Brotherhood

Heaven and Hell

The rest of the trip to Blake's was spent in tense silence. Five and Seven jumped out of the bed of the truck as soon as it was through the gate while it was still in motion, causing Blake to curse again as he parked the car in the garage and earning him a frown from Alicia. By now, One was limp as a rag doll and barely conscious. Miley held tightly to him until Blake gently picked him up and carried him into the house. She and Alicia stayed close to Blake, acutely aware of the angry glares of the other two men as they followed them inside.

Blake casually walked in and sat down with the drugged telepath in his lap on the center cushion of the sofa. One moaned, pulling against the cuffs, his eyes closed. "Lemme go," he mumbled.

"Soon, I promise," Blake vowed. He wrapped his arms around One, trying to provide what comfort he could. To his surprise, One snuggled in against his chest, tucking his head under Blake's chin. The gesture was so similar to something Adam had done so many times that for a moment, Blake almost habitually kissed the side of his neck. But this was One, not Adam. That wasn't even Adam sitting across from him. Blake had to admit that to himself now.

"Ok," Alicia began, cautiously taking a seat next to Blake on the couch to face the two. "We need to establish a mutually respectful situation here."

"Mutually respectful?" Seven snapped. "When you've got our brother drugged and handcuffed, trapped on Blake's lap? This looks more like a hostage situation to me!"

"What have you done to him?" Five asked. His usually friendly face was twisted into an angry scowl, and his warm voice was now dripping with menace.

"We didn't hurt him!" Miley defended, sitting down on the other side of Blake. "We know that he altered our memories, mine and Blake's, and I know that he couldn't use his powers while he was roofied. So, we roofied him again. Now he can't hurt us!"

"But I assure you, I can," Five warned.

"Nuh uh!" Alicia scolded, holding up her hand. "No threats! Mutual respect."

"Then show our brother some respect!" Five countered. "One's barely conscious now, and he's absolutely no threat to you. There is no need to keep him restrained. There wasn't a need to restrain him in the first place! He never would have hurt you, we're here on a protection duty! So why don't you let him go? Now!"

"Let him go, Blake," Alicia advised. "Good way to start. We aren't looking for anyone to get hurt. All we want is some answers."

Blake quickly undid One's handcuffs. With a small sigh, One drew his arms up and snuggled against Blake's chest like a small child. Blake smiled and patted him.

Five wasn't amused. He stood up, obviously intending to take One back. But then he blinked, swayed, and stumbled, falling hard against the table. "Fuck! What the hell did you give him?"

"Rohypnol," Miley explained. "I made a few calls to some people, who made a few calls. Kind of scary how easy it was to get it when you're offering double market value. But it looks like maybe the odds here are a little more even than we thought?"

Seven had risen to assist Five, and he glared at Miley's comment. "You gave our baby brother a date rape drug? You're monsters! Give him to us, Blake," he ordered.

"I think maybe he's fine where he is. That stuff's hitting you guys, too. Honestly, I think you might drop him," Blake observed. "How about we talk now?"

"I won't drop him!" Five snapped. "Give him back!"

"Five," Alicia began.