Chapter 1

It was a very pleasant November morning, Robb thought. He had just boarded the train to take him back home from a promising job opportunity. His suit was freshly pressed and his leather satchel was filled with the proof that he was a growing businessman. Although the year was soon coming to a close, industrial facilities were on the rise, and with them the promise of a good life. Robb took a seat near the door and pulled out his pocket watch. The time read 8:17am; Robb thought he had plenty of time to get back home and read the morning paper before his father would inevitably throw it out in disinterest.

Steam from the train raced past the windows as it made its way through New York City, one of the more prestigious growing cities since the turn of the century. Robb was proud to be a part of the amazing advances that had turned up over the past few years and he was eager to make a name for himself in the field of these advancements. With his incoming wealth he was sure to have an automobile, just as any respectable businessman did. He smiled to himself as the train neared the next station where he was scheduled to get off. The train whistled loudly, much to the displeasure of many tired passengers. Robb remained steady as the train came to a loud stop, the steel sending out sparks from friction beneath them.

Robb shivered slightly as the doors slid open, allowing a wave of chilly air to wrap around him. He stepped onto the station platform feeling rather important and he adjusted his collar as he looked around him. He wasn't expecting his father to meet him to congratulate him on the spectacular interview, but he had a little hope. Doing well was simply expected of him as it was true for every Stark to live up to the family name. It made him proud to finally be a man to live up to his father's expectations. He filled his lungs with the crisp autumn air, straightened his back, and began to walk.

Just as he was nearly to the exit, something caught his attention – or rather, someone. A man with long, curly dark hair was staring at his train ticket with a scowl. Certainly he wasn't angry with the simple piece of paper, thought Robb. He and the man were dressed quite opposite – he had on a flowy white shirt, and his ashen trousers were held up with a leather belt that had seen much better days. Robb was used to taking the train, but he had never seen someone look quite like this. Curiously, he abandoned his path to the exit and approached the man. "What's that poor ticket done to you?" he said humorously.

The man's eyes shot up and he immediately became red in the face. "Nothing," he said quickly. "Nothing of course."

"Is that so? Where are you off to?" Robb was very close now, and he could see how callused the other man's hands were. Probably a labor worker, he assumed.

"Ah…" The man lowered his gaze. "Thing is, I know where I'm going, but-," his eyes returned to the ticket in frustration, "-getting there is the problem."

Robb gave him a charming smile in an attempt to comfort him. "Never been on a train before?"

The man looked nervous and his face grew redder still. "I have… though not in this way, no." He brought the ticket closer to his face. "I'm to get off at a certain station, but I've no way to see the hour."

"Mind if I see your ticket there?" Robb extended his hand while also leaning in closer to see if he could read it.

Cautiously, the man started to hand over the ticket, and then he looked Robb up and down. "I believe I may be taking up quite a bit of your time, sir."

"Nonsense," said Robb as he grabbed the ticket. "Headed to the countryside, I see. A wonderful view. And I believe it's this train you should be boarding, and quickly, too. Your ticket here says it departs soon." He handed it back with a satisfied expression. "Are you from here?"

"New to the area, actually." He looked wondrously at Robb, trying to get a full impression on him.

"Bored of the city already, then?" Robb became more curious about the man in front of him as the man became even more curious about him.

He stumbled over his words as if he wanted to say more but thought better of it. "I'll be visiting my father."

"I see." Robb stood there awkwardly, wanting to learn more about him but not wanting to be the reason for a missed train.

"You're very kind to help me, sir." The man gave him a soft smile and extended his arm. "My name is Jon."

"Jon." Robb returned the friendly grin and shook his hand warmly. "Perhaps, as you are new to the city, I may show you around?"

"Oh, I'm sure you must be very busy." He blushed deeply. "I've already made a fool of myself." He glanced down at his attire nervously.

"You've made me curious, Jon. My name is Robb, by the way."

"Robb." Jon smiled at the name, and he looked up as the train conductor began announcing that the train would be departing shortly. "Listen…" he said, and he reached into his bag and pulled out a worn piece of paper. "If you like, I have a show next week…."

"You're an actor?" Robb asked excitedly. "I've never met an actor before." He took the flyer and glanced over the title. "I'm not too familiar with the arts, I'm afraid. Fine Feathers."

"It's a small show, nothing fancy," Jon said modestly, nearly stuttering. The whistle blew once more, though Jon was reluctant to move.

"I'll certainly be seeing you again, Jon," Robb nodded. He stuck the flyer into his satchel. "I look forward to it." They held each other's gaze for a few more seconds before Jon hurried off to the train, barely making it in time. Robb stood there and watched as the train took off, belching out large puffs of steam as it moved. When he realized he was nearly alone at the station, he glanced down at his pocket watch and noticed the time was 9:15am. He didn't wonder whether or not the morning paper would be in the trash. Instead, he wondered about the actor, Jon, and whether or not he would even remember the kind, young businessman who showed him his way at the station.