Rules and Broken Trust
Chapter 13
Walking into the bedroom, Vinny again as earlier stopped when he didn't see Bosco, or hear the shower running.
His eyes quickly taking in the empty room, he left the door ajar moving to the bathroom to see if he was in there. The empty bathroom mocked him as his heart began to race. 'Shit,' quickly concluding he'd been duped, spinning on his heel, "What?..." Vinny was blindsided as Bosco hit him full in the face with the small wooden chair that had been set next to the bed shattering the back off of the seat.
The next thing Vinny knew he was sitting on the bathroom floor holding his head, blood running between his fingers to drip onto his sweatpants. "DAMN ITT!" he barked out angrily, climbing to his feet slowly. "That was stupid Bosco," he growled as he opened the cabinet, removing a towel which he pressed over the cut to his scalp, "I told you already what I would do if you hit me again!"
Cautiously he left the bathroom, stepping back into the bedroom. It was empty but he could hear him in the other room. Still he didn't take any chances, carefully walking around the broken chair to the doorway listening for the sounds coming from the kitchen to tell him exactly where Bosco was.
Silence met him as he stepped out into the hallway, "Oh my, guess you just realized there's no place for you to go love." Keeping his voice gentle, but making sure it carried into the living room area, "I told you already, this place is locked down tight. All you're gonna accomplish with this kind of behavior is an ass whipping."
Reaching the end of the hall, standing quietly in the doorway, he searched the room for him, sarcasticly asking him, "I guess it's possible for you to get the upperhand, hell anything is possible, but Bosco even if you'd have succeeded in knocking me out, how were you gonna get out?"
Cautiously, Vinny using the end of the towel to wipe his face of the blood that had run into his left eye, stepped out. Casting his glance first left, he slowly scanned the room. His gaze fully right, reaching a mirror mounted on the divide between the living room and kitchen he began to smile as he saw him at the kitchen side door fighting the lock, then looking back to see Vinny watching him. "All I asked you to do was make that bed right. You didn't. I asked you to take a shower, get cleaned up, you didn't do that either." Slowly with threat in his eyes and his body language Vinny stepped into the living room, his eyes never leaving the mirror or Bosco's eyes. "Now, now I'm gonna have to help you understand, when I tell you to do something, you must do it."
Bosco glancing over his shoulder from the kitchen door spotted Vinny watching him in the mirror. His eyes widened, face palling as Vinny's quiet threats sank in. As soon as he'd reached the kitchen door he knew he'd lost again. No windows in this part of the cabin, both doors padlocked he was trapped. Frozen as he watched the slow smile spread across Vinny's face his heart began to pound harder, blood rushing to his head making the sounds dim. Swallowing the bile taste that was suddenly in his mouth, he fought the urge to run, knowing there was no place now to run too. He would have to stand his ground and fight.
Vinny seeing the fear grow in his face urged him on, "Playing games Bosco? I already told you I love a good fight. Do you? You must, you keep trying to start one. Does it turn you on like it does me love? You get off on pounding someone's face? You know I've watched you when you catch some asshole we've chased. I've seen the look in your eyes after you beat him down. Gets you going doesn't it? Yeah, it does, I know it, you don't have to hide it from me Bosco. I want it to, I told you that. Easier if you give in, but whatever you want I'm happy to give."
"Fuck off!" Bosco softly told him, wanting to scream at him how fucking nuts he thought he was, instead, "You don't know a damn thing about me. If you think I'm giving in to you, you're crazy. I'll never do what you want Vinny EVER! You might be able to force me, keep me here, but I'll never GIVE it to you."
"I see the excitement in your eyes. You love it. You want it as much as I do, that feeling it gives you. The power, the rush?" Vinny crept closer to the kitchen, his voice still soft, gentle as if he were coaxing a small animal out of hiding, "Gets you high, and later gets you off. Bet you go home and call every woman you know trying to get some after a good ass kicking."
Eyes darting around now, searching for a weapon, Bosco began to pant, his breaths coming fast and shallow as accepted he'd made a huge mistake, again. It had been too soon, he should have waited until he knew the layout and the limitations of the cabin before trying to run.
Vinny saw him move, saw his eyes leave the mirror and wasted no time now, charging into the kitchen. He pulled up short of his target as Bosco finding his weapon held up the heavy cast iron skillet that had been hanging from above the butcher block island.
He said nothing as he held it high, his frightened eyes blinking furiously stared him down, daring Vinny to come closer. Vinny's smile faded, anger replacing it. The men stood in a standoff for several minutes, each gauging the others intentions, trying to decide who was more determined to win this. Who was the one more willing to take the physical punishment.
Swallowing several times, his mouth dry, Bosco changed postition, keeping the skillet held high, he switched sides with it to keep from tiring his arms. He was sweating, kept losing his focus, glancing away from Vinny then back again. 'What are you waiting for? Come on already!' his thoughts expressing his confusion at Vinny's nonaction. He knew him well enough to know that the skillet shouldn't have made much difference to him. Bosco had seen a perp several weeks ago come at him with a heavy pipe and Vinny acted like it was nothing, ended up using the pipe on the guy like a billy club. At the time Bosco had been impressed, he hadn't really hurt the guy, just put him in his place. Now though, his behavior was starting to wear on Bosco, this silent standoff was beginning to scare him more than if Vinny had attacked him again. He realized Vinny was acting like a cat toying with a mouse, only he wasn't willing to be a mouse now that he was free of the cuffs and drugs.
Vinny watched him carefully, knowing he was tiring, seeing the confusion on his face now mixed with the anger and fear. Without warning, Vinny smiled again, nodding at him. His eyebrows lifted as did his shoulders, he shrugged, "Okay, have it your way." His voice almost friendly Vinny backed away, leaving Bosco alone in the kitchen.
Stunned, Bosco watched him in the mirror as Vinny went into the hallway leading to the bedroom, never looking back as he shut the door gently behind him. When he was gone, Bosco stood a minute longer thinking it must be a trick. His heart raced faster, refusing to calm down as he stood holding the skillet high wondering, 'What the hell just happened?' _______________________________________________________________________
Finally, almost sure Vinny was leaving him alone for the time being he lowered his makeshift weapon to the butcher block. Placing both hands on the edge of the island, he leaned over, taking a deep breath, releasing it slowly as he tried to calm down. "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit," his mind racing again. Standing upright again, he scanned the kitchen. Seeing a padlocked door next to the refridgerator, 'Basement?'. Glancing in the mirror knowing now he could watch for his return, he began to search for a 'real' weapon. Opening drawers and cabinets, each leaving him more frustrated than the one before it.
Closing the last cabinet, he stood with head lowered staring at the wooden floor. Not one drawer had so much as a spoon in it. No cooking utensils he could use as a knife, nothing. Pots and pans sure, but he had a feeling those would disappear too now. Vinny had meant what he'd said about NO weapons. He'd quickly realized that with the padlocked doors and the barred windows even if he killed Vinny with the skillet he was trapped. Although killing him was not likely nor was it something he wanted to do no matter how much he hated him for what he'd done to him.
Raising his eyes now he jumped as Vinny was standing in the entrance to the kichen, just watching him quietly. Bosco didn't move, the skillet weapon was on the other side of the kitchen, too far away to do any good. If he tried for it he knew Vinny would get there first, and he had no intention of letting him use it on him.
