"If something happens, let me know. Don't exhaust yourself. No heavy lifts. Mind your drinking..," Free lists while walking, showing with his sharp and a little annoyed look he was serious and will blow up if other dares to do otherwise.
After finding a free spot to park they were now heading toward this very tall apartment building where Maron and Taro live. This living area was very gorgeous compared the ones around the south area Free has used to hang out. Not that their neighborhood is anyway poor like Kerdon for example, but Free could swear, after crossing that famous river which split their X city into the so-called north and south areas, everything in north seem somehow modern and bigger. At least around here where they drive through. It smell rich. So rich every cell in Frees body recommend him just turn and leave. He has no societal right to be here and breathe this air. Streets were too clean here. Buildings were more lighter coloring. No signs of poors and homeless.
Sure, this place was cool. But right after they get out of the car and it was almost time them to separate again, Free instantly loses his interest of the area and focuses on giving his important advices instead, even ignoring the faint drizzle outside. Leaving Don alone when man is still kind of recovering from that accident and stubbornly keeps working anyway, let alone how guy is catching between his pain medication and drinking when ever he goes under cover.. Non of that sound great to Free whose inner self want desperately demand other stay under his eyes but the obedient underling Frees poor status makes him to be can't really do shit but stand aside and watch. So being worried and reminding other play safe is all Free can do.
But Don doesn't see it like that. To him others concerns were just annoying. "Yes, sir," man tsihs smiling.
Knowing other was saying that in a sarcastic matter Free gives a cold smile back. Not appreciating others belittling reaction but he's also used to it too. Still a long way to go until this bastard sees him as someone who could take care of him, like. Free just needs to be more persistent.
Maron opens the main door and steps out, looking the darkening sky. There was mild rain in the air, spring storm season onset. But that also mean more warm after chilling winter. As an optimistic person Maron just smiles to the shitty weather, opens the door more wider and turns to look behind him at his companion who slowly approachs him. "Should have take umbrellas..," Maron smirks. And after Taro steps out past him under the covered walkway he releases his hold from the door and lets it slowly close on its own. "No playing under the rain, okay." That Maron adds for just in case, teasing.
Taro simple hums back, already eyeing toward the other side of this long cover which end next to where the parking area started, to see the familiar people walking toward them. "Hi there!" Maron smiles and waves after also spotting them, starts walking closer to meet them. As usually Free is looking very happy seeing his friend again after long time, rushing his steps. But the cool man walking with him act as unmoved as ever.
Since it's been a while, Free and Maron punch their fists together as greetings. "Damn, your hair is short," older keeps, awing. Can't hold down his wide smile.
"Slowly growing it back," Free smiles back while actually touching his slightly wet hair, drying it a little with his sleeve. "Had to cut it in the training."
"Heard you pass clean. Congratulations!" Maron praises and turns his look to Don next. This time his voice turns more serious. "Now that's a face I haven't really seen a while. In Vipera Cafe, like? How is your arm?" Man doesn't look like a patient at all, walking just normally. There was this slight reddish scar on the right side of his chin. Eyes looking more tired than usually. But that's about it. Like that accident never happened.
"Safe," Don calmly answers, showing a polite smile which he drops as fast.
"I will see you back to your car. There is something I want to talk," Taro suddenly says to Don and steps next to him, staring straight at his eyes. This cut sures the small chat was over and it was time to get to the point why they were here. Maron came for Free. And Taro for Don so he could have a word with him, alone.
This young guy talking that imperatively is never good. What ever he wants from Don will not be a delightful exchange of words, but an interrogation like. When first their relationship was very superior-subordinate neutral, Don being the one who found this kid and support Taro financially for the sake of him tear away from his past, younger still looking his self back then, the last years have made sure Taro wasn't that clueless and innocent anymore. He learnt to express himself. Question and doubt. And no one's safe from his merciless tongue.
Don sighs. Looks at Free. "Have fun. I'll see you later," he gives his short goodbyes and turns to walk back toward their car, Taro behind him.
"See ya," Free hums, looking Don and Taro going.
Since Taro insist he wants to talk with Don, rarely even asking his permission for such nowadays, Maron couldn't deny it. When it comes to these two, Maron happily step aside. Doesn't want to get involved. "Let's go in," he calls then, forcing Free turn his look back and follow him in.
"How is your arm?" Taro repeats Marons question. Like not satisfied mans previous short and empty answer. "It wasn't a small fall. You were in Mathew's hospital a week until they let you leave. That means it was severe."
