Just like any popular area during the evening rush hours in any big city, the corner between this so called entertainment zone and the shopping street where Free agreed to meet Benjamin and his friends was so crowded from time to time Free willingly stand a little further from the chaos for both stay out of peoples way and be more visible others to find him when they will arrive. Even when the Z city itself was very unknown to Free, the hectic atmosphere and citizens walking past minding their own business were so familiar it wasn't that hard him to blend in. Every big city felt the same, in a way. Why they were about to meet here in the middle of the restaurants and pubs where legally in Free couldn't even go because he was still a minor felt first very odd to Free, but it wasn't his job to question it out loud. He knew they were going somewhere other underage students as well will be gathering tonight. Sure. This was just a meeting point.
But no matter how Free was dressed and acting to avoid pointless attention, people with questionable motives always seem to find him. This guy supposed in his thirties has been appearing in time to time within his sight, walking around and exchanging some fast words with people. And was it simple innocent or not this kind of behavior was nothing but outstanding. Free was apparently standing on guys territory and, albeit there were many other as well standing by and waiting their company to arrive, guy has obviously spotted him as well, clearly eyeing him. From experience Free knew to get ready for his move and politely ditch him if man decides to approach him. Showing his real face when he was supposed to act like a clueless and innocent normal kid was a no no even when his targets weren't yet here to see. His role was important. But needing to deal with perverts was just frustrating.
And it doesn't get that long man finally approaching Free. This time he act very frank, walking straight at him, showing a friendly smile when their eyes met. Not that man would have given that bad image out enough Free to feel that worried, no. He wasn't agressive, this Free could tell right away. But after meeting Isa Miller, him kind of proving even someone experienced like Free could be mislead, there was no way Free would forget that possibility.
"No need to be that alert. I'm not interested in you that way," man states out immediately after noticing younger man getting visibly fed up. The reaction was minor, almost unnoticeable, but it clear instantly out kid was very used to receive that kind of attention. And wasn't happy about it. "You don't fit in," he clears out while moving his look away, eyeing around, like making sure no one around was paying attention to them. Still he act very casual and relaxed. This was definitely his territory, no doubt. "Be honest, you here selling or buying? A mule? If someone is pressuring you, let me know. I can help you out."
Now something like this Free wasn't expecting. Who was this guy? A dealer who wanted to get rid of a likely rival? Acting nice while he still could before showing his true face? That Free could understand, rivals in your neighborhood meant serious business. If he was seen as one, he should clear things out before things will escalate. But he wasn't exactly in the position to admit being familiar how things were done then. First of all how exactly Free wasn't fitting in here?? "Sorry, you got a wrong guy.. I'm waiting my friends."
"Don't think so," man smiles back. "See any other kid your age looking that aware of your surroundings in the era of smart phones? Young people are zombies nowadays. Except the ones up to no good." And points Free.
"You can't judge me based on something that dumb," Free finally speaks out, actually showing his mood out, but turning his look away. Man clearly hasn't any sure motive to approach him other than talk nonsense. If he was a gangster he certainly wasn't acting like one. Standing in public place surrounded by people there was no way Free was in any danger anyway so man couldn't be any other harm to him than being just annoying. What ever this man was supposed to be.
"The more you let unsaid gives more away. But I guess you really are not pushed down by anyone, right? Didn't get conned and now owe some money?" like finally making his mind man drops his sceptical look. "No, you are street smart. Thoroughly. But definitely not around my streets." Without giving any reaction out, Free decides to ignore mans words. But of course that doesn't make man disappear. "Good. Ignoring keeps you from troubles. This area is full of unlucky kids playing their parts as mules for gangs. It starts with something minor but escalates quickly. Keep yourself safe."
No matter how correct man was with his guesswork Free wasn't planning to give man what he want. "Are you a cop? I'll let you know if I see anyone suspicious. Like you.."
Man snorts. And in turn ignores that very straight guess. "Just here to help. Waiting your girlfriend? Boyfriend?"
Now Free bothers to look at him. "Your dad. He's my type." Noting without a badge it was not this mans business whatsoever to begin with why he was here and who he was waiting.
Without continuing this meaningless small chat man finally gives up when his attention turns toward something else, this group of young men who were walking toward them, interrupting them. They were Benjamin and Noel, with some two other guys. But when Free also turns to look at them, immediately showing a smile and meaning to meet them halfway, showing he knows them, man next to him gives a surprised hum out. "You know those brats?"
Free only glances him once while still moving forward. So guy knows them too? In a bad light, evidently, based on how he just called them. Their connection might not matter in this case so Free shouldn't make any sudden turns here. To him his targets have arrived and hopefully this guy has nothing to do with that. Or Free has found himself a sharp pain in the ass for the night to distract his goal.
Benjamin shows a smile when noticing the younger. But drops it almost immediately after he spots the older guy standing behind Free. Instead of greeting the one who was waiting them, he sighs out a curse with another name. "Oh, shit.. Lector.."
Lector? That's a weird but very appropriate name to someone like him. Free stops his steps and follows others eyes to also look at this 'Lector' guy behind him, giving man some space him to walk past toward Benjamin. Without a word man takes younger man under his arm, making sure Benjamin won't have a change to run. "We need to talk," Lector notes and while still smiling he takes Benjamin a little further from the rest to have a little chat with him.
The look on Noels face was slightly charged as well when he watches them going. But at the same time he tries his best to avoid straight eye contact with the oldest. Free was very aware of these small but very meaningful signs and is fast to make a use of them. That man made these people nervous. Especially Noel and Benjamin. "You guys in trouble? What did you do?" Free gives a sneaky smile to Noel. And doesn't even need to act curious when he sincerely has no idea what was going on. Guy might not have anything to do with why Free was here now but his interference kind of gave Free a good excuse to speak to Noel.
"Nothing," Noel answers quietly, quickly acting unconcerned, suddenly focusing on his phone screen. Now when he was outside from school his timed personality showed out differently. He tried to act cool but was very introverted. Damn hard person to get close with during this very short limited time Free has. But Free wasn't ready to give up just yet. He was just getting started.
