Chapter Text
Ever since he was a little boy, Francis has always adored the statue that sat in the center of the long hallway. It has been with his family for who knows how long.
The statue was born from the finest craftsmanship. Its stone was beautifully carved and radiated with the stories that were within. It made you want to stare for hours at the deep emotion that was able to be expressed through the cold hard stone.
The eyebrows thick and sorrowful, eyes full of hurt, with arms hugging knees. Almost as if it could feel the cold that filled the long freezing hall.
Francis would find himself staring in awe at the statue nearly every second of the day. What felt like seconds were really hours. He didn’t know why he felt so drawn to that statue.
Maybe it was the deep emotions able to be captured? Its delicate features? Or maybe it was the graceful angel wings that curled in on itself.
He has always been a sucker for beautiful things especially when it came to art. When he wasn’t wasting his time in front of the statue he was painting masterpieces.
Either way, what he did know was that he valued the statue dearly.
Maybe more than he should have.
I mean, he’s spent more hours of the day just staring at it than actually getting stuff done.
He needed to find better things to do with his time! He couldn’t stand there all day gazing at that lovely statue in front of him.
At least, that’s what his father would say.
Francis paid no mind to what his father had to say of his antics. He was still young after all, he’d have plenty of time to do everything his father wanted.
He was so caught up in the statue to notice his two friends creeping up behind him.
Gilbert began to close in on him. “Boo!”
Francis had let out a loud yelp while tripping on his feet.
“What was that for!”
All three of them began to break into laughter. As if seeing him tumble over himself had been the funniest thing in the world. After all, they were just a couple of immature teenagers. What could you say?
“Quit sitting there and get up. We have places to go and people to see.” Antonio cheered almost impatiently.
The three of them were suckers for getting up to no good, parties, and hanging out with girls. Especially Francis on the last part. Surprisingly it was usually Antonio who without fail, managed to cause all the trouble they’d find themselves in.
Either way the three would have a blast with whatever it was they decided to waste their time on.
As Francis made his way up from the ground Antonio began to speak up again.
“There’s a party happening in a couple hours. We have to be there! It’s Elizabeta’s. She'll definitely say something at school if we don’t go.”
Elizabeta was well known in their school and had a reputation for throwing the best parties. Nearly half the school always attended them and would continue to talk about it days after.
“Who cares what she says! But I still do want to go, I bet it’ll be fun.” Gilbert chimed in.
Francis began to dust off his clothes. “I’m sure it would be splendid. Lots of beautiful girls and good food. How much time before the party?”
Gilbert gazed at the silver watch around his wrist. “Around four hours.”
“Let’s hang around the town center in the meantime.” Came in Francis’ reply.
He glanced once more at the statue behind him. Almost entranced in the moment before snapping himself back to reality and making his way along to walk side by side with his two friends. Not before taking just one last look of course.
***
The town was packed and lively as usual. There was the usual chatter and laughter that filled the air.
Most of the public was gathered in the center where cheering and clapping erupted.
Francis was too focused on his own thoughts to notice. He then found himself being dragged into the crowd by his curious friends who wanted to know what had been going on over there.
“Loosen up! Let’s have as much fun as we can before the party starts!” Antonio smiled with glee.
Francis hadn’t even known he was lost in his own thoughts. He looked to where he heard the sound of a harmonica coming from. There stood a boy in front of a water fountain with his head locked to the ground playing the instrument.
Seeing him felt somewhat familiar to Francis, as if he’d met him before. He didn’t think much of it before listening to Antonio’s words.
***
Some time went by and the crowd began to dissolve. It was just the three of them left taking in the tunes of the harmonica.
“I can’t wait to see all the lovely ladies! I bet you I will be able to charm the most girls.” Francis boasted proudly.
Antonio scoffed. “You wish.”
They broke into laughter and continued chatting away. The boy playing the harmonica suddenly stopped and looked up at the three. Green eyes burning with envy wishing it were him laughing and having fun.
He looked back to the ground where his hat lay. Inside were a couple of coins and dollars he had collected from passersby. Knowing he wasn’t going to earn anymore money today he began to pack up.
Francis had noticed the disappearance of the harmonicas tune and turned to look at the boy. His head hung low as he picked up his hat.
