Chapter Text
“Nikki slow down!” Neil called. He and Max were behind since Nikki had grown to be much faster, especially when excited. She was already at the corner when the two boys were halfway down the block. It was a wonder how she hadn't noticed until Neil called since she'd been rambling the whole time.
She whipped around to face them then waved, “Sorry!” Her high energy never changed. It’s what let her be on so many sports teams in college.
“What the fuck is so cool about this place anyway Nikki?” Max asked from across the block, as Neil and Max walked with no rush. This was New York City anyway. People having conversations across the street wasn't uncommon.
“It’s a surprise, you’ll see!” Nikki called back. She took the extra bit of time to tie up her mop of green hair. Summer was quickly coming up on the city, even though it was only the first day of June. Despite the heatwaves, it was Nikki’s favorite time of year. She was an outdoorsy girl and that was never going to change. Max and Neil, on the other hand, weren’t too fond of the weather. They felt it was too hot to do anything, and Max was never happy when he couldn't wear his hoodie. He kept it tied around his waist in the summer months since New York has crazy weather anyway. He could always just slip it on over his black tank top if it started raining.
The boys finally reached the corner and Nikki chuckled, “Took you two long enough. Anyways, we’re here!” They were standing in front of a charming, little cafe. The aesthetic of it was violet and royal blue. There was a little sign with a coffee cup, the steam of the cup designed to look like gold poofs of magic. The sign read, “New Dream” in a gold curvy font.
“Really Nikki? A cafe?” Max asked, clearly unimpressed.
“Well, they have psychic readings!” Nikki refuted excitedly.
“Nikki, you should be old enough to know that stuff isn't real,” Neil deadpanned.
“How do you know they can’t go into your brain and see your future?” Nikki said back.
“I have a major in neuroscience, from an ivy league school,” He stated matter-of-factly, “So I know a thing or two about brains, Nicolette.” Neil was always bragging about going to Brown University.
“Ewwwwww, don’t call me that,” Nikki said, making a face of disgust. She never liked the way her name sounded, it wasn't her. Nikki was a far better-suited name for her bubbly self.
“Uh,” Max budded back into the conversation, “As a person with common sense, something you two are kind lacking, it just kinda makes no sense. Either way, I’m hungry, so let’s get this over with.”
Max pushed open the door and they stepped inside, escaping the heat of the summer sun and trading it for the perfect cool temperature inside the shop. The walls were the same light royal blue as the outside, with the pillars along the wall violet. The tables were round and wooden. Fairy lights were strung around the place with patrons sitting and chatting at most every table. It gave off an enchanting sort of vibe. One aspect of the place stood out, especially today. At the front of the cafe, there was a little stage. It had a red curtain and the brightest fairy lights in the room, but they were not blinding, just enough to draw your attention. On stage, there was a man singing. He was tall and skinny with slightly broad shoulders. Somewhat puffy brown hair framed his face. His hair didn’t quite reach his shoulders, it stopped about an inch under his chin and curled in towards his face. The light hit his face perfectly as he sat on the stool and sang. The act for tonight and almost every night was written on a little sign next to the stage. It read “Preston Goodplay.” All three recognized the name and the man it belonged to.
“You didn’t tell me Goodplay was here,” Max practically whisper to Nikki. It was as if they were watching a different person, not the boy from camp all those years ago. He was different, but he had those same vibrant amber eyes, always ready to step into some kind of scene or action.
“Well he wasn't here when I came here yesterday,” Nikki shrugged. “He has a nice voice.” Preston was singing a softer song. Something that flowed almost like a gentle river.His voice was soft and tender, like a prayer or a friend trying to console you. It sounded absolutely lovely.
“No kidding,” Max said back, mumbling.
Before Nikki could comment on Max’s starstruck look a lady came up to the group. She had long, wavy jet black hair, perfectly sun-kissed skin and full red lips. At first glance, she looked to be in her late twenties, early thirties, but her deep brown eyes gave way to the wisdom of her years. Upon closer inspection, you could see very light laugh lines beginning to form and revealing that she has had a happy life. She looked like a fulfilled and confidant woman. “Are you two here to be seated? Or are you here to hear your fortunes?” You could hear the Venezuelan accent in her voice. It wasn't incredibly heavy but, definitely present.
“The fortune telling,” Nikki responded enthusiastically, “All three of us.”
