Fiction: Mind Forged Manacles part 4
Apr. 26th, 2009 07:13 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kethniName: Mind-Forged Manacles part 4
Pairing: Matt/Nathan, Matt/Peter
Rating: Hard 18
Warning: Adult language, explicit non-con/dub-con sex, psychological abuse, death of a secondary character.
Notes: I say ‘non-con’ but I’m aware that I have a different classification to a lot of people so I’ve labelled non/dub to cover all bases.
Nathan takes off his jacket and walks into the living room.
“Where’s Peter?” he asks as he unbuckles his belt and unbuttons his trousers. He pushes his trousers and shorts down to his knees.
“In the dungeon. There was a lot of blood,” Matt says offhand.
“You’re making him clean up his own blood?” Nathan laughs and sits down on the couch.
“I wasn’t going to clean it up,” Matt says, kneeling down.
Nathan takes a sip of his whiskey. “Good for you,” he says closing his eyes and putting the glass down on the side.
Matt licks and bites Nathan’s thighs as Nathan knots his fingers into Matt’s hair.
“Too quiet,” Nathan murmurs. “Let me hear you.”
Matt strokes his tongue over Nathan’s balls, pulling them into his mouth and sucking. He rolls his eyes and groans loudly.
There’s a clatter as Peter stumbles into the doorway. Nathan smiles to himself as Matt wraps his lips around his cock.
Peter’s breathing is loud and hoarse as he unzips his trousers and shoves them down, quickly wrapping his hand around himself.
Nathan’s other hand grabs the back of Matt’s head tightly. He thrusts forward into Matt’s mouth and Matt fights not to choke.
Peter moans; his hand tight around himself.
Nathan comes, hands still gripping Matt. “Good boy, swallow, good boy. Up here.” He tugs Matt up onto the couch and pushes Matt’s head down into his lap.
Peter leans back against the door and cries out as he comes.
Nathan strokes Matt’s hair tenderly. “Come here, Peter.”
Peter stumbles over, wiping his hands onto his trousers.
“Nathan I...”
“Make yourself useful and suck Matt off,” Nathan says. “Shush,” he urges Matt. “It’s alright.”
Peter’s fingers stumble with Matt’s trousers and boxers. He tugs them down and parts Matt’s legs.
Nathan tips up Matt’s face and strokes his lips with his thumb.
Peter lies on the couch, resting his elbows on Matt’s thighs, and laps at Matt’s balls.
Nathan catches Matt’s wrists and holds them as he squirms and moans.
“I like it when you’re excited, Matt,” he says softly. “I like it when you’re happy.”
“Nathan... please...” Matt pants.
Nathan puts his free hand over Matt’s mouth.
“Shush,” he urges. “There’s a good boy.”
Peter leans down and picks up something. “Nathan, what’s your watch doing on the floor?”
“I must’ve dropped it the other night,” Nathan says, putting it on.
Peter watches through the doorway as Matt walks past. “What’s he doing?”
“Having a shower,” Nathan says sourly. “He always does after sex.”
“Well he did get kind of dirty,” Peter sniggers. “Thanks. Thanks for letting me... you know.”
“It was you or find an obliging whore,” Nathan says easily. “Matt knows you at least. I suspect he’d have been even more uncomfortable with a stranger.”
Peter rubs his hand over his elbow. “Any time, any time at all you want... just call me.”
“He’s mine,” Nathan says warningly. “You touch him without permission and I’ll break your legs.”
“Nathan!” Peter whines.
“I mean it Peter,” Nathan growls. “He’s mine, not yours. If I choose to let him get sucked off it doesn’t have to be you, I can get a whore.”
“Okay, okay.”
Nathan tucks his hands in his pockets. “Dad would have a fit,” he says wryly.
Peter reddens and shrugs. “But he doesn’t have to know. I mean... it’s nothing to do with him right?”
“Right,” Nathan agrees. “What I choose to let Matt do is up to me.”
“And he knows his place!” Peter says quickly. “It’s not like it was his idea or anything.”
“Hardly,” Nathan says wryly. “Will you stay to dinner? I’ll call and have them send up some more food.”
“That’d be great. Can I grab a beer?”
“One of the domestic ones, don’t take one of Matt’s.” Nathan calls the kitchen and then joins Peter on the couch.
Peter takes a sip of his beer. “So, how’s it going with him?” he asks quietly.
“Still a little rough but better.” Nathan takes a sip of his whiskey and nods. “Definitely better. It’s galling to think how much better things were a few weeks ago. Putting the harness on him had completely the wrong effect. Before that we were starting to settle into something a little more relaxed.”
“Dad goes on about how dangerous he is,” Peter says. “But that’s when he feels threatened, when he’s frightened, just like anyone else. Being cruel to him isn’t going to do anything but push him away.”
Nathan scowls at him. “I’m not cruel. Not on purpose.”
“Well, maybe if you listened to him once in a while,” Peter says, going red.
“Listened to him? What does that mean?”
Peter squirms in his seat. “Well, if he’s saying ‘please don’t do this’, maybe don’t do it?”
Nathan waves a hand. “If I did that he’d never have any fun. I swear he’s determined to be as miserable as possible.”
“He probably misses Molly,” Peter says quietly.
Nathan eyes him warily. “He hasn’t asked you if you know where she is, has he?”
“No,” Peter says honestly. “He hasn’t asked me that.” He gulps down a mouthful of beer. “When would he ask me anything? He always yells at me or pushes me around.”
“Or beats you black and blue in the dungeon,” Nathan smirks.
Peter looks at him seriously. “You shouldn’t have that place, Nate. Matt’s... you shouldn’t be doing that stuff to him. He’s never going to come around that way.”
“No,” Nathan agrees. “It doesn’t help that he makes it so difficult to be kind to him.”
“He’s still angry,” Peter says, rubbing his shoulder. “Really angry.”
Nathan raises an eyebrow. “He hurt your shoulder?”
“Dislocated it,” Peter says, pulling a face. “Bust my legs and my chest too.”
Nathan grinds his teeth. “What did he do; hit you with a belt?”
“Huh?” Peter looks at him blankly. “A belt wouldn’t do that. He threw me on the floor and kicked me around.”
Nathan looks up at the ceiling. “Did he get off?”
“From beating me up?” Peter asks incredulously. “No.”
“Did you?”
“No,” Peter lies, blushing. “Um, if you get bored of eventually... can I have him?”
Nathan snorts and takes a sip of whiskey. “He’d be gone in a week.”
“I could keep him!”
“Pete, you’re a good kid but you’d be a terrible owner,” Nathan says flatly.
“I’d be kind to him,” Peter says sulkily.
“Exactly,” Nathan agrees. “You’d start off being kind when you have to start with cruelty. Kindness is for when they’re broken and obedient. It’s a reward.”
“You said you weren’t cruel to him,” Peter points out.
Nathan colours slightly. “I don’t have to be, Matt was broken by Primatech and he respects strength. I’m strong so he respects me; you’re not strong so he has no respect for you.”
“Well since you’re doing such a great job, I’m sure that he’d be so grateful for some kindness and compassion once you’re done with him that he’d do anything I asked,” Peter retorts.
Nathan stares at him silently.
“What?” Peter asks uncomfortably.
Matt is lying on his bed staring at the ceiling when Nathan walks in.
“Peter’s gone,” he says, leaning against the wall.
Matt turns his head and looks at the other man.
“You can come and sit in the living room with me if you’d like,” Nathan adds. “You can watch anything you want.”
“No thank you.”
