Somewhere I Belong

It had been several weeks since the incident. Mikey watched as their Master was getting on with his cane. Somehow it didn't take away from his presence though. If anything he looked more masterful, which Mikey told him time and time again when they were in bed. So much had changed at the house. Ryan and Brendon were now residing there and had become Grant's pets. The first night Ryan spent there he cried tears of joy into Pete's shoulder. Dr. Ray had been able save both Brendon and Gerard. Brendon was the scariest. He had so much damage both exterior and interior and there were moments that he begged to die, but Ryan stayed by his side and slowly he came back. Grant assured Brendon that he was not even to think about anything till he was fully recovered. Brendon still had nightmares about their former Master, but they were quieting down now. Last night Brendon slept with Ryan in Grant's bed. Ryan told Mikey that Brendon slept between them and all Grant did was hold Brendon and pepper his face with kisses telling him how beautiful he was.

"It was amazing Mikey and Brendon cried out of happiness for the first time since I met him."

Gerard was shot in the chest by Gabe. Dr. Ray had extracted the bullet, which managed to miss both Gerard's heart and lungs. He was lucky. Still he was never the same. Grant tore up his papers for Frank’s ownership and Frank officially became Grant's pet. He was happy, and when Grant took him to bed. Frank was still a virgin though which none of the pets understood...except Mikey.

"I do not feel it is mine to take."

"May I ask why Master?"

"You may, but I will choose not to tell you my pet."

"It's Gee isn't it?"

"You are my most clever pet my dear."

Mikey remembered the kiss he got after that and what happened after still leaves him breathless. Grant is very different with him than Gerard was.

"Gee.”

Mikey stood at the doorway to the guest room, which had become Gerard's isolation room. It was punishment enough that he was not allowed to see or interact with any of the other pets anymore. There was a fear that the mental torture that Gabe put him through would still influence him. Grant would go and talk with him, but doesn't touch him. No one else goes though, but Mikey had seen Frank looking longingly in when Gerard was asleep. He knew that Frank was afraid of Gerard now, but he also knew that he was missed. For the rest of the pets, life had returned to normal it seems, but for Mikey, without his brother, life was anything but normal.

***Time Stamp: One Month Later***

"Good morning my Pets, I trust you all slept well last night."

Grant entered the pet's bedroom. Frank and Mikey had taken a bunk together so that Ryan and Brendon could share. Grant had ordered two more bunk beds, but they would not arrive for another week.

"Morning Master."

The pets all chorused.

"Did you sleep well?"

Frank asked with a soft smile as he shuffled out of the bunk, his bare toes flexing in the fluffy rug the second his feet hit the ground.

"I did indeed. Breakfast is waiting for you all. Brendon, Ryan will bring you something and may eat in here with you."

"Thank you Master."

Brendon said quietly, giving a small shy smile. Ryan kissed Brendon's cheek. This was all still new to them. Public affection was never allowed with Gabe.

"What is for breakfast Master?"

Ryan felt Brendon tense. They also couldn't ask questions like that. Grant smiled at Patrick.

"Your favorite Patrick...oatmeal."

Patrick wrinkled his nose and Grant laughed.

"Bagels with cream cheese."

Brendon smiled slightly, that had fast become one of his favorite things to eat since coming here, they'd never had anything that good at Master Gabriel's.

"Yummy..."

Pete cheered, practically jumping out of bed and moving to drag Bob's blankets off as the other boy was grumbling cause he had woken up tangled in them.

"Have we got those yummy Asiago cheese bagels Master, or just the plain?"

"Dr. Ray brought us quite a variety before he went to check on Gerard."

Pete stilled, his eyes meeting Bob's for a long moment before he turned to face Grant.

"How is Gerard, Master?"

He asked, all his usual playfulness missing from his voice to be replaced with genuine concern. The other pets all looked to their Master too.

"He is recovering nicely."

Grant said nothing more.

"We all miss him Master."

