SMF Chapter 16 - Toxic

Later that day after Don had got some good rest, they head back to his work building, Don intending properly introduce the area and people around where Free would hopefully work in the near future. They went in from the same side doors as yesterday, but this time they walk through the reception area, not straight to the elevators. This area Free was familiar already. Last time he was here was when he turned himself in. Before that was five years ago.

There were multiple people around, both civils and workers, but you really couldn't tell apart them when some actually wear their uniforms and some didn't. Some people were lining right in front of the main doors, where they had this another desk area with two lady workers. There were sitting areas, both on the left and right sides. The waiting rooms with glassy windows were located on the left from an entry.

Since the area had a high ceiling, it gave the feeling the lobby was way bigger what it actually was. But the corridors like the one heading toward the elevators were more low build. The very eye-catcher here was the main desk which was in the middle of this all. Round desk was like from some high-class hotel. Making this police station very modern. Something very different what Free has used to see in movies.

"Palboss," woman behind the main desk calls the man smiling after recognizing him walking toward. Then she turns her adoring eyes toward Free who was walking behind Don. "Is this the new kid of yours I have heard so much about? Wow. What a cutie! Aren't you too cute to dance someone else's tune?"

"Sign him in as my guest for now. He shouldn't even be in yet," Don clears, ignoring everything else woman has just said. "Please keep it low."

"Will do," woman winks.

After the official signing in and receiving a folder, Don leads Free toward the elevator area. "Only who should know about you is my team. Thanks to Nadin, I'm pretty sure the whole building knows about you now," Don clears when he turn his eyes on Free, calling the elevator. "There are some who might not accept you, let me warn you. But it's not because of you. It's because I brought you in." They step in after the doors open and people in walk out.

"Because we have the same name?" Free smirks, taking his spot on the back, leaning to the wall. He remembers Dons earlier warning.

Man hums and calls the third floor. "Yes. Win them over and I'm sure you will get your foot in the door," older guides. "I don't mind them, but if my reputation reflects badly on you I might not be so tolerating anymore."

"I will. So what's with 'Palboss?' " Free wonders out loud, teasing.

Don breathes deeply out. Showing honestly out that made him a little annoyed. "One of my nicknames, apparently.. This is your pass," he then changes the subject and gives a card from the folder to Free. "With this you have access to closed areas where you have permission to enter."

Younger takes the card, turning it on his hand to see both sides. "You sure I need this here? I have proved your guarding sucks. Could just walk in with a smile, that worked last time," he mocks while wearing this wide smile on his lips.

"And for showing the lack of that they must be very grateful," Don answers with a smile, using polite speaking.

Free raises his hand and moves his fingers. "That means money, right?" he points out. "I'm also willing to take other payments. You can always pay me with your body."

"Leave those talks outside this building," Don states clearly. "Here you are my subordinate. I am your Boss. You go over that line here, I will punish you. Please be prepared."

Free tsihs. "I was just joking..."

The elevator stops. "Say that to Luor. He and his friends are watching from the cameras," man points the one in the corner while walking out, leaving Free stare the corner. If there was a camera somewhere, it was totally unnoticeable.

"This is our base. There are currently about thirty working here, including my team. Seven groups, total," older clears when Free finally cathes him. They were now on the third floor, the very area where Dons group mainly work. While Free start eyeing the wide area, Don points out the most important areas him to know. "Emergency stears are behind that door. There's also fire escapes so learn their locations in time. My desk is on the back here." Man keeps slowly walking forward, Free carefully following him.

The floor was open-kind, desks after desks. But the areas were railed on their own spots. It was a large, wall-less area. Now when they were actually walking in the area, Free noticed some people staring at them. Usually, mostly in public, he wouldn't mind since he has used to been adored by strangers because of his looks. But here everyone were law officers, some he used to evade. Get stared like this felt really distressing.

First he thought people were staring at them because of what Don said. There were people who have heard of Free, like that lady at the main desk. But the more he pay attention to them he realizes people weren't actually looking at him. But the man who was walking in front of him. Free even needed to double check to confirm that. People were pretty much ignoring him. But actually staring Don instead?

