Chapter 2: Set Up
Ankoku, a good friend of his, was already waiting when Ombre opened the door.
"A... ankoku?" Ombre stammered, his voice hoarse from disuse. He stood in the doorway, rainwater dripping from his cloak onto the worn-out welcome mat.
Ankoku, a tall, handsome man with dark hair and eyes, stood up from the couch. He was dressed in a red turtleneck sweater and black pants, his numerous silver and golden piercings glinting in the dim light. His face broke into a wide smile, his charismatic personality shining through.
"Ombre!" he exclaimed, his British accent rolling off his tongue. "I've been waiting for you, mate.
I knew you'd come back to me eventually." Ankoku's eyes sparkled with unshed tears, his voice thick with emotion. He stepped forward, his arms outstretched, and pulled Ombre into a tight embrace. Ombre, taken aback by the sudden show of affection, hesitated before returning the hug, his robotic arm clanking softly against Ankoku's back.
"I... I'm back, Ankoku," Ombre said, his voice barely above a whisper. He could feel the warmth of Ankoku's body, the steady beat of his heart. It was a comforting sensation, one he hadn't felt in a long time. He pulled away, his eyes meeting Ankoku's.
There was a mix of relief and joy in Ankoku's gaze, but also a hint of something else, something Ombre couldn't quite place. He shook his head slightly, trying to clear his thoughts. The world was still a blur, the events of his journey still fresh in his mind.
"Where have you been, Ombre?" Ankoku asked, his voice soft. "We've been looking for you for years. I've been waiting for you, mate."
Ombre looked around the apartment, his eyes taking in the familiar yet changed surroundings. The furniture was worn-out, the floorboards battered. The grimy windows revealed a view of the concrete jungle outside, the pervasive musty smell speaking of neglect and loneliness.
He sighed softly, content in Ankoku's arms. "I just... I just want to rest right now."
Ankoku nodded, bringing Ombre to the worn out couch. "It's alright, love. You won't have to stay in the musty old place for long."
Ombre lifted his head up. "What do you mean?"
Ankoku merely smiled at him. "Don't worry about it." Ankoku waved a hand dismissively. "I've got a place for you. A real place, not this... dump." He gestured around the apartment, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "You'll love it, mate. It's got everything you could ever want."
Ombre raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking to the worn-out couch they were sitting on. "And what exactly do you think I need, Ankoku?"
Ankoku chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, for starters, a proper bed. And a hot shower. And maybe some new clothes.
You look like you've been through the wringer, love." Ankoku's gaze flicked to Ombre's prosthetic mask, a hint of concern in his eyes. "And perhaps a new... face, if you're up for it."
Ombre's hand instinctively went to his mask, his fingers tracing the smooth surface. I don't know if I'm ready for that yet, Ankoku. This is a part of me now."
Ankoku nodded, understanding. "I know, mate. I just want you to be comfortable. You've been through enough, I can see that." He paused, his eyes searching Ombre's face. "But you're here now, and that's all that matters." He gave Ombre a small kiss. "So, if you want to rest, then let's rest." Ankoku's voice was gentle, his British accent soothing. He stood up, extending a hand to help Ombre up. "But first, let's get you out of those wet clothes. You must be freezing."
Ombre looked down at his drenched cloak, the rainwater dripping onto the floor. He nodded, taking Ankoku's hand. As he stood, he felt a twinge of pain in his robotic arm, a reminder of the journey he had just endured. He gritted his teeth, trying to ignore it.
Ankoku led him to a small bathroom, the walls adorned with faded posters of bands Ombre didn't recognize.
"Now," Ankoku clapped his hands together, turning on the shower. "let's get you out of those nasty clothes, hm?"
Ombre would've complied, if he wasn't so curious about this... "thing" spewing out water. "Wow, what is that?" Ombre asked, his eyes wide with curiosity as he pointed at the showerhead. The water cascading from it was a stark contrast to the drizzle he was used to.
Ankoku chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That, my dear, is a shower. It's a modern marvel that'll wash away all your troubles." He gestured for Ombre to step closer. "Here, let me show you."
