: Violent content ahead. I'll put an asterisk so you guys know where the section begins and ends. For those with faint hearts, you can skip that part. Spoiler: it was brutal.

Stef's Office,

Stefan's Manor

O L L I E

I was roused from my sleep when I felt a tightening in my chest as if someone was ripping my heart out. I shot my eyes open and gasped, carefully scanning the bedroom I am in. When I saw the familiar paintings, inhaled the familiar scent that makes my heart race, and our picture together on the bedside table, I was able to breathe in relief.

I gently touched the side of my eyes, expecting it to hurt from too much crying, but I only felt a slight sting. My eyes caught the small basin filled with water-- the towel submerged inside-- a small smile creeping on my lips. Ever so thoughtful, my sweet daddy.

I gingerly climbed down from the bed, put on my slippers, and checked the clock. It was one in the morning, yet Stefan was still not on my side. Furrowing my brows and all of a sudden, my heart thumped with nervous energy, my gut instinct is telling me that he was able to find . The part of my past that I don't want him to know. Not because I want it to remain a secret, but because it was very painful.

If what I felt that time was pure torture, if Stefan got a hand of it, it would be hellish for him. I was on the fence when I told him about Bryce's assault, how much more if he heard how I was abused and beaten? I don't want him to be subjected to a very agonizing situation. However, not all wishes come true, no matter how much you need them to be.

When I got out of the room, what I witnessed almost got me dropping to the floor, my knees lost their strength in an instant, as I held onto the doorknob, biting my lip, in hopes of choking the sob threatening to fall from my lips.

Stefan was on the floor, his knees pulled up to his chest and his arms around it, tears flowing freely on his grief-stricken face, staring out in space. I took a deep breath and rubbed my eyes, wiping the tears that fell, and calmed myself down.

Relax, Ollie. Right now, your worst nightmare has come true, and in this scenario, you have to do your best to comfort Stefan.

I gritted my teeth, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes for a moment. Then opened it again, as I stared at my trembling hands. I clenched them and glanced at Stefan again... he needs me right now, more than anyone else... more than ever.

I walked slowly towards him, dragging my feet along with the invisible ball and chain on my ankles, the weight of it pulling me back but I need to get to Stefan. He needs me more than anything else right now. I need to go to him. When I finally got to take a good look at his face, his eyes tightly shut and his lips pressed into a thin line, a subtle trace of redness on the seam of his lips. Wine?

My eyes searched around for any trace of alcohol before I came to a realization. Its . I sucked a breath and my chest constricted as my heart shattered at the devastating sight. I kneeled and took in his raw, vulnerable, and miserable form. This is what I reduced him into.

I should've insisted Trevor and Devon delete the file, but they said that it was very important evidence that will add to Bryce's crimes, especially when I told them briefly what its contents are.

Did I make a bad decision after all? With trembling hands, I reached for his temples and tenderly pressed my lips. His eyes shot open as he stared at me in bewilderment. Then, his eyes flashed an emotion that made my heart beat painfully. No, it's not pity, but overwhelming love and regret.

Just by that, I already figured out what he was about to say. When he pulled me towards him, the words of love and apologies were delivered into my ears, and the tough facade I had been carrying since earlier was easily destroyed as I cried silently, holding Stefan's trembling body against me.

This is what I have been scared about. Him breaking down because of me. I admit, I was depressed and tormented back then, to the point of leaving it all behind... literally.

But still, there remained a glimmer of hope in my jaded heart, that things will get better. That no matter how I am just multiple fragments of myself forcefully glued together, someone out there will gladly accept my broken self and love me wholly. That tiny hope kept me going, and I wasn't wrong to have faith.

"Silly daddy. You shouldn't have listened. I don't want you to suffer as well because I love you, you get that right?" He nodded and tightened his arms around me even more.

I pulled his face from my neck and tried my hardest to wipe his tears without crying. His eyes were red and swollen, his lips reddish and busted with a small cut, but most of all... his palms. Trickles of dried blood were on his wrists and when I opened his hands, fresh blood kept on gushing from the open wound.

