Because I Love You five

Running through the woods without shoes or socks wasn't wise. Then again it was better than wasting time trying to find them. Or demand Emmett give him either. That would probably have ended in a lot of questioning from the older man. Stuff that he knew better than to answer honestly. And knowing full well that if he didn't that the older man would have been really upset with him. Then there would be a lot of pain for lying and trying to escape the older man. Which was something that he will be getting if that bastard caught up with him. All of this was stuff that Rhys didn't want to think of at all. What he desperately wanted was just to go back to his apartment.

Back to his barely furnished home into his twin sized bed. One that didn't have stupid kid's bedding. Or had stupid little toys all over it either. Just anywhere that wasn't anywhere near that disgusting man ever again. Hell, he might even go to the cops. See if any of them could help him in this. Maybe get Emmett arrested on kidnapping and assault. Anything that would put him in jail for a long time. Rhys was vaguely sure those would be the charges against him. Maybe something else. Just as soon as he got the Hell out of there. That was another problem that he realized he had in the moment. Where in the utter Hell were they? The woods didn't look the slightest bit familiar. Nor did he remember any place near his home being like this. Were...was this another state entirely? Had Emmett gone over state lines? Did he tell him that they had? Racking his brain, Rhys couldn't remember. Couldn't remember if town was close or real far either. As Emmett seemingly never left that horrible dusty house for a minute.

At least not when Rhys was awake or not. Nor did he say anything about town to his knowledge. There was no way of knowing how far he had to run until he got there. Or if he was going to be able to get there. It didn't matter. All that mattered was trying to get the Hell out of there. Rhys's heart pounded in his chest hard as he ran deeper in to the woods. Towards anything that could be remotely considered safety. Breathing hard as he ran as hard as he could. Legs burning with the effort. So far, Emmett wasn't immediately on his ass. In fact, it seemed like Rhys had lost him a long time ago. From what he could tell the other man had lost him.

Quickly, Rhys dared to glance over his shoulder. To judge if Emmett was still right behind him or not. Praying that there was a decent enough distant between them. The minute he took his eyes off the trail, his left foot snagged a root. Causing him to fall forward onto the ground. Hitting it hard and slipping for a little bit before stopping. He got a few scrapes on his neck and face. Along with his chest. There were probably a few splinters in his palms and his forearms. The sharp sting in his left ankle told him that it was hurt. Not, like it was broken. Probably sprained if he was being honest. But fuck did it really hurt. That didn't matter right then. What mattered was getting out of the open. And making damn sure that Emmett didn't see him right away. As in this state, the older man could easily recapture him. Rhys hurriedly dragged himself into the nearest tree hollow. Hiding himself inside the best that he could. Making sure that he wouldn't be easily spotted from the outside. Everything hurt in the moment. And he did his very best to ignore all of his injuries. Holding his injured hands over his mouth. Making sure to muffle his ragged breathing. Eyes wide as he glanced around for the older man.

It wasn't a long wait, a few minutes later and Emmett came into the clearing. Looking utterly frantic as he searched for the younger man. Thankfully, not spotting him in his hiding spot. Something that Rhys thanked anyone listening that he didn't. Emmett was looking pretty frantic as his eyes darted around the space. Tears rolling down his face as he called,"RHYS?! BABY WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"RHYS?! PAPA NEEDS TO SEE YOU! BABY, ANSWER ME! PLEASE?!",he cried. There was no way in Hell he was going to answer him. Not if he wanted to get his freedom. Yet, he found himself feeling strangely guilty about it. Though he wasn't sure why. The bastard kidnapped him and he hurt him. Probably would kill him if given the chance. There was just something about the heartbreak in Emmett's voice that was getting to him. Even if he wasn't entirely sure why. Part of him wanted to get out of the tree hollow. Crawl up to him and beg him for forgiveness. Though he feared what would happen if he did. The punishment that would surely follow. Something that he was far too afraid to think of.

While he sat there, Emmett kept pleading with him to come out. To come back to him. And that he was in big trouble if he didn't come back. Yeah, he wasn't going to do that. At all. No matter how guilty he was feeling about this whole thing. He wouldn't be going back. There was no threat or promise in the world that would bring him out. Not even if Emmett apologized to him for everything that happened. Which is something that Rhys doubted would ever happen. Ever. Not without Emmett being mortally wounded. Or something like that. But, as much as he feared and loathed the man. He really didn't want to have to kill him. Only if he absolutely had to, would Rhys do so. Just only if he absolutely had to.