"Hey, Free! You came back already," Nadin waves to them after noticing Don and the very young man walking behind him. This woman was ready in a nano second to leave her work in progress to welcome them properly, walking now to meet them.

"Free?" Mark was sitting on his desk and also turns to look behind him. "You are right in time. We were just talking about you. Sit down." He kicks the chair next to his desk moving as showing Free to sit there.

Mans aggressive gesture made Free suddenly feel damn nervous. "Talking? Why? I did something..?" he tsihs, still showing a slight smile. Since he really didn't know these people in person yet, he wasn't so sure how to react.

"My my, Mark, don't scare him now," Nadin laughs, showing an apologizing look toward the youngest.

"Scare him? He lives with Don," Mark just casually points out and hands some document folders to Don. "These are for you. It's not pretty. Kaarne wants to see you."

Man takes the folders., starts immediately eyeing them. "He is in already? I didn't want to see him today," the sound of his voice cleared out he wasn't happy to hear that name.

"Also, I was asked to give this to you," Mark adds and point the file atop. "Someone would like you to check a case what is near to be closed and give your opinion. There's a number in, you can contact him yourself."

"Sure."

When Mark turned his focus back on Free, young man finally sits down. His eyes move on Ropert who was sitting at his own desk, next to the desk in front of Marks. There were four desk together in this so called loose. Two other desks were a little further behind them in front of the wide window. This older man glances Free only once, purposely ignoring him and turning his focus back to his papers.

"Sorry I didn't have time to talk with you yesterday. Now that you are one of us we should have welcome you properly, but.. Well let's get to that later. Let me introduce you to everyone," Mark suddenly shows a smile, leaving Free realize man has clearly sutch teased him earlier. "Our group has five members. Ropert here you already know, right?"

"Nice to meet you again," Ropert says, giving not so nice glance toward Free.

"Yeah, hi," Free smiles, now wearing his defensive cocky attitude. "Sorry about your car. And the beating. But you should be more sharp if you want to talk with people from streets," he adds. "Pointing out right away you are a cop, you think we will treat you better? If you need any advice later, I can help out."

Nadin starts laughing. "Boy has a point."

"This is Nadin Silhu. Halen is not in the building today, so you will meet him later," Mark keeps introducing, pointing the empty desk in front of his. Then he moves on. "I heard you are taking the training next? Since Lilian gave you a green light. You remember Doctor Wolgang, right?"

Free hums. "Of course. She was nice."

"If you have anything to ask you turn to some of us. We are your supervisors here, not just Don," man nods toward Don who was briefly listening them while reading the files further away from others. "It's our job to introduce you to this work since we are the ones taking you in."

"Just don't get in our way," Ropert had to remind.

Mark waves his hand. "Don't mind him. He is usually really nice old man. Just still pissed of from your little stunt. He will get over it," man explains, totally ignoring the oldest.

"Now there comes the big guy," Nadin whispers, interrupting their little chat, making the others turn their looks behind.

"PALENNE!"

Don sighs and slowly closes the folder, turning to look the man who has just stepped out from the elevator and heading toward him. "Kaarne," Don says the mans name, meeting the other man calmly. Last time Don saw this man was during the retirement party. He was the very reason Don had left earlier. Since it seem this man was always trying to start a fight with him.

"Why is it every case you are involved ends with dead bodies or missing suspects?!" Kaarne yells out, stopping his steps right in front of Don, giving an angry glance.

This aggressive entry ask a lot of patient from Don to not answer as severely. "HA? This is about this night? The gangs start their fight on their own, against each others. How that has anything to do with me having the case?" Don drops his polite speaking, using a very casual tone of voice, which was rare while he was in his work place. But this simple noted man wasn't interested to talk civilised either if the others behavior was like this.

But his calm attitude didn't help to calm this ones current explosive mind a bit. "Don't make excuses, brat! You are supposed to act before something like that happens!" man keeps yelling.

"You are the one who force that case to me, am I right? Even if it was still your inept boys case the same would have happened."

"Your boy was in!"

"Yes he was. As you requested," Don raises his voice just a little. Still staying quite calm. "Doing his job and watching. We had no reason to act. The circumstances last night made us act."

"HAH! That freak of yours -!"

