Shock seized Todd. The room seemed to close in on itself. He didn't even realize that Jared had walked him over to the big card table. Not until he was looking down on the paper that once signed would put him in the care of this...this huge man. Jared was writing something down on the bottom of the paper. Todd's temper flared...at himself. He could make out the number 2. He was _f_u_c_k_ed. Totally and completely. And he did it to himself.
"Sign on this line here, Todd. This covers the original guardianship. We'll have to look into the rest later."
Handing Todd the pen, Jared noted the pale green tinge to Todd's complexion. The kid looked positively sick and terrified.
"Todd, it will be okay really, you're safe here, there's nothing to be frightened of........"
Todd exploded, even before he himself could think better of his actions. "I ain't scared! Not...not of you or anything! I ain't some stray that needs saving! Go find yourself another _f_u_c_k_in' boytoy! I ain't signing nothin'. So you can just go _f_u_c_k_ yourself, Jared.!"
Jared reached out to grab Todd, but all he got was air. Todd was already springing over the table, neatly dodging Jared's arms. His landing was less than graceful as his left leg gave out painfully under the force of his weight on landing, but he still made it to the door. But no further. Just as he reached the doorway he was grabbed from behind and yanked back hard against Jared's chest and then lifted off his feet.
Todd was transported back to the table and practically thrown in the chair. He bolted back up and grabbed the pool cue he had left leaning against the table there and surprised both himself and Jared by taking a deadly swing with it at Jared.
Lightning quick reflexes drilled into him by years of sparring with Deek saved Jared. Ducking smoothly out of the way, Jared grabbed Todd's arm and wrenched the pool stick from him with a strength and ease that was terrifying. With eyes closed tight, Todd waited for the worst. Waited and waited. Nothing happened.
Opening his eyes he looked up into feral green orbs that scared him near the point of wetting his pants. He could see the veins sticking out of Jared's neck and near his temples. The tank was about to explode and Todd was standing at ground zero. Once again Todd was wrong. Without any retaliation from Jared, other than being shoved very forcefully back down in the chair, Todd was left untouched.
Jared just pointed at the paper and in a horribly calm voice and said, "Listen up, you little _s_h_i_t_. There are a few lessons you need to learn. Lesson one. In this family, we make good all debts and promises. Sign it."
Todd looked up from rubbing his cramping leg. "I ain't in your _f_u_c_k_ing family!"
Jared had to give the kid some credit...the little brat was brave. Not many would sass him when he was as angry as he was now. And his anger was growing at an alarming rate with Todd's combativeness. Shoving the pen in Todd's hand. Jared repeated the demand, his anger tainting the calm in his voice.
"You are now. SIGN IT....N-O-W!.
Todd debated for a mere five seconds on not signing it. He picked up the pen and with a shaking hand scrawled his name on the line.
"Now for lesson two."
No chance to feel sorry for himself or think about how his fate was now sealed. Jared grabbed Todd by the upper arm and was all but dragging him out of the room and back into Jared's study.
"So you like danger huh.? Good, that's good. 'Cause your ass is in some real danger right now, kiddo."
Jared dragged Todd towards the overstuffed leather couch. Todd didn't need to be a mind reader to guess what Jared had in mind. He struggled wildly. It was a vain attempt. He was no match for Jared's strength.
Nothing he did affected or slowed the tank. Jared handled him with ease. Todd felt his jeans being tugged on. Looking down he saw a large hand undoing his belt with deft efficiency, then his jeans where unsnapped and unzipped. Warm fingers brushed his waist as his shorts were attacked with the same ease despite his frantic struggles.
"Jared.. By the time they reached the couch,
Todd's jeans and shorts were bunched around his ankles. Jared sat
down and jerked Todd across his muscular lap. "What gives you the
right asshole?" "That paper you just signed is a legal document.
Starting now till your 21st birthday I have the right. And I'm going
to exercise that right, and right now." Anger was replacing his
fear, frustrated he could not defend himself, Todd's own temper flared.
In fact he was building up a full-blown rage. Once again Jared was
reminded of how strong Todd could be, his slight build was deceiving.
He kicked and twisted violently in Jared's hold. Despite Todd's strength,
Jared had no trouble keeping his hold on the young man. Language that
would shame a zoner echoed in the room. Jared recognized the signs
of Todd's building tantrum. He was beginning to see a pattern to Todd
outbursts. A hint of where these rages were coming from. Any time
Jared took over a situation or anytime Todd felt the loss of control
he flew into a rage or tantrum. He would have to look into that. Todd
was a complicated young man. He'd have time for that later. Right
now Todd was a complicated young man in need of correction. Jared
pinned the thrashing form to him with a huge arm around the slight
waist. When Todd was in this state, Jared had proved in the past it
was best to give Todd the time to realize that he could not break
out of the hold. Also giving himself time to be calm. Todd was so
volatile to deal with as it was. He didn't need his own anger to cloud
his judgment. Lifting Todd's shirt revealing the tattoo in the small
of his back and his gorgeous backside Jared waited calmly. Todd's
struggling began to lessen as he wore himself out, his breathing was
heavy and a light sheen of sweat covered him. Realizing he didn't
have a hope of getting free sunk in. He was trapped. Fear began to
once again replace his fading temper. One last hope....he'd talked
himself out of many situations. "Okay....Jared... "Ansley. I hadn't really planned
on this." A knot formed in Todd's belly, he could tell by the tone
of Jared's voice that he'd fail to get out of anything. "Not that
you don't have a royal ass whupping coming. But I thought we could
just talk it out. But as memory serves, you don't work that way. You
don't talk, you run. This morning's activities proved that." Raising
his hand high, Jared began the lesson. Todd jumped at the first smack
Jared's huge hand gave his backside. The next was just as firm and
painful, he forced himself to be still, besides he was effectively
pinned against the tanks large trunk. He couldn't even reach behind
to cover his bare butt. Jared just took his arm and held it back.