“Oh! You must be Nikki!” the woman responded, “Harrison already told me about you. I guessed by your gorgeous green hair.”
Nikki was flattered, “Oh! Thanks.” In truth, Nikki always taught her hair was a mess. “Can you guess who the rest of us are?” She asked.
“Well if you insist. I’m not the magic one of the family but…” She first looked at Max and studied him closely, “You must be Max, with those bright jade eyes of yours,” she turned to Neil, “Which means you’re Neil.” She said Neil with a certain familiarity as if she’d already heard this name in the past.
“How did you know?” Max asked, beyond confused.
“Intuition,” she answered with a sly smile, “Now we can keep out psychics waiting.” She guided them down the hall right next to where the counter was. The hallway was the same blue of the outside.The hallway was long and narrow. The hall was dimly lit with the exception of the oil lamps that lined the hall, silver and gold beaded chains connecting one to the other. It gave you a sense of mystery and fantasy, perfect for the physics room.
“Wow spooky,” Max mumbled, clearly not impressed by the decorations.
Nikki rolled her eyes, “Oh Max, be nice. I think it’s really cool, and they took the time to do this? It’s a pretty nice setup. Did I mention they’re real? Nerris told me yesterday.”
“Nerris?” Neil asked, “And Harrison? Nikki, you didn’t tell us there were people from our old camp here.Also, you’re rambling again.”
“Sorry. Excited,” Nikki squeaked.
“Don’t change the subject Nikki. I’m on Neil with this. What about Goodplay? You just,” Max made air quotes, “‘didn't know he was gonna be here.’”
“Well, that was the surprise?” Nikki chuckled, “A little catch up could never hurt could it guys? Plus, Preston wasn't here yesterday. They told me he plays here occasionally but I didn’t know he’d do a set today.”
“I don’t know, you two were probably the only ones I could tolerate,” Max mumbled. They reached the little psychic’s room. The walls were painted a deep dark blue, a darker royal blue almost to contrast the one in the main cafe, and a plum curtain was draped along all four walls, gold and silver beads dripping down the curtain as well. There were two oil lamps on either side of the wooden table and in the center a crystal ball that, actually, looked kind of fake and cheesy. Behind the table, Harrison and Nerris were chatting. Nerris didn’t wear her ears anymore, but she did upgrade from a cape to a cloak. She actually turned out to look more like her mother, though she kept a short hairstyle and similar glasses as all those years ago. She still had freckles, if anything, she seemed to have grown more. They went right across her cheeks and across the bridge of her nose. Harrison, on the other hand, was taller. He was always one of the taller ones of the bunch, but now he probably reaches almost 6 feet. His jaw was sharper but his hair was still a little long, just as it was before. His fashion sense hasn't changed much, as he had his usual magician gear on, this time with a pink button down. He also had a small gold piercing on his upper right ear.
The lady that brought them to the room called him over. “Here are the clients you were expecting,” she said, “I’m going to pick up Timmy.” She squeezed his shoulder and smiled.
“Bye Ma,” Harrison said with a smile. The woman waved then left.
“Ma?” Nikki asked.
“Oh, that’s actually my aunt, but she took me in so I eventually started to call her mom. Oh, and before you ask, Timmy is my little brother,” Harrison mentioned.
“Whoa! How did you know I was gonna ask?” Nikki was bewildered, pink eyes sparkling, just in the same way as they did when she was a child and Harrison would do a trick.
“Yeah, and how’d you bring the kid back?” Max asked.
“Magic,” Harrison said simply.
Neil rolled his eyes, “No such thing. I-”
Harrison signed, “Neil... “ He took a moment to really look at him, “Good to see you haven't changed.” Harrison smiled and shook all their hands, “But it’s so nice to see you all again! Please come in.” He had them sit down on the pillows in front of the little table, across from him and Nerris. The pillows were a rich dark purple and had gorgeous gold embroidery and tassels a slightly lighter purple then the pillow.
“Hey, guys! Long time no see!” Nerris said with a smile. The signature lisp was still there, but it wasn't as heavy as before. “It’s been a while hasn't it?”
“About ten years,” Neil said.
However, at the same time, Nikki said, “Yesterday.” The whole room laughed. “But yeah, for the other two it’s been like ten years,” she continued when the laughter died down.
“Anyways, Nikki already got her reading, so, Neil, Max, who's up first?” Harrison asked.
“Neil,” Max answered flatly.
