Disclaimer: Blackbird is the property of the beatles. I really just love the song, and Drake Bell sings it beautifully.
A/N: I am loving how all of these chapters are turning out longer then I expect. This fic is just comeing out rally well I think. I'm really happy with it overall.
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Drake didnt wake up to the sounds of footsteps that morning, but to the quiet chirping of the birds, whose morning song driffted in through the basement windows. He layed in his bed, eyes closed and just listened. He couldn't remember the last time he'd actually heard the normal sounds of the morning.
everyone else was still asleep, enjoying this rare moment, this chance to fully rest. He tried to go back to sleep, but the moment had gone, and he was awake. As quietly as he could, he got out of bed and walked toward the window in their cell. It was so small, but it was amazing to him. That view of the outside world, it was almost better then television. He placed his hands on the smooth, cold bars and watched the birds hop about the grass and flowers.
"I wanna be a bird." Damien said quietly, starling Drake.
"Did I wake you up?" Drake asked, feeling bad.
"No," Damien said, standing next to Drake. "I'm just used to being up by now."
Drake nodded, turning back toward the window.
"What do you think it's like, to be a bird?" Damien asked.
"Don't know." Drake said. "Free...I guess."
"To fly," Damien breathed the word lightly. "Have you ever flown?"
"In an airplane." Drake said, remembering hollywood.
"I built wings when I was ten, then I jumped on the trampoline for hours. I didnt get it right though."
"You will," Drake said, causing Damien to smile.
"Thanks." He said before walking back to his bed. "You're a good person, Drake."
Drake smiled. It filled him with a sense of relief to hear spomeone say that. "You too."
It was twelve thirty before the others woke up, groogy but rested. They sat on their beds, waiting to be let out to use the bathroom, and talked about their families.
Ash had lived with his dad and stepmother in San Francisco. He had an older brother, and two younger stepsisters. He could remember their names, and what they had looked like two years ago, when he had seen them last. He'd been on his way to do fire with his girlfriend Shiloh when he'd been grabbed.
Zane had lived with his mom in Stockton. He didnt see her much, because she worked two full time jobs, but when she was home they spent all of their time together. She had the same black hair and grey eyes that he did, that he could remember. And her smile, she always smiled, even when she was sad.
Damien lived with his parents and grandfather in Lancaster. He had a little sister, Abigale, who'd been six when he was taken. She'd had the same sunshine blonde hair and sky blue eyes he had. His favorite perosn in the whole world...
Drake told them all about his mom and Walter, Josh and Megan. He cried when he talked about Josh, about the huge dissagrement they'd been having before he was taken. About the apology he might never know if josh had accepted.
"He did." Damien said confidently.
Drake could only nod, hoping that he was right.
They werent let out until nearly two o'clock. They nearly ran into the bathroom, taking impatient turns as they cleaned up and used the toilet. Different sets of clothes had been layed out for each of them in preparartion for the coming night.
For Ash it was dark leather pants with bright orange and red linging. A tight bronze colored tanktop with mesh sleeves that made his red hair look fierce as he carefully stiled it upwards.
Zane was given a fitted turquoise shirt with loose violet sleeves that made his grey eyes shine. Tight navy blue pants embeded with orange sequins along the seems and black fingerless gloves. He pulled his shoulder length black hair into a tight ponytal, Tangling a small blue feather into the ponytail.
Damien had been given a brilient green vest to wear over a dark blue mesh shirt, decorated with swirling lines in varoius shades of green. His pants were made up of a dulled silver fabric decorated in white swirls.
Drake's pants were blue jeans with tiny black music notes sown around the seems. His shirt a tight fitting deep violet with sliver notes on the hems and mesh sleeves. he hadnt realized how pale he'd become until he saw himself in those deep purples, how thin he was already getting.
They were all given their own stick of eyeliner, with they applied carefully. They didnt really like the eyeliner, but they were comanded to wear it. None of them were gizen shoes. They hadnt worn them since being brought here.
They were marched out of the bathroom where they'd spent nearly two hours getting ready and given their pills, then lunch. Drake stared at the food, feeling his mouth water. Grilled cheese! Just the thought of warm food was enough to make him cry. With their sandwiches they were each given a pickle, a small bowl of chicken noodle soup and a bread roll. They tried to eat the meal slowly, to enjoy it thouroghly.
