#burnshipping

Chris hesitated in the doorway, trying not to let his disgust at finding Thomas naked and worn out on Mr Heartland's bed show on his face, at least not in any way Thomas would pick up on since his younger brother's mind had been so twisted by that monster he couldn't tell the difference between Chris' disgust at what Heartland did to him and disgust at him. He could never blame Thomas for what Heartland had done to him, even if he was go twisted by that man he went along with it willingly.

"What's wrong, Chris?" Thomas murmured, rolling onto his side and tilting his head, absolutely shameless thanks to Heartland convincing him that it was alright to behave like that. "Daddy's not here."

Chris shuddered and closed his eyes tightly, forcing the churning in his stomach down as he sat on the bed with Thomas, who didn't even bother to cover himself until Chris took off his sweater and handed it to him. It was far too big for Thomas and it looked rather attractive on him.

"I wish you wouldn't call him that."

"You do too." Chris lifted his hand to his newly cut hair and nodded slightly. Only because he had no choice, Heartland had made that far too clear. "Besides, he adopted us, what else should he be called? Father's never going to come home, he never loved us anyway, not like Daddy does."

"Father loved us just fine," Chris hissed. "It's him that's wrong."

"There's nothing wrong with Daddy."

"One day, Thomas, you'll get too old for the bastard and he'll move onto Michael and then maybe you'll realise what a monster he is when you're all alone."

(even with someone who - even now - doesn't exactly know what he's supposed to do with a woman, doesn't even remotely want to know where anyone but her is concerned)

She'd just laughed, again, and the next thing IV had known he'd been on his hands and knees. She'd filled him up with fingers and then made him beg, until she'd been satisfied enough to fill him with a toy instead, and if it hadn't been as good as the real thing she'd certainly made sure he'd forgotten that.

And... well. She's hardly difficult to come back to, after all. Not when she treats him like he's actually worth her time, and perhaps it's only to use him for information - doesn't he know by now, after all, that Heartland is aligned with Kaito, with Faker? - but he's been a tool for so long and somehow, it's hard to care at all. So he comes back to her willingly, again and again, and somewhere along the way he knows full well that there's no more information she can get from him - and if he knows now, she'll have known long ago - but she still invites him back, and it's... nice.

He remembers that first time in Heartland’s office, rolling his eyes all the way there because, really, what difference was it going to make to have a different headmaster? Remembers standing there, sullen and closed off, and muttering out the usual faked sorry, won’t do it again only to have the end of a cane pressed under his chin to jerk his head up. Remembers the, “Now, now, Thomas, speak up.”

Remembers staring, wide-eyed, and breathing out, “Didn’t think teachers were supposed to do things like this,” only to have Heartland chuckle under his breath and force Thomas to lift his head further.

“Perhaps not,” Heartland had allowed, “But I’m not quite a teacher, dear boy, and besides that – it worked as I intended, did it not?”

So… yeah. He remembers the first time in Heartland’s office, certainly, the memory practically etched into his mind. He remembers the first kiss, too; when he’d actually listened to Heartland for the first time. He’d kissed him then; slammed the A+ down on Heartland’s desk and leaned in and kissed him in a rush, a childish expression of gladness. It had been one thing to know the whole time that he could do the things they were studying in class – that they were below him for that matter, given the year-ahead textbooks he’d kept files of on his phone to read through in class rather than doing the actual work assigned – but it had been another thing entirely to see the evidence in front of him in bright red ink, see the frown on the teacher’s face as she’d put down Thomas’s first test above a D since Byron had died. So he’d run in and he’d leaned over the desk and kissed Heartland and then he’d jerked back, he’d covered his mouth and fumbled through an oh god I’m sorry I didn’t mean to and Heartland had only congratulated Thomas on the grade, his expression unreadable.

He remembers, too, the first time Heartland had kissed him. Tilted his chin up – with gloved fingers this time, not the cane – and pressed his lips to Thomas’s, and Thomas barely remembers the why of it but he remembers the kiss itself like it’s imprinted on him. Short and chaste and barely a kiss at all but he still can’t forget it because his breath had caught and his stomach had leapt and then Heartland had stepped back and smiled like it was nothing, like it had been a simple handshake rather than a kiss.

