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]

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."

[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."