Chapter 83 - Beginning of suspicions

— This is where the band usually rehearses.

The gymnasium was huge and located in the furthest part of Dreamland. At the bottom, a huge padded court full of equipment was used for the circus performers to rehearse. The noise and smell of pitch were constant, but surprisingly didn't bother those working on the upper floors.

— We often hold meetings here when a show is being produced. But the room where the band rehearses is soundproofed, so you won't have to worry about the noise from outside.

— Is it all right for me to be hired, Leo? They won't be bothered by my presence?

— It's all right, little one. Once they've watched you play, I very much doubt that anyone will try to disturb you.

The boy's cheeks reddened with shyness, drawing a laugh from Leonardo.

He hadn't chosen Gustavo for nothing to join the band and take his place on the drums. The boy was too talented to be utilised.

So Leonardo went into the rehearsal room and introduced Gustavo to the other band members. To his relief, no one showed any hostility. 

At least not openly.

But just by chance, the young master attended the first rehearsal to help Gustavo get into the rhythm and learn the songs. The following weekend they had to perform, so it was a race against time. 

The next day his presence was no longer necessary, so Leonardo was able to return to the circus where he had to look after the equipment. He and Mr. Barley were quite a team when it came to holding their tools and ignoring the rest of the world while they worked. 

In a way, it was comforting to be able to work by hand again. Hiding behind piles of documents was too tiring. Besides, wearing dark, grease-stained overalls was better than formal clothes for the incessant meetings.

— So everything went well with your friend? — Mr. Barley asked, while tidying up his tools.

— It seems so, although he looks a bit tired. He's probably having trouble rehearsing and studying for his exams.

— A bad time for the boy to arrive.

— Tell me about it. 

— Dani told you to stop by the park later.

Raising his head, Leonardo stared at him in confusion.

— Aunt Dani? Could something have happened?

However, Barley just shrugged before going back to work.

Without asking too many questions, Leonardo also dropped the subject. Whenever he had time, he stopped by the park to say hello to his mum's friend. The two of them chatted for hours on end and enjoyed some of the snacks she bought. Like an afternoon coffee between friends to catch up.

Perhaps what she wanted would be another one of these moments, since it was usually Leonardo who sought her out first. 

It shouldn't be a big deal.

In any case, the boy just needed to finish his work quickly and then go and meet his puppet, who was rehearsing in the gym. 

It wasn't until close to closing time that Leonardo managed to get to the gym. He didn't even rush to get there as soon as possible, as he wanted to spoil his lover a little and make him wait anxiously.

As Leonardo approached the gym, he saw Benjin chatting to other circus performers as if they were old friends. Well, he might be a puppet, but he could still make some friends, couldn't he? Besides, Benjin was the main attraction, surely some of the performers must have joined the circus to get close to him.

And also, Benjin was handsome.

That doll-like face would surely attract other people.

Benjin wore sportswear because it was more comfortable to train in, but the white shirt emphasised his broad chest and shoulders. Leonardo felt his cheeks heat up at having to fuck his lover like that, but he had nothing to do.

Standing half a metre back, Leonardo hid his hands in the pockets of his overalls and watched. But the conversation seemed so amusing that his presence wasn't noticed, which irritated him slightly.

Was he being ignored?

Really?

— Ben!

As soon as he called out, green eyes met his and a huge smile appeared on his face. Immediately, Benjin's cheeks flushed, and he disguised it by quickly saying goodbye to his colleagues before running off to his young master.

— Leo! Why did you come dressed like that?

— Like what?

— Like that!

Leonardo looked at himself without understanding. He had taken off his overalls because he was hot, but he was wearing a black tank top underneath. What's more, he had grease all over him thanks to an engine that had splashed him in the face earlier. 

It was a mess!

— What's wrong?

— You're too hot! 

Surprised by the blush on Benjin's cheeks, Leonardo wanted to laugh. Holding his hand and interlacing his fingers, the young master winked at the trapeze artist.

— I say the same about you, Ben.

— Don't tease me, Leonardo! I'm not that patient.

— Oh, I know that very well.

It was so much fun to tease Benjin, but his patience certainly had its limits. This was proven when they had to turn off the road because the puppet could no longer contain himself. 

