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22.77% Midnight Fantasy on Dreamland / Chapter 23: Chapter 23 - The back of a great man

章 23: Chapter 23 - The back of a great man

His relationship with Ray was the strangest thing on the face of the earth. From the day he had been welcomed by Master Evilian and hired to work as the manager of the Bluemoon Plaza, Ray had chosen him as the target for his malicious pranks. At first he would run away from him, which guaranteed his amusement, but as time went by he began to respond to him rudely.

In the end, in all his time working in that park, he had gotten used to Ray and had even let him continue with his pranks.

That was the problem, knowing when they were mere jokes or when he was telling the truth.

Facing the night scenery of the highway, Aslan sighed against the car window listening to the engine of the chevette as it sped up.

― You're sighing a lot, Aslan.

The young master's calm voice had awakened the blond boy from his own storm. Tucking himself into his seat, Aslan was about to laugh when he realised it was unnecessary to pretend everything was fine.

― It's complicated.

Leonardo cast a quick corner glance at the boy beside him, and when he returned his attention to the road he smiled amiably.

― You like him, don't you? ― The young master tilted his head as he faced him again. ― That magician, I mean.

Aslan's face flushed and he looked away with a lowering of his head, staring at his own nervous fingers in his lap. Being about to vehemently deny that unseemly suggestion, once again he would realise it was unnecessary.

His young master was observant.

Sighing in resignation, Aslan relaxed his shoulders taking in the slight irritation he felt.

― That idiot always disturbs me without caring how I feel. He plays the jealous man, but never says what he feels. But he's always there to irritate again.

― Geez, that sounds familiar. ― Leonardo mumbled with a grimace.

Aslan crossed his arms and frowned.

― Those two influence each other, you can bet on that.

In an instant of silence, the two boys looked at each other and then started laughing. A laugh that took away the seriousness of the worries that occupied their minds. As Aslan leaned back in the car seat, he could feel the lightness in his chest.

Having someone to talk to so sincerely was invigorating.

So, having friends is feeling like this?

― But I didn't imagine you had that kind of feeling for that magician. You're always fighting with him.

― He was the first person to agree to wear a costume I made. A pirate costume. ― Aslan had cracked a nostalgic smile as he took in the night-time scenery of the road again. ― And he looked stunning.

― I'm surrounded by handsome boys, and that keeps me down. ― Leonardo mumbled, making a face again. ― So, why don't you propose to him? It's obvious that he likes you too.

― But of course not! I'll wait for the day that pervert will admit how he feels for me. No way I'll make the first move!

Leonardo let out a low laugh, stroking Aslan's hair to calm him down. Didn't they say love was a war art? That boy was in the middle of his game devising the best strategies to dominate his opponent and force him to surrender.

Whatever it took.

Having finally arrived in the city, the heartfelt conversation had been interrupted by Aslan taking an interest in the brightness of the city. Even with the dark sky the city was bright. People and cars were going from one side to the other, almost making him dizzy with their haste.

It had been years since he had set foot in the city, and so much had changed.

The young master had noticed the admiration of his new friend, and so he was in no hurry to reach his destination. He would let the short man enjoy the ride, especially since he had taken his mobile phone out of his pocket to take some pictures.

Still they would reach their destination at any moment.

Rodie's Bar.

Downtown, having an excellent location, the bar was packed.

When the chevette had passed in front of the bar, Aslan had been awestruck by the size of the queue to get in. The car had been parked and the two boys finally entered the bar. With the exclusive access that Leonardo had because he was a part-time employee, Aslan also had his entrance facilitated.

The moment he stepped into the place, colours pulsed before Aslan's eyes.

The place was huge and already crowded with people. The loud sound coming from the speakers made the people on the dance floor move their bodies. And at the other end, far away, there was a stage with instruments already positioned.

That was where their young master would appear in a few moments.

― This way, I'll introduce you to the owner of the bar. ― Leonardo whispered, holding Aslan's shoulder.

The blond was surprised with so many people present. He felt like a tiny ant among giants. He would thank the young master later for holding him so close, otherwise he would have been dragged away by the people.

Leonardo approached the right side where the bar was. A tall woman was preparing drinks alongside four other men, taking orders from the customers who were leaning on the marble of the bar. As soon as the woman saw Leonardo, she waved, calling him to come closer.

― I thought you weren't coming today, or was it your intention to make a triumphal entrance, handsome?

