Another very nice story by Andrew, illustrated by Eidan 🙂
Part 1
One of the illustrations by Eidan:
Yaroslav and twin fighting for nothing
Part 2
Full page, as initially posted:
The Homework is not by Eidan, he did the graphics for it, but the Author is Andrew. It's just a tiny, tiny piece of his works, all about Jan and Cherkovs, also including Niklas and the original characters. It's the biggest side story of the fandom, and everything connects like a space and time maze in one point, truly amazing on it's own. I have all of Andrew's works collected in a file, on my computer back home. It's like a full book, alltogether I'd guess well over 100 pages. I'll send it to You as soon as I get back to Europe from the Australian bush and Tasmania, probably sometime early March. I also have some illustrations to go along with the stories, by various authors.
Andrew was my close pen-pal for years, and I saw his stories progress and grow, also with some independent books that were really amazing. Unfortunately none of them published, but I have all of them, and want to get them out to the people to read. I lost all contact with Andrew during the Pandemic, and despite my messages he didn't come back since, so I'm afraid the worst might have happened. Still, I hope he's alive somewhere there, and that he'll come back some day. Who knows...
but I have all of them, and want to get them out to the people to read.
Here seems a good place for this!
That was the intention, to attach them in the "stories" or fanart section, I've sent a part of it to Jeremy, but as we know, there are some issues on that side. Now I don't have acces to my other computer as I'm reeeally far away from home, but as soon as I get back, I'll do something about it. And I'll try to contact Jeremy about the website too, I think if He doesn't have the energy to pull it, I'll be able to take over (at least maintaining the domain and servers) for as long as I'm around.
I am around about non-stop 🙂
By "around" I mean as long as I'm around living on this planet, or generally speaking, Alive 😉 And being just 29 (damn, turning 30 this year 😳 ) I fully intend to be "around" for many years to come.
Ok, I should NOT be around living as long as you, but I am around Niklas non-stop 🤗
I'm pasting the unedited missing parts of "The perfect Homework" here, After grammar edition I'll post it in the Stories page. I think I also have some AI art for some of the characters somewhere, As Eidan based his artwork only on the first 2 parts, and it doesn't really do justice to the characters (The twins are actually way cuter, and in reality have much deeper and complex characters, still dangerous to any potential foe though 😉 )
As mentioned before, let me give you a stern warning, this is one of Andrew's works, He depicts a world way more brutal and realistic, than most of the classic Niklas universe, he doesn't avoid topics such as violence, War, crime, drugs, hate and death, he lets his characters to struggle and learn in that world, and while each of his stories is full of love, warmth and friendship and always has a moral to the end, sometimes (as in the real world) the characters have to learn things the hard and tiresome way. Andrew doesn't paint his world in a pastel pink crayon, but the hardships and adventures let his characters grow and learn, about love, respect, strenght and weakness.
Also, the plotlines he brings into existence are heavily addictive. You have been warned.
The Perfect Homework, Missing part of chapter 2
-This has been a strange day. - had to recognize Davy.
-He, you name it! - Jan couldn't avoid to shiver a little, as his shirt was not warming him properly. Davy put his right arm over the boy, and Jan leaned towards him. And he had to ask.
-You felt it too... last night, Davy?
Davy didn't answer anything; just pushed himself closer to the boy, and caressed his face with his left hand. Then, softly grabbed his head, and matched his own face with him. His brown eyes were bright, and he felt the heat from his face again, but now he could see his face, wanting something. Jan, with his right hand, moved the long hair of Davy to a side. That was his invitation. And Davy took it with a short and sweet kiss on his mouth. Blushing intensely was unavoidable, and Jan stood and grabbed Davy's hand, carrying him towards a side of the house, with a narrow corridor covered by the wall and the tall wooden fence of the next one. Davy followed him completely spellbound, and his hearth was beating almost to the point of explode. Then, he put his right hand on Davy's chest, on his skin, as he was wearing only his pants with suspenders, while Davy did the same with Jan, loosening a few buttons, and Jan had to open a little his mouth to grab some air. Jan's heart was about to explode, too.
At such patent confirmation of their affections, the dark blond boy got close his face to him, starting to nuzzle his nose softly. Davy kissed him again, and now he embraced him, pulling him quite firmly towards him. Jan caressed his shoulders, while the long haired one did the same with Jan's lower back, and the smaller boy whimpered a little.
-Did i hurt you? - asked Davy, breathing strongly on Jan's face.
-Not anymore... not anymore. - Answered softly and quick, only using his burning exhalation, and he pushed himself even harder against Davy.
And kept kissing for a while. Jan started caressing Davy's hair, then aimed to kiss his soft and thin neck, and his shoulder. Davy couldn't avoid to go a little lower, and started to fondle, while caressing Jan's right ear with his cheek, and gave to it little kisses who made funny and almost imperceptible noises. Jan jiggled a little, and did the same with his hands for Davy, even a little more pushy, now kissing his chest and giving soft and little bites with his lips. And then, they cuddled for a while, sitting on the floor, Jan over Davy's legs.
