Cormack Owle
37. The Captain and The Engineer: Surprises
Aiden bit his lip while staring anxiously at the distant clocktower from his perch upon Leon's Claw's deck. The clock determined that he still had about fifteen minutes before he should leave. He was to meet Vincent at three o'clock, but he'd found himself ready quickly and with extra time to kill. His mind was on Vincent, eager to see him again.
It had been a few days since he'd received a short letter from Vincent. In the letter, Vincent had explained that he was doing quite well and was feeling ready to have visitors again. He had invited Aiden over, today in fact, which was why Aiden was staring at the clock. He'd sent a note back to him agreeing to the time and date and now here he was. After five days of not seeing Vincent with his own eyes, it was like he was unable to fully relax anymore, as if a touch more on edge. He couldn't really explain the feeling other than needing to be near him, to know he was safe and well with his own eyes.
Aiden licked his lips and shifted slightly as he reached into his pocket for the letter Vincent had sent him. He opened and smoothed it out, the paper showing evidence of having been handled a lot over the past few days. He looked at the familiar writing of Vincent's invitation and wished time would get here faster! Feeling silly, Aiden tucked the paper back into his pocket and looked back at the clock. He might as well just go now and just walk along at a slower pace than usual. At least he wouldn't be sitting here staring at the clock! And so as soon as he made sure once again that he had everything he needed, he did just that!
Try as he may, Aiden ended up making it to Vincent's much earlier than anticipated even though he thought he was taking his time. When he passed by a clock-maker a few minutes earlier he’d seen that he was nearly twenty minutes early. He didn't want to be rude and knock too soon! So he stared up at the building and sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Aiden! You're early!"
Vincent's mildly surprised voice called out to him from behind not even a half minute later! Aiden turned to see Vincent and (unsurprisingly, he thought) Damien approaching from the opposite direction he'd come. His stomach fluttered to life with butterflies as he saw Vincent's eyes light up! He even had a small smile on his lips! So he was happy to see him too! Beside Vincent, Damien nodded amiably, hoisting up the two boxes in his arms better. Vincent had a small, light bag of fresh bread and a few other groceries in his hand. Aiden grinned at his crewmates and waved as the duo approached.
"I know. Sorry. I can wait out here a bit longer if you need more time."
"No, no! Come on up! I have something I wanted to show you! Damien, come on!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming. How are you, Aiden?"
"Fine, thanks. Yourself?"
"I've got nothing to complain about. After you."
"Thank you."
Vincent had already pushed the door open as the other two greeted each other and began his trek up the three flights of stairs to his flat. He could hear Aiden and Damien making small talk behind him; something about the weather so he tuned them out. Instead, he focused on pushing himself up the stairs. Thankfully, the pain wasn't so bad today.
Once at the top, Vincent withdrew his key and let them all into his flat. He held the door open for the two, nodding at their echoed "Thanks!" before closing the door behind them.
"Would you put those on the desk, Damien, please? Thank you. Aiden, make yourself comfortable. Would you like some tea or fresh water? I have mead if you'd prefer. Damien? Want anything?"
"I'll take some water, thank you," Aiden replied to which Damien added, "Same. Thanks!"
While Vincent got busy setting his groceries down and getting his friends some water, Aiden turned to glance around the small flat. His gaze met Damien's who smiled slightly at him as he set down the boxes. Aiden smiled back then slid his hands into his pockets.
"Did you guys go to the market?" Aiden asked after a moment longer of silence. Damien nodded and replied, "Yes. And we had several errands to run together this morning after our breakfast." Damien made his way across the room to join Vincent in the kitchen and added, "We got a lot accomplished."
"That's good," Aiden replied. He felt unsure what else to say and it seemed Damien decided their conversation was ending anyway. He'd noticed lately that Damien's interactions with him had changed. But at the same time, maybe it was all in his head.
Up until a few weeks ago, Damien had been one to sometimes make him feel coddled; even a touch belittled. However, he'd always seemed to genuinely want to help and Aiden didn't really think he meant to irritate him. Damien was a more worldly man and experienced crewmate so Aiden had always taken into consideration what he had to say. While Damien still did those things that make him feel that way, something had shifted and Aiden couldn't quite put his finger on it. It didn't seem like it was THAT that was getting to him.
But as he watched Damien stride up alongside Vincent and begin helping him with the groceries, Aiden felt a spike of irritation. Of course, Vincent was capable of putting away his own groceries, but if he had offered his own assistance it would have been him, not Damien, spending the extra minute with Vincent, smiling and standing close together.
Now that he was thinking about it, during Vincent's recovery the last few weeks, it seemed every time Aiden had the chance to spend time with him, Damien was somehow a part of it, even if for a short time. And he certainly hadn't forgotten the few times Damien had made tactless comments in Aiden's presence. It never failed to make Aiden feel a little unwanted.
Aiden had to mentally slap himself. Physically, he ran his hands over his face as he quickly tried to reason this out with himself. Why WAS Damien working him up so much?! He lowered his hands and gazed over at the pair and reminded himself that Damien and Vincent were close friends and had been for years. Aiden had only known Vincent a few short months. Damien was the overprotective sort; especially when it came to Vincent. And Vincent did want Damien around after all. He'd never shown any indication that Damien's presence was unwelcome. He would have said so if he felt otherwise. That was just the kind of man Vincent was.
But as much as Aiden tried to reason it out, he still felt that brush of jealousy that he couldn't shake. He didn't want to feel this way but he couldn't help it! In light of Aiden's romantic inclination towards Vincent, he figured that these feelings towards Damien were a part of it. Maybe he was just overreacting and looking more into it because of that...
"Hey, are you okay?"
Aiden blinked and looked down at Vincent who was standing there with a cup of water offered out to him. Vincent was looking a little concerned as he gazed up at him with that furrowed brow. Aiden felt himself smile softly. He brushed his fingers against Vincent's as he reached for the cup; this time intentionally. That familiar warmth moving through his fingers at their touch felt really nice. It was almost electric! He found he really liked that feeling. His heart thumped harder in his chest and butterflies filled his stomach again.
"Yeah."
"Are you sure?"
Vincent didn't look quite convinced, worry written in his features. Still their fingers touched, both holding the cup. Aiden smiled a little more genuinely before assuring him, "Mhm. I was just thinking about something I need to sort out later. Thanks for the water."
Vincent gazed at him a moment longer before he released the cup to Aiden and lowered his hand with a quiet, "You're welcome." He wet his lips and continued to gaze up at him as Aiden held the cup in his hands though he didn't drink. No, Aiden was still gazing into his eyes and time seemed to stand still.