Leonardo laughed, scratching his head.

― Sorry, I was really late. Ah, this time I brought a friend from work.

Receiving a little push on his back, Aslan found himself flustered. The woman was much taller than him, and stared at him coldly as if analysing his soul. Swallowing dryly, he didn't know what to say to greet her.

― Eh... Nice to meet you... Ham...

― Roberta, but you can call me Mrs. Beta. ― Said the woman, opening a smile afterwards. ― Looks like the handsome one brought a cute one to go with him, I'm jealous.

― He is more popular than me, believe me. And are the people here yet?

Dona Berta pointed with her chin to the table space behind the bar. Three young men were talking animatedly without noticing the arrival of the lead singer.

Being directed by Leonardo again, Aslan continued to feel nervous. The whole walk was in slow motion until he noticed the three friends turning towards Leonardo, smiling openly to greet him and then noticing his presence to get confused.

― What's up, you got company today?

― It's my colleague from the new job. ― Leonardo laughed, hugging the shoulder of the shorter one. ― Guys, this is Aslan. Aslan, this is Rafael, the guitar player, Juliano, our bass player, and Gustavinho, the drummer I mentioned the other day.

The drummer's eyes widened, pointing at himself.

― Did you mention me?

― These days I ended up playing drums and then I talked about the band. In the end, Aslan wanted to see us play, so I brought him along.

Rafael and Juliano pulled another chair from the empty table next to them, and rearranged themselves at the table so that Aslan had a view of the whole bar.

― Sit there, man. If you're a friend of Leo's, then you're ours too.

― Thanks.

Aslan definitely had no idea how to interact with them. Those three had a bright aura like the young master, looking loose in a garden without a care in the world. He could only think that they were, in fact, friends of Leonardo.

― Do you drink, Aslan? ― Juliano asked, arching an eyebrow.

― No, I don't drink.

― Ah...

Noticing the boy's slightly disappointed face, Aslan despaired in the slightest that he had denied it. Was that the moment when he should apply 'social drinking'? He had only heard about it, but he had never imagined having to live through such a situation.

― No alcohol for us, we have to work tomorrow.

― Do you work until the weekend? ― Rafael questioned suspiciously.

― I said that things were running now. If I want to save money, I'll have to work hard.

― Right, right. I don't want to suffer from this evil, my weekends are still intact so I can sleep until it's over.

― Leo, are you playing drums again?

The question would sound naive if Aslan didn't notice the slight surprise in the young master's eyes. Miserable seconds remained present on his face, until it disappeared amidst the smiling mask.

― It wasn't much, it's just that at my work there's a band too and the sound was bad. It was just a sound test on an electronic drum set.

― Electronic drums? That's great, I'd like to play one of those to see what it's like.

― Hey Leo, don't leave your friend out in the cold. Go get him something to drink, damn it!

― Oh, yeah. Wait, I'll get us some refreshments.

Leonardo got up from the table and went to the bar. The moment he stepped away, the three friends leaned toward Aslan, staring at him suspiciously.

― Tell me, Aslan, what is Leo's job, huh?

― What do you mean?

― Since the day he moved out he hasn't said anything to us about his work. I wonder if he's involved in bad things.

― But of course not!

― So tell us.

Leonardo had asked Aslan not to tell us where he worked. It had been a request from his new friend and young master and he couldn't contradict him. But the boy was being targeted by his friends' concern.

Based on what he knew of Leonardo, what he would really like to hide was the fact that he was the heir to Dreamland World. So it was okay to talk about the internship, right?

Besides, he was surrounded by good friends who cared about his well being.

― Leo is doing an internship at Dreamland Circus. ― He said calmly, having the others' eyes widen.

― At that famous place? Our Leo?

― How did he get that job? I heard it's hard to get hired.

― I heard that he saw something broken being put together wrong, so he fixed it the right way. The foreman in charge saw him and liked his work.

Rafael and Juliano blinked a few times and then laughed loudly to the point where tears came out of their eyes. Aslan hadn't understood exactly why they were laughing, but he was relieved not to have a negative reaction.

― I should imagine it was that, that one over there can't hold his own.

― I bet they must have noticed that thing on him, huh?

― Yeah, yeah, that thing.

― You guys are so confused, what thing could you have seen on Leo? ― questioned Gustavo, taking a sip of his soda.

― Ah, you've never seen him studying since he took another course, right youngster? Leo's crazy about fixing and assembling machinery. He's like a hypnotised zombie when he's got his hands dirty.