Without missing a beat, Jared spanked with steady rhythm. One cheek
then the other from top to the bottom where the thighs met the round
globes. SWAT...SWAT...SWAT...SWAT. Todd's white flesh rapidly turned
pink with each swat. The heat Jared was generating in Todd's posterior
was growing rapidly. That hazy weird sensation started somewhere deep
inside him. He almost looked forward to it. It made it so Todd could
disappear into the hidden corners of his mind. Just as he felt the
warm numbing build, and the world around him fade, Jared's hand snatched
him back from the brink. SWAT..SWAT..SWAT..SWAT..SWAT..SWAT. Everything
came back into sharp, painful, focus. Jared was a tolerant man. Tolerant
of many things. He could handle many things. Todd yelling at him,
cussing him...to some degree. But swinging a pool stick was beyond
toleration. If Todd was going to learn anything here, it was to rein
in his temper. Once he was sure he had the boy's complete attention
he began to explain this, punctuating each point he made with painful
swats. "You will learn to keep promises. Jared laid on some real butt burners, Todd had
to bite his lip to keep from crying out. "Lesson three, Todd. No
more tantrums, Todd. When he didn't get an answer, Jared turned
up the heat by faster harder swats. Todd was having a hard time keeping
still and keeping his emotions in check. "Yes!! All right!!!!Clear!!!
I get it!!!! _s_h_i_t_!!!...I believe..ow.._f_u_c_k_er......I believe
you!....." There was no capitulation in Todd's voice just resentment
and anger....lots of anger. Jared lectured and spanked
for quite a while. He was getting little to no response from Todd.
No tears, pleas....not even a kick. But he could feel Todd's trembles
as he fought for control. Just like the last few times he had the
kid over his lap he could feel the battle Todd was fighting with himself.
Todd had such a tight lid on his feelings. Jared knew from his own
experience you can't just bottle them up. Not for long and never without
a price. He could feel the tremors wracking Todd's body. Anger and
something deeper boiled in there. He readjusted Todd on his lap. "Tantrums
aren't allowed, Todd Todd whipped his head around,
his face pale and pinched, eyes red with unshed tears. "I don't give
a _f_u_c_k_ what you won't allow. Leave me the _f_u_c_k_ alone." Todd
ground out through his teeth. Still the little rebel. Jared continued
to spank Todd's now bright pink bottom with rapid-fire swats. His
arm extending way back and descending with painful force. Todd lurched
forward with the blows. They hurt so much. Much more than any spanking
he got at the cabin. He wasn't going to be able to take much more
and not cry. He could feel the tears prick the corners of his eye's.
A huge knot of something lodged in his chest and grew with each swat.
He couldn't help it he reflexively cried out. "Ouuuuuuch....stop......" Jared
stopped mid-swing. He bent over closer to Todd's head. "Did you say
something?" Todd didn't answer he just struggled a bit. A wasted
effort for freedom from Jared's arms. "No? Hmmm.... I thought you
did. Sorry, my mistake." Jared resumed the spanking with crisp slaps
that ate at Todd's control. He struggled wildly a moment or two before
he cried out again. "OUCH...stop...argggha...Jarrred.. stopit!." Once
again the hand stopped, Jared leaned over. "Say something that time?" Todd
closed his eyes. Surrender was against his nature but he couldn't
take any more. "I've....I've had enough.....stop." A chill climbed
up Todd's back, neck and buried itself in his scalp, as Jared rubbed
a hand over his bare bottom. Jared said nothing, just kept rubbing
his hand in a firm circle, not exactly in a comforting manner, more
like a holding pattern. _d_a_m_n_ tank, Jared knew he won for the
moment. Just for the moment Todd swore to himself. Jared patted
Todd's burning butt, making him jump. It was like swallowing a marshmallow
whole, but he got the word out. "Please....?" Something was telling
Jared he was letting the kid off far, far too easy. But that one small,
rare word pulled at him. That and he was not all that sure how far
he should push the boy at this point. "Okay, Todd, okay." Todd's
body relaxed for just a second over his lap and a soft sigh that sounded
suspiciously like a sob came from him, just that once, then nothing
more. Jared helped him up, Todd jumped away from him like a scalded
cat. The boy's face was positively pale and he avoided eye contact.
He was not so unaffected by the spanking as Jared had first thought
as he watched Todd stiffly readjust his clothes. Little trembling,
jerky breaths moved Todd's chest. Not quite able to tell it if was
from tears or anger that caused that. No doubt a combination. Once
Todd had his jeans zipped he still wouldn't meet Jared's eyes. He
stood there quietly, brushing angrily at his eyes. Not before Jared
caught the shine of wetness on Todd's cheeks. Not so tough his little
rebel. Jared stood up and pulled Todd in his arms. Todd didn't refuse
but he wasn't what Jared would call affectionate, he was too interested
in trying not to appear to rub his bottom while he was rubbing his
bottom. "Okay, kid....." "I'm not a kid!" Came a muffled voice
from against Jared's flannel shirt. Jared just chuckled and placed
his hand on the punished denim-covered bottom. Todd jumped a little
at the contact. With a big sigh Jared spoke in Todd's ear softly.
"Yes you are. Shh! Quiet. You've been around the block a few times.
But that just makes you a kid with a few extra miles on ya. A kid
that's seen and done more than you should at your age. My tough little
rebel." Todd pulled back and opened his mouth. The huge paw lightly
patted the bottom it recently heated. "Do you really want to push
for a rebel yell. I'd be happy to oblige." Jared arched his arm
back to resume the punishment. Todd reflexively moved away from that
hand and shook his head no. "No? Then don't argue right now." Todd
reached behind trying to ease the sting. He really wasn't feeling
so great and was not up for round two. So he wisely chose silence.
He knew he had been out of control, he shocked himself at taking a
pool cue to the tank. "_s_h_i_t_! That was stupid." He berated himself.
If Jared had been anybody else Todd would no doubt be a human shish-ka-bob
right now or worst. Jared removed Todd's hand from rubbing his bottom.
"Uh hu, no rubbing." Todd squirmed wanting to rub out the pain.
Apparently the stinging after a spanking was part of the punishment
too. Jared sat back down on the couch and this time pulled Todd upright
in his lap. Todd stiffened as his seat made contact with Jared's
hard lap. Being held was weird especially after a punishment. He started
to struggle against Jared's embrace and earned himself a firm warning
"pat" on the ass. Todd gave in somewhat. He stopped his struggles
and sat stiff as a board. His head was pushed back against the firm
chest. Todd felt anything but cuddly right now. Frustrated was a good
term. He had just lost his freedom, tried to take out the tank, a
man twice his size, with a pool stick, instead of getting killed or
at the very least a beating, he only got what Jared called a whuppin.
'Cept there was no "only" in that. He was wanting no more of those.
