Moondust

Chapter four

Will pushed the door open as he left practice. It was still summer, so the sun hadn't entirely set yet, leaving a dusky background for the Manhattan skyline.

As he turned the street corner, he saw a silhouette, dark against the dying sunlight, a violin tucked under it's chin. A few people were clustered around him, listening to the music that floated over the treetops of a nearby park, weaving into the dusk, making Will want to go back to this afternoon in the studio, when he leapt and swayed with the sound of violin strings.

He shook his head and watched as the boy played the final notes of the song. Will recognized it; something by that band Jason had on his MP3. Imagine Dragons? He'd forgotten.

Will edged closer to the boy. Beside the dark haired boy, he saw the girl that always sang along the boy's music, the one Jason liked. She was pretty, with choppy brown hair in a French braid, her laughter ringing out at something the boy had said. She leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Will couldn't explain the surge of possessive irritation he felt at the gesture. He had no right to be possessive. They could be dating, for all he knew. Why else would they always be here together, week after week?

But it still left a bitter taste in his mouth when he walked past them.

___________________________________________

He shuddered as he walked quickly down the street. The bars were all lit up and lively around him. Bars meant drunken men and thieves. Will shook his head as he walked faster, for once in his life eager to get home to his dilapidated apartment. He wrapped his coat around himself even more as he crossed the street.

Will turned the corner and stopped short, seeing two men loitering there.

Hulking, imposing. Will had seen them before, one of them holding a switchblade to a girl's throat while the other rooted through a purse. Thank gods that a police officer had been patrolling. They had got away, but no-one was hurt or stolen.

He tried to turn around and walk away unnoticed but unfortunately luck wasn't on his side. They turned around and noticed Will. They grinned and started to stride towards him.

Will's breathing sped as he quickly turned around. He could feel their gaze on him, hear their footsteps. He took stock of the things he carried in his duffle bag. Nothing there was of much use, unless his Ponte shoes had acquired the ability to scare thugs off overnight.

His brain ran into panic mode as he walked even faster, nearly sprinting now. Will turned the corner and swallowed a scream as he bumped into someone.

"Whoa-it's me what are you doing here?" He was enveloped in the smell of leather and cologne. He looked and saw onyx eyes.