Liberty Of Gold
Draft
First of, author here. If you'd like to have a better grasp of the story, I'd recommend listening to "Bernadette" by IAMX, and "Fish in a birdcage" by Fish in a birdcage!
This story will contain angst, romance, and wholesome things. Hope you'll enjoy the story and it's characters :)
Ajax Bernadette
-16
-Birthdate: September 5
Chill and laid back, but naturally gifted and smart so he's one of the better students in class. He is very imaginative and thinks outside the box.
Though a negative trait of his is that he's very and easily influenced by his friends and always hangs out with them, so he can get into trouble some times.
Edward Pierce
-17
-Birthdate: June 7
Over-achiever and golden child. Good at almost everything he could learn. He is very calm, observant, and reserved. A polite young man from a filthy rich family. He likes poetry, literature, academics, and instruments.
Though because he is observant, he will judge you on your manners, however he is still kind, just straight forward.
Eugene Wolfwood
-Ajax's best friend since first year. Likes to drag Ajax into things and main reason he is in trouble. Prefers fun over studying, but somehow still manages to not get expelled and never got suspended more than thrice.
Percival Hawthorne
-Recently been added to Ajax's friend group a few months ago. Not as careless as Eugene, but still involved in some of their idiotic ideas, and often times their getting out of trouble card.
The front and inside of the elite all-boys boarding school is busy and crowded. It is the first day the students start attending so they can unpack and get their rooms ready, after all.
At the end of the stairs on the 3rd floor, 3 boys are seen having a conversation with each other. One of them still have a few bags and boxes in hand, while the other two are beside him with only one package as they walk to find a certain room.
Percival
This box is quite heavy, and it's only one. Are you really sure you're fine carrying all that, Ajax?
Ajax
Yeah, yeah. I'm— fine. We're close there anyway!
Percival
Whatever you say.
Eugene
Huh, so what's the reason that you have such many things anyway? Are you even going to need all of these junk? *He says in a teasing way*
Ajax
*Ajax raises an eyebrow at Eugene, looking at him temporarily before looking back infront*
Eugene
Besides, are you sure you could fit all these in one tiny room? This year, we're having roommates, so I've heard.
Ajax
Room— roommates...!? *Ajax exclaims, shocked.*
Ajax
I didn't get notified of that! When did they announce it?
Percival
*Percival sighs* The principal announced it one week before today.
*He taps his index finger on the box he's holding* You could just hide the unnecessary ones inside the box, and keep it under your bed.
Ajax
*The 3 soon arrive at Ajax's room, and he opens the door but not without a struggle. They enter and were finally able to drop the boxes on the floor and two beds*
Whew! That's about it. Thanks for helping, guys. *He drops his bag on his bed*
Percival
*He stands infront of the window in the middle, looking at the view Ajax has from his room.*
Make sure to check for any belongings the previous person forgot about. Had a few ones at mine.
Eugene
*He sits on the other bed, bouncing back a bit* This is comfortable.
Oh, yeah, forgot to tell you, man. Percival and I are sharing a room, fortunately. If you're not satisfied with yours, you could always ask one of the professors or faculty members to switch. Alexander still isn't assigned one, I've heard.
Ajax
Yeah, yeah. Thank you for that. Now, go. Shoo. Leave. I still need to unpack.
*He did a shoo-ing motion with his hand at Eugene.*
Eugene
Aw-hah. You don't want help from your mates? *Eugene jests at Ajax while standing up and walking backwards to the door with a grin.*
Percival
*Percival rolls his eyes at the two and heads for the door, opening it and grabbing Eugene by the wrist.* See you later, Ajax.
Eugene
*Chuckling* We're hanging out at my room tonight! Come when you have time!
Ajax
Whatever, man. See you. *Ajax greets them both out the door and closes it. He heads back further inside and starts unpacking, placing everything orderly in his side of the room*
Ajax
*He wonders what his roommate will be like as he takes everything out carefully*
Some minutes pass while Ajax was unpacking his things peacefully, when all of a sudden, he hears a knock on the door and it slowly opens. He thought it was his new roommate, until he heard a deep voice.