Then there was the whole thing with his mom, but that was a subject
that he couldn't touch...not right now, maybe not ever. His leg was
cramping again, mildly, he felt sick and his butt really hurt, he
hurt all over, he just wanted to curl up and go to sleep. He couldn't
remember who said it, that retreat was the better part of valor or
something like that. Well right now, retreat worked for him. Jared
stayed quiet. Letting Todd work through whatever was going on in that
head of his. Little by little Todd leaned more into him. Probably
unaware he was doing so. They stayed that way a long time. Todd admitted
to himself that he enjoyed how this felt.....very much.
Jared's arms felt good...now. It had been so long since he rode that
train of thought but allowed himself to just take this rare small
moment. That and he was just too tired right now to fight anymore.
Intense situations also brought on sleepiness in him. If the going
got tough the tough took a nap was his way. Thoughts about the paper
he signed and everything else, he pushed out of his mind. Too painful
to deal with just yet, later but not now. "Okay, cowboy. Let's get
you to bed." Todd started to tell Jared that it was way too early,
it was still daylight. He couldn't remember the last time he was in
bed before midnight. Other than at the cabin that is. But he decided
that this was "not" the time to argue. His ass was so hot and sore.
He reached back and rubbed his smoldering flesh. He opened his mouth
to "mention" that it was early. Instead an enormous yawn escaped him.
He was so tired. Jared's heartbeat under his ear was strong and steady,
lulling him. He closed his eyes just for a moment. Jared could feel
Todd twitch a little as his muscles relaxed. He grew heavier in his
arms. He was surprised that kid had actually drifted off and in his
arms with pretty much no resistance. Maybe there was a real chance
here. Warning himself not to get too ahead of himself, Todd's problems
were far deeper than one spanking could cure. Jared sat there longer
to give Todd time to drift deeper. Once he was sure Todd was sound
asleep he picked him up like a little kid and carried him carefully
to the room he had been working on for a month. A room for Todd. Just
down the hall from his own. He didn't turn on the light not wanting
to wake Todd. The light from the hall was plenty to see his way to
the bed. With some inventive juggling he was able to turn down the
bed and keep a hold of his cargo. Laying Todd down in the clean sheets,
he very slowly and carefully removed Todd's clothes. Then pulled the
bedding over him. Todd just let out a deep sigh and rolled on his
stomach. A smile pulled at Jared's mouth. Poor baby must have a sore
butt. Jared smoothed Todd's soft hair lightly. Before he left the
room he pulled some sweats and a t-shirt for Todd out of the dresser
and laid them on the chair by the bed. Todd might feel a little confused
in the morning. So the clothes might ease that. The clothes he just
pulled off the kid were headed for the trash. Jared walked into
the kitchen and set the pile of clothes on the counter, he cringed
as he put his hand in the grimy-jean pockets to check for anything
that Todd might not want tossed. Only a wallet. Then he put the filthy,
ratty clothes in a trash bag and tied it off. It was amazing the kid
didn't have lice as grimy as his clothes were but Todd seemed to have
found a way to keep himself clean. Pouring himself a glass of wine
he then went into the living room and collapsed on the couch. Using
the fingers on his right hand Jared ticked off all that had happened
today, starting around one a. m., finding Todd in a stupid challenge
and nearly loosing him...no don't go down that road again he warned
himself. Getting the brat home and seen to by Doc...twice! because
of the whole braking down the doors stunt he pulled. And finally
the whole last couple hours. It had been a busy day and it was only...looking
at his watch..5:30 p. m. Laying his head back on the couch to relax
he thought over the day. He worried over it. Did he handle it right?
There was no doubt that the boy had a good ass whipping due. But Todd
was so volatile, so damaged inside. Jared was taken by total surprise
by that stunt with the pool stick....he had no idea and maybe he should
have, about how violent Todd could get in just a split second. It
appeared that Todd had been surprised too. Doubt giggled in the back
of his mind. Maybe this was a mistake. What did he really know about
the kid, there were more people at risk here than just himself. Jared
stopped that direction of thought there. No, he had good instincts
about people and there was just...something about Todd. There was
a good and decent kid buried deep in him. He's already seen faint
signs. His sticking his neck out for the old lady in Arizona a shining
example. The protectiveness and respect of "G" last night. He was
in there somewhere...wounded, damaged but not broken....not beyond
repair....not yet anyway. Jared will do all in his power now to see
that no more damage is done, not by anyone, let alone Todd himself.
Jared promised himself to study more of Todd's past, somehow. Maybe
even get some counseling. Groaning he could just imagine the battle
he'd have on his hands over that idea. Maybe hit the library on that.
He knew he came on too strong...he could have eased this on Todd better....maybe...who
was he trying to fool? Todd would have fought this no matter what.
He's been rogue kid for too long to just play along. Jared's thoughts
were interrupted by the sound of the elevator. Great. He just wasn't
up to more company right now. He leaned over to watch down the hall
for his guest. The elevator light came on and a soft chime sounded.
The ornate copper doors opened. It was Mouse. Though he didn't holler
out like he usually did. Jared motioned him over and held a finger
to his lips and spoke softly. "Hey, Mouse. Want something buddy?" Mouse
shook his head "Just making a delivery." He handed Jared a small
package. "Deek had me bring these up to you." Jared frowned a bit
at the bottle of pills in the bag. "Hmm...this morning Doc said it
wouldn't take long to have them ready." Mouse cleared his throat
and fidgeted. "Hu...well....Ya see...I came by earlier...and...well....you
two were ...having a discussion." Jared looked up confused. "Who
was having a discussion?" Mouse's face flushed deep red. "Uh....you
and um...Todd." Leaning back. Jared looked at Mouse over the rim
of his wine class as he took a long drink. Mouse sat down across from
the large man and pleaded with him. "Dude...it was an accident...I
swear it...I left pronto man...I swear it." Jared didn't doubt the
kid...Mouse knew all too well what one of those "discussions" was
like. "Huh...discussion. One way to phrase it." "Seemed pretty one
sided to me." Mouse flushed hot at speaking that out loud. Jared
just grinned and tipped his glass at the red faced young man. "You
could say I dominated the conversation and got my point across. Think
I was being unfair, Mouse?" "No way, dude...he was a real prick
this morning....I'da used more than just my hand, uh sorry, but the
kid had it coming." Jared leaned over and looked seriously at the
young grim face. "Aw, Mouse. Cut him some slack. He had a rough day.