At least one kiss had to be stolen.

Thanks to the little diversions, it took them a while to enter the park and meet Dani, who was chatting to Ray. This came as a surprise to Leonardo, as the magician generally didn't seem to mix much with the staff.

— Aunt Dani! — The boy waved and the other two turned in his direction — Did something happen?

— Oh dear, I'm afraid we're in trouble.

— What's wrong?

— Another toy has broken. And just when it was working. 

In operation? That means people could get hurt!

A person's greatest fear was getting on rides that could break while they were running. Like a rollercoaster chair breaking in the middle of a loop. Every amusement park in the world was bound to have rumours of this kind.

— Which ride? What happened?

— Fortunately, there were no tall toys, so we were able to remove the customers and return part of the entrance fee — Ray warned seriously.

— That's good. But it's strange, this is the third one this month — Benjin pondered worriedly.

— I'd better check all the rides. I'll make an appointment with the technicians, so you two should accompany them to make sure everything is in order.

— All right, I'll make a list of the toys where there are suspected problems.

— Thanks, Aunt Dani.

— Your welcome, silly.

As soon as the details were settled, the woman left, leaving only the three boys with their shadows. Surely now they could talk about the real problem.

— Did you happen to see any trace of Diablo?

— Yes, young master. I have the feeling that he chose the toys that cause the least damage precisely so as not to attract so much attention.

— Diablo wants Dreamland, but if a ride hurts someone, the media would be all over us and the worst-case scenario of the park being closed down could happen — Benjin reminded him — So he'd have nothing to get.

— It would be more effective for him to get Dreamland at its peak. Haa... Frankly, that guy is annoying.

— What do you intend to do, young master?

What could he do?

I mean, Leonardo was an ordinary human. How could he try to pick a fight with a demon? Especially one who seemed to enjoy killing people. 

Besides, it was a priority to keep customers safe. If the park closed for a few weeks for an inspection, that would certainly worry people questioning the park's safety. 

Haa...

What a headache.

Maybe Leonardo should get some holy water from a church or ask an exorcist priest to bless the park? How true was that kind of story? 

First he should try to stay one step ahead of his plans.

— Ray, see if you can spot any kind of pattern in the behaviour we suspect is Diablo's.

— Why, Leo?

— Things aren't always as they seem. I don't doubt that he's trying to distract us or that he's planning something bigger. 

— That's kind of obvious, don't you think, young master?

— It's precisely because it's obvious that it goes unnoticed — Leonardo murmured — And also keep an eye on the employees, anyone who looks suspicious should be examined.

Ray's red eyes sparkled with excitement.

That magician was the perfect person to remove the masks of those who try to hide in the shadows. 

— As you wish, young master.

As soon as the magician entered the park to work, Leonardo sighed and felt a weight on his shoulders. It was all too complicated.

— Leo, are you free now?

— Hm? Yes, why?

— How about you relax a bit in my dressing room?

— Dressing room?

The last time Leonardo had been there was before they had made their relationship official. If it hadn't been for the trapeze artist's perfect timing, he would probably have been devoured right there. 

Benjin didn't mind Leonardo's rambling and guided him through the park until he reached the circus area. Meanwhile, the young master realised how things had changed.

The last time he had been in the dressing room, he had still been wary about his feelings for Benjin. Not only that, but he still seemed reluctant to accept his return to Dreamland. Still, he was a wimp when faced with Benjin's charms.

He could never get away from him.

But now he didn't even want to.

He had accepted so many things in his life that he could now feel braver about facing challenges. He accepted his feelings for Benjin and admitted to himself that he loved spoiling him. He also accepted his destiny as heir, because of the fond memories of his family and also because of his new friends.

Even if everyone there was a demon's fantasy, Leonardo didn't care.

Everything and everyone in Dreamland was now his.

Being pulled by the waist suddenly woke him from his daydreams. Surrounded by the smell of pitch was the essential clue that he was already in the dressing room. And the thirsty mouth that filled his was the answer to a mute question.

Play all you want.

Fantasise all you want.

Wish all you want.

As long as you're inside Dreamland, everything is yours.