"Turns out it was a double homicide done by the heat of the moment," Don explains while giving these document files to Halen who has just arrived back to their station. It was time to share the details of his current case. As all of them in their group has a custom to do, fill everyone in. Mark was also with them, filling his own role as the very one taking this case under his name after. He hasn't still seen the whole picture here and was eager to hear it all. "The culprit, Tony Maren, and one of the victims had an argument what ended badly. That happened during a drinking party. Since the owner of the hotel, Manuel W. Orvion, was very aware about the incident and took a role of helping Tony cover it all, he is accused as well."
Waiting if there was anything questions so far, Don continues after a break. "After arrest, we found the actual clip from the murder. One of the employees from the security has a hobby of downloading videos for his own purposes. After hearing him out he admit sending extreme videos in the internet to different web sides. There was quite a collection in his apartment."
Halen tsihs, showing a disgusted face. "There are weird people among us. And sickos who like to watch that kind of material.. But wait. Didn't you have three under investigation?"
Don hums. "The third one would be Isa Miller. He became our silent eye-witness, helped us find Tony and told what happened openly so I drop every charges against him. If you need him, he is willing to testify. You guys will meet personally, he is actually coming in here today."
"That's fine to me," Mark nods and drops the folder down from his hand. "The last group was so sure it was a murder-suicide. Nice job proving them wrong. Is Free okay? Didn't get traumatized?"
The case itself was very instructive experience, for both of them. Even when they faced some serious misfortunes, overall, kid was doing just fine. "He is strong. I talk to him right after we get him back. Two days alone in the dark is small compared to life in streets," Don regards then.
"Where is he now? We should treat him a celebration meal or something since he proved he can play like a pro in the field," Mark smirks. "I have grown to like his attitude a lot."
"Running some businesses. He said he has to end some lines."
"Lines?" other wonders. Then he understood what Don meant. "Wait, what exactly you made Free do?"
"I just told him to do what he did before. He didn't rob any shops, at least, that I can sure."
Mark sighs unbelieving. "I knew he brought drugs for his landlord, but.. was he also dealing back then?"
"Sure was. People from streets know their ways, know people. We cleaned his records before he confessed me more so I let it be."
"You are playing quite dangerously here..," Halen whispers then, staring Don. But after years of working together, he has kind of used to Dons boldness.
"So you knew? You made him deal drugs to get him in?" Mark sniffs, thinking his colleague here has definitely crossed the line. "No matter what he has done in the past, he's still an underage kid. That doesn't bother you?"
Since Don has already prepared for this, he calmly explains. "I didn't make him do anything. That was what he insist."
Both men went quiet from confusion. "Ha?"
Don sighs. He should explain before these two will hang him from being a bad guardian and a life coach. Truly, if they really would learn what Don has already done, what kind of relationship they really have, just hanging him wouldn't be enough. "He saw the files of this case and told me he knew the suspects. Had done business with them not long before, many times. He pointed out if he was going to work for us some day anyway, I should use his contacts while they were still fresh and let him work now. So I let him do it."
Hearing that made Mark laugh. "What, kid has already wrapped you around his fingers? You!? Don Palenne?" he smirks and leans back. Unbelieving the most persistent and adamant from them all could actually let someone walk over him like that. "Well, Free surely has a strong attitude. So Bossy."
"His point was straight and reasonable. After I got a permission, he made a plan and went with it," Don points out, ignoring Marks teasing, when his comment was very true too. "If something bad happen I would be the one taking responsibility. So that in mind he really did pretty well there. All I did after was clear that hotel rob case."
"He really did everything by himself?" Halen awes.
"Yes. Walked in, said hi and hired himself in. I really just wanted to see what he could do. Once again he surprised me."
"Then we are complimenting a wrong person here, aren't we," oldest keeps, taking a part of teasing their youngest. But he gets serious again. "Kid is smart. Or really lucky." Halen hasn't met Free yet, only saw him once in the building when he turn himself in. But the way how Don and Mark talk about him sured him he was an interesting young man, nothing normal. "Anyway, wasn't the original plan train him three years or so? How you got a permission to use him? Did you give him a WI?" It's a side name for the agents who work under cover, used in an actual investigations to hide the users real identity to protect them. Only the name, looks and possible center was available in official data.
