Title: Us and Other Disasters
Pairing: Dexter/Jeremy
Warning: Slash, angst, sexual content, strong language, mentions of violence and rape, spoilers for season one episodes three and seven.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dexter or any of its characters.
Summary: You've never had a choice in your life, Jeremy. You were pushed around, beaten, ignored, raped, and caged like an animal. Injured dogs bite because they're scared and trying to defend themselves, and you're no different. Nobody saw you for what you were, but I do. And now I'm giving you the choice to turn your life around.
XxX
Chapter 1: My Word
Dexter's POV
You're cornered now, and you're scared. I can see it in your eyes. You can't hide anything, no matter how hard you try, and worst of all your vulnerability shows. You hate that most of all, don't you? I understand.
You're looking away from me, but I can tell by the trembling of your body and your laboured breathing that you're in distress, maybe even close to a panic attack. You're afraid of me and what I might do to you, but you shouldn't be. I'm not like him. I won't hurt you. I know how hard that may be for you to believe, but it's true none the less.
I finally speak. I let my defences down, willingly admit to what I am. Why am I doing this for you? What is it about you that evokes things inside of me I never could have anticipated? When your eyes finally meet mine, I know that I now have at least a chance of getting through to you.
You're hesitant to believe me. You don't understand why a killer would be trying to help you. The thing is, kid, I've heard your story, and now I understand. You've never had a choice in your life, Jeremy. You were pushed around, beaten, ignored, raped, and caged like an animal. Injured dogs bite because they're scared and trying to defend themselves, and you're no different. Nobody saw you for what you were, but I do. And now I'm giving you the choice to turn your life around.
You nod, then redirect your gaze to the floor. You're uncertain about what to do now. To be honest, so am I. Where do we go from me trapping you in a corner in order to attempt to rescue you? I never thought I'd be here, doing this.
"Come on, I'll drive you back to the halfway house," I finally say. I guide you back to my car. You're still shaking like a leaf as you sit in the passenger seat, and you aren't still the whole drive. I wonder if I should ask if you're okay. I don't know what could have possibly brought this on.
Then you answer for me, "I thought you were going to rape me."
I turn to you, almost angered by the assumption. I don't what compells me to say, "I would never do that to you, and I'll never let anyone hurt you like that again." You look up at me with those tear filled eyes, obviously reluctant to believe what I'm saying, and I understand. Trust doesn't come easy after all you've been through. For now all I can do is try, and hope that someday my word will be enough for you.