"He's Lector. One from the Support Aid group," this other guy next to Noel rushes to explain, making sure Lector wasn't hearing him. "Like, they help kids with drugs and gang connections. They roll around here, escpecially nights. He whined us when we were underage and out to get some beer. So we know him. But he's cool. Keeps nagging about drugs though." Guy smirks while leaning closer to Free. "I'm Pete by the way."
"Yeah, we met at school," Free hums impatiently, way more into hearing more about the case here. How boldly he dares to act now was what he desperately wanted to find out. "Lucky I let my weed to hotel. They cops?"
"No worries. We got you covered," Pete sures quietly, letting his excitement out a little, not minding Noels or other guys concerned looks when they suddenly start talking about weed near the man who was currently giving some sort of lecture to Benjamin. Along the fact Pete was talking to someone they basically have just met. "We have everything you need back in our place."
They were all here very unorganized. Just normal kids acting like kids. This talkative guy will be useful. Bet after a few beers he will speak out everything he knows, making Frees job more easier. One in the group liking and trusting him will open more doors. Not a bad beginning. Now Free just needs to make sure to keep his act up. And stay away from people who apparently can see right through him.
Free glances fastly toward Benjamin and the older guy he was talking with. If Free would have known about this Lectors background he could have get something out from him. This guy should know something, at least be useful in some way. Too late for that, it would be unnatural suddenly start talking to him after acting cold. Maybe Free doesn't even need to talk to him straight, but simple make a use of his presence. "Does Ben have a record or something? That babysitter scolding him now?"
"No it's probably what happened to..," and Pete cuts his words, like already regretting saying it out loud. "T-they had a fight.. Guess they are not clear yet.."
What happened to Oliver and other two? That guy has something to do with that?? Knows something? No, Free shouldn't get excited just yet. His job here is to watch and learn. Not jump to conclusions. He isn't the only one working here. Milo is with him, seeing and hearing everything what he does through the mic and the hidden camera he's wearing. His superior has definitely realized the same what Free has and probably more. Concentrating on his role and investigating Noel and Benjamin was Frees main job, not to lead this investigation and make spontaneous solo decisions how to proceed. But, damn, it was hard when the curiosity in him want desperately know what that fight was about. Man could be an important key to learn more.
Noels ignoring attitude sort of support Frees suspicion. Like Benjamin, he too wasn't happy to suddenly see this Lector guy. Of course what happened to his brother and how people around him knowingly avoid mentioning it was a huge elephant in the room. Who would even like to talk about it or remind the brother. Even less if they know what really happened, that it wasn't an overdose but poisoning. But they were talking about drugs so casually it wasn't a rare subject to them. Those parties were normal to them, stay quiet about it and you can be part of it. Just like Kain mentioned. Was it about drug use, drinking parties with minors or someone overdosing and dying, they were aware but choose to stay quiet and move on. Teens could be as evil as adults. All just trying to blend in.
"Guess he had it coming? I once get in fight with my guardian because of drug possession," Free boldly announces. And wasn't done yet. "Lost my brother to drugs too. If we had someone like him yelling us things might be different. Yell is not always bad." The silence and baffled looks his sudden open up cause were very assumed. These guys didn't hold back but showed their reactions very honestly, making it easy to Free lead the conversation how ever. "Ah, sorry.. It's not my business if you wanna do hard ones. I only smoke.." Free shows even more surprised look back. Doesn't matter what he says as long as he pretends to be clueless. They will buy his act. And become more open. Fall to his charm.
Pete shakes his head and shows a friendly smile, trying to light the mood. "No.. Normally you just don't.. Just, keep that to yourself," he clears his throat while eyeing Lectors back. "It's not about drugs, okay. But a girl.."
"A girl?"
"Can't you just shut up," this time Noel opens his mouth, giving Pete a very angry glance. "It's non of his business."
Realizing he actually could make Noel angry now Free fastly backs off, holding his hands together he makes a theatrical gesture to apologize. "So sorry. I stop snooping now," he states and after that acts like nothing ever happened. "So, where are we going? Give me a hint." His smile was as bright as ever.
Because Free was acting very spontaneous, seeming very silly and easy-going person, others really didn't think much of his actions, but were glad them changing the subject. "We change the location everytime we meet. This time it's this guys house. Free, meet Aster," Pete proudly points the other guy next to him. Like Noel, this one too was more a quiet type, only smiling and nodding to Free when they were officially introduced. But unlike Benjamin ja other more outgoing personalities Free met at school, this guy didn't quite fit to the rest. He seem very shy and stiff. Like someone who lacks the experience, standing in front of something new and exciting. Yeah, he was definitely a newbie in the group.
"Let's go, ASAP," Benjamin fastly informs after managing to get back from the lecture in one piece, trying to act cool but at the same time looking very annoyed. Guy visibly doesn't want to stay here more than he has to, even taking Noel under his arm to drag his friend with him to walk away from the area.
And just like that Pete and Aster turns to follow them. A word and they were all leaving. Free who was in the role of a simple observer find it very amusing, like he was suddenly part of some gang. Putting up with someones childish mood so guy can act cool and almighty wasn't exactly what Frees own cocky personality could easily deal without him feeling extremely annoyed. He was usually the one bossing others around. But if he needs to play stupid, so be it.
Just before pushing himself to move Free turns to look at Lector who was standing further, still keeping an eye on them. The look on mans face was first very serious, almost cold. But then he raises his hand and waves, smiling. "Don't let me see you here again, kid," man calls out, only receiving impassive glance back while Free turns his back on him, following the rest of the group.
- - - -
The party house they eventually end up about an hour later indeed located in the middle of a family neighborhood, in a suburd, not that far from the main city. There was a yellow huge house, nicely planned front yard with a driveway. Neighbor houses were literally next to them, both having small bikes and some toys around their yards so this was clearly a family-friendly area, small children live here. Somehow very odd place to have a drinking party or sos, something Free has seen only in some movies. But this was a real deal. Loud music with bass sounds reach far all the way to the main driveway they left their car parked with many other.
