Desire and Cost

Manipulating Powers (1/2)

A chance to be on land. An opportunity for Flynn to seek his most selfish desires. To travel and observe the life that flourished so diversely in busy cities and small towns. That's what Flynn wanted.

And so, he sought to achieve. He was going to travel the world and see things no other mermaid could! But he soon learned the cruelty of desiring what you can't afford.

The large city was no place for a lost little mermaid. His bare feet pattered against the concrete, little splashes heard as he walked. This was a brand new world to him. The bright, colorful neon lights concealed the moonlight he missed, but he accepted it quickly. Land was different, and he was prepared for every exciting event. Late at night, he walked the streets carelessly, although several skeptical eyes watched him. Someone so young shouldn't be out so late. It was a concept that was taboo.

It was hours until a black SUV pulled up beside Flynn, and he stared at the vehicle in confusion. He didn't know what a car was... The window rolled down.

"You look lost, young boy... do you need help getting around?"

Flynn hadn't anticipated receiving much help, and he hadn't come up with a story about how he came to land without parents or family, so he made something up on the spot.

"Y...yes... I've.. I've run away from home and I need somewhere to stay."

"Is that so? Well, I have a place... It's lovely and large and very comfortable. Would you join me?"

Uneasily, Flynn nodded to the handsome stranger. It seemed like a good deal. Flynn could live somewhere! And he could explain himself further and receive aid in traveling the world. A marvelous vision!

It was that moment Flynn's life changed forever. What was an innocent attempt to carry out his dreams, became an inescapable nightmare.

After agreeing to live in the mansion with the stranger, Flynn became very comfortable. He had his own room, and he was permitted to explore the home, and the servants were very kind. Perhaps he was lucky to have ended up in a situation that offered him everything he would need! The only issue was Flynn needed permission for many things. He'd like to go outside a majority of the time, but the man denied him because he didn't want Flynn wandering and not returning. Young, naive, and unable to comprehend why this was a red flag, Flynn obeyed. After all, he was the one staying in this man's house. He later learned his name was Vincent. While Vincent provided Flynn with luxurious clothes and items, it was clear Vincent wanted something in return. So, one day, Flynn asked what he wanted.

"Would it be too much to ask that you lay with me?"

Flynn stiffened.

"You mean-"

"Sexual intercourse..."

Flynn was rubbing his arm.

"I don't know... I don't think I'm ready. I also don't want to... Can I do something else?"

"...Yes. Just stay with me, okay?"

"I..I suppose."

Everything spun out of control from that point. Vincent begged Flynn everyday for sex, and Flynn would respond every time with a polite decline. It was evident Vincent became impatient, and his actions toward Flynn varied from affectionate to harsh. Occasionally Flynn would be kissed on the head, or be pulled into a hug, and other times they'd argue about what Flynn should do with his body.

One night, Vincent had enough and was ready to convince Flynn to give himself up. Right before bed, Vincent tucked Flynn in.

"You know... you still must repay me for all I do for you."

"Vincent, you know I don't like people touching me very much."

"And I understand that.. but you see... I could give you everything you've ever wanted. Travel, right? Easy. Taken care of. All you have to do is.. relax.." he ran a hand through Flynn's hair to his caressing his cheek. Whatever Flynn said to Vincent went right out the other ear, apparently. Flynn shifted uncomfortably.

"Why..? Why do you keep asking?"

A deep sigh by Vincent.
"You have nothing, Flynn. Nothing to give me in return. But you are beautiful. Carved by gods.. You know how I said money was valuable?"

"I do.."

"Exactly! It is. And like money, your body is valuable... You in exchange for your wildest fantasies..."

Flynn looked away and debated. Vincent seemed to wear him down and trick him.

"I.. Okay. I guess if that's how it works."

And so it happened. Often. Even when Flynn begged for it not to. If he resisted, he'd be beaten and sexually exploited. It hurt everyday. He could barely walk sometimes, and he'd have bruises all along his body after being hurt for crying or pleading. Travel wasn't worth this... Flynn tried to escape.

While he slept in the man's bed with him, he slowly slipped from under his arm and attempted to open the door. Somehow, it was locked, and Vincent woke up. Flynn watched him stir with terror. Vincent stood and rushed to Flynn, taking him by his blue hair.

"Where the hell do you think you're going, huh? After everything I've done for you?" he screamed, pushing Flynn to the floor while maintaining a strong grip on his hair. Flynn began to cry.

"I-I'm sorry! Please! Don't hurt me, I'm scared!"

"Scared? Of me? After all I've done? You're about to be scared. Why do you insist on making me mad?"

Flynn struggled as Vincent violently stood Flynn up. The mermaid could barely stand, and he limped due to the pain of his bruises and the soreness of his exhausted body.

"Why?! You know no one is ever going to take you in like I did! They'll only want you for your body! I'm providing for you! Damn brat!" he aggressively screamed into Flynn's face, causing him to sob more.

Instead of listening to an answer, Vincent dragged Flynn to the top of the stairs and held him by his neck, snarling.

"Don't make me shove you down here."

Flynn choked and coughed, begging for forgiveness. It was fruitless. Hurled down the stairs, Flynn hit his head and felt blood trickle. Vincent soon approached again, to which Flynn recoiled, but was pulled into a hug.

"Don't leave me. Okay? You just make me so mad... I love you."

Terrified and too shaken and weak to fight back, Flynn held Vincent tightly.

"I love you, I love you, I swear, I won't leave, I'm sorry I'm sorry..."

This continued for months until Flynn fled. One of the servants helped him escape.

There was one thing he remembered and kept to heart, though:

No one was going to love and care for him without wanting something despicable in return.