Because I Love You one

The first thing that Rhys was made aware of was the fact he couldn't see. Then the fact that his arms were tied above his head. And his legs were tied to what he guessed were bed posts. There was also a bit of tape over his mouth. He wasn't entirely sure how he ended up like this. Or how it happened. While the young man laid there, he thought over last night in his mind. Last night, he got off work from the gas station around one A.M. Rhys had been biking home wearing his normal gear. A bike helmet, safety vest, and had his normal lights on his bike. He'd been biking down the street for at least ten minutes and then...then...nothing...there was nothing else that he could actually recall. No matter how hard he tried to. His gut twisted as he laid there on what he guessed was a bed. Unsure of why or what he was doing there. Whatever the reason was, he hoped he wouldn't die.

Testing the ropes, he heard footsteps coming from somewhere far away. Rhys couldn't exactly place where they were coming from. But, he doubted the person was going to help him. Whoever they were, they were clearly dangerous. There was no doubt in his mind that the person who kidnapped him was coming upstairs. So, he ramped up his struggles to get the ropes off his wrists and ankles. Anything to get free of this horrible nightmare. While he panicked, Rhys failed to notice the footsteps getting louder. As his struggles were making the bed creak loudly. All he cared about was getting out of his bonds. The young man stopped struggling when a strong hand grasped his chin. It wasn't harsh but, it was enough to make him stop. A pair of lips were against his ear and a gentle voice commanded,"Shh...don't struggle so much, you'll just hurt yourself if you do."

"I'm not going to hurt you, I promise.",they stated. That sounded like a lie to Rhys. After all, why else would they be holding him hostage like this? While he stayed still, the person took the fabric off of his eyes. Revealing another grown man looming over him with a pleasant smile on his face. The other man slowly stood up to show how tall he was. He had very short black hair. Light brown eyes and super pale skin. His captor was wearing a black sweatshirt and sweatpants that made him look more pale. That strange man started petting his hair gently. Calmly shushing him to the best of his ability. Like he was trying to get a wild animal to trust him. Or something to that effect. It strangely worked as Rhys felt himself calming down. Looking the other man in the eye, he tilted his head to the side. Trying to see if he could recognize him in the slightest bit. Unfortunately, Rhys couldn't. Why was he doing this to him? Just what exactly was going on? The man untangled his hands from Rhys's black tresses. With an apologetic look on his face, he yanked the tape off of the younger man's mouth. Quietly, he apologized,"Sorry, my love. I don't like that I had to do that."

"But I had to...otherwise you'd be screaming, and we couldn't have that.",he explained. Rhys winced at this. It hadn't really hurt all that much. Though it had sort of stung both the skin around his mouth and lips. Taking a deep breath, Rhys asked,"Why are you doing this to me? Who the Hell are you?!"

"Excuse you, young man there is no cussing in this house.",the older man warned. Giving Rhys's face a light tap with a stern look on his face. Moving his hands to his hips as he stared deep into the younger man's eyes. Clearly upset that his captive had cussed at him. Rhys nearly found that ridiculous as he laid there. Quietly apologizing for cussing at the older man in the hopes he wouldn't stay mad. It seemed to work, and his expression calmed a little bit. The older man informed,"I'm going to let you off with a warning this time."

"But next time you swear you're going to get soap in your mouth.",he warned. That sounded utterly gross and wrong. It also rubbed Rhys in an uncomfortable way but, he ignored it. Nor was he going to argue with the man holding him hostage. As he didn't know what the man would do if he did. So, Rhys kept quiet as he laid there and gave a nod of his head. Completely unsure if this is what the man wanted from him. With a sigh, the man petted Rhys's hair. Gently, he stated,"My name is Emmett, Rhys."

