Chapter Text
Richard shook his head and raised his shoulders, unconcerned - nothing son, a letter of a past debt.
The blond finished descending the white marble stairs to approach his father and ask him with some shyness in his voice. - Dad, no room upstairs can be opened.
- Oh! How silly of me - Richard scolded himself causing a small laugh from his son -. You must be tired, sorry, I'm so distracted!
They both climbed back up the stairs being careful not to lean on the dusty banister. They would call a servant to clean up later.
When they reached the second floor they stopped in front of a certain room. Richard used a set of golden keys to open it. As the door moved to reveal its interior, the boy next to him couldn't help but smile at the sight of what would be his new space; his eyes wandered around every corner unable to articulate a word out of excitement. Richard understood his silence as disappointment, so, puzzled, he asked with some hesitation: - Tweek, don't you like your new room?
The blond fixed his eyes on his father and immediately gave him an effusive hug, whispering a "Thank you". They both walked into the place: a fine room with white walls, a bed with white sheets and a large window hidden behind cream-colored curtains that led to a small balcony. The young man was captivated.
- And? - asked the eldest - what do you think?
- It's wonderful. - the blond hugged himself as tears slid down his cheeks, he didn't feel worthy of this. - Thank you daddy. - He wiped as best he could the wet trace from his face, he knew his father didn't like to see him sad.
- Don't thank me, this is what I always dreamed of giving you. - the elder smiled at seeing his son so moved, which led him again to remember his carelessness with which he had lost him - How much I wish I had given it to you before....
Tweek immediately lifted his tear-soaked face. His eyes followed his father who sat on the bed with frustration on his countenance. The young man went to his side quietly and seeing his father so distressed, he asked softly and tenderly:
- 'can you tell me more about my mother, Dad?'
The man sighed and more animated, he looked around the room with his eyes as if he saw his wife walking in that room. - Your mother was a brave, beautiful woman and she loved you with her life - Tweek smiled - She wanted the best for you - his voice broke before continuing which caused a grimace of sadness in his son - she gave her life for you. Oh Tweek, how could I not be there to stop him?
His memory took him back to that day and unable to help himself, he retold the story to his son. The blond listened to him as if it was the first time he had heard it.
"We had both decided to look for a business to support ourselves. Your mother and I as newlyweds traveled to many places with what little we had. One afternoon, soaked by the summer rain, we took refuge in a little place hidden on the third floor of an almost empty house. As we entered the little place, a peculiar smell caught our attention; as we approached to ask what it was, the owner told us that it was a drink and that he was thinking of getting rich with it, it was coffee. Your mother and I, after "falling in love" with the aroma of that little shop, knew what we wanted to do: we would become producers of that singular drink. We worked with the guy for a while to learn the secrets of how to prepare and make that aroma, however, people did not seem to like the bitter taste of the drink that could not compete with tea, and soon after, the man closed the business. But we did not give up; something was missing in that recipe to make it taste good, something that could not be found in England, and that is what motivated us to embark on different trading ships that sailed the seas to look elsewhere for the final touch that we felt was missing in the recipe. We traveled to different places for a few months, until we ended up with a tribe of dark men who taught us some fascinating secrets. That trip had been worth all the time we spent hungry and thirsty on those ships; we had found a better way to prepare the drink and quality grains that would greatly improve the taste. On the way back to England, your mother suddenly became ill; she was vomiting all the time and the waves made her terribly seasick. Worried about her health, I consulted with the other crew members; upon examining her, they told us that she was pregnant and would soon give birth."
Tweek passed saliva as he learned what was next. Richard gave a glance at his son and after that, he sank back into the story:
"The news came as a surprise to your mother and me; she hadn't shown any trace of being pregnant for all these months. Even with the surprise, we both that afternoon embraced each other sweetly, she was happy and so was I; a son, an heir to our family. A few days later you were born; golden strands, small body, so fragile..."
The man stroked his son's hair remembering how he looked as a baby. Tweek smiled tenderly, which contrasted with Richard's expression that changed as he remembered what followed:
"One of them day as I was checking the coffee beans in the storehouse we were bringing back for England, I heard shouts and footsteps; when I returned upstairs, a fierce rain was falling from the sky as well as men with swords taking everything in their path: we were being attacked by pirates. Hurriedly, I tried to return to the room, but some men confronted me. I fought, I fought with all the strength I had, but they were too many; they knocked me out instantly, and the shudder I felt of being killed made my heart shrink. I thought I would never wake up in this world again, but when I opened my eyes, I knew that miracles existed: I had been left alive. I immediately departed to where I had left your mother and you napping when I saw the scene: your mother, face down in a pool of blood and no trace of you."