Nathan licks his lips. “I thought we could discuss a vacation. Have you ever been outside the US, Matt?”
“Sure, couple of times.”
“Oh, where?” Nathan asks surprised.
“Germany and Iran,” Matt says looking back up at the ceiling.
“Iran?” Nathan asks, walking over and sitting on the side of the bed. “That’s an interesting vacation choice.”
“When I was a kid we had an Iranian exchange student, Amid, living with us for a while,” Matt says with a shrug. “The year after I went over there for two weeks.”
“Well I’m genuinely surprised,” Nathan says smiling. “It’s not often something happens that genuinely surprises me.”
“I hate surprises.”
“Why Germany?” Nathan asks.
Matt shrugs. “We had relatives over there. I was coming up to my thirteenth birthday and, I don’t know, I guess my parents wanted to show me some of my heritage.” Matt sighs and twiddles his fingers. “There’s a house with a plaque showing eighteen different Parkman’s.”
“They lived there?” Nathan asks.
Matt turns back to him. “Sure, then they were taken to Buchenwald. It means ‘beech forest’ did you know that? Sounds like it should be... pretty.” Matt smiles bitterly. “No trip to see mom’s family, but in retrospect that shouldn’t have been a surprise.”
“Why?” Nathan asks quietly.
“Your mother told me that my dad forced my mom into marrying him, having me. Mind controlled her until he got bored and abandoned her. Fifteen years of being completely controlled and then he just walked out.” Matt sits up and faces Nathan. “He treated her like a thing, a toy. Toys don’t deserve consideration but you know that.”
“I wouldn’t treat you like that,” Nathan says mildly.
“You would if you could.”
Nathan purses his lips. “I encourage you to share your thoughts with me, Matt.”
“For now.”
“I have some vacation brochures, come and have a look,” Nathan suggests.
Matt stands up silently and troops into the living room. He slumps onto the couch and watches Nathan collect brochures from the side.
“What kind of vacations do you like?” Nathan asks, sitting down.
“We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon,” Matt says unwillingly. “That was a little boring but okay.”
“Not a beach holiday person?” Nathan asks. “Me neither. Skiing?”
Matt just looks at him.
“Not skiing?”
“Do I look like I can ski?” Matt asks.
Nathan shifts position so that his legs stretch the length of the couch. He raises his feet and rests them in Matt’s lap.
“There’s always time to learn,” he suggests.
“You can break my arms here, it’ll be cheaper,” Matt says, shifting further down the couch.
“A city break then,” Nathan says with false cheer. “We can see the sights.”
“Thought the idea was I spend all day every day on my back,” Matt points out.
Nathan sighs and flips through a brochure. “I would like our relationship to be more than that.”
“Would you?” Matt asks disbelievingly.
“I’m not made of stone, Matt,” Nathan says quietly, staring sightlessly at a picture of a beach. “Of course I enjoy using your body but I also want... companionship as much as the next person.”
“Oh.”
“Is that such an unpleasant thought?” Nathan asks, looking up at Matt.
Matt looks at away immediately. “You have an odd way of going about it.”
“It wasn’t my intention,” Nathan says easily. “My primary motivation in purchasing you was sexual pleasure.”
“Can I go back to my room?”
“We haven’t finished discussing vacation destinations,” Nathan says mildly.
“It doesn’t matter what I want anyway. Just pick what you like,” Matt says. “Can I go to my room?”
Nathan licks his lips. “I’d like you to sleep in my bed with me from now on.”
Matt folds his arms tightly. “I don’t sleep in that bed.”
“I’m sure the doctor will be happy to prescribe you some sleeping pills.”
“Please don’t do this,” Matt says quietly.
Nathan leans back on the couch. “Why does it bother you so much?”
“I just... I need some space that’s all,” Matt says squirming.
“You slept in the same bed as Adam.”
Matt shakes his head. “That was different, Adam was my friend.”
“You used to call me a friend, Matt,” Nathan says mildly. “What’s changed?”
“Everything. You’re not my friend and you obviously never were. You’re my owner, my jailor, my rapist, my tormentor and I can’t sleep, I can’t relax in the same room as you, let alone the same bed.”
“Rapist and tormentor?” Nathan says softly. “Matt, I’ve never hurt you or coerced you in any way.”
“You have my daughter hostage!” Matt clenches his fist tight, the nails digging into his palms. “You don’t have to beat me up or threaten me with violence because you have Molly. I am doing the very best I can here, Nathan, but you keep changing the rules. I don’t want to be disobedient, I don’t want to make you angry, but you keep changing things and I can’t keep up.”
Nathan stands up and walks towards Matt. Matt steps back, staring at him.
“It’s okay,” Nathan says, holding up his hands. “I appreciate that things have been very stressful for you. You’re probably still not over Mohinder’s death and that must have been incredibly traumatic.”
Matt shifts position slightly. “He bled to death in my arms.”
“I know,” Nathan says soothingly. “I know. I’ve been rushing you I can see that. Stay in your own room for the time being if that makes you more comfortable.”
“Thank you.”
Nathan puts a hand on Matt’s shoulder and squeezes gently. “I’ll find us somewhere nice to go, okay? The super bowl is next week, we can go after that.”
“Thank you,” Matt says again.
Matt wanders into the toyshop and glances back to check that his dogged pursuers are still waiting in the car. He rides the escalator up to the third floor and stops for a moment as a laughing family go by him. Then he heads for the kits – magnetic, electronics, biospheres, and chemistry sets. He buys a chemistry set, cash, and then goes down to the second floor where he buys a rucksack. Matt heads into the customer toilets, empties the contents of the chemistry set into the rucksack, and tears the box into tiny pieces before flushing it down the toilet. Then he walks out into the store, smashes the fire alarm button with his elbow, and in the ensuing confusion sneaks out a rear fire exit.
The thin, sallow man taps a tattoo on the bar. “A kid, I don’t know, I don’t know about a kid. I’m not that kind of...”
“She’s my daughter,” Matt says shortly.
“Yeah? Then why’d you need a fake passport and ID for her?”
“Because I escaped from Rikers three weeks ago and I want to get my little girl out of foster care and get out of the country.” Matt yanks out his wallet and pulls photographs out. “There we are at the zoo, in the park, on her birthday, at...”
“Okay, okay, okay,” he says. “I don’t need her whole life history. Six hundred for both.”
“Five and that’s a liberty,” Matt retorts.
“Three days so... Saturday do you?” he asks.
“No sooner?” Matt asks.
“Not if you want a decent job doing. If you want something that looks like a cheap photocopy then you can have it tomorrow for twenty dollars,” he sneers.
“Pardon me for impugning your professional pride,” Matt says dryly. “I might not be able to make Saturday, will you be here Sunday?”
“All day.”
“Good morning,” Nathan says, tugging gently at Matt’s hair as he sits down.
“Good morning,” Matt says, trying to pour a cup of coffee. The hot liquid slops over the edge of the cup. Nathan puts a hand over Matt’s and pulls the coffee pot out of Matt’s hand.
“Did you have a bad night’s sleep?” Nathan asks, pouring Matt a cup of coffee. “You’re shaking.”
“I’m just nervous about tomorrow,” Matt says honestly. “I wish you’d let me just go to a bar.”
“You can’t watch the super bowl in a bar,” Nathan says, passing him the cup. “Why should you when you have a perfectly nice home?”
Matt wraps both hands around his coffee and takes a sip. “Your dad will be here.”
“He’ll behave himself,” Nathan promises. “I won’t let him hurt you.