"That's right," Don admits. "Everything he has seen in and can confirm later can be used as evidence, since in papers he appears as a hidden eyewitness with trustful mark. It's all legal." He taps the file in front of him. "But since Miller was willing to talk, we don't need his testimony in this case. Tony has confessed and people helping him hide the truth are all accused. In the end, the earlier false report is the only thing the highups will care about because of the gossips. They don't care how we prove them wrong. They care what looks nice in paper."
"Yeah, that's true..," Mark agrees, sighing. "Even if we would work our asses out to keep our city running.. About false reports..," he clears his throat, looking suddely more serious."I heard it went pretty bad there. The guards in.. Are you alright?" There was no single person on this floor who hadn't already heard about the incident between Don and two armed guards. But the sad outcome from it made people split, everyone having their own opinions about it.
This was expected. Some of them bringing it eventually up. "I wasn't expecting there would be armed guards. Things just happened," Don plays his role. At least trying to act a little sympathetic. Feel sorry. When in reality he couldn't give a damn.
"Well, it happens.. sometimes," Mark admits. "You will have a hell of a time with Boss after this."
"If it makes you feel better I already had a word with him," Don says back annoyed. "I will take full responsibility what happened."
"That's not what I meant!"
Now Halen has to take a lead of this conversation to lighten the mood. This kind of chain of events was inflammable area, a sensitive topic to quickly create conflicts between coworkers. "What's done is done. Our newest member was in serious danger there. Going against armed men, alone, without a weapon.. Of course it's going to be messy," oldest calls, making sure the volume of his voice was enough to make these guys listen carefully their older. "It's not something happening everyday, thank god for that. Lets learn something from this. It didn't go the best way it could have but it could be worse."
Both Mark and Don were quietly listening his words. Youngest turns his look away and reachs the files next to him, showing their conversation here was over for now. It was time to clear the air and continue where they left. At least he still had things to do, and choocing between this topic and getting the rest of his work done, his choice was obvious.
Mark too hums and gets slowly back to write his report.
- - - -
With a colorful takeaway cup of coffee on his hand, Free walks inside the police station building, right from the main doors. He greets these two receptionists, acting like he's been visiting this building for years already. This habit to show up like he owns the place where ever he went has stuck deep down in him. This place was no exception.
With his looks Free couldn't hide. At first glance people didn't care who he really was as long as they could watch his handsome appearance with awe. So with the help of that, giving them what they want, a peek of himself, Free could break the ice immediately. This motivated him always act friendly toward everyone. Show his bests. To get what he want. Or simple avoid troubles. While working at the hotel, this so called ability turned out to be very useful to get more attention from the customers. Thanks to that, he learnt to interact more diversely. Read people. Read situations. See the world from very different perspective than before.
To think, just a few months ago Free was still living in that one street. Surviving from day to day. Just weeks ago he went back there again and could tell immediately how much he had changed already. And now, once again, it felt like he has grown more. Comparing his life then and now.. they were very different. Back then he would have never walked in here, smiling like this, feeling so confident.
"Oh, yes. They are waiting you. Please sign here and I will get someone to escort you to the meeting room," the familiar women behind the main desk was talking to a man wearing a grey suit jacket. Even when Free should have stop there and sign himself in too, he didn't want to disturb their conversation so he just plan to head straight to the elevators. He has the pass to move around here freely anyway.
But when the woman was about to reach the phone, intenting to call someone to pick this man up, she sees Free walking closer and immediately greets the young man. "Oh, Free. How are you!" without waiting an answer, she points the man. "You are going up? Please escort this man to meet Palenne, would you."
With a very nervous look, Free was now staring this familiar looking man, recognizing him immediately. Of all the people, it just had to be this guy.
After hearing that name, man also turns his look to see the young man. Surprised. But then showing his wide smile. "Good day," Isa greets happily, like he has just won a toy from amusement park, feeling very amused. "I'm in your care then."
Free sighs deeply, with an annoyed look on his face. "Sure. Follow me..," he wasn't hiding how much he dislike this situation. But in here he should behave and juts deal with it. Turning around, Free leads Isa toward the elevators.
Man nods politely to the women and walks after him. "It's very odd to meet you here," Isa then points out, totally having his fun with this kid. "So you really work for cops now? What an ultimate change from what you did before, ha? Or have you always been their bitch?"
Trying to decide should he just ignore that small chatting, Free turns to look at Isa, smirking. "Well, you know, I'm such a whore I do anything for the money," that came out with a very arrogant tone. The elevator door opens and they went in. Free calls the floor and drinks his coffee, leaning to the wall and staring Isa. Being inside this small space with this man was so irritating.