Some minutes passed, and Mr. Caulfield should be arriving soon. With a soft and long kiss, the boys went back to the main door. The twins and the little one were expecting at them, as they had went out of sight for quite a while, and, as Mr. Caulfield was about to arrive, the pair couldn't have gone too far. Yaroslav, when saw them, just raised an eyebrow and looked back to Oleg, who had a rogue smile while Misha whispered him something, by the looks of him, very amusing.
-Tie your buttons, Romeo! - Yaroslav had to say to Jan at last - Or your father-in-law's gonna grab his shotgun and be done with you!
After that, the three mean kids started to laugh relentlessly between them, and Jan muttered some swearing for being so stupid to forget that detail in front of his friends. Davy looked for a nearby well to throw himself.
Just in time, Mr. Caulfield's car arrived, and everyone acted as if nothing at all had happened. Davy had to forget his mortifications, and this time he grabbed Jan before he could ran away again, and got him into the car, with the three brothers waving at them, with the most angelical of faces. After a regular and not at all special goodbye, that almost blows the facade due the contained jiggling of Misha, Davy's dad headed to Jan's home, just to a pair of blocks of distance. The car was still visible when the three brothers started to roll on the floor at the distance, and both boys were sitting on the back seat.
Jan, a little nervous still, but in control of himself, apologized to Mr. Caulfield due to his embarrassing behavior on his house. Mr. Caulfield, who knew already what the boy had just suffered from a panic attack, reassured him that he was not offended at all, but if he wanted to make amendments, he should go more often to his home, and try to stay at least until dinner. Jan agreed, and getting close again to Davy, who looked at him with a face of "i told you", subtly put his hand over Davi's and laced his fingers with theirs. Davy just smiled, and pressed gently those little, thin and warm fingers.
Mrs. Novak, waiting on the entrance of the old and big colonial house, was very relieved to see his son going down from Mr. Caulfield's car, and, above all, with all his clothes intact. That was a very good omen for her. Jan waved his hand to say goodbye to Davy and Mr. Caulfield, promising to both to go to see them tomorrow earlier, maybe for lunch. Said that, he went onto his house.
Mr. Caulfield asked to his son, while going home.
-Davy, who were those three kids on that green house? I got a very bad feeling about them.
-I met them today, dad, so i don't know much about them. - He lied blatantly, but just to avoid to tell the whole story.
-Anyway, Keith is at home, and seemed very concerned to me. When knew that you called home, he was very relieved, but didn't wanted to come with me to pick you. Are you sure nothing more happened today between you, Keith and Jan?
-Just a little problem with Jan, but that's all. Nothing big. Promise.
Mr. Caulfield was not convinced about that, but let it pass for this time. When arrived at home, Keith was very expectant waiting outside, if a little frozen. The clouds announced dense rains for tonight, and Keith had to stay on Caulfield's due the hour and the weather, what was not a problem at all, being saturday. As Davy got down from the car, Keith ran towards him, very relieved to see him without harm, and Mr. Caulfield just observed them a little, and went inside telling the boys to do the same. Keith whispered.
-Are you alright, Davy? Aren't you hurt? Jan did something to you?
-He did, Keith. But i'll tell you on my bedroom...
The Perfect Homework, part 3
-Please, drink a little of water, Jan. - Davy spoke with a whisper, offering a bottle.
-Thank you, Davy... - answered whispering too, and drank a little.
-Does it hurt too much?
-Only when smiling - Looked at Davy with a soft smile.
-I'm sorry for not having stopped it sooner. I should have know...
-Hey, I did the trick for you to avoid trouble; all this it's just my fault.
-Don't do that again, please. I will stand for you, and you know it. - gave an angry glance to Kaufmann, who was sitting in the other side of the hall, at the side of Hertz, Fuentes and Callaghan, all of them crying covering their faces. - You don't have to be alone to solve your problems!
-How many times we have told you the same crap, darn it!!! - Yelled towards Jan Yaroslav, very angry. Oleg made him to calm himself with a glance. Both were sitting at their sides too.
-I sorry!!! I 'm so sorry!!! *sob* I know that!. That's why i did it!!! - Jan started crying faintly.
-I don't understand... - answered baffled Davy, as he tried to comfort him embracing with his arm.- No one deserves that! Never! You less than anyone. And now you are in great trouble...
Davy was very worried. Not just about Jan's blackened eye, wounded lips, bruised ribs and ragged shirt, but for the consequences of his little battlefield on the classroom. Was a complete mess, and if not for the help of an unexpected ally, could have finished very bad for the little Jan. Nine were the kids on the hall outside Principal's office, and eight of them were on serious trouble: a broken desk, two glasses, three chairs and a slammed door were the material damages. But the important thing, and miracle of all this business, was that, despite the facts, no one was seriously hurt, not even Kaufmann, the great culprit of this mess.
Meditated about how his priorities about social life on school had changed so quickly in so few time. How a simple assignment with the weirdo of the class had become a bond of friendship, and he was disposed to receive harm heading to his pupil, and his pupil was disposed to receive harm to avoid him trouble. How both now glanced to the eyes with friendship, ready to learn more than simple academic content, but how to understand to another person beyond the appearances, or fame, or gossip. Davy would be there now for his friends. That boy was his friend now, and he would accompany waiting to Principal's.