(remembers the kiss that had been the first to lead somewhere more; the first kiss of many that had trailed down his neck and then even further on an afternoon that had ended with him underneath Heartland’s desk and sucking)

He thinks about asking, now and then. Asking when it started to matter to Heartland, when it really became a thing, except that every time he thinks about it he wonders, despite himself, whether it does matter. Whether this is really two-sided at all; whether it means anything more to Heartland than a warm and willing body and Thomas not dragging down the average test scores for every class he’s in any more.

So he puts it off. Wonders, and doesn’t ask, and then in sixth year it all comes out and Thomas doesn’t – can’t, really – dwell on it for a while. He gets caught up, instead, in the rumors behind his back and the rumors right in front of his face; the people who accuse him of sleeping with the headmaster for grades and the ones, less common, who treat him like some sort of manipulated child victim.

(I chose this, and not for grades, he growls out when he and Heartland manage to snatch short, fate-tempting moments after dark; rants and snarls about it until Heartland silences him and steals his words with lips and tongue and more besides)

So it goes that way, and Thomas doesn’t question it, and then it almost… becomes unimportant, really. After all the risk to his job, to his reputation, he supposes Heartland must see something worth holding onto, mustn’t he?

In the end, it takes a quiet moment, the calm in the wake of the storm, before he brings it up. A substitute who’d not let him go to the office once he’d finished his work, and the routine is important to Thomas – even ignoring Heartland’s presence, for that matter, it’s still important for him – and he’d raged at it and not even, in the end, managed to get himself sent out. And it’s in the aftermath of that, curled quiet and calming in Heartland’s lap, that he finally breathes out, “Sir?”

Asks, slow and stumbling, when he started to matter. When he became someone individual, someone important as him and not just a part of the student body. When, exactly, he stopped being a part of the crowd.

And for a long while Heartland only watches him, expression unreadable, and then tips Thomas’s chin up to look better at his face.

"There's a strong negative energy attached to it," Faker had said. Heartland had put the little scraggly doll in a plastic bag, touching it no more than necessary. "Do you think your demon will like it?"

"I'm sure he will," Heartland had murmured.

"Take it to him. See if he can make a use of it."

So Heartland took the doll to the tower, the room that was his demon's cell. His demon. The Arclights were known in certain circles to have demon blood coursing through their veins. They were powerful, evil creatures. Unstable and untrustworthy. But beautiful. According to legend they were sex demons. Beautiful creatures lured in men and women alike to feed on their lust. He hadn't even realised that was who he was dealing with when he caught the two boys with Kaito. And then the creature had set its gaze on him and Heartland had been compelled to break them apart and demand they stayed away from Kaito and if they ever touched him again they would be arrested. Because he didn't want that boy touching anyone else.

And then he'd been compelled to capture him. To keep his as his own in Heartland tower. The boy had been easy to tame. Praise and affection was all he really needed. Love. And he'd been prisoner in Heartland Tower ever since.

He was sitting at the window, gazing out at the city lights when Heartland entered. His beautiful demon. He put the bag on his desk and swept forwards, pushing his demon against the glass and leaning down to kiss his neck softly.

"What's in the bag?"

His demon wouldn't give him a name. Kaito called the boy- who he knew now to be his brother- Chris. He knew Byron Arclight had three boys but he'd not paid attention. Heartland called him Byre, until he was willing to give him a better name, a take one his father's name seemed appropriate.

"A gift." Byre turned and strode over to the bag, taking the doll out and a smile lighting up his face. "You like it?"

"Her," he said, as if it was obvious. And he supposed it was obvious. "And she's beautiful." She might have been once but not anymore, that was for sure. She was broken and tattered but so were most of his dolls. Superficially at least. Looking at them more closely, you could see his dolls were in pristine condition and were designed to look broken. "Why are you giving her to me?"

"Dr Faker thinks he can use her."

"As long as you don't hurt her."

"I promise. She'll work at Heartland, as a mascot."

"I think she'd like that."

He pushed everything aside and set her on his desk. Heartland sat and watched. He loved watching Byre work. There was also the matter that once he was done, Byre generally needed Heartlands care. Byre murmured to the doll softly as he worked, cutting off her clothes carefully and pulling out his needle and thread and stuffing. He would work for days on end making a doll and Heartland would wait. It was always worth the reward. Byre seemed to love restoring unloved dolls. Heartland could only assume it was because he saw something of himself in them. From what he gathered he felt unloved and cast aside himself. That was why he responded so favourably to his care.

Heartland couldn't help watching as Byre sucked the thread and slid it through the eye of the needle. As he bit through the thread. He was such a beautiful creature when it came to his dolls. His eye turned blue and purple markings appeared around his cheek as he fixed up the doll's body. Heartland knew it allowed him to see AR vision, like Kaito's tattoo D-Gazer, but why he used it for sewing he didn't know.