Vincent, too, had felt a warmth spreading through his fingers at their touch. For an insane, fleeting moment he had wanted to keep his hand there to keep feeling it, and he wasn't sure how he felt about that. Yet he felt himself transfixed on Aiden's gorgeous eyes and time seemed to stand still.
"Vincent, didn't you want to show Aiden something?"
Damien's voice interrupted their moment and Vincent found himself blinking. Then he suddenly remembered that he was right! He waved his hand for Aiden to follow him and exclaimed, "Yes! Aiden, come here!"
Aiden fought back a sigh and instead smiled for his friend and began to follow him towards his bedroom without even a glance towards Damien. Damien waited a moment before following behind the two of them to come see what was going on.
Vincent led the way and went left towards his wardrobe where there were a few boxes and crates which Aiden didn't recognize. They weren't there a few days ago. What were they? It seemed he was about to find out! Was it him or was he hearing a faint, muffled buzzing sound coming from the boxes? Though, as he glanced over everything he couldn't see anything that might have been giving off the sound. But something familiar caught his eye!
"Is that my wrench?!"
Aiden looked genuinely surprised as he stared at the red, rusted large wrench sitting there right on top of one of the crates. It had to be his! It had the same rust marks and dents right there along the handle! He blinked and looked at Vincent who gave him a little smirk and a small shrug.
"What can I say? It saved my life twice. I've become attached to it."
Vincent reached out and took the wrench and held it out to Aiden to take with that little smirk still upon his lips. Aiden blinked then found himself laughing softly despite himself. He took the wrench and held it in both of his hands and gripped it firmly.
"Thank you. I've become quite fond of it, too."
"You're welcome."
"But...how? When?"
"Hm. I told you I would take care of unfinished business, yes? So I did. And now you have your wrench back."
Their eyes met and in that moment Aiden understood that there were just some things Vincent was just not going to speak of. He recalled how the last time he'd seen Vincent, he'd instructed Aiden to let him handle any loose ends regarding his capture and to not worry about it anymore. And now Aiden understood this was part of whatever that all meant. He supposed Vincent expected him to accept it similarly to how Bernadette had done regarding her cousin's activities. Despite how he felt about it, he found himself smiling at his friend anyway.
"Is this what you wanted to show me?"
"No, it's not."
"It's not?"
Vincent chuckled and Aiden thought he looked quite pleased with himself. "While taking care of business, I happened across something that I thought you might find interesting." He placed his hands on top of a small crate about chest height before grinning cheekily at Aiden and demanding, "Close your eyes!"
Aiden blinked before he chuckled and shrugged and did as he requested. "They're closed," he promised him as if Vincent couldn't see for himself. It seemed Vincent was satisfied ‘cause he gave a small chuckle in response. Aiden heard a crate lid being lifted and suddenly the somewhat shadowy room was lit up! The soft buzzing was immediately more clear and pronounced.
"Whoa," Damien uttered behind him which made Aiden fidget as he became even more eager to see whatever this was! Vincent gave a small grunt and set something slightly heavy down on top of a crate. Then his voice told him, "Okay! Open your eyes!"
When Aiden did, he slowly opened them and blinked a few times as he pushed past the blinding, pale blue light. When his vision returned to him, he saw that Vincent was showing him a lantern which was clearly the source of the light.
Vincent's gaze was locked on Aiden's expression. While he kept a calm exterior, inside he was eager to see Aiden's reaction to such a rare specimen! Was he going to be as excited as he hoped?
Aiden gave out a loud gasp and his jaw dropped in surprise as it immediately registered what he was seeing! This was the largest piece of Fulgora's Eye he'd ever seen! Was this for real?! Was he dreaming?!
"I can't believe it! I've never seen one so big!"
He moved forward then leaned down to inspect with wide eyes. His fingers gently brushed against the lantern before he looked up at Vincent, eyes still wide. He needed details! God, he hoped Vincent would divulge something! Anything!
"How?!"
Vincent couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him at Aiden's insistence. He grinned a bit and ran his hands over his hips and gave a small shrug with an air of bashfulness.
"I came across it while taking care of business the other evening and it was left unattended so-"
"You're joking!"
"I assure you I'm not."
Aiden was astounded! He assumed Vincent had returned to the tower since he'd collected his wrench for him. Was that possibly where he'd found the Fulgora's Eye and the rest of whatever were in these crates? Before Aiden could decide on what to say next, Damien spoke up behind him and asked, "So...what is it?"
Aiden glanced over his shoulder and grinned at him.
"Fulgora's Eye!"
"Fulgora's-? Wait. Isn't that what your lantern is powered by?"
"Uh huh! But this one is MUCH bigger! And the quality is incredible! Pete's powered by a teeny, tiny piece of lowest grade! I mean, something like this is like- I mean just LOOK at it! It's exquisite!"
And so Damien did. He approached and leaned down so he was side by side with Aiden. He blinked at it and stared for a long moment before glancing over at Aiden with a touch of uncertainty.
"What am I looking for exactly?"
Aiden huffed at him exasperatedly which drew a snort from Vincent (who was feeling amused at this point). Aiden looked back at the lantern and pointed out along the outside as he explained to Damien, "See how you can see the colors so clearly around the edges? All those vibrant blues and purples and greens? Remember I showed you Pete's a couple weeks back? His is a low grade piece so it doesn't have all these colors and the base color is more subdued. The more colors and light, the better quality it is."
As Aiden explained all this and then more to Damien, Vincent watched the younger man and how he seemed to just thrive and enjoy talking about Fulgora's Eye and seemed on the verge of launching into a full blown lecture. Aiden loved what he did and he could see more than the financial value in such an important piece like this. It made Vincent admire Aiden even more. And as he listened, Vincent found himself smiling softly. It made him feel happy to see Aiden so lit up and excited over something like this; more like his normal self. It was a beautiful thing.
"...and you could even break it apart into smaller pieces and use it for different things! It's what I'd do!"
"Something like this could change your entire life," Vincent thought aloud to Aiden. "You could live lavishly ‘til the end of your days. Not only you, but future generations of yours to come as well. You wouldn't be tempted to just sell it?" He quirked his brow at Aiden which gave the younger man the impression he was being assessed.
Aiden smiled sheepishly and shrugged as their eyes met. "Well, if I'm honest, if I had something like that in my possession of course I would want to keep a small piece for myself: enough to sustain me and my own comfortably for the rest of our lives so we can do what we love and have some put away. I'd be a madman to pass that up, but the rest of it? No, I'd be using it in my craft. If I can make something like Pete come to life with such a tiny piece, just imagine what I can do with something like this!"