The hat had tears in it and the boy had old clothes that looked extremely worn out. They appeared as if they hadn’t been washed in years.
Gross. Francis couldn’t help but think. How could someone ever wear something so atrocious as that? Did he get dressed in the dark or something? No way on God's green earth would Francis ever catch himself dead in clothing like that. He was too gorgeous to settle for cheap material!
He began rummaging his hands in his pocket in search of some money to hand the boy and tossed a couple coins at his feet.
The boy was startled and began to look up in shock as to who that had been. He made eye contact with Francis wide eyed. A sense of familiarity washed over him. He quickly brushed it off, remembering the lines he’d run through his head every time he received a coin.
“Thank you very much, kind sir.”
Sir? Was he even old enough to be referred to as sir?
“Oui, you’re welcome-“
Gilbert shouted at him. “Francis! What are you doing? Get over here we have to make it to that party!”
He stared at the boy a little longer than intended. Brows furrowing in confusion. Where had he seen that face before? He wanted to ask his name for confirmation but was dragged away by his two friends.
He couldn’t help but look back narrow eyed still wondering why he felt so darn familiar.
The boy had also begun to walk away in the other direction. Francis already knew this was going to make his head hurt just trying to remember where he had seen that face from. It was best to just forget.
***
The party went how you’d expect it to go. Except Francis couldn’t stop thinking about the boy he had seen earlier that day.
“Come on Francis, why so quiet all of a sudden?” A girl who hung on his arm whined flirtatiously.
Francis, who had lost all of the momentum he built up for the party, lazily pushed her aside. He made his way over where his other two friends had been battling it out over a game of cards.
“I win.” Gilbert said with a wide grin.
“No way you totally cheated. Come on!” Sounded a defeated Antonio.
“Just admit you’re the loser, oh and that you suck at this game.” Gilbert laughed.
Francis began to make his way over to the two. “What’s going on? Why does Toni look as if he’d eaten a rotten tomato.”
“Oh! Hello Francis, I had no idea you would actually come!” A voice from his other side. It was Elizabeta.
Her long brown hair swung side to side as she made her way closer to him with a warm smile.
“Of course I did! In what world would I ever miss one of your parties?” He said fondly.
“Of course, of course I mean would you even be Francis if you didn’t attend every party and flirt with everyone there?” She chuckled.
They both began to laugh together. When a sudden yell interrupted them.
“No! How do you keep on winning? You have to be cheating, there's no way that’s possible!”
Looks like Antonio lost another round of cards.
***
The boy who had finished performing for the day was making his way home from the town square. The sun had already started to set and the moon was beginning to take its place in the sky.
He began counting all of the money he had made that day hoping it was enough to satisfy his older brother. He then stashed the money in a little bag and continued on.
The boy stalled along the way. The moon had long well been in the night sky.
Once he had finally reached the tiny brick house he stopped in his tracks. He was too nervous to go inside in fear of what his brother might say to him. Did he make enough that day or not?
He slowly opened the door and poked his head through the small crack between the door and its frame.
His brother looked up from his phone to the door. “Are you just going to stand there?”
Slowly he made his way inside. He placed his shoes at the entrance of the house and began to make his way over.
“Are you seriously going to make me wait all night? Just hand it over. I don't have time for this.”
He opened his dirty torn coat and reached in his inside pocket before handing over the bag that had been in it.
The small bag was snatched out of his hands as his brother began to make his way into another room.
Before he closed the door he announced once more.
“Arthur what is this? This is a child’s earning. I'm expecting more from you. Next time don’t bring me this sorry amount."
He then swung the door shut accompanied by a loud slam that shook the house.
Arthur could feel his heart beating out of his chest. He couldn’t ever bring himself to stand up against his brother. Scott was always stern when it came to him so saying anything wouldn’t make a difference. He would also be kicked to the streets in an instant. It was better to put up with it rather than having nothing at all.
While everyone his age attended school to learn he spent all of his time racking up as much money as he could for his older brother. It’s not like his older brother didn’t work or anything, he just made Arthur pay his “dues”.