“He makes me nervous.”
Nathan pats Matt’s hand. “It’s just for a few hours. Everyone will be on their best behaviour.” Nathan smiles thinly. “Afterwards, if you’ve been good, I might let Peter suck you off again.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Matt mutters, going red.
“There’s no need to be embarrassed, Matt,” Nathan says calmly. “Just because you despise him doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it.” Nathan takes a bite of his toast. “I like watching you when you’re excited, when you thrash and whine. I don’t always take the time to see to your needs but I should.”
Matt sighs and picks up a piece of toast. He grips the butter knife so tightly that his skin blanches.
“I have today free,” Nathan says, watching Matt pressing so hard on the toast that it disintegrates. “I thought we could do something. What would you like to do?”
“Like what?”
“Anything you like, go to the movies perhaps? Or go to the zoo? Something else?”
Matt pauses, rubbing his thumb over the handle of the knife, and looks at Nathan. “Did you ever just think of me as a friend rather than a potential plaything?”
Nathan takes a sip of his coffee. “I always found you attractive. I did genuinely enjoy your company, Matt. I’d be lying though if I said I hadn’t planned to make a move on you. Not... not like this it’s true.”
“You were going to what... ask me out?”
Nathan smiles slightly. “Actually I was planning to seduce you. You were so innocent, Matt, and that bitch Janice had left you starved of affection.”
“Seduce and destroy was it?” Matt asks sourly.
“You misunderstand me,” Nathan says mildly. “I had no intention of sleeping with you and then abandoning you. I expected that you might be... clingy, and intense afterwards and I was prepared for that. It was clear to anyone with any perception that you would eagerly welcome some genuine regard and affection.” Nathan shrugs and butters a piece of toast. “Despite what you think I did have both in abundance. As it turned out Mohinder got their first. There were no hard feelings. After he died I saw my opportunity but unfortunately as it turned out Primatech had done rather more damage than I anticipated.” He takes a bite of toast. “But bitterness and anger aren’t your basic nature. In time those will pass.”
Matt pours another cup of coffee, using both hands to avoid the liquid splashing out of the cup. “A movie would be nice,” he says eventually.
Nathan blinks at him. “Really?”
“Yeah,” Matt says quietly. “Yeah, that’d be nice.”
“Uh, just a coke,” Matt says to the cashier.
“Aren’t you hungry?” Nathan asks. “You barely touched breakfast.”
“No,” Matt says quietly. “Not really.”
Nathan touches his hand. “You still worrying about tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“Large popcorn and an orange,” Nathan says to the cashier, handing over a note. “Try not to worry.”
“I can’t help it,” Matt says quietly. “I feel a little sick.”
“It’ll be fine,” Nathan promises.
Nathan shakes the popcorn at Matt.
“I didn’t think you’d be one of those people,” Matt says wryly.
“One of those people?” Nathan asks.
“Who rattles popcorn and rustles wrappers, slurps drinks.”
Nathan twists in his seat. “It’s the middle of the day, Matt. We’re the only people in here.”
“That’s no excuse,” Matt says.
“You’re in a better mood,” Nathan says, squeezing Matt’s thigh.
Matt licks his lips. “Just enjoying the movie.”
“We can get some lunch after,” Nathan suggests. “Would you like that?”
Matt forces a smile. “Sure, why not?”
Nathan stretches out and smiles across the table. “I have to tell you Matt, today has been really encouraging. It’s a little... tiring when you’re so unhappy.”
“I don’t feel unhappy to annoy you,” Matt says dryly, picking at his fries.
“No, no I know that,” Nathan says quickly. “It’s just nice to see you in a brighter mood.”
“I’m trying not to think about tomorrow.”
Nathan smiles slightly. “Well, they aren’t coming until about twelve. I won’t mind if you go out in the morning. I know you find it relaxing to visit the park or the zoo.”
Matt pales and swallows sharply. “Thank you.”
“Are you sure you’re alright?”
“I’m fine,” Matt says with a nod. “I’m fine.”
“I was hoping you’d tell me about the jewellery,” Nathan prompts. “You’ve been buying rather a lot and you never struck me as a jewellery wearer.”
“You said that eventually want me to go to functions with you,” Matt says casually. “You put a lot of store in how I’m dressed. I just wanted to make sure that I’d look the part when you did.”
“That’s very reasonable of you,” Nathan says with a tinge of suspicion.
Matt sighs and eats a single fry. “I don’t enjoy this tension anymore than you do.”
“No, well, I think we’re moving past that,” Nathan says with a smile. “I knew we would.”
Nathan taps on the doorjamb. “Matt, are you ready?”
“Sure,” Matt stands up and walks out after Nathan. “We’re not going into the dungeon?” he asks.
“Not tonight,” Nathan says, opening his bedroom door. “Do you mind?”
“No,” Matt says quietly.
Nathan watches Matt undress and sit on the bed and then pushes him flat. He puts a small pillow under Matt’s hips and starts to undress.
“Aren’t you going to tie me up?” Matt asks.
“Not tonight,” Nathan puts a tube of lube on the bedside table, “tomorrow, perhaps the sling tomorrow.”
Nathan tucks an arm under his head, watching as Matt pads back into the room.
“Thought you were going to bed.”
“I am,” Matt says. “I wondered... I wondered if you’d like me to sleep in here tonight.”
Nathan raises his eyebrows. “I’d like that very much.”
Matt nods and pulls the covers back. He climbs under the covers and lies down.
“It’s been a good day, Matt,” Nathan says happily.
“Good,” Matt says softly.
Matt walks through the cool, empty morning streets to the supermarket. He buys a bottle of camp stove fuel which he tucks into an inside pocket and then heads for O’Rourke’s.
“You look like death,” Marty says. “Sit down before you fall down.”
“Is Rodriguez here?” Matt asks.
“Over there, have a hot drink at least settle your stomach.”
“Thanks.”
“Matt?” Nathan calls as Matt walks in. “You’re back early.”
“Not, not feeling so great,” Matt says honestly.
Nathan walks out of the living room and looks him up and down. “You look terrible,” he says gently.
“Do you need the doctor?”
“No, no I just need a lie down and I’ll be fine,” Matt promises.
Nathan rubs his hands on the back of his trousers. “The kitchen is preparing dinner. Are you going to be okay to serve or...”
“Yes,” Matt says quickly. “Yes, I can serve the food. I just need half an hour or so that’s all.”
Matt wakes at the sound of the doorbell. He walks out into the corridor just as Nathan comes out of the living room.
“I’ll get it.”
“You sure?” Nathan asks.
“Absolutely,” Matt says firmly. “I don’t want to embarrass you in front of your dad or Peter.” He walks to the door as Nathan goes back in the living room. He opens the door and steps back to let Peter and Arthur in.
“Hi Matt!” Peter says cheerfully. “Where’s Nathan?”
“He’s in the living room.”
Peter scuttles past, looking back at Matt as Arthur stalks in.
He looks Matt up and down slowly. “Mastered the art of opening the door have you?”
“Fuck you,” Matt says sweetly.
Arthur blinks and steps towards Matt, raising a hand threateningly.
“Dad!” Nathan snaps. “Come into the living room.”
“Nathan, your boy needs chastisement,” he growls.
“That’s my decision, leave him alone or go home,” Nathan says coldly.
Arthur brushes past Matt and into the living room.
Nathan puts a hand on Matt’s forearm and squeezes gently. “Why don’t you put the food out?”
“Sure.”
