Chapter 13 - Afternoon tea

At dusk four people were gathered in the living room of the Dreamland Mansion having their afternoon coffee. The sunset that made the sky orange was the most beautiful sight that the huge windows showed, amidst the landscape of the big trees. They could enjoy that sight immersed in silence, if not for Benjin narrating how sexy Leonardo looked while playing drums earlier.

― My ears are bleeding. ― Ray complained in a dull grimace. ― I can't stand hearing about the young master anymore.

― Eh, I'm impressed that Leo seems to know how to do so many things.

Aslan had received sharp looks from two boys, not showing any nervousness at the mere mention of the nickname. Taking a sip of his tea, the blond boy sighed crossing his legs before Ray threw himself on the upholstery to lie on his lap.

― You're no fun at all, Aslan. ― complained the magician. ― I can do some things too.

― What you can do are actually things no human being should do.

― Is that a compliment?

Aslan had denied it with his head, drawing a laugh from the magician.

― Boys, please. ― Vincent asked, having Ray squat down on the upholstery to grab a biscuit from the tray. ― The young master seems to have developed several skills since he left home. So I believe he is capable of learning more logical things like administration.

― He is intelligent. But Vinnie, I would love it if you would let me spend more time with him.

Despite the lightness in his voice, Vincent had felt the disguised jealousy. It had been expected since they went on stage. It had been a real battle to get Benjin to return to rehearsal after lunch.

― If you would devote your time and energy to rehearsals as you do to the young master, I would be immensely grateful.

The sound of footsteps ended the discussion. A pleasant, woody perfume overlapped the teas. The four of them turned towards the stairs, where Leonardo was coming down. Stopping at the furniture near the entrance of the mansion picking up the keys to the chevette, there one could see something new.

I mean, it was the first time they saw Leonardo tidy. Black jeans a little bit tight, the big white shirt highlighting his target neck and the necklace he was wearing. His hair was damp, but their brown colour highlighted the silver earrings.

― Wow, the young master looks stunning. ― Ray joked, earning a scolding look from Benjin.

As soon as he got the car key, Leonardo approached the upholstered bench, focusing only on Vicente.

― I'm going to work, I'll need the gate control.

― Oh, that's right. I'll get it.

Vincent left the cup of tea on the table to get up and leave the room. Benjin leaned his head on his arm watching the boy looking so cool.

― Where is Leo going?

― Work. ― The university student smiled at the blond boy, who looked curious as he tilted his head. ― On the weekends I play with my friends in a bar.

― Are you in a band?

― That explains a lot. ― Laughed Ray. ― Are you by any chance the drummer?

― No, I'm the lead singer.

― Then you must not be that good. When Ben told me about his stunt earlier, I must have overestimated his skills.

Leonardo had glanced at the trapeze artist, who had been staring at him soberly ever since he had heard Aslan's question. Sticking out his tongue as he put on his thick coat, the boy had not been taken in by the malice of that clown.

― I used to play as a drummer, but I found a kid who's really good. ― Smiling proudly, Leonardo remembered the day he had seen Gustavo playing ― He is a talent worth polishing, that's why I dedicate myself to give him opportunities.

I mean, Gustavo was still a freshman and had a lot of energy to learn to play better. The boy always appeared in college with a video with some technique he wanted to learn, and Leonardo helped him with great pleasure.

Sharing tips between people with the same tastes was a pleasure.

His joy was visible, making a certain trapeze artist not very happy.

― Ah, I'd like to see a band concert. That must be so cool. ― mumbled Aslan gloomily.

― Hey, I'll take you if you want.

― Unlike the young master who has everything handed to him, we mere mortals need to work. ― growled Ray, hugging Aslan possessively. ― Besides, our little genius here doesn't need to see this kind of crap.

― Hand over fist? ― Leonardo let out a dry laugh, moistening his lips as he tried to take a deep breath to keep calm. Even though such a task was difficult. ― Fuck you, you clown. You have no idea what I've been through.

It was noticeable that Ray was a bit rough with Leonardo, the university student had already noticed that. He just couldn't say why it had earned him his dislike. Besides, why would he be rude to you when he wasn't the one he was talking to?

Vicente returned to the room, handing the control to Leonardo.

― Ready, young master. You can leave it in your car, but don't lose it. By the way... Shall I keep your dinner?

Rolling his eyes, Leonardo put the control in his shirt pocket and turned his back to the group.

― Don't wait for me. ― he answered dryly.

Leonardo having left the mansion amidst a rapturous silence, Vicente turned to the three young men, arching an eyebrow. Ray's mere shrug was nothing new to the others already accustomed to his loose tongue.

Benjin had raised his clear eyes to the magician in a manner that made his anger clear. Fingers closed into fists tightened as he heard the sound of the car engine gradually pulling away announcing the young master's departure.

Punching the table leaving the other three on alert, Benjin bit his lower lip.

- 'Ben, there's no need to be irritated. Ray is an idiot and that's not even news.

― Hey!

― Why does he always have to leave? ― murmured the trapeze artist. ― Every time something comes up to take him away from me, and this time...

Ray held up his hands innocently.

― There's no point in blaming me. He was going to leave anyway.

― He'd probably stay a bit longer if you hadn't talked shit. ― Aslan complained, cracking a slight smile after pouring himself some tea.

Ray turned to the blond boy, pursing his lips.

― He wanted to take you to a bar! Do you realise that? People and more drunk people together in an enclosed place.

― You were jealous, you idiot. Besides, in the park we also have people who get drunk.

― But...

― Who's that drummer guy? ― Benjin complained, resuming his conversation when he turned to Vincent ― Have you seen him?

Vicente sat down on the sofa, also pouring his tea again.

― I saw him a few times when I went to the university to see the young master. He must be younger than Aslan, and he is always close to Leonardo.

― The young master said he is polishing his talent, so that means they spend time together...

Aslan had stuffed a piece of bread pudding into Ray's mouth. It hadn't been enough to ward off the jealous shadow over Benjin's head, who was pressing a pillow into his arms.

― Together? Don't tell me Leo got all dressed up just to see this kid. No, no...

Vincent sighed in resignation. Dealing with a jealous person was his maximum capacity. Now two of them demanded strategy and patience that perhaps the administrator didn't have. His energy was exhausted just walking around the park with Leonardo, imagine dealing with those boys.

Ray liked Aslan, that was clear although there was a fine line between romantic feelings and the desire to upset a person for personal amusement. Benjin on the other hand was simply obsessed. What could happen when they both had conflicting feelings for the same person?

― Vincent, why did you call us here? ― Aslan questioned, ignoring Ray's attempts to gain his attention.

Taking a sip of his tea, the administrator kept his posture upright as he raised his bright amber eyes to Aslan. An impeccable seriousness already hinted that the matter was serious.

― We need a new attraction for the Winter Flavour premiere.

Turning towards the huge window, Aslan could notice the cerration starting to become present.

― Hm... It's time for a new friend. Who should we call?

Benjin rose from the upholstery, heading towards the door of the mansion. Before passing through the double door, the boy turned over his shoulder casting a puzzled look at the others.

― Whoever it is, it's on me. I need to blow off some steam.

Vincent stared at him for a mere second before returning the smile to the trapeze artist.

― I'll be waiting for you, in that case.