Fighting Fire with Fire

"Listen, you don't know me. I'd totally give it a go, why not? Hey, if things go to shit with Alice, I'm totally free to give that sort of stuff a try with you. You're into guys too then, yeah? That's interesting. Definitely promising. I don't fucking love you, but hey, you're cute, so it's always worth keeping that option open," he shrugged, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand messily. If he was honest, he didn't take too much offence from the other's misjudgements about him. Skyler had just met him, and he was pretty certain that, within a week, the other would realise that Brandon would easily try just about anything, fully believing that you had to try everything at least once, to some extent.

"You're really weird, ain't 'ya? Don't get me wrong, I like that about 'ya. You ain't the boring old git I thought you were yesterday, pal. I actually really like you," he praised suddenly while resting his feet up on the bedpost, practically laying out and balancing his coffee cup on his stomach, mostly to see if he could manage it. There had been plenty of times where he'd messed up and had hot coffee spill over him, but that hardly mattered when he didn't feel the pain or have physical evidence of a burn left on him.

"You're going to class today then, huh? You don't fancy skipping out, do 'ya? It's only one day, I'm sure you're a real smarty pants and can pick up what you missed. I just fancied hanging out, y'know? I'll show you around the city properly. Not all that tourist shit, but, like, the cool cafes and best places to chill."
 
"Just the other day, you said I was clingy for wanting to spend time with you." He reminded, before groaning as he reluctantly got to his feet, and rummaging through the dresser already neatly filled with clothes. Tugging on some basic acid-wash jeans and a proper cable-knit sweater, he gave himself a glance in the mirror with a smile.

"Now that I tell you that I'm actually pretty cool, and that you have a chance with me, you're ready to grovel at me? I mean, I appreciate it. Maybe I'll give you a shot, depending on how Alice responds. I don't know about skipping though. First impressions are important, you know? Just like how you made it seem that you were bored and uninterested in me."
 
"Woah, that's-- don't be such a bastard, I'm not on my knees begging you to be my mate. Hell, I don't need to hang out with you, it was a fucking suggestion. You know, you love yourself, don't you? You're a real egomaniac," he laughed as he swung back around in his chair once or twice, rolling his eyes to himself at the other's behaviour. Admittedly, he didn't know why he wasn't annoyed by the egotism, but he genuinely wasn't. If anything, he found it beyond amusing, and it made him warm a hell of a lot more to Skyler, for whatever reason.

"Hell, you are boring and you are stiff, but you're, like... you got layers and hidden depths, and honestly, if I dig a little deeper, you could be some totally awesome person. It's an incentive to be your friend, sure, but I also wanna be your friend because your girlfriend sounds fucking awesome," he murmured slyly, hiding a grin as he moved to comb his hair in the mirror, even if it was usually a waste when he tugged on a snapback hat. "Does that piss you off, Sky? That I'm using you to be your girlfriend's friend~?"
 
"It doesn't piss me off, no. If you do become friends with her, it'll be pretty disappointing for me, since I probably won't be with her much longer. She's a lot like you, in fact. She doesn't like going out to parties or big events, she'd rather stay in and watch bad television. Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather be doing that as well, but I have friends who enjoy the more party-based scene. Plus, with this stunt? Not a huge fan. I'll be upset for a few days, probably drink myself silly, but I'll get over it eventually. It always happens." He explained honestly, before digging on his boots and jacket and grabbing his phone, shooting said woman that she would pay Alice well for the act, plus a little more if she pretended to ignore him for the rest of the semester.

"... So, are we going to go on the town or not? I guess I could deal with missing the first class, blame it on a fever or something. I need something to cheer me up."
 
"I was kidding-- god, you're really not used to hanging around with guys like me, are 'ya? I mean, don't get me wrong, I actually think you're real nice, but you also need to just take a chill pill, get that fucking weight off your shoulders and just relax a little, 'cos, however relaxed you say you are, you're clearly not right now-- probably that angry sex you had yesterday, huh?" He laughed, downing the rest of his energy drink-fuelled coffee in one or two gulps before shoving his trusty, tattered backpack over his shoulders.

