![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
serafina20Fic: Sona
Rating: Mature
Pairing: Michael/Mahone
Summary: Hell on earth is found at La Penitenciaría Federal de Sona.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14
T-Bag was fast and hard to keep up with. Especially since Alex had to hold his pants up as he ran. Between the adrenaline and the stress and pushing through an unending wall of men, he couldn't fasten them. Was lucky to even have gotten them up in the first place.
"This way!" T-Bag rounded a corner, the fourth since they'd left the block Alex had been taken to.
News of the riot had spread, and there were still people heading towards it. But not as many, not the wall of people they'd had to fight through at first.
Another corner, and they were in a dormitory style room. T-Bag slowed to a walk, allowing Alex to catch up.
"I'm just on the other side of here. Little corner I managed to stake out for myself yesterday."
Alex nodded. Zipped and buttoned his pants as he looked around. He'd been through this dorm earlier, with the guard. Today. Christ, it'd only been today. Strange how time seemed to lengthen when you were being sexually assaulted.
Out of the room and around another corner. Just like the first hallway Alex had slept in, this one had people sitting or lying against the walls, living. Not lucky enough to get a cell, or even a dormitory.
Or a closet.
T-Bag turned. Looked at Alex, arms crossed over his chest, head cocked.
Alex returned the gaze. He was still on alert, adrenaline still running through him. The man in front of him was no less dangerous than the men they'd just left. Smaller stature and one hand he may be. That hadn't stopped him from killing while on the run, that wouldn't stop him from trying to kill Alex here.
However. T-Bag had just saved him. He wanted something.
Alex swallowed. "Thank you," he said gruffly. "For saving my ass."
He got a toothy smile that was swallowed by T-Bag running his tongue over his lower lip. "We are in a foreign country. We Americans have to stick together."
Of course.
He wasn't sure what to say. Wasn't sure if T-Bag even knew who he was. Knew that Alex knew who T-Bag was.
Or if T-Bag knew that Alex had taken Michael. And wasn't planning on giving him up.
"My name's Theodore," T-Bag finally said. He held out his hand. "Most people call me T-Bag."
Alex took it. Shook. "Alex." He licked his lips. Released T-Bag's hand. "I know who you are."
"Oh?" A wary, caged looked came over him. Fists clenched.
"I was the FBI agent assigned to capture the Fox River Eight."
The shark's grin came back. "And, might I say, what a wonderful job you did. Thank you for doing your part to make this world a better and more safer place to live in."
"I got Abruzzi. Manipulated him so he walked into a hail of bullets."
"And, for that, I thank you. Vengeance," he said, holding up his stump, "is served."
Alex eyed it. He'd heard that the man had lost a hand, but until now, he hadn't known Abruzzi had anything to do with it. "What happened?" he asked.
"Mr. Mafia used an axe to separate myself from my hand when we first escaped." T-Bag gave him another shark's grin. "I was trying to secure my seat on his plane by semi-permanently attaching myself to Scofield. It somehow slipped my mind that even body parts can be removed."
His eyes slid to T-Bag's other arm. Another bandage was wrapped around it, this one stained dark brown with blood and green. An infected wound; it'd have to be looked at. Alex supposed he could offer as thanks for the rescue. It galled him to be indebted to the psycho and he wanted to pay up as soon as he could.
"That happen in here?"
T-Bag glanced at his arm. Shrugged. "Just before I was brought here. A doctor of dubious talent stitched it up, but I tore those stitches the first day when someone thought my size and visible handicaps might make me an easy target."
"What happened to that man?"
"He's with the angels now."
Adrenaline was fading. Alex could feel how tired his muscles were, each one quivering in exhaustion. He'd kill for another cigarette, just to tied him over. Soothe his drug-hungry nerves.
He leaned against the wall. "How long have you been here?"
"They brought me in two days ago. You?"
He tried to put it together. Most of the days were a confusing blur, especially once the detox hit. "I think three, four days?" He showed T-Bag his wrist. "They only processed me today, though."