Couldn't avoid to remember the stuff what happened on the Cherkov's house. He was happy to feel that Jan shared his "effusiveness", but was not so sure of the pertinence of sharing that with Keith or anyone; instead, he did share, that same night with him, the events inside the house. Keith was amazed to hear such happenings, and now was very sorry of having yelled to the little weirdo on such way. Also he was sorry about his bike bell, but he would settle that later with Jan; from all the mean bullies he had heard about on his life, never had knew about one that ask forgiveness to his victim, inviting it to have tea on his own house... at least not without adult or police involvement.
The next day, Sunday, was one of dense rain. Keith had to go home early, and, despite having invited Jan to have lunch, he couldn't go, as he had another activities with his family. So Davy had to stay on home all the day, wondering if he should call Jan by phone, or something like that. He wanted to talk with him again; wanted to see if, now with more calm and without an emotional scene, he should apologize for what happened, or maybe was Jan who should do it... he didn't know what to do, or what to think. The only thing he knew was that had been something nice; he felt Jan's need of him, twice, but he wanted to be sure. Maybe both gave the wrong signal, or now he wanted to be his boyfriend... what obviously was too much! So, he needed to talk about it. But had to wait a full day for that.
He couldn't wait to be on the classroom, and raised earlier to accompany him on the road of school; asked to dad to drop him near his house, telling him he had promised to do so. Arrived to Jan's house while everyone was having breakfast, and the door was opened by a big older boy, around sixteen: short brown hair and eyes, pink skin, dressing a gray private school uniform and on evident overweight. His face reflected tiredness and, somehow, an unfriendly attitude.
-Yes? What do you need? - asked on a drowsy and detuned tone of voice.
-Hi! I'm Davy Caulfield. Can i speak with Jan, please?
-Ugh... he's having breakfast. You will have to wait outside. - glanced to Davy with a evident face of disgust.
-Okaay... no problem then. - Outside was cold and a little dark. Anyway, he knew better that to enter a house on which he was not welcomed, and turned to wait outside with his hands on his pockets, when saw two figures on gray jogging suits heading towards him from the street. Noticed that the unfriendly big brother of Jan had saw them, and closed hastily the door with, he could notice, a fearful face.
-Yoohoo!!! Devi! Nice to see you! - Recognized immediately the voice of Slava at the distance.
-Ehem... hi guys! - Was not too happy, since he didn't expected to see them too, but a little relieved to be with someone on that cold morning.
-So... Devi, - talked Oleg this time, once in front of him - don't you live a little far of this place?
-Well, you know about that, Oleg, but i wanted to, ehem...
-How can you be so slow, Oleshka! - intervened Slava - Obviously he wants to talk with Jan about the... - Oleg put his hand on his mouth.
-I know that, retard! Want you yell it to his "loving" family too?
-Oh, crap! - said Slava, moving Oleg's hand from his mouth - I almost blunder it! So, Devi, we're quite surprised to see you here. I bet you met the PIG! - yelled that word towards the door - It's name is Stanislaw, by the way.
-Well, kinda... was not very friendly, anyways. - answered Davy, a little sad.
-By the way, you can call Oleg "Oleshka"; I give you permission! - Oleg looked at Slava seriously, and Slava returned a defiant face. He wouldn't take back his words. - Say it, Oleg!
-Aww chert! - resigned Oleg - Fine, you can call me that way!
-Now, Devi, do it or I'll slap you in the face! - Slava talked looking to Davy again, very seriously.
-Alright, alright! I'll call him Oleshka! What a temper!
-Hey, we promised you no more beating! Be happy! - and grabbed friendly Davy's shoulder, smiling widely. Looked again to Oleshka very seriously, and he, with a big sigh, did the same with the other shoulder. Still the brothers were very intimidating in some way, but he had to recognize that were really trying of being the most friendly towards him. Gave back a little smile.
-That's the spirit, Devi! I can't wait to go with you to the forest with Jan! There are so amazing things there! We will get a lot of fun!
-Cannot be without Jan anyways, or we'll get lost again. - Oleshka pointed that very true fact.
-Yeah, we meet Jan while lost on the forest! Did you know that the first time i saw him almost break his face?
-I can't say I'm surprised to hear it, but didn't knew about that.- answered Davy raising an eyebrow.
The brothers were telling him the whole story of their arrival to town and his "unfortunate" stroll on the woods, and arrived to the "mud trap" incident when Jan appeared from the main door, surprised to see Davy near the entrance.
-Davy! - ran towards him smiling, and gave a hug. Davy give back another, tenderly. After, he hugged the twins, who returned a kiss on the forehead each one, murmuring something unintelligible while doing it. - Let's go before my siblings are released from their cages!
And so, the four boys headed towards Franklin.
-Why are you here, Davy? - asked Jan some meters ahead, a little puzzled.
-Well, i wanted to talk with you about...
-Guys! - Jan spoke to the Cherkovs - Can you go ahead a little, please? Davy has something important to tell me.
-No prob, then. We figured out. - And both went forward faster, talking on his own gibberish. Until they were some good meters ahead, Davy spoke.
-Wanted to ask you... what meant for you what happened yesterday? - his voice was a little shaky and very tremulous.