Gustavo remained silent and blinked at the other two, who sighed in dismay at not having been understood. Aslan laughed quietly in disguise before answering the band's drummer.

― He gets too focused. He forgets the world around him, that's why he missed the schedule today.

― Ah.... Got it. By the way, if you two are co-workers, does that mean you work there too?

Aslan felt his hands freeze. He had forgotten that little detail. He was even more surprised that none of them recognized him. Maybe his fantasies made him completely different from what he was outside the park.

He'd made the right decision not to wear make-up that night.

― Well... I work in another sector, actually.

― Where, where? In the park? In the plaza? At the circus? No wait, you said it's another sector...

The drummer's excitement made it clear that he was a Dreamland fan. Aslan had felt the heat worthy of a great admirer cornering him without any mercy. He was saved when Leonardo returned with a soft drink.

― There you go. I hope you didn't tell embarrassing things about me to my friend.

Rafael laughed loudly hitting the table.

― We haven't even started yet, but it's worth remembering.

Getting the soda to drink, Aslan kept quiet and observant. Leonardo acted completely different from what he was used to seeing in the mansion. It was curious.

Then the four of them got up at the same time the music became slow in the speaker. As the three instrumentalists left the table waving to Aslan, Leonardo stayed behind pointing to himself.

― Now you will find out how fucked up your young master is.

Aslan's eyes widened as he watched Leonardo shove his hands into his trouser pockets and follow his friends towards the stage. His heart was beating fast with anxiety and pride. His back seemed wider, as the silhouette of a great man emerged from it.

A tender smile appeared on his face.

― Now I know why you admire him so much, Ben.


章 24: Chapter 24 - Bright sunshine outside Dreamland

When the music ceased and the barmaid took the microphone, the entire audience had not left the dance floor. Except for a few who returned to their tables, but their attention was still focused on the stage.

The announcement that the band had generated shouts, to accompany the boys on stage and take their positions and instruments was met with applause. Aslan had settled into his chair prepared for what was to come. Whether it was the loud sound, the music or the applause, he just longed to see the young master shine.

Before he could forget, the boy took the mobile phone from his pocket and turned on the camera to record the presentation.

And then it began.

The presentation of the night had rock songs from the eighties, which immediately made the audience nostalgic. Mixed between national and international, the highlight was the synchronicity between those young people on stage.

They were not there looking for fame, they were playing for fun and pleasure. When Leonardo started singing, Aslan understood what those two things were.

The first few songs were to arouse the public's nostalgia and get them used to the band. Aslan had noticed at the tables nearby people singing the songs without interacting much with the band. The main highlight was Leonardo's vocals, which seemed to know every feeling in the lyrics.

Slowly the bar was charged with heat. Some people were leaving their tables to stand again on the dance floor. The rhythm was faster and the vocals were higher. Now Leonardo was interacting a little more with the public, who timidly matched him.

Aslan had caught himself shaking his head and tapping his feet to the rhythm of the music. He was smiling completely happy to see that all the boys exchanged glances and smiles on stage, in a silent but meaningful communication. For an instant he envied the closeness that the three of them had with the young master, to the point of being able to interpret his most superfluous signals and follow his commands.

The connection between them was enviable.

Aslan had not recorded the whole show, his arm was tired. There was a moment when Dona Berta approached the table with a portion of fries with cheddar, leaving it on the table. Sitting next to the boy, she smiled.

― It'll be a while before they get back, you'd better eat something in the meantime or you'll starve to death.

Aslan thanked her, taking a potato and eating it.

― Thank you.

― All right, sweetie. Our handsome boy asked me to keep you company, I hope you don't mind.

Aslan turned his head in surprise at the information. Had the young master lingered at the bar because he had talked to her and made such a request? It had touched him to have an heir care about him in such a way. Genuine.

― I don't mind, it will be an honour to have your company.

― Oh my, hohoho, come on, I don't know how to react to that. ― Laughed at the blushing woman.

The next song already contained a faster rhythm, having the audience following the energy loosening up more. The voices started to come out louder, trying to follow the singer. Still, Leonardo stood out with mastery.

― Wow, he's good! ― let slip Aslan, making the bar owner laugh.

Recording the show again, Aslan was surprised as the rhythm became more and more frenetic. The audience was screaming with each interaction of Leonardo, with the singer jumping from one side to another on stage, climbing on a box and jumping again. Going to all corners he interacted with each part of his audience, even sitting on the stage.

