SMF Chapter 12 - Only going up from here

Free was sitting on the kitchen, eyeing his laptop. Fire workers had found his bag near the burned building where Free had thrown it the night his house burn down. And eventually it found its way to the hands of cops. Taking it as an evidence. Turned out someone was able to hack in and found what Free ever had in. If he hasn't told them just about everything already about his way of robbing places around, now Don and his friends have the rest. That kind of prove Free really was the 'hacker' they were looking for. Their 'Ghost'.

About where he got the laptop and ID infos, Free didn't say much. He really didn't want to admit he simple stole it from the man who had just have his fun with him in the hotel room. And of course Dons friends didn't believe him when Free told them he just randomly found it. But after all they gave up and took his answer. Just noting how serious it was, him breaking in the CGB side was the biggest crime they say he had done. That was lame. Because Free was very sure he has done so much worse over time. Even thinking cops would definitely figure out more from his history when searching. But guess they weren't that precise.

Now, the computer was brought back to Free by Don. With an uninterest look on his face young man was searching. Nothing has really changed. Not that he even had that much in here, but his photo and game files which all were still here. But he has no longer access to operate the software. No permissions. The shadow file what has appeared in the ghost box was new. Someone was in. Watching his every move.

Free leans back, letting out the most unsatisfied sigh. He felt locked. Was this really what he want? How ever he plan to act under their eyes he would always be a criminal? Walking in chains..?

After confessing his crimes and starting unofficially live in this apartment with Don, Free has been inside these very walls around two weeks now. Went only twice out to the hearing and that health check. It was starting to feel so suffocating. Lonely. He want to cry but couldn't. Want to yell but shouldn't. His mood was varying. After all this time here doing nothing but waiting his sentence Free has started to think he only wanted to vanish. If he has already lost everything he want to leave all this new shit behind too. And run. Away. Just run.. But where? With who? Alone? Why even bother? He has live alone enough already..

Now Free really understood what Don has meant when he took the mirror and every sharp objects away from near him. This was the reason? Cause he might be starting to feel like this? Like there is no other way out? Cop did say Free wasn't planning to hurt himself, but now Free wasn't so sure about that. Wouldn't that just be the most logical thing to do. Maybe ending it all now wouldn't be so bad an idea after all. If his wounds weren't enough to kill him, maybe he really should figure out the way to do it himself. After all the attempts trying to be something, there was now no one left to even know him anymore. Remember him. In everyones eyes he was either dead or gone. What was the difference? Wouldn't everything be exactly the same was he alive or not?

Did he really need to keep going like this? For what?

The sound of an opening door takes Free back from his thoughts. Don was back. Man closes the door behind him and after taking his shoes off he walks in the kitchen area, intently eyeing the kid sitting at the table, looking out. Younger man doesn't pay any attention to him. Doesn't greet him like usually. So Don could tell right away Frees mood being alarmingly different. "Are you okay?" Don has to ask. But kid doesn't answer still. Just staring out.

These past few days it has indeed felt like the kid was acting way too easygoing. When ever Free thought Don wouldn't notice, he looked like he was about to cry. Smile looked faked. Pretending he was alright even when he was storming inside. At first Don wasn't so concerned, since the situation was of course challenging. Anyone would feel stressed out. Feel down. But now they were in the point when kid wasn't even trying to act cheerful anymore. "You are not happy to get your laptop back?"

"It's not mine anymore..," young man just states back. He really sound gloomy. Lifeless.

Moving his hand on Frees head, Don repeats his question. "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be..," younger answers annoyed. Coldly. "I was not gonna use this shit anymore anyway."

"That's not what I meant," Don clears while lowing his hand, walking toward the closet where he kept his medical items. "Let's check your wounds and plan what to eat today."

A short moment later Don was treating Frees back. The skin area around there was healing fine. The cream Don put on it give the burning feel everytime. This time wasn't exception. But the pain from that touch didn't seem to bother Free at all when young man was just still acting quite impassive. "Then your hand," Don says then.

Like routinely by now, young man turns and shows his left arm. "Hey Don..," he then suddenly says. Don turns his eyes on him, waiting what he has to say. Was kid finally ready to clear what was bothering him? "Think I.."