After they'd eaten lunch and cleaned their dishes they were lockied back in their cell untill theyd be needed upstairs. With full bellies the boys sat on their beds, leaning against the cold walls in peace. They wanted to enjoy this time, because they knew that it would be over soon.
They talked about anything and everything as they sat there waiting. The schools they'd gone to, the dreams they still had despite the lives they'd been forced into. Smiling, even laughing at times, they were like a group of friends meeting up after school rather then a group of prisoners.
At six o'clock the others came for them. They were all dressed in black leather pants with white button down tank tops and mesh sleeves. They grabbed the boys roughly, drabbing them up the basement stairs, and then the main stairs.
The entertainment room was every bit as big as the basement, taking up nearly the entire upstairs. Large windows let in the twilight sun as the sheer burgandy curtains fluttered in the light breeze. There were sixt small tables neatly spaced apart in the middle of the room. All of them a shiny black with two cutioned chairs set at each. Along the walls were five white Curved Tufted Chaise Lounge chairs, each with its own wooden coffee table beside it.
The walls were covered in a gold wallpaper with silver vines crawing up toward the ceiling, small pink flowers reasting lazily against their silver leaves. Silver candelobras with bright pink candles hung upon them, filling the room with a plesent scent as the flames danced on their wicks.
In two of the corners rested small, wrought iron cages just big enough to put a boy in, should he misbehave. The walls next them held claw shaped hooks that held the whips and ropes that would be used to disapline him.
In another corner stood and easle and a marble counter covered with bottle of paint and empty canvases. Dustin took Zane to that corner of the room, shackling his anckle to the chain on the wall.
Ash was taken to an empty space across the room. There was a woven rug upon the black marble floor, decorated in all of the colors of a warm, burning fire. There he was handed two LED poi balls attached to a length of black cord. He held them like cherished possesions, wriggleing his fingers into the loops before swinging them gently at his sides.
Damien was put in the middle of the room, in front of a small wood stage. There was space enough for him to move around, to dance or walk up to any of the tables. he hadnt danced in a long time, he was afraid to now. To the side of the stage, still within his reach were small platters of varoius foods and drinks, which he would serve at their request.
Drake was forced up the stairs of the small stage, it was built alot like his bed at home. Not too far from the floor, just a nicly portined wooden surface, on it a microphone and the guitar that he'd been strumming for the last week. He looked at it longingly as his anckle was attached to the length of chain from the wall.
Brent and the others moved toward the large door, looking at all of them distastfully. "You guys know the drill. Do what you were brought here for, no complaints and no problems. If a gueat wants something, do it." he threatened.
The boys all nodded their heads, waiting for the others to leave to go and brong brendon and his friends in.
Drake could feel the sweat on his back. He was nervous, more so then he'd ever been with a guitar in his hands. He knew how to play, but he didnt know what would get him hurt in this place.
"Relax." Zane said as he placed his paints acording to color on the counter. "You'll be okay."
"We're here for you." Damien said, looking up at him. "Just pretend your a bird. flying over them, away from them. Look through them and not at them, then they wont see you."
Drake nodded his head, pulling the guitar strapp over his shoulder and tuning it.
Minutes later Brendon walked in with his guests, six men, most of them his age and two older. The men starred at the boys as they made their way to wherever they preferred to sit. The older men went to the lounge chairs, resting themsevles on them adn waiting for the others to get seated at the tables.
"That ones new." One of them mused, pointing at Drake.
Brandon smiled, walking over to drake, presenting him. "This is Drake, he's been here a week."
"Fresh." one of the men at the tables laughed.
Drake tried not to look at them as they all stared st him, sizing him up with dark eyes and twisted smiles. He could feel his fingers trembling as his heart sped up.
"You havent had a musicion in a while." The one sitting closest said. "Last one killed himself, didnt he?"
"So many do." Another laughed.
"Gentlemen." Brendon smiled. "Some kids just can't handle life."
The men all agreed, taking drinks from their glasses and they chatted amounst themselves. Brendon walked toward the large doors, opening them as the other four boys came in, all carrying tall, brightly colored hookahs. One was sat at each table where the men were sitting. The men didnt thank the boys for their smokes, just demanded that they be lit.