Once her body was redone and looked presentable, he unpicked her hair from her scalp and took out his paints, slowly brushing over her face and making her beautiful once more. Even with just the basics fixed, Heartland began to see how pretty she was going to be. Byre smiled, telling her quietly she was beautiful. While waiting for the face to dry, Byre whipped out various materials and began to cut and stitch, and Heartland knew to trust him. He wouldn't be interrupted while he was restoring a doll. She could be the cutest mascot Heartland had ever had.

It took two days. Heartland spent as much time watching him as he could but had over engagements and unlike the part demon, he had to eat and sleep. But finally, Byre was beaming when Heartland came in, the finished doll in his lap. And she was beautiful. He'd created her a stunning princess dress, her hair had been redone and how was soft and golden and in delicate curls and waves. How was she the same mess that had come in?

"If you'd give me a soul for her, I'll take her to Dr Faker."

"She's my friend. I want to play with her." He sighed and Thomas sat the doll on the desk. His eyes glowed and his kissed his fingers before pressing them to her lips. "Wake up, sweetheart."

The doll's eyes opened and she lifted her head, gazing up at him. "You're the one who made me pretty again."

"That's right. What's your name?"

"Princess Cologne! Who are you?"

"Thomas."

Heartland smiled. His demon had a name and a gorgeous sparkle in his eyes. Now, if he could just get rid of Cologne, he could reap the rewards of letting Thomas work and getting him between the sheets.

"Let's get you to your new home," Heartland said, going to pick her up.

Cologne clung to Thomas who stood and smiled. "I'd like to get out and see the place."

"Alright, fine. But she has to do as she's told."

"Will you make me more beautiful dresses?" Cologne said, sitting in Thomas' arms as they walked.

"Of course, my princess."

"And you'll help repair all my other friends?" Thomas smiled and nodded. "You're the best, Tommy-chan!"

Thomas stumbled slightly, his cheeks flushing bright red and Cologne giggled. Heartland chuckled and Thomas glared up at him. He wasn't afraid. The bracelet on his wrist would shock him at the moment's notice. He'd never had to use it but Thomas knew it was there. Just in case.

"Please don't be mad."

Heartland smiled as Chris sighed, stroking his younger brother's hair. He was well aware of the affair between the two eldest Arclights that had been carrying on for nearly a year now. While he couldn’t say he approved- because Chris distracted Thomas from pleasing Heartland's every need- he was glad it made Thomas happy. And it did mean Chris joined them willingly in bed far more often. After all, forcing Chris to do anything physically was more effort than it was worth now he was all but fully grown. He was tall and slender and realistically was too old for Heartland's liking but he wasn't going to turn down some fun.

In all honesty, Thomas was starting to look too old and Heartland had tried turning his attention to Michael but it just wasn't the same. Michael was cute and amusing and well behaved but Thomas had something that kept him coming back. Perhaps it was his far too naïve and trusting attitude. He'd got better at hiding it, putting him in the public had helped him perfect his mask but Heartland saw it. The boys all had their perfect smiles and masks now. But Heartland saw the real them when they were at home. Thomas wore his mask almost constantly. Because people liked it more. Michael only wore his perfect smiles when talking to Heartland or in public. And Chris barely put his up unless in public and trying not to let on what happened in their home and Tron seemed honest and genuine most of the time.

If Heartland was honest with himself, he was actually incredibly fond of his boys. More than he'd ever admit.

"No one's mad, Thomas," Heartland said softly.

Thomas gazed up at him and smiled. "You're sure."

"You were stupid and reckless and I don't know what you were doing there to get into that mess," Chris said, brushing his thumbs over his cheek. Thomas lowered his gaze slightly and nodded and Chris gave him a soft, chaste kiss. "But you're a sixteen year old boy and it's to be expected that you will have some accidents and get into some trouble. And, to be honest, when I heart what had happened, I was so scared, Thomas." Thomas' cheeks flushed and he nodded, his smile retuning. "And it's nothing serious, not really."

"You're sure?"

"It's a broken arm and a few scrapes, Thomas. You're not the first person to do something stupid and end up in plaster and bandages." Thomas' smile grew stronger. Chris was playing it down for Thomas. It was more serious but they didn't want him anymore upset than he already was. "You probably don't remember but when I was six, Father warned me about riding my bike down the hill out the back. And I didn't listen, and I ended up falling off so badly I broke my arm and should and badly hurt my ribs and fractured my ankle. But it was nothing serious. You'll be better soon enough."