"I brought you here so that you can be safe.",Emmett added. Taking his hand out of Rhys's hair, he smiled wider. It made him feel so very cold as he laid on the bed. Taking him to keep him safe? Safe from what? What possible danger did he think Rhys was in? It made no sense and he didn't know what to do as he laid there. Staying still as Emmett stared down at him. With a look of pride that made him highly uncomfortable. Quietly, Emmett informed,"You're such a sweet kid and you deserve to be looked after."

Kid? Rhys wasn't a kid! He was thirty-one for fucks sake. Why did he think he needed to be looked after? The young man had been taking care of himself since he was sixteen for crying out loud. There really was no need for the older man to 'look after' him. He had to get away, Rhys didn't trust this man wouldn't hurt him. Looking up at Emmett, he asked,"...can you please untie me, Emmett?"

"This ropes really cutting into my skin.",he added. That wasn't an entire lie. The ropes were digging into his skin and felt like they were chaffing him. Probably would be giving him burns if they stayed on any longer. They were also sort of making his hands numb. Sure, they hadn't turned a color just yet. But he really didn't want to wait for that. Also, if his limbs were free, he could possibly outrun Emmett. The dude was pretty big but, he was sure he was quicker than him. As Rhys loved to run. Doing so first thing in the morning. Every single morning.

He felt that he could outrun the older man. Soon as he could get himself free of the ropes. If he could get free of the ropes. Emmett glanced into his eyes with a blank expression on his face. Like he were debating on fulfilling Rhys's request. Almost as if he could read the younger man's thoughts of escape. Part of him wondered how many folks he had done this to. Just how long he had done this before. It nearly made him shudder as he stared up into Emmett's eyes. And that's all they did. Stare into each other's eyes quietly for the longest moment. It felt like an hour past before the older man relented. He leaned over and undid the ropes on Rhys's wrists first. Rhys rubbed them as the ropes on his ankles were taken off. Emmett smiled as he helped Rhys into a sitting position. Soon as his feet hit the floor, Rhys hurriedly got off the bed. Then immediately ran for the door without a moment's hesitation. Swinging it open before springing down the hall. Straight to a staircase in front of him. Hoping that it would lead him to the front door. And that he could escape this strange nightmare. Not looking back once as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him.

"RHYS! YOU GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!",the older man shouted. Voice booming in the empty house. So much that it nearly rattled the younger man. But Rhys completely ignored all of this as he continued to run down the hallway. Emmett bellowed,"YOU'RE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE YOUNG MAN!"

His voice sounded so close behind him, too close for Rhys's comfort. Still, Rhys did not look behind himself. Fearing what he'd see if he did take the chance. All he cared about was getting down the stairs and out that possible front door. Which he prayed was unlocked. And that they weren't too far away from anywhere he knew. With that, Rhys sprinted harder than he ever did in his whole life. Eyes trained on his goal as he leaned forward. Ignoring the words being yelled at him. The threats that Emmett promised him if he didn't slow down or stop. He didn't care about that horrible bastard. All he cared about was escaping this horrible place. Rhys bolted down the stairs with a small smile. Grinning wider when he spotted the front door in front of him. Hurriedly running towards it as he nearly started crying. Grabbing the doorknob, he smiled hopefully as he tried to turn it. Which fell as his heart sank to the floor. The doorknob wouldn't turn. And the door wouldn't budge. It was...it was locked...he felt sick as he looked for an obvious lock to turn. But there really wasn't one. This made him realize that the doorknob itself was locked with a key. One that Emmett had somewhere on his person. Which made him feel sick as he stood there completely frozen. Not that long later, Rhys was pinned to the door by the older man's weight. This didn't hurt him but, he was immediately terrified.

"That was a very naughty thing to do, Rhys.",Emmett hissed into his ear. His hands were on Rhys's shoulders and grabbing him tightly. Sort of hurting him as he pulled him away from the door. Forcing him to walk upstairs with him as he scolded him for his actions. Stuff that Rhys wasn't really listening to. All he could think of was how he failed to escape. How stupid he was for thinking it would be that easy. It made his stomach churn as Emmett made him walk back over to the bed. Forcing him down to his knees and had him place his hands on the bed. In a sort of calm voice, Emmett informed,"For that little misbehavior, you're going to get ten smacks."