"Yeah, we can head out. Fuck school for the day, it ain't that important if you're smart. First impressions don't even count, anyway. I thought you were some boring asshole, but that was wrong, wasn't it?" He pointed out, offering the other a bump with his hip in the hopes it would at least get him to lighten up and offer a genuine grin, but that seemed like a long shot. "Hey, we can head to the skateboard park nearby, yeah? There's this really rad milkshake place that make anything you want, y'know? I had a huge crush on the guy that worked there for a while, but he's in prison now, and like hell am I visiting a fucking jail."
 
"You skate?" He asked, scoffing in disbelief as his own board was carefully set against his bed. "You don't look like the type... Or is this just some way to try and relate to me? Yeah, you're bulky and all, but you look like you have the balance of a cat without it's whiskers," he continued, though set some things in his bag nonetheless and grabbed the skateboard quickly, coffee still in his free hand.

"I don't do tricks, by the way. I pretty much just use this ol' guy for transportation. It's easier than walking, and I'm not much for the bus or anything," he explained, while trailing out of the dorm into the hallway. In that moment, he reminded himself to buy another cheap bag for his next little heist, though nothing could fuck with his favorite, pinned and patched bag. "I could go for that milkshake."
 
"Nah, I don't skate. You kidding? I'm like a newborn giraffe. Can't stand up still once I get on a skateboard. Just fall on my ass-- but it's a cool place to hang out, and I'm sorta friends with a few guys who hang out there. It's just a cool place to go when I'm bored or whatever. I just sit at the top of a ramp and watch a movie or two while everyone does tricks or whatever around me," answered Brandon as he adjusted the cap on top of his head, quietly grinning to himself at the 'bulky' comment. He took it was a compliment, really, even though it had definitely been used on occasion as an insult towards him.

"You should do some tricks, or at least try to. I'd love to see you fall on your ass, it'd be funny," he continued in amusement, slowing his usually fast strides to walk alongside the roommate. "Hey, you gotta pay for those milkshakes, I'm broke as hell. Like, I got nothing to my name. A few pounds, that's about it right now. I mean, I'll pay you back in kindness and compliments~"
 
"You're lucky I saved up some money from home, I think I can handle spending a few pounds..." he replied, though bit his lip in anger at the thought. He was one to save money as much as possible, only really spending it on things he knew would get others' attention. His mother would be calling any day now for her money, and he'd have to cut into the fund he specifically saved for himself, all because of some milkshakes. He shrugged it off, though, telling himself to at least loosen up a tad.

"Friends of yours? You've got some strange friends, then. First the guy at the pizza parlor, now these skater punks? Yet, you don't go to parties? Sounds a bit ridiculous to me," he admitted, while glancing over at the man occasionally, a brow raised. Once out onto the grounds, he offered the other an attempt to climb onto the board, a faint smile on his lips.
 
"Just because I don't like parties and all that other stereotypical teenager shit doesn't mean I can't make a few buddies who do like that lifestyle. I'm friends with you, ain't I? People's paths cross, dude. I have a few mates who are completely different from one another, it makes life interesting. I mean, maybe they ain't friends. I don't have friends, I have acquaintances-- but hey, you're an exception. We ain't best buds, that ain't happening, but we can be friends," he shrugged casually, deciding that, if he had to lie about it to stop the other getting moody on him again, so be it. He couldn't exactly explain why he didn't get too close to people without giving his alter away, so he much preferred to use the excuse that he was a loner. He did want friends, sure. People he could hang out with every day and rely on... but it was wiser to keep a difference. It was exactly why he didn't have a boyfriend and, contrary to his excuses, he had had plenty of chances.

"...Fuck off," he blurted once realising what he was expected to do, his brow arched. "I ain't stepping foot on that thing, I'll fall off and you'll laugh and... yeah, I ain't doing that-- though I guess I could if I got to, y'know, get all close with 'ya and hold onto you from behind... That's pretty appealing..."
 