"I don't want to imagine. I want you to show me."
"...Show...you..?"
"You're the kind of man who is honest. You know the value of a treasure like this, yet you see more in its worth than something as simple as gold. I know you'd make good use of it. So, if you swear to me that you will do as you said you will, then it's yours."
Damien inhaled sharply and grumbled behind him, but right now Aiden didn't hear nor care.
Aiden felt his heart thump hard in his chest. Was Vincent serious?! Everything about him right now indicated it was so. Vincent seemed to really want to do this for him, to give him this. Was this a dream?! No, he knew it wasn't but he almost couldn't believe it!
Aiden nibbled his lower lip then straightened as well and stared right into Vincent's eyes. His teeth released his lip as he broke into a soft smile and reached out with his hand and extended his pinky towards Vincent.
"The pinky promise is the most sacred of promises, yes?"
Vincent's brow quirked up at Aiden with a touch of surprise before responding with all seriousness, "The most absolute sacred. I don't take pinky promises lightly, good Sir."
"Nor do I," Aiden agreed. He leaned in a touch closer and swore, "I promise and give you my word."
Vincent stared back up at Aiden for a moment longer before reaching out and hooking his finger with his. It was just a simple touch of their fingers, but Aiden's touch felt warm, pleasant, tingly against Vincent's skin. Despite the calluses on his fingers, his touch was soft. It felt...kinda nice after all.
"I look forward to seeing what you do with it."
"Am I dreaming? Is it really mine, Vincent?"
Aiden released Vincent's finger then turned his adoring gaze back upon the Fulgora's Eye as Vincent laughed softly and folded his arms over his chest. "No, you're not dreaming," he assured him and gently patted his shoulder. "It's really yours."
"I can't wait!" Aiden was saying as he lifted the lantern and brought it close for inspection. There was a clearing of a throat beside him and he became aware of Damien's presence once again.
"So, why don't you just go get your tools then come back?"
Aiden grinned at Damien before glancing back at the lantern again. "I would love to, but I know I don't have all the necessary equipment yet. I'll need to go to a mechanic shop and the library. Probably a general store, too. I'll need something to store the smaller pieces in as well. I know! I'll just go tomorrow and then hopefully be able to start playing with it the day after, once I'm sure I have everything! Besides," Aiden finished with a cheeky grin cast in Damien's direction, "Vincent and I had plans. However, you both are welcome to watch when I do take it apart!"
"I want to see!" Vincent agreed a little more eagerly than he'd anticipated. He cleared his throat softly as Aiden grinned more beside him and looked a little pleased with himself. "Damien, you should come watch! I know you're curious, too! Don't deny it!"
"I'm not denying it!" Damien replied with a small chuckle. "Fine, I'll come along. What plans do you have today anyways that has you so busy?"
Aiden glanced over at Vincent curiously. Had Vincent had anything in mind when he'd invited Aiden over? They hadn't discussed plans other than Vincent simply inviting Aiden over for company to presumably show him this. He really hoped there would be more time spent together today. While he was grateful for the time right now, he really wanted to spend some time alone with him.
Vincent's eyes flicked towards Aiden with a slight quirk in the corner of his mouth, a mischievous smile peeking. His gaze returned to his best friend with a nonchalant shrug and responded, "I suppose we shall see how the rest of the afternoon goes."
Thankfully, it seemed, Vincent wasn't ready to get rid of him yet! And even better, Aiden thought, Vincent walked around Aiden and reached out and patted Damien's back and began to guide him to turn towards the door and announced, "And while I enjoy your company, mon ami, I did promise my time to Aiden for the rest of the evening."
Behind them Aiden was grinning hugely. He felt so damn pleased with how this day was turning out after all! Eagerly, he set down the Fulgora's Eye back inside its crate. With a final longing gaze at his new treasure, he set the lid down with much anticipation for what was to come! When he rejoined Vincent and Damien a minute later, the duo were saying their goodbyes.
"I'll be seeing you soon, Damien."
"Walk me down?"
"Hm. Sure. I'll be right back, Aiden."
Aiden nodded to Vincent, then looked at Damien and smiled slightly. "See you soon. Take care."
"You as well," Damien replied with a slight nod before turning and sliding his arm around Vincent's shoulders as they turned to descend the stairs together.
Aiden licked his lips and followed them out, standing by the front of the flat and leaned against the wall. He wanted to be here to make sure Vincent wasn't over-extending himself. Vincent had just been out and about all morning, and now he was walking up and down the steps again. He was worried. Something felt off. Aiden just...had a feeling he would be needed but he didn't know what for. It was only a minute later that Vincent's voice carried up from the stairwell below quite clearly.
"You know, Damien, this means you CAN go to your family reunion after all," Vincent was telling Damien as they made it to the bottom floor and stood in front of the main door.
"I'd rather not. Your company is much more agreeable."
"Heh. And deny your dear Aunt Victoria the pleasure of discovering that you are still yet to be married?"
Vincent grinned darkly up at his friend who scoffed and folded his arms unamusedly.
"Admit it. You need me here."
Not phased by his friend's unamused expression, Vincent reached out and graciously opened the door for Damien. He continued on with a much more pleasant grin, eyes lit in merriment. Only this time, he spoke in a higher pitched voice as if imitating an elderly woman. It seemed he was in quite a mood!
"Why Damien, you're such a strapping young lad!"
"Vincent-"
"You need to find yourself a nice young woman," Vincent continued in his high pitched voice and unceremoniously reached out and pushed Damien towards the open door, "and settle down. In fact-"
"This isn't very nice of you, you know!"
"I never claimed to be nice! You just decided that all on your own!"
With a chuckle, Vincent finished pushing Damien out the door and followed him down the steps towards the street. Ah, that had been funny!
"And why should I go?!" Damien demanded suddenly and loudly as he turned on his heel. He straightened his shoulders as he leveled his gaze at Vincent. "I'd be gone for two long weeks! What if something bad happens to one of us while I'm gone?"
All signs of humor were gone from Vincent's face as if it had slapped it right off of him. Indeed, he felt as if he'd been slapped! His lips curved down into a soft frown and his brow furrowed. Before he could recover and say anything, Damien took a step closer, his voice and expression softening.
"What if I'm needed here? Don't you want me to be here, Vincent? Just in case something happens?"
