Four days later Taro and Maron were waiting on the train station. After ensuring his steady money flow for his current lifestyle, it was finally time to start training Free. This was the first time they were all able to meet together after Free starting his sudden work under, but from now on they would meet more periodically, at least with Taro.
"You two look as cute together as always," Free shows a smile while walking toward them. These two were talking about something, making a scene, mainly because Marons emotional reactions. They were clearly on their own little world.
"Don't we," oldest smiles back. "It's been a while. How are you? You look tired." He was awing Frees clearly tired appearance.
Free hums. "I am tired. I usually sleep at daytime now so..," he explains. "I'm in the middle of changing my sleeping routines. Not yet quite managed."
"You serious? Should we reschedule this to later?"
"No, I'm fine. We need to do this anyway," Free fastly answers. There was no way anything would be any different later. He just have to deal with it. This training was important. "Sooner this is over the faster I can go to sleep. I'm in the middle of working too."
"Don't try to persuade me. He is the devil here," Maron turns around and smiles widely while meeting with Taros eyes. "You agree he shouldn't train if he is not feeling fine, right? We can start lightly today."
"We will never know without trying," was the cold answer from Taro, who was wearing his normal impassive look.
Of course Taro wouldn't see the situation as compassionately as Maron. Older nods sighing and smiles to Free. If the youngest was really sure about this, he too should not have anything against it.
"Then let's go."
- - - -
Two weeks went by. After the first meeting Free has made time to train with Taro almost daily, mostly during the week days when he was also doing some errands to random people around the city, to get more money. Since he could pull off this good deal with Tony, Free was now also meeting with him every now and then. Dealing and transporting items from a to b, that was basically all he did at the moment. Kept moving. Never stopping.
Like every morning, he has just came back to his apartment again. Was once again eyeing the morning lights surpassing the shadows before the sun would totally raise. Was once again planning to take some rest before getting ready to his training. And start the day over. Doing the exact same things like any other day before.
Even when Free really liked to train with Taro, this repeat was tiresome. But also all necessary so he couldn't but stick to all this. After repeating this all over and over again, Free could remember again living in streets was just this. Acting. Forcing himself forward. Hiding his feelings. Surviving. To the next meal. To the next plan.
What made this all feeling so frustrating was the fact this time he was all alone. He doesn't have kids around him to cheer him up anymore. Doesn't have his best friend with him anymore. Only thing keeping him going was the fact he was working for Don. If Don didn't need him to be here, Free would have went back already. Into that apartment. Be where Don was.
Lighting his cigarette Free sits down on the floor, dangling his leg out from the bars of the french balcony. Intently staring his phone on the floor next to him.
He wanted to talk to Don. Hear his voice. Hear Don give him something what could change this uneasiness he felt. Everything was rolling still. Not moving back or forth. And that was eating him alive. Not being able to do a thing to change it.
Should he wait Don to call him? Tell him to do something else? Did he knew something Free doesn't? Was there something Free hasn't figured out yet and could still do on his own and actually move forward? Should Free make contact with Isa? Clearly he was not with the two others anymore. The reason still unknown.
Should he do this. Should he do that.. Those 'shoulds' were what kept him from breaking out of this. Free raises his head and leans it back. Letting a long breathe out. This wasn't him going back to his former life, show himself how damn good he was being The Free he once was and have his fun. That excitement was a long gone. This was just him going voluntarily back to this hell he used to live in. Nothing damn great about any of this. And before he would feel like totally giving up, he desperately needs something new to move on with.
Giving up was not like him..
Free takes his phone and makes a call.
"Free?"
"Luor? Are you alone? Can I ask a favor?"
"Sure."
"I need to find someone. Can you help me out?"
- - - -
Man escorts these two young women out of the night club, opening the car door for them and making sure they get safely in. After that, man gives some space taxi to drive away while waving his goodbyes. In anyones eyes he was like a perfect gentleman, looking after his co-workers. And in a way he kind of was. When it comes to people from his workplace, Isa could definitely keep his act on in front of them. Only show his best sides. He was known from his gently side and a heart full of caring. These ladies weren't exception. They too have been sucked in so badly they couldn't but entrust they were in safe hands.
But the moment the taxi was gone, Isa drops his overly cheerful smile. Like sighing away the dirt on him, man breathes deeply in and out, searching his phone. It wasn't that he didn't find it enjoyable in a way to see these girls outside their office, but he would have been rather using this time going through his next project. Working in insurance sector on marketing side, the pressures to make everything go as he plan were huge. Especially when he was after the commission income. He wasn't a person who liked to lose. And so far he has always been on the winning side. Bringing more money to his company meant more money to him after.