Like if Emmett were threatening his life. Another thing that he hoped to avoid at all costs. As he wished to go home as soon as possible. Get the police involved to arrest this horrible bastard and move on with his life. Just had to wait for Emmett to go away. Preferably the way that he had come from instead of walking ahead. That way he could walk or rather hobble to safety so much easier. And not risk the chance of being seen.

Hopefully not being seen.

Rhys watched the older man wipe his tears with the back of his hand. Standing in place as he looked so utterly heartbroken at the idea of losing Rhys. Which was something that tugged hard at his heartstrings. Nearly making him want to crawl out as he stared at Emmett. The older man didn't look like he was going to be giving up. It both terrified and strangely...warmed him? This was something that Rhys wasn't sure why on. All of this was just so hard to process. He didn't know why he was feeling this way. The guilt, the strange happiness, and the need to go make Emmett feel better. There just...none of this was making sense anymore. All of these feelings were swirling inside of him as he watched Emmett try to compose himself. It really tugged at his heart strings. Part of him nearly speaking up when he got close to the tree hollow. Clearly, the older man wasn't able to see him as he stood close to it. Cutting Rhys's view of his face off as he cried there. A moment later, the older man begged,"PLEASE?! BABY COME OUT! PAPA'S SCARED!"

"PLEASE?! PLEEEAASE?!",Emmett pleaded. It made his guts twist as he stood near the tree. Making him grateful that he had hidden himself so well. Keeping his hurt hands tight over his mouth to muffle his breathing. Which he was afraid could be heard from where the older man was standing. He also hoped that the older man couldn't hear his thundering heartbeat. Pressing his hands tighter against his mouth as he watched Emmett's legs. Ignoring the pain shooting through both of them. Tear quietly rolling down his cheeks as he sat there. Freezing in place when he heard what the older man said next. Sadly, Emmett mumbled,"My poor boy. He must be in so much pain and be so very lost."

"He's still in trouble when I get my hands on him.",Papa whispered. That sent a shiver down his spine. Fearing what that could possibly mean. Just what kind of punishment that was going to be in store for him. Knowing full well that it could and definitely would be painful. Yet, Rhys still felt the urge to go to him. The urge was God damn near overwhelming inside of him. And he smothered it down the best that he could. Rhys took a quiet calming breath through his nose as he watched Emmett's legs. Just wondering when the older man was going to leave. And just what he was up to. Fearing what he was going to do next. Also fearing that Emmett realized just where Rhys was hiding.

And that he would soon reach under to pull him out of the tree hollow. At any second. His gut twisted further as he heard him quietly huff. Not saying a word or making another sound for a horribly long time. Which felt like hours but was probably around three minutes. Then there was a sniffling sound. Almost like he was composing himself or something. Which made some form of sense to the younger man. He probably didn't want Rhys to see him so sad or something. This went on for a few minutes. Emmett trying his best to compose himself as Rhys quietly freaked out in the tree hollow. And it was really starting to terrify him. As he wished that Emmett would just give up on him. Then go back to that horrible house. He was hoping that the older man would leave soon.

The silence that was happening was just so suffocating for him. It had him on edge as he watched the older man's legs. Praying that he would just leave. Leave soon and go back to his horrible dusty house. That any minute the older man would go away. Any minute now, he hoped it would happen. So, why in the Heck wasn't he leaving? Rhys's frustration with him grew as he watched Emmett's legs for a little while. Praying that he would jut go already. It was just way too much for him to handle. There was a moment where he felt was caught...then Emmett finally started to walk away. To Rhys's delight it was in the direction that he came from. Something that he mentally cheered as he watched Emmett's form disappear out of his sight. But, he didn't immediately leave his hiding pot. Fearing that Emmett would somehow hear him. Or worse, spot him if he left the hiding spot that exact moment. So, he mentally counted to thirty as he set his hands down. Slowly pushing himself out of the tree hollow. Glancing around to be sure that Emmett was well and truly gone. When it seemed like the coast was clear, he got out. A tiny happy smile growing on his face as he did so. Standing up, Rhys gave a soft sigh of relief. Turning to start walking towards town once more. Nearly crying as he started walking. Only freezing when he heard someone clear their throat behind him. Shaking a little as he knew who it was without turning around. Emmett asked,"Baby, where do you think you're headed?"