"My what?" now Don takes a step closer. That alert everyone on the floor who were witnessing the argue. Free could feel the air changing radically. Mark was the first who got fastly up, ready to move between them if it seem to get ugly. Don was usually calm, but he has his reputations. When he loses it, the fight was unavoidable. And there was no doubt who would win.

But someone else was instantly between them, holding his hand against Don, noting him not to move. "Freak? Are you talking about me?" Taro calmly asks, staring Kaarne with his emotionless look. Both of men were looking at him now. Don closes his eyes for a second, letting a deep sigh out of his mouth. Just let the man bark and deal with it.

"Kaarne, was it? Weren't you the one who want me in? Did I do something wrongly from your point?" Taro continues, lowing his hand. He had heard enough. This man was a nuisance. Clearly intending to start a fight. His types should be faced straight, not give more heat he was looking for. "I act as one of them for two months. I didn't see anything unnormal what would have predict what was going to happen. It came very quick. You know this kind of things can happen. Right? It is all in my reports. Was there anything else you would like me to clear out?"

Kaarne was confusedly staring at Taro who has appeared from nowhere. After gathering his thoughts, he turns to look at Don again. Showing this slightly disgusted face. "Yeah, sure. Like it wouldn't be the first case you and your men green the evidences to fit your own meanings. Doesn't matter how much you are covered by your dogs, you are not above the law," he turns his eyes on the desk area, where people were watching the scene behind them. Looking straight to Free. Smirking. "Ghosts should stay dead."

Growing more pissed off from that clearly provocative statement, Don was about to move, but Taro fastly holds his hand against him, making clear point Don to stay calm.

Kaarne tsihs and turns around. "No more bodies! We are not your after-cleaners," he calls out while taking his leave.

"Why he is mad? He is your after-cleaner," Taro whispers, looking at Don. "What was that about? Frustration?"

"What are you doing here?" Don sighs, doesn't bother to answer.

"I am here to give my last report."

"I told you to rest. Doesn't look like so," Don turns and walks toward his desk, ignoring people around who were all looking at them. He was angry, keeping his feelings in. But everyone in the room could feel his mood. Anyone would have been angry after sutch episode. If Taro hasn't stop him, Don would have definitely give a straight hit. That would have cause big troubles later.

Don touchs Frees head while passing him. "He was one of the barks. Learn to know him," he quietly notes.

"I figured," young man hums, turning to look at Taro who was looking back, walking behind Don. Don sits down on his chair at the desk area next to the window, Taro sitting across him.

"Oh my. He tolerated that well. I was sure Don would beat him down," Nadin whispers. "Once that man blows up, you should run." She instruct Free smiling.

"Without Taros interference I'm sure he would have beat him," Mark points out. "But no one can argue with Taros words."

"If you know I'm pissed off right now why you are still speaking?" Don glances Nadin and Mark. Everyone turn their faces away, kept doing what they were doing. Only Free was eyeing everyone, being the bystander.

Don takes some papers and handles them to Taro. After Mark could hear Don starting to discuss about the case with Taro, he calms his nerves and smiles to Free. "You will get used to them. Those two have never liked each others," Mark clears out. "The group Kaarne leads are the ones who after-search the crime scenes and then call forensic cleaners. This time, I took the case from Don and Kaarne had to go in himself. I bet it wasn't pretty sight, based how Kaarne react just now."

"No one likes to see dead kids," Nadin smiles sadly. She has already heard about the case too. Of course. Their team share every paperworks and made sure every five of them were aware of every cases members of their group investigate. "But this is reality. What we see," she says, looking now Free. "I'm not saying you should cold your heart, but you really get used to it. Eventually. In time."

"Woow, that took a gloomy turn," Mark laughs. "Please don't depress him right from the start."

Now Nadin laughs too. "Was I too melancholy?"

"Don't you guys have anything to work with?" Ropert then asks. "You are disturbing people. This is a working area. Shitty chat area is called a cafeteria."

"Burn," Nadin tsihs. "Did we leave the old puppy out again?" Pointing out Ropert was the oldest of them and acting now like a grumpy senior.

"Still in bad mood?" Mark grins to Ropert. "I just handed my remaining works to Don there. My job for today is all done. Now this is my playtime."