Arthur wanted so badly to make friends with people his age or anyone at all for that matter. He wanted to learn all of the cool things at school and just be around other teenagers. But Scott would be against letting him go if it meant sacrificing time that could be used to make money.
Every morning during weekdays in the town square, he’d see everyone making their way to school. By the time they’d all get back and hang around the town square he was still playing for money. Even after they would leave and it became empty did he still play. He would always retire late into the night and repeat the process early in the morning. He felt it was best to avoid Scott as much as he could in fear of somehow angering him.
He felt as if the harmonica wasn’t enough. It wasn’t making him enough money and it took so long before anyone gave him anything. He needed to find an actual job with actual pay. But who would hire someone like him? Someone who looks nearly homeless and has no experience or talent in anything.
He opted on sticking with the harmonica for now and look for work later.
***
It had been a couple weeks since he last saw that boy's face who he hadn’t been able to get out of his head since. He hadn’t been able to pin point where he knew him from so he thought it best to just let it go.
Antonio and Gilbert were already waiting for him in town and he still hadn’t left the house. Like always he was too busy staring at that statue. Just give that statue a break, my goodness!
He finally parted ways with the statue and made his way out the door and to the town.
There, he met up with Gilbert and Antonio. They began to make their way to the stalls when he was suddenly shoved roughly on his shoulder, almost sending him to the ground. He looked to see who it was to where he saw them running off in the distance.
“What the hell was that?” Antonio breathed fiercely.
“Go after him!” Gilbert shouted as the three took off running after them.
“How dare he ruin my precious clothes I had just gotten these too!” Francis said feeling utterly annoyed.
The boy was still running. Very slow at that. Could that even be considered running? His pace was so slow they were able to catch up to him in very little time.
This time it was Francis’ turn to “bump” into him, sending him falling to the ground.
“Are you blind? Watch where you’re going!” Yelled the boy as he got up from the ground.
Francis recognized the harmonica player but cared too little to waste time on familiarities.
“Me? Blind? Do you not know what you just did? You ruined my beautiful clothes with your disgusting filth. You didn’t even bother to say sorry.” Francis said, clearly angry.
“Me? Filth? Can’t you just wash that with water? I don’t even see anything on it, you're just being dramatic.” Thick eyebrows furrowing as he began to frown.
“It’s got your disgusting germs on it that's what’s wrong.” Shouted another voice from the other side of him. There stood a tall silver haired boy.
“Stop being so immature it’s not that big of a deal.” The boy said with a huff.
“Not that big of a deal? Don’t you know how much that costs- oh of course you wouldn't you're just some homeless guy.” Antonio said grinning.
“Well I’ve got to get going now if you’d be so kind as to step out of the way.”
Francis now looked visibly upset. “Are you serious?”
“Look I said I’m sorry.”
“No you did not. You didn’t say anything like that at all, you liar.”
Francis could feel himself getting angrier and angrier by the second.
“Well I said it now so I'll get going.”
The boy began to run off again this time a little faster but still unusually slow. Was he messing with them? He was practically walking at the rate he was going.
As Arthur turned the corner he began to chow down on the bread he had just stolen from the market. It had been a while since he had something filling to eat, though he did feel immense guilt for it.
A breathless shopowner had approached the three friends. “Have you seen a kid around here wearing beat up clothes?”
Francis turned to face his direction. “Oui. Just now actually. What’s the matter, did something happen?”
“That little runt stole from my shop, that's what’s wrong!”
“Wow so he’s an asshole and a thief.” Antonio sighed. “Do you need help catching him?”
“It’s probably too late now to retrieve the food but if you would be so kind to do so. I want to teach that kid a lesson so he never thinks twice about stealing from me again!”
Gilbert looked between his two friends.“I mean we do have some time to spare. Not exactly how I want to spend that time though”
“How about this kid, if you do manage to find him ill treat you guys to something good.”
Francis didn’t even need to think twice before agreeing. He loved incentives and he now didn’t mind wasting his time for the sake of this shopkeeper if it meant he would get something in return.
So the three went in search of the thief who had stolen from that pitiful man.
They decided to stick together as it wasn’t worth the hassle of splitting up and trying to search for each other again. Honestly Francis couldn’t care less about him stealing. He had more of his rage set on the fact his clothes were now “ruined” because of him. Oh and because he just flat out shoved him without so much as even thinking about saying sorry. Without even looking at him for that matter.
