Potential TWs: father/son incest, violence, abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, insults, blood
The Last Nail in the Coffin
Lucian could hear people approaching. Two sets of steps. That had to be his unfortunate campmates. He stood up from his position to see them come back. The aura they exuded was dismal. Daniel's eyes were swollen and puffy, his cheeks streaked red. He nearly tripped over his own foot a few times, seemingly so deep in thought as he was looking down onto the ground. Bruno honestly didn't look much better. He had a smile plastered on his face - a trained expression, devoid of any honest emotion. His eyes were equally as silent. Honestly, there was not a single indication of how he was feeling - complete neutrality emanating from him.
The sun was already setting - sky a beautiful molten orange. They would have to go soon. Lucian could only hope that Bruno was in the proper shape to drive. But somehow he had expected more... energy. Like hatred, or joy, or whatever else they could've ended up with. But no, this was just... nothing. It felt like the final echoes at a funeral.
"Pack up the camp." Bruno commanded Lucian gently.
"Oh, uh, sure." Lucian stammered and started working.
Even he knew better than to ask what happened directly. It seemed very serious and very fresh, judging by the intense pressure in the air. Like a limiting and suffocating fog. He couldn't see past it to glimpse at the truth, so he had to bow his head and comply.
Surprisingly enough, everything seemed rather harmonious. Both when they were packing up and when they were getting into the car. Nobody said anything, they just moved around like pre-programmed robots. But even the car ride was uncomfortable.
Silence stretched all the way from its beginning to its end. Bruno was aptly focused on the road, Daniel was staring blankly into the void - his eyes moving around a few times - and Lucian was just sitting on the backseat - observing. It was unnerving.
The distance between the camping spot and their house had seemingly shrunk, as the traveling time felt impossibly short. Worries and anxiety could do that to a person's perception of time, Lucian guessed.
Garage doors opened to welcome them in - Daniel's car still on the same spot. They parked right next to it as they officially returned from their eventful camping trip. There was no celebration or party awaiting them - just dealing with the hard cold truth, it seemed. Daniel moved out first, hopping out of the car with unrivaled speed and starting to unload the bags from the trunk. Lucian wanted to go out right after him, but a hand on his wrist stopped him.
"Go out of the car and go pack your bags. I advise you to pack everything." Bruno said with a smile that seemed almost genuine.
Panic coursed through Lucian. That sounded bad. Very bad.
"What for, if I may ask?" he questioned with an artificially calm voice.
"Well, let's just say that Daniel isn't exactly... thrilled about our escapades. So we're going to fix the problem very easily. If we do it elsewhere, he won't have to know about it." Bruno flashed a grin at him in the rear-view mirror.
This all felt... fishy. And that was severely underplaying the situation. But it wasn't exactly an offer Lucian could refuse. If the brute truly had malicious intent, not doing as Lucian was told would not please the monster. But he could at least ask around a bit.
"So... what do you mean, elsewhere? Are we going to a motel or..." Lucian asked slowly.
"A motel, damn. How cheap are you? We're going to one of my other properties, of course. You're going to move there for the time being until we figure out a better solution. And since you won't be stepping foot into this house again while we fuck, you should make sure to bring everything." Bruno reiterated again.
"Moving? So like... You'll be commuting between here and there? Won't Daniel still be unhappy that way? I mean, he'll know what you're doing when you're not around." Lucian prodded some more.
"Out of sight, out of mind, Lucian. And don't worry about my travels. I have a car, do I not? It's not that long of a drive. Now stop wasting time and go pack your bags. Quick, brat, chop-chop." Bruno ushered him.
Lucian felt every type of wrong about this. There was not a single strand of his body that was okay with what was happening. Yet at the same time he couldn't really figure out what the play was here. What was Bruno planning? Maybe he really was honest and had prepared this whole 'mistress' scenario. Or maybe he was going to murder him somewhere in the woods. Honestly, both options sounded equally as possible.
The blonde scrambled out of the car, into the house and then into his room. He quickly packed everything into his suitcase again - in his typical messy style, chaos everywhere. His mind was just as chaotic, trying to think of any possible remedy to this. Running away was an option. He could just sneak out of the front door and hide somewhere and never turn back, but... he was not a pussy. He wouldn't run. He was not his brother. What was he even scared of? He had no direct reason to worry, it was just the unknown that scared him. And he could face that. He grabbed his phone from the desk and closed to door behind him - leaving a barren room.
He trudged his bags back down, using the stairs for most likely the last time in the foreseeable future. Daniel was nowhere to be found - probably holed himself up in his room, since the door was slightly ajar. Maybe this was his plan all along? Maybe this was his way of resigning, but without getting his heart broken fully? Lucian didn't know. Most likely never would.
Making his way into the garage again, he put his things into the empty trunk. It felt like reloading a gun, in a sense. Experience after experience, shooting new dynamics into their existing ties. He slammed it shut and made his way to the backseat door. A voice echoed from the open driver's seat window.
"Where are you going? You're sitting next to me." Bruno shouted.
Lucian could only gulp, but obeyed nonetheless. His hand felt heavy as it landed on the car door handle. Everything suddenly felt so leaden and heavy. It was difficult to describe the oppressive aura he was perceiving. His own emotions were trying to hold him back - his lizard brain kicking in and telling him to run. But he wouldn't. That was not his way. Besides, he had Bruno's promise on his side. That had to be worth something. A deep inhale and shaky exhale - he opened the door and got in.
The brute was patiently waiting for him, smiling in his direction. A sly, subtle smile. One that did not reach his eyes. A hairy hand moved to the window controls and closed off the flow of air from Bruno's side. Lucian sat down and buckled his seat belt. His hands were clammy and his mouth dry. This would either be the best moment of his life or a nightmare. His optimism was failing him in weighing these options.
No sun in sight anymore - the night fully engulfing the sky. The jeep's engine roared again, moving out of their garage. Silence filled the space between them, only accompanied by the day's sweat and grime. Bruno's eyes were relaxed as they watched the traffic, while Lucian's were twitching wildly - going from Bruno to road to his hands back to Bruno.
"Are you alright?" Bruno asked calmly.
"Huh? Oh... Yeah, just a bit curious. Can't wait to get to my new place." Lucian flashed a fake smile.
"Right." the brute dismissed the conversation.
Awkward silence ensued once more. He missed the spat from their ride to the campsite - even the fist to the ceiling was preferable to this unease. He looked up - the dim light of the interior lights was casting shadows in the deep gash left behind by Bruno's fist. Another gulp, and his eyes dropped down.
He could not recognize the route they were following. Not knowing the area didn't help much - fuck, he should've looked up local maps a bit more. But they were going to a rather rural locale again, so the accommodation was probably in another town or city. His fists clenched.
The road was getting rougher and rougher - less and less signs and markings. Not a hint of civilization in sight. The blonde nearly melded with his seat as his nervous sweat stained his pits.
Then, the jeep suddenly took a path into the trees. They were on a very slim, very unmaintained piece of dirt road. The car could barely handle it, and it was a model designed for off-road. Oh fuck, they were not going to a new place, were they? Lucian had known so, fuck. Shit, fuck, what was going on?
He unbuckled his belt and shifted on his seat, unsure whether to jump out of the car or wait for the driving to end. Looking outside, he could only see a dark blur pass by them speedily. With his luck, he'd jump straight onto a jagged rock. He didn't want to take any more chances. Then again, Â staying with Bruno seemed like the option with more pain involved nonetheless.
"We're here!" Bruno said excitedly as they stopped in the middle of abso-fucking-lutely nowhere.
"Uh, where are we?" Lucian asked with all the confidence drained out of him.
"We're here." the brute reiterated and smiled, locking the car doors.
"Um... Oh, you must mean this is the place where we'll bang? I can do that, yeah." Lucian tried to seem seductive again.
