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]

Quit ragging on his car.

"She's reliable. She just doesn't look like much yet. Awfully judgmental aren't you."

[simplepuzzle]

But Raleigh's so much fun when he's poked, it's like that first week.

"I know a workable car when i see one. I fixed my bike up so it's the shining piece you see today."

[unbreachable]

"Then maybe you should focus on your bike instead of Gipsy."

Growl.

[simplepuzzle]

"Wow, you really do not take teasing well." Chuck pops a piece of muffin into his mouth.

"Fine, awkward silence it is."

[unbreachable]

"When it's good natured, I do."

He worked hard for gipsy okay.

[simplepuzzle]

...see, it's shit like this that makes Chuck think that Raleigh doesn't like him, because that was good natured.

But fine, he'll finish his muffin in a sullen silence.

[unbreachable]

It want good natured you were being a dick about his car.

"...Sorry. Vehicles are -- touchy."

[simplepuzzle]

He was teasing, and was a few minutes away from asking if he wanted help working on it.

Chuck shrugs a shoulder, wiping a hand over his damp hair. "Is this the first thing you've driven since--you quit?" See, see he didn't say the thing.

[unbreachable]

"...Yeah."

He doesn't know that Chuck checked up on him, but he's definitely guarded.

[simplepuzzle]

He's not going to push, they've got a very delicate...not-fight happening.

"Are you going to work on it yourself?"

[unbreachable]

"Yeah. I'm pretty handy when it comes to mechanics."

It's been a while, but -- it'll come back.

[simplepuzzle]

"Same."

...now long a while?

[unbreachable]

Five years a while.

"Yeah, said you worked on your bike. Do it all yourself?"

[simplepuzzle]

Ah.

Chuck nods, picks out a couple chocolate chips from the cake bits. "Yup. I'm good with machines."

[unbreachable]

"Could use some help."

Said so casually.

"If you're interested."

[simplepuzzle]

...Chuck might be hiding a pleased look in the rest of the muffin. Because he's not pleased Raleigh's offering to spend time with him he just likes. Machines.

"Yeah, if you want the help."

[unbreachable]

"Sure I do. Been a few years since I've worked on anything."

Look he's trying. And Chuck isn't flinging muffin crumbs so that's good too.

[simplepuzzle]

"You remember I'm an engineering student, yeah? No asking for rocket launchers."

Nah, he'd only do that if Raleigh was catching them in his mouth.

[unbreachable]

"No rocket launchers. I promise."

He could do other things with his mouth.

[simplepuzzle]

.....yes plz

"So you can have be between homework and finals," he drawls, scooting back in his seat to prop his foot on the table. "And parties." That's mostly sarcastic.

[unbreachable]

"You party a lot?"

He grins; sarcasm caught.

"Okay. Free this weekend?"

[simplepuzzle]

"You know, with all my free time." He smirks over at him.

"Yeah, all right. You got my number?"

[unbreachable]

"Yeah, from the work roster. Got mine?"

Maybe he'd gotten it intending to call. Or text. Or something.

[simplepuzzle]

"Text me and we'll know for sure."

Well that's interesting.

....why didn't he?

[unbreachable]

Because Chuck flipped a shit and started acting like a shit and avoided him.

"One second."

Yeah he's that guy. He's gonna do it now.