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Sometimes Liam wondered why Bryce loved him. The thought had become increasingly more common. Liam started feeling like such a burden ever since he started living with Bryce.
He struggled so often. He was awful at cooking, which made him think he wasn't much help with housework. On top of that, he'd been struggling for over a month to get a new job. He practically can't even take care of himself, as he struggles so much with healing.
Bryce does so much for him, and Liam honestly feels like he has nothing to give Bryce in return. At least he could pitch in paying rent ever since he got his bank account back. Still, Bryce always reassures Liam that he's not a burden, and that Liam does plenty for him.
Liam sat in bed, sobbing quietly. He knows Bryce will be home from work soon, and that he should stop sulking before he bothers Bryce. But his thoughts are too loud. Bryce deserves so much better than this. I can't even take care of myself. I've become a total mess—his mind supplies.
His emotions are overwhelming. He bangs on his head with his fists, not knowing how to cope in this state.
Liam doesn't hear the door open, but he does hear Bryce when he sees the distress his partner's in. "...Liam?" He asks softly, crossing the room to be by Liam's side. Liam pulls at his straps in shame, he can't believe he's bothering Bryce with his ridiculous problems again. He's sure Bryce will eventually get fed up with him.
But, Bryce just gently takes Liam's hands in his own and guides them away from hurting himself. He rests their hands in his lap. Liam's hands are shaking and his face is tear stained, "sorry..." he instinctively apologizes. Bryce sighs, "you don't have to apologize...Wanna tell me what that was about, though?" He asks, voice quiet and cautious.
Liam hesitates, not wanting to admit his feelings. He does anyways, knowing that he should, "Just my thoughts being too loud, y'know," Bryce waits for Liam to begrudgingly elaborate, "Sometimes I really don't understand why you put up with me." He admits.
Bryce knows Liam well, and can already tell exactly what this is about. He sighs, putting his arms around Liam. Liam hugs him back. Bryce felt a bit awkward in this situation. Comforting others had never been his strong suit.
He tries his best for Liam, "I promise you that you're not a burden. You do so much for me. Honestly...I don't know what I'd do without you," Bryce pauses, "You know I love how you keep my life interesting—you keep me in trouble. You're so sweet to me, too." He finishes.
Liam is sniffling as he clings on to Bryce. Bryce rubs Liam's back. A comfortable silence falls between them as Liam calms down. Liam pulls away slightly from the hug, "Thanks, Bryce...I appreciate you being so patient with me." He says, burying his face in to Bryce's side and continuing to hug him tightly.
Bryce smiles in response. "No problem," He assures, "You feeling better?" He asks. Liam nods, "I love you." His voice is muffled as he speaks into Bryce's side.
Bryce will never admit how he melts from Liam's affection. "I love you, too." He replies. "Wanna just order something for dinner and chill? I don't feel up to doing much." Bryce suggests. Liam agrees in a still muffled voice.
Bryce asks if Liam's going to let go of him. Liam refuses. Seems like Bryce is stuck here, at least for a while. He really can't complain, though.