Vincent's gaze lifted and he met Damien's imploring eyes. And in the corner of his eye, he could see that other folks on the street were starting to notice the commotion. Swallowing hard, Vincent took a slightly shaky breath and replied, "You know I want you here. But it's important to your sister." With a stronger voice, he encouraged Damien, "She's been asking you to come for years, Damien. Now you have the chance to finally do this. You should go."
"Vincent, what if something happens to me?"
"Damien, please-"
"I would be gone for two weeks!" Damien reiterated. "How much bhang have you had today, anyway? You must still be intoxicated. Think about it, Vincent! It would not be wise for you to be alone for so long."
Vincent's eyes lowered slightly and he gave a reluctant sigh. Already, Damien could see Vincent was starting to see reason. He gave a reassuring smile and opened his mouth to speak to Vincent once again but was suddenly cut off by Aiden's intruding voice cutting in as bold as brass:
"He won't be alone. But that's besides the point. Vincent is perfectly capable of taking care of himself. He doesn't need to be coddled."
Emerging from behind the door, Aiden's eyes sought out Damien's with a coldness in his expression that Damien hadn't witnessed before. Damien's lips curved into a sneer as he snapped, "Aiden, you have no business in this conversation!"
Choosing to ignore Damien, Aiden stepped down from the small staircase to stand before Vincent who had turned, surprised. Aiden gazed down at his beloved captain and his expression softened and filled with empathy. Vincent was staring up at him with his lips pressed in a thin line and hurt in his eyes. But it wasn't because of Aiden, no. It had been Damien. Damien had sparked and triggered Vincent's traumas and Aiden knew this. He'd heard everything. That had been a manipulative move on Damien's part, he'd felt. Aiden had never seen Vincent publicly come close to breaking his composure; not like this.
"Aiden, leave us and get back upstairs!" Damien growled at the younger man. But it was Vincent who responded instead. And with it came Vincent's quiet, commanding Captain's voice that would permit no room for argument.
"Go home, Damien," Vincent commanded as turned around to face Damien, squaring his shoulders and giving him an even expression. Damien looked completely flabbergasted!
"Why me?! Why don't you send HIM home so you and I can talk?!"
"This has nothing to do with Aiden. I simply do not wish to discuss this with you right now."
Damien stared directly back into Vincent's eyes as if trying to stare him down. Surely, Vincent was not being serious?! After several seconds, he realized that Vincent was, indeed, quite serious. Grinding his teeth, Damien spat out, "Fine! I see how it is! You're choosing him."
"What?!" both Vincent and Aiden exclaimed, but Damien offered no further explanation. Instead, he turned on his heel and left with an angry snarl of "Move!" to a few people in his way. They all quickly jumped out of his way to avoid being bumped angrily into.
Vincent stood there on the curb, staring after Damien. What...had just happened?! Sure, he and Damien had had their disputes before but never had it escalated like this! Once Damien was out of sight, Vincent turned to go back inside to hide and process all this...only to find himself face to face with Aiden who looked as confused and upset as he was.
'Fuck,' Vincent thought silently. Avoiding Aiden's eyes, Vincent stared at his chin instead and tucked his hands behind his back as he spoke in a slightly emotionless voice, "Thank you for wanting to help, but I'm fine. Damien's fine. We're fine. We'll get it sorted and talked out. Forgive me, but I find myself no longer well enough for company."
"Of course. I understand," Aiden replied, disappointed but willing of course. Vincent nodded appreciatively then looked down and began to move past Aiden to head back upstairs and try to forget any of this was happening. He'd figure things out with Damien later, but all the elation of the day was long gone. He was ready to be done with the day already and just hide. It had started off all so wonderfully today...
Aiden had made it down to the street curb already and he could hear the door closing behind him. Suddenly something came to him and he whirled around and called out, "Vincent!"
Vincent had the door nearly halfway closed when Aiden had called to him. He paused and turned to face Aiden once again. Still, he didn't meet his eyes. What could Aiden want from him now?
"Yes?"
"Please promise me."
"Promise you what, Aiden?"
"Look at me."
And Vincent, despite himself, did. He took a deep breath then slowly lifted his gaze to meet Aiden's. He was unsure what he'd see there. But he saw that he really DIDN'T have anything to worry about. There was no judgment in Aiden's face; simply concern.
"Promise me that you will take care of yourself?" Aiden licked his lips nervously as he tried to get the words out. He really didn't want to say the wrong thing but he wanted Vincent to not drown himself in his sorrows the way he had done in the past, with alcohol. "Please be kind to yourself."
Vincent stared at him for a moment before he actually stepped out once more and closed the door behind him. Aiden felt his nerves flare to life as Vincent proceeded to walk down the steps to stand before Aiden and stared up at him without a word. Then after a moment, he said softly but sincerely, "I promise."
Aiden smiled softly and gave a small nod. That was enough for him. He smiled a little more and replied, "Good. Then I will be seeing you soon, Captain. If you change your mind and would like some company or if you're needing a distraction...you know where I'll be."
Vincent watched as Aiden turned to leave. As he watched Aiden's departing backside, Vincent turned to head back inside. He wet his lips and felt an unpleasant ache settling into the pit of his stomach. He began to realize that maybe he didn't want to be alone after all; but not for just anyone's company. But maybe that would be more reason to let him go back to Leon Claw?
"You're not going to make me pinky promise?" Vincent blurted suddenly. Aiden, though surprised, turned and grinned back at Vincent. Why wasn't Vincent just letting him go back to Leon's Claw? Did he not want to say goodbye after all?
"You are a man of your word. I trust you. Besides, I know you can do this."
"Oh. Well...thank you."
Vincent wrapped his arms around his own abdomen as he gazed across the way at Aiden who was waiting almost expectantly for something else. Why wasn't Aiden leaving?! Oh, right...he'd called the man back to talk to him but now that was done with right? Feeling suddenly uncharacteristically nervous, Vincent gave a small nod and bid Aiden farewell once more.
"Well...see you soon."
Aiden chuckled and replied, "Very soon. Be well, Vincent."
And this time Vincent did let Aiden leave. He watched the young man depart before turning to head back upstairs and thought of his young friend. Even in some of the worst times, it seemed, Aiden was still able to find ways to make Vincent smile; to feel lighter and less weighed down.
Once back up in his flat, Vincent went right up to the cabinet where he stored his bottles of alcohol and grabbed all three of them down. Without another thought, he began to empty them down the drain.
Aiden believed in him and he wanted to have that belief in himself, too. While he was doing this for himself, whether he wanted to admit it or not, Aiden's approval was something of significance to him. Oh, what an enigma in his life, Aiden was!
....
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***
Special thank you to Vin Aydin Raven-Mysterious for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!
