give me your hand [private] let me save you

This is an archived version of FeralFront. While you can surf through all the content that was ever created on FeralFront, no new content can be created.
If you'd like some free FeralFront memorabilia to look back on fondly, see this thread from Dynamo (if this message is still here, we still have memorabilia): https://feralfront.com/thread/2669184-free-feralfront-memorabilia/.

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    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://i106.photobucket.com/al…/GIFs/Random/9ddd1ec0.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 15px;][/fancypost] [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://data.whicdn.com/images/38663845/large.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-left:15px;][/fancypost]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;][i][b]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;]Lucas was always that guy who 'had it all'. His parents were happily married as well as considerably wealthy. He'd never had anything to complain about besides attending school which, even then, it wasn't actually complaining-- it was just the normal, inevitable whining you'd get from a child. "School is boring", "I wish we didn't have homework", etc. This being said, Lucas was well aware from a young age that there were others much less fortunate than himself. Starting from the time he was able to drive, while juggling both school-- after school activities included-- and a part time job, he always made time in his schedule for volunteering to help out those in worse situations than himself.


    His favorite place to do this was a small orphanage run by a family friend. He would take care of the smaller kids there, hang out with those closer to his age, help out with any school work if someone was struggling and even aid in cooking or cleaning if it was asked of him. Not only did he feel good doing it, but it was often a nice way to pass time. Everyone by then was familiar with him and even those new to the home warmed up relatively easy to him. He was just that sort of person-- had always been compassionate, and it was easy to see in the way he treated others.


    As Lucas finished with his classes for the day [he's currently 19, attending his freshman year of college], he was glad that his work schedule had allowed for him to have a day off. He had stayed up the last few nights early into the morning, getting barely any sleep, just to study for a test and finish an essay. In short, he was exhausted. While he wanted to go home and take a nap or do something to rest his overworked brain, he settled for sliding in behind the steering wheel of his car, a destination that was not his home in mind. Because while resting sounded wonderful at that moment, he would much rather use his free time productively. This led to the male finding himself in front of a building he'd become infinitely familiar with in the past few years.


    As soon as he pushed the door open and stepped inside he was noticed, several pairs of eyes turning his way with the sound of his entrance. It was late enough in the day to where those who attended public school had already gotten home he realized, and gave those present in the living room a warm grin, receiving both smiles and greetings in return. Two of the younger kids who he'd known for the past year or so jumped up from where they were seated on the floor, running to him to cling at his legs and chatter about their day, letting go of him only to snatch at his hands and pull him further into the house. Lucas willingly let them tug him along, laughing softly at their enthusiasm while interjecting with his own comments as they continued to relay to him the events of their day.[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]


    Axel Pierce was an unfortunate youth that did not have a good life set out for him. His family was extremely poor and his mother had died when he was only 12, so it was something he could never forget. Ever since his mother had passed. his father had become a raging alcoholic and liked to take his anger and rage out on Axel, but always made sure it was never visible to the naked eye and Axel always covered up his frail body. If he didn't, his father would only beat him worse. So, Axel learned to live with baggy clothes even if it was the middle of summer and his abuse only grew worse, to the point of him skipping school because of broken ribs or fingers.


    By the time Axel managed to graduate and escape the questions of his classmates, his father had died from liver failure and lung cancer due to his excessive smoking. He could only feel relief and release at the thought of his father no longer abusing him, yet the evidence was left on his body in the shape of horrid scars and heart stopping social anxiety and the terrifying fear of anyone touching him. He was to go to an orphanage, since he was 17 nearly turning 18 in a few months but none of his relatives were willing to take in someone like him. Axel was even more terrified at the thought of people crowding him at all times, already trembling as the Social Services lady walked in front of him to the door of the orphanage. He could hear warm laughter, but that did nothing to calm him down as the door opened and he stepped inside.


    Axel's frail hand clung to his few bags that he carried, which held all of what he owned, even clothes. His baggy clothes hid the fact he was severely undernourished and skinny beyond what he should be. His soft baby blue eyes avoided gazes and looks as he hovered by his SS lady until the owner came up to him. Axel immediately flinched as the owner tried to touch him to lead him to his room, his shaggy brown hair hiding his sharp cheekbones but his sweatshirt wasn't nearly long enough to cover the deep, smooth scars on each of his wrists, not an inch left uncovered.

