Silent

20. Just you and I

At Christmas, Ricky needed to go visit his family in California, and for obvious reasons, he couldn't take Michael with him. Since Joe had a similar issue with Jack, the men had agreed that both could spend the time together in Joe's apartment.

Michael could not say he was sorry about the matter. Even if there would be someone to check on them, guarding them, it was definitely better than having to stand Ricky's closeness.

Michael did his best not to let it show how happy this arrangement made him. He did his best to play the obedient and submissive role that Ricky expected of him. The man seemed to think he had wrapped him well under his sick web and it was best to let him keep that illusion.

There was a wave of relief when Michael saw the older boy coming to greet them in the hall. When Michael had returned to the room the previous weekend, Jack had already left with Joe and he hadn't dared to ask Ricky more about him. Now, there Jack stood, smiling warmly at him and Michael happily returned the smile. Still, he did his best not to seem too pleased while Ricky was still present.

They introduced a third man to them; Jeff, who would keep an eye and check on them daily. He would also check in if he saw anything out of the ordinary through the surveillance camera, which monitored the front door and parts of the apartment. They could not venture outside and if they did, it would also alert Jeff and his team. They would have everything they needed at the house and Jack had been instructed how to use the kitchen equipment.

And then they were left alone. Michael watched hesitantly the other boy, who then, quite spontaneously, walked over to hug him tightly. "I'm so glad to see ya," Jack said, pulling back to look at him closely. "I was worried for ya."

"Likewise," Michael smiled a bit hesitantly and chewed on his lip. "Are you feeling well?" He asked, observing the older boy worriedly.

"Oh, I'm fine. Especially now having ya here with me!" Jack exclaimed and took his hand. "Come, are ya hungry? Let's go see all the stuff he left!" He pulled Michael towards the kitchen and, while feeling somewhat overwhelmed, Michael followed.

Once in the kitchen, Jack started opening the cupboards. " What would ya like?" he asked and turned to look at Michael." We honestly have tons of stuff here. Sausages, cheese, turkey, bread, chocolates, chips!" Jack spoke excitedly and turned to look at him. Michael smiled, hoping that he could feel as carefree as Jack, but suddenly it hit him just how odd the situation was. He wrapped one arm around himself, looking insecurely around the room, wondering where the security cameras were.

"I already had breakfast with Ricky," he then answered, still looking around. "But you go ahead."

"Ya seem a bit distracted. Take a seat, relax! It's our holiday and we should do our best to enjoy it!"

Michael took a seat at the table and watched as Jack prepared sandwiches for himself. "This is about the highest level of cooking I can do, so..." Jack shrugged. "I don't know what Joe expected when he got all that stuff in the fridge..."

Michael was quiet for a while, looking around in the spacious kitchen with all the expensive equipment. The whole situation was strange beyond words. There he was with Jack in this fancy setting, and with... Michael observed the knives. Apparently, Ricky now trusted that he wouldn't do anything foolish... And the cameras... He looked up and saw one. He frowned as he observed the red light that told it was recording. Jack seemed to pay no mind to it.

"I can cook," Michael finally said. Trying not to think of the camera, trying not to imagine what twisted things could happen and why...

"Oh?" Jack turned to him, interrupting his thoughts. "That would be great. Of course, I can try helping with what I can, but really I have two left hands when it comes to cooking." Jack laughed and his laughter sounded so carefree it amazed Michael.