Disclaimer: I have no delusions about owning or holding rights over Newsies; you shouldn't either. Don't sue. Believe me, I have nothing you would want.
Also, any pop culture references...guess what? Don't own those either. Actually...anything that you may have heard of and/or recognized in this story is owned by someone who isn't me.
Warning:Updates may (and probably will be) slow.
Also, I haven't written in quite awhile. Hopefully i'll get back into the full swing of things. Until then, I'm sorry if this chapter isn't up to my usual standards.
This contains SLASH, in other words same sex couples. If this doesn't appeal to you, you shouldn't be here. It also contains drug use, violence, sexual situations, and may contain a(n OC) death. This story is marked for mature readers only, please treat it as such.
Pairings: Will be switching around quite a bit. If you have any preferences please let me know. They probably won't end up together unless I already planned for it to happen, but I can put in a couple flings for you if you ask nice enough
Notes: Yet again, it's been much too long since I've picked up this story. Chapter 21 is well on it's way, but I thought this huge break would be a good excuse to give you guys some insight into the Brooklyn boys. I've got some more of these segments planned out, so please let me know if you enjoy it.
Getting Back Together Again
The Past I: Stealth or How Sean Became Sean
Sean: 6
Ryan Travis: 8
A six-year-old Sean walked up to another boy sitting by the river bed.
"This is my river," Sean declared with a frown.
"But the water's mine," the other boy replied monotonously. He was sitting hunched over, grabbing his knees. He didn't even bother looking up at Sean.
"The water can't be yours if it's in my river!" Sean shouted back.
"That's like saying if you own a toll road you also own all the car's driving on it. My water's only in your river for a little while," the other boy claimed. "Eventually it'll go into the ocean. Or float up into the air." His gaze never left the river.
"You're stupid!" Sean yelled. "Without water my river couldn't exist!"
"You should have thought about that before you claimed it," the other boy said.
Sean clenched his teeth. He didn't like smartasses. "You're a big, dumb … doo-doo head! I'm king and what I say goes! And look at me when I'm talking to you, peasant!" He kicked the other boy's shoulder, toppling him onto the ground.
The other boy finally looked up, and his eyes widened as he looked at Sean. "What happened to your face, King?"
Sean was sporting a black eye along with a cut on his lip. He had a few bruises running from his cheek to his chin on the left side of his face. "This is the price for being king," he said, chin raised high.
The other boy's eyes widened even more. "Why would you want to be king then, King? It seems like it would hurt."
"Because being king's awesome, you big dummy. You don't gotta listen to anyone. And servants do all your chores for you. And you getta boss all the adults around. You getta rule over everything!"
The other boy dropped his jaw. "That sounds like so much to manage. It'd be a lot of responsibility. The whole world, King?"
"Yep! The whole world!"
The other boy shook his head. "It will never happen, King," he said. "I can see it."
"You cannot!" Sean burst out. "Only magic people can see into the future."
"I can to," the other boy said. "I bet you'll own Brooklyn, King, but never the whole world."
Sean's eyes widened. "For real? You think I can own Brooklyn?"
The other boy nodded. "You two will be good for each other, King. She can be your queen."
Sean jerkily nodded his head, his eyes still wide. "I'm gonna be a really good king. Like, the bestest king ever of ever. And you can be my knight!"
The other boy nodded. "I can do that. I don't have anything else going on. I'll protect you, King."
"What's your name, Knight?" Sean asked, finally sitting down by his river.
The other boy shrugged as he finally returned to sitting as well. "Ryan."
Sean snorted. "That's a dumb name. I bet I can think of something better."
5 YEARS LATER
Sean: 11
Ryan: 13
Sean was sitting along the bank of (his) East River and looking over at Manhattan.
"Yo."
Sean started a little at the unexpected voice. "Hey, Ryan," he greeted with a nod when he recognized his one and only friend. He turned to look back at the river. "Your parents finally let you out? How long were you there this time? I haven't seen you for a couple of days."
The other boy sat down on the bank next to Sean and hugged his knees. "How am I supposed to know something like that? You can't keep track of time when you're locked in a closet, you know. How dumb are you?"
Sean rolled his eyes as he continued looking forward. "Ever heard of a clock, dumb ass?"
Ryan stuck out his tongue. "It's not like I could read it, stupid; it's completely dark in a closet."
"So bring a flashlight next time," Sean replied, finally turning to look at the other boy.
"It's not camping, dummy. It's punishment."
"Maybe if you weren't so stupid you wouldn't be punished so much."
"It's not like I'm trying to get punished. I don't even know what I do to get them so mad all the time."
Sean frowned and turned back towards Manhattan. "It's probably just because they hate you."
Ryan rested his chin on one of his knees and shut his eyes. "You really think they hate me?" he asked softly.
