After Free calls the right floor, he leans his back to the wall behind him, feeling how the elevator starts to move, taking him up. He had just ended his training in the gym with Maron and now heading to see if Don has come back to their floor, in the police station. It was early evening already, about their normal time to meet after their own work schedules. Well, Don was the one actually working, but Free has got his own tasks to do as well; training his body and mind.
The physical training was more suit for Free, of course. That he could understand. He was a street survivor after all, has lived middle of the concrete hell the last five years. Where your everyday were filled of constant hunger and risks of losing everything you have just achieved in the bling of an eye, this here, right now, felt just super easy.
But training his mind was the whole other thing. Not just that Free seriously still struggles to understand his english studies, but trying to read law and suddenly change his way of thinking more 'normal' and 'ethical' was full of conflicts. Thinking of 'conflicts' he couldn't even freaking spell that word! When he study alone, his mind was usually so distracted he eventually end up skipping some of the sections. The test he did yesterday under Marks supervision might have ended with bad results since half the shit was just nonsense to him.
What made it all even harder to stand was having to lean on Don in his studies. After all what Don has done for him, still Free found himself in these new situations he simple couldn't deal alone. No matter how long days Don himself worked he always made time to help Free. Man has never complained either.
Free himself could never do that. He definitely wouldn't have patience for such. If others couldn't keep up with him, he would change the plans and do it all by himself. But this world didn't move like that. Suddenly he was the one slowing himself down. Free has been wondering if Don would actually think he has become nuisance after all. It took about a second him to drop that thought. That would never be the case. But the more Free was running circle with his thoughts the more his doubts grow.
Even if Don already state he was his and would not go anywhere, to Free that was not enough to sure his mind. He couldn't stand the idea he was the one taking everything when the other was willingly allowing it all. The faster he would became a proper indepented adult the faster he could proudly stand next to Don, as equal. Now he was severely behind. To properly earn Dons 'love' he should work for it.
The door opens with an clang sound and young man steps out. There weren't so many people on this floor in these hours. The crime apartment this floor represents was mostly full of regular office workers, working at seven am to five pm. What Free has learnt so far, this building indeed was publicly called IGS as Investigation Group Section. It was one of the four police stations in the city, station mainly focused for crime researching. It hold many different sections under it, like the full investigation groups who take the cases from the start and handled them forward to people like prosecutors or who ever would take charge. There was no labs here, but in the other station, so when needed they could use others props aswell.
Then there were people like Don who were working as individual units, but were part of some specific group. Among them Don was a big exception. Not actually part of any group at all. Everything he does eventually removes under someone else, usual to Mark, who was in the same group.
It took Free awhile to figure out why exactly Don was never the one taking public credit from the works he has solved even if people in surely knew who was in charge. The case where Taro was involved took medias attention three month ago. Not much what Free heard, but it made in the news.
Then there was the hotel case. It went public a week ago, news in different channels were full of it. It was called a scandal and people love drama. What the media brag about the most was the fact the case was already almost closed with false resolution, then suddenly opened again. That was when some who didn't buy the outcome asked Don to take a look at the case. And he did.
Don put his men work and even showed up himself, which was very rare to see himself show up, at least according to Mark and Nadin, who Free had a chat with about the case not long ago. The case was now closed, with right results. But not a word in media of which group was involved, not even which building they were from. Free knew this since he was the one who followed the news. It was easier to watch documents and news to understand society than read about it. It was both educational and interesting to see how law officers and media were interacting.
It wasn't that public officers don't show their faces or don't take credit publicly. The one showing up proudly in front of the cameras in 'King's' case was non other than Kaarne whose group was in charge of taking records of physical evidences and cleaning the crime scenes.
The reason of Dons invisibility became clear to Free when he witness Don talking with his Boss on the phone almost an hour, hearing the whole conversation Don clearing the process of his case. Just like Free, Don has no right to show up as 'real public officer' when he hasn't even pass the standard education. Indeed Don has honestly told Free he's been arrested more than once in the past. What he had done then, Free has never ask. But it was enough to him get rejected.
More Free thought about it, wasn't he in the same spot as Don was; walked in from the back door and would be working simple like for passion and money, not fame and glory. This arrangement fit Don perfectly, since he works in only for the possibility and for the main reason to keep his mind stable. If he bite, his Boss would take action. Free was probably seen in the same light. Bite and you are out.
