This week went better for Arthur, because he was looking forward to their next meeting. The fact that the last one had gone well filled him with unfamiliar confidence. He was simply happy and that made him enduring. He sat in class, writing on autopilot and daydreaming about Norbert.
At home, he did his chores and his homework without his body protesting. The only tiny problem was that he couldn't quite focus on his upcoming exams. He tried to learn but his mind kept wandering off into the ruined district, chasing the tall boy with the freckled face.
He had never known that freckles could be so fascinating. Despite them, he missed everything else about this boy, too. While pretending to learn, he always came back to eyeing his map and imagining the buildings he would explore with Norbert. Then he began to draw another map that showed all the ruins that he found interesting enough to visit. He marked the route with arrows and made notes for every building, what they would see there and how long they would probably be there before they moved on.
Arthur felt like a tourist guide for the ruined district but he knew it was worth it for Norbert. What he missed for his tour was a place to get ice cream. They couldn't only eat the stuff they found in the houses since there wasn't much left. He noted a café he liked on the map, in case they had time to go there. They would have to leave the ruins for this, but it's delicious ice cream would be worth it. Arthur's mouth already watered at the thought. His dad would never go there with him again, that's why he had to do this on his own. He couldn't count the many times he had spent the coins he found in the ruins to get some strawberry ice cream bowl with whipped cream. Norbert would like it, too.
He busied himself like this and apparently stopped acting weird. At least his father didn't complain anymore and everything went back to the usual taciturnity. Arthur was glad he could keep his thoughts to himself.
On Friday however, his patience left him. The entire day, he felt as if he was about to explode. Even though he was excited, he couldn't focus and his geography teacher scolded him for not listening and let him do tasks in front of the class for the entire lesson. Arthur did good enough, though. After all, he liked maps and had a good memory for places, so it wasn't really a punishment. Just a short distraction.
After this incident, he was just as unfocused as before.
When the school bell finally rang for the last time that day, he hurried home and sat around in his room, trying to do his homework. He did enough to not make his father suspicious, but most of the time he just stared out of the window and wished to be out there with Norbert.
It was pure torture to eat dinner with his dad and not being able to act naturally. He had to pretend to be calm, indifferent and hungry. Just like his dad, mostly. He wanted to kick his legs, squirm and writhe and talk endlessly about his plans, his new map. Instead, he had to do it in his head while his father ate quietly and only asked a few questions about school. Arthur told him that he had been quite good at geography today, that he had found almost all the towns but his father only nagged at the ones he didn't find and told him to work harder.
“If you're an engineer”, he said, “you can't build only half the bridge.”
Arthur felt a pang in the chest at this. That one time he had opened up to his dad and what did it do? It gave his dad an excuse to nag at him even more.
He considered lying to him next time, but what would undeserved praise do? Would only make him feel more stupid.
After dinner, he went through all his notes on the map as if they were part of an exam. Indeed, Arthur wanted to know them by heart. He didn't want to show his personal notes to Norbert. Also, wouldn't it be cooler if he looked like he did all this spontaneously? Reading from a paper was for grandpas.
He must've fallen asleep while repeating his notes because he woke up in the morning with the map on his pillow. He read it again until he heard his father walk around in the house.
It was still hard to hide his feelings, but he felt much better than at dinner. He couldn't help smiling and he could barely eat, but he managed not to draw his dad's attention.
Just when they finished, Arthur remembered in shock that his dad could still fuck this day up. He washed the dishes with shivering hands and waited if his dad would say something about leaving the house.
“Arthur, is something wrong?”, Mr. Hastings asked instead and Arthur hated himself for being so obvious.
“No, no, I'm okay. Er...why do you ask?”, he croaked out of his dry throat.
“Well, first, you grin like a Cheshire cat the entire meal and now you look like a rabbit caught in the headlights. What's going on?”
“Nothing. I'm just careful...with the plates”, he held up the one he was drying.
“Yes, you better not let another one fall.” His dad seemed to be content with that explanation and Arthur turned away from him for the rest of the time.
When he was finished, his dad hadn't said another word. Arthur sensed his chance.
Carefully, as if the boards could catch fire, he sneaked through the corridor, towards the door. The house remained silent. With still shivering fingers, Arthur brought down the handle. It made a silent squeaking noise that rang in Arthur's ears, but still, there was no reaction from anyone.
Like in slow-motion, he moved out of the house. His heart pounded in his throat and he listened for the horrible call back.
But nothing came.
After closing the door, another promising summer day greeted him. The front garden was as cheerful as ever, if only a little overgrown because mum wasn't there to care for it.
When he woke up from his stupor and realized his luck, he began to run.
Away from danger and into a new, wonderful day. His dad couldn't stop him anymore. The map was engraved in his mind. No need to worry.
He happily crossed the district and went straight to that one house. Their house. There was a tiny chance that Norbert was there already and he wouldn't want to miss it.
