In the Presence of Mine Enemies Chapter 52

Tony walked into the kitchen to find Stiles taking steaks out of the broiler. He could hear the fat on the meat popping from the intense heat and the aroma was incredible.

Stiles looked over at him and said "Thought you would be asleep forever, Rumplestiltskin."

Tony furrowed his brow and replied "Uh, I think you mean Rip Van Winkle."

"What?" asked Stiles looking perplexed

"Rip Van Winkle was known for sleeping. Rumplestiltskin was…" Tony had to think for a minute

"…some short dude, like a leprechaun I think. Spun straw into gold…something like that."

Stiles just stared at Tony for a minute then shrugged his shoulders and said 'Whatever" and turned back to the stove.

"Oookay…so Stiles isn't raging. This whole situation is so weird!" Tony thought to himself.

He cleared his throat and asked "Do you need any help with dinner?"

Stiles turned around so quickly Tony stepped back. He was at a safe distance but with Stiles being so volatile and unpredictable you could never be too careful.

"Nope." Stiles actually said rather cheerfully "Why don't you have a seat and I'll bring it to you."

"Uh…sure" Tony said as he walked over to the dining table and sat down. He sat on the bench next to the bay window so he would not have his back to Stiles. He watched Stiles place a steak on each plate. Stiles then spooned on a heap of mashed potatoes and green beans. He was preparing to bring the plates over to the table when he said:

"Actually Tony…would you get the silverware and napkins?"

"Okay" Tony said as he got up and walked opposite of the kitchen island avoiding close proximity to Stiles. Stiles set down the plates and took a seat. His back was to Tony but he could see his reflection in the window. Stiles watched Tony's vigilance in action. He smiled knowing Tony's current actions would help him measure the control he planned to have over Tony in the near future.

As Tony completed his task he surveyed the room. The knives were still all in the block. The basement door had been replaced except there wasn't a padlock on it now. Stiles had also started a fire in the fireplace. Tony could see that Stiles had reduced the old basement door to a pile of wood for the fire. No evidence of their violent dance remained. If Stiles didn't mention it, neither would Tony.

Tony made his way back to the table avoiding Stiles as he worked his way around to his seat. He handed Stiles silverware and a napkin.

"Dig in" Stiles commanded and Tony was more than happy to oblige.

"This steak is incredible! All of it…really great, Brick, thanks." Tony said sincerely

"Glad you like it, Tony." Stiles said as he stood up and walked to the fridge.

"Bottled water?" He asked Tony, holding one up

"Sure"

Stiles brought two bottles back and unscrewed both lids. He handed one to Tony.

"Thanks" Tony said as he took a long drink

Stiles just nodded as he watched Tony's throat, his Adam's apple bobbing as the cold liquid made its way to his stomach.

Stiles did not take a drink of his water. He screwed the lid back on and set it aside.

He ate slowly observing Tony as he did. He could tell Tony was very hungry. Tony had not eaten since earlier the day before. Stiles hoped this wasn't the last meal Tony would ever eat but if it was at least he enjoyed it.

Tony could feel Stiles eyes on him and he wasn't sure what he should do. He did not know when Gibbs would get there and he didn't want to provoke Stiles, which usually happened when Tony opened his mouth. He would count on silence to protect him and follow Stiles lead as best he could.

The meal completed Stiles said "Take our dishes and clean the kitchen."

Tony stood immediately. He picked up his own plate and then moved around the table to stand directly next to Stiles. He leaned down and gathered up Stiles dish and silverware and headed to the sink. He cleaned off the plates and placed them in the dishwasher. He then proceeded to clean the entire kitchen as Stiles watched him. Tony had not hesitated to obey Stiles command. He had not even questioned Stiles.

When Tony was done Stiles said "Come over here, Tony."

As Tony approached the table, Stiles moved and straddled the bench he was sitting on. He pointed to a spot on the bench opposite to where he sat and said "Sit here, like I am sitting, across from me."

Tony straddled the bench facing Stiles. Stiles could see Tony's eyes were slightly dilated. There was still a lot of green to be seen. Stiles wanted to laugh with joy. It had not taken much of the drug to have Tony succumb to his suggestion.

"Are you scared of me, Tony?"

"Yes"

"Can I place my hand across your throat?"

"Yes"

Tony had not hesitated in any response yet. They maintained eye contact as they conversed.

Stiles took his right hand and placed it around Tony's throat. Tony didn't move. He didn't even blink.

"You know I can kill you like this, right?"

"Yes"

"Should I kill you Tony?"

Hesitation. Tony's brow furrowed and he said "No!" and he began to lean back a bit.

Stiles applied pressure and said "Be still boy!"

Tony stilled.

Stiles stared into Tony's eyes looking for any trace of resistance. He did not find any but to make sure he maintained Tony's obedience he reached for his untouched bottle of water and handed it to Tony. He removed his hand from Tony's throat and said "I want you to drink this, Tony, the whole thing."

Tony took the bottle and drank it down. Stiles took the empty bottle from Tony's hand and placed it back on the table. He patted Tony's cheek and said "That's a good boy!"

Tony simply smiled.

A/N-Thanks for all the suggestions-this has been like an interactive story telling experience! It is about a 50/50 split on death or life for Stiles. Your input has put me on track to where I want to take this story. In the end I hope everyone reading is satisfied. To my guest reader who questioned the need for a warrant…good catch. I am not sure about federal law where warrants are concerned but for the sake of this story let's all believe this is how it is done. Thanks again to everyone invested in this along with me. I wish you were all here so I could treat you to an Arrogant Bastard Ale! Unless you are under age or don't drink alcohol. I make a mean Shirley Temple. I will have more of this story very soon.