Indeed, Don was like a wild dog, calmly staying in his leash. Was it about his work or personal life, man clearly needed something to lean on to keep himself control. Here, in this building, the leash was his Boss above him and the people who he worked with. Play nicely and you are allowed to keep on. And in Dons personal life? Free, subconsciously, showed the most widest smile ever and yelled victory cry in his mind. No doubt, it was him. And for that he was ready to fight. Against anyone who would try to separate them.
While Free was walking toward their work area, Nadin spots him, smiling. Kid was clearly thinking something adorable at the moment, she could swear she saw young man blushing a little out of the blue. "Good evening, Free," she greets him, straightens her back. She was working at her own desk, which was the one across Marks, in front of Dons area. Well, the empty desk next to Dons was figuratively now almost officially Frees, but since this was like the eighth time he has even come here, that was too early to announce. If he screws up his Training he could say bye to that desk.
"Evening," young man smiles back, heading straight to their own area. "Have you seen Don?"
"In the meeting," woman says and leans her arm on the back of her chair. She had to stay overtime a little but wasn't in the mood of working, so Free showing up here to amuse her was more than welcome. "I think it might take a while still. You want to go and take a bite with me?"
"It was my plan to eat with him," Free states, thinking, looking quite serious. "We've been out the whole day. I ate with my friend, but I bet he missed his lunch again." Just speaking his thoughts out.
"How cutely that sounds, you worrying over him," Nadin adores. "He is a grown man. He can take care of himself."
Free turns to look at Nadin, then shows a surden smile and sits down on Dons chair. "You say so 'cause you have never seen him wearing himself out," young man states, showing he indeed was damn worried and has all the right to be. Slowly learning more and more about his lover has only showed again how much Free has not paid attension of Don earlier, but just taken him for granted. Grown man or not, Don didn't live the ways he was teaching. Sometimes, Dons works took the most of his attention until even eating could become bothersome to him. That causes more harm, when he gets more annoyed and tired. That Free was slowly learning help him evade. "How I wouldn't be worried of the man I'm living with," Free keeps, not dropping his smile. In front of this woman it was useless to suddenly act any differently than Free usually does. City women were sharp.
Everyone who has learn to know Free, knew how attached he was to Don. A word and kid would follow it, no doubt. Of course he would, wasn't Don his mentor and guardian. But this woman might not be so blind. And Free wasn't that good of hiding his feelings when it comes to Don. Not anymore when he knew exactly what he has set his mind to. How he really feel.
Nadin moves his chair a little and takes a better position, staring back to Free. Was this kid trying her or what? Acting so cocky and straightforward suddenly. Sure, she knew better than her other co-workers. At least having her doubts. Nadin has definitely seen how differently Don act with Free. Who wouldn't. Even if it was not much, man has showed such tenderness toward the young man even Nadin struggle to stay calm after realizing that. Sure, it could be as innocent as it should look.
But they have worked together over four years and Don has never ever showed emotions like that toward anyone, nor showed any interest of anything but work. Any occasions outside of work, like having a drinking parties between co-workers, Don always act polite, sure he took apart of conversations but didn't really hide his uninterest when feeling so. Now seeing such a change on Don, Nadin was sure about one thing. What ever this was, Don has found someone to treasure. Kid has definitely rip out something humanely from that man.
Not that it was her place to meddle, but if the relationship between these two wasn't so decent behind the scenes, keeping that in hidden was the only way for them. She only hoped this street kid knew to play nicely. "That is too bold," woman sighs, hoping no one was actually hearing this.
"What is?" Free shows a charming smile and leans to his arms on the desk. Words played innocent, clueless. But his attitude was very straight, showing he wants to know how much other knows? He wasn't acting with his usual care-free attitude. But acting his role fitting to the situation. As he has learnt in street.
"I'm not the one you should be worried," Nadin smiles calmly and leans closer. "You guys do what ever you want. The more I'm watching you two, the more cuter pair you two seem to be. If you ever need some backup, I'm here for you. Just don't play too obvious. Anyone can see how you are looking at your man. So please learn to hide it."
Free drops his act immediately. Feeling now obviously uneasy he pulls himself back and lows his hands. Damn, this woman seriously knew?
