F/F = favourite fruit

Warning: small mentions of suicide

~~~

Alec returned home to organize his thoughts. He was fuming, but he knew that it was better to think with his head than with his heart. When he opened the mansion door, Alec was immediately greeted by his head butler.

"Welcome back, young master." Benjamin bowed. Alec simply grunted and headed directly towards his bedroom. His butler followed.

"May I ask where you've been as of lately? You always seem to be preoccupied after school." Benjamin kept up with Alec's quick pace.

"It's none of your business." Alec said coldly. He clenched his fists, the memories of Leon and his most recent fight resurfacing in his memories.

Benjamin, knowing his tempers, lowered his head. "Alright. I won't question you if you don't wish for me to. Shall I prepare some chamomile tea?"

Alec sighed, knowing that Benjamin was just caring for him. "No thanks. I would like to be alone for now please."

The old butler shortened his strides but escorted Alec to his room. Once Alec entered his room, Benjamin departed quietly to fulfill the rest of his duties around the mansion.

Alec sat on the bed, with crossed legs and closed eyes.

Whenever he was in a bad mood, he'd focus on his current state of mind and pick apart the problems.

Alec groaned. His thoughts were like a messy ball of yarn that Alec needed to untangle.

First, Y/N betrayed him and Leon. She tried to escape. Alec had to admit that as much as he wished it wasn't, he knew that her attempt was inevitable. It was bound to happen one day, but his heart wasn't prepared for such an incident to occur so early on in their relationship.

Second, Leon and Alec's personalities were very different. Leon was much more loving than Alec, despite the number of people he had tortured. That was why their opinions clashed. Perhaps it was because of Leon's loving nature that he thought that manipulating Y/N by using hurtful words was wrong.

This emotional side of Leon was also what sparked the argument. His irrationality irritated Alec when Leon blamed his guards' incompetency for Y/N's escape when both he and Leon both agreed to letting her out. Nevertheless, the guards Alec had hired will definitely be getting a large deduction in their pay.

Third, their insecurities got the best of each other. It was in Alec's nature to hurt others before they could hurt him. It was something that stuck to him since he was young. Some would say it was called self preservation. Alec had spewed some words at Leon that he didn't mean and Leon probably did the same.

Alec sighed. No matter - all of these things were bound to happen. This large fight was the first of many in the future. If Alec and Leon can't even survive a single fight without damaging their relationship... then one of them will have to disappear.

Breaking down Alec's emotions has helped him a lot. The anger in his mind was quickly dissipating and he could fill his mind with other things.

'We're going to need to have a deep talk tomorrow.' Alec thought, 'For now, I'll just look through my Y/N photo album and sleep it off~'

~~~

Leon glanced at the door for the nth time. Fiddling with his fingers nervously, he pretended to act naturally as he awaited his partner. He dreaded the moment the door opens and Alec will come in. Not only was it going to be awkward, Leon was still not over the things that Alec had said. Alec felt the same way, right?

This morning, Leon made some breakfast for the him, you, the guards and Alec. Only if Alec wanted some. Leon thought that it would be peace offering for Alec. Like before, he sent you your breakfast through a guard. On the bright side, today's breakfast was much better. Leon made your favourite food as an apology gift, even though you probably didn't get the message.

Leon scratched his arms. If only time could stop, then he wouldn't have to face such awkward situations. What would he even say to Alec?

Just as he thought that, he heard footsteps approach the front door.

'Speak of the devil.'

With a click of the lock, the door opened and Leon saw Alec enter. Today, he was wearing a casual white shirt with a leather hooded jacket paired with dark blue jeans. Alec looked like he did yesterday, maybe even better. His expression was much more relaxed, although his complexion is still the same.

"Hey." Alec flashed a small smile. Normally, girls would fawning over him by now, but not Leon, because he's not gay. Lol no, this isn't a teen fiction Wattpad novel.