"Did they really send you to find out what Tony did?" Isa keeps asking. "Playing cop now?"
Free just casually stares at him, keeping his silence. He had no intention to talk about the case with this man. How come this guy even was there? Meeting with Don? It was about work so Free didn't have a right to complain about it. But this felt annoying. He really chose a wrong time to come here.
When young man didn't give him a reaction he wanted, Isa points his own face from the area where Free has the swallen wound. "I told you to be careful around him."
"Kinda nice comment from someone who beat the hell out of me," Free tsihs back. "This here compared to your gently touch was nothing. And.. I think I played cop just fine. Since you told me everything what I wanted to hear from you. And that is why you are here right now," he adds. Smiling widely. "I am very grateful." They stared now each other in silence. Isas smile was gone.
The elevator stops moving and the door eventually opens. Don was standing just outside the door, holding his phone on his ear. He has just get a call from the first floor, heard Miller was coming up with Free escorting him. Meeting them now, Don was staring Isa, ending his call. And Isa could swear his look was very intense for a second.
"I brought your guest," Free calmly says to Don, still eyeing Isa too. He straightens his back and while turning his look to Don he walks out the elevator.
"Thank you. I will take it from here," Don smiles to Isa and shakes his hand with him. "Thank you for coming. Please, follow me." His cold attitude was suddenly gone. Leaving his personal thoughts out of this while wearing his work mode.
Free leaves these two guys behind him and walks slowly toward Dons desk. He definitely wasn't mentally prepared to meet that person here so suddenly. But after hearing about his role in their case, Free has to admit, despite having sick personality, he turned out to be very useful witness. As long as it helps Don, Free could tolerate anything.
Mark was sitting on the back at his own desk, with a man Free couldn't recognise. He was a little older man, looking like an actual detective from movies with his mustache and visible wrinkles on his forehead. But even when his looks were tired, his eyes were very friendly. "Free. Welcome back," Mark calls out smiling and points Free to sit down. "Good job in the field. Let me introduce you guys. Free, this is Halen."
So this was Halen, the fifth person in Dons group. Young man puts his cup on the table, shakes his hand with the man before sitting down. "Free Palenne. I have visit here a few times but always seem to miss you. It's nice to finally meet you."
Mark was eyeing Free surprised. "Have you learn some manners, now? You sound so different."
Free glances Mark, knowing he must be teasing him. "What? I can behave when I want.."
Man laughs. "Don told us you worked as a host in that hotel. Was it fun? Clearly you have learnt something from it. You feel more mature now. What a change."
"Are you mocking me..?" Free tsihs smiling. "Well, Don said everything comes with an experience. And sure I learnt a lot from the employees there. I know now how to make you spent more money to entertains just by acting nice." Free smirks.
While talking this and that with Mark and Halen, Free was constantly eyeing toward the room area where Don and Isa went earlier. He had just plan to visit here quickly while passing by, to see Don, intending to go clean the apartment after. He want to finish everything today. But even after almost an hour of chatting, there was no sight of Don, so Free finally leaves, letting others here continue their works. He could see Don later anyway. Back at their apartment.
- - - -
A few hours later Free stand inside the other apartment, was done with his cleaning. He has gathered his owns in his bag; the laptop, phones, clothes... And about thirtyfive hundred cash and a small pouch full of pink pills with smiles on them. Those were ecstasy, what was left from his stash. Because everything what he has done during the time here was count as working for CID, the money and the pills were logal governments belongings, what he needs to hand over.
But with who he has done business Free doesn't need to tell. The grey business in the shadows was ever going. The current CID, especially the seventh unit where Don belong, wasn't interested of one dealer among many when their goal has always been keep the balance, demolish the most difficultly controllable organizations. If the people Free knew would become a problem later, it was important to maintain those contacts. And even when Free doesn't like a bit that whole idea, be used as a bait like, he has to admit it was more smarter than hunt down everyone they finds. That would only alarm everyone under. Shake the balance.
"Hey, Danny. It's sudden but I thought I should call you before killing the line here," Free talks to the phone while closing the balcony door.