Ropert and Mark started to argue. Free was listening to them in silence, smiling. These adults here weren't so different from people close to his age, like his brothers. This group was lively. Free was now sure he might get used to this place and people working in. Even thought he couldn't somehow imagine Don acting that carefree, no matter how easygoing some of here could act.

"By the way, Free," Nadin whispers smiling, leaning to Marks desk right next to Free. She meant her words only Free to hear. "How did you become so special to him, ha? Don usually works hours over, but ever since you appeared he never stays later than he has to. You set a curfew for him?" Woman was clearly teasing him.

Free smiles back. And winks. "Didn't have to. I'm just that good of dealing people around me."

"Oh my," Nadin laughs. "Now don't burn your fingers. You two play nicely in here." Clearly hinting she has already discovered a hidden secret. This kid wasn't just a useful kid from the streets to use in the field. There was definitely something more special about this one.

- - - -

"Okay. I will give your report to Mark. He is the one taking the case over, might still need some info from you," Don states and hands the paper Taro to sign. Older was now definitely calmer, after leaving that episode behind. Work was why they were here. And he has a lot work piled on so he was more then happy to just concentrate on taking care of them and waste time thinking Kaarnes accusations.

"Sure," Taro nods and writes his name. "Is that all?"

"Yes. You can go."

"And the next case?"

"I will call if I need you. Take a break now," Don answers. "I'll transfer your fee before the end of the day. You can leave."

Taro gets up. But doesn't take his leave just yet. "If you do not have anything for me, I have time then. Should I train Free now?"

Don was quite surprised to hear Taro himself suggest that. "Now?"

"I finally get out the house. Maron is still working. So I sneaked out," Taro explains calmly.

Man hums back. Maron was very protecting over Taro, so he must have ordered him to take a break or something. So younger has sneaked out, using a good excuse to get out from their home to finish his mission. Overall this young man was witty to find a logical reasons if you weren't precise what you asked from him or told him not to do. "Well, I have my case to prepare. If you really don't mind, take him." Don looks at Free who was talking with Mark and Nadin. "He had a broken rib and two broken fingers. That happened about five weeks ago, but the healing is slow. So go easy on him. Kid!" Free stands up immediately after hearing Don calling him and walks straight to Don and Taro. "If you don't mind, Taro will have something for you," man says, pointing Taro. "When you are done, call and I will pick you up.. where ever you are then."

Free looks Taro suspicious. Then Don. Then back to Taro. "Something? Where ever?"

"Please, follow me," Taro just says and walks pass Free.

And once again Free just turns his asking look to Don. Trying to get some kind of hint what was going on. But man doesn't give him anything, but a sneaky smile. "Have fun now," Don says and pretends to turn his focus on the papers in front of him. Free has no choice but follow Taro who was already walking closer the elevators.

When they both went in and Taro called the floor, Free kept staring at him, like waiting other guy to explain where they were going. But Taro doesn't say anything, was just ignoring him. As usually compared to Maron, Taro act really distant. The silence around them didn't bother him a bit. Well, Free was aware of this side of Taro so he could let this weird behavior slip. This was something to expect from him.

The elevator went all the way down to the basement. This area Free didn't know about. Sure he has seen the floor B be written on the list, but he has never really paid attention to it, thinking it was just a maintenance and repair floor.

When the doors open, Taro steps out. "Your clothes are not right for this but so are not the situations you might end up." Free followed Taro to the empty hall area. "Please, drop your phone and everything extra on you. Shoes too," older guy keeps instructing. He shows an example and takes his own jacket away.

"Is this a training area?" Free asks and takes his overcoat away, drops it down on the floor. The area was dark, there were only some dim lights on and only one main light on the middle of the hall. Free could see a boxing ring further from them, getting actually excited to see one in real life. There were also some weird looking exercise machines.

Taro stretchs his arms, getting ready to move. "Based on your walking I assume the broken rib was on the left?"

Free turns his look back to Taro who was already coming toward him. "Ha?"

Taro raises easily his right foot in the air and was about to kick Free right to the ribs in left, but Free fastly backs off.

That was damn sneaky! "Are we serious here?" Free shows this confused smile. But Taro doesn't answer. He steps closer again and raises his hands to the fighting position, making it clear he was serious. Then he moves.

