Two months. That's how long Free has been in there. Most of the beds were now empty. The amount of people were dropped by half at the end of this so called first period of the full training program. Some of them originally took this shorter training, and actually only two person had give up in the middle. Less people mean more interact with each other when they have shared tasks and missions to fill, so the group was more united than ever. Only their youngest was used to do things alone.
Frees bed frames were still on the top of the building Winter has already come so the bed was now stuck up there, under slight layer of snow. After all these weeks, he still slept on his mattress on the floor. Has gotten used to it. Sleeping on the floor level was actually more familiar than sleeping on the high bed.
It was Christmas time. For some reason the whole military area has turned into, what Free called, 'A Shopping Center -type of decoration vomit.' There were decorated xmas trees everywhere, lights where ever you look. And the music. Normal silence was turned in to Christmas Radio frequency. You couldn't run from it. Jingle bells were everywhere. To Free christmas has always been the time to take advange of peoples shopping habits. More to buy, more to have money with. And humen were gregarious animals. Growds were the easiest and fastest way to steal from pockets without being seen.
Sure they surely had something Christmassy for Tim and Dino the first and last Christmas they were together in the Main House, like a tree what the kids decorate. If Free remembers right he might have brought some gifts to them too. Toys or something. But that was about it. Their so called Chirstmas time in streets. Christmas means work. And it didn't differ from what he was doing now here. Even during this holiday season, his training didn't stop for christmas. He was busier than ever. Like now, at this very moment Free was cleaning weapons on the range hall. This was one of his jobs he has taken earlier to do weekly. All for killing the time and getting points.
About points, he won his own category of the shooting competition a week before. Getting 140 points total. Get praised from his sleight of hand. Hands of a thief. How ironic. The old Free would have never believe he was now using those skills for something like this. Things have really changed. Smiling while thinking that, he puts the last parts away, cleans the table and was ready to leave.
What was still the same was the loneliness. Free steps out the range building and raises his eyes toward the sky above him. He could see some stars. The weather was damn cold. Standing still he breathes out a fleeting, misty cloud and searchs his phone, just to look out the number which was the most used in his phone. Saved as the main contact. He hasn't talk to Don this whole time. Only send a few messages and got replies.
Even thinking hearing Dons voice now.. Free was afraid how he would react again after this long. Like the last time when they were three weeks apart without talking or meeting.. Back then just seeing Don broke his focus. made hi so lose it, leaving him so desperate and lost.
Well, this time he was not in the middle of cover. So if he goes too emotional or something no one would mind anyway. He was alone here. Everywhere. But what Free feared the most was him losing to his longing if he contact Don now. He might drop off, go back.. That wouldn't be good..
He has had time to think things through here. About how he lived in streets. When he met Don. Before he put his family ahead of himself. Was lucky when playing around and not getting hurt that badly. Back then his life didn't matter. But now.. What Free has now was very different. More stronger. And that was all because of Don. With that man he feel he has a stronger reason to reach his goals. In the field and in his personal life.
Without that contact he would eventually feel lost the more he avoid it just because he was afraid.. Finally he makes up his mind. He wants to hear Dons voice. Wants his connection back. Without hesitating anymore, he calls, moves the phone on his ear.
"So right on Christmas Eve you miss me the most and actually want to call me?" Don calmly answers, quite fastly actually. Free could hear him smiling.
"I can cut the call if I'm disturbing..," Free states back, almost losing his voice. There it came. The warm ache inside his chest made him smile immediately. Almost making him crying. But of course he wouldn't do that.
"Don't you dare," man fastly responds. "Merry Christmas, Aki. How is it going there?"
This wasn't real. Dons voice was so warming it kind of made Free forget this awfully cold weather here. "Merry Christmas. The same shit everyday. If one can die from boredom it might be my time to go soon..," he quietly answers, trying to hold his smile from getting even more wider. The happiness was so filling him right now.
"Hah. That bad? Please don't die. I would love to keep you busy," older man sighs. He was sitting in their apartment, talking with earphone. He puts down the file he was middle of reading. "It's Eve. You guys have a party there?"