When just moments ago Free was still very confident he could milk everything out from these guys after they will arrive in their destination, the very same second he step inside this surprisingly cosy house this group of girls were already waiting him, making his attempt to get close to his targets royally challenging. Before even getting here the rumors about this heavenly good-looking guy who, apparently, was a rising instagram star, even appearing in the event with some net idols, was coming in this specific party. And of course he would automatically become a chick magnet, draw more people to come.
"Sorry. I used you some," Benjamin smirks when Free gives him an angry glance, totally realizing how other has made a use of him. "Girls were begging to come when they heard about you."
Sure, this wasn't even that surprising when Free has kind of use to something like this to happen. In Orvion Oasis hotel he was paid for keeping customers company, him making sure people were satisfied and happy. And it was all thanks to his appearance and charm talk. Instead of complaining he just needs to adapt here as well. Do his job. Blend in. "You know your shit. I know how to entertain," Free clicks his tonque, swallowing his pride.
"It's part of your charm. You can't dance," this blonde girl, Maya, adores after looking out Frees tiktok account, showing the latest short dance video where Free desperately tried to keep up with the moves of this beautiful girl next to him. Since Free doesn't have but six visible videos totally, mainly appearing in tens of other peoples tiktoks, remaining very mysterious, girls couldn't but be even more curious about him.
"I didn't know it's a thing.. Dancing..," Free defends himself, acting sorrowful, showing his best cute side. "I suck at it.."
The kitchen area where Free's been mostly spending his first hours in the house was full of teens sitting and standing here and there, in their own small chatting groups, all trying to get their voices heard over others words and two different loudly played music coming from both the living area and the terrace with sliding class walls, songs mixing together in the middle. The atmosphere here was very lively and filled with laugh. Was more comparable to the feeling in something like a summer festival than a dance club, but the act was definitely from the previous. Both with how people wish to party and how the ones offering these different ways to party made it all possible. Of course there was all kind of alcohol in, most people bringing their own drinks, but the amount of free beer on the house was huge. And even when Free still has seen non joint or bong, the scent of marihuana could be smelled every now and then. But what was so easy someone like Free to notice was how drugs like ecstasy pills and money were changing ownerships here, in the middle of these clueless young adults.
Benjamin was on the move as a dealer and no doubt Free has seen all the clean evidences so far he need to be able to accuse him from it. Since his manners weren't even that hiding in the first place it was clear he was indeed known as a dealer in his little circle and feeling very confident not to get caught even without being that careful where and when he act. Because if someone sees anything, they wouldn't say anything. The reason they met at that specific area of the city came more clear to Free; they were most likely getting their portions for the evening. Selling them now out. If you ask Frees personal opinion, they were not doing this for the money itself but the fame what comes with their actions.
So how exactly those pills became so deadly three person lose their lives? Hypothetically if Benjamin was the one bringing the items in back then like he did tonight he definitely wasn't planning to kill anyone for sure. If this was the very night they died and this was the very house they were in they died, things proceeding just normally like this, everything what was to happen felt like a horrible accident. To knowingly planning and fulfilling the act of kill, doing it in front of this many people, making it so very public.. It all felt very impossible. Especially when there were still this many people acting as carefree as ever next to Benjamin who everyone knew to be part of those who shared those deadly drugs? But non fear they would be the next victims? There should be more support for the rumors if any of them were in that bad terms with each other. People weren't keeping their silence because they were scared or anything. They simple saw what happened as a bad accident, thinking some didn't know their limits, get too excited and overdose. As simple as that.
That indifference gave Benjamin a huge benefit. Let him and his friends continue how ever.
"No, it's your selling point. Sell your badness!" Maya rushs to comfort Free about his poor dancing skills, even stealing his hand to hold it. Making other girls glance her from envy. "You are so handsome you can sell anything!"
Another girl tsihs and leans so close to Free she almost spills the beer can he was holding. "Free. Is it really your name?"
Instead of letting Free answer the other girl hanging on him speaks out, with a very frustrated voice. "It is. He showed me his IDs," Maya snaps back, trying to take Frees attention back with a wide smile and a heavy eye contact. "Take a dance video with me."
"You know no matter how much you fight I will never be yours," Free speaks honestly out, gently pulling both girls under his arms. "You are not my type."
His cold rejection doesn't dispirit these girls a bit. It was like it was almost even assumed. That was how their cold acting dream guys were supposed to act. "So cruel. But cute. What is your type? I can be anything."
"Forget her. He just broke up. I'm loyal to my bias."
If something, these girls have confident. Maybe not the same kind as older women but definitely something as saucy. Free snorts, moving his eyes and pointing the guy who was sitting on the couch in this lounge area between the dining room and the main living area, silently following the conversation his friends around him were having, commenting seldom. This was a perfect time to start fishing about the ones Free was really interested. "Handsome. Cool. Silent type. I could eat him."
"You like Noel?" Maya awes, noding in an acceptable manner after realizing from the description about who the young man was talking. Of course Free was gay. All godly good-looking guys apparently were. What a shame. "I agree he is cool. But he's bad company. Or do you like bad boys?"
"Bad boy? Even better," Free smirks while lowing his hands, noting he didn't mind what kind of person Noel was, he is definitely interested.
"No, she meant he REALLY is bad. They have gang connections. A few guys from the team," other girl says, lowing her voice a little. "Everyone knows they sell drugs but no one says anything."
"They even killed Noels brother.."
"He overdosed!" a third girl steps in the conversation, wanting to speak out her opinion. She spoke so loudly other girls need to calm her down with hand gestures, to not draw attention. The subject was clearly very known but taboo to talk about.
"They gave him drugs. It is their fault..," Maya coldly points out. "It's the same as killing them all."
"No one forced them do it.."
"Really? Oliver didn't even drink before. He was too a nerd. Noel drag him with him."
Now this was about exactly what Kain mentioned earlier. "He lost his brother? Too bad.. Is he gloomy 'cause of that?" Free awes, showing a sympathetic look. "It wasn't their fault. Drugs kill people." Even when he was very aware of the high possibility these guys indeed killed their friends and brother Free has no intention to admit how much he agrees with this blond haired girl here. One mistakenly spoken blurt might effect others opinions. Or unintentionally give too much out from himself.
