Chapter Text
The ticking of the clock echoes throughout the room as the tutor grades Daniel's practice exam. Daniel sits in the study patiently, hands folded in his lap as he waits for the results. He knows he's right, but nevertheless he lets the theatrics continue. Behind him stands his Grandfather, Gustav, staring intently at the paper as the tutor goes through the pages. His Grandmother, Mary, stands next to him worriedly wringing her handkerchief as she looks at Grandfather's face. As if she was waiting for some sort of sign. She was always so nervous. He still never understood why that was. Grandfather said it was just in a woman's nature to be that way. Daniel thinks that's a lie, given how cold and unbothered Aunt Lydia was and how aggressive his own mother was whenever she saw him. But that was neither here nor there.
Daniel Sebastian Shvagenbagen, the youngest member of the Shvagenbagen Family, soon found himself being tested once again with all eyes on him. Not that he was unfamiliar with that. Ever since he was little he felt as if his worth was constantly being tested. As if his life and existence hung on the line at all times. It's a pressure that he's grown to tolerate the older he gets. This was mainly because Daniel never felt that threatened. Why? Because he never failed.
The tutor stops and takes off his glasses, "105%. He even got the bonus question as well."
Grandmother lets out a sigh of relief and Grandfather straightens up with a slight smirk. "Excellent. I expect nothing less from my Grandson."
Daniel looks up at him, "I do my best, Grandfather."
The older man grunts and pulls out his pocket watch. "Thank your tutor, put away your things and get ready for supper."
"Yes, Grandfather." He gets up and quickly does as he's told, glancing as his grandparents leave the room with the tutor. It's then his mask of calm drops and he scowls slightly. He shoved his schoolwork into his satchel before heading toward his room.
In his mind, there wasn't much to complain about. Daniel lives in the lap of luxury, or so many would say. He lives in a large house with a family and all his needs are met. All he has to do is obey and listen to whatever Grandfather tells him to do. It's not a hard life...and yet Daniel can't help but feel himself getting less and less alive with each year. This life, this constant servitude and distance, was killing him. Daniel was by no means cuddly or social but he felt less like a member of the family and more like a pet. Always jumping through hoops and performing tricks to earn his right at the table. At least that's how everyone in the household makes him feel. Well, almost everyone.
"Daniel. Do you have a moment?"
He looks up to see his father standing by his bedroom door.
Sebastian Shvagenbagen was his Dad, though it often didn't feel that way. From a biological perspective, yes. However their relationship was more than strained and for the most part Grandfather had been the one in charge of him, dictating his life as he pleased. It wasn't always that way. Originally the old man had been cold and distant with him, giving either Sebastian or his mother full watch over him in his younger years. Back then Grandfather was always treating him as some sort of 'other' in the household. As if he didn't really belong. However as Daniel grew and proved his intelligence and obedience over and over, Grandfather's opinion had shifted. Now he favored the youngest Shvagenbagen more than anyone else. Not so much a son, but closer than before. Daniel's coldness, his wit and work ethic pleased Grandfather. You are efficient and hard working; not letting yourself get carried away with fantasies and foolish desires. I like that, Daniel. You're a much better man than your father was at this age. You don't indulge yourself in fantasies. Daniel would only nod and thank him for the compliment, not sure what else to say. It's not like he could dispute it, considering he hardly knew his father.
That’s not to say that he had no interactions with his Dad. At times it seemed like all Sebastian wanted was to spend more time with his son. However he had work and any free time Sebastian did have was always cut short by Grandfather who was always whisking one of the blonds away. There were moments though that did solidify his father's love; or at least proved that something was there. Most of those moments were when he was younger and his Dad would spend time playing with him, playing the guitar for him and holding him close during nightmares. His Dad cares, Daniel knows he does, but it's hard to accept his love nowadays. It felt as if a wall had sprung up between them and neither was sure how to break through to the other. Neither could bring themselves to express any emotions beyond tepid content.
Still, even if his Dad always appeared neutral and cold, Daniel swore he saw that mask of his break a few times. Sometimes with him, though usually during nights when there was a full moon. It felt like a scene straight out of one of Daniel's gothic novels, really. A sad, blond count gazing into the full moon as if remembering some long lost love...but he was probably making things out of thin air. He doubts his father had the capacity to care for anything more than the bare minimum.
Pushing those thoughts aside, he hesitates before reluctantly nodding, "Yes. What would you like to talk about?"
"The practice exam. How did it go?"