"That's never good, " Danny hums, really doesn't even need to hear more to know what was going on. But having this call from Free was something he actually felt quite sorry to get. People who were about to disappear for reason or two usually didn't bother to call him like this, but this young man, albeit wearing usually his arrogant mask, has always been innocently friendly from the rest of them. The streets hasn't killed his gratefulness and kindness, from that Danny was very glad of.
"Yeah. My main client got arrested for what ever so it's time to me to move on. Got enough in store so.. If I ever get back I will totally get in touch again."
"Just do it online. No reason come to me personally," man snorts. No one else was bold enough to walk to him straight when everything could be done indirectly. But that just showed which kind of person kid was. "It was nice doing business with you again. Don't do anything stupid now. You are too young and too pretty so guard your back, okay. Just an advice from your older."
"Yeah, sure," Free tsihs, didn't think he would receive some life lessons from this guy now. "Hope we will see again. This line is dead from now."
"Later."
Young man ends the call with a deep breath out, opens this old phone and takes the chip out, breaks it in half. Then he raises his eyes to look around him, through the apartment. This place was small but really cosy. Definitely the kind Free liked to live in. It reminded him of his very first hideout where he lived his first year after running to the streets. Of course, this was more warmer and cleaner compared to that cold basement floor with nothing but abandoned old and wet boxs and items like empty wine crates from the bar above it. But guess the feeling here was the same. Have a hideout only for himself while trying to survive alone. That kind of feeling. Smiling, Free takes his stuffs and takes his leave.
"Is everything okay? You went out before I had time to see you," Don answers when Free called him. Man was already done with his work and was just about to call Free himself.
Free hums. "Yeah. I was just passing by, had my coffee break. I'm just leaving, heading home, got the apartment cleaned."
"Actually, if you don't mind, come to the basement. Some of my men are here. They would like to meet you."
Feeling excited now, Free unnoticedly speeds up his steps a little. "Yeah, sure. It won't take long," he says and they end the call. What Don has told Free, men under him were actually the very ones he worked with in the field. Mark and others were from the same group, who all deal the cases. Depend on what was going on, they could make the plans how they should act, who would act. What made them different members of this group was the way they worked.
Don has never said it to Free out loud, but it was kind of clear to Free already that Mark, Ropert and two others didn't knew Don really. The way how he was, what he was so desperately trying to hide. That was all presumption from how they talk and behave around Don. And how Don kind of acted around them. All they knew was Dons bad temper. So the ones under him were those who have the hold. The ones who knew. When Don went to save Taro, his men were with him. They were in this last case too. Along with this Kiho, there were more.
They were the ones Don trusted so much to give his own life in line. Not so they would save him. But to stop him.
- - - -
This time Free properly signs himself in at the main desk before rushing to the elevators, impatiently calling the basement floor. When he finally gets out and turns walk toward the training hall, he immediately could see Don sparring with someone on the back.
Now when Free think about it really, he has never seen Don training or even mentioning going to the gym, or do anything physical fitness overall. When he actually trained? Don was strong, has visible muscles. So he definitely work out. Free has never really asked, but maybe taking care of their physical shape was part of their job? Since there was a training hall and all. Feeling a little stupid without figuring that out sooner, Free sighs those thoughts out and rushs in. However, he was very happy to see Don in a place like this, since it was very new.
A light haired man on his middle twenties turns his look on Free who was walking slowly closer, eyes locked toward the boxing ring. "My god. You were right, Kiho," guy says out loud, not hiding his excessive reaction. "That face is unreal!" Free turns around to see who was talking and is basically forced to stop. This man steps in front of him, shamelessly looking Frees appearance. "Even with that swallen eyebrown you look damn cute. Like, real life cute, not 'instagram cute'," he smiles and after admiring those clear blue eyes he shows his hand for shake. "I'm Milo Raahinen."
Kind of surprised from this sudden contact, Free couldn't but stare at him while politely shaking his hand. They must be one of Dons men. "Free Palenne.."
"So, Dons lover, I assume?" Milo gives a playful smile, searching an 'yes' from Frees reaction. He touches slightly youngers neck area where he could clearly see this red kiss mark on the skin. "If you get tired of him, I'm single. Those eyes of yours are beautiful. Such a cute." Free remembers the mark Don did last night. Covering it immediately with his hand, he freezes. Just after that he actually realizes what word Milo used. And he blushes. "L-lover..?"
"Now that's a yes," Milo smirks. Younger mans reactions were way too obvious. No wonder their Boss got his eyes on him. Just that unreal face was enough to make anyone adore him, but he could act that innocently cute too? Who could resist.
