Work Text:
Cioccolata looked up from the human anatomy book he was reading. It was so eerily quiet in the mansion this afternoon, way too quiet.
Now of course, Secco had days where he was non-verbal. It was quite common, actually. But even on days like those, Cioccolata would constantly be interrupted from his work because Secco would be whining for his attention or begging for a treat. This didn't bother the doctor, in fact, hearing his boyfriend's happy little grunts brought a smile to his face.
But still, the fact that Secco wasn't making any noises at all was suspicious.
Even the fact that Secco wasn't in the room was weird. Cioccolata barely got any privacy at all. The ex-surgeon decided to look for his pet, as his strange disappearance was making him nervous.
"Secco my darling, where are you?" Cioccolata yelled in a sweet tone. "Secco!" he beckoned again.
After a few seconds, he heard a faint cry coming from their bedroom. Cioccolata poked his head through the cracked door, just enough for Secco not to notice him.
Secco was hunched over the edge of the bed, he wasn't in his Oasis like he normally was. Instead wearing a plain white t-shirt and boxers. His stringy black hair covering most of his face, but Cioccolata spotted some tears that were streaming down the young man's cheeks. He held a small kitchen knife in one hand, and bright red slashes were visible on his wrists. His whole body was shaking uncontrollably and blood was dripping down his arm. He yelped slightly at hearing the door be cracked open more, quickly jerking his head to set his gaze on his master.
"C- Cioccolata!" The younger boy stuttered. More tears began to well up in Secco's eyes. He was worried that Cioccolata would be mad at him, and even the thought of his master scolding him was terrifying to him.
"Secco... My beautiful angel, what are you doing to yourself?" The doctor questioned in a soft, almost whispering tone.
Secco's heart melted, his boyfriend was always so so kind and patient with him. He didn't deserve all of this love and praise. He tried to answer, but a jumbled mess of sounds escaped his mouth, forming a mere illusion of words.
Cioccolata slowly sat down next to the boy, gently grabbing his arm to inspect the deep cuts Secco made to his skin. "How long have you been doing this?" his voice now more stern, distinctly wanting a clear answer.
"About t- two months may- maybe?"
Secco's voice was soft and shaky, undoubtedly on the verge of tears.
That wasn't entirely the truth. Secco had self-harmed for years, long before he met Cioccolata. But he hadn't picked back up on his habit until recently. But in the moment, Secco didn't want to explain all of that.
"Why was I not aware of this, darling? Surely you know I wouldn't be mad at you, right?" That was the final straw, Secco burst into tears, jamming his face into Cioccolata's shoulder. Long drawn out wails and cries filling Cioccolata's ears. He felt bittersweet about hearing such gorgeous sounds of agony.
He ran his long acrylic nails through Secco's hair. Hushing his crying boyfriend.
"Sweetheart, do me a favor and please, never ever hurt yourself again. If you ever feel inclined to do so, please come talk to me. I will always be there to help you. No matter what, alright?" Cioccolata's voice was deep and airy, with very clear distress in his tone. Secco only nodded in response, easing in to his master's touch.
"I love you." Cioccolata whispered, sending chills down the other's spine. Secco felt a wave of relief and happiness. As long as Cioccolata was there, he had nothing to worry about. He was safe in his arms.