Could he possible be just curious, politely showing concerns.. "That was over two month ago. I'm good," Don makes it clear. So wanting to avoid what Taro is really after. "Thank you for taking him. I really appreciate it."
"Of course. Why he is here?" Taro asks frankly, giving other a very frustrated look.
So that's what this was about.. "He didn't tell you?"
"You have your ring on. What are you doing?"
Don sighs. Taro was as sharp as ever. "My job."
"Can I help?"
"Not in this case."
Taro turns his look forward. "It has been over half a year and he is still living with you. You and me, we have not really seen each other a long time, or talk. I apologize if it is a bother, but I am interested. Exactly why that kid is still living with you?"
Don stops, turns his eyes on Taro who was staring now back. What younger man meant is the real meaning behind that 'why'. He knew Don was now Free's guardian and training him to be one of his future underlings. As a SE, like Taro. But he isn't buying it simple. "It is a bother. Has nothing to do with you. So it's not your business," Don answers.
Taro thinks a second before framing his question better. "Then may I ask this. What actually Free is to you?"
"It's weird seeing you get so interested about others.." This kid has really changed from the days they met.
"Why? I would not have ask if I did not want to know," younger points out, being a little confused why he even has to explain himself. "I have known you over five years. When you help me get free from my Owner and every time after I have help you with your cases, there's always been only one way you follow. It is your way. You alone. 'Clear, sure, prepared'. I remember. I know why. The control. Then, that dead kid shows up again. Now he lives with you. Where is your control now?"
Don turns his look away from Taro and sighs his frustration out. Doesn't really want to listen this bullshit.
"Is it guiltiness? Did you do something to him?"
There has never been guilt in him when it comes to their relationship, really. It just is what it is. Has always been. "Obsession, I think," Don answers calmly. "But now it's.. something else."
Taro stays waiting if Don continues. But instead saying more man falls to silence. "Is he your play toy-?"
"I'm pretty sure I know already what you think. What happened five years ago.. You thought it was best to let him know what I did. Hint him ask about it," Don cuts Taros words and turns his eyes back on Taro, actually showing a hint with his smile how young man was about to strain his nerves here. "With you or without.. I would have told him. Like I have told him everything by now. Every thing. So what he is to me is not your business."
"Who is?"
"..."
"He who?" Taro keeps. Without his facial expression changing a bit. Finally he got other talk. So he isn't planning to slow down now. "I realized this before.. But you actually do not use his name? At all?"
How sharp. And pointless. "What I call him doesn't really matter."
"It matters to you.." The sudden sneer Taro shows after stating that is very unfitting to his normal impassive character, making him for a second seem like a totally different person. But Don doesn't buy his act. And since he doesn't say anything but just keeps staring the other with a look he was close to get bored with other, Taro loses his smile. "I'm sorry. This way does not seem to be working. I thought you have become more soft because of Free."
"You mean become an idiot?" Don sighs and starts walking.
Taro gets fastly walk next to him. "I saw kiss marks you left on him. If you can do that, it's a matter of time when you lose your total control."
"Exactly how you see me..? Someone who can't control himself at all?"
Like it being the most clearest thing ever, Taro nods. "That is what you said yourself."
Yes. Yes, Don did say so years ago. But in different context. That he tend to lose his control sometimes. Still this one dares to use it in a comprehensive manner. Like everything could be construed from this one thing he has heard. Talking to Taro felt sometimes like talking to nothing. When you know the real him, there is no real action. No real emotions. No real judgment. No real acceptance. Just words after words which this one can't even feel but just pretend to feel. What ever his reasons were to bring up this all will eventually get forgotten when something new comes up. One who can't feel can't care for real. And sometimes Don really envy that about him. "Since I know you might grill him next if I don't give you anything, I can tell you this," Don stops next to his car. "I call him Aki, because it's his real name. He doesn't like it, so I don't use it in front of others. When I found him again.. He chose to stay with me. As his guardian I will help him forward. Toward what ever he wants to aim. As long as he needs me. About what he is to me..," now man meets with Taros look. "He is not a toy. But he is mine. Thank you for taking him in. I will see you later." Don gets in his car and closes the door, leaving Taro stand outside alone.
Taro stays still, eyeing others leave. Then he raises his look up, feeling the soft rain against his skin. Just wondering would Maron get mad if he stays like this for a moment.