Without Free getting any time to totally digest what Milo just said, this another man walks next to them. And Free became even more confused. Now this figure he could definitely recognize. He indeed has met this tall, big, foreigner looking guest many times when he worked as a host in the hotel. One of Manuels friends. "Nice to meet you, finally officially. We met in the hotel. I am Kiho," man introduces himself with his hoarse voice. And they shake hands too.
"Y-yeah, I remember you. Nice to meet you," young man greets quietly, and after introduces he dares to turn his look back on Milo, feeling still damn confused.
Don and the other man with him have stopped their work out after spotting their newest member walking in, now heading toward the three of them. "Hi. Name is Larx," Larx introduces himself, been also very excited to finally meet this young man he's heard so much about already. "I was in charge of the hotel team, arrested the owner and people involved. Thanks to you, we found the physical evidences to proof what happened. But I'm sorry you had to go through that for it. Glad you are okay."
"Free. Nice to meet you too," finally Free shows a little more relaxed mood out. It was so exciting to meet the very people he had work with in the same case. Them all doing their own parts without necessarily even meeting each others ever during the process felt very odd but understandable, especially after Don explained it.
"You will work with them more in the future. There are three others too, and Susan. You will meet them all eventually," Don notes to Free. "Keep them close 'cause they are good influence. Have the skills and right mind to work. You can definitely learn from them."
Free hums while looking all three of them. "Sure. Thanks for having me," he nods politely.
"How polite teen we have here," Milo smirks, giving Don a sly glance. "What a cute you have found." He was eyeing him carefully, surely finding a hint of irritation from how Don looked back at him.
Intentionally ignoring Milo, Don turns his look back to Free, smiling. "The time working as a host didn't go waste. Come. You can show me what else you have learnt."
When older man walks back toward the ring, Free shows a smile and walks fastly after him. "You're gonna fight with me?"
Don jumps in the ring. "I can't fight. But you can. Show me what Taro has teach you so far."
Young man takes his hoodie away and goes in the ring. "You can't fight?"
"There is a big reason why. So a role of a walking punching bag is what I can be. If you can hit me at all, that is."
"He almost killed Kiho two years ago," Milo states out frankly, wanting to see how Free would react to that. Youngest turns his eyes on him. Then on Kiho who doesn't show any changed reaction. Free understands then what Milo wanted to point out.
"Ever since that small incident I promised I won't fight seriously here anymore, at all. Ever," Don clears. "Boss made me swear. If I ever defy that command, I'm out."
"Makes sense. You avoid using violence and learn to keep the calm while defending?" That was the first thought Free get. And he was very confident he get that right.
"Exactly," man handles a pair of light boxing gloves to him. Kid has caught up fastly.
"Will I ever see you fighting for real?" Free dares to ask while eyeing Don with a sneaky smile. Already imagining how this guy would just overrule everyone with his fists. It was about the aura Don was always wearing. If just his cold stare could be so impressive, his fighting spirit must be insanely scary.
"I really hope not."
Other three were now standing at one side of the ring, chatting quietly. After hearing Don found some street youngster and even took him under his wings, this very one has become their favorite topic to talk. They all have been very eager to meet him. This Free Palenne, the ghost kid who played with CID and even fooled them till they actually had to end their investigation for his part. Not just anyone could do something like that. So no wonder their Boss too has got his eyes on him. At least Milo found it fun, to see how differently Don act around his young man. Most of the time their Boss was just very serious, only minding his work.
Free puts his gloves on and takes a pose, breathing out, concentrating. That made the older guy smile. Someway Free looked like he has changed a lot. The wild street youngster was left beside, giving a room to this new ego Free has grown into.
Now the young man moves. Hits with his right fist twice, giving the second hit right after pulling his hand halfway back. Don could touch both of the hits with his left palm. Without a problem. Young man controls his breathing, gets ready again. So Don was this fast. How fast he really was? Free trys again. Right left right right. And a kick toward the left knee. Don touchs all the hits, moves his leg behind just in time, just so far that Free couldn't reach it. Looking like he wasn't really even doing anything here.
"That was nice," Don hums. "Your breathing is timed right. But don't do unnecessary kicks which can lead to your lose. I could have kick back on your knee instead."
"I know. Taro did that already. But I knew you can't kick me back so..," Free calmly states out. He just wanted to try Dons speed.
