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Their first meeting was not very pleasant. David dreamily walked down the hallway, holding his textbooks and heading to the classroom. The corridors were full of students, so the boy had to go around them so as not to collide. Turning around the corner, someone suddenly crashes into Livesey. The black-haired boy staggered and dropped his books.
— Watch where you're going, blockhead, — the hooligan gritted and went on his way. David turned to him. He saw only the usual school uniform and golden hair. "What a a brute!" — Livesey thought to himself and, having collected his textbooks, went on.
***
After a couple of lessons, he met him again. From the lips of the teacher, he learned only surname — Smollett.
— Mr. Smollett, you skipped class again. Fourth time this week! Are not you ashamed?
Smollett only looked at the adult with a bored look, not paying attention to the screams or the looks of his classmates, including David.
— Sorry. I was... busy.
— And what were you doing, may I ask?
Then suddenly the blonde looked at David, who was still standing near the door. From this look, the boy was embarrassed.
— It's personal, — Smollett replied in a hoarse voice. The teacher just sighed.
— Alexander. I think you understand that you will be punished for this.
— What? Again?! — Alexander stood up abruptly and slammed his hands on the table. Livesey started and accidentally jumped away from the door.
— Alexander, stop the hysteria!
— Damn it!
David was lucky to move away from the door, because at the same second, Smollett abruptly ran out of the classroom. The teacher was about to say something, but he saw Livesey at the door.
— Oh, Livesey. I didn't notice you. Take your seat.
— What about Alexander? — the young man asked timidly.
— This is not the first time this has happened, he will come to his senses. I hope.
After that, David calmly sat down and began to reason in his head. Like why Smollett was in his class, he hadn't seen him before. One girl said that Alex changed classes because he almost gave the last class teacher a heart attack. Livesey felt uneasy again. He didn't ask any more questions, afraid to find out something worse.
***
The lessons were over, and now David was walking home. He did not see or hear about Smollett during the entire educational process, as if he had been forgotten. But Livesey was thinking about him. Thought why he was behaving like that. The boy was sure that every person has reasons for their behavior, whether it be bad parents, upbringing or trauma from childhood. As David thought, he heard screams and the voice was familiar. Out of curiosity, Livesey followed the sound and approached a dark corner. There he saw three large figures and one small one. Coming closer and narrowing his eyes, David recognized Alexander, who was taken by the collar, apparently by one of the high school students.
— I don't owe you anything! — Alex shouted, kicking the air with his feet. The guy who was holding him punched Smollett in the stomach.
— Don't argue, Alex. You owe us more.
— I won't give you anything! Go to hell!
Then he was pushed hard against the wall. Livesey nearly doubled over. He saw Smollett's nose bleed. Another high school student approached him.
— Listen, Alex, you better not argue with us. You owe us 5 pounds. We know that your parents are not poor, but you are just afraid to steal something from them, because you will be punished for this. But, - hands pulled out a knife from a pocket, - our punishment will be even worse, than at your parents. Do you understand?
Alexander nodded reluctantly. They let him go.
— We give you a week. This is the last warning.
David realized that they were going to leave, so he ran to the nearest store to hide. The bell chimed treacherously. He went to a clothing store.
— Boy, do you need something? — the old salesman asked him.
— No... no, sorry... — Livesey turned to the window, waiting for the bullies to leave. As soon as they disappeared around the bend, the boy ran out into the street. He noticed Alex, with a split lip, bloody hands and nose. He tried to wipe the blood off with his sleeve, but it didn't work out very well. Then he turned to David. His heart sank into heels.
— What are you looking at?
Livesey didn't know what to say. But what he knew for sure was that Smollett needed to treat his wounds. David always carried a small first aid kit with him. While the boy was thinking, Alexander snorted and was about to leave.
— Wait, Alex!
— For you, "Alexander", blockhead.
— Alexander. You don't look well. Can.. can I treat your wounds?
— Why should I let you do that?