Thomas nodded eagerly and Chris gave him another soft kiss. "Thanks Chris."

Chris got up slowly and wandered out, muttering about getting him some painkillers and warning Heartland to be careful with him as he left. Of course he'd be careful with his precious little Thomas. That boy had some sort of hold over him. He'd never met anyone like him. The poor boy was probably traumatised enough from being in that fire.  Whatever had caused that fire, whoever was behind it, they would pay for injuring his little Thomas.

He sat on the bed and Thomas gazed up at him. Apart from his broken arm now in a plaster cast, he had scrapes and bruises and burns and worst of all, his eyes and face had been injured. Hopefully he would come through this alright but his doctors had warned him it was a serious injury and he could be left with permanent scarring and loss of vision.

They hadn't told Thomas yet. They didn't want to upset him more than necessary right now. And if his Thomas' beautiful face was marred with a scar for life, there would be hell to pay. Of course, with Thomas in the condition he was, there was no chance of anything serious happening but for once Heartland found himself not caring that he couldn't use him.

"You're going to be alright, Thomas," Heartland said gently, leaning down and kissing his cheek. "Stop looking so sorry for yourself, it doesn't suit a beautiful creature like you."

"I heard you and Chris talking though."

"Thomas-"

"This is going to leave a mark," Thomas whispered, touching the bandages and padding over his face. "Will you still want me if I'm not pretty anymore?"

Heartland sighed, buried his head in his hair and kissed the top of his head. "You will always be pretty, Thomas, and I will always want you."

"Really?"

"Really. I love you, Thomas."

Chris' body was aching and stiff. He was starting to understand why his brothers didn't fight. He understood what Michael meant about not fighting him out right. The first night, Heartland had forced him into his bedroom away from Michael and Tron. Thomas sat on the settee at the end on room with a camera and tripod as Heartland stripped him, forced him to the bed and tied him down. Chris didn't remember the last time he'd screamed like that.

He'd pleaded with Thomas to help him. Thomas had just watched him though. He hadn't registered any of it. He smiled and told Chris to relax, because Daddy was only showing him his love and apparently that made it ok for Heartland to spend the night raping him. And Thomas had just sat there with the camera, filming the entire thing. And when it finally seemed like Chris' pleas might had been getting to Thomas, Heartland forced a ball gag into his mouth and stopped being gentle. Chris hadn't realised Heartland had been being gentle but the early hours of the morning had been hell.

He'd been left tied up for another forty eight hours, during the day he was alone unless Thomas or Heartland came in to feed him and at night he was at Heartland's mercy. The second night had been the worst. Chris was still fighting and resisting and trying to get through to Thomas. So Heartland had beckoned him over. Thomas had put the camera on the tripod and Chris had been horrified when Heartland guided him to join in. And when Thomas was spent and exhausted, he'd curled up, half on top of Chris and it almost made up for it all. Having Thomas finally curled up with him like a little brother should be. He'd been desperate to put his arms around him and hold him back and whisper to him like he used to but he was stuck. And Heartland had just laughed and told him that Thomas was his, and that he was certain Chris could never abandon Thomas even if he didn't have insurance policies to keep them here. And he was right. Chris couldn't leave Thomas alone.

He didn't fight after that. He didn't give in but he didn't fight.

And when Heartland realised he'd accepted his fate, Chris was untied and given a pile of new clothes and allowed to sleep with Michael and Tron that night. The bed was easily large enough for the four of them but Thomas remained in with Heartland all except the first night when he slipped into Chris' arms and snuggled up to him, whispering that he was glad he was home.

Home. It had killed him to hear Thomas call this place home.

That had been over a week ago. He still felt violated and dirty and no amount of washing or trying to forget seemed to make any difference. Chris hated his new home. He hated what Thomas had become in the hands of the maniac. It was nice to see self-confidence and Heartland was building him an incredible duelling career but it wasn't right. Michael played the part of a sweet innocent child who relished the incredible history books Heartland gave him and the trips to the museums and the connections Heartland allowed him to make. Chris had no doubt Heartland could offer him the most incredible things for his cooperation and acceptance. But it all came at a terrible price. The Arclight family name used to mean something, now they were nothing more than toys for that sick corrupted man.