There were times Isa could only focus on working. So his free time he tend to spend very differently. Look a company to pleasure both his mind and body, to erase the stress. Such company wasn't that hard to find from the city this twisted. But the most beautiful ones of them were also the most reserved. Like the one who Isa has just found under his eyes, leaning on the wall next to the vip areas entrance.
This young man definitely had an aura around him. No matter how dark clothes he was wearing, he still stands out from the others around him. While just intently eyeing his phone, clearly in the middle of something, he doesn't bother to pay any attention of the looks he was receiving. His bored appearance was saying he wasn't interested of anyone here and was just minding his own business.
But like Isa could resist. Just seeing this young man was enough to make him feel damn satisfied. "How nice to meet you here. Free," man smiles while boldly taking a spot next to Free, intently keeping his eyes locked on the younger who now turns his confused look at him.
When Free realizes who was standing next to him, acting damn too close, he doesn't hide his disgust but glances the other angrily. "Oh shit. You again? Give me a break. I really don't want to see your face anymore," Free states out loudly and turns his focus back on his phone. Ignoring the guy would make him leave eventually.
"Now that is understandable," Isa laughs. But doesn't actually show any intention to leave just yet. "What are you doing out here? Looking for company? My offer is still on, you know."
"Offer?" Free turns his eyes back to Isa and gives a smile straight from hell. "No thanks. I'm fine without you. Piss off."
"That's a shame," clearly just teasing the younger still, man just casually turns his look away, taking more relaxed pose and leans on the wall next to Free.
Free sighs. "What are you doing?"
"Don't mind me. I'm just enjoying the night view," Isa smirks, eyeing the younger. Just seeing this kid being this annoyed was amusing. And no wonder. Even after their nice night together he didn't show any fear toward Isa. But acting as cocky as ever. This kid has couldn't be shaken that easily.
Finally Free turns to look at Isa again, bringing his normal smile out. Since man was seriously planning to stay himself, he should just drop the bomb. "Do as you wish. I have to admit, it's partly thanks to you I'm here right now. I met your old friend the other day. The one who introduced you to me."
Young man get quite chatty all of a sudden. That was fine. But Isa sure wouldn't have like to hear about that guy. "You mean Tony?"
"Yeah. Him. I happened to ram on him and mentioned you. But he wasn't so nice the way he talk about you. Some shit about you overreacting about something," Free tales. "What happened? I thought you guys were like best buddies."
"Me? Overreacting?" Isas look changes and he turns his eyes away, snorting once. That sudden angry glance didn't go unnoticed. "That lunatic really said that?"
Bingo. Something odd has definitely happened between them.. "I can see his point. You are damn crazy," Free follows carefully Isas reaction. Maybe it was this guy who killed someone. And Tony cut his ties with him. He was without a doubt the most suspecting of them. "Anyway. Badmouthing you gave me an excuse to talk him more. I got myself quite a good deal. You were really helpful."
Isa laughs annoyed. It was clear he was feeling very uncomfortable. Almost enraged. "I cut my ties with him a long time ago. And recommend you to do the same," man clears out coldly. "What kind of business you do with him? Let him do you?"
"Jealous now?" Free smirks back, purposely trying to annoy the other more. Players were selfish, couldn't stand being underrated. "I think it has nothing to do with you who I play with."
"Come on. Just name the prize," Isa shows a sure smile, now looking properly the younger again. "I'm way more better and richer than him. Cut your ties with him."
Free shows a disgusted smile and moves his eyes away. "Better? Just fuck off. I'm waiting for someone.."
Man hums, finally giving up. "That's what I like about you. Cute and cocky. Fine, have it your way. But just a little advice from your older..," Isa states and leans closer to Free. "Be careful around Tony. That man is a psycho. I bet you don't like it that rough."
Young man was now glancing the older, not so sure how to take that warning. Without saying more, Isa finally pushs himself moving and waves his goodbyes. And walks away without looking back.
Now that was unexpected.
Free puts a smile on his face. Stops the recording from his phone.
- - - -
The way how Tony and Isa were talking about each others made it very clear there really was something going on. What ever it was was buried deep down already and couldn't be fixed that easily. But that was basically all Free has figured out so far. And that made him feel even more frustrated. The same doubts start to roll in his mind.