"Who cares?" Sean shrugged. "Grown ups are all bastards anyway. I wish they'd all die."
"Me too." Ryan nodded solemnly before perking up. He lifted his head and opened his eyes as he turned to look at Sean. "Oh, yeah! The weirdest thing happened while I was in the closet this time." He let his legs stretch out and started waving his hands around enthusiastically. "You have to promise to believe me when I tell you, 'kay?"
"Whatever," Sean replied, still not looking at the other boy.
"Hey!" Ryan shoved Sean's arm, knocking him over sideways. He quickly crawled on top of him and held his arms in place. "I mean it! If you don't promise to believe me I'm not going to tell you."
"Who wants to hear your stupid story anyway?" Sean shouted up at him.
"It's a good story!" Ryan shouted back.
"I bet it's lame."
"It is not! Take that back, or I'll make you regret it!"
"You can't make me regret anything, loser!"
Ryan scowled down at Sean for a few seconds. "Oh, yeah?" He quickly swooped down and bit Sean's nose, not letting go.
"Fuck! Get off! Bastard! I give! I promise! Shit!"
Ryan let go and smiled down smugly at his friend. "Told ya."
"Get the hell offa me, ass fucker." Sean shoved the other boy off and pushed himself back into a sitting position. "Now hurry up and tell me your stupid story."
"Oh! Right!" Ryan immediately got excited again. "Okay, so I was sitting all alone in the closet, right? And I was being really quiet and good like I'm supposed to. I was trying to imagine that I was at Central Park like I always do, okay? But it wasn't working this time. And I started getting really scared because the walls were closing in. I wanted to scream, but I knew I couldn't, so I just concentrated really hard on the quiet. Then, this voice told me that I shouldn't get so scared of something so small because there were real dangers I'd have to face soon. Isn't that cool? It feels like I'm the hero in a comic book or something. Do you think the voice came from a different dimension or something?"
"I think you finally snapped," Sean muttered.
"You said you would believe me!"
"I never said that I thought you were making the story up! I just think you're going insane from being stuck in a closet for too long. Your mom probably did too many drugs when she was pregnant with you, and it's finally starting to affect your brain."
"It was real. I know it. You'll be sorry when I get swept up into space or another dimension or something, and you're left all alone."
"Tch. Whatever. Send me a postcard when you get there," Sean replied as he stood up. He looked down at Ryan. "You wanna come over for dinner?"
"Depends. Are you having crap?"
Sean shrugged. "I think we might have some crackers left."
"The good kind?"
"It's annoying how picky you are all the time." Sean rolled his eyes. "Yes, they're the good kind."
"Alright," Ryan replied as he finally stood up. "Is your brother going to be home?"
"When is that fucktard not home?" Sean frowned. "And he's not my brother."
Ryan rolled his eyes. "He seems to think you are."
"Well, he can suck my cock. I don't have a brother."
"Whatever you say, Sean," Ryan granted. "You're too much trouble to argue with."
"What's that supposed to mean? You better watch it, or I'll revoke my invite. Then you'll have to go home, and your parents will probably lock you in the closet again."
"Don't joke about that!" Ryan shouted before shoving Sean in the side.
Sean stumbled a few steps back. "I can joke about whatever the fuck I want, you faggot!" He screamed before taking a running start and charging into Ryan.
Ryan was knocked to the ground as the air rushed out of his lungs. Sean fell on top of him and immediately started punching at any opening he saw.
"Stop it!" Ryan shouted as he tried to get his breathe back. Ha managed to throw Sean off him and quickly crawled back a few feet. "Why the hell did you do that?" he snapped as he stumbled up.
"Stop being such a pussy," Spot commanded before he spit on the ground.
"I wasn't! You're a stupid punk! My parents were right about you. I'm going home," Ryan said before turning around and running back towards his house.
"Fine! Go then! It's nice to know hanging out in a closet is better than hanging out with me! I never liked you to begin with!" Sean shouted at his back.
Julius sniffled before wiping his nose. He drew back blood. God damn, this coke was shit. Usually his nose could handle more than this. He needed it to be able to handle more than this. He needed more than this.
He quickly began preparing another line.
Julius was a tall kid, quickly approaching the age of twenty-four. He had long, greasy black hair and a five o'clock shadow that needed to be shaved a week ago. He looked to be near starvation and you could easily trace his veins.
He was sitting on a faded floral couch, stooping over a glass coffee table that held a heap of white powder. It wouldn't last him long, but he was hopeful that it would last until his brother got home. Then Sean could go out and get him some more.
He hoped Sean would be home soon.
He swallowed as he felt the coke slide down the back of his throat. It felt acidic and made him want to throw up. He definitely needed some more.
He hastened his preparation as his body screamed for more.