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    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://i106.photobucket.com/al…/GIFs/Random/9ddd1ec0.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 15px;][/fancypost] [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://data.whicdn.com/images/38663845/large.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-left:15px;][/fancypost]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;]Lucas was somewhat surprised when only after minutes of him being there, the sound of the front door being pushed open reached his ears. With curiosity thrumming in his veins he turned where he was sat on the floor to set his gaze on what he could see of the front entryway. A new kid? Was the first thought that hit him as he shifted, leaning his weight back on his hands to get a better look at what was going on. Sure enough, there was a new boy; certainly not a kid by all definitions of the word but still someone he'd never seen before. What he could only hazard to guess was a social worker stood with him, the woman who owned the home joining them shortly.


    When the boy flinched away from the hands of Ms. Stephens, Lucas took a few moments to really look at him. Baggy clothes, hands clutching at the bags containing whatever he had managed to keep of his things before being brought to the home. He noticed then that the other was trembling and resisted the urging of his own conscience to push himself off of the ground. Do [i]something because it was obvious the new kid was either anxious or scared, and if he had to he would bet on both of those being true.


    Even then, Lucas stayed put where he was, deciding it would be best not to crowd the boy for the time being. Instead he continued looking the other over. Analyzing him, almost. But when Lucas' eyes dropped lower his breath hitched in his throat, stomach churning at the sight he was faced with. The exposed skin of the boy's wrists was a sight he had seen before, but not ever to this extent. There was not an inch unmarred by scars, deep and smooth, and it made his heart hurt. The question plaguing him now was 'who did it?' and the itch to stand began to grow, wanting nothing more than to console the shaking boy at the door because what had he gone through?


    Finally, Lucas pushed himself to his feet, smiling at the children he'd been conversing with before leaving them with a promise of playing later. He moved carefully across the room towards the entryway and stopped short of the trio standing there; at a distance he thought would be comfortable enough for the new boy. [b]"Ms. Stephens?" The male's voice rumbled lowly, deeper than one would think it would be upon seeing him, and he directed his gaze towards the woman who owned the home. "If you two need to talk I can get him settled in." He offered as an easy smile surfaced on his fair visage. Ms. Stephens nodded at him then, looking a little upset-- if Lucas had to guess, he would say it was because she was concerned-- but managed a smile as well as a 'thank you' before she was gesturing to the woman who had come in with the new boy, urging the other into her office space so they could talk and she could get the boy's paperwork.


    That was when Lucas finally allowed himself to lay his eyes on the other male. His smile dropped, being replaced by thoughtful consideration for only a moment before it was back, eyes crinkling with the force of it. "I'm Lucas."[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]


    Axel glanced around nervously as he stood at the desk, his soft eyes quickly seeing how many children were all here and then an older boy. Was he an orphan as well? He looked too kind and well off to be an orphan, though he quickly looked away and tugged at his sweatshirt sleeves slightly as he heard his name being spoken by the SS lady. His body was tense and coiled tight as if expecting a fight, avoiding everyone's eyes, being even more antsy as he could tell attention was being drawn to him. He didn't like it and it made his stomach churn as he clenched his bags even tighter, tugging his beanie down a little more. He wanted to be alone and his body language made it clear the longer he stood there.


    Axel's heart was beating out of control in his chest as he looked up to see the same boy staring at him, looking him over and it made him terrified that he had already made an enemy. That thought made him want to simply run and run until he found someplace distant and where no one could find him. That's when he would feel even remotely safe. Axel didn't miss the pity in Lucas's eyes, feeling even worse by the second as he began to see it in the owners eyes as well. He shifted his weight awkwardly as the two women talked, nearly jumping sky high as a door slammed high above his head and it made him tremble even more violently. Any loud noise seemed to set his nerves on fire, especially in a house, no matter how nice. Axel's stomach twisted as he looked around again, unable to control his trembling and jumped slightly as the male from before stood directly in front of the trio. His deep voice sent chills up his spine, his eyes avoiding meeting his gaze since he knew he would only see pity. At least, thats what he thought.


