Chapter Text
The thread was long-sturdy, as it was driven fluently into the material by the needle it was attached to. Such a bright red color it had, it pops out against the doll's dark fabric skin, whilst gentle fingers continue to sew.
"mummy, whos the doll for ?"
The pale woman looks up from her creation, a warm smile ever so present on her face. "oh no one, mommy is not making this doll to sell."
The woman proceeds to sew, gently pushing in the stuffing each time the needle connects the fabric.
"mummy... can I have a doll?"
The woman stops, hands going still. Was she frightened, confused? her face was so blurry yet ever so clear.
"sweetie your father.." she stops herself, hands grazing against the doll's thin clothes. Once again her countenance was blurry, what was she feeling.
"I... how about this."
The woman beckons the boy closer to her, and so he did. Crawling on all fours eagerly reaching before her.
"I'll let you have this one, as long as you keep it a secret, just between you and me"
The boy nods his head eagerly, the woman could only smile. "good, just let me finish, I'll be done very soon."
The boy watched as the woman's hands moved faster, yet still retained their skill posture to draw elegant sews.
"And there" she holds up the doll, before gently placing it in the boy's hands.
"Now take good care of him, you don't want anything bad to happen to him don't you?"
The boy shakes his head, "no mummy! I'll never let him get hurt. I'll keep him with me forever."
The woman laughs patting the boy's head warmly.
"I know you will, Madeleine"
Madeleine
The name left a horrid taste on his tongue, a rotten, foul stain
that tainted him as long as he was alive.
Madeleine.
Madeleine
Madeleine.
Madeleine.
Each waking day it only grew bitter and bitter. Just the mere thought alone was enough to send a disfavored shiver through his veins.
The sound of the ticking clock was kind of enough to dispatch him from his trance. He glances at it, its frame hung high above the panel door, clinging to the dark velvet wall. It was a grand brown with gold lace, though lacked any numbers to tell the time.
That's what this place was, a timeless hell.
Despite its complete and utter uselessness, the mage found himself clinging to the object for dear sanity's sake. The room he occupied was a silent, dull nightmare as if it was made to divert him to insanity. He had the least bit of nothing to occupy himself, not even a window to peek out of. Just the dim light that hung from the ceiling, accompanied by the dark dull walls.
It was downright nauseating.
He bemoans, watching the hands of the clock travel along so slowly. Oh so... blurry as well.
His glasses, he can't have. Madeleine knew he was vulnerable without them. His far-sightedness was completely taken advantage of and abused.
As an excuse.
"Your blindness leaves you defenseless, you need someone to compensate for such."
Those words rang like a bell, disturbing his every waking second.
He was not helpless, he was not weak.
Helpless.
Helpless.
Helpless...
Two knocks sounded at the door, he doesn't answer, he doesn't need to answer. The man enters and leaves as he pleases. It wasn't up to expresso whether or not he gets privacy, he owns nothing here.
"Oh dear, time to start the morning! you know it's inadequate for one to sleep in on a Monday!"
Monday, hence the day of the week. It's been a millennia since man even gave him even as little as a hint to what the date could be. He knows he hasn't been entrapped here for more than a month, and yet he couldn't help but feel like such. Being forced to live a life of reclusiveness wasn't exactly time-consuming.
Expresso wonders if the weather had finally changed to the dusk of winter.
"I'm coming in!"
Just as promised the man steps into the room, gleaming in all his glory. He sported nightwear, presumably, he woke up not too long ago. The man was smiling awfully wide as if the sight of expresso laying stiff on the bed was something to behold. He was so bright, so charming,
it disgusted him.
"Wake up my dearest," the man walks over to the bed he laid in, sitting at the edge of it. He then places his hand on his leg, which was thankfully hidden under the covers.
"I'm aware you're sleepy, but a perfect doll is always prepared for his morning routine."
That pet name, oh that dreadful pet name. Once harmless, a word the man used sparingly in his past. Of course Expresso didn't think much of it, why would he? Madeleine gave him no reason as to push against it then, even if the phrase wasn't much to his preference. Yet now it turned sour, just like the remainder of his sentiment towards the man.
Espresso releases a muffled whine, fist swelled up under the covers. He needs to calm himself, anger will only get him so far, and yet-
"Leave me alone."
His voice was deep and raspy. He never got proper rest, to think he'll ever get proper sleep here.
"Oh doll, ever as always grumpy. Oh! perhaps a warm shower will enlighten you!"
Espresso shudders at the thought, the man never lets him bathe alone. He wasn't even allowed to wash without assistance, having Madeleine do it for him as if he was a newborn. Madeleine did almost everything for him, whether he required such or not. it was humiliating at the most.
