Another Man's Property

"You're fucking kidding me, right?!"

"DON'T RAISE YOUR VOICE AT ME, PET."

A short winded scream filled the hallway.

Eventually, as always, followed by the bed squeaking and loud groans.

I sigh, trying to block out the noises of them. How the fuck can I still hear them through soundproof gaming headphones?

An hour or two passes and I have go to the bathroom.

I stand at the door, seeing it's slightly cracked. The shower is running but it sounds like no one is there.

Shaking my head, I push the door open. "I live with fucking animals," I mumble under my breath. I jerk the curtain back, his eyes widening.

Keigo sits in the corner of the tub, trembling under the ice cold water. His body is shaking, new bruises on his exposed thighs and arms.

"H-Hey," I stutter nervously. I turn off the water, grabbing a towel. "What happened? What are you doing in here?"

He looks up at me with bloodshot orbs. He looks horrible. Dried blood is crusted on his plump lips and he has a black eye.

I soften, sinking to my knees as I step into the damp tub with him. "Keigo," I whisper, reaching for him.

He jumps slightly, his whole body tensing up subconsciously.

My eyebrows furrow as I unfold the towel, careful wrapping him in it. "Come on. You're gonna catch a cold, little one."

Luckily, Keigo is a bit thicker in the hips, so my boxers fit him perfectly. He looks almost content, hugging himself in my Playstation hoodie.

"You can keep it," I say in a soft voice.

He looks up at me, his eyes still dry and lifeless.

"It looks better on you," I say under my breath. I lean against the bed frame, my knees folding halfway to my chest. "Do you play? I bet I have something you might like. Goat Simulator, Animal Crossing, Sack Boy. Easy, fun games."

"Why are you being nice to me?"

I glance over at him, seeing him on the break of tears.

Do I even know the answer to that? Could I ever say it outloud?

My shoulders shrug as I open my arm to him. "I just think everyone deserves a little bit of happiness in this cruel world. Why can't it come from me?"

Keigo gives in without hesitation, nesting himself under my arm as he curls up beside me.

I smile to myself, planting a kiss on his forehead.

"Sleep here tonight. With me," I whisper. "Okay?"

He nods, nuzzling his nose against my chest. I stroke his head calmly, tangling my fingers in his loose curls. "Merry Christmas, little one."

"Merry Christmas," he whispers before falling asleep.