This was a stupid plan, but what other choice did he have? He wanted to see if he could maybe ingratiate himself somewhat, or at least see where he stood with Bruno. But as he tried to lean over to the brute, a strong hand shoved him towards the passenger's seat door.
"Whoa there. Back off." Bruno laughed.
"Oh, uh, I just thought we could, you know, have a nice little date in the woods." Lucian purred artificially.
"That's not happening. Not now or ever. This entire thing between us is not happening, I mean. Go find another dick to hop onto. Or buy a dildo once you stop being a broke leech." the brute said without batting an eye.
"But... what about the deal? Aren't you worried I'll tell Daniel?" Lucian grasped at straws.
"Tell him all you want. Actually, send your evidence to him right now, if you want to. Send him all the videos. To everyone you know for all I care." Bruno chuckled.
Fuck. What was happening? Where was this derision and confidence coming from? It had been getting better the past days, bit by bit. So why did it feel like he was at the start again - no, even more behind.
But he would not let himself get bluffed out. He pulled his phone out and opened his media... blank. All erased. He paled a bit at the realization. A hearty, jovial laugh came from his side.
"Bobby knows what he's doing, huh? He may not be able to lift a single dumbbell, but with tech he's unmatched. Atta boy." Bruno was talking to seemingly himself.
"What did you do? You think I don't have backups? You think this is over? It's not over 'till I die." Lucian spat out.
The charade was officially over. No more seduction, no more deals, no more pretending. He was glaring at Bruno, full of bravado.
"Yeah yeah. Even if you did, I wouldn't give a shit about those. Daniel already knows everything, no point in hiding it from him. And if he feels insecure or jealous or something? I'll be right there to comfort him if he wants me to, don't worry." a smirk formed on the brute's lips.
"Wha- he knows? You've told him and he just... he's fine with it?" Lucian stammered incredulously.
"You know, despite crawling out of that whore's pussy first, you're somehow still the dumbest. Impressive how you manage to get beaten by Daniel in every field, honestly. To answer your question - yes, freeloader, I've told you just now that Daniel knows everything. Try to listen when people talk to you." Bruno scoffed.
"So what? I can still send it to everyone else. Like the police. Or your boss. Does that still sound okay to you?" Lucian cocked his head.
"Oh, Bobby already handled that a long time ago. Your laptop's completely hijacked. Has been for quite a while. He'd know if you had already sent it to anyone and, of course, has professionally deleted your entire hard drive recently just to make sure. Oh, and we went through all of your accounts as well to delete backups, of course." Bruno checked his own phone.
"So... so all I went through to get evidence on you is... it's all gone?" Lucian could feel tears prick at his eyes.
"Don't worry, you wussy. It wouldn't have helped either way. Do you think I'd let videos of your little stunts ruin my life? Please. I'll just make up some random shit about why I can't be held responsible and I'm off to go. And let's be real, who would believe you over me?"
"You are horrible." is all Lucian could struggle out.
Bruno simply nodded and went silent. That was it. Another stretch of nothingness - just Bruno occasionally checking his smartphone. Lucian decided to not let it go.
"Why the fuck are we even here!?" he yelled out.
A single thud met his cheek as knuckles connected with his flesh - pain searing through him.
"Watch your language, you crybaby. Your memory can't be that bad as to forget one of the most basic rules I have. And we're here because we need to be. You'll know why eventually." Bruno scratched the backside of his hand.
Lucian recoiled a bit, trying to gather his bearings. More importantly, trying to process what happened, utterly incredulous.
"You... you promised not to hurt me anymore. You promised! So what, do you not follow your own rules anymore? Do you not care about your promises all of a sudden?"
"What are you blabbering about? I follow my rules just fine. Didn't break a single one of my principles." Bruno finally looked at him... with disdain.
"Yes you did! You always say a worthy man fulfills the promises he gives!" Lucian's voice cracked.
"If your brain were only a bit bigger, maybe you'd actually remember what I say properly. 'Any man worth a damn fulfills the promises he gives to other people.' Now, I hardly think someone like you qualifies for that. I'd say you're more vermin than person." Bruno flashed him a smile.
"Ah, so that's how it is. You've never intended to keep that promise, have you? You just tricked me and lied to me! Like a coward!" the blonde hissed.
"Weren't you doing the same? The cameras, the recordings, the entire seduction thing you had going on. I'd be careful with what you're saying there, filthy rat." the brute said without affect.
"At least I didn't lie to Daniel like you! Unbreakable bond and you couldn't even tell him that you want to take advantage of him." Lucian tried to retort.
"Indeed. That is the one regret I have about this entire circus act - my poor boy was hurting and I couldn't help him. Thankfully, that is behind us now." Bruno looked genuinely sad for a second there.
"Aha! So you don't regret having sex with me, is that it? You enjoyed it, admit it!" the blonde hung onto this like it was his lifeline.
"Well, yeah, sex feels nice, doesn't it? Granted, I had trouble keeping myself hard quite often, but thankfully, I have practice with that. You know, you were right about one thing at least - it really was easy to pretend you were Daniel."
"Oh, so you mean to tell me that you've always seen Daniel when you were with me? Be honest for one second here."
"But I am being honest, leech. Like when we did it on the couch and I could still smell Daniel from the cushion. Or when me and my Danny came back from our little trip and I still had the image of his dick fresh in mind from the bathroom. I had my doubts whether I'd be able to actually fuck Daniel instead of masturbating if it came down to it - but you alleviated that doubt, so I guess I have to thank you for that." Bruno gave him a sickening smile.
"And this reminded you of Daniel too!?" Lucian shouted, as he lifted his shirt.
"Reminded me? No. But it was hot to imagine Daniel getting something like this out of his own free will to impress me. I'd never actually force him to do it though, of course - he's just fine as he is." the brute said, unfazed.
"Great. Just peachy. I'm sure he'll do it, don't worry. Just tell him about it. I mean, I've shown him passages from the diary, but that is probably fake too, isn't it?" the shirt fell back into its place.
"Obviously. Like I harbor any feelings for you other than disgust and contempt, rat. But something tells me you already knew that. But then why go ahead with your little schemes? Sometimes I truly don't understand you. And of course Daniel knows about it. I told him today. Honestly, I'm lucky to have such an understanding and empathetic son." Bruno puffed out his chest a bit.
Comparatively, Lucian deflated instead. He had always suspected that Bruno was somehow engineering all of this. Or that things wouldn't go as planned. But he didn't imagine this. Nor did he ever really accept his worries. He dismissed them - thinking they were just mere paranoia or overreaction. But no, Bruno really was just as horrible as he had imagined. He should've known. There was no excuse not to.
"So what now? Daniel knows about it and what? He just forgave you? He shrugged it off? Like it's normal you're fu... fornicating with me out of all people? Or maybe he spread his legs? Wanted to take you back, so he became your little sex toy instead? I wouldn't have said he's capable of that, but today has made me doubt it." Lucian strained his voice, gulping down a vulgarism, afraid.
For a few seconds there was silence. Then a heavy thud collided with the top of Lucian's head. He felt disorientated and dizzy - his vision was slightly blurry and his ears rung a bit. The dull ache reverberated throughout his entire skull.
"Try and say my Daniel is a sex toy one more time and see what happens. And, just for the record, it is of no import to you what we did, do or will do. So sate your curiosity on that." Bruno growled loudly - the first intense emotion he had shown in the entire conversation.
Lucian tried to recover from the dizziness as he felt the impact echo in his nerves. The tingles all around his scalp, rushing downwards. A few droplets of blood spilled from his nose too. He wiped them off.
"Ah... so I assume I've been replaced. That's okay. I can live with that..." the young man said, not really wanting to continue the conversation further.
He would not get his way.
"Oh please, like you aren't used to that. You don't have a partner, I know that much. And honestly, who would want you? The only redeeming quality about you is that you put out. That's pretty much it. But hey, at least the gang managed to get something out of that." Bruno continued.