Matt walks into the dining room and starts taking dishes from the trolley and putting them on the table. He shuts the door and wedges a piece of cardboard under it. Matt stares at the covered dishes and takes a small bottle from his pocket. He pours a small measure into the soup and mixes it in.
“Can I help serve?” Peter asks as Nathan and Arthur sit down.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Arthur snarls. “Sit down.”
Peter crashes down into a chair, red faced.
Matt pours Nathan a glass of wine, then Arthur, and then moves around to Peter.
“Can I have a beer?” Peter asks in a small voice.
Matt lets out a tiny breath and goes to get two beers from the living room. He shakes them both frantically before pouring them into glasses and carrying them back to the dining room.
“Thanks Matt,” Peter says taking one.
Matt serves the soup and sits down, taking a gulp of his beer.
“What flavour is this?” Arthur asks.
“Sweet potato and peanut,” Nathan says with a shrug. “Very sweet.”
Peter knocks back a mouthful of beer. “I like it.”
“It’s acceptable,” Arthur admits.
Matt keeps his head down, trying not to listen to the other men as they eat their soup. After a few minutes there’s a strangled sound from Peter. Matt bolts from the room and into the kitchen as Peter passes him on the way to the bathroom.
“What the hell is the matter with them?” Arthur demands.
“Matt wasn’t feeling well before,” Nathan says. “No idea what Peter’s excuse is.”
Peter is curled around the toilet moaning miserably.
“Pete, go home,” Nathan says lightly. “A cab is on the way.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry Nathan,” Peter moans. “I didn’t think I could get sick anymore. I’m sure it’ll pass soon.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just don’t give me whatever you’ve got.” Nathan walks out into the kitchen and over to Matt.
“Sorry,” Matt mutters, bent over the sink.
“The doctor is on his way,” Nathan says, rubbing Matt’s back. “I was thinking maybe Peter’s empathy means he’s picking this up from you. You weren’t feeling well before. Why don’t you go to bed? I’ll put a bucket by the side and a glass of water.”
“Thank you.”
The alarm clock sounds. Matt takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. He turns off the clock and gets out of bed. There’s a crash from Nathan’s bedroom.
Matt quietly walks out his room and to Nathan’s. He pushes the door open and walks in.
“Matt?” Nathan blinks and squints. “I don’t feel good.”
“It’s probably a virus,” Matt says softly.
“Did I wake you?” Nathan asks. “What time is it?”
“It’s early.”
Nathan scrubs his eyes with the palm of his hand. “Can you put the light on? I can’t see a damn thing.”
Matt looks at the shaking, sweating man in the bed, swathed in the bright clear sunshine shining through the windows.
“It’s early,” Matt says again. “You should go back to sleep.”
“You think?”
“Yeah,” Matt says. He walks around and tucks Nathan back into bed.
Matt walks out the apartment with the rucksack on his back. He slips away from his tail easily and walks into a bank where he opens an account with his faked ID papers and pays in everything but two hundred dollars. He takes another cab to the airport where he picks up his tickets.
He checks his watch and he waits.
The long flight seems to last weeks. Matt finally gets off the plane and ducks into the toilets.
He sits in a cubicle and turns on his hacked phone.
“Hello?”
“Peter, Peter it’s Matt. Something’s wrong, it’s Nathan. He’s sick. Can you get here?”
There’s a long pause. “What?”
“Nathan is sick,” Matt says. “Can you get over here?”
“Uh, sure I guess.”
Matt tenses at the sudden announcement over the PA system. “Please ensure you keep your belongings are with you at all times.”
“Where are you?” Peter asks, sounding confused.
“Focus Peter!”
“Okay, okay, I’ll go and see Nathan.”
Matt picks up his rental car and follows the pored over, half memorised, instructions along clean, well tended roads.
The school looms in the distance. Matt parks up and scales the fence.
Molly? Molly can you hear me?
Matt?
I’m coming for you, I’m right outside. Can you grab some clothes and get out here?
I can see you! I’m coming! I’m coming Matt!
It seems like an age, like weeks, before a tiny figure can be seen climbing out of a window. The crunch of gravel under her feet is like a gunshot in the still night.
She pelts towards him, her hair streaming out behind her as she runs. She throws herself into his arms and squeezes so tightly he can hardly breathe.
“I missed you! I missed you!”
“I missed you too,” Matt promises. “But we have to go, right now.” He picks her up and carries her back to the fence. He pushes her over and climbs up after. He grabs her hand and drags her over to the car.
“You won’t let them take me again will you, Matt?”
“No, this is it now, Molls. You and me,” Matt promises.
The car speeds through the cool, dark night.
A bright tune warbles into the air.
“What’s that?” Matt demands. “Do you have a cell?”
Molly nods. “I thought we might need it. Did I do wrong?”
“No, sweetie. Who is it?”
Molly pulls the phone out of her coat pocket and peers at it. “It’s Peter.”
“Shit.”
“You owe me a dollar.”
“I do,” Matt agrees. He takes the phone and opens it. “Yes?”
“You bastard! You fucking bastard!” Peter sobs. “How could you, Matt? How could do that?”
“Peter?”
“My dad is dead and Nathan is in a coma and you did it! I don’t know how but I know you did it!”
Matt steers one handed and tucks the cell between his ear and his shoulder. “Methanol poisoning, it was in the soup.”
“You fucking bastard! You tried to kill us all!”
“Peter, don’t make me regret saving your life,” Matt says calmly. “If I wanted that then you would be. Methanol isn’t poisonous in itself but when it metabolises it makes another chemical that is poisonous. Primatech uses it with a couple of different other chemicals to execute healers. While your body is dealing with the other poisons the methanol kills you. Even a healer’s body can only recover from so many attacks at once. I wasn’t sure if your dad could heal so I wasn’t taking any chances.”
“And if I hadn’t got sick you’d have let me die! After all I did for you!”
“I made you get sick,” Matt says tiredly. “The same way I made myself sick. I didn’t have to do that.”
“Why did you?” Peter asks. “Why tell me that Nathan was sick?”
“I have no grudge against you Peter. I just want us to be able to live our lives. I didn’t want to hurt Nathan. I did what I had to do. But this is a warning. I got your mom, I got your dad, I got your brother. I could’ve got you. If Primatech sends anyone after us then the gloves are off. You clear?”
“Nathan might die,” Peter snarls. “Even if he lives he might be blind.”
“Peter, do you understand what I’m saying? If anyone comes after us I won’t be responsible for what happens.”
“Yes! I understand!”
“Good, goodbye Peter.” Matt shuts the cell, winds down the window, and throws it out.
“What’re we going to do?” Molly asks quietly.
“What we have to,” Matt says, ruffling her hair. “But we’re never letting this happen again. Deal?”
“Deal.”
Pairing: Matt/Nathan, Matt/Peter
Rating: Hard 18
Warning: Adult language, explicit non-con/dub-con sex, psychological abuse, death of a secondary character.
Notes: I say ‘non-con’ but I’m aware that I have a different classification to a lot of people so I’ve labelled non/dub to cover all bases.
Nathan takes off his jacket and walks into the living room.
“Where’s Peter?” he asks as he unbuckles his belt and unbuttons his trousers. He pushes his trousers and shorts down to his knees.
“In the dungeon. There was a lot of blood,” Matt says offhand.
“You’re making him clean up his own blood?” Nathan laughs and sits down on the couch.
“I wasn’t going to clean it up,” Matt says, kneeling down.
Nathan takes a sip of his whiskey. “Good for you,” he says closing his eyes and putting the glass down on the side.
