Alex

Alex tried to sound as nice and soft as possible when he greeted the person. “Hello, I’m Alex. Nice to meet you. What would you like to confess today?”

The person cleared their throat and then started speaking, barely audibly. Alex instantly recognized him. It was Jack. He was relieved that he had actually come.

“I know that normally confession is for telling someone your sins but I only have one little sin I’d have to tell you and I’d much more like to talk about a problem I have.”

“Tell me your sin first and then the problem,” Alex replied warmly.

“So… I thought about hitting someone… with a heavy thing… on the head,” Jack whispered hesitantly.

“I think everyone does that every once in a while,” Alex said. “But was it like you wanted them to die?”

“Yes,” Jack said in a hushed voice.

“The person probably did something to induce these thoughts. Try to abstain from them though.”

“I will try,” Jack said.

“Anything else in terms of sins?” There was a bit of a silence.

“No.”

“Then you shall be free of your sins, all is forgiven before the Lord. Amen.”

“Amen.”

“Okay, now the other thing you wanted to talk about?”

“Right… Well… I have a problem in my relationship?” Jack said hesitantly.

“What kind of problem?” Alex said softly.

“I- My partner… abuses me?” Jack whispered.

“How?”

“He… hurts me. But also emotionally,” Jack said with his voice being very shaky.

“Have you told anyone about it?” Alex replied.

“No, he doesn’t let me have much contact to people.” Alex could hear a little bit of sniffling.

“Have you tried leaving him?”

“Yes… But it was awful and it has gotten worse since.”

“Would you like to tell the police? Domestic abuse can be prosecuted.”

“No, I couldn’t ever do that! I don’t want him to go to jail!” Jack said quickly.

“But he’s hurting you."

“I… I still love him, I guess.”

“Would you like me to talk to him?” Alex offered.

“I don’t know…”

“There is a high risk of you getting seriously injured, in my opinion.”

“I’m scared though…” Jack hesitated.

“Well think about it. It’ll be alright. I’m always here if you need me,” Alex said.

“Thank you so much.”

“Anything else?” Alex asked. There was a small pause.

“Could I… hug you? Or is that sinful?” Jack whispered hopefully.

“Of course you can hug me!” Alex smiled.

“Meet you outside?”

A few seconds later, they were standing in front of each other. Alex held out his arms quite awkwardly while Jack went into them. There was a bit of confusion about where to put each’s arms but they managed. Alex rubbed Jack’s back carefully while resting his head on Jack’s shoulder, inhaling his scent. He smelled nice.

It had been a long time since either of them had hugged someone. It made both feel warmer inside. Alex wasn’t worried at all about Jack being gay; he had never thought well of this part of the opinion of the Vatican.

“I… I should go,” Jack said after a little bit and broke the hug.

“Yes,” Alex agreed awkwardly. “Take good care,” he said as Jack walked away. The lanky, black-blonde haired boy turned around and smiled slightly.

“You too.”

Notes

Awwsies! Aren't they cute? :3

Thank you all so much for 5,000 views! c:

-Laura