Danny Valentino
Mister Bernadette.
Ajax
Ah—! *Ajax quickly rose up from where he was kneeling and looked at the man.*
Sir Valentino.
Danny Valentino
*He looks around the room before looking back at Ajax.*
I am sure you already know what your father wishes for you to do this school year?
Ajax
*Ajax sighs* Yes, I know. Take my studies more seriously.
Danny Valentino
Correct. I know with a young mind as yours, you are more eager to have your own adventures and paths, but I beg of you, this is for your own good. Your grades are only a few flicks away from failing if I had not been there for you.
Danny Valentino
You know that what I can do only gets more limited as you grow older, Ajax.
Ajax
*Ajax looks at the floor, feeling a bit guilty*
I know, sir Valentino. I'm sorry.
Danny Valentino
I do not ask of you too much. Just put the most effort you can this school year, I'll always be free when you need help.
Ajax
*Ajax mumbles beneath his breath before continuing to fix his bag on his bed*
I don't need another person acting as my dad.
Danny Valentino
*The professor sighs and closes the door, walking closer to Ajax and observing his moves*
Sir Ajax, I know you are irritated that your father pushed you in another year at this school when he promised that he'd enroll you in a new and better private school, however...
Danny Valentino
I've asked the others to take it easy between you and your friends for now. You might enjoy another year here with them.
Ajax
And if I don't? *His voice lingered with venom*
Danny Valentino
....There's not much we can do. You are troubled, still, you can always rely on me for help.
Ajax
I'm just pissed dad couldn't even keep a small promise and didn't even let me decide. I mean— why a boarding school in the first place? Does he want me out of his hair so bad?
*Ajax trails off before continuing*
Ajax
I live in some tiny room that I probably can't even decorate to the fullest, not to mention, now I'm having no privacy because of a roommate. I need to follow by rules, every. Single. Day. Living here is just some constant reminder of school work and stress! Plus I probably miss most of the small but more meaningful family gathering and events...
Danny Valentino
*He lets the boy say out his problems without interruption*
I see. But there really is an upside. *He places a hand on Ajax's shoulder*
You speak... ill... of your father during times you are together a lot, aren't you glad you won't be living with him for months?
Ajax
*Ajax doesn't respond, but he stops in his tracks*
Danny Valentino
Sir Ajax. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.
*The professor bids the boy a good bye and leaves the room, closing the door behind him*
Ajax
*Ajax thinks about his conversation with professor Valentino. He can't grasp on what he feels about his own father.
Ajax really appreciates he managed to meet a professor like him. He helps him look on the brighter side of things and always saving him from trouble he thought will doom him forever.*
Chapter 2
Ajax was already almost finished when the door finally opened a second time. Though now, it was the stranger he was expecting to arrive.
Ajax turned his head to look at the boy, and he stood up. Around the same height, not wearing the uniform, a messenger and luggage bag. His hair was also brown, and his features were more sharper, but he seemed welcoming enough.
Edward stopped at his tracks at the sight of Ajax, and greets him.
Edward
Good morning, I assume you must be my roommate.
Edward walks over to his own bed, placing down his bag
Ajax noticed his accent was rather faint. He watched the other stretch his muscles, and start to unpack his things.
Ajax
Oh, yeah. I'm Ajax Bernadette. Since we're going to be roommates and stuck with each other for a year, let's get to know each other!
Ajax smiles brightly and sits up straight on the bed, looking at Edward eagerly. He opens the messenger bag and takes out books, folders, papers.
Edward
Edward Pierce. Nice to meet you.
"Not much of a talker?" Ajax thought. He walked closer to Edward—a few feet beside the table infront of him and leaning on the wall, watching the boy place his belongings on it.