"Home, Emmett. I'm going to my real home and my real family.",Rhys answered. Doing his best to keep his tone level. Not wanting the older man to hear his fear. Or know that he was terrifying him. And didn't dare turn around to see the older man's face. Mostly out of fear of the anger on his face. Fear that Rhys would go back to him out of guilt. All of which he just wanted to avoid at that moment. So, he stood still avoiding turning back to him. What he wanted right then is to run away from him. That way he could go home to his nearly empty apartment away from the older man. All he had to do is just freaking start running. Bolt and pray that the older man wouldn't be able to keep up with him. Yet, he somehow couldn't make himself move an inch. Why couldn't he get himself to move? A loud huff from the older man set his nerves on edge. Almost making him turn back to the older man. Knowing full well that Emmett was angry. Just from that loud huff alone. The older man snapped,"You were home!"

"We were home and it's where you're supposed to be!",he yelled. Making the younger man flinch in place. Making him not want to turn around and see the older man's face. That he'd probably go back to him the second he did. Rhys said nothing as he took a step forward. Not saying anything as Emmett continued to yell at him. Sounding angrier and angrier the more he ignored him. This wasn't going to deter him from going home. No amount of yelling or begging was going to do that. Chewing the inside of his cheek as he did so. Nearly stopping when the older man demanded,"Rhys! Don't you dare take another fucking step forward young man!"

"You're in enough trouble as is! Don't you dare make this worse on yourself!",he ordered. In that tone of voice that Rhys's actual Dad used when he was younger. One that would keep him in place. Would if he were his Father. Not this time, though. This time, he started running forward once again. As fast as his legs could carry him in that moment. Doing his best this time to not look behind him. Tearing as he heard Emmett running right behind him. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. As his injuries were finally catching up to him. The pain in his left ankle nearly made it hard for him to run. And despite how hard he tried, he couldn't force himself to. Soon he found himself collapsing to the ground. Whimpering as he tried to crawl away from the older man. Who only gave a soft sigh as he slowed his pace. Walking up to him and gently gripping the younger man's waist. Stopping him from moving quicker than Rhys would have liked. Tears rolling down his face as he was easily picked off the ground. No matter how hard he struggled, he couldn't get himself free. No, no, no! It wasn't fair. This wasn't fucking fair! Rhys had come so far! How could he have been recaptured so fucking easily?! None of this was even in the realm of being fair.

Despite trying hard not to, Rhys found himself bawling. Pleading that the older man not hurt him. That he was sorry for running. It was the only thing that he could think of. Then it hit him, the screwdriver! He could use it on the older man then limp away! Quickly, he reached for the pocket it was in. Heart pounding in his chest as he slipped his hand in. Then it sank to the ground when he found that it wasn't in there. His blood ran cold as he realized it probably fell out during his fall. And that it was somewhere behind them. And there was no way for him to get free to get it. Not right now there wasn't. This made him bawl even harder as Emmett adjusted him. Holding him bridal style as he tried to shush him. Making sure Rhys's head laid against his shoulder as they walked. His expression was tense but, he didn't seem all that angry. More worried if anything. Worried that Rhys would escape him once again. Possibly worried that he even came close to escaping him. Maybe worried about the injuries he received trying to escape. Though a part of Rhys really doubted this.

For some reason he doubted this...he couldn't bring himself to dwell on it. Too tired to even continue struggling in Emmett's hold. Or even cry anymore. All he did was lay limp in Emmett's grip. Barely paying attention as the older man brought him back to that damned house. Tears still pouring down his face as Emmett opened the front door. After adjusting the younger man, a little bit. When they walked in, Emmett stated,"I want you to know that Papa isn't mad at you."