The blond was immediately saddened to see his father looking so melancholy. He rested his hand on his knee to give him strength. Richard wiped under his eyes wiping away any trace of tears, and then smiled at his son.
- But you're alive, Oh, I always knew it! - the man gently took his son by the arms, shaking him gently. I knew my son had survived, and I didn't stop until I raised a good amount of money for your search.
- Thank you, Dad. I... I will never be able to thank you completely.
- The important thing is that you are alive, that we are together. - The man held his son tightly in his arms. He reciprocated with effusiveness, feeling that he could finally leave his dark past behind. Richard broke away after a few minutes as he remembered something. - Son, I have to go out for a moment. I won't be long. Unpack your things, okay?
- I will.
Richard walked out of the room and then out of the big house, leaving Tweek alone. The blond immediately brought his suitcases that had been left near the staircase to do what he had been asked to do, but he remembered that there were more things that needed to be brought. He put the suitcases back where they were and returned downstairs, finding a man with a funny mustache bringing in the larger items from the carriage. The blond immediately offered to help him, although he was only carrying the things from the door inside; his father had instructed him not to leave for any reason.
- The only thing missing is a wooden chest of drawers, Master. - The man pointed out - Excuse me, but I don't know if I can ask you to help me with that, it's the last thing to be taken down. My partner went to bring the rest of the things and it will take a while.
- Ah! I don't have authorization to go out! I'm sorry! - apologized the blond immediately.
- Oh, I understand. Then we'll have to wait.
- Which dresser is the one outside? - asked the blond curiously.
- I think it's yours, sir.
The blond approached with slow steps, as if walking in the middle of the night to the door where he let his big green eyes show; the chest of drawers in question was his. He walked away from the place returning his gaze to the main room hesitantly; if he entered the chest of drawers and tidied it with his things, his father would be very happy for having fully complied with what he told him to do, but his father had also forbidden him to leave the house, what was he to do? She looked at the man and then glanced over her shoulder at the half open door. He pressed his lips together a little and said:
- I will help you.
For the first time, Tweek was able to get a brief view of the tumult of the city. He was thankful that people surrounded the sidewalk in front of his house by the things on the ground, it kept him from being seen. His body was obscured by a large carriage, so he only spied for a few seconds the bustle of the opposite sidewalk, before hiding behind the carriage and helping the man lower the piece of furniture. The thing was heavy, he had to use both hands and a lot more force than he expected to get it down. Shortly after finally putting it down, the other servant arrived with another carriage, though this one was not as heavily loaded as the first. The piece of furniture had been left blocking the way into the house, and it was worse when the servant and the man began to move the piece of furniture inside, so Tweek had to stay outside for a few more moments. The blond was nervous, he didn't want his father to see him there, would he be around? Tweek again let his green eyes look for his father's figure somewhere; he saw nothing, except a strange movement of people, could something be going on? more and more people appeared with elegant clothes, walking hurriedly for something unknown to him. He was about to hide again when in a second, he caught something strange; A carriage passed almost in front of him, and in the window, a young man with black hair was looking with a neutral gesture at the streets as if he was looking for something special. Tweek held his breath unwillingly and when the carriage was lost from his sight, he felt the need to breathe. His hand came to his chest, his brow furrowed and he gritted his teeth as thick tears fell from his eyes.
-Stan...
*** ***
Craig dropped his small suitcase on the motel room bed. Wearily, he walked over to the window watching the hustle and bustle; he disliked seeing so much unusualness in the city. It was so... out of the ordinary.
- May I come in? - Token asked from behind the door.
- Come in. - He plopped down on the bed with his hands behind his neck.
- You settled in fast - he scoffed as he saw the tiny suitcase next to him.
The jet ignored the taunt and sat up on the bed, footsteps announced more people arriving in his room. His sister and mother appeared dressed to go out airing themselves with colorful fans.
- Tricia and I will go dress shopping for tonight, Craig.
Token gave a mocking glance at his friend who was watching his mother as if she spoke a foreign language.
- Craig. - the woman snapped to attention, closing her fan rudely over the opposite palm.
- I'll go with something I already have," she shrugged. I can go with them, but I'm not going to buy any costumes for the ball.
- Tricia, talk to him, this is the last straw! - The woman walked away leaving the three of them who, after she left, exchanged complicit glances.
- Don't make mom mad. - Tricia went straight to sit on the bed. Her blue dress fluttered gracefully with her every step.
- She's not going to force me to her wishes - Craig again pulled back resting his hands on his chest.
- Tricia's right - the brunet nodded - I'm not forcing you to do it, just try.