Frank said quietly, eyes dropping to the floor. He heard murmurs of agreement from the other pets.

"I know."

Grant watched the pets slowly leave the room to get their breakfast. He then went to bring Gerard his.

*

*

*

Gerard lay in bed. He had gotten up to use the bathroom, but other than that he did nothing all day. A knock on the door alerted him to his Master.

"Good morning Gerard."

"Morning Master."

"Here is your breakfast."

"Thank you Master."

Gerard picked up the bagel and took a bite.

"It is good Master."

"You are welcome Gerard."

Gerard heard Grant leave. He put the bagel down after only eating a few more bites. He then pushed it in the trash with last night's dinner that he only ate a few bites of. Just enough to sustain himself. He didn't deserve any more than that.

"Hey Brendon. I brought you one of the cheese bagels that Pete recommended."

Brendon smiled at Ryan.

"Thanks Ry, it looks good...Spencer would've liked these, wouldn't he."

He sniffed quietly.

"Yeah, he would have. He liked cheese."

Ryan sat with Brendon at the small table.

"He would be happy for us you know."

"I know, I just miss him...and Jon. They didn't deserve what happened to them, and they never got the chance to experience what this life should be like..."

Brendon took a bite of his bagel.

"They would've liked it here for sure."

"I believe that too, but they would also want us to live now and enjoy this experience."

Brendon nodded, chewing thoughtfully.

"Yeah..."

He said slowly after he'd swallowed.

"I'm getting there Ry, don't worry. Are you liking it here?...do you like Master Grant?"

"I do, he's very kind and understanding."

Ryan got up and went to slip on his house uniform.

"I have to go start my chores, but I will be back to check on you."

Ryan leaned in to kiss Brendon’s cheek.

Brendon turned his face at the last second to connect their lips briefly, smiling as they parted.

"I'll see you later."

Ryan blushed.

"Bye."

He left and headed to the living room where Pete was waiting for him. Pete looked up from the piano he was dusting and smiled.

"Hey, you two enjoy breakfast?"

"Uh, yeah, Brendon really liked the bagel."

Ryan grabbed the dusting spray and moved to the mantel.

Pete beamed.

"Of course he did...they're yummy, like I said..."

He took a breath, turning to Ryan and dropping his smile.

"Ryan, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

Ryan got on his tip toes and removed all their Master's little knickknacks before dusting the surface. Pete put down his duster and took another breath.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to, I mean it's kinda personal."

Ryan finished and then turned to pick up one of the items.

"No go ahead, it's cool.

Pete nodded, but still fiddled with his fingers for a moment before speaking.

"How old were you when...when Master Gabriel first...took you?"

"Oh, I think I was...14 maybe turning 15?"

Ryan carefully replaced all the items he removed as he finished dusting them.

Pete frowned, fidgeting uncomfortably.

"Did he...did he ask?"

"Did he ask what, my age?"

"No...permission."

“Permission?"

Ryan put the last item back and then turned to the other pet.

"Permission for what? Like to buy me?"

"To touch you...every Master should ask permission."

Ryan frowned.

"Slaves are supposed to be grateful their Masters even want them. We are their property to do what they want with us."

It sounded like a speech that Ryan said many times. Pete frowned deeper, stepping over to the younger boy.

"You're nota slave, you're a human being who has the right to say no if you don't want something to happen to you. That bastard was wrong. He was evil and cruel and he should've been stopped a long time ago...you should never have been made to feel like property, not ever."

Ryan looked into the older boy's eyes.

"I know that now...sort of, and I am trying to trust our Master."

Pete smiled softly, slowly raising his hand to cup the boy's cheek.

"I know it's hard to give your trust, after never having someone worthy of it...but our Master is. He's a good and fair man, and if you give him the chance, he'll be the best Master you could ever imagine. Oh, and he will always ask permission, he'll never take what you don't want to give."

"What about punishments or lessons?"