He's had a rough life. I know, I know. So did you, but something tells
me his was real hell. What yours might have been. Give him time." Mouse
just smiled softly. "Sure, J-Man. Uh....where is he?" "Sleeping.
Like I said it was a long day." Jared looked a long time at Mouse.
So long that the younger man began to squirm. "Tell me, Mouse. What
do you think of all this?" Mouse was confused. "Uh...all what?" "Me
and the kid." It was Mouse's turn to be quiet. Stunned that Jared
would ask him a question like that. Though he wasn't quiet for long.
"I don't know. I mean he is 18 or will be in what.... Jared only nodded. Better
than the camps by a long shot. "So you think I'm wrong?" "Well...nooo....just...okay,
here's the thing. Are you like his dad now or uncle, boyfriend or
what?" Jared was floored by the question. Leave it to young William
to hit the nail on the head. Out of the mouths of babes. Well, he
had no intentions of being Todd's father. Friend, boyfriend had a
more truthful ring to it. Guardian had a nice anonymous sound. It
will take time for him and Todd to work out what type of relationship
they'd have. Jared almost forgot Mouse in his mental ramblings. Poor
kid looked like he swallowed a bug. The big man was quiet so long
Mouse began to think he crossed the line. "Sorry" He got a big grin
from the bigger man and relaxed. "Nothing to be sorry about, Mouse.
You pretty much hit it on the head. No easy answers there. I don't
know myself. Remember what it was like for you at first? He just needs
time to accept all this, he just needs to time to let things settle
into place." "That and a good kick in the ass," Mouse mumbled. Jared
clapped the younger man affectionately on the shoulders. "Oh, he got
that, trust me. You two didn't get off to a good start did you?" Mouse
stood up and shrugged his shoulders and walked towards the elevator.
"Na...it's cool. He'll come around. Who could resist me, Baby, I'm
the bomb." Jared tossed a couch pillow at the "Bomb's" retreating
ass. Later Jared shut off the lights in the living room and kitchen
and returned to his study. Not really late enough for bed just yet.
He dove into some neglected paperwork. Todd woke with a start. For
a moment he froze, his surroundings were strange. As soon as he sat
up he got an instant reminder of where he was and with whom. He got
up out of bed; his butt was still sore. It felt like he had a sever
case of road rash on his ass. Tender and hot to the touch. He was
naked too. Groping on the bed and floor for his clothes, his eyes
adjusted to the dark and with light from the hall coming through the
cracked door he found some clothes folded on a chair next to the bed.
He pulled them on, he was surprised they fit...good, and they were
clean, like new. After he was as dressed as he could get, he cautiously
looked down the hall. All the lights where out. All but the dim lights
in the hall. He had no intention of trying to sneak out of the apartment.
He didn't feel so great and he knew he'd never make it out the building,
even if he knew how to get out of the building. He was wide awake
and restless. Not exactly sure where in Jared's apartment he was,
he walked softly down the hall. The wood floor under his feet was
cold. Cold and clean. He still limped some; his leg was really hurting
again. The apartment, strange word for what he saw as a mansion, was
paneled in a dark wood with expensive painting and statues. He had
a hard time keeping his mouth from dropping. He was looking at enough
to keep him warm, fed and dry for years. And this was just a hallway. Life
was good on the top of the pile. Clean. Not like where he was from.
He came around a corner and recognized this part of the house. The
game room was the first door on the right. Looking around he stepped
in. It was dark all except the lights from pinball games and the lamp
above the pool table was still on. Walking past the card table he
saw the file lying there. Opening it, he wasn't surprised to find
the paper he signed gone. He moved some of the papers around with
mild curiosity. His chest tightened. There were some family pictures...his
family. Picking up the file he walked over to the pool table and leaned
against the decorative edge. Looking over the file he struggled to
read it. It was hopeless. He could make out just some minor simple
words but none made sense. He could clearly read the piece of paper
that had his Mother's name on it. And in fancy letters, death certificate,
well he could make out death, and put it together. He put a hand to
his face when a droplet of water fell on the paper he was holding,
then another. Todd stared at the wetness on his fingers a moment.
It had been a lot of years since he shed any over....her. Jared
lifted his head up from the computer screen in front of him and rubbed
his eyes. It was hopeless. He would get nothing done tonight. Todd
was too much on his mind. He should get to bed. He was tired and wanted
to be up before Todd was in the morning. He didn't think that would
be a problem. From Deek's research, he learned that Todd was a real
alley cat. Up all night and slept most of the day. He shut down
the computer and wearily headed for his bed. Stopping by Todd's room.
He walked in to check on him. Fear, anger, panic all rose hot in him.
Todd was gone. Just as he was about to storm out of the apartment
and rouse the building to search for the little _s_h_i_t_, a sound
hit his ears. A particular "CLACK, CLACK." Taking a moment to steady
his breathing and heart rate. Jared walked to the game room. Stepping
silently in the room, he found Todd leaning over the table with his
back to the door, rolling the eight ball back and forth. He was tempted
to scold the kid for being out of bed and for the scare he just had.
But the slumped shoulders and bent head, killed the words even as
he formed them. Todd had his file spread out over the felt table top.
He rolled the eight ball with more than a little agitation, enough
to make Jared approach softly, as he would a wounded animal. Not quite
knowing what to expect. He didn't want to startle Todd. Not with a
pool ball in his hand. Todd was prone to violence, something he'd
have to work out of the boy. "I always thought she was just... out
there, ya know?. Jared froze. That was the second time
Todd had done that. Known he was there the room with out seeing him.
Once before in the cabin's garage. Kid had great radar. Todd's voice
was hoarse and anguished, almost a whisper, and sounded far away .
"I....I thought she didn't want me." Todd turned around wiping his
arm roughly across his eyes. He had been crying or was about to. "So
you figured that if she didn't want you, you didn't want anyone." Young
shoulders shrugged. Todd's brown eye's glittered with tears making
them appear nearly black. How they tugged at Jared's soul. Jared approached
Todd and gently put a hand on his shoulder. Todd stiffened, but he
didn't pull away. "Todd, your mother didn't leave you. She was sick.