Ombre hesitated, his robotic arm humming softly as it adjusted to the new environment. He had seen many strange things in his journey, but this was something else entirely. He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving the showerhead.
"Is it not... acid?" Ombre asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ankoku laughed, a warm sound that filled the small bathroom. "No, love. It's just water, but it's heated. It'll feel like a warm embrace, I promise." He reached out, turning the knob to adjust the temperature. "Here, let me get it just right for you."
Ombre watched as Ankoku fiddled with the knobs, his eyes narrowing in concentration. The water continued to pour from the showerhead, now a steady stream instead of a cascade.
Ombre watched as Ankoku adjusted the temperature, his brow furrowed in concentration. The sound of the water was soothing, a rhythmic hum that filled the small bathroom. Ombre took a deep breath, inhaling the steam that was beginning to fill the room.
"Alright, love," Ankoku said, stepping back and gesturing towards the shower. "It's ready. Why don't you give it a try?"
Ombre backed away. He shook his head. "No."
Ankoku raised an eyebrow. "Uhm, darling, you need a shower."
"Nuh uh."
Ankoku sighed, shaking his head. "Darling..." Ankoku began, his voice soft and patient, "I promise it's not as scary as it looks. It's just water, warm and comforting. It'll help you relax, wash away the dirt and the memories of your journey." He was used to the cold, harsh rain of Dimension X, not this... this luxury.
Ankoku must have sensed his discomfort, for he stepped closer, his voice gentle. "Here, let me help you." He reached out, his fingers deftly unbuttoning Ombre's colorful button-up shirt.
Ombre flinched at the sudden contact, his robotic arm humming softly as it adjusted to the new sensation. Ankoku paused, his eyes meeting Ombre's.
"Easy, love," he murmured, his voice soft and soothing. "I've got you. I won't hurt you."
Ombre nodded, his body relaxing slightly. Ankoku continued to undress him, his touch gentle and careful. He slipped off Ombre's white jean jacket, revealing the titanium, sea turtle shell melted to his back. Ankoku's fingers traced the edges of the shell, a hint of curiosity in his gaze.
"Impressive," he commented, his voice barely above a whisper.
"... It really hurts my spine." Ombre winced as Ankoku's fingers brushed against the titanium shell, the cold metal sending a jolt of pain through his body.
Ankoku's eyes widened in concern. "I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean to hurt you." He quickly pulled his hand away, his eyes searching Ombre's face. "Is it... is it the shell? Does it hurt you?"
Ombre took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "No, it's not the shell. It's just... it's just been a long time since I've had someone touch me like that." He looked away, his cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and discomfort.
"I've been alone for so long, Ankoku. I'm not used to... to this." He gestured vaguely, his robotic arm clanking softly against his side. "I know, love. I know you've been through a lot. But you're here now, and you're safe. I won't hurt you, I promise." He reached out, his fingers gently cupping Ombre's cheek. "We'll take this slow, alright? No rush."
Ombre nodded, leaning into Ankoku's touch. The warmth of Ankoku's hand was comforting, a stark contrast to the cold he had grown accustomed to. He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation.
He sighed, gasping when Ankoku picked him up and put the man in the bathtub. "Wha... what are you-" Ombre started, but Ankoku shushed him gently, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Just relax, love. Let me take care of you," Ankoku murmured, his voice soft and soothing. He reached for a bottle of shampoo, squirting a generous amount onto his palm. The scent of lavender filled the small bathroom, a stark contrast to the musty smell of Ombre's apartment.
Ombre watched as Ankoku lathered his hands, his eyes never leaving the other man's face. There was a gentleness in Ankoku's gaze, a warmth that Ombre hadn't seen in a long time.
He felt a sense of security, a feeling he had almost forgotten existed. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of lavender, and let his body relax into the warm water.
Ankoku began to wash Ombre's hair, his fingers massaging Ombre's scalp with a gentle pressure. Ombre's eyes fluttered closed, a soft moan escaping his lips as the tension in his body began to melt away.