Free didn't really know how to fight, but he was fast and has stamina. That might be his only strenght against Taro. Or so he first thought. Taro strikes slowly with right fist, misses, but then shows the roundhouse kick witch was so sudden compared to the first attack Free didn't expect that. The kick was about to hit straight to his face. But Taro suddenly stops his move and lows his foot. "Palenne would kill me if I break your pretty face," young man points out coldly. Doesn't miss any time and strikes with his left hand right to Frees left shoulder. Free was already moving away, but the hit got him.

Taro went fastly down and moves his right foot on the ground to trip Free who easily falls down. Taro was up again, about to hit straight to Frees face. But Free straightens his both feet and kicks Taro to back up. Swinging backwards Free was now up, getting ready with his hands on defending position.

After straightening his back, Taro stands still, eyes locked on Frees. "Have you ever done any martial arts?" he then suddenly asks.

"Now you are asking me?" Free tsihs, a little out of breathe. "Should have start with that.."

"It's easier to see myself than hear excuses. People do that a lot. Act big but can't do anything. This is just the way I do this," Taro explains. "To me it looks like you do not know even the basics. Any kind of basics. You are very slow. Showing way too many opens."

Free sighs and lets himself calm a little. Not lowing his hands though. It was clear to him now they really were here for some training. "I have never fought. But I'm strong enough to run and climb. Fighting and getting bruises on my face or body didn't fit what I used to do for living. I have to look nice."

"You kept selling yourself while living on streets?" Taro boldly asks, like already seeing right through him. Free lows his hands now.

'Kept selling' meant Taro knew very well about what had happened to Free before he end up in streets. Taro also knew what Don has done. Still young guy was close with Don. Trust him enough to work for him. And Don trust him. So Free should do. Speak honestly. Even if the subject was kind of something people Free has met so far seem to evade speaking about, he now gathers some courage and decides to speak straight anyway. This was Taro. "I did. Turned out I started to like it in one point. And getting money from it was a nice bonus," Free smiles. "That's what you want to hear?"

"Sure," Taro answers boringly and moves again. "No wonder Palenne is so interested of you. Does he feel quilt? Of what he did? After he found out you were still alive? Did you ask him about it? What he did? I hope you did."

Hearing Taro suddenly talking about sutch made Free abashed. So he couldn't answer. "We came to train or talk about Don?" Was it even proper to talk about sutch in a police station? Someone might hear them.

"I already figured what I should show you. The rest now is all for my own interest. Since you showed me something else just now," Taro walks toward Free. "I know Palenne. He attend to follow rules and law, so he would not end up losing his control. To be straight here, I am very certain he will end up in prison himself one day. And having someone like you by his side.. I would call that toxic."

"Ha?" Free couldn't keep up what Taro was talking about.

"I have never seen him acting as he does around you. How he talks about you. Moreover... You have been living with him, what, a month now?" Taro takes a gently hold of Frees shirt from neckline and moves it a little, looking the kiss marks under. "This was him? Touching an underage kid.. Like I said. Toxic."

Free was staring Taros grey eyes. Right, he understood what Taro tried to point out. "Probably," he whispers straight, not removing his glance.

"You really are frank," Taro says and lows his hand. "You are not going to deny it? Do you understand my point? You two together can end up nothing but disaster."

First Free doesn't say anything. But after a long silent between them, younger finally speaks out. "What you want me to say? I can do nothing but agree with you on that," he clears calmly. "Yeah, we talked. He told me what happened. Said I should run away from him. But I'm not gonna back off now. I will make this situation to our benefit. Become stronger and show him his quilt is needless. I don't need it. So doesn't he. I am the one who decided to stay with him. And he lets me stay. The rest.. I think it's none of your business."

Taro was now staring Free intently, quite surprised from youngers words. But then he shows this very rare smile on his face and leans a little closer. "So that kind of person you are," he says. The staring from him was very intent. Like his whole personality has just changed, just like that. "Are you denying what he is? Or do you even have any real idea at all? Do you hear yourself? Do you really know what I'm talking about? How you could ever make his situation to your benefit?

Someone like you staying with him is not helping him. It's making him even worse."

