*April 9th, 2:41 PM — Quincy Market, Downtown, Boston*
The midday sun spilled through patches of passing clouds as Tony and Aaron strolled past the lively vendors and street performers of Quincy Market. It wasn't the kind of place the heir to a billion-dollar empire normally wandered through unnoticed, but today, Tony wore a gray hoodie, sunglasses, and a quiet determination to disappear.
Tony(Kai) decided to enjoy Boston, before they went back to Liverpool.
Aaron, ever dutiful, walked beside him with a warm cup of black coffee and a matching expression of casual alertness.
Tony exhaled. "I'm starting to forget what fresh air smells like."
Aaron took a careful sip. "Technically, this air's half pretzel, half bus fumes. But yeah, it's better than boardrooms or auctions."
Tony laughed under his breath. "You know, you're the only person who could drag me out of that penthouse without threatening me."
"That's because I know where the good cannoli is," Aaron grinned.
The streets buzzed around them—tourists snapping photos, a violinist playing something dramatic, children chasing pigeons. Tony found himself watching it all like a man just waking up.
They reached the cannoli stand that Aaron promised, a little tucked-away corner operated by a plump woman with flour-dusted arms and an aggressive Boston accent. Aaron ordered two. Tony didn't object.
"So," Aaron said as they found a bench, "what's going on with you? And don't say 'nothing.' That brooding billionaire look only works for so long."
Tony looked at the powdered cannoli, the delicate flake of shell cracking in his fingers.
"Found something last night," he murmured. "About the ring. My mom's ring."
Aaron leaned in slightly, voice lowered. "You mentioned that. You okay?"
"Honestly? I don't know," Tony replied. He looked up at the glass buildings and blue sky beyond. "It's like... the past isn't done with me."
Aaron nodded slowly. "And you're not done with it."
Tony smiled wryly. "Sometimes I hate how insightful you are."
"Comes with the job. Emotional support and bulletproof coffee runs."
Tony finished the cannoli and dusted his fingers. "Thanks for dragging me out. I needed this."
"Then how about a full reset day?" Aaron suggested. "No business, no memories, no corporate espionage. Just us."
"You serious?"
Aaron raised a brow. "When am I not? Besides, you'll need it to handle the GHOSTS and dent's trouble."
3:10 PM — Charles River Esplanade
The water sparkled beneath the early spring sun. Families jogged by, cyclists whizzed past, and the breeze off the river was crisp and clean. Tony leaned on the railing, watching a rowboat glide silently by.
"You ever think about what you'd do if you weren't... you?" Tony asked.
Aaron blinked. "You mean if I wasn't a live-in butler/bodyguard/personal therapist?"
Tony chuckled. "Yeah. Like if you could do anything."
Aaron leaned back on the bench and considered. "Chef, probably. I've got a killer risotto recipe."
Tony looked over, surprised. "Seriously?"
"Dead serious, sir!. Been collecting spices from every country we travel to. I even got saffron from Morocco last summer."
Tony(Kai) thought to himself." Countries? We've only been to Morocco. Maybe Tony usually travels with him"
"You're holding out on me."
Aaron shrugged. "You've been busy being a billionaire. I figured you'd want basic toast, not risotto."
Tony grinned. Then his face fell.
"Sometimes I think I should just disappear again. Start over somewhere far away."
Aaron grew quiet. "You could. But it wouldn't erase what you've already lived. Or what's coming."
Tony nodded, slowly. "I know."
A kid on a scooter zoomed past, nearly knocking over a dog. The two of them laughed. Just for a second, it felt normal.
"Maybe! We'll go travelling again"
4:45 PM — North End Pizza Kitchen
They stepped into a cozy, brick-lined pizzeria. The owner recognized Aaron immediately. Within minutes, they were seated with two slices of bubbling hot pepperoni and cold bottles of root beer.
Tony took a bite. "This. This is healing."
Aaron clinked his bottle against Tony's. "To pizza therapy."
(Try it, Pizza and Anime rocks!!!!)
They ate in companionable silence until Tony leaned back, staring at the ceiling fan.
He thought to himself again "The ring. It was tied to a murder. A man named Knox. My mother might have been involved. But there's no proof. No photos. No real records."
Aaron looked at Tony, stiffened slightly but said nothing.
Tony stared into his soda. "I don't even know her real name. Just 'Hinata.' It might've been an alias. Or it might've been who she really was."
Aaron put his slice down, he didn't hear him but asked "You're not gonna stop until you know everything, are you?"
Tony shook his head. "Would you?"
Aaron looked into his eyes. "No. I wouldn't."
6:01 PM — Boston Common
The park was calm now, with fewer people and a golden hue stretching over the grass. Tony kicked off his shoes and laid back on a slight hill, staring up at the sky.
"I don't know if I'm running from something, or toward it," he said.
Aaron sat beside him. "Could be both. But hey, at least you're moving."
"It just sucks, you know?
He thought to himself again."Being in a life that isn't mine. Wearing a dead man's face."
(You're alive,dude!!!)
"But you're also making that life something new," Aaron replied. "Cristiano chosen you for a reason. Maybe he saw something in you. And mainly because you're the heir to all these"
Tony stayed quiet. The breeze ruffled the grass.
"And besides," Aaron added, "you're not alone. You've got people now."
Tony rolled onto his side. "Do you ever get tired of being the wise butler?"
(The dude is too wise)
Aaron smirked. "Absolutely. But the costume fits."
(Damn.....Aaron is the best!!!!)
7:02 PM — Rooftop Diner Overlooking the Bay
The sun dipped below the edge of the city. Lights twinkled on in the skyscrapers and streets below. Tony and Aaron sat at the rooftop diner table, watching the world exhale into dusk.
A plate of steak frites sat between them, already half eaten. A jazz band played softly near the bar.
"So what now?" Aaron asked.
Tony tapped his fingers on the edge of his glass. "Now as usual, we keep digging. But slower. Smarter. And maybe... I stop doing it alone."
Aaron raised his brow. "Including Clara?"
Tony hesitated. He knew She's knows the truth. And he wasn't sure if she will end up using it against him"
Tony looked away. "When the time's right."
The stars began to show. The night deepened.
Tony finished the last bite of steak, wiped his hands, and stood.
"Let's go home."
Aaron smiled. "Lead the way."
As they walked out of the rooftop, Tony felt something shift.
Not the guilt. Not the grief. But something new.
Balance.
Not because his problems were solved, but because—maybe, just maybe—he didn't have to carry them alone anymore.
And thanks to Aaron, the sky didn't feel so heavy.
They entered their private car and went home straight to Liverpool.
10:33pm—Bellingham Private Car
He received a message from Mia
Mia: How are you? It's been a while
Tony: Yeah! I'm doing good, you?
It was classic, yet sweet.
Mia: Cool
Tony smiled, then he typed
Tony: Hey, wanna hang out, maybe go watch a football match
Mia: Sure!!!!! I look forward to it.
(Yesssss!!!!! It was a date)
(Tony(Kai) needs all the rest now, because 39 days from now, Bellingham Industries could stay or break)
Note:We are getting closer to the GHOST'S chapters