"They did me when they brought me in. Already cut my slave bracelet off." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a shiv made of glass. Guillermo's blood still coated it. "I was staying in the same block as you," he continued as he cut the bracelet from Alex's arm. "After I offed the first man who tried to claim me, they pretty much left me alone. Spent some time trying to figure out how the hierarchy worked there, then left to find my own accommodations."
"I take it the gang I was given to was the top?"
"Top of the top. I knew if the big fella who almost stuck it to you was killed, the rest of the vultures would swoop in, ready to take his place."
"Thank you."
"Like I said, we Americans have to watch out for each other. Ain't no one gonna do it for us." He cocked his head. "You speak Spanish?"
"No." I had someone who did, though, he added silently. He wondered what had happened to Michael. If he were still alive, still one piece.
"So, you've been here for some number of days. But they brought you in to bunk with ol' green-eyes today. Where have you been residing up till now?"
The closet. Damn. He could get back there now. If Tony was looking for him... hell, if Michael was looking for him, they'd probably start there. And now that he was free to wander...
Of course, he didn't know how to get there from here. But he might be able to get it from either the yard, the mess hall, or the guard's entrance.
"You know where the mess is?" he asked, avoiding T-Bag's question.
The eyes brows went up.
"I had a closet. That I was staying in, but I don't know where I am. If we could get back there... Well. A closet is better than a corner." Even though he didn't particularly want T-Bag there, especially when Alex got Michael back. But, right now, he had no other choice.
T-Bag nodded. "A closet is better than a corner." He leaned down and scooped up his blanket. Another shiv fell out. This he held to Alex. "If we run into trouble. You use it against me, boi, and you'll wish you were back against those bars with Green-eyes in your ass."
Alex smirked. Stepped forward and shoved T-Bag against the wall. Held him with just the weight of his body. Kicked his legs apart, keeping him off balance. "That right?"
The other man tried to throw him off, but couldn't. Alex's superior weight and training had him pinned. And he knew it. "I concede the point," T-Bag finally said.
Something sharp dug into Alex's side. Without missing a beat, he switched arms pinning T-Bag. Caught the shiv. Used T-Bag's hold and twisted his arm around, brining the point into T-Bag's side.
"We done?"
He gritted his teeth. Nodded.
Alex squeezed T-Bag's hand in a way that forced him to open, dropping the shiv. He caught it and slipped it into his pocket. "Lead on, then."
The other man was coiled tightly, vibrating with fury. He stopped beside Alex, clearly not willing to let him at T-Bag's back. Which was fine with Alex; he wasn't planning on letting T-Bag behind him, so side by side was fine.
Silent, tense, they walked down the hall together. Alex's skin was pricking again, and his forehead split with a headache. Plus, arms hurt where he'd been held against the bars, he could still feel the imprint of the bars on his face, and the stink of fear made him feel dirty.
He'd almost been raped. By a man who wasn't even that much bigger than himself. By a man he should have been able to take down. But he hadn't been able to, he'd been overwhelmed and...
He'd never really thought...
Who ever did really think that would happen?
He'd been worried about Michael. Michael was so pretty. Smart, brilliant, capable of taking care of himself, but...
This was different. This place was different. Whatever danger he'd been in during his stay at Fox River was multiplied here in Sona.
Somehow, Alex had never thought to include himself in the danger. Michael was young. Beautiful. Vulnerable-looking, even if he had a spine of steel. But Alex?
He'd been arrogant. And stupid to think he was safe from prison rape because of age and illness.
He wouldn't make that mistake again.
Resolve didn't make the fear go away. The shame. The dirtiness. He wanted to wash it away, literally and figuratively. He needed a shower. A safe space. A time to prove, to remind himself, that his body was his own.
God. He really hoped Michael was okay.
The lunch bell rang. Alex's stomach lurched when he heard it. He hadn't had breakfast, hadn't had anything but a cigarette and some water all day. He needed food and sleep and drugs. The last he'd forego, if only for today. He'd trade T-Bag for drugs if it came to that, but the promise of Michael's body could hold him for today.
"Senor," a familiar voice called.
Alex stopped and turned. "Arturo." He looked around him and realized he was in a dormitory he recognized.