He perked up as he heard a door open and close. "Sean!" he shouted towards the front room. "Sean! Come in here! I need you!"
Sean came around the corner. "What?"
Julius breathed a sigh of relief. "Sean, thank god. You need to get me some more." He held up a plastic bag containing a small amount of white powder. "I'm almost out."
Sean frowned. "We don't have any money, Jules. We're already behind on rent as it is, and this is our second week without electricity. They're threatening to turn off the water next, and I refuse to live without the ability to bathe."
"What?" Julius asked, his eyes getting wide. He swung himself off the couch and knelt down by Sean. He harshly grabbed the boy by the shoulders and leaned in. "How can you be so heartless? I won't have anymore left soon. Then what'll I do? I'll die without it, Sean. I swear I will."
Sean turned away as his personal space was invaded. He tried to take a few steps back, but that just made Julius strengthen his hold. "I can't get anymore money this week, Jules. It's not my fault you blew it all at once."
Julius removed one hand from Sean's shoulder and used it to grab his chin instead. He forced Sean's face towards him. "You can't make anymore money this week? With this face? I know that's a lie. Your customers probably miss you every night you aren't out there."
"I said I wouldn't do it anymore," Sean reminded him, his teeth clenched.
Julius jerked his head back. He frowned at his little brother before backhanding him across the face.
Sean's head snapped to the side, but he didn't move thanks to Julius still holding onto his shoulder.
"What the fuck are you talking about?" Julius shouted as he shook Sean with both hands. "Why should I keep you around if you're not making any money? You expect me to take care of your worthless ass? It's your fault I'm stuck in this rundown, motherfucking house to begin with! If I didn't have to drop out of college so I could take care of you, I would be an acceptable citizen right now. And I'd probably be rich, too, with a good looking wife. You owe this to me."
Spot glared and pointed at the white powder on the table. "I'm the reason you have that," he answered quietly. "What have you done in the last week? The last month? Since our parents kicked the bucket? I'm worthless? Then what the fuck are you?"
Julius squeezed tighter on the boy's arm as he clenched his teeth together tight. "You good-for-nothing scum. You selfish little prick. You think I like being here for your worthless ass? You think I like to see my little brother whoring himself out? Huh? Of course I don't! But you don't have a god damn choice. It's your fault our parents are dead. It's your fault we live in shambles now. Now get the fuck out on those streets and earn your stay like a good little whore." Julius grabbed his brother up by the shirt collar. He opened their front door and swung Sean towards the ground. "You are to not step foot on my property until you go out there and make us some fucking rent, you god damn twerp."
Sean knew better than to argue. As far as he was concerned this was getting off easy. What the fuck was he thinking? It was never a good idea to stand up for yourself like that. Not to someone so much bigger than he was.
He wished he had a gun. A gun didn't matter what size you were. With a gun the tiniest ant could kill the largest of giants. God, how he wished he knew how to get his hands on one.
He kept walking, not sticking to one spot. He didn't want to be picked up. He didn't feel like whoring yet. Hopefully he could find some open garages and swipe some beer. Whoring always seemed like a better alternative after one or six beers.
Sean finished his beer before he stepped out of the alley and took his spot on the corner. He'd been drinking too much in the last few … weeks? … months? It was getting hard to keep track of days. He missed Ryan. He hadn't been back to the river since their fight.
Sean shook his head. He didn't want to go back. Ryan was a cunt anyway. If he didn't need Sean then Sean most definitely didn't need him. Sean was much better off by himself anyway. And Julius had been pretty happy with how much he was working. He had even managed to get the electric turned back on.
Good things happened when he didn't have that stupid idiot distracting him.
He smirked as an older man glanced at him, looking him up and down. Sean checked out the man as well, though for completely different reasons. The man was wearing a three piece suit and had a shiny gold watch. He looked good, like he came from money. Sean wondered if he could take his watch after he was done sucking him off. If it was anyone around here they would have noticed instantly, but this man seemed extraordinarily out of place.
The man in question walked over, leaning down a bit to get closer to Sean's level. "How much?"
Sean tried his best not to widen his smirk. Rarely had he been able to determine a price. Most of his Johns called the price themselves, and then it was up to him whether he wanted to take them up on it or not. He leaned forward, putting his arm lightly on the man's suit, seeing if he would notice the touch. "That depends on what you want, and what you want to do to me," he whispered into the man's ear.
The man shivered and pulled back slightly before looking him up and down. He frowned. "How old are you, kid? Where are your parents?"
Sean clenched his teeth. He very rarely ever got these questions, especially not from rich fucks who clearly only pretended to give a shit to make themselves feel better. Sean knew he had a hard time passing for eighteen, but he also knew he didn't look at all like a punk ass eleven year old. He was tall and lanky, easily a foot taller than anyone his same age. His face was thin, courtesy of his almost nonexistent meals, and his eyes spoke of years he hadn't yet lived. "I'm old enough," he said, raising his chin as he tried to keep his temper in check. "And my parents don't matter."