"Probably. I'm not interested so.. wouldn't know. Just finished my cleaning duty," Free speaks out, was now walking toward the field area. There were no lights, so he might be able to see the sky better from there.
"You sound lifeless.. Are you okay?"
"So would you if you haven't talk to anyone for two months, I guess," younger sighs. "I'm pretty sure I have spoke more words now than the last two weeks fully."
"That's not good. You got left out?"
"Kinda. Was my own fault so.. And I didn't come here to make friends. I'm too young and too damn pretty for them anyway," Free pulls out his usual cocky attitude for a second.
"What did you do?"
"I didn't do shit. They got mad at me 'cause I didn't take part of their weird night training the first night here."
"..Night training?"
"They called it a welcome party or something. What I heard later they made them do push ups in the rain and ran around the field. That's not party. Plus they got their hair cut. I got the yell the next day and had to find someone to cut my hair. I look weird by the way. Still can't recognize myself when looking the mirror. They want my hair super short here." Now Free just lets his temper out. He has been holding his thoughts in for so long he simple couldn't help it anymore. Don could easily hear how irritated he was. Getting some life back in. But young man was as blabbermouth as ever.
"They were just teasing rookies? That's actually very normal practice in some places. Some schools and even armies have that habit."
"Oh, I know now. But when someone strikes in like that you don't go with them. You fucking hide!"
Don was laughing. "Of course.."
"Whatta hell. Even you think I did wrong there?"
"No. You saved yourself from unnecessary hazing," Don clears out before the other misunderstands him. "It's just something stupid people make up to keep their own hierarchy alive. So you had all the right to not take part of that. In return comes the after shit if you don't play along so it's all very unjust practice."
"Thanks to that our Second Captain made me do push ups right there and ask the others do the same. After that I was nothing to them. Other than some of them got a habit to turn my bed upside down."
"..Ha?"
"Yeah. Every freaking day. I get back at them, but.. Well, my bed is now on top of the roof so.."
Don couldn't believe what he was hearing. He laughs more a little.
"I know. Even I have to admit they did well. I lost," Free snorts. He has come in the field, now sitting down on the bench and lighting a cigaret. Then he raises his eyes up. Looking the clear sky. Without the lights he could see the stars way better. This was the nearest thing to remind him at home, since the sky was always the same, where ever he was. As long as he could see the stars. "That's enough of me," he notes then. "There is nothing interesting going on. Training and working out, everyday. Don't want to bore you. What you have done?"
"Hearing from you will never be boring," Don smirks and gets up. "Paper works. Nothing else. I've been sitting inside our apartment this whole week. Before that we had this one case.. You were right. It's boring when you can't go out. It can be very suffocating."
"..Can't go out? You have had Christmas parties before. Are not going?"
Guess Don couldn't avoid it longer. "I'm on painkillers. Have no mind to party."
Free stays quiet a while. This guy doesn't use painkillers. Ever. "..Why?"
"I was afraid how to tell you.. but I broke my arm," Don was now leaning on the wall next to the big window, looking out, up to the stars.
"..You broke your arm?"
Don hums. And clears everything out. "Shoulder, arm and wrist. Right one. Also my little toe. My face.. Can't even put a shirt on without a fight."
That didn't sound real. He was joking, right? This serious man who doesn't even understand jokes was joking now, right.. Young man sighs out and holds his head. "When that.. How that happened?"
"I fell from the roof, two weeks ago," man admits. "Well, from the fire ladders, but.. Shit wasn't attached properly. I was planning to milk the insurance company dry. Or the city. Not so sure yet. My lawyer will handle it while I'm forced to stay out from work.."
"You are too old to play on the roof, man," Free clicks his tongue. He wasn't sure should he panic, be mad or let this sudden new just slide since Don seem to be okay at least. He calms his mind.
"Milo said the same thing. He was actually the one driving my car right under me. Made my fall a little softlier than falling right on the street. Luckiest shit ever happened on the field.. But we got the guys we were after. Both alive. The other got hit by a car though."