When the younger doesn't seem to want and answer him, nor really have any clue what the other was talking about, Taro closes his eyes and moves a little. He drops his act as fastly as he showed it, just like that. "It does not really matter when you do not seem to even see what it is. But if you want to become stronger for him, then be stronger than he ever is. And run. That would be the best for both of you. I like that man. I do not want to see him failing."

They stare each other a while, in silence. Then Taro turns around and walks back toward his jacket he had left on the floor earlier. "Next time, please, make up a lie who mark your body if you intend to keep up with that kind of relationship. You might not 'give a damn', but Palenne can not come to light with that."

"I don't give a damn?" Free tsihs, getting a little irritated now.

But Taro smoothly ignores him and continues. "You are my job the next few weeks, until your real training begins. Palenne mentioned about something to give you a nice starting point, train you physically. For that I am the best option." He walks back toward Free. "Nothing extreme. Just a little training in gym and I will teach you how to fight. Or at least how to use your whole body when you hit something. Defend yourself. That is where we will start today."

"Today?" Free repeats, feeling damn confused now. Had Don plan this all?

Taro takes his phone. "I personally do not like gyms, but..," calls. "Please, follow me." After saying so, he calmly moves and walks back to the elevator area, Free following behind him, rubing his aching left shoulder.

First Free felt really confused, about all what Taro has just pointed out, but after recalling Dons words about Taro, he could actually feel more relaxing all of a sudden. This guy was really on his own levels. One had to wonder did he really have any emotions left after all. First he was acting so interest and then ignoring it all, just like that, changing his mood like with a click. Acting? So Taro really didn't care, but only tried how Free would react to his words? Why? Was he playing with him? Testing him? How ever, Taro surely could change the subject just like that, without a pause or clearing the air first. Well, to be honest, that Free didn't actually mind. He wasn't prepared to talk more about all that either. So moving on was better.

"What are you doing?" Taro speaks out when the call was answered.

"That's not how you start the call," Maron says back, acting hurt. "Say 'Hi, dear, I missed you and wanted to hear your voice so badly.' "

Taro sighs. "Hi, dear, I missed you and wanted to hear your voice so badly," he casually repeats while walking inside the elevator, younger behind him, not really knowing how to react those sudden words from this guys mouth. "Are you at home?"

"You really said it... I am. Just came in. And YOU were supposed to be here. Where are you?"

"In the station. Let's go to gym. Can you bring extra clothes for Free?"

"Free? Is this about the training thing you mentioned earlier? Sure. My usual place? Want me to pick you up from somewhere?"

"No. We will walk. We will see you there," Taro clears and hangs up the call. "Maron is a better choice showing you around in gym."

- - - -

Later the same evening, about eleven a clock, Free was sitting on the bench next to the train station, feeling damn exhausted. Like it's been a while he had actually done anything this physical, pushing his body to its limit. His first day ever in gym was so hard he felt like throwing up now. Everywhere ache. But like Maron had pointed out, it was just the way how his body react after 'finding new muscles to use'. Free would have never guest how 'weak' he was after all. Compared to his brothers, his stamina and muscle power were the greatest. But even when Maron and Taro were close to his age and it seem like their physical condition should have been about the same, the youngest here was clearly the weakest of them. Even Taro, who was quite skinny, was extremely strong. And that kind of didn't make sense.

"Are you done?" Don answers the phone call while starting to gather his papers. Man was still in the police station. Been waiting this young man be done with his own activities.

"Yeah. I'm at the train station. Can't move a muscle anymore. So tired..," Free sighs smiling, letting his inner thoughts out. Even talking seem to take so much energy all of a sudden. The very same moment, when he was casually just eyeing around the area while speaking, he couldn't help noticing this familiar looking man walking slowly closer, toward him. And when Free recognizes him, the smile on his lips fade away. Leaving him damn charged.

Don hums. "That's what training is, kid. I'll leave now. Wait there," he notes and ends the call to free his hands to carry his stuff. Then man takes his leave.

Free was intently eyeing the man who stops his steps boldly right in front of him, hands in his pockets, showing this sneaky smile. "Sure," Free answers quietly, lowing his phone. After a long sigh, he wears very spited smile. "Now that is a face I did not wish to see anymore.."

