Potential TWs: Violence, abuse, incest (maybe dubious consent? Unsure)
Walls and Crossroads
Waking up to the clattering of pots and pans surely was a reminder that Lucian was back 'home' again. Normally, what'd wake him up in the dorms would be screaming from the hallway or fucking from a neighboring room. He stretched on his bed and bathed for a bit in the meager sunlight which the small window in his room afforded him. Lucian was not a morning person and it took a minute for him to fully come to. But then the memories from the previous evening slowly crystallized in his head again - the joy, the plans, the potential. He could feel the excitement bubble up in him once more. A quick look at his phone - almost eleven o'clock. Bruno had certainly left at that point, Lucian was sure of it. That man took his work seriously, which was one of the few good things that could be said about him. But time's-a-wastin'! Having fallen asleep in yesterday's clothes, he didn't even bother to change, opening his door and quickly descending to the first floor. He aimed straight for the kitchen.
After opening the door, what greeted him was the sight of Daniel cooking something. The aroma wafted through the air and hit Lucian straight in the nose. He knew the little shit was good at cooking - of course he was! He had to please his daddy in every way. But antagonizing him could wait. Lucian put on his best fake smile and strode over to his little 'brother'.
"'Sup, bro! You're up already?" Lucian said, huddling closer and throwing an arm around Daniel.
Daniel quickly turned his face away, taking a deep breath, face scrounged up. Then he faced Lucian again, polite smile on his lips, but eyebrows slanted back slightly.
"Morning. I see you're fresh from the bed, huh? And yeah, I'm awake. I wake up at half past four in the morning, like I've been doing for the past ten-ish years. You already know that, though, so why ask? What's gotten you so chipper today?" Daniel asked, raising one of his brows slightly.
"Oh, y'know, I guess I just woke up with a good mood. And I just had to share it with my baby brother." Lucian says as he coos over-exaggeratedly.
Daniel's smile softened, his eyes gleaming a bit. His arm flung itself around Lucian's shoulders to return the gesture - his other hand busy stirring the pot on the stove.
"Well, I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Will you join me for lunch? I'm almost done." Daniel said as he brought up the spatula to Lucian's mouth.
Blowing on it for a bit, Lucian tasted the food. It was goulash. Really spicy goulash. Bruno loved spicy food, so Lucian wasn't really surprised at the meal choice. Naturally, he himself grew to despise spice in food as a result. But goulash was one of the more tolerable options.
"It's really spicy, bro. I'm gonna get the runs from this later, you little shit." Lucian said, masquerading the name-calling as a tease.
"Don't worry, I didn't go all out on the spices like I do when it's just me and dad. So hopefully you'll live. But you didn't answer the question, should I prepare a plate for you too?" Daniel asked again, chuckling at Lucian's response.
"Sure, I'm not saying no to free food. But won't dad be mad if he finds out about me eating with you?" Lucian asked back.
"I'm not telling if he doesn't ask and I doubt he'd ask. And I doubly doubt you'd tell him yourself. So we should be fine. But if you're worried, you don't have to, of course." Daniel said, expression slightly apologetic.
Ah yes, the good Samaritan Daniel was back. How magnanimous of him to offer poor little Lucian a crumb of Bruno's supply. But Lucian knew just what a pain in the ass Daniel could really be. A snitch and bootlicker. Traitor... But a meal would be a good opportunity to poke his brains a bit and get some more ammunition against Bruno.
"Sure, I'll eat with you. But not a word to Bruno." Lucian said with a finger pressed to his lips.
"Of course! Now go take a seat at the table, I'll bring the food over." Daniel replied, his voice more joyful than before.
The two men sat opposite of each other at the square dinner table on the other end of the kitchen. The wood was polished and pretty - must've been a pretty sum. Two steaming plates spread their aroma throughout the entire room. Daniel waited for Lucian to take the first bite, spoon ready in hand. And Lucian did. The first few mouthfuls were eaten in silence, but Lucian spoke up, starting off his plan already.
"So, baby bro, how's school going?" he asked.
"Oh, it's going quite well! Probably keeping my scholarship next semester too. Thank God. Wouldn't want to ask dad for more money than I need to." Daniel said, then paused and with an uncertain voice added. "Not that there's anything wrong with getting money from your parents for school and stuff. Don't worry."
Ah, of course. He just had to rub it in more. Lucian used the goulash to gulp down the hateful bile forming in his throat and smiled at Daniel tensely.
"It's okay, bro. I'm glad you're doing fine. How's the roommate? He cool? You mentioned he was a bit off the rocker when we were home for Christmas." Lucian switched the topic.
"Oh, uh, I don't have a roommate anymore. Apparently dad has a friend who works at my dorms and he managed to get me a room all for myself. Honestly, it gets a bit lonely sometimes, but I'm very thankful for it." Daniel replied, already halfway finished with his plate.
This guy really did not miss any opportunity to gloat, huh? But Lucian had to keep it cool. He was on a mission. He decided to go straight for the target.
