Chapter Text
Thomas’ stomach growled as he dejectedly walked home from his paper route. He groaned, hugging his tummy as he walked, rain soaking him as he went. Curse Florida weather...
It seemed his wish upon a star had not been accepted. Instead of some miracles coming his way, things had gotten worse. Breakfast wasn’t an option for anyone at the orphanage anymore. Instead, they had to go hungry until lunch. So, Thomas had only had one meal so far today, and it wasn’t even that good. The food served as school meals cannot count as actual food. How are they allowed to serve that stuff?
He got even more annoyed when a van drove quickly past him, going through a large puddle in the process, which splashed over Thomas, soaking him even more. Thomas took a deep breath, trying not to lose his temper, glaring at the van, only to pause when he saw what van it was: a Duke chocolate van.
Thomas’ eyebrows furrowed. It was known through the town that the vans delivering Duke chocolate only left the factory after dark - something that only added to Remus’ cryptidness. Seeing one out during the day was very strange.
And it got even stranger when the van pulled to a stop nowhere near a candy store, and instead by a lamp post. An arm reached out the window, sticking a flier to it, before the van drove off.
Thomas blinked, watching it go, before his attention went back to the lamp post. He wandered over to it, reading the message written on the note.
Dear guys, gals and non-binary pals all around the world,
I, Remus Duke, am opening my factory to the public. But hold your horses, don't come running to my factory just yet! Not just anyone can come. I will be sending out five golden tickets hidden under the wrappers of five Duke chocolate bars for children to find. The five children who do find the tickets will be invited on a tour around the factory conducted by myself, and after will be given a lifetime supply of chocolate. However, one child may receive a different, special prize should I see them fit for it...
Happy hunting, and good luck!
Remus Duke
Oh. My. Gosh.
Thomas pulled the flier off of the post, needing to feel it to see it was actually real. It was. Oh my gosh, Remus Duke’s factory was opening.
After staring at the letter in shock for a few more seconds, he turned and took off running. He didn’t stop, going as fast as he possibly could until he arrived at the orphanage, practically slamming on the door instead of knocking. After a few moments, it was opened by Dot.
“Thomas, you’re soaking! Come on in, let’s get you dri-”
“Dot, look look! I saw this being put up coming back from my paper route! The factory, it’s opening! Remus Duke’s opening his factory!” Thomas pushed the flier into Dot’s hands, practically jumping up and down in excitement.
He honestly didn’t know why he was so excited. He knew full well, he had basically no chance of winning a ticket and being able to go on the tour. Well, he had a chance, but only one: the Duke bar he’d get on his birthday, which was coming up soon. But that was the only chance he’d have. Other kids would be able to get tens, maybe hundreds of bars a week. Thomas and the other children in the orphanage could only get a single one a year. Thomas shouldn’t have been getting his hopes up like he was…
“This is real?” Dot asked, drawing Thomas’ attention back to the present.
Thomas nodded. “I saw a Duke truck drive by and the person driving it pinned it up!”
“Thomas, that’s wonderful news. I bet everyone will be really excited. I’ll go spread the news, and in the meantime you should probably have a warm shower and get dry. We don’t want you getting sick, do we?”
Thomas nodded, before turning and running off upstairs and to the bathroom. One shower later, he got dressed into some clean, though still tattered and old, clothes, before running back downstairs. It was obvious Dot had told the other kids what had happened, as everyone was gathered in the living room, talking excitedly. When Thomas came in, two of the younger kids in particular ran up to him.
“Thomas! Is it true?! Is the factory really opening?!” Kai bounced on the balls of his feet as he asked.
Thomas nodded. “Yep!”
“Your birthday’s coming up!” Elliot said. “You could win a ticket and get to go!”
“I really really hope I will.” Thomas did wish on that star a few days ago… Maybe this was because of it! Maybe he was destined to win a ticket; maybe, on his birthday, fate was going to make it so that there would be a golden ticket within his chocolate bar, and that would be the good luck he wished for!
“Now, Elliot, don’t get his hopes up,” Larry said. “There are millions of Duke bars being sold every day. It’s highly unlikely Thomas will win a ticket and be able to go. It’s practically impossible in fact.”