Sometimes, when Chris was lucky, he saw the rebellion in his brothers still. Michael was sarcastic and rude behind him sugary sweet innocence. He was still strong enough inside. And Chris decided that was probably the best way to go. To be quiet and wait it out. Sooner or later opportunity would arise and they would escape. With Thomas. He knew Michael wanted to escape but he knew Thomas did too. Sometimes it was in his eyes. Sometimes it was Father not Daddy and his eyes lit up in a way Chris hadn't seen since they were tiny when he made the slip. Chris knew he wanted his family back as much as they did, but Heartland gave him the love and attention their real father had neglected to.

Entering the study, Chris was sickened to find Thomas once again bent over Heartland's desk. He hated that more than anything. The way Heartland used them. Thomas was obviously his favourite and Thomas seemed to return his affection whole heartedly but Michael put up with it. Heartland was far less interested in Michael but he didn't seem to turn down anyone. Chris seemed to be getting off lightly for now, just the odd kiss and touch after those first nights. And Heartland encouraged Thomas to act on his impulses and desires and Thomas kept saying the most inappropriate things and pressing against him. And the more Thomas did the more Chris had to accept his brother was attractive.

Heartland was pressed over Thomas, a hand buried in his hair to hold him down as he took him. The table was creaking beneath them and Thomas was groaning and whining as Heartland whispered to him teasingly. Chris didn't think he was ever going to get used to that. The sooner he got them away from here the better. He turned to storm back out but there was a soft chuckle from Heartland.

"Don't you like what you see, Christopher?"

There was a particularly harsh thud from the desk and Thomas let out a soft cry. Chris paused and glanced back. Thomas had lifted his head slightly, gazing up at him under his messed up red hair and those thick eye lashes, his cheeks flushed pink, his lips swollen and red from being bitten. What the hell were they doing to him? He wanted to kiss him. He wanted to make Thomas react like that to him. But he was his brother. This was so wrong. How could Heartland being making him see his own brother as sexually attractive?

"I think it's disgusting," Chris said finally, turning away.

"Chris…"

Another glance back and he found Thomas trying to wiggle free a little only for Heartland to shoved him back to the desk, forcing another weak cry. He shook his head and strode out as Thomas called to him again. He couldn't do this. He couldn't see Heartland abusing his brother like that.

He collapsed in one of the sitting rooms. It was just him for now. Michael had Tron in the play room- well, that was what they called it, it was really just a room for the children to be put when Heartland wanted them out the way- working through text books. Heartland had a private tutor in once a week apparently but the rest of the time they taught themselves from books, learning mostly at their own pace. And it seemed to work. Michael didn't want interference from Chris so he was on his own.

It was better than having Heartland's attention at least.

He took out his journal and searched out a pen and began scrawling. It was at least a way to organise his thoughts and make some sense of this nightmarish situation. He'd been writing in it on and off since he found out Father was going to go away for a while. Since he'd left the Tenjo household he'd been writing in it more and more and at least once a day since he'd been untied. His entries had become letters to Kaito. Letter's he wished he could send but never would. He almost laughed, imagining what Kaito would think if he knew what was going on there.

"Chris?"

He closed his journal as he turned to Thomas. He was still flushed and his hair still stuck up and stuck to his forehead. His shirt was still only half buttoned up and his skin had the soft sheen of sweat and Chris forced himself to turn away and look down at his journal instead.

"I'm sorry, Chris, please don't be mad."

Mad? He wasn't mad. He was disappointed and disgusted and heartbroken but not mad. Never mad. It wasn't Thomas' fault. He'd done nothing wrong. It wasn't his fault Heartland had taken advantage of his insecurities and problems in their time of need. Chris should have been there to protect him.

"I'm not mad, Thomas."

"You said you thought I was disgusting." Thomas voice was so weak and scared and needy and Chris sighed. No, he thought what Heartland was doing was disgusting. Not him. He'd heard their father insult Thomas like that enough times. "I'm sorry, Chris."

Chris sighed. He was still insecure as ever. He saw Chris as head of the house now, didn't he? He was looking to him for approval. It was a good sign. Heartland could have him calling him Daddy and treating him like some sort of twisted father figure as much as he liked, Thomas saw Chris as head of the family. And… perhaps if he treated Thomas differently there was a chance he could reach Thomas. He stretched out his hand and set his journal aside. Maybe to beat Heartland… he had to give in and play his games.