"..."

But then Free falls to silence. Closing his eyes. "Nothing. Forget it.."

Now that didn't satisfied Don at all. Man takes a gentle hold of Frees chin and forces younger to look at himself. "Talk to me. Are you breaking apart?" Don frankly asks. Looking straight to Frees eyes.

Free wasn't good hiding his feelings in front of Don. Looking straight to this guys reddish-brown eyes made him slowly let his waving feelings out. He lows his look down, closing his eyes once again. Now his look turns angry. "Hell yeah I am!" he suddenly yells.

"Please let it out," Don smiles slightly, removing his touch. Shit, he should have notice sooner this kids mood has turned this bad already.

Free sniffs, trys to keep his calm. "It.. It's been two weeks of nothing..," he starts with a shaking voice. All the buried emotions he has kept in he was now trying to let out. But the feeling of crying was only making it harhed when his voice was breaking. "All I can do is sit here and wait until they have something. It's freaking exhausting. If they plan to throw me in prison then can't they do it right away!! I'm sick of waiting! Besides life in prison, that's not what I will deal! I rather die than go in!

All I can do is think that since I.. I can't go anywhere. Don't have fucking anything anymore! You are the only one I can talk to and when you are not in it's..! All I do is watch TV and be. Just be! And wait!

Then this..," Free pushs the laptop roughly. "It's.. it's been destroyed! Everything I ever had is been destroyed! Do this all even matter!? Can't I just..! Can't I just vanish too?!"

This kids mind was giving up. That Don wouldn't let happen. Fastly moving his hand on Frees head, he gives this gently petting while leaning closer. "This matters. Try to see this time as a sick leave. A lot has happened on short time. Please be patient."

That didn't help Free to calm down a bit. He slaps Dons hand away. "Whatta fuck is 'a sick leave'? Patient? I'm not patient! I want to run away now! Get out of here!"

"You can go out.." "But I can't! If I walk out now I would really run," Free cries back, cutting Dons words. "But fucking where? I have nowhere else to go! If I had even an idea I wouldn't be sitting here anymore. I would be gone. Those fucking jewels were my only plan b to get money and run.

Why the hell I even turn myself in?! I'm so stupid! I should have just go! But no. Instead I have to suffocate myself here because I..! Rather I should have just burn with Tim!! Why I'm even trying to.. What I'm even trying to do here?!" now he kicks the table. Holding his head. Smiling while trying to hold his cry. "I'm fucking horny too! And you straight cheap shit won't even give in! Whatta hell is wrong with you!?"

Hearing what kid has really been thinking cleared why he felt so frustrated suddenly. Being inside this apartment might be calming for Don himself, but it definitely wasn't good for this young man. "Okay, we have to get you out before you turn even worse," Don touchs Frees face, drying tears from his cheek. "I'm all yours, kid. Everything else than my down part, that is. If you need something, tell me. Don't suffocate your feelings in. They do only harm that way." More than just comforting him, Don should make sure kid understands he wasn't alone here. There was no need to pretend something he wasn't. "You realize what is happening to you? You run a circle with your thoughts inside your mind. That's no good. You need to let it out more often, just like this."

Don takes a hold of Frees right hand what against young man was leaning, forcing him move his look up. "I will walk with you. Will not let you run. This here is just temporary. You might feel lonely now but you will soon be out. Have people around you. Create something new from now on.

You will find your new 'place'. I promise."

This guys words were always so leading and strong, with that gentle husky voice it sounded like a calming breathe. One what fold you in and made you listen. Instantly Free could feel more calmer. Sniffing he wipes his eye. Lowing his head. Squeezing his right hand fingers around Dons hand which man was holding against youngers face."Sorry.. Went a little over here.. Shit.."

Don hums smiling. "Well that is the lively kid I know," man says calmly. "Let's go out. To clear your head."

- - - -

Some time later they were sitting in this very comfy feeling coffee place, not even that far from their apartment. But it was in an area where Free hasn't used to hang out. Kind of refreshing actually. Thinking that even after all the years living out there, there was still so many places he hasn't ever seen or heard from in their huge city. Just like this cute place to just sit and relax. The reason behind was awfully clear. Because earlier he would have never just walk in here, order something and sit down. Not that he couldn't. But it has always felt something he wasn't supposed to do. What someone like him has no right to do. Even when he always liked to point out he was 'Free' to do what ever he wanted, the reality was different, holding him back. There has always been limits for him. Limits he has always tried to fight against.