“Larry…”
“What?” he turned to his wife, who had folded her arms. “We shouldn’t give them false hope. It’d just be cruel to make them excited and then have it torn away.”
Dot sighed. “I guess… but they don’t get much to be excited about. We should let them have something to be happy about.”
The two continued talking to each other, most of the children ignoring them and going back to their excited chatter, talking about what they thought the factory and the man who ran it would be like. Thomas was the only one who kept focused on Dot and Larry’s conversation. He guessed Larry was right, he shouldn’t get his hopes too high. Not to mention, winning a ticket would just let him tour around the factory. And while, yes, that would be amazing and a dream come true for him, it wouldn’t help with what was important. A lifetime supply of candy can’t make up for proper nutritious meals. Meeting Remus Duke wouldn’t save the orphanage from closing. He shouldn’t put so much on the idea of winning.
“Thomas? Are you okay?” Elliot must have noticed his thoughtful expression.
“Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Don’t worry. Just a little tired after school and work.” He raised his voice so all the other kids would hear and listen. “How about we put on a movie?”
Voices of agreement rang through the living room. Suggestions for movies were called out as Thomas went and got a bowl and notepad. Once the suggestions were put forward, Thomas handed out strips of paper for everyone to vote. When all the votes were in the bowl, Thomas counted.
Soon, all the kids were gathered around the living room, as well as Dot and Larry, whose discussion had ended, watching Tangled. And as Rapunzel sang, Thomas couldn’t help but wonder. In the film, Rapunzel went on a quest to get what she wanted: to leave the tower and see the lanterns. But she ended up getting what she needed: to be reunited with her family and be free from Mother Gothel.
What if something like that was true for Thomas? What if getting what he wanted - winning a tour around the factory - would lead to getting what he needed - a new happy life and an orphanage that won’t close?
And that thought? Well, it was hard not to get his hopes up when thinking about it.
-
Patton giggled as Toby excitedly ran over and jumped up onto his bed, curling up to his side. He scratched the scruff of the dog’s neck as he settled down under his duvet. “Night, Tobes.”
Patton made sure his night light was on, before flicking off the lamp on his bedside and laying down to go to sleep. He wasn’t sure how long he slept - heck, he didn’t know if he even got to sleep at all - before the door to his bedroom was pushed open, light spilling into the room.
“Sorry to wake you, Pat, but there’s something I think you’d really want to see!” Harley was smiling brightly from his doorway.
Patton rubbed his eyes, sitting up and turning his lamp back on. “What is it…?”
“Come see!” Harley came over, taking his hand, and leading him out of his bed and out to the living room. Toby followed at Patton’s heels as the boy, clutching his favourite plush toy - a frog - to his chest, went over and sat on the couch. He blinked at the TV, willing his tired eyes to focus on the bright screen. It took him a moment to realise that the blurriness wasn’t because he was tired, but because he forgot to put on his glasses before leaving his room. Luckily, it seemed his mother had seen him overlook this and gone to get them, as Harley suddenly slipped them onto his face.
“Thanks, Mum!” Patton gave Harley a thankful smile, before looking back to the screen as Harley unpaused it.
It was a news report. Patton was confused at first as to why, of all things, his mother would show him a news report. He was only ten, usually he wasn’t told about stuff in the news unless it was really important stuff.
But as the report went on, Patton found his eyes widening in excitement and shining in amazement. When the report finished, he could barely form words. He turned to his mother, who was smiling at the joy on his face. “How about I get you a Duke bar for you to have before you go back to bed?”
Patton nodded, and Harley headed off to the kitchen. Patton looked down at Toby, smiling. “Did you see the TV, Tobes?! Isn’t it exciting?! Oh, I really really really hope I get to go! It’d be a dream come true…”
Harley came back, handing Patton the chocolate bar. Patton went to excitedly tear it open, only to pause before he did so. Harley frowned. “What’s the matter, Pattoncake?”
“Nothing, I just… I’m really excited. I really really hope a ticket is in this.” Patton closed his eyes, wishing as hard as he could possibly wish, before opening the bar.
He opened his eyes.
Nothing. Just a chocolate bar. He sighed. “Oh… oh well. I guess I can always buy some more after school tomorrow?”
Harley smiled at her son’s optimism, kissing his head as he started eating the Duke bar. “I’ll give you some money tomorrow morning. Now finish that chocolate, and then it’s back to bed, Pattoncake.”
