On the Prowl

Curtis probably could have stayed in his room and listened to his music in his almost noise canceling headphones. Kier’s room wasn’t even right next to his, but with the week he had been having lately, the thought of laying there, knowing his brother was getting his play on when he was being a sad sack with his music felt like some sort of defeat. No, he had to get out. He had just been thinking of going into his studio to do some work, or maybe get drunk at a bar. Either thing would be easy to do, and fun. He had definitely also planned to just go by himself, but when someone he just met asked what he was doing, throwing in “handsome” his interest perked up.

It had definitely been ages since he had had another man flatter him, and it was a nice feeling to have. One he was more than happy to reciprocate, but more importantly, Atticus seemed like he could hold conversation. Plus, he was around his age, so even if it didn’t go anywhere, he could tell they would at least have interesting conversations. Now that he was thinking about company, however, he had to think of somewhere nice to go. After he picked a bar he liked and knew wouldn’t be terribly noisy or busy on a Wednesday night (probably most places, honestly), he sent Atticus a message to meet him there.

Curtis had to drive there himself, but it was an easy enough distance and the traffic was very low for the evening. He parked in the nearest free spot and locked up as he headed in to the bar, wearing a clean pair of jeans and a plaid button up. He’d shaved a week and a half ago, but his stubble was already growing back, making him look more like a hipster than he probably intended. However, he just felt comfy and had always been told he pulled off the look well, so why fix what wasn’t broken? He ordered himself a drink, figuring he’d have one now and then switch to soda or water after he finished it, so he would be sober enough to drive by the time he might be ready to do. 

Kier: Implications still count.

Kier: I have yet to meet him. But after hearing that I now hope you get laid. I think I may even pray on it.

Curtis: Well, if you think being a hoe is a bad thing, isn't that your own personal issue? :)

Kier: Once again you are proving my theory that you are a lazy fuck. No. I have not. I only spoke to him once. Though i don't know whether to laugh or be offended. I'm not a hoe, you know?

Kier: What straight guy?

Curtis: A theory I never denied. I didn't call you a hoe! I just don't keep track of things like who you hook up with. In fact, I'd say I actively avoid keeping track of things like that unless they literally show up at the house.

Still. You were in the service and deserve a thank you, even if it wasn’t your choice. You produce music? That’s awesome. Seems like a job you must love. I play for the LA Phil, so it’s nice to see another music man running around. It was decades ago now, but her name is Candice Wolfe. She was very popular in Europe and had a couple movies released in the states. She was in Child’s Play 2 if you’re a horror fan and An American Werewolf in London if you’ve seen those. They’re older but the only ones I could think you would know of. That’s true, not knowing any better means you can’t really know what the other side is like and you just get used to it. You didn’t like Texas? Why? I’m curious. Perfect. I’ll send you my number and we can figure out a place to meet up?

All right, if you insist. Yes, I do. I also play the trumpet and the guitar. Do you really? Well, that is very cool, what’s your instrument? Or instruments, plural? It’s always nice to meet more music enthusiasts. Ah, I’m afraid I’ve only heard of those but never seen them, but now I’m curious. Yes, exactly. I kind of retroactively mourned my childhood when I realized it wasn’t normal for people to move that much, or to not have long term friends, but what can you do? No, Texas is beautiful, but far too many right-leaning conservatives with specific ideas of what a man should be and what is best for him to do with his time and career that I couldn’t get behind. Choosing not to re-enlist, for example, was not what my father ever would have chosen for his eldest. All right, sounds great.

I don’t find you ugly. You are not making me uncomfortable. I am different from others, which doesn’t help me since I already feel the way I do. I am making a fool of myself. I am going down to the fire station for Thanksgiving there. What are you doing?

Well, I don’t want to make you feel any more different than others by teasing you, so I won’t. You’re really not making a fool of yourself.. Fire station for Thanksgiving? How come? You could always come eat with me and Kier if he’s sticking around, which I think he is. 

Kier: Oven. Not microwave. If there is one thing I've learn from mom. Its oven, hot plate, or stove. Oh? He is? Does he have a name?

Kier: Oh. Then what's the big deal? Other than little brother having sex. That's weird I get. I get the feeling I should be finding this odd, but if you're not into her then... well yeah. Whatever.

Curtis: Re-heating something in the oven just seems like such a waste of energy. Mine and the oven's. Atticus? Idk, please tell me you haven't gone there, I'll be so depressed. I've been hitting on the same straight guy for the last four months, I need to win too, bro.

Wow, I’m impressed. Thank you for your service, are you still involved in the military? I assume not as you’ve been here for a while now. That’s great, what’d you major it if you don’t mind my asking? Yes, she was big in her days I suppose. We moved around a lot, different countries, it was rough at times having no friends but it really made me focus on myself and my goals. I’m sure it was different in your shoes. Did you enjoy it or no? I don’t mind it at all, I actually enjoy it at times. You have a studio? Well, if you were going out to a bar or something and wanted some company, I don’t have anything going on tonight. 

