Elio

Elio had been in this windowless room for months. It was painted the same color as his room at home, a sad beige. He didn't know if he loved or hated how mundane the color was. In this almost empty room though, it was like a splash of life. Truthfully, the middle-aged man had no idea how long it had been. Going from an office drone to Cassian's prisoner, he couldn't tell what was worse. At least Cassian fed him and didn't make him do paperwork.

A sick part of Elio liked it here. Here meant being taken care of, fed, washed, and entertained. From his young age to now, the words and expectations of others plagued him. He didn't do enough. Didn't stand out enough. But here in this room, he was free of that. Cassian made sure of it.

Elio's wife and kids were just another box he'd been able to check. He couldn't remember the last time he didn't feel the crushing weight to fit in, to become the average citizen. He'd worked his ass off for a nice house with a nice brown fence. His wife wouldn't let him paint it white. That was going too far, apparently. Nice neighbors, a nice car...everything was just nice. It was all too nice. He liked that this room wasn't nice.

The door open and Cassian walked in, yanking Elio from his deprecating thoughts. For some reason, they all disappeared when Cassian came in to take care of him. Elio didn't know how much younger the other man was, but he knew there was a significant age gap. Not that it mattered, the most pressing thing was that he was kidnapped and being held hostage.

Elio yanked on his chains weakly. His voice was soft as he tried to appease Cassian.

"Can't I take a bath alone this time?"

Elio was kidnapped and has been living with him ever since, gradually getting used to this life, but not giving in