"Yeah, there are punishments, but only if you don't follow the rules...Master is always fair, and if you don't think a punishment is warranted, he'll listen to your concerns. Don't ever be scared to question if you're not sure on something...Master would prefer you ask, than stay silent and get things wrong."

"We are used to always being wrong. We aren't allowed to speak up."

"Weren't...you weren't allowed to speak up...now you are, and always will be..."

Pete gave Ryan a gentle smile.

"Come on, let's get this room finished, then we can have ice cream, yeah?"

"I haven't had ice cream in years before your Master took me in. I forgot how good it tasted."

"Well now you can have it every day if you want, in any flavor you like...and he's our Master."

Pete grinned, turning back to his dusting.

"Right..."

Ryan smiled back.

"...our Master."

Mikey checked the hallway, peeking out around the corner to make sure no one was around. He knew that Pete and Ryan were downstairs in the living room, Frankie and Bob were cleaning the kitchen and laundry room, and Patrick had just gone in to quietly clean the pets' bedroom and bathroom, being careful not to disturb Brendon if he was sleeping. Mikey himself was meant to be dusting the library, but as Grant only ever went in there on Sundays, he was sure he could get his chore done long before the room was inspected. He knew he shouldn't be doing this, Grant had been very clear about the rules of Gerard's isolation...but Mikey needed to see his brother. He just hoped Grant stayed in his office and didn't decide to visit Gerard himself. The coast was clear, so Mikey quickly slipped down the hallway and into Gerard's isolation room, quietly closing the door behind him. He turned toward the bed and smiled softly.

"Hi Gee, how you feeling?"

Gerard grumbled in his sleep.

Mikey tiptoed over to the bedside and reached out to gently brush Gerard's hair from his face.

"I miss you Gee...we all do..."

He caressed his cheek.

"I don't know what's gonna happen, but I need my big brother back. I love you, you moron..."

He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Gerard's lips before standing back up.

"I'll see you soon."

He turned to go.

"Michael."

Grant was coming out of his room when he saw Mikey in the hallway.

"I thought you were given the Library this week."

"Oh um, yes Master, I was on my way there when I thought I heard Gerard call my name. I was just checking he was ok, but he was asleep...I guess he was dreaming."

Grant knew that Gerard did periodically call for both Frank and Mikey in his sleep.

"Very well, you should get back to your chores though."

"Yes Master, of course..."

Mikey turned to go, but paused and looked back.

"Um, Master?"

"Yes Michael?"

Mikey looked down at his feet as he fidgeted slightly.

"What's going to happen to Gerard?"

"I don't know yet. Gabriel did a lot of damage to him. He needs time to recover. Right now he is still a danger to my other pets."

Mikey nodded sadly.

"Has he said...has he talked about w-what that m-monster did to him?"

"He talks to Dr. Ray when he comes to check on Brendon's injuries, but he has not spoken to me yet."

Mikey looked up with wide eyes and damp cheeks.

"Master?...could you..."

He sobbed quietly.

"Could you t-tell Gee th-that I l-love him...please?"

Grant's heart softened. He stepped forward and pulled the waif like boy into his arms.

"He knows Michael, but I will tell him again."

Mikey melted against Grant's chest, sobbing and holding on as he tried to stop his tears.

"Shhhh, come come now."

Grant scooped Mikey up and carried him back to the pet's room. He saw Brendon in the bed.

"Brendon, be a dear and take care of Michael for me."

Mikey sniffed and looked up.

"I'm a-alr-right Master...honest."

"Michael, do not argue with me please, you clearly are not. I am going to have Frankie bring you up some libation to calm you a bit."

Mikey nodded resignedly.

"Y-yes Master."

Brendon climbed out of his bunk and limped over...most of his injuries were healing well, but Dr. Ray had said that his right foot might always cause him trouble. He didn't care about his foot, he and Ryan were alive, that's all that mattered.

"I'll take c-care of him M-Master."

He stuttered quietly, smiling shyly up at the older man with nothing short of awe. Grant placed Mikey in the center bed.

"You can both lie here comfortably for the time being."

