Work Text:
Brian limps down the sidewalk, biting his lip against the pain in his ankle. A bruise is starting to color the side of his jaw and swelling has already forced one eye nearly closed. His toes feel stiff and numb; he didn't even put on sneakers before he ran out of the house. The cold night air chills the bare skin of his arms and burns his dripping nose. He wipes his eyes with the back of his hand as he slowly climbs up the front steps. He doesn’t want to be crying when Deb opens the door this time.