    Axel hovered by the door still as the two women went into the office, his knuckles white with how nervous and terrified he was as he grasped his bags to his chest. "Axel. " He said quietly, his voice soft and weak, and upon closer inspection, his blue eyes were empty of emotion besides fear. Axel looked up only slightly to study Lucas, brushing his brown hair out of his face and his sweatshirt sleeve slid down as he did so, revealing that the scars had not stopped at his wrists. They went clean to where his arm bent, only getting deeper and more jagged there. He quickly tugged it down, tucking his arms to his abdomen which in turn revealed how utterly skinny he was. If he were not wearing the sweatshirt, anyone could count his ribs easily. "Where am I to stay?" Axel asked softly as he dropped his gaze again, his trembling having not stopped.

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    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://i106.photobucket.com/al…/GIFs/Random/9ddd1ec0.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 15px;][/fancypost] [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://data.whicdn.com/images/38663845/large.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-left:15px;][/fancypost]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;][i]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;]Lucas' stomach churned as he continued observing Axel; though this time he was closer and was able to see a lot more than he had been able to sitting in the living room. The other was pale, and if the thinness of his face was any implication as to how the rest of his body was he would guess the other didn't eat properly-- if at all. And his suspicions were confirmed when the other pulled his arms into his abdomen, pressing the sweatshirt he was wearing into his clearly malnourished form. The fact that the other was trying to hide the scars marring his arms-- because Lucas had learned it was not just his wrists that were marked and he would bet they didn't just stop at the bend of his elbows if they were already that high-- by doing that made him burn with so many emotions all at once. He simply tried his best to conceal all of them when the other spoke up again, leaning forward slightly to catch the other's soft voice.


    That's right. The only reason he was standing there now was to 'get him settled in.' Lucas nodded, a quiet 'right' slipping from his lips as he gestured towards the stairs leading to the second floor of the house. [b]"Nick," but before he began walking to lead the other to the room he would be staying in, Lucas turned to face the living room, speaking the name of one of the older boys sitting on the couch. After gaining the other's attention-- courtesy of the girl beside him tapping the oblivious boy on the shoulder-- Lucas made a few careful hand gestures that had Nick nodding, shooting a smile and thumbs up to show he'd understood and was okay with whatever exchange had just passed between them. It wasn't long before Nick was turning to the girl beside him to relay it to her with his hands.


    "Alright." Lucas turned back to Axel with a satisfied grin before he was pushing forward, padding up the steps in front of them to reach the home's second level where the rest of the kids in the house slept. There were four bedrooms on each side of the house, two for girls and two for boys. One of each gender was designated to the older residents while the other to the younger residents. Upon reaching the upstairs hallway, Lucas turned right and headed for the second door on that side, pushing it open to reveal the room inside. It was clean and fairly spacious, walls lined with neatly made singles that were more frequently unoccupied than occupied.[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]


    Axel tried not to meet Lucas's gaze, fearing he would only see pity and sympathy and he was tired of seeing that in people's eyes. He knew he was speaking too softly but he barely had the energy to be any louder, trying to calm his violent trembling as he managed to look up at Lucas, fairly shorter than him. Axel just wished to be alone and by himself so he could at least attempt to get used to how many people were in one huge room, the proximity of Lucas as he leaned in making him even more nervous. He didn't know if there were bullies or not at the orphanage, but they would most definitely take advantage of his weakness if there were any. He had tried fighting his father once but that had dealt in broken glass slashing across his frail chest and it had taken him months for the wound to even scar properly.


    Axel tilted his head a little as Lucas signaled to a young boy who went by the name of Nick, pressing his lips together and waited hesitantly for Lucas to continue walking. He began to realize that Lucas was not an orphan, but a volunteer, which made his stomach twist. Will he talk about me to his friends? To his family? Won't they laugh at me and feel bad? Axel's mind raced with thoughts as he followed Lucas up the stairs, looking around with faint curiosity but exhaustion was dragging him down with each step he took."Thank you." Axel said quietly as he stepped into the room, immediately choosing a bed in the very back and placed his bags down beside it before sitting on it with his shoulders slumping. "Please.. Leave me alone." Axel said tiredly as he reached up to rub his eyes and promptly laid down with his knees tucking to his chest and he barely took any space up on the bed in this position.

