Chapter Seven

Lost Trust

Ryker plunked down in the chair, yawning widely and scratching his head. When he blinked the sleepiness out of his eyes, he cast a gaze of hostility at the blonde man who entered the room.

"Good morning, Ryker," Iason offered.

"Hmph," Ryker huffed, averting his gaze.

Riki entered the kitchen, having left the bathroom and was snagged in Iason's arms. "Good morning, Riki," the blonde whispered, planting a kiss on the tanned nape.

"Morning," he yawned, meeting the pale lips that dipped down to meet his in a soft peck. He looked over to Ryker. "Why are you so growly this morning?"

Ryker gnashed his teeth, abruptly rising and then stomping past the couple and into the bathroom. He closed the door as fast as it could go and then locked it.

"This isn't going well," Riki sighed.

"I daresay he heard us last night," Iason murmured, gently caressing the mongrel's bare chest softly. "How's your hand?"

"Huh? It's fine," Riki sounded, then remembered the reuniting that they had shared. "I bet he got off on it, that's why he's pissed off." He yawned again, stretching out his limbs. "He'll be fine, just let him warm up to you. It's your chance to do it right, yeah? Not kidnap—"

"Please," Iason silenced, placing his hand over Riki's lips. "Let's not relive the past, Riki. I can hardly do anything from then in this life. I'm limited." He removed his hand. "Can we not come to some sort of temporary closure until we truly close the past?"

Riki paused, realizing that Iason really was making an effort to show that he was a changed person this time. "Yeah, OK, OK. I won't say it anymore."

Iason stole another kiss from the mongrel. "Good."

"Now get off me, I gotta make breakfast or we'll all starve," he grunted, shrugging out of Iason's hold. "Grab that apron over there."

Iason obediently grabbed it, handing it off to Riki. "Here you are." He paused and watched in confusion as Riki slipped another apron on. "Why…?"

"That's yours," Riki answered, turning away to hide his smirk. "I gotta teach you how to cook or you'll never be able to provide for Ryker while I'm at work."

"I see," Iason answered, slipping the teal colored apron on over a casual tank top that he had found. He paused, admiring Riki who was nude save for a pair of boxers and the grey apron. It took all of his control to refrain from pouncing on the delicious sight. "Are you sure it's safe to not…be fully dressed in attire?"

Riki shot a glance over his shoulder. "Pervert," he mumbled, pulling a pan down from the shelf. "Yes, it's fine, people do it all the time." He set the pan on the stove. "And the kitchen gets so damn hot when we cook, so you have to strip."

Iason glanced around. "Is there no ventilation?"

"It's the shittiest system ever," Ryker pitched in, stomping through the kitchen without looking at either of them. "Pancakes?"

"Yes, pancakes," Riki answered while rolling his eyes, then looked to Iason. "Grab that bag of mix. We'll start with an easy cooking lesson."

"Now flip it," Riki instructed, sitting back and watching his teaching take action. He watched as Iason effortlessly flipped the whole pancake in the pan to reveal a perfect golden side. "Shit, that's pretty good. Took me forever to master the flip."

Iason smiled, enjoying Riki's praise and casual talk with him. Why hadn't he just done simple everyday things with Riki before? It would've made both of them equally happy. "How many more do we need?"

"That should be the last one," Riki decided, counting the mountain of golden creations with chocolate chips on the serving plate. "Ryker usually eats four, I eat four and I'm going to assume you'll eat four."

"Four seems like a large quantity for these portions," Iason scolded, glancing back from his work in progress to the young man.

"I'm a growing boy, thanks," Riki snarled.

Iason rolled his eyes, flipping the pancake from the pan and onto the plate. "Breakfast is finished."

"Perfect," Riki nodded, rising from his spot and then peeking out of the kitchen. "Ryker, it's ready!"

Ryker promptly entered, then slowed as he neared Iason and made his way to his spot at the table. He sat as far away from the blonde as possible, which ultimately left him on the other side — alone. He scowled as Riki and Iason seemed to practically be glued together across from him, but perked up when he laid his eyes on the pancakes. "Chocolate chips too! Who died and gave us money to afford this in the budget?"

