Chapter Text
Arriving in Santa Clara hadn’t started off as the shining new experience Micheal’s mom wished it would be. They’d been in the car for hours and they were all starting to go stir-crazy so when the ‘Welcome to Santa Clara’ sign appeared there was a glimmer of hope… that is until Micheal noticed the several missing posters covering dilapidated buildings and the infamous ‘Muder Capital of the World’. Of course Sam was too immersed in a comic book to pay any attention and their mom was busy talking about ‘new beginnings’. He wishes he could be as positive as his mom is trying to be but ever since they had made the decision to actually move Micheal had felt so disconnected.
It was no singular event that made him realize this, just several smaller things that just kept building and building a growing resentment towards not just his situation, but his family too. It made him feel guilty… Why was he feeling anger towards missing out on his childhood when Sammy couldn’t even remember a time when their dad was sober? Or when their mom didn’t have to work shift after shift to provide for them?
Stuck in his memories he didn’t even realize they had finally pulled up to their grandpa’s house. “We’re here!! I bet you two are happy to finally stretch your legs, how about after we unpack you two go to the pier?I heard there’s a lot of fun things there, Micheal can even win you some prizes!” Lucy happily stated as she opened the trunk.
“Mom! I don’t need a babysitter, come on..” Sam rolled his eyes before muttering something under his breath, no doubt something about Micheal. “I’m not saying you need a babysitter, you two haven’t had one on one time for a while now, it’ll do you some good!”
Micheal didn’t really know why Sam was so averse to hanging out with him, whether it be teenage angst or him noticing the distance Micheal put between them he doesn’t know. It’s another thing that makes Micheal feel guilty, they could’ve been closer but because of his anger they’re not. But like his mom said this is a fresh start, maybe things can be different for the two of them…
—
The pier was bustling with flashing lights, carnival games, music, and several people (most drunk). For once it made Micheal feel alive, they never had a chance to go to carnivals in Arizona no matter how much he yearned for it. It made him feel excited at the prospect of playing a rigged game just for the chance of winning a dinky stuffed animal. “Hey Sam-” his excitement quickly deflated seeing Sam look around with mild disinterest. Even if he wanted to bond with his brother he didn’t want to force it, there will be other times after all.
“Look Sammy I know you don’t want me breathing down your neck so here take $5, I’m pretty sure I saw a comic book shop still open a few blocks away. You’ll be alright on your own right?” Moving his hand to ruffle his hair Sam immediately replies, “Yeah yeah I’ll be fine you weirdo, thanks for the cash!” before quickly running off towards the shop.
“Make sure to meet me back here!” And with that Micheal was alone, trying to think about how to kill the time he suddenly had on his hands.
—
David smelt him before he saw him. Everyone else was busy messing with the locals but they were bombarded with a sweet scent. With notes of leather and baby powder the scent was intoxicating and David was immediately determined to find the source. Whistling to the others he spoke through their link
“You smell that boys? Looks like we have a new score for the night.”
“Hell yeah!!! What do you think they look like David? Oh Please be hot!” Marko started snickering.
“Please don’t be annoying like you two” Dwayne groaned.
“Hey!!” Paul and Marko balked.
“Boys! If you don’t get your shit together we won’t be doing anything tonight. Now let’s head out.”
—
Micheal was having so much fun, without worrying about appeasing Sam he was able to freely do what he wanted no matter how ‘childish’. Currently he is playing a carnival game, determined to win the prize. As he was about to throw the hoop onto the game's bottle someone bumped into him making him lose his aim. “Come on man!” Turning around he is met with piercing blue eyes, for a minute they almost seemed yellow.
“Oh I’m sorry doll, I was a bit distracted. I’m David and you are?”
“None of your business, and I’m not your doll dude. Can I have another turn?” Micheal turned to the carnival worker, not wanting his dollar to go to waste. “Sorry sir, one chance per turn…” Before he could argue David placed a dollar on the stand before taking a hoop and throwing it onto the bottle Marko and Paul cheering in the background. “Congrats you won! Now pick your prize.” The worker stated with false excitement.
“Hmm I don’t know which one I should get? Oh I know! What do you want, sweetheart?”
Feeling a blush creep up onto his cheeks Micheal was unsure how to respond, sure this guy seems like an asshole but he really wanted a prize. “Um, c-can I get that one?” He pointed to a somewhat messed up dog plushie, the worker passing it to him.
“Now what do you say?” David was simply having fun messing with him but a part of him felt warm inside being able to give something to this mysterious boy. Sighing, Micheal swallowed his pride and said “Thank you…”
“You know I can keep calling you these cheesy pet names you oh so hate or you can tell me your name, after all I did just win you that oh so adorable prize…”
“Yeah after you made me miss my shot… But alright my name's Micheal, who’s your group of shadows?”
“Hehe he noticed us~ My name's Marko.”
“Yeah you doofus we weren’t exactly subtle. I’m Paul and this quite brooding one is Dwayne.”
“I could’ve introduced myself, you jackass.” Dwayne put Paul into a headlock.
Micheal started laughing, feeling a sense of family between the group. He wished he could have something like this but even just witnessing their bickering makes him feel happy. Not noticing the others staring at him Micheal started to hug the stuffed animal as well. The group was enamored by him, even more so now. So much so that when David spoke they weren’t surprised.
“Change of plans boys, he’s not just a score, this sweet boy is ours”