"Ah... I assume that means you know about the sex I had in the bathroom." Lucian replied flatly, any combative energy dissipating.
"There you go! Using that rotten brain for something good! But you're not really correct, sorry. I was the one who instructed for the entire thing to happen. You see, Bobby's a neat guy, but he's a total closet case and virgin to boot. Or, well, was. I made sure that man got some passable ass to finally know what it's like to get his dick wet. I had to recompense him somehow - I mean, my conscience wouldn't allow otherwise." Bruno laughed, sarcasm apparent to even the lightly lethargic Lucian.
"Figures... You've been in this all along, huh? I never really stood a chance." a hopeless reply came.
"Well, yes, isn't it rather obvious at this point? Though there were some unexpected hurdles in the way, they were easy to overcome - some were even a nice addition to the entire charade. The most inexplicable aspect is why Frank and Richard - two men who I know are straight - participated in your fucking. I didn't ever tell them to do it, so I guess they must've decided on their own. Cheeky, I'll tell you that. Frank is a disgusting little liar, but useful, so I expected that of him. But Richard? I could not tell you. Maybe they wanted to kiss my ass a bit, who knows." the behemoth shrugged.
"Typical. So typical. You must've enjoyed it though, didn't you? You loved seeing me sell myself out to your little henchmen. You're just that type of sick, aren't you? Sick, depraved, manipulative..." little sparks of rebelliousness ignited in Lucian again.
"Enjoyed? Hmmm, not really. I do like knowing you are that easily swayed, though. But let's get one thing clear - I don't give a shit about your assessment of me. The grime between my toes has more value for me than any opinion you hold. I gave Bobby the instructions and you behaved exactly as I had predicted. But don't worry, it's not your fault you're a whore - you got that from your mother." Bruno spat out the last word.
"You leave her out of this! She was the best thing I had ever had in my life and she left! Because of you, I bet! No wonder she cheated on you, you monster." Lucian spat out, his self-preservation gone at the trigger.
"Shut your stupid mouth before I rip off your fucking jaw!" Bruno huffed, looking directly into Lucian's eyes.
The young man wanted to fight and smack back, but the furious look in the brute's eyes made him reconsider. This wasn't like the usual storm he'd see in the iris - more like a typhoon.
"You are just like your whore of a mother, you know that? You and that other should-have-been-abortion. You think your mother was so nice, don't you? Such a saint and sweetheart. Well, you fell for it too. Congratulations. She was a vile woman - lied to me with every breath, manipulated me into doing what she wanted and was overall a mistake to ever associate with. And you are her child - it's clear as day. You even open your legs for me when you want to achieve something - so exactly like her, it's almost comical. That other hell-spawn? He's the cold-shoulder I'd always get from her if everything wasn't just right. Those 'vacations' she'd take for weeks, without prior notice, so I'd become all whiny for her to come back and forgive her. So yes, of course I am wise to your little tricks. I've seen them before many times, Lucian. And trust me, she was a lot better at the execution." Bruno hissed out of himself, anger only intensifying.
"So then why isn't Daniel the same? He's also her child, is he not? He's my and Peter's half-brother, if you didn't know." Lucian asked in a hesitant, but still spiteful tone.
"Daniel is special... he might've come out of that bitch, but he cares about me. Just like she did - or rather, pretended to do - before we got married. But he means it genuinely. And I value him for that. He's finally a person who actually wants me around and doesn't just view me as a nice dog to keep close or a boogeyman to be afraid of. Someone who I can actually trust... And don't you dare mention yourself as related to him... I will not allow you to tarnish him with that woman's taint. My blood courses through him, so I will make sure it remains that way. It's because of you that he was so miserable, it's because of you that he hid away from me, IT'S BECAUSE OF YOU THAT HE ALMOST FUCKING GAVE UP ON ME!" Bruno screamed out.
He supplement his yell with a single punch - aimed near Lucian's head. It landed on the headpiece of the backrest - the impact breaking it off from the rest of the structure, sending it flying to the window where it bounced back after forming a big crack and landed on the floor all the way next to Bruno's feet. Lucian whimpered quietly as he saw his entire life flash in front of him.
Bruno seemed to finally calm himself down, looking at the window to see the damage. He clicked his tongue and pulled out his phone again.
"Fucking finally. It's time." Bruno said, pocketing his smartphone.
"Time for wh-" Lucian tried to speak, but couldn't.
The brute's hairy paw grabbed him by the hair and slammed his face forward. Hitting the structure of the car - hard - Lucian immediately felt everything go dark.
---
A wet sensation on his forehead disturbed Lucian's involuntary nap. His head hurt like a motherfucker as he tried to open his eyes - but the little light that got to his pupil irritated him immediately. Bruno had really done a number on him. And it was just three hits. The image of the backrest piece flying through the air made him clench his fists together. Good, at least he still had control of his body. That was a start.
The disgustingly wet sensation rippled from his forehead all the way down to his fingertips. Fuck, what was that brute doing to him? He couldn't really tell much with his entire body in disarray - his senses going haywire. But he had to fight back! Come on, Lucian! He tried to hype himself up to properly defend himself. His heart pumped - blood hot.
His eyes shot open as he swung in front of him, but only hit air. The light hitting his eyes immediately cursed him with vertigo, nausea adding itself into the mix. Oh fuck, he was absolutely done for. He looked around, trying to search for a weapon or an exit or something. The interior looked a lot more... rusty. And beaten-up. The lights were all yellowish, compared to the whiter light he had been used to. Where the fuck was he?
"Relax, would you? Your bleeding finally stopped, so don't start it up again." resounded a voice from his side.
"What do you want? Leave me alone!" he screamed at the unfocused figure as his vision blurred again.
"Stop squirming for a single second! Oh fuck, it started bleeding again. Great." the voice remarked sarcastically.
Hair - brown like a tree's bark - occupied most of his sight. But the voice wasn't nearly as deep as Bruno's. Or was that his brain playing tricks on him again? A white sheet occupied his vision next, slowly staining with crimson - both colors slightly yellowed by the atmosphere.
"Is that you, Peter?" Lucian asked hesitantly.
"Who else would it be? Did you already forget in the little time you decided to - oh, I don't know - block me?" Peter replied petulantly.
"Why are you here? Rather, where the fuck are we? Where's Bruno?" Lucian asked, paranoia rising.
"Thankfully we're here alone. When I got here you were all on your own - you and your stuff laying in the dirt. I tried to gather everything, but it was all strewn around. Your bags open and all that. Hopefully you won't be missing anything important." Peter replied, continuing to swat at Lucian's forehead.
The object was clear now - it was a tissue. Lots of tissues around, to be fair. Almost all of them soaked in scarlet. Fuck, just how much had he bled. His vision returned to normal - or at least very close to it. This really was Peter's car. Just as old and cheap as he remembered. Nothing like Bruno's high-end jeep. Second-hand junk compared to one of the latest models. Yet somehow the current car felt a lot more comfortable even with the seats in disrepair.
"I'm... I'm sure it'll all be fine. But what... happened?" he tried to remember, but after that last slam to his head, he had been out like a light.
"I don't know, bro. All I did was come here when I was told to pick you up. I should've guessed you'd be in this state. Sorry I wasn't here sooner, I guess. I can't tell how long you must've been out on the cold ground like that." the younger brother said as he finally finished patting the injured area.
Or at least that's what Lucian thought before a cloth came up to his head - it was most likely dunked in disinfectant as the wound hissed, Lucian wincing.
"Fuck me, that burns. But... what do you mean you came here? You knew I'd be here? You mentioned someone told you to pick me up. I certainly didn't tell you, so who did? Was it Bruno? Are you in cahoots with him?" the blonde gained an accusatory edge to his voice.