-I'll be honest with you, Davy. - lowered his voice, for only him to hear - I was so happy to have found a new friend that just did what i felt. I liked it a lot... i needed it. Was a lot of time since i felt so happy with someone... that's the way i am when I'm truly happy with my friends. I'm sorry if i have confused, or scared, you, somehow. - he stopped walking and gave him a glance of being sorry.
-Uff! I'm so relieved! I thought i would have done the same to you! - Davy made a so notorious exhalation of relief, that Jan couldn't avoid to giggle.
-Hehehe, I promise you that all i meant with that stuff was to show my happiness... I don't wanna marry with you, or something like that!
Both kids laughed very loud, and from some distance, the Cherkovs noticed, looking between them and shrugging their shoulders. Jan hugged Davy once again, with a soft smile. And whispered
-I'm so happy to find you as my new friend. But I don't want to know your dad's shotgun!
They laughed again very loud, and Davy clung to Jan, retaking the walking towards Franklin.
-Believe me, Jan. He can shoot very straight!
And so, jokes and laughter in between, arrived to Franklin, and headed to their classroom.
The giggling started immediately, and then, the hisses and laughter and mean comments once they were on their seats. Davy and Jan cared a darn. Just quietly prepared their lessons, talking animatedly, despite some uncomfortable sensation from Jan, that was quickly countered by a friendly smile and shoulder rubbing from Davy. First lesson was Maths, with Mrs. Swanbeck, so they would review the homework exercises, and would do some on the spot.
The homework was flawless, and Mrs. Swanbeck was quite sure that Davy had learned his lesson about cheating, so she knew that, despite some minor mistakes, his homework and Jan's were done by themselves. So, the class continued with some new exercises, and, this time, she would review them one by one. Was quite surprised to see that Jan had figured out most of them, with a little of Davy's help, and felt really happy for both. Suspected from a long time that Davy was a good kid, at difference of someones who she wouldn't name, and had noticed too the attention that Jan gave to him before the "exercise 43" incident. On her wisdom and kindness, saw the opportunity to give friendship a space to grow... was so happy of been right on this one!
Now Davy didn't think that Mrs. Swanbeck was stupid at all. He figured out some of her intentions beyond the academic sphere, since he was not dumb at all, and now on the classroom all got sense. When noticed the proud and happy glance that she gave towards him, he felt proud too, and grateful. And felt very curious to knowing more about such work of her.
Curiously, Davy noticed that the mocking and insults on the course of the class started to do themselves every minute less and less frequent, and now was just a bunch of dorks who persisted on such attitude. On such observation, also noticed a weird and concerning fact. Alex Kaufmann, the greatest dork of the class, was sitting behind them and, strangely, wasn't doing any joke, at difference of his minions Helmut Hertz, Jake Callaghan, Esteban Fuentes and Carlos Barrera. About Barrera, though, was something even more strange: he neither was doing mockery or insults, but his face was completely different of Kaufmann's; he seemed, somehow, ashamed, and gave short and timid glances towards Davy and Jan every some minutes, as waiting the right moment to say something . Was, frankly, a weird situation.
As mentioned before, Kaufmann was not doing mockery at all, but just glanced with a resentful face the pair of kids. Just observing, with those dark green eyes of his. He was quite popular with the girls, since always used to wear season's clothing, nice trinkets and was quite handsome for the standard of Franklin. He could have been even more popular that he was, with his artificial tanned surfer appearance, long blond hair and frequent parties on his house, if his character were not of a spoiled rich baby who liked to point every flaw of the people who surround him on every occasion, from economic status to neurological conditions, and all in between.
The recess bell rang, and all of them prepared to go outside. Davy was sit closer to the exit, and he had to stand first to allow Jan to do so. So he did, very glad of having a good class overall. Didn't noticed, on his urge to have some fresh air, that Kaufmann didn't move from his post, and went outside. All their classmates were outside, and waited for Jan to do the same from outside the classroom. Neither noticed that when Jan tried to stood, was violently pushed down by Kaufmann... none noticed, just he, Kaufmann and his four goons.
-What?! What's your problem! - said Jan, caught by surprise.
-I had a very interesting talk with your two friends some days ago, you nutjob! They told me that if i mess with you, they would kill me! What do you say about that?
-I don't know what are you talking about! Let me go!
-Whatever. But that's not what i wanted to tell you, freak of nature... in fact, it's a good thing that you are now friend of that liar and dumbass of Caulfield, and I'll tell you why!
Kaufmann drew from his pocket a very big brass knuckle. Jan gave it a glance. He terrified.
-You know for what is this thing, retard? I'll tell you the truth. It was all for you. To improve your crazy brain on the floor. But now, as i can't touch you, I'll give it another use! Caulfield's face!
Jan was white of horror at that point. Kaufmann's goons were laughing, except Barrera, that seemed quite terrified too with such scene!
-When he walks alone towards that farm of his, we'll follow him and you will pick the pieces from some ditch at the side of the road! And so with all of your friends, baby, one by one! Now get lost before i lost my patience towards you!