— Well.. there may be an infection and... — strangely, Livesey could not find the words at all. He is quite a sociable child, always explains everything clearly, and here he seems to have filled his mouth with water.
— Oh God. You can't even connect a sentence. Blockhead.
This time, Livesey really felt hurt.
— My name is David. David Livesey. I want to help you. And if you want... I can help you... with those bullies.. — the boy said the last part uncertainly, and Smollett raised an eyebrow questioningly. David also noticed that Alexander shows no emotions other than anger, hatred and indifference.
— You mean you're going to give me money to pay them?
— Yes.
— Hm.. okay, that's settled. Only, let's go to a quieter place, — Alex suddenly spoke in a calm voice, which surprised Livesey again. This boy was full of surprises.
***
They came closer to the sea and sat down next to a seafood store. David was already "working hard." Smollett bravely endured all this, only occasionally hissing. After treating his hands and checking his body for fractures, Livesey reached for his tanned face.
— Um.. I want to wipe the blood away.. — he didn't know why he was so embarrassed. Alexander only nodded at his words. David carefully wiped the blood with a handkerchief and immediately pulled away.
— Tell me, Alex- I mean, Alexander!.. how long have these bullies been... bothering you?
— Why do you need to know? — Alex asked aloof, looking at the sea.
— Just.. judging by your dialogue, it's not the first time you owe them. Why did this happen? And why don't you tell your parents?
— First of all, it's none of your damn business! — Smollett snapped, — and about the parents..
Then the guy quieted down again. About a minute passed, and he still didn't answer.
— I'm sorry, Alexander. It's just that I want to help you, — here he took 5 pounds out of his pocket and handed them to Alex. The blond-haired man looked at his hand and took the coins.
— Hmm, I thought you'd only give a part. And anyway, why would you help me? I'm... well.. how to say... well, bad, in short.
Yes, according to the teachers, Mr. Smollett was quite a bully. He constantly got into fights, skipped classes, did not listen to elders. But on the other hand, Alexander is also suffering, to some extent. He gets bullied too. And how he didn't want to talk about his parents. Maybe there aren't any? Or are they violent, drunkards of some kind? Although, judging by the words of others, his parents were quite rich. David always liked to study people. And he wanted to study Alex.
— To be honest, I don't think you're that bad. It's just, maybe you have a reason to behave like this, I don't know..
Smollett only smiled bitterly at this.
— Yeah, whatever you say, blockhead.
— My name is David.
— David.
Alexander got up and walked away without saying goodbye.
***
The next day. Livesey didn't see Alex until lunch. Most likely, he didn't even come to school. "Maybe he went to pay back the debt to those guys?". With these thoughts, David took his lunch consisting of boiled beef, bread, vegetables, pudding, tea and went to the tables. But then suddenly, as yesterday, the door to the dining room opened. Smollett showed up there. From an incomprehensible joy, David wanted to run up to him, but he noticed again the evil face of the blonde, and behind him there were chuckles. Not paying attention to anyone, Alexander went to the farthest corner of the dining room, sat down on the curb from the wall and began to take something out of his backpack. No one paid attention to it, they were even afraid to look in the direction of this guy. Livesey decided to join him.
As he got closer, he noticed that Smollett was holding a sandwich in his hands and slowly chewing it. David sat down next to him.
— What do you want? — Alexander asked sharply.
— Nothing. I just wanted to sit next to you.
Alex didn't react to this in any way. He just continued to eat.
— Alex.. Alexander. Why are you only eating a sandwich?
— Because I don't want to eat food from the canteen.
— And why-
— Set aside.
Alex said it in such a tone that Livesey immediately shut up and even straightened his back.
— I'm sorry. By the way, how are things with those hooligans?
— I paid my debt. Everything is fine.
The black-haired man expected at least words of gratitude for the help, but he was glad that Smollett would now have no problems with them. Maybe. Now Alexander had finished his "lunch", but he wasn't going to leave, just looked somewhere in front of him. David thought he was still hungry and decided to share the pudding.