Arturo was sitting on his bed playing cards with another inmate. He set his cards down and rose. "I hear the guards move you and the other gringo."
"Yeah, they did. Separated us. Do you know where he is?"
Arturo nodded. "I see Tony. He ask about you. Say he and the other gringo are with Raoul."
"I don't know where he is. Do you?"
"Not what cell. But you see him, you find your gringo."
"If you see Tony again, tell him that I'll be at the closet. Do you know if anyone's taken it?"
"Si. Migel take back. Easy take from him again, though." Arturo stepped closer. "I help you, if I can stay."
He was tempted to say yes, if only because his stomach was cramping again and the headache made it hard to see. But Arturo was young and T-Bag was already eyeing him as if he were a piece of pie. It was going to be hard enough once Alex got Michael and Tony back; he didn't need another person to have to protect from T-Bag.
Of course, he could get rid of T-Bag.
"Thank you. But..."
Arturo's face fell, but he just shrugged. "Okay. But, one day, Senor..."
"Thank you, Arturo. I know I owe you."
"I say we bring the boy along," T-Bag said, eyes running slowly over Arturo's form. "One can always use a little extra help."
Arturo stepped back. Frowned. "No," he said warily. "Is okay. I fine here."
Alex tried to apologize with his eyes; Arturo nodded at him, so the message seemed to be received.
"The closet is small," Alex said. He put his hand on the nape of T-Bag's neck. Turned him around and started leading him from the room. "With you, there's four, and there was barely enough room as it is."
"Four? Who are these other two?"
"Tony, who's an urchin I picked up on the first night. And." He licked his lips. "Michael."
T-Bag's eyes were sharp, cutting him. "Michael? As in Scofield?"
"Yes. And if you touch him, if you so much as look at him in any way I don't approve, I will fuck you up so fast, you'll wish that I'd just cut off your other hand. Do you understand?"
T-Bag stopped. Cocked his head, looking vaguely dog-like. Stared at Alex with a gaze so penetrating, he felt it pierce through him.
"Is this because you have a strange sense of honor and are protective over our resident pretty-boy, or do you own his ass?"
"What do you think?"
"I think anyone willing to throw down with me has got to have some form of prurient interest."
He turned and stepped into T-Bag's personal space. The other man raised his chin. Glared back.
"You lay one finger on him, I will kill you."
T-Bag smirked. "Very well. Pretty is safe from me. That is, as long as you are around to protect that beautiful ass of his."
He thought about it. Nodded. Punched T-Bag once in the gut. "Then we have an understanding. Let's go."
Now that he knew where he was, he felt a bit more confident. He still held back just a bit, not wanting to give T-Bag the opportunity to shiv him in the back.
Miguel was just closing the closet door when Alex and T-Bag rounded the corner. His back was to them; Alex didn't give him a chance to turn around. He just ran up and slammed Miguel into the door. Jabbed him in the kidneys with his fist. Kicked the back of his knee, then swept his feet from under him.
"I hope you didn't mess up the place too badly," Alex growled in Miguel's ear. "And that you didn't think you were moving back in."
He jerked. Tried to throw Alex off, but Alex had his arm twisted behind his back. Every movement Miguel made just wrenched that arm tighter.
"My closet!" Miguel said. "It was mine. I take back."
Alex stepped on the back of his knee. "And now I'm taking it back again." He pulled the shiv from his pocket. Wrapped his arm around Miguel's neck. Pressed it against his flesh. "Next time I see you near this closet, I will cut your throat." He gouged a chunk out.
Miguel surged against Alex. The shiv dug in deeper, drawing more blood.
Finally, he relented. "Okay." He relaxed in Alex's hold. Slumped. "Is yours. I no try take again."
"Good." Alex climbed off him. Kicked him to the flood. "Go."
Miguel picked himself up. Glared and left.
"Looks like you can take care of yourself just fine," T-Bag said. "Still. In a place like this..."
"Safety in numbers." Alex opened the door and stepped into the closet.
It was just as they'd left it that morning. No; there was one more blanket inside. Miguel must have brought it in. Other than that, the bag of clothes was in the corner, the light was covered by the sock, and the two mattresses were still pushed together.
