Disclaimer, Warnings, Etc. - Please see the first chapter for those.
-The Haunted-
Chapter 7 - Truth Revealed ---
Sirius stepped protectively between Remus and Nigel. He looked confused, yet fury was still etched on his face. In fact, he was confused. What did this guy mean? He had seen Williams' murder? So he knew who had committed it. It looked like the writer of the notes had been found. Sirius' mind raced. Somehow, he'd have to stall Nigel and get Remus unchained, then call the police. It seemed nearly impossible - but he had to try. Casually, almost carelessly, just to buy himself more time, Sirius spoke. So you wrote the notes, didn't you?Of course I did. Very clever, Black. Nigel smiled. Even after the first one, I was surprised you didn't go to the police and tell them someone was concocting lies about you. But then, you knew they'd make connections if you did, am I right? You've been going to that detective that investigated Augustus' case all those years ago. If he read my notes, he'd know something was up.And you sent those awful pictures, Sirius whispered.
Yes, I did. How did you like them? I'll bet they turned you on. Didn't they? I suppose sadism is all a part of the little games you play. You like seeing people suffer, don't you, Black?The only person I want to see suffering right now is you, Sirius growled. I'd kill you right now, if I hadn't promised Remus I wouldn't. Nigel pretended to look shocked. My pet made you promise not to kill anyone? I expect he'd say something different now. I treated him like a prince, but he doesn't seem to appreciate my efforts. He kept trying to get away from me. That's why I had to discipline him. Did you see what he did to my kitchen wall? He made a beastly mess with his bleeding paw.Shut up, Sirius snarled. I might not be able to kill you, but I can hurt you very badly.Remus is so precious to you that you'll kill anyone who so much as looks at him. I'd say you have a bit of a jealousy complex, mate. Nigel, Remus realised, was enjoying this. He was smiling pleasantly, his eyes never straying from Sirius' furious face. Remus knew quite well by now that making people suffer was a kind of hobby for Nigel, and making Sirius steadily angrier was fun for him. That could be bad. There was no telling what lengths he might go to, or how far he might push Sirius. Any of them might end up dead by the time this was all over.
Jealousy complex or no, I've come to take him home, Sirius said in a voice of forced calm. Get him out of that blasted handcuff. I'm going to call the police and have them pick you up.You think asking nicely will make me do anything? Not after I've finally got you here. We're going to have this out right now. Nigel fingered the knife lovingly. But I assume you'd like to hear why I've done this, correct? Why I bothered kidnapping your lover and writing you notes and sending all those lovely pictures? Well, I'll tell you. He stuck the knife in his belt and smiled charmingly. Have a seat.
Sirius considered his options. He wouldn't leave the room without Remus. Nigel was between him and the door anyway, and if he tried anything, he would probably get hurt. He didn't want to fight if it was at all possible. If he stayed and listened to what Nigel had to say, he might be able to think up a way to escape, or at least lure Nigel away from Remus. It wasn't likely that he could get away easily; even if he managed to get out of the house, Remus would be left at the mercy of this monster while Sirius tried to call for help.
He sat. All right. Fire away.Sirius - Remus clutched at his sleeve. Sirius shook his head slightly. Nigel lit a cigarette and began to speak.
I don't think I need to fill you in on what happened to Augustus Williams, he said smoothly. You know that very well. But you didn't know that someone saw you. That someone was me. I was walking by the park that night and saw you dragging Williams' body outside the gates. At first I didn't realise what had happened. I thought you had fought and knocked him unconscious. But after you left, I went to investigate. I discovered he was dead.If you knew all that, why didn't you call the police? Sirius asked.
Nigel turned away, his face suddenly contorting. Because I - I broke down completely after seeing that. After s-seeing Augustus carved up like a Christmas goose... after realising I'd never - never have the chance to - His voice sounded unusually thick. He turned back to Sirius and Remus, and he was weeping. You killed him, Black! And when I saw that, I... I couldn't take it! I ran... I didn't think of the police! All I was thinking of was - was - my lover was dead! Sirius and Remus said in unison, stunned. It was absolutely unexpected. Williams had been a crude, violent, horrible person - how could anyone have possibly loved him?