Walking up these stairs wear him out more and more step by step. Going back to this apartment every single morning just to restart this circle again was starting to feel very suffocating, insuperable. He has slowly reached to the point where he kind of didn't even want to go back, just to avoid starting this all over. Taking his short rests couldn't remove this exhaustion, when his tiredness was definitely more mental than physical.
After seeing Isa, Free was quite surprised how calm he himself could just act around him, albeit knowing very well what that guy had done to him. Free just couldn't care. This endless act has became so strongly part of him by now that he wasn't so sure was he even pretending anymore or was this just how he actually was now. Has he always been this cold? Has he always been this unconcerned?
Yes, Free has definitely been like this as long as he could remember. At least before. To stay strong one must hide his feeling. Play unhurt what ever happens. Without being like this he would have given up years ago.
He has adapted, hasn't he? To this role what he was playing right now. Just like he has always done. To survive here alone he need this change. But somehow he was also afraid of how big difference this was. Just two weeks here and he has became like a totally different person, feeling so differently than while being with Don. While living inside that 'other world'.
Could Free actually even do as Don was expecting him to do? Go to that training and then suddenly work as that cops subordinate, help catch those who break the law, cause problems to the society? Somene like him who wasn't so different from the people he would be after? Could someone like him even actually turn into something else than what he really was? Free still doesn't understand how that world actually works, when he has always lived in shadows. Even now he was still watching that reality like he was watching some TV program. It was right there but everything felt unreal when it was still so far from his reach. As long as he just walks past, nothing concerns him.
Because he doesn't belong in that world, right? Not really. No matter how hard Free would fight, in the end he might never get to the point he would be recognized as something else than just a nobody from streets. When before he has always been just that.
Without Don, in that world he was just a nobody. And it wasn't any different in here. Free has nothing here. Or there. But Don.
Free has stop his steps in front of his apartment door, staring at nothing. Damn scared to open that door. He could just go in now and keep going like before. Or he could admit he was feeling damn lost right now and just run back to Don. Or he could actually just leave all this behind and run. Every one of these options sound very possible him to carry out. Like he could just roll the dice and go with it. Right now any result felt as pointless.
Like giving up to his mood, Free laughs silently, sighing. He must be very damn tired to start thinking this gloomy now. Trying to pull himself together, he searchs his keys and just gets in. He has no time to start thinking useless shit when he hasn't even accomplished anything here yet. Don would make fun of him if he could see him like this.
The moment Free sees this dark figure sitting at the table, it felt like every single cell in him went numb, making him freeze in place. First not even understanding was what he was looking at real or just his own imagination, young man couldn't do but just stare. But when the image didn't change and he could finally tell he wasn't just seeing things, his strong hold gives up. The warm ache came from nowhere. Going through him like a crushing pain, making it hard to breathe at first. Suddenly he felt so relieved. And still so angry. Don actually being here now made him feel damn confused.
Free lets his look drop. A deep breathe out could be heard when he finally pushs his body to move. He kicks off his shoes and drops his jacket on the floor while walking closer, first not even daring to look at the man, to keep his emotions under control. If he now said something he might seriously yell. Or cry. That was how mixed his feelings were right now.
Don hasn't drop his own gaze, but was calmly eyeing the youngers tired look. Kid definitely wasn't his usual self. The strong and cocky attitude with what Don had left him here two weeks ago was long gone. The difference was evident.
Without caring anything else anymore, Free just reachs out his hand to get his touch, pushing the guy a little to sit on his lap. When their eyes met, Free lands his lips against others. Kissing gently. Doesn't say anything. But crave to feel those lips. That warm body under him.
Don was surprised by this sudden attack, but answers to that kiss. Young man squeezes his shoulders strongly, like making sure he couldn't go away from his touch. He even bites Dons lower lip before resting his head against mans shoulder. Man under him was about to say something but kept his silence. It wasn't that he didn't like this kind of attention from Aki, but this unusual behavior made Don feel very charged.
"Just a little while.. Let me stay like this," Free finally whispers. Breathing shakenly in and out like holding his tears.
Like man would ever refuse. Don calmly moves his hands around Free, holding his head, pressing his body against his own. "Are you -" "Please don't say anything..," younger fastly cuts his words, taking even stronger hold.
Man closes his eyes. Doesn't say more.
All the frustration and this overwhelming feeling of being alone melt away like with a click. Feeling Dons body, hearing his calm breathing help Free leave all his worries behind. This here was like his sanctuary. The place where he could forget everything and just be. How just seeing this man after a while could make him lose his control this instantly? Only he wanted was this man staying with him. Take his pain away. Just for a bit. Nothing else. And he would be satisfied.