Daniel opens the door to his bedroom. "A success, I got a 105%."
His Dad seems pleased, giving a relieved sigh, "Nothing else happened?"
"No."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there."
You're never there , Daniel thinks coldly but he merely shakes his head, "It's alright. I know you were busy." There's a pause and he looks back into his room before looking at his Dad, "I have to get ready for supper…"
"Ah, yes. I'll leave you to it." Sebastian gives a nod, hesitating only briefly, before he leaves. "Good job."
Daniel gives a nod and bids him a goodbye before watching his father walk away. Once the other is out of sight Daniel sighs and lets his shoulders drop as he steps into the room and shuts the door. It was fairly plain with only a small bookshelf in the corner and a desk covered with neat piles of homework and practice work. Collapsing on the bed, he sighs and looks up at the ceiling above. Father always seemed worried about leaving him with Grandfather. He isn't sure why. It's not like he made Grandfather upset often. Daniel could only count a handful of times where he ever fully disappointed the old man. One of them being when he found his music collection on an MP3 he stole a couple years back. Daniel frowns and subconsciously rubs at his wrist. Only one small, thin scar had remained from that day. He didn't mind it much but Father had been absolutely heartbroken and livid when he found out. It was the first time he actually saw the man blow up at Grandfather. Daniel tried to reassure him that it was fine but his father was unconsolable for the next few days. He was about eight then and he remembers his Dad holding him tightly and refusing to let go for hours, sobbing out apologies throughout the night. He still wasn't sure why he reacted so badly but he merely pushed it aside. He closes his eyes and takes a moment to gather himself before he needs to get ready for supper...but something soon catches his attention.
Daniel gets off the bed and goes to the window, pushing it open. The sound of the city immediately hit his ears and he leaned on the ledge of the window, looking out toward the park as he tried to pick out that sound again...And sure enough he did hear something.
He frowns and leans closer, head tilted as he hears the very, very faint strum of….it was the guitar! He furrows his brows, straining to hear the sound that came from far away. Damn, it sounded like it was far. Though not far enough where he couldn't hear it. Hmm. He looks forward again, eyes scanning over the view. Despite living so close to it, Daniel had never wandered into the park. His Grandfather and even his Father had forbidden it. Another mystery to add onto the pile...another rule to break without their knowing.
While usually Daniel wouldn't give much credit to street music it had been a long time since he's heard a guitar. His father used to play him songs till Grandfather found them one day. The guitar had been smashed before either blond could react. The look on his Father's face as he stared at the broken and purple splintered wood still burned in Daniel's memory. It was one of the few moments that proved his Dad felt emotions after all. It had been ages since then. But perhaps...perhaps he could learn to play himself? Maybe even find a guitar to replace the one his Dad lost...
Daniel stands up and narrows his eyes as he looks out. Couldn't be too far right? Especially if he heard it from here. Maybe he'd skip lunch and take a look…
"Daniel! Supper is ready, darling." His Grandmother's voice calls from behind the door.
"I'm coming." He sighs and shuts the window before smoothing his hair back and adjusting his tie. Yes, it would be worth it to take a look, he thinks to himself as he leaves his room and heads downstairs.
On the other side of the town, in the park that's near the more dilapidated factory region, a small crowd of onlookers gather around the little guitarist whose fingers move across the beaten up acoustic in a blur. Some cheer while others snicker at how the boy could be playing an instrument that was almost bigger than himself. But Heavy doesn't care. As long as they threw some money into the case then he was satisfied. He grins widely to the audience before finishing with a few rapid chords and then holding out a long note to finish it off. The crowd cheers and a few more dollars were thrown in for the effort.
"Thank you, thank you!" He gave a bow and smile to the adults before they began to disperse. He pushes back his red bangs and wipes the sweat off his forehead before looking up at the evening sky with a smile. Heavy buzzes with the adrenaline of his performance. Another day of good work. All that was left was to collect the spoils. He bends down to scoop up the dollar bills strewn about, saying goodbye to a few of the adults when a voice catches his attention.
"Nice performance, rockstar."
Heavy grins and turns to see Ches appear from the back of the crowd. An enigma of a man and a loving parent, Ches had been Heavy's whole world and the other could say the same about him as well. There wasn't much Heavy knew about his Dad. There were a couple of snippets here and there about his childhood but nothing that gave Heavy any more information than shallow details. Any attempts to learn fully about his past and the events that lead up to the family's nomadic lifestyle had been cut short. All Ches would say was 'I met Vicky, we traveled together and then you were born. Now we all travel. What more is there to say?' Heavy felt as if there was a lot more to say but had decided to let it go for now. He supposed it wasn't important considering the grand scheme of things. All he knew was that he loves his parents and they love him back. Perhaps that was all he really needed to know.