"Glad to hear it. How about your other friends though, you made any? Perhaps a little special someone?" Lucian said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Uuh, not really, no. I have a few friends, but we're not that close yet. And I certainly don't have a special someone." Daniel said, cheeks dusted with a faint pink.
"Aww, what a shame. Bet you could get anyone you want though. You have your eyes set on anyone? A girl in your class, perhaps? Or a boy! I ain't judging." Lucian said, putting his hands up in performative surrender.
"I... I don't really have anyone like that, no." Daniel looked away, spoon idly circling the plate's rim.
"C'mon, not even a teensy crush? You can tell your big bro." Lucian continued prying.
"Nah, I don't really like anyone like that. Heck, I don't remember ever liking anyone like that. I have never really been the romantic type, y'know? Nor the sexual type, really." Daniel says and clears his throat right after.
"Gotcha, gotcha. Speaking of sex, want to know what happened to me? Found out one of the guys at my dorm polished his bamboo to a picture of me. Pretty regularly too, apparently. A mate of mine found out and told me. Honestly, I didn't know how to react. I was angry and creeped out, but also flattered? Kind of an odd mix." Lucian said, abruptly taking control of the conversation flow.
"I see... That does sound... concerning?" Daniel said, voice unsure.
"Putting it mildly, bro. What would you have done in my shoes?" Lucian asked, finally getting to the meat of the matter.
"Hmmm...." Daniel says, actually giving it some thought. "I... I don't know? I guess it depends if you liked the guy back? Not really an option one I'd have, I guess, but that'd play a factor, probably?" Daniel slowly stuttered out.
"Depends? No, dude, that's weird. You wouldn't want people to do that, right? Beating your meat over a photo of someone behind their back? That's peak weirdo behavior, bro. Honestly, what if that's just the start. Those kinds of people usually have a lot darker fantasies." Lucian said, trying to amp up his seriousness to a max.
"Really? I... I dunno, it doesn't seem that bad to me?" Daniel asked, rubbing his shoulder awkwardly.
"No, bro. I've heard of these people starting of with just jacking it behind the person's back. But then they start doing weird shit, like using pictures. And then they steal your socks or underwear or some shit. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. You're lucky if they don't come for you personally. Honestly, I was lucky he didn't try to get with me at all cost. People like this are very dangerous, y'know?" Lucian said.
Daniel squirmed a bit uncomfortably at the topic, feeding himself the last remaining bits of goulash.
"I... I guess that does sound gross, yeah." Daniel said, only stealing a few looks at Lucian.
"I know, right? Better be careful, bro. This naivety will get you in trouble. If something feels weird, it's because it is. It's alright to judge." Lucian said, gesturing around with his spoon.
"That makes sense, I guess." Daniel said, letting his spoon fall into the plate as he stood up to go wash it.
"Right? I'd lose all respect for a person like that, wouldn't you?" Lucian pushed further.
"I mean, a bit?" Daniel said, hands pausing.
"A bit? Bro, don't be such a wuss. It's pathetic! And creepy! And cowardly to boot. Even worse if they know you. Then they aren't even admiring you from afar, they're just too much of a pussyfoot to admit it, no? Then again, who'd admit to being a creep?"
"Where are you going with this? This whole conversation got weird for a bit now, bro." Daniel said as he turned around, looking concerned.
"I ain't going anywhere, bro. Just wanted to tell you my experience and get your view on it. Relax." Lucian said as he looked at Daniel fake confused.
"I... Okay? Like, yeah, it sounds weird, I guess... You do have a point." Daniel said as he want back to washing his plate.
"See? I knew you'd see the light, bro. You're a smart cookie, you know that? Always were a clever little fella." Lucian said, honeyed words plopping out of his mouth with ease.
"Thanks." Daniel said as he regained his smile.
"You're welcome! Anyways, thanks for the meal, bro. Some food in the morning is always a surefire way to a man's heart." Lucian laughed.
With a grunt, he stood up from his chair and made his way to the door. He was more than satisfied with how this conversation had turned out. Honestly, Daniel's impressionability was astounding at times. But all the better for him. He limbered his way over to his bathroom to go brush his teeth as he patted his stuffed belly a bit. Daniel just smiled at him as he left, taking the other plate to wash off as well and remove any evidence of their joint meal.
As Lucian brushed his teeth, he couldn't help but break out into a full grin. Things were going his way and he couldn't wait to set things in motion faster.
---
Lucian flopped onto his bed, belly full and smile wide. He reached for his phone and opened the messages app. He had to tell Peter about this.
> Lucian: Yo guess what
> Peter: What's up?
> Lucian: I hit the jackpot bro
> Peter: ?
> Lucian: I put a camera into daddy dearest's room. Caught him in the act
> Peter: ??? Are u absolutely insane?
> Lucian: Chill. He doesn't know about it. But guess what I saw yesterday
> Peter: An ambulance? That's what u'll need after he finds out u know?