"H-Hey." Leon cleared his throat, "Er... I made some breakfast. It's on the counter, if you want it."

"Sure. Thanks." Alec casually walked over to the kitchen counter. Leon screamed on the inside. How could he act so calm?!

Alec continued to prepare himself a cup of chamomile tea.

When he came back with his plate, Leon found a change in Alec's eyes. It was much darker, and more serious.

He sat down.

"Leon, let's face it - this talk is going to happen one way or another. I've thought over it last night, and I just wanted to apologize for my behaviour last night. It was wrong of me to bring up your financial instability."

Leon's eyes widened a bit in surprise. Never would he think that THE Alec Johnson would apologize to someone like him.

"However, I can't guarantee that something like this won't happen again. We... have clashing personalities, to say the least. So obviously, there will be times where we don't agree on things. But, what I can say is that I'm willing to compromise. Under a few conditions, of course."

Leon scrutinized Alec's face. He seemed so sincere. "What conditions?"

"First, you must understand my point of view. Right now, you're too adamant on having it your way instead of trying to think like me. I suppose I am a bit of a hypocrite, considering how I've kept Y/N down there but I want you to hear my side of the story first."

Leon nodded. "T-That seems fair. But you have to promise to do the same for me."

"Of course. These fights are unavoidable so I believe we should talk it out. Man, polygamy is hard." Alec sighed, taking another bite of his breakfast.

"I a-agree. What are the other conditions?"

"Well, I'd like us to know a little bit more about each other. We're partners after all. If this partnership is going to work out on the long term, it would be good for us to know each other better."

"Alright."

"Let's start. My name is Alec, what's yours?"

"So we're doing it like that? O-Okay, my name is Leon..."

~~~

"Miss L/N, I've brought you your breakfast."

A muscular man entered the basement. You recognized that voice immediately - it was Jim, the first guard you met. You looked up at him with hopeless eyes. Everything was dark except for a small light at the corner of the room, your legs hurt so much, and you haven't washed anything, in fact, for a long time for God knows how long. It almost made you want to die.

Almost.

But the longer time passes, the more hate for Leon and Alec accumulated. How could they do this to her? You knew that Leon was trying to manipulate you into thinking it was your fault but... it was slowly getting to you.

"Miss?"

"Jim," You croaked out with a raspy voice.

"Here's your breakfast, miss. Mr. Harts has instructed me to feed you. Please tell me if you need anything else." He placed the tray next to you. Today's breakfast was much better in contrast to the dry bread and water you've been receiving for the past few meals. Leon, who you assumed made the breakfast, made some oatmeal with a siding of blueberries and F/F. But when Jim picked up a spoon, you stopped him.

"I can do it myself."

"But miss-"

"Jim." You cut him off firmly. Reluctantly, he let go of the spoon and sat back.

As you ate, you saw Jim staring at you with this unfamiliar emotion in his eyes.

You gave him a desolate look. "What."

He seemed to be taken aback for a second, before regaining his original composure. "I'm sorry."

"I don't want your pity."

"I... Alright." Jim looked away awkwardly.

You sighed. It took everything you had not to physically assault him even though he would overpower you easily. "Whatever."

There was a few more moments of silence before Jim spoke up again.

"Please know that we're just doing our jobs."

You ignored him and tried to quickly finish your oatmeal so that you didn't have to listen to his words. It sounded so... real, but you shouldn't be swayed. You couldn't.

Nothing more was said between the two of you until you finished your breakfast. Then, you handed the tray back to Jim, muttering a quiet 'thank you'. He nodded and you swore you saw a little bit of relief on his face.

"Would you like me to request anything for you?" He turned towards you.

"What?"

"Would you like me to request anything." Jim repeated.

What you wanted? There were many things that you wanted right now. You wanted to leave, you wanted your legs back, you wanted to-

You felt a sudden sharp pain in your head, making you hold your head to try to ease the pain. Fuck, your head hurts from everything - stress, lack of sleep, overthinking. You want it all to end.

"I... I want them to come down here." You finally said. "Tell them t-that if they don't, I won't ever forgive them."