Christ. Two mattresses. One fifteen year old kid and a pedophile. Alex was going to have to sleep next to T-Bag. They'd have to keep Tony against the wall with him and Michael as two human walls. And even then...
Provided, of course, Alex found Michael and Tony again. And got them back.
"Cozy." T-Bag dropped his blanket. His body immediately followed and he stretched out on Michael's mattress. He stretched, long and luxurious, and heaved a sigh. "Now this is living. Better than a cell, with all them prying eyes. And much better than a corner." He propped his head on his fist. "Seems like you and Pretty have got yourselves a bit of a love nest here."
"Whatever." Weary, Alex sank down. Rested his head against his knees. He felt like shit.
"You're looking a bit peaked there, Mister FBI."
"Hungry. Haven't eaten since yesterday."
"I believe that obnoxious sound we heard earlier means that something that passes for food is being served."
What he really wanted was to lie down and sleep. To have another cigarette. To find some drugs. To fuck Michael. Anything.
Food would have to do. "All right. Let's go." He rose. A wave of dizziness overtook him and he had to lean against the wall as T-Bag opened the door.
"Senor!"
Alex opened his eyes. Tony was pushing past T-Bag. He launched himself at Alex. Buried his face against his chest in a tight, desperate hug. A torrent of Spanish tumbled from the boy's lips, his flush, sweaty face leaving an imprint against Alex's shirt. He stepped back, grabbed Alex's arms and tugged, still speaking a mile a minute.
"Tony. Tony," Alex shouted, allowing himself to be dragged. "I can't understand you. Speak English. And slower."
"Sorry," he panted. "Michael hurt. Raoul beat him. Pull out his arm. He need you."
"Pulled out his arm?"
"Si! He can't move it. Just hangs there. Like this." Tony demonstrated.
"Out of its socket," T-Bag said.
"Si!" Tony nodded, then stopped and looked at T-Bag, obviously confused. Then he shook his head. "Come. Michael need us."
"Well, then lead the way."
Tony turned and took off down the hall. Alex and T-Bag followed.
Part 16
Rating: Mature
Pairing: Michael/Mahone
Summary: Hell on earth is found at La Penitenciaría Federal de Sona.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14
T-Bag was fast and hard to keep up with. Especially since Alex had to hold his pants up as he ran. Between the adrenaline and the stress and pushing through an unending wall of men, he couldn't fasten them. Was lucky to even have gotten them up in the first place.
"This way!" T-Bag rounded a corner, the fourth since they'd left the block Alex had been taken to.
News of the riot had spread, and there were still people heading towards it. But not as many, not the wall of people they'd had to fight through at first.
Another corner, and they were in a dormitory style room. T-Bag slowed to a walk, allowing Alex to catch up.
"I'm just on the other side of here. Little corner I managed to stake out for myself yesterday."
Alex nodded. Zipped and buttoned his pants as he looked around. He'd been through this dorm earlier, with the guard. Today. Christ, it'd only been today. Strange how time seemed to lengthen when you were being sexually assaulted.
Out of the room and around another corner. Just like the first hallway Alex had slept in, this one had people sitting or lying against the walls, living. Not lucky enough to get a cell, or even a dormitory.
Or a closet.
T-Bag turned. Looked at Alex, arms crossed over his chest, head cocked.
Alex returned the gaze. He was still on alert, adrenaline still running through him. The man in front of him was no less dangerous than the men they'd just left. Smaller stature and one hand he may be. That hadn't stopped him from killing while on the run, that wouldn't stop him from trying to kill Alex here.
However. T-Bag had just saved him. He wanted something.
Alex swallowed. "Thank you," he said gruffly. "For saving my ass."
He got a toothy smile that was swallowed by T-Bag running his tongue over his lower lip. "We are in a foreign country. We Americans have to stick together."
Of course.
He wasn't sure what to say. Wasn't sure if T-Bag even knew who he was. Knew that Alex knew who T-Bag was.
Or if T-Bag knew that Alex had taken Michael. And wasn't planning on giving him up.
"My name's Theodore," T-Bag finally said. He held out his hand. "Most people call me T-Bag."
