O L L I E

"Come on bud. Can't you just throw in some combinations? Staring at it for hours end is not going to cut it, just saying," Trevor impatiently said and leaned against his chair, while I rested both of my folded elbows on the table, my chin on top of it, as I wracked my brains out, trying to figure out the password.

This is not what I was expecting. I need to remember what the key was because I'm running out of time, literally. Another frustrated sigh slipped out of my lips as I continued to trace my fingers on the carvings of the box. It is shaped like a miniature treasure chest, but instead of a classic padlock, it has a small circular lock, where you turn each disk to form the key. It has six disks, which means, six characters. I only have limited tries... specifically, three tries.

"You wouldn't be giving me that kind of attitude if you knew what's inside," I mumbled in a pouty tone, and he arched his brows, urging me to elaborate. I sighed at sat up, straightened my back, and looked at Trevor intently. "It's a microchip that will convict Elena of her crimes. The one my parents painstakingly gathered over the past three years." Each word made Trevor's eyes turned wide and his mouth agape.

He glanced at the box and me back and forth, as he brushed his hair in frustration and exhaled deeply. "Oliver, you put the crucial evidence in a trash?"

I gasped at his accusation and brought the vintage box to my chest, hugging it protectively. "For your information, Trev, this is a very important present my parents gave me. Just so you know, the contents inside will explode if we just punched some random combinations," I defended my box and he just sighed.

That is what attracted me to this box. It was specially made to self-destruct in case the content went to the wrong hands. I'm getting a clear idea why dad insisted I accept this box. It was for this purpose. Actually, aside from the microchip, there was a small note attached to the box, on where I should hide it.

"Alright. Anyway, how many times can you enter the combination before it explodes? That's some pretty intricate device. Devon would love to examine it," he said with a smile while I checked the whole box intently for some clues.

"I believe I have three tries. This is so difficult. Why can't I remember the password?"

"We can ask Devon to do some techie stuff on it. I'll just call him--"

"No! That won't work. This box was designed to be opened by its password only." Trevor and I exhaled another impatient sigh as we both figure out the correct password.

"Okay. To start off, why did you forget the password? What were you doing at that time? Maybe you can remember the key through some context clues," he suggested and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Honestly, I was kind of spaced out during this time. I was busy with my parents' funeral..." I felt a pang of pain when I remembered those times, but I have no time to be weak or cry right now. As of the moment, Elena and Bryce are devising a plan to get rid of me, and I won't let my parents' and grandparents' hard work go down the drain. I swallowed the lodge in my throat and continued, ignoring the looks of sympathy in Trevor's eyes, though I appreciate it.

"Before he died, Dad mentioned some important documents hidden in our safety box, and I was actually expecting some papers, but I was surprised when I saw a lone microchip inside a small box."

Curiosity led me to access the files and I was blown away by the amount of evidence against Elena's embezzlements, bribes, and even audio recordings of Bryce's insults and offensive words. Then I remembered my bugged necklace, and I cried the whole night in the library after that. I just can't believe the love my mom and dad had for me; it can't even hold a candle to anyone in this world, not even Stefan. Because those are different types of love, but it's love nevertheless.

I had never been more thankful to God for giving me such loving and caring parents, and understanding grandparents. They accepted me wholly, and they supported me when I came out of the closet. Grandpa became even more protective of me and Grandma doted on me endlessly.

"Where are your grandparents right now?" Trevor asked and my face sported a solemn look. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't know. It must have been hard, bud."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Weren't your grandparents...you know... dead?" He asked carefully, and I guffawed at that, confusing him even more.

"No, none of that. They are so alive and kicking. I think they're in Asia right now. They are so busy traveling the world, now that they have enough time to enjoy themselves. I really need to work on my delivery." I chuckled when I noticed his unbelievable expression.

"Yeah, you should," he said with a shake of his head, then straightened his posture abruptly. "If they're alive, and they absolutely adore you so much, then how come they don't keep Elena in line—oh." He figured it out immediately when he saw my evasive reactions. "They don't know."

I nodded and bit my lip. "They don't even know that my parents were in an accident."

"How did that even happen? You're elites. Of course, the world is going to know what happened to you." I showed him a tired smile and nod my head.

"Exactly, but Elena made sure that the news did not go out. It almost seemed like a news blackout. That's why, only a few relatives were at the wake, and I'm sure Elena paid them a hefty amount so they won't tattle." Trevor's hard expression became prominent as he clenched his fists.

"Fuck. That's so messed up. I bet they would also make your death seem like an accident. Those conniving lowlifes. What about the police?" I shook my head.

"Elena got all the bases covered. It was thoroughly planned—like they were waiting for that specific moment."

Trevor gritted his teeth and all this talk has drained me so much, I need to be with my daddy. As if on cue, Stefan groaned in his sleep and reach for my side of the bed, then grunted when he didn't feel me there.