Before they knew it they spotted their culprit. He sat in the grass back resting against a tree. He had one hand resting in the grass and in the other he held a slice of bread he was eating from. Beside him lay a loaf of bread with nearly half of it already gone and eaten. He seemed to be enjoying every bite of the bread as if it were a delectable full course meal made by the best of chefs. Birds chipped their beautiful songs and as the breeze made its way the boys’ hair would begin to flow with it. He looked to be truly at peace. A small smile began to make its way through his face after every bite of bread. Though he was smiling, his eyes held a little sadness in them.
It would be a shame to interrupt breathtaking scenery. Francis found himself thinking. He would definitely set up a canvas and begin painting away if he could. Before he knew it he was lost in thought at the sight before him. His thoughts were then broken and he began to come to his senses once more by the loud Gilbert.
“You guys! It’s him!”
“Huh? Oh yeah.”
He had completely forgotten about their objective as if it had been wiped from his memory at the sight of the boy.
Gilbert was the first to begin to make his way over to him with Antonio and Francis following soon after. Their presence was made known to Arthur with all of the sudden rustling in the grass growing louder and louder by the second.
“Seriously you guys again? Are you seriously still hung up about that tiny incident from earlier? Honestly it's more of a waste of time to go out of your way to find me rather than just taking my advice and washing it.”
The rage Francis had felt earlier had made its return. He gazed sharply at the boy.
“I’m serious, you're wasting your time for no reason.”
Francis was too consumed in his burning fury to even bother with responding.
“Are you just going to stand there?” Arthur’s face began to contort. He did not like being stared at, especially so intensely.
“Why aren’t you saying anything? Go somewhere else far away from here and leave me alone.”
Antonio was the one to finally speak up. “We are here because you are a little thief and no good comes with people like you walking around going unpunished.”
Arthur looked down to the bread he had been eating. Of course he did feel horrible about it deep down. No matter how many times he had done this it always felt just as bad as it had the first time. He no longer felt hungry anymore after hearing that. Retorting back would feel no use as he was quite obviously in the wrong. But it has been a while since I've had proper food. A voice in the back of his mind lingered. That still didn’t douse the guilt he felt. He still hated the way these three looked down on him and wasn’t looking to show any of them an ounce of respect.
He began to look back up at Antonio. “Your point?”
“My point being we will drag your sorry self over there and the shopowner can decide whatever he wants to do with you as punishment for stealing his goods.”
“No. I will not be doing that. I don’t have time.”
The longer the boy talked the more annoyed Francis felt about him.
“Non? You do realize that he uses those same goods you just stole in order to be able to keep his family fed and happy? How could you be so selfish?” Francis turned to him with his hands on his hips.
Arthur could admit that he was selfish. Even so he did find himself regretting all of the times he had stolen from peoples shops. Fed and happy. Those words repeated over and over in his head now.
Arthur didn’t respond to that. He ducked his head low and let out a breath of air. He wanted to get up and run away. That’s what he always did. He thought it was the easiest and quickest way to deal with his problems.
He stood up from where he had been and faced Antonio and gave him a frown. “Not doing it.”
Arthur had just started turning to get away from the situation before he was grabbed by the arm. He jolted his head and saw the boy with the wavy shoulder length hair who had been staring him down earlier.
He felt the grip around his arm tightened as his fierce blue eyes stared deep into his own.
Francis had looked annoyed and fed up with his behavior. He tried to get his arm free from the grip but it was useless.
“Stop being so stubborn. What you did was clearly wrong and not just that but also illegal. You can’t just steal because you want to. At least pay him back and apologize and we can leave this all behind us.”
Arthur is reluctant but with his free hand he slowly and shakily reaches into his small bag to where the money he had earned that day was. As he was taking out a bit of money to hand to Francis he accidentally drops the bag sending all of its contents spilling out.
He quickly and as hard as he can pulls his arm free from Francis’ grip to pick up the money.
Gilbert bent down and snatched the bag from him. “So you had the money all along and still chose to steal?”
“Give that back!”