This or what made it very clear Nadin has successfully stepped over Frees act. She laughs cheerfully while hiding her mouth. "Damn, kiddo. Can't you be more obvious," she smiles and waves his hand, checking there really was no one near to hear them. "Come on. We can go and buy something for all the three of us. It's my treat."
"Sorry. I needed to check," Free says quietly, sounding sincere. Sure, he might have just admit something he never should have. But he has been wondering would she be a problem in some point. Even after hearing all that just now, Free wasn't so sure. "I doubt the cafeteria is still open?"
Nadin stands up and grabs her jacket smiling. "Let's not settle for only leftovers. There is A Chinese near by."
- - - -
Under thirty minutes and they were back on their floor. The moment Free saw Don sitting at his desk, the smile came from nowhere on his lips. He couldn't help it. It really was hard to not pay his whole attention to the man he was into, at least after not seeing him the whole day.
"Too obvious," Nadin snaps and walks out the elevator first. Free tsihs back and drops his smile. Yeah, he should probably work that out.
Don was talking on the phone, eyes locked on Free, who was carrying paper bags, Nadin walking next to him. When they get closer, Don doesn't hesitate to immediately welcome Free by showing an empty space to walk past him, take his place next to him. Taking a hold of his arm Don lead him past himself, then letting go, meanwhile still talking to the phone.
Nadin sits on her chair and rolls around, showing Free to leave the bags on Dons table. Older man reads the situation and moves his hand above his table, protecting his foulders, staring irritatedly toward Nadin. What, woman seriously plan to eat over his area?
"Cut the call. It's meal time," Nadin smiles and notes Free again to put the bags on the table.
Don sighs and takes his folders out of the way, glancing the younger man once. Against this woman it was just easier to muse her than argue back. Even the most scared man in the office yield in front of her. "Yeah. I got interrupted here, so I will just leave it there for today. Good," man states and ends the call. "Thank you for your hard work. Exactly when my desk became your dinner table?"
Nadin tsihs. "It's the cleanest here so of course we are going with this space. Your cutie was worried you haven't eaten so we get you some too. It's my treat. You eat Chinese, don't you?"
"Why it's your treat?" Don asks, eyeing Free who finally sits down and puts the bags on the table. Between these two he wasn't sure who he should listen here. Don was his Boss. But Nadin was kind of scary too.
"Don't worry. Free paid already your parts," woman shows a smile and starts to share the dishes. "Actually, he is paying me right now." Young man didn't first figure out what Nadin meant. Don too looks at him asking after hearing that.
Then Free figured it out and blushes immediately. Lowing his head. Woman was still teasing him..
Don sighs, reading the situation. So that's what this was all about. How pointless. He moves his hand and pets Frees hair gently, then takes the dishes Nadin had set on the table, opens one of them. "Don't mind her. She is always like that." Then his hands stop and he smiles to Free who has turned his look up to Don. "But if she ever gets too annoying-," man turns to look Nadin. "-just tell her you know in whose car she was. That will definitely make her behave and mind her own businesses." Nadins eyes went wide open and she actually looks at Free now.
Car? It didn't need much time to Free remember the story of how Don actually was hired here in the first place. The story about the Audi, Mayor and.. a woman in. Nadin was that very mistress? When Free shows this sneaky smile back, Nadin curses, unbelieving. "Why he knows..?"
Don doesn't answer. He shares their sets with Free and passes the wrapped fork to him. "Where you were this afternoon?" man suddenly asks, pointing his guestion to the young man next to him. The voice was his work mode. And speaking so in here always alert Free.
Free takes the fork, eyeing Don carefully. Being so ready for scolding. "With Maron.."
"Mark was looking for you. I saw your test results," man turns his total focus on Free, who hasn't drop his look. "You have anything to say?"
"..It was a hard test?"
"Don't give me that bullshit," Don tsihs, not actually hiding his irritation. Even Nadin went alert. Don hardly ever talk this informally, even in front of her. "How come every question related to the subjects I help you study went 100 percent right but the rest you answered either so so or let it blank?"
"It's freaking hard to concentrate alone! I couldn't learn a thing!" Free yells back. Ever since the time to show the results of his studies came, this nagging from Don start. That was his Boss, not his freaking lover. And damn, couldn't he be more annoying.
