So, yeah… This chapter really shows Rory's twisted side…

Just a warning ;)

Updated: 09/27/2012

…

"You… you like me?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?"

"Well… with your… past, I didn't think you would like anyone for a while…"

"Well, I don't want to…"

"I know. We'll take it as slow as you want. If you want anything to happen. I mean, we can stay friends as long as you want."

"So I'm taking you like me back?"

"I care about you. I would do anything for you."

"Why? You barely know me."

"I don't have to know you to like you."

…

Rory looked out of his living room window, watching the family leave its home.

All but one member were present in the departing party. Said family member was still at his neighbor's house, and Rory saw his chance. Sneaking out his own house, he headed down the street and made his way to the house in question. Pulling out his key ring, he let himself in and looked around, eyes landing on a digital camera that was sitting on a nearby bookshelf.

Reaching for it, he began to scroll through the pictures, finding the most recent one. His eyes narrowed as he stared at it.

Something snapped in him then. Clutching the camera tightly in his hand, he made his way up the staircase and into the room at the hall, making himself comfortable.

He was waiting.

…

Benny walked Ethan to the front door, smiling softly at him.

"You'll be okay going home? You can stay here if you want."

"No, I think I'll just go home and rest."

"If you need anything, come over here or call. Make smoke signals if you have to. I'll be there in a flash." Ethan smiled at Benny and hesitantly hugged him. Benny instantly wrapped his arms around the slighter boy, hugging back.

"Thank you," Ethan whispered into Benny's striped shirt.

"For what?"

"Being you." Benny pulled away slightly and smiled at Ethan.

"There's nothing that can happen that can make me stop being me."

…

Ethan had left Benny's house a few minutes later, happier than he had been when he had arrived. Ethan knew his parents and sister were gone, so he let himself in and made his way to the kitchen, getting a drink before he went to his room.

Heading up the stairs, he stopped outside his door, a feeling of dread sweeping over him for some unknown reason. Trying to get it out of his system, he opened his bedroom door…

To find Rory sitting on his bed.

Waiting for him.

"Wh-what are you doing here? How'd you get into my house?"

"I have a key remember? You gave it to me when we were 12. "So I would always have a place to call home," right?" Ethan's face paled as he remembered that. Rory just smiled bitterly. "I saw your family leaving, so thought I'd come see you. But you weren't here."

"I was at Benny's, working on our project."

"Yeah, that's what I thought…" Rory said as he glanced down at his hands. Ethan's eyes followed it and he noticed the camera there.

"Is that my mom's camera?"

"Yeah… What's the meaning of this?" he asked, holding out the camera to Ethan, who took it with shaking hands. His eyes widened at the picture.

It was of him and Benny sleeping.

"I-I don't know. My mom must've taken it when I was asleep." Rory's eyes darkened as he stood up and stretched.

"Ethan…" he said, cracking his neck as he narrowed his eyes at him. "Don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying!" Ethan said, backing against the door. Rory shook his head and strode towards him.

"I believe you. But I want you to do me one favor," he said as he pushed the darker boy against the door.

"Anything."

"Once you're project is done, you will have NOTHING to do with him ever again. You're mine, and I'm going to make sure you'll remember that. FOREVER." Ethan felt fear consume him as Rory just smiled. "Forever."

…

Ethan sat in his room, wincing at the pain that coursed through his body. Holding back tears, he curled up in a ball on the floor, holding his phone close to him. Using his last bit of strength, he texted Benny.

Help.

…

Benny was watching TV in the living room when his phone buzzed. Glancing at it, he was on his feet in seconds. Running to the house next door, he let himself in and was up the stairs in a flash.

"Ethan?" Benny said through the door. All he heard was a low moan. "I'm coming in!" He opened the bedroom door to see Ethan lying on his floor, clad in nothing but boxers, whimpering every now and then. "Ethan! What happened to you?" he said as he kneeled next to Ethan, who opened his eyes slowly. Rolling over to lay on his back, Benny gasped.

Ethan's entire chest and stomach was covered in dark bruises.

"Benny… You came," Ethan whispered before his eyes closed slowly.

"Ethan? ETHAN! WAKE UP!"

…

Chapter is short. Sorry about that.

But had to happen that way.

See you guys at the next chapter!

In Bethan We Trust

-JustMe133