Chapter 21: Best for You
Anger. Red. The color Ash sees for a flash, his rage burning bright. Throwing his body back, he kicks madly, landing whatever hit he could. In two stomps the rear-view mirror was smashed. Ash kicked at his kidnapper, landing one solid kick to his jaw. He kicks at the steering wheel; if only he could make the man lose control-!
The man jammed the wheel to the right and brutally swung the car to the side of the road. Next, Lance brakes hard, sending Ash flying, losing his ground. Ash slams into the passenger door. The man is already moving. He pulled the hand brake and crawls to the passenger's seat. Ash can't fight back, his arms tied behind his back when Lance straddles him.
"Get off me!" Ash screamed, thrashing madly. Then, Lance grabbed the lever on the side of the seat. The seat collapsed backward, all the way to the lying position, as Lance violently jammed it down, Ash falling back with it. "No!"
The quick swing of a heavy hand- Slap! Ash's head cracked to the side and he cried out stunned, yet he was silenced. Ash breathed heavily, closing his eyes and recoiling, trapped and defenseless. His cheek stung but humiliation made his face flush red.
"Ash, Ash, Ash…" The man scolded him, rubbing his jaw. "I thought we were doing this the easy way."
Ash opened his eyes and looked at the man above him.
Lance.
Pokémon Master. Top of the League. The stronger, older. What the hell was he doing here, forcing Ash into his car? Lance's vigilant eyes met Ash's with amusement, with certain happiness even. Like a trainer ready to defeat a new challenge. Ash glared, disgusted, and started struggling again.
"No, no, no, no! Get off! Dammit! Help-!"
With one hand, Lance covered Ash's mouth, muffling his screams. With the other hand, he reaches and pulled out the knife from the holster at his hip.
Ash tensed, eyes going wide. He fell silent, breathing hard. His complete attention was on the knife, and the man wielding it. A shiver of pleasure ran through Lance's body.
"Shh…" Lance urged, holding the knife up close to Ash's face. Ash flinched and instantly began squirming. "I know you want to play. I know you need my attention… but this isn't the right time or place, is it?"
He removed his hand from Ash's mouth touching his neck, eyeing Ash meaningfully. Ash gasped, scared. Then, Lance leaned forwards, reaching for something in the back seats. Ash stared at the knife, close enough to cut his cheek. He couldn't speak, he was paralyzed.
Lance sat back, watching Ash closely again. He sees him staring at the knife with wide amber eyes, a blank expression on his face. Ash has gone from flushed to pale. His heart is drumming in his ears, Ash can barely hear Lance when he speaks.
"Ah… I see… You remember her, don't you?"
Like slow motion, Ash can't look away until the knife in back in the holster, Ash doesn't have it in him to scream. He can barely breathe.
"So much easier when you listen."
Ash felt like he was snapping out of a haze, his ears ringing. He realized Lance was tying him to the seat. Lance had looped a conveyor belt strap around the seat and around him, pulling it until Ash was securely strapped down.
"No…" This time Ash's voice had shrunk. He couldn't stop shaking. He couldn't decide; to scream or not to scream, to fight or not to fight the man with the knife. "Don't do this!"
He involuntarily kicked at the glove box, thrashing. Lance reached into his trench coat pocket and took out a vial, and black tape. He left the tape on his seat and opened the amber vial bottle, pulling out a dropper swelling with clear liquid. Lance delicately placed the open vial on the drink holder.
When Lance grabbed Ash face, forcing him to look up. Ash shut his eyes and pressed his lips closed. Lance pressed the dropper to his lips, forcing the tip inside. Ash tried to turn away, but Lance forced the dropper, clashing again Ash's teeth and sliding into his cheek. Then, Ash felt the thing squeezed out its contents. A sour chemical taste that made Ash gag. He spat out. Lance releases his chin and covers Ash's mouth with his hand instead.
Ash made a sound of frustration, managing to bite down on Lance's hand. Lance yelped, pulling back. A small bite on the palm of his hand. Lance grabbed the bandana around his neck, tugging it free. He grabbed Ash's face again stuffed the black fabric down Ash's throat until the whole thing had fit it. Cried out, who gagged and struggled to breathe, kicking uselessly.
"Silence. You did this to yourself, Ash. I warned you…" Lance held him down, reaching for the tape and struggling to wrap it around Ash's mouth and head. Panic overrode Ash's body, he screamed despite the image of the knife burned behind his eyes. The sound was muffled. Lance looked up, surveying the street. No cars passed. They were alone.
Ash lay back, wide amber eyes watching Lance in panic. Another wave of humiliation passed through him. Ash wanted to disappear. The fabric stuffed his tongue to the back of his throat, making it hard to swallow or breathe. The belt strapped him tightly to the seat, his tied arms cramped behind his back. His chest felt tight, and each breath felt like too little like it wasn't enough. Ash felt faint.
Lance was done when he had taped Ash's ankles together as well, eliminating his chances of fighting back completely.