Alex took it. Shook. "Alex." He licked his lips. Released T-Bag's hand. "I know who you are."
"Oh?" A wary, caged looked came over him. Fists clenched.
"I was the FBI agent assigned to capture the Fox River Eight."
The shark's grin came back. "And, might I say, what a wonderful job you did. Thank you for doing your part to make this world a better and more safer place to live in."
"I got Abruzzi. Manipulated him so he walked into a hail of bullets."
"And, for that, I thank you. Vengeance," he said, holding up his stump, "is served."
Alex eyed it. He'd heard that the man had lost a hand, but until now, he hadn't known Abruzzi had anything to do with it. "What happened?" he asked.
"Mr. Mafia used an axe to separate myself from my hand when we first escaped." T-Bag gave him another shark's grin. "I was trying to secure my seat on his plane by semi-permanently attaching myself to Scofield. It somehow slipped my mind that even body parts can be removed."
His eyes slid to T-Bag's other arm. Another bandage was wrapped around it, this one stained dark brown with blood and green. An infected wound; it'd have to be looked at. Alex supposed he could offer as thanks for the rescue. It galled him to be indebted to the psycho and he wanted to pay up as soon as he could.
"That happen in here?"
T-Bag glanced at his arm. Shrugged. "Just before I was brought here. A doctor of dubious talent stitched it up, but I tore those stitches the first day when someone thought my size and visible handicaps might make me an easy target."
"What happened to that man?"
"He's with the angels now."
Adrenaline was fading. Alex could feel how tired his muscles were, each one quivering in exhaustion. He'd kill for another cigarette, just to tied him over. Soothe his drug-hungry nerves.
He leaned against the wall. "How long have you been here?"
"They brought me in two days ago. You?"
He tried to put it together. Most of the days were a confusing blur, especially once the detox hit. "I think three, four days?" He showed T-Bag his wrist. "They only processed me today, though."
"They did me when they brought me in. Already cut my slave bracelet off." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a shiv made of glass. Guillermo's blood still coated it. "I was staying in the same block as you," he continued as he cut the bracelet from Alex's arm. "After I offed the first man who tried to claim me, they pretty much left me alone. Spent some time trying to figure out how the hierarchy worked there, then left to find my own accommodations."
"I take it the gang I was given to was the top?"
"Top of the top. I knew if the big fella who almost stuck it to you was killed, the rest of the vultures would swoop in, ready to take his place."
"Thank you."
"Like I said, we Americans have to watch out for each other. Ain't no one gonna do it for us." He cocked his head. "You speak Spanish?"
"No." I had someone who did, though, he added silently. He wondered what had happened to Michael. If he were still alive, still one piece.
"So, you've been here for some number of days. But they brought you in to bunk with ol' green-eyes today. Where have you been residing up till now?"
The closet. Damn. He could get back there now. If Tony was looking for him... hell, if Michael was looking for him, they'd probably start there. And now that he was free to wander...
Of course, he didn't know how to get there from here. But he might be able to get it from either the yard, the mess hall, or the guard's entrance.
"You know where the mess is?" he asked, avoiding T-Bag's question.
The eyes brows went up.
"I had a closet. That I was staying in, but I don't know where I am. If we could get back there... Well. A closet is better than a corner." Even though he didn't particularly want T-Bag there, especially when Alex got Michael back. But, right now, he had no other choice.
T-Bag nodded. "A closet is better than a corner." He leaned down and scooped up his blanket. Another shiv fell out. This he held to Alex. "If we run into trouble. You use it against me, boi, and you'll wish you were back against those bars with Green-eyes in your ass."
Alex smirked. Stepped forward and shoved T-Bag against the wall. Held him with just the weight of his body. Kicked his legs apart, keeping him off balance. "That right?"
The other man tried to throw him off, but couldn't. Alex's superior weight and training had him pinned. And he knew it. "I concede the point," T-Bag finally said.
Something sharp dug into Alex's side. Without missing a beat, he switched arms pinning T-Bag. Caught the shiv. Used T-Bag's hold and twisted his arm around, brining the point into T-Bag's side.
"We done?"