"Being lazy will not get you anywhere.."
"I'm not being lazy!" Maybe a little, but not so much Don needed to point that out.
Don sighs. His voice sound very vexed, but still calm. "Then what you call that? It's very clear you haven't even tried study alone. I know this as a fact. You have good memory. Results like that don't happen for no reason."
Free doesn't say a word back, just eyeing Don annoyed. He definitely wasn't used to be 'wrong' or 'questioned' when he lived in the Main House, his words were law in there. So of course he wanted to talk back, deny all.m But since Don has always acted like he could see right through him and there was no point to lie, Frees defence went fastly down. It was alright to do mistakes and learn from them. Admit being wrong. This man was not here to judge him. Ever. Indeed Don knew what he was talking about. If Free had at least checked some of the test articles instead of skipping them he might have learn something. Remember something.
Don waited patiently young man to organize his thoughts, calm his nerves. It wasn't that he was seriously mad. Don knew how to read this cocky kid. And how to rip out the unwanted attitude kid was quick to show. Young man can do anything he want when they were home. But when it comes to work, what was confine and what was not need to be cleared. If there was something young man definitely has the ability to do, but lack of interest and fails because of that, it's a waste of talent. That half-hearted attitude Don plan to rip out from Free.
"I will try harder next time," Free finally states, moving his eyes away and starting to eat from the rice box which was the nearest from him. His mood said it all. 'Leave me alone. I get it.'
That answer satisfied Don and man instantly drops his own strick figure. "Please do," he says gently, petting Frees hair again, as a supporting gesture to his words. Then he takes his own box and mixs two sets for himself. "I can spoil you all you want at home. But here your Boss isn't so giving."
Nadin has freezed, staring the interaction in front of her. Were they fighting or not? Was that even a fight? That ended up way too fast. Should she say something? But she suddenly felt like a third wheel. These two were totally ignoring her presence..
"Did I pass?" Free suddenly asks then, keeps eating. His mood seem to have changed back to normal.
"Of course you did," older man answers snorting. A little bit proud in his voice. How kid wouldn't pass when Don was the one teaching him.
Free shows a smile and breathes out the rest of his nerves, turning his eyes to glance Don whose eyes immediately look back. The way how they were looking each other said it all.
It was just a glance, but Nadin could easily find this silent understanding between them. Witnessing once again this new gentle side from Don, Nadin couldn't be more sure of them. They complete each other perfectly. "You guys are so cute," woman whispers quietly, smiling, taking her own box and fastly mixing some sauce in, eating fastly to catch up those two.
Don ignores her. But Free proudly sneers. Of course they were.
- - - -
It wasn't even early morning yet when Free woke up. He was tired, but the anxiety which was growing little by little stronger kept him from sleeping calmly. His mixed feelings were the cause. He was both excited and afraid. He was eager to go, but still didn't want to.
His eyes were staring the fingers around his owns. He could feel the warm body behind him, hugging him. This here was the reason of his mixed feelings. If Free could he would stay like this forever. These past few weeks have made it very clear how strongly he himself felt toward the guy next to him. How easy and calm it was to be next to him. And still how stormy his feelings could roll inside him when being next to him.
Free moves one of his fingers a little, rolling it next to one of Dons fingers. Not a second and Don responds, doing the same. Just this small gesture and Frees heart totally skip the beat.
This love -thing was freaking scary..
Fear was something Free has learn to understand and accept. Living in streets you have to be a little cold. But has he ever feared to lose something this strongly? In the way he was so close willing to stop moving. Stay still. Like this. In order to be sure not to lose this hand around his own.
Free turns. His eyes met with Dons. Man was clear awake. Now moving his other hand to hold Frees body even stronger against his own. No doubt Don was thinking the same. Wasn't this new for both of them. Having something to cherish so strongly the fear of losing it was even stronger.
But it was all in Frees head too. Going to the Training wasn't the end of the world. It was just an era when they needed to live separate. Just hours turning to days. Days turning to weeks. Four months. Just four months.
If Don hasn't already made it clear where they were standing Free might have call it all off. But as always Don was ahead of him. Like already knowing how to keep Frees mind calm. Explaining the situation rationally before he even could start to feel moody.