Jan stood. And moved towards the exit, very slowly, thinking, pondering, calculating. There was nothing for him to do. All his happiness had been too good to be true, and felt he should have known better. Felt that something powerful and cruel was mocking him, and wouldn't stop until see him dead, laughing and enjoying his suffering.
He said not this time. No more.
As he went to the exit, looking at the puzzled glance of Davy, who couldn't heard such dialogue, closed and locked the door of the classroom, and put a chair on the lock to block it from opening. And went back to Kaufmann, who waited him standing with his hoodlums at the sides.
-There will be no need for you to follow anyone. Here I am. I'm all yours.
Kaufmann and everyone else there, except Barrera, started to laugh louder and louder. Jan didn't show any expression on his face.
-Didn't you hear me, or are you deaf? I'm here, you swine!
-So you want to mess with us, little dork? - Advanced towards Jan, and gave him a punch on his belly with the knuckle. The smaller boy fell to the ground instantly, curled.
-Ugh!*sob*
-Hehehe! Now you feel it, insane?! Did you say something?! - Kaufmann ducked at his side to listen him on mockery.
Jan looked at him, with tears on his face and tried in vain to stand while pushing his belly, and spat on his face.
-Yuck! You stupid... Hold him in front of me!
Callaghan and Hertz hurried to grab roughly Jan's arms, and forced him to stand. Kaufmann was ready to give another blow.
-STOP IT!!! LET HIM GO NOW!!!
Barrera had enough. Such cruelty was something he was not going to tolerate further. He had followed Kaufmann believing he was his friend all this years, but now he couldn't recognize him anymore to the gentle and funny guy he had met, since Kindergarten. Was the time for this to stop.
-What's your problem, dishwasher!!! You went insane too?!
-Let him go, right now, or I'll kick all your faces!!!
-Go to hell, stupid! - and continued grabbing distance to hit Jan, now in the face.
As he was ready to do so, Barrera jumped over him, falling both to the ground, in front of the baffling of everyone there, Jan included. On such sudden move, Kaufmann dropped the knuckle and, with a movement of his arm, the thing flew towards a window, breaking it and going outside. So they struggled and Fuentes started to kick Barrera on his ribs, and once in the face, while Hertz and Callaghan, noticing that Jan tried to get loose from them, started to punch him on the ribs and face.
Davy could hear the fight inside and tried to open the door. Found it locked, and the scandal inside was growing, now with noise of chairs and desks being dragged. Tried to ram it, at the sight of everyone outside, who started to gather around, lured by Davy's efforts and, then, by the noise. Suddenly, saw Oleska and Slava, trying to sell some hippie necklaces to lower grade kids, some meters away on the playground.
-Slava!!! Help me!!!- yelled Davy towards them. The twins ran towards him once saw him.
-What's going on! - asked Slava. Oleshka felt the noise inside.
-They are beating someone there! Jan is inside!
Oleshka didn't lose more time, and gave a couple of twisting kicks to the door, who didn't open, but break the lock. Then, Slava pushed with all his strength, and opened enough for enter. Almost went insane on rage when saw the scene. Jan was covering as best as he could from the beating from the goons, while they saw two more from the same gang beating another guy.
Slava jumped towards Hertz and Callaghan, pushing them away from Jan, but Hertz grabbed a chair and smashed it towards Slava's back, taking him out of balance. Oleshka ran towards Fuentes and hit him with a kick to his ribs, pushing him over a desk, which broke into pieces, and gave a punch on the face to Kaufmann, who had stood while being helped by Fuentes and was kicking to Barrera, too. Now Kaufmann was covering his face, crying as a little girl; Oleshka, then, helped Barrera to stand up, while Slava took care of the two nasty ones who were beating Jan, grabbing both necks with his hands and pushing quite hard. Davy entered too, and grabbed quickly Jan from the floor almost being stepped over in the middle of chaos, even avoiding a flying chair, dragging him to outside the classroom.
Immediately, arrived the janitor and History's teacher, with some upper grades students, that had been warned some moments ago by another classmates, and controlled the situation, despite the old janitor had some trouble trying to prevent Slava from asphyxiate Hertz and Callaghan with his bare hands, who were turning violet, and the History's teacher, old dude too, had to push Oleshka away with the help of a pair of other big students from upper grades, to avoid more kicking from him towards Kaufmann and Fuentes, who were just curling on the floor, crying. Barrera was sitting a couple of meters away, since had received some damage, and couldn't stand for the moment.
After checking that everyone was relatively okay, and now everyone a little more controlling over themselves, everybody were sent towards Principal's office. Davy was sent too, but just for explaining what he saw, like some students from around. Were warned that if started the fighting again all of them would be sent with the police, and automatically expelled from the school. And Principal started to interrogating everyone. Meanwhile, all their parents, except Davy's were called to pick their sons, as obviously were suspended for some days, the quantity still to define.
The first one to be interrogated was Barrera, who had no trouble for telling the truth at all. And while he was severely admonished inside Principal's office for not telling such issue before to an responsible adult, all the rest of the boys waited outside. Slava was quite sored of his back but, apart of that, was ok, if angry with Jan for being so stupid, as Oleshka. Jan was crying on silence being comforted by Davy, while Kaufmann and his goons avoided all visual contact with the other guys, to prevent them of giving a reason for "ending the job": after all, were not that dumb.