But this much Don has already opened his eyes. Cleared, even with chains, there was no reason Free to lock himself in, feel so suffocated. His chains were attacked to someone who could break his limits. By standing next to this man he could act free. No matter what would become, he wouldn't be facing it alone. Not anymore.

After letting his stress out Free could really think more straight, be his old self again. Don was probably right. He was going from bad to worse. Letting himself run that circle, closing himself without even trying to see things differently. Giving up before anything has even settled yet. That surely wasn't so him. "You think I should change my hair?" Free suddenly asks, playing with a spoon in his latte.

They were sitting on the corner seats, younger eyeing outside the window people walking pass them. Man sitting across him was surprised from this sudden question and actually needs to look at young mans hair, not seeing anything wrong with it. It's been a while when Free has recolored his hair, so there was a dark brown root growth, but it didn't look bad with blonde hair color. "Why? It looks good on you."

Free clicks his tongue annoyed, trying to clear that wasn't what he meant. Of course it looked good. Come on, look at him. He would look gorgeous even with pink hair. "Like, if I'm about to change everything in me, shouldn't I change the appearance too?"

Don snorts. "You intend to change yourself?" he gives this gentle smile, staring straight to Frees blue eyes. So that's what it was. How weird and pointless thing to even think. "Now that would be a shame. Since I like YOU you. But you really think weird things inside your head. Please, don't change yourself too much."

There this man goes again! Giving that damn teasing act back. "Now that is what I don't get. You flirt and play with me all the fucking time but won't get physical. That's a shame!"

Older just calmly hums. So used to that hotheads fastly changing moods and too bold words. "Please keep your voice down. I like teasing you 'cause you are so arrogant. But I do not remember flirting with you. Kid."

"You so do. And I'm not a kid..," Free tsihs and leans back. Sometimes he could swear this cop has double personality. "How old are you anyway?" Don wasn't even that old. What his year of born was in his driven license again..? Free saw it once..

"Thirtyone. That is a double your age. So you are still a kid."

"Not that old, a dirty one.."

"Palenne! Who are you flirting here with?" a young man wearing a white blouse walks in front of their table after spotting Don sitting there.

Don wasn't those who you could surprise so easily. But after recognizing this guy, the air around him changes immediately. "Maron? Haven't seen you a while," Don calls, doesn't really hide his surprised expression. Seeing Don acting this casual around someone else was new to Free. Of course, since Free has seen Don only with his cop friends and Doctor Wolgang. Man act this casual only alone with him. "What are you doing here? Are you alone?"

"Oh, I'm working here. Third day is on," Maron shows a wide, relaxed smile. Free could tell this guy was a very social type of person. Very outward, when he was so openly showing his good mood out.

"Working? YOU? What, did your brother finally close the moneyflow?" Don smirks, teasing.

"How did you know? That obvious?" young man waves his hand and sits down next to Don, laughing. "All the way until I learn to use money or something. So I got this job. But it's hard. You have to be here and there in time and do as you are told. It's like being back in school."

"That is what working usually means," oldests sighs, already wondering how this guy was still even working after three days. Maron surely wasn't that kind of a person. "I agree it does good to you. You can't be too spoiled. I'm sure Taro was the one who made you do this?"

"Yeah, can't say no to him," Maron just points out. "He said he will look a job for me. And he brought me here. But that guy doesn't trust me a bit. He even escort me here the first day." He shows this slightly beaten look. But then drops it when he turns his look to Free. "Are you on a date?" he eyes the young man better. "What is with that face? Pretty! No, wait.. You are a guy?"

Finally someone normal who would instantly realize his beauty has arrived. Free has so missed this. "Name's Free, cender male," other introduces himself, waving his taped left hand, eyeing back. Now that was a voice of a young man.