"You'll count each one and if you mess up, you'll do it again.",Emmett instructed. Ten smacks? Ten hits for trying to escape and go home? That was beyond messed up. Rhys couldn't believe what he was hearing. He just wanted to get the Hell away from the older man. The younger man turned his head to see him walk to a wardrobe. It was pretty big and a little dusty. Much like everything else in the room. He froze when the older man opened the wardrobe door. There were several belts and paddles hanging inside of it. Making his stomach twist even further as the older man pulled out a paddle. It was huge. There were several holes poking through it. Rhys wasn't sure what to make of it as he knelt there. Chewing his bottom lip as Emmett started coming over with it. This man was freaking crazy. He was utterly sure of it as he laid there. Unsure of what else to do as Emmett got right behind him. Where Rhys couldn't see him without turning his entire body. And he doubted that the older man would allow this. So, he stayed laying over the bed. With a soft whimper, he pleaded,"Please, please, please don't do this."

"I won't try to run again. I promise I won't, Emmett.",Rhys begged. Trying his best to not cry in front of his captor. Feeling humiliated from having to beg the older man in the first place. Though he hoped it would make the older man feel some form of sympathy for him. Unfortunately, it seemed to have the opposite effect on the older man. Emmett seemed to grow somewhat annoyed with his begging. Giving a soft sigh, Emmett informed,"No, my love. You won't learn if I don't do this."

"Now, be a good boy and count.",he instructed. It was all the warning that Emmett gave him. For a second later, the paddle was brought down hard on his butt. It hurt worse than he ever imagined it would. And it hurt so much that he had almost forgotten to count. Tearing up as the other blow came. In a shaky voice, Rhys counted,"T-two."

He was full blown sobbing while he laid there on the bed. Ass feeling like it was completely on fire. And briefly wondered if he was bleeding down there or not. The last blow brought a genuine scream out of him as he counted it. Whimpering and hiccuping as he gripped the blankets tightly. A moment later, Emmett's hand was gently rubbing the affected area. Making him hiss in pain at the action. It hurt even more than the spanking did. Which was saying a lot. In a gentle voice, Emmett praised,"You're such a good boy, love."

"You handled your punishment very well.",he cooed. Like he were speaking to a toddler and not a grown man. It made his stomach twist in disgust to hear. Rhys kept his mouth shut as the other man gently picked him up. Wiping his tears with a tiny smile on his face. Sitting the younger man down on his lap as they sat down on the bed. Which wasn't something that Rhys wanted to do at the moment. Considering how badly injured his ass was at the moment. Trying to not wince as Emmett pulled him close to him. Laying the younger man's head against his chest. Gently rubbing his back in little circles and humming a soft little tune. As if he were trying to calm him down or something. Strangely, it was starting to work. The younger man found himself starting to actually calm down a little bit. He couldn't stop himself from crying but, the hiccups were dying down a little bit. Sniffling, Rhys did his best to stop the tears. While he quietly cried, Emmett questioned,"Do you know why I had to do that to you, my love?"

"Because, because I-i tried to...tried to run?",Rhys offered. Feeling that if he said 'because you're fucking psycho and won't let me go home' would get him a worst punishment. And that this was what he wanted to hear from him. From the little kiss that Emmett gave to his forehead, he felt it was true. The grin on the older man's face grew as he kept gently rubbing his back. Then Emmett affirmed,"Yes. And I really didn't want to do that."

"I really didn't. But I had to so that you would learn your lesson.",he added. A thing that most abusive people tell you. That they didn't want to but they had to. To teach you a lesson. It was utter bullshit. And he knew it was utter bullshit. But, Rhys just focused on trying to not cry over it. Wiping his tears on the back of his fists as he took deep breaths. Doing his best to calm himself as he nodded his head slightly at his words. While Emmett kissed his forehead, he informed,"Now, I want you to stay here, and I'll get something to soothe your little butt."