Gilbert tossed the bag at him. “How selfish can one get? You seriously need to get yourself together man.”
“It’s not for me” Arthur let out a quiet mumble.
He was digging frantically searching for every single coin in the grass that had been dropped. The three looked at him as if he were crazy. Like they would ever know. They had the luxury to not ever worry about money.
They’re rich after all. At the end of the day they won't remember a single bit of this as they lay their heads on their warm fluffy pillows. So why are they going out of their way for some random shop owner?
When finished, Arthur began to stand once more and tried to hand them a couple coins. Hopefully this wouldn’t be too much of a difference to Scott.
“No.” Francis shook his head side to side.
Arthur pulled his hand away from them. “You twat! You were just going on about how horrible I was and then when I try to offer the money to make up for it you refuse it!”
“You have to give it to him yourself. You are the one who stole the food so you should be the one to pay what you owe.” Francis stared intently at him. “You also should be the one to apologize to that poor man to his face instead of making others do your dirty work for you.”
“Alright then, I’ll just not do it.”
“Not do it? You can’t possibly be so lazy.”
“I’m a hard worker! I’m not lazy at all!”
Gilbert narrowed his eyes. “If you’re such a hard worker then this shouldn't be much of a hassle. It would hardly take much effort besides a couple words of apology.”
“Exactly that. I’m such a hard worker I haven’t any time to spare for any of that.”
“You had the time to spare to steal that bread and eat nearly half of it.” Francis let out while having to hold back a laugh.
“Fine alright. I’ll do it tomorrow I can’t today.”
“Tomorrow?” Antonio said wide eyed. “Why not now? It’s not much of a way from here. You don’t want to keep the poor man waiting.”
Francis patted him on the back. “It’s better than him not doing anything at all. I’ll make sure he does as he says.”
“You don’t trust my word? I can settle this on my own, there's no need for you to butt in any further.”
“How could I trust a thief to pay for goods?” Francis said sternly.
Arthur couldn't argue with that. It did seem like the most logical way of thinking.
He let out a groan. “I guess that is reasonable. That is all I will do though I'm only paying back what I owe. I will not be doing any unnecessary punishments.”
“That’s for the shop owner to deci-” Francis slapped a hand over Antonio’s mouth before he could finish talking.
“Meet me in the town center at seven-fourty in the morning. No sooner, no later.”
Arthur shook his head before turning away.
“You forgot your bread!”
He turned to see a smug Francis holding the loaf of bread.
“I uh..” His face began to burn hot.
He had felt too ashamed to even finish that loaf of bread. Why was he willing to let him have the rest if he still hasn’t paid for it?
“Keep it, toss it, or return it.” He turned around and ran.
Francis watched as the boy went further away.
Gilbert stretched his arms. “Well that’s that, you guys hungry?”
“Very.”
“I know a good place we could go. They sell the finest food and their staff are absolute beauties.”
You can always count on Francis to know the best restaurants.
So the three went on their very way. The sun was still bright in the sky as the afternoon rolled in.
***
If Arthur was going to take a small bit of the money he has earned so far today that would mean he would have to work to make up for it.
He couldn’t have Scott lashing out on him. He hadn’t even made enough that would somewhat satisfy his older brother.
He made his way back to the town center.
I can’t come home with practically nothing. I’ll be kicked to the curb! He set down his hat, pulled out his harmonica, and began performing for money.
Like always. No matter what happens that may disrupt the flow of his day he would always find his way back here doing the same thing every day. It felt like a never ending loop.
When will I be able to stop doing this? Will I do this ten years from now? For the rest of my life? I can’t. I don't want that I want to do something more with my life. But when I think about it I can’t see myself breaking free from this mess and pursuing something more. To him his future looked to be a dimly lit hall. He had the passion just not the right circumstances. Arthur played for the rest of the afternoon into evening.
***
After a long day of fooling around the three ended the day in the town center from where they met up earlier.
Antonio began to stretch his arms above his head. “Well it’s getting pretty late and we have school tomorrow.”
Gilbert let out a yawn. “Yup I think it’s time to retire for the night. Today was fun and that food from earlier was good. I'll keep that restaurant in mind Francis.”