— No, thanks. I'm not hungry.
— Please, Alex.
— Alexander.
They fell silent again, and Livesey continued to sit with his hand outstretched. Alexander sighed irritably and took the pudding.
— You're unbearable, — and began to eat again.
— If you want, I can go for tea.
— Don't.
David watched with some pleasure as his classmate ate his lunch.
***
The weekend has come. The remaining school days, Livesey and Smollett only occasionally met and exchanged a couple of phrases. And now, on Sunday evening, David decided to take a walk and did not notice how he went to the sea. He was never particularly interested in it, he liked the land more. Walking down the street, the boy noticed the familiar blond hair again. It was Alexander. He leaned his elbows on the barrel and watched the sailors prepare the ship for departure. Livesey decided to watch him for a while. But Alex didn't move or say anything. He just looked at the work of people and the sea. Suddenly a tanned and old man came up to him and said something. Smollett said something in response, and they had a little dialogue. Then Alexander, like a loser, walked away, towards Livesey. Their eyes met again.
— Are you following me?
—Wh-what? Of course not! I... I was just passing by-
— Okay, forget it, — and he went down the street. David is behind him.
— Do you like the sea? — Livesey asked casually.
— Yes.
— What were you talking about.. with that man?
— He's the boatswain of the ship I was looking at. I once shared with him a dream that I wanted to become a sailor, maybe even a captain, and maybe I could work with them. He just laughed.
— Why did he do that? — Livesey was genuinely surprised. After all, it was an ordinary dream of a child, there is nothing shameful about it. But Alex just didn't say anything. The black-haired man decided to somehow cheer him up.
— I am sure that you will fulfill your dream.
— I don't think so.
- Why?
— Parents are against it. They don't like that.
David understood. Smollett had strict parents.
— I have to go back, — Alexander said, — otherwise my father will punish me. Livesey wanted to ask exactly how, but didn't dare.
— See you tomorrow, — Alex whispered and left again.
***
It was already the third lesson, and Smollett was still not there. David was worried. One rather stupid thought occurred to him: what if his father had punished him after all? Suddenly, the sound of broken glass was heard in the corridor and an angry voice shouted "Mr. Smollett!". Later, the boy was brought to the office. He looked rumpled. His hair was disheveled, his shirt was somehow put on, and his face was pale and tired. The teacher was wailing at him about the broken window, but Livesey didn't hear anything. He just looked at Alexander, and he stood with a stony face.
— Well, Alexander, I'll have to punish you. Again.
— No! Do not!! — Smollett tried to pull away, but he couldn't. David turned away. He was never beaten with a whip, a belt or a rod, and he did not like it when it was done to others. The black-haired man heard clear lashes. Despite the fact that Alexander had struggled earlier, not a sound could be heard from him now. However, at the end he began to cry out. David decided to take a look. Some tracks were fresh, and some were old. Where has he been flogged like this before?
The spanking was over, then the lesson. Alex immediately left the classroom, and Livesey ran after him. He grabbed Smollett by the shoulder, to which he jerked and roughly hit his arm.
— What do you want again?!
— I.. — again, David can't say anything. And what should he say? Ask if Alexander is okay? Of course he's not okay, he's just been whipped.
— Listen, if you have nothing to say, then leave. Otherwise, I will definitely punch you, — he clenched his fists, his face flushed with anger. Alex turned his back on Livesey and left.
***
The next day. David felt lousy. He felt bad that he had quarreled with Smollett. Meanwhile, his friends said that it was for the best, anyway Alexander is unstable. Livesey wanted to object, but was silent.
When the lessons were over, the black-haired man decided to walk around the school. He didn't know the reason for his decision. Maybe he hopes that Alex is somewhere nearby? And so it turned out. He was sitting near the entrance to the basement, which was covered with a roof.