"Damn those eyes are beautiful. So unreal," Maron was still shamelessly staring Frees face adoring, awing those clear blue eyes. Then he gives even a wider smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Maron. Have known this guy some years now. Not so nice behaving if you ask me. So how a cutie like you are with this rotten detective? Kidnapping? Is he blackmailing you??" He points the man next to him. "Want me to call a real cop to save your ass?"

"You are one to talk..," Don sighs. Didn't comment Marons statement. And Maron didn't comment his. They clearly knew each other well, being able to talk so loosely. Free glances once the older and turns his look back at Maron smiling.

"Oh you know. It's the other way around, kinda," Free says and leans closer to Maron. "But how ever I'm trying this one just won't fall for me. You look nice. You can help me here? 'Cause you clearly recognize ones value when you see one."

"Now that language I do speak," Maron leans closer to Free, looking toward Don whose eyes followed with an annoyed glare. Smiling, young man whispers to Frees ear, making sure Don also hear him out. "Sorry, I'm already taken. But do not worry, you have him already. If that workaholic spends his freetime sitting here with you, you have the hold already. Just push harder. He is a man after all." Then he moves away. Free stays still, actually blushing slightly, since the way Maron said that made him so abashed. But then he smiles. Duo punch their fists together, as a shared understanding. After that, the older turns his eyes toward Don again, smirking. "Just kidding, kidding."

"Maron! Need you here," Maron get called from the kitchen.

"Coming! Yeah, should work too," Maron clears his throat while getting fastly up. "Can't break my Taros heart if I get fired." He waves his hand while walking away, vanishing inside the backroom behind the desk, which most likely was a kitchen area.

"He was nice," Free then says, actually meaning it too. He and Don were both eyeing Maron leaving. That guy definitely had some kind of positive boost aura around himself.

Don hums, turns now eye the young man in front of him. "He is a friend of.. someone I know," he thinks a second before speaking out. "Or, more like a lover. I got them out of some troubles a few years ago, that is why I know Maron too. His partner works for me sometimes. Even currently."

"Works for you?" Free awes, fastly looking back to Don. "Not as a cop?"

"We call them Shadow Employees. What we also aim you to be. Taro is very unique, definitely one of my best in many areas, even when he is the youngest," after saying so, Don keeps a break before he continues. "Actually, getting to know those two might be a good experience for you, if you want."

"Ha?"

Don hums. He didn't usually do this fast decisions out of the blue, but he simple couldn't think a reason not to introduce them. If anyone, Maron would be a very useful tool to easy Frees mind at the moment. To help him deal the pressures he was under now. It might do very good to this kid in everyway. "Well, at least Maron might be. It's just like he said. I'm not a good influence to you alone. A rotten cop like me. Maron is overall okay. Might not be the smartest rich-ass you could know but surely trusty and good hearted. And Taro.. He has the same kind of background as you. But unlike you he.. Well he is broken. Has a strong will and mind, but can't really feel."

This was kind of sudden call from Don. What, he want Free befriend with them? "...Your point?"

"You should hang out with people of your own age. Friend with them as a therapy session, since you didn't want to go to the 'shrink'," Don proposes, reminding Free about the situation when social workers offer him a psychiatrist to talk with but he stubbornly refused. Even Lilian was willing to meet him, but Free still refused. He didn't see the point. "If you plan to act like a normal citizen one day, you need to learn to blend in. I can't take sick leaves all the time and be with you, as much as I would like that. When I'm not around you can use them. Go out."

Free was silently eyeing Don, thinking those words through. It was not that he wouldn't like to have other people to talk with. But it really wasn't that easy to him actually make friends. Most of the time it was all show he put on. Which was more tiring than fun.

Since kid still wasn't saying anything, Don adds. "You seem to like Maron already. Trust me, he IS exactly as he acts to be. He has no filter."

"Wouldn't it be weird..?" Free finally asks.

"Aren't you a pro of handling people around you," Don reminds. "You sweet talk a cop and stole his car. Acted so innocent just twenty minutes after stealing over 20 000' worth of jewels and money and didn't even blink. Overruled your crimes with a small talk and a light show. If it's weird try to act like a normal teen then you hand that weirdness like a pro."

Wow, that was unexpected. Free couldn't help but laugh a little. "What is that? You make me sound so awesome," he snorts, being way more relaxed now again.