Patton nodded, munching happily at the chocolate bar. He was going to win a ticket, he just knew it! It was his dream after all. He’d eat as many Duke bars as it took!
-
Knock knock knock!
Romulus didn’t look up from his laptop as he called “Come in!” to whoever the person outside his office door was. He was in the process of writing an email to the CEO of another company and he could be about to make the biggest business deal of his life. He wouldn’t let himself get distracted by one of his workers, probably demanding a pay rise they didn’t need, and threatening a strike they would never follow through with if they didn’t get it.
“Mr Salt?”
Now Romulus looked up from his laptop, frowning. “Pryce? What are you doing here? It’s past Roman’s bedtime, you should be at home with him.”
Pryce stepped into the room. “I know, it’s just there was just an announcement on the news, and Roman demanded to come see you right after. I told him to wait in the car while I informed you, and though I know he probably won’t listen and will scream it to you whenever he gets here, I thought I should let you know calmly first: Remus Duke is opening his factory.”
Romulus’ eyes widened. “He’s what?” He paused. “This could be a great business opportunity… Possible partnership between Salt’s Nut Corporation and Duke Chocolate...”
“The news said that five tickets have been hidden in the wrappers of Duke bars, and those who win them will get to go on a tour of the factory. So, Roman will probably want you to buy as many as you can so that he can go.”
Perfectly on time, the door to the office suddenly slammed open, Roman storming in. Romulus and Pryce shared a ‘here we go’ kind of look, before Roman started ranting.
“I want a golden ticket! Get me a golden ticket !”
Romulus nodded. “Yes, of course, Roman. I’ll start placing orders for Duke bars later tonight, and you can open them when they arri-”
Roman scoffed. “Are you kidding me? I’m not opening all those bars by myself!” He paused, before a grin spread across his face. “Get your workers to do it!”
Romulus blinked at his son, before raising an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Your workers spend all day shelling nuts. When the bars arrive, make them start opening up the chocolate to find me a ticket instead. And I won’t take no for an answer!”
Romulus sighed. That would not at all be profitable, stopping production for so long… but if he didn’t do as his son said, he would never hear the end of it. The screaming… the screaming would never end. He’d need all the headache medication he could possibly afford to get through it.
“Okay, Roman, I’ll get my workers to look for a bar for you.”
The anger disappeared from Roman’s face, replacing itself with a sweet smile. “Great!” He turned, and marched out of the office. “... PRYCE! LETS GO!”
Pryce jumped at the yell. “Uh, coming!” He turned to Romulus. “Goodbye, sir.” He quickly hurried from the room after Roman.
Romulus sighed, opening the Duke website on his laptop, and starting to place orders.
-
“Excellent vault, Alexander! Next time, try not to stumble when you land. Stay strong and keep your form. Now, Logan, you’re up.”
Logan stepped up to the run, taking his gum out of his mouth and sticking it behind his ear. Rather unhygienic, he knew, but where else was he supposed to keep it? He couldn’t exactly keep chewing while vaulting, he’d choke on it.
Today in his gymnastics club, they were supposed to be doing front handsprings on the vault. Logan, however, had a little surprise up his sleeve.
He sprinted down the run, jumped on the springboard, and planted his hands on the vault, performing the front handspring with ease. However, as he pushed off the vault to land, he added in a half twist before his feet planted solidly on the mat. He stood up straight, smiling proudly as Mr Winterson called out, “Excellent, Logan! Now, Logan just demonstrated a front handspring with a twist on the landing. That is what you’ll be learning after you’ve perfected the front handspring.” He turned to Logan as the boy walked back over, popping his gum back into his mouth. “I’m assuming you’ll work on something a little more difficult for then?”
Logan nodded. “Definitely. I’m thinking-”
He was interrupted when the door slammed open. “LOGAN!”
Logan’s best friend, Joan, was running over so fast it was a miracle their beanie didn’t fly off their head. They panted as they came to a stop in front of Logan. “Duke… opening… tickets…”
Logan went over to where his water bottle was resting at the side of the room, picking it up before running back over and offering it to Joan. They muttered a “Thanks”, taking a drink and a deep breath before speaking more clearly. “Remus Duke is opening his factory!”