And not long later, like closing the lights, Free falls into a deep sleep. Just like that.
- - - -
When Free opens his eyes again the sun has already risen. And he could tell immediately it was way past the time he usually wakes up. Feeling still very tired, he has definitely overslept. No wonder. This morning he wasn't alone. Don was there, holding him against himself on the bed. The steady heart beat against Frees ear was so calming young man could have kept sleeping even more like this.
Don was really here? Free wasn't imagining this now? Wasn't still half asleep? Just to be sure, younger moves his face closer against Dons shirt, taking a deep breath through his nose, smelling that familiar scent. It smelled like their home. Like Don has brought a piece of it with him. And sure, it was way better scent than in this small apartment which had get a slight smell of cigarette in it by now. With Don here, even the air felt more cleaner.
When Free moves his hand to rub his eye, man next to him also moves, starts gently petting his hair. "You think I can leave you here after you act like that?" Don suddenly speaks out with his husky voice. He himself has been awake a while now. Knowingly letting this obviously exhausted kid take all the rest he needed to recover.
Hearing him kind of startled Free a little, but he couldn't but answer with a smile. He definitely needs to explain himself here or man might just order him go back with him or something. Sure, Free was acting quite out of character before. Even he himself wasn't so sure of what happened. But he was feeling just fine now. "I had a good night sleep and got my batteries load so I think I'm fine now," Free answers quietly. Remembering how he fell asleep last night, he actually was quite baffled too. But damn glad. Like he has get back his usual strong spirit.
"What? I leave you alone and you become like this?" man tsihs, showing honestly how annoyed he felt at the moment. He was always prepared for anything, but something like this he couldn't foresee. If young man was wearing himself out here badly enough to start showing symptoms of overstress, they should think another way to proceed or sever the kid from the case entirely.
But Free doesn't want to hear that, knowing very well what man was thinking. He crawls even closer onto Don. "Become what?! I have a lot going on. It's your fault for showing up here like that this sudden. You..! You broke my focus!" young man loudly clears out.
Don sighs deeply out and turns the younger on his back on the bed, sitting on him, eyes locked on those tired blue eyes. Free was holding Dons wrist tightly, also intently eyeing the other. That sure look was enough to calm Dons mind. "Now that cocky kid I know," he says smiling. "If you are about to go too deep, please, call me before you end up like that again."
Free hums. Then shows even more of his usual cocky attitude out. "Did you came here for the morning fuck?" he wonders smiling, raising his other hand to touch Dons chest with his fingertips. "It's been a while. I'm kinda horny."
"No," Don just calmly answers. "I missed you so I came to check on you. Without you it's too damn quiet in that apartment. I'm used to have you around." He moves a little, planning to get up and use the restroom. Now that the younger was awake and cleared he was feeling okay, they should have breakfast while talking this over. There was no way Don would just ignore it all. He needed to hear what was going on.
But Free was still holding Dons wrist, not showing any intention to let go off him. When kid wasn't saying anything, but just staring back at him, Don leans back down. "What are you doing?" he asks, taking his other hand to touch younger mans hair. Was he actually still feeling low?
Free wasn't so sure what he was doing. He just didn't want to let go.
Not getting any answer, Don moves his fingers down on Frees face, gently touching his cheek. The air around him changes a little. "Do that, toy with me and your work is done here," he whispers surely. Not a bit of sorry in his voice. This was a warning. Keep the work and private life apart. If kid couldn't, Don was more than happy to take him back with him. And really do as young man was asking here, embrace his body until he was satisfied.
Finally Free releases Dons wrist. And older gets up, heads to the restroom. Eyeing man going, Free sits up yawning, stretching his numb arm. Gradually waking himself totally up he lets his eyes wander through this small room around him. He swear the place wasn't messy or anything, but someone has clearly cleaned here. At least the kitchen area, Free remembers he had left some dishes in the sink, thinking to clean up later. Also, his shoes and jacket weren't on the floor anymore, but nicely set where they belong, next to the front door.
But that wasn't all what was different here. He himself wasn't wearing his last nights jeans anymore. But lighter trousers instead. Even his shirt was a different shirt!