"That all of this is hard for you to get used to. And setbacks are going to happen.",Emmett added. Walking over to the couch, he gently sat him down. Examining the injuries he had gotten from his fall. The scrapes on his face and neck weren't too serious. Neither were the ones on his arms and hands. Though the one on his chest didn't look all that good. Emmett did his best to hide his worry about that. Not as well as he thought he did but, Rhys was too tired to tell him. Nor did he really want to. Fearing that he would get hurt worse if he did. The older man found a few splinters in both his hands. There wasn't a ton but there were enough to worry Rhys. How hadn't he noticed this when he tripped earlier? Just how many did he have in total? Ignoring this, he watched as Emmett got off the ground. Then walked out of sight towards what he guessed was the kitchen. It probably was where he kept that first aid kit at. As he wasn't entirely sure where else he'd keep it. A moment later, the older man was back with it. Holding it up, he informed,"We are going to bandage you up and get those splinters out."

"We can't have any of them getting infected now, can we?",Emmett asked. Rhys said nothing. Knowing full well that he wasn't expecting him to actually answer him. Or like he cared if Rhys had actually answered him. Instead he just laid there as the older man came back to him. Kneeling down as he opened the kit. Which he sat on the couch next to the younger man. Getting out the tweezers and taking his left hand. Carefully pulling out the little pieces of wood. This was something that Rhys was happy about. As he didn't own a pair of tweezers at home. It would probably be something that the younger man would need a neighbor to help him with. It really hurt but, Rhys did his best to not show it. Not well enough as Emmett cooed to him. In that tone that was reserved for really over dramatic children who got a tiny scrape. Kissing Rhys's palm, he apologized,"I know, baby. I know."

"But they gotta come out.",Emmett added. Doing his best to hurriedly pull the splinters out from the other hand. Then hurriedly disinfected both of them before bandaging them. Apologizing once more for the pain he put him through. Well, sort of apologizing. It was more of a 'sorry, not sorry' type thing. Which would have pissed him off if he wasn't so tired. Both emotionally and physically. Soon as he was done with that, Emmett started on his feet. Gripping the injured ankle made Rhys wince and whimper. So, the older man quietly apologized for that. Promising him that he would be quick with getting the splinters out. And that he would wrap a bandage around his ankle to help it. Carefully touching it, the older man informed,"It isn't broken, Bubba. But it's definitely sprained."

"You're being such a good boy about all of this.",he continued. It nearly made him want to throw up at the sound. And he was super tempted to kick him in the face at the same time. Yet, he had no energy for such an action. Nor could he muster up the urge to sneer at the older man. Instead he just merely watched Emmett work. Hurriedly pulling the remaining splinters out of his feet. Carefully disinfecting them and then bandaging them. Wrapping something around his left ankle that made it feel somewhat better. Emmett quickly put everything back into the kit. Humming that 'Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight' song. His face burned a little when Emmett kissed over the bandages. Gently pressing a peck on the injured ankle with a small smile. Moving up to kiss the bandages on his hands as he looked the younger man's eyes. Looking Rhys in the eye, Emmett asked,"Does that feel any better, Bubba?"

Strangely, they did. And he nodded his head in agreement. Mumbling a soft 'Thank you, Papa'. Finding it strange that his injuries were feeling that way. This somehow seemed to please Emmett as he leaned in and kissed his forehead. Picking him up quickly and holding him close like a parent would a toddler. Resting his head against his shoulder. In a gentle tone, Emmett stated,"You're very welcome, my love. Now I think we both could use a nap."

"Because I don't know about you but, I'm tired.",he added. Yawning a little as if for emphasis. Which caused Rhys to yawn as well. Causing Emmett to chuckle a little bit. Gently patting his back as he turned to walk him upstairs. Planting a gentle kiss on his temple as they walked. Nuzzling the side of his head as Emmett muttered,"We'll sleep for a little while and then we'll be discussing your punishment."