> Lucian: Bro chill. He won't find out. After I get what I need out of it I'll remove it and I'll be safe. Now guess
> Peter: Lucian please. Reconsider this. Remember last year?
Lucian gripped his phone tighter as he rolled over onto his stomach. His eyebrows furrowed. Why was his brother not supporting him? This was huge. Then again, why was he surprised, Peter had always been a pussy.
> Lucian: Dude fuck off. This is HUGE bro. Nothing like last year
> Peter: Last year u said the same thing. U said u'd get dad for good. And then what? U ended up in the ER bro. You almost died for fuck's sake
Lucian's blood pressure kept on rising as he was reminded of last year's 'incident'. He had been so sure, and for what? He had photographed all of his injuries, had even recorded Bruno beating him thanks to his phone hidden in the bookshelf. Then, during Daniel's birthday party, he presented it all to the guests, among which was Bruno's superior. A no-nonsense woman whom he had always seen as respectable. Of course she was there - Bruno wanted to make sure his favorite bootlicker was celebrated by everyone he knew. Yet even after giving them the evidence clear as day, everyone simply brushed it off. Said it was 'good parenting' and 'healthy discipline'. That Lucian must've been very disobedient to receive such punishment and that he could thank his lucky star Bruno had been there to put him on the right path. And after asking Daniel if he was also beaten, the coward simply lowered his head and shook it meekly. And that was it. They were satisfied. No more questions, no consequences, nothing. Lucian was told to just quiet down and let his brother enjoy his birthday.
Yes, Lucian remembered. Lucian remembered very well.
> Lucian: Don't remind me. I still have the image clear in my mind. How our perfect little brother betrayed me. I remember how all of Bruno's friends laughed when they saw the pics. I remember how they slapped him on the back. Which is why this time I have a better plan. One that even they won't be able to sweep under the rug
> Peter: Bro please. Try to remember what happened after. I visited u in the hospital. I saw u. They even had to remove a few of ur ribs because of how badly they were damaged. U had a concussion and feel unconscious. Do u remember that???
> Lucian: Yeah so? Just another one of Bruno's episodes. Nothing new
> Peter: Yes new. If Daniel had not thrown himself at dad and begged him to not beat u any further, u'd be texting me from the grave rn. He told me and u told me too
> Lucian: Yeah wow great. He stopped his favorite bully only to what? To torment me more. Yeah uh huh I'm not thankful for jackshit
> Peter: Lucian please. Just... Just let it go man. U can come live with me. I keep telling u this. Just leave
> Lucian: No. I'm not a pussy like u. Listen. I recorded him moaning for Daniel while he jerked his meat. Can u believe that? Sick fuck
> Peter: HUH????? Bro if he finds out u have that he'll actually kill u. Delete it
> Lucian: I'm not gonna delete that u dumb? I'll tell him I have evidence of him liking Daniel and that I'll leak it if he doesn't do what I say. Then I'll make him fuck me in pretense of helping him get over Daniel. I'll take him to his room and record it all. And then what will people say? That he disciplined me with his dick??? Nah he'll be done. Game over
> Peter: ARE U MENTAL??? DID THE CONCUSSION NOT HEAL PROPERLY? ARE U BRAIN DAMAGED? THIS SHIT IS NOT GONNA WORK. DELETE IT BEFORE HE FINDS IT
> Lucian: Stop being a pussy bro. It'll work. Look
Lucian attached the camera recording into the chat. Both as a way of making sure he won't lose it if his computer breaks and to show off to Peter. Peter might not have seen the genius of his plan, but he was more than convinced of his own strategy. He wasn't even mad anymore that Peter was trying to make him wuss out. Then he saw the three dots pop up shortly before receiving a response.
> Peter: Sick. I'm actually sick. Poor Daniel. But do u think this is gonna work??? If u send this to anyone he'll just say he thought of some random Daniel from work. Or even worse he'll say it's about an OF model named Daniel or smth. Bro this ain't gonna work
> Lucian: U dumb? I ain't leaking this to just anyone. I'll tell him I'll show Daniel proof of his sick crush. And u know him. He doesn't want poor Daniel to hate him
> Peter: So u're using Daniel for this? Bro...
> Lucian: Yeah so? It's the easiest way
> Peter: Why would u think he'll even believe u? Bruno or Daniel for that matter
> Lucian: Bruno will believe me. If he doesn't I can just show him the vid itself. And who gives a shit if Daniel believes me. Bruno just has to think he will
> Peter: U know what? Do what u want. I'm not coming to help when shit hits the fan. And it will
Lucian finished reading the last text as he saw Peter's online status go gray. He rolled his eyes to nobody in particular as he locked the phone and threw it onto the pillow. The bed creaked as he spread his limbs out. Ironically enough, he was even more motivated to go through with his plan after talking with Peter. The reminder of last year as well as Peter's negativity only fueled his inner fire more.