— Alex! — David ran up to him. He was glad that everything was fine with Alexander. Well, so it seemed at first glance. But Smollett looked even worse than yesterday. Bruises on the face, a torn shirt, which is also half pulled off, and there are even more bruises on the neck.
— God, Alex, what happened?!
The blonde was silent again. Without permission, Livesey began to treat the wounds. Alexander did not resist, did not object, but sat quietly, sometimes shuddering at the touch. Unbeknownst to him, David pulled his shirt even tighter. He saw new marks of flogging.
— Don't touch it, — Smollett said.
— Alex, who did this?
— Parents. Father.
— I…I have bandages…
— No need..
— Please, Alex...
Alexander fell silent again and hunched over more. Livesey continued to tend to the wounds.
When the main was finished, he decided to study Alex's face again, but he was stopped.
— I'll deal with that myself.
— Who beat you?
— Cornelius. I mean, he set his buddies on me.
— Cornelius?
— It's... it doesn't matter.
David was getting annoyed.
— Alex, I'm trying to help you. And your silence only makes things worse.
— Why? Why would you help me? — here Smollett abruptly stands up, in his eyes again an unkind light.
— Alex..?
— What can you do? Is there anything you can do to get my dad to stop treating me like trash? Will you make your mom say a word? Will you save me from insults of my brother and other freaks? Do you have ideas?
— Alex, I'm sorry.. I didn't know..
— No one can help me. All I have to do is grow up and get out of here.
— Where are you going to go?
— I do not know. Maybe to Bristol, — Alexander answered more calmly, crossing his arms over his chest. He sat up and took a deep breath. David thought he was about to cry, but he didn't. And then Livesey abruptly hugs Alex.
— H-hey, what are you doing?! — Smollett asked indignantly, but did not push the boy away. And David squeezed his hands tighter. To be honest, he felt sorry for Alexander. He was constantly flogged either at home or at school, bad relations with his brother, teachers, classmates. And as Livesey concluded, Alex takes out his anger with his fists.
— I'm sorry, Alex… I wish you were fine, but… — he himself didn't notice how he was choking on tears.
— David, calm down. I'm fine. It's... a common thing, — Smollett began tentatively stroking the boy's head. And David's heart skipped a beat when Alexander called him by name.
***
So a year and a couple of months passed. Alexander still raked from his parents, teachers, got into fights, and Livesey took care of his wounds. Alex even became more open and calm next to him. David was always happy to meet him and enjoyed spending time together. As it turned out, Smollett had another friend - Hank, a boy from an orphanage. Livesey did not understand why, but he didn't like that Alexander was talking so animatedly with Hank, and that he was not finishing something with David. After such a meeting, Livesey decided to invite Alex to a cafe. He roughly took his hand.
— David, are you all right?
— Yeah. I just want to get there as soon as possible.
When they came in, they ordered desserts to take away.
— David, are you sure you're okay?
— Why do you ask?
— The way you grabbed my hand and walked to this cafe with a frown on your face. I would even say evil.
Livesey blushed now. He himself did not know how to explain this behavior.
— Okay, whatever. Battenberg* is delicious.
— Yes...
— By the way, — Smollett almost cried out. He leaned closer to Livesey.
— Wh-what, Alex?
— How can you smile all the time?
— Huh?
— Well, I mean… you smile all the time. Maybe a couple of times it happened that I caught you without this grimace, but still. I won't be surprised if even in the face of danger you have a smile in all 32, - from this David laughed.
— Hey, what are you laughing at?
— Ha-ha-ha-ha!! S-sorry, sorry, haha.. just.. honestly, I don't know myself. I always try to see the positive in everything, and I try to be like that myself.
— Optimist.
— Yes. I’ve also been told that this way you can cope with your problems, suppress your fears, even improve the mood of another person.
— Yeah. You are going to be a doctor? And will you also report a fatal diagnosis with a smile?
— Well, yes, probably. So that the patient is not so scared, I think.