Sighing Free closes his eyes, unbelieving. How he didn't even wake up when that man had changed his clothes?? Growing even more puzzled inside Free could feel his face warming up. After all he has went through he shouldn't be so sensitive, letting things around him affect him too strongly. But there was one who could shake his mind, make these small unpredictable gestures have even stronger effect on him than had originally even intend to.
That one was now calmly walking back to the main area. After glancing toward Free once, Don starts to make coffee for them. Now that Free was thinking it, older seem to be very familiar with everything here, when he knew exactly where to look the items he need. Has he also spend some time here before? During some cases?
How ever, having this guy here felt incredible nice. Calming. They used to start their every morning together like this, Free sitting still and waiting while man would make breakfast for them. Guess Free also missed Don a little..? He too has used to have Don around. Man coming here really helped him get his mind steady again. The pressure was gone. Losing that let him see how tired he actually was. Two weeks went by so fast when he was just constantly moving, thinking what to do next, no idea he had pushed himself to his limits here. Not to mention all the pressure from those small jobs he was doing again. They were all illegal, way or other.
Free finds himself eyeing Dons back, growing a little worried. How much Don could back him up with his selfish decisions? He knew very well he was still out here after that hotel rob just because Don lets him. So man has used his authority to make that happen. But was that actually something Free should have done in the first place? "I'm sorry," he speaks out then. Getting ready to be scolded.
Don turns to look at him. Since young man was looking serious all of a sudden, he clearly wanted to talk all through about what was on his mind. That was fine to Don. The sooner the better. "Talk to me," man says with a commanding voice.
There was no turning back now. Free clears his throat, taking his time before actually speaking out. "Well, I hope I didn't over do it. The shit I'm doing now. And just to get myself near them. I mean, Luor must have told you all what he knows, right? I mean, I.. I haven't told you everything I.. But all I have done is dealing drugs, okay? And, a little cargo dealing. Nothing too big. I needed money..," Free holds his head down, immediately starting to regret talking this all out like this. He wasn't sure how to put his words right. He just blurt it all out. Usually, before, he wouldn't have cared the consequences, but because the situation was very different now, because someone else was taking the blame for him instead.. Because of Don he felt differently. And he was damn worried. "I so over did it, but.."
Suddenly, there was a hand touching his head, gently petting his hair. "Silly. I told you to go back and do what you did before. You did exactly that. If you had went too far I would have stopped you already, " Don points out. Free raises his look back up now, looking back to Dons eyes, who by now has removed his touch, smiling to him. "What? You have no trust in me?" man keeps, smirking, walking back next to the coffee maker. "Think you have the power do what ever you want out there? Think again. You can't see me but I am watching you. You are not alone. So keep doing what you do. Let me decide how far you can go. I am the one taking responsibility here. Not you." He leans on the kitchen desk behind him, wearing this very self-satisfied look on him.
Free clicks his tongue. That's exactly the reason why he was worried! Because Don would be the one taking the blame over him. And this felt like man didn't take him serious. "Hah. If you put it that way.. Now I was worrying for nothing? What ever I do you can just clean the mess," young man tsihs, rolling his eyes.
"Oh, please worry. Making a fake rob to milk money from insurance company wasn't exactly an easy fix," Don states and turns to pour coffee for them. Now his voice went more serious again. "Who comes up with an idea like that? Usually you don't walk straight in and say 'Hi, I'm here now. Let's do business'."
Young man gets more relaxed and finally shows a proud smile. "You told me not to rush but that kinda made me want to rush. And I think my idea was nice."
Don gives a coffee mug to Free who was still sitting on the bed. "Just don't make me too worried. I trust you but I don't trust your ego. All in all you have done a great job," after saying so, he sits down on the chair, drinking from his own coffee.
"See. I told you I can do this. Proud now?"
"I am. Taming you is my best achievement so far so.. I plan to take all out from this fun now," Don smiles and puts his mug on the table.
"Taming?" Free tsihs, not dropping his own smile.
"Taming," man repeats.
Silence fell in the room. They were both looking at each others. Until Don keeps with a calmer voice. "Listen, Aki. I'm not used to care of anyone, so this is very unfamiliar to me. How I'm suppose to act, I honestly don't know. This whole situation makes me feel irritated anyway. But one thing I am certain. If you aren't acting as cocky as always you will worry me sick. That way I will chain you in," Don moves his head a little, letting his puzzled mind and thoughts clearly show out. "If you now show me any weakness from your part, I will rather keep you on save hold than let you run around uncontrollably. I can be that selfish. Try me."