Motivated, he stood up from the sheets and opened his door in one fluid motion. He walked out into the hallway, checking for Daniel. He found him in the living room watching TV - distracted. Perfect. His socks padded silently on the wooden boards as he made his way to Bruno's room again. He grabbed the handle and slowly pressed it down... Nothing. Locked? No, maybe stuck. He tried to press against the door with his shoulder, adding his weight into it. Even a little tackle. Something rattled as he made contact, but it remained closed. Motherfucker! Which psycho locks their bedroom door? He had never done that in the old house. Nor was it locked when they had first come here, which was just the day before. So why now?
Lucian wanted to break it down. He wanted to make sure the camera was still in there - that his plan was still good to go. If Bruno had found out about it or it had somehow got loose, he was fucked. But he couldn't just barge in. How would he explain that to Bruno? And Daniel would definitely snitch if he knew - which he would from the sound alone. Fuck. He reluctantly let the shiny handle go as he walked back to his room - dejected.
He closed himself into his room as he sat on the bed again, pulling out his laptop. Only seconds after, he was interrupted by a knock.
"Hey, Lucian? Want to watch TV with me? There's a movie on which I think you'd like." Daniel called from behind the door, voice sickeningly warm, but a bit shaky.
Lucian only rolled his eyes at the disgusting proposition. Like a movie would fix his problems. He had to weight his options and think about what he wanted to do.
"I'll pass. Go and watch it without me. Tell me the name later, okay?" he shouted back with a sigh and eye roll.
"I was just... I just wanted to do something with you again, you know? Back like when we used to do almost everything together! Just you, Peter and me... are you sure you don't-" Daniel tried to say.
"Yes, I'm sure! I'm rather busy now, Daniel. Go back to your movie." Lucian said, barely even trying to not let his annoyance show.
"Okay... sorry for disturbing." Daniel said, voice a lot quieter than before.
After that - silence. Good, Lucian needed that peace and quiet. He had to plot.
---
The sun slowly started dipping past the horizon. Lucian's room attained a pleasant orange hue as he heard the front door of the house open and the unmistakable thud of sturdy boots echoed up to his room. Of course, Daniel was prepared.
"Welcome home, dad!" Daniel shouted loudly.
"Thanks, Danny. What we got for dinner today?" Bruno said as he closed the front door.
"I made you some goulash. I made it a bit milder than usual. Hope you don't mind." Daniel replied.
"Goulash sounds perfect today, thanks. I'll go grab a shower and change. You heat it up for me."
Lucian didn't even have to be down there to hear them flawlessly. They were so loud in their affection it was sickening. Yet it was also just as fake - it had to be. There was no way Bruno could actually be kind to someone like this without any caveats. But that would put a wrench into his whole extortion plan. Fuck, he just had to hope Bruno really cared for Daniel's opinion.
Bruno's shoes stomped on the stairs, getting louder as they came closer to Lucian's door. Instinctively, he tensed up and coiled up a bit - to become smaller; harder to hurt. It was stupid. Bruno had no reason to come to his room. Yet even the chance of it happening made his pulse race. Years of conditioning had made him attain this reflex. He was so sick of it. The day before he was fine! He had been mustering up courage for months at college. So why did his bravado falter after a single day? Why did one singular man have the power to make him shiver like a newborn calf with just walking alone. Pathetic. That is how he felt. Absolutely pathetic.
As the footsteps faded, getting lost further in the hallway, he managed to relax a bit. His heart calmed and he took a deep breath. This was a reminder of why he was doing this. He was sick and tired of having someone with such control over him. He didn't want to live in fear of scum. He wanted to fight back. Get revenge... and freedom.
He started going through the scenario in his head: every response he could get and how he'd react. Further steps if things did go his way. Perhaps an excuse for Daniel if he decided to butt in. And as a last resort the position he'd assume to protect all his vital organs - just in case things did go awry.
This thinking lasted until he heard footsteps again. This time it was bare feet sticking to the wooden planks as they covered a short distance. A door opened. Then - a bout of silence. The door opened again as someone came out and made his way in Lucian's direction. He stopped right in front of his door and went downstairs. Bruno was ready to bond with Daniel again.
Lucian clawed at his knees in an attempt to calm himself a bit. This had to be it - soon Bruno would finish dinner with Daniel and then it was his time to move. He listened, ear to the door, for any sign that they were done. He waited a long time, since Bruno and Daniel had decided to talk extensively while eating. Laughter, snorts and an occasional table slap resonated from the kitchen. The more he had to wait, the more annoyed Lucian became, until he heard voices that he could actually make out.
"-start the TV, you load the dishwasher. They're airing a classic today."
That was definitely Bruno's voice. Gruff and intimidating. Cold as steel. Yet this time, and every other time he spoke to Daniel, it also had a friendly twinge to it. One of humor and comfort. A quality which Lucian did not remember Bruno's voice having with anyone else. Not since the divorce.
But this was not the time to reminisce. Lucian moved. He got out of his room and made his way down to the living room. Bruno was already there and was watching a black-and-white western from the looks of it.