Eyeing him warily like a trapped animal Bosco turned slowly, keeping his distance as Vinny strolled past the butcher block, stopping at the skillet. Every instinct in him told him to run, run and hide. His fight or flight instinct for survival waring with itself, but he stood still. Somehow knowing not to obey his instinct this time.
Head lowered, Vinny stood his eyes at first locked on the skillet, then slowly he raised them to look Bosco dead on in the eye. Shaking, eyes tearing up with the fear building in him, Bosco held his ground, refusing to show anymore fear to him by flinching away or running. Very precisely Vinny reached out and picked up the skillet, watching Bosco swallow hard, sensing the extreme tension in him. Quickly without hesitation once it was in his hand, he slapped it upwards onto the hook above the block, watching as Bosco's stand against his fear broke, and he flinched finally, his head turning, arms raised in protection of his head as he anticipated the skillet to be thrown instead of remounted. Upon hearing the skillet hit the hook instead of him, he flushed as he realized he'd done exactly what Vinny was hoping for. Closing his eyes a moment in a combination of loathing at his letting Vinny play him like that, and relief at not being attacked, he opened them to see Vinny staring him down again.
It was a eerie silence in the room that marked how intense the scene was between the men as they watched each other now. At the same time marking how completely unviolent, and yet competely terrifiying it had actually been. A small smile creeping over his expression, Vinny began to walk around the block to him. "Don't you dare run again," he quietly warned him, "I won't think twice about beating you down until you can't walk, much less run. That's two freebies for you today. You won't get another. Ever."
Bosco closed his eyes, standing stock still as Vinny approached him, his body tense to the point he felt like glass. Sure he would shatter from the tension, his heart pounding again, every muscle in his body quivering in anticipation of the beating he knew was coming. Bile rising as he fought off thinking about what else Vinny might have in store now.
Stopping next to him, gazing down at his pale sweating face, Vinny both wanted to knock him to the ground and to hold him and make his fear go away. Wanting to cause him fear over his disobediance so it wouldn't happen again, and yet assure him he wouldn't hurt him, as that wasn't his intention at all. Torn between both intense desires, the tear that slipped from Bosco's closed eye to slide down his cheek broke Vinny. His hand unbidden touching Bosco as he wiped the tear away with his thumb, just for a brief moment lingering on his cheek, "Don't cry," his voice thick now with emotion. Bosco flinching violently away from him, his eyes shooting open at his touch stared at him. Blinking rapidly to clear his eyes his face now flushed with embaressment. Casting his eyes down to the floor, he lowered his head refusing to look up again as he saw the compassion on Vinny's face. That was something he couldn't accept.
"I'm sorry, but I have to do this," Vinny sadly watching him told him, "come on." Taking Bosco's arm in his grip, he began to walk him back to the bedroom. Only that wasn't where Bosco wanted to go, not now or ever again. Planting his feet, eyes back on Vinny's face he shook his head sharply, "NO! PLEASE, NO!"
Instead of releasing him, Vinny grabbed him into a bear hug, Bosco now fighting him, "Stop it! I'm not going to hurt you!" Squeezing him tightly, face to face now, "Bosco, STOP!" as Bosco was arching away from him, using his hands and knees to push away. Having taken Vinny's earlier promise of rettribution seriously he wasn't hitting him, just trying to push his way to freedom. With the newfound knowledge of no possible escape survival was now the only thing on his mind. "Listen TO ME!" Vinny exclaimed, "I said I don't break my promises, I promise I won't hurt you!" Accepting that Bosco wasn't going to stop now, Vinny released him. As he fell away though, Vinny again grabbed his arm. "ENOUGH!" Shaking him slightly, Vinny rolled his eyes as Bosco became still, eyes wildly watching him, gruffly exclaiming, "Come on!" ______________________________________________________________________
This time not taking any guff from Bosco, Vinny drug him to the bedroom. Pushing him into the room before him, yanking the back of the coat still on him. Bosco moved out of it as he felt Vinny pull, now only in his jeans he staggered away thinking this was it, it was happening again.
Vinny reached into his pocket withdrawing a syringe. Swiftly moving away, Bosco found himself back in the corner he'd been in earlier. When he saw what Vinny had in his hand, he again paniced, "NO, NO, NO!" His cries ignored as Vinny shaking his head followed him to snatch his arm up, as he yanked the cap from the needle with his teeth. "I wish you hadn't refused to do what you were told, or fought me," he sighed, holding Bosco's arm firmly in his hand, "but you are a fighter, I already knew that. Don't worry," he comforted him, "this isn't poison, you're not going to die," plunging the needle down into his muscle, "this is just to help you relax." Depressing the plunger he administered the sedative he'd prepared earlier waiting for Bosco to decide if he was going to make the bed and shower on his own. "It's a shame you made me use it, but, its for the best."
Bosco yelling out, "NNNNNOOOOOO STOP I'LL DO IT! I'LL DO IT! DON'T!" As Vinny grabbed his arm tight, "AAAAAAHHHHH!" The needle stinging as it jabbed him, the sedative burning like fire. Staggering backwards into the corner holding the injection site with his other hand as Vinny released him. "WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?"
Watching as he walked off, back turned as if he had no concerns that Bosco might attack him. Anger turning to shame as Bosco rubbing his arm, glancing down at the site, to look back eyes following him, realized that Vinny knew him better than he wanted to admit. He never picked a fight he couldn't win. And he and Vinny both knew, this was one fight he'd have to think his way out of, not fight. That ephiphany had come late in this game for him, but it had come. Now it really was a game of cat and mouse. He would just have to be a smarter mouse than the cat that had him.
He stood in the corner as Vinny went into the bathroom. Curious fear causing him to wonder what Vinny was doing, what would he do to him next, and could he survive it.
Hearing the shower start was the last thing he expected. It coincided with the first real effects of the drug he'd been given. Feeling slightly flushed, he found himself sitting on the floor, not knowing how he'd gotten there. A sensation of relaxation coming over him, he found he wasn't sleepy, just didn't give a shit. Then the sedative really started to kick in. Just as Vinny emerged from the bathroom wearing only his boxers.
Walking out of the bathroom, Vinny saw Bosco sitting on the floor in the same corner he'd left him in. "Oh boy," he smirked, "that didn't take long." Seeing the dazed look on his face as he stood before him looking down in amusement, "Ready for your shower now?"
His face screwing up, Bosco shook his head slowly, "No, no shower," his words slurred as he put his head back looking up at Vinny over him, "don't want to go in there." "Well," Vinny reached down, taking his hands to pull him up, "you are going in there, and since you won't do it, I will." Bosco standing now pulled back weakly, "NOOOO!" He had no intention of letting Vinny do what he thought Vinny meant, though right now he wasn't sure what Vinny meant, his head was buzzing and confusion was setting in. "Oh yeah, you are," taking him around his shoulders, "lets go, come on love." Vinny led him into the bathroom. Bosco seeing the shower running tried to turn and leave. But was restrained. Pushing him against the wall, Vinny began to disrobe him trying to unbutton his jeans, as Bosco tried to turn away. His hands slapping at Vinny's, "Noooo, don't please Vinny, not again," his voice pleading with him, softly crying now as he feared another rape coming, and no ability to stop it or defend himself.