He watched Brendon's eyes go wide as he knew this bed was off limits if Grant was not using it as well. He chuckled a bit.

"You will find my pet that some rules can be broken at times."

He caressed Brendon's face softly. Brendon practically purred, leaning into the gentle touch he'd longed for from a Master for so long.

"Later my pet, I promise to play with you later."

Grant leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his pet's lips. Brendon whined quietly, then nodded.

"Th-thank you M-Master."

"You are most welcome. Now, take care of him."

One last kiss and Grant was gone. Brendon stared at the empty doorway for a moment before turning around and walking over to the big bed. Hesitating for only a second or two, he climbed on and lay down, pulling Mikey's trembling body into his arms.

"Shh Mikey...y-you're ok. It's g-gonna be o-ok."

Mikey looked up with puffy red eyes.

"I hope you're right Brendon, I really d-do."

Brendon pressed a soft kiss to the corner of Mikey's lips, then smiled gently at him.

"Let's s-sleep a w-while, things will l-look b-brighter when you're n-not so tired."

Mikey nodded, closing his eyes and snuggling up in Brendon's arms. He knew he needed to sleep cause he'd barely slept a wink since everything went down that day...but he just wasn't sure he could...not without Gerard by his side. He would try though, just so Brendon didn't worry. Brendon felt Mikey relax after a while, his breathing evening out. He sighed in relief and let himself drift off to sleep.

*

*

*

"Frankie, be a sweetheart and when you are finished with your chores, bring Michael and Brendon some tea and put a spot of brandy in Michael's. He needs it."

"Yes Master Grant, of course. Is he ok?"

"Yes, he is just a bit upset, that's all."

Frank nodded.

"Maybe he'd like some ice cream too. Do you think he'd like that Master Grant?"

Grant smiled at his youngest pet.

"I would think it couldn't hurt."

Frank smiled.

"Mikey likes strawberry flavor, but I'm not sure about Brendon. Should I get him strawberry too?"

Grant gave a bit of a sad sigh.

"I think Brendon will be happy with almost anything, but perhaps you could ask Ryan?"

Frank nodded.

"Yeah I should. He's in the living room isn't he Master Grant?"

"He is, but be quick about it please."

"Yes Master Grant."

Frank nodded, then turned and headed toward the living room. When he got there, it was to find Ryan giggling quietly as Pete was lying on the floor, half underneath the Grand piano as he tried to reach the can of polish that he'd dropped.

"I'm just not small enough."

He mumbled. Frank looked at Ryan.

"I hate to ask..."

He pointed at Pete's legs as he held back his own giggles.

"You just want me to get on my knees for you."

Ryan chuckled and then proceeded to drop to the ground and slither his small lean body underneath the piano. Frank smiled softly, happy to hear Ryan making jokes.

"Oh, I came to ask you if you want ice cream...I'm getting some for Mikey and Brendon, and Master Grant thought you might like some."

"Yeah, ouch!"

Ryan bumped his head in his excitement. He came out rubbing it.

"Pete said we could get some after we finished dusting."

"Oh, ok then...hey, you don't happen to know what flavour Brendon would like, do you?"

Ryan gave a sad smile.

"Brendon has never had anything other than vanilla."

"Do you think he'd like chocolate?"

"I think he would like anything."

Frank frowned slightly.

"That's what Master Grant said. Hey, what flavour are you gonna have?"

"Oh..."

Ryan blushed slightly.

"I'll take anything you know? I mean when it hardly happens you can't be picky right?"

Frank frowned deeper.

"You can be picky here...we get ice cream at least once a week when we're good, right Pete?”

"Aha!..."

Pete exclaimed, having finally managed to retrieve the can of polish.

"What?...oh, yeah. Ice cream's a regular reward here."

"I'm still not used to that."

"Give it time, you'll get used to it..."

Frankie said, a smile growing on his face again.

"Well, I gotta go get Mikey and Brendon's ice cream, and Mikey's tea...I'll see you in a bit."