"Mm, that feels good," Ombre murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He could feel the tension in his shoulders easing, the knots in his muscles loosening.
Ankoku chuckled softly, his fingers continuing their rhythmic massage. "I'm glad, love.
You deserve to be pampered after all you've been through," Ankoku replied, his voice soft and gentle. He rinsed Ombre's hair, the water cascading down his face and neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.
Ombre opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Ankoku's. There was a warmth in Ankoku's eyes, a kindness that made Ombre feel at ease. He reached up, his fingers tracing the lines of Ankoku's face, the smooth skin and the sharp jawline.
"You've changed, Ankoku," Ombre murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're...
you're more handsome," Ombre said, his fingers tracing the lines of Ankoku's face, the smooth skin and the sharp jawline. "And kinder. More patient."
Ankoku's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well, love, I've had plenty of time to practice my patience," he said, his voice soft and gentle. "And I suppose I've grown into my own skin a bit more." "But you've changed too, you know. You're... you're more than just the boy I remember."
Ombre's fingers stilled, his eyes widening slightly. He chuckled, his body weak and tired. "Well, I remember that little boy always wanting rest." Ankoku smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at Ombre. "But now, you're a man, with a story to tell. I can see it in your eyes, love. You've seen things, done things. You've grown." Ankoku's fingers continued to trace Ombre's face, his touch gentle and reverent.
Ombre closed his eyes, leaning into Ankoku's touch. "I have," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've seen things I never thought possible. Done things I never thought I could." He paused, his brow furrowing as he remembered the horrors of his journey. "I've lost things too. People. Friends.. Dheer."
Ankoku raised an eyebrow, before his eyes widened. "D.. dheer?" Ankoku asked, his voice softening as he leaned in closer to Ombre. "What happened to him?"
Ombre's eyes fluttered closed, the memories of his journey flooding back. "He... he was killed. A cyclops smashed him with a club." Ombre's voice was barely audible, his eyes distant as he relived the traumatic event.
Ankoku's heart ached for his friend, his fingers tracing the lines of Ombre's face, trying to offer some comfort. "I'm so sorry, Ombre," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't even imagine what you've been through." There was a mix of pain and determination in his eyes, a look that sent a shiver down Ankoku's spine.
"I survived, Ankoku. I survived all of it. And now, I'm back."
Ankoku nodded, his eyes never leaving Ombre's face.
"You're here now, that's what matters. And I'm going to make sure you never have to go through anything like that again." His voice was firm, determined. He reached out, his fingers gently squeezing Ombre's hand. He chuckled, pulling out a small rag. "I am sorry for this."
Ombre looked at Ankoku, confused. "What are you talking about, Ankoku? What are you sorry for?"
Ankoku sighed, stroking Ombre's soft hair. "For this." He pressed the rag against Ombre's mouth, tightly.
Ombre struggled, his eyes wide with panic. "Ankoku, what are you doing?!" he gasped, trying to push the rag away with his robotic arm. But Ankoku was stronger, his grip unyielding.
"Shh, it's alright, love," Ankoku murmured, his voice soothing. "It's just a little something to help you relax. You've been through so much, and I want to make sure you get some proper rest."
Ombre's eyes widened in realization. "You're drugging me?!" he exclaimed, his voice muffled by the rag. He tried to kick out, to push Ankoku away, but his limbs felt heavy, sluggish.
The world around him began to blur, the edges of his vision softening. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, a sense of panic rising within him. He tried to scream, to call out for help, but all that came out was a muffled whimper.
Ankoku's eyes met his, a mix of concern and determination in their depths. "I'm sorry, Ombre," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of Ombre's struggling. "But you need this. You need to rest."
Ombre's eyes rolled back, his body going limp as the drug took effect.
Ankoku quickly caught him, lowering him gently onto the worn-out couch. He sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I'm sorry, love," he murmured, his voice thick with guilt. "I didn't want to do this, but you needed it. You needed to rest."