Vinny tenderly held his face in his hands, "Bosco," he gently comforted him, "I'm only going to wash you, and see to your face and cuts. Don't be afraid love." His words only brought more crying, as eyes closed, Bosco leaned back against the wall, hands pushing at him. Vinny continued stripping him. When he was naked before him, Bosco tried to cover himself, sinking to the floor attempting to avoid him. Crying openly now, his mind was spinning, the drug he was on taking him emotionally with it to a place he couldn't avoid. To something he couldn't stop, didn't have the strength now to stop.
Squatting beside him, Vinny stroked first his hair, then his back, rubbing his shoulder sofly, tenderly, "Shush, baby don't cry, its okay." Putting his arms around him, Vinny lifted him to his feet. Bosco was horrified to realize he was leaning into Vinny but was without control to stop it or care now. It was as if his mind was in two places at once. One part aware and angry, the other confused and seeking comfort, even in the arms of the enemy. Vinny led him to the shower door, opening it he then took him through it.
In the hot gentle spray of the water, Bosco lost control, breaking down as Vinny washed him. Soft words of comfort spoken by Vinny as he did so making it worse for him.
Wiping his face tenderly with a soapy cloth, Vinny found himself crying for Bosco. He stood before Vinny hands at his sides now, soft sobs racking his body as Vinny moved the cloth downward.
Painful cries breaking from him as the soapy cloth swiped over his wounds. "I'm sorry," Vinny said over and over as he cried out, "I'm so sorry, I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to hurt you." The large brushburn on his chest from the metal building now darkened as it had begun to scab over already, the dark purple bruising of the bite mark on his shoulder as well as the others, driving what he'd actually done to him home, Vinny finally began to comprehend his actions. Blood mixing with the water, swirled its way down the shower floor to drain away through the brass grate under their feet. Vinny seeing it began to feel guilt and shame coming to haunt him as he listened to Bosco's sobbing cries.
Vinny stopped, taking his hand in his. Placing the cloth into it, "You finish, then I'll help you rinse." At first standing cloth in hand, shuddering, attempting to regain control, racked with shame, Bosco simply stood there tears flowing, then he slowly began to wash his genitals, turning away from Vinny to do so.
But as he washed himself, a feeling of disgust and intense fear of his own behavior now, even knowing that he'd been drugged against his will took over. Combining with the remembered horror of the rape, now he was scrubbing himself, his face first, tearing at his mouth with the cloth trying to wipe the memory of Vinny's mouth on his, away. Dragging the cloth down he used it like sandpaper, his arms, chest, legs. Leaving himself raw and red as he went. Vinny having turned back to him stood in cold fearful silence watching him. Ragged sobs racking his slender body Bosco tried to strip the feelings from his flesh. Feelings of Vinny's hands roaming him, touching him, penetrating him. Flashes of the terrible night behind his closed lids, Bosco finally washed himself where Vinny had violated him.
That was when he lost it, screaming out in painful memory and in pain from the stinging soap he staggered forward to stand under the hot water, his face raised into the spray as he slammed his fists repeatedly into the tile wall behind the wall of water beating down on his face and chest. Vinny for the first time truly frightened for him, horror over having caused this pain in him, moved to stop Bosco from hurting himself further. Wrapping his arms around him, he drew his arms down to his sides. Bosco threw himself backwards against him, screams torn from him as he collapsed, Vinny following him to the shower floor.
Sitting with Bosco in his arms, hearing his screams turn to horrible body shaking sobs, Vinny rocked him, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I'll never hurt you again, please stop, please Bosco please." He sat there with him under the hot water until he was quiet, the water cooling finally as the large tank finally began to run out. Reaching out Vinny turned the water off, as he did so Bosco's head rocked back limply, Vinny startled at first quickly saw he was asleep. The sedative combined with the hot water and emotional breakdown having taken its toll finally on him.
Waking him gently, Vinny helped him to stand. As he did so Bosco completely subdued now didn't argue or fight him. He simply stood quietly looking away as Vinny having led him out of the shower now to stand on the rug, dried him off carefully. Too numb to respond Bosco simply let him do whatever. All he wanted was to be left alone. He needed privacy for the toilet, he was hungry and thirsty, but mostly he just wanted to be left alone.
No tears but Vinny watching him carefully saw a resignation on his face, he looked so lost and sad that it tore at Vinny's heart. Finished drying him, he sat him down on the closed toilet seat. Taking the first aid kit down from the shelf in the linen closet Vinny set it on the back of the toilet. Lifting Bosco's chin with his fingers gently raising his face to him, he began to apply ointment to his torn stitches. Closing his eyes, Bosco sat allowing Vinny to tend to the wounds on his face and chest. The towel wrapped around his waist gripped tightly, being twisted slowly in his fists the only indication of his mental state.
Finished Vinny left him there while he went to get them dry clothes. He took his time remembering that Bosco had not had any privacy for personal needs since the resturant. He heard after awhile the toilet flush, then the sink running.
As soon as Vinny left the bathroom, Bosco stood up. At first just standing there, he could hear Vinny in the bedroom rumagging around in the dresser. Taking a chance that he would have at least a couple of minutes he relieved himself, then moved to the sink to wash his hands.
Rubbing his hands together under the lukewarm water he accidently caught sight of himself in the mirror above the sink. Bruises under his eye again, hollowed haunting circles under both adding to his lost expression. His lip swollen, cut, fresh blood seeping from it caused by the harsh scrubbing, his shoulder aching where Vinny had bitten him nearly black with the dark ring of teeth mark bruises. Chest redbrown glistening where the brushburn oozed clear fluid and the ointment covered. Numerous other red marks and bruising adding to the poor man looking back at him. For a moment he didn't know who he was looking at, his mind refusing to register that the frightened lost dark blue eyes gazing back at him belonged TO him.
Bosco stumbled back from the sink, slapping the handles to off when he did recognize it was him in the mirror eyes pleading with him to save him. Confusion again setting in he stood afraid to look back at the mirror. Then it hit him, he would have to play Vinny's game Vinny's way if he was to get out of this alive. But he wasn't sure he would get out of it sane. Pushing the last thought out of his head for now, he went to the door leading back to the bedroom and opened it.
It was time to play, time to find out if Vinny would indeed play by the rules he was creating or if he would break his trust again. The entire time he'd known Vinny, the biggest thing he'd heard about him from him was he never broke his promises. It was a huge deal with him. And Bosco had seen that he did indeed keep them, if he said he would or would not do something, he followed through on it. So now here, Vinny had promised he wouldn't hurt him again if he 'obeyed' and was 'polite'. Bosco would now be testing that theory. Looking back at the mirror, telling the sad lost man looking back, 'Not like I can do anything else, right?'