Matt licks and bites Nathan’s thighs as Nathan knots his fingers into Matt’s hair.
“Too quiet,” Nathan murmurs. “Let me hear you.”
Matt strokes his tongue over Nathan’s balls, pulling them into his mouth and sucking. He rolls his eyes and groans loudly.
There’s a clatter as Peter stumbles into the doorway. Nathan smiles to himself as Matt wraps his lips around his cock.
Peter’s breathing is loud and hoarse as he unzips his trousers and shoves them down, quickly wrapping his hand around himself.
Nathan’s other hand grabs the back of Matt’s head tightly. He thrusts forward into Matt’s mouth and Matt fights not to choke.
Peter moans; his hand tight around himself.
Nathan comes, hands still gripping Matt. “Good boy, swallow, good boy. Up here.” He tugs Matt up onto the couch and pushes Matt’s head down into his lap.
Peter leans back against the door and cries out as he comes.
Nathan strokes Matt’s hair tenderly. “Come here, Peter.”
Peter stumbles over, wiping his hands onto his trousers.
“Nathan I...”
“Make yourself useful and suck Matt off,” Nathan says. “Shush,” he urges Matt. “It’s alright.”
Peter’s fingers stumble with Matt’s trousers and boxers. He tugs them down and parts Matt’s legs.
Nathan tips up Matt’s face and strokes his lips with his thumb.
Peter lies on the couch, resting his elbows on Matt’s thighs, and laps at Matt’s balls.
Nathan catches Matt’s wrists and holds them as he squirms and moans.
“I like it when you’re excited, Matt,” he says softly. “I like it when you’re happy.”
“Nathan... please...” Matt pants.
Nathan puts his free hand over Matt’s mouth.
“Shush,” he urges. “There’s a good boy.”
Peter leans down and picks up something. “Nathan, what’s your watch doing on the floor?”
“I must’ve dropped it the other night,” Nathan says, putting it on.
Peter watches through the doorway as Matt walks past. “What’s he doing?”
“Having a shower,” Nathan says sourly. “He always does after sex.”
“Well he did get kind of dirty,” Peter sniggers. “Thanks. Thanks for letting me... you know.”
“It was you or find an obliging whore,” Nathan says easily. “Matt knows you at least. I suspect he’d have been even more uncomfortable with a stranger.”
Peter rubs his hand over his elbow. “Any time, any time at all you want... just call me.”
“He’s mine,” Nathan says warningly. “You touch him without permission and I’ll break your legs.”
“Nathan!” Peter whines.
“I mean it Peter,” Nathan growls. “He’s mine, not yours. If I choose to let him get sucked off it doesn’t have to be you, I can get a whore.”
“Okay, okay.”
Nathan tucks his hands in his pockets. “Dad would have a fit,” he says wryly.
Peter reddens and shrugs. “But he doesn’t have to know. I mean... it’s nothing to do with him right?”
“Right,” Nathan agrees. “What I choose to let Matt do is up to me.”
“And he knows his place!” Peter says quickly. “It’s not like it was his idea or anything.”
“Hardly,” Nathan says wryly. “Will you stay to dinner? I’ll call and have them send up some more food.”
“That’d be great. Can I grab a beer?”
“One of the domestic ones, don’t take one of Matt’s.” Nathan calls the kitchen and then joins Peter on the couch.
Peter takes a sip of his beer. “So, how’s it going with him?” he asks quietly.
“Still a little rough but better.” Nathan takes a sip of his whiskey and nods. “Definitely better. It’s galling to think how much better things were a few weeks ago. Putting the harness on him had completely the wrong effect. Before that we were starting to settle into something a little more relaxed.”
“Dad goes on about how dangerous he is,” Peter says. “But that’s when he feels threatened, when he’s frightened, just like anyone else. Being cruel to him isn’t going to do anything but push him away.”
Nathan scowls at him. “I’m not cruel. Not on purpose.”
“Well, maybe if you listened to him once in a while,” Peter says, going red.
“Listened to him? What does that mean?”
Peter squirms in his seat. “Well, if he’s saying ‘please don’t do this’, maybe don’t do it?”
Nathan waves a hand. “If I did that he’d never have any fun. I swear he’s determined to be as miserable as possible.”
“He probably misses Molly,” Peter says quietly.
Nathan eyes him warily. “He hasn’t asked you if you know where she is, has he?”
“No,” Peter says honestly. “He hasn’t asked me that.” He gulps down a mouthful of beer. “When would he ask me anything? He always yells at me or pushes me around.”
“Or beats you black and blue in the dungeon,” Nathan smirks.
Peter looks at him seriously. “You shouldn’t have that place, Nate. Matt’s... you shouldn’t be doing that stuff to him. He’s never going to come around that way.”
“No,” Nathan agrees. “It doesn’t help that he makes it so difficult to be kind to him.”
“He’s still angry,” Peter says, rubbing his shoulder. “Really angry.”
Nathan raises an eyebrow. “He hurt your shoulder?”
“Dislocated it,” Peter says, pulling a face. “Bust my legs and my chest too.”
Nathan grinds his teeth. “What did he do; hit you with a belt?”
“Huh?” Peter looks at him blankly. “A belt wouldn’t do that. He threw me on the floor and kicked me around.”
Nathan looks up at the ceiling. “Did he get off?”
“From beating me up?” Peter asks incredulously. “No.”
“Did you?”
“No,” Peter lies, blushing. “Um, if you get bored of eventually... can I have him?”
Nathan snorts and takes a sip of whiskey. “He’d be gone in a week.”
“I could keep him!”
“Pete, you’re a good kid but you’d be a terrible owner,” Nathan says flatly.
“I’d be kind to him,” Peter says sulkily.
“Exactly,” Nathan agrees. “You’d start off being kind when you have to start with cruelty. Kindness is for when they’re broken and obedient. It’s a reward.”
“You said you weren’t cruel to him,” Peter points out.
Nathan colours slightly. “I don’t have to be, Matt was broken by Primatech and he respects strength. I’m strong so he respects me; you’re not strong so he has no respect for you.”
“Well since you’re doing such a great job, I’m sure that he’d be so grateful for some kindness and compassion once you’re done with him that he’d do anything I asked,” Peter retorts.
Nathan stares at him silently.
“What?” Peter asks uncomfortably.
Matt is lying on his bed staring at the ceiling when Nathan walks in.
“Peter’s gone,” he says, leaning against the wall.
Matt turns his head and looks at the other man.
“You can come and sit in the living room with me if you’d like,” Nathan adds. “You can watch anything you want.”
“No thank you.”
Nathan licks his lips. “I thought we could discuss a vacation. Have you ever been outside the US, Matt?”
“Sure, couple of times.”
“Oh, where?” Nathan asks surprised.
“Germany and Iran,” Matt says looking back up at the ceiling.
“Iran?” Nathan asks, walking over and sitting on the side of the bed. “That’s an interesting vacation choice.”
“When I was a kid we had an Iranian exchange student, Amid, living with us for a while,” Matt says with a shrug. “The year after I went over there for two weeks.”
“Well I’m genuinely surprised,” Nathan says smiling. “It’s not often something happens that genuinely surprises me.”
“I hate surprises.”
“Why Germany?” Nathan asks.
Matt shrugs. “We had relatives over there. I was coming up to my thirteenth birthday and, I don’t know, I guess my parents wanted to show me some of my heritage.” Matt sighs and twiddles his fingers. “There’s a house with a plaque showing eighteen different Parkman’s.”
