Desden cocked his own gun the exact same time Wallace did, making him think that he was the only one with a firearm ready. He had been at the bar earlier in the far corner staring at his father for quite some time, so he knew that he would take his chance when James was drunk or... busy. Everything was going according to his plan until he heard a click completely unrelated to himself, or the man standing before him.  

"It has been a long time, Desden."

His stomach sank as his heart jumped into his throat.

"Ari..."

"Well well well, it seems we have reached quite an interesting impasse."

Desden's attention focused back on Wallace as the man spoke. He still had his weapon pointed at his father and he didn't doubt that the bullets inside were coated in holy water.

"Put your gun down, Desden."

"No."

Not a chance in hell. 

He heard Ari grunt behind him, then felt the gun press against the back of his head.

"I don't want to have to kill you."

Okay, that little confession made him grin. He didn't want to have to kill him? After knowing how much blood he had on his hands? After breaking his arm and forcing him to feed him repeatedly?

"I am not stupid, Ari. I know you would love to put a bullet in my head, however, my gun would go off just before your own so you are simply trying to threaten me in order to save your new captain."

"Oh no. He couldn't care less about me in all honesty. He wants you," Wallace said nonchalantly. 

"Does he now?" Desden questioned, not quite believing him. 

"Yes, I do," Ari responded calmly. 

Well, I suppose that makes sense... somewhat. 

He really wanted to turn around and look at him, though. It had been so long since he had seen him and his voice had definitely deepened a good amount. He wondered what he looked like now that he had likely grown some.

"Are you sure you do not want me in bed now that you have matured?" he finally responded, a mocking tone to his words. 

He heard a grumble behind him and took his chance... as did Wallace. Gunshots rang out right before the entire room burst into flame. His father blurred out of the fire with his lover in his arms, obviously not hurt, though he did smell blood.

He hit Alexandre. I am taking him to the ship.

Understood, coming father.

Well, he had intended to follow after him since he had ducked, avoiding Ari's bullet, but as he began to move he felt a sharp pain pulse through his back and burn into his body. He hadn't heard the gun go off a second time with the fire roaring just to his left, and after he felt another bullet slam into his back, his mind dissolved into darkness.

Desden was not sure how long he had been unconscious, but he knew immediately as he began to awaken that he was on a ship. Granted, he remembered being shot in the back, twice, so he knew it was highly unlikely that he was on his father's vessel.

Wait a moment...

Blinking open sore eyes, he glanced down.

There is something on my face?

He tried to open his mouth, but whatever was fastened around his head made it impossible.

"You will not be able to open your mouth with that muzzle on."

Desden's head jerked up along with his eyes, needing to see the owner of that voice. That sound had haunted his dreams ever since they had escaped from the trial months prior.

Ari...

The young man's eyes narrowed on him, but Desden didn't bother focusing on that. What he did notice was the fact that he had grown quite a bit and put on some weight. That was no surprise, though, since he was likely being fed much better than when they'd had him.

"Captain wanted your father, but when I got you he just wanted to force you to swallow holy water like the rest of your disgusting dead crew, but I asked if I could have you instead."

Desden's body relaxed slightly against the worn wall of Ari's room, which looked quite nice compared to what his father's old ship had had. Even his father's room hadn't looked this... nice? Or perhaps clean was a better word for it.

"You belong to me until I decide that I have no further use for you. Then you will die."

If he was trying to scare him, it wasn't exactly working. Yes, he was hesitant to anger him considering he was chained up and for all intents and purposes, gagged, but he was still just a frail young human in his eyes.

"I know you're judging me. You don't think I can handle you."

I know you cannot.

He flinched, immediately drawing his full attention. He had been checking out the room and trying to listen in on any possible conversations going on in the hall, but Ari was much more interesting now.

You can hear me, Ari?

His entire body stiffened before he glared and turned away, stomping over to a large tub that appeared to be steaming slightly.

Ari?

He tugged off his blue navy coat and then removed his white button-down long sleeved shirt. His back was to him, but it wasn't helping the lad's nerves calm in the least.

Ari... come here.

The young man paused for just a moment, but that was the only hint he needed to know that his words were getting through.

Don't ignore me, Ari. Come here.