Free sighs. Why suddenly use his real name again? Mans glance was so intent Free kind of needed to turn his own look away for a second, concentrate on the steaming coffee mug on his own hand.
Sure, Free gets it. When ever he might fall down, Don would have to push him forward, keep going. Losing his own freedom to Don would end up as Taro said. Disaster. For both of them. How Don treasured him was really like being obsessive. Sure, Free knew it and since it was fine for Don, Free could use that affection so he would have a place to be. Something worth living.
Knowing Don would probably do anything for him if he would just ask, for his wellness.. First it felt just useful. That would be a win-win. If that guy felt guilty enough or something to become his guardian and give him a life with something to pursue, he should do his own part and be that object of obsession. Give something back, since man has given so much to him already. It wasn't his body Don was after. Clearly it was the other way around, Free was after his, so that would never pay his debt to Don. 'Stay with him' was all Don has ever asked from him. If something so simple was the answer, then Free should not have problems carry it out. He was the one winning here, from every sense.
But the more he was with Don the more his own thoughts have started to feel improper. Last night broke his almost certain mind half. He has had his doubts. About what their actual relationship even was. Don was his. Play a little and that man would say yes to him eventually. How that wouldn't be convenient? No. That was not how Free want it to be. He didn't want to think Don as someone he could just use.
Once again Frees own mind was bustling. He wasn't so sure what he himself even think anymore. About anything.. "Which one of us was the wild animal here?" Free then whispers.
"Didn't you say so yourself? I am a bad behaving dog in leash. I don't have a habit to obey without a reason," Don clears. Now Free has to raise his eyes back to Don. Older was smiling. Looking amused. "Don't lose it. Your control on me. Or I will bite."
Free tsihs smiling. This cop was as creepy as ever. "I won't. Thanks for reminding me."
Don hums. And changes the subject. "I already informed Taro you will skip your training today. So you still have some time to rest. Care to spare some time for me from your busy scedule? I would like to hear your report. Lets have lunch together."
Not that Free necessary had that busy scedule really, but he kind of filled his hours to maximum to get done as much as possible. No one was asking him to do anything by force. Except himself. So there was no way he wouldn't have time for Don. And man surely knew it, when that just sounded teasing. "Sure. I usually go with the flow anyway.."
- - - -
A few days later Free was once again heading to the familiar hotel area where he has became quite a regular sight already. The usual time for Tony to order weekends party items in was right at the beginning of the week. To make everything go smoothly, Free has prepared everything in advance, so when the time to deliver the items was near, he could only focus not getting caught. And the best time to do that was actually in the middle of the day when everyone were minding their own business, being too busy with their lifes.
Since Free was carrying drugs with him, he want to move fastly in and out. Even when he was in here with the owners will, the risks were always near. Being unlucky could cost everything. Using the side entrance as always, Free was now walking through the reception area. This was a public area. Where even the managers couldn't control everything coming in and out. The double doors on the other side of the lobby were for staff members only. That's where Free was heading. Acting like he owns the place and just walking in there was the most surest way to not drag any attention.
Inside he sees Tony talking to some woman on the back of this long corridor, which head to the changing rooms and the main offices of the members. The back door to the kitchen, and though that to the restaurant, was on right from where Free was now standing. Because these hours were the busiest of the day, people were coming and going past him. Some of the staffs who could recognize Free show a smile and welcome him with fast words.
No matter what, Free was born to drag attention where ever he was. So it didn't take long Tony also noticing the younger man who was calmly waiting near the doors. When their eyes met, Tony nods toward the stairs behind him, noting young man could go ahead to his office upstairs, not cutting his conversation with the woman he was with.
After getting his permission, Free was just about to move when someone takes a hold of his shoulder, trying to get his attention. "Excuse me. You are an employee here, right?"
That voice was so familiar Free first thought he was hearing things. When young man turns around he was genuinely confused, staring the man behind him with widen eyes. Don was standing there, showing his casual smile and after getting this young mans attention he lows his hand back down. "Ladies at the reception seem busy so I helped myself in. You know how to get in touch with someone from the management here?" man just casually shows his badge. Letting everyone here know he was from the police department and here for the official reason.
Free doesn't really have to act surprised, clearly this sudden situation made his real reaction very easy to read from his face. And since kids reaction was fun to watch, Dons smile went a little wider. But man hope he would not be too shocked now and would be able to play his part. "Sorry. I didn't set an appointment beforehand so give me a little hand here."