Don smiles back. "Meet with them and think later. It would be a nice start. Be a little social."

- - - -

"You don't want me to drop you there?" Don asks while eyeing the younger man standing next to the bed, trying to choose which light hoodie he would wear today. This whole morning kid has acted like preparing to his next mission or something. Quietly mumbling this and that while doing his morning routines, double going through everything.

And it kind of was exactly like that. This was a mission. Something Free shouldn't take so lightly. After Don arranged this meeting with Maron who they met in the coffee place a few days ago, Free has been in this preparation mode ever since. Now he was in the middle of choosing his clothes. Not that he has that many options where to choose from anyway. It's quite warm outside, still he shouldn't go with just a t-shirt. That kind of choosing. He has no idea what was coming so he should prepare for everything. He actually has no idea what he was supposed to do after meeting Maron and this Taro. How normal people hang out outside? To him, going out usually meant working, the way or other. Meeting with his friends from streets was all about stronging his networks. Everything was done thinking the mutual utility. Free should definitely think this the same way.

"No. It's not far. I will use the train," young man just states back, without thinking that much. Streets were his home. He doesn't need an escort to find his way in their meeting place.

"You have a rail pass?" Don wonders, smiling, being very amused of kids too obvious statement just now. Knowing exactly how kids like Free used to move around the city without paying anything. Just sneaking in and taking their free rides.

"You don't need..," Free was actually just about to clear he doesn't need rail pass to get in the train stations, but as soon as he realizes who he was talking here with, he cuts his own words. Clearing his throat, young man shows this very polite smile while turning to look at the older man behind him. Damn, he has so become too casual with Don. "I will just walk."

Don snorts. At least young man was aware his instinctive plan was an improper thing to do in the first place. Things he has used to do while living in streets weren't all necessary or proper anymore. "I will get you a rail pass later. Today, just use a taxi," man says while still leaning to the doorway. "I left you my card. It's on the kitchen table."

"Your card? You are giving me money??" eyes wide open, Free was eyeing the older man unbelieving. Showing a slightly charged attitude out. He definitely wasn't happy after hearing that. "Why?"

"Weren't you planning to change your hair style or something? You need money for that," Don just calmly points out. This talk they had done multiple times before. When Don offers something, Free couldn't stand taking it without becoming angry first. To him, getting something without a payback was just pity. Against all the rules he has ever played. So trying to change that mindset was sometimes overly challenging. "I'm sure Maron will happily take you to barber."

"No thanks. I was thinking to cut it myself anyway..," Free tsihs. After all what Don has done for him already, giving now money for something like that felt foolish. He doesn't want even more debt on his back, more than necessary.

"And I think you should go see a professional barber and make them do what ever you want. It's my treat," man wasn't planning to listen this drama again. To him this was all nonsense, what he has just grown to tolerate ever since they start living together. "I'm giving you my card, because you will need money today for your meals too. And for other activities what ever you guys plan to do. It's a good experience, try new things. You won't lose anything here by using my money. Me neither."

Free clicks his tongue as he has habit to do when he was feeling super irritated. Wearing now his flirt smile on, young man turns and walks slowly toward Don. When he gets in front of the guy, Free leans his face closer to others. "You wanna give me money? Like a sugar daddy? Then when you want your payment? How about now?" he asks with a teasing voice. "How nice hair I can get with a blow job?"

With a fast move, Don takes a gently hold of Frees chin, intently eyeing back to those blue eyes. "I suggest you cut that act right away before I get angry. Don't say things just because you feel a little irritated. That gets you nowhere with me," he says coldly, showing actually a very annoyed look out. His smile was a long gone. "As long as you are staying with me, I will pay what you need. Your food. Your clothes. Your education and training. Anything you will ever need. And I will do that without a problem because I want. What you need to do is take my offer and simple shut it. If it makes all easier to you, thing it as part of our deal. Understand?"

Knowing he has definitely crossed the line what he should not have cross, Free drops his act immediately. Don was right. This was not the way how to deal his irritation. But think it with common sense. For the sake of him learning more from this new path he was possible going to take, he indeed need Dons support with that. Financially too. "I'm sorry..," young man whispers then, not dropping his look.