"Hurry up! They already started!" Bruno yelled towards the kitchen.
Lucian, in the meantime, moved up to the couch, standing right beside Bruno.
"We need to talk." Lucian said, voice completely neutral from sheer force of will.
"No. We don't." Bruno said, not even looking at Lucian.
"Trust me, we really do. It's about Daniel." Lucian replied.
This seemed to catch Bruno's interest as he tore his eyes off the screen and looked directly into Lucian's. Green met blue. As Bruno was about to talk, he was cut off by a new voice.
"What about me? Sorry, I couldn't hear you properly. The dishwasher gave me a bit of trouble. Didn't even know we had one until now!" Daniel said, innocent glee in his voice.
"Nothing, I just asked if I could watch the movie with you and Mr. Greene." Lucian quickly said, so that Bruno couldn't get a word out.
"Oh, yeah, sure! If that's fine with dad." Daniel said as he eyed the older man.
Bruno seemed to ponder for a moment, as his eyes focused forward. Yet he was looking past the screen. Then a single word.
"Okay." Bruno said as he crossed his arms.
"Yay! Thanks dad!" Daniel excitedly yelped.
As quick as a rocket, the youngest was already in the middle of the couch, side firmly planted against his dad's, as he patted the free spot right next to himself.
"C'mon! It's been so long since we watched a movie together!" Daniel said, excitement enduring.
Lucian, of course, quickly obliged. Sitting next to Daniel was heaven compared to the hell he'd have experienced next to Bruno. He lowered himself onto the couch cushion and stared at the screen. The music from the movie drifting from the speakers was supposed to be calm. Yet Lucian did not feel even a sliver of that emotion. His hands were clammy and his stomach in knots. He required all the confidence he had gathered before just to not collapse in on himself. But it would be okay - he was smart. He could do this. Bruno was not perfect and he was not indomitable. A few quiet, deep breaths helped him calm his nerves.
He looked to his side. Bruno had already thrown an arm around Daniel's upper back. His iron grip fastened firmly on the young man's shoulder. His thumb circled slowly but firmly into the clothed flesh it was gripping. And Daniel just sat there smiling. To him this was normal. But Lucian could not view it that way. Not only was it not Bruno's style, he had to have had ulterior motives for doing so. Especially when Lucian noticed the look he was giving Daniel. Bruno was clearly more interested in watching the son he had in his embrace rather than whatever was going on in front of him. His face was facing forward, yet his eyes were gazing at Daniel. They wandered all over his frame, multiple times. The emotions shown on Bruno's face seemed to alternate - one second he had a toothy grin on his face, eyes smiling as much as his mouth. Then his smile faltered, eyes sloping downwards on their outer edges, brows knit together.
Oh, to know what was going on inside of that thick skull. How much Lucian ached to know what the brute was thinking about - and how to use it against him. But all of that curiosity wilted; replaced by anxiety as Bruno's eyes shifted away from Daniel's form. Bruno was looking at Lucian now. Eyes meeting eyes. Just like before. They were cold and empty. The expression on Bruno's face disappeared as he turned into a statue. Lucian couldn't help but shrivel a bit at the look. He felt intimidated. He wanted to go back to his room. Wanted to lock the door and not let anyone it.
No. Lucian took a deep breath again. He had to stand up to his dad today. He had all the cards in his hand to make it possible. And he would fight back.
He slowly grabbed one of Daniel's legs and pulled on it a bit. The younger man turned around, a bit befuddled. A questioning look was shot his way, but Lucian's intent quickly became clear. He was pulling Daniel onto his lap, just like when they were little. Daniel was more than happy to oblige as he slowly lifted his dad's arm from around himself. He shimmied over, slowly but surely, so that he was sitting on his brother's thighs. It was a bit comical, to say the least, with how big both of the men were. Daniel wasn't exactly light either - regularly playing football and all. Hushed giggles slowly spurted out of both of them. Lucian made sure to circle one of his arms around Daniel's waist, before looking back at Bruno.
The brute was not amused. His eyes were slightly squinted, his features tensed up, lips pressed to a line. Yet Lucian felt powerful at that moment. He made sure to pull Daniel a bit closer. The man in his lap had no clue about the cold war going on around him - he simply let Lucian position him however he wanted. He was just happy to finally be spending time with his big bro. His head came to rest on Lucian's shoulder, as he watched the movie with ceaseless attention.
Yet the two rivals were not done. Lucian wanted to smirk - to laugh directly into Bruno's face as he pressed Daniel closer to himself. He made sure that there was virtually no space left between them. He had the balls to be closer with Daniel than Bruno ever could be. And Bruno saw that. His gaze shifted to the TV, most likely in pretense of disinterest. Yet the vein popping up on his forehead? A very clear indicator of his actual feelings.
"Do you think she'll die?" Daniel whispered to Lucian.
Lucian was immediately taken aback. His concentration torn.
"Huh?" he responded.
"Do you think the woman will die?" Daniel asked again.
