Broken [boyxboy]

Chapter Nine

It was hard to act like nothing had happened.

I noticed Mattie was limping, and winced on his behalf. Andrew noticed my expression and pulled Mattie close by his hair, whispering something to him. Mattie immediately looked scared and nodded his head. He flashed me the dirtiest look I'd ever seen in my life and began to walk in what was obviously the most normal way he could. Tears of pain formed in his eyes and I felt awful. 

Laurie interrupted my train of thought. 

"Here," he put a piece of toast and some tea in front of me. "A little reward for being such a good boy last night." 

"Thanks," I smiled. "Sir." I added the last part hastily at the look he gave me. Mattie was given Andrew's crusts and nothing else. I could tell just from looking at him that he was hungry; he was skinny to the point where he was almost skeletal. The clingy top showed his ribs and the bumps of his spine and his skinny jeans were baggy around the legs and held up with a tight belt. Even then, he had to keep hitching them up around his bony hips. He looked as if he hadn't had a good meal in months. 

I got the chance to speak to him when Andrew and Laurie went for a morning walk and a couple of cigarettes. He didn't look at me. He stared at the floor, holding onto his elbows, hugging himself. 

"I'm sorry," I told him. "I didn't mean to get you in trouble." He flashed me the evil eyes again. And then he sighed. 

"Don't be," he said. "It's not your fault. He was pissed off at me anyway, he was just looking for an excuse to have a go. I deserved it, like. This morning I..." he trailed off. 

"I heard," I informed him, and he immediately flushed peony pink. 

"I-I... It's not usually th-that way," he stammered. "I-I mean... I-I... I normally w-want too. I d-d-don't often say n-no. It w-was a o-one off. I-I'm a g-good boy usually, honest." 

"Mattie," I said. "You don't have to pretend for me - I understand." 

"Right," he nodded, like he didn't totally believe me. There was an awkward pause. 

 "Mattie... can I ask you a question?" I said, quietly. 

"Sure," he said. 

"When was the last time you ate a proper meal?" I asked. He didn't even have to think about it. 

"Eight months ago this Friday," he said. "Laurie and Master went to the seaside for a week and Master took me with him. He smuggled me in the back in the night so he could keep me locked up in the room the whole week and not look suspicious but Laurie sneaked me out one day while Master was out gambling. He bought me fish and chips and mushy peas and a can of fizzy pop. It was the first time since I became a pet that I'd had anything like that, it was amazing. One of the best meals I've had in years. Laurie was so careful to get rid of the evidence but I was a fucking idiot and I forgot to clean my teeth and he tasted the salt and vinegar on my lips when he kissed me and he was so mad. I had to tell him I'd been stealing food so Laurie wouldn't get into trouble... that was one of the worst beatings I ever got. I couldn't walk properly for weeks. I couldn't even speak, let alone eat because my mouth was so swollen. I've not been given a proper meal since." 

"Oh, Mattie," I involuntarily reached out and stroked his hair. He smiled up at me, obviously appreciating the affection in the gesture. 

"It's not so bad," he shrugged. "I mean, it was at first but I got used to the hunger pains quickly enough and Master says my stomach's probably shrunk now anyway, so I don't need so much food any more." 

"That's sad," I said. "He's horrible to you." 

"He can be sweet," he shifted uncomfortably. "At least, as far as Masters go. You're so lucky. Laurie's a definite one off. There's no Vamp as sweet as he is, I reckon. He's ever so nice. I know it's a bit shit that you're in the situation you're in, but you got the best you could out of it. Laurie will take care of you." 

"I-I know," I admitted. "He's nice." 

Soon after, Laurie and Andrew returend. Laurie smiled at me and folded his arms around my waist.. 

"Hey, there, pretty baby," he said, pressing his lips to mine gently. My body betrayed me as I almost willingly kissed him back. 

When he pulled away, I saw Mattie watching us enviously, his own lips slightly pursed like he was hoping to be kissed that way himself. He looked at Andrew and tried a small smile, but it just earned him a sharp slap so hard it almost knocked him off of his feet. 

"Don't smirk at me, little bitch," Andrew mumbled. Mattie's cheek flared up bright red but he didn't dare rub it to try and ease the pain. Instead he muttered an apology and averted his eyes. Laurie rubbed my shoulders gently, stopping me from bolting forwards to help Mattie. When Andrew took him for a shower, I sighed. 

"Laur?" I said. "Mattie told me he hasn't eaten properly in eight months." 

"Mm," Laurie shifted uncomfortably. 

"That isn't fair. He shouldn't be starved," I said. 

"You're right," Laurie said. "But he's Andrew's pet. It's up to Andrew how to punish him." 

"So you're okay with it?" I sniffed. 

"No, no, but I don't like to get involved," he sighed. "Try not to think on it too much, babe. Mattie's tougher than he looks. He can handle it, I'm sure." 

I didn't agree but I didn't argue either.