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37. The Captain and The Engineer: Surprises
Aiden bit his lip while staring anxiously at the distant clocktower from his perch upon Leon's Claw's deck. The clock determined that he still had about fifteen minutes before he should leave. He was to meet Vincent at three o'clock, but he'd found himself ready quickly and with extra time to kill. His mind was on Vincent, eager to see him again.
It had been a few days since he'd received a short letter from Vincent. In the letter, Vincent had explained that he was doing quite well and was feeling ready to have visitors again. He had invited Aiden over, today in fact, which was why Aiden was staring at the clock. He'd sent a note back to him agreeing to the time and date and now here he was. After five days of not seeing Vincent with his own eyes, it was like he was unable to fully relax anymore, as if a touch more on edge. He couldn't really explain the feeling other than needing to be near him, to know he was safe and well with his own eyes.
Aiden licked his lips and shifted slightly as he reached into his pocket for the letter Vincent had sent him. He opened and smoothed it out, the paper showing evidence of having been handled a lot over the past few days. He looked at the familiar writing of Vincent's invitation and wished time would get here faster! Feeling silly, Aiden tucked the paper back into his pocket and looked back at the clock. He might as well just go now and just walk along at a slower pace than usual. At least he wouldn't be sitting here staring at the clock! And so as soon as he made sure once again that he had everything he needed, he did just that!
Try as he may, Aiden ended up making it to Vincent's much earlier than anticipated even though he thought he was taking his time. When he passed by a clock-maker a few minutes earlier he’d seen that he was nearly twenty minutes early. He didn't want to be rude and knock too soon! So he stared up at the building and sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Aiden! You're early!"
Vincent's mildly surprised voice called out to him from behind not even a half minute later! Aiden turned to see Vincent and (unsurprisingly, he thought) Damien approaching from the opposite direction he'd come. His stomach fluttered to life with butterflies as he saw Vincent's eyes light up! He even had a small smile on his lips! So he was happy to see him too! Beside Vincent, Damien nodded amiably, hoisting up the two boxes in his arms better. Vincent had a small, light bag of fresh bread and a few other groceries in his hand. Aiden grinned at his crewmates and waved as the duo approached.
"I know. Sorry. I can wait out here a bit longer if you need more time."
"No, no! Come on up! I have something I wanted to show you! Damien, come on!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming. How are you, Aiden?"
"Fine, thanks. Yourself?"
"I've got nothing to complain about. After you."
"Thank you."
Vincent had already pushed the door open as the other two greeted each other and began his trek up the three flights of stairs to his flat. He could hear Aiden and Damien making small talk behind him; something about the weather so he tuned them out. Instead, he focused on pushing himself up the stairs. Thankfully, the pain wasn't so bad today.
Once at the top, Vincent withdrew his key and let them all into his flat. He held the door open for the two, nodding at their echoed "Thanks!" before closing the door behind them.
"Would you put those on the desk, Damien, please? Thank you. Aiden, make yourself comfortable. Would you like some tea or fresh water? I have mead if you'd prefer. Damien? Want anything?"
"I'll take some water, thank you," Aiden replied to which Damien added, "Same. Thanks!"
While Vincent got busy setting his groceries down and getting his friends some water, Aiden turned to glance around the small flat. His gaze met Damien's who smiled slightly at him as he set down the boxes. Aiden smiled back then slid his hands into his pockets.
"Did you guys go to the market?" Aiden asked after a moment longer of silence. Damien nodded and replied, "Yes. And we had several errands to run together this morning after our breakfast." Damien made his way across the room to join Vincent in the kitchen and added, "We got a lot accomplished."
"That's good," Aiden replied. He felt unsure what else to say and it seemed Damien decided their conversation was ending anyway. He'd noticed lately that Damien's interactions with him had changed. But at the same time, maybe it was all in his head.
Up until a few weeks ago, Damien had been one to sometimes make him feel coddled; even a touch belittled. However, he'd always seemed to genuinely want to help and Aiden didn't really think he meant to irritate him. Damien was a more worldly man and experienced crewmate so Aiden had always taken into consideration what he had to say. While Damien still did those things that make him feel that way, something had shifted and Aiden couldn't quite put his finger on it. It didn't seem like it was THAT that was getting to him.
But as he watched Damien stride up alongside Vincent and begin helping him with the groceries, Aiden felt a spike of irritation. Of course, Vincent was capable of putting away his own groceries, but if he had offered his own assistance it would have been him, not Damien, spending the extra minute with Vincent, smiling and standing close together.
Now that he was thinking about it, during Vincent's recovery the last few weeks, it seemed every time Aiden had the chance to spend time with him, Damien was somehow a part of it, even if for a short time. And he certainly hadn't forgotten the few times Damien had made tactless comments in Aiden's presence. It never failed to make Aiden feel a little unwanted.
Aiden had to mentally slap himself. Physically, he ran his hands over his face as he quickly tried to reason this out with himself. Why WAS Damien working him up so much?! He lowered his hands and gazed over at the pair and reminded himself that Damien and Vincent were close friends and had been for years. Aiden had only known Vincent a few short months. Damien was the overprotective sort; especially when it came to Vincent. And Vincent did want Damien around after all. He'd never shown any indication that Damien's presence was unwelcome. He would have said so if he felt otherwise. That was just the kind of man Vincent was.
But as much as Aiden tried to reason it out, he still felt that brush of jealousy that he couldn't shake. He didn't want to feel this way but he couldn't help it! In light of Aiden's romantic inclination towards Vincent, he figured that these feelings towards Damien were a part of it. Maybe he was just overreacting and looking more into it because of that...
"Hey, are you okay?"
Aiden blinked and looked down at Vincent who was standing there with a cup of water offered out to him. Vincent was looking a little concerned as he gazed up at him with that furrowed brow. Aiden felt himself smile softly. He brushed his fingers against Vincent's as he reached for the cup; this time intentionally. That familiar warmth moving through his fingers at their touch felt really nice. It was almost electric! He found he really liked that feeling. His heart thumped harder in his chest and butterflies filled his stomach again.
"Yeah."
"Are you sure?"
Vincent didn't look quite convinced, worry written in his features. Still their fingers touched, both holding the cup. Aiden smiled a little more genuinely before assuring him, "Mhm. I was just thinking about something I need to sort out later. Thanks for the water."
Vincent gazed at him a moment longer before he released the cup to Aiden and lowered his hand with a quiet, "You're welcome." He wet his lips and continued to gaze up at him as Aiden held the cup in his hands though he didn't drink. No, Aiden was still gazing into his eyes and time seemed to stand still.