Yes, my lover! Nigel wept. He - he was everything to me! He was rude and insufferable to everyone he met - but not with me. When we were together, he was a whole other person! He was sweet. He loved me. We loved each other so much, but we couldn't be together. Our parents... were so furious. They forbid us to see one another. Augustus was angry because you two were together and no one cared! No one cared! But Augustus and I couldn't be together! He was s-so angry about it! Even... even in bed... he hurt me sometimes, but I know he didn't mean to... he was just so upset. He raised his eyes to Sirius'. When you killed him... you destroyed everything life was worth to me! Without Augustus, life wasn't worth anything! He wiped his eyes on his sleeve. I wanted to die. I would have killed myself. But then you... both of you... got off with no problems at all. You killed my lover and you got away with it! his voice rose to an almost hysterical level. Augustus was dead and you two were perfectly fine! I didn't kill myself. I decided to stay alive... so I could get revenge for Augustus. I never went to the police. Anything they would do to you would be too easy. I waited... bided my time... until I felt it was time to strike. He stood, pulling out the knife; Sirius jumped to his feet as well. You were so happy... just like Augustus and I... it was time to ruin it all for you!
He lunged at Sirius with a hoarse cry, raising the knife to strike. Sirius reached up and grabbed Nigel's wrist, forcing the blade away from them. At the same time, he grabbed Nigel's other arm, to keep him from struggling. So killing Remus will make things even? he snarled. He didn't do anything. Your problem is with me. Leave Remus out of this!It's too late now, Nigel shouted. You both have to die. Remus didn't go to the police, either! He protected you! He protected a murderer ! He's just as guilty as you are! It's not fair - I lost my lover, and by all rights you should have lost Remus! If I kill him, you will spend the rest of your life in misery, and you will know what I had to go through... you will have to live with the pain... waking up at night with your lover gone, not being able to see his face or hear his voice, never able to hold him ever again!Like I haven't already! Sirius yelled, his nose barely an inch from Nigel's. I've been in hell all this time! With Remus gone, it was like - like the whole world had just stopped. Without Remus, there is no world as far as I'm concerned! He pushed the man away from him in disgust.
It's not the same thing! Nigel shrieked. Both men looked almost mad by now; Remus bit his lip, wide eyes flickering from his lover to his captor and back. He had never seen Nigel this angry, not even when he tried to escape. The man was insane, and there was no telling what he would do if Sirius kept pressing him like this. He tugged unhappily at the handcuff. If only he was free... he could be running to the nearest telephone right now, while the other two were occupied with their argument.
You don't get it, do you? All my life, this has been eating away at me! It's ruined my life! All I want to do is ruin yours. Then we'd be even. Nigel was gripping the knife tightly as he and Sirius circled each other warily. Sirius didn't have a weapon, and he could get badly hurt if a fight ensued. Remus swallowed hard.
Boo hoo, it's ruined my life, everything's your fault.' Do you hear yourself? Sirius snarled. Trying to blame everything on me. If you really wanted closure and completion, you could've gone straight to the police and I'd still be rotting in gaol, even now. But you chose to live with it! You chose to subject yourself to the torture. His midnight eyes narrowed. As far as I'm concerned, you should have killed yourself. You wouldn't have had to live with all this pain, and you wouldn't have grown up to do horrible things to another man's lover. You should be dead. I swear to God I'd kill you right now.Then why don't you? Nigel whispered. Vow or no vow? It would be very easy to cover it up.... just like you did with Augustus... and you'd have your precious back. But you're not going to, are you? No, of course not. The police will get suspicious if Remus just comes home out of the blue like that, with no cover story. I'm sure you two could make up something, right? He stopped moving, and looked at Remus. The other man recoiled from the look of lust and hunger in his captor's eyes. It was the same expression he wore both times he had raped Remus. Your little pet does anything you tell him to do, doesn't he? And he'll tell the police exactly what you tell him to say. He smiled sweetly, catching Remus' chin roughly between his thumb and forefinger and kissing him hard.
