Chained In Servility

43

TWs: Slight arguing, lying, panic attacks/crying, toxic viewpoints in a family, family perfectionism/conformity. Stay safe :)

As the day passed, Bing switched topics to Arthur's living situations, saying he didn't want Arthur to stay at his studio like a bum.

"I expected you to stay at some fancy hotel or resort, not my studio, of all places," Bing spoke.

Arthur sighed, "I may have had a fortune back then, Bing, but that doesn't mean I have it now. All the money I used to have has gone into my projects and my son's inheritance."

"Inheritance?" Matt perked up at the word.

"Yes- I've sent you cheques in the mail for a few years now..." Arthur tapped his cane against the floor.

'He has?' Matt quirked his eyebrow, thinking for a moment. The ginger had received cheques in the mail from someone he didn't know, but he didn't comprehend that it was his father under a pseudonym.

Bing paused, "It can't be that hard to find a place to rent."

"And I would go out to find that 'place,'" Arthur furrowed his eyebrows, "If I had any money."

"So what- you don't have anything?" Bing looked perplexed.

"The only things I have is my technology and some clothes, all in a duffel bag."

Bing huffed, crossing his arms, "We have to figure something out; I'm not letting you live here."

"I'm not planning on living in your studio."

Edd looked between them, watching them go back and forth, "Man- any idea why those two hate each other?"

Larry glanced over at him, "Hate is a strong word. Arthur said yesterday that they both prefer the term 'mildly dislike.'"

Matt watched the two bicker about Arthur's living situation, wondering if there was nowhere his father could live.

He scoffed to himself, 'Of course not- I still have ownership of...'

Matt trailed off his train of thought, his eyes slowly widening. Why didn't he think of that before? Maybe because he didn't remember until just now.

He skimmed over to his father and uncle, which seemed to be a one-way glaring contest, and decided to speak up, "Ahem- if I may?"

Everyone turned their heads to Matt, even Arthur's head shifting abit.

"I know a place."

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The group left Bing's studio, bringing Arthur along with them. They managed to squeeze in Edd's car, Tom in between Matt and his father.

Matt told Edd the address, the taller inputting it into his phone's GPS. Arthur tensed upon hearing the location, recognizing it yet saying nothing.

The younger ginger relaxed back into his seat, glancing at Tom, who had been silent for most of the day. He appeared to be in a daze as he slightly scratched at his wrists which were covered by his long hoodie sleeves.

Nudging the shorter, Matt spoke quietly, "You okay?"

Tom stopped what he was doing, turning to the other, "What?"

"You've been quiet today- everything alright?"

"Oh, yeah." The bassist cracked a small smile, "I'm fine. There's just a lot of things on my mind."