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]

"None of your business," Raleigh says politely, rubbing his hands on the front of his apron.

He doesn't want to chit chat with this entitled asshole. Go sit down motherfucker.

[simplepuzzle]

Ugh, fine. Chuck drops a nickel into the tip jar, holding it between thumb and forefinger and letting it fall in an obnoxious gesture, and takes his coffee to his study space.

And leave his mother out of it :|

[unbreachable]

Raleigh ignores him, ignores the nickel and goes about his job.

He's friendly enough that the jar is bulging at the end of his shift so Chuck's nickel?

Whatever.

[simplepuzzle]

Raleigh fucking Becket and his mysterious absence and return are forgotten as Chuck delves into homework.

Some things are more important than pretty boy has-beens.

[unbreachable]

Whatever.

Raleigh doesn't acknowledge him as he packs the place up, counts the drawer down, but Chuck's gonna have to leave cause Raleigh's gotta close.

[simplepuzzle]

Chuck usually starts packing up his stuff around the last hour, helps shoo people out and do the usual closing shit.

He's a full time grad student and he's an egotistical jerk for sure, but it's not like he really thinks the shop's his own personal kitchen, it's half his dad's, and he's proud of it in his own way.

But this guy. Chuck gets his bags packed up and washes his own cup, but he's gonna hang by the door and watch Raleigh do the usual shit.

[unbreachable]

He finishes and wonders why Chuck is still there but doesn't bitch about it. He just finishes up and comes over and holds the door so he can set the alarm.

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Sometimes he'll give someone a ride or walk them to a more populated area if it's late or dark, or just walk in the same direction.

"Which way are you headed?" He's not going the long way if he doesn't have to.

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He jerks his head in a direction, though he's looking at Chuck with raised brows. Why's he asking.

"That way, past fifth."

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...ugh. Chuck leans against a motorbike parked outside the shop.

"I'm headed that way. You don't want a ride, do you?"

Please say no please let Chuck leave you in his dust :|

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He'd love a ride. It's a long walk, and his feet hurt.

"Nah. Thanks, though."

He shoulders his bag, and starts off in the other direction.

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He smirks; he knows the awkward limp of someone who's been on their feet all day.

"It's gonna be even longer that way," he calls as he sits astride his bike, buckles his helmet on.

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"You mean walking?" Raleigh snorts. "Course it is. I just dont wanna inconvenience you."

Which is partially true. Contrary to what Chuck might think, Raleigh's not a dick.

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"...I said we're headed the same way." Chuck's a second from cracking up, not bothering to hide it as he secures his backpack.

"But hey, if you don't wanna." Chuck's fine with that.

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"I guess if you don't mind."

Raleigh's feet are killing him a ride would be nice okay.

He just doesn't know why Chuck's offering. Probably to shove him off going 80, or something.

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"Course I mind, hop on." He pats the seat behind him.

He's not super sure why he's doing this either, except maybe to prove to Raleigh he's not just some spoiled punkass kid.

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"...Okay..."

...Well that's. Ironic, but Raleigh grudgingly gets on the seat behind him, vowing that the moment he's got enough cash, he's buying himself a fucking pickup truck.

[simplepuzzle]

If they're stopped by the police, Chuck's gonna get in trouble for having a passenger riding without a helmet, so Raleigh better hold on tight.

...and he'll only push him off if they're over a river or something.

He drives off towards fifth, though he'll need his actual address.

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He's holding on. He doesn't want to splatter.

When they get closer, he mutters directions, directing Chuck where to go.

[simplepuzzle]

Good boy.

Chuck tilts his head towards his mouth, not willing to really admit what the warm breath on his ear does. He follows his directions, slowing down as he approaches his address.

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Warm breath, low tones...

Raleigh's apartment complex is nice enough. Not super fancy but it's not a dump. Couple speed bumps, block housing. nothing special.

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Nnn he's doing it on purpose the jackass.

He'll stop in front of the building, reaching back to pat his knee.
"This your stop."

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Maybe.

"Thanks."

He's sliding off, a little awkward, but whatever. He doesn't care.

"See you later."

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"See you around, Rahhhleigh." Chuck winks at him and revs his bike, louder than he needs to.

And then he's off, heading off home.

[unbreachable]

...little shit.

Little HOT shit. Raleigh shakes him off, goes inside (beats off too, so maybe he didn't shake him off), and shows up for work the next day.