Desden waited for a long moment as Ari stared at the warm water before him. When he finally reacted it was out of anger... or at least that was what he wanted him to think. He could see something deep in his eyes as he turned around.

"I own you now! You will listen to me, not order me around!"

Desden's head tilted slowly to the side as he watched him shake with anger.

What are you not telling me, Ari? You are angry, yes, but I see something else.

He bristled like a feral cat in the streets as he stalked toward him, a dagger from his belt now in his hand. 

"You want to know what I am feeling? It's hatred, Desden! You disgusting, vile creature! I hate you." 

Come here, Ari.

He pointed the dagger at him as he finished walking over, then knelt down in front of him with the blade inches from his throat.

"I could kill you with this. It was soaked in holy water while being made."

Touch me, Ari.

His brows drew together in confusion, but when Desden didn't say anything else Ari grabbed a strong fistful of his hair and growled in his face.

"Happy?"

Desden closed his eyes as soon as he felt Ari's knuckles press against his head. Grabbing his hair did nothing, but as long as he was touching him, skin-to-skin somewhere, he could use his ability.

"Well? Why did you close your eyes if you wanted me to touch you?"

Desden focused harder, making his power flow into Ari's system. He was extremely restless, but he knew that it was beginning to have an affect on him when he began to calm his breathing and relax his body.

Relax, Ari. 

His words were whispered through their thoughts and not verbally responded to, but he did see him get more comfortable on the floor before him as he opened his eyes. 

"What are you doing to me? I won't unchain you." 

I just want you to relax a little. You never did well under stressful situations.

He blinked, leaning away and breaking their contact.

"You remembered my first night on your ship..."

Of course. You worried me greatly when you began to lose your breath and shake.

"I grew up! I don't do that anymore."

I am glad... but I just wanted to make sure.

"Make sure? I shot you, Desden, twice! It's my fault you're now on Wallace's ship and likely going to die within the next few days." 

Thank you for cleaning the wounds. I am not hurting very much from them now.

"I didn't do it."

Please touch me, Ari. You are beginning to shake again.

He flinched and jumped to his feet, only to pace repeatedly by his bathing tub before returning to glare down at him.

"I don't need your h-help to calm down!"

Ari, please breathe. I can't help you if you pass out.

He bit his lower lip to try and stop himself from hyperventilating but it was just making him hold his breath, which was honestly no better.

Touch me, now.

He took a step backward, but Desden wasn't going to let up this time. He did not want him injured when he fell from lack of breath, which was likely to happen very soon if he kept panicking.

Touch me, Ari. Now.

He could smell sweat on him and easily saw it glistening on his bare chest from the faint light shining on them from a candle on the nightstand.

Ari...

Desden was about to try again, desperate, when he was suddenly being hugged. Tight but shaking arms wrapped around his neck as Ari settled himself into his lap.

It's okay, Ari. I know you get stressed having a murderous vampire in your possession... and to have saved it, but I honestly appreciate still having my life and do not intend to cause you any trouble as my thanks.

They remained still for several minutes as his shaking slowed, then stopped, along with his panting.

"Now I know why I stopped being afraid when you were touching my hand or shoulder... you were doing it. Calming me."

He didn't answer because the answer was now obvious. 

Ari was silent for another minute before Desden saw him reach around his head and felt him unfasten something. After hearing several clicks the mask around his mouth fell away, allowing him to take in a deep breath he had been yearning for. Sure, he didn't need to breath nearly as often as humans but it was definitely nice to be able to open his mouth and take in a good breath once in awhile instead of just breathing through his nose.

"Thank you, Ari."

"I-I won't unchain you."

Desden's lips turned up into a small smile. 

"I would not ask that of you." 

Ari hesitantly nodded before getting up and heading over to his cooled bath. When his breeches dropped to the floor Desden couldn't withhold his eyes from roaming over his growing figure. He still looked boyish to him, since he was sitting just-barely past the age of maturity and had not been properly fed previously, but he was definitely becoming more of a man day by day. 

"You torture me..." he whispered quietly.

"Huh?"

Smirking to himself, Desden just shrugged his shoulders and leaned his head back against the wall.

"I am tired. Enjoy your bath, Ari."