"You know I wouldn't team up with that monster! How could you even accuse me of that? It was Daniel. He apparently orchestrated the whole thing." Peter hissed back, mirroring the angry sentiment.
"What thing?"
"He did say you'd be in the dark... Look, Lucian. You needed to get out of there as fast as possible, okay? I knew that and Daniel knew it too. So he arranged an 'exchange', if you will. I was to come pick you up here after Bruno dropped you off. That's all I know." Peter shrugged.
"What the fuck does that mean? So I was shipped over into your car like some cargo? Was the injury also in the plan?" Lucian continued to accuse.
"Calm down, would you? No one shipped you over. We rescued you, if anything. You could finally learn some manners and thank people when they help you." Peter said, apparently not appreciating the tone he was getting.
"Yeah!? Fuck you, Pete! I don't need your help or Daniel's. I'm not some fucking charity case!" the blonde screamed.
"Are you not!? Then why are you on my seat bleeding from the head? Or better yet, what would have happened to you had I not come? Would you have stumbled your way to 'glory' through the forest in the middle of the night? With an open wound no less? And that's only external damage - you might still be concussed or worse. So tell me, do you still not need my help?" the brunette raised his voice to match.
"Exactly! I don't need you or that little bastard who's probably sitting on Bruno's lap right now. I don't need any of you! I don't need anyone! I would've figured something out! So get away from me."
Lucian tried to push Peter away, but his hands were oddly weak, probably from the disorientation he was experiencing. Peter didn't hesitate before grabbing onto the arms stretched out towards him and pulled the two of them closer. Their foreheads were nearly touching. Peter shifted his hold - his fingernails buried into Lucian's shoulders through a layer of clothing, eliciting a hiss out of the blonde.
"No, you wouldn't have. If Daniel hadn't planned this entire operation with me and Bruno hadn't agreed, you would be much worse off. Can you imagine what he'd do to you? He has no use for you now and every reason to want revenge, so tell me, what do you think would happen, hm?" Peter said in a stern, lecturing tone.
"Oh, so Daniel has told you everything, huh? Wow, what a champ. Did he remember to gloat when he told you about what was going on? How he managed to win over me? Again." Lucian remarked bitterly.
"Stop evading the question, fucker. Daniel called me from Bruno's phone - I nearly pissed myself when I saw that number on my screen - to tell me all about what has happened. We then texted for a bit before I came here. I'm pretty sure I'm up to date on most things about your situation, even the stuff you don't know. And now, to get back to what I asked. What do you think would happen? Especially after this has already happened?" Peter asked as he lifted Lucian's shirt.
The tattoo was visible despite the poor lighting in the car. On the other hand, the piercings were gleaming proudly with a metallic sheen - lodged firmly in the swollen, irritated flesh of Lucian's nipples. He could only bite his lip. He didn't have an answer for that. So he decided to change the topic again.
"I'm sure I could've figured something out. It's only a matter of time before I get him. And I'll get him good. Just you wait. I'll avenge us, Pete." the blonde tried to be positive.
Peter let his brother go as he grabbed the steering wheel and pressed his face against it with a frustrated groan. He repeated this gesture multiple times.
"Get him. Get him. How many times have you tried to get him? When will it finally click? When will you understand that you can't? None of us can. Remember the amount of times you've tried to 'get him' by now? How many times has it worked? Hm? Correct. Never. What makes you think it'll be different? Ever? People don't give a shit about us, our past or our situation. We know this - both of us. Daniel knows this too - he knew this since the start, honestly. Why do you insist on being so goddamn stubborn?" Peter sighed out.
"You don't get it - if we can just find the right people to show evidence to, we can do it." Lucian argued.
"No, you don't get it. Who do we show it to? Who is there left to show it to? First of all, I'm convinced almost everyone knows. They just don't give a shit. Second of all, who would be that reckless to start a fight with Bruno Greene? He is strong, smart, has a shit ton of resources and a connection in nearly every relevant institution in the country - one way or another. So tell me, who do we show this to? Even if someone was on our side, what then? Is some random schmuck going to change anything? They'll get obliterated. Wake up, Lucian. Please, just wake the fuck up. There is no divine justice in this world or whatever the fuck. You can't rely on fairy-tale logic to help us here. We're forced to fend for ourselves and so we will." Peter nodded to himself.
"Would you stop being such a pussy? You've always been like this - resigned. A coward through and through. You always run while I'm left to fight alone. Maybe if you had my back at least once we could've done something." Lucian said bitterly.
"Oh my fuck- Are you listening to yourself? We'd both lose. Do you know how horribly we could both end up? Use that brain of yours, will you? I'm not risking this, Lucian. You're not getting me near him. Especially after Daniel got us the deal of our lifetimes." the last part was said with a certain bitterness.
"What deal?" the older brother asked, confused.
"If... Bruno said if we promise not to contact Daniel anymore, he'd leave us both alone. Us and anyone connected with us, that is. Daniel agreed. I did too, albeit reluctantly. And we kind of decided for you." Peter grimaced.
"Ah, I see. So Daniel decided to pretend and be the sacrifice yet again, just so that we worship him, huh? And you fell for it. You eat that act up every single time." the blonde hissed.
But his anger quickly dissipated as he saw tears flow from his brother's eyes. The brunette was shaking. His grip on the steering wheel tightened.
"Lucian, we lost our brother today. Our little baby bro. That smart fella that I could always boast about... Do you know how much Daniel has helped me in my life? And this is the reward I give him. I leave him alone. I abandon him... He deserves better, Lu. So much better than us two. So much better than his dad... But I can't let such an opportunity go. I need to do what I can to protect those I love. My future wife and my children." the brunette said with a broken voice.
"What do you mean, future wife and children?" Lucian asked.
"I mean what I said, Lucian. I'm getting married soon. She's pregnant. I didn't have the heart to tell Daniel while he was dealing with this situation. And since you blocked me, I couldn't tell you either... I always imagined my children would have two uncles, you know? The cool uncle and the smart uncle. That they'd see three good role models in all of us - each of us teaching them something in our own way. We'd get to make sure they grow up into healthy, happy people... but now they'll just have us. Daniel won't ever see them - he probably won't even know he has nephews or nieces... But I had to do it. I... Without that protection against Bruno, I can't imagine ever sleeping soundly at night. What he could do to my wife... or my children..." Peter shuddered.
Lucian was stumped. He had never really considered Peter having a family. He had written him off as a factory slave for life. Maybe that's the reason his brother had been working his ass off - to prepare for the kids. It would make sense. But that is also when the gravity of the entire situation hit him. Everything he had lost.
"So... no more Danny?" Lucian's voice rasped.
"Correct... no more Danny..." Peter echoed.
"But... but what if I want to see my baby bro again? Yes, he's a prick, and a boot-licker and a little minion, but... but he's my baby bro... I don't want to lose him." his voice started breaking.
"It's too late for that. He's gone. I don't even want to imagine what would happen if we were to break the agreement. The thought alone makes me nauseous." Peter's voice switched to a resigned cadence.
Now it was Lucian's time to despair. All fight from before had left him. He hugged his knees as he curled up into a ball. His body rocked back and forth, sobs tearing out of his throat.
"I did this. This is my fault. It's all my fault. I don't know how to fix this. I don't want to do this anymore. I just want it to end. Why won't this nightmare end." Lucian cried.
"It's okay. It'll all be okay, don't worry. It's not your fault, it's all Bruno's fault. None of this is on us. And we'll manage, you'll see. We'll survive." Peter embraced his curled-up form.
"How? I don't have anywhere to go. My dorms won't let me stay there now. I don't have money. Most of the people who could let me sleep over are miles away - if they'd even let me. What do I do? Fuck, what about my car?" Lucian's body trembled.
"Well... since Bruno paid for most of that car and you technically put it under his name, he said he'd keep it... sorry. But it's okay. You can live with me, okay? My house is big enough to handle both of us and my girlfriend, I'm sure." Peter spoke gently.