What woman? Lucian was confused, as he tried to puzzle out Daniel's words. Then it clicked to him. They were supposed to be watching a movie. Lucian's attention snapped to the screen as he tried to come up with a random answer.
"I dunno, probably not? I think it'd be a bit too cliche." Lucian said, voice shifting to sound disinterested.
"I guess." Daniel responded as he turned his head back to the screen.
Lucian nodded to seemingly no one as he turned his attention back to Bruno. He risked a glance at the man, but was surprised to find Bruno was glancing back. More than that, he was staring. His face had relaxed, yet his eyes were as focused and as cold as ever. They burnt with a venomous deep green. Lucian was looking back - trying to, at least. But the stare was unrelenting - the bigger man unblinking and peering directly into Lucian's soul. He couldn't take it anymore as he snapped his head back to look in front of himself. He wanted to distract himself with the movie, but he couldn't, his heart beating too fast.
Over the remainder of the movie, Lucian did not dare look back. Yet he could feel Bruno's gaze on his body. On where his arm held Daniel's weight. Where their legs touched. He felt scrutinized and exposed. But he calmed himself. He had no choice. Deep breaths, empty mind. Focus. Just like he had done before first coming here. Just like he had done before the failed exposure attempt on Daniel's birthday. Calm and collected. That is what he had to become in order to move on.
Without realizing it, he was watching the credits of the movie. Daniel started to squirm.
"That was fun! We should definitely do this again sometime! Dad, would you mind if Lucian joined movie night more?" Daniel asked.
"I don't know, sport. I don't think he's too interested." Bruno said as he nodded towards Lucian.
He was right. Lucian could not give a shit about the movie. It seemed boring as hell, but it was a perfect excuse to be near Bruno while having the safety net of Daniel ready at his disposal.
"No-no! It was fun. I'd definitely participate again." Lucian said smiling.
"We'll see..." Bruno said with a subtle click of his tongue.
"But, we should go to bed now. You have work tomorrow, dad." Daniel said as he stood up from his human seat.
He moved towards the stairs, but stopped by Bruno's side of the couch, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah, you're right. I'll go to bed soon." Bruno said as he placed his hand over Daniel's.
His head didn't turn, yet his eyes filled with emotion. They softened, seemingly with affection, yet also with something mellower - something sadder. Lucian couldn't help but smile at it. The poor old man was conflicted. Processing his feelings like a teen going through puberty. Good. He should suffer for being a piece of human waste.
Daniel smiled at Bruno one more time before he moved his hand back to his side, struggling a bit with Bruno's grip. He made his way upstairs.
That left just Bruno and Lucian in the room.
"Speak." Bruno said as his eyes sobered up again.
The old Bruno was back - the cold, cruel, brutal Bruno whom Lucian knew and hated. Yet Bruno did not look at the man next to him. Lucian smirked to himself, starting to fill up with courage.
"You seem a bit tense, dad." Lucian provoked.
"Do we need to go over this again? I'm sure you remember what happened the last time you tried to claim I was your father. Address me as you were told and speak. You wanted to talk about Daniel." Bruno said, face hardening as he turned to look at Lucian fully.
"Yes, Mr. Greene." Lucian started, voice getting a bit shaky. "I just wanted to talk a bit about Daniel and his love life."
Bruno didn't say anything, just lifted an eyebrow as his head leaned a bit forwards.
"You see, me and Daniel had a bit of a conversation today. We were talking about our lives at college - you know, the usual. And then we talked a bit about how Daniel would find it very weird if he found out someone was secretly pleasuring themselves to him. Pretty interesting, right?" Lucian said, subtle as a sledgehammer.
Bruno straightened his back a bit as his nostrils flared for a split second.
"Okay, and?" he asked.
"I don't know. He even seemed quite disgusted with the idea. Personally, from what he told me? I don't think he'd ever want to look at a person if he found out they were doing that. Understandable, right?" Lucian exaggerated.
"Cut the bullshit. Just tell me what this is about." Bruno said, patience running thin and voice growing louder.
"This isn't about anything in particular, it's just... I might happen to know something about what you think of Daniel. And it would be really bad if it somehow reached his ears, wouldn't you agree?" Lucian said, voice almost mocking.
"Lucian. I won't repeat myself again. Cut the bullshit. What are you getting at?" Bruno growled.
"I'm getting at the fact that I could make sure Daniel knows just how much his daddy loves imagining him naked." Lucian blurted out.
A hand flew to Lucian's throat immediately, grip so strong it almost cracked something. He couldn't breathe as he weakly clawed at the fingers choking him. Feet dangling as Bruno stood in front of him, looking him dead in the eyes.
"If this is your idea of a joke, it isn't funny, leech."
Bruno simply let go of Lucian's jugular as the young adult fell to the ground, wheezing. Rasps and coughs came out of his mouth as he was catching his breath.
"I'm... I'm not joking... Mr. Greene." Lucian strained out of himself.
"No, you are joking. If you weren't, then you'd have a much bigger problem than a simple hand around your neck." Bruno said, voice even.