"We can't let this little disobedience go without consequence.",Emmett sighed. Like he hated having to punish him. But, Rhys doubted this entirely. After all, he had hit him pretty badly the first day. Just how little mercy he had on him. Again the younger man didn't say a word. Feeling far too drained to even try to. All he wanted to do was sleep for a year. Maybe two. There was fear in him about the punishment. Thanks to the fact that he was so tired, he couldn't begin to care. Or even begin to feel it. Instead he just laid his head on Emmett's shoulder. Shutting his eyelids as they entered his room. The door was locked a second later. Just like the other night, Emmett handcuffed him to the bed. Tucking him in as he hummed the song from earlier. It was strangely comforting this time around. Rhys soon found himself drifting off to sleep. Barely noticing that the older man slipped in beside him. Aside from the bed dipping down a little bit. Knowing there was going to be a lot of pain later. But it was something that he was going to be worried about later.

The nightmare from all the stress of everything was the worst. His eyelids flickered open to the older man having him on a table. Each limb chained to each table leg. Mouth covered in several layers of duct tape. Naked, bruised, and bleeding in a few places. Looking like he had been beaten before being put on the table. Squirming, he found himself staring up at Emmett's face. Mere inches away from his own. The expression of his face was only what he could call pure rage. Panting as he sneered down at his victim. Glaring deep into his eyes, he snapped,"This is what you deserve for running from Papa."

"Now you'll never be able to get away from him.",he added. Slowly showing him an ax before pushing somewhat away from him. A second later, he brought it down on Rhys's right arm. The pain was indescribable. Bright spots danced along his vision as he found himself screaming in pain. This seemed to anger his captor more. Making him insult him as he continued to hack at his right arm. Right until it was no longer attached to him. Tears rolling down his cheeks as he tried to beg through the duct tape. Crying out and screaming for mercy as Emmett moved to one of his legs. Raising the ax once more as he didn't look at Rhys. Then he shouted,"SHUT THE FUCK UP! THIS IS WHAT YOU GET FOR BEING SO FUCKING BAD!"

"NOW TAKE YOUR FUCKING PUNISHMENT!",he bellowed. Nearly making the whole room vibrate with his anger. Rhys couldn't stop himself from screaming or crying. The pain was just too much for him to take. This was the worst thing in the entire world for him. Nothing could compare to what he was feeling in that moment. All the while, Emmett was yelling at him. Telling him that he was disgusting. How much he hated the younger man for disobeying him. Hated that he was being so weak. Cutting off his left leg as he did so. Soon it was off, Emmett walked over to Rhys's head. Slapping him hard as he could and stunning the younger man as he laid there. Eyes wide with fright as he stared up at him. In a low voice, he hissed,"You should be grateful that I'm letting you live...I could've just fucking killed you."

"And you would deserve it...you ungrateful little bastard.",Emmett spat. Yet, he couldn't stop himself from crying and squirming. The pain was too much for him to handle. Now, he wasn't going to be able to get away from him. Everything about this was like being in a horror movie. What was really happening to him was a million times worse. As he struggled in the nightmare, he felt a hand gently gripping his shoulder. Someone's voice quietly speaking into his ear, they whispered,"My love, wake up. You're just having a nightmare."

"Please wake up.",Emmett added, his tone was urgent. Rhys quickly opened his eyelids to find Emmett leaning over his body. Kissing his cheek a few dozen times along with his forehead. Petting his stomach to help reassure him that he was perfectly fine. And that his 'Papa' had him. That he was going to be okay. Which, under any circumstance, would have made him laugh. Hell, it probably would make him laugh sometime in the future. Soon as Emmett realized that Rhys was entirely awake, he assured,"It's okay, Bubba. It was just a bad dream. It'll never really happen."

Yet, Rhys couldn't find it in himself to believe this. There was this lingering doubt in his mind. That it might possibly come true if he were pushed enough. Maybe not today but, sometime in the future. Not thinking about this, he braced himself to be hit. Closing his eyes as well. Fearing it would be a slap to the face or punch to the gut. At any moment it would happen. Or at least he thought that it would. When it didn't, he opened an eye to stare up at the older man. Wondering what exactly he was going to do. Emmett quickly undid the handcuff before helping him sit up. Then getting him off the bed with a small smile. Taking his hand, he started walking him downstairs. Briefly noticing that there were new locks on the front door. Way too many for him to be able to pick open. Part of him wondered when Emmett installed them. And just how long Rhys had been sleeping while he did it. Not that it mattered. There was no way he would ever be unlocking those. As the older man probably never would leave him alone. Not for a good long while anyway. Maybe quite a few months or even longer than that. So, until then he would have to play nice. Pretend that he wanted to be good for him. Until he got Emmett's defenses lowered again. Just enough for him to be able to plan another escape plan.