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    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://i106.photobucket.com/al…/GIFs/Random/9ddd1ec0.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 15px;][/fancypost] [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://data.whicdn.com/images/38663845/large.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-left:15px;][/fancypost]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;][i]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;]Lucas watched the other from where he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossing leisurely over his chest. When Axel thanked him he nodded almost instantly before realizing the other couldn't see him and opened his mouth to give a soft 'you're welcome.' Seeing the other male looking so tired reminded him of his own state not so long ago and the weariness he had felt earlier came back full force, his jaws gaping in a yawn he vaguely concealed with one hand.


    Then Axel was speaking again and Lucas had to concentrate to hear what the other was saying from the other side of the room. Honestly, if he said he wasn't disappointed upon hearing the other's words he would be lying. Nevertheless, he understood. Of course the other wanted some time alone to adjust to everything. It was completely normal and Lucas had seen it before with all the time he spent here. In one fluid motion he had pushed himself off of the doorframe and let his arms fall back to his sides, a smile quirking the corners of his mouth as he nodded again. [b]"Yeah, alright. If you need anything don't be afraid to come find someone. I'll be downstairs and dinner will be ready within the next hour." He was already stepping out of the room as he finished speaking, turning with a sinking feeling in his gut as he left the other alone. He just hoped the new environment wouldn't be too hard to adjust to and couldn't help but wonder how the other boy had ended up in that sort of state; too thin and covered in scars, trembling from-- what he would guess-- both exhaustion and anxiety. Lucas could hardly believe the other was still able to do anything with how malnourished he was and hoped this change would be good for the other, because obviously where he had been before hadn't been the sort of place anyone would want to be.[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]

    Axel could not meet Lucas's gaze as he laid down, curling up a tight as he could and pulled the blankets over his body, too tired to change. He heard that dinner was soon but his stomach churned at the thought of food, not used to being able to eat at all. His father occasionally refused to let him eat for days on end until he was near collapsing. He let his eyes close, sleeping clean through dinner and woke hours later, rolling over onto his side as his beanie fell off. He got up to his feet, his body twinging and weak as he grasped a towel and clean pajamas before heading into the shower in the room. He knew they would leave food for him, but he didn't plan on touching it instead shedding his clothes as he shut the bathroom door but left it lightly cracked open. His shirt came off and indeed the scars didn't stop there, going all the way up to his shoulders and even were on his thighs, much deeper there. He gazed into the mirror as he let the water heat up, growing the same sense of disgust he always did.

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    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;][b]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;]After Lucas had finished helping prepare dinner, he went around to call everyone to the meal. Axel had yet to make an appearance since he arrived and so Lucas figured he must still be upstairs. [i]Probably sleeping, his mind supplied as he moved into the front entryway, climbing the stairs to the second floor. First he made a left to check the girls' rooms, making sure that everyone knew it was mealtime, then retraced his steps to make a right. The first door he came to was th younger boys' room-- which he opened to make sure was empty-- then moved on to the second door, opening it gently in case Axel really was sleeping. While he wanted the other eating, if the other was as exhausted as he'd looked it would probably be better to let him sleep and savee something for him.


    Sure enough, the younger boy had drifted off, curled up and looking small even on the relatively narrow single he'd claimed. A frown surfaced on Lucas' fair visage as he allowed himself a few moments just to look at the other before he backed out of the room, closing the door behind him as gently as he'd opened it. Living separately from his parents then, there was no hurry for him to return to the apartment he called his home. He thought he might as well go and join everyone downstairs to eat and that is exactly what he did.


    After dinner was over and everything had been cleaned up, leftovers put away and dishes either cleaned by hand or placed in the rumbling dishwasher, Lucas settled himself on the couch in the living room. Tomorrow was the only day this week he would have off from classes but he still had to go in for work, later in the afternoon and so he was still in no rush to leave. Instead, he allowed himself to relax as one of the older children of the home put on a movie and it wasn't long before the weariness that had been plaguing him for almost the entirety of the day began lulling him to sleep. It would be hours before he woke-- left alone by the owner of the home save for a blanket pulled over him-- by some inexplicable urging of his subconscious.[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]

    Axel stood underneath the hot water for a while before beginning to clean his body slowly. He finished up after a while, stepping out and wrapped a towel around his waist. He could hear the faint movements of the other beings in the house settling down for the night, glad he had a room to himself despite how big it was. He dried off and tugged on his pajamas, which was a long sleeved baggy T-shirt and shorts that covered his scrawny thighs just enough so the scars didn't show. Axel was hoping nobody else was awake as he padded down to the kitchen, deciding to attempt to eat a bit before he called it a night.