"Noel has definitely changed from what he was in middle school. Was more nicer then. I say Benjamin made him gloomy. Or drugs."
"You sure Ben is not his boyfriend? Guy was all overprotecting earlier," Free starts to wonder out loud. Begging some support.
"You think?" one of the girls sitting across the table around they have all gathered wonders, letting now her imagination run. "Maybe that's why Benjamin broke up with Tania."
"That slut couldn't take his new lover and flip. That's all the rape thing from."
"Come on. More content, please." There was no way Free wouldn't fish everything out now when there was a change. "What rape thing?"
"That girl. Tania. She accused Benjamin raping her. Police and all. But she get caught. He wasn't even near her," she explains quietly, smirking. Not a single drop of sympathy toward the lying girl. "She just wanted attention. What a whore."
"Your theory sucks. They are both straight. Period," Maya finally notifys and drinks from her glassy beer bottle. "But Noel was gone weeks. Only just came back to school. That's why Benjamin is always with him. So he won't flip too when people talk about him."
A lot of gossips around one person. "It happened recently? Maybe I will just use his mood to turn him around. Guys think with their dicks."
"You are heartless..," one of the girls snorts, giggling.
"What? Heartless from wanting to give him a night he will remember the rest his life?" Free leans closer and gives a charming smile. "You say that wouldn't make you happy? Who's the heartless one here.." His comment made girls blush, instantly lightening the mood.
A sound of a breaking glass made all sitting around the kitchen table turn their eyes toward this fighting couple who were fastly walking from the living area toward the front doors. A guy takes a strong hold on girls wrist and forces her to stop and turn around, face him. What ever he said next with that very severe look on his face made girl visibly more wary. Even some other girls rush after them trying to protect the girl from others threatening behavior. The situation couldn't escalate more when some guys step between the fighters, calming everything. One of them was non other than Benjamin, young man giving a guy an authoritative look while escorting him back to the living area. Noel too who was sitting near them has stand up to give his silent support. That intervention gave girls a change to walk out. The poor one starting to clean the mess was the house resident, Aster, who took the action when Noel simple showed the gesture him to clean it, like he was the one in charge here.
A fast but notable situation was over as soon as it start. Non sitting far enough like Free did could hear what the fight was about because of the loud music. But once again Free could smell an opportunity out of this interruption. When others start loudly speculate what might be the topic here, Free excuses himself and gets up, leaving his empty beer on the table while smoothly walking toward the back of the house where the bathroom was said to be. Instead of actually going there, after arriving to the hallway he turns to the opposite direction.
Shamelessly Free takes his spot on the couch right next to Noel, showing up with a smile and a confident attitude. Noel, who was first surprised by the sudden action, wondering who dared to invade his personal space, gives Free a sharp look. Yet when he recognises who it was Noel lets out a long sigh and turns his look back the other way. Like already knowing nothing he would try will drive this guy away but just encourage him more, he simple gives up. Continues ignoring.
And Noel was very right. "What was that all about?" Free asks, with a sly smile, poking Noels shoulder with his own. But there is no answer. Noel simple glances him once, then moves his eyes away while drinking from his red cup.
"He's always quiet when he's drunk," Pete next to Noel snorts and greets Free with a 'sup' nod. "Kenner is a hothead. That's a regular sight see him argue. Girls come and go." After pointing toward the living area and the guy he was talking about he stands up and taps Noel on his sholder. "Get ready for the third round. I need to powder my nose."
Leaving to wonder does the powder thing mean sniffing coke or was it an actually metaphor for going to the restroom, Free follows guys leave with a puzzled look. "Third round for what?"
Since the others sitting on this large couch were in the middle of their intense conversation, or more like an friendly argument, and the only one who was even aware of Frees presence was Noel, guy doesn't have a choice but speak. "Mix."
"Mix..?"
Noel hums. Points the bottles on the table. And repeats. "Mix. We have to mix everything and drink.."
There were different kind of glass bottles from clear vodka to whisky. Free couldn't even tell what some of them contain. No wonder Noels voice was slightly slurring. Drinking all at once was definitely a functional way to take you from zero to buzzed in no time. "Leave me out. I can't drink strongs."
"Everyone sitting here drinks..," Noel notes. Like it was a rule.
"No, no can do. I literally can't," Free states while leaning closer to Noel who of course takes an action to slightly lean as far away as possible from him, wanting his space back.
"You smoke weed but you don't drink?"
Free hums. "The taste of alcohol makes me throw up. Drunk too much when I was a kid."
Noel snorts and finally looks at Free, smiling. "You are weird.."
"No. I'm interesting," he clears and leans his cheek on the back of his hand. "Amn't I?" Smiling.
"I'm no gay. Cut that shit," Noel tsihs and once again turns to look the other way.
Free couldn't help it. It was kind of refreshing to get rejected like this multiple times in a row. Where Free has usually been around drunk men a persistent approaching and flirting has always work no matter how straight men originally were. That bring more money. Since straight drunk men were usually fast and harmless, perfect clients. "It's my first time in a house party. Is it the main thing get as drunk as possible?" No matter where he look there were drunk teens everywhere; some right in the middle of their dancing mood and some already pass out on some corner.
"Yeah, that's pretty much it.."
"Isn't it illegal to have drinking parties like this? There are underages here too.. What about the loud music? It doesn't bother neighbors?"
These guestions were so bizarre coming from someone who, so far, Noel knew to be underage himself AND him mentioning having drugs in his hotel room. How someone like that cares is something illegal or not. "Your rich?" Guy must be from wealthy family, lacking some serious common sense. But he doesn't wear anything ostentatious. Even his shoes cost less than Noels, that much he could bet. "Or live under rock?" Not even understanding why other said so, Free meets with Noels confused look, showing his own honest bafflement out. And since Free doesn't say anything, Noel rolls his eyes. "A natural airhead it is.."
