Fortunately, Dick managed to get some semblance of order and the small crowd formed a line. It was definitely preferable to being surrounded by people, most of whom were taller then he was, and made Gar feel more relaxed.
"Hay-" Said the next lady in line, her braces visible as she smiled "I thought it was really cool of you to play with those kids in the hospital the other day."
"Hu? You- you know about that? How?"
She cocked her head. "Someone posted a video..."
"Oh, uh- where?"
"Online...I'm surprised you didn't see it, but I can tag you in it- if you what, that is..."
"Yeah- yes please! That would be great!" Gar grinned. His eyes shined as he thumbed the cuff on his jacket. "Do you want a photo or anything?"
It was a routine that Gar, Craig and David knew all too well. Generally, Craig tried to avoid it and would have excused himself to the restroom by now, whereas David just smiled and tried not to talk. If they didn't take over, Gar would never be able to leave.
"I thought you made the person record you for good publicity..."
The voice came from the waiting bench, where a large lady was slumped
They zoned back in. "Oh, no. No. Um..." At a loss for words, Gar smiled (or was it Craig?). They had learnt if you act confident but humble you get a better response from people. Being cute also helped, so the default for any situation was - smile. Artificial happiness kept them going in public, but pretending was lonely. Sure, they had Dick, but that was 'Gar's' friend. Craig and David were hidden away, along with Nalia and everyone else in the head space. It was for their survival, but for just once Craig wanted to be seen for who he was and say what he wanted to say. To wear his own clothes, see his own face in the mirror and make his own friends. His own loneliness was the main reason he had come forward and introduced himself to Gar.
"That's actually pretty cool of yous. I always think of rich guys and famous peoples as being all fake and stuff."
Gar tried to chuckle as she stared him down. His vision went a little as he started blinking.
"But here's you are on a public boat lettin' everyone take y'u photo. The only way this could gets better was if you paid for everyone's tickets."
It wasn't quiet; instead there was the shallow hum of people muttering to each other. Dick was about to talk, but someone else beat him to the first word.
"Man, that weren't even subtle. Who do you think you are tryin' to get a 15 year old kid to pay for your ferry ticket?" Victor asked, his armed crossed and his eye brows up.
"Listen, kid. They ain't like us common people. They make more money in one day then any of us could hope make in our whole lives."
"I know. I get they seem like two perfect little rich boys with daddy's credit card who flounce about buying posh meals and designer clothes, and only thinking about themselves... But they aren't... It's hard to want to believe it, I know... I thought they were gonna be prissy, but damn, they're so far from. I guarantee you right now Garfield is wearing clothes from a charity shop. How much did your pants cost, Gar?"
Vic looked back at his friends. His heart dropped as he saw the boy sat on the floor, his hands on his head, and Dick sat by him with a hand on his back.
When Vic had seen any of these photos online there was always a comment from Garfield that said 'Sometimes you just need to take a breather.' And he had never thought more of it.
Now he knew this was Gar dealing with some serious mental health problems.
"I don't care how cheep his nasty pants were, alright? I just think that someone with that much monies wouldn't miss a hundred odd bucks. It's prob'ly pocket change t' him."
"How do you get off harassing a kid like that?" Vic said in a raised voice. "I've known them four days and they've been nothing but nice to everyone. That kid paid for my hospital bills, and for everyone else's who was in there. They've bought me food, helped me come to terms with mom's death... organised her funeral... They smile and wave for everyone's photos, even when they're hurting... That kid ran into a burning building! Ran into a car and got shot and saved a woman! But then people like you just, you think you have this right to be mean to him just because he hasn't bough you something."
Vic had turned his attention to the boys and was all too ready to hear the obnoxious woman retaliate. The hush whisper from the crowd became a little louder, until a young man dared to talk first.
"He bought me food at comicon..." The meek voice said. Compelled to expend by the eyes suddenly fixated on him, he continued. "I was working... I think I mentioned not having a chance to eat yet, then he left. Then about a half hour later he came back and had enough drink and food for, I think, everyone who was working there- I mean at the whole of comicon, which was a lot of people. And the even crazier part is that I'm sure he does it at every one he goes to- 'cause at, like, random cons there'll be someone in full cosplay as a Power Ranger, or a furry, I think once was a Scooby Doo monster. And they have this matching cart and go about giving stall holders drinks and sandwiches. The bit that makes me think it's him is 'cause they're always vegan. - Which is fine!" He trailed off and tried to blend back into the crowd.
"Um-hum." The lady stood and up puffed out her chest. "So if he's gonna do that for you, why can't he do that for me?"
Because you're a bitch.
I didn't mean to upset anyone.
This is why you're supposed to stay in your room!
You were a mistake!
Just leave me alone!
"That's enough." Dick said, rising to his feet and sighing. He turned to Vic. "Do you think you could carry him, please? I get the feeling we'll be boarding soon, and -"
"Excuse me! I wasn't done talking to you."
with another sigh, he addressed the interruption. "We were never talking; you were verbally harassing us. And I would appreciate an apology for my friend, and for the other people here that you have made uncomfortable."
"Oh, hell no! I am not apologising to your rich ass!"
Dick moved to face her properly. His piercing blue eyes squinted under his arched, black eye brows. They stayed like that for a few seconds, then without a word he turned away with a slow blink. Smiling slightly, he began speaking to the the other passengers. "I'm sorry for the trouble that occurred. Naturally, Garfield is also sorry that he couldn't sign -"
"Don't ignore me!"
"THAT HE COULDN'T SIGN everyone's books or take photos. We would also appreciate if any of you have recorded this, that you don't post it. Thank you. For your understanding."
Naturally, that couldn't just be the end of it, as things are never that simple. As the woman spurred off more insults, two members of security thankfully stepped in. It was concluded that she should leave, and with a grain of dignity still intact, she grabbed her purse and obliged the request.
"Wait..." Said a small, groggy voice from the floor. "She shouldn't have to miss her boat... I don't care if she is on there, just as long as she is in a different room." It came from Gar. He looked up from the speckled grey tiles and brought his gaze upon the woman. He brandished his teeth, but it wasn't the same crooked smile that he had been wearing earlier. "No hard feelings... right?" His gaze remained unbroken as she contemplated what to say. As her mouth opened slightly, he slightly shook his head from side to side; a silent commend telling her not to speak. Unblinking, his is yellow eyes remained locked on her face. Once her mouth closed, his eyes and grin widened a fraction, he he nodded slightly. She nodded back at him, telling him she understood. "Um-hum. O.K."
He finally blinked and screwed up his eyes as he rubbed his face. Vic instantly helped him to his feet, catching him as he stumbled.
"Careful there, little dude."
"Thanks."
Finally, they boarded the ferry. To avoid any more complications, Gar put his earbuds in, shut his eyes and ignored the outside world. Victor and Dick sat either side of him, ready to turn away people wanting photos.
Half way through the journey, they saw the trolley man going round.
"Tea, coffee, soda?"
"Oh, no, thank you."
"It's on the house."
"Oh? How come?"
"I don't really know. All I was told is that someone paid for everyone to have a drink."
OH MY GOD THIS TOOK FOREVER TO WRITE I AM SO SORRY!
I have been stretching myself thin with too many projects T.T but here we are, finally at this point.