Sirius lunged and rammed Nigel out of the way with his shoulder. The knife fell with a clatter, and Sirius kicked it away as he and Nigel fell to the floor, wrestling. A key ring tumbled from Nigel's pocket, the bright gleam of the handcuff key catching Remus' eye instantly. He snatched up the key and unlocked the cuff with a triumphant shriek. His arm prickled painfully with pins and needles, and a red welt marked the place where the cuff had dug into his wrist. But he was free. Free!
Get back here! Nigel roared as Remus stood, struggling to get out from under Sirius. You bitch, you aren't getting away that easily! One hand shot out and caught Remus by the ankle; he went sprawling, a cry of pain escaping his lips. Sirius growled and grabbed Nigel by the throat.
Never - touch - my - Remus - AGAIN, he said in a deadly whisper. Goddamn you, you keep your hands off him. I've touched him with more than just my hands, mate, Nigel choked, his eyes glinting with malice. My tongue and my willy come to mind -
Sirius' fingers tightened, and Nigel's sentence was cut off abruptly. Sirius bent down so their noses were an inch apart, his teeth bared. Forget vows. I'm going to kill you right now.
Nigel brought up his knee in one quick movement, catching Sirius hard in the stomach. Sirius gasped and let go of Nigel, rolling to the side. Remus crawled away as Nigel stood, massaging his throat and shaking his hair out of his eyes. You sure talk big. But you're not going to kill me. Nigel grabbed Remus by the collar of his pajamas, hauling him to his feet. Remus cried out in pain as he was pulled against his rapist. Something very sharp was placed at his throat.
Sirius froze. Remus shut his eyes, quivering, too scared to make a sound. Nigel grinned. It was a good fight, Black. But when I put my mind to something, I can't fail. I'm determined to kill your bitch. Now, get up.
Slowly, his eyes never leaving Nigel's face, Sirius stood. Nigel shooed him back with one hand, and Sirius backed up until he bumped against the wall. Remus met his husband's eyes, terrified. Completely sure he was inches from death, he willed Sirius to know what he was thinking - I love you... I'm sorry for everything... Siri, I love you so much...'
His lover clearly understood. His eyes told Remus all he needed to know. He swallowed. If he was going to die, it would be better to know he had Sirius' love and forgiveness. Even if he didn't deserve it. He shut his eyes tightly, waiting for Nigel to slit his throat and end it all. But it didn't happen. A loud crash made him open his eyes. Nigel yelled in surprise, his grip loosening, and Remus pushed him away. His captor fell backwards onto the mattress, the knife flying out of his hand. Sirius seized Remus by the hand and pulled him from the room. As they fled, Remus looked back to see Nigel's camera, smashed on the floor - Sirius had thrown it at the radiator, causing the crash that had forced Nigel to release him.
Thunderous footfalls behind them meant Nigel still hadn't given up. As they entered the living room, Sirius opened a door at random and shoved Remus inside. Not a sound, he hissed.
Siri, you'll get hurt!Shh! Go out the window and get help! The door shut in his face. Remus bit his lip and pressed his ear to the door, listening hard. The footsteps stopped, and Nigel's voice sounded.
Where is he?Running to the police, Sirius said, perhaps a bit louder than necessary. Remus' eyes widened, and he looked quickly around the room. It was a small bedroom, just neat and dusty enough to make him believe it was solely a guest room. There was a window in the wall opposite, offering a view of the grimy street outside. Sirius was keeping Nigel distracted so Remus could escape and go for help - but he couldn't make himself do it. What would Sirius do? What if Nigel killed him before the police could come?
I'll just kill you, then, before they get here, Nigel's voice floated through the door. And as soon as Lupin and his bobby friends arrive, I'll kill him, too - never mind what they do to me afterwards. I wish I could have stuck to the original plan, but you've made it quite complicated, Black. I'll just have to hope God won't fall for your cover-ups as easily as everyone else did.I'll see you in hell, then, Sirius' voice was cool and collected. Remus swallowed hard and tiptoed across the room. The window was locked. He pushed at the latch. It was old, and probably hadn't been used in years. It was stuck. Remus bit back a cry of frustration and pushed harder. It still refused to budge.