Everybody gave a more or less consistent version of the facts, except Kaufmann who claimed that was provoked for the "little nut job". Principal told him seriously that Novak's cliical condition was not excuse at all for his threats or lynching, and, from his perspective, "he" was the nut job; also,told him he was very lucky of none having proof about the claims of himself bringing a weapon to school, and his next mistake would be the last one here, public institution or not.
Once everyone interrogated, suspensions were handed over. Kaufmann and his goons two weeks with forcible psychologist sessions, the Cherkovs one week with sessions of anger management with school psychologist, and Barrera one week, no sessions at all due his outstanding personal records. Principal was very tempted to use this incident to kick out Jan from school, but the school councilor went against that, since he had not gave a single punch, as most of the teachers consulted. Anyway due to the whole mess and having blocked the door of the classroom, got a one week suspension.
Now the parents were arriving, and Jan started to shiver greatly, almost losing the control. He knew that mom was working, and "dad" worked closer than she. Clung terrified to Davy, as the different parents started to arrive, increasing his tension. All that Davy could do is to caress his head. The Cherkovs just looked at them with a very painful face: they couldn't stand to see him suffer, but he had to think about his behavior, and they were, anyway, a little angry with him. But grateful about Davy comforting his friend.
The first one on arriving was Kaufmann's father. Was wearing a dark blue business suit, and Jan almost gave a scream thinking was his own "dad". Seemed very angry with his son, but a little puzzled about the terrified one, who now just buried his face on Davy's chest. After going out from Principal's he ordered to his son to go to the car, and went there. The next one was the fathers of their friends, that one by one, did the same routine. Next on arriving was Mr. Cherkov, who walked frowning a little, and before entering the office, asked on his language to his sons; Oleshka answered to him very calm, as was his custom, after which Mr. Cherkov put a relief face and, even, was a little proud of them. Couldn't avoid to notice Jan, who was not paying attention at all towards his surroundings facing Davy's chest. After gently greeting Davy, and caressing Jan's head, went inside.
Now the four boys were alone on the hall.
-It's okay, Jan, please be calm... It's okay. - Davy kept caressing his hair.
-Why you did it, Jan? Haven't you promised not to do it again? - asked Oleshka, more calm.
He didn't answer.
-Don't do that, please... not now. - Davy saw the futility of that talk on such moment.
-Sorry, Devi, but he owes, to all of us, an explanation of what he said and did. - Slava intervened, before Oleshka indulged his impulse of making the nosy kid to shut up. Davy was about to answer that, when Jan released him, and stood in front of the twins.
-He threatened Davy *sob*. With a brass knuckle... he said that he would follow him, with his friends, and kill him, and all of you... one by one, and *sob* i would never allow it, ever. Not for my cause... I would take it all happily, i don't care about what those guys can do to me... but to harm you... I would never allow it!
-You should have told us! - said Davy, very surprised of such evil and stupidity from his supposed "classmates" - We could have told someone about it...
-For what?! For to Oleg and Yaroslav get mad and beat more people?! And when the police catches you for all you have done by my fault, how you will protect me?! - and now was glancing to the twins with a saddened face - I would never forgive myself! I can't take this anymore... waaa...
Oleshka and Slava embraced him. Never thought they could be a matter of such concern for his "little brother".
-We will try to be less aggressive, Jan, we will try... We are sorry to worry you. -said Slava, closing his eyes. The three kids just embraced there, for a long time. Davy said.
-You can be good friends without need of punching, or being mean to others. Yes, there are bad guys there, and you must defend yourselves and who you love, but if you think that everything solves with the fists only, you will never be happy, and this will happen always! He was afraid of you to do something wrong, and tried to avoid our help because that. I understand him, and hope he trust us enough to allow us to care. But he will never trust you fully if you don't make the effort of think before react... and he needs you, seriously. I knew it since i saw how he looks towards you.
The Cherkovs couldn't say anything. The "newcomer" had a better understanding about his little friend than themselves, and that ashamed them; but also was relieving. They could trust him to be his beloved "little brother" friend, really.
-I need you too, Davy. We all need you. - and Jan went towards him - Sorry for having done that. Sorry to all of you. You are mi life now.
Davy hugged him, and kissed his head, closing his eyes; suddenly he felt the embrace of the brothers, and Oleshka's head was lying on his shoulder, peaceful, grateful, at his back, while Slava's hand caressed his back, embracing his front, covering Jan. They were there for around a minute. Was his reward for true caring about a friend, and he enjoyed it fully.
Mr. Cherkov went out from the office, finding the scene. Didn't interrupt, and waited for them to spread before talking.
-Jan, I talked with your mother by phone, and...
-Please, Mr. Cherkov, don't let me go home!!! He will kill me!!! He will kill me!!! - Yelled the little kid, and ran towards him, clinging terrified. Mr. Cherkov was not surprised about his reaction, as his sons informed him about what kind of "family" he had, and the consequences of lingering there more than necessary. The brothers just looked at his father's eyes, begging with their glance. Davy couldn't understand what was happening.