Very sick. Back then I'm sure little was done by the authorities to
find her. Or you for her. Things were just real bad then." Gently
he turned the stiff young man to face him. Holding Todd away from
him to look him firmly in the eye. "But your mom did want you. She
loved you, Todd, she did." Todd just looked away. His chin trembling
oh so faintly. He pulled Todd into his arms. He could feel hot tears
against his neck. "Aw., kiddo. You can put your arms around me. I
don't break easily." Todd just shook his head, no. He knew if he
did, he'd devolve into a puddle right there. It was hard enough not
to as it was, but to ever give in, give in to compassion would be
too much. If he did, he'd crumble into a million pieces and never
get back together. Jared held on to Todd but gave no attention to
his tears. Knowing full well it would shut Todd down. Todd just stood
there in his embrace. It took him a few moments but he got himself
together and remembered his present situation. Jared let Todd pull
away a short time later. Tears and all evidence of them gone. The
kid was remarkable. Only his lips and chin trembled, almost noticeably
giving any emotion. Sighing Jared took the eight ball Todd still held,
from him and placed it back on the table. "C'mon." Jared led the
way to a large bathroom. It was huge. All glass and brass with black
tile accents. It was bigger than most apartments he'd been in. "Why
don't you shower off, kiddo. You don't smell so good." Todd looked
up into Jared's teasing face. He was a little ripe; he hadn't had
a shower in a couple days. Jared tossed him the biggest, softest towel
he'd ever seen. "Take your time. Come meet me in the living room
when you're done." Then Jared was out the door and gone. As soon
as Jared was gone Todd dove for the toilet and got sick. It took some
time but he finally got his stomach under control. At least this time
he was alone. Todd quickly shed his sweats and T-shirt and walked
into the glass shower stall overlooking a huge tub and turned on the
water. Hot water. Hot as he wanted and seemingly as long as he wanted.
Out there, the best he could usually come up with was short luke-warm
showers or boil your water for a bath. The water felt so good, good
on his shoulders and face and letting the heat pound on his leg was
heaven ...except on his butt, slightly tender there. He washed that
part very gingerly. Todd scrubbed himself and nearly boiled himself
under the steaming shower till his skin was bright pink. Stepping
from the shower he wrapped up in the fluffy towel and rubbed himself
dry. Dressed back in the sweats he left the bathroom feeling cleaner
than he had been since the cabin. The living room was huge or he
got the impression it was. It was barely lit with just a table lamp.
It was bigger than any living room he had ever seen. Jared was relieved
to see Todd come out of the bathroom. He had been a bit concerned
when he heard Todd throw up. He didn't want to smother the kid and
left him alone. Jared hid a grin as Todd walked in the room in just
his sweats, his hair somewhere between wet and dry and in wild array.
It made him look so young. "Have a seat." Jared pointed to a huge
overstuffed couch. Todd sat down, air hissed out his lips as he did.
That much contact with his butt was not real comfortable. < Chuckle>
"Little tender there?" Todd just tossed him a look clearly read
"_f_u_c_k_ you". Jared just walked into the kitchen. Todd couldn't
make it out in the dark only what little the fridge light illuminated.
But it was enough to give the impression it was very large. What else
would the tank have? Jared walked back into the living room and
over to Todd who was rubbing his leg. "Your leg still cramping?" Todd
just shrugged it off. He stood up and began to limp around the room.
Jared handed him a soda on one of his laps around. "Thanks. You
do all this?" Todd waved his hand around the room. "Yeah, Brian
and I did most of the major carpentry. I did the finish work and all
the decor. Kinda stereotypical don't ya think? " Jared joked poking
his pinky finger in the air. He swore Todd almost grinned. "Cool." During
Todd's travels around the living room Jared made small talk. Todd
spaced it out, his leg was starting to tighten up on him. Soon a painful
cramp seized him again. "_s_h_i_t_!...arrgha..." Jared was by his
side instantly. Todd brushed him off. Pain making him irritable. "I
got it! It's all right." He tried to walk it off, but it wouldn't
relax. Jared nagging him. Try this, do that. His leg was killing him,
his butt was sore, Jared hovering over him, smothering him, it was
driving Todd crazy. His temper flared before he could contain it. "SHUT
THE _f_u_c_k_ UP!" Todd tossed his full soda can right at Jared's
head. His aim was true, if not for Jared's quick reflexes the can
would have hit him...in the face. Instead it just exploded against
the wall and.....all over the tank. Jared stood slowly up to his
full height, wiping the soda off his face and stared with cold amazement
at the pale young man before him. Todd stood stark still and white
faced. He himself could hardly grasp his own actions. Jared looked
both furious and shocked. Todd tried to apologize or beg as was his
first instinct. But his voice wouldn't work. Any other time, Jared
would have laughed at the look on Todd's face. He looked like a fish
out of water with his mouth working like that. Todd obviously was
just as surprised and appeared to be trying to apologize. Jared
was tempted to let it go. This was the first time Todd showed any
sign of remorse....well on his own any way. Jared quickly disregarded
that notion. Todd was too prone to violent outbursts like that to
just let it slide. It was way past time for Todd to learn that that
behavior was never tolerated and what kind of consequence he could
expect from now on. Jared strode over and grabbed Todd by the back
of the neck and right there, shoved him over the back of the love
seat he stood next to. Todd was too shocked by the speed in which
Jared covered the space between them to do anything. But as soon as
he was face down into the couch cushions he quickly snapped out of
it and threw back his hands Not again! "No!!......Jared!!.......don't!!.....I
didn't mean it!!.......I'm sorry man!!....Jared it was an accident!!.....don't
.. dammit!....knock it off...." Jared yanked down the sweats. Pinned
the hands that were frantically trying to cover his target. He leaned
over and growled down at Todd. "Bull_s_h_i_t_, Ansley! That was
no accident. That was another one of your tantrums. I could have sworn
we just covered tantrums, Todd." A muffled plea came up from the
cushions. " We did! Jared, it was lesson three....man, please...don't!...." Jared
looked down on the half moons. They were still pink with some darker
areas but nothing that promised bruising. Jared had to steel himself
against weakening. "Hmmm, it appears it didn't do a _d_a_m_n_ bit
of good. Butt still sore, Todd?" Nothing. "Well, Ansley, is it?" "Yes!