"So you almost end dead while I was gone..? When I get back I might chain you in.."
"You can chain me how ever you want then. Got three months leave if I need it. And vacation time upon that. They have no use of an officer who can't even write parking tickets," Don could hear Free sigh deeply once again, clearly trying to hold his tongue. "You sound a little better now. If it gets that lonely there just call me. I could call too, but you told me not to."
"How it's better when I hear just NOW you have injured yourself!" Free tsihs, finally letting it out without holding. But just after that he breathes in calmly. "But you are okay so.. I can let you off the hook this time." He feel so irritated. Why something like this happened when he was this far away. Free really wanted to punch that guy from making him feel this worried. Even when man wasn't doing it purposely. "And.. talking with you always ease my mind. I feel kinda normal me again."
"You have your energy back, at least," Don smiles. It was better to change the subject. Before this call will be filled with more yelling. "So, you are not a Christmas person?"
"Not really.."
"Bet you used to target shoppers on the mall this time of year."
That made Free smile again. "That obvious? Not my fault they are blind and ignorant."
"That view of thinking you should change. People should not have a reason to scare end up being robbed when they want to buy something nice for their families."
"It's hard when you have done it all of your life," young man points out. "But like I have need for stealing anymore. Only if you need me to steal something, then I'm in."
"Let's plan something for the next year. Something not too Christmassy for our taste."
"It's a plan. I prefer meat pizza. Can have ham on it."
"We will not eat pizza.. That's for sure."
"So cheap..," Free tsihs smiling and gets finally up. "I will head back to my building. I meant not to stay outside this long so I didn't put my winter coat on me. It's freezing here. Can still talk to you until I get there. I have a night shift next, have to stand outside and watch starts so they won't fight each other.."
"Aren't you busy. Don't you have any free time there? Even during Eve?"
"Someone has to do it anyway and I rather fill my hours here instead of doing nothing so I volunteered. They have this system here, where you collect points from jobs you do and how you perform during the missions."
"I see. That place is located very high. Do you have a lot of snow there yet?"
"We do. It looks nice but ice makes climbing through obstacle courses way harder. And running. All this shit would be much easier if they have set the service time during summer.."
"It's all about technics."
"Well teach me a technic to climb icewall without tools. Would really appreciate it," young man snorts. Then lows his smile a little, feeling suddenly quite mixed the more closer he gets to their building. "Thanks. For hearing me here. I really feel better after talking to you."
"Anytime. I am here for you. And you really don't need to thank me. I feel better hearing from you so that makes us even," Don notes. Making sure the other understood they were in this together. It wasn't gratitude Don seek from Free. Supporting him like this, sharing their thoughts, benefit him too. "Half the time behind. That's basically nothing left."
Free hums. Trying not to think that. "I hope you don't get too bored in there.. We should buy game consols or something, for situations like this."
"They say video games are too violent nowadays.."
"Yeah, sure," young man tsihs and stops in front of their rookie building. He could hear some music been played from afar. "We'll see after two months from now?"
"You are really planning to go all the way?" Honestly Don wouldn't mind Aki coming back right away. But the full four month training was necessary for him to get a license and actually work in their field legally. Don couldn't act spoiled himself. But he lost his rational thinking just for the second, ending up slightly showing his real thoughts out.
"Of course. If I didn't, all this shit I've been through were for nothing. You haven't forgotten your promise, have you?" Free reminds the other. His other goal was still clear in his mind. The one he really cared about.
Don sighs, smiling. Like he could forget something like that. "I haven't.."
Free shows a smile. Feeling more calm again. "We still have two major missions coming. If I don't fail 'em you can pick me up the graduation day."
"Will do. Good luck."
"I don't need luck," young man gives a laugh. "I have skills." Then a silence. He drops his smile. "You didn't want to tell me about your accident so I wouldn't run back home, right?"
"I'm sorry. I knew you would cut out and walk right back here. Couldn't do that to you."