Ajax
Say, are you from or lived in another country for some time? Curious about something.
Edward
That's a rather weird question to ask your roommate that you just met, but correct. I was living in the US a few months before I came back here. Why do you ask?
Ajax
Just— something. Your accent is pretty much disappearing, y'know?
Edward
You say it like it's such a bad thing.
Ajax shrugs and looks at the folder of papers Edward places on the table, he reads the title out loud.
Ajax
Po...Poems? You write poems?
He takes a paper that slipped out and looks at the contents written in neat black ink
Edward
Hey—! Don't just go touching my personal things!
*His tone leaned in more to the worried side rather than annoyed, but there was still hints of it.*
Edward tried to take the paper back while staying in his place, but Ajax retreats his arm away from Edward, putting it out of reach.
They stay like that for a few seconds with Ajax pretending to read the poem and Edward desperately trying to take it back without falling, until Ajax laughs.
Ajax
Relax! I'm not an asshole.
Ajax folds the paper back and gently slaps it on Edward's upper arm. He places it back down onto the table and stops leaning on the wall.
Edward narrows his eyes at Ajax, turning his body to face him to watch what he's going to do next.
Ajax smiles, but not a genuine happy one but more of a playful tease.
Ajax
My buddies and I are planning to hang out at one of their rooms, and considering you're my new roommate now for the rest of the year, why not come along?
Ajax
It'll be fun, a great way of getting to know each other, yeah?
Edward isn't really convinced, which is clear as day from his concerned expression.
Edward
I'm not too sure about that.
Ajax
Come on! It'll be a study group as well. We're trying to get ourselves on track this school year, too. What'd you say?
He walks closer and gives Edward a slight pat on the back shoulder.
Ajax's words are not reassuring at all. But Edward is considering it. I mean, it's not like tomorrow's actually going to be serious lessons right away. Suppose there'll be no harm on jumping in.
Edward
Alright, alright. Just don't make me regret it.
Ajax beams, and he practically skips back to his side of the room. Feeling already content and accomplished he got his new roommate to agree, he opens his own book and starts to read, leaving Edward in peace.
Hours pass and the two boys haven't spoke a word. Both of them have finished unpacking and was currently absorbed in their own world. The sun was starting to set.
Ajax
I'd say we best get going to my friend's dorm before dinner arrives. You ready?
Ajax puts the book back on his table and stands up. He peers at Edward, who is also looking at him. He places his pen down and tidies his work place, sitting up from the chair.
Edward
Uh-huh. Go on, lead the way.
Grabbing his messenger bag, Edward exits the dorm with Ajax, through the halls and stairs, heading for a friend's dorm.
Ajax knocks thrice on the door and leans onto the door frame. It opens quickly to reveal three other boys.
Eugene
Oh, almost thought you've forgotten about us!
Ajax
I would've, but I know your *** would be gutted and whinging about it the next day, correct?
Eugene
Tsh.. Whatever, man.
Eugene has a sarcastic smile on his face. He noticed another student behind Ajax, already assuming it must be his dormmate. He steps out of the way to let the two walk in, closing the door behind them.
Ajax walks over to the table on the left side to place down two books, leaving Edward standing infront of the door.
Eugene stood a few feet beside Ajax, Percival leans on the drawer at the right side, and their other friend, Alexander, sits on the right bed.
Alexander
We heard you took summer school?
Ajax
Oh, yeah. Tried my best on other activities I might fancy, still my dad keeps pushing this lawyer tosh. Come on, give me a break!
Ajax
Law, law, law. Don't he know how much boring that sounds, not to mention the mountain of studying? Of course, he doesn't.
Alexander
Pft, seems like it knackered you badly. You look all wonky.
Ajax
How'd your summers go, anyway?
There was a hint of sarcasm and insult to Percival's words, as if to either poke fun of their own summer or mock Ajax's summer school.
Ajax scoffs and glanced at Edward, to which Alexander looks as well.