"Afterwards, we'll have dinner together.",he added. Being so very sweet in his tone. In a way that just sounded so utterly condescending. It made his skin crawl. But, Rhys did his best to keep his fear off of his face. All the younger man did was nod in agreement. Allowing the older man to set him down on the bed. Part of him wanting to run while Emmett was out of the room. Then realizing it would just lead them to a worse punishment. And he wasn't entirely sure what could be worse than this. But, Rhys was making absolutely sure that he wouldn't find out. So, he tried to keep himself calm as he glanced around the room. Trying to take in where Emmett had left him in. It was a sort of nice bedroom. There was a wardrobe, a blue rug on the floor, and a little chest next to a closet. Frowning, Rhys felt the room was a little immature for him. And part of him wondered if he looked in the chest if he would find toys there. Then squashed that idea as he sat on the bed. Telling himself that it was probably just blankets inside of it.

A small part of him said that it probably was toys. After all, Emmett was treating him like a child. Why wouldn't he give him children's toy for? It would only make sense as Rhys seemed like a baby to him. He did spank him for trying to run out of the house after all. But he had hoped it was just his paranoia talking. And turned his attention from it to the door. Trying to listen for Emmett's footsteps with whatever he was going to use on the younger man's injuries. Not that long later, he was back with an old-fashioned medical bag. Making him raise an eyebrow as the older man got closer to him. Setting the bag down on the bed next to Rhys. Quietly, Rhys asked,"What're you going to do to me, Emmett?"

"Just going to use an ointment on that bruised little bum of yours.",Emmett answered. Inwardly, Rhys cringed at his use of words and felt disgusted. And he had some serious doubts that the ointment could help. After all, it wasn't like it was cuts or anything. Well. He hoped it wouldn't be cuts. As the younger man feared he was bleeding after being hit so hard. So, he didn't say a word as he allowed himself to be manhandled onto his stomach. Allowing Emmett to pull down his pants and underwear. Wincing a little bit when cold air made contact with his heated flesh. Giving another little hiss of pain when Emmett touched him again. Not in a sexual manner. Just probably checking the injuries on his ass. Gently, Emmett assured,"I know it hurts, my love. But you're only going to be sore for a couple of days."

"It isn't like you're bleeding or anything.",Emmett informed. Giving Rhys's butt cheek a little tap. One that made the younger man whine a little in pain. This made the older man chuckle a little bit. Not, like he found the situation hilarious. More like he found Rhys's attitude funny or something. Calmly, he soothed,"I know, I know. But this should take some of the pain away."

With that, Emmett opened the bag that he had sat down. Allowing Rhys to look inside of it. There were a few normal first aid items. Bandages, alcoholic wipes, tweezers, antibiotic cream, and stuff for burns. There was also a little purple container inside of it. Something that he hadn't ever seen before. It also had him a little apprehensive of what it was for. And even more uncomfortable when Emmett pulled it out of the bag. Opening it up to show the younger man the cream inside. It was white, thick, and had a strange almost minty smell to it. Like it had menthol in it or something. Ignoring this, he watched Emmett dip two fingers into it. Using his free hand to close the ointment container. Then he gently started rubbing the junk into Rhys's abused skin. At first, it felt very unpleasant. Then it started to actually feel sort of nice.

Sort of.

It was strange but, the worst of the pain was gone. And he found it was turning into a minor sting that he could ignore. Part of him wondered if the older man was going to do this for a long time. If he was going to be with Emmett for...he tried to not think of this as the older man finished rubbing in the ointment. Then he gently pulled up Rhys's underwear and then his pants. Making the younger man get up from the kneeling position. Taking his hand as he lead him out of the room and down the stairs. Past the front door that Rhys desperately tried to escape through. This action wasn't lost on the younger man. He was trying to make sure that Rhys didn't try to escape one more time. But Rhys wasn't in the mood to even try. Too tired and still sore from the punishment from earlier. Instead, he just followed the older man into the kitchen. There were foods laying out on a kitchen island. Which was some really plain food that he normally wouldn't eat. Some chicken nuggets, tater-tots, and broccoli. Really plain food that the younger man didn't normally eat.