"Live with you? How could I? I was never nice to you. I've always berated and insulted you. Why would you want me over? I'll just be a burden." Lucian scooted away.
"Lucian, please... It's okay. We'll always stay together... We're brothers... You'll find a job - you're smart enough when you want to be. And don't worry, I can feed us all with my paycheck. I don't work for nothing, you know?" Peter laughed, but it was melancholic.
They were brothers... And yet they left one of their brothers behind. Lucian hadn't agreed to do it, but he had caused it, hadn't he? It was all his fault... But he felt the affection seeping from Peter. The kindness and compassion. The insistent helping hand. And he took it.
"Okay... if I'm not a bother, then sure..." he said tiredly.
"You won't be. I know you won't be. So can I drive us now? I'd rather we get home as soon as possible... I do need to get a bit of sleep before I go to work in the morning." Peter said sheepishly.
Home...
"Sure." Lucian said as he sat properly.
His chest ached, both from the inside and outside - the prickling, burning sensation in his nipples a clear reminder of what he had done. Or rather, what he had let himself be manipulated into doing. But maybe it would be alright... maybe he could let it all go...
The engine revved up. An old, loud and rough sound filled the interior of the vehicle. And they slowly drove off - away from the woods. Away from the other Greenes. Away from Bruno and Daniel - forever.
---
Silence filled the quiet air of the late evening as Daniel was sitting on his bed, twiddling his thumbs, trying his best to distract himself with something in his room. He looked at every possible gizmo and trinket he had, but it was of no avail. All he could think about is what he had done.
The new dynamic he had thrust himself into felt scummy. Part of him had been happy to see dad so possessive and greedy. When Daniel had suggested calling Peter and facilitating an 'exchange' of sorts, he had not expected such terms. But Bruno had been clear. Peter and Lucian were to distance themselves from their youngest brother and sever their contact with him.
When father made this offer, he had been rather sullen. There was not the cocky confidence filling out his voice, nor the grim seriousness which he reserved for important matters - rather it was some sort of melancholic desperation, one that clawed from his throat almost in an instinctual way. Like the offer wasn't a trick or punishment, but rather a last gambit of sorts.
Daniel remembered agreeing rather readily. The isolation was a steep price to pay... he would miss his brothers dearly. But that was secondary to the anxiety which he had had to deal with from Lucian's weird plots. If not for his blonde brother, he would most likely never be in such a situation to begin with. Never so awkward, never so pained, yet also never so oddly intimate. The... 'relationship' he had with Bruno had evolved due to this ordeal.
Weirdly enough, it didn't even hurt that much anymore. Be it the little deal, or Lucian's betrayal, or everything he had learned about their messed up family. It was all numb and unimportant. But then why did he feel so bad? It was as if, in the end, he had lost. The conflict of anxiety and hatred which warred in him before transmogrifying into fight between apathy and regret. This was not how it was supposed to go.
Focusing on his hearing, Daniel tried to see whether Bruno was home. Nothing - radio silence. It was already quite late. Where was he? The plan was to leave Lucian off at a neutral spot in the wilderness, then leave. How hard could those instructions be? Or did something happen? Should Daniel call? No, that'd be too clingy and desperate. Daniel didn't want to be called those things... but why was he behaving like this in the first place?
Jealousy? Insecurity? Doubts? Why were these the emotions he was feeling recently when it came to Bruno? Lucian was gone. The 'threat' to his love from dad vanquished. Father himself said that he'd love Daniel unconditionally. Did he not trust him anymore? Maybe that was why the conditions of his new life were so oddly comforting, despite the ache. They separated Bruno into a nice little cocoon. They created a gust that pushed everyone away as it left dad all for his one and only son... It validated him.
He was pathetic. Daniel really wondered if he had done the right thing. Sure, he wanted his brothers to be happy, and he achieved that. Bruno promised not to interact with them anymore. He also wanted to have contact with his dad, which he achieved too. Bruno was all his now. Their entire house for themselves. But maybe pursuing legal charges would've been wiser... yet it would've felt cruel. Like a stab in the back. Daniel didn't want to betray the people close to him. He wasn't cut out to be like this.
A purring engine cut through his rumination as a vehicle got closer and closer - eventually getting into the garage. Dad was home. Daniel didn't hesitate before standing up from his bed and walking downstairs to greet him. They met in the living room. Two poison emeralds gazing upon each other.
"Is it... is it done?" Daniel asked hesitantly.
"Yeah. I made sure to drop him and his bags off at the agreed-on spot. Just like I promised I would." Bruno nodded.
"And... and you didn't hurt him, did you? He's alive and well?" the young man asked, fearing the answer.
"I'm pretty sure he's alive. Unless something happened to him after the drop-off. As for his condition, well... it's manageable, I'm certain." Bruno shrugged.
"I see... Good... I would ask Peter if they made it home safely, but I'm not supposed to do so, correct?"
"Yeah. We agreed that you'd cut your contact with them. Trust me, it's for the best. They'd only corrupt you with her sickening personality." the old man spat venom.
"When... when you say that, I get reminded of what we talked about at the lake today... Dad, what do you mean by 'her sickening personality'. Is this... is this about mom?" Daniel shuffled his feet awkwardly.
"Of course it is, champ. Always has been. You probably can't see it, but those two are the worst of the worst your mother had to offer. It's like she designed them to be a plague upon my life. Just like she herself turned out to be." Bruno said, eyes looking off into a distant point, as if gazing into the past.
"But... but I thought you and mom loved each other. That only when she cheated you found out she wasn't all that great. But this sounds a lot more serious, dad..." Daniel asked on.
"Yeah, I thought me and your mom loved each other too, sport. I definitely loved her. But when it comes to how much she loved me? It's a bit of a dismal story. But... I think you're old enough to hear it. Care to indulge your old man for a bit and listen to him open old wounds? I'd love nothing more than give you the full picture of that woman, now that you're so mature." the towering man said, glancing to the couch in an unspoken offer.
Honestly, this was perfect. Daniel was wondering what was up with dad and mom ever since the lake. Bruno had said some stuff that was a bit too... specific. Concerning. And it helped keep other intrusive emotions at bay. Like his jealousy. Or anxiety. Or doubts... Plunging himself into this exploration of scars, he sat down on a couch cushion, propping himself up against the backrest and listened intently as his dad spoke.
"You know, I've never told you about how me and your mom dated, have I?" Bruno asked with the quirk of an eyebrow.
Daniel simply shook his head for a 'no', and dad smiled gently.
"Well, then buckle up. Because it is a rather turbulent story." he cleared his throat.
"Whatever it is, I'm sure I can take the truth. I want my curiosity satisfied, now that we've started this journey... together." Daniel said, holding his hands out.
Bruno smiled and quickly grasped the outstretched limbs, enveloping his son's digits with his own. They were warm. And so oddly gentle.
"Well, for starters, how about I tell you how she and I got together. That story is quite short. It was one random day in high school, where we literally just bumped into each other... unless that too was planned by her... regardless. We bumped into each other and immediately felt a connection. So I asked her out." Bruno started telling his tale.
"Did you ask girls out like this often? Because this seems very quick." Daniel wondered.
"Oh, a lot. You see, my relationships never really worked out, I fear. Not for the lack of trying on my part. I just never felt... satisfied. Until your mother came along. Our dates were phenomenal. She was phenomenal. Let me tell you, by the end of our first week we were already laying around in bed and saying 'I love you' to each other." dad continued.
"That... that sounds sweet. Like love at first sight." the young man tried to smile for his father.
"It does, doesn't it? But see, then the problems started. My parents didn't approve of her because she didn't have anything going for her. No rich parents, no big ambitions, no plans, nothing. Like those old fossils had any of those things - we were average ourselves. You see, my lovely parents decided to present me with an ultimatum - either I choose someone 'more suitable', or I let them go... And that is how I got disowned." Bruno nodded to himself.
