Seeing Red (Open)

Chocolate she totally didn’t give them. Elliott snorted. A real feat, without a nose.

Kids. They really were great. Like balls of energy that raced from place to place, making messes and falling on their butts until they learned better. Like little drunk people. Like— many, many things.

“Yeah. Child free the way to be. At least, for now.” He agreed.

Would his be green? Would him and his girlfriend even try?

Idly, he hoped for hot pink. A real talking point. Just kidding.

She talked about aesthetics. He nodded.

“Too much black. Too tough guy. I mean, look at me.” He gestured at his outfit. It did not scream tough guy. Elf hat, blue pea coat. “You can be a tough guy without broadcasting,” he puffed his cheeks out for emphasis. “Tough guy.”

A lot of people that wore MMA themed stuff were real poseurs. Not that people who liked MMA needed to be tough, or fight. But—

Mmm muffin. Mmm coffee.

The conversation had shifted to him and his own personal life. And potential heroics. It took her back. But her reaction was not a bad one. Most orphans are actual people, and don’t need sympathy, no matter how sincere.

Her focus on his dick comment was much more real.

“Thanks,” he said with a small smile. “I’m really trying, I swear.” Cross his heart. “And you’re welcome.”

“So. Do you want to talk about why you were so upset back there, in a sudden topic paradigm shift? Or are you happy just keeping it light for now?” Elliott asked. Because he could gladly go either way.