Sana and Jose headed back to the theater. "What will we tell Balan?" Sana said.
Jose gently squeezed her hand comfortingly. "We'll be honest with him about what Lance said," he said.
"Of course, but... maybe we can soften his words a little?"
The farmer nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Balan's heard enough harsh words, even if Lance feels he's speaking the truth," he said before pausing. "You know, in a way, he wasn't completely wrong."
"True, but he still could not have been so harsh about it."
Soon arriving at the theater, it didn't take long for them to tell the others what had transpired at the casino.
"He said WHAT?!" Leo asked, his tone angry.
"I knew it!" Cass said, also angry.
"Easy, kiddos," Bruce said, his voice calm, though he too was upset.
"He's just going to abandon Balan?!" Cal exclaimed, looking as if he wanted to give Lance a piece of his mind.
The others voiced their anger at Lance's words, but suddenly, Balan's voice cut through the tension. "Everyone, please stop," he asked. They all looked at him as he looked saddened, but his voice held steady. "Lance is right, and he's not responsible for the choices I made."
He took a deep breath. "In truth, Lance actually asked for me to come with him in search of a way to get back on track with both of us, but I stubbornly said that I could take care of the theater, even if it just took me to do it." He gazed at them. "I don't regret that choice, even though it's been tough."
Sana went up and placed a hand on Balan's shoulder. "Lance said he was unable to help because he has other goals in life," she said gently. "But he did at least listen to us."
Balan sighed, looking disappointed. "As much as I wish he was here, I understand what he was trying to say," he said.
"Still, I wish he could have at least helped a little," Yuri said.
"Sometimes it can be hard for others to see the bigger picture that we are seeing," Attilio said gently, bending a long balloon into the shape of one of the Tims at his feet, who chirped at seeing the creation.
After a bit, Eis spoke up. "So, what's the plan?" He asked. "Winter's coming close, and the theater still needs a lot of work."
"He's right," Iben said. "Even if it's clean, there is still more to do. No AC or heat, no hot water, the kitchen looks like a nightmare, the theater stage is rotten all the way through, and I saw a few rats and mice scurrying away earlier."
"That's not good," Bruce declared in worry.
"It wouldn't be safe to stay here much longer," Haoyu said sadly.
The adults nodded. "I think... it might be best to think about possibly selling the theater and starting somewhere new," Fiona suggested.
Balan looked afraid at that. "If we did that, there would be enough money, but we'll still have to pinch pennies on what we'll want to make the theater grand again," Jose said.
"No," Balan said, shaking his head. "It'll feel like I'd be abandoning my home. I don't want that."
"The place may not sell for what Balan once paid for it since values can decrease over time, especially if things are a bit worn out," Iben said gently.
"She's right," Lucy announced. "If you don't want to sell, Balan, we'll have to figure out where you can stay until winter is over because there is no way you can survive another winter with no heat."
"Balan will stay at my house," Emma mentioned, her tone sure.
"Some money would be better than not having any money at all," Jose said. "All Balan needs is a roof over his head and food to eat."
"If he can build up from that, he could start from a clean page," Sana said.
As everyone continued to discuss the pros and cons of selling the theater and starting fresh, arguing their points, Balan snuck away, feeling overwhelmed, as he knew his friends were trying to help. Still, he felt like he was becoming a burden, something he didn't want to become to his friends, but he still didn't feel right about leaving the theater he had worked so hard on. He didn't want to let it go.
As he continued to feel bad, he hid in the theater away from the others. Emma and Leo noticed that Balan was gone again, but they had a feeling he was hiding. Heading into the theater, they began searching for him. A few hours of searching yielded them, finding him hiding behind a curtain, shaking with anxiety.
Emma and Leo gently moved the curtain aside and hugged Balan. He instinctively hugged them back. "Balan, you can stay with me and my mom for the winter," Emma said. "We don't feel safe with you sleeping in a worn down, possibly unhealthy building."
"But it's my home," he said gently but stubbornly. "I won't leave it. I'd rather freeze first than do so."
This shocked the two kids to their cores. It sounded like the theater meant more to Balan than his own life, so much so that he stopped taking care of himself. "Balan, we understand, but please understand what we're saying," Leo said. "It's not safe here right now."
"Your life is important to us. We can't and won't leave you behind," Emma said. "My place will be warm, and you'll have food to eat. Even the Tims can come along."
"We'll feel better knowing that you're safe for winter," Leo said.
Balan smiled gently at them. "I'm touched that everyone wants to help me, but despite everything you all have done, I can no longer take advantage of your kindness. I'm afraid all your efforts are going down the drain," he said, feeling guilty again.
Footsteps sounded, and they looked to see Lucy and the others coming up to them. "There you three are," the painter said, smiling. "Balan, there is something I've learned as an artist. Sometimes, when things aren't looking the way you want, you have to look at it from another angle. You can often find the solution you want by doing so."
"There is often more than one way to reach your goal," Iben said.
Balan looked thoughtful at Lucy's and Iben's words, pondering them for a long while before he spoke up. "Can I at least stay one more night here?" He asked politely.
Leo couldn't help but get a lump in his throat at Balan's request, but he had no explanation as to why. Emma took a deep breath. "Alright," she relented. "One more night, but after this, we're taking you to my home."
The others nodded, agreeing. "Why don't you sleep on it, Balan?' Fiona said gently. "It is a big decision, but please remember, we're only thinking about what's best for you."
He nodded before hugging them all. "See you all tomorrow?" He asked.
"We'll be here," Cal promised as they all went home themselves, still determined to stick with Balan and help him with his dreams.
Lance has made it clear he isn't able to help... Or possibly didn't want to. Despite his choice, Balan accepts it. Openly admitting that Lance tried to get Balan to come with him in search of a new life.
The theater remains decrepit, and pests are roaming the area. It could be unhealthy to live in a place like this now, especially with winter not far behind.
It all comes down to what's best for Balan... And it could possibly mean selling the theater and starting anew. Balan believes all of his and his friends efforts are for nothing. If Balan gave up the theater, it would be giving up his home.
But his friends show concern for his well-being. His life means more to them than an old building. Hopefully, Balan will accept Emma's offer to stay with her until winter ends.
This is my Lonesome Maestro AU. When Balan's first show was a disaster, and everyone left him. He's become very lonely and sad due to no one being around. Until Leo and Emma showed up and try to change his life for the better.