"I would have thumb my ride. It's more faster. Idiot..," Frees voice was both irritated and worried at the same time. If they met now face to face, Free would just probably lost it completely, make Don pay from keeping this all from him.
Don smiles, knowing exactly how the other was feeling. "I'm okay. Someone would have contact you if things were too serious."
Hearing that didn't ease Frees mind a bit. Kind of made him even more mad here. "You still don't trust my love.. Or you actually do and that's the reason you didn't wanna tell me? You knew how I would react. If something like that happens I should be there with you, not here."
Don actually freezes. Went totally dumbfounded. Then he smiles and holds his head. Don't trust his love..?
"I don't really care this shit here. If you are hurt I want to know. If you are broken I should be there to fix you. But I understand why you didn't tell me. And I kinda appreciate that.. Now," Free clears, speaking his mind out. Sure, being apart, he could easily understand why Don didn't want to tell him this before. If something like that happen when he was with Don, nothing would prevent him be by Dons side. "But if you do that again.. I lose my trust if you are the one now playing with me. Don't you dare.. You can't run.."
Don tsihs. Those words made him instantly feel uneasy. Making him doubt his own decisions. That was so unusual. Someone being able to shake his determined mind like this. And like always, that voice was overruling him too easily. "Yeah.."
Free sighs. He wanted to talk more, but if he does, he really might just lose it and start walking immediately back home. The more he could hear that voice the harder it would become be without. "I see you later.."
"See you.."
And as fastly as he could, Free ends the call. Holding his tears, forcing them stay in. Like Don said, half the time behind. Basically nothing left. Trying to not think how much he really have missed to hear Dons voice Free plan to focus on something else. Keep his spirit up. So he turns his look toward the training hall. "They said it's an extra point, right..?"
- - - -
Free walks through the hallway and stops at the second door next the entrance to training hall. There were no cameras here and non was near by when everyone were either in duty or participating in the party. He knew he should not break in, but if he was careful no one would even realize how he got in. So he makes the last decision and moves. He uses the breaking tool, moves it slowly in the slit of the door and frees the mechanism, moving it closer to the part of the lock what kept the door closed. One last move toward himself and he was able to release the lock, opening the door before the lock would close again. Door was now open, Free breathing quietly out and stepping in. As easy as ever.
After getting in, he walks the stairs up and comes to the small storage level. There he sees the familiar small door what went to the training hall. He opens it, starts slowly pull the chain on the rail, moving this hanging plastic ball toward himself. When he gets a hold of it, he immediately opens it. The golden apple was in there. Weren't as marvelous looking as he had first thought, but just a light apple looking decoration item. Free takes it and replaces it with a golden paper trash. Then he closes the plastic ball, puts it back and once again slowly pulls it back to where it originally hang. Others could still try to take it. And if someone does, one would realize the apple was a long gone.
Free leaves without a sound. Closing the door behind him.
- - - -
One week left. The remaining trainees from the rookie building number seven were waiting their last mission to start. The most freezing days were behind them already but it was still cold out here. Fleeting, misty clouds could be seen while these young men were breathing, all impatiently waiting their time to move. Not only because after this very mission they would be finished with their main training, they also really really want to get moving already to warm their bodies.
First Captain takes his place in front of the line of men, making sure everyone was mentally prepared and ready to hear him out. "Your choice, you go alone or with groups. Choose your base and take your items," Aron speaks out with very loud and clear voice. "You will get a map, one backpack each one and a water bottle. Your mission is to run from your base A to the target B and move the items with you back here. Quite simple, right! Ready? GO!"
Men fastly set out their usual groups and choose their base. Since there were plenty of those, there was no need to fight over them. Free too just chooses one of the nearest, takes this backpack and a map which he immediately starts to read. The area B was over nine miles from here. Two, no, three different paths to choose.
"Are you sure you wanna do this alone, Junior," one of the guys next to his base asks smiling. This brown haired man was basically the only one who have talk to him during their training, like helping him out if their youngest didn't seem to understand something, giving heads up if something was going to happen, sometimes even sharing his snacks.