Vincent, too, had felt a warmth spreading through his fingers at their touch. For an insane, fleeting moment he had wanted to keep his hand there to keep feeling it, and he wasn't sure how he felt about that. Yet he felt himself transfixed on Aiden's gorgeous eyes and time seemed to stand still.
"Vincent, didn't you want to show Aiden something?"
Damien's voice interrupted their moment and Vincent found himself blinking. Then he suddenly remembered that he was right! He waved his hand for Aiden to follow him and exclaimed, "Yes! Aiden, come here!"
Aiden fought back a sigh and instead smiled for his friend and began to follow him towards his bedroom without even a glance towards Damien. Damien waited a moment before following behind the two of them to come see what was going on.
Vincent led the way and went left towards his wardrobe where there were a few boxes and crates which Aiden didn't recognize. They weren't there a few days ago. What were they? It seemed he was about to find out! Was it him or was he hearing a faint, muffled buzzing sound coming from the boxes? Though, as he glanced over everything he couldn't see anything that might have been giving off the sound. But something familiar caught his eye!
"Is that my wrench?!"
Aiden looked genuinely surprised as he stared at the red, rusted large wrench sitting there right on top of one of the crates. It had to be his! It had the same rust marks and dents right there along the handle! He blinked and looked at Vincent who gave him a little smirk and a small shrug.
"What can I say? It saved my life twice. I've become attached to it."
Vincent reached out and took the wrench and held it out to Aiden to take with that little smirk still upon his lips. Aiden blinked then found himself laughing softly despite himself. He took the wrench and held it in both of his hands and gripped it firmly.
"Thank you. I've become quite fond of it, too."
"You're welcome."
"But...how? When?"
"Hm. I told you I would take care of unfinished business, yes? So I did. And now you have your wrench back."
Their eyes met and in that moment Aiden understood that there were just some things Vincent was just not going to speak of. He recalled how the last time he'd seen Vincent, he'd instructed Aiden to let him handle any loose ends regarding his capture and to not worry about it anymore. And now Aiden understood this was part of whatever that all meant. He supposed Vincent expected him to accept it similarly to how Bernadette had done regarding her cousin's activities. Despite how he felt about it, he found himself smiling at his friend anyway.
"Is this what you wanted to show me?"
"No, it's not."
"It's not?"
Vincent chuckled and Aiden thought he looked quite pleased with himself. "While taking care of business, I happened across something that I thought you might find interesting." He placed his hands on top of a small crate about chest height before grinning cheekily at Aiden and demanding, "Close your eyes!"
Aiden blinked before he chuckled and shrugged and did as he requested. "They're closed," he promised him as if Vincent couldn't see for himself. It seemed Vincent was satisfied ‘cause he gave a small chuckle in response. Aiden heard a crate lid being lifted and suddenly the somewhat shadowy room was lit up! The soft buzzing was immediately more clear and pronounced.
"Whoa," Damien uttered behind him which made Aiden fidget as he became even more eager to see whatever this was! Vincent gave a small grunt and set something slightly heavy down on top of a crate. Then his voice told him, "Okay! Open your eyes!"
When Aiden did, he slowly opened them and blinked a few times as he pushed past the blinding, pale blue light. When his vision returned to him, he saw that Vincent was showing him a lantern which was clearly the source of the light.
Vincent's gaze was locked on Aiden's expression. While he kept a calm exterior, inside he was eager to see Aiden's reaction to such a rare specimen! Was he going to be as excited as he hoped?
Aiden gave out a loud gasp and his jaw dropped in surprise as it immediately registered what he was seeing! This was the largest piece of Fulgora's Eye he'd ever seen! Was this for real?! Was he dreaming?!
"I can't believe it! I've never seen one so big!"
He moved forward then leaned down to inspect with wide eyes. His fingers gently brushed against the lantern before he looked up at Vincent, eyes still wide. He needed details! God, he hoped Vincent would divulge something! Anything!
"How?!"
Vincent couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him at Aiden's insistence. He grinned a bit and ran his hands over his hips and gave a small shrug with an air of bashfulness.
"I came across it while taking care of business the other evening and it was left unattended so-"
"You're joking!"
"I assure you I'm not."
Aiden was astounded! He assumed Vincent had returned to the tower since he'd collected his wrench for him. Was that possibly where he'd found the Fulgora's Eye and the rest of whatever were in these crates? Before Aiden could decide on what to say next, Damien spoke up behind him and asked, "So...what is it?"
Aiden glanced over his shoulder and grinned at him.
"Fulgora's Eye!"
"Fulgora's-? Wait. Isn't that what your lantern is powered by?"
"Uh huh! But this one is MUCH bigger! And the quality is incredible! Pete's powered by a teeny, tiny piece of lowest grade! I mean, something like this is like- I mean just LOOK at it! It's exquisite!"
And so Damien did. He approached and leaned down so he was side by side with Aiden. He blinked at it and stared for a long moment before glancing over at Aiden with a touch of uncertainty.
"What am I looking for exactly?"
Aiden huffed at him exasperatedly which drew a snort from Vincent (who was feeling amused at this point). Aiden looked back at the lantern and pointed out along the outside as he explained to Damien, "See how you can see the colors so clearly around the edges? All those vibrant blues and purples and greens? Remember I showed you Pete's a couple weeks back? His is a low grade piece so it doesn't have all these colors and the base color is more subdued. The more colors and light, the better quality it is."
As Aiden explained all this and then more to Damien, Vincent watched the younger man and how he seemed to just thrive and enjoy talking about Fulgora's Eye and seemed on the verge of launching into a full blown lecture. Aiden loved what he did and he could see more than the financial value in such an important piece like this. It made Vincent admire Aiden even more. And as he listened, Vincent found himself smiling softly. It made him feel happy to see Aiden so lit up and excited over something like this; more like his normal self. It was a beautiful thing.
"...and you could even break it apart into smaller pieces and use it for different things! It's what I'd do!"
"Something like this could change your entire life," Vincent thought aloud to Aiden. "You could live lavishly ‘til the end of your days. Not only you, but future generations of yours to come as well. You wouldn't be tempted to just sell it?" He quirked his brow at Aiden which gave the younger man the impression he was being assessed.
Aiden smiled sheepishly and shrugged as their eyes met. "Well, if I'm honest, if I had something like that in my possession of course I would want to keep a small piece for myself: enough to sustain me and my own comfortably for the rest of our lives so we can do what we love and have some put away. I'd be a madman to pass that up, but the rest of it? No, I'd be using it in my craft. If I can make something like Pete come to life with such a tiny piece, just imagine what I can do with something like this!"