I got on my feet and Trevor pointed to Stefan. "We'll talk about this later, bud. Go to your man. I promise we'll figure something out." I uttered a soft 'thank you' and rushed towards the bed, smiling down at Stefan as his arm automatically wrapped around my waist and nuzzled on my side, while I leaned against the headboard and brushed his hair softly. Today is going to be a long one.

**********

I can still feel the tension in Stefan's muscles as he held his breath, anticipating what I'm about to say. I honestly thought I would experience another episode of an anxiety attack, or even hyperventilate, but just seeing the hesitance and sheer will on Stef's face is so comical, all my nerves died down.

"Daddy, breathe. I can't have you passing out before I even start my story," I said with a giggle, and when he observed my calm demeanor, he exhaled audibly and shifted his position so we can see each other, face to face.

"I'm glad you're doing fine, baby boy. I kind of have an inkling of what you're about to tell me, but are you sure?" He considerately asked me and the love and understanding from his words are overflowing, I had to keep myself from jumping to his arms and clinging to him like a koala. I never expected this kind of development, where I can share what happened with me in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

"I'm not scared anymore," I subconsciously voiced out, gasping at my own words, and he smiled at me proudly. I even surprised myself with that realization. I'm not scared anymore, that's why I can act calmly right now. I don't feel those heavy chains dragging me back into the darkness, and it's absolutely because of Stefan.

I don't know when it happened, but ever since I met Stefan, he served as a beacon of light that I can't seem to escape from, that left me wanting to be out in the light and bravely leave the dark I have been thrown into. He gave me the courage to stand up again and his love and support are the main reason why I can finally face my demons.

It's all because of my daddy. My kind, loving, and thoughtful daddy. My emotions overflowed as my throat clamped up, and my eyes spring with tears, streaming one by one on my face. Stefan gasped and went on full alert, as he cupped my cheeks to look straight into my eyes.

"Hey, baby. Why the tears? Do you hurt anywhere? Should I call Trevor? Or maybe Isaac--" I cut him off with a quick kiss and shook my head.

"I'm fine, daddy. It just hurts to think what might life have been if I didn't bump into you that day in the hotel, I would just be moving from place to place, escaping from Elena and Bryce, feeling anxious, paranoid, and lonely," I confessed honestly and he gave me his signature smile, the one that makes me feel fuzzy and giddy all over.

He reached for my waist and sat me down on his lap, as he gently tucked my bangs behind my ear, before pressing a soft kiss on my forehead, and resting his chin on top of my head. My arms went to his torso so I could also embrace him and feel his body heat. Being so close to him, I can feel the loud pounding of his heart and his bodily reactions towards me, and I can't help but be flattered. He really loves me so much.

"As for me, I guess I would be wasting my life away with alcohol and work. You don't know how much you saved me from a life of monotony and despair, my love. And I will always thank the heavens above for letting us meet each other." He pulled back for a bit and I gasped at the unshed tears filling his emerald eyes. Oh, my sweet and kind daddy. My daddy. Mine.

I cupped his cheeks and uttered an 'I love you' before crashing my lips against his; the kiss was wet, wanting, and passionate. We poured everything we had on that kiss, and when we finally decided to let go of each other, our smiles were so bright it can lighten up the whole room.

"I love you so much, Daddy."

"My life would be nothing without you, my baby," he whispered and we shared another kiss, our tongues swirling passionately. After a few minutes of showing our love to one another, he took a deep breath and stared at me. "Okay, I'm all good. I'm ready to hear your story. This time, I mean it." I chuckled softly at that, considering his burning stare on my throbbing lips.

I climbed off his lap and sat in front of him, his hands holding mine protectively, silently letting me know that he's right there, and he will be there to catch me when I finally drop from this comfortable place I am resting in. I filled my lungs with oxygen and began my story from the first time Bryce insulted me. Then it escalated to physical attacks, where he would trip and sometimes attempt to punch and kick me when no one's looking.

Most of the time, Bryce wouldn't even hesitate to throw a hard punch on my stomach and everywhere in my body, as long as it was not visible and can be hidden. This was the time before my parents assigned me a security detail. When they found out the bruises that I painstakingly hid under my sweaters and concealers, Dad was so mad he got Bryce behind bars for physical assault, only to be bailed by Elena. Since then, guards were always on my heels, and I felt more secure than ever.

But that unfortunate incident was not one of the times where I was heavily guarded. I went out for a walk in the park with only one guard, and since I was familiar with the place, I let my guards down and sneakily did some exploring on my own, not knowing that someone is out to get me. That someone was Bryce.

I felt Stefan's gentle squeezes on my hands and from the way his face flinched and tensed up, I can feel the anger and fury that was slowly building up. I know Bryce won't be able get away once Stefan got a hold of him. I have no intention of stopping Stefan. I can't imagine how he's feeling right now, patiently waiting for me to finish my story just like he promised without making a huge fuss. Listening to me get hurt and abused is pure torture for my daddy who treasures me so, so much.

