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

[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."

[simplepuzzle]

"Are you sure? Because last time I didn't even have to say anything for you to quit."

He was starting to take it personally. Especially considering he came back after Chuck stopped working to go back to classes.

[unbreachable]

"I'm sure."

He's tired of being a coward.

"Why does it matter to you?"

[simplepuzzle]

"It doesn't." Liar.

"I was starting to think I was a shit kisser," Chuck shrugs carelessly, taking another long pull from the mug.

[unbreachable]

"I've only got the one to go on, but I can tell you for sure that's not the case."

But you don't want him anyway, right Chuck? Or do you? You act like you don't care if he's here then get mad when he leaves. Then you say things like this and he doesn't know what to do.

[simplepuzzle]

Well he's not going to put anything out there if he's sure there's pretty good chance he's going to be rejected.

"Never had any complaints before," he agrees, tilting his head in a cocky expression. "You're the first who actively ran away from me, though."

He can not-care when Raleigh's there because he's there for Chuck to not act like he cares. Plus, he left for stupid reasons.

[unbreachable]

"I didn't think you wanted me here. You can't tell me it wasn't a fucking hostile work environment."

Jesus.

[simplepuzzle]

"Hostile--I avoided you!" Chuck points out, tightening his grip against his mug. "I went out of my fucking way to not--"

Fine, he's finishing his drink quickly and slamming it down on the table.

"Turn around, what do you want from me?" What does he have to do to make Raleigh happy, graduate and move away?

[unbreachable]

He growls a little, grabs the mug and moves it protectively away from Chuck. Don't break that.

"Answers! You're not telling me everything! You took an active dislike to me, you argue with me, you hate me, you picked a fight with me just because you could, you don't want me around. Why does any of this matter to you?"

[simplepuzzle]

Those things are specifically bought to not be easily broken by careless customers, don't worry your pretty little head.

Chuck frowns, more out of confusion than more anger.
"I never said i didn't want you around. And I only really hated you when I thought you were cheating on your girlfriend with me."

And the fight had been enjoyable, come on.

[unbreachable]

This is ridiculous and they're getting nowhere and Raleigh is getting frustrated.

"I'm as confused as you, then. Maybe we should just call a truce."

[simplepuzzle]

"Fine!"

Though Chuck's getting the urge to punch Raleigh in the face again.

"....are there any day old chocolate muffins?" He needs a fix.

[unbreachable]

"Yeah." He almost laughs as he digs them out, passing a plate over with two muffins on it.

"Here."

[simplepuzzle]

"Thanks." He tears it up into pieces, eating it bit by bit.

Chocolate helps.

"So. What's with the rust bucket?" He doesn't mean it meanly. He's almost teasing again.

[unbreachable]

He snorts.

"Gipsy? I needed a ride. So I got one." And when he's done, she'll be gorgeous.

[simplepuzzle]

"I'm surprised it managers to get you from one place to another."

Seriously, it looks like it's about to fall to pieces.

[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."