"I don't want to imagine. I want you to show me."
"...Show...you..?"
"You're the kind of man who is honest. You know the value of a treasure like this, yet you see more in its worth than something as simple as gold. I know you'd make good use of it. So, if you swear to me that you will do as you said you will, then it's yours."
Damien inhaled sharply and grumbled behind him, but right now Aiden didn't hear nor care.
Aiden felt his heart thump hard in his chest. Was Vincent serious?! Everything about him right now indicated it was so. Vincent seemed to really want to do this for him, to give him this. Was this a dream?! No, he knew it wasn't but he almost couldn't believe it!
Aiden nibbled his lower lip then straightened as well and stared right into Vincent's eyes. His teeth released his lip as he broke into a soft smile and reached out with his hand and extended his pinky towards Vincent.
"The pinky promise is the most sacred of promises, yes?"
Vincent's brow quirked up at Aiden with a touch of surprise before responding with all seriousness, "The most absolute sacred. I don't take pinky promises lightly, good Sir."
"Nor do I," Aiden agreed. He leaned in a touch closer and swore, "I promise and give you my word."
Vincent stared back up at Aiden for a moment longer before reaching out and hooking his finger with his. It was just a simple touch of their fingers, but Aiden's touch felt warm, pleasant, tingly against Vincent's skin. Despite the calluses on his fingers, his touch was soft. It felt...kinda nice after all.
"I look forward to seeing what you do with it."
"Am I dreaming? Is it really mine, Vincent?"
Aiden released Vincent's finger then turned his adoring gaze back upon the Fulgora's Eye as Vincent laughed softly and folded his arms over his chest. "No, you're not dreaming," he assured him and gently patted his shoulder. "It's really yours."
"I can't wait!" Aiden was saying as he lifted the lantern and brought it close for inspection. There was a clearing of a throat beside him and he became aware of Damien's presence once again.
"So, why don't you just go get your tools then come back?"
Aiden grinned at Damien before glancing back at the lantern again. "I would love to, but I know I don't have all the necessary equipment yet. I'll need to go to a mechanic shop and the library. Probably a general store, too. I'll need something to store the smaller pieces in as well. I know! I'll just go tomorrow and then hopefully be able to start playing with it the day after, once I'm sure I have everything! Besides," Aiden finished with a cheeky grin cast in Damien's direction, "Vincent and I had plans. However, you both are welcome to watch when I do take it apart!"
"I want to see!" Vincent agreed a little more eagerly than he'd anticipated. He cleared his throat softly as Aiden grinned more beside him and looked a little pleased with himself. "Damien, you should come watch! I know you're curious, too! Don't deny it!"
"I'm not denying it!" Damien replied with a small chuckle. "Fine, I'll come along. What plans do you have today anyways that has you so busy?"
Aiden glanced over at Vincent curiously. Had Vincent had anything in mind when he'd invited Aiden over? They hadn't discussed plans other than Vincent simply inviting Aiden over for company to presumably show him this. He really hoped there would be more time spent together today. While he was grateful for the time right now, he really wanted to spend some time alone with him.
Vincent's eyes flicked towards Aiden with a slight quirk in the corner of his mouth, a mischievous smile peeking. His gaze returned to his best friend with a nonchalant shrug and responded, "I suppose we shall see how the rest of the afternoon goes."
Thankfully, it seemed, Vincent wasn't ready to get rid of him yet! And even better, Aiden thought, Vincent walked around Aiden and reached out and patted Damien's back and began to guide him to turn towards the door and announced, "And while I enjoy your company, mon ami, I did promise my time to Aiden for the rest of the evening."
Behind them Aiden was grinning hugely. He felt so damn pleased with how this day was turning out after all! Eagerly, he set down the Fulgora's Eye back inside its crate. With a final longing gaze at his new treasure, he set the lid down with much anticipation for what was to come! When he rejoined Vincent and Damien a minute later, the duo were saying their goodbyes.
"I'll be seeing you soon, Damien."
"Walk me down?"
"Hm. Sure. I'll be right back, Aiden."
Aiden nodded to Vincent, then looked at Damien and smiled slightly. "See you soon. Take care."
"You as well," Damien replied with a slight nod before turning and sliding his arm around Vincent's shoulders as they turned to descend the stairs together.
Aiden licked his lips and followed them out, standing by the front of the flat and leaned against the wall. He wanted to be here to make sure Vincent wasn't over-extending himself. Vincent had just been out and about all morning, and now he was walking up and down the steps again. He was worried. Something felt off. Aiden just...had a feeling he would be needed but he didn't know what for. It was only a minute later that Vincent's voice carried up from the stairwell below quite clearly.
"You know, Damien, this means you CAN go to your family reunion after all," Vincent was telling Damien as they made it to the bottom floor and stood in front of the main door.
"I'd rather not. Your company is much more agreeable."
"Heh. And deny your dear Aunt Victoria the pleasure of discovering that you are still yet to be married?"
Vincent grinned darkly up at his friend who scoffed and folded his arms unamusedly.
"Admit it. You need me here."
Not phased by his friend's unamused expression, Vincent reached out and graciously opened the door for Damien. He continued on with a much more pleasant grin, eyes lit in merriment. Only this time, he spoke in a higher pitched voice as if imitating an elderly woman. It seemed he was in quite a mood!
"Why Damien, you're such a strapping young lad!"
"Vincent-"
"You need to find yourself a nice young woman," Vincent continued in his high pitched voice and unceremoniously reached out and pushed Damien towards the open door, "and settle down. In fact-"
"This isn't very nice of you, you know!"
"I never claimed to be nice! You just decided that all on your own!"
With a chuckle, Vincent finished pushing Damien out the door and followed him down the steps towards the street. Ah, that had been funny!
"And why should I go?!" Damien demanded suddenly and loudly as he turned on his heel. He straightened his shoulders as he leveled his gaze at Vincent. "I'd be gone for two long weeks! What if something bad happens to one of us while I'm gone?"
All signs of humor were gone from Vincent's face as if it had slapped it right off of him. Indeed, he felt as if he'd been slapped! His lips curved down into a soft frown and his brow furrowed. Before he could recover and say anything, Damien took a step closer, his voice and expression softening.
"What if I'm needed here? Don't you want me to be here, Vincent? Just in case something happens?"
Vincent's gaze lifted and he met Damien's imploring eyes. And in the corner of his eye, he could see that other folks on the street were starting to notice the commotion. Swallowing hard, Vincent took a slightly shaky breath and replied, "You know I want you here. But it's important to your sister." With a stronger voice, he encouraged Damien, "She's been asking you to come for years, Damien. Now you have the chance to finally do this. You should go."