All right yes!" Patting the pink bottom menacingly, Jared stepped
to the side for a clear shot. "Good. Then this should help you remember
our earlier lesson." "Jared!!!no!!!!" Jared raised his hand and
delivered a stinging wallop to the boys tenderized flesh. !!SMACK!! Todd
was unprepared for how a blow to a freshly spanked butt would sting
and burn. "Owwwwww.!! _f_u_c_k_!! " Jared refreshed Todd's mind
as he punctuated his second lecture of the day on throwing tantrums
and acts of violence. "I warned you about this _s_h_i_t_, Todd.
" SMACK...SMACK...SMACK. SMACK SMACK. "You will learn to deal
with your impulses better, wiser." The irony of being hit during
this wasn't lost on Todd. " You're hit'n me.._f_u_c_k_er..ouch. "I
am not hitting. I'm spanking." SMACK SMACK....< Ouch..stop> SMACK "Just
my open palm spanking that bare, red ass of yours." SMACK SMACK
SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK. "This is not a good time for name calling,
Todd." SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK Todd couldn't hold back on crying
out, his butt hurt too much. "Owwwww. sssstopit......enough...ouch....arrrgh.." SMACK
SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK "I will not allow you to risk harming yourself
or anyone else with that temper of yours." Lecture over. Jared tightened
his grip on Todd's captive hands and began to spank in earnest. Todd
struggled and thrashed as best he could but nothing kept Jared from
landing dozens upon dozens of stinging swats. Jared held nothing back.
For the second time that night Todd's rear end was soundly spanked.
Todd couldn't tough it out this time. He began apologizing sincerely. "OUCH... Jared at that
point felt Todd had enough. Todd's bottom was a nice shade of red
and hot enough to fry an egg. He yanked Todd up on his feet, not so
gently and gave him a firm shake. "No more tantrums, Todd. I mean
it. I'll cut you a lot of slack on a lot things, but violence is not
one of them. Clear?" Todd just nodded his head. For that Jared gave
him five more hard swats. "Is-that-clear?" This time Todd managed
a croaked answer. "Ya...yessssssss! yes. "Ansley, I expect
you to answer when I ask a question. I don't expect, nor will ask
for you to call me sir, but you will answer me. Understand?" Todd
stared to nod then caught himself. "Yeah. Jared looked
down at the dark head bent in remorse. Todd was the perfect picture
of a well-spanked young man. Sweats puddled around his ankles, hands
behind him in a futile effort to rub out the fire Jared just ignited.
Tears brimmed those brown eyes. Jared knew they were more from anger
than any real pain. "Wait here." Jared didn't comfort him this
time; he just barked the order and left the room. Leaving Todd alone.
He bent slowly...very slowly to pull the sweats up. They irritated
the hot skin but it was better than standing there naked. He did as
Jared said. He found it hard to stand still his ass hurt so much.
Rubbing did nothing for the pain other than give his hands something
to do while he worried over what Jared was doing. He really didn't
mean to throw the can, just like grabbing the pool stick. It just
sort of happened. His temper was like that....always
had been. Jared came back carrying a towel and a jar of something.
Jared stopped in the kitchen and grabbed a water bottle out of the
fridge. He came back in the room. Todd watched warily as he then walked
out of the light and came back with something that looked like a small
card table. Todd started to ask what he was doing. "Not one word,
Ansley. You hear me. Not one." Jared looked sternly at Todd. The
tears were gone. It was mind boggling how the kid could just shut
down like that. Jared had to admit that he'd still be bawling if that
had been him. But then Brian was a very thorough disciplinarian. Todd
still standing right where he told him to in just his sweats. "Did
I say you could pull up your pants?" "N..n...no. You didn't say
I couldn't." Fear and anger warring with each other. Todd was not
used to being snapped at and didn't like it. Jared just opened the
table. It was long almost 7 foot and narrow and well padded. He spread
the towel over it. "Drop them. Now!" Oh _s_h_i_t_! Todd thought.
"NO." Jared leaned over the table nailed Todd with his eyes. Green
as an emerald and just as hard. "I said now!" "_f_u_c_k_ you." There
was a slight hesitation in Todd's voice. Jared repeated his order,
this time quiet and measured. "Todd, come here. Now." Fear won the
battle. Todd hated how his hands shook. He was terrified. He could
feel himself start to recede into the numbness that tense situations
brought him he could feel the heat of it in his face. He slid the
sweats down and stepped out of them. Holding them in front of his
naked privates. Jared gestured for him to walk over to him. He shook
his head. Jared saw the fear in Todd's eyes. Taking a deep breath
he relaxed himself. Cussing himself for spooking Todd. He softened
his voice. "Todd, please, come on over here." Todd slowly walked
over. He flinched when Jared took the sweat pants. Jared just wrapped
him up in his huge arms. This time Jared was surprised by the tentative
pressure of Todd's arms around him. Just for a second. Then Todd pulled
quickly away. "I'm sorry," came a soft, sound. The apology was so
soft it was nearly a whisper. Jared knew it cost the boy to say it
but he wasn't about to let him off that easily. "You should be.
I'm not going to tell you it's all right. It's not. Todd, someone
could get hurt next time. But there won't be a next time, will there?" Todd
shook his head. Both knowing that to be most likely untrue. "Now
get up on the table." Jared patted the table. Todd did what he said.
Wincing as his tenderized flesh made contact with the padded table
top. Might as well of been made of plain wood. Jared handed him
the water bottle and pulled a bottle of pills from his pants pocket
and gave Todd two capsules. "Down the hatch." Todd looked up into
the green eyes. "No. Don't do pills or drugs." With a patient smile,
Jared nodded. "Good to hear. These are from the Doc. Your leg is still
cramping I want you to take them. Go on now. " "I said no. I...." The
warning look on the Tank's face, made Todd squirm on the table. He
tried another tact. He still pushed away Jared's hand. "Please,
Jared I don't want them." Jared put a hand on Todd's shoulder and
squeezed gently. "Todd, I understand. Really. For tonight okay. If
you feel better tomorrow I'll reduce the dose by half, deal? Don't
fight me on this, please. We know who will win." It was the please
that got to Todd, that and the possible threat of more damage to his
backside. Any more of that tonight and he'd be bawling like a baby,
something to avoid at all costs. Nodding he took the capsules and
downed them with the water. "Don't worry about the water either.
It's been filtered well." Todd leaned back on the table, it was
comfortable enough. Propped up on his elbows. Jared gave him back
his sweats. "Here, go ahead and cover Todd Jr. there. Just keep
it tucked out of the way." Grateful for the cover, Todd took the
clothes. He watched Jared grab a jar and set it down on the table.