All at once the smoke started falling from each of their lips as they breathed in and out. Dustin and benny went and closed the large windows while Brent and Richard lit the gaslamps on each of the tables, giving the room a haunting glow. The billows of smoke slowly rose towards the ceiling, thick bursts fading into whispy streams.
Drake turned his head at the sight of the LED balls being turned on, glowing brightly as they faded in and out of their colors, red, orange then yellow. He watched as Ash begame to swing them, slowly at first, then a bit faster, their lights trailing behind them in beautiful patterns as he wove them through the air. The smoke from the men only adding to the effect.
Brendon walked up the stage, standing next to drake. "Play something for our guests, Drake." He said with mock politness.
"What do you want me to play, sir?" Drake asked.
"Anything you can with a guitar and your voice, make its cheery, and well mannored." He smiled at his guests. "Maybe even something sad here and there. Just play."
"Yes sir." Drake said, waiting for Brendon to rejoin his guests before struming the notes to one of his newer songs, Shades of grey. He didnt know what these people wanted to hear, or what they liked.
It had been the first thing to pop into his head. He started quiety, still trying to shake off the anxiety. It became easier when he noticed that they were still talking to one another, not giving him their full attention. Once he became more relaxed he just played whatever came to mind, falling into that old rythym, that disstant happiness he'd thought he'd forget. He closed his eyes, remembering, finally breathing out.
Before he knew it an hour had passed, he was lightheaded from the condenced smoke in the room and thirsty. As if reading him, Brendon ordered Damien to bring him a glass of water. Drake thanked him, drinking the entire glass happly.
"You're doing it," Damien said with a smile. "You're flying."
"Thanks." Drake said, handing him back the glass.
He took a moment to breath, seeing that the others were doing the same. Ash was kneeling down on the rug, the sweat dripping from his hair as he smiled at Drake. Zane was setting one painting aside before begining on another. It was of a boy sitting under the moon, brocken chains scattered around him. It was amazing, that he'd created something so detailed and grand in such a short time. One of the men was already haggling with Brendon to buy it once the night was over.
He looked down at Damien, who was serving another man a plate of fruit and cheese before strumming the notes to one of his favorite songs. This ones for you. he thought as he began to sing.
"Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise...
Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these sunken eyes and learn to see All your life You were only waiting for this moment to be free..."
Damien smiled up at him, tears shining in his blue eyes. he nodded his head, going on to fetch the drink a man had asked for.
"Blackbird fly, blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night..."
When he'd finished one of the men stood and clapped, eyeing him carefully. "This one is much better then your last, Brendon." The man said, stepping forward.
"Thank you." Brendon smiled, gesturing toward Brent to Bring Drake down.
Brent undid the shackle around his ankle and marched him toward the table the man was sitting at.
"Sit." The man said, and Drake did. "You're very talented." The man said, smiling.
"Thank you, sir." Drake said, knotting his fingers under the table.
The man took another breath of the hookah, then passed it to Drake.
he shook his head. "I don't smoke."
The man reached around the table, slapping him. "When you're offered something, you accept it." he spit.
Drake took the hose, breathing it in. It was smooth, and the nicotine went straight to his head. He handed it back, not looking at the man. "thank you," he said quietly.
The man chuckled. "How tame is this one?" he asked Brendon.
Drake could feel his hands shaking, he didnt like this man.
"Don't know yet." brendon answered. "He does well around the house, but I've only had him a week."
"I see." the man smiled, looking over Drake. "Handcuffs?"
"Of course." Brendon smiled, instructing Dustin to bring him a pair.
Drake watched them, wide eyed and trembling as his hands were cuffed behind his back. The man then pulled him to his feet, and walked him over to one of the couches along the wall. He sat next to Drake, placing a hand just above his knee. "You're a talented young man." he whispered, moving his hand farther up.
"Please dont..." Drake whispered, tears in his eyes.
"Shut up." The man growled, wrapping an arm around him and pressing his hand against his mouth. Drake felt the tears fall as the man used his free hand to touch him, exploring his body as if were his own.
"Don't cry." The man cooed. "We've only just met."