Trying to keep my composure, I stood up and rushed to the bedroom, grabbed some dried towel, and with misty eyes, wrapped the soft fabric on his hands to stop the bleeding. Stefan was just looking at me blankly as I lectured him on and on while I carefully tie the towels. I'll ask Trevor later to tend to Stefan's wounds.

"Silly daddy! Who told you to hurt yourself? What will happen if this gets infected? You know how important your hands are, right? You use them for work... and... and..." I shakily lifted his hands to my face as I sniffled and bit my lip to stifle the sobs, looking down at my lap, and letting the anguish consume me.

"You're crying... again. You're always crying." I snapped my head when I heard his wobbly voice, fresh tears flowing from his face that I just wiped. "Is it me? Do I always make you cry?"

I shook my head furiously and swallowed the lodge in my throat, gripping his wrists a little tighter. "N-no. It's not your fault. Don't you ever, ever... think and say that. You make me so happy, Stef." His eyes which were hollow and blank sparkled, as he focused his full attention on me.

I kissed his tears away and gently thumbed his cheeks, him leaning to my touch and closing his eyes, then kissed the inside of my palms so tenderly and lovingly. "I am so incredibly happy, daddy. To the point where I would not mind going through all of those ordeals again if I have you waiting for me at the end. If I have you who will accept me wholly, despite me being broken. If I have you to shower me with all of your love and make me feel like I'm the most precious and perfect person."

"But you are. You are the most important person in my life, Ollie," he countered and cupped my cheeks. He inhaled sharply and bit his lips, his eyes swelling with unshed tears. "It's just... it's so frustrating. I'm so mad at myself for the things I can't control. Hearing you get hurt over and over... your cries and your pleas fill my ears on repeat while I just sat there, listening to them beat up and hurt the person I treasure the most... it's crushing me, Ollie. To the point where I can't breathe." His words were filled with so much anger, frustration, and pain that just makes my tears overflow.

I swiftly wiped the new batches that flowed but my eyes kept on producing tears. "Damn it! If my tears don't stop, I'll die of dehydration," I mumbled angrily at myself as I stared at the ceiling, my hands fanning the sides of my eyes as if that would put a stop to it.

Is this method effective? Why do I feel like crying even more?

My hands stopped moving when I heard a snicker. My head slowly moved in the direction of the sound, and I found daddy biting his lip, his expression that of an amused one, as he exhaled audibly.

I used the sleeves of my hoodie to wipe his tears and pouted. "Are you making fun of me?"

He widened his eyes and shook his head, his hands settled on my thighs. "Nope. Not a chance," he defended with a smile, and I just let it go. After all, he's smiling again. A genuine one.

Stefan cleared his throat and looked at me hesitantly. "Baby boy?"

"Yes, daddy?"

"What happened... to your scars?" He carefully asked, eyeing my torso worriedly.

"Oh. I had to undergo laser surgery to have it erased. After all, who would want to carry traces of their pain? But I guess it differs from person to person? Some people would prefer to see their battle scars... those are proofs that they survived. Even if it was so difficult, they survived." He nodded and his soft expression went back to being hard and angry.

"I'm livid," he gritted in a cold tone and looked straight into my eyes. I nodded and hummed.

"I want to beat him to pulp and make him experience hell." He stared at me, waiting for some kind of reaction, but I just nodded again. "There's a high probability that I would kill him," he added, but I just shrugged and brushed his hair softly.

"Do whatever you want, daddy. I'll leave it to you. But stay safe and don't get hurt." He was taken aback by my casual attitude and frowned.

"That's it? I mean... no lectures about morality and stuff?" I arched my brows and folded my arms.

"I have always been a believer of karma and Hammurabi's law. What goes around comes back around. If you want to know how I feel, I am so angry... because he was able to hurt me again... by hurting you," I spat bitterly, my fists clenching so hard that Stefan had to hold them to calm me down. I took a deep breath and met his gaze. "That's why you have my permission to let loose and do whatever you want. I don't care what happens to him."

He stared at me in awe, then a smirk cracked his face. "You are so amazing," he murmured admirably, still unable to grasp what I just said.