“They lived there?” Nathan asks.
Matt turns back to him. “Sure, then they were taken to Buchenwald. It means ‘beech forest’ did you know that? Sounds like it should be... pretty.” Matt smiles bitterly. “No trip to see mom’s family, but in retrospect that shouldn’t have been a surprise.”
“Why?” Nathan asks quietly.
“Your mother told me that my dad forced my mom into marrying him, having me. Mind controlled her until he got bored and abandoned her. Fifteen years of being completely controlled and then he just walked out.” Matt sits up and faces Nathan. “He treated her like a thing, a toy. Toys don’t deserve consideration but you know that.”
“I wouldn’t treat you like that,” Nathan says mildly.
“You would if you could.”
Nathan purses his lips. “I encourage you to share your thoughts with me, Matt.”
“For now.”
“I have some vacation brochures, come and have a look,” Nathan suggests.
Matt stands up silently and troops into the living room. He slumps onto the couch and watches Nathan collect brochures from the side.
“What kind of vacations do you like?” Nathan asks, sitting down.
“We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon,” Matt says unwillingly. “That was a little boring but okay.”
“Not a beach holiday person?” Nathan asks. “Me neither. Skiing?”
Matt just looks at him.
“Not skiing?”
“Do I look like I can ski?” Matt asks.
Nathan shifts position so that his legs stretch the length of the couch. He raises his feet and rests them in Matt’s lap.
“There’s always time to learn,” he suggests.
“You can break my arms here, it’ll be cheaper,” Matt says, shifting further down the couch.
“A city break then,” Nathan says with false cheer. “We can see the sights.”
“Thought the idea was I spend all day every day on my back,” Matt points out.
Nathan sighs and flips through a brochure. “I would like our relationship to be more than that.”
“Would you?” Matt asks disbelievingly.
“I’m not made of stone, Matt,” Nathan says quietly, staring sightlessly at a picture of a beach. “Of course I enjoy using your body but I also want... companionship as much as the next person.”
“Oh.”
“Is that such an unpleasant thought?” Nathan asks, looking up at Matt.
Matt looks at away immediately. “You have an odd way of going about it.”
“It wasn’t my intention,” Nathan says easily. “My primary motivation in purchasing you was sexual pleasure.”
“Can I go back to my room?”
“We haven’t finished discussing vacation destinations,” Nathan says mildly.
“It doesn’t matter what I want anyway. Just pick what you like,” Matt says. “Can I go to my room?”
Nathan licks his lips. “I’d like you to sleep in my bed with me from now on.”
Matt folds his arms tightly. “I don’t sleep in that bed.”
“I’m sure the doctor will be happy to prescribe you some sleeping pills.”
“Please don’t do this,” Matt says quietly.
Nathan leans back on the couch. “Why does it bother you so much?”
“I just... I need some space that’s all,” Matt says squirming.
“You slept in the same bed as Adam.”
Matt shakes his head. “That was different, Adam was my friend.”
“You used to call me a friend, Matt,” Nathan says mildly. “What’s changed?”
“Everything. You’re not my friend and you obviously never were. You’re my owner, my jailor, my rapist, my tormentor and I can’t sleep, I can’t relax in the same room as you, let alone the same bed.”
“Rapist and tormentor?” Nathan says softly. “Matt, I’ve never hurt you or coerced you in any way.”
“You have my daughter hostage!” Matt clenches his fist tight, the nails digging into his palms. “You don’t have to beat me up or threaten me with violence because you have Molly. I am doing the very best I can here, Nathan, but you keep changing the rules. I don’t want to be disobedient, I don’t want to make you angry, but you keep changing things and I can’t keep up.”
Nathan stands up and walks towards Matt. Matt steps back, staring at him.
“It’s okay,” Nathan says, holding up his hands. “I appreciate that things have been very stressful for you. You’re probably still not over Mohinder’s death and that must have been incredibly traumatic.”
Matt shifts position slightly. “He bled to death in my arms.”
“I know,” Nathan says soothingly. “I know. I’ve been rushing you I can see that. Stay in your own room for the time being if that makes you more comfortable.”
“Thank you.”
Nathan puts a hand on Matt’s shoulder and squeezes gently. “I’ll find us somewhere nice to go, okay? The super bowl is next week, we can go after that.”
“Thank you,” Matt says again.
Matt wanders into the toyshop and glances back to check that his dogged pursuers are still waiting in the car. He rides the escalator up to the third floor and stops for a moment as a laughing family go by him. Then he heads for the kits – magnetic, electronics, biospheres, and chemistry sets. He buys a chemistry set, cash, and then goes down to the second floor where he buys a rucksack. Matt heads into the customer toilets, empties the contents of the chemistry set into the rucksack, and tears the box into tiny pieces before flushing it down the toilet. Then he walks out into the store, smashes the fire alarm button with his elbow, and in the ensuing confusion sneaks out a rear fire exit.
The thin, sallow man taps a tattoo on the bar. “A kid, I don’t know, I don’t know about a kid. I’m not that kind of...”
“She’s my daughter,” Matt says shortly.
“Yeah? Then why’d you need a fake passport and ID for her?”
“Because I escaped from Rikers three weeks ago and I want to get my little girl out of foster care and get out of the country.” Matt yanks out his wallet and pulls photographs out. “There we are at the zoo, in the park, on her birthday, at...”
“Okay, okay, okay,” he says. “I don’t need her whole life history. Six hundred for both.”
“Five and that’s a liberty,” Matt retorts.
“Three days so... Saturday do you?” he asks.
“No sooner?” Matt asks.
“Not if you want a decent job doing. If you want something that looks like a cheap photocopy then you can have it tomorrow for twenty dollars,” he sneers.
“Pardon me for impugning your professional pride,” Matt says dryly. “I might not be able to make Saturday, will you be here Sunday?”
“All day.”
“Good morning,” Nathan says, tugging gently at Matt’s hair as he sits down.
“Good morning,” Matt says, trying to pour a cup of coffee. The hot liquid slops over the edge of the cup. Nathan puts a hand over Matt’s and pulls the coffee pot out of Matt’s hand.
“Did you have a bad night’s sleep?” Nathan asks, pouring Matt a cup of coffee. “You’re shaking.”
“I’m just nervous about tomorrow,” Matt says honestly. “I wish you’d let me just go to a bar.”
“You can’t watch the super bowl in a bar,” Nathan says, passing him the cup. “Why should you when you have a perfectly nice home?”
Matt wraps both hands around his coffee and takes a sip. “Your dad will be here.”
“He’ll behave himself,” Nathan promises. “I won’t let him hurt you.
“He makes me nervous.”
Nathan pats Matt’s hand. “It’s just for a few hours. Everyone will be on their best behaviour.” Nathan smiles thinly. “Afterwards, if you’ve been good, I might let Peter suck you off again.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Matt mutters, going red.
“There’s no need to be embarrassed, Matt,” Nathan says calmly. “Just because you despise him doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it.” Nathan takes a bite of his toast. “I like watching you when you’re excited, when you thrash and whine. I don’t always take the time to see to your needs but I should.”
Matt sighs and picks up a piece of toast. He grips the butter knife so tightly that his skin blanches.
“I have today free,” Nathan says, watching Matt pressing so hard on the toast that it disintegrates. “I thought we could do something. What would you like to do?”
“Like what?”
“Anything you like, go to the movies perhaps? Or go to the zoo? Something else?”
Matt pauses, rubbing his thumb over the handle of the knife, and looks at Nathan. “Did you ever just think of me as a friend rather than a potential plaything?”
