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[subserve_aaron]

Brendan lets me do whatever I want during the day. He really doesn't ask much of me; I cook the food, do the laundry, clean up... what you would expect to earn your keep someplace. I doubt he would even say anything if I didn't get something done, but I'm thankful for him and his kindness, so I do it all

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[subserv_elijah]

*The sun is hot and high today, and I've been resting uncomfortably on the ground since Hugo left me this morning, haven given me only some water and a couple slices of toast to eat. One of them still lies beside me on the ground, as I was unable to force it down, and there are ants on it now. So much for finishing this "meal", I suppose, but I couldn't care less about it right now as I try to sleep, because this is the only time I don't hurt. The cuts and slices on my back are red and hot with infection still, and ooze more in the heat as I sweat and the sun burns my fair skin to a lobster red; the bruises on my face dark and deep, from the amount of times he's re-injured me there, but at least I can breathe. Forcing myself to ignore the wooziness in my head from both sickness and starvation, I remain totally still, trying to just remain unconscious to pass the day, not that I have much energy to do much else, like try to escape, anyway.*

[subserve_aaron]

*As I approach the side of the house, staying close to the one next to it, I can see through the breaks in the fence. The environment here destroys wood quickly, so the few places that are fenced with wood don't really offer much privacy. Hugo has some razor wire in some places, but it has fallen into disrepair and the yard is definitely not secure.*

*All of a sudden I stop and feel my heart plunge into my stomach. Elijah. He's tied to a pole. In the middle of the yard. I can tell even from here that he's sunburned and bloody. I fight the urge to retch as I start moving closer and see that his entire back is covered in fresh wounds. He's laying on the ground next to the pole, not moving at all. The possibility that he's dead and I'm seeing it propels me forward faster than is wise; but I have to know. And if he's not dead, I have to do something. Now.

[subserv_elijah]

*Hearing the sound of someone approaching, I tense, preparing myself for the possibility of another kick to the gut. I don't want to open my eyes to see Hugo, and so I don't move, instead breathing shallowly, waiting to see what he does this time. I can't even bring myself to sit up, and just resign myself to whatever punishment will be dealt by me not rising for him.*

[subserve_aaron]

*Shit. I look to the house, trying to see if there's any movement or indication Hugo might be watching. All the curtains are drawn. I can probably hide behind a wooden part of the fence and get Elijah's attention.*

*I move parallel with Elijah and watch him very closely. I think his chest is moving... maybe.*

Elijah... *I'm whispering as loudly as I can without feeling like I'm being too loud. I just hope -- if he's alive -- he's awake enough to hear me.* Elijah, it's Aaron. Elijah?

[subserve_aaron]

Okay. Let's try a few times in a row, k?

*Holding the rock up high, I put all my strength into hitting the chain three times in a row. I think it may be working -- the chain looks like it really could break.*

Well... that's some progress. *I smile at you and glance at the house again. I have to speed this up, now.*

[subserv_elijah]

*I hold my head back every time you strike the chain on the stone, watching little sparks fly and small bits of rock chip away, all the while worrying what will happen if this doesn't work. Watching the concentration on your face, I swallow hard, then suck in a deep breath as your strikes get harder. Frequent glances back to the house reveal that for now, at least, we're still safe. Looking at you again, I study your face, the little beads of sweat that are forming on your skin, and the intensity and determination in your eyes.*

[subserve_aaron]

*OK, I think this is working. The weld on the link is starting to break*

Hey, I think it's almost there! Hold it tight, I'm going to hit it a bunch of times in a row.

*I raise the rock and try to muster all my strength.*

[subserv_elijah]

*The tension builds as you work at the chain, slowly but surely damaging the one link. I have to hope and pray that this chain, though plenty thick, is just thin enough and made "just" poorly enough that this will eventually work... but my fears remain - that it wont be. Or worse yet... we've gone this far; there's evidence now that the chain has been tampered with. If this doesn't eventually come apart, he's going to know something happened out here, and the thought sets me with fear.*

Please... oh please break...

*I whisper to myself, not even considering that you probably hear me. My eyes get wet, just thinking about the hell that will be paid if this doesn't work.*