"I don't doubt it. But don't worry. I made sure that if something happens to me, Daniel gets to see proof of your real feelings towards him. And believe me, the video is pretty straightforward in its contents." Lucian bluffed.
Bruno looked at Lucian, appraising him. His arms were folded over his chest, yet Lucian could still see it expand. Faster than usual. The bluff worked. Bruno was getting scared. Either that, or he was getting livid.
Silence stretched out between the two men - Lucian slowly recovered from the hold, standing on his feet again. Bruno, on the other hand, seemed to be deciding on a course of action for a long time - not finding the right words.
"And how did you get such proof? When, even?" Bruno inquired.
"Good question. Let's just say I happened to be at the correct place while you were being a bit too loud. A phone was all I needed." another bluff.
"Is that so?" Bruno said as he closed the gap between them again.
He stared into Lucian's eyes, eyebrows furrowed and hands pressing into fists, before relaxing again. Lucian could feel the anger seep through every single one of Bruno's pores. Normally, his body would tell him to cower and plead for mercy. But not in that moment. In that one singular moment he felt like he finally had the upper hand. For the first time in years.
"I assume you want something in return for your silence, little spy." Bruno said, voice dangerously low.
"Oh? Not at all. Actually - I want to help you." Lucian said.
Bruno's eyebrows shot up as his eyes widened. His mouth opened, yet he remained speechless. Only after a few seconds of looking absolutely awe-struck he finally uttered a sentence.
"What the fuck do you mean?"
"I mean exactly what I said, Mr. Greene. I can help you. While I'm afraid Daniel will never quite desire you back, I have an even better idea. Use me as a substitute. We're half-brothers, aren't we? I'm sure I look at least a bit similar to him. And that way, the wolf is sated and the sheep kept safe. Perfect solution for everyone, no?" Lucian said, voice dripping with eagerness.
"Oh really? And what would you get out of this arrangement?" Bruno said, leaning a bit closer.
This was it, the final push. Lucian had to give it his best during this acting performance of his lifetime.
"You know... I've always found you very attractive. I can't help it, but it's just... you look so strong and manly. So this way, even if you pretend that I'm Daniel, I get to sleep with you. Isn't that ideal for everyone?" Lucian said, not a single honest sentence out of his mouth.
Silence again. Bruno looked stunned for a good while. Then his face contorted into one of pure humor. A laugh bellowed directly out of his belly.
"Are you mental? You have to have a few screws loose. A few thousand, that is." Bruno said, still in disbelief.
"Is it that hard to believe? You feel the same towards Daniel, no? Same feeling, different package." Lucian said.
This caused Bruno's features to harden again. One could hear the gears turning in his head as he processed the situation which was sprung on him so suddenly.
"I'm in." Bruno said. Curt and to-the-point.
"Perfect. Then let's go upstairs. You can show me just what you'd want Daniel to look like on your bed." Lucian said as he did his best to saunter towards the stairs.
"No way in hell." Bruno said.
He yanked at Lucian's hand, making the man collapse onto his ass with a gasp. Before he could register what was going on, Bruno took Lucian's chin into his calloused hand as he pulled his face to look directly at him.
"If you want to whore yourself out to me, fine by me. Small price to pay for you shutting the fuck up. But I don't let whores into my bed. I've learned my lesson. We'll do it here." Bruno said as he sat on the couch.
He let go of Lucian as he leaned back and spread his legs. Lucian was now clumsily sitting on the floor as his frame was enveloped by Bruno's khaki sweatpants, legs firm as the feet pressed into the ground.
Fuck, this was not going the way he wanted to. How the hell was he supposed to get Bruno on tape here? Lucian simply stared at the man in front of him, weighing his options. Fuck, fuck, fuck. His whole plan was off the rails.
"Yeah, I knew you didn't have it in you. Listen, I'll go to bed now and we'll forget this evening ever happened - for your sake. I'll even add in the benefit of not putting you six feet under for this. Only if you delete the evidence you have, of course. Consider this a favor. Get out of line again and you'll wish you were never born. I promise." Bruno said as he started lifting himself up.
Lucian had to act quick. His chance was slipping away. He placed both of his hands on Bruno's thighs as he pressed down on them.
"No, no. Stay. I was just a bit surprised, that's all. I've never done it out in the open."
This was not a lie for a change. Lucian had plenty of experience from fooling around in college - men and women, big and small, loud and quiet. But he had never taken such a behemoth of a man before. Nor anywhere outside of a bedroom. This was not the time to pussy out though. Not when he was this close. He'd simply have to be so good, Bruno would come back for more. And eventually, he would get him to do it in the bedroom.
"Here, just sit down. I'll take good care of you." Lucian said.
Slowly, he snaked his way up alongside Bruno's legs, upper body now pressed against the couch cushion as he leaned into Bruno's lap. A scowl formed on the serviced man's face.