That Free has heard before. Kain liked to use that a lot, especially during the first months they met. Apparently in others eyes Free act and speak very strangely. Not having the same 'normal' knowledge about 'normal' things than other teens here have, giving a very redneck impression out. He doesn't really even need to say anything. Simple his reactions were sometimes different enought to draw attention. But that all could also be used for his benefit. Handsome and weird made him automatically adorable. "Non had anything like this in my streets. You piss off wrong guy they made sure you will never play music again," Free calmly points out. Since it was all true he could remain cool, acting very natural. That way he should be able to make Noel warm up. Stop him acting so charged around him. "It's strangely peaceful here. That way."
Frees honesty was definitely effective. Noel was finally looking at him without a glare. A second later he even hands Free a beer can. "You are good friends with Kain?" he suddenly asks while leaning back, still avoiding long eye contacts but is now clearly more interested to chat with the other.
Hum. Talking about Kain behind his back like this didn't feel right but Free feels he really has no choice. It wasn't a secret they knew each other. And in a way it was a very sure way to hide his true purpose to be here. "About three years now, yes."
"So he was with you when he ran from home?"
This guy was very informed. Again Free just hums first. He could be honest and end up telling more about Kain while trying to make Noel speak more. But personally Free think it was not this guys business. "Don't know about running home but he live near me. He is like a brother to me now," he admits and opens the can, slightly raising it for thanks before drinking.
Noel nods. And sures others weren't paying that much attention to them before speaking again. "They were friends. Kain and my brother."
"The brother who died?" Free boldly asks, making Noel properly look at him now, wearing an asking look but fastly dropping it. Of course this newcomer already knew and it would be weird Free now hiding that fact. "They really like to gossip here." Adding that for his defence Free made sure Noel wouldn't think Kain was the one telling him.
Like accepting it all Noel hums and takes a fast gulp from his cup. "Your brother. Who you lost. Did he..?"
"Die. He did," another topic Free really didn't want to talk about but it was his own fault mentioning it earlier. If he needed to use his brothers in the progress here so be it. "Without me he.. He's gone because of me."
Noel couldn't first say anything. He was clearly holding his emotions in when forcing himself to drink some more. Knowing exactly how it felt to blame himself for a brothers death he could relate how Free must feel. "How you deal it?"
"How? In my case.. I guess I just move on. Live for him the years I owe him," Free clears, actually first time ever even thinking it truly. He had no time to stop and hate himself for that back then. Otherwise he couldn't stand himself after. Don was kind of like a mask to cover his eyes, his excuse to be able to forget. If Don says it wasn't his fault Free simple need to believe it blindly. And force his actual thoughts aside. "I spoke out, took responsibility from my actions. It won't ever bring him back but at least I did everything I could to make justice for him.." Now it was Frees time to drink. It wasn't that he said all this because he want other think their cases were similar or anything. He simple just spoke the truth. "Drug overdose? Your brother? It's not exactly the same as my brother but drugs were the cause.."
Noel was intently following his words, noding to give his answer. Without saying a word himself.
"You were supposed to cheer him up! Not get depressed with him," Pete laughs and pushs to sit between Free and Noel, forcing both give him space. "I say DRINK! Give your cups!" His loud voice could easily surpass the music and even cut the conversation next to them everyone greedily finding an empty spot from the low table to get their cups filled again. Clearly Pete was currently the one acting like a bartender, making sure non around would escape from a severe hangover the next day.
When Pete sees the beer on Frees hand, young man rushs to note he was happy like this. "Not me," he gives a smile back to Pete, showing his beer can.
"He is a recovering alcoholic. Bring the beer bong," Noel straightens his back while showing a smile to Free. "He thinks he can get away from it."
With a wider smile Pete points toward the kitchen. "Type shi! BEER BONG!" Once again his voice has the power make everyone more excited, some guys sitting closer rushing up to get equipments they need.
Their excitement only made Free cautious. "What is beer bong..?"
- - - -
"You know, I have never met anyone as weird as you..," Noel says with a slow and intoxicated voice after emptying the rest from the bottle of rum he took with him to the balcony where they were now sitting, facing the backyard. This tri-level house was build on a hill, the fronts first floor being on the same level as the backyards second floor. The music from in sound like coming from very far, the late evening calmness around the backyard was only broken by the talk from down them. Some others as well had grown sick to the chaos inside, wanting to take their rest here, outside, before possibly getting back to the new rise.
Well, taking some rest wasn't necessary the right way to describe why they end up here. This balcony was simple the closest not taken place Free to throw up after trying to win himself against the beer bong. Young man was leaning on the railing, next to Noel, trying to steady his vision and the floating world around him. Only after the second bottle of water Aster kindly brought him to drink Free was more sober to get a hold of his body again. Swearing he will never try that drinking technique no matter in what situation he was.
"Half the time your dialect is odd. Makes no sense..," Noel continues his muttering when his new friend here weren't still saying anything back.
Finally Free loses his hold on the railing and gets down to lean his back to the wall, sighing deeply out, keeping his eyes closed while pressing the empty plastic bottle on his left hand. "You guys trying to kill me here.."
"But you survived so you are now cool.."
Free snorts, giving Noel an angry glance. "I was cool long before that. Look at me. I'm the most handsome guy here. Non can have enough of me.."
"I can. You are fucking annoying..," this time Noel laughs silently, trying to offer his empty bottle to Free who refuses to take it. "House full of girls and here I am taking care of you."
"You have to be with me. I don't know others.."
"You don't know me either.."
"I know you are nice.. deep down..," Free points out, having no strength yet to build more complicated sentences. He felt like his mind was kind of sober but his body definitely wasn't still. The shaking has only just now stopped.
"Hey..," Noel speaks then, dropping his smile, looking up the sky. "I gave him that pill. Made him eat it. I never meant it to happen but.. It just.."
Is that a face of someone who knew what the pills really contain? Free wants to doubt that. This guy, even while drunk, or especially because he was drunk, seem to be pretty honest, to the point he sincerely looked lost, trap by the situation he have found himself in, still desperately trying to act cool. Not only really losing his brother and needing to bear the guilt from offering his brother drugs which end up killing him, he has to see people around him mercilessly questioning him, talk about it. If not directly but behind his back. Who knows how his family was taking it. This guy was stressed out. That will eventually distance you from others and force you closed. Make you mad.
