valiant hearts;;

“jesus you’re aimin’ a bit high there. she’s great, but c’mon, a bit of realism won’t hurt anybody.”

“ — yeah, true. just the way it is.”

“in a sense, true… but the wording is sort of off. i'm fully aware that i’m attracted to men. have you seen the dudes around here?”

“thought that one was a secret. but yeah, it’s totally true.”

“Sounds like they did a good job. Mine were exactly the same, always savin’ and teaching me to do the same. I’m glad for it, really. It’s about the only area where I really have that much self-control.” He smiled lightly to himself. “Nice to meet you, Gian. What is it you do? You mentioned needin’ to look smart, and I automatically think lawyer or business.”

“I am? Shit, didn’t realise. Thought this was another nightmare.” He rolled his eyes, the smile slowly beginning to fade. “Ah, couldn’t sleep and ran out of cigarettes. Almost bought the entire 24 hour store when I got there, didn’t realise I was that hungry. You got a full day ahead of you today?”

“We’d be a damn sorry sight,” he laughed openly, the sound stifled once more by another swig of his drink followed closely by a sigh. “So proud, son. So proud. I couldn’t ask for more.” Ruairi clasped Alexander’s shoulder once more, a tipsy chuckle escaping. “You better, or I’ll follow you into the bathroom and make sure of it, we can’t have you gettin’ ill, I’ll have no one to pester on a nightly basis. It’d feel wrong pestering some sick dude, friend or not.” Leaning back slightly, the dark haired male rolled his eyes, head shaking. “Probably not gonna happen, my friend. I’ve already got Remy draggin’ my ass out to the gym some days, and you don’t want to deal with my sleep deprived ass more than you already do. Especially not in the morning. Nah, ‘m just honest.”

“Well, see, there you go. You’re not so reckless.” He chuckled quietly, fingers scraping through dark curls. “Gotta have something to enjoy in life, for some people it seems like it’s posh suits, which I can understand, they make any dude look fine.” Ruairi had always been more of a saver, he supposed it was a mindset he’d adopted from his parents. Money to fall back on if something went sideways was a must. “I’m Ruairi, by the way.”

“Case in point; too early. I don’t know how you’re still a functionin’ human.” Despite his fairly sour mood, fuelled by lack of sleep, Ruairi cracked a smile. “Well, Jesus, I’m glad it’s you and not me bein’ paid to be sprightly, because I would’ve been fired long ago.” He narrowed his eyes in response to her action, head shaking in mock disapproval. “But I guess it’s a good reason to act that way, so I’ll let y’ off. Keep your tongue in your mouth, it was put there for a reason, I don’t wanna see it.” The ex-Marine kept his tone light, hands in his pockets.

me @ myself, immediately: what the fuck is this? a nicholas sparks novel? shut up

“God, it’s a bit early for that shit, isn’t it?” Rubbing his eyes in response to the brightness of the day, Ruairi squinted over at her, an incredulous look crossing tired features. “You’re impossible. Tell me you’ve had, like, fourteen shots of espresso and that’s the reason for your sprightliness?”