He looked down at Ombre, his heart aching at the sight of his friend's limp form. He could see the faint rise and fall of Ombre's chest, the rhythmic beat of his heart. He knew Ombre was alive, but he also knew that the drug would keep him in a deep sleep for hours.
Ankoku sighed, his eyes scanning the small apartment.
The worn-out furniture, the battered floorboards, the grimy windows - it was all a stark reminder of the life Ombre had been living. He shook his head, a determined look in his eyes. "This isn't good enough for you, Ombre," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You deserve better."
He turned back to Ombre, his heart aching at the sight of his friend's peaceful face. He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the lines of Ombre's face. "I promise, love," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll make sure you never have to live like this again."
He stood up, his mind made up.
He couldn't leave Ombre like this, not in this dump. He needed to get him out of here, to a place where he could heal, where he could be safe. He grabbed his coat, his keys, and his phone, and headed for the door.
As he stepped out into the rain, he pulled out his phone, dialing a number he hadn't used in years. It rang a few times before a sleepy voice answered. "Hello?"
"Ankoku here," he said, his voice firm. "I need your help."
There was a pause before the voice on the other end spoke again. "Ankoku? What's going on?"
"Com'on, Merak. It has something to do with Ombre." Ankoku's voice was firm, his British accent sharp in the quiet of the night.
"Ombre? The one who disappeared years ago?" Merak's voice was filled with surprise. "What about him?"
"He's back, Merak. He's here, and he needs our help." Ankoku's voice was filled with a mix of relief and determination. "He's been through a lot, and he needs a place to stay. A safe place."
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Merak spoke again. "Alright, Ankoku. I'll help. What do you need me to do?"
"Meet me at my place, Merak.
I'll bring Ombre there. We need to get him out of this... this dump." Ankoku's voice was filled with disgust as he looked around the cramped apartment one last time.
"Alright, I'll be there in twenty. And Ankoku?" Merak's voice was serious, a hint of concern in his tone.
"Yeah?" Ankoku replied, his hand already on the doorknob.
"Be careful with him, okay? He's been through enough." Merak's voice was soft, a reminder of the pain Ombre had endured.
Ankoku nodded, even though Merak couldn't see him. "I will, Merak. I promise.
I'll take care of him, Merak. Just like I always have." Ankoku's voice was filled with a quiet determination as he hung up the phone. He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the lines of Ombre's face, the smooth skin and the sharp jawline. "I won't let you down, Ombre," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll make sure you're safe, I promise."
He quickly gathered some of Ombre's belongings, packing them into a bag.
He wanted to make sure Ombre had everything he needed when he woke up. He looked around the apartment one last time, his heart aching at the sight of the neglected space. He couldn't believe Ombre had been living like this, all alone, for so long.
He shook his head, pushing the thoughts away. It didn't matter now. Ombre was back, and he was going to make sure his friend was taken care of.
He picked up Ombre, cradling him gently in his arms. He was surprised at how light Ombre was, despite his robotic arm and the titanium shell on his back. He could feel the rise and fall of Ombre's chest, the steady beat of his heart.
Ombre groaned. Talking in his sleep. "Chicken nuggets.... Dino... nuggets..." Ombre mumbled, his voice barely audible, his eyes fluttering closed. Ankoku chuckled softly, his heart aching at the sight of his friend's peaceful face. He carefully made his way out of the apartment, the rain pouring down in sheets, the wind howling through the narrow streets. He hailed a cab, the driver's eyes widening in surprise as he saw Ombre in Ankoku's arms. "Where to, mate?" the driver asked, his voice gruff. "My place," Ankoku replied, his voice firm. "And be quick about it." The driver nodded, pulling out into the traffic.
The cab was old, the seats worn and the windows fogged up, but it was warm and dry, a stark contrast to the rain-soaked streets outside. Ankoku held Ombre close, his eyes never leaving his friend's face. He could see the faint rise and fall of Ombre's chest, the steady beat of his heart. He could feel the warmth of Ombre's body, the softness of his skin. He had missed this, missed the feeling of having someone to take care of, someone to protect. He had missed Ombre.
