Caged

3

Zwei didn't want to open his eyes; It was already morning, which meant another awful day of living.

He realized the tight grip on his waist and turned his head to see a sleeping Sullivan, not so peacefully. Due to his kind nature, Zwei wanted to make the man feel better, so by intertwining their fingers, the boy grabbed Sullivan's hand, and the tension immediately vanished from Sullivan's body.

"I know this was an arranged marriage.. but I want us to at least get along... you were so sweet the first few weeks, then you changed. I love you, Sullivan. I realized that while we were newlywed... Why won't you love me back? What did I do wrong...?" Zwei asked himself, rubbing his thumb over the back of Sullivan's hand.

"Let go." The older man spoke. Sullivan had just woken up, feeling Zwei's hand tangled with his. "Let. Go." He said in a more firm and demanding tone. Zwei quickly took his hand back, slightly quivering. "S-Sorry.." Zwei apologized. Sullivan sat up, Zwei doing the same.

"Go shower and change. I will be heading out to see the queen, so you can go out in the backyard fields or something, as long as a butler or maid is watching you. Do not talk to anyone, don't leave the backyard, and do not bring any wild animals into the house, am I clear?" The man said. Zwei nodded and headed to the bathroom, Sullivan in the other one.

After they both bathed and changed, Sullivan wore a white tuxedo with a tailored coat, and Zwei had on a pair of shorts and a white T-shirt, "Because no one but the servants will see you, I will not comment on your choice of clothing," Sullivan explained. Zwei held back a smile, happy his husband thought somewhat well of him for once. As they walked down the stairs, Sullivan placed his hand on Zwei's waist, pulling him closer. 'Where's this sudden affection coming from..? Whatever it is, I want more of it...' Zwei thought.

He didn't think much of it, holding back yet another smile as they made it to the door. "Bye, Sullivan," Zwei said, looking up as the taller male gazed at him from above. A soft kiss was placed on Zwei's bandages, stunning the younger boy. "I am sorry for what I did yesterday. It was wrong of me." Sullivan apologized. Zwei met Sullivan's eyes, smiling.

"Just no food for a few days would have been better." Sullivan finished. Zwei didn't care about the added statement, so he hugged the man tightly. "It's okay," He said, releasing himself from Sullivan's torso.

After Sullivan left, Zwei quietly walked to the living room, looking around to check if any maids or butlers were around. Seeing the coast was clear, he lightly squealed, jumping up and down in happiness. "Does he not hate me anymore!?" He questioned himself. He hugged himself, so happy with having Sullivan's favor for once. The boy walked to the backyard door, smiling at the chance of partial freedom. As he touched the doorknob, a voice startled him. "Sir, Zwei? Where are you going?" A butler questioned.

"J-Just to the backyard!" Zwei explained. "Well, I'll come with you." The butler said, beginning to walk towards the boy. "Uh-! S-Sullivan said.. I could go... alone..." He lied, fidgeting with the rim of his shirt. "Oh, in that case, enjoy your time outside then." The butler bowed, walking away. He undoubtedly felt bad about betraying Sullivan's orders, but since he wasn't here, he assumed the man wouldn't find out if he was back before his husband had returned. Zwei quickly opened the door, hurrying into the grass field. The large property had been enclosed with a wire fence that seemed to go on for miles.

He rushed into the forest, looking around for animals. He saw a herd of deer and a fox family, getting near enough to pet the mama. By this time, he was close to the fence, not to mention it took him about 45 minutes to get there in the first place, and that was just by running. "You must be an animal person, huh?" Someone said. Zwei yelped, turning around. "W-Who are you!? Why are you here!?" Zwei questioned, glaring at the person.

It was a man about the same height as Sullivan but an inch shorter, he wore light tan overalls, a straw hat, and grey shoes. He was also fairly handsome. "My name is Jinn. Do not worry, I work here." Jinn comforted, giving the more petite boy a warm smile. Zwei slowly stepped forward, jolting back when Jinn moved his hand. "I won't hurt you. I am just getting this stick out of your hair," He chuckled, picking out the small twig from Zwei's hair.

Zwei looked up at him, meeting the man's beautiful brown eyes. "Th-Thank you..." Zwei said, slightly smiling at the stranger. Jinn smiled back, ruffling Zwei's messy hair. "Want to see the pond?" The more built man questioned. "Sullivan owns one!?" Zwei asked, almost shouting. "Judging how large the property is, it's not as stunning I suppose," Jinn replied. "Okay.. but you've got to promise not to tell anyone you saw me!" Zwei conditioned.

"Deal."