Thinking this guy must know something what he doesn't, Free instantly shows his honest asking look. "I am. I should not?"
"I say it might be impossible you to do it alone," other points out. "You can come with us if you want."
"Impossible? Captain said it can be done alone," younger recalls. "You know what it's gonna be? How??" Once again others have more knowledge about their missions than he did.
Man smirks. "As stubborn as ever. We'll see you at the finish line. Good luck," he waves while catching up his friends who were already slowly walking away, reading their maps.
Free hums back, feeling very confused at the moment. But since they were allowed to go alone, it really shouldn't be something impossible to do. If there were some intentional challenges on the way, he should just trust his instincts. Play it nicely and calm.
Since the marked range isn't that long which ever road he would choose and every road seem to have their own difficulties like open fields where enemies could spot you right away or dense forest with rough trails to walk, Free just flips a coin in his head, choosing randomly and starts moving. After joging one and an half hour he finally arrive to his destination. But what was waiting there was nothing Free had expected. The items what they were supposed to take with them were actual weights. Fastly counting 100 kilos total. There was no way Free could move them all at once. Even half of it was too heavy him to carry. The freezing weather and slippery ground were already making this mission difficult.
No, he has used to live out in the cold streets. This wasn't impossible task. Just time taking. After thinking though his possibilities, Free takes one third in his pack, drinks some water and starts to move again. If he really needed he would do this trip three times nonstop. He shouldn't think what ifs now. But do as he sees best right now. This way he will success.
When Free comes back to their state, he puts the weights on the scale in his base and raises his look toward Aron who was standing near by, supervising their mission. "I have to go back," young man states and after older man nods to him he turns around, keeps slowly running back.
Hours later, the second time he comes back the other bases were already full. Others have ended their mission and left the area. The youngest member from their building walks slowly next to his base, takes his packback and puts the weights with the others. After that he stands up, once again looking the man, who was now alone standing in the field.
"One more time..," Free says quietly, sounding tired, but looking very single-minded, mentally full of energy.
"Yes," Aron hums. Younger smiles and turns again. One more time.
The day has turn to evening by now. Sunlight was a long gone and because of that Free this time chose the path with streetlights. Without a flashlight the other roads were not smart choices. And to be honest his body was starting to feel very exhausted, by now he was simple walking onward with pure power of will. After walking and running over ten hours straight the same roads over and over again wasn't just tiring physically but also mentally.
Free drops on his knees next to his base and slowly puts the last weights on the scale. Moving his tired eyes on his supervisor, he breathes deeply in and out before speaking. "Mission completed..?"
Aron shows an approving smile. "Mission completed. You were the last one."
Free lets himself fall down on the snowy ground. Laughing a little, breathing hardly. "Yeah, I figured.."
Young mans lazy attitude here wasn't that appropriate from a trainee, especially not in front of his own commander, but since this kid has proved been quite unique and skilled, Aron let it slide. "Hit the shower, Junior. That was the last one. Congratulations."
"Yes, sir..," Free whispers, breathes out and gets up.
- - - -
The plain graduation ceremony for trainees from the building number seven was about to start. The first six other units were briefly all groups with some specific training program, when the seventh unit was full of individual members, them all having their own personalised program for their own explicit aim. That was why their ceremony would be a little different. There was no awards or stipends from some supportive corporations or speechs from their future leaders. There were only them and their commanders noting their achievements, like just to show up to prove there really was a miscellaneous unit like them under training here. And like usually when it comes to this very mixed group of people, this year too have brought something very unique in their military training centre.
Free and ten other rookies were standing row, at attension, hands behind their backs. Behind them were the other trainees from different units with the guests and staff members. Second Captain Mirades Cust was talking on the stage behind the platform. After this long, standard speech he turns his focus to the actual unit who this last ceremony was all about.
"This years seventh trainee group was definitely one of the weirdest unit I have ever been working with," man clears out, smiling, looking actually quite proud even. "Firstly because only two members drop out before the first period. Those who were aiming to the end actually all stand here with us now. I usually do not point out anyone precisely, but this year we actually have a record holder here." Captain turns around and shows the dial on this huge screen. "Not only did three from this unit get their place on the top 10, one of them break the current point record. That would be our Junior, Free Palenne. 570 points total. That is 30 points more than the last record. Congratulations."