    His footsteps were incredibly light and soft thanks to practice from living with his father, freezing in his tracks as he saw Lucas dozing on the couch. The male looked calm and relaxed, a slight blush over his cheeks but he quickly pushed it aside as he hurried into the kitchen, his normal habits taking over. Axel took only a small apple, careful not to make any noise as he shut the refrigerator door and began to sneak past Lucas once more.

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    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://i106.photobucket.com/al…/GIFs/Random/9ddd1ec0.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 15px;][/fancypost] [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://data.whicdn.com/images/38663845/large.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-left:15px;][/fancypost]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;]As Lucas slipped back into the waking world he brought a hand from under the blanket covering him to rub gently at his eyes, lids still heavy with sleep. When he was able to peel them open he took his time surveying his surroundings and came to the conclusion he must've dropped off during the movie-- which he remembered absolutely none of. The house was dark now, though, and he had no intention of going anywhere this late. Instead, he settled back against the cushion behind him, sinking into the plush material with a heavy breath before pulling the blanket around him tighter. While this probably wasn't a good place to be sleeping, Lucas couldn't care less. Even when he knew he would be paying for it in the morning when he awoke, neck and back sure to ache, he was just so tired and ready to fall back into whatever dream he'd been having before he had been roused.


    Just as he was about to allow himself to close his eyes and drift back off, movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention and he turned his head, expecting to see one of the kids sneaking some kind of snack, hiding it behind them with the same excuse used every time-- [i]Sorry, I was just thirsty-- and of course Lucas let them get away with it. It was amusing, really. But what he wasn't prepared for was who it was sneaking food from the kitchen. Axel. Despite the late hour, he looked like he had just bathed. With the aid of the what moonlight was able to filtering in from the windows he could tell the other's hair was damp and his skin flushed from standing under the hot stream of a shower, the pale tone pinker than it had appeared earlier.


    Lucas' surprised faded relatively fast, though, because of course it was Axel. The other had probably only just woken up and hadn't had anything to eat yet. He hummed sleepily as the other tried to sneak past him, not having realized that he was already awake. [b]"Hey," He drawled quietly before the other could make it halfway across the room, voice husky and somewhat slurred as he tried to wake himself up enough to form coherent thoughts. "Sorry I didn't wake you for dinner. Are you sure you don't want more than that apple?"[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]

    Axel was just about to head up the stairs when heard a deep and husky voice, chills sent straight up his spine as he jumped and nearly fell to his feet.He hadn't been expecting Lucas to be awake so it terrified him, making him clutch the apple to his frail chest as he tried to calm his shot nerves. He cautiously stepped back around so he could face Lucas, his soft blue eyes quickly flicking over his form to make sure he didn't have any weapons or bottles on him. His pants hung low on his hipbones, his drying hair pushed back from his gaunt face. "I...I can't eat more than this..' Axel said softly, not used to being allowed talked to gently and especially in such a warm, husky voice. Another reason his father beat him so awfully was that he preferred boys rather than girls and it made him shy about his sexuality.

    [align=center][fancypost bgcolor=#E8E8E8; border: 5px solid white; width: 350px;]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://i106.photobucket.com/al…/GIFs/Random/9ddd1ec0.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 15px;][/fancypost] [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://data.whicdn.com/images/38663845/large.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-left:15px;][/fancypost]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;][i]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;]A short, but no less sincere, apology left Lucas' lips when he realized how bad he'd scared the younger boy by speaking up. Then he was letting out another quiet hum, this time in reply as his he dragged his gaze over the other's form, lips pressed tight as his sleep addled brain processed the piece of information he had been given. Couldn't eat more than an apple? God, how small was this guy's stomach? How much food had he been denied to make him so incredibly thin? It was obvious it wasn't himself who was unwilling to eat by the fact he'd even come down to snag something from the kitchen this late; which was oddly relieving. It was just nice to know he wasn't doing this to himself.


