A/N: so... I'm back!

I've decided (a long time ago but couldn't find the motivation to plot this) to write a timestamp for Forging Bonds. This takes place at Sock's great-uncle's cabin. And what's not to love about these two boys dealing with their own personal issues in just one weekend, huh? Makes for a great mini story.

Disclaimer: Erica Wester owns the characters of Welcome to Hell, I'm just borrowing them for my own benefit. Enjoy.

Forging Bonds:

Into the Woods

Sock's POV

Six Months Later (August)

Saturday

"I don't understand why we're coming up here," Jonathan huffed dragging his heavy duffle bag into the old cabin. This cabin brought such fond memories to Sock who used to come here with his Great-Uncle Maxwell. Sock had to admit, the cabin had seen better days but was still in good shape for being left alone close to a decade. The drive up here was three hours from the town they settled in.

The thump of Jonathan's bag hitting the wooden floor brought Sock's attention to the disgruntled blond. "Come on Jonathan," Sock smiled swinging his two smaller bags around, "a little R&R would be great. It's summer. Can't we have a weekend getaway?"

"Besides, it's been forever since I was here," Sock proceeded with a pout before a smile broke through. "You should totally see the lake. With this heatwave the cool lake water is a blessing. So quit whining and enjoy it already."

Sock could see Jonathan internally agree to the points he was making though he tried to hide it. He was probably annoyed about making the trip up here. Their work had its ups and downs, Sock in retail and Jonathan in the moving company, and with Jonathan working outside more now with summer, Sock thought he should use the weekend to relax away from the city heat. That was why he suggested the cabin with the lake for their weekend vacation until they headed back Sunday afternoon.

Jonathan quirked his mouth into a small smile but tried to keep his sour tone, "Fine, have it your way. Just don't expect me to cook anything while we're here."

Sock grinned. Turning his back on Jonathan mumbling loudly, "it's not like you cook well anyways."

"What was that?" Jonathan challenged.

Sock threw back a cheeky grin, "We both know who the better cook is between the two. Plus, the last time you tried cooking up something we got food poisoning."

"That was one time," Jonathan gaped at him his face turning pink, "how was I supposed to know you don't cook fish like that?" He huffed trying to hide the blush that was creeping up his face, "You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?"

"Nope," Sock smiled cockily. "So for now on, I'm doing the cooking."

Jonathan shrugged nonchalant, "fine by me." Jonathan took the opportunity to take their stuff into the room and pack away his stuff before going back out to collect the food for the weekend. Sock went around the place cleaning up and turning on the generator to power the cabin.

After a while and they've made themselves comfortable for the weekend Sock had already put on his swimming trucks and was cajoling Jonathan to join him for a dip in the lake. "Come on Jonathan, its hot outside. Go swimming with me, please?"

Jonathan was hesitating on whether to accompany and Sock was using it to his advantage that Jonathan was wavering. Another plea and a flash at those puppy dog eyes and Jonathan folded. "Fine, let me go get changed."

Sock cheered bouncing on his feet for a few seconds that interrupted when from the other boy's pocket rang. "I thought you said you didn't have service up here?"

"I thought so too," Jonathan mumbled looking at his phone to see who it was. He frowned, "its Providence. I'll just ignore it."

"Don't be rude. Answer it," Sock replied. Hesitant Jonathan sighed in resignation and answered.

"Hey Providence, what's up?" Jonathan answered taking a seat on the couch. In the six months since they left Jonathan had gotten a few calls from her. Most tended to last fifteen minutes and one an hour. Sock was willing to go into the kitchen and wait it out.

I wonder how strict the 'no swimming after a snack' rule is, Sock thought as he took a bite from the cookie he grabbed. When he heard a loud 'what' in the living room, he dropped the cookie on the counter. Sock made his way back into the other room now worried over the telephone conversation.

"Jonathan…?" Sock questioned grasping the back of the sofa.

Jonathan stood up clinging onto his phone and walking to their bedroom, "What about my dad?" the door closed behind him thus cutting Sock off on what was going on. All Sock could do was stand there in terror at just the mention of Mr. Combs.

Sock could vividly remember his last encounter with that man. He could still feel the sting on his face and the sheer fright of almost losing Jonathan. Squeezing his eyes tight and gripping tightly on the sofa, Sock tried to rein himself back. That was in the past. Jonathan is safe now. Or was he? Is that why Providence called, to warn us?