Riki rolled his eyes. "It's from a hidden stash, because knowing you you'd eat all of them when I'm gone."

"Would not!" Ryker protested, scooping his portion of pancakes onto his plate. "And you like chocolate too, so don't pin everything on me!"

"Shut up and eat before I take those back," Riki threatened.

Ryker cut into his stack, yanking up a massive portion and cramming it into his mouth. "Mmmfff!"

Iason clutched his chest for a moment, his mind pulling up a memory of Riki sitting at the table. It was when he had first arrived and was all about testing him.

"Eat properly, pet," Iason warned.

Riki rolled his eyes, shoveling in a heaping serving of his food into his mouth. He looked at Iason with a proud, defiant look. "Mmmake meff!"

Iason leaned back, closing his eyes as he brought himself back to reality. He glanced over at Riki who was looking at him with concern and calling to him.

"You OK?" Riki asked softly.

"I'm fine," Iason answered, sadly averting his gaze as he recalled how he had brutally punished Riki for such an act.

Riki watched him for a moment, then proceeded to eat. He watched as Iason seemed to slowly pick at his food, as if something had destroyed all of his appetite. He wanted to know if it was something from their past life, but decided to refrain from asking in from of Ryker.

"I'm trusting you," Riki reminded, glancing at Iason, then looked to Ryker. "And you, I'm trusting you to not run away and get him into trouble."

Ryker snorted, stomping away and leaving the room.

"I mean it, Ry, if you dare cause any trouble I will whoop your ass!"

A hand appeared from the doorway of Ryker's room, bearing the middle finger standing proudly as the others bowed.

"You son of a…!" Riki growled, ready to charge over and beat some respect into the younger twin.

Iason refrained him, capturing him in a gentle hold. "Relax, we'll be fine," he assured in a louder voice, then leaned in and whispered. "Did you lock everything?"

Riki handed off a slip of paper. "The codes."

"Thank you," Iason responded, leaning in and kissing the luscious lips. "If he screams, how soundproof is this place?"

"Let's hope he doesn't," Riki murmured back, then was engulfed in a passionate kiss that took away his breath. He finally pushed back, separating them. "Be good."

Iason smiled at the role reversal. "I'll try my best."

"Hmm," Iason sounded, continuing to rummage through the kitchen. He had spent all morning unpacking and familiarizing himself with the small living space and bedroom. Now he was looking through the kitchen, observing what kind of food the two had been living off of and was not pleased. He tossed another bag of processed food onto the table, adding it to the heap.

There was no way he would let Riki and Ryker continue living on this nutrition poor diet. Riki was thinner than he had been when he had caught him that fateful day, and he would not stand for it! If he had any guess, he would say that Ryker was probably just as, if not skinnier! He scowled, yanking open a drawer of the fridge to find more processed foods that could be made with simply adding water and heat.

Where were the fruits, vegetables, herbs? He pulled out a single onion and garlic clove, scowling as it seemed to be the only non processed food in the entire home. He understood the boys had a budget, but was it really that small that they couldn't afford vegetables or fruit?

"What are you doing?" a hostile voice demanded.

Iason closed the fridge door, rose from his crouching position and looked at Ryker. "You two have the worst diet ever. I found one onion and one garlic clove, do you two not eat vegetables?"

"What the fuck man," Ryker growled, approaching the heap of processed foods. "It's gonna go bad! Put them back!"

"Absolutely not!" Iason denied, blocking the fridge as Ryker grabbed an armful of packages. "Those are going in the trash immediately."

The young man gawked. "Do you know how much all of this cost? That's like three paychecks! We can't waste it!" he protested, angrily approaching. " Move!"

"No," Iason answered, his voice icy. "Those are going in the trash and we are buying proper groceries."

Ryker dropped everything on the floor. "With what money?" he challenged.

"Do not worry about that," Iason dismissed. "Now get a trash bag and help me."

Ryker reluctantly grabbed a garbage bag, opening it and helping Iason discard all of the precious food that he and Riki had worked hard for. Part of him was livid with Iason for walking in and acting like everything they had been doing was wrong, but the other part was curious as to what Iason would do next.

