(Still better than me at this point lol)

-

Ryker snorted slightly at Abby's quick action. He then lifted his now free arms, only half asleep, and unbuttoned the shirt, then wriggled out of it. His well tanned chest conveyed when he used to be alone he didn't always keep the shirt on. There were numerous small scars across his stomach and chest, but none of them were big, and thankfully to him, his back was against the couch.

Abby ignored the scars. She placed her hands on his chest and scored around until she was kind of to the side. She laid her head on his bare shoulder, tracing his muscles. She kissed the skin closest to her face. Her fingers lightly blazed a trail around his abs. "Was that so bad?" She asked, her thumb following a scar. "This isnt the worst of it... is it?" She had a hint of concern in her voice, but it wasn't strong.

Ryker wasn't exactly holding his breath, but he wasn't 100 percent relaxed either. Though he did calm down a little as she said nothing and just, really, acted like herself. Mostly. Without all the jokes and giggles. No wait, it was kind of scary when she DIDNT giggle. When had that happened? His brain was slowly being taken over! He quickly shoved those .. interesting thoughts out of his mind as she spoke. "No, no that wasn't so bad, and no, this isn't the worst of it. Not even close." He answered, exhaling slightly before moving so his back was visible. Long, much more twisted scars zigzagged across it, with trails out to the side that indicated whatever was used to inflict this had literal spikes, or at least sharp poky things so it dug in deeper. All over his entire back, even one curling up onto his neck, partially hidden beneath his dark hair.

Abby stared at his back for a second. She placed her hand on his back. She tried to pretend they weren't there, but it was tough. Her fingers followed the scars. "They are all over the place..." she whispered. "Since you are showing me something, does that mean I have to show you something?" She tilted her head, her eyes drifting to his

Ryker waited a couple moments more, trying not to feel sick as he was reminded of the whipping, the pain, the everything. He then turned back towards her slightly, enough that he could see her face. "I know. They are. But I'm fine. Everything's fine." He said quietly, turning the rest of the way around. "Of course not. If you don't want to, you don't have to do anything. I did this because it was going to be shown sooner or later." He stated, his deep blue eyes meeting hers. He didn't know if he should, well, apologize for not telling her earlier, or say something else, so he leaned back on the couch with a small sigh.

"But I feel like I need to show you something. It's not as special as yours. Just a birthmark" she lifted her shirt a little to reveal a horse shaped birthmark on her side. There were five freckles surrounding it. One was in the shape of a heart and was at the muzzle of the horse. "Again. It's not as special... but it's something right? I never wore two piece swimsuits because I did once and everyone thinks it's a tattoo and that I lied about it. Then Gavin covered it up with makeup once when I wasn't paying attention. " she shuttered at the thought then curled up against Ryker "but it doesn't matter. I'm actually comfortable and relaxed now. I have you. You are now stuck being my built in therapist.

Ryker nodded, growing more attentive as she started speaking, twisted slightly on the couch to face her. His eyes flitted down to the birthmark, which in his eyes was beautiful for one because it was a HORSE HEAD. "Wow. I think it is amazing! You were special enough to get a horse head as a birthmark? Wish I had it!" He grinned a little. "It is definitely way more special. And now I totally want you to wear two piece swimsuits." He teased, shaking his head slightly as she mentioned Gavin. He sooo wanted to go in while that guy was sleeping and draw the word *Jerk* across their head with a curly mustache and angry eyebrows- using permanent marker. "I will be your built in therapist anyday." He smiled a little and wrapped an arm around her. "It is a privilege."

She blushed as he spoke. "I really don't think it's that special... just different. And Vegas is coming up soon. I can find a swimsuit of your liking. Sound good?" She asked. She kissed him. "Thank you" as she moon rose in the sky, she couldn't help but watching the stars twinkle. "It's so pretty" she murmured

Ryker tilted his head. "It definitely is special. I would LOVE to have a birthmark like that- built in horse lover mark! And yes, that sounds perfect." He grinned, reciprocating the kiss before looking at the stars with her. "It is pretty. Just like you." He murmured quietly, his eyes twinkling.

Her blush crept to her cheeks. She laid her head on his bare chest. she slipped off her shoes and socks, tucking her feet under her legs