Man nods. Thinking who was in charge of training this young man, no doubt he should already know the basics. Taros teaching was as he himself was; cold and simple. "As long as you understand it it's fine."
Free moves again. This time he wanted to see how long Don could keep going. Since he himself was very confident, having great stamina. Giving multiple attacks, keeping his fast rhythm, Free just kept going, Don calmly answering every one of them. The last one Don touchs, Free rounds his wrist to take a hold on Dons, pulling him closer and striking with his left fist. Even that didn't do the trick, when Don just seem moving incredible calmly back, touching that fist and closing it, without a problem, not letting go. Older leans his face closer to Free. "As a smoker you are not even out of breathe," he says. "That's good." And frees the hand.
Free grins. And keeps on. How ever he tried he couldn't hit Don even once. Round after round. But the training was fun and did good to his body.
Later they were sitting down on the floor, near the ring, taking their break, watching Milo and Larx moving and kickboxing inside the ring. Kiho had left by now, after changing a few word with Free. Talking with that man now outside the hotel was somehow super odd. When earlier Kiho was seem to be like any loaded bitch, acting very arrogant and looking down on others, he was actually very polite and nice. Not only Free did act as arrogantly back, he also pulled his flirt card against him multiple times, no idea who he was teasing then. Lyckily Kiho didn't point that all out..
"Am I still too slow? Or are you just too fast?" Free wonders then, going through their sparring just now. "It feels like I'm really really slow compared to you." That somehow didn't feel right. He was clearly moving faster but still older was always like one step ahead of him. Like reading his mind.
"You are fast enough. I can just read moves faster," Don answers after drinking some water, smiling to kids mulling. "When my mood is right, my concentration is steal. Comes with the package. The skills and the obsessive specificity. And the rest. At least that's how Lilian once explained it. There is no one in this building who could win against me in normal circumstances, so don't think about it too much."
Hearing that, how Free could not think about it too much? That sound way too awesome! But what Don said just before that made Free realize something. He stares Don in silence, thinking. "Obsessive specificity? Is that why we have so clean home?" Free asks smiling. "And everything is in order, even in the fridge?" Really, he has never met another person like Don who kept everything so set. From pens on the table to milk carton in the fridge.
Man hums. "Remember the day you came in the first time. I actually told you I like my things where they belong," he turns his look on Free now, leaning his head on the wall behind him. "I've live alone since I was fiveteen. Couldn't let anyone touch or move anything what was inside my apartment that time."
"Since fiveteen? You have never talk about the time you were younger," Free points out, growing very curious. "What you were like? A rebel?"
"Way worse," Don answers smiling. "Anyway, after many years I have grown out of that habit, but.. I still like to keep it simple and clean. You are my best training tool, by the way. Apparently I really can keep my calm while cleaning the mess you leave behind. Or I can't be mad at you so I can let it slide and just deal it."
Free blushes. "Ha? I don't mess that much?" No, actually, Don might be right. When Free cleaned the other apartment, it really was looking messy compared to their home. Not really really messy, but you could see someone was living in. In Dons apartment, it looked like a photo right from the design magazine.
"You are in?" Milo calls out Don, asking man to switch with Larx. That guy was already out the ring, searching his phone and answering a call he has just received, stepping side from the ring because of that.
"Sure," Don stands up, petting Frees hair. "Look closely. He is a good fighter," he notes and gets up to the ring.
After watching them awhile, Free has to admit Milo too was unbeliveable fast. Man didn't need time to concentrate before already moving, he just kept going. Free could see the footwork Don has to do to be able to touch every hit Milo gave. Unlike against Free just now, this sparring was more technically challenging, forcing Don move around the ring. The most obvious difference on him was that Don wasn't smiling. He actually looked very concentrated. Realizing that made Free sigh. He has still a long way to go. To get even near that good as the others here were.
At least one thing was the same. Non of the strikes or kicks Milo did hit the actual target. Don could block them all. When Milo gave the bluff hit, Don also moved his hand back. Being able to see others movement this fastly was amazing. Free has seen this just in kung-fu movies. But didn't really think there were actual real life people who were able to move like that. Really, their movements were like dancing. Don was really amazing..
What it was again? The calling name Milo used before.. Lover..? Blushing a little, Free could feel his body going warmer, locking his eyes on Don. Was that how they were? Could you normally call someone like them lovers?