— This is some nonsense.
— You didn't try to smile yourself.
— Ha-ha, okay, yours took it, — Alexander chuckled, and a smile spread across his face. David liked it so much.
— But still, they say that the happiest people are depressed at heart, and they hide their feelings behind a smile.
— But I'm definitely not like that, — objected Livesey.
— Because you have nothing to worry about. Although, you can keep something back, — Alex said with a squint.
— You certainly don’t say a lot of things.
To this Smollett said nothing, but began to finish his dessert.
— You keep quiet all the time too, — Livesey pouted.
— Okay, don’t be offended, — he slapped him on the shoulder, — it’s just that it was difficult for me to open up to people before.
— Sorry.
— What are you constantly apologizing for? It's not even your fault.
— Sorry! It just sort of pops out.
— Again!
— Sorry!
— David!
They both laughed.
***
A couple of weeks. Smollett became more calm, but still gloomy. He slightly improved his grades, and there were fewer signs of beatings. This certainly made David happy. But Alexander also made more friends. He spent a lot of time with them, and oddly enough, Livesey didn't like it. He liked it when Alex talked only with him. Gradually, this attachment grew and grew. David felt more and more jealous. He realized that he was in love. And immediately felt ashamed, because it is not worth it for him to love the boy. But on the other hand, if they hide it, will everything be fine? Hell, he's not even sure Smollett loves him yet, and he's already thinking about their relationship. Here Alexander calls him.
- David. Let's meet at our place. Now, — and left. Livesey began to gather faster.
When he arrived, Alex was sitting in his usual place. David did too.
— Alex, did you want to say something?
- No. Just... — Smollett took a deep breath, — I just wanted to be alone with you. It's ny brother.
Livesey just nodded his head. He decided to move closer to the guy. The blond noticed this, but made no comment.
— Alex, I…I want to tell you something.
— And what is it?
— Wait…let me collect my thoughts.
— You’re kind of too serious.. did something happen?
— No! No… there is something important you should know, — Livesey took a deep breath.
— Well?
— I know it's wrong and all, but... I... I like you. More than as a friend.
There was deathly silence. And as luck would have it, Smollett's eyes showed nothing. He just chuckled. "Please say something." — David silently pleaded.
— I like you too. More than just a friend, — the blonde said with such calmness that Livesey thought he was joking.
— Alex, you're not kidding, are you? I'm being serious here. And you-
Then Alexander sharply approached the face of the black-haired man, as if he wanted to kiss him, but a couple of centimeters remained between their lips. David's face turned red. Well, Alex wasn't kidding serious.
— Can I... can I kiss you?
Livesey didn't have the strength to speak, and he just nodded uncertainly. Smollett touched his lips lightly, closing his eyes. David blinked too. The kiss was gentle, not rushed. Later, the blond haired boy pulled away and looked away in embarrassment. Livesey took his hand in his. Alexander held it tightly.
***
Weeks have passed since that confession. From all this, David was in a great mood (it was good before, but now everything was a hundred times better!). And Alex himself seems to have become more open and cheerful. But here again, Livesey has not seen his boyfriend for almost the whole day.
Unfortunately, now he was late for the lesson, and ran with all his might. He was lucky to run past the medical center, because there he heard a familiar voice.
— Okay, okay! This will not happen again.. — Smollett himself leaves the medical center. He was all beaten up again, but the nurse managed to patch him up. He spotted David.
— Alex! — there was some resentment in Livesey's voice. Without saying anything, the blond confidently walked towards his lover. When he comes close, he grabs David by the waist and lifts him up.
— Alex!! — Livesey cries out in surprise and embarrassment, but immediately falls silent, afraid that someone might hear him. Smirking insidiously, Alexander carried the black-haired man to a place known only to him. They came to another secret corner of the school, or rather, under the stairs. Sitting down on the curb, he pulled David into his lap.
— Alex, what was that? — Livesey asked in a whisper. His face was red like a tomato.