"Oh, come on, daddy. Isn't that why we're so compatible?" I beamed at him and kissed his lips.

It was supposed to be a peck, but when he snaked his arm into the hem of my hoodie, the heat of his palm sparked heat and desire into my core, as he brushed his lips against mine seductively... licking and nibbling the seam of my lips, urging me to open up, while my hands rested on his broad shoulder blades for support.

Unable to resist his coaxing, I willingly opened my lips and let him roam free, as we shared the gentlest and most loving kiss ever, with Stefan holding me so delicately, as his tongue caressed and sucked every nook and cranny of my mouth.

When we pulled apart, it was just a small distance; our faces just an inch closer from brushing our lips and sharing such a sweet and stunning kiss that made my senses hum in pleasure and my body buzz.

He rested his forehead against mine and closed his eyes, a permanent smile on his lips. "That kiss was... damn. I felt my mind was turned to mush," he said with a breathy chuckle, then opened his eyes, the blue flecks against his emerald orbs so captivating, like rare jewels that only the worthy can possess.

"I love your eyes," I admitted honestly and pressed a soft kiss on his eyelids, before pulling away so I can take a good look at his handsome features. "I love your brows, your nose, your lips, this well-defined jaw..." I drawled and traced it with my index finger.

"Baby, I feel like my handsome face is the only thing you love. What about down there?" He looked down to his crotch and my cheeks flamed up, as I pinched Stefan's cheeks hard.

"Pervert daddy!!!" I cried out while he begged to let his cheeks go. With rosy cheeks and a pout, I let him go as he winced, rubbing his cheeks.

"Baby... I was just kidding. Forgive me?" He smiled at me so sweetly, using those eyes that I loved to appease me... and yes, it worked. With a deep sigh, I nodded and spread my arms, Stefan happily embracing me while I contemplate how weak I am for my daddy.

*****

Same day,

3:30 am

Stefan's Manor

All freshened up, I attempted to call Trevor, but Stefan told me that both Trevor and Devon were attending to some urgent matter and my instinct told me not to press it further. I sighed deeply and had Stefan sit on the foot of the bed while I went to the bathroom to grab the first-aid kit. I pulled a chair and sat in front of him, pulled out some cotton, gauze, and disinfectants for his wound.

I told myself to be strong but I winced when I saw the cuts on the inside of his palms, the evidence of how deep his nails broke the skin. With a frown, I glared at Stefan while he immediately averted his eyes, the ceiling seemingly interesting for him as he stared and examine it. I huffed and poured alcohol on the cotton, and purposely dabbed on his wound.

"Ow! Ollie... it hurts!" He whined poutily and blew on his palm.

I lifted an eyebrow and put his hand back on my lap. "Oh, really? I didn't know." Sarcasm dripped in my voice, with Stefan gulping as he threw me hesitant glances. "What?"

"Are you perhaps... angry?" He inquired softly and carefully.

I let out a breathless and unamused chuckle and he gulped again, his wide eyes staring at me perplexedly. I shook my head and smiled. "Daddy, daddy... you wouldn't want to see me angry." I stopped what I was doing, a serious expression on my face. "I would let it go this time. But if I ever see or hear that you got hurt again, I don't care what the reasons are, I would be very, very... mad," I punctuated each word with an innocent smile on my face, but my eyes were blank and unreadable.

Seeing the person you love get hurt is the cruelest torture someone can inflict on you.

He just nodded while I continued to clean his wounds, then wrapped them with gauze, with Stefan still cautious about me. I kept all the things I used and placed them back, then beamed at Stefan. When he saw my smiling expression, he was relieved and I heard him say, "He's back. Thank God."

I almost guffawed at that but today's teasing was enough. Though we laughed it off, there's still this nagging at the back of my mind... the need to reassure that Stef is alright. I reached for Stefan's hand and we finally let ourselves get drowned by the comfort brought by the soft bed and fluffy sheets.

My head is resting on top of his chest on his left side, where I can hear his heartbeat, my arm on top of his firm stomach, while his arm was wrapped around my waist. We just reveled in the peacefulness and comfort in the privacy of our room, with daddy burying his nose in my hair from time to time while my right hand rubs his chest.