That was enough to calm Don, who shows his usual smile out again, moving his fingers to gently pet young mans head. "Two one zero six," he quietly says. "That's my PIN. If you will have any difficulties, Maron will cover you." Lowing his hand now, Don turns and starts to take his leave. "Have a nice day. See you later."

- - - -

"Hey! Free!" Maron yells out when he could spot this familiar looking cute guy leaning to the wall in front of the train station. After hearing his name called, Free turns toward the voice and sees these two guys walking toward him. Maron was walking ahead, waving to him while smiling widely, when this other, black haired guy was walking calmly behind him.

That must be Taro. Free actually remain to stare at his face while they walk closer, thinking this guy looked ingredible hot, like a handsome statue. You just couldn't turn your eyes away after seeing this doll looking figure. Albeit having so used to his own good looks, Free must admit this guys facial look was on his own level. The skin was flawless like he was using make up. Dark, long eyelashes. Light grey eyes were looking actually quite scary even since they were so light.

But that wasn't all what amazed Free about this one. Guy was somehow familiar looking..

"Nice to meet you again. You didn't lost on your way here? Heard this side of the city is where you rarely visit," Maron blats after their arrive. He glances the guy next to him once, introducing him. "This is Taro. We will keep you company today. Gonna show my best so you will have a nice time. Like a therapy session, was it?" he keeps excitedly. "Or, is it even okay to call it so?"

"It is nice to meet you," Taro says politely. His voice sound kind of impassive. Like he has only one tone.

Thankfully Maron was indeed very easy to be around, making Free lose his too charged mood. Youngest nods and shows a smile. "Ah, nice to meet you too," he says back. "And, don't worry, isn't this exactly like that. A therapy session. No need to act any differently. I really appreciate you took some time for me," really he was too excited himself so he just says what comes to mind. Don said Maron was nice, so right now Free was blindly leaning to that fact. Trying to act just normal. "I was about to lose my mind after being inside for two weeks."

Maron hums. "Don't mention it. This kind of benefits us too, since Taro doesn't usually go out," he just casually clears out. "So, you have something you needed to do? Other than hanging out and eating, right? We can do what ever you want."

Maron was clearly the one who talk for both of them. Being the social one here. When Taro was clearly looking at Free earlier, now he has already turned his focus to the window area next to them, looking very impassive. "I was thinking to get my hair cut," Free answers, turning his eyes back on Maron. "Other plans I really do not have.."

"What? No way! That cut suits you so well. With that face of yours you should do modeling," Maron bemoans, looking others hair. The way Free has tied the upper half of his hair behind looked damn great. Cutting it shorted would be sutch a waste.

"People know me from my fucking face and this blonde hair so the hair just got to go..," youngest states out. He really needed this transformation. Like something to clear himself it really was happening. He was leaving his old self behind and starting everything over. Was it behind the bars or working as 'a shadow employee' for cops, it didn't matter. He has to change.

So be it. Maron hums and turns around, already having an area in his mind where he knew some barbershops were. That's were they should head. "Alright, let's do that first. I know just the place for you," Maron points out happily and shows the way.

"Take him to a NORMAL place," Taro suddenly says while already walking loyally after Maron. Even if it was very minor, Free could hear this slice difference of the volume of Taros voice. But since Maron seem to ignore others comment, Free didn't think much of it, but calmly follows them. The oldest was now eyeing his phone, mumbling out loud while trying to plan what road to take. Guy was asking guestions what he then answers himself. Totally just letting his inner voice out.

After just humming back a few times when Maron mentioned there might be some interesting shops on the way what they definitely should check out, Free turns his focus on Taro who was quietly walking next to him. Don didn't say much about Taro, mostly told about Maron, who man clearly already knew to be the more chatty one of them. But that slightly much was enough to make Free curious about this quiet guy. If Taro was working for Don, he might be able to give him some advices. What kid of work he does and so. "Your man is quite chatty, ha?" Free wonders out loud, smiling. Trying to start a conversation here, break the ice, like. That made Taro turns his eyes on him. "Don warned he doesn't have a filter, but.. Is he ever quiet?"

"He.. can be quiet," Taro says after clearly taking his time to think what to say first. And that was all he came out. Stays eyeing Free quietly while walking.

