#two. interaction

“I’ve come to the official conclusion that teenagers are the world’s meanest people. And no, I don’t speak from personal experience.” Taking a pause to puff on his cigarette, Miles stood with his hand on his hips. “I mean...why? Yeah sure, make fun of the dude for being scared of an animal, because ha ha that’s so funny, am I right? Why don’t you take a break, short stack?” He was clearly heated over something, rambling to anyone who would listen. 

“That’s a cynical way to look at things, no? I mean, I was a boy scout and I think I turned out okay. I mean, throw me out in the woods and I’d survive for perhaps a week. But at least, I know how to read this wretched thing.” Holding up the compass in his hand, the conversation starter, Christian found himself opening up to Reina about stuff he didn’t bring up most of the times. Like his boy scout days, for example. He wasn’t sure if Charity even knew, or perhaps she didn’t really care about all the camping trips he took with his girls when they were younger. “But I’ll take your word as a compliment because...you know, I feel like you have a thing for bad boys.” 

Walking was a fucking chore, as Miles stumbled towards a particular destination in mind. He had been overreacting about the breaking rib, but it didn’t hurt any less to breathe. He definitely looked like a mess and then some, and the looks he was getting from the people passing by only confirmed that it wasn’t just what he wasn’t feeling on the inside. But he couldn’t go home. Miles didn’t want to go home, because going home would mean going for round two with Jason, and for his Ma’s sake, he wouldn’t start another fight. For the kids’ sakes too. He wasn’t a hardass, Miles wasn’t; he loved his family, and that’s why he hated Jason so much. 

He was at Cleo’s front door, hoping she would be home. And not ask questions. Oh why are you all bruised up? What can I say, sweetcheeks, I’m a fighter not a lover. Okay, maybe one question he was willing to answer. But why at Cleo’s front door? Simply because, after everything that had transpired in the days after their...dalliance, the man couldn’t help but feel like a kinship to the blonde, finding her company comforting, and the only one he needed right then. 

Knocking, he tried to keep it casual, play off the bruises like a bad boy’s ruse and tried not to wince in pain as he leaned against the wall. “Hey girl, did you call for some bad boys with a side of your boyfriend?” Just because he was injured, didn’t mean Miles still didn’t want to flirt.

“I always thought it was more of a businessman’s approach, or a conman’s ruse more than a...tiny person thing, you know?” It was always an interesting time, talking to his niece whenever she dropped by. Christian was taking out the meat pies from the oven, resting them on the marble countertop before finally sitting down to talk to her. “These are for the camera guys. Marvin told me he misses his mom’s pies, and I thought I’d make some for him and the other buds. Have you ever talked to them? Marvin is my guy, he’s so funny. And that redhead production assistant....I want to say her name is Alexa, but I might be remembering it all wrong, she’s quite a cracker too. So, how are things going for you, my dear?”