Wordlessly he climbed back into the driver's seat, frown on his face. He geared up the engine again, turning on the light of the car. It was still raining outside.
A small whimper escaped Ash, who struggled to breathe. Lance turned to look at Ash, all tied up and nervous, the anxiety welling in his eyes. Lance felt his cock stir.
"Not yet, Ash." He taunted, starting the car into the road.
From behind the seat, Lance pulled a thick blanket over Ash, covering him completely.
They drove for what felt like hours. To Ash it was torture. The heavy blanket smothered him. He couldn't see and for a long time, Ash couldn't focus on anything else except not suffocating. Gagging on the bandana, he had already felt close to passing out once from hyperventilating. The journey was in silence, Lance never speaking a word once they were on the road again.
Ash couldn't understand, but he had to accept it. Was Lance the same man who had kidnapped him before?
The storm continued when they arrived. Ash could hear the rain against the rooftop, then the sound of an electric gate opened before the car, and they drove for several minutes more, but something had changed. Lance's body relaxed like he no longer had to worry. Ash felt his hope diminishing as he drove further into the estate.
The vermillion forest was vast, Ash recalled, but he had never driven in so deep. As the minutes dragged on, Ash realized he had been wrong. Initially, he had believed they were close to wherever Lance was taking him. But as he went deeper into the woods and higher into the mountains, Ash's unease grew.
If it came to running, Ash could attempt to hide in the woods. He could tell from the road, no longer smooth. The crunchy sound underneath the tires. That meant if he had a chance to run, Ash would be stranded in the woods in a storm. It didn't matter. Ash would take the chance if it came.
Another problem was brewing. A disgusting taste of chemical lingered in his mouth, and deep chills began running through his body. He wondered whether spitting out had been enough to deter the drugs. His skin prickled with a sense of anticipation, and Ash tugged at his handcuffs, frustration building. It took him everything not to lose it and scream.
Could this day get any longer?
Ash saw motion lights turning on through the fabric as they arrived, lighting up the thick pine foliage around them. The van came to a stop, and Lance shut the engine. Ash closed his eyes, feeling Lance open the door and leave the vehicle. The door slammed shut. Ash shook underneath the blanket, but tried to keep his breath under control; he would pass out otherwise.
The door on his side unlocked. The blanket was swept away. Rain continued to fall. Lance stood at the open passenger door and proceeded to loosen the strap at his chest. He threw the belt aside and brought the seat back to an upright position. Ash glared, eyes wild. He fought to maintain his composure. Lance reached for him. Ash flinched but what Lance did stun him; he grabbed Ash's hood and pulled it over his head.
Was Lance trying to protect Ash from the rain?
Grabbing Ash tightly by the forearm, Lance guided Ash out of the car. Tied ankles unbalanced, it only took a shove and Lance jostled Ash forwards. Ash tipped, for a moment fearing he would fall straight on his face. Lance caught him, an arm catching Ash around the hips. Ash tumbled forwards, bending. Lance made sure he wouldn't fall but didn't help him up. Ash struggled to stand straight, Lance dragging him around, treating him like a package one carried tucked under their arm while they carry other things. In Lance's hand, Ash's backpack, in the other, a set of keys.
Ash screamed, but the gag kept him muffled. Harsh rain making it even less noticeable. All Ash can see is dark trees, tall trees, and thick clouds above and flashing white lightings. The pebbled road. No nearby houses. Lance throws Ash over his shoulders.
Breathe! Ash reminds himself when he feels he's going to swallow the bandana and choke. Lance carried Ash through the rain and to the porch, to the front door.
They enter.
Gagging, serious bouts of nausea ravage through Ash's body, motion sick. He squeezes his eyes, focusing on breathing. If Ash throws up gagged, then he will surely suffocate.
Finally, Lance places Ash down. Ash flinches, and hisses in pain; Lance had gripped the recent gashes from the motorcycle fall.
Lance observes him closely. Through the haze of pain and lightheadedness, Ash recognizes a handsome man, in his early thirties. Youthful, a hint of danger in his eyes. Dark red hair combed back. He wears fitted black clothes, but Ash can see his thick chest and arm muscles.
Ash finds himself seated on a leather couch inside of a cabin living room, dazed.
To his relief, Lance removed the tape. Ash flinched, expecting the tape to tear his hair right off— Instead, it delicately pulled away without damaging Ash's skin or hair. Immediately Ash gagged again, and Lance pulled the bandana out of his mouth.
Ash coughed violently, doubling over. Choking, Ash could only recover after dry heaving. To Ash's good fortune, no puke. The white noise in his ears lifted and Ash could breathe freely.
Lance steps away, tending the fireplace.
Ash stares at him, shocked. Gathering his strength, Ash looks around at the cabin, finally taking a moment to look.
Slanted roof, and a large window from floor to ceiling view of the forest. Stone fireplace. Dim lamps light the place softly. It's warm in here, unlike the outside world. Vast dark windows looking into the forest night.