— What are you talking about exactly? — Alex asked, still smiling.
— Why… why did you do that? You have to warn! — Livesey turned away. Smollett just laughed.
— You're funny, — He tucked David's black hair behind his ear. His face got even redder, if that was possible.
— You got into a fight again?
— No. I was just trying to protect someone. Well, I got hit too.
— Who? — Livesey asked in surprise.
— Well... just some guy.
— It's not Hank, is it?
— No. He never gets in trouble. Lucky.
David just chuckled. He leaned against Smollett's large shoulders and closed his eyes. A tanned hand strokes his hair.
***
— Alex, we need to go.
— No.
Now it was Saturday, the two guys were again near the sea, in another secret corner. Livesey was amazed at how Alexander knew them all.
— Alex, it's getting late.
— Shush.
It was already nine o'clock, but Alex still did not want to go home. He just continued to gently stroke the hair of David, who lay on his lap.
— Won't your parents punish you?
— No.
There was silence again. Livesey was genuinely worried about his boyfriend, because his father still punished him for minor offenses.
— David.
— What?
— I love you.
Smollett said it so unexpectedly that David's face flushed and he covered his face with his hands. Alex rarely said that (almost never, to be exact), so Livesey was embarrassed. Smollett chuckled.
— I love you too, — the black-haired guy muttered.
***
A year has passed. Their relationship only grew stronger, and everything was fine. True that morning, Livesey woke up and felt some kind of commotion. Like something was about to happen today.
It was cloudy, and thunder could be heard in the distance. Alexander was not at school again, and for the whole day already. With sadness in his soul, David went home, but decided to come closer to the sea. Could Alex be there? But he wasn't. As soon as Livesey was going home, he saw him around the corner. Smollett looked around warily, as if hiding from someone, and his eyes rested on Livesey. Surprise appeared on his tanned face, but only for a second. He immediately ran away.
— Alex, wait! — David ran after him. As a result, Livesey ran out to some field. He noticed the wind picking up and the thunder getting louder.
— What are you doing here? — came a voice from behind. The black haired man turned. Alexander was standing there, and his face was very serious, angry, that David involuntarily felt fear.
— Alex, I was looking for you! I was worried...
— We need to talk, — Alex said without any emotion, — our love… it was a mistake. We shouldn't have been together.
From this, Livesey's legs buckled.
— Alex, you're kidding, right?
— Alexander. And no, I'm not kidding.
David couldn't believe his ears. Just a few days ago, everything was fine, and then Smollett wants to break up with him?
— What happened, Alex? Why do you say that? Someone found out about it and you felt ashamed? Please don't listen to them, — Livesey began to approach him, holding out his hand. He wanted to touch him, reassure him, tell him that he loves him, that he will always be on his side. But Alexander simply walked away, lightly hitting the black-haired man's hand with his.
— Stop it, David. Its end. I'm leaving here. Forever and ever.
Livesey did not notice two things: how he began to cry, and how it started to rain. David just stood and stared dumbfounded at the fair-haired man.
— Farewell, David, — and with these words, Alexander simply turned around and walked away.
— Alex, wait, don't go! — Livesey ran after him, but Alex turned around sharply, slightly pushed him and ran himself. Although the push was not so strong, David still fell, slightly hitting his head on the ground. When he got up, he no longer saw Smollett. He ran in the direction Alexander was supposed to run. But he didn't find him.
He decided to go to one place where Hank was constantly. Livesey had to communicate with him, so he knew where he usually spends his time. But he wasn't there. He even went to the orphanage, maybe he will meet him there. But the worker said that Hank ran away. Is he with Alex at the same time? What did they think? Where did they go?
All this time, David just wandered the streets. There was no one, only him.
— Alex!!
Livesey suddenly stopped, leaning against the wall. He really felt bad, he was sick at heart. Large tears spilled down his cheeks. David fell to his knees and sobbed in hysterics. It may have been a couple of hours while he was looking for Smollett. He went to school, to ships, to his favorite places. He's nowhere. He ran away, disappeared.