The cab pulled up in front of Ankoku's mansion, the driver's eyes widening in surprise as he took in the grand structure.
"Bloody hell, mate," he muttered, his voice filled with awe. "You live here?"
Ankoku nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I do. Thank you for the ride."
The driver nodded, his eyes flicking to Ombre in Ankoku's arms. "You want me to help you with that, mate?"
Ankoku shook his head. "No, thank you. I can manage." He carefully climbed out of the cab, his eyes scanning the mansion for any sign of movement. He could see the lights on in the living room, a soft glow spilling out onto the driveway.
He knew Merak would be there, waiting for him. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He didn't know what Merak would think when he saw Ombre, didn't know how he would react. But he knew he had to trust Merak, had to trust that his friend would understand.
He carefully made his way up the steps, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel Ombre's weight in his arms, the steady beat of his heart a comforting rhythm against his own. He reached the door, his hand hovering over the doorknob for a moment before he turned it and stepped inside.
Merak was by the entrance, holding chains in his hands. "I have them, Ankoku." Merak's voice was steady, his eyes scanning the scene before him. He took in Ombre's limp form in Ankoku's arms, his eyes widening in surprise. "Is he... is he okay?"
Ankoku nodded, his eyes never leaving Merak's face. "He's just... he's just been through a lot. I had to sedate him to get him out of that place."
Merak's eyes narrowed, a look of concern in his gaze. "Sedate him? Ankoku, what did you do?"
Ankoku sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I had to, Merak. He was in no state to travel.
I needed to get him out of that place, and I couldn't risk him resisting or trying to run away. I had to make sure he was safe, and the only way to do that was to make sure he was unconscious."
"Ankoku, you can't just drug someone and bring them to your house. What if he wakes up and freaks out? What if he tries to leave?"
"I know, Merak. I know it's not ideal, but I couldn't leave him there. He needed to be somewhere safe, somewhere he could heal. That's why you have those chains. So he stays here."
"Whatever. As long as I get paid." Merak shrugged, his eyes flicking to Ombre again. "So, what's the plan, Ankoku? You can't keep him sedated forever."
Ankoku sighed, shifting Ombre's weight in his arms. I just... I need some time to figure things out. I need to make sure he's safe, that he's taken care of. I can't have him running off again, not after everything he's been through."
Merak raised an eyebrow. "Aight. Well, these chains are quite strong. And I can get stronger sedatives if you need them." Merak held up the chains, jingling them slightly.
Ankoku nodded his head, his eyes softening as he looked down at Ombre. "Yes, all of that." Ankoku nodded, his eyes still on Ombre. "But I need to know how to handle him. He's not the same as he was before. He's been through hell, Merak. He's changed."
Merak's expression softened, and he nodded. "I understand, Ankoku. I've seen it before. People who come back from... wherever he's been... they're not the same. They're different."
Ankoku looked up at Merak, his eyes searching. "Can you help me? Can you teach me how to handle him?"
"Will I get paid?" Merak asked, his voice casual as he leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. He was a tall, muscular man with short, dark hair and a sharp, angular face. His eyes were a piercing blue, and his gaze was steady and unyielding. He was a man who knew how to handle himself, and he had a reputation for being ruthless when he needed to be.
Ankoku sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Yes, Merak. You'll get paid. I promise." He looked down at Ombre, his heart aching at the sight of his friend's peaceful face. "Now, can you help me bring Ombre to his new room and chain him up?" Ankoku asked, his voice gentle despite the harsh words. Merak nodded, his expression serious. "Of course. Let's get him settled in." They made their way up the grand staircase, Ankoku carrying Ombre carefully in his arms. Merak followed, the chains clanking softly with each step. They reached a large, opulent room at the end of the hallway. It was decorated with rich, dark furniture and plush, velvet curtains. A large, four-poster bed dominated the space, and a plush armchair was positioned by the window, overlooking the sprawling estate. Ankoku carried Ombre to the bed, gently laying him down on the soft mattress.
Merak followed, his eyes scanning the room, taking in every detail. He nodded, a satisfied look on his face. "This will do nicely," he said, his voice gruff. "Now, let's get him chained up."
