(07) Numb Bitterness

Simon stepped in the door when his phone started ringing. He dropped his things and ran to the other side of the hall to pick it up. To his surprise it was Jack.

"Hey baby," he greeted.

"Hey... it's a surprise you called. How'd you get my number?"

"I guess it's the same. You never changed it."

Simon smacked his head upon realizing it. "My bad. Say, I haven't seen Ralph for a while. Y'know, since he got back."

At first Jack made no response. The mention of his name made him shudder. He slightly tugged his collar and tried to keep his composure.

"Jack," Simon called, "you still there?"

"Y-yea," Jack stuttered. "I feel a little numb right now."

"Numb... why is that? Tired from work or something?"

"Yea, pretty much."

In the back of Simon's mind, he had a bad feeling that something was wrong. He decided to bring it up.

"I don't understand. There's too much secrets here and there. And from the looks of it, you're hiding something."

"Whoa! Slow down. Since when would I?"

"Since just now," Simon contemplated. "Where's Ralph?"

"He's sick," Jack replied.

"Oh god... I should come over right now!"

"No Simon... he's in the hospital."

He was never sorry for lying.

The receiver shook in his hands. Before he could make another reply, he received a beep tone indicating another call.

"Um, Jack could you hold? I'm getting someone on the other line."

"Sure."

Simon pressed the button and a lady's sigh flowed through his left ear.

"Hello?"

"Hi Mr. Houghey. I'm sorry to say you have a friend in the hospital right now."

"Who is it? Ralph Miller?"

"No. He goes by the name of Roger Jeffers. You might want to come and visit sometime, but... I have real bad news."

As she spoke on, Simon's world came to a stand still. His first love is in the hospital. Chances are he must be in a coma. Maybe he drank several beer bottles the night he was kicked out of his life... for good. Maybe he got shot by a criminal. Maybe he attempted suicide. All these conclusions ran through his mind as he hoped Roger will be alright.

On the other hand, he felt guilty. He cheated in the first place. He caused them to split up. He never reconsidered what it would be like if they ever fell apart, and unfortunately they did.

"How is he doing right now?" he asked the doctor.

"He's in critical condition," she explained. "He has a gun wound in his left shoulder, a few bruises on his stomach, and evidence of abuse on both his wrists, as well as swollen lips."

Simon covered his mouth. Someone horrible attacked him up to the point where his body could shut down... but who did it?

"Is he ever gonna get better in two weeks? Or three? Please tell me he'll be okay..."

Tears were streaming down his cheeks right now. All he ever wanted was for Roger to survive.

"That I'm not sure of. Based on the records I have, I doubt he'd get any better soon."

"Well, that's all I have so far," she enclosed. "Police and investigators are currently tracking down the fugitive responsible for this. I'll keep you updated on his progress."

"Thanks doc."

"No problem."

With that, Simon hung up the phone not realizing Jack was still on the other line. He crouched down and sobbed uncontrollably. Everything was falling apart even more. 'I need some comfort,' he said inwardly. He managed to get up and go to his bedroom. He sat there for a good thirty minutes, staring into space as his mind wandered about over Roger. He cried himself to sleep.

x-x-x

Jack, on the other hand, hung up his phone and went up to his bedroom. Ralph was still knocked out cold on the bed. His arms and legs were sprawled out and his face was pale. To his surprise, he was still breathing and regaining his colour.

'I guess we'll have to change that,' he thought.

Even though Ralph was slightly conscious, Jack went in his closet and pulled out a few strands of rope. He climbed on the bed and grabbed his arms, tying his hands to the bedpost. By the time he finished, he nursed his body to hide every piece of evidence. Ralph winced and hissed in pain. He wanted to get out somehow, but it seemed as though Jack read his mind. By the time he finished, he got up and got dressed, picked up his keys and walked out the door.

The ropes still binded him.

Ralph heard it all. He heard when the front door downstairs opened and closed, locked at that. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, making a mental plan on how to escape. At the same time, he tried so hard to figure out where he went. Normally he's not the type to work evening shifts. Neither does he drive around the place for beer like other men would. So where could he possibly go without saying goodbye? And why was he acting this way towards him?

There was only one way to find out.