"I can move on too..? Get over this..?"
But even when Free would have desperately want to believe what he was now seeing, Milos words were stuck on his mind, forcing him to keep doubting. Sweet words or innocent act, no matter how truthful they seem, don't necessary mean one isn't hiding something. How ever, getting anything more out from this guy now was unlikely. Everything here point out the one Free should really focus from now on was Benjamin. The fact guy hasn't even spend any time with Noel here, keeping his distance when earlier he was so overptotecting, was unexpected. Free was so sure earlier they would be together the whole evening, so much it might be difficult Free to approach them separately. But Benjamin seem to have better things to do elsewhere than keep an eye on Noel. When Noels heart was broken his so called friend was just enjoying himself, after dragging him here.
"He pass out"? Aster asks about Noels condition when coming back to the balcony, carrying some refilled water bottles with him.
Young mans closed eyes and the calm look on his face verify Asters guess. Even Frees gently push on guys shoulder couldn't bring him back from his sudden deep drunkers dreamworld. "He's out," Free confirms, letting out a frustrated sigh. Yeah, can't get anything useful out from this guy tonight anymore. At least Free was able to gather some informations from here and there, verify there were many, Noel and Benjamin included, who were connected to the small drug ring here and could be accused from crimes like drug possession, selling, even negligent homicide.. Only thing they still need is valid proofs what they could use to actually prosecute anyone. But this all is a good base for that. They even kind of have a house full of witnesses, many gossips to bring out. Their main goal is still out of reach though. Who want to dilute the pills with potato flour and accidently add a deadly color in the mix? Where that who get the items? Who were responsible from that mistake? Anyone could tell it wasn't something you do intentionally when that just didn't make sense. Only someone unexperienced and clueless would do such a thing. Like a too confident student?
Aster thinks a moment before he dares to speak out again, wondering would it be appropriate suggest this. "Think he can walk? There are bedrooms upstairs.. We can carry him there. Benjamin said they were planning to stay over. But.. I can't carry him alone.."
"Give me a minute. I can't walk yet..," Free crys, lazily waving his hand to note other could sit down too while waiting. Since Free was very curious by nature he couldn't help wondering what this sober guy has to do with these people who liked to party their brains out. Aster seem quite simple, looking uncomfortable around ongoing people. Still he does his best to help around, like acting a servant for others. Just like that Lector guy noticed someone like Free was definitely not from his streets, Free too could recognize a faker when he meets one. Or in this case, someone who wasn't supposed to be here but against all the odds was. "Aster. You are not really friends with them, right? How they convinced you to borrow your place?"
Surprised by the sudden questioning Aster sits down as requested, facing others, giving a shy smile. But since Free was indeed right, they weren't really friends in the first place, he felt actually quite relieved someone said it out loud. Albeit he could never. "No, we are friends.."
"Seriously. What you get out of this?" Free doesn't let others obvious lie fool him. He could easily see through these people. This wasn't friendship, but a deal. Or blackmailing. "We come here and mess your place. You don't live here alone but with your parents. I saw photos in the living room. Better confess or I too will make you do something. I wanna know." The rest he add with a friendly smile, as a harmless tease. Weaklings like Aster were easy to control just by words. You don't even need to act aggressive when they already know to please you. To avoid troubles. Free has witnessed the whole evening how people were treating this guy like an air. He wasn't anyones friend here.
Instead of getting confused or anything, Asters lips turn to wide smile when he leans closer. "I get videos," he confesses quietly, almost couldn't hold his enthusiasm while even shaking a little. Which was very odd when Free has only seen little kids like Dino and Tim act like this. Guy was overly awkward. "In oXiTalk."
Videos? What kind of videos? Because Free looked even more puzzled Aster rushs to dig out his smart phone, moving to sit next to Free on his right side, intending to literally show him what he meant. The app Aster opens is indeed some kind of online chat application. The latest contact group, among not that many in the first place, is a chat with a nickname 'Jamin'. From there Aster opens this one video and boldly shows it to Free.
Right. That was porno. A video clip of some sleeping girl lying on bed, shooter showing her half naked body. Great. There was no way Free was interested of anything like this. Even less when it was a female. And he was just about to point that out aloud until this one small but notable detail in the video took his interest. And he takes the phone on his own hold, raising the volume.
There were young guys laughing. One encouraging the other move this blonde girls shirt more to show her boobs entirely. That was Maya. That girl was definitely Maya, the same Spanish girl he has just spend hours chatting in the kitchen with other girls. In the video she was sleeping on the bed. No. Pass out on bed. Or as Free suspect by the experience she was unconscious by something very else than alcohol. It definitely didn't look like Maya was agreeable here. They have filmed her without her knowing? Who exactly? If this wasn't about just taking advange of her condition and filming her sleep, but something worse, they weren't talking about just simple sexual harassment anymore. But rape. She couldn't possible be aware of this? But sure she should know something happened to her?
And the fast roll forward show Free way more he ever even want to see. Fastly closing the clip Free gives Aster a smile, holding the phone so other couldn't take it back just yet. "She's my type. Send me this."
"I don't think I shou-" "We are friends, right?" Free cuts others words, suring with a wide smile it was alright to share it. Aster wasn't even able to answer other than with a hum when Free was already searching his own phone out. First Free needs to install this same app, to share the video to himself. "You have more?"
"I do. You know who she is? She was in here tonight too," Aster brags, feeling very excited because Free seem to be too. Like it was just cool. A secret only a few know and he was one of them.
"No wonder she look so familiar..," Free sighs, still smiling, really just holding his disgust in. After taking his time to get the app ready and sending the clip to himself Aster shows another video he has received from this 'Jamin'. Another unconscious girl. Filmed with phone. "Jamin is Benjamin?"
Aster nods. "He said he can send me more. If I let them use my parents house."