Ash thinks of Gary, lying on the ground, the rain pouring from above. He squeezes his fists tightly. Gritting his teeth, Ash knew he had to swallow his emotions. Right now, Ash was walking on a tight rope. He needed to focus to survive. One wrong move and it would be all over.
In the fireplace, the added wood has given new life to the fire. Flames grow, the dim light blossoming as well. He turns to look at Ash; his eyes are golden in the warm light. He was powerful. Ash had to come to terms with that. Where Ash was thin and average height, Lance was tall, thick and broad-shouldered.
"Ash, relax." Lance seemed so casual, already walking toward the nearby bar. He began preparing a drink. "I don't want to hurt you. I just want to talk."
Silence. Ash watched as Lance poured a glass of bourbon, golden liquor swirling. Ash swallowed, throat dry. Lance's words were irrelevant: Ash couldn't trust him.
"You almost killed me." The words came blurted out. Ash regretted it a moment later. He shouldn't engage Lance. Ash gritted his teeth and looked away. If Lance had been concerned about not suffocating Ash, he would've never gagged him in the first place.
Lance smiled faltered. He didn't answer.
"Ash…" He drew out Ash's name, like trying to pronounce a word for the first time. "How about this? You want a drink?"
Ash stared blankly as Lance held up his glass.
"I've heard you like to drink." The look Lance offered Ash was of friendship, not that of somebody threatening his life. Disgust filled Ash, and he looked away, screwing his eyes closed. His stomach twisted, and suddenly he craved alcohol like he been the other night when the despair was threatening to drown him.
There was no way.
Silence hung in the air. Lance took a sip from his drink, watching Ash closely. He sighed and set the glass down. He turned and reached around the bar again, retrieving two bottles of water instead.
Ash recoiled as Lance strode across the room towards him. He didn't touch Ash; instead, Lance set one of the bottles on the side table next to the sofa. Ash's throat tightened, so dry it hurt to swallow. He involuntarily tugged at the restraints of his wrists.
"Sealed. Unopened. You can trust that, right?" Lance carried the same, reassuring smile. Ash didn't understand, looking between the bottle and Lance. With his arms still tied behind his back, how was Lance expecting him to drink?
"You going to get me a straw or…?" Ash allowed the sarcasm to surface in his voice. Suddenly, he felt as if Gary would've been proud of him. Gary always had a quick, sarcastic witty response.
Lance chuckled.
"I'll untie you. You can take off your wet jacket. You can take off your shoes, get comfortable." Lance offered casually, cracking the remaining bottle open for himself and taking a drink.
The knife came out of the holster. Ash color drained from Ash's face, not feeling so brave anymore. Lance simply used it to slice the tape at his ankles off. Ash stared in horror. He was losing control. He took a deep breath, remembering he had to keep it together.
Then, Lance reached to grab him.
It was a gut reaction. Ash flinch and recoiled, gasping. He didn't want to be anywhere near him. Ash kicked back, trying to escape, shaking his head.
No!
Lance forced him back to his spot, grabbing Ash by the arms and shoving him back into the seat.
Ash cried out, Lance's iron grip once again at his elbow. The world before him swam and felt his strength falter. He squirms, trying to escape the pain.
"Where do you think you're going?" Lance's voice was sharp, the playfulness gone. Ash can hardly breathe. He moved in closer, he was in Ash's face. When Ash turned away, he could feel Lance' lips on his ears.
"What's wrong, Ash? Am I… too rough?" Hot breath brought goosebumps on Ash's skin. Ash gritted his teeth, trying to contain his pain. Then, Lance pulled and forced him to turn until Lance could reach the metal handcuffs. Ash shook, feeling Lance's menacing presence behind him.
The lock unlatched. Ash's arms were released.
Lance stepped away, and for a long moment, Ash sat there in shock. The knife was no where to be seen.
Bringing his free arms forwards, Ash gingerly rubbed at his wrists and then grasped his aching elbow close his body, sucking in an unsteady breath. His heart was in his throat.
So much for not wanting to hurt me.
As if reading his mind, Lance spoke.
"I didn't say I wouldn't hurt you, Ash. Only that I don't want to, Ash." Lance rationalized. He had stepped across the room and back to the bar, to retrieve his drink. Lance watched Ash closely, studying how he gently cradled his arm. "I have to remember to be gentle with you. You're more delicate than You look."
Ash took a deep breathe, closing his eyes. Lance was trying to bait him, insult him.
"I touch you and you scream. What happened, Ash?" The demand was clear in Lance's voice, like an angered boss or teacher.
Lance's captive refused to play along. Ash remained silent, glaring at the floor. The room around him was growing small.
Ash closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. It was hard to focus. Despite the tall ceiling and wide windows, the walls were closing in on him. Uncertainty was like a noose around his neck; would he ever make it out?
"Goddamit, Ash!"
The sound of shattering glass, crashing into the wall behind him. Ash flinched and turned to see. Lance had thrown his glass across the room, the broken pieces are strewn across the floor along with a puddle of what remained of his drink.
The sound brought Ash back to reality. Lance had thrown the glass at the wall... would he throw it at Ash next?