- Again with that... - the brunet turned his back to both of them making clear his uncomfortable posture - I want to be alone.
- Haven't you forgotten her yet? - said the girl.
The black-haired man turned around immediately surprised by his sister's words. The redhead smiled a triumphant half-smile.
- So that's why you don't want to marry Red. You like someone. - she affirmed.
Then Token finally connected all of Craig's strange attitudes with just that one simple sentence from his sister. He was surprised and blamed himself for not noticing. It was so obvious.
The black-haired man again turned on the bed snorting like a caged animal. Tricia laughed a little sardonically, but Token adopted a serious posture and placing a hand on the girl's shoulder, whispered that it was better to leave him alone. Tricia understood instantly and felt a little guilty as she realized that it was a serious subject for her brother to touch. The girl quickly left the room, saying goodbye to her brother in a whisper. Token approached.
- Craig?
- If you're going to insist, fuck off. - threatened the sulky jet.
- Then you and that pirate...
The black-haired man silenced him immediately with a cracked voice: - Shut up.
- Why didn't you tell me anything?
- He's dead, what does it matter?
- In these two years I've always avoided touching the subject. You need to talk about this, you need to continue. - The dark-haired man reached out a hand to touch his friend - I don't know anything about what happened between him and you, but if he loved you, I'm sure he would want you to continue your life. Do it for him.
- ... - The black-haired turned around looking to face his friend's words; he felt something wet touch his cheeks, a trail of tears marked his face.
- You loved him very much. - Token said in astonishment.
- You don't look surprised. - he countered, wiping it off with the sleeves of his clothes.
- Dude, I don't care about that. - the boy played it down, then took on a somber air - Craig, I want to apologize. If I had known-
- But you didn't. Stop blaming yourself for that. - The blue-haired boy turned his blue eyes to his friend who had ducked his head at his words.
- What are you going to do? - he asked again, looking up at his friend.
- I guess... I could go to the ball and please my mother. You're right, I must go on. - He moved his forearm to stand near his eyes looking for something: the silver slave girl, a reminder of his affair, was still there with him. The kiss of that night was still in the reflection of the metal.
** **
Tweek kept replaying the short scene in his head over and over again. He sat down heavily on the bed with his feet fluttering on the floor producing a particular noise and, with his hands on the mattress for support, he breathed in the air gently through his nose imagining it was the sea breeze, that always calmed him in times past. He was excited and scared at the same time, a strange feeling he couldn't explain. He was glad that his friend was well, but on the other hand he was afraid; his father had asked him years ago if he had revealed his real name to anyone else, to which he flatly denied. He wanted to use his mother's only memory of him, he didn't want to change it, and he hoped he would never meet "Burdock" again, wherever he was.
His father's voice calling him to eat alerted him that he was back. He didn't delay in coming downstairs trying to calm himself so as not to alert anything unusual.
Lunch was served at a narrow square table with white tablecloths and golden candlesticks on the table. Father and son sat across from each other as they ate. Although the blond tried to disguise his nervousness, it was very evident as he held the silverware in his hands shaking incessantly, unable to pick up the pea on his plate.
Richard wiped his lips, looking quizzically at his son. Tweek, is something wrong, son?
- No! aah! What makes you think that?!
- You're not eating.
The morning servant apologized as he interrupted the chatter to report that nothing more needed to be unloaded. But before leaving, he thanked the blond who paled when the man mentioned the furniture.
- The young man helped me get it off the cart.
- What, Tweek left the house?! - the man slapped his hand on the table.
Both the blond and the man jumped. Nervously, they tried to explain what had happened, although the word-lock made it difficult to make him understand anything. The man, annoyed, stopped the unnecessary chatter and sent the servant to leave him alone with his son. The blond was pulling his hair with very noticeable twitches in his eyes.
- Tweek, I told you, you can't leave the house yet, what would have happened if another guy tried to kidnap you? You wouldn't be so lucky twice and I'm sure he'd cut off your limbs and leave you under some bridge.
- AAAH! Oh God!
- Besides, you're still missing some lessons in social manners, fencing, and whatnot, or do you want to be taken to prison?
- NOO! Oh no! Sorry, Dad!
- Well then, don't disobey me.
The man tried to continue eating, however, he felt his son's gaze on him. He put down the cutlery and asked what was wrong.
- What's going on outside? - the blond man dared to ask in a whisper as if it was something forbidden he was saying.
- You don't need to know.
- But it's just that... I want to know. - he insisted remembering his friend's scene.
- Aahh... curiosity, my son. - Richard gave a tired smile. - The Prince of England is getting engaged tonight at a masked ball, so all the important people are looking for a costume in the stores.