Espresso wonders at times how the man wasn't ashamed of himself.
"Oh, I almost forgot, I was thinking of giving you your medicine before you bathe. It would be easier given yesterday's charade, wouldn't you think?"
Fear.
It was always an emotion he hid, he fought against. But without the simple requirements to fight such, it could only prevail.
His magic was one thing, magic numbing drugs were another.
Espresso scoots back on the bed, with the energy he had present. He could not, not again, feeling the magic dampening in his body was a dreadful experience. He could never name a time in his life where he felt so frail and broken. Like his life essence was being drained from its very core.
He could see Madeleine's expression shift, though persisted with a smile. "Please dear, could we at least have one cooperative morning?"
The man reaches out, gently wrapping his hand around Espresso's wrist.
The mage only yanks back in response.
"I told you to leave me alone." Espresso was now at the other side of the bed. Holding his wrist as if he was stung with venom.
Madeleine simply huffs, turning around to seize a rather tiny bottle and injection out of his pocket. the two were in a clear bag that was carefully undone. Madeleine having removed the substance from its containment takes the needle and pushes it into the jar, taking out a hearty amount of fluid.
"you understand what's going to happen if you keep refusing medicine?"
Espresso tenses, eyes glued to the injection in his hands. He knows. Of course, he fucking knows.
"And you do realize I love you too right? I don't appreciate doing things that may harm you."
A bitter expression settles on the mage's face. He was lying, so blatantly lying.
"So please, come here so your knight can assist you."
Espresso stays against the wall, staring at Madeleine, then back to the bottle of magic suppressant. watching as the clear liquid was held tight in the man's hands. He knows there is no way out of this, no matter how stubborn he was, the results will nonetheless stay the same.
Though having said that there was just a single problem.
He couldn't give less of a fuck.
With a quick move, Espresso takes a pillow from the bed head and tosses it at Madeleine's face. He didn't hold back on the amount of force, the man had been lucky it was only just a pillow.
"Burn. In. Hell."
Madeleine, solely sat there, unmoving. Espresso seems to have not cut deep enough into the man's patience
"oh doll, you simply do love to act out. Though dolls don't misbehave when being consulted, they listen and obey."
Espresso merely glared. How much more bullshit was this man going to spit out of his mouth?
"So come here. Now."
The earnestness in his voice was evident, obviously trying to bury itself through the mage's thick skull. But he doesn't listen he only turns his head.
"Doll?"
Ignored.
"Doll."
Ignored.
"Doll."
Espresso couldn't help but flinch at the man's lower octave, He was surely driving his patience thin.
"Okay then, you want to throw your prissy little fit? Then your knight will treat you accordingly.
Espresso knew what was coming, he could only brace for it.
The blonde stretches his hand over the bed grabbing Espresso once more. Though this time instead it was a grip lace with malice.
The mage was yanked across the bed and pulled into a straddle.
He kick and threshed at the man's chest trying to break from his grasp.
"Hold still, dammit," Madeline told him.
Espresso could feel the man's grip grow tighter as his struggling becomes more eager.
No! arg-" He felt it, the needle quickly plugging into his skin. The weakness rapidly spreading throughout his body, making him numb once again.
His fists were clenched as his eyes were sealed shut.
"Look what you made me do." Madeleine voices in a condescending tone, "I didn't want to hurt you like this."
Espresso only could groan as the man picks him up by his underarms, dragging him carefully out of bed, "my poor little doll, you must learn how to control that temper of yours."
He could only grit his teeth, as Madeleine sets him over his shoulder...
"But do not fret, as your knight I'm here to protect you, and make sure you are safe forever, no matter what!"
Forever
It was the second word that left a bad taste in his mouth.
Espresso had always been a person who was stoic with what he wore. Always keeping a similar outfit choice, along with color scheme.
He's never overdressed or undressed. Just something decent and comfortable enough to get through his experiments in the lab.
Though now, he was dressed up like a maiden in waiting, a princess tuck in a bed. He wore thin fracks that reached his ankles, seemingly made with the softest of silk.
He didn't understand why the man made him wear such clothing, he doesn't understand why the man was doing any of this at all.
Did he not like how expresso formerly dressed?
Back when the two were... on equal standing. Madeleine never seems to complain about the way the man looks, from covered to nude the man would simply compliment him throughout.
Coming to terms with the fact probably not being true was a sting, to say the least. Though what the man was making him live through was way beyond disheartening than any lie.
Espresso shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling newly grown hairs on his legs brush against his dress. Madeleine usually shaved his legs every time even the slightest bit of hair was shown.