"I..." Ash faltered, hearing his own weakness in his voice. He took a deep breath. "I fell."
He couldn't bring himself to say more. To reveal the extent of his injury would only put him at a disadvantage. Ash tried to blink away the fogginess in his eyes and focus on Lance, the main threat.
"If you want to talk… let's talk." Ash gritted his teeth, containing his anger. It wasn't worth the fight, to hold his silence. He needed to find the way out, not fight fruitlessly.
The anger in Lance's features receded as soon as Ash met his eyes. Despite his every instinct telling him to look away, Ash stared back at Lance, assessing him. He recalled the Lance from his trainer days, taming the fierce shiny Gyarados. He recalled a man that wanted to help people and Pokémon, not hurt them.
How could I be so wrong?
"Was it you? You kidnapped me… you killed Peter." Ash accused, finally looking away when his anger reached his voice. He breathed deep, trying to regain control.
Lance scoffed, turning once again to the bar. This time he served himself ice and emptied the rest of his water bottle.
"So… you don't remember?" Lance paced, stalking back and forth before the fireplace. A sip of water. His eyes were once again focused and razor sharp. Watching Ash. Ash gingerly grabbed the water bottle and cracked it open. His throat so dry he struggled to speak.
"It was you," Ash said and then took a small sip. He couldn't recall those sharp eyes, cold and steel, not until he saw them in the Pokémon Center. It was as if his memory had been erased up until that moment. "But I only realized that now."
Lance stopped and smirked. But unlike Gary, whose smirk was so confident and natural, Ash spotted a crack in his demeanor, a strange nervousness in the man's face. The only answer Ash got was Lance's muted laughter after a drawn-out silence.
Ash burst to his feet. "Admit it!"
Then his ankle bloomed with pain, his own weight catching him off guard. Ash fell back into the seat, making a noise between a groan and growl, clutching his ankle and the water bottle tightly. He bowed his head, hiding his anger. His own body was betraying him.
"Ash… If you're so injured, why not just heal your injuries?"
The glare Ash threw him amused Lance.
"What? Confused?" Lance watched him carefully narrowing his eyes. "Are you saying that you never once wondered how you survived? You've never questioned why you're alive when you should be dead?"
Thunder and lightning, blinding and sharp, made Ash flinch. Ash put the bottle down on the table, his hand shaking. Of course, he had wondered. In his darkest days, Ash wished it would have been him instead of Peter. Lance's words shook him to the very core, leaving a cold sweat running down his back.
"I don't know how I survived," Ash admitted. "I don't know how I was healed."
He met Lance's eyes meaningfully, only now Lance's eyes looked golden and amber. This jolted Ash, who had seen the blue and silver before. Dizziness swirled around Ash, and he knew Lance seemed on the cusp of giving him an answer he had waited long to hear. Ash cursed under his breathe. He needed more strength!
Ash had to blink several times. Tiny spirals scattered across his vision caught on the edges of lines and shapes. They twisted and created small snags in reality. Each time he blinked it was like they were swept away, but soon enough they reappeared.
"Why me…?" Ash struggled. He grasped for the sofa chair arm, feeling as though he would collapse even though he was already sitting. More than anything, Ash needed answers.
The scene in front of Ash became a mirage. Lance's silhouette was a blurry image, a flash later, Ash saw Lance's concerned face. For a confused moment, he recognized Lance as his old friend, the champion he had met as a trainer. He was there to save him!
"Ash!" Lance's voice was like he remembered; concerned but firm. It was kind and encouraging. Ash could even see the Pokémon League outfit Lance wore the day he captured Gyarados.
The storm picked up again. Light flashed, breaking the spell. This Lance was the man of a decade later, dressed completely in black. Ash flinched and recoiled, realizing that he had fallen to his side, lying on the sofa.
"No!" Ash's heart leaped to his throat. Lance froze in front of him, but as thunder rumbled, Ash saw a split vision of the man. He saw the Lance from the past, then current Lance, the two images jumping back and forth. Ash closed his eyes and brought his hand over his head, groaning in pain.
There was something very wrong.
Gasping and twisting, Ash's breathing become labored. A deep jolt of electricity coursed through his body. He convulsed in pain against his will. His body contracted in a strange spasm; tense in pain.
Ash cried in anguish.
Lance retreated. The pain continued for a long moment, then it released Ash, and his body fell limp on the sofa. When Ash opened his eyes, everything was a glowing and swirling vision. The shock had passed but he felt like a wrung-out towel.
Steps rushing back towards him. Then, Ash felt it build up again. A cold shock rippled through his body, and his arm twisted and contorted, his back arched too. Ash felt like he was being twisted from the inside. A scream of pain escaped him and then the shock released him, Ash's body falling like a rag. Sweat broke across his forehead, and this time Ash didn't bother opening his eyes.
Is this it?
The thought ran through Ash's mind emotionlessly. Maybe Ash would die here, and this would be the end of the story.