-Who will kill him? - Davy had to ask, very surprised and, somewhat, scared.
-You will know later. Not now. - whispered Slava, without looking at him, but to his father.
-It's ok, Jan, be calm. - Mr. Cherkov grabbed the shivering little boy with his arms, as if he weighted nothing - As i was saying, I talked to your mother by phone, and she was okay with the idea of you be with us for some time. You will have to do some chores there, but you will be fine. Don't you worry. -
Jan simply hugged his neck, and exhaled with relief, while resting his head on Mr. Cherkov's shoulder. He was really too tired and sored to do anything else that day.
-Please, Davy - said to him from Mr. Cherkov's heights, softly, as about to fall asleep - go to see how is Barrera... he saved me from Kaufmann's brass knuckle on my face. Tell him I'm so sorry. He got beaten to protect me...
-I'll do. I'll get your stuff too.
-Bring it to our house, please - said Oleshka - We will handle it there. And... you are welcome too, to help him on his homework... and stuff.
-We'll see us later, guys. - And then, Mr. Cherkov, after saying goodbye with a handshake to Davy, as the brothers, who went to their classroom to grab their few things, went to home. As promised, Davy went to see to the only boy whose parents still didn't show, and was sitting alone, on a lonely corner of the playground, with tears on his swollen face.
Carlos Barrera felt hurt and alone. Had punched and struggled with his very early childhood friend, and also had lost the rest of them. Wondered if they really were his friends all this time, though, since didn't took a lot of time for Fuentes to start kicking him brutally once in ground. He felt confused and sad. How he could be so wrong about those people? What happened in between of all these years of friendship? Since a lot of time he started to feel regret about their acts, on which he participated for not being alone, and sometimes indulging himself with some apparent light mischief, but now he could feel the pain of the people who they teased, or threatened. Felt quite bad for Jan the last Friday, when the little one was humiliated in front of everyone by Davy's words, but he didn't feel capable, or better said, "good guy enough" to do something about it. The silence was his sin, and he knew it.
So, he wanted to apologize: thinking the words, the right moment, maybe without Caulfield's presence, on the recess, where he knew Jan would be alone, and, maybe, more receptive to forgive. But not even he could imagine what his former friend had planned for this Monday: a brass knuckle! He would say something later about it to his old friend, Alex Kaufmann. But to see returning the weaker, outnumbered and scared boy, after closing the door to avoid rescue, and deliver himself to his enemies to prevent, naively, harm towards the ones who he loved the most, simply broke his heart, and made him react violently... not at time to prevent him to be harmed by such mean retard!
Davy got close to him, and sat at his side. Thick tears rolled by his brown swollen cheeks, the gift of a loving and happy mom and dad. And now he felt ashamed towards them for his stupid previous acts.
-Are you too sore, Barrera?
-Don't worry about it, Caulfield. I'm fine.
-Hey, i wanted to talk you, from Jan.
Barrera looked at Davy with his dark and moist reddened eyes.
-He wanted to say he is sorry for you to be hurt on all this mess. Also, that he is grateful for your rescue, and really appreciate it.
-I don't get it, Caulfield... We teased him all this time, me included, he got beaten by my ex-friends, and the first thing that he sends to you for telling me is that he's sorry of me being beaten? - asked with incredulity.
-Jan's that way. He doesn't like to see anyone being hurt, much less by his fault.
-David... I'm so sorry.
-What? Why?
-I thought you were just a dumb liar. That you were too coward to be someone to be respected. But what you did for him... taking him out of all that mess was... i don't know how to put it... Just that i respect you now. Seriously.
Davy didn't expected that. And started to think about it. Everybody just looked from outside the battlefield with flying chairs and people, but he didn't minded... his only concern was to take out his wounded friend from there. He didn't even thought about the possible harm towards himself and, despite Oleg and Yaroslav had most of it controlled, anything could have happened.
-Not only that... I was quite angry with you when i heard the gossip of what you said about Novak the last Friday... as some people on the classroom who thought the same that me... but now you came with him as if you were best friends! And you didn't cared about the douches in there... You gave me a lesson with that, Caulfield, about how to be a good friend for anyone! And i would dare to say it, you are an awesome guy!
-Barrera, I... i don't know what to say...
-Don't you worry about it. It's just that i needed to say it. It's the truth, i swear. - Barrera was a lot of calmer now, and he smiled at him. Davy was baffled, as he had renounced to most of his expectations for being popular for anyone there. And he didn't expected what was coming for him on the recess.
Suddenly, the bell for the second recess rang, and, from the ill-treated door came out their schoolmates. Everyone of them ran towards the two sitting boys, and surrounded them! Even some unknown boys from other grades got close to see him. And they started asking, and to Barrera.
-Whoa Caulfield! That was a mess!!!
-Didn't you get hurt at all?! Why did you go in there?! - asked a girl.
-That required guts, pal!
-You know those pair of psychos?! You talk to them?! How are they?!
-Kaufmann wanted to kill Novak?! Why?! And why Barrera saved him?! -asked another girl, very interested on Davy's words.
-Tell us details man, you were there! - a boy asked to Barrera - You kicked Kaufmann's butt?!
-How's "the Insane"? - asked another boy.
