Pearson was just a servant.

When he'd been younger, he'd had a friend named Harkness. One day, Harkness had come to Pearson's house, boasting of his new job at the McVries home. Pearson had tried to get a job at the same place, but it hadn't happened, and now Pearson worked for the Garratys. He hadn't spoken to Harkness in years.

And he had a feeling that he wouldn't any time in the near future, unless some drastic changes took place.

But he couldn't be thinking of Harkness right now. Gary Barkovitch, kin to the Prince Scramm and possible future husband of Raymond Garraty, was here. Pearson wasn't exactly sure why the Lord Garraty needed him there, but he needed this job.

Well, he could probably get another job, but what he was doing now had a great retirement plan.

"I don't understand why Scramm is blaming us," Lord Garraty said. "Parker is a bit hot-headed, but-"

"Parker's a dick," Barkovitch muttered. "But Baker looks too innocent to be completely in the right. But, uh, anyway. What do you think of… you know…"

"Ray is sixteen, but he's seriously the most naïve kid in Verona. The only one that rivals him is Larson," Lord Garraty mused, looking dramatically off into the distance. Pearson saw Barkovitch follow his gaze, then look away, confused.

"He's older than me, though," Barkovitch pointed out.

Lord Garraty sighed. "If he doesn't like you, though-"

"Of course he'll like me! Who wouldn't like me? I'm completely likeable!" Barkovitch was sounding more than slightly hysterical. Lord Garraty looked taken aback.

"Well," he said. "I wasn't debating how likeable you are. But Ray is a bit confused by homosexuality sometimes. However…"

The two leaned close together, and Pearson inched closer out of curiosity. Lord Garraty put a hand on Barkovitch's shoulder and drew him closer. Pearson had to strain his ears to hear.

"If you manage to get him to fall for you, you have my permission and blessing to marry him," Lord Garraty said. Barkovitch nodded, eyes wide and dark. "I will welcome you into my house, and you will inherit it when I die."

Pearson could see the traces of a smile making its way across Barkovitch's face. "Alright," Barkovitch said. "Yes. I mean, thank you."

Lord Garraty released Barkovitch and turned toward Pearson. "Servant!"

Pearson jumped and straightened. "Yes, Lord Garraty?"

Lord Garraty thrust a paper into Pearson's hands. "Go around Verona and spread word of the party we are having tonight. A sort of… second invitation, if you will. I have already sent out individual invitations, but some people may have forgotten or accidentally incinerated them."

Pearson nodded, and Lord Garraty exited. He was left with Barkovitch, who shifted from foot to foot awkwardly. He was about to leave when Collie – Collin was his proper name, but he preferred Collie, and Pearson wasn't about to argue with him – Parker entered, sweating and swearing and angry.

Barkovitch's expression changed from the nervous innocence it had had for Lord Garraty to a sort of annoyed, angry dislike. "Get into another fight, Blondie?"

Parker whirled around and spotted Barkovitch. Pearson was glad for the ability that all servants seemed to have to blend in with the scenery. "Barkobitch," Parker spat. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"None of your business," Barkovitch said, raising his chin loftily. In a flash, Parker had him pinned against a wall. "Damn it, Blondie! Let me go, dickhead!"

Pearson decided that it would probably be in his best interests to leave before things got bloody or possibly R-rated, considering all the sexual tension these two had. He began to edge away, and nearly made it out of hearing range before he heard a gasping, slightly breathless "Parker!" that could really only mean one thing.

Red-faced, Pearson checked the first person on his list. Abraham – oh, he knew Abraham. The ginger often visited Parker; he was one of the only human beings able to get along with the brute. And he didn't live too far from here, either!

Lounging outside of Abraham'

S house were two teenagers – a black-haired boy with an ugly scar running down his face and a sweet-looking blond. They were chatting aimlessly.

"You'll be fine," the blond said. "You just need… a new person. A girl, or a boy, if you've decided to join the group of massively gay people in Verona, of which there are many. It'll be like a… like a cure."

"A cast will be a good cure for you," Scarface muttered. The blond looked confused.

"What? Why would-"

"To help heal that broken leg you're about to get!"

The blond looked alarmed, backing up a few paces. "Whoa, just take it easy, man."

"How can I 'take it easy, man' when I am a victim of unrequited love – oh, hello," Scarface said, turning his attention to Pearson.

"Um, hello," Pearson said. He was briefly distracted by a sidewalk. "Do you think you could pass a message on to Abraham? Do you know him?"

"Unfortunately," Scarface said. The blond giggled nervously.

"Could you pass this message on to him?" Pearson asked, repeating himself. Scarface grabbed the paper from Pearson and scanned it.

"Art, write this down," Scarface said. "Party thrown by the Garratys, Abe's invited. Oh, so is Priscilla…"

"And her girlfriend," Art said. "Get over it."

Scarface sighed, then turned back to Pearson and handed back the paper. "Where is this party?"

"Up at my master's house," Pearson said. "The Garraty household… you could come, too, if you're not of the McVries home. Or related to them."

Before Pearson left, he heard a quick conversation between the two. "Priscilla will be there!" Scarface hissed.

"Yes, but so will many other girls. And boys. There are many hot guys in Verona," Art countered.

"I am not a homosexual."

"Yeah, sure," Baker said, rolling his eyes. "But come anyway."

"…Just to see Priscilla."

This is quite a bit shorter than the last chapter, but the scene itself was shorter, so I'm not getting (very) lazy.

Also, random little Parkovitch in there. I know that Stebbins/Barkovitch has been getting popular and I'm not against that pairing, but Parkovitch will always be my preferred Barkovitch pairing because it's just perfect.

Anyway! Next chapter I believe we get to see Ray himself, so stay tuned for that. :)