The man went on with his meal, settling the subject altogether. Tweek, silent and without appetite, deduced that this was why Stan was in town, although he could find no reason for his attendance to this party, what were his plans?
When the blond finished, he went to his room, excusing himself to take a nap to think about what he should do. Everything was complicated; since he had no costume, no invitation, and he wasn't even sure he would be able to see Stan. So many years of not seeing him had perhaps made his friend forget him. No. He would not do that, he was sure that his friend would remember him if he saw him; he had to go, it was a unique opportunity and despite the fact that his father would be angry with him for life and the guilt he would have for disobeying, he would look for a way to meet his friend again.
All afternoon he unpacked some costumes and fabrics and did his best to make a disguise. He made a black cape with a headband to tie it around his neck, a black mask that went around his eyes and a wide-brimmed black hat that hid his face to avoid being seen; in his closet, he put on his best black boots and tight pants of the same color, as well as a white shirt with ruffles. He looked for the mirror in his room and promised himself to look for Stan at that party. Now he had to wait for the moment to escape.
** **
Stan had watched the whole journey from his window, lost in his few childhood memories. He was conflicted about going back to that town at first, and now he was there. He had waited so long for the opportunity years ago to return and do it justice, to seek out that place where he had spent his childhood and return home to live again like those days, yet he realized at some point, nothing would ever be the same. Life had taken him to another place so far away from that goal. Kyle had changed him so much; he felt as if he had healed the wounds in his heart. He couldn't be more grateful to the boy who sat next to him; his happiness was now that red-haired "book-eater" and star-lover.
Kyle, already exasperated with so much silence, closed his book and asked bluntly:
- Stan, if this is too much for you you can come back anytime.
- It's okay, Kyle - the boy smiled without looking at him -. It's in the past, I'm over it.
- Are you sure?
Stan turned to see him giving him a tender smile that made the redhead blush.
- I have more important reasons to go on living than revenge.
He didn't know why, but Kyle couldn't help feeling that this had been like the end of an episode of terror in his life; he felt like jumping into Stan's arms. He restrained himself as best he could, giving him an even smile in return.
** **
Craig and Token walked into the great hall filled with the crown's finest guests. The soft music playing in the air gave an unspoken invitation to dance, but Craig wasn't interested in it.
- Even though you're here, I sense that you're not comfortable. - The dark-skinned one muttered to his friend hiding in his large purple hat with a fine suit of the same color.
- Is it time to go already? - he asked sullenly. He really regretted agreeing to meet Red at a masquerade, though it had its advantages, like not seeing his cousin's face.
Token shook his head resigned to putting up with Craig's moodiness all night. Instead of following a dead end, he ventured another question.
- Doesn't the mask fit? - he asked, looking at the object in question.
- Yes, I want to take it off.
- Craig, this is a costume party, you couldn't come dressed in navy uniform without at least one mask. - Token nodded to a lady who passed him and then returned a reproachful glance to the black-haired man. The latter rolled her eyes.
- Are you going to lecture me all night?
- Just try to have fun. - he ended the conversation.
The two continued to walk through the crowd until they came upon Craig's mother and sister again, along with a young girl in a black dress, red hair loose with a black rose decorating it. Then Craig sensed that she was the famous cousin Red. He snorted angrily through his nose for a second before his mother noticed his presence and took him by the arm to introduce him to the young girl.
Token watched the scene from a few steps behind. He hoped that his friend would find in her something that would bring back the happiness that had been taken away from him. In a few minutes, Craig was reluctantly holding out his arm to the girl so that they could dance a little. The brunette hoped this would go well.
** **
The young blond had received the kiss on his father's forehead as goodnight a few minutes ago, which indicated that it was time to test his escape. He analyzed whether it was convenient to go out the front door, discarding it immediately; too much noise. Then he thought that the only thing left to do was to go out through his balcony. He would have to jump from that height.
Damn.
The blond peered out of the glassy window, observing little traffic on the street. Everyone's attention would already be on the party. He had to hurry.
He opened the balcony door by taking a few steps, watching the distance to the sidewalk with slight tremors. He could have chosen to slide in with the sheets in his room, but that would alert possible burglars or people who would alert his father immediately, and he needed time to search for Stan. He made sure there were no people around, closed the door behind him without making the slightest noise and approached the white metal railing, remembering in that instant everything he had done in his previous life as a pirate. He closed his eyes imagining himself falling from the height towards an enemy ship, falling deftly with both legs bent without getting a single scratch to his relief. He turned both ways, when a luxurious wagon appeared down the street. He deduced at once that it was going in the direction of the party, so he followed it in the darkness.