But even when he found it empty, it didn't ruin his mood. It was time to test if he remembered the map right and if it was really the best possible adventure.
As time passed, Arthur became more nervous. He was better prepared for this meeting, but the mere thought of meeting this amazing boy again and having to speak to him without talking bollocks made his heart pound heavily.
Was he really ready? Well, he had to be.
Norbert was nice after all. He wouldn't laugh at him, right?
Just seeing the boy though the window of their house warmed his heart.
“Norbert!”, he shouted and climbed inside as quickly as he could.
“Arthur, hey!”, the other boy said with his friendly voice and approached him.
Without thinking, Arthur ran into him to hug him tightly. Norbert stood frozen for a second, then he laughed and patted the younger boy's back. “Careful, are you trying to crush me?”
Arthur remembered that his father had said that to him sometimes when he had been to eager. Way back when he had still hugged him.
Then he noticed what he was doing and promptly let go. His face felt very warm. Norbert didn't seem to be bothered by him, though.
“You're really back”, Arthur sighed out of breath with a wide smile. He just had to say it. The pressure in his chest wanted out.
Norbert returned the smile, still not bothered by Arthur's awkward behaviour and also not mocking. Arthur still had the feeling that this boy was truly special.
“Sure”, Norbert answered happily. “You made my mouth water last time. I wouldn't want to miss out on anything today.”
“Oh, great!”, Arthur cheered and even jumped. He was so glad to be prepared. “I know exactly where we're going! Just follow me!”
Norbert chuckled at his enthusiasm. “I'm right behind you”, he said as they climbed through the window back outside.
“Have you done this before?”, he asked while they strolled through the district.
“Done what?”
“Being a tour guide for someone in here?” Norbert himself didn't know what he was getting at this time. Every time he met Arthur, he felt like some undercover agent trying to figure out a conspiracy. Even though there wasn't much left of his first mistrust. Arthur just seemed to be a nice boy with a grieving father. That wasn't so rare. Nearly everybody lost someone in the past.
Also, he thought he should be happy about Arthur's excitement. The boy looked much better than before. He was beaming and jumping and laughing. But there were all these...things he had heard about the ruins. That certain shop owners suddenly put a lot of new stuff in their storage that had no specific origin. Of course, nobody was asking any questions aloud. The customers were rather happy about that unexpected blessing. And nobody would notice if anything went missing in, say, an abandoned household. And who would be better suited for collecting this stuff than little kids? As little as they could be these days. And it would be convenient for these kids to earn some money for their families.
But if so, what of it?, Norbert asked himself. It wasn't a crime. He had to admit to himself that he was just curious. It was a game he played with himself.
Perhaps it was that place. Despite the fun they had, it still looked eerie to him. He had only wanted some peace and quiet in here, not actually stirring the ghosts of these houses.
“No”, Arthur crushed his theory with one word. “I was always alone here.”
Then he found it sounded too sad, so he added: “It was more fun this way.” A second later, he stuttered: “Not that it's not fun now, I just...I mean...”
Norbert laughed. “Hey, no problem. If you have enough of me, I'll leave you alone.”
“I don't!”, Arthur shouted. Then he thought it sounded too needy, so he added: “Not yet.” in a cheekier tone. “If you behave.” A second later he wanted to slap himself. What horrible nonsense!
But Norbert laughed anyway. “If I behave? Well, let's see...You only get what you give.”
“Are you trying to challenge me?”, Arthur played along. His face felt warm again.
“What do you mean trying?”
Arthur had to laugh and Norbert went on: “You can still give up if you like. I won't blame you.”
“Never! You will give up!”, the younger boy blurted out between laughter.
“Challenge accepted, then.”
Oh, god, Arthur only thought. What the hell was he doing? And worse, saying out loud? He should put a plaster on his mouth.
When he gave Norbert a shy glance, he noticed something. “Did you forget your guitar in our house? Should we go back and get it?”
“No, I didn't bring it this time.” Norbert shrugged. “It would just be in the way and in danger.”
“Aww...And I thought you'd sing me a song!”, Arthur blurted out. He was really disappointed since he had missed his singing voice for two weeks now. Of course Norbert was right, it was better they didn't have to care for the guitar all the time. Still...
“So you really are my fan? I'm flattered.” Norbert seemed to play it down, but Arthur saw the spark in his eyes and his heart jumped for joy. “How could anyone not be your fan?”, he cheered. “Your voice is great! And your outfit...” He already hated that he had opened his mouth and stopped again.
But nonetheless, he had made Norbert happy. “Even though it's too red?”, he teased with a wide smile.
“It's not too red...I just...I wasn't prepared for it when I saw it the first time...”
Norbert answered with a laugh. “You're not the only one. But thank you. That is...really sweet of you...”