After his statement came loud applauses. Free knew beforehand he has done great with collecting those points but nothing could prepare him for something like this, hearing him name called out here. Suddenly he felt very nervous. This kind of attension toward him was too much even for him, feeling too formal. Luckily their Captain introduces the others next, turning the attention away from him again. But that doesn't last long. After commenting units achievements and results he finally could take his speech to the final part. "To our guests to know, we usually add something extra every season, a change out trainees get some extra points. This time it was fifty points to who ever will get the golden item from the ceiling of their training hall," Cust now turns his look from the growd toward the young men in fornt of him. "First we thought non have succeed, but after a closer look someone indeed have took the item. And even replaced it with a golden paper ball. You are our last unit here. Six others didn't take the glory from it. So if the one having that golden apple really is here, please, come forward."
Free sighs and slowly puts his hand up.
Custs smile went wider. "Of course. Bring it here," man shows his hand. Free steps out from the row and walks to his left in front of the platform, takes the item from his pocket and passes it to the second captain. "Fifty points. That's 620 points now, Junior. You broke your own record just now."
Free hums, finally smiling. "Just making a name out of myself," he says quietly.
Captain snorts and straightens his back. "You can go back."
When Free turns and starts to walk back, he could spot this familiar figure on the balcony level above them. Raising his eyes, his steps actually stop in the middle of the hall for a second. Every part of his well trained self lost it's control when their eyes met. Don was there, leaning on the railing, looking back at him. Milo was there too, but his presence next to Dons felt just trivial to Free.
The next second Free forces himself to low his eyes. Another step forward. He takes his spot in the row and moves his eyes ahead. Then his lips turn to smile.
- - - -
"It really is on top of the roof.."
Don and Milo were standing outside, staring the bedframe on the roof of one of the buildings. The ceremony was already over and they were now waiting Free to get out. Since neither were interested of going to the coffee service for the guests at the reception, they head out to take some fresh air instead. Not only the drive here was long, the ceremony was too when there wasn't just Frees group but many others as well. Getting something real to eat first after this rather than have coffee and cake was their next plan.
"Bet they will leave it there. To remind the next rookies to behave," Milo smirks.
Older hums back. "It is kind of figurative."
"You really broke your hand..," Frees voice speaks further behind them. They both turn to look at Free who walks toward them, his bag with him, wearing now his own clothes again. His hair was way shorter than before. But his blue eyes stare as sharply as ever. Not to mention Free has actually grown height. Got some muscle. Looking more mature than ever before.
While turning calmly to meet the young man, Don shows his usual gently smile. "Congratulations. Just graduating was not enough for you but you broke some records too?" Their eyes couldn't retreat after meeting, plainly showing their affection toward each other. The place where they were became meaningless. People around mean nothing. Just the need to seal this empty distance between them was what they both desire.
"Why you sound so surprised? I am me," Free proudly states and stops his steps in front of Don, raising his hand and touching mans right side of the face. Finally, after two months of waiting he could actually see Dons wounds, clear himself man was doing okay. Around the eye was still darker, skin was a little reddish. A long light scar went from the chin all the way to the forehead, clearing how badly it was injured, but was healed fine so far. Dons hand was what was the most damaged. Free lows his look down, eyeing the casted arm in a sling, gently touching it with both of his hands. He was so eager to see what was under there. How bad it really look.
"Four titan screws keep it all together," Don automatically clears, answering youngers worried look.
Free hums. "Don told me what happened..," he then turns his eyes on Milo. "Thank you for saving him."
Milo was surprised. The carefree kid he has met before was somehow changed a little. Looking too serious. "Yeah, you know. He pays me.. so it's my job to look after my Boss." That was all he could think on the spot.