The man continued to stare at him, a frown still on his face. "You know there are places you can go for help. You don't have to resort to this lifestyle. There are people willing to help someone in your position."
Sean narrowed his eyes, his patience wearing thin as the buzz of alcohol faded from his brain. "What the fuck makes you think I need help from some fucking faggot like you? What makes you think I don't like doing this?" He scrounged around in his pocket before finding his pack of cigarettes and stuck one into his mouth. He lit up and breathed in deep before he let himself speak again. "I don't need any fucking help from some dumbass who wound up on the wrong side of town."
The man just continued staring, he was still wearing his frown and his eyes were worried.
It was like the fucking rich ass bastard was pitying him.
And that fucking pissed Sean off. He stooped down and put his cigarette out onto the man's shiny ass brown shoes. "A hundred bucks and I'll suck your dick," he said, getting just inches away from the man's body as he stood up. "If you ain't interested you should find your way back home before you get mugged."
He walked back towards the alley he had come from, forcing his smile down as he heard the footsteps following him. Maybe he should get angry more often; this was about to be the most he had ever made off just a stupid blow job. Guy must have been a god damn idiot.
The man swung him around as the alleyway darkened and shoved him into the wall. He was clenching his teeth now and sneered when Sean just looked blankly at him.
"Money first," Sean said, wondering if this was the guy's style. He didn't particularly like it rough, but he would put up with a lot fomr a hundred fucking dollars. "Then we can get down to business."
The john grabbed his arm and dragged him a bit farther into the alley, barking out a laugh. "You telling me I can't just take it? You think a child like you is going to be able to stop me? Surely there have been others that've taken it before?"
Sean clenched his own teeth, grabbing the man's hand and forceful bending it at the wrist. His eyes narrowed as he watched the other man get on his knees on the ground, trying to find some relief in the straining wrist Sean was about to break. "Tried to? Yes," Sean answered, eyes narrowed at the person now below him. "Succeeded? Why the fuck would you think I'd let that happen? You think I'm too much of a pussy to be able to take care of myself? Think sucking dicks is the only thing I can do?"
He stooped low as the man clutched at the wrist Sean already had a hold on. "You know what else I can do?" He pushed a bit harder on the wrist he had a hold on, causing the man to bite out a grunt. "I can break your god damn wrist if you don't give me my fucking money."
The man wasted no time in digging into his pockets and letting five twenty dollar bills fall onto the cement in front of him.
Sean stepped on them to make sure the wind wouldn't take them away, but didn't let up on the man's wrist. "And another hundred if you still want your dick sucked." He smirked at his good luck as the man nodded and immediately went for his pocket again.
"I-I have this much," he muttered as three more twenties fell on the concrete. "Please. Please," he choked out, looking at his wrist and cringing. "Please let me go."
Sean finally released his wrist and stooped to get his payment. He snickered as the man held his wrist and shifted back in order to lean into the wall behind him, looking at Sean through wide eyes. "You really did wander into the wrong side of town, didn't you?" Sean asked, standing up to his full height and looking down at him. "Do you normally rape all your whores instead of paying for them? You did you just think you'd try this time because I looked so weak and pathetic?"
The man quickly shook his head as he tried to burrow into the wall. "No. No. Listen, I don't want any trouble, okay? I'm sorry. I never meant to. It was just-"
Sean rolled his eyes. "You're a fucking coward." He crossed his arms. "It's a lucky thing for you I've got some morals left in me," he grunted before glancing away. "Get the fuck off your old ass if you want what you paid for, you piece of shit."
The man nodded shakily before standing up, his back still against the wall and his injured hand pressed to his chest. With his other hand he undid the zipper on his pants.
Sean stared at him at he sank down to his knees, his back still straight.
That's when he saw the blue and red lights out of the corner of his eye.
"Fuck!" Sean cursed with wide eyes before pushing up and taking off down the alley.
The other man was following behind him and quickly grabbed his arm with his good hand. "Stop! You're under arrest for prostitution and assault on an officer! You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you-"
"What the fuck is this shit!?" Sean shouted, pulling at his hand as the police cars blocked off the beginning of the alley. "You're a fucking pig? What the fucking fuck?! Lemme go you fucking assfuck!"
"... in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney," the man continued, not paying any heed to Sean's loud cursing. "If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you. Do you understand the rights I have-Oaf!"
The man went flying backwards as a human form came flying at him from the drain pipe above them.