- - - -
Maron opens the door to their apartment, proudly welcoming Free inside their kingdom. And from the first glance it wasn't your anyday kingdom apartment, oh no. Even when it was about the same side as Dons apartment and there really weren't that many decoration items on view either, only these shine looking material choices in interior design from floor to high ceiling made it look very luxury. What Free first saw was a small entrance with white built-in closets and a full-length mirror on the wall. A large kitchen area could be seen from the back of this short hallway to the main area. Living area with two huge grey couches and large glass doors to the balcony open behind the wall. To Free, this is precisely what he would call a place where you can't touch anything for the sake of not make it dirty.
"It's quite small, but has two bedrooms and I could fit my consoles in," Maron introduces while they were standing in the middle of the living area.
"Consoles? Game consoles? So you really HAVE a TV here somewhere?" Free awes, halfly asking, since he doesn't see any TV anywhere. Just a might be level for it on the other side of the room.
His pondering made Maron smirk. "Just, please, sit down. And be amazed," he says and takes a remote control while pulling Free next to him. Free does as he's asked, sits down, and looks toward the way where Maron point him to look. "Voice command, on. Close the lights," he calls out loud.
"Voice command, activated." When this woman voice syddenly talks, her voice coming from all around them, Free is close to be startled, looking around with widen eyes what exactly was going on. Lights go off.
"Tv on," Maron keeps then and sits down too, losing the controller for now. This large flat-screen TV comes out from the wall, Free looking it with unbelieving stare, not so sure what exactly he is seeing. That simple wasn't real.
"Games or movies? What's it gonna be tonight?" Maron smiles widely, clearly enjoying seeing others sceptical reaction, and of course the fact he gets to show Free his cool gizmos. His roommate or other friends don't give a damn about them anymore.
This is just too insane. "How fucking rich are you..??"
"I would be fucking rich still if my brother didn't shut my accounts," older sighs, looking frustrated, like sad from being treated wrongly.
"Accounts..," Free sighs even deeper. So so rich he had more than one bank account. Makes sense.
"You should see our mansion. I have most of my stuffs in there. Couldn't fit it all here and Taro didn't want them in so.. I'm sure you will value my collection."
"Mansion..," now Free holds his forehead, un fucking believing.
Just when Maron is introducing these different movie platforms and their selection of movies, Taro finally comes back in too. After getting his wet shoes and jacket off and properly drying his hair, he walks in the living area. "Lights on." Lights went back on, breaking the nice atmosphere the darkness and these different led lights around the room together created. "Have you eaten yet?" Taro asks while heading toward the kitchen, without looking others.
Assuming the guestion was pointed to him Free answers. But only after taking more proper sitting position, straightening his back. Was it because Taro indeed act as his trainer earlier or simple because of Taro's serious attitude, Free couldn't help but feel a little tense when ever he was around. "I have. There is no need to worry about me. But if we are cooking something together while I'm here I will pay my share. And so on."
"We have the guest room ready for you," Taro comes back from the kitchen, this time actually looking at Free, with his normal, neutral look. "It's the one on the left. If you need anything while you stay here, let me know."
"Thanks."
"Really, you will do him a favor if you ask him do things. He loves attention," Maron casually notifys, giving Taro a wide smile which other kind of ignores. Younger just stays standing next to the couch others were sitting on, now turning to look at the TV screen.
Taro's way of talk is always so polity, somehow empty. Doesn't matter was he in the training hall or inside his own home, that tone never really changes. That simple makes it overly hard Free to read Taro at all. Even after all the time they were training together, Taro kept his distance, acting just like a trainer. Compared to Maron who is more like annoyingly open sometimes, Taro is very closed. Like Don once described, he was kind of broken. Can act very emotionless but he isn't doing it purposely. That's just how he is. So Free too should just get more relaxed when they will live together. Maybe even learn more about what kind of person Taro really is behind those light gray eyes.
"Taro. There's something you want to ask Free, right?" Maron reminds, calling the distracted one who finally turns his look away from the screen.
"Tomorrow..," Taro starts, gathering his thoughts before meeting with Frees eyes and speaking. "Maron has his work, but I don't have anything to do right now. If you are not busy do you want to train with me?"
"I do!" Free answers straight, very hyped. After improving so much in his training he couldn't wait to show it all to his former trainer.
- - - -
When people around the police station heard both Don's wards were about to show up at the same time in the basement gym, many slip out from their works to see the show. Milo too, even been one from outside the building, came right away when he heard the word. People were used to see Free Palenne in the building. Especially before his training time outside the state. But Taro is different. His reputation precedes him. When Free and Taro trained together, they met in the training building further from here, so it's been awhile older showed his face here. Taro usually comes in the station only with official matters. Even rarely in this very floor under. So when an opportunity to see Taro in action comes, you just have to be there.
