For unbreachable

[simplepuzzle]

 Chuck saunters into Pacific Roast with his backpack flung over his shoulder. There are perks to being the son of one of the co-owners of a corner coffee shop/cafe, and free drinks are one of them.

No free fresh pastries, unfortunately, though if it's still there by the second day it's fair game. 

Which is awesome for Chuck's study-induced sweet tooth. 

...and would be less awesome for his waistline if he wasn't as active as he was.

There's someone unfamiliar behind the counter, but that's not too surprising, Herc had said he and Pentecost were looking to hire some new blood since losing all three of the triplets to better jobs (not begrudging, nobody wants to barista forever). Chuck just drops his bag into his favorite armchair, staking his claim at the table before making his way to the counter and nodding at the stranger in greeting.

"Hey, mate, can you get me a flat white? Thanks." And, without waiting for a response, heads back to said staked table to unpack his books.

Comments

[unbreachable]

What was he supposed to do? She was knocking, you were being an asshole, and he'd been stuck in the middle trying to figure shit out. Plus, it's not like Chuck'd made his interest known. Raleigh'd made that move.

And good. You deserve it -- though tbh Raleigh really hates his desk job. A lot.

He comes in to visit every now and then, though usually in the mornings when Chuck's not there to get something on the way to work.

[simplepuzzle]

Call him maybe?

And maybe he'd been about to let his interest known before he realized there was already someone he was seeing.

Yeah, and when he waits to talk to people they know he's fucking miserable. Chuck's only working during the break, and he's about to start his last semester, why doesn't he ask Herc for his job back?

[unbreachable]

Because that's admitting defeat :| Raleigh's already done that once.

But man. He really does hate his desk job.

So maybe he'll chat with Herc and it'll come up and he'll get asked back because it's always there waiting if he wants and you know, Raleigh's got just enough saved for his truck so fine.

Fine. He'll come back and work.

[simplepuzzle]

Chuck finds out, obviously, and wants to roll his eyes so hard oh my god, would you make up your fucking mind already.

He wants to come in and punch him in the face again.

And what the hell is that thing about to fall apart parked outside, is he serious?

[unbreachable]

You leave his fucking truck alone. Jerk.

Raleigh's working and chatting on away inside. Everyone is happy to have him back so you can shut up, Chuck.

[simplepuzzle]

No fear, he's pretty sure if he pokes it it'll fall to pieces.

...yeah, Chuck's sort of glad to see him back when he sees him through the window. But this now means he's lost his study space.
Whatever. He's heard good rumors about the library, anyway.

[unbreachable]

Whatever, jerk. Raleigh's just gonna keep working whatever you decide to do because he is so not gonna let Chuck get under his skin again.

He's pretty sure he wont get asked back again, anyway.

[simplepuzzle]

Hey, Chuck never wanted him to leave, either time.

And he misses his hang out.

He's even shorter tempered than usual, snapping at people and impatient and increasingly frustrated at his school. Things are. Things are awesome.

[unbreachable]

Oh my God Chuck just come in and do your fucking work raleigh isn't going to bother you. They tolerated each other ok the last time until you got all bent out of shape about shit.

Jesus. Chuck is five, seriously.

[simplepuzzle]

Hey, Chuck wasn't the one who quit--twice!--because of a fucking hissy fit, he's pretty sure if Raleigh so much as sees his face, he'll quit for a third time.

Though he might not have a choice in some shitty weather when he ducks in, holding his bag tight to his chest to try and keep it dry.

[unbreachable]

The place is kind of empty at the moment so when Raleigh sees jackass come in, he goes ahead and just--

Does the nice thing and fixes him his favorite.

[simplepuzzle]

Chuck eyes him with extreme suspicion.

"Thanks," he mutters, curling his hands around the mug.

[unbreachable]

"Yeah."

He pauses, lingers, then walks off to go do something else.

This isn't awkward right?

[simplepuzzle]

No, it's super awkward.

"I'm calling a cab," he says, voice flat but carrying. "You don't have to deal with me for long."

[unbreachable]

"Just stop that shit, okay?"

He scrubs a hand through his hair then lowers his voice.

"Okay -- listen. I don't know why you're mad, but I'm going to explain shit anyway. Me and her? Just dating, never exclusive. We'd been on one date when I kissed you, and now were broken up. I didn't cheat on her, I wasn't using her, didn't use you, and I swing both ways. That cover all he bases?"

[simplepuzzle]

"You're the one who couldn't stand to be around me," Chuck snaps.

...but yeah, it's sort of good to know Raleigh isn't a total douchebag.

He takes a sip of his drink and of course it's just how he likes it, goddamn overachiever. "So why did you quit? We weren't even working together." Chuck was making a concentrated effort to stay out of his way. "Everyone blamed me for that by the way," he adds grumpily.

[unbreachable]

"Just felt awkward with you brooding and pissed. Even if we weren't working together, still felt it."

He shrugs.

"Why were you so mad?"

[simplepuzzle]

Nobody even died this time, he doesn't say because he's not a total douchebag either.

His ears go a little red and he takes a long sip of the coffee to buy him time to respond.
Because he'll definitely be unable to return when Raleigh's working.

"Well I was mad because I thought you were kissing me when you had a girlfriend, and I didn't know if you were closeted or cheating or what." And really, Raleigh didn't exactly put effort into explaining himself.
Chuck takes another long sip. "And I thought we were flirting," he mutters, red spreading to the back of his neck. "That night when she showed up." And maybe before that.

[unbreachable]

He better not.

"Shouldn't make assumptions," he points out, though it's not malicious.

"And we were. I think."

[simplepuzzle]

"Well you could have called or--" whatever, Chuck's slumping into his seat.

"Yeah and I thought people didn't flirt when they're waiting for their date to show up." Hence his bad mood around Raleigh.

No seriously, he thinks that, he doesn't really date much. Sex, sure. Date, no.

[unbreachable]

"...You think people don't flirt while they're dating?"

He's more inexperienced than Raleigh thought.

[simplepuzzle]

"--well! I didn't know it wasn't a serious thing," he snaps, tightening his grip on his mug.

No, no he's thinking he should go.

[unbreachable]

Raleigh's leaning on the counter and considering him, not angry, just--

Considering.

"Don't get mad," he says quietly, palms pressing down. The last person gets up and leaves, braving the rain and it's just Chuck and Raleigh for now, until someone else decides they want sanctuary from the downpour. "What do you want from me, Chuck?"

It's an honest question.

[simplepuzzle]

Yeah it's good that last person leaves, Chuck doesn't really want an audience for his embarrassment.

"I'm not mad!"

Yeah, snap that, that'll make it so much better.

Ugh.

"I want--" he doesn't know. Okay. "You could stop running away, for a start."

[unbreachable]

Yeah, sure. Okay. You're totally not mad.

"I'm right here, talking to you. I'm done running."