Finally Free drops his too worried look and gives a smile toward Milo, showing he wasn't buying that act. It was clear on Milos face how much he disliked needing to remember that whole case. And that only made Free think more highly about Milo. "How modest," youngest tsihs and turns his eyes back on Don. "Since you are on sick leave now you can play my housekeeper and I can go and do your job. 'Cause my shit training is officially over. I can work now, right?" His voice change back to normal, Free wearing his usual strong attitude, smiling widely to the older guy whose arm he was still holding.
"Housekeeper?" Don snorts smiling, even raising his eyebrow a little. "I have been nothing but your housekeeper so far anyway. For a brat who can't even cook himself, there will be a lot more training before I let you work again."
"Ha? More this shit?"
After petting Frees hair, Don starts to walk toward the gates them to leave, young man close behind him. "Last time I let you work your were caught redhanded. That you are done with your training here doesn't mean I let you run wild again," man calmly clears out, pulling kid back to reality. But his last words weren't as cold sounding anymore. Him honestly speaking out his inner thoughts. "You would make me worried sick. Now that I get you back you should stay with me and take care of me. Be my housekeeper."
Free clicks his tongue, not so sure anymore was he feeling annoyed or blushing here from those sweet after words. "I do that AND can work."
Milo walks behind them, keeping this intentional space between them, sighing deeply. "And I became an air.. Are they seriously flirting in front of me.." Don sure has been more casual and relaxed after the accident. Mainly because he was on painkillers. But when man was with Free, his whole appearance changes radically. You couldn't down that inner smile of his with anything. Witnessing that Milo doesn't dare to disturb them.
"I will give you a job when you can behave. They didn't clear your cockiness here at all? How useless people.." oldest wonders out loud, not being that serious but still meaning every word.
"I have been holding it in the whole time," Free smiles proudly.
Don looks at him, smiling now too. "Take a few day rest. Then I might let you work. I actually have some cases on," Don turns his eyes on Milo. "Milo volunteered to be your mentor, you to assistant him with his case. So you can learn from him."
Young man turns his excited look on Milo, eyes sparkling. "Really?! I will work hard!"
"Sure..," Milo mumbles. Now that kid he has met. The way how Free get excited so easily felt so innocent. For a moment Milo really thought Free had lost his inner child when looking that serious earlier. But of course this brat was as hype as ever.
"But that is later," Don points out and keeps walking. "You want to work after playing here for four months? Not a change. I have to see have you learn anything here before giving you permission to go."
"See what? I break records..," Free tsihs, feeling instantly annoyed. His Boss dared to question him after hearing all that praising he just received in the ceremony. He surely has earn his permissions! "And thanks to you I was actually the best shooter in my unit too. What else you want me to prove you?? Just admit, you just missed me so much you wanna spend some lost time with me? You finally feel my love now?"
"Oh, I will feel. When you learn to wash some dishes," Don doesn't give up. But his smile definitely went a little wider after that.
"We have a dishwasher..," Free notes back.
- - - -
Free opens their apartment door and steps in. The feeling of coming back in their home felt incredible good. He really missed this place. Everything was the same in here. Clean, plain area was warmly welcoming him back after those chaotic four months living in the dorm with different kind of personalities. Some of the guys there were more sloppy and dirtier than some of the people Free has met in streets.
Don closes the door behind them. "Welcome home, Aki," he says smiling, letting out this satisfied breath. He too was very glad to get this young man back here.
Younger turns his eyes on Don. Almost feeling like crying now. It wasn't this place he has missed the most. But the one who lives here with him. Dropping his bag Free takes fast steps back toward Don, kissing him, craving to feel others lips against his own. That act was so sudden he actually end up pushing Don against the door way more strongly he ever intend. But Don doesn't mind, he kisses back and rounds his left hand around Free, pulling him as close as possible. They were clinging to each other a while, kissing passionately, then finally separating their lips, both breathen heavily.
Not just they were missing each other mentally, their bodies surely did aswell. But before Free would lose to his lust totally here, he manages to keep his control, now leaning his head against Dons chest. "I'm home..," he whispers, trying to calm his beating heart. "Four months. I did it. I'm back here. I prove you I still want to stay with you. Now say it.."