"Why it's suddenly so crowded here..?" Free wonders out loud when he walks back from the locker room, Taro behind him. Sure, there were people using gym machines and actually training, just like they were supposed to do. But there were also clearly more people just taking their spots around the empty training area, like waiting someone to arrive and fight. Leaving Free puzzled did they pick a wrong day, were all the rings booked full already?
"I bet some of them came to try their luck," after hearing Free mumbling Milo takes his arm around Frees shoulder, smirking, walking with him closer to the mat area. "It's been a while Taro show up here."
Was this all because of Taro? "Ha? Luck?"
"When he first time came here and we noticed his fighting skills, we made him our target. Win and you become a legend, like," Milo explains laughing, then moves his arm down. "But don't worry. If you seriously want to try, he knows your limits, he won't beat you up."
"I've been training with him many times. I know he is good," Free tsihs. "But beating just him is not my goal. Beating Don is."
Milo couldn't hold his laughter. Free must have misunderstood something here. "Yeah, Don is another thing. He is very skilled," man says and points Taro who was walking a little further behind from them. "But even before his fighting ban our Boss never tried it against Taro. You know why?"
"Why?"
"He said it's pointless. Try to beat the devil in his own game. When you will only lose.." Milo slows his steps, letting Taro walk past them.
Free stares Milo unbelieving, then toward Taro who has now reached the middle of the hall, taking his shoes off. He could hear them, but was ignoring their words. Like they weren't even talking about him at all and it was not his business. "I doubt that. Don said there's no way anyone inside the building can win against him. I have seen you and Don training. I know he is awesome."
"That's true," Milo grins and sits down, taking his spot on the side. "But Taro is from out. A freelancer. Like me."
"Taro!" the first brave one steps closer to Taro who calmly turns to look at this older, muscular man approaching him. "I challenge you!"
"Challenge?"
"Fight with me! I want to see are you as good as they say."
Young man straightens his back, meets other properly. "I am not allowed to do so outside of work," he clears with his uninterest voice. "For personal interest I am here to train with someone else."
"Oh, come on!"
"Yo! Amateurs! It's working if you pay him!" Milo speaks out, giving a man a hint how to confront Taro the best way. "It would be a waste of his talent if he doesn't charge from it. Right, Taro? Take it as a warm up." Milo knows exactly how to deal situations like this. And he so wants to see a show too.
Looking at Milo, then really recognizing who was talking, Taro hums and his voice actually changes more lively. "I am not against taking a payment."
After Taro agreed to that term, those who really want to challenge him tried to take his attention by yelling and showing their money. When the biggest fuss was over and the training area is once again more calmer, the first challenger walks in.
Free couldn't believe what a fuss Taro coming in actually cause. They should have probably booked the place instead of coming in during open hours, but since Taro didn't seem to mind the attention he was receiving, Free didn't let it bother him too much. Anyway, the moment someone was talking about money, Taro ignores the rest totally.
"If you have nothing he is interest of, money is the only bait you can use," Milo quietly points out to Free sitting next to him, eyes on Taro who's waiting his opponent to get ready by wearing a protecting headgear and gloves. "Or use Maron. Taro does anything that guy says."
"You sure? Isn't it the other way around?" younger thinks out loud, correcting his pose and looking Milo. "Compared to Maron Taro acts very bossy. When we trained, was it just the two of us or all three, Taro was very demanding and strict. You can't really order him around now can you.."
Demanding? Hearing that made Milo cry inside. Just wishing it would be so. "With him, that act you have seen is just a tip of an iceberg," he calmly points out. "Let me give you an advice; if you ever will work with him in the field, don't think him as an ally or enemy. But something between."
"What is that supposed to mean..?" Free tsihs, being very abashed from Milo's choice of words.
Older is now smiling to him, moving his eyes back toward the ring. "Eyes on them," Milo says, moving Frees focus back on Taro. "You are going in too, right."
When the challenger shows he's ready, he and Taro both take their places on the other sides of this red ring. "When ever you are ready," man snorts and shows his empty palms, not showing any sign of being concerned about the younger and smaller opponent. This kid isn't even wearing a helmet or any particular protecting gloves. Just some tape around his knuckles.
"I am ready," Taro just clears. "Or did you want me to move first? Since you are paying, the way of fighting is yours to choose."
"What is that? Sounds whoring," man laughs, making some people sitting nearby attacking him with some insulting words back. But man ignores them. His words were just psyching, the way to make his opponent shake.
But his opponent really doesn't understand sarcasm. "It is whoring," younger states and takes a step closer. "Your kinds want it fast and hard. That is fine. Saves our boths time."