Hopefully, the punishment for this failed escape wouldn't be too painful. As he was still in terrible pain from the attempt. It probably wouldn't be a spanking this time. As those tools were upstairs in that wardrobe. Emmett led him to the living room. Letting go of the younger man's wrist, he stated,"You will be cleaning the entire house today, Bubba."

"Top to bottom and there will be no games for the rest of the week.",Emmett informed. That didn't entirely bother Rhys. As he didn't like any of the baby games that Emmett had. They were mostly stuff for little kids. And they weren't all that fun either. Nor did he really care about cleaning the house. As he felt it couldn't be too hard to do. Just putting things back where they belong and possibly dusting some spots. At least he could still read the books that he liked. That was something to keep himself occupied. Then the older man continued,"And no reading either."

"How many days are left in the week, Papa?",Rhys asked. Genuinely curious as to how long it would be. Praying that it would only be two days. Maybe three at the most. His heart sank when the older man informed,"It'll be six days, my love."

"I know it'll be a long while but, you can handle it.",Emmett stated. As if he were trying to reassure the younger man or something like that. It wasn't really working. But, he didn't dare let that show on his face. Not like it was going to help him now. At all. So Rhys got to work on fixing the room. Placing things back where they belonged. Mostly making sure the books were neat. That the blankets that had been out were back in the trunk they belonged in. All the while, Emmett was watching him quietly. Not making a sound of approval or disapproval. He was just eerily quiet as he observed the younger man cleaning. Soon as he was done with the living room, he made him go to the kitchen. First he had him wash, dry, and put the dishes away. Then sweep and mop the floor. Something that took a bit longer than he anticipated it would. The older man also had him clean the counter tops. Which were a little more difficult than he expected. And he managed the whole thing all by himself. Feeling a little proud of himself about it.

Soon as that was done, the older man had him clean the dining room. It took less time then the kitchen did. Though it still took some time for him to get clean. And he was grateful they hadn't had lunch or dinner just yet. Another thing that he knew Emmett would make him clean up. Something he knew was his own fault. Mostly for not escaping better than he had. If he hadn't lost focus for one fucking second. He probably would be home by now. Not cleaning some psycho's entire house by himself. Then not having anything to do today, tomorrow, and the next day. There probably wouldn't be any injuries on him. Like the who knew how many splinters Emmett pulled out of his limbs. And his ankle wouldn't be aching the way it did. The fact that he sprained it so badly. Though he was grateful he hadn't broken it. Otherwise, his attempt would take even longer to make. As the injury would have him carry him everywhere in the house. Get things that Rhys needed or wanted. Which was a thing that the younger man didn't want. Especially, having to rely heavily on a man who harmed him in the first place.

Shaking his head, he just cleaned spaces that Emmett told him to. Mostly it was sweeping dusty floors. Wiping dust off of shelves they walked past. Sweeping the stairs as they headed upstairs. Cleaning the upstairs hallway immediately afterwards. Luckily for Rhys, they weren't all that dirty. That they were also pretty barren in comparison to the rest of the house. So, it didn't take too long for him to get that done. When it was done, the older man had him clean the bathroom. Sweeping and mopping those floors, too. Then cleaning the sink along with the counter tops. Those weren't too bad. Just getting rid of some dust then tidying it up a little. Rhys found himself lucky that part was easy. That all he had left was the bathtub. Fuck, the bathtub. It needed more cleaning than he anticipated it would. there was way more gunk in it then in the sink. Something that sort of surprised him. Still, he said nothing in protest. Only cleaned as he was told. Feeling so exhausted by the end of it. More than he thought he would be. Rhys didn't dare complain or show just how tired this made him.

Fearing what Emmett would do in response. Probably beat him within an inch of his life. Maybe even kill him. Another thing that he wanted so desperately to avoid. Just like most normal folk would. He was grateful that this was all he was doing. Reminding himself that it could be so much worse than this. That it could always be worse than having to do manual labor. Which was almost over. There were only two more rooms that he had to clean. His own bedroom and Emmett's. Though he wasn't too sure that the older man would allow him in it.