"Sure," he replied easily, while setting his foot down on the weathered and much loved board. "If it means we'll get there sooner, then fine. You know how to ride a bike, right? Like... It's pretty much similar in the sense of how you start of. Get on first, though, I don't want to fall because you mess up somehow. You're heavier than me, and you'd totally have me crash into the pavement... and I'd rather not do that."

Coolly setting the backpack to one shoulder, he waited to feel Brandon hold on tight to him, seemingly unfazed... When, in reality, he had to admit that the scene was pretty adorable. He was shorter than Brandon - not by a crazy amount, granted, but enough to see a difference - and he was far less muscular. So, to be taking the lead on their travel could definitely be seen as odd.
 
"You tryin' to say I'm fat, or just muscular? 'Cos I'd rather it was the latter, ain't gonna lie. D'you know, I don't even exercise. Like, I get exhausted just walking up a flight of stairs, yet I'm pretty in shape, ain't I? I saw you blushing when I didn't have my shirt on yesterday, but hey, don't admit you fancy me, that's cool. Don't wanna upset Alice now, do we?" He smirked, deliberately offering a subtle wink before tentatively stepping onto the skateboard. Almost immediately did he regret it, having to hold his arms out in an effort to balance himself, all while glaring stormily across at Skyler for having put him in the situation.

"Right, I... I got this, this is easy, right? I've done a hell of a lot more dangerous stuff than fucking getting on a skateboard, so... so yeah, this is fine," he encouraged, smiling widely to convince himself. "Hurry up, would 'ya? If we get to the milkshake place early enough, I might be able to get us some 'shakes for free. Depends who's working at the time."
 
Moving to set Brandon's arms on his own shoulders firmly, he glanced back quick to smirk at the man before kicking off of the board, making sure to be at a leisurely speed to keep the other from freaking out. Even with the added weight, they still went faster than walking as Skyler casually swerved past pedestrians and bikers.

"Look, don't be such a pussy. If you fall down or something, you're tough enough to handle it. Don't worry, though, you'll be perfectly safe." He reassured, waving hello to some of the students he recognized with a smile. "I have an idea where to go, just hold on, okay?"
 
Only yesterday, Brandon had been shot in the back and had been faced with a few armed police outside the bank he'd tried to rob... yet being on the skateboard, clutching tightly onto a man he thought he'd just met was far more terrifying. He enjoyed the danger of messing with the police and especially coming face-to-face with Skyler when they were both masked and engaging in their usual vitriolic arguing. However, he really didn't like the experience of skateboarding at all, because his mind was overrun with images of him falling off and breaking his leg, or an arm. He was difficult to hurt, as seen by bullets failing to penetrate and being able to walk through fire without injury... but he wasn't immune to falling badly and breaking a bone.

His relief once reaching the park and being able to stand on solid ground wasn't subtle, breathing out hard with his hands on his knees for a few seconds. "Honestly, I ain't riding back with you, that was fucking... no... no way, that was awful-- did 'ya have to go so fast? Or did you just want me to hold onto 'ya tighter, huh? God, just kiss me already if you like me that much, you didn't have to go so damn fast to get me closer to you, dumbass."
 
"I can't control the amount of hills there are, Brandon. Plus, I wanted to get there sooner rather than later, yeah? Jesus, I'm pretty sure you dug your nails deep enough for me to bleed," he grumbled quietly, while checking his shoulders. Although it was literally just spots of blood, it was still blood.

"It's no big deal, I'm just surprised that you were that scared..." he admitted, laughing lightly. "I dunno, Mr. Cool, I think it's fun, especially to hear you whimper the whole time. Look, I promise you'd get here in one piece, and you did. Let's just get a milkshake and relax, yeah?" He cooed, before picking up his skateboard and adjusting his bag.
 
"Yeah, well, I'm pretty sure you've fucked my back up. I fell back into the corner of a table yesterday and I've got a badass bruise, but god, it's killing after that fucking death ride," he groaned, purposely making a show of rubbing his lower back with a faint whine beneath his breath-- at least before smiling again and being reminded of the milkshake. The one thing that would make this all better was some calorific, sugar-filled shake.