Opening his eyes, he released the grip he had on the sofa and began pacing. Was his dad trying to find us? Did he want to talk to Jonathan? The last thought made his stomach ache; he didn't like the feeling of Jonathan's safety being in jeopardy, even if it was his father. Especially because it was his father.

But what if Jonathan wanted to see his dad again. The only time Sock had met Mr. Combs, Jonathan had protected him. That's got to mean that he cared for him despise everything and Sock couldn't blame him for it. Sock still loved his parents with all their flaws and would do the same. However, that was a dilemma Sock was struggling with: what if Jonathan wanted to see his father. He had no right to prohibit him even if he cared immensely for his boyfriend's safety.

Sock flung himself on the couch scrubbing his face with his hands in frustration. Be respectful: let Jonathan see his father if he wants. Not be respectful: tell him he can't see him. Sock sat up running his fingers through his hair making his already messy hair messier. Would they go back? Did I want to go back with him and run the risk of bumping into Joane again?

Bouncing one knee as he patiently—anxiously—waited for Jonathan to exit the room. He waited. And waited. And waited, until Sock got more worried and stood up to see if Jonathan was alright in there.

Opening the door, Sock knocked lightly to signal his arrival. Jonathan was sitting on the bed lost in thought but still holding his phone over his lap. "Hey, you okay?"

"Huh?" Jonathan blinked looking up at Sock, "Yeah, I'm… good."

No, he wasn't. Sock bit the inside of his cheek deciding to change tactics. "Do you still want to go swimming?"

"No, no," he answered distractedly looking down at his phone again before settling it down on the nightstand. "You go out. I just need some time to think, okay?"

Those blue eyes met Sock's at the end and he numbly nodded. "Okay… I'll-uh leave you to think. Come outside when you feel like it, okay?"

Jonathan nodded already miles away. Sock hesitated by the door feeling like he should say something more. Opening his mouth he drew a deep breath in but nothing came out and exhaled. Give him time. He asked for time. Nodding silently to himself, Sock closed the door and walked to the lake alone. Don't bother him, Sock. No one likes to be bothered, just look at your parents. They left because of it.

That old fear of his made him want to run away, far, far away where he wouldn't bother anyone. Sock swam in the lake for a long time hoping Jonathan would show up so the small fear nestling in his chest would leave. When he's ready, he'll come out. When he's ready, he'll come out. When he's ready…

###

Sock was resting on the pier when the sun dipped low enough to know he's been out here for a couple of hours. Jonathan hadn't come out and Sock couldn't wait any longer, he had to go back inside to make dinner. You're not bothering him, he had to remind himself as he got up and made his way inside.

Throughout dinner it was awkward. Neither really spoke up much until it was to ask to pass something over or to refill drinks. By the time they were done Sock was close to unraveling with nerves and suggested they watched a movie.

"You pick," Jonathan answered going to make them a bowl of popcorn. Sock stood in the other room staring at him go. Get it together Sowachowski!

With his favorite slasher movie in, Sock hit play when Jonathan got back. Jonathan handed the bowl over to Sock taking a handful for himself.

"So what's the movie about?"

"A group of adults go in a cabin in the woods," Sock answered a smile growing, "they don't know it but one of them plans to trap and kill them all."

"A cabin in the woods killer then?" Jonathan teased, "How fitting."

Sock relaxed internally feeling like the issue of this afternoon dissipated. "Thought it was right since we were coming up here. Plus, it's one of my favorites."

"Of course it's a favorite of yours. You're into serial killers thrillers." He rolled his eyes before playfully eyeing him, "Should I be worried? You did bring me up here."

Sock smiled largely but shook his head, "Don't worry, you'll be spared if I go on a murdering spree."

"How reassuring," Jonathan added sarcastically. Sock shushed him telling him he was missing the beginning. The rest of the movie Sock didn't pay attention to his surrounding since he's pulled into the film. He turned around a few times to peek at Jonathan just to make sure he was still watching.

"Are you sure you're watching? This is the best part!" Sock whispered before facing back and shoveling handfuls of popcorn into his mouth. He felt a husky chuckle brush against his ear sending a tingle down his spine. Sock pushed the bowl over to Jonathan's lap as he eagerly anticipating the climatic plot twist.