Thomas' hands clasped around his tightly and Chris pulled him in, settling him in his lap and wrapping his arms around him. Within moments, Thomas had shifted so they were both stretched out on the settee, his head buried in the crook of Chris' neck, finger fingers playing with the collar of his shirt teasingly.  He didn't know how Thomas thought Chris found him disgusting when he was the one who wanted to push his own brother to the cushions and show him what making love was really about. His hands closed gently around Thomas', stopping him playing.

"Chris… I…"

"Shh," Chris whispered, squeezing his hand gently. "It's alright, I promise." Thomas lifted his head slightly and Chris smiled, leaning their foreheads together. "I know Father was hard on you sometimes."

Thomas smirked bitterly, as if at some cruel, twisted joke. "You have no idea how hard."

Chris frowned. He got the feeling he didn't want to know what that meant. Thomas gazed up at him, chewing on his lip and finally Chris couldn't resist anymore. He just needed to kiss him. Just once. Just to get the urge out of his system. Just to know what it was like. Thomas' lips parted slightly as Chris leant in. Their lips met softly and Thomas' hand tightened around his. Thomas had too much experience kissing for a boy his age. He was fifteen he shouldn't be so good at this. Not that he could talk. He certainly shouldn't have been tangling his hand into his fifteen year old brother's hair and pulling him closer. He shouldn't have been pushing the kiss deeper, exploring Thomas' mouth cautiously, enjoying the way Thomas' eyes fluttered shut as he sighed contentedly and he definitively shouldn't have been growing hot as Thomas kissed back, steady and slow but so good.

He absently wondered how long Thomas had this crush on him. Had it just been when Heartland started to manipulate him? Or had it been before that? The broke apart slowly, a trail of saliva between them and panting softly as Thomas' eyes opened a crack.

"Thomas…" Thomas smiled nervously and Chris pressed their lips together again softly. Perhaps the best way to get through to him was the same way Heartland had. "Thomas… we- we could be together. Properly."

"We can?"

"We could. We'd have to go away though." Thomas frowned slightly. "We'd have to go somewhere no one knows we're brothers. We'd have to go a long way from here but we'd be together, Thomas. You, me, Michael and Tron. We'd be a family and I'd look after you. You want that, right?" Thomas nodded quickly and Chris smiled. He was right. Thomas wanted his family still. Heartland's hold over him wasn't complete and wasn't unbreakable. He could still save his family. All he had to do was convince him to leave. "Do you know where he keeps those tapes? As long as he has those, we can't leave because he always has that proof we're brothers. Do you know where he keeps them?"

"Yeah, yeah I know where they are," Thomas whispered. "We watch them sometimes."

"That's great, Thomas," Chris said gently, stroking his cheeks and trying to ignore how sick that made him. He felt awful for using Thomas like this. He was trusting and vulnerable and wanted to believe in something better. Thomas was naïve like that sometimes. Sometimes he knew far too much and others he was far too naïve. "If we get those tapes, the four of us can leave here forever, get far away and start over with just us, together. We can do anything we like. Won't be great?"

"Yeah." He was breathless and smiling and he nodded quickly, looking absolutely overwhelmed and in love with the idea. "Yeah, that'd be amazing."

"So we just have to get those tapes."

Thomas nodded and leant in for another kiss that Chris would willingly give him if it meant breaking Heartland' hold over him. Only there was a soft chuckle and Thomas lifted his head. Chris didn't even have to look to know Heartland was watching and had probably overheard them. He closed his eyes tightly, holding Thomas close. Michael had warned him about making Heartland angry. He knew Thomas would get off lightly but he was going to be punished severely if Heartland had overheard too much.

"Now now, I hope you weren't really thinking of leaving me, were you boy?" Heartland chuckled, stalking over. Chris glared up at him, holding Thomas protectively to his chest. Heartland glared down at him for a moment before smiling and offering Thomas his hand. "You're not in trouble, dear little Thomas. You know I could never be mad at my special little boy. Hmm, don't you trust your Daddy?"

Thomas went to sit up but Chris tightened his arms around him. "No."

"Thomas? I know dear little Chris doesn't trust me, but I want to prove to him I'm not so bad," he continued, his hand still out to Thomas. "You know I love you boys."

Thomas caught his hand before Chris could stop him and Heartland tugged him out of Chris' hold. Chris scrambled up, trying to catch him and pull him back but Heartland pulled him out of reach with a hand in his hair and hand around his waist. Thomas' eyes were wide and scared as if he honestly didn't expect such roughness from Heartland. It occurred to Chris that Michael said Heartland was generally gentle with Thomas. Maybe he really hadn't expected it and Heartland really was constantly kind to him.