He told him it was because dolls didn't have body hair. And that a doll was perfect in every way. Once again he was nitpicking about something he never complain about.
Comparing his body to a toy rather than an actual breathing person. When was the man going to get it through his head that he was not a doll?
"Dear, could you please help me set up the table ?"
Only two people were sitting at a table twice the size of a normal breakfast tables size. He was not doing anything for this man.
Espresso simply said nothing to the man, not moving from his seat.
"Oh? it alright then, I'll just do it myself! I am your knight after all."
This man could dream all he wants, but he'll never be anything to Espresso.
At least... not again.
The man walks over to the table with two plates. Setting down one in front of the Espresso the one right across from him.
"what do you think about eggs and cabbage dear, I was going to make bread and eggs but I thought I'd give you a little something, despite earlier."
Espresso nose twinges upward, he has only been eating nothing but vegetables and rare bits of starch. Madeleine tell him dolls are supposed to be healthy, and sweets only cause problems.
He even wasn't allowed to have coffee. Oh and you can bet your soul Espresso was pissed about that.
He could remember that day so clearly, it was one of the only times Espresso fessed up enough strength to harm Madeleine out of anger. Having socked the man right in his nose. Since then the man has upped his dosage of magic suppressant, to amounts Espresso knew was unhealthful.
He wouldn't be surprised if he ended up passing from an overdose.
Madeleine was on edge a few days after that, taking a bit more precaution around Espresso.
Expresso cringes as a scoop of cabbage eggs were being placed on his plate. The smell was foul, a reason he was never fond of the vegetable.
"I know" Madeleine noted, it doesn't exactly smell good but, it tastes wonderful, trust me."
Trust was the last thing he was giving him.
Madeleine finished sharing out some food on his plate then, went over to is not giving himself nearly as much as Espresso.
Surly proves the point of him liking this meal so.
"Okay, time to eat!" Madeleine says sitting in his chair reaching for his fork. Espresso simply just gawked at the food in front of him, he couldn't bring himself to eat. The drug within him made his stomach feel unwell. His eyes shift over to the fork beside the plate. He could just pick the utensil up and gouge the man in his neck effortlessly.
He could just end this hell so easily.
His hand shakes from under the table.
He could... couldn't he?
"Dear? are you well?"
Espresso doesn't speak, still staring at the plate in front of him.
He could see Madeline's face from the corner of his eye grow slightly worried.
"Hm... do you need me to help feed you."
Espresso's mind went blank, eyes unfocused from his surroundings. Was this man suggesting that he feed him?
"No."
"Well then, why don't you eat?"
The mage rolls his eyes, finally facing Madeline, "Because I'm not hungry."
"Nonsense, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, without you'll surely not have enough energy.
A bold thing to say considering taking every ounce of energy from him was ingrained into a routine.
"I said I'm not hungry, and that's final." His tone was becoming more raised, his voice showing his irritants.
From the look on Madeline's face, he could tell the man was not fancying any of this.
"Well, I'm not going to let you go hungry now am I?"
"Might as well, it's not like that would be the worst thing you'll ever do."
There was a beat of silence.
Madeline takes the fork from beside Expresso then dives it into his plate, scoping a hearty scoop of egg and cabbage. He soon brought the abomination up to his lips, with a strained smile.
"Now why don't you hush and eat, don't want to make your knight angry so early in the morning now do you?"
Espresso looks to the fork next to Madeline. He lean in a bit as if he was going to bite the food.
He watch as Madeline's expression slowly shifted to a slight surprise as if he wasn't expecting his compliancy.
Expresso open his mouth slightly as Madeline brought the fork closer. There was something analogous to relief and happiness on his face; oh to see it all come crashing down.
With one smack, the fork went flying across the floor. Sending the eggs and cabbage everywhere.
"As I said, I'm not hungry, idiot."
Madeleine's face went still, all emotions he felt once before coming to a sudden halt. He looked as if he was taking a moment to process what just happened, however, his upset expression was enough to tell how he felt.
"You know what? fine."
Madeleine stands from his chair grim eyes glued to Espresso. "You're not hungry, why not eat for the rest of the day?"
"What?"
"You heard me doll."
"But didn't you say that you wouldn't let me go-"
"Yes of course, but you most certainly do not appreciate such luxury I give you!"
Espresso opens, before letting out a low mocking laugh. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, this man truly thought He was the victim. After all the shit he put expresso through, he thought He had the right to get mad?
"So that your plan huh? starve me until I fall play into your sick fantasy? Well new flash Madeleine, that's never going to happen.
I'm not a tool made for your enjoyment, I don't owe you anything.
