Chapter 33 - The foremen's barbecue

At the weekend the foremen would gather in the empty part of the circus plot, where a drum barbecue had been set up. Unlike the comings and goings where employees are preoccupied with their jobs, the group of people laughed and danced enjoying the day off. Once every two months Dreamland would close its gates so that all the employees could socialise. The barbecue was basic just to serve as a context.

Leonardo had already participated in parties in some previous jobs, but this was the first time he saw so many people together. He realised that Dreamland was much bigger than he imagined. What could also weigh on his shoulders was being aware that he was the current boss of them all.

It was strange to be talking to people who treated him so lightly. He was treated as a simple trainee who had just started his career. But Leonardo knew that all that attitude would change if everyone there knew his last name.

It would be one more of many worries.

He found Barley and Vivian, with whom he engaged in a funny conversation. He wanted to forget, at least that afternoon, the headache he had faced in the morning. Giovani had left the mansion with Lucas, leaving behind a simple note as a thank you for the room.

Had he shocked the detective by revealing his identity? Well, he had said he was in that position temporarily. Either way he must have been surprised and lost some of his confidence. Leonardo didn't want to be treated differently from the casual one. He wished could help the detective find the boy's family, but it seemed Giovani would handle that on his own.

To forget his worries he would drink cold beer and eat delicious meat. He would have fun seeing other people dancing and playing in the most pure relaxation. That afternoon he would be a mere Leonardo, and not an Evilian.

― Oh, you can hold your liquor! ― Vivian laughed, her face already reddened.

― Intercalating with water the alcohol doesn't go up so fast ― taught Leonardo by showing the glass of water next to the beer can.

― What a naughty boy, this is not funny!

He laughed. Brazilian country music was playing in the sound box that someone had brought, there were those who danced and others who sang loudly. The mess was established, but nothing annoying. On the contrary, Leonardo was happy to see that the employees of the park got along well.

― Ah, the handsome circus man arrived!

Although it was not his intention, Leonardo had looked in the direction pointed out by a drunk Vivian, finding that guy being greeted by his co-workers. Different from the usual, Benjin was wearing dark jeans and a plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

Seeing him without the circus costume or braces was unprecedented. He looked handsome. He looked as young as any of his other college friends. Or was he being weirded out by the fact that they hadn't seen each other last night? Had he been so preoccupied in Giovani's stay that he had forgotten about Benjin.

At least that night his room hadn't been broken into. Miraculously.

― You're drooling, newbie ― Vivian laughed, nudging the trainee.

― No, I'm not. You're so drunk you're already seeing things.

Vivian was a lively and playful girl, easy to talk to. Unlike the other women in the park who seemed shy to talk to him, Vivian was a well of joy. Thanks to her good humour she had managed to meet so many other people that day, realising that she was popular too.

Well, no wonder.

― Leo!

The sweet voice calling his name had caused shivers to run down the back of his neck. Leonardo had looked over his shoulder meeting those green eyes all cheerful. Benjin waved as he came to him, jumping on his back and hugging him tightly.

― And here I thought I was hiding.

― Haha, even if you hide I will always find you.

― Looks like you decided to dress decently today.

Benjin had let go of Leonardo and stepped back, raising his arms and analysing his clothes.

― I thought that if I came in a shirt you would fight with me again.

― Did you come alone, trapeze artist? ― Vivian interceded as she laid her head on Leonardo's shoulder.

The trapeze artist looked at her eyes and crossed his arms with a frown.

― I came with Leo, you can let go of him.

― No, you didn't ― She laughed, drinking more of her beer ― Normally you stick to Vicente.

Leonardo shook his head, drinking a sip of his beer. He wouldn't get involved in the discussion between a drunk artist and a sly trapeze artist. Even if he was the centre of the squabble.

However it was interesting to observe Benjin talking to other people. He had noticed that Dreamland's main attractions usually stayed reclusive, not engaging much with the staff. Benjin seemed to be a rule apart as he conversed well with Vivian.

― I don't get attached to Vicente. He is like my older brother who likes to spoil me.

― You know it newbie, the cutie loves to be spoiled ― Vivian whispered with a mischievous smile.

― I had already noticed that.

Benjin's cheeks reddened at Leonardo's nonchalant comment, which made Vivian giggle graciously at the sight. Taking the empty can from Leonardo's hand, the woman squinted as she turned away from the two.

― Ah, I think I'll go over there and give someone else hell. Since you two seem so close, you won't be crying over my precious absence.

Ah, that feeling of being pushed to be with someone was really uncomfortable. He had always hated that malice so clear in the giggles and glances of his friends, who only wanted a good gossip for the next day. Even weirder was being pushed towards Benjin, who always took the initiative to kiss him and expose his feelings.

Peeking out of the corner of his eye, he had noticed Benjin's quiet physiognomy. The wind swayed his hair and the dusk enhanced his natural beauty. He had to admit he was stupidly handsome. They had little difference in height, which didn't bother him. Pale complexion like moonlight and enviable joviality.

He looked like a doll.

Scratching the back of his neck and looking away, Leonardo sighed at the very thought. Was he really finding him handsome? Precisely the pervert who always hit on him and kissed him in the small gap he found?

It couldn't be!

― I'd heard of the employees having parties like this before, but I'd never taken part. It's kind of fun.

― You've never been? You guys have a nasty habit of being reclusive.

― Keeping your distance is sometimes the safest thing.

Leonardo had crossed his arms tilting his head with that whisper. There was something strange about Benjin. Could it be that he had not yet fully recovered from the flu?

― You keep babbling that I should see this place as my home and family. But you don't do the same.

Benjin looked at him in surprise and then laughed softly.

― It's a bit complicated, but we know we're all one big family. And you're part of it now.

― Family hm...

Usually the subject of family was a real headache for Leonardo, but since he had come to Dreamland there wasn't as much pressure as he believed. In fact he remembered the words he had read in his father's diary, unable to forget the feeling of belonging.

Was that what he had wanted all this time?

Leaning on the table, Leonardo leaned his head back and felt the wind on his warm face. He wanted that icy air to wash away his worries.

Dreamland.

Engagement.

College.

Disappearance.

Possible kidnapper.

Feelings...

A warm hand had rested on his. Glancing from a corner he saw its fingers entwined with Benjin's. Nothing but that single touch.

Why did his hand have to be so warm and comforting?

Did Benjin know his agony when he spoke the damn word?

And why did he always make his heart race with the simplest intertwining of fingers? Benjin was really someone Leonardo couldn't understand, and sometimes didn't even want to.

His thoughts were disturbed by the sudden, moist heat that surged to his lips. Light and playful as was typical of that person. Once again that stupid puppet was doing something to tickle his stomach.

Benjin's lips were soft and his kiss simply guided him to experience different sensations in such a few seconds. He had no way but to allow himself to be guided by that kiss. However, the screams he heard made Leonardo's eyes widen. He realized that they were in the middle of the employees, at a barbecue and everyone was looking in his direction.

What the...?

― If you keep looking at me like that, I will kiss you in front of everyone.

Leonardo coughs, choking on his surprise.

― Who said I was looking at you?

Laughing gracefully, the trapeze artist turned towards him with rosy cheeks.

― You were looking at me with such passion that I could feel my heart racing like a runaway train.

― Shut up, pervert.

― Oh, are you ashamed? Only because I got caught in the act, hahaha how cute Leo ~

A loud snorting interrupted the two's conversation. Being the closest to some bushes, the boys were surprised when an injured girl with torn clothes had come out among the leaves.

Having those two looking at her, the girl's eyes filled with tears before she whispered.

― Help me!