Despite the bandages to the many wounds Jack left him with, he managed to sit up. He used his fingers on his right hand to untie the knots that had him stuck. For one, he made a mental note on the exact knot Jack tied. It's a good thing his father was in the Navy; he has been taught everything about knot tying. Once it was free, he made no hesitation to quickly untie his left hand, get on his feet and get dressed. He was in shock when he saw the scars on his cheeks and jaw line as he stared in the mirror.

'That bastard,' he cussed inwardly. 'I still can't believe I'm alive. In fact, he should be lucky I'm about to report him.'

He grabbed the rail and took his time to walk down the stairs since his feet were not in good shape. He picked up the phone and called the Levington's house.

'I can't believe I'm on the island again,' he thought. 'I thought he'd have me killed like last time.'

"Hello?"

"Hey it's me," Ralph said hoarsely. "Listen, do you know if Jack is the type to sneak around?"

"I guess so," Eric replied. "Why'd you ask?"

"Because I can recall hearing him call someone 'baby' on the other line."

"That 'baby' must be Simon."

"Damn..."

"But there's something you got to know."

"I'm listening."

"Simon has been going through a lot of stress lately. He's become vulnerable to Jack's manipulation."

"You've got to be kidding me," Ralph stated. "I thought he was with Roger."

"Well, he's gotten hurt too. Jack forced him to break up with Roger or else he'll get killed. Plus, when you were with your mother he'd sneak around a lot."

Ralph slowly nodded his head. "I had a bad feeling something was happening all along." He stared at his front door. "Simon needs our help."

"Mmhm. Say, why didn't you make it in to work today?"

"Truth is, I felt tired. But when Jack made it in, he literally put me through torture."

"Pain and pleasure?"

"No Eric, not like that," Ralph replied. "I felt as though we were on the island again. He had me. In fact, can I come over to your place and spend the night?"

"Sure. Always feel free to as long as you want."

"Okay good. I'll catch you later."

"Alright. Oh wait!"

"Yea?"

"Can I pick you up on St. Lois Avenue?"

"Yea sure. Sounds good because I'm afraid Jack will do the unthinkable again. I might not survive the next time he does it."

"That means you gotta tell the police," Eric said. "He should be put behind bars for attacking people."

"Which is what I'm planning to do," Ralph replied matter-of-factly.

"Then get to it. We'll meet you around the corner."

"Okay cool. Thanks."

"No problem."

With that said, Ralph got in his sneakers and went out the door. He felt more safe outside his own home.

'At least I got the answer to my questions,' he thought as he walked around the block. 'Now it's time to make changes; teach Jack a lesson and get Simon out of this mess. I know he never meant for this to happen but damn! I wonder where Roger is in all this.'

He stood in front of the bus stop when Sam and Eric showed up. Just when he stepped in the car he blacked out.

x-x-x

The twins rushed to the hospital. They made no hesitation to take him in the ER (Emergency Room) where the experts could take over from there.

While they stood in the waiting room, Sam paced around while Eric bit his nails.

"I thought Ralph would do that," Sam told him.

"Do what?" Eric asked.

"Bite his nails," the former replied.

"Oh." Eric stared at the door, wondering what was happening inside. "I feel nervous," he said. "What if something bad happens from now?"

"I don't know." He looked down on the floor. "Um, Eric?"

"Yea."

"I got loads of cash after work today."

"Because it's pay day," Eric stated. "Duh!"

"No. Not that."

Eric looked at his brother. "Then what?"

"Jack blackmailed me to attack Roger last night. He'd give me loads of cash."

"WHAT THE FUCK?" Eric was now on his feet and stood in front of Sam. "We both know Simon's in trouble."

"Simon's the one who cheated," Sam said.

"Jack forced him to do it," Eric stated.

"He did?"

"Yes!" Eric snapped. "That's why Simon was afraid to speak up that morning. He hid it from Roger because he feared for his life."

"And if he told?"

"Jack would've killed him."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "Then why is Simon with him?"

"We'll ask him that question tomorrow."

"Deal."

Just then Eric smacked Sam upside the head.

"What was that for?" he asked, holding his chin.

"You could've gotten yourself in jail. However, that can be avoided."

"How?"

"When Ralph gets better you'll see."

For the rest of the afternoon they left it at that. It'll take a long while before Ralph got better. They sat down and waited wearily as time slowly ticked by.

x-x-x

Simon jolted up from his tearful slumber as he heard the doorbell ring. The sun was setting, and the voice of temptation spoke in his ear like a serial monkey that knew exactly what he was doing. He got up and clumsily went his way to the door.