It was the most amazing performance he had ever seen in his life.

From that moment on, it was impossible for Aslan to take his eyes off the stage. When the mobile phone warned that the battery was low, the boy had to finish the recordings to enjoy the show alone for the next few hours. Another portion of chips and soda was necessary to satisfy the hunger that came from time to time.

Only after some time after midnight did the show end in splendour. The audience applauded euphorically the performance receiving due thanks from the band members. Aslan also applauded, still feeling the vibration of the songs in every muscle in his body.

When the members left the stage, they were immediately surrounded by the audience.

― Oops, looks like it's going to be a while before they come back.

― Is it always like this?

― Not always, it depends on their presentation. ― Mrs. Berta turned to the boy, looking at his eyes in malice. ― Maybe they wanted to show off more tonight.

Aslan shook his head and went back to eating his potatoes, startled by the sudden presence of Gustavo sitting beside him.

― I survived! But I'm going to die soon. ― Gasping, Gustavo laid his head on the table.

― I'll get you something to drink, little one.

While the woman returned to the bar, Aslan noticed the sweat dripping down the drummer's face. He had never seen someone so tired like that.

― Are you OK?

Gustavo opened his eyes with a low laugh as he straightened in his chair and stopped throwing himself down on the table.

― It's like running a marathon, even when you're not moving your body is hot and frantic. That's why I feel like I'm going to die soon.

Aslan had suppressed his laughter as he watched the boy eat his chips. Then, amidst the silence, they both watched the crowd around the band members. A little later the bassist and the guitarist managed to return to the table at the same time Berta brought a soda and water to the table.

― Miss Berta, a cold one for us, is that OK? ― Rafael asked, raising his finger.

― Are you starting already? You should eat first.

― Are you going to make us that sandwich?

― You're not in a restaurant, you stink!

Rafael laughed when the bar's owner turned her back.

― So, Aslan, what did you think?

The blonde smiled broadly in agreement with his head.

― You guys are really good. I was impressed with the show.

― Wasn't it? Today we had everything.

Soon Berta returned with two draft beer mugs on the table. Taking a big sip, Juliano noticed something poking the guitarist's rib with his elbow. Pointing discreetly in the direction, he heard a thump.

― Oh, that's cool.

Aslan and Gustavo stared at the older man and then followed his gaze and noticed Leonardo talking to a girl. Too pretty, Aslan noticed.

― What's up? Do you know her? ― Gustavo questioned, having a flash of lightning right away. ― Oh, she's from another time.

― The other time?

― Leo's ex-girlfriend.

Aslan widened his eyes and quickly turned in his chair to get a better view of the girl. Leonardo had his hands in his trousers pocket, smiling slightly as he talked to the girl, although he didn't seem very excited to do it.

― Did he... Did he have a girlfriend? ― Aslan whispered in a daze.

― Is that imbecile around? ― Julian looked around looking like he was furiously searching for someone.

― I haven't seen him yet, but if she's here you can bet he'll turn up soon.

Aslan had no idea who to pay attention to. On the young master who was listening to the girl in front of him, or on his friends who seemed in a maximum state of alert.

― What is it? Is Leo in some kind of trouble?

Gustavo had been the one who had approached Aslan to whisper.

― Leo used to date that girl until a few months ago, but as he lived busy because of work she betrayed him with the former vocalist of the band.

― The young master was betrayed?

― Huh?

Aslan covered his mouth immediately, staring in terror at the drummer who seemed to have heard his little slip. He was still filtering through the information that Leonardo had already been in a relationship with someone and even betrayed. Quickly the image of a certain trapeze artist had popped into his mind.

If only he had known.

Pulling himself together, Aslan had also huffed, leaning on the table.

― Does Leo still like her, by any chance? To be talking, I mean.

― No way, he was really bad when he found out. ― Rafael turned to Mrs. Berta, who kept quiet, watching from afar. ― Betinha, you can rescue him, can't you?

― Me? Why? He knows how to handle himself.

― What's wrong? Leozinho never knows how to say no to that girl...

― He's here, Rafa.

Juliano's low voice announced the arrival of a tall and corpulent man who quickly embraced the girl. Introductions were unnecessary, because Aslan could tell by the man's face and posture that he despised Leonardo's presence.

Of Leonardo.

Leonardo Evilian.

