash over him. There was a small part of him that enjoyed this, that feeling of no control. It was part of the reason why he had taken up Jimmy's offer of a job (not that he had had much choice) and part of the reason why he had enjoyed his little 'trip' so much. The shakes radiated down his body and he could see the corners of his vision blurring into a dark haze. It wouldn't be long before he lost complete control...

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