Sean immediately took off running as soon as the grip on his hand loosened. "Fuck. Fuck!" He shouted as he ran. He should have fucking known. No regular John would be that eager for a fucking blow job after his wrist was almost broken. And no person in their right mind would pay over a hundred dollars just for Sean's mouth. Fuck. He'd been stupid.
"There's a window to your right," Ryan said, coming up from behind him. "Just hop on the dumpster. Pigs are moving to block the other end of the alley."
Sean nodded, following Ryan's directions without a second thought, despite the fact that they hadn't talked since their fight about this exact thing.
"Told you this was dangerous," Ryan huffed as he closed and locked the window they had just come through. "You've got a lot more talents than this if you wanna make money."
Sean crossed his arms again. He wasn't breathing as heavily as the other boy, but he tried to calm it nonetheless. "You really think this is the time to be giving me lectures? We weren't exactly invisible when we came through this window, you know."
Ryan nodded back to him, trying to take deep breaths to settle down his own breathing. "Right. Let's get to the roof."
Sean nodded back before taking off towards the stairs. "Do the stairs lead all the way there? Or are we getting out through a window and climbing?" He had learned this routine well through the years, and wasn't stupid enough to assume there was an easy way to the roof.
"Fourth floor," Ryan huffed. "Cracked window in the second room to the right."
Sean consciously slowed down so he wouldn't lose him. "We've gotta get you some exercise or something," he muttered as he heard a door burst open from underneath them. He didn't have to see anything to know that it was the pigs. "Fuck, persistent today, aren't they?"
"You did assault an officer today," Ryan pointed out as he clutched at his right side.
"I just thought it was an idiot," Sean muttered back. He noticed they were approaching the fourth floor and made a straight shoot through the door Ryan had pointed out. "What the fuck kind of cop wouldn't just immediately arrest me for assault, the fucking faggot?" He kicked at the glass in the window so he could fit through, then hoisted himself out with the help of a drain pipe.
"It sounded like he was trying to help you," Stealth replied calmly, following the other boy out the window. "Perhaps he was trying to get you into a nice orphanage."
Sean snorted as he finished lifting himself onto the roof. He stayed low as he looked at the police cars down below. "Right. Because an orphanage went so well the last time." He spit over the roof, hoping it would hit one of the pigs in the face. "Ass fucks have no idea what they're doing."
Ryan dragged Sean away from the ledge as soon as his feet became steady on the roof. "You ran off last time, in their defense." He whispered back. "C'mon," he said, not waiting for an answer and still dragging Sean by his arm. "There's a place we can lie low a few blocks over. Just stay down so they don't notice us."
Sean rolled his eyes at his friend's paranoia. "They'll get bored in a few minutes," he muttered as he walked a bit ahead and ripped his arm away. "How'd you find me anyway? I thought you would still be busy being pissed."
Ryan shrugged, letting Sean lead even if he didn't know where he was going. "I've been keeping an eye on you," he explained. "I know how much you like getting into trouble."
Sean smirked instead of getting mad. "This whole time, huh? Damn, I didn't even fucking notice."
Stealth nodded and pointed right, indicating which way they were supposed to be heading.
"Hey, Stealth," Sean said, looking at his friend without acknowledging the new nickname. He held up the watch he had managed to steal from his fake John and grinned. "Let's go hock this before we stay in for the night, eh?"
1 YEAR LATER
Sean: 12 years old
Stealth: 14 years old
"You bastards are getting so kicked outta here when I rule!" Sean shouted behind him as he ran. "I'm killing off every one of you mother fuckers and dumping you in my river!"
"This way, King," Stealth said quietly. He grabbed Sean's hand and tugged him around a corner. "And please stop shouting. The object is to lose them, not give away our location."
"Let 'em find us!" Sean replied, albeit quieter this time. "They'll be bowing to me and kissing my feet and begging for their lives soon enough."
"Yes, they will," Stealth said. "But today is not your day. There is still work to be done. We still have an army to build, after all."
"When?" Sean asked, still being tugged around. "Haven't I waited long enough? When can we finally start? I feel like we haven't done anything."
"When it's time you'll know," Stealth replied. "You still have some growing up to do."
"Fuck you!" Sean shouted. "I am grown! I've been through more shit than all the people in this city combined!"
"And yet there is still more to go through," Stealth replied quietly.
Sean growled. "Stop talking in riddles. You're always so cryptic. It's probably all that time being locked in that fucking closet."
Stealth cringed. "Can we please not talk about that?" He turned them down another alley.
"Why don't you just leave that rat hole? It's not like they'll miss you. And that closet's really fucking with your head," Sean said. "I know how to get money. We can get our own place."
Stealth narrowed his eyes. "I told you to stop making money like that. That's no way for anyone to live, and no way for you to act. It's beneath you. And I belong where I am. Now is not the time to be taking care of ourselves. That will come later."