Jared then adjusted Todd's legs to widen them. Picking up the jar
he opened it. A powerful sent wafted up. Pungent and somewhat familiar
to Todd. Making his nose itch and run. Dipping in his fingers Jared
scooped out a good sized amount and began to massage it into Todd's
aching leg. Todd jumped a little as Jared hit sensitive knots in the
muscles. It both hurt and felt good. He began to relax a little. "Yeah.
That's it. Just relax. Tomorrow you're to get some rest. Maybe a few
stretches...or how about laps in the pool?" Brown eyes that had
been half lowered, snapped open. "You have a pool? Up here?" Chuckling
as he massaged. "No, not up here. Down on the main floor. Yeah there's
a pool, hot tub. We have a complete gym down there. So what do you
say to that?" Todd laid back down and closed his eyes. "Whatever." Soon
a warmth began to build in his leg. Not long after that, it began
to grow, getting warmer and warmer. Nearly a burning sensation. "Uh...Jared...my
leg it's..." "Getting hot?" "Yeah...a little." Jared's large
hands kept kneading and rubbing with the growing heat. "It's Deek's
own recipe. Like the old Tiger Balm, a sports cream for sore muscles.
Before your time stuff. His heats up pretty good. Let me know if it
gets to uncomfortable." It was nearly too much but it felt wonderful.
For the first time that day his leg muscles truly relaxed. His eyes
became too heavy to open. He rolled over when Jared asked with no
argument. Those huge warm hands that so recently tormented his body,
tormented it again in a different more pleasant way. His shoulders
and neck, back and legs were getting a thorough rub down. He nearly
wept from the release of cramping muscles. In fact, he was feeling
some heat building up in another area as well. Rubbing the kid's
tight muscles, Jared wondered why they didn't snap from the tension
he could feel. He was a definitely getting positive response from
the kid. Todd would slightly push his still apple red ass up toward
his hands as he massaged the thighs under the round globes. He was
careful not to get any on the kid's bottom. It didn't need any more
heat than it had already. He was having problems keeping his mind
on his work and not on the tattooed backside. Eyes skyward Jared
prayed for strength against temptation. It was going to be a rough
road ahead with Todd. He was constantly torn between the temptations
of grabbing him and running for the nearest bed, alternating with
throttling the kid. So far the temptation on throttling was winning
out. Todd could test the patients of a Saint. He's had Todd all of
maybe 14 or 15 hours and he has already busted his butt twice. Well
he didn't think it was going to be easy and he was right. Jared
could feel Todd start to go slack under his hands. Time to get him
back to bed, maybe with a little something to eat. Patting him lightly
on the thighs, avoiding Todd's undoubtedly tender bottom. "Okay,
kiddo. Why don't you put back on those sweats and I'll make us a snack." Todd
got up off the table and got into the sweats. Soft fleece against
his butt, felt more like sandpaper. He felt drained. Confused and
embraced, worst of all....emotional. He moved to the couch and flopped
down in the pillow-like cushions. Wincing as his weight forced his
bottom down in the seat. He put his tired head in his hands, the events
of the last two days played over in his mind. What he could remember
of them. The reality of his situation still throbbed under him. Anger
began to boil again in him. Anger at whatever happened last night,
anger at that stupid bet with Jared. Angry at himself for losing his
cool when he needed it most. It cost him big time. His freedom and
now two spankings. Todd could feel his face flame as he recalled how
he begged and carried on. His palms grew moist. He pulled them away
and starred down at them. Wet. What was happening to him? He had a
huge lump in his throat. Instead of flying in to the rage that was
building a moment ago he was about to dissolve into a puddle. What
he had always feared. One crack and the _d_a_m_n_ would break. If
he started to cry he'd never stop. What good had crying ever done
anyway? Jared quickly made a couple sandwiches. Todd needed to eat.
Poor kid had tossed up every thing he had eaten today. When he returned
to the living room he found Todd on the couch. He was clearly upset.
Withdrawn again. He was staring out at the windows at the building
storm. Flashes of lightning could be seen in the distance. Each flash
made Todd flinch. Confused at Todd's fear of storms when he was fearless
of all else. Todd's face reflected his misery. A tear slid down his
cheek followed by an angry hand to brush it away. "Todd?" Spoken
softly, full of concern. Wanting to hide, Todd got up and walked
to the window, rubbing his face quickly so Jared couldn't see his
weakness. "Todd, look at me." Shiny highlights on the brown head
caught the dim light as he shook his head no. "Todd L-o-o-k a-t
m-e." Todd, responding to the firm tone, turned and looked miserably
at Jared. Something reflected in those green eyes. Something he hadn't
seen in so long, hadn't needed in so long...wouldn't let himself need
or want. He watched as the young man slowly turned to face him. Todd
tried a couple times to say something. He just ended up letting his
hands flop uselessly to his side unable to get across what he wanted
to express. Thunder crashed in the distance, Todd cringed like he
expected the roof to cave in. Jared motioned for him to return to
the couch. Todd limped back over and sat in a dejected heap. Arms
resting on his legs with his hands loose between them, head bowed.
Jared put the plate of food down and sat on the wooden coffee table
in front of Todd. Unable to resist running a hand through the brown
hair, he smoothed the wild locks back in place. How he loved the soft,
thick texture. Todd didn't complain or pull away. He just stared
at the floor. "Todd, it's going to be all right. If you just give
this half a try. It's not a prison or a cage. It's a home." Todd
didn't respond. Jared lifted that stubborn chin, silently demanding
eye contact. Tears glittered in the eyes Jared looked into making
them look like brown gems. Tears that Jared knew stemmed from someplace
deep. Deeper than any perceived loss of freedom and far deeper than
any spanking had touched. Using the pad of his thumb he gently wiped
a single tear from Todd's cheek. He could see it in Todd, the mental
reaction long before the physical one. The ice wall that Todd used
as a barrier from anything emotional. Todd pulled back and rubbed
his face roughly with his hands. Tears were gone when he lowered his
hands leaving instead red, tired eyes. Jared reached for a sandwich
and shoved it at Todd. "Here." Todd took it automatically but just
held it. "Eat." "Not hungry." His voice sounded and felt raw.