Free hums, holding his smirk. Yeah, this guy was a very few worded. "I see. 

"Have I met you before?" other then suddenly asks, not dropping his intent stare. "You look familiar.."

Free has to stop his steps now. Noding, he clears his throat to continue. "Yeah, we have met. Five years ago. At the police station, in the waiting room," younger explains straightly. He could easily remember Taros face. The first kid he ever talk to.

"I can't really..," Taro says at first but cuts his words, when remembering something. "You are that kid? No wonder you looked so..." Once again he cuts his own words, falling to silence, still intently staring the other. When he lows his head, the way he looks at Free changes a little. "Why you are with Palenne?" Taro asks coldly. "Why you are alive?"

Confused from Taros sudden words, Free thinks a second before speaking. "He came to me," he answers carefully. Seems like Taro knew he went missing five years ago. Otherwise he wouldn't speak so. But the way how he spoke felt somehow very attacking. "I'm living with him because things just happened.."

"You are living with him? Things just happened?" Taro leans closer to Free. "That I can not believe. After you died, are you aware what he did back then? You should not be with him."

Taros voice was neutral, but the way how he put his words made Free feel very uncomfortable. "Did?"

"Taro," Maron has walked back to them, standing now next to Taro, wearing this serious look while making Taro look back at him. "Don't be attacking. Clear your mind first before speaking. He can't understand if you speak varyingly," he says calmly, showing a smile. "Besides what ever this is, you shouldn't talk about it in the middle of the street. You are making a scene."

Immediately Taro nods, looking way more energy all of a sudden. "Yes. I am sorry," he turns his look back to Free. Just like that his attitude has changed. "I'm glad you are doing okay. That is what I should have said. Now I understand why Palenne ask us to look after you." And he drops the topic there. Like it never happened.

Maron shows a smile toward Free while putting his hand around Taros shoulder, making the guy walk with him. They all keep going now. Marons interference has cleaned the air once again. Even that Free was left to wonder what actually Taro meant by saying Don had done something, he tried to let it go for now. Taro clearly wasn't so quiet what he first show to be. But was definitely a weird guy. The way how he spoke was very unique. "And I'm thankful for you having me. Don pointed out you might be the best ones to show me how to at least act like normals do. How to be social normally. Things like going to barber, I have never experienced.."

"What? Normally?" Maron smirks, asking. Moving his hand down while actually looking again toward Free.

"Yes, like.. You went to school and all," Free clears what he meant while looking the other busy people around them. "Have way more social points than I have. All I have done is act."

"You.. are not in school?" Maron marvels unbelieving, almost stopping his steps because this sounded so unreal just now. "Really?"

"Yeah, have never been. I actually learnt to read a few years ago in streets, so now I can read and learn what ever I want. Don't need school for learning." That was a lie, halfly. He was learning from watching documents, not actually reading. But not be able to read was a tabo to others. So hiding it has been as normal as breathing to Free.

"Never attend to school? So you have never got to skip class, look dirty pictures in the boysroom with your friends or have Valentine's Day cards?" Maron mumbles in shock. Feeling very sad for this kid. Free was missing so much important things in life. That was so wrong.

"That is what you do in school..?" Free asks doubting. But Maron kept calling out more things what he has definitely missed. Ending up talking about this football camp he once attend when he was in high school, keep going until he had lost the very point of why he even start talking about school. But because Maron was so lively when he talk, Free found himself listening to his stories quite intently. This felt like being with his brothers again. Kain had once told him similar stories. About the times before he himself end up living in streets. So it was very natural to Free just hear him out. Stories what he could just dream to live in.

Clearly ignoring their chatting and keeping his distance, Taro was just calmly walking behind these two who had lost in their own chatty world. In time to time, Free glances behind him. To Free, this coldness was very disturbing at first. But once again Maron didn't seem to be bothered at all. Maybe Taro wasn't just so social and rather prefer to stay on the back. "Are we close to that place you mentioned?" youngest wonders then, after verifying to himself not to take Taros mood too personally.

Maron hums. "It's right around the corner," he smiles. "It's the best one here." The place Maron was talking about was big. No. It was huge. Way huge. The building was very outstanding with a huge name 'Salon' above its entrance doors.