I don't need you to take care of me or help me with every simple task."
"I don't need you Madeleine."
"I rather starve then, than make the mistake of ever trusting you again you sick fuck!"
The room fell silent, the sound of Espresso's enraged breath fluctuating only taking its presence.
Madeline was looking to him, a distant void of emotions.
"Why don't you take the rest of the day to think about what you said in your room, alone in the dark."
Espresso once the hostile mood was slowly fading as he process what the man had to say. Though before he could even get a word in he was being picked up effortlessly by Madeleine.
"-Put me down you fucking prude!" Espresso shouted all the cruses and threats in the world.
But Madeline disregarded him, quickly making his way to Espresso's room. The man then opens the door and plopped Espresso on the floor with little care.
The mage glances up at him, he couldn't tell if his face showed more anger than fear.
"Let's see how long you won't need me for."
He closes the door.
The lights cut off...
It was dark, only the sound of the ticking clock and the plush duvet to keep him comfort. He doesn't know how long he's been in here over hours? A day?
His stomach growls, it's loud and agonizing. He's been drinking water from the bathroom sink but it was always a struggle navigating himself around.
Does he feel regret?
No, why would he regret sticking up for himself?
But sticking up from himself only brings despair.
But wouldn't he feel just as bad playing along with Madeleine?
He could never truly win, could he?
Espresso closes his eyes, only more darkness met him. He never thought he'd miss that old night light Madeleine kept on for him. Not seeing an ounce of color was driving him insane.
he tenses, as he hears the sound of the lock click.
Madeleine was here...
There was no warning, the man just enters the room. It was quiet for a second before footsteps slowly move closer to the bed.
"Hey... may you be awake?"
Espresso doesn't answer.
"... Well um, I brought you something. I know you must be hungry."
There was the rustling of a bag, and something placed on the opposite of him. It was quiet for a moment after that, a hand was softly placed on his arm but was removed as quickly as it came.
"I... I'll go turn on the lights now."
With that, the man leaves the room and shuts the door. Shortly after the dim light above him flicks on driving the darkness away.
Espresso continues to stay still and listen until Madeleine's footsteps got farther and farther. Before jolting up from the bed, and examining the container that was left beside him.
It was soup, still warm. He smells the substance taking in its fragrance. It smelt like how latte would have made it, stopping by his lab to check on him, making sure to bring something for his stomach. She was always so worried for him, and that one day he may just fall asleep and never wake up. He never knew if she meant death or, was just saying such as a joke. But, either way, he never could miss the hint of worry in her tone.
His gut twist, he wonders how she handling all this. His hand grew tighter around the container.
He wonders if... she even thinks he's alive.
The tears fall slowly, but soon pick up their pace while light sniffles slowly accompany them.
he didn't want his sister to be grieving his disappearance. She had much else to worry about, she had a family to take care of, a job to hold up to.
He couldn't imagine the stress she was facing right now.
He remembers one cold night, it was snowing hard in the kingdom, having Latte sealed in at the lab with him. They were sitting by the fire talking about things in life and such before Latte shifted the conversation.
"I'm very glad I stopped by here before I went home, you have no emergency prep for a storm like this."
Espresso shrugs, "Eh, I wouldn't expect to be stuck here is all. Also, you really shouldn't be all that happy, Almond must be worried sick about you."
Latte laughs, "Oh he'll be fine, He knows I was going to stop by here anyway."
It was silent for a moment.
"You shouldn't stay here so late in the night, you're putting your health at stake."
"And if I leave I'll put my work at stake."
Latte rolls her eyes as she leans closer to the fire, "It's just... I'm worried about you expresso, I'm worried that you might take it too far one day and just-"
Espresso stops her, "Hey, hey calm down, you don't need to worry about me to such lengths."
Latte looks directly at espresso, " I'm sorry I just... I'm scared I might lose you..."
It was silent, Espresso never judged how his habits affected the people he loved. And how Latte didn't want to lose someone she was close to, nevertheless her brother. One of the many people she cares about.
Espresso places a hand on her shoulder. "Look, I'm going to consistently be a right here Latte, Either working my ass off or ingesting coffee. I'm not going anywhere, whether that be heaven or hell. Death is just going to have to chase me till I'm old."
Latte stifles a laugh, " Coming from a man who runs on coffee, I guess I can believe it."
"Just promise."
"I promise."
With one swift move, expresso brings the soup to his lips drinking it in one go. He cherishes it, and the warm memory that came with it.
He will make sure latte knows he is alive, no matter what it takes to get out of this hell hole. Even if he has to rid of Madeleine himself.
Though... He just needed to know...
How?