Perhaps he's not gone yet. Nigel sounded just as calm as Sirius. Perhaps he's just hiding... waiting for the opportune moment to run. Remus shoved harder. The latch flew back with a snap that seemed nearly deafening. Had anyone heard that?
Keeping an eye on you... I know he wouldn't run, no matter what you told him. Maybe he obeys your every command, but he also sticks close to you like a pathetic cur.
The window was difficult to push as well. Remus threw all his remaining strength into it. It moved slowly upwards, inch by torturous inch. And what was worse, Nigel's voice was coming closer. Remus shut his eyes and pushed.
Maybe he doesn't like to obey orders? He was ever such a frightful beast when I first brought him home. I had to keep him drugged. It was the only way I could get him to do anything, and the only way I could keep him from escaping. But the drugs I had to use are very hard to get, you see, and I had to resort to chaining him up instead.
Finally! The window gave up and shot open, offering a gap large enough for Remus to wriggle through. He looked warily over at the door. He prayed Sirius would be all right while he went to fetch help. He slid his legs out the window, easing himself out carefully, then hung by his arms for a moment, clutching at the outside sill. He braced himself, and let go. It was only a short fall to the pavement, but it wasn't the best thing for a man in Remus' condition. Wincing, he struggled to his feet and looked around. The street was almost empty - except for a woman leaning out her window, watering flowers in her windowbox. Remus dashed over to ask the use of her telephone.
---
He's gone, Sirius repeated stubbornly. He hoped Remus had gotten away safely, and wasn't hanging around eavesdropping. He wasn't going to leave the house until he was sure. He had to keep this madman occupied long enough for help to arrive... He's gone for help. Stop poking around for him under your furniture, because he's gone! Nigel snarled.
Sirius decided on a different tack, to keep the man's mind off Remus. What were you saying about Williams? He used to hurt you? Why did you let him?Shut up! He didn't mean it! Nigel looked furious, the knife held out warningly, but Sirius stood his ground.
Didn't mean it? As far as I could tell, Williams got nothing out of life but pleasure from hurting people. He was the school's biggest bully. He used to chase Remus all the time - either to beat or shag him senseless, I'm not sure which. He was a cruel person. How could you have possibly loved him?Shut up! Just shut up! Nigel shouted.
Maybe you're one of those sick lads who likes being hurt! Sirius continued. Maybe it was all a fun, kinky game to you, too! Did he have to hit you to get it up? Was it like that? He couldn't get in the mood until he smacked you around a little bit?You're the one who's sick! Nigel screamed. The knife clattered to the ground, and he backed away, bumping into a small desk and tearing at his hair. That's disgusting! Augustus loved me!He loved hurting you, you mean! Sirius shouted back. Dimly, in the distance, he could hear sirens wailing. He never loved you the way you wanted him to, did he? And that's why your family didn't want you with him! They were afraid he'd hurt you so bad you'd never be able to walk again - or even worse, that he'd kill you. That's what it was, wasn't it? He got a rush out of hurting you, but you liked it! By the time you realised how bad he really was, you were too scared to get out! And by now you're so goddamned horrified at it all that you've completely blocked it from your memory! But it did happen that way, didn't it?!Yes, for God's sake, yes, will you please shut up?! Nigel shrieked. He hurt me! He spanked me, whipped me, beat me up, tied me to the bed and raped me, and I liked it, I LIKED IT, but then he hurt me worse and worse every time until I could barely get up after it was over - but what do you know?! What gives you the right to judge?!Because you're trying to blame me for your pain and suffering. Sirius growled. And what's worse, you're making Remus pay for sins you and I and Williams committed. I killed Williams. But you would have eventually done it yourself, am I right? The only way to stop the torture he put you through would be to kill your tormentor! Only I beat you to it. He pushed his hair out of his eyes. And when you suffered that mental breakdown, you managed to convince yourself that I was the evil one, and your lover was an innocent victim. So you tried to get revenge on me by subjecting my husband to the same thing Williams subjected you to years ago!I hate you... Nigel's eyes flickered nervously to the front door. The wail of police sirens was very close now. I hate you for it. I wanted to kill Augustus. But I never got the chance! He reached behind him, opening one of the desk drawers and rummaging around in it. His piercing green eyes never left Sirius' midnight-blue ones. I wish I had killed Remus... I wish I had killed him and sent his head to you. I wish I had tied him up and made you watch as I had my way with him! He pulled something out of the drawer just as cars screeched to a halt outside and footsteps sounded. It was a pistol. Goodbye, Black. He cocked the gun and pulled the trigger.