***
Many years have passed. Since then, David has not heard anything from Smollett. His dream came true - he became a wonderful doctor, as well as a judge. He even managed to be a soldier, and then there was a hope that he would see him among other men. This never happened. Livesey despaired. He could no longer believe in miracles. He remembered Alexander, but no longer tried to look for him. It was all in vain anyway. Moreover, he was now busy with something completely different. In connection with some events, Jim was able to get a treasure map, and they, along with Trelawney and Jim himself, decided to go in search of an island with a treasure. Squire had already taken care of the ship and the crew, although he had no bones in his tongue, so the whole crew found out the reason for the trip.
Livesey stood silently and looked at the water, listening to how squire rejoiced at the discovery of such a team. Then captain of "Hispaniola" approaches them.
— Well, Captain Smollett, what have you to say? All well, I hope; all shipshape and seaworthy? — Trelawney asked. At that moment, time seemed to stop for doctor. He looked sharply to the side where admiral was talking to captain. And he saw him. That same tanned skin, that same gray eyes, in a blue suit, in a wig and a saber hanging down from behind.
— Well, sir, — began captain, — better speak plain, I believe, even at the risk of offence. I don't like this cruise; I don't like the men-
David didn't pay any attention to any sounds. The whole world narrowed down to him, and before him stood Alexander. And as luck would have it, he didn't recognize Livesey. He only looked askance at him, but gave no hint that he remembered him. Had he really forgotten about Livesey?
— Possibly, sir, you may not like your employer, either? — asked squire caustically.
- Stay a bit, stay a bit. No use of such questions as that but to produce ill feeling. The captain has said too much or he has said too little, and I'm bound to say that I require an explanation of his words... you don't, you say, like this cruise? Now, why? — doctor decided to speak up. Decided to remind Alex that this was the same David he had run into in the hallway, who had treated his wounds, whom he had been dating, and whom he had run away from without explaining anything. Maybe he recognizes his voice?
— I was engaged, sir, on what we call sealed orders, to sail this ship for that gentleman where he should bid me. So far so good. But now I find that every man before the mast knows more than I do. I don't call that fair, now, do you?
— No, i don't.
During this short dialogue, David looked into Smollett's eyes, and so did the captain. But again, there was nothing in those gray eyes.
***
As soon as the ship sailed, everyone went about their work, captain gave out commands and patrolled the deck. Livesey was deep in thought. It cannot be that Alexander forgot him. Maybe he didn't want to talk about it in public? This is a logical option, because Alex has always preferred to solve problems away from prying eyes. Doctor decided: closer to night today, he will come to captain's cabin, and they will be able to talk normally.
After what seemed like an eternity, night fell, and everyone went to their places, including Smollett. Wasting no time, David went almost after him.
— Alex! We haven't seen each other for so long, — Livesey began, trying to maintain his usual smile.
— Doctor? What makes you think you can break into my cabin like that? — captain was already sitting at the table and writing something down in some kind of journal - most likely, the ship's.
— Alex, don't you recognize me? — the smile faded immediately. Alexander was cold, even too cold. As if there was nothing left of the old Alex, only facial features that had also aged.
— I am Captain Smollett to you.
— Alex, please stop! I know that you recognized me! Don't you have anything to say to me? — doctor went on the offensive. Smollett paused, considering something.
— All these years... I've been waiting... I've been hoping to see you again. And here you are, in front of me, pretending that we do not know each other! Have you forgotten the time we spent together?
Then captain stood up, crossing his arms behind his back, and went to the porthole. Even after so many years, Alexander was still handsome.
— Since then, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. I see no reason to remember anything at all. We have changed, — Alex answered with an expressionless voice.
- Why? Why?! — gradually David was overcome with anger, — why do you want to forget everything? You don't care about the years of our friendship? Years of our.. love?