Nathan takes a sip of his coffee. “I always found you attractive. I did genuinely enjoy your company, Matt. I’d be lying though if I said I hadn’t planned to make a move on you. Not... not like this it’s true.”
“You were going to what... ask me out?”
Nathan smiles slightly. “Actually I was planning to seduce you. You were so innocent, Matt, and that bitch Janice had left you starved of affection.”
“Seduce and destroy was it?” Matt asks sourly.
“You misunderstand me,” Nathan says mildly. “I had no intention of sleeping with you and then abandoning you. I expected that you might be... clingy, and intense afterwards and I was prepared for that. It was clear to anyone with any perception that you would eagerly welcome some genuine regard and affection.” Nathan shrugs and butters a piece of toast. “Despite what you think I did have both in abundance. As it turned out Mohinder got their first. There were no hard feelings. After he died I saw my opportunity but unfortunately as it turned out Primatech had done rather more damage than I anticipated.” He takes a bite of toast. “But bitterness and anger aren’t your basic nature. In time those will pass.”
Matt pours another cup of coffee, using both hands to avoid the liquid splashing out of the cup. “A movie would be nice,” he says eventually.
Nathan blinks at him. “Really?”
“Yeah,” Matt says quietly. “Yeah, that’d be nice.”
“Uh, just a coke,” Matt says to the cashier.
“Aren’t you hungry?” Nathan asks. “You barely touched breakfast.”
“No,” Matt says quietly. “Not really.”
Nathan touches his hand. “You still worrying about tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“Large popcorn and an orange,” Nathan says to the cashier, handing over a note. “Try not to worry.”
“I can’t help it,” Matt says quietly. “I feel a little sick.”
“It’ll be fine,” Nathan promises.
Nathan shakes the popcorn at Matt.
“I didn’t think you’d be one of those people,” Matt says wryly.
“One of those people?” Nathan asks.
“Who rattles popcorn and rustles wrappers, slurps drinks.”
Nathan twists in his seat. “It’s the middle of the day, Matt. We’re the only people in here.”
“That’s no excuse,” Matt says.
“You’re in a better mood,” Nathan says, squeezing Matt’s thigh.
Matt licks his lips. “Just enjoying the movie.”
“We can get some lunch after,” Nathan suggests. “Would you like that?”
Matt forces a smile. “Sure, why not?”
Nathan stretches out and smiles across the table. “I have to tell you Matt, today has been really encouraging. It’s a little... tiring when you’re so unhappy.”
“I don’t feel unhappy to annoy you,” Matt says dryly, picking at his fries.
“No, no I know that,” Nathan says quickly. “It’s just nice to see you in a brighter mood.”
“I’m trying not to think about tomorrow.”
Nathan smiles slightly. “Well, they aren’t coming until about twelve. I won’t mind if you go out in the morning. I know you find it relaxing to visit the park or the zoo.”
Matt pales and swallows sharply. “Thank you.”
“Are you sure you’re alright?”
“I’m fine,” Matt says with a nod. “I’m fine.”
“I was hoping you’d tell me about the jewellery,” Nathan prompts. “You’ve been buying rather a lot and you never struck me as a jewellery wearer.”
“You said that eventually want me to go to functions with you,” Matt says casually. “You put a lot of store in how I’m dressed. I just wanted to make sure that I’d look the part when you did.”
“That’s very reasonable of you,” Nathan says with a tinge of suspicion.
Matt sighs and eats a single fry. “I don’t enjoy this tension anymore than you do.”
“No, well, I think we’re moving past that,” Nathan says with a smile. “I knew we would.”
Nathan taps on the doorjamb. “Matt, are you ready?”
“Sure,” Matt stands up and walks out after Nathan. “We’re not going into the dungeon?” he asks.
“Not tonight,” Nathan says, opening his bedroom door. “Do you mind?”
“No,” Matt says quietly.
Nathan watches Matt undress and sit on the bed and then pushes him flat. He puts a small pillow under Matt’s hips and starts to undress.
“Aren’t you going to tie me up?” Matt asks.
“Not tonight,” Nathan puts a tube of lube on the bedside table, “tomorrow, perhaps the sling tomorrow.”
Nathan tucks an arm under his head, watching as Matt pads back into the room.
“Thought you were going to bed.”
“I am,” Matt says. “I wondered... I wondered if you’d like me to sleep in here tonight.”
Nathan raises his eyebrows. “I’d like that very much.”
Matt nods and pulls the covers back. He climbs under the covers and lies down.
“It’s been a good day, Matt,” Nathan says happily.
“Good,” Matt says softly.
Matt walks through the cool, empty morning streets to the supermarket. He buys a bottle of camp stove fuel which he tucks into an inside pocket and then heads for O’Rourke’s.
“You look like death,” Marty says. “Sit down before you fall down.”
“Is Rodriguez here?” Matt asks.
“Over there, have a hot drink at least settle your stomach.”
“Thanks.”
“Matt?” Nathan calls as Matt walks in. “You’re back early.”
“Not, not feeling so great,” Matt says honestly.
Nathan walks out of the living room and looks him up and down. “You look terrible,” he says gently.
“Do you need the doctor?”
“No, no I just need a lie down and I’ll be fine,” Matt promises.
Nathan rubs his hands on the back of his trousers. “The kitchen is preparing dinner. Are you going to be okay to serve or...”
“Yes,” Matt says quickly. “Yes, I can serve the food. I just need half an hour or so that’s all.”
Matt wakes at the sound of the doorbell. He walks out into the corridor just as Nathan comes out of the living room.
“I’ll get it.”
“You sure?” Nathan asks.
“Absolutely,” Matt says firmly. “I don’t want to embarrass you in front of your dad or Peter.” He walks to the door as Nathan goes back in the living room. He opens the door and steps back to let Peter and Arthur in.
“Hi Matt!” Peter says cheerfully. “Where’s Nathan?”
“He’s in the living room.”
Peter scuttles past, looking back at Matt as Arthur stalks in.
He looks Matt up and down slowly. “Mastered the art of opening the door have you?”
“Fuck you,” Matt says sweetly.
Arthur blinks and steps towards Matt, raising a hand threateningly.
“Dad!” Nathan snaps. “Come into the living room.”
“Nathan, your boy needs chastisement,” he growls.
“That’s my decision, leave him alone or go home,” Nathan says coldly.
Arthur brushes past Matt and into the living room.
Nathan puts a hand on Matt’s forearm and squeezes gently. “Why don’t you put the food out?”
“Sure.”
Matt walks into the dining room and starts taking dishes from the trolley and putting them on the table. He shuts the door and wedges a piece of cardboard under it. Matt stares at the covered dishes and takes a small bottle from his pocket. He pours a small measure into the soup and mixes it in.
“Can I help serve?” Peter asks as Nathan and Arthur sit down.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Arthur snarls. “Sit down.”
Peter crashes down into a chair, red faced.
Matt pours Nathan a glass of wine, then Arthur, and then moves around to Peter.
“Can I have a beer?” Peter asks in a small voice.
Matt lets out a tiny breath and goes to get two beers from the living room. He shakes them both frantically before pouring them into glasses and carrying them back to the dining room.
“Thanks Matt,” Peter says taking one.
Matt serves the soup and sits down, taking a gulp of his beer.
“What flavour is this?” Arthur asks.
“Sweet potato and peanut,” Nathan says with a shrug. “Very sweet.”
Peter knocks back a mouthful of beer. “I like it.”