"This.. is not the place I can get my hair cut," Free stares the building eyes wide open. Taro with him. Even he could see this place was not normal. "How rich are you? This place reeks of money... They will kick me out the moment I step in, you know.."

"Rich? I think it's average..," Maron just wonders. He knew many more places which were way more outstanding. To him, this was more normal than your average normal.

"Maron," Taro calls and turns his eyes toward the older guy, showing this cold stare. Carefully, Maron glances him. Being now very charged, a little scared what Taro want. "Since you can't fulfill this request should I do it for you?"

"No!" Maron suddenly says loudly and takes his phone. "Don't start blackmailing me when I just tried to show the best places. Having a little luxury doesn't kill you.." guy mumbles and starts moving. "The place where Riko usually goes is near by. That should be okay?" He was definitely annoyed now. Showing the way.

Without a word, Taro moves and follows him, Free behind him. "Blackmailing?" Free dares to ask quietly, when Maron was a little further from them. To him that sentence didn't quite fit for the situation.

Taro doesn't turn to look at him, but was keeping his eyes on Maron. "Yes. That is how I control him.."

Growing even more confused, Free too glances Maron. The relationship between these two.. was very weird.. He so couldn't keep up with them.

- - - -

Hours later they were all sitting in this very spacious car what Maron was driving. They were about to end their long day at the mall and drop Free back to Dons apartment. Maron really gave him best today, while making them visit places where normal students hang out after schools, eat some spicy dumplings, do some window shopping.. The best experience for Free was to be influenced by Marons overly positive attitude. You really didn't have to think too much when you were hanging around Maron. He made sure there was never a silent moment.

Free also got his hair dyed, with darker brown color. After Marons never ending begging to not cut his hair too much, Free took a hint and decided just make a total transform with the color. It was actually near his own natural hair color now. And indeed it was very easy and fast when someone else did his hair for him. Trying to not think how much it end up costing, Free was actually quite pleased after. Feeling quite spoiled.

"It suits you well," Maron says, looking at Free from the rear view mirror. "You owe me from making you look that good." He was feeling so happy for Free. And proud since it was him who made that happen. Saved that godly good looking hair style from cutting.

"Takes time to get used to it, I guess," Free was constantly touching his hair. "I was blonde almost a year.."

"Well it turned out to be a day well spended," older keeps, smiling. They were about to turn to the very driveway where Don and Free live. "At least I had my fun. Hope we did help you a little. To get some fresh air." He stops the car in front of the main entrance. Letting out a deep satisfied sigh.

Now Free smirks back, showing his relaxed mood. "Yeah, thanks. This was just what I needed. Something different from the usual," he says tiredly. Having so much fun have suck out all of his energy. He was so ready to drop down on the couch and watch some TV. Tell Don all about his day.

"Free," the black haired guy sitting on the front seat says when Free was just about to open the door. "What I said about Palenne.."

Free freezes, looking Taro who keeps his eyes forward. "Can I ask you to forget it?" young man continues. "It was not my place to talk about what he has done. I am sure, if he hasn't tell you it is the best, it is his decision."

"And telling me to forget it you think I will forget it?" Free tsihs back, clicking his tongue. "You are just making me want to know more."

Taro hums. Without saying more.

Not an answer Free was expecting. But that made him show his smile. "I like the way you think," he says and opens the door. "Thanks for having me. Let's do this again someday."

"My pleasure," Maron smiles. Free gets up, closes the door and waves goodbyes before calmly walking toward their living building.

Maron sighs while waving back. "That's super weird from you, Taro. You clearly provoke him," he turns his eyes on Taro. "Now why did you do that?"

"I did try to provoke him. If that kid really lives with Palenne he deserves to know. You think I shouldn't have? Are you mad?" younger man meets with Marons eyes.

"No," calmly looking at the other, Maron drums his fingers on the wheel. "But it is cute how you show sutch an interest in him. What Don did then?"

"Palenne? He went berserk. He hunt them all down," Taro says calmly. Keeping a small silence after, thinking. "He did the same what he did to my Owner.

I know now. What he does.. is just wrong."