He gritted his teeth. Nodded.
Alex squeezed T-Bag's hand in a way that forced him to open, dropping the shiv. He caught it and slipped it into his pocket. "Lead on, then."
The other man was coiled tightly, vibrating with fury. He stopped beside Alex, clearly not willing to let him at T-Bag's back. Which was fine with Alex; he wasn't planning on letting T-Bag behind him, so side by side was fine.
Silent, tense, they walked down the hall together. Alex's skin was pricking again, and his forehead split with a headache. Plus, arms hurt where he'd been held against the bars, he could still feel the imprint of the bars on his face, and the stink of fear made him feel dirty.
He'd almost been raped. By a man who wasn't even that much bigger than himself. By a man he should have been able to take down. But he hadn't been able to, he'd been overwhelmed and...
He'd never really thought...
Who ever did really think that would happen?
He'd been worried about Michael. Michael was so pretty. Smart, brilliant, capable of taking care of himself, but...
This was different. This place was different. Whatever danger he'd been in during his stay at Fox River was multiplied here in Sona.
Somehow, Alex had never thought to include himself in the danger. Michael was young. Beautiful. Vulnerable-looking, even if he had a spine of steel. But Alex?
He'd been arrogant. And stupid to think he was safe from prison rape because of age and illness.
He wouldn't make that mistake again.
Resolve didn't make the fear go away. The shame. The dirtiness. He wanted to wash it away, literally and figuratively. He needed a shower. A safe space. A time to prove, to remind himself, that his body was his own.
God. He really hoped Michael was okay.
The lunch bell rang. Alex's stomach lurched when he heard it. He hadn't had breakfast, hadn't had anything but a cigarette and some water all day. He needed food and sleep and drugs. The last he'd forego, if only for today. He'd trade T-Bag for drugs if it came to that, but the promise of Michael's body could hold him for today.
"Senor," a familiar voice called.
Alex stopped and turned. "Arturo." He looked around him and realized he was in a dormitory he recognized.
Arturo was sitting on his bed playing cards with another inmate. He set his cards down and rose. "I hear the guards move you and the other gringo."
"Yeah, they did. Separated us. Do you know where he is?"
Arturo nodded. "I see Tony. He ask about you. Say he and the other gringo are with Raoul."
"I don't know where he is. Do you?"
"Not what cell. But you see him, you find your gringo."
"If you see Tony again, tell him that I'll be at the closet. Do you know if anyone's taken it?"
"Si. Migel take back. Easy take from him again, though." Arturo stepped closer. "I help you, if I can stay."
He was tempted to say yes, if only because his stomach was cramping again and the headache made it hard to see. But Arturo was young and T-Bag was already eyeing him as if he were a piece of pie. It was going to be hard enough once Alex got Michael and Tony back; he didn't need another person to have to protect from T-Bag.
Of course, he could get rid of T-Bag.
"Thank you. But..."
Arturo's face fell, but he just shrugged. "Okay. But, one day, Senor..."
"Thank you, Arturo. I know I owe you."
"I say we bring the boy along," T-Bag said, eyes running slowly over Arturo's form. "One can always use a little extra help."
Arturo stepped back. Frowned. "No," he said warily. "Is okay. I fine here."
Alex tried to apologize with his eyes; Arturo nodded at him, so the message seemed to be received.
"The closet is small," Alex said. He put his hand on the nape of T-Bag's neck. Turned him around and started leading him from the room. "With you, there's four, and there was barely enough room as it is."
"Four? Who are these other two?"
"Tony, who's an urchin I picked up on the first night. And." He licked his lips. "Michael."
T-Bag's eyes were sharp, cutting him. "Michael? As in Scofield?"
"Yes. And if you touch him, if you so much as look at him in any way I don't approve, I will fuck you up so fast, you'll wish that I'd just cut off your other hand. Do you understand?"
T-Bag stopped. Cocked his head, looking vaguely dog-like. Stared at Alex with a gaze so penetrating, he felt it pierce through him.
"Is this because you have a strange sense of honor and are protective over our resident pretty-boy, or do you own his ass?"
"What do you think?"