— Set aside, — Smollett waved his hand, — I already said that our relationship was a mistake. And I haven't changed my mind.
Although he spoke all this in a serious tone, Livesey noticed that Alexander's eyes were shifting.
— I still love you, Alex… I always loved you.
— David, — Smollett said urgently.
— But at least tell me why you ran away? — doctor turned to scream. He no longer cared that anyone else could hear them.
— I didn't run away, I left.
— No, you ran away! You ran away without saying anything! Why didn't you say anything to me? I would calmly accept the fact that we broke up, even though it hurt me. Why did you leave my life in silence?
— You talk as if I'm dead, — captain chuckled.
— Alex.
— I don't have to report to you.
David grabbed his hand sharply and looked into his eyes.
— Alex, I’m begging you… tell me why did you leave? Is it because of me? What if I did something wrong?
Alexander abruptly jerked his hand away, a slight blush on his cheeks was noticeable.
— How does it concern you? You were never to blame for anything, — Alex rubbed his hand, as if it had been burned.
— So what's the reason?
Captain hesitated to answer. Apparently, he was uncomfortable talking about it, but he began anyway:
— Father. Parents. Brother. Family, in other words. I hate them. Just like they hate me. They never cared about me. About my desires, dreams and other things. Although Cornelius and I are practically twins, and our parents also treated him like that, — we were unwanted children, — he, too, always found a way to bother me. I didn’t have the strength to be in my own home, — Smollett sighed heavily, — I was constantly punished for minor offenses. Cornelius always tried to show his parents how good he is. He danced to their tune, so he was punished less. It pissed me off so much that I started to lash out at others. Then you appeared. It somehow got easier. I even raised my grades. Then relationships and so on. I... really enjoyed being with you.. however, this did not change the situation at home. Also, this piece of shit told my parents about us. I got beat up badly. And that's when I decided to run away.
Livesey didn't notice the tears forming in his eyes. And captain stood calmly, but did not meet doctor's eyes.
— Alex.. but why didn't you tell me anything? I could help you or go away with you... it's better than being all alone...
— God…I told you back then that you couldn’t fix the situation. And I decided to leave without you, so as not to put you in danger. There were many situations when my life hung by a thread from death. Failure followed me everywhere. Even my wife and daughter died, and I was not around.
"Wife? Wife?!" David didn't know what to feel at that moment. Rage? Anger? Jealousy? Or the bitterness that his captain had lost those he cared about?
— Alex, I… I’m really sorry…
— I wanted you to live a quiet life. Built your career or whatever your plans were... I even got involved with the pirates, heh. True, against my will.
Soon Alexander felt hand on his shoulder. Doctor stood very close to him. "Damn, he's grown so much."
David's eyes were filled with such intense sadness that Alex involuntarily turned away. And Livesey just wanted to hug him, give him all the love that he kept for him, but did not dare. He was afraid that Smollett would be against it.
— It's getting late, — captain said in a hoarse voice, as if he were crying.
— But.. but what about..
— Livesey. Come on, not now. We have a mission to get to this damn island. Let's try to focus on this.
Doctor was silent, but did not leave. He wanted to be with him, didn't want to lose him again. What if he leaves the cabin, and Smollett runs away again, forgetting about their conversation? Disappear from his life again, this time for bad?
— David. Go to sleep, please. We'll discuss this... later. After this journey, — captain smiled slightly, but doctor did not even notice.
— So… is there a chance…?
— I didn't say anything like that. But.. - here Alexander took David's hand in his, still not looking at him, and his face was already turning red.
— But? — Livesey asked with a faint smile.
— But we definitely have something to talk about and something to discuss. Then we'll see, — with these words, Alex abruptly let go of his hand, as the blush quickly disappeared from his face. He folded his arms behind his back again.
— Good. I will wait for it. Good night, captain, — David said with an already sly smile, and headed out of the cabin.
— Good night, David.