Epilogue

Matt sat sprawled on the couch with Avery's head in his lap as they watched TV. He ran his fingers through the silky ebony tresses. Avery snuggled closer, wrapping his hand over Matt's thigh.

He couldn't believe how happy they were, how happy Avery was. Now.

Avery had spent the last few months of his senior year living at Matt's mom's house. Matt was so grateful to his mother and sister for being so understanding. He'd spent a week in the hospital and before being released to live at his mom's house, where Matt had coddled and cared for him until Avery was basically shoving him away playfully. Both Matt and his mom had helped Avery keep up with his school work, so he didn't fall behind.

When it was time to finally return to school, Avery had been terrified of his first public outing without Matt. But Erin had been right there beside him when he'd walked back into the school, standing by him as the inevitable stares greeted him.

But Avery had been surprised by how the town had rallied around him. Instead of being looked at with disgust like he'd thought, everyone had been almost apologetic, saying they'd felt something was off and wished Avery had felt like he could confide in them. Matt wasn't so sure that helped much either--telling Avery they thought something was wrong but it was Avery's fault because he didn't feel he could trust them? He knew what they were trying to say, but it was better to just say they were sorry he'd been through that and support his healing. Blaming themselves or asking Avery why he couldn't he tell them wasn't conducive to Avery's healing process.

What did help some was watching Travis Nelson and the D.A. annihilate Carl Greene and William Degasio in court. Carl's trial was short and simple, he'd been caught in the act of trying to murder his son, so between all the forensic evidence as well as testimony from all the officers and medics, it didn't take long for the jury to convict the man. Degasio had tried to flee, but had been caught when the man used a credit card at a hotel in Arizona. Apparently, they offered the butler, Barry something or other, a plea bargain for his testimony against Degasio.

Degasio's trial was also rather quick as he apparently had kept digital video files of the teens he'd molested. Stupid, but helpful in convicting his ass. Both men would be serving life sentences, and Matt secretly hoped they both got a taste of their own perversities from the other inmates.

The first few months living at Mrs. Andrews' house while he finished high school, Avery had been his usual withdrawn self, and Matt could see the guilt and shame eating at his boyfriend. But trips to the therapist had gradually opened him up, not only to him but to others as well.

The therapy sessions were hardest at the beginning, of course. Avery had had sessions three times a week to start. Dr. Alice Morgan was a wonderfully even tempered, soft spoken woman, who was willing to push Avery just enough out of his comfort zone to get him to break through his self-recriminations and shame, and offered him solace in forgiving himself, laying blame where it was due, and learning to move on.

Matt even went with Avery for some 'family' sessions. He knew Avery would be uncomfortable with certain kinds of affection for a while, and Dr. Morgan had helped them explore what Avery could accept and when. Every month, Avery slowly let Matt in more and more. While touch was important to their growing relationship, it wasn't the sole focus of it. Even though Matt ached to show Avery how much he loved him by holding him and wanting to kiss away every horrible scar his father had left on him, Matt showed Avery how much he loved him in other ways too--cooking him dinner, encouraging him in school, sitting and talking or even just watching TV together. Matt had several of Avery's drawings framed to hang on their walls. They went hiking and enjoyed the quiet of the woods together. Sometimes, just sitting in silence together was all either of them needed.

Matt had continued working at the vet's office until Avery had graduated --with honors even. After graduation, Matt had found an apartment right off campus for them. They were both going to State College in the fall--Matt had pressed Avery to try it, knowing he'd love immersing himself in the academic world. Avery had been offered a hardship scholarship at State, as well as a part time job in the library, which was one of the best jobs Matt could hope for for Avery for now--something quiet and non-stressful.

Matt had landed a position as a teaching assistant in the biology department, so they were both able to attend classes and still earn enough to support themselves. Avery was especially happy to have a job and feel like he was contributing by giving part of his paycheck to their rent.

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It had been over nine months now, since Avery's father had tried to kill him, and Avery seemed like a different person. He wore better fitting clothes and had even worn shorts and T-shirts through the summer. He refused still to go swimming without a shirt, though. The scars are his back still bothered him. He had only recently allowed Matt to see him without a shirt on and had even started sleeping shirtless, their previous make out sessions happening in the dark. The last month seemed to have been the biggest break through.

Up until then, their affection and love for each other was mostly expressed in kisses, gentle touches, hand holding, and even some cuddling. Eventually, Avery joined him in the bed, platonically, both in PJs spooning together. That was probably the hardest on Matt because he desperately wanted to show Avery what loving sex could be like, but he would wait for Avery to tell him when he was ready for that step.

Two months ago, Avery had started showing signs of wanting more. A hand sliding over his bare chest, accepting Matt's soft kisses to his bare belly, allowing Matt to offer back massages. Until, finally, Avery had begged Matt for release. Their first mutual masturbation session ended with both of them floating on a haze of euphoria. And Avery's smile nearly undid him.