But it was a whole lot better than nothing. And Rhys wasn't willing to starve himself. If he did that, he wouldn't have the strength to flee. And he couldn't have that. So, he just did as Emmett asked of him. He got a pot out from a cupboard next to the stove. Then filled it with water from the nearby sink. Ripping the bag open and dumping the vegetables into the pot. Setting the whole thing onto the stove. Before he could even turn it on, Emmett ordered,"My love, go set the table. I'll take care of cooking dinner."

"And before you go getting any wild ideas, the cutlery is all children's utensils.",he warned. As if he could read Rhys's thoughts about pocketing a knife or fork. It made his heart sink as he got the plates and cups out. Along with the forks that were definitely too blunt to cause any harm. Which made him feel even more upset as he walked to the table. Setting places for the both of them. While he set down a kids fork, he wondered how many people this had happen to them. Why Emmett even wanted this for. Just what exactly the older man got out of treating him like this. But he wasn't going to stay in this awful place for too long. At least, he hoped that he wouldn't be staying in this place for too long. As Rhys wasn't too sure how he'd deal with this if he stayed for...for anything longer than a week. Quietly, he tried to not overthink his situation and walked back to the kitchen. Soon as he set one foot into the kitchen, Emmett instructed,"I've got everything from here, Rhys. Go back to the table and stay there."

"I'll bring the food out in a little bit, my love.",he added. His tone of voice was stern but kind. Giving the younger man a look that was similar. Rhys felt it was better to not argue with him. He just turned back towards the table and walked to it. Sitting down at a spot that he felt Emmett would be fine with. Not the head of the table and in line of sight of the kitchen. Making absolutely sure that the older man could still see him. Something that he hated but, knew it was going to be necessary. He just sat there while dinner was being made. Trying to not overthink everything that was going on. Praying that he was being good enough for the older man's liking. Fearing that he would be starved as a 'punishment'. He wouldn't know how to be able to handle that. Other than break down entirely.

A few minutes later, Emmett brought some of the dinner into the dining room. Making a few trips back and forth from the kitchen while humming. Some song that the younger man didn't care to recognize at all. All Rhys did was wait while Emmett set everything up. Soon as everything was on the table, Emmett got them something to drink. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Just some milk. Which he poured for the both of them. The older man also served their portions out as well. Giving Rhys enough to properly feed a very young child and not an adult. But, the younger man didn't dare complain about it. Fearing that Emmett would just hurt him like he had before. Instead, he just thanked the older man for the food. With a small smile, Emmett stated,"You're very welcome, my love."

"Now, eat. After dinner it'll be time for bed.",Emmett informed. Rhys didn't know what time it was. But guessed it wasn't very late at night. Again, Rhys raised no fuss at this. Just did as he was instructed. Eating his food and then drinking his milk. The older man ate with him in silence. Making the younger man completely uncomfortable. But didn't dare say a word while they ate together. When they finished, Emmett cleared the table without a word. Cleaned Rhys's face for him and carried the younger man upstairs. Telling him that he was much too tired to walk by himself. Another thing that Rhys didn't fight him on. Just allowing him to do whatever he wanted to him. Making him take a bath that he insisted on helping him with. It felt, disturbing. But he didn't dare complain or struggle in the slightest. Allowed the older man to dress him in green flannel pajamas. Brushed his teeth as he was told to. Then carried Rhys back to the bedroom and over to the bed. Tucking the younger man into bed while humming that weird song from earlier. Kissing his cheek before leaving him completely alone in the room. Rhys curled up on his right side while listening to the bedroom door being locked. Quietly crying to himself as he shut his eyes. Unsure of what the next day was going to bring.