Arthur's heart jumped at the word 'sweet'. “You're welcome...”, he muttered, hiding his face away.
“...not that I needed it”, Norbert concluded and threw his hair back. “I'm just awesome like that, you know?”
He made Arthur chuckle hysterically. “You're insufferable! I take everything back!”
“Too late! Also, if you insist on that, I might never sing for you again...”, Norbert cooed.
“Perhaps that's for the better.”
“Excuse me? Would you kindly decide whether or not you like my voice?”
“I have time until tomorrow anyway. If you bring your guitar then.”
“I might decide it for you.” Arthur just had to look at him and met the most innocent smile. Norbert was the first person he knew who could hide a hideous message behind such a face.
“Fine, I take back that I take it back! But you're still insufferable!”
“I'm just honest.”
“I didn't tell you to be honest, I told you to behave!”
Norbert chuckled, but he put his hands together. “Go easy on me, okay? I promise you'll get used to me eventually. And then I'll appear very nice.”
“That sounds...uh...I wanted to say 'promising', but...”
“Oh, come on!”
“Yeah, yeah, I'll try...” Arthur acted as if he was annoyed when he was actually sweating. It felt so...new...unusual to joke around like that with someone who was older. Normally, they were dead serious or didn't care about him. Now it even looked like the opposite. Arthur played the serious part here. Like with Percy, but still not at all like with Percy. Norbert wasn't actually unreasonable, he was just joking. Unless he'd start running around with no pants...In this case...
The thought made him blush. And grin.
Of course, Norbert had to notice it. “What's so funny?” He came closer but Arthur skipped away. “What? Hey, come here!”
Arthur had to burst out in laughter again and ran away from Norbert's grip, making the older boy dart after him. “Come back!”
“Catch me, old man!”, Arthur shouted back and set off to their first ruin in the tour. He was glad to shorten their trip this way because he hoped to act less like an idiot in the houses, where he could distract Norbert with treasure.
Gosh, did he really say “our house” to him? Now that he had time to think, he realized his mistake. Perhaps Norbert didn't notice, though. He hadn't mentioned it.
During their race, Arthur managed to stay ahead of Norbert since he knew the best route through all the rubble. When he had reached the right place, though, he had to stop running.
“Stop! Stop, we're there! This is it!”, he tried to convince Norbert to spare him, but the boy threw him down and tickled him without mercy. “Now you got a reason to laugh!”
“Stop! I can't...I can't...”, Arthur panted and he was sure that his face was glowing redder than a traffic light.
Norbert stopped to Arthur's luck, or else the younger boy would've exploded. He sat up and panted too, even if he had been the one attacking.
“You're completely exhausted”, Arthur dared to tease him.
“And you, huh? You need some more?” Norbert poked him in the side.
“No! That's unfair!”, Arthur shouted and kicked.
“Hey!” Norbert patted the spot and when Arthur looked, he saw that his shoe had left a stain on the red cloth.
“Sorry!” He shot up. “I...I didn't mean to...” Tears welled up in his eyes.
“Hey, don't sweat it...”, the older boy said but he looked worried.
“If the tap is still working, we can save it!”, Arthur shouted and Norbert needed a moment to understand. Then they hurried into the house behind them and tried the sink in the kitchen. It worked. The sink was beyond dirty, but the water pouring out of the tap seemed to be good enough. Norbert splashed a handful on his upper leg. Arthur darted through the room, opening all the drawers. He didn't remember all the tiny detail in every house, so this was pure hope. He cheered when he found the soap.
“Oh, thank god!” Norbert smeared it over the stain and then poured more water over it. Arthur watched him with concern. His stomach cramped at the thought he might've destroyed this outfit forever. “Er...shouldn't you take it off?”, he asked quietly.
“You have a second pair?”
Arthur realized. “No, I mean...wait...Perhaps there are clothes in the bedrooms.” With that, he ran away to search the house. He was lucky again. Kind of. The pants he found had clearly seen better days and the moths had bitten a few holes in them, but they were at least dry.
Norbert didn't share his opinion, though. “Are you serious? Did you pull them out of a bin?”
“You'll catch a cold if you keep these on”, Arthur tried to reason with him. Now this was more like Percy.
“It's warm enough in here.” Norbert dropped the old pants on the floor.
“But it's also dirty.”
“I am careful, thank you very much!”
“I'm sorry”, Arthur muttered and hung his head.
“Hey, it's okay...”, Norbert put an arm around him and made him hold his breath. “I guess I attacked you first.”
“You did...”
“Yeah...”, Norbert sighed. “You alright?”
Arthur couldn't believe his ears. Norbert still cared after what he just did? He gave him a surprised stare. “Yes. Er...my back hurts a little...I guess I fell on a root or something...”
Norbert gently patted his shoulders. “I'm sorry”, he said with his beautiful, warm voice.
And Arthur believed him.