Oh, no, please, don’t thank me. I didn’t end up doing anything and it wasn’t my choice. If I had been able to explain I’m a peaceful protester to my father, I would have had my ass whooped and probably kicked out on the street, so... joining up was no heroism. I majored in computer technology, minored in music, my studio is a music studio I founded, where I work producing music. Not my own, generally, I leave that to the professionals. Would I have heard of your mother? As a generally casual watcher? Well, I didn’t get to other countries, sadly, but I didn’t really know any differently, so I guess it didn’t bother me too much? I didn’t really like ending up in Texas, though. I’d be very happy to have some company.

I don’t think you have an ugly face Curtis. You are appealing, but it’s something I don’t pay much attention to. Please don’t feel that way. 

No, you’re quite all right, you can find me ugly if you want, even. Totally your prerogative. But we should perhaps talk about something that won’t make you uncomfortable. Are you staying with Arda for Thanksgiving? Doing something with her, I mean?

Kier: I am not. I'm just shitting you. You can have all of it back. Scout's honor.

Kier: It taste better fresh. But I guess I'll have to if you insist on leaving.

Kier: Wait? You two knocked boots? And you didn't tell me? You're not still into her, are you?

Curtis: I'm locking that shit up so you can take it back.

Curtis: I'm sure I'll be happy with it even heated up in the microwave. Anyway, I think there's a hot dude hitting on me, that's something that hasn't happened in waaaay too long.

Have I offended you? I didn’t mean to offend you Curtis. I..I, maybe I should leave you be. I’m sorry. 

No, no, you’re fine. I was mostly teasing you but I couldn’t decide if I was or not. But you’re fine. I guess I just don’t feel very pretty right now, now you’ve said that.

Were you in the army or just your parents? That’s nice that you have a place to call home now, it’s good to stay in one place after moving around everywhere. My mother was an actress and we constantly had to move around to accommodate her filming schedules. I was all over the place for a while there, but seeing as you moved around constantly, I’m sure you understand. Yes, it has a ring to it I can’t shake. You’re right, I don’t usually either. I’ve been called “Atti” by a few, but other than that no. I’m doing pretty good. What are you up to tonight, handsome?

Both. My father was pretty insistent that I join the army, so I was in when I was 18, and out as soon as I could be. Mostly spent the time going to college, which they allowed me to do as long as I was also keeping up on basic training, learning things that might be useful if I was shipped out, etc. Was she? That sounds like it might have been quite a different life than mine. How did you like it? Yes, I think I would understand that. Well, I’m glad you like it. Do you mind Atti? Not that I’m really asking for myself, more so curious. Actually, I was thinking of going into my studio or out to a bar, to get out of the house, but I could certainly be persuaded otherwise. What about you?

Mn, Sweet Potato Casserole. I don’t think I would move, especially since my very first studio is here, I couldn’t leave it. Right? I don’t know whether I’m mad that I won’t be spending my thanksgiving with them or, the fact that they didn’t invite me along. Yes.

Is that different from sweet potato with marshmallows cooked on top? Right, no, that sounds like a difficult thing. Who would run yours in New York? Well, I’m sorry. My family definitely doesn’t invite me to things, but I don’t particularly care anymore. At least you have Christmas, maybe?

Kier: Haha. You shouldn't make it so easy. Fine. You can have your bad-assery back. Happy?

Kier: Why? I cooked. You like my cooking. Why would it be weird?

Curtis: You're a bully. I don't know, am I getting all of it, or just some of it?

Curtis: I do like your cooking, you should save me some, thanks.

Nothing wrong with that! Have you always lived here? Vacations are always needed at some point, and yes, with the weeks moving by so quickly, you might as well plan while while you can. I like you name, it’s got a nice ring to it. How are you tonight, Curtis? 

No, I’m an army brat, so I don’t really like I’m “from” anywhere, but I moved to LA 10 years ago and it’s been my home since then. You like my name? Well thank you. I don’t usually fall into nicknames for myself, ever, somehow I don’t picture you do much? Or am I wrong? I’m doing all right, how about yourself?

Yes, Mr. Miyagi. Nah, but you have to figure out the perfect side dish or dessert to bring. I’m meeting with a gallery there to show some of my work, and look into the possibility of opening a gallery there as well. No, they won’t be back until sometime after December. Plus, my home is back in Arizona. Someone mentioned a few weeks back that I throw a house party. Couldn’t tell you the last time I had one of those.

I usually just think about what I’d want to eat and make that unless someone else already is. I know, super selfish. Oh, in New York? Damn. Would you move? A cruise that goes for several weeks then, nice, I’m a little bit jealous of them. House party for what, Thanksgiving?

It’s insane to think the year is almost over. It seems every month goes by faster and faster. I’m not heading out next weekend, but will be around Christmas time. What about you? Also, I’m Atticus, I don’t think we’ve met before. 

No, I’m doubt I’m going anywhere, not now, not at Christmas, but Los Angeles is my home, so that’s what I’m used to. Definitely want to plot a fun vacation in the new year, though. Better start now, what with the weeks slipping away. It’s nice to meet you, Atticus, I’m Curtis Gilmore.

Nothing I would really want to share with the general populace.