"Maybe next time you can bring your girlfriend here? It's a real nice place, it ain't shitty or grubby or nothin'," he promised while cutting across the skate park towards the brightly coloured and rather out-of-place diner. "It's real cute, ain't it? Probably not my scene. First time I walked in, they thought I was gonna rob the place-- people think I'm a punk, y'know? The tattoos and stuff don't help-- but hey, you got to know me, and I ain't a bad guy, am I? I still think you fancy the pants off me and just won't admit it, but we'll see what happens, won't we~?"
 
Replying with a curt 'hm' in response, he peaked into the fifties style diner curiously. His wandering through the city was admittedly limited, and stuck to the mainstream. Seeing little gems like these was always pleasant, and he couldn't force back a smile at the plastic booths and the strange pictures on the wall. It wasn't until the two were led to a booth that he decided to really comment.

"This... This is adorable, I'll have to admit. Never been to something so cute, I can see why they wouldn't want you here. You're too... sharp looking. You get mad at me for the way I look, yet here you go, looking unnecessarily intimidating. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure some like it, but it definitely clashes with this place." He explained, while offering one of his trademark, charming smiles to the waitress.
 
"Yeah, I know that now. You shoulda seen their faces when I strolled in here for an Oreo milkshake that first time. They went straight to the cash register and pulled out a knife on me. Talk about stereotyping-- but yeah, I'm a regular. They love me now, I'm their favourite customer," he beamed, not bothering to reach for a menu of the drinks and the desserts on offer - he knew everything off by heart at this point.

"Dude," he blurted suddenly, watching the other's eyes land on the waitress and breaking his casual expression in amusement. "Don't bother, she's not into guys. She told me the moment I met that she wasn't gonna be going on dates with me 'cos she liked girls. Not that I asked, obviously. She assumed I would-- bit stuck-up of her, really. Arrogant-- so hey, if only she was straight, you'd get on like a house on fire."
 
"I'm not flirting with her, Brandon, I just like to offer people proper smiles. It's good to be friendly to strangers, they're more likely to be nice back." He explained, finding the other's quick scolding to be a bit surprising, though he didn't let it affect him, and instead offered a smile.

"It's cute, that you're jealous. I offer a smile to a lovely woman, and you immediately assume I want to get busy. Besides, she's not my type at all. I don't have many types, but I just... don't really like long haired women. Just like I prefer long-haired men, like those New man-buns and whatnot. My mother rants to me all the time about my poor taste."
 
"I'm not growing out my hair for you, man. I hate that look. I mean, I've dabbled with my appearance. I had blue hair, like, just a month back, but I'm happy with how I look. I look fucking hot, and I really don't wanna change that. But hey, I am just harmlessly flirting, you do realise that, don't you? I'm not trying to get in your pants or anythin'. Granted, I wouldn't say no if you tried to kiss me, but... yeah, I flirt playfully with a bunch of guys, it's not anything serious," he pointed out suddenly, resting back casually, as though he was in his own space. Admittedly, the little diner was like a second home, and because it was so out of the way, the place did attract regulars and rarely anyone new. It was the one place he felt comfortable, truly comfortable, and the fact he'd brought Skyler was surprising in itself. It was at least a testament to how comfortable Brandon felt around him, anyway.

"What you gonna get? You can request something off the menu. They don't like it but I can use my charm. You ain't the only charming one," he proudly boasted, waving his fingers over to the thirty-something man cleaning the counter, who playfully rolled his eyes in response. "I'm just gonna get my usual-- and some carrot cake. It's to die for. You'll pay for that too, won't you? I mean, I did get you pizza and coffee this morning, man. You owe me."
 
"Wow. Not only do you whine about me escorting you to this place, but you'll make me pay for a carrot cake? Not only that, you won't even grow out your hair? I thought you were unique." He grumbled, hiding his surprisingly genuine upset as he stared at the menu, his brow furrowing.

"... I'll just have the shake, and some fries? I dunno. After that news, I'm bummed, not really in the mood for anything sweet," he grumbled bitterly. Running his fingers through his hair. "Well, all I can do now is make up with Alice, I guess. I'm disappointed, shes pretty crazy."
 
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