"Baby?" His deep voice rumbled from his chest, the vibrations that touched my ear sounds so good. I hummed and pressed myself closer. "How were you able to take it?"

I scrunched my face, trying to understand his question when realization dawned on me. Oh, he was talking about Bryce. "Hmm... more than taking it, I was thinking that nothing is permanent. Everything will pass, and scars will heal. But you know what, that's bullshit." I don't curse a lot but there's no other way to phrase it.

"Yes, the physical pain is temporary, but the emotional and psychological impact such traumas can cause to a person remains for a long time. Sometimes, throughout their life. Every waking moment, I get paranoid and had to always watch my back, scared that Bryce is hiding in the corner, waiting to attack me."

Stefan's hold on me tightened, his heart rate picking up as he gritted his teeth, his expression unreadable but the fury was so evident in his burning eyes. I rubbed his chest, offering some comfort, while I pressed myself even closer to his warmth, a way for me to feel safe and secure. Because that's what Stefan is for me. My home, my love, my haven.

I shifted so I can sit on daddy's stomach. I reached for his hands and put them on my cheeks, savoring the warmth that always comforted and saved me from the very first time I met him. "I am so very lucky that I have you, daddy. Because you're there to protect my jaded self, and you served as a guiding light for me. You made me believe that I still have somewhere to belong, no matter how broken I am. I love you so much it hurts. So, so much." The emotion in my voice was so extreme, that I let my body show what my words couldn't express.

When things get too rough, our body reacts to accommodate whatever feelings we fail to express through words. Be it by tears, laughter, or gestures. We have defense mechanisms to help us cope when things get too much to bear, so our psychological state can be protected.

Stefan smiled and the way his eyes glistened against the moonlight was enough to let me know that our feelings are mutual. That words are not enough to convey how much we feel for each other, but our bodies responded and resonated with each other.

"Ollie, I couldn't thank the heavens above for having you in my life. And I promise with this ring..." He reached for my left hand and touched my ring. "That I will make you happy until my last breath. I know that life may throw a lot of problems at us, but I want you to know that none of those will force me to let you go because that would be suicide. Letting you go is suicide; I treasure my life for me to do that." He kissed my ring finger while his sincere eyes transfixed at me.

I giggled and wiped my tears away. "The last three lines, though."

He chuckled. "Too much?"

I rolled my eyes and nodded with a wide grin. Ah, he really loves to make my heart warm and giddy. "Cheesy. What have you been watching?" I playfully commented, my teeth chewing on my bottom lip.

He gasped and dramatically clutched his chest. "Meanie. That was an original." I arched my brows, still not convinced. "Well, cheesy enough as it is, but I still made your heart pound, right?" He teasingly added and I felt my cheeks heat up.

When he noticed me blushing, he chuckled and pulled me down, so I hid under his chin, still pouting and blushing. I don't want to admit how his every word and action affects me so much, but the loud thumping of my heart betrayed me. When I thought that he was going to tease me again, I froze when instead of his chuckles, something warm and wet trickled down his throat, and when I lifted my head slightly, Stefan had one arm over his face, covering his eyes, as he silently cried.

His next words pierced me so deeply, that they reached my soul and melted my being.

"Thank you so much for being alive."

******

5:45 am

Stefan's Manor

S T E F A N

A beep on my phone awoke me, as I reached for it on top of the nightstand, the evidence of the drama from last night was already manifesting through my stinging eyes and my parched throat. I checked the time; it was five in the morning.

Oliver stirred in his sleep as he pressed his body closer to mine, sighing contentedly when he was able to place his arm on my stomach, then he nuzzled on me comfortably.

His simple gestures put a smile on my face, but that was easily erased when I read Trevor's message along with a photo of Peterson beaten up, with a blindfold and his wrists strapped to a chain connected to the ceiling.

I controlled my anger; I don't want to wake Oliver up. I notified them that I'll be there in a few. With a sigh, I eased out of the bed gingerly and pulled the sheets up to his chest, a frown slowly forming on his face when he can't feel me anymore. My baby is just so adorable.