"Dad!" He runs over and holds up his earnings proudly, "Look how much I made!" he bounces up and down and as he holds out the cash to him. "$32!"
"Wooow~ You cashed out today! I'm so proud of you!" he said, ruffling the kid’s hair.
Ches always said that whether it be a hundred dollars or just one. Still, it made Heavy feel happy. “Did you find any parts today?”
“Just a couple of tools your Mama might need.”
"Any cool things?"
"Not today, Heavy. But I'll keep an eye out."
"Okay, thank you!"
Ches chuckles and ruffles his hair before helping him pack up, “Let’s start heading back. I’m starved, aren't you?” Heavy gives an eager nod and watches as Ches slips the guitar case over his shoulder before he motions for him to follow.
“What are we going to eat?” Heavy asks as he walks next to him.
“Not sure. We’ll see what we can find while Vicky's out.”
“Okay.”
Heavy wishes they could go out like before. Eating at diners and restaurants along the road was always fun. But money has been tight recently since the accident. All the money they had was put toward fixing the motorcycle and paying for the damages. They had been saving up to try and find something more permanent to live but of course, life likes to take a shit on you and make things difficult. At least that's what Uncle Bug says. But they had escaped the incident with their lives so Heavy figures they were lucky in that sense. He also got a cool scar on his arm which he thought made him look tough.
After a while Heavy spoke up once more, "You know...we could probably make more money if we did a duet." he smiles some, "If we borrow another guitar, or I can find a bucket to make drums, we could have a little band. Mama can even be our bodyguard."
Ches' smile stayed on his face, but Heavy could see a touch of sadness in his grey eyes, "Maybe, maybe...but you know I don't play anymore."
"But you're amazing!"
"And so are you."
"But we can make a band and get famous and get money and-"
Ches places an arm around Heavy, "My days of playing are done. But now it's your turn to take over. That's why you have my guitar now. Maybe one day you'll find some people and create a band of your own." he shrugs, "You can finish what I started."
"Yeah...okay." Heavy smiles and leans against his Dad's side, “But what about if I play closer to the city? Maybe I can find a new audience-”
“No. You can't wander far from the factory region. It’s not safe.”
“But the rich people live there. They can donate a lot more money!”
Ches’ smile fell a little, “Rich people aren’t always that generous. Better to stick closer to the shack okay?” He looked down at him, “Promise?”
“...Promise." Heavy sighed and looked down for a moment before looking back up at him, "What should I do with the money?"
"Keep it."
"But-"
"You helped us last time with money, keep it. Save it for later."
Heavy sighed but smiled and nodded, "Okay. Just in case I need new strings."
"There we go. Now come on, I feel like my stomach is gunna eat itself.”
Heavy nods and quickens his pace as they neared the end of the park. Though he did glance back at the nicer buildings and the shiny rooftops of the higher end district. He wonders what it was like to live around there, surrounded by such nice things and without any concerns regarding money. He smiles and straightens up some. When he got rich and famous, then he'd know what it felt like. Mama and Papa would find out too and they could all live together in a big house without worry.
But it was a dream for later. They managed to 'borrow' some food from the supermarket and once Mama returned home the happy family spent the rest of the evening arguing about music and movies over food and drinks. Mama was always much more argumentative and aggressive during her rants but Ches always rolled with it with his usual nonchalant smile. Heavy was more than happy to hype her up in her rants, the two usually getting into elated screaming matches over one topic or another. But when it got too late it was time to turn in for the night. The shack that they were living in for the time being had everything in one room so space was limited. But they all made it work.
As he settled down for the night, he couldn't help but wonder if there was anything else worth it beyond the park. Ches was by no means strict and often let Heavy do whatever he pleased, but when they came into this town he had forbidden Heavy from going farther than the park. It was a rule that even Victoria didn't quite understand but had no problem enforcing it by not taking their son into the city with her. Which was completely lame, since he saw no reason why he couldn't go. Heavy didn't like to disobey his parents...but their insistence on it really did make him curious...hmm. Tomorrow was a new day; perhaps he'd see what all the fuss was about...maybe he’d find a new audience.