“What? Me?” Neil asked.
“Yeah, just get it over with Neil,” Max shrugged. He actually wanted to see what was going to happen before he went.
“Fine,” Neil grumbled.
Harrison instructed him to put his hands on the table. The fortune telling method they used involved a lot of palm reading. Harrison gently took Neil’s hand in his own. He was very careful with it as if it was a porcelain doll. “You’re a sensible man,” Harrison began, “intelligent, good memory, good health, and balance in your mental, emotional and physical health… but you’re so stressed...”
Nerris entered the conversation, as she was studying Neil’s hand as well, “However, you struggle emotionally. You’re complex and you need someone to help you work out your emotions, and they seem to be coming in your future very soon. You also have one prominent marriage line, so they might just be the one. Keep your eyes peeled for that.”
Then, the room fell silent for a moment. Everyone was looking at Neil’s hand. It was mostly crazy to Neil how in the world they could know that if it had been ten years since they’d seen each other.
Nikki, unsurprisingly, was the one to break up the bit off tension and shock left in the room. “So Max is next, right guys?”
Neil slowly pulled his hand away from Harrison's soft grasp. “Yeah Max, you’re up.”
Max brought his hand forward slowly, but almost carelessly. He didn’t want to believe in it but he knew all too well the power of Harrison's magic. Immediately after Nerris and Harrison looked at Max’s hand, they exchanged a nervous glance. “Max’s hand reveals a lot about who he is…” Harrison said.
Max cut him off, “Just go for it, Harrison.” In all honesty, Max wanted to get this over with since he was hungry and was promised food.
“You’re a person who's very depressed and negative,” Harrison began. Max tensed up a little, he would never expect his hands to reveal that about him. His close friends Nikki and Neil knew, but it took a lot for him to open up to them about it. “It wasn't the happiest of childhoods for you.” Everyone in the room knew this to be true, but no one really knew to what extent. “You’re very closed off and cold on the outside, but sensitive on the inside.”
“But I see success in your lifetime, you play music now Max?” Nerris asked, to which Max nodded, “Keep playing. There is also a love in your near future. You may have had your fair share of romances in the past, but the one you have a deep connection to is coming around soon. However be careful. An illness of some kind will befall you in the near future. I can’t pinpoint when, but sometime in the next year.”
“And that was pretty much it,” Harrison said, “It was just a palm reading, but you guys are welcome to come back for more, or stay and eat lunch.” The group said their goodbyes. Nikki, Neil, and Max began to walk back to the main restaurant.
“That was,” Neil paused, “A little creepy. But definitely fake.” He added on his last sentence more to reassure himself in everything he’d studied and to not give in to even thinking about believing.
“We haven’t seen them in ten years! It has to be real! There’s no way they could know that. I didn't tell them, trust me,” Nikki countered.
“Nikki,” Max stated, now his initial surprise of the reading was gone, “Social media is a thing. A quick search on google and you can find someone’s life these days. Their whole act is probably bullshit like always. Cool set up though. This seems like a really nice place.”
“You guys wanna eat here then?” Nikki asked. The boys agreed so they got a table. Preston was still performing. Max happened to get the seat where he could see him clearly, so he listened and watched. He’d much rather hear music than Nikki and Neil bickering about if the magic was real or not. If he had to pick anyone who changed the most out of the kids from camp, it would probably be Preston. Preston now had a more finely tuned voice. Max really enjoyed listening to it. Preston had the kind of voice you’d want a lullaby to be sung in. It was soft and sweet. However, it had its moments of power, and Max could already tell Preston had a high register for a man’s voice. Preston’s performance also seemed much less theatrical than what Max was used to from him. Of course, that was ten years ago, and Preston wasn't the same kid he was ten years ago. Just from the performance, Preston was giving, Max could tell that Preston had grown as an artist. The one thing that was forever the same was his eyes. Those big and bright amber eyes. It was almost like they were electric and you could see the sparks when you looked into them. They gave off the same never-ending energy as before, eyes that swirled with a new idea and excitement. It was something that Max always noticed, as Preston used to be one of the most hyper kids of the bunch. Now Preston seemed laid back (at least performance wise), but he still had those exciting and electric eyes. Max hadn't even known he was looking till he saw Preston’s eyes looking right back at him. Max turned his attention back to his friends, suddenly feeling awkward, and almost embarrassed for staring at Preston so long.