~~~

"Leon...?" Alec picked up his dirty cutlery and opened the tap.

"Yes?"

"Do you squeeze the dish soap into the bowl?"

"I-I squeeze it on the sponge."

"I see... Is this the sponge you're talking about?" Alec held up a bright yellow sponge.

Leon nodded.

"Are you sure we don't need gloves for this?" Alec frowned.

"No... you're washing a bowl, Alec. A bowl that used to be full of oatmeal." Leon said dryly. "Your hands are perfectly suitable. Just wash them before and after you're done with the dishes if it bothers you so much."

"Alright." There was a pause between Alec asked another question. "Leon."

"Yes?"

"Do you like your parents? Are they good to you?"

"My parents?" Leon smiled faintly. "Yeah, they're good to me."

"They don't hit you?" The tone of his voice held such innocence. It made Leon pity him, even if it was just for a moment.

"No, why would they?" Leon furrowed his eyebrows in concern. "Do your parents do that to you?"

"Well, my father does sometimes."

"Your mo-" Leon immediately stopped. Alec's mom passed away when he was young, how could Leon forget that? That was very insensitive of him.

Alec smiled bitterly. "My mother... she died because 'cause of him. I hate my father so much. I hate that I also need him."

"What do you need from your dad?"

"His money... and his company. I'm the heir. That's been clear from the very start. But there's many conditions I have to fulfill before succeeding the company."

"Conditions?" Leon tilted his head. Isn't family supposed to help out their own no matter what?

"Yep. I have obey him, study what he wants me to study, learn the ropes of how things operate at LEARNEST. Typical stuff I think."

He had once dreamed to become some kind of big shot CEO when he was very young, but who knew it took so much work? It also made him think - how much work would it take to become a doctor? Huh, Leon had so many questions today.

"I don't think that's bad. What relationship do you have with your dad?"

"It's worse than it sounds. My dad and I, we give and take. My father wants me to inherit the company because he doesn't want Gabriel to take over the entire company. He's also been preparing me since I was young so that the next co-ceo will follow a similar pattern of thinking as him."

"Uhm... Then may I ask what you gain from this?"

"Eh, it's 'cause I've never really had any motivations so working at LEARNEST is the easy way out for me. I know that sounds a little selfish but I will take any opportunity to succeed, even if it's a shortcut. You get what I'm saying?"

"I-I suppose I get it. Do you have any affectionate feelings for your dad?"

Alec responded with no hesitation, "No. In fact, I would be quite happy if he died. He became mentally ill since my mother's death."

"Mentally ill?"

"Yeah. Hallucinating, screaming, crying, abusing others, just because my mom was smart enough to leave him. You'll see for yourself one day."

"Alright... though I-I'm not sure I want to."

They fell into a silence again.

"Leon."

"Yes?"

"Tell me about your family."

"Uhm, okay." Despite his hesitant tone, Leon was quite excited to talk about his family, as he's never had the chance to talk about them to anyone except you whenever he could. "My parents... they're really nice."

Alec snorted. "I'd like to think most parents are."

"Oh. Uh...." Leon thought about it for a moment. "They love each other a lot."

Alec hummed, urging him to continue.

"Hm... I love them. A lot." Leon scratched the back of his neck. How could Leon describe them when he couldn't even describe the sheer amount of love he had for them. He shrugged. "I don't know how to say but... one day, you'll probably get to meet them if we're still partners in crime in the future."

"Yeah," Alec turned his head towards Leon. "Do you think that one day, we'll have to kill each other? If Y/N makes a choice."

"I guess so. It would be a shame, though. Y-You're a pretty good partner."

Alec winked. "I know I am. But the things we do for love, am I right?"

"Yep."