Almost immediately, all the other boys gathered around Logan and Joan, yelling questions, all desperate to hear what Joan had to say. They quickly answered, explaining what they knew. “He’s released five tickets hidden in Duke bars, you need to find one to get to go!”
“Okay, the session’s over early today, boys, you can all get ready to head home!” Mr Winterson called out. He seemed just as excited about the news as all the kids.
“Wait here, I’ll be out in a minute,” Logan told Joan before he turned and ran to the changing rooms along with all the other boys. When he arrived and started getting changed out of his leotard, his phone vibrated with a message.
Pa: You’ll win a ticket, won’t you? You’re my little champion after all.
Logan smiled, before responding.
Logan: Of course. Win or die trying.
He finished getting dressed, straightening his tie, before heading back out to Joan, the two leaving the gym.
As they started walking down the road, Joan frowned. They pointed behind them. “Isn’t the store that way?”
Logan, however, didn’t turn around. “If you want to look for a bar, go ahead. But I’m not heading to the store, I’m heading to my house. There’s no need to waste a bunch of money and time getting a bunch of chocolate bars. All I need is a little bit of research.”
Joan raised an eyebrow, but shrugged. “Suit yourself. Good luck!” They turned, heading in the direction of the candy store.
Logan continued his way home, pulling his phone from his pocket as he blew a bubble with his gum. Time to see if he could get some information about Duke chocolate distribution over the last few days.
-
“Shoot shoot shoot shoot!”
“What’s up?”
“Not much, apart from the fact there’s a fricking creeper in my house! How did you get in here?! Leave!!!”
Virgil chuckled, calmly collecting wheat from his farm in Minecraft. Andy didn’t seem to appreciate the lack of reaction from the other boy. “C’mon, Verge, get over here and help me!”
“Hmm… nah, no thanks. Not gonna put myself in harm’s way. I’m not losing all this experience.”
“Betrayal. Complete and utter betrayal, Verge. I thought you were my friend.”
Virgil shrugged. “Hey, at least I just didn’t arrive at all despite saying I would.” He paused. “Where is Missy, anyway?”
“Dunno- GOD DAMN IT! The creeper blew up! I didn’t even get close to it! Oh, my precious items...”
“Big oof.”
It was at that moment that Missy finally joined the discord call. “GUYS! MY BROTHER JUST TOLD ME THE BEST NEWS!”
“It can wait, Missy, get in the game. I need all hands on deck to rebuild my house.”
“Your house can wait, Andy! No offence, but I really don’t care!”
“Full offence taken.”
“Ssh! Ssh! Shut up, Andy! Let me speak!” Missy took a deep breath. “Guys… Pranks told me that Remus Duke is opening up his factory.”
There was a long pause, before Virgil replied, “Um… Missy, you literally gave your brother the nickname Pranks. Has it occurred to you that maybe, possibly, this could be a prank? I mean… the Duke factory hasn’t opened for years.”
“No, I mean it! I was sceptical at first as well, but I looked it up, and it’s true! Everywhere’s reporting on it. Go on, google it yourselves.”
Virgil pulled his phone from his pocket, assuming Andy was doing the same. He googled ‘Duke opening’ and, lo and behold, all the results were news sites announcing that the factory was indeed opening.
“Holy sugar honey iced tea…” Andy mumbled.
“Told ya! Five tickets are hidden in Duke bars. You find one of them, you get to go.” Missy gasped. “Hey! We should all try and win one each! Then we can all finally meet each other in person!”
“Sounds cool!” Andy said.
Virgil, though, wasn’t so sure. Whenever either of the other two brought up meeting in person, he tried to subtly decline, pretending he was busy or something. He was scared. What if they didn’t like who he was in real life? What if, after spending a day together, they decided they didn’t want to play with him anymore? “I dunno, guys… I mean, it’s really unlikely any of us will win one. Even less likely that all three of us do.”
“There’s still a chance,” Missy replied, finally joining the Minecraft server. “And hey, even if not all of us win, maybe one of us will, and that person can tell the rest of us about the factory.”
“I’m in,” Andy said. “Verge? C’mon, buddy, don’t miss out.”
Virgil didn’t know why his response was what it was, and he regretted saying it right after. But he sighed, “Fine. I’m in."