"I think anyone willing to throw down with me has got to have some form of prurient interest."
He turned and stepped into T-Bag's personal space. The other man raised his chin. Glared back.
"You lay one finger on him, I will kill you."
T-Bag smirked. "Very well. Pretty is safe from me. That is, as long as you are around to protect that beautiful ass of his."
He thought about it. Nodded. Punched T-Bag once in the gut. "Then we have an understanding. Let's go."
Now that he knew where he was, he felt a bit more confident. He still held back just a bit, not wanting to give T-Bag the opportunity to shiv him in the back.
Miguel was just closing the closet door when Alex and T-Bag rounded the corner. His back was to them; Alex didn't give him a chance to turn around. He just ran up and slammed Miguel into the door. Jabbed him in the kidneys with his fist. Kicked the back of his knee, then swept his feet from under him.
"I hope you didn't mess up the place too badly," Alex growled in Miguel's ear. "And that you didn't think you were moving back in."
He jerked. Tried to throw Alex off, but Alex had his arm twisted behind his back. Every movement Miguel made just wrenched that arm tighter.
"My closet!" Miguel said. "It was mine. I take back."
Alex stepped on the back of his knee. "And now I'm taking it back again." He pulled the shiv from his pocket. Wrapped his arm around Miguel's neck. Pressed it against his flesh. "Next time I see you near this closet, I will cut your throat." He gouged a chunk out.
Miguel surged against Alex. The shiv dug in deeper, drawing more blood.
Finally, he relented. "Okay." He relaxed in Alex's hold. Slumped. "Is yours. I no try take again."
"Good." Alex climbed off him. Kicked him to the flood. "Go."
Miguel picked himself up. Glared and left.
"Looks like you can take care of yourself just fine," T-Bag said. "Still. In a place like this..."
"Safety in numbers." Alex opened the door and stepped into the closet.
It was just as they'd left it that morning. No; there was one more blanket inside. Miguel must have brought it in. Other than that, the bag of clothes was in the corner, the light was covered by the sock, and the two mattresses were still pushed together.
Christ. Two mattresses. One fifteen year old kid and a pedophile. Alex was going to have to sleep next to T-Bag. They'd have to keep Tony against the wall with him and Michael as two human walls. And even then...
Provided, of course, Alex found Michael and Tony again. And got them back.
"Cozy." T-Bag dropped his blanket. His body immediately followed and he stretched out on Michael's mattress. He stretched, long and luxurious, and heaved a sigh. "Now this is living. Better than a cell, with all them prying eyes. And much better than a corner." He propped his head on his fist. "Seems like you and Pretty have got yourselves a bit of a love nest here."
"Whatever." Weary, Alex sank down. Rested his head against his knees. He felt like shit.
"You're looking a bit peaked there, Mister FBI."
"Hungry. Haven't eaten since yesterday."
"I believe that obnoxious sound we heard earlier means that something that passes for food is being served."
What he really wanted was to lie down and sleep. To have another cigarette. To find some drugs. To fuck Michael. Anything.
Food would have to do. "All right. Let's go." He rose. A wave of dizziness overtook him and he had to lean against the wall as T-Bag opened the door.
"Senor!"
Alex opened his eyes. Tony was pushing past T-Bag. He launched himself at Alex. Buried his face against his chest in a tight, desperate hug. A torrent of Spanish tumbled from the boy's lips, his flush, sweaty face leaving an imprint against Alex's shirt. He stepped back, grabbed Alex's arms and tugged, still speaking a mile a minute.
"Tony. Tony," Alex shouted, allowing himself to be dragged. "I can't understand you. Speak English. And slower."
"Sorry," he panted. "Michael hurt. Raoul beat him. Pull out his arm. He need you."
"Pulled out his arm?"
"Si! He can't move it. Just hangs there. Like this." Tony demonstrated.
"Out of its socket," T-Bag said.
"Si!" Tony nodded, then stopped and looked at T-Bag, obviously confused. Then he shook his head. "Come. Michael need us."
"Well, then lead the way."
Tony turned and took off down the hall. Alex and T-Bag followed.
Part 16
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2007-09-18 12:54 pm (UTC)