"After the Fall"
Part 2
by Rose and Beryll
- Billy's POV -
"Why'd you break his hand?"
It's a challenge and we both know it. Johnny looks up, deliberately unhurried as if he doesn't give a fuck I've just openly challenged him. His face is relaxed but there is a distinct cold in his dark eyes.
"Sit down." He says.
A simple, calm command. He's too smart to swallow the bait. Too fucking smart to react stupidly. I didn't expect him to but I had to try.
I sink to the ground next to him, huddling close to the small fire he is warming his hands on. The only fire burning in the half ruined husk of what once was a small cottage. The walls are still standing but the roof is partly caved in.
Still this house is in a much better condition than the rest of the village. Most building are burned to the ground, only charred stones reminding of where people lived. Destroyed in one of the many fights right after the Fall. Or so we think. Not that we really care. It's more or less dry, wards of the cutting winds of approaching winter and there are some crippled trees close by to provide wood for one fire a night.
The fire is for the boss of our little gang of course. And I happen to be his best friend.
Not that we really are friends. Not since the sun got swallowed by the dark fog that passes as the sky these days.
We have been in it together right from the start but still I wouldn't hesitate to put a knife in his back given half a chance. That's the law of nature after all. You gotta kill to be on top. To lead the pack you gotta be stronger than the rest. But dear Johnny guards his back well and I am too patient to step out of line without that half chance I need.
We both know how many mistakes it takes to fall.
One.
I stretch out my hands to the fire, warming them as well. Though one is still rather warm. Nothing better to warm yourself than the heat inside another's body, I think with a smirk.
"Well?" I renew my question, but this time much more quietly. It is a valid question after all. Just one that should be discussed in private. "I thought you were planing to send him along soon."
"And I still do." he answers calmly, fully aware that the moment of danger has passed. "It will give him a good, visible reason for running."
I can't argue with that. I still don't like the whole setup. But as I don't have a better plan either it seems wiser to keep my mouth shut. If dear Johnny fails... one mistake.
"Besides, I liked him squirming." Johnny adds and I have to grin.
"And you really think he will obey?" I ask, bringing up the part of the plan that worries me most.
Johnny just smiles. "Oh, he will. He knows what will happen to his sweetheart, if he doesn't. Those broken fingers will serve as a wonderful reminder."
I shake my head doubtfully. "I don't know. I mean, come on, would you give a fuck about another slave? I'd grab what I can and forget about what I've left behind."
Johnny's smile broadens. "Yeah, that's why we own them and not the other way around. They are weak. And they know it. They ought to be grateful we keep them and tell them what to do. They'd never be able to take care of themselves."
Thinking of my sweet little boy toy I can't help but agree. What would Dominic do if I didn't set the rules for him? He'd be lost. My lovely, soft spoken boy. He is lucky he's got me to take care of him.
So I nod. Maybe Johnny's plan will work. Wouldn't that be charm? A fortified castle all to ourselves.
I lapse into silence but Johnny's cold voice rouses me from my thoughts.
"And you'd do well to remember who takes care of you, Billy." He says.
And I nod, conceding defeat yet again.
For now.
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go to PART 3