As he probably had things he didn't want Rhys to see. Either because they were private or too 'grown-up' for Rhys. Or whatever kind of crap he wanted to sling. It didn't really matter to the younger man. All that mattered was getting things done. And done in a way that satisfied the older man. As this was another thing he worried about. Worried that if he didn't do a good job, he would be punished worse. Trying to not dwell on it, he finished up with the tub. Emmett moved to his bedroom with him. Watching him much like he did before as Rhys straightened up. Made the bed before sweeping the floor. Once he was done, Emmett stated,"After you clean my room, you're done."

"And since you've been such a good boy, you'll be getting dinner tonight.",Emmett informed. His voice was sweet and happy. It also confirmed what Rhys had feared earlier in the day. Feeling relieved that the older man decided against it. As he guessed the older man might use food as a weapon against him. He really was glad that he wouldn't use it today. Though he had the feeling it probably would happen in the future. If he did something terrible enough to warrant that in Emmett's mind. Which would have ruined his plans of escape. Maybe even worse than his sprained ankles and scrapes. The ankle itself would take a few days or more to heal. Soon as it was healed enough, he would try again. With some decent shoes this time. And a better idea of where he was running to. All he had to do was wait for the right moment to flee the house.

Once his room was clean enough for Emmett, he had him walk to his room. Something that had made Rhys curious before. As he wondered what Papa's room looked like. Whether it had a lot of furniture in it or not. Part of him was worried that he would find some pictures of himself on the walls. Or other creepy stalker stuff like that. Though when they walked into the room, it looked perfectly normal. No creepy pictures of Rhys on the wall. There wasn't any odd anything on the floors or on his bed. In fact, it was pretty tidy compared to the rest of the house. Just as under-furnished as the rest of the house. As there was only a dresser, bed, and writing desk. The only pictures in the room were of his strange doppelganger.

Some were from when he seemed to be about Rhys's age. Others were from when he was much younger. Around sixteen or seventeen years old. One of which was from when he was about five, it seemed. This was another thing he didn't linger on. Instead he just swept the barely dusty floors of Emmett's room. Making the older man's king-sized bed. Wishing that he had a grown-up bed, too. Even if the bedding was this ugly brown color.

Once he was done, Emmett ushered him downstairs. Walking him to the dining room with him. Taking the broom from him and having him sit at the table. Going directly into the kitchen and making them something to eat. Rhys didn't care what that something was. As long as it was edible, he'd eat it. Even if it was a tuna sandwich. Though he did hope to have enough food to feed an adult. That was the other thing bothering him about this whole fucking thing. Emmett's refusal to properly feed him. It wasn't like he was overweight or anything like that.

Not, that the starvation diet even really worked well. He knew that from past experience.

Yet, Emmett was seemingly determined to somewhat starve him. As far as he could tell he was. Why else give him such little portions? Especially, when he was eating enough for an adult? Was it some form of power that he was holding over him? Or something like that? Either way, he loathed it. Jut like he loathed Papa for all of this. The pain in his arms, hands, feet, and left ankle. That would probably take weeks to heal if he was lucky. And the fact that he made him walk on hit, too. For who knew how long! Possibly five or six hours cleaning the whole place. Though it didn't really matter how long it was. Just the fact that Papa made him work on an injured foot enough was bad. Then decided to take away his privileges for the next six days. Just for trying to escape the bastard! For trying to go back to his real home and real life. Even if it was a dull one. It was what he preferred. At least he picked what he ate for dinner. How much of it he could have. When to go to sleep, sure he slept at late hours. But, for fuck's sake he chose when he went to sleep. And chose what he wanted to wear, too.

Where were those clothes anyway? The ones he had worn to work who knew how long ago. Two days? Maybe even more than that? peaking of that. Were there people actually out looking for him? Had there been enough time for police to get involved? Was that even a real thing they did? None of that really mattered to Rhys. Aside from the police finding him.

For once, Rhys wanted the police to find him. He wondered what they would find in Emmett's home. Hoping it wouldn't be his body or other people's. Really hoped it wouldn't be the young man who he spoke of in that drowsy state. Just what was that name once again? It was on the edge of his memory. What had he called him. Then it slowly came back to him, Orson. Emmett had called him Orson. Had he ever heard it before he had been taken? Rhys wasn't entirely sure.