"Y-yeah," Free fastly corrects his mind and smirks. Straightens his pose. "May I ask what this is about? So I can show you the right person." Let's act then. Welcome to his playing area.
But man doesn't answer. With a calm hand move he puts his badge back into his pocket. "It's official so I can't really talk to just anybody."
Fine. Showing the badge should be enough Free to take this cop seriously. He turns his look toward Tony, raising his voice a little. "Tony! This one is looking for you!"
Seeing Free standing there now with some unknown man, Tony leaves the woman after fastly signing something and giving the files from his hands to her, naturally heading to meet them with polite smile. "What is it? How can I help you?" Tony asks straight, eyes locked on the new face. Showing his hand for shake. "Tony Maren. The Hotel Manager here."
Don shakes the hand, while once again showing his badge with his other hand. "Don Palenne. Crime detective."
Seeing that official badge changed the air around Tony. Cops in his hotel were never a good thing. But he could keep his calm while still smiling, although he doesn't have a reason try to hide his surprise so he didn't. "Detective? Now this is unexpected. How can I help?"
Without a break man gets to the point. "They were going to reopen the former managers case. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. That's why I'm here. To ask you to cooperate with me here," Don explains with his usual calm voice. No matter was Don at work or at home, he always seem to wear this very high aura around him, giving people this very respectable first impression of him, at least that was what Free thought. Like you weren't so sure should you awe or fear him. Since you couldn't read anything from those reddish brown eyes.
Politely Tony just nods. But every one of them could tell he wasn't happy here. "Of course. But may I ask why they are reopening it now? Was there something more going on? We managed to keep this low. If this goes public it will have devastating effect to our business." Looking from his perspective, it was very understandable why he wasn't that thrilled.
"You really want to talk about it here?" Don points out and turns his eyes on Free who was still standing next to them, quietly just listening to their chatting.
Free realizes the situation and stands back, looking Tony. "May I go now, SIR?"
Tony hums. Smiling. "Yes. You know your way on your own," he says and after young man takes his fast leave, man shows with a hand gesture Don to follow him to the office area, them to have some private talk. "Detective Palenne, was it? Please, this way."
- - - -
"You handled him pretty well," that was what Tony said first after closing the door behind him, smiling to Free who was sitting on the couch, eyeing back with an angry glance. Man had taken his time talking with the cop downstairs and was finally able to get rid of him, coming straight to his office where Free was waiting.
Young man here surely wasn't looking happy right now and stands up to meet the older when Tony had walked closer. "Why there was a cop here?!" he demands to know, trying to keep his calm. He was visibly upset.
"He came from nowhere and you just happened to be here," Tony calmly points out while sitting down. "But your fast acting skills were helpful. Even I felt fooled. 'Assistant'."
"I have fucking items on me!" Free curses. "He could have been here looking for me!"
"And with that possibility in mind you didn't even blink," Tony says smiling, showing a gesture young man to just sit and calm down. Seeing this youngster acting this stressed out was quite adorable actually. Being always so cocky, one wouldn't think he was actually this thin-skinned. "If you are interested, I really could use someone like you. To do some other business as well, here, in the hotel. You didn't shake in that sudden situation. So you have skills. Nerves."
Of course Free has nerves. He was standing here in front of the guy who he was trying to milk informations from with nothing but his own words and acts to protect him. One mistake and he was out. "In your dreams. I feel like throwing up now..," Free tsihs, surely doesn't sit down.
"Just think about it. Seriously. And let me know," man keeps while pouring a glass of water for himself. Free was as stubborn as ever. "That would mean more money to you. And has nothing to do with drugs. Honest work. Your looks are unreal anyway. It's a waste you working behind the curtains."
"I can't do honest jobs when I have no IDs and do not pay taxs," Free points out glaring Tony annoyed, taking out these two small bags from his pocket and leaving them on the table. "What ever. This is why I was here today so. My job is done. Give my money." He was long past the mood he should have acting overly nice anymore.
To calm this young mans mind, Tony does just that and gives his pay. But doesn't give up easily. "I can hire you with a fake ID. No big deal. And pay you cash."
Free fastly grabs the money roll. And lets out a pacifying breathe. Drops most of his anger mood with it. "What was that about anyway? Someone died here?" he asks then, skipping the topic for now.
Tony leans back. Waving his hand, showing how insignificantly he felt about the whole deal. "Something like that. The case was closed already. But this new cop seems to be persistent."
"Why did you agree my rob-plan if you already had cops on your back?"
"It happened weeks ago. The fear of them opening the case again never came to mind. It was closed."
