AN: Before the chapter starts I wanna thank my lovely reviewers mulzypops & FlygonWriter64!

Music tip:
Kimberly Anne - Liar
youtube: watch?v=caBLClhl2s0

Lovers of Freedom

Chapter 17:
No Honesty

"…and so we welcome you to the official launching event of Microsoft's top gaming group – Team Crafted!"

The guests applauded happily, then the lights in the large hall were dimmed and a screen behind the podium of the moderator flared up. A clip was shown with infectious music in the background. At first a person was talking about a new relationship and a thicker bond between producer and end-consumer, various scenes of gaming events and young people were shown, then the voice addressed a revolution that would change all of the advertising industry. A large logo appeared in the middle of the screen.

- Team Crafted -

The members of the group were shown – clips filmed by a crew about a week ago shortly after their photo shooting. Each and every one appeared in the clothes that were chosen for them, talking about a bigger chance to connect with their fans and reaching more people than ever before. Their smiling and winking faces slowly faded to the background, as their names were shown.
The video ended with the whole group and the new logo.

Amid the applause of the crowd Mitch could make out several voices talking approvingly about the new advertising that would be shown in the TV nationally as from tomorrow. The lights were slowly turned back on and before anyone could recognize him, Mitch found his way back through the crowd to a small corner at the front of the room, where the rest of the group was still chatting about the magnificent video they had just watched.

"Isn't this great – everyone will see it on their TVs!"
"I know, my mother will absolutely flip out!"

Murphy wasn't in sight, but instead of giving in to the relief that was about to flare up, Mitch buried it deep inside of him and embraced his old self, the one he had been used to for so long. It was as easy as breathing itself, just a wall he had to raise, to keep himself safe. From Murphy. From Microsoft. From being hurt.

The smile on his face was convincing enough and cheerfully he threw his arms around Jason and Ty. "We, gentlemen, are going to be famous." The laugh of the group was infectious, Mitch joined in and it nearly was enough.
His laugh. The gleam in his eyes. A relaxed stance.

But of course he couldn't fool Jerome.
Not in a million years. Not after he had been present in the months before.

Mitch felt his glare upon himself and dared to look up just for a mere moment. He couldn't ignore him, no matter how hard he tried. With Jerome it was different. Always. Without him he wouldn't be able to survive this mess at all. He needed someone he trusted unconditionally, a person who in return trusted him just as much.
Nonetheless Mitch had to put on a mask, because there was no other way. He had to do what Murphy wanted, no matter what Mitch thought about it. The situation was hopeless and not even Jerome was able to help him. Not this time.

"Mitch, I really need to talk to you for a second," Jerome began with a firm voice and slowly pulled him away from his two companions, who were oblivious to Jerome's serious stance. Before his best friend got a chance to interrogate him though, another figure appeared at their side and blocked off their path.

"Team Crafted."
The man in front of them seemed to be about 50 years old and wore an expensive looking suit. His bright blue eyes were hidden behind glasses and he just had some grey hair at the sides of his head left. Two other males stood near him, checking out their surroundings and talking quietly to each other. Bodyguards?

"What a pleasure to finally meet you."
His voice was raspy and he had a sense of authority that silenced the rest of the guys immediately. A barely visible smiled pulled at the corners of his lips and he had his hands behind his back, as he began to introduce himself.

"My name is Satya Nadella-"

Mitch gasped and from the sound of it some of the guys had recognized the name as well. Mr. Nadella didn't need to finish his sentence, because he was quite famous even outside of the Microsoft company.

"- CEO of Microsoft."

For a moment he was dumbstruck and didn't know what to say. Of course Mitch had anticipated to meet some of Murphy's bosses for sure at the launching event, but to have the chance to talk to the chief executive officer personally? Mitch was torn between awe, respect and a rather distrustful feeling in his stomach – was he in on the whole scheme? Just by the look of it he couldn't tell and before the silence could continue any longer, Mitch put a bright smile on his face and stepped forward to extend his hand towards Mr. Nadella.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Nadella. I'm Mitchell Hughes."
Various greetings were exchanged with the present persons and soon they were joined by other employees of high rank. At one point Mitch found himself with a colleague of Mr. Nadella on sitting accommodations and while they discussed, the rest of the group was engrossed in conversations as well.

Mitch finally began to relax and actually enjoyed the evening and the possibility to meet people, who were not as possessed as Murphy, when Mr. Nadella appeared at their side and gallantly interrupted their conversation. Not that they would have complained – it was the CEO after all.
"Tom, would you mind to enlighten Mr. Dahlberg with your knowledge for a moment? I'm sure you will be able to answer his questions better than me." With a laugh Tom said goodbye to him for now and disappeared in the group of people.

And suddenly Mitch was all alone with Mr. Nadella – except for his bodyguards, who seemed to be ever-present. Slowly he sat down on the couch opposite of Mitch and waved the waiter over to get a glass of champagne for both of them.
"Mr. Hughes," he began and raised his glass, "let's talk about your position in the group."

He tensed and while Mr. Nadella took a sip of the champagne, Mitch felt himself pale a bit. They were going to throw him out. What had he done wrong? Since Murphy's talk to him at the shooting he had done everything he wanted, no matter how much it hurt to betray not only himself, but his friends as well. Had they found out that Mitch told Jerome everything? Was he no longer viable for them?