Having stripped himself of his wet boxers and redressed himself while he waited, Vinny was a bit surprised when the door opened to the bathroom. Turning he saw him standing there in a towel, the same confused expression on his face as earlier. Vinny layed the sweats on the bed, "Those should fit you, anything you need is in the bottom three drawers here. What ever you want to use in the bathroom is yours to use. Shaving kit is in the bottom of the cabinet. Yours is marked. I brought you an electric like you use, same brand and type so...." Bosco didn't look at him, he simply walked to the bed to stand looking down at the clothes. He made no move to take them, but Vinny refrained himself from 'helping' him dress. "I'm going to make dinner, it's not much tonight, but," he paused seeing Bosco wasn't paying attention, "anyway, you haven't eaten in almost 24 hours now, so it will be waiting when you're ready." He hesitated to leave him alone just now, but decided to do so anyway.
When he left the room, Bosco looked up to watch him go. Blinking back new tears, he picked up the grey sweat shirt pulling it slowly and painfully over his head. Tugging it down into place, he walked over to the dresser. Opening the drawers he found boxers and socks. Pulling the boxers on, he sat on the edge of the bed. Slipping his feet into the warm wool socks. He flipped out the navy sweatpants, reminded again of the cuff on his right wrist as it banged his knee. Fighting back his emotions he ignored it and finished dressing. Going back into the bathroom, avoiding looking at the shower, he was so tired he could barely stand. But he found a fresh toothbrush and squeezing out a blot of paste onto it brushed his teeth. Resisting the urge to scrub his mouth out, he simply brushed quickly and rinsed. Picking up the glass near the edge of the sink he filled it, drinking deeply, then filled it again. Finishing the water again looking at the mirror again, he sighed setting the glass down. Then having replaced everything where he'd found it, he left the bathroom.
Standing looking at the warm soft bed that despite what could happen there later was calling his worn out mind and body, he was trying to decide what he wanted more. Sleep, or food. To find himself hungry surprised him, but he figured even condemed men got hungry, and it had been a long time since he'd eaten. The steak dinner which he could barely remember was long gone. And truth be told, he'd not gotten to eat much of it. So instead of collapsing into the bed, after the odor of the soup hit his nose, he headed out of the bedroom. _______________________________________________________________________
Preparing the light meal of sandwiches and soup, Vinny taking the soup from the microwave nearly dropped the bowl. Wheeling around to take it to the table he was taken by compete surprise to see Bosco standing beside the table watching him. His eyes warily on him, but his expression the same as earlier in the bedroom. "Sit," Vinny encouraged him, moving with cautious calm to the table so as not to frighten him, "Everything is ready. Just sandwiches and soup, but it should fill you up. Are you warm enough? I can start another fire?"
Shaking his head slightly, Bosco pulled out a chair sitting down as Vinny placed a bowl in front of him, his voice hoarse, and soft, "No, I'm fine," glancing up he added, "thank you." "Sure," Vinny a slight grin on his face, "you're welcome," surprised again went back to the counter where he'd prepared the food. Retrieving the sandwiches he'd made, Vinny set them in the center of the table then joined him.
Taking a spoon of soup he glanced over at Bosco to see if he would actually eat, he was surprised again when he saw Bosco watching him start, picked up his spoon and carefully began to eat. Blowing on the soup before tasting it, attempting to avoid his cut lip. Not another word was spoken by him as they ate. Vinny tried to start a couple of conversations, but soon gave up as Bosco would stop eating and sit silently until Vinny stopped talking, his hands next to his bowl and then plate. His eyes downcast the entire time. Finally he was finished and without looking at him asked Vinny, "can I be excused?" To Vinny it was obvious the sediative was still working on him, he was too subdued for it to be anything else. Vinny hoped he wouldn't have to give him anymore anytime soon.
"Sure," he sighed watching him push his chair back slowly. Leaning back in his chair keeping an eye on him Vinny shook his head as Bosco picked up his dishes and carried them to the sink. "Just leave them there," Vinny called to him, "I'll do them with mine, you get next turn." He heard the dishes clatter slightly as Bosco set them down and turning walked out of the kitchen to sit on the couch in the living room, his back to Vinny. As far as he could tell Bosco was just staring at the fireplace. Vinny sighed again as he took his dishes to the sink.
Stepping into the living room he didn't see Bosco at first, frowning hoping they were not going to have another scene like the ones earlier, Vinny found him curled into the corner of the couch asleep. "Sorry love, but not until I'm sure about what you'll do." Shaking him awake, Vinny made him stand up, "Come on, bedtime," he was actually expecting a fight even with the sedative, which he knew should be beginning to wear off. But instead what he got was Bosco simply walking into the bedroom ahead of him with out so much as a word. Stopping, Vinny went back and turned off the lights in the kitchen, then the living room.
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Entering the bedroom, he found him awake, on top of the blankets, eyes drooping lying on his right side, on the opposite side of the bed than he'd been on earlier. "Oh really?" Vinny smiled softly, "You too huh? Well, doesn't matter to me which side I sleep on anyway." Pulling back the blanket, he climbed in, turning he reached out taking Bosco's right wrist pulling it up to snap the cuff still attached to the bed frame. As he moved back he saw him watching him eyes wide now, a slight fear in them. "Don't you want covers? It's going to get cold in here." He offered lifting the blanket up. "No," his quiet shaky voice giving away his fear, "I'm fine." Vinny nodded, "Okay." Bosco's eyes wide watching him. Vinny started to say something else, or make him get under the blankets but he saw he was beginning to panic again, so he stopped unwilling to have another scene right now.
Dropping the blanket he gently smiled at him, "Go to sleep love," Vinny turned away, reaching out turned off the light. Remembering that the other had to be turned off by hand also, he got up, walking around the bed to do so. Before he could touch the lamp, Bosco was sitting up, "NOOO!" His face pale again, eyes wide with fright. "What?" Vinny reached for the light, "I'm not coming after you, I'm just turning the light out." As the light clicked off, Bosco yelled out in fear, scaring the shit out of Vinny. "NNNNOOOOOOO! PUT IT ON! PLEASE!" Nearly knocking the lamp off the table, Vinny swiflty flicked it back on, "What the hell? What's wron....." Seeing the embaressed fear in Bosco's eyes and face he asked, "Bosco? What's wrong?" "Just leave it on okay?" looking away, he knew he couldn't tell Vinny he was afraid of the dark after what had happened in the bathroom, he had enough anxiety to deal with after that scene. This he didn't want to have to add to it, "Please?" Vinny seeing him breakdown was enough.
Understanding dawned on Vinny suddenly, as he remembred Bosco refusing to enter the basements and sewers without his flashlight on shift. And the one time his light didn't work completely blowing off a chase until Vinny had found fresh batteries in the glovebox. At the time Vinny had just thought it smart policing, you don't chase someone if you can't see where you are going. But now......"Okay, fine with me whatever," he left the light on.
Later, lying in the bed he knew Bosco was cold, he could feel the bed moving as he shivered. "Get under the covers, I know you're not asleep, no one could be sleeping and shaking like that." "I'm fine," his soft voice whispering, "I'm not cold." "Right," Vinny got up, "But I'm trying to sleep, and I can't with your teeth chattering." Snatching the throws off the floor where they'd been tossed earlier, he flipped them out one at at time over Bosco, "Stubborn mule." Getting back in the bed, gently telling him, "Now go to sleep, I won't bother you tonight."
Soon under the down throws, Vinny heard his breathing deepen as exhausted, warm now, he finally slept. Vinny soon joined him.
