Autumn was the best season in the world. Well, winter was perfect too, and summer, and spring, but autumn – autumn had that peculiar scent, these amazing colours, everything was perfect. Twilight brought a warm and calming light on everything. Now, where would he eat that night ? He had his habits all around town in a few restaurants whose chefs were more than willing to share their leftovers. Too many different choices... Ah, the luxury of choice, the luxury of freedom. It seemed almost too much for only one man.

A growl made him crawl out of his thoughts. Fights were rather common in this part of town, especially when dark came around, and he was usually not too keen on taking part in them – but this time, it was not an usual gang rivalry bursting. From what he could see, it was one guy being beaten to death by four others, and that was something he could not let happen. What was the point of this anyway ? He could bet that the victim of this bullying was in the streets too and as poor as the others, so why on sanity's name ?

He jumped in the fight with a sigh, pretty sure he would get quite a few bruises out of that silly act of bravery, maybe even a broken nose. Luckily enough, he was used to throw punches to defend himself and four opponents were not too much for him. It took only a few minutes to make them run away, screaming insults at him, yes, but running anyway.

A brief check-up reassured him on the state of his nose, still perfect in every aspect – he would get away with only a few cuts and bruises. Some were bleeding rather badly but it was not the first time and it would never be the last one.

- Are you alright, mate ? He cheered at the stranger whose life he just saved, expecting a bunch of thanks and maybe even a generous donation, if he happened to have been mistaken and to have rescued someone wealthy.

To his great surprise, the voice that replied to him was familiar – and not quite as grateful as he would have hoped.

- You again ?! Are you everywhere, on the streets, all the time ? Is it your job or something ? Are you... like...

- I'm going to stop you right there before you say something incredibly offensive, Princess. I just saved your arse, you could at least say thank you.

How likely was it to find that guy from the rich neighbourhoods in an obscure alley, alone, at night ? From what he gathered, the « princess » was never leaving his house if it wasn't to have tea with his neighbours or go back to college. Besides, he looked worn and tired, his clothes were torn, and he had blood on his face – which was easy to explain by the fight he had just been in. Still, it was quite a strange sight.

- What are you doing here, princess ? Whispered Theta in a softer tone, offering his hand to help him up.

- I got lost, mumbled the other, getting up on his own.

- Lost ? Your house is two blocks from here, I can get you home in a few minutes...

- It will not be useful, I will find my way.

Yes, as if. Princess was a liar and it was dreadfully easy to find out. How could he ever get lost ? He only ever travelled from his house to the nearest one, never further away. There was no reason for him to be around this neighbourhood.

He was walking away already, hands in pockets, his shoulders arched as to protect him from further harm. The tramp sighed and ran after him, slowing when he reached him.

- Hey, princess. If you're on the streets for whatever reason, it's a bad idea for you to stay alone. These guys were only four but you'll meet stronger ones and they'll rip you apart.

- Like I care.

Theta stopped and grabbed his wrist to make him stop too. He had an enormous bruise on his face, one that was obviously more ancient than the ones the bullies gave him – and his teeth were clenched, his eyes swollen, his cheeks cut, quite a sorry picture.

- Do they beat you on a daily basis in that mansion of yours ?

- None of your business.

- … Alright. Changing the question : when was the last time you ate ?

The other stood silent, staring at him with a surprised look on his face. Well, apparently this one wasn't very used to kindness, of any sort. Theta guessed from his silence that he was hungry indeed, maybe just too proud to admit it. He took the other's arm and dragged him along, not caring the slightest about his protests. He was ranting about this being an abduction, about Theta's stench and about a lot of things that lost their meaning after the first three minutes of endless speaking.

Tony's terrace was still full but he knew it was the last service. Grabbing the other's hand, he slipped in the back alley to reach the kitchen's door, where Joe the chef was smoking a cigarette in between orders. As usual, Joe grinned and caught him in his arms, patting his back warmly.

- You dear Tramp, it is a pleasure to see you, he laughed with a strong italian accent. How have you been, eh ? It's been a while, it has, yes ! And you brought a friend ?

- Yup, I have. This is my friend, uh...

What even was Princess's real name ? He never bothered to ask. Not that he would have gotten an answer.

- Koschei Oakdown, replied the other reluctantly. Just... Koschei.

- Koschei ! Well, let's give you two something to eat, heh ? You both look quite hungry, laughed Joe before entering his kitchen.

- … Is hungry even a look ? Asked Koschei, completely perplexed.