"You scream or do anything abnormal and I'm dragging you home, understand me?" Iason threatened.

"Yeah, yeah," Ryker growled. "I got it."

"I mean it, Ryker," Iason sternly warned. "I am doing this for the sole purpose of improving your lifestyles."

"I said I got it, jeez!"

Iason hesitated, but then finally nodded. "Come, the car is waiting," he revealed, holding out his hand.

"I ain't holding your hand, you weirdo," Ryker hissed.

"If you want to go anywhere, you are."

Ryker ground his teeth, accepting the hand which led him from the apartment. Why could he never refuse this man when he used that tone? It bugged him to no end how he automatically responded to the man's orders. He released an exaggerated huff and followed the blonde out of the building and to a car that was awaiting their arrival. He blinked in amazement at the luxurious vehicle, then at Iason who silently led him into it. Just who the hell was this guy?

"Take us to a supermarket," he ordered to the driver, settling down in one of the seats of the limo like vehicle. "Ryker, sit here."

The mongrel hesitated, sitting down in a seat on the same one as Iason, but with a cushion between them. There were so many things he wanted to ask Iason, but he kept his mouth shut for the entire ride, not wanting to engage further with this strange person.

Ryker gripped the cart edges so tight until his knuckles were white. The bastard was pushing the cart, while he was instructed to walk in front so he could be seen at all times. Iason warned him, saying that if his hand came detached from the cart or caused any scene, there would be severe consequences. Apparently the blonde also had Riki on speed dial, and the phone was placed strategically in the cart so it was forever in Ryker's view as a warning. Any fuss, Riki would know and side with Iason.

"Grab that," Iason instructed, ceasing the cart movements and pointing to a bundle of carrots. "And one of those, and then one of those."

The young mongrel growled, but obeyed and placed the bag of carrots, a bunch of tomatoes joined by the vine and a bundle of cilantro into the cart. He shot a glare at Iason, warning him that he could still disobey and get him in shit. "Anything else," he inquired, adding snobbishly. "Your Grace?"

Iason chuckled at the remark, pleased that Riki hadn't lost his smart mouth and that it showed in his brother too. "Yes, we need one of each of these vegetables," he instructed, waiting to see the reaction. "You'll have to bag each one yourself." He included the permission. "You may let go of the cart to do it."

Ryker ground his teeth, exaggeratedly releasing his hand from the cart and proceeding to gaze upon the row of vegetables. He wanted to get one package or bundle of everything? Sweet fuck, how rich was this asshole? He looked back at the blonde for confirmation. "One of...everything?"

"Yes," the man responded. "And if you are incapable of doing it, then I shall. So if you would please do as I requested or else I'll have to send you back to the car if you're not able to handle the task."

The mongrel bristled, then proceeded to grab one of every single vegetable and herb within the row and bag or package them accordingly. With sharp, bitter movements he completed the task, and then looked up at Iason. "Anything else?" he hissed.

Iason returned his gaze calmly. "No," he answered. "Hold on to the cart."

Ryker huffed, glancing back at the half full cart filled with vegetables and possibility for cooking. It actually made him excited to have means to cook things that they never could afford - not that he'd ever admit that to Iason. He masked his eagerness with disgust and continued navigating alongside the blonde as they worked through the store section by section.

By the time they had finished shopping, they had an overflowing cart. Iason had even let Ryker pick a few items that were considered comfort foods for him and Riki just so they would not go absolutely insane when their menu changed.

Ryker guided the cart back to the vehicle while Iason pushed it, the metal frame filled the brim with bags full of foods, supplies and other items. Upon reaching the car, the mongrel was surprisingly obedient in helping load them into the trunk.

"Place that one there," Iason suggested, watching the mongrel put the bag into the corresponding place and then gathered up another armful of bags to place within the vehicle. "Good boy."

Ryker jolted, suddenly recalling a memory of himself sitting before the blonde. His legs were spread open, his hand upon his erection as he stroked it with precision in hopes of reaching climax.

"Faster," Iason demanded, watching as his mongrel obeyed while sipping a glass of wine. "Good boy."