Man smirks. Slowly moves closer. "That sharp mouth I do remember," he points out, adoring the young man in front of him with his eyes. "It really is you. Free, was it? You changed your haircolor but I could recognize you from far. That pretty face of yours. Now how have you been?"

The man was the very same who had messed up his face and rib. The client which end up to be his last one. So this reunion really didn't make Free happy at all. "Oh, so fine after your gentle treatment. Had to take a break time from working because of you," he spits.

Seeing youngers annoyed look only seem to make the man more pleased. "I couldn't help it. Since I love to teach cocky kids like you some manners," man says and leans his face closer. "Taking you that way with surprise was the best. But that wouldn't work anymore, right? Takes the fun out of it when you know what is coming."

"You have sick hobbies," Free calmly states out, keeping his strong attitude.

"Comes with my nature," man clears casually and takes a card from his chect pocket, showing it to Free to take. "If you are in need of money again, give me a call. This time I can just take you. No force. You have a nice body after all. Would be a shame If I couldn't taste it again."

But Free doesn't take the card. "Why I would possible go with you ever again?" he stands up and leans closer, staring the man with disgust.

"You say I didn't pay enough? Bet you had a long break time after that, with that much money. No?"

Free doesn't answer, nor say more. Man smirks and slowly places the card in Frees pocket, making sure to touch youngers skin in progress. It was okay. There were no cars near by. People were walking close around them. Free was on the public place. He knew how to handle his kinds. Let them do their thing and they will walk away.

"That angry look on your face.. I would love to break it again," man raises Frees chin up with his finger. "I'll see you again. Free." After saying so, he waves byes and starts walking away. Free keeps his intent look on him until man was totally gone. Finally letting himself calm a little.

- - - -

Don drives his car in front of the resting area next to the train station where the widest parking area was located. The young man he was picking up from here was standing near by, now slowly moving toward the car which he could easily recognize even in this darkening evening. Looking once back to the other direction, like being extremely charged, Free finally opens the door and gets quickly in, clearly in deep thought still. "Thanks for picking me," he quietly says.

"You sound tired on phone, not angry," older points out and drives back to the main street. Kid definitely wasn't his usual self. "Are you okay?"

"I met someone I .. knew," Free answers hesitatingly. "Wasn't prepared for that."

That answer didn't calm Dons mind a bit. He wanted to know the whole picture. "I see. What happened?"

Young man turns to look at Don. And finally shows a smile. "If I tell you will you hunt him down?"

"I'm not your hitman," man answers annoyed. Instantly regreting he even asked. "So how was it with Taro?"

"He's gonna teach me to fight and Maron will train me in the gym. I thought we would start easy today but no, Taro made me go all the way. Made me even ran with him after," Free utters, now letting out his frustration. He felt so damn tired that he was close to lose all his interest here and just crawl into hole and become lazy. "Next time Maron will teach me how to play football, who knows why."

"It's good exercise. No harm in that. Both exercise and being social."

"I know. I'm just in a whine mood, I think..," Free yawns, not wanting to hear something that obvious. His cranky mood was getting a best of him.

"Have you always been this whine?" Don smirks. Kid surely acted very out of character. Todays training must have been exhausting.

Free surely hadn't plan to show this side to this freaking cop. Man might just make fun of him from it. "No? I don't know. I can't keep up with myself. Let me be. I'm tired."

Don glances Free once and after making sure kid was really all right, man moves his look back to the road. "So who was he?" he suddenly asks.

Free turns to look Don surprised. Then gives a smile. "Bothers you?" younger teases.

"For you I can hunt down anyone anywhere anytime," man calmly clears out. "If it's worth it."

Free sighs. "He is not. Was the guy who broke my rib."

But instead of being surprised or anything, Don snorts, putting a wide smile on his lips. "Now that is all on you. Can't be mad to the guy who made you walk right to me."

Unbelievable. This freaking cops words were sometimes way too bold. "Hah, of course," Free tsihs, showing a finger.

"What did he want then? A recall?"

"You bet. Think I should take the offer? He told me he would be gentlier next time," Free wanted to see mans reaction. But the smile didn't change.

"You are 'Free' to do what ever you want in your personal life, right," Don answers. "But be prepared there will be beaten bodies after if you so wish. I wouldn't like to share you with anyone. So if you do that, do not let me know."

