This story is the continuation of Behind closed doors so if you haven't read that one I suggest to start there. This novel is more storydriven than BCD and also involves more focus on the other characters in the Overwatch family.
The story picks up...
As Jack walked towards the shed where he expected Gabriel to be, he rolled up his sleeve... like he had done many days previous to this one. It was early in the morning and it was still dark outside. He liked this time of day, it was quiet and peaceful. Back in Overwatch it had been one of few times where he got to be alone and not have everyone's eyes on him.
He looked down at his bruised arm and sighed. Gabriel and he had made a deal, at least Jack had been clear about it and Gabriel had seemed to understand, about this whole feeding thing. Gabriel would stay calm and Jack would provide him with what he needed. Sometimes Gabriel got a bit eager though, gripping Jack's arm, causing bruising and scratch marks on Jack's skin.
Angela had suggested to draw blood from Jack and feed Gabriel that way, but every time they tried it, it seemed to make his episodes worse. It was as if it made him anxious and uneasy, but when Jack was with him, he calmed down. The ropes of course kept him in place, but the black smoke still flowed around him and his skin shifted, causing him great discomfort and pain. So Jack decided to do it this way.
Angela had also tried to feed Gabriel regular food, in order to build up his strength, but he just couldn't stomach it and it always ended the same way, with him throwing up, so they had to stop that as well. With Angela's treatment though, Gabriel could now drink small amounts of water, something that made her very happy. Small progress, but still something.
Jack zipped up his jacket as he walked over the yard that connected the main house with the other buildings. It was a chilly morning and he shivered slightly as his boots hit the dew-covered ground.
The door to the shed creaked as he pushed it open.
"Gabriel?" he called out in a tired and raspy voice.
He then huffed with a light smile on his face.
Gabriel was sitting on the floor, leaning his head against his arm, sound asleep. Some black smoke was slowly rising around him, but he looked calm... almost peaceful.
Jack's smile dimmed and he sighed. He had to keep his guard up. He had seen how fast things could turn badly with Gabriel and now he didn't have only himself to look out for. He also needed to protect Angela and the baby.
The red rope was lying on the ground next to Gabriel, still attached to a metal loop in the wall. Jack had made sure it was well secured.
As he reached down and picked it up he saw Gabriel shivering.
Jack sighed again. He then took his jacket off and put it over Gabriel's shoulders.
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Gabriel took a deep breath as the scent of Jack reached him in his dreams.
"I am sorry," Jack whispered. "But I cannot take any chances."
Gently and carefully he wrapped the rope around Gabriel's neck and tying a knot. He made sure that he could breathe properly by putting a few fingers between the rope and the dark enigma's skin. Gabriel was so deeply asleep that apart from a few groans, he did not react at all to Jack being there.