Feeling very mixed now Free has to turn his look away. When mentioned about it so suddenly, he wasn't even sure what love was really? As always his only experience of that was from movies. There were couples with a lot of drama and so. And in the end they were in love. People 'loved' his face, so they wanted him. Like Milo just demonstrated. That was not really love. That was just people being interested. Liking him...
What was this freaking love thing?
When he thought more about it, Free actually could remember that one time Don asked him to fall so deeply he wouldn't get enough of Don. Was it that? Fall in love? That was a slip of a tongue from Don back then, one of the times man has outspoken. Being honest, then little later regreting how honestly he has spoken. As the matter of fact Don did that all the time with him. Just lately Free has learnt to read that. Man has made a lot exceptions, against how he normally would do. Because of Free.. Don was his safe place. His belonging. His. But to Don Free has been even more? Something to be so obsessive of..
Obsessive? Young man turns his look back to Don. Then sighs. So this was what people called 'love'? That was not right? How he felt was way more stronger than 'just love'. Eyeing closely Don, the more he think about it the more warmer he felt. Blushing even more, he has to turn his eyes away again, silently laughing a little, holding his head.
Shit. So this is love..?
- - - -
Their booked training time was over. Other people were already coming in, taking over the ring. Don takes the last of his stuff and walks back to Free who was now waiting near the doorway, clearly deep in his thoughts.
"Ready?" Don asks and Free turns to look at him, humming. After some fast word changing at the door with Milo, they finally left the area. When they get in to Dons car, older puts the keybox in, but instead of starting the car he suddenly leans back, stays still looking at Free. Waiting.
And Free definitely notices that staring. "What?" younger then asks while staring back.
"That is my question," man says back. "You think I wouldn't notice when you start behave weirdly.. What is in your mind?"
"I'm not behaving weirdly," Free tsihs and turns his look away. Damn, this guy could see right through him!
Don smiles, totally reading him. "Was the training that eye opening or something? Don't worry, we have just more experience than you. Don't compare yourself to us. Or was it Miller? I should have warn you he will show up here today.."
Free looks back, thinking. "No, it's-" Then nothing.
"Speak," Don states calmly.
Free breathes out. And lets it all out. "Milo called me your lover..," he then frankly announces.
Going almost dumbfounded from that, Don leans back while closing his eyes for a second, sighing deeply. "As expected from him..," he says quietly, taking a small moment to think. This wasn't that unexpected, but it still take him by surprise. "I'm sorry. That's my fault.."
"No, it's just that.. It was kinda -"
"We should have a serious talk about this. Make this clear here," Don states clearly out then, with a very considerate voice. He knew others would start questioning their relationship over time, so they should be prepared for that from the beginning. "I'm your guardian. That's where we start. If we want to stay together we.. we will keep that act on."
"...Ha?" without even understanding first why Don was suddenly speaking like that, Free stays staring the older who was clearly trying to think what to say next.
Don sighs. "I'm not sure what this is what we are anymore..," he honestly points out, feeling quite uncertain himself here. How he could know something he has zero experience. "So if this is called love then.. I guess I love you. But maybe in a sinister way. Obsessive way. You have become more important to me day by day. That's all I know for now. But I'm not asking anything back from you. As long as you are here with me, I'm satisfied. You know that, right?"
Don looks at the young man next to him. Seeing how visibly puzzled he was at the moment. And slightly angry, because this clearly wasn't what younger assume to hear. "I can guess what you are thinking now.. But you are still young. Just learning life here. There is so much more out there you to see before you can say you know yourself. Know what you really want. Before that I can't trust your feelings. I'm sorry for that." After dropping that bomb, Don turns his eyes away, trying to put his mind in right words. "Or, more like, it would be unfair to ask you to choose me now when you still have a whole life ahead of you. I am unfair already. Feelings can fade. Change. If you start to regret this now later.. That I can't allow. I can't let you act hasting.." Looking at Free again, he adds the rest with a gently smile. "Lover or not, I'm all yours so do with my love what ever you want."
Free was listening Don quietly, being damn stunned after hearing him out. Regret Don? Something like that will never happen! All what Don just announces took a while Free to clear up in his own mind. This wasn't right. Man was once again backing off!
Just a little later, after this long silence between them, Don starts the car and drives away from the parking area. "Is it a serious talk if you are the one doing the talking," Free finally spits out, sounding mad. "Besides what was that? Regret this? That is not what I.." Words stop there. Right now Free felt like yelling out Don to take that all back. Things what Don said wasn't how man was really feeling.