At hearing that question Davy stood.
-CUT IT OFF!!! Jan is not insane!!! All of we are!!! - yelled towards the group, very angry.
Everybody got silent. Even people who were not surrounding them.
-How many nice kids must be hurt for you to understand that we were the crazy ones?! What we everyday turn good people insane with every stupid bad attitude that we use to humiliate another guy? And if you were not punching him, you laughed when those scumbags made his life impossible! I laughed! And i feel awful for having done that. But that's the past! I will never laugh again of anyone on that way. There's a lot of good jokes to laugh without needing to tear apart another person, and we all enjoy them. To call a person "insane" just for fun, every day, is just mean and stupid! So, if you want to know more about what happened there, and why i did what i did, and why Barrera saved his life, ASK TO HIM, ON HIS FACE, AND CALLING HIM FOR HIS TRUE NAME, JAN NOVAK!!!
Said that, Davy went to the classroom. Barrera followed him, to grab his own stuff before going home for his suspension, but more than that, because now he admired him, and felt the need to be near, and of being his friend. And everyone out there that could hear him, suddenly, felt ashamed of themselves.
The school day ended, and Davy started to pack, now carrying two backpacks. Every classmate said goodbye to him, and he answered the same. Mr. Castillo, the janitor, who which never had crossed words with him before, praised his courage on the rescue of Jan, while starting to do the needed repairs. Even some schoolmates waited for him to walk part of the road towards Cherkov's, as noticed that he took certain road to there, and now they didn't wanted to avoid him anymore.
Arrived to Cherkov's, and some of his schoolmates kept going to their homes. As getting near to the entrance, the door opened and was received by Misha, who yelled to inside.
-The... ehem... sobaka is here!
After that, he offered a pair of slippers, as before, to pass the entrance. No one was exempted of this rule.
Once inside, noticed that Mr. Cherkov had to go to the town to grab some medicines, and the twins were sitting at the table, playing cards.
-Hi, Devi! So long of seeing you!
-Hehe, sure, Slava! How's Jan?
-He's resting at Misha's bed. Go and kiss his cheek for waking him up. - answered Oleshka, very serious and concentrated on the game.
-Maybe it's better to let him rest a little...
-Nah! He needs you. Go inside. - answered Slava, dropping some cards, and smiling widely to Oleshka, who frowned. Slava had won. - You both can drink tea with us when papa arrives.
So, he went to the room, finding Jan peacefully sleeping on Misha's bed, hugging Pyotr, who had the sacred duty, ordered by Misha himself, of watch his dreams. Carefully put Pyotr at the side, and kissed his cheek. Jan awoke.
-Hi there. - said softly to Davy.
-Hi there. - answered, with a smile.
-Get inside and hug me. - Jan made space on the bed for him, and Davy went inside, hugging his back.
-How you feel now? - asked Davy, a little concerned.
-As if i was beaten by a mob, thanks. - made a giggling after that.
-So funny, you dumb. By the way, I brought you school stuff.
-Give it to the church. How's Barrera?
-He's fine, but his face a little swollen. Some rest will be good for him.
-Poor guy... I dunno why he did that. But saved my life, and more important, my face.
Both kids laughed softly. Jan pushed his back to Davy a little.
-Davy... you had thought before that someday you would have so hard assignment from school?
-To which one you refer with that?
-About me, you jackass! - Jan faked a little annoyed. - I was Mrs. Swanbeck homework, if you didn't notice!
-Hard? I would say reckless and stubborn! - answered on a mocking tone - But hard? You give yourself too much credit.
Jan giggled a little more. A small silence followed, and could hear to Oleshka cursing and Slava yelling, both in gibberish on the living room, while Misha laughing coarsely: Slava won again.
-You really can rest here? - asked softly Davy.
-I wouldn't prefer sleeping on any other place in the Earth.
-How you do it?
-Simple - answered whispering, closing his eyes - Just kiss my neck, and close your eyes. It's a secret.
Davy obliged. And after a deep sigh, Davy could get some sleep, at least until tea time, hugging soft and tenderly to his perfect homework.
This is the end of "The perfect homework" story, Next in line would be "Meeting the neighbourhood" story, But there is also a 14 chapter long prequel, and a 10 chapter prequel to that prequel, along with a short prequel about Jan's past, and over 30 chapters of sequels, So i have to figure out in what order to post them.
Andrew didn't write in a chronological order, But that was actually a part of the genius, seeing all those stories and plots connect in space and time into the main plotline that takes place in the small town where Niklas and his Friends live, now alongside Jan, the Cherkovs, and many more interesting characters. Definitely, life there is becomming interesting... But shush, no spoilers...
Slava an Oleshka, somewhere on their journey through cold eastern countries (signs should be in Cyrylic instead of chinese, but well...)
Yup, they are originally from an ex-communist country...
Somewhere else on their way...
Slightly more Japanese vibe... Dunno if they've ever been to Japan though...
Jan. Ai is crap with fingers and weapons, figure...
He tend's to be cute and gentle, most of the time...
Untill he isn't that gentle anymore 😉 He's a fierce one afterall.
A harsh winter.
Some time in the past in the Balkans...
Slightly different style.