"What… poison?" Ash muttered the words, but even speaking was an effort. He recognized Lance standing before him. Dimly Ash was aware of Lance unlacing and removing Ash's shoes and pushing his legs on the couch.
Another building coil in his stomach. Ash could anticipate it, his breathing growing labored again. The shock of electricity shot through him and Ash twisted, eyes squeezed shut.
When he came too, Lance was stroking his hair back, eyes carrying a worried expression. Ash panted, debilitated. Then, anger surged. Ash slapped Lance's hand away in a last-ditch effort of rebellion. Lance caught his wrist and hauled Ash up.
When the next shock hit, white spilled over his vision, and there was nothing else for the scalding electricity. Awareness escaped Ash. He vaguely identified what was happening around him each time the shocks receded. Ash felt his face against the cashmere sweater on Lance's chest, the man's arms wrapped around him. The feeling of being picked up, motion. Light and darkness, the smell of clean sheets. He felt his jacket being pushed off his shoulders.
Ash's head was muddled. Somehow, it was as if the shocks were punishment for all he had done wrong. In between shocks, Ash believed it true. One shock for being the lone survivor. One for crashing his bike. One for living recklessly. One for becoming an alcoholic. One for throwing his life away. One for putting Gary in danger. One for getting caught.
One for being a victim in the first place.
Ash lost count of how many times his body tensed and released. With a groan, one last shock passed through Ash, and he lay breathless. His body remained tense, expecting another shock. Ash was sure he had more sins to atone for. It never came. Soon Ash's body relaxed, and slowly he regained awareness.
He was warm. A strange shiver of relief ran down Ash back. He lay on his side, on a soft mattress, unaware of how much time had passed. It felt like he was on a cloud, thanks to its comfort and warmth. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in another room. A large window spanned before him. The rain had stopped. The night had cleared, and Ash saw before him a landscape of a great clearing and forest. Tall thick pines, taller than Ash imaged. A landscaped illuminated only by moonlight. It was calm and beautiful.
The vision shocked him. A shiver ran through his body and awareness came back to Ash, who was inexplicably grateful of being alive.
"Lovely, right?"
Ash was rattled. He turned to find Lance standing at the door frame leading into a bathroom, wearing only a towel around his hips. Wet hair. Fresh out of the shower…
How long had Ash been out of it? Ash twitched but couldn't find the strength to move. A strange calmness settled with him. There was a warm and fuzzy feeling that surrounded him, and despite knowing he should be scared, he felt relieved. The shocks had subsided.
"I've never seen anybody have a reaction like that," Lance spoke softly, almost a whisper. "You had me worried for a moment." Then, Lance joined him. The mattress lay on a low bed near the floor, and Lance sat on the edge.
Ash found he had nothing to say. He felt so good he could've just slept.
"I knew you were going to fight." Lance turned to look at Ash, looming over him. His shadow shielded Ash from the moonlight. "I had to dose you."
Lance was so close. Too close. Ash struggled to sit up, realizing he had to fight the exhaustion wearing over him. His brain felt foggy, and everything had a slight unnatural glow. He had crawled back and made it onto his elbows when Lance firmly pushed him down into the mattress.
"No…!" Ash said, anger in his eyes. He swung madly at Lance, landing a slap on his cheek, granted not with much force. Lance groaned. Ash tried to crawl away, his fear reignited.
Lance yanked him back by the shoulder. Ash fell flat on his back. Lance loomed over him. He struggled, kicking back – But Lance was on top of him, straddling his waist.
"Stop! Get off me!"
Ash thrashes wildly, but Lance has the advantage. He catches Ash' wrists and yanks them above his head. When Ash fights, Lance tightens his hold to the point of pain, leaning his weight on to Ash. A small cry of pain escapes Ash and he squirms, trapped underneath Lance.
Ash stops struggling, his body tense but falling still. Only then Lance loosens his grip. They both breathe heavily from the struggle. Ash looks at Lance with big amber eyes, shocked. He feels exposed, arms lifted back over his head. He wants to curl into a ball and disappear; Instead, he is trapped.
When Lance leans in closer, Ash's heart leaps to his throat. The towel around his waist has tumbled away. He is completely naked.
"Lance, don't!"
One long lick across Ash's neck. Lance chuckles at Ash who bucks underneath him, fighting his grip. He kicks uselessly, Lance pinning him down easily with one leg on each side of him.
"Relax, babe." Lance's deep voice is husky with desire. He gathered Ash's wrists in one hand a makes sure he has a tight grip. "I'll go easy on you for your first time."
Ash's cries out in disdain when Lance sticks one hand under Ash's black shirt, grabbing his chest. Fingers toy with Ash's nipple, making the younger man jerk and flush in despair. The unfairness made Ash's blood boil. Lance pushes the shirt up until its gathered around Ash's wrist.
Lance take a moment, looking Ash up and down. He eyes linger on the scattered bandaged on his left side, over his hip and torso. He frowns, tracing a finger delicately on the edge of the bandages.