And now he was feeling that moody.
"Can't sleep?" Don asks, gently touching Frees fingertips.
"I think I don't want to sleep..," younger answers quietly, not dropping his stare. They were looking at each other in silence. Until Don shows a smile.
"I have a proposition," man suddenly states. "Stay here and never leave."
Free stares now Don surprised, eyes wide open. Then he sighs and smiles too. Doing that was a big no. Letting Don 'lock him in' like man has put it earlier.. Free knew what Don mean. To this guy it wasn't a joke. It was a possible option. When Don want something he could make it to his priority. Extremity was how Don could live. Without random feelings shaking him off.
If Free just said he want to stay with Don, unnaturally never leave from his side, Don would make that happen. That's how Dons controlling personality worked. You leave him the power, he will use it. But this was a warning. From Don himself. Don't lose the control over him. Or he will bite.
Of course Don himself wouldn't just let himself act however. Even if Free would say whatever. But pointing out Free didn't have to leave today was to push Free forward. To work for his own future Free has to move on. Don wasn't here to prevent him from moving. But to support. And that was how Don plan to act.
"Then I will stay," Free says smiling. Just to drop that smile right away after Don gives him a forehead flick, without saying a word. Free tsihs and closes his eyes. Of course that was a no no answer. "Don't propose that if you don't mean it..," he then whispers.
He could hear Don breathen out deeply. A gently touch in Frees face made the young man open his eyes again. "Don't respond so eagerly..," Don says quietly. "If you do I really won't let you go.. I can kill you in papers and keep you here if that is what you want. That is what I want.. No one needs to know you are here. I can keep you here. Forever.."
"How you can be so unfair..," Free says back. "Don't say I can stay when in reality I really can't..."
Don smiles and pets Frees hair, squeezes his fingers. "I'm sorry. That was unfair. Forget I ever said that.."
This was a clear peek in Dons mind. Sometimes Don might feel very sure with his strong words and attitude. But when you could see deeper, Dons mind was actually really dark and clear. It was a no or yes. Sometimes younger was thinking Don wasn't so mature after all. This guy was definitely more selfish than him, in every way. Free could tell since Don didn't have a reason to hide his feelings in front of him. If Don would say something off Free would point it out. And Don would clear it to him. That simple. That clear.
"I will not forget," Free answers, turns and hides his face against Don. "If I fail there I can just come back. If I'm not good enough for them there I can still stay as your pet, right? What ever is fine to me. As long as you are with me after.."
"That is what I am afraid," Don says. "You not failing. You moving too far. But you are not my pet either..," he clears.
"Then what am I?" Free asks smiling. Intending to finally make this man say it out loud. He loses the fingers, turns and moves his body on Dons, holding his hand on Dons once again, squeezing their fingers together.
Don sighs, smiles. Now that word Aki has used repeatedly after Milo mentioned it. And it wasn't that Don didn't like to hear it. But more like he fear that simple word was distorting Akis feelings toward him. Not that he mind that either.. Part of him doesn't care how Aki was feeling as long as he stays beside him. And part of him treasure Aki so much his own feelings should be moved aside, give everything for Aki and his wellbeing and make sure Aki was clear for himself, not growing blind while 'loving' Don.
No, how ever, Don himself wasn't so sure how to understand that word. How to live with it. The more Don let himself 'love', the more he feel losing himself. Why another person could have more value than himself? He has always fight against the outside world alone. Why someone from that outside world was now destroying his world.. and he so willingly let this one do so?
Toxic. Deadly poison. Annoyance. Danger.
Aki was all of that. And still Don couldn't help wanting more.
"A new proposition," older man states, looking Frees blue eyes in the dark. "You go. Stay there for four months. Show them what you got. And if after all that time there you still want to stay with me I will say it. As many times as you want to hear it."
Frees eyes went wide open. The warm wave went through him. Just like that all his doubts of going to that training fade away. He will go. He will show them all he is the best. And he will make this man call him his lover.
Not just passing the training, but now Free has even stronger goal to reach. Challenge accepted.
"Be prepared. 'Cause I always play for the win," younger smiles, eyes full of passion.
Don takes his left hand behind Frees neck and drags him slowly closer. "Didn't except anything else," he whispers and kisses Frees lips.