Jack stood there with his arms crossed. He stared at him without saying a single word. His hair flew in the wind's direction as Simon opened his mouth.

"Sorry I forgot about you," he began. "It's just..."

"Just what?" Jack asked.

"Roger's in the hospital," he said, trying to hold back the tears.

"But he's the one that hurt you," he replied. "He hit you, tossed you out in the rain, kicked you out of his life..."

"I miss him. I really do." He stared down at the floor. "What if he doesn't make it?"

Jack held him by the shoulders. "Relax. He is gonna make it. Nothing will go wrong after that."

"But Jack, all this started since..."

Simon couldn't speak any longer. His lips were locked by Jack's own. It was unexpected since it felt heated like burning fire. Jack stepped in further, kicked the door shut and locked it before leading him on. They fell on the couch in the living room when Simon managed to get up. Something was about to happen. It felt so wrong. How did Jack know where his house is?

"Please stop."

Jack sat up and looked at the smaller man beneath him. "Simon, why do you want Roger so much?"

'He was my first love,' his mind said.

"I don't want him in that kind of way. I just can't handle the fact that he's in the hospital."

Jack sat up and thought silently to himself. 'I guess I can't have him tonight. Unless...'

"Did you eat?" he asked.

"No. In fact, I'm not hungry."

"Tell me, what do you really want?"

"I want..."

His voice trailed off. Jack was rubbing his inner thigh. His touch was like an electrical power surge racing through his body. He shook in fear as his visitor slowly pushed him back and towered over him. He really didn't want it at all. At least not tonight. Simon felt somewhat violated. He'll never understand how Jack knew where he lived. He never told him or gave him any hints about it. Every time he mentioned Roger he'd be cut off with a kiss. It seemed pretty strange how his body wanted it in his distress.

"Give it up, Simon," Jack whispered in his ear. "You don't have to feel this way forever."

"But-"

Another kiss purged him. This time it burned even more. He could feel the fire burn him inside. Soon he'll be consumed by Jack, whose kisses have gotten more intense. His tasty lips were no match for his vulnerable ones. They liked what they were getting, not him.

"Jack...let me go."

"I can't," he said between kisses. "You need to be held." He continued his way down his neck, found his g-spot and sucked it very hard. Even though it felt good, it hurt a little. Simon started making little whimpers and mew sounds.

"Stop," he squeaked.

Jack unbuttoned his shirt while trailing his wet kisses down his chest. It eventually got to the point where Simon felt his zipper go down. He stopped his hands in their tracks.

"I'm serious! I don't want to do this."

"But all you could think about is Roger. Besides, he can't do it like me."

"Why'd you have to be so selfish?" Simon asked apprehensively.

"I'm not selfish," Jack drawled. "I want you to myself." His lips continued to travel their way down as Simon shook underneath him. His breathing grew rapid as his dick got hard. He shut his eyes tight and tried to forget what was happening. He must be dreaming. Jack was just a fantasy.

Roger meant more than the world to him.

Little did he realize their clothes were divested. Time seemed to speed up ahead of his mind. He begged Jack to stop and repeatedly tried to push him off, but Jack never fell off. He stuck both his fingers inside of him, not considering whether or not he liked it. He knew for a fact Simon didn't want this, but he couldn't help it. He needed to be a little insane for awhile, and Simon was the source for that. When he saw the tears in his eyes, he pulled them out and slid his way into him.

At this point Simon sobbed uncontrollably. He couldn't stand it. He sniffled and tried to push Jack out.

"I'll make it four," he said. "I promise."

"But it hurts... Jack I can't do this tonight. Not now..."

"Forget everything."

"But..." He felt Jack enter him. It felt rather painful than good. He held his breath and let the tears fall. The pain was excruciating and he felt his head spin. Every thrust was making his head pound.

"Jack, I really want you to stop."

"Mmm," Jack moaned.

"You're hurting me," he whined.

"Ohh yess..."

"Stop it!" Simon pleaded. "Stop!"

"Oh fuck...baby...ah...mmmmm..."

On the real, Jack did not seem to care. It dawned on him that Roger was the only thing he'll think about, especially after blackmailing Sam to attack Roger when he was alone. Even though he didn't want him killed just yet, he was going to make his plans work step by step. His thoughts were interrupted at the sound of Simon screeching.