"You were honestly going to leave, little Thomas?" Heartland said, shaking his head. Thomas shook his head as much as he could. Heartland chuckled, running a finger down his neck as he yanked his head back. "Don't lie to me. You were going to run off. You ungrateful brats."

"No," he whispered, shaking his head again. "No, Daddy, please, it wasn't like that."

Heartland tutted and pushed Thomas against the wall, forcing him to brace his arms against it. Chris took a step forwards as Heartland adjusted his grip on his cane. Thomas' eyes widened as he raised his cane, pressing it to the back of his thighs.

"No," Chris said desperately. "No, let him go." He raised the cane and Thomas clenched his eyes shut as Chris darted forwards. "No!" He caught Heartland's wrist and tugged him away. "No, please, don't."

Heartland raised an eyebrow and Thomas cracked his eyes open, looking a little lost. Had he really expected him to let Heartland hurt him? And then he was shoved against the wall next to Thomas, who was still watching him in awe. Chris smiled gently, sliding his hand along the wall to take Thomas'.

"I told you, I don't want anything bad to happen to you again."

"Chris…" Heartland brought the cane down on the back on his legs and Chris bit his lip, clenching his hand around Thomas' to keep quiet. He was so glad Michael and Tron weren't here to see this. "Chris…"

"It's alright, Thomas," he whispered, gripping his hand. Heartland cracked the cane across his legs. He arched his back tightly, a small cry escaping him. Thomas squeezed his hand back and Chris smiled bitterly. "It's alright, as long you're ok."

Thomas gazed up at him and Chris squeezed his hand again. It was alright. It was going to be alright. He took the caning because he was their big brother. He had to keep them safe. He couldn't let Heartland hurt them. He'd already failed them by letting Heartland get hold of them, by letting them be abused like they were and not being strong enough to save them. This was what he had to do to keep them safe now.

And when Chris' legs were raw and hot and trembling with pain, Heartland caught his arm and dragged him away to one of the bathrooms. Thomas hurried along behind them, begging Heartland not to hurt him anymore as Chris struggled to get loose. Heartland slammed him forwards against the sink and Chris managed to catch himself as Heartland opened the cabinet. There was a long tense moment and Chris glanced in the mirror to see Thomas watching from the doorway, absolutely horrified and pale and something glanced in Heartland's hand. Heartland caught his hair and Chris had a moment of horror as he realised what was in Heartland's hand.

There was a hideous slicing sound and a hunk of hair went tumbling to the ground. He gripped the sink tighter, staring at the unevenly cut lock of hair. He'd barely cut his hair since he was tiny. He trimmed the ends when it was looking scraggly but that was it. When he was younger it had been to look like Father but then it became a part of him. Part of his identity. Everyone recognised him by his long hair, especially when he stopped braiding it during the day and left it loose.

The scissors were pressed into his hand and Chris swallowed heavily. Maybe he could just drive them into his heart. Maybe he could kill him and save his family like this. He closed his eyes tightly, gripping the scissors as Heartland's arm wrapped around his waist, his lips brushing his ear.

"He's mine, Christopher." His hand squeezed his wrist. "And so are you. Now behave. You'll look nice with short hair."

"Chris," Thomas whispered.

"It's alright, Thomas," Chris said softly, straightening up and opening his eyes. Heartland left him for Thomas, holding him tightly as they watched him and Chris wished he couldn't see them in the mirror. He wished Thomas didn't look so comfortable in Heartland's arms. Still, Chris had to put a brave face of this for Thomas. "What do you think?" He lifted the scissors slowly and took another lock of hair. He couldn't believe his was doing this. His hands were actually trembling. "You think I'll look good with it short?"

"I think you look good no matter what you do with your hair," Thomas murmured.

Chris smiled slightly. He hoped Thomas never lost that sweetness that his naivety brought. No matter what happened between them, he hoped Thomas was always this sweet. It would be a shame for him to become bitter and jaded although he was already starting to break. Chris could see it sometimes, cracks were starting to form.

Even with his trembling hands and heavy heart, Chris managed to cut his hair reasonably well. It now felt weird and light, like a weight had been lifted from him, but not in a good way. It was cut to his chin, and really needed to be prettied up, he wasn't going outside like this. But he was sure Heartland would sort that out. He was sure Heartland wouldn't let him out like this either. Not when he considered Chris his property. His fingers brushed the ends of his hair. It was horrible. It felt so wrong. Suddenly he felt so exposed and vulnerable and almost naked. His beautiful long hair was on the bathroom floor around his feet. Gone forever.