Ankoku hesitated, looking down at Ombre's peaceful face. "Are you sure this is necessary, Merak? He's been through so much already."
Merak's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "I understand that, Ankoku. But you said it yourself, he's not the same as he was before."
He put the heavy chains onto Ombre's torso, ankles, wrists and neck. "Alright. That should do it. Now, money." Merak held out his hand, his eyes never leaving Ankoku's face. Ankoku sighed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his wallet. He counted out a wad of bills, handing them to Merak. "Here you go. Half now, half later."
Merak nodded, tucking the money into his pocket. "Deal. Now, what's the plan for when he wakes up?"
Ankoku ran a hand through his hair, his eyes scanning the room. "I need you to go to a store and buy whats on this list. I'll give you the money to do so." Ankoku handed Merak a list, scribbled on a piece of paper. "What's all this for?" Merak asked, scanning the list. It was filled with odd items - a specific brand of protein powder, a particular type of energy drink, a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and even a few books on meditation and self-care.
"It's for Ombre," Ankoku explained, his voice soft. "He's been through a lot, and he needs to build up his strength again. I want to make sure he has everything he needs to recover."
"I understand. I'll get everything on the list. And what about when he wakes up?"
"I will tell him the rules he must follow and the punishments if he breaks them."
"So, like, you want me to buy a shock collar or somethin'?" Merak asked.
Ankoku nodded. "Yes, exactly." Ankoku's voice was firm, his eyes never leaving Merak's face. "I need to make sure he understands that he can't just leave whenever he wants. He needs to stay here, with me, until he's fully recovered." "
Alright, I'll get everything you need. And I'll make sure to keep an eye on him while he's sedated. Just in case."
Ankoku nodded, his eyes flicking to Ombre's still form on the bed. "Thank you, Merak. I appreciate it."
Merak gave a small nod before turning to leave. "I'll be back as soon as I can.
You know where to find me if you need anything." Merak's voice was steady as he made his way out of the room, the chains jingling softly with each step.
Ankoku watched him go, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he was doing the right thing, but that didn't make it any easier. He turned back to Ombre, his eyes scanning the still form on the bed.
He crawled over to Ombre, snuggling up next to him. He closed his eyes, breathing in the familiar scent of his friend.
Ombre stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked around, his gaze landing on Ankoku. "Ankoku?" he murmured, his voice hoarse from sleep. "What... what happened? Where am I?"
Ankoku smiled, his heart aching at the sight of Ombre's confused face. "You're at my place, love.
You're safe now." Ankoku's voice was soft, his hand gently stroking Ombre's hair. "You were in a bad place, Ombre. I had to get you out of there."
Ombre's eyes widened, his gaze darting around the room. He looked at the chains that bound him, his heart pounding in his chest. "Ankoku... what have you done?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ankoku sighed, his eyes filled with a mix of guilt and determination. "I'm sorry, Ombre. I had to make sure you were safe.
I couldn't leave you there, not after everything you've been through." Ankoku's voice was filled with a quiet desperation, his eyes never leaving Ombre's face. "I know this looks... extreme, but it's for your own good. You need to rest, to heal. And I can't trust you not to run off again."
Ombre's eyes narrowed, a flash of anger in their depths. "You can't keep me here like this, Ankoku. I'm not a prisoner." He struggled against the chains, his robotic arm clanking as it moved. But the chains held firm, the metal unyielding.
Ankoku watched Ombre struggle, his heart aching at the sight of his friend's frustration. "I'm sorry, Ombre," he said, his voice soft. "I really am. But you have to understand, I can't risk you running off again. Not after everything you've been through."
Ombre glared at him, his eyes flashing with anger. "You don't get to decide what's best for me, Ankoku. I'm not a child."
Ankoku sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know you're not, Ombre. But you're not in a state to make decisions right now. And now I must do this."
"What-" Ombre started, but Ankoku cut him off.
"Shh, don't speak. Just listen." Ankoku's voice was firm, his eyes never leaving Ombre's face. "You're going to stay here, with me. You're going to rest, you're going to heal. And you're going to do as I say."