The gun went off with a deafening bang. Blood, horribly red, splattered the wall and floor. Sirius' eyes widened in horror as he collapsed to the floor, clutching at his chest. He felt completely numb. His mouth opened and closed silently, unable to make a sound. His eyes shut.
The door flew open and police officers surged in, stopping at the sight of the man sprawled at their feet, his long hair wet with blood.
Detective Burns lowered his gun. My - my God. he whispered hoarsely. What - what happened here?
Sirius struggled to his feet, feeling very ill. He avoided looking at the still form on the carpet, at the spreading pool of blood. H-he shot himself. I- I thought he was g-going for me but h-he.... He closed his eyes and hurried into the kitchen, bumping into things in his haste. He reached the sink just in time to vomit.
---
Ten minutes later, Sirius trudged outside accompanied by a burly bobby. His knees were still weak and his mouth tasted terrible, but he didn't care. He felt drained, exhausted - but he also felt almost crushingly depressed. In the end, Nigel had been a victim, too. There was no forgiving him for what he did to Remus, but Sirius also felt sorrow and pity for the young man Nigel had once been, kept under control by a violent lover. Sirius knew how painful it was to be controlled by someone who was supposed to love you.
Your lover's over there. The bobby pointed him to an ambulance parked at the edge of the circle of emergency vehicles. Remus was sitting on the back bumper, wrapped in a blanket. Sirius wound his way through the police cars to reach him.
Oi. You should be in a hospital, love, Sirius said softly, crouching down to see into his husband's eyes.
I wouldn't let them take me until I was sure you were coming out alive, Remus whispered. One pale, shaking hand emerged from the folds of blanket to touch Sirius' cheek. I t-thought he was going to kill you.He killed himself, Sirius muttered, putting his own hand over Remus'. Williams wasn't his lover. He only saw Nigel as a cheap sex toy, tortured him and hurt him bad enough to make him forget his own past. After that mental breakdown, he was able to convince himself that Williams had been nothing but sweet and kind to him, and that I was the evil one who murdered his lover for no reason.That poor man, Remus whispered. Despite everything Nigel had put him through, a small part of his heart ached with sorrow for him.
I'm more concerned about you right now. We should be getting to the hospital. They should at least run tests to be sure whatever he was shooting you full of didn't have any lasting side effects.In a minute. Remus leaned over, putting his arms around Sirius' neck. I need a hug right now. I- I missed you so much. I love you, you know.I do know. I love you too. Sirius put his arms around Remus' waist, resting his cheek against the top of his lover's head and shutting his eyes. Both men started to cry quietly, for the pain and suffering Nigel had gone through but mostly for themselves.
To Be Continued....
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(A/N: PICTURES! Please? I am eager to see more art from you all! Well, I've actually only received pictures inspired by Black' (mostly Sirius in his Goth getup), but I'd be pleased if anyone would draw me pictures from this story as well. Anything! Remmie as a teacher, Siri as a mechanic, even your own image of Nigel. Even if you want to draw stick figures of Siri stabbing Nigel, be my guest. And drawings inspired by Black' are always welcome, as well! I really mean it. I want to see some of your stuff! And no, I have no pride! I am not ashamed to beg! See? Please, please, PLEASE? -big puppy-dog eyes-)