Drake pulled at the handcuffs, wanting them off. He begged in vain against the man's hand as his other hand moved inbetween his thighs. Please, please, please, no...
The man laughed, licking the tears off of Drake's cheak. "very talented." he whispered again, moving his hand away from drake's mouth to kiss it. He felt the man's tongue slide into his mouth, felt himself fighting the urge to bite it off. Slowly, the man pulled away, his twisted smile gleaming in the candlelight. He stood up, forcing Drake to lay down and climbed ontop of him, pressing his hand against his mouth before he could protest. Drake cried as the man rubbed his body against his, as he touched him. He tried to pull his hands free, to scream for help.
Another man was laughing, and another shook his head, telling Brendon that Drake was still too wild.
He could see the hurt expression on Ash's face, the anger burning behind his eyes. It was taking everything he had not to do something. Damien was shaking, tears falling from his eyes as he watched in horror. Drake didnt want them to see him like this, he didnt want this.
The man got off of Drake, undoing his pants and letting them fall to the floor. Drake looked at him, horrified as the man's erection presented itself. He grabbed Drake by the hair, forcing him to his knees on the floor. "Do it right." he sneered.
"Please..." Drake begged as he was hit again before the man forced him forward.
He numbed himself to all of it, the smoke in the room that was still making his head dizzy, the voices of the men talking as if nothing were happening. He closed his eyes and focused on every tear that fell, counting them. Anything to take him away from what was happening.
The only thing that brought him back to the present was the sound of glass breaking. Pulling away from the man, Drake opened his eyes, watching as Damien stared at him, shaking and in tears.
"Leave him alone..." he said, his voice quiet but strong. "Please sir,"
Within secounds of the outburst Brent and Richard had grabbed onto damien, forcing him toward one of the cages. They held him against the walls as Brendon cracked the whip against the floor.
"Disobedience will not be tolerated." He said, clearly embarrased.
The men gathered around to watch the punishment with eager eyes, all except the man still holding tightly to drake's hair, and another who was doing the same to Zane.
After the third hit Ash had lost his calm. "Basterds!" he shouted, pulling against the chains. "He's just a kid!"
Dustin and Benny went to Ash, taking him roughly by the arms as they dragged him over toward Damien, holding him against the wall beside him. Ash reached his hand over, taking Damien's and holding it tightly. He wouldn't let Damien be alone this time. They were beaten together, in front of the depraved spectators as the other two continued what they were doing with Drake and Zane.
When the beatings finished one of the men began clapping, a wide smile on his face. "Well done, Brendon!" He laughed. "What a show!"
Another man looked at him, puzzled.
"It was obviously staged!" The man exclaimed. "Brendon's slaves ever misbehave so woldly."
Brendon smiled, letting go of his anger at the boys' outburst. "Anything for you men." he said smiling.
They were left chained and caged while three of the men had their way with Damien, while he refused to cry out, the tears still fell. He was a favorite of Brendon'd visitors, their secret toy.
The boys were lead out of the room after that, dragged numbly back to their bathroom where they washed away everything that had happened. Drake brushed his teeth until his gums bled, the tears still falling as he tried not to look at himself. He knew why the others hadnt warmed him about the men and what they might do; if he'd been worried about that, then he wouldnt have been able to concentrate on his preformance, he would have been beaten...
He helped Zane clean and bandage Ash and Damien's wounds, they were deep and would definatly scar. They had alot of scars, old pains with their own stories eched into their flesh.
They were put to bed without dinner that night. Ash sat against the wall, it hurt, but the coldness of it soothed his wounds. His eyes were hard, holding back tears that he refused to shed in front of the others. He had to be strong for them, to keep them going.
Damien curled up in his bed, his eyes empty as the tears fell silently. He turned toward Drake, his voice broken. "Can you sing that song again," He asked meakly. "The one about the bird?"
Drake walked over to Damien's bed, sitting on the floor beside it and taking his hand. "Yeah..." He said, and he sang it until Damien fell asleep.
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A/N: This chapter was alot longer then it was supposed to be, I hadnt meant for the horrible things that happened to happen, but, the words just kept coming. I realize 'Shades of Grey' is a newer song, but, I was listening to it when writing that part of the story, so, I threw it in.