You Can't Hurry Love

19 | Ignorance is Bliss

FP stands by the cell bars trying to convince his old high school peer to help him out. "Come on, Tom. You've got to let me go. It was one stupid punch. It's not that serious. He deserved it."

"I'm just a deputy, man. It's up to Sheriff Howard. Hal did press charges. You're just going to have to wait it out."

FP sighs and slumps down on the cold bench.

"By the looks of it you'll probably pay a fine and be home by the morning at the latest."

+++

FP goes straight home after getting released from the station. He unlocks his front door just as the door next door opens. He and his neighbor have an awkward glance at each other before Gladys decides to say something.

"Can I talk to you? I know things are complicated about this whole me being a Serpent thing and you not-"

"I don't want to talk about that right now." He says shortly. "I just want to go inside and not think about last night."

Gladys scoffs. "Does it really bother you that I'm a Serpent?"

"I spent a long night in a holding cell because of that prick," FP grits through his teeth. "I could care less about the Serpents right now."

"What about me?"

"What about you?"

"You were interested in me before finding out that I was a Serpent. It's very shallow of you to toss me aside because you didn't like it."

"Jesus, that's what you want to worry about right now? I had a mugshot taken of me and got fingerprinted," FP wiggles his fingers in the air. "And now I'm out a thousand dollars, just to come home."

"We didn't have to go to the club. We could have gone to the Wyrm like I suggested."

"Serpent central is your answer?" FP glares at her. "You're not even listening to me."

"Then stop talking," Gladys grabs a hold of his collar and yanks him down to her. She smashes her lips onto him. FP pulls away, feeling every bone in his body telling him that it's wrong, but a split second later he lets her take control. He's done fighting. He wants to forget about the world for a few minutes; whatever it takes. She shoves him inside and closes the door behind them.

+++

Fred looks up when he hears FP enter the office.

"Sorry I'm late," FP shuffles over to his desk. "Rough morning."

THE RETURN OF THE SERPENT KING'S SON:
ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT

"I think I already know why." Fred slides the morning paper across his desk. "What the hell were you doing at a club last night?"

FP curses to himself. "Don't worry about it."

"Don't worry about it? You were arrested!"

"Can't a man go on a date and not get grilled about it? Jeez!"

"You went on a date? I thought you were working on yourself not somebody else."

"I am," FP pinches the arch of his nose. "Don't judge me, alright? I have a lot going on."

"I'm not judging you. I just want you to be careful."