"Lover," Don calls without a break from Frees words. Young man raises his eyes back up, looking deep in to Dons brown eyes. That was so sudden answer. But still it fill Frees mind with such a satisfaction. He has been patiently waiting this reward. And when he could finally receive it, it felt damn good.
"Again.. What am I?" Free teases, wanting to hear it more.
Don touches Frees face, smiling back. "My lover..," he whispers. "You won. I will say it as many times as you want. Aren't I yours."
Now that propose Free will never forget. Finally he has something to make sure Don could never back off ever again. Dons own words against himself. "Tell me.. How bad is it? Your hand?"
"I don't need my hand to give you some if you want it that badly," older points out straight. And like Free was the only one here. It was quite clear what was the first thing they both want after being apart this long. After all they were both guys.
Free hums while taking even stronger hold of Don. "Then take a shower with me. I would love to have some.," he whispers smiling, kissing others lips gently before leading them in the bathroom.
Taking a gently hold of Dons jacket Free helps man remove it from his shoulders. After wrapping the sling away and starting to remove the light cast around the arm, young man couldn't help but start feeling blue again. A little scared even. When his hands could touch the final layer, he stops. "How much does it hurt..?"
"It's not that bad anymore," Don answers. "I'm on painkillers. Have to take them daily still."
Free hums. And removes the rest. The whole arm was on bruises. Two big surgical scars, one on the arm, one on the upper arm. The wrist was taped, the skin around it was still dark. Free takes his time eyeing those scars, carefully touching the skin. It hurt. Seeing Don injured like this hurt so much he could barely stand it. The more he could actually see what was going on the more uneasy he felt. When Don let Free take his shirt off, showing his black side, young man turns his angry look back to Don. Those were from broken ribs! What else there was Free wasn't aware of? "I could taste blood. Open your mouth," he commands coldly.
"I lost two teeth," older clears out calmly. He knew his hot-headed lover would be furious after seeing his body. After all Don hasn't been totally honest how badly he was hurt. Or more like he has left much untell. "The fall dislocated my chin and they had to do surgery from inside my mouth. Got multiple stitchs. It's fixed now but I can't really move it that well yet. It's still healing."
Free closes his eyes for a second while breathing out slowly, trying to hold his angry mood. But he simple couldn't take it anymore. "It's been two months. Bruises like this are not small! You really could have die!?" he actually yells.
"But I didn't," Don rushs to say, wiping tears from Frees eye, trying to calm the other by touch. Young man was really angry. No one has ever get this worried for his sake. Being yelled at like this was very new to Don. Usually people wouldn't dare to do such. But this young man has never really been afraid to show his true feelings in front of Don. "Really, it's not that bad anymore. I can use my arm already so so. The support was only for the long trip. And I'm not allowed to drive long distances because of the medication, that's why Milo was with me today. I'm okay."
Even when Free felt incredible mad at the moment, Dons calm way to explain himself could easily comfort him, ease his mind. Free might be fast to try this guys limits but in the end Don was the one Free trusts the most, the one he listens blindly. As his guardian. As his Boss. As his lover. If he says he was fine, he was. And Free has no choice but to believe him. "It's my body. Take better care of it from now on," Free whispers and takes a hold of Dons hand with his own. Kissing it.
Don hums. "I will."
Eyeing the other intently, Free finally lows his hand. And takes his own shirt off, leans to open Dons jeans. Smiling. "Are your legs fine then?" His mood was once again much better. Thinking if they now needed to back off a little because the other was injured, so be it. Don would let him know if Free was too pushy. After all Free was just happy to be with Don again, even just like this, close.
But Don wasn't thinking so. "Just bruises. If you think this will slow me down, you are wrong. Please prepare yourself.."
That downright statement only made Free more excited. To make sure man couldn't go back with his words, he gets fastly down and strips Don totally. When he gets up, he touchs Dons front, leans slowly closer. And without saying more he lands a sweet kiss on others lips.