The mongrel shuddered in fear, watching as Iason bent down to put the bags into the trunk. Before he could fully plan out his actions, he rushed forward, pushing Iason forward and then slamming the trunk down hard.

"Ack...!" Iason sounded, the harsh metal hitting him in the back of the neck. Before he could recover he heard the sound of footsteps running against the pavement. When he freed himself, he watched as Ryker ran as fast as he could across the parking lot in attempt to gain freedom. "Damn," he cussed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. He threw the rest of the bags into the trunk in a disorderly fashion and then slammed it shut. With a new sparked fury, he yanked open the car door and sat down. "Follow him."

Ryker panted heavily, slipping down against the brick wall of the alleyway. He finally was free from the fucker. There was no way he could know the layout of the area after being here for such a short amount of time. He heaved a sigh of relief and then felt his cell buzz within his pocket. He pulled it out and read the text from Riki:

Where are you?

Shit, the fucker must have told on him! He swiftly typed back: I'm not staying there, bro. I can't. I can't stay with him in the house.

I don't give a fuck. Go home now.

Ryker ground his teeth so hard they ached. Why was Riki siding with Iason? What happened to their brotherly bond? He angrily typed back: NO. FUCK YOU, RIKI. I'M NOT GOING HOME. WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU EVEN? I DON'T KNOW YOU ANYMORE! He furiously shoved his phone back into his pocket and then rose, debating where to go. Maybe one of his friends would let him crash with them?

He turned the corner, heading to the street and froze in horror as he ran right into a large man. His heart started to pound as he saw blonde locks and then furious azure eyes.

"Going somewhere, Ryker?" Iason demanded icily. Before the mongrel had a chance to scream, he covered his mouth and trapped him within a hold. He dragged the thrashing boy into the vehicle and tossed him inside and then slipped in as well. "Drive."

Ryker recovered, launching himself at Iason with fists ready to hurt but then received a harsh hit to his face. He fell to the floor, his vision going blurry before going dark.

Riki stormed into the room, ceasing as he saw Iason tending to a wound he received from the trunk. "Fuck," he swore, approaching the blonde. He observed the wound. "What did he do to you? Why did you let him out?"

"Groceries," Iason answered. "And he slammed the trunk door down on my head."

A wave of fury pooled within the mongrel's veins at the thought of Iason being harmed. Things weren't like the way they used to be. After dying together, Riki had come to accept Iason and now wanted to live the life they never had. But Ryker appeared to be doing what he would have done before they had accepted each other. "I'll beat his ass..."

Iason wrapped his arms around Riki, planting a kiss upon his forehead. "No," he denied. "You're all he has to trust. You can't break your bond due to my arrival. He will accept me slowly, but you need to show him that it's safe to do so."

Riki sighed, embracing the blonde. "Fine, I won't whip his ass this time," he agreed. "But if he does it again I'm beating sense into him."

"He's your brother, Riki," Iason scolded. "Just pretend it never happened."

Riki snorted. "Yeah, that'll be easy since he won't come out of his room now." He shook his head. "I'll have to tell Pops that neither of us will be making the night shift."

Iason gently rubbed Riki's back, trying to calm his lover down. "Then if you're free, would you like to help me make dinner?"

"I guess," Riki sighed. "I am really fucking hungry."

"Wonderful," Iason purred, kissing the tanned nape in the spot and way he knew Riki liked. "I have the perfect menu for dinner for two. And then we can have a relaxing night together. Does that sound good?"

"Fuck yes," he agreed, exhausted from work and stress.

"I learned a very useful massaging technique," Iason revealed, groping Riki's ass teasingly. "They say it can remove tension permanently and extend your life if done regularly. Are you interested in trying it? I noticed you're looking a bit stiff in your back and shoulders. Is it because of work?"

"Yeah, I'd...like that," Riki breathed, shivering from the closeness and anticipation of Iason touching him. He was also very eager to see if Iason could actually massage his muscles as he couldn't afford to ever have a professional do it. It filled him with a sense of happiness to have Iason so concerned about his well being and his relationship with Ryker.

Iason really had changed since death had separated them.

To Be Continued