"That's... that's terrible. I'm so sorry, dad."
"Don't be - those people were dirt. I had never really been close to them to begin with. But at least you know why your grandparents aren't around."
"I see... So then you decided to live with her?"
"Correct. I went to college to get better positions at the army. She went too, for her own dreams. Honestly, those years of ours were pretty harmonious. We laughed more than we cried, we had stupid little nicknames for one another - you know, the usual lovey-dovey stuff. And then came the part where we moved in with each other."
"Where you've wed?"
"Precisely. That was a turning point, champ. The wedding was humble, but we didn't need more. We moved in at the base and started our domestic life. And that is where your mother became weird." Bruno took a deep breath, then a weary exhale followed.
"Weird how?" Daniel wondered.
"Well... she would sometimes take trips. Plan entire weeks with her friends - I wasn't included in those plans. She and her gals would go on vacation for literal days upon days upon days and I got the notice the night before she was due to leave. Of course, I was miffed, to say the least. Especially when it happened over and over. It's not like I wouldn't have let her go, I just wanted to be in the know. But your mom? Whenever I tried to talk this through with her, she got pissed. Fire and brimstone, Danny. She would scream about how controlling I was being - how big of an asshole I was for looming over her life."
"That sounds... weird."
"Understatement of the century, champ. But hey - I caved. I just let the matter go, not wanting her to scream at me all the time. You know, those were our first actual arguments... And then they started spreading into other areas of our life. When she wanted to buy something and I didn't, she'd throw a tantrum right there in the middle of the store. So I caved and bought it. Or when I came home and found her watching TV - the floor caked with dust. I tried asking her why she didn't clean, so she started yelling again. About how petty I was and what a tyrant she had decided to marry. So I caved and tidied up by myself."
"That is terrible. She doesn't sound very loving at all. Completely unlike what I know he as."
"I'm not surprised. She always made sure to put on a happy act for you and her hell-spawn. The worst part? Afterwards, she would even be so loving to me. When we laid in bed, she'd come and slither her hands around my biceps, squeezing it and praising me for how strong I was. She'd start saying all of those nice things about my body, my personality, my job. And I thrived, Danny. I lived for those moments. Her validation was more important to me than anything." Bruno smiled wryly.
Daniel didn't even know what to say to that. It was all so... sad. So unlike what he remembered. He came closer to Bruno and put his hand over the older man's shoulder. He squeezed gently. His dad's hand was placed over his and held it there. Father continued speaking.
"This was how we lived life, Danny. Day after day, these things got more and more common. But I didn't mind - as long as I had the nice little piece of loving at the end of the day. Then she asked for a kid... I'll be honest with you, champ, I did not feel even remotely ready to be a dad. We argued again, but I put my foot down this time. I wasn't about to bring a child to this world when I knew I wouldn't be ready for it. So she stonewalled me... She didn't talk to me for a week, Daniel. A week. She'd avoid me at home, didn't pick up the phone, didn't do anything around the house. I was tired, Danny. So I caved, again. The sparks in her eyes when I yielded? To die for. She embraced me as tightly as never before. Her reactions were akin to winning a lottery. So try for a kid we did... Let me tell you, I started despising sex after that. But forcing yourself to get a boner and do the deed is easier than I had thought."
"So that's how Lucian came to be..." the young man replied in a hushed voice.
"Indeed... and you and your unfortunate half-brother followed. You know, back in the days I was ready to put my life on the line for all three of you. That is still true for you, Danny, rest assured. And so our little family life began." Bruno said softly.
"Did things get better?"
"Oh no, champ. The opposite. See, your mom found out that if she sweet-talked me, I would do anything for her. When I came home tired from a 12-hour shift? She'd bat her eyelashes at me and tell me how good of a husband I was for cleaning and cooking for her when she was tired. So of course I did the chores that same day too. Or when I had pneumonia, but she told me how good of a dad I was for keeping an eye out for all three of you, so she could go run errands. So of course I entertained you all with a fever. The days where I didn't get even a wink of sleep multiplied as time progressed. I passed out on random chairs more times than I can count. Sometimes I even fell asleep standing! But no, I had to stay strong and awake - help her around the house and with you all. I was a good husband and father, after all."
"So... so when you mentioned the smelling salts today..."
"Oh yeah, that was her too. Apparently falling to the floor and sleeping was not a privilege I was supposed to have. I didn't budge when she started yelling or shoving me, so she resorted to smelling salts. Her words, not mine. Of course, I had other responsibilities to attend to for her. So, as you can guess, I complied."
"That sounds actually horrible, dad. I'm... I'm surprised you're still alive and kicking after all that."
"Me too, champ, me too. But I have a hardy root. Not that easy to get rid of me, let me tell you. And now that I know what your mom is really like? I'm glad I didn't keel over because of her. I won't give her that satisfaction."
"So it never got better?"
"Better? Danny, this was the nightmare I lived in for years upon years. It only got worse. And it all culminated when I found out about her affairs. Not only did she work me like a slave, not only did she lie and play me like a fool... she still didn't have enough? I wasn't doing enough for her? So she had to run away to who knows whom? Oh, I didn't know what to feel, but I certainly wasn't happy, let me tell you that."
"That's understandable, dad. Nobody is happy about their partner cheating."
"Oh, I'm aware. But see, she didn't even look remorseful. She was just... there. When I confronted her about it, when we were at court, afterwards - nothing! She was like a statue. Didn't care at all for you or me. And that is when I realized something... no matter how good you try to be, no matter how much you bust your ass - nobody will ever give you handouts in this life and you can't trust anyone but yourself."
"Dad..." the young man started, but was met with a hand held in front of his face.
"Let me finish, Danny. So, after the divorce was over? I made sure to teach all of you that lesson. About how you should not take love for granted, because it never was. Because love was a pipe dream. I made sure to beat that into all of you from a young age. You know, I did feel bad about it at first, but seeing how that bitch decided to saddle me with the three of you, my remorse was quickly forgotten."
"I... see..." Daniel stammered.
That was it? This was the reason behind all the pain and suffering they had to go through? It wasn't as if Bruno wasn't valid in his grief, but... it all seemed so... underwhelming all of a sudden. Like he had expected Bruno to be a great mastermind of sorts, or a big bad evil. But he just seemed so... ordinary. Ordinarily malevolent. And yet even after hearing this, Daniel couldn't help but feel sorry for his dad.
"It's okay. I can tell you have mixed feelings about this. And I did too when I saw how nice you remained to me while I was making your life a living hell. The other two? They were exactly like her. Either tried to argue with me or gave me the cold shoulder. So I made sure to try and beat that out of them too - unsuccessfully, it seems. That blonde bastard is still as much of a manipulative little whore like his mother. But you're different... you were kind to me despite it all. You continued loving me regardless of what happened... And so I couldn't keep the anger alive with you." Bruno admitted quietly.
"So... so you had paternity tests done?" Daniel asked.
"Yeah... but do you want to know the real kicker? I never opened the results for you. I checked for Lucian and Peter and they are not mine. But I couldn't open yours. I was too afraid of what might be in there. So I burnt it - threw the ashes into the wind - and simply decided that you were my blood. I didn't care what others thought, you were mine and that was the end of story. I made sure to tell everyone that you were legitimate too - if people believed it, it didn't matter if it was true or not."
This admission was like pouring a bucket of ice water on Daniel. There... there was a chance that they weren't related? Then... would dad stop liking him if it turned out they weren't of the same blood? Would that spell the end of their relationship? Daniel didn't know whether to push dad away or to hug him close. This wasn't fair. He didn't want to worry about losing him - not anymore. Not after the entire ordeal they had to go through. But the young man didn't need to move - Bruno quickly put his arms around his son's frame and pulled him in close.