"Vincent, what if something happens to me?"
"Damien, please-"
"I would be gone for two weeks!" Damien reiterated. "How much bhang have you had today, anyway? You must still be intoxicated. Think about it, Vincent! It would not be wise for you to be alone for so long."
Vincent's eyes lowered slightly and he gave a reluctant sigh. Already, Damien could see Vincent was starting to see reason. He gave a reassuring smile and opened his mouth to speak to Vincent once again but was suddenly cut off by Aiden's intruding voice cutting in as bold as brass:
"He won't be alone. But that's besides the point. Vincent is perfectly capable of taking care of himself. He doesn't need to be coddled."
Emerging from behind the door, Aiden's eyes sought out Damien's with a coldness in his expression that Damien hadn't witnessed before. Damien's lips curved into a sneer as he snapped, "Aiden, you have no business in this conversation!"
Choosing to ignore Damien, Aiden stepped down from the small staircase to stand before Vincent who had turned, surprised. Aiden gazed down at his beloved captain and his expression softened and filled with empathy. Vincent was staring up at him with his lips pressed in a thin line and hurt in his eyes. But it wasn't because of Aiden, no. It had been Damien. Damien had sparked and triggered Vincent's traumas and Aiden knew this. He'd heard everything. That had been a manipulative move on Damien's part, he'd felt. Aiden had never seen Vincent publicly come close to breaking his composure; not like this.
"Aiden, leave us and get back upstairs!" Damien growled at the younger man. But it was Vincent who responded instead. And with it came Vincent's quiet, commanding Captain's voice that would permit no room for argument.
"Go home, Damien," Vincent commanded as turned around to face Damien, squaring his shoulders and giving him an even expression. Damien looked completely flabbergasted!
"Why me?! Why don't you send HIM home so you and I can talk?!"
"This has nothing to do with Aiden. I simply do not wish to discuss this with you right now."
Damien stared directly back into Vincent's eyes as if trying to stare him down. Surely, Vincent was not being serious?! After several seconds, he realized that Vincent was, indeed, quite serious. Grinding his teeth, Damien spat out, "Fine! I see how it is! You're choosing him."
"What?!" both Vincent and Aiden exclaimed, but Damien offered no further explanation. Instead, he turned on his heel and left with an angry snarl of "Move!" to a few people in his way. They all quickly jumped out of his way to avoid being bumped angrily into.
Vincent stood there on the curb, staring after Damien. What...had just happened?! Sure, he and Damien had had their disputes before but never had it escalated like this! Once Damien was out of sight, Vincent turned to go back inside to hide and process all this...only to find himself face to face with Aiden who looked as confused and upset as he was.
'Fuck,' Vincent thought silently. Avoiding Aiden's eyes, Vincent stared at his chin instead and tucked his hands behind his back as he spoke in a slightly emotionless voice, "Thank you for wanting to help, but I'm fine. Damien's fine. We're fine. We'll get it sorted and talked out. Forgive me, but I find myself no longer well enough for company."
"Of course. I understand," Aiden replied, disappointed but willing of course. Vincent nodded appreciatively then looked down and began to move past Aiden to head back upstairs and try to forget any of this was happening. He'd figure things out with Damien later, but all the elation of the day was long gone. He was ready to be done with the day already and just hide. It had started off all so wonderfully today...
Aiden had made it down to the street curb already and he could hear the door closing behind him. Suddenly something came to him and he whirled around and called out, "Vincent!"
Vincent had the door nearly halfway closed when Aiden had called to him. He paused and turned to face Aiden once again. Still, he didn't meet his eyes. What could Aiden want from him now?
"Yes?"
"Please promise me."
"Promise you what, Aiden?"
"Look at me."
And Vincent, despite himself, did. He took a deep breath then slowly lifted his gaze to meet Aiden's. He was unsure what he'd see there. But he saw that he really DIDN'T have anything to worry about. There was no judgment in Aiden's face; simply concern.
"Promise me that you will take care of yourself?" Aiden licked his lips nervously as he tried to get the words out. He really didn't want to say the wrong thing but he wanted Vincent to not drown himself in his sorrows the way he had done in the past, with alcohol. "Please be kind to yourself."
Vincent stared at him for a moment before he actually stepped out once more and closed the door behind him. Aiden felt his nerves flare to life as Vincent proceeded to walk down the steps to stand before Aiden and stared up at him without a word. Then after a moment, he said softly but sincerely, "I promise."
Aiden smiled softly and gave a small nod. That was enough for him. He smiled a little more and replied, "Good. Then I will be seeing you soon, Captain. If you change your mind and would like some company or if you're needing a distraction...you know where I'll be."
Vincent watched as Aiden turned to leave. As he watched Aiden's departing backside, Vincent turned to head back inside. He wet his lips and felt an unpleasant ache settling into the pit of his stomach. He began to realize that maybe he didn't want to be alone after all; but not for just anyone's company. But maybe that would be more reason to let him go back to Leon Claw?
"You're not going to make me pinky promise?" Vincent blurted suddenly. Aiden, though surprised, turned and grinned back at Vincent. Why wasn't Vincent just letting him go back to Leon's Claw? Did he not want to say goodbye after all?
"You are a man of your word. I trust you. Besides, I know you can do this."
"Oh. Well...thank you."
Vincent wrapped his arms around his own abdomen as he gazed across the way at Aiden who was waiting almost expectantly for something else. Why wasn't Aiden leaving?! Oh, right...he'd called the man back to talk to him but now that was done with right? Feeling suddenly uncharacteristically nervous, Vincent gave a small nod and bid Aiden farewell once more.
"Well...see you soon."
Aiden chuckled and replied, "Very soon. Be well, Vincent."
And this time Vincent did let Aiden leave. He watched the young man depart before turning to head back upstairs and thought of his young friend. Even in some of the worst times, it seemed, Aiden was still able to find ways to make Vincent smile; to feel lighter and less weighed down.
Once back up in his flat, Vincent went right up to the cabinet where he stored his bottles of alcohol and grabbed all three of them down. Without another thought, he began to empty them down the drain.
Aiden believed in him and he wanted to have that belief in himself, too. While he was doing this for himself, whether he wanted to admit it or not, Aiden's approval was something of significance to him. Oh, what an enigma in his life, Aiden was!
....
NEXT PART:
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To read the rest of the story, here's the album link:
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***
Special thank you to Vin Aydin Raven-Mysterious for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!
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