"No, Lance, don't do this." Ash couldn't contain the panic in his voice. He tried reaching out to the Lance Ash had once trusted, tried to look into his eyes. "Stop. You can stop now!"
A frown crosses Lances face.
"What do you mean, stop? It's too late, Ash." Lance breathed into Ash's ear and kissed his temple. Ash shivered.
"No, it's not," Ash argued, struggling to breathe evenly. "This doesn't have to go this far. You don't have to go this far!"
Lance watched Ash seriously, no longer responding. Instead, he flipped Ash around easily, so he was lying trapped face first underneath him. Ash grit his teeth the pain from his elbow resurfaced, but he full out screamed when Lance pulled Ash's wrists together behind his back.
Ash began trembling violently, and pain clouded Ash's eyes. It feels like one wrong move and his arm would break at the elbow, a sharp pain coming alive.
"Lance… Please…" His voice was tight and forced, almost like he was choking.
Hesitation. Lance stopped, releasing Ash's left wrist, the one with a bandage around his elbow. Immediately Ash makes a sound of relief, the pressure on his elbow gone. He feels tears gather in his closed eyes against his will and tries to hide them, pressing his face into the mattress. His mind flashes back to the first time his arm had been broken.
"Lie still, or I'll have to break your arm." Lance threatened. He felt joy hearing Ash gasp. He slowly begins looping a rope through Ash's right wrist. Lance had no intention of breaking his arm. He needs Ash to let him tied him up, but Ash believes the threat. He stops struggling.
When he was done, Lance had bound the rope across Ash's chest and arms. The rope crossed over his chest in an X, and his right wrist was tied and pulled behind his back, close to his left arm, which was caught in a knot that bound his arm firmly to his side. There was no way for him to lift his arm away from his side, but the rope didn't add the sharp pressure that made Ash feel as if his arm would break. Ash panted and struggled, but the binds didn't break. He was trapped.
Laughter escaped Lance, who watched Ash squirm underneath him. Lance admired his work and the beauty of his knots.
"Sometimes we have to improvise, don't we Ash?" Lance asked, but only got a sound of frustration from Ash when Lance flipped him once again on his back.
Wide amber eyes looked up at him. "Why are you doing this?"
The answer Lance gave Ash was clear; Lance groped Ash firmly but gently in between his legs.
Ash felt something drop in his stomach, gasping in shock. He jerked and struggled, but Lance eased Ash's legs open with his knees, pinning Ash down with a hand to his chest, pressing him into the mattress.
"Ngh! Agh... Stop!" Ash pleaded. His face had flushed red. Lance pressed his hand into Ash, stroking up and down, watching Ash closely. To Ash, his senses were overloaded; Lance's touch was intense and overwhelming. When he closed his eyes, the color gold was burned into his eyes. Ash broke out a sweat on his forehead and cringed, bound by the rope. He closed his eyes, wishing to escape.
Soon, Ash felt his underwear pulled down. He kicked and cried, but it was useless; they were tossed aside, and Lance's lips wrapped around Ash's cock.
Ash cried out. It already felt overwhelming, the drugs coursing through his veins making his senses overloaded. Lance's mouth is warm and tight; wet; Ash thought he would explode. His lips slick over Ash hard cock.
"Mmm, so hard…" Lance pulls away for a moment and stroked Ash with his hand. "You like this, don't you Ash?"
He leaned in and sucked firmly. Ash cries out, flushed with humiliation. He flails and kicks, but Lance holds him down easily, grabbing Ash's butt firmly. Sounds of frustration escape Ash, who curses under his breath. Why was his body betraying him? Lance's lips are warm, warm and tight. Ash squirms from the sensation.
When Lance had tasted enough, Ash was panting and writhing.
Each time Ash squeezed his eyes shut he saw a kaleidoscope of colors. He can't escape it. He can't see a way out. Bound and forced down, drugged and injured. Violated. Ash wonders what it takes to break him. He feels a tiny ball of pride within him, that he hasn't completely given in.
Lance pulls back and sits up, stroking himself.
"Feels good. You're all mine now." Lance touches Ash face as if caressing a lover. Ash flinches and turns away.
With the most scathing voice he can muster, Ash replies. "You can tie me up and force me, but I'll never belong to you."
Lance looks surprised. Then he smiled, holding Ash down when he struggles in vain to escape from underneath him. Lance forces Ash face-first into the mattress when he becomes too unruly, this time throwing Ash thoughtless onto the bed. Lance strength reminds Ash to be careful; painfully aware of Lance's capability of breaking him.
"I'll make you pay for that." Lance taunted. There's a small bottle in his hands, which he pours lube over his hand and cock. Ash's eyes grew wide in dismay, feeling Lance shift behind him, forcing his leg further apart. Without holding back, Lance forces one finger inside of Ash, shoving it in despite Ash's tight body. He cries out in pain and shock.
"By the end of tonight, you'll know who owns you."
Ash writhed in pain, taken by surprise. His whole body goes tense. Ash cries out softly, uncomfortable. He hides his face in the mattress.