Sean rolled his eyes. "There you go again: talking in riddles. It's that god damn closet. Let me take you out of there!"
"My problems are mine to deal with!" Stealth snapped back. He sighed and tugged Sean closer to him. "You are already growing up much too fast. Please, focus on your problems. Soon, you will have a city to run. My problems are inadequate."
"Your problems are my problems," Sean insisted as they took another turn. "We're friends, aren't we?"
Stealth frowned. "Rulers don't have friends, King, only followers. Haven't you realized that yet? Or do you have more growing up to do?"
"I am grown!" Sean shouted. "I just want to be able to take care of you," he muttered.
"You can take care of me as my king," Stealth replied. "But for now you do not yet have the resources necessary to manage it."
Sean frowned as their path was blocked by a chain-linked fence. "I could if you'd let me," he muttered quietly to himself.
"Up here, King," he said, taking them up a fire-escape. "Let's get to the roof." Stealth gave a small smile. "Your determination is wonderful, King. But patience must also come to you. When the time comes we will have so much to do. Enjoy your rest while you can get it."
"I don't like being patient," Sean said with a pout as he climbed onto the roof. "Especially when I can do everything now if you'd let me."
Stealth held his small smile, deciding not to argue. No one could convince his king of anything. It was one of the reasons he was going to be such a great ruler. Unfortunately, that was also what made it hard for Stealth to babysit. That's not to say he would give up his position, though. No, far from it. He would give up his life for his king.
Sean plopped down on the roof. "How long do we have to stay here?" He looked up at Stealth. "You know how I hate waiting around."
Stealth nodded in agreement. "Our trip will be ending soon, King. I'll take you home as soon as the way's cleared."
"Trip?" Sean asked, standing up again. "What trip? I thought I didn't have to go back! I don't want to! I wanna stay here with you!"
Stealth looked down. He resisted the urge to give Sean a hug; kings didn't need hugs, after all. "Soon," he managed to say. "But first I need to get you home."
Sean pouted, but nodded. He'd refused before and gotten left behind. Stealth was always quick to remind him that he wasn't king yet. It was getting harder and harder to wait though. He wanted a happy life like all the other kids had. He wanted control, god damn it. And he was running out of the patience to wait for it.
Stealth was looking over the edge of the building. He watched the kids they had been running from walk away, clearly giving up the search. He turned to Sean. "It's time." He started back down the fire escape, not bothering to wait. He knew Sean would follow him eventually.
And Sean did, though reluctantly.
The climb down was quiet. Usually Sean was the one who kept up conversation, but he didn't feel up to it. The thought of going back home kept him in a somber mood. He didn't understand. Why did he have to go back? Why did Stealth not want to get away from his son of a bitch parents? He was getting tired of having to wait. And wait for what? He had no idea. But Stealth seemed adamant that he needed to.
They walked back, Stealth walking ahead. When it came time for them to go their separate ways Stealth did so without saying good bye. Sean wasn't flustered; Stealth was never one for pleasantries. Still, he couldn't help thinking that this time was different. He felt like something was wrong, but he didn't bother stopping him.
He sighed as he got closer to his home. He didn't want to go back. He didn't want to keep coming here. He was getting fed up with all this waiting. Why couldn't Stealth understand? He was ready to rule now, god damn it.
1 Year Later
Sean: 13
Stealth: 15
Sean sat by his river, smoking a cigarette he had pick-pocketed earlier in the day and drinking a beer he had swiped off a delivery truck. He was sporting a bruise he had gotten for sleeping in the wrong place last night. Ultimately, though, he had won the spot, so it was worth it.
It was a nice spot, too: right by an open vent and with plenty of roof space. It may have even been better than the place Julius lived, especially at this point. Sean hadn't been home for a little over a week now. Julius had smashed his head into the coffee table and threatened to kill him if he ever came back without cocaine again.
He hadn't whored in almost a year, instead robbing cocaine directly from the lower ranked dealers. Of course, that had gotten him into some tight spots, and now there were several areas of Brooklyn he couldn't step foot in under threat of death.
He had long since given up doing anything with his life, assuming he would probably be killed before his twenties anyway, so there wasn't much point in it. Stealth was still insistent that he would one day own Brooklyn, but the way he saw it, Stealth was getting crazier and Sean was becoming more worthless by the day.
Sean didn't look over as someone sat down beside him. He knew it was Stealth, and he was becoming even worse with pleasantries the more the years wore on. More often than not they just sat together in silence; they only talked about what they had to anymore. What were they going to steal today? How were they going to get food to eat? Where was Sean going to sleep?
"It's time for you to go home," Stealth said after several minutes of silence.