Sock yelped at the same time the killer was revealed; however, it wasn't because of the movie pulling that sound out of him. Another shudder went down his body as Jonathan nibbled on his ear.

"What are you doing? You're missing the best part," Sock moaned melting under his careful ministration. Jonathan started brushings his lips below his ear and down his neck. Sock's heart was pounding loudly in his chest as he lost his train of thought to the movie and twisted his body so it was pressed against Jonathan's. Tilting his head up Jonathan kissed a path up from Sock's throat and nibbling on his jaw.

"I should be asking what you're doing but I really don't care at this point," Sock mumbled as lips went pliant when Jonathan captured his bottom lip biting lightly before sucking it into his mouth. After that Sock didn't think anymore and surrendered himself to Jonathan's hands. Taking a breath in Sock groaned when he felt the other teen's tongue slip in begging for a taste.

Sock wrapped his arms around Jonathan's back gripping tightly and pulling them both down on the couch him pinned underneath. I need to feel more, Sock begged arching his back trying to get closer to him. "Don't stop, don't stop," he moaned.

Jonathan chuckled dragging his teeth over sensitive flesh before licking a strip of skin at the base of Sock's neck. Sucking on the spot near the pulse point Sock gasped again shaking with need. They've never gone all the way, not that Sock was unwilling, quite the opposite in fact, so it seemed bizarre that Jonathan would let it go on for this long. Another shudder and fingers skating under his shirt had red flags flying up for Sock. Reluctantly, he nudged Jonathan's shoulders back signaling a pause in their activities.

"What is it?" Jonathan answered breathlessly, blue eyes dilated and blinking rapidly.

"We should probably stop," Sock panted.

Confusion clouded those blue eyes, "Why? You told me not to?"

Sitting up and readjusting his shirt Sock blinked up at him, "but we've… I mean, you know. I didn't even bring any of those supplies because we've never…" There's a pause waiting for a reply but when none were forthcoming Sock pressed on. "What brought this sudden change? Was it something Providence said? Is it about your dad?"

"It's nothing."

"Are you—?"

"—It's nothing," he barked rubbing his palm over his face then sighing. "We should clean up and go to bed. I'm exhausted." Sock sat still for a moment before he shook himself and got up picking up the bowl of cold popcorn taking it to the kitchen. Dumping the kernels and washing the plates, by the time he finished the living room was dark and empty.

Walking into the room Jonathan was already under the sheet trying to sleep in the too warm room. Opening the window all the way and the fans on full blast, Sock got under the covers and tried to sleep too.

Thirty fruitless minutes later, in a room still too warm to sleep, Sock tossed his side of the sheet away from his heated body. Looking to his side he leaned over placing his hand on Jonathan's shoulder pulling him onto his back. Placing his mouth under Jonathan's ear and kissing down his jawline, the older boy huffed. "I thought you said we don't have the supplies for this?"

"Not aiming for that," Sock murmured into his neck as he nibbled at the base. Sliding back up Sock captured Jonathan's lips kissing him languidly letting the fire between them stay as embers. "I just want to taste you."

Suddenly on his back Sock looked surprise as Jonathan loomed above with a glint in his eyes before he ducked his head and kissed roughly. Sock immediately responded wrapping his arms around the other's back and parting his legs to accommodate. Tugging on the blond's t-shirt up, Jonathan froze before pulling himself away breathing hard.

Sock felt bereft but knew why Jonathan pulled away. It always was his trigger to pull away even the first time they truly kissed. Though it took Sock a while to figure out the pattern he now understood why. Three months ago, Jonathan told him about his incident with another foster teen who had stabbed him leaving a visible scar behind that he felt ashamed of. To this day, Sock hadn't had the opportunity to calm that demon from Jonathan's mind and he thought that maybe tonight he could.

Gently placing his hand on Jonathan's waist, Sock tugged him before slipping his right hand under his shirt. Already tensing and wanting to pull away Sock shook his head having a firmer grip on his waist he sat up and kiss his jaw. "Please, let me do this for you," Sock mouthed against his jaw. Waiting for permission Sock kept his right hand still 'til he got the signal and trailing his hand up until he felt it.