TBC.......
Walking into the bedroom, Vinny again as earlier stopped when he didn't see Bosco, or hear the shower running.
His eyes quickly taking in the empty room, he left the door ajar moving to the bathroom to see if he was in there. The empty bathroom mocked him as his heart began to race. 'Shit,' quickly concluding he'd been duped, spinning on his heel, "What?..." Vinny was blindsided as Bosco hit him full in the face with the small wooden chair that had been set next to the bed shattering the back off of the seat.
The next thing Vinny knew he was sitting on the bathroom floor holding his head, blood running between his fingers to drip onto his sweatpants. "DAMN ITT!" he barked out angrily, climbing to his feet slowly. "That was stupid Bosco," he growled as he opened the cabinet, removing a towel which he pressed over the cut to his scalp, "I told you already what I would do if you hit me again!"
Cautiously he left the bathroom, stepping back into the bedroom. It was empty but he could hear him in the other room. Still he didn't take any chances, carefully walking around the broken chair to the doorway listening for the sounds coming from the kitchen to tell him exactly where Bosco was.
Silence met him as he stepped out into the hallway, "Oh my, guess you just realized there's no place for you to go love." Keeping his voice gentle, but making sure it carried into the living room area, "I told you already, this place is locked down tight. All you're gonna accomplish with this kind of behavior is an ass whipping."
Reaching the end of the hall, standing quietly in the doorway, he searched the room for him, sarcasticly asking him, "I guess it's possible for you to get the upperhand, hell anything is possible, but Bosco even if you'd have succeeded in knocking me out, how were you gonna get out?"
Cautiously, Vinny using the end of the towel to wipe his face of the blood that had run into his left eye, stepped out. Casting his glance first left, he slowly scanned the room. His gaze fully right, reaching a mirror mounted on the divide between the living room and kitchen he began to smile as he saw him at the kitchen side door fighting the lock, then looking back to see Vinny watching him. "All I asked you to do was make that bed right. You didn't. I asked you to take a shower, get cleaned up, you didn't do that either." Slowly with threat in his eyes and his body language Vinny stepped into the living room, his eyes never leaving the mirror or Bosco's eyes. "Now, now I'm gonna have to help you understand, when I tell you to do something, you must do it."
Bosco glancing over his shoulder from the kitchen door spotted Vinny watching him in the mirror. His eyes widened, face palling as Vinny's quiet threats sank in. As soon as he'd reached the kitchen door he knew he'd lost again. No windows in this part of the cabin, both doors padlocked he was trapped. Frozen as he watched the slow smile spread across Vinny's face his heart began to pound harder, blood rushing to his head making the sounds dim. Swallowing the bile taste that was suddenly in his mouth, he fought the urge to run, knowing there was no place now to run too. He would have to stand his ground and fight.
Vinny seeing the fear grow in his face urged him on, "Playing games Bosco? I already told you I love a good fight. Do you? You must, you keep trying to start one. Does it turn you on like it does me love? You get off on pounding someone's face? You know I've watched you when you catch some asshole we've chased. I've seen the look in your eyes after you beat him down. Gets you going doesn't it? Yeah, it does, I know it, you don't have to hide it from me Bosco. I want it to, I told you that. Easier if you give in, but whatever you want I'm happy to give."
"Fuck off!" Bosco softly told him, wanting to scream at him how fucking nuts he thought he was, instead, "You don't know a damn thing about me. If you think I'm giving in to you, you're crazy. I'll never do what you want Vinny EVER! You might be able to force me, keep me here, but I'll never GIVE it to you."
"I see the excitement in your eyes. You love it. You want it as much as I do, that feeling it gives you. The power, the rush?" Vinny crept closer to the kitchen, his voice still soft, gentle as if he were coaxing a small animal out of hiding, "Gets you high, and later gets you off. Bet you go home and call every woman you know trying to get some after a good ass kicking."
Eyes darting around now, searching for a weapon, Bosco began to pant, his breaths coming fast and shallow as accepted he'd made a huge mistake, again. It had been too soon, he should have waited until he knew the layout and the limitations of the cabin before trying to run.
Vinny saw him move, saw his eyes leave the mirror and wasted no time now, charging into the kitchen. He pulled up short of his target as Bosco finding his weapon held up the heavy cast iron skillet that had been hanging from above the butcher block island.
He said nothing as he held it high, his frightened eyes blinking furiously stared him down, daring Vinny to come closer. Vinny's smile faded, anger replacing it. The men stood in a standoff for several minutes, each gauging the others intentions, trying to decide who was more determined to win this. Who was the one more willing to take the physical punishment.
Swallowing several times, his mouth dry, Bosco changed postition, keeping the skillet held high, he switched sides with it to keep from tiring his arms. He was sweating, kept losing his focus, glancing away from Vinny then back again. 'What are you waiting for? Come on already!' his thoughts expressing his confusion at Vinny's nonaction. He knew him well enough to know that the skillet shouldn't have made much difference to him. Bosco had seen a perp several weeks ago come at him with a heavy pipe and Vinny acted like it was nothing, ended up using the pipe on the guy like a billy club. At the time Bosco had been impressed, he hadn't really hurt the guy, just put him in his place. Now though, his behavior was starting to wear on Bosco, this silent standoff was beginning to scare him more than if Vinny had attacked him again. He realized Vinny was acting like a cat toying with a mouse, only he wasn't willing to be a mouse now that he was free of the cuffs and drugs.
Vinny watched him carefully, knowing he was tiring, seeing the confusion on his face now mixed with the anger and fear. Without warning, Vinny smiled again, nodding at him. His eyebrows lifted as did his shoulders, he shrugged, "Okay, have it your way." His voice almost friendly Vinny backed away, leaving Bosco alone in the kitchen.
Stunned, Bosco watched him in the mirror as Vinny went into the hallway leading to the bedroom, never looking back as he shut the door gently behind him. When he was gone, Bosco stood a minute longer thinking it must be a trick. His heart raced faster, refusing to calm down as he stood holding the skillet high wondering, 'What the hell just happened?' _______________________________________________________________________
Finally, almost sure Vinny was leaving him alone for the time being he lowered his makeshift weapon to the butcher block. Placing both hands on the edge of the island, he leaned over, taking a deep breath, releasing it slowly as he tried to calm down. "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit," his mind racing again. Standing upright again, he scanned the kitchen. Seeing a padlocked door next to the refridgerator, 'Basement?'. Glancing in the mirror knowing now he could watch for his return, he began to search for a 'real' weapon. Opening drawers and cabinets, each leaving him more frustrated than the one before it.
Closing the last cabinet, he stood with head lowered staring at the wooden floor. Not one drawer had so much as a spoon in it. No cooking utensils he could use as a knife, nothing. Pots and pans sure, but he had a feeling those would disappear too now. Vinny had meant what he'd said about NO weapons. He'd quickly realized that with the padlocked doors and the barred windows even if he killed Vinny with the skillet he was trapped. Although killing him was not likely nor was it something he wanted to do no matter how much he hated him for what he'd done to him.
Raising his eyes now he jumped as Vinny was standing in the entrance to the kichen, just watching him quietly. Bosco didn't move, the skillet weapon was on the other side of the kitchen, too far away to do any good. If he tried for it he knew Vinny would get there first, and he had no intention of letting him use it on him.
