#adamderek

The relationship between Derek and Adam developed in such a way that Derek gradually made Adam believe he had landed in the right hands, and that if it weren't for him, the cruel outside world –where no one wanted him anyway– would have chewed the boy up and spit him out. Adam had indeed always been lonely; he had barely managed to move to Canada from Russia, finally severing his last ties. Things were made worse by the fact that he had never had a loving partner, though he wanted one – especially the physical closeness. And Derek made it clear that he had given Adam everything he needed: a roof over his head, safety, a semblance of stability, and the chance to feel desired and useful. Even though the beatings often came without any explanation, Derek once said it was a form of "therapy" to help Adam become something more and to cover up his ugly body with his own marks.

Finally got around to making one of these while I'm recovering my energy for drawing

A few details: they're both bi, but pretty much into everyone. I considered Derek pan for a long time until I realized the difference. He'll happily devour anyone, but he does treat people differently depending on their gender. Derek is also aromantic because of his upbringing and trauma, he's incapable of love, and honestly friendship isn't much easier for him either. Adam never really figured himself out, and with Derek around, he probably never will.

I decided they have a bit of trauma bonding going on. They're both deeply unhealthy people with the corresponding tendencies, both have family issues, and neither has much experience with close or trusting relationships.

Adam speaks English well, but with an accent. Derek absolutely loves making fun of him for it and mimicking the way he talks. Sometimes he'll even pester Adam just to get him to say something in Russian.

I gave Derek a fairly high level of trust toward Adam, though not a perfect one – he's not that naïve. Adam is the only person in Derek's life around whom he can truly relax and be himself, vent, let his emotions out, or even open up a little if he gets really drunk. Besides their naturally growing codependency, Derek has another reason to trust him. Over time, Adam started genuinely taking care of Derek despite living in hell himself. He notices when Derek is sick or exhausted, gives him massages, brings him whatever he asks for. Even though Derek often ignores it, mocks him, or pushes him away, he is secretly flattered by the attention, but he's not in a hurry to encourage it. Put simply, Adam cares more about Derek staying alive than he cares about himself.