"Danny... it's okay. I know you may be shocked, but it's all okay. You are my son, blood or not. I don't care anymore. Nor will I ever check. So rest assured that I won't let you go anymore. Alright? Relax." Bruno whispered reassuringly.
It was his warm voice again... the voice Daniel was desperately craving. So soothing and pleasant. The young man couldn't help but embrace his dad back, holding on for dear life. He even sobbed a few times, yet his eyes were dry. And they simply sat there... silent. For a good while before Bruno decided to stand up. Gently, he maneuvered the person in his lap into a bridal carry. And up the stairs they went.
Daniel didn't know how to react - he simply froze. The gesture felt so... intimate. So gentle. But his mind was still a mess. Not only was it a nuclear wasteland after all the stuff that happened at the lake, now the information about his real mom joined the fray. And then, the cherry on top - he may not even be Bruno's real kid? It was all too much...
So he gave in. He let himself go limp in the mighty arms that carried him, Bruno only uttering a single 'oof' as the man in his arms suddenly felt a lot heavier.
"It's okay, Danny. You're tired, I know. I am too... I am too, champ. But it's okay, tomorrow is another day. We can talk it out then, yeah? Go get some rest now."
Bruno finished speaking and was about to set his son down at Daniel's bedroom door, but the younger man had other plans. He clutched his arms around Bruno's neck and held on tight. He was not letting go. Not after everything that happened today. No. It felt like Bruno was slipping away again. That was unacceptable. Horrifying. He was the only thing he had left...
"Danny? What's the matter?" Bruno asked, concerned.
"I... I don't want to go. I don't want to be away from you." Daniel admitted.
His dad didn't say anything, but smiled. He fastened his hold again and started walking - to the master bedroom this time around. It wasn't a long walk at all, but it somehow still felt very exhilarating. Daniel avoided his father's room. He considered it an invasion of privacy to be there without permission. Same as he had with Lucian's room...
"My bed is big enough for two, don't worry. You can stay with me tonight, if you want." dad said, but entered without waiting for a response.
The spicy smell of musk and sweat hit Daniel's nostrils - dad's scent. It smelled just like him after he came home from work. He knew it well. But it felt so... different this time around. A lot more intimate. They'd fit right into the damp atmosphere, though, as they had neglected any form of self-care this evening. No dinner, no shower, nothing. Daniel was too beat to do anything. And he assumed Bruno felt similarly.
"Okay..." Daniel said, looking at the unkempt sheets.
Dad had always been a slob in his private quarters. The spaces which others could see? Pristine. Military discipline showing in tidiness. But whatever the public eye couldn't see was severely neglected. Bruno was just that type of guy.
Unceremoniously, Daniel got placed at the edge of the bed. The scent was even stronger there. Yet he could also smell someone else... this aroma only made him melancholic and slightly angry. It was the unique fragrance of his own brother. Lucian... Why did he have to do all of this? Why couldn't he have caved earlier? It would've been so much easier... Nothing would be complicated like this. And maybe... maybe Daniel could still see Peter and him that way. Maybe he wouldn't feel like he still had something to prove. Then, Daniel was torn out of his rumination.
"Danny... It's a bit hot tonight, right? Mind if I sleep naked?"
"Oh, uh... No, go ahead." the young man answered.
The implication was clear. It was easily legible from Bruno's expression. This was not an innocent practicality. It was very much an admission of sorts - that it would be fine to pursue something more. That Bruno welcomed it.
This was also clear from the removal of clothes. At first, everything got discarded extremely fast - a little heap of dirty laundry forming on the floor. Only the underwear remained. Bruno looked directly into his son's eyes, slight hesitation crossing his features, before dissolving into grim resolve. Painstakingly slow, he put his fingers into the waistband of his own underwear and pulled. Gently at first, then sped up a bit. He was truly trying to make himself look sexy. And it worked.
Daniel had always thought his dad was attractive, even if he hadn't really considered him intimately before this accursed day. Honestly, dad wouldn't have looked out of a place in a bodybuilder showcase. He looked so strong and handsome - rugged and disciplined. But he also looked so safe... and warm. So approachable and... stable. Daniel didn't want to let go now. He couldn't exactly point his finger at the reason, but he felt as if this was the move. To sleep with dad would mean being able to stay with him forever - no more interference, no more sabotage, no more traitors. Just a very simple, stable, predictable life. One where Daniel would not need for anything.
His train of thought was once again interrupted by Bruno's voice - who was standing right in front of him. Danny's face was directly facing a hairy crotch.
"If you want to get naked too. I won't mind." Bruno hinted not so subtly.
And Daniel took the bait. He wasn't going to chicken out now. He had already made his decisions today, and he was not going to back down. Dad was there to stay. Yes, he was awful and cruel and unfair and everything around that. But he was still dad... Maybe not a blood-related dad, but that only made Daniel want to try more.
He didn't bother with a show, simply stood up and started undressing with speed. Bruno kept on standing in front of him, watching - spectating with an intense focus. After Daniel was done, he noticed his father's rather prominent mast already fully ready for action. But Bruno did not act upon it. He simply walked around the bed to the other side - erection swinging around wildly with his steps.
Daniel laid down as well. And so, eventually, they just were on the bed... motionless. Looking directly at the empty ceiling. This was a weird situation for the both of them - and most likely for everyone else in the world. But... so what? Daniel didn't give a shit about that anymore. A growing feeling of apathy was invading his mind, its only competition the anxiety of losing dad. Of not having the single lifeline left in his existence. So he'd fight for it.
"Dad... we can... you know..." Daniel stammered out.
"We can what?" Bruno answered coldly.
This was not a joke for Bruno. Not at all. He took this even more seriously than his job - that much was clear from a single look at his face. Nothing but sheer seriousness.
"We can... fuck... just like you did with Lucian." Daniel finally managed to spit out.
"Sorry, but... I fear that's impossible... I would never do it the same way with you. That'd be cruel. You might get hurt."
How funny. Even in sex Daniel was getting prioritized. It was sick... but it made him feel better nonetheless. Like he had won. Won where it really mattered. But that wasn't enough. He wanted all of dad.
"But... you'd do it?" Daniel continued quietly.
"Yes... what a question, champ. Who wouldn't do you? Look at you."
"I mean... I guess? I do think I look alright." Daniel shrugged against the sheets.
"Alright? Please. You're a football player. You do work around the house every day. You eat properly. And you're also extremely smart. That shows, Danny. Only a fool would not see what a catch you are." Bruno said, gazing directly into his son's eyes.
The atmosphere in the bedroom was somewhat tense, before Bruno broke it - by getting to his knees and leaning over to grab something from below the bed. After a minute of rummaging around, he dug something out. A bottle of lubricant.
"Here. Lube. If you want me to do the same thing I did with Lucian, which you apparently do, then we'll use this. I'm not hurting my boy anymore than I already have." Bruno said, saddened at the last part.
"Ah... I've heard that people use lube for intercourse. But I don't have the experience to back that knowledge up... y'know, being a virgin and all." the young man flushed.
Sure, it wasn't a secret, but he always got very insecure at his remaining V-card. Like he had missed an important part of his teenage years.
"Don't worry about it. If anything, that just means no one had the chance to teach you all the wrong things about sex. And no one worth their salt would judge someone just because they're a virgin." Bruno said warmly.
"Thanks... but... you know... I wouldn't mind if you were the one to take it..." Daniel said, his cheeks redder with each syllable.
The full gravity of his words didn't seem to hit him. The entire context of the situation didn't seem to hit him. But Bruno was very much affected - by his own eagerness.
"It'd be an honor, Daniel. Here, let me start preparing." Bruno said, applying lube to his fingers.
They had never specified it would be now. Never agreed on it. But somehow... they just knew. They both knew they wanted - no, needed it. It felt like a seal to the dynamic they had both signed up for. Wholeheartedly, they embraced the consummation.