"STOP!"

"What's your problem?" Jack asked sarcastically.

"You're not listening to me," he cried. "I thought you loved me."

"But I'm not finished yet," he said. "I need to cum inside you."

Simon's eyes slitted. "Don't."

Jack gave him a cold look. "Are you playing games with me?"

"I want you to leave," he said. "Just stop and leave."

"Why? Don't you realize it? I wanna be yours."

"You can't," he spoke. "You're with Ralph. Putting me in the middle of this isn't gonna help."

Jack tilted his head to the side. "Why not?"

"Because I don't like this. It's not like me." His arms were strong enough to push Jack away, but retaliation took force as Jack thrusted again. He forgot he was still there.

"But I don't...aww...want...ohh... Ralph anymore," he groaned. "I want you." His speed increased. "Let me fuck you Simon..."

Jack gave him a rough kiss by force. His tongue invaded his mouth as it slithered towards his throat. Simon moaned and gagged under him. He tried to push him out to no avail. Jack had complete power over him. He moaned in his mouth twenty more times before releasing inside of him.

Simon cried in his shoulder. He forced himself to forget about what took place. No one will know anyway.

A few minutes later Jack got up, pulled Simon and dragged him upstairs. He dropped him on the bed in the guestroom and crawled on top of him. His mate woke up as he rubbed his cheeks. It was followed by a soft kiss on the lips that eventually became a battle royale for their tongues. His hands travelled up his back as Simon gave in. They went down to his waist as he grinded against him.

"Oh..." was his reply. He wrapped his arms around Jack, not wanting him to leave. His eyes were now locked with the latter's; there's love present in them. They said sorry, and they were willing to make it right. "Make me feel good," he said softly.

Jack opened his legs. He slowly entered him and took his time compared to before. He moaned as Simon rubbed his chest, played with his nipples and occasionally licked them.

"You feel so good," he complimented.

Jack smiled at him. He drew him closer as he held him tight and licked his lips. Simon moaned in response. He scratched his back and stuck out his tongue. Jack liked what he saw. He lashed the tip of his tongue on Simon's. His left hand travelled down to his groin area, now playing with his dick as well. He began stroking it with a tightened grip, causing his moans to flood the room. Their moans of pleasure and pain seemed to last forever as they kept their eyes on each other. Then something went terribly wrong.

As Jack brought Simon to his release, the wrong name came out of his mouth.

"Roger..."

Jack stopped abruptly. He couldn't believe what he just heard. He sat up and looked down on Simon who looked at him with glazed eyes.

"Simon."

His mate whimpered under him. "Cum inside of me!" he shouted.

Jack just sat there. He let a tear flow down his cheek. It landed on his hand. Simon snapped out of his trance. He reached for Jack's hair but he pulled away.

"Jack...what's wrong?"

He sniffled, trying to hold the tears back. "It's you," he said at last.

"Why? We were almost there."

"That's not it," he said.

"Then what is it?"

"Do you love me?" he asked.

"You know I do," Simon said sincerely. "Why'd you ask?"

"You did not say my name," he replied brokenly.

Simon sat up and pulled him close. Then it hit him. Roger never left his mind all day. The shocking news of him in the hospital bothered his subconscious that it caused him to scream out his name at the last moment.

"Jack I'm sorry," he said. "It's just...I think we moved a little too fast."

Jack pulled away from him. He got up and went towards the door.

"Jack I didn't mean to," Simon explained. " Please come back!"

Jack took one last look at him. His cheeks were stained with tears. He turned away and left from view.

Simon got up and rushed downstairs to the living room. He saw Jack pull up his pants and ran into him.

"It's not what you think," he said. "Please don't leave me. Not like what Roger did."

Jack stared at him. "Then who is it gonna be?"

"I need some time to think, that's all there is to it."

He took him by the hand and led him back to the guestroom. He kissed, licked and sucked him in all the good places out of desperation. Jack pushed him away.

"I must go."

"But it's getting late," Simon said. "Stay here."

"No! I can't. You need some space."

"But-"

"Just save it!"

Simon felt time freeze. He didn't mean to irritate Jack in the first place. He watched as he walked out. He heard when the door shut. He sunk to the floor and cried his heart out.

Little did he know someone a few miles away heard him.

Heavenly Father, please spare him. I know we both messed up but I forgive him. Please don't take him away from me. Please don't...