"Daddy, to ease your mind. We did not go all the way. I kicked him down there when I got over the shock and fear. It was thanks to the beeping of my phone that I was able to escape from his clutches. But every time my mind wanders to that specific memory, how he slammed my body and choked me, his hands all over my body, the fear and shock from his rough manhandling got me frozen on the spot. I still feel nauseous just thinking about it," I shared, hoping to ease his worries but Stefan remained livid, if not, even angrier.

He pulled me against him and hugged me tight, the rage radiating from his body, but it doesn't even scare me. Because over and over, Stefan proved himself to me that he won't ever hurt me. "Fuck. I swear, baby boy. He will get what he deserved. How dare he hurt you with his dirty hands? How dare he bully you and degrade you? No one is allowed to hurt you... over my dead body," he promised and then he pushed me back slightly as I get subjected to his scrutinizing gaze, as if the assault happened yesterday.

"Daddy... it's all healed." I smiled and assured him, but he frowned and shook his head.

"The physical scars, yes, but the emotional wound he inflicted... the pain, terror, and trauma... I know it's still there. I'm here to receive it all, so let it all out, my love. Let it all go." As if on cue, my eyes welled with tears and the sobs came out forcefully as I cried on Stefan's chest... all the negative emotions coming down as if it happened yesterday.

The days where I cried myself to sleep, asking the heavens why would people feel the need to show their superiority by hurting others, as the bruises and wounds throbbed and pulsed with so much pain, and the fact that I was not able to tell my parents about it because of Bryce's threats just made it all worse. That time, I was still on the fence about coming out, and Bryce used that as leverage to bully me.

I remembered crying when I got home from the park, locked myself in my room and asked my parents not to disturb me because I was busy painting. But I just cried the entire night, excusing my red and puffy eyes from lack of sleep.

All those negative emotions swirling in my system almost boiled over, but painting was my escape. Painting brought me catharsis. I placed everything on canvas, and I hope I can show Stefan that dark part of my life someday. If I didn't have painting... I wouldn't be here right now. The depressing thoughts my mind conjured at that time were so horrifying I was glad I was able to cope with the help of painting.

My sweet daddy helped me throughout my drop, and the emotional exhaustion was so taxing, I leaned on Stefan and he just wrapped his arms around me tighter. "You can rest, for now, my love. You were so brave. I couldn't be prouder. Rest for now and I promise everything will get better from now on." The gentle words and Stefan's deep and baritone voice lulled me to sleep, my guards down as I entrust myself to him.

"A warm bath with you when I woke up, daddy bear?" I sleepily asked; a yawn on my lips.

Stefan rubbed my back and kissed the crown of my head. "Of course, little prince. Anything for you."

I nodded and closed my eyes, as I inhaled his manly and comforting scent.

*****

S T E F A N

I gingerly lifted Oliver and carried him back to the mansion, my arm on the back of his knees while the other supports his torso, his face buried in the crook of my neck, my baby so exhausted from sharing such a traumatic experience. It was extremely hard to sit still and listen to him talk about his assault. I felt so useless, not being able to do anything.

If Oliver found out what I was thinking, he would quickly kiss my insecurities away and tell me how silly I am for thinking such nonsense. There's nothing I can do for the 'past Ollie', but there are a lot of ways I can take to make sure that his present and future remains safe, secure, and happy.

Even if Peterson did not succeed on violating Oliver, the fact remains that he physically and verbally abused my baby, my precious person, and I won't let him get away with that. Nobody has any license to inflict pain on anybody. The fear, the trauma, and the insecurities he inflicted on Oliver just to feed his misplaced egotism and own insecurities just heightened my rage.

I entered the living room, and saw Devon and Trevor on the couch, busy with their tasks at hand. Devon was the one who noticed the dark expression on my face and placed his laptop on the space beside him. "Hey, out to kill someone?" Devon joked and he couldn't be more right. Trevor lifted his face to glance at me, then to Oliver before sighing and closing his laptop.

"I need to talk to you about the case, but it's better to do it when Oliver's awake."

The frown on my face gave away my confusion so Trevor added, "He knows, Stefan. He knows a lot more than you can imagine." A silent curse slipped out of my mouth, and hugged Oliver tighter, as I stare down at his sleeping face, the tear stains so apparent.

I promise not to let him get hurt again. As much as possible, I want my baby to separate himself from this case, put him in a safe cocoon where he can enjoy a good life, but fate is not that kind and forgiving. I sighed and nodded to my friends. "Got it. I'll be in our room if you guys need anything. For now, please help me with the case and coordinate with dad," I instructed Trevor and he nodded. I turned towards Devon. "Do we have enough evidence to keep them behind bars?"

"Actually, an informant of mine mentioned that Oliver's parents were actually working on a lawsuit against Elena, and they were able to gather incriminating proofs. I'm still trying to find where those proofs are," Devon sighed and massaged his temples.

This case is taking a toll on our physical and mental health, and I will make sure to give them the break they deserve after this fiasco. Trevor cleared his throat and we turned our attention to him. With a smirk on his face, he pointed to Oliver. "Proof, you ask? We already have him, snoring softly in Stefan's embrace."

TO BE CONTINUED