Daniel spread his legs to give Bruno easy access, unsure of what really to do and not wanting to make things even more awkward. But luckily, Bruno didn't need any help. His fingers were already at Daniel's entrance, one digit pressing against his ring.
"Now, listen to me, Daniel. I'm going to try and make it not hurt. If it hurts, you tell me. You tell me immediately. No playing tough, no gritting your teeth - you speak. Got that?"
This was the sternest talk Daniel had received in a while. But he nodded. And for Bruno, that was the 'GO' signal. The finger started circling the rim, pressing every now and then, but never quite breaching.
Daniel's breath hitched multiple times from the unfamiliar sensation. It was... scary. Very scary. He knew what equipment he'd be working with. Dad wasn't exactly small. But if Lucian could take it, so would he.
After a painstaking while spent simply circling and testing the waters, the fingertip finally penetrated inside. It felt... weird. A weird pressure. But it did not hurt. Daniel smiled at Bruno, who was looking directly at his partner, checking for any signs of distress.
Slowly, the finger penetrated deeper and deeper in. But the sensation wasn't nearly as bad as Daniel had anticipated. It was, honestly, very manageable. Then a second digit came. Daniel regretted his words as the stretch on his rim was quite uncomfortable. Yet still not painful. Bruno was making sure that his boy didn't feel any real suffering.
They never made it past two fingers, as Daniel was already leaking onto his stomach.
"Dad... I don't think I can hold it in anymore. Just take me. Please? I'll fall asleep after I cum once, I just know it. I'm exhausted. Please, just get in." Daniel pleaded.
While his words were true, he also forgot to mention the actual desire in him to finally feel his father inside. To prove Lucian wrong about never being able to see this side of Bruno.
The towering man looked down with skepticism, but obliged. He repositioned himself, putting both of Daniel's legs onto his shoulders - an action that earned a yelp from the bottom. He was now firmly pressed right against the young man's crotch.
"Now, Daniel, remember. You tell me if it hurts. Also, you've done well up until now - for a virgin you took fingers quite nicely. Didn't even have to instruct you. But now, you listen to me. When I try to push in, you have to relax. If you can't - tell me. It's not supposed to be painful, so we won't make it that way if I can avoid it." Bruno nodded to himself and pressed his cock-head against Daniel's rim.
The younger man simply nodded. He was ready. As ready as he would ever be for sleeping with his own father. As expected, Bruno's cock was a lot more difficult to take than two fingers. Especially at the start. Oh fuck, the initial breach was brutal. But not painful. Never painful. So Daniel employed all of his willpower and endured.
Thankfully, the good sensation arrived soon enough. The weird, uncomfortable feeling slowly transformed into one of pleasure and excitement. Especially as dad pushed in more and more - the pressure being oddly filling. Like he was receiving all of his father's love. Reclaiming it back for him. It didn't matter if Bruno said it was all already his - he had to prove it to himself. Then, a yelp came out from Daniel as a certain spot made shivers run all through his body. Bruno smiled.
"Ah, so there's your prostate, champ. I'll remember that. Don't worry, you'll remember it too after we're done." the older man chuckled.
And he wasn't wrong. After the P-spot was found, Bruno made sure to drag his length over it many times. He'd slow down as his head approached it, drawing out the pleasure the most he could. Other times, he gave sharp thrusts to drive his instrument directly into the little erogenous zone. Suffice to say, Daniel was moaning wildly after a few minutes. He hadn't even noticed when Bruno had worked his length inside fully.
"That's it, champ. You're taking it well. I can tell you're getting there. Just let it go when it comes, okay? Don't hold back on my account. I'll cum when I need to, okay?" Bruno said in-between panting.
Daniel nodded. This was what he wanted. He felt so dirty, yet so happy at the same time. He was getting all dad had to offer. No more secrets, no more forbidden subjects. Everything was in the open and fair game between the two. A few tears pricked at his eyes as he remembered the topic of his brothers, but he sucked them up. To Daniel, Bruno was more important. He was the center of his life - always had been. If Bruno was gone... what were he to do? Peter couldn't replace Bruno. And Lucian definitely couldn't.
So yes, despite all the cruelty from Bruno - all his misdeeds and outbursts. He forgave it all. It was not all his to forgive, but to him, that didn't matter. Penance seemed like the correct option, but not the option he wanted to choose. So he didn't. What was wrong with doing something for himself? Why was he supposed to try and fight dad, when dad didn't try to fight him? If other people didn't care, it was their problem. Daniel could forgive everything - he just didn't want to lose Bruno.
"I'm... Oh, I'm-" Daniel tried to warn, but didn't make it in time.
When Bruno gave him a particular thrust directly into the prostate, it blew the air straight out of his lungs - and cum straight out of his balls. He was releasing onto his own chest, having not only lost his virginity, but also cum during his first time. He couldn't have been happier.
Seeing this, Bruno smiled, and picked up the pace a bit. The slapping of flesh against flash echoed through the master bedroom as Bruno's hips met Daniel's cheeks at a punishing speed. Well, that would've been the case, but even here father had held back a bit. He would not go full-force. Not with Daniel and not when it was his first time. It's not like Bruno needed it to get off, so he simply opted for a rougher, yet still gentle tempo.
He started cooing sounds of pleasure, leaning in close to Daniel and capturing his lips a few times for a peck or two. Then, with only a grunt, Bruno doubled over as he came. Daniel could feel his insides get flooded for the first time in his life. It was a... particular feeling. Not negative, but not really positive either. Yet it was Bruno's... this fact alone made it feel that much better.
Even after Bruno's instrument stopped twitching, and his balls laid inactively on Daniel's flesh, they kept their proximity. Bruno laying on top of Daniel. So impossibly close. Dad's hairy arms slowly moved from their position caging Daniel in. Now, they were helping the older man move to his side, letting his tool slip out of the freshly-opened hole. They were spooning.
Neither of them talked, but they caressed each other. Little tickles here, some pets there, a very reassuring experience overall. Daniel simply smiled. He had won. He ignored the price of his victory, simply choosing to see the facts he wanted to. That was the easiest way to go about this - self-delusion. And Bruno knew it too well. They both knew too well they'd be doing this again some other time. And again. And again. They were firmly addicted on each other's affection.
Even as they slowly settled in for sleep, it felt... homely. Like things would change around the house from now on. Not like they hadn't already. But Daniel felt oddly confident. He wouldn't let anyone touch his dad - never ever. He didn't give a damn anymore. His brothers were safe and far far away. So there was no more reason to feel bad. Even as Daniel cried while trying to internalize this, he knew it was true. He knew it was the mindset he needed to adopt to move on.
Bruno too seemed to be going through some emotional turmoil. He fell asleep first, holding Daniel tightly in his arms, but seemed to be having a bad dream. Maybe he had those often? Daniel didn't know, sadly. But he'd find out. A sob here, a groan there. Daniel was sure he even felt a little bit of hot water drip onto his head - a tear? But the little snippets of sentences were the most fascinating. "No, don't go." and "Please, I'll do better now." were spoken with a heart-breakingly sad tone. One that Daniel had never heard from his dad.
The young man tried caressing one of the hands crossed over his stomach, but it only helped a little. The words abated, yet the whimpers and sobs remained. But that didn't matter. Maybe dad wasn't over whatever scenario he was dreaming about. Maybe he would never be over it. But Daniel would help to the best of his abilities. He was now responsible for his dad's happiness and vice versa. He fully accepted this role. And he would do anything in his power to get what he deserved.
After all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
(Hello and thank you for reading this story! This is the end, but there is one more chapter planned as a bonus! Please, dear readers, if you want to be included, you can! The bonus chapter will involve answering questions (that you can ask!) or writing out scenarios (that you can suggest/request!) with the characters. Please, keep the requested scenarios within canon, if you can. Other than that, let me know what you think!)