Ajax
Yep. Just met a few hours ago.
Eugene
G'evening, mate! Sure as hell you're going to have a brilliant experience with us.
Edward
Good evening, too. Um— The name's Edward. Edward Pierce.
Alexander
Edward... Pierce... Pierce?
Ajax
Huh? You guys know each other?
Alexander
No, no, not at all. However, you don't happen to be related to... Harvey Pierce?
Edward
I am, he's my older brother. Unfortunately.
Alexander lets out a loud chuckle, making Ajax confused and he raised an eyebrow.
Percival
Harvey Pierce? Ring any bells?
Alexander stands up and walks over beside Edward, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and pulling him close. He grins. He raised his other hand slightly, revealing a small cigarette.
Alexander
Harvey Pierce! Came from a filthy rich family and attended this school during his highschool years and was the jack of all trades, making him the most popular guy who was well liked amongst every student AND teachers.
Alexander
He aced every class and extracurricular activities. Yet surprisingly, no one despised him. Perhaps it was because he was a rather "dishy man," they said.
Alexander
At one point, he was almost the school's face, and this— young lad here— is his little brother.
Ajax, you're some lucky guy to room with mr. perfect junior.
Edward's face contorted when he heard his brother being described as dishy, and of course, from Alexander's behaviour.
Ajax
It's not like he's going to be a copy and paste of his brother, anyway.
Alexander
Judging on that, you don't know how filthy rich families work, don't you? At least, with parents like his.
Edward
Alright! No more. Stop. Talking. About my own brother right at my face like you're some secret admirers.
Edward shakes Alexander off him, who had a ridiculing smirk. He bounces on his feet a bit, and walks backwards to sit down on his bed.
Eugene
Oh, maybe they are.
Eugene laughs, which earns a scoff from Alexander.
Alexander
Shut up, you wanker.
Alexander
Anyway. Harvey Junior, what? Stressed about having big shoes to fill?
Edward
No, and don't call me that.
Percival
Alexander, you have your entire life to be a jerk. Why not take today off for this poor lad, first impressions are an important thing.
Eugene
I think you said that way too late. *Edward* here probably already thinks Alexander is an asshole, which I can assure you, he isn't.
Eugene looks at Edward on the last part to clarify he's talking to him.
Edward walks over to Ajax, who is still infront of the table. He complained in a whisper-like voice.
Edward
So I remember you mentioned you guys are going to have a study group. All I see here are just skiving off.
Ajax
I know, I know. And I apologize for my friend's brash behaviours, but they're not always like that. You just need to put up with them, and they'll eventually go more easy on you.
Edward
Sounds like you just got used to their behaviour.
Ajax drops his smile and sighs when Edward scoffed. When he puts it like that, it makes them sound rude and Ajax some compliant defender.
At one point, Alexander starts lighting up the cigarette he's holding and Percival opens the window slightly, earning a more concerned look from Edward. Did he really make the right decision?
Edward
I'll just start in advance, you guys do whatever.
Edward took out his own book, starting to study earlier than the rest of the boys (if they're even planning to study at all.) They do, surprisingly, but it took them almost an hour before they start.
Edward sat on the chair with Ajax beside him, leaning on the table he's using. Eugene sat on the floor, Percival infront of the window as always, and Alexander on his bed.
Between the friend group and him, their style of studying are certainly different. Edward preferred a more silent and calm reading, but Ajax and the others had been studying loudly while reading with jokes. Well, whatever helps them the best, he supposed.
They were called to the dining hall some time later. The 5 cleaned up, and went to eat dinner together.
The night went smoothly. They ate, bid each other good night, and went back to their respective rooms. Ajax almost immediately laid on his bed, tired.
He looked at the other side of the room with his eyelids heavy. He saw a warm light, probably from a lamp, on the other table with a figure sitting, writing? He drifts off to sleep while staring and listening to the sound of a pen writing and a clock ticking.
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