The heir to the biggest amusement park and circus on the continent!

His young master.

His friend.

Scorned!

The blood boiled in Aslan's veins. Never, and under no circumstances, would he let his young master be the target of contempt from someone filled with malice. Even more so by someone who betrayed his trust and deepest feelings.

― Let's go and help him...

Before Juliano and Rafael could mention getting up, Aslan was already walking past them like a ghost. His eyes barely blinked without turning away from that horrid couple.

He wanted to wring their necks.

Make them breathless.

Make them fall to their knees before the young master, to see how great he was.

And when he got close enough, he noticed the young master's gaze shift in his direction. Subtle that only Aslan would notice. Without moving. Without showing any gaps to the others.

Still, Aslan had stayed by his side, holding his arm.

― Leo, what's taking so long?

The couple seemed stunned by Aslan's sudden arrival, which barely directed his attention to greet them.

― I'm coming, are you hungry?

― A little, and you?

― Quite a bit. ― Leonardo smiled gently as he stroked Aslan's hair. ― We should eat, since I have to drop you home early.

The blond had blushed intensely at the subliminal mention of a certain magician. Although it was past one in the morning.

When the two turned their backs, the rude voice had sounded too loud.

― Are you turning into a fag now? You think you can get so much attention, but you can't wait to get down on all fours...

Aslan quickly stood in front of the brute, clasping his face and covering his mouth. Despite the difference in height, Aslan was able to reach up to squeeze his face with the tips of his fingers. Force enough to break his jaw if he wished.

― Measure your words, scum. Don't you dare speak ill of him in front of me.

Gently a hand emerged over Aslan's.

― Let him go, I don't want to create a ruckus inside the bar.

Only at Leonardo's calm request did the blond man let go of the brute, who was leaning on his frightened girlfriend. The young master smiled at the two, holding his friend's shoulders.

The lout would have been ready to start a fight right there, if not for Aslan's icy, sharp gaze in his direction. Leonardo pushed the boy to the bar, where the owner was already holding two aluminium mugs.

― I'm going to ban that guy from now on. Always making trouble.

― If it's because of me, there's no need. I don't want to bother him.

― I want an environment where my clients feel good and don't leave here handcuffed. ― Handing over the two cups, the bar owner sighed tiredly. ― Here, hot milk with honey just the way you like.

― You're awesome, Betinha ― Leonardo extended a mug to Aslan, still exuding kindness and calm. ― Drink this to calm your nerves. Go to the table with the guys, because we'll only have food after the bar gets emptier.

Aslan was tempted to contradict, but the cake had formed in his throat, keeping him silent. Picking up his cup, he turned around and returned to the table feeling guilty for having intervened without being called. Would the young master have considered his behaviour inappropriate?

He had no idea.

That night he had not been able to discern the real Leonardo, for he was different from what he usually saw in the mansion.

Sitting down on the bench and taking a sip of the warm milk, Aslan felt calmer.

― Man, you were awesome now! You're that strong?

Raising his face, he noticed three pairs of eyes shining with fascination upon him. Realising that he had forgotten about the young master's friends when he thought of defending him, his face flushed.

― A-Ah, it's in primary school that I took self-defence classes...

― Just as well. ― Rafael sighed in relief. ― If Alex punched us, we would fly away.

― What do you mean?

― Thanks for helping Leo.

Gustavo's sweet smile caught Aslan off guard. Hiding his shame in his aluminium mug, the boy had managed to feel relieved for only a moment, until he heard.

― Last time we couldn't even help Leo, and in the end he got hurt like that.

― Have they ever had a fight? - Aslan asked curiously.

― I don't really know, but I think Alex is really jealous of Leo. After we found out about the betrayal we had a pretty heated argument, and that son of a bitch hurt Leo's hand.

Aslan tilted his head without understanding, and Rafael approached him to continue his story.

― Alex was the lead singer of the band and Leo was our drummer, but when we found out the whole story, he went after Leo with the intention of breaking his hand.

Aslan swallowed dryly, having the warm milk losing every calming effect on the boy. Directing his attention to the young master, he realised that he spent most of his time with his hands in his trouser pockets.

― A glass bottle. ― Murmured Juliano, also looking at Leonardo. ― And the damage was done. It went through his hand and then we lost an excellent drummer.

Sighing low Aslan already imagined that the world outside the park hadn't changed much. He'd rather stay in his fantasy world.

And he would find some way to do the same with the young master.


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