Man laughs and waves his hand, planning to show what a joke this kid must really be. But the second man moves his hand, Taro moves faster. He takes two steps very straight toward the man in front of him and boldly kicks right in the crotch, immediately making other crouching forward, leaving a very wide opening Taro to move sidely to punch him on the uncovered face with his elbow. After that young man makes slowly his retreat, waiting. "Was that fast and hard enough?" Taro asks calmly.
For a moment the whole hall was so quiet nothing but mans moan broke it. Then some laughing could be heard and some baffling was that move really even allowed. "I'm so glad Maron is not here hearing him..," Milo sighs. Speaking so indecently is definitely not so Taro.
Free was staring Taro, not really knowing should he be amazed or disliked by that move. Sure, man showed a very clear opening there. But was that still justified..
"Whatta fuck!?" man roars enraged when he finally could make comprehensible words out of his mouth.
"You look down on me." Mercilessly pointing out the reason for his action Taro is carefully eyeing the other straightening his back and snotting some blood from his nose. "I did the same. If you do not really want to try your physical limits, taking your money is pointless. Your kinds are everywhere. Big talk, nothing to show."
Those words Free has heard before. The day when they start training together. Back then Taro mentioned people pretending to be stronger what they actually were. That show up he couldn't buy.
"Either he swallows his pride and respects his opponent, or walks away, leaning to his fake pride," Milo whispers. Free glances him once, then back to the center of the mat area. And after spitting toward Taro, man takes his leave, some whistling and clapping for his leaving.
Not even a second and someone else took his opportunity by walking fastly in the area, reserving his spot to be next. Taro nods and takes his pose, quietly welcoming other. This guy is younger, clearly on his twenties. White tapes were covering his hands over the knuckles. He isn't wearing any protection on his head or face. When he takes his place on the other side of the ring, he breathes once in and out and takes his fighting pose, which Free thought was clearly a kickboxing stance. "Camer Rudi," man introduces himself. "If possible, don't aim the face. My girl would kill me."
Taro nods again. "Ataro Kamura. I won't," Taro clears politely and replicates others pose. His whole appearance has changed. As calm and polite as his opponent was.
"I have done boxing against our defender. But I miss a good attacker," Camer keeps, not dropping his posing.
"From one to ten, how good fighter you image yourself?" younger man suddenly asks, without changing his facial expression.
Hearing that guestion stunt Camer first, but he fastly corrects his mind. "Seven. I am good. But I will be better."
Clear answer. Something that made Taro hum as acceptance. Or at least he has no reason to ask more.
"Is he testing the guy?" Free asks quietly.
Milo turns to eye the young man sitting next to him. Free really is sharp, reading the situation. "How you could tell?"
"He did the same to me. A long time ago," Free takes his arm around his knee, thinking. "Like, after one talk and he knew exactly how to teach me. In actual training, he never repeat that, guestioning. He was like a totally different person after that."
Showing a smile Maron looks back to Taro who is about to move. "That's just how he is. A copier. A deadly weapon who only listens to Maron," he points out, then taps Free on the shoulder. "But don't worry. You are privileged. Because of Don, as long as you don't piss off Maron, you have nothing to worry about. Taro will never act against you."
"Ha?" That only leave Free more confused. But when Taro makes his move, Frees focus is back to the match which was about to begin.
As 'an attacker' Taro really moves first this time, keeping the guy in front of him busy by giving multiple intent hits to parry or evade. Guy easily avoids his sudden kick too. Those nicely organized moves made the fight look more like a cat-and-mouse game in Frees eyes. Their moves were clean. Footwork clean. Not a single hit went through when Taro keep his attacking strike on.
But when Taro then takes a small break of attacking, he changes his bearing a little. "I will be a little more forcing." And he moves. Guy could block some of the hits until he loses his rhythm. First hit to the shoulder made him drop his focus. But Taro doesn't back off. He keeps going, forcing his kicks and hits in until guy was on the state he has no energy to block. That's when Taro stops his movements and walks backwards on his own side of the ring, giving a guy his first break.
Taro himself wasn't even breathless.
Camer bows to Taro after their match was really over. "Thank you!" after four rounds of beaten was enough to him. "I appreciate if you could train with me again later. Of course I will pay you."
Two more men want to try their luck against Taro, but Taro turned those rounds to be more like training them instead of fighting. And once again he's asked to be their training partner.
"He should do a living with this," Milo points out. Some of the people were already doing their own things, only a few were still interested of seeing more from Taro. Even if he's a good fighter, he could act very boring, no drama here.