    [b]"Hey, listen..." He began slowly, tongue darting out to wet his lips as he paused, thinking hard over his next choice of words. "If you ever need anything or want to talk about something, I'm here. Alright?" Even if the other had only been introduced to him that afternoon, Lucas wanted to help. Whatever had happened to him-- whatever he was struggling with-- he wanted to make sure it never happened again, the urge to protect the frail boy covered in scars standing across the room nearly swallowing him whole. But he couldn't help if the other didn't want him to. If the other wasn't comfortable enough talking to him, coming to him, he didn't want to push him to do so. He was okay with waiting.[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]

    Axel was fairly surprised as Lucas apologized for scaring him, feeling even more awkward as he moved into the slight light from the TV so he was more visible. His eyes followed Lucas's tongue over his supple lips, his breath soft and he had to tear his eyes away. "... Thank you.. " Axel said a bit more clearly this time, dipping his head shyly as he still had the apple clutched to his chest and hoped he hadn't bruised it too badly. He took in a short breath before moving and heading up the stairs, Lucas's warm voice staying in his mind the whole time as he headed for his new bedroom and nearly got mixed up. Luckily he remembered, opening the door an promptly sat on his bed to begin to eat the apple, which took him almost an hour to choke it down. He hadn't regained his appetite and he knew it would take a long time before he did.

    [align=center][fancypost bgcolor=#E8E8E8; border: 5px solid white; width: 350px;]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://i106.photobucket.com/al…/GIFs/Random/9ddd1ec0.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 15px;][/fancypost] [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://data.whicdn.com/images/38663845/large.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-left:15px;][/fancypost]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;][sorry, my muse hasn't been very cooperative recently. ^^]


    It wasn't long before Lucas found himself drifting off again. It was way too late to be up, anyway, and he had work the next day. He needed this sleep more than anything at the moment. All those late nights staying up to study and finish projects and essays were definitely been to get to him. He inhaled once through his mouth, letting it out slowly before pulling the blanket on him closer to himself again, letting his heavy eyes close.


    When he was awoken the next morning it was by the sound of kids moving around him, no doubt getting ready to head off to school. It was still too early for Lucas-- he didn't have to be anywhere until later that afternoon. The male let out a groan and shifted on the couch, the realization of where he'd fallen asleep hitting him like a brick. A very painful brick. He was paying for it just as he thought he would. There was a terrible crick in his next and his back was sore but that wouldn't stop him from trying to catch a few more minutes.


    He would have, too, even despite the noise, if someone hadn't seen him moving and decided it was a good idea to pounce. Giggling reached his ears and Lucas grunted at the sudden weight on his stomach. [b]"You're taking up the whole couch!" Complained his attacker and Lucas figured there was no way now for him to drift back off. He shifted again and let his eyes open slowly, scowling grumpily at the little boy sitting on his abdomen, though his expression shifted at the grin the other held on his face. "I was [i]sleeping." Lucas complained half-heartedly as he used his hands to steady the younger boy and shift him into his lap while sat up. "You're not supposed to be sitting around anyway. Aren't you supposed to be getting ready for school?" He dug his fingers playfully into the boy's sides at this inquiry, earning a few squeals and giggles amid protests protests before the other was trying to pry his hands away so he could breath properly. "But I'm done!" The child proclaimed to which Lucas merely raised a quizzical brow. "Where are your shoes?" This had the boy scrambling to get away, hurrying across the room on socked feet to look for the pair lest he be tickled again.[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]

    OOC: Sorry, my muse left me and I didn't want to give you a crappy response. Sorry if it's short.


    Axel had barely finished the apple he had taken before laying down and going into a fitful sleep, having no need to set an alarm since he had graduated and was too poor to afford to go to college. Like always, he had awful nightmares of his mothers death and his abusive father, his breathing soft and rapid as his muscles twitched and he tossed and turned like no other. He stirred at the sound of movement in the house, remembering that there were little kids here and that they had to go to school. He sat up, rubbing his head sleepily as it took a moment for him to realize where he was and anxiety attacked, making him stay int the bed since he was far too nervous to go down and try to eat in front of others.


    Axel took in a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself, letting his legs dangle over the edge of the bed and flinched as he heard faint laughter from downstairs, automatically thinking that they were talking about him and laughing about how pitiful he was. His mood dropped, getting up to close the shades of the window and flopped back onto his bed as his thumb ran over the deep scars on his wrist, pressing down absentmindedly to draw some pain to help distract him. Axel curled up into a tight ball as he laid there limply, his soft blue eyes gazing up at the ceiling. He couldn't help but think about Lucas and how he had seen the concerned look in his eyes whenever he spoke, reminding himself to speak up a little so the male wouldn't lean in too close. He hated anybody being too close to him, since it set off anxiety attacks and his chest usually tightened in preparation of being struck, since his father had always gotten in his face before hitting him.