Eyeing him warily like a trapped animal Bosco turned slowly, keeping his distance as Vinny strolled past the butcher block, stopping at the skillet. Every instinct in him told him to run, run and hide. His fight or flight instinct for survival waring with itself, but he stood still. Somehow knowing not to obey his instinct this time.
Head lowered, Vinny stood his eyes at first locked on the skillet, then slowly he raised them to look Bosco dead on in the eye. Shaking, eyes tearing up with the fear building in him, Bosco held his ground, refusing to show anymore fear to him by flinching away or running. Very precisely Vinny reached out and picked up the skillet, watching Bosco swallow hard, sensing the extreme tension in him. Quickly without hesitation once it was in his hand, he slapped it upwards onto the hook above the block, watching as Bosco's stand against his fear broke, and he flinched finally, his head turning, arms raised in protection of his head as he anticipated the skillet to be thrown instead of remounted. Upon hearing the skillet hit the hook instead of him, he flushed as he realized he'd done exactly what Vinny was hoping for. Closing his eyes a moment in a combination of loathing at his letting Vinny play him like that, and relief at not being attacked, he opened them to see Vinny staring him down again.
It was a eerie silence in the room that marked how intense the scene was between the men as they watched each other now. At the same time marking how completely unviolent, and yet competely terrifiying it had actually been. A small smile creeping over his expression, Vinny began to walk around the block to him. "Don't you dare run again," he quietly warned him, "I won't think twice about beating you down until you can't walk, much less run. That's two freebies for you today. You won't get another. Ever."
Bosco closed his eyes, standing stock still as Vinny approached him, his body tense to the point he felt like glass. Sure he would shatter from the tension, his heart pounding again, every muscle in his body quivering in anticipation of the beating he knew was coming. Bile rising as he fought off thinking about what else Vinny might have in store now.
Stopping next to him, gazing down at his pale sweating face, Vinny both wanted to knock him to the ground and to hold him and make his fear go away. Wanting to cause him fear over his disobediance so it wouldn't happen again, and yet assure him he wouldn't hurt him, as that wasn't his intention at all. Torn between both intense desires, the tear that slipped from Bosco's closed eye to slide down his cheek broke Vinny. His hand unbidden touching Bosco as he wiped the tear away with his thumb, just for a brief moment lingering on his cheek, "Don't cry," his voice thick now with emotion. Bosco flinching violently away from him, his eyes shooting open at his touch stared at him. Blinking rapidly to clear his eyes his face now flushed with embaressment. Casting his eyes down to the floor, he lowered his head refusing to look up again as he saw the compassion on Vinny's face. That was something he couldn't accept.
"I'm sorry, but I have to do this," Vinny sadly watching him told him, "come on." Taking Bosco's arm in his grip, he began to walk him back to the bedroom. Only that wasn't where Bosco wanted to go, not now or ever again. Planting his feet, eyes back on Vinny's face he shook his head sharply, "NO! PLEASE, NO!"
Instead of releasing him, Vinny grabbed him into a bear hug, Bosco now fighting him, "Stop it! I'm not going to hurt you!" Squeezing him tightly, face to face now, "Bosco, STOP!" as Bosco was arching away from him, using his hands and knees to push away. Having taken Vinny's earlier promise of rettribution seriously he wasn't hitting him, just trying to push his way to freedom. With the newfound knowledge of no possible escape survival was now the only thing on his mind. "Listen TO ME!" Vinny exclaimed, "I said I don't break my promises, I promise I won't hurt you!" Accepting that Bosco wasn't going to stop now, Vinny released him. As he fell away though, Vinny again grabbed his arm. "ENOUGH!" Shaking him slightly, Vinny rolled his eyes as Bosco became still, eyes wildly watching him, gruffly exclaiming, "Come on!" ______________________________________________________________________
This time not taking any guff from Bosco, Vinny drug him to the bedroom. Pushing him into the room before him, yanking the back of the coat still on him. Bosco moved out of it as he felt Vinny pull, now only in his jeans he staggered away thinking this was it, it was happening again.
Vinny reached into his pocket withdrawing a syringe. Swiftly moving away, Bosco found himself back in the corner he'd been in earlier. When he saw what Vinny had in his hand, he again paniced, "NO, NO, NO!" His cries ignored as Vinny shaking his head followed him to snatch his arm up, as he yanked the cap from the needle with his teeth. "I wish you hadn't refused to do what you were told, or fought me," he sighed, holding Bosco's arm firmly in his hand, "but you are a fighter, I already knew that. Don't worry," he comforted him, "this isn't poison, you're not going to die," plunging the needle down into his muscle, "this is just to help you relax." Depressing the plunger he administered the sedative he'd prepared earlier waiting for Bosco to decide if he was going to make the bed and shower on his own. "It's a shame you made me use it, but, its for the best."
Bosco yelling out, "NNNNNOOOOOO STOP I'LL DO IT! I'LL DO IT! DON'T!" As Vinny grabbed his arm tight, "AAAAAAHHHHH!" The needle stinging as it jabbed him, the sedative burning like fire. Staggering backwards into the corner holding the injection site with his other hand as Vinny released him. "WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?"
Watching as he walked off, back turned as if he had no concerns that Bosco might attack him. Anger turning to shame as Bosco rubbing his arm, glancing down at the site, to look back eyes following him, realized that Vinny knew him better than he wanted to admit. He never picked a fight he couldn't win. And he and Vinny both knew, this was one fight he'd have to think his way out of, not fight. That ephiphany had come late in this game for him, but it had come. Now it really was a game of cat and mouse. He would just have to be a smarter mouse than the cat that had him.
He stood in the corner as Vinny went into the bathroom. Curious fear causing him to wonder what Vinny was doing, what would he do to him next, and could he survive it.
Hearing the shower start was the last thing he expected. It coincided with the first real effects of the drug he'd been given. Feeling slightly flushed, he found himself sitting on the floor, not knowing how he'd gotten there. A sensation of relaxation coming over him, he found he wasn't sleepy, just didn't give a shit. Then the sedative really started to kick in. Just as Vinny emerged from the bathroom wearing only his boxers.
Walking out of the bathroom, Vinny saw Bosco sitting on the floor in the same corner he'd left him in. "Oh boy," he smirked, "that didn't take long." Seeing the dazed look on his face as he stood before him looking down in amusement, "Ready for your shower now?"
His face screwing up, Bosco shook his head slowly, "No, no shower," his words slurred as he put his head back looking up at Vinny over him, "don't want to go in there." "Well," Vinny reached down, taking his hands to pull him up, "you are going in there, and since you won't do it, I will." Bosco standing now pulled back weakly, "NOOOO!" He had no intention of letting Vinny do what he thought Vinny meant, though right now he wasn't sure what Vinny meant, his head was buzzing and confusion was setting in. "Oh yeah, you are," taking him around his shoulders, "lets go, come on love." Vinny led him into the bathroom. Bosco seeing the shower running tried to turn and leave. But was restrained. Pushing him against the wall, Vinny began to disrobe him trying to unbutton his jeans, as Bosco tried to turn away. His hands slapping at Vinny's, "Noooo, don't please Vinny, not again," his voice pleading with him, softly crying now as he feared another rape coming, and no ability to stop it or defend himself.