"Free," Taro suddenly calls the young man, who immediately responds to his voice by straightening his back and turning his whole focus on him, like a deep learned habit from his training time.
"Yes!?"
"Shall we begin?"
"Y-yes!" Free gets fastly up. For some reason he feels very nervous now. After watching Taros flawless moving against different kind of opponents and after hearing Milo made him look Taro in a different light. That guys stable and cold personality fit perfectly to be a fighter. Free knew Taro was good, but his own focus has always been on beating Don one day. Realizing now that was all wrong.. He definitely shouldn't have think there were no others like Don, as good or even better. Thinking so naively in the field will be a mistake.
Free wears his gloves and walks in the middle to face Taro. "I wish you will give your everything here," Taro notes.
After breathing deep and shaking away his nervousness, younger nods surely and takes his first step toward other. Free should think this as working. Concentrate. Give his all. Their fighting style is same. Mixed, having both attacking and defending in street fight level. Beating his own teacher should be his main goal. So this was a perfect opportunity for that, since they have never seriously fought before.
But that goal might be very far still. Without a moment to even realize what happened a strong touch on the left side of his face made Frees head turn to side. A loud bang could be heard from the mat under him when Free instinctively support his leg to not let himself keel down.
Even when Taro could have move more, he chooses not to. Instead he steps back and waits Free to turn his look back at him. That Free eventually does, after touching his face and clarifying how much damage that sudden hit caused. There was no need for words. Taros cold stare says it all; he isn't satisfied. 'Do not underestimate me. Or you will regret it.'
True. It's Free's own fault if he doesn't stay concentrated. His teacher is right here, waiting to see how he has improved or has he at all. This wasn't a time to hesitate. But act.
Free sniffs and this time takes a proper defending pose. "Sorry.. My bad."
- - - -
Back in the apartment, after refreshing, Free was enjoying his time in the balcony, smoking and wowing the city view from the top floor. This area really is different than Vascis Avenue where Free lives. Like someone mixed the conception of city and forest, that's how much green he could see in the area. White high-rises built side by side. Trees and bushs both on ground and on these different high levels around buildings, looking like small gardens. Some huge outdoor ornaments here and there. Everything here really matchs with Maron's rich background. This wasn't your normal average residential area. Free bet people here have their own security staff in. No way he would have ever even considered breaking in any building in an area like this.
The rich owner of this apartment was currently at work, putting his shoulder to the wheel inside Vipera Cafe, while the quieter roommate was playing his part as a good host and making dinner. When hearing Free coming back inside and walking toward the kitchen, Taro takes a short break. "Our training today.. You have become better."
"That was really intense," Free laughs. After tens of rounds trying to beat his teacher, younger eventually had to admit his lost. Fighting with Taro was like training with Don, except this guy hits back. A deadly combo. Free got only one touch in. And that was all because of luck. But during their training fight Free definitely learnt something new about Taro; it was the first time Free could actually see Taros facial expression chancing. It wasn't that Taro couldn't feel, like Don said earlier. But how and when he could feel is how Free would describe it. "Let's not tell Don about my eye. That strike was just too fast, no way to block that. I know I'm not that good yet but I can tell you are really something else."
"There is no need to be modest. During this short time you have improved a lot. You got a hit on me. I was very surprised. I underestimated you."
"Neeh, really?" younger doesn't quite know how to take those kudos without feeling overjoyed. Taro actually saying something nice like that felt so weird but good. So wide smile is how Free trys to control his shyness. "I figure you favor your right side so I was just lucky, really."
"If you could figure that out, you are good enough," Taro states and gets back to preparing the meal. "My left eye is blind."
It took a few second Free to realize how exactly that was relevant. "What? You are half blind and can still fight like that?"
"I was better before that. My eye slows me down," other hums back, just stating the obvious. He knew very well he's good.
How self-assured. Taro really is something else so no wonder Don took interest in him. This guy is natural. Straightforward. Calculating. The way he acts, or simple 'is', is so steady one has to think does he even have weaknesses at all. "Can I help you?" Free steps next to Taro, eyeing what exactly he was making here.
"Yes. You can take the peeler and start peeling," Taro shows the dish full of unpeeled potatoes.
Peeling? If Free has experience of something cooking related then peeling potatoes. That's basically 80 percent of all he did while helping out in the canteen back in his basic combat training. "Can I ask you something?" Free then asks some time later after getting his spot at the desk. "How did you actually met Maron?"
"I thought you would rather be asking about Palenne," other points out.
"That would have been my next question," Free admits smiling.