Ombre's eyes narrowed, a flash of defiance in their depths. "And if I don't?"
Ankoku sighed, his eyes filled with a quiet desperation. "Please, Ombre. Don't make this harder than it has to be. I just want to help you."
Ombre's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do, Ankoku. I really do. But I can't just stay here, chained up like a prisoner. I have a life, people who care about me. I can't just disappear."
Ankoku's heart ached at the mention of Ombre's life, the life he had left behind. He knew it was selfish, but he couldn't bear the thought of Ombre leaving him again. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say.
"Ombre, listen to me. You can't go back to your old life. Not yet, at least." Ankoku's voice was gentle, but firm.
"You've been through too much, love. You need time to heal, to recover. And I can't let you go back to that life, not until you're strong enough to handle it."
Ombre's eyes flashed with anger, but Ankoku could see the hint of vulnerability behind them. "You can't keep me here forever, Ankoku. I won't be your prisoner."
Ankoku shook his head, his heart aching at the sight of Ombre's defiant expression. "I don't want you to be my prisoner, Ombre. I want you to be my guest. My friend. My best friend." He sighed, before grabbing a muzzle that had a gag in it. "But you have forced my hand."
Ombre's eyes widened. "Wait, Ankoku-" he started, but Ankoku was already moving, his hands gentle yet firm as he placed the muzzle over Ombre's face, securing it tightly behind his head. Ombre struggled, his robotic arm clanking as he tried to push Ankoku away, but Ankoku was resolute. He could see the fear in Ombre's eyes, the panic, but he also knew that this was necessary. For both their sakes.
"Shh, it's okay," Ankoku murmured, his voice soft despite the harsh action. "I promise, this is just temporary.
I just need to make sure you're safe, that you're taken care of." Ankoku's voice was gentle, but there was a firmness in his eyes that betrayed his resolve. Ombre struggled against the chains, his robotic arm clanking as he tried to free himself, but the metal held fast.
He tried to speak, but his voice was muffled by the muzzle. "Ankoku, please... take it off..."
Ankoku shook his head. "Sorry, love. You broke one rule. Talking back." "You know I can't have you disobeying me, not after everything I've done to keep you safe."
Ombre glared at him, his eyes flashing with anger and betrayal. Ankoku could see the hurt in his friend's gaze, and it made his heart ache. But he knew he was doing the right thing, the only thing he could do to keep Ombre safe.
"I'll bring you your meals here," Ankoku said, his voice softening slightly. "And I'll make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable. But you have to promise me, Ombre.
You have to promise me that you'll behave, that you won't try to run away. I can't have you hurting yourself, not again." But Ankoku could see the hint of vulnerability behind them, the fear that his friend was trying so hard to hide. He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I know this isn't ideal, Ombre. I know it's not what you want. But it's what you need. And I promise, I promise that I'm doing this because I care about you.
Because I want you to be safe, to be happy. I want you to heal, Ombre. I want you to be whole again." He could see the tears welling up in his friend's eyes, the pain and the fear that he was trying so hard to hide. It broke his heart, but he knew he had to be strong, for both their sakes.
Ombre looked away, his eyes scanning the room, taking in every detail. He could see the plush furniture, the rich fabrics, the expensive art on the walls.
It was all so different from the cramped, dimly-lit apartment he had just left. He could feel the softness of the bed beneath him, the warmth of the room. It was all so... luxurious. So unlike anything he had experienced in years.
Ankoku watched him, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. "I know this isn't what you're used to, Ombre. But you deserve to be treated well. You deserve to be taken care of." His voice was gentle, but there was a firmness in his gaze that betrayed his resolve.
"I want you to rest, Ombre. I want you to heal. And I can't do that if you're constantly trying to leave, constantly putting yourself in danger."
Ombre's eyes flashed with anger, but there was a hint of vulnerability in his gaze. "I don't want to keep you here forever, Ombre. I just want to make sure you're safe, that you're taken care of. I want to help you heal."