He turned and headed off toward the kitchen. Ryan turned to Pete.

"Sorry I couldn’t get the can."

He rubbed his head again.

"It's ok, I got it..."

Pete grinned, holding the can up.

"Hey, are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm alright."

Pete smiled, putting the can down.

"You know, ice cream is very good for sore heads..."

He stepped over and tiptoed to look at the top of the other boy's head before standing back down.

"So is kissing...if you're into that?"

"Oh...um..."

Ryan had never been like this before. This was an intimacy that he didn't know how to even handle. Pete saw Ryan's hesitation and took a half step back.

"We don't have to...there's zero pressure from me, or anyone else here."

"No!"

Ryan leaned forward and grabbed for Pete.

"Please...kiss me?"

Pete smiled softly.

"You sure?"

He reached up to tuck Ryan's hair behind his right ear.

"Yes."

Ryan was breathless. Pete smiled as he leaned in, softly pressing his lips to the boy's. After a few seconds he pulled back, looking into Ryan's eyes.

"How's your head?"

"It's good."

Ryan gave a dopey smile. Pete chuckled softly.

"You're very cute, you know that?"

"Nah, I'm not. Brendon is cute. I'm just..."

Pete put two fingers quickly against Ryan's lips to hush him.

"You're cute, get over it."

Ryan blushed and parted his lips slightly against the other pet's fingers. Pete smirked, playing his fingertip over Ryan's lips.

"Really cute."

Ryan licked his lips slightly catching Pete's fingers with he's tongue. Pete brought his other hand up to stroke Ryan's hair, his voice dropping low and soft.

"We've just about finished in here..."

He glanced around the room quickly before bringing his eyes back to Ryan's.

"So what do you wanna do now?...ice cream...or a little playtime..."

He cupped Ryan's cheek softly.

"Entirely your choice. And if you want to say both...you can."

"I..."

"Perhaps I can help that decision."

Grant stepped into the room liking very much what he saw, but Ryan began to shake and cower dropping to his knees.

"I'm sorry Master! I didn't mean to touch what is yours! Please have mercy on me!"

Pete went down with him, shaking his head as he pulled the boy to him.

"No no Ryan, it's ok. No one’s gonna hurt you sweetheart. You've done nothing wrong...right Master?"

"Yes of course."

Grant walked over and knelt slightly on one knee.

"You are all mine and as long as you know this, I don't mind sharing."

He touched Ryan's face softly.

"I can..."

"Yes...you can."

Ryan looked up at Pete.

"Do you..."

Pete nodded.

"I want to if you do."

"I'm...I'm not used to anyone wanting me."

Pete chuckled.

"Well like ice cream, it's something you'll get used to living here."

Ryan looked from his Master to the pet with hopeful eyes.

"May we have ice cream first?"

Grant smiled and turned to Pete.

"Shall we teach Ryan here how we can have both at the same time Peter?"

Pete smiled wide.

"That sounds like a good idea...what do you think Ryan?...you like that idea?"

"How can you have ice cream and play time together?"

Pete laughed.

"What sweetheart, you never play with your food before?"

Ryan tilted his head slightly and Grant held in his breath. He truly looked like a puppy and that gave Grant all kinds of wonderful ideas. He put them aside for later.

"Perhaps we can both introduce him to that joy. What do you think Peter?'

Pete nodded.

"Yes Master...wonderful idea..."

He smiled softly at the younger boy.

"Don't worry sweetheart, we'll take good care of you."

Ryan just nodded. Pete helped him off the floor and Grant stood up.

"Peter, why don't you take Ryan to the playroom and change the sheets. I will be along shortly."

"Yes Master."

Pete took Ryan's hand and led him away. Grant watched them go. He had a feeling that this afternoon was going to be life changing for more than one of them.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks, how's you?

So life is getting back to normal...for some...while others are learning a whole new kind of normal.

Until next time, PLEASE COMMENT and peace out babies!
<3