The sound Ash makes amuses and delights Lance, making his erection grow harder. His voice was sweet and raspy, Ash struggled not to make a sound, trying to contain himself as Lance thrusts his finger back and forth.
Lance grabs Ash by the hair and yanks his head back, pushing another finger in. Ash breathes sharply, his body shaking, eyes squeezed closed. His back arches in tension and Ash can't focus anymore. All he can feel is Lance's fingers moving inside.
"Let me hear your voice, beautiful. I love it, it's so… hot…" Warm breath caressed the back of Ash's neck and shoulder. Lance sloppily nibbles Ash earlobe.
Ash makes a whimpering sound when Lance pushes the two fingers deeper inside of Ash. Ash cringes, then Lance seems satisfied. He pulls his hand away, releasing Ash's hair. Ash falls limp on the bed, overwhelmed. Instead of relief, he feels fear simmering in his chest.
The clouds shift in the sky. Outside the window, a soft rain begins sweeping over the clearing and above the trees. Moonlight becomes softer, casting them into deeper darkness. Only the fire from the nearby fireplace illuminated their entangled bodies.
Ash can't find the strength to move, to fight back.
Lance was shifting behind him, spreading Ash's legs further apart with his knees. He gasps when he feels a thick, wet erection pressed between his legs, its heavyweight sliding against Ash's bottom. Ash felt his heart would burst out of his chest. He can't tell the size, but he can tell its big. Ash struggles to breathe.
Thick pants behind him, breathing down his neck, Lance steadies himself by placing one hand on Ash's shoulder and the other on his hips. He grinds into Ash, slick with lube and oil, warm and in control. He hasn't entered inside of Ash yet, but he is so close.
"Lance…" Ash speaks breathlessly, trying one last time. "Don't do this… No!"
As Ash said the last word, Lance reached down and hooked his finger inside of Ash, only slightly. He guides his cock into Ash's ass and pushes in, steady.
Ash screams, thrashing wildly. Lance holds him down easily and pushes inside until he's completely buried inside of Ash. It was almost too easy. His heavier body pins Ash to the mattress. Ash had expected Lance to be rough, to want to fuck him dry so it hurt; not like this.
"Agh..! Tight!" Lance winces, draping his body over Ash's and grabbing a handful of Ash's raven hair. Ash gasps and groans in discomfort, his body tense underneath Lance.
"I fucking love it!"
Slow, Lance begins pulsing his hips into Ash, driving his erection into Ash easily, wet with lube. With each thrust, he jabs at something inside of Ash.
Ash struggles not to cry out. White bursts of light scatter across his vision and his body feels alive with strain, pressure. Blood rushes to Ash's groin in a strange mix of pain and exhilaration, fear. Lance's thick cock drives itself deep inside of Ash, sweet friction, and his large body sprawls over Ash, heavy. The power is completely in his hands. Lance groans in pleasure.
"Ngh… No!" Ash's pleas softly, twisting in agony.
Lance's eyes are wild with ecstasy. His wish to see Ash submit has been granted. Ash can't fight it, he must take it. Deep. Hard. However, Lance wants to give it. Lance forces Ash onto his knees, cock still inside of Ash. He begins fucking Ash roughly, quickly, just to make Ash scream.
Ash's cries fill the room, along with the slapping sound their bodies make as Lance thrusts mercilessly. Lance pulls Ash up by the hips, propping Ash on his knees, his chest on the mattress, allowing deeper access. Lance fucks him until he has pushed Ash to the edge of the bed, against the wall. Lance pulls Ash up by the ropes and slams him onto the upholstered wall, continuing to fuck him against it.
"Ah!" Ash screams.
It doesn't matter how hard Ash pulls at the ropes or how much he cries out; the restraints don't give, and Lance doesn't stop. Ash takes Lance's cock deep inside, fast and relentless. Strong arms hold Ash in place, and Ash can feel the thick muscles of Lance's chest as he grinds Ash into the wall, cock sliding in and out of him.
Ash is seeing stars and gasping for breath when Lance bucks deep into him and groans, erection still inside of Ash.
They pant furiously, Lance's cock throbbing and pulsing inside of Ash, orgasming. Lance pulls out and flips Ash around roughly. They fall to the mattress, where Lance holds him in place, pushing him down into the bed. He groans loudly, stroking himself, finishing all over Ash's cock.
Lance moans and grinds into him, into the mess of his own cum on Ash's skin. He lets him weight collapse onto of Ash, pressing his erection into Ash,.
Ash lays in shock, unrecovered. He feels dazed and confused, as if unaware of his surroundings. His mind struggles to compute what had just happened. Lance laughed and blows out a breath, his hair still wet from the shower, with some sweat in it as well. They both lie naked and panting, Ash trapped under Lance' warm and heavy body.
The moment stretches. Stunned and confused, Ash's brain feels like its processing reality doused in thick syrup, making him slow and uncoordinated.
Lance finally pulls away. Ash is paralyzed by a mental haze, where he can't figure anything out. Like when waking up the night after a particularly intense night of partying, Ash was trying to figure out the basics.
