It was just about three in the morning when Netto woke up. He turned his head to look at the clock by his bed, finding it wasn't on. Netto was about to fumble with the buttons when a streak of lightning cut through the air and illuminated the room.
"Crap, no power."
Netto got out of bed and groped along the walls, making his way downstairs. At the bottom of the staircase was a small table. Fishing around in the drawer, Netto found a lighter and a candle. He lit it, casting away the darkness and setting a light glow to the walls around him. He walked through the living room towards the kitchen but stopped when he saw Rock. The navi was shivering and had set all the pillows around him into a protective barrier.
"Rock, are you okay?"
The navi peered between the pillows and sat up, recognizing Netto. Putting the candle on the coffee table, Netto moved the pillows and sat by Rock's feet. Lightning flashed several more times causing Rock to bury his face into the upholstery.
"You're afraid of thunderstorms?"
"How'd you guess?" Rock's words were muffled and slightly incomprehensible over the thunder.
Netto smiled and pulled Rock away from his comfort zone. Making the navi turn completely around, Netto laid Rock's head in his lap and started to soothingly massage his scalp with soft strokes of his fingertips.
"Netto, you shouldn't be doing this. Go to bed, it's too early."
"I won't leave you down here cowering in fear."
…It was almost four thirty by the time the next word was spoken. For that hour, neither had moved and both listened as the storm began to fade away. The wick of the candle had burned away leaving the flame to dissipate.
"Netto…why did you purchase me? There were plenty of strong navis able to work, but you picked me. I was the weakest navi of them all. Why?"
"To tell you the truth, I don't know why. When I saw you, something in my soul told me to save you. I couldn't bear to see anyone treat you horrible; especially Enzan."
"Who's Enzan?"
"You saw him the day we met. He was the one with black and white hair."
"What's so bad about him?"
"He thinks abuse solves everything and he has no respect for navis. I called him and noticed that he was raping his navi. It was sickening."
Rock shifted uncomfortably.
"Why do they have to rape us? Our bodies are as delicate as any human. We feel pain, both mentally and physically, and feel humility. We look like dogs being thrown under our masters and sodomized."
"How many times were you raped?"
"At least four times a week. I was with him for five months. Thankfully, navis can't contract STD's."
"I thought you said he sold you because you weren't good in bed. He wouldn't bother raping you that much otherwise."
"They're all the same. People get tired of their toys when they've played too much. Then, they get rid of the old toys and buy new ones." Rock stopped for a minute before continuing. "Why do you treat me so well? You haven't hit me or raped me. You took care of my wounds, gave me food, provided me with a warm place to stay, and now I'm laying in your lap. You really are different than many others. Are you hiding wings under your shirt?"
Netto laughed and ruffled Rock's hair.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm no angel."
"Are you sure?"
Netto smiled and let Rock sit up. He stood and pulled the navi against him, into an embrace. Rock was paralyzed in joy. He had never been hugged before and didn't think he ever would be. He cuddled against Netto.
"Thanks Rock. You truly are a special guy."
"What did I do for thanks?"
"You've been so nice to me and, unlike my previous friends, you haven't disagreed or argued with me."
"But everyone argues with their friends. What makes me so different?"
"I don't know."
The two pulled apart and Rock turned his head away shyly. His cheeks were flushed with pink and he softly scuffed his foot on the floor.
"Rock, do you want to come to bed? I really don't mind."
"Uh, s-sure." Rock was so embarrassed, yet almost ecstatic over what had just happened.
They carefully walked upstairs and crawled into bed. Rock happily rolled in the blankets and Netto could only laugh. It was entertaining to watch.
"I won't be able to sleep now."
"Why?" Rock pulled the blankets up to his neck.
"It's too late. The sun is already beginning to shine. Soon enough it'll be over the horizon and I won't be able to sleep well."
"Just try to sleep. It's pretty easy when there's nothing to do."
Netto lay down and took Rock's advice. Rock was right. Boredom knows no limits; enough for Netto to count the number of times Rock shifted in bed. It didn't take long for Netto to follow Rock into sleep.
Hopefully you learned a little more about Rock's past, and enjoyed it.
Please read and review.
PS: reychop, I give you permission to use the ideas presented in this story. I'm glad you found the plot interesting. For offering credit, all you have to do is mention my pen name. (This is only for reychop. Anyone else must request permission via review.)
To those of you who also find it hard to imagine the humans forgetting about the hard work of navis, the idea was for navis to just be beings of another world. They never used them for surfing the web. It was just another time in another world. Sorry about the confusion. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. I'll reply in future chapters.