What he was sure of is that he had to leave. Had to get the Hell out of here. All Rhys had to do is bide his time and gain his trust. Gain...gain 'Papa's' trust. Even if it meant acting like he cared about him. There was an odd feeling in his gut about it. Like he was feeling guilty for manipulating the older man. And for betraying his trust like this. Rhys did his best to brush those feelings aside as Emmett came back. Holding two plates of steaming hot food. The smell of pancakes, bacon, and eggs hitting his nose. And he spotted a huge stack of pancakes on Emmett's place. His were probably all cut up like all the other times. Right into toddler bite size pieces. Which would annoy him on any other day. But, he was far too hungry to care then. All Rhys wanted to do is fill his empty stomach. He picked up a fork as he stated,"Thank you, Papa. This smells really good."

Instead of saying anything, Emmett only nodded his head in agreement. Face looking completely blank as he set his own plate down. Keeping quiet as he headed back to the kitchen. This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all. Was he really giving him the silent treatment right now? After everything he just put Rhys through? Why was he allowed to be mad but, not him? It just didn't make any sense to him. Not like it would bother him if Emmett didn't talk to him for a while.

It wasn't like Emmett listened to Rhys anyway. Or even cared about his feelings. Yet, there was this strange urge to apologize for the older man. Beg him for forgiveness and to just talk to him. Chewing his lower lip, he poked at some of his eggs. Sort of not feeling hungry for them anymore. But, still going to be eating. To properly keep up his strength. Knowing that if he didn't he'd have a harder time escaping Papa. Going back to...he didn't want to think about it. It was getting him absolutely nowhere. And it wasn't helping him stay in the moment. As he desperately had to be. If he did hurt himself, Emmett might not be kind to him. Hell, he probably would be more upset than now. Give him a worse punishment than this. Which he hoped he wouldn't have to find out. At least not anytime soon. Soon as Emmett came back, he started to eat his food. Noticing that the older man brought out two glasses of milk. His was the same Disney glass with straw. Emmett's milk was in an adult glass.

Emmett's wasn't like his in another sense. The older man's seemed to be chocolate. He also noticed there was only whipped cream on Emmett's pancakes. And there was only maple syrup on his as well. Which Rhys didn't know what to make of that. Then it hit him. This was also part of the punishment. Taking away any sweets from him. It just had to be. Though he wasn't sure why. Maybe Emmett decided that Rhys had to earn that privilege back. Just like he had to earn his trust. Which was marginally annoying. This was just something that he could live with. Well, he felt that he could possibly live with.

As it wouldn't kill him to not eat sweets for a little while. Or be able to talk with Emmett either. Though he wasn't really sure about that. Rhys felt it would be just another form of isolation. Something he didn't know if he could live with or not. As complete silence was probably not good for his mental health.

If he remembered it right, humans needed noise. Some form of speaking and warmth. And it seemed that Emmett was very determined to not give him any of that. For who knew how long. Possibly until the entire punishment was over? The whole six days? Maybe less if he 'behaved' himself? Who knew. Rhys chewed the piece of egg slowly. Trying to think of what to say next. Or if he should even say anything to the older man or not. And a small part of him wanted to try.

Wanted to do anything to get the silence broken. And rid them of this awkwardness. Yet, Rhys couldn't think of anything to say. There were a few topics that he felt might work. But when he went to say it, he couldn't. Fearing he would come across as insincere. Or way worse than that. Which he didn't know how he could be. Instead, he just ate in silence. As did the older man. Who wasn't even looking at him. As if intent on ignoring Rhys for the whole dinner. It made his guts twist as he ate. Feeling terrible for running off the way he did. Even though he knew he shouldn't have to. Looking down at his food, Rhys thought,'Maybe if I say that I'm sorry, he'll forgive me?'

'Maybe?',he thought. Glancing up at the older man as he poked his bacon. Noticing the blank stare still on Emmett's face. That the older man was also still not looking at him. Eating slowly as he outright refused to look at Rhys. A shiver went down his spine as he averted his gaze. Hoping that his next plan would work. Otherwise the next few days were going to be rough.