Jonathan shuddered squeezing his eyes tightly visibly tense while Sock's thumb ran over it feeling the raised skin. Kissing the corner of his mouth Sock mumbled encouraging words against his soft skin then taking Jonathan's lower lip into his mouth. Running his fingers over the scar to memorize the texture and size of it Sock distracted Jonathan with his other hand as it slid up his back before anchoring at the base of the head. Jonathan opened his mouth allowing entrance to which Sock gleefully accepted gliding his tongue inside.

Slowly the tension left Jonathan's body as Sock pulled his hand away going to the hem of the shirt and pulling it up and over his head. For the first time Jonathan was shirtless in front of Sock and Sock laid back wanting to see. Feasting his eyes on the new skin Sock leaned forward and placed a kiss on his sternum and going down to Jonathan's stomach. Flipping them over Sock hovered above waiting for permission to continue and with hesitant blue eyes they fluttered closed as Jonathan nodded.

Starting from the neck, Sock explored the new terrain as his lips, fingertips, and hands took in the naked flesh making sure to pay extra attention to the scar Jonathan seemed too self-conscious about.

Sock leaned up placing another kiss on his boyfriend's lips sometime later, "You're beautiful. Every inch of you, even the parts you don't like. I loved them because they're a part of you, Jonathan, every mark tells a story about you, about who you are. And I love you, so I want to know everything. Every nick, every cut, every scar, everything."

Sock saw a dark flush cover Jonathan's face as he tried to squirm away. Sock let him hoping that his sentiment had gone through and he just needed time. Kneeling, he panted from the heat in the room.

"Do you want to go for a swim? I could go for one. How about you?"

Jonathan blinked wildly at him but nodded. "I could go for a swim."

"Good," Sock beamed crawling out of the bed and grabbing his dried shorts. "I'll go change in the bathroom and I'll meet you at the lake."

Jonathan gulped but agreed. Exiting the room Sock hummed his tune and waited for him to show up. When Jonathan did show by the end of the pier he was wearing his t-shirt again. Eventually he'll feel comfortable to go outside with me without one.

Sunday

Waking up late due to last night's dip, they had brunch instead. Rubbing the sleep off his eyes, Jonathan yawned as he popped more eggs into his mouth. Sock, more awake, nibbled on his ham and eggs burrito as he watched him. His curiosity was getting the better of him. What about his dad unnerved Jonathan so much yesterday? Did Mr. Combs want to talk to them? But how do I broach the subject?

"Hey," called Sock.

"Hmm?" replied a sleepy teen.

"What happened yesterday? What did Providence say?" Sock murmured taking another bite to stop himself from rambling on. Those green eyes widen by the stiffness of Jonathan's shoulders. He looked more awake but his expression was closed off.

He took another bite off his egg, chewed, then swallow before answering sternly, "Nothing."

"It can't be nothing. It was about your dad right? What did he want?" Sock implored trying to breach the walls Jonathan was putting up. Leaning over the table Sock went to touch Jonathan's clenched hand. Just grazing his hand had Jonathan whipped it back.

"Don't." he warned. "I don't want to talk about him. Not here."

"But… does he want to talk to you? Does he want to talk to us? I need to know if he plans to contact you …or us." Sock pleaded trying to bury the hurt from his touch being rejected. He could already hear his warning bells ringing. He was asking too many questions; he was becoming a pest. However, he couldn't help himself. Sock needed to know what was going to happen.

"He's not going— … just–."

"Then what did she say to have you so riled up? It had to be something big." Sock implored.

"Just drop it."

"But—."

"Drop it." Jonathan bite back as he hit the table making the other jump. Jonathan rubbed his forehead trying to regulate his breathing. "Just… leave it alone."

"Okay," Sock answered meekly, "sorry."

In the silence that followed, Sock took his breakfast burrito outside to eat leaving a brooding blond to his own devices. Dropping his half-eaten burrito on the handrail Sock berated himself for pushing Jonathan. He should've listen to his warnings and dropped the issue but he just wouldn't. He needed to know about Mr. Combs intensions.

What have I done? What if Jonathan leaves again? I shouldn't have… have I learned nothing from my parents' experience? They left me because of all the times I did this. I'm stupid. So, so stupid for not learning to control myself.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do this. Don't leave me, please Jonathan, not you too. I have no one else besides you. I… I couldn't handle it if…

I'm sorry.