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]

"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.

[simplepuzzle]

:| Chuck thought mistakenly and Raleigh didn't call him to correct him and Chuck thought Raleigh didn't wanna see him.

He waits for his text alert to go off. "Yup."
The screen is angle so the contact name isn't visible.

[unbreachable]

You got him programmed as asshole don't you.

"Cool."

He looks pleased, then goes to start cleaning up.

[simplepuzzle]

Nnn...maybe. Something similar.

Chuck grins faintly and swipes his crumbs up, standing up to help him with the closing routine.

[unbreachable]

He doesn't have to help, but Raleigh appreciates it.

It's kinda nice to not have to worry about getting into a fight.

[simplepuzzle]

Hey, he really likes the damn place. He'll do what he can to keep it nice.

"Hey." He stacks a chair and coughs awkwardly. "You mind giving me a ride in that rustbucket?"

[unbreachable]

"Gipsy," he corrects, stacking another chair.

"And sure. Don't wanna get soaked on the way home?"

[simplepuzzle]

"Yeah I saw your license plate." He'll stop calling it a rustbucket when it stops resembling a rustbucket.

"Nah. I'm wet enough."

[unbreachable]

Dick.

"Cool."

He goes about finishing up, snagging his keys from under the counter.

"Ready to make a mad dash?"

[simplepuzzle]

Jackass.

"Waiting for you, Rahhhleigh."

[unbreachable]

"Right." He looks up, cringes a little at the thunder and lightening, then bolts.

"C'mon--!"

The doors unlocked for Chuck when he gets there.

[simplepuzzle]

Yeahh Chuck lets Raleigh go ahead of him to make sure the car's unlocked.

He slides into the passenger seat laughing, shaking the rainwater out of his hair.

[unbreachable]

Raleigh's soaked when he crashes into the drivers seat and slams the door, laughing along with him as he runs his fingers through now drenched hair. An umbrella would have been great; his jeans are drenched and his work shirt is wet - hell, he's pretty sure his wallet is wet too, but...

Whatever.

He flashes a grin at Chuck, taking note that hey -- he's in the same shape Raleigh is.

[simplepuzzle]

He is and it's just fucking lucky that he invested in a waterproof backpack or his notes and computer would be fucked.

Chuck laughs harder when he sees how wet Raleigh is, reaches to tug wipe some water off his cheek.

"You got a li'l something."

[unbreachable]

"A little?" Raleigh barks a laugh, cheeks flushing despite the cool chill of the rain seeping into his bones. Where Chuck touched him tingles, and he has to consciously make himself not lift a hand to touch his cheek.

"I think I got a lot."