Leon and Alec knew that good things don't always last. They understood each other's undying love for Y/N, allowing them to create a deeper bond. However, it didn't matter if they were partners or friends, their twisted love was more powerful than any other feeling in the world. After all, all's fair in love and war.

"Hm," Alec looked at the direction of the basement. "I wonder when my darling will call for us."

Leon grew a little uneasy. What if you never called? He and Alec made a compromise. If you called for them, Leon and Alec would bring you up immediately. It seemed better than leaving you there for a period of time decided by Alec. But it didn't seem like you were going to do so any time soon. The shy boy scratched his arms for the second time today. "Soon, I hope."

Heavy footsteps emerged from the basement, causing Leon and Alec turn their heads. It was Jim, with the tray of breakfast that Leon made, now empty.

"Jim! Did she like the breakfast?" Leon's eyes sparkled with hope, turning backwards towards Jim and kneeling on the couch.

The guard shook his head. "She didn't say anything about it, sir."

Leon's hope dropped as fast as my grades it rose. Great another thing to cry over at night. "O-Oh."

"But, I think she prefers it over her previous meals." Jim said, trying to comfort him. He didn't want his bosses to get any more angry at you.

"O-Okay," Leon sulked. He'll have to outdo himself later for lunch.

Alec, on the other hand, didn't quite care about your reaction towards the meal. "Did she say anything?"

"Ah, yes. That's what I was going to tell you. Miss L/N told me to tell you to go down, or else she'll never forgive you."

Leon's eyes widened as he whimpered. What would his life be like if you ever hated him? He... He'd die.

"Y-Yes, that's right." If you were to never forgive him, he'd die. Would you still hate him after that? Would you forgive him if he had a knife pointing to his own heart? Would you still hate Leon if he told you he'd kill himself for you? No, Leon knows that somewhere in your heart was love for him. You'd never ever want him to die, right? So if he tried to kill himself... would you stop him? Would you forgive him then?

Alec, who didn't seem alarmed at all, winced slightly at the distasteful word. Forgiveness. He was quite different from Leon. Perhaps it was the way he was raised - to expect all outcomes. He could keep a calm and calculative mind, unlike his partner, who Alec thinks is losing his sanity from just one sentence. How could a mind be so weak yet so strong?

At the same time, Alec also had another set of concerns - would you be so broken to a state of no return? What would you say? What should he say?

"Alright..." Alec stood up. "Let's go. Jim, you can stay up here."

"Yes, sir."

Together, Alec and Leon made their way towards the basement. Leon's hands trembled. Step by step, they they went down the old stairs of Leon's home and to the entrance of the dark basement. The door creaked as usual when Alec went to open it. It made Leon cringe every time he heard it.

The basement was dark except for a corner where a small light was on. Leon could barely see anything. He shivered. He definitely won't be coming down here any time soon if possible. The last time he had to go down... Leon didn't want to think about it.

You sat on the couch, waiting as they came closer.

"I'm gonna turn on the light." Alec gave you some time to prepare before flipping a switch. Suddenly, bright lights you haven't seen for who knows how long appeared all around the room. You were still squinting hard, trying to adjust to the light, but you could make out the figures of Alec and Leon.

Honestly, you didn't know what to say. You just wanted them to come down and see what they did to you. It seemed like they didn't know what to do either, as they were silent the whole time while you were still adjusting to the light. You felt filthy. Your hair was tangled and greasy, your mouth was very dirty, you felt so detached from your own body because of the lack of movement.

You looked at their feet.

"Get," You swallowed, "Get me out of here."

Alec and Leon were silent. You didn't know what they were feeling, but you weren't going to look up to see their sadistic faces. You bet they were smiling right now. This event has been marked a deep scar in your heart, and you weren't sure if you could ever see them the same again. You wanted to be strong.

But...

You broke down.

"I can't take this anymore," You wailed, "Let me out of here! Please! I'll be good, please!"

Huh. Alec's plan worked better than the thought. He