The looking never went unnoticed. Preston had seen Max’s vibrant jade eyes and knew exactly who it was. Max’s expression remained cold and stoic, but Preston knew better. Preston knew that eyes are the window to the soul, and Max was no exception to that rule. Preston had always been good at telling how people were really feeling, and it was all in the eyes. Max practically gave away all of his feelings in his eyes. Today, after ten years, Preston felt that Max was studying him. That he was looking at him up close and trying to figure him out. He couldn't be sure, but just by getting that feeling it poked and interest in him. Something in Preston told him he had to go talk to him, that it was fate that he was here or something of that nature.
Time really flies. It was like they were here, then they were gone. Preston never got a chance to greet his old campers because he didn’t finished his set before they got up and left. When he was finally done, he went to Harrison and Nerris to look for answers. Thankfully, the two were just hanging out in the psychic's room. “Did you guys see Max, Nikki, and Neil?” Preston asked as soon as he came in the doorway. He went inside to sit down on the pillows.
“Yeah they were here for a palm reading,” Harrison mentioned.
“Nikki came in yesterday,” Nerris added.
“Why didn’t you guys let me know they were coming? I didn’t even get to say hello,” Preston huffed, “You two never let me know.” Preston was known to get sassy from time to time.
“Actually we did.” Nerris was also known to get sassy from time to time, “It’s in the group chat. Plus, you were being a little diva about your audition yesterday, like always.”
Preston blinked a few times, totally confused, and checked his phone. “I got nothing,” He said.
“Your phone is on do not disturb mode from the audition,” Nerris said. Preston grumbled and turned off do not disturb mode and lo and behold there was the message.
“Can’t say we didn't warn you,” Harrison laughed, Nerris joining in on the laughter.
“Very funny guys,” Preston said sarcastically, “Anyways, Nerris who are you texting, You barely looked up from your phone when you proved me wrong.”
“Oh, that’s suspicious,” Harrison commented.
“I’m just texting Nikki,” Nerris said as if it was totally normal.
“Whoa. You got her number already Nerris?” Harrison nudged her.
“It’s no big deal, can’t I catch up with someone I haven’t seen in ten years?” There was almost a shyness to the way Nerris said that. She was smiling at her phone no doubt. “Anyways, listen to this, she says Neil has been arguing that magic isn't real non-stop.” Nerris laughed, “And that Max is about to kick him out of the car.”
“He’s totally amazed by my powers!” Harrison said triumphantly. It seemed to be like he was almost flattered by this.
“Sounds like their friendship hasn't changed much,” Preston laughed. Everyone agreed as they started laughing along. Harrison, Preston, and Nerris always used to get along when they were in camp, minus the rivalry between Harrison and Nerris. Preston actually had always been the glue of the group. He was the one who stopped the fighting for a few good laughs and group moments, eventually, over the years the rivalry disappeared. Now they’re here, three peas in a pod.
“Don’t you worry Preston, Nikki said they’re coming back soon anyway.So you just prepare yourself if you wanna look so good in front of them,” Nerris teased.
“Is it such a crime in this house to catch up with someone?” Preston asked.
“Oh please, you want to see Max again,” Nerris said seeing right through him. Harrison nodded in agreement.
“What makes you say that?” Preston asked, in a fake,posh,offended tone.
“Why else would you ask about him first Preston?” Harrison asked. “It’s magic, we know.”
“Remember why Preston cast Max in his play, even though it was clear that Max hated it with every fiber of his being?” Nerris asked. At least is always seemed like it was obvious Max hated it. “It was obvious Preston.”
Preston got up, like a diva, because that would never ever change. He flipped his orb of hair, revealing a little bit of the undercut that lay underneath. His undercut was honestly was one of his favorite little secrets hidden in plain sight. “I have to go start my next set, I’ll catch up with you two hooligans later.”
“Whatever you say, Romeo!” Nerris teased as Preston walked back to the main restaurant. Harrison laughed and Preston rolled his eyes as he heard Harrison’s and Nerris’s laughter slowly fade as he walked away from the physics room. Truth be told he kind of did want to see Max again, though he wouldn't admit it to himself at all. Maybe because he was aware of the part that knew that this was true. Max just seemed so different. When Preston saw him earlier it was like he saw a whole new person, just a little of his same personality, but there was something new about him this time. Preston was definitely going to find out, but for now, it was time to sing and leave his heart on the stage as he always does.