Deeply confused. Ash didn't recognize where he was. Ash opens his eyes. The room was buzzing with energy around him, but he couldn't find the strength to lift his head and look around. His body was electrified, ravaged. Ash knew he had been having sex, but for a moment couldn't remember with who…
Ash seized up, inhaling deeply. Fear spiked in his chest. Had he gotten too drunk and cheated on Gary? He looks down and sees his naked body. There is cum covering his cock and his stomach. Ash felt his stomach flip with disgust. He has to look away, ashamed.
Lance walked back to the bed, to his side. Ash had curled on his side and tugged at the rope.
"Lance…?" Ash sounds surprised. Lance pushes Ash on his back again, crawling over him.
"I made a mistake…" Ash choked, tears welling in his eyes. He feels overly intoxicated, helpless.
For a moment Ash believes he's still at Julien's party. The drinking had been too much, and Ash had ended up in bed with another man. "I shouldn't have done this…"
Lance laughs. Amused. He is cleaning himself off with the towel and cleans Ash up as well. Ash's groin is overly sensitive, even the towel and Lance's soft pressure make him gasp and squirm in pain.
"What are you talking about, now?" He touches Ash's affectionately, pushing back raven hair from his face.
"I can't do this…" Ash turns away, shifts but can't get out. He's confused, can't understand why he can't move his arms. "I have a boyfriend... I need to go home…"
This time Lance laughs out loud. "Hah! You really are tripping. What do you think this is? A hook up? Got a little too drunk?"
Ash grimaced, still confounded. Why did it feel like his arms were tied up? He needed to leave, go home. He curled on his side and tried to sit.
"Where do you think you're going?" Aggressively, Lance pushed him down, his face had gone serious. Ash sees the flame from the fireplace reflected in Lance's eyes, and it's like a real fire is burning there.
"I destroyed your home. Gary is out of the picture." Lance spat, his grip around Ash's arms tightening to the point of pain. "Where do you think you're going?"
Blinking, reality is shifting again. He winces under Lance's grip. Once again, Ash spots the clearing of the forest beyond the window, the slanted roof of the cabin. The tall tree branches reach up to the sky, like open and gaping hands grasping for the moon. It makes Ash feel sick. Realization dawns on him. He is not at Julien's party.
"Are you still going to fight me?" Lance whispers, lowering himself down. Hands soften their grip. He kisses Ash on the lips, sloppy. Ash breaks the kiss, turning away and frowning.
There is no fight left in him. Ash can only watch and feel. Exhaustion lays heavy over him like he had been awoken from a deep sleep. Ash struggled to stay awake. If anything, he was fighting to stay conscious, to remain aware of what Lance would do to him.
"What now...?" Ash could barely muster the energy to speak, but Lance knew what he meant. Lance had gotten what he wanted. With lidded eyes, Ash glared at Lance. What he saw was a psychedelic vision. Everything was tinged in neon hues that weren't there, the only light source being the fire. The wall and the windows moved in undulating motions.
Ash closed his eyes, the world too distorted and blurry. Instead of words, the answer was Lance's action. He grabs Ash's legs and pushes them apart. Already hard… Ready for another round.
"Ah…" Ash gasps softly, closing his eyes. Lance is wet with lube. Ash is so tired. He can't even process. Yet he holds his tongue, thinking of what to stay. He knows he can't beg.
"I don't want this…" Ash's voice was soft, slightly breathless. He needed to make it clear. Lance touched his face, again gentle. He kissed Ash lightly. He releases Ash's legs and sinks down over Ash, leaning on his elbows over Ash's shoulders. Ash is confused, concerned.
"Didn't… you... hear me?" Anxiety welled in Ash's chest. He turns his head away, eyes closed. Lance overwhelming presence, his warm body, his fresh, body wash, recent shower smell…
"Of course, I heard you," Lance whispers straight into his ear, touching his neck. "But you don't have any say in this. You don't know what's best for you Ash. I do."
This time, Lance knelt and grabbed Ash's hips, pulling Ash over his thighs, embedding himself between Ash's legs. With Ash's panting body splayed on the bed in front of him, exposed and tied up, Lance pushes his cock inside. Ash cried out, unable to resist. It was beautiful.
"I'm what's best for you."
Darkness crept around the edges of Ash's vision. He felt disconnected, far away. He could feel Lance inside of him, feel his hands running over his body… But he felt oddly detached like he was drifting away. He closed his eyes.
Ash… Ash…!
The voice is far away, but nearby. In his head. Small but there. Ash can't even move.
Ash… Please… Reach out to me! I'm here…
He can't understand what it means. When Ash opens his eyes all he sees is a kaleidoscope of night, skin, fire and gold. Amber eyes staring at him. Distantly, he feels Lance thrusting inside of him.
Please… Let it stop…
Ash lets the thought run through his mind as if the voice could hear him. He was slipping into unconsciousness, the kaleidoscope blending into total darkness.
Ash..? Ash..! Hang in there… I'm coming…
Author's Note:
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