After that, Avery's walls seemed to collapse in on themselves much faster. He'd given himself over to Matt, willing to fall over the edge and trust that Matt would be there to catch him. And he had. He always would be.

Their first time had been month ago. When they had made love, Matt could see the hesitation in Avery's eyes, but Avery had begged him to obliterate the memories of his father and Degasio. And Matt had done just that. While it was a little awkward at first, and they had had to take it nice and slow, he'd made sure Avery only felt the pleasure of their bodies melding into one. It was a moment of surrender and trust, and Matt coveted the gift that Avery gave him.

He stared down at the relaxed, lean body stretched out on the couch next to him. Matt played with the strands of hair feathering Avery's exposed neck laying on his lap. His fingers ghosted over the tendons to his collarbone. Yes, definitely a gift. A gift he'd never take for granted.

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Avery rolled over from where he was stretched out next to Matt to lay on his back, so he could see Matt clearly. Matt was staring at him oddly, like he did every once in a while, and Avery knew Matt was thinking again. Thinking about all that had happened.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Matt sighed. "Just thinking how lucky I am."

"Lucky?"

Matt brushed his fingers over Avery's jaw and down his throat, causing him to shiver in delight. "Yeah, lucky to have you."

Avery reached up and cupped Matt's jaw. "I'm the lucky one," he said softly.

One tug from Matt and Avery was scrambling up into his lap. He wasn't as small as he had been, but Matt didn't seem to mind. In fact, he kept trying to get Avery to eat more. And he was always bringing something new for Avery to try. He'd determined that he hated sushi but loved spring rolls, and Mexican was good as long as it wasn't really spicy.

He wasn't really much taller, just more filled out. He was still really self-conscious about his body, but Matt never noticed the scars anymore. He loved the way that Matt seems to almost worship his body when they made love, so soft and sensual, he would practically be vibrating.

Of course it had taken him a while to get to the point where he'd even take off his shirt in front of Matt. His therapy sessions were helping a lot, with his guilt and shame as well as rebuilding his confidence. His job helped a lot too. He was good at it, and his boss and co-workers told him so.

Sitting in Matt's lap with the strong arms wrapped around him, Avery couldn't help but smile at the interested glimmer in Matt's eyes. Avery tipped his head up and claimed Matt's lips, tasting, pressing, urgently seeking entrance. The warm mouth opened to him, and Avery felt Matt's tongue warring with his, each trying to get more of the other.

Matt's hands slid up under Avery's shirt, and Avery trembled with need. He loved Matt's touch. It was soft and caressing, protective and healing. They were nothing like his father's or Degasio's (may they both rot in hell), and Avery was learning that he was worthy of Matt's love.

Avery's fingers were quickly unbuttoning Matt's shirt, cool fingers ghosting over his sensitive nipples. He gasped against Avery's demanding kisses, and Avery smiled slightly. Avery's hands shoved Matt's shirt off his shoulders, and Matt shrugged out of it.

Matt slowly pulled Avery's T-shirt over his head and Avery knew he was watching for any signs of reluctance. Matt always made sure Avery was comfortable with it, never assuming it was alright. But Avery just grabbed the bottom of his shirt and threw it across the room. Matt grinned as he eased Avery onto his back.

"God, I love you," Matt whispered as he nibbled at Avery's throat, and Avery tilted his head back to offer his lover better access.

As Matt's hands slid over his ribs, Avery's lithe body arched under him, whimpering. Pressing kisses down his heaving chest, Matt slowly circled his tongue around one pink nipple then the other, eliciting a hiss of pleasure from Avery squirming under him.

Avery felt Matt's soft lips kissing their way over his thin ribs. Avery felt Matt pause at the waistband of the jeans, and he glanced up to see Matt staring at him again.

It had taken several months for Avery and Matt to get to the point where Avery was comfortable enough to let Matt see his abused body. He still had scars, mostly on his back, but Matt never saw them anymore. All he saw was the beautiful soul that survived the horror of his father's abuse and allowed Matt to love him.

But Avery quickly looked away, closing his eyes as he often did in an instinctive response when Matt gazed at him so intently. The worry that this time he'd see something other than love in Matt's eyes kept him still wanting to hide.

"Open your eyes, Avery," Matt said. "Don't hide from me."

"I'm--" Avery started to deny it but stopped, knowing he had. His thin fingers ghosted over one of his scars. "They're just so--"

"I will always see you for the beautiful person that you are. And you are mine."

Tears streaked down Avery's temples as he met the blue eyes gazing at him with complete adoration.

"You're the first to ever really see me," Avery choked.

Matt gently kissed Avery's temple. "Because you've let me."