Now that was unexpected. Sean finally turned to look at him, trying hard not to become irritated. Stealth very rarely gave reasons for what he said anymore, and Sean had absolutely no desire to ever go back home. "Oh?" he quirked an eyebrow, forcing calm. Anger just turned Stealth off these days. "And, why, exactly is that?"
"It's time to stop sitting around," Stealth answered almost immediately, still staring across the river. "It's time to step up to your place on the throne."
Sean's eyes widened; he knew Stealth still believed him to be future king, but he had never expected a call to action coming from his quiet companion. "And I have to go home for this to happen? There's nothing there for me."
Stealth finally turned to look at him, eyes traveling up and down his body as he remained quiet. "Your future cannot begin until you destroy your past," he finally said.
Sean leaned into him. "Stealth -" he choked and had to clear his throat before he continued. "If I go back there without any coke or money he's going to kill me. He broke the fucking coffee table with my head last time."
Stealth shook his head and he stood up. "You are no longer eight, King, and you are capable of more than you think. If you don't embrace the strength you have then I cannot follow you." He started to walk away before he turned back around. "I will follow you only if you have the will to be followed. Meet me at my house at midnight if you are ready for this to begin."
Sean watched his friend go, closing his mouth only after he had realized that it had dropped open. That was the most Stealth had spoken in years, and he had never been invited to his house before. He only knew where he lived because Stealth had pointed it out to him several months ago. He had told him to never forget, because it was important to their futures.
Was this the future he had been talking about?
Sean took a deep breath before rising up and walking in the direction of the house he had grown up in. He wondered if he should grab a weapon; if he was even meant to physically fight the drug addict. He recognized the very real possibility that Stealth was leading him to his death tonight.
But Sean realized he wasn't much scared of death anymore. He'd die soon anyway, whether he was cautious or boisterous; that was just how it was on the streets. And he didn't much see a difference between thirteen and twenty anyway.
Sean couldn't help but shake as he creaked open the front door to the house he had once lived in. It was humid, dark, and smelled like spoiled milk; exactly as he had left it, then.
"Julius?" he whispered as he crept into the dark house. He could hear his heartbeat as he waited without breathing for a response. "Julius?" he asked a bit louder. He bit his lip, trying to dare not hope that Julius had somehow disappeared. Maybe he wouldn't have to see him. "Julius? Are you home?" Maybe he could just meet Stealth at his place and they could continue whatever it was they were supposed to be doing. Maybe he wouldn't ever have to confront Julius.
"Baby brother?" a boy rasped from the couch. "Thank god. Thank god for you, Sean."
Sean saw the pile of dirty clothes moving on the couch and immediately froze up, his mind spinning around in circles. As the stooped figure came closer his thoughts turned faster.
This was it. He was going to die. Die right in this shitbag of an apartment. And there would be no one around to look for him. His body would probably be decayed before another hoodrat broke in and stumbled upon his bones. And there was nothing surprising about that. Isn't that the way he always thought he'd go? Maybe not by his brother's hand, but by someone else's. Dead and forgotten, didn't he know that was his fate? There wasn't a reason to be afraid. No one would miss him. No one would care.
"I know I could count on you," his brother said, now just a foot away.
Within punching distance was the thought that broke through the others. He's going to punch me, and then I'm going down, and then I'll be dead.
"Sean!" Julius spit at him, though not unkindly. Not yet. He shook him by the shoulders. "Where is it, bud? C'mon, brother, where'd you put it?" He didn't wait for a response as he started patting down Sean's pockets.
Sean let him, still too frozen to think of something to say. He was still too afraid to break his brother's optimism. Didn't know how to. He had never done a good job of standing up to himself when it came to his brother. Had always had a difficult time saying no or expressing his opinions. It was all his brother all the time.
"I knew I could count on you," Julius mumbled, now moving on to pat Sean's jacket. "I knew you wouldn't forget about me. Knew you were just looking to get more medicine. I'm really sick, Sean. I feel like it's been days. I need it. I need it so bad. Where'd you hide it, buddy? Where is it?"
Sean's whole body shook as he prepared himself for death. He breathed out a long sigh and clenched his fists together, driving out all the worry. He didn't have much to live for anyway. "I don't have any," he replied, secretly amazed that his voice came out hard and firm. "I just came to get my stuff. I'm leaving this -"
Sean swung across the room as the anticipated punch made contact with his nose. His brother no longer stooped or weak looking. Insead, his back was rigid and his eyes were fierce. Sean couldn't so much as lift his head before his brother was on him.
"What the fuck do you mean you don't have any?" Julius screamed from on top of him, was punches raining down on anything they could touch. "You fucking piece of fucking shit! Who the fuck's house do you think you're in? I fucking support your nasty ass, waste of space, whore cock, and for what? Huh? What, you fucking piece of trash? Why am I fucking supporting you when you can't even do one fucking thing right? When you can't even fucking help me out a little bit! I'm fucking dying, Sean! I'm fucking dying, but all you fucking care about is yourself! You don't give a fuck! You don't give a fuck enough to help!"