Lucian did not waste any time and pulled down the man's sweatpants and boxers in one go. The sooner he got it over with, the better. In front of him was Bruno's flaccid dick. Never in his life had Lucian thought it'd come to this. But here he was. He felt disgusted and revolted at the idea of servicing Bruno of all people. But he had to persevere. Next time, he'd get him into his bedroom and have the evidence he needed. And then this abhorrent farce would be over.
For now, he had to focus on getting the job done. He took the dick into his mouth and did what he did to every other man he had slept with. Only this time, it was having no effect. As Lucian looked up, he saw Bruno's face of disgust was still going strong. If anything, it only intensified.
"What the fuck am I doing..." Bruno sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
He then leaned back onto the couch and let his head point directly upwards, supported by the back of the furniture. Lucian could feel the flesh in his mouth slowly start to harden. Good - he was finally getting somewhere. And hopefully fast.
"Yeah. That's it, Daniel. That's it... You're doing so good. Fuck yeah." Bruno started moaning to himself, eyes closed.
Lucian felt slightly offended that Daniel was so much more attractive to Bruno, yet that emotion quickly subsided as it got replaced by a potent concoction of pity and disgust - both at the thought of Daniel being the object of Bruno's desire. It seemed like a truly miserable position to be in - craved for by a colossal piece of human garbage.
The practiced mechanical movement of Lucian's head was temporarily halted as two meaty paws grabbed his hair and started moving it instead. It was a surprise, but not an unwelcome one - this way, he could just focus his mind on not throwing up from the reality of his situation and let Bruno do the work instead.
He didn't have to endure for long.
"Oh yeah. Fuck yeah, that's it. You're doing so good. You're the only one who gets me. Yeah. You're the only one whom I can trust in this world. Fuck. Yeah. Take it!" Bruno rattled out, sentences increasing in volume and urgency.
Lucian could feel the spill pool in his mouth and throat as he breathed through his nose to avoid gagging. That only made it worse when he realized he was breathing in the scent of Bruno's crotch. He suppressed the retch forming in his throat as he tried to void his mind.
His agony didn't last for long after Bruno removed himself from his mouth in a few seconds. Wordlessly, the towering man pulled his underwear and pants back up. He stood up. As he walked away, Lucian noticed that his step lacked the usual energy - the confidence in it. He stopped at the base of the stairs.
"Fuck... what the hell did you make me do..." Bruno said quietly.
Lucian held out his palm and spat out the contents of his mouth into it.
"I didn't do anything you didn't need or want, Mr. Greene. You went along with this more than eagerly." Lucian said.
A quick laugh escaped from Bruno. Devoid of any joy.
"I see you inherited your sweet-talk skills from the same person as your whoring skills... For your sake, I will go with my earlier plan of action and pretend this evening never happened." Bruno said with a decisive finality.
Lucian watched from his spot on the floor as Bruno ascended the stairs in his slippers. He reached the top, turned a corner and was out of sight. Yet not out of mind.
Lucian stood up and stomped over to his bathroom. He spat out anything left in his mouth into the sink before rinsing it with water multiple times. Gargled a bit too, just in case. He took a toothbrush and started tearing at every spot in his mouth, eventually drawing blood. As his gums ached, he spat out the last of the paste in his mouth and rinsed it off one final time. The sink was clean and so was his mouth... yet it did not feel like it.
The fuck did he mean 'What did you make me do'? Was he listening to himself? He was the one who pulled Lucian down, was he not? He wanted it just as much as Lucian. And Lucian wanted it very much - not at all for the made-up fairy tales he mentioned to Bruno, but for the sole reason of finally being able to deliver the finishing blow.
Fuck, he could still feel the repulsive aftertaste in his mouth. His jaw ached too. Motherfucker wasn't gentle at all. Daniel should be forever thankful for Lucian volunteering to take his place in Bruno's fantasies. Fuck.
But he would endure. He had to. He had to remind himself of what he needed to do. So what if he had to use his body a bit? That idea was not nearly as upsetting as letting Bruno get out of the hell he put Lucian and his half-brothers through. Or, well, half-brother - Daniel was still having it easy in life. Spineless rat.
He closed the door to the bathroom as it was his turn to ascend the stairs now. Before opening the door to his room, he turned around. There was no light coming from underneath any door. Both Daniel and Bruno were sleeping. Lucian's stomach growled - fuck, he forgot dinner. He was too tired to go back down again - besides, he had no appetite left for today.
As the door clicked behind him, he threw himself onto his bed, once again not caring to change. He felt drained. He couldn't remember the last time he had to put out this much energy in a single day. And he ran a marathon once. Of course, dealing with Bruno wouldn't be easy - it never was. Why was he surprised? But that didn't matter. Easy or not, he would do it. He'd get to his goal no matter what.
Sleep took him over as he imagined Bruno in cuffs. Ridiculed, shunned, forever locked away. And he'd be lauded as the hero who freed himself and his poor brothers from a tyrant's grasp. This imagine alone made sure his dreams for the night were more than pleasant.