“What can I say, of course I know the good spots” Francis said with a wink. “I’m also getting tired myself, it’s been a long day and I want to lay my head down on some fluffy pillows.” He added.
The three of them exchanged their farewells and began to walk in the different directions from which they came from.
Francis stopped in his tracks when he heard the sound of a harmonica playing in the distance. He followed the sound of the harmonica and saw the boy in the distance.
The moonlight and the soft golden color of lamp posts provided a calm and gentle moment to take in. He watched as the boy played the harmonica. He watched as he would sway back and forth, how the moonlight cast a slight glow on his pale skin, and the moments his mouth would part from the harmonica leaving his lips a slight shade of red. He felt it hard to look away, as if he were entranced by the boy. Like he had forgotten of all of the chaos the boy had caused him earlier that day.
Soon local shops began to close and there was nearly no one left in town. The streets were quiet and empty and the only sounds that could be heard were that of a harmonica.
He watched as the boy placed the instrument into a small case and picked up his hat. The boy then poured the money from the hat into a small bag and then the bag was stuffed into the pocket inside his coat. He sat on the ledge of the water fountain with his head down. In the few times Francis had seen him that had been the regular sight of the boy.
Francis knew he should be home soon. So he began to walk away. Not without taking one last glance at the boy.
***
As he was making his way home he began to wonder why the boy was out so late. Isn’t his family worried about him being out so late? As he made it home he was greeted by one of his family’s butlers. She was a kind middle aged woman with a sweet smile everyone loved.
“Good evening Francis, would you like a change of clothes?”
Francis had remembered about the boy who had gotten his clothes “dirty.” He wondered when he had forgotten about that since he was so hung up about it in the moment.
“No thank you Margret, I have some spare in my room. Also, what are you doing?”
“Ah right! I’m making job postings to hang around town. A position has just opened as one of the butlers had to quit due to personal reasons. The spot needs filling as soon as possible so I'll need to make and hang these quickly.”
“That makes sense, don't forget to rest though. Don’t push yourself too much.” Francis said with a smile.
“Aw you are a kind young man. I will take that advice, though I do want to get up early enough to hang these before the town becomes crowded.”
“That sounds like a good idea. I’ll head to bed now. Today has been an eventful one.”
“You’ll have to tell me about it. Now head on, you have school in the morning.” She said, waving him away.
Before making it to his room Francis stopped in the hall and began to make his way over to the statue. He looks at the statue and is reminded of something he can’t quite pinpoint. He caresses its cold hard stoned face with a gentle touch. He begins to turn around to go to his room. Taking one last glance over at the statue.
***
Arthur began his walk home. He took out some coins from the bag and hid them under the sole of his shoe. He had made up for the coins he would take so surely Scott wouldn't be angry. Right?
He made his way through the door and slipped off his shoes. Once again like always, Scott sat there waiting.
“I’ve grown grays for how long you make me wait.”
Arthur didn’t say anything in response. He handed the bag over before Scott could say anything else. He watched as Scott began looking through the money.
“Not much. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Arthur wanted to strangle him so badly and tell him how long and hard he had worked for that. How he should stop being a condescending little prick. How it’s impossible to even make much money as a street performer. How he should lower his expectations and maybe just appreciate his efforts. But he couldn’t, not if he wanted to end up on the streets. Maybe the streets wouldn't be as bad as this. I practically already live outside.
“Look at me when I am talking.”
Arthur lifted his head on the ground and hesitated to meet his gaze.
“Go find a real job. Stop wasting your time with that stupid harmonica you won't make anything besides pocket change.”
Arthur opened his mouth to speak up but saw the harsh glare he received. He quickly shut it and nodded.
Scott made his way into his room leaving Arthur alone in the living room.
How would I even find a job? Let alone get hired. Who on earth would hire anyone with no education or skills?
He made his way to his room and stuffed his harmonica into a drawer. It now counted as useless after what Scott had said.
He needed to get up early in the morning though this time was for a new reason.
Arthur removed his outlandish bulky layers and made his way to the mattress on the ground and laid down on it and curled in on himself.
The world seemed to quiet down. Nothing could be heard now, just peace and quiet in the dark room. He drifted to a quiet slumber.