Nadella placed the glass back on the table and then leaned forward. His satisfied smile didn't disappear for a second and it began to creep Mitch out. They were all in on it. Murphy, his bosses, the CEO… everyone.
Mr. Nadella opened his mouth and Mitch quickly shot a panicked look towards Jerome, but he had his back turned to him and was eagerly discussing something with Ian…

"Team Crafted clearly needs a leader."
Nadella's words hit Mitch completely unexpected and with a frown on his face he turned back towards the CEO. "…what?"

"A leader. Someone who is in charge of the group, who leads the team in games, events and the advertising. I talked to Murphy and he repeatedly recommended you for the job, Mitchell."
It was a week feeling in his stomach, really just a hunch, but it was enough for Mitch to glance over Nadella's shoulder. Murphy was standing a few meters away at the edge of the large group in the middle of the hall. He was watching both of them carefully and as Mitch detected him, he nodded carefully.

Of course he wanted Mitch to take the role of the leader – Team Crafted would be completely in Murphy's hands and not a single member would really have a chance to stand in his way anymore. Here it was, Mitch's final chance for a little bit of resistance. He had given himself up for Murphy, there was no way back, but never would he pull his unknowing friends with him down this hole.

"I'm really sorry, Mr. Nadella, but I fear I have to refuse. As much as I appreciate your offer and your confidence in me, I'm not cut out for this kind of responsibility." The CEO looked disappointed for a second and Mitch was already expecting him to force the job onto him and really being in on the whole plan, but then he smiled and raised his shoulders.
"That's unfortunate. Is there anyone you would recommend to me instead, Mr. Hughes?"

It only took Mitch a second to come up with the ideal person and with a for once honest smile on his lips he nodded eagerly.
"I already have the perfect member of the group in mind."

The air outside of the crowded hall was fresh and clear, as Mitch stood on the balcony to look over the quiet parts of the city. Various lights illuminated the night and for a moment he was able to ignore the festivities and the loud music.
His face rested on his hands, which were placed on the railing. Slowly he closed his eyes and tried to relax the clenched muscles in his back. He had been on the alert the whole week long – not visibly of course – and it was tiring him massively. Before, when the rest of the team had still ignored him, it wasn't as hard to pretend and to keep a smile on his face, but now they were around him all the time so that he barely had a second to collect himself.

A loud sigh.
A deep breath.

It had to work. No matter how hard it seemed to be, he had to keep Murphy away from the team. After all they had made the decision to agree to Microsoft's offer against all doubts, due to his encouragement. They were going to be fine, Mitch would make sure of it.

But there still was the problem with his family.

He knew that he couldn't avoid them forever, but every time he wanted to call them, the fear was too much for him to bear. Mitch carefully pulled his phone out of his pocket and stared at the screen. Two new messages – of course from his mother. At least he should let them know that he was alright and would stay longer than anticipated in LA. A little message… no, rather a call. They would appreciate it for sure and he desperately needed to hear their voices, just shortly, some kind of familiarity, a little bit of comfort…

He nearly hit the call button, as a voice behind him made his heart stop for a moment.
"What are you doing out here?"

A frown appeared on his face and before Mitch turned around, he quickly put the phone back in the pocket of his blazer. The voice was neither as authoritative as Nadella's, nor as threatening as Murphy's and he wondered who else would be looking for him, if it wasn't Jerome.

"Adam?"
The smile on his face was stunning Mitch for a second and the frown deepened, as Adam took several steps forward and leaned against the railing in the same way Mitch had done before. "I just talked to Nadella. He kinda promoted me to be the official leader of the group."

At first both were silent…
Then Mitch began to laugh happily and for once completely honest.

"Congratulations, you really deserve it."

"Thanks. It's weird, but I guess I'll get used to it. It's just an official thing anyway – we're not making the same mistakes twice, that's for sure."

Surprised Mitch blinked at Adam and froze – of course the other one noticed his reaction and grinned humorlessly about it. "You know we should talk at one point about it." Mitch gave no reply. He unconsciously crossed his arms in front of his chest, leaned back against the railing and stared at the happy group of rich people inside of the building.

Something he had dreamt of long ago.
Something that had led to the destruction of many things he had held dear once.

"I know. But not now. I'm sorry, but I can't, there's too much on my mind right-"
"I understand," Adam interrupted him and turned around as well to watch the party going on. The amusement was completely gone from his face and instead he was more serious than Mitch had thought him to be capable of. Wondrously it didn't scare him and Mitch wasn't skeptical either – Adam's unusual reaction gave him a little bit of confidence and hope. He wasn't alone in this, even though he couldn't talk about it. The only thing he needed to do was to continue being a brick wall between Murphy and the team and his family. Then everything would be okay. No one would be fired. No one would be hurt in the process.

"I really do," Adam added and then the smile came back in an instant. Mitch felt himself returning it automatically and embarrassed he looked away. "Thanks," he uttered in return with a barely audible voice and took a deep breath – somehow it was easier than before.
"So-" he began, but had to clear his throat first, "Why aren't you angry with me anymore? I mean… Let's be honest, you still are not very fond of me for what happened back then. At least you showed it enough times back at your house."
Thankfully his voice didn't sound accusingly and Adam didn't try to defend himself asap.

"I promised you to not be an asshole, remember? Still trying to keep it up."
Mitch didn't answer, but even Adam was able to notice the light chuckle.

"Come on, it's getting cold out here and the others are waiting for us. We want to celebrate a bit." Adam pushed himself off of the railing and surprisingly reached out to Mitch. It took him barely a second to decide what to do. Carefully Mitch grabbed his hand and the confidence grew, while Adam pulled him back inside to their friends and away from the darkness.

What he didn't know was that Adam tried to pull him back from his dark thoughts in his mind as well.
What he didn't know was that they had been watched the whole time.