Taro nods and turns his look back forward. "Palenne saved me from my Owner when I was fourteen. That is why I was inside the waiting room with you, five years ago. That time I had just made a deal with him."
Hearing something THAT bizarre was out of his imagination, leaving Free almost wordless. "Ha? You.. have an owner?"
"I had. It is.. It is hard to explain. People are always surprised. Because it's not normal," older explains, thinking for a second how exactly he should clear his situation. "I was twelve years old, living with my stepfather. He is alcoholic so I tried to find a job. But no ones hires kids. My fathers friend help me out. I got my Owner. They teach me fight. Deal drugs. When ever He called I have to go to Him. Everytime I tried to escape, He got me in and drug me. When I couldn't go to school anymore I start leaving hints for cops. They hit in where we stay. I was sleeping so they left me behind. When I woke up I was in the interrogation room and met Palenne." So far Taro hasn't really moved his look from the wall while talking but now he turns his focus on the chopping board in front of him, continues where he left. "We made a deal. He will let me go and I will be his spy. Because my Owner was living under for a while, I didn't see him in a long time. When He came back, I made another deal with Palenne," Taro turns his eyes on Free, once again freezing his hands. "He told me, if I tell him where to find my Owner he will take care of Him. I told him. I never saw my Owner again."
This all sound like something Free really wasn't supposed to know. And Taro actually confirms that presumption next. "That deal is something I am not allowed to talk about. Palenne has forbid it. But because of your relationship with him I think there is no reason you not know. There's this case I was working in.. I assume he told you about it. When he hunt down those men who have something to do with you. What he did to that man.. I knew my owner was not alive. Palenne, he..," Taro cuts his words, like growing puzzled and calculating how much exactly he can say out loud. For a second he looked very frustrated. Even knitting his eyebrows. "If you were about to live with him, you have the right to know. What he can do. Do you really know?"
"I know," Free says straight. Then he turns his face away, closes his eyes. "I know."
Taro is carefully eyeing Frees reaction. And finally speaks out again, sounding his usual self again. "He said he told you everything. To me, last time, I wasn't sure did you really understand at all what kind of person he is."
Back the time they met in the station the first time? No wonder Taro was acting so attacking then. He was just trying to find out how much Free actually knew about his sudden guardian. "Yeah, I really didn't. Took me some time. I mean, I knew, but I really didn't. I learnt my lesson," Free clears. "Now I know. And that is.. something I kinda regret." Taro doesn't say anything. But lets other continue. "If I hadn't act so childish and selfish.. Took advange of Don when he told me he would do anything for me.. After everything I just end up hurting him. We got that clear out but that doesn't change the fact I hurt him. But what's done is done," Free hums. And gives other a very sure smile. "He is mine. My responsibility. Cause I made Don speak out. Trust someone like me. So I will make sure he doesn't have to carry all that shit alone anymore. This now, him, I don't regret. I will take care of him."
Taro couldn't but think Frees calm and confident appearance must be the result of him actually knowing what he was dealing with here. Looking like he is ready to talk back and defiantly defend himself and Don if needed. "So that's how it is to you," Taro simple awes, noding. "It's way too late separate you two anymore. You realize you feed each other's flaws? That is not good. At least not for you.."
"That's kinda harsh..," Free snorts. Just weirded out how exactly Taro described them but could kind of accept what ever odd comments comes out of this guys mouth when he wasn't that normal himself either.
Without getting a clear answer Taro gets back peeling his vegetables. "Palenne really treasures you. I hope you do not let that affection blind you. If you do I'm afraid your relationship will ruin you. And end up badly for him."
Taro really holds a negative opinion of Don, even when he trusts him as his employer. In a way it was pretty much the same as how Milo talk about Don. Respecting and still questioning. But no matter how these people think about his lover, no matter how much they fear his temper, Free knows him the best and will protect him. "I'm working on that. Will make sure I won't lose him."
"This cleared a lot what I have been wondering," Taro nods. And kind of drops the whole topic here.
Free sighs. "That's it? You took that all quite lightly.."
"Lightly? You can't take that lightly. You two are insane."
Taro really doesn't safe his words.. "I know this is not normal. We are not normal. But you.. I can talk to you 'cause you won't judge. Don said he trusts you so.."
"I can't feel empathy, so I can not judge," older points out this very straight fact. But his confession only stun Free even more. Can't feel empathy?? "You and Palenne, you might be insane, but my kidnapper and I are not that far from unnormal either. It would be hypocritical to fake judge," he adds, giving a hint how exactly his mind works.
"Kidnapper?" Free grows more confused. But soon realizes who they were talking about now. "You are talking about Maron?"
