Losers United

“Homophobic,” Daniel murmured under his breath and hissed, but Shapiro didn't hear what he said.

“Daniel, it seems the king hates you. Why else would he think of starving you while every other person eats to their fill?” Frank asked Daniel when the tension died down.

At this point, Daniel couldn't swallow any more meat, he gulped down a cup of beer and rested his head on Frank's legs.

“I doubt he even likes himself,” Daniel replied with a low voice.

“Oh, he does. He likes himself more than anything on this planet. I don't think we can blame him if he truly hates Daniel. I mean, there is nothing to like about him. He is so plain and unlikeable,” Justin chipped in with a menacing smile.

Frank looked surprised to hear Justin's words, and he looked at him with arched brows. “I thought you guys said you're now friends, why the sudden need for a disagreement?” He asked curiously.

Justin knew his cover might be blown off and everyone would know that he was not ready to be friends with Daniel, so he shrugged his shoulders, acting oblivious.

“Don't mind Justin, he likes to turn everything into a fighting competition,” Daniel teased with a mischievous smirk, he gave Justin a good look and burst into laughter.

“I really wouldn't be able to understand you guys,” Timber murmured.

“That's understandable. Since we are four, how about we have a nickname? Hum, Frank, Daniel, Justin, and Timber, what can we name our group?” Frank asked excitedly.

“Who said I want to have a group name with you losers? I'd rather be on my own,” Justin had a smug smile on his face.

“The feeling is neutral, bitch. You're also a loser to me,” Daniel responded to Justin. He didn't look offended, instead a smile was plastered on his face.

" How about Losers Unite!" Frank exclaimed, laughing. "That's our group name."

"I like it. We can call ourselves LU for short," Timber chuckled.

"You guys are ridiculous,” Justin rolled his eyes.

"Hey, it's better than being alone, right, Justin?" Daniel grinned.

Justin's expression softened, and for a moment, Daniel thought he saw a glimmer of genuine friendship.

"Whatever," Justin muttered, looking away.

Frank patted Daniel's head, still resting on his leg. "Don't mind Justin. He's just mad because he's the most loser-ish of us all."

The group erupted into laughter, and even Justin cracked a smile.

As they continued to joke and tease each other, Daniel felt a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time. He had never had any genuine friends, back in the village, a lot of people were jealous of him because of his handsomeness. Wives and mothers would tell their children to avoid him, calling him a homewrecker. According to them, he would snatch their husbands’ and children's hearts.

But amidst the happiness, Daniel couldn't shake off the feeling that he was getting himself into something he didn't plan for. His main mission was to get his younger brother and travel to a faraway land, but he was not only developing friendships, he was also falling in love with the ruthless king.

"Hey, Frank?" Daniel whispered.

"Yeah?" Frank replied.

"Do you think friendship can stand any test?" Daniel asked, eyes locked on Frank.

Frank's expression turned serious. "I'm not sure, Daniel. But what I do know is that we've got each other's backs, no matter what. Moreover, true friends are a rare gemstone."

Daniel nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude toward Frank.

“Why did you ask, though?” Frank questioned with raised brows.

“Nothing serious. This is my first time in a friendship group,” Daniel replied with a melancholic smile.

“Me too, but our friendship will wax stronger. No keeping or secrets,” Frank announced to the three men: Timber, Justin, and Daniel.

“I think for now, we should keep some secrets, we barely know each other. Some things will be hard to tell,” Timber suggested lightheaded, and Daniel couldn't agree more. As much as he loved the newfound friendship, he wasn't ready to tell them that his father was a traitor and his brother was being held hostage due to his cowardly behavior.

Frank didn't look happy at Timber's suggestion, but seeing that everyone agreed, he reluctantly sighed. “Fine. I have a confession to make, I am gay,” he said in a whisper. Justin and Timber looked alarmed, and they both looked around to make sure that no one heard him.

Daniel looked frustrated, and Frank began to giggle like a child.

“It's the truth, I am gay,” Frank affirmed seeing that the men didn't believe him.

“How can you say that so carelessly? Aren't you scared that the king might hear you and get you beheaded?” Justin asked with widened eyes.

Frank shook his head with a smile on his face. “No, I am not scared,” he replied.

“Why not? Are you ready to die?” Justin asked with arched brows.

Frank burst into laughter. “No, not really. I am not scared because I trust you guys,” he confessed.

The three other men looked touched, and they stared at him passionately. Daniel included.

“I am also an LGBTQ person, bisexual to be precise. I have dated quite a large number of females in the past, but I am still attached to some men,” Timber confessed with a broad smile.

“Men? Am I included?” Frank asked, winking his brows seducingly.

Daniel burst into laughter, and Timber joined him, ignoring Frank's question.

“Is there anyone else with a unique sexuality?” Frank asked, his eyes curiously scrutinizing Daniel and Justin.

Justin looked shocked and unwilling to confess, and so was Daniel.

“No, but I am your biggest ally,” Daniel lied. He didn't tell them the truth, because he thought he was doing the right thing.

“Yes, me too,” Justin stuttered. Frank and Timber looked convinced, and a light exchange broke out between the both of them.

Daniel stood up and went to Justin's side. “You lied about your sexuality,” he whispered into his ears.

Justin bent, placing his mouth near Daniel's ear. “So did you,” he whispered back.

“Something is better left unsaid,” Daniel replied.

“I agree, we are both the black sheep of the family,” Justin said, bursting into laughter. He later left their side to go and mingled with some strip dancers who had been eyeing him for a while.

Daniel shook his head at Justin's pretense, and surprisingly, his eyes landed on Lazarus, who was also looking at him with renewed interest.