Arriving after many minutes of walking, he found himself in a place bright with music and lights with the finest people parading through the entrance. She had never thought to see such a spectacle in her life, which made her realize something important that she had not thought of until that very moment:
He had no invitation to enter.
** **
It was an elegant evening in the great hall, compared to the kitchen, which was in chaos.
With orders shouting back and forth, Clyde was making sure to bring whatever the guests asked for and that was enough for him. He was doing his best that night, even though the red mask with feathers on the sides he was wearing was stinging him, he wasn't giving up on doing his job to the best of his ability. He was picking up another of the many orders he was already in charge of, when the head chef shouted loudly for someone to go outside and check if they had forgotten any vegetables at the entrance. With so much hustle and bustle, only Clyde seemed to be attentive to what the boss was asking, so with that, he ventured out into the darkness of the night looking with his good vision for a box or something related to what his boss had said. A quick glance was enough to find a box forgotten outside in the darkness. He carried it with both hands, listening to a slight... grunting? groaning?
Curious, he approached it until he went behind the stacked wooden jars of vegetables, finding a young man with his back turned and a large black hat. He cleared his throat to make himself noticeable to the young man who immediately stood up, hiding his face with the hat. Clyde observed the attitude curiously, he seemed to have interrupted something.
- What are you doing here?
- Agh! That's none of your business! - he replied nervously.
The voice immediately made him stupefied; it was very familiar to him, but he quickly refused that option. It couldn't possibly be HIM.
- Won't you come in?
It seemed that the blond stopped to think a little before answering.
- I forgot my invitation at home. My father is indisposed tonight and I came alone.
Clyde felt his arms getting tired, so he put the box down so he could get a closer look at the young man who, in his opinion, was trying to hide from him.
- And he wasn't thinking of going home and bringing the invitation?
- Oh no, it's too far away!
- You're not trying to trick me? - he observed suspiciously - Maybe he's a vagabond from the streets trying to sneak in and wants to fool someone as smart as me.
Immediately the young man searched through his clothes for something and showed it to Clyde who whistled as he recognized the identification of a rich man. You didn't have to be very smart to know that the boy came from a wealthy family.
- Would you... Will you let me in? Ahh! I'll make it up to you! - The blond took out some gold coins that he extended to the brown-haired man. The latter took them immediately and bowed to him.
- I'll take you in right away, sir....
- Call me Tweek, please, let's hurry!
Clyde was still with a slight sense of deja-vu, led the young man into the kitchen who stopped at the sight of the boy. Explained the situation briefly, which did not cause strangeness in the others who continued their work, and although the situation seemed to be taken normally, Clyde at the blond's side, felt the blond tremble slightly on the way to the living room.
When they reached the great hall, Clyde made a very marked bow to the boy asking if he could help him with anything else, and when he got no answer in the seconds he was in that position, he stood up, realizing that the young man was no longer there. He looked for him with his eyes, remembering his voice. If I didn't know he was dead, I would swear it was him. He shook his head, returning to the kitchen to continue his work.
** **
Tweek had rushed into the party, he had no time to waste. Maybe his father would have noticed his absence by now and God, he had to hurry to find Stan!
He tried to pass unnoticed, greeting politely as he had been taught to do, to the people who appeared in front of him. He tried for minutes to approach someone and ask directly, but found himself in the dilemma of not knowing how to phrase his question, adding that it was a costume ball and it would be hard to find him in the midst of all the people. For a moment he regretted being so impulsive and doing things without a plan. Resigned, and with his nerves shaking him uncontrollably, he approached the drinks table for some water.
The cup with cool water approached his lips, as the scene of a jet-black man dancing softly with a damsel appeared in front of him, distracting him; they twirled harmoniously, and then he visualized the young man's blue eyes watching the girl; blue, as blue as a gentle evening tide. His glass lowered from his lips as he recoiled in disbelief that it was him.
That he was Burdock. That they were both here and now.
He stepped further and further back wanting to flee at once, wanting some tornado to wipe him off the face of the earth, regretting again and again that he had come. The cup held to the side of his chest trembled with his ticks. A scream behind him brought him back to earth; he had spilled water on someone's clothes.
- Hey! What's the matter with you, be more careful! - complained the guy behind him.
- Ah! I-I didn't mean to! - apologized the blond stammering, turning to look at the red-haired boy.
- Kyle! Kyle! What's happened? - shouted a voice approaching.
Then all eyes focused on the little scuffle, but Tweek didn't care.
Because he recognized the voice of the person coming towards him very well.