Vinny tenderly held his face in his hands, "Bosco," he gently comforted him, "I'm only going to wash you, and see to your face and cuts. Don't be afraid love." His words only brought more crying, as eyes closed, Bosco leaned back against the wall, hands pushing at him. Vinny continued stripping him. When he was naked before him, Bosco tried to cover himself, sinking to the floor attempting to avoid him. Crying openly now, his mind was spinning, the drug he was on taking him emotionally with it to a place he couldn't avoid. To something he couldn't stop, didn't have the strength now to stop.
Squatting beside him, Vinny stroked first his hair, then his back, rubbing his shoulder sofly, tenderly, "Shush, baby don't cry, its okay." Putting his arms around him, Vinny lifted him to his feet. Bosco was horrified to realize he was leaning into Vinny but was without control to stop it or care now. It was as if his mind was in two places at once. One part aware and angry, the other confused and seeking comfort, even in the arms of the enemy. Vinny led him to the shower door, opening it he then took him through it.
In the hot gentle spray of the water, Bosco lost control, breaking down as Vinny washed him. Soft words of comfort spoken by Vinny as he did so making it worse for him.
Wiping his face tenderly with a soapy cloth, Vinny found himself crying for Bosco. He stood before Vinny hands at his sides now, soft sobs racking his body as Vinny moved the cloth downward.
Painful cries breaking from him as the soapy cloth swiped over his wounds. "I'm sorry," Vinny said over and over as he cried out, "I'm so sorry, I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to hurt you." The large brushburn on his chest from the metal building now darkened as it had begun to scab over already, the dark purple bruising of the bite mark on his shoulder as well as the others, driving what he'd actually done to him home, Vinny finally began to comprehend his actions. Blood mixing with the water, swirled its way down the shower floor to drain away through the brass grate under their feet. Vinny seeing it began to feel guilt and shame coming to haunt him as he listened to Bosco's sobbing cries.
Vinny stopped, taking his hand in his. Placing the cloth into it, "You finish, then I'll help you rinse." At first standing cloth in hand, shuddering, attempting to regain control, racked with shame, Bosco simply stood there tears flowing, then he slowly began to wash his genitals, turning away from Vinny to do so.
But as he washed himself, a feeling of disgust and intense fear of his own behavior now, even knowing that he'd been drugged against his will took over. Combining with the remembered horror of the rape, now he was scrubbing himself, his face first, tearing at his mouth with the cloth trying to wipe the memory of Vinny's mouth on his, away. Dragging the cloth down he used it like sandpaper, his arms, chest, legs. Leaving himself raw and red as he went. Vinny having turned back to him stood in cold fearful silence watching him. Ragged sobs racking his slender body Bosco tried to strip the feelings from his flesh. Feelings of Vinny's hands roaming him, touching him, penetrating him. Flashes of the terrible night behind his closed lids, Bosco finally washed himself where Vinny had violated him.
That was when he lost it, screaming out in painful memory and in pain from the stinging soap he staggered forward to stand under the hot water, his face raised into the spray as he slammed his fists repeatedly into the tile wall behind the wall of water beating down on his face and chest. Vinny for the first time truly frightened for him, horror over having caused this pain in him, moved to stop Bosco from hurting himself further. Wrapping his arms around him, he drew his arms down to his sides. Bosco threw himself backwards against him, screams torn from him as he collapsed, Vinny following him to the shower floor.
Sitting with Bosco in his arms, hearing his screams turn to horrible body shaking sobs, Vinny rocked him, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I'll never hurt you again, please stop, please Bosco please." He sat there with him under the hot water until he was quiet, the water cooling finally as the large tank finally began to run out. Reaching out Vinny turned the water off, as he did so Bosco's head rocked back limply, Vinny startled at first quickly saw he was asleep. The sedative combined with the hot water and emotional breakdown having taken its toll finally on him.
Waking him gently, Vinny helped him to stand. As he did so Bosco completely subdued now didn't argue or fight him. He simply stood quietly looking away as Vinny having led him out of the shower now to stand on the rug, dried him off carefully. Too numb to respond Bosco simply let him do whatever. All he wanted was to be left alone. He needed privacy for the toilet, he was hungry and thirsty, but mostly he just wanted to be left alone.
No tears but Vinny watching him carefully saw a resignation on his face, he looked so lost and sad that it tore at Vinny's heart. Finished drying him, he sat him down on the closed toilet seat. Taking the first aid kit down from the shelf in the linen closet Vinny set it on the back of the toilet. Lifting Bosco's chin with his fingers gently raising his face to him, he began to apply ointment to his torn stitches. Closing his eyes, Bosco sat allowing Vinny to tend to the wounds on his face and chest. The towel wrapped around his waist gripped tightly, being twisted slowly in his fists the only indication of his mental state.
Finished Vinny left him there while he went to get them dry clothes. He took his time remembering that Bosco had not had any privacy for personal needs since the resturant. He heard after awhile the toilet flush, then the sink running.
As soon as Vinny left the bathroom, Bosco stood up. At first just standing there, he could hear Vinny in the bedroom rumagging around in the dresser. Taking a chance that he would have at least a couple of minutes he relieved himself, then moved to the sink to wash his hands.
Rubbing his hands together under the lukewarm water he accidently caught sight of himself in the mirror above the sink. Bruises under his eye again, hollowed haunting circles under both adding to his lost expression. His lip swollen, cut, fresh blood seeping from it caused by the harsh scrubbing, his shoulder aching where Vinny had bitten him nearly black with the dark ring of teeth mark bruises. Chest redbrown glistening where the brushburn oozed clear fluid and the ointment covered. Numerous other red marks and bruising adding to the poor man looking back at him. For a moment he didn't know who he was looking at, his mind refusing to register that the frightened lost dark blue eyes gazing back at him belonged TO him.
Bosco stumbled back from the sink, slapping the handles to off when he did recognize it was him in the mirror eyes pleading with him to save him. Confusion again setting in he stood afraid to look back at the mirror. Then it hit him, he would have to play Vinny's game Vinny's way if he was to get out of this alive. But he wasn't sure he would get out of it sane. Pushing the last thought out of his head for now, he went to the door leading back to the bedroom and opened it.
It was time to play, time to find out if Vinny would indeed play by the rules he was creating or if he would break his trust again. The entire time he'd known Vinny, the biggest thing he'd heard about him from him was he never broke his promises. It was a huge deal with him. And Bosco had seen that he did indeed keep them, if he said he would or would not do something, he followed through on it. So now here, Vinny had promised he wouldn't hurt him again if he 'obeyed' and was 'polite'. Bosco would now be testing that theory. Looking back at the mirror, telling the sad lost man looking back, 'Not like I can do anything else, right?'
