289 Permission Granted

[Johan's POV]

"You alright?" Russell asked, still standing in the doorway.

There was heavy weight compressing his heart, crushing it, but Johan gave a small nod. "I'm fine, thanks to you. You should have just let him hit me, though."

"Hah? Why would I let him hit you?"

"I know he's pissed since we came out to them yesterday. We gotta let him release some steam. It's not like I can't handle him."

"Can't do that. I know you can fend for yourself. And even if you have a ridiculous pain tolerance and shit, but I'm not letting anyone hurt you in front of me. Even if it's family."

Surprised, Johan looked up and received a stern look. That kind of expression on Russell's face made his knees buckle. His onyx eyes were telling him it's okay to be weak because he was with him.