He forced Sean's head up by the collar of his shirt just to slam it down to the concrete underneath them. "Where the fuck you gonna go, huh? Who the fuck do you think wants you?"
All Sean heard was a ringing in his ears, oblivious to the insults that were being shouted at him. He no longer felt the punches that he knew were still coming at him. He wasn't scared anymore. He was at peace with his death. And he felt strangely calm as he anticipated it.
He blinked as he was slapped, the world coming into focus as he looked at his brother, still on top of him shouting.
"Did you hear me, ya brain dead fuck?"
He blinked some more, everything seeming too distant. Too far away. His brother's voice was murmured, like it wasn't really there. Is this what death felt like? If so, it wasn't so much better than life.
"I said get the fuck up and start making some money with that pathetic ass of yours!"
Julius went to slap him again, but Sean caught his hand before it could come into contact with his face.
Everything was tilted and blurry, and it sounded as if Sean was underwater. He couldn't think straight. Didn't know if he was alive or dead or dreaming, but wherever he was, whether in the apartment, in his head, or in some form of hell, he was done being thrown around.
He head butted his brother, not even feeling the pain of his new bruises as Julius stumbled backwards. He picked an astray off a stack phonebooks and advanced, not pausing to think as he smashed it across the side of his brother's face. Sean didn't hesitate to get on top of him as he fell down. He didn't see his terrified face as he put his hands around his neck and pressed as hard as he could against the windpipe. He held against Julius's struggles, his face blank as he watched the life drain from him.
Sean finally spoke as the flailing faded and his brother's eyes rolled back. "You were dead ages ago. Good riddance." He spit on Julius's face before stumbling to get up. He had to get to Stealth's house.
Stealth sat outside his house with backpack in hand. It was thirty minutes to midnight, but he knew Sean would be coming for him soon. He had to, because if he didn't come that would mean the fight was lost before it even began, and Stealth would be left without a path to walk on.
He clenched at one of the straps at his shoulder and fumbled with the empty gasoline container with his other hand, hoping that he had put his faith in the right king. There were other potentials, the silence had told him that much, but he had picked Sean without the help of the silence. He wanted to be right about him. Still, there was a lot riding on this, and whether Sean showed up or not Stealth would have to leave.
He looked back on his home, wondering if he would miss it. From the outside it looked peaceful. It was small, but it wasn't like Sean's home. It had all its windows, no peeling paint, a door bell that worked, a cut lawn, and even a white picket fence. There was no cement coming up in the driveway and no trash on the front lawn.
Just because the outward appearance looked pretty and untouched and perfect didn't mean the people inside were, however.
Stealth touched his cheek from where his mother had slapped him as soon as he had gotten home. He was late to make dinner. He hadn't planned to be, but it seemed they were hungry earlier today than normal. He was glad they had waited for him though. He didn't know how else to slip them sleeping pills except in their food, and he'd take a slap over a missed opportunity anyday.
He looked up as he heard footsteps coming towards him. "Found it okay, then?" he asked, knowing it was Sean, but still dreading it if he was wrong.
"I always knew you lived in a rich kid's house," a gruff voice answered back.
Sean finally hit a streetlight so he could see him. He had a worn backpack slung over one shoulder that looked empty, and his face was a smattering of bruises.
Stealth shrugged. "Things okay on your end?"
Sean shrugged back. "As well as could be expected. But I assume you already knew that." He glanced at the red container down at Stealth's feet before looking back up to him. "I take it I'm here to get rid of your past, too?"
Stealth shrugged again. "The can's empty. My parents are inside sleeping. They won't wake up."
Sean returned the shrug, still not sure if this was a dream or hell. Whatever it was it couldn't be real. He took his lighter out of his pocket and picked up a piece of newspaper gently breezing across the sidewalk. This whole experience was starting to make some semblance of sense to him. "If you cannot save yourself then I will be the one to do it for you," he decided, looking towards Stealth for some seconds. He folded the newspaper into a paper airplane before setting its tail on fire and throwing it softly towards the house. It landed on the front porch and a small fire immediately flew up, quickly heading towards the door and consuming it.
Sean turned away and set off in the direction he had come in. "Come. We have work to do."
Stealth spared his home another glance, already half consumed in flames. A grin split across his face as he looked back at Sean. "Yes, my king," he murmured before throwing the gasoline container towards the house and walking quickly to follow.
A/N:
Hopefully you enjoyed it! Please review. I'd like to know that there are still people reading my story after all this time. You guys are the reason it's worth all the time and energy to write; please let me know you're still out there. :)