And this guy just said yes? For rape videos? This would not have been that unexpected from some people Free knew from streets. But he never imagine even kids close his own age were like old perverts. Doing that and even enjoy watching. Suddenly Free was reminded how twisted this world really was. This place is no different. These kids are no different. No matter how Free sometimes tried to think everything wasn't as sick as they were in his home streets. This all was just disturbing. "True friends. You know who the guys on the clips are?" Free smirks while finally noting he is done with seeing Asters phone. "Who I could ask to introduce girls like them? They here?" He could just milk everything out what he could now. This guy was an idiot.
"I'm not sure who they are. Except Joshua. In the first video, his face shows. But he died."
Was he kidding? Free has definitely discovered something really else than what he originally came here for. But like he could just let this be. One of the three victims had a first name Joshua. And this all was just too matching him to end up be someone unrelated. Not only were they dealing MDMA but they also have KOs? Benjamin was evidently one of those helping them film such videos by getting them drugs. No. Help them rape. That dork said there should be more videos. Joshua was in one, so that clip wasn't that new. How many videos there are exactly? How many girls?
"You should ask Benjamin. But don't tell I told you," Aster suggests, hoping he wouldn't get in trouble with his new 'friends'. To be worried about his own ass instead the fact he has such videos in his phone and was fine with it sound very absurd to Free. Not that Free couldn't kind of understand others point. Everyone live for themselfs was a very used phrase in the world where Free live. Everyone had their own interest and darkness. What ever keeps you going. But personally Free couldn't stand anyone involved with something like this.
"I get it. Your secret stays with me," younger sures, thinking he should make sure this guy will like him. If he ever need more from him. "It's what real friends are for. Don't let others play with you. Grow a little confident. You are the boss of the house here. One day you make videos too." And that made Aster smile happily. Loud and clear this guy was all sold after one slight praise. If he wasn't such a creepy loser Free might have feel sorry for him, acting so friendly. "Ok. Let's get Noel up." Free really want to contact Milo, hear his thoughts. But in a house full of drunkers he could do that only in some more peaceful place, private from the girls and this housekeeper. Like upstairs.
Unlike Free hope, there were people as well, hanging on the back of this long lane where the open sitting area with two couch and a bookshelf lie. But this floor was definitely more calmer compared to downstairs. A psychedelic techno with repetitive rhythms and layered melodies was the music choice here. Three girls with dark makeups were slow dancing on the top of the stairs, totally ignoring them when Free and Aster helped half asleep Noel walk past them and toward the bedroom on their left. Even the open windows were not able to stop this strong scent of marijuana from filling the air.
Noel lets out a low whining after getting drop on this large bed. But the soft mattress under him was soon to put him back to deep sleep, guy starting to snore in due time. Free can't stay here long or he too will get too exposed to secondhand smoke here. He was already feeling sleepy, totally recognising the 'bubble feeling' which had slyly crawl inside his head. With another task still waiting him, finding Benjamin, Free needs to stay as sharp as possble.
Aster was eyeing back to the hallway, looking frustrated. "Think my parents won't notice they smoke in?"
"They will definitely notice," Free snorts back, landing his hand on others shoulder and pushing him to walk out the door. Not only this floor was full of smoke and steam, there we cigarette butts dumped everywhere on the carper. This idiot doesn't even seem to realize how much worse this place will look like after the party ends. If his parents were just normal as Free assume from what he saw from the photos and the nice house they were in, they will not be thrilled when they come back. Also, there was no way Aster would just walk away from taking part of spreading those videos. When Free will be done here Aster will hopefully get his share.
By now girls have moved closer the center of the floor, this time almost blocking some guys attempt to open the door and get out of the room right next to their intimate dancing. After angry glances were changed between him and the girls, guy carefully closes the door behind him and rushs toward the stairs, slightly bumping Aster in the progress. That small conflict, which was totally his own fault in the first place, made guy visibly even more angry, enough him to push this slim guy out of his way. Of course Free right behind him was fast to help him not falling down on his ass. Giving man sharp look, without saying a word, Free could recognize this guy be the same one who made a scene earlier. Downstairs. Arguing with that girl and getting drag away by Benjamin.
Thanks to that aggressive behavior Free was able to notice the bloody cut on guys lower lip. There was some blood on his cheek too, spread from the slightly bleeding wound, which man starts to wipe after realizing Frees observant look while finally taking his leave.
"Thanks," Aster quietly says, massaging his tender shoulder.
"Wanna be useful. Get me a beer," Free nods toward the stairs, giving with a sudden severe look a hint he wanted Aster out of his sight now, rush with the task he was just given. And Aster fastly gets moving. Without resistance.
Free couldn't shake this strong feeling something been awfully off with how older guy behave. What was with the wound? He's been fighting with someone? Being somehow so careful and hiding but getting that blown up from zero to hundred just from someone standing on his way, guy was obviously very nervous. Rather than letting his imagination run Free want to be sure was he just overthinking here. But they might have their stash in there and Free could use this opportunity to check it out. Non would suspect anything if a drunk teen accidentally wanders in. Most of here were intoxicated in some level anyway. Free was definitely bold enough to just barge in and smile later. He has done so with actual gang members years ago, when he was still a kid. Like handling some amateurs now would be even that challenging.
So without wasting time Free slowly approachs the door, needing to interact with the girls a little by showing the most charming smile he could possible summon while trying to walk past them. Now when girls actually pay attention to Free, they were about to drag him in the middle of their dancing circle. But Free is able to slide loose from their touch, boldly just opening the door and stepping fastly in.
The room was dark, no lights on. It was another room with furnitures like a bed and a school table. A set of computer and some toy figures prolly tells this was indeed Asters room, him being the only child without siblings. Of course they would use this room to hide their drugs; a room where the resident himself could tell them the most safest hideout.
The moment he turns on the lights and sees someone moving on the bed, Free freezes, eyes intently staring this someone trying to push herself with her feet further from the comer, leaning against the wall, looking down the bed with a glassy stare while squeezing this thin blanket to hide his half naked upper body. Girls wide open eyes were red, she has definitely cried in some point, but now she just remain emotionless. Her hair was a mess. Bruises on her face. Blood. On white sheets. The more Free realizes what he was seeing the more numb he come. When his hand rests slowly back down from pushing the light switch girl starts to whine, scaring other would move closer. She wasn't looking straight at him but she could see his every move.