    [justify](Ahh, ohmygoodness. Sooo sorry. I haven't been on here in a long time due to school and other personal reasons. I'm going to try to be more active and hopefully I'll have a reply by later tonight or tomorrow. ^-^)[/justify]

    [align=center][fancypost bgcolor=#E8E8E8; border: 5px solid white; width: 350px;]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://i106.photobucket.com/al…/GIFs/Random/9ddd1ec0.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 15px;][/fancypost] [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: 5px solid white; height: 80px; width: 60px; background:url(http://data.whicdn.com/images/38663845/large.gif) center; border-radius: 300px; background-size: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-left:15px;][/fancypost]

    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: black;width: 300px; height: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -2px; margin-top:10px; font-size: 30px; padding: 1px;][i][b]LUCAS GRAHAM[/fancypost][fancypost bgcolor=transparent;border: none; width: 350px; margin-top: 2px;][fancypost bgcolor=white; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin-left: -4px;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; height: 200px; padding: 0px; padding-right: 27px; overflow: auto;][fancypost bgcolor=; border: none; width: 305px; min-height: 200px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; text-align: justify; color: black; font-family: verdana;]Lucas ran a hand through his sleep mused hair to try and tame it at least a little before pressing the heels of his palms to his eyes, rubbing away the rest of the sleep that clung to his lids. The smell of bacon, eggs, and the like coming from the kitchen made a small smile surface on his face. These mornings it reminded him of being back home with his own parents, his mom getting breakfast ready for when he and his father finally woke up. He pulled the blanket from himself, shivering when the colder air of the home hit his warmed body, and pushed himself up and off the couch before heading to the kitchen to help finish with breakfast while snagging something to eat for himself.


    After he had gotten something to settle his rumbling stomach-- as well as a cup of coffee to fuel his still sleep deprived self-- he walked with the kids and teens to their bus stops, chatting with them about what they had been doing in school or what was coming up. One person continued to plague his mind, though, as he walked home. He hadn't seen Axel with the group of older kids and wondered if he was old enough to have graduated high school and if he was up and had been down to get something to eat in his absence. Thankfully, the bus stop for the kids wasn't too far away and in no time he found himself back inside the orphanage.[/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost][/fancypost]
    [fancypost bgcolor=transparent; border: none;font-family: arial;text-align: center;color: white;width: 390px; text-transform: uppercase;margin-top: -3px; font-size:8px; line-height: 11px;]hidden scrolling | lightsy loves you[/fancypost]

    Axel could hear the movement of teenagers and children alike getting ready for school, along with a faint but familiar deep voice that he knew was Lucas's. He closed his eyes as he tried to calm himself down, relieved as he heard the door shut and silence fall over the house, getting up slowly with his feet touching the cool floor but he didn't mind the cold too much. He brushed his hair out of his face as he tugged his baggy shirt around him, sighing lightly as his stomach rumbled. The apple hadn't done much to sate his hunger, but going out and being caught by Lucas had scared him a bit since he was used to being punished for getting food late at night. Axel knew he was safe in the orphanage, his feet stepping almost silently over the floors until he reached the stairs, enjoying the smell of bacon and eggs greatly, his mood lifting bit by bit. Hopefully he would be left alone to eat since he didn't usually grab a whole lot and people always pushed him to eat more until he was in pain from eating so much.


    Axel hesitated at the end of the stairs, listening to see if anyone was back yet before he headed into the kitchen, giving a weak and empty smile to the owner. He grabbed a plate and put a slice of bacon and a spoonful of eggs onto his plate before he sat down at the table, placing the napkin in his lap, tensing a little as he heard the front door shut and footsteps heading towards the kitchen. Axel took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly as he began to nibble on the slice of bacon, relaxing as the bits of food began to fill his empty stomach and let him relax a bit more. There wasn't much to do in the orphanage, Axel knew that much, but he just wanted to sleep and eat until his body decided to give up on him and stay away from the others. Or until the owner decided to kick him out or force him to get a job, his brows knitting together at the thought of interacting with strangers who might be hostile.