"Fear?" Free repeats, laughing. Doesn't let that just spit. "Sounds to me you are talking shit here. It's not fear if you are clear."
"It's not what you might think and it's non of your business anyway," Tony says with a severe voice, patiently. He wasn't a person to stand too much bullshit, especially from someone like this brat. There was a limit how cocky you should act. And this was definitely the limit. "Cops come and go. He wasn't here for you anyway so why are you feeling so mad now, brat? Cut the crap."
Free tsihs back. But has to agree here. "What ever. I'm going," he sighs. Gets moving. But before he walks out of the door, he turns to look behind. "Let me think about your offer. If it's nothing with your fears and cops then I might actually want to hear what you have."
- - -
"He literally offered me a job in the hotel," Free says and leans down on his bed, holding his phone on his ear. Instead of spending his time in the city as he would have usually done, he came straight back to his apartment after meeting Tony. He was damn eager to let Don know what happened after and since the only way to contact him was through his personal phone which was always inside these four walls, he was here now.
Don hums. "That was unexpected, but of course very beneficial to us. Now don't rush a thing. We still have plenty of time." Man has just came in their work building, calling an elevator with his left hand while holding the phone with the other.
"Never occurred to me you were about to show up like that," Free sighs loudly, smiling, thinking that very moment. "I really wasn't prepared for that."
"The best way make contact is act naturally. The less you know the better. That way you will never feel the tension of waiting," Don explains. "I trust you would play your part. And you did. But I didn't think he would hire you like that. I guess he also saw some potential in you."
Free snorts proudly. Of course, as Don had pointed out earlier, Free was a pro of handling others, thinking fastly in any situtation. It didn't take that much of an effort people to like him when they were all already into him after one glance. When his looks were enough to gather attention, his smooth flirting what he has learnt from the ladies in streets was what would catch the rest. So this kind of jobs were like meant to him. "And? What are you going to do? You made a contact yourself."
"My job as a detective. They want me to reopen the case, check it out. If I don't find anything new, the case will be closed again. That is what Tony Maren thinks now. So with that in his mind he will play his role and try to show me what I need to see to drop it. Behind that, I need you."
Hearing that made Free feel a little excited. Finally Don was ready to give him a straight order. "What you want me to do?"
"Pursue Tony. Blend in. Build trust. Make him become careless around you. Report me everything you hear and see. But..," Don pauses shortly, a little hesitating. "If something you are not willing to do comes up, you step back immediately. He didn't hire you to do the impossible. You are still a kid. I'm not asking you to go wild there either."
Young man tsihs. There comes that overly worried side of Dons. Or perhaps jealous. Man was clearly overthinking. "You don't need to tell me that. I know what I am."
"I know. But I still feel like I had to lecture you from time to time, to make sure you are not doing anything too selfish there. I admit, I know non other kid who could pull out a plan like this and actually live in it. But even when you can act quite mature sometimes, you are still a newbie. Don't over do it."
"Hah. As if," Free tsihs smiling. He wasn't sure was Don praising him or mocking him. But of course those words he could kind of agree. He might not be in actual danger or anything, but he could blow up this whole thing if Tony gets suspected of him.
"If anything bothers you, call me," Don keeps calmly. "The fact you are there alone now doesn't mean I have abandoned you. I'm here too."
"Yeah yeah. Just keep your distance and I can fully do my thing here," younger tsihs. Enough with that. He wasn't going to let himself get that stressed out anymore anyway. He had learnt his lesson. Talking with Don and sharing his thoughts, have this connection, was necessary him to stay strong here. Remind himself why he was here. "When I'm done I can come back home," he adds then, with a more fallow voice. "And..," pauses. Never mind. Free wasn't even sure what he was about to say, anyway. "I'll see you later."
"See you."
After ending the call and letting his hand drop down, young man breathes shakenly out. Just like that, their connection was cut again. Everything felt suddenly damn empty. Coldness filled the room around him. Like Free just had this warm sensation around him and the moment Dons voice was gone, that feeling was too. Suddenly he wasn't in the mood of doing anything. But just lie here. If this how he felt right now was taken as him feeling bothered, could he just call back right away?
Laughing silently at his own thoughts, Free moves his hands on his face, closing his eyes, needing to take a moment of break before he would have to move out again. But no matter how long he spend trying to shake that feeling off, it stick, didn't let go. Instead of clearing his mind, Free start to feel even more worse.
This was how it felt to really miss something, right..?