“It’s acceptable,” Arthur admits.
Matt keeps his head down, trying not to listen to the other men as they eat their soup. After a few minutes there’s a strangled sound from Peter. Matt bolts from the room and into the kitchen as Peter passes him on the way to the bathroom.
“What the hell is the matter with them?” Arthur demands.
“Matt wasn’t feeling well before,” Nathan says. “No idea what Peter’s excuse is.”
Peter is curled around the toilet moaning miserably.
“Pete, go home,” Nathan says lightly. “A cab is on the way.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry Nathan,” Peter moans. “I didn’t think I could get sick anymore. I’m sure it’ll pass soon.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just don’t give me whatever you’ve got.” Nathan walks out into the kitchen and over to Matt.
“Sorry,” Matt mutters, bent over the sink.
“The doctor is on his way,” Nathan says, rubbing Matt’s back. “I was thinking maybe Peter’s empathy means he’s picking this up from you. You weren’t feeling well before. Why don’t you go to bed? I’ll put a bucket by the side and a glass of water.”
“Thank you.”
The alarm clock sounds. Matt takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. He turns off the clock and gets out of bed. There’s a crash from Nathan’s bedroom.
Matt quietly walks out his room and to Nathan’s. He pushes the door open and walks in.
“Matt?” Nathan blinks and squints. “I don’t feel good.”
“It’s probably a virus,” Matt says softly.
“Did I wake you?” Nathan asks. “What time is it?”
“It’s early.”
Nathan scrubs his eyes with the palm of his hand. “Can you put the light on? I can’t see a damn thing.”
Matt looks at the shaking, sweating man in the bed, swathed in the bright clear sunshine shining through the windows.
“It’s early,” Matt says again. “You should go back to sleep.”
“You think?”
“Yeah,” Matt says. He walks around and tucks Nathan back into bed.
Matt walks out the apartment with the rucksack on his back. He slips away from his tail easily and walks into a bank where he opens an account with his faked ID papers and pays in everything but two hundred dollars. He takes another cab to the airport where he picks up his tickets.
He checks his watch and he waits.
The long flight seems to last weeks. Matt finally gets off the plane and ducks into the toilets.
He sits in a cubicle and turns on his hacked phone.
“Hello?”
“Peter, Peter it’s Matt. Something’s wrong, it’s Nathan. He’s sick. Can you get here?”
There’s a long pause. “What?”
“Nathan is sick,” Matt says. “Can you get over here?”
“Uh, sure I guess.”
Matt tenses at the sudden announcement over the PA system. “Please ensure you keep your belongings are with you at all times.”
“Where are you?” Peter asks, sounding confused.
“Focus Peter!”
“Okay, okay, I’ll go and see Nathan.”
Matt picks up his rental car and follows the pored over, half memorised, instructions along clean, well tended roads.
The school looms in the distance. Matt parks up and scales the fence.
Molly? Molly can you hear me?
Matt?
I’m coming for you, I’m right outside. Can you grab some clothes and get out here?
I can see you! I’m coming! I’m coming Matt!
It seems like an age, like weeks, before a tiny figure can be seen climbing out of a window. The crunch of gravel under her feet is like a gunshot in the still night.
She pelts towards him, her hair streaming out behind her as she runs. She throws herself into his arms and squeezes so tightly he can hardly breathe.
“I missed you! I missed you!”
“I missed you too,” Matt promises. “But we have to go, right now.” He picks her up and carries her back to the fence. He pushes her over and climbs up after. He grabs her hand and drags her over to the car.
“You won’t let them take me again will you, Matt?”
“No, this is it now, Molls. You and me,” Matt promises.
The car speeds through the cool, dark night.
A bright tune warbles into the air.
“What’s that?” Matt demands. “Do you have a cell?”
Molly nods. “I thought we might need it. Did I do wrong?”
“No, sweetie. Who is it?”
Molly pulls the phone out of her coat pocket and peers at it. “It’s Peter.”
“Shit.”
“You owe me a dollar.”
“I do,” Matt agrees. He takes the phone and opens it. “Yes?”
“You bastard! You fucking bastard!” Peter sobs. “How could you, Matt? How could do that?”
“Peter?”
“My dad is dead and Nathan is in a coma and you did it! I don’t know how but I know you did it!”
Matt steers one handed and tucks the cell between his ear and his shoulder. “Methanol poisoning, it was in the soup.”
“You fucking bastard! You tried to kill us all!”
“Peter, don’t make me regret saving your life,” Matt says calmly. “If I wanted that then you would be. Methanol isn’t poisonous in itself but when it metabolises it makes another chemical that is poisonous. Primatech uses it with a couple of different other chemicals to execute healers. While your body is dealing with the other poisons the methanol kills you. Even a healer’s body can only recover from so many attacks at once. I wasn’t sure if your dad could heal so I wasn’t taking any chances.”
“And if I hadn’t got sick you’d have let me die! After all I did for you!”
“I made you get sick,” Matt says tiredly. “The same way I made myself sick. I didn’t have to do that.”
“Why did you?” Peter asks. “Why tell me that Nathan was sick?”
“I have no grudge against you Peter. I just want us to be able to live our lives. I didn’t want to hurt Nathan. I did what I had to do. But this is a warning. I got your mom, I got your dad, I got your brother. I could’ve got you. If Primatech sends anyone after us then the gloves are off. You clear?”
“Nathan might die,” Peter snarls. “Even if he lives he might be blind.”
“Peter, do you understand what I’m saying? If anyone comes after us I won’t be responsible for what happens.”
“Yes! I understand!”
“Good, goodbye Peter.” Matt shuts the cell, winds down the window, and throws it out.
“What’re we going to do?” Molly asks quietly.
“What we have to,” Matt says, ruffling her hair. “But we’re never letting this happen again. Deal?”
“Deal.”
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Date: 2009-04-26 09:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-27 04:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-27 07:43 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-27 02:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-27 02:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-27 02:44 pm (UTC)I have fond recollections of times when I was capable of writing stories that were complete in themselves without trailing loose ends that needed sequels.
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Date: 2009-04-27 02:58 pm (UTC)Though these are a LOT of fun as well
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Date: 2009-04-27 03:04 am (UTC)You have no idea how much I loved this! And the hockey part, guh…I like that he got excited. *reads again* :D Thank you thank you thank you!!!
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Date: 2009-04-27 04:28 am (UTC)Yup, everyone has a limit and Nathan trampled right over Matt's. I feel a tiny bit bad about what happened to Nathan (not Arthur though!) but Matt's back was against the wall.
I'm so pleased! :D Heh, damn automatic physical reactions.
<33
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Date: 2009-04-27 03:15 am (UTC)This was was a cautionary tale too...You can only kick a dog so much before they turn on you.
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Date: 2009-04-27 04:34 am (UTC)I loved how Nathan started to become dependant on Matt and how he used that against him.
Your feedback on Sold really helped with that. It hadn't occurred to me at the time but I think it fits well. I was a little worried how well I could show Nathan's growing dependence but I think it worked okay.
And that poisoning bit was awesome.
Nathan had to be incapacitated long enough for Matt to get to Switzerland - which seems to be at least a 9 hour flight from the US. I did consider Matt smothering Nathan but I think that would have been a step too far for Matt.
This was was a cautionary tale too...You can only kick a dog so much before they turn on you.
Definitely, Nathan was so wrapped up in his little fantasy he total forgot who he was dealing with and how far he was pushing him.
<33
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Date: 2009-04-27 12:19 pm (UTC)