Only the vibration from his phone drag Free slightly back from his trance. Slowly Free could move his eyes away while turning around, searching his phone with a hand which was so stiff it felt like being seriously frozen.
"Stay with her. Don't let others in," Milo speaks calmly after Free answers.
But Free couldn't actually hear him really when he just drops his hand down again. The mess he was feeling at the moment blind him. He tried to read the situation calmly but really couldn't. He felt sick. He wants out. Run. He wants to run.
Like finding some inner fire again Free pushs the door open and slams it close after getting out. He can't stay with her. You don't want anyone near you after. You want to be alone. Leave her alone. She needs to be alone.
"Free?" someone calls his name. Free can barely hear it. It's Asters voice. Guy was holding a beer can. Looking the other with asking face.
"Don't go in," Free whispers, forcing a smile, squeezing Asters shoulder. Not actually even raising his face. Without waiting an answer he moves again, slowly toward the stairs, becoming faster with every step. The music and everything else around sound very distand when Free focuses on searching the right guy. Even the group of girls who come across were ignored when he just walks past them.
When the right guy was found from the crowd Free couldn't but approach him, his body moving on his own. These people might think they were something big. That they could do anything. But the reality where Free live was very different. And in his streets the weaklings were put in their place. If you do something you do it so others can't use it against you. You know how to play and are ready for the consequences. That up there is called being weak. So Free has every right to make this one see someone as pathetic as him shouldn't play too high.
The first hit Kenner didn't even see coming even when he was facing directly toward Free. The second one was as fast, Free even needing to take a hold of Kenners shirt so guy wouldn't move too far from his reach. Third makes Kenner fall down. The intended forth hit was interrupted by someones strong hold which push Frees body against the wall, young mans feet actually hanging on air.
"ENOUGH!" is the commanding word from Milo who was furiously looking at his apprentice, giving him a chance to snap out of it. With a black hood over older guys head Free couldn't first even recognize his own superior. But his voice definitely woke him up. Younger was looking back at him with widen eyes, stiffen from his superiors sudden presence. Suddenly he could really tell how people around them were all watching them. Kenner was sitting on the floor, holding his bleeding nose while looking at his random attacker like looking an insane person. Benjamin was actually standing right next to Free, he too being taken aback what was going on.
Milo releases his hold, dropping Free down on his feet. "My car is a few house away to the main street. Go. Now," older orders loud and clear. And Free doesn't wait a second but starts immediately head toward the front door, without caring the stares which follow him. He wants out. His mind was a mess and he doesn't want to stay.
- - - - -
When Milo finally catches up with Free young man was already standing next to their car, holding his half burned cigarette with his shaking fingers while looking the dark ground, not wanting to meet with his superiors glance which must be very angry at the moment. Free knew it very well he made a mistake what he should have never done. He might be under cover but choosing violent wasn't appropriate. Using the advantage he has trained with actual soldiers and could fight for real was like cheating against civilians.
"You need a hug?" Milo asks after walking close enough Free to hear him.
Free snorts. "I don't want a hug from you.."
Smirking to others answer Milo leans to the car and crosses his arms, eyeing back to the house where young people have start to scatter. An actual police unit and first aid were on the spot now, came to take over the case by Milos call. There was no way he would have let the party continue anymore after something that serious come out. They were outsiders in others territory. Working here by their blessing. So they were also responsible to not let things get out of hand. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
This doesn't make any sense. Wasn't Milo mad at him? "Ha?"
"Have you ever been in that role before? Finding one?" Milo keeps, this time properly looking at Free. "It's not nice. You can't but feel sorry for them. But for you it must be even harder. You know how it's like."
That was brought up so suddenly it leave Free dumbfound. So strongly Free needs to move his look away. Suddenly it was damn hard to keep it in. The feeling of deny try to protect him from remembering. No matter how he tried to convince himself something like that wouldn't have an impact on him the pressure inside him was too huge to ignore. Just now, back inside that house, he could totally remember. How to be so scared you couldn't but stay still and wait. Close your mind and wait.
And Milo could read the situation. There was no way this kid was all right. When you smother feelings inside they tend to get out if you don't deal with them. Free to get that shocked and totally losing his control it was obvious he couldn't deal his feelings alone without them effecting him dominantly. Someone needs to get them out and clear them for him. Otherwise he will end up broken. Only sharp and balanced people can work under the pressure. Which was necessary in their field.
Man sighs and straightens his back. Pulling Free closer to force him to lean against himself, halfly hugging him. "You did great. But next time try to keep your calm." Free hums, trying to hold his tears, hiding his face against Milos shirt. "Firsts are always the worst. Fortunately you will get used to it in some level. You are the bravest kid I know. But even the brave ones needs to learn their lessons."
"Sorry. I mess up.."
"Didn't. Just made a wrong decision. It happens," Milo points out, moving his fingers to pet others back. "You are drunk and high. After witnessing something like that I bet you couldn't but lose it. I would have done the same. If I were you."
Somehow those comforting words were more like stabbing pain toward Frees ego. But he definitely feels better now. Just the thought there were people who understands him even when he himself sometimes doesn't felt very odd but liberating. Just now he really realizes his decision to follow Don has given him a lot more he could have ever imagine. Even when Don wasn't there, he could still feel easy. "This doesn't feel right.. You are not Don..," Free suddenly whines, taking a long breathe, pushing his face against Milo.
"Don't say that when your mic is still recording..," Milo tsihs, now slowly pushing Free further. The hugging time was over. Kid was succesfully calm again, his usual self.
Free shows a smile and leans his back on the car. "Are you flirting with me now? You said you would take me if I get tired of him..," he teases, recalling the day they met. "Though I will never get tired of him."
"I flirt with everyone. Besides it was fun see how he react," older sures. "What ever it is between you two don't let it impact Dons reputation. That will cost me a job." Then he turns around and opens the drivers door. "Come one. I will treat you that meal I owe. We'll have a long day tomorrow too. There is someone who wants to have a word with you. Get mentally ready."
"Wh-Wait who?" Free stumbles with his words but Milo simple ignores his question.