Having stripped himself of his wet boxers and redressed himself while he waited, Vinny was a bit surprised when the door opened to the bathroom. Turning he saw him standing there in a towel, the same confused expression on his face as earlier. Vinny layed the sweats on the bed, "Those should fit you, anything you need is in the bottom three drawers here. What ever you want to use in the bathroom is yours to use. Shaving kit is in the bottom of the cabinet. Yours is marked. I brought you an electric like you use, same brand and type so...." Bosco didn't look at him, he simply walked to the bed to stand looking down at the clothes. He made no move to take them, but Vinny refrained himself from 'helping' him dress. "I'm going to make dinner, it's not much tonight, but," he paused seeing Bosco wasn't paying attention, "anyway, you haven't eaten in almost 24 hours now, so it will be waiting when you're ready." He hesitated to leave him alone just now, but decided to do so anyway.
When he left the room, Bosco looked up to watch him go. Blinking back new tears, he picked up the grey sweat shirt pulling it slowly and painfully over his head. Tugging it down into place, he walked over to the dresser. Opening the drawers he found boxers and socks. Pulling the boxers on, he sat on the edge of the bed. Slipping his feet into the warm wool socks. He flipped out the navy sweatpants, reminded again of the cuff on his right wrist as it banged his knee. Fighting back his emotions he ignored it and finished dressing. Going back into the bathroom, avoiding looking at the shower, he was so tired he could barely stand. But he found a fresh toothbrush and squeezing out a blot of paste onto it brushed his teeth. Resisting the urge to scrub his mouth out, he simply brushed quickly and rinsed. Picking up the glass near the edge of the sink he filled it, drinking deeply, then filled it again. Finishing the water again looking at the mirror again, he sighed setting the glass down. Then having replaced everything where he'd found it, he left the bathroom.
Standing looking at the warm soft bed that despite what could happen there later was calling his worn out mind and body, he was trying to decide what he wanted more. Sleep, or food. To find himself hungry surprised him, but he figured even condemed men got hungry, and it had been a long time since he'd eaten. The steak dinner which he could barely remember was long gone. And truth be told, he'd not gotten to eat much of it. So instead of collapsing into the bed, after the odor of the soup hit his nose, he headed out of the bedroom. _______________________________________________________________________
Preparing the light meal of sandwiches and soup, Vinny taking the soup from the microwave nearly dropped the bowl. Wheeling around to take it to the table he was taken by compete surprise to see Bosco standing beside the table watching him. His eyes warily on him, but his expression the same as earlier in the bedroom. "Sit," Vinny encouraged him, moving with cautious calm to the table so as not to frighten him, "Everything is ready. Just sandwiches and soup, but it should fill you up. Are you warm enough? I can start another fire?"
Shaking his head slightly, Bosco pulled out a chair sitting down as Vinny placed a bowl in front of him, his voice hoarse, and soft, "No, I'm fine," glancing up he added, "thank you." "Sure," Vinny a slight grin on his face, "you're welcome," surprised again went back to the counter where he'd prepared the food. Retrieving the sandwiches he'd made, Vinny set them in the center of the table then joined him.
Taking a spoon of soup he glanced over at Bosco to see if he would actually eat, he was surprised again when he saw Bosco watching him start, picked up his spoon and carefully began to eat. Blowing on the soup before tasting it, attempting to avoid his cut lip. Not another word was spoken by him as they ate. Vinny tried to start a couple of conversations, but soon gave up as Bosco would stop eating and sit silently until Vinny stopped talking, his hands next to his bowl and then plate. His eyes downcast the entire time. Finally he was finished and without looking at him asked Vinny, "can I be excused?" To Vinny it was obvious the sediative was still working on him, he was too subdued for it to be anything else. Vinny hoped he wouldn't have to give him anymore anytime soon.
"Sure," he sighed watching him push his chair back slowly. Leaning back in his chair keeping an eye on him Vinny shook his head as Bosco picked up his dishes and carried them to the sink. "Just leave them there," Vinny called to him, "I'll do them with mine, you get next turn." He heard the dishes clatter slightly as Bosco set them down and turning walked out of the kitchen to sit on the couch in the living room, his back to Vinny. As far as he could tell Bosco was just staring at the fireplace. Vinny sighed again as he took his dishes to the sink.
Stepping into the living room he didn't see Bosco at first, frowning hoping they were not going to have another scene like the ones earlier, Vinny found him curled into the corner of the couch asleep. "Sorry love, but not until I'm sure about what you'll do." Shaking him awake, Vinny made him stand up, "Come on, bedtime," he was actually expecting a fight even with the sedative, which he knew should be beginning to wear off. But instead what he got was Bosco simply walking into the bedroom ahead of him with out so much as a word. Stopping, Vinny went back and turned off the lights in the kitchen, then the living room.
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Entering the bedroom, he found him awake, on top of the blankets, eyes drooping lying on his right side, on the opposite side of the bed than he'd been on earlier. "Oh really?" Vinny smiled softly, "You too huh? Well, doesn't matter to me which side I sleep on anyway." Pulling back the blanket, he climbed in, turning he reached out taking Bosco's right wrist pulling it up to snap the cuff still attached to the bed frame. As he moved back he saw him watching him eyes wide now, a slight fear in them. "Don't you want covers? It's going to get cold in here." He offered lifting the blanket up. "No," his quiet shaky voice giving away his fear, "I'm fine." Vinny nodded, "Okay." Bosco's eyes wide watching him. Vinny started to say something else, or make him get under the blankets but he saw he was beginning to panic again, so he stopped unwilling to have another scene right now.
Dropping the blanket he gently smiled at him, "Go to sleep love," Vinny turned away, reaching out turned off the light. Remembering that the other had to be turned off by hand also, he got up, walking around the bed to do so. Before he could touch the lamp, Bosco was sitting up, "NOOO!" His face pale again, eyes wide with fright. "What?" Vinny reached for the light, "I'm not coming after you, I'm just turning the light out." As the light clicked off, Bosco yelled out in fear, scaring the shit out of Vinny. "NNNNOOOOOOO! PUT IT ON! PLEASE!" Nearly knocking the lamp off the table, Vinny swiflty flicked it back on, "What the hell? What's wron....." Seeing the embaressed fear in Bosco's eyes and face he asked, "Bosco? What's wrong?" "Just leave it on okay?" looking away, he knew he couldn't tell Vinny he was afraid of the dark after what had happened in the bathroom, he had enough anxiety to deal with after that scene. This he didn't want to have to add to it, "Please?" Vinny seeing him breakdown was enough.
Understanding dawned on Vinny suddenly, as he remembred Bosco refusing to enter the basements and sewers without his flashlight on shift. And the one time his light didn't work completely blowing off a chase until Vinny had found fresh batteries in the glovebox. At the time Vinny had just thought it smart policing, you don't chase someone if you can't see where you are going. But now......"Okay, fine with me whatever," he left the light on.
Later, lying in the bed he knew Bosco was cold, he could feel the bed moving as he shivered. "Get under the covers, I know you're not asleep, no one could be sleeping and shaking like that." "I'm fine," his soft voice whispering, "I'm not cold." "Right," Vinny got up, "But I'm trying to sleep, and I can't with your teeth chattering." Snatching the throws off the floor where they'd been tossed earlier, he flipped them out one at at time over Bosco, "Stubborn mule." Getting back in the bed, gently telling him, "Now go to sleep, I won't bother you tonight."
Soon under the down throws, Vinny heard his breathing deepen as exhausted, warm now, he finally slept. Vinny soon joined him.
TBC.......