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Daren tightened his grip and pulled up on Andy's arm, holding it for long moments before he sighed and let go. "it isn't the media i am worried about, you moron. i have enemies, people even stronger than your precious boss would happily hurt anyone near me, just to get to me. think about that when you see Tim next, about the things they would do to him, just to mess with me and see if you think it's a good idea that i distance myself from him or not."

Daren sighed, they might, but if Tim wasn't with Daren at all times, they may just be less likely to go for him. He sat down and Apple moved to his lap, happy for it's warmth once again.

A few weeks past, Daren lost track of the days so he really had no idea how long it actually was. his sense of day and night were shot in this windowless room. he couldn't sleep, nightmares plagued what few hours he managed. he barely ate, his inactivity making it so he wasn't hungry. he worked out, doing what he could in the confines of his room, but other than that, he spent his time staring at the wall. he had visitors, members of the mafia that had quickly figured out there was no punishment if they slipped into his room and had a bit of fun with the locked up cop. he fought back, of course, and they often left with their share of bruises and cuts, but when it was five to one, even he had a hard time keeping his feet. they didn't leave until he'd been thoroughly trounced, and was laying on the floor of his room, suppressing groans of pain. thanks to that, he had an assorted variety of bruises and cuts across his body and face. he didn't mind, them, though. he'd long learned to live with this kind of pain and a small part of him felt he deserved this. maybe if they beat him enough, the guilt for what had happened to Tim would eventually fade. he wasn't sure if he was grateful or not they hadn't turned sexual yet. he felt that it would be what he deserved, but at the same time, it made him sick to think of being some man's plaything again.

now he lay on his bed, waiting for the gang of men to come to his room or his next meal, whatever came next. he thought it might be early evening, around dinner time, so maybe the meal would be next. that was all he had to judge time by, so it was something he relied on, even if the food held no appeal for him.

Caesar opened the door and gave the boy a hug, "TIM! So good to see you, and wine! you sneaky boy, i told you not to bring anything." he laughed and patted his back, "come in, come in! the Missus made you her special lasagna, and garlic bread and salad, we've a feast! just wait until dessert." he lead Tim into the kitchen where his wife was placing the last of dinner onto the table, "you've met my wife, Mari. she's a bit quiet, but she's the best cook this side of Italy!" MAri blushed, but she gave Tim a hug and accepted the wine, going to get a cork screw and glasses. "sit down, sti down!" he indicated a chair and moved to sit at the head of the table. "tell me about how you've been? how is work and your family?"

Daren's tv clicked to life and he stared at it for a moment as a live stream from Caesar's kitchen spread across the screen. Tim was sitting at the table, the camera angled so that Daren could see his face. he looked-well, he'd gained a bit of weight, and he looked like he was fine. Daren found himself focusing on Tim's face and unable to see anything else as he watched and listened to the dinner conversation.

Caesar nodded, "business has been booming. ever since your ad went out, our sales have skyrocketed!" dinner was pleasant, the food was good and the company was better. they talked about everything, from suits, to Tim's therapist and finally, around dessert, it turned to Tim's living arrangements. "Andy is treating you well? you've gained some weight back, and a little muscle, i see, but are you happy?" Caesar watched Tim with concern. he hesitated, but finally spoke, "do you still miss him? the media has died down," thanks in a large part to him all of the stories about Daren and the kidnapping had stopped within a week, "do you-" he met Mari's eyes, "would you take him back? if he returned, would you forgive him for leaving you and move back in with him?"

Apple had been napping, but a familiar scent woke her. she sat up and stretched before following the scent. it was of a two legger, one she knew well. she picked up her pace, wanting to see the two legger because his being here might mean she would see her two legger again

Daren felt his heart stop a little at Caesar's question. Could Tim ever forgive him? he began to question himself, why did it matter? they were just friends, like Tim said. Caesar made them sound like they had been a couple.

Caesar smiled a little and sat back, this was unexpected. how to explain? the truth? "what if i said i could give Daren back to you?" he asked softly, "if you think you can make him promise to stay here, with you, even if it is just as your friend and protector, then i will show you where Daren has been these past couple weeks, since he didn't quite make it to chicago like he'd planned."

Caesar stood up, "he's alive, if that is what you are worried about. here, follow me." he lead the way to his office and turned on the feed from where Daren was being kept. "we've been trying to-persuade him to stay, but as you say, he is stubborn."

Daren took a step back, looking around for the camera. he knew they were going to be looking at him, but he didn't want Tim to see his face. he turned quickly so that his back was to the camera and acted like the was stretching out, showing Tim that he was fine.

Caesar nodded, "Tim?" he spoke softly, placing his hand on Tim's shoulder, "i always have been and always will be your friend. i had my men watch Daren, but i did not order him hurt. all i told him was that he would stay there until he agreed to move back and protect you once more." he looked Tim in the eyes, "you are like a son to me. i only want what is best for you and right now? He is what is best. i just wanted you to know that." he smiled and patted Tim's shoulder before leading him to his car. "it's not far, but this house isn't my main house." Mari was waiting at the garage door, looking sad.

"Tim, dear," she said softly, "please don't hate us for this. and for the record," she lifted an eyebrow at her husband, "i was against this plan from the moment i heard it."

Caesar chuckled, "it's true. come on, let's go." he waited for Tim to get in the car before taking the ten minute drive to where his 'family' was based. he drove to the front door and a man hurried out to open his door. he would park the car for Caesar. "come along, Tim." he said, his smile in place as he walked into the house and a line of men greeted him. he waved them off and lead Tim down to the basement where a man was unlocking Daren's door to take him his dinner. Caesar stopped him and took the tray, turning to Tim and giving it to him, "go ahead and go in.knock three times when you want out."

Daren went from stretches to basic exercises, having no idea when Tim was looking or not, until he hard a soft voice from the tv.

Mari was standing by the table, looking up into the camera. she thought he should be offered some warning at least. "they are coming to visit. might as well stop your moving about and wait." she nodded before pushing a button and turning off the feed.

daren stopped and looked at the tv, "no-" Tim wouldn't understand. he would become upset if he saw Daren. he decided to lay down and pull his blanket up over his head. he didn't care if he was hiding, he didn't think he'd be able to face Tim just yet, and not looking like this.

Caesar noticed the men were shifting a bit, looking like they were hiding something. he lifted an eyebrow and set to finding out just what they were hiding.

The lump shifted as Apple climbed down from his shoulder and forced her way under his blanket and into his arms. Daren smiled a little at the motorboat purr that came from the small cat, but he was hyper aware of Tim not so far away. "be-" his voice broke a bit and he had to clear it. what had he last spoken? he couldn't even remember, "been a while. you look good, guess my leaving was the right choice after all, huh?" he gave a small laugh, "sorry about this. i guess i seem pretty pathetic, but i've always been a coward, you know."