It came out more a croak. "Todd you have tossed up everything you
ate today." Slender shoulders lifted in indifference. "Eat just
half of that. I don't want you taking medication on an empty tank.
Okay? Deal?" Jared got a short nod. Getting up off the coffee table
Jared sat on the chair across from Todd. He grabbed a sandwich for
himself, eating was never a problem for him. Todd however just picked
at the crust and ate absentmindedly. Each crash of thunder making
him jump a little. Todd would take bites robotically. His heart....or stomach rather....just not in it. He would
stare off at nothing and then Jared could almost hear the boy berate
himself for the tears that pooled in his eyes. Thinking he'd gladly
pay a year's profit to read what was going on behind those beautiful
brown eyes. What made this kid tick. Aversion to compassion, affection,
down fight and resist any kind of authority. Clearly a control freak
and very much afraid of emotions. All but the anger. Saint's there
was a lot of anger. Looking at his little rebel now. Letting his eyes
take in everything. Chances had been rare for that. Last night was
filled with seeing to Todd's safety. Today was all fight. Now in the
calm Jared knew to be only the eye of hurricane Todd, he took the
opportunity to examine Todd closely. He was a little thinner than
before, his upper body had a ribby look now. The tribal bands on his
arms still surrounded toned muscles. His eye's swollen and bloodshot
from tears. Hair, hanging down in his eyes. Longer than a month ago.
Meg could see to that...should Todd want. His cheeks seemed more gaunt.
Well regular meals would help that. Regular sleep would help the darkness
under those intense eyes. Haunted was the term he had been searching
for to describe Todd. Brown eyes slid over to lock onto Jared's. "What?" Todd's
gruff response was spoiled by a boom of thunder making him flinch.
It defied logic, Todd could cross dangerous waste lands and fly in
the air on that _d_a_m_n_ dirt bike of his, live in the most deadly
places but be clearly afraid of a thunderstorm. "Don't like storms
much, do ya?" Asked matter of factly. Todd just shook his head no.
He shifted around on the seat. His butt was really sore, making sitting
uncomfortable. "Don't suppose you want to tell me why?" Again
Todd just shook his head no. "Ah. Didn't think so, maybe another
time." Looking at Todd's tattoos he was stumped by how it was possible
for someone afraid of needles to have such artwork. Shaking he head
he gave up for now on all the unanswered questions. Jared got up
and took the half of sandwich that Todd had mutilated, out of his
hand. "I think it's dead. I'll just go dispose of the remains." Todd
rubbed his leg absentmindedly. He was having a hard time keeping his
eyes open. He was so tired. He'd been fighting the medication for
a few minutes now, stuff was really strong. He had no fight left right
now. He was numb mentally. His butt and leg still had all the nerves
working on overtime. " _f_u_c_k_ it. What's the use." Todd spoke
out loud to himself as he slumped back in the couch. He was in a no
win situation he couldn't fight and all his struggles did, was cost
him. Closing his eyes he gave up and let the medication do its work.
Once he stopped fighting it, the medication worked fast. He moved
to lie down on the couch. Just for a moment to enjoy the release of
the bone deep ache in his leg. His butt however still hurt. He was
asleep before he finished rolling onto his stomach. Jared walked back
into the room to find Todd out like a light. Face down on the couch
and an arm dangling off the edge. He covered him up with a blanket
from the back of the couch and began to put away the massage table
and bottles. Returning from putting away the sports cream and towel
he rounded the corner to nearly collide with Todd. "Whoa! Sorry, buddy,
didn't expect........" Without stopping, Todd just walked past Jared.
Todd had an odd look to him. His eyes were half closed and his jaw
was a little slack. He walked past Jared as though he didn't see him. "Todd?" Todd
didn't respond...at all. Concerned and suspicious, Jared didn't stop
him but followed him down the hall. What was he up to now? Todd walked
strangely. It reminded him of his infant nephew. Toddle was a good
word for what Todd was doing right now. He toddled right to the hall
closet, opened the door, stepped in and closed the door behind him.
Jared stared at the closed door in disbelief a moment or two. "What
the hell is this?" Jared opened the door and found Todd curled up
on the floor of the closet. Sound asleep. It was the _d_a_m_n_edest
thing he had ever seen. No, that was not right, he had seen something
like it before in the cabin. He got the flash of memory finding
Todd huddled in his bedroom closet...during a storm. Todd must be
a sleepwalker. That thought sent chills down his spine. All these
years Todd's been alone and in strange places and he's a sleepwalker.
His mind began to run all kinds of horrible scenarios. He snapped
himself out of it. "Don't," he growled at himself. Bending down
he eased Todd's light frame up and over his shoulders. Todd didn't
even whimper. That too was unlike the kid. He knew Todd to be a light
sleeper. Thinking that it was the medication at work, Jared carried
Todd down the hall. Well, in the morning he would look into this
sleepwalking thing and talk to Roy about it too, get a medical view
on it. Jared for the second time that night tucked Todd into bed.
He sat next to Todd a long while and watched him sleep. He was snoring
those little uptight snores that Jared had missed. He was such a different
kid, asleep. His features were even different. Gone was the grim,
coldness in that beautiful face. In sleep he had the face of an angel,
all soft and warm. So boyish and sweet. He traced his fingers on the
smooth skin. Todd sighed but didn't seem to mind, so he kept it
up and brushed away the long bangs from the closed eyes. A tear slipped
from beneath the closed lids. What was in those dreams? Todd had plenty
of secrets and demons. Jared planned on uncovering them all in time.
He continued to trace the relaxed features beneath his fingertips.
This was going to be tougher than he thought. A pang of guilt hit
him. Knowing he has been sending mixed signals, no doubt clouding
things for Todd. He'd have to work on that. It was going to be hard
not to give into temptation. For a few months anyway. After that it
was up to Todd as well, if they would have any kind of physical relationship. Todd's
eye's fluttered open a brief second then closed again. A second tear
slid down his cheek. Then he rolled over and resumed snoring. Jared
was fairly certain Todd didn't really see him, but whatever or who
ever was in his dreams. Jared leaned over and brushed chaste a kiss
on the cool forehead. Peeling back the bedding to peek at any damage
done to the boy's bottom. None, but a nice healthy pink glow to each
cheek below the tattoo. Squashing the temptation to rub a hand over
the heated flesh, Jared pulled up the covers up around Todd and left
the room. What a puzzle this boy was.
More stories by Frost Spinner