"Don't you look so beautiful, Christopher?" Heartland said softly, tucking his hair behind his ear. Chris' stomach churned. He'd been so focused on his ruined hair that he hadn't even noticed him coming up behind him. Heartland pressed against him from behind, wrapping arm around him and playing with his hair. "I like it. Your face is gorgeous, hair like that made it look long and drawn out. This is much better."

Chris closed his eyes slowly and once again gripping the scissors. He could drive it into Heartland's chest. He could free him and his brothers. He could save them all. And who knew how long before Heartland turned his attention to Tron. He might have had the mind of an adult, even if not a stable one, but his childish body made it very hard for him sometimes. He struggled with the contrast between his body and mind and his memories and knowledge He had to get them out of here.

"Don't think you'd get away with it," Heartland whispered. "Firstly, you'd traumatise little Thomas. He's delicate, you know that, you think his mind could take the first person who's ever cared about him being killed in front of him?"

"I care about him," Chris hissed. "I've always cared. Michael too. He knows that."

"Does he?" He raised his voice slightly. "Thomas dear, who loves you most?"

"Daddy…" Thomas whispered, glancing away.

Chris really did feel sick. How could Thomas still call him that after seeing this? How could he still think Heartland cared about him? Cared about him more than Chris did? Heartland chuckled, squeezing his arm around his waist.

"See, he's mine." He was practically purring as he played with Chris' hair. "You are so beautiful, Christopher." He kissed his cheek and Chris forced back a shudder. How had everything gone so wrong? It still felt like yesterday that Father said goodbye and went on his trip. And then his life had spiralled out of control. "It does seem to run in the family. Perhaps little Tron is just as pretty under that mask."

"Chris doesn't look so good, Daddy," Thomas said quietly. "I don't think he's feeling very well."

"You're right," Heartland said. "Maybe we should get you to bed, Christopher. We'll get a hair dresser in to neaten this up tomorrow, when you're feeling better."

Chris nodded numbly. He didn't know what else to say. Thomas thought Heartland cared more than his family. His entire identity had been stripped away with his hair. Heartland had isolated him in his home. He'd taken his dignity and violated his body and taken everything from him. Even his morals were wavering. His will was breaking. He couldn't fight Heartland, could he? If he wanted to keep them safe and protect his brothers, he had to give into Heartland, at least superficially. What else was he supposed to do?

"You should say thank you for my care, Christopher."

Chris closed his eyes for a moment. This was disgusting. He felt absolutely sick. But he gave in. "Thank you…"

"Go on," he sneered, squeezing his waist roughly. "Say it."

"Thank you… Daddy…"

His throat clenched at the word. There was a vile, bitter taste in his mouth and his stomach churned, his eyes burning. He couldn't believe he'd just said that. Heartland laughed and pulling him into a rough kiss, his arm around his waist keeping him still.

"You're a good boy," Heartland murmured. "Let's get you to bed if you're unwell. I wonder if Kaito will like your new look."

Chris went silently with him. His body was heavy and numb and his mind spinning as he finally broke. Kaito… After all that had happened, would Kaito think he was disgusting and dirty? Would Kaito ever want to touch him again? Even look at him? Was this his life now? Trapped and bent to Heartland's will, lusting after his own brother and being used as nothing more than a sex toy to a perverted old man who was holding them all as hostages? Heartland gently put him on the bed, the bed he shared with Michael and Tron, and Thomas climbed up into the bed with him, gently undressing him and tucking him in.

"Thank you, Chris," Thomas whispered, kissing his cheek. "For protecting me."

"You're my baby brother," Chris murmured. "I'll always protect you in any way I can. I love you, Thomas. Always."

"Thomas," Heartland called.

The bed shifted and he knew Thomas had left with him. The door shut and Chris closed his eyes, trying to sleep, trying to forget all about all the disgusting things that happened. He wrapped his arms around himself, burying his head in the pillow. He wanted to forget it all. He wanted to drink. He wanted to be completely numb. He wanted to wake up and for this to all be a horrible nightmare and he'd be back home in his own bed, able to go into Father's room and seek his comfort.

The door opened again and Chris didn't even move as Michael sighed. "He honestly thought he could fight him like that?"

"Didn't you warn him?" Tron said quietly.