Chapter Text
I stood on one corner of the yacht, near the cabin, not feeling particularly sociable that day. Or any day, truly. Instead, I focused on enjoying the music blaring through the speakers.
“We're soul alone
And soul really matters to me
Take a look around.”
A light Summer breeze passed right by, which I greatly appreciated, and made my black blazer move slightly.
Suddenly, I noticed a new invitee, a man I had never seen before, alongside Mercedes, my younger sister for 4 years, introducing him to the other people. It was logical – she was far more willing to interact with and befriend others than me. I'd even say she was sort of... Flirty, which I found distasteful.
Anyways, she was also the one who preferred to get involved with our father's associates, and also the one he paid attention to the most. It's not as though he ignored me or anything, but I preferred to keep my distance from that business.
I scanned both of them –but specially the man– carefully, from a distance, and subtly averted my gaze when she pointed at me, pretending not to notice them.
"And... that's my sister. Not much of a talker," I heard her say. Not an inaccurate description, really.
Soon, a new group of our father's associates came on board, and Mercedes dismissed them quickly before leaving with the man.
As I walked towards the newcomers to greet them politely, I couldn't help but think how he had intrigued me.
(Two weeks later)
Once more, I found myself on the yacht, as my father had arranged another party with the usual guests. He really seemed to enjoy doing that, at least once a month, or twice in this case.
I was back on my spot near the cabin, which offered a nice, small shade. My body was between the sunlight and the shadow.
After having greeted everybody, I stood quietly with my Sony Walkman and a drink in hand. The music of the party had not began playing yet, so I took the opportunity to listen to my own.
Setting the glass down on a stool near me, I began detangling the headphones' cable with care, before putting them on. I closed my eyes and sighed quietly, keeping them closed while the sun hit part of my skin, the melody played and the lyrics appeared.
"We passed upon the stairs
We spoke of was and when
Although I wasn't there
He said I was his friend–”
My quiet enjoyment was "interrupted" when I felt a presence approaching me. I opened my eyes quickly, lest I look like an idiot, and focused on whoever was now near me.
I noticed the man I had seen at the last party, wearing the same black and lavender outfit from that occasion, standing beside me. He was taller than me, considerably so.
After pausing the tape, I removed my headphones.
"Hello, sir," I greeted politely. Mercedes was nowhere to be seen, so she couldn't have led him to where I lounged around.
"Hello there, miss. Your sister told me about you."
"Oh? I didn't know that," I lied, with a small, pleasant smile on my face, "may I know your name?"
"Tommy Vercetti," he replied quickly.
"I'm M..., although you likely knew that already," I said with a bit of humour, trying not to be awkward.
"I did."
"So, how are you doing? Are you enjoying the party?"
"I am. But I wanted to have a moment of quiet, so I came here."
"Ah, makes sense! What brings you here, though?" I inquired, trying to be polite, "Are you a new associate of my father?"
"You could say that. Further than that, it might not be entirely your business."
He seemed pretty straightforward, I thought.
"Indeed, it's not."
We fell into silence, during which I gave him another glance. "Tommy" –I had a feeling it was a fake name– wore a pearl necklace, and I spotted a gold watch on his left wrist. His skin was slightly tan. Overall, he seemed to take care of his appearance, and was quite handsome.
It seemed I stared for a second too long, since he looked at me and smirked slightly.
"Like what you see?"
"Sorry! Er, I just think your suit is pretty neat."
My social skills were obviously rusty, which was not unexpected after having spent such a big part of my life surrounded interested by the growing technology. It fascinated me, and I felt thankful my parents supported me in my interests, despite how different they seemed from my father's "occupation".
"Hm, thanks. So is yours."
"Thanks, Tommy. Sorry, is it okay if I call you that?"
Despite being 22, there still were moments during which I felt more like a child instead of an adult.
‘How come Mercedes is younger than me, yet so confident around people?’ I thought for a moment, but dismissed it. Something to muse on later, not while I had an interaction to focus on.
"Of course."
"So, are you from Vice City? Or are you visiting?"
"Visiting. But I plan to stay."
"Any reason in particular? Or... Do you like it here?"
"Not really your business. But I do like this place a bit."
"Hmm, I see. It can be good, sometimes."
"Perhaps you can show me around one day?"
"Certainly! Although, I don't really leave my house or the office much these days, heh."
He scoffed quietly.
"Well, I've got things to attend to with your dad now," Tommy said, standing up straight.
"Nice to meet you!" I exclaimed quickly.
"Likewise," he replied with a charming smile, before walking away. "See you around."
"See you..."
'What an interesting man,' I thought, 'quite... mysterious.'