"You have some scary shit going inside your head," Free awes back smiling. But he didn't expect anything else from Don. Don has made his point clear already, being so honest what was going on in his head. Playing with him like this was stupid, pointless. Free knew it. The obsession Don has toward him, how much he cared of him, that Free didn't mind. This was a win-win, right?

After ten minutes drive, they finally arrived back at their home building. Since Don has a day off tomorrow and wouldn't be going back to the station but work at home, this time Don drive the car in the parking lot on the first floor. Free was yawning widely while stepping out of the car, stretching his arms, eyeing the low ceiling above them. Don closes the doors and heads toward the elevator, younger slowly following him.

"By the way, Taro said something I'm not sure you wanna hear," Free says then when they stopped to wait their elevator arrive.

It wasn't surprise Taro would say more after what he had said to the kid earlier. But somehow it was damn alarming. To even hear Taro act that interested on his own. "What ever Taro says, he is either testing and trying to get something out of you or he speaks the words you should listen," Don explains. "The way he sees the world is a little different from the rest of us. But it's very invaluable. I have got so many moral talks from him. Being so young and speaking like a law book, it's not even funny.." They step inside the elevator and the older calls their floor.

Free hums. He kind of gets it. But wasn't sure did that has to do anything what Taro actually said. "He said we two together would end up nothing but disaster."

Don turns his eyes on Free. Then shows a smile. "Ain't that true? We are already disaster."

"And he said you should stop leaving kiss marks on me," young man smirks, pointing his neck. "If someone other in the building would happen to see 'em I would have to think a respond. Definitely not talk the truth."

Man hums. Turns his look up. "He's going to cover my crimes? How sweet from him."

"I get it but I don't want to get it," Free clicks his tongue, showing how irritated he felt about that whole thing. "I don't see the problem. It's my body. I do what ever I want with it."

"Nothing changes the fact I cross the line I should have never cross. The law is done to your protection, not against you. If you wanted, you could accuse me," Don answers calmly. "It can't see the difference between the ten years old you and the present you. No matter how willing you are. See my point?" The elevetor stops and they walk toward their apartment door.

While waiting Don to open the door for them, Free finally speaks the last of his thoughts out. "Law or what ever, I have never seen anyone trying to stop me doing what I did. Not even you."

Those words made Don freeze for a second and man searchs the younger under his eyes again. Free was already walking in, kicking his shoes off while lazily heading toward the bathroom, wanting to get a shower and take his rest. But Don wasn't thinking to let him go easily after such unfair statement. "Really?" man knowingly raises his voice.

"...," Free stops and turns to look at him. Mans voice had this slight mocking ring on it.

Don takes his light jacket off smiling, not dropping his intent look on Free. "I admit, before, what ever you were doing was not my business. But that doesn't mean I didn't try to do anything about it," he points out, holding the jacket on his arm. "And when I want something I will go with the flow. I stay, I wait. Learn, dig deeper and when it's time, I will bite. In your case I decided to act very straightforward. Make sure you saw only me."

Free has heard those words before. Growing damn confused now Free couldn't but stare back.

Still smiling, Don walks slowly toward him. "The ones like you can't be caged. But slowly be lead to the direction you want and feed gently to keep them coming back to you. That's how you calm the wilds," older man points Frees forehead with his finger.

Free blushes a little. Almost losing his voice. "Am I an animal?"

Lowing his hand, Don lets out this long sigh. "What happened in Kerdon definitely broke my game with you. I must admit my defeat. Of everything. Since you didn't stop after all. But at least I do not need to see you so beaten anymore. So please stay away from the guys like him. Next time I will not be so well-mannered and overlook it. Trust me."

Young man was just staring at Don, couldn't first find any words to speak. But then he snorts and turns around. "I have no reason to run wild anymore since I'm here, right? And who knows, I might keep you a little longer since you are so good at it," Free quietly clears, both blushing and annoyed, without looking back he walks in the bathroom and closes the door behind him. He leans his back to the door and raises his eyes up, breathing deeply out. A wide smile crawl on his lips. 

He was having damn mixed feelings. Should he feel irritated or happy from Dons words..?