"I told you how I met Palenne. You want to know how I met Maron too, right?"
Right. "So, he kidnapped you?" Free smiles, giving Taro some room to tell more. "Exactly how?"
"There was a time when my stepfather beat me very badly," Taro explains. Has clearly told this same story before to someone else concerning how easily he could put his words out now. Speaking with a relatively normal speed unlike he has a habit to do. "Maron told me he found me outside. Took me to the emergency center. I don't remember that time at all. I think I was nearly conscious. When I woke up I ran. Maron stop me. He took me into his home and didn't let me go. He told me I should give my life to him. He would take me. So I did. Palenne says I found myself a new Owner."
That sounds like a kidnapping. But Free could kind of tell why Maron did that, even without understanding this whole owner thing. When you get to know Taro better like this, knowing how absent-minded he suddenly could become, he really feels like a person you need to take care of in some situations. "I think you two make a cute couple," Free hums. Recalling what Milo too said earlier. Trying to draw a picture of Taro about everything he has learnt so far. Still feeling confused.
"Hello!" The front door opens and Maron greets them with a smile, carrying some shopping bags with him. After kicking his shoes off he walks in the living area. "How was your day?"
"Hi," Taro stops peeling. And gives a cold look toward him. "What is with the bags?"
Maron turns his look away while putting the bags on the couch. "When you find something you want you just have to buy it, right," he acts innocent, but looking slightly guilty. Like he knows he's done something wrong and knows to wait some kind of reproach from Taro next.
Taros sharp look goes through Maron when younger leaves his spot at the desk and walks closer. "Did you get your salary today? Did you spend it already?"
"Come on, Taro. We both know Mathew can't leave me hanging. I will get my bank accounts back at any time now. I've been working over half a year," Maron defents his slip. "What's the problem if I use my money for our fun once in a while?"
"The problem is the whole point you earning your own money and learning to use it goes to waste," Taro points out. Using the exact same words Mathew has used.
And that doesn't stay unnoticed. "Don't copy him. Okay, okay. I get it. I get it," Maron tsihs back.
Free is listening this conversation quietly from the kitchen area. Just wondering how exactly this couple hierarchy works. Exactly who was supposed to be the owner here.
"Please do not use all your money right away."
"Yeah, sure. You should just forget that obsession of saving money, since you have me. I can support our both living fees for the rest of our lifes."
"That is not an obsession. But a common sense. The money you have is not your own. It's from your parents. You should work for your own savings. That is your brothers wish."
"I bought something to you too," older smiles then, ignoring the nagging. Pulling out his next negotiation weapon. "Found the second book from your series," he searches a small bag and hands it to Taro.
"I could have bought this later when it's on sale," Taro notifys, but is suddenly already eyeing the book cover. No point not accepting it when it's already bought.
Maron pets Taros cheek before walking past him toward the kitchen, trying to make his run from this annoying subject while he could. "Yo, Free. What you two have been up to today? Can't get anything positive out from him when his mood is attacking."
"Welcome back. We train some," Free answers smiling, showing his black eye. "Plus we were just talking about how you two met."
"Hoo, really?" Maron turns his smiling look to Taro who was slowly following him, holding his new book. "Taro was very troublesome back then. But he was just too cute to be ignored."
"Yes. I told him how you kidnap me," Taro clears brutally and gets back to peeling.
How cold. Maron sighs, closing his eyes, acting dramatically. "Kidnap? Not that again," he crys, then suddenly looks back to Taro and smiles widely. "Hey, Taro.." He turns Taro around, leans his face closer, making other look confused. "You like to act so heartless around others. Keeping that nice, calm act going. Should we show Free the true you. What I.."
Taro fastly puts his hand on Marons mouth. "You won!"
Looking a little disappointed with Taros too fast reaction Maron leans away. "That was fast," he awes and smiles to Free, making sure other was watching them. "See? Cute when he's blushing?" Again he turns his eyes on Taro. "Gonna take a shower now. I come help you out here after that. What is it for today?"
"Meat with veges," Taro answers quietly.
"Leave the frying to me. Be careful with the knife. Don't hurt your fingers."
"Yes."
Free watches Maron leaving the kitchen area. Then he looks Taro, who now straightens his back and turns back to prepare their meal, acting again as cold as ever. "He ain't wrong," Free points out smiling. "That is cute." There might not be actual redness on Taros face but he definitely seem shy all of a sudden, fitting the image.
His comment made Taro glance him once. But he doesn't say anything. Just concentrates sliding their ingredients with care not to hurt his fingers.