"For this once I ask you to not speak before you really know what to say. If you haven't really think about this before there is no way you can have the words to talk back here. I have already think this through many many times in my head. How you might feel too," Don explains, pointing clearly out with the volume of his voice he would not listen futile whining. He has set this mind. "Even if you have a little crush toward me after I played with your body a little more passionately than anyone else before, thinking I am all you need and your 'place' is with me, that is not love. I can't let it be love. Yet. For now, that is searching. Learning."
"For now?" Free clicks his tongue, already feeling the anger burning inside him. The more Don spoke the more his words irritate him. That's not how Don seem to feel the day before yesterday.
"Don't get angry now. I'm not going anywhere. So take your time. If we can make this work what we have now, then let's stay together. Be together. But if you are too haste to offer your love to me, you can't back off, ever. You are in chains after that. Since I have made my choice. I know what I want. I'm already dedicated to you. But like Taro said. Toxic. That I definitely am. Because of that.. I mentioned it before. The 'safewall' I'm planning to keep between us.."
"Safewall?" Sure, Free remembers.
"We need it so I won't drag you down with me. It keeps you safe," Don clears, glancing Free once. "It's not really there, but if we name it, it exists. Until you really know what you want. Until I will let you take responsibility of your own choices. But not yet. Just.. not yet."
Free understood, kind of, where Don was heading with his words. No mather how strong minded Free was he really couldn't trust his own feelings? Without a life experience he could only talk and guess? Was that what Don wanted Free to think? Don still see him as a cocky kid, right? Who makes hesitated choices and goes with the flow? Of course Free understands the difference between Don and him. Don has already think about how he felt, even if they have never talk about This before. After all this time together Free simple hadn't. He really was still a kid. New situations like this was a constant reminder of that.
But! Nothing else has ever made him feel so safe and strong than Don did. But, true, that might be just because it was the first time. Don was the first adult ever to see him really. Don mentioned it before. How Free himself could trust that his own feelings wouldn't change?
But! Couldn't he call this love, because of that? He needed something different first to prove himself this was love?
No! He knows. Love or not there was no way he could ever have something more stronger, aching, warmer, deeper than this feeling toward Don was. So if he take his time, Don would accept that.
Then what after? Free turns his look to Don who was driving silently, giving young man time to settle his thoughts. Probably nothing. There was no need for anything different. Free has everything from Don already, everything he could possible have. He himself was willing to give everything to Don. So this here was enough, after all? One word shouldn't change how they feel, what they have together. This, having Don beside him, satisfied him too. And after all nothing else matter.
Finally Free smiles, drops his mood. "I get it," he speaks then. Don turns to look at him. "If it's fine to you, it's fine to me. Let me 'learn'. Let me 'experience'. And after all if this is not love what I feel, then you were right to back off like this. I accept your challenge."
Don snorts and turns his look ahead. Was the other really going to calm down that quickly? "You have really grown, haven't you."
"I have the best teacher sitting right next to me," Free whispers and stares out the window to the city around them. Being still damn annoyed how difficultly Don was thinking, when he could just be like Free and not think too much. But still Free could understand why.
After hearing that, Don couldn't but sigh, showing a slight smile, being actually a little sad from his own words. How he really felt and how he could overtake them by defining rules for himself and Aki.. Well, as long as Aki was with him, Don doesn't really care how much he has to fight against the outside world. He himself has done something like that almost his whole life already, from different reason. Constantly living in hide. Hiding his true feelings. To him this was just norm. But to Aki..
This person was more important than anything. So Don will cherish him. Protect him. Even from Don himself. "Using the word 'lover' I doubt Milo was that serious, so if you don't like it just say so and he will stop," Don then clears, intenting to easy the air around them. He knew Aki didn't like what he just said. Even if kid would understand, that didn't mean he would agree. "Kiho too. You can be honest to them. Those two are one of the rarest who I really trust. So what ever happens, you too can count on them. Specially Kiho."
"I never said I didn't like it. I loved it," Free snaps back surely, still staring the passing city, feeling damn confident. Because now he has the word to describe his feelings. That Don couldn't take away from him. No matter what man